Tag: News Story

STORY

A Middlesbrough man who raped two women in separate assaults on the same night has had his sentence increased from 12 to 17 years, after senior judges ruled the original punishment was too lenient. Haider Ali, 38, attacked his first victim on 7 September 2024 in Stockton, after following her and dragging her behind a disused building. The assault, which lasted nearly an hour, left the woman traumatised and physically injured. Just hours later, Ali struck again, this time targeting a pregnant woman on Yarm Road. Both attacks were captured on CCTV, with footage later used to identify him as he fled the scenes.

In March 2025, Ali was sentenced at Teesside Crown Court to an extended 12-year sentence, including 10 years in custody and two on licence. However, the Solicitor General Lucy Rigby KC MP referred the case to the Court of Appeal under the Unduly Lenient Sentence scheme, arguing that the sentence failed to reflect the gravity of the crimes. The Court of Appeal agreed, and on 17 June 2025, Ali’s sentence was increased to a 17-year extended term, made up of 15 years in prison and a further two on licence. The judges noted that the attacks were not only extremely serious but had taken place within a short space of time, showing a clear pattern of predatory behaviour.

One of the victims, whose statement was read in court, said the experience left her in constant fear, unable to live normally and plagued by anxiety. The psychological harm caused was described as severe and ongoing. The Solicitor General welcomed the decision, calling it a “truly horrific case” and praising the victims for their bravery in coming forward. She said the new sentence better reflected the seriousness of Ali’s actions and the devastating impact they had caused.

STORY

MPs in the House of Commons have voted to support the legalisation of assisted dying for terminally ill adults, in a historic and closely watched decision that marks a major shift in UK end-of-life policy. The Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill passed its second reading by 314 votes to 291, following a lengthy and often emotional debate. The bill allows mentally competent adults in England and Wales who are expected to live for less than six months to seek medical assistance in ending their lives.

Introduced by Labour MP Kim Leadbeater, the bill sets out strict safeguards. Patients would need approval from two independent doctors, and final authorisation would be granted by a multidisciplinary panel comprising a psychiatrist, a social worker and a senior legal official. The vote was conducted on a free vote basis, with MPs not bound by party lines. Prime Minister Keir Starmer voted in favour of the bill, along with several senior cabinet ministers. However, others including Health Secretary Wes Streeting and Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner opposed it or abstained, reflecting a split across the government.

Supporters of the bill described the outcome as a compassionate step forward that would provide dignity and choice to people facing the end of life. Outside Parliament, campaigners in favour of the bill welcomed the result with visible relief and celebration. Opponents raised concerns over the risks to vulnerable individuals, with some religious groups and disability rights organisations arguing the bill could undermine trust in the healthcare system. Others warned it could pressure people into ending their lives prematurely due to inadequate palliative care.

The bill will now proceed to the House of Lords, where further scrutiny and possible amendments are expected. If it ultimately becomes law, implementation could take several years as regulatory frameworks and professional guidelines are developed. This is the first time the Commons has voted in favour of an assisted dying bill, signalling a potentially transformative moment in the UK’s approach to end-of-life care.

STORY

A spokesperson for Cornerstone Christian Bookshop in Matlock, Derbyshire has confirmed that they are celebrating the removal of a Pride flag in the town which had been placed to act as a sign that the town was welcoming for all. Judy Crook, the manager of the bookshop, told the Guardian that “we’re not happy with the gay rights situation” and rejected allegations of hate and intolerance, saying they were “welcoming”. The council said that the flag was not removed for political reasons, but due to concerns that protesters might injure themselves in an attempt to remove the flag.

STORY

Patients to benefit from new era in cancer treatment, as the government slashes red tape to unleash life-saving innovation.

NHS patients will be the first in Europe to benefit from a ground-breaking, non-invasive liver cancer treatment, as the government’s Plan for Change slashes burdensome red tape and drives innovation, establishing Britain’s role as a medical technology powerhouse.

Using ultrasound technology, the device – developed by US-based company HistoSonics – destroys tumours without surgery, scalpels or radiation, with minimal damage to surrounding organs.

Patients stand to benefit from faster recovery times, potentially greater survival rates, fewer potentially dangerous complications and fewer hospital stays – helping to cut waits for others – all marking a new era in cancer treatment.

Ongoing research is exploring its potential to transform treatment for other hard-to-reach tumours, including kidney and pancreatic cancers, bringing hope to even more NHS patients in the future.

Treatment is delivered through a single short session – potentially taking no longer than 30 minutes – with limited or no pain, a quick recovery and can be performed as a day case.

