Category: News Story

STORY

Kemi Badenoch ignited fresh controversy today by declaring that she will refuse to speak to any woman wearing a burqa, or indeed any face covering, at her constituency surgery. In an interview with The Sunday Telegraph, the Leader of the Opposition insisted that “if you come into my constituency surgery, you have to remove your face covering, whether it’s a burqa or a balaclava,” arguing that effective communication demands a clear view of one’s interlocutor.

Badenoch went on to extend the principle to the workplace, asserting that employers should have the right to ban staff from wearing full-face veils. “Organisations should be able to decide what their staff wear” she noted, adding “It shouldn’t be something that people should be able to override.” The intervention follows a recent Commons exchange in which a Reform UK MP pressed the Prime Minister on whether the UK should emulate France and Belgium by outlawing the burqa.

Badenoch defended her position by drawing parallels with past parliamentary practice. In 2006, former Labour minister Jack Straw famously asked burqa-wearing constituents to unveil during surgery, provided a female aide was present, a policy that stirred its own row at the time. But critics point out that Straw’s appeal was framed as a courtesy rather than an outright ban, and that no change in the law followed. The Institute for Public Policy Research has warned that any move to ban religious attire in workplaces or public services would face legal challenges under the Equality Act, unless employers can demonstrate a “proportionate” justification, such as health and safety. As the row deepens, legal experts expect any attempt at formal prohibition to be swiftly tested in the courts.

STORY

The Reform Party has been hit by new allegations about the personal conduct of Sarah Pochin after photos were revealed of her holding a mug with a photo of Keir Starmer wearing a hijab. Pochin’s conduct at Prime Minister’s Question Time this week split the party and led to the resignation of the party chair, Zia Yusuf who had called Pochin’s behaviour as “dumb”.

Georgie Laming from Hope Not Hate said:

“This photo and Pochin’s comments this week show her extreme anti-Muslim prejudice. The image on the mug has been shared widely in far right circles by extreme figures who use the image to suggest Labour is complicit in the Islamification of Britain.”

Pochin has so far refused to comment on the new allegations made against her as figures in the Reform Party have expressed concern about the new MP’s behaviour.

STORY

Rob Cross, the former PDC World Darts Champion famously crowned “Voltage” in 2018, has been banned from serving as a company director for five years after his business failed to pay over £450,000 in taxes. The Insolvency Service announced today that Cross’s company, Rob Cross Darts Limited, fell into liquidation in November 2023 owing more than £400,000 to HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) alone.

Cross, 34, set up Rob Cross Darts Limited in May 2017 to manage his prize money and sponsorship income. However, an investigation revealed that between March 2020 and the date of liquidation, he removed in excess of £300,000 from the company—funds that should have been paid to creditors, including HMRC. By the time the firm went under, the director’s loan account that Cross had racked up stood at £423,608, and the business owed £403,896 in corporation tax, £49,071 in VAT and a further £12,436 in PAYE and National Insurance contributions.

In a bid to address some of the outstanding debt, Cross entered into an Individual Voluntary Arrangement (IVA) last year. Under the IVA, he has undertaken to make regular payments to an insolvency practitioner, with the monthly amount fluctuating based on his future earnings in darts tournaments. Rob Cross Darts Limited had received just over £1 million from his winnings between March 2020 and November 2023, alongside nearly £170,000 in sponsorship money and more than £260,000 from Cross’s management company—but only paid £41,936 to HMRC in that same period.

Kevin Read, Chief Investigator at the Insolvency Service, emphasised the wider impact of such shortfalls. “When directors fail to pay the correct amount of tax, it directly impacts the nation’s ability to fund vital public services such as the NHS, schools and transport infrastructure,” he said. “Rob Cross’s company owed more than £400,000 in corporation tax alone when it went into liquidation. For more than three years, he withdrew funds from the company that should have gone to HMRC and other creditors. This case demonstrates that we will pursue action against directors who deprive the public purse of much-needed funds.”

As part of the disqualification sanction, which began on 5 June, Cross is barred from promoting, forming or managing any company without prior permission from the court, a prohibition set to last until June 2030. Any breach of the ban could land him in court and carry further penalties.

STORY

More than eight decades after he was lost in action, Flying Officer Philip Anthony Neville Cox’s final resting place has been confirmed in the Netherlands, and a rededication service was held at his grave yesterday. Cox, who flew with 501 Squadron of the Royal Auxiliary Air Force during the Battle of Britain, was originally buried as an unknown airman after his Hurricane failed to return from an operation over Dover on 27 July 1940. A body washed ashore a month later on the Dutch coast and was interred as “an unknown British Air Force Officer,” with only fragmentary details of his name and service number recorded. When wartime graves were consolidated into the Bergen op Zoom War Cemetery in 1946, those scant records were lost, leaving his plot unmarked by name for nearly 80 years.

