The British pound has dropped to its lowest level in nine months, following a rise in UK ten-year borrowing costs to their highest point since 2008. These elevated costs could lead to tax increases or spending cuts as the UK government works to meet borrowing targets. The Government, awaiting forecasts from the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) in March, emphasised the importance of stable public finances for economic growth. Opposition figures criticised current borrowing strategies, with some calling for more fiscal discipline to build resilience. Globally, rising borrowing costs, partly influenced by uncertainty surrounding Donald Trump’s proposed tariffs, have contributed to inflation concerns and investor unease. Experts warn these trends could disrupt investment promises and necessitate recalibrated spending plans.

A predator who groomed an under-age girl online and tried to murder her in the street has been jailed for 43 years. Ellis Dismore, 24, had sent threatening and disturbing voice messages to members of his victim's family before he repeatedly stabbed her, police said. The knife attack in broad daylight in Middlesbrough in June 2023 was captured on a passing motorist's dashcam, and the teenager was saved when members of the public stepped in to help. Dismore was found guilty of attempted murder and more than twenty other offences against young girls including stalking and making indecent photographs of a child. After he sent her relatives a series of chilling messages, the police were told about what was happening. A CPS spokesperson said: 'Ellis Dismore is a dangerous and violent sexual predator who manipulated his young victims into sexual activity through fear and intimidation. We sincerely hope that the part they have each played in jailing such a dangerous man will bring them some measure of comfort.'

Northern Ireland’s economy minister, Conor Murphy, has warned that the UK’s new Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme could severely impact tourism. Starting this week, visitors from 48 additional countries must apply for an ETA, costing £10 per person, before entering the UK. The digital permit, linked to passports, is valid for two years and allows multiple stays of up to six months. Murphy is lobbying Westminster to exempt Northern Ireland from the scheme, emphasising that 70% of international tourists arrive via the Republic of Ireland and could be discouraged by this added cost and process. He suggested a seven-day exemption for short-term visitors, highlighting tourism’s significant contribution to the Northern Ireland economy in 2023 and its importance as a peace process success story. Tour operators and tourism bodies voiced concerns that the added expense could deter visitors from visiting iconic destinations like the Giant’s Causeway. The Government, defending the ETA as a streamlined, secure system, has pledged to work with the tourism industry to address concerns.

The proposed Children’s Welfare and Schools Bill raises serious concerns for Christian parents and home educators in the UK. Critics, such as Steve Beegoo of Christian Concern, argue that the bill threatens parental freedoms, increases state overreach, and places undue suspicion on home-educating families. The bill includes measures like assigning unique identifiers to children, maintaining local registers, and requiring detailed reports of educational arrangements, including religious instruction. Critics worry this data could be misused or disproportionately target Christian families. Parents could face inspections to justify their educational choices, with penalties for non-compliance, such as fines or imprisonment. Local authorities might prevent parents from withdrawing children from schools, presuming guilt without evidence. This is particularly concerning for parents opposing ideologies, such as transgenderism, which conflict with their beliefs. Christian Concern highlights the rushed nature of the bill, calling it a significant intrusion into family life. It urges prayer, advocacy, and action to protect parental rights and ensure children are raised in environments aligned with biblical values.

Several NHS trusts in England have declared critical incidents amid a significant rise in flu cases. Hospitals are facing 'exceptionally high' demand, particularly in emergency departments, driven by a surge in respiratory illnesses. NHS data shows that the number of patients hospitalised with flu in England has quadrupled over the past month, exacerbated by cold weather. The Royal Liverpool University Hospital, the largest in Merseyside and Cheshire, stated that while it has a comprehensive plan to address the challenges, some patients will experience delays as priority is given to the most critical cases. It is working with partner organisations to discharge medically fit patients promptly to free up space. Non-emergency patients are being urged to use alternative services like GPs, pharmacies, walk-in centres, or the NHS 111 helpline.

The Church of England enters uncertain times as Justin Welby steps down amidst controversy over handling abuse cases. Welby resigned in November after an inquiry found he failed to address abuses by John Smyth, a former volunteer at Christian summer camps. Welby accepted 'personal and institutional responsibility' for the failures. Archbishop of York Stephen Cottrell will act as interim leader until a permanent successor is appointed, a process that could take six months. However, Cottrell faces scrutiny over his handling of a case involving priest David Tudor, whom he allowed to continue serving despite restrictions. Tudor was later banned for life, and Cottrell has apologised for delayed action. The Church is also grappling with broader challenges, including declining Christian identification in Britain and internal divisions over its stance on same-sex couples. Experts warn that the absence of stable leadership may further jeopardise governance and safeguarding efforts within the Church.

Aberdeenshire solicitor Gordon M Hay has been awarded an MBE for his pioneering translation of the entire Bible into Doric, a variant of the Scots language. Spanning 17 years, his work includes the New Testament, published in 2012, and the Old Testament, completed in 2022. This milestone marks the first time the entire Bible has been translated into any Scots dialect. Hay’s translation journey began in 2006 when he was asked to translate passages