Latest news with #Natio
ITV News
7 days ago
- Business
- ITV News
'Disappointing first year': The verdict of businesses who backed Labour amid sluggish growth
By ITV News Business and Economics Editor Joel Hills and Senior Producer Jack Abbey Labour has promised to revive the economy and raise the living standards of working people. Since the election last July, there are signs of a slightly quicker pulse. The UK economy grew by 0.3% between April and June, stronger than most forecasters expected, and better than Germany, Italy, and Canada managed over the same period. But annual growth of 1.2% is nothing to celebrate. It won't leave many households feeling better off and 'won't be enough to prevent tax rises in the autumn", according to Capital Economics. Economic growth remains subdued. Inflation is edging up again and so is unemployment. If you voted Labour last July, you might have hoped for better. She pitched Labour as the 'natural party of business' and promised to run 'the most pro-growth, pro-business Treasury our country has ever seen.' That same day, The Times published a letter from 120 business leaders endorsing Labour - executives past and present from JP Morgan, Heathrow, Aston Martin, JD Sports, Iceland, and WPP. Sir Jimmy Wales, the founder of Wikipedia, and chef Tom Kerridge also signed. One year on, we asked those business leaders what they think now. Forty-one agreed to speak to us, most on condition of anonymity. Many praised Labour's decisions to revive infrastructure spending, reform planning to incentivise construction, negotiate trade deals with the US and India, and improve relations with the EU. There was also broad recognition of the scale of the challenge. 'Rachel Reeves has my sympathy,' one executive told us. 'She is managing a terrible fiscal inheritance.' 'It takes a long time to turn a tanker around,' said another. 'It's the work of two parliaments. Judge them by the growth figures in 2028, not now.' Some offered strong praise; one called the first year 'excellent.' But that was the minority view. 'Disappointing' was the most common verdict. Others used words like 'wasted,' 'frustrating,' 'naive,' and 'incompetent.' Eleven of the business leaders, roughly one in four, said they would not sign that letter again today. And for many who would, their faith has been shaken. Rachel Carrell, Chief Executive of Koru Kids, says the Government has been playing it too safe. Rachel Carrell, CEO of childcare company Koru Kids, says she wouldn't endorse Labour again: 'I had real hopes going into the election - but after a year, I've been left disappointed. "What's been most striking isn't just the lack of boldness, but the lack of concrete plans. Labour had years in opposition to prepare, and yet a year into government, we're still seeing hesitation and half-measures on the issues that matter most to working families and employers alike.' 'There have been so many political missteps,' another executive told us. 'Cutting Winter Fuel Payments last July was an unfortunate way to start.' A key frustration has been the April rises in Employer National Insurance Contributions and the National Minimum Wage. 'It was completely unexpected. Recruitment has just stopped, everything froze, confidence dropped,' one executive said. Another told us: 'It was the wrong tax to increase; it has hurt retail and hospitality in particular.' Labour's pledge not to raise taxes for working people was also widely criticised. 'They painted themselves into a corner on tax before an election, the polls showed they were always going to win - it was foolish,' one respondent said. Andy Higginson, chair of JD Sports and the British Retail Consortium, doesn't regret signing the letter but wants more in the autumn Budget: 'Labour has a huge majority. The party needs to be bolder — break away from Treasury orthodoxy and recognise the world has changed. "I want to see radical change in the Budget: tackle waste in public services, slash energy costs so the economy is more competitive. These are all levers within the government's control.' The pressure on Rachel Reeves is intense. That may help explain why she skipped the traditional round of broadcast interviews on Thursday. Instead, she issued a statement: 'Today's economic figures are positive, with a strong start to the year and continued growth in the second quarter. But there is more to do to deliver an economy that works for working people.' Many of her decisions over the past year have been praised as sensible steps to reinvigorate growth, but none are expected to make a material difference before the next election. Her fiscal rules were applauded as prudent but left only the smallest buffer against bad news. And there has been bad news. President Trump's tariff onslaught has disrupted global trade and continues to cloud the growth outlook. The government's borrowing costs have risen in the last year despite five interest rate cuts. There are reasons to be optimistic about the long term, but the months ahead will be tougher for households. The chancellor is expected to raise taxes again in the autumn, just as government policies are putting upward pressure on prices, especially food. For two years, UK wages have been rising faster than prices. The Bank of England now thinks that run is over. Last July, Labour won a mandate for change. But many of the businesses that backed the party feel they haven't seen the change they hoped for and that the government hasn't used its majority boldly enough. Low growth is a serious problem. It's a problem Reeves inherited ,but one she will at some point need to either solve or risk being blamed for.
