Tag: News Story

STORY

Dame Andrea Jenkyns of Reform UK has been elected as the inaugural Mayor of the Greater Lincolnshire Combined County Authority, securing a decisive victory with 42% of the vote. This marks Reform UK’s first mayoral win and a significant milestone in the party’s political ascent. Jenkyns, a former Conservative MP who joined Reform UK in 2024, defeated Conservative candidate Rob Waltham, who secured 26.1% of the vote. Labour’s Jason Stockwood received 12.3%, while other candidates from the Lincolnshire Independents, Green Party, and Liberal Democrats trailed behind.

The election, held on 1 May 2025, was the first for the newly established Greater Lincolnshire mayoralty, encompassing Lincolnshire County Council, North Lincolnshire Council, and North East Lincolnshire Council. In her victory speech, Jenkyns emphasised a commitment to addressing local concerns, stating, “This result shows that people are ready for change. We will work tirelessly to ensure that Greater Lincolnshire’s voice is heard and respected.”

The win is part of a broader surge for Reform UK in the 2025 local elections, including a narrow victory in the Runcorn and Helsby parliamentary by-election. Political analysts view Jenkyns’ election as indicative of shifting political dynamics in the UK, with Reform UK emerging as a formidable force challenging traditional party strongholds. As Mayor, Jenkyns will oversee regional development initiatives, infrastructure projects, and public services, with a focus on economic revitalisation and community engagement.

STORY

The Trump administration has approved its first sale of military equipment to Ukraine since President Donald Trump assumed office, marking a significant shift in U.S. policy towards Kyiv. The State Department certified a proposed license to export “$50 million or more” in defence hardware and services to Ukraine, according to a communication sent to the U.S. Committee on Foreign Relations.

This development follows the recent signing of the Ukraine–United States Mineral Resources Agreement, a deal granting the U.S. preferential access to Ukrainian mineral resources, including rare earth elements. The agreement also establishes a joint investment fund aimed at Ukraine’s reconstruction efforts. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy hailed the minerals deal as a “truly equal” partnership, emphasising its potential to attract significant investment into Ukraine’s economy.

The approval of the military equipment sale signifies a notable policy reversal, as President Trump had previously paused all Ukraine-related military aid shortly after taking office. Analysts suggest that the minerals agreement may have been a catalyst for the renewed military support, indicating a strategic linkage between economic cooperation and defence assistance. The move comes amid ongoing Russian aggression in Ukraine, with recent attacks reported in cities like Odesa. The U.S. decision to resume military sales is expected to bolster Ukraine’s defence capabilities as the conflict continues.

STORY

In a landmark political upset, Reform UK has won the Runcorn and Helsby by-election, narrowly defeating Labour by just six votes. This small margin marks the closest by-election result in UK history, overturning Labour’s previous majority of nearly 15,000 votes.

Sarah Pochin, a former Conservative councillor and local magistrate, secured 12,645 votes (38.72%), edging out Labour’s Karen Shore, who garnered 12,639 votes (38.70%). The by-election was triggered by the resignation of Labour MP Mike Amesbury following a suspended prison sentence for assault.  The result followed a dramatic recount after initial counts showed a mere four-vote difference. The final declaration was delayed by three hours due to the recount process.

Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK, hailed the victory as a “seismic shift” in British politics, stating that the result demonstrates the public’s desire for change. The by-election saw a significant swing of over 20 percentage points from Labour to Reform UK, highlighting growing discontent with the traditional parties. The Conservative Party’s vote share plummeted to 7.17%, down from 16% in the previous general election, narrowly maintaining third place ahead of the Green Party.

Labour leader Keir Starmer faces mounting pressure as internal critics call for a reassessment of the party’s strategy to counter the rising influence of Reform UK. The by-election outcome underscores the volatility of the current political landscape and sets the stage for a potentially transformative general election in 2029.

