Olivia O'Sullivan
@oliviaosullivan.bsky.social
Director, UK in the World programme, Chatham House. Formerly HMG's Open Innovation Team, Cabinet Office, & DFID.
Reposted by Olivia O'Sullivan
SCOOP: Starmer and Carney are working on a new strategic partnership that could see Canada buy the U.K.'s 6th-gen fighter jet, forge critical minerals deals and resolve thorny trade and tariff issues, High Commissioner Goodale tells POLITICO as he steps down.
www.politico.eu/article/cana...
www.politico.eu/article/cana...
Canada eyes an ‘ambitious’ new partnership with Britain amid Trump turmoil
The two countries’ relationship is “incredibly valuable in the kind of dangerous and turbulent world in which we live,” Canada’s High Commissioner to London, Ralph Goodale, tells POLITICO as he ste…
www.politico.eu
December 19, 2025 at 7:45 AM
SCOOP: Starmer and Carney are working on a new strategic partnership that could see Canada buy the U.K.'s 6th-gen fighter jet, forge critical minerals deals and resolve thorny trade and tariff issues, High Commissioner Goodale tells POLITICO as he steps down.
www.politico.eu/article/cana...
www.politico.eu/article/cana...
Reposted by Olivia O'Sullivan
Christian Turner to be new UK ambassador to US ft.trib.al/9UNDHMq
Christian Turner to be new UK ambassador to US
Diplomat due to be Britain’s UN envoy is handed key post in Washington after contest to replace Peter Mandelson
ft.trib.al
December 18, 2025 at 5:49 PM
Christian Turner to be new UK ambassador to US ft.trib.al/9UNDHMq
Reposted by Olivia O'Sullivan
UK to hold inquiry into foreign financial interference in domestic politics
UK to hold inquiry into foreign financial interference in domestic politics
Review, which will focus on effectiveness of political finance laws, follows conviction of former Reform politician for accepting bribes
*
UK politics live – latest updates
An independent review into the impact of foreign financial influence and interference in domestic politics from Russia and other hostile states has been announced after one of Reform UK’s former senior politicians, Nathan Gill, was jailed for accepting bribes from a pro-Kremlin agent.
Amid growing concern inside the security services and parliament over the scale of the foreign threat to British democracy, the government-commissioned inquiry will focus on the effectiveness of the UK’s political finance laws. Continue reading...
www.theguardian.com
December 16, 2025 at 1:43 PM
UK to hold inquiry into foreign financial interference in domestic politics
Reposted by Olivia O'Sullivan
“Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State Louise Sandher-Jones said that “for the first time since early 2021, Armed Forces intake is now greater than outflow”.
In the 12 months to 1 Oct 25, “there was an increase of 13% in people joining the Armed Forces compared to the previous 12-month period”.”
In the 12 months to 1 Oct 25, “there was an increase of 13% in people joining the Armed Forces compared to the previous 12-month period”.”
British forces recruitment rises as intake overtakes outflow
UK Armed Forces recruitment has overtaken personnel outflow for the first time in almost four years, with recruitment rising 13%.
ukdefencejournal.org.uk
December 15, 2025 at 12:50 PM
“Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State Louise Sandher-Jones said that “for the first time since early 2021, Armed Forces intake is now greater than outflow”.
In the 12 months to 1 Oct 25, “there was an increase of 13% in people joining the Armed Forces compared to the previous 12-month period”.”
In the 12 months to 1 Oct 25, “there was an increase of 13% in people joining the Armed Forces compared to the previous 12-month period”.”
Reposted by Olivia O'Sullivan
Good piece in the @wsj.com on the US's National Security Strategy - which includes some of my thoughts on what this means for Europe.
Boils down to: No more "Trump whisperers", European leaders can no longer deny that the transatlantic relationship as we knew it is dead.
www.wsj.com/world/europe...
Boils down to: No more "Trump whisperers", European leaders can no longer deny that the transatlantic relationship as we knew it is dead.
www.wsj.com/world/europe...
U.S. Flips History by Casting Europe—Not Russia—as Villain in New Security Policy
An annual strategy document, which has described threats from China to Russia, directs some of its harshest language at NATO allies.
www.wsj.com
December 6, 2025 at 10:06 AM
Good piece in the @wsj.com on the US's National Security Strategy - which includes some of my thoughts on what this means for Europe.
Boils down to: No more "Trump whisperers", European leaders can no longer deny that the transatlantic relationship as we knew it is dead.
www.wsj.com/world/europe...
Boils down to: No more "Trump whisperers", European leaders can no longer deny that the transatlantic relationship as we knew it is dead.
www.wsj.com/world/europe...
