Displaying items by tag: United Kingdom

The Government is preparing a significant overhaul of workers' rights, introducing several new measures aimed at improving job security and flexibility for millions of employees. Key changes include the removal of the two-year qualifying period for unfair dismissal protection, enabling workers to receive statutory sick pay (SSSP) from their first day of illness, and giving fathers access to paternity leave from day one of employment. Also, workers will be entitled to unpaid parental and bereavement leave from day one, and employers will be expected to consider flexible working requests immediately. However, the bill has faced criticism for delays and certain measures being watered down. Small business owners have expressed concerns over the potential impact on hiring decisions, probation periods, and the management of zero-hours contracts. Trade unions have welcomed the changes but insist more needs to be done.

In a surprising turn, on 9 October James Cleverly was eliminated from the Conservative Party leadership race, leaving Robert Jenrick and Kemi Badenoch as the final contenders. On 9 October, when Tory MPs voted, Badenoch regained her position as the favourite, receiving 42 votes, while Jenrick followed closely with 41 votes. Cleverly, who had gained momentum after the Conservative Party conference, had led the previous day’s ballot with 39 votes, but only secured 37 votes and so failed to advance. Both Badenoch and Jenrick represent the right wing of the party, and key issues in the final race are expected to include immigration and the UK's membership in the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR). Jenrick is for leaving the ECHR, while Badenoch prefers a review, with the possibility of leaving if necessary. The result sets up a contest between two candidates offering distinct visions for the future. The outcome, to be decided by the votes of party members, will be announced on 2 November.

An investigation into concerns surrounding orthopaedic surgeon Yaser Jabbar has expanded to include four more London hospitals. Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) had launched a review of 721 children treated by him after concerns were raised about his care. The inquiry now involves three private hospitals as well as Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust. An investigation in 2022, conducted by the Royal College of Surgeons, found significant concerns regarding Mr Jabbar's medical practice. Out of the 37 cases reviewed, 22 children were harmed, with thirteen suffering severe harm. Families of affected patients have raised concerns over the lack of documentation and governance in his decision-making processes. Solicitor Caroline Murgatroyd, representing the families, has called for full transparency across all hospitals where he worked. Mr Jabbar, who no longer holds a UK medical licence, now resides in Dubai.

Two Scottish Labour MPs have surprised their leader Anas Sarwar by voting against the party line in support of a non-binding motion urging the UK government to reverse cuts to the winter fuel payment. The motion, proposed by first minister John Swinney, was passed by a large majority, with members of all other parties, including the Scottish Conservatives, backing it. Making this payment dependent on means testing, part of a broader debate about austerity measures inherited from the Conservative government, is opposed by the SNP. Sarwar defended Labour’s position, arguing that the Chancellor did not want to cut the payment but was constrained by the economic challenges left by the previous administration. However, critics have warned that the cuts would force many elderly citizens to choose between heating and eating this winter.

The Government’s plan to import biomass from countries like North Korea and Afghanistan to meet its net-zero targets has drawn sharp criticism, with experts labelling the strategy as ‘bonkers’. The plan, outlined in a bioenergy resource model, suggests a significant expansion of imported energy crops and wood to meet future demands. Critics argue that the reliance on biomass is flawed, especially considering its questionable role in reducing carbon emissions. The strategy assumes significant increases in global crop yields and overlooks the challenges posed by climate change and deforestation. Additionally, questions remain about whether countries like North Korea can comply with sustainability criteria. Further concerns include the impact on biodiversity, soil health, and Indigenous rights. A legal challenge against the biomass strategy claims it undermines the UK's ability to achieve net-zero by 2050.

A controversial plan to convert St John the Evangelist Church in Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent, into a mosque has ignited tensions in the community. The Grade 2 listed church, built in 1788, has been unused since the 1980s after its tower was declared unsafe. Purchased by Darul Falah Mosque for £140,000 in 2022, the building's transformation into a mosque has been blocked by the CofE due to a covenant prohibiting its use for non-Christian worship. The church has since become a target for vandalism, with boarded-up stained glass windows and security guards posted outside. The proposal has divided local residents; some welcome the building's revival, but others mourn the loss of its Christian heritage. This dispute comes amidst a broader national context of declining church attendance, rising numbers of Muslims, and growing tensions surrounding immigration. The church also became a focal point during the anti-immigration August 2024 riots.

Sir Keir Starmer made his first visit to Brussels this week, aiming to rebuild UK-EU relations post-Brexit. His visit focused on strengthening cooperation in defence, security, energy, climate change, and tackling irregular migration. While Starmer’s message of 'sensible leadership' was welcomed, the EU remains cautious, particularly regarding Labour’s call to reduce trade barriers. The EU reminded Starmer that these barriers stem from the UK’s decision to leave the single market and customs union, which he reaffirmed will not be renegotiated. Discussions on migration found some agreement, particularly regarding stopping people-smuggling gangs. However, European leaders remain divided on migration policy, with some calling for the UK to open more legal pathways for asylum-seekers. Other negotiations include easing trade restrictions on UK exports and a proposed youth mobility scheme. The EU wants the UK to comply with existing agreements before opening new negotiations, signalling that while cooperation may improve, trade-offs will be required on both sides.

Jamie Stevenson, one of the UK's most wanted men, was sentenced to 20 years in prison for masterminding a plot to smuggle nearly a tonne of cocaine from Ecuador to Scotland, hidden in a banana shipment. Known as 'Iceman,' Stevenson pleaded guilty to directing the drug operation, which was intercepted by Border Force at Dover in 2020. The cocaine, valued between £76 million and £100 million, was addressed to a Glasgow fruit merchant. Stevenson was also involved in producing and supplying the drug etizolam. His arrest was part of Operation Pepperoni, which targeted criminal activities on the encrypted communication platform EncroChat. Stevenson fled the UK but was arrested in the Netherlands in 2022 and extradited. Authorities praised the investigation that brought him to justice, emphasising the harmful impact of his criminal activities on communities. His conviction highlights the ongoing battle against organised crime in the UK: others involved in the crime were also sentenced.

The Guardian reports that the Treasury has asked ministers to prepare for cuts of up to 10% in infrastructure spending, targeting projects such as hospital upgrades, road construction, and defence initiatives. Despite Chancellor Rachel Reeves' recent commitment to increased investment to stimulate growth, the government still faces a £22 billion financial shortfall. Economists warn that cutting capital investments could harm the economy and exacerbate the country's deteriorating public infrastructure. Reeves, set to deliver her first budget on 30 October, is expected to outline tax increases to fund public services, while also addressing departmental spending limits established before inflation and rising asylum costs worsened the deficit. However, some ministers argue that short-term cuts will hinder long-term economic progress.

A 14-year-old girl has sustained serious, potentially life-changing injuries after an acidic substance was thrown at her and another teenager outside Westminster Academy in Westbourne Park, London. The incident, which took place after school hours, also injured a 16-year-old boy and a staff member who attempted to help. The suspect, described as a tall black male riding an e-scooter, fled the scene after the attack. The injured girl remains hospitalised, while the teenage boy's injuries are not life-threatening. The school was closed following the incident, with lessons moved online, and counselling support is being provided to students. The local council has also offered psychological support to the school community. Westminster City Council leader Adam Hug called the attack 'truly shocking': he said that the council would work with police to offer reassurance and assistance during this traumatic time.