Latest news with #TomTugendhat
Sky News
a day ago
- Health
- Sky News
Mum who abused son so badly he had to have his legs amputated to be freed early from prison
A mother who abused her child so badly he had to have his legs amputated is to be released early from prison. Jody Simpson and Anthony Smith were both jailed for 10 years in 2018 for torturing their son, Tony Hudgell, who is now 10. He was just 41 days old when he was assaulted by the pair and left untreated and in agony for 10 days. The attack caused multiple fractures, dislocations and blunt trauma to the face, leading to organ failure, toxic shock and sepsis. The damage meant both his legs had to be amputated. Simpson was due to be released on licence at the halfway point of her prison sentence in August 2022. However, then justice secretary Dominic Raab referred her case to the Parole Board and her release was put on hold. A spokesperson for the Parole Board on Wednesday confirmed Simpson was set to be released. Paula Hudgell, Tony's adoptive mother, criticised the decision in a social media post. "Tony has life long injuries every day he suffers due to her hands," she wrote on X. Tony's case led to a public outcry and calls for child abusers to be given life behind bars. Tory MP Tom Tugendhat, who led a campaign for the changes, which are also known as Tony's Law, said on X: "I'm backing Tony as he faces the early release of his abuser - his birth mum. "Tony lives every day with the pain caused by her crimes as a baby. We must do more to protect children like him." Tony has since gone on to be a successful fundraiser for charity - for which he has been honoured by the Royal Family. A statement from the Parole Board said: "We can confirm that a panel of the Parole Board has directed the release of Jody Simpson following an oral hearing. "Parole Board decisions are solely focused on what risk a prisoner could represent to the public if released and whether that risk is manageable in the community. "A panel will carefully examine a huge range of evidence, including details of the original crime, and any evidence of behaviour change, as well as explore the harm done and impact the crime has had on the victims." It added: "Parole reviews are undertaken thoroughly and with extreme care. Protecting the public is our number one priority." A Ministry of Justice spokesperson said: "This was a horrific crime that saw Tony Hudgell mercilessly tortured by his birth parents and our thoughts remain with him and his loved ones. "Now that the independent Parole Board has directed her release, Jody Simpson will be subject to strict supervision and licence conditions. She faces an immediate return to prison if she breaks the rules."
Globe and Mail
4 days ago
- Business
- Globe and Mail
Britain needs energy. Canada has energy. Why can't we work together and dream big?
Tom Tugendhat is a member of Parliament in the United Kingdom and a former security minister. The King of Canada's first Speech from the Throne last week made two things clear: First, those who moved to the true north and stayed loyal to the Crown are still strong – and free to choose their own path; and second, no two countries could be closer than the United Kingdom and Canada. For centuries, we have stood together in peace and in war, in economic expansion and in political transformation. We're not just a historic alliance with a symbolic bond of monarchy; we're bound by mutual sacrifice and a shared vision of the future. Today, the world is making clear why that connection matters to us both. In Britain, shortsighted decisions have left our homes and businesses more exposed to energy instability, while on the Canadian side, the Prime Minister has made clear there are good reasons to question the reliability of the country's most important energy partner. As Canada's new Energy Minister, Tim Hodgson, put it in Calgary: 'It's high time to trade more with people who share our values – not just our border.' No country fits that description better than Britain – and we need the same. More infrastructure needed to boost energy security in Eastern Canada, Hodgson says Even with the oil and gas reserves of the North Sea, Britain's energy position is more fragile than many realize. Despite the rhetoric of decoupling and the transition to green energy, Europe remains bound to unstable energy flows, and Britain is not immune. At the same time, the North Sea is fuelling less and less of our economy, as excessive taxation and long-term decline are restricting output, while renewables are a long way from fully replacing carbon-based energy. The result is that Britain, a country that once powered the world, is now looking at a future dependent on regimes that don't share our values – and the price we're paying is huge. British manufacturers now face industrial energy costs nearly three times those of their U.S. competitors and more than 50 per cent higher than those in France, a crippling impact on our competitiveness. The costs push businesses out of Britain, leaving us reliant not just on energy supplies from foreign countries – often with authoritarian governments – but also their manufactured goods. This isn't just about economics, it is about sovereignty. No country that prizes its independence should accept that, but it's not like we don't have a choice. Canada offers Britain a better path – one that also gives Canadians a choice. Alberta has the world's fourth-largest proven oil reserves, and by 2030 Canada's oil sands will