As the government busts the bureaucracy holding back public services and stifling innovation, Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting granted authorisation for controlled early access to the device through an unmet clinical need authorisation. Available through the UK’s Innovative Devices Access Pathway programme, a government-funded scheme to get cutting-edge health innovations to the market much quicker, NHS patients can benefit from technology years earlier than planned.

Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting said:

Bureaucracy has become a handbrake on ambition, stopping innovation in its tracks and holding our health service back.

But through our Plan for Change, we are slashing red tape, so game-changing new treatments reach the NHS front line quicker – transforming healthcare.

Regulation is vital to protect patients. However, as the pace of innovation ramps up, our processes must be more agile to help speed the shift from analogue to digital.

Our common sense approach to regulation will streamline approval processes so countless more patients are liberated from life-limiting conditions.

The technology, called histotripsy, is being debuted at Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge, part of Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, with the first NHS patients being treated using the game-changing device this summer. The technology was procured and installed thanks to a generous donation to the University of Cambridge from the Li Ka Shing Foundation, which has been a longstanding supporter of cancer research at the university.

Professor Deborah Prentice, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cambridge, said:

Through his longstanding support of cancer research at Cambridge, Sir Ka-shing Li continues to make a significant impact on outcomes for cancer patients.

Cutting-edge technology such as this histotripsy machine allows Cambridge to remain at the forefront of understanding and treating cancer, a position we aim to strengthen further with Cambridge Cancer Research Hospital.

The government’s Plan for Change is focused on securing the UK’s position as a global tech powerhouse, including in healthcare, which fosters innovation to transform the lives of working people and deliver a decade of national renewal.

The move delivers on the government’s commitment to tackle bureaucracy blocking investment and regulatory complexity that has previously stifled growth.

Roland Sinker, Chief Executive of Cambridge University Hospitals, said:

Histotripsy is an exciting new technology that will make a huge difference to patients.

By offering this non-invasive, more targeted treatment we can care for more people as outpatients and free up time for surgeons to treat more complex cases.

The faster recovery times mean patients will be able to return to their normal lives more quickly, which will also reduce pressure on hospital beds, helping us ensure that patients are able to receive the right treatment at the right time.

We are delighted to be receiving this new state of the art machine.

Fiona Carey, co-chair of the Patient Advisory Group for Cambridge Cancer Research Hospital and kidney cancer patient with advanced disease, said:

This is seriously good news. A new, non-invasive option to treat these cancers is very welcome indeed.

For patients for whom ordinary surgery is no longer an option, this could make all the difference.

James Pound, Interim Executive Director, Innovation and Compliance at the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency, said:

This is a strong example of smart, agile regulation in action. Working closely with partners through the Innovative Devices Access Pathway, we’ve shown we can get promising technologies to patients faster – without compromising safety.

It’s a major step forward for patients with liver cancer and shows how the UK can be a frontrunner in supporting responsible innovation that meets real clinical need.

STORY

Axel Heitmueller has been appointed as the Prime Minister’s new Expert Adviser on Health, Downing Street confirmed today. The move signals a renewed focus on innovation, integration and preventive care as the government seeks to overhaul NHS delivery and tackle deep-rooted issues across the health and social care system. Heitmueller, a respected figure in healthcare strategy, currently serves as CEO of Imperial College Health Partners and was previously Executive Director of Strategy at Chelsea and Westminster NHS Foundation Trust. He will work directly with ministers to support the government’s ambitions for reform, particularly in areas like system-wide innovation, data use and public health outcomes.

Born in Germany in 1974, Heitmueller has built his career in the UK and is known for his emphasis on data-driven decision-making and cross-sector collaboration. His appointment reflects growing recognition that the NHS needs fresh leadership to address long-standing inefficiencies and rising demand. With the government under pressure to deliver tangible improvements before the next election, Heitmueller will play a key role in shaping a health strategy that aims to be both ambitious and achievable.

STORY

Palestine Action have claimed responsibility for an attack on two British military aircraft at Brize Norton which were being used in counter-ISIS operations. The RAF said that they “condemned vandalism of Royal Air Force assets” and added:

“Our armed forces represent the very best of Britain. They put their lives on the line for us, and their display of duty, dedication and selfless personal sacrifice are an inspiration to us all. It is our responsibility to support those who defend us.”

Recent documentary evidence suggests that the attacked aircraft were supporting counter-ISIS operations.

