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NEWS STORY : Liam O’Hanna from the Band Kneecap Charged with Terror Offence

STORY

The Metropolitan Police has said that Liam O’Hanna, a member of the band Kneecap, has been charged with a terror offence. The police force said in a statement:

“Liam O’Hanna, 27, (16.10.97) of Belfast has been charged, via postal requisition, with displaying a flag in support of Hizballah, a proscribed organisation, namely:

On 21 November 2024, in a public place, namely the O2 Forum, Kentish Town, London, displayed an article, namely a flag, in such a way or in such circumstances as to arouse reasonable suspicion that he is a supporter of a proscribed organisation, namely Hizballah, contrary to section 13(1)(b) and (3) of the Terrorism Act 2000.

Officers from the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command were made aware on Tuesday, 22 April of an online video from the event. An investigation was carried out, which led to the Crown Prosecution Service authorising the above charge.

O’Hanna is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, 18 June.”

May 21, 2025
NEWS STORY : UK Reaffirms Support for Syria’s Reconstruction at UN Security Council

STORY

The United Kingdom today underlined its continuing commitment to help the Syrian people rebuild their country and economy, as Ambassador James Kariuki, the UK’s Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations, addressed the UN Security Council in New York. Ambassador Kariuki opened by welcoming recent steps towards economic normalisation. He praised the announcement by the United States to lift sanctions on Syria, noting that “this positive step will create significant opportunity for economic recovery and development across Syria.” He added that the UK had similarly lifted its own sectoral sanctions in April, easing restrictions on trade, energy production and finance.

While acknowledging the vital importance of economic revival, the UK representative stressed that reconstruction must go hand in hand with a genuinely inclusive and peaceful political transition. He condemned recent attacks on Syria’s Druze community, warning that “there can be no lasting peace or better future for Syrians unless all of Syria’s communities are protected and fully included in Syria’s political transition”. He urged all parties to reject violence, engage in dialogue and safeguard civilian lives.

Ambassador Kariuki also called on Israel “to refrain from actions that risk destabilising Syria and to respect Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity”, reminder of regional dynamics that could undermine progress on the ground. Looking ahead, the UK pressed for a clear timetable from the new Syrian Government on next steps in the political transition. It welcomed the establishment of National Commissions for Transitional Justice and for Missing Persons, describing them as essential for “helping Syria heal and move forward after years of suffering”.

May 21, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : The UK will keep supporting the Syrian people to rebuild their country and economy – UK statement at the UN Security Council [May 2025]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 21 May 2025.

Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki, UK Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on Syria.

We are encouraged to hear about the UN’s progress in strengthening engagement with the new Syrian Government.

I will make three points today.

First, we welcome President Trump’s announcement of lifting of US sanctions.

This positive step will create significant opportunity for economic recovery and development across Syria.

This follows the UK’s decision in April to lift our own sectoral sanctions on areas including trade, energy production and finance.

We remain steadfast in our commitment to supporting the Syrian people in rebuilding their country and economy.

Second, whilst economic recovery is vital, it must go hand in hand with an inclusive and peaceful transition that reconciles Syria’s diverse groups.

The UK was appalled by the attacks this month against the Druze community in Syria.

There can be no lasting peace or better future for Syrians unless all of Syria’s communities are protected and fully included in Syria’s political transition.

We call on all parties to reject violence, engage in dialogue and ensure the protection of civilians.

We note progress in reconciling Syrian groups into centralised structures.

Existing agreements, including those signed with the Syrian Democratic Forces and with the Druze leadership, should now be implemented in full.

We also call on Israel to refrain from actions that risk destabilising Syria and to respect Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Third, as the new Syrian Government enters its third month, we look forward to seeing a clear timeline for next steps in the political transition.

We welcome and stand ready to support the newly announced National Commissions for Transitional Justice and for Missing Persons. Both will help Syria heal and move forward after years of suffering.

This political transition should be inclusive and allow Syrians to have a say in what comes next.

President, in conclusion, the UK stands ready to support the Syrian Government in their next steps on the path towards a more prosperous, peaceful and stable future that the Syrian people deserve.

