Category: News Story

STORY

Keir Starmer, the Prime Minister, has met with The Amir of Qatar His Highness Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani at Downing Street. A spokesperson said that the UK and Qatar have formed a new clean energy partnership with an initial investment of £1 billion from Qatar. The two countries plan to continue growing their investment relationship and the Prime Minister of the UK praised Qatar’s role in mediating conflicts in the Middle East, specifically mentioning their help in securing the release of hostages from Gaza. He also urged the release of all remaining hostages, including British national Emily Damari.

STORY

Maria Eagle, the Defence Minister, has said that the people of Liverpool should be “hugely proud” of their aircraft carrier and crew. The carrier is docked in Liverpool this week for the first time since March 2020 and the HMS Prince of Wales and her sister ship HMS Queen Elizabeth are the largest warships ever built for the Royal Navy. The vessels are capable of carrying up to 40 aircraft and are an important part of the UK’s defence policy. Eagle said in a statement:

“It was fantastic to see HMS Prince of Wales’s berthed on the River Mersey, showcasing the impressive defence capabilities, sailors and service personnel keeping Britain safe and secure at sea across the globe. It’s a proud moment for the people of Merseyside ahead of the deployment of HMS Prince of Wales next year to the Indo-Pacific region to exercise with partners and allies to help promote a free and open Indo-Pacific.”

STORY

Clive Myrie, the BBC News presenter, has admitted serious allegations made against him that he failed to record external earnings in an abuse of the organisation’s policy. Myrie hasn’t stepped down from the BBC, but said in a statement:

“An apology – I’ve had several administrative issues, and I didn’t fill out the correct paperwork for some of my external public events, so they haven’t been published until now. I’ve told the BBC I won’t be taking part in any more paid external events in the foreseeable future, beyond a handful of pre-existing commitments, so that this doesn’t happen again. My sincere apologies.”

The BBC has this week faced criticism over its failure to deal with allegations made against Gregg Wallace, with the BBC saying in a statement that it was aware of the issue and would be taking “appropriate action”. Some of the clients have included American Express, ING, Suffolk Chamber of Commerce, the Football Association and the National Residential Landlords Association..

STORY

Heidi Alexander, the Secretary of State for Transport, has said that it was untrue that nationalisation of rail would cut fares and has confirmed there are no plans to reduce fares. The shock announcement from the Transport Secretary has led to questions as to the integrity of the process as Labour politicians had claimed that privatisation had increased fares, meaning that nationalisation would mean reductions. Rail usage has soared over the previous two decades with record investment and Alexander has pledged to cut delays on the network. Alexander also confirmed that rail prices will still increase by 4.6% in the new year and she had no plans to reduce the increase.

Andy Bagnall, the Chief Executive of Rail Partners, said in a statement:

“Simply changing who runs the trains won’t deliver more reliable and affordable services for passengers, reduce subsidy for taxpayers, or grow rail freight”.

STORY

Ipswich Town FC has confirmed that their captain, Sam Morsy, chose not to wear the rainbow armband during their recent match against Nottingham Forest. The armband, a symbol of LGBTQ+ inclusion, was worn by all other Premier League captains during the weekend fixtures as part of the Rainbow Laces campaign.

Morsy, a practising Muslim, made the decision based on his religious beliefs. The club released a statement expressing their respect for Morsy’s choice while reiterating their commitment to fostering an inclusive environment for all.

“At the same time, we respect the decision of our captain Sam Morsy, who has chosen not to wear the rainbow captain’s armband, due to his religious beliefs,” the statement read. “We will continue to grow an environment where all are valued and respected, both on and off the pitch.”  

The club further emphasised their dedication to promoting equality and diversity by highlighting a range of initiatives planned for their upcoming home game against Crystal Palace. These initiatives include a takeover of the stadium’s big screen with messages of inclusion prior to kick-off. Ipswich Town maintains that they are committed to being a fully inclusive club and will continue to work towards creating an environment where everyone feels welcome and valued.

