With a week to go until Rock ‘n’ Roll stars Oasis arrive in Edinburgh, we’ve released advice for residents, businesses, and visitors.
The sold-out shows taking place at Scottish Gas Murrayfield on Friday 8, Saturday 9 and Tuesday 12 August mark the band’s first appearance in the Capital since 2009 and are expected to draw Supersonic crowds of up to 210,000 fans over the three nights.
And we won’t just Roll with it. To keep the city running smoothly for everyone, planning has been underway for some time in collaboration with our partners. As the fans Slide Away, we will be making sure key areas surrounding Murrayfield will be tidied up all three nights after each show. We will also be dedicating extra litter collectors for Roseburn Park.
City of Edinburgh Council Leader Cllr Jane Meagher, said:
Excitement is building in Edinburgh for Oasis Live 25 as it’s our turn to witness rock history. With all of our partners in the city we’ve been planning for this for some time to make sure we’re ready to welcome thousands of Oasis fans over three nights.
There will be extra trains, trams, and buses to accommodate concert goers, along with those attending our summer festivals. With this in mind we urge you to plan ahead.
We are keen for everyone to have an enjoyable experience, not only at the show, but on their way before and after. Whilst we relish hosting the biggest and best events and want everyone attending to truly enjoy themselves, it’s important that we remember our residents.
We ask that visitors are considerate and respectful of them whilst enjoying our fantastic capital city. We’re urging people to only travel to Murrayfield and the surrounding area if you have a ticket.
To find out more, and for helpful information in the lead-up to the concerts, visit our dedicated events webpage.
Islanders are invited to review and have their say on proposed secondary legislation under the Food Law, through a 10-week public consultation.
The proposed legislation aims to protect the public health of Islanders and visitors, ensuring that food sold, prepared and packaged in Jersey meets internationally recognised requirements, bringing Jersey in line with standards already in place in the UK and EU.
The secondary legislation focuses on three main areas:
New licensing scheme for food businesses
Food standards (including labelling and food allergens)
Food hygiene and safety.
Feedback gathered from the consultation will help to finalise the secondary legislation, which will then be presented to the States Assembly in early 2026.
If the secondary legislation is approved, the Food (Jersey) Law 2023 which was passed by the States in December 2022 can take effect. As the primary law has already been approved, the focus of this consultation is on the secondary legislation.
The labelling and food allergens area of the legislation introduces modern evidence-based requirements, following regulations in the EU and Natasha’s Law in the UK. The aim is to improve the information provided to consumers about food allergens present in food settings so that consumers can make safer, more informed choices.
Additionally, updated licensing arrangements are proposed which would be carried out on a risk-based framework, categorising food businesses based on the level of risk their activities potentially pose to customers. This approach would mean licensing fees more accurately reflect the time and resources spent by officers in inspecting and supporting food premises.
The closing date of the consultation is Thursday 9 October 2025. See the draft legislation and consultation survey here: Food (Jersey) Regulations 202-.
The Minister for the Environment, Deputy Steve Luce, said: “The Food (Jersey) Law 2023 is about improving food safety and consumer protection in Jersey. This proposed secondary legislation, if approved, will allow this law to come into force and will be a crucial step to ensuring Jersey’s food system is aligned with international standards.
“The law has been designed with proportionality in mind, and I want to reassure those with concerns that it is not intended to target occasional activities, like charity cake sales for example. This is ensuring high standards of food hygiene, safety and standards at every stage of the food chain – from the primary producer to the end consumer. Many food businesses are already making great efforts to do this, and the legislation will help ensure that everyone can enjoy food safely.
“I encourage Islanders, food businesses, and stakeholders to review the proposed legislation and share your thoughts. Your feedback will help inform the final legislation which will be brought to the States Assembly for approval early next year.”
After providing continuous armed policing for the last 20 years, today (Fri 1 Aug 2025) the CNC officially ceased operations at Hunterston Nuclear Power Station
Hunterston Nuclear Power Station
Having successfully provided continuous armed policing for the last 20 years, today (Friday 1 August 2025) the Civil Nuclear Constabulary (CNC) officially ceased operations at Hunterston Nuclear Power Station in Ayrshire, Scotland.
A carefully planned and managed cessation process has ensured that CNC officers and staff have been supported into redeployment, retirement or new roles at other organisations, while business as usual at the site remained unaffected.
Chief Constable Simon Chesterman, showed his appreciation, saying:
“I would like to thank all the CNC officers and staff who have worked hard to protect the Hunterston site over the past two decades. Their positive and professional outlook throughout those years has been exemplary.
“This same professional approach has ensured the CNC maintained business as usual, providing high level armed policing as it always has done at the site, whilst simultaneously carrying out a complex cessation process with professionalism and commitment.
“Many colleagues have supported the cessation process, and I would like to pay tribute to them for all the hard work which has gone on behind the scenes to make the cessation process a success.”
The cessation was the first the force has been part of since withdrawing from Wylfa, in Wales, in April 2016. The cessation process is part of the normal business cycle for licenced civil nuclear sites – once a nuclear power station ceases generation and defueling operations are concluded, the site security classification can be downgraded.
The formal cessation process was carried out by the CNC in coordination with key partners, including EDF, the Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR), the Department of Energy Security and Net Zero and the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA).
Portsmouth will join the global celebration of World Breastfeeding Week 2025 by lighting up the Spinnaker Tower in purple on Friday 1 August, and hosting a picnic for families in Victoria Park on Tuesday 5 August, 10am-12pm to highlight the city’s commitment to supporting breastfeeding families.
World Breastfeeding Week is a global campaign held every year from 1-7 August to raise awareness of the benefits of breastfeeding and the importance of community support. This year’s theme focuses on inclusive, welcoming environments for breastfeeding and Portsmouth is leading the way with its Portsmouth Welcomes Breastfeeding Scheme. The initiative encourages local businesses, community venues, and public spaces to actively support and welcome breastfeeding families, making it easier for parents to feed their babies with confidence.
Any venue open to the public can sign up to the Portsmouth Welcomes Breastfeeding Scheme and it is free to join. Venues simply complete a short checklist and will receive window stickers to display to show families that they are welcome to breastfeed whilst spending time in the venue.
Families in Portsmouth have access to a wide range of breastfeeding and infant feeding support. Early guidance is provided by midwives and health visitors. There is also a specialist infant feeding team if further support is needed, and this can include 1:1 phone consultations, home visits, clinic appointments, and workshops and groups. Free drop-in sessions are also run by The Breastfeeding Network both in person and online. You can search for local support here: https://www.breastfeedingnetwork.org.uk/drop-in-centres-map/
Laura Dearling, Infant Feeding Lead for Portsmouth at Hampshire and Isle of Wight Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, said:
“The Portsmouth Welcomes Breastfeeding Scheme is a fantastic opportunity to support the work we do and normalise breastfeeding by making families feel welcome in their communities.
Our team is also here to support with any infant feeding queries – from breastfeeding challenges and positioning to tongue tie and assessments through phone, video, home visits, or at Portsmouth’s Family Hubs.”
Cllr Matthew Winnington, Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Social Care at Portsmouth City Council, said:
“The key to improving breastfeeding rates is having specialist support available and helping mums feel comfortable to breastfeed in public, so I’m pleased this is something we are striving towards in Portsmouth.
These activities, including lighting up the Spinnaker Tower, show our city’s commitment to inclusion, health, and community.”
How you can get involved:
Join the World Breastfeeding Week picnic – Bring a blanket and meet other families at Victoria Park, Portsmouth, on Tuesday 5 August, 10am-12pm. Enjoy a relaxed, friendly space. Everyone is welcome.
Share your photos of the Spinnaker Tower lit up purple – On Friday 1 August, tag The Breastfeeding Network Portsmouth in your photos to help spread the message.
Sign up to the Portsmouth Welcomes Breastfeeding Scheme – If you run or work at a public venue, you can help make Portsmouth more breastfeeding-friendly. To find out more, contact: portsmouthwelcomes@breastfeedingnetwork.org.uk.
Source: United Kingdom National Police Chiefs Council
Key improvements following stalking super-complaint
In September 2024, 15 recommendations were made to police chiefs in response to a super-complaint that raised concerns around the police response to stalking in England and Wales.
In November 2024, each police force published a bespoke action plan in response to the super-complaint, detailing its current practice and future plans to meet the recommendations.
Collectively, forces have made several key improvements:
Since 2023, there has been an 800% increase in uptake of the College of Policing’s stalking training, with many forces introducing face-to-face training input from victims and advocates including the Suzy Lamplugh Trust, for new recruits.
Training for new recruits has been updated to include cyber stalking and how offenders exploit technology to stalk victims.
Introduction of data dashboards to collect and monitor data relating to reports of stalking to help measure force performance. This data also helps forces to better understand victim and offender profiles and spot wider patterns of behaviour that inform risk assessments.
Most forces now monitor and audit Stalking Protection Orders (SPOs) to ensure they are being correctly and promptly enforced.
Many forces have scrutiny panels and early advice clinics, made up of subject experts and wider criminal justice bodies, such as Probation and the Crown Prosecution Service, to ensure investigations are held to a high standard and victims are protected at the earliest opportunity.
Some forces review custody suites daily to identify detainees exhibiting stalking behaviours, which then triggers a thorough risk strategy from in-force stalking experts and investigating officers, to ensure safeguarding measures are in place for victims.
Forces are developing more multi-agency approaches to stalking, including exploring opportunities to embed the Multi-Agency Stalking Intervention Programme model pioneered in Cheshire.
Reports of stalking and harassment have risen sharply in recent years, largely due to changes in recording, but also because officers are better able to identify and record offences.
Stalking and harassment accounts for 40% of all offences related to violence against women and girls, a priority area for all police forces.
Deputy Chief Constable Sarah Poolman, national policing lead for stalking and harassment, said: “Stalking is a highly complex crime where offenders repeatedly target victims and their behaviour can escalate quickly. That is why it’s important that the police response is thorough and robust from the outset.
“Officers need to have the right knowledge and skills to spot wider patterns of behaviour and intervene as early as possible, which is why effective training is key.
“Because stalking is nuanced and complex, understanding what drives offending and addressing those root causes is the only way to prevent harm to victims. Forces that have multi-agency teams which include police, probation and specialist psychologists working together, have had the greatest impact on reducing re-offending rates and better protecting victims.
“Forces have made progress to broaden their understanding of stalking, better assess risk and improve investigations, but it’s important that we continue to work with victims and advocates to develop our approach further. There is more work to be done to ensure consistency of risk assessment, the retrieval of evidence from digital devices, and ensuring there are dedicated services for all victims of stalking.
“It is still the case that victims receive a different level of support depending on what part of the country they live in. Our focus is on driving a consistent approach across forces and using every tool available to us to better protect victims.”
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
News story
HM Land Registry accepts Qualified Electronic Signatures
Adopting this technology will bring greater security and ease for anyone involved in buying or selling residential or commercial property.
New Africa/Shutterstock.com
Qualified Electronic Signatures are the most secure form of electronic signature – no paper or witness needed.
The signature tools use long-established, well-regulated technology.
HM Land Registry is encouraging lawyers and their clients to start using Qualified Electronic Signatures now.
Customers who are interested in submitting applications using the technology should contact QES@landregistry.gov.uk.
HM Land Registry has invited conveyancers to start submitting applications including documents signed using a Qualified Electronic Signature (QES) tool. The organisation is keen to support interested lawyers, their clients and lenders, as the property market increasingly looks towards the new signature technology for the benefits it offers them and their clients.
