Troubled heritage body told to address 'unacceptable' governance

Scotland’s spending watchdog has issued a critical report highlighting serious governance issues within Historic Environment Scotland (HES). The Auditor General, Stephen Boyle, identified significant problems including weaknesses in procurement procedures, data breaches, the distribution of complimentary event tickets, and the absence of a formal register of interests for senior leaders. This report comes amid prior… Continue reading Troubled heritage body told to address 'unacceptable' governance

Mears: Asylum seeker hotel firm hands back almost £14m in profit

Mears, one of the United Kingdom’s largest providers of accommodation for asylum seekers, has returned nearly £14 million to the Home Office after it was found to have exceeded the profit limits set within its contracts. The company operates across several regions, including Scotland, the north of England, and Northern Ireland, where it reported its… Continue reading Mears: Asylum seeker hotel firm hands back almost £14m in profit

Children with cancer scammed out of millions fundraised for their treatment, BBC finds

This excerpt describes investigations into potentially fraudulent charity campaigns allegedly exploiting seriously ill children in countries like the Philippines, Colombia, and Ukraine. Key points include: – Families of sick children, such as Khalil (Philippines) and Ana (Colombia), were approached by intermediaries and filmmakers (notably a man named “Erez,” identified as Erez Hadari) offering to create… Continue reading Children with cancer scammed out of millions fundraised for their treatment, BBC finds

UK launches taskforce to 'break down barriers' for women in tech

The UK government has introduced a new taskforce aimed at supporting women in the technology sector by helping them enter, remain, and advance into leadership roles within the industry. This initiative is spearheaded by technology secretary Liz Kendall, who will collaborate with prominent female figures from various tech companies and organizations. Their mission is to… Continue reading UK launches taskforce to 'break down barriers' for women in tech

Thousands of drivers wrongly fined for speeding since 2021

A technical fault has led to the erroneous activation of speed cameras on certain English A roads and motorways, potentially resulting in thousands of drivers receiving wrongful speeding fines. National Highways discovered that since 2021, there have been 2,650 incorrect speed camera triggers caused by a timing issue between cameras and variable speed limit signs.… Continue reading Thousands of drivers wrongly fined for speeding since 2021

UK unemployment rate rises slightly to 5.1%

Recent official data reveals that the unemployment rate in the UK increased to 5.1% for the three months ending in October, up from 5% in the prior quarter. This rise marks the highest number of unemployed individuals since January 2021, nearing levels observed during the peak of the Covid-19 pandemic. The Office for National Statistics… Continue reading UK unemployment rate rises slightly to 5.1%

Welsh first minister Eluned Morgan 'part of Labour's new generation'

Welsh First Minister Eluned Morgan positions herself as representative of a “new generation” within the Labour Party as it prepares for the upcoming Senedd election. With the party having governed Wales for nearly three decades, it now faces significant challenges in maintaining power. Of the current 29 Labour Members of Senedd (MSs), 14 have announced… Continue reading Welsh first minister Eluned Morgan 'part of Labour's new generation'

Trump sues BBC for defamation over Panorama speech edit

Former US President Donald Trump has initiated a $5 billion (£3.7 billion) lawsuit against the BBC, targeting their portrayal of his January 6, 2021, speech in a Panorama documentary. The legal action, filed in Florida, alleges defamation and violation of trade practices laws by the British broadcaster. The controversy stems from an edited version of… Continue reading Trump sues BBC for defamation over Panorama speech edit

Newspaper headlines: 'Tears, flowers and silence' in Bondi and 'Streeting's fury'

Tuesday’s newspapers are dominated by the ongoing response to the tragic attack at Bondi Beach in Australia. The Guardian’s front page carries the headline “Tears, flowers and silence,” showcasing an image of mourners gathered around floral tributes in memory of the victims. The paper also pays respects to the renowned Hollywood director Rob Reiner, who… Continue reading Newspaper headlines: 'Tears, flowers and silence' in Bondi and 'Streeting's fury'

Epstein’s UK flights had alleged British abuse victims on board, BBC finds

A BBC investigation has uncovered that nearly 90 flights connected to Jeffrey Epstein involved arrivals and departures at UK airports, revealing a previously underreported extent of the convicted sex offender’s activity tied to Britain. Records show that some of these flights included British women who claim to have been abused by Epstein. Among those identified… Continue reading Epstein’s UK flights had alleged British abuse victims on board, BBC finds