Russia

Power in UK changing in undemocratic manner — senior Russian senator

TASS English · 2026-07-03

AI SUMMARY

• What happened: Senior Russian senator Konstantin Kosachev criticized the undemocratic transfer of power in the UK following Keir Starmer's resignation, highlighting concerns over the election process for a new prime minister. • Why it matters: Kosachev's remarks reflect Russia's stance on Western democratic practices and suggest a broader critique of political systems that do not align with Russia's views on sovereignty and governance. • What to watch next: The nomination process for the new Labour Party leader will begin on July 9, with Andy Burnham as the only announced candidate, raising questions about the future leadership and direction of the UK government.

Power in UK changing in undemocratic manner — senior Russian senator Konstantin Kosachev urged to avoid falling for the lures of the Western neighbors, "who supposedly have the most progressive forms of democracy"MOSCOW, March 3. /TASS/. The transfer of power in the UK is taking place in an undemocratic manner, as seen in the current situation around the election of the country’s new prime minister, Russian Federation Council Deputy Speaker Konstantin Kosachev told TASS in an interview. "Every country is absolutely sovereign in its right to choose its political system, establish election procedures, and ultimately delegate authority to govern. Some may wish to do so as in the UK – that is, undemocratically – because it 'fits with tradition'. But I think that far from all countries would agree with this, and Russia certainly does not agree with it," he said. Following Keir Starmer’s resignation, the UK will once again have to appoint a prime minister through the decision of a political force without a majority, not even a minimal one. Moreover, voters will likely have to vote for Starmer’s possible successor, Andy Burnham, who "until recently was not particularly well-known anywhere except in his hometown of Birmingham" and has not distinguished himself in any way, Kosachev noted. "No one voted for him, even when people were casting their ballots for the Labour Party in the final stage of the parliamentary elections," the senator recalled, describing the absurdity of the situation. "They voted for completely different party leaders, knowing that one of them would become prime minister. But at the time of those elections, no one realized that this previously unknown politician would ultimately end up leading the country," he pointed out. "And in this, I see a surprising lesson: we must not fall for the lures of our Western neighbors, who supposedly have the most progressive forms of democracy, the oldest and most venerable parliaments, and the smartest leaders," Kosachev concluded. On June 22, former UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced his intention to step down as leader of the Labour Party and as prime minister. According to the rules he set forth, the official nomination of candidates for party leader will begin on July 9 and last until July 17. The winner will automatically head the government and should take office before parliamentarians return from summer break on September 1. So far, only Burnham has announced his intention to participate in the election. On June 18, he was elected to the House of Commons, the lower chamber of the UK parliament. If no other Labour Party lawmaker follows his example, Burnham will become prime minister on July 20. A political crisis erupted in the UK following the local elections on May 7. According to the results, the Labour Party lost control of the Welsh parliament for the first time ever. At the same time, the party managed to nominate 1,400 fewer representatives to various UK legislative bodies than before. TagsForeign policyUnited KingdomMilitary operation in UkraineAir defense system downs 23 drones in Donetsk People’s Republic in past day15 unmanned aerial vehicles were destroyed over the region on July 2Read moreRussia takes plans to militarize Britain and Europe seriously — ambassadorAndrey Kelin underscored Russia’s stance of non-aggressionRead moreSenior diplomats from Russia, China, Mongolia discuss trilateral cooperationThe sides also exchanged opinions on the security situation in northeast Asia, cooperation under the UN framework and as part of other organizationsRead moreLearning personally from Putin about Russia’s foreign policy important for Turkey — FidanThe Foreign Minister added that it is important for Turkey to understand Russia’s position on the "ongoing peace process in the Caucasus," positions and opinions on Palestine, Gaza, Lebanon, and SyriaRead moreBulgarian PM confirms readiness to veto EU's 21st sanctions package against RussiaRumen Radev emphasized that he would do that in order to defend Bulgaria's national interestsRead moreRussia begins testing new Svarog pro AI-assisted interceptor drone in combatThe drone that is designed to engage fixed-wing UAVs is hand-launched and is used jointly with a ground-based control station, enabling an operator to strike targets at a distance of up to 17 kmRead moreNo more difference between two major US political parties — Marjorie Taylor GreeneThe former lawmaker opined that it would be some time before a third powerful political force emerged in the USRead moreRussia sends humanitarian aid to Venezuela following earthquake — Foreign MinistryThe humanitarian cargo includes tents for the temporary accommodation of displaced people, food, medicines needed under the current circumstancesRead moreBomb in Monaco house activated when Yermolayev’s companion passed by — TV"When Anna Nasobina passed by the bomb, the suspect detonated the explosive device using an object similar to a remote control," the source saidRead moreRussia, Indonesia plan to expand space cooperationAccording to Russia's Roscosmos CEO, in a period when space services are increasingly used worldwide, every country needs to have sovereign access to outer spaceRead moreEpstein case reveals real face of Western elites seeking to rule world — Lavrov"It is unnecessary to explain to any normal person that this is pure Satanism and is beyond human