Category: News Story

STORY

The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) has formally accepted the Zoos Expert Committee’s (ZEC) recommendations following its review of the Elephant Welfare Group’s (EWG) ten-year report, signalling fresh action to bolster the care of elephants in British zoos. In a letter dated 23 May 2025, Baroness Hayman of Ullock, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Animal Welfare and Biosecurity, thanked the committee for its thorough assessment and confirmed that, while welcome strides have been made, further measures are needed to ensure the highest standards of elephant well-being.

Baroness Hayman noted that, after consulting a broad spectrum of views—including calls both for phasing out elephant exhibits and for maintaining them under improved conditions—the committee concluded there was not yet sufficient evidence to end the practice of keeping elephants in the UK. “We are content to follow ZEC’s advice and consider other options available to continue the progress towards further improving the welfare of elephants in our zoos” she wrote, acknowledging that key issues remain outstanding.

To that end, Defra has outlined a four-point plan of action:

Revise elephant-specific standards: The Standards of Modern Zoo Practice will be updated to reflect the latest expert advice and responses to the 2022 consultation, ensuring clearer requirements for enclosure size, social groupings and enrichment activities.

Mandatory improvement plans: Each zoo housing elephants must develop and submit an “elephant improvement action plan,” detailing how it will comply with the revised standards well before they take effect.

Rigorous inspection: Zoo licensing inspectors will assess both the plans and their on-the-ground implementation at the frequency set out in the Zoo Licensing Act 1981, providing ongoing oversight.

Continued expert oversight: The Elephant Welfare Group will be asked to carry on its work and report back to ZEC every two years, placing a new emphasis on data collection and the refinement of welfare assessment tools.

In her letter to Professor Simon Girling, Chair of the Zoos Expert Committee, Baroness Hayman also invited the committee to develop a detailed action plan to guide the EWG’s next phase of work. She pledged to write separately to the chairs of the EWG to express ministers’ gratitude and to set out expectations for continued collaboration.

The announcement marks a significant moment for animal welfare in Britain, balancing the recognition of past progress with a clear mandate for further improvements. With formal standards under review and a strengthened framework for monitoring, elephants in UK zoos are set to benefit from a more structured and transparent approach to their care.

STORY

At a United Nations preparatory meeting in New York, the UK reaffirmed its commitment to the Arab Plan for Early Recovery, Reconstruction and Development, describing it as “a realistic path for the reconstruction of Gaza” that could swiftly alleviate the catastrophic living conditions faced by civilians there. Delivered by Stephen Hickey, Director for Middle East and North Africa at the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, the statement urged all UN member states to consider tangible financial, technical and capacity-building contributions ahead of June’s high-level conference.

Co-chairing the Working Group on Humanitarian Action and Reconstruction alongside Egypt, the UK has outlined three core goals. First, it called on delegations to empower the Palestinian Authority to lead the implementation of the Arab Plan, stressing the need for robust enabling elements—such as governance and security arrangements—to ensure that recovery efforts are both sustainable and inclusive.

Second, the UK highlighted the dire humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where aid access has been almost entirely blocked since 2 March and famine looms, according to the latest IPC report of 12 May. Noting that hostages remain in “appalling conditions” the statement reiterated UN appeals for the immediate restoration of humanitarian corridors and praised the UK’s own £135 million funding package for the Occupied Palestinian Territories this year.

Third, attention turned to UNRWA, the UN agency providing vital services to Palestinian refugees. Despite UK funding of $55 million in the past financial year, UNRWA faces a staggering $450 million shortfall against its $880 million budget amid what officials describe as the organisation’s greatest crisis ever. The UK urged member states to help secure sustainable contributions to ensure UNRWA can continue life-saving operations.

In closing, the statement underlined that lasting peace and security for both Israelis and Palestinians hinges on a viable two-state solution. “We look forward to working with our Egyptian colleagues, the entire UN membership, and colleagues across the UN system to help deliver a conference which moves us towards this goal” Mr Hickey affirmed, setting the stage for what officials hope will be a decisive June gathering.

STORY

South Western Railway has today been nationalised as Heidi Alexander, the Secretary of State for Transport, conceded that the Government couldn’t reduce fares. Alexander said that under her department’s control the operator would now meet “rigorous, bespoke performance standards on things like punctuality, cancellation and passenger experience”, piling pressure on the new Great British Railways to significantly improve performance. Alexander committed to tangible improvements, noting:

“We have a generational opportunity to restore national pride in our railways and I will not waste it.”