By removing the need for a third party to witness the execution of a deed, replacing this step with a highly secure electronic signature, the technology affords greater flexibility and simplicity.
The electronic signature also offers greater security and assurance for everyone involved in a property transaction.
Andy Roddy, Deputy Director – Digital Services at HM Land Registry, said:
We are excited to enable our customers the option to use Qualified Electronic Signatures in their land registration applications. This marks another major step forward in our ongoing digital transformation, as we keep pace with – and meet the needs of – our most technologically advanced customers. We hope all of our customers will be able to benefit from this new and valuable technology.
To ensure customers are supported, and their QES applications handled correctly, HM Land Registry invites all customers interested in using the technology to contact QES@landregistry.gov.uk. We will provide more information in coming months about our work with QES applications.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
News story
Opportunity to deliver HLPAS in Hereford and Worcester
Opportunity to deliver Housing Loss Prevention Advice Service (HLPAS) in Hereford and Worcester (including Kidderminster and Redditch)
The Legal Aid Agency (LAA) funds the Housing Loss Prevention Advice Service (HLPAS) throughout England and Wales to provide:
Early legal advice to anyone at risk of possession proceedings and loss of their home – advice can be provided in relation to housing, debt and welfare benefits issues
In-court duty on the day emergency advice and advocacy to anyone facing possession proceedings
The service enables anyone at risk of losing their home or facing possession proceedings to get free legal advice, and representation in court, regardless of their financial circumstances.
As a result, the LAA is inviting providers who hold Housing and Debt contracts to express an interest in delivering HLPAS in Hereford and Worcester (which also includes the courts in Kidderminster and Redditch).
Next Steps
Please contact civil.contracts@justice.gov.uk by 5pm on Friday 8 August 2025 to express your interest in delivery of the service, following which you will receive details of next steps.
Redchurch Street and Rivington Street in Shoreditch host weekend al fresco dining thanks to funding from the Mayor
Sadiq’s Summer Streets Fund is helping four boroughs to create al fresco dining and drinking hotspots across the capital, ahead of further action to boost London’s nightlife
Deputy Mayor for Business, Howard Dawber OBE, visits local businesses who are benefitting from the new Summer Streets scheme
For the first time ever, independent bars and restaurants on Rivington Street and Redchurch Street in Shoreditch will be offering al fresco dining and drinking, thanks to funding from the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan.
Londoners and visitors will be able to enjoy outside dinner and drinks every Friday and Saturday from tonight until the end of the year, with the roads closed to traffic from 6pm to midnight.
The new outdoor eating and drinking area in Hackney is one of four new schemes that the Mayor is funding across the capital through his £300,000 Summer Streets Fund. The funding is part of Sadiq’s commitment to increase outdoor dining and extend opening hours to offer more choice to Londoners and help support businesses. This is ahead of the
Mayor being granted new licensing powers from the Government to help boost the capital’s nightlife.
In Shoreditch, a wide range of businesses are taking part in the new al fresco dining. Londoners and visitors can enjoy a variety of cuisines from around the world from:
Other sites being supported by the Mayor’s Summer Streets Fund include schemes across Lambeth, Waltham Forest and Westminster. In Leyton, Francis Road is extending car free hours, with outdoor dining in Leyton Midland Road. In Brixton, there are more car free days on Atlantic Road and “Brixton Summer Zone”, with outdoor seating and live performances to be officially launched later this month. Soon bars and restaurants on St Martin’s Lane in the heart of the West End will also be able to provide open air dining and drinking.
Creating new al fresco dining spots is one of many initiatives by the Mayor to support London’s hospitality, leisure and tourism sectors. For example, he has also created an independent Nightlife Taskforce to help boost the capital’s life at night. These industries are critical to the success of the capital, as well as growth nationally, generating more than £46 billion every year* and accounting for one in 10 jobs in London. In the last year, the number of late-night hospitality sites in London has grown faster than anywhere else in the country.
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “I’m delighted to be able to support bars and restaurants in Shoreditch to offer al fresco dining from today. Through my Summer Streets Fund we are helping to put outdoor dining back on the menu, supporting businesses and helping Londoners and visitors to make the most of the summer. I’m determined to do all I can to support London’s fantastic restaurants, cafes and bars, and these schemes are just the beginning of what’s to come as we continue to work with partners across the capital to revitalise our nightlife and build a better London for everyone.”
Howard Dawber OBE, Deputy Mayor for Business, said: “The Mayor’s Summer Streets Fund was designed to empower local businesses, stimulate enterprise and provide exciting opportunities for Londoners and visitors. It’s just one of the ways we are helping to boost London’s night time economy, and it’s great to see this new scheme bringing outdoor dining to Shoreditch tonight.”
Cllr Susan Fajana-Thomas, Hackney Council’s Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Regulatory Services, said: “We are thrilled that Hackney has been chosen by the Mayor of London to participate in the Summer Streets al fresco dining scheme, which I believe will significantly boost our world-renowned nightlife. By pedestrianising Rivington Street and Redchurch Street on Friday and Saturday nights, we can offer more space for residents and visitors, in particular families, to enjoy some of the fantastic venues and food Shoreditch has to offer, with increased outdoor seating. I am excited to support this scheme as I believe it will be great for businesses and residents.”
India’s lower order collapsed again on Friday as, after resuming at 204-6, they were skittled for 224 by England in less than half an hour at The Oval to leave their chances of finding the win they need to square the series hanging by a thread.
India’s tail has been their weak link all series but the middle order also failed to build on a decent end to Thursday’s play as pace bowler Josh Atkinson took five wickets on his return to action having not played a test since May.
Josh Tongue continued with his all or nothing approach from last night, spraying a ball wildly beyond the wicketkeeper for four byes then getting Karun Nair lbw for 57 to get England moving.
Washington Sundar, who showed such patience in his rearguard century to help save the fourth test, forgot that approach and tamely pulled straight to Jamie Overton to depart for 26 as the two remaining recognised batsmen went after adding a total of 11 runs off the bat between them on Friday.
Atkinson then bowled Mohammed Siraj and had Prasidh Krishna caught behind, both for ducks, to finish with 5-33 from 21.4 overs in his first appearance of the series.
Earlier the ECB said that all-rounder Chris Woakes will miss the remainder of the match after suffering a shoulder injury while fielding late on Thursday.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
World news story
UK Chargé inaugurates new accommodation facility in Hamat
The building, funded by the UK Ministry of Defence will support UK personnel to deliver a variety of training and support to Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) units.
UK-Lebanon military cooperation
Ahead of Lebanese Army Day on 1 August the UK Chargé D’Affaires Victoria Dunne, accompanied by Defence Attaché Lt Col Charles Smith, inaugurated a new military accommodation facility in Hamat on Thursday 31 July.
The building, funded by the UK Ministry of Defence will support UK personnel to deliver a variety of training and support to various Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) units. This includes leadership development for junior officers and infantry skills courses, including for female LAF personnel.
The UK continues to be a steadfast supporter of the LAF, the sole legitimate defender of Lebanon, supporting with training, kit and equipment.
Chargé D’Affaires Victoria Dunne said:
A huge congratulations to the LAF on their 80th anniversary whose bravery defending Lebanon internally and on the borders is admirable.
I am thrilled to be in Hamat today to inaugurate this new accommodation facility.
We are proud of our partnership with the LAF and ongoing support for the development of its capabilities, including through training.
Defence Attaché Charles Smith said:
Today is another milestone for UK-Lebanese defence cooperation.
The provision of accommodation and facilities will assist UK personnel in delivering high-impact training to various LAF brigades and units, including to female officers and soldiers.
It also demonstrates that the UK remains a proud and enduring partner to the LAF.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
Press release
Five companies shut down for filing false and forged accounts
Companies falsely claimed to have hundreds of millions of pounds in turnover and profits
Automarket Europe Limited, Integra Group Limited, Maxell Limited, Montana & Montana Limited, and Supermarket Plus Ltd filed false accounts showing turnovers of up to £642 million despite having no genuine business activity
All five companies shared office addresses in South London and Croydon. They also falsely named reputable accountants as auditors, and failed to co-operate with Insolvency Service investigations before being shut down
The companies were investigated by the Insolvency Service as a result of referrals from Companies House following legislation to improve corporate standards
Five companies which submitted false accounts showing hundreds of millions of pounds of profits have been shut down following investigations by the Insolvency Service and Companies House.
Automarket Europe Limited, Integra Group Limited, Maxell Limited, Montana & Montana Limited, and Supermarket Plus Ltd claimed to trade as everything from supermarkets to car dealerships but no evidence was found of any true business activity.
The Insolvency Service investigations came following referrals from Companies House as part of the implementation of the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023, introduced to improve transparency over UK companies.
Companies House now has powers to remove false, misleading or incorrect information from company registers. The Act also strengthens collaboration between the Insolvency Service and Companies House to crack down on the misuse of UK corporate structures.
The five companies were all wound-up at the High Court in Manchester on Thursday 31 July.
Dave Magrath, Director of Investigation and Enforcement Services at the Insolvency Service, said:
Our investigators were concerned that there was a genuine risk that these wildly inaccurate accounts could have been used to mislead potential customers and suppliers into providing credit in the future based on completely fabricated financial information.
Protecting the integrity of the Companies House register is crucial because UK businesses rely on this information to make informed decisions about who they trade with, lend to, and invest in. When companies submit false information, it undermines confidence in our entire business environment.
By working together with Companies House, we can take decisive action to remove rogue companies from the system. This protects legitimate businesses and delivers the economic confidence that underpins growth and prosperity.
Investigations found that the companies were connected through a shared director and/or shareholder and registered office addresses in South Croydon and South London.
All submitted accounts claiming hundreds of millions of pounds in profits but containing glaring inconsistencies. Each company also falsely named respected chartered accountants and solicitors in the accounts.
Automarket Europe Limited claimed a turnover of £327 million and net profit of £198 million for 2022. However, its declared assets jumped from £629,220 in 2021 to £84 million in the following year’s accounts – with no explanation for the increase.
Integra Group Limited reported similar figures, claiming £302 million turnover and £186 million profit for 2022. Again, net assets leapt from £602,374 in 2021 to £233 million in 2022.
Maxell Limited went even further, claiming a turnover of £440 million and £229 million in profits in 2022. According to its accounts, assets grew from £618,496 to £422 million in one year.
Montana & Montana Limited falsely named PricewaterhouseCoopers (PWC) as its auditors across multiple years. PWC confirmed they had never worked for the company and requested the accounts be removed. The company’s supposed assets ranged from minus £20 million to plus £194 million.
Supermarket Plus Ltd claimed the highest turnover of all – £642 million – with £330 million profit in 2022. Its assets supposedly increased from £402,431 to £410 million.
Despite the filed accounts claiming the companies ran substantial operations, they were written in poor English and provided no evidence of genuine trading activity.
All five companies failed to co-operate with Insolvency Service investigations or provide up-to-date accounting records.
Accounts filed by Automarket Europe Limited, Maxell Limited, and Supermarket Plus Ltd were also removed from Companies House after being found to be “factually inaccurate and forged”.
Adrian Landeg, Head of Integrity, Compliance & Enforcement at Companies House, said:
By working closely with our stakeholders we’re now able to utilise the powers in the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act to take decisive action where false, misleading, or incorrect information is identified on the register.
These powers have also strengthened collaboration with our partners at the Insolvency Service which, as this case demonstrates, enables us to crack down on the misuse of UK corporate structures, improve the quality of information on the register and support economic growth.
The Official Receiver has been appointed as liquidator of Automarket Europe Limited, Integra Group Limited, Maxell Limited, Montana & Montana Limited, and Supermarket Plus Ltd.
