Tag: News Story

STORY

Unite the Union, one of the UK’s largest and most influential trade unions, has dramatically suspended the membership of Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner. The decision, taken today at the union’s policy conference in Brighton, stems from her perceived failure to intervene effectively in the ongoing Birmingham bin strike and her backing of the Labour-run city council. The move comes as Unite grapples with its own internal challenges, including a Serious Fraud Office (SFO) probe into a controversial hotel complex in Birmingham, which has links to allegations of financial wrongdoing in Liverpool.

The emergency motion, overwhelmingly passed by 800 delegates, condemned Birmingham City Council and the Labour government for their handling of the bin workers’ dispute, which centres on “fire and rehire” tactics and potential pay cuts of up to £8,000 for some staff. Unite General Secretary Sharon Graham stated that Ms Rayner “has had every opportunity to intervene and resolve this dispute but has instead backed a rogue council that has peddled lies and smeared its workers fighting huge pay cuts.” Birmingham council leader John Cotton and other Labour councillors have also had their Unite memberships suspended, facing an investigation with a view to expulsion for “bringing the union into disrepute.”

This unprecedented suspension of a high-profile Labour figure by its largest affiliated union signals a deepening rift between Unite and the Labour Party. Delegates also voted to “re-examine its relationship” with Labour, a move that could jeopardise significant financial backing for the party and trigger a funding crisis for Sir Keir Starmer’s leadership.

The controversy surrounding Ms Rayner’s membership adds to a challenging period for Unite. The union has been crisis hit by allegations of financial impropriety linked to a £112 million hotel and conference complex in Birmingham. This project, developed by a Liverpool builder, is now the subject of an SFO investigation. Unite General Secretary Sharon Graham commissioned a QC-led inquiry into the spiralling costs of the hotel, which was independently valued at just £29 million. The union has stated that these inquiries have revealed “serious financial wrongdoing” during the previous leadership’s tenure, with some allegations connecting to broader fraud investigations in Liverpool involving a former mayor and a construction tycoon. Unite’s leadership under Sharon Graham has pledged to “leave no stone unturned” in uncovering any wrongdoing and has initiated legal claims to recover lost funds, but there are fears that the decision today were made to distract from the union’s crisis.

STORY

In a significant blow to the Conservative Party, former Cabinet Minister Jake Berry MP has today announced his defection to Reform UK. The move, revealed in a statement this morning, sees the prominent figure, who previously served as Minister without Portfolio and Chairman of the Conservative Party, cross the political floor, citing profound disillusionment with the direction of the opposition. Mr Berry, a long-standing Member of Parliament for Rossendale and Darwen, stated his decision was driven by a belief that the Conservative Party had “lost its way” and was no longer representing the values he held dear. He highlighted concerns over high taxation, what he described as a failure to control immigration and a perceived drift from conservative principles.

“After much soul-searching, I have concluded that the Conservative Party, which I have served faithfully for many years, is no longer the vehicle for the change our country desperately needs,” Mr Berry said. “The promises made to the British people, particularly on issues of sovereignty and economic common sense, have been broken. Reform UK offers the bold, clear vision and genuine commitment to delivering for the people that is now sorely lacking in Westminster.”

The defection has caused further concern through the Conservative ranks, with fears that the current leader Kemi Badenoch is failing to make sufficient progress. A spokesperson for the party expressed disappointment, stating, “Jake has been a valued colleague, and we are naturally saddened by his decision. However, the Conservative government remains focused on delivering for the British people, tackling inflation and growing the economy.” Some Conservative MPs privately suggested the move was opportunistic, given Reform UK’s recent rise in opinion polls.

Reform UK leader Nigel Farage warmly welcomed Mr Berry, describing him as a “principled individual who understands the true challenges facing Britain.” Farage added, “Jake’s decision is a testament to the growing momentum behind Reform UK. We are building a serious movement of common-sense patriots who believe in a brighter future for our nation, free from the failures of the establishment.”

The defection adds further pressure on the Conservative government, already trailing in the polls ahead of the next general election. Political analysts suggest Mr Berry’s departure could embolden other disaffected Conservative MPs and further legitimise Reform UK as a viable alternative for right-leaning voters. His move marks one of the most high-profile defections in recent British political history and is likely to intensify the debate over the future direction of Conservative politics in the UK.

STORY

Construction has officially begun on the new state-of-the-art headquarters for the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) at the University of Reading’s Whiteknights Campus. A ground-breaking ceremony on 9 July 2025 marked the start of work on this cutting-edge facility, which is set to become a global hub for meteorological research and forecasting. Lord Vallance, Minister of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, led the ceremony, joined by key stakeholders including ECMWF Directors, Penny Endersby, CEO of the Met Office and President of the ECMWF Council, and Mark Bourgeois, CEO at the Government Property Agency (GPA), which is overseeing the project. Representatives from the University of Reading and Mace, the design and build contractor, were also in attendance.