STORY

In a move described as the largest public-sector award of the year, resident doctors in England are to receive an average pay uplift of 5.4% for 2025–26, comprising a 4% salary increase alongside a £750 consolidated payment. This latest award follows last year’s deal, which doctors overwhelmingly backed, and brings the total pay rise for the cohort to 28.9% over the past three years. Health Secretary Wes Streeting confirmed that full-time basic pay for resident doctors will average around £54,300 in the coming financial year. To ensure clinicians see the benefit sooner, the increase will be backdated to 1 April 2025 and reflected in August pay packets, two months earlier than the previous cycle. Officials also plan to kick-start next year’s pay negotiations in July, aiming for an even more prompt implementation in 2026–27.

Funding for these awards will be secured entirely through efficiency savings and the elimination of low-value spending within the health service, including a reduction in NHS England headcount, with none of the extra cost coming at the expense of frontline care. Mr Streeting emphasised that “every penny saved is being redirected to invest in the frontline, including staff pay” underlining the government’s commitment to protecting patient services.

Alongside the pay settlement, the Department of Health & Social Care is rolling out a suite of measures aimed at improving working conditions for trainee doctors. These include reforming exception reporting to streamline the logging of extra hours and safety concerns, reducing payroll errors, ensuring timely publication of rotas, and cutting down on repetitive mandatory training when rotating placements. A postgraduate training review, to be overseen by Sir Chris Whitty, will also launch this year, focusing on career progression and flexibility

STORY

Nigel Farage’s Reform UK party has pledged to fully reinstate winter fuel payments for pensioners and to scrap the two-child benefit cap if it enters government, in a direct challenge to Labour’s current proposals. Announced ahead of a press conference next week, these commitments aim to seize the political initiative on two of the most sensitive welfare issues facing the next Government.

Reform UK says the restoration of winter fuel payments would reverse cuts made last year, when eligibility was restricted to those receiving pension credit, leaving more than 10 million pensioners out of pocket on sums worth up to £300. Under the proposed policy, households with a pensioner under 80 would again receive a £200 lump sum, and those with a pensioner over 80 would receive £300 annually. Meanwhile, the party has vowed to abolish the two-child cap on means-tested benefits, a measure introduced by the Conservative government in April 2017 that currently affects around 1.5 million families by denying support for any third or subsequent child. Reform UK plans to fund both pledges by cutting net-zero environmental projects and cutting the foreign aid budget further.

STORY

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu today launched a blistering response to a joint warning from the United Kingdom, France and Canada, accusing their leaders of “offering a huge prize for the genocidal attack on Israel” and “inviting more such atrocities.” On Monday, the three Western governments threatened “concrete actions” unless Israel halted its renewed military offensive in Gaza and lifted restrictions on humanitarian aid, decrying what they called “egregious actions” that risked breaching international humanitarian law.

Luke Pollard (in photo), the Foreign Office Minister, rejected the attack, stating on BBC Radio 4’s Today Programme:

“We are absolutely clear that the best way to bring peace to the Middle East is with an immediate ceasefire being restored in Gaza, with Hamas releasing the hostages without any further delay and with massive amounts of aid getting to the Palestinian people in Gaza. Food, water and medical supplies should be delivered without delay. That’s the best way to secure a safe future for Israelis and Palestinians alike, with a ceasefire, with hostage release and with aid getting through.”

The exchange comes amid mounting international pressure over Israel’s conduct in Gaza, where the military campaign has displaced nearly all residents and caused extensive civilian casualties. Western allies, including the United States, Qatar and Egypt, continue to push for an immediate ceasefire, while Hamas has hailed the joint statement as a step towards restoring humanitarian norms.

STORY

In a poignant ceremony at Poelcapelle British Cemetery near Ypres today, the remains of Private Harry James Birch of the Cheshire Regiment and four unknown First World War soldiers were buried with full military honours. The service was organised by the Ministry of Defence’s Joint Casualty and Compassionate Centre, affectionately known as the “MOD War Detectives”, and featured a ceremonial bearer party, standard bearers, and the stirring tones of The Band of the Mercian Regiment sounding the Last Post.

