Tag: News Story

STORY

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a telephone conversation today to celebrate the announcement of a landmark UK-India Free Trade Agreement (FTA). The deal is projected to inject billions into the UK economy, boost wages, and advance the government’s “Plan for Change”. Described as the UK’s most significant trade agreement since leaving the European Union and India’s most ambitious to date, the FTA underscores a shared commitment to deepening economic ties. Prime Minister Modi expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Starmer for his decisive leadership in finalising the agreement.

The leaders also addressed the recent terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir, with Prime Minister Starmer extending his condolences over the tragic loss of life. Concluding their discussion, Prime Minister Modi invited Prime Minister Starmer to visit India, an invitation that was warmly accepted. Both leaders expressed enthusiasm for continued collaboration and dialogue in the near future.

STORY

The Government has announced a substantial investment of over £102 million to refurbish more than 1,000 GP surgeries across England. This initiative aims to create over 8.3 million additional patient appointments annually, addressing long-standing issues of limited capacity and outdated facilities in primary care. Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting emphasised the significance of this investment, stating:

“These are simple fixes for our GP surgeries but for too long they were left to ruin, allowing waiting lists to build and stopping doctors treating more patients.”

The funding will be utilised to create new consultation and treatment rooms, repurpose existing spaces, and enhance the overall infrastructure of GP practices. For instance, Prospect Medical Practice in Norwich plans to add clinical rooms to better serve its nearly 7,000 patients, while Harden Health Centre in the Black Country will convert vacant offices into consulting rooms to increase patient access.

Dr Amanda Doyle, National Director for Primary Care and Community Services, highlighted the broader impact of the refurbishments:

“Bringing GP premises up to a similar condition across England is important to improve patient experience of NHS services, while making primary care a better working environment as we seek to retain and recruit more staff.”

This refurbishment programme is part of the government’s broader “Plan for Change,” which includes a £26 billion investment in the NHS. The initiative aims to shift care from hospitals to community settings, thereby improving accessibility and efficiency in healthcare delivery. The refurbishments are scheduled to commence in the summer of 2025, marking the most significant investment in GP facilities in five years.

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Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron held a telephone conversation this evening, reaffirming their commitment to collaborative efforts on key international issues. The call commenced with Prime Minister Starmer expressing his honour at participating in the recent VE Day commemorations, highlighting the enduring bond between the United Kingdom and France.

A significant portion of the discussion centred on the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Both leaders emphasised the urgent need for Russia to agree to a 30-day ceasefire to facilitate meaningful peace negotiations. Prime Minister Starmer noted Ukraine’s demonstrated willingness to engage in dialogue, positioning it as the proactive party seeking peace.

Looking ahead, the leaders discussed the upcoming UK-France summit scheduled for later this year. They agreed to enhance bilateral cooperation across various sectors, including defence, security, and the management of irregular migration. Both acknowledged the necessity of intensifying efforts to disrupt irregular migration at its source.

The conversation also touched upon the forthcoming EU-UK summit, with both leaders underscoring its importance in strengthening ties and addressing shared challenges. Addressing the situation in Gaza, Prime Minister Starmer and President Macron expressed deep concern over recent developments. They concurred on the need for a renewed peace process to address the escalating tensions in the region.

STORY

The United Kingdom has praised Sweden’s enduring commitment to human rights during the 49th session of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) at the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva. In a statement delivered by the UK Mission to the WTO, UN, and other international organisations, the UK acknowledged Sweden’s significant contributions to human rights both domestically and internationally. The UK specifically highlighted the establishment of the Swedish Institute for Human Rights as a positive development. However, it recommended that Sweden ensure the Institute’s institutional independence and provide sustainable resources to enable it to effectively fulfil its mandate of promoting and protecting human rights within the country.

Addressing historical injustices faced by the Sami people, the UK’s statement urged Sweden to collaborate with the Truth Commission for the Sami People. The UK emphasised the importance of considering the Commission’s forthcoming proposals in good faith and implementing them fairly to promote reconciliation. The UK also encouraged Sweden to continue its efforts in combating gender-based violence and oppression. It recommended the ongoing implementation of the government’s action plan to address these issues effectively. The UK’s participation in the UPR process reflects its commitment to supporting and enhancing human rights practices globally. By providing constructive feedback and recommendations, the UK aims to foster international cooperation and the continuous improvement of human rights standards.

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The New York State Catholic Conference has condemned a photo issued by the White House of President Donald Trump as the Pope, issuing a statement stating:

“There is nothing clever or funny about this image, Mr. President. We just buried our beloved Pope Francis and the cardinals are about to enter a solemn conclave to elect a new successor of St. Peter. Do not mock us.”

The White House rejected the criticism.

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Anthony Albanese has made history by securing a second consecutive term as Prime Minister of Australia, leading the Labor Party to a decisive victory in the 2025 federal election. This marks the first time since 2004 that a sitting prime minister has been re-elected after serving a full term. In a significant political shift, Opposition Leader Peter Dutton not only conceded defeat but also lost his seat of Dickson to Labor’s Ali France. This is the first instance since 2007, and only the fourth in Australian history, where a major party leader has lost their parliamentary seat during a federal election.

Delivering his victory speech at Canterbury-Hurlstone Park RSL in Sydney, Albanese expressed deep gratitude to the Australian people and paid tribute to his fiancée, Jodie Haydon. He emphasised themes of unity, fairness, and optimism, stating, “I want to bring Australians together. I want to seek our common purpose and promote unity and not fear—optimism, not fear and division.” Albanese’s campaign focused on addressing key issues such as the high cost of living, housing shortages, and climate change. Labor’s platform included commitments to increase renewable energy usage, provide low-deposit home loans, and invest in healthcare.

