Category: News Story

STORY

In a move aimed at tackling child poverty and ensuring every pupil can focus on learning rather than hunger, the Government today announced that from the start of the 2026 school year, all children in households receiving Universal Credit will qualify for free school meals. The expansion is expected to deliver a free, nutritious lunch to more than 500,000 additional pupils, putting roughly £500 back into parents’ pockets each year and lifting an estimated 100,000 children out of poverty.

Until now, eligibility for free school meals was restricted to families earning less than £7,400 per year. Under the new scheme, any family on Universal Credit, regardless of exact income, will benefit. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson described the policy as “a moral mission” of the government’s Plan for Change, emphasising that “background shouldn’t mean destiny.” She added that providing a reliable, healthy meal at school not only eases the burden on struggling families but also “leads to higher attainment, improved behaviour and better outcomes” for pupils.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer welcomed the expansion, stating that “feeding more children every day, for free, is one of the biggest interventions we can make to put more money in parents’ pockets, tackle the stain of poverty, and set children up to learn.” He acknowledged that many working parents face impossible choices between paying bills and putting food on the table, noting that the new entitlement will help break that cycle.

Child poverty campaigners hailed the announcement as a long-overdue milestone. Nick Harrison, chief executive of the Sutton Trust, remarked that ensuring children arrive in class well-fed is “a significant step towards taking hunger out of the classroom” and could boost educational outcomes for disadvantaged pupils. Kate Anstey, head of education policy at the Child Poverty Action Group, went further, calling it “fantastic news and a game-changer” that will give thousands of families “a bit of breathing space.”

To support the initiative, the government is also pledging more than £13 million to 12 food charities across England. These funds will underpin the Tackling Food Surplus at the Farm Gate scheme, which redistributes fresh produce directly from farms to communities in need, aiming to cut food waste and feed children who might otherwise go without. In parallel, the Department for Education is working with nutrition experts to update the School Food Standards, ensuring that future meals meet the latest guidance on healthy eating.

Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall underscored the broader welfare context, highlighting that from April 2026, most households will receive an above-inflation boost to their Universal Credit payment, a key plank in the government’s package to lift “a moral scar on our society.” She stressed that this expansion of free school meals is one part of a wider strategy, which includes raising the minimum wage and capping deductions from benefits to ease the cost-of-living squeeze on low-income families.

Local authorities and headteachers have been urged to prepare for the change by early 2026. Schools will be asked to verify eligibility using families’ National Insurance Numbers, and most are expected to open applications well before the new academic year begins. Meanwhile, existing pupil premium and home-to-school transport funding will continue unaffected, ensuring that schools do not face sudden budget shortfalls as more children become entitled to free meals.

STORY

What began as a cordial alliance between two of America’s most outspoken figures has erupted into a full-blown public feud this week. In a series of increasingly personal attacks, former President Donald Trump and Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk traded barbs over policy, politics and past allegiances prompting White House aides to arrange a high-stakes conference call aimed at halting further escalation. The dispute first surfaced on Thursday when Trump, ostensibly irked by Musk’s criticism of his sprawling “One Big Beautiful Bill” tax and spending package, warned via Truth Social that he might cancel all federal contracts with Musk’s companies. Within hours, Musk retaliated on X (formerly Twitter) arguing that the former president would have lost the 2024 election if not for Musk’s financial backing and public endorsements.

Trump’s threat to sever government contracts came alongside pointed remarks about Musk supposedly inflating prices and “acting unstable.” Trump insisted that axing agreements with Tesla and SpaceX could lock in substantial savings for beleaguered taxpayers and Musk fired back by suggesting he might decommission SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft. At the heart of the dispute lies deep mistrust over fiscal policy and Musk lambasted the “One Big Beautiful Bill” for hiking the deficit by an estimated $3 trillion and stripping electric-vehicle subsidies, warning on X that new tariffs championed by Trump “will cause a US recession by late 2025.”

By Friday morning, administration insiders say that White House aides quietly arranged a call between Musk and senior Trump advisers in hopes of cooling tempers before the standoff threatened even broader economic fallout. Aides worry that if Musk follows through on withdrawing Dragon spacecraft services, NASA will face severe delays in crew rotations and supply runs to the International Space Station. Meanwhile, Tesla’s share price, which plunged by over 20 percent in a single session on the news, rebounded as traders anticipated a possible detente.

