Migrant removed to France returns to UK on small boat
A migrant who was deported to France under the UK’s new “one in, one out” return scheme has crossed the Channel again and re-entered Britain. The Iranian man, removed on 19 September, reportedly fled back four days ago, saying he feared for his life in France after being abused and threatened by smuggling gangs. He told *The Guardian* that he was treated “like a worthless object,” forced to work, and threatened with a gun. Human rights advocates say his case exposes serious flaws in the rushed removals process, claiming some deported individuals received inadequate legal advice and faced mistreatment. The Home Office insists it will not tolerate “abuse of our borders” and that anyone re-entering illegally will again be removed. The UK-France treaty aims to deter Channel crossings by returning migrants whose asylum claims are rejected while accepting others with legitimate protection needs. Despite this, crossings continue to rise, now exceeding 36,800 so far this year.
Grooming gang victims say Jess Phillips should quit with inquiry in crisis
The government’s grooming gang inquiry has plunged into crisis after Jim Gamble, its expected chair, withdrew, calling it a “toxic political football.” His resignation followed that of four survivor-panel members, who said they would only return if safeguarding minister Jess Phillips resigned. Victims accused Phillips of lying to MPs and publicly discrediting survivors to “save her own skin.” Fiona Goddard, a grooming gang survivor, produced evidence contradicting Phillips’s claims about the inquiry’s scope. Senior Conservatives and some Labour MPs have joined calls for her resignation, while children’s minister Josh MacAlister defended her record as a “lifelong advocate for victims.” In an attempt to stabilise the process, Sir Keir Starmer appointed Baroness Casey to advise on rebuilding trust and appointing a new chair, insisting the inquiry “will never be watered down.” Jim Gamble and Annie Hudson both withdrew from the process to be appointed as Chair of the inquiry. Gamble said he withdrew because the process had become politically poisoned, overshadowing the voices of victims the inquiry was meant to serve. Survivors now await leadership they can trust. See
Christian bank ranked among top 500 fastest growing UK companies
Kingdom Bank, a Christian financial institution dedicated to serving churches and believers, has been listed among the UK’s 500 fastest-growing companies. Ranked 380th overall, the bank attributes its success to God’s provision and the faithfulness of Christians who save with them. Their deposits enable the bank to provide mortgages for evangelical churches seeking permanent buildings for worship and community outreach. Chief Executive Paul Houghton said the recognition reflects “the increasing and urgent demand from churches across the UK” and the vital role of faith-based finance in supporting Gospel ministry. Kingdom Bank was also placed 302nd for profit and 193rd for profit margin, with all surpluses reinvested to expand lending capacity to churches, charities, and ministry workers. Looking ahead, the bank’s continued growth depends on more Christians choosing to save with them. “Every pound saved helps more churches secure a permanent home for mission,” said Houghton, reaffirming Kingdom Bank’s vision to strengthen the Church’s long-term witness across the UK.
Wegovy and Ozempic shown to slash risk of heart attack and stroke
Groundbreaking research has revealed that the diabetes and weight-loss drug semaglutide—sold as Ozempic and Wegovy—can significantly reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes, even for patients who do not lose much weight. The global trial, involving over 17,000 participants across 41 countries, found that semaglutide cut major cardiovascular events by around 14–20%. Researchers discovered that shrinking waist size accounted for about one-third of the benefit, but two-thirds remained unexplained, suggesting the drug directly protects heart health rather than simply improving it through weight loss. Professor John Deanfield of University College London said the results “reframe what we think this medication is doing,” calling it a “disease-modifying therapy for ageing.” Experts describe the findings as “profound,” urging that the drug’s use not be limited to severely obese patients. However, they also cautioned that side effects must be carefully monitored as its use expands. The breakthrough could mark the most significant advance in cardiovascular medicine since statins.
