Tag: News Story

STORY

Royal Air Force (RAF) Typhoon fighter jets were scrambled twice last week to intercept Russian military aircraft operating near NATO airspace over the Baltic Sea, according to the UK Ministry of Defence.

On Tuesday, 15 April, two RAF Typhoons deployed from Malbork Air Base in Poland intercepted a Russian Ilyushin Il-20M “Coot-A” intelligence aircraft. Later that day, the same Typhoons were called upon to intercept two Russian Su-30MKI fighter jets departing from Kaliningrad airspace. Subsequently, on Thursday, 17 April, another pair of Typhoons were scrambled to intercept an unidentified aircraft leaving Kaliningrad airspace near NATO territory.

These interceptions mark the RAF’s first operational scrambles under Operation Chessman, a mission initiated following the deployment of six Typhoon jets to Poland in March. The operation aims to bolster NATO’s air policing efforts along its eastern flank, particularly in response to increased Russian military activity in the region. The Ministry of Defence emphasised that such interceptions are standard procedure when unidentified aircraft approach NATO airspace without prior coordination. These actions are part of NATO’s Quick Reaction Alert (QRA) protocols, designed to ensure the safety and integrity of allied airspace.

Luke Pollard, the Minister for the Armed Forces, said in a statement:

“The UK is unshakeable in its commitment to NATO. With Russian aggression growing and security threats on the rise, we are stepping up to reassure our Allies, deter adversaries and protect our national security through our Plan for Change. This mission shows our ability to operate side by side with NATO’s newest member Sweden and to defend the Alliance’s airspace wherever and whenever needed, keeping us safe at home and strong abroad.”

STORY

Thousands of trans rights supporters gathered in Parliament Square today to protest the UK Supreme Court’s recent ruling that legally defines “woman” as someone born biologically female. The decision has sparked widespread concern among transgender communities and allies, who fear it could lead to increased discrimination and exclusion from single-sex spaces.​

The demonstration, described as an “emergency protest”, saw activists waving flags and holding banners with slogans like “trans liberation” and “trans rights now.” Organised by groups including TransActual, Pride in Labour, and Trans Kids Deserve Better, the protest aimed to highlight the potential implications of the court’s decision on transgender individuals’ rights and access to services.

During the protest, seven statues in the vicinity, including those of suffragist leader Millicent Fawcett and South African statesman Jan Christian Smuts, were defaced with graffiti. The Metropolitan Police have launched an investigation into the vandalism, stating that while they support the public’s right to protest, such criminal damage is unacceptable.​

Despite the incidents of vandalism, the protest remained largely peaceful, with attendees expressing a mix of frustration, fear, and determination. Many voiced concerns that the Supreme Court’s ruling could embolden transphobic sentiments and policies. Avery Greatorex, co-chair of Pride in Labour, remarked “there isn’t really much of a choice but to keep acting and to keep protesting, so it is very possible that this does not stop until the community has the protections it needs.”​

STORY

Pubs across England and Wales will be permitted to stay open later in May to mark the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day. As part of the national commemorations, licensing hours will be extended from 11pm to 1am on Thursday 8 May and Friday 9 May 2025. The change will apply to premises already licensed for the sale of alcohol for consumption on-site, the provision of late-night refreshment, and regulated entertainment.

The extension aims to support communities in coming together to remember and honour the end of the Second World War in Europe, which took place on 8 May 1945. The government described the decision as a way to allow people to “mark the occasion in their own way.” The move follows previous temporary licensing extensions made for significant national events, including royal jubilees and major sporting tournaments. Keir Starmer, the Prime Minister, added:

“As we mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day, the whole country should come together to remember the incredible sacrifices made by the wartime generation and to celebrate the peace and freedom they secured for us all. Keeping our pubs open for longer will give people the opportunity to join in celebrations and raise a glass to all of the men and women who served their country, both overseas and at home.”

STORY

Prime Minister Keir Starmer held a 35-minute phone call with U.S. President Donald Trump today, focusing on the escalating trade tensions between the two nations. The discussion centred on the recent U.S. tariffs imposed on British imports, with Starmer urging for reconsideration to protect UK industries.​ President Trump’s administration has implemented a 10% tariff on most British goods, with specific levies of 25% on cars, steel, and aluminium. These measures have raised concerns within the UK government about their potential impact on the British economy. During the call, Starmer emphasised the UK’s commitment to free and open trade while underscoring the importance of safeguarding national interests.

In response to the tariffs, Chancellor Rachel Reeves is scheduled to visit Washington to negotiate potential exemptions, particularly for sectors like automotive and pharmaceuticals. UK negotiators have proposed concessions, including the removal of the 2% digital services tax and adjustments to online safety regulations, in exchange for tariff relief. Beyond trade, the leaders discussed international security concerns, including the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, developments in Iran’s nuclear activities, and recent U.S. military actions in Yemen targeting the Houthi movement.

