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  • NEWS FROM 100 YEARS AGO : 20 April 1925

    NEWS FROM 100 YEARS AGO : 20 April 1925

    20 APRIL 1925

    A section of the Lisbon garrison were involved in a revolutionary outbreak. The rising was suppressed after a bombardment, in which some hundred were wounded.

    Hundreds of arrests of Communists have been made at Sofia. The victims of the Cathedral explosion were buried in one enormous grave.

    Field-Marshal Von Hindenburg, in answer to questions put by Reuter’s correspondent, said the question of Republic or Monarchy is at present nowhere under discussion in German politics, that the question of the alteration of frontiers on the east must be settled by negotiations, that he had always spoken against warlike adventures, and that Germany was not even capable of waging a defensive war against one of her neighbours, who had each bigger standing armies than Germany had.

    The Duke and Duchess of York have returned to London after a tour of over four and a half months in Africa.

    Mr Ramsay MacDonald, at Penzance, said that there was a large section of the Tory party, especially the young Tories, who were men of great promise. When they faced the problem of a national policy the partition between them and the Socialists would be so thin that they might as well break it down and come over to the Socialist camp.

    Sir Alfred Mond, speaking at Newport, Mon., said that Socialism as a political issue was as dead as mutton, and he found fault with the Government for taking no strenuous action regarding employment or anything else. Advocating co-operation between employers and employed, he told of a new experiment at his works, which was a combination of cost-sharing and profit-sharing, which was causing a remarkable improvement in output.

  • NEWS FROM 100 YEARS AGO : 19 April 1925

    NEWS FROM 100 YEARS AGO : 19 April 1925

    19 APRIL 1925

    A military revolt took place in Lisbon involving numerous troops stationed in the city. The Portuguese Government said that it was attempting restore order and end the disturbances.

    The Government said that those who didn’t pay income tax would receive police court summons.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Parents get 95 hours back as free Breakfast Clubs are rolled out [April 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Parents get 95 hours back as free Breakfast Clubs are rolled out [April 2025]

    The press release issued by the Department for Education on 20 April 2025.

    First 750 breakfast clubs to rollout from Tuesday, delivering on government’s manifesto commitment and promise to put more money in working people’s pockets.

    Tens of thousands of working parents will, from Tuesday, be supported with more flexibility and choice from the rollout of free breakfast clubs across England, as the government delivers on its promise of 30 minutes of free childcare every day.

    As children return from the Easter holidays, the first 750 schools across the country are set to begin offering free breakfast clubs. This will help parents get up to 95 hours back a year – giving them more support at a crucial time in the morning as they balance busy lives of work and childcare.

    New government data shows that over half of parents would use this time to juggle parenting with working, training or studying.

    The free breakfast clubs will save parents up to £450 a year and come alongside a raft of measures from government to provide parents with greater choice and help with the cost of living, such as a cap on school uniform costs and expanding free childcare for under-fives to 30 hours per week.

    It comes as major employers like British Airways, Accenture and Rigby Group back the clubs to support parents to work more flexibly.

    The rollout delivers on the government’s manifesto promise to ensure state schools offer free breakfast clubs to all pupils, while supporting its Plan for Change milestone to ensure tens of thousands more children start school ready to learn.

    Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said:

    Free breakfast clubs are at the heart of our Plan for Change, making working parents’ lives easier and more affordable, while breaking down barriers to opportunity for every child.

    From Tyneside to Truro, England is one of the first countries in Europe to open universal free breakfast clubs, saving parents up to £450 per year and making sure every child starts school ready to learn.

    This government is delivering on our promises to working parents, rolling out free breakfast clubs, school-based nurseries, and giving every child across the country the best start in life.

    Across the country, school leaders have seen breakfast clubs drive improvements in attendance, attainment and behaviour.

    This government is going further and faster, using the 750 free breakfast clubs as a key tool to tackle barriers to learning in schools, with 500,000 primary school pupils missing at least one day of school every fortnight last year, 1 in every 3 pupils not ready to start school at age 5 and 1 in every 50 pupils suspended at least once.

    Sean Doyle, Chairman and Chief Executive, British Airways said:

    We welcome the Government’s new free Breakfast Club initiative and any effort to support children’s health and learning, while providing more flexibility for working parents and reducing their childcare costs.

    Shaheen Sayed, Head of Accenture in the UK, Ireland and Africa, said:

    As a major employer in the UK flexibility is a priority, and we understand the importance of creating an environment where everyone can achieve a healthy work-life balance.

    We welcome the government’s roll out of 750 new free breakfast clubs across the country as a targeted investment in the future of the workforce and a major step to reducing pressures on working families.

    Breakfast clubs not only improve educational outcomes for children but also enable greater workforce participation, allowing working parents and carers to achieve their professional and personal aspirations.

