Category: News Story

STORY

Norman Tebbit, the former Conservative Cabinet Minister, has died at the age of 94. He represented the constituency of Epping between 1970 and 1974 and then Chingford between 1974 and 1992, before then entering the House of Lords as Lord Tebbit of Chingford. He was injured during the 1984 Brighton bomb, which paralysed his wife.

William Tebbit, his son, announced:

“At 11.15pm on 7th July 2025 Lord Tebbit died peacefully at home aged 94. His family ask that their privacy is respected at this time and a further statement regarding funeral arrangements will be made in due course.”

STORY

The Department for Transport (DfT) has announced the appointment of Jo Shanmugalingam as its new Permanent Secretary, effective from 1 July  2025. Ms Shanmugalingam takes over from Bernadette Kelly, who stepped down last month after eight years in the role and 39 years in the Civil Service. Having served as the DfT’s Second Permanent Secretary and, most recently, as Interim Permanent Secretary, Ms Shanmugalingam brings a wealth of experience to the position. Her career spans various government departments, beginning at the Department for Trade and Industry. She also spent six years at the Shareholder Executive (now UKGI) and held a Director General role for Science, Innovation and Growth at both the Department of Science, Innovation and Technology and the Department for Business Energy & Industrial Strategy.

In her new capacity, Ms Shanmugalingam will be instrumental in leading the department’s efforts to enhance Britain’s transport infrastructure as part of the government’s “Plan for Change” agenda, which aims to drive economic growth and investment across the country. Her responsibilities will include overseeing the transformation of transport networks and facilitating the development of new roads and railways. Heidi Alexander, the Secretary of State for Transport, expressed her delight at the appointment, stating that she had worked closely with Ms Shanmugalingam and was confident in her exemplary leadership. Secretary Alexander also extended her gratitude to Bernadette Kelly for her dedicated public service.

Sir Chris Wormald, the Cabinet Secretary, congratulated Ms Shanmugalingam, highlighting her valuable experience and impressive track record in delivery as key attributes for leading the DfT during this significant period of infrastructure renewal. Ms Shanmugalingam commented on her appointment, expressing her honour and emphasising the fundamental role of transport in connecting people to opportunities and fostering economic growth. She also conveyed her enthusiasm for continuing to work with the talented team within the DfT to deliver meaningful changes for the public. Her appointment followed a comprehensive external recruitment competition overseen by the independent Civil Service Commission.

NEWS STORY

More than 20 people were arrested in central London today following protests in support of Palestine Action, which was officially proscribed as a terrorist organisation earlier in the day. The arrests were made under the Terrorism Act 2000, after the group’s designation came into force at midnight. Demonstrators gathered in Parliament Square, with some holding placards and chanting slogans in opposition to the government’s move. Police intervened shortly after 13:30, detaining several individuals, including an 83-year-old reverend who had been seated near the Mahatma Gandhi statue.

Under the new legal provisions, any form of public support for the group, including wearing items bearing its name or slogans, may now result in prison sentences of up to 14 years. Authorities have warned that even displaying small symbols or accessories linked to the group could be treated as a criminal offence. The proscription follows a recent incident at RAF Brize Norton, where damage was caused to military aircraft in an attack claimed by the group. The incident was cited in parliamentary discussions leading to the ban, which was approved by a significant majority. Police have stated that enforcement will be robust, with ongoing patrols and further arrests possible as they apply the new legislation

STORY

James McMurdock, a Member of Parliament for Reform UK, has removed the party whip from himself following the emergence of allegations related to his business activities during the COVID-19 pandemic and prior to his election. The announcement was made in a statement issued by Reform UK’s Chief Whip, Lee Anderson MP, who confirmed that McMurdock had contacted him directly to inform him of the decision. The move comes ahead of an expected national newspaper report detailing the allegations.

