Author: Fatimah Idera

The bird flu virus currently spreading across UK poultry farms may be the most infectious strain ever seen, a leading expert has warned, as farmers are urged to tighten biosecurity amid rising cases. Professor Ian Brown of the Pirbright Institute, former director of science at the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), said the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 strain is “as super-infectious as any high pathogenicity avian influenza we’ve ever seen.” He cautioned farmers to “prepare for the worst,” noting that early signs of the outbreak “are not great.” Since the start of the current bird flu season…

The Bank of England has kept its benchmark interest rate unchanged at 4%, in a move widely expected by economists. The decision, made by the nine-member Monetary Policy Committee (MPC), was narrowly split, with five members voting to hold the rate and four voting for a cut to 3.75%. The decision signals cautious optimism within the Bank that inflationary pressures are easing. In a statement accompanying the announcement, the Bank said “inflation is judged to have peaked,” offering some relief to households and businesses. Inflation remained at 3.8% in September still well above the Bank’s 2% target but the MPC…

A civil society leader, Martina Kure, has criticised President Donald Trump of the United States of America over his threat to take military action against Nigeria labelling the West African country “a country of concern” over what he described as “Christian genocide” The New Daily Prime reported earlier that Trump had threatened to launch military action against Nigeria. However, in response to the US president’s statement, China rejected Trump’s remarks, stressing its firm opposition to any form of external interference in Nigeria’s internal affairs. The Chinese government described the genocide claims as a narrative pushed by religious extremists aiming to…

Police in London have launched a manhunt after a 24-year-old Algerian man was mistakenly released from Wandsworth Prison nearly a week ago. According to the Metropolitan Police, they were notified by prison officials on Tuesday that the prisoner had been released in error six days earlier, on Wednesday, 29 October. Efforts are now underway to locate and return him to custody. A spokesperson for Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the incident as unacceptable, adding that the circumstances surrounding the mistaken release would be forensically investigated. The prisoner’s immigration status remains unclear, but Shadow Defence Secretary James Cartlidge told the Commons…

England’s national curriculum is set for its biggest overhaul in more than a decade, with financial literacy, artificial intelligence (AI), and digital awareness joining traditional core subjects. Under new reforms announced by Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson, pupils will learn about mortgages, budgeting, and how to spot fake news and AI-generated content. The move, aimed at modernising education and narrowing the attainment gap, follows a comprehensive review commissioned by the government last year. Phillipson said the government’s goal was to revitalize education while keeping a “firm foundation in key areas like English and maths.” She noted that better sequencing of lessons…

Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy is set to take centre stage at Prime Minister’s Questions (PMQs) this afternoon, where he will face shadow defence secretary James Cartlidge across the despatch box. The pair will be standing in for Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch, who are both absent from the weekly Commons session. It marks Lammy’s first appearance at PMQs in his new role, and Cartlidge’s debut as his party’s stand-in opponent. Cartlidge, who has represented South Suffolk since 2015, was appointed as shadow defence secretary earlier this year. The session comes a day after Chancellor Rachel…

Equalities Minister Bridget Phillipson has urged the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) to prioritise helping the government implement new gender recognition rules rather than engaging in public debate, as tensions grow over delays in approving the watchdog’s guidance. The EHRC recently called on ministers to act with speed in approving its 300-page statutory guidance on interpreting an April supreme court ruling that defined woman and sex under the Equality Act as referring to biological sex. The ruling was hailed by gender-critical campaigners but sparked concern among transgender rights groups. Phillipson, who is also education secretary, told the media that…

Chancellor Rachel Reeves has refused to rule out tax increases ahead of her first Budget later this month, saying she will make the necessary choices to steer the UK economy through a difficult period. Speaking in London on Monday, Reeves said her 26 November Budget would focus on growth and fairness, while acknowledging that the global economy has presented fresh challenges over the past year. Her comments have fuelled expectations that tax rises are imminent, despite Labour’s manifesto pledges not to raise income tax, VAT or National Insurance. Analysts believe Reeves could be forced into tough fiscal decisions after the…

Serious concerns have been raised over the UK government’s plan to remove an Iranian man for the second time under its “one in, one out” scheme, despite warnings about his deteriorating mental health and claims of modern slavery. The 24-year-old, currently held in a UK immigration detention centre, is undergoing hourly welfare checks after staff expressed concerns for his wellbeing. He says he was trafficked and abused by smugglers in northern France, and fears for his safety if returned. “If I thought France was safe, I would never have come to the UK,” he said. “Only my body can go…

Following a coup plot by the military to overthrow the current democratic system of government and its administration in Nigeria, the 65th Independence Day celebration of the country annually held on October 1st was cancelled. The New Daily Prime, a few days after the cancellation of the Independence Day celebration reported that 16 senior military officers have been arrested in connection to the planned coup. The Nigerian military, through its Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, earlier dismissed the claims as false and malicious, clarifying that the detained officers were being investigated for professional misconduct  not for plotting…