Tag: UK

UK on course for biggest tax rise in 50 years after personal thresholds frozen, analysis suggests

The government’s policy is to keep income tax and national insurance thresholds frozen until 2028, meaning many will be pushed into higher tax bands as a result of inflation.

The UK is on course for the biggest tax rise in at least 50 years because of the freeze on personal thresholds and soaring inflation, according to new analysis.

The Resolution Foundation said taxpayers are set to hand over about £40bn a year by 2028 – up from a forecast of £30bn at the time of Chancellor Jeremy Hunt’s budget in March.

The government’s policy is to keep income tax and national insurance thresholds frozen until 2028, meaning many will be pushed into higher tax bands as a result of inflation.

“Chancellors of all political stripes like this kind of stealth tax, but the scale of increase in how much it will now raise is totally unprecedented,” said Torsten Bell, chief executive of the Resolution Foundation.

“Forget about all the tax cuts being floated, they’ll pale into insignificance besides this tax rise.”

The Institute for Fiscal Studies said the freeze will also compound challenges facing many workers whose earnings are not keeping up with inflation.

Source : https://news.sky.com/story/uk-on-course-for-biggest-tax-rise-in-50-years-after-personal-thresholds-frozen-analysis-suggests-12978535

Khalistan Radicals Stop Indian Diplomat In UK From Entering Scotland Gurudwara

The incident comes months after the Indian High Commission in London was attacked by pro-Khalistani forces. The United Kingdom has assured of necessary measures to ensure the safety and security of the Indian High Commission in London and its staff. “Let me be very clear about this. This is not an Indian problem in the UK. Whenever there is radicalisation in the UK of UK citizens, this is a British problem. And so any attempt to radicalise any UK citizen in any direction will be dealt with by the British government,” British Security Minister Tom Tugendhat said.

A group of Khalistan radicals stopped Indian high commissioner to the UK Vikram Doraiswami from entering a gurdwara in Scotland on Friday. The Indian diplomat was stopped outside Glasgow Gurdwara on Albert Drive. Vikram Doraiswami reportedly had a meeting planned with the gurdwara committee.

The incident comes months after the Indian High Commission in London was attacked by pro-Khalistani forces. The United Kingdom has assured of necessary measures to ensure the safety and security of the Indian High Commission in London and its staff.

“Let me be very clear about this. This is not an Indian problem in the UK. Whenever there is radicalisation in the UK of UK citizens, this is a British problem. And so any attempt to radicalise any UK citizen in any direction will be dealt with by the British government,” British Security Minister Tom Tugendhat said.

“Let me be very clear about this. This is not an Indian problem in the UK. Whenever there is radicalisation in the UK of UK citizens, this is a British problem. And so any attempt to radicalise any UK citizen in any direction will be dealt with by the British government,” he said.

In March, India reacted angrily after pro-Khalistan elements attacked the Indian High Commission in London and pulled down the national flag from a pole at the front of the building.

While the UK has acknowledged India’s concerns over Khalistan radicals in that country, Canada continues to provide safe havens to these anti-nationals.

Last week, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau alleged that “agents of Delhi” were involved in the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, who is also a Canadian citizen. India has outrightly rejected the claims, calling it ‘absurd’ and ‘motivated’.

Source : https://www.timesnownews.com/india/india-high-commissioner-in-uk-stopped-by-khalistan-radicals-from-entering-gurudwara-article-104055843

Girl, 8, becomes first UK transplant patient not to need life-long drugs

A UK-first procedure means Aditi Shankar’s body accepts her new kidney as its own, following pioneering work by doctors at London’s Great Ormond Street Hospital.

Girl receives ”rejection free’ kidney from mum

An eight-year-old girl has become the first person in the UK to have a transplant – and not need to take immunosuppressant drugs for the rest of her life.

Aditi Shankar, who has a rare genetic condition, has received both a new kidney and bone marrow from her mother, Divya.

Because she had a stem cell transplant, via the bone marrow, she was able to come off immunosuppressants a month after receiving the new organ.

Following pioneering work by doctors at London’s Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH), her body has accepted the new kidney as its own.

Immunosuppressants are an important part of most transplant patients’ lives, because they stop the body from rejecting a donated organ.

But while they provide a vital function, they work by dampening down the body’s immune system.

