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Tuesday, December 17th

Sakharov Prize to be Awarded to María Corina Machado and Edmundo González

At noon, European Parliament President Roberta Metsola is set to present the 2024 Sakharov Prize to María Corina Machado, a key figure in Venezuela's democratic movement, and Edmundo González Urrutia, the President-elect. This award recognizes their efforts, along with those of Venezuelans globally, in advocating for the return of freedom and democracy in their country. Prior to the ceremony in the parliament's main chamber, a press seminar will be held featuring the Sakharov laureates, the finalists, and several Members of the European Parliament. At 11:35, a press briefing will be conducted with President Metsola, Mr. González Urrutia, and Ana Corina Sosa Machado, who will speak on behalf of her mother, María Corina Machado.

Elodie LABORIE

Phone number: +32 477 990 670

European Parliament on Human Rights

Syria: Full Assembly to Evaluate the Impact of the Fall of Assad's Government

Beginning at 9:00, members of the European Parliament and High Representative Kaja Kallas are set to discuss the recent developments, geopolitical consequences, and possible results of the overthrow of the Assad regime in Syria. A decision on a resolution will be made by the MEPs during an upcoming plenary meeting.

Snjezana Kobescak Smodis

Phone number: +32 470 96 08

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Online misinformation and threats to the fairness of European elections

Starting at approximately 1:30 PM, Members of the European Parliament will engage in a dialogue with Commission Executive Vice-President Virkkunen about the increasing spread of false information and deceptive content on social media platforms, especially TikTok. This phenomenon poses a threat to the independence and integrity of elections across Europe.

Yasmina Yakimova

Phone number: +32 470 88 10

EP_SingleMarket

Selection Process for the European Ombudsman

At 12:30, the plenary session is set to choose the next European Ombudsman from a list of six candidates, potentially requiring up to three rounds of confidential voting. To win the position, a candidate needs to secure more than half of the votes cast. The role of the European Ombudsman is to serve as an unbiased entity responsible for ensuring accountability within the EU’s bodies and advocating for effective governance.

Alessio Incorvaia

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Summary

Discussions on Russian misinformation regarding Ukraine. Beginning at approximately 4:00 PM, members of the European Parliament (MEPs) will engage in a debate focusing on Russia's distortion of historical facts and the propagation of misleading stories to rationalize its conflict with Ukraine. This discussion will include EU's top diplomat, Kaja Kallas. A proposed resolution on this issue is slated for a vote in the plenary session scheduled for January 20-23.

Tensions rise as peaceful demonstrations in Georgia face a harsh response. At approximately 10:30, members of the European Parliament will discuss the ongoing street protests in Georgia with Commissioner Šuica, which have erupted in the wake of controversial election results.

At 12:30, Parliament is expected to approve a decision to delay by one year the implementation of new EU rules aimed at combating deforestation. This legislation will prohibit the sale of certain products, including cattle, cocoa, coffee, palm oil, soy, wood, rubber, charcoal, and printed paper, in the European market if they originate from deforested areas.

The condition of Mayotte post-cyclone will be the focus of a debate later today. Members of the European Parliament and the Commission are set to discuss the aftermath of the destructive Cyclone Chido and emphasize the importance of collective support.

Ballots

The plenary session is scheduled to cast votes at 12:30 on various matters, including:

You can watch the live broadcast of the plenary session through Parliament's webstreaming service and on EbS+.

For more in-depth details about the session, be sure to check out our newsletter.

Seek additional details about plenary sessions.

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Press Briefing on Sakharov Prize 2024 Scheduled for Today at 11:35

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Roberta Metsola, the President of the European Parliament, is set to conduct a press briefing alongside the recipients of the 2024 Sakharov Prize. This event is slated for Tuesday, December 17, at 11:35 Central European Time in Strasbourg.

DATE AND TIME: Tuesday, December 17th at 11:35 AM

LOCATION: The Daphne Caruana Galizia Press Conference Room at the European Parliament in Strasbourg

Journalists will have the opportunity to meet the winners and delegates of the 2024 Sakharov Prize at the upcoming press briefing.

– Mr. Edmundo González Urrutia, the newly elected leader of Venezuela

– Ana Corina Sosa, who is both the daughter and the spokesperson for María Corina Machado, the head of Venezuela's "Unity Democratic Platform"

The ceremony to present the awards is scheduled for Tuesday, December 17, at noon. It will be held in the hemicycle in Strasbourg, following the press conference.

Translation services will be provided in the languages of English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, and Maltese.

The event will be streamed live starting at 11:35 on Tuesday from the Daphne Caruana Galizia press room in Parliament, and it will also be available through Parliament's online streaming service.

Context

The Sakharov Prize for 2024, given by the European Parliament, has been bestowed upon María Corina Machado and Edmundo González Urrutia. The announcement was made by Roberta Metsola, the President of the European Parliament, during a session in the plenary chamber in Strasbourg on Thursday, October 24.

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Teresa Anjinho has been chosen as the new European Ombudsman

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On Tuesday, Teresa Anjinho from Portugal was endorsed by the Parliament to serve as the European Ombudsman for a term of five years. This decision came after a confidential plenary vote, where she received the backing of 344 Members of the European Parliament (MEPs).

Following two voting sessions, Teresa Anjinho successfully obtained the required majority of the ballots. Initially, six candidates were involved in both the first and second rounds: Teresa Anjinho from Portugal, Emilio De Capitani from Italy, Marino Fardelli also from Italy, Julia Laffranque from Estonia, Claudia Mahler from Austria, and Reinier van Zutphen from the Netherlands.

The recently appointed Ombudsman for Europe

Teresa Anjinho is a specialist in human rights and conducts academic research. She holds a position on the Supervisory Committee for the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) and has formerly worked as the Deputy Ombudsman in Portugal.

