Category: News Story

STORY

Prime Minister Keir Starmer held a 35-minute phone call with U.S. President Donald Trump today, focusing on the escalating trade tensions between the two nations. The discussion centred on the recent U.S. tariffs imposed on British imports, with Starmer urging for reconsideration to protect UK industries.​ President Trump’s administration has implemented a 10% tariff on most British goods, with specific levies of 25% on cars, steel, and aluminium. These measures have raised concerns within the UK government about their potential impact on the British economy. During the call, Starmer emphasised the UK’s commitment to free and open trade while underscoring the importance of safeguarding national interests.

In response to the tariffs, Chancellor Rachel Reeves is scheduled to visit Washington to negotiate potential exemptions, particularly for sectors like automotive and pharmaceuticals. UK negotiators have proposed concessions, including the removal of the 2% digital services tax and adjustments to online safety regulations, in exchange for tariff relief. Beyond trade, the leaders discussed international security concerns, including the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, developments in Iran’s nuclear activities, and recent U.S. military actions in Yemen targeting the Houthi movement.

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Rupert Lowe, the independent MP for Great Yarmouth and former member of Reform UK, has announced his intention to sue party leader Nigel Farage, chairman Zia Yusuf and chief whip Lee Anderson for defamation. Lowe alleges that the trio made false and damaging statements accusing him of workplace bullying and issuing threats of violence, which he claims have severely harmed his reputation.​ The dispute stems from a statement released by Reform UK in early March, wherein Yusuf and Anderson asserted that the party had received credible complaints from two female employees regarding serious bullying by Lowe. Additionally, they claimed that Lowe had made threats of physical harm towards Yusuf. These allegations led to Lowe’s suspension from the party and prompted an internal investigation, as well as a police inquiry into the alleged threats.

Lowe has vehemently denied all accusations, describing them as part of a “concerted smear campaign” conducted by Reform and orchestrated in retaliation for his public criticism of Farage’s leadership style, which he previously labelled as “messianic.” He contends that the allegations were strategically timed to undermine his credibility following his calls for internal party reforms.

In a formal statement, Lowe declared, “The statement was read by millions and has caused serious harm to my reputation. I believe it was published as part of a concerted smear campaign against me after I made comments about the party’s leader Nigel Farage.” He has instructed his legal team to issue letters of claim to Farage, Yusuf and Anderson, demanding retractions of the alleged false statements. Should they fail to comply, Lowe intends to proceed with High Court proceedings to seek redress.

The internal investigation conducted by Reform UK concluded that the complaints against Lowe were credible. However, Lowe and his supporters dispute these findings, asserting that the process was flawed and biased. The Metropolitan Police have confirmed an ongoing investigation into the alleged threats, but no charges have been filed to date.

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The National Education Union (NEU), the UK’s largest teaching union, is contemplating strike action in autumn 2025 if the government fails to offer a fully funded, above-inflation pay rise for teachers in England.​ At the NEU’s annual conference in Harrogate, delegates overwhelmingly rejected the Department for Education’s proposed 2.8% pay increase for the 2025–26 academic year, labelling it inadequate and unfunded. An indicative ballot revealed that 93.7% of participating members opposed the offer, with 83% expressing willingness to take industrial action to secure a better deal.

General Secretary Daniel Kebede emphasised that the proposed pay rise would exacerbate existing challenges in recruitment and retention, stating that many schools would need to make cuts to accommodate the increase. He warned that without a satisfactory pay offer, the union would consider launching a formal strike ballot as early as June, potentially leading to strikes in September.

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson responded by urging the NEU to prioritise students’ interests, cautioning that strike action would be “indefensible” amid efforts to improve school attendance.

The NEU awaits the government’s final decision on teacher pay, expected in June. Should the offer remain unchanged, the union is prepared to proceed with a formal ballot, aiming to meet the 50% turnout threshold required for legal industrial action. This development occurs against a backdrop of increasing industrial unrest across various public sectors in the UK, raising concerns about a potential “summer of discontent.”

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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.

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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.