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Council to refund drivers over unlawful LTNs
Motorists in Croydon unlawfully fined £160 for driving in low traffic neighbourhoods (LTNs) can now apply for refunds. The High Court ruled that the LTNs were unlawful, primarily aimed at generating revenue for the financially troubled council. Mayor Jason Perry, who made the LTNs permanent in March 2024, said he would not appeal the ruling…
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PM to chair Cobra meeting over Iran impact
Keir Starmer will chair a Cobra emergency meeting to address the cost-of-living impact of the war in the Middle East, as rising global oil and gas prices threaten to deliver higher household bills, inflation, and interest rates. The conflict has disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, pushing up prices and prompting forecasts of higher…
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Prison deaths surge in Scotland
Prison deaths in Scotland have reached a record high, with 54 fatalities reported in 2023/24, the most since 2012. This marks a rise of 15 deaths from the previous year. Among these, ten were classified as probable suicides. Justice Secretary Angela Constance said that ensuring safety in prisons is a top priority. Scottish Conservative justice…
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Online English test plans face backlash
A Government proposal for online English language tests for migrants has raised significant concerns about security and potential cheating. The International English Language Testing System has withdrawn from bidding for the £800m contract, citing risks of malpractice. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood’s plan allows candidates to take tests remotely, which could lead to impersonation and AI-assisted…
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Peers push back against radical abortion plans
Peers in the House of Lords are set to vote on amendments to the Crime and Policing Bill that aim to block controversial proposals allowing abortion up to birth. The amendments, backed by notable female peers, seek to remove the decriminalisation measures and reinstate mandatory consultations with medical professionals before prescribing abortion pills. Baroness Monckton…
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IEA calls on Labour to abolish ‘arbitrary’ inheritance tax
The UK Government faces pressure to abolish inheritance tax (IHT) due to concerns it hampers investment and drives entrepreneurs abroad. A report from the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) reveals that nearly half of OECD countries do not impose taxes on bequests to adult children, positioning the UK as a high-tax outlier. The IHT, set…