At the Petitions Committee's public meeting on December 3, 2024, Anjinho committed to enhancing the bond between the European Union and its citizens. He emphasized the importance of maintaining top-tier standards in integrity, accountability, and attentiveness to achieve this goal.

During her address to Members of the European Parliament, she emphasized that the contemporary world is intolerant of hesitation caused by needless red tape or administrative procedures, nor does it tolerate unwarranted postponements. While it is crucial to honor due process, adhere to regulations, and follow necessary formal procedures, it is equally important to produce results. Ultimately, this is about maintaining confidence not only in the institution but also in the European Union as an entity.

Subsequent

After receiving approval from the European Parliament, the incoming European Ombudsman is set to begin their role with a swearing-in ceremony scheduled for February 27, 2025, at the EU Court of Justice, marking the start of a five-year term.

Context

Emily O'Reilly, hailing from Ireland, began her role as the EU Ombudsman in July 2013 and was reappointed for another term in December 2019. Before her tenure, the position was held by Greece's Paraskevas Nikiforos Diamandouros from 2003 to 2013, and prior to him, by Finland's Jacob Söderman between 1995 and 2003.

The European Ombudsman, created in 1995, looks into issues of poor administration across various EU entities, including institutions, agencies, and offices. They conduct investigations either on their own accord or based on grievances filed by EU residents.

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€700,000 in EU Support for Jobless Workers in Belgium

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Members of the European Parliament have endorsed financial assistance from the EU for 632 workers who lost their jobs at machinery and paper manufacturing plants located in Limburg, a province in Flanders.

On Tuesday, the European Parliament gave the green light to Belgium's application for €704,135 in assistance from the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund for Displaced Workers (EGF). This financial support will benefit 632 former employees from the machinery and paper companies, Purmo and Sappi, located in Limburg, a province in Flanders. Members of the European Parliament highlighted that the backgrounds of these displaced workers present significant challenges in finding new employment, as one-third are aged 55 or older and 30% have limited educational qualifications.

The funding from the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund (EGF) is allocated to support services such as counseling, career guidance, job search support, and training in vocational, digital, and language skills. These initiatives have an estimated total cost of €1.2 million. The EGF will cover 60% of this cost, amounting to €700,000, while the remaining 40%, or €500,000, will be provided by the Flemish Employment and Vocational Training Service (VDAB).

The proposal supporting the aid, authored by Matjaž Nemec from the S&D party in Slovenia, received approval with 599 votes in favor, 50 votes against, and 7 abstentions.

Context

According to the EGF regulation for the years 2021 to 2027, financial assistance is provided to employees and self-employed individuals who have lost their jobs because of unforeseen large-scale restructuring events. Since its inception in 2007, the EGF has been involved in 181 instances, distributing €698 million to aid over 169,000 individuals across 20 Member States. The initiatives funded by the EGF are designed to work alongside national active labor market programs.

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Deforestation Law: Companies Granted an Extra Year for Implementation

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Businesses have been given an additional year to comply with the new EU regulation aimed at halting the sale of products derived from deforested areas within the EU.

Das Parlament hat die vorläufige Vereinbarung mit dem Rat über die Verschiebung der neuen Regeln mit 546 Ja-Stimmen, 97 Nein-Stimmen und 7 Enthaltungen gebilligt.

Ab dem 30. Dezember 2025 sind große Marktakteure und Händler verpflichtet, die Bestimmungen dieser Verordnung zu befolgen. Für Kleinst- und Kleinunternehmen gilt diese Verpflichtung ab dem 30. Juni 2026. Dieses zusätzliche Jahr soll Unternehmen weltweit unterstützen, die Vorschriften von Beginn an reibungsloser umzusetzen, ohne die Absichten des Gesetzes zu beeinträchtigen.

Staaten, Länder außerhalb der EU, Händler und Beteiligte am Markt haben ihre Sorgen geäußert, dass sie möglicherweise nicht bis zum 31. Dezember 2024 alle Regelungen vollständig umsetzen können. Daher hat die Kommission vorgeschlagen, den Beginn der Anwendung der Entwaldungsverordnung zu verschieben.

Infolge des Drucks des Parlaments hat sich die Kommission dazu verpflichtet, das Informationssystem für Betreiber und Marktteilnehmer sowie den Vorschlag zur Risikobewertung von Ländern und Regionen so rasch wie möglich, spätestens jedoch bis zum 30. Juni 2025, bereitzustellen. Eine umfassende Überprüfung der Verordnung soll spätestens bis zum 30. Juni 2028 erfolgen. Dabei wird die Kommission auch zusätzliche Schritte zur Vereinfachung und Reduzierung der bürokratischen Belastung für Unternehmen in Betracht ziehen.

Quote

After the vote, rapporteur Christine Schneider (EPP, DE) stated: "We have fulfilled our commitment. We listened to the industries facing challenges and ensured that affected businesses, foresters, farmers, and authorities receive an extra year to prepare. This time must be effectively utilized to guarantee that the measures promised in the Commission's binding declaration, including the data platform and risk classification, are consistently implemented to enhance predictability throughout the supply chain. During the review phase, an impact assessment and additional simplifications for low-risk countries or regions will be undertaken. This provides countries with an extra incentive to improve their forest protection practices."

Das Parlament plant, den Vorgang sorgfältig zu beobachten, um den bürokratischen Aufwand zu reduzieren und sicherzustellen, dass die Kommission ihren Ankündigungen auch wirklich nachkommt. Unser Ziel ist eindeutig: Weder die Interessenvertreter noch die Verbraucher sollen durch die Einführung dieser Regelung benachteiligt werden.