Anyone taking them is therefore at higher risk of infection, among other complications.

Aditi was referred to GOSH when she was five and doctors discovered she had a condition called Schimke’s immuno-osseous dysplasia, which impacts the immune system and kidneys.

In the UK, it affects about one child in every three million.
Aditi’s underlying immune condition initially meant she would “not be able to receive a kidney transplant”, said Professor Stephen Marks, children’s kidney specialist at GOSH.

But working with international colleagues, the renal, immunology and stem cell transplant teams at GOSH came up with a treatment plan.

Prof Marks added: “Her immune deficiency had to be corrected by having her mum’s bone marrow first, and because Aditi was able to accept her mum’s bone marrow, that therefore meant her body could then see her mum’s kidney as being part of her.

Source: https://news.sky.com/story/girl-8-becomes-first-uk-transplant-patient-not-to-need-life-long-drugs-12966787

Tory backlash as Sunak suggests he will delay UK’s switch to electric cars by five years

Rishi Sunak appears set to water down some of the government’s net zero pledges to ensure they are “proportionate”, in a move that has sparked backlash from across the political spectrum and campaigners.

Rishi Sunak looks set to weaken key climate pledges in a move that has drawn heavy criticism from Tory MPs and environmental groups.

The prime minister said he remains committed to the net zero target by 2050 but will achieve it “in a better, more proportionate way”.

It comes after a BBC report said as part of a major policy shift, the PM could weaken the plan to phase out gas boilers from 2035 and delay the ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars – currently due in 2030 – by five years.

The report – which Sky News understands to be correct – has sparked anger among Tory MPs, with one saying they are “seriously considering” a no confidence letter.

However, in a statement on Tuesday night, Mr Sunak said: “No leak will stop me beginning the process of telling the country how and why we need to change.

“As a first step, I’ll be giving a speech this week to set out an important long-term decision we need to make so our country becomes the place I know we all want it to be for our children.”

Giving a flavour of what is to come, the prime minister added: “I know people are frustrated with politics and want real change.

“Our political system rewards short-term decision-making that is holding our country back.

“For too many years politicians in governments of all stripes have not been honest about costs and trade offs. Instead they have taken the easy way out, saying we can have it all.”

He insisted that realism “doesn’t mean losing our ambition or abandoning our commitments – far from it”.

He said: “I am proud that Britain is leading the world on climate change. We are committed to net zero by 2050 and the agreements we have made internationally – but doing so in a better, more proportionate way.

“Our politics must again put the long-term interests of our country before the short-term political needs of the moment.”

Mr Sunak has previously hinted he is prepared to water down climate policies that add extra costs and “hassle” to households.

It came after the Tories’ unexpected victory at the Uxbridge by-election, which was credited to their opposition to the ULEZ congestion zone charge scheme.

Since then some Tory MPs have argued the party should drop green policies that could impose costs on consumers to gain votes at the ballot box.

But others are concerned it will damage the UK’s reputation on climate change.

Tory MPs are particularly angry about the reported change to the car policy, with one calling it “anti-business” – given how much the car industry has invested in Electric Vehicles (EV).

They told Sky’s deputy political editor Sam Coates that a push back on the petrol and diesel ban would mean breaking a promise the prime minister made to Conservative MPs privately.

Source: https://news.sky.com/story/tory-backlash-as-sunak-suggests-he-will-water-down-net-zero-pledges-12965229

Why is the UK banning American XL Bully dogs?

The breed has been involved in several high-profile attacks

American Bully XL dogs are to be banned in the UK by the end of the year, the country’s Prime Minster Rishi Sunak has announced.

It comes after a man in England died following what Mr Sunak described as “another suspected XL bully attack” on Thursday. It was the latest in a series of deadly incidents.

Mr Sunak said he had ordered work to legally define the breed behind the recent attacks so it can be banned under the Dangerous Dogs Act, which applies in England, Wales and Scotland.

What is an American bully XL?
The XL is the largest of four types of American Bully: standard, pocket, classic and XL.

Strong enough to overpower an adult, the American bully XL can weigh more than nine stone (60kg).

American Bullies are said to have originated in the US in the late 1980s, when American Pit Bull Terriers and American Staffordshire Terriers were crossed.