comprehension," the Russian Foreign Minister addedRead moreSlovenian lawmaker questions idea of upping defense spending to please TrumpSlovenia could either "continue investing in projects that benefit the people" or "simply listen to what ‘daddy’ says and purchase only American weapons", said Martin Premk, a member of the Slovenian lower house of parliament representing the Freedom Movement, the largest opposition factionRead moreRussia says EAEU shares its concern about Armenia's rapprochement with EUDeputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin added that these two integration associations are fundamentally incompatibleRead moreUS believes that Israel plotted assassination of Araghchi, Ghalibaf — NYTAccording to the newspaper sources, when Washington learned about plans to assassinate the Iranian parliament speaker, it asked Israel to refrain from such attemptsRead moreRussia successfully tests new fixed-wing FPV training droneThe trials took place at the Moscow Military District's counter-UAV centerRead moreChinese mobile UAV launch systems changing rules of war — expertYue Gang explained that containerized modular weapon systems provide "a distributed, intelligent combat architecture spanning both maritime and land domains"Read moreRussian diplomat comments on Ukrainian casualties, new phase of Kiev’s terrorismThe West does everything to shield Kiev from accountability, a stance that only emboldens terrorists, Rodion Miroshnik emphasizedRead moreKiev deliberately targeted bus carrying Belarusians in Bryansk Region — Russian envoyBoris Gryzlov noted that it was the second consecutive deliberate strike by Kiev against Belarusian citizens on Russian territoryRead morePutin supported request for extra fuel supplies to Kaliningrad Region — KremlinThe head of state also backed a request "to allocate funds for subsidized air tickets for residents of the Kaliningrad Region," Dmitry Peskov saidRead moreEU to grant Armenia €38 mln and open market for 80% of its goods — von der LeyenEC President Ursula von der Leyen said that Armenia will soon receive an additional €18 million to help strengthen and diversify its tradeRead moreKiev records health-threatening levels of air pollution — TVSince late last week, air pollution has been present in Kiev due to smoke from fires in the Chernobyl exclusion zoneRead moreNATO allies now assume more security responsibilities — PentagonUnder Secretary of War for Policy Elbridge Colby says Washington wants to see NATO as "an alliance of partnership, not dependency"Read moreKremlin sees Germany's continued sponsoring of Ukraine as paradoxDmitry Peskov commented on Germany’s move to bring charges of sabotaging the gas pipelines against a Ukrainian nationalRead moreRussian government permits sales of Euro-3 fuel in Russia until year-endSeveral oil processing plants were allowed to produce gasoline with higher maximum permitted sulfur contentRead moreRussian military chief reports to Putin results of massive strike on Ukraine — KremlinDmitry Peskov highlighted that the strikes had targeted only military or military-related facilitiesRead moreCzech PM hits back at US criticism of Prague’s implementation of NATO commitmentsAndrej Babis said that the Czech Republic is not a colony, but a partnerRead moreMissile strike on Belgorod, fire near Smolensk, 155 UAVs target Russia: new attackA woman was killed and another was injured after a Ukrainian munition struck the city of BelgorodRead morePress review: Iran, US far from peace deal and EU seeks to disrupt Russia-Armenia tiesTop stories from the Russian press on Friday, July 3rdRead moreFinland on list of targets for Russian nuclear weapons — MedvedevThe deputy chairman of the Security Council explained that this happened after Finland lifted its ban on the import of nuclear weaponsRead moreDutch Advisory Council on International Affairs recommends sending military to UkraineThe body that advises the Dutch government and parliament on foreign policy says the Netherlands should take part in a potential international military mission to Ukraine when a ceasefire agreement is reachedRead moreMoscow, Minsk to defend their interests on world stage through partnership — PutinThe Russian leader wished his Belarusian counterpart good health and success and the Belarusian people well-being and prosperityRead moreTransnistria extends yellow terrorist danger code for another two monthsThe yellow level has been in effect for fourth years after a series of terrorist attacks in 2022Read moreRussian troops liberate Piskunovka community in Donetsk region over past day — top brassRussia’s Battlegroup South inflicted roughly 155 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed three enemy armored combat vehicles in its area of responsibility over the past day, the Defense Ministry reportedRead moreAmid Russian advance Ukraine is trying to draw Belarus into conflict — senior diplomatMikhail Galuzin emphasized that Moscow and Minsk remain prepared to utilize the full scope of their bilateral security agreement to safeguard their shared interests should Kiev's provocations escalate furtherRead moreUS offers Iran access to frozen funds for free Hormuz Strait passageIran rejected the proposal, insisting on its right to control the Strait of Hormuz, while its military also threatened tough measures against vessels that do not use routes approved by Tehran, The Wall Street Journal notedRead moreAttacker who caused explosion in Monaco stays in Europe — TVAccording to the channel, it is not Monaco or FranceRead moreRussian forces deliver retaliatory massive strike on Ukraine — top brassMilitary-industrial sites, energy infrastructure, and military airfields’ infrastructure were damaged in the Dnepropetrovsk, Poltava, Cherkassy, Chernigov, and Kiev regionsRead moreUkrainian army suffering heavy losses, fact evident during bodies swaps — MFAThe losses suffered by Kiev on the battlefield are enormous, the diplomat stressedRead moreWest behind Ukraine terrorist state project now threatening Europe — politicianKiev has already issued threats to European politicians too, Viktor Medvedchuk recalledRead morePractically all La Guaira officials killed during earthquake — acting presidentDelcy Rodriguez separately said the government would announce economic measures aimed at rebuilding the country on FridayRead morePortugal advances to next round of FIFA World Cup playoffPortugal defeated Croatia 2:1Read moreWest conducting disinformation campaign to justify Kiev’s terrorism — diplomatThe terrorist war has entered a new phase, Rodion Miroshnik saidRead moreUkrainian attack on city bus in Lugansk People’s Republic leaves 12 injuredLeonid Pasechnik added that Russian investigators continued to document the consequences of such attacksRead moreEU’s transformation, Kiev’s involvement in Nord Stream sabotage: Kremlin’s briefingThe EU is spending enormous sums of money on the militarization of national economies, a reality that Russia takes into account, Dmitry Peskov stressedRead moreRussia’s Mnogotochiye rounds can shoot down enemy drone with first shot — RostecDuring the test, the presenter hit a drone with an attached soda bottle to visualize the damage with the first shotRead moreRussia develops augmented reality system for mobile fire team trainingDesigned for on-site training at actual combat positions, the system eliminates the need for ammunition expenditure and reduces barrel wearRead moreGermany's deindustrialization began with Nord Stream blasts, RDIF head Dmitriev saysThe Russian special presidential representative said it was accompanied by Germany's economic declineRead moreGerman defense minister says Ukraine conflict enters 'decisive phase'Boris Pistorius stressed that Ukraine "needs funding"Read moreThree in serious condition after drone strike on bus in Lugansk People’s RepublicNine people suffered injuries, Assistant Health Minister Alexey Kuznetsov saidRead moreRussia, Belarus need to repel any attacks on Union State’s security — LavrovSergey Lavrov emphasized that Russia is firmly committed to close foreign policy coordination with Belarusian alliesRead moreFinland takes side in Ukrainian conflict, to which has no relation — politicianArmando Mema, a member of the conservative Freedom Alliance party, says that in recent years, Finland has pursued a terrible policy towards Russia Read moreInvestigation sees woman behind Monaco explosion — Le FigaroSeveral newspaper sources claim that the woman conducted reconnaissance several days and several hours before the explosionRead moreUK not to change Russia policy under new PM — ambassadorAccording to Andrey Kelin, the Labour Party had a chance to make a fresh start when they came to power in 2024, but they failed to seize itRead moreInvestigators establish Monaco bomber identity — AFPAn arrest warrant has been issuedRead moreOver 200 children in Russia affected by Ukrainian attacks from April to June — ambassadorRodion Miroshnik said that it is the highest figure in the past two yearsRead moreAmericans are 'tired of being engaged in foreign wars' — former US lawmakerMarjorie Taylor Greene argued that the war with Iran had imposed significant economic costs on the United StatesRead morePress review: US military aid to Israel debate grows as US ramps up pressure on CubaTop stories from the Russian press on Thursday, July 2ndRead moreIdentity of EU negotiator irrelevant as long as EU demands Russia's capitulation — MFAMikhail Galuzin reiterated that the Russian side has consistently maintained that the EU’s representative should be someone who "has not said or done anything offensive towards Russia" Read moreRussia ranks as EU's third-largest gas supplier in first half of year, trailing Norway, USAccording to calculations, total Russian gas supplies to the EU in January-June amounted to approximately 22.1 billion cubic metersRead moreRussia’s Mnogotochiye assault rifle rounds can neutralize drones at 300 m range — RostecA cartridge bullet consists of three elements, and each of them spins upon exiting the barrel to stabilize the shotRead moreTrump says he congratulated Musk on becoming trillionaireThe US leader added that he had "very good relations" with the entrepreneurRead moreSwitzerland advances to Round of 16 of FIFA World CupIn the Round of 16, Switzerland will face the winner of the match between Colombia and GhanaRead moreUkraine attacked Belarusian bus to provoke Minsk — Russian SenatorKiev is also trying to intimidate residents of the Union State, threatening reprisals for trying to enter the territory of Russia, Russian Senator from the Kherson Region Igor Kastyukevich saidRead moreEU Court of Justice allows criminal prosecution for reposting RT videos — judgementThe court ruled that the EU sanctions ban on RT broadcasts "applies also to a website accessible to the public free of charge"Read moreSaudi Arabia sent largest oil shipment in four months through HormuzThis indicates an increase in Saudi Arabia's oil exports after the United States and Iran agreed in June to resume maritime transit through the Strait of Hormuz, Bloomberg said Read moreMerz sends more money to Kiev despite its role in Nord Stream sabotage — politicianSahra Wagenknecht urged the German government to resume imports of Russian gasRead moreKiev troops shell DPR 15 times in past day, one killedFour people were woundedRead moreWoman killed by Ukrainian projectile in BelgorodThe attack caused serious damage to power infrastructure and led to disruptions in electricity and water supplies to the city’s residentsRead moreUS attained practically all its goals during negotiations with Iran — TrumpThe US president said he was not going to wage a war against Iran for yearsRead moreKremlin briefing covers Russia's massive strike on Ukraine, EU's confrontation with MoscowThe European Union's escalation toward Russia further intensifies already heightened tensions across Europe, Dmitry Peskov saidRead moreOne person killed, two more injured in Ukraine’s drone attack on Bryansk RegionGovernor Yegor Kovalchuk expressed his condolences to the man's family and friends Read moreBullet found among ‘d’Artagnan’s remains’ in Maastricht turns out to be a nailThe researchers acknowledged that the discovery sheds no light on the cause of the man’s death and has no significance for establishing his identityRead moreMoldovan prime minister announces resignationAlexandru