STORY

Havant and South Downs College (HSDC) has been placed under formal intervention by the Department for Education (DfE) after receiving a Financial Notice to Improve (NtI) due to serious cashflow pressures and an ‘Inadequate’ financial health rating for the year ending July 2024. The DfE’s decision follows its College Oversight policy, which mandates intervention when a college’s financial health is deemed inadequate or when significant cashflow issues are identified. As a result, HSDC must comply with additional funding conditions outlined in the NtI to continue receiving government funding.​

The college has been referred to the Further Education (FE) Commissioner’s team for an independent assessment of its leadership, management, and governance capabilities. The FE Commissioner is scheduled to visit HSDC on 1 May 2025 to conduct this evaluation. The findings may lead to further revisions of the NtI, depending on the recommendations provided.​

The DfE will closely monitor HSDC’s progress through scheduled case conferences and collaboration with other agencies. Failure to meet the specified conditions could result in additional actions, including the use of statutory intervention powers under the Further and Higher Education Act 1992.​ HSDC is required to publish the FE Commissioner’s summary report on its website within 14 days of issuance and maintain it online until the NtI is lifted. The DfE will review the NtI regularly, with revisions anticipated at least annually to ensure its relevance.

STORY

The Football Association (FA) has announced that effective from 1 June 2025 that transgender women will no longer be permitted to participate in women’s football in England. This policy change aligns with a recent UK Supreme Court ruling that defines the term “woman” in the Equality Act 2010 as referring exclusively to biological females. Previously, the FA allowed transgender women to compete in women’s football provided they met specific criteria, including maintaining testosterone levels below a certain threshold for at least 12 months. The new policy marks a significant shift, with the FA stating that it must operate within the law and adhere to international football policies defined by UEFA and FIFA. ​

The FA acknowledged the impact this decision may have on affected players, noting that approximately 20 registered transgender women currently play in England. Efforts are being made to contact these individuals to explain the changes and explore ways for them to remain involved in the sport. ​This move follows a similar decision by the Scottish Football Association, which recently implemented a policy restricting women’s football participation to those assigned female at birth from the age of 13 upwards. ​The FA’s decision has sparked a range of reactions. Supporters argue that it ensures fairness and safety in women’s sports, while critics express concern over the exclusion of transgender athletes and the potential implications for inclusivity in football.​

STORY

The Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation (Ofqual) has announced its new strategic plan, “Ofqual Strategy 2025 to 2028” aiming to uphold the integrity and trustworthiness of qualifications in England over the coming years. ​ Described as a “stewardship” approach, the strategy emphasises a long-term, proactive role in regulating qualifications. This method is gaining international attention for its focus on maintaining stability while adapting to changes in the educational landscape.​

Chief Regulator Sir Ian Bauckham CBE stated:​

“Ofqual’s focus will be on ensuring that qualifications are high-quality and fair for students, unlocking future opportunities for them while supporting a productive and growing economy. Our stewardship approach will enable us to respond flexibly and with agility to a changing world while maintaining the stability that underpins England’s world-leading qualifications system.”​

The strategy outlines five key aims:​

Steward: Ensure the safe, fair, and resilient delivery of qualifications and assessments.

Innovate: Oversee the improvement and reform of qualifications.

Strengthen: Enhance the performance, capacity and resilience of the qualifications market.

Engage: Build confidence in qualifications.

Develop: Advance the skills, processes, and systems needed for effective and efficient regulation.​

This strategic plan comes at a time of significant change in England’s education system, including an independent Curriculum and Assessment Review, and reforms in vocational, technical, and apprenticeship qualifications.​ Over the next three years, Ofqual aims to refine its regulatory processes to ensure they are fit for purpose, supporting a qualifications system that meets the needs of students, employers and society at large.

STORY

The remains of six unidentified Commonwealth soldiers who fought and died during the First World War have been laid to rest with full military honours in France. The burial ceremonies, held at the Commonwealth War Graves Commission’s Loos British Cemetery, were organised by the Ministry of Defence’s Joint Casualty and Compassionate Centre (JCCC), also known as the ‘MOD War Detectives’.​ The soldiers, whose identities remain unknown, were discovered during recent archaeological excavations in the Loos area. Despite extensive efforts, including forensic analysis and historical research, no identifying information could be established.​

The burial services were attended by military personnel, local dignitaries, and representatives from the Commonwealth War Graves Commission. Standard bearers and a bearer party from the 4 Regiment Royal Logistic Corps provided ceremonial support, and the Last Post was sounded to honour the fallen.​

Nicola Nash, JCCC Commemorations Lead, stated:​

“While we may not know their names, we honour their sacrifice and ensure they are remembered with the dignity they deserve.”​

The Commonwealth War Graves Commission has erected headstones bearing the inscription “Known unto God” at the soldiers’ final resting places.​

STORY

A passenger was killed and four others seriously injured when two passenger trains collided near Talerddig in Powys, prompting a formal investigation by the Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB). A newly released interim report sheds light on the sequence of events that led to the fatal incident. The collision occurred at 19:26 on 21 October 2024 on a remote stretch of the Cambrian line, a mostly single-track railway in mid-Wales. The two trains involved, both operated by Transport for Wales Rail Limited, were the 18:31 service from Shrewsbury to Aberystwyth (train 1J25) and the 19:09 Machynlleth to Shrewsbury service (train 1S71).

