Minister's warning over impact of digital travel permit
Northern Ireland’s economy minister, Conor Murphy, has warned that the UK’s new Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme could severely impact tourism. Starting this week, visitors from 48 additional countries must apply for an ETA, costing £10 per person, before entering the UK. The digital permit, linked to passports, is valid for two years and allows multiple stays of up to six months. Murphy is lobbying Westminster to exempt Northern Ireland from the scheme, emphasising that 70% of international tourists arrive via the Republic of Ireland and could be discouraged by this added cost and process. He suggested a seven-day exemption for short-term visitors, highlighting tourism’s significant contribution to the Northern Ireland economy in 2023 and its importance as a peace process success story. Tour operators and tourism bodies voiced concerns that the added expense could deter visitors from visiting iconic destinations like the Giant’s Causeway. The Government, defending the ETA as a streamlined, secure system, has pledged to work with the tourism industry to address concerns.
What’s the problem with the home-schooling bill?
The proposed Children’s Welfare and Schools Bill raises serious concerns for Christian parents and home educators in the UK. Critics, such as Steve Beegoo of Christian Concern, argue that the bill threatens parental freedoms, increases state overreach, and places undue suspicion on home-educating families. The bill includes measures like assigning unique identifiers to children, maintaining local registers, and requiring detailed reports of educational arrangements, including religious instruction. Critics worry this data could be misused or disproportionately target Christian families. Parents could face inspections to justify their educational choices, with penalties for non-compliance, such as fines or imprisonment. Local authorities might prevent parents from withdrawing children from schools, presuming guilt without evidence. This is particularly concerning for parents opposing ideologies, such as transgenderism, which conflict with their beliefs. Christian Concern highlights the rushed nature of the bill, calling it a significant intrusion into family life. It urges prayer, advocacy, and action to protect parental rights and ensure children are raised in environments aligned with biblical values.
Hospitals declare critical incidents amid rise in flu cases
Several NHS trusts in England have declared critical incidents amid a significant rise in flu cases. Hospitals are facing 'exceptionally high' demand, particularly in emergency departments, driven by a surge in respiratory illnesses. NHS data shows that the number of patients hospitalised with flu in England has quadrupled over the past month, exacerbated by cold weather. The Royal Liverpool University Hospital, the largest in Merseyside and Cheshire, stated that while it has a comprehensive plan to address the challenges, some patients will experience delays as priority is given to the most critical cases. It is working with partner organisations to discharge medically fit patients promptly to free up space. Non-emergency patients are being urged to use alternative services like GPs, pharmacies, walk-in centres, or the NHS 111 helpline.
CofE faces uncharted waters as Welby's tenure ends
The Church of England enters uncertain times as Justin Welby steps down amidst controversy over handling abuse cases. Welby resigned in November after an inquiry found he failed to address abuses by John Smyth, a former volunteer at Christian summer camps. Welby accepted 'personal and institutional responsibility' for the failures. Archbishop of York Stephen Cottrell will act as interim leader until a permanent successor is appointed, a process that could take six months. However, Cottrell faces scrutiny over his handling of a case involving priest David Tudor, whom he allowed to continue serving despite restrictions. Tudor was later banned for life, and Cottrell has apologised for delayed action. The Church is also grappling with broader challenges, including declining Christian identification in Britain and internal divisions over its stance on same-sex couples. Experts warn that the absence of stable leadership may further jeopardise governance and safeguarding efforts within the Church.
