Former UK Prime Minister makes waves in Texas, reflects on U.S. ties, and teases presidential

Boris Johnson is currently on a whirlwind tour of America, the country of his birth, and is leaving no stone unturned in his engagements. In Dallas, the former Prime Minister charmed a group of Texan Republicans, declaring that “wild horses couldn’t keep me away” from the U.S. Johnson, born in New York, shared his regret at giving up his American citizenship to avoid paying U.S. taxes—a decision that still haunts him.

As part of his trip, Johnson posted a photo from a meeting with former President George W. Bush, describing their conversation as a “productive discussion” about the war in Ukraine. Despite his past criticism of Bush, having once referred to him as a “cross-eyed Texan warmonger,” Johnson’s diplomatic side was on full display.

Next on his itinerary is Las Vegas, where he’s set to receive a hefty six-figure sum for a speech, prompting speculation about a potential future political comeback. Could a bid for the U.S. presidency be in his sights? Only time will tell.

Is the Duke’s Pub Era Coming to an End?
Fitzrovia pub, still adorned with Prince Andrew’s paintings, may be converted into flats
Real Estate, Royalty

The Duke of York pub in Fitzrovia, long a focal point for patrons seeking a pint amidst Prince Andrew’s portraits, may be nearing the end of its reign. Despite the pub’s refusal to update its name or signage after Andrew’s fall from grace, recent plans have emerged to convert its upper floors into flats. Shaftesbury Capital, which owns the site, has received permission to redevelop the nearby Wheatsheaf pub in a similar fashion, leading some to fear that the Duke of York may soon follow suit. CAMRA, the Campaign for Real Ale, has voiced concerns that the pub’s closure is imminent, and with it, the fate of the infamous paintings.

Karl Lagerfeld Celebrated in New BBC Documentary and Book Talks
Fashion icon’s legacy continues to be honored through new media and literary discussions
Fashion, Entertainment

It’s Karl Lagerfeld season, as the legendary fashion designer is remembered at the Met Gala and through a new BBC documentary. The latest tribute came last night in Camden, where writer William Middleton discussed his biography Paradise Now as part of Geist Talks, a literary salon founded by Sara Sjölund and Lillie Rage. Middleton shared how Lagerfeld, originally discouraged from playing piano by his mother, turned to drawing—a decision that would ultimately shape the fashion world.

High-Street Coffee Chains Battle for Book Award Dominance
Caffè Nero launches its new book awards to rival Costa’s discontinued Whitbreads
Business, Lifestyle

In the world of high-street coffee chains, competition now extends beyond quality coffee. Caffè Nero has announced it will launch the Nero Book Awards 2023 next month, taking over from Costa’s long-standing Whitbread Book Awards, which were scrapped last year. The new initiative adds to the growing trend of coffee shops becoming cultural hubs, with literary recognition now part of their business model. Will Pret a Manger follow suit with its own award for the arts?

Johnny Depp Tribute Concert and Chelsea Flower Show Highlights
Stars gather to honor Jeff Beck at Royal Albert Hall and celebrate horticulture at Chelsea
Entertainment, Lifestyle

In a tribute to his close friend, guitarist Jeff Beck, Johnny Depp graced the stage at the Royal Albert Hall last night. The tribute concert featured performances by Rod Stewart, Eric Clapton, and Ronnie Wood. Depp, who had been seen with Beck during his defamation trial against Amber Heard, called the event a “beautiful turnout.”

Meanwhile, the Chelsea Flower Show kicked off, with journalist Fiona Bruce visiting Horatio’s Garden, a space dedicated to the spinal injury charity. Also in attendance were the Spencer twins, Eliza and Amelia, who inspected the flower beds and added to the glamorous atmosphere of this annual event.

Prime Minister stresses the growing threat from China’s authoritarianism at G7 summit

Rishi Sunak has warned that China presents the “biggest challenge of our age,” calling attention to the growing authoritarian nature of the Chinese government, both domestically and internationally. Speaking at the G7 summit in Hiroshima, the UK Prime Minister emphasized China’s unique position in shaping the global order, stating that it is the only nation with both the means and the intent to do so. He called for a strategy of “de-risking,” focusing on reducing economic vulnerabilities and protecting critical technologies, rather than severing ties with China entirely. The G7 leaders agreed to work together to counter economic coercion and address China’s aggressive actions, particularly towards Taiwan, underscoring their unified stance on this geopolitical challenge.

The actor and former governor says anger at governments is driving protests, calling for leadership and action

Arnold Schwarzenegger has stated that the surge in disruptive climate protests is a direct response to political inaction, with people growing frustrated over governments’ continuous “excuses” for failing to address climate change effectively. The actor and politician expressed his views during an interview on the BBC’s Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg programme, highlighting the global frustration with slow or absent progress on climate goals.

He noted that these protests, which have seen activists engaging in high-profile acts of civil disobedience such as gluing themselves to roads or interrupting major events, are born out of anger. “People are angry about governments because they have excuses after excuses about why they cannot get it done,” Schwarzenegger said. “The world signed an agreement in 2015 in Paris to reduce greenhouse gases, and 70% of the countries have not lived up to their promises.”

While acknowledging that some protest methods may not be ideal, Schwarzenegger emphasised that the lack of action from governments has led people to take drastic steps in frustration. He argued that effective change requires leadership, collaboration, and a willingness to act, without concern for upsetting powerful industries like oil or automotive.

Having transitioned from a bodybuilder to a Hollywood star and eventually a political figure as California’s Republican governor, Schwarzenegger has become a prominent climate advocate. He criticised the approach of obstructing development as part of the climate movement, urging for a focus on building green infrastructure instead. “We’ve got to go and build, build, build all these green projects,” he stated.

The comments come amidst a broader debate over climate protests. Earlier, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak condemned activists who disrupt public events, calling their actions “selfish.” However, Fatima Ibrahim, co-founder of Green New Deal UK, argued that such protests are a result of political failure to address climate issues, calling for a national industrial strategy to generate green jobs and tackle environmental challenges. She pointed out that the public largely supports the activists’ demands for more climate action, despite political narratives suggesting otherwise.