Tag: News Story

STORY

In a forceful address to the UN Security Council today, the UK’s Permanent Representative, Dame Barbara Woodward, urged Israel to immediately lift its blockade on humanitarian aid to Gaza, warning that “the whole of Gaza is at risk of famine” and condemning the “cruel and inexcusable” rotting of vital supplies at the border. Highlighting World Food Programme alerts that “they have no food left” and IPC (Integrated Food Security Phase Classification) data showing famine risk, Dame Barbara called on Israel to “allow the rapid and unimpeded provision of humanitarian aid to all civilians”, stressing that continued obstruction “risks further deaths that should be avoidable”.

She outlined three urgent demands: first, that Israel remove its aid blockade; second, that any aid mechanism must remain free of political or military objectives and adhere to humanitarian principles; and third, that Israel release findings and take concrete measures following the killing of Palestinian Red Crescent workers and the strike on a UNOPS compound in March.

Dame Barbara welcomed the recent release of Edan Alexander after 17 months in Hamas captivity as “a rare moment of hope”, but warned that attention must not wane for the remaining hostages. “It is ceasefire deals that have delivered the release of over 180 hostages and allowed a massive scale-up of aid for desperate Palestinians”, she said, urging political will to secure a comprehensive ceasefire that could also “achieve a pathway to a two-state solution”. Co-sponsored by Denmark, France, Greece and Slovenia, the UK-led meeting underscored growing international alarm at Gaza’s humanitarian crisis. The UK reiterated its firm opposition to any expansion of the conflict, aligning with many hostages’ families in calling for an immediate and durable ceasefire to end civilian suffering.

STORY

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has announced the appointment of Mr Kanbar Hossein-Bor as the new British High Commissioner to the Republic of Fiji. In addition to his primary posting in Suva, Mr Hossein-Bor will serve as non-resident High Commissioner to Kiribati and non-resident Ambassador to the Federated States of Micronesia and the Republic of the Marshall Islands, succeeding Dr Brian Jones, who moves to another diplomatic assignment later this year.

Mr Hossein-Bor, who will assume his duties in July 2025, brings to the role over two decades of legal and diplomatic experience. Since 2021 he has been Deputy Director for Democratic Governance and Media Freedom at the FCDO, where he coordinated efforts to promote press freedoms and good governance. His earlier overseas postings include Deputy High Commissioner in Dhaka (2018–2020), Chargé d’Affaires in Monrovia in 2015, and Head of the Libya Team at the FCO (2012–2015).

His extensive legal background includes serving as Head of International Tribunals and UK Agent to the International Court of Justice in The Hague (2009–2012) and as Legal Adviser in Baghdad (2006–2007). Prior to joining the Foreign Service, Mr Hossein-Bor practised as a barrister in private practice between 2002 and 2005.

The FCDO emphasised that Mr Hossein-Bor’s appointment underlines the UK’s commitment to strengthening its relationships across the Pacific region. His responsibilities will encompass fostering bilateral relations, supporting British nationals, and advancing cooperation on climate resilience, trade, and regional security in partnership with Pacific island nations.

STORY

The Court of Appeal has boosted the sentence of Keith Edun, a 48-year-old from Croydon, after Solicitor General Lucy Rigby KC MP referred his case under the Unduly Lenient Sentence scheme. Edun was convicted of encouraging another man to rape and sexually assault a baby, and of sharing videos depicting the sexual abuse of infants, via the messaging app Kik. He was identified following a separate investigation into the March 2020 rape of a baby, which led police to search his devices and uncover numerous indecent images of children. Officers also discovered that Edun had deleted the Kik app in an attempt to conceal his online activities.

Originally sentenced at Croydon Crown Court on 14 February 2025, Edun received an extended sentence totalling 21 years and six months—13 years and six months in custody, followed by an eight-year extended licence. On 13 May 2025, the Court of Appeal quashed that sentence and imposed a new extended term of 24 years and two months, comprising 16 years and two months behind bars and the same eight-year licence.

