Category: News Story

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.

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Toby Carvery has come under scrutiny after the removal of an ancient oak tree near one of its restaurants. The tree, believed to be more than 200 years old, was felled during maintenance work carried out by contractors acting on behalf of the company. The incident has drawn criticism from local residents and conservation groups, who claim the tree was a well-known feature in the area and may have had protected status. There is currently no confirmation as to whether the correct permissions were in place before the work was carried out.

A spokesperson for Toby Carvery said the company is investigating the matter. “We are looking into the circumstances surrounding the removal of the tree and are in contact with the relevant authorities,” the statement read. “We understand the concerns raised and will take appropriate steps based on the findings.”

Local authorities are now reviewing whether planning or environmental regulations were breached. Wildlife experts have also been consulted to determine whether any protected species were impacted during the felling. No official sanctions have been issued at this stage, but discussions are ongoing regarding possible restitution, including replanting efforts or contributions to local environmental initiatives. The investigation remains ongoing.

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Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, better known as Tommy Robinson, has lost his appeal against an 18-month prison sentence for contempt of court. The Court of Appeal in London upheld the sentence, which was imposed in October 2024 after Yaxley-Lennon admitted to breaching a High Court injunction by repeating false allegations against Syrian refugee Jamal Hijazi, who had previously won a libel case against him.​ The contempt charges stemmed from Yaxley-Lennon’s comments in online interviews and a documentary titled “Silenced,” which was widely distributed, including a showing at Trafalgar Square. The Court of Appeal judges stated that the original sentencing judge applied the law appropriately and imposed a fitting punishment.​

Yaxley-Lennon’s legal team argued that his detention in segregation at Woodhill Prison was adversely affecting his mental health. However, the court dismissed these claims, noting that the segregation was necessary for his own protection and did not constitute solitary confinement, as he had opportunities to spend time out of his cell, work, and communicate with family and friends. The 42-year-old self-styled journalist has been a controversial figure in the UK, known for his far-right activism and previous convictions. Despite his claims of support from U.S. billionaire Elon Musk for his legal fees, Musk has not confirmed this. Yaxley-Lennon’s imprisonment has been a focal point for his supporters, who have organised rallies and spread disinformation in his defence.

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The United Kingdom and France have jointly expressed deep concern over escalating gang violence in Haiti, particularly efforts aimed at destabilising the country’s Transitional Presidential Council (TPC).​ In a statement released today, both governments condemned reports of criminal gangs coordinating to undermine Haiti’s fragile political transition. They reiterated their support for the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and the Kenyan-led Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission, which is assisting the TPC and the Haitian National Police in combating gang activity and restoring stability.​

“We reiterate our collective support for CARICOM and the Kenyan-led Multinational Security Support mission in assisting the TPC and the Haitian National Police to tackle the gangs who continue to cause daily suffering to the Haitian people,” the statement read. “We are committed to maintaining pressure on those who seek to destabilise Haiti via the implementation of sanctions, and we call on authorities to fully implement the sanctions regime in Haiti.”

The joint statement underscores the UK and France’s commitment to supporting Haiti’s efforts to restore democratic institutions and the rule of law. Both nations have pledged to continue applying pressure on those who threaten the country’s stability and to support international initiatives aimed at bringing peace and security to the Haitian people.​ This declaration comes amid ongoing international efforts to address the humanitarian and security crisis in Haiti, which has been exacerbated by gang violence and political instability. The UK and France’s reaffirmed support highlights the importance of coordinated international action in assisting Haiti during this critical period.

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The UK’s Financial Reporting Council (FRC) has initiated an investigation into Ernst & Young (EY) concerning its audits of the Post Office’s financial statements from 2015 to 2018. The probe focuses on EY’s compliance with auditing standards, particularly in relation to the Horizon IT system, which has been central to a significant miscarriage of justice involving over 900 sub-postmasters. The Horizon system, developed by Fujitsu, was implemented by the Post Office in 1999 and erroneously indicated financial discrepancies, leading to wrongful prosecutions for theft and false accounting. Despite the Post Office not being classified as a public interest entity, the FRC has taken the unusual step of intervening due to the substantial public interest and the gravity of the scandal.​

The investigation follows a comprehensive public inquiry into the Horizon affair, which concluded its oral hearings recently. The inquiry has already cost over £50 million, and while the government has allocated £1.8 billion for compensation, many affected individuals are still awaiting restitution.​ EY has acknowledged the FRC’s investigation and has pledged full cooperation. The firm emphasised its commitment to upholding high auditing standards and supporting the ongoing efforts to address the consequences of the Horizon scandal.​

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A building contractor from Harrow has received a suspended prison sentence after fraudulently obtaining a £50,000 COVID-19 Bounce Back Loan by significantly overstating his business’s turnover. Florin-Petrica Bodale, 34, operated as a sole trader offering plumbing, heating, and air-conditioning services. In November 2020, he applied for a Bounce Back Loan, falsely claiming an annual turnover of £240,000 to secure the maximum loan amount. However, an investigation by the Insolvency Service revealed his actual turnover was approximately £22,000, entitling him to a loan of just £5,500.​ On 10 April 2025, at Snaresbrook Crown Court, Bodale was sentenced to 13 months’ imprisonment, suspended for 18 months, and ordered to complete 250 hours of unpaid work.​

