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Daily Mirror
an hour ago
- Politics
- Daily Mirror
DAVID LAMMY: 'Until today nobody has been using this powerful tool to degrade smuggling networks'
Foreign Secretary David Lammy writes for The Mirror as the UK government sanctions 25 individuals and gangs 'targeting those smuggling people and enabling irregular migration' All over the world, irregular migration is soaring as factors like war and climate change drive people from their homes. And all over the world, governments are looking for ways to stop the numbers surging. Any credible plan starts with more pressure on smugglers. They're the ones risking vulnerable lives. They're the ones raking in the profits. In foreign policy, we often use sanctions to ramp up pressure on others. We've already seen how effective our sanctions have been in disrupting cyber crime and hitting Putin's war chest. But until today nobody has been using this powerful tool to degrade smuggling networks. I said I would change that. And this week, I have. Britain is now the first country in the world to create a sanctions regime targeting those smuggling people and enabling irregular migration. We imposed the first of these sanctions today. Targets woke up to find their names and activities exposed. Assets frozen. Bank accounts not working. Their ability to enter the UK over. READ MORE: Gangs and people linked to people-smuggling named and shamed with new sanctions And this is just the beginning. We are going to identify new targets. And now, when we identify someone plying this vile trade overseas with connections to Britain, we have another tool in our arsenal to do something about it. We are pushing for others to follow our lead. I've already spoken to partners, in Europe and beyond, about introducing similar powers. There's a lot of interest – others can see Britain is setting out a bold new approach. Of course, sanctions alone are not enough. But we are also designing smarter interventions all along the global people-smuggling pathway. Programmes in Africa, giving migrants an alternative to making dangerous journeys into Europe. Supplying new kit and training in transit countries like Bulgaria or Kosovo, so we catch those shuttling people across Europe. A new agreement with Germany, so they can arrest the gang leaders organising this illicit flow of people. And a new pilot returns agreement with France, so it becomes obvious the smugglers' promise is a lie. No matter how much you pay, you don't just get to stay in Britain. This is how we stop criminal gangs lining their pockets from exploiting others. With innovative ideas. Proper partnership. And a plan. A plan to smash the gangs. A Plan for Change.
South Wales Argus
an hour ago
- Entertainment
- South Wales Argus
Danny Dyer wants to play the next Doctor Who with a twist
The actor, known for roles in EastEnders and Rivals, discussed his hopes for the role, sharing that he would like to put a "working class" twist on the BBC sci-fi show. It comes after it was confirmed that Ncuti Gatwa would be stepping away from Doctor Who, with Billie Piper expected to take on the role. But Dyer hopes that one day he might get the chance to step into the TARDIS. Danny Dyer wants to be the next Doctor Who Speaking to The Mirror about Doctor Who, Dyer said: "It's such an iconic thing to do. It's almost – not on the same level – like James Bond. It's a character that's loved by so many. "It gives you an opportunity with Doctor Who, because of the nature of the work, to bring something left-field, something a bit mental, a bit stylised, which I love. I love the idea of it." Sharing what his doctor would be like, Dyer said: "Well, he would be an incredibly working-class Dr Who. "Yeah, maybe a bit alpha. What I do, really. You've hired me for a reason - I don't think you'd want me to come in and play Doctor Who, you know, really posh." Recommended Reading Dyer added that maybe Doctor Who needs a bit of change with a working-class approach: "I don't think we've ever had a working-class Doctor Who, have we? Well, Jodie Whittaker, she brought a bit of that to it." Despite his hope, Dyer said that he has never been approached to play the role, sharing: "I'll be honest, no one's ever approached me about it. "But I see things now and again, my odds have been slashed to this, that and the other - it's definitely something I would consider."