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Louise Haigh has resigned from the Cabinet after it was revealed that she pleaded guilty to fraud in 2013 when she falsely reported a work phone as stolen. Haigh, the Labour MP for Sheffield Heeley, played a key role in overseeing the Government’s transport agenda, including rail nationalisation. Prime Minister Keir Starmer praised her contribution, noting:

“Thank you for all you have done to deliver this Government’s ambitious transport agenda. You have made huge strides to take our rail system back into public ownership through the creation of Great British Railways, investing £1 billion in our vital bus services and lowering cost for motorists. I know you still have a huge contribution to make in the future.”

Her resignation marks the first major departure from Starmer’s cabinet since Labour’s July election victory.

STORY

Millions of pensioners across the UK can expect to receive their Winter Fuel Payments starting today, the Government has announced. These payments, worth between £250 and £600, aim to help older citizens cover the costs of heating their homes during the colder months. Most eligible pensioners will receive the payments automatically, with the money deposited directly into their bank accounts. Those who qualify but don’t receive their payment by January 29th, 2025 are encouraged to contact the relevant department. In addition to the Winter Fuel Payment, pensioners on low incomes are being urged to apply for Pension Credit, which could provide further financial support. The deadline to apply for Pension Credit and be eligible for the latest cost of living payment is December 21st, 2024. The Labour Government removed the right for every pensioner to receive the Winter Fuel Payment stating that the country’s finances required cuts to be made.

STORY

The UK’s Foreign Secretary has delivered a speech highlighting the importance of indigenous communities in protecting forests. The speech, which was delivered at the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, emphasized the link between indigenous land rights and forest conservation. The Foreign Secretary announced that the UK will commit £1.5 billion to protect forests and indigenous communities. This funding will be used to support programs that strengthen indigenous land rights, promote sustainable forestry practices, and combat deforestation.

The Foreign Secretary also highlighted the importance of the UK-Norway partnership, which has helped to reduce deforestation in the Amazon rainforest. The partnership has provided funding and technical assistance to indigenous communities and local governments in the Amazon region. The Foreign Secretary’s speech was welcomed by indigenous leaders and environmental groups. They praised the UK’s commitment to protecting forests and indigenous communities.

NEWS STORY

Rajan Naidu, 73, and Niamh Lynch, 20, have both been charged with one count of destroying or damaging an ancient protected monument and one count of causing a public nuisance by attempting to damage Stonehenge. The pair attacked the historic monument, with English Heritage issuing a statement saying that they had been able to mitigate against the damage done to the stones but that the damage had potentially caused environmental damage to the lichen.

STORY

A wave of pharmacy closures and reduced operating hours is sweeping across the UK, leaving communities with limited access to vital healthcare services. Independent pharmacies are taking drastic measures in response to a decade of under-funding, with many forced to cut hours or shut down altogether.

The National Pharmacy Association (NPA) reports that nearly all independent pharmacies in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland voted in favour of reducing hours beyond the minimum required by their contracts. This means fewer pharmacies will be open during evenings and weekends, impacting access to essential medications and healthcare advice.

“Pharmacies are the cornerstone of community healthcare,” says NPA chairman Nick Kaye, “But years of underfunding have pushed us to the brink. We don’t want to reduce services, but we’re left with no choice.”

The funding crisis has also led to cuts in locally commissioned services, such as emergency contraception, addiction support, and stop-smoking programs. This reduction in services further jeopardises public health and places additional strain on an already overburdened NHS.

The NPA warns that without adequate government intervention, the situation will continue to deteriorate, leaving communities with reduced access to vital healthcare services. The impact will be felt most acutely in rural areas and under-served communities, where pharmacies often serve as the primary healthcare provider. The Government is facing mounting pressure to address the funding crisis and ensure the sustainability of community pharmacies. The future of local healthcare hangs in the balance as pharmacies struggle to keep their doors open.