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Chainsaws and Silence: Two Men Convicted for Felling the Sycamore Gap Tree
"Chainsaws and Silence: Two Men Convicted for Felling the Sycamore Gap Tree" Two men have been found guilty of cutting down one of Britain’s most cherished natural landmarks—the Sycamore Gap tree, a 150-year-old icon nestled beside Hadrian’s Wall in Northumberland. Daniel Graham, 39, and Adam Carruthers, 32, were convicted by a jury at Newcastle Crown Court of causing criminal damage exceeding £620,000 to the tree and more than £1,000 to the historic Roman wall. On the stormy night of 27 September 2023, the pair drove 30 miles from Cumbria, where they lived, to the remote site. In a matter of minutes, using chainsaws, they brought down the iconic sycamore in what prosecutors described as a “deliberate and mindless act of destruction.” Despite each denying the charges, the evidence—most damningly, a video recorded by Graham himself—led to their conviction. The video, shot on Graham’s iPhone 13 and played in court, captures the whine of a chainsaw piercing the night, followed by the fall of the tree. Metadata from the footage confirmed its location at Sycamore Gap. Adding to the weight of the prosecution’s case were images on Graham’s phone, including one of a cut piece of the tree and a chainsaw—items the Crown suggested were kept as trophies. “This was perhaps a trophy taken from the scene to remind them of their actions, actions that they appear to have been revelling in,” said Richard Wright KC, prosecuting. The jury also heard voice notes exchanged between the two men as media coverage of the felling exploded. In one, Graham told Carruthers: “Someone there has tagged like ITV News, BBC News, Sky News, like News News News,” adding, “I think it's going to go wild.” Another photo submitted as evidence showed them felling a different tree a month prior, suggesting a pattern of behaviour. The court also heard that Graham ran a groundworks company and Carruthers worked in property and mechanics, both with expertise in tree felling. Throughout the trial, both men attempted to shift blame onto each other, but the jury concluded they acted together. The significance of the tree—a symbol in popular culture since its appearance in the 1991 film Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves and the site of countless personal memories—was a recurring theme. Judge Mrs Justice Lambert reminded jurors at the outset to set aside emotion in their deliberations. Northumbria Police’s Superintendent Kevin Waring described the crime as a textbook case of “mindless vandalism,” adding: “They gave no explanation for why they targeted the tree, and there never could be a justifiable one.” Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner Susan Dungworth echoed the sentiment, calling the act “unfathomable” and highlighting the lack of remorse from the defendants. Gale Gilchrist of the Crown Prosecution Service North East stated: “Graham and Carruthers took under three minutes to bring down an iconic landmark in a deliberate and mindless act of destruction.” She expressed hope that the convictions would provide “some measure of comfort” to the community. The wider reaction has been one of collective mourning and a desire to preserve the tree’s legacy. Tony Gates, chief executive of the Northumberland National Parks Authority, said, “It just took a few days to sink in—I think because of the enormity of the loss. We knew how important that location was for many people at an emotional level, almost at a spiritual level.” In an effort to keep that connection alive, the National Trust has safeguarded 49 saplings from the original tree. These will be planted across the UK in public spaces as “trees of hope,” allowing the Sycamore Gap to live on symbolically. Meanwhile, the largest preserved section of the felled tree is set to go on display at the National Landscape Discovery Centre later this year. The iconic stump remains in place by Hadrian’s Wall, where fresh shoots have already begun to sprout—nature’s quiet defiance in the wake of human recklessness. Graham and Carruthers, who showed no visible reaction to the verdicts, are due to be sentenced in July. Adpated by ASEAN Now from Sky News 2025-05-10 -
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New Guide Lines Shorter Prison Terms For Immigration Offences: Avoiding Deportation
New guidelines from the Sentencing Council are set to recommend significantly shorter prison terms for immigration offences, potentially allowing hundreds of foreign nationals to avoid deportation. This development has triggered a strong response from Conservative politicians, who argue it undermines existing immigration law and weakens the UK’s borders. The guidelines, which will be distributed to judges later this year, mark the first time the Sentencing Council has issued official direction on immigration-related offences. Minutes from a February council meeting reveal that the final version of these recommendations has been approved and will soon be published. The guidance proposes sentencing far below the statutory maximums set by Parliament, with particular emphasis on keeping many sentences below the 12-month threshold. Under current UK law, foreign nationals sentenced to more than a year in prison become eligible for automatic deportation. Among the key recommendations are suggested starting points of six months for the offence of knowingly entering the UK without permission—despite the legal maximum of four years. Similarly, offences involving deception to enter or remain in the UK are recommended to start at nine months, though they carry a two-year statutory maximum. Possession of false identity documents, which could incur up to 10 years in prison, is also advised to have a nine-month starting sentence. The same recommendation applies to possession of false ID without a “reasonable excuse,” despite the offence being punishable