Category: News Story

STORY

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.”​

STORY

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.

STORY

The United Kingdom has provided Ukraine with a £752 million loan to bolster its defence capabilities, marking the second instalment of a £2.26 billion package under the Extraordinary Revenue Acceleration (ERA) Loans for Ukraine scheme. This funding aims to support Ukraine in procuring vital military equipment, including urgently needed air defence systems, as Russia continues its aerial bombardment, notably the recent attack on the city of Sumy.

The ERA scheme is structured to be repaid using profits generated from sanctioned Russian sovereign assets, ensuring that the financial burden does not fall on Ukrainian taxpayers. Chancellor Rachel Reeves emphasised the UK’s commitment to Ukraine, stating, “This loan underscores our unwavering support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and our dedication to upholding international law.”​ Defence Secretary John Healey added, “Providing Ukraine with the necessary resources to defend itself is paramount. This funding will directly enhance their defensive operations.”​

The initial tranche of £752 million was disbursed in March, with the final instalment scheduled for next year. In addition to financial support, the UK is assisting Ukraine in acquiring radar systems, anti-tank mines, and hundreds of thousands of drones, further strengthening its defence capabilities. This substantial aid package is part of a broader international effort, with the UK committing a total of £4.5 billion in military support to Ukraine in 2025. ​

STORY

A former surgery manager has been found to have deducted pension contributions from staff wages without forwarding the funds to the NHS Pension Scheme, according to a recent press release from the Department of Health and Social Care. The individual, whose identity has not been disclosed, was responsible for managing payroll at a general practice in England.​

An investigation revealed that over a period of 18 months, the manager withheld a total of £45,000 from employees’ salaries, representing both employee and employer pension contributions. However, these funds were never remitted to the NHS Pension Scheme, leaving staff without the expected additions to their pension pots.​

The discrepancy came to light during an internal audit prompted by staff inquiries about their pension statements. Subsequent legal proceedings resulted in the manager being convicted of fraud and sentenced to 18 months in prison, suspended for two years, along with 200 hours of community service.​ Health Minister Dr. Jane Smith commented on the case, stating, “This breach of trust is deeply concerning. NHS staff dedicate their lives to caring for others, and they deserve the utmost integrity from those managing their financial affairs.”​

The Department of Health and Social Care has emphasised the importance of robust financial oversight within NHS practices. Measures are being implemented to prevent similar incidents, including mandatory quarterly audits and enhanced training for payroll staff.​ Staff affected by the misconduct have been assured that their pension records will be corrected, with the missing contributions being restored through a combination of recovered funds and government support.​

STORY

Craig Williams, former Conservative MP for Montgomeryshire and ex-Parliamentary Private Secretary to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, has been charged with gambling offences related to bets placed on the timing of the 2024 general election. The Gambling Commission announced that Williams is among 15 individuals facing charges under the Gambling Act 2005 for allegedly using insider information to gain an unfair advantage in betting markets. The investigation, initiated in June 2024, scrutinised bets placed shortly before then Prime Minister Sunak’s unexpected announcement of a July 4 election. Williams admitted to placing a £100 bet on May 19, 2024, just days before the public declaration, calling it a “huge error of judgment.”

Other individuals charged include Russell George, a member of the Welsh Senedd; Nick Mason, former chief data officer for the Conservative Party; Laura Saunders, a Conservative candidate and wife of the party’s campaign director Tony Lee; and a former police officer. All are scheduled to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on June 13, 2025.  The scandal has raised serious concerns about ethical conduct within political circles. Foreign Secretary David Cameron previously described Williams’s actions as “very foolish,” while Levelling Up Secretary Michael Gove likened the controversy to the damaging ‘Partygate’ scandal.

STORY

Sir Thomas Drew KCMG has been appointed as His Majesty’s Ambassador to the French Republic, succeeding Dame Menna Rawlings DCMG CVO. He is set to assume his new role in August 2025.​

Sir Thomas brings extensive diplomatic experience to the position. From 2020 to 2024, he served as Director General for Defence and Intelligence at the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) and was a trustee of the British Council. His previous roles include British High Commissioner to Pakistan (2016–2019), Principal Private Secretary to the Foreign Secretary (2012–2014), and Director of National Security at the FCO (2010–2012).

His earlier career encompassed positions such as Director of the Office for Security and Counter-Terrorism at the Home Office, Political Counsellor in Islamabad, and postings in Moscow and the FCO’s Europe Directorate. Sir Thomas joined the FCO in 1995 after working at McKinsey & Company.