Upcoming Actions

In order for the one-year postponement to take effect, the agreed-upon text needs to be approved by the Council and published in the EU's Official Journal by the end of 2024.

Context

According to estimates by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), approximately 420 million hectares of forest, an area larger than the European Union, were destroyed due to deforestation from 1990 to 2020. The consumption within the EU contributes to roughly 10% of worldwide deforestation, with over two-thirds of this being linked to the production of palm oil and soy.

The EU's regulation on deforestation aims to address climate change and biodiversity loss by stopping deforestation linked to the EU's consumption of products such as beef, cocoa, coffee, palm oil, soy, wood, rubber, charcoal, and printed paper.

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Immediate Regional Assistance for Reconstruction: Parliament Approves Use of EU Funds for Natural Disaster Response

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Two newly enacted EU regulations allow for rapid funding of reconstruction efforts for natural disasters occurring after January 1, 2024.

The proposal for "Regional Immediate Relief for Reconstruction" ("RESTORE") allows EU countries to use funds from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) more flexibly for disaster recovery efforts. With this change, the ERDF can cover up to 95% of the total costs of reconstruction projects. To ensure quick liquidity for those affected, additional advance payments of up to 25% of the total amount are available. The proposal also suggests a more flexible use of the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) to finance short-time work arrangements, support access to healthcare, and meet basic needs.

The adaptability applies to disasters occurring in 2024 and 2025. It is anticipated that for 2025, the adjustments via advance payments for the 2025–2027 period will unlock funds amounting to 3 billion euros.

Reconstruction in Agriculture and Forestry

Countries within the EU that have unused funds from rural development programs have the opportunity to rapidly allocate these resources to compensate farmers, forest owners, and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in these sectors, provided that at least 30% of their production capacity has been lost. These funds are distributed as lump sums and are entirely financed by EU funds. Beneficiaries must receive the payments by the end of 2025.

Quotations

Andrzej BUŁA, the Executive Vice President from Poland and co-rapporteur for the RESTORE Regulation, emphasized the importance of this legislation for regional and local governments in areas impacted by natural disasters. He pointed out that it demonstrates the EU's ability to act swiftly and with flexibility, providing tangible assistance to European citizens. This support can now be quickly deployed.

Younous OMARJEE, a member of the Left party from France and co-rapporteur for the RESTORE regulation, stated: "Following the Parliament's strong expression of support for the victims of the unprecedented storm in Mayotte, we have passed the RESTORE law to ensure we can assist those affected by this and similar disasters in rebuilding. It's essential that we adapt our disaster relief and regional policies to the new challenges posed by climate change. RESTORE will enable us to respond swiftly and efficiently to future catastrophes."

Veronika Vrecionová, a member of the European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR) from the Czech Republic and the rapporteur for the regulation concerning the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development, stated that several countries experienced natural disasters in 2024. She emphasized the urgent need for the EU's immediate support, which is crucial for both the affected nations and their citizens. The decision made today will enable numerous member states to release unused funds more swiftly to provide the necessary assistance.

Der Entwurf der „RESTORE“-Verordnung erhielt 638 Ja-Stimmen, während 10 Abgeordnete dagegen stimmten und 5 sich der Stimme enthielten.

Der Antrag auf Förderung durch den Europäischen Landwirtschaftsfonds zur Weiterentwicklung ländlicher Gebiete wurde mit 644 Ja-Stimmen, 6 Nein-Stimmen und 3 Enthaltungen angenommen.

Upcoming Actions

Both pieces of legislation now require formal approval from the Council. They will come into effect one day after being published in the EU's Official Journal (RESTORE) and on the day of publication (ELER), respectively.

Context

The two proposals are a response to the floods and wildfires that occurred in Central, Eastern, and Southern Europe in September 2024.

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Georgian Head of State Salome Zourabichvili is set to speak to the European Parliament

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On Wednesday at 8:30 AM Central European Time, Georgia's President Salome Zourabichvili will deliver a speech to Members of the European Parliament in Strasbourg's main chamber.

Georgia has been the scene of large-scale demonstrations after authorities decided to halt the nation's efforts to join the European Union, a move prompted by the controversial parliamentary elections held in October 2024. President Salome Zourabichvili, who has been in office since 2018, condemned the election outcome—where the Georgian Dream party declared itself the winner—as rigged and illegitimate. On November 28, 2024, members of the European Parliament passed a resolution dismissing the election results and demanded that new elections be conducted within the next year.

President Zourabichvili is set to conclude her term on December 29. Recently, the Georgian parliament named Mikheil Kavelashvili as her replacement. Zourabichvili, who was born in France and previously held the position of Georgian foreign minister, also served as France's ambassador to Georgia. In the past few years, she has been a vocal opponent of the Georgian Dream party.

Her keynote address can be viewed at this link (December 18, 2024).

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Parlament würdigt Edmundo González Urrutia und María Corina Machado

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Am Dienstag überreichte Präsidentin Metsola in Straßburg den Sacharow-Preis 2024 an die Venezolaner Edmundo González Urrutia und María Corina Machado.

Während der feierlichen Zeremonie zur Vergabe des Sacharow-Preises für geistige Freiheit 2024 erklärte Roberta Metsola, die Präsidentin des Europäischen Parlaments: „Edmundo González Urrutia und María Corina Machado verteidigen unerschrocken die Werte von Gerechtigkeit, Demokratie und Rechtsstaatlichkeit, die sowohl den Millionen Venezolanern als auch dem Europäischen Parlament sehr wichtig sind. Diese Ehrung stellt nicht nur eine Anerkennung dar, sondern dient auch als Erinnerung daran, dass der Kampf für Freiheit niemals umsonst ist. Die Zukunft Venezuelas liegt in den Händen seiner Bevölkerung, und das Europäische Parlament steht fest an ihrer Seite.“

María Corina Machado, die von ihrer Tochter Ana Corina Sosa bei der Preisverleihung repräsentiert wurde, wurde im Jahr 2023 zur Kandidatin der demokratischen Opposition gewählt, die unter dem Namen „Plataforma Unitaria“ bekannt ist. Kurz darauf wurde sie jedoch vom Nationalen Wahlrat, der von der Regierung kontrolliert wird, disqualifiziert.

