Displaying items by tag: United Kingdom

Metropolitan Police commissioner Sir Mark Rowley has vowed to use counter-terrorism-style investigation techniques to root out racism and corruption following a 'ghastly' BBC Panorama exposé of officers at Charing Cross police station. The undercover documentary revealed serving officers making racist, misogynistic and anti-Muslim remarks, boasting of excessive force, and dismissing rape allegations. Nine serving officers, a former officer, and a detention officer are under investigation for gross misconduct. Sir Mark described the revelations as 'reprehensible' and compared corrupt officers to tumours which must be cut out. He said AI tools would help detect misconduct by analysing phones and behaviour patterns, adding that nearly 1,500 staff have already been removed in the Met’s 'biggest anti-corruption clear-out in history’. Leadership and staffing changes have already been made, with further disciplinary action expected. While Sir Mark rejected claims of institutional racism, critics insist deep systemic reform is still needed to restore trust in policing across London.

New figures reveal that at least 1,611 homeless people, including 11 children, died in the UK in 2024, a 9% increase from the previous year. The Museum of Homelessness, which compiles annual data from coroners, councils, and memorials, warns that the true number is probably higher. 44% of deaths were linked to drug or alcohol misuse. Most occurred in England (1,142), followed by Northern Ireland (211), Scotland (168), and Wales (90). Many victims were living in temporary accommodation such as hostels or bed-and-breakfasts rather than on the streets. Homelessness minister Alison McGovern called the figures an 'abject failure that cannot be tolerated’, pledging to expand safe housing and support services. The charity’s director, Matthew Turtle, said the data shows how homeless people continue to be 'deeply failed' and urged urgent government action. With over 131,000 households now in temporary housing, campaigners say sustained investment, care, and community support are vital to prevent further needless deaths.

The Bishop of Birmingham, Dr Michael Volland, has expressed 'dismay and disappointment' over comments made by Conservative MP Robert Jenrick, who said that during a visit to Handsworth he 'didn’t see another white face' and described the area as 'close to a slum’. Speaking at a Conservative event in March, Jenrick said the district lacked integration, remarks later published by the Guardian. Dr Volland responded in an open letter, inviting Jenrick to revisit Handsworth and meet local residents dedicated to the community’s flourishing. He warned that such rhetoric risks 'stirring up division' and urged leaders to use language that unites rather than divides. The bishop highlighted positive examples of integration, including St Michael’s Church of England Primary Academy, which recently received an Outstanding Ofsted rating. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch defended Jenrick’s comments as 'factual observations’, while others - including the Prime Minister - criticised his judgment. Dr Volland reiterated the Church’s call to build understanding, mutual respect, and community cohesion across all ethnic and faith backgrounds. See

Christian leaders, theologians, and public figures have signed the 2025 Westminster Declaration, calling for the 're-Christianisation' of Britain. The document argues that by ignoring the nation’s Christian heritage, society has endangered human life, weakened families, and lost a unifying vision. It highlights pressing issues such as abortion, assisted dying, sex education, marriage, biological sex, and the rapid advance of artificial intelligence, insisting that religious freedom must not be subordinated to political agendas. Fiona Bruce described a 'spiritual battle' in politics, urging more Christians to enter public life to shape debate. Michael Nazir Ali said a new declaration was necessary, given today’s challenges, while journalist Robin Aitken, hosting the launch, said that Christianity provides the best blueprint for human flourishing. Organisers hope to gather over 100,000 signatures to press for renewed recognition of Christian principles in national life. The declaration’s aim is not only to defend freedoms but to actively reassert faith as central to Britain’s moral and cultural renewal. See

Keir Starmer will announce major asylum policy reforms at a European summit in Copenhagen. Refugees granted asylum in the UK will no longer automatically receive settlement or family reunion rights, ending a longstanding route suspended in September. Previously, asylum-seekers could sponsor immediate family without meeting visa, income, or language requirements. Under the new policy, gaining indefinite leave to remain will take longer than the current five years, with a new benchmark of around ten years, though timescales may vary depending on individual contribution to UK society. Starmer insists settlement must be 'earned' and not seen as a 'golden ticket’. Along with these changes, the UK will partner with Denmark, investing £3m to address migration causes in the Western Balkans and encourage local job creation. Starmer argues the reforms will deter small boat crossings while still allowing sanctuary for genuine refugees. Critics fear the changes risk undermining family unity for those fleeing persecution. See