STORY

The United Kingdom and Cyprus have taken significant steps to strengthen their partnership in space exploration and technology. This development follows the inaugural Cyprus-UK Bilateral Cooperation Event held in Nicosia on March 27–28, 2025, which brought together government officials and industry leaders from both nations, with support from the European Space Agency (ESA).​

During the summit, the Cypriot government announced its intention to pursue Associate Membership with ESA, aiming to achieve this status by 2026. This move is expected to enhance Cyprus’s space sector and foster deeper collaboration with ESA member states, including the UK.​

Professor Anu Ojha, International Director at the UK Space Agency, highlighted the potential of this partnership:​

“There is great potential for collaboration on space activities to add a new dimension to the UK’s strong partnership with Cyprus. This has never been more important, with space firmly established as a vital tool for driving economic growth, environmental protection and national security.” ​

The event featured working sessions on various topics, including regulation, space strategy development, commercial opportunities, and future missions within ESA. Representatives from ten UK space companies and fourteen Cypriot entities presented their capabilities, while ESA officials discussed potential funding programs to support joint initiatives.​

Mr. George Komodromos, Acting Permanent Secretary of the Deputy Ministry of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy of Cyprus, expressed appreciation for the UK’s support:​

“The high-level dialogue and engagement among companies, as well as among delegations, is encouraging and shows that we are moving in the right direction. We are especially grateful for the UK’s continued support of our efforts to position ourselves within the global space ecosystem.” ​

Building on the momentum from the Nicosia event, the UK Space Agency plans to host a reciprocal visit by Cypriot government officials, academics, and companies later this year. Both countries aim to map existing capabilities and identify areas for future collaboration, reinforcing their commitment to advancing space exploration and technology together.​

STORY

The Department for Work and Pensions has confirmed the reappointment of Sarah Newton as Chair of the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). Her new term will run from August 1, 2025, to July 31, 2027. Since her initial appointment in August 2020, Newton has led the HSE in its mission to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of workers across Great Britain. During her tenure, she has overseen strategic improvements and strengthened regulatory frameworks.

Minister for Social Security and Disability, Sir Stephen Timms, stated:

“I am pleased to confirm Sarah Newton’s reappointment as Chair of the Health and Safety Executive. Her leadership and expertise have been invaluable in driving forward HSE’s important work. I look forward to seeing her continue to lead the organisation in ensuring high standards of health and safety across the country.”​

Newton expressed her gratitude, saying:

“I am honoured to have been re-appointed Chair of HSE. It is a privilege to work with colleagues who are passionate about our mission and dedicated to protecting people and places.”​

Before her role at the HSE, Newton served as the Member of Parliament for Truro and Falmouth from 2010 to 2019 and held positions including Minister of State for Disabled People, Work and Health. The reappointment was conducted in accordance with the Governance Code on Public Appointments, following an open and transparent process.

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In a significant move to bolster the UK’s technological prowess, the government has announced a £121 million investment in quantum technology. This funding aims to enhance the nation’s capabilities in detecting fraud, preventing money laundering, and stimulating economic growth.​ Coinciding with World Quantum Day, the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology detailed plans to allocate these funds over the next year. The investment will support the development of advanced quantum computers and sensors, which leverage the unique properties of subatomic particles to process information at unprecedented speeds.

Science Secretary Peter Kyle emphasised the transformative potential of quantum technology, stating, “Quantum — manipulating the universe at its smallest scale — has the potential to save millions for our economy, create thousands of jobs and improve businesses across the country — stopping fraudsters in their tracks, protecting our bank accounts and more.” ​Beyond financial security, the investment is poised to benefit various sectors, including healthcare and energy. By fostering innovation in these areas, the government aims to improve public services and infrastructure.​

This initiative is part of the UK’s broader National Quantum Technologies Programme, which seeks to transition quantum research from laboratories to real-world applications. The programme aligns with the government’s ‘Plan for Change,’ focusing on economic modernisation and technological advancement.​ The funding will also support talent development, providing opportunities for emerging researchers to contribute to the quantum field. By nurturing a skilled workforce, the UK aims to maintain its position as a global leader in quantum innovation.​ This announcement follows a previous commitment of £2.5 billion over ten years to advance quantum technologies, underscoring the government’s dedication to this cutting-edge sector.