Russia

Reform UK party leader slams Burnham’s PM appointment as coup

TASS English · 2026-07-21

AI SUMMARY

• What happened: Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK, criticized the appointment of Andy Burnham as Prime Minister, labeling it a "coup" and demanding an immediate general election. Burnham became Prime Minister on July 20 after being declared Labour leader without a contest. • Why it matters: Farage's comments reflect significant political tension in the UK, as Reform UK currently leads in polling, indicating a shift in public support away from traditional parties like Labour and the Conservatives. • What to watch next: The political landscape may evolve as calls for a general election intensify, and the implications of Burnham's leadership on Labour's future and public sentiment will be closely monitored.

Reform UK party leader slams Burnham’s PM appointment as coup "There must be a General Election immediately," Nigel Farage, leader of Britain’s right-wing populist party Reform UK, saidLONDON, July 21. /TASS/. Nigel Farage, leader of Britain’s right-wing populist party Reform UK, described the appointment of Andy Burnham as the country’s new Prime Minister as a coup as he called for holding a general election as soon as possible. "In the space of just a few short weeks, Andy Burnham has effectively crowbarred his way into No 10 without anyone even trying to block his path," Farage wrote in an opinion piece for The Daily Mail. "Make no mistake, this is a coup, plain and simple. There must be a General Election immediately," he argued. Burnham, 56, was declared Labour leader on July 17 without a party election after no other candidates entered the race. On July 20, he took office as prime minister, replacing Kier Starmer who was forced to resign as Labour party leader and head of government amid pressure from the ruling party after it suffered major losses in local and regional elections in May. According to the latest YouGov polling, Reform UK has the largest support in Britain (25%), followed by the Conservative party (20%) and the Labour party (19%). Green and Liberal Democrats hold forth (14%) and fifth (12%) place, respectively. The country should hold a regular general election no later than August 2029. Kuwait reports Iranian strikes on power plants, desalination facilitiesMinistry emergency crews, working alongside firefighters and security forces, quickly brought the fires under control and extinguished themRead moreProtests over defense minister Fyodorov's dismissal spread to 16 Ukrainian citiesDemonstrations had taken place in Kiev, Chernigov, Dnepropetrovsk, Ivano-Frankovsk, Kharkov, Lutsk, Lvov, Nikolayev, Odessa, Ternopol, Sumy and ZaporozhyeRead moreIran struck US Sheikh Isa airbase in Bahrain on Tuesday — militaryNotably, Sheikh Isa serves as a critical hub for the US Navy’s 5th Fleet, facilitating air operations and drone controlRead moreDrone attack on Moscow among largest in recent years — TASS calculationsAccording to Mayor Sergey Sobyanin, more than 400 hostile unmanned aerial vehicles headed toward the Moscow Region overnightRead moreIN BRIEF: Ten injured after one of largest drone attacks in years targets Moscow RegionMore than 400 unmanned aerial vehicles were detected heading toward the Moscow Region between the evening of July 19 and the morning of July 20Read moreKinzhal missile wipes out Patriot air defense system in Kiev — Russian Defense MinistryOn Tuesday, the Russian Defense Ministry reported that the Russian Armed Forces hit a US-made Patriot system in Kiev with a Kinzhal hypersonic missileRead morePress review: Russia offers lifeline on Iran and Trump works art of nuke deal with SaudisTop stories from the Russian press on Monday, July 20thRead moreUkrainian troops extensively use ground robots as mobile firepower — expertAndrey Marochko added that Ukrainian forces have begun to modify Western-made armored vehicles and automobiles for remote controlRead moreRussian warship holds live-fire exercise 46 miles off UK coast — Royal NavyBefore the naval maneuvers, the Russian warship informed HMS Tyne patrol ship of its intention to conduct gunnery activityRead moreEight killed, 77 injured in Ukrainian attacks on Belgorod over past dayThe Ukrainian armed forces attacked Russia’s Belgorod Region 153 timesRead moreCurrent economic collapse in Europe stems from anti-Russian sanctions — RDIF CEOEU sanctions are unpopular in Europe — they do not work and cost EU countries more than €3 trillion, Kirill Dmitriev saidRead moreForeign Ministry says Moscow to factor in Berlin's nuclear research in military strategyDeputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko said that Germany's actions are not surprising, especially considering the country's high technological and industrial potentialRead moreThere can no longer be any rules against Kiev attacking cities in Russia — MedvedevDeputy Chairman of the Russian Security Council emphasized that "back then, it was not customary to steal or kill the leaders of even hostile countries"Read moreRussia is becoming priority for Mossad, experts sayAccording to analysts, a Russian-speaking Mossad director Roman Hoffman offers a distinctive advantage in operations across the post-Soviet spaceRead moreFuel situation improves in several Russian regions as supply curbs lifted — deputy PMAccording to Alexander Novak, the positive impact stems from temporary bans on petroleum product exports, market saturation through imports, as well as increased domestic productionRead moreState Department says