Category: News Story

STORY

The UK government has unveiled a comprehensive plan aimed at significantly improving living conditions for military families. The initiative, titled “Homes Fit for Heroes,” introduces a new Consumer Charter and a forthcoming Defence Housing Strategy, both designed to address longstanding issues in military housing.​

Defence Secretary John Healey emphasised the government’s commitment to providing service members and their families with quality housing. “Our Armed Forces serve with extraordinary dedication and courage to keep us safe. It is only right that they and their families live in the homes they deserve,” Healey stated.

Key Measures of the Initiative:

• Enhanced Move-In Standards: Ensuring homes are clean, functional, and ready on time for new occupants.​

• Improved Information Transparency: Providing families with detailed property information, including photographs and floor plans, prior to moving.​

• Reliable Repairs System: Implementing a commitment to complete urgent repairs within set timelines, consistent with Awaab’s Law, and introducing an online portal for managing repair requests.

• Housing Renovations: Launching a refurbishment program targeting the worst-condition homes, with up to 1,000 properties to be renovated as an initial phase.​

• Dedicated Housing Officers: Assigning a named housing officer to each service family to assist with housing-related inquiries.​

• Streamlined Complaints Process: Reducing the complaints procedure to two stages, aligning with industry best practices, to ensure quicker resolutions.​

• Policy Modernisation: Allowing families greater freedom to make home improvements, fostering a sense of pride and ownership.

These measures are set to be implemented by December 2025, marking the one-year anniversary of the government’s decision to reacquire 36,000 military homes previously sold in 1996. This move is projected to save taxpayers £600,000 per day by eliminating rental payments to private entities.

The Defence Housing Strategy, to be published later this year, will further outline plans to develop surplus military land, creating opportunities for Armed Forces homeownership and supporting the delivery of affordable homes across the UK.  This initiative aligns with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s pledge to provide “homes for heroes,” ensuring that veterans and their families have access to the housing support they need.

STORY

The United Kingdom has expressed deep concern over the destabilising actions of Libyan security actors and armed groups, highlighting issues such as unlawful detentions, kidnappings, and attacks on humanitarian organisations. These concerns were raised during a statement by Ambassador Barbara Woodward, the UK’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, at a Security Council meeting focused on Libya.​ Ambassador Woodward emphasised the alarming trajectory of Libya’s economy, noting the absence of a unified budget and oversight mechanisms. She warned that the current levels of public spending risk rapidly diminishing the nation’s wealth. The competition for state resources is placing significant pressure on Libya’s institutions and could potentially fuel renewed conflict.​

The UK also highlighted reports of unlawful and arbitrary detentions, kidnappings, imprisonment without due process, and assassination attempts by Libyan security actors and armed groups. Ambassador Woodward stressed the need for accountability to support civic space and trust in Libya’s law enforcement. She specifically mentioned the recent closure of humanitarian organisations’ offices and the detention of their employees as particularly troubling. The UK urged Libyan authorities to work collaboratively with international NGOs and resolve differences through dialogue, recognising the indispensable role of humanitarian organisations in supporting Libya, including addressing concerns about illegal migration.​

Furthermore, the UK underscored the urgent need for progress on Libya’s political track. Ambassador Woodward called for a comprehensive and inclusive political process to establish sound economic governance, uphold the rule of law, ensure accountability, and combat corruption. She reaffirmed the UK’s strong support for the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) and commended Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG) Hannah Tetteh for her leadership. The UK urged all Libyan actors to engage constructively with the UN’s efforts and the recommendations of the Advisory Committee, viewing this as a real opportunity to chart a path towards the peace, stability, and prosperity that the Libyan people deserve.​

STORY

Ismail Uradde, 36, from East Ham, has had his prison sentence increased to ten years following a referral by Solicitor General Lucy Rigby KC MP under the Unduly Lenient Sentence Scheme. The Court of Appeal found his original sentence of three years and eight months insufficient for the severity of his crimes.​

In the early hours of 26 July 2024, Uradde confronted two men outside his block of flats, accusing them of causing a disturbance. Armed with a kitchen knife, he attacked both individuals, stabbing one twice in the left thigh and the other in the arm, resulting in significant blood loss for both victims. After the assault, Uradde fled the scene and handed the weapon to a local shopkeeper.​

One of the victims later reported ongoing psychological trauma, stating he experiences difficulty sleeping and fears being attacked again.​

Originally sentenced on 20 January 2025 for two counts of wounding with intent and one count of possessing a bladed article, Uradde’s case was reviewed following the Solicitor General’s intervention. On 15 April 2025, the Court of Appeal increased his sentence to ten years.​

Solicitor General Lucy Rigby KC MP commented:​

“Ismail Uradde’s violent and unprovoked attack on the two victims was shocking. I welcome the Court of Appeal’s decision to more than double his sentence. My thoughts are with the two victims of Uradde’s attack.”

