Tag: News Story

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.

STORY

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.

STORY

Newly elected Reform UK councillor Joel Tetlow is under intense scrutiny after sharing a controversial meme featuring Adolf Hitler on social media during VE Week commemorations. The post, which depicted Hitler overlooking a map of Europe with an apparent reference to small boats crossing the Channel, has sparked widespread condemnation and calls for his suspension.

Despite the backlash, Reform UK has decided not to suspend Councillor Tetlow. The party’s stance has been met with criticism from various quarters, including fellow politicians and community members. Sarah Smith, a local political figure, publicly called on Reform UK leader Nigel Farage to take immediate action, stating, “I am calling on Nigel Farage and Reform UK to immediately suspend Councillor Joel Tetlow from their party.”

Hyndburn MP Sarah Smith and Blackpool South MP Chris Webb both called the Reform to suspend the councillor who has just been elected to Lancashire County Council.

STORY

The Bank of England has reduced its base interest rate by 0.25 percentage points to 4.25%, marking the fourth cut since August 2024 and the most rapid easing of monetary policy since the 2008 financial crisis. This decision by the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC), which voted 8-1 in favour of the cut, aims to bolster the UK economy amid slowing inflation and heightened global trade tensions. Inflation has declined from a peak of 11.1% in October 2022 to 2.6% in March 2025, approaching the Bank’s 2% target.

The recent imposition of tariffs by the United States has introduced additional economic uncertainty, prompting the Bank to adjust its growth and inflation forecasts downward. Governor Andrew Bailey indicated that further rate cuts could be considered if economic conditions continue to deteriorate. For homeowners, the rate cut offers some relief. Approximately 590,000 borrowers with base-rate tracker mortgages will see immediate reductions in their monthly payments. However, the majority of mortgage holders on fixed-rate deals will not experience immediate changes. Looking ahead, financial markets anticipate additional rate reductions, potentially bringing the base rate down to 3.5% by the end of 2025. This outlook reflects ongoing concerns about economic growth and the impact of international trade developments.

STORY

The UK government has announced the appointment of Ms Kara Owen CMG CVO as His Majesty’s Ambassador to Ireland, succeeding Mr Paul Johnston and Ms Owen is set to assume her new role in September 2025. Ms Owen brings a wealth of diplomatic experience to the position. Her recent roles include serving as British High Commissioner to Singapore from 2019 to 2024, and as Director for the Americas at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) between 2016 and 2019. Her career also encompasses postings in Paris, Hanoi, and Hong Kong, as well as senior positions within the FCO, including Director for Diversity and Equality and Head of Strategy and Network Department.

Mr Paul Johnston, who has served as Ambassador to Ireland since September 2020, will be concluding his tenure later this year. During his time in Dublin, Mr Johnston navigated significant events such as the implementation of the post-Brexit trade arrangements and the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. His prior diplomatic service includes roles as British Ambassador to Sweden and Deputy Permanent Representative to NATO. Ms Owen’s appointment comes at a pivotal time for UK-Ireland relations, with ongoing collaboration on trade, security, and cultural exchange.

STORY

On the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer outlined a comprehensive vision for a “defence dividend” aiming to intertwine national security enhancements with economic revitalisation. Speaking at the London Defence Conference, Starmer emphasised that increased defence spending should directly benefit working people across the UK. “Our task now is to seize the defence dividend—felt directly in the pockets of working people, rebuilding our industrial base, and creating the jobs of the future” Starmer stated. He announced a £563 million contract awarded to Rolls-Royce for the maintenance of the Royal Air Force’s Typhoon jets, highlighting it as a significant investment in Britain’s engineering sector.

The Prime Minister’s address also underscored the necessity of a unified national effort, calling on the state, businesses and society to collaborate in bolstering the nation’s security and prosperity. This initiative comes in response to shifting global dynamics, including the United States’ reduced role in European defence under President Donald Trump, prompting the UK to increase its defence spending to 2.5% of GDP which is the highest since the Cold War.

