Tag: News Story

STORY

The UK government has announced a robust initiative to combat the escalating issue of fly-tipping, empowering local councils to seize and destroy vehicles used in illegal waste dumping. This move is part of a broader strategy to address the surge in fly-tipping incidents across the country.​ Under the new measures, councils will collaborate with police forces to identify, confiscate, and crush vehicles involved in fly-tipping activities. The initiative also includes the deployment of drones and mobile CCTV units to monitor and apprehend offenders. Furthermore, individuals caught transporting or dealing with waste illegally now face up to five years in prison.​

Environment Secretary Steve Reed emphasised the government’s commitment to tackling waste crime, stating:​

“Waste criminals and fly-tippers who blight our towns and villages have gone unpunished for too long. That ends today. The Government is calling time on fly-tipping. I will not stand by while this avalanche of rubbish buries our communities.”

The crackdown comes in response to a significant rise in fly-tipping incidents, with over 1.15 million cases reported in England during 2023-24, marking a 6% increase from the previous year. ​Local authorities have already begun implementing these powers. For instance, South Derbyshire District Council recently seized and crushed a vehicle linked to multiple fly-tipping offences, displaying the crushed car publicly as a deterrent. ​ The Environment Agency will also receive additional resources to conduct identity and criminal record checks on waste operators, aiming to eliminate rogue firms from the industry. These reforms are part of the government’s “Plan for Change” which is focusing on creating safer streets and restoring public confidence in waste management practices.​

STORY

President Donald Trump used a campaign rally in Michigan on Monday night to once again spread falsehoods about his popularity, claiming he is leading in “every single poll” despite a raft of recent data showing the opposite. In a characteristically combative speech, Trump told supporters that mainstream polling was “rigged” and “totally fake” asserting without evidence that his approval rating is “the highest it’s ever been.” In reality, national polls released in the past week show Trump’s support falling with approval ratings dipping below 40%.

In a comment which added fears to an undermining of the criminal justice and democratic system, the President said:

“We cannot allow a handful of communist, radical-left judges to obstruct the enforcement of our laws.”

STORY

The United Kingdom has hailed recent strides in Syria’s political transition following the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime, while emphasising the ongoing need for justice and accountability.​

Addressing the United Nations General Assembly, Lord Collins of Highbury, Minister for Africa and the UN, commended the formation of a new Syrian government and its commitment to holding free and fair elections. He also acknowledged the government’s support for a Human Rights Council resolution and its pledges to establish national committees focused on transitional justice, missing persons, and chemical weapons.​

However, Lord Collins cautioned that significant challenges remain, particularly in addressing the legacy of 14 years of conflict and human rights abuses. He highlighted the importance of the International, Impartial and Independent Mechanism (IIIM) in documenting evidence for future prosecutions and noted the UK’s continued support, including an additional $940,000 in funding this year.​

“We remain committed to pursuing accountability for victims, survivors and families in Syria” Lord Collins stated, reaffirming the UK’s dedication to supporting Syrian-led transitional justice processes.

STORY

David Holdsworth, Chief Executive of the Charity Commission, lauded the indispensable contributions of charity trustees in his keynote address at the Trustee Exchange 2025 conference in London. Emphasising the sector’s substantial £94 billion annual turnover in England and Wales, Holdsworth highlighted the tangible impacts of trustees’ efforts, from groundbreaking medical research enabling a paralysed woman to regain hand function, to environmental conservation successes like the resurgence of ospreys in the UK.​

Holdsworth underscored the critical role trustees play in sustaining the charity sector, stating, “Without you, there would be no charity sector.” He acknowledged the challenges faced by charities amidst global uncertainties and domestic pressures, noting their frontline position in addressing issues ranging from international conflicts to local community needs.​

In his speech, Holdsworth also addressed the importance of attracting and retaining trustees, advocating for initiatives to make trusteeship more appealing and accessible. He called for a collective effort to support trustees in maximising their charities’ impact, reinforcing the Commission’s commitment to providing necessary guidance and resources.

