Rachel Reeves' 'mansion tax' plan
Reports suggest Chancellor Rachel Reeves may extend capital gains tax (CGT) to primary residences above a set threshold, sparking debate over a potential 'mansion tax’. Currently, homeowners pay no CGT when selling their main residence, but proposals would remove this exemption for higher-value properties. The Times estimates a £1.5m threshold could affect around 120,000 households, with bills reaching hundreds of thousands for long-term owners. Critics say it punishes older homeowners downsizing, discourages market mobility, and risks pushing wealth abroad. Many argue it unfairly double-taxes families already burdened by stamp duty. Property experts warn it could freeze the housing market, reducing sales and Treasury income. Supporters say it could help fill the £51bn fiscal shortfall while targeting wealthier households. Reeves has already cut CGT allowances in recent budgets and raised rates on shares and property. An announcement could come in the autumn Budget. Opponents argue re-banding council tax would be more effective and less disruptive.
UK signs deal with Iraq to speed up migrant returns
The Government has signed a new agreement with Iraq to accelerate the return of migrants who have no legal right to remain. Home office minister Dan Jarvis finalised the deal with Iraq’s deputy foreign minister, expanding cooperation on security, migration, and tackling smuggling networks - many run by Iraqi Kurds. While small-boat crossings overall remain at record highs, Iraqi arrivals have declined to 1,900 in the year to March 2025, down from 2,600 the previous year. The government argues this drop demonstrates the effectiveness of earlier cooperation. However, critics, including Conservative shadow home secretary Chris Philp, dismissed the new deal as 'measly’, pointing out that most small-boat arrivals are now from other nations. Not all Iraqis will be returned; about 26% have successfully claimed asylum on grounds of persecution. The agreement follows similar deals with Albania and Vietnam and a recent UK-France accord. Ministers insist such measures strengthen border security, while critics argue that crossings remain unacceptably high.
Former CofE priest found guilty of 17 indecent assaults
Chris Brain, a former CofE priest and founder of the Nine O’Clock Service (NOS), has been convicted of 17 counts of indecent assault against nine women. The NOS, active between 1986 and 1995, blended rave culture with worship but was later exposed as a manipulative, closed environment in which Brain exploited his authority. Prosecutors told the court that some victims, recruited to a 'homebase team' to care for Brain and his family, were pressured into sexual favours and treated as servants. The group referred to some of these women as 'Lycra lovelies' or 'Lycra nuns’. Several assaults occurred during massages, which Brain admitted but insisted were consensual, describing them as 'no big deal’. The court heard, however, that Brain abused his influence, creating a controlling culture that enabled systematic exploitation. Now 68, he was removed from ministry in 1995. Jurors continue to deliberate on four further indecent assault charges and one rape charge. Brain denies wrongdoing on all counts.
Ukraine: Trump stirs more controversy, hopes for trilateral meeting
Donald Trump has stirred controversy by suggesting Ukraine is to blame for confronting a nation ‘ten times’ its size, despite Russia being the aggressor in the ongoing war. He downplayed Russia’s responsibility for the invasion, instead criticising former presidents Joe Biden and Barack Obama for their handling of the conflict. He argued that Biden ‘started’ the war and accused Obama of ‘giving away’ Crimea in 2014. He also asserted that Ukraine had only been able to resist due to American weapons and aid. His comments followed the White House meeting on 18 August with Volodymyr Zelensky, European leaders, and NATO officials, at which he pledged US support for Ukraine’s future security. Trump also touted his ‘good relationship’ with Vladimir Putin, saying that he had spoken to him about arranging a trilateral meeting with Zelensky. While he presented this as an early step toward peace, the question now is how Putin will respond.
Europe: increasing number of mosquito-borne diseases
The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) has warned that Europe is entering a ‘new normal’ of longer and more intense mosquito-borne disease transmission. Rising temperatures, extended summers, milder winters, and shifting rainfall patterns have created conditions for mosquitoes to spread viruses more effectively. The chikungunya-carrying mosquito is now established in 16 European countries and 369 regions, compared to just 114 a decade ago. This year, Europe has recorded 27 chikungunya outbreaks, the highest on record, including a case in Alsace, France - an unusual event for such a northern latitude. Meanwhile, West Nile virus has infected 335 people across eight countries, causing 19 deaths, with Italy hardest hit. Officials caution that more Europeans will face risk in the coming years. The ECDC has urged stronger public health coordination and personal prevention measures, including insect repellent, protective clothing, window screens, and bed nets to reduce exposure.