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

“Florin-Petrica Bodale falsely claimed a much higher turnover for his business and the reality of this is a notable sentence on top of his earlier disqualification as a director. These loans were intended to help keep small businesses afloat, not to take money from the public purse that businesses were not entitled to. We will continue in our efforts to bring those who abuse this scheme to justice.”​

The Bounce Back Loan Scheme was introduced to support small and medium-sized businesses during the pandemic. The Insolvency Service continues to investigate and prosecute individuals who have exploited the scheme.​

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The UK Government has called on the Unite union to accept Birmingham City Council’s latest pay offer and bring an end to the ongoing refuse workers’ strike, which has left the city grappling with 21,000 tonnes of uncollected rubbish and escalating public health risks. Communities Secretary Angela Rayner has urged Unite to reconsider its position after the union overwhelmingly rejected the council’s proposal, describing it as “totally inadequate.” The strike, which began on 11 March, stems from a dispute over the removal of the Waste Recycling and Collection Officer (WRCO) role. Unite claims the change would result in pay cuts of up to £8,000 for approximately 200 drivers. The council contends that only 17 workers would be affected and that alternative roles with equivalent pay have been offered.

In response to the mounting waste and associated health hazards, the government has invoked Military Aid to the Civil Authorities (MACA) powers, deploying military logistical planners to assist in coordinating waste collection efforts. Additionally, support from neighbouring councils has been mobilised to address the crisis. The Labour-led Birmingham City Council, already under financial strain due to a £760 million equal pay ruling, maintains that the removal of the WRCO role is necessary to avoid further legal liabilities. The council emphasises its commitment to resolving the dispute and restoring essential services to the city’s 1.2 million residents.

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The Pubs Code Adjudicator (PCA) has unveiled a new official website designed to provide tied pub tenants in England and Wales with clearer guidance on their rights and responsibilities under the Pubs Code. The website offers comprehensive information on key areas such as rent assessments, the Market Rent Only (MRO) option, and dispute resolution processes. It aims to empower tenants by enhancing transparency and accessibility to regulatory support.

Fiona Dickie, the Pubs Code Adjudicator, stated: “This new digital platform is a significant step towards ensuring that tied tenants have the resources they need to understand and exercise their rights effectively. Our goal is to foster fair and equitable relationships between pub-owning businesses and their tenants.” The launch of the website aligns with the PCA’s ongoing efforts to address concerns within the tied pub sector, where tenants often face challenges related to rent fairness and supply agreements. By providing a centralised hub of information, the PCA seeks to support tenants in making informed decisions about their businesses.​

The new web-site is accessible at https://www.pubscodeadjudicator.org.uk/.

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A Sussex café owner has been sentenced for fraudulently obtaining £150,000 in COVID-19 support loans for dormant companies.​ Mehmet Akyuz, 36, of Conway Street, Brighton and Hove, secured three £50,000 Bounce Back Loans in 2020 for two businesses: Green and Hove Limited, trading as Organic Earth Café, and Leathers Wear Limited. Investigations revealed that both companies were not trading at the time of the applications and had filed dormant accounts in 2020, 2021, and 2022.​ Akyuz falsely claimed substantial turnovers for both companies to obtain the loans. Between September 2020 and January 2021, over £36,000 from one loan was transferred directly to him, with the remainder disbursed in miscellaneous payments.​

At Hove Crown Court on Monday, Akyuz received a 20-month prison sentence, suspended for two years. He was also disqualified from serving as a company director for five years and ordered to complete 300 hours of unpaid work.​

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

“Mehmet Akyuz’s actions in fraudulently applying for three Bounce Back Loans he was not entitled to were completely unacceptable. This was taxpayers’ money designed to support small businesses through the pandemic and should not have been exploited in such a cynical manner.”​

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The UK government has taken decisive action to secure the future of British Steel by obtaining essential raw materials to keep the company’s blast furnaces operational. This move follows the enactment of emergency legislation aimed at safeguarding the nation’s steel production capabilities. Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds announced that shipments of coke and iron ore pellets from the United States have arrived at Immingham docks. These materials are being transported to British Steel’s Scunthorpe site, ensuring the continuation of steel production in the immediate term.

The government’s intervention comes in response to the financial difficulties faced by British Steel’s Chinese owner, Jingye Group, which had ceased ordering necessary raw materials. To prevent the shutdown of the UK’s last remaining blast furnaces, Parliament passed the Steel Industry (Special Measures) Act 2025. This legislation grants the government authority to direct company operations and, if necessary, assume control to maintain production.

Reynolds emphasised the strategic importance of domestic steel production, stating, “Our industries depend on UK steel, and—thanks to our Plan for Change—demand is set to shoot up: helping build the 1.5 million homes, railways, schools and hospitals we need to usher in a decade of national renewal.” In addition to securing raw materials, the government has appointed Allan Bell as interim Chief Executive Officer and Lisa Coulson as interim Chief Commercial Officer to oversee operations during this critical period. The situation has also drawn international attention. China’s Foreign Ministry has urged the UK to treat Jingye Group fairly, cautioning against politicising the issue and emphasising the importance of safeguarding investor confidence.