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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.