According to the party, the investigation concerns McMurdock’s conduct in a business context before he entered Parliament. No further details have been publicly disclosed, and the nature of the allegations has not yet been confirmed. Reform UK stated that it takes the matter “very seriously” and that McMurdock has agreed to cooperate fully with any investigation. The party has declined to offer any further comment at this time.

STORY

Speculation is mounting over whether Zarah Sultana and Jeremy Corbyn are jointly leading a new political movement, following a series of ambiguous public statements and mounting media interest in the formation of a left-wing party outside Labour. Last week, Zarah Sultana, formerly the Labour MP for Coventry South, announced she was leaving the Labour Party, citing disappointment with its direction in government. In a widely circulated statement, she said she would be helping to build a “real alternative” and praised Jeremy Corbyn’s longstanding support for equality and justice. Corbyn, who sits as an independent MP for Islington North, responded warmly, saying he was “delighted” by her decision and looked forward to working with her.

However, neither politician has explicitly stated whether they are co-leading a new political party, nor what formal roles they might hold in the organisation expected to emerge in the coming months. A post on Corbyn’s social media described “the democratic foundations of a new kind of political party” being formed, but stopped short of naming the party or its leadership.

The vagueness has led to increasing speculation, particularly online, where supporters have begun referring to the pair as joint leaders of a new left project. No official announcement has been made, and insiders close to both MPs have declined to confirm the leadership arrangement, suggesting discussions are ongoing. A spokesperson for Sultana said she remains “focused on building a credible political alternative” but declined to answer whether she considers herself a co-leader. Meanwhile, Corbyn’s office has emphasised “collaborative structures” and “community-based leadership” language that has fuelled further debate over whether the new party might adopt a collective leadership model.

STORY

Tyler Webb, 23, from Loughborough, has been sentenced to nine years and four months in custody under a hospital order after admitting to encouraging a woman he met online to seriously self-harm and attempt suicide. Webb pleaded guilty to two counts, one of encouraging suicide and another of encouraging or assisting serious self-harm, making him the first individual convicted under Section 184 of the Online Safety Act 2023.

The offences occurred between June and July 2024, when Webb contacted the 21‑year‑old woman through a suicide support forum. Over six weeks, he manipulated and coerced her via messages and video calls, repeatedly urging her to harm herself and kill herself while he watched. On at least one occasion, the victim lost consciousness and required medical attention. The woman later reported the abuse to Leicestershire Police. Detective Constable Lauren Hampton described Webb’s actions as “calculated and disturbing” noting he “quickly gained her trust” before unleashing a series of “vile requests” that could have led to her death.

In victim impact statements, the woman labelled Webb’s actions as “attempted murder through psychological means,” calling the abuse “calculated psychological violence.” She explained that she suffers “lasting impact,” with scars that persist on her arm and a life forever changed despite surviving her ordeal.

Webb was sentenced at Leicester Crown Court to a hybrid order under Section 45A of the Mental Health Act: nine years and four months in prison, followed by a hospital order. The conviction marks a significant milestone in the application of the Online Safety Act, which seeks to criminalise the encouragement of serious self-harm even if it does not result in death.

DC Hampton emphasised the importance of the conviction, praising the victim’s courage in coming forward. She warned that this case serves as “a warning” to others, and that the police will rigorously apply the new law to protect vulnerable individuals from similar abuse. This case sets a clear precedent under the new legislation and establishes a moral benchmark, signalling that society will hold individuals accountable for manipulating others into self-harm under any pretext.

STORY

Dawn Butler MP has called for urgent government action to address the growing crisis of mobile phone theft, citing the widespread impact on victims and the increasing boldness of criminal gangs. Speaking in Parliament, the Labour MP for Brent East highlighted the scale of the problem, with over 300 mobile phones stolen every day, many through violent attacks and robberies.

In her speech, Butler introduced an amendment to the Criminal Justice Bill that would impose stricter requirements on phone manufacturers and networks. Her proposal would require companies to block stolen phones within 48 hours of a police report. If they fail to do so, they could face fines of £10,000 per device. She criticised the current voluntary system, stating that the industry has not done enough to deter theft or make phones worthless to criminals.

