Current Affairs - International

David Lammy, who was serving as the UK’s Foreign Secretary, has been appointed as the Deputy Prime Minister following Angela Rayner’s resignation due to a tax scandal involving underpaid stamp duty. Rayner stepped down from both her Deputy PM role and position as Labour’s deputy leader, creating a significant shift within the party’s leadership structure. In the subsequent reshuffle led by Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Yvette Cooper was moved to the role of Foreign Secretary, while Shabana Mahmood became the new Home Secretary. Lammy’s elevation reflects his rising influence within the government and the Labour Party.

David Lammy, previously serving as the UK Foreign Secretary, was appointed Deputy Prime Minister, Justice Secretary, and Lord Chancellor on 5 September 2025. His elevation came after Angela Rayner resigned amid a tax scandal, triggering a major cabinet reshuffle led by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer. Lammy’s appointment was seen as a strategic move to stabilise the Labour leadership during a politically turbulent period, with the government facing a £40 billion budget shortfall and upcoming economic challenges. By placing trusted allies like Lammy in key roles, Starmer aimed to reinforce authority and navigate internal party dynamics effectively.

A total of 26 nations pledged postwar security guarantees for Ukraine at the Paris summit on September 4, 2025, announced by French President Emmanuel Macron. This collective commitment includes land, sea, and air support options to protect Ukraine after the ongoing war with Russia ends. The coalition, informally called the “coalition of the willing,” seeks to deter renewed Russian aggression, reinforce Ukraine’s sovereignty, and prepare a long-term security framework. While some countries may directly deploy troops, others plan to contribute through training, equipping, or financing. This united stance underscores Europe’s determination to secure stability and prevent future conflicts.

Anutin Charnvirakul, leader of the Bhumjaithai Party, was elected as Thailand’s new Prime Minister on September 5, 2025, securing 63% of the parliamentary vote. His victory marked a major shift in Thai politics, ending the long-standing dominance of the Pheu Thai Party and signaling the decline of the Shinawatra family’s influence. Known for his role in managing Thailand’s COVID-19 response and for spearheading the decriminalization of cannabis, Anutin is considered a pragmatic dealmaker. His success was also due to a strategic pact with the People’s Party, which supported him in exchange for promises of constitutional reform and fresh elections.

Singapore has endorsed India’s initiative to patrol the Malacca Strait, a critical maritime chokepoint connecting the Indian Ocean and the South China Sea. This strategic move enhances regional maritime security, counters concerns over Chinese naval activity, and strengthens India’s Act East and Indo-Pacific strategies. The agreement was announced during Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong’s visit to India on September 4, 2025, alongside signing five new pacts covering green energy, technology, and defence cooperation. Singapore’s support reflects the deepening bilateral partnership and commitment to safeguarding one of the world’s busiest sea lanes, which handles over 60% of global maritime trade.