Category: News Story

STORY

The United Kingdom has praised Sweden’s enduring commitment to human rights during the 49th session of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) at the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva. In a statement delivered by the UK Mission to the WTO, UN, and other international organisations, the UK acknowledged Sweden’s significant contributions to human rights both domestically and internationally. The UK specifically highlighted the establishment of the Swedish Institute for Human Rights as a positive development. However, it recommended that Sweden ensure the Institute’s institutional independence and provide sustainable resources to enable it to effectively fulfil its mandate of promoting and protecting human rights within the country.

Addressing historical injustices faced by the Sami people, the UK’s statement urged Sweden to collaborate with the Truth Commission for the Sami People. The UK emphasised the importance of considering the Commission’s forthcoming proposals in good faith and implementing them fairly to promote reconciliation. The UK also encouraged Sweden to continue its efforts in combating gender-based violence and oppression. It recommended the ongoing implementation of the government’s action plan to address these issues effectively. The UK’s participation in the UPR process reflects its commitment to supporting and enhancing human rights practices globally. By providing constructive feedback and recommendations, the UK aims to foster international cooperation and the continuous improvement of human rights standards.

STORY

The New York State Catholic Conference has condemned a photo issued by the White House of President Donald Trump as the Pope, issuing a statement stating:

“There is nothing clever or funny about this image, Mr. President. We just buried our beloved Pope Francis and the cardinals are about to enter a solemn conclave to elect a new successor of St. Peter. Do not mock us.”

The White House rejected the criticism.

STORY

Anthony Albanese has made history by securing a second consecutive term as Prime Minister of Australia, leading the Labor Party to a decisive victory in the 2025 federal election. This marks the first time since 2004 that a sitting prime minister has been re-elected after serving a full term. In a significant political shift, Opposition Leader Peter Dutton not only conceded defeat but also lost his seat of Dickson to Labor’s Ali France. This is the first instance since 2007, and only the fourth in Australian history, where a major party leader has lost their parliamentary seat during a federal election.

Delivering his victory speech at Canterbury-Hurlstone Park RSL in Sydney, Albanese expressed deep gratitude to the Australian people and paid tribute to his fiancée, Jodie Haydon. He emphasised themes of unity, fairness, and optimism, stating, “I want to bring Australians together. I want to seek our common purpose and promote unity and not fear—optimism, not fear and division.” Albanese’s campaign focused on addressing key issues such as the high cost of living, housing shortages, and climate change. Labor’s platform included commitments to increase renewable energy usage, provide low-deposit home loans, and invest in healthcare.

The election results indicate a significant swing against the Liberal-National Coalition, with analysts describing the outcome as “diabolical” for the Liberals. The Labor Party’s performance suggests a possible majority government, while the Greens and independents are expected to retain or increase their influence. Albanese’s re-election is seen as a mandate for his Government’s policies and a rejection of divisive politics. He pledged to govern for all Australians, regardless of how they voted, and to work collaboratively to address the nation’s challenges.

STORY

Robert Emmerson, a 40-year-old from Manchester, has had his prison sentence increased from four and a half years to seven years, with an additional three years on licence, following a referral to the Court of Appeal under the Unduly Lenient Sentence scheme. Between 6 November 2023 and 15 April 2024, Emmerson committed five separate sexual assaults and seven acts of exposure against 11 girls and young women in central Manchester and Wythenshawe. The assaults occurred in broad daylight, leaving victims “shocked” and “terrified” with some noting that Emmerson was smiling during the attacks.

Emmerson has a history of sexual offences, including previous convictions for indecent exposure and stalking. Some of his victims were schoolgirls. On 30 January 2025, Emmerson was initially sentenced at Manchester Crown Court to four years and six months for five counts of sexual assault and seven counts of exposure. He also received a Sexual Harm Prevention Order and is subject to indefinite notification requirements.

