Category: News Story

STORY

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has unveiled a new digital campaign aimed at educating young adults about the growing threat of antibiotic resistance — and it’s doing so with a bold, unexpected hero: a quirky new mascot named Andi Biotic.

The campaign, which will run throughout April and May, is the latest phase in the government’s ongoing efforts to raise awareness around antimicrobial resistance, a public health challenge that UKHSA warns could lead to routine infections and surgeries becoming life-threatening in the near future.

According to new research commissioned by UKHSA, 42% of UK residents are concerned about antibiotic resistance, but more than half either don’t know how to help combat it or mistakenly believe there’s nothing they can do.

To combat these misconceptions, Andi Biotic — a colourful, comedic character — will take to social media channels and healthcare settings to deliver vital messages about the proper use of antibiotics. The six-week campaign is targeted at 18-34-year-olds, a group identified as both highly engaged online and more likely to misuse antibiotics.

A New Voice for a Serious Threat

Andi Biotic is a modern twist on the successful “Keep Antibiotics Working” campaign from 2018. The character will appear in a range of relatable digital scenarios, from flu season confusion to medicine cabinet myths, encouraging viewers to:

• Avoid taking antibiotics for viral illnesses like colds and flu

• Only use antibiotics when prescribed, and complete the full course

• Never save leftover antibiotics for future use or share them with others

UKHSA data reveals that 45% of young adults reported using antibiotics in the last year, compared to 33% of the general population. Alarmingly, 41% admitted to obtaining antibiotics through incorrect means, including overseas purchases, online sources, or using medication prescribed for someone else.

Real-Life Impact

The campaign is also spotlighting real patient experiences to drive home the urgency of the issue. One young woman with recurrent urinary tract infections described the devastating personal toll of antibiotic resistance:

“It destroyed me and my bladder. Any physical enjoyment in my life, such as dancing and intimacy, was drastically impacted… I didn’t even know what antibiotic resistance was before this. I live in hope for the day a solution that works can be found, so I can dance and live life freely again.”

National Leaders Call for Action

UKHSA Chief Executive, Professor Dame Jenny Harries, urged the public to take the issue seriously:

“Antibiotic resistance is impacting people every day in this country. Everyone, especially young people, has the power to help change this by following simple steps to take antibiotics correctly and only when prescribed.”

Ashley Dalton, Minister for Public Health and Prevention, echoed the call, saying:

“By empowering the public with knowledge, together we can help preserve the effectiveness of antibiotics for future generations.”

NHS England’s National Medical Director, Professor Sir Stephen Powis, added:

“Antibiotic resistance could one day make even routine surgeries dangerous. That’s why it’s crucial young people understand how to use antibiotics properly — to stop the rise of drug-resistant superbugs now.”

A Community Responsibility

Antibiotic resistance occurs naturally but is accelerated by the misuse and overuse of antimicrobial medicines. Resistant bacteria are harder to treat, leading to longer illnesses, hospitalisation, and an increased risk of death.

The UKHSA hopes that Andi Biotic will make this complex issue accessible and actionable — and that a little humour can go a long way in changing habits and saving lives.

The campaign will be visible across UKHSA’s social media channels, as well as GP surgeries and participating pharmacies throughout the UK.

STORY

The UK government has announced the appointment of Mr. Greg Houston as His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Republic of Panama. He will succeed Mr. James Dauris, with the transition set to take place in July 2025.

Mr. Houston brings two decades of diplomatic experience to the role, having joined the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in 2005. He currently serves as Deputy Director and Head of the Migration Department at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), a position he has held since 2022.

His career includes extensive international and strategic experience. From 2020 to 2022, Mr. Houston was Deputy Head of the North America Department at the FCDO, following a three-year posting as Deputy Head of Mission in Bogotá. Between 2013 and 2017, he served as Political Counsellor at the British Embassy in Rome.

Earlier in his career, Mr. Houston held a series of roles at the UK Representation to the EU in Brussels, covering areas such as the EU budget and customs. His expertise in European affairs was further demonstrated during his time as Head of EU Strategy at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office between 2011 and 2013.

Mr. Houston’s appointment comes at a time of growing UK-Panama relations, with increasing collaboration on trade, climate resilience, and regional security. His wide-ranging experience is expected to support the UK’s strategic goals in Central America.