All enquiries concerning the affairs of the five companies should be made to the Official Receiver of the Public Interest Unit: 16th Floor, 1 Westfield Avenue, Stratford, London, E20 1HZ. Email piu.or@insolvency.gov.uk.
The Insolvency Service can investigate complaints about corporate abuse by live companies. This may include serious misconduct, fraud, scams or dishonest practice in the way the company operates. Further information on our live investigations can be found here
The Insolvency Service’s new investigation and enforcement strategy will see the agency play a leading role in tackling economic crime and improving corporate standards, including supporting Companies House in maintaining the integrity of its registers
The Insolvency Service is a government agency that helps to deliver economic confidence by supporting those in financial distress, tackling financial wrongdoing and maximising returns to creditors.
Journalists with enquiries can call the Insolvency Service Press Office on 0303 003 1743 or email press.office@insolvency.gov.uk (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm).
Out of hours
For any out of hours media enquiries, please contact the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) newsdesk on 020 7215 2000.
Starmer must act without delay and end this shameful abandonment of a nation at risk of being extinguished by genocide
More in External Affairs
The UK Government’s promise to recognise Palestine as a state should not be conditional, say the Scottish Greens.
Today’s announcement by the Prime Minister saw Keir Starmer offer an opportunity for Palestine to be recognised as a state at the UN General Assembly in September, unless Israel enacts an immediate ceasefire, and commits to working towards a lasting two-state solution. He also said there must be no annexing of the West Bank.
The Scottish Greens have always recognised the state of Palestine, separately from the state of Israel, and believe in the Palestinian people’s right to freedom, sovereignty and life without harm. We have continually called for an end to the occupation, and lasting peace for people in Gaza to rebuild their lives, and we will continue to do so.
Under the conditions set by Starmer, the state of Israel can decide to ignore his calls and continue carrying out horrific acts including displacement, murder and mass starvation of innocent civilians: children, adults and the elderly alike.
“Recognition of Palestine is decades overdue, and should not be conditional. It implies that if Israel agrees to pause the atrocities it’s committing, then the UK will in fact not join the majority of the world in recognising Palestine. This is an insult to the Palestinians’ right to self determination.
“What we are witnessing are some of the worst war crimes recorded in recent history, often live streamed by the perpetrators, and they are happening almost completely unchecked.
“Gaza has been decimated, entire generations of families have been wiped out, and the most basic universal human rights have been stripped away from people. Keir Starmer’s words would carry some meaning if he immediately recognised the state of Palestine, called out the ongoing genocide, and stopped aiding and abetting the Israeli military by helping train their personnel or allowing UK-based arms dealers to sell them weapons for profit.
“There have been countless opportunities for this Labour government to give Palestinians state recognition, as well as the promise of lasting ceasefires that have not been upheld by the state of Israel. Starmer must act now, without delay, and end this shameful abandonment of a nation at risk of being extinguished by genocide.
“Even if recognition for Palestine does come, it must be only the beginning – a moment when the international community steps in to stop the slaughter, end the occupation, and hold Israel’s leaders to account for their crimes in front of the International Criminal Court.”
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
Press release
TRA proposes keeping anti-dumping measure on bikes from China
The TRA proposes that an anti-dumping measure on bicycles and bicycle parts from China be maintained, benefitting UK producers by up to £9 million per year.
The Trade Remedies Authority (TRA) has today (31 July 2025) published its initial findings proposing that an anti-dumping measure on bicycles and certain bicycle parts imported from China be maintained until 30 August 2029.
Maintaining these measures will help to protect the UK’s bicycle industry, which includes many small and medium sized businesses employing thousands of people, from unfair international trade practices.
In its Statement of Essential Facts, the TRA found that the dumping initially identified at the time the measures were first established would (as a result of China’s increased production capacity) likely resume if the measure was removed and that injury to UK industry would be likely as a result. The TRA determined that extending the current measure could help prevent dumping of low-priced bicycles and benefit UK producers by £1-£9 million per year.
Current anti-dumping duties on Chinese bicycle and bicycle parts imports range from 19.2% to 48.5%, depending on the exporter.
As part of its investigation, the TRA considered whether the anti-dumping measure should be maintained only on bicycles but removed on bicycle parts. However, the TRA has not presented this as an option due to the lack of clear evidence from industry participants and the continued risk of circumvention if the duties on parts were removed.
A period of consultation is now open, during which interested parties can comment on the findings and provide any additional evidence, before a final recommendation is made to the Secretary of State. Businesses that may be affected by these findings can submit comments to the TRA by 25 August 2025 and can do so through the TRA’s public file.
Background Information
The initial findings published today follow a transition review that was initiated on 23 August 2024.
The reviewed products include bicycles and certain essential bicycle parts such as frames, wheels, handlebars, and brake components from China, including bicycles consigned from Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Pakistan, the Philippines, Sri Lanka and Tunisia.
In its investigation, the TRA found that China produces the greatest volume of bicycles in the world, estimated to account for 60% of global production. This equated to over 48 million bicycles in 2023 and the TRA found evidence to suggest this production capacity is growing.
Around 1.6 million bicycles are sold in the UK each year, with China accounting for around 24% of bicycle imports by volume during the period of investigation.
The Trade Remedies Authority is the independent UK body that investigates whether new trade remedy measures are needed to counter unfair import practices and unforeseen surges of imports.
The TRA is an arm’s length body of the Department for Business and Trade.
Anti-dumping duties allow a country or union to act against goods which are being sold at less than their normal value – this is defined as the price for ‘like goods’ sold in the exporter’s home market.
The period of investigation (POI) for the review was 01 July 2023 to 30 June 2024. To assess injury, the TRA chose the period from 01 July 2020 to 30 June 2024 as the injury period (IP).
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
Press release
Government confirms Dr Mary-Ann Stephenson as the next EHRC chair
Minister for Women and Equalities Bridget Phillipson has confirmed that Dr Mary-Ann Stephenson will be appointed as the new Chair of the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC).
Dr Mary-Ann Stephenson confirmed as new Chair for Equality and Human Right Commission
Dr Stephenson will begin on 1 December 2025, after current chair Baroness Falkner’s term ends on 30 November
Dr Stephenson brings over 30 years of experience to the role
Minister for Women and Equalities Bridget Phillipson has today confirmed that Dr Mary-Ann Stephenson will be appointed as the new Chair of the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC).
This follows a full and open competition to recruit a new chair, in line with the Governance Code for Public Appointments.
Dr Stephenson appeared in front of the Women and Equalities Committee and the Joint Committee on Human Rights on 1 July as part of a pre-appointment hearing where she was scrutinised by the committees.
Dr Mary-Ann Stephenson has over 30 years of experience working on equality and human rights issues within the UK and internationally, over 20 of these at board and CEO level. She also holds a PhD in equality law.
Positions she has held include:
Director of the Women’s Budget Group
Director of the Fawcett Society
tutor and visiting lecturer at University of Warwick Law School, including international human rights, UK employment law, UK equality law
visiting lecturer at University of Nottingham School of Law, London School of Economics and University of Wolverhampton
consultant to equalities and human rights projects including British Council, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Trade Union Congress, and Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Chair of Early Education and Childcare Coalition
board member of Coventry Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre (CRASAC), Coventry Police and Crime Board, Just Fair, and Article 19
Campaigns Officer at Liberty
Minister for Women and Equalities Bridget Phillipson said:
Equality and opportunity are absolutely vital in improving people’s life chances and the EHRC plays an essential role in upholding and protecting our rights.
I have the utmost confidence that the depth and breadth of Dr Stephenson’s experience will allow her to run the EHRC with integrity and professionalism. I am particularly encouraged by the balance of her experience across equalities and human rights.
I look forward to working with her on our shared mission to ensure that background is no barrier to success across the country.
Dr Stephenson said:
It is a great honour to be appointed as the new Chair of the Equality and Human Rights Commission at such a critical time.
I have spent over 30 years building my career across the equality and human rights sector and I am delighted to have the opportunity to bring my insight and experience to lead the EHRC with compassion, honesty and dedication.
I look forward to working with the Government and all stakeholders alongside my new colleagues at the EHRC to uphold equality and human rights and ensure that everyone is treated with respect and dignity.
Dr Zubaida Haque, former Deputy Director and Interim Director of Runnymede Trust said:
As the former Deputy Director and Interim Director of the Runnymede Trust during pivotal moments like the Windrush Scandal and the global Black Lives Matter protests, I know how important it is to centre the voices and experiences of Black and minority ethnic communities in public policymaking.
Having worked closely with Dr Mary-Ann Stephenson for nearly a decade, I can say without hesitation that Dr Stephenson has a very strong understanding of race, intersectionality, and the importance of including marginalised voices in all aspects of policy and decision-making.
We are living in uncertain political and economic times. Dr Stephenson’s extensive experience and leadership in equality and human rights is exactly what the EHRC needs right now.
Ali Harris, Chief Executive Officer of Equally Ours said:
Equally Ours has worked closely with Dr Stephenson for many years as director of the Women’s Budget Group.
At this critical time for people’s equality and human rights, Dr Stephenson will bring to this important role the ability to address complex issues, and the commitment to seeking to find solutions that work for everyone, through integrity and constructive dialogue.
The current chair Baroness Falkner’s term is due to end on 30 November 2025. Dr Stephenson will therefore begin her position on 1 December 2025.
The government is committed to ensuring that people of all backgrounds can thrive. The EHRC plays a vital role in upholding and promoting equality and human rights across England and Wales.
The EHRC is independent of the government and makes its own enforcement decisions, including about any inquiries and investigations it decides to conduct.
Lord Mayor, Alderman Stephen Moutray with representatives from all 11 councils across Northern Ireland at the launch of the Go Succeed: Ultimate Pitch competition.
Go Succeed: Ultimate Pitch returns for a second year
Entrepreneurs from across the Armagh City, Banbridge, and Craigavon Borough are being invited to write the next chapter of their business story, as Go Succeed’s Ultimate Pitch launched at the literary home of one of Ireland’s most celebrated storytellers, Seamus Heaney.
Go Succeed: The Ultimate Pitch is returning for a second year, providing entrepreneurs with the opportunity to win up to £6,000 in investment for their business idea.
The competition, first launched in 2024 by the government-backed enterprise support service, is open to individuals, businesses, and social enterprises of all shapes and sizes and in every sector.
The local heat will take place on Friday 10th October with entrants making the ‘ultimate pitch’ to an esteemed panel of expert judges.
The winner will progress to a region-wide final, joined by heat winners across all 11 councils in Northern Ireland, with an overall winner announced at a special event in Seamus Heaney HomePlace in Bellaghy.
Last year’s local winner was Joe Garvey of Richmount Health Foods who secured a spot in the final after pitching their idea of converting waste from the local apple processing industry into a health food to a panel of judges from across the local business and civic community.
Alderman Stephen Moutray, Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge, and Craigavon Borough, said:
“At Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council, we are committed to building and maintaining an entrepreneurial ecosystem that encourages and supports entrepreneurs from all sectors at any stage of their business journey.
“Last year’s Ultimate Pitch competition had an invaluable impact on the local community – it motivated, inspired, and pushed our local entrepreneurs to take their business idea to the next level. The confidence, networking, and pitching skills which each individual gained are essential skills for every entrepreneur, and on top of that – it was great fun too!
“Whether you are just starting out or already have an established business that is planning to launch a new product or service, we would love to hear from you.”
