Displaying items by tag: United Kingdom

The upcoming Brexit rule changes, effective from 31 January, are expected to increase food prices in the UK. New regulations will require additional paperwork for EU businesses exporting animal and plant products to the UK, particularly affecting medium and high-risk foods. From April, physical checks will be implemented on these goods. In October, a broader range of items will be reclassified from low to medium risk, necessitating more paperwork. This reclassification will particularly impact fruit and vegetables, with an estimated £200 million added to import costs, likely to be passed on to consumers. Businesses transporting mixed consignments and local wholesalers may face significant impacts. The Government, while acknowledging potential price increases, suggests a negligible impact overall. These changes aim to protect the UK's biosecurity and support efficient trade.

Official data indicates that diagnoses of mental health and behavioural conditions such as ADHD and autism have risen sharply post-Covid, affecting one in nine British children. The number of children classified as disabled has increased by over a third since the pandemic, reaching 1.6 million. This includes a 144% increase in children receiving benefits for behavioural disorders. In 2021-22, 11% of children reported a life-limiting condition lasting over a year, up from 8% in 2019-20. The DWP reports a 69% rise in disability benefits claims for children in the last decade, with a 17% increase since Covid began. Child disability payments, now at £3 billion, are projected to hit £5 billion by 2030. Over 650,000 children receive disability allowance, with nearly half for learning disabilities, which have surged by 37% in five years. Behavioural disorders like ADHD have more than doubled, affecting around 140,000 children. Experts attribute these trends to factors like increased awareness, lockdown effects, and changing definitions of mental health issues. The government acknowledges the heightened awareness of these conditions, and says it is committed to a balanced welfare system.

MPs have issued a stark warning that the Government must address a £4 billion funding shortfall in council budgets to prevent more local authorities from becoming bankrupt. In the past six years, eight councils have been unable to balance their budgets, compared to none in the previous 18 years. The cross-party levelling up committee highlighted the urgent need for action, with increased demands in social care, children's services, and homelessness exacerbating the crisis. The Local Government Association warns that one in five English councils are on the verge of bankruptcy, with many unable to fund essential services. Despite the Government's proposal to increase council funding by 6.5% for 2024-5, MPs argue this is insufficient to close the £4 billion gap. The Local Government Association acknowledges these challenges, foreseeing inevitable council tax hikes and service cuts. Despite the £600m support package for councils announced last week, MPs stress the need for more comprehensive financial solutions.

The Government is set to ban disposable vapes in an effort to reduce vaping among youth, following an alarming rise in use by 11- to 17-year-olds. The ban will target the marketing and sale of vapes to children, with Rishi Sunak ensuring access to vaping alternatives for adult smokers. Despite being less harmful than cigarettes, vaping’s long-term health impacts remain uncertain. The vaping industry criticises the ban, fearing it will fuel a black market and put children at greater risk. The proposal, seen as a balance between protecting children and aiding smokers, follows a trend in countries like Australia, France, Germany, and New Zealand. Additionally, nicotine pouches will be banned for minors. The Government will consult on specific measures, such as sales methods for refillable vapes. New fines will be introduced for illegal sales to minors, and a £30m package will support enforcement. The ban has faced varied reactions; some advocate stricter import and access controls as more effective solutions.

Four years into the Covid pandemic, the virus continues to evolve rapidly, affecting the UK population and healthcare system. Approximately 1.2 million people in England and Scotland are now estimated to have Covid; the latest significant strain is the JN1 variant of Omicron. Despite lower peaks than in previous years, the virus still causes multiple waves, exacerbated by reduced vaccination scope and emerging variants. Hospitalisations have declined, with fewer than 5,000 weekly admissions in England since early 2023, thanks to vaccine effectiveness. The anti-vax movement has influenced public perception, but vaccines have significantly reduced Covid mortality. Long Covid remains a concern, affecting almost two million people in the UK and adding financial strain to healthcare services. Excess deaths in 2023 were still above the five-year average, indicating ongoing challenges for the NHS, including treatment backlogs. The pandemic has underscored health inequalities and the importance of comprehensive public health strategies. Future measures include seasonal vaccines and improved indoor air quality to combat evolving variants.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.