Daily Mirror
2 hours ago
- Business
- Daily Mirror
BREAKING: Gangs and people linked to people-smuggling named and shamed with new sanctions
Gang leaders and individuals linked to people-smuggling have been named and shamed today in a world's-first sanctions scheme. The government announced on Wednesday that 25 people "at the heart of people-smuggling networks" have been targeted. They include gang leaders based in the Balkans and North Africa , suppliers of people-smuggling equipment in Asia and money movers in the Middle East, the Foreign Office said. The individuals face having their assets seized and will be banned from entering the UK after being sanctioned. It is the first time any government in the world has announced such a scheme, which is similar to the targeting of Russian oligarchs linked to the invasion of Ukraine. Those named carried out a range of jobs facilitating dangerous crossings - from providing fake passports, transporting engine parts and moving cash. Ministers hope the move will help deliver a hammer blow to an industry which has grown to be worth over £10billion a year in the last five years. UK firms who deal with sanctioned individuals will face hefty fines worth hundreds of thousands of pounds. Foreign Secretary David Lammy said: 'This is a landmark moment in the government's work to tackle organised immigration crime, reduce irregular migration to the UK, and deliver on the Plan for Change. 'From Europe to Asia we are taking the fight to the people-smugglers who enable irregular migration, targeting them wherever they are in the world and making them pay for their actions. "My message to the gangs who callously risk vulnerable lives for profit is this: we know who you are, and we will work with our partners around the world to hold you to account.' It comes days after a landmark treaty was signed with Germany - where gangs have been found to store small boat components - to work together on people smuggling. Announcing the sanctions regime would be put in place earlier this week, Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said: "The new sanctions regime marks a decisive step in our fight against the criminal gangs who profit from human misery. It will allow us to target the assets and operations of people-smugglers wherever they operate, cutting off their funding and dismantling their networks piece by piece." We'll be bringing you the latest updates on this Breaking Politics News story. Please check back regularly for updates on this developing story HERE. Get email updates on the day's biggest stories straight to your inbox by signing up for our newsletters. Get all the big headlines, pictures, analysis, opinion and video on the stories that matter to you by following The Mirror every time you see our name.
Daily Mirror
2 hours ago
- Health
- Daily Mirror
Ella Henderson 'struggled with chronic pain for years' due to disease that affects 1 in 10
Ella Henderson, multi-platinum selling singer-songwriter, shares for the first time her battle with endometriosis, she has teamed up with Endometriosis UK to raise awareness on the disease Ella Henderson has opened up about living with endometriosis following her diagnosis in January in a video shared on her Instagram. Endometriosis happens when cells similar to the ones in the uterus lining are found elsewhere in the body. The cells can then grow and change when responding to hormones in the menstrual cycle, which can cause pain, scar tissue and inflammation. Endometriosis is one of the most common gynaecological conditions, which affects 10% of women from puberty to menopause but the impacts can be lifelong, that equals to over 1.5 million in the UK alone. In the UK, 1 in 10 women have endometriosis and on average up to 9 years to get an official diagnosis. Ella revealed that her official diagnosis came after "years of struggling with confusing and challenging health problems including stomach bloating, bowel pain and heavy periods, plus countless GP appointments leading to scans, tests and the feeling that maybe the pain was in all in my head." "[My diagnosis only] came after a laparoscopy, which found severe endometriosis behind my uterus and scar tissue affecting my bladder and bowel." She said she felt relieved that everything she was feeling and the pain she was experiencing was not in her imagination and, whilst difficult to accept her condition, she felt it was "validating and empowering" and that she "could finally find a way forward and take control of my body." Ella added that if her symptoms were recognised sooner by health practitioners she could have been spared the "chronic pain, not being believed and constant misdiagnosis [that] led to periods of depression, isolation and anxiety." However, she confirmed she was glad that she was able to receive appropriate and life changing support. "In my case was surgery, that has so far helped to significantly reduce my symptoms," Ella said. Endometriosis charity, Endometriosis UK, works to reduce the lengthy diagnosis time and calling on the Government to make sure menstrual support education is put in place in all schools. Improving the knowledge and understanding of the condition to all healthcare practitioners - GPs, pharmacists and A&E doctors. For more stories like this subscribe to our weekly newsletter, The Weekly Gulp, for a curated roundup of trending stories, poignant interviews, and viral lifestyle picks from The Mirror's Audience U35 team delivered straight to your inbox. Ella reflected on times when this condition severely impacted her; when she was a teenager and the times she "missed school due to severe period pain and fatigue". And more recently, needed time off work after previously having "pushed through intense pain just to maintain appearances." Ella explained that she doesn't want future generations of women to go through what she did. "I know my situation isn't unique, and too many women unnecessarily suffer with undiagnosed endometriosis for far too long." In turn, she's partnered with Endometriosis UK to help those with the condition feel a sense of empowerment in knowing what is actually going on with their bodies. Ella concluded how important it is to have "more open conversations about menstrual health and endometriosis." "Spreading awareness and knowledge by having wider discussions on the matter is key. The only way we can feel more comfortable and in control is by sharing our own experiences." Emma Cox, CEO for Endometriosis UK said: "Endometriosis UK applauds Ella for sharing her experience of endometriosis in such an open and frank way, highlighting the significant and detrimental impact the condition can have on all aspects of someone's life."
