Category: UK News

A recent study conducted for Stormont’s Department of Finance suggests that the increase in employer’s National Insurance (NI) may lead to businesses resorting to off-the-books cash payments to staff. This rise, which took effect in April, requires employers to pay NI at 15% on salaries above £5,000, up from the previous rate of 13.8% on… Continue reading National insurance rise: Worries that NI businesses may pay staff in cash

A new bill set to be introduced in Parliament on Wednesday threatens criminals in England and Wales who refuse to attend their sentencing with an additional two years in prison. Victims’ families advocate for this change, insisting that offenders should not have the option to avoid facing the consequences of their actions. The loved ones… Continue reading Criminals who skip sentencing could face two more years in jail

Political correspondent Helen Catt reported today that the government is set to announce a new law that will criminalize climbing on Winston Churchill’s statue in Parliament Square. Offenders who desecrate the monument to Britain’s wartime leader could potentially face up to three months in prison and a £1,000 fine. Although the Churchill statue is not… Continue reading New VE Day law to stop Churchill statue sacrilege

Bobby Sands’ Statue Unveiled in Belfast Sparks Planning Controversy A statue honoring IRA hunger striker Bobby Sands was recently unveiled in an Irish republican memorial garden in West Belfast, marking 44 years since his death. The Belfast City Council is now investigating the installation, as it was erected without proper planning permission. Sinn Féin representatives,… Continue reading Bobby Sands statue investigated by Belfast council planners

Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has said his party could offer “real change” to Wales, claiming that the current political system has “failed the people”. Farage, who is also a former leader of the UK Independence Party (UKIP), has been critical of both the Labour and Conservative parties, accusing them of not listening to the… Continue reading Senedd election 'could be seismic for Welsh politics', expert says

Critics slam the new UK-India trade deal, expressing concerns that it may undercut British workers. A key component of the free trade agreement is the extension of an exemption on national insurance contributions (Nics) from one to three years. This arrangement, known as the double contribution convention, allows individuals on short-term visas to avoid making… Continue reading India trade deal could undercut UK business, opposition parties say

Recent trade talks between the UK and India have stirred controversy as newspapers report on a deal worth £5bn. The Daily Telegraph highlights criticism from opposition leader Kemi Badenoch about a ‘two-tier’ tax deal benefiting Indian migrants by exempting them from National Insurance payments. The government’s defense of the deal includes anticipation of a £4.8bn… Continue reading Newspaper headlines: 'Two-tier' deal and 'Labour turmoil' over winter fuel

In the shadows of the night, street sex workers are playing a crucial role in assisting law enforcement and a charitable organization in safeguarding the most vulnerable children in a city. These women serve as the eyes and ears on the streets after dark, providing vital information on child exploitation to Bristol’s Night Light initiative… Continue reading Bristol street sex workers help police to stop child abuse

A survivor of abuse escaped her dangerous partner, only to find herself stuck in an unsecure home due to the negligence of her local council. Referred to as Jane for anonymity, she spent over six months barricading herself into her rented residence every night, as the council failed to address a broken door lock promptly.… Continue reading Lincolnshire council took months to fix abuse victim's door lock

This summer, tens of thousands of GCSE students are set to receive their grades through a new app on their smartphones on results day. A trial of the Education Record app is currently underway with 95,000 students in Manchester and the West Midlands, with plans for a nationwide rollout in the future. The government aims… Continue reading GCSE results day to change for thousands of students with new app