Year: 2023
- World News
Austerity left UK unprepared for pandemic, warns TUC report
A report by the Trades Union Congress (TUC) claims that the UK’s years of austerity significantly impacted the country’s preparedness for the coronavirus pandemic. The TUC asserts that funding cuts left health and social care “dangerously understaffed,” reducing the sectors’ ability to respond effectively to the COVID-19 crisis. The report also highlights that pay caps and freezes contributed to staffing…
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Mum demands apology after son’s psychiatric release leads to fatal stabbing
Sharon Lees has called for a public apology from Hywel Dda health board after her son, David Fleet, stabbed a man to death due to “voices in his head” ten days after being released from a psychiatric unit. Lees claims she warned staff that her son was too unwell for release, and the tragedy “could [and] should have been prevented.”…
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Opec+ agrees extended production cuts to boost flagging oil prices
Oil-producing nations have agreed to extend production cuts in an effort to support struggling prices. Saudi Arabia announced its intention to reduce output by one million barrels per day (bpd) in July, while Opec+ stated that targets would decrease by an additional 1.4 million bpd from 2024. Opec+ represents approximately 40% of global crude oil production, and its decisions significantly…
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Hong Kong police detain activists on Tiananmen Square anniversary
Hong Kong police have arrested multiple pro-democracy activists, including 67-year-old Alexandra Wong, during the anniversary of the 1989 Tiananmen Square massacre. Public commemorations of the tragedy have been banned, although candlelight vigils have taken place in other cities globally. Despite the ban, several individuals were detained in Hong Kong, including the leader of a major opposition party and a former…
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Desperate relatives continue search for loved ones after India train crash
Families of victims of Friday’s tragic train collision in India continue their desperate search for missing loved ones. The accident, which occurred in Odisha, is now believed to have claimed 275 lives, making it the country’s worst rail disaster in decades. A signalling fault is thought to be the cause of the tragedy. The rescue mission was declared over on…
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Boy injured as wind lifts inflatable zorb at Southport Food Festival
A nine-year-old boy sustained serious injuries after being lifted into the air by a strong gust of wind while inside an inflatable zorb. The incident occurred during the Southport Food and Drink Festival at Victoria Park. The child was airlifted to the hospital, and Merseyside Police confirmed that his injuries were not life-threatening. Sefton Council carried out a health and…
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Woman stabbed to death walking to meet mum, family shares grief
The relatives of a woman who was fatally stabbed while on her way to meet her mother expressed their profound shock and grief, stating that her last moments must have been “horrific.” Michelle Hodgkinson, 51 years old, was assaulted on Edge Lane in Droylsden, Greater Manchester, around noon on Friday. Her family praised her for her charitable endeavours and her…
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UK’s Illegal Migration Bill could cost £6bn in detention, deportation
The UK government’s proposed Illegal Migration Bill could cost up to £6bn over the next two years, according to internal estimates. The bill, currently being debated in Parliament, aims to remove anyone arriving in the UK illegally and prevent them from claiming asylum. The Home Office expects to spend between £3bn and £6bn on detention facilities, accommodation, and removals. The…
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UK urged to cut hotel reliance for housing asylum seekers amid room-sharing row
Immigration Minister Robert Jenrick has called for the UK to “reduce its reliance on hotels” for housing asylum seekers, stating that his duty is to the British public and taxpayers. The comments come after a disagreement with asylum seekers over their temporary accommodation in a central London hotel. Last week, around 40 asylum seekers declined to enter a Pimlico hotel…
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BCC launches Business Council with Heathrow, BP, IHG Hotels as members
The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) has established a new business lobby group, the Business Council, with several of the UK’s largest companies as founding partners, including Heathrow, BP, IHG Hotels & Resorts, and Drax. The creation of the Business Council comes at a crucial time for the Confederation of British Industry (CBI), which is facing a critical vote on…
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Epsom Derby disrupted by animal rights protester, man charged
A 32-year-old man from Hackney, east London, has been charged with causing public nuisance after an animal rights protester disrupted the Epsom Derby on Saturday. The protester was quickly apprehended by police and security guards during the opening seconds of the prestigious race, which was not affected by the incident. Surrey Police confirmed that Ben Newman is due to appear…
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Elderly Bournemouth man arrested on suspicion of woman’s murder
Dorset Police have launched a murder investigation following the death of a woman believed to be in her 80s at a residence in Bournemouth. The authorities were alerted to the situation at approximately 7pm on Saturday, after receiving a report expressing concern for the woman’s welfare at an address off Wick Lane in Southbourne, a suburb of Bournemouth. Upon arrival,…
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Royal Ascot security revisited after Epsom Derby activist disruption