Solicitor General Lucy Rigby KC MP said:

“Keith Edun is a dangerous sexual predator who poses a serious risk to children. His crimes were deeply disturbing, and I would like to thank the police for their thorough investigation of this matter. The court has rightly decided to increase Edun’s sentence which I hope sends a strong message that this government will take robust action to keep dangerous sex offenders off our streets.”

The Unduly Lenient Sentence scheme allows the Solicitor General to challenge sentences considered too low. Since its inception, it has been used to ensure serious offenders receive terms that reflect the gravity of their crimes.

STORY

The UK’s Trade Remedies Authority (TRA) has recommended the implementation of country-specific quota caps on certain steel imports to safeguard the domestic steel industry from global overcapacity and oversupply. Effective from 1 October 2025, the proposed measures would limit tariff-free imports from countries such as Vietnam, South Korea, and Algeria to 40% of the residual quota in specific steel categories, including metallic coated sheets, non-alloy and other alloy quarto plates, and rebar. Imports exceeding these caps would incur a 25% tariff.

Additionally, the TRA has suggested eliminating the “carry-over” provision, which currently allows unused quarterly import quotas to roll over into the next quarter. This change is set to take effect from 1 July 2025.

TRA Chair Nick Baird stated, “The TRA has listened to the concerns of the UK’s steel industry and worked at pace to recommend changes to steel import quota allocations to help protect the UK steel industry from the destabilising impact of global overcapacity.” However, industry group UK Steel has criticised the proposals as insufficient. Director-General Gareth Stace commented, “It is now time for government to step up and swiftly replace ineffective steel safeguards with a robust trade defence mechanism of quotas designed to suit the reality of the market and the world today.”

STORY

Three men convicted of raping a vulnerable teenager in the 1990s have had their prison sentences significantly increased after the Solicitor General, Lucy Rigby KC MP, referred their cases to the Court of Appeal under the Unduly Lenient Sentence scheme. The victim, who moved to Keighley, Yorkshire, as a teenager in the early 1990s, was subjected to repeated sexual abuse by Ibrar Hussain (47), Imtiaz Ahmed (64) and Fayaz Ahmed (45). The court heard that the men exploited her vulnerability, supplying her with money, drugs, and alcohol in exchange for sex. Many of the assaults occurred in flats above the Ahmed family’s grocery shop. Initially, on 17 January 2025, Hussain was sentenced to six years and six months for two counts of rape; Imtiaz Ahmed received nine years for one count of rape; and Fayaz Ahmed was given seven years and six months for two counts of rape.

Following the Solicitor General’s referral, the Court of Appeal increased their sentences on 13 May 2025: Hussain’s to 10 years, Imtiaz Ahmed’s to 11 years, and Fayaz Ahmed’s to 10 years. In a victim impact statement, the survivor described enduring flashbacks and ongoing trauma nearly 30 years after the abuse, stating it left her unable to trust people, including those meant to protect her. The Solicitor General commented, “This case involved the shocking and hideous abuse of a vulnerable teenager by these three sexual predators. I referred these sentences to the Court of Appeal because, in my view, they were unduly lenient. I very much welcome the Court of Appeal’s significant increases to these sentences.”

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Patrick Spencer, the Conservative MP for Central Suffolk and North Ipswich, has been charged with two counts of sexual assault relating to alleged incidents involving two women at the Groucho Club in Soho, central London, in August 2023. The Metropolitan Police confirmed that Spencer, 37, voluntarily attended a police interview on 13 March 2025. Following a review of the evidence, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) authorised the charges. Frank Ferguson, head of the CPS’s special crime and counter-terrorism division, emphasised the importance of avoiding any reporting or commentary that could prejudice the legal proceedings.

In response to the charges, the Conservative Party has suspended Spencer and withdrawn the party whip with immediate effect. A party spokesperson stated “We have taken immediate action. Patrick Spencer MP has been suspended from the Conservative Party, and the whip withdrawn, with immediate effect.”

Spencer, who was elected to Parliament in July 2024, is the son of billionaire businessman and former Tory party treasurer Lord Michael Spencer. He is scheduled to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on 16 June 2025. The Groucho Club, founded in 1985 as a progressive alternative to traditional gentlemen’s clubs, is known for its cultural significance and notable membership.

