Boat crossings: 1,100 migrants have landed since election
Labour has admitted that Britain is facing a small-boat crisis in the Channel, just days after scrapping the Tories' Rwanda deportation scheme. 427 people made the crossing on Monday, bringing the total since Labour took power to 1,185. Home secretary Yvette Cooper noted that small-boat crossings were at a record high and indicated a challenging summer ahead. The Conservatives argue that Labour's approach relies too heavily on European cooperation and lacks effective deterrents. Instead, Starmer plans to establish a 1,000-strong immigration task force as part of a new Border Security Command, to address people-smuggling. Migration will be a key topic at the upcoming European Political Community summit, where Starmer aims to build support for his new strategy. Critics warn that Labour's policies could lead to increased illegal arrivals and costs for taxpayers.
GAFCON stands with the Alliance
GAFCON has expressed solidarity with the Anglican Alliance, condemning the Church of England's decision to bless same-sex unions, which they argue contradicts biblical teachings. The Archbishop of Rwanda, Laurent Mbanda, criticised the General Synod's approval of such blessings, stating it goes against scripture. GAFCON supports the creation of a third province for Anglicans adhering to traditional doctrines. While recognising the legal complexities within the CofE, it endorses the formation of a new province to provide pastoral care for those in impaired communion. GAFCON pledges ongoing support for faithful Anglicans worldwide. The archbishop said: ‘GAFCON supports all faithful Anglicans, whether they choose to stay and provide a witness to the truth in their home church, or whether they wish to leave for the sake of conscience. Wherever faithful Anglicans find themselves, we are ready to support, encourage and defend them. They are not alone.’
UK scientists: breakthrough against pancreatic cancer?
Scientists have discovered that pancreatic cancer deactivates molecules within the HNF4A gene, leading to rapid growth and spread. This breakthrough offers hope for better treatments against this deadly disease, which kills nearly 9,000 Britons a year. Dr Maria Hatziapostolou of Nottingham Trent University emphasised the urgency of new treatments, noting that pancreatic cancer has the lowest survival rate among common cancers. The research, involving multiple universities, showed that pancreatic cancer uses DNA methylation to switch off HNF4A molecules, promoting tumour growth. This discovery could pave the way for more effective treatment options, which are badly needed because most pancreatic cancers are diagnosed at a late stage when they are no longer operable. This research could significantly impact future treatment for a disease with notoriously poor survival rates.
Balkans / Greece / Ukraine: heatwave causes huge problems
The Balkans, along with much of Europe, are enduring a prolonged heatwave, which has led to the unprecedented drying up of Serbia's Rusanda salt lake. An expert has warned that such heatwaves could become more frequent due to climate change. Temperatures in the Balkans have soared to 39°C (102°F), and the Adriatic Sea reached a record-high temperature of 29.5°C in Croatian coastal resorts. North Macedonia and Albania have deployed resources to combat forest fires, with North Macedonia declaring a state of emergency. The World Bank has highlighted the need for significant investment to mitigate the impact of climate change. Other European countries, including Italy, Greece, and France, are also experiencing extreme heat. In Ukraine, rain is forecast on 18 July, to break the pattern of several weeks of abnormally high temperatures; the country’s grain harvest is likely to be significantly reduced.
