Migrant sex offender given £500 after threat to disrupt deportation
The Government has confirmed that convicted sex offender Hadush Kebatu, an Ethiopian national mistakenly released from prison, was paid £500 before being deported. Kebatu, jailed for sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl and a woman while living in an Essex asylum hotel, was freed in error from HMP Chelmsford, later re-arrested, and flown to Ethiopia under guard. Officials authorised the payment after he threatened to disrupt his removal, arguing it was cheaper than re-booking flights or facing legal delays that could cost taxpayers thousands. Ministers called the blunder 'deeply regrettable' and have ordered an independent inquiry, with one officer suspended and new release checks introduced. Opposition leaders condemned the payment as 'outrageous' and proof of a broken immigration system, while home secretary Shabana Mahmood said she acted swiftly to ensure deportation. Kebatu’s mistaken release sparked local protests and renewed concern over public safety, asylum policy, and government competence in managing foreign offenders awaiting deportation. See
Farage overtakes Starmer in poll on who would make better PM
A new poll has placed Reform UK leader Nigel Farage ahead of Keir Starmer as the public’s preferred choice for prime minister - the first time he has led in such polling. The survey, conducted from 10 to 13 October among 1,141 people, found 33% favoured Farage and 30% Starmer, while 29% were undecided. Ipsos’s Keiran Pedley said the result marks 'an intriguing shift' in the political landscape, with growing public confidence in Reform’s economic and immigration policies - issues Britons see as most important. Separate YouGov research also shows Labour’s support slipping to a record low of 17%, tied with the Conservatives, while Reform leads with 27%. The Greens have 16% and the Liberal Democrats 15%. Farage’s growing appeal, fuelled by dissatisfaction with both major parties, signals rising volatility in UK politics. Pressure is mounting pressure on Labour ahead of the autumn budget and next year’s local and national elections.
Government doubles down on green ambition with new climate plan
The Government has unveiled its new ‘Carbon Budget and Growth Delivery Plan’, reaffirming the UK’s commitment to achieving net zero emissions while boosting economic growth. Energy secretary Ed Miliband said the plan will accelerate renewable energy, remove fossil fuels from the power grid by 2030, and cut greenhouse gas emissions by 2037. After a High Court ruling that the previous strategy lacked evidence to meet legal climate targets, the new plan outlines measures to expand clean power, promote heat pumps, and improve access to electric vehicle charging, while avoiding a gas boiler ban. A companion ‘Methane Action Plan’ aims to curb emissions from this potent greenhouse gas. Environmental groups largely welcomed the renewed ambition, though campaigners urged stronger action on aviation and housing. Critics warned of high costs and delayed delivery. Miliband insisted the plan would bring cleaner air, warmer homes, and new green jobs - securing a sustainable, prosperous future for coming generations.
Study shows benefits of prostate cancer screening for over-50s
A major European study has found that offering routine prostate cancer screening to all men over 50 could save thousands of lives. The 23-year trial of 162,000 men across eight countries showed that regular prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood tests reduced prostate cancer deaths by 13%, matching the life-saving impact of breast and bowel cancer screening. The findings strengthen calls for the UK to introduce a national prostate screening programme. Experts say earlier detection allows curative treatment before symptoms appear, though some warn of overdiagnosis and overtreatment of harmless tumours. Advances such as MRI scanning and precision surgery now reduce these risks. Prostate cancer is the UK’s most common cancer, causing more than 12,000 deaths a year. Health officials will review the results next month, and advocates say the evidence is now overwhelming. Campaigners urge government action to protect men’s health, noting that high-risk groups such as black men and those with family histories remain especially vulnerable.
