Sudan RSF crimes against humanity
Crime and Justice

Amnesty Report Details Alleged Crimes Against Humanity in El Fasher

A new report by Amnesty International accuses Sudan's Rapid Support Forces (RSF)…

Up to 150 TG Jones Stores to Close After Court Approves Rescue Plan Court Approves Major Restructuring Plan TG Jones, the former WH Smith High Street business, has received court approval for a major restructuring plan that could lead to the closure of up to 150 stores across the UK. The decision is part of a wider effort to reduce costs and improve the company's long term financial position. The retailer currently operates 451 stores and employs around 4,700 people. However, the approved restructuring is expected to reduce the network to around 302 locations, depending on agreements with landlords. Why the Company Is Closing Stores Investment firm Modella Capital purchased the High Street business last year and later rebranded it as TG Jones. The travel division, which operates in airports and railway stations, remained under WH Smith and was not included in the sale. According to the company, the business has struggled because of difficult retail conditions, years of limited investment in stores, and the loss of the well known WH Smith brand name. These factors have contributed to declining sales and increased financial pressure. Company representatives told the court that TG Jones was facing an urgent cash shortage and needed immediate action to avoid insolvency. Without the restructuring plan, the retailer risked running out of money within days. Rent Cuts and Store Closures As part of the rescue package, around 120 landlords will not receive rent for up to three years. In addition, hundreds of other stores will receive rent reductions ranging from 15% to 75%. Modella Capital believes these savings will help stabilize the business and allow future investment in stores that remain open. The company says the plan gives TG Jones the best chance of returning to a stronger financial position. Landlords and Suppliers Raise Concerns Several landlords and suppliers opposed the restructuring plan, arguing that it placed an unfair financial burden on them. British Land was among the most vocal opponents during the legal process. Following further negotiations and several changes to the proposal, British Land withdrew its objections. Even so, many suppliers are still expected to face financial losses under the approved plan. Judge Gives Final Approval The High Court reviewed whether the restructuring would leave creditors in a better position than placing the company into administration. After considering the evidence, the judge approved the proposal. In his decision, Mr Justice Hildyard described the restructuring as both complex and far reaching. He concluded that the plan offered the most practical solution for preserving the business while avoiding a more damaging insolvency process.
News

Up to 150 TG Jones Stores to Close After Court Approves Rescue Plan

Court Approves Major Restructuring Plan TG Jones, the former WH Smith High…

Teachers in England to Receive 3.5% Pay Rise From September Teachers across England will receive a 3.5% pay rise from September, with another 3% increase planned for the following year, according to the Department for Education. The government says the decision reflects its commitment to supporting teachers while also providing additional funding for schools. The government has allocated £1.8 billion in extra funding for education. However, schools will need to cover the first 1% of each pay increase from their existing budgets. Officials believe this approach will help balance higher salaries with responsible public spending. Government Introduces New Rules on Academy Executive Pay Alongside the pay announcement, the government has introduced new measures to limit the salaries of senior leaders in academy trusts. From September, academy trusts must seek government approval before advertising executive roles with salaries above £174,000. In addition, academy executives will no longer be allowed to receive pay rises that exceed those given to classroom teachers. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said teachers deserve fair recognition for the work they do every day. She also said executive salaries should not grow faster than teachers' pay and explained that the new rules will help prevent excessive pay increases for senior leaders. Teaching Union Still Considering Strike Action Despite the pay award, the National Education Union (NEU) has not ruled out industrial action. The union had previously warned that it would hold a formal strike ballot in the autumn if the government failed to improve its original pay proposal. Following the latest announcement, an NEU spokesperson said the union is still reviewing its options. General Secretary Daniel Kebede argued that the pay increase does not fully address the financial pressure facing schools. He said schools will still have to find part of the funding from their existing budgets, which could lead to spending cuts in other areas. According to Kebede, the union believes education should receive full funding instead of asking schools to absorb additional costs. The NEU's national executive committee is expected to meet next week to decide its next steps. Former Teacher Says Wellbeing Is the Bigger Challenge Former primary school teacher Jessica Featonby, who now runs an education technology company, welcomed higher salaries but said pay alone will not solve the challenges facing the profession. She explained that many teachers regularly work early mornings, evenings, weekends, and even school holidays without additional pay. In her view, reducing workload and improving staff wellbeing are just as important as increasing salaries. Featonby believes better working conditions would encourage more teachers to stay in the profession and help schools improve long term staff retention. What the Pay Rise Means The latest pay settlement offers teachers a higher salary over the next two years while introducing tighter controls on executive pay in academy trusts. However, concerns remain over how schools will fund part of the increase, leaving ongoing debate between the government and teaching unions about the future of education funding in England.
EconomicsEducation

Teachers in England to Receive 3.5% Pay Rise From September

Teachers across England will receive a 3.5% pay rise from September, with…

18 year old dies during Duke of Edinburgh expedition
News

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…

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