Tag: News Story

STORY

The Right Reverend Rob Saner-Haigh has been nominated by His Majesty The King to become the next Bishop of Carlisle, succeeding the Right Reverend James Newcome following his retirement. Bishop Saner-Haigh, currently serving as the Suffragan Bishop of Penrith, has been acting as Bishop of Carlisle since Bishop Newcome’s retirement in August 2023. His formal election to the diocesan role marks a significant step in his longstanding ministry within the Church of England.

Educated at Birmingham University and Wycliffe Hall, Oxford, Bishop Saner-Haigh was ordained as a priest in 2006. His early ministry included serving at St. Lawrence, Appleby, and holding roles such as Diocesan Initial Ministerial Education Officer and Diocesan Director of Ordinands. He later became Priest in Charge of Holy Trinity Kendal and, in 2020, took on the position of Director of Mission and Ministry for the Diocese of Newcastle, alongside serving as a Residentiary Canon at Newcastle Cathedral.

In 2022, he was consecrated as the Bishop of Penrith, the sole suffragan bishop in the Diocese of Carlisle. Since then, he has been instrumental in supporting the diocese through a period of transition.

STORY

The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office has announced the appointment of Bilal Zahid as His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Slovak Republic. Mr Zahid will succeed Nigel Baker OBE MVO, who is set to take on another diplomatic role. Mr Zahid is expected to assume his new position in September 2025.

Mr Zahid brings a wealth of experience to the role, having held several senior positions within the UK government. Most recently, he served as Minister Counsellor at the British Embassy in Kyiv from 2023 to 2024. Prior to that, he was Joint Head of the Ukraine Campaign Unit at the FCDO between 2022 and 2023. His earlier roles include Additional Director for Eastern Europe and Central Asia at the FCO/FCDO (2020–2022), Deputy Director and Head of Political Section at the Northern Ireland Office (2015–2020) and Private Secretary for Foreign Affairs in the Deputy Prime Minister’s Office (2013–2015).

Mr Zahid is currently undertaking full-time language training in preparation for his posting to Slovakia. His appointment comes at a time of continued UK-Slovakia cooperation on European security, economic development and regional diplomacy.

STORY

A series of prosecutions have been brought against egg packers across England for illegally altering ‘best before’ dates on eggs, following investigations by the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra). Between January and March 2025, multiple offences under the Egg Marketing Regulations were identified, including unlawful re-packing of eggs with extended ‘best before’ dates and breaches of required labelling standards.

Key Cases:

Phillip Hoyland, of Summerley Top Farm, Derbyshire, pleaded guilty to fraud charges on 31 March 2025. He received a 24-month prison sentence, suspended for 24 months.

Barradale Eggs Ltd, based in Ashford, Kent, was found guilty on 24 March 2025 of re-packing eggs with extended ‘best before’ dates. The company was fined £466 and ordered to pay £85 in costs.

Field Farm Eggs, from South Newbald, East Yorkshire, was prosecuted on 24 February 2025 for similar offences. The company was fined £1,000, with a £400 victim surcharge and £85 in costs.

Holyfield Farm Fresh Eggs Ltd, located in north London, pleaded guilty to three charges on 20 January 2025. The court imposed a £2,000 fine (reduced from £3,000 due to an early guilty plea) and awarded £200 for prosecution costs.

Aled Edwards, Head of England Field Delivery at APHA, stated:

“It’s essential that consumers can trust the eggs they purchase are fresh, safe to eat, and clearly and accurately labelled. These cases demonstrate our robust enforcement procedures; across the country we have 35 EMIs who work in our field delivery teams and have the important role of ensuring regulations in the egg industry are adhered to. I welcome these sentences from the courts and hope they will act as a deterrent to others.”

STORY

In a significant move towards international justice, the United Kingdom and over 30 global partners have formally endorsed the establishment of a Special Tribunal to prosecute the crime of aggression committed during Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The announcement came as UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy visited Lviv to join European counterparts in reaffirming their support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and pursuit of accountability. The proposed tribunal, to be created through an agreement between Ukraine and the Council of Europe, aims to hold Russia’s political and military leadership accountable for initiating an illegal war in violation of the UN Charter. The International Criminal Court (ICC) currently lacks jurisdiction over the crime of aggression in this context, prompting the need for a dedicated legal mechanism.

