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Received — 11 June 2026 France 24 - Europe

UK defence chief steps down, accuses Starmer of making Britain 'less safe'

11 June 2026 at 21:28
British Defence Secretary John Healey resigned on Thursday, accusing Prime Minister Keir Starmer and the Treasury of failing to provide sufficient funding for the armed forces. The departure deepens pressure on Starmer ahead of a crucial by-election, with Healey warning that the government's delayed long-term defence investment plan could leave Britain vulnerable to security threats.

Pope casts flowers in sea in tribute to drowned migrants during Canary Islands visit

11 June 2026 at 11:09
Pope Leo XIV on Thursday visited Spain's Canary Islands, the once-notorious centre of the European migration debate, where he threw a bouquet of flowers in the sea in tribute to the migrants who perished trying to reach the Atlantic archipelago. The pontiff made a plea for "human dignity" and condemned leaders, including Christians, who turn them away with "indifference". 

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