Reposted by Olivia O'Sullivan
Trump's national security strategy is out and some of the Europe sections are shocking. "...the growing influence of patriotic European parties indeed
gives cause for great optimism."
www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/u...
gives cause for great optimism."
www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/u...
December 5, 2025 at 7:33 AM
Trump's national security strategy is out and some of the Europe sections are shocking. "...the growing influence of patriotic European parties indeed
gives cause for great optimism."
www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/u...
gives cause for great optimism."
www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/u...
Reposted by Olivia O'Sullivan
This was eminently predictable - that Moscow would seek to take advantage of one of Europe's least defended countries. What is surprising is that more contingencies were not in place, especially between Ireland and the UK, to protect Zelensky and intercept / destroy drones as required.
Quite breathtaking story - military grade drones at Dublin airport which flew on the path Zelensky's plane took. The drones reached the flight path of his plane exactly the time it should have been there, but just missed it because Zelensky arrived ahead of schedule:
Four unidentified military-style drones breached no-fly zone to target Zelenskyy's arrival in Dublin
Gardaí are investigating whether the drones took off from land in Dublin or from an undetected ship.
www.thejournal.ie
December 4, 2025 at 4:08 PM
This was eminently predictable - that Moscow would seek to take advantage of one of Europe's least defended countries. What is surprising is that more contingencies were not in place, especially between Ireland and the UK, to protect Zelensky and intercept / destroy drones as required.
Reposted by Olivia O'Sullivan
As I wrote yesterday, my understanding was that the demand of the EU towards Canada for SAFE participation was much lower than towards the UK.
If this report is correct, though, the €10 million agreement is much lower, and rather closer to the UK's proposal for its contribution.
If this report is correct, though, the €10 million agreement is much lower, and rather closer to the UK's proposal for its contribution.
Canada to pay €10 million for preferential access to EU-funded defence deals
Canada to pay €10 million for preferential access to EU-funded defence deals
For comparison, the Commission had pitched a much higher €4-6.5 billion fee for the UK’s arms industry
dlvr.it
December 2, 2025 at 4:26 PM
As I wrote yesterday, my understanding was that the demand of the EU towards Canada for SAFE participation was much lower than towards the UK.
If this report is correct, though, the €10 million agreement is much lower, and rather closer to the UK's proposal for its contribution.
If this report is correct, though, the €10 million agreement is much lower, and rather closer to the UK's proposal for its contribution.
Reposted by Olivia O'Sullivan
For years, a rare-earth mining project in Africa promised to help free the West from its dependence on China. Some weeks back, it fell into Chinese hands.
The Failed Crusade to Keep a Rare-Earths Mine Out of China’s Hands
The failure of one Western company to build a China-free rare-earths supply shows how Beijing has come to dominate the supply.
on.wsj.com
November 24, 2025 at 1:15 AM
For years, a rare-earth mining project in Africa promised to help free the West from its dependence on China. Some weeks back, it fell into Chinese hands.
Reposted by Olivia O'Sullivan
Dozens of senior officials from across Asia, Africa and the Pacific will touch down in Brussels on Thursday, as the EU tries to convince them it is a more reliable partner than the United States and China.
My preview of this week's EU Indo Pacific forum
My preview of this week's EU Indo Pacific forum
Europe seeks common ground with Indo-Pacific nations bruised by US-China rivalry
Senior officials and diplomats from Asia, Africa and the Pacific will attend a forum in Brussels. Beijing and Washington aren’t invited.
www.scmp.com
November 20, 2025 at 9:05 AM
Dozens of senior officials from across Asia, Africa and the Pacific will touch down in Brussels on Thursday, as the EU tries to convince them it is a more reliable partner than the United States and China.
My preview of this week's EU Indo Pacific forum
My preview of this week's EU Indo Pacific forum
Reposted by Olivia O'Sullivan
Running the [insert]* has become an impossible job on.ft.com/4oE2cwk
*BBC
*ONS
*British Library
*country
*BBC
*ONS
*British Library
*country
Running the BBC has become an impossible job
The broadcaster should rethink the role of director-general and reclaim editorial independence
on.ft.com
November 12, 2025 at 7:50 PM
Running the [insert]* has become an impossible job on.ft.com/4oE2cwk
*BBC
*ONS
*British Library
*country
*BBC
*ONS
*British Library
*country
Reposted by Olivia O'Sullivan
Special relationship latest
NEWS: The UK is no longer sharing intelligence with the US about suspected drug trafficking vessels in the Caribbean because it does not want to be complicit in US military strikes and believes the attacks are illegal, sources familiar with the matter told CNN. edition.cnn.com/2025/11/11/p...
