TL;DR Steven Mitchell, 41, was sentenced to 10 years in prison after being found guilty of six sexual offences, including rape, against two women in West Lothian from 2016 to 2022. The court highlighted concerns about Mitchell’s refusal to acknowledge his crimes, classifying him as high risk for reoffending and placing him on the sex offenders’ register indefinitely. Authorities urge victims of sexual assault to report incidents, emphasising their commitment to supporting victims and ensuring…
TL;DR Sir Keir Starmer defended Labour’s position, stating that the party has adhered to its manifesto despite implementing tax increases in the recent budget, asking “everybody to contribute” for public services. The Chancellor announced 43 tax hikes, raising an additional £26 billion, including a three-year extension of income tax threshold freezes, while Starmer insisted this does not betray their commitments. Labour’s budget includes the lifting of the two-child benefit cap, which is projected to cost…
TL;DR A woman in her 20s was killed and a man, also in his 20s, seriously injured by a shark at Kylies Beach, near Port Macquarie. Thanks to a bystander’s tourniquet, the man was airlifted to hospital and is now in a serious but stable condition. Authorities have closed the beach and are investigating the shark species involved, noting that attacks on multiple people are rare. Woman killed and man injured in shark attack in…
TL;DR The Resolution Foundation indicates that freezing income tax thresholds has adversely impacted low- and middle-income earners, suggesting they might have been better off with tax increases instead. Chancellor Rachel Reeves acknowledges that maintaining frozen thresholds constitutes a tax burden increase on working people, despite the Labour Party’s manifesto pledge not to raise income taxes. The budget also includes measures to alleviate living costs, such as removing the two-child benefit cap and reducing energy bills,…
TL;DR At least 44 people have died and 279 are reported missing after a fire at the Wang Fuk Court housing complex in Hong Kong, which is deemed the deadliest fire in years. Authorities have confirmed three arrests on suspicion of manslaughter as emergency services struggle to manage the blaze, exacerbated by severe heat. Chinese President Xi Jinping and UK foreign secretary Yvette Cooper expressed condolences, with ongoing investigations into the fire’s origin, which began…
TL;DR Lindsay and Craig Foreman, detained in Iran since January on espionage charges, are being supported by their son, who criticises the UK government’s passive approach to their case. The Foremans were recently moved to Evin prison and are drawing parallels to the situation of Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe, who was previously held there. Joe Bennett argues that the charges against his parents are politically motivated and insists the UK government should actively defend its citizens. Lindsay…
TL;DR Rachel Reeves faces scrutiny over a budget that imposes £26 billion in tax rises, raising concerns about breaching Labour’s manifesto commitments. Key measures include a mansion tax on properties over £2 million and new taxes on the gambling industry, alongside cuts to tax-free savings limits. Criticism from both Labour backbenchers and opposition leaders highlights potential risks to Reeves’s leadership amid claims of “taxing to cover spending”. Budget 2025: Reeves to face further questions after…
TL;DR Britain’s military leaders express growing concern over the funding gap for modernising armed forces, as budget increases are deemed insufficient against escalating threats from Russia and China. A recent meeting revealed tensions regarding the delivery of the Strategic Defence Review (SDR), highlighting the challenges of balancing ambition with financial constraints. The UK aims to gradually increase its defence budget to 2.5% of GDP by 2027, but a significant gap remains when compared to other…
TL;DR The Chancellor has broken tax pledges by raising taxes by £26bn, adding to a previous £40bn increase, contradicting earlier commitments not to increase taxes on working people. The government extended a tax threshold freeze for three years, impacting 800,000 workers, amidst continued criticism over its fiscal strategies and credibility. This budget aims to please both markets and backbenchers, yet raises questions about accountability and the government’s long-term economic vision, with critics arguing it reflects…
TL;DR Two National Guard personnel have been critically wounded in a shooting incident near the White House, with one suspect now in custody. As a precaution, the White House has been placed under lockdown while President Trump is attending an event in Florida. US Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has called for prayers for the injured guardsmen amid responses from local authorities and the Joint DC Task Force. Two National Guard members shot near White…
TL;DR A body has been discovered near the A90 in Scotland during the search for Kenneth Unsworth, missing since 20 November. Police Scotland stated that formal identification is pending, and the death is currently being treated as unexplained, with investigations ongoing. Body found in Scotland amid search for missing Merseyside man, as police probe ‘unexplained’ death | UK News A body has been found close to a major road in Scotland following a search for…
TL;DR The Ajax fighting vehicle, despite assurances from procurement minister Luke Pollard, caused illness in 31 troops shortly after it was declared ready for use, highlighting ongoing issues with noise and vibration that have been previously acknowledged. A culture within the Ministry of Defence has been identified as failing to prioritise safety, leading to a systematic lack of action on known risks associated with the vehicle, resulting in permanent health issues for affected soldiers. Following…
TL;DR Rob Darke attended Liverpool’s victory parade with his sons when he was injured by a vehicle, initially fearing it was a terrorist attack due to the chaos surrounding him. Darke sustained a serious foot injury that required extensive medical treatment and left him with long-term physical and psychological effects, including PTSD. Paul Doyle has pleaded guilty to charges related to the incident, including wounding Darke with intent. Paul Doyle latest: Ex-marine in tears as…
