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NEWS FROM 100 YEARS AGO : 28 August 1926

28 AUGUST 1926

The verbatim report of the conference between Ministers and miners’ leaders at Downing Street makes it clear that the Government have rejected overtures for further financial assistance to the coal industry.

The men having refused Lord Vernon’s terms for a resumption of work at Poynton Colliery, in Cheshire, the ponies have been brought to bank as the first step in the closing down of the colliery foreshadowed by the owner.

Austrian Trade Unionists have levied themselves in support of the British miners.

The Ambassadors’ Conference have sent a Note to the German Government insisting on the fulfilment without delay of the demands of the Inter-Allied Military Mission in regard to Germany’s disarmament. Official circles in Berlin regard the Note as coming at an inopportune moment in view of Germany’s impending entry into the League of Nations.

A Paris telegram states that French diplomacy has been taken by surprise both by the manner and the matter of the Spanish Note on the Tangier question.

Elections are to be held in Greece on October 24.

Further details have been received of the advance of the Cantonese “Red” Army in Central China. The “Reds” have taken a large number of prisoners. The important treaty port of Hankow is their immediate objective.

Chinese pirates, who were disguised as passengers, have looted the Norwegian steamer Sandviken near Hong-Kong, getting away with booty valued at 20,000 dollars.

27/08/2026
NEWS FROM 100 YEARS AGO : 27 August 1926

27 AUGUST 1926

A conference took place at 10 Downing Street between miners’ leaders and members of the Government. A bulletin was afterwards issued stating that the coal situation had been reviewed, and that a verbatim report would be published to-day.

A six hours’ conflict between police and miners in the St Helen’s district is reported. Several baton charges were made, and the police were stoned, several mounted men being struck by missiles. Two photographic pressmen were mobbed and threatened with immersion in the canal, and their cameras were smashed.

There is a probability of a withdrawal of safety men in the South Wales coalfield, and the Bentley (Doncaster) Branch of the Yorkshire Miners’ Association have passed a resolution withdrawing authority to 300 of their members to continue working as safety men.

A party of miners and miners’ wives leave for Russia to-day, under the auspices of the Miners’ Federation, with the object of collecting funds.

One of the most terrible accidents in the history of motor racing occurred at Boulogne. Captain R. Howey, a well-known British motorist, and a spectator were killed. Three other onlookers were injured.

An inquest was held at Weybridge on George L. Parkes, Norbury, a racing motor cyclist, who was killed at Brooklands. Parkes was hurled forty yards from his machine.

A Geneva message states that M. Ninchitch, Foreign Minister of Jugo-Slavia, will likely be the President of the seventh Assembly of the League of Nations.

A Greek Cabinet has been formed by General Kondilis.

Four of the accused in the conspiracy trial at Angora were sentenced to death.

27/08/2026
NEWS FROM 100 YEARS AGO : 26 August 1926

26 AUGUST 1926

At a Privy Council at Balmoral, a new Proclamation of Emergency was signed. A second Proclamation summons Parliament to meet on Monday next, August 30.

The miners’ leaders have asked for an interview with the Minister of Labour, who has been left in charge of the coal situation by the Government.

In order to prevent intimidation of returning miners, the Home Office has made elaborate police provision.

A meeting of the National Joint Trimming Committee failed to reach an agreement in connection with the coal-trimming dispute. It was decided to invite the Ministry of Labour to appoint a Court of Inquiry.

Mr Lloyd George, in an address to the Inter-Jewish University Federation delegates at Bangor, paid a tribute to the patriotism of the race during the war. He revealed how a discovery by Dr Weizmann, a Zionist leader, had helped the Allies to win.

The officers of the Spanish Artillery are reported to have demanded the dismissal of General Primo de Rivera, the Prime Minister.

Considerable dissensions have manifested themselves in the Air Sub-Committees on Disarmament at Geneva.

27/08/2026
NEWS FROM 100 YEARS AGO : 25 August 1926

100 YEARS AGO

His Majesty the King has arrived at Balmoral Castle.

The Rev. Dr Norman Maclean, St Cuthbert’s, Edinburgh, has been appointed one of the Chaplains-in-Ordinary to His Majesty in Scotland.

The Privy Council meets at Balmoral Castle to-day to recall Parliament for Monday next to confirm the Emergency Regulations.

Following Mr Cook’s hurried week-end tour to “stop the rot” in the Midlands, a considerable falling-off in the number of miners who had resumed work is reported. A serious feature of the situation is an outbreak of violence and intimidation.

Admiral Koundouriotis has definitely decided to reassume office as President of the Greek Republic till the new elections have been held. A Coalition Cabinet is to be formed. General Pangalos has been transferred from Athens to the island of Ægina.

The Spanish Minister for Foreign Affairs stated at the close of a meeting of the Cabinet that he would not be attending the forthcoming League meeting at Geneva. The problems of Tangier and the League of Nations were discussed at the Cabinet Council.

