The government has announced that South Africa, battling crippling power blackouts, plans to add 2,500 megawatts of new nuclear generation. The country has Africa's only nuclear power station, but the Koeberg plant near Cape Town is currently only working at half capacity. The first of the new units will probably come on stream in 2032 or 2033. Electricity minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa said the extra nuclear power would be a significant milestone. He added that it would be part of the government action to ‘ending the existential challenge that is confronting the country’ over power shortages and long-term energy security. Rotating power cuts of up to twelve hours a day over the past fifteen years have badly hit the economy and the government's reputation as it heads into an election next year. National power company Eskom has been tainted by corruption and maintenance problems which have led to the power cuts. In a bid to extend the life of the Koeberg plant by twenty years, one unit was closed for nearly a year and the second unit was shut down for maintenance this week.
Shine your Light this Christmas!
07 Dec 2023
This Christmas, the World Prayer Centre, Birmingham encourages Christians to shine their light in their communities, grappling with a severe mental health crisis marked in part by alarming suicide rates across the UK. Tragic stories of despair, such as a teenager in Nottingham, a girl in Belfast suffering from online abuse, and a former rugby player's suicide, highlight the urgency of bringing hope and light to those in pain. The 'Shine Your Light' campaign urges Christians to step out of their churches and engage with their communities in meaningful ways. On the weekend of 16-17 December, through events in town halls, high streets, and public places, Christians will be encouraged to gather, pray, and ask for Jesus's light on the nation. Churches and individuals are invited to sign up and participate, bringing hope and the light of Jesus to their communities. For further details, including the resources available, go to the campaign website below.
A new survey for London City Mission (LCM) reveals that most Christians, particularly those interacting with people from similar social backgrounds, feel confident about sharing their faith. It surveyed 1,007 practising Christians who regularly attend church, read the Bible, and pray. 78% are confident in discussing their faith with non-Christians, 89% see it as important, and 76% wish to do so more frequently. Christians most commonly share their faith with friends (42%), family (42%), and colleagues (37%). However, 30% feel less comfortable discussing faith with those from different social backgrounds, and similar numbers struggle with people of different nationalities (29%) or other faiths (29%). Sharing faith with marginalised groups like the homeless or refugees is challenging for 20%. Hesitations stem from concerns about negative reactions, fear of saying the wrong thing, and respecting others' beliefs. LCM’s Efrem Buckle highlighted the 'gospel poverty' in London, urging action to bridge gaps with deprived communities. To aid this, LCM has introduced 'Everyday Evangelism', a resource hub and podcast, to encourage and guide Christians in broader evangelism.
During this week's Covid inquiry, former prime minister Boris Johnson faced intense scrutiny over his government's handling of the pandemic. Johnson expressed sorrow for the 'loss and suffering' caused by Covid, but bereaved families dismissed his apology, asserting that 'the dead won't hear your apologies’. Johnson acknowledged the government's mistakes and claimed personal responsibility for decisions made, while admitting they were 'oblivious' to the virus's severity early on. Key moments from the inquiry included Johnson's admission of government errors, his reliance on advisers over SAGE meeting notes, and his contemplation of sacking health secretary Matt Hancock. He also faced allegations of asking why the economy was being damaged for those 'who will die anyway soon' and overseeing a 'toxic' culture in Downing Street that hindered the pandemic response. The inquiry, chaired by Baroness Heather Hallet, was marked by protests and interruptions from Covid victims' representatives. Johnson's two-day testimony is part of a larger investigation into UK decision-making and governance during the pandemic, focusing on the government's delayed reaction and alleged mismanagement.
Robert Jenrick has resigned as the UK's immigration minister due to disagreements about the Government's new proposed Rwanda legislation, which he believes does not offer sufficient protections to end legal challenges that hinder the scheme. He stated that he found the proposal inadequate for successful implementation, describing it as ‘a triumph of hope over experience’. Sunak expressed disappointment, emphasising the risk of collapsing the scheme by entirely excluding the courts. The Rwanda option, aimed at deterring Channel crossings by asylum seekers, has faced delays and legal challenges, with no transfers as yet. The new bill seeks to circumvent the UK Supreme Court's ruling against the plan by limiting the applicability of the Human Rights Act (HRA) and other laws. However, it stops short of overriding the entire HRA and the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), as some Conservative MPs desired. Labour's Yvette Cooper criticised the chaotic situation, highlighting the government's struggles. The bill’s potential success seems uncertain amid legal challenges and political divisions within the Conservative party.
UK sanctions, Chinese response
07 Dec 2023
The UK has imposed new sanctions on several Chinese firms, accusing them of aiding Russia's military actions in Ukraine. China, strongly opposing these measures, has warned of a 'firm response' to any actions that harm its interests. The British sanctions, part of a broader initiative targeting 46 entities across countries like Belarus, Serbia, Turkey, the UAE, and Uzbekistan, aim to disrupt support for Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Three Chinese companies - Asia Pacific Links, Sinno Electronics, and Xinghua - have been targeted for allegedly supplying restricted goods to Russia. Entities in the UAE involved in the Russian oil trade and a Belarusian defence organisation supporting Russia's military efforts have also been sanctioned. Junior foreign minister Anne-Marie Trevelyan emphasised the sanctions' role in weakening Russia's defence capabilities and curtailing illegal supply chains. This move, in collaboration with G7 and international allies, intensifies pressure on Putin and entities aiding Russia. The total count of UK sanctions now includes over 1,600 individuals and 250 entities.
Section 114 fear for 1 in 5 councils
07 Dec 2023
A Local Government Association (LGA) survey reveals that about 20% of council leaders and executives in England anticipate possibly issuing Section 114 notices, reflecting an inability to balance budgets due to funding shortfalls. A projected £4 billion funding deficit over the next two years, necessary to maintain service levels, was not addressed in the recent Autumn Statement. Councils, facing the prospect of increasing council tax by up to 3%, are caught in a dilemma of balancing funding needs against the financial pressures on households. The survey found that half of the leaders doubted their ability to meet legal requirements next year, and almost two-thirds saw no Autumn Statement measures aiding their financial woes. The LGA points out a significant 27% decrease in councils' core spending power since 2010/11, worsened by the pandemic, growing service demands, and escalating costs. Immediate government intervention is needed. See
The UK faces severe weather challenges as the Met Office issues warnings for continued heavy rain, leading to potential flooding and travel disruptions. Chief forecaster Neil Armstrong anticipates several days of unsettled weather, with up to 80mm of rain in the west and 100mm in eastern Scotland's higher areas. He urges the public to stay informed about weather updates and flood warnings. There are several yellow weather warnings of heavy rainstorms for 6 December. Following recent cold weather, they are likely to increase flooding risks, especially in the west. Persistent rain is predicted until 9 December, with a short respite expected in the southern regions, though the north will continue to see showers. England currently has 22 flood warnings and 111 alerts, with more alerts in Wales and Scotland. Simon Williams from RAC Breakdown has advised drivers to exercise caution against flood risks, suggesting they avoid deep water, slow down, and maintain safe distances to prevent aquaplaning.