STORY

Adam Ali, a 20-year-old from Manchester, has had his sentence increased to six years and four months following a fatal car crash that resulted in the death of 16-year-old passenger Ben Burbridge and serious injuries to another teenager. The Court of Appeal’s decision came after Solicitor General Lucy Rigby KC MP referred the original sentence under the Unduly Lenient Sentence Scheme.​

On 15 October 2022, Ali was driving at over 60mph in a 30mph residential zone during wet conditions. He lost control of the vehicle, crashing into a lamp post. Ben Burbridge suffered catastrophic brain injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. Another passenger, 17-year-old Justin Saidi, sustained multiple injuries, including a collapsed lung and fractured ribs.​

At the time of the incident, Ali had recently passed his driving test and was awaiting a speed awareness course following previous speeding offences. While awaiting trial for the fatal crash, he was caught speeding twice more and was involved in another accident while banned from driving, during which he was inhaling nitrous oxide at the wheel.​

Initially sentenced to four years’ detention on 27 January 2025 for causing death and serious injury by dangerous driving, Ali’s sentence was increased by the Court of Appeal on 15 April 2025. Solicitor General Lucy Rigby stated:​

“Ben Burbridge was only 16 years old when he died and he had his whole future ahead of him. His life was tragically cut short by Adam Ali’s dangerous driving. I welcome the court’s decision to increase Ali’s sentence following my referral. This government is committed to ensuring those who drive dangerously are punished appropriately.”

STORY

Shkelzen Gashi, the former owner of Smart Tyres Services Ltd in North London, has been disqualified from serving as a company director for a decade after overstating his business’s turnover to obtain the maximum £50,000 Bounce Back Loan during the Covid-19 pandemic.​

Gashi, 53, claimed his tyre fitting business had a turnover of £250,000 when applying for the government-backed loan in 2020. However, an investigation by the Insolvency Service revealed that Smart Tyres Services Ltd’s actual turnover for 2019 was £134,401. This misrepresentation enabled Gashi to secure £16,400 more than his company was entitled to under the scheme.

The Bounce Back Loan Scheme was designed to support small and medium-sized businesses during the pandemic, allowing them to borrow between £2,000 and £50,000, capped at 25% of their annual turnover. The loans were intended to be used for the economic benefit of the business.​

Smart Tyres Services Ltd ceased trading in August 2022, leaving liabilities exceeding £100,000. Gashi has since repaid £8,000 of the loan. Despite being given multiple opportunities to explain his actions, Gashi failed to provide satisfactory answers to investigators.​

Kevin Read, Chief Investigator at the Insolvency Service, stated:​

“Shkelzen Gashi blatantly overstated the turnover of his company, ensuring it received significantly more in Covid support than it was entitled to. This was taxpayers’ money, and Gashi will now no longer be able to be involved in the promotion, formation or management of a company for the next decade as a result of his dishonest conduct.”

The disqualification, effective from 17 April 2025, prohibits Gashi from being involved in the promotion, formation, or management of a company without court permission until April 2035.​

A tyre shop continues to operate from the same Harringay Road address where Smart Tyres Services Ltd was based; however, Gashi is not associated with the current business.

STORY

Bardsey Tree Services Ltd and its director, Andrew Richard Ward, have been fined for illegally burning waste on rural land near Wetherby, West Yorkshire. The Environment Agency prosecuted the company and Ward after multiple warnings were ignored. At York Magistrates’ Court on 10 April, both parties pleaded guilty to two offences of burning waste between August 2023 and August 2024. The company was fined £2,500, ordered to pay £3,000 in costs, and a £1,000 victim surcharge. Ward received a personal fine of £960, with £1,274.50 in costs and a £384 surcharge.​

The offences occurred on land leased by the company off Compton Lane. In August 2023, Environment Agency officers observed a fire burning mixed waste, including wood, soil, rubble, and metal. Despite being instructed to cease activities and clear the site, the company registered a waste exemption two months later, permitting the burning of certain green waste under specific conditions.​ However, in July 2024, officers witnessed another fire emitting thick grey smoke, containing plastics, treated wood, metal, and aerosol canisters—materials not covered by the exemption. Further warnings were issued, but the illegal burning persisted.​

Ian Foster, Area Environment Manager for the Environment Agency in Yorkshire, stated:

“Burning waste on land can have a significant impact on the environment and local communities. Our officers made it clear to the defendants multiple times that the activity on site was illegal, but this was ignored. I hope this sends out a message to others about just how important it is to follow regulations to protect the environment and ensure businesses aren’t in breach of the law.”

STORY

The UK government has announced the appointment of Mr. Christian Rogg as the next British High Commissioner to the Republic of Ghana. He will succeed Ms. Harriet Thompson, who is set to take up another role within the Diplomatic Service. Mr. Rogg is expected to assume his new position in July 2025.​

Mr. Rogg brings extensive experience to the role, having served in various capacities within the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) and its predecessor, the Department for International Development (DFID). His previous postings include roles in Accra, Hanoi, Abuja, Kinshasa, and Addis Ababa, focusing on development and governance. Most recently, he has been serving as the FCDO’s Director for Development and Open Societies.