Edmundo González Urrutia, ein Diplomat und Politiker, übernahm die führende Rolle als Oppositionskandidat, nachdem Machado ausgeschlossen wurde. Er kritisierte die Nichtveröffentlichung der offiziellen Ergebnisse der Präsidentschaftswahlen im Juli 2024 und stellte den verkündeten Sieg von Nicolás Maduro in Frage. Im September 2024 verließ er Venezuela, nachdem ein Haftbefehl gegen ihn erlassen worden war, und fand in Spanien Zuflucht.

In seiner Ansprache an die Parlamentarier äußerte González Urrutia: „Irgendwann wird unser Land den von unseren Bürgern gewünschten Wechsel vollziehen. Die gegenwärtigen Missstände und Gewalttaten sind lediglich ein ungeschickter Versuch, das Unvermeidliche aufzuhalten.“

"Er betonte, dass eine Regierung, die sich auf Gewalt stützt, keine Stabilität besitzt, und hob hervor, dass die Menschen in Venezuela, sowohl die derzeitigen als auch die ehemaligen Unterstützer des Regimes, den Wunsch haben, in Richtung Freiheit, Demokratie und gegenseitiges Verständnis voranzukommen."

Der vom venezolanischen Präsidenten gewählte Politiker äußerte, dass der Erhalt des Sacharow-Preises seine Verpflichtung zum Dialog festige und die Solidarität der Demokraten weltweit darstelle, die „heute mehr als jemals zuvor auf Zusammenarbeit angewiesen sind.“ Abschließend betonte er: „Der Einsatz Venezuelas für Freiheit und Demokratie repräsentiert den weltweiten Kampf für diese Ideale.“

In ihrer virtuellen Ansprache betonte María Corina Machado: „Seit 25 Jahren bemühen sie sich, uns zu entzweien, zu schwächen und zu unterdrücken (…). Mit hasserfüllten Reden versuchten sie, uns gegeneinander aufzuhetzen – Menschen gegen Menschen; sie trennten uns in wohlhabend und arm, links und rechts, hellhäutig und dunkelhäutig, in diejenigen, die das Land verlassen, und diejenigen, die bleiben, und auch basierend auf unserem religiösen Glauben.“

„Sie versuchten auch, jede demokratische Institution zu zerstören, von einer unabhängigen Justiz bis hin zu Volksabstimmungen. Ein kriminelles und korruptes Regime hat die Wirtschaft lahmgelegt, eine beispiellose Hyperinflation verursacht und Millionen von Menschen in staatliche Abhängigkeit getrieben, die an politische Loyalität gebunden ist, ohne Würde und ohne Perspektive“, fügte sie hinzu.

„Doch Venezuela hat eine Antwort gegeben“, erklärte Machado, wobei sie hervorhob, dass die Präsidentschaftswahlen am 28. Juli den Startschuss für einen unwiderruflichen und echten Wandel darstellten, der sowohl die Gegenwart als auch die Grenzen Venezuelas übersteigt. „Wir sind überzeugt, dass wir erfolgreich sein werden (…). Der Triumph Venezuelas wird ein Triumph für die gesamte Menschheit sein“, sagte sie abschließend und bedankte sich beim Europäischen Parlament dafür, „dass Sie zeigen, dass wir nicht isoliert sind“.

In einer Resolution, die am 19. September 2024 vom Europäischen Parlament verabschiedet wurde, wurde Edmundo González Urrutia als rechtmäßiger und demokratisch gewählter Präsident Venezuelas anerkannt. Gleichzeitig wurde María Corina Machado als Führerin der demokratischen Kräfte im Land bestätigt. Die Parlamentarier hoben darüber hinaus hervor, dass Berichte internationaler Wahlbeobachter deutlich machten, dass die Präsidentschaftswahl in Venezuela nicht den internationalen Standards für faire Wahlen entsprach.

Im Februar 2024 forderte das Europäische Parlament die Mitgliedsländer auf, die Sanktionen gegen das Maduro-Regime beizubehalten und zu verstärken. Diese Maßnahmen sollten bestehen bleiben, bis das Regime im Einklang mit dem Abkommen von Barbados klar und dauerhaft die grundlegenden demokratischen Standards, die Rechtsstaatlichkeit und die Menschenrechte respektiert.

In einer deutlichen Stellungnahme im Juli 2023 kritisierte das Europäische Parlament entschieden die „willkürliche und verfassungswidrige“ Entscheidung, die es María Corina Machado, Leopoldo López, Henrique Capriles, Freddy Superlano und anderen Kandidaten untersagte, bei der Wahl 2024 zu kandidieren. Zudem verurteilte das Parlament die Einflussnahme des Maduro-Regimes auf den Wahlprozess.

Hier können Sie die Aufnahme der Preisverleihung ansehen.

Background

The EU's most prestigious human rights award, named after Soviet physicist and political dissident Andrei Sakharov, is the Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought.

Seit 1988 zeichnet das Parlament jedes Jahr Personen oder Organisationen aus, die sich in einem der folgenden Bereiche einsetzen: Schutz der Menschenrechte und Grundrechte, mit einem besonderen Fokus auf die Meinungsfreiheit, Wahrung der Rechte von Minderheiten, Einhaltung des internationalen Rechts, Förderung der demokratischen Entwicklung und Unterstützung des Prinzips der Rechtsstaatlichkeit.