Exclusive: UK suspends some intelligence sharing with US over boat strike concerns in major break | CNN Politics
The United Kingdom is no longer sharing intelligence with the US about suspected drug trafficking vessels in the Caribbean because it does not want to be complicit in US military strikes and believes ...
edition.cnn.com
November 11, 2025 at 7:27 PM
Special relationship latest
Reposted by Olivia O'Sullivan
For defence and security types, I'll be talking about whether the UK can afford to fight a war with General Sir Richard Barrons and @oliviaosullivan.bsky.social at Chatham House on 27th November. You can sign up here for online or in person:
www.chathamhouse.org/events/all/o...
www.chathamhouse.org/events/all/o...
Can the UK afford to fight a war?
Assessing the post-budget outlook for Britain’s defence and security commitments.
www.chathamhouse.org
November 10, 2025 at 4:07 PM
For defence and security types, I'll be talking about whether the UK can afford to fight a war with General Sir Richard Barrons and @oliviaosullivan.bsky.social at Chatham House on 27th November. You can sign up here for online or in person:
www.chathamhouse.org/events/all/o...
www.chathamhouse.org/events/all/o...
Reposted by Olivia O'Sullivan
⚡️Ukraine just became the first non-member to join the UK-led Joint Expeditionary Force.
Ukraine Becomes First Non-Member to Join UK-Led Joint Expeditionary Force
The JEF welcomes Ukraine as its first non-member with Enhanced Partnership status, enhancing cooperation in defense and countering hybrid threats.
united24media.com
November 7, 2025 at 10:11 AM
⚡️Ukraine just became the first non-member to join the UK-led Joint Expeditionary Force.
Reposted by Olivia O'Sullivan
😮
Norway finds out that its electric busses - produced by a Chinese firm - can be remotely controlled from China!
The good news of this is that the Norwegians realised this because they did a cybersecurity test. We need to think about, and test, stuff like this more.
www.focus.de/panorama/wel...
Norway finds out that its electric busses - produced by a Chinese firm - can be remotely controlled from China!
The good news of this is that the Norwegians realised this because they did a cybersecurity test. We need to think about, and test, stuff like this more.
www.focus.de/panorama/wel...
Norweger stellen fest, dass China 850 ihrer Elektrobusse fernsteuern und sogar stoppen kann
Etwa 850 in Norwegen eingesetzte Elektrobusse können aus China vollständig kontrolliert werden. Das hat ein geheimer Test der öffentlichen Verkehrsbetriebe ergeben.
www.focus.de
November 6, 2025 at 10:43 AM
😮
Norway finds out that its electric busses - produced by a Chinese firm - can be remotely controlled from China!
The good news of this is that the Norwegians realised this because they did a cybersecurity test. We need to think about, and test, stuff like this more.
www.focus.de/panorama/wel...
Norway finds out that its electric busses - produced by a Chinese firm - can be remotely controlled from China!
The good news of this is that the Norwegians realised this because they did a cybersecurity test. We need to think about, and test, stuff like this more.
www.focus.de/panorama/wel...
Reposted by Olivia O'Sullivan
Pretty extraordinary story here
www-bbc-co-uk.cdn.ampproject.org/c/s/www.bbc....
www-bbc-co-uk.cdn.ampproject.org/c/s/www.bbc....
China intimidated UK university to ditch human rights research, documents show - BBC News
Sheffield Hallam University apologises to Professor Laura Murphy for restricting her academic freedom.
www-bbc-co-uk.cdn.ampproject.org
November 3, 2025 at 6:20 AM
Pretty extraordinary story here
www-bbc-co-uk.cdn.ampproject.org/c/s/www.bbc....
www-bbc-co-uk.cdn.ampproject.org/c/s/www.bbc....
Reposted by Olivia O'Sullivan
Another momentous week for the #India-#UK relationship. I discuss the key achievements in the following thread along with sharing my earlier analysis on the bilateral relationship: @chathamhouse.org, @chasiapacific.bsky.social www.chathamhouse.org/2025/07/modi...
Modi visit marks elevation of India–UK relationship, but risks and ambiguities remain
The new free trade agreement will bring opportunity for British and Indian economies. Working towards genuine strategic partnership should be the next step, regardless of lingering issues.
www.chathamhouse.org
October 10, 2025 at 12:10 PM
Another momentous week for the #India-#UK relationship. I discuss the key achievements in the following thread along with sharing my earlier analysis on the bilateral relationship: @chathamhouse.org, @chasiapacific.bsky.social www.chathamhouse.org/2025/07/modi...
Reposted by Olivia O'Sullivan
Prime Minister Keir Starmer will meet India’s Narendra Modi in Mumbai next week to drive forward their tech and security partnership, multiple people familiar with the planning told POLITICO.
www.politico.eu/article/keir...
www.politico.eu/article/keir...
