China's newest and most powerful aircraft carrier has passed through the Taiwan Strait

French President Emmanuel Macron expressed his gratitude to British Prime Minister Keir Starmer for his support on Ukraine and for revitalizing relations between the United Kingdom and the European Union. In a message posted on his X platform, Macron praised Starmer's "dedication" to the issue of Ukraine and highlighted the strengthening of Franco-British ties. He stated he wanted to thank Starmer for his contributions to reinforcing these relationships, as well as for his commitment within the Coalition of Will for Ukraine and for the revival of UK-EU relations. Macron emphasized that he would continue along this path for the benefit of their peoples and Europe.

Starmer announced today that he has submitted his resignation as prime minister and leader of the Labour Party. He declared that nominations for his successor will remain open until July 9. His main rival, Andy Burnham, is clearly the favorite. The British newspaper *The Observer* reported over the weekend that Starmer was expected to resign on Monday and had set a timeframe for his departure, although a government source indicated that the prime minister remains focused on leading the country.

The pressure on Starmer, which has been growing steadily over months, sharply increased last Friday when his leading party rival, Andy Burnham, won a parliamentary seat, enabling him to formally take over the party leadership. This development has intensified speculation about the political landscape ahead.

Starmer’s decision to step down comes amid significant political shifts in the UK. His resignation follows a period of intense internal party dynamics, where Burnham's recent electoral success has positioned him as a strong contender for the leadership. The timing of Starmer's announcement raises questions about the stability of the current administration and the potential direction of the Labour Party moving forward.

The situation also reflects broader challenges facing the UK government, particularly in light of ongoing issues related to economic policy, public services, and international relations. With Starmer stepping aside, the focus now turns to the selection process for his successor, which could have far-reaching implications for both domestic and foreign policy.

As the nomination period opens, attention will shift to how the Labour Party manages its internal affairs and whether it can present a unified front under new leadership. The outcome of this process will likely influence the party's strategy in upcoming elections and its approach to key national and international issues.

The developments surrounding Starmer's resignation and the subsequent leadership contest highlight the dynamic nature of UK politics. As the nation moves forward, the choices made during this transition period will play a crucial role in shaping the future of the country and its relationship with the European Union.