Pakistan: devastation and deaths caused by monsoon floods
The village of Bishnoi in northern Pakistan has been devastated by a sudden flash flood, leaving entire homes buried beneath rocks and debris. On 15 August, torrential rains triggered a surge of water that swept through the village, destroying nearly every house. Locals described the scene as catastrophic, with families trapped under stones and crops flattened across the valley. Rescue operations continue with limited equipment, as survivors search desperately for missing loved ones. The area has suffered over 300 deaths, making it the hardest-hit region in Pakistan’s monsoon season, which has claimed more than 500 lives nationwide; there have also been many deaths in India and Nepal. Climate experts warn that melting glaciers, accelerated by global warming, are worsening the impact of heavy rains and landslides. Amid tragedy, there were moments of heroism, such as a school principal in the Swat valley who ordered the evacuation of 900 children only minutes before floods destroyed the building. In Bishnoi, families mourn as relief and recovery efforts continue.
Gaza: Hamas agrees to Qatar’s latest ceasefire proposal
Qatar has emphasized the urgent need for a ceasefire in Gaza, highlighting what it called a ‘positive response’ from Hamas to a new truce proposal. The plan, similar to an earlier US-brokered offer previously accepted by Israel, calls for a sixty-day pause in fighting, the release of some hostages in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners, expanded humanitarian aid, and negotiations toward a lasting settlement. Israel, however, is maintaining its stance that the war will continue until Hamas disarms and all hostages are freed. Foreign minister Israel Katz says that fear of Israel’s plans to occupy Gaza city is bringing Hamas back to the negotiating table. Meanwhile, conditions in Gaza remain dire. The UN has warned that the minimal aid entering Gaza is far from sufficient, with hunger-related deaths increasing. Officials blame Israeli restrictions on humanitarian supplies, warning of imminent famine. Breaking news: Israel is calling up 60,000 reservists in preparation for its planned invasion of Gaza. See
Hong Kong: UK and Australia each grant asylum to a pro-democracy activist
Australia and the UK have each granted asylum to a prominent Hong Kong pro-democracy activist. In 2020, lawmaker Ted Hui threw rotten plants on the floor of the legislative council chamber to protest against the sweeping new national security law. Facing arrest for leading anti-government protests, he fled with his family to Australia, where they have now been granted protection visas. Student leader Tony Chung left in 2023, citing ‘enormous stress’ from constant police scrutiny. He was later convicted under the national security law for calling for Hong Kong’s secession, but has now received refugee status and a five-year residence permit in the UK. The Hong Kong government has strongly condemned the UK and Australia for ‘harbouring offenders’, stating that its arrests are based on ‘facts and evidence’ rather than politics. Critics, however, maintain that the law is being used to silence dissent and spread fear.
Venezuela: Maduro announces mass mobilisation in response to US threats
Nicolás Maduro has announced the mobilisation of more than four million civilian militia fighters, responding to what he describes as escalating threats from the USA. He pledged to arm and activate militias across the country, reinforcing national sovereignty against US actions. His remarks followed the Trump administration’s decision to double its bounty for his arrest to $50 million. While US officials accuse Maduro of leading a cocaine smuggling network known as the Cartel de los Soles, no direct evidence has been publicly presented. Venezuela’s militia system, created under former president Hugo Chávez, claims millions of members, though analysts question the figures. Meanwhile, the US military has dispatched three destroyers to the southern Caribbean as part of an expanded campaign against drug cartels in Latin America. The standoff reflects years of strained relations between Caracas and Washington, marked by sanctions, contested elections, and allegations of corruption.
Malaysia: urgent action needed to combat school bullying
Bullying remains a pervasive and deadly problem in Malaysia’s schools, with thousands of cases recorded annually and incidents escalating to violence and even death. Despite public outrage, policy gaps and weak enforcement allow abuse to persist, including in elite institutions. Victims suffer long-term psychological harm, while perpetrators may develop behavioural problems and criminal tendencies. Research shows nearly 80% of Malaysian students have been involved in bullying, often as both victims and aggressors. Teachers, while crucial for prevention, can sometimes contribute to the problem, highlighting the need for systemic reform. Unlike many Asian neighbors, Malaysia lacks comprehensive anti-bullying laws. Experts recommend strict legislation, independent investigations, national reporting systems, whistleblower protections, school-based mental health support, educator training, and transparent accountability. Without decisive reform, tragedies like the recent death of Form One student Zara Qairina will continue to erode public trust and student safety.