STORY

A Romford-based builder, Ioan Marcu, has been mandated to repay over £38,000 after fraudulently securing a £50,000 Bounce Back Loan during the COVID-19 pandemic. Marcu, 38, previously received a 10-year director disqualification in January 2025 following an investigation by the Insolvency Service.​ Marcu, the sole director of Imbusi Ltd, applied for the maximum loan amount in July 2020, claiming an annual turnover of £280,000. However, official records indicated the company’s actual turnover entitled it to just £11,451. Imbusi Ltd subsequently went into liquidation in July 2022, owing over £63,000.​

In April 2025, Marcu signed a compensation undertaking, legally committing to repay £38,549—the excess amount obtained—through monthly instalments. Ann Oliver, Chief Investigator at the Insolvency Service, stated:​

“Ioan Marcu significantly overstated his company’s turnover in order to receive the maximum amount of money businesses were entitled to under the Bounce Back Loan Scheme. This was clearly an inaccurate declaration which has resulted in him being banned as a director until the start of 2035.”​

The Bounce Back Loan Scheme was introduced to support businesses during the pandemic, allowing loans up to £50,000 based on company turnover. Misuse of the scheme has led to numerous investigations and sanctions against individuals who provided false information to obtain funds.​ Marcu’s disqualification prohibits him from involvement in company management or formation without court permission until 2035

STORY

At the United Nations Human Rights Council, the United Kingdom has called on Guinea to honour its commitment to hold presidential elections by the end of 2025 and to implement reforms that uphold human rights and democratic principles.​ Delivering the UK’s statement during Guinea’s Universal Periodic Review (UPR), Eleanor Sanders, the UK’s Ambassador for Human Rights to the UN, acknowledged Guinea’s efforts to protect human rights and welcomed steps taken towards restoring constitutional order. However, she emphasised the necessity for Guinea to take urgent action to address corruption within the judiciary and public administration, ensuring adherence to international standards.​

Highlighting concerns over freedom of expression, Sanders urged the Guinean government to decriminalise peaceful demonstrations and lift the ban on mainstream private media. Such measures, she noted, would strengthen legal protections for journalists, the media, and civil society.​

The UK presented three key recommendations for Guinea:​

– Ensure that the electoral processes in 2025 are credible, including the constitutional referendum in September and subsequent local, legislative, and presidential elections.​

– Promote freedom of expression by decriminalising defamation, lifting bans on private media channels, and permitting peaceful public demonstrations.​

– Take immediate steps to combat corruption in the judiciary and public administration, upholding due process in line with international standards.​

The UK’s statement underscores its stated commitment to supporting Guinea in its journey towards democratic governance and the protection of human rights.

STORY

The United Kingdom has called for a reinvigorated international effort to achieve a two-state solution between Israel and Palestine, emphasising the urgent need for a ceasefire in Gaza and the restoration of humanitarian aid. Speaking at the United Nations Security Council, Lord Collins of Highbury, Minister for Africa and the UN, condemned the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, highlighting that Israeli restrictions have led to severe shortages of food and medical supplies. He noted that the World Food Programme’s announcement of depleted food stocks underscores the dire situation faced by Palestinian civilians, including over a million children.​

Lord Collins expressed outrage over recent attacks on humanitarian workers and facilities, including the killing of Palestinian Red Crescent staff and a strike on a UN compound on 19 March, which Israel acknowledged was caused by its forces. He urged Israel to conduct full and transparent investigations into these incidents and to reinstate effective measures to prevent such tragedies.​ Reaffirming the UK’s commitment to a two-state solution, Lord Collins stressed the importance of building on the upcoming June conference co-hosted by France and Saudi Arabia. He advocated for the development of credible security and governance plans acceptable to both Israelis and Palestinians, emphasising that Hamas must no longer govern Gaza or pose a threat to Israel. He also highlighted the need to strengthen the Palestinian Authority’s capabilities as central to the future state.​

In closing, Lord Collins called for seizing the opportunity to build lasting peace across the region, noting progress in Lebanon and Syria, and urging all parties to avoid destabilising actions and adhere to international obligations. The UK’s statement underscores its position that lasting peace and security can only be achieved through a two-state solution, with both Israel and Palestine coexisting peacefully within internationally recognised borders.

