Latest news with #Chaucer
Scotsman
5 days ago
- Scotsman
Refugee Tales: Why stories of indefinite detention in UK should shock us all
Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... This summer, 'Refugee Tales' marks its tenth anniversary. Described as a 'walk in solidarity with refugees, people seeking asylum and people who have experienced immigration detention', it is modelled on Chaucer's great poem of movement and narrative, the Canterbury Tales. The project was founded to call out the fact that the UK is the only country in western Europe that detains people indefinitely under immigration rules. Our call is for a future without detention and, as an urgent first step, an immediate end to indefinite detention. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The way we make this call is by sharing stories of people who have been detained, in the context of large-scale, public walks. Some are told in the first person or, where their identity must be protected, in collaboration with writers. A protester communicates with people held inside the Brook House Immigration Removal Centre near Gatwick Airport (Picture: Niklas Halle'n) | AFP via Getty Images Cruel and dehumanising The project is based on two straightforward observations: that indefinite detention is a cruel and dehumanising process, fundamentally in breach of a person's human rights; and that when human rights are abused, people's stories are silenced, and therefore those stories must be heard. The facts of the situation are shocking in themselves. In 2024, more than 20,000 people were detained indefinitely in the UK. This number is down from the 32,000 when Refugee Tales first walked in 2015 but, having dipped, the numbers are rising again. Arbitrary as the process is, periods of detention vary. A person might be held for days or weeks, but periods of months and years are not uncommon. The longest period that Refugee Tales knows of involved a man who was 'found' by HM Inspector of Prisons in Lincoln Prison, having been abandoned to and by the system. He had been incarcerated for nine years. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Periods of over two years are a common occurrence, as is re-detention after release. One man who Refugee Tales walks with, who fled slavery in his home country, and only finally won his case for asylum after more than a decade, was held in all ten immigration removal centres in the UK. Since securing his release, he has gained a first-class degree in social work. The trauma of having been detained is with him every day. We could pile up the statistics. Consider that whereas the Home Office's rationale for detention is that it is for 'administrative purposes' pending removal, more than 60 per cent of those held are in fact released, begging the question why they were held in the first place. But it is their stories, more than the figures, that tell the truth. Through the stories, we have learned that in detention, where two people often share a cell with an open toilet, people can be locked in their cells for over 12 hours a day. Mock deportations We learned of people being taken to a bus that would lead to their deportation – to the country which they were forced to leave – only to be told they were not being removed at all, and that their parade to the bus had been a terrifying 'joke'. It was through the stories that we heard about a man seeking asylum who didn't receive urgent medical attention because the doctor could not treat someone the removal centre staff refused to unchain. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Story after story, what the five volumes of Refugee Tales document is a systematically abusive process. But the project is hardly the only source. Two years ago, a report was published following a public inquiry into abuses at the Brook House Immigration Removal Centre. The inquiry was triggered by a 2017 BBC Panorama programme in which a centre guard, using a hidden camera, exposed the shocking hostility of other staff. As the report's author, Kate Eves, put it, 'the documentary portrayed Brook House as violent, dysfunctional and unsafe. It showed the use of abusive, racist and derogatory language by some staff towards those in their care… the use of force by staff on mentally and physically unwell detained people.' Despite having found 19 breaches of article three of the European Convention on Human Rights, which prohibits 'torture and inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment', the report's recommendations have met with no discernible improvements. Nor has any thought been given to Kate Eves' suggestion that the findings might have 'wider application'. 'Island of strangers' Now, surely, is a moment to reflect. The UK's practice of detention underpins an asylum regime designed to produce almost total social exclusion; witness the fact that people seeking asylum are not allowed to work. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad It is a social exclusion that becomes self-fulfilling and, in the minds of politicians, comes to justify brutal political pronouncements. Barely a week has gone by in the past ten years without a further criminalising or vilifying of so-called 'migrants'. Nor should we think that such language doesn't have material effects. Two days after the Prime Minister's chilling 'island of strangers' speech earlier this month, a man in his 60s, who has walked with Refugee Tales since it started, was subjected to a violent, racist attack. It is hard to think of a more charitable man. He sought sanctuary in the UK because, in the country he fled, he had been persecuted for defending human rights. As Refugee Tales marks its tenth anniversary, it sets out, once again, to picture a language of welcome, and to call for a politics grounded in human rights. Detention is a scandal that depends on the silencing of stories. As Refugee Tales walks, it calls for those stories to be heard.
