Over 1,000 migrants will be accommodated at the Northeye site in East Sussex as part of efforts to reduce hotel usage.

Under new government plans, over 1,000 asylum seekers will be housed at a former prison site in East Sussex. Immigration Minister Robert Jenrick revealed on Wednesday that, in addition to two former military bases, the “separate site” in Bexhill would be repurposed to house migrants in basic accommodation.

The site, once known as Northeye prison, was closed in 1992 and later used as a training centre until its closure four years ago. Despite concerns from local authorities, including Bexhill MP Huw Merriman, the government plans to use repurposed barrack blocks and portacabins to house asylum seekers, aiming to reduce reliance on expensive hotel accommodation.

The Home Office anticipates that up to 1,200 people could be accommodated at the Northeye site, though significant work is needed to make it suitable. Local councils have expressed concerns over the impact of housing asylum seekers in the area, with some considering legal action against plans for other sites.

Israeli president condemns Trump’s encounter with Fuentes, calling it a ‘big mistake’ and urging

Former political ally of Donald Trump, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, has sharply criticised the former US president for his controversial meeting with white nationalist Nick Fuentes. In an interview with journalist Piers Morgan, excerpts of which were released on Monday by Fox News, Netanyahu called for Trump to be “rebuked and condemned” for meeting Fuentes, a known Holocaust denier and outspoken antisemite.

The meeting between Trump, Fuentes, and rapper Kanye West in November 2022 sparked widespread outrage, drawing condemnation from both Democratic and Republican circles. Netanyahu did not hold back in his interview, stating, “I thought it was horrible. I think it’s a big mistake. It’s wrong from every point of view. Antisemitism should not be countenanced, it should not be accepted, it should be rebuked and condemned, and that’s what I do.”

The dinner came about due to West’s 2024 presidential campaign, which was marred by controversy, including his association with figures like Fuentes and Milo Yiannopoulos, who helped engineer the meeting. Yiannopoulos was quickly dismissed after the fallout.

Trump’s interactions with Fuentes have added fuel to ongoing allegations of antisemitism surrounding the former president, further complicating his relationship with Jewish Americans and raising questions about his stance on Israel. Notably, Trump has previously made statements questioning the loyalty of Jewish Democrats, leading to accusations of antisemitic rhetoric.

Meanwhile, Netanyahu faces his own controversies, particularly regarding his proposed judicial reforms aimed at weakening Israel’s Supreme Court. These reforms have prompted protests both within Israel and internationally. During the same interview with Morgan, Netanyahu revealed that President Joe Biden had expressed concerns over the integrity of Israel’s democracy in a recent conversation, to which Netanyahu reassured him of Israel’s commitment to democratic values.

Charles Michel affirms long-term commitment to Ukraine’s defence and highlights EU unity in the face of Russian aggression.

European Council President Charles Michel has reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to supporting Ukraine in its ongoing war against Russian aggression. Speaking in Bucharest after a meeting with Romanian President Klaus Iohannis, Michel declared that the EU would stand by Ukraine “for as long as necessary.” He also announced that EU leaders would significantly increase ammunition production to aid Ukraine’s military efforts.

Michel outlined that last week, EU foreign and defense ministers agreed to deliver one million rounds of ammunition to Ukraine within the next year, as part of a fast-track procedure for direct negotiations with ammunition suppliers. “We are stepping up our military support,” Michel said, adding that production capacity for ammunition would be rapidly ramped up to meet the country’s needs.

However, not all EU member states are on board with the plan to increase ammunition supply, with some expressing reservations about the level of involvement. President Iohannis echoed Michel’s sentiment, emphasising that it was crucial for EU nations to remain united in their support for Ukraine, urging continued and strengthened solidarity.

In addition to the focus on Ukraine, the leaders discussed the growing security concerns in neighbouring Moldova, a country under increasing pressure from Russia. Michel warned that Russia and its allies were actively working to destabilise Moldova through tactics such as energy manipulation, cyber-attacks, and political subversion.

Michel is scheduled to visit Moldova on Tuesday, where he will meet with Moldovan President Maia Sandu and Prime Minister Dorin Recean in the capital, Chisinau. Furthermore, Michel voiced strong backing for Romania’s efforts to join the Schengen Area, underscoring the importance of expanding the free travel zone despite ongoing migration concerns in the EU.

As the war in Ukraine continues, Michel’s comments reflect the EU’s firm stance on supporting its eastern neighbour and tackling regional instability caused by Russian actions.

The Prime Minister promises a fresh start, but faces tough competition in the upcoming general

Thai Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha has officially embraced his nomination as the United Thai Nation party’s candidate for reelection in the upcoming general election. Speaking to 1,000 supporters at a rally near Bangkok, Prayuth pledged to create a “new political climate” and end the decades-long cycle of political conflict that has plagued Thailand.

Prayuth, who led a military coup in 2014, seized power after violent protests against the elected government. His tenure has been marked by both military-imposed stability and subsequent unrest, particularly following his 2019 selection as prime minister, which was followed by harsh measures to suppress student-led pro-democracy protests.

Despite his promises of stability, Prayuth faces significant challenges in securing another term. Opinion polls show him trailing behind opposition candidates, including Paetongtarn Shinawatra from the Pheu Thai party, daughter of the influential populist ex-prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra. In addition, Prayuth must contend with Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwan, a political rival with substantial influence in Thailand’s political circles.

The prime minister’s path to re-election is complicated further by the fact that, while the public votes for lawmakers, the prime minister is selected by a joint session of Parliament. In 2019, Prayuth enjoyed the backing of the Senate, a bloc likely to support a conservative candidate again this time.

Prayuth’s reelection bid comes at a critical juncture for Thailand, with many citizens hoping for a shift in leadership and an end to the political instability that has characterised the country’s modern history.