Munteanu said he could no longer carry out his mandate in accordance with his principles and convictionsRead moreFACTBOX: What we know about Ukrainian drone attack on Minsk-Anapa bus in Bryansk RegionTwo bus drivers from Belarus' Gomel Region and one passenger were injured as a result of the drone attackRead moreSomali pirates demand $10 mln for release of tanker — portalAccording to the news outlet, the vessel, which sails under the Togolese flag, was seized on May 2 in the Gulf of Aden while transporting diesel fuel from the UAERead moreKiev is remotely blockading populated areas with mines, drones — Russian envoyA particularly illustrative example cited was the effort by Kiev forces to create an artificial blockade around the town of Alyoshki in the Kherson RegionRead moreIN BRIEF: What is known about Russian massive retaliatory strike against UkraineMilitary-industrial enterprises and facilities of the fuel and energy complex in the city of Kiev and the Kiev region were struck, as well as the infrastructure of military airfields in the Dnepropetrovsk, Poltava, Cherkassy, Chernigov, and Kiev regionsRead moreFSB foils terrorist plot on railway in Stavropol RegionAccording to the FSB, the suspect photographed the intended target and purchased chemicals to make Molotov cocktailsRead moreZelensky becoming 'lame duck' even for Kiev hardliners — governorKherson Region Governor Vladimir Saldo noted that Vladimir Zelensky’s presidential term has ended and that the head of the Kiev regime is clinging to power through a ban on normal political competitionRead moreRussian forces hit Kiev facility that manufactures Flamingo missile control systemsThe Russian forces delivered the strike in retaliation to the Kiev regime’s attacks on civilian infrastructure on Russian territoryRead moreLondon is deluded in its belief that proxy wars can go unpunished — Russian ambassadorAndrey Kelin highlighted the British government's promises to supply Kiev with hundreds of thousands of UAVs, as well as the initial testing of long-range missilesRead moreRussian troops in Krasny Liman come across Colombian mercenaries fighting for UkraineThe commander of a motorized rifle battalion reported that Ukrainian forces in Krasny Liman are not attempting any counterattacks but are putting up sporadic resistance while hiding in basementsRead moreMoscow, Minsk coordinating their efforts to counter external threats — PutinThe Russian president emphasized that Belarus’ Independence Day was significant to Russians as well because it was linked to a glorious event in their shared history: the liberation of Minsk from Nazi invadersRead moreRussia to create risk management tool for first industrial use of domestic technologiesThe Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Russia has formed a special working group to consider this initiativeRead moreGold futures top $4,200 per ounce first time since June 22As of 4:24 a.m. Moscow time, gold prices gained 1.96%Read moreFive dead, 18 injured: what is known about Ukrainian attack on Zaporozhye marketA drone struck the city market in Tokmak in the Zaporozhye RegionRead moreIsrael tests its Iron Beam laser as part of modernized Iron Dome systemThe Israeli Defense Ministry called the capabilities demonstrated during the test "a significant leap in the system's ability to counter a wide range of attack scenarios"Read moreSpain defeats Austria in its first World Cup playoff victory in 16 yearsThe match ended with a score of 3:0Read moreSenior Russian senator says high time to stop calling Britain ‘Great’According to Konstantin Kosachev, Britain is a "unique" country in many respectsRead moreRussian embassy in Sweden comes under drone attack againThe embassy condemned the attack as a blatant attempt to intimidate the Russian missionRead moreTurkey calls Israel ‘problem for whole world’Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said the Israeli authorities "have become a burden that humanity can no longer bear"Read moreUK, EU countries finance killings of Russian civilians by Kiev — Foreign MinistryRussian Ambassador-at-Large Rodion Miroshnik stressed that everyone who voted to provide Kiev with a 90-billion loan to continue its terrorist war over the next two years has taken part in the killing of civiliansRead moreZelensky says Kiev in contact with US negotiatorsAs the situation in the Middle East somewhat stabilized, the possibility of Whitkoff and Kushner returning to mediation in the Ukrainian settlement has been reported several times recently, but no dates have been announced yetRead moreMobile UAV jammer protects Russian troops, vehicles from enemy drones — tech firmThe ‘Puzzle’ radio jammer operates within a 300-meter radiusRead morePutin extends Independence Day greetings to Belarus’ LukashenkoThe Russian president noted that Moscow and Minsk had been working together productively in all areas, coordinating their efforts in countering external threats and challengesRead moreFour more drones downed while approaching Moscow — mayorFirst responders are working at the crash sitesRead moreRussian forces strike facilities used by Kiev for killing civilians — MFAMaria Zakharova noted that, according to Mayor Vitaly Klitschko, it was a terrible night for the cityRead moreKaliningrad constantly on presidential, governmental agenda, Kremlin spokesman saysAccording to Dmitry Peskov, the development of the region is an ongoing priorityRead moreOnly one session scheduled at NATO summit to keep Trump’s attention — newspaperAccording to the report, organizers will deliberately shorten the session duration to focus the US president’s attention on increasing defense spendingRead moreMonaco blast probably perpetrated by Ukrainian woman residing in Germany — newspaperAccording to the Le Figaro article, the woman fled towards the commune of Beausoleil in southern France and later crossed into a neighboring countryRead moreErdogan regularly holds consultations with Putin on regional issues — FidanBecause look at our region, at the ongoing conflict in the Black Sea basin, which is important to us. The Caucasus is important to us, Central Asia and the Middle East, said Turkish Foreign MinisterRead more