STORY

Rupert Lowe, the independent MP for Great Yarmouth and former member of Reform UK, has announced his intention to sue party leader Nigel Farage, chairman Zia Yusuf and chief whip Lee Anderson for defamation. Lowe alleges that the trio made false and damaging statements accusing him of workplace bullying and issuing threats of violence, which he claims have severely harmed his reputation.​ The dispute stems from a statement released by Reform UK in early March, wherein Yusuf and Anderson asserted that the party had received credible complaints from two female employees regarding serious bullying by Lowe. Additionally, they claimed that Lowe had made threats of physical harm towards Yusuf. These allegations led to Lowe’s suspension from the party and prompted an internal investigation, as well as a police inquiry into the alleged threats.

Lowe has vehemently denied all accusations, describing them as part of a “concerted smear campaign” conducted by Reform and orchestrated in retaliation for his public criticism of Farage’s leadership style, which he previously labelled as “messianic.” He contends that the allegations were strategically timed to undermine his credibility following his calls for internal party reforms.

In a formal statement, Lowe declared, “The statement was read by millions and has caused serious harm to my reputation. I believe it was published as part of a concerted smear campaign against me after I made comments about the party’s leader Nigel Farage.” He has instructed his legal team to issue letters of claim to Farage, Yusuf and Anderson, demanding retractions of the alleged false statements. Should they fail to comply, Lowe intends to proceed with High Court proceedings to seek redress.

The internal investigation conducted by Reform UK concluded that the complaints against Lowe were credible. However, Lowe and his supporters dispute these findings, asserting that the process was flawed and biased. The Metropolitan Police have confirmed an ongoing investigation into the alleged threats, but no charges have been filed to date.

STORY

The National Education Union (NEU), the UK’s largest teaching union, is contemplating strike action in autumn 2025 if the government fails to offer a fully funded, above-inflation pay rise for teachers in England.​ At the NEU’s annual conference in Harrogate, delegates overwhelmingly rejected the Department for Education’s proposed 2.8% pay increase for the 2025–26 academic year, labelling it inadequate and unfunded. An indicative ballot revealed that 93.7% of participating members opposed the offer, with 83% expressing willingness to take industrial action to secure a better deal.

General Secretary Daniel Kebede emphasised that the proposed pay rise would exacerbate existing challenges in recruitment and retention, stating that many schools would need to make cuts to accommodate the increase. He warned that without a satisfactory pay offer, the union would consider launching a formal strike ballot as early as June, potentially leading to strikes in September.

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson responded by urging the NEU to prioritise students’ interests, cautioning that strike action would be “indefensible” amid efforts to improve school attendance.

The NEU awaits the government’s final decision on teacher pay, expected in June. Should the offer remain unchanged, the union is prepared to proceed with a formal ballot, aiming to meet the 50% turnout threshold required for legal industrial action. This development occurs against a backdrop of increasing industrial unrest across various public sectors in the UK, raising concerns about a potential “summer of discontent.”

STORY

The UK government has unveiled a comprehensive plan aimed at significantly improving living conditions for military families. The initiative, titled “Homes Fit for Heroes,” introduces a new Consumer Charter and a forthcoming Defence Housing Strategy, both designed to address longstanding issues in military housing.​

Defence Secretary John Healey emphasised the government’s commitment to providing service members and their families with quality housing. “Our Armed Forces serve with extraordinary dedication and courage to keep us safe. It is only right that they and their families live in the homes they deserve,” Healey stated.

Key Measures of the Initiative:

• Enhanced Move-In Standards: Ensuring homes are clean, functional, and ready on time for new occupants.​

• Improved Information Transparency: Providing families with detailed property information, including photographs and floor plans, prior to moving.​

• Reliable Repairs System: Implementing a commitment to complete urgent repairs within set timelines, consistent with Awaab’s Law, and introducing an online portal for managing repair requests.

• Housing Renovations: Launching a refurbishment program targeting the worst-condition homes, with up to 1,000 properties to be renovated as an initial phase.​

• Dedicated Housing Officers: Assigning a named housing officer to each service family to assist with housing-related inquiries.​

• Streamlined Complaints Process: Reducing the complaints procedure to two stages, aligning with industry best practices, to ensure quicker resolutions.​

• Policy Modernisation: Allowing families greater freedom to make home improvements, fostering a sense of pride and ownership.

These measures are set to be implemented by December 2025, marking the one-year anniversary of the government’s decision to reacquire 36,000 military homes previously sold in 1996. This move is projected to save taxpayers £600,000 per day by eliminating rental payments to private entities.