Butler described mobile phone theft as a gateway crime that fuels more serious organised criminal activity, including fraud and the trafficking of stolen goods abroad. She noted that many phones are quickly unlocked and sold on, often shipped out of the UK within 24 hours. Victims are left not only without their devices but also vulnerable to further crime and financial loss.

Referring to her own experience of being mugged outside Parliament, Butler emphasised the lasting emotional impact of such thefts. She argued that a phone is more than a device—it contains personal memories, sensitive information, and the means to carry out everyday tasks such as banking and communication. The loss can be deeply traumatic, particularly for vulnerable individuals.

The MP called on the government to back her amendment and ensure that companies are held accountable for their role in reducing the market for stolen phones. She said the country needs to “take back control” from criminals, adding that the current system is failing victims. Without mandatory measures, she warned, the cycle of theft and resale will continue unchecked.

STORY

Kyiv experienced the most intense aerial bombardment since the beginning of the war overnight, with hundreds of drones and missiles targeting the Ukrainian capital and surrounding areas. Ukrainian officials reported that the assault lasted for over seven hours, involving more than 500 Iranian-designed Shahed drones and over a dozen ballistic and cruise missiles.

The Ukrainian air force said it successfully intercepted a significant portion of the incoming projectiles, but many still reached their targets. The attacks caused widespread damage across multiple districts in Kyiv, hitting residential areas, railway lines, a school, and a medical facility. Fires broke out in several locations, and emergency services were deployed throughout the night to contain the damage and assist victims.

Authorities confirmed that at least 23 people were injured, with 14 requiring hospital treatment. Air quality in parts of the city deteriorated due to fires and smoke, prompting health warnings and calls for residents to stay indoors and keep windows closed. The Ukrainian government described the attack as a large-scale escalation, linking it to a temporary shortage of Western-supplied air defence interceptors. Officials renewed calls for additional international military support and emphasised the continued need for advanced anti-air systems to protect urban centres.

In response to the barrage, Ukrainian forces reportedly launched retaliatory drone strikes on several sites inside Russia. The latest developments signal a further intensification of hostilities, with both sides showing no sign of de-escalation.

STORY

Zarah Sultana, the MP for Coventry South who has been suspended by the Labour Party, has issued a statement stating that she will be forming a new political party with Jeremy Corbyn, the former Leader of the Labour Party. Sultana said in a statement:

“Labour has completely failed to improve people’s lives. And across the political establishment, from Farage to Starmer, they smear people of conscience trying to stop a genocide in Gaza as terrorists. But the truth is clear: this government is an active participant in genocide. And the British people oppose it.”

Corbyn has yet to issue a public statement on the news.

STORY

The House of Commons has voted 385 to 26 to formally proscribe Palestine Action under the Terrorism Act 2000, marking it as a terrorist organisation alongside neo‑Nazi groups Maniacs Murder Cult and the Russian Imperial Movement. The proscription was prompted by Palestine Action’s break‑in and red‑paint vandalism targeting two RAF Brize Norton aircraft in late June. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said the designation was necessary to safeguard national security, declaring that violent or destructive acts have “no place in legitimate protest”. Security Minister Dan Jarvis echoed that the move demonstrated the government’s zero‑tolerance stance toward terrorism, irrespective of ideology.

Critics, such as Labour MP Zarah Sultana and legal groups including Amnesty International, warn the ban may criminalise non‑violent dissent and equate symbolic actions, like red‑paint sprays, with terrorism. Sacha Deshmukh of Amnesty described it as “a disturbing legal overreach” that risks suppressing free speech. Following Commons approval, the order moves to the House of Lords. If endorsed, proscription will take effect immediately, after which membership, support or fundraising for Palestine Action could incur up to 14 years’ imprisonment.