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Over the years, politicians have been hit with a variety of unusual objects. In 2019, Nigel Farage had a milkshake hurled at him in Newcastle and again in Clacton-on-Sea earlier this year. Additionally, he was on the receiving end of an egg attack in Stoke-on-Trent back in 2017.

Monday, December 16, 2024, 12:

A female avoided imprisonment for dousing Nigel Farage with a milkshake in his constituency in Essex.

This isn't the initial incident where Mr. Farage was doused with a milkshake. In 2019, he was splashed with a salted caramel-flavored shake in Newcastle, resulting in the perpetrator footing the bill for his dry cleaning.

The leader of the Reform party joins a list of politicians who have been targeted by people throwing food, beverages, or various miscellaneous objects at them throughout history.

On June 1, 1970, Harold Wilson, who previously served as the Prime Minister for the Labour Party, was notably attacked by a young Conservative supporter who hurled an egg at his face.

In this segment, we revisit a series of other peculiar events from the past.

In 2001, someone hurled an egg at John

One of the most notable events featured John Prescott, the ex-deputy prime minister from the Labour Party, who passed away recently at 86.

On May 16, 2001, while he was on the campaign trail in Rhyl, North Wales, 29-year-old protester Craig Evans hurled an egg at him.

Mr. Prescott quickly responded by delivering what came to be known as the "Prescott punch," before security personnel intervened and separated the two.

The incident occurred on the same day that the Labour Party unveiled its election manifesto, yet the party still managed to secure a victory in the elections.

In 2004, Tony Blair was targeted with condoms filled with purple flour.

On May 19, 2004, during the Prime Minister's Questions session at the House of Commons, Tony Blair was at the dispatch box when Ron Davies, from the public gallery, threw two condoms filled with purple powder towards him. One struck Blair on the back, and the other fell close to his feet.

Guy Harrison displayed a poster advocating for visitation rights for single fathers, after which he and another individual were removed from the scene by the police.

The speaker instructed the members of parliament to exit the room; however, it was discovered that the substance was merely flour, allowing the session to resume.

Davies and Harrison, who are affiliated with the Fathers 4 Justice advocacy group, were found guilty of disturbing the peace and were ordered to pay fines of £500 and £600, respectively.

In 2009, Peter Mandelson was hit with green custard.

On March 6, 2009, as he was arriving at a low-carbon summit in London, Lord Peter Mandelson, the Labour business secretary at the time, was doused in green custard by climate activist Leila Deen.

At the age of 29, while actively opposing the construction of a third runway at Heathrow Airport, Ms. Deen informed Lord Mandelson that she was holding custard just before she tossed it at him.

Lord Mandelson urged attendees to remain calm, and his spokesperson stated that it was an issue for law enforcement, though no measures were pursued.

Lord Prescott expressed his opinions on his blog, labeling the act as "completely foolish" and "absolutely intolerable."

In 2010, an egg was hurled at David

During the 2010 general election campaign, a teenager threw an egg at former Prime Minister David Cameron.

During his visit to Saltash College in Cornwall on April 21, 16-year-old construction student Tyler Dixon threw an egg at him.

Subsequently, a Daily Mirror journalist, who was disguised as a chicken, pursued Lord Cameron for his comments. He humorously remarked, "Now I know which came first – the chicken, not the egg."

Mr. Dixon faced arrest, yet no additional criminal charges were pursued. Despite his apologies to everyone affected, he was expelled from his college.

In 2011, Rupert Murdoch was hit in the face with a pie

Despite being a media tycoon rather than a political figure, Rupert Murdoch was targeted with a foam pie during his testimony before a House of Commons committee concerning the phone-hacking scandal on July 19, 2011.

At the age of 26, Jonathan May-Bowles concealed a pie beneath an old T-shirt, which he subsequently disposed of in the restroom facilities, as was disclosed to the Westminster Magistrates Court.

During Mr. Murdoch's testimony, he appeared to doze off, but as the chairman announced the conclusion of the session, he rose from his chair and threw a pie at the face of the 80-year-old man.

Mr. Murdoch's spouse, Wendi Deng, quickly came to his aid, shoving the assailant away and hurling the plate at him while he was escorted out by security personnel.

He received a six-week prison sentence and was ordered to pay £265 in legal fees.

Ed Miliband hit by an egg,

Labour chief Ed Miliband took a lighthearted approach when someone hurled an egg at him during his public outing in south London on August 14, 2013.

During a visit to East Street Market in Walworth, Mr. Miliband was engaging with the public when Dean Porter, who was 38 at the time, hit him with an egg, staining his jacket.

After the event, Mr. Miliband quipped, "I'm constantly searching for fresh methods to engage with the electorate."

Mr. Porter, who sustained a lip injury during the event, claimed he was homeless and criticized the Labour leader for being "part of the problem… not adequately representing the poor."

He also mentioned that he would cast his vote for Mr. Miliband’s brother, David, in the Labour leadership race.

In 2017, an egg was hurled at Nigel

Nigel Farage has been targeted with milkshakes on two occasions, and he also endured being pelted with an egg in Stoke-on-Trent on February 6, 2017.

He visited the city alongside his UKIP associate Paul Nuttall during his campaign for the Stoke-on-Trent Central by-election.

An unidentified young person hurled an egg at him, yet it struck and burst on his UKIP-emblazoned umbrella.

On the same day that his former spouse disclosed to the media that they had been leading separate lives for a long time and were no longer a couple.

Mr. Farage was unsuccessful in securing a victory in that month's by-election.

First Incident of Farage Being Hit by a Milkshake,

Nigel Farage experienced his initial milkshake assault on May 20, 2019, while campaigning for the European elections in Newcastle.