The modern, accessible and highly sustainable headquarters, funded by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT), is anticipated to be ready for occupation in early 2027. ECMWF will relocate from its current premises in Reading, where it has been based for half a century, to this new purpose-built facility. Once operational, the building will accommodate up to 300 scientists and staff, supporting world-leading work on all aspects of weather prediction systems, forecast production and crucial research into climate change. The advanced facility will facilitate the use of the latest developments in areas such as data assimilation, earth system modelling, predictability and reanalysis, all aimed at enhancing weather predictions and our understanding of the climate.

Lord Vallance expressed the UK’s pride in continuing to host the ECMWF headquarters, highlighting that the new facility positions the UK at the forefront of international efforts to comprehend weather and climate patterns better. He noted that improved weather predictions will enable optimised energy consumption estimates, effective adjustments to transport schedules and provide farmers with crucial time to prepare for extreme weather, ultimately helping individuals and businesses save money, reduce energy use and enhance safety. Florence Rabier, ECMWF Director General, conveyed her satisfaction with the move to sustainable premises after 50 years at Shinfield Park, anticipating excellent facilities for staff and visitors and closer collaboration with university colleagues. She also emphasised ECMWF’s leadership, alongside its 35 member and cooperating states, in spearheading the artificial intelligence and machine learning revolution in weather science for the benefit and protection of citizens worldwide. The project has been designed to industry-leading net-zero carbon standards, reflecting a strong commitment to sustainable development and scientific innovation.

STORY

The United Kingdom has strongly condemned the “reckless” Houthi attacks on commercial ships in the Red Sea, highlighting the tragic loss of innocent mariners and the severe threat these actions pose to global trade and the environment. Speaking at a UN Security Council meeting on Yemen on 9 July 2025, Ambassador Barbara Woodward, UK Permanent Representative to the UN, reiterated the UK’s commitment to countering the Houthi threat and restoring freedom of navigation.

Ambassador Woodward emphasised three key points during her statement. Firstly, she underscored the gravity of the Houthi attacks, which have led to loss of life, undermined maritime security and global trade, and created significant environmental risks. She stressed the UK’s dedication to working with partners and supporting the UN Special Envoy in a coordinated international effort to address these issues. Furthermore, she pointed out that the continued smuggling of weapons into Yemen by the Houthis is a clear violation of the arms embargo mandated by Resolution 2216, urging the international community to redouble efforts to enforce compliance and disrupt illicit arms flows.

Secondly, Ambassador Woodward drew attention to the rapidly deteriorating food security situation in Yemen. Citing the FAO’s Integrated Food Security Phase Classification, she noted that the number of Yemenis facing food insecurity is projected to increase by over a million to 18.1 million by February next year. The UK’s Food Security Safety Nets programme will provide $79 million in assistance this year to help feed at least 864,000 Yemenis and support economic reforms within the Government of Yemen. She also condemned the Houthis’ “arbitrary and cruel detention of aid workers,” which is severely hindering humanitarian efforts, and reiterated the call for their immediate and unconditional release.

Finally, Ambassador Woodward stressed that Yemenis have endured a “toxic combination of insecurity and dire humanitarian conditions” for far too long. She urged a redoubling of efforts towards achieving an inclusive and sustainable peace in the country, affirming the UK’s continued support for the UN Special Envoy’s work in this regard.

STORY

An out-of-service London Northwestern Railway passenger train derailed at Denbigh Hall South Junction on the West Coast Main Line on 26 June 2025, prompting an investigation by the Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB). The incident, which occurred around 12:27 PM, saw the front bogie of the train come off the tracks on a switch diamond crossing while travelling north at approximately 15 mph (24 km/h), shortly after leaving Bletchley station. Fortunately, no injuries were reported among the four staff members on board the train. However, the derailment led to significant disruption, with some lines through the crucial junction remaining out of service until 4:05 PM on 29 June 2025, to allow for train recovery and infrastructure repairs.

Initial findings indicate the train had experienced a technical fault earlier, preventing it from departing southwards from Bletchley’s platform 4. While it could be driven northwards from the opposite end, the usual signalled route was blocked by a failed on-track machine. Consequently, staff at Rugby Rail Operating Centre authorised the train to travel in the wrong direction on the up (southbound) slow line. This “wrong direction movement” meant the signaller had to instruct the driver to pass a signal at danger, operating without the standard protection typically provided by the signalling interlocking system.