In addition to an overall winner who will receive the Go Succeed Ultimate Pitch Award, individual prizes will include the Go Succeed Impact Award for the best social enterprise, the Go Succeed Inclusive Entrepreneurship Award, and the Go Succeed Rising Star Award for the most inspiring 16–25-year-old entrepreneur.
Meanwhile, members of the public will have the opportunity to vote for their favourite finalist to win the People’s Choice Award.
Entrants have until 18th August to apply to the competition, with local heats being held within council areas throughout the autumn. Applicants will also have the opportunity to attend masterclasses on how to make the ultimate pitch ahead of their regional heats.
The panel of judges will be drawn from across Northern Ireland’s business and civic communities, with the final taking place on Wednesday 19th November, during Global Entrepreneurship Week.
Go Succeed is funded by the UK Government and delivered by Northern Ireland’s 11 councils. The service supports entrepreneurs, new starts and existing businesses with easy-to-access advice and support – including mentoring, masterclasses, peer networks, access to grant funding and business planning – at every stage of their growth journey.
To find out more about Go Succeed: The Ultimate Pitch, view the full terms and conditions, and apply, visit: www.go-succeed.com/TheUltimatePitch.
Visit Armagh is proud to unveil its newest destination marketing campaign, “Head to Armagh… and Surprise Yourself”, a playful celebration of a place where myth meets wonder, and history walks hand in hand with imagination.
The campaign introduces a cast of five larger-than-life characters – affectionately known as the ‘Big Heads’ – who are stepping out of the pages of Armagh’s legendary past and into the present to invite visitors into one of Ireland’s most storied regions. These bold personalities, each one rooted in Armagh’s mythological, ecclesiastical, and cultural heritage include:
Cu Chulainn: Ulster’s greatest warrior, trained at Emain Macha (Navan Fort), whose youthful bravery became legend.
St Patrick: The spiritual heart of Ireland, whose legacy lives on in the twin cathedrals that bear his name.
Queen Macha: The fierce and wise ruler of Ulster, whose name lives on in the very name of the city, Ard Macha.
Brian Boru: High King of Ireland, who chose Armagh as his final resting place, recognising its sacred significance.
Archbishop Robinson: The visionary who imagined a city of stars, books, and culture – and built it.
In a cinematic campaign video, the ‘Big Heads’ explore some of Armagh and beyond most iconic attractions, from the ancient Navan Fort to the award-winning Long Meadow Cider Orchards, the Game of Thrones Studio Tour, Dan Winter’s Cottage, and the Armagh City Hotel. The result is a vibrant, tongue-in-cheek journey through a place that’s full of surprises.
The campaign will roll out in Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland across cinema, video-on-demand, digital, press, and outdoor platforms, with a series of character reels introducing each legend in their own unique style. These short films set the tone for a summer of storytelling, exploration, and unexpected encounters.
But the real star of the show is Armagh itself. From sacred cathedrals to flavourful cider tastings, ancient forts to charming Georgian streets, Armagh is a place where every corner holds a story. Visitors can walk in the footsteps of saints, feast on local flavours, roam scenic trails, and enjoy family-friendly fun at attractions. And when the day is done, there’s always a warm welcome waiting in one of the region’s many charming places to stay.
The campaign aims to boost domestic tourism across the region throughout 2025 and beyond, with a particular focus on encouraging year-round visitation. Seasonal content will spotlight different experiences, from autumn harvests to winter stargazing, ensuring Armagh remains top of mind no matter the time of year.
Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council, Alderman Stephen Moutray commented:
“This campaign is a significant opportunity to position Armagh as a distinctive and compelling visitor destination. It not only promotes tourism, but inspires both residents and visitors to engage with the rich heritage, culture, and experiences that shape Armagh’s unique character. From history and hospitality to family-friendly attractions, Armagh has lots to offer — and we are confident this campaign highlights that in a powerful and meaningful way.”
The campaign is already generating buzz, with the ‘Big Heads’ making appearances at events and attractions throughout the summer. Visitors are encouraged to follow their journey and share their own Armagh adventures using the hashtag #SurpriseYourselfArmagh.
Beneath churchyards in London and Lincolnshire lie the chemical echoes of famine, infection and survival preserved in the teeth of those who lived through some of the most catastrophic periods in English history.
In a new study, my colleagues and I examined over 270 medieval skeletons to investigate how early-life malnutrition affected long-term health and life expectancy.
We focused on people who lived through the devastating period surrounding the Black Death (1348-1350), which included years of famine during the little ice age and the great bovine pestilence (an epidemic that killed two-thirds of cattle in England and Wales). We found that the biological scars of childhood deprivation during this time left lasting marks on the body.
These findings suggest that early nutritional stress, whether in the 14th century or today, can have consequences that endure well beyond childhood.
Children’s teeth act like tiny time capsules. The hard layer inside each tooth, called dentine, sits beneath the enamel and forms while we’re growing up. Once formed, it stays unchanged for life, creating a permanent record of what we ate and experienced.
As our teeth develop, they absorb different chemical versions (isotopes) of carbon and nitrogen from our food, and these get locked into the tooth structure. This means scientists can read the story of someone’s childhood diet by analysing their teeth.
A method of measuring the chemical changes in sequential slices of the teeth is a recent advance used to identify dietary changes in past populations with greater accuracy.
When children are starving, their bodies break down their fat stores and muscle to continue growing. This gives a different signature in the newly formed dentine than the isotopes from food. These signatures make centuries-old famines visible today, showing exactly how childhood trauma affected health in medieval times.
We identified a distinctive pattern that had been seen before in victims of the great Irish famine. Normally, when people eat a typical diet, the levels of carbon and nitrogen in their teeth move in the same direction. For example, both might rise or fall together if someone eats more plants or animals. This is called “covariance” because the two markers vary together.
But during starvation, nitrogen levels in the teeth rise while carbon levels stay the same or drop. This opposite movement – called “opposing covariance” – is like a red flag in the teeth that shows when a child was starving. These patterns helped us pinpoint the ages at which people experienced malnutrition.
Lifelong legacy
Children who survived this period reached adulthood during the plague years, and the effect on their growth was recorded in the chemical signals in their teeth. People with famine markers in their dentine had different mortality rates than those who lacked these markers.
For example, babies born small, a possible sign of nutritional stress, seem to be more prone to illnesses such as heart disease and diabetes in adulthood than the population at large. These characteristics can also be passed to future offspring through changes in how genes are switched on or off, known as “epigenetic effects” – which can endure for three generations.
Epigenetics explained.
In medieval England, early nutritional deprivation may have been beneficial during catastrophic times by producing adults of short stature and the capacity to store fat, but these people were much more likely to die after the age of 30 than their peers with healthy childhood dentine patterns.
The patterns for childhood starvation increased in the decades leading up to the Black Death and declined after 1350. This suggests the pandemic may have indirectly improved living conditions by reducing population pressure and increasing access to food.
The medieval teeth tell us something urgent about today. Right now, millions of children worldwide are experiencing the same nutritional crises that scarred those long-dead English villagers – whether from wars in Gaza and Ukraine or poverty in countless countries.
Their bodies are writing the same chemical stories of survival into their growing bones and teeth, creating biological problems that will emerge decades later as heart disease, diabetes and early death.
Our latest findings aren’t just historical curiosities; they’re an urgent warning that the children we fail to nourish today will carry those failures in their bodies for life and pass them on to their own children. The message from the medieval graves couldn’t be clearer: feed the children now or pay the price for generations.
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Julia Beaumont receives funding from Arts and Humanities research council, British Academy/Leverhulme.
Over a fifth of people in the UK have tried to access a weight loss drug in the last year, according to a recent poll.
Weight loss jabs such as Mounjaro (tirzepatide) and Wegovy (semaglutide) are very effective in managing obesity. Clinical trials have shown that some people lose up to 26% of their body weight while using these drugs.
With this impact, it’s no wonder a growing number of people are seeking out these products – often buying them in private clinics or online. But with plans to expand access to these drugs through NHS prescriptions, there are concerns that supply may not meet demand – especially for those people in most need.
In the UK, NHS prescriptions for weight loss jabs are only approved for people who meet strict eligibility requirements. For example, to qualify early for Mounjaro from your GP, you must have health problems due to your weight and a body mass index greater than 40 (adjusted for ethnicity). People assessed by the NHS and given prescriptions will also have access to additional support – such as advice about diet and physical activity.
Weight loss drugs can be prescribed by specialist clinics and, increasingly, local GPs. But a lack of time and resources means even those who are eligible are left waiting. Consequently, people who can afford to do so are approaching private providers for access to these medicines – despite the potential risks to their health.
Demand for weight loss jabs is about to grow, as the provision of Mounjaro via GPs is imminent, pending the creation of an infrastructure to support safe local prescribing.
The number of monthly GP prescriptions in England for Mounjaro has already risen from under 3,000 in March 2024 (on introduction) to over 200,000 in May 2025. Mounjaro (also marketed in the US as Zepbound) is widely considered to be the best weight loss jab currently available and a great commercial success.
GP prescriptions of all forms of semaglutide (the active ingredient in Wegovy) are more stable, at around 130,000 items per month (including generics and products to treat diabetes).
While a number of GLP-1 drugs faced shortages last year (including Wegovy and Mounjaro), these shortages have now been resolved. Shortages were spurred by a spike in global demand for these drugs alongside stockpiling by private clinics to feed requests.
Still, there were reports early this year that certain strengths of Mounjaro were difficult to access. The reasons for this are not clear, but may be due to the novelty of access to this new medication or a lack of access to alternatives.
Wider NHS access to this drug is being phased to manage staff workload and ensure good support for patients. Phased rollout may also help to ensure there is enough supply for those who need to be prescribed one of these medications.
Future access
It’s likely that demand for these weight loss drugs will only continue to grow in the UK, so it’s important that supply is readily available.
Regulatory agencies have taken some steps to tighten controls of online prescribing of weight loss drugs and prevent misuse. Registered online pharmacies must seek independent verification of key clinical information (such as from a GP or through a person’s medical records) instead of relying on questionnaires or phone calls.
However, weight loss products remain easy to access for people with money and savvy search skills, but who may be clinically ineligible. The scale of demand from this group is difficult to quantify, but it’s clear more needs to be done to keep patients safe and manage demand.
Several new weight loss drugs are undergoing trials in the UK. These drugs will work similarly to those already available but may be administered differently (such as an oral tablet). The trials for these and subsequent approvals will not only increase market competition, but also improve patient access and choice.
Key patents for the manufacture of semaglutide are also due to expire in 2026 and 2031. Once a pharmaceutical product is outside of its patented time frame, other companies can be approved to manufacture it as a generic product.
A generic product is approved on the basis that it works in the same manner and has equal benefits to the original product. The generics market allows new entrants and new versions of these very popular products onto the market.
Generic products are usually less expensive and so are bought (where still clinically safe and effective) by the NHS. This change could provide greater access to weight loss medications and save the NHS and patients money in the long term.
Generic semaglutide products will probably be available in the UK from 2032 but will be initially authorised to treat diabetes rather than weight loss. Still, this should have a positive impact on the availability of prescription drugs used for both diabetes and weight management.
Generic liraglutide is already available on the NHS for the treatment of diabetes. The liraglutide brand Saxenda is also marketed for weight management. However, liraglutide is less effective than Wegovy or Mounjaro and requires daily injections.
The number of monthly NHS prescriptions for liraglutide has fallen from over 40,000 in July 2020 to 1,000 in May 2025. This fall was most likely influenced by the discontinuation of the Victoza brand for type 2 diabetes in late 2024. Shortages of all types of GLP-1 drugs, which lasted until the end of 2024, may also have impacted demand for liraglutide.
