Tag: News Story

STORY

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson has appointed Sir David Holmes as the new Chair of the Child Safeguarding Practice Review Panel. He will commence a four-year term starting on 23 June 2025. ​ The panel, established in July 2018, is an independent body that reviews serious child safeguarding incidents—cases where children have died or suffered serious harm due to abuse or neglect. It aims to improve the safeguarding system by identifying national learning from these tragedies. ​

Sir David brings 19 years of experience in developing and providing high-quality services for children and families. He currently serves as CEO of Family Action, a charity supporting families through various challenges. His previous roles include Deputy Director of Children’s Services in local government, senior civil servant positions in the Department of Health and Department for Education, and practising as a solicitor. ​This appointment coincides with plans to establish the Child Protection Authority (CPA) in England, which aims to create a clearer and more unified child protection system. Under Sir David’s leadership, the panel will expand its analytical capacity and provide high-quality materials for practitioners. A roadmap for establishing the CPA and a consultation on its development are expected later this year. ​

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson stated:​

“Sir David Holmes’ track record in working on the ground with children and families, supporting them through the toughest times, makes him well-placed to help us build a system where background does not determine destiny.” ​

Sir David Holmes expressed his commitment to the role:​

“I am honoured to have been chosen to undertake this role. No child should suffer harm, abuse or neglect, and the panel’s role in working with the whole safeguarding system to review practice, identify learning and encourage and enable improvement is crucial.” ​

He succeeds Annie Hudson, who served as Chair for five years. Ms Hudson reflected on her tenure:​

“I feel immensely privileged to have served as Chair of the Child Safeguarding Practice Review Panel for the past 5 years. The panel has worked hard to ensure that, as a nation and as safeguarding professionals, we learn from tragic incidents where children have died or been seriously harmed because of abuse and neglect.” ​

The panel’s work will continue to focus on improving learning, professional practice, and outcomes for children across England.

STORY

William Blenkarn, a 48-year-old events company director from Buckinghamshire, has been sentenced for fraudulently obtaining £100,000 in COVID-19 support funds. He secured two £50,000 Bounce Back Loans for his company, MJB Events Limited, despite the scheme permitting only one loan per business. Subsequently, he transferred £41,000 to a newly established company, MJB Entertainment Group Ltd. ​

At Aylesbury Crown Court on 24 April, Blenkarn, now residing in Spain, received a two-year prison sentence, suspended for 18 months, and was ordered to complete 200 hours of unpaid work. The Insolvency Service is pursuing recovery of the misappropriated funds under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002. ​

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

“William Blenkarn’s company received double the amount of public money it deserved due to his false declaration when applying for a second Bounce Back Loan. This was taxpayers’ money and Blenkarn made matters worse by moving a significant proportion of the loan over to his new company which had only been trading for a few months.” ​

Blenkarn’s actions not only violated the terms of the Bounce Back Loan scheme but also breached his duties as a director by failing to provide necessary accounting records during the liquidation process. The fraudulent activities left MJB Events’ account overdrawn by approximately £25,000, depriving creditors of funds.

STORY

Millions of families across England are set to benefit from lower school uniform costs, following new government measures to cap the number of branded items schools can require. Under the proposals, schools will be limited to insisting on no more than three branded uniform items, with ties exempt from the limit. The change, part of the wider Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill, is expected to help around 4.2 million children across 8,000 schools and save families up to £73 million a year.

Currently, parents are spending an average of £442 each year on secondary school uniforms and £343 on primary school uniforms. The new rules aim to allow parents to shop around for cheaper options, rather than being forced to buy expensive branded gear from specific suppliers. The Education Secretary, Bridget Phillipson, said:

“Looking smart at school shouldn’t cost the earth, and no parent should be forced to choose between buying family essentials and a school shirt or tie.”

The bill also includes funding for free breakfast clubs in all state-funded primary schools, meaning families could save up to £500 a year when both policies are combined.

Charities have welcomed the move. Lynn Perry MBE, Chief Executive of Barnardo’s, said high uniform costs can negatively affect children’s attendance and wellbeing, with some families even sending their children to school in ill-fitting clothes or keeping them at home.

The reforms follow concerns that some schools have been adding more and more branded items, despite previous guidance encouraging them to keep costs down. A government survey found one in five schools had increased branded requirements in the last year alone. Ministers say the new limits will ensure that school uniform costs are kept reasonable and that no child misses out on education because of the cost of kitting up.

