Category: News Story

STORY

Planned strikes on the London Underground have been called off at the last minute after the RMT union, which represents 10,000 tube workers, announced the suspension of the industrial action following “intense negotiations” with Transport for London (TfL) and a “significantly improved offer.” The strikes, which were set to begin this evening and continue intermittently over the next week, threatened to cause major disruption to the capital’s transport network. Commuters, businesses, and tourists were bracing for severe delays and cancellations, particularly during peak hours.

The RMT had previously warned that the strikes would go ahead unless TfL addressed concerns over pay structures and working conditions. However, a breakthrough in negotiations appears to have averted the crisis.

“Following intense negotiations with London Underground management and a significantly improved offer, we have suspended the strikes scheduled to start this evening,” an RMT spokesperson confirmed.

Details of the improved offer have not been publicly disclosed, but it is understood that TfL has abandoned proposed changes to pay structures that were a key sticking point for the union.

While the news will be welcomed by many, it is important to note that strikes by members of the Aslef drivers’ union are still scheduled to go ahead on November 7th and 12th. TfL has warned that these strikes could still cause significant disruption to services. TfL’s Chief Operating Officer, Claire Mann, expressed her relief at the RMT’s decision, stating: “We are pleased that the RMT has suspended its planned industrial action… We believe that our offer is fair, affordable, good for our colleagues and good news for London.” She urged Aslef to follow suit and call off their planned action to avoid further disruption to the city.

STORY

Donald Trump, the former US President, said about Liz Cheney, “she’s a radical war hawk. Let’s put her with a rifle standing there with nine barrels shooting at her, OK? Let’s see how she feels about it. You know, when the guns are trained to her face” in a shock comment during an interview with Tucker Carlson.

Cheney responded:

“This is how dictators destroy free nations. They threaten those who speak against them with death. We cannot entrust our country and our freedom to a petty, vindictive, cruel, unstable man who wants to be a tyrant.”

A spokesperson for Trump said:

“He was talking about how Liz Cheney wants to send America’s sons and daughters to fight in wars despite never being in a war herself.”

STORY

The UK government has announced a significant increase to the National Minimum Wage (NMW) set to take effect in April 2025. This move comes amidst a backdrop of rising living costs and aims to provide a much-needed boost to low-paid workers across the country.   The headline figure is a 6.7% increase to the National Living Wage (NLW), the rate for those aged 23 and over, bringing it to £12.21 per hour. This translates to a yearly increase of £1,400 for a full-time worker. However, perhaps even more impactful is the substantial rise for younger workers. Those aged 18-20 will see their minimum wage jump by a record 16.3% to £10.00 per hour, a £1.40 increase equating to an extra £2,500 annually for full-time employees.

This decision reflects the government’s commitment to supporting low-income earners and moving towards a “genuine living wage.” It’s also a step towards aligning the minimum wage for all adults, regardless of age, recognising the financial pressures faced by young people.   While this increase is welcomed by many, it’s important to acknowledge the potential impact on businesses. Some, particularly SMEs, may struggle to absorb the increased labour costs, potentially leading to job losses or price increases. The government will need to carefully monitor the effects of this policy change to ensure it achieves its intended goals without causing undue economic strain.

Baroness Philippa Stroud, Chair of the Low Pay Commission said:

The Government have been clear about their ambitions for the National Minimum Wage and its importance in supporting workers’ living standards. At the same time, employers have had to deal with the adult rate rising over 20 per cent in two years, and the challenges that has created alongside other pressures to their cost base.

It is our job to balance these considerations, ensuring the NLW provides a fair wage for the lowest-paid workers while taking account of economic factors. These rates secure a real-terms pay increase for the lowest-paid workers. Young workers will see substantial increases in their pay floor, making up some of the ground lost against the adult rate over time.

The data show some signs of employers finding it harder to adapt to minimum wage increases. The tightening of the labour market since the pandemic has unwound, but the overall picture is similar to 2019.The economy is expected to grow over the next year, although productivity growth remains subdued.

We look forward to continuing our work next year as the detail of the Make Work Pay plan is elaborated upon. The NMW is a major part of the Government’s ambitions for the future of the labour market, and it is important that it continues to be informed by the expertise and consensus-building the LPC provides.