“We stand for a just and lasting peace, for a secure Europe, and for accountability and justice” said Lammy. “I have been supportive of a Special Tribunal to prosecute Russia’s leaders for their war of aggression since March 2022, just weeks after Putin’s full-scale invasion.” The UK’s backing of the tribunal coincides with the announcement of a major sanctions package targeting 110 entities linked to Russia’s so-called ‘shadow fleet’ of oil tankers. These vessels have been used to circumvent existing sanctions and finance the ongoing war effort. According to UK officials, sanctions have already impacted nearly half of Russia’s fleet, significantly disrupting its oil export capabilities. The Lviv summit gathered foreign ministers from at least 37 countries, including EU and NATO members, to discuss legal and diplomatic strategies for ensuring justice and long-term peace in Ukraine. The tribunal is expected to complement ongoing investigations by the ICC and Ukrainian prosecutors into war crimes and crimes against humanity.

This diplomatic show of unity comes on the same day Russia held its annual Victory Day parade in Moscow, commemorating the end of World War II. The event was attended by international figures including Chinese President Xi Jinping and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, drawing criticism from European leaders who view such participation as undermining efforts to hold Russia accountable. The UK has been a leading advocate for justice since the early days of the invasion, providing legal expertise, financial support, and training to Ukrainian prosecutors. In December 2023, the UK pledged an additional £3.7 million to support war crimes investigations, building on previous commitments to bolster Ukraine’s domestic accountability efforts.

STORY

Two men have been found guilty of criminal damage after cutting down the world-famous Sycamore Gap tree, a much-loved landmark along Hadrian’s Wall in Northumberland. Daniel Graham, 38, of Carlisle, and Adam Carruthers, 31, of Haltwhistle, were convicted today at Newcastle Crown Court following a week-long trial that gripped the nation. The pair were found to have felled the 300-year-old sycamore in the early hours of 28 September 2023, causing what prosecutors described as “an act of calculated and senseless vandalism”.

The tree, situated in a dramatic natural dip in the landscape near Crag Lough, had become one of the most photographed trees in the UK and was an emblem of the North East’s cultural and natural heritage. Its destruction sparked widespread outrage and sorrow, with tributes pouring in from around the world. During the trial, the court heard that Graham and Carruthers had used a chainsaw under the cover of darkness to cut down the tree in what was described by the prosecution as “a deliberate and premeditated act”. CCTV footage, forensic analysis of sawdust found on the suspects’ clothing, and mobile phone location data were key to securing the convictions.

Judge Margaret Ridley described the act as “environmental vandalism of the highest order”, adding that the loss of the tree was “a blow not just to the landscape but to the national psyche”.

Both men showed little emotion as the verdicts were read. Sentencing has been adjourned until next month, with the judge indicating that custodial sentences are being considered. Northumbria Police Detective Chief Inspector Jane Dobson praised the public for their assistance during the investigation and stated, “This case struck a nerve across the UK. The Sycamore Gap tree was more than just a tree — it was a symbol, and we were determined to find those responsible.” In the wake of the verdict, the National Trust has confirmed that plans are underway to grow a new sycamore from seeds taken from the original tree, though it may take decades before the landscape regains its former shape.

STORY

The United Kingdom, alongside 13 other OSCE participating states, issued a joint statement today emphasising the critical importance of safeguarding media freedom across the OSCE region. Delivered by French Ambassador Fatène Benhabylès-Foeth on behalf of the informal Group of Friends on Safety of Journalists, the statement coincided with World Press Freedom Day commemorations.

The coalition highlighted escalating threats to journalists, including harassment, imprisonment, and even fatalities. They pointed to restrictive legislation and digital challenges—such as disinformation and AI misuse—as exacerbating factors undermining press freedom. The statement underscored the ongoing risks faced by journalists in conflict zones, notably citing the deaths and injuries of media personnel in Ukraine amid Russia’s continued aggression.

Reaffirming their commitment to human rights and media freedom, the participating states called for concrete actions to protect journalists and uphold democratic values throughout the OSCE area.

STORY

Robert Francis Prevost has been elected by Cardinals as the next Pope and will take the name Pope Leon XIV. He is an American cardinal of the Roman Catholic Church and a member of the Order of Saint Augustine. Born on 14 September 1955, in Chicago, Illinois, he entered the Augustinian order and was ordained a priest in 1982. A man of deep academic and pastoral experience, he earned a doctorate in canon law from the Pontifical University of Saint Thomas Aquinas in Rome and went on to serve in various capacities within the Church, including as a missionary in Peru. There, he spent many years engaged in pastoral work and leadership, eventually becoming the bishop of Chiclayo in northern Peru in 2015, a position he held until his appointment to the Roman Curia.

In January 2023, Pope Francis appointed Prevost as Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, placing him at the heart of the Church’s process for selecting new bishops around the world. He was subsequently made a cardinal in September 2023. Cardinal Prevost is known for his thoughtful, collegial approach to leadership and his commitment to missionary values, clerical formation, and synodality. His elevation reflects Pope Francis’s continued emphasis on pastoral sensitivity, international experience and reform-minded leadership in the upper echelons of the Catholic hierarchy.

