Displaying items by tag: United Kingdom

Matt and Beth Redman, Grammy-winning worship leaders, have publicly discussed the abuse they endured from Soul Survivor founder Mike Pilavachi. Matt Redman revealed that Pilavachi, whom he met at 13, engaged in inappropriate physical contact under the guise of discussing Redman's past sexual abuse as a child, often in secluded spaces. The Church of England's National Safeguarding Team found Pilavachi guilty of coercive and controlling behaviour, including wrestling youths and massaging young male interns. In their documentary ‘Let There Be Light’, the Redmans describe psychological and emotional abuse at Soul Survivor church, with Pilavachi alternating between inclusion and exclusion over minor issues. Matt emphasised the need for accountability over mere forgiveness, seeing these revelations as part of Jesus' cleansing of the Church. Beth expressed hope for healing from past wounds and a safer future for the Church. Further details on the allegations against Soul Survivor and Pilavachi are available in Premier's ‘Soul Survivors’ podcast. See

March marked the busiest month on record for A&E departments in England, with 2.35 million attendances. This surpasses the previous high, in December 2022. The total for the year up to March was also a record at 26.2 million. While there were slight improvements in waiting times, cancer response, and ambulance response times, these often fell short of NHS targets. Only 74.2% of patients were seen within four hours, missing the interim target of 76%. The number of patients waiting over 12 hours decreased from February, but remains high. For urgent cancer referrals, 75% of cases were diagnosed or ruled out within 28 days, yet the wait for first treatment after a cancer referral increased. Healthcare professionals are overstretched, highlighting the need for a comprehensive cancer strategy. Ambulance response times improved slightly but still exceeded the target times. The data coincide with a period of strikes and increased scrutiny of NHS performance. Research revealed that nearly half of NHS staff are considering work outside the health service; stress and workload are key factors.

Following a theft at St Matthew's Church, Burnley, Fr Alex Frost has appealed to those in financial distress to seek help rather than resorting to crime. On 15 March, during a choir rehearsal, a thief entered the unlocked church and stole around £1,000-worth of items, including a watch and charity donations. The incident prompted the church to issue a statement urging visitors to protect their belongings and warning that criminal acts will lead to prosecution. Fr Frost emphasised the church's willingness to assist those in need and discouraged speculation about the thief's identity. Saddened by the event, especially as the suspect might have been a previous aid recipient of the church, Fr Frost spoke of the desperation behind such actions and encouraged anyone struggling to reach out for support, promising guidance and assistance. In a compassionate note to the thief, he also expressed hope for their rehabilitation.

A letter signed by over 600 legal experts, including three ex-Supreme Court justices, says that the UK is potentially violating international law by supplying arms to Israel, The pressure on Rishi Sunak to halt arms exports is growing, The government has been facing growing calls to suspend arms exports to Israel after the killing of three British aid workers and four others in an Israeli airstrike. The letter calls for immediate action towards a ceasefire and sanctions against those inciting violence against Palestinians. It also advocates restoring funding to UNRWA, which had been cut amid allegations of staff involvement in the Hamas attack on Israel. The letter’s signatories emphasised the UK's legal responsibilities under international law, including the Genocide Convention. Labour’s shadow foreign secretary, David Lammy, has demanded that the Government disclose legal advice about Israel’s adherence to international law. See also

The UK and the USA have embarked on a landmark partnership for AI safety testing, with technology secretary Michelle Donelan formalising the collaboration. This will align the efforts of both nations' AI safety institutes to test and evaluate emerging AI models. Key elements include sharing scientific strategies, exchanging experts, and conducting joint AI model testing exercises. The move follows commitments made at last November's AI Safety Summit at Bletchley Park, where major firms like OpenAI and Google DeepMind agreed to voluntary testing of new models by safety institutes. The Department for Science, confirming the immediate start of this partnership, has stressed its role in addressing the rapid development and potential risks of AI. The Government has also announced a £100 million investment for AI regulation and safe usage, opting to use existing regulators for AI monitoring rather than creating a new central body.

