Donaldson renounces knighthood & aid cuts hit Africa
Former DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson is forfeiting his royal honors following his conviction, while global aid cuts are causing food shortages in Africa's largest refugee camps. In Northern Ireland, civil servants have been restricted from marching as an official group in Belfast Pride, though local festivities continue in Derry.
Jeffrey Donaldson has moved to renounce his knighthood and his membership of the Privy Council, an advisory board to King Charles. The move follows his conviction for sexual offenses. Donaldson was the long-time leader of the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP), the largest party in Northern Ireland advocating for continued union with the United Kingdom.
For members of the African migrant community, global aid funding has fallen by €13 billion, leading to severe shortages in major refugee camps. Residents report that food supplies are now only lasting half a month, making it difficult to sustain families and those awaiting status or return.
In Belfast, Pride organizers expressed disappointment after the Northern Ireland Civil Service (NICS) withdrew permission for staff to march as an official block. While government employees may still participate individually, they will not have a formal departmental presence in the parade this year. This comes as the Foyle Maritime Festival continues in Derry, offering artisan markets, live music, and family activities through the weekend.
Finally, a "savage" heatwave across Western Europe has prompted safety warnings after a three-year-old boy died in a hot car in 44-degree weather. In Paris, authorities have banned public drinking starting tomorrow to manage the conditions. While Ireland is not experiencing these extremes, UN experts say climate change is now pushing temperatures above 35 degrees for over 100 million people across the continent.
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