In Iran, one of the world’s most dangerous places to be a Christian, the underground church is growing remarkably. Amid an oppressive regime enforcing Twelver Ja’afari Shia Islam, over one million believers now worship in secret, making Iran home to the fastest-growing Christian population globally. These followers meet discreetly in house churches of no more than fifteen people, risking arrest, loss of livelihood, and severe punishment. Stories like Azam’s highlight this courage: shunned for pregnancy outside marriage, she found hope in Christ through a Christian woman’s witness, discovering the One who bears shame and offers new life. Despite surveillance, threats, and societal rejection, Iranian Christians embody a faith purified through suffering, reminding believers worldwide that Christianity is not defined by comfort or buildings but by a willingness to risk all for Jesus. Their example challenges Western believers to strip away distractions and embrace genuine, sacrificial faith. Ministries like ICM partner with the underground church, discreetly distributing Scripture via micro SD cards, ensuring the Gospel continues to spread even in the darkest circumstances.

The UN has sharply criticised the Government’s proposed welfare reforms, warning they could significantly worsen poverty among disabled people. Following a recent parliamentary vote that passed the benefits bill by 75 votes, secured only after last-minute concessions to Labour rebels, the UN’s committee on the rights of persons with disabilities has raised ten pressing concerns about the legislation. Key issues include politicians’ rhetoric suggesting disabled individuals exploit benefits and the reforms’ potential impact on young claimants, women with disabilities, and those requiring high-level support. The UN warns that the bill could deepen existing economic hardship, echoing findings from earlier reports which linked previous welfare cuts to increased food bank reliance, homelessness, and mental health crises. Disability advocates have condemned the reforms as punitive, urging MPs to consider the profound human consequences before advancing the legislation. Parliament will further debate the bill in the coming days, amid mounting national and international scrutiny. See

Twenty years after the 7/7 terrorist attacks that claimed 52 lives in London, survivors, bereaved families, and emergency workers gathered at St Paul’s Cathedral to remember and reflect. The solemn service featured the gentle fall of 52,000 white petals, symbolising each life lost. Deep emotion marked the readings of victims’ names, with family members like Saba Edwards, who lost her mother Behnaz Mozakka, and Thelma Stober, a survivor who lost a leg, sharing the weight of enduring grief. Bishop Sarah Mullally delivered a message of hope as 'an act of resistance' against terror and hatred, acknowledging the long journey toward healing. Outside the cathedral, the sun broke through grey skies, reflecting a glimmer of hope amid sorrow. Later, around 500 people gathered at Hyde Park’s 7/7 memorial, where steel pillars stand in silent tribute. Families like the Foulkes and Taylors spoke movingly of pain that evolves over time, urging others to cherish life.

Heart-wrenching testimonies were shared at the Southport inquiry, revealing the harrowing courage of young survivors of the 29 July 2024 knife attack at a dance workshop. A mother described how her seven-year-old daughter, referred to as C1, 'fought like hell' to save herself and others, despite being stabbed 33 times by 17-year-old Axel Rudakubana. CCTV footage showed C1 attempting to escape before being dragged back by her attacker, suffering catastrophic injuries. Despite her own wounds, she shielded other children and urged them to flee. Parents of other survivors, including a nine-year-old girl critically injured, spoke of the lifelong physical and emotional scars their daughters now bear. They emphasised the stark reality that, in those terrifying moments, the children had to protect themselves, comfort one another, and summon remarkable bravery. The inquiry aims to uncover not only the events of that tragic day but also broader issues regarding how young people become entangled in extreme violence. The session adjourned until September, with further evidence and systemic reviews expected in its next phase.

Birmingham faces escalating disruption as the Unite union is threatening bin strikes 'beyond Christmas' following the city council’s decision to end negotiations. Bin workers have been on an all-out strike since March, leaving many streets piled with rubbish. Unite’s general secretary, Sharon Graham, condemned the council’s proposals as 'fire and rehire,' accusing leaders of imposing pay cuts of up to £8,000 (a quarter of some workers’ salaries) and forcing staff to choose between lower pay or redundancy. Council leader John Cotton defended the move, citing the authority’s ongoing equal pay liabilities, which have cost hundreds of millions and threaten Birmingham’s financial stability. He stressed the urgent need to reform the city’s waste services to improve efficiency and ensure long-term sustainability, while still offering options like voluntary redundancy and redeployment. Expressing regret over the stalemate, he insisted further concessions would jeopardise essential services and financial recovery. ACAS, the conciliation service, remains open for dialogue. Residents continue to endure the consequences of uncollected waste.