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In a statement delivered at the OSCE Permanent Council, UK Ambassador Neil Holland reaffirmed the United Kingdom’s commitment to Moldova’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, highlighting the UK’s continued support for the OSCE Mission’s efforts in the region. Ambassador Holland commended the OSCE Mission’s work in preventing escalation and facilitating dialogue between Chisinau and Tiraspol, particularly amid recent energy shortages affecting both sides of the Nistru River. He emphasised the importance of practical solutions to everyday challenges faced by citizens on both banks.

The UK expressed concern over Russia’s ongoing military presence in Moldova, calling for the immediate withdrawal of Russian troops and the resumption of efforts to remove and destroy ammunition stored at the Cobasna site. Ambassador Holland stated, “Russia must remove its forces without delay and present a considered proposal to resume the process of removal and destruction of ammunition from the Cobasna site.”

Highlighting the UK’s broader commitment to Moldova’s security, Ambassador Holland referenced the UK-Moldova Defence and Security Partnership signed last year and the recent UK-Moldova Strategic Dialogue. These initiatives aim to bolster Moldova’s resilience against cyber threats, disinformation, and other forms of malign interference. As Moldova approaches its parliamentary elections in September, the UK pledged continued support for the OSCE Mission’s mandate and efforts to ensure a peaceful and democratic process. Ambassador Holland concluded by expressing appreciation for Ambassador Keiderling’s dedication and leadership during his tenure as Head of the OSCE Mission to Moldova.

STORY

The UK government has announced a £10 million investment in advanced genomic technologies to enhance the nation’s biosecurity and protect its agriculture, environment, and economy from the escalating threats of animal and plant diseases. The funding will support the Genomics for Animal and Plant Disease Consortium (GAP-DC), led by the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA). This initiative aims to implement cutting-edge genome sequencing techniques to detect, identify, and monitor pathogens across animal, plant, and aquatic environments. By reading the complete genetic code of organisms, including viruses, bacteria, fungi, and animals, scientists can trace disease outbreaks with greater precision and speed.

Dr. Jenny Stewart, APHA’s Interim Chief Executive, emphasized the significance of this development: “Disease presents a significant risk to our farmers, global trade, and human health. This vital funding and collaboration with world-leading experts will help APHA identify and tackle disease risk more effectively.”

The UK faces substantial economic threats from pests and diseases. Invasive species alone are estimated to cost the economy £4 billion annually, while plant pathogens and pests contribute to significant crop losses. Ash dieback, a disease affecting ash trees, is projected to cost the UK £15 billion over the coming decades. Additionally, livestock diseases such as avian influenza have had devastating impacts, with the poultry meat sector incurring losses exceeding £100 million over a two-year period.

The GAP-DC project will focus on several key areas:

– Enhancing the speed of pathogen detection at UK borders.

– Addressing new and re-emerging disease outbreaks.

– Developing strategies to control and mitigate endemic diseases.

– Investigating disease spillover from wild animals and plants, such as the transmission of viruses between species.

This initiative involves collaboration with seven expert partners and is part of the government’s broader Plan for Change, aiming to bolster the UK’s resilience against biological threats. The announcement coincides with National Plant Health Week (5–12 May 2025), underscoring the government’s commitment to safeguarding the nation’s natural resources

STORY

The United Kingdom and the United States have unveiled a significant trade agreement aimed at reducing tariffs and enhancing economic ties between the two nations. This deal marks the first major bilateral trade accord since the UK’s departure from the European Union and the first under President Donald Trump’s renewed tariff regime. Under the new agreement, the United States will reduce tariffs on British car exports from 27.5% to 10% for up to 100,000 vehicles annually. Additionally, tariffs on British steel and aluminium exports will be eliminated entirely within specified quotas. Tariffs on US ethanol and UK-manufactured Rolls-Royce aircraft engines will also be removed.

President Trump hailed the deal as a “full and comprehensive” agreement that will “cement the relationship between the United States and the United Kingdom for many years to come.” He emphasised that the agreement would open up billions of dollars in new export opportunities for American producers and strengthen national security for both countries. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the agreement as a “historic day” and a testament to the close working relationship between the two nations. He highlighted that the deal would boost trade, protect and create jobs, and open market access, particularly benefiting the UK’s automotive and steel industries.

The agreement maintains the UK’s food safety standards, with no concessions made on importing chlorine-washed chicken or hormone-treated beef. However, concerns have been raised about potential UK concessions on digital regulation and tech taxation, areas that remain under negotiation. While the agreement is seen as a significant step in strengthening US-UK economic relations, some opposition MPs have called for greater parliamentary scrutiny of the deal’s terms. The UK continues to pursue additional trade agreements, including recent negotiations with India and efforts to ease trade barriers with the European Union.