Irish Daily Mirror
12 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Irish Daily Mirror
Ozzy Osbourne's wildest moments - drugs, affairs and truth behind sick bat stunt
Founding father of heavy metal, the late Ozzy Osbourne, was as famed for his wild antics on stage as his hedonist behaviour off it. The Black Sabbath singer, who died on Tuesday aged 76, became renowned for his controversial live shows and his chaotic personal life. Drug and alcohol use often fuelled manic behaviour in front of his adoring audiences, and also his most crazed moments in between shows, reports The Mirror. Following the tragic death of the Black Sabbath legend, here are some of the most memorable and infamous moments from the hell-raising life of the late heavy metal pioneer. The Alamo In 1982, Osbourne was wearing one of his wife's dresses for a photoshoot close to The Alamo in Texas, the site of a heroic sacrifice by the Texan troops against the invading Mexicans. The rock star drunkenly relieved himself on a cenotaph commemorating the dead, later donating thousands to the group which maintains The Alamo. Cats In the midst of an alcohol and drug haze, Osbourne said that he set about slaughtering 17 cats with a shotgun. The rocker said he was found by his wife under a piano, armed with a knife in one hand and a shotgun in the other. Ants Osbourne toured with Motley Crue in the 1980s, and it was during this time that he is rumoured to have shocked his fellow rockers after "spotting" a line of ants. Bassist Nikki Sixx claimed that Osbourne took a straw and, as if snorting cocaine, hoovered the line of ants up his nose. Bats In 1982, Osbourne was on stage at a gig in Des Moines, Iowa, during a US tour. A fan threw a bat on stage, and in the frenzy of performance, Osbourne – believing it to be rubber – bit its head off. There remains debate as to whether the bat was alive or dead when it was thrown on stage. Doves Osbourne had history with the decapitation of winged creatures, beginning with an incident which stunned CBS Records executives. Ozzy Osbourne onstage during the 2024 Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame Induction Ceremony streaming on Disney+ at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on October 19, 2024 in Cleveland, Ohio (Image:for The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame) Celebrating a new album in 1981, the Black Country-born rock star was intending to release two doves in a symbolic act at the record label. Instead, he grabbed a dove and bit its head off, before being thrown out of the building. Sex addiction and affairs In 2017, during an interview with music magazine Rolling Stone, he joked that the secret to his marriage was "don't get caught with your mistress". He is quoted as telling Rolling Stone: "When I was a crazy f*****, I'm lucky she didn't walk out. Now I'm coming on five years clean and sober, and I've realised what a f****** idiot I was. I mean, I'm still nuts, but in control of it a bit more." Osbourne added: "When I said, 'Don't get caught by your missus,' I'm not proud of all that s***. I upset my wife and I upset my family and I made a lot of shock and shame. I love my wife, and it made me realise what a f****** idiot I've been." Ozzy Osbourne and Sharon Osbourne (Image: Getty Images) In 2016, he revealed he was undergoing "intense therapy" for a "sex addiction" that nearly resulted in the disintegration of his marriage, but he later told The Times he was not a sex addict, saying: "I'm in a f****** rock band, aren't I?" In 2017, he and Sharon renewed their wedding vows in Las Vegas. Speaking of Sharon's unwavering loyalty, Ozzy said: "Even now, I have a lot of trouble understanding why Sharon stayed – or why she married me in the first place. I mean, she was actually afraid of me half the time. And the truth was I was afraid of me, too. Afraid of what I'd do to myself or, even worse, to someone else." Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news from the Irish Mirror direct to your inbox: Sign up here. The Irish Mirror's Crime Writers Michael O'Toole and Paul Healy are writing a new weekly newsletter called Crime Ireland. Click here to sign up and get it delivered to your inbox every week
