Trump Issues New Travel Ban; Scottish Labour Wins Hamilton Byelection
Key Takeaways
- Trump's new travel ban targets African, Middle East countries, effective 2025-06-09.
- Scottish Labour wins Hamilton byelection; SNP vote plummets from 46% to 29%.
- Reform UK chair Zia Yusuf resigns over disagreement about banning the burqa.
- Most NATO members back Trump's demand for 5% GDP defense spending.
- US and China agree to hold more trade talks to resolve tariff issues.
Top Stories
Trump's new travel ban targets African, Middle East countries.
On 2025-06-04, President Trump issued a new travel ban, effective 2025-06-09, targeting countries primarily in Africa and the Middle East. Sierra Leone was added due to visa overstays.
Scottish Labour wins Hamilton byelection; SNP vote plummets.
On 2025-06-06, Scottish Labour candidate Davy Russell won the Hamilton byelection, triggered by the death of SNP MSP Christine McKelvie. Labour's victory is attributed to their doorstep strategy, contrasting with Reform's "air war" tactics; Labour's vote share increased, while the SNP's plummeted from 46% to 29%.
Reform UK chair Zia Yusuf resigns over burqa comment.
On 2025-06-06, Zia Yusuf resigned as the chair of Reform UK after disagreeing with the party's newest MP, Sarah Pochin, regarding a question about banning the burqa. Yusuf cited that working to get a Reform government elected was not a good use of his time.
Most NATO members back Trump's 5% GDP defense spending.
On 2025-06-05, Mark Rutte stated that most NATO members endorse Donald Trump's demand to increase defence spending to 5% of GDP.
US and China agree to hold more trade talks.
On 2025-06-05, the United States and China agreed to hold more trade talks following a phone conversation between President Trump and Xi Jinping. The aim is to resolve issues over tariffs and rare earth minerals.
Global Stage
Africans react with anger to Trump's new travel ban.
On 2025-06-06, reports indicated that Africans reacted with anger and resignation to the news that seven of the 12 countries on President Trump’s new travel ban list were African nations.
Supreme Court rejects Mexico's lawsuit against US gunmakers.
On 2025-06-05, the Supreme Court rejected Mexico's lawsuit against U.S. gun manufacturers, which sought to hold them responsible for drug cartel violence. The court cited U.S. legislation shielding gun makers from liability.
Ukraine softens Russia's 'retaliatory' attack with 'preventive' strike.
Kyiv hit by Russian strikes; four killed.
Reported on 2025-06-05, four were killed as Kyiv was hit by a new wave of Russian strikes on 2025-06-06.
North Korea salvages capsized destroyer after failed launch.
Published on 2025-06-06, North Korea salvaged a capsized destroyer after Kim Yong-un slammed a 'criminal' failed launch.
Syria to give UN immediate access to nuclear sites.
On 2025-06-05, the IAEA reported that Syria will grant UN inspectors immediate access to former nuclear sites.
France approves family allowances from first child.
On 2025-06-05, the National Assembly of France approved a bill regarding family allowances from the first child, supported by a communist deputy, with 103 votes for and 17 against. The government opposed the bill due to the estimated cost of 3 billion euros.
Sweden to rent prison cells from Estonia.
Sweden reached a deal with Estonia on 2025-06-05 to rent prison cells to tackle overcrowding.
EU launches global digital strategy to build alliances.
Reported on 2025-06-05 and 2025-06-06, the EU launched a global digital strategy to build tech alliances, featuring Henna Virkkunen.
EU deplores US sanctions on ICC judges.
Reported on 2025-06-05 and 2025-06-06, the EU deplores US sanctions on ICC judges, including Slovenian judges.
Election Watch
Stride criticizes Reform UK, defends Badenoch, Tories poll third.
On 2025-06-05, Mel Stride criticized Reform UK’s economic policies, comparing them to Truss’s 2022 fiscal plans, and urged patience with Kemi Badenoch’s leadership. A YouGov poll published on the same day indicated the Conservatives are polling in third place behind Reform UK and Labour, with 18%. Kemi Badenoch’s favourability ratings have fallen to -27% according to a More in Common poll.
Report: Starmer's politics reaching limit; Labour unpopular.
On 2025-06-06, it was reported that Keir Starmer’s muddled politics are reaching their limit and that Labour is as unpopular as in its most disliked days under Jeremy Corbyn.
Lawmaking Today
France's Assemblée Nationale votes to repeal pension reform.
On 2025-06-05, the Assemblée Nationale adopted a proposition de résolution proposed by the groupe de la Gauche démocrate et républicaine, aimed at repealing the 2023 pension reform, with 198 deputies voting in favor and 35 against. The vote is symbolic and non-binding.
French National Assembly rejects law proposal on Dutreil pact.
On 2025-06-05, a law proposal aiming to better regulate the Dutreil pact was rejected at the National Assembly, according to a report published on 2025-06-06.
Policy Insights
Report highlights need for vigilance in public surveys.
Antoine Léaument's report, published on 2025-06-06, highlights the need for vigilance regarding the cost and appropriateness of public authorities using surveys. The report also notes the confidentiality of such surveys in France compared to Germany.
UK explores digital ID card (BritCard) proposal.
On 2025-06-05, Downing Street was reported to be exploring new proposals for a digital ID card (BritCard) to crack down on illegal migration, rogue landlords and exploitative work. The proposal suggests a mandatory digital credential stored on a smartphone and verified by employers, immigration, banks and landlords.
White House Updates
Merz met with Trump in Washington, D.C.
On 2025-06-05, it was reported that Merz was in Washington, D.C. for talks with Trump.