The election results indicate a significant swing against the Liberal-National Coalition, with analysts describing the outcome as “diabolical” for the Liberals. The Labor Party’s performance suggests a possible majority government, while the Greens and independents are expected to retain or increase their influence. Albanese’s re-election is seen as a mandate for his Government’s policies and a rejection of divisive politics. He pledged to govern for all Australians, regardless of how they voted, and to work collaboratively to address the nation’s challenges.

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Robert Emmerson, a 40-year-old from Manchester, has had his prison sentence increased from four and a half years to seven years, with an additional three years on licence, following a referral to the Court of Appeal under the Unduly Lenient Sentence scheme. Between 6 November 2023 and 15 April 2024, Emmerson committed five separate sexual assaults and seven acts of exposure against 11 girls and young women in central Manchester and Wythenshawe. The assaults occurred in broad daylight, leaving victims “shocked” and “terrified” with some noting that Emmerson was smiling during the attacks.

Emmerson has a history of sexual offences, including previous convictions for indecent exposure and stalking. Some of his victims were schoolgirls. On 30 January 2025, Emmerson was initially sentenced at Manchester Crown Court to four years and six months for five counts of sexual assault and seven counts of exposure. He also received a Sexual Harm Prevention Order and is subject to indefinite notification requirements.

Following a referral by Solicitor General Lucy Rigby KC MP, the Court of Appeal increased Emmerson’s sentence on 1 May 2025. Rigby stated:

“I was sickened and angered to read of the offender’s numerous sexual assaults against women and young girls. His increased sentence clearly shows that sex offenders will be brought to justice and face the penalty they deserve. This government is committed to halving violence against women and girls in a decade as part of the Plan for Change, and this increased sentence will keep predators like Emmerson off our streets. My thoughts today are with the young women attacked by Emmerson.”

STORY

Gary Wright, a 46-year-old former pub landlord from St Helens, has been handed a two-year suspended prison sentence after fraudulently securing a £25,000 Bounce Back Loan during the Covid-19 pandemic. Wright failed to disclose his bankruptcy status when applying for the government-backed loan intended to support struggling businesses.

Wright previously operated the Talbot Ale House on Duke Street, which ceased trading in September 2019. He was declared bankrupt in February 2020 due to debts owed to a major utility company. Despite this, in June 2020, he applied for a £25,000 Bounce Back Loan, claiming the pub had an annual turnover of £400,000, without informing the bank of his bankruptcy.

At Liverpool Crown Court on 24 April 2025, Wright was sentenced to two years in prison, suspended for two years. He was also ordered to complete 150 hours of unpaid work and pay £1,500 in costs. The loan was repaid in full earlier this year.

David Snasdell, Chief Investigator at the Insolvency Service, commented:

“Gary Wright incurred significant debts after his business failed and he was ultimately declared bankrupt. He then attempted to take advantage of a scheme which was backed by taxpayers and designed to support viable small businesses through the pandemic. Bankrupts are legally required to declare their status when applying for loans or credit. Wright clearly failed to do this which is why he now has a criminal conviction.”

Under UK law, individuals who are undischarged bankrupts must disclose their status when applying for credit over £500. Wright remains an undischarged bankrupt. The Talbot Ale House continues to operate under new management.

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Anthony Williams, a 40-year-old man from Gloucester, has had his prison sentence increased from eight to twelve years after the Court of Appeal deemed his original punishment unduly lenient. Williams was convicted of multiple sexual offences committed under the guise of professional photography sessions. Between July and December 2021, Williams contacted women online, presenting himself as a professional photographer. He invited them to his home, which he had set up as a makeshift studio, and during these sessions, he encouraged the women to undress before sexually assaulting them. In total, he committed 17 attacks over nine photoshoots.

In January 2025, Williams was found guilty at Gloucester Crown Court of 14 counts of sexual assault, two counts of assault by penetration, and one count of rape. He was initially sentenced to eight years in prison and given a lifetime Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

Following a referral by the Solicitor General under the Unduly Lenient Sentence scheme, the Court of Appeal reviewed the case. On 15 April 2025, the court increased Williams’ sentence to 12 years. The Solicitor General, Lucy Rigby KC MP, stated:

“Williams exploited and manipulated women into thinking they were taking part in professional photo shoots but this was just part of a grim scheme to brutally assault them for his own sexual gratification. Protecting women and girls is an absolute priority for this government and I would like to offer my sympathies to the victims. I welcome the court’s increase to this sentence.”

Victim impact statements highlighted the profound effect of Williams’ actions on the survivors’ mental health. One victim described feeling “like a mere shadow” of her former self.

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The United Kingdom has commended Armenia for recent human rights advancements while urging further reforms to safeguard vulnerable communities. This statement was delivered during Armenia’s Universal Periodic Review (UPR) at the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva.

Eleanor Sanders, the UK’s Ambassador for Human Rights, acknowledged Armenia’s progress since its last review in 2020. Notably, she highlighted the strengthening of domestic violence legislation in 2024 and the abolition of the death penalty in all circumstances. Additionally, improvements in media freedom were recognised as positive developments.

However, Sanders expressed concern over ongoing discrimination and attacks against LGBT+ individuals in Armenia. To address these issues, the UK recommended that Armenia:

– Implement comprehensive anti-discrimination laws protecting sexual orientation and gender identity across all sectors.

– Ratify the Istanbul Convention to enhance protections for women against violence and domestic abuse.

– Develop community-based services to support individuals with psychosocial and intellectual disabilities.

The UK’s statement is intended to show its commitment to promoting human rights and supporting Armenia’s efforts towards inclusive reforms.