produce nearly four million barrels a day. Most of that is slated to cross the southern border. But Canada offers not just volume but reliability. Alberta's energy is governed by the rule of law. It is extracted by workers who are paid fair wages under transparent environmental rules. It is not subject to the whims of oligarchs, mullahs or party bosses. It is democratic power, energy we can trust. Britain can open up new markets and be an even more important partner for Canada. Quebec's position on the Atlantic, with about a fifth of the country's gas reserves, could go beyond its famed hydropower and supply our islands and Europe, reducing the continent's dependence on Russia, the Middle East and coal. Together, Canada and the United Kingdom can make each other stronger. But it does not stop there. Bringing in Australia and New Zealand, we could create a CANZUK energy framework. CANZUK countries have a combined GDP of about $7.5-trillion. That's nearly double the GDP of Japan and, though smaller than the European Union's $19.4-trillion, is a democratic counterweight with the potential to lead. Britain, Canada, Australia and New Zealand share a monarch, common law and similar approaches to trade and regulation. What distinguishes us is largely administrative: visas, regulations and trade barriers. These are not problems of culture or principle. They are challenges of will. These obstacles should be footnotes, not strategic barriers. It's important that we resolve to fix them, starting with the mutually critical domain of energy. Canada's oil and gas can meet Britain's needs as we shift away from existing supplies. Australian uranium can power a nuclear revival, while New Zealand's renewable innovations can accelerate the clean transition. In return, Britain can provide financing, engineering and reach to speed outreach beyond the alliance. The free movement of skilled workers would see the benefits of collaboration multiply: Aberdeen's engineers in Alberta, Canadian experts in British nuclear, Australian scientists shaping clean fuel strategies across the network. This is not just trade. It is sovereignty through solidarity and independence through energy. For Canada, having options other than the United States protects its sovereignty and strengthens its negotiating position with its neighbour. King Charles spoke to Canada's strength and freedom and to the family of nations that has stood strong through history's greatest tests. Now, as the democratic world faces a new challenge of instability and economic coercion, the ties that bind us must again become instruments of strategic strength.
South Wales Argus
14-05-2025
- Politics
- South Wales Argus
Caerphilly MP Chris Evans is Commonwealth War Graves Commissioner
Mr Evans visited the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) headquarters in Maidenhead on May 13 to receive his warrant of appointment. The warrant was signed by the King. He was joined by the Tom Tugendhat MP, who was also appointed a commissioner. The CWGC, which has been around for more than 100 years, works on behalf of the governments of the UK, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, India, and South Africa. Its main aim is to commemorate the 1.7 million men and women from the Commonwealth who died in the two world wars. Mr Evans said: "I am greatly honoured to have been appointed by His Majesty, The King, to become a Commonwealth War Graves Commissioner. "It is vital that we always remember and commemorate the many men and women across the Commonwealth, and across Wales, who sadly died during the First and Second World Wars. "Future generations need to know and recognise the sacrifices that were made for the many freedoms we enjoy today. "I look forward to supporting the global work of the CWGC over the coming years to the very best of my abilities."
Sky News
05-05-2025
- Politics
- Sky News
Politics latest: Reform councils set to ban Ukraine flags
12:07:24 VE Day celebrations under way - watch and follow live The prime minister is among those attending the VE Day celebrations in central London today. You can watch and follow live coverage in our dedicated blog below: 11:27:22 Tories respond to Reform flag ban As mentioned in our last post, Reform UK says it will ban all non-UK or St George's Cross flags from being flown over public buildings in local authorities it now controls. This pronouncement drew criticism from Labour over the banning of the Ukrainian flag. Now the Tory MP Tom Tugendhat, who less than a year ago was hoping to take over the party, has weighed in. He's a Kent MP, and Reform took the county council there last week. He said banning the county's enduring white horse symbol would be "denying our history". And Dr Luke Evans, the Conservative MP for Hinckley & Bosworth, asked if the Leicestershire county flag would be able to flown there. It is understood that Reform will allow county flags as they are part of "national heritage". But what this reaction does show is the continuing feeling within the Tories that they need to go on the attack against Reform after the election drubbing last week. 11:01:54 Reform councils to ban some flags from flying over their buildings Ukrainian flags will be banned from flying over council buildings in Reform-controlled authorities, a Labour MP has claimed. Zia Yusuf, Reform's chairman, announced on social media this morning: "Reform controlled English councils will move at speed to resolve that the *only* flags permitted to be flown on or in its buildings will be the Union Jack and the St George's flag. "No other flags will be permitted to be flown on its flag-poles, balconies, reception desks or council-chamber walls." This will stop the likes of the Ukrainian, Palestinian, Pride or other banners atop government buildings. It comes after Nigel Farage's party won hundreds of council seats at the end of last week, taking control of councils and mayoralties for the first time. 