Category: News Story

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”.

STORY

West Nile virus has been detected in UK mosquitoes for the very first time, health authorities have confirmed. Fragments of West Nile virus (WNV) genetic material were found in two pools of Aedes vexans mosquitoes collected from wetlands on the River Idle near Gamston, Nottinghamshire, during July 2023, as part of the Vector-Borne RADAR surveillance programme run by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA). Although this marks the first evidence of WNV in British mosquitoes, officials stress there is currently “no evidence to suggest ongoing circulation of the virus in birds or mosquitoes in the UK” and the risk to the general public remains “very low”.

West Nile virus belongs to the Flaviviridae family—a group that also includes dengue and yellow fever viruses—and typically circulates between birds and mosquito vectors. In rare instances, infected mosquitoes can transmit the virus to humans or horses, causing anything from mild, flu-like symptoms to severe neurological diseases such as meningitis or encephalitis. Most human infections are asymptomatic, but around one in five people may experience fever, headaches or skin rash, while fewer than 1% develop neuroinvasive disease, which can carry a mortality rate of up to 17%. The Vector-Borne RADAR project pooled mosquitoes into groups of ten for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing. Of the 200 pools tested from the Nottinghamshire site, only two returned positive for WNV fragments, with the remaining 198 testing negative. This rigorous approach is designed to provide “early warning of potential threats” and enable the swift enhancement of disease surveillance and control activities, ensuring prompt testing for any suspected cases of encephalitis of unknown origin.

Dr Meera Chand, UKHSA Deputy Director for travel health, zoonoses, emerging infections, respiratory and tuberculosis, reassured the public “While this is the first detection of West Nile virus in mosquitoes in the UK so far, it is not unexpected as the virus is already widespread in Europe. The risk to the general public is currently assessed as very low”. Health professionals have been advised to consider WNV in unexplained encephalitis cases and to send samples to the UKHSA’s Rare and Imported Pathogens Laboratory as a precautionary measure.

Experts warn that rising temperatures and climate change are extending the range of mosquito-borne diseases northwards. Dr Arran Folly, lead arbovirologist on the RADAR project at APHA, noted that “in the wake of climate change, mosquito-borne diseases are expanding to new areas. Only through continued surveillance can we assess the risk to animal and public health”. As the UK experiences warmer summers, non-native mosquito species may find the climate increasingly hospitable, underscoring the need for ongoing monitoring. To date, there have been no locally acquired human or equine cases of West Nile virus in the UK, seven travel-associated human cases have been recorded since 2000, and the main risk to UK residents remains travel to endemic regions overseas. Meanwhile, members of the public are encouraged to reduce standing water around homes, use insect repellent, and wear loose-fitting clothing to minimise mosquito bites.

STORY

In a bid to halve knife crime within a decade, the Home Office today announced its most ambitious weapons surrender initiative yet, partnering with the Coalition to Tackle Knife Crime to bring “amnesty on wheels” directly to high-risk communities. Throughout July, anti-knife-crime campaigner Faron Paul will drive a purpose-built, fully secured “amnesty van” across London, the West Midlands and Greater Manchester, urging young people to hand in knives and other offensive weapons safely and anonymously. The scheme also expands fixed surrender points, with 37 new secure bins to be installed in those three regions in partnership with the charity Words4Weapons.

Policing and Crime Minister Dame Diana Johnson said the plan “is rooted in partnership with those who have first-hand experience of this devastating crime,” praising Faron Paul and Sandra Campbell of Words4Weapons for their leadership. “We know young people involved in crime often mistrust authority,” she added. “This collaboration gives them a discreet, no-questions-asked way to surrender weapons, helping to keep our streets safer.”

Faron Paul, CEO of FazAmnesty, described the amnesty van as “a symbol of hope, change and second chances” and welcomed the Home Office’s backing to “take our mission directly to the people.” Sandra Campbell, CEO of Words4Weapons, said the new bins will “provide communities with safe and anonymous disposal options” reinforcing neighbourhood trust and removing dangerous items from streets.

As part of the scheme, anyone handing in prohibited ninja swords—banned in their entirety from 1 August—can receive modest compensation by delivering them to designated police stations before the ban takes effect. After 1 August, possession of these weapons will carry custodial penalties. These measures form part of the government’s broader Plan for Change, which combines community-led initiatives with legislative reform, such as expanding surrender options, strengthening penalties for illegal weapons and funding youth outreach to tackle knife crime at its roots. The surrender van and new bins will operate all month long, giving local residents multiple safe avenues to dispose of weapons without fear of arrest.

STORY

The latest UK House Price Index shows that average property values rose by 1.1% between February and March 2025, taking the national average to £271,000 – a 6.4% increase on March 2024.

Key national figures:

Monthly change: +1.1% (versus +0.2% a year earlier)

Annual change: +6.4% (up from a revised +5.5% to February 2025)

Average price: £271,000

Regional highlights:

England overall: Prices rose 1.3% in March and are up 6.7% year-on-year, with the average English home now £296,000.

North East: biggest monthly gain (+4.2%) and the highest annual rise (+14.3%), average £168,000.

London: only region to see a monthly fall (−0.3%), with modest annual growth (+0.8%), average £552,000.

Wales: A slight monthly dip (−0.2%) but a 3.6% annual increase, placing the average Welsh home at £208,000.