by up to two years under current legislation. The guidelines also recommend leniency for first-time offenders, suggesting that this should be treated as a mitigating factor. This has raised concerns since many such offenders are new arrivals to the UK with no prior legal status. Shadow Justice Secretary Robert Jenrick was scathing in his criticism: “Under Two-tier Keir, immigration sentences are set to be watered down, meaning hundreds of foreign offenders will avoid the threshold for automatic deportation each year. This makes a complete mockery of Labour’s immigration gimmicks. The justice secretary’s representative signed this off and now our borders will be blown further open. The only people benefiting from this Labour government are the trade unionists, criminals and illegal migrants. Starmer must accept my bill to block these ludicrous guidelines and sack the members of the Sentencing Council responsible for yet more madness.” In defense of the new guidance, the Sentencing Council maintained that the proposals do not signal a softer stance but rather aim to reflect current sentencing trends and ensure consistency. “The guidelines for these offences proposed higher sentences for the most serious offending behaviour whilst maintaining current sentencing practice for less serious offending,” the council stated. “The guidelines as a whole are designed to cover the full range of offending from the least to the most serious, while leaving headroom for the very most extreme offences. Judges and magistrates can sentence outside guidelines if they feel it is in the interests of justice to do so.” A Ministry of Justice spokesperson added, “This government is committed to deporting eligible foreign national offenders as quickly as possible. Immigration offenders receiving sentences of less than 12 months can still be deported.” Meanwhile, Labour’s proposed reforms are also drawing attention. The Refugee Council has expressed support for plans requiring migrants to attain higher English proficiency standards, a policy expected to be part of an upcoming white paper. “Refugees are desperate to improve their English,” said Enver Solomon, chief executive of the Refugee Council, “but they need better access to language education.” Labour’s tougher stance includes extending the minimum wait for indefinite leave to remain from five to ten years in certain cases, mirroring pledges previously made by the Conservative Party. This has prompted accusations of policy mimicry from Conservative figures, including Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp. “We will always work to put the national interest first,” he said. “If Labour were serious about doing the same, they would back our other proposals such as dis-applying the Human Rights Act and deporting all foreign criminals.” The political debate over immigration is intensifying, particularly in light of Reform UK’s rising popularity. Following strong results in recent local elections, including a parliamentary seat gain from Labour, Reform UK’s hardline stance is pushing both main parties to sharpen their positions. Official statistics highlight the pressure on the system, with net migration reaching a record 903,000 in the year to June 2023 before falling slightly to 728,000. As public concern grows, the battle over immigration sentencing and enforcement is set to remain a defining issue in British politics. Adpated by ASEAN Now from The Times 2025-05-10 -
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Trump Signals Possible Easing of China Tariffs Ahead of Pivotal Trade Talks
Trump Signals Possible Easing of China Tariffs Ahead of Pivotal Trade Talks President Donald Trump has suggested that tariffs on Chinese imports may soon be reduced, offering a potential opening in a trade standoff that has strained relations between the world’s two largest economies. Speaking during an event to unveil a new tariff agreement with the United Kingdom, Trump said, “You can't get any higher. It's at 145, so we know it's coming down,” referring to the steep import taxes of up to 145% that his administration imposed on Chinese goods since his return to office. The comment came as the United States and China prepare to restart trade negotiations this weekend in Switzerland. The meeting is seen as a major step toward de-escalating a prolonged trade conflict that has rattled global markets and created uncertainty for businesses around the world. “I think it's a very friendly meeting. They look forward to doing it in an elegant way,” Trump said, suggesting a more conciliatory tone than in previous confrontations with Beijing. China’s Vice Foreign Minister Hua Chunying echoed that sentiment, saying her government has “full confidence” in its ability to manage trade disputes with the U.S. The talks will be led by U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and China’s Vice Premier He Lifeng, the country's top economic policymaker. While both sides appear open to dialogue, experts warn that progress is likely to be slow. Dan Wang, an analyst from the political risk consultancy Eurasia Group, told the BBC that “officials in both Washington and Beijing are under growing economic pressure.” She added that “the recent signals from both sides suggest a transactional de-escalation is on the table.” Still, many experts remain cautious about what can realistically be achieved in the short term. Former U.S. trade negotiator Stephen Olson emphasized that the deeper, systemic issues between the two countries “will not be resolved any time soon.” While minor tariff reductions may come out of this round of talks, Olson believes that any significant breakthrough will require the personal involvement of both presidents. “I think everyone recognises that any final deal will require the active engagement of both presidents,” he said. Even if some of the recently imposed tariffs are rolled back, the broader framework of trade barriers and restrictions is expected