Category: News Story

STORY

The United Kingdom has strongly condemned the “reckless” Houthi attacks on commercial ships in the Red Sea, highlighting the tragic loss of innocent mariners and the severe threat these actions pose to global trade and the environment. Speaking at a UN Security Council meeting on Yemen on 9 July 2025, Ambassador Barbara Woodward, UK Permanent Representative to the UN, reiterated the UK’s commitment to countering the Houthi threat and restoring freedom of navigation.

Ambassador Woodward emphasised three key points during her statement. Firstly, she underscored the gravity of the Houthi attacks, which have led to loss of life, undermined maritime security and global trade, and created significant environmental risks. She stressed the UK’s dedication to working with partners and supporting the UN Special Envoy in a coordinated international effort to address these issues. Furthermore, she pointed out that the continued smuggling of weapons into Yemen by the Houthis is a clear violation of the arms embargo mandated by Resolution 2216, urging the international community to redouble efforts to enforce compliance and disrupt illicit arms flows.

Secondly, Ambassador Woodward drew attention to the rapidly deteriorating food security situation in Yemen. Citing the FAO’s Integrated Food Security Phase Classification, she noted that the number of Yemenis facing food insecurity is projected to increase by over a million to 18.1 million by February next year. The UK’s Food Security Safety Nets programme will provide $79 million in assistance this year to help feed at least 864,000 Yemenis and support economic reforms within the Government of Yemen. She also condemned the Houthis’ “arbitrary and cruel detention of aid workers,” which is severely hindering humanitarian efforts, and reiterated the call for their immediate and unconditional release.

Finally, Ambassador Woodward stressed that Yemenis have endured a “toxic combination of insecurity and dire humanitarian conditions” for far too long. She urged a redoubling of efforts towards achieving an inclusive and sustainable peace in the country, affirming the UK’s continued support for the UN Special Envoy’s work in this regard.

STORY

An out-of-service London Northwestern Railway passenger train derailed at Denbigh Hall South Junction on the West Coast Main Line on 26 June 2025, prompting an investigation by the Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB). The incident, which occurred around 12:27 PM, saw the front bogie of the train come off the tracks on a switch diamond crossing while travelling north at approximately 15 mph (24 km/h), shortly after leaving Bletchley station. Fortunately, no injuries were reported among the four staff members on board the train. However, the derailment led to significant disruption, with some lines through the crucial junction remaining out of service until 4:05 PM on 29 June 2025, to allow for train recovery and infrastructure repairs.

Initial findings indicate the train had experienced a technical fault earlier, preventing it from departing southwards from Bletchley’s platform 4. While it could be driven northwards from the opposite end, the usual signalled route was blocked by a failed on-track machine. Consequently, staff at Rugby Rail Operating Centre authorised the train to travel in the wrong direction on the up (southbound) slow line. This “wrong direction movement” meant the signaller had to instruct the driver to pass a signal at danger, operating without the standard protection typically provided by the signalling interlocking system.

The intention was for the train to then cross onto the down slow line at the junction and resume normal signal control for its journey northwards to the Kings Heath depot near Northampton. The RAIB’s investigation will delve into the sequence of events leading to the derailment, examining the actions of those involved, the procedures for determining and validating “out of course” movements, and the management, training and assessment of staff undertaking such manoeuvres. Any underlying factors contributing to the incident will also be considered.

The RAIB’s investigation is independent of any conducted by the railway industry or its regulator, the Office of Rail and Road. Its findings, along with any recommendations to enhance safety, will be published upon the conclusion of the inquiry.

STORY

Russia’s ongoing illegal war in Ukraine continues to inflict a devastating toll on children, with mounting evidence of grave violations, according to a recent statement by Deputy Ambassador James Ford to the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE). The UK has strongly condemned these actions, calling for accountability and an immediate end to the conflict.

The statement, delivered on 9 July 2025, highlighted that more grave violations against children were verified by the UN in 2024 than ever before, with instances of sexual violence against children increasing by 35% compared to the previous year. Russian armed forces and authorities are accused of committing at least five of the “Six Grave Violations” defined by UN Security Council Resolution 1261, including the killing and maiming of children and attacks on schools and hospitals.

A stark example cited was the attack on the Okhmatdyt Children’s Hospital in Kyiv, struck by a Russian KH-101 cruise missile exactly one year prior to the statement. This facility was Ukraine’s largest children’s medical provider. UNICEF reports indicate that the war has killed or injured over 2,406 children, averaging sixteen child casualties per week. Between March 1 and May 31 2025 alone, 222 children were killed or injured, a threefold increase from the previous quarter. April 2025 saw the highest monthly number of child casualties since June 2022, with 97 children killed or maimed.

Beyond physical harm, Ukrainian children face systematic efforts to erase their identity. The Ukrainian government estimates that nearly 20,000 children have been forcibly deported to Russia and temporarily occupied territories. UN reports detail forced introduction of Russian language curricula and “military-patriotic” training in schools, alongside coerced Russian citizenship. Save the Children estimates that 576 education facilities were destroyed or damaged in 2024, more than double the number from the year before. Children fleeing the conflict are also at significant risk of family separation, abuse, violence, sexual exploitation and trafficking, leading to profound and lasting psychological trauma.

