Latest News
- Hugh Grant and Esther Ghey endorse letter supporting UK social media ban for under-16s
- Newark Residents: Share Your Thoughts on Robert Jenrick Joining Reform UK
- Fairground Ride Collapse Injures 14 Schoolchildren During School Trip | News UK
- Barron Trump ‘rescued woman by alerting UK police during Facetime attack’ | News UK
- Fact-Checking Donald Trump’s Davos Speech: Claims Reviewed for Accuracy
- Rachel Reeves Indicates UK Won’t Retaliate with Tariffs on US Over Greenland
- 12-Year-Old Boy in Shark Attack Declared ‘Brain Dead’ and Unresponsive | News UK
- Glasgow Council Approves Huge AI Mural Featuring American Bald Eagles | UK News
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Global Reaction to DE Elections
Hugh Grant and Esther Ghey endorse letter supporting UK social media ban for under-16s
4:22 am
TL:DR- Hugh Grant and others urge MPs to ban social media for under-16s
- Hugh Grant and other celebrities signed a letter urging UK leaders to ban social media for kids under 16.
- The request centers on amendment 94a in the children’s wellbeing and schools bill.
- A survey revealed 93% of parents believe social media is harmful.
- Support for the amendment spans across party lines in the House of Lords.
- Government plans include a consultation on screen time guidelines and potential overnight curfews.
- Critics argue the government’s consultation is insufficient and distracts from urgent action.
Hugh Grant and Esther Ghey sign letter backing under-16s social media ban in UK | Social media
A coalition of public figures, including actor Hugh Grant, is calling for a ban on social media for children under the age of 16, as part of efforts to address concerns over the well-being of young people.
The appeal, directed at party leaders, is aimed at supporting amendment 94a of the children’s wellbeing and schools bill ahead of a crucial vote in the House of Lords.
93% of parents believe social media is harmful
The letter highlights growing parental anxiety regarding the detrimental effects of social media on children, with a poll by the charity Parentkind revealing that 93% of parents view these platforms as harmful. It asserts that amendment 94a holds unique cross-party support and could promptly implement necessary protections for children.
The proposed amendment seeks an outright ban on children using social media, which will be put to a vote in the House of Lords.
This debate will unfold in Westminster, with the House of Lords scheduled to discuss the amendment on Wednesday.
Stakeholders – Parents, celebrities and US tech giants
Notable signatories include Hugh Grant, Sophie Winkleman, and Esther Ghey, who emphasise the urgent need for legislative action. Former schools minister Lord Nash is leading the amendment push, stating the necessity for immediate regulations to safeguard youth.
They face stiff competition from tech giants from the US who are lobbying Lords to ensure the ban does not go through. The US tech giants have a business model based on selling the data for advertising, not having access to that will impact there business significantly, and set a precedent for other European countries.
Reaction and Fallout
Reactions have been mixed. While some, like director Beeban Kidron, criticise government consultation as inadequate, the Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch has indicated support for a ban if the party regains power, but that does not mean it will happen.
Looking ahead, if amendment 94a passes, it will proceed to the Commons for further debate. The government plans to issue guidelines on screen time for children and is set to outline a more comprehensive consultation on the issue.
Newark Residents: Share Your Thoughts on Robert Jenrick Joining Reform UK
4:12 am
TL:DR – Robert Jenrick Defects to Reform UK Amidst Backlash from Conservatives
- Robert Jenrick defected to Reform UK after months of denial.
- Nigel Farage celebrated the move as a “Christmas present.”
- Conservative MPs criticised Jenrick, labelling him a “coward” and “traitor.”
- Local councillor Sam Smith described the act as a betrayal to Newark voters and friends.
- The Guardian seeks opinions from Newark constituents about Jenrick’s defection and its implications for Conservative and Reform voters.
People in Newark: share your views on Robert Jenrick defecting to Reform UK | Robert Jenrick
Former Conservative minister Robert Jenrick has officially defected to Reform UK, sparking outrage among his former party colleagues and constituents. The move comes after months of speculation, sending ripples through the political landscape as he faces accusations of betrayal from both Tory MPs and local voters.
The defection follows a tumultuous period for Jenrick, in which he navigated significant scrutiny and criticism within his party. His decision has raised questions about his commitment to the values he previously espoused as a Conservative MP.
What Happened was he sacked or defect?
Jenrick announced his switch to Reform UK last week, a party led by Nigel Farage that aims to champion policies distinct from the Conservatives. This shift has been framed as a dramatic departure, with Jenrick now aligned with a party known for its hardline stance on issues such as immigration and Brexit.
