John ‘Paddy’ Hemingway, the last surviving Battle of Britain pilot, dies aged 105

Labour announced cuts to disability benefits, affecting millions of disabled individuals, with a focus on raising the threshold for personal independence payments (PIP) to save £5bn by 2030. The changes, criticized as immoral by charities and Labour MPs, aim to address concerns that the bill for disability benefits will reach £70bn by 2030, impacting 4m claimants. While some welcome measures were noted, including not freezing PIP payments and ending regular assessments for severe disabilities, the...

The UN agency announced severe funding cuts impacting vulnerable migrant communities and staff reductions, affecting over 6,000 employees globally. The measures aim to ensure continued delivery of humanitarian assistance, with a focus on cost-saving strategies, coordination with other humanitarian organizations, and maintaining oversight and accountability. Despite the challenges, IOM remains dedicated to supporting migrants and displaced populations worldwide and urges the international community to prioritize migration governance for global security and sustainable development. Full Article

The Justice secretary has activated Operation Safeguard to house prisoners in police cells due to overcrowding in jails, with only 824 places left in the adult male estate. This emergency measure will free up hundreds of cells but could cost the government millions, with previous activation costing £30.2 million between February and July 2023. The Police Federation of England and Wales has expressed concerns about officers being diverted from core duties and facing additional dangers,...

The European Union is investigating a surge in aluminium imports redirected from the United States, potentially leading to higher tariffs on imports to protect the EU's aluminium industry. The investigation includes major exporters like India, Russia, and the United Arab Emirates, with measures also being considered to tighten regulations and prevent unfair trade practices. The EU aims to secure the viability of its steel industry and may introduce rules targeting nations that restrict scrap metal...

Sir Keir Starmer’s Cabinet is “united” on plans to cut £5 billion from the UK’s benefit bill, with work and pensions secretary Liz Kendall leading welfare reform efforts. Backlash from Labour backbenchers, including Diane Abbott, has sparked criticism, but Chancellor Pat McFadden insists on the necessity of getting people back to work. Concerns over potential cuts to disability benefits, specifically PIP, have prompted a rethink amid fears of increased poverty for thousands of disabled individuals....

Rising living costs in Spain have made it challenging for salaries to keep up, leading to difficulties in saving. A study has identified the Spanish cities where it is easiest to save in 2025, with smaller, inland cities like Palencia and Guadalajara ranking high due to lower living expenses. Surprisingly, cities like Zaragoza and Murcia, known for higher salaries and lower costs of living, also offer good savings potential. Full Article