Fox News
7 days ago
- Politics
- Fox News
Democratic governor declares state of emergency in crime-ridden county
Just two days after President Donald Trump seized control of Washington, D.C.'s police force to combat violent crime in the Democrat-run capital, New Mexico's Democratic governor on Wednesday declared a state of emergency over rampant violence and drug trafficking in a large swath of her state. Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham announced the sweeping emergency declaration in crime-ridden Rio Arriba County, which includes two Native American pueblo communities. The county, which stretches from the city of Española to the Colorado state line, has long struggled with some of the nation's highest opioid overdose death rates. Grisham said that local leaders had pleaded for assistance in tackling the crises and that public safety threats have "overwhelmed local resources." "When our local leaders called for help to protect their communities, we responded immediately with decisive action," Grisham said in a statement. "We are making every resource available to support our local partners on the ground and restore public safety and stability to these areas that have been hardest hit by this crisis." The emergency declaration makes $750,000 available the Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management to coordinate response efforts and provide resources to the communities impacted. Grisham said that a surge in criminal activity has contributed to increased homelessness, family instability and fatal drug overdoses, placing extraordinary strain on local governments and police departments that have requested immediate state assistance. She said that police calls in Española and surrounding areas have more than doubled in the past two years. Police dispatches to businesses in the area have quadrupled in the same period. Rio Arriba County currently has the highest overdose death rate in the state, with residents struggling with addiction to fentanyl and other illicit substances. There were no immediate calls for troop deployments in the county, though the new emergency declaration allows for authorities to call up the National Guard. Emergency funds will help local law enforcement agencies spend on overtime, equipment and coordinated police responses, a Grisham spokesperson said. The tribal governor of Santa Clara Pueblo on the edge of Española urged the state to address a growing public safety crisis stemming from the use and abuse of fentanyl and alcohol in the community at large. "The pueblo has expended thousands of dollars trying to address this crisis ... and to protect pueblo children who are directly and negatively affected by a parent's or guardian's addiction," said Santa Clara Gov. James Naranjo in a July letter to Lujan Grisham. "But we are not an isolated community and the causes and effects of fentanyl/alcohol abuse, increased crime and increased homelessness extend to the wider community." Grisham's emergency declaration comes after she sent the National Guard to Albuquerque in April to address a spike in juvenile crime and fentanyl. The National Guard were tasked with scene security and traffic control, prisoner transport assistance and other roles that don't involve arrests in order to free up Albuquerque Police Department resources. Wednesday's state of emergency was welcomed by New Mexico Republicans, including Española City Councilor Sam LeDoux. "I am pleased that the governor is addressing the out-of-control crime in our community," LeDoux said. It has long been overrun and not addressed. Fentanyl has overwhelmed our law enforcement, and this seems to be a step in the right direction to protecting our citizens." New Mexico Republican Party Chairwoman Amy Barela also welcomed the announcement but urged the governor to ensure the deployment results in real change. Republican Party of New Mexico Chairwoman Amy Barela also welcomed the announcement but urged the Governor to ensure the deployment results in real change. "This community is long overdue in receiving help to combat the out-of-control crime caused by the failed policies of our state leadership," Barela said in a statement. "While I hope the deployment of the National Guard will provide real assistance, the people of Española deserve more than just street counselors — they deserve action that addresses the root of the problem." "Thanks to President Trump's America First policies and his decisive action to secure the border, we have already begun to see crime rates decrease nationally. Now, it's time to put New Mexicans first by ensuring those who commit crimes are caught and held accountable."