STORY

Zia Yusuf has stepped down as chairman of Reform UK today, citing irreconcilable differences over the party’s stance on a proposed burqa ban. Yusuf’s departure, announced in a post on X, comes just days after he publicly criticised newly elected MP Sarah Pochin for asking Prime Minister Keir Starmer whether the UK should prohibit the wearing of the burqa in Parliament. Describing Pochin’s intervention as “dumb” Yusuf found himself at odds with senior figures who defended the MP’s comments, ultimately prompting his resignation.

Yusuf, one of Reform UK’s largest donors, was appointed chairman in July 2024, following the general election. In less than a year, he helped oversee a dramatic increase in membership, from around 14% to 30% in national polling, and supported the party’s historic performance in last summer’s votes. His financial backing and fundraising acumen were credited by many with professionalising Nigel Farage’s fast-growing movement. Yet, behind the scenes, tensions had been simmering over Yusuf’s management style and his outspoken views on social issues.

Party insiders say the dispute over Pochin’s burqa question was merely the catalyst for a deeper power struggle. Yusuf’s outspoken criticism of the policy, which the party leadership insisted was not official Reform UK policy, was seen by some colleagues as undermining unity at a crucial moment. Earlier this week, senior Reform MPs publicly supported Pochin’s call for debate on face coverings, further isolating Yusuf. In a statement, he lamented that working to elect a Reform government was “no longer a good use of my time” and announced his immediate resignation.

Nigel Farage paid tribute to Yusuf’s contributions, acknowledging that the businessman had transformed Reform UK’s finances and outreach. “Zia came in and helped take the party to places it had never been before,” Farage said, adding “While today’s decision is regrettable, I respect his right to stand by his principles.”

STORY

A Transport for Wales passenger service collided with a loaded farm trailer at Nordan Farm user-worked level crossing at approximately 10:37 on Thursday morning. The 08:30 service from Manchester to Cardiff, travelling at around 80 mph, struck the trailer as it was being hauled by a tractor across the crossing.

The force of the impact caused the trailer to break away from the tractor and become lodged beneath the front of the train. The driver of the train applied full braking and brought the train to a halt roughly 500 metres further along the track. Although the train remained upright and on its rails, the leading driving van trailer and several of the first passenger coaches sustained significant damage.

Out of the 66 passengers and eight staff on board, six passengers were treated for minor injuries at the scene; the train driver and other crew members escaped unharmed. The tractor driver was also uninjured but visibly shaken by the incident. In addition to damage to the train and trailer, track infrastructure and lineside equipment suffered harm, and a second nearby level crossing was rendered temporarily unusable.

Nordan Farm is a user-worked crossing equipped with telephone points. Signs at the site direct anyone wishing to cross to first obtain permission from the signaller before opening the gates. Initial findings by the Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) indicate that the tractor driver did make a phone call to the signaller prior to crossing. Investigators are now examining why the trailer came onto the track in front of the fast-approaching train.

RAIB has launched a formal investigation to establish the full sequence of events that led to the collision. The inquiry will review the actions of all involved, assess any previous incidents at Nordan Farm crossing, and scrutinise Network Rail’s management of risks at user-worked crossings. The independent body will publish its final report upon completion, aiming to provide safety recommendations and help prevent similar occurrences in the future.

STORY

Zia Yusuf, the Chair of the Reform Party, has launched an extraordinary attack on the party’s new MP Sarah Pochin, calling her question “dumb” for calling on the Prime Minister to ban the burka. Pochin asked the question of the Prime Minister seemingly unaware that the Reform Party did not have a policy to ban the burka, although Lee Anderson, the party’s chief whip also called for a ban, with a Reform spokesperson repeating that it was “not party policy”. The split comes just weeks after Rupert Lowe, the MP for Great Yarmouth, was expelled from the party and the BBC said that Pochin didn’t comment when approached on the matter.

A Labour spokesperson said in a statement:

“Nigel Farage could fit all of his MPs in the back of a cab, yet he can’t stop them fighting among themselves”.

STORY:

The UK has been granted a temporary reprieve from a sweeping new US tariff hike that sees import duties on steel and aluminium doubled from 25% to 50%, under a fresh executive order signed by US President Donald Trump.

