Scottish Labour stunned by rebellion on winter fuel payments
Two Scottish Labour MPs have surprised their leader Anas Sarwar by voting against the party line in support of a non-binding motion urging the UK government to reverse cuts to the winter fuel payment. The motion, proposed by first minister John Swinney, was passed by a large majority, with members of all other parties, including the Scottish Conservatives, backing it. Making this payment dependent on means testing, part of a broader debate about austerity measures inherited from the Conservative government, is opposed by the SNP. Sarwar defended Labour’s position, arguing that the Chancellor did not want to cut the payment but was constrained by the economic challenges left by the previous administration. However, critics have warned that the cuts would force many elderly citizens to choose between heating and eating this winter.
‘Bonkers’ plan to reach net zero by importing from North Korea
The Government’s plan to import biomass from countries like North Korea and Afghanistan to meet its net-zero targets has drawn sharp criticism, with experts labelling the strategy as ‘bonkers’. The plan, outlined in a bioenergy resource model, suggests a significant expansion of imported energy crops and wood to meet future demands. Critics argue that the reliance on biomass is flawed, especially considering its questionable role in reducing carbon emissions. The strategy assumes significant increases in global crop yields and overlooks the challenges posed by climate change and deforestation. Additionally, questions remain about whether countries like North Korea can comply with sustainability criteria. Further concerns include the impact on biodiversity, soil health, and Indigenous rights. A legal challenge against the biomass strategy claims it undermines the UK's ability to achieve net-zero by 2050.
Row over plans to transform derelict church into mosque
A controversial plan to convert St John the Evangelist Church in Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent, into a mosque has ignited tensions in the community. The Grade 2 listed church, built in 1788, has been unused since the 1980s after its tower was declared unsafe. Purchased by Darul Falah Mosque for £140,000 in 2022, the building's transformation into a mosque has been blocked by the CofE due to a covenant prohibiting its use for non-Christian worship. The church has since become a target for vandalism, with boarded-up stained glass windows and security guards posted outside. The proposal has divided local residents; some welcome the building's revival, but others mourn the loss of its Christian heritage. This dispute comes amidst a broader national context of declining church attendance, rising numbers of Muslims, and growing tensions surrounding immigration. The church also became a focal point during the anti-immigration August 2024 riots.
Ukraine: Zelensky optimistic as he meets different leaders
Volodymyr Zelensky has expressed optimism that the current battlefield dynamics could create a chance to end Russia’s invasion by 2025. Speaking at a summit meeting in Dubrovnik, Croatia, he highlighted the importance of Ukraine’s allies, particularly the USA, in achieving peace and long-term stability. He noted that October, November, and December present ‘a real chance’ for decisive action, but did not explain how that would happen. Russian forces now hold nearly 20% of Ukraine's territory, and are closing in on another key town, Toretsk. Zelensky also called for Ukraine’s integration into NATO as a means to strengthen its position in any potential negotiations with Russia. At the time of writing he is in London, to meet Keir Starmer and Mark Rutte, NATO’s secretary general, and will then fly to Rome to meet Pope Francis.
