Displaying items by tag: United Kingdom

Police have been continuing to question a 53-year-old man from West Derby, Liverpool, after a car ploughed into a crowd during Liverpool FC’s victory parade on 26 May. Authorities were granted extended time to hold the suspect until 29 May. The incident, which occurred on Water Street, left seven people hospitalised in stable condition and 79 identified as injured. Eyewitness Daniel Everson recounted the terrifying moment his baby son was thrown 15 feet in his pram and his partner run over. Keir Starmer visited Liverpool to meet with police and officials, describing the incident as a tragic turn from celebration to horror. Messages of support poured in, including from King Charles, who praised Liverpool’s community spirit, and the Prince and Princess of Wales, who expressed deep sadness over the tragedy. Breaking news: the driver has now been charged with attempted manslaughter and dangerous driving.

The Government plans to invest over £1 billion in advanced cyber warfare capabilities, including a new ‘digital targeting web and a dedicated cyber command, as part of its strategic defence review. Defence secretary John Healey announced the initiative in response to escalating cyber threats, citing over 90,000 state-linked attacks on the UK’s defence systems in the past two years. The new command, led by General Sir Jim Hockenhull, will coordinate both defensive and offensive cyber operations with the National Cyber Force and manage tactics such as signal jamming and communications disruption. The digital targeting web, expected by 2027, will allow real-time coordination between sensors, drones, aircraft, and cyber tools to neutralise threats swiftly. Healey highlighted the rising global cyber conflict and warned that ‘the keyboard has become a weapon of war’. The move aims to defend against hostile states like Russia and China, while equipping the UK with cutting-edge technological warfare capabilities.

London mayor Sadiq Khan has endorsed a recommendation to decriminalise the possession of small amounts of natural cannabis, based on findings from the independent London Drugs Commission (LDC). The commission, chaired by former lord chancellor Charlie Falconer, found current cannabis laws to be disproportionate to the drug’s harms and criticised their enforcement as unfairly targeting ethnic communities. Rather than full legalisation, the report advocates moving natural cannabis (currently a Class B drug) to the Psychoactive Substances Act, effectively legalising personal possession while maintaining bans on manufacturing and distribution. The LDC also calls for expanded addiction services and stronger education on cannabis risks. The mayor cited the need for fresh thinking on drug-related crime, while Lord Falconer stressed the importance of targeting dealers, not users.

The housing ombudsman, Richard Blakeway, has warned that growing public frustration over substandard social housing could escalate into wider social unrest. Complaints about poor living conditions have surged 474% since 2019/20, with 45% related to repairs. Despite a record £9bn spent on maintenance in 2023/24, landlords were ordered to pay £3.4m in compensation due to poor practices, including extreme delays in fixing serious issues like asbestos and mould. Nearly half of England’s social homes were built before 1964, and damp-related complaints have risen sharply. Blakeway criticised outdated maintenance standards and ‘rationing’ of services, calling current housing policies detached from modern living expectations. He urged a ‘transformative overhaul’, including a national tenant body and predictive maintenance systems. While Awaab’s Law (named after a toddler who died from mould exposure) is set to force landlords to make immediate emergency repairs from October, Blakeway said it remains too reactive. He warned that without urgent reform, the Government’s housing ambitions could collapse under the weight of a failing system.

Senior police and intelligence leaders, including Met Police commissioner Sir Mark Rowley, have raised concerns over the Government’s plan to release some prisoners early to ease overcrowding. They have warned that the proposals could harm public safety and confidence. While supportive of reform, they cautioned against early release for high-risk and national security offenders, highlighting challenges such as increased police workload, costs of electronic tagging, and community justice undermining deterrence. The Government recently accepted a sentencing review recommending community management for some offenders and early release after serving one-third of sentences, excluding serious criminals. Justice secretary Shabana Mahmood and her ministry claim concerns were addressed in the final policy, promising tighter controls and increased probation funding. Critics across the political spectrum argue for tougher sentencing and greater investment in prison infrastructure to restore justice and security.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued a strong public warning about norovirus, urging anyone affected to remain at home for 48 hours after symptoms cease, as individuals can still be infectious. Known as the ‘winter vomiting bug’, norovirus causes vomiting, diarrhoea, and severe discomfort. While typically seasonal, England has seen an alarming spike in cases, with 14,959 reported between 31 March and 27 April - more than double the five-year average. Hospital outbreaks are also up 43.3% above historical norms. Though recent weeks show a slight decline, infection levels remain significantly high. Norovirus spreads easily via contaminated food, surfaces, or close contact, and can be transmitted even before symptoms begin. The UKHSA stresses the importance of staying home, avoiding hospitals or GP visits while symptomatic, and refraining from cooking for others until 48 hours after recovery. Parents are advised not to send children to school during this period, and all should practice vigilant hygiene to prevent spread.