'Putin's puppets' Mike Tapp, the Labour MP for Dover and Deal, responded by saying: "Reform are to ban the flying of Ukrainian flags from public buildings. A gesture of solidarity we see across the whole country." He then branded the party: "Putin's puppets." Reform deputy leader Richard Tice replied with a series of water drop emojis and saying "drip, drip, drip" - adding: "Oh it's the Tapp again". Tom Gordon, the Liberal Democrat MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough, raised concerns about whether buildings in Yorkshire would be able to fly the white rose on Yorkshire Day. However, it's understood regional flags will be allowed as they are part of the country's "national heritage". 10:24:31 How will the Green Party leadership race pan out? We reported earlier about some movement in the race to be the next leader of the Green Party - or one of them. The environmental party operates with two co-leaders. The positions are currently filled by Carla Denyer and Adrian Ramsay. While a two-year stint is the norm, the above pair have been in charge since 2021 on an initial three-year term, with an extra year tacked on so as not to interfere with the general election that took place in 2024. Now, the race is on to replace them. Here is how it will pan out: 2 June: Nominations open; 30 June: Nominations close; 2 July: Statement of persons nominated published; 1 August: Ballots open; 30 August: Ballots close; 2 September: Results announced. A Green Party spokesperson said: "The Green Party takes its internal democracy seriously. "Our membership sets our policy, and it elects our leadership team. "Part of this includes holding elections for our leadership positions every two years. "We're proud of this robust democratic approach to party politics." 09:38:54 Local election in maps and charts: Reform delivers massive blow to traditional parties By Prof Will Jennings, Sky News election analyst, and the Sky News data unit The Conservatives and Labour have lost their historical grip on local elections in England under the challenge from Reform UK, the Liberal Democrats and Greens. Fragmentation of voters' choices is even more extreme than in 2013 when UKIP performed strongly, with Reform making larger gains in terms of vote share and seats. Nigel Farage's party has gained nearly 600 seats, taking control of eight councils, as well as winning both of this year's inaugural metro mayor contests, in Greater Lincolnshire and in Hull and East Yorkshire. Meanwhile, the Conservatives have lost control of all their previously held councils. Below, Sky News examines the results of this election in a series of maps and charts. 09:05:11 Greens deputy leader launches bid for top role Later this year, a leadership election will take place for the Green Party. The group recorded their best ever general election result last year, winning four seats. A candidate has already put their name forward to replace one of Carla Denyer or Adrian Ramsay, the current co-leaders. Zack Polanski, deputy leader and a London Assembly member, has told The Guardian the Greens are "not being as bold as we can be". Polanski says: "We're not visible enough. I don't want to see our membership grow incrementally. I want to see us be a mass movement." Polanski: PM paving way for Reform The former Liberal Democrat says his party needs to take advantage of disillusionment with Labour. "If you were trying to create the circumstances for the far right to rise, you would be doing exactly what Keir Starmer is doing now, which is protecting the wealth and power of the super rich," he said. The Greens have less than a third the membership of Reform UK, but Polanski believes there is more support for Greens if it can be found. 08:40:06 All change: Control of every council swaps hands - except one Looking at the overall picture of the local elections results from Friday, one thing stood out to our data team. Control of almost every single council that was up for election changed hands. The only one that did not was Cornwall Council, which stayed under no overall control - except that the Tories had been the largest party before the election, but slipped down to fourth. Use this interactive map to explore the results: Here is the full list: Buckinghamshire: Con lose to NOC Cambridgeshire: Lib Dem GAIN from NOC Cornwall: Remains NOC Derbyshire: Reform GAIN from Con Devon: Con lose to NOC Doncaster: Reform GAIN from Lab Durham: Reform GAIN from NOC Gloucestershire: Con lose to NOC Hertfordshire: Con lose to NOC Kent: Reform GAIN from Con Lancashire: Reform GAIN from Con Leicestershire: Con lose to NOC Lincolnshire: Reform GAIN from Con North Northamptonshire: Reform GAIN from Con Northumberland: Con lose to NOC Nottinghamshire: Reform GAIN from Con Oxfordshire: Lib Dem GAIN from NOC Shropshire: Lib Dem GAIN from Con Staffordshire: Reform GAIN from Con Warwickshire: Con lose to NOC West Northamptonshire: Reform GAIN from Con Wiltshire: Con lose to NOC Worcestershire Tap here to see the results in full 08:23:08 07:46:53 'Bear with us,' minister tells Sky News Ahead of the VE Day celebrations, veterans minister Alistair Carns is speaking to Sky News. A former soldier himself, he pays tribute to the UK's veterans. But he is also asked by Sky News presenter Gareth Barlow about former minister Louise Haigh's criticism of the government, and the losses at last week's elections. Carns told the public - and Labour backbenchers - to "bear with us". He pointed out the government had only been in power nine months and it "does take time" to make changes. 