Rachel Reeves is expected to announce changes to the two-child benefit cap in November’s Budget, amid growing pressure to scrap the policy introduced by George Osborne under Conservative austerity measures. The cap currently limits child benefit payments to the first two children in a family, affecting 1.6 million children. Campaigners argue its removal would be the single most effective step in reducing child poverty. She has convened a government taskforce on child poverty and signalled she will act on its recommendations, though she stresses financial constraints must be considered. Options include abolishing the cap outright or introducing a tapered system, potentially limiting payments for larger families or linking them to working parents on universal credit. Keir Starmer has already pledged extended free school meals as part of efforts to end child poverty, saying 'a Britain where no child is hungry' is central to Labour’s vision. Critics warn of significant cost implications, while supporters say families cannot wait for relief.

Hackers who targeted Kido Schools, a nursery chain, by stealing and publishing sensitive images and personal data of around 8,000 children, have backtracked after widespread public outrage. The group, calling themselves Radiant, initially demanded a ransom of £600,000 in bitcoin, threatening to continue releasing profiles. Parents even received direct threatening calls. Following condemnation, the hackers blurred photos, later removed all data, and apologised, claiming it was deleted. Experts remain sceptical, noting cyber-criminals often falsely promise deletion while retaining or selling stolen material. Radiant appears inexperienced and may have underestimated the moral backlash of exploiting children. Much of the stolen content came from Kido’s use of Famly, a popular education platform, though Famly insists its infrastructure was not breached. Kido confirmed the incident is under investigation with external specialists and authorities.

Energy secretary Ed Miliband has pledged to permanently ban fracking, calling it dangerous and deeply harmful, as he urged Labour activists in Liverpool to embrace clean energy as the future. He argued that fracking does nothing to lower bills, create sustainable jobs, or meet climate commitments, but damages the environment. Miliband contrasted Labour’s stance with Reform UK, who advocate expanded fossil fuel extraction, accusing them of betraying future generations. He described Reform as 'science-denying, poverty-driving extremists' and urged voters to reject their policies. Fracking, briefly permitted under Liz Truss before being banned again by Rishi Sunak, involves injecting fluid underground to release gas, a method widely criticised by environmental groups. Miliband tied Labour’s green vision to economic renewal, insisting clean energy is Britain’s best opportunity for job creation in decades, as well as the only sustainable solution to high energy bills.

Gas and electricity bills for millions across England, Scotland, and Wales rose 2% this week under Ofgem’s new price cap, bringing the typical annual bill to £1,755. With household debt to suppliers at a record £4.4bn, campaigners warn vulnerable families face another harsh winter. Energy UK says current support, such as emergency vouchers and debt write-offs, varies widely and is insufficient. They urge the Government to establish a long-term targeted scheme, potentially funded by taxation, to close the 'fuel poverty gap’. The Government points to measures including the Warm Home Discount, offering £150 off for one in five households, and promises a major home upgrade programme to improve energy efficiency in five million homes. Pensioners on lower incomes will also receive restored winter fuel payments after a U-turn. Ofgem is considering a debt relief support scheme to address unpayable arrears.

CAFOD and Church of England bishops have welcomed the Government’s recognition of Palestinian statehood, calling it a long-overdue step towards peace. CAFOD’s Middle East representative said the move, alongside similar actions by France, Canada, Australia, and Portugal, affirms Palestinians’ right to a viable, independent state amid the devastation of Gaza and rising settlement violence in the West Bank. Bishop Christopher Chessun and fellow bishops stressed the recognition offers parity of esteem, countering extremism and strengthening moderates, though it will not immediately end the suffering in Gaza or West Bank abuses. They see it as a moral and political signal that occupation is unjust and must end through negotiation. Families of Israeli hostages have condemned the decision as rewarding Hamas; by contrast, Hamas has celebrated the recognition as a victory. UK church leaders have also warned that Israel’s ongoing military assault will only deepen human misery. Despite bleak realities, Christian leaders urged perseverance in seeking a just peace that upholds dignity for all communities. See