18 year old dies during Duke of Edinburgh expedition
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18 Year Old Dies During Duke of Edinburgh Award Expedition in River Wye

An 18 year old participant has died after entering the River Wye…

Energy Meter Readings Before Energy Price Rise
Economics

Households Urged to Submit Energy Meter Readings as Bills Increase

Focus Keyphrase: energy meter reading before price rise Millions of households across…

Andy Burnham Calls for Shabir Ahmed's Deportation Ahead of Prison Release Victims' Safety Remains a Major Concern Andy Burnham has called on the UK government to examine every possible legal option to deport convicted Rochdale grooming gang ringleader Shabir Ahmed before he is released from prison. Ahmed, who led one of the country's most notorious child grooming gangs, is expected to leave prison this week after serving his sentence for multiple rape and sexual offences. He was convicted in 2012 for abusing vulnerable girls, some of whom were only 12 years old. Burnham said protecting victims must remain the government's highest priority. He confirmed that he will ask both the Home Secretary and the Foreign Secretary to review all available legal measures that could result in Ahmed's removal from the UK. British Citizenship Was Removed Following his conviction, Ahmed lost his British citizenship because he also held Pakistani nationality. Despite that decision, reports suggest legal and diplomatic barriers may prevent his deportation to Pakistan. Documents circulating online, believed to be from the Probation Service, indicate that existing legal restrictions currently stop authorities from sending Ahmed back to Pakistan. As a result, questions remain about what action can be taken once he is released. Government Reviewing All Available Options The Home Office said officials are working with other government departments to explore every possible option in Ahmed's case. A spokesperson explained that the government remains committed to removing foreign national offenders whenever the law allows. However, deportation also depends on cooperation from the receiving country, which has created challenges in similar cases over the years. The spokesperson added that discussions are continuing across government departments to determine whether any lawful solution is available. Burnham Says Nothing Should Be Ruled Out In a statement shared on social media, Burnham said he wants Ahmed removed from the country and believes every possible option should be considered. He stressed that victims must come first and said authorities should leave no legal avenue unexplored if it could lead to Ahmed's deportation. Burnham has previously raised similar concerns. In 2022, while serving as Mayor of Greater Manchester, he urged the government to use all available powers to deport foreign nationals involved in grooming gang offences. Justice Minister Acknowledges Legal Challenges Justice Minister Jake Richards also addressed the case during a television interview. He acknowledged that the UK has faced long standing difficulties when attempting to deport certain foreign national offenders to Pakistan. Richards said the government would continue examining possible solutions. However, he admitted that deporting Ahmed under the current legal framework appears unlikely. When asked whether the law should be changed, Richards responded that changing legislation to apply retrospectively would be legally difficult. Uncertainty Continues Ahead of Ahmed's Release Ahmed's expected release has renewed concerns among survivors, many of whom say they fear for their safety. The government has not confirmed whether deportation will ultimately be possible. Officials say discussions are ongoing while legal and diplomatic options continue to be reviewed. As the case develops, the focus remains on balancing public safety, victims' concerns, and the legal limits surrounding deportation.
Crime and Justice

Andy Burnham Calls for Shabir Ahmed’s Deportation Ahead of Prison Release

Victims' Safety Remains a Major Concern Andy Burnham has called on the…

Two Police Officers Face Misconduct Investigation After Henry Nowak's Death Officers Investigated Over Actions at Stabbing Scene Two police officers are under investigation for possible gross misconduct after their response to the fatal stabbing of 18 year old Henry Nowak in Southampton. Investigators believe the officers may have failed to recognize that Nowak needed immediate medical treatment. Instead of providing first aid, they handcuffed and arrested him while he lay seriously injured. The case has raised major concerns about police conduct and emergency response procedures. Fatal Attack Led to Life Sentence Henry Nowak died after Vickrum Digwa stabbed him with a large knife during an incident in December 2025. During the court case, Digwa claimed he carried the weapon because of his Sikh faith. After the attack, he reportedly misled police by falsely claiming that he had become the victim of a racist assault. In June, the court sentenced Digwa to life in prison. He must serve at least 21 years before becoming eligible for parole. Watchdog Finds Evidence of Possible Misconduct The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) reviewed the officers' actions and found evidence that could amount to breaches of professional standards. According to investigators, the officers may have overlooked clear signs that Henry Nowak required urgent medical care. Instead of checking his condition and providing immediate assistance, they arrested and handcuffed him. The investigation also suggests that one officer may have acted without proper respect and courtesy after appearing to dismiss Henry's statement that he had been stabbed. Delay in Finding Fatal Injury Investigators also examined the timeline of events after police reached the scene. Authorities found that officers took around eight minutes to identify Henry Nowak's fatal stab wound. This delay has become one of the central issues in the ongoing investigation because every minute is critical when treating severe injuries. Family Informed About Investigation The IOPC confirmed that it has already met with Henry Nowak's family, who live in Chafford Hundred, Essex. Officials discussed the investigation after the criminal case against Digwa ended. IOPC Director of Engagement Derrick Campbell said the available evidence shows the incident may have seriously damaged public confidence in the police. He also explained that issuing gross misconduct notices does not automatically mean disciplinary action will follow. Investigators will complete their inquiry before deciding whether formal disciplinary proceedings should take place. Investigation Continues The investigation remains ongoing as the watchdog reviews the officers' conduct in detail. The outcome will determine whether disciplinary action is necessary. The case has sparked wider discussion about police training, emergency medical response, and how officers should respond when injured people need immediate help.
Crime and Justice