Royal Ascot’s security plans are being re-evaluated following the disruption caused by activists at the Epsom Derby. Ascot officials are said to be “observing and learning” from the incident on June 4, when animal rights protesters invaded the track. The five-day horse racing festival, which begins on June 20, features the Royal Procession with horse-drawn landaus, an event that was…
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Boy, 9, seriously injured as zorb ball soars into air at Southport park
A nine-year-old boy sustained serious injuries after an inflatable zorb ball he was in was lifted into the air during a sudden gust of wind at Victoria Park in Southport, Merseyside. The incident occurred at around 2pm on Sunday during the Southport Food and Drink Festival. The boy was taken to the hospital by air ambulance and remains there for…
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Woman stabbed to death in Droylsden named, suspect detained under Mental Health Act
Police have identified the woman who was fatally stabbed in Droylsden, Manchester on Friday as 51-year-old Michelle Hodgkinson. A 28-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder and has since been detained under the Mental Health Act. The family of Hodgkinson expressed their shock and grief, describing her as a loving, selfless, and funny person who was dedicated to…
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UK braces for hottest day this year with 27C forecast in Wales, southwest
The United Kingdom is preparing for the warmest day of the year this week, as the Met Office forecasts temperatures reaching up to 26C or 27C in Wales and southwest England on Thursday. Sunshine is expected across the country, although showers and breezes may occur in the South towards the end of the week, with windier conditions in the South…
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Woman’s body found in sea off Saltburn beach, North Yorkshire
Emergency services were called to Saltburn beach in North Yorkshire after receiving reports of a body in the water at around 2pm. Two lifeboats and an air ambulance quickly arrived on the scene, where they discovered and retrieved a woman’s body from the sea. Cleveland Police have confirmed the incident, stating that the woman has not been named, but her…
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Teen chef and girl, 12, die in Bournemouth beach tragedy, 8 others injured
Joe Abbess, a 17-year-old from Southampton, was identified by Dorset Police as one of the two individuals who tragically lost their lives in a drowning incident off Bournemouth beach. The other victim was a 12-year-old girl, locally identified as Sunnah Khan. In addition to their deaths, eight other people sustained injuries. The family of Joe Abbess shared a heartfelt tribute…
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Man charged over offensive Hillsborough shirt at FA Cup final
A 33-year-old man, James White, has been charged with displaying threatening or abusive writing likely to cause harassment, alarm, or distress, in connection with a shirt he wore at the FA Cup final on Saturday. The shirt allegedly referenced the Hillsborough disaster. White has been granted bail and is scheduled to appear at Willesden Magistrates’ Court on June 19. The…
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Elderly woman’s murder in Bournemouth prompts police investigation
Dorset Police have initiated a murder investigation following the tragic death of a woman believed to be in her 80s at a residence in Bournemouth. The police were alerted to concerns about the woman’s welfare at a property off Wick Lane in the Southbourne suburb of Bournemouth around 7pm on Saturday. Upon arrival with the ambulance service, the woman was…
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Funeral held for girl, 12, after tragic Bournemouth sea incident
A 12-year-old girl, Sunnah Khan from High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, who tragically died after being pulled from the sea in Bournemouth, has been laid to rest. The incident, which took place near Bournemouth Pier, involved 10 swimmers and resulted in the death of Sunnah and a 17-year-old boy from Southampton. Over 200 people attended Sunnah’s funeral, organized by High Wycombe Mosques…
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Prince Harry takes personal risk in tabloid hacking case at High Court
In a historic move, Prince Harry is set to appear as a witness at the High Court, marking the first time a senior royal has done so since 1891 when Prince Edward testified during the Royal Baccarat Scandal. Though the circumstances are different, with Harry’s case centred around media intrusion rather than gambling, the stakes are just as high. The…
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Elderly woman dies in Glasgow car collision, police seek witnesses
A tragic accident in Glasgow has resulted in the death of a 75-year-old woman who was struck by a car on Saturday evening. The incident occurred near the intersection of Farmington Gardens and Farmington Avenue at approximately 6.50pm, involving a white Mercedes and the pedestrian. Despite the efforts of emergency services, the woman was pronounced dead at the scene. Following…
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Sheffield murder charge: Man accused after woman’s body found
A murder charge has been filed against a man following the discovery of a woman’s body in Sheffield. Emily Sanderson, 48 years old, was found in a Hillsborough house on Tuesday. South Yorkshire Police charged Mark Nicholls, 43 years old, with her murder on Saturday after arresting him the previous day. Nicholls is now in custody and is scheduled to…
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Kremlin bars unfriendly countries journalists from St Petersburg Economic Forum