32-year-old Paul Crowther hurled a £5.25 banana and salted caramel milkshake from Five Guys at Nigel Farage, staining his suit and ruining a microphone clipped to it.

He admitted to charges of common assault and criminal damage, and the court required him to compensate Mr. Farage with £350 and perform 150 hours of community service.

Crowther commented following the event, stating: "Protesting individuals like him is a fundamental right. The hatred and racism he promotes in this country are significantly more harmful than merely splashing some milkshake on him."

In 2023, Sir Keir Starmer was showered with glitter.

During the Labour Party's annual gathering in Brighton last year, a protester disrupted Sir Keir Starmer's address by tossing glitter at him.

On October 10, 2023, 28-year-old Yaz Ashmawi made a striking appearance on stage in Brighton, clad in a T-shirt that proclaimed "People Demand Democracy."

Sir Keir succeeded in blocking Mr. Ashmawi from accessing the microphone by using his arm, until security personnel intervened and escorted him away.

He subsequently referred to him as a "fool" and expressed concern that the situation "might have escalated significantly."

Mr. Ashmawi was taken into custody for disturbing the peace and expressed regret, stating that he had no intention of making the Labour leader feel threatened.

Sir Keir contributed his jacket, adorned with glitter, to the Jo Cox Foundation, which then sold it at auction for £2,700.

Milkshake Incident Involving Farage, Redux 2024

Nigel Farage experienced his second encounter with a milkshake on June 4 this year.

25-year-old Victoria Thomas Bowen hurled a beverage at the 60-year-old leader of Reform UK right outside a Wetherspoon pub in Clacton-on-Sea, shortly after he declared his candidacy for MP in that area.

Bowen, a resident of Clacton-on-Sea, informed law enforcement that her actions were motivated by a disagreement with his political opinions and that she seized the moment when she noticed him exiting the bar.

Mr. Farage secured a victory in the Clacton constituency, capturing 46% of the votes, thereby wresting control from the Conservatives and earning his inaugural term as a Member of Parliament.

OnlyFans content creator Bowen received a suspended sentence of 13 weeks, to be suspended over a period of 12 months

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Over the years, politicians have been hit with various unusual objects. In 2019, Nigel Farage had a milkshake tossed at him in Newcastle, and he experienced a similar incident in Clacton-on-Sea earlier this year. Additionally, he was pelted with an egg in Stoke-on-Trent back in 2017.

Monday, December 16, 2024, 12:

A woman has escaped prison time after she splashed a milkshake on Nigel Farage during a visit to his constituency in Essex.

This isn't the first instance where Mr. Farage was doused with a milkshake. Back in 2019, an individual was required to cover the cost of his dry cleaning following an incident where a salted caramel milkshake was hurled at him in Newcastle.

The leader of the Reform party is among several politicians who have been targeted with thrown food, beverages, or various objects throughout the years.

On June 1, 1970, Harold Wilson, who previously served as Prime Minister for the Labour Party, was notably targeted when a young Conservative supporter hurled an egg at him.

We revisit several other unique events from the past.

In 2001, someone threw an egg at John Prescott

In a widely known episode, the recently deceased John Prescott, who served as Labour's deputy prime minister, passed away at the age of 86.

On May 16, 2001, while on a campaign stop in Rhyl, North Wales, he was targeted by 29-year-old protester Craig Evans, who hurled an egg at him.

Mr. Prescott quickly responded by delivering a blow that would later be dubbed the "Prescott punch," after which security personnel intervened to separate the two.

The incident occurred on the same day that the Labour Party unveiled its manifesto for the election, yet the party still managed to secure a victory at the polls.

In 2004, Tony Blair was targeted with condoms filled with purple flour.

On 19 May 2004, during Prime Minister’s Questions at the House of Commons, Tony Blair was at the dispatch box when Ron Davies threw two condoms filled with purple powder from the public gallery. One struck the prime minister on his back and another fell close to his feet.

Guy Harrison displayed a poster advocating for visitation rights for single fathers, after which he and another individual were removed from the premises by law enforcement officers.

The presiding officer instructed the members of parliament to exit the room; however, it was determined that the substance was merely flour, allowing the session to resume.

Davies and Harrison, affiliated with the Fathers 4 Justice advocacy group, were found guilty of breaches related to public order and were penalized with fines of £500 and £600, respectively.

In 2009, Peter Mandelson was splattered with green custard

Environmental activist Leila Deen splashed green custard on Lord Peter Mandelson, the Labour business secretary at the time, as he was attending a low-carbon summit in London on March 6, 2009.

At the age of 29, while actively participating in protests against the proposed third runway at Heathrow Airport, Ms. Deen informed Lord Mandelson that she was holding custard just before she hurled it at him.

Lord Mandelson advised the audience to remain calm, and his spokesperson mentioned that it was an issue for law enforcement, though no measures were pursued.

Lord Prescott expressed his opinions on his blog, labeling the incident as "completely foolish" and "absolutely unacceptable."

In 2010, someone threw an egg at David Cameron

During the 2010 general election campaign, a teenager threw an egg at former Prime Minister David Cameron.

During a visit to Saltash College in Cornwall on April 21, 16-year-old construction student Tyler Dixon threw an egg at him.

Later, when pursued for a comment by a Daily Mirror journalist in a chicken costume, Lord Cameron quipped, "Now I understand which came first – the chicken, not the egg."

Mr. Dixon faced arrest, yet subsequent criminal proceedings were not pursued. Despite his apologies to everyone affected, he was compelled to depart from his college.

In 2011, Rupert Murdoch was hit in the face with a pie

While testifying before a House of Commons committee about the phone-hacking scandal on 19 July 2011, media tycoon Rupert Murdoch, who is not a politician, was hit in the face with a foam pie.

