Category: News Story

STORY

In a significant operation on 29 April 2025, twelve individuals were arrested during dawn raids across the West Midlands and Northwest England. This marks the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency’s (MHRA) most extensive investigation into organised medicines trafficking to date.​

The suspects face allegations including participation in an organised crime group, conspiracy to sell or supply controlled drugs and unlicensed medicines, and money laundering. They are currently being held for questioning at various police stations in the regions.​

The coordinated raids, part of ‘Operation Subaru’, involved approximately 150 officers and targeted 22 residential and commercial properties across Greater Manchester, Staffordshire, Merseyside, and the West Midlands. The operation led to the seizure of hundreds of thousands of doses of medicines—such as opioid painkillers and anti-anxiety drugs—alongside £100,000 in cash, luxury watches, and suspected criminal assets held in cryptocurrency. Additionally, the MHRA secured restraint orders for over £3.5 million in assets believed to be connected to criminal activities.​

Andy Morling, head of the MHRA’s Criminal Enforcement Unit, stated:​

“Operation Subaru is the largest investigation we’ve ever undertaken and demonstrates the MHRA’s commitment to protecting the public by dismantling the organised international criminal networks that cause so much harm.”​

STORY

The UK Ministry of Defence has announced the formation of the King’s Gurkha Artillery (KGA), a new regiment within the Brigade of Gurkhas. This marks the first time Gurkha soldiers, traditionally recruited from Nepal, will serve in artillery roles in the British Army. Over the next four years, 400 Gurkha personnel will join the KGA, which will operate within the Royal Regiment of Artillery. The establishment of this unit aims to bolster the UK’s military capabilities and address a reported 700-soldier shortfall in the Royal Regiment of Artillery. ​

A new Gurkha cap badge—the first in 14 years—has been created to represent the unit, symbolising the expanded roles Gurkhas will undertake. Recruits will complete initial training by November 2025 before proceeding to trade training at Larkhill Garrison in Wiltshire. They will be trained on advanced artillery systems, including the Archer, Light Gun, and the upcoming remote-controlled Howitzer 155.

Minister for Veterans and People, Alistair Carns, stated:​

“The Brigade of Gurkhas has rightly earned a reputation as being amongst the finest soldiers in the world, and the formation of The King’s Gurkha Artillery recognises the outstanding contribution that they have made through their years of dedicated … .”

Currently, approximately 4,000 Gurkhas serve across various trades in the British Army. The creation of the KGA not only enhances the UK’s artillery capabilities but also provides new career development opportunities for Gurkhas, reflecting their longstanding service and commitment to the UK.

STORY

Ricky Harrison, a 41-year-old director from Hertford Heath, Hertfordshire, has been sentenced to three years and two months in prison after fraudulently obtaining £200,000 through the government’s Bounce Back Loan Scheme during the COVID-19 pandemic. He was also disqualified from acting as a company director for ten years. ​

Harrison secured four £50,000 loans for companies he controlled, including Hackney Works Ltd, Tower Hamlets Works Ltd, Ricky Harrison Holdings Ltd, and Newham Works Ltd. Three of these companies were dormant at the time of application, and he significantly overstated the turnover of Newham Works Ltd to qualify for the maximum loan amount. ​

Investigations revealed that Harrison used the funds for personal expenses, including the purchase of a vehicle, and attempted to dissolve the companies shortly after receiving the loans to avoid repayment. He made only a single repayment of £833.

David Snasdell, Chief Investigator at the Insolvency Service, commented:​

“Ricky Harrison’s actions were deeply cynical. He exploited an opportunity to help himself to taxpayers’ money during what was a national emergency.” ​

STORY

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson has appointed Sir David Holmes as the new Chair of the Child Safeguarding Practice Review Panel. He will commence a four-year term starting on 23 June 2025. ​ The panel, established in July 2018, is an independent body that reviews serious child safeguarding incidents—cases where children have died or suffered serious harm due to abuse or neglect. It aims to improve the safeguarding system by identifying national learning from these tragedies. ​

Sir David brings 19 years of experience in developing and providing high-quality services for children and families. He currently serves as CEO of Family Action, a charity supporting families through various challenges. His previous roles include Deputy Director of Children’s Services in local government, senior civil servant positions in the Department of Health and Department for Education, and practising as a solicitor. ​This appointment coincides with plans to establish the Child Protection Authority (CPA) in England, which aims to create a clearer and more unified child protection system. Under Sir David’s leadership, the panel will expand its analytical capacity and provide high-quality materials for practitioners. A roadmap for establishing the CPA and a consultation on its development are expected later this year. ​

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson stated:​

“Sir David Holmes’ track record in working on the ground with children and families, supporting them through the toughest times, makes him well-placed to help us build a system where background does not determine destiny.” ​