STORY

Former Prime Minister Sir John Major delivered a powerful and unsparing assessment of the current state of British public life on Thursday, accusing successive governments of allowing ethical standards to decline and warning that public trust in institutions is in danger of slipping beyond repair. Speaking at the Institute for Government’s conference marking 30 years since the establishment of the Committee on Standards in Public Life and the Nolan Principles, Major said Britain’s long-standing reputation for clean governance had been “slowly eroded” by years of scandal, political misconduct and a failure to enforce proper standards.

“It is in our national interest to regain that reputation,” he said, before listing a series of high-profile failures: from the ‘Partygate’ scandal and political lobbying controversies to a wider culture of bullying and misconduct.

Sir John, who founded the Nolan Committee in 1994 following the “cash for questions” scandal, argued that the seven principles of public life — selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership — remain essential but are too often ignored. “The vast majority of public servants obey them. But a minority does not — and when that happens, there must be consequences,” he said. “Too often, there are none.”

In a series of pointed criticisms, the former Conservative leader highlighted the resignation of two senior ethics advisers under Boris Johnson and the growing cynicism towards public institutions, which he said now includes Parliament, the Church, the Police, and even the media. “This is not healthy,” he warned.

Major reserved some of his strongest words for the government’s approach to advisory bodies and ethics watchdogs. He criticised ministers for “ignoring” or “watering down” reports from standards bodies and accused them of using “words of which any Circumlocution Department would be proud” to deflect criticism while rejecting reform.

While he praised the Independent Adviser on Ministerial Interests as a valuable check, he questioned whether the role should be made statutory — and ultimately advised against it, despite past attempts by prime ministers to abolish the position. “Their successors are likely to understand that an adviser with powers can spare stress to prime ministers,” he quipped. Turning to appointments, Major said bodies like ACOBA — which oversees post-government jobs for ministers and civil servants — need statutory powers to enforce their guidance. “Lord Pickles is right,” he said, referencing the former ACOBA chair’s warning that the current system has “no demonstrable or tangible deterrent.”

He also called for tougher scrutiny of House of Lords appointments, criticising the lack of oversight for political nominees and arguing that too many recent peerages had failed the “democratic smell test.” He said it was time to stop appointing peers who were “unsuitable for the work, or unwilling to do it.”

On political funding, Major raised concern about growing dependence on ultra-wealthy individuals and the risk of foreign interference, citing recent reports of an American billionaire’s interest in funding a UK party. “One man, one vote must not be supplanted by one man and his money,” he said, warning that democracy must not be for sale “to the highest bidder.” He also referred to Trump’s “billionaire chorus.”

He also criticised the leaking of policy announcements to the press before they reach Parliament, branding it “disrespectful” and corrosive to the authority of the legislature. While acknowledging the government’s pledge to establish a new ethics commission, Major advised they stick to strengthening the Nolan system instead. “My very friendly advice to the Prime Minister would be to stiffen up Nolan — and leave the ethics proposal where it is!”

In closing, Major struck a sombre but resolute tone: “We need to demonstrate to the people of our own country – and far beyond – that the Nolan principles… are effective and, where not, put measures in place to enforce them. Once we do that, we begin to restore trust and – with it – faith in politics.”

STORY

The UK Government today confirmed that it has paid more than £1.039 billion in financial redress to over 7,300 postmasters affected by the Horizon IT scandal, marking a major milestone in addressing what analysts deem “one of the gravest miscarriages of justice of our time.” The payout spans multiple redress schemes, including the Horizon Shortfall Scheme (HSS), the Group Litigation Order (GLO), and, since July 2024, the Horizon Convictions Redress Scheme, which has alone disbursed £245 million to those whose convictions were quashed by new legislation.

Post Office Minister Gareth Thomas emphasised the government’s urgency: “Since entering government, it has been our priority to speed up the delivery of compensation … but the job isn’t done until every postmaster has received fair and just redress.” Government statistics show that more than half of the total compensation, £559 million, has been paid out to 6,337 claimants under the HSS, while the GLO scheme has delivered £167 million to 316 successful claimants.

Despite reaching this landmark, campaigners and former postmasters warn significant challenges remain. Sir Alan Bates, a high-profile campaigner, has criticised the pace and fairness of the compensation process, noting that hundreds still await full redress, and legal costs reduce the net amounts received. Recent investigations have spotlighted bureaucratic roadblocks accused of obstructing timely payouts. Former business secretary Kemi Badenoch testified that procedural hurdles repeatedly delayed compensation, while critics argue departmental decision-making remains excessively rigid.