For now, NHS staff can report on known demand for these products to inform manufacturing quantities and procurement. What isn’t known is the future demand for online or private purchases of weight management drugs. It’s this “unknown” demand that may mean supply security is challenged and unsustainable.
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The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
Press release
Investigation opened into charity over potentially inflammatory sermon and social media
The Charity Commission has opened a statutory inquiry into the Abdullah Quilliam Society.
The charity, based in Liverpool, was set up to restore Britain’s first ever mosque, founded by the Victorian convert to Islam, Abdullah Quilliam. It has registered purposes to promote Islam and to educate the public in the heritage of that faith.
The investigation is launched after the charity posted a video to its social media channels in June 2025, whose contents may not have furthered the charity’s objects could potentially be considered political, divisive and inflammatory.
The video suggested that named senior members of the Westminster Government were acting improperly and had received donations from the “Israeli lobby” and that the Commission was also being unduly influenced to ‘silence’ trustees. The video appeared to be drawn from a sermon delivered at the charity’s premises on 27 June 2025 and has since been removed from the charity’s social media platforms.
The Commission’s concerns are aggravated by previous engagement with the charity over the content of sermons and speeches at its premises, which culminated in an Official Warning issued against the charity on 12 June of this year. The warning stated that the trustees should take a number of steps, including to ensure all the charity’s activities are in furtherance of its purposes, and to create, implement and adhere to robust policies around the use of speakers and social media.
Scope of the Inquiry
The inquiry has been opened to evaluate the general administration, management, and governance of the charity by its trustees to determine whether there has been mismanagement and / or misconduct on the part of the trustees. It will establish facts, including the full circumstances around the sermon, determining whether its content was in furtherance of the charity’s objects, and in its best interests. The investigation will also seek to understand whether the charity has updated its policies following the Official Warning.
The scope of the inquiry may be extended if additional regulatory issues emerge during the Commission’s investigation.
Use of powers
As part of its inquiry, the Commission has issued the charity with an Order under section 84A of the Charities Act, which among other things prohibits the charity from allowing sermons or events to be held at the charity’s premises that include content that does not further the charity’s purposes or are not in the charity’s best interests. Similarly, the Order prevents the charity from posting content on its website or social media channels that do not further the charity’s purposes or are not in the charity’s best interests.
ENDS
Notes to editors
The Charity Commission is the independent, non-ministerial government department that registers and regulates charities in England and Wales. Its ambition is to be an expert regulator that is fair, balanced, and independent so that charity can thrive. This ambition will help to create and sustain an environment where charities further build public trust and ultimately fulfil their essential role in enhancing lives and strengthening society. Read further information about what the Commission does
On 14 July 2025, the Charity Commission opened a statutory inquiry into the charity under section 46 of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the Act’) as a result of its regulatory concerns that there is or has been misconduct and / or mismanagement in the administration of the charity.
A statutory inquiry is a legal power enabling the Commission to formally investigate matters of regulatory concern within a charity and to use protective powers for the benefit of the charity and its beneficiaries, assets, or reputation. An inquiry will investigate and establish the facts of the case so that the Commission can determine the extent of any misconduct and / or mismanagement; the extent of the risk to the charity, its work, property, beneficiaries, employees or volunteers; and decide what action is needed to resolve the concerns.
s84A of the Charites Act 2011 give the Commission the power to direct a charity not to take or continue specific action if a statutory inquiry (s46) is open and the action would constitute misconduct or mismanagement in the administration of the charity.
In 2019, theD.C. Councillegalized sports betting by enacting theSports Wagering Lottery Amendment Act of 2018.Washington, D.C. was one of several jurisdictions to amend its laws related to sports betting after theU.S. Supreme Courtoverturned a1992 lawprohibiting these wagers inMurphy v. National Collegiate Athletic Association.
While the D.C. Council created a framework for regulating sports betting in 2019, laws allowing gamblers to sue to recover their losses, which have been in the D.C. Code since 1963, remained in effect. These code provisions (§ 16–1701,§ 16–1702, and§ 16–1703) are thesubject of a lawsuitfiled earlier this year by a group seeking torecoup funds lost on sports wagers. Under D.C. Code section § 16–1702, anyone who loses more than $25 during a bet may file a lawsuit within three months to recover losses. After three months have passed, the law allows “any person [to] sue for, and recover treble the value of the money, goods, chattels, and other things, with costs of suit, by a civil action against the winner, one-half to the use of the plaintiff, the remainder to the use of the District of Columbia.” (D.C. Code § 16–1702.)
An interesting wrinkle in this story is that we can trace the lineage of these code sections to “An act for the better preventing of excessive and deceitful Gaming,” a statute enactedin Great Britain in 1710,duringQueen Anne’s reign. You may be wondering how exactly a law from the waning days of theStuart periodbecame part of the D.C. Code. The answer is somewhat complicated and requires a brief history lesson and a review of several legal resources.
The Adoption of English Common Law and Statutes in the American Colonies
During the American colonial era, English colonies were formed along the Atlantic coast. These colonies operated under charters approved by the English sovereign, which outlined the rights and responsibilities of colonists. These charters generally allowed the colonies to form their own governments, courts, and ordinances. (See, e.g., the 1632 Charter of Maryland at §§ VII and VIII.)
Although the monarch approved these charters and maintained sovereign rule over the colonies until American independence, “the common law and acts of Parliament in force in England at the time of the settlement of each colony were not considered as automatically brought by the settlers to that colony.” (Brown, p. 13.) As a result, the colonies adopted their preferred English common law principles and statutes through local ordinances, legislation, or court decisions. The process for adopting English laws varied considerably by jurisdiction. (Brown, pp. 23-46.)
Maryland’s Approach to Adopting Acts of Parliament
In 1776, Maryland adopted itsDeclaration of Rights, which implemented both the common law of England and many English statutes, including those that were in effect during the first emigration of colonists to Maryland and “all acts of assembly in force on the first of June, seventeen hundred and seventy-four[.]” (Art. 5.(a).) Although English statutes were a source of law, Maryland courts had considerable discretion in determining whether these statutes were in effect. (Brown, pp. 96-98.) Because Maryland judges were frequently asked to determine whether English statutes were applicable in Maryland, in 1809, the Maryland legislature sought clarity and requested that the court chancellor and judges of the Court of Appeals write areport on English statutes applicable in Maryland.
Religious & civil liberty established in Maryland in 1649. James Barry. Feb. 28, 1793. Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division. https://loc.gov/pictures/resource/pga.00132.
Chancellor of Maryland William Kilty issued his report in 1810. Kilty divided his report into three parts, the third of which addressed “statutes which have been found applicable and are proper to be introduced and incorporated” into Maryland law. Among these applicable statutes is one titled “An act for the better preventing of excessive and deceitful gaming.” Kilty’s report describes this law, but a full text is available in a later compilation of British statutes that were in force in Maryland.
The District of Columbia is Created and Adopts Maryland and Virginia Laws
Washington, D.C. and its basic governing mechanics were formed through a series of federal statutes enacted in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Congress formally organized the District of Columbia in the Organic Act of 1801, ch. 15, 2 Stat. 103 (Feb. 28, 1801). That law divided the District into two counties; the county of Washington was on the Maryland side of the Potomac River, and the county of Alexandria was located on the Virginia side. (Organic Act of 1801, sec. 2.)
L’Enfant map of Wash., D.C. 1792. Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division, https://loc.gov/pictures/resource/cph.3b46237/.
While these counties formed one district, the statute provided, “the laws of the state of Virginia, as they now exist, shall be and continue in force in that part of the District of Columbia, which was ceded by [Virginia] … and that the laws of the state of Maryland, as they now exist, shall and continue in force in that part of the said district, which was ceded by [Maryland] ….” (Organic Act of 1801, sec. 1). Put another way, “the accumulated laws of Maryland and Virginia as they existed as of 1801 would continue in force in the respective portions of the District ceded by these states.” (Acosta, p. 222.)
Through the framework listed in the Organic Act of 1801, Washington, D.C. adopted by reference the 1710 British statute “An act for the better preventing of excessive and deceitful gaming.” A federal statute in 1901 reaffirmed Washington, D.C.’s adoption of Maryland laws in 1801 (ch. 854, 31 Stat. 1189, § 1 (Mar. 3, 1901)), including the “common law [and] all British statutes in force in Maryland on February 27, 1801[.]” This statute has a corresponding provision in the current D.C. Code at § 45–401.
The Current and Future Status of These D.C. Code Provisions
D.C. Code §§ 16–1701, 16–1702, and 16–1703 were added to the D.C. Code through a federal statute codifying laws regarding judicial procedure in 1963. (Pub. L. No. 88-241, 77 Stat. 478, 582-583 (Dec. 23, 1963).) They have not been amended significantly since that time. While the language in the modern D.C. Code provisions differs significantly from the ancestor English statute that was enacted in 1710, if you take a moment to look at these laws side-by-side, you will spot several similarities.
In response to the lawsuit I referenced at the start of this post, the D.C. Council is amending § 16–1702 through B26-0265, a budget package that is currently pending final approval. (See engrossed bill, p. 24, sec. 2062.)
While this law may be amended soon, many other laws derived from the English common law and old statutes remain valid in Washington, D.C., and across several states. To learn more about this topic, I recommend consulting the sources below:
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
Press release
Statement on state threats from Iranian intelligence services: 31 July 2025
Joint statement of Albania, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Czechia, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, the UK and the US on state threats from Iranian intelligence services
Albania, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Czechia, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, the UK and the US condemn the growing number of state threats from Iranian intelligence services in our respective territories.
We are united in our opposition to the attempts of Iranian intelligence services to kill, kidnap, and harass people in Europe and North America in clear violation of our sovereignty. These Services are increasingly collaborating with international criminal organisations to target journalists, dissidents, Jewish citizens, and current and former officials in Europe and North America. This is unacceptable.
We consider these types of attacks, regardless of the target, as violations of our sovereignty. We are committed to working together to prevent these actions from happening and we call on the Iranian authorities to immediately put an end to such illegal activities in our respective territories.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
Speech
This current state of war remains a choice that President Putin is making: UK statement at the UN Security Council
Statement by Fergus Eckersley, Minister Counsellor, at the Security Council meeting on Ukraine.
How is it that Russia can sit here and claim any sort of commitment to diplomacy, while at the same time ramping up missile and drone strikes on Kyiv?
A six-year-old boy was amongst those killed last night by Russian missiles in Kyiv.
The problem is that for all its words, the Russian state has geared itself for war.
A war of aggression, a war of Russia’s own making.
The government bolsters its legitimacy and suppresses opposition by stoking fears about external enemies.
Russia’s economy is now highly dependent on military industrial production, with almost 40% of government spending on defence, more than 8% of GDP.
And the President has defined himself politically as the man who can conquer so-called neo-Nazism in Ukraine, and the threat that he claims NATO poses to Russia.
In reality, these are challenges of his own creation.
Ukraine is not ruled by neo-Nazis, and NATO does not pose a threat to Russia.
NATO merely stands with Ukraine in the face of Russia’s unprovoked and illegal invasion.
The consequences of a militarised Russian state are not limited to the appalling tragedies felt every day by Ukraine’s brave people.
Russia itself has suffered over a million casualties as a result of its own war.
The wider region is also directly dealing with the effects of Russia’s aggression.
And ultimately, we all are. Russia’s actions are an affront to the UN Charter principles and international law.
The very foundations of all of our peace and security.
The consequences for the wider international system are also clear.