The move, which takes effect immediately for most countries, leaves the existing 25% tariff in place for British exports, at least for now. The exemption is tied to a yet-to-be-enacted US-UK tariff agreement signed in May, aimed at scrapping levies on steel and aluminium altogether. Until that pact is fully implemented, UK exporters remain subject to the current tariffs and could still be hit with the 50% rate if negotiations stall.

In a statement, the UK government reaffirmed its commitment to protecting “British business and jobs” vowing to work with Washington to bring the May agreement into force. Legislation to enable the deal is expected to be introduced in Parliament “in due course”.

President Trump justified the UK’s temporary carve-out on the basis of the UK-US Economic Prosperity Deal signed on 8 May. However, he warned that the exemption could be revoked “on or after July 9” if the UK is found to be falling short of its commitments under the deal.

The latest twist in transatlantic trade relations follows months of rising tariff pressure. After initially slapping 25% duties on all steel and aluminium imports in February, Trump followed up with a 10% baseline tariff on most other goods from 2 April. The May agreement offered a potential breakthrough, but its delay has left UK industry exposed and uncertain.

Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds met with US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer in Paris this week to press Britain’s case. But industry voices remain cautious.

Gareth Stace, director general of UK Steel, welcomed the UK’s temporary exemption as “a welcome pause” but warned that “uncertainty remains over timings and final tariff rates,” adding that US buyers may now be hesitant to place UK orders.

Shadow business secretary Andrew Griffith blamed the situation on Labour’s handling of negotiations, claiming their “botched” approach had left businesses “in limbo”.

STORY

In a response to recent assaults on frontline staff, the Ministry of Justice has announced that prison officers working in the most dangerous parts of the high-security estate will be required to wear protective body armour. The decision, unveiled by Lord Chancellor Shabana Mahmood today, aims to improve safety for officers stationed in close supervision centres, separation centres and segregation units.

Mahmood told MPs in the House of Commons that the policy change follows a review ordered after a violent incident at HMP Frankland, where Hashem Abedi, the convicted Manchester Arena bomb plotter, attacked three officers with boiling cooking oil in April. “I know this House shares my anger at recent attacks against prison officers” she said. “Today, I can announce I will mandate its use in Close Supervision Centres, Separation Centres, and Segregation Units in the High Security Estate. When Jonathan Hall’s independent review into the Frankland attack reports, I will take any further steps necessary to protect our brave staff.”

The new requirement will take effect immediately for officers working directly with those deemed most likely to pose a threat, ensuring they are equipped with ballistic-grade vests and stab-resistant panels. The move was welcomed by prison unions, who have long campaigned for better protective equipment following a series of violent incidents over the past year.

Jonathan Hall KC, the independent reviewer of terrorism legislation tasked with examining the Frankland attack, is due to deliver his full findings later this summer. Mahmood indicated that further adjustments to protective equipment policy could follow once his report is published. In the meantime, she stressed that mandating body armour is a crucial first step in bolstering officer safety. Prison officers routinely face volatile situations when managing high-risk inmates, and the Frankland assault underscored vulnerabilities in the current approach. Close supervision centres hold the most dangerous prisoners under constant guard, while separation centres and segregation units house inmates removed from the general population for disciplinary or security reasons. The decision to extend mandatory body armour to all three settings reflects a recognition that officers may confront life-threatening attacks without warning.

Richard “Rick” Thompson, a senior union representative for HM Prison and Probation Service staff, praised the announcement as “long overdue.” He remarked, “Our members have repeatedly warned that without adequate protective gear, they face unacceptable risk. Mandating body armour in the highest-risk units will save lives and send a clear message that the government values the safety of those who keep our prisons secure.” Not all details are yet finalised: the Ministry has indicated that guidance on fitting, maintenance and replacement schedules will be published in the coming weeks, and training programmes on the correct use of the new vests will roll out across affected sites. The overall cost is being met from existing departmental budgets, though officials declined to disclose precise figures.

Parliamentary observers noted that the announcement arrives amid wider debates over prison staffing levels, rising violence behind bars and the broader operation of the high-security estate. Mahmood hinted that, once Hall’s review is complete, ministers may consider further recommendations on matters ranging from staff-inmate ratios to the layout of segregation units.

