Tag: News Story

STORY

​The Home Office has terminated its contract with Stay Belvedere Hotels Ltd (SBHL), a company responsible for managing 51 hotels housing asylum seekers across England and Wales. This decision was prompted by concerns over SBHL’s performance and treatment of the asylum seekers. ​SBHL, a subcontractor for Clearsprings Ready Homes, had been overseeing accommodations including Napier Barracks in what was a politically charged decision. The management of these facilities will now be transferred to other providers such as Corporate Travel Management (CTM), Mears and Serco. CTM previously managed the Bibby Stockholm barge, which faced issues like higher costs compared to hotel accommodations and a legionnaires’ disease outbreak. ​

This marks the first major termination of a provider in the Home Office’s decade-long outsourcing of asylum accommodation contracts, valued at £2 billion annually. SBHL had faced allegations including sexual harassment, intimidation and underpayment of staff. The Home Office aims to enhance the management and oversight of asylum accommodations to ensure better value for taxpayers. ​The termination reflects broader efforts to address the increasing costs associated with housing asylum seekers and to ensure that contracted companies deliver services effectively and ethically.

STORY

The RAF have confirmed that Daniel Heath and William Lawrence, who pleaded guilty to the destruction of a Paddington Bear statue designed to promote kindness and tolerance, are members of the military working at RAF Odiham. The two individuals were condemned by the judge who said:

“On the night of the 2nd of March 2025, your actions were the antithesis of everything Paddington stands for. Your actions lacked respect and integrity, two values you should uphold as members of the armed forces.”

The disgraced pair were each told to pay £2,725 compensation and will have to do unpaid work as part of their punishment.

Thames Valley Police said in a statement:

“The Paddington Bear statue is a beloved part of Newbury so we did everything we could to locate it and bring the offenders to justice. After a short stay at Newbury police station, we handed the statue back to its owners so it can be restored. Criminal damage and theft are serious offences regardless of the target, and we will always look to investigate and have offenders punished proportionately, including being put before the courts.”

The disgraced vandals are expected to be dismissed from the RAF.

STORY

President Trump has backed National Security Advisor Mike Waltz following one of the worst military leaks in US history, where attack plans were accidentally sent to a journalist. Waltz, who faced calls to resign from across the political spectrum. The significant security breach occurred within the U.S. administration when senior officials inadvertently shared sensitive military plans regarding Yemen in a Signal messaging group that included journalist Jeffrey Goldberg, editor-in-chief of The Atlantic. The group chat, named “Houthi PC small group”, comprised high-ranking officials such as Vice President JD Vance, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Trump rejected the serious military leak and said that it was a “glitch”, despite the international concern about the state of the US military senior leadership and competence, as well as the exposure of classified operational details.

STORY

A High Wycombe delivery driver has been sentenced for fraudulently obtaining a £20,250 Bounce Back Loan during the COVID-19 pandemic. Amraiz Mahmood, 41, inflated his turnover by over £65,000 to secure the loan, which he then spent on drugs and gambling.

Mahmood also concealed almost £40,000 in assets from the Official Receiver when he filed for bankruptcy in 2021. He had withdrawn the money in cash for home improvements just weeks before declaring himself bankrupt.

At High Wycombe Magistrates’ Court, Mahmood was sentenced to 10 months in prison, suspended for two years. He is also subject to a 12-month curfew and must wear an electronic tag.

Mark Stephens, Chief Investigator at the Insolvency Service, said: “Bounce Back Loans were designed to support small businesses through the pandemic, not for personal gain. The Insolvency Service will not hesitate to take action against those who abuse the scheme.”

Mahmood’s fraudulent actions have resulted in an eight-year Bankruptcy Restrictions Undertaking, limiting his ability to borrow money. Efforts are underway to recover the misappropriated funds.

STORY

Mike Amesbury, the former Labour MP for Runcorn and Helsby, has officially stepped down after being convicted of assaulting a constituent. The incident, which took place in October 2024, involved a physical altercation between Amesbury and local resident Paul Fellows. The dispute reportedly stemmed from disagreements over the closure of a local bridge. CCTV footage later revealed that Amesbury struck Fellows multiple times before others intervened to break up the confrontation.

Amesbury was initially sentenced to 10 weeks in prison. However, upon appeal, the sentence was suspended for two years. As part of his punishment, he is required to participate in anger management programs, complete 200 hours of community service, and undergo alcohol monitoring.

