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  • NEWS STORY : Sudanese Man Pleads Guilty Over Deaths of Four Channel Migrants

    NEWS STORY : Sudanese Man Pleads Guilty Over Deaths of Four Channel Migrants

    STORY

    A Sudanese man has pleaded guilty to endangering people during a Channel crossing after four migrants drowned while trying to reach a small boat off the coast of France.

    Alnour Mohamed Ali, 27, admitted the offence after the deaths of two men and two women on 9 April. The four died after being swept away while trying to board a dinghy at Equihen-Plage, near Boulogne-sur-Mer. More than 40 people were rescued off the northern French coast that morning, with two children taken to hospital as a precaution and another person treated for hypothermia.

    Ali pleaded guilty through an Arabic interpreter to piloting a boat in a way that created a risk of death or serious injury to others on board, while knowing he would arrive in the UK without valid entry clearance. The National Crime Agency had previously said he was charged after being arrested at the Manston processing centre in Kent, following an investigation into the fatal crossing.

    The case is one of the first prosecutions under a new offence of endangering another person during a journey by sea to the UK. The NCA said in April that the deaths happened as migrants tried to board what it described as a “water taxi”, a smuggling tactic increasingly used to avoid police on French beaches. Ali is due to be sentenced on 10 June.

  • NEWS STORY : Liverpool Shoplifter Banned from Sainsbury’s and Home Bargains Stores

    NEWS STORY : Liverpool Shoplifter Banned from Sainsbury’s and Home Bargains Stores

    STORY

    A man from Everton has been banned from entering Sainsbury’s and Home Bargains stores across Merseyside after being convicted of a series of shop theft offences.

    Colin Poole, 45, of no fixed address, appeared at Wirral Magistrates’ Court on 13 May after being arrested and charged with seven shop theft offences. Merseyside Police said he was also wanted on recall to prison after breaching his release conditions on several occasions. He was sentenced to 12 weeks in prison and handed a two-year Criminal Behaviour Order, which will remain in force until May 2028.

    The order bans Poole from entering any Sainsbury’s or Home Bargains store in Merseyside. Chief Inspector Hamish Rawcliffe said local policing officers had taken “firm action” after thefts between 26 April and 12 May, adding that officers had analysed CCTV footage from different stores to secure the order.

  • NEWS STORY : Harriet Harman Warns Burnham Leadership Could Trigger General Election

    NEWS STORY : Harriet Harman Warns Burnham Leadership Could Trigger General Election

    STORY

    Harriet Harman has warned that Britain could be “tipped into a general election” if Andy Burnham were to replace Keir Starmer as Prime Minister. The former Labour deputy leader said Burnham could come under pressure to seek his own mandate from voters if he entered Parliament, won a future Labour leadership contest and became Prime Minister. Speaking at the Hay literary festival, she said opponents such as Nigel Farage could argue that Burnham was a “usurper” if he entered Downing Street without a General Election.

    Harman said she supported Burnham returning to Westminster, but did not want to see either a leadership contest or another election. Her comments come ahead of the Makerfield by-election on 18 June, where Burnham is Labour’s candidate and where the result is being closely watched because of wider speculation about Starmer’s leadership.

    She compared the situation with Gordon Brown’s decision not to call an election after succeeding Tony Blair in 2007, a choice later widely judged within Labour to have been a mistake. Harman said the public wanted political stability and rejected suggestions that Britain was ungovernable, but acknowledged that any change of Prime Minister in the current political climate could rapidly create pressure for a fresh national vote.

  • NEWS STORY : UK Calls for More Effective UN Response to Global Conflicts

    NEWS STORY : UK Calls for More Effective UN Response to Global Conflicts

    STORY

    The UK has called for the United Nations to be used more effectively to prevent and resolve conflict, warning that the international system is facing severe pressure from crises in the Middle East, Sudan and Ukraine.

    James Kariuki, the UK Chargé d’Affaires to the UN, told a Security Council meeting in New York that Russia’s recent attacks on Ukraine had moved the world further away from the peace repeatedly demanded by the international community. He said conflicts required a coordinated global response and a renewed commitment to the principles of the UN Charter, including sovereignty, territorial integrity, human rights and international law.

    Kariuki said the Security Council had the tools to act, including peacekeeping deployments, diplomatic good offices and sanctions, but needed the political will to make them effective. He also said the Council should better reflect the modern world, with the UK supporting permanent African representation as well as permanent seats for Brazil, Germany, India and Japan.

    The UK also backed wider UN reform, including the Secretary-General’s reform initiative and the UN80 process. Kariuki said the UN’s record included more than 70 peace operations, work to reduce polio by more than 99% and landmark climate agreements, but argued that multilateralism had to be strengthened if it was to meet current global challenges.