Despite Moscow’s campaign of denial and disinformation, these abuses have been verified by independent sources, including the UN, ODIHR and reports commissioned under the OSCE’s Moscow Mechanism. The UK welcomed the OSCE’s efforts to hold Russia accountable and support Ukraine, urging Russia to cease its unprovoked, illegal war and immediately and unconditionally return all forcibly deported children to Ukraine.

STORY

A pedestrian sustained serious injuries after being struck by a Tyne & Wear Metro service at the Blue House Lane footpath crossing on April 18 2025, according to a preliminary examination by the Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB). The incident, which occurred at approximately 9:00 AM, involved a train travelling from Newcastle to South Hylton. The train driver spotted a dog walker and another pedestrian on the crossing and immediately engaged the emergency brake and sounded the warning horn. Despite these actions, the second pedestrian was hit. The train was moving at an approximate speed of 29 km/h (18 mph) at the time of the collision and came to a stop about 20 metres beyond the crossing.

The RAIB was notified shortly after the accident and conducted a preliminary examination, gathering evidence from the railway industry. While the RAIB has concluded that further investigation is unlikely to yield new recommendations for improving railway safety, it noted striking similarities between this incident and a previous accident at Lady Howard footpath and bridleway crossing in April 2022.

A key concern at both locations is the risk that passing trains might obscure the approach of a second train, making users unaware of its presence. Following the Lady Howard accident, a recommendation was made to reduce this risk. In response, Network Rail implemented an interim solution of fitting signs at all level crossings with two or more lines. These signs warn users that “oncoming trains can be hidden by other trains” and advise them “not to cross until all lines are clear.” The RAIB’s preliminary examination confirmed that such signage was in place at the Blue House Lane footpath crossing.

Network Rail’s long-term goal is to install miniature stop lights where they effectively manage risk. However, the RAIB expressed ongoing concern about the underlying risk this recommendation sought to address. The RAIB has formally written to the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) to highlight the Blue House Lane accident as the ORR considers the railway industry’s current and future management of this known hazard, specifically regarding its response to the Lady Howard report recommendation. Copies of this letter have also been sent to Network Rail, Nexus and the Rail Safety and Standards Board.

STORY

The first report has been issued in the Horizon Post Office scandal, highlighting numerous cases, including that of Martin Griffiths who committed suicide at the age of 59. It was alleged in the hearing of the report that the senior Post Office executive Angela van den Bogerd deliberately and wilfully acted in a manner which sought to hide the Post Office’s involvement in the suicide, a claim that she denied during the hearing.

The damning report into the Post Office notes of the case of Martin Griffiths:

“Mr Martin Griffiths and his wife bought Hope Farm Road post office in Ellesmere Port in 1995. The branch was situated in a shop from which Mrs Griffiths sold gift cards and
stationery with the help of her mother-in-law. Mr Griffiths was the postmaster, and he was responsible for the running of the post office. For years, Mr Griffiths had no problem with using Horizon or with balancing the branch accounts. However, problems with balancing began in, or about 2009 when more and more shortfalls became apparent. This may have coincided with the advent of Horizon Online. During the course of the following four years or thereabouts Mr Griffiths sought assistance from the Helpdesk without success. His family maintain that he was made to feel that he was the only person who was having balancing problems, a complaint made repeatedly by a large number of postmasters who contacted the Helpdesk. On at least two occasions Mr Griffiths was interviewed about the losses which were said to have occurred and on one occasion in 2011, he was suspended without pay. In July 2013, he was given notice of termination of his contract as a postmaster.

From about 2009 onwards Mr Griffiths’ mental health deteriorated. He became very depressed – so much so that he would not respond when his sister tried to convince him that there were others who were complaining of unexplained shortfalls and told him about JFSA and Sir Alan Bates. By 2012/2013 the shortfalls alleged to have occurred may have totalled as much as £102,000. On 2 May 2013 a robbery occurred at the Post Office which resulted in a net loss to the Post Office of £38,504.96, which was reduced to £15,845 after some of the money was recovered. Mr Griffiths was injured during the robbery; he was present in the branch when it occurred. The Post Office Investigator advised the Post Office that Mr Griffiths was partly to blame for the loss sustained by the Post Office and that he should be held responsible for part of the loss.

On 23 September 2013, approximately one month before Mr Griffiths’ notice of termination was due to expire, he deliberately walked in front of a moving bus. He was taken to hospital suffering from multiple injuries and attempts were made to save his life including providing him with life support. However, on 11 October 2013, Mr Griffiths died in hospital aged 59. By the date of his death Mr Griffiths had made very substantial repayments to the Post Office for alleged shortfalls. His parents contributed all their savings of about £62,000 and the balance owing was paid from the savings and income of Mr and Mrs Griffiths. Mr Griffiths’ death was and remains devastating for his wife, children and other close family.”

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.