The intention was for the train to then cross onto the down slow line at the junction and resume normal signal control for its journey northwards to the Kings Heath depot near Northampton. The RAIB’s investigation will delve into the sequence of events leading to the derailment, examining the actions of those involved, the procedures for determining and validating “out of course” movements, and the management, training and assessment of staff undertaking such manoeuvres. Any underlying factors contributing to the incident will also be considered.

The RAIB’s investigation is independent of any conducted by the railway industry or its regulator, the Office of Rail and Road. Its findings, along with any recommendations to enhance safety, will be published upon the conclusion of the inquiry.

STORY

Russia’s ongoing illegal war in Ukraine continues to inflict a devastating toll on children, with mounting evidence of grave violations, according to a recent statement by Deputy Ambassador James Ford to the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE). The UK has strongly condemned these actions, calling for accountability and an immediate end to the conflict.

The statement, delivered on 9 July 2025, highlighted that more grave violations against children were verified by the UN in 2024 than ever before, with instances of sexual violence against children increasing by 35% compared to the previous year. Russian armed forces and authorities are accused of committing at least five of the “Six Grave Violations” defined by UN Security Council Resolution 1261, including the killing and maiming of children and attacks on schools and hospitals.

A stark example cited was the attack on the Okhmatdyt Children’s Hospital in Kyiv, struck by a Russian KH-101 cruise missile exactly one year prior to the statement. This facility was Ukraine’s largest children’s medical provider. UNICEF reports indicate that the war has killed or injured over 2,406 children, averaging sixteen child casualties per week. Between March 1 and May 31 2025 alone, 222 children were killed or injured, a threefold increase from the previous quarter. April 2025 saw the highest monthly number of child casualties since June 2022, with 97 children killed or maimed.

Beyond physical harm, Ukrainian children face systematic efforts to erase their identity. The Ukrainian government estimates that nearly 20,000 children have been forcibly deported to Russia and temporarily occupied territories. UN reports detail forced introduction of Russian language curricula and “military-patriotic” training in schools, alongside coerced Russian citizenship. Save the Children estimates that 576 education facilities were destroyed or damaged in 2024, more than double the number from the year before. Children fleeing the conflict are also at significant risk of family separation, abuse, violence, sexual exploitation and trafficking, leading to profound and lasting psychological trauma.

Despite Moscow’s campaign of denial and disinformation, these abuses have been verified by independent sources, including the UN, ODIHR and reports commissioned under the OSCE’s Moscow Mechanism. The UK welcomed the OSCE’s efforts to hold Russia accountable and support Ukraine, urging Russia to cease its unprovoked, illegal war and immediately and unconditionally return all forcibly deported children to Ukraine.

STORY

A pedestrian sustained serious injuries after being struck by a Tyne & Wear Metro service at the Blue House Lane footpath crossing on April 18 2025, according to a preliminary examination by the Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB). The incident, which occurred at approximately 9:00 AM, involved a train travelling from Newcastle to South Hylton. The train driver spotted a dog walker and another pedestrian on the crossing and immediately engaged the emergency brake and sounded the warning horn. Despite these actions, the second pedestrian was hit. The train was moving at an approximate speed of 29 km/h (18 mph) at the time of the collision and came to a stop about 20 metres beyond the crossing.

The RAIB was notified shortly after the accident and conducted a preliminary examination, gathering evidence from the railway industry. While the RAIB has concluded that further investigation is unlikely to yield new recommendations for improving railway safety, it noted striking similarities between this incident and a previous accident at Lady Howard footpath and bridleway crossing in April 2022.

A key concern at both locations is the risk that passing trains might obscure the approach of a second train, making users unaware of its presence. Following the Lady Howard accident, a recommendation was made to reduce this risk. In response, Network Rail implemented an interim solution of fitting signs at all level crossings with two or more lines. These signs warn users that “oncoming trains can be hidden by other trains” and advise them “not to cross until all lines are clear.” The RAIB’s preliminary examination confirmed that such signage was in place at the Blue House Lane footpath crossing.

Network Rail’s long-term goal is to install miniature stop lights where they effectively manage risk. However, the RAIB expressed ongoing concern about the underlying risk this recommendation sought to address. The RAIB has formally written to the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) to highlight the Blue House Lane accident as the ORR considers the railway industry’s current and future management of this known hazard, specifically regarding its response to the Lady Howard report recommendation. Copies of this letter have also been sent to Network Rail, Nexus and the Rail Safety and Standards Board.

STORY

The first report has been issued in the Horizon Post Office scandal, highlighting numerous cases, including that of Martin Griffiths who committed suicide at the age of 59. It was alleged in the hearing of the report that the senior Post Office executive Angela van den Bogerd deliberately and wilfully acted in a manner which sought to hide the Post Office’s involvement in the suicide, a claim that she denied during the hearing.