Daily Mirror
09-06-2025
- Health
- Daily Mirror
Mum 'torn apart' as newborn killed after being 'dragged out of bed' by nurse
Ellieana J. Peyton was born on March 4 and tragically died on March 31, leaving her parents heartbroken. Her mum has alleged the little girl was dragged out of bed by a nurse The mum of a newborn baby who was killed after a nurse allegedly dragged her out of bed said she feels "torn apart" after the tragedy. Little Ellieana J. Peyton was born at Nationwide Children's Hospital in Columbus, Ohio, on March 4. She was placed in the intensive care unit because she had cardiomyopathy - a disease of the heart muscle that makes it harder for the heart to pump blood to the rest of the body. On March 12, the baby's mum, Mackenzie Marshall, said in a Facebook post that Ellieana had undergone heart surgery which went "amazing" as she said: "Her numbers looked great, everything went great. I'm so happy. Crying happy tears." But just under two weeks later, on March 25, the woman shared a further update on Facebook, saying her daughter had been injured following an accident at the hospital. She claimed: "The hospital nurse put the cords hooked to my daughter in her pocket and forgot she had the cords in her pocket and dragged my daughter out of bed when she went to go leave." In a later post, Mackenzie said Ellieana had been left with a fractured skull and bleeding in her head, the Express reports. The mum said: "She already had a 20 percent chance of life and this hospital wants to be so careless and be so dumb with a NEWBORN BABY." Sadly, the little girl died on March 31. Her mum said she felt "torn apart" by her child's death as she shared: "Words can't even express my emotions right now." Paying tribute to her "sweet baby", Mackenzie said Ellieana's smile would "light up the whole room." In another post, the heartbroken mum said: "I just wanna wake up from this nightmare. Ellie mommy misses you so much already, I just sat in your room and cried. "Your bed's empty, your car seat was empty on the way home. This isn't real. I just want you back. Mommy wants you back so bad. I miss everything about you." Ellieana's father Tyler said his daughter was "a gift from God" as he wrote on social media: "As a gift I will cherish you for life." A coroner's report obtained by McClatchy News stated the baby's injuries were caused by a fall from a crib. The baby's death was ruled as accidental, with the cause listed as "Congenital dilated cardiomyopathy complicated by blunt force head injuries", reports say. Ellieana's obituary reads: "Ellieana had the most contagious smile that would light up the room. She had the most beautiful brown eyes that you could stare into for hours. "She was always so alert, and she wanted to see her surroundings. With one laugh from her mommy or hearing her daddy's voice, she would look everywhere until she found them. "She didn't care for having her diaper changed, getting dressed, and when she was hungry, she would let you know! Her favourite place to be was in the loving arms of her mommy, daddy, and family." A spokesperson for Nationwide Children's Hospital told McClatchy News: "Due to patient privacy, we are unable to provide information about specific patients." The Mirror has contacted the hospital for comment.