Keir Starmer and Narendra Modi eye closer tech ties at Mumbai summit
The U.K. PM‘s first India visit comes just months after the two nations closed their long-desired trade deal.
www.politico.eu
October 3, 2025 at 11:17 AM
Prime Minister Keir Starmer will meet India’s Narendra Modi in Mumbai next week to drive forward their tech and security partnership, multiple people familiar with the planning told POLITICO.
www.politico.eu/article/keir...
www.politico.eu/article/keir...
Reposted by Olivia O'Sullivan
Happy Stanislav Petrov day! Sometimes, questioning what the computer tells you, is the way to go.
September 26, 2025 at 6:19 PM
Happy Stanislav Petrov day! Sometimes, questioning what the computer tells you, is the way to go.
Reposted by Olivia O'Sullivan
Taipei for the first time unilaterally imposed semiconductor export controls on a country, limiting shipments to South Africa for trying to weaken ties with Taiwan — a key demand of Beijing from its formal partners.
Taiwan weaponizes chip sector to deter China on world stage
Taipei’s chip curbs reflect its strategy to increasingly use economic and trade policy for diplomatic goals, according to a Taiwanese official.
ebx.sh
September 25, 2025 at 2:59 AM
Taipei for the first time unilaterally imposed semiconductor export controls on a country, limiting shipments to South Africa for trying to weaken ties with Taiwan — a key demand of Beijing from its formal partners.
Reposted by Olivia O'Sullivan
On the other site I have a list of people I follow - regular Gazans who mostly tweet in Arabic - and the stories they tell and the depth of their despair are absolutely breaking my heart. And they're blaming Hamas and Israel in almost equal measure
September 24, 2025 at 2:27 PM
On the other site I have a list of people I follow - regular Gazans who mostly tweet in Arabic - and the stories they tell and the depth of their despair are absolutely breaking my heart. And they're blaming Hamas and Israel in almost equal measure
Reposted by Olivia O'Sullivan
BREAKING: The governments of Canada, Australia and the UK have formally recognised the Palestinian state.
🔴 LIVE updates: aje.io/lcqb2s
🔴 LIVE updates: aje.io/lcqb2s
September 21, 2025 at 1:32 PM
BREAKING: The governments of Canada, Australia and the UK have formally recognised the Palestinian state.
🔴 LIVE updates: aje.io/lcqb2s
🔴 LIVE updates: aje.io/lcqb2s
Reposted by Olivia O'Sullivan
Hopes the visit would provide a breakthrough on efforts by UK negotiators to axe the 25% tariffs facing Britain’s beleaguered steel and aluminum industry were dashed even before Trump landed.
www.politico.eu/article/keir...
www.politico.eu/article/keir...
Starmer’s state visit honeymoon may be short-lived
Israel-Gaza politics and a tricky party conference season lie ahead for the British PM.
www.politico.eu
September 19, 2025 at 7:08 AM
Hopes the visit would provide a breakthrough on efforts by UK negotiators to axe the 25% tariffs facing Britain’s beleaguered steel and aluminum industry were dashed even before Trump landed.
www.politico.eu/article/keir...
www.politico.eu/article/keir...
Reposted by Olivia O'Sullivan
But first up, will Starmer's 'flatter Trump' strategy pay off once more over the state visit? Short and sharp from @iona-allan.bsky.social with excellent comment from @oliviaosullivan.bsky.social and @rentouljohn.bsky.social www.chathamhouse.org/publications...
Starmer’s ‘flatter Trump’ strategy may turn to damage limitation during state visit
The US president will enjoy the pageantry, but the prime minister will want to avoid moments that reveal differences on trade, Ukraine and Palestine recognition, writes Iona Allan.
www.chathamhouse.org
September 15, 2025 at 4:10 PM
But first up, will Starmer's 'flatter Trump' strategy pay off once more over the state visit? Short and sharp from @iona-allan.bsky.social with excellent comment from @oliviaosullivan.bsky.social and @rentouljohn.bsky.social www.chathamhouse.org/publications...
Reposted by Olivia O'Sullivan
Here comes the money: UK lands Trump tech deals
Britain’s quest for AI sovereignty is made in the USA.
www.politico.eu/article/uk-m...
Britain’s quest for AI sovereignty is made in the USA.
www.politico.eu/article/uk-m...
Here comes the money: UK lands Trump tech deals
Britain’s quest for AI sovereignty is made in the USA.
www.politico.eu
September 15, 2025 at 6:48 AM
Here comes the money: UK lands Trump tech deals
Britain’s quest for AI sovereignty is made in the USA.
www.politico.eu/article/uk-m...
Britain’s quest for AI sovereignty is made in the USA.
www.politico.eu/article/uk-m...