News 12/08/25

Human rights in the UK worsened in 2024 according to a new report from the US State Department.

The report highlights what it calls significant human rights issues, including credible reports of serious restrictions on freedom of expression and violence or threats of violence motivated by antisemitism. While it notes that UK law generally protects free speech, the report raises concerns over restrictions on political speech considered hateful or offensive.

It forms part of the State Department’s annual review of internationally recognised individual, civil, political and worker rights.

Ukraine’s president says Vladimir Putin wants control of the rest of Donetsk, effectively the entire Donbas, as part of a proposed ceasefire plan.

Kyiv currently holds around 30 percent of Donetsk — some 9,000 square kilometres — with the rest under Russian control along with almost all of neighbouring Luhansk. Volodymyr Zelenskyy has rejected the plan, warning it would strip Ukraine of key defensive lines and allow Russia to mount new offensives.

Epping Forest District Council in Essex has applied to the High Court to stop the Bell Hotel from being used to house asylum seekers.

The move follows weeks of protests outside the hotel. The council is seeking an interim injunction that would take effect two weeks after approval, citing a “clear risk” of rising community tensions and an urgent need to bring the situation under control.

England is experiencing its fourth heatwave of the summer, with temperatures topping 30 degrees Celsius in several areas on Tuesday.

Northolt in north-west London, Ross-on-Wye in Herefordshire and Benson in Oxfordshire each recorded 33.4 degrees, while Cardiff saw 32.8 — the highest in Wales. Scotland’s peak was 29.4 at Charterhall, and Northern Ireland reached 27.8 in Armagh.

Experts warn that after weeks of warm, dry weather, England now faces “nationally significant” water shortages.

Parts of the UK sweltered in temperatures of up to 34 degrees on Tuesday as the fourth heatwave of the summer takes hold.

The hottest spots were expected in southern areas, including Buckinghamshire, Berkshire, Oxfordshire and parts of London such as Heathrow. The UK Health Security Agency has issued heat health warnings across England, with amber alerts in place for London, the South East, East Midlands, West Midlands and East of England from 9am Tuesday until 6pm Wednesday.

The rest of England is under a yellow warning.

Police in south Wales are investigating after residents of Newbridge mistook a youth group for a busload of asylum seekers.

A Facebook video showing their arrival at CRAI Scout Activity Park prompted what officers called “inappropriate and offensive” online comments. The group, which included children, teenagers, families and leaders from across the UK, had been taking part in a summer camp.

European leaders have warned that Ukraine’s borders must not be changed by force, just days before a summit in Alaska between Russia’s Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump.

In a joint statement signed by 26 out of 27 EU leaders, they said Ukraine’s people must be free to decide their future and its territorial integrity must be respected. Hungary’s Viktor Orban declined to sign.

A 21-year-old man from Maidenhead has been arrested on suspicion of drug supply offences in Aylesbury.

Police stopped a privately-owned e-scooter on Bracken Way on Saturday afternoon, and after a search, the rider was taken into custody. He remains under investigation for multiple offences.

A US woman who travelled to Birmingham to carry out a contract killing has been found guilty of conspiracy to murder.

Birmingham Crown Court heard 45-year-old Aimee Betro, from Wisconsin, flew to the UK in 2019 to kill shopkeeper Sikander Ali as part of a violent family feud. Disguised in a niqab, she confronted Mr Ali outside his Yardley home and tried to shoot him at point-blank range, but the gun jammed and he escaped.

The plot was organised by co-conspirators Mohammed Nabil Nazir and his father Mohammed Aslam, both locked in a dispute with Mr Ali’s family.

More than 50,000 people have crossed the Channel in small boats since Sir Keir Starmer became Prime Minister.

Home Office figures show 474 migrants arrived in eight boats yesterday, the highest daily total in August so far. It has taken just over 13 months for crossings to reach the milestone under Labour, the fastest rate under any prime minister to date.

A man and a woman have been arrested on suspicion of murder after the death of a one-year-old girl on the Isle of Wight.

Jayla-Jean Mclaren died in hospital on Sunday, two days after being admitted with serious injuries. The suspects, a 31-year-old man and 27-year-old woman from Newport, were originally arrested on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm with intent and released on bail.

Hampshire Police say they have now been re-arrested on suspicion of murder, and remain in custody as inquiries continue.

Almost nine in ten pharmacies say shoplifting and aggression towards staff has risen in the past year.

A National Pharmacy Association survey of 500 pharmacies found 87 percent had faced intimidating behaviour towards staff, and more than one in five reported physical assaults. Henry Gregg from the NPA called the findings “appalling” and said urgent action is needed to protect pharmacy workers.

It follows growing concern over shoplifting across the wider retail sector in the UK.

Nearly 50,000 migrants have crossed the English Channel in small boats since Labour came to power last summer.

Home Office figures show 49,797 arrivals as of Sunday, with Monday’s numbers still to come. Government minister Baroness Jacqui Smith described it as an “unacceptable number” but said the “one in, one out” returns deal with France would act as a deterrent.

The Conservatives have criticised the government’s approach, arguing the measures do not go far enough.

Taylor Swift has revealed details of her 12th studio album, The Life of a Showgirl, following a day of feverish speculation from fans.

Hints began on Monday when her marketing team shared 12 photos on social media captioned “Thinking about when she said ‘See you next era…’”. Her boyfriend Travis Kelce then confirmed she would appear on his New Heights podcast, and her website began a countdown to the announcement.

Swift’s last album, The Tortured Poets Department, set a Spotify record for the most-streamed album in a single day.

The government has appointed insolvency specialists to prepare for the potential collapse of Thames Water.

Environment Secretary Steve Reed has approved FTI Consulting to advise on contingency plans if the utility enters a Special Administration Regime. The move makes FTI the frontrunner to become administrator if the company cannot secure a private sector bailout.

Negotiations have been ongoing between Thames Water, creditors, and regulator Ofwat over a deal that could see lenders inject £5 billion and write off around £12 billion of debt.

Staff at the UK’s national institute for artificial intelligence say the organisation is at risk of collapse, after the Technology Secretary threatened to pull its funding.

Workers at the Alan Turing Institute have filed a whistleblowing complaint to the Charity Commission, raising what they call “serious and escalating concerns”. They accuse the leadership of misusing public money, presiding over a toxic workplace culture, and failing to meet the charity’s mission.

The government says Peter Kyle has been clear he wants the institute to deliver real value for money for taxpayers.

Heat health alerts come into force across England later, with amber warnings in place for most southern and central areas. The warning means possible travel disruption and extra pressure on health services.

After a warm night, temperatures are expected to climb on Tuesday, peaking for many parts of the UK. England and Wales will see highs of 25 to 28 degrees, with some areas reaching 34 — likely meeting heatwave thresholds in several regions.

The National Drought Group, which brings together the Met Office, government, regulators and water companies, says England is now facing “nationally significant” water shortages.