Statement from the Premier of Greenland 🇬🇱 6:55pm local time: “🇬🇱 We have been a close and loyal friend of the United States for generations. We have stood shoulder to shoulder in difficult times. We have taken responsibility for security in the North Atlantic — and not least for North America. That is what true friends do. Precisely for that reason, the current and repeated rhetoric coming from the United States is entirely unacceptable. When the President of the United States speaks of “needing Greenland” and links us to Venezuela and military intervention, it is not only wrong. It is disrespectful. Our country is not an object in great-power rhetoric. We are a people. A country. A democracy. That must be respected — especially by close and loyal friends. We are part of NATO, and we are fully aware of our country’s strategic location. We also understand that our security depends on good friends and strong alliances. In that context, a respectful and loyal relationship with the United States is very important. That has been the case for decades. But alliances are built on trust. And trust requires respect. Threats, pressure, and talk of annexation have no place between friends. That is not how one speaks to a people who have repeatedly demonstrated responsibility, stability, and loyalty. Enough is enough. No more pressure. No more insinuations. No more fantasies of annexation. We are open to dialogue. We are open to conversations. But they must take place through the proper channels and in full respect of international law. And the proper channels are not random and disrespectful posts on social media. Greenland is our home and our territory. And it will remain so. 🇬🇱”

Greenland is an integral part of the Kingdom of Denmark. Norway stands in full solidarity with the Kingdom of Denmark.

RT @iamcais: Tohle je boží! Vánoční osvětlení na Žižkově navrhly děti z mateřských škol.

NEWS: C20 Society is disappointed to learn that our listing application for the former National Wildflower Centre (Hodder Partners, 2000) in Merseyside will not be taken forward for assessment by Historic England. Although it’s under 30 years old, the building remains one of the most idiosyncratic and distinctive of all the Millennium-era projects - achieved during a period of unprecedented public expenditure, political will, and cultural ambition. The operator of the £1.35 million centre went into liquidation in 2017 and the empty building has since been a repeated target for vandalism and arson. Landowners Knowsley Council recently confirmed their intention to demolish the building. Featured in our Risk List campaign earlier this year, the Society had proposed alternatives to a costly and wholly unnecessary demolition; retaining the structure as a community café or a pared-back sculptural folly in the park - a kind of Peterlee Apollo Pavilion for the 2020s. We attempted to contact the Council to discuss the future of the building, yet sadly received no reply. It’s not too late for them to reconsider their plans to demolish the building, and pursue a more imaginative and enlightened approach.

The @DailyMail: "A survey of 6,000 people across 30 countries found the Czech Republic tops the list as the funniest in the world, followed by Portugal and Ireland." dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/…

While the world was sleeping, Russia was killing civilians, just because it can and feels emboldened

Today, a brilliant operation was carried out — on enemy territory, targeting only military objectives, specifically the equipment used to strike Ukraine. Russia suffered significant losses — entirely justified and deserved.

I heard reports from the Minister of Defense of Ukraine, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the General Staff, our intelligence agencies, and the Security Service of Ukraine. Our defense, our active actions, and our diplomacy. We are doing everything to protect our independence, our state, and our people. I outlined the tasks for the near term and also defined our positions ahead of the meeting in Istanbul on Monday. First – a full and unconditional ceasefire. Second – the release of prisoners. Third – the return of abducted children. And in order to establish a reliable and lasting peace and ensure security, preparation of the meeting at the highest level. The key issues can only be resolved by the leaders. On Monday, our delegation will be led by Rustem Umerov.

“We’re alive. For the first time since the war began, a blast knocked me to the floor. Something shattered in the house — but we still don’t dare go upstairs. There’s a red glow outside the window. I just hope people are alive. I already know half the street in our village is gone. We’re calling out to neighbors, asking what’s been destroyed. My daughter has calmed down. Now I just need to find the cat.” These are the words of Svitlana Roiz, Ukraine’s renowned child psychologist. Her husband is serving on the front lines. How much longer will Russia be allowed to kill Ukrainians with impunity?

@siddyholloway is our 2025 Nordic ‘Person of the Year’. A rising star from 🇮🇸! @NickArcherRF our President handed over the award at @IcelandinUK - our thanks to @SturlaSigurjons for his hospitality.

🌍 The 2025 International Public Speaking Competition is officially underway! Yesterday we welcomed 40 young people from across the globe to Dartmouth House London. Here’s to a week of connection, cultural exchange, and unforgettable dialogue! #ESUIPSC #ESU #EnglishSpeakingUnion

Strand-on-the-Green at low tide this spring afternoon.

The third anniversary of the beginning of the full-scale Russian invasion. Three years of absolute heroism by our people. Eternal memory to all who stood up in defense of our state and our people, giving their lives so that Ukraine may live. Eternal gratitude to the fallen heroes—the gratitude of Ukraine, the gratitude of all free nations. 🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦

A must listen 👇 "Let's be clear, if not Brussels, it's Moscow. It's your decision. Putin will pull Europe apart if we don't trust each other. Europe needs a single voice, not a dozen different ones" The most pro EU speech ever from someone who knows what's at stake👇

But there's Brutalism on the streets of Preston Basildon, Salford, Strathclyde I wonder to myself... theguardian.com/artanddesign…

A truly good man with an exceptional intellect always humanely deployed.

🎉 Happy New Year from all of us at the English-Speaking Union! 🎉 As we welcome 2025, we want to thank our incredible volunteers, supporters, and all of the amazing teachers and young people who have made 2024 such an extraordinary year. ✨ #HappyNewYear #ESU

🎄 Merry Christmas from all of us at the English-Speaking Union! 🎄 Thank you to our amazing volunteers, supporters, teachers and young people who have made 2024 unforgettable. Your dedication empowers young voices and builds global connections. ✨ #MerryChristmas #ESU

My appeal to Western leaders from Lviv. Stop speculating about Ukraine’s possible defeat. It has nothing to do with the facts. Ukraine, despite some naysayers, defends itself effectively against the Russian aggression, even though no-one gave it a chance in the first days of the war. Do you remember? You remember it best. And you have proven in all those years that you need to think with faith in your strength. And you believed in your strength. Now is the time for the whole West to believe in its own strength, possibility, and its ability to convince all the actors of this great game that Ukraine and the whole world deserve just peace, and respect for territorial integrity and borders. We can no longer hesitate.