STORY

Mike Amesbury, the MP for Runcorn and Helsby, has been suspended from the Parliamentary Labour Party after footage was released of him hitting a man. A spokesperson for the Labour Party said in a statement:

“Mike Amesbury MP has been assisting Cheshire Police with their inquiries following an incident on Friday night. As these inquiries are now ongoing, the Labour Party has administratively suspended Mr Amesbury’s membership of the Labour Party pending an investigation.”

Amesbury said in a statement:

“Last night I was involved in an incident that took place after I felt threatened following an evening out with friends. This morning I contacted Cheshire Police myself to report what happened. I will not be making any further public comment but will of course cooperate with any inquiries if required by Cheshire Police.”

STORY

The UK government is implementing a new freeports plan, aiming to stimulate economic activity in designated areas across the country. Freeports are special economic zones with simplified customs procedures, tax benefits, and reduced regulatory burdens. The initiative seeks to attract businesses and investment to these zones, promoting job creation and revitalising local economies. Supporters of the plan believe it will boost trade, encourage innovation, and generate new opportunities in sectors such as green technology and advanced manufacturing.

The Government has outlined its vision for freeports to become hubs of economic growth, contributing to the overall prosperity of their respective regions. However, the plan has also drawn criticism. Concerns have been raised about the potential for tax evasion, money laundering, and a “race to the bottom” in terms of labour standards and environmental regulations. The long-term effects of freeports on the UK economy remain to be seen. Experts are closely monitoring their development and impact to assess their effectiveness in achieving the government’s stated objectives.

STORY

The UK government’s recent announcement granting anonymity to police officers facing trial for shooting suspects has ignited a fierce debate, raising questions about transparency, accountability and public trust in the justice system. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper unveiled the new measures, which would provide anonymity for firearms officers involved in fatal shootings up until the point of conviction. This means their identities would be withheld from the public and media during court proceedings.

Cooper argued that this step is necessary to protect officers and their families from potential threats and harassment, particularly in high-profile cases where emotions run high. She emphasised that officers acting in dangerous situations on behalf of the state deserve protection from further danger during legal proceedings.  This move follows the acquittal by a jury of the Metropolitan Police officer who fatally shot gangland figure Chris Kaba in 2022. The officer, known only as NX121 throughout the trial, faced intense scrutiny and public pressure, prompting concerns about the safety of officers involved in similar incidents.

“This is a dangerous step that could have serious consequences for police accountability” said Martha Spurrier, director of Liberty. “It’s vital that the public can see justice being done, and that includes knowing the identity of the officers involved in these cases.”

STORY

As leaders from the 54 member states of the Commonwealth gather for their biennial summit in Samoa, the issue of reparations for the transatlantic slave trade has taken centre stage, sparking intense debate and calls for historical accountability. The legacy of slavery casts a long shadow over the Commonwealth, an organisation composed predominantly of former British colonies. Many member states in the Caribbean and Africa are demanding that Britain acknowledge its role in the abhorrent trade and provide financial compensation for the enduring social and economic consequences.

“The time for talk is over”, declared Prime Minister Gaston Browne of Antigua and Barbuda, a vocal proponent of reparations. “We are not asking for aid, we are demanding reparatory justice for the centuries of exploitation and brutality inflicted upon our ancestors.”

While the British government has expressed “deep sorrow” for its role in the slave trade, it has stopped short of offering a formal apology or committing to reparations. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, while acknowledging the “abhorrent” nature of slavery, has argued that focusing on the past is less productive than addressing present-day challenges like climate change and economic development.

This stance has met with resistance from many Commonwealth leaders who argue that the past cannot be ignored. They contend that the systemic inequalities and economic disparities faced by many former colonies are a direct result of the slave trade and colonialism, and that reparations are necessary to address these historical injustices.

“Reparations are not just about money”, explained Prime Minister Mia Mottley of Barbados, another leading voice in the reparations movement. “They are about acknowledging the deep wounds of the past and taking concrete steps to heal them.”