The Defence Housing Strategy, to be published later this year, will further outline plans to develop surplus military land, creating opportunities for Armed Forces homeownership and supporting the delivery of affordable homes across the UK.  This initiative aligns with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s pledge to provide “homes for heroes,” ensuring that veterans and their families have access to the housing support they need.

STORY

The United Kingdom has expressed deep concern over the destabilising actions of Libyan security actors and armed groups, highlighting issues such as unlawful detentions, kidnappings, and attacks on humanitarian organisations. These concerns were raised during a statement by Ambassador Barbara Woodward, the UK’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, at a Security Council meeting focused on Libya.​ Ambassador Woodward emphasised the alarming trajectory of Libya’s economy, noting the absence of a unified budget and oversight mechanisms. She warned that the current levels of public spending risk rapidly diminishing the nation’s wealth. The competition for state resources is placing significant pressure on Libya’s institutions and could potentially fuel renewed conflict.​

The UK also highlighted reports of unlawful and arbitrary detentions, kidnappings, imprisonment without due process, and assassination attempts by Libyan security actors and armed groups. Ambassador Woodward stressed the need for accountability to support civic space and trust in Libya’s law enforcement. She specifically mentioned the recent closure of humanitarian organisations’ offices and the detention of their employees as particularly troubling. The UK urged Libyan authorities to work collaboratively with international NGOs and resolve differences through dialogue, recognising the indispensable role of humanitarian organisations in supporting Libya, including addressing concerns about illegal migration.​

Furthermore, the UK underscored the urgent need for progress on Libya’s political track. Ambassador Woodward called for a comprehensive and inclusive political process to establish sound economic governance, uphold the rule of law, ensure accountability, and combat corruption. She reaffirmed the UK’s strong support for the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) and commended Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG) Hannah Tetteh for her leadership. The UK urged all Libyan actors to engage constructively with the UN’s efforts and the recommendations of the Advisory Committee, viewing this as a real opportunity to chart a path towards the peace, stability, and prosperity that the Libyan people deserve.​

STORY

Ismail Uradde, 36, from East Ham, has had his prison sentence increased to ten years following a referral by Solicitor General Lucy Rigby KC MP under the Unduly Lenient Sentence Scheme. The Court of Appeal found his original sentence of three years and eight months insufficient for the severity of his crimes.​

In the early hours of 26 July 2024, Uradde confronted two men outside his block of flats, accusing them of causing a disturbance. Armed with a kitchen knife, he attacked both individuals, stabbing one twice in the left thigh and the other in the arm, resulting in significant blood loss for both victims. After the assault, Uradde fled the scene and handed the weapon to a local shopkeeper.​

One of the victims later reported ongoing psychological trauma, stating he experiences difficulty sleeping and fears being attacked again.​

Originally sentenced on 20 January 2025 for two counts of wounding with intent and one count of possessing a bladed article, Uradde’s case was reviewed following the Solicitor General’s intervention. On 15 April 2025, the Court of Appeal increased his sentence to ten years.​

Solicitor General Lucy Rigby KC MP commented:​

“Ismail Uradde’s violent and unprovoked attack on the two victims was shocking. I welcome the Court of Appeal’s decision to more than double his sentence. My thoughts are with the two victims of Uradde’s attack.”

STORY

Adam Ali, a 20-year-old from Manchester, has had his sentence increased to six years and four months following a fatal car crash that resulted in the death of 16-year-old passenger Ben Burbridge and serious injuries to another teenager. The Court of Appeal’s decision came after Solicitor General Lucy Rigby KC MP referred the original sentence under the Unduly Lenient Sentence Scheme.​

On 15 October 2022, Ali was driving at over 60mph in a 30mph residential zone during wet conditions. He lost control of the vehicle, crashing into a lamp post. Ben Burbridge suffered catastrophic brain injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. Another passenger, 17-year-old Justin Saidi, sustained multiple injuries, including a collapsed lung and fractured ribs.​

At the time of the incident, Ali had recently passed his driving test and was awaiting a speed awareness course following previous speeding offences. While awaiting trial for the fatal crash, he was caught speeding twice more and was involved in another accident while banned from driving, during which he was inhaling nitrous oxide at the wheel.​

Initially sentenced to four years’ detention on 27 January 2025 for causing death and serious injury by dangerous driving, Ali’s sentence was increased by the Court of Appeal on 15 April 2025. Solicitor General Lucy Rigby stated:​

“Ben Burbridge was only 16 years old when he died and he had his whole future ahead of him. His life was tragically cut short by Adam Ali’s dangerous driving. I welcome the court’s decision to increase Ali’s sentence following my referral. This government is committed to ensuring those who drive dangerously are punished appropriately.”