British Isles
100+ new local congregations in the past five years
Despite a decline in UK church attendance, the Church of England's recent report reveals signs of growth, particularly in Blackburn, where innovative initiatives are drawing in more children and young people. At St…
Rwanda bill: Government suffers fresh defeats in Lords
The Government's Rwanda bill faced fresh setbacks in the House of Lords, with Labour-backed amendments passing despite previous reversals in the Commons. These amendments include exceptions for children and adherence to international law.…
Unemployment rate jumps as jobs market cools
The UK's unemployment rate surged unexpectedly to 4.2% in the three months to February, up from 3.9% in January, the highest level in nearly six months. This increase, alongside a slowdown in earnings…
Protect children from smacking, say doctors
Children's doctors have called for the prohibition of smacking children in England and Northern Ireland, decrying current laws as 'unjust and dangerously vague’. They argue that physical punishment inflicts lasting mental and physical…
One in 52 Blackpool children in care as poverty soars in north of England
The north of England faces a crisis in child welfare, with one in 52 children in Blackpool in care, highlighting the urgent need to address poverty-driven disparities. A report has revealed that nine…
Headteacher who won high court prayers battle questions legal aid
The headteacher of Britain's 'strictest school', questioning the £150,000 legal aid received by a Muslim pupil to fight a prayer ban case, is concerned about potential further legal action. The High Court dismissed…
Nearly half of businesses expect to increase their prices
The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) have reported that nearly half of UK businesses plan to raise prices soon, despite overall inflation pressures easing. Their survey, covering 4,800 firms, found 46% expecting to…
New migraine drug recommended for NHS use
Atogepant, an oral medication for preventing chronic and episodic migraines, may soon be accessible via the NHS in England. This treatment, poised to benefit up to 170,000 people, is especially for those unresponsive…
Faith schools could win right to choose all their pupils
Downing Street is considering plans to allow faith schools in England to select all pupils based on religion, repealing a 2010 cap. This cap requires faith-based free schools and academies to allocate half…
Asylum seeker accused of killing pensioner ‘for sake of Palestine’
Alid Ahmed, a Moroccan asylum seeker in England, is accused of murdering 70-year-old Terence Carney and attempting to murder his housemate Javed Nouri, a Christian convert, citing ‘revenge’ for Israeli actions in Gaza…