Defence Secretary John Healey echoed Starmer’s sentiments, warning that global threats are at their highest since 1945, with Russia’s actions in Ukraine serving as a stark reminder of ongoing international tensions. Healey emphasised the importance of national unity and proactive efforts to secure peace in Europe today. While the government’s commitment to increased defence spending aims to strengthen national security and stimulate economic growth, public opinion remains divided. Recent polls indicate that only 35% of the population supports increased defence expenditure, highlighting the need for transparent communication about the benefits of such investments.

STORY

The United Kingdom has called for immediate de-escalation and direct dialogue between India and Pakistan after a series of military strikes and retaliations have brought the nuclear-armed neighbours to their most volatile point in decades. The crisis erupted after India launched “Operation Sindoor,” a series of air and missile strikes targeting what it described as terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir. The strikes were in response to a deadly terrorist attack on 22 April in Pahalgam, Indian-administered Kashmir, which killed 26 people, mostly Indian tourists. India attributed the attack to Pakistan-based militant groups, including Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed.

Pakistan condemned the Indian strikes as an “unprovoked and unjustified” act of war, reporting at least 26 civilian deaths and 45 injuries. In retaliation, Pakistan claimed to have shot down five Indian aircraft and launched its own strikes, reportedly destroying an Indian army brigade headquarters. The situation has led to intensified cross-border shelling, civilian evacuations, and the closure of Pakistani airspace to Indian airlines. The Foreign Secretary David Lammy expressed “serious concern” over the escalating conflict, urging both nations to show restraint and engage in direct dialogue. “Current tensions between India and Pakistan are a serious concern. The UK government is urging India and Pakistan to show restraint and engage in direct dialogue to find a swift, diplomatic path forward” Lammy said in a statement.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer echoed these sentiments during Prime Minister’s Questions, stating that the UK is engaging urgently with both countries and international partners to encourage dialogue and de-escalation. “Rising tensions between India and Pakistan will be of serious concern for many across Britain” Starmer said. The escalation has raised fears of a broader conflict, with international observers warning of the potential for a catastrophic confrontation between the two nuclear-armed nations. The United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has called for military restraint, emphasising that “the world cannot afford a military confrontation between India and Pakistan.”

STORY

In a statement to the House of Commons on 6 May, Security Minister Dan Jarvis detailed a series of significant counter-terrorism operations conducted on 3 May, resulting in the arrest of eight men across various locations in the UK. These operations, described as some of the largest in recent times, underscore the evolving nature of national security threats. The first operation led to the arrest of five Iranian nationals in west London, Swindon, Rochdale, Stockport, and Manchester. They were detained on suspicion of preparing acts of terrorism under Section 5 of the Terrorism Act 2006. While four remain in custody, one has been released on bail with strict conditions. The investigation pertains to a suspected plot targeting specific premises; however, details remain confidential to protect operational integrity.

In a separate investigation, three additional Iranian nationals were arrested in north-west and west London under the National Security Act 2023. These arrests mark the first application of this legislation to Iranian nationals. Minister Jarvis emphasised the complexity and scale of these operations, which involved coordination among multiple agencies, including the Metropolitan Police’s Counter Terrorism Command, the National Crime Agency, and intelligence services. He praised the professionalism and expertise of all personnel involved.

During the ensuing debate, MPs raised concerns about the increasing involvement of young people in extremist activities. Minister Jarvis acknowledged this troubling trend, noting that a growing number of under-18s are being investigated for terrorism-related offences. He highlighted the government’s plan to introduce Youth Diversion Orders, aiming to intervene early and redirect vulnerable youths away from radicalisation. The debate also touched upon the challenges posed by foreign state actors and the need for robust legislative frameworks to address emerging threats. Minister Jarvis reaffirmed the government’s commitment to national security and the importance of adapting strategies to counter evolving risks. The House was urged to support ongoing efforts to strengthen the UK’s counter-terrorism capabilities and to remain vigilant against both domestic and international threats.