According to news received in Paris, there is danger of another seditious movement in the Spanish Army owing to the dissatisfaction prevailing with the new conditions in regard to the promotion of Artillery and Engineer officers.

Dr Marx, the German Chancellor, speaking at the Catholic Convention at Breslau, complained that the various sections of the nation were too much under the spell of a spirit of individualism.

Mr Charlton, the Australian Labour leader, in a speech at Weston, New South Wales, expressed himself opposed to the proposed constitutional alteration giving the Government special powers to protect the interest of the public in case of an actual or probable interruption of any essential service.

A man exploded a bomb in a bank at Pittsburgh, U.S.A. The interior of the building was wrecked. One person was killed, and many were injured.

27/08/2026
PRESS RELEASE : New counter-terror hub launched to protect British communities [August 2026]

The press release issued by the Home Office on 26 August 2026.

UK to lead new international Countering Violent Extremism Hub based in the UK.

Action to protect the UK from terrorism is being stepped up with a new international counter-extremism hub to be established in the UK, which will strengthen efforts to stop violent extremism before it threatens British communities.

At the Five Country Ministerial in Sydney, Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood secured agreement from her Five Eyes counterparts to establish a permanent joint Countering Violent Extremism Hub in the UK capital.

It follows a number of atrocities in recent years, including attacks linked to individuals radicalised online through exposure to harmful content, extremist propaganda and violent networks. Violent attacks and the radicalising effects of new technologies, including AI, are rapidly emerging as threats across the globe.

The hub will bring together counter-terrorism and counter-extremism specialists from across the UK, US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand, creating a dedicated centre for intelligence sharing, collaboration and early intervention.

To tackle the increasing online radicalisation of young people, ministers have also agreed a new diversion programme so authorities can intervene faster when people show signs of radicalisation or develop a fixation with violence.

This will complement the UK’s Prevent programme by helping professionals identify vulnerable people online, connect them with the support they need, and refer them to Prevent where necessary.

As part of this work, Five Eyes partners will work closely with technology companies, industry partners and governments to act faster against harmful content and strengthen protections for users. Acting together means greater pressure to remove content that may not be illegal, but could breach terms of service.

This will make it harder for extremists to exploit online platforms for recruitment, radicalisation and the spread of violent material.

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said:

As we have seen with so many tragic incidents across the world, the threat posed by violent extremists is real and continues to evolve, often fuelled by new technologies.

Bringing together intelligence and expertise from our closest international partners will strengthen our ability to disrupt dangerous networks and prevent violence before lives are put at risk.

The radicalisation of children and young people online is a particular concern across the globe. Our new diversion programme will ensure we act faster to keep everyone safe.

For years, the Five Eyes have worked together to make the citizens of each of our countries safer. This is the next step forward in that shared endeavour.

The new Countering Violent Extremism Hub will identify emerging patterns of behaviour, share lessons from previous incidents and assess risks before they escalate into violence. It will support the development of threat assessments and prevention initiatives, helping intelligence or law enforcement agencies to intervene before harm occurs.

By pooling expertise, intelligence and resources, the hub will reduce duplication, improve coordination and enable partners to learn from each other in real time.

27/08/2026
PRESS RELEASE : David Dinsmore to leave role as Permanent Secretary for Government Communications [August 2026]

The press release issued by the Cabinet Office on 26 August 2026.

David Dinsmore will stand down as the Permanent Secretary, Director of Communications, by mutual agreement on 30 September.

David was appointed to lead a major programme of reform across government communications. During his tenure a wide-ranging Government Communications strategy was developed and a Strategy Unit established alongside the Government Media Unit. The foundations have been laid for the next phase of implementation.

Following the change of Prime Minister and administration, David and the First Secretary of State have agreed that this is an appropriate point to hand over leadership of the programme.

David Dinsmore, Permanent Secretary, Director of Communications, said:

It has been an enormous privilege to serve at the heart of government at this crucial time for our country. Over the past months we have fundamentally reshaped the way government approaches communications, establishing a clear strategy and creating the Government Media Unit to make the impact of government highly visible to citizens and stakeholders.

Government communications is now moving from strategic design into implementation and I leave with great confidence in the outstanding civil servants who will take that work forward.

I have also been privileged to work with outstanding Permanent Secretaries across government and experience real change in action day after day.

I will always be grateful for this opportunity to contribute to the vital modernisation of how government communicates to its citizens, its stakeholders and the wider global audience.

Dame Antonia Romeo, Cabinet Secretary said:

In a short period, David has done a brilliant job establishing the strategy, structures and capabilities required for lasting change in government communications. I am grateful for his leadership, support and professionalism, as well as his collaboration on the permanent secretary group.

