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  • Keir Starmer – 2025 Statement on the Death of Pope Francis

    Keir Starmer – 2025 Statement on the Death of Pope Francis

    The statement made by Keir Starmer, the Prime Minister, on 21 April 2025.

    I join millions around the world in grieving the death of His Holiness Pope Francis.

    His leadership in a complex and challenging time for the world and the church was courageous, yet always came from a place of deep humility.

    Pope Francis was a pope for the poor, the downtrodden and the forgotten. He was close to the realities of human fragility, meeting Christians around the world facing war, famine, persecution and poverty. Yet he never lost hope of a better world.

    That hope was as the heart of his papacy. His determination to visibly live out his faith inspired people across the world to see afresh the church’s teachings of mercy and charity.

    With his death, we are reminded once more of his call to care for one another across different faiths, backgrounds, nations and beliefs.

    My thoughts are with Catholics across the world, and the Roman Catholic church. May His Holiness Rest in Peace.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Half-masting of flags following the death of His Holiness Pope Francis [April 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Half-masting of flags following the death of His Holiness Pope Francis [April 2025]

    The press release issued by the Department of Culture, Media and Sport on 21 April 2025.

    It is with great regret that we learn of the death of His Holiness Pope Francis,

    Flags will be flown at half mast on UK Government Buildings today until 20.00hrs on Tuesday 22nd of April 2025.

    Other organisations and local authorities may follow suit.

  • PRESS RELEASE : List of dangerous products notified in Commission’s Safety Gate 2024 sets the path for increased consumer protection [April 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : List of dangerous products notified in Commission’s Safety Gate 2024 sets the path for increased consumer protection [April 2025]

    The press release issued by the European Commission on 19 April 2025.

    Today, the European Commission has unveiled its annual report on Safety Gate, the European Rapid Alert System for dangerous non-food products. The report presents an overview of dangerous products notified in the Safety Gate in 2024. 4,137 alerts were notified last year – the highest ever recorded amount of alerts since the launch of the system in 2003. This increase in alerts demonstrates the growing effectiveness and trust in the Safety Gate system, as authorities are using the platform more often to report and address potential threats to consumer safety. The report also outlines the follow-up actions taken by national authorities of the EU Member States, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein to prevent harm to consumers and stop the sale of hazardous products.

    Main findings

    Last year, cosmetics (36%) remained the most frequently reported products posing health risks, followed by toys (15%), electrical appliances (10%), motor vehicles (9%) and chemical products (6%).

    Chemical ingredients were the main cause of risk in almost half of the alerts. Dangerous chemicals detected included cadmium, nickel and lead in jewellery, as well as allergenic fragrances in body oils, and synthetic chemicals used to soften the plastic, for example in some clothing. 97% of the cosmetics notified were reported to contain BMHCA, a banned synthetic fragrance, which can harm the reproductive system and cause skin irritation.

    Alerts registered in the Safety Gate system triggered a robust response from market surveillance authorities with over 4,200 follow-up actions taken to stop the sale of these products or even take them off the market.

    Next steps

    The Commission is working closely with national market surveillance authorities to prepare the first ever product safety sweep. A ‘sweep’ is a set of checks carried out on websites simultaneously to identify breaches of EU consumer law in a particular sector. The aim of the product safety sweep will be to check the products sold on online marketplaces on their compliance with the new General Product Safety Regulation to ultimately enhance the safety of products offered for sale online.

    Background

    The Safety Gate Rapid Alert System enables national market surveillance authorities from the EU and European Economic Area (EEA) to report and take action against dangerous non-food products, warning other authorities to take swift action. Safety Gate alerts cover risks to human health and safety, such as choking, strangulation and damage to hearing or sight, as well as risks to the environment, energy resources and property.

    Following the entry into application of the General Product Safety Regulation in December 2024, a modernised future-proof framework is now in place to ensure the safety of products on the EU market. The Regulation clarifies that all products sold in the EU online or offline, must be safe, regardless of their origin. It guarantees a better enforcement of the rules, improves the effectiveness of recalls of dangerous products and provides for the obligation by businesses to offer consumers remedies when recalling unsafe products and a new tool for consumers to report safety issues, such as the Consumer Safety Gateway.

    With the e-Commerce Communication, presented in February 2025, the Commission proposed new joint actions to address concerns arising from the surge of unsafe or illicit products entering the Single Market from third countries. The e-Commerce Communication foresees targeted measures, among others, in the areas of customs and trade, such as launching customs controls, consumer protection and the Digital Services and Digital Markets Acts.

