Category: News Story

STORY

David Holdsworth, Chief Executive of the Charity Commission, lauded the indispensable contributions of charity trustees in his keynote address at the Trustee Exchange 2025 conference in London. Emphasising the sector’s substantial £94 billion annual turnover in England and Wales, Holdsworth highlighted the tangible impacts of trustees’ efforts, from groundbreaking medical research enabling a paralysed woman to regain hand function, to environmental conservation successes like the resurgence of ospreys in the UK.​

Holdsworth underscored the critical role trustees play in sustaining the charity sector, stating, “Without you, there would be no charity sector.” He acknowledged the challenges faced by charities amidst global uncertainties and domestic pressures, noting their frontline position in addressing issues ranging from international conflicts to local community needs.​

In his speech, Holdsworth also addressed the importance of attracting and retaining trustees, advocating for initiatives to make trusteeship more appealing and accessible. He called for a collective effort to support trustees in maximising their charities’ impact, reinforcing the Commission’s commitment to providing necessary guidance and resources.

STORY

A Romford-based builder, Ioan Marcu, has been mandated to repay over £38,000 after fraudulently securing a £50,000 Bounce Back Loan during the COVID-19 pandemic. Marcu, 38, previously received a 10-year director disqualification in January 2025 following an investigation by the Insolvency Service.​ Marcu, the sole director of Imbusi Ltd, applied for the maximum loan amount in July 2020, claiming an annual turnover of £280,000. However, official records indicated the company’s actual turnover entitled it to just £11,451. Imbusi Ltd subsequently went into liquidation in July 2022, owing over £63,000.​

In April 2025, Marcu signed a compensation undertaking, legally committing to repay £38,549—the excess amount obtained—through monthly instalments. Ann Oliver, Chief Investigator at the Insolvency Service, stated:​

“Ioan Marcu significantly overstated his company’s turnover in order to receive the maximum amount of money businesses were entitled to under the Bounce Back Loan Scheme. This was clearly an inaccurate declaration which has resulted in him being banned as a director until the start of 2035.”​

The Bounce Back Loan Scheme was introduced to support businesses during the pandemic, allowing loans up to £50,000 based on company turnover. Misuse of the scheme has led to numerous investigations and sanctions against individuals who provided false information to obtain funds.​ Marcu’s disqualification prohibits him from involvement in company management or formation without court permission until 2035

STORY

At the United Nations Human Rights Council, the United Kingdom has called on Guinea to honour its commitment to hold presidential elections by the end of 2025 and to implement reforms that uphold human rights and democratic principles.​ Delivering the UK’s statement during Guinea’s Universal Periodic Review (UPR), Eleanor Sanders, the UK’s Ambassador for Human Rights to the UN, acknowledged Guinea’s efforts to protect human rights and welcomed steps taken towards restoring constitutional order. However, she emphasised the necessity for Guinea to take urgent action to address corruption within the judiciary and public administration, ensuring adherence to international standards.​

Highlighting concerns over freedom of expression, Sanders urged the Guinean government to decriminalise peaceful demonstrations and lift the ban on mainstream private media. Such measures, she noted, would strengthen legal protections for journalists, the media, and civil society.​

The UK presented three key recommendations for Guinea:​

– Ensure that the electoral processes in 2025 are credible, including the constitutional referendum in September and subsequent local, legislative, and presidential elections.​

– Promote freedom of expression by decriminalising defamation, lifting bans on private media channels, and permitting peaceful public demonstrations.​

– Take immediate steps to combat corruption in the judiciary and public administration, upholding due process in line with international standards.​

The UK’s statement underscores its stated commitment to supporting Guinea in its journey towards democratic governance and the protection of human rights.

STORY

The United Kingdom has called for a reinvigorated international effort to achieve a two-state solution between Israel and Palestine, emphasising the urgent need for a ceasefire in Gaza and the restoration of humanitarian aid. Speaking at the United Nations Security Council, Lord Collins of Highbury, Minister for Africa and the UN, condemned the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, highlighting that Israeli restrictions have led to severe shortages of food and medical supplies. He noted that the World Food Programme’s announcement of depleted food stocks underscores the dire situation faced by Palestinian civilians, including over a million children.​

Lord Collins expressed outrage over recent attacks on humanitarian workers and facilities, including the killing of Palestinian Red Crescent staff and a strike on a UN compound on 19 March, which Israel acknowledged was caused by its forces. He urged Israel to conduct full and transparent investigations into these incidents and to reinstate effective measures to prevent such tragedies.​ Reaffirming the UK’s commitment to a two-state solution, Lord Collins stressed the importance of building on the upcoming June conference co-hosted by France and Saudi Arabia. He advocated for the development of credible security and governance plans acceptable to both Israelis and Palestinians, emphasising that Hamas must no longer govern Gaza or pose a threat to Israel. He also highlighted the need to strengthen the Palestinian Authority’s capabilities as central to the future state.​

In closing, Lord Collins called for seizing the opportunity to build lasting peace across the region, noting progress in Lebanon and Syria, and urging all parties to avoid destabilising actions and adhere to international obligations. The UK’s statement underscores its position that lasting peace and security can only be achieved through a two-state solution, with both Israel and Palestine coexisting peacefully within internationally recognised borders.

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.