A complicated World Cup for Iran’s diaspora
6/19/202612 min
Labour’s Andy Burnham has won the crucial Makerfield by-election in the UK**,** a resurgence in the dollar is reversing bets on the currencies of big emerging markets and major commodity producers, insurers are trying to define “war” as a type of risk, and the Bank of England held interest rates at 3.75 per cent yesterday. Plus, the FT’s Saffeya Ahmed explains how this World Cup is a complicated one for Iran’s diaspora as its national team competes on American soil.
Mentioned in this podcast:
Makerfield by-election result: Andy Burnham wins crucial poll
‘Hawkish shift’ in US rates upends global currency bets
Insurers seek to define ‘war’ as risk rises of global power clashes
Bank of England holds interest rates at 3.75%
Iranian football team told to return to Mexico after opening World Cup game
For Iran’s diaspora, a tough World Cup call: To support the national team or protest – or both?
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The FT News Briefing is produced by Victoria Craig, Sonja Hutson, Saffeya Ahmed, Katya Kumkova, and Fiona Symon. Our editor is Marc Filippino. Our show is mixed by Kelly Garry and Alex Higgins. Additional help from Michela Tindera, Gavin Kallmann, Michael Lello, Peter Barber and David da Silva. Our intern is Cole van Miltenburg. Our executive producer is Topher Forhecz. Flo Phillips is the FT’s global head of audio. The show’s theme music is by Metaphor Music.
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First 90 secondsSpeaker 10:00
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Mark Filippino· Host0:28
[upbeat music] Good morning from the Financial Times. Today is Friday, June nineteenth, and this is your FT News Briefing. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer could be one step closer to losing his job, and insurers are adapting to rising geopolitical tensions. Plus, this World Cup is complicated for Iranian Americans.
Speaker 3· Soundbite0:51
Dissent against a political regime does not mean that you need to lose your connection to your nation.
Mark Filippino· Host0:57
I'm Mark Philippo, and here's the news you need to start your day. Labor Party's Andy Burnham won the crucial Makerfield by-election early in the UK morning. That means the Greater Manchester mayor will return to Parliament as an MP. Burnham has said he would challenge Starmer's leadership if elected. In his victory speech, Burnham said the seat of Makerfield had, quote, "Voted for change," adding that, "It will never be a stepping