relations between Russia and Cuba pose 'direct threat' to USThe report makes similar accusations against China and IranRead moreNATO recon aircraft again shuttling over Black Sea from west to east, backThe plane took off from the base airfield in Constanta, RomaniaRead morePutin extends visa-free entry for Chinese citizens until end of 2027 — decreeIn May, China extended its own visa-free stay for Russians until the end of 2027Read moreFive people killed, 23 injured as Ukraine attacks bus in Belgorod Region with droneAlexander Shuvayev called the incident an "inhumane and vile" attackRead moreGlobal situation makes Northern Sea Route more attractive — Russian senatorAccording to Konstantin Kosachev, "the absence of political risks" is one of the factors making the Northern Sea Route attractiveRead moreWhat we know about foiled terrorist attack on major enterprise in UralsNo casualties have been reported among security officers or civiliansRead moreRussia has returned 550 servicemen from Ukrainian captivity since May, ombudswoman saysRussian Human Rights Commissioner Yana Lantratova stated it as a result of several successful exchangesRead moreIran attacks Amazon data center in Bahrain in response to strike on Darkhovin NPP — IRGCIran used several cruise missilesRead moreRussia fighting for its survival in special military operation — Duma deputy speakerPyotr Tolstoy said that Russia is defending its independence, freedom and "the ability to make its own decisions"Read moreProtests over defense minister’s dismissal spread to 12 Ukrainian citiesProtests against Ukraine’s Defense Minister Fydorov’s dismissal began in Ukrainian cities on July 16Read moreFACTBOX: Russia's latest strikes on Ukrainian portsAccording to the Russian Defense Ministry, air-launched precision-guided weapons and loitering munitions struck fuel and lubricant storage tanks intended for the Ukrainian armed forces at the port of OdessaRead moreRussia expelling Italian military attache, his aide as response measure — diplomatItaly’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Antonio Tajani said on July 9 that Rome was expelling two Russian embassy’s military attachesRead moreKiev aims to further destabilize oil markets by striking Caspian Pipeline Consortium — MFARussian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova stressed that Moscow is in solidarity with the Kazakh Foreign Ministry in its decisive condemnation of this crime against a civilian facilityRead moreIMF announces $690 million tranche for Ukraine under new lending programA preliminary agreement on allocating the tranche was reached on June 12Read moreIndonesia preparing for oil supplies from Russia — ambassador to JakartaNo such supplies are underway yet, Sergey Tolchenov notedRead moreRussian warships strictly comply with international law — Kremlin spokesmanDmitry Peskov commented on statements that a Russian frigate allegedly conducted exercises in international waters near the British coastRead moreNew British PM says he will "bear down" on Russia regarding issue of UkraineLondon would continue to assist Kiev, Andy Burnham stated during a telephone conversation with Vladimir ZelenskyRead moreIran kills two US troops, third goes missing at Jordan base — WSJAccording to the officials, the second missile hit an empty aircraft hangarRead moreFBI Director plans visit to Russia in October - PoliticoThe visit could take place on October, 14-15Read moreFalling drone debris injures child in Russia’s Black Sea city of SochiAccording to the crisis center, emergency response teams are working at the sceneRead moreBank of Russia gold reserves sink to lowest level since February 2020The decline in gold reserves has been ongoing since the start of the yearRead moreIRGC says it carried out missile strike on US base in KuwaitAmerican HIMARS systems were targeted with surface-to-surface missilesRead moreUS imposes 50% import tariffs on range of Canadian goodsEnergy products, critical minerals, seafood and potash will be exempt from the new tariffsRead moreRussian-Chinese relations at peak level — ambassadorsOleg Stepanov and Wang Di, Russian and Chinese ambassadors in Canada, stated this in a joint article for the 25th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Good-Neighborliness and Friendly Cooperation between the two countriesRead moreSituation at Wildberries after Ukraine’s attack is difficult, Kremlin spokesman admitsDmitry Peskov refuted allegations that Wildberries warehouses are used for supplies to the Russian armyRead moreOdessa port strikes to deter foreign ships carrying weapons for Ukraine — Russian expertYevgeny Poddubny expects Russia’s military to continue carrying out such strikes, arguing that the cumulative effect will eventually be felt on the battlefield as Ukrainian forces face shortages of equipment, weapons and dronesRead moreKiev to receive $690 million from IMF soon, Ukrainian PM saysThe IMF Executive Board has completed the first review of a new program for Ukraine as part of the Extended Fund FacilityRead morePREVIEW: Russian foreign minister to discuss Asia-Pacific militarization risks with ASEANSergey Lavrov will visit Manila to take part in meetings of ASEAN foreign ministersRead moreDrone hits apartment building in Vladimir, 209 UAVs: aftermath of Ukraine’s UAV attackThere no persons injured in the drone attackRead moreEd Miliband appointed as new British foreign secretaryIn the cabinet of former Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Ed Miliband held the post of Secretary for Energy Security and Carbon