Photo : Associated Press
13 August 2024, Tuesday | NIAS Europe Daily Brief #910
By Advik S Mohan and Samruddhi Pathak
INTERNATIONAL
The UK, France and Germany call for ceasefire in the Middle East
On 12 August, the leaders of the UK, France and Germany issued a joint statement calling for immediate ceasefire in Gaza, release of Israeli hostages and prevention of escalation. The statement is particularly directed towards Iran and its allies, Hezbollah and Houthis, to stop the war. The joint statement came after an Israeli airstrike killed more than 90 people sheltering under a school. They also said that whoever escalates the conflict will have to take the responsibility of jeopardising the situation in the region. Olaf Scholz, the Chancellor of the Federation of Germany, called Masoud Pezeshkian, Iran’s President, separately to appeal to prevent any further escalation and said that anything except ceasefire “will pose an incalculable risk to countries and people in the region.” The joint statement praised the mediators, Qatar, the US and Egypt, who have been working towards diplomatic solutions between Israel and Hamas. The US President, Joe Biden, had also laid out a plan for releasing of Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners to rebuild Gaza. (“Middle East: Germany, France, UK demand 'urgent' cease-fire,” Deutsche Welle, 12 August 2024)
THE EU
47,000 people lost lives due to heatwave in Europe
On 12 August, Barcelona Institute for Global Health published a report that said around 47,000 people in Europe died due to excessive heat in Europe in 2023. Southern Europe recorded the highest mortality rate as it is more vulnerable to heat waves. Greece recorded 393 deaths due to excess heat per million inhabitants, Bulgaria recorded 229, Italy and Spain recorded 209 and 175, respectively. Germany recorded 76 deaths, reflecting the vulnerability of Mediterranean countries. Older people are more affected by the heat wave. Also, climate change impact also seems gendered as the mortality rate of women is significantly higher than men. The report suggested that these problems can be prevented through better healthcare facilities and early warnings. It also said that people are developing adaptability towards heat too, due to which mortality rates are not as high. (“Heat caused nearly 50,000 deaths in Europe last year: study,” Deutsche Welle, 12 August 2024)
GERMANY
Develops AI tool of decipher colonial era documents
On 12 August, Deutsche Welle wrote about a new AI tool developed by German Federal Archives that can decode handwritten texts of the pre World War era. Most colonial era documents were written in Kurrent, a cursive form of writing which was banned by the Nazi party. It is not in practice anymore which is why it is difficult to understand archived material in German. Claudia Roth, German Commissioner for Culture and Media, said that the technology will strengthen knowledge of the dark chapter in German history i.e., colonialism. Colonial crimes of Germany still remain in a blind spot. Though Germany’s colonial period was short and overshadowed by the UK and France, it is responsible for the Herero and Nama genocide. Only in 2021, Germany officially admitted to have committed a genocide in present-day Namibia. Although the AI tool is a pilot project, it has been trained to decipher Kurrent. Also, like ChatGPT and other AI models, it will hone its skills to translate with time. This reflects a major impact of AI on history. (“AI meets colonialism: Germany develops new research tool,” Deutsche Welle, 12 August 2024)
THE UK
Anti-racism rallies held in response to out break of racist violence
On 10 August, anti-racism rallies were held across the UK. The rallies in different parts of the country, including London, Birmingham, Belfast, Cardiff, Glasgow were a response to racial violence. This follows the Southport murders which saw the looting of shops and attacks on hotels with asylum seekers. The riots were incited by misinformation that the Southport attacker was a Muslim asylum seeker, and the rallies were meant to show a unified response to the violence. A rally in Belfast saw protestors waving signs saying ‘Ulster says no to racism.’ Fiona Doran, chairperson of campaign group United Against Racism struck a note of defiance said: “These are our streets and we will not concede them to the racist forces who want to divide us.” A rally in London began at the headquarters of Nigel Farage, Reform UK leader who has called for a reduction in immigration to the UK. Anti-racism protests were also held in Newcastle and different cities and towns across Scotland. Simultaneously, police officers have been going after individuals accused of inciting violence online, with arrests followed by sentencing. The police have also placed dispersal orders and garnered stop and search powers in order to ensure violence does not occur again. (Mallory Moench, “Thousands of anti-racism protestors rally across UK,’’ BBC, 11 August 2024)
Keir Starmer cancels holiday to respond to riots
On 10 August, Keir Starmer, UK Prime Minister cancelled a planned holiday to focus on his government’s response to the riots, according to a Downing Street source. The police force remained vigilant to deal with any fresh outbreak of violence, and continued the process of arresting rioters. At least two people have been jailed for inciting racial hatred on social media, and specialist officers have been ordered to pursue online offenders. (“ UK’s Starmer scraps holiday to focus on response to riots,’’ Reuters, 11 August 2024)
Northern Ireland leaders call out racist violence in province
