The prime minister has touched down in Johannesburg, where global leaders are gathering for this year’s G20 summit.

Despite the event drawing representatives from the world’s major economies, Donald Trump will not be present, citing widely debunked assertions that white citizens in South Africa are facing persecution.

Sir Keir Starmer — often mocked by opponents as “never here Keir” due to his frequent diplomatic travel — has argued that these international engagements help champion opportunities for British industries overseas.

Officials say the trip will also serve as a platform to coordinate with partners on bolstering backing for Ukraine.

Ahead of the summit, Sir Keir joined French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on a call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, during which they reviewed a peace proposal supported by the United States.

On X, Zelensky wrote: “We value the efforts of the United States, President Trump, and his team aimed at ending this war. We are working on the document prepared by the American side. This must be a plan that ensures a real and dignified peace.”

He added that the leaders were “coordinating closely to make sure that the principled stances are taken into account”.

However, growing anxiety surrounds parts of the proposal, which seem to align closely with several demands put forward by Russia.

According to details circulating widely, the draft agreement would require Ukraine to surrender key areas of Donetsk still under its control, reduce the size of its military, and forgo any plans to join NATO — concessions Ukrainian officials have long rejected.

Before the summit begins, Sir Keir will tour a rail depot in Johannesburg where trains manufactured in Derby are in service, and he is expected to unveil a new partnership under which the UK will “provide strategic advice and consultancy services” to the South African rail sector.

The project will be executed by a government-owned organisation called Crossrail International.

A similar arrangement has also been reached with Vietnam.

Government aides say Africa represents a significant commercial opportunity for Britain, noting that half of the continent’s population is under 20 and that it is projected to account for more than a quarter of the world’s population by 2050.

“I will focus on the deals we can do, the business we can do, with our partner countries and make sure that the work we do internationally is impacting directly at home,” he told reporters during the flight.

“If you want to deal with the cost of living and make people better off with good secure jobs, investment from G20 partners and allies is really important,” he added.

Trump plans to boycott the summit, having labelled it a “total disgrace” online while repeating his claim that white Afrikaners are being targeted.

His administration has already made white South Africans eligible for refugee status in the United States and granted them priority over other applicants.

South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa responded to the US absence by saying it was “their loss” and commented that “boycott politics doesn’t work”.

No political party in South Africa — including those representing Afrikaners or the wider white population — has alleged that genocide is taking place in the country.

At least 41 people have died in central Vietnam following days of relentless rainfall and severe flooding, authorities confirmed, as rescue teams continue searching for nine individuals who remain missing.

The flooding, which began over the weekend, has submerged more than 52,000 homes and left roughly half a million households and businesses without electricity. Tens of thousands of residents have been forced to evacuate as water levels rose rapidly across several provinces.

Officials said rainfall in parts of central Vietnam exceeded 1.5m over three days, surpassing records set during the country’s infamous 1993 floods.

Vietnam has endured a string of extreme weather events in recent months, including two destructive typhoons that caused significant loss of life and widespread damage. Government estimates indicate that natural disasters have caused more than $2 billion in losses between January and October this year.

Some of the worst-affected locations include Hoi An, Nha Trang, and key coffee-producing areas in the central highlands, where farmers have already struggled with a disrupted harvest due to recent storms. In Dak Lak, the country’s largest coffee-growing region, tens of thousands of homes were inundated.

Vietnam is a major exporter of robusta coffee, and prolonged flooding could intensify global supply concerns.

Weather authorities warn that heavy rainfall is expected to persist at least until Sunday. Military and police personnel have been deployed across impacted areas to set up emergency shelters, evacuate residents, and clear blocked roads.

Several regions have declared a state of emergency as landslides and erosion cut off major routes. A section of the Mimosa Pass — a key entry road to the tourist city of Da Lat — collapsed into a ravine, halting traffic. A bus reportedly escaped the collapse by only a few metres.

Images shared locally show residents standing on rooftops as floodwaters consumed their homes. In Lam Dong province, a video showed a suspension bridge ripping away from its anchors under the force of rushing water.

