The Prime Minister insisted the UK will back Ukraine “for as long as it takes” as he made a speech at the Lord Mayor’s Banquet in London, but for the first time acknowledged the conflict could move towards a negotiated end. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has in recent weeks suggested he is open to a possible ceasefire with Vladimir Putin’s Russia. Kyiv and its European allies meanwhile fear the advent of Donald Trump’s return to the White House could result in American aid being halted. President-elect Trump has said he would prefer to move towards a peace deal, and has claimed he could end the conflict on “day one” of his time in power. As he attempts to strike up a good relationship with the incoming president, Sir Keir revealed he had told Mr Trump the UK “will invest more deeply than ever in this transatlantic bond with our American friends in the years to come”. In his speech at London’s Guildhall, the Prime Minister said there is “no question it is right we support Ukraine”, as the UK’s aid to Kyiv is “deeply in our self-interest”. Allowing Russia to win the war would mean “other autocrats would believe they can follow Putin’s example,” he warned. Sir Keir added: “So we must continue to back Ukraine and do what it takes to support their self-defence for as long as it takes. “To put Ukraine in the strongest possible position for negotiations so they can secure a just and lasting peace on their terms that guarantees their security, independence, and right to choose their own future.” Mr Zelensky told Sky News over the weekend he would be open to speaking with Mr Putin, but branded the Russian president a “terrorist”. He also suggested Ukrainian territory under his control should be taken under the “Nato umbrella” to try to stop the “hot stage” of the war with Russia. In a banquet speech focused on foreign affairs, the Prime Minister said it was “plain wrong” to suggest the UK must choose between its allies, adding: “I reject it utterly. “(Clement) Attlee did not choose between allies. (Winston) Churchill did not choose. “The national interest demands that we work with both.” Sir Keir said the UK and the US were “intertwined” when it came to commerce, technology and security. The Prime Minister added: “That’s why, when President Trump graciously hosted me for dinner in Trump Tower, I told him that we will invest more deeply than ever in this transatlantic bond with our American friends in the years to come.” He also repeated his commitment to “rebuild our ties with Europe” and insisted he was right to try to build closer links with China. “It is remarkable that until I met President Xi last month there had been no face-to-face meeting between British and Chinese leaders for six years,” the Prime Minister said. “We can’t simply look the other way. We need to engage. To co-operate, to compete and to challenge on growth, on security concerns, on climate as well as addressing our differences in a full and frank way on issues like Hong Kong, human rights, and sanctions on our parliamentarians,” he added. The Prime Minister said he wants Britain’s role in the world to be that of “a constant and responsible actor in turbulent times”. He added: “To be the soundest ally and to be determined, always, in everything we do. “Every exchange we have with other nations, every agreement we enter into to deliver for the British people and show, beyond doubt, that Britain is back.” Ahead of Sir Keir’s speech, Lord Mayor Alastair King urged the Prime Minister and his Government to loosen regulations on the City of London to help it maintain its competitive edge. In an echo of Sir Keir’s commitment to drive the UK’s economic growth, the Lord Mayor said: “The idealist will dream of growth, but the pragmatist understands that our most effective machinery to drive growth is here in the City, in the hands of some of the brightest and most committed people that you will find anywhere in the world.”fish eye lens 。

LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif criticized ongoing anti-state activities like sit-ins and long marches, asserting that people will no longer heed such disruptions. Speaking at the inauguration of the Kachhi Canal Rehabilitation Project, she condemned those who, she said, obstruct Pakistan’s progress, labeling their actions as “anti-state” and incomprehensible. “Why interfere when Pakistan is on the path of prosperity? Those who truly love their country cannot indulge in such practices,” she remarked, calling for unity against both internal and external adversaries. Maryam Nawaz also highlighted the swift completion of the Kachhi Canal Rehabilitation in just 45 days, a project she credited to the leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and his commitment to connecting Punjab and Balochistan through development initiatives. She further acknowledged the positive impact of the canal on Balochistan’s agricultural prospects. Reflecting on Pakistan’s recent economic progress, the CM emphasized a significant decline in inflation and the stock market’s rise to record levels. She attributed this progress to the leadership of Nawaz Sharif and the dedication of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. “The days of economic hardship are behind us,” she said, noting a decrease in inflation from 38% to 7%. In her address, Maryam Nawaz reaffirmed that the PML-N government remains committed to economic and social development, recalling the party’s efforts to bring the provinces closer through shared projects. She also expressed regret over the recent attacks on Punjab Police, pointing out that such actions harm Pakistan’s image and hinder foreign investment. The CM warned that protests and violence would no longer be tolerated, reaffirming the government’s determination to continue the path of progress under the leadership of Nawaz Sharif and Shehbaz Sharif. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Δ document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() );

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