Source: United Kingdom UK Parliament (video statements)
The Women and Equalities committee takes evidence for their inquiry into Female entrepreneurship
Witnesses:
Blair McDougall MP – Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Minister for Small Business and Economic Transformation) at Department for Business and Trade
Paula Crofts – Director, Small Business Growth at Department for Business and Trade
The Lord Stockwood – Minister of State (Minister for Investment) at Department for Business and Trade and HM Treasury
Kristen McLeod – Chief Strategy Officer at British Business Bank
Source: United Kingdom UK Parliament (video statements)
Watch PMQs with British Sign Language (BSL) – https://youtube.com/live/PxWYS8VOzGc?feature=share
Prime Minister’s Question Time, also referred to as PMQs, takes place every Wednesday the House of Commons sits. It gives MPs the chance to put questions to the Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer MP, or a nominated minister.
In most cases, the session starts with a routine ‘open question’ from an MP about the Prime Minister’s engagements. MPs can then ask supplementary questions on any subject, often one of current political significance.
The Leader of the Opposition, Kemi Badenoch MP, asks six questions and the leader of the second largest opposition party asks two. If another minister takes the place of the Prime Minister, opposition parties will usually nominate a shadow minister to ask the questions.
Want to find out more about what’s happening in the House of Commons this week? Follow the House of Commons on:
Source: United Kingdom UK Parliament (video statements)
Prime Minister’s Question Time, also referred to as PMQs, takes place every Wednesday the House of Commons sits. It gives MPs the chance to put questions to the Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer MP, or a nominated minister.
In most cases, the session starts with a routine ‘open question’ from an MP about the Prime Minister’s engagements. MPs can then ask supplementary questions on any subject, often one of current political significance.
The Leader of the Opposition, Kemi Badenoch MP, asks six questions and the leader of the second largest opposition party asks two. If another minister takes the place of the Prime Minister, opposition parties will usually nominate a shadow minister to ask the questions.
Want to find out more about what’s happening in the House of Commons this week? Follow the House of Commons on:
Source: Republic of South Africa (video statements)
The briefing will provide an overview of progress made to date, highlight key reform milestones, and facilitate discussions on the economic implications and opportunities arising from the reform agenda.
Source: United Kingdom UK House of Lords (video statements)
The House of Lords Constitution Committee hears from the President and Deputy President of the Supreme Court on Wednesday, as part of a regular annual evidence session. Watch from 10.30am here on YouTube.
Catch-up on House of Lords business:
Watch live events: https://parliamentlive.tv/Lords
Read the latest news: https://www.parliament.uk/lords/
Stay up to date with the House of Lords on social media:
Briefing by Miroslav JenÄŤa, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Colombia and Head of the United Nations Verification Mission in Colombia (UNVMC), on the country.
Jenča told the Security Council that with the presidential campaign now in full swing ahead of elections on 31 May, the Mission is adding its voice to the call for authorities and all concerned “to ensure a safe and peaceful environment, free of violence and free of stigmatization.”
JenÄŤa noted that a number of rural areas are still strongly impacted by the presence of illegal armed groups, and their ongoing clashes over territorial control and illicit economies are bringing violence and hardship to entire communities.
On the recent legislative elections, held in March, he said, “despite concerns during the campaign period over incidents of violence and the presence of illegal armed groups in conflict affected regions, adequate measures were taken and Election Day was not adversely affected by security incidents, a demonstration of Colombia’s strong institutions.”
He reiterated his condemnation of reported threats against presidential candidates and called for state authorities “to guarantee the safety of all participants in the electoral process.”
Jenča said the latest report of the Secretary General on Colombia, which he was presenting, “traces implementation across the three pillars of the mandate, as established by the Security Council in Resolution 2798 of last October. Reintegration of former combatants, security guarantees, and comprehensive rural reform.”
He said these were “three elements at the core of the final peace agreement, whose implementation contributes to peace and security in the country.”
On rural reform, the UNVIC official said, it was “fundamental for consolidating lasting peace and security in Colombia” as it “aims to extend state presence and address inequalities that have fuel conflict in the country for decades.”
By unlocking viable economic opportunities, he said, “it can also provide sustainable alternatives to illicit economies, thereby helping to break the cycle of violence.”
Interactive dialogue with Mr. Macky Sall. Mr. Sall was nominated on 2 March 2026 by Burundi.
The process for the selection and appointment of the next Secretary-General has been formally initiated by the President of the General Assembly and the President of the Security Council through a joint letter dated 25 November 2025. The President of the General Assembly, H.E. Ms. Annalena Baerbock, has committed to guiding this process in a transparent and inclusive manner.
General Assembly resolution 79/327 on the Revitalization of the work of the General Assembly sets out the process for the selection and appointment in line with Article 97 of the Charter of the United Nations.
Article 97: "The Secretariat shall comprise a Secretary-General and such staff as the Organization may require. The Secretary-General shall be appointed by the General Assembly upon the recommendation of the Security Council. He shall be the chief administrative officer of the Organization.".
Interactive dialogue with Ms. Rebeca Grynspan Mayufis. Ms. Grynspan was nominated on 3 March 2026 by Costa Rica.
The process for the selection and appointment of the next Secretary-General has been formally initiated by the President of the General Assembly and the President of the Security Council through a joint letter dated 25 November 2025. The President of the General Assembly, H.E. Ms. Annalena Baerbock, has committed to guiding this process in a transparent and inclusive manner.
General Assembly resolution 79/327 on the Revitalization of the work of the General Assembly sets out the process for the selection and appointment in line with Article 97 of the Charter of the United Nations.
Article 97: "The Secretariat shall comprise a Secretary-General and such staff as the Organization may require. The Secretary-General shall be appointed by the General Assembly upon the recommendation of the Security Council. He shall be the chief administrative officer of the Organization.".
Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) (video statements)
Director Kash Patel joined Attorney General Todd Blanche at the U.S. Department of Justice on April 21, 2026, to announce a federal grand jury indictment against the Southern Poverty Law Center.
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