Bereaved pensioner afraid to answer the door as she faces eviction from home of over 30 years

Ministers are investing £1.3bn into army recruitment to address staff retention issues in the UK’s armed forces, creating the Armed Forces Recruitment Service (AFRS) to streamline hiring processes. The contract was awarded to Serco and will run until 2034, aiming to combat inefficiencies and delays in recruitment. This initiative follows a recent increase in defence spending and plans to provide peacekeeping troops in Ukraine to end the war with Russia. Full Article

The London Underground's book exchanges, which were removed by TfL due to fire safety concerns, have been saved after Sadiq Khan intervened. The mini-libraries, which allowed commuters to take or leave books for free, had been a fixture in stations for around 20 years. The Mayor of London worked with the London Fire Brigade to reinstate the shelves, ensuring they met safety regulations. Full Article

Erin Brockovich's inspiring story showcases her unwavering determination in the legal battle against corporate greed and contaminated water in Hinkley, CA. As she fights for justice and accountability, Brockovich's efforts highlight the importance of protecting community health and the environment. Her grassroots movement not only brings together affected residents but also demonstrates how one person can spark significant change and demand responsibility from those in power. Full Article

Sir Keir Starmer has announced the abolition of NHS England to prioritize frontline services and shift resources to patient care, aiming to reduce bureaucracy and increase funding for nurses. The move, which includes bringing NHS management under democratic control, follows a recent leadership shakeup at NHS England due to perceived duplication of roles and wasted resources, with a focus on streamlining operations and cutting waiting times for patients. Full Article

Spain's leftist government, the smallest spender on defence in Nato, faces resistance as it seeks to increase military budget to meet European demands. Amid concerns over Russia's invasion of Ukraine and US security guarantees, Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez aims to reach the two-percent Nato benchmark, but faces opposition from separatist and far-left parties. Public opinion in Spain, historically shaped by General Franco's dictatorship, prioritizes health and education over military spending, despite Sánchez's support for Ukraine...

Belgian prosecutors have arrested several individuals for questioning in connection to corruption within the European Parliament, with a focus on misappropriation of public funds intended for assistants of MEPs like Eva Kaili, Vilde Vautmans, and Tom Vandendriessche. The European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) is also investigating allegations of corruption involving about 10 current and former MEPs, raising concerns about transparency and effectiveness within EU institutions. During the 2022 Belgian authorities’ raids, significant sums of money...