    Steve Rigby Co-CEO, Rigby Group said:

    As the West Midlands’ largest philanthropic family working with disadvantaged children, we wholeheartedly support the government’s rollout of breakfast clubs.

    Breakfast clubs provide support to parents, improve attendance and provide an important start to young people in the start of their school day.

    St Benedict’s Primary School, which currently offers breakfast club provision, is going to be one of the early adopter schools to expand the benefits of the club.

    Emma Nott, Head Teacher at St Benedict’s Primary School said:

    For us, the funding will help us to offer breakfast clubs for free – which is crucial to encourage take up and for more children to reap the benefits.

    Our fantastic staff truly believe in this policy, and we are already seeing children’s attendance increase as a result of the club.

    It also gives pupils time to adjust between home and school life, especially on a Monday morning, prioritising this for 30 minutes makes a whole world of difference.

    Too many children’s life chances have been scarred by poverty, with a third of children leaving primary school without fundamental reading, writing and maths skills, this increases to over half for disadvantaged pupils.

    This government has set out a clear commitment to break down barriers to opportunity for every child, with breakfast clubs proven to boost children’s reading, writing and maths by an average of two months.

    Craig Jones, Director of the Junior Adventures Group and the PVI Network:

    We can see the positive impact enriching breakfast clubs can have on children and families lives, providing a positive, active start to the day and supporting families with work-life balance.

    As PVI providers we are excited about the launch of the early adopter scheme and are fully supportive of providing valuable feedback and innovative delivery models during this ‘test & learn’ phase of the free breakfast club offer.

    Free breakfast clubs in the early adopter schools will shape the future of the national breakfast club policy, contributing directly to its implementation. Further details on the national roll out of the breakfast clubs programme will follow in due course.

  • NEWS STORY : Statues Defaced as Thousands Rally for Trans Rights in London​

    NEWS STORY : Statues Defaced as Thousands Rally for Trans Rights in London​

    STORY

    Thousands of trans rights supporters gathered in Parliament Square today to protest the UK Supreme Court’s recent ruling that legally defines “woman” as someone born biologically female. The decision has sparked widespread concern among transgender communities and allies, who fear it could lead to increased discrimination and exclusion from single-sex spaces.​

    The demonstration, described as an “emergency protest”, saw activists waving flags and holding banners with slogans like “trans liberation” and “trans rights now.” Organised by groups including TransActual, Pride in Labour, and Trans Kids Deserve Better, the protest aimed to highlight the potential implications of the court’s decision on transgender individuals’ rights and access to services.

    During the protest, seven statues in the vicinity, including those of suffragist leader Millicent Fawcett and South African statesman Jan Christian Smuts, were defaced with graffiti. The Metropolitan Police have launched an investigation into the vandalism, stating that while they support the public’s right to protest, such criminal damage is unacceptable.​

    Despite the incidents of vandalism, the protest remained largely peaceful, with attendees expressing a mix of frustration, fear, and determination. Many voiced concerns that the Supreme Court’s ruling could embolden transphobic sentiments and policies. Avery Greatorex, co-chair of Pride in Labour, remarked “there isn’t really much of a choice but to keep acting and to keep protesting, so it is very possible that this does not stop until the community has the protections it needs.”​

  • NEWS STORY : Pubs to Stay Open Later for VE Day 80 Celebrations Across the UK

    NEWS STORY : Pubs to Stay Open Later for VE Day 80 Celebrations Across the UK

    STORY

    Pubs across England and Wales will be permitted to stay open later in May to mark the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day. As part of the national commemorations, licensing hours will be extended from 11pm to 1am on Thursday 8 May and Friday 9 May 2025. The change will apply to premises already licensed for the sale of alcohol for consumption on-site, the provision of late-night refreshment, and regulated entertainment.

    The extension aims to support communities in coming together to remember and honour the end of the Second World War in Europe, which took place on 8 May 1945. The government described the decision as a way to allow people to “mark the occasion in their own way.” The move follows previous temporary licensing extensions made for significant national events, including royal jubilees and major sporting tournaments. Keir Starmer, the Prime Minister, added:

    “As we mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day, the whole country should come together to remember the incredible sacrifices made by the wartime generation and to celebrate the peace and freedom they secured for us all. Keeping our pubs open for longer will give people the opportunity to join in celebrations and raise a glass to all of the men and women who served their country, both overseas and at home.”

  • PRESS RELEASE : Experimental AI could help councils meet housing targets by digitising records [April 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Experimental AI could help councils meet housing targets by digitising records [April 2025]

    The press release issued by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology on 19 April 2025.

    A new AI tool aims to modernise council planning by replacing outdated paper systems with high-quality digital data, enabling faster, smarter decisions to support the government’s goal of building 1.5 million homes.

