Man 'pretended to be white' to stir up hatred during UK riots
Ehsan Hussain, a 25-year-old from Birmingham, has been sentenced to two years and four months in prison for inciting racial hatred during the UK riots. Posing as a far-right extremist, he used a Telegram chat group with over 12,000 members to incite violence against Muslims in Birmingham. His messages called for disorder in areas with large Muslim populations, such as Alum Rock and Bordesley Green. The court heard that his posts, filled with racist language, contributed to escalating tensions that led to violent unrest in Birmingham, including attacks on an Islamic centre, hospitals, and public transport. Hussain admitted to distributing threatening and abusive material intended to stir racial hatred. West Midlands Police praised the public for helping to identify Hussain’s posts, emphasising that such incitement would not be tolerated.
Axing winter fuel payments will hurt everybody, warns pensioner
Millions of pensioners in the UK are facing a challenging winter after the Government voted to cut automatic winter fuel payments to pensioners. The decision, supported by nearly 400 Labour MPs, addresses a £22 billion funding gap. Rachel Reeves defended the move, assuring that the payment will still be available to those receiving Pension Credit. However, many pensioners, including Francis Moore, expressed shock and disappointment, warning that this will lead to a bleak winter for the elderly. Moore highlighted the severe impact of rising energy costs on pensioners who already struggle to make ends meet. He criticised the Government for not doing more to support elderly citizens, stating that warmth is essential for survival. Pensioners will have to budget carefully for basic necessities while rising electricity bills threaten to worsen their financial hardship. There is widespread criticism of the Government’s handling of pensioner welfare; many are accusing it of neglecting a vulnerable generation.
Bishop blocks retired priest’s 'permission to officiate' after climate protest arrest
The Bishop of Bristol, Rt Revd Vivienne Faull, has declined to grant Permission to Officiate (PTO) to retired priest Revd Sue Parfitt, who is facing trial for criminal damage after a climate protest. PTO allows retired or non-stipendiary clergy to perform ministerial duties such as leading services, preaching, and conducting weddings or funerals. Parfitt, 82, is accused of damaging the glass protecting the Magna Carta at the British Library during a May 2024 protest. She and a fellow activist broke the glass and glued themselves to the display, holding a sign accusing the government of breaking the law. Parfitt said that while the Bishop’s decision is painful, her greater priority is raising awareness about the climate crisis. The Diocese of Bristol said that while it supports environmental action, it emphasises the need for peaceful and lawful methods of protest.
Central Europe: Storm Boris causes widespread devastation
Central Europe has been severely affected by Storm Boris, bringing heavy rain and snow and causing flooding across Poland, the Czech Republic, Romania, and Austria, with at least 24 reported deaths. In Poland, the town of Nysa has seen the evacuation of 40,000 residents, and other towns face severe damage after rivers overflowed. A state of natural disaster has been declared, with Wroclaw expecting more flooding. Meanwhile, rivers like the Oder and Danube are rising, with Slovakia, Hungary, and Croatia also preparing for potential floods. Emergency services, aided by the military, are working tirelessly across the region to protect communities. On 19 September, Storm Boris reached northern Italy, with similar reports of devastation: see Extreme rainfall is becoming more frequent and intense across central Europe, as across much of the world.
