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Starmer on New Southport Enquiry & Massive Failures that led to the Attack
A New Era of Terrorism: Southport Knife Attack Signals an Evolving Threat, Says Prime Minister. Axel Rudakubana, in a surprising courtroom twist, admitted to the murder of three young girls in Southport last summer, even before his trial officially began. This shocking development has prompted the government to reassess the nation's "entire counterterrorism system," as announced by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer. Sir Keir emphasized that modern attackers are becoming increasingly difficult to detect. He stated, "We have to be ready to face every threat. If the law needs to change to recognize this new and dangerous threat, then we will change it, and quickly." His remarks highlight the urgency of protecting children from the growing influence of online violence, which he described as a "tidal wave." The Prime Minister also pointed to the need for greater accountability within Whitehall and Westminster, criticizing the current system for its slow reaction to tragedies unless spurred by public outcry or persistent campaigning. "Time and again we see this pattern, and people are right to be angry about it. I'm angry about it. Southport must be a line in the sand, but nothing will be off the table in this inquiry. Nothing," Sir Keir declared, ensuring that substantial changes would follow. During a press conference, when asked if he had withheld information about the Southport case, Sir Keir confirmed that he was aware of details about the attacker, Axel Rudakubana, as they unfolded. However, he defended his decision to keep them confidential, stating, "There has been a failure here, and I do not intend to let any institution of the state deflect from their failures. The only losers if the details had been disclosed would be the victims and the families because it runs the risk the trial would collapse. I'm never going to do that because they deserve that justice." Sir Keir stressed that his actions were not only his personal choice but also aligned with the law. He reiterated the government's commitment to swiftly amend the law if necessary to address this evolving threat and announced a comprehensive review of the counter-extremism system. Rudakubana’s case revealed that he had been referred to the Prevent scheme three times in the 17 months leading up to the attack due to concerns about his obsession with violence. However, it was determined that he did not require intervention. In light of this, Sir Keir called for an inquiry, recognizing the emergence of "a new cohort, a new different threat, this individualised extreme violence." He concluded by assuring the public that the government would act immediately to implement changes, even before the inquiry's findings were available, emphasizing the urgency of protecting children and preventing further tragedies. "We need to get on with the change in the meantime and to reassure the public that every step has been taken to protect their children," he affirmed. This case serves as a grim reminder that the nature of terrorism is shifting, demanding a more proactive and adaptable approach to safeguarding the nation. https://www.gov.uk/government/news/pm-statement-on-the-southport-public-inquiry-21-january-2025 Based on a report by Sky News 2025-01-22 -
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Trump Executive order protect its citizens from aliens who intend to commit terrorist attack
"Protecting the United States from Foreign Terrorists and Other National Security And Public Safety Threats," will make campuses and communities safer by ensuring deportation of non-citizens and non-nationals, including students, who support foreign terrorist organizations! This executive order directly cites 8 USC 1182(2)(a)(2)-(3), (the same federal statute highlighted below), regarding the inadmissibility and deportability of non-citizens and non-nationals who espouse support for foreign terrorist activities. In compliance with today's executive order, as soon as possible, and no later than 30 days from today, administration officials MUST adjust ALL existing policies and procedures relating to all categories of inadmissibility (and in turn, deportability under 8 USC 1227), including foreigners who express support for foreign terrorist activities or whose presence in the country, as determined by the Secretary of State, would have adverse foreign policy consequences. They will also evaluate ALL visa programs, necessarily including the student visa program, to ensure that they are not used by foreign nationals who espouse support for terrorism. Without a doubt, the adjustments of policies required under this executive order will include the deportation of non-citizens and non-nationals who express support for foreign terrorist organizations and terrorist activities, including students. 2025-01-22 https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/01/protecting-the-united-states-from-foreign-terrorists-and-othernational-security-and-public-safety-threats/ -
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Lords Back Urgent Disability Benefit Reforms Amid Starmer's Warning of 'Ruthless' Cuts
