UN criticises Starmer’s welfare reforms
The UN has sharply criticised the Government’s proposed welfare reforms, warning they could significantly worsen poverty among disabled people. Following a recent parliamentary vote that passed the benefits bill by 75 votes, secured only after last-minute concessions to Labour rebels, the UN’s committee on the rights of persons with disabilities has raised ten pressing concerns about the legislation. Key issues include politicians’ rhetoric suggesting disabled individuals exploit benefits and the reforms’ potential impact on young claimants, women with disabilities, and those requiring high-level support. The UN warns that the bill could deepen existing economic hardship, echoing findings from earlier reports which linked previous welfare cuts to increased food bank reliance, homelessness, and mental health crises. Disability advocates have condemned the reforms as punitive, urging MPs to consider the profound human consequences before advancing the legislation. Parliament will further debate the bill in the coming days, amid mounting national and international scrutiny. See
Remembering 7/7: hope shines through the pain and grief
Twenty years after the 7/7 terrorist attacks that claimed 52 lives in London, survivors, bereaved families, and emergency workers gathered at St Paul’s Cathedral to remember and reflect. The solemn service featured the gentle fall of 52,000 white petals, symbolising each life lost. Deep emotion marked the readings of victims’ names, with family members like Saba Edwards, who lost her mother Behnaz Mozakka, and Thelma Stober, a survivor who lost a leg, sharing the weight of enduring grief. Bishop Sarah Mullally delivered a message of hope as 'an act of resistance' against terror and hatred, acknowledging the long journey toward healing. Outside the cathedral, the sun broke through grey skies, reflecting a glimmer of hope amid sorrow. Later, around 500 people gathered at Hyde Park’s 7/7 memorial, where steel pillars stand in silent tribute. Families like the Foulkes and Taylors spoke movingly of pain that evolves over time, urging others to cherish life.
Southport survivor fought to save others, says mum
Heart-wrenching testimonies were shared at the Southport inquiry, revealing the harrowing courage of young survivors of the 29 July 2024 knife attack at a dance workshop. A mother described how her seven-year-old daughter, referred to as C1, 'fought like hell' to save herself and others, despite being stabbed 33 times by 17-year-old Axel Rudakubana. CCTV footage showed C1 attempting to escape before being dragged back by her attacker, suffering catastrophic injuries. Despite her own wounds, she shielded other children and urged them to flee. Parents of other survivors, including a nine-year-old girl critically injured, spoke of the lifelong physical and emotional scars their daughters now bear. They emphasised the stark reality that, in those terrifying moments, the children had to protect themselves, comfort one another, and summon remarkable bravery. The inquiry aims to uncover not only the events of that tragic day but also broader issues regarding how young people become entangled in extreme violence. The session adjourned until September, with further evidence and systemic reviews expected in its next phase.
Birmingham council pull plug on bin strike negotiations
Birmingham faces escalating disruption as the Unite union is threatening bin strikes 'beyond Christmas' following the city council’s decision to end negotiations. Bin workers have been on an all-out strike since March, leaving many streets piled with rubbish. Unite’s general secretary, Sharon Graham, condemned the council’s proposals as 'fire and rehire,' accusing leaders of imposing pay cuts of up to £8,000 (a quarter of some workers’ salaries) and forcing staff to choose between lower pay or redundancy. Council leader John Cotton defended the move, citing the authority’s ongoing equal pay liabilities, which have cost hundreds of millions and threaten Birmingham’s financial stability. He stressed the urgent need to reform the city’s waste services to improve efficiency and ensure long-term sustainability, while still offering options like voluntary redundancy and redeployment. Expressing regret over the stalemate, he insisted further concessions would jeopardise essential services and financial recovery. ACAS, the conciliation service, remains open for dialogue. Residents continue to endure the consequences of uncollected waste.