Following a referral by Solicitor General Lucy Rigby KC MP, the Court of Appeal increased Emmerson’s sentence on 1 May 2025. Rigby stated:

“I was sickened and angered to read of the offender’s numerous sexual assaults against women and young girls. His increased sentence clearly shows that sex offenders will be brought to justice and face the penalty they deserve. This government is committed to halving violence against women and girls in a decade as part of the Plan for Change, and this increased sentence will keep predators like Emmerson off our streets. My thoughts today are with the young women attacked by Emmerson.”

STORY

Gary Wright, a 46-year-old former pub landlord from St Helens, has been handed a two-year suspended prison sentence after fraudulently securing a £25,000 Bounce Back Loan during the Covid-19 pandemic. Wright failed to disclose his bankruptcy status when applying for the government-backed loan intended to support struggling businesses.

Wright previously operated the Talbot Ale House on Duke Street, which ceased trading in September 2019. He was declared bankrupt in February 2020 due to debts owed to a major utility company. Despite this, in June 2020, he applied for a £25,000 Bounce Back Loan, claiming the pub had an annual turnover of £400,000, without informing the bank of his bankruptcy.

At Liverpool Crown Court on 24 April 2025, Wright was sentenced to two years in prison, suspended for two years. He was also ordered to complete 150 hours of unpaid work and pay £1,500 in costs. The loan was repaid in full earlier this year.

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

“Gary Wright incurred significant debts after his business failed and he was ultimately declared bankrupt. He then attempted to take advantage of a scheme which was backed by taxpayers and designed to support viable small businesses through the pandemic. Bankrupts are legally required to declare their status when applying for loans or credit. Wright clearly failed to do this which is why he now has a criminal conviction.”

Under UK law, individuals who are undischarged bankrupts must disclose their status when applying for credit over £500. Wright remains an undischarged bankrupt. The Talbot Ale House continues to operate under new management.

STORY

Anthony Williams, a 40-year-old man from Gloucester, has had his prison sentence increased from eight to twelve years after the Court of Appeal deemed his original punishment unduly lenient. Williams was convicted of multiple sexual offences committed under the guise of professional photography sessions. Between July and December 2021, Williams contacted women online, presenting himself as a professional photographer. He invited them to his home, which he had set up as a makeshift studio, and during these sessions, he encouraged the women to undress before sexually assaulting them. In total, he committed 17 attacks over nine photoshoots.

In January 2025, Williams was found guilty at Gloucester Crown Court of 14 counts of sexual assault, two counts of assault by penetration, and one count of rape. He was initially sentenced to eight years in prison and given a lifetime Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

Following a referral by the Solicitor General under the Unduly Lenient Sentence scheme, the Court of Appeal reviewed the case. On 15 April 2025, the court increased Williams’ sentence to 12 years. The Solicitor General, Lucy Rigby KC MP, stated:

“Williams exploited and manipulated women into thinking they were taking part in professional photo shoots but this was just part of a grim scheme to brutally assault them for his own sexual gratification. Protecting women and girls is an absolute priority for this government and I would like to offer my sympathies to the victims. I welcome the court’s increase to this sentence.”

Victim impact statements highlighted the profound effect of Williams’ actions on the survivors’ mental health. One victim described feeling “like a mere shadow” of her former self.

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The United Kingdom has commended Armenia for recent human rights advancements while urging further reforms to safeguard vulnerable communities. This statement was delivered during Armenia’s Universal Periodic Review (UPR) at the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva.

Eleanor Sanders, the UK’s Ambassador for Human Rights, acknowledged Armenia’s progress since its last review in 2020. Notably, she highlighted the strengthening of domestic violence legislation in 2024 and the abolition of the death penalty in all circumstances. Additionally, improvements in media freedom were recognised as positive developments.

However, Sanders expressed concern over ongoing discrimination and attacks against LGBT+ individuals in Armenia. To address these issues, the UK recommended that Armenia:

– Implement comprehensive anti-discrimination laws protecting sexual orientation and gender identity across all sectors.

– Ratify the Istanbul Convention to enhance protections for women against violence and domestic abuse.