An inquiry by members of the House of Lords has urged "urgent" reforms to the UK’s disability benefits system, calling on the government to move forward with planned changes. The House of Lords Economic Affairs Committee, in a letter to Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) Secretary Liz Kendall, highlighted the pressing need to address rising welfare spending, which it said remains a significant challenge for the government. The report notes that £65 billion is spent annually on health-related benefits, surpassing the government’s defence budget of £54 billion. Committee chair Lord Bridges of Headley emphasized that the current system incentivizes claims for health-related benefits while offering limited encouragement for individuals to transition into employment. He urged immediate action, saying there should be “no delay” in reforms, particularly regarding how claimants are assessed. The intervention comes on the heels of Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s comments during a recent visit to Ukraine, where he warned that he would be “ruthless” in cutting benefits if necessary to balance the budget. A green paper outlining planned reforms to health-related benefits is expected this spring, with the government signaling that changes to the controversial Work Capability Assessment (WCA) will be central. Since its introduction in 2008, the WCA has faced widespread criticism for inaccuracies and mistrust. Reports in both 2018 and 2023 found a significant number of incorrect assessment decisions, fueling public dissatisfaction. Lord Bridges criticized the current system as “financially unsustainable” and a waste of human potential, calling on the government to prioritize reforms. He added, “There should be more support to help those who are able to find and accept work—and to ensure that those who cannot work for a period are not abandoned to a life on benefits.” The number of people claiming health-related benefits has surged since the COVID-19 pandemic, with 3.7 million working-age individuals now receiving such support—1.2 million more than in February 2020. The committee pointed to increased mental health issues among young people and growing NHS waiting lists as key factors driving this rise. However, it stated there is “no convincing evidence” that government plans to improve NHS waiting times will significantly reduce these figures. The report also estimates that enabling 400,000 individuals currently out of work due to ill health to re-enter the workforce could save the government £10 billion annually. James Taylor, executive director of strategy at the disability equality charity Scope, called for immediate reforms but warned against focusing solely on cost-cutting. “Our broken benefits system urgently needs fixing, and we know there are a million disabled people who want to work but are denied the opportunity,” Taylor said. He added, “Cutting benefits spend means taking away the support disabled people need to live, which will push many more disabled people into poverty.” Labour has pledged to save £1.3 billion annually through reforms to the WCA, promising to match previous government spending commitments while re-consulting on changes. This follows a High Court ruling that deemed the Conservative government’s consultation on planned reforms “unfair” and “misleading.” A government spokesperson reaffirmed their commitment to boosting employment rates, stating, “We are determined to get Britain working again and have set out our first steps towards delivering an 80% employment rate by joining up local work, health, and skills plans.” Based on a report by The Independent 2025-01-22 -
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Trump’s Jan. 6 Pardons Slammed as a 'Grotesque Display' of Power by Schiff
Sen. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) has sharply criticized President Donald Trump for issuing broad pardons to nearly all individuals charged in connection with the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol. In an interview on MSNBC’s "Inside with Jen Psaki," Schiff described the move as "obscene" and "a grotesque display" of presidential power. “It’s obscene. It’s a grotesque display of his new power as President to pardon these 15- or 1600 people, which I have to imagine includes people that committed violent assaults on law enforcement,” Schiff said. “It really is a terrible way to begin, but not a surprising way to begin the new administration.” On Monday night, Trump announced that he had granted approximately 1,500 “full, complete, and unconditional pardons” to individuals charged for their roles in the Capitol riot. A total of 1,583 people have faced charges related to the attack. Trump justified the sweeping pardons while signing orders in the Oval Office, stating, “What they’ve done to these people is outrageous.” Among those granted clemency were members of the Proud Boys and Oath Keepers, who had been charged with conspiring to disrupt the peaceful transfer of power following the 2020 presidential election. The sentences of many were commuted to time served. Notably, Enrique Tarrio, the former national chairman of the Proud Boys, who was serving a 22-year prison term — the longest sentence handed down in connection with the attack — received a full pardon. Schiff criticized the decision to pardon Tarrio, calling it emblematic of Trump’s leadership style and his ties to far-right groups. “It is rather fitting, sadly, that among his very first acts in office is to give a pardon to a white nationalist leader like that,” Schiff remarked. “To pardon him, I think, is very symbolic of where the President is coming from. It, to me, harkens back to his statement, vis a vis the Proud Boys, years earlier, where he said, stand back and stand by, or something along those lines.” Reflecting on Trump’s latest move, Schiff concluded, “Well, apparently, he had their back after all.” Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-Md.), another member of the former House select committee investigating the January 6 attack, also weighed in, telling CNN that the Trump administration “has a lot of explaining to do” regarding the clemency extended to the Capitol riot defendants. These actions came just hours after outgoing President Joe Biden issued preemptive pardons for members and staff of the House January 6 select committee, including Schiff and Raskin, in the final moments of his presidency. Based on a report by The Hill 2025-01-22
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