'Slow is smooth, smooth is fast' Lower NHS waiting lists, breakfast clubs for children, increased defence spending and the bailout of British Steel are all examples of the government's successes, he adds. "The reality is it takes time to get legislation in, move forward," he says. "And I always say slow is smooth, smooth is fast." 07:13:28 Government doesn't know how much is being spent on benefits for carers - committee chair The spending pressure of social care is an issue that has been raised and not really dealt with for years. It has an especially large impact on local authorities, which have to put substantial amounts of money in - up to 70% of their budget. In a report published today, the committee said £32bn was spent on adult social care in the year to March 2024. Despite this, carers still tend to be paid poorly. Layla Moran, the Liberal Democrat MP and chair of the Health and Social Care Committee, told Sky News an investigation found the UK doesn't know how much money is spent paying benefits to carers. She says: "Care workers are some of the most poorly paid in our society: one in five in poverty, and some of those are on benefits. "We asked the Department for Work and Pensions how much money is being spent on benefits to care workers. "They didn't have that data, although the government's collecting the tax receipts and DWP is giving out the benefits."
Telegraph
05-04-2025
- Politics
- Telegraph
BBC accused of ‘Islamist propaganda' for calling Muslim converts ‘reverts'
The BBC has been accused of parroting 'Islamist propaganda' after describing Muslim converts as 'reverts'. The controversial term was used throughout an article about Eid – the holiday that marks the end of Ramadan – published by BBC News on Friday. The term 'revert' is used by some to back claims that Muslim converts are merely returning to the faith all humans are born into before being corrupted by Christianity, other religions or atheism. But it is not used by all Muslims and is especially associated with Islamist fundamentalism. Tom Tugendhat, the Conservative MP and former security minister, said the use of the term was 'sectarianism' that had 'no place on the BBC'. 'Calling converts 'reverts' is ideology, not fact,' he said. 'It's claiming we're all 'originally' Muslim and those who convert are rediscovering their faith. That's Islamist propaganda and has no place on the BBC.' Mr Tugendhat, who has a master's degree in Islamic studies from the University of Cambridge, added: 'Mainstream Islam is clear on conversion as a route to salvation in keeping with other faiths. This is not the same. 'I don't object to theological language, I object to the BBC claiming it is the appropriate term.' The article was edited on Saturday to remove all uses of the term 'revert' apart from in quotes and the headline. It was then edited for a second time later that day to change 'reverts' to 'converts' in the headline and to add an explanation of the term after an interviewee was quoted using it. The explanation reads: 'Some Muslims refer to 'revert' when talking about people who have converted to the Muslim faith. This is based on the belief that everyone is born as a Muslim and those who embrace Islam are returning to their 'natural state'.' The piece reported that converts to Islam can feel isolated and lonely during Ramadan and Eid, when Muslims often gather together with their relatives. It highlighted the work of the New Muslim Circle charity, based in Peterborough, Cambridgeshire, which teaches 'reverts' how to pray and organises get-togethers. 'Divisive term most Muslims would not use' Dr Taj Hargey, of the Oxford Institute for British Islam, said the term 'should never be used'. 'It is used by Islamic fundamentalists in their propaganda that everyone is born Muslim,' he said. 'It is utter tosh and the correct term to use is 'convert'. 'It is concerning that the BBC has chosen to use this divisive term that most Muslims would not use, only extremists and supremacists.' Dr Paul Stott, head of security and extremism at the Policy Exchange think tank, said: 'Why is the national broadcaster using such a loaded term without quote, qualification or detailed explanation? 'The position that Islam is the natural state of all humans, and that converts to the faith are reverting to it, may be something some or even most Muslims accept. But believers in other faiths do not think that. Nor do atheists. So why is the BBC giving it currency?' Steve Baker, the former Conservative MP, said: 'This kind of excess does Muslims a grave disservice and surely is among the reasons a worrying anti-Muslim hatred is rising. Moderation is the key. This from the BBC is not it.' A spokesman for the BBC said: 'This piece has been edited, and the headline changed, to make it clearer for readers.' It is understood that BBC bosses believe the term 'revert' should have been attributed to the interviewees and explained fully to readers in the original version of the article.