STORY

The United Kingdom has reinforced its commitment to Middle East peace by hosting Palestinian Authority (PA) Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa for the first official visit to the UK since 2021. The meeting culminated in the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at advancing the two-state solution and bolstering the PA’s governance capabilities. ​ Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Foreign Secretary David Lammy welcomed Prime Minister Mustafa to London, underscoring the UK’s steadfast support for the Palestinian people during a critical period in the Occupied Palestinian Territories. The MoU reaffirms the UK’s recognition of the PA as the sole legitimate governing body in these territories and emphasizes the importance of reunifying Gaza and the West Bank under its authority. ​

In conjunction with the MoU, the UK announced a £101 million aid package directed at humanitarian relief, economic development, and governance reforms within the Occupied Palestinian Territories. This funding aims to support the PA’s reform agenda, enhance service delivery, and promote financial sustainability. ​

Foreign Secretary David Lammy highlighted the significance of the visit, stating:​

“This visit marks a significant step in strengthening our relationship with the Palestinian Authority – a key partner for peace in the Middle East – at a critical moment.” ​

The UK and PA also agreed on a coordinated approach to Gaza’s future, building on Arab and Palestinian-led initiatives. The UK reiterated that Hamas must immediately release hostages and relinquish control of Gaza, advocating for the PA’s central role in governance, security, and reconstruction efforts

STORY

The UK government has confirmed the arrival of a crucial shipment of over 55,000 tonnes of blast furnace coke at Immingham Bulk Terminal. Sourced from Bluescope Steel’s plant in Australia, this delivery is essential for maintaining operations at British Steel’s Scunthorpe facility. The coke, transported by the MV Navios Alegria, will be transferred by rail to Scunthorpe, ensuring the continued operation of both blast furnaces in the coming months. An additional shipment comprising more than 66,000 tonnes of iron ore pellets and 27,000 tonnes of iron ore fines from Sweden is expected next week, funded directly by the government through existing Department for Business and Trade budgets.

Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds emphasised the strategic importance of this move:​

“The action we’ve taken to secure primary steelmaking at Scunthorpe will not only support our national security but help our steel sector supply the construction of the homes and infrastructure of the future, as part of our Plan for Change.”

British Steel’s Interim CEO, Allan Bell, acknowledged the efforts of the company’s teams:​

“We’ve successfully secured the raw materials we need to keep the blast furnaces running, meaning our production of steel can continue.”

The Community union’s Assistant General Secretary, Alasdair McDiarmid, also expressed appreciation for the government’s intervention, noting the assurance it provides to workers at the Scunthorpe site. This development follows the government’s recent actions to stabilise British Steel, including the appointment of new interim leadership and the conclusion of a staff redundancy consultation initiated by the company’s owners, Jingye Group. The continued operation of the Scunthorpe blast furnaces secures approximately 3,000 jobs and reinforces the UK’s commitment to sustaining its domestic steel production capabilities.

STORY

Liverpool is set to implement a £2 per night “City Visitor Charge” on overnight stays in hotels and serviced apartments from 1 June 2025, following a successful ballot among local accommodation providers. ​The charge, applicable to establishments with a rateable value of £45,000 or more, aims to generate approximately £9.2 million over two years. Of this, £6.7 million is earmarked to support the city’s visitor economy, including funding for marketing campaigns, street cleaning, and major events. ​The proposal was approved by 26 votes to 18 in a ballot conducted among 83 hotels and serviced apartments within Liverpool’s Accommodation Business Improvement District (ABID), with a turnout of 53%. ​

Councillor Harry Doyle, Liverpool City Council’s Cabinet Member for Culture and Visitor Economy, welcomed the decision, stating:​

“The ‘Yes’ vote for an extension of the BID to create a visitor charge is a great vote of confidence in the growth of our successful visitor economy. This positive step lays solid foundations in our endeavour to formalise the establishment of a sustainable Tourism Tax, akin to what is being looked at in Glasgow and has already been introduced in other major European cities.” ​

The levy will be administered by the Liverpool BID Company, which oversees the city’s business improvement districts. Funds collected will be reinvested into initiatives designed to enhance Liverpool’s appeal as a tourist destination. The introduction of the City Visitor Charge aligns Liverpool with a number of other UK cities like Manchester, which implemented a similar £1 per night fee in April 2023, raising £2.8 million in its first year.

STORY

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has firmly dismissed a proposed peace plan from US President Donald Trump that would see Ukraine cede Crimea to Russia, reiterating that any such concession is unacceptable and does not constitute a genuine path to peace. The US President, hit by poor polling and economic chaos in the United States from the tariffs policy, had previously given a pledge that he could resolve the Ukrainian issue in one day, something which his representatives have since backed away from.

In a recent interview, Zelenskyy expressed his willingness to consider any concrete peace proposals but made it clear that surrendering Ukrainian territories, including Crimea and the Donbas region, is not negotiable. “Yes, we can stop this war if we give to Russia Donbas and Crimea. In my mind, our country will not be ready for such a peace plan. It is not a peace plan” he stated.

Zelenskyy emphasied that Ukraine will determine its own course of action regarding Crimea without external consultation. “We will be returning Crimea by any means, because this is our territory. We will decide on our own, without consulting with any other country in the world” he asserted. The Ukrainian leader has consistently maintained that reclaiming Crimea is essential for restoring international law and order. “It all began with Crimea, and it will end with Crimea” he declared, highlighting the peninsula’s significance in the broader context of global security. Earlier in the day, former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson condemned the US approach.

