Author: Fatimah Idera

A major UK mussel exporter has suffered losses o around £150,000 after French customs rejected three recent shipments. While raising fears of renewed post-Brexit trade tensions. Industry figures suspect the move may be politically driven, coming months after the UK’s reset trade deal with the EU aimed at easing border friction. Offshore Shellfish, a family-run business based in Devon, said three of its four latest lorryloads of mussels were rejected at Boulogne-sur-Mer port in northern France, the main entry point for British seafood exports. Each consignment had to be destroyed at the company’s expense. “We’ve sent hundreds of loads since…

Tensions between the UK and China have deepened after Beijing issued a warning to London over continued delays to the approval of its proposed mega embassy near the Tower of London. China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it expressed grave concern and strong dissatisfaction after Housing Secretary Steve Reed postponed a final decision on the embassy project until December 10. The proposed site, bought for £255 million in 2018, would become the largest Chinese embassy in Europe if approved. Foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian accused the UK of “acting in bad faith and without integrity, warning that Britain must honour…

British lawmakers have warned that the government’s failure to address online misinformation could lead to a repeat of the violent 2024 summer riots, which were fuelled by viral falsehoods following the Southport murders. The Commons Science and Technology Committee, chaired by Chi Onwurah, criticised ministers for being complacent about the risks of misinformation spreading on social media. It said the government’s refusal to strengthen regulation under the Online Safety Act (OSA) leaves the public vulnerable to future unrest. “The government urgently needs to plug gaps in the OSA, but instead seems complacent about harms from the viral spread of legal…

Your Party the emerging left-wing movement led by Jeremy Corbyn and Zarah Sultana has unveiled draft constitutional plans that would transform it into a formal political organisation, complete with internal elections and a leadership contest set for early 2026. According to documents the proposals outline a leadership election by March 2026 under a one-member-one-vote system and the creation of a 21-member Central Executive Committee (CEC). Sixteen members would be directly elected, while two seats would go to MPs , who would be barred from chairing. The leadership term would last 21 months, keeping the founding team in place until late…

The guidance states that “many families like to celebrate their child’s birthday by bringing in a cake or sweets to share…”

Scotland’s economy could suffer significant losses if the UK Government proceeds with plans to impose a levy on international student income, a new report has warned.

NHS staff will be barred from wearing pro-Palestine badges and other politically themed items at work under new government rules aimed at tackling anti-Semitism within the health service. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer announced that new uniform guidance will prohibit staff from displaying any political symbols, while allowing religious items such as crosses or Stars of David. The move follows several incidents involving its staff accused of anti-Semitic behaviour, including a doctor who avoided suspension after making “slit your throat” gestures to Jewish protesters. All 1.5 million employees will now be required to undergo mandatory training on anti-Semitism and anti-racism.…

A new chapter in British railway design began on Thursday as the first Great British Railways station clock was unveiled at London Bridge. The striking 1.8-metre digital timepiece, hanging above the main concourse, marks the first new standard railway clock design in more than 50 years. The black-and-red face draws inspiration from the iconic British Rail double-arrow logo. Rail minister, Peter Hendy said the design “represents a bridge between the historic past and a new future for our railways.” The clock will soon appear in digital form on information boards at stations across the country. The launch at London Bridge…

Drivers of heavy vehicles would face higher costs. Cars weighing more than 2,400kg (such as SUVs) would pay a surcharge, and vehicles above 3,500kg would not qualify for permits.

The head of MI5, Sir Ken McCallum, has warned that Chinese state operatives pose a daily national security threat to the UK, amid a deepening row over the collapse of a high-profile China spying case. Speaking in London on Wednesday, McCallum said MI5 had recently disrupted Chinese activities of national security concern, describing the situation as “frustrating when prosecutions fall through.” His comments came after witness statements from Deputy National Security Adviser Matthew Collins, confirmed that China is engaged in large-scale espionage and represents the biggest state-based threat to the UK’s economic security. The revelations have intensified scrutiny of the…