Tag: News Story

STORY

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has announced the return of the capital’s St George’s Day Festival to Trafalgar Square on Monday, April 21. Running from 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM, the free, family-friendly event will celebrate England’s rich heritage through live music, dance, and interactive workshops. Hosted by singer-songwriter Harley Moon Kemp, the festival will feature performances by The Nigel Grice Jazz Collective, the English Folk Dance and Song Society, singer-songwriter Matilda Garcia, dance company Bird and Gang, spoken word artist Palacio de Poetas, the West End Kids, and harmony group Vocal Shack. Attendees can also enjoy traditional Morris dancing from the Belles of London City and meet the famous Pearly Kings and Queens.

Throughout the afternoon, St George and his Dragon will be roaming across the Square, adding to the festive atmosphere. A variety of food and drink stalls will be available, and the day will conclude with a ceilidh led by Cut A Shine, a troupe of traditional musicians and dancers. Mayor Sadiq Khan expressed his enthusiasm for the event, stating, “I’m delighted that our St George’s Day celebrations return to Trafalgar Square this month. Londoners and visitors can enjoy an afternoon of free, family-friendly entertainment in the heart of our capital. It’s an event that brings our communities together and showcases all that’s brilliant about England, as we build a better London for everyone.”

STORY

In a rare move, the UK Parliament will be recalled from its Easter recess on Saturday, April 12, to debate emergency legislation aimed at safeguarding the future of British Steel. The decision underscores the urgency of addressing the potential closure of the company’s Scunthorpe plant, which employs approximately 3,000 workers.​ The Government plans to introduce the Steel Industry (Special Measures) Bill, granting ministers the authority to intervene directly in steel companies operating in England. This legislation is designed to prevent the shutdown of British Steel’s blast furnaces in Scunthorpe, a move that could have significant economic and strategic implications for the UK.

British Steel, owned by China’s Jingye Group since 2020, has been facing severe financial challenges, reportedly losing around £700,000 daily. The company’s difficulties have been exacerbated by high energy costs and recent 25% tariffs imposed by the United States on all steel imports.​ The recall of Parliament for this debate marks the 35th such instance since 1948, highlighting the critical nature of the situation.​ The House of Commons will convene at 11 a.m., followed by the House of Lords at noon, to deliberate on the proposed legislation.

STORY

In his final act as Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak has awarded a series of peerages and honours to political allies and public figures, igniting a debate over the use of the honours system for political patronage. The list, published on 11 April 2025, includes the elevation of several former Conservative cabinet ministers to the House of Lords and the conferral of knighthoods to prominent figures.​

Key Appointments to the House of Lords

Among the most notable peerages is that of Michael Gove, the former Levelling Up Secretary and long-serving Conservative politician. Gove, who retired as an MP at the last general election, has held multiple cabinet positions under various prime ministers and remains an influential figure within the party.

Other appointments to the House of Lords include:

• Mark Harper, former Transport Secretary​

• Simon Hart, former Chief Whip​

• Alister Jack, former Scottish Secretary

• Victoria Prentis, former Attorney General​

• Stephen Massey, former Conservative Party Chairman

• Eleanor Shawcross, former No. 10 Policy Head​

Additionally, Amanda Spielman, former HM Chief Inspector of Education, Children’s Services and Skills, has been nominated for a life peerage, recognising her contributions to education and public service.

Knighthoods and Other Honours

The honours list also includes knighthoods for several senior politicians:​

• Jeremy Hunt, former Chancellor of the Exchequer​

• James Cleverly, former Foreign and Home Secretary​

• Grant Shapps, former Defence Secretary​

Notably, England cricket legend Jimmy Anderson and filmmaker Matthew Vaughn have also been knighted for their contributions to sports and the arts, respectively.

Criticism and Calls for Reform

The honours have drawn criticism from opposition parties and political commentators, who argue that the list rewards political loyalty over merit. Liberal Democrat Deputy Leader Daisy Cooper described the appointments as a “parade of political flunkies,” suggesting that the honours system is being used to benefit political allies rather than recognise genuine public service.

Labour leader Keir Starmer has previously advocated for reforming the House of Lords, proposing measures such as introducing a retirement age and ending hereditary peerages to modernise the institution.

The Honours System and Its Implications

The British honours system allows outgoing prime ministers to recommend individuals for peerages and other honours, a tradition that has often been criticised for promoting political patronage. Life peerages grant individuals the right to sit in the House of Lords, contributing to the legislative process and influencing national policy.