Keir Starmer has announced a wide-ranging new UK-EU agreement covering trade, defence, youth mobility, and travel arrangements. Touted as part of a 'hat-trick' of international trade achievements alongside deals with the US and India, the agreement seeks to ease post-Brexit disruptions. Key measures include continued EU fishing access to UK waters until 2038, reduced border checks on food exports, and a new UK-EU defence and security pact. British holidaymakers will also benefit from increased access to e-gates and streamlined pet passport systems. Starmer said that this signals Britain is 'back on the world stage', with 'unprecedented access' to EU markets for a non-member state. However, the deal has been sharply criticised by Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch, who labelled it a 'total capitulation', claiming it compromises UK sovereignty. While welcomed by many as pragmatic progress, the deal’s success will ultimately hinge on how it balances trade benefits with national self-determination. See

UK inflation surged to 3.5% in April, surprising economists and intensifying concerns over the Bank of England’s strategy on interest rates. The rise follows months of falling inflation and comes amid steep household bill increases, particularly in energy and broadband costs. Huw Pill, the Bank’s chief economist, had warned just a day earlier that rate cuts were being implemented too quickly, describing the return to stability as 'stuttering'. Pill voted against this month’s rate cut, calling for a pause and slower reductions, while the Bank’s monetary policy committee remained split. Some members wanted a deeper cut, while others, including Pill, argued for restraint due to stubborn underlying inflation and continued wage growth. Traders now expect fewer rate cuts in 2025 than previously hoped, disappointing mortgage holders and borrowers. With over 2,000 UK companies going bust in April - the highest since last summer - concerns are growing over financial pressures on households and businesses. The debate now centres on whether the Bank can tame inflation without stalling economic recovery or deepening insolvency risks.

Keir Starmer has announced a policy reversal on winter fuel payment cuts, following widespread criticism and internal party dissent. Over 10 million pensioners lost the payment (worth £200 to £300 a year) in 2024 after Labour started to means-test it. The Government originally limited eligibility to those receiving pension credit or income-related benefits, saving an estimated £1.4 billion. However, backlash from charities, unions, and local Labour members, along with poor local election results, prompted a reassessment. In a surprise announcement during Prime Minister’s Questions, Starmer confirmed changes would be introduced in the autumn budget to allow more pensioners to qualify. Details remain unclear, including the revised eligibility threshold or whether changes will apply this winter. Former PM Gordon Brown supported the move, saying 'no pensioner should be forced into poverty.' Critics welcomed the U-turn but called for urgent clarity. With cost-of-living pressures and energy bills rising, many fear delays could leave elderly citizens vulnerable. Age UK urged ministers to ensure the revised policy protects those on low and modest incomes.

Marks & Spencer has confirmed that a major cyber attack will cost the company around £300 million, following significant disruption to its operations. The breach, traced to third-party access caused by 'human error’, has impacted contactless payments, online orders, and in-store stock availability. Almost a month on, M&S is still unable to process online orders in its fashion, home, and beauty departments - losing an estimated £3.5 million per day in sales. Chief executive Stuart Machin stressed that the company had not underinvested in security, noting that other retailers such as Harrods and the Co-op have also faced similar attacks. The breach has also resulted in customer data theft, though no payment details or passwords were compromised. The Government has called the recent wave of cyber attacks a 'wake-up call' for UK industry, warning of the need for greater resilience amid growing digital threats.