9 h. ago Diane Abbott criticises Government for rejecting Sentencing Council guidance

New guidelines from the independent Sentencing Council were scheduled to come into force earlier this month but were delayed.

Politics

15 h. ago Scottish Government dodges defence investment reform despite war in Ukraine

Scottish Labour MP Gregor Poynton’s call for the Scottish National Investment Bank to support Scotland’s defence industry has been stonewalled by the SNP Government, sparking fresh criticism over its lack of support for national and allied security.

Politics

7 d. ago Mastermind who plotted Manchester bombing has appeal for sentence to be reduced rejected

Abid Naseer had demanded his 40-year sentence be reduced to 15 years, making him eligible for release and a possible return to the UK

Events

8 d. ago Government Bill to block new sentencing guidelines clears first Commons test

The proposals were brought forward following claims of a ‘two-tier’ justice system.

Politics

1 week ago Trump has found in El Salvador a model for the repressive state he wants to build – and he’s just getting started | Jordana Timerman

Nayib Bukele has shown how brutal control can be sustained not just through force, but by raising the cost of speaking outThe Terrorism Confinement Center (Cecot) maximum security prison in El Salvador is the crown jewel of President Nayib Bukele’s efforts to quash not only criminal gangs, but also criticism and political opposition to his government. The “mega-prison” is also one of the more visible destinations in the emerging map of American deportations – a sprawling archipelago that includes conservative US districts, the Guantánamo military base and Central American waypoints connected by a tangle of military and charter flights.That the two states have connected their penal architecture is no coincidence. Donald Trump’s aggressive policies towards foreigners build on Bukele’s infamous iron fist crackdown against criminal gangs: it’s a political toolkit that leverages anti-establishment anger to justify an authoritarian slide. In deploying strongman tactics to address social c...

Politics

2 w. ago Hundreds of former Mossad operatives criticise Israel’s return to war in Gaza

Over 250 former intelligence agency figures back letter urging prioritising return of hostages held in GazaHundreds of former operatives from Israel’s Mossad intelligence agency have criticised the return to war in Gaza amid growing frustration over the failure to bring home the remaining hostages held by Hamas.A group of more than 250 former Mossad figures – including three ex-chiefs – gave their backing to a letter first signed by air force veterans and reservists that urged the Israeli government to prioritise bringing back the hostages over fighting Hamas in Gaza. Continue reading...

Politics

2 w. ago UK Government accused of double standards in plan to save British Steel

Welsh Politicians criticised the Government’s plans to save jobs in Scunthorpe, suggesting it failed to do the same for Port Talbot.

Politics

3 w. ago New child protection authority to be created as government criticised for 'no real progress' on abuse inquiries

It will 'provide national leadership and learning' the government say

Culture

4 w. ago Government announces £50m for adoption fund after concerns over delay

MPs from across the House criticised the Government for the delayed announcement, accusing it of leaving children in ‘limbo’.

Economics