    • A new AI tool to help councils make planning data more accessible and digital, converting poor scans of old, PDF and paper documents into machine-readable, shareable data in seconds is being built
    • Currently in early testing, the tool could reduce the time needed to convert old planning documents into digital records – performing in 40 seconds what typically takes 1-2 hours of planner’s time to complete
    • This type of tool could be used to strengthen public services and support deliver the government’s Plan for Change milestone to build 1.5 million homes over the next Parliament and drive economic growth

    AI could be used to increase the availability of planning data, allowing councils to make more informed planning decisions faster, supporting the government’s Plan for Change mission to drive growth across the country and build 1.5 million homes.

    Currently, many councils still use paper documents and scanned PDFs, slowing down the planning process – resulting in backlogs, inefficiencies, and wasted resources.

    To help tackle this, a new programme will develop AI that provides higher quality data, in turn helping councils make faster, smarter planning decisions.

    The new generative AI tool will turn old planning documents—including blurry maps and handwritten notes—into clear, digital data in just 40 seconds – drastically reducing the 1-2 hours it typically takes planners. By pulling key information from thousands of files, the tool helps cut delays, reduce errors in data, speed up planning decisions – freeing up planners’ time to focus on building the homes Britain needs.

    Technology Secretary Peter Kyle said:

    The UK’s planning system has been held back for too long by outdated paper documents, slow processes, making it nearly impossible for councils to make informed decisions quickly.

    As part of our Plan for Change, we’re using the power of AI to transform sluggish systems so we can start to rebuild. With Extract, councils will have access to better quality data so they can move more quickly on planning decisions and get on with driving growth.

    Technology like this could be a vital step towards councils meeting targets to help build the 1.5 million new homes the country needs, all while updating and improving the planning system for the future.

    Housing and Planning Minister Matthew Pennycook said:

    To kickstart economic growth and achieve the government’s ambitious Plan for Change milestone of building 1.5 million new homes in this Parliament, we need local planning authorities to be making informed decisions faster.

    By harnessing new technology like Extract, we can tackle backlogs, inefficiencies and waste and ensure councils are focusing precious time and resources on efficiently determining applications to build new homes.

    It is currently being tested and could be available to councils later this year, helping them to adopt smarter, more efficient planning tools that will improve the overall efficiency of the planning process.

    The tool also has potential applications across the public sector because location-specific data is used to deliver services and inform government policy and decisions across departments.

    It comes after the Technology Secretary revealed a £45 billion jackpot of productivity savings, if the public sector makes good use of technology to improve services and make processes more efficient.

    This builds on a range of sweeping planning reforms the government has already made to get Britain building. This includes updating the National Planning Policy Framework, which according to the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) will boost the economy by £6.8 billion and drive housebuilding to its highest level in over 40 years, and through the pro-growth Planning and Infrastructure Bill.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Victory inn Europe! Pubs to stay open later as part of VE 80 Celebrations [April 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Victory inn Europe! Pubs to stay open later as part of VE 80 Celebrations [April 2025]

    The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 18 April 2025.

    Pub goers will be able to raise a toast to veterans for an extra two hours to celebrate next month’s historic 80th anniversary of VE day.

    With parties planned across the country on Thursday 8th May, Prime Minister Keir Starmer has ordered pubs and bars across the country to be able to keep serving until 1am to celebrate.

    This will mean venues with a usual closing time of 11pm will be able to keep their doors open for a further two hours on the day, allowing people to continue their celebrations of the milestone.

    Prime Minister Keir Starmer said:

    As we mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day, the whole country should come together to remember the incredible sacrifices made by the wartime generation and to celebrate the peace and freedom they secured for us all.

    Keeping our pubs open for longer will give people the opportunity to join in celebrations and raise a glass to all of the men and women who served their country, both overseas and at home.

    Pub licensing hours can be relaxed to mark occasions of ‘exceptional national significance’, and the government is keen that everyone is able to raise a glass and celebrate those who served during the Second World War.

    Similar extensions to pub hours have previously been used for major Royal celebrations and significant sporting events, such as the Euro 2024 final.

    As well as bringing people together for longer, the extension is due to be a welcomed boost to the hospitality industry.

    The VE Day commemorations will start on Bank Holiday Monday, with the Cenotaph dressed in Union flags, a military procession from Whitehall to Buckingham Palace, and an RAF flypast over London.

    On Thursday 8th May, a day of celebrations across the country will culminate in a party at London’s Horse Guards Parade, televised live on BBC One, with more than 10,000 members of the public attending the event to see performances by stars from the stage and screen.

