New measures to put neighbourhood bobbies back on beat
The Government has announced a major new initiative to restore neighbourhood policing, aiming to rebuild public trust and enhance community safety. Under the Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee, 13,000 additional officers will be deployed by 2029 - an increase of more than 50%. Every neighbourhood will have named, contactable officers and guaranteed police patrols during peak times, ending the postcode lottery in law enforcement standards. Each police force will also appoint an antisocial behaviour lead to respond to local issues with tailored action plans. The initiative includes new powers through the Crime and Policing Bill to address antisocial behaviour, shoplifting, and phone theft. Retailers and hospitality leaders have welcomed the measures, recognising visible policing as essential for revitalising high streets and ensuring safe neighbourhoods across the UK.
Ofcom investigates suicide forum linked to at least fifty deaths
Ofcom has launched its first investigation under the new Online Safety Act into a pro-suicide forum linked to at least fifty UK deaths. The anonymous website, which cannot be named for legal reasons, hosts disturbing content promoting suicide methods and substances - some linked to Kenneth Law, a Canadian cook charged with 14 counts of murder. The forum has tens of thousands of users, including children, and was instrumental in promoting Law’s deadly poison before his 2023 arrest. Families of victims are urging Ofcom to act swiftly, noting the site remains active and continues to attract vulnerable individuals. Campaigners like Melanie Saville, whose brother-in-law Joe died after visiting the site, have spent years lobbying for its closure. Though Ofcom now has the authority to fine platforms or seek court orders for removal, enforcement could prove difficult as the site is hosted in the USA. Campaigners warn that delay may cost more lives, while the forum’s operators claim censorship and are seeking cryptocurrency donations to keep the site open.
At-home saliva test for prostate cancer better than blood test?
A new at-home saliva test assessing genetic risk has shown greater accuracy than the current PSA blood test in detecting prostate cancer, according to a major UK study. The spit test, which evaluates 130 genetic variants to calculate a polygenic risk score (PRS), was found to be more effective at identifying aggressive prostate cancers than traditional PSA testing. Led by Prof Ros Eeles at the Institute of Cancer Research in London, the study demonstrated that 40% of high-risk men flagged by the test were diagnosed with cancer, compared to 25% diagnosed through PSA testing. Moreover, the saliva test detected a higher proportion of aggressive cancers. This non-invasive, inexpensive tool could improve early diagnosis and reduce unnecessary treatments linked to false positives from PSA tests. Researchers are also developing updated versions of the test tailored for men of Asian and African heritage. While further research is needed to confirm long-term outcomes, experts hope the PRS test could soon revolutionise screening for men most at risk, offering better protection and peace of mind.
‘Christians fed up with being pushed out’: protests over cancelled Easter
Around fifty Christians protested outside Norwood Primary School in Eastleigh, after the school cancelled its traditional Easter bonnet parade and church service. Headteacher Stephanie Mander informed parents that the decision aimed to foster an inclusive environment, opting instead for classroom lessons and craft activities about the meaning of Easter. Protesters accused the school of marginalising Christianity. Banners declared messages like 'Jesus is King' and 'Let’s cancel her’, referring to the headteacher. Protesters distributed Easter eggs and prayed collectively at the end of the demonstration. A smaller counter-protest of parents defended the school’s decision, citing concerns about promoting division and noting financial pressures on families that may have influenced the cancellation. Police were present, but no arrests were made. The event has reignited broader concerns among some Christians about feeling increasingly sidelined within educational institutions and society at large.
