UK begins emotive debate on assisted dying as law change proposed
London, UK Reuters A proposal to allow terminally ill adults in England and Wales the right to end their lives was introduced to parliament on Wednesday, setting off an emotional debate on an issue that polarises opinion. The assisted dying bill is expected to allow mentally competent, terminally ill adults with six months or less […]
Population in England and Wales rises by most in 75 years
London, UK Reuters Record immigration caused the population of England and Wales to rise by 610,000 to 60.9 million in mid-2023, the largest annual increase in 75 years, official data showed on Monday. What statisticians term ‘natural’ population growth – the difference between births and deaths – fell to just 400, the lowest since 1978, […]
Britain’s Rwanda asylum plan raises deep concerns: UN rights chief
Geneva. Switzerland Reuters Britain’s revived plan to send asylum seekers to Rwanda would drastically strip back courts’ ability to scrutinise decisions and risks dealing a “serious blow to human rights”, the United Nations rights chief said on Monday. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is pushing legislation through parliament that would declare Rwanda a safe country for […]
Pancake-flipping choristers and clergy race at UK cathedrals for Shrove Tuesday honours
Norwich, UK Choristers and clergy at Church of England cathedrals across England joined in flipping pancakes as they raced each other this week in an annual tradition that’s gained in popularity in recent years. The races – which mark Shrove Tuesday, traditionally the day when eggs and fat were used up by making food such as […]
Climate protesters in New York and across the globe send message to United Nations
Reuters Thousands of protesters kicked off “Climate Week” and filled the streets of Midtown, Manhattan, on Sunday ahead of the UN General Assembly this week, calling for President Joe Biden and world leaders to end fossil fuel use. With parades, concerts, and banging drums, some of the 15,000 expected waved signs that read “End Fossil […]
Homelessness rates in England hit five-year high
London, UK Reuters The number of families and individuals facing homelessness in England is at its highest since 2018, data showed on Tuesday, sparking calls for the government to reform renting laws faster and build more affordable housing. Britain is in the middle of a cost-of-living crisis, with high rates of inflation leaving people struggling […]
Analysis – More than 13,000 people in England denied vote due to new ID law, finds Reuters survey
London, UK Reuters More than 13,000 people were denied a vote in English local elections this month because of the government’s new identification law, with those in poorer areas most impacted, according to a Reuters survey of local authorities. Voters in England were legally required to produce photo ID for the first time at the […]
Thousands of UK ambulance staff strike as public urged to avoid risks
London, UK Reuters Thousands of ambulance workers in England and Wales walked out over pay on Wednesday, increasing the strain on a state-funded health service a day after nurses went on strike, as government ministers advised the public to avoid taking risks. The government said the “deeply regrettable” strike would result in fewer ambulances on […]
Snapshot: White cliffs, Dorset, England
See JOSHUA COWAN’s image…
Churches during lockdown: In the UK, Church of England congregations looked to alternative ways to maintain connections
ANGELA YOUNGMAN reports on the findings of a Church of England report into how churches adapted services during COVID…