West prepares to lift ban on Storm Shadow attacks inside Russia

Summary

In this segment, discussions revolve around the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine, highlighting the joint trip of U.S. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken and U.K. Foreign Secretary David Lamy to Kyiv. The talks focus on potential U.S. approval of Ukraine's use of long-range missiles, including British-made Storm Shadow missiles, against Russia. The shift in stance is influenced by Iran supplying missiles to Russia. Additionally, the U.K.'s domestic political debates on winter fuel payments and the upcoming leadership contests are explored, alongside reflections on the recent U.S. presidential debate.

Takeaways

• 🌍 US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy are in Kyiv for talks, signaling a possible shift in policies regarding Ukraine.
• 🚀 The US and UK are discussing Ukraine’s use of long-range missiles, such as British-made Storm Shadow missiles, against targets in Russia.
• ⚠️ There is concern about escalating the war by allowing Ukraine to attack Russian targets, though the UK and France are more open to the idea.
• 🇮🇷 Iran has started supplying Russia with missiles, intensifying the conflict in Ukraine.
• 🇺🇸 During the US presidential debate, Donald Trump claimed that if he were president, Putin would not have invaded Ukraine, while Kamala Harris suggested Putin would have taken Kyiv under Trump's watch.
• 🗣️ The US is still cautious about approving Ukraine's request for long-range missile use, though discussions between world leaders may indicate a policy change.
• 📅 Upcoming key meetings, including with US President Joe Biden and at the UN General Assembly, could influence international decisions regarding the war.
• 🇬🇧 UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is set to meet President Biden, with the Ukraine war and Middle East issues on the agenda.
• 🏛️ A debate in the UK’s House of Lords is addressing winter fuel payment cuts, though it's unlikely to overturn government policy.
• 🤔 In UK domestic politics, a labor MP, John Trickett, voted against the government on benefit cuts, potentially risking suspension from his party.

Q & A

Why are Antony Blinkin and David Lamy visiting Kiev?

Antony Blinkin, the U.S. Secretary of State, and David Lamy, the British Foreign Secretary, are visiting Kiev for talks over the use of weapons, including British-made Storm Shadow missiles, which could be a pivotal moment in the war between Russia and Ukraine.

What is the current British policy on Ukraine using long-range missiles to attack targets within Russia?

Britain and France have been relatively sympathetic to the idea that Ukraine should be able to use long-range missiles to attack targets within Russia, such as missile launch sites, particularly since Russia has been escalating its attacks on Ukrainian territory.

What hints suggest that the U.S. might be changing its stance on Ukraine using long-range missiles?

Hints of a potential policy shift come from Antony Blinkin's visit to London, where he indicated that he would consider Ukraine's requests and listen to their arguments during his visit to Kiev.

What is the significance of the U.S. and Britain's joint trip to Kiev regarding the war in Ukraine?

The joint trip signifies a possible shift in policy and increased support for Ukraine, potentially allowing them to use long-range missiles against targets in Russia, which could escalate the conflict.

What domestic political issues are being discussed in the UK alongside the international matters?

Domestic issues include a debate over winter fuel payments, with a fatal motion in the House of Lords challenging the government's decision to cut these payments, reflecting concerns about the impact on the elderly.

What was the outcome of the vote in the House of Commons regarding winter fuel payments?

The House of Commons voted in favor of the government's decision to cut winter fuel payments, with 53 Labour MPs abstaining and only 12 doing so without permission, and one Labour MP voting against the government.

What is the potential consequence for the Labour MP who voted against the government on the winter fuel payment cut?

It is uncertain what the consequence will be for the Labour MP who voted against the government, as it depends on whether the party leadership decides to suspend the whip, as has happened in previous instances of rebellion.

What is the current status of the Tory leadership race after Mel Stride's exit?

After Mel Stride's exit, the Tory leadership race is down to the final four candidates. It is suggested that his exit might boost Kemi Badenoch's campaign, as she picked up six votes in the last round, indicating momentum.

How might Mel Stride's votes be distributed among the remaining Tory leadership candidates?

It is speculated that votes from Mel Stride's supporters might go to either James Cleverly or Tom Tugendhat in the next round, as both candidates are seen as more centrist options, and they have been quick to praise Stride's contribution to the race.

What international issues are expected to be discussed when the UK Prime Minister meets with President Joe Biden?

The UK Prime Minister's meeting with President Joe Biden is expected to cover a range of international issues, including the situation in the Middle East and potential concerns about arms sales to Israel.