STORY

A government-appointed commission has delivered a stark message about the state of water services in England and Wales: the system as it stands is broken, and a “fundamental reset” is now urgently required. Today’s publication of the Independent Water Commission’s interim findings, led by Sir Jon Cunliffe (the former deputy governor of the Bank of England), paints a picture of deep-seated failings on the part of water companies, regulators and even government.

In a report stretching to more than a hundred pages, Sir Jon and his colleagues set out how, over many years, rising pollution levels, crumbling infrastructure and financial mismanagement have eroded public trust. Sewage spills, bursting pipes and chemical contaminants, once treated as isolated incidents, are now described as symptoms of a much wider malaise. Put simply, the industry has become excessively complex, with overlapping regulatory bodies and blurred lines of accountability. The interim report stops short of recommending public ownership of water companies. Instead, it calls for the existing regulatory framework to be overhauled, streamlining oversight so that water providers can focus on long-term investment rather than short-term profit. Sir Jon argues that, by attracting stable and responsible investment, companies will be better placed to replace ageing pipes and meet increasingly stringent environmental standards.

One of the chief complaints highlighted by respondents to the commission’s call for evidence—over 50,000 members of the public and stakeholder groups in total—was the frequency of pollution incidents. Rivers and beaches that once ran clear now regularly host raw sewage discharges after heavy rainfall. Meanwhile, customers continue to face water bills that are among the highest in Europe, with some feeling that they get poor value for money. Behind the headlines of storm overflows and ‘fatbergs’ lies an even more troubling picture, the report suggests. Years of under-investment in sewer and treatment-works upgrades have left some areas with drainage systems that simply cannot cope when heavy rain falls. In other parts, old cast-iron mains, laid as far back as Victorian times, spring leaks so frequently that wholesale pipe replacement seems long overdue.

As expected, water companies have welcomed the commission’s intention to bring in fresh investment—though many remain uneasy about how new funds might be raised without passing even more costs onto customers. “We support measures that will help secure long-term resilience and prevent further deterioration, but bill payers will rightly ask who ends up footing the bill” commented one industry spokesperson. Meanwhile, environmental campaigners and opposition politicians have been quick to criticise what they see as half-measures. Liberal Democrat MP Tim Farron called today’s interim findings “a missed opportunity” and renewed his demand to abolish Ofwat, the sector’s economic regulator, and merge it with the Environment Agency into a single, stronger body. Green groups such as River Action and Surfers Against Sewage went further, arguing that only mandatory pollution-reduction targets and legally enforceable environmental objectives will halt the ongoing damage to rivers and coastal waters.

Nevertheless, there were some signs of cautious approval. Several local authorities and consumer bodies emphasised that, at least, the report acknowledges that drinking-water quality and environmental performance cannot be considered in isolation. Rural communities, in particular, have been campaigning for years to see their concerns about low-pressure zones and burst pipes recognised as part of a systemic failure, rather than individual glitches. The Independent Water Commission’s interim findings mark the end of Phase One of its work. Over the past few months, Commissioners have held more than 150 meetings with stakeholders ranging from environmental charities and consumer advocates to water-company executives and regulators. The next phase, now under way, will see Sir Jon’s team delve into the finer details of how reforms might be implemented.

Final recommendations are due in the summer, ahead of a complete report to be delivered later this year. Observers expect more detailed proposals on revising licence conditions, strengthening penalties for pollution events and reshaping Ofwat’s remit. In addition, the commission is likely to examine whether existing legislation is fit for purpose or should be replaced altogether. For now, though, the interim report’s headline message is unambiguous: piecemeal tinkering will not suffice. Without major reform, the water industry risks sliding further into disrepair, leaving consumers to grapple with ever-bigger bills and environmental watchdogs powerless to act. As Sir Jon concludes, “This is a pivotal moment: the choices we make now will determine whether future generations inherit rivers and reservoirs that are cleaner and more resilient—or simply more neglected.”

