Tag: News Story

STORY

Heidi Alexander, the Secretary of State for Transport, has said that it was untrue that nationalisation of rail would cut fares and has confirmed there are no plans to reduce fares. The shock announcement from the Transport Secretary has led to questions as to the integrity of the process as Labour politicians had claimed that privatisation had increased fares, meaning that nationalisation would mean reductions. Rail usage has soared over the previous two decades with record investment and Alexander has pledged to cut delays on the network. Alexander also confirmed that rail prices will still increase by 4.6% in the new year and she had no plans to reduce the increase.

Andy Bagnall, the Chief Executive of Rail Partners, said in a statement:

“Simply changing who runs the trains won’t deliver more reliable and affordable services for passengers, reduce subsidy for taxpayers, or grow rail freight”.

STORY

Ipswich Town FC has confirmed that their captain, Sam Morsy, chose not to wear the rainbow armband during their recent match against Nottingham Forest. The armband, a symbol of LGBTQ+ inclusion, was worn by all other Premier League captains during the weekend fixtures as part of the Rainbow Laces campaign.

Morsy, a practising Muslim, made the decision based on his religious beliefs. The club released a statement expressing their respect for Morsy’s choice while reiterating their commitment to fostering an inclusive environment for all.

“At the same time, we respect the decision of our captain Sam Morsy, who has chosen not to wear the rainbow captain’s armband, due to his religious beliefs,” the statement read. “We will continue to grow an environment where all are valued and respected, both on and off the pitch.”  

The club further emphasised their dedication to promoting equality and diversity by highlighting a range of initiatives planned for their upcoming home game against Crystal Palace. These initiatives include a takeover of the stadium’s big screen with messages of inclusion prior to kick-off. Ipswich Town maintains that they are committed to being a fully inclusive club and will continue to work towards creating an environment where everyone feels welcome and valued.

STORY

Louise Haigh has resigned from the Cabinet after it was revealed that she pleaded guilty to fraud in 2013 when she falsely reported a work phone as stolen. Haigh, the Labour MP for Sheffield Heeley, played a key role in overseeing the Government’s transport agenda, including rail nationalisation. Prime Minister Keir Starmer praised her contribution, noting:

“Thank you for all you have done to deliver this Government’s ambitious transport agenda. You have made huge strides to take our rail system back into public ownership through the creation of Great British Railways, investing £1 billion in our vital bus services and lowering cost for motorists. I know you still have a huge contribution to make in the future.”

Her resignation marks the first major departure from Starmer’s cabinet since Labour’s July election victory.

STORY

Millions of pensioners across the UK can expect to receive their Winter Fuel Payments starting today, the Government has announced. These payments, worth between £250 and £600, aim to help older citizens cover the costs of heating their homes during the colder months. Most eligible pensioners will receive the payments automatically, with the money deposited directly into their bank accounts. Those who qualify but don’t receive their payment by January 29th, 2025 are encouraged to contact the relevant department. In addition to the Winter Fuel Payment, pensioners on low incomes are being urged to apply for Pension Credit, which could provide further financial support. The deadline to apply for Pension Credit and be eligible for the latest cost of living payment is December 21st, 2024. The Labour Government removed the right for every pensioner to receive the Winter Fuel Payment stating that the country’s finances required cuts to be made.

STORY

The UK’s Foreign Secretary has delivered a speech highlighting the importance of indigenous communities in protecting forests. The speech, which was delivered at the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, emphasized the link between indigenous land rights and forest conservation. The Foreign Secretary announced that the UK will commit £1.5 billion to protect forests and indigenous communities. This funding will be used to support programs that strengthen indigenous land rights, promote sustainable forestry practices, and combat deforestation.

The Foreign Secretary also highlighted the importance of the UK-Norway partnership, which has helped to reduce deforestation in the Amazon rainforest. The partnership has provided funding and technical assistance to indigenous communities and local governments in the Amazon region. The Foreign Secretary’s speech was welcomed by indigenous leaders and environmental groups. They praised the UK’s commitment to protecting forests and indigenous communities.

NEWS STORY

Rajan Naidu, 73, and Niamh Lynch, 20, have both been charged with one count of destroying or damaging an ancient protected monument and one count of causing a public nuisance by attempting to damage Stonehenge. The pair attacked the historic monument, with English Heritage issuing a statement saying that they had been able to mitigate against the damage done to the stones but that the damage had potentially caused environmental damage to the lichen.

STORY

A wave of pharmacy closures and reduced operating hours is sweeping across the UK, leaving communities with limited access to vital healthcare services. Independent pharmacies are taking drastic measures in response to a decade of under-funding, with many forced to cut hours or shut down altogether.

The National Pharmacy Association (NPA) reports that nearly all independent pharmacies in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland voted in favour of reducing hours beyond the minimum required by their contracts. This means fewer pharmacies will be open during evenings and weekends, impacting access to essential medications and healthcare advice.

“Pharmacies are the cornerstone of community healthcare,” says NPA chairman Nick Kaye, “But years of underfunding have pushed us to the brink. We don’t want to reduce services, but we’re left with no choice.”

The funding crisis has also led to cuts in locally commissioned services, such as emergency contraception, addiction support, and stop-smoking programs. This reduction in services further jeopardises public health and places additional strain on an already overburdened NHS.

The NPA warns that without adequate government intervention, the situation will continue to deteriorate, leaving communities with reduced access to vital healthcare services. The impact will be felt most acutely in rural areas and under-served communities, where pharmacies often serve as the primary healthcare provider. The Government is facing mounting pressure to address the funding crisis and ensure the sustainability of community pharmacies. The future of local healthcare hangs in the balance as pharmacies struggle to keep their doors open.

STORY

Lord Collins of Highbury, Minister for Africa and the UN, spoke at the UN Security Council Meeting that the ongoing conflict in Sudan has reached a critical juncture, with devastating consequences for civilians. Almost 19,000 people have been killed and 33,000 injured in the past 18 months, according to UN reports. Mass rape, torture, and ethnically targeted killings are rampant. In a statement, Collins said:

“We must act now, and these recommendations are a positive step towards more action to protect civilians. It is now for us as states, civil society and members of the UN family to consider how to use them. To be successful, we must confront the context we face, rather than the one we would want or like to see.”

A devastating civil war has gripped Sudan for the past 18 months, leaving a trail of death and destruction in its wake. The conflict, which erupted in April 2023, has resulted in nearly 19,000 fatalities and 33,000 injuries, with civilians bearing the brunt of the violence. Reports from the UN paint a grim picture of mass atrocities, including widespread rape, torture, and ethnically motivated killings. The warring factions have shown a blatant disregard for human life and have obstructed humanitarian aid, leaving millions facing starvation.

STORY

Justin Welby, the Archbishop of Canterbury, has resigned. The news comes hours after further members of the church decided to stand down against allegations that Welby could have done more to tackle historic sexual abuse claims.

STORY

Sue Gray, the outgoing Chief of Staff to the Prime Minister Keir Starmer, has rejected the role she had been offered as the Nations and Regions envoy. The Guardian Newspaper reported that Gray had been warned that Starmer would have withdrawn the job offer as rumours continue about disputes amongst senior figures of the Prime Minister’s team. Downing Street sources confirmed that Gray would no longer be taking up her new role.