– Develop community-based services to support individuals with psychosocial and intellectual disabilities.

The UK’s statement is intended to show its commitment to promoting human rights and supporting Armenia’s efforts towards inclusive reforms.

STORY

Dame Andrea Jenkyns of Reform UK has been elected as the inaugural Mayor of the Greater Lincolnshire Combined County Authority, securing a decisive victory with 42% of the vote. This marks Reform UK’s first mayoral win and a significant milestone in the party’s political ascent. Jenkyns, a former Conservative MP who joined Reform UK in 2024, defeated Conservative candidate Rob Waltham, who secured 26.1% of the vote. Labour’s Jason Stockwood received 12.3%, while other candidates from the Lincolnshire Independents, Green Party, and Liberal Democrats trailed behind.

The election, held on 1 May 2025, was the first for the newly established Greater Lincolnshire mayoralty, encompassing Lincolnshire County Council, North Lincolnshire Council, and North East Lincolnshire Council. In her victory speech, Jenkyns emphasised a commitment to addressing local concerns, stating, “This result shows that people are ready for change. We will work tirelessly to ensure that Greater Lincolnshire’s voice is heard and respected.”

The win is part of a broader surge for Reform UK in the 2025 local elections, including a narrow victory in the Runcorn and Helsby parliamentary by-election. Political analysts view Jenkyns’ election as indicative of shifting political dynamics in the UK, with Reform UK emerging as a formidable force challenging traditional party strongholds. As Mayor, Jenkyns will oversee regional development initiatives, infrastructure projects, and public services, with a focus on economic revitalisation and community engagement.

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The Trump administration has approved its first sale of military equipment to Ukraine since President Donald Trump assumed office, marking a significant shift in U.S. policy towards Kyiv. The State Department certified a proposed license to export “$50 million or more” in defence hardware and services to Ukraine, according to a communication sent to the U.S. Committee on Foreign Relations.

This development follows the recent signing of the Ukraine–United States Mineral Resources Agreement, a deal granting the U.S. preferential access to Ukrainian mineral resources, including rare earth elements. The agreement also establishes a joint investment fund aimed at Ukraine’s reconstruction efforts. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy hailed the minerals deal as a “truly equal” partnership, emphasising its potential to attract significant investment into Ukraine’s economy.

The approval of the military equipment sale signifies a notable policy reversal, as President Trump had previously paused all Ukraine-related military aid shortly after taking office. Analysts suggest that the minerals agreement may have been a catalyst for the renewed military support, indicating a strategic linkage between economic cooperation and defence assistance. The move comes amid ongoing Russian aggression in Ukraine, with recent attacks reported in cities like Odesa. The U.S. decision to resume military sales is expected to bolster Ukraine’s defence capabilities as the conflict continues.

STORY

In a landmark political upset, Reform UK has won the Runcorn and Helsby by-election, narrowly defeating Labour by just six votes. This small margin marks the closest by-election result in UK history, overturning Labour’s previous majority of nearly 15,000 votes.

Sarah Pochin, a former Conservative councillor and local magistrate, secured 12,645 votes (38.72%), edging out Labour’s Karen Shore, who garnered 12,639 votes (38.70%). The by-election was triggered by the resignation of Labour MP Mike Amesbury following a suspended prison sentence for assault.  The result followed a dramatic recount after initial counts showed a mere four-vote difference. The final declaration was delayed by three hours due to the recount process.

Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK, hailed the victory as a “seismic shift” in British politics, stating that the result demonstrates the public’s desire for change. The by-election saw a significant swing of over 20 percentage points from Labour to Reform UK, highlighting growing discontent with the traditional parties. The Conservative Party’s vote share plummeted to 7.17%, down from 16% in the previous general election, narrowly maintaining third place ahead of the Green Party.

Labour leader Keir Starmer faces mounting pressure as internal critics call for a reassessment of the party’s strategy to counter the rising influence of Reform UK. The by-election outcome underscores the volatility of the current political landscape and sets the stage for a potentially transformative general election in 2029.