While members of this Council discuss how to bring peace to Sudan, Russia tries to leverage access to a naval base.
While we discuss peace in Mali, Russia has pushed out the UN to secure advantage for its private military contractors.
While we discuss sanctions to prevent nuclear proliferation on the Korean peninsula, Russia tries to undermine those sanctions to access military supplies for its war machine.
There is another pathway.
President Putin could accept the truth that there is no threat to Russia, not from Neo-Nazis and not from NATO.
He could choose to engage in good faith in a ceasefire and in peace talks based on the UN Charter.
Until then, this state of war remains a choice that President Putin is making.
We need to continue to show that there is no good outcome for Russia from its aggression, that we will remain staunch in our support for the defence of Ukraine, including through the provision of weapons systems in the face of relentless Russian attacks on critical national infrastructure and civilians.
We must be vigilant in clamping down on any military industrial support for Russia, including by preventing the export of dual-use items.
And we need to continue to demonstrate to Russia the economic costs of the choice it is making, and not give its militarised state a lifeline that it can feed on.
Ultimately, we must not let up in affirming the principles of the UN Charter.
Every Member State at the UN has a responsibility in this, to support a peace process that only Russia, only Russia is currently rejecting.
As President Trump has made clear, there is no reason for delay.
Russia must make progress towards a meaningful peace immediately.
But the world has seen Russia’s response.
That is why, as President Zelenskyy said, peace without strength is impossible.
So it is now that we need to meet our responsibility to stand together and to demand that Russia immediately ceases its aggression and adheres to the call for a just and a lasting peace.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
Press release
Business leaders back the UK Government’s Small Business Plan
Business leaders from across business representative organisations, small and large businesses have endorsed the launch of the UK Government’s new Small Business Plan.
Business leaders from across business representative organisations, small and large businesses have endorsed the launch of the UK Government’s new Small Business Plan.
Small businesses across the UK will benefit from the most comprehensive support package in a generation. From faster payments and easier access to finance, to cutting red tape and launching a new Business Growth Service, we’re backing businesses to thrive.
Business Groups
Policy Chair of the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), Tina McKenzie, said:
Making sure businesses are paid on time, that our high streets thrive, and creating conditions in which everyone can start and succeed in business are crucial priorities for small businesses, communities and the economy. It’s very welcome that the Prime Minister has today made them his Government’s priorities.
I’m pleased that FSB and the Government have been able to work in lockstep on the bold and ambitious measures needed to tackle the scourge of late payment through legislation, and other pro-growth, pro-small business measures.
Today’s plan is an encouraging commitment from the Government to take the side of small businesses in the great growth challenge ahead.
Michelle Ovens CBE, Founder, Small Business Britain, said:
I am thrilled to see the Small Business Plan launched today, putting the nation’s smallest businesses at the heart of Government strategy where it should be. These job creators and economy builders will benefit from a huge boost to funding through the British Business Bank, a boost to skills, support for high streets and a long hoped for legislative backing for getting paid on time. We will not see economic growth without small business growth, so I am eager to get on and help the Government deliver on this agenda – and help small businesses regardless of their background start, grow and thrive.
Daniel Woolf, Enterprise Nation’s Head of Policy & Government Relations, said:
We welcome the Government’s new Small Business Plan as a serious attempt to reset the relationship between small firms and Government. Many of the commitments like digital adoption and access to affordable finance reflect the everyday challenges our members experience, and several directly align with recommendations Enterprise Nation has set out in recent policy work.
We’re particularly pleased to see a comprehensive approach to late payment reform, including shorter payment terms and stronger enforcement through the Small Business Commissioner. 90-day payment terms stop small businesses from investing and growing.
This is a strong foundation. Enterprise Nation looks forward to working with government to help ensure these policy ambitions turn into measurable outcomes for small businesses across the UK.
Philip Salter, Founder of The Entrepreneurs Network, said:
Small businesses are where opportunity begins – new jobs, new skills and new ideas. Practical help, such as being paid on time, easy access to advice and finance, and less administrative burden, makes a real difference.
In a world where online banking, accounting software and e-invoicing exist, it’s completely unacceptable that so many burgeoning startups see their growth stall due to late payments. At its worst, they can send perfectly good businesses to the wall – leaving Britain’s economy less dynamic and competitive. Founders in our network will hope the measures outlined today mean it is the beginning of the end for late payments.
Fiona Graham, Chief Operating Officer for Family Business UK said:
Family Business UK welcomes today’s publication of the Small Business Plan as a positive step towards creating a fairer and more resilient environment for small family-run firms. We are pleased to see many of the areas highlighted by our members addressed in this plan.
Family businesses make up over 85% of all private sector firms in the UK and are deeply rooted in their communities. But like many small businesses, they are held back by red tape and limited access to finance and support – challenges that this plan rightly seeks to address.
The announcement of a Business Growth Service will give small family-run businesses the tools they need to grow, scale up and expand into international markets, as well as streamlining essential advice and support into one national platform. This will give small businesses peace of mind that support is readily available and easily accessible when they are looking to invest and grow.
We look forward to continuing to support small businesses as the initiatives in this plan are developed and rolled out. We are also committed to working with DBT in the development of a future strategy to ensure that mid-sized businesses are also getting the bespoke support they need.
Liz Barclay, IoD Special Advisor for Small Business and Entrepreneurship, and former Small Business Commissioner, said:
We welcome this commitment to ensuring that small businesses are paid on time and that larger suppliers are prevented from imposing unfair contractual payment terms beyond 60 days. This will give small and micro firms the certainty they need to invest, increase productivity, and grow.
We look forward to working with the government as the legislation takes shape, ensuring that there are no unintended consequences for businesses.
Stephen Phipson, Chief Executive Officer, Make UK, said:
Manufacturers across the country will welcome the Government’s decisive action to tackle late payments. For too long, delayed invoices have drained cashflow, delayed innovation, and damaged businesses, particularly the thousands of small and medium-sized firms for whom late payments are one of the most consistent challenges to their survival and success.
Today’s announcement rightly recognises that supporting manufacturing SMEs is essential to unlocking wider economic growth. The introduction of the toughest late payment laws in the G7 sends a clear signal that poor payment practices will no longer be tolerated.
These reforms, combined with new powers for the Small Business Commissioner, will help create a culture of fairness and accountability across supply chains. Coupled with real enforcement, this Small Business Plan will give manufacturers the confidence and certainty they need to innovate, grow, and create even more high-skill, high-paying jobs in the UK.
Alan Vallance, ICAEW Chief Executive, said:
The UK’s economy is made up of small businesses, with 99 per cent of the total business population, two-fifths of all private sector employment and over half of the nation’s business turnover. Small businesses are key to growth, and it’s important that they can operate in the best environment to propel them into the business stars of the future, creating more growth, employment and prosperity for all parts of the UK.
Chartered accountants are central to this story. As trusted business advisers, they provide expertise and acumen to allow small businesses to thrive and scale up, and often set up small businesses of their own. About 80 per cent of chartered accountancy firms are small businesses themselves, employing four employees or fewer.
The publication of the Small Business Strategy is an important development to help small businesses realise their potential. With its ambition on entrepreneurship, business advice, late payments and export potential, as well as its close links to the UK Modern Industrial Strategy and Professional and Business Services Sector Plan, it is clear that chartered accountants will make a strong contribution to its success.
Kate Nicholls, Chair of UKHospitality, said:
We welcome the Government’s Small Business Plan and the steps that it has put forward to support SMEs across the UK. The wider measures announced today on late payments and access to additional finance sit alongside a raft of new licensing measures that will slash red tape and support the hospitality sector, making it easier to open and operate hospitality venues, create jobs and grow the economy.
I’m personally very happy to have worked with Government to move us toward a new and improved licensing system that includes modernised planning and licensing rules, hospitality zones, and protections for existing venues. These can provide a real boost to the nation’s pubs, bars, restaurants and hotels.
We’ve worked on some of these issues for more than two decades so we now need swift implementation, while we keep up the momentum on outstanding issues, to deliver a bold, long term plan for the high streets and hospitality.
Vicks Rodwell, Managing Director at IPSE, The Self-Employed Association, said:
Late payments can force freelancers out of business, but obscenely long payment terms for work can put just as much of a strain on the self-employed. It’s hugely encouraging that the Prime Minister is determined to tackle both these issues with the measures in today’s plan”
It’s not right that freelancers can fall behind on their own bills, and even into debt, whilst the money they’ve earned sits in a bank account for months on end.
By clamping down on late invoices and long payment terms, government can tear down one of the biggest barriers to growth for freelancers and sole traders.
Millie Kendall MBE, CEO of British Beauty Council, said:
The beauty industry – encompassing hair, beauty, nails, barbering, spa and wellness – is made up of 95% small businesses and 78% micro-businesses, contributing more than £30bn to the UK GDP. The British Beauty Council welcomes the Government’s Small Business Plan which sees policy-makers put our businesses first. For years, the beauty sector has faced unique challenges when it comes to growth, this plan is a much needed step towards ensuring our industry – which bolsters social mobility and opportunities for underrepresented communities – can sustain growth.
Small Businesses
Elizabeth Vega OBE DUniv, Group CEO, Informed Solutions:
This Small Business Plan is the strongest and clearest we’ve seen in over a decade. It is a compelling way forward for the UK’s economy.
The Strategy reflects a truly collegiate and collaborative effort between government, policy experts, and the over 1,000 SMEs that contributed.
Having advocated for SME policy that supports economic growth and resilience for over 15 years, it’s been a pleasure to work alongside Minister Gareth Thomas, DBT policy teams, and the Small Business Growth Forum to shape a strategy with clear aims, ambitious objectives, and a holistic integrated approach to policy development.
I’m excited to now turn the shared ambitions in this Strategy into action, helping realise the UK’s full economic potential through SME growth and international trade.
Simon Groom, CEO of MagnifyB, said:
MagnifyB welcomes the UK Government’s action to tackle late payments, which will give small businesses the cash flow stability they need to thrive. Alongside this, there is a clear need to provide micro and small businesses with far more than just a repository of information, including a practical digital toolset to strengthen their operations and improve their chances of long-term success. We hope that the new Small Business Commissioner can be instrumental in bringing together ideas and championing the initiatives needed to make this support a reality.
Julianne Ponan MBE, Founder of Creative Nature, a small business that exports top 14 Allergen Free Baking Mixes and Snacks to 16 countries, said:
I’m delighted to see the government’s new SME Strategy recognising the critical role small businesses play both at home and globally.
From tackling late payments to simplifying access to growth advice and support, these measures are a lifeline for SMEs like mine who often face disproportionate challenges with limited resources.
I’m especially encouraged by the commitment to reduce administrative burdens by 25% and improve access to finance both are major barriers to growth for underrepresented founders, including women and ethnic minority entrepreneurs. The focus on revitalising the high street, digital skills, and exporting support shows that the government is listening to the needs of small businesses.
Charlie Shaw, owner of Flock and Herd butchers, said:
We’re proud to pay every supplier on time and once we receive an invoice, so it’s fantastic to see the government put the Small Business Plan into place tackling the big issue of late payments. We believe this is a fair and honest way to conduct business. It gives us a clear and current understanding of how our business is performing. Our relationships with our suppliers have been amazing and truly beneficial to all parties.
Richard Marshall, Founder and CEO of Pall Mall Barbers, said:
Small businesses are the backbone of the UK economy — and they need access to affordable finance and a fairer tax system to plan and grow. That’s why I look forward to working with the Government to drive down costs on the high street, extend business rates relief, and improve access to finance so SMEs can invest, hire, and build with confidence.