  • PRESS RELEASE : We need to use the UN more effectively to prevent and resolve conflict, particularly through this Council – UK statement at the UN Security Council [May 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : We need to use the UN more effectively to prevent and resolve conflict, particularly through this Council – UK statement at the UN Security Council [May 2026]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 26 May 2026.

    Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki, UK Chargé d’Affaires to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on Multilateralsiam.

    We are facing a deeply complex set of conflicts, including protracted crises in the Middle East, Sudan, and Ukraine. On this, I feel compelled to mention Russia’s egregious attacks on Ukraine over the weekend, which only brings us further from the peace that the international community repeatedly calls for. These challenges require a coordinated global response, and a collective commitment to these principles.

    I will make three points.

    First, we need to use the UN more effectively to prevent and resolve conflict, particularly through this Council which has the primary responsibility for international peace and security. We know the tools – peacekeeping deployments, good offices, and sanctions – exist. But we need the collective will to ensure they are effective and fit for purpose.

    The Council should also be more representative of the world today, including via expansion of both its permanent and non-permanent membership. The UK supports permanent representation for Africa, alongside permanent seats for Brazil, Germany, India, and Japan.

    Second, we should collectively embrace the opportunity of the Secretary-General’s reform initiative to strengthen the broader UN system and bolster its impact. The Pact for the Future reflected a shared commitment to reinvigorate multilateral cooperation and improve how the UN delivers. UN80 should continue to build on that momentum, working towards a stronger, more effective UN, better able to deliver against today’s complex challenges. As we look ahead to the selection of the next Secretary‑General this year, their ability to deliver a fit-for-purpose UN will be particularly important.

    Finally, we must not lose sight of the UN’s successes thus far in preventing conflict, supporting peace, helping states uphold their human rights obligations, and responding to humanitarian crises.

    The UN continues to facilitate and provide lifesaving assistance across the globe. It has deployed over 70 peace operations, successfully stabilising some of the most challenging environments and bringing lasting peace including in El Salvador, Sierra Leone, and Timor-Leste. We honour the courage and sacrifice of the 4,500 UN personnel and peacekeepers who have lost their lives since 1948.

    The UN has also helped reduce polio by over 99 percent and driven landmark climate agreements. These achievements show what the UN can deliver when we work together.

    President, multilateralism faces unprecedented strain but remains the best tool we have to meet our shared challenges. Our response must be guided by the principles of the UN Charter, including respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity, human rights, and international law. Only through collective adherence to these principles can we deliver lasting peace, stability, and security. The United Kingdom remains committed to working with all Member States to this end.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Non-Executive Directors of the National Wealth Fund reappointed [May 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : Non-Executive Directors of the National Wealth Fund reappointed [May 2026]

    The press release issued by HM Treasury on 26 May 2026.

    Nigel Topping, Tania Songini and Marianne Økland have been reappointed as Non-Executive Directors (NEDs) of the National Wealth Fund by the Financial Secretary to the Treasury.

    The National Wealth Fund (NWF) is playing a central role in investing public money in the UK’s future, and over the next five years aims to mobilise over £100 billion of finance into the UK economy supporting the government’s growth mission.

    Following the appointment of a new CEO, Olly Holbourn, and three new Non-Executive Directors last year, the NWF has, under this leadership, published its 5 year strategic plan (March 2026) and moved into its next phase of delivery.

    The NWF Board, chaired by Chris Grigg, has been central to this progress. These reappointments provide continuity and stability to the Board, as the organisation builds on the recent changes and continues to deliver its objectives.

    The NWF invests in a range of capital-intensive projects, businesses and assets, using debt, equity and guarantees, addressing market weaknesses and crowding in private investment to unlock growth and clean energy projects that otherwise would not have gone ahead. 

    Financial Secretary to the Treasury, Lord Livermore said:

    I am pleased to reappoint Nigel Topping, Tania Songini and Marianne Økland to the Board of the National Wealth Fund. Their combined expertise across industry, energy and financial markets will continue to support the NWF’s work delivering investment and growth across the UK.

    Chair of the National Wealth Fund, Chris Grigg, said:

    I welcome the reappointment of Nigel, Tania and Marianne. They have each made a strong contribution to the Board, and their experience and insight will continue to be valuable as the organisation builds on recent progress and delivers its strategic plan.

    These reappointments have been made following a formal process and with the approval of the Financial Secretary to the Treasury and the Prime Minister. Reappointments are not automatic and are made on merit, in line with the Governance Code on Public Appointments.

    Nigel Topping brings extensive experience across industry and climate leadership. He has held senior roles in UK manufacturing and industrial businesses and has played a leading role in driving the transition to a net zero carbon economy. Nigel served as the UK’s High-Level Climate Action Champion for COP26 and continues to hold a number of advisory and leadership roles in climate and energy. He brings strategic insight, a strong external network, and deep expertise in industrial decarbonisation to the NWF Board.