Wales Online
19-05-2025
- Wales Online
Paedophile couple's sick messages were intercepted by the FBI and now they face a long time in prison
Paedophile couple's sick messages were intercepted by the FBI and now they face a long time in prison A judge told Ann Bray and Jonathan Leonard they had been 'paedophiles in a relationship that thrived on abuse' and that the text messages between them provided a 'window into the warped and perverted world you inhabited together' Ann Bray and Jonathan Leonard have been given an extended jail term A sick couple filmed themselves sexually abusing a young girl and "revelled" in what they were doing, a court has heard. Ann Bray and Jonathan Leonard groomed the child, then Bray "instructed" the child and guided her in what to do with her partner Leonard. Bray filmed the abuse on her phone and later sent the footage to her partner. The couple also discussed what they were doing in extensive text conversations, with some of the messages ending with "LOL" or "laugh out loud". A judge at Cardiff Crown Court told the defendants they had been "paedophiles in a relationship that thrived on child sexual abuse". He said Bray had used the girl as a "sex object" to satisfy the wishes of Leonard but had also participated in the abuse for her own sexual gratification. The judge said it was clear from everything he had read and heard about the defendants that they posed a grave risk to children who they come into contact with and that they required extended sentences as dangerous offenders. For the latest court reports sign up to our crime newsletter Georgina Buckley, prosecuting, told the court that the offending came when the FBI intercepted indecent images which Leonard had sent to other people, and the Americans contacted law enforcement agencies in the UK. The defendants were arrested in September 2024 and their phones were seized, and the court heard that it was the examination of those devices and the videos and texts they contained which led to the discovery of the abuse. Article continues below The court heard that the investigation found that the defendants had subjected a young girl to a series of sexual assaults since 2021, including the oral rape of the young girl by Leonard. One of the videos showed Bray pouring liquid chocolate over her partner's penis before the oral penetration took place. The court heard that on the videos Bray could be heard "instructing" the child on what to do and how to do it. On occasions the abuse lasted for around 90 minutes at a time. The prosecutor said Bray would later send the videos she had filmed to Leonard, and the couple also engaged in text chats where they would discuss what the had done, talk about their sexual fantasies, and make plans for what they wanted to do to the girl in the future. A number of the messages between them were accompanied by "LOL" or "laugh out loud". A haul of indecent images unrelated to the victim of the abuse was also found on the defendants' phones. Ann Bray (Image: NCA ) The court heard that after the FBI intercepted Leonard sending indecent images to a third party the UK's National Crime Agency became involved and the defendants were arrested. Leonard answered "no comment" to all questions asked in his interview while Bray told officers she was in a "casual sexual relationship" with Leonard and said they had moved to south Wales some five or six years previously. She told officers that after moving to Wales she worked as a sex worker. In impact statements from the victim and her mother which were read to the court by the prosecutor they both set out the devastating impact the abuse has had on them. Ann Bray, 62, of Brigantine Grove, Newport, had previously pleaded guilty to causing or inciting a girl to engage in sexual activity, distributing indecent images of children, making indecent images of children, arranging or facilitating the commission of a child sex offence, aiding and abetting the rape of a child, sexual activity with a child, aiding and abetting sexual assault, possession of indecent images of a child, and possessing an extreme pornographic image when he returned to the dock for sentencing. Jonathan Michael Leonard, 58, of no fixed abode but of the Caldicot area, had previously pleaded guilty to engaging in penetrative sexual activity with a girl, distributing indecent images of children, making indecent images of children, rape, sexual assault, sexual activity with a child, causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, penetrative sexual activity with a child, possession of indecent photographs of a child, and possessing an extreme pornographic image when appeared in the dock alongside Bray. The court heard both defendants have a limited number of previous convictions on their records but none are of a sexual nature. Jonathan Leonard (Image: NCA ) Nigel Fryer, for Bray, said that since being interviewed for her pre-sentence report in March his client had further reflected on her behaviour and she was "devastated at the situation" and expressed her remorse for the impact of her actions. He said he would not seek to try to explain the behaviour of his client as to attempt to do so would "simply insult" the complainant in the case. Emma Harris, for Leonard, said the best and only mitigation her client had were his guilty pleas. She said that in a letter the defendant had written to court he had demonstrated his remorse including how "deeply sorry" he was for the impact of his offending on the complainant, on the complainant's family, and on his own family. Judge Paul Hobson told the defendants that at the time of the offending they had been "two paedophiles in a relationship that thrived on child sexual abuse", and he said it was clear from text conversations between them that they "revelled" in what they had done to their victim. The judge described the pair's text messages as a "window into the warped and perverted world you inhabited together" and noted they were both now trying to cast blame for what happened on the other defendant. He told Bray she had used the girl as a "sex object to satisfy the wishes of your boyfriend" but had also planned and participated in the abuse for her own sexual gratification. The judge said it was clear that both Bray and Leonard had a wider sexual interest in children and he said he had no doubt they pose a grave risk to children who they may come into contact with and that extended sentences were necessary. With discounts for their guilty pleas the defendants were each given 23-year extended sentences comprising 15 years in prison followed by an eight-year extended sentence. The defendants must serve two-thirds of the custodial element of their sentences before they can apply for release but it will be for the Parole Board to determine if they are safe to be let out. Both defendants will be registered sex offenders for the rest of their lives. Speaking after the sentencing NCA senior investigating officer Daniel Waywell said: "Leonard and Bray worked together to support one another's sexual interest in children, subjecting a child to years of horrific abuse, which they filmed and shared online with other paedophiles. Article continues below "This child, and every one of the victims of abuse in the indecent images and videos found on their devices, are re-victimised each time this material is viewed and shared online. The NCA is committed to safeguarding children from sexual abuse and we will continue to work tirelessly, alongside international partners, to remove children from harm and bring offenders like Leonard and Bray to justice."