Following his conviction, Amesbury expressed deep regret for his actions and announced his resignation from Parliament. His departure has triggered a by-election in Runcorn and Helsby, marking the first contest of its kind since Keir Starmer became Prime Minister in July 2024. This election is expected to serve as an early test of public opinion on the Labour Party’s leadership, while also providing an opportunity for opposition parties, including Reform UK under Nigel Farage, to contest the seat.

Amesbury had served as an MP since 2017, initially representing the Weaver Vale constituency before boundary changes led to the formation of Runcorn and Helsby. His resignation highlights the serious repercussions faced by elected officials involved in criminal offences, reinforcing the necessity of maintaining public trust and ethical standards in government.

STORY

The UK government has appointed Lord Willetts to lead the Regulatory Innovation Office (RIO), aiming to accelerate the safe and rapid introduction of high-growth technologies like AI in healthcare and engineering biology to the market. This initiative is crucial to the government’s “Plan for Change” growth mission. Lord Willetts, alongside Science Minister Lord Vallance, observed the successful use of drones for delivering urgent blood samples at Guy’s Hospital, demonstrating how technology can improve NHS efficiency. The government is also launching new funding to streamline regulations for cell-cultivated products, such as lab-grown meat. The RIO will focus on removing regulatory barriers that hinder innovation, supporting areas like autonomous vehicles, space, and AI in healthcare. 1 This effort aims to foster a pro-innovation environment, enabling the UK to capitalise on technological advancements for economic growth and improved public services.

STORY

The UK government is set to revolutionise its approach to funding digital and AI projects within the public sector, aiming to inject a “start-up” mentality into its operations. A recent review highlighted that existing funding procedures are excessively intricate, causing delays and stifling innovation, particularly in experimental technologies like AI. To address this, the government plans to simplify funding approvals and implement a staged funding model, where projects begin with small budgets and scale based on proven success.

This overhaul, scheduled to begin in April, will test four new funding approaches, drawing inspiration from the success of the GOV.UK Chat chatbot. The initiative seeks to replace outdated technology, enhance public services, and reduce taxpayer waste by prioritising efficiency and innovation. Furthermore, the government will introduce new outcome metrics and evaluation plans to ensure projects deliver value for money. Technology Secretary Peter Kyle emphasised the need to move away from “decades old” processes that have encouraged short-sighted thinking and outdated technology. Chief Secretary to the Treasury, Darren Jones, highlighted the urgency of digital transformation, citing research that revealed a significant portion of government digital systems are outdated, leading to increased costs and security risks.

STORY

Rupert Lowe, the MP for Great Yarmouth who has been suspended from Reform following a series of allegations made against him, has claimed that senior Reform Party figures have made allegations that he has dementia. Lowe, who denies the allegations made against him, posted on Facebook:

“I have been informed by a reliable source that ‘senior Reform figures’ have been briefing journalists that I have dementia. In politics, there is rough and tumble. I get that. But this is sick. What they are doing to me is disgusting.”

Ann Widdecombe, a former Conservative Party Minister, and now spokesperson for Reform denied that the arguments would cause long-term issues for the party, adding “the fact is all parties have these eruptions from time to time.”

STORY

The Reform Party has confirmed that they have suspended Rupert Lowe, the MP for Great Yarmouth, following a series of allegations made against him. Lowe has fiercely denied the allegations and said that he is considering legal action against Reform for libel. Reform also confirmed that the allegations had been referred to the police, with the Metropolitan Police saying in a statement:

“On Thursday 6 March we received an allegation of verbal threats made by a 67-year-old man on Friday 13 December 2024. Officers are carrying out an assessment of the allegations to determine what further action may be required.”

A spokesperson for Reform added:

“In addition to these allegations of a disturbing pattern of behaviour, Mr Lowe has on at least two occasions made threats of physical violence against our party chairman. Accordingly, this matter is with the police.”

STORY

Friedrich Merz, the leader of the Christian Democratic Union, has won the German elections with 29% of the vote, although will need to enter talks to form a coalition. Merz, the likely next Chancellor of Germany, posted on X (formerly known as Twitter):

“Three years of Russian war of aggression against the #Ukraine . Three years of war in Europe. For three years, we have been accompanied by the terrible images of destruction and war crimes. Europe remains firmly on the side of Ukraine. Now more than ever, we must put Ukraine in a position of strength. For a just peace, the attacked country must be part of peace negotiations.”

He said that since the election of Donald Trump as US President the country had become “largely indifferent” to Europe and that Germany must be part of a strengthened Europe which can “achieve real independence from the US step by step”. The far-right Alternative for Germany party nearly doubled its result in the election, securing 20.8%, but Merz has already ruled out forming a coalition with the party.