Farage has been on mission to recruit as many politicians as he can, knowing that he will not be able to elect MPs, he thus needs to steal them from other parties. He has done this, by offering them senior positions and promises of power, if they succeed.
Could this move backfire?
The announcement has sent shockwaves through Newark, Nottinghamshire, Jenrick’s constituency, where former Conservative allies have expressed their shock and disappointment, branding him a “traitor.” They have vowed not to vote for him again as they do not want to be associated with a far right party.
Key figures involved include Nigel Farage, who publicly welcomed Jenrick, characterising the defection as a significant gain for Reform UK. Conversely, local Conservative councillor Sam Smith condemned Jenrick’s actions as a “betrayal” to both electorate and party members.
Reaction and Fallout from
Local reactions have been mixed, with many constituents feeling bewildered and betrayed. The Guardian is seeking views from Newark residents, particularly those who voted Conservative, to gauge their feelings on the implications of Jenrick’s new alignment.
Moving forward, the political implications of Jenrick’s shift are poised to unfold, as Reform UK seeks to leverage his experience, while the Conservatives grapple with dissent among their ranks and potential losses in forthcoming elections.
Fairground Ride Collapse Injures 14 Schoolchildren During School Trip | News UK
8:08 pm
TL:DR – Fairground Ride Collapse Injures 14 Schoolchildren During School Trip | News UK
- A giant fairground swing collapsed at the Maharaj No Melo fair in Jhabua, India, injuring 14 schoolchildren, including 13 girls.
- The “Dragon Swing” malfunctioned during high-speed operation, trapping the children under the metal frame.
- Local residents helped rescue the injured, with two girls in serious condition potentially needing intensive care.
- An investigation into the incident has been launched, with strict action promised if safety violations occur.
Moment fairground ride filled with schoolchildren collapses and injures 14 | News World
Giant Fairground Swing Collapse Injures 14 Schoolchildren in India
This is the moment a giant fairground swing suddenly collapsed mid-ride, injuring 14 schoolchildren. The screaming thrill-seekers were thrown into the metal frame as it collapsed on top of them at the Maharaj No Melo fair in Jhabua, India.
Details of the Incident
Officials stated that the dragon-shaped swing, also known as a Columbus or Dragon Swing, snapped while operating at a high speed near the Government School of Excellence. All the injured children were students at the school—thirteen girls and one boy were hurt when the structure gave way. Local residents and fairgoers provided assistance in rescuing the injured and rushed them to the hospital.
Locals helped out the injured parties while help arrived (Picture: Newsflash)
Condition of the Injured
District Collector Neha Meena confirmed that two girls sustained serious injuries and were being closely monitored by doctors, with a possibility of transfer to intensive care if required. The remaining children were treated for fractures and bruises and were reported to be stable.
Authorities have ordered an immediate investigation into the incident, with engineers, police, and electricity board officials sent to examine the fairground. The district administration emphasized that strict action would be taken if negligence or safety violations were found in the operation of the ride.
Onlookers watched on as the ride collapsed (Picture: Newsflash)
Previous Fairground Malfunctions
This incident is reminiscent of another group of thrill-seekers who were left trapped 65ft in the air last year after a ride malfunctioned in Tennessee. Punters were out enjoying the weeklong Irish Day celebrations when they found themselves dangling high above ground.
It took rescuers almost four hours to reach the people on the Star Tower at Casey’s Rides. Fortunately, the ride didn’t involve any upside-down sections, but visitors faced a long wait hanging in the swings. The fire department was unable to reach a worker and 19 individuals with its usual 65ft ladder, necessitating a call for a special 100ft truck that was stationed as close to the ride as possible.
As the investigation unfolds, the safety of fairground attractions will come under scrutiny, emphasizing the importance of adhering to strict safety measures to prevent such tragic incidents in the future.
Barron Trump ‘rescued woman by alerting UK police during Facetime attack’ | News UK
4:00 pm
TL:DR – Barron Trump ‘rescued woman by alerting UK police during Facetime attack’ | News UK
- Barron Trump intervened during an alleged domestic assault, calling UK police after witnessing the incident on FaceTime.
- The victim claims the assailant, Matvei Rumianstev, was jealous of her friendship with Trump.
- Barron described seeing the victim in distress during the call and insisted it was an emergency.
- The victim testified Barron’s call was a “sign from God” that helped save her life.
- Rumianstev denies multiple charges, including assault and rape; trial is ongoing.