Arab Times
05-05-2025
- Automotive
- Arab Times
Citizenship, speed bumps, and Supreme Council role
Despite the recent toughening of penalties, the traffic situation in Kuwait continues to suffer from chronic chaos, a problem deeply rooted in years of neglect. At its core, the issue is ethical, and its solution must start with education from a young age. Financial penalties and imprisonment alone cannot address the root cause. Beyond the anxiety we experience on the roads, particularly on highways, due to reckless drivers committing violations such as wrongful overtaking, speeding, sudden lane changes, and failing to signal before turning left or right, there is the ongoing presence of dilapidated vehicles lacking proper tail lights. This situation highlights the lack of professionalism in the vehicle inspection department, as well as the failure to enforce international inspection standards. These requirements should extend beyond simple checks on a vehicle's chassis number, tail lights, and exhaust emissions. They must also include assessments of the vehicle's overall condition based on a number of factors such as ensuring it is free of dents, checking its road-worthiness, testing brake performance, and evaluating tire quality, all of which are well understood by traffic experts. Meanwhile, when visiting any public sector hospital or park, we are immediately confronted by the extent of negligence and the widespread parking violations, with little attention paid to the issue despite its serious consequences. Many people irresponsibly park their cars behind others, blocking entrances and exits. This is often due to reluctance to use multi-level parking facilities or the lack of police officers assigned to issue fines in these areas. To address this, it is essential to seriously consider the establishment of companies specifically tasked with issuing traffic violation tickets in various locations. Priority should be given to employing Kuwaiti retirees, offering them a fair commission or wage for their work. These companies could not only provide a valuable source of revenue for the state treasury but also significantly reduce the number of parking violations, especially in disabled parking spaces. This would free up police officers to focus on more important security matters. It may also be appropriate to grant these companies the authority to issue tickets to street vendors, given the potential danger their activities pose to public health and the obstruction they cause to traffic. In another matter, I would like to once again inquire about the role of the so-called 'Supreme Traffic Council,' which we often hear about but know little about its actual involvement in controlling traffic, improving road conditions, or reducing accidents. The only update we receive is that it meets every three months. It may be time to consider dissolving the Supreme Traffic Council, with full respect for its members, or granting them more authority and restructuring its responsibilities to allow it to play a more effective role. Finally, the decisions of the Nationality Verification Committee have revealed that many individuals obtained citizenship through connections, such as the intervention of a Member of Parliament or others, without meeting any of the legal requirements. This situation is similar to the issue of unnecessary speed bumps. In some residential areas, we find streets without schools or shops, yet an excessive number of speed bumps are installed. The reason? Homeowners often contact a traffic officer or a friend at the Ministry of Public Works to have speed bumps installed in front of their homes. We hope the General Traffic Department will consider removing these unnecessary speed bumps, which are disproportionately abundant compared to any other country.