They have been crossed with other breeds to create an even more muscular dog.

The United Kennel Club in the US says that an American Bully “makes an excellent family dog” with a “gentle and friendly” demeanour, “despite its powerful appearance”.

It says that “some level of dog aggression is characteristic of this breed” but also notes “aggressive behaviour towards humans is uncharacteristic”.

While the US recognises the American Bully as a specific breed, the main British dog associations do not.

According to UK campaign group Bully Watch, the breed only appeared in the UK “around 2014 or 2015”, with numbers growing rapidly during the coronavirus pandemic.

How many attacks have there been in UK?
American Bullies have been involved in several high-profile attacks in the UK.

The most recent suspected attack happened in Walsall, in England’s West Midlands region. Following the man’s death, Mr Sunak announced his decision to seek a ban on the breed.

An 11-year-old girl was attacked by an American bully XL in Birmingham on Saturday. Two men who intervened were also treated in hospital after being bitten by the animal.

In April, a 65-year-old grandmother was killed after she tried to break up a fight between her two American bullies at her home in Liverpool. The coroner noted that she had been found with “catastrophic injuries”.

Last year, a 17-month-old toddler was mauled to death in her own home by one of the dogs in St Helens, one week after her family had bought it.

And in 2021, 10-year-old Jack Lis died from severe neck and head injuries after he was attacked by an American bully XL in Caerphilly, Wales. His mother, Emma Whitfield, has called for the dogs to be banned.

Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-66820995

“A Big Day”: Rishi Sunak After Tata Steel, UK Sign 1.25 Billion-Pound Deal

It is being dubbed as one of the “largest” UK government support packages in history.

Tata Group Chairman said that the agreement is a “defining moment”

New Delhi: The United Kingdom and Tata Steel on Friday announced a joint investment package worth 1.25 billion pound, including a government grant of 500 million pound, for the country’s largest steelworks in Wales. Dubbed as one of the “largest” UK government support packages in history, the investment at the Port Talbot would modernise production with state-of-the-art Electric Arc Furnace steelmaking and reduce Britain’s entire carbon emissions by around 1.5%.
Reacting to the development, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak called it “a big day for UK steel”.

“We’ve agreed a joint 163;1 billion investment with Tata Steel to save thousands of British jobs and secure the future of the steel industry in Wales. This follows the 163;4 billion investment we secured from Tata Group in July to create 4,000 jobs,” Mr Sunak posted on X (formerly known as Twitter).

UK Business and Trade Secretary Kemi Badenoch said that this is a “historic” package of support from the government.

“It will not only protect skilled jobs in Wales but also grow the UK economy, boost growth and help ensure a successful UK steel industry,” she added.

British Finance Minister Jeremy Hunt said that the proposal is a “landmark moment” for maintaining ongoing UK steel production, supporting sustainable economic growth, cutting emissions, and creating green jobs.

“It is right that we are ready to step in to protect this world class manufacturing industry and to support a green growth hub in South Wales,” Mr Hunt said.

Commenting on the announcement, Tata Group Chairman N Chandrasekaran said that the agreement with the UK government is a “defining moment” for the future of the steel industry.

Source: https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/rishi-sunak-on-uk-government-tata-steel-sign-landmark-investment-deal-4394676

 

Northern Lights could be visible for parts of the UK until Saturday

Sightings were reported across the UK on Wednesday – from as far south as Cornwall, as well as in Greater Manchester, Northumberland and the Lake District.

A stunning show of the Northern lights over Northumberland on Wednesday

Skygazers across the UK have a chance to witness the Northern Lights until Saturday.

The Met Office forecast suggests the phenomenon, also known as the Aurora Borealis, could be visible to the naked eye along the northern horizon from Scotland, where skies are clear.

The Northern Lights may also illuminate the sky in Northern Ireland and northern England.

A minor enhancement to the aurora oval – which determines the range of polar lights – means the dazzling display is visible further south.

It is usually associated with Scandinavian countries in Europe, but can sometimes be seen in the UK.

People reported sightings across the nation on Wednesday – from as far south as Cornwall, as well as in Greater Manchester, Northumberland and the Lake District.

Lancaster University’s AuroraWatch, run by the Space and Planetary Physics group, issued a “red alert” on Wednesday, meaning “it is likely that aurora will be visible by eye and camera from anywhere in the UK”.

