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Politics

Assisted dying debate divides doctors ahead of bill vote

Jun 12, 2025 Staff

The controversial and divisive issue of assisted dying is a difficult conversation that needs to be had because death ultimately affects us all. Even if one is fortunate enough to…

Politics

Ballymena riots: Residents flee as locals express anger

Jun 12, 2025 Staff

Here we go again. It was not long after 8pm when a police announcement over a tannoy mounted on their armoured vehicles reverberated around for all to hear. «Force is…

Politics

The government has informed MPs that it will proceed with its contentious disability benefit reforms, scheduled to be presented to parliament later this month. Despite concerns from over 100 Labour MPs regarding plans to reduce nearly £5bn from the welfare budget by limiting personal independence payments (PIP) and health top-ups to Universal Credit, the government remains steadfast in its decision. Charities have warned that these changes could have a devastating impact on vulnerable individuals. The chair of the Commons’ Work and Pensions Committee had urged the government to postpone the reforms for a thorough assessment of their potential effects on employment, poverty, and health. However, the Work and Pensions Secretary, Liz Kendall, has rejected this suggestion, stating that the bill must receive final approval from parliament in November for the changes to be implemented in 2026. Kendall emphasized the need for immediate action to assist individuals capable of working to secure employment. The Work and Pensions Secretary has informed MPs that the controversial disability benefit reforms will proceed next year. The government emphasizes the need for these changes due to the increasing number of young people not in education, employment, or training, along with nearly 2.8 million individuals out of work due to long-term sickness. With an additional £18 billion set to be spent on health and disability benefits, the government believes a change in course is necessary. The government has clarified that not every proposal is up for consultation, but rather, Parliament will have the opportunity to debate, propose amendments, and vote on urgent reforms that are not subject to consultation. The reforms are deemed essential to ensure the sustainability of the system while still providing support to those with the greatest needs, especially as the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) caseload and costs are projected to continue rising. The plan includes requiring claimants to achieve four points out of eight in their assessment to qualify for PIP, potentially impacting 370,000 existing claimants. Additionally, adjustments will be made to the health top-up for Universal Credit, freezing it at £97 a week for existing claimants and reducing it to £50 a week for new claimants. Claimants with the most severe conditions, deemed unable to work, will not undergo reassessment for peace of mind. The government will allocate £1 billion for targeted support schemes to assist disabled individuals in finding employment.

Jun 11, 2025 Staff

The government has informed MPs that it will not retract its controversial reforms to disability benefits, which are scheduled to be presented to parliament later this month. Over 100 Labour…

Politics

Reeves pledges £29bn extra per year for NHS, vows to end asylum hotels

Jun 11, 2025 Staff

Day-to-day spending on the NHS will increase by £29bn a year, Rachel Reeves has announced as she accepted voters are yet to feel an improvement under Labour. Delivering her spending…

Politics

Three boys charged with murder in Manchester stabbing case

Jun 11, 2025 Staff

Three boys – two aged 14 and a 16-year-old – have been charged with murder over the death of a 14-year-old who was stabbed in Manchester. Ibrahima Seck was found…

Politics

Ballymena Protests: Violence Escalates with No End in Sight

Jun 11, 2025 Staff

The grim and violent side of Ballymena, Northern Ireland, was once again prominently displayed last night. Angry mobs rampaged through the streets for a second consecutive evening, prompting riot police…

Politics

Experts say that President Trump’s «anti-migrant rhetoric» is actually benefiting the UK’s tech industry. According to Husayn Kassai, founder of the UK’s AI Hub and CEO of Quench AI, the US’s foreign policy and anti-migrant stance are discouraging founders and operators. This has led to some students and tech professionals considering the UK over the US for opportunities. The current US political landscape has seen rapid implementation of policies targeting immigrant communities, prompting some in California to protest. Kassai, who chose to start his new venture in the UK due to its talent pool, highlights the attractiveness of the UK for tech ventures. The UK’s tech industry is gaining a competitive edge as a result of Trump’s policies, with more AI talent being drawn to the UK over the US. Experts say that Trump’s ‘anti-migrant rhetoric’ is giving the UK’s tech industry a competitive edge, especially with the current political climate in the US. One expert noted that in places like San Francisco, AI talent may be more abundant, but it’s not easily accessible to early-stage startups due to high salaries offered by big companies like Meta and Google. Talent is a crucial factor in determining where companies choose to operate, with one expert emphasizing the importance of attracting international talent to the UK. Laura Citron, chief executive of London and Partners, highlighted the significance of creating an environment that welcomes international businesses and talent, especially in light of geopolitical changes. The UK is positioned as the third-largest AI market globally, trailing only behind the US and China. With predictions that every industry in the UK will become a tech industry within the next decade, the government is investing in initiatives like AI training programs for students to bolster the economy. While changes in US immigration policies may drive more tech workers to the UK, the US remains an attractive destination due to its financial resources. Despite this, some experts believe that the US may eventually lose its competitive edge in the tech industry as AI reduces the need for extensive capital investment. Recent acquisitions of UK tech businesses by US companies underscore the financial allure of the US, but experts foresee a shift in the industry dynamics in the future.

Jun 10, 2025 Staff

According to tech executives, President Trump’s «anti-migrant rhetoric» may actually be benefiting the UK’s tech industry. «If the US continues its foreign policy, anti-migrant rhetoric, it’s going to put founders…

Politics

Alleged Hainault sword attacker filmed unboxing samurai weapon, court sees footage

Jun 10, 2025 Staff

Police have released video footage of the alleged killer of a 14-year-old boy unboxing a samurai sword and calling the weapon «freaking sexy». Marcus Monzo, 37, denies murdering teenager Daniel…

Politics

Potential Thunderstorms and Heavy Rainfall Expected in UK This Week

Jun 10, 2025 Staff

Thunderstorm alerts could be issued this week – with forecasters anticipating «intense rainfall» across parts of the UK. Some areas could see up to 40mm of rain in a few…

Politics

Government Commits £14.2bn to Sizewell C Nuclear Power Station

Jun 10, 2025 Staff

Fifteen years after the Sizewell C nuclear power station was proposed, the government will announce a £14.2bn commitment to the Suffolk site. Chancellor Rachel Reeves is set to confirm the…

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Politics

Many victims of grooming gangs, like Fiona Goddard who says she was raped by over 50 men in Bradford, are hopeful for a national inquiry after facing disappointment with local investigations. Despite the council’s insistence that they had already conducted an independent case review, victims like Fiona believe more needs to be done. The findings from the 2021 review highlighted significant failings in addressing child sexual exploitation, with agencies failing to protect vulnerable individuals like Fiona. The lack of accountability and failure to investigate further when Fiona became pregnant at 15 are clear indications that more needs to be done to address these issues. A national inquiry would provide a platform for these victims to seek justice and ensure that these failings are not repeated in the future. Many victims are likely to welcome a national inquiry into grooming gangs, as accountability has been lacking in previous investigations. Fiona Goddard, a survivor of grooming and abuse, expressed dissatisfaction with the independent review conducted in her case, which failed to address the full extent of the abuse she experienced. Additionally, the connections between perpetrators in different cities suggest a need for a broader investigation to uncover the networks involved in trafficking women. Local inquiries may not have the capacity to fully explore these networks. Fiona believes that there are links back to Bradford, but victims from various cities often perceive their abusers as being at the center of the issue. A case in Humberside was reopened after a Sky News investigation in 2022, highlighting the ongoing prevalence of grooming gangs across the country. «Anna,» another victim, also supports the idea of a national inquiry.

Jun 14, 2025 Staff
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