Author: News Desk

IPP sentence: Top judge demands help for prisoners ‘left to rot’ under ‘morally wrong’ indefinite jail terms Britain’s former top judge has backed The Independent’s campaign for prisoners serving indefinite jail terms to have their sentences reviewed, and called for the government to take responsibility for the “morally wrong” punishment. John Thomas, a member of the House of Lords who served as lord chief justice from 2013 to 2017, fears that without action, those sent down under abolished imprisonment for public protection (IPP) sentences will be “left to rot” serving a jail term that is “inherently unfair”. Reacting to a…

Ukraine cleric pleads with Starmer for help over Zelensky’s Orthodox church crackdown Sir Keir Starmer has come under pressure to quickly appoint an envoy for religious freedom after frustration over the delay to replace former Tory MP Fiona Bruce. The row has broken out as a leading Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC) priest has appealed to the UK for help in urging President Volodymyr Zelensky to end his crackdown on the church and priests in his country. Metropolitan Arseniy, the abbot of the Dormition Sviatohirsk Lavra, was arrested over suspicions he was “disseminating information about the movement or location of armed…

One person killed and homes evacuated after explosion and fire at house in Bedford One person has been killed and another seriously injured after an explosion and fire at a house in Bedford. Homes in the town’s Cleat Hill area were evacuated after the emergency services rushed to the scene shortly after 7.30am, with Bedfordshire Police still advising people to avoid the area as of Saturday evening. An investigation into the cause of the fatal blast is still ongoing, police said in an update at 6pm, and advised residents in the area who were still in their homes to keep…

Reeves plans stealth taxes as Starmer prepares to splurge billions on NHS Sir Keir Starmer has insisted that his government will not break Labour’s manifesto pledge over raising taxes on working people despite growing concerns about plans for stealth taxes to help fund the NHS. The prime minister is set to reveal new plans for the NHS which will include billions in extra investment accompanied by wholesale reform. The revelation comes as The Independent has been told that a plan is being put together by the UK’s most powerful think tank Labour Together on how Labour will win the next…

Ex-Tory chair who called party Islamophobic gives her vote to Kemi Badenoch A former Tory peer who called out her own party for being Islamophobic has in a shock move given her backing to Kemi Badenoch, saying she “hopes and prays” that the candidate will bring sanity to the Conservatives. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Sayeeda Warsi, who has recently published her book Muslims Don’t Matter, said she might regret voting for Ms Badenoch but sees her as the least bad option. She said: “I know I am probably going to regret doing this but I also know…

King Charles and Queen Camilla to begin tour of Australia with Sunday church service King Charles and Queen Camilla’s six-day tour of Australia will begin with a church service on Sunday, as part of their first visit to the Commonwealth nation since being crowned. Sydney Opera House was lit up with a projection of images of the royal couple as they touched down on Friday evening for a tour intended to celebrate Australia’s people, culture and heritage The 75-year-old King was appointed Australia’s admiral of the navy, field marshal of the army and marshal of the air force shortly after…

‘I don’t have bruises, but he destroyed me’: Technology-enabled domestic abuse rises to unprecedented levels Jasminder* didn’t realise she was being abused until she left her partner. He controlled her finances, tracked her calls, and sent intimidating messages as their relationship fell apart. When she needed a new phone, her then-husband told her she had such a terrible credit score the contract would have to be taken out in his name. Jasminder had no idea if this was true as he wouldn’t let her access their joint bank account. It was years before she finally broke free. “I have no…

Storm Ashley tracker: Where and when are Met Office weather warnings in force across UK? The Met Office has issued “danger to life” weather warnings as parts of the UK brace for Storm Ashley to bring rain and winds of up to 80mph this weekend. The first named storm of the season will initially hit Ireland on Sunday morning, where warnings for strong winds are in force across seven counties, including Galway, Mayo, Kerry and Donegal. It will then track northeastwards and reach the UK early on Sunday morning, according to the Met Office, bringing with it likely power cuts,…

Wes Streeting’s NHS revolution with smartwatches to monitor diabetes in 10-year plan Wes Streeting is set to reveal plans for people to monitor their own health from the comfort of their homes with a 10-year plan aimed at revolutionising the NHS. The health secretary wants to roll out smartwatches to more members of the public in a bid to tackle debilitating conditions like heart disease and diabetes. The devices would allow people to monitor their blood pressure and glucose levels, and be warned about spikes before their health took a turn for the worse. The innovation is part of a…

Is China cannibalising the EU car industry? Troubles at VW point to growing doubts about future of Europe-wide sector as imports of cheap EVs rise. For decades Germany has enjoyed a reputation as Europe’s car capital, with slogans such as Vorsprung durch Technik emblematic of its political and industrial prowess. But troubles looming over Volkswagen, where unions are battling threats of layoffs and factory closures, have raised questions not just about its future but the wider European car industry. Continue reading… https://www.theguardian.com/business/2024/oct/20/is-china-cannibalising-the-eu-car-industry