Author: Fatimah Idera

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The Conservative Party has announced ambitious plans to remove 750,000 illegal immigrants from the UK within five years, unveiling a tough, Trump-style approach to immigration enforcement as its annual conference begins in Manchester. Under the proposals, anyone entering the UK without permission would be banned from claiming asylum. Those whose claims are rejected would no longer be able to appeal decisions in the courts; instead, appeals would be handled internally by Home Office officials. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch told the BBC that migrants should “go back to where they came from” or be sent to other safe countries. The plan…

Chancellor Rachel Reeves is preparing to unveil a series of planning reforms before the upcoming budget to stimulate Britain’s sluggish economic growth. British sluggish economic groReeves to unveil planning reforms The changes aim to simplify the process for developers to build houses and infrastructure, potentially boosting the economy by around £3 billion annually. However, there is internal disagreement within the government over how radical the reforms should be. The package targets improving private sector confidence, which recently hit a record low, according to the Institute of Directors. Alongside these planning reforms, ministers are also working on a separate nature bill…

Every Police Force in the UK now has a dedicated officer tasked with protecting journalists from threats and violence, the government has confirmed. Known as Journalist Safety Liaison Officers (JSLOs), these officials form part of an enhanced partnership between the police, government, and media organizations aimed at safeguarding the press, who increasingly face harassment both online and in person. Media Minister, Ian Murray emphasized the importance of the move, saying, “Too often, media men are put in harm’s way while fulfilling their vital role of delivering accurate news to the public. It is only right that they feel supported and…

The number of migrants packed onto small boats crossing the English Channel has reached record highs, with some vessels carrying over 120 people far above previous averages. Analysis by Nationalnews reveals that on four separate days since mid-August, boats carried an average of more than 80 people. The highest single-boat figure was 125, recorded last Saturday, surpassing the previous records of 106 in August and 98 in October 2024. Prime Minister Keir Starmer, under pressure to deliver on his promise to smash the gangs, has ramped up efforts to dismantle people smuggling operations. His government has signed a deal with…

Chancellor Rachel Reeves is preparing to launch the search for a new chief executive of the Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA), signalling a shift towards bringing in an outsider to lead Britain’s top banking watchdog. Report reveal that Treasury will advertise the position in the coming days, with the recruitment process expected to begin as early as next week. The new appointee will replace Sam Woods, who has completed two terms in the role overseeing banks and insurers. The senior Barclays executive and former top Treasury official, Katharine Braddick, is tipped as a strong contender. Braddick, who joined Barclays in 2022, previously…

A couple who murdered their two-year-old grandson, Ethan Ives-Griffiths, have been jailed for life following a harrowing trial at Mold Crown Court. Michael Ives, 47, and Kerry Ives, 46, were sentenced to minimum terms of 23 and 17 years respectively after being found guilty of Ethan’s murder and child cruelty. Ethan’s mother, Shannon Ives, 28, was also convicted of causing or allowing his death and child cruelty. She received a 12-year prison sentence. Ethan died on 14 August 2021 after collapsing at his grandparents’ home in Garden City, Flintshire. He was dangerously dehydrated, severely underweight, and had 40 visible injuries.…

Prime Minister Keir Starmer is under mounting pressure over whether to approve China’s long-stalled plans to build a massive new embassy complex in central London, a diplomatic saga that has dragged on for over seven years. In 2018, China bought the historic Royal Mint Court site near the Tower of London for £255m to construct a 20,000-square-metre embassy. However, the plans have faced fierce opposition from local residents, human rights groups, and MPs, particularly due to concerns over security and China’s human rights record. In 2022, Tower Hamlets council rejected the initial application, despite planning officers recommending approval. The decision…

Health Secretary Wes Streeting has launched an urgent review of vetting procedures for foreign-trained doctors after it emerged that 22 medics banned abroad were cleared to treat NHS patients in the UK. The revelations, uncovered by media revealed that despite disciplinary action overseas, including suspensions for poor patient care, sexual misconduct, harassment, stalking charges, and even assault convictions these doctors were able to obtain General Medical Council (GMC) licenses without any record of their past sanctions. Calling the findings horrific and “a serious failure in our medical regulatory systems,” Streeting said patient safety remained his top priority. He ordered immediate…

Schools across parts of the UK have been ordered to close as Storm Amy sweeps across the British Isles, bringing potentially life-threatening winds and heavy rain. Forecasters are warning of powerful gales over the weekend, with wind speeds expected to reach up to 95mph in some areas. The Met Office has issued multiple weather alerts, with both yellow and amber warnings in effect. In Northern Ireland, the Education Authority (EA) announced that schools would close from noon on Friday due to safety concerns. The decision follows an amber wind warning for Antrim, Fermanagh, Tyrone, and Londonderry, in place from 3pm…