Displaying items by tag: United Kingdom

Thursday, 25 January 2024 20:31

Street preachers' charter is planned

The Christian Institute is creating a charter aimed at fostering understanding between police and street preachers regarding freedom of speech. In recent years, arrests of street preachers have become more common, often on grounds of hate crimes or causing public disorder. The charter's purpose is to clarify the rights and restrictions of street preachers while evangelising. It will also emphasise the importance of adhering to Biblical teachings and sensibility, encouraging preachers to document their activities in case of complaints. The goal is to have this charter endorsed by the police as a common understanding between those sharing the Gospel on the street and law enforcement. The move comes after a recent case in which Police Scotland wrongfully arrested a street preacher, resulting in substantial damages being awarded to him. The Christian Institute defends such preachers, highlighting the need to challenge the notion that simply claiming offence equates to a legal violation. It aims to support street preachers who adhere to the law, and encourages freedom of expression within the bounds of legality.

Published in Praise Reports

The Government has announced a £600 million bailout for local councils, primarily to support elderly care, in response to financial challenges faced by town halls. This emergency funding aims to prevent service cuts and potential bankruptcies. Councils are directed to focus the funding on urgent needs and reduce non-essential expenditures such as consultancy fees and diversity projects. The move follows alerts from over 40 Conservative backbenchers about the risk of increased council tax and reduced services. Financial struggles have already led to bankruptcy declarations from councils like Birmingham, Nottingham, Thurrock, and Woking. A survey reveals that nearly 20% of council leaders in England anticipate needing to implement austerity measures within the next two years. The bailout includes £500 million specifically for social care, and councils will also see a 4% increase in their core spending power. Additionally, £3 million is allocated for flood defence in vulnerable areas. See

Published in British Isles

Asghar Gheshalghian, a 48-year-old from Iran, has been jailed for eight years for money laundering in connection with people smuggling gangs involved in Channel crossings. He operated an unregistered money transfer business in North London, serving as a middleman for migrants and their families. He collected payments and, upon the migrants' safe arrival in the UK, passed the money to the gangs, earning a commission. His illicit activities were masked by a front business in rug dealing. Arrested in 2021 after a two-year investigation, Gheshalghian's premises were searched, resulting in the seizure of around £50,000. Phone evidence linked him to many Iranian migrants who claimed asylum in the UK. In total, he channelled about £1.6 million through his bank accounts. Evidence in his trial included covert recordings where Gheshalghian boasted about his criminal business. In sentencing him, Mr Justice Griffith emphasised his significant role in facilitating illegal immigration. The case highlights ongoing efforts to combat organised immigration crime.

Published in British Isles

Sexual health clinics across the UK are facing a crisis, leading to the rationing of condoms and a reduction in services. The budget for sexual health has been slashed by £64 million since 2014, resulting in staff shortages and closures of clinics. As a consequence, access to essential services like testing and treatment for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), contraception, and HIV prevention is increasingly limited. Experts warn that the cuts are counterproductive, potentially leading to higher long-term healthcare costs and unplanned pregnancies and reducing HIV transmission. Patients are now often required to demonstrate symptoms before being seen, leading to many asymptomatic individuals going undiagnosed and untreated. This situation is especially concerning given the rise in antibiotic-resistant strains of STIs. This crisis in sexual health services also raises issues of inequality, as the most affected are often young, LGBTQ+, or from lower socio-economic backgrounds. Advocates are calling for urgent government action to address the funding shortfall and prevent further deterioration of these vital services.

Published in British Isles
Thursday, 25 January 2024 20:07

Zombie knife crackdown launched by Home Office

The Home Office is intensifying its crackdown on 'zombie knives' following a surge in violent crimes involving these weapons. These knives, characterised by their large size and horror film-like appearance, have been increasingly used in serious assaults across London. In response, home secretary James Cleverly plans to extend the definition of a bladed article under the Offensive Weapons Act 2019, and to ensure tougher penalties for those found carrying them. He emphasised the Government's commitment to keeping communities safe and reducing the harm caused by knife crime. The crackdown on zombie knives is seen as a crucial step in addressing the growing concerns about violent crimes in London and across the UK. The Government is determined to tackle this issue head-on by ensuring that law enforcement agencies have the necessary tools and legislation to respond effectively to the threat posed by these weapons.