He will formally take up his post in Panama in July 2025.

STORY

Youth With A Mission (YWAM), founded in 1960 by Loren and Darlene Cunningham, is a global Christian missionary organisation dedicated to evangelism, training, and mercy ministries. Operating in over 180 countries, YWAM engages thousands of young people annually in its mission to “know God and make Him known.” Recently, YWAM has faced serious allegations of spiritual abuse and coercive practices. Investigations have revealed claims from former missionaries of public shaming, coercive confessions, and exorcism-like rituals aimed at “curing” homosexual behaviour. Critics have likened the organisation’s culture to that of a cult, citing psychological manipulation and a lack of proper safeguarding measures.

An inquiry by the Observer newspaper has discovered serious abuse and hate within the church, with YWAM saying that it was “heartbroken” at the allegations and admitted that “we are aware and deeply regret that some have had harmful experiences of spiritual abuse and manipulation.” YWAM said that it would look at how to avoid shame of those involved in their organisations whilst remaining committed to Christian values.

STORY

​The United Kingdom has announced the appointment of Mr. John Marshall as His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire and non-resident Ambassador to the Republic of Togo. He will succeed Ms. Catherine Brooker, who is transitioning to another Diplomatic Service role. Mr. Marshall is set to assume his new position in June 2025.

Mr. Marshall brings extensive diplomatic experience to his new role. Since 2023, he has served as the UK’s Ambassador to Guinea. Prior to that, he held ambassadorial positions in Luxembourg from 2016 to 2021 and in Senegal from 2011 to 2015, where he was also the non-resident Ambassador to Guinea-Bissau and Cabo Verde. His earlier career includes assignments in Brussels, Addis Ababa, Kuala Lumpur, and Tokyo, focusing on political, economic and public diplomacy. In his upcoming role, Mr. Marshall will be responsible for representing the UK in Côte d’Ivoire and Togo, aiming to strengthen diplomatic relations and foster collaboration on mutual interests.

STORY

This past weekend witnessed a surge of protests across the United States and internationally, as demonstrators voiced strong opposition to President Donald Trump and his administration’s recent policies. The “Hands Off!” rallies, organised by groups such as Indivisible and MoveOn, took place in all 50 U.S. states and major cities worldwide, drawing hundreds of thousands of participants.​ In Washington, D.C., tens of thousands gathered near the White House, expressing discontent over the administration’s aggressive tariff implementations and significant budget cuts initiated by Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). These cuts have notably affected health funding, education, and cultural institutions, leading to widespread concern among citizens.

The economic repercussions of the new tariffs have been severe, with global markets reportedly losing $8 trillion, heightening fears of an impending global recession. Despite this, President Trump defended his policies on social media, describing them as a precursor to an “economic revolution” and urging Americans to “hang tough.” Internationally, solidarity protests occurred in cities such as London, Paris, Berlin, and Stockholm. Demonstrators there echoed concerns about threats to democracy and social welfare, emphasising the global impact of U.S. policies.

The protests have brought together a diverse coalition of individuals, including long-time critics of the administration and those newly affected by recent policy changes. Notably, many middle-aged and older Americans participated, voicing concerns over their retirement savings and Social Security. While the demonstrations have been largely peaceful, they underscore a growing unease among citizens regarding the current administration’s direction. Organisers have pledged to continue their efforts, aiming to hold leaders accountable and advocate for policies that prioritise the well-being of all citizens.

STORY

Dan Norris, the Labour MP representing North East Somerset and Hanham, has been arrested on suspicion of multiple serious offences, including rape, child sexual abuse, child abduction and misconduct in public office. The 65-year-old was detained at his constituency home on Friday during a police operation. The allegations stem from incidents reportedly occurring in the 2000s, along with a further rape accusation dating from the 2020s. Avon and Somerset Police launched the investigation in December 2024 following a referral from another police force. The case is being led by Operation Bluestone, a specialist unit within the force that handles serious sexual offence investigations.

Norris, who previously served as MP for Wansdyke from 1997 to 2010 and later became West of England Mayor in 2021, has been suspended from the Labour Party and has had the party whip removed. A spokesperson for Labour confirmed that “Dan Norris MP was immediately suspended by the Labour Party upon being informed of his arrest. We cannot comment further while the police investigation is ongoing.” Prior to his political career, Norris worked as both a teacher and a child protection officer. He returned to Parliament in the 2024 General Election after unseating Conservative MP Jacob Rees-Mogg.