STORY

A coalition of 35 OSCE participating states, including the United Kingdom, Germany, France, and the United States, has expressed deep concern over the deteriorating human rights situation in Georgia. In a joint statement delivered at the OSCE Permanent Council in Vienna, the group criticised the Georgian government’s recent actions that undermine democratic principles and civil liberties.

The statement highlighted three primary areas of concern:​

• Legislative Restrictions on Civil Society: The introduction of the Foreign Agents Registration Act mandates that individuals and organisations receiving foreign funding register as “foreign agents,” imposing financial sanctions and criminal penalties for non-compliance. The OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) has warned that this law could severely limit the activities of civil society organisations and human rights defenders.

• Targeting of Independent Media: The Georgian government has been accused of suppressing independent media outlets, thereby restricting freedom of expression and access to unbiased information.​

• Lack of Accountability for Excessive Use of Force: Reports indicate that law enforcement agencies have employed excessive force against peaceful protesters, with instances of indiscriminate violence by unidentified groups. Concerns have also been raised about unnecessarily long pre-trial detention periods and the reported ill-treatment of detainees.

The coalition called on the Georgian government to cease the use of repressive tactics, release individuals detained for peacefully exercising their rights, and hold accountable those responsible for unlawful use of force. They urged Georgia to engage in inclusive dialogue with political parties, civil society, and OSCE institutions to address these issues.  While reaffirming their support for Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, the OSCE states emphasised the importance of adhering to democratic values and human rights commitments. They encouraged Georgia to return to the path of European integration, reflecting the aspirations of the majority of its citizens.

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The United Kingdom, alongside 14 other nations, issued a joint statement at the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) Permanent Council, expressing deep concern over escalating threats to media freedom, particularly in Russia and Belarus. Delivered by Lithuanian Ambassador Vaidotas Verba on behalf of the informal Group of Friends on Safety of Journalists—which includes countries such as Canada, France, Germany, and the UK—the statement underscored the indispensable role of media freedom in ensuring genuine security. It highlighted the alarming conditions journalists face across the OSCE region, including physical and online violence, legal harassment, arbitrary detention, enforced disappearances, and even death.

The coalition specifically condemned Russia’s ongoing war against Ukraine, citing data from Reporters Without Borders that nearly 150 journalists have been victims of Russian abuses since the invasion began. This includes 13 journalists killed, 47 injured, and 19 Ukrainian journalists currently detained by Russian forces, many arrested in temporarily occupied Ukrainian territories. In Russia and Belarus, the statement noted a systematic crackdown on independent media, resulting in the closure of nearly all independent media organisations and creating an information space largely controlled by the state. The coalition called on both nations to release all detained journalists and to cease actions that suppress independent journalism. The group reaffirmed its support for the autonomous mandate of the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, emphasising the importance of monitoring media developments, providing early warnings on violations, and promoting compliance with OSCE commitments.

STORY

The United Kingdom and Germany have jointly announced a substantial military aid package totalling £450 million ($580 million) to support Ukraine’s ongoing defence against Russian aggression. This announcement was made during the 27th Ukraine Defence Contact Group meeting held at NATO headquarters in Brussels, co-chaired by UK Defence Secretary John Healey and German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius.

Key Components of the Aid Package:

• £350 Million from the UK: Drawn from the UK’s record £4.5 billion military support fund for Ukraine in 2025.

• £160 Million for Equipment Repairs: Allocated to repair and maintain vehicles and equipment previously supplied to Ukraine, facilitating rapid redeployment to the front lines.

• Advanced Weaponry: Funding for radar systems, anti-tank mines, and hundreds of thousands of drones, including high-manoeuvrability first-person view (FPV) drones capable of precision strikes.

The package also includes contributions from Norway through the UK-led International Fund for Ukraine, emphasising a collaborative European effort to reinforce Ukraine’s military capabilities.

Defence Secretary Healey highlighted the dual benefit of the aid, stating that it not only strengthens Ukraine’s defence but also supports UK and Ukrainian industries through joint procurement and maintenance initiatives. This significant commitment comes amid a shifting geopolitical landscape, with European nations assuming greater leadership roles in supporting Ukraine as the United States adjusts its strategic focus.

STORY

On 10 April 2025, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba held a phone call to discuss strengthening bilateral ties, focusing on trade, defence, and global security.​ Both leaders emphasised the importance of a pragmatic approach to international trade, agreeing that trade wars are detrimental to global economic stability. They committed to working together to lower trade barriers, both bilaterally and through multilateral frameworks like the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), aiming to accelerate economic growth.