Ms. Harriet Thompson has been serving as the British High Commissioner to Ghana since June 2021. During her tenure, she has also held the positions of Non-Resident Ambassador to Benin and Non-Resident High Commissioner to Togo. Her diplomatic career includes significant roles in Nigeria and contributions to UK government policies on trade, energy, and climate change.

STORY

The UK’s Serious Fraud Office (SFO) has charged United Insurance Brokers Limited (UIBL) with failing to prevent bribery related to contracts in Ecuador.​

Between October 2013 and March 2016, UIBL is alleged to have failed to prevent its associates from bribing Ecuadorian state officials to secure contracts with public sector insurers, including those covering water and electricity services. The company reportedly received $6.2 million in commissions for these services, with $3.2 million allegedly paid to intermediaries who then bribed officials to obtain the contracts.

Representatives of UIBL have been ordered to appear before Westminster Magistrates’ Court next month. The SFO’s Director, Nick Ephgrave QPM, emphasized the agency’s commitment to holding companies accountable for failing to prevent bribery.

The case remains open as the SFO continues its investigation.

STORY

The UK Supreme Court has ruled that, under the Equality Act 2010, the legal definition of the word woman refers strictly to biological sex, in a judgement expected to have far-reaching implications for the interpretation of equality law and the provision of single-sex spaces.

The unanimous verdict came in response to a legal challenge brought by campaign group For Women Scotland, which contested the Scottish Government’s attempt to include transgender women in female quotas on public boards. The court ruled that such inclusion went beyond the scope of the Equality Act, which defines sex as either male or female — terms now confirmed to be based on biological characteristics, not gender identity. The justices emphasised that while the Act offers clear protections against discrimination for transgender individuals, those protections do not equate to a legal redefinition of sex. The ruling means that even if a transgender woman has obtained a Gender Recognition Certificate, she is not to be treated as female for the purposes of laws that relate specifically to sex-based rights or representation.

Delivering the judgement, the court stated: “The protected characteristic of sex is not altered by the acquisition of a Gender Recognition Certificate for the purposes of legal provisions that rely on biological sex distinctions.” The Scottish Government, which had previously lost two earlier rounds of the case, said it accepted the ruling but expressed disappointment. “We remain committed to advancing equality and inclusivity for all communities, including trans people, within the limits of the law,” a spokesperson said.

The judgement has divided public opinion. Women’s rights campaigners welcomed it as a vital clarification that protects single-sex services and spaces such as refuges, hospital wards, and women’s shortlists.

“This is a landmark victory for women’s rights,” said Susan Smith of For Women Scotland. “It reaffirms that biological sex matters in law and that attempts to redefine it through the back door cannot stand.”

However, transgender rights groups have criticised the decision, calling it a step backward for trans inclusion and equality. “This judgement risks further marginalising trans people and denies the lived realities of many,” said a spokesperson for the charity Stonewall.

Legal experts say the ruling is likely to have wide consequences, particularly in the public sector, where policies relying on self-identification may now have to be reconsidered. The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) said it would issue updated guidance following the ruling to help public bodies and organisations interpret the law correctly. The ruling does not affect the ability of individuals to change their legal gender under the Gender Recognition Act, but it clarifies that such changes do not override statutory definitions of sex in equality law

STORY

The United Kingdom has urged all parties involved in the conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) to agree to an immediate and unconditional ceasefire, expressing deep concern over the ongoing violence and humanitarian crisis in the region. Speaking at the United Nations Security Council, Ambassador James Kariuki, the UK’s Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, highlighted the lack of progress in implementing Resolution 2773, which was unanimously adopted nearly two months ago. He acknowledged the withdrawal of M23 and Rwandan Defence Forces from Walikale as a positive development but emphasised that significant challenges remain.

“We reiterate this Council’s call for the M23 to cease hostilities and withdraw from all controlled areas, and for the Rwandan Defence Forces to cease support for the M23 and withdraw from Congolese territory,” said Kariuki.

The UK welcomed the appointment of President Faure Gnassingbé of Togo as the African Union’s mediator for the peace process in eastern DRC. Kariuki expressed hope that this would enhance coordination between regional and international efforts to achieve lasting peace. He also urged all parties to engage with the mediator’s efforts and to implement the East African Community-Southern African Development Community (EAC-SADC) roadmap for sustainable peace and security.​

Addressing the humanitarian situation, Kariuki noted that over one million people have been displaced since the beginning of the year due to the conflict. He called on all parties to respect international humanitarian and human rights law and to allow safe and unimpeded passage of humanitarian assistance by lake, road, and through the reopening of key airports, including Goma and Kavumu. The UK also supports enhanced coordination among the UN and donors to ensure aid reaches those most in need.