Schools across England are struggling to provide nutritious meals as rising costs outpace government funding for free school lunches. Michael Hales, incoming chair of the Lead Association for Catering in Education (LACE), reports caterers are reducing meat portions, using cheaper ingredients, and serving smaller meals to cope with financial shortfalls. While the government recently announced an expanded free meals programme - potentially benefiting an additional 500,000 children by 2026 - the funding increase of just 3p per meal, to £2.61, falls far below actual costs, estimated at £3.45 per meal. Headteachers say they are having to divert tens of thousands of pounds from educational resources to cover meal deficits. Parents, expressing concern over declining meal quality and nutrition, have called for significant investment in school food programmes. Regional disparities further complicate matters, with higher funding rates in London, Wales, and Scotland. Without intervention, schools will struggle to meet government food standards and ensure children receive the healthy meals essential for learning and well-being.

The Church in Wales faces deepening scandal as fresh historical sexual abuse allegations emerge against former bishop Anthony Pierce, already jailed earlier this year for child sexual abuse, and an unnamed former vicar. BBC Wales said that warnings about Pierce’s predatory behaviour surfaced as early as 1986, yet he rose to become Bishop of Swansea and Brecon in 1999. Survivors like Alisdair Adams, who endured unwanted sexual advances, question how he advanced within church ranks despite earlier concerns. Other victims described how Pierce’s inaction allowed further abuse, such as that perpetrated by choirmaster David Gedge. Additional testimony highlighted a culture of secrecy, intimidation, and institutional protectionism, with victims and whistleblowers often silenced or discouraged from speaking out. Calls are mounting for an independent inquiry to investigate the Church’s failures. In response, the Church in Wales has apologised, pledging a comprehensive safeguarding audit and cultural review to restore trust. However, survivors remain sceptical, fearing systemic issues persist beneath public assurances of reform and accountability.

Russia has been rocked by the sudden death of transport minister Roman Starovoit, who was found dead from a gunshot wound just hours after being dismissed by Vladimir Putin. With the presumption that he took his own life, this rare occurrence has sparked shock and speculation across Russian media. He had previously served as governor of the Kursk region, where he oversaw the construction of costly but ultimately ineffective defensive fortifications along the Ukrainian border. His former deputy and successor have since been arrested on fraud charges, and some believe Starovoit feared imminent prosecution himself. Analysts have drawn parallels to Soviet-era purges, suggesting the growing sense of fear and repression within Russia’s political elite. State media has downplayed the event, with only brief mention on national television. But for Russia’s governors and ministers, Starovoit’s death sends a chilling signal: in today’s political climate, even stepping down can come with grave consequences.

Emmanuel Macron and Keir Starmer are engaged in critical talks aimed at curbing illegal Channel crossings in small boats. During Macron’s historic state visit to the UK, the first by a French president since 2008, the two leaders are negotiating enhanced border enforcement, including a ‘one in, one out’ migrant returns deal. The plan would allow the UK to return asylum seekers to France in exchange for accepting migrants with family ties in Britain. Macron stressed the importance of EU-level cooperation and reaffirmed the shared responsibility to combat irregular migration with humanity and fairness. Talks also include expanding French police powers to stop boats in shallow waters - a shift already showing signs of implementation. Despite optimism, challenges remain, including opposition from some EU countries. Small boat arrivals in the UK reached a record high in the first half of 2025, which underscores the urgency of finding ways of curbing the flow. Both nations hope for tangible progress in their joint response to people-smuggling networks.

A deepening rift between prime minister Nikol Pashinyan and the Apostolic Church, is threatening to polarise the nation of three million. Tensions erupted after Pashinyan accused Catholicos Karekin II, the Church’s spiritual head, of fathering a child and supporting a coup plot, allegations Karekin denies. The conflict, rooted partly in fallout from Armenia’s 2020 defeat in the Nagorno-Karabakh war, has escalated with arrests of senior clergy and opposition figures, sparking alarms over religious freedom and national unity. Church bells rang an alarm at St Echmiadzin, historically reserved for invasions, signalling the detention of Archbishop Mikael Adjapakhyan, who was later arrested alongside others accused of plotting a coup. The dispute intertwines personal grievances, political rivalries, and historical tensions linked to the powerful 'Karabakh clan'. The World Council of Churches has voiced deep concern, calling for wisdom and justice to prevail. Meanwhile, Armenians fear the confrontation may fracture their society further, both politically and spiritually. See