Train 1J25 had been scheduled to stop at the Talerddig passing loop, allowing the opposing train to safely continue. However, investigators say that it failed to stop as planned. The train continued for more than a kilometre beyond its intended stopping point, colliding head-on with the oncoming service. At the moment of impact, train 1J25 was travelling at 39 km/h (24 mph), while train 1S71 was moving at 11 km/h (6 mph). Despite the severity of the crash, neither train derailed. Both suffered major damage to their front carriages.

The RAIB confirmed that one passenger died as a result of the collision and four others suffered serious injuries. Several other passengers and crew members received minor injuries and were treated at the scene or nearby hospitals. The accident occurred just west of the Talerddig loop on the Cambrian line, an area known for its scenic yet challenging terrain. The section of railway uses the European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS), a modern digital signalling system.

Although the interim report stops short of drawing conclusions, the investigation is focused on understanding why the braking system failed to stop train 1J25 in time and whether signalling or human factors played a role. A full report with detailed analysis and safety recommendations is expected in the coming months.

STORY

A new report from Ofsted underscores the critical role that experienced and qualified early years practitioners play in the development of babies and toddlers. The study reveals that staff with higher qualifications and more experience possess a deeper understanding of child development, leading to more effective care and education for children under two years old. The report, titled Getting it right from the start: how early years practitioners work with babies and toddlers, highlights the importance of the ‘key person’ role in early years settings. This role fosters strong attachments between practitioners and children, providing a stable foundation for learning and emotional growth. Additionally, the study found that most practitioners value positive relationships with parents, recognising their significance in supporting children’s development.​

However, the research also identified areas needing improvement. While communication, language, and personal, social, and emotional development are well-understood, there is a gap in practitioners’ knowledge regarding physical development. Furthermore, some practitioners underestimate the capacity of babies and toddlers to learn, mistakenly believing they are too young for structured education. The report also notes challenges in utilising routine times for high-quality interactions, especially in mixed-age groups.​

Jayne Coward, Ofsted’s Deputy Director of Early Years Regulatory Policy and Practice, emphasised the importance of early education:​

“We know that a child’s first few years are crucial to their future learning and development. By providing children with an excellent start in those first two years, we can ensure that they gain the foundation they need to thrive throughout school and beyond.”

The report recommends targeted professional development for early years practitioners, focusing on the specific needs of babies and toddlers. This approach aims to enhance practitioners’ qualifications and experience, ensuring high-quality early education as the government expands childcare access.

STORY

The United Kingdom has inaugurated Europe’s first electron beam (E-beam) lithography facility at the University of Southampton, marking a significant milestone in the nation’s semiconductor industry. This state-of-the-art facility is only the second of its kind globally, with the first located in Japan.​ Science Minister Lord Vallance officiated the opening, highlighting the facility’s role in advancing technologies such as artificial intelligence, medical diagnostics, and defence systems. “Britain is home to some of the most exciting semiconductor research anywhere in the world – and Southampton’s new E-beam facility is a major boost to our national capabilities” he stated. ​

E-beam lithography employs a focused beam of electrons to create incredibly fine patterns on semiconductor materials, enabling the production of components thousands of times smaller than a human hair. This precision is crucial for developing next-generation chips that power a wide array of devices, from smartphones to satellites.​ The UK semiconductor sector currently contributes approximately £10 billion to the national economy annually, with projections estimating growth to £17 billion by 2030. To support this expansion, the government has announced a £4.75 million investment aimed at bolstering the talent pipeline. This funding will facilitate new bursaries, chip design courses, and educational outreach programs to address the industry’s skills gap. ​

Professor Graham Reed, head of the University’s Optoelectronics Research Centre, emphasised the facility’s significance: “The introduction of the new E-Beam facility will reinforce our position of hosting the most advanced cleanroom in UK academia.” This development aligns with the UK’s broader strategy to enhance its position in the global semiconductor market, focusing on research and development, design, and compound semiconductors. The initiative is part of the government’s “Plan for Change” aiming to drive innovation, create high-skilled jobs, and strengthen the country’s technological infrastructure.