The St Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF), an event often considered Russia’s response to the World Economic Forum in Davos, will not be open to journalists from “unfriendly countries,” according to the Kremlin. The annual forum, held since 1997, has never before imposed such a blanket ban on Western journalists. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed the decision to TASS news…
Read More » - Thailand News
Mysterious death of Thai man just days after leaving prison
A 46 year old Thai man, recently released from prison, was found dead under a broken election banner in the northeast Nakhon Ratchasima province, just three days after his release. Authorities believe the cause of death could be sudden heart failure due to the extreme heat and his weak physical condition. The body of the ex-prisoner was found beside a…
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Chinese woman missing in Thailand feared trafficked to neighbouring country
Thai authorities are urgently searching for a missing Chinese woman, fearing she may have been trafficked across the border to a neighbouring country. The woman, Angie, arrived in Chiang Mai after flying from Kuala Lumpur on May 29 and was last seen in the Mae Sai district of Chiang Rai. Her family reportedly lost contact with her on June 1.…
Read More » - Politics News
Move Forward Party opposes alcohol ban on Buddhist holidays
Prominent members of the Move Forward Party (MFP), which recently claimed victory in elections, have voiced their disagreement with the Thai government’s ban on alcohol sales during significant Buddhist holidays, arguing that it restricts freedom. Amarat Chokpamitkul, an MFP executive, expressed her disagreement with the prohibition of alcohol sales on Vesak Day, a holiday that marks the Buddha’s birth, enlightenment,…
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Thai farmer capitalises on high demand for grasshoppers
A Thai farmer in the northeast Nakhon Phanom province found success breeding Patanga grasshoppers, selling eggs at 10,000 baht per kilogram. These grasshoppers are found throughout Asia. The venture, which began as a side occupation, has seen a surge in demand with orders queueing up. Having tried his hands at rearing various animals, the farmer switched to breeding these grasshoppers…
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Johnson warned of losing public funding for legal aid in Covid inquiry
Former Prime Minister Boris Johnson has received a warning from the Cabinet Office that public funding for his legal representation in relation to the Covid inquiry could be withdrawn if he attempts to “undermine” the government. The Sunday Times published extracts of a letter from the Cabinet Office, which instructed Johnson to submit witness statements to officials for potential redactions.…
Read More » - Crime News
Jealous Thai cop assaults wife, smashes car with hammer
A jealous Thai cop in the southern Songkhla province allegedly assaulted his wife by the roadside before using a hammer to smash up her car. The incident occurred after the officer followed his wife to a friend’s birthday party, sparking a jealous altercation. The injured 45 year old woman was taken to Sadao Hospital for treatment. According to a video…
Read More » - Eastern Thailand News
Sudden U-turn causes motorcycle collision, injuring 2 at accident-prone spot
A sudden U-turn on a narrow road led to a motorcycle collision, resulting in two injured women in Chon Buri, Thailand. The incident raised safety concerns as the accident-prone location is not suitable for vehicles to reverse, urging drivers to exercise caution in such areas. CCTV footage caught the moment when a car abruptly reversed on a two-lane road, causing…
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Thai fraudster nabbed for cloud storage scam targeting 3,000 victims
A 69 year old Thai woman, known as Pattana, was arrested at a religious facility in Nakhon Ratchasima province for her alleged involvement in a Ponzi scheme at a company that deceived over 3,000 victims, causing nearly 1.3 billion baht in damages. Pattana’s son reportedly used her name in a fraudulent company that offered high returns from cloud storage investments.…
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Bolt drivers accused of attacking rival motorbike taxi drivers in Pattaya
A group of Win motorbike taxi drivers claim they were attacked by Bolt drivers in Pattaya, following disagreements over customers and territory. The incident, which took place yesterday, resulted in injuries to two individuals, The Pattaya News reported. Last night at around 10.30pm, two motorbike taxi drivers, 50 year old Paitoon Wengwipha and 35 year old Anant Panyim, visited the Pattaya…
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Bangkok cops detain 56 in drug-fuelled karaoke party crackdown
Bangkok cops arrested 56 individuals, including 23 Chinese tourists, after raiding a private party at the Diamond KTV Club. The suspects face charges ranging from drug possession to illegal stay and firearm possession. At the venue, located within the Meria massage shop on New Petchaburi Road, Chinese tourists were illegally provided with after-hours karaoke services, starting from 10pm until morning. The…
Read More » - Phuket News
Phuket Woman injured by falling tree amid severe weather warnings
A 44 year old Phuket woman was left unconscious after a tree fell on her motorcycle during heavy rain and strong winds in Phuket yesterday. Police were notified of the incident at around 10.30am. The incident took place on a small road leading to the sea gypsy village on Koh Siray, The Phuket News reported. The woman, identified as Duendem…
Read More » - Pattaya News
5,000 baht reward for missing Macaw parrot in Pattaya
A reward of 5,000 baht has been announced for anyone who can help locate a missing Macaw parrot in Pattaya, Thailand. The blue and gold parrot, named Thong, escaped from its cage near Soi Siam Country Club in East Pattaya on Friday at around 8.30am. Thong is quite large, comparable in size to an average housecat, and has a yellow…
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