Barron Trump ‘saved woman’s life by calling UK cops when she Facetimed him mid-attack’ | News UK
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It’s claimed the defendant was jealous of the alleged victim’s friendship with Barron Trump, pictured (Picture: Getty)
A woman has told a London court her life was saved by Barron Trump when he witnessed her being attacked by her ex-boyfriend.
The US President’s son contacted police in the UK after picking up a FaceTime call and seeing Matvei Rumianstev allegedly hitting the woman, who cannot be named.
It is claimed that Rumianstev, 22, was jealous of her friendship with Donald Trump’s youngest son.
Snaresbrook Crown Court heard a dramatic call in which Barron told 999 operators: ‘I just got a call from a girl I know. She’s getting beaten up’.
The call to UK police was made at 2.23am on January 18 last year.
After giving the woman’s address, he repeats: ‘It’s really an emergency, please. I got a call from her with a guy beating her up.’
Bodyworn footage from when police arrived was played in court, showing officers asking the woman if Rumianstev had been streaming during the alleged assault.
They told her that someone in the US had been in touch, but he did not give his name.
Barron Trump is the son of US president Donald Trump (Picture: Getty)
Eventually, she told them: ‘I am friends with Barron Trump, Donald Trump’s son.’
After she explains the Facetime call earlier that evening, one of the officers can then be heard telling a colleague: ‘So apparently this informant from America is likely to be Donald Trump’s son.’
He adds: ‘This female is friends with Donald Trump’s son. She was on a Facetime with him when this assault happened and he’s called us.’
The officers then ask the woman if she can call him back to confirm, and she can be heard asking: ‘Hello, Barron – did you call the police or anything?’
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Mr Trump can be heard replying: ‘I had someone call the police.’
He then tells the officers: ‘She called me. I picked up the phone expecting a nice hello or something.
‘I just saw a ceiling and could hear screaming. I could see a guy’s head on the phone, and then the camera turns to her crying and getting hit.’
Mr Trump said that lasted between 10 and 15 seconds before the call ended.
He said: ‘I called you guys – that was the best thing I could do. I wasn’t going to call back and threaten things to him because that would just make the situation worse.’
Giving evidence, the woman described the call to Barron Trump as ‘a sign from God’.
She told jurors ‘he would call me’ and that she missed ‘a few’ from him before the call which eventually connected and led to him calling the police.
Cross-examining her, Rumiantsev’s barrister Sasha Wass KC challenged her on her assertion that the call from Barron Trump ‘saved your life’.
She confirmed: ‘He helped save my life. That call was like a sign from God at that moment.’
The alleged victim said Barron Trump, centre, ‘helped save my life’ during the court hearing (Picture: Getty)
The woman told jurors she was ‘on my knees begging’ but the call gave her the chance to get back up.
Jurors have heard the woman had been in a relationship with Rumiantsev for around six months when the alleged attacks took place.
She claims he assaulted her, including by strangling, after they got into an argument.
Months later, she made a further complaint to police that she had been sexually abused by Rumiantsev.
She told them she had twice been raped by him, once in November 2024 and again hours before the police arrived at his apartment on January 18.
Rumiantsev is further accused of trying to pressurise the woman into withdrawing her complaints.
Ms Wass suggested Rumiantsev had restrained the woman after she had behaved ‘in an angry and violent way’ towards him that evening.
She challenged her that her account was a ‘complete fabrication’.
Questioning her about the sexual assault claims, the barrister suggested: ‘You invented this wholly untrue and fabricated account that he raped you on those two occasions – you were never raped.’
The woman replied: ‘I didn’t invent that. That would be completely evil and disgraceful toward people who have been in that situation.’
The Russian defendant, of New Providence Wharf, east London, denies assault, ABH, two counts of rape, intentional strangulation and perverting the course of justice.
The trial continues.
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Fact-Checking Donald Trump’s Davos Speech: Claims Reviewed for Accuracy
3:14 pm
TL:DR – Fact-Checking Donald Trump’s Davos Speech: Claims Reviewed for Accuracy
- Donald Trump addressed diplomats at the World Economic Forum in Davos, criticising Europe and highlighting his key achievements.
- He made controversial claims, including that the US “gave back” Greenland, which is misleading as it was never owned by the US.
- Trump’s assertion that China has no wind farms is false; China leads globally in wind farm capacity.
- He also exaggerated US investment figures and claimed to have ended eight wars, despite ongoing regional conflicts.
Donald Trump fact check: All the claims he made during his Davos speech | News World
Trump gave an address to hundreds of diplomats at Davos (Picture: AFP)
Donald Trump took to the stage in Davos and began his speech by criticizing Europe and making numerous claims about his first year as President.
