Displaying items by tag: controversy

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.

A rift within the Labour Party has surfaced over reported plans by Rachel Reeves to approve a third runway at Heathrow and expand operations at Gatwick and Luton airports. While she emphasises economic growth as the Government’s priority, several high-profile Labour figures, including Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham and London mayor Sadiq Khan, have voiced strong opposition. Burnham argues that prioritising airport expansion in the South could hinder infrastructure investment in northern England and concentrate growth in London. Khan cites concerns about worsening air quality, increased noise, and the impact on London’s net-zero emissions target by 2030. Key Labour figures, including  Keir Starmer and Ed Miliband, spoke against Heathrow’s expansion while they were in opposition. Reeves has countered criticism by stating that Britain’s reluctance to approve major projects has stalled economic growth. The debate highlights tensions between economic ambitions and environmental sustainability within Labour’s leadership.

Donald Trump has initiated a bold and controversial strategy for his return to power, unveiling cabinet appointments which embody his disregard for traditional governance. These selections, including individuals with histories of legal trouble, extremist ideologies, and controversial actions, aim to dismantle governmental structures Trump perceives as obstacles. Key appointments, such as Pete Hegseth as secretary of defence, reflect his intent to politicise institutions like the military, while figures like Robert F Kennedy Jr as health secretary highlight his disdain for scientific consensus. Others, such as Vivek Ramaswamy and Elon Musk, are to downsize federal agencies radically under a vaguely defined ‘department of government efficiency’. Trump’s intent to bypass Senate confirmation through recess appointments signals his push for one-man rule. His nominations seem to be not only instruments of policy but tools of intimidation and revenge, targeting perceived enemies and undermining traditional checks and balances in favour of centralised authority.

The Global Anglican Future Conference (GAFCON) has called on Archbishop Justin Welby to publicly repent for endorsing same-sex blessings, claiming his stance contradicts the traditional 'doctrine of Christ’. In a recent podcast, Welby advocated for allowing same-sex couples in civil partnerships or marriages to receive blessings in church, stating that sexual activity should be confined to committed relationships, regardless of sexual orientation. GAFCON contends that this viewpoint alters the doctrine of sin and supports what they see as a sanctification of sin. Evangelical groups across the UK, including the Evangelical Council and Christian Concern, have also voiced disapproval, suggesting that Welby’s remarks represent a significant departure from Anglican orthodoxy. Some groups are forming alternative structures, like the Anglican Network in Europe, to support members who feel unable to remain in the CofE under these evolving doctrines.

The Government’s plan to import biomass from countries like North Korea and Afghanistan to meet its net-zero targets has drawn sharp criticism, with experts labelling the strategy as ‘bonkers’. The plan, outlined in a bioenergy resource model, suggests a significant expansion of imported energy crops and wood to meet future demands. Critics argue that the reliance on biomass is flawed, especially considering its questionable role in reducing carbon emissions. The strategy assumes significant increases in global crop yields and overlooks the challenges posed by climate change and deforestation. Additionally, questions remain about whether countries like North Korea can comply with sustainability criteria. Further concerns include the impact on biodiversity, soil health, and Indigenous rights. A legal challenge against the biomass strategy claims it undermines the UK's ability to achieve net-zero by 2050.

A controversial plan to convert St John the Evangelist Church in Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent, into a mosque has ignited tensions in the community. The Grade 2 listed church, built in 1788, has been unused since the 1980s after its tower was declared unsafe. Purchased by Darul Falah Mosque for £140,000 in 2022, the building's transformation into a mosque has been blocked by the CofE due to a covenant prohibiting its use for non-Christian worship. The church has since become a target for vandalism, with boarded-up stained glass windows and security guards posted outside. The proposal has divided local residents; some welcome the building's revival, but others mourn the loss of its Christian heritage. This dispute comes amidst a broader national context of declining church attendance, rising numbers of Muslims, and growing tensions surrounding immigration. The church also became a focal point during the anti-immigration August 2024 riots.

Government-aligned Italian MEPs are defending a plan to detain migrant arrivals in Albania, despite NGOs calling it ‘cruel’. Two Italian-funded migrant reception centres in Albania, part of a five-year agreement, face delays and are now unlikely to open before the end of the year. Under this deal, Albania will host up to 36,000 asylum seekers a year while Italian authorities handle their cases. The upfront costs are arguably minor compared to managing migration in Italy, but critics, including Amnesty International, argue that the plan violates human rights by detaining migrants for long periods and externalising asylum procedures. The externalisation model, also seen in the now-discarded UK government’s Rwanda plan, is seen as effective by some EU states but raises concerns about human rights and costs.

A usually staid swearing-in procedure for Indian parliamentarians turned controversial when veteran opposition legislator Asaduddin Owaisi chanted ‘Jai Palestine’ after taking his oath. ‘Jai’, meaning victory in Sanskrit, can be translated as ‘Long live’. He was accused by colleagues from the ruling BJP of violating his constitutional pledge by showing loyalty to another nation, a charge he denied. During the ceremony, Owaisi swore his oath in Urdu, pledging loyalty to the country’s constitution - but then chanted ‘Jai Bhim, Jai Meem, Jai Telangana, Jai Filisteen’. Each slogan represents various communities and regions: ‘Jai Bhim’ for Dalits, ‘Jai Meem’ referring to his party AIMIM, ‘Jai Telangana’ for his home state, and ‘Jai Filisteen’ for Palestine. This incident, amid India's complex political landscape, highlights his advocacy for minority and Dalit rights. He has been an MP from Hyderabad since 2004 and president of AIMIM since 2008, and is known for his fiery oratory in Parliament.

In Arizona, Republican lawmakers faced a backlash as they swiftly shut down discussion on repealing a 1864 law banning abortion without exceptions, causing uproar. The state supreme court decided on 10 April to enforce the law: some Democrats have warned of potential fatalities if this extreme ban remains in place.  Abortion providers have vowed to continue services until forced to stop. Anti-abortion groups have hailed the decision, but abortion rights advocates have gathered over 50,000 signatures - far above what they need to add a ballot question asking voters to approve a constitutional amendment protecting the right to abortion until viability, when a foetus could survive outside the womb. This could be a key issue in November’s presidential election: see

The ‘Elgin Marbles’ are ancient Greek sculptures taken from the Parthenon in Athens and currently housed in the British Museum. The British government argues that the marbles are a part of world heritage, while Greece has called for their return to their homeland. The argument has flared up with the visit of the Greek prime minister to the UK. When he raised the issue in a TV interview, Rishi Sunak cancelled their scheduled meeting, claiming that he had reneged on his promise not to campaign publicly about their return. The Greek foreign minister, at a NATO meeting, has said their claim is based on ‘history’ and ‘justice’. This issue highlights the broader question of repatriating cultural artefacts taken during colonial times.