The debate has exposed divisions within the Commonwealth, with some members, including Australia and Canada, expressing reservations about reparations. However, a growing number of countries are pushing for a formal acknowledgement of historical wrongs and a commitment to reparatory justice. The summit is expected to produce a declaration on the issue, though the exact wording remains a subject of intense negotiation. While a consensus on direct financial reparations seems unlikely at this stage, there is growing momentum for initiatives focused on education, historical research, and development programs aimed at addressing the lingering effects of slavery. The reparations debate at the Commonwealth summit reflects a broader global reckoning with the legacy of colonialism and slavery. As demands for historical accountability grow louder, the Commonwealth finds itself at a crossroads, grappling with its past while seeking to forge a more equitable future.

STORY

The UK government has announced a ban on the sale of disposable vapes, set to take effect in June 2025. The decision comes amid growing concerns over the environmental impact of these products and their increasing popularity among young people.

“Single-use vapes are extremely wasteful and blight our towns and cities”, stated Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Mary Creagh, “that is why we are banning them as we end this nation’s throwaway culture.”

The move has been welcomed by environmental groups who have long campaigned for action on the issue. Disposable vapes contribute significantly to plastic waste and contain lithium batteries, posing a risk to wildlife and ecosystems.

“This ban is a crucial step in tackling the growing tide of electronic waste”, said Libby Peake, head of resources at Green Alliance, “disposable vapes are the last thing our children and the planet need.”

The ban also aims to curb the rise of underage vaping. With their attractive flavours and low cost, disposable vapes have become readily accessible to young people, leading to a surge in nicotine addiction among teenagers.

“It is deeply worrying that a quarter of 11 to 15-year-olds used a vape last year”, said health minister Andrew Gwynne, “this ban will help protect our children from the harms of nicotine addiction.”

The legislation, laid out in Parliament today, gives suppliers until June 2025 to sell off existing stock and prepare for the ban. The government expects devolved nations in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland to follow suit. While the ban has received widespread support, some argue that it could push vapers back to traditional cigarettes or fuel a black market for disposable vapes. The Government maintains that the ban is a necessary step to protect public health and the environment.

STORY

A tragic train crash in the Welsh countryside has left one person dead and 15 injured, casting a sombre shadow over the rural community of Llanbrynmair in Powys. The incident, which occurred on Monday evening near Talerddig, involved two Transport for Wales passenger trains operating on the Cambrian Line. According to authorities, the collision occurred at approximately 7:30 pm when the 18:31 Shrewsbury to Aberystwyth service collided with the 19:09 Machynlleth to Shrewsbury service. Both trains were composed of single-carriage Class 158 units and were travelling at low speed at the time of impact. Despite the low speed, the force of the collision was enough to cause significant damage and tragically claim one life.

Emergency services rushed to the scene, including police, fire crews, and ambulances. Fifteen passengers were transported to nearby hospitals with injuries that are thankfully not considered life-threatening or life-changing. All passengers were safely evacuated from the trains, and the line was immediately closed for investigation. The cause of the crash remains under investigation, with authorities from British Transport Police, Network Rail, and Transport for Wales working to determine the sequence of events that led to this devastating incident. Early reports suggest that the trains were travelling on the same track, raising questions about signalling failures or potential human error.

STORY

The CPS has come under renewed and sustained pressure today to explain in more depth their decision to prosecute Martyn Blake, a firearms officer who was cleared by a jury of the killing of Chris Kaba. Shocking new evidence released today have shown that Kaba was one of the more dangerous gang members in London, he had been linked to shootings in public areas and had tried to ram police officers trying to protect themselves and the public. Robert Jenrick referred to Blake today as “a hero” and the CPS have said that they have accepted the decision of the jury.

Further pressure has been put on the CPS as the BBC has interviewed a firearms officer who was at the scene of the shooting. He told the BBC’s Today programme:

“Martyn is the most professional, assiduous, diligent police officer you will come across and he should never have been put in this position”.

He added:

“The state put Martyn Blake there that night and the state trained him to do the fearsome thing that he had to do and he should never have been named in the media.”

Shabana Mahmood, the Justice Secretary, has said that the jury’s decision that Blake was innocent “must be respected”. It was also revealed by the Guardian today that Kaba’s family had sought to extend reporting restrictions on Kaba’s previous convictions.