Today’s announcement is about backing entrepreneurs with the tools they need to thrive — not just for today, but for the long term.
Large Businesses
Nick Mackenzie, CEO of Greene King and co-chair of the Licensing Taskforce commented on the licensing response published today. He said:
As an industry we welcome the licensing proposals and see this as a positive and necessary step towards updating a planning and licensing system that, for too long, has limited hospitality’s ability to drive economic growth across the UK. I thank the industry and the Taskforce for the serious and meaningful recommendations that we have put forward to bring these proposals to fruition.
It’s encouraging to see how the Government has worked at pace to take forward the proposals, particularly in areas that matter the most, including the introduction of a new National Licensing Policy Framework.
Whilst licencing reform won’t offset the significant layered cost of doing business that the industry bears, they form part of wider changes to back the sector, which will support in unlocking opportunities for pubs to further invest in growth across the country.
Steve Hare, Chief Executive Officer at Sage, said:
Small businesses are the backbone of the UK economy – they drive growth, create jobs, and fuel innovation. But running a small business isn’t easy. From rising costs and late payments to time-consuming admin, the challenges are real and persistent. Today’s Strategy is a welcome step in the right direction. Giving small businesses better access to finance, helping them break into new markets, and supporting them to adopt the latest technology will go a long way in helping them grow and succeed.
Leigh Thomas, Vice President EMEA, Intuit, said:
Today’s Small Business Plan is a welcome and much needed initiative for entrepreneurs. Our data shows that with an average of £21,000 owed in unpaid invoices, more than half of our country’s small businesses are now facing cash flow pressures. These pressures can quickly escalate, forcing many small business owners to make difficult financial decisions to keep operations running. Improving payment practices will play a key role in strengthening small business stability, creating the conditions for growth. We look forward to collaborating on this to power prosperity for all.
James Holian, Head of Business Banking, NatWest, said:
We welcome the Government’s renewed focus on tackling late payments for small businesses. This is a long-standing challenge that we know can hold back growth and innovation, and NatWest is proud to have been recognised for several consecutive years by Good Business Pays for being a leading business in making fast payments to our suppliers.
As a leading lender to UK SMEs, we’re committed to playing our part—whether that’s through prompt payment practices, tailored financial support, or initiatives like our accelerator hubs – where this year we’re aiming to support 10,000 businesses for the first time. Small businesses are the backbone of the UK economy, and we’re proud to support them in building resilience and unlocking their full potential.
Tom Wood, Head of Business Banking, HSBC UK, said:
We welcome the additional support the Small Business Plan provides, SMEs are key to a strong and resilient economy and we must equip them with the tools to succeed at every stage of their growth journey. It is vital we all work together to deliver long-term, practical solutions, including more transparent and accessible financing to ensure long-term growth and economic stability. Recognising the challenges SMEs face, HSBC UK recently launched the Small Business Growth Programme, providing business owners with resources to help early-stage businesses grow with confidence.
Wider Civil Society Organisations
Terry Corby, Founder and CEO, Good Business Pays, said:
This is what we have been waiting for. The legislative changes the government are planning to tackle our late payment culture are a game-changer. It is no longer seen as good business practice to be making your suppliers wait for a long time to get paid. At Good Business Pays we have been asking for legislative action for five years and it’s great to see these changes to unfair practices being set out in laws.
Anthony Impey MBE, CEO of Be the Business, said:
A strategic approach is essential to unlock the huge potential of small and medium-sized businesses, and it’s key to driving the country’s productivity and growth. The Small Business Plan is an important step in achieving this.
Business Support Services
Nicki Clark, Chief Executive of UMi, said:
At UMi, we see first-hand the incredible impact small businesses have, but also the challenges they face on a day-to-day basis. This Small Business Plan, including the launch of the Business Growth Service, is a positive step towards making it easier for small businesses to find and access the support and finance they need to survive and thrive.
Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Habib Noorbhai, Professor (Health & Sports Science), University of Johannesburg
If you were to walk through the corridors of some of the world’s leading cricket schools, you might hear the crack of leather on willow long before the bell for the end of the day rings.
Across the cricketing world, elite schools have served as key feeder systems to national teams for decades. They provide young players with superior training facilities, high-level coaching and competitive playing opportunities.
This tradition has served as cricket’s most dependable talent pipeline. But is it a strength or a symptom of exclusion?
My recent study examined the school backgrounds of 1,080 elite men’s cricketers across eight countries over a 30-year period. It uncovered telling patterns.
Top elite cricket countries such as South Africa, England and Australia continue to draw heavily from private education systems. In these nations, cricket success seems almost tied to one’s school uniform.
I argue that if cricket boards want to promote equity and competitiveness, they will need to broaden the talent search by investing in grassroots cricket infrastructure in under-resourced areas.
For cricket to be a sport that anyone with talent can succeed in, there will need to be more school leagues and entry-level tournaments as well as targeted investment in community-based hubs and non-elite school zones.
Findings
South Africa is a case in point. My previous study in 2020 outlined that more than half of its national players at One-Day International (ODI) World Cups came from boys-only schools (mostly private).
These schools are often well-resourced, with turf wickets, expert coaches and an embedded culture of competition. Unsurprisingly, the same schools tend to produce a high number of national team batters, as they offer longer game formats and better playing surfaces. Cricket’s colonial origins have influenced the structure and culture of school cricket being tied to a form of privilege.
In Australia and England, the story is not very different. Despite their efforts to diversify player sourcing, private schools still dominate. Even in cricketing nations that celebrate working-class grit, such as Australia, private school players continue to shape elite squads.
The statistics say as much; for example: about 44% of Australian Ashes test series players since 2010 attended private schools, and for England, the figure is 45%. That’s not grassroots, it could be regarded as gated turf…
Proportion of elite male cricketers by school type.Habib Noorbhai
Yet not all countries follow this route. The West Indies, Pakistan and Sri Lanka reflect very different models. Club cricket, informal play and community academies provide their players with opportunities to rise. These countries have lower reliance on private schools. Some of their finest players emerged from modest public schooling or neighbourhood cricketing networks.
India provides an interesting hybrid. Although elite schools such as St. Xavier’s and Modern School contribute players, most national stars emerge from public institutions or small-town academies. The explosion of the Indian Premier League since 2008 has also democratised access, pulling in talent from previously overlooked and underdeveloped cities.
In these regions, scouting is based on potential, not privilege.
So why does this matter?
At first glance, elite schools producing elite cricketers might appear logical. These institutions have the resources to nurture talent. But scratch beneath the surface and troubling questions appear.
Are national teams truly reflecting their countries? Or are they simply echo chambers of social advantage?
In South Africa, almost every Black African cricketer to represent the country has come through a private school (often on scholarship). That suggests that talent without access remains potentially invisible. It also places unfair pressure on the few who make it through, as if they carry the hopes of entire communities.
I found that in England, some county systems have started integrating players from state schools, but progress is slow. In New Zealand, where cricket is less centralised around private institutions, regional hubs and public schools have had more success in spreading opportunities. However, even there, Māori and Pasifika players remain underrepresented in elite squads.
Four steps that can be taken
1. One solution lies in recognising that schools don’t have a monopoly on talent. Cricket boards must increase investment in grassroots infrastructure, particularly in under-resourced areas. Setting up community hubs, supporting school-club partnerships and more regional competitions could discover hidden talent.
2. Another step is to improve the visibility and reach of scouting networks. Too often, selection favours players from known institutions. By diversifying trial formats and leveraging technology (such as video submissions or performance-tracking apps), selectors can widen their net. It’s already happening in India, where IPL scouts visit the most unlikely of places.
3. Coaching is another stumbling block. In many countries, high-level coaches are clustered in elite schools. National boards should consider optimising salaries as well as rotating certified coaches into public schools and regional academies. They should also ensure coaches are developed to be equipped to work with diverse learners and conditions.
4. Technology offers other exciting possibilities too. Virtual simulations, motion tracking and AI-assisted video reviews are now common in high-performance centres. Making simplified versions available to lower-income schools could level the playing field. Imagine a township bowler in South Africa learning to analyse their technique using only a smartphone and a free app?
Fairness in sport
The conversation about schools and cricket is not just about numbers or stats. It is about fairness. Sport should be the great leveller, not another mechanism of exclusion. If cricket is to thrive, it needs to look beyond scoreboards and trophies. It must ask who gets to play and who never gets seen?
A batter from a village school in India, a wicket-keeper from a government school in Sri Lanka or a fast bowler in a South African township; each deserves the chance to be part of the national story. Cricket boards, policymakers and educators must work together to make that possible.
The game will only grow when it welcomes players from all walks of life. That requires more than scholarships. It requires a reset of how we think about talent. Because the next cricket superstar may not wear a crest on their blazer. They may wear resilience on their sleeve.
– Cricket’s great global divide: elite schools still shape the sport – https://theconversation.com/crickets-great-global-divide-elite-schools-still-shape-the-sport-261709
If you were to walk through the corridors of some of the world’s leading cricket schools, you might hear the crack of leather on willow long before the bell for the end of the day rings.
Across the cricketing world, elite schools have served as key feeder systems to national teams for decades. They provide young players with superior training facilities, high-level coaching and competitive playing opportunities.
This tradition has served as cricket’s most dependable talent pipeline. But is it a strength or a symptom of exclusion?
My recent study examined the school backgrounds of 1,080 elite men’s cricketers across eight countries over a 30-year period. It uncovered telling patterns.
Top elite cricket countries such as South Africa, England and Australia continue to draw heavily from private education systems. In these nations, cricket success seems almost tied to one’s school uniform.
I argue that if cricket boards want to promote equity and competitiveness, they will need to broaden the talent search by investing in grassroots cricket infrastructure in under-resourced areas.
For cricket to be a sport that anyone with talent can succeed in, there will need to be more school leagues and entry-level tournaments as well as targeted investment in community-based hubs and non-elite school zones.
Findings
South Africa is a case in point. My previous study in 2020 outlined that more than half of its national players at One-Day International (ODI) World Cups came from boys-only schools (mostly private).
These schools are often well-resourced, with turf wickets, expert coaches and an embedded culture of competition. Unsurprisingly, the same schools tend to produce a high number of national team batters, as they offer longer game formats and better playing surfaces. Cricket’s colonial origins have influenced the structure and culture of school cricket being tied to a form of privilege.
In Australia and England, the story is not very different. Despite their efforts to diversify player sourcing, private schools still dominate. Even in cricketing nations that celebrate working-class grit, such as Australia, private school players continue to shape elite squads.
The statistics say as much; for example: about 44% of Australian Ashes test series players since 2010 attended private schools, and for England, the figure is 45%. That’s not grassroots, it could be regarded as gated turf…
Yet not all countries follow this route. The West Indies, Pakistan and Sri Lanka reflect very different models. Club cricket, informal play and community academies provide their players with opportunities to rise. These countries have lower reliance on private schools. Some of their finest players emerged from modest public schooling or neighbourhood cricketing networks.
India provides an interesting hybrid. Although elite schools such as St. Xavier’s and Modern School contribute players, most national stars emerge from public institutions or small-town academies. The explosion of the Indian Premier League since 2008 has also democratised access, pulling in talent from previously overlooked and underdeveloped cities.
In these regions, scouting is based on potential, not privilege.
So why does this matter?
At first glance, elite schools producing elite cricketers might appear logical. These institutions have the resources to nurture talent. But scratch beneath the surface and troubling questions appear.
Are national teams truly reflecting their countries? Or are they simply echo chambers of social advantage?
