Tag: News Story

STORY

Paul Patterson, European boss of Fujitsu (the company that developed the Horizon IT system), gave evidence today to the Post Office Horizon IT Inquiry in January 2024. His testimony was significant as it was the first time a senior Fujitsu executive had appeared before the inquiry. Patterson began by reiterating an apology to subpostmasters that he had previously made in a written statement and to Parliament. He acknowledged the harm caused by the Horizon system and expressed a desire to see those affected properly compensated.

However, much of his testimony focused on Fujitsu’s role in the scandal and its relationship with the Post Office. Patterson admitted that bugs, errors, and defects (BEDs) had existed in Horizon for “nearly two decades” and that the “vast majority” had been reported to the Post Office contemporaneously. He expressed “surprise” that details of these BEDs were not included in witness statements used in prosecutions against subpostmasters, stating that Fujitsu was unaware at the time how the Post Office was using the data provided.

Patterson also revealed a deep mistrust of the Post Office’s ability to investigate shortfalls, claiming they relied too heavily on Horizon data and failed to consider other potential causes. He stated “I absolutely don’t trust the Post Office” in this regard. Furthermore, Patterson criticised the Post Office’s culture, describing it as being in a “permanent state of stress” due to the Horizon system. He suggested this impacted the organisation’s ability to effectively address the issues arising from the faulty software

STORY

Republican Donald Trump has won the 2024 US Presidential Election, beating Kamala Harris who represented the Democrats. Keir Starmer, the Prime Minister, said in a statement:

“Congratulations President-elect Trump on your historic election victory. I look forward to working with you in the years ahead. As the closest of allies, we stand shoulder to shoulder in defence of our shared values of freedom, democracy and enterprise. From growth and security to innovation and tech, I know that the UK-US special relationship will continue to prosper on both sides of the Atlantic for years to come.”

Ed Davey, the Leader of the Liberal Democrats, said:

“This is a dark, dark day for people around the globe. The world’s largest economy and most powerful military will be led by a dangerous, destructive demagogue.

The next President of the United States is a man who actively undermines the rule of law, human rights, international trade, climate action and global security.

Millions of Americans – especially women and minorities – will be incredibly fearful about what comes next. We stand with them.

Families across the UK will also be worrying about the damage Trump will do to our economy and our national security, given his record of starting trade wars, undermining NATO and emboldening tyrants like Putin.

Fixing the UK’s broken relationship with the EU is even more urgent than before. We must strengthen trade and defence cooperation across Europe to help protect ourselves from the damage Trump will do.

Now more than ever, we must stand up for the core liberal values of equality, democracy, human rights and the rule of law – at home and around the world.”

STORY

Kemi Badenoch, the new Conservative Party leader, has appointed Mel Stride as the new Shadow Chancellor and Priti Patel as the new Shadow Foreign Secretary.

STORY

The new leader of the Conservative Party is Kemi Badenoch, securing 53,806 votes compared to 41,000 for Robert Jenrick. The final vote was from party members and there was a turnout of 72.8%.

STORY

A public schoolboy who carried out a terrifying hammer attack on two sleeping students and a teacher at a prestigious boarding school can today be named as Thomas Wei Huang. The 17-year-old from Malaysia was jailed for life last month after being found guilty of three counts of attempted murder at Blundell’s School in Devon last year. A High Court judge lifted an order today preventing his identification, allowing his name to be reported for the first time.

The court heard how Huang, who was 16 at the time of the attacks, entered the victims’ rooms armed with hammers he had purchased online. He struck his victims multiple times on the head while they slept, leaving them with serious injuries. One of the students suffered a fractured skull and bleeding on the brain. Huang, who had become obsessed with a fictional zombie apocalypse, claimed he was sleepwalking during the attacks and pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity. However, the jury rejected his defence and convicted him on all three counts.

During the trial, the court heard how Huang had developed a fascination with violence and had researched how to kill people effectively. He had also collected weapons and survival gear in preparation for a “zombie apocalypse.” Sentencing Huang to life with a minimum term of 12 years, Mrs Justice Cutts said: “You planned your offences and used hammers you had bought as weapons. You knew full well if you hit the boys multiple times with the hammers they would die. You are an intelligent boy and I am satisfied you knew the difference between right and wrong.”  

The judge added that Huang posed a “high level of danger to the public” and that experts were unable to say how long he would remain a risk.

The attack sent shockwaves through the Blundell’s School community, a historic institution with a long and distinguished history. In a statement released after the verdict, the school said it was “deeply saddened” by the events and expressed its support for the victims and their families. The case raises serious questions about the potential warning signs that may have been missed in Huang’s behaviour. It also highlights the need for greater awareness of mental health issues among young people and the importance of early intervention.

STORY

Planned strikes on the London Underground have been called off at the last minute after the RMT union, which represents 10,000 tube workers, announced the suspension of the industrial action following “intense negotiations” with Transport for London (TfL) and a “significantly improved offer.” The strikes, which were set to begin this evening and continue intermittently over the next week, threatened to cause major disruption to the capital’s transport network. Commuters, businesses, and tourists were bracing for severe delays and cancellations, particularly during peak hours.