    Tania Songini has significant experience in the energy sector, particularly in renewable power generation and distributed energy systems. She has held senior leadership roles within Siemens’ energy business across the UK and northwest Europe, and currently holds a number of non-executive positions across the energy sector. As Chair of the NWF Remuneration Committee, she has played a key role in aligning organisational objectives with shareholder priorities. Tania brings strong commercial, operational and sector expertise to the Board.

    Marianne Økland brings deep banking and capital markets expertise, developed through senior roles at global financial institutions including JP Morgan and UBS. She has extensive experience in structuring and raising debt capital and in complex financial transactions. Marianne also brings strong technical knowledge of banking risk frameworks and economic capital, providing valuable challenge and oversight to the Board as the NWF’s portfolio grows in scale and complexity.

    The NED’s current terms are due to expire in June 2026. Following the reappointment process, Nigel Topping will serve a further four-year term, Tania Songini a two-year term, and Marianne Økland a one-year term.

  • PRESS RELEASE : UK cracks down on backdoor Russian sanctions evasion with tough new measures [May 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : UK cracks down on backdoor Russian sanctions evasion with tough new measures [May 2026]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 26 May 2026.

    Crypto and illicit finance networks exploited by Russia to circumvent UK sanctions are being targeted as the government ramps up pressure on Putin’s war machine to support Ukraine.

    • UK ramps up pressure on Putin’s war machine with tough new sanctions, targeting crypto networks used to bypass Britain’s sanctions. 
    • New sanctions also hit the Kremlin-backed A7 network, which actively exploits Kyrgyzstan’s financial systems to channel funds into Russia’s war economy.  
    • The UK is leading the international effort and adapting its sanctions to stay ahead of Russian evasion, shutting down the payment routes fuelling its war machine against Ukraine. 

    Crypto and illicit finance networks exploited by Russia to circumvent UK sanctions are being targeted today as the government ramps up pressure on Putin’s war machine to support Ukraine.

    Putin’s regime is increasingly feeling the pressure on the economy from sanctions, and on the battlefield from Ukraine. This month [May 2026], Russia slashed its economic growth forecast for this year from 1.3% to just 0.4%, and halved its forecast for 2027. 

    As existing sanctions continue to bite, the Kremlin has increasingly turned to dark networks and shadow financial systems to bypass legal restrictions. Today’s action shows the UK is moving faster and further than ever before to clamp down on these routes and adapt its approach to stay ahead of Russian evasion tactics. 

    The UK has today announced a new package of sanctions targeting cryptocurrency exchanges and the ‘A7 network’, used by Russia to evade existing restrictions and channel funds to fuel its barbaric war against Ukraine. These sanctions will come into force immediately.

    Foreign Secretary, Yvette Cooper said: 

    If the Kremlin thinks it can evade our sanctions by hiding behind crypto networks and shadow financial systems, it is gravely mistaken. 

    The UK is adapting and strengthening our approach to target the evolving tactics Russia is using to evade restrictions. We are going after the infrastructure that underpins its war economy at the same time as Ukraine is increasing the pressure on Russia on the battlefield.

    We are tracking down and shutting off the financial lifelines that sustain Putin’s war machine. There will be no safe havens for those enabling Russia’s aggression. 

    We will continue to act fast and decisively, alongside our allies, to expose, disrupt and dismantle these networks, and ensure those enabling Russia’s aggression face consequences. 

    The A7 network is a Kremlin-backed system designed to bypass Western sanctions, finance military procurement, and process funds from the sale of oil to fund its war economy. The network claimed to have moved more than $90 billion last year – equivalent to roughly half of Russia’s yearly military expenditure.  

    Today’s package of 18 designations directly targets Russia’s illicit financial infrastructure used to move funds, procure goods, and sustain its war. 

    New measures also hit key A7-linked individuals. This gang is using a Kyrgyz bank suspected of facilitating payments for the network, alongside a major global cryptocurrency exchange that we suspect has channelled over $1.5 billion back into the Kremlin’s hands. We are also targeting 3 Georgian companies operating Russia focused exchanges seeking to evade sanctions. 

    Russia’s unprovoked and illegal invasion of Ukraine and continued strikes hitting innocent civilians and vital infrastructure has shattered peace in Europe. A threat to European security is a threat to our security at home, but through UK sanctions we are severing Putin’s access to vital cashflows and sending a clear message that the UK stands firmly in defence of our shared values and Britain’s safety and stability.  

    Today’s announcements marks a further step in the UK’s sustained effort to erode Russia’s ability to fund its illegal full scale invasion, ramping up pressure on Putin’s war chest. To date the UK has sanctioned over 3,300 individuals, businesses and ships meaning Russia’s war economy is creaking – having lost over $450 billion due to international sanctions, the equivalent of two years of funding for Putin’s illegal war. 

