Tag: UK

Government Accused of Tightening Protest Laws Despite Opposition From House of Lords

The government lowered the threshold for taking action against protesters despite opposition from the House of Lords, a Lords committee has said. The regulations in question allow the police to intervene in a wider range of circumstances, including by reducing the threshold for “serious” disruption. Other changes include allowing the police to consider the cumulative…


Baroness Fox: Cancel Culture Having a Chilling Effect on Free Speech

Cancel culture is having a “chilling effect” on free speech, Baroness Claire Fox has warned. The author and politician described the growing clampdown on dissenting voices as “censorious.” Speaking to NTD’s Lee Hall on the “British Thought Leaders” programme, Fox told how she’s faced down attempts by critics to have her thrown off events and…


Rail Unions Deny Targeting Eurovision With Strike Action

Rail unions have denied allegations they are deliberately targeting the Eurovision Song Contest and other major public events with industrial action. Members of the Rail, Maritime, and Transport union (RMT) will strike on Saturday—the day of the Eurovision Song Contest final in Liverpool, which the UK is hosting on behalf of Ukraine. Aslef, the train…


Royal Fan Detained for 13 Hours After Being Mistaken for Protester

A royal fan who was arrested and detained for 13 hours after being mistaken for a protester at the coronation has said the experience was “shocking.” Alice Chambers, 36, said she took her place on The Mall in central London at around 7 a.m. on the Saturday and hoped to see King Charles III and…


Northern Ireland Tourists to Face Immigration Checks

Tourists crossing into Northern Ireland from the Republic of Ireland are set to be hit by immigration checks. The regulations, due to be rolled out by the Home Office next year, will mean those visiting the region from abroad will be legally required to hold an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). The scheme will legally require…


Care Homes Face Staff Crisis as Workers Refuse to Return After ‘No Jab No Job’ Policy

British care homes are facing a staffing crisis as thousands of care workers fired for refusing to take the jab are choosing not to return to work. COVID-19 vaccinations were made compulsory for all staff working in care homes in England from Nov. 11, 2021, until the law was scrapped on March 15, 2022. At…


UK Tribunal Finds Crime Agency’s Hacking Warrants Lawful

Three judges have rejected an appeal against the way the National Crime Agency (NCA) obtained a warrant to use data from a hack of an encrypted phone network. In its ruling, the Investigatory Powers Tribunal (IPT), led by Mr. Justice Edis, declared the warrant was “lawfully issued” and said, “It is declared that the respondent [the NCA]…


Official Scottish Transgender Guide Says 12 Year Olds Can Be Referred to Medical Services

An official handbook has issued guidance for child and youth care services, suggesting that children as young as twelve could be referred for medical advice about transitioning. A report published by the Care Inspectorate (pdf), a regulatory body set up by the Scottish government in 2011, suggested that care home staff can “support young people…


UK Donates Long-Range Storm Shadow Cruise Missiles to Ukraine

Britain is supplying Ukraine’s armed forces with long-range Storm Shadow cruise missiles, Defence Secretary Ben Wallace has announced. Addressing the House of Commons on Thursday, Wallace said the missiles would allow Ukraine to hit Russian troops, ammunition, and fuel dumps deep behind the front line. He told MPs: “Today, I can confirm that the UK…


Bank of England Raises Interest Rates to Highest Level Since 2008

The Bank of England (BoE) has raised interest rates from 4.25 percent to 4.5 percent marking their highest level in almost 15 years. It’s the bank’s 12th consecutive rate hike and a peak since October 2008. Governor Andrew Bailey said the BoE is now forecasting “modest but positive growth” instead of a “shallow but long recession”…