Northern Ireland's first minister Michelle O’Neill is confident there is no threat to the region’s power-sharing structure following the resignation of Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson. Donaldson, who has been an MP since 1997, stepped down amid charges over alleged historical sexual offences, which he intends to 'strenuously contest’. This unexpected upheaval follows the power-sharing deal earlier this year, which was crucially dependent on Donaldson’s support. In response to the situation, O’Neill has proactively reached out to other party leaders (including Gavin Robinson, the interim DUP leader) and members of the ministerial executive, to ensure stability. Her priority is to keep the power-sharing government effective, focusing on day-to-day matters of public concern.Donaldson, who has led the DUP since 2021, is scheduled to appear in court on 24 April. Despite his suspension from the party, he reportedly retains his MP position.

A global manhunt is underway for a suspected hit squad believed to have fled the UK after stabbing Iranian journalist Pouria Zeraati in Wimbledon. The 36-year-old was attacked outside his home on 29 March, sustaining leg injuries. Counter-terrorism police, who are leading the investigation, say that two suspects escaped in a vehicle driven by a third person. The vehicle was later found abandoned in New Malden and is being examined by forensic experts. The suspects reportedly reached Heathrow Airport and left the country. The hunt involves Scotland Yard, Britain’s intelligence services, the National Crime Agency, and Interpol. Zeraati, who was discharged from the hospital and is now in hiding, expressed gratitude for the support received on Instagram. The Metropolitan Police have not confirmed the motive, but given Zeraati’s role as a journalist and recent threats against UK-based Iranian journalists, anti-terror units are involved. Iran's charge d’affaires in the UK denied any involvement in the attack.

In a significant move to enhance dementia care, thousands in the UK will participate in a trial to test blood for dementia, led by University College London and Oxford University. This five-year study aims to facilitate early access to care, support, and emerging drug treatments. About 5,000 volunteers will be involved in researching blood tests for Alzheimer's and other dementias. Currently, diagnostic methods like PET brain scans or spinal lumbar punctures, which detect brain proteins linked to Alzheimer's, are costly and underutilised. This trial explores more accessible blood tests, potentially a more economical and straightforward approach. The aim of the study (which focuses on various forms of dementia, including Alzheimer's) is to improve diagnosis rates, particularly in early stages or mild memory issues. This trial holds promise, especially with the development of new drugs like Lecanemab and Donanemab, which potentially slow the progression of the disease. Alzheimer’s Research UK has highlighted the critical need for advances in dementia diagnosis, mirroring progress in other diseases.

Victims and campaigners are calling for faster and increased payouts from the Windrush compensation scheme, established five years ago by the Home Office. This was set up in response to the scandal where thousands of British residents were mistakenly identified as illegal immigrants, leading to wrongful deportations and denials of basic rights. As of January, over £80 million has been distributed across 2,233 claims, but delays raise concerns, particularly for the elderly. Jacqueline McKenzie, working with over 400 victims, has said the Home Office needs to expedite decisions, citing re-traumatisation among the victims, many of whom have already died. Anjali, whose late father Singh was a victim, received his compensation posthumously, a year after his death. Singh faced homelessness and deportation threats due to his unverified UK status. The Home Office says that the scheme will remain open indefinitely; over 82% of claims have been concluded, with ongoing efforts to maximise and expedite awards.

In their Easter messages, Justin Welby and King Charles addressed themes of hope, service, and community. Archbishop Welby, in his Easter letter, reflected on the enduring message of the scripture 'Feed my sheep' (John 21:15-17). He stressed the importance of the Church's pastoral care, despite its historical shortcomings, including conflicts and persecution. Welby's message was shaped by his experiences in conflict zones like Jerusalem, Armenia, and Ukraine, emphasising the despair and trauma faced by people there. But he highlighted the resilient hope found in Jesus Christ, the shepherd, urging Christians to avoid despair and embrace the peace and reconciliation offered by Christ. King Charles, in a recorded message for a Maundy Thursday service at Worcester Cathedral, praised those extending friendship and care, especially during times of need. He emphasised service to others, echoing his coronation vow. See