Neutrality of the United KingdomRead moreMediators present US, Iran with 10-day ceasefire proposal - AxiosAccording to the news outlet, neither side has accepted the mediators' proposal so farRead moreNorth Korea says consensus reached with Russia at talks between two top diplomatsThe strategic dialogue between the two foreign ministers involved constructive and beneficial strategic communicationRead moreEU wants to fight to last Ukrainian, destroy its own economy — DodikAccording to the chairman of Alliance of Independent Social Democrats party of Republika Srpska, the war is being fought only on Ukrainian territory, but it is essentially an attempt by the EU to break RussiaRead moreRussia, North Korea see US behavior as cause of degradation of global situation — MFAThe Russian foreign ministry noted that "under these conditions, the comprehensive deepening of relations between Russia and the DPRK contributes to ensuring regional and international security"Read moreDPRK’s position on Ukraine unchanged, Pyongyang commits to support Moscow — top diplomatChoe Son Hui said that Russia’s special military operation is a holy war being waged to remove the root causes of the Ukraine crisis as well as to defend the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity Read moreNATO concerned over German nuclear weapons research — Russian SVRRussia’s Foreign Intelligence Service said that Germany's Western allies are also worried about the scale of the country's research in key nuclear weapons-related fieldsRead moreRussia’s FSB prevents terrorist attack on key enterprise in UralsA 60-year-old Tyumen citizen was killed in a gunfight during the detention attemptRead moreNorth Macedonians understand joining anti-Russian coalition not good for them — diplomatRussian Ambassador to Skopje Dmitry Zykov said that Europe made a significant "contribution" to fueling the Ukrainian crisis and its attempts to allegedly "settle" the situation yielded no successRead morePress review: Truce on deck in Iran and EU to dry-run Ukraine deployment in Poland drillsTop stories from the Russian press on Tuesday, July 21stRead moreFormer UK health secretary Wes Streeting appointed defense secretaryThe appointment has been approved by the King Charles IIIRead moreUkrainian strikes claim lives of 70 Russians, including two children over week — diplomatRodion Miroshnik said that more than 360 people, including 12 minors, have been injuredRead moreTrump says he will meet new UK prime minister soonUK and US leaders will discuss topics of mutual interestRead moreMoldova secretly cedes right to manage Dniester waters to Ukraine — Chisinau mayorIon Ceban said the signed document is classified and is held by the Moldovan Foreign MinistryRead moreRussian Foreign Minister arrives in Philippines to attend ASEAN eventsSergey Lavrov will take part in events hosted by ASEANRead moreRussia’s ombudswoman announces preparations for new prisoner exchange with UkraineThe will be separate lists for military personnel and civilians, Yana Lantratova saidRead moreIN BRIEF: Russia expels Italian military attache in retaliatory moveThe measure comes in response to Italy’s actions, Maria Zakharova stressedRead moreRussia's strike on Kiev-based Rapid enterprise aimed at reducing long-range UAV attacksThe Russian developer of drone detectors said the strikes will reduce the number of attacks by the Ukrainian army’s long-range unmanned aerial vehiclesRead morePutin continues playing hockey - KremlinRussian President does it infrequently due to his busy scheduleRead moreAndy Burnham takes office as British prime ministerThe newly elected leader of the United Kingdom’s Labour Party is the third prime minister formally appointed by King Charles IIIRead moreRussia to continue strikes on ships carrying arms for Kiev — Kremlin spokesmanDmitry Peskov answered the question about Russia’s missile strike on a vessel at the Odessa portRead moreRussian economy could grow up to 0.7% by year-end, expert saysVladimir Yeremkin said the economy is paying the price for cooling down after overheating, but the base for recovery remains intactRead moreGonets satellite modem successfully passes tests — RoscosmosThe state corporation noted that the new modem is six times more compact than the previous version and can be successfully integrated into any equipmentRead moreNo threat of Netanyahu's arrest in US — TrumpThe US president said that it will not happen in any wayRead moreDonbass fate to be decided by fight for Slavyansk, Kramatorsk — expertYevgeny Poddubny said the enemy will continue to use drones en masse, a wide range of Western-made weapons and will actively use the newest AI-powered unmanned systemsRead moreIN BRIEF: Kremlin on dialogue with Europe, potential Lavrov-Rubio talksDmitry Peskov stressed that Russia became wiser, and will apply its newfound wisdom in relations with EuropeRead moreRussian forces hit 200 railway engines hauling Western arms to Ukraine — diplomatAccording to Rodion Miroshnik, "90% of military cargoes arrive from European countries"Read moreTanker hit by projectile off Oman coast, UKMTO saysAuthorities are investigating, the coordination center statedRead moreRussia poses no threat to EU, but conflict being deliberately stoked — Croatian presidentZoran Milanovic also emphasized that the EU "is exclusively engaged in talk of war and attempts to finance military production"Read morePutin open to contacts with Mojtaba Khamenei — Peskov"There are currently no specific arrangements for such a phone call," the Russian presidential spokesman