KING CHARLES made an appeal for unity in "uncertain times", as the 76-year-old monarch emerges as a key figure in the UK's diplomatic drive over Ukraine.
Britain and European countries have been scrambling to present a united front following US president Donald Trump's sudden withdrawal of support for Ukraine three years into Russia's invasion.
By tradition, the UK head of state's role is politically neutral. But in recent days, Charles has hosted Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky at his private estate and invited Trump for an historic second state visit.
On Monday (10), Charles will deliver a message for Commonwealth Day, which celebrates the 56-nation club of mostly former British colonies.
According to extracts published late on Saturday (8), Charles -- who heads the Commonwealth -- said nations' differences should be a "source of strength".
"In these uncertain times, where it is all too easy to believe that our differences are problems instead of a source of strength and an opportunity for learning, the Commonwealth's remarkable collection of nations and peoples come together in the spirit of support and, crucially, friendship."
"The Commonwealth’s ability to bring together people from all over the world has stood the test of time and remains as ever-important today."
Earlier on Saturday, prime minister Keir Starmer said that Australia's prime minister Anthony Albanese was considering joining a group of countries prepared to protect an eventual ceasefire in the Russia-Ukraine war.
British officials have held talks with around 20 countries interested in being part of the so-called "coalition of the willing," a UK official said.
The official refused to name the nations but said they were "largely European and Commonwealth partners".
Starmer now seeks to smooth tensions between the US, Europe and Ukraine, and the monarch has become an important figure in the diplomacy.
(Agencies)
FILE PHOTO: A general view shows British Steel's Scunthorpe plant, in Scunthorpe, northern England, Britain, March 31, 2025. REUTERS/Dominic Lipinski
The FBU is planning to introduce new internal policies and wants the TUC to take action as well. (Representational image: iStock)
FBU chief raises concern over rise in racist online posts by union members
THE FIRE Brigades Union (FBU) and other trade unions are increasingly concerned about a rise in racist and bigoted online comments by their own members and officials, according to Steve Wright, the FBU’s new general secretary, speaking to the Guardian.
Wright said internal inquiries have revealed dozens of cases involving members using racist slurs or stereotypes, often aimed at asylum seekers.
He said similar issues were reported in other unions, prompting a joint campaign to counter false narratives around immigration and race promoted by far-right groups online.
“People with far-right views are becoming more brazen in what they do on social media, and I’ve witnessed it with my own union around disciplinary cases and the rhetoric of some of our own members,” Wright said to the newspaper.
He added, “Some of our members and sometimes our reps have openly made comments which are racist and bigoted. In my time in the fire service, that has gone up.”
The FBU is planning to introduce new internal policies and wants the TUC to take action as well. A formal statement addressing far-right narratives will be launched at the union’s annual conference in Blackpool next month.
Wright cited the influence of social media and figures like Donald Trump and Nigel Farage as factors contributing to these incidents. “It feels like an itch that we’ve got to scratch,” he said.
The FBU barred a former official last year for allegedly endorsing racist content on X, including posts from Britain First and Tommy Robinson.
Wright also warned that the union could strike if the government moves to cut frontline fire services.