    On 10 April 2025 the European Parliament and the Council reached a political agreement on the new toy safety rules. The new Regulation proposed by the Commission will ban the use of harmful chemicals, such as PFAS, endocrine disruptors and bisphenols, in toys. All toys will have a Digital Product Passport to prevent unsafe toys sold online and offline from entering the EU. The Regulation sets stricter rules on online sales and gives inspectors greater powers to remove dangerous toys from the market. This will ensure that imported toys are as safe for consumers as toys manufactured in the EU.

    Since 2022, the eSurveillance ‘webcrawler’ application has supported national market surveillance enforcement authorities by detecting online offers of dangerous products signalled in Safety Gate. Each day, the application scans the internet in all official EU/EEA languages to identify reported dangerous products offered for sale to European consumers. The detected offers are automatically shared with the Member Sates’ enforcement authorities, enabling them to quickly trace the sellers and order the effective withdrawal of these listings. This contributes to harmonised enforcement actions and addresses the challenges of monitoring the online sale of dangerous products. In the past year, the eSurveillance webcrawler has processed nearly 4000 Safety Gate alerts, analysed almost 1.6 million websites, and identified about 5300 web shops potentially offering reported products.

  • NEWS STORY : Second ‘Signalgate’ Scandal as US Defence Secretary Hegseth Alleged to Have Leaked Sensitive Military Information via Signal​

    NEWS STORY : Second ‘Signalgate’ Scandal as US Defence Secretary Hegseth Alleged to Have Leaked Sensitive Military Information via Signal​

    STORY

    US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth is facing renewed scrutiny following revelations that he shared sensitive military information in a second Signal chat group, intensifying concerns over national security protocols within the Trump administration. The newly uncovered chat, named “Defense | Team Huddle” reportedly included Hegseth’s wife, brother, personal lawyer and senior staff members. In this group, Hegseth allegedly disseminated detailed flight plans for military strikes against Houthi rebels in Yemen, raising alarms about the potential exposure of classified information to individuals without proper security clearances.

    This incident follows a prior controversy where Hegseth inadvertently shared similar sensitive details in another Signal chat that mistakenly included a journalist. The recurrence of such lapses has led to bipartisan calls for accountability. Senator Mark Warner, Vice Chair of the Senate Intelligence Committee, has demanded the resignations of Hegseth and National Security Adviser Mike Waltz, criticising their failure to adhere to basic security protocols.

    The Trump administration has downplayed the severity of the leaks, with officials asserting that no classified information was compromised. However, the Pentagon’s Inspector General has initiated a review into the use of Signal for official communications and legal experts have raised concerns about potential violations of federal laws governing the handling of sensitive information. Hegseth is expected to make a statement on the matter as concerns grow about the leadership of the US military.

  • NEWS STORY : Pope Francis has Died at the Age of 88

    NEWS STORY : Pope Francis has Died at the Age of 88

    STORY

    The death of Pope Francis has been confirmed, passing at the age of 88 on Easter Mondays. In a statement, Cardinal Kevin Farrell said:

    “Dear brothers and sisters, it is with profound sadness I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis”.

  • NEWS STORY : UK Fighter Jets Intercept Russian Aircraft Near NATO’s Eastern Flank

    NEWS STORY : UK Fighter Jets Intercept Russian Aircraft Near NATO’s Eastern Flank

    STORY

    Royal Air Force (RAF) Typhoon fighter jets were scrambled twice last week to intercept Russian military aircraft operating near NATO airspace over the Baltic Sea, according to the UK Ministry of Defence.

    On Tuesday, 15 April, two RAF Typhoons deployed from Malbork Air Base in Poland intercepted a Russian Ilyushin Il-20M “Coot-A” intelligence aircraft. Later that day, the same Typhoons were called upon to intercept two Russian Su-30MKI fighter jets departing from Kaliningrad airspace. Subsequently, on Thursday, 17 April, another pair of Typhoons were scrambled to intercept an unidentified aircraft leaving Kaliningrad airspace near NATO territory.

    These interceptions mark the RAF’s first operational scrambles under Operation Chessman, a mission initiated following the deployment of six Typhoon jets to Poland in March. The operation aims to bolster NATO’s air policing efforts along its eastern flank, particularly in response to increased Russian military activity in the region. The Ministry of Defence emphasised that such interceptions are standard procedure when unidentified aircraft approach NATO airspace without prior coordination. These actions are part of NATO’s Quick Reaction Alert (QRA) protocols, designed to ensure the safety and integrity of allied airspace.

