Category: News Story

STORY

The UK government has begun the early release of 1,100 prisoners in a controversial move aimed at easing chronic overcrowding in the nation’s jails. This is the second wave of early releases, following the initial release of 1,700 inmates in September. The decision, enacted by Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood, has sparked fierce debate and raised concerns about public safety.  Under the scheme, offenders serving sentences of five years or more are eligible for release up to 135 days early. This reduces the proportion of their sentence served from 50% to 40%. The Ministry of Justice insists that only those assessed as posing a low risk to the public are being released, and they will be subject to strict licence conditions and curfews.

However, critics argue that the move undermines justice and puts communities at risk. The first round of releases saw several offenders swiftly re-offend, with one individual back in custody within 36 hours. The government has also admitted that 37 individuals, including stalkers and domestic abusers, were released in error.  This latest release comes as the prison population hovers around 87,000, just below the record high that prompted the emergency measures. The government maintains that this is a temporary solution to a critical situation, while a broader review of sentencing policy is underway. The review will be led by former Justice Secretary David Gauke and will aim to explore alternatives to custody, including increased use of technology and community sentences.

STORY

Following the removal of reporting restrictions of Chris Kaba’s serious criminal past, the Guardian newspaper has reported that the family of Chris Kaba have attempted to extend reporting restrictions on his criminal activity. Cleared police officer Martyn Blake has been called “a hero” by Robert Jenrick, a candidate for the Tory leadership, with the Guardian today claiming:

“The family of Kaba had sought to extend reporting restrictions relating to his criminal past pending the end of all legal proceedings. But police, in a statement to the court, argued publication of details about his character could quell any potential unrest.”

Following pressure from a number of politicians, the Met Police said in a statement:

“It is the Metropolitan police’s assessment that the open and transparent disclosure of Mr Kaba’s character at the conclusion of the trial will significantly reduce the risk of unrest on London’s streets and help keep the public safe.”

STORY

The BBC has reported that Chris Kaba allegedly shot a man in a nightclub just days before he was shot by Martyn Blake, a police officer. In new evidence released after Blake was cleared of murder, the news has added weight to the concern that police officers were fearing their lives when Kaba was ramming their police cars and trying to escape arrest. Robert Jenrick, one of two candidates for the Conservative leadership, said:

“Martyn Blake, the firearms officer cleared today, was a hero who found himself fearing for his life and the life of his colleagues. His prosecution was wrong and endangered the public. The ordeal he has gone through, unthinkable. We must back our brave police officers, and not drag them through the courts for making split second decisions.”

With some complaints from MPs about the CPS’s decision to prosecute, pressure is growing on the independent body to fully explain why they made the decision to take Blake to court given the circumstances. In a statement they said:

“We fully respect the jury’s decision”.

They added:

“This has been a complex and sensitive case and the decision to prosecute was made after an in-depth consideration of all the available evidence”.

STORY

Peter Lynch, a 61-year-old grandfather who was jailed for his role in the violent riots outside a Rotherham hotel housing asylum seekers, has died in prison. Lynch was serving a two-year and eight-month sentence at HMP Moorland in Doncaster after pleading guilty to violent disorder. His death on October 19th is currently under investigation by the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman, as is standard practice for all deaths in custody.

Lynch was among a group of individuals who gathered outside the Holiday Inn Express in Manvers, Rotherham, on August 4th. The protest, fuelled by anti-immigration sentiment and misinformation about asylum seekers, escalated into violence, with rioters throwing missiles at police and damaging property. Bodycam footage presented in court showed Lynch shouting abuse at officers, including accusations of protecting “child killers” and “rapists”.

During his sentencing in August, the judge described Lynch’s behaviour as “disgraceful” and highlighted the fear and distress caused to the asylum seekers trapped inside the hotel. The court also heard mitigating factors, including Lynch’s recent heart attack and various health conditions.  Lynch’s death has reignited debate around the summer’s riots and the motivations of those involved. Some have expressed sympathy, citing concerns about immigration policy and the impact on local communities. Others condemn the violence and hate speech displayed, emphasising the need for tolerance and understanding. Regardless of individual viewpoints, Lynch’s death serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of engaging in such actions and the complex issues surrounding immigration in the UK.

STORY

The Serious Fraud Office (SFO) has launched a full-blown investigation into the Unite union’s controversial £100 million hotel and conference centre in Birmingham. This follows a referral from West Midlands Police who were initially handed two independent reports commissioned by Unite’s General Secretary, Sharon Graham.

The project, initiated under previous leadership, has been plagued by allegations of financial mismanagement and inflated costs. Originally estimated at £7 million, the final bill ballooned to over £100 million, raising serious concerns about potential corruption and fraud.

The SFO investigation will delve into these concerns, scrutinising the tendering process, contracts awarded, and the substantial cost overruns. Key areas of focus include potential bribery, inflated invoices, and whether any individuals personally profited from the project.

This investigation represents a significant development in a long-running saga that has cast a shadow over Unite, the UK’s largest trade union and a major Labour Party donor. The outcome could have serious repercussions for the union, its leadership, and potentially for individuals involved in the project.

Ms. Graham has pledged full cooperation with the investigation, stating her commitment to uncovering any wrongdoing and holding those responsible to account. The SFO investigation is expected to be complex and lengthy, with no timeframe given for its conclusion.

STORY

In a case that has sparked intense debate about police use of force, Metropolitan Police firearms officer Martyn Blake has been found not guilty of murder in the death of Chris Kaba. Mr. Kaba, an unarmed 24-year-old, was fatally shot through the windscreen of his car in Streatham Hill, South London, in September 2022.

The jury at the Old Bailey reached their verdict after three hours of deliberation, acquitting Mr. Blake, who fired the single fatal shot that ended Mr. Kaba’s life. The officer had been charged with murder following an investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC). The court heard how the Audi Mr. Kaba was driving had been linked to a firearms incident, although no gun was found in the vehicle. Mr. Blake testified that he believed Mr. Kaba was reaching for a weapon.

The verdict has elicited strong reactions. Mr. Kaba’s family expressed profound disappointment and vowed to continue their fight for justice, while the Metropolitan Police emphasised respect for the judicial process and acknowledged the complexities of armed policing.

STORY

UK inflation has fallen to 1.7% in the year to September, in a fall which was larger than predicted by the markets. The news means that interest rate cuts are now more likely as inflation has fallen below the Bank of England’s target of 2%.

STORY

Sue Gray has confirmed her resignation as the Chief of Staff to Keir Starmer, the Prime Minister, but will take up a new role as the Envoy for Nations and Regions. Starmer said in a statement:

“Sue has played a vital role in strengthening our relations with the regions and nations. I am delighted that she will continue to support that work”.

STORY

Grant Shapps, the former Secretary of State for Defence, has said that he has seen “no evidence at all” of the allegations made by Robert Jenrick, a candidate for the Tory leadership, that British military forces were killing rather than capturing terrorists. Jenrick has refused to provide any evidence for his allegations.