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.
Teenager seriously hurt in acid attack at school
04 Oct 2024
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.
People told to read meters as energy bills rise
04 Oct 2024
Energy bills are to rise in England, Wales, and Scotland; households using typical amounts of gas and electricity will now pay about £149 more, bringing the average bill to £1,717 a year. Experts are urging billpayers to submit accurate meter readings to avoid being charged for estimated energy use at the new, higher rate. This price increase comes as winter approaches, but without extra cost-of-living payments or universal winter fuel payments for pensioners, causing concern for many. The price cap, set by energy regulator Ofgem, has been adjusted, raising gas and electricity unit prices and standing charges. Energy debts have also risen, with households collectively owing £3.7 billion to suppliers. Support for vulnerable customers is available through initiatives by energy companies, and pensioners on low incomes may be eligible for pension credit. Forecasters are predicting a slight drop in prices in January, providing some relief, but many fear these increases will exacerbate financial difficulties for households already struggling with high costs.
Christians gathered in London to rally for free speech as the Court of Appeal heard the case of Kristie Higgs, a Christian school worker who expressed concerns in 2019 about LGBT+ education at her son's CofE primary school. Higgs was dismissed from the school for ‘gross misconduct’ after sharing Facebook posts criticising the 'No Outsiders in Our School' programme, which introduced topics such as gender identity and same-sex relationships. Following an anonymous complaint, Higgs was subjected to a disciplinary hearing and subsequently dismissed for allegedly bringing the school into disrepute. Supported by the Christian Legal Centre, she argued her dismissal violated her rights to religious freedom and free speech. Though a tribunal initially ruled against her, a successful appeal led to a rehearing. Now, Higgs seeks a final ruling from the Court of Appeal to prevent another tribunal and protect Christian employees’ free speech rights. The hearing’s outcome could significantly impact religious expression in the workplace.
Ukraine: Russia captures strategic town
04 Oct 2024
Russia has captured the strategic eastern Ukrainian town of Vuhledar, a significant blow to Ukraine as it faces its third wartime winter. Russian soldiers have raised their flag over the devastated town, once home to 14,000 people but now reduced to just over a hundred. Ukraine’s military confirmed their withdrawal, citing the threat of encirclement as Russian reinforcements arrived: their manpower advantage had finally broken Ukraine’s fierce resistance.The town sits at a crucial junction of Ukraine’s eastern and southern fronts: Ukraine now has to fight to stop the Russians advancing further west, making the prospect of retaking territory even more remote. This comes just after Volodymyr Zelensky's return from the USA, where he secured aid but not the security guarantees he sought. With Ukraine’s energy infrastructure still under attack, the coming winter will test its resilience even further.
Four Russian journalists have gone on trial in Moscow, accused of involvement in an ‘extremist’ group linked to FBK, an organisation set up by the late dissident Alexei Navalny. The defendants face up to six years in prison if convicted. The trial, which closed to the public after a brief open session, underscores the worsening climate for press freedom in Russia. The prosecutors allege that the journalist contributed to content for the YouTube channel run by FBK, which has been labelled an extremist organisation. As Russia tightens its grip on the media, 34 journalists and six other media workers are currently in detention, according to Reporters without Borders. Russia has intensified pressure on both domestic and foreign reporters since the start of its war in Ukraine.
An Israeli airstrike on central Beirut, targeting a building connected to Hezbollah’s health unit, has killed at least six people and wounded seven more. On 28 September another airstrike on the city resulted in the death of Hezbollah's leader, Hassan Nasrallah, and Israel has now launched a ‘limited’ ground offensive in southern Lebanon against Hezbollah. The two forces are currently engaged in fierce combat, with casualties on both sides. Caretaker prime minister Najib Mikati has said that about 1.2 million Lebanese have been displaced by Israeli attacks. Meanwhile, on 1 October Iran launched 180 missiles against Jerusalem, with remarkably few casualties, and Yemen’s Houthis and armed groups in Iraq have launched attacks in the region in support of Hamas in its war with Israel in Gaza.