At Westminster Magistrates Court, it was revealed that 26-year-old Jonathan May-Bowles concealed a pie under an old T-shirt, which he then disposed of in the restroom facilities.

He appeared to doze off while Mr. Murdoch was testifying, but as the committee chairman announced the conclusion of the session, he rose from his chair and threw the pie at the face of the 80-year-old.

Wendi Deng, the wife of Mr. Murdoch, quickly came to his aid by pushing the assailant away and hurling a plate at him as security escorted him out.

He was sentenced to six weeks in prison and ordered to pay £265 in legal fees.

Ed Miliband hit by an egg,

Labour party chief Ed Miliband took a humorous approach when someone hurled an egg at him while he was on a public outing in south London on August 14, 2013.

While engaging with constituents at East Street Market in Walworth, Mr. Miliband had an egg thrown at him by 38-year-old Dean Porter, which stained his jacket.

Mr. Miliband humorously remarked later, "I'm constantly searching for fresh methods to engage with the electorate."

Mr. Porter, who sustained a cut on his lip during the event, stated that he was homeless and believed the Labour leader was contributing to the issue by not adequately representing the impoverished.

He also mentioned that he would cast his vote for Mr. Miliband's brother, David, in the Labour leadership race.

In 2017, Nigel Farage was hit by a thrown

Nigel Farage has been targeted with milkshakes twice, and he also endured an egg-throwing incident in Stoke-on-Trent on February 6, 2017.

He visited the city alongside his UKIP associate Paul Nuttall during his electoral campaign for the Stoke-on-Trent Central by-election.

An unidentified young person hurled an egg, which instead of hitting him, burst upon his UKIP-emblazoned umbrella.

On the very day his former spouse disclosed to the media that they had been leading separate lives for an extended period and were no longer a couple.

Mr. Farage was unsuccessful in securing victory in that month's by-election.

Initial milkshake incident involving Farage, 2019

Nigel Farage experienced his initial milkshake incident on May 20, 2019, while campaigning for the European elections in Newcastle.

32-year-old Paul Crowther splashed a £5.25 Five Guys banana and salted caramel milkshake on Nigel Farage, staining his suit and ruining a microphone that was attached.

He admitted to charges of common assault and criminal damage, receiving a sentence that included a £350 compensation payment to Mr. Farage and 150 hours of community service.

Crowther commented following the event, stating, "Protesting against individuals such as him is a justified action. The hatred and racism he propagates in this nation are significantly more harmful than merely splashing his front with a little milkshake."

Sparkles scattered on Sir Keir Starmer, 2023

During the previous Labour Party conference held in Brighton, a protester disrupted Sir Keir Starmer's address by throwing glitter at him.

On October 10, 2023, 28-year-old Yaz Ashmawi made a striking appearance on stage in Brighton, donned in a T-shirt emblazoned with the slogan "People Demand Democracy."

Sir Keir successfully prevented Mr. Ashmawi from accessing the microphone by using his arm to block him until security personnel intervened and escorted him away.

He subsequently referred to him as a "fool" and expressed concern that the situation "might have escalated significantly."

Mr. Ashmawi was taken into custody for disturbing the peace and expressed regret, stating he had no intention of making the Labour leader feel threatened.

Sir Keir contributed his jacket, adorned with glitter, to the Jo Cox Foundation, where it was sold at auction for £2,700.

Milkshake Incident Involving Farage, Redux 2024

Nigel Farage experienced another milkshake incident on June 4th of this year.

25-year-old Victoria Thomas Bowen splashed her beverage on the 60-year-old leader of Reform UK right outside a Wetherspoon bar in Clacton-on-Sea, shortly after he declared his candidacy for MP in that area.

Bowen, a resident of Clacton-on-Sea, informed authorities that her actions were motivated by her disagreement with his political opinions and that she seized the moment when she spotted him exiting the bar.

Mr. Farage secured a victory in Clacton, capturing 46% of the votes and ousting the Conservatives to become a Member of Parliament for the first time.

OnlyFans model Bowen has received a 13-week prison sentence, which has been suspended for a period of 12 months

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Sir Keir Starmer is set to unveil a new sustainable energy agreement with Norway aimed at shielding from the unpredictability of leaders such as Putin. Sir Keir mentioned that this alliance with Norway would contribute to economic expansion and safeguard against fluctuations in global energy costs, similar to those experienced during President Vladimir Putin's invasion of Ukraine.

By Mickey Carroll, covering science and technology

Monday, December 16, 2024, at 1

The prime minister is traveling to Norway to initiate a new environmentally friendly energy agreement, followed by participation in a security conference in Estonia.

Today, Sir Keir Starmer is set to visit a carbon capture and storage facility and hold discussions with his Norwegian counterpart, Jonas Gahr Store, regarding the newly established Green Industrial Partnership.

Number 10 announced that both leaders plan to finalize the agreement by spring 2025.

Discover more: Significant overhaul of the UK's energy infrastructure may permanently reduce costs

Sir Keir stated that the energy collaboration with Norway, a nation that shares a border with Russia, would enhance economic growth and provide a safeguard against fluctuations in global energy prices, similar to the surges experienced during President Vladimir Putin's invasion of Ukraine.

"He emphasized that it would capitalize on the UK's distinct capacity to lead globally in carbon capture technology, spanning from the North Sea to the southern coasts, revitalizing our industrial strongholds, and fulfilling our agenda for transformation," he stated.

"Our collaboration with Norway will enhance the UK's energy stability, safeguarding us from future exposure to global energy price surges and the caprices of autocrats such as Putin."

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The news follows shortly after the Labour party secured the inaugural agreements for carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) in the United Kingdom.

Discover further: Labour commits to its ambitious net zero strategy despite risks

Some view carbon capture as a method to combat climate change by extracting carbon from the atmosphere and securely sequestering it.