Further controversy surrounds the structure of compensation offers. A number of postmasters have received only a fraction, sometimes less than 1%, of their claims, with some victims calling the schemes “designed to fail.” Under the new Horizon Convictions Redress Scheme, wrongly convicted sub-postmasters are eligible for unlimited compensation, with a minimum of £600,000 for most, facilitated via a swift-track or extended assessment process. Initial interim payments of around £200,000 are already being released, with no set deadline for final settlement.

The government has reiterated its intention to continuously review and refine the redress process, seeking input from postmasters, campaigners, and parliamentary scrutiny to ensure that the payment systems are “as smooth as possible.” Opposition politicians and victims’ advocates urge the formation of an independent oversight body to oversee compensation schemes. They call for greater transparency and legal recourse to combat what they view as lingering inconsistencies and inequities.

STORY

In a striking display of civic engagement, “No Kings Day” protests swept across the United States on 14 June 2025, drawing an estimated 4 to 6 million participants in over 2,100 cities, making it one of the largest single‑day protests in U.S. history. In stark contrast, President Trump’s long‑planned military parade, held the same day in Washington, D.C., attracted far fewer attendees than expected. Grassroots anti-authoritarian activists coordinated demonstrations under the banner “No Kings,” protesting what they described as Trump’s authoritarian tendencies and the politicisation of the military. Organisers reported over 5 million people across hundreds of cities and towns. Participation varied: 200,000 in NYC, 80,000 in Philadelphia, Boston over 1 million, and 70,000 in Seattle. The protests were largely peaceful, though tense moments occurred, most notably in Los Angeles, where police deployed tear gas and flash-bang grenades during a rally near a federal building.

For many, the protests were a powerful expression of resistance, people marching together across the country to assert democratic values and reject centralised power. Also on 14 June, President Trump staged a military parade from Arlington to the National Mall to commemorate the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary, coinciding with his 79th birthday. The budget, reported between $25 to 45 million, funded tanks, drones, historical aircraft, 6,000 to 7,000 troops, and a large security mobilisation. Yet the parade experience diverged sharply from expectations. Organisers anticipated hundreds of thousands, but bleachers along Constitution Avenue remained largely empty. Media cited muted enthusiasm, poor weather, and logistical hiccups including hurried schedule changes due to rain. Officials claimed 250,000 spectators, but these figures were widely questioned, with independent estimates suggesting far lower attendance.

Critical analysis labelled the display underwhelming, sad, modest, and likened it to political theatre or authoritarian spectacle. Commentators suggested the event elevated Trump’s personal brand rather than truly honouring service members. What unfolded on 14 June was less a unified national moment and more a tale of contrasting mobilisations: a decades‑in‑the‑making protest, rallying millions under the No Kings banner to defend democratic checks and balances; and a military parade lavishly funded yet poorly supported, widely perceived as an extravagant, politicised spectacle.

One described it as a “split screen”: millions marching for democracy shadowed by a muted celebration of military might. Post‑parade, cleanup efforts were swift and parade‑related road closures lifted by Monday morning. However, analysts are already dissecting the costs, fiscal and symbolic, given the tension between official ceremony and popular sentiment. The No Kings protests have signalled a persistent national movement, with organisers highlighting that even 1 to 1.5 % of the U.S. population protesting can influence policy.

STORY

Stephen Wills, 36, from Bridford, Exeter, has had his prison sentence extended from nine to fourteen years under the government’s Unduly Lenient Sentence scheme, following intervention by Solicitor General Lucy Rigby KC MP. Wills was originally convicted on 13 March 2025 at Exeter Crown Court for conspiring to supply and possessing with intent to supply Class A and B drugs, and for possession of a prohibited firearm. The court heard that between 2019 and 2020, he acted as a key member of multiple organised crime groups that trafficked significant quantities of cocaine across the Southwest. Wills is said to have stored and packaged drugs at a rented farmhouse he shared with his family, and was using outbuildings to cultivate cannabis. His arrest on 1 May 2020 followed a vehicle stop, which led investigators to uncover firearms, ammunition, and over 250 g of cocaine which was valued at more than £46,000 wholesale. Notably, Wills carried a criminal record of 33 previous convictions, including firearm offences. In 2018 he was banned from possessing firearms, yet was later caught in 2021 with an air rifle and ammunition.

The increased sentence was handed down on 5 June 2025 after the case was referred to the Court of Appeal for being unduly lenient. Under the scheme, designed to enable swift correction of sentences deemed insufficient, Wills’s term rose by five years and the Solicitor General Lucy Rigby stated: “This offender was part of two organised crime gangs which trafficked significant quantities of drugs across the country. We know that the impact of organised crime on our communities is devastating and I welcome the Court’s decision to increase Wills’ sentence following my intervention.”