Pressure mounts on Starmer to resign as British PM

The Global News Podcast from the BBC World Service delivers a comprehensive update on global developments, beginning with a dramatic political crisis in the UK as Prime Minister Keir Starmer faces mounting pressure to resign following a disastrous performance in local elections. Dozens of Labour MPs, including cabinet members, have publicly called for his departure, citing a tone-deaf response speech and a growing sense that voters feel betrayed by unfulfilled promises of change. Political correspondent Rob Watson highlights the fragility of Starmer's position, with a split in the cabinet and a potential decision at the upcoming cabinet meeting that could mark the end of his premiership. The episode also covers escalating tensions in the Middle East, where President Trump has declared the ceasefire with Iran to be 'on life support,' while Iran insists its peace proposals are reasonable and its military remains ready to respond. Meanwhile, scientists warn that rerouting of ships around South Africa to avoid conflict zones is endangering whale populations due to increased collision risks. In Sudan, a year after the military recaptured Khartoum from the RSF, the city remains in ruins, but signs of recovery are emerging as people return, rebuild, and confront the trauma of war, especially for women. The podcast concludes with lighter cultural segments, including the upcoming adaptation of Wordle into a TV game show and the Cannes Film Festival, which is missing major Hollywood blockbusters but spotlighting strong international art-house cinema.