In the realm of defence and security, Starmer and Ishiba welcomed progress on the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), reaffirming their commitment to developing the next generation of fighter jets. They also discussed enhancing cooperation to address regional and global security challenges. Prime Minister Starmer extended his best wishes for the upcoming Osaka Expo, highlighting the UK’s pavilion focused on innovation as a testament to the strong UK-Japan relationship. Additionally, he thanked Prime Minister Ishiba for Japan’s support for the Coalition of the Willing in support of Ukraine.

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On 10 April 2025, Home Secretary Yvette Cooper unveiled the Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee, a comprehensive initiative aimed at revitalising community policing across England and Wales. In a letter addressed to all Chief Constables and Police and Crime Commissioners, Cooper emphasised the government’s commitment to reversing the decline in neighbourhood policing and restoring public trust in law enforcement.

Key Components of the Guarantee:

• Deployment of 3,000 Additional Officers: Within the next 12 months, 3,000 new neighbourhood police officers and Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) will be integrated into communities, marking the initial phase of a broader plan to recruit 13,000 officers by 2029.

• Enhanced Community Engagement: Each neighbourhood will have a named and contactable officer, ensuring residents have a direct line to their local policing team.​

• Standardised Performance Framework: A new performance framework will be introduced to ensure consistency in service delivery across all regions, focusing on visibility, responsiveness, and community satisfaction.​

Cooper highlighted the collaborative efforts between the Home Office, National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC), His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS), and the College of Policing in shaping this initiative. She announced the appointment of Deputy Chief Constable Catherine Akehurst to lead a new NPCC delivery team, tasked with driving the program’s design and implementation.

This initiative aligns with Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s broader strategy to bolster community safety, which includes plans for increased foot patrols during peak times and the introduction of dedicated antisocial behaviour leads in each police force. While the government has pledged a £1 billion funding boost to support these measures, some police chiefs have expressed concerns about potential funding shortfalls impacting officer numbers and service delivery.

STORY

In a pointed address at the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), UK Ambassador Neil Holland accused Russia of deliberately obstructing peace efforts in Ukraine. He criticised President Vladimir Putin’s administration for choosing to “dither, delay and destroy” rather than engage earnestly in ceasefire negotiations.

Ambassador Holland highlighted that, despite Ukraine’s readiness to implement a full, unconditional 30-day ceasefire, Russia has yet to reciprocate. He condemned the Kremlin’s “desperate and false accusations” questioning the legitimacy of Ukraine’s democratically elected government and its control over national defence forces. These claims come as Russia reportedly deploys North Korean troops to the front lines and initiates its largest conscription drive since the conflict began.

The UK envoy also denounced recent Russian military actions, including a missile strike on Kryvyi Rih that killed 20 civilians, among them nine children, and drone attacks in Kharkiv resulting in additional casualties. He pointed out that such assaults have intensified since Ukraine’s ceasefire proposal, undermining Russia’s professed commitment to peace.

Furthermore, Holland criticised Russia’s purported adherence to an “energy ceasefire” declared on 18 March, noting continued attacks on energy infrastructure that have left tens of thousands without power. He also mentioned Russia’s withdrawal from a proposed Black Sea ceasefire, attributing it to the imposition of new, unwarranted conditions. Concluding his remarks, Ambassador Holland urged Russia to cease its attacks on Ukrainian civilians and infrastructure, and to demonstrate genuine commitment to peace through concrete actions rather than hollow rhetoric.

STORY

On 10 April 2025, the United Kingdom and France co-hosted the inaugural meeting of the “Coalition of the Willing” in Brussels, bringing together defence ministers from approximately 30 nations to strategise support for Ukraine’s long-term security and peace efforts.

UK Defence Secretary John Healey and French Defence Minister Sébastien Lecornu led discussions focusing on the formation of a multinational reassurance force. This force aims to provide credible security assurances to Ukraine, deterring future Russian aggression and supporting the nation’s sovereignty. Healey emphasised the coalition’s commitment, stating, “We cannot jeopardise the peace by forgetting about the war, so we must put even more pressure on Putin and step up our support for Ukraine – both in today’s fight and the push for peace.”

The meeting follows a recent visit by UK Chief of the Defence Staff Admiral Sir Tony Radakin and French military leaders to Kyiv, where they consulted with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Ukrainian defence officials to align on strategic planning. In conjunction with the coalition meeting, the UK announced a £350 million contribution from its £4.5 billion military aid package for 2025. This funding will support essential repairs, maintenance for military vehicles and equipment, radar systems, anti-tank mines, and the provision of hundreds of thousands of drones to bolster Ukraine’s defence capabilities.