In South Africa, almost every Black African cricketer to represent the country has come through a private school (often on scholarship). That suggests that talent without access remains potentially invisible. It also places unfair pressure on the few who make it through, as if they carry the hopes of entire communities.
I found that in England, some county systems have started integrating players from state schools, but progress is slow. In New Zealand, where cricket is less centralised around private institutions, regional hubs and public schools have had more success in spreading opportunities. However, even there, Māori and Pasifika players remain underrepresented in elite squads.
Four steps that can be taken
1. One solution lies in recognising that schools don’t have a monopoly on talent. Cricket boards must increase investment in grassroots infrastructure, particularly in under-resourced areas. Setting up community hubs, supporting school-club partnerships and more regional competitions could discover hidden talent.
2. Another step is to improve the visibility and reach of scouting networks. Too often, selection favours players from known institutions. By diversifying trial formats and leveraging technology (such as video submissions or performance-tracking apps), selectors can widen their net. It’s already happening in India, where IPL scouts visit the most unlikely of places.
3. Coaching is another stumbling block. In many countries, high-level coaches are clustered in elite schools. National boards should consider optimising salaries as well as rotating certified coaches into public schools and regional academies. They should also ensure coaches are developed to be equipped to work with diverse learners and conditions.
4. Technology offers other exciting possibilities too. Virtual simulations, motion tracking and AI-assisted video reviews are now common in high-performance centres. Making simplified versions available to lower-income schools could level the playing field. Imagine a township bowler in South Africa learning to analyse their technique using only a smartphone and a free app?
Fairness in sport
The conversation about schools and cricket is not just about numbers or stats. It is about fairness. Sport should be the great leveller, not another mechanism of exclusion. If cricket is to thrive, it needs to look beyond scoreboards and trophies. It must ask who gets to play and who never gets seen?
A batter from a village school in India, a wicket-keeper from a government school in Sri Lanka or a fast bowler in a South African township; each deserves the chance to be part of the national story. Cricket boards, policymakers and educators must work together to make that possible.
The game will only grow when it welcomes players from all walks of life. That requires more than scholarships. It requires a reset of how we think about talent. Because the next cricket superstar may not wear a crest on their blazer. They may wear resilience on their sleeve.
Habib Noorbhai does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
A speed enforcement camera is to be trialled on Victoria Road in St Budeaux, following concerns raised by local residents and ward councillors.
The static camera, which will be installed near the tennis club and play area, will be used to enforce the existing 30mph speed limit in both directions over a six-month period.
It is one of two being loaned free of charge to Devon and Cornwall Police by a new supplier on a temporary basis to test their operation.
Victoria Road has been chosen as a suitable site to deploy one of the cameras as it has seen a number of collisions in recent years, some involving serious and fatal injuries and residents have been pressing the Council to introduce measures to tackle speeding and improve safety.
It is hoped the camera will encourage greater speed limit compliance, as well as help reduce traffic noise along this busy route.
Councillor John Stephens, Cabinet Member for Strategic Planning and Transport, said: “Victoria Road is part of our major road network and runs through a densely populated residential area. There have been a number of collisions there in recent years, some of which were speed-related and some that have resulted in fatalities.
“Local residents have been raising their concerns about speeding traffic for some time and we are pleased to have been given the opportunity to trial this camera enforcement free of charge. I hope it helps to remind drivers of the limit in place and deter the more deliberate ‘racing’ we often see along this road.”
The camera is expected to installed next week and will be fixed to a lamp column that will have yellow reflective banding. There will be warning signs on both approaches and it will operate in the same way as other standard speed cameras across the city (not as an average speed camera).
If the trial is successful the police hope to purchase the camera, which will then remain on Victoria Road.
The Council does not make any money from speed camera fines. Once police operating costs are met, any surplus from fines goes to Vision Zero and, by law, has to go into road safety measures.
Vision Zero brings together local councils, emergency services, health trusts, National Highways, the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner and the Parliamentary Advisory Council for Transport Safety. Its vision is to cut the number of deaths and serious injuries to zero.
A man has been sentenced in the Royal Court today in relation to the importation of a commercial quantity of Class A drugs in 2023.
In April 2023, a parcel was sent via international post from Germany addressed to Michael Veloso at his business address in St Saviour. During a subsequent examination of the parcel by Jersey Customs & Immigration Service, JCIS, Officers, over 5,500 tablets were found in foil packets within the parcel.
Closer examination revealed there were 4,628 MDMA or Ecstasy tablets and 925 2C-B tablets. Both are Class A drugs, 2C-B is a synthetic drug similar to MDMA and has similar effects to MDMA.
JCIS Officers arrested and interviewed Veloso, he initially denied any involvement or knowledge of the importation. JCIS Officers undertook extensive investigation into the case and Veloso later admitted being knowingly concerned in the importation.
The maximum street value of these tablets is £167,000. Veloso was sentenced today to six years in prison.
JCIS Senior Manager Luke Goddard said: “This is a very large seizure of Class A drugs by anyone’s standard and had the potential to cause serious harm to users. Diligent work by JCIS Border Officers and their meticulous investigation has resulted in the successful prosecution of the intended recipient who otherwise would have profited from their drug trafficking activity.
“This seizure demonstrates the ongoing efforts by JCIS to seize dangerous drugs at the border, convict those responsible and disrupt the syndicates trying to profit from drug trafficking.”
Anyone with information on drug smuggling can report it anonymously via 0800 735 5555.
Negotiations are to start with the organisers of the Tall Ships Races to bring the event back to Aberdeen after its success last weekend.
The event, which returned to Aberdeen after 28 years, brought more than 400,000 visits and was hailed by local businesses for increasing turnover.
A special meeting of Aberdeen City Council’s Finance and Resources Committee today agreed a joint motion to engage with Sail Training International on the options to bring back the event, working with the Port of Aberdeen and Aberdeen Inspired.
Committee convener Councillor Alex McLellan said: “The Tall Ships Races was a huge success for Aberdeen bringing in people from far and wide to enjoy everything our city had to offer.”
“Aberdeen City Council is committed to working with partners to see the Tall Ships return in the not-too-distant future.”
Councillor Martin Greig, Chair of Aberdeen’s Tall Ships Committee, said: “The Tall Ships visit was a massive, historic celebration for everyone in the city. People of all ages joined in the amazing opportunities to meet visitors from around the world, find out about the ships and enjoy the music and entertainment. It is important to express sincere thanks to the staff, volunteers, businesses and especially the young people who made this event such a success. Their enthusiasm and commitment turned this into a genuine community festival for all to enjoy. Their contribution is truly appreciated.”
The committee also noted an evaluation report is being prepared to allow partners to fully understand the positive impact the Tall Ships has had on Aberdeen. This report will be prepared for November’s Finance and Resources Committee.
In England, as of 31 March 2024, there were over 83,000 children in care, a number that has steadily increased over the past decade (Department for Education, 2024). While many children thrive in general foster placements, a significant proportion require specialist care due to complex emotional, behavioural, or psychological needs. These young people may have experienced trauma, abuse, neglect, or multiple placement breakdowns.
Specialist foster care provides a structured, therapeutic environment for these children and young people, helping them begin to recover and build a positive future. It is a tailored approach that demands more intensive training and support for carers, but also offers greater impact.
Case study: Jordan’s Story
Jordan is 15 years old. He loves science fiction and is fascinated by technology and space exploration. But behind his bright curiosity is a young person who has faced trauma and disrupted attachments. Jordan has difficulty trusting adults and managing his emotions, which has led to several failed placements.
Yet, in the right environment, one that is safe, consistent, and understanding Jordan begins to open up. He becomes more confident at school, engages in hobbies, and starts building meaningful relationships.
Jordan’s story illustrates what many children in care need not just a home, but a specialist foster placement that supports healing and personal growth.
(The above is a representation of a young person in foster care)
What is specialist fostering?
Specialist fostering is designed for children and young people with more complex needs who may not be suited to standard foster care. These placements require carers with advanced training and the emotional resilience to manage challenging behaviours, trauma responses, or mental health issues.
Key features of specialist fostering include:
Therapeutic care models and trauma-informed approaches
Enhanced financial allowances reflecting the intensity of care required
Access to professional supervision and ongoing training
Close collaboration with social workers, therapists, and education professionals
Specialist carers often come from backgrounds in health, education, social care, or emergency services, but individuals from all walks of life who are emotionally mature, patient, and motivated can be successful.
The impact of specialist foster care
Specialist foster care can have a profound and measurable impact on the lives of children and young people with complex needs.
Young people in specialist foster care often experience:
Fewer school exclusions, indicating improved behaviour and engagement in education
Better emotional regulation, supported by consistent routines and therapeutic approaches
Greater placement stability, with fewer breakdowns compared to standard foster placements
Improved long-term mental health, including reduced anxiety and trauma-related symptoms over time
In addition to the positive outcomes for young people, specialist carers frequently report a stronger sense of purpose and job satisfaction. Many describe the role as demanding but deeply rewarding, especially as they witness meaningful changes in a child’s wellbeing, confidence, and ability to form healthy relationships.
Specialist fostering isn’t easy, but it is critically important. It offers a second chance for young people like Jordan to thrive, academically, emotionally, and socially. With the right support, foster carers can provide life-changing stability and make a lasting difference.
If you believe you have the capacity to offer consistent care and emotional support to a vulnerable young person, specialist fostering could be a meaningful path for you.
Throughout August, September, and October, the team are hosting a number of foster information events. These sessions are open to anyone interested in fostering and provide opportunities to speak with fostering professionals and ask questions. The sessions are available online using Zoom or come along and meet us in person.
The Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation (OFSI) has imposed a £300,000 monetary penalty against Markom Management Limited (MML)
The Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation (OFSI) has imposed a £300,000 monetary penalty against Markom Management Limited (MML) for a breach of UK financial sanctions imposed against Russia following the 2014 annexation of Crimea.
The breach relates to MML’s involvement in the making of a payment of £416,590.92 to a designated person, who remains subject to an asset freeze under current Russia sanctions. This payment was in breach of the UK sanctions in force at the time in response to Russia’s annexation of Crimea.
MML gave instructions to make the payment from another company’s bank account with the knowledge that the recipient was a designated person, showing a disregard for proper sanctions and failure to have in place adequate compliance and controls procedures.
As a result of this breach, OFSI imposed a penalty of £300,000 on MML.
The imposition of this penalty highlights some key lessons for industry. All firms, regardless of their size, should take appropriate steps to understand and address their exposure to sanctions risks; have adequate sanctions processes to ensure compliance including to promptly identify as well as report suspected breaches of financial sanctions to OFSI; and be alert to the risks of making payments in haste.
The UK considers financial sanctions to be a vital foreign policy tool. They remain central to the UK’s efforts to hold Russia to account, place Ukraine on the strongest footing possible, and deter malign activity around the world.
To date western sanctions have resulted in Russia’s oil and gas revenues falling every year since 2022 – losing over a third of its value in three years. Sanctions and the cost of Putin’s barbaric war are causing the Russian economy to stall – with the wealth fund hollowed out, inflation rising and government spend on defence and security spiralling.
This case is the latest in a series of monetary penalties announced over the past year. The UK will continue to prioritise sanctions enforcement, through public actions, such as monetary penalties, as well as actions which are not made public, such as warning letters and referrals to partner agencies and regulators.
On the 22 July, OFSI launched a consultation on proposed changes aiming to improve the effectiveness of its enforcement processes. These proposals, if implemented, will double the value of penalties for the worst sanctions breaches, and potentially speed up the resolution of certain penalty cases.