May 21, 2025
NEWS FROM 100 YEARS AGO : 1 May 1925

1 MAY 1925

Replying in the House of Commons to critics of his Budget, Mr Churchill referred to the high rate of unemployment and to the joint burden placed on industry by the pensions scheme and unemployment insurance. The Chancellor remarked that it was in the interests of Trade Unionists and employers to make sure that there was not growing up a general habit of learning how to qualify for unemployment insurance—an observation which raised a storm of protest from the Socialist benches. Mr Churchill said he had nothing to withdraw, and endeavoured to continue his speech, but his interruptors refused to listen to him. A division on the Prime Minister’s motion for the closure was challenged but not persisted in, and the Budget resolutions were adopted.

In the House of Commons Captain Foxcroft asked the Home Secretary whether, in view of the continued Bolshevist propaganda and the Communist outrages abroad, the Government would consider the deportation of such Russian Communists as are known plotters against Britain. Replying in the absence of his chief, the Under-Secretary for Home Affairs said the recent happenings abroad had not been overlooked, and all necessary steps had been taken to safeguard the interest of the country.

In the House of Lords the Agricultural Returns Bill and the Importation of Pedigree Animals Bill were read a second time.

The Prince of Wales was received with great cordiality on landing at Cape Town.

Captain Amundsen, in a wireless message from King’s Bay, Spitsbergen, gives further details of his preparations for the Polar flight. He refers to the Macmillan and Algarsson expeditions, and says: “We have little fear of being forestalled in the race for the Pole.”

May 21, 2025
NEWS FROM 100 YEARS AGO : 30 April 1925

30 APRIL 1925

In the House of Lords the Duke of York attended for the first time during this Parliament, and took the oath.

The debate on the Budget was continued by Mr Philip Snowden, Sir Robert Horne, and Sir Alfred Mond.

A resolution expressing concern at the state of the fishing industry in Great Britain, and urging Government assistance, was discussed in the House of Commons and agreed to.

Mr Austen Chamberlain, in a reply to Colonel Wedgwood in the House of Commons regarding the Bulgarian situation, said that His Majesty’s Government had not ceased to warn the Bulgarian Government against any acts of indiscriminate expression of constitutional opposition. The Bulgarian Government were fully aware of the views of His Majesty’s Government and of the unfortunate effect any such policy of reprisals would have upon public opinion in this country.

Mr Austen Chamberlain, replying to questions in the House of Commons, said that he could not state approximately the date when the evacuation of Cologne would take place. He denied that the evacuation was being postponed until the Security Pact negotiations were brought forward.

Dr Luther, the German Chancellor, addressing a meeting of business men in Berlin, expressed the hope that the Allies would no longer hesitate to remove the injustice done by not making known the reasons for the non-evacuation of the Cologne zone. The whole of European politics was suffering from the delay in this question. He added that in the interest of all European nations the German Government could co-operate in the removal of the continued international tension. The standpoint of the German Government in the security question remained unchanged.

May 21, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Joint statement on the launch of a High-Level Panel on Social Protection in Fragile and Conflict Settings [May 2025]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 21 May 2025.

Joint statement from the Panel co-chairs, Lord Collins of Highbury, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs and H.E. Salah Ahmed Jama, Deputy Prime Minister, Federal Government of Somalia.

Joint statement:

“Today marks the first meeting of the High-Level Panel on Social Protection in Fragile and Conflict-Affected Settings. And the beginning of our six-month mandate.

Nearly three-quarters of the world’s extreme poor live in fragile settings, where crises are lasting longer, forcing more people from their homes, and contributing to migration.

When floods, cyclones and droughts hit, when conflict breaks out, when economic shocks destroy livelihoods, social protection can provide a first line of defence, an effective locally led solution that enables the most vulnerable people to withstand, survive, recover from crisis and rebuild their lives at home. One that reduces the need for humanitarian response.

But despite its proven potential, it is often overlooked in the fragile and conflict-affected settings where it is needed most.

Over the next six months, the Panel will gather and review lessons from across sectors and regions – including through a forthcoming global public enquiry. As co-chairs, our goal is to come up with bold, practical recommendations that can drive meaningful change.”