STORY

Russia has turned down President Donald Trump’s proposed peace plan to resolve the Ukraine conflict. Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov stated that the U.S. proposal does not address the root causes of the war, particularly Ukraine’s alignment with the West. He further emphasised that Russia would not consider the plan “while Zelensky is in power” highlighting a major deadlock in negotiations, with rumours that elections are being planned in Ukraine.

This rejection comes after Trump threatened to impose secondary tariffs on Russian oil imports in an effort to pressure President Vladimir Putin into reaching an agreement. Trump has voiced frustration with both Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, accusing Ukraine of reneging on a minerals deal. He also warned of tariffs on imports from nations purchasing Russian oil, a move that could affect major buyers such as China and India.

Throughout his presidential campaign, Trump repeatedly claimed he could end the Russia-Ukraine war within 24 hours, citing his personal relationships with both leaders. He suggested that he would tell Zelensky, “no more, you gotta make a deal” and caution Putin, “If you don’t make a deal, we’re gonna give them a lot. We’re gonna give more than they ever got.”  The Kremlin’s rejection of the U.S. plan underscores the complexity of achieving a peace agreement and further undermines Trump after he had made it clear that a deal would be easily achieved. Russia continues to demand that Ukraine abandon its NATO aspirations and surrender control of four occupied regions, while the U.S. remains focused on securing a ceasefire first. Despite various diplomatic efforts, including U.S.-mediated talks in Saudi Arabia and attempts at a Black Sea ceasefire, significant progress remains out of reach.

STORY

​The Home Office has terminated its contract with Stay Belvedere Hotels Ltd (SBHL), a company responsible for managing 51 hotels housing asylum seekers across England and Wales. This decision was prompted by concerns over SBHL’s performance and treatment of the asylum seekers. ​SBHL, a subcontractor for Clearsprings Ready Homes, had been overseeing accommodations including Napier Barracks in what was a politically charged decision. The management of these facilities will now be transferred to other providers such as Corporate Travel Management (CTM), Mears and Serco. CTM previously managed the Bibby Stockholm barge, which faced issues like higher costs compared to hotel accommodations and a legionnaires’ disease outbreak. ​

This marks the first major termination of a provider in the Home Office’s decade-long outsourcing of asylum accommodation contracts, valued at £2 billion annually. SBHL had faced allegations including sexual harassment, intimidation and underpayment of staff. The Home Office aims to enhance the management and oversight of asylum accommodations to ensure better value for taxpayers. ​The termination reflects broader efforts to address the increasing costs associated with housing asylum seekers and to ensure that contracted companies deliver services effectively and ethically.

STORY

The RAF have confirmed that Daniel Heath and William Lawrence, who pleaded guilty to the destruction of a Paddington Bear statue designed to promote kindness and tolerance, are members of the military working at RAF Odiham. The two individuals were condemned by the judge who said:

“On the night of the 2nd of March 2025, your actions were the antithesis of everything Paddington stands for. Your actions lacked respect and integrity, two values you should uphold as members of the armed forces.”

The disgraced pair were each told to pay £2,725 compensation and will have to do unpaid work as part of their punishment.

Thames Valley Police said in a statement:

“The Paddington Bear statue is a beloved part of Newbury so we did everything we could to locate it and bring the offenders to justice. After a short stay at Newbury police station, we handed the statue back to its owners so it can be restored. Criminal damage and theft are serious offences regardless of the target, and we will always look to investigate and have offenders punished proportionately, including being put before the courts.”

The disgraced vandals are expected to be dismissed from the RAF.

STORY

President Trump has backed National Security Advisor Mike Waltz following one of the worst military leaks in US history, where attack plans were accidentally sent to a journalist. Waltz, who faced calls to resign from across the political spectrum. The significant security breach occurred within the U.S. administration when senior officials inadvertently shared sensitive military plans regarding Yemen in a Signal messaging group that included journalist Jeffrey Goldberg, editor-in-chief of The Atlantic. The group chat, named “Houthi PC small group”, comprised high-ranking officials such as Vice President JD Vance, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Trump rejected the serious military leak and said that it was a “glitch”, despite the international concern about the state of the US military senior leadership and competence, as well as the exposure of classified operational details.