The activity is expected to start subsiding from Saturday.

How can you see the phenomenon?

Professor Don Pollacco, of the University of Warwick’s department of physics, said it would be difficult to predict exactly where the Northern Lights could be seen, because conditions change rapidly.

“However, one thing is for sure, and that is that you are unlikely to see them from a brightly lit city environment – you need to go somewhere dark and look towards the northern horizon [look for the North Star].

“So, you would preferably be in the countryside away from street lights. Of course, it also needs to clear.”

Explaining what the lights are, Professor Pollacco added: “The Northern Lights [Aurora Borealis] are caused by the interaction of particles coming from the sun, the solar wind, with the Earth’s atmosphere – channelled to the polar regions by the Earth’s magnetic field.

 

Source: https://news.sky.com/story/northern-lights-could-be-visible-for-parts-of-the-uk-until-saturday-12961470

Deloitte to cut ‘more than 800 jobs in the UK’

The company, one of ‘big four’ accountancy firms, is considering the move as part of a cost-cutting restructuring. It employs 27,000 people across Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

Deloitte is planning to cut more than 800 jobs in the UK, sources say.

The company, one of the ‘big four’ accountancy firms, is considering the move as part of a cost-cutting restructuring.

In a statement to Sky News, Deloitte confirmed some roles were potentially at risk of redundancy, but did not go into specifics.

The proposed job losses represent a 3% cut in the company’s 27,000-strong workforce in the UK, a source told Reuters news agency.

Deloitte chief executive Richard Houston said in a statement: “Today we announced some targeted restructuring across our businesses, which may – subject to consultation – put some roles at risk of redundancy.

“This follows a slowdown in growth, which, combined with the ongoing economic uncertainty, means we have to consider the shape of our business and may mean we have to make some difficult decisions.”

He added: “I fully understand this is an unsettling time for those people affected and we will be doing everything we can to support individuals with care and respect.”

It comes after Deloitte announced in April plans to slash 1,200 jobs in the US.

That was followed by KPMG, another member of the ‘big four’ alongside EY and PwC, which said in June that it would cut 5% of its workforce in the US.

EY also reportedly told workers last month it was preparing to make 150 roles in the UK redundant.

Source: https://news.sky.com/story/deloitte160to-cut-more-than-800-jobs-in-the-uk-12960727

Russia targeted civilian cargo ship with cruise missile – UK

The UK has accused Russia of targeting a civilian cargo ship with multiple cruise missiles as it rested in the Ukrainian port of Odesa last month.

The attack – which took place on 24 August – was thwarted by Ukrainian air defences, the UK’s foreign office said.

The Liberian-flagged ship was targeted by missiles fired by a Russian carrier, it added.

In July, Russia warned ships travelling to Ukraine’s ports through the Black Sea may be seen as military targets.

The warning came after Moscow withdrew from a landmark UN-backed grain deal, which had seen civilian cargo ships promised the freedom to export Ukrainian grain through the Black Sea.

At the time, President Vladimir Putin complained there were too many restrictions on its own agricultural goods.

Moscow also demanded a major Russian bank be let into a global payments system, restrictions be lifted on Russian fertiliser companies, and for its ships to get full access to insurance and foreign ports.

What was the Ukraine grain deal?
It began a series of strikes on ports in southern Ukraine within days of withdrawing from the deal, which it had pledged not to do under the agreement.

Speaking to parliament on Monday, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said the foiled attack on the grain ship succeeded only in “demonstrating just how desperate Putin is”.

“Ukraine has the right to export its goods through international waters and they have the moral right to ship grain that is helping feed the world,” Mr Sunak said.

Russia has yet to comment on the attack.

Moscow has increasingly targeted Ukrainian port infrastructure since it pulled out of the grain agreement. Kyiv has accused it of a “cynical” attempt to damage its grain exports and undermine global food security.

In its statement, the Foreign Office said Russia has destroyed 280,000 tonnes of grain since it pulled out of the deal, accusing it of trying to “weaponise food and innocent trade at the expense of the rest of the world”.

Officials also said Russian attacks had damaged 26 port infrastructure facilities in Odesa and the nearby ports of Chornomorsk and Reni since July.

Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-66781487

UK bees in danger as Asian hornet sightings rise

Record sightings of Asian hornets are raising fears of catastrophic consequences for the UK’s bee populations for years to come.

The invasive hornets are wreaking havoc in mainland Europe and threaten to get a foothold in the UK, with nests found in East Sussex, Kent, Devon and Dorset.

The insects feed on native bees and wasps, damaging biodiversity.

The warning comes as leading scientists release a global report into the threats caused by invasive species.

They say the alien invaders play a role in 60% of animal and plant extinctions.

And the economic costs have risen to more than £300bn ($380bn) a year across the world.

Forest fire in Chile: invasive scrubs make fires more intense

Alien species are living things transported around the world by humans into places they wouldn’t naturally be, from Japanese knotweed to the fungus that kills ash trees.

They are one of the five major drivers of biodiversity loss – and the problem is expected to get worse.

The report found:

  • Invasive species are a major threat to nature, food security and human health
  • Invasive alien species contribute to 60% of global extinctions
  • Economic costs are quadrupling every decade, reaching $423 billion (£336 billion) in 2019
  • There are solutions, such as border and import controls.

The Asian hornet is an example of an alien species at risk of gaining a permanent foothold in the UK.

In Folkestone, Kent, one of the hotspots for Asian hornets, bee keeper Simon Spratley is counting the costs to his bees.

He says the bee-munching predators are causing devastation, with 10 of 17 hives lost in quick succession.

“These insects are going to settle here and they’re going to predate on all insects especially the honey bee – that’s their natural food source,” he warns.

“They’ll end up destroying or over complicating bee keeping for everybody and reducing the [bio] diversity in the Kent area and the whole wider England.”

When we visited his apiary we saw several Asian hornets that had been captured that day.

And 20 miles north, near Ashford, we met a team of experts from the National Bee Unit, a branch of the Animal and Plant Health Agency tasked with dealing with the problem.

They were trying to locate and destroy a hornet’s nest after a positive identification nearby.

This is the time of the year when you are most likely to spot an Asian hornet, perhaps in your garden feeding on fruit, says bee inspector, Peter Davies.

“Please take a picture, go on the Asian hornet app, have a look – compare it and please report it,” he says.

Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-66697968

Pirola Variant Mutating Rapidly, UK Put On Alert After Country Confirms First Case Of New COVID-19 Strain BA.2.86

Pirola Variant Mutating Rapidly, UK Put On Alert After Country Confirms First Case of New COVID-19 Strain BA.2.86

The National Health Service (NHS) on Thursday warned the people of Britain to be on the lookout for the new Pirola Covid variant amid concerns it might unleash a new wave of illnesses. According to a new World Health Organisation (WHO) risk assessment, a new COVID-19 strain BA.2.86, nicknamed Pirola, is getting more people infected in several parts of the world. As per reports, the first case of BA.2.86 aka Pirola variant was detected through PCR testing from a sample that was collected on August 16.

The virus hasn’t officially been confirmed as a ‘variant of concern’ by the UK’s health watchdog, but it’s caused concern among scientists over its high number of mutations. As per studies, the new variant BA.2.86 has as many changes as Omicron had from the Delta variant of coronavirus.

Source: https://www.thehealthsite.com/news/pirola-variant-mutating-rapidly-uk-put-on-alert-after-country-confirms-first-case-of-new-covid-19-strain-ba-2-86-fourth-wave-new-covid-wave-1005720/

 

Illegal migrants arriving into UK across the English Channel could be forced to wear electronic tags under new ‘stop the boats’ proposals

Migrants who arrive over the English Channel in small boats could be forced to wear electronic tags under Home Office proposals.

The idea, first mooted more than a year ago, has resurfaced as Rishi Sunak attempts to get a handle on immigration and stop people illegally gaining entry to the UK.

The migrants would be GPS tracked in real time and required to report via text message or in person to immigration officers multiple times a day, the Telegraph reported.

Any attempt to remove the tag and abscond would result in any right to bail or to remain in the UK being automatically withdrawn.

It comes amid concerns the UK could run out of capacity in immigration detention centres, with officials asked to find alternative ways of ensuring that thousands of migrants who arrive illegally but cannot be detained do not abscond.

