Displaying items by tag: United Kingdom

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

Two-year-old Bronson Battersby and his father Kenneth were found dead in their Skegness flat, a tragedy that has deeply distressed the community. Bronson, who craved love and attention, died of starvation and dehydration days after his 60-year-old father succumbed to a suspected heart attack. Their bodies were discovered on 9 January, following efforts by social services to contact them. Neighbours reported Kenneth struggling to cope as a single parent and his attempts to seek help from social services. Amanda Tovey, who lived above them, described Bronson as a child longing for affection and Kenneth as often frustrated and shouting at the boy. Despite Kenneth's efforts, Amanda believed he was overwhelmed, particularly in handling Bronson's tantrums. The social worker and the landlord found the bodies after gaining access to the flat. Lincolnshire Police stated the deaths were not suspicious, and the matter was passed to the coroner's office. A police investigation is now under way. The landlady of the building expressed her shock and sorrow over the deaths.

Published in British Isles
Thursday, 18 January 2024 21:52

Surprise increase in inflation

Inflation in the UK has unexpectedly risen to 4% in the year to December, surpassing economists' predictions of a decrease to 3.8%. This increase from November's 3.9% was primarily driven by higher tobacco and alcohol costs, following a government hike in smoking duties. The latest figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) do not yet reflect the full impact of increased shipping costs due to Red Sea diversions, triggered by Houthi attacks on commercial ships and subsequent UK and US airstrikes. These disruptions are expected to significantly raise goods prices into Europe, according to DP World's chief financial officer Yuvraj Narayan.Retail chains have responded by offering more sales.The Bank of England, striving to control inflation, has maintained a base interest rate of 5.25% since August. Core inflation, excluding volatile items like food and energy, remains at 5.1%, with food inflation dropping from 9.2% to 8%.Chancellor Jeremy Hunt acknowledges the uneven path of inflation reduction, emphasising the need for economic stability. Labour's Rachel Reeves and the Liberal Democrats' Sarah Olney highlighted the ongoing strain on families due to rising living costs.

Published in British Isles

Health experts have issued a stark warning as measles cases surge in England, largely due to a rise in unvaccinated children. In 2023, there were 1,603 suspected measles cases in England and Wales, a significant increase from the previous two years. The West Midlands is currently experiencing the most severe outbreak, with 198 confirmed and 104 probable cases, primarily among unvaccinated school-age children in Birmingham. Its Children’s Hospital reports treating over fifty children for measles in the past month, the highest number in decades. Measles, a highly contagious disease, requires 95% vaccine coverage to achieve herd immunity. However, vaccination rates have dropped below 90%, increasing the risk of severe infections, brain damage, and even death. Professor Sir Andrew Pollard stresses the urgent need for more vaccinations to prevent hospital admissions and fatalities. The UK, which has lost its measles-free status due to declining MMR vaccinations, faces potential outbreaks if vaccination rates do not improve. The NHS is urging parents to ensure their children receive two doses of the MMR vaccine to curb the spread of this serious disease.

Published in British Isles
Thursday, 18 January 2024 21:47

Covid jab skipped by 44%, study finds

A study published in the Lancet, focused on the summer of 2022, highlights that over 7,000 hospital admissions related to Covid-19 could have been prevented if the population had been fully vaccinated as recommended. The study analysed health records of the entire UK population over five years old. It found significant under-vaccination rates across the UK, with the highest in Northern Ireland (49.8%) and the lowest in Wales (32.8%). Different groups were recommended varying numbers of vaccine doses based on age and health conditions. The study also noted a correlation between under-vaccination and increased rates of severe illness, hospitalisation, and deaths from Covid. The research aims to inform public health campaigns and identify groups with lower vaccination rates, such as younger people, men, and those in poorer areas or from ethnic minorities. The potential of using large-scale NHS data for broader medical research was also emphasised. For more details, see the full article at the ‘More’ link below.

Published in British Isles
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