Pray for the UK
Immigration is a reality of national life. London has 10,000+ people of over fifty various nationalities. Many Brits struggle to welcome immigrants, who often struggle to adjust to life in the UK. Pray for society to face the challenges of many cultures living together in peace. Immigrants from Christian nations like Nigeria and Brazil bring new church life and church growth. Pray for local congregations to plant new churches, reach new peoples, and glorify Jesus as they partner with believers from many lands. Sadly, England's inner cities are becoming physical and spiritual wastelands of drugs and crime. Dying churches and empty churches have been converted to mosques, temples, or gurdwaras as white evangelicals move to the suburbs. Inner-city whites in poverty and joblessness have few prospects. Pray for God to raise an army of workers to meet the many needs of impoverished and often troubled areas.
Children infected with strep A
Health officials want parents to be aware of an infection called strep A that children are dying from. Since Covid restrictions eased, there are more opportunities for other infections to spread. Strep A cases are increasing. The highly contagious bacterium can cause serious illness and complications. Many carry it harmlessly without even knowing they have it. It can be spread to others with a cough or sneeze. Most often, symptoms are mild - a sore throat or a skin infection which can be easily treated with antibiotics. But strep A can cause a range of serious illnesses like scarlet fever; nine children have died recently. Health professionals must tell local protection teams of suspected scarlet fever cases so that they can be treated quickly and possible outbreaks brought under control. Cases have risen tenfold this year, but the UK has ‘good’ antibiotic supplies amid shortage fears.
London: Russian oligarchs under investigation
Over fifty officers were involved in an operation at a Russian businessman's multi-million-pound London home to investigate potential criminal activity by oligarchs. They arrested a 58-year-old man on suspicion of money laundering, conspiracy to defraud the Home Office, and conspiracy to commit perjury. He was also charged with obstructing an officer when trying to leave with a bag containing thousands of pounds in cash. Another man who is the former boyfriend of the businessman's current partner was arrested at his home in Pimlico for money laundering and conspiracy to defraud. The National Crime Agency (NCA), which was established this year, is having ‘significant success’ investigating potential criminal activity by oligarchs.
Police watchdog head being investigated
Michael Lockwood has led the Office for Police Conduct as director general since 2018, handling the most serious complaints against police in England and Wales. Now he has been forced to resign after becoming the subject of a police investigation himself. The Home Secretary took action after learning of a probe into a historical allegation against Lockwood. He was asked either to resign or be suspended. No further information about the nature of the allegation was given. Home Office staff are now working to ‘put in place temporary arrangements for the organisation's leadership’.
