Author: Fatimah Idera

Wakefield Council has confirmed that its local elections will go ahead as planned in 2026, despite a growing number of councils across England seeking to delay their own polls. In a statement issued by the local authority, the council said voters across the district will head to the polls on May 7, as originally scheduled. The election will be an “all-out” contest, meaning every council seat will be up for election. The confirmation comes amid widespread changes to local government structures being proposed by the UK government. As a result, 28 local authorities have so far requested permission to postpone…

The new leader of Reform UK in Scotland, Lord Malcolm Offord, has said any future referendum on Scottish independence should be postponed for at least 10 years to allow the country to focus on economic recovery and public services. Speaking to the media on Scotland Sunday Show, Lord Offord said the issue of independence has dominated Scottish politics for too long, creating what he described as a damaging doom loop. He argued that Scotland needs two full terms of the Scottish Parliament to concentrate on the day job, including boosting economic growth and improving public finances, before revisiting the constitutional…

UK Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer has strongly criticized US President Donald Trump’s threat to impose tariffs on Britain and other European countries unless a deal is reached for the purchase of Greenland, describing the move as completely wrong. President Trump has announced plans to introduce a 10% tariff on goods exported to the United States from the UK, Denmark and several EU countries from 1st of February, with the rate expected to rise to 25% by June. He said the measures would remain in place until an agreement is reached for the “complete and total purchase of Greenland”. Responding…

Homeless families living in temporary accommodation have accused Lambeth Council in south London of carrying out intimidating, unannounced home visits that have left many fearing eviction. Housing campaign group Housing Action Southwark and Lambeth (HASL) said several families reported unexpected visits from council housing officers, while others received sudden emails warning they could be moved far outside London.  The group said these actions have created confusion and distress for vulnerable households as the unannounced visits made them feel frightened and forced out. The council recently announced that most homeless families may need to be rehoused outside the borough, and in…

Thousands of taxpayers are facing long delays in receiving tax refunds from HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC), with some waiting more than a year to get back money they overpaid. Reports revealed that refunds which once took only a few weeks are now taking up to 10 months or longer. The delays affect a wide range of people, including the self-employed, pensioners and workers with multiple jobs. Tax experts say the problem is due to a growing backlog within HMRC. The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales warned that older refund claims are being pushed aside while newer…

The fear of arrest and deportation is pushing some undocumented African migrants in the United Kingdom into extreme living conditions, with reports of people sleeping on the streets and even inside waste bins to avoid detection. This follows the UK government’s 2025 immigration reforms, known as the “Plan for Change,” which focus on tighter border controls, faster deportations and stricter enforcement against people without legal status.  Since the policy came into effect, many migrants whose asylum claims were rejected or whose visas expired have been living in constant fear. The Home Office recently confirmed the deportation of 43 people to…

A Romanian lorry driver has been sentenced to prison after trying to smuggle 10 people out of the UK in the back of his truck. Dragos-Gabriel Geangalau, 55, was stopped by immigration officers at the Port of Dover on November 21, as he attempted to board a ferry to France. A search of his heavy goods vehicle revealed 10 people hidden inside the trailer. The group included nationals from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Nepal. During questioning, the individuals told authorities they had each paid between £1,000 and £1,500 to be smuggled across the Channel. Geangalau initially denied any knowledge of the…

The UK government is looking to Ukraine’s wartime experience to tackle the growing threat of drones smuggling drugs and weapons into British prisons. Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy disclosed this during a visit to Ukraine, marking a century-long security partnership between both countries. Lammy said British prison authorities have been tasked with learning from Ukraine’s advanced anti-drone measures, developed in response to Russian military attacks. According to him, drones used over prisons pose a serious threat to national security, prompting increased investment in modern security systems and cutting-edge technology. Official figures show that between April 2024 and March 2025,…

Following approval by Mid and East Antrim Borough Council’s planning committee, Planning permission has been granted for the construction of 403 new homes in Carrickfergus and County Antrim. The £70 million development, located in north of Prince Andrew Way, will be delivered in phases over the next five to six years and is expected to create around 200 construction jobs. The scheme includes 40 social housing units and 41 affordable homes, alongside a mix of private properties. As part of the approval, a long-awaited access road in the area must be completed before building begins. Upgrades to the North Road…

The UK government is introducing a new scheme to provide emergency cash for low-income residents across England. Starting in April, the Crisis and Resilience Fund will allocate £1 billion annually for three years. People can apply through their local councils, whether or not they currently receive benefits. The fund replaces the Household Support Fund, which ends in March, and allows councils to assist residents facing sudden financial shocks, such as job loss, unexpected bills, or broken appliances. Unlike the previous scheme, the new fund focuses on direct cash support, aiming to reduce reliance on food parcels and vouchers. Councils have…