saidRead moreMerz led Germany to economic abyss — Russia’s State DumaRussia never provoked an energy blockade of the Federal Republic of Germany; on the contrary, it always met the country halfway, State Duma member of the committee on international affairs Roza Chemeris toldRead moreBureau 1440 launches second part of satellite constellationThe Russian aerospace company continues to deploy a low-orbit satellite constellation for new-generation communication servicesRead moreWTA introduces mandatory gender testing for female tennis playersUnder the new document refusal to undergo testing may result in disciplinary action by the associationRead moreRussia committed to strengthening bilateral cooperation with Nepal — MFAAccording to the statement, relations between Russia and Nepal have always been friendly in nature and are based on the principles of mutual respectRead moreUS redirected seven ships since renewal of naval blockade of Iran — CENTCOMThe United States Central Command added that US military disabled one vesselRead moreIN BRIEF: Kremlin on strikes against Wildberries facilities, foreign troops in UkraineDmitry Peskov stressed that Russia views any potential deployment of foreign troops to Ukraine as absolutely unacceptableRead moreUS launches another series of strikes against Iran — CENTCOMThe strikes are designed to further degrade Iranian military capabilities used to attack commercial shipping in the Strait of HormuzRead moreOil exports via Transneft system edged up 1.1% in 2025, annual report showsTotal crude intake into Transneft's trunk pipeline system in 2025 was 0.2% below 2024 volumes and 3% below 2023 volumesRead moreRussian stock market closes higher as main indices reboundThe MOEX Index briefly dipped below 1,900 points at Monday's open before staging a quick rebound, with investors shifting to active buying later in the dayRead moreNATO facing shortage of cotton to produce gunpowder — WSJAccording to the newspaper, linters, or the short fibers left on cotton seeds after processing, are converted to nitrocellulose, also known as guncottonRead moreIndonesia in talks with Russia to build spaceport, ambassador saysAs regards the nuclear sphere, Sergey Tolchenov shared, the final decision has yet to be madeRead moreMandatory evacuation for residents announced in Kherson — governorVladimir Saldo said the city had been turned into a military staging groundRead moreRussian envoy says Coalition of Willing exercises in Poland will be symbolic showAndrey Kelin also claimed that he does not think the upcoming military drills will turn into anything large-scaleRead moreRussian forces strike Ukrainian naval drone assembly sites over past day — top brassRussia’s Battlegroup West inflicted roughly 210 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed eight enemy armored combat vehicles in its area of responsibility over the past day, the Defense Ministry reportedRead moreSaudi-led coalition warns Houthis of responding to their threats to ships in Bab El MandebThe coalition command has begun implementing measures in order to protect commercial vessels transiting the straitRead moreLavrov heaps praise on North Korean soldiers who fought on Russia's side in special opThe Russian foreign minister highlighted allied relations between the two countriesRead moreFACTBOX: What is known about new attack on oil tanker at CPC terminalAccording to the report, the terrorist attack by air drone was made on tanker Nelsa, which was under loading at SPM-1Read moreRussia concerned over delays in preparations for Haiti elections — mission to UNRussia calls on "the interim government and all political forces to engage in dialogue and work together responsibly for the sake of the nation's interests", Russia’s acting Permanent Representative to the United Nations Anna Yevstigneyeva saidRead moreUkraine’s attacks on Caspian Pipeline Consortium constitute terrorism — State DumaAccording to the statement, this has nothing to do with military objectivesRead moreIndonesia continues military-technical cooperation with Russia, envoy saysSergey Tolchenov noted that the cooperation is currently being conducted "behind the scenes"Read moreUkraine never stops trying to inflict irreparable damage to CPC — Russian diplomatMaria Zakharova said the attack was the fifth act of aggression against the company’s civilian facilities enjoying protection of international lawRead moreUS forces complete another round of strikes on Iran, CENTCOM saysUS forces struck Iranian military command centers and air defense systems, the US Central Command claimedRead moreUkrainian forces strike Belgorod, surrounding area with missilesAccording to the regional emergency operations center, no casualties are reportedRead moreBritish PM announces new cabinet lineupEd Miliband has been appointed Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Wes Streeting will serve as Secretary of State for DefenseRead moreStrait of Hormuz to remain closed until US strikes on Iran end — agencyAccording to the report, Tehran will not issue permits for vessel passage as long as the United States continues strikes against IranRead moreIran strikes US facilities in Kuwait, Bahrain — IRGCAccording to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, the attack was carried out in three phases and involved the use of drones and missileRead moreIndonesia does not recognize unilateral Western sanctions against Russians — ambassadorSergey Tolchenov also noted that Jakarta is unlikely to arrest Russian citizens at the request of third countriesRead more