27/08/2026
NEWS STORY : Fraudster Michael Haslam given suspended sentence over £210,000 building losses

STORY

Derby builder Michael Haslam has received a suspended prison sentence after admitting fraudulent trading that caused losses of approximately £210,000 to seven customers. Haslam, of Littleover, operated M&J Builders Limited while knowing that the company was insolvent, accepting advance payments for building projects between November 2020 and 2022.

Customers were left with unfinished and potentially dangerous homes, including inadequate structural steelwork, exposed sewage and properties without running water. One customer paid more than £150,000 but received work valued at only £40,000, while another family was warned that its incomplete extension might have to be demolished. Insolvency Service investigators also found substantial cash withdrawals, online purchases and payments to Haslam’s relatives.

Haslam pleaded guilty to one count of fraudulent trading in May and was originally sentenced at Derby Crown Court to 28 months in prison. On 26 August, the Court of Appeal suspended that sentence for two years and imposed a rehabilitation requirement and 160 hours of unpaid work. He remains disqualified from acting as a company director for 15 years.

27/08/2026
PRESS RELEASE : UK backs Somalia’s path to security and political progress [August 2026]

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

Minister for Development and Africa Kirsty McNeill MP visits Somalia, discussing political and security priorities and seeing how UK support is helping people affected by drought and food insecurity.

The UK has reaffirmed its long-term commitment to Somalia during the first visit to the country by the minister for Development and Africa, Kirsty McNeill MP.

During her visit, the minister met President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and discussed Somalia’s political and security priorities and the need for progress towards a credible and sustainable transition to Somali-led security.

The minister encouraged leaders from across Somalia to engage in constructive dialogue that strengthens national unity, advances political progress and helps build consensus on Somalia’s future, underlining that continued progress on political dialogue and a security transition will be critical to maintaining international confidence and support.

The minister reaffirmed that the UK remains a committed partner to Somalia, working alongside Somali leaders and communities in support of a more stable, secure and prosperous future for the Somali people.

They also discussed Somalia’s humanitarian challenges and the importance of building greater resilience to future shocks. Last year, the UK reached more than 950,000 people with humanitarian and climate resilience support.

Visiting a World Food Programme (WFP) warehouse in Mogadishu, the minister saw first-hand how UK support is reaching people affected by drought and food insecurity. She heard how the UK is working with the Federal Government of Somalia, UN and civil society partners to strengthen systems, deliver lifesaving support and help communities build their resilience, with a particular focus on women and girls.

The minister also met leaders from the United Nations Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS) and the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), recognising the efforts and sacrifices of Somali Security Forces and African Union troops in supporting Somalia’s security objectives.

The UK stands ready to provide further support for Somali forces through UNSOS, which plays a vital role in sustaining Somalia’s hard-won security gains against al-Shabaab. Progress on political dialogue between all Somali leaders and on plans for Somalia’s security transition will be important in confirming future support.

Our existing support to UNSOS provides essential non-lethal assistance, including food rations, tents, medical supplies and casualty evacuation.

The UK remains a committed partner to Somalia, working with the Federal Government of Somalia, the African Union, United Nations, civil society and other partners.

27/08/2026
NEWS STORY : Giardia cases in England rise to highest level since 2016

STORY

The number of reported giardiasis cases in England increased by 11.4% during 2025, reaching its highest level for nine years. UK Health Security Agency figures show that 6,069 laboratory confirmed cases were recorded, compared with 5,450 during 2024.

London recorded the largest number of cases with 1,568, followed by the North West with 1,029. Infections peaked during the autumn, with 599 cases reported in October. The UKHSA is investigating the increase and said possible factors include improved testing, greater international travel and environmental or climatic changes.

Giardiasis is caused by the parasite Giardia intestinalis and commonly produces diarrhoea, abdominal cramps, bloating and weight loss. It can spread through contact with infected people or animals and through contaminated food or water. The UKHSA advises people with the infection to remain hydrated, contact their GP and avoid swimming until two weeks after diarrhoea has stopped.

27/08/2026
NEWS STORY : Serious offenders could be confined to small areas under new restriction zones

STORY

Serious sexual and violent offenders could be confined to tightly defined areas following their release from prison under a new scheme announced by the Government. The restriction zones will be introduced in England and Wales from October 2026 and will apply to selected offenders who remain subject to licence conditions.

Unlike existing exclusion zones, which prevent an offender from entering specified locations, the new measure will limit an offender to an approved area that could be only a few miles wide. Victims will be consulted when boundaries are drawn, while probation officers will ensure that offenders can still attend appointments and access services intended to reduce the risk of reoffending.

Offenders covered by the scheme will be monitored through GPS tags and could be recalled to prison if they leave their designated area. Restrictions may remain in place for as long as probation services consider them necessary, although each case must be reviewed at least every three months. The Government has not yet published detailed eligibility criteria but describes the scheme as the first of its kind internationally.

27/08/2026