Northern Ireland: (published quarterly) latest data show continued gradual rises.

Market activity:

Transactions: An estimated 177,000 property sales (value £40,000+) completed in March—104.3% more than a year ago, and a 61.7% increase on February, seasonally adjusted.

Funding mix in England: Mortgage-backed purchases averaged £301,000 (+7.1% annual) while cash buyers paid £282,000 (+6.0%). First-time buyers’ average price was £250,000 (+7.7%).

Property types in England:

Detached: £471,000 (+5.0% annually)

Semi-detached: £291,000 (+8.5%)

Terraced: £247,000 (+8.4%)

Flats/maisonettes: £231,000 (+3.9%)

New builds vs existing homes:

New-build prices remain volatile due to small sample sizes; January data show new homes at £416,000 (+17.4% year-on-year) versus £285,000 (+3.6%) for existing resales.

HM Land Registry Chief Executive Clinton Blackburn said “March’s figures underline the resilience of the housing market, with strong activity and price rises outside London. Buyers continue to compete for a still-limited supply of homes.”

STORY

The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities today set out a carefully staged programme for the sensitive deconstruction of Grenfell Tower, reaffirming its commitment to work hand-in-hand with bereaved families, survivors and the local community as the eighth anniversary of the tragedy approaches.

Under the new roadmap:

Specialist contractor confirmed: After an open competition, the government will award the dismantling contract to a firm with proven experience in controlled deconstruction and community engagement. A mandatory 30-day standstill period will follow before works formally begin.

Transparent timeline published: In July, detailed plans will be released covering every step—from environmental safeguards and health-and-safety protocols to the creation of a secondary site for respectfully storing materials not used in the on-site memorial. Physical preparatory works will start in August, with full deconstruction slated to begin in September, taking approximately two years to complete behind protective screens.

Ongoing community dialogue: Regular public forums—both large and in small groups—will be held to share progress, gather feedback on anniversary commemorations and ensure the site’s future custodianship reflects local wishes. One-to-one meetings and written updates will also be available on request.

Wellbeing support remains in place: The Grenfell Wellbeing Service, operated by the NHS, continues to offer confidential counselling and advice. Survivors or residents can call 020 8637 6279 daily (8 am–8 pm) or contact their GP for referrals. An out-of-hours helpline is available at 0800 0234 650.

Communities Minister Laura Farris said, “We owe it to everyone affected by the Grenfell fire to carry out this work with the utmost care, compassion and transparency. By engaging families and residents at every stage, we will ensure the tower is dismantled respectfully and safely, leaving a lasting tribute to those we lost.”

STORY

The chair of Thames Water, Sir Adrian Montague, has conceded he “may have misspoken” when telling MPs that senior executive bonuses worth up to 50% of salary were “insisted upon” by the company’s creditors. His clarification to the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (EFRA) select committee casts doubt on whether Parliament was accurately informed about the controversial retention payments, leading to a fear that the chair had deliberately misled Parliament.

Last week, Sir Adrian told MPs that lenders behind Thames Water’s £3 billion emergency loan had demanded substantial bonuses to retain key staff amid “hair-raising” financial pressures. Those comments sparked criticism, given the company’s warning that it had come “very close to running out of money entirely.”

However, documents seen by the Guardian newspaper, including the loan term sheet and a recent High Court judgment, indicate that while creditors agreed to the scheme, they did not require it. In a letter to the EFRA committee made public today, Sir Adrian said:

“I appreciate that in the heat of the moment I may have misspoken when I stated that the creditors insisted on the management retention plan.”

He went on to explain that the retention plan “rose from our discussions related to our liquidity extension transaction” and was agreed as part of a broader effort to safeguard experienced executives during a period of uncertainty. Thames Water is likely to issue further clarifications about their chair “misspeaking” later today.

STORY

Homes England has surpassed all three of its key housebuilding milestones for 2024/25, provisional figures published today reveal. The government’s housing and regeneration agency enabled the completion of 36,757 new homes—exceeding its target of 36,484—while construction started on 37,782 homes against a target of 33,095. It also unlocked land capable of delivering a further 78,986 homes, comfortably outstripping its goal of 59,956.

This performance comes amid the government’s drive to build 1.5 million homes during this Parliament. By partnering with local authorities, combined mayoral authorities and private developers, Homes England has stepped up interventions in places such as Nottingham, York and Bristol, and forged strategic “place partnerships” with regions including Greater Manchester, Liverpool City Region and Cambridgeshire & Peterborough.

Matthew Pennycook, Minister of State for Housing and Planning, said:

“Homes England is playing a crucial role in our Plan for Change to deliver 1.5 million new homes and the biggest rise in social and affordable housing in a generation. Exceeding these targets shows the agency’s vital contribution to unlocking land, backing SME builders and regenerating communities across England.”

Pat Ritchie, Chair of Homes England, added:

“I’m immensely proud of our 2024/25 results. Our colleagues’ passion for housebuilding and regeneration shines through these figures. As we move to a more regionally focused model, we’ll be even better placed to meet local housing needs and support the government’s growth agenda.”

Eamonn Boylan, Chief Executive of Homes England, remarked:

“Since January, I’ve been impressed by our team’s dedication. By exceeding our delivery targets and deepening collaboration with mayors and councils, we’re ensuring everyone has a place they’re proud to call home.”