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The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office has announced the appointment of Dame Melinda Simmons DCMG as His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Republic of Poland. She will succeed Ms Anna Clunes CMG OBE, who is transitioning to another role within the Diplomatic Service. Dame Melinda is set to assume her new position in August 2025.

Dame Melinda brings a wealth of diplomatic experience to her new role. From 2019 to 2023, she served as the UK Ambassador to Ukraine, where she played a pivotal role during a period marked by significant geopolitical challenges. Prior to that, she held various senior positions, including Director of the Joint Funds Unit at the National Security Secretariat and Deputy Director roles at both the Foreign & Commonwealth Office and the Department for International Development. Her extensive career has focused on conflict resolution, humanitarian response, and international development.

In preparation for her upcoming assignment in Warsaw, Dame Melinda has been engaged in full-time language training since 2024. Her appointment comes at a time when UK-Poland relations are increasingly significant, particularly concerning European security and collaborative efforts in response to regional conflicts.

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The United Kingdom convened foreign ministers from key European nations in London today to reinforce collective action against what officials describe as a “once-in-a-generation” security threat stemming from Russia’s ongoing aggression in Ukraine. Foreign Secretary David Lammy welcomed counterparts from France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Poland, and representatives from the European Union at Lancaster House for the sixth meeting of the Weimar+ group. The discussions focused on enhancing European security cooperation and supporting Ukraine’s pursuit of a just and lasting peace.

“We are facing a once-in-a-generation moment for the collective security of our continent,” Lammy stated. “The challenge we face today is not only about the future of Ukraine—it is existential for Europe as a whole.”

This meeting follows a recent visit by leaders from the UK, France, Germany, and Poland to Kyiv, where they called for a 30-day ceasefire to facilitate peace talks. The UK government emphasised the importance of unity among European nations in confronting threats to sovereignty and peace. The gathering also serves as a precursor to the upcoming UK-EU summit scheduled for 19 May, where Prime Minister Keir Starmer aims to finalise a new defence agreement with the EU and strengthen post-Brexit trade relationships.

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The UK’s unemployment rate has climbed to 4.5%, marking its highest level in nearly four years, according to the latest figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS). This uptick reflects a cooling labour market, with notable declines in job vacancies and wage growth. In the first quarter of 2025, the number of job vacancies fell by 5.3%, with the construction sector experiencing the steepest decline. Simultaneously, regular earnings growth slowed to 5.6%, down from 5.9%, though still high by historical standards. The slowdown is attributed partly to increased employer national insurance contributions and a 6.7% rise in the national living wage.

The Bank of England, which recently cut interest rates to 4.25%, remains cautious due to persistent wage growth and inflation risks. The number of payrolled jobs dropped by 47,000 between February and March. Sectors like retail and hospitality recorded the most employment losses, despite high wage growth. Despite these challenges, real wage growth – adjusted for inflation – remains positive at 2.6%. However, many workers may not feel the benefits due to fiscal drag and unchanged tax thresholds, which reduce take-home pay as gross incomes rise. The ONS, under scrutiny for data quality issues, faces an independent review following the resignation of national statistician Ian Diamond. Business leaders express growing concerns amid uncertain economic conditions.

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The BBC has reported serious allegations against the “thugs” Daniel Graham and Adam Carruthers who were this week found guilty of destroying the tree at Sycamore Gap and damaging an historic monument. The alleged incidents occurred in September 2023, just days before the tree at Hadrian’s Wall was illegally cut down. According to the BBC report, a man reported being subjected to verbal abuse and doused with icing sugar by two individuals at a layby known for being frequented by men seeking sexual encounters. The victim provided police with a description of the vehicle and a partial registration number.

In April 2024, following the arrest of two men in connection with the incidents, police discovered video evidence on a phone belonging to one of the suspects. The footage reportedly showed various men being subjected to homophobic abuse, with some having objects thrown into their vehicles. The original complainant identified himself and others in the videos but was unable to definitively identify the driver involved in his case. Despite the evidence, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) dropped the case more than a year later. Emails obtained by the BBC confirm that police had prepared a file on Graham and Carruthers for prosecutors, with the CPS having been approached for comment on their decision.