    As Russia seeks to expand these financial networks globally, the UK is leading efforts to disrupt them, working with allies to protect the integrity of the international financial system and support Ukraine for as long as it takes. 

    As long as the killing in Ukraine continues, the UK and its allies stand ready to ratchet up pressure on Russia and will continue to strengthen sanctions at every opportunity.

  • PRESS RELEASE : New action against hidden childcare costs to help families [May 2026]

    PRESS RELEASE : New action against hidden childcare costs to help families [May 2026]

    The press release issued by the Department for Education on 26 May 2026.

    Education Secretary writes to the CMA to examine the childcare market and launches a free tool helping families find childcare and budget for costs.

    Government is standing up for parents facing eye-watering childcare costs including non-refundable deposits and basics like nappies and suncream. 

    The Education Secretary has written to the independent Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) as part of new government action to tackle hidden childcare fees hitting families. 

    While funded hours are meant to be free, too many parents report being asked to pay extra to secure a place including upfront deposits, compulsory add-ons, or additional hours to access their entitlement. 

    These practices undermine the value of 30 hours of free childcare and add to the pressure on working families. Nearly three quarters (72%) of parents say they are using savings to cover extra charges, while more than one in four (27%) say cost remains the biggest barrier to accessing the childcare they need. 

    A new free cost of living tool will also help parents make the most of the childcare offer, from finding local provision to planning and getting exactly what they are entitled to. 

    Government support is already massively reducing costs, with eligible families saving an average of £8,000 a year per child and more than 500,000 families now benefiting from funded hours. 

    Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said: 

    I grew up in a family that knew what it meant to count every penny. I am so proud of the crucial difference that 30 hours funded childcare makes to family finances, saving £8,000 a year per child on average. 

    The vast majority of nurseries and childminders have been brilliant in helping us deliver, but I will not accept the small minority letting families down and stopping them get what they were promised.

    The government has also asked the CMA to do more to investigate the role private equity and other ownership models are playing in the childcare market, including whether they are working in the interests of families or driving up costs and creating risks for those who depend on their local nursery. 

    The new cost of living tool also includes a trial of a new map of local childcare. Launching first in Bristol, South Gloucestershire and Bath and North East Somerset, the map will help families find funded childcare near them while promoting local nurseries and childminders to more parents. Families nationwide will be able to use it later this year. 

    This work sits alongside a wider government drive to make life simpler and more affordable for families. The newly launched GOV.UK Chat – a new AI tool that allows parents to ask questions in plain English and get instant answers about what support they could have – means help is now available at any time of day. 

  • NEWS STORY : Bill Butler Named as Preferred Chair of New Local Audit Office

    NEWS STORY : Bill Butler Named as Preferred Chair of New Local Audit Office

    STORY

    Bill Butler has been named as the Government’s preferred candidate to chair the new Local Audit Office, as ministers seek to overhaul the local audit system in England.

    The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government said Butler would be appointed for a five-year term, subject to a parliamentary pre-appointment hearing. The new chair will help establish the organisation and provide strategic leadership as it takes on statutory responsibilities for local audit.

    Local Government Minister Alison McGovern said Butler brought “a wealth of leadership experience” from across the public and regulatory sectors and would help restore confidence, strengthen accountability and secure better value for taxpayers. Butler is currently chair of Public Sector Audit Appointments Ltd, which appoints external auditors to local authorities, police bodies and other public organisations in England.

    Butler said he was honoured to have been nominated and that, if confirmed, he would focus on establishing a robust organisation to support the recovery and long-term resilience of the local audit system. He is due to appear before the Housing, Communities and Local Government Select Committee on 16 June before a final appointment decision is made.

  • NEWS FROM 100 YEARS AGO : 22 May 1926

    NEWS FROM 100 YEARS AGO : 22 May 1926

    22 MAY 1926

    In their reply to the Government’s mining proposals the coalowners urged the need for a return to the eight hour day and for freedom from political interference.

    At a joint meeting of railway companies and railway Unions in London arrangements satisfactory to both parties were made for suspension of the guaranteed week. These arrangements, it is stated, will enable the companies to spread out work so as to remove the difficulties which have arisen as to reinstatement of the staff who were recently on strike.

    Replying in a speech at Bournemouth to criticism directed against the Trade Union leaders who called off the general strike, Mr J. R. Clynes, M.P., said the whole idea of trying to settle anything by such a method was a delusion; but out of the result they could gather a most profitable experience if the leaders maintained anything like the unity and loyalty of the rank and file.

    Mr Philip Snowden writes to the Socialist candidate in the Hammersmith by-election that the great lesson of the recent deplorable industrial stoppage is the need of increased Labour representation in Parliament, so that industrial questions may be settled by peaceful methods and without resort to steps which inflict injury on the country.