All Co-op members’ data accessed in cyberattack
All 6.5 million members of the Co-op had their personal data stolen in a major cyberattack in April, the retailer's chief executive Shirine Khoury-Haq has confirmed. While no financial or transaction data were taken, names, addresses, and contact information were accessed. The breach prompted the shutdown of IT systems, disrupting supply chains and payments. Khoury-Haq expressed deep sorrow, especially recalling the distress of IT staff working to repel the attackers. The attack was one of three targeting major UK retailers this spring, alongside Marks & Spencer and Harrods. Four suspects, aged 17 to 20, have been arrested under suspicion of offences including blackmail, money laundering, and cybercrime. Devices were seized from their homes. In response, the Co-op has partnered with The Hacking Games to help young people with cyber skills pursue careers in cybersecurity instead of crime. The breach underscores the growing vulnerability of digital infrastructure and the emotional toll such attacks take on staff and customers alike.
Scotland: trans changing room row nurse cleared of misconduct
NHS nurse Sandie Peggie has been cleared of gross misconduct after raising concerns about sharing a changing room with a transgender doctor, Dr Beth Upton. Peggie was suspended in January 2024 following an incident at a hospital in Kirkcaldy, where she reported feeling 'embarrassed and intimidated' when Dr Upton began undressing in front of her. The disciplinary case was part of a wider employment tribunal, with Peggie claiming discrimination under the Equality Act. NHS Fife argued it followed national guidance, but admitted it lacked a formal policy on trans facilities at the time. The tribunal also heard arguments over the rights of women with religious beliefs or trauma histories who might not wish to share changing spaces with trans-identifying males. The incident was logged as a 'hate incident’, yet the internal panel found no evidence of misconduct, recommending reflective dialogue instead. Peggie has since urged NHS Fife to respond to the UK supreme court ruling which reasserted the legal definition of 'woman' as biological. This complex case highlights the ongoing tensions between transgender rights and women's privacy in public services.
Courier fraud victims lose £22m
Courier fraud has led to nearly £22 million in losses across the UK from April 2024 to March 2025, with the Thames Valley region suffering over £2 million in victim losses - the second highest after London. New figures show an average loss of £16,000 per victim, with 135 reports made to Thames Valley Police alone. The scam typically involves fraudsters posing as police or bank officials who convince victims they must urgently withdraw cash or purchase high-value items for a fictitious investigation. The victims then hand over money or goods to a courier, never to see them again. Detective inspector Duncan Wynn has urged the public to treat unsolicited calls with suspicion and reminded them that neither police nor banks will request cash withdrawals, computer access, or item pickups. Police commissioner Matthew Barber warned that criminals exploit public trust in institutions, using high-pressure tactics to deceive, particularly targeting the elderly. Authorities have said they will crack down on this predatory crime, and are calling for heightened public vigilance.
Welby accused of 'undermining biblical ethics' over sexuality
The former Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, has drawn criticism for remarks suggesting he was 'thick' to have opposed same-sex relationships, prompting concerns that he is undermining biblical ethics. His comments come during a sensitive period for the Church of England, which is still navigating the divisive Living in Love and Faith (LLF) process on human sexuality. Rev Jonathan Ford, a former General Synod member, warned that Welby’s words could further fracture the Church and diminish confidence in biblical morality. Ford noted that biblical ethics have historically shaped Western civilisation, and rejecting them leaves a moral vacuum. He said that many Anglicans globally hold conservative views, questioning where the Church of England stands amid growing liberal influence. At the General Synod’s meeting in York, LLF remained unresolved due to internal divisions and the absence of unified episcopal leadership. Ford also called for a 'year of national repentance’, urging the Church to recommit to Scripture, acknowledge past failings, and prioritise Christ-like living over institutional self-preservation.
France: prime minister proposes axing two public holidays
There has been widespread criticism after prime minister François Bayrou proposed eliminating two public holidays - Easter Monday and 8 May (Victory in Europe day) - to help reduce the national budget deficit. He argues that France’s debt is a critical threat, increasing by €5,000 every second, and that cutting holidays is part of a necessary strategy to recover €43.8 billion in savings. The proposal comes alongside other austerity measures, including freezing public spending, ending tax breaks for the wealthy, and reducing the civil service, while also increasing defence spending by €3.5 billion in 2026. His plan faces fierce opposition from the far-right and left-wing parties, with threats of a no-confidence vote which could topple the government, as happened to Bayrou’s predecessor. Critics have decried the holiday cuts as attacks on French heritage and workers' rights. Despite the political risks and deep parliamentary divisions, Bayrou insists the reforms are essential to preserve national stability. President Macron, although deeply unpopular, has consistently resisted suggestions that he should step down before the end of his second term, in 2027.
Türkiye: Kurdish fighters disarm, engage in peace process
On 11 July thirty Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) fighters publicly disarmed in Sulaimaniyah, northern Iraq, marking the start of a renewed peace process with Türkiye aimed at ending a forty-year conflict that has claimed around 40,000 lives. Following a call in February by jailed PKK leader Abdullah Ocalan to end armed struggle, senior PKK leaders agreed to political engagement in April. The process may lead to amnesty for fighters and the restoration of political and cultural rights for Kurds within Türkiye. However, analysts warn that the Turkish government’s secrecy around the process raises questions about public support and long-term success. The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) in Iraq has so far remained neutral, though local parties may use the peace process for political gain. Meanwhile, the PKK has incentives to disarm, because it is militarily weaker than it was and is more marginalised. However, if the process fails, violence could return to Iraq’s Qandil Mountains, further destabilising the region and risking renewed conflict between the PKK and Turkish forces.