British Isles
Economy: interest rates could remain high for longer
The Bank of England has declared that the base interest rate will remain at 5.25% for at least another six weeks. The bank’s governor, Andrew Bailey, emphasised that there is ‘no room for…
Care homes: infection monitoring
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has introduced the Vivaldi social care pilot, aiming to collect and analyse data from over 500 care homes across England to combat infections. This initiative builds on…
Christian councillor reinstated after ‘Pride is a sin’ text
Local councillor King Lawal, previously suspended for sharing his religious views on social media, has been reinstated after an investigation by Northamptonshire Council’s standards committee. He had been suspended and removed from various…
Edinburgh set to declare a housing emergency
Due to a homelessness crisis, Edinburgh is poised to declare a housing emergency. The city council's housing convener, Jane Meagher, will table a motion to establish an emergency action plan and request urgent…
East Africa: German president apologises for killings, King Charles ‘regrets’
During a visit to southern Tanzania, German president Frank-Walter Steinmeier apologised and asked for forgiveness for colonial-era killings during Germany’s rule. He vowed to raise awareness of the atrocities in his country, in…
Rishi Sunak embarks on ‘de-escalation‘ trip to Middle East
Prime minister Rishi Sunak is on a two-day trip to Israel and other Middle East countries, planning to urge leaders in the region to prevent further escalation of conflict. On 19 October he…
Bibby Stockholm: migrants return
Migrants have returned to the accommodation barge Bibby Stockholm, which can house up to 500 individuals awaiting asylum decisions, after it was evacuated in August due to Legionella bacteria in the water supply.…
Up to 167,000 people caught Covid in hospital in second wave
A study suggests that 95,000 to 167,000 people in England may have contracted Covid-19 in hospitals during the second wave of the pandemic, from June 2020 to March 2021. Researchers from Oxford University…
Councils call for rethink over ‘failing’ support for economically inactive
The Local Government Association (LGA) has warned that the various schemes designed to support economically inactive individuals back into work are failing to meet their needs. A study commissioned by the LGA revealed…
Ordinands urge bishops to 'preserve church doctrine'
78 ordinands and clergy in training within the Church of England sent a letter to the House of Bishops expressing concern over the potential introduction of same-sex blessing prayers and accompanying pastoral guidance,…