Source: TASS English
RELATED NEWS

More Stories

All News
Russia

Violence erupts in Italy after Moroccan man ‘killed like a dog’ (VIDEO)

• What happened: Violent clashes erupted in Bologna, Italy, following the death of Abderrahim Fakir, a Moroccan-born entrepreneur, while being restrained by pol...

Russia

Trump claims Iran seeks new meeting with United States

• What happened: US President Donald Trump stated that Iran is eager to hold a new meeting with the United States, but emphasized that the US has no interest in...

Russia

US has no plans to curtail military operation against Iran soon — Trump

• What happened: US President Donald Trump announced that the United States has no plans to end its military operations against Iran, claiming significant damag...

Russia

Trump preparing to impose new tariffs on some countries as early as this week — FT

• What happened: US President Donald Trump is preparing to impose new tariffs on goods from approximately 60 countries, potentially ranging from 10% to 12.5%, b...

Russia

Ukrainian military reports fuel supply problems

• What happened: The Ukrainian military's Logistics Forces Command reported critical fuel supply issues, attributing the problems to delays in funding and ...

Russia

US mercenary to get special food in Indian jail

• What happened: A Delhi court has allowed US mercenary Matthew Aaron VanDyke to receive food of his choice while detained at Tihar Jail, citing humanitarian an...