The Metropolitan Police have begun testing an advanced “Drone as First Responder” system, deploying remotely operated aircraft across London to assist officers in real-time emergencies. The drones can reach incident scenes within two minutes, streaming live footage back to control rooms to support decision-making, locate suspects, or find missing people. The pilot scheme, launched in Islington, will extend to the West End and Hyde Park by December. Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor said the technology offers a faster, quieter, and more environmentally friendly alternative to helicopters, providing “a vital new tool to tackle crime in the capital.” The drones are stored in weatherproof rooftop pods, ready to launch automatically when activated by control room staff. Their live imagery helps determine how many officers or resources are needed at the scene and can guide rapid arrests. Similar trials are underway in several UK police forces, with national chiefs calling it a major step forward in precision policing and public safety.

A migrant who was deported to France under the UK’s new “one in, one out” return scheme has crossed the Channel again and re-entered Britain. The Iranian man, removed on 19 September, reportedly fled back four days ago, saying he feared for his life in France after being abused and threatened by smuggling gangs. He told *The Guardian* that he was treated “like a worthless object,” forced to work, and threatened with a gun. Human rights advocates say his case exposes serious flaws in the rushed removals process, claiming some deported individuals received inadequate legal advice and faced mistreatment. The Home Office insists it will not tolerate “abuse of our borders” and that anyone re-entering illegally will again be removed. The UK-France treaty aims to deter Channel crossings by returning migrants whose asylum claims are rejected while accepting others with legitimate protection needs. Despite this, crossings continue to rise, now exceeding 36,800 so far this year.

The government’s grooming gang inquiry has plunged into crisis after Jim Gamble, its expected chair, withdrew, calling it a “toxic political football.” His resignation followed that of four survivor-panel members, who said they would only return if safeguarding minister Jess Phillips resigned. Victims accused Phillips of lying to MPs and publicly discrediting survivors to “save her own skin.” Fiona Goddard, a grooming gang survivor, produced evidence contradicting Phillips’s claims about the inquiry’s scope. Senior Conservatives and some Labour MPs have joined calls for her resignation, while children’s minister Josh MacAlister defended her record as a “lifelong advocate for victims.” In an attempt to stabilise the process, Sir Keir Starmer appointed Baroness Casey to advise on rebuilding trust and appointing a new chair, insisting the inquiry “will never be watered down.” Jim Gamble and Annie Hudson both withdrew from the process to be appointed as Chair of the inquiry. Gamble said he withdrew because the process had become politically poisoned, overshadowing the voices of victims the inquiry was meant to serve. Survivors now await leadership they can trust. See

Kingdom Bank, a Christian financial institution dedicated to serving churches and believers, has been listed among the UK’s 500 fastest-growing companies. Ranked 380th overall, the bank attributes its success to God’s provision and the faithfulness of Christians who save with them. Their deposits enable the bank to provide mortgages for evangelical churches seeking permanent buildings for worship and community outreach. Chief Executive Paul Houghton said the recognition reflects “the increasing and urgent demand from churches across the UK” and the vital role of faith-based finance in supporting Gospel ministry. Kingdom Bank was also placed 302nd for profit and 193rd for profit margin, with all surpluses reinvested to expand lending capacity to churches, charities, and ministry workers. Looking ahead, the bank’s continued growth depends on more Christians choosing to save with them. “Every pound saved helps more churches secure a permanent home for mission,” said Houghton, reaffirming Kingdom Bank’s vision to strengthen the Church’s long-term witness across the UK.

Groundbreaking research has revealed that the diabetes and weight-loss drug semaglutide—sold as Ozempic and Wegovy—can significantly reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes, even for patients who do not lose much weight. The global trial, involving over 17,000 participants across 41 countries, found that semaglutide cut major cardiovascular events by around 14–20%. Researchers discovered that shrinking waist size accounted for about one-third of the benefit, but two-thirds remained unexplained, suggesting the drug directly protects heart health rather than simply improving it through weight loss. Professor John Deanfield of University College London said the results “reframe what we think this medication is doing,” calling it a “disease-modifying therapy for ageing.” Experts describe the findings as “profound,” urging that the drug’s use not be limited to severely obese patients. However, they also cautioned that side effects must be carefully monitored as its use expands. The breakthrough could mark the most significant advance in cardiovascular medicine since statins.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy joined European Union leaders in Brussels as both the EU and the US announced fresh sanctions on Russia for refusing a ceasefire. Arriving at the summit, Zelenskyy reaffirmed that Ukraine will make “no territorial concessions,” rejecting any pressure to surrender land occupied by Russian forces. EU leaders pledged continued unity with Kyiv while discussing a new proposal to use frozen Russian assets in Belgium to fund Ukraine’s defence and postwar reconstruction—though legal and political hurdles remain. The summit also addressed Europe’s wider security strategy, economic competitiveness, and climate commitments, alongside debates on migration and the Middle East. US President Donald Trump supported the tougher sanctions and acknowledged that Vladimir Putin still seeks control over all of Ukraine. Zelenskyy thanked allies for their backing, emphasising that Ukraine’s struggle is not just for national sovereignty but for the defence of freedom across Europe. EU officials said the meeting’s goal was to maintain solidarity and prevent fatigue in supporting Kyiv’s resistance.