Critics contend that it permits major polluters to continue their harmful practices and that it would be far more effective to cut emissions from the outset.

Europe's inaugural significant floating wind farm project, located off Scotland's northeast coast, has recently awarded new contracts to advance its development.

The facility, a collaborative effort between Norway's Vargronn and the British company Flotation Energy, is expected to supply electricity to roughly one million households starting in 2028.

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Mr. Gahr Store stated, "To be well-prepared for what lies ahead, we must embrace cooperation, knowledge, and innovation."

"The collaboration between the UK and Norway will play a crucial role in promoting the creation of green jobs in both nations, while also furthering the progress of the green transition."

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The prime minister is set to embark on a rapid journey through Norway and Estonia, where he will meet with leaders from the Netherlands, Latvia, Sweden, Denmark, Iceland, Finland, and Lithuania to talk about security issues.

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In London, UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy and Defence Secretary John Healey are set to hold discussions with their Australian counterparts about common security issues.

They plan to talk about collaborating on matters concerning Ukraine, the Middle East, and the Indo-Pacific region.

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Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer stands by his strategy of interacting with the Chinese leadership under Xi Jinping, despite acknowledging worries over the revelation that an accused spy had established connections within core UK governmental circles.

Political correspondent @fayebrownSky

Monday, December 16, 2024, 12:

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Sir Keir Starmer expressed his worries regarding the threat China represents, in his initial remarks concerning a purported spy connected to Prince Andrew who has been denied entry into the UK.

Addressing the media in Norway, the prime minister stated that he was unable to discuss whether there had been any conversations with Buckingham Palace regarding the matter.

He mentioned that it's a well-established tradition in the UK for discussions between Downing Street and the Royal Family to remain private.

Politics Update: Will 'H6' Be Mentioned in the House of Commons?

He expressed concern over the challenges posed by China, while advocating for a pragmatic approach in dealing with Beijing.

Sir Keir stated: "Our strategy involves engaging and collaborating on essential matters such as climate change, confronting issues where necessary, especially concerning human rights, and competing in areas like trade."

The accused intelligence agent, referred to solely as H6, was characterized in legal proceedings as establishing a notably strong trust with the Duke of York. Recently, a judge confirmed a decision to bar him from entering the UK.

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Sky News has obtained images showing the individual alongside former Prime Ministers David Cameron and Theresa May, though a legal injunction prohibits revealing his identity.

Determining the identity of the individual is a responsibility for the judiciary, stated government minister Jim McMahon on Monday, in response to Reform UK's warnings that they might publicly disclose the man's name in the House of Commons under parliamentary privilege.

This permits parliamentarians to express themselves openly in legislative sessions without worry of facing legal consequences.

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Mr. McMahon, who serves as a minister for local government, emphasized the need for careful use of the mechanism during his interview with Sky News, stating, "The decision to invoke parliamentary privilege really comes down to personal judgment."

Ultimately, they must explain the reasons behind their actions.

He mentioned that although he is unaware of the supposed agent's identity, he believes "that all cabinet members, based on their level of security clearance, would be privy to that information."

"Regarding the individual's identity…that decision is up to the judicial system. They will determine if the identity will be disclosed," he stated.

H6 'just the beginning'

Members of Parliament are seeking further details about the person in question, with ex-Conservative leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith planning to pose an Urgent Question in Parliament on Monday concerning the United Front Work Department – the organization allegedly linked to H6.

If Speaker of the House of Commons Sir Lindsay Hoyle allows it, the soonest it could happen today is at 3:30 PM.

Sir Iain has issued a caution, stating that there are "numerous" others similar to H6 within the UK.

He informed BBC Radio 4's Today show, "We are only addressing a small portion of the problem."

"The truth is, there's a significant number of individuals engaged in this type of espionage. For us, the situation is straightforward – China poses a substantial threat."

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Tom Tugendhat, the ex-security minister for the Conservatives, reiterated those concerns during an interview with Sky News, stating that there is a "pattern" of efforts aimed at altering or influencing UK policies, as well as attempts to misappropriate economic secrets and intellectual property.

He condemned Sir Keir for holding a summit with China's leader Xi Jinping and criticized Chancellor Rachel Reeves for scheduling meetings in China next year, arguing that strengthening relations is not suitable.

Mr. Tugendhat urged the Labour Party to uphold the foreign influence registration initiative, originally set up by the Conservatives, although it has not yet been put into action.

The plan calls for individuals who advocate on behalf of foreign nations to formally register their activities.

Sir Keir informed journalists in Norway that he has been "addressing the issue since his first day in office" and that "an update will be provided soon."

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The suspected operative was initially barred from entering the UK by the Home Secretary at the time, Suella Braverman, in 2023. The Home Office stated that he was suspected of engaging in "secretive and misleading actions" on behalf of the Chinese Communist Party.

On Thursday, a specialized court in London determined that Ms. Braverman was justified in her decision that he posed a national security threat, following his challenge to her ruling.

Discover further details on Sky News: Starmer to unveil fresh sustainable energy agreement

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In 2020, H6 received an invitation to Prince Andrew's birthday celebration and was informed by royal aide Dominic Hampshire that he was authorized to represent the duke in discussions with prospective investors in China, a tribunal was informed in July of this year.

A court determined that the royal exhibited a "remarkable" level of confidence in the Chinese entrepreneur.

On Friday, the duke stated that he had "ended all communication" with the businessman following warnings from the government.

The Chinese diplomatic mission in London has refuted claims that H6 is involved in espionage and criticized certain individuals in the UK for eagerly fabricating various 'spy' narratives against China. They argue this is an attempt to tarnish China's reputation and disrupt the regular interpersonal exchanges between China and the UK.

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