Business owners in Nha Trang described the floods as overwhelming. One restaurant owner said nearly a metre of water filled his shops. “I can’t protect anything,” he said. “The rain hasn’t stopped, and the water isn’t receding.”

Earlier this month, Typhoon Kalmaegi caused multiple deaths and severe structural damage along Vietnam’s central coast. The storm had already killed more than a hundred people in the Philippines before making landfall in Vietnam. In September, Typhoon Bualoi struck the central and northern regions, leaving at least 11 people dead.

Experts warn that climate change is amplifying extreme weather patterns, leading to more frequent and more powerful storms in the region.

A hearing by the United States House of Representatives Sub-committee on Tuesday focused on Nigeria’s urgent need to curb violence and protect Christians from targeted attacks.

The session also highlighted the importance of combating genocide worldwide.

During the proceedings, U.S. Congressman Riley Moore met with a senior Nigerian delegation, including National Security Adviser Mallam Nuhu Ribadu and top intelligence and security officials.

Lawmakers Stress Protection of Religious Freedom

Rep. Smith, chairing the hearing, underscored that religious liberty must be upheld and citizens safeguarded.

“Nigerian authorities must hold accountable those responsible for killing Christians and conducting kidnappings,” he said.

U.S. State Department officials, Jacob McGee and Jonathan Pratt, noted that thousands of Christians have been killed in Nigeria over the past two years, urging the government to secure both lives and property.

They also reiterated President Donald Trump’s interest in addressing attacks on Christians, pointing out that in 12 states where Sharia law is applied, citizens of other faiths may face unequal treatment.

Pratt said, “All Nigerians, regardless of where they live, deserve protection for their lives and property.”

Rep. Jacob highlighted Nigeria’s severe security challenges, citing recent attacks in Kebbi State that claimed over 200 lives and destroyed property as evidence of the need for urgent intervention.

Oge Onubogu, Director and Senior Fellow of the Africa Programme, added that insecurity in Nigeria is multifaceted and cannot be reduced to just genocidal violence.

Bishop Wilfred Anagbe, who previously appeared before Congress, said:

“Nigeria has become one of the deadliest countries for Christians. Fulani militants and Boko Haram are attacking communities with impunity. More Christians die in Nigeria than in the rest of the world combined, yet perpetrators are rarely held accountable. Violence is displacing millions, destroying farmland, and creating a worsening humanitarian crisis. Immediate action is essential to prevent the potential eradication of Christianity in the North and Middle Belt regions.”

U.S. Congressman Meets Nigerian Officials on Security

The Washington meeting, shared by Congressman Moore on X, centered on escalating violence against Christians and terrorism across Nigeria.

Riley described the discussions as “frank, open, and productive,” focusing on counterterrorism, security aid, and safeguarding vulnerable populations.

The Nigerian delegation included senior officials such as “Mrs. Bianca Ojukwu, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs; Mr. Kayode Egbetokun, Inspector General of Police; Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, Attorney General of the Federation; General Olufemi Oluyede, Chief of Defence Staff; and Lt. Gen. E. Undiendeye, Chief of Defence Intelligence, among others.”

Moore stressed the U.S. expects tangible action to protect Christians:

“We made it clear that the United States expects measurable steps to prevent violence, persecution, and displacement against Christians. We are ready to collaborate with Nigeria to combat Boko Haram, ISWAP, and Fulani militants, particularly in the North East and Middle Belt regions.”

He warned that religious violence cannot continue unchecked and encouraged Nigerian authorities to take advantage of U.S. support:

“This is a critical opportunity for Nigeria to strengthen its partnership with the United States. President Trump and Congress are committed to ending attacks on Christians and dismantling terrorist networks. Cooperation and coordination are vital to resolve this crisis.”

During the meeting, Nigerian officials outlined challenges in civilian protection, counterterrorism, and international coordination. Moore confirmed that the U.S. would monitor progress and expects Nigeria to accept aid in addressing the ongoing violence and humanitarian crisis.