TL;DR Farmers protested in Westminster against proposed 20% inheritance tax changes on agricultural land and businesses, despite a police ban on tractors in the area. The protest saw several tractors enter Westminster, including one with a sign reading “Fools vote Labour,” causing substantial disruption and frustration among farmers. Organiser Dan Willis expressed disappointment at the police restrictions, emphasising the emotional impact of the tax on farmers and their livelihoods. Farmers ignore tractor ban and bring…
TL;DR A fire at the Wang Fuk Court housing complex in Hong Kong has resulted in four fatalities, including a firefighter, with eight others injured, three of whom are unconscious. The blaze, which began at 2:51 PM, spread rapidly due to bamboo scaffolding around the complex, prompting multiple emergency calls about trapped residents. Four people killed in fire in high-rise block in Hong Kong | World News Four people have died in a fire which…
TL;DR The upcoming budget is expected to feature significant tax rises and increased government spending, particularly aimed at health services and addressing the cost of living crisis. The Chancellor aims to bridge a £30bn gap without resorting to austerity, focusing on stability and maintaining confidence in markets. The announcement also includes lifting the two-child benefit cap, which may alienate some voters amidst rising public spending commitments. The budget will be big – and Starmer has…
TL;DR The Chancellor is expected to announce tax rises, including an extension of income tax threshold freezes, aiming to address a £30bn fiscal deficit. Rachel Reeves emphasised a commitment to not impose austerity or reckless borrowing while addressing public frustration over economic unfairness. Confirmed measures include a rise in the national living wage, new levies on tourists, and an expansion of the sugar tax, among other fiscal policies. Budget 2025: Raft of tax hikes expected…
TL;DR – Budget 2025: Three things Rachel Reeves’s speech boils down to – and two tricks the chancellor will fall back on Weak Economic Growth: Britain’s productivity growth remains sluggish, leading to reduced tax revenue for the government. Unrealised Cuts: The Chancellor failed to implement promised welfare cuts, creating a significant financial shortfall. Don’t forget this is a Labour government. Limited Responses: Rachel Reeves faces constraints on fiscal measures, leading to reliance on complex approaches…
TL;DR – Russia – Ukraine Peace deal – Latest Donald Trump claims Russia is “making concessions” in Ukraine peace talks, asserting progress and that Kyiv is satisfied with developments. Trump no longer adheres to a Thanksgiving deadline for an agreement and has downplayed territorial concessions Ukraine may face. As negotiations proceed, Russian attacks continue, prompting concerns about the ongoing conflict amidst the peace discussions. Russia ‘making concessions’ and Ukraine ‘happy’ with peace deal talks, says…
TL;DR Donald Trump has sent envoys to Russia and Ukraine to advance a peace plan, with a potential meeting with both leaders on the horizon. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has expressed readiness to proceed with the US-Ukraine peace deal framework, aligning with earlier reports of Ukrainian support. The White House acknowledges significant progress towards an agreement but notes that several “delicate details” require further discussions before finalisation. Ukraine war latest: Trump hopes to meet Putin…
Cliff Notes – Pakistan strikes Afghanistan, kills 9 children, Taliban says Pakistani airstrikes in eastern Afghanistan reportedly killed at least 10 civilians, including nine children, according to Taliban officials. The strikes aimed at Pakistani Taliban hideouts, with claims of significant militant fatalities, threatening a recent fragile ceasefire between Afghanistan and Pakistan. Pakistan strikes Afghanistan, kills 9 children, Taliban says Pakistan carried out airstrikes in eastern Afghanistan that killed at least 10 civilians, including nine children,…
TL;DR Multiple London councils, including the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea and Westminster City Council, have experienced a cyber attack, with potential data compromise under investigation. The councils are collaborating with the National Cyber Security Centre and cyber incident specialists to restore services while monitoring the integrity of their systems and data. Experts indicate the attack exhibits signs of serious intrusion, with advice for staff to avoid emails from partner councils, highlighting the sensitivity…
TL;DR Mayors in England are granted the authority to implement a tourist tax on overnight visitors to support local transport and infrastructure, aligning England with tax practices in Scotland, Wales, and major cities worldwide. The hospitality industry has strongly opposed the measure, arguing it could adversely affect tourism and increase costs for consumers, while proponents believe it will enhance local economies. Consultations on the tax, which may include a cap on charges, will take place…
TL;DR Liridon Kastrati, 32, was convicted of attempted murder for chasing PC Gary Cowan with a chainsaw, leading to a significant penalty expected on 19 December. Kastrati also faced charges for breaching the peace and motoring offences, but these were withdrawn during the trial at the High Court in Paisley. PC Cowan described the incident as terrifying, believing Kastrati intended to kill him, while police statement highlighted concerns over the safety of officers in such…
TL;DR The High Court has denied the children of Muriel McKay permission to conduct a radar scan in a garden where they believe she may be buried, citing insufficient evidence. Justice Smith highlighted the lack of conclusive data and expressed concerns over the claims made by a witness regarding a smell observed after her disappearance. Allegations of harassment towards homeowners opposing the survey contributed to the court’s refusal of the injunction, with the judge condemning…