The US president delivered a lengthy address to the World Economic Forum, where he touched on Greenland, investment, and how he ‘ended eight wars’.
His remarks are under intense scrutiny on the world stage as tensions with Greenland and NATO increase while Trump aims to ‘buy’ the Danish territory.
WTX News has fact-checked many of the President’s claims and explored others he shared on the global stage.
America ‘Gave Back’ Greenland to Denmark
One of Trump’s claims was that the United States ‘gave Greenland back to Denmark’—which is misleading.
The United States has never owned or had the right to own Greenland. It was first colonized by Denmark in the 1700s, and since the 1930s, it has had sovereignty over Greenland.
Trump may have been alluding to the brief period when the US took over Greenland’s defense during World War Two, building military bases on the island. But after the war ended, the responsibility for Greenland returned to Denmark—a fact the US accepted.
‘China Has No Wind Farms’ Is a False Statement
Trump stated at Davos: ‘China makes almost all of the windmills, and yet, I haven’t been able to find any wind farms in China.’
This is incorrect. China ranks number one globally for wind farm capacity and has more plans to expand its capabilities than any other country.
Trump’s Assertion About NATO’s Contributions
Trump claimed that NATO has never given the US anything. This statement is false.
The US benefited from military aid from NATO nations, who went to war in Afghanistan after the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Following this attack, the UK suggested declaring an Article 5 contingency, marking the only instance NATO invoked Article 5 of the Washington Treaty, defining the collective defense clause, wherein an armed attack against one member state is considered an attack against all.
Trump’s Investment Figures: A Misrepresentation
Trump secured claims of ‘$18 trillion’ in investment, which has been proven false.
Figures from the White House indicate that since Trump re-entered office, $9.6 trillion has been allocated for new investment—showing that the President exaggerated the true number.
The President ‘Ended Eight Wars’ Claim
Trump claimed he has single-handedly ended eight conflicts, which is somewhat accurate.
While Trump was involved in peace agreements between many countries, including Armenia, Azerbaijan, Iran, Israel, India, and Pakistan, violence in many of these regions has persisted even after peace accords were reached, highlighting ongoing instability.
Rachel Reeves Indicates UK Won’t Retaliate with Tariffs on US Over Greenland
1:57 pm
TL:DR
- Keir Starmer downplays UK’s potential tariffs on the US amid Trump’s Greenland tariffs, advocating against a trade war.
- Rachel Reeves emphasises UK’s aim to reduce trade barriers and maintains focus on securing favourable trade deals.
- Ed Miliband supports Starmer’s calm approach to Trump, highlighting the importance of de-escalation.
- Nigel Farage apologises for late declarations of earnings in Parliament, totalling over £380,000.
- Controversy surrounds UK-China relations as Starmer plans a business delegation visit.
Rachel Reeves suggests UK won’t impose retaliatory tariffs on US over Greenland – UK politics live
In a bid to prevent escalating trade tensions, Labour leader Keir Starmer has indicated that the UK may not impose retaliatory tariffs on the US, despite President Donald Trump’s threats regarding “Greenland tariffs.” Starmer’s stance aims to sidestep a potential trade war, stating that such measures would not benefit either country.
What prompted this response remains unclear, although tensions have risen following Trump’s reported interest in purchasing Greenland, which has irked several NATO allies, including the UK.
Starmer Downplays Tariff Threats Amid Trump Trade Tensions
During a press conference, Starmer asserted that the UK does not seek a trade war, urging cooperation over conflict. He was supported by Energy Secretary Ed Miliband, who echoed the need for de-escalation. However, both leaders left the door open to the possibility of tariffs should the US proceed.
The discussion unfolded amidst the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, where international leaders are addressing global trade dynamics. UK representatives have been vocal about their desire to maintain free trade.
Key figures include Keir Starmer and Rachel Reeves, the Chancellor, who stressed the UK’s commitment to lowering trade barriers. Reeves stated, “We’re determined to bring trade barriers down,” while also calling for a constructive relationship with the US.
Reaction and Fallout
Reactions have been mixed; European leaders have set up a Trump support Whatsapp group just to deal with the chaos he cases. Some voices within the Labour party advocate for a more confrontational approach towards Trump. Critics argue that Starmer’s strategy might appear weak compared to other world leaders’ responses.
The Prime Minister is scheduled to visit China next week with British business leaders, signalling a proactive approach to international trade while navigating growing tensions with the US.
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