Chief of the Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Richard Knighton, has warned that the nation needs more people prepared to defend the country amid growing global instability and rising threats from Russia. He called for a 'whole-of-society response' to deter conflict, stressing the importance of strengthening regular forces, reserves, cadets, and the defence workforce. While he said the likelihood of a direct Russian attack on the UK remains remote, he highlighted intensifying hybrid threats, including cyber-attacks, suspected sabotage, and hostile surveillance near UK waters. He described Russia’s military as increasingly sophisticated, combat-experienced, and expanding in hard power, despite setbacks in Ukraine. The UK, he said, must become a 'harder target' to avoid war rather than provoke it. Building national resilience, he argued, goes beyond military strength and includes universities, industry, energy, healthcare, and manufacturing. With defence spending set to rise sharply, he emphasised the need to inspire young people to pursue careers supporting national security. Recent investments include £50 million for new defence technical colleges to address critical skills gaps.

Weston-super-Mare is in deep shock following the tragic death of nine-year-old Aria Thorpe, who was fatally stabbed at her home on 15 December. The police confirmed that she died at the scene after suffering a single stab wound. Emergency services were called, but despite their efforts, she could not be saved. Police have now released two photographs, which reflect a joyful, much-loved child, whose loss has devastated family, friends, and neighbours. A 15-year-old boy has been charged with Aria’s murder and has been remanded into youth detention pending further court proceedings. Specialist police officers continue to support Aria’s family, while schools and local agencies are providing care for those affected by this traumatic event. The family has asked for privacy as investigations continue. See

The Government has announced new measures aimed at tackling violence against women and girls by addressing harmful attitudes at an early age. As part of a long-awaited strategy, teachers will be trained to recognise early signs of misogyny in boys and intervene before these views take root. Keir Starmer warned that 'toxic ideas' are often forming young and going unchallenged, noting research suggesting more than 40 per cent of young men hold favourable views of online misogynistic influencers. A £20 million package will support the strategy, including specialist teacher training on consent, online behaviour, and the risks of sharing intimate images. All secondary school pupils in England will be taught about healthy relationships, with mandatory lessons expected by 2029 following pilot schemes from 2026. An online helpline will also be launched for teenagers concerned about their own behaviour in relationships. The Government says early intervention is essential to prevent future harm, though critics warn that funding levels may be insufficient and that schools and victim support services are already under significant strain.

Police have arrested two people for racially aggravated public order offences after chants calling for 'intifada' were allegedly shouted at a pro-Palestinian protest in central London. The arrests followed a joint announcement by the Metropolitan Police and Greater Manchester Police that they would take decisive action against placards and chants using the phrase 'globalise the intifada', warning that words can incite violence and cause serious harm. The move comes amid heightened concern following recent attacks on Jewish communities, including a mass shooting in Sydney and a knife attack at a synagogue in Manchester. Police say communities are increasingly anxious and that enhanced measures are needed, including increased patrols and protection around synagogues, schools, and community venues. Jewish leaders have welcomed the decision as a necessary step to challenge hateful rhetoric, while some pro-Palestinian groups have criticised it as an infringement on protest rights. Keir Starmer has announced increased funding for Jewish security and ordered a review of protest and hate crime laws, underscoring the seriousness of rising tensions and antisemitism in the UK.