The armed forces have acted swiftly and skilfully in undertaking a rescue operation to evacuate UK diplomatic staff and their families from Sudan. But British nationals in the capital, Khartoum, say they feel “abandoned”, after being advised by the Government to remain indoors and await further information.
Ministers are therefore under growing pressure today to extricate citizens, as is being done by other European nations. One German air force plane has already evacuated 101 people from Sudan, according to a military source.
One estimate for the number of UK citizens trapped amid the fighting is 4,000. After the lessons of the chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan, the Government must make every effort to rescue them.
The situation on the ground in Khartoum is bleak. More than 400 people have been killed since fighting broke out between Sudan’s army and the Rapid Support Forces, a paramilitary group. Sudanese civilians are terrified, while medical and food supplies are running low.
An immediate ceasefire in Sudan is imperative and the UK and its allies need to intensify diplomatic efforts and use every channel to this end. Without this, many more innocent people are likely to lose their lives as the country threatens to slide into civil war.
Khan needs a rival
If the Conservatives are serious about winning back London, there is a fine place to start: picking a mayoral candidate. Little more than a year out from the election, in which Sadiq Khan hopes to win a third term, the Tories still have no flagbearer to rally around.
The party say they are now ready to fast-track the selection process. Better late than never. All Londoners, not only Tory supporters and political watchers, should care. Because the capital needs a strong, capable and charismatic Conservative candidate, both to provide real competition for Khan and to demonstrate that the party is serious about competing to run London.
London has weathered many challenges in the past few years and its continuing success is vital to the country as a whole so we need both parties to stay interested and increase their offer. Competitive elections are the best way of achieving that.
Jodie rocks Broadway
A triumph. Killing Eve star Jodie Comer’s Broadway debut, where she has taken Prima Facie, has been hailed by critics after its opening night.
It is all the more remarkable given that Comer, who was named Best Actress for her performance in the one-woman show at last year’s Evening Standard Theatre Awards, had only made a single professional appearance on stage before taking on the role.
If you missed Comer in London, it looks very much worthwhile making the trip to see her in New York.
