Record rise in UK child sextortion cases
A concerning rise in online sextortion cases among children in the UK has been revealed, with nearly 400 incidents reported to the Report Remove helpline last year - a 23% increase. Alarmingly, 98% of these reports came from boys aged 14 to 17, highlighting a significant and growing vulnerability among young males. Sextortion involves criminals coercing children into sharing sexual images and then blackmailing them - either for money or further content - under threat of exposure. The Internet Watch Foundation (IWF) confirmed a sharp increase in overall reports of sexual imagery, with over 1,100 verified cases in 2025 alone. Experts warn that shame, fear, and isolation often prevent young people from seeking help, while the psychological impact can be severe and long-lasting. Encouragingly, increased reporting suggests growing awareness and willingness to seek support. There are calls for stronger safeguards, including technology to prevent image-sharing and better-targeted education to protect vulnerable children.
Church of England prepares apology for forced adoptions
The Church of England is preparing to issue a formal apology for its involvement in forced adoptions which affected tens of thousands of unmarried mothers between 1949 and 1976. During this period, many women were sent to church-run mother and baby homes, where social stigma and institutional practices led to babies being taken for adoption, often without genuine consent. Testimonies from women such as Jan Doyle highlight the harsh conditions and lasting trauma experienced. Sent to a home as a pregnant teenager, she recalls physical hardship and emotional pain, with her son taken shortly after birth. They were only reunited decades later. A draft apology acknowledges the Church’s role in a system now recognised as harmful, expressing deep sorrow for the lifelong impact on mothers and children. Researchers and campaigners believe such an apology could help reshape understanding of this painful history and bring some measure of healing. Pressure is also increasing on the Government to issue its own formal apology.
NATO: Rutte’s difficult task after Trump’s threats to leave NATO
Mark Rutte faces a critical moment as he visits Washington to engage with Donald Trump amid renewed uncertainty over the NATO alliance. Tensions have grown because of disagreements over military involvement in Iran and concerns about burden-sharing among member states. The fact that most European nations have resisted Trump’s appeals to support the USA militarily has prompted him to lash out against them and issue threats about leaving the alliance. Rutte’s priority will be to reassure Trump while allowing member states to maintain independent positions on Iran. His diplomatic approach, though controversial among some allies, is seen by observers as necessary in navigating a fragile geopolitical landscape. One commentator has said, ‘There is clearly an effort to steer the administration towards a more rational approach to NATO. If Rutte can calm tensions at a moment when the stakes are so high, then he should at least try.’
Hungary: Vance supports Orbán as he faces crucial elections
With elections due to take place on 12 April, Viktor Orbán is facing a significant challenge after sixteen years in power, as opposition leader Péter Magyar is well ahead in most opinion polls. While visiting Budapest, JD Vance has publicly expressed support for Orbán, while sharply criticising the EU. He also repeated unsubstantiated claims that Kyiv had become involved in the election campaign. Orbán recently accused Ukraine of a ‘terror attack’ when Serbia announced that explosives had been found near a gas pipeline, but Magyar claims that this was staged to boost Orbán’s chances of re-election. Considerable attention is being paid to the country’s difficulties in accessing oil and gas, and also to Orbán’s close ties with both Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin. Recent scandals appear to have dented his popularity: private telephone conversations have been leaked between foreign minister Szijjártó and top Russian officials, and transcripts suggest that he regularly informs them about confidential discussions at EU summits. The outcome of the election is likely to shape Hungary’s future role within Europe, as well as its domestic political landscape.
Iran / USA: ceasefire is announced, but Israel continues to bombard Lebanon
In the end, cooler heads prevailed – at least for now. A fragile pause has emerged in the conflict between the USA and Iran after Donald Trump announced a two-week ceasefire to allow negotiations towards a potential agreement. The arrangement includes reopening the Strait of Hormuz and suspending hostilities, offering temporary relief after escalating threats of major military action. While markets responded positively, significant uncertainty remains, as many key issues are unresolved. Reactions within the US and elsewhere have been mixed, with many saying that Trump’s threat that ‘a whole civilisation will die tonight’ could be regarded as a war crime. One commentator has said, ‘A nation that once styled itself as a force for stability around the globe is now shaking the foundations of the international order. A president who has seemingly relished shattering norms and traditions in domestic politics is now doing the same on the world stage.’ Meanwhile, Israel has continued its attacks on Lebanon, saying that its conflict with Hezbollah is not affected by the ceasefire: see
Mozambique: IS insurgency is revitalised after USAID cuts
In northern Mozambique, communities are facing renewed violence as Islamist insurgents linked to IS reassert control in vulnerable areas. Armed groups have openly entered villages, spreading fear and targeting civilians. The gas-rich northern Cabo Delgado region has been ravaged by eight years of killing and land grabs, causing widespread displacement and suffering. The decision by Donald Trump to halt USAID, including cuts to development and humanitarian programmes, has left communities with fewer resources, increasing poverty and making young people more vulnerable to recruitment. Hospitals, food distribution, and local livelihood projects have all been affected, deepening hardship for families already struggling to survive. IS confidence has been re-energised, as shown by attacks in September when dozens of men, mostly Christians, were beheaded. Despite the region’s significant natural gas potential, insecurity continues to hinder development, leaving many caught between violence, displacement, and economic uncertainty.