Telegraph
16-05-2025
- General
- Telegraph
‘Pilgrim' cat travelled 150 miles to Canterbury
A missing kitten made a 150-mile journey to an historic pilgrimage site. Percy, a black British shorthair, disappeared in Salisbury, Wiltshire, and was found in Canterbury, Kent, almost a week later. The journey made by the five-month-old pet is reminiscent of the pilgrimage made by thousands of people in the Middle Ages to the shrine of St Thomas Becket in Canterbury. The kitten's journey has even been compared to Chaucer's The Canterbury Tales, about medieval pilgrims travelling to the site. Salisbury Cathedral, which had helped to appeal for information on Percy, said it believed the cat had crept on to a coach to make the journey. After the animal was reported missing on May 5, an appeal was posted on the cathedral's social media, which was shared by more than 30 people in the hope of the pet being found. The cat belongs to a member of staff at the cathedral. On May 12, the church said that 'Percy's pilgrimage' had come to an end when he was found in Canterbury and brought home. 'Must have hopped on a coach' It said: 'We are pleased to let you know Percy has returned home after a surprise trip to Canterbury! We assume he must have hopped on a coach and gone for a visit, before being found and taken to a vet's to have his chip scanned. 'He is back at home now, and we wanted to take a moment to thank everyone who helped us in locating him'. People took to social media to welcome the cat's return. Helen Mooring said on Facebook: 'His name should be Chaucer – bless him it's lovely to hear the intrepid pilgrim has returned home safe and sound.' Joanne Johnson added: 'Percy has been on a pilgrimage, perhaps thinking he should visit Canterbury Cathedral.' 'Glad he is safely back' Sue Ludbrook said: 'If only he could talk and tell you about his adventures. Glad he is safely back where he belongs.' Another reply from Jacqui Josephson said: 'I hope he had a very good excuse. Wonder if he has a girlfriend in Canterbury.' A regular pilgrimage from Salisbury to Canterbury can take several days to complete. Walkers may expect to pass four cathedrals on route: Salisbury, Winchester, Guildford and Rochester, before arriving at Canterbury.
Scottish Sun
14-05-2025
- Scottish Sun
Watch JustEat rider pin Domino's delivery driver against car in bizarre ‘road-rage' tussle
THIS IS the shocking moment that a JustEat driver pins a Domino's driver against a car. Several passersby stepped in to stop the fight which kicked off on Monday, in Kent. Advertisement 4 The Domino's driver grabbed the Just Eat cyclist Credit: Supplied 4 Soon, the two men began to grapple Credit: Supplied 4 Eventually, the two men were engaged in a fight Credit: Supplied The video appears to have been filmed by a bystander, who caught the two delivery drivers squaring up to each other on Military Road in Canterbury. The Just Eat cyclist had grabbed the Domino's driver by the scruff of his clothes and appeared to be shouting something at him. However, the Domino's driver grabbed the other man before trying to get him into a headlock. The men grappled, throwing their arms around each other, before the Uber Eats rider threw the Domino's worker against a red car. Advertisement Then, the doors of a nearby vehicle opened with several men emerging to break up the fight. The two men were prized apart by the crowd while continuing to shout at each other. Eventually, the Just Eat rider was dragged away from the other man. After the fight, the Domino's driver drove off in his Ford Fiesta. Advertisement The cause of the fight is unknown, but both Domino's and Just Eat have been approached by The Sun for comment. According to police, an investigation into the rush hour scuffle is now underway. Best of British: Margate's beach and numerous attractions make it the perfect getaway A spokesperson for Kent Police said: 'Inquiries into the incident are ongoing and any witnesses who are yet to speak to police should call 01843 222289 quoting reference 46/79441/25.' The incident took place near Canterbury - the home city of the incredible poet Chaucer. Advertisement Despite being filled with Tudor buildings, a Norman castle and even Roman ruins, it's best known for the incredible Cathedral at the heart of the city. The county, affectionately known as the 'Garden of England', is a popular destination for tourists and, also, for new homeowners. Rent prices have soared in the south-eastern county over the years, as people try to balance a commutable distance from London with beautiful countryside scenes. Margate was voted the best seaside spot to move to in the UK, after a lengthy decision making process. Advertisement The town scored 98.83 in the Coastal Relocation Index, thanks to its sunny beaches, trendy cafes and more affordable house prices. Upon hearing the results, seafood restaurant owner Nadine Morriss said: 'We've got the beach, we've got independent businesses, and there's just this amazing community feel.' Yorkshire's Whitby came in second place, thanks to its 1500 hours of sun a year and low house prices. Kent came in third again, with Whistable earning a relocation score of 90.53. Advertisement
The Irish Sun
14-05-2025
- The Irish Sun
Watch JustEat rider pin Domino's delivery driver against car in bizarre ‘road-rage' tussle
THIS IS the shocking moment that a JustEat driver pins a Domino's driver against a car. Several passersby stepped in to stop the fight which kicked off on Monday, in Advertisement 4 The Domino's driver grabbed the Just Eat cyclist Credit: Supplied 4 Soon, the two men began to grapple Credit: Supplied 4 Eventually, the two men were engaged in a fight Credit: Supplied The video appears to have been filmed by a bystander, who caught the two delivery drivers squaring up to each other on Military Road in Canterbury. The Just Eat cyclist had grabbed the Domino's driver by the scruff of his clothes and appeared to be shouting something at him. However, the The men grappled, throwing their arms around each other, before the Uber Eats rider threw the Domino's worker against a red car. Advertisement Read More on UK News Then, the doors of a nearby vehicle opened with several men emerging to break up the fight. The two men were prized apart by the crowd while continuing to shout at each other. Eventually, the Just Eat rider was dragged away from the other man. After the fight, the Domino's driver drove off in his Ford Fiesta. Advertisement Most read in The Sun Latest The cause of