The damning report into the Post Office notes of the case of Martin Griffiths:

“Mr Martin Griffiths and his wife bought Hope Farm Road post office in Ellesmere Port in 1995. The branch was situated in a shop from which Mrs Griffiths sold gift cards and
stationery with the help of her mother-in-law. Mr Griffiths was the postmaster, and he was responsible for the running of the post office. For years, Mr Griffiths had no problem with using Horizon or with balancing the branch accounts. However, problems with balancing began in, or about 2009 when more and more shortfalls became apparent. This may have coincided with the advent of Horizon Online. During the course of the following four years or thereabouts Mr Griffiths sought assistance from the Helpdesk without success. His family maintain that he was made to feel that he was the only person who was having balancing problems, a complaint made repeatedly by a large number of postmasters who contacted the Helpdesk. On at least two occasions Mr Griffiths was interviewed about the losses which were said to have occurred and on one occasion in 2011, he was suspended without pay. In July 2013, he was given notice of termination of his contract as a postmaster.

From about 2009 onwards Mr Griffiths’ mental health deteriorated. He became very depressed – so much so that he would not respond when his sister tried to convince him that there were others who were complaining of unexplained shortfalls and told him about JFSA and Sir Alan Bates. By 2012/2013 the shortfalls alleged to have occurred may have totalled as much as £102,000. On 2 May 2013 a robbery occurred at the Post Office which resulted in a net loss to the Post Office of £38,504.96, which was reduced to £15,845 after some of the money was recovered. Mr Griffiths was injured during the robbery; he was present in the branch when it occurred. The Post Office Investigator advised the Post Office that Mr Griffiths was partly to blame for the loss sustained by the Post Office and that he should be held responsible for part of the loss.

On 23 September 2013, approximately one month before Mr Griffiths’ notice of termination was due to expire, he deliberately walked in front of a moving bus. He was taken to hospital suffering from multiple injuries and attempts were made to save his life including providing him with life support. However, on 11 October 2013, Mr Griffiths died in hospital aged 59. By the date of his death Mr Griffiths had made very substantial repayments to the Post Office for alleged shortfalls. His parents contributed all their savings of about £62,000 and the balance owing was paid from the savings and income of Mr and Mrs Griffiths. Mr Griffiths’ death was and remains devastating for his wife, children and other close family.”

STORY

Norman Tebbit, the former Conservative Cabinet Minister, has died at the age of 94. He represented the constituency of Epping between 1970 and 1974 and then Chingford between 1974 and 1992, before then entering the House of Lords as Lord Tebbit of Chingford. He was injured during the 1984 Brighton bomb, which paralysed his wife.

William Tebbit, his son, announced:

“At 11.15pm on 7th July 2025 Lord Tebbit died peacefully at home aged 94. His family ask that their privacy is respected at this time and a further statement regarding funeral arrangements will be made in due course.”

STORY

The Department for Transport (DfT) has announced the appointment of Jo Shanmugalingam as its new Permanent Secretary, effective from 1 July  2025. Ms Shanmugalingam takes over from Bernadette Kelly, who stepped down last month after eight years in the role and 39 years in the Civil Service. Having served as the DfT’s Second Permanent Secretary and, most recently, as Interim Permanent Secretary, Ms Shanmugalingam brings a wealth of experience to the position. Her career spans various government departments, beginning at the Department for Trade and Industry. She also spent six years at the Shareholder Executive (now UKGI) and held a Director General role for Science, Innovation and Growth at both the Department of Science, Innovation and Technology and the Department for Business Energy & Industrial Strategy.

In her new capacity, Ms Shanmugalingam will be instrumental in leading the department’s efforts to enhance Britain’s transport infrastructure as part of the government’s “Plan for Change” agenda, which aims to drive economic growth and investment across the country. Her responsibilities will include overseeing the transformation of transport networks and facilitating the development of new roads and railways. Heidi Alexander, the Secretary of State for Transport, expressed her delight at the appointment, stating that she had worked closely with Ms Shanmugalingam and was confident in her exemplary leadership. Secretary Alexander also extended her gratitude to Bernadette Kelly for her dedicated public service.

Sir Chris Wormald, the Cabinet Secretary, congratulated Ms Shanmugalingam, highlighting her valuable experience and impressive track record in delivery as key attributes for leading the DfT during this significant period of infrastructure renewal. Ms Shanmugalingam commented on her appointment, expressing her honour and emphasising the fundamental role of transport in connecting people to opportunities and fostering economic growth. She also conveyed her enthusiasm for continuing to work with the talented team within the DfT to deliver meaningful changes for the public. Her appointment followed a comprehensive external recruitment competition overseen by the independent Civil Service Commission.