Trump’s proposal, which includes recognising Russia’s control over Crimea and freezing the conflict along current frontlines, has faced criticism from Ukrainian officials and European lawmakers, who warn against appeasing Russia As diplomatic efforts continue, Zelenskyy’s unwavering stance underscores Ukraine’s commitment to its territorial integrity and the challenges facing international negotiations aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict. Russia is expected to welcome the US capitulation with Putin expected to make a statement in the near future.

STORY

The UK government has deported 43 individuals to Nigeria and Ghana as part of its intensified efforts to enforce immigration laws and secure national borders. The operation, conducted via a charter flight, included 15 failed asylum seekers, 11 foreign national offenders who had completed their sentences and 7 voluntary returnees.

This latest deportation is part of the government’s “Plan for Change” aimed at restoring order to the immigration system. Since the election, over 24,000 individuals have been returned, marking an 11% increase compared to the same period the previous year. Additionally, deportations of foreign national offenders have risen by 16%, with 3,594 criminals removed.

Minister for Border Security and Asylum, Dame Angela Eagle DBE MP, stated:​

“This flight demonstrates how international partnerships deliver on working people’s priorities for swift returns and secure borders. Through the Plan for Change, we’re going further in restoring order to a broken system, accelerating returns of those with no right to be here and closing expensive asylum hotels.”

Baroness Chapman of Darlington, FCDO Minister responsible for Irregular Migration, added:​

“Working with other countries and partners around the world is critical to tackling irregular migration – by working internationally, we will meet this global challenge together. I welcome our strong cooperation with Ghana and Nigeria to return those with no right to be in the UK, secure our borders, and deliver on the Plan for Change.”

The operation follows the Organised Immigration Crime Summit, where the UK collaborated with over 40 countries, including Nigeria and Ghana, to combat smuggling gangs and enhance border security. The Home Office emphasised that all returns are conducted in a dignified and respectful manner, in line with international standards and human rights obligations.

STORY

Former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has strongly criticised the United States’ proposed peace plan for Ukraine, arguing that it offers no tangible benefits to Kyiv and effectively rewards Russian aggression.​ Johnson’s remarks come in response to a plan put forward by US President Donald Trump, which reportedly includes recognising Russia’s annexation of Crimea and freezing conflict lines, without securing any real security guarantees for Ukraine. Johnson contends that such a proposal fails to prevent future Russian aggression and undermines Ukraine’s sovereignty.

Johnson said:

“As for Ukraine – what do they get after three years of heroic resistance against a brutal and unprovoked invasion? What is their reward for the appalling sacrifices they have made – for the sake, as they have endlessly been told, of freedom and democracy around the world? Apart from the right to share their natural resources with the United States they get nothing. What is there in this deal that can realistically stop a third Russian invasion? Nothing. If we are to prevent more atrocities by Putin then we must have a long-term, credible and above all properly funded security guarantee for Ukraine – a guarantee issued by the UK, the US and all western allies.”

The former Prime Minister emphasised the importance of a robust, long-term security guarantee for Ukraine from Western allies, warning that the current proposal could embolden further Russian aggression. He also highlighted the need for the West to demonstrate a strong commitment to Ukraine to deter similar actions by other authoritarian regimes.​ Johnson’s comments follow a deadly Russian airstrike on Kyiv, which killed or injured over 100 civilians. While President Trump condemned the attacks, he reiterated his call for a peace deal, a stance that Johnson and other Western leaders view as insufficiently supportive of Ukraine’s position. ​

Labour leader Keir Starmer echoed Johnson’s concerns, emphasising the need for an unconditional and lasting ceasefire. The UK government continues to advocate for international efforts to address the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine and to hold those responsible for atrocities to account.

STORY

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer hosted European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen at Downing Street on Thursday, as the UK and EU move towards a renewed partnership encompassing defence, trade, and energy cooperation.​ The meeting focused on shared priorities, including support for Ukraine, energy security, and the global economy. Both leaders condemned the recent deadly Russian missile strike on Kyiv and reaffirmed their commitment to stand with Ukraine “for as long as it takes” .​

Discussions also addressed ongoing negotiations aimed at strengthening the UK-EU relationship. Significant progress has been made, with both sides instructing their teams to continue working towards an ambitious package of agreements to be unveiled at the first UK-EU summit next month.

Potential areas of agreement include a youth mobility scheme, a veterinary deal to ease food trade, and enhanced defence cooperation. The proposed defence pact could grant UK defence firms access to the EU’s €150bn SAFE fund, while the SPS agreement may mirror the EU-Switzerland model to reduce border checks on agricultural goods. ​

Prime Minister Starmer emphasised that a strengthened UK-EU partnership would improve the lives of working people in the UK, drive economic growth, and enhance national security. The leaders agreed to maintain close contact in the coming weeks as preparations continue for the May summit, which aims to formalise a new chapter in UK-EU relations.