Jenkyns clashes with Farage on children with special needs
Reform UK’s Greater Lincolnshire mayoral candidate, Dame Andrea Jenkyns, has publicly distanced herself from comments made by party leader Nigel Farage regarding special educational needs (SEND). Farage recently claimed that many childhood SEND and mental health diagnoses are being made too readily, often via virtual consultations, suggesting an overdiagnosis trend. In contrast, Dame Andrea, who has ADHD and whose son also has the condition, highlighted her personal experience and highlighted the long delays many families face in obtaining assessments and support, often resulting in children falling far behind in school. She stressed that not all party members must agree on every issue, and described pulling her son out of mainstream education because he was two years behind. Her remarks underscore ongoing national debates around SEND provision, access to diagnoses, and support for neurodiverse children. In related news, spending on disability benefits for anxiety and depression has doubled since the pandemic: see
Counter-terrorism police investigating Kneecap videos
Counter-terrorist police are investigating videos of Irish-language rap trio Kneecap, recorded at gigs in 2023 and 2024. The videos appear to show band members encouraging violence against British MPs and expressing support for proscribed terror groups Hamas and Hezbollah. Kneecap has denied inciting violence, saying the clips were taken out of context, and offered apologies to the families of murdered MPs David Amess and Jo Cox. The controversy, which follows backlash from the band’s Gaza-related statements at a concert in the USA, has led to sponsorship and booking losses. Major artists have signed a statement supporting Kneecap, opposing what they call political censorship and suppression of artistic freedom. Kneecap, known for provocative lyrics and nationalist themes, rose to prominence in Ireland and were the subject of a Bafta-winning film featuring Michael Fassbender.
Ukraine: Putin announces three-day ceasefire
Vladimir Putin has announced a new three-day unilateral ceasefire, to run from 8 to 10 May, coinciding with Russia’s World War II commemorations. It follows a previous thirty-hour Easter ceasefire, which critics say Moscow repeatedly violated. The Kremlin frames these brief pauses as humanitarian gestures; Ukrainian officials argue that if Russia truly sought peace, it would halt hostilities immediately. Foreign minister Andrii Sybiha called for a thirty-day truce instead. Observers question whether Putin’s moves are sincere peace efforts or merely an attempt to influence Donald Trump, who has recently voiced frustration with both Russia and Ukraine. Trump has criticised Putin for continuing attacks on civilian areas and floated harsher sanctions. When in March he proposed a thirty-day ceasefire, Ukraine agreed, but Russia did not. In another development, the much-anticipated natural resources agreement between the USA and Ukraine has been signed: see
Spain / Portugal: cause of massive power cut still not known
A widespread power cut on 28 April disrupted millions across Spain and Portugal, prompting investigations and huge public concern. Portugal’s national grid operator, REN, attributed the blackout to a rare atmospheric phenomenon which caused extreme temperature shifts, leading to unusual oscillations in electrical lines. This explanation contrasts with speculation in Spain about a possible cyber attack, which their national security agency is still investigating. There is still no clear explanation of the disruption. It brought significant consequences: public transport stopped, mobile networks failed, and contactless payment systems were disabled. Panic buying swept through supermarkets, echoing scenes from the Covid pandemic. Three deaths have also been recorded in Spain. REN said recovery could take up to a week, though prime minister Luis Montenegro predicted that it would be quicker.
