Displaying items by tag: United Kingdom

Kristie Higgs, a Christian school counselling assistant, has won a landmark UK Court of Appeal case after being fired in 2019 for expressing concerns on Facebook about LGBTQ+ materials being taught in her son’s CofE primary school. The court ruled her dismissal was unlawful discrimination based on religion and belief. Higgs had posted about the 'No Outsiders' programme, which included books promoting gender ideology. An anonymous parent complained, leading to her dismissal for 'gross misconduct'. The school argued she was fired for her language, not her beliefs, but judges ruled the termination was disproportionate. The ruling strengthens freedom of speech and religious expression in employment law, shifting the burden onto employers to justify such dismissals. Higgs, supported by the Christian Legal Centre, called the decision a victory for free speech and for Christians facing workplace discrimination. She hopes it will protect others from losing their jobs over their beliefs.

A new Times survey reveals that Generation Z is more pro-marriage and less engaged in casual sex than millennials. Only 23% of Gen Z respondents said their friends commonly had one-night stands, a steep drop from 78% of millennials twenty years ago. Additionally, fewer young people are engaging in unprotected sex outside long-term relationships, and internet pornography use appears to have declined. While some Gen Z individuals still question the need for legal marriage, others see it as a more serious commitment than past generations. Financial constraints remain a barrier, with lower-income individuals less likely to marry because the benefits system disincentivises marriage. Some argue that difficulties with dating apps and changing cultural values have made young people more likely to stay in long-term relationships rather than constantly seeking new partners. This shift could indicate a revival of traditional relationship values.

The Government has stated it will not immediately retaliate against the renewal of US steel and aluminium tariffs, instead opting for a measured approach. Trade minister Douglas Alexander emphasised the need for a 'cool and clear-headed' response rather than a knee-jerk reaction. The 25% tariffs, set to take effect from 12 March, are designed to reduce foreign imports and boost US steel production. While the UK only exports 10% of its steel to the US, certain specialist suppliers could face severe impacts; the tariffs could also lead to an influx of cheaper foreign steel into the UK, undercutting domestic manufacturers. In response, UK Steel and unions are urging the Government to increase domestic steel purchases and protect jobs. Other nations, including Canada and the EU, have condemned the tariffs and vowed retaliatory measures, while the UK remains committed to diplomatic engagement. Donald Trump, who imposed similar tariffs in 2018, has indicated no exemptions this time, except possibly for Australia.

An official inquiry will soon be launched into the June 2023 Nottingham attacks, when three people were killed by Valdo Calocane. Calocane, who also attempted to kill three others, was sentenced to an indefinite hospital order after admitting to manslaughter by diminished responsibility. Experts ruled that schizophrenia reduced his responsibility, but victims' families insist he 'got away with murder' and demand full accountability. The victims' families welcomed the inquiry, emphasising the urgent need for reforms in mental health care and public safety. A recent NHS England report found severe failures in Calocane’s care, including missed treatment opportunities and a failure to enforce medication. Keir Starmer assured the families that the statutory inquiry will be comprehensive and independent, with a retired judge leading the process to uncover the truth and drive systemic change.

Keir Starmer has announced plans to build a dozen new towns across England, inspired by traditional architectural styles championed by King Charles. With 100 areas applying for developments of over 10,000 homes, he aims to fast-track construction before the end of this parliament, focusing on quality design and community-led development. The Government is targeting 1.5 million new homes, addressing planning delays and environmental regulations which have stalled 700,000 housing projects. Starmer emphasised avoiding a reliance on foreign labour, insisting that developers train British workers to meet construction demands. Visiting Nansledan in Cornwall, a King Charles-backed development, Starmer praised its blended housing approach, where affordable homes are indistinguishable from others. The initiative seeks to expand homeownership opportunities, particularly for young people who have been priced out of the market.