May 21, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Government Taskforce meets on Merseyside to bolster nation’s flood resilience [May 2025]

The press release issued by the Cabinet Office on 21 May 2025.

Bolstering the nation’s resilience to flooding, including in Merseyside, was top of the agenda as the Government’s national Floods Resilience Taskforce convened in Aintree today (Wednesday 21 May).

The meeting was chaired by Floods Minister Emma Hardy and hosted by Mersey Fire and Rescue Service at their National Resilience Centre of Excellence, one of the UK’s most advanced emergency service training facilities, used to co-ordinate national responses to large scale incidents and provide firefighters with the necessary training and skills to respond to events such as severe flooding.

The Government inherited the nation’s flood defences in their worst condition on record. To ensure the country is protected from the devastating impacts of flooding, more than 1,000 flood defences will be built or repaired through the Plan for Change as part of a record £2.65 billion two-year investment.

Today’s Taskforce meeting brought together partners including Defra, Cabinet Office, the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government, the Environment Agency, the Met Office, Local Resilience Forums, Mayoral Offices, emergency responders, the National Farmers Union, and environmental interest groups.

Floods Minister Emma Hardy said:

The role of any government is to protect its citizens. Having inherited flood defences in disrepair, we are bringing together valued partners through our Floods Resilience Taskforce here in Aintree as we look to speed up and co-ordinate flood preparation and resilience.

Through our Plan for Change, we’re investing a record £2.65 billion to repair and build more than 1,000 flood defences across the country, protecting tens of thousands of homes and businesses including on Merseyside.

The group discussed plans to modernise the UK’s system for flood warnings further, stressing the need for users to understand better how it works for effective decision-making, planning and response. The development of a common warnings framework across the UK will enhance the service and support actions to reduce risks to people, property and livelihoods.

The Taskforce also confirmed plans to improve the way the government identifies individuals vulnerable to flooding. This includes using the risk vulnerability tool, unveiled last month by the Cabinet Office, which will enable thousands of officials to see how vulnerable particular areas are to risks by mapping real time crisis data such as live weather warnings, alongside demographic statistics.

The meeting touched upon the flood recovery framework, which through local authorities in England provides government support in the aftermath of flooding in exceptional circumstances. There was also discussion of the Bellwin scheme, which is used to reimburse local authorities in England for the costs of the actions they take in the immediate aftermath of an emergency or disaster that endangers life or property. It was agreed that further work is required to improve public understanding of flood resilience.

Caroline Douglass, Executive Director for Flood and Coastal Risk Management at the Environment Agency, said:

Protecting communities in England from the devastating impact of flooding is one of our top priorities as climate change brings more extreme weather.

By participating in the Floods Resilience Taskforce, we’re ensuring we share information and co-ordinate our approach to bolster protection for thousands of homes and businesses from the dangers of flooding, preventing billions of pounds worth of damages.

Minister Oppong-Asare, Parliamentary Secretary at the Cabinet Office, said:

The Flood Resilience Taskforce sits at the heart of our work to protect communities from extreme weather and flooding.

Today’s meeting highlighted how digital tools can strengthen our flood response to identify and support those who are most vulnerable to the impacts of flooding.

Through the taskforce, we’re continuing to work closely with key partners to keep people, homes, and businesses safe.

Met Office Services Director Simon Brown said:

Our observations show that the UK is getting wetter, we are seeing more days with over 50mm rainfall in autumn months. A warmer, moister atmosphere increases the capacity for deluges of rain, which can result in serious flooding. A recent study looking at the storms through autumn and winter in 2023/24 found climate change increased the amount of rainfall from these storms, making them about 20% more intense.

A number of recent Met Office attribution studies have shown that some recent heavy rainfall events in the UK associated with flooding can be linked to human-caused climate change. Since 1998 the UK has seen six of the 10 wettest years on record. Events such as the wettest February on record in 2020, are expected to become more frequent by 2100 due to climate change.

