Christian leaders launch Westminster Declaration to ‘re-Christianise’ Britain
Christian leaders, theologians, and public figures have signed the 2025 Westminster Declaration, calling for the 're-Christianisation' of Britain. The document argues that by ignoring the nation’s Christian heritage, society has endangered human life, weakened families, and lost a unifying vision. It highlights pressing issues such as abortion, assisted dying, sex education, marriage, biological sex, and the rapid advance of artificial intelligence, insisting that religious freedom must not be subordinated to political agendas. Fiona Bruce described a 'spiritual battle' in politics, urging more Christians to enter public life to shape debate. Michael Nazir Ali said a new declaration was necessary, given today’s challenges, while journalist Robin Aitken, hosting the launch, said that Christianity provides the best blueprint for human flourishing. Organisers hope to gather over 100,000 signatures to press for renewed recognition of Christian principles in national life. The declaration’s aim is not only to defend freedoms but to actively reassert faith as central to Britain’s moral and cultural renewal. See
No 'golden ticket' for refugees, says Starmer
Keir Starmer will announce major asylum policy reforms at a European summit in Copenhagen. Refugees granted asylum in the UK will no longer automatically receive settlement or family reunion rights, ending a longstanding route suspended in September. Previously, asylum-seekers could sponsor immediate family without meeting visa, income, or language requirements. Under the new policy, gaining indefinite leave to remain will take longer than the current five years, with a new benchmark of around ten years, though timescales may vary depending on individual contribution to UK society. Starmer insists settlement must be 'earned' and not seen as a 'golden ticket’. Along with these changes, the UK will partner with Denmark, investing £3m to address migration causes in the Western Balkans and encourage local job creation. Starmer argues the reforms will deter small boat crossings while still allowing sanctuary for genuine refugees. Critics fear the changes risk undermining family unity for those fleeing persecution. See
Reeves set to lift two-child benefit cap in budget?
Rachel Reeves is expected to announce changes to the two-child benefit cap in November’s Budget, amid growing pressure to scrap the policy introduced by George Osborne under Conservative austerity measures. The cap currently limits child benefit payments to the first two children in a family, affecting 1.6 million children. Campaigners argue its removal would be the single most effective step in reducing child poverty. She has convened a government taskforce on child poverty and signalled she will act on its recommendations, though she stresses financial constraints must be considered. Options include abolishing the cap outright or introducing a tapered system, potentially limiting payments for larger families or linking them to working parents on universal credit. Keir Starmer has already pledged extended free school meals as part of efforts to end child poverty, saying 'a Britain where no child is hungry' is central to Labour’s vision. Critics warn of significant cost implications, while supporters say families cannot wait for relief.
Hackers delete children's pictures and data after nursery attack backlash
Hackers who targeted Kido Schools, a nursery chain, by stealing and publishing sensitive images and personal data of around 8,000 children, have backtracked after widespread public outrage. The group, calling themselves Radiant, initially demanded a ransom of £600,000 in bitcoin, threatening to continue releasing profiles. Parents even received direct threatening calls. Following condemnation, the hackers blurred photos, later removed all data, and apologised, claiming it was deleted. Experts remain sceptical, noting cyber-criminals often falsely promise deletion while retaining or selling stolen material. Radiant appears inexperienced and may have underestimated the moral backlash of exploiting children. Much of the stolen content came from Kido’s use of Famly, a popular education platform, though Famly insists its infrastructure was not breached. Kido confirmed the incident is under investigation with external specialists and authorities.