Two Police Officers Face Misconduct Investigation After Henry Nowak’s Death

Officers Investigated Over Actions at Stabbing Scene Two police officers are under…

Kemi Badenoch Criticises Keir Starmer's Defence Spending Plan Over £5bn Funding Gap
Politics

Kemi Badenoch Criticises Keir Starmer’s Defence Spending Plan Over £5bn Funding Gap

Kemi Badenoch Questions Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has accused Prime Minister Sir…

Nigeria to Seek Compensation for Citizens Who Left South Africa Amid Anti Migrant Protests
News

Nigeria to Seek Compensation for Citizens Who Left South Africa Amid Anti Migrant Protests

Nigeria Plans Compensation Talks With South Africa Nigeria has announced that it…

# Syria’s New Parliament Takes Shape as President Ahmed al Sharaa Appoints Final 70 Lawmakers Syria has completed the formation of its new transitional parliament after Interim President Ahmed al Sharaa appointed the remaining 70 lawmakers. The move completes the 210 seat People's Assembly and prepares the legislature for its first session next week. The appointments mark another step in Syria's political transition after the fall of former President Bashar al Assad in 2024. Officials say the new parliament will guide the country's legislative work during the transitional period. ## Final Appointments Complete the Assembly The president selected the final 70 lawmakers after regional electoral colleges had already chosen the other 140 members last October. Officials designed the latest appointments to improve representation across different sections of Syrian society. Among the newly appointed lawmakers, 15 are women. Another 13 members spent time in prison during the rule of Bashar al Assad. The government has not confirmed how many members belong to Syria's religious and ethnic minority communities. Mohammed Taha al Ahmed, chairman of the Higher Committee for the Syrian People's Assembly Elections, said the appointments combine experience with the sacrifices made by many Syrians during years of conflict. ## Parliament Aims to Represent Different Communities According to election officials, the new lawmakers include academics, professionals, community leaders, experts, survivors of detention, relatives of people killed during the war, and victims of chemical attacks. The appointments also cover all 14 Syrian provinces. Two of the newly selected lawmakers come from Suweida, a province with a large Druze population. Officials believe this broader representation will strengthen national unity and ensure that different voices take part in the country's political transition. ## Delays Continue in Some Areas Authorities have not held electoral college voting in Suweida because security conditions remain unstable. The province has stayed outside full government control since deadly sectarian clashes last July left around 1,700 people dead. Election officials said they plan to organize voting there once conditions improve. Authorities also delayed elections in parts of Raqqa and Hassakeh after government forces regained control of those areas from the Kurdish led Syrian Democratic Forces earlier this year. ## Critics Question the Electoral Process Several Kurdish political parties rejected the lawmakers selected through the electoral colleges. They argued that the process excluded important political groups and failed to provide fair representation. Civil society organizations also raised concerns about the structure of the elections. They said the president's influence over the Higher Committee and electoral colleges limits the independence of the parliament. The groups also questioned the president's authority to appoint one third of the assembly and replace lawmakers if seats become vacant. They warned that these powers could reduce the parliament's independence. ## UN Calls the Transition a Critical Moment The United Nations continues to monitor developments in Syria. Last week, UN Deputy Special Envoy Claudio Cordone told the Security Council that the country's transition has reached a critical stage. He said Syria now faces both important opportunities and serious challenges as it works toward political stability and long term peace. The new parliament is expected to begin its first session next week. Its decisions could play an important role in shaping Syria's future during the country's ongoing transition.
Politics

Syria’s New Parliament Takes Shape as President Ahmed al Sharaa Appoints Final 70 Lawmakers

Syria has completed the formation of its new transitional parliament after Interim…

Ukrainian charged over Nord Stream pipeline explosions
War

Ukrainian National Charged in Germany Over Nord Stream Pipeline Explosions

Germany has officially charged a Ukrainian national over the 2022 Nord Stream…

Donald Trump 2025 financial report
PoliticsUnited States

Donald Trump’s 2025 Financial Report Reveals Surprising Sources of Income

Financial Disclosure Shows Trump's Diverse Income Streams Donald Trump's latest financial disclosure…

Controversial SSPX bishops ordained
News

Thousands Gather in Switzerland for Controversial Ordination Ceremony

Thousands of worshippers gathered in the small Swiss village of Écône as…

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