Sir David Holmes expressed his commitment to the role:​

“I am honoured to have been chosen to undertake this role. No child should suffer harm, abuse or neglect, and the panel’s role in working with the whole safeguarding system to review practice, identify learning and encourage and enable improvement is crucial.” ​

He succeeds Annie Hudson, who served as Chair for five years. Ms Hudson reflected on her tenure:​

“I feel immensely privileged to have served as Chair of the Child Safeguarding Practice Review Panel for the past 5 years. The panel has worked hard to ensure that, as a nation and as safeguarding professionals, we learn from tragic incidents where children have died or been seriously harmed because of abuse and neglect.” ​

The panel’s work will continue to focus on improving learning, professional practice, and outcomes for children across England.

STORY

William Blenkarn, a 48-year-old events company director from Buckinghamshire, has been sentenced for fraudulently obtaining £100,000 in COVID-19 support funds. He secured two £50,000 Bounce Back Loans for his company, MJB Events Limited, despite the scheme permitting only one loan per business. Subsequently, he transferred £41,000 to a newly established company, MJB Entertainment Group Ltd. ​

At Aylesbury Crown Court on 24 April, Blenkarn, now residing in Spain, received a two-year prison sentence, suspended for 18 months, and was ordered to complete 200 hours of unpaid work. The Insolvency Service is pursuing recovery of the misappropriated funds under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002. ​

David Snasdell, Chief Investigator at the Insolvency Service, stated:​

“William Blenkarn’s company received double the amount of public money it deserved due to his false declaration when applying for a second Bounce Back Loan. This was taxpayers’ money and Blenkarn made matters worse by moving a significant proportion of the loan over to his new company which had only been trading for a few months.” ​

Blenkarn’s actions not only violated the terms of the Bounce Back Loan scheme but also breached his duties as a director by failing to provide necessary accounting records during the liquidation process. The fraudulent activities left MJB Events’ account overdrawn by approximately £25,000, depriving creditors of funds.

STORY

Millions of families across England are set to benefit from lower school uniform costs, following new government measures to cap the number of branded items schools can require. Under the proposals, schools will be limited to insisting on no more than three branded uniform items, with ties exempt from the limit. The change, part of the wider Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill, is expected to help around 4.2 million children across 8,000 schools and save families up to £73 million a year.

Currently, parents are spending an average of £442 each year on secondary school uniforms and £343 on primary school uniforms. The new rules aim to allow parents to shop around for cheaper options, rather than being forced to buy expensive branded gear from specific suppliers. The Education Secretary, Bridget Phillipson, said:

“Looking smart at school shouldn’t cost the earth, and no parent should be forced to choose between buying family essentials and a school shirt or tie.”

The bill also includes funding for free breakfast clubs in all state-funded primary schools, meaning families could save up to £500 a year when both policies are combined.

Charities have welcomed the move. Lynn Perry MBE, Chief Executive of Barnardo’s, said high uniform costs can negatively affect children’s attendance and wellbeing, with some families even sending their children to school in ill-fitting clothes or keeping them at home.

The reforms follow concerns that some schools have been adding more and more branded items, despite previous guidance encouraging them to keep costs down. A government survey found one in five schools had increased branded requirements in the last year alone. Ministers say the new limits will ensure that school uniform costs are kept reasonable and that no child misses out on education because of the cost of kitting up.

STORY

The United Kingdom has reinforced its commitment to Middle East peace by hosting Palestinian Authority (PA) Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa for the first official visit to the UK since 2021. The meeting culminated in the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at advancing the two-state solution and bolstering the PA’s governance capabilities. ​ Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Foreign Secretary David Lammy welcomed Prime Minister Mustafa to London, underscoring the UK’s steadfast support for the Palestinian people during a critical period in the Occupied Palestinian Territories. The MoU reaffirms the UK’s recognition of the PA as the sole legitimate governing body in these territories and emphasizes the importance of reunifying Gaza and the West Bank under its authority. ​

In conjunction with the MoU, the UK announced a £101 million aid package directed at humanitarian relief, economic development, and governance reforms within the Occupied Palestinian Territories. This funding aims to support the PA’s reform agenda, enhance service delivery, and promote financial sustainability. ​

Foreign Secretary David Lammy highlighted the significance of the visit, stating:​

“This visit marks a significant step in strengthening our relationship with the Palestinian Authority – a key partner for peace in the Middle East – at a critical moment.” ​

The UK and PA also agreed on a coordinated approach to Gaza’s future, building on Arab and Palestinian-led initiatives. The UK reiterated that Hamas must immediately release hostages and relinquish control of Gaza, advocating for the PA’s central role in governance, security, and reconstruction efforts

STORY

The UK government has confirmed the arrival of a crucial shipment of over 55,000 tonnes of blast furnace coke at Immingham Bulk Terminal. Sourced from Bluescope Steel’s plant in Australia, this delivery is essential for maintaining operations at British Steel’s Scunthorpe facility. The coke, transported by the MV Navios Alegria, will be transferred by rail to Scunthorpe, ensuring the continued operation of both blast furnaces in the coming months. An additional shipment comprising more than 66,000 tonnes of iron ore pellets and 27,000 tonnes of iron ore fines from Sweden is expected next week, funded directly by the government through existing Department for Business and Trade budgets.

Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds emphasised the strategic importance of this move:​

“The action we’ve taken to secure primary steelmaking at Scunthorpe will not only support our national security but help our steel sector supply the construction of the homes and infrastructure of the future, as part of our Plan for Change.”

British Steel’s Interim CEO, Allan Bell, acknowledged the efforts of the company’s teams:​

“We’ve successfully secured the raw materials we need to keep the blast furnaces running, meaning our production of steel can continue.”

The Community union’s Assistant General Secretary, Alasdair McDiarmid, also expressed appreciation for the government’s intervention, noting the assurance it provides to workers at the Scunthorpe site. This development follows the government’s recent actions to stabilise British Steel, including the appointment of new interim leadership and the conclusion of a staff redundancy consultation initiated by the company’s owners, Jingye Group. The continued operation of the Scunthorpe blast furnaces secures approximately 3,000 jobs and reinforces the UK’s commitment to sustaining its domestic steel production capabilities.

STORY

Liverpool is set to implement a £2 per night “City Visitor Charge” on overnight stays in hotels and serviced apartments from 1 June 2025, following a successful ballot among local accommodation providers. ​The charge, applicable to establishments with a rateable value of £45,000 or more, aims to generate approximately £9.2 million over two years. Of this, £6.7 million is earmarked to support the city’s visitor economy, including funding for marketing campaigns, street cleaning, and major events. ​The proposal was approved by 26 votes to 18 in a ballot conducted among 83 hotels and serviced apartments within Liverpool’s Accommodation Business Improvement District (ABID), with a turnout of 53%. ​

Councillor Harry Doyle, Liverpool City Council’s Cabinet Member for Culture and Visitor Economy, welcomed the decision, stating:​

“The ‘Yes’ vote for an extension of the BID to create a visitor charge is a great vote of confidence in the growth of our successful visitor economy. This positive step lays solid foundations in our endeavour to formalise the establishment of a sustainable Tourism Tax, akin to what is being looked at in Glasgow and has already been introduced in other major European cities.” ​

The levy will be administered by the Liverpool BID Company, which oversees the city’s business improvement districts. Funds collected will be reinvested into initiatives designed to enhance Liverpool’s appeal as a tourist destination. The introduction of the City Visitor Charge aligns Liverpool with a number of other UK cities like Manchester, which implemented a similar £1 per night fee in April 2023, raising £2.8 million in its first year.

STORY

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has firmly dismissed a proposed peace plan from US President Donald Trump that would see Ukraine cede Crimea to Russia, reiterating that any such concession is unacceptable and does not constitute a genuine path to peace. The US President, hit by poor polling and economic chaos in the United States from the tariffs policy, had previously given a pledge that he could resolve the Ukrainian issue in one day, something which his representatives have since backed away from.

In a recent interview, Zelenskyy expressed his willingness to consider any concrete peace proposals but made it clear that surrendering Ukrainian territories, including Crimea and the Donbas region, is not negotiable. “Yes, we can stop this war if we give to Russia Donbas and Crimea. In my mind, our country will not be ready for such a peace plan. It is not a peace plan” he stated.

Zelenskyy emphasied that Ukraine will determine its own course of action regarding Crimea without external consultation. “We will be returning Crimea by any means, because this is our territory. We will decide on our own, without consulting with any other country in the world” he asserted. The Ukrainian leader has consistently maintained that reclaiming Crimea is essential for restoring international law and order. “It all began with Crimea, and it will end with Crimea” he declared, highlighting the peninsula’s significance in the broader context of global security. Earlier in the day, former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson condemned the US approach.

Trump’s proposal, which includes recognising Russia’s control over Crimea and freezing the conflict along current frontlines, has faced criticism from Ukrainian officials and European lawmakers, who warn against appeasing Russia As diplomatic efforts continue, Zelenskyy’s unwavering stance underscores Ukraine’s commitment to its territorial integrity and the challenges facing international negotiations aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict. Russia is expected to welcome the US capitulation with Putin expected to make a statement in the near future.