On 11 August, Michelle O’Neill, First Minister of Northern Ireland and Emma Little-Pengelly, Deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland issued a joint statement condemning racially motivated violence in the province. A mosque in Newtontards town was attacked by a petrol bomb and sprayed with grafitti, and cars were set on fire in Belfast city. In response to these attacks, O’Neill and Little-Pengelly issued their condemnation, saying “They are disgraceful manifestations of criminality and have absolutely no justification.” The leaders also hoped that those responsible would be brought forth before the courts. Alistair Cathcart, Mayor of Ards and North Down Borough Council said, “There is no justification for racism, violence and condemnation in our communities and like others I would call for it to stop.” Defying the racial violence, about 15,000 people marched in an anti-racism rally in Belfast, hours after the mosque attack.( Charlie Moloney, “Northern Irish first minister condemns mosque attack and other violence,” The Guardian, 11 August 2024)
Poll shows support for tax on fast food companies
On 11 August, an article published in The Guardian spoke about a survey discovering that the majority of people want taxes imposed on companies making junk food or ultra-processed food. The survey done by Ipsos, a market research firm for the Health Foundation thinktank showed that 58 per cent of the respondents supported a tax on companies producing food high in salt or sugar, with the revenue to be used for buying fresh fruits and vegetables for poor families. A smaller number (53 per cent) wanted to tax companies involved in producing ultra-processed food like ham or biscuits, with the revenue utilized to help low-income households eat better. 19 per cent of the sample of 2136 adults were opposed to a tax on junk food producers and 20 per cent did not know. On the other hand, 24 per cent did not favour taxing ultra-processed food producers, while 21 per cent did not know. Adam Briggs, Senior Policy Fellow at the Health Foundation said that the public support for taxes on producers should drive on the government to take substantial action towards combating the obesity epidemic. According to Briggs, the Labour government’s manifesto promises such as banning junk food advertising for children on television before 9 pm were not enough to tackle a problem costing the UK an estimated 98 billion pounds per year. Briggs advocated for a sugar-tax on confectionary, cakes and biscuits, sugary breakfast cereals and pizzas, among other food items. However, Chris Van Tulleken, Associate Professor at University College London and author of the book Ultra Processed People said that regulating individual products would be the best move, since the companies making the food privatize the benefits and externalize the costs. The Food and Drink Federation also rejected the notion of greater taxes, instead advocating for the government to support producers in making healthier products through adding fibres and vegetables and removing sugar, salt and calories. (Denis Campbell, “Majority in UK want new tax on makers of ultra-processed and junk food,” The Guardian, 11 August 2024)
UK Ministers prepare for spending decisions
On 11 August, The Guardian reported on His Majesty’s Treasury or The Exchequer ordering Cabinet Ministers to find methods to save cash and fund reforms. Rachel Reeves, Chancellor of the Exchequer is planning to raise taxes, and is planned to have a balanced budget by slashing fund and error from the welfare system, and cutting down on government consultancy contracts. However, this would not be enough to increase governmental revenue, and more reforms are needed. Darren Jones, Chief Secretary to the Treasury wrote to cabinet ministers, warning that funding would only be given to priority subjects like reducing NHS waiting lists, improving border security, cracking down on antisocial behaviour and recruitment of teachers. The article further states that all requests for spending will be obliged based on whether they are in line with the priorities of the UK government. A source from Whitehall, the site of the British government offices claimed that the Labour government had to take these difficult decisions owing to the precarious state the previous Conservative government left the country’s finances in. ( Michael Savage, “UK ministers warned to prepare for tough decisions on spendings,” The Guardian, 11 August 2024)
Two migrants dead in an English Channel crossing attempt
On 11 August, two migrants attempting to cross the English Channel died on a small boat in a tragic incident. According to a French maritime official, about 53 migrants were rescued in the incident which occurred offshore between Calais and Dunkirk. Jacques Billant, Prefect of Pas-de-Calais said that authorities had begun the rescue operation when a vessel fell into difficulty. The Gris-Nez Regional Operational Surveillance and Rescue Centre (CROSS) had located the boat, and a British Coast Guard vessel helped French vessels pick up the boat. The French authorities confirmed that 53 of the 55 migrants were brought back safely to Calais, while two of them passed away. A UK government spokesperson confirmed the incident, saying “it underlines the terrible dangers of small boat crossings.” According to French officials, 25 migrants have died this year while trying to cross the world’s busiest shipping lane. (Paul Pradier and Simon Jones, “Two migrants die trying to cross English Channel,” BBC, 11 August 2024)
UK faces thunderstorms and extreme heat
On 11 August, the UK Meteorological Office issued warnings of a yellow thunderstorm affecting the northern parts of the country into Monday morning, while the south would be witness to extreme heat. Tropical Storm Debby across the Atlantic Ocean has brought heavy rain and pushed warm air to higher latitudes, leading to thunderstorms being expected across Northern Ireland, northern England and Scotland. Monday is expected to be the hottest day of the year, exceeding the 32 degrees Celsius recorded at the end of July. Southern England and the Midlands could cross 30 degrees Celsius, while the northern and western parts of the UK will witness cooler weather until Monday evening. The weather forecast goes on to predict that Tuesday will be another warm day for southern England, with temperatures up to 28 degrees Celsius. However, temperatures are expected to become cooler next week, with the hot weather pushed east. The forecast also notes the increasing prevalence of these heat spikes during summer over the years. (Darren Bett, “Thunderstorm warnings as UK set for ‘heat spike’,” BBC, 11 August 2024)