The new rules will stipulate that those on electronic tag must comply with any directions from the Home Office
A dinghy carrying around 50 migrants drifts into the English Channel after being escorted out of French territory on Thursday. Experts say they resist any help from French vessels in order to reach the UK

One source told the newspaper: ‘Tagging is being discussed as an option.’

Another source said tagging could also free-up immigration detention centres to be used for prisoners to alleviate chronic overcrowding in jails which are close to their capacity.

They were quoted as saying: ‘They are looking at all of these options. Given the state of prison capacity, that could reach breaking point and the Government knows that.’

The approach has been dubbed ‘punitive’ and ‘draconian’ by left-wing campaigners, who argue that those fleeing to Britain for safety are being treated like ‘criminals’.

Source : https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-12451383/Illegal-migrants-arriving-UK-English-Channel-forced-wear-electronic-tags-new-stop-boats-proposals.html?ito=native_share_article-top

This Indian-Origin UK Doctor Helped Cops Catch Baby Murderer Nurse

Dr Ravi Jayaram found Letby standing next to a baby in 2016 which made him suspicious of her. (Image: X/ITV Screengrab)

AUK-born Indian-origin consultant paediatrician at a hospital in northern England is among those who raised concerns and helped convict a nurse found guilty of killing seven babies by a UK court on Friday.

Dr Ravi Jayaram, from the Countess of Chester Hospital in Chester, said some of those lives could have been saved if his concerns about former nurse colleague Lucy Letby had been heeded and the police alerted sooner.

Letby, 33, was found guilty of the murder of seven newborn babies and also found guilty of seven counts of attempted murder relating to six other babies by a jury at Manchester Crown Court. She will be sentenced at the same court on Monday.

“I do genuinely believe that there are four or five babies who could be going to school now who aren’t,” Dr Jayaram told ‘ITV News’ in a television interview after the verdict.

He told the channel that consultants first began raising concerns after three babies died in June 2015. As more babies collapsed and died, senior medics like him held several meetings with hospital executives to raise their concerns about Letby.

Eventually, it was in April 2017 that the National Health Service (NHS) trust allowed doctors to meet with a police officer.

“The police, after listening to us for less than 10 minutes, realised that this is something that they had to be involved with. I could have punched the air,” said Dr Jayaram.

Shortly afterwards, an investigation was launched that would lead to Letby’s arrest.

The UK’s Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) told the court that Letby used a variety of methods to secretly attack a total of 13 babies in the neonatal ward at the Countess of Chester hospital between 2015 and 2016.

During her trial, which began in October last year, Manchester Crown Court heard that doctors at the hospital began to notice a significant rise in the number of babies who were dying or were unexpectedly collapsing.

The CPS presented evidence of Letby using various methods to attack babies, including the injection of air and insulin into their bloodstream; the infusion of air into their gastrointestinal tract; force feeding an overdose of milk or fluids; impact-type trauma.

Source: https://www.news18.com/world/this-indian-origin-uk-doctor-helped-cops-catch-baby-murderer-nurse-8541853.html

Suspected spies for Russia held in major UK security investigation

Three suspected spies for Russia in the UK have been arrested and charged in a major national security investigation, the BBC can reveal.

The defendants, all Bulgarian nationals, were held in February and have been remanded in custody since.

They are charged with possessing identity documents with “improper intention”, and are alleged to have had these knowing they were fake.

It is alleged they were working for the Russian security services.

The documents include passports, identity cards and other documents for the UK, Bulgaria, France, Italy, Spain, Croatia, Slovenia, Greece, and the Czech Republic.

The trio were among five people arrested in February on suspicion of an offence under the Official Secrets Act.

They were held by counter-terrorism detectives from the Metropolitan Police, which has national policing responsibility for espionage, and are due to answer police bail in September.

Three of them were charged later in February with an offence under the Identity Documents Act.

They are:

Orlin Roussev, 45, of Great Yarmouth, Norfolk
Bizer Dzhambazov, 41, of Harrow, north-west London
Katrin Ivanova, 31, of the same Harrow address
They remain in custody and are due to appear at the Old Bailey at a later date.

The trio have lived in the UK for years, working in a variety of jobs, and living in a series of suburban properties.

Mr Roussev has history of business dealings in Russia.

He moved to the UK in 2009 and spent three years working in a technical role in financial services.