STORY

The Serious Fraud Office (SFO) has today opened a formal investigation into an alleged multi-million-pound fraud against Thurrock Council, marking a significant escalation in probing the collapse of solar farm investments that nearly bankrupted the Essex authority in late 2022. Under Section 2 of the Criminal Justice Act 1987, the SFO has issued notices compelling banks and other financial institutions to hand over documents and information related to the scheme, which was orchestrated by Rockfire Investment Finance Plc and associated companies within the Rockfire Group.

Between 2016 and 2020, Thurrock Council invested millions of pounds into bonds tied to solar farms, enticed by promised returns of between 3–6 per cent alongside the return of the initial investment. Rockfire marketed multiple tranches of these bonds to local authorities and other investors as a “green” way to secure modest yields. However, the group subsequently fell into administration, triggering alarm when Thurrock was effectively declared bankrupt in December 2022. The financial collapse forced a series of council tax hikes and cuts to essential local services, leaving residents to shoulder the fallout from what many now see as reckless decision-making.

Nick Ephgrave QPM, Director of the SFO, emphasised the gravity of the situation:

“Today’s action is a significant step in our investigation concerning this suspected criminality. We are grateful for the assistance of Essex Police, Thurrock Council and others in the early stages of this enquiry.”

Ephgrave’s remarks underline the collaborative approach between the SFO and local law-enforcement agencies. By compelling information from banks and other intermediaries, investigators hope to unearth the detailed paper trail that led to the council’s ill-fated foray into renewable-energy bonds.

Although details of the alleged fraud remain tightly under wraps, several troubling facts have already emerged. Rockfire’s administration was triggered in 2023 after a shortfall in bond returns left the company unable to meet its obligations. Several councils across England, including Thurrock, were reported among its major investors. Critics now question whether due diligence was properly carried out when the bonds were initially underwritten, especially given the overly optimistic yield forecasts and the complex financial structures underpinning the solar farm projects.

Thurrock Council’s financial predicament has been high-profile in local government circles since 2022, when auditors first flagged significant pension and debt liabilities. The losses incurred through the Rockfire bonds dealt a final blow, forcing the authority to appeal to central government for assistance and prompting urgent reviews of its investment policies. Council leaders concede that the rapid expansion into renewable-energy bonds was intended to secure steady revenue but instead backfired, plunging the borough into severe fiscal distress.

The SFO’s investigation remains at an early stage. No arrests have been made, and it is unclear whether charges will follow. By invoking Section 2 powers, the agency can demand any relevant documents, including confidential bank records, and require individuals to answer questions under oath. That legal leverage often proves pivotal in unravelling suspected frauds of this scale. Local residents and council staff have welcomed the probe, hoping it will shed light on how decision-makers sanctioned such large outlays with seemingly inadequate safeguards. One unnamed council officer commented: “There was a sense of optimism around renewable investments, but people didn’t expect it to end up like this. We need clarity on who was advising us and whether warnings were ignored.”

STORY

A government-commissioned interim report has revealed that UK taxpayers lost £1.4 billion on defective or undelivered pandemic-era PPE contracts. Chancellor Rachel Reeves commissioned the Covid Counter Fraud Commissioner’s report, which highlights widespread procurement failures under the previous administration. According to the interim findings, £762 million of that total is unlikely to be recovered because substandard gowns, masks and visors were not inspected until two years after delivery—well beyond warranty periods. As a result, many suppliers cannot now be held contractually liable.

Reeves has pledged to pursue the remaining £468 million still recoverable. To date, £182 million has been returned to the public purse. Suspected fraudulent suppliers have been referred to the National Crime Agency. The Chancellor said Treasury officials are “determined to ensure that every penny spent during the pandemic is fully accounted for.”

“This Government will bring criminals to justice and put taxpayer money back where it belongs – in the NHS, police and armed forces” Reeves added.

The report identifies surgical gowns as the greatest source of loss as 52 per cent of gowns procured were non-compliant with safety standards. By the time quality tests were carried out, warranties had expired. Tom Hayhoe, Covid Counter Fraud Commissioner, concluded Phase One of his investigation, focusing solely on PPE contracts, and has now moved to Phase Two. The next phase will examine potential fraud and errors in other Covid support schemes, including furlough payments, bounce-back loans, business support grants and the Eat Out to Help Out programme. Final recommendations from Hayhoe are due in December 2025, when he will report back to the Chancellor with a comprehensive account of pandemic spending irregularities.