British royals condemn Hamas attacks as terrorism
The British royal family has publicly condemned Hamas as terrorists and expressed their dismay at the attacks on Israel. King Charles and the Prince and Princess of Wales have all criticised the group's actions. The comments come as the BBC faces pressure to refer to Hamas as terrorists rather than militants. The controversy regarding this reluctance has sparked debate among political figures and former executives. The BBC has defended its stance, stating that using the term ‘terrorist’ could compromise journalistic impartiality. Critics argue that by not using the term, the BBC is taking sides, and claim that it fails to accurately report acts of terrorism and war crimes. Despite the debate, the royal family remains focused on supporting interfaith and inter-community dialogue and promoting peace and understanding in challenging times. The King has a history of engaging in peace efforts in the region, including visits to Israel and the West Bank.
Antisemitic incidents quadruple since Hamas attack
Antisemitic incidents in the UK have surged enormously since the Hamas attack on Israel, with 89 ‘anti-Jewish hate’ cases reported from 7 to 10 October, compared to 21 during the same period last year. There have been six assaults, three instances of property damage, and 66 cases of abusive behaviour, including 22 online. Examples included a Jewish person being verbally attacked with anti-Semitic slurs while walking to a synagogue in London, and the occupants of a car outside a London synagogue shouting threats like ‘Death to Israel’ while waving a Palestinian flag. Security minister Tom Tugendhat expressed grave concern, likening Hamas's ideology to that of the Nazis and calling for measures to combat hate speech. Home secretary Suella Braverman has urged increased police patrols to prevent further incidents. Jewish schools in London and Manchester have heightened security, with some students advised not to wear blazers in public to avoid being easily identified as Jewish.
Scotland: legalising assisted suicide would open 'Pandora's Box'
New assisted suicide legislation in Scotland would open a 'Pandora's Box', according to disability policy advisor Dr Miro Griffiths. He says that the proposals being brought forward by Liam McArthur MSP 'represent a dangerous idea that would see the vulnerable and marginalised in society placed at risk of irreversible harm'. Dr Griffiths spoke about his own experience of living with disabilities: ‘My strength, respiratory functioning, and swallowing will continue to deteriorate. I require a power wheelchair, 24-hour personal assistance, and various medical interventions every day. I hope readers will realise that I, and many others in my community, approach this issue in a way that others in society will not.’ Canada legalised assisted suicide and euthanasia in 2016; within five years, the law was expanded and key safeguards were removed. There has been a tenfold rise in assisted suicides since the law was changed. Dr Griffiths concluded by saying that a change in the law was simply too dangerous, especially in the context of stretched public services.
Labour promise gay conversion ban with 'no loopholes'
The Labour Party has pledged to introduce comprehensive legislation to ban gay conversion therapy without any loopholes if it wins the upcoming general election. The Government has faced delays in announcing its own plans for a ban, partly due to concerns from various religious groups about potential impacts on their practices. Shadow equalities secretary Anneliese Dodds has denounced conversion therapy as abuse and criticised the delay in banning it. Many church leaders have expressed support for banning specific conversion therapy practices but are concerned that a full ban might hinder their ability to pray with individuals experiencing unwanted same-sex attraction. They cite an example from Australia where similar legislation led to challenges to church teachings and prayer practices.