The Ministry of Defence’s Joint Casualty and Compassionate Centre (JCCC)—known informally as the MOD War Detectives—led the multi-year effort to uncover Cox’s identity. Collaborating with the RAF Air Historical Branch and the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC), researchers examined Dutch and German wartime archives and cross-checked survival and loss records. They discovered that although another serviceman named Cox had gone missing, only Flying Officer P.A.N. Cox matched the date and location of the crash, eliminating any doubt.

Yesterday’s service at Bergen op Zoom was conducted by Reverend Jonathan Steward, station chaplain at RAF Odiham, who spoke of the emotional significance of finally engraving Cox’s name on his headstone. “Having his name forever written in stone is more than symbolic,” Reverend Steward said. “It shows our commitment to honour and commemorate his sacrifice, ensuring it will not be forgotten.” Family members from the UK were present alongside Dutch dignitaries and military representatives, witnessing the unveiling of a new Commonwealth War Graves headstone bearing Cox’s name and rank. A small military party stood in solemn tribute behind the marker, and wreaths were laid to mark the occasion.

Born in Gloucestershire, Cox was noted in his RAF reports as a skilled pilot and accomplished sportsman, excelling in both fencing and soccer. He joined the Auxiliary Air Force in 1932 and quickly earned a reputation for dedication and bravery. His loss on that July day in 1940 came during a critical period of the Battle of Britain, when every pilot’s contribution was vital to the RAF’s defence against the Luftwaffe. Tracey Bowers, a caseworker with the JCCC, expressed gratitude for the tip that first pointed investigators toward the Dutch burial records. “This brave officer served his country for eight years,” she said. “Thanks to painstaking research, Flying Officer Cox will now be remembered by name, and his grave will be cared for by the CWGC in perpetuity.”

Fergus Read, Commemorations Case Officer at the CWGC, noted that the identification process drew on sources that had never before been connected, including eyewitness accounts, crash-site reports, and local wartime documentation. “It was a privilege to play a part in establishing where this Battle of Britain pilot was laid to rest,” Read said. “The Commission will honour his memory and maintain his grave for generations to come.”

STORY

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) today launched what Ministers are calling the biggest reform of Jobcentres in decades, with the first of several new “jobs and careers service” pilots opening in Wakefield, West Yorkshire. The “Pathfinder” initiative promises to move away from a centralised, one-size-fits-all model and give local areas greater say in designing tailored support to help people back into work. Under the new approach, Wakefield’s Jobcentre will introduce a range of innovations aimed at breaking down barriers between jobseekers and employers. As of yesterday, DWP staff began trialling a “Coaching Academy” to provide specialised training for advisers, helping them offer more personalised guidance. Alongside this, the centre held a careers event focused on West Yorkshire’s growing creative sector, drawing participation from local employers such as Production Park, known for hosting Netflix productions.

“The old tick-box approach simply doesn’t work for people trying to build a better life,” said Employment Minister Alison McGovern. “By involving local leaders in Wakefield to co-design this service, we can ensure support truly reflects regional labour-market needs.”

Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, added that the reforms would give people “a better chance of landing a good job when they are treated with dignity and respect at a trusted local Jobcentre.” West Yorkshire Combined Authority and Wakefield Council have together committed almost £40 million to expand employment support, including initiatives that link health services with job coaching.

The Wakefield pilot is the first of several Pathfinders planned for launch later this year, with others targeting groups such as young people and individuals with health conditions. In each area, DWP officials will test ideas ranging from digital “hubs” where any resident—whether receiving benefits or not—can access employment advice, to events that match local talent to high-growth sectors. Ministers say the move is a core part of the government’s “Get Britain Working” agenda. Alongside boosting the National Living Wage and tightening workplace protections through the Employment Rights Bill, the new Jobcentre strategy aims to deliver more secure, well-paid jobs and improve living standards.

Local employers have welcomed the more collaborative approach. According to a recent DWP survey, only 9 percent of businesses currently recruit through Jobcentres; officials hope that regular sector-focused events and deeper partnerships with colleges and training providers will raise that figure and connect jobseekers with vacancies more quickly. Full roll-out of the new model across England is expected by late 2026, once lessons from Wakefield and subsequent pilots have been evaluated. In the meantime, communities in other regions are preparing to adopt similar locally-led strategies, with DWP guidance on developing bespoke “Get Britain Working plans” already published.

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”.