The Government’s record investment in flood defences includes around £2.5 million in funding for Merseyside across 2024/25 and 2025/26, including £1 million for a flood alleviation scheme to protect communities near the Pool watercourse at Churchtown in Southport.

May 21, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Waste packaging company director, Shaobo Qin, pays high price in data fraud [May 2025]

The press release issued by the Environment Agency on 21 May 2025.

This follows an Environment Agency investigation into fraudulent entry of waste packaging data.

At Birmingham Crown Court on Friday 16 May 2025, Shaobo Qin, a director of EDU Case Ltd, pleaded guilty to fraud by false representation. He was given a 2 year prison sentence suspended for 18 months.

Qin, age 42, of Sutton Coldfield, West Midlands, was also ordered to pay a Proceeds of Crime confiscation order of £255,057. He must pay within 2 months or face 3 years in prison.

He was also disqualified as a director for 4 years and ordered to do 200 hours of unpaid work.

His company, EDU Case Ltd of Portway Road, Rowley Regis, was fined £200,000. The Environment Agency were also awarded £21,995 in investigation costs.

The court was told Qin’s company was a plastics and recycling exports enterprise. The offences were discovered by the Environment Agency towards the end of 2022.

The company, orchestrated by Qin, was deliberately and systematically entering false data on to the Environment Agency’s National Packaging Waste Database (NPWD) for non-existent waste exports.

This resulted in Qin receiving a benefit for himself and his company in the sum of approx. £255,000. He was arrested on Wednesday 10 January 2024 where he was interviewed by Environment Agency officers.

EDU Case were accredited to carry out plastic packaging exports and able to issue “evidence” of that activity in the form of tonnage figures on the database.

This evidence could be bought by businesses who are obliged to account for their plastic packaging waste under the Producer Responsibility Obligations (Packaging Waste) Regulations 2007.

An audit conducted by Environment Agency officers in 2023 and information following that work identified discrepancies between the amount of waste exported and the amount of evidence issued.

The false entries represented nearly two-thirds of the business’ entire trade in 2022 towards the end of that year.

As part of that audit, a legal notice was served on Qin and the company in September 2023.

This notice required the production of their evidence of plastic waste exports. In response, Qin sent a computer memory stick containing his business’ waste export evidence and a letter explaining a large discrepancy, described as an “overclaim.”

The letter stated that the company had carried out 1,239 metric tonnes of plastic waste exports in 2022, only 453.60 metric was genuine and that the majority of his trading, 785.40 metric tonnes was ‘a mistake.’

In sentencing the judge said this was without doubt deliberate offending and pre-planned. There had been a significant undermining of the regulatory regime.

He accepted that there had been a guilty plea entered at first opportunity and that money had been put aside to repay the financial benefit made. The company was also fined to mark the seriousness of the offending.

Sham Singh, Senior Environmental Crime Officer for the Environment Agency, said:

“This case shows that the Environment Agency will pursue individuals and their enterprises who profit illegally.

“This was a fraud on a large scale and undermines legitimate business and the investment and economic growth that go with it.

“We support legitimate businesses and are proactively supporting them by disrupting and stopping the criminal element backed up by the threat of tough enforcement as in this case.

“If anyone suspects that a company is doing something wrong, please contact the Environment Agency on 0800 80 70 60 or report it anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

The Charges

Shaobo Qin

Between 1st January 2022 and 31st January 2023 dishonestly and intending thereby to make a gain for himself or another, or to cause loss to another, or to expose another to the risk of loss, made a false representation to the online National Packaging Waste Database which was and which he knew was, or might be, untrue or misleading, namely, that the 785.4 tonnes of plastic waste that he claimed EDU Case UK Ltd had exported over that period, had all actually been exported when it had not, contrary to Sections 1 and 2 of the Fraud Act 2006.

EDU Case UK Limited (Company No. 08888722)

Between 1st January 2022 and 31st January 2023 dishonestly and intending thereby to make a gain for himself or another, or to cause loss to another, or to expose another to the risk of loss, made a false representation to the online National Packaging Waste Database which was and which he knew was, or might be, untrue or misleading, namely, that the 785.4 tonnes of plastic waste that EDU Case UK Ltd had exported over that period, had all actually been exported when it had not, contrary to Sections 1 and 2 of the Fraud Act 2006.