Private Birch, who served with the 16th Battalion of The Cheshire Regiment, was killed on 22 October 1917 during the Third Battle of Ypres. He was formally identified through DNA provided by his great-nephew; the breakthrough came when a leather belt found with his remains revealed traces of his regimental number and part of his name. Alexia Clark, one of the MOD’s lead investigators, reflected on the significance of the identification:

“When you consider the half-a-million men still missing from the First and Second World Wars, every one we can name feels like an achievement. I am delighted that Pte Birch’s military family have now been able to give him the dignified burial he had been denied for so long.”

Despite extensive investigative work, the four soldiers found alongside Pte Birch remain nameless. More than 1,000 British and Commonwealth troops who died in the Ypres sector between 22 and 24 October 1917 are still officially missing. Reverend Gary Birch, Senior Chaplain at Headquarters South West and no relation to the soldier, led the service. He spoke of the profound honour in offering final rites:

“Although we’re not related, the fact that I share two names with Private Harry James Birch brings even greater poignancy. Each one who fell whilst serving their country is worthy of full respect, and it is my great honour to lead these moments of reflection and reverence.”

The Commonwealth War Graves Commission will now care for all five graves in perpetuity. Dr Daniel Seaton, Commemorations Case Officer at the CWGC, said:

“We are deeply honoured to lay these soldiers to rest. Their graves will be maintained forever, ensuring that their sacrifice is never forgotten.”

STORY

Rupert Lowe, the now independent MP for Great Yarmouth who was suspended by the Reform Party, has been accused of making anti-semitic remarks in a meeting with staff. The MP is alleged to have said “In days gone by you’d call it a Jewish camera, but that would be politically incorrect. Because it’s so small” and then laughed about his remark after it was queried. The Board of Deputies of British Jews said in a statement:

“This is bizarre and outdated antisemitic language which has no place in our politics. Mr Lowe should apologise for the offence this remark has caused.”

Lowe has rejected the allegations made against him by the Reform Party which led to his suspension. In a response to the media about the latest allegations, Lowe said “it was clearly a joke”.

STORY

The Metropolitan Police has said that Liam O’Hanna, a member of the band Kneecap, has been charged with a terror offence. The police force said in a statement:

“Liam O’Hanna, 27, (16.10.97) of Belfast has been charged, via postal requisition, with displaying a flag in support of Hizballah, a proscribed organisation, namely:

On 21 November 2024, in a public place, namely the O2 Forum, Kentish Town, London, displayed an article, namely a flag, in such a way or in such circumstances as to arouse reasonable suspicion that he is a supporter of a proscribed organisation, namely Hizballah, contrary to section 13(1)(b) and (3) of the Terrorism Act 2000.

Officers from the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command were made aware on Tuesday, 22 April of an online video from the event. An investigation was carried out, which led to the Crown Prosecution Service authorising the above charge.

O’Hanna is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, 18 June.”

STORY

The United Kingdom today underlined its continuing commitment to help the Syrian people rebuild their country and economy, as Ambassador James Kariuki, the UK’s Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations, addressed the UN Security Council in New York. Ambassador Kariuki opened by welcoming recent steps towards economic normalisation. He praised the announcement by the United States to lift sanctions on Syria, noting that “this positive step will create significant opportunity for economic recovery and development across Syria.” He added that the UK had similarly lifted its own sectoral sanctions in April, easing restrictions on trade, energy production and finance.

While acknowledging the vital importance of economic revival, the UK representative stressed that reconstruction must go hand in hand with a genuinely inclusive and peaceful political transition. He condemned recent attacks on Syria’s Druze community, warning that “there can be no lasting peace or better future for Syrians unless all of Syria’s communities are protected and fully included in Syria’s political transition”. He urged all parties to reject violence, engage in dialogue and safeguard civilian lives.

Ambassador Kariuki also called on Israel “to refrain from actions that risk destabilising Syria and to respect Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity”, reminder of regional dynamics that could undermine progress on the ground. Looking ahead, the UK pressed for a clear timetable from the new Syrian Government on next steps in the political transition. It welcomed the establishment of National Commissions for Transitional Justice and for Missing Persons, describing them as essential for “helping Syria heal and move forward after years of suffering”.