Serious unrest broke out for a second consecutive night near the Citywest Hotel in Dublin, leaving three gardaí hospitalised and 23 people arrested. Around 500 people, mostly young men and teenagers, were involved in violent disturbances outside the hotel, which currently houses asylum seekers. Projectiles including bottles, bricks, and flares were thrown at officers, with one garda struck on the head. Over 300 police were deployed, supported by mounted, dog, and air units, though water cannon use was not required. The violence followed an alleged sexual assault on a 10-year-old girl earlier in the week. Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan condemned the “thuggish violence” and promised those responsible would be “dealt with relentlessly.” Garda Commissioner Justin Kelly warned of a “robust response” to any further disorder, stressing that the gatherings were not peaceful protests. Taoiseach Micheál Martin praised officers for their bravery, describing the attacks as “vile abuse” against those protecting the community. A senior investigating officer has been appointed to lead inquiries. See

Former French president Nicolas Sarkozy has received death threats just one day after beginning his five-year prison sentence for criminal conspiracy at La Santé prison in Paris. A video circulated online appeared to show an inmate verbally threatening Sarkozy as he arrived at the facility. Prosecutors have launched an investigation, questioning three prisoners and seizing two mobile phones believed to be linked to the video. In response to security concerns, authorities have assigned two police officers as permanent bodyguards housed in nearby cells, a move that has drawn criticism from prison unions who say they were not informed. Interior minister Laurent Nunez defended the arrangement, saying Sarkozy’s protection was justified “because of his status” and “a clear threat.” Sarkozy, who led France from 2007 to 2012, was convicted of taking illegal campaign funds from Libya, a charge he continues to deny as politically motivated. His lawyers have appealed the ruling and are seeking early release before Christmas.

Zion Church, one of China’s largest and most influential house church networks, is facing a severe government crackdown under new online religious restrictions. Founded in 2007 by Pastor Jin Mingri (Ezra Jin), the 10,000-member movement operates across 40 cities. In October, coordinated raids led to over 30 arrests, with 22 believers—including many leaders—still detained in Guangxi Province. Pastor Jin and four others have been charged with “illegally using internet information” under China’s new Online Code of Conduct for Religious Professionals, which bans unregistered online ministry. Observers say this marks a new phase of persecution targeting large, cross-regional, and digitally active churches, as authorities intensify efforts to “Sinicise” Christianity. Homes and bank accounts have been seized, families and lawyers harassed, and further arrests are expected. Despite fear and grief, Chinese believers are responding with unity and steadfast prayer, calling this the “10.9 Church Persecution.” They ask the global church to intercede for protection, endurance, and revival as they stand firm under growing repression. See

Forests in the Seed: How Kingdom Movements are Multiplying Across the Unreached World

by William J. Dubois (Author), Stan Parks (Author), Justin Long (Author)

Forests in the Seed opens a window into the 21st century of God's plan to multiply His Kingdom to everyone everywhere.

Rather than a theory-based "how-to" book, this is a testimony of what is happening now as men, women, and children raised to new life in Christ are denying themselves, taking up their cross, and following Him. The stories within this book are remarkable, supernatural in nature, and yet also lay out simple principles of multiplication found in Scripture.

Perhaps most incredible is a pattern weaved together of everyday people compelled by a vision of a resurrected Christ, who are being used in extraordinary ways to spread the Gospel in nearly impossible places. There is a spiritual revolution underway, and Forests in the Seed is your invitation to join and help change the world.

Publisher: Patmos Education Group (September 29, 2024)

Order 'Forests in the Seed' on Amazon ($16.95)