His online LinkedIn profile states he later owned a business involved in signals intelligence, which involves the interception of communications or electronic signals.

Mr Roussev, whose most recent address is a seaside guesthouse in Great Yarmouth, also states he once acted as an adviser to the Bulgarian ministry of energy.

In Harrow, former neighbours described Mr Dzhambazov and Ms Ivanova as a couple.

Mr Dzhambazov is described as a driver for hospitals, and Ms Ivanova describes herself on her online LinkedIn profile as a laboratory assistant for a private health business.

The pair, who moved to the UK around a decade ago, ran a community organisation providing services to Bulgarian people, including familiarising them with the “culture and norms of British society”.

According to Bulgarian state documents online, they also worked for electoral commissions in London which facilitate voting in Bulgarian elections by citizens living abroad.

Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-66504350

COVID-19: New variant spreading across UK – as overall cases continue to rise

Scientifically known as EG.5.1, it is descended from the Omicron variant of COVID, and already accounts for one in seven new cases, UKHSA data shows.

Coronavirus. Pic: NIAID-RML via Reuters

A new COVID variant is spreading across the UK, according to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) – and already makes up one in seven new cases.

Scientifically known as EG.5.1, it is descended from the Omicron variant of COVID.

The UKHSA has been monitoring its prevalence in the country due to increasing cases internationally, particularly in Asia, and it was classified as a variant here on 31 July.

In the week beginning 10 July, one in nine cases were down to the variant.

The latest data suggests it now accounts for 14.6% of cases – the second most prevalent in the UK.

It appears to be spreading quickly and could be one reason why there has been a recent rise in cases and hospitalisations.

COVID-19 rates have continued to increase – up from 3.7% of 4,403 respiratory cases last week to 5.4% of 4,396 this week.

The latest data also shows the COVID-19 hospital admission rate was 1.97 per 100,000 population, an increase from 1.17 per 100,000 in the previous UKHSA report.
Officials say they are “closely” monitoring the situation as COVID case rates continue to rise.

“We have also seen a small rise in hospital admission rates in most age groups, particularly among the elderly,” said Dr Mary Ramsay, head of immunisation at the UKHSA.

“Overall levels of admission still remain extremely low and we are not currently seeing a similar increase in ICU admissions.

Source: https://news.sky.com/story/new-covid-variant-spreading-across-uk-as-overall-cases-continue-to-rise-12933456

BEEB’S BAD NEWS Top BBC stars sent redundancy letters as broadcaster tries to cut millions from its budget

THE BBC has issued redundancy letters to some of its most famous presenters – including veteran newsreader Huw Edwards.

Cash-strapped executives have asked some of the broadcaster’s best known if they’re interested in voluntary redundancy as part of a cost-cutting scheme.

Veteran newsreader Huw Edwards is among the presenters to have been issued redundancy lettersCredit: PA

The letters – circulated through a mass email to top-earning talent on TV and radio – was sent to top BBC News host Huw Edwards, who is paid more than £450,000 a year.

TV stalwart Edwards, 61, won praise for his composure after announcing the death of Queen Elizabeth to the world last year, and recently signed a new three-year deal with the broadcaster.

An email sent by BBC News editor Philippa Busby reportedly quizzed senior on-screen staff if they “would like to consider potentially leaving the BBC under voluntary redundancy”.

Other high-profile figures targeted for redundancy by the ailing broadcaster include Mastermind host Clive Myrie, newsreader Sophie Raworth and Today programme host Nick Robinson – all paid more than £250,000 a year.

Any redundancy payment would be capped at £150,000 – making it unlikely leading figures will choose to leave.

Insiders told the Mail on Sunday the move had sent already low staff morale plummeting, branding the letters “depressing”.

The redundancy letters are thought to be linked to cost-cutting measures announced by Director-General Tim Davie last year.

The BBC said: “We’re looking for expressions of interest in redundancy, not offering it, and it’s not the case that any or everyone who came forward would be accepted.”

Another high-profile presenter targeted by the BBC is Mastermind host Clive MyrieCredit: Hat Trick

Source: https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/22055806/top-bbc-stars-redundancy-letters-budget-huw-edwards/?utm_campaign=native_share&utm_source=sharebar_native&utm_medium=sharebar_native

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