The RMT had previously warned that the strikes would go ahead unless TfL addressed concerns over pay structures and working conditions. However, a breakthrough in negotiations appears to have averted the crisis.

“Following intense negotiations with London Underground management and a significantly improved offer, we have suspended the strikes scheduled to start this evening,” an RMT spokesperson confirmed.

Details of the improved offer have not been publicly disclosed, but it is understood that TfL has abandoned proposed changes to pay structures that were a key sticking point for the union.

While the news will be welcomed by many, it is important to note that strikes by members of the Aslef drivers’ union are still scheduled to go ahead on November 7th and 12th. TfL has warned that these strikes could still cause significant disruption to services. TfL’s Chief Operating Officer, Claire Mann, expressed her relief at the RMT’s decision, stating: “We are pleased that the RMT has suspended its planned industrial action… We believe that our offer is fair, affordable, good for our colleagues and good news for London.” She urged Aslef to follow suit and call off their planned action to avoid further disruption to the city.

STORY

Donald Trump, the former US President, said about Liz Cheney, “she’s a radical war hawk. Let’s put her with a rifle standing there with nine barrels shooting at her, OK? Let’s see how she feels about it. You know, when the guns are trained to her face” in a shock comment during an interview with Tucker Carlson.

Cheney responded:

“This is how dictators destroy free nations. They threaten those who speak against them with death. We cannot entrust our country and our freedom to a petty, vindictive, cruel, unstable man who wants to be a tyrant.”

A spokesperson for Trump said:

“He was talking about how Liz Cheney wants to send America’s sons and daughters to fight in wars despite never being in a war herself.”

 

STORY

The UK government has announced a significant increase to the National Minimum Wage (NMW) set to take effect in April 2025. This move comes amidst a backdrop of rising living costs and aims to provide a much-needed boost to low-paid workers across the country.   The headline figure is a 6.7% increase to the National Living Wage (NLW), the rate for those aged 23 and over, bringing it to £12.21 per hour. This translates to a yearly increase of £1,400 for a full-time worker. However, perhaps even more impactful is the substantial rise for younger workers. Those aged 18-20 will see their minimum wage jump by a record 16.3% to £10.00 per hour, a £1.40 increase equating to an extra £2,500 annually for full-time employees.

This decision reflects the government’s commitment to supporting low-income earners and moving towards a “genuine living wage.” It’s also a step towards aligning the minimum wage for all adults, regardless of age, recognising the financial pressures faced by young people.   While this increase is welcomed by many, it’s important to acknowledge the potential impact on businesses. Some, particularly SMEs, may struggle to absorb the increased labour costs, potentially leading to job losses or price increases. The government will need to carefully monitor the effects of this policy change to ensure it achieves its intended goals without causing undue economic strain.

Baroness Philippa Stroud, Chair of the Low Pay Commission said:

The Government have been clear about their ambitions for the National Minimum Wage and its importance in supporting workers’ living standards. At the same time, employers have had to deal with the adult rate rising over 20 per cent in two years, and the challenges that has created alongside other pressures to their cost base.

It is our job to balance these considerations, ensuring the NLW provides a fair wage for the lowest-paid workers while taking account of economic factors. These rates secure a real-terms pay increase for the lowest-paid workers. Young workers will see substantial increases in their pay floor, making up some of the ground lost against the adult rate over time.

The data show some signs of employers finding it harder to adapt to minimum wage increases. The tightening of the labour market since the pandemic has unwound, but the overall picture is similar to 2019.The economy is expected to grow over the next year, although productivity growth remains subdued.

We look forward to continuing our work next year as the detail of the Make Work Pay plan is elaborated upon. The NMW is a major part of the Government’s ambitions for the future of the labour market, and it is important that it continues to be informed by the expertise and consensus-building the LPC provides.

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Mike Amesbury, the MP for Runcorn and Helsby, has been suspended from the Parliamentary Labour Party after footage was released of him hitting a man. A spokesperson for the Labour Party said in a statement:

“Mike Amesbury MP has been assisting Cheshire Police with their inquiries following an incident on Friday night. As these inquiries are now ongoing, the Labour Party has administratively suspended Mr Amesbury’s membership of the Labour Party pending an investigation.”

Amesbury said in a statement:

“Last night I was involved in an incident that took place after I felt threatened following an evening out with friends. This morning I contacted Cheshire Police myself to report what happened. I will not be making any further public comment but will of course cooperate with any inquiries if required by Cheshire Police.”

STORY

The UK government is implementing a new freeports plan, aiming to stimulate economic activity in designated areas across the country. Freeports are special economic zones with simplified customs procedures, tax benefits, and reduced regulatory burdens. The initiative seeks to attract businesses and investment to these zones, promoting job creation and revitalising local economies. Supporters of the plan believe it will boost trade, encourage innovation, and generate new opportunities in sectors such as green technology and advanced manufacturing.

The Government has outlined its vision for freeports to become hubs of economic growth, contributing to the overall prosperity of their respective regions. However, the plan has also drawn criticism. Concerns have been raised about the potential for tax evasion, money laundering, and a “race to the bottom” in terms of labour standards and environmental regulations. The long-term effects of freeports on the UK economy remain to be seen. Experts are closely monitoring their development and impact to assess their effectiveness in achieving the government’s stated objectives.