Former UK defense minister Ben Wallace is under scrutiny for supporting the Overseas Operations Bill, which initially protected soldiers from war crimes prosecutions for offenses older than 10 years, later reduced to five years under his oversight. This move potentially provided immunity to Britain's Special Air Service (SAS) accused of war crimes in Afghanistan, as revealed by a BBC "Panorama" investigation documenting suspicious killings by SAS troops.

Speaking of international focus, the 79th UN General Assembly, chaired by Cameroonian President Philemon Yong and opened by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, will take place from September 24-30 in New York. The assembly will address pressing global crises, including conflicts in Gaza, Ukraine, Sudan, and Haiti, under the theme "Leaving no one behind: acting together for the advancement of peace, sustainable development, and human dignity for present and future generations."

On the domestic front, recent polls indicate that U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris has a slight lead over former President Donald Trump as the November 5 presidential election nears. Surveys show Harris leading nationally and in crucial battleground states, with improved economic sentiment and her debate performance cited as contributing factors, but other polls suggest a tighter race, leaving the outcome uncertain.

Meanwhile, Finland’s President Alexander Stubb is calling for significant reforms to the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). He proposed abolishing veto power for all members and expanding representation to include more countries from Asia, Latin America, and Africa, aiming for a more effective and inclusive approach to preserving global peace.

French President Emmanuel Macron echoes the call for a new international order, following the ongoing war in Ukraine. At the "Meeting for Peace" in Paris, Macron criticized outdated global institutions and stressed the importance of rethinking Europe’s relations with Russia, as well as addressing escalating conflicts in the Middle East, particularly emphasizing peace in Gaza.

Back in the UK, nurses represented by the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) have rejected a government offer of a 5.5% pay rise, with two-thirds voting against it. Citing longstanding neglect and a significant real-term pay decline since 2010, nurses argue the offered rise doesn't sufficiently value their contribution to the health system.