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.
Revival events on US border draw many thousands
05 Apr 2024
'Revival on the Border,' led by Pastor Tony Suarez, surpassed its target, drawing about 9,000 people to Christian revival events in El Paso and McAllen, Texas. Initially aiming for 5,000 attendees, these late March gatherings included prayer, tent meetings, and nearly 70 baptisms. The nightly events were unexpectedly peaceful, and Border Patrol agents actively participated, requesting prayers. A 'prayer army' ministered across the US border, distributing Bibles and prayers. Impressed by the faith of the agents, Suarez's team found a tranquil atmosphere, contrary to national headlines. He plans to continue this expansive evangelical initiative. See
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
UK and US to partner on safety testing AI models
05 Apr 2024
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.