STORY

In a significant operation on 29 April 2025, twelve individuals were arrested during dawn raids across the West Midlands and Northwest England. This marks the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency’s (MHRA) most extensive investigation into organised medicines trafficking to date.​

The suspects face allegations including participation in an organised crime group, conspiracy to sell or supply controlled drugs and unlicensed medicines, and money laundering. They are currently being held for questioning at various police stations in the regions.​

The coordinated raids, part of ‘Operation Subaru’, involved approximately 150 officers and targeted 22 residential and commercial properties across Greater Manchester, Staffordshire, Merseyside, and the West Midlands. The operation led to the seizure of hundreds of thousands of doses of medicines—such as opioid painkillers and anti-anxiety drugs—alongside £100,000 in cash, luxury watches, and suspected criminal assets held in cryptocurrency. Additionally, the MHRA secured restraint orders for over £3.5 million in assets believed to be connected to criminal activities.​

Andy Morling, head of the MHRA’s Criminal Enforcement Unit, stated:​

“Operation Subaru is the largest investigation we’ve ever undertaken and demonstrates the MHRA’s commitment to protecting the public by dismantling the organised international criminal networks that cause so much harm.”​

STORY

The UK Ministry of Defence has announced the formation of the King’s Gurkha Artillery (KGA), a new regiment within the Brigade of Gurkhas. This marks the first time Gurkha soldiers, traditionally recruited from Nepal, will serve in artillery roles in the British Army. Over the next four years, 400 Gurkha personnel will join the KGA, which will operate within the Royal Regiment of Artillery. The establishment of this unit aims to bolster the UK’s military capabilities and address a reported 700-soldier shortfall in the Royal Regiment of Artillery. ​

A new Gurkha cap badge—the first in 14 years—has been created to represent the unit, symbolising the expanded roles Gurkhas will undertake. Recruits will complete initial training by November 2025 before proceeding to trade training at Larkhill Garrison in Wiltshire. They will be trained on advanced artillery systems, including the Archer, Light Gun, and the upcoming remote-controlled Howitzer 155.

Minister for Veterans and People, Alistair Carns, stated:​

“The Brigade of Gurkhas has rightly earned a reputation as being amongst the finest soldiers in the world, and the formation of The King’s Gurkha Artillery recognises the outstanding contribution that they have made through their years of dedicated … .”

Currently, approximately 4,000 Gurkhas serve across various trades in the British Army. The creation of the KGA not only enhances the UK’s artillery capabilities but also provides new career development opportunities for Gurkhas, reflecting their longstanding service and commitment to the UK.

STORY

Ricky Harrison, a 41-year-old director from Hertford Heath, Hertfordshire, has been sentenced to three years and two months in prison after fraudulently obtaining £200,000 through the government’s Bounce Back Loan Scheme during the COVID-19 pandemic. He was also disqualified from acting as a company director for ten years. ​

Harrison secured four £50,000 loans for companies he controlled, including Hackney Works Ltd, Tower Hamlets Works Ltd, Ricky Harrison Holdings Ltd, and Newham Works Ltd. Three of these companies were dormant at the time of application, and he significantly overstated the turnover of Newham Works Ltd to qualify for the maximum loan amount. ​

Investigations revealed that Harrison used the funds for personal expenses, including the purchase of a vehicle, and attempted to dissolve the companies shortly after receiving the loans to avoid repayment. He made only a single repayment of £833.

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

“Ricky Harrison’s actions were deeply cynical. He exploited an opportunity to help himself to taxpayers’ money during what was a national emergency.” ​