to remain. Eswar Prasad, former head of the International Monetary Fund’s China division, said, “A realistic goal is probably at best a pullback from the sky-high bilateral tariffs but that would still leave in place high tariff barriers and various other restrictions.” Economic data released Friday underscores the impact of the tariffs. China’s exports to the U.S. in April dropped by more than 20% year-over-year. However, its total exports rose 8.1%, a better-than-expected result that indicates resilience in other markets. The renewed talks come just days after the UK became the first country to sign a new tariff deal with the Trump administration. As part of the agreement, the U.S. will reduce taxes on a selection of British vehicles and permit some steel and aluminium imports tariff-free. The deal also extends relief to other major UK industries that were hit by Trump’s broad tariffs since he took office in January. Countries across the globe are now racing to negotiate similar arrangements before Trump's sweeping “reciprocal tariffs” on dozens of nations take full effect. Initially announced in April, the tariffs were temporarily paused for 90 days to allow time for diplomatic discussions. While the upcoming U.S.-China talks offer a glimmer of hope, most observers agree the path to resolving the broader trade war remains long and uncertain. Adpated by ASEAN Now from BBC 2025-05-10 -
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Doug Mills Wins Pulitzer Prize For Photo Freezing Bullet’s Path Near Trump’s Head
Doug Mills, a veteran photographer for The New York Times, has received one of journalism’s highest honors—the Pulitzer Prize—for his extraordinary photojournalism during the attempted assassination of President Donald Trump. The recognition comes in large part due to a single, now-iconic image that froze the precise moment a bullet streaked past Trump’s head at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on July 13. The image captured the surreal and terrifying split second during which a bullet passed perilously close to the president as he spoke to a crowd. Mills was stationed below the stage with a wide-angle lens when the shots rang out, unaware in that moment that he had just documented a piece of history in motion. “I just happened to be down, shooting with a wide-angle lens just below the president when he was speaking. There was a huge flag waving right above his head, and I just happened to be taking pictures at the same time,” Mills recalled during an interview with Fox News at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee. “Then, when I heard the pops, I guess I kept hitting on the shutter, and then I saw him reach for his [ear]. He grimaced and grabbed his hand and looked. It was blood, and then he went down, and I thought, 'Dear God, he's been shot.'" Following the chaos, Mills was quickly taken to a tent for safety and began transmitting his photos to The Times newsroom. At first, the most striking image seemed to be one of Trump pumping his fist defiantly in the air while being escorted offstage by Secret Service agents. But as Mills reviewed his camera roll, he realized he might have captured something even more extraordinary. "I was like, ‘Oh, hell. I remember taking pictures of him when this happened. Let me go back and look,’” he said. “I started looking at it. I started sending them right away, and I called one of the editors and said, ‘Please look at these really closely. This might have been near the moment where he was shot.’” The revelation came moments later. “She called me back like five minutes later and said, 'You won't believe this.' She goes, ‘We actually see a bullet flying behind his head,’ and I was like, ‘Oh my gosh.’” The image—frozen in time by a Sony a1 camera—quickly circulated worldwide, becoming a defining visual of the shocking attempt on the president’s life and a testament to the power of photojournalism to capture history as it unfolds. Doug Mills’ Pulitzer was part of a strong showing for The New York Times, which earned three additional awards for coverage of Sudan, Afghanistan, and Baltimore. As media reporter Katie Robertson noted, “Doug Mills of The New York Times won the breaking news photography prize for his photos capturing the attempted assassination of President Trump last year, including an image in which a bullet can be seen.” Through a lens, Mills recorded not just an attack, but a moment that symbolized resilience and danger in modern American politics. His work now stands among the most memorable in Pulitzer history. Adpated by ASEAN Now from USA Today 2025-05-10 -
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Starmer: Internal Revolt as Labour MPs Reject 'Impossible to Support' Welfare Reform Plans
Starmer Faces Internal Revolt as Labour MPs Reject 'Impossible to Support' Welfare Reform Plans Sir Keir Starmer is under mounting pressure from within his own party as dozens of Labour MPs signal they cannot support his proposed welfare reforms without significant changes. The prime minister has been urged to delay the legislation, with dissenting voices describing the plans as “the biggest attack on the welfare state” since the Conservative-led austerity era. The reforms, which aim to slash the welfare budget by £5 billion annually and tighten the eligibility criteria for incapacity benefits, have sparked deep concern among MPs and disability advocates alike. A letter circulated among Labour backbenchers, and seen by Sky News, warned that the reforms are “impossible to support” in their current form and called for an immediate pause. “The planned cuts of more than £7bn represent the biggest attack on the welfare state since George Osborne ushered in the years of austerity and over three million of our poorest and most disadvantaged will be affected,” the letter stated. The MPs went on to argue that the proposed measures have already caused “a huge amount of anxiety among disabled people