The Government has introduced new immigration rules making it nearly impossible for refugees who enter illegally - including those arriving by small boat or concealed in vehicles - to obtain British citizenship. From 10 February, applications from individuals who previously entered the UK illegally will normally be refused, regardless of how much time has passed. The Home Office defends the policy as strengthening deterrence, ensuring those who bypass legal entry routes face long-term consequences. However, critics argue that the change creates second-class citizens and contradicts international law, which states that refugees should not be penalised for illegal entry. The new Asylum and Immigration Bill will scrap the Rwanda deportation plan, increase police powers against people smugglers, and criminalise endangering others during illegal crossings. Former home secretary Lord Blunkett has urged parliamentary oversight, warning of the impact on children’s rights and stateless individuals.

Major lenders Santander and Barclays have introduced mortgage deals below 4%, signalling increased competition in the sector. These offers follow expectations that the Bank of England will continue to cut interest rates, allowing lenders to lower borrowing costs. Currently, the average two-year fixed mortgage rate is 5.48%, and the five-year average is 5.29%, but further declines are expected as lenders adjust to market trends. 800,000 fixed-rate mortgages under 3% are set to expire annually until 2027, meaning many homeowners will still face higher monthly payments. However, with the Bank of England expected to cut rates further, experts predict continued mortgage rate reductions, offering relief to borrowers. Financial experts are advising homeowners to review their options and switch to better deals where possible. The Bank of England reports that the UK economy grew slightly, by 0.1% in the last quarter of 2024. See

Sexual abuse survivors have reacted with anger and disappointment after the Church of England's General Synod rejected a move to full independent safeguarding, instead opting for a partially independent model. Survivors had urged the Church to transfer all safeguarding officers to an external independent body, removing bishop oversight, but Synod members delayed full independence, promising only 'further work' on the issue. Advocates condemned the decision, calling it a failure to restore trust and accusing the Church of 'marking their own homework'. Survivor advocate Andrew Graystone called the decision 'shocking arrogance'. The Church has faced multiple safeguarding scandals, leading to former Archbishop Justin Welby’s resignation. His temporary replacement, Archbishop Stephen Cottrell, admitted to past failures but defended the new model, calling it a step toward greater independence. Critics, however, see it as delaying much-needed reform and a betrayal of abuse victims.

Experts warn that the Government cannot boost economic growth without addressing the mental health crisis affecting young people. A coalition of four mental health organisations has called for urgent action, rejecting claims that the crisis is exaggerated or over-medicalised. The statistics are alarming: one in five children and young people struggle with anxiety or depression, and the number of 16-34-year-olds who say mental ill health limits their ability to work has quadrupled in a decade. The economic impact is staggering, with an estimated £24 billion lost annually in workplace productivity and £1 trillion in lifetime lost earnings. Additionally, the cost of delays in accessing support stands at £295 million per year. Campaigners are urging the Government to increase investment in mental health services, improve early intervention, and investigate social media’s role in rising mental distress. The government has pledged £26 million for new crisis centres and plans to provide specialist mental health professionals in schools, but critics say the response remains inadequate.

Keir Starmer has faced criticism in parliament over the UK’s agreement to hand over the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, amid reports that the cost of the deal had risen from £9bn to £18bn. Both the Government and Mauritius denied the £18bn figure but have not provided an alternative amount. Under the agreement, the UK would retain a lease on Diego Garcia (home to a UK-US military airbase) for 99 years. However, the deal was paused for review after Donald Trump’s re-election, as some US Republicans fear it could benefit China. Mauritius’ new prime minister, Navin Ramgoolam, has criticised the deal negotiated by his predecessor, citing concerns over inflation-proof payments. Kemi Badenoch accused Starmer of 'shovelling money to Mauritius’ while cutting winter fuel payments for pensioners. Labour argues that growing international legal pressure has made the UK’s control of the islands unsustainable, while critics argue no binding international ruling has been made. The future of the military base remains a key point of debate.