the fight is unknown, but both According to police, an investigation into the rush hour scuffle is now underway. Best of British: Margate's beach and numerous attractions make it the perfect getaway A spokesperson for Kent Police said: 'Inquiries into the incident are ongoing and any witnesses who are yet to speak to police should call 01843 222289 quoting reference 46/79441/25.' The incident took place near Canterbury - the home city of the incredible poet Chaucer. Advertisement Despite being filled with Tudor buildings, a Norman castle and even Roman ruins, it's best known for the incredible Cathedral at the heart of the city. The county, affectionately known as the 'Garden of England', is a popular destination for tourists and, also, for Rent prices have soared in the south-eastern county over the years, as people try to balance a commutable distance from London with beautiful countryside scenes. Margate was voted the best seaside spot to move to in the UK, after a lengthy decision making process. Advertisement The town scored 98.83 in the Coastal Relocation Index, thanks to its sunny beaches, trendy cafes and more affordable house prices. Upon hearing the results, seafood restaurant owner Nadine Morriss said: 'We've got the beach, we've got independent businesses, and there's just this amazing community feel.' Yorkshire's Whitby came in second place, thanks to its 1500 hours of sun a year and low house prices. Kent came in third again, with Whistable earning a relocation score of 90.53. Advertisement 4 A group of passersby tried to break up the fight Credit: Supplied
Forbes
30-04-2025
- Business
- Forbes
AI Gone Wrong? Now There's Insurance For That
AI in insurance getty In an era where AI is increasingly providing more interaction with people, new risks are emerging that demand a new approach to insurance. In some of the insurance industry's first moves, insurance companies are announcing new insurance policies that cover risks like AI hallucinations and model drift, marking a significant step in AI risk management. In a move to address the evolving risks associated with artificial intelligence (AI), Chaucer Group, a global specialty reinsurance company, has partnered with Armilla AI to launch a new third-party liability (TPL) insurance product. This policy is designed to cover liabilities arising from the mechanical under-performance of AI systems, including issues like AI hallucinations, model drift, and other deviations from expected behavior. As AI technologies become increasingly integrated into various industries, the potential for unforeseen failures and associated liabilities has grown. Traditional insurance policies often lack specific provisions for AI-related risks, leaving businesses exposed to significant financial and legal challenges. 'At Chaucer, we believe that AI is reshaping the risk landscape, and that requires fresh thinking from the insurance market, " said Tom Graham, Head of Partnership and Innovation at Chaucer. The company recently announced a partnership with Armilla AI that enabled them to co-develop a product that 'not only recognises the complexities of AI underperformance but provides meaningful coverage that supports innovation, transparency, and accountability," as stated by Graham. The newly launched TPL insurance product offers comprehensive coverage for various AI-related risks: This policy is available to U.S.-based clients with global territorial limits, ensuring broad applicability for businesses operating internationally. The introduction of AI-specific liability insurance represents a significant advancement in the insurance industry's approach to emerging technologies. By addressing the unique risks posed by AI, insurers can provide more tailored and effective coverage options for businesses. The development of Chaucer's insurance product stems from a collaboration that began when Armilla AI participated in a Lloyd's Lab cohort focused on Insurtech innovation. Chaucer has actively supported Armilla's growth, including sponsoring its coverholder application at Lloyd's. This move also highlights the importance of cross-industry collaboration in developing solutions for complex technological challenges. By combining Chaucer's expertise in insurance with Armilla AI's deep understanding of AI systems, the partnership exemplifies how diverse skill sets can come together to address modern risks. As AI continues to evolve and integrate into various sectors, the need for specialized insurance products will likely grow. Businesses adopting AI technologies must consider the potential risks and ensure they have appropriate coverage to mitigate potential liabilities. Other insurance industry firms have announced similar approaches to insuring emerging AI risks. In January 2025, Relm Insurance launched a suite of AI liability insurance products designed to provide tailored coverage for companies developing or integrating AI technologies. These solutions aim to address the unique risks posed by AI, including potential liabilities arising from AI system failures or unintended behaviors. Munich Re offers an AI Warranty Insurance product that enables companies to mitigate risks associated with the underperformance, unreliability, and drift of machine learning models. This coverage is particularly beneficial for businesses that develop or deploy AI solutions, providing financial protection against specific underperformance scenarios. In early 2024, cyber liability insurer Coalition introduced a policy endorsement aimed at covering risks associated with generative AI technologies. This endorsement addresses potential liabilities stemming from the use or misuse of generative AI, such as data poisoning, infringement, and regulatory violations. Insurance firm AXA also released new endorsements for its cyber insurance policies that specifically addresses risks related to generative AI. This development reflects the evolving nature of AI-related risks and the insurance industry's efforts to provide comprehensive coverage for such emerging threats. No doubt as the insurance industry seeks to proactively address the challenges posed by emerging technologies, by focusing on coverage for AI-related risks, the insurance industry is helping to support the responsible and confident adoption of AI across industries. As AI becomes more prevalent, such innovative insurance solutions will be crucial in managing the associated risks and ensuring that businesses can harness the benefits of AI with confidence.