    Luke Pollard, the Minister for the Armed Forces, said in a statement:

    “The UK is unshakeable in its commitment to NATO. With Russian aggression growing and security threats on the rise, we are stepping up to reassure our Allies, deter adversaries and protect our national security through our Plan for Change. This mission shows our ability to operate side by side with NATO’s newest member Sweden and to defend the Alliance’s airspace wherever and whenever needed, keeping us safe at home and strong abroad.”

  • PRESS RELEASE : UK fighter jets intercept Russian aircraft near NATO’s eastern flank [April 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : UK fighter jets intercept Russian aircraft near NATO’s eastern flank [April 2025]

    The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 20 April 2025.

    UK fighter jets have intercepted two Russian aircraft flying close to NATO airspace as part of the UK’s contribution to NATO’s enhanced Air Policing in the region.

    Two RAF Typhoons were scrambled from Malbork Air Base in Poland on Tuesday (April 15) to intercept a Russian Ilyushin Il-20M “Coot-A” intelligence aircraft over the Baltic Sea.

    Whilst on Thursday (17 April) another two Typhoons scrambled from the base, to intercept an unknown aircraft leaving Kaliningrad air space and close to NATO airspace.

    The intercepts mark the RAF’s first scramble as part of Operation CHESSMAN and come just weeks after the aircraft arrived in eastern Poland to begin their deployment alongside Sweden in defence of NATO’s Eastern Flank.

    It follows the Prime Minister’s historic commitment to increase defence spending to 2.5% of GDP, recognising the critical importance of military readiness in an era of heightened global uncertainty.

    Keeping the country safe is the Government’s first priority and foundation of its Plan for Change. The work of the Royal Air Force is critical to the security and stability of the UK, supporting the delivery of the Government’s five missions.

    Minister for the Armed Forces Luke Pollard said:

    The UK is unshakeable in its commitment to NATO. With Russian aggression growing and security threats on the rise, we are stepping up to reassure our Allies, deter adversaries and protect our national security through our Plan for Change.

    This mission shows our ability to operate side by side with NATO’s newest member Sweden and to defend the Alliance’s airspace wherever and whenever needed, keeping us safe at home and strong abroad.

    The UK’s deployment of six Typhoon jets and nearly 200 personnel from 140 Expeditionary Air Wing is the UK’s latest contribution to NATO’s air policing efforts, following successful operations in Romania and Iceland last year.

    It also represents a landmark in NATO integration with RAF jets from RAF Lossiemouth operating alongside Swedish Gripens – the first time Sweden has contributed fighter aircraft to another Ally’s air policing since joining NATO in 2024.

    The intercepts come after the Defence Secretary’s visit to NATO last week where he reaffirmed the UK’s unshakeable commitment to the alliance and co-led a meeting of the Ukraine Defence Contact Group in which more than 50 nations pledged a total of £21 billion of support to Ukraine.

    The Typhoon programme supports more than 20,000 jobs across all regions of the UK every year, which is defending our security whilst creating jobs back home.

    The RAF’s Quick Reaction Alert forces, based at RAF Coningsby, Lossiemouth, and Brize Norton, remain ready to protect UK airspace around the clock, while deployed operations like Op CHESSMAN ensure that British airpower is defending the Alliance wherever it is most needed.

  • PRESS RELEASE : New Welsh language reading platform helping learners pronounce words in Wales and beyond [April 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : New Welsh language reading platform helping learners pronounce words in Wales and beyond [April 2025]

    The press release issued by the Welsh Government on 18 April 2025.

    Already helping over 52,000 users in Wales and across the world learn to read in Welsh, Darllen Co, has been backed by a Welsh Government fund for new Welsh-language technology.

    The paid for digital reading platform has been designed by Welsh teachers for schools and families. It features over 180 books and magazines from more than 20 Welsh authors, as well as integrated audiobooks and quizzes.

    Over 300 Welsh medium schools are already subscribed to the platform to develop learners’ Welsh reading skills. The platform also features an assessment and tracking system which lets teachers monitor learners’ progress.

    Learners can access the platform at school or home, on any digital device. The platform’s audiobooks and reading resources make it easier for children to learn Welsh at home, even if their parents don’t use Welsh, by teaching them the pronunciation of words.

    Darllen Co is the only platform of its kind in Welsh and people around the world are benefiting from it, with users in Italy, Texas, Dubai, Slovakia, England and Patagonia. The platform hopes to expand into English medium primary schools, to help even more learners with their Welsh language skills.