and their families.” While the government believes the reforms are necessary to address structural problems in the current benefits system, critics argue they risk doing more harm than good. “Whilst the government may have correctly diagnosed the problem of a broken benefits system and a lack of job opportunities for those who are able to work, they have come up with the wrong medicine,” the letter continued. “Cuts don't create jobs, they just cause more hardship.” The MPs are demanding a delay in the legislative process until full impact assessments on employment, health, and social care outcomes are published. They argue that voting on the reforms without this information would be irresponsible and unfair to those who will be directly affected. A government assessment released in March already offered a grim preview of the possible fallout, estimating that an additional 250,000 people—including 50,000 children—could be pushed into relative poverty by the end of the decade if the reforms go ahead as planned. The letter also stresses that any meaningful reform of the benefits system must involve collaboration with disabled people and their representative organisations. “We also need to invest in creating job opportunities and ensure the law is robust enough to provide employment protections against discrimination,” the MPs wrote. “Without a change in direction, the green paper will be impossible to support.” This backlash comes at a difficult moment for Sir Keir and his leadership team, following disappointing results in the recent local elections. Labour lost the Runcorn by-election and control of Doncaster Council to Nigel Farage’s Reform UK, raising questions about the party’s electoral strategy and direction. Internal party tensions are rising, with MPs from traditional northern constituencies urging a stronger stance on immigration, while those representing urban and metropolitan areas caution against alienating progressive voters who might turn to the Greens or other left-wing alternatives. In response to the unrest, Starmer dispatched Pat McFadden, his chief cabinet enforcer, to reassure MPs in a private meeting on Wednesday night. Addressing a group of around 100 MPs, McFadden acknowledged the political storm brewing and sought to refocus the party. He warned that Labour was now facing “the fight of our lives” against the populist surge led by Nigel Farage. As the government prepares for a parliamentary vote on the welfare reforms, it remains to be seen whether Starmer can maintain party unity—or whether this rebellion will mark a deeper ideological fracture within Labour. Adpated by ASEAN Now from Sky News 2025-05-10 -
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Columbia's Firm Response to Protest Gets Trump Administration Support Amid Federal Funding
Columbia's Firm Response to Protest Garners Trump Administration Support Amid Federal Funding Battle The Trump administration has publicly praised Columbia University for its decisive handling of a recent pro-Palestinian protest, signaling approval of the Ivy League school’s shift toward stronger disciplinary measures as it negotiates to restore lost federal funding. On Wednesday, demonstrators occupied the university’s main library, reigniting tensions reminiscent of last spring’s turbulent protests. The administration commended Acting President Claire Shipman for what it described as a “strong and resolute” stance, stating she “has met the moment with fortitude and conviction.” “Disruptions to our academic activities will not be tolerated and are violations of our rules and policies,” Shipman stated firmly. She confirmed that she had called upon the NYPD to assist in securing the library after tensions escalated. Two campus security officers were reportedly injured when protesters forced entry into the building. Behind the scenes, Columbia is navigating sensitive and consequential discussions with the federal government concerning the reinstatement of its federal funding. The Trump administration has proposed a consent decree—a legal agreement that would place the university under federal judicial oversight to ensure compliance with specific terms. This proposal follows the Biden-era White House’s move in March to cancel approximately $400 million in federal grants and contracts. That decision stemmed from concerns that Columbia failed to adequately protect Jewish students during previous pro-Palestinian demonstrations, which some perceived as fostering an antisemitic environment. Wednesday’s response from Columbia stood in stark contrast to its approach during last year’s campus unrest. In 2024, sprawling encampments and occasionally violent demonstrations forced the administration to shift classes online and cancel the school’s main commencement ceremony. This time, university leadership acted quickly to curtail the disruption and maintain control of campus facilities. The protest was organized in part by a group called Columbia University Apartheid Divest, which used social media to rally supporters. “BRING NOISE, WEAR MASK,” read one post encouraging participation. Protesters wearing kaffiyeh scarves and face coverings stormed the library shortly after 3 p.m. Police were called to the scene by 3:55 p.m., and arrests followed soon after. In a televised interview later that evening, New York City Mayor Eric Adams weighed in, urging parents to speak with their children about appropriate forms of protest. “This is not what you do on a college campus, particularly going inside a library and protesting in this manner,” Adams said. In a seperate incident a terrorist-supporting anti-Israel protester was charged with federal hate crimes, prosecutors said Wednesday, after he allegedly carried out three separate assaults on Jewish people in New York City — including some who are students at Columbia University. Adpated by ASEAN Now from Wall Street Journal | NBC 2025-05-10
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