Published in British Isles

At London’s Guildhall on Holocaust Memorial Day, Rishi Sunak and others condemned the alarming rise in antisemitism. The day's theme, 'Fragility of Freedom,' highlighted the importance of freedom from fear for all, especially Jewish and Muslim communities. Sunak, in his video address, directly addressed the disturbing increase in antisemitism, emphasising the need to act on the lessons of the Holocaust. He described the resurgence of antisemitism as 'despicable' and 'sickening’. The Chief Rabbi also expressed concern over the ongoing threat of antisemitic attacks. This ceremony comes amid a significant rise in antisemitism and Islamophobia, often connected with the Gaza conflict. Survivors of the Holocaust and other genocides shared their harrowing experiences at the ceremony. Peter Lantos, a Holocaust survivor deported to a Nazi concentration camp at the age of five, recounted the horrors he witnessed, underscoring the day's message of 'never again’.

Published in British Isles
Thursday, 25 January 2024 19:41

Ghana: ‘crown jewels’ to be loaned by UK

The UK is sending 32 significant artefacts, including a gold peace pipe, to Ghana on long-term loan, 150 years after they were looted from the Asante king's court. 17 pieces are from the Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A), and 15 from the British Museum. The move aims to foster cultural cooperation after years of tension. Some UK museums are legally prohibited from permanently returning contested items, making loans a compromise for repatriation. However, there is a concern that loans imply acceptance of UK ownership. Tristram Hunt, V&A's director, likened the gold court regalia to the UK's Crown Jewels and stressed the importance of fair sharing. The three-year loan agreements, extendable for another three, are with Otumfo Osei Tutu II, the current Asante king, rather than the Ghanaian government. The artefacts will be displayed at his palace in Kumasi, the Asante region's capital, to celebrate his silver jubilee. These gold items are the ultimate symbol of the royal government and are believed to be invested with the spirits of former Asante kings.

Published in Worldwide

Angus Cameron, a Christian street preacher in Glasgow, Scotland, has won a substantial settlement after being wrongfully arrested for alleged 'homophobic language' in January 2022.  Police Scotland agreed to pay over £5,500 and £9,400 in legal fees, following a legal challenge by the Christian Institute, which represented Cameron. The incident began when Cameron was stopped by police, searched, handcuffed, and accused of a 'breach of the peace with homophobic aggravation’, a claim he firmly denied. Despite being released after an hour, a 'non-crime hate incident report' was filed against him, later leading to legal action for wrongful arrest, discrimination, and human rights breach. The Christian Institute revealed that the arrest lacked just cause, emphasising Cameron's peaceful preaching without targeting individuals or using offensive language. As a result, Police Scotland settled the case out-of-court, paying damages and legal costs, and removed the report from their records. This case highlights ongoing concerns about the rights of evangelical Christians to express religious views in Glasgow, referencing a similar case in 2022 involving Franklin Graham.

Published in Praise Reports
Thursday, 18 January 2024 22:00

Rishi Sunak sees off rebels as MPs back Rwanda bill

Rishi Sunak's Rwanda bill, aimed at preventing legal challenges to the UK's plan to send asylum seekers to Rwanda, has passed the House of Commons with 320 votes in favour and 276 against. Despite initial concerns from some Conservative MPs, only 11 voted against the bill. The legislation now faces opposition in the House of Lords. Sunak's government argues that this policy will deter migrants from illegally crossing the Channel into the UK. However, Labour criticises it as an ineffective and costly 'gimmick’. The plan has sparked divisions within the Conservative Party, with MPs like Robert Jenrick proposing amendments to bypass parts of human rights law, which were ultimately not adopted. Home secretary James Cleverly defended the bill as a clear message against illegal entry into the UK. The bill's passage in the Commons is a temporary victory for Sunak, but more challenges await in the House of Lords.

Published in British Isles

Amid freezing temperatures, criminal gangs have been condemned for their reckless actions in transporting around 200 migrants across the English Channel in dangerously cold conditions. The gangs have been criticised for their complete disregard for the safety of the migrants, using flimsy boats in treacherous weather, risking fatal outcomes. This risky crossing follows the recent tragic loss of five lives. The GB News' security editor highlighted how these gangs reduce the number of people per boat in bad weather, emphasising the perilous nature of these journeys. An investigation into 'aggravated manslaughter' has been launched following the recent capsising incident, underscoring the life-threatening risks involved. The Prime Minister's Rwanda bill, aimed at addressing this crisis, was passed by the House of Commons despite strong opposition and concerns over its compatibility with international law.

Published in British Isles
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