    Emma McClarkin, CEO of the British Beer and Pub Association said:

    This is a momentous occasion and, as the nation’s second home, the pub is the perfect place for communities to gather and raise a glass to all of those who made huge sacrifices for our freedom.

    Extending licensing hours will mean people can come together for longer, nurture community spirit, and allow pubs to host even more commemorative events that honour our veterans and heroes and celebrate peace.

    Kate Nicholls, Chief Executive of UKHospitality said:

    The 80th anniversary of VE day will see communities across the country come together to mark the special occasion, with many gathering in their local pubs to do so.

    I’m pleased the Government is extending licensing hours for the celebrations, which will see thousands raising a glass in tribute to those who served in the war.

    Michael Kill, CEO, Night Time Industries Association said:

    As someone with a strong family background in the armed forces, I know how vital it is to honour the legacy of those who served.

    VE Day is not only a moment of remembrance but also an opportunity for communities to come together. At such a challenging time for the hospitality sector, allowing businesses to extend their trading hours during these celebrations offers a much-needed boost while paying tribute to our shared history.

  • NEWS STORY : Starmer Presses Trump on Tariffs in ‘Productive’ Call Amid Trade Tensions

    NEWS STORY : Starmer Presses Trump on Tariffs in ‘Productive’ Call Amid Trade Tensions

    STORY

    Prime Minister Keir Starmer held a 35-minute phone call with U.S. President Donald Trump today, focusing on the escalating trade tensions between the two nations. The discussion centred on the recent U.S. tariffs imposed on British imports, with Starmer urging for reconsideration to protect UK industries.​ President Trump’s administration has implemented a 10% tariff on most British goods, with specific levies of 25% on cars, steel, and aluminium. These measures have raised concerns within the UK government about their potential impact on the British economy. During the call, Starmer emphasised the UK’s commitment to free and open trade while underscoring the importance of safeguarding national interests.

    In response to the tariffs, Chancellor Rachel Reeves is scheduled to visit Washington to negotiate potential exemptions, particularly for sectors like automotive and pharmaceuticals. UK negotiators have proposed concessions, including the removal of the 2% digital services tax and adjustments to online safety regulations, in exchange for tariff relief. Beyond trade, the leaders discussed international security concerns, including the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, developments in Iran’s nuclear activities, and recent U.S. military actions in Yemen targeting the Houthi movement.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Keir Starmer call with President Trump of the United States [April 2025]

    PRESS RELEASE : Keir Starmer call with President Trump of the United States [April 2025]

    The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 18 April 2025.

    The Prime Minister spoke to the President of the United States Donald Trump this afternoon.

    The leaders began by discussing the ongoing and productive discussions between the UK and US on trade. The Prime Minister reiterated his commitment to free and open trade and the importance of protecting the national interest.

    The leaders also discussed the situation in Ukraine, Iran and recent action taken against the Houthis in Yemen.

    They agreed to stay in touch.

  • NEWS STORY : Rupert Lowe Initiates Legal Action Against Reform UK Leadership Over Defamation Claims

    NEWS STORY : Rupert Lowe Initiates Legal Action Against Reform UK Leadership Over Defamation Claims

    STORY

    Rupert Lowe, the independent MP for Great Yarmouth and former member of Reform UK, has announced his intention to sue party leader Nigel Farage, chairman Zia Yusuf and chief whip Lee Anderson for defamation. Lowe alleges that the trio made false and damaging statements accusing him of workplace bullying and issuing threats of violence, which he claims have severely harmed his reputation.​ The dispute stems from a statement released by Reform UK in early March, wherein Yusuf and Anderson asserted that the party had received credible complaints from two female employees regarding serious bullying by Lowe. Additionally, they claimed that Lowe had made threats of physical harm towards Yusuf. These allegations led to Lowe’s suspension from the party and prompted an internal investigation, as well as a police inquiry into the alleged threats.

    Lowe has vehemently denied all accusations, describing them as part of a “concerted smear campaign” conducted by Reform and orchestrated in retaliation for his public criticism of Farage’s leadership style, which he previously labelled as “messianic.” He contends that the allegations were strategically timed to undermine his credibility following his calls for internal party reforms.

    In a formal statement, Lowe declared, “The statement was read by millions and has caused serious harm to my reputation. I believe it was published as part of a concerted smear campaign against me after I made comments about the party’s leader Nigel Farage.” He has instructed his legal team to issue letters of claim to Farage, Yusuf and Anderson, demanding retractions of the alleged false statements. Should they fail to comply, Lowe intends to proceed with High Court proceedings to seek redress.

    The internal investigation conducted by Reform UK concluded that the complaints against Lowe were credible. However, Lowe and his supporters dispute these findings, asserting that the process was flawed and biased. The Metropolitan Police have confirmed an ongoing investigation into the alleged threats, but no charges have been filed to date.