Source: TASS English
RELATED NEWS

More Stories

All News
Russia

NATO summit pledges to tack on €10B to EU's €60B promised earlier to Kiev — AFP

• What happened: NATO leaders at the summit in Ankara announced a new funding pledge of €10 billion for Ukraine, in addition to the €60 billion previously promi...

Russia

Those involved in attempt on Simonyan’s life committed six attacks on foreigners

• What happened: Mikhail Balashov and at least eleven others, including minors, were implicated in six attacks on foreigners and individuals with non-traditiona...

Russia

EU nation moves to lift nuclear weapons ban

• What happened: Lithuanian lawmakers have proposed a constitutional amendment to lift the country's ban on hosting nuclear weapons, citing the need to add...

Russia

NATO leaders to reiterate 'long-term threat' from Russia at upcoming summit — agency

• What happened: NATO leaders are set to reaffirm that Russia poses a long-term threat to Euro-Atlantic security at an upcoming summit in Ankara, with all parti...

Russia

Leasing Company completes contracting civilian drones under 2026 state procurement program

• What happened: The State Transport Leasing Company (GTLK) has completed contracts for the supply of 342 civilian drones under the 2026 State Civil Procurement...

Russia

AI industry is ‘effing insane’ – Palantir CEO

• What happened: Palantir CEO Alex Karp criticized the AI industry during a CNBC interview, warning Western governments against trusting companies like OpenAI a...