    Mr Scozzi from Ysgol Gynradd Gymraeg Pontybrenin said:

    Since the evolution of the platform, we are now enjoying more literature, new features and more detailed data for us teachers to interpret. In addition to developing reading skills, we are also using the platform to test understanding with opportunities for children to develop various reading and comprehension skills.

    Darllen Co received £30,000 from the Welsh Government to set up the original platform in 2022, as part of its aim to develop Welsh language technology. The platform secured this investment following an excellent pitch from its founder, Alex Knott, at Hac y Gymraeg, a Welsh language ‘hackathon’ challenge which aimed to inspire new Welsh technology ideas.

    Darllen Co is also working with Adnodd on a digital reading assessment which will be free for schools in the next term.

    Welsh language Secretary Mark Drakeford said:

    It’s fantastic to see most of our Welsh medium schools making use of the service Darllen Co has to offer. Supported by Welsh Government funding, the service is changing how people digitally interact with Welsh, from school children in Cardiff to Welsh speakers in Patagonia.

    Education Secretary Lynne Neagle said:

    Reading is vital to education. Darllen Co’s innovative platform supports children to develop their Welsh reading skills and build their confidence, at home and at school.

  • NEWS FROM 100 YEARS AGO : 22 April 1925

    NEWS FROM 100 YEARS AGO : 22 April 1925

    22 APRIL 1925

    Captain Yankoff, another of the leading Communist conspirators in Bulgaria, was killed by the police after resisting capture. An attempt to blow up the International Balkan Express near the Serbo-Bulgar frontier was frustrated by soldiers, who discovered the mine laid on the railroad.

    The Japanese steamer Raifuku Maru has been lost, with 38 lives, off the coast of Nova Scotia.

    Colonel the Hon. F. S. Jackson, chairman of the Unionist Party Organisation, speaking at Hull, said he would be disappointed—along with the country and the government—if, before the end of the present year, they had not produced legislation of a far-reaching character. He believed it would be possible to introduce “all-in” insurance legislation, and that provision should be made for widows and orphans.

    Notices were posted at the London and North-Eastern Railway locomotive shops at Gateshead announcing that from Saturday next, the shops will be closed on Saturday mornings until further notice. Two thousand men and boys are employed. An official statement has been issued regarding the company’s measures for the reduction of working costs.

    Sir Alfred Mond, addressing his constituents at Llandovery, contended that his scheme to subsidise employers to take on the unemployed would end the vicious circle in which society was trapped, maintain stable social order, and deprive the Communist of his most fruitful ground for propaganda.

    The latest unemployment figures show an increase of 38,417.

    Lieutenant-General Sir J. A. L. Haldane has been promoted to the rank of general, succeeding the late General Lord Rawlinson.

  • NEWS FROM 100 YEARS AGO : 21 April 1925

    NEWS FROM 100 YEARS AGO : 21 April 1925

    21 APRIL 1925

    During a disturbance in the native location at Bloemfontein the police fired a volley on a mob of 4,000. Four natives were killed. The ringleaders have been arrested, and the Citizen Force has been called up.

    One Australian correspondent, in a review of Commonwealth affairs, refers to the disclosures regarding the losses of the Commonwealth shipping line, the loan requirements of the States, and the growth of the Communist agitation.

    In the fighting against a hostile chief in Iraq a British aeroplane crashed, and two airmen were killed. A flying officer has also been killed in an accident near Shaibah, Iraq.

    The Prince of Wales received various native chiefs at Ibadan, Nigeria, when scenes of great picturesqueness were witnessed.

    A Sofia telegram announces that Minkoff, the alleged principal conspirator in the plot against the Government, has been killed while endeavouring to evade arrest.

    The Soviet Government declined to take part in the International Conference on the Control of Arms and Munitions, which assembles at Geneva on May 4 next.

    A revolution has broken out in Honduras.

    Sir A. Maurice Low, the Washington correspondent of the Morning Post and The Economist, in another article on Prohibition refers to what he describes as its serious and tragical effects, so far as the American concept of law is concerned.

    When passing through Paris on Friday en route for London, King George and Queen Mary are to lunch with President Doumergue.

    The Swansea No. 1 Branch of the National Union of Railwaymen have passed a resolution in favour of a strike in the Great Western Railway Company enforces its proposals for a reduction of staff.

    In a shipyard accident at Clydebank three men were fatally injured.