Background Information

The Packaging Producer Responsibility Regulations were introduced to oblige the producers of waste packaging such as plastic, glass and cardboard (e.g. supermarkets) to contribute towards the financial cost of recycling and the disposal of waste. Any large organisation that meets the criteria for this obligation is required to prove they have made such financial contributions by the purchasing of credits known as Packaging Recovery Notes (PRNs) or Packaging Export Recovery Notes (PERNs) from UK waste reprocessors and waste exporters.

May 21, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : New Chair and members of the Joint Nature Conservation Committee appointed [May 2025]
The press release issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 21 May 2025.

Dr David Cooper named as new Chair; Professor Tom Meagher reappointed and Professor Julia Jones confirmed as new member.

Dr David Cooper has been appointed as the Chair of the Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC). The appointment was made in conjunction with the devolved governments and is for a three-year term from 1 June 2025 to 31 May 2028.

Professor Tom Meagher has been reappointed as an independent member of the Committee. Tom’s term will run for four years until 3 April 2029.

Furthermore, Professor Julia Jones has been appointed as an independent member of the Committee. Julia’s term will run for three years until 31 May 2028.

The new appointments have been made on merit and in accordance with the Governance Code on Public Appointments.

As the UK’s statutory advisor on nature, the JNCC provides scientific evidence and advice to the devolved governments of the UK, the UK government, and the UK’s Overseas Territories and Crown Dependencies, to help policymakers turn science into action for nature.

Biographical details

Dr David Cooper
- David Cooper is Visiting Fellow at the Oxford Martin School and Honorary Researcher of the Leverhulme Centre for Nature Recovery at the University of Oxford.
- David has more than 30 years’ experience in international science and policy, including at the Convention on Biological Diversity and the UN Food and Agriculture Organization. As CBD Deputy Executive Secretary and Acting Executive Secretary, he was instrumental in facilitating the development and adoption of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework and related agreements.
- David has contributed to the work of the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services among other scientific reports and assessments.
- He has chaired a number of bodies including the Collaborative Partnership on Sustainable Wildlife Management, the Biodiversity Indicators Partnership, and the Inter-agency liaison group on Invasive Alien Species.
Professor Tom Meagher
- Tom Meagher has been a member of the JNCC since April 2021. He is Professor of Plant Biology at the University of St Andrews and served as Director of the St Andrews Global Challenges Forum. He was previously a member of the Defra Science Advisory Council and the Natural Environment Research Council.
- Tom leads an international and interdisciplinary initiative developing novel remote sensing technology to aid the assessment and conservation of plant biodiversity. He has also worked with the British Council, the British Embassy Lima, and government agencies in Peru to promote the establishment of a national botanic garden and plant biodiversity initiative.
- He has been an active contributor to the Scottish Government’s environmental and conservation science strategy, following his former role as a Trustee of the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh.
Julia Jones
- Julia Jones is Professor in Conservation Science at Bangor University and currently holds the Prince Bernhard Chair of International Nature Conservation at Utrecht University.
- She is a trustee of WWF-UK and is a member of the British Ecological Society and the Society for Conservation Biology. She serves on the advisory board of the Sounds Right initiative, a collaboration between the Museum for the United Nations and the music industry to allow nature to collect royalties from her sounds.
- She has previously served as the Director of the Low Carbon Energy and Environment Research Network Wales, and on the Welsh committee of the RSPB.
May 21, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Environment Agency secures over £526K in Proceeds of Crime case linked to Edvars Stancik [May 2025]
The press release issued by the Environment Agency on 21 May 2025.

An illegal enterprise in catalytic converters has brought confiscation orders for £526,215.04, at a Proceeds of Crime Award hearing.

The case led by the Environment Agency was concluded at Lincoln Crown Court on Friday 16 May 2025.

The ruling was made against Long Sutton-based Platinum Group Metals Recycling Ltd and director Edvars Stancik.

Recorder John Hardy KC ruled that Stancik, 30, had made a benefit of £4,312,925.70 from his criminal activity while his company made a benefit of £4,344,827.60.

The court heard assets of £495,280.88 were available from the company made up of cash in a bank account and seized catalytic converters.

Stancik’s only asset was £30,934.16 from equity in a house he sold before his trial, the court was told.

Recorder Hardy ordered those amounts to be confiscated and ruled that £100,111.65 should be paid to the Environment Agency to cover costs.

At a previous hearing (4 September 2024), the company and Stancik were found guilty of running an illegal waste site at Long Sutton.

The court heard that, between December 2019 and September 2021, Stancik, 30, acted as a director of the company and traded in catalytic convertors on a colossal scale.

A jury heard that neither Stancik nor his company had obtained an environmental permit before buying and selling thousands of catalytic converters.

Stancik stored the devices in containers in Long Sutton and were stored in an irresponsible manner giving rise to health risks.

A warrant for the arrest of Stancik, who is believed to be living in Lithuania, has been issued. He has been given 3 months to pay or face 5 years in jail.

The Environment Agency continues to investigate ways of retrieving further proceeds.

Peter Stark, Environment Agency Enforcement Team Leader, said:

“Waste criminals should be aware how seriously we take their offending, including the benefit they obtain from their illegal activities.

“Offenders won’t get away with concealing information or their assets, and due to the EA’s hard work, justice has been served.

“Waste crime can be a blight on the environment, communities and to legitimate businesses.

“We will continue to work with professional partners like Lincolnshire Police in this case to prevent, disrupt, investigate, and stop waste offending.

“If anyone suspects that a company or its directors are doing something wrong, contact our 24/7 hotline on 0800 80 70 60 or report it anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

The charges:

Platinum Group Metals Recycling Ltd.
- Operating a regulated facility, namely a waste operation, otherwise than in accordance with an environmental permit, contrary to Regulation 12(1)(a) and 38(1)(a) of the Environmental Permitting (England and Wales) Regulations 2016. (Relating to the site at St Thomas Court, Long Sutton).
- Operating a regulated facility, namely a waste operation, otherwise than in accordance with an environmental permit, contrary to Regulation 12(1)(a) and 38(1)(a) of the Environmental Permitting (England and Wales) Regulations 2016. (Relating to the site at Lime Walk, Long Sutton)
- Keeping controlled waste contrary to section 33(1)(c) and (6) of the Environmental Protection Act 1990.) (Relating to the site at St Thomas Court, Long Sutton)
- Keeping controlled waste contrary to section 33(1)(c) and (6) of the Environmental Protection Act 1990. (Relating to the site at Lime Walk, Long Sutton)
Edvars Stancik
- Causing a company to operate a regulated facility otherwise in accordance with an environmental permit contrary to Regulation 12(1)(a) and 38(1)(a) by virtue of Regulation 41(1) and 41(3) of the Environmental Permitting (England and Wales) Regulations 2016. (Relating to the site at St Thomas Court, Long Sutton)
- Causing a company to operate a regulated facility otherwise in accordance with an environmental permit contrary to Regulation 12(1)(a) and 38(1)(a) by virtue of Regulation 41(1) and 41(3) of the Environmental Permitting (England and Wales) Regulations 2016. (Relating to the site at Lime Walk, Long Sutton)
- Causing a company to commit an offence, contrary to section 33(1)(c), 33(6) by virtue of s157(1) of the Environmental Protection Act 1990. (Relating to the site at St Thomas Court, Long Sutton)
- Causing a company to commit an offence, contrary to section 33(1)(c), 33(6) by virtue of s157(1) of the Environmental Protection Act 1990. (Relating to the site at Lime Walk, Long Sutton)
Background Information

Catalytic converters are components in car exhausts. They contain small amounts of precious metals contained within a metal case making them valuable.

However, catalytic converters also contain carcinogenic fibres which, if ingested, can cause serious and irreversible lung disease.

The dangerous fibres can attach to shoes and clothing and be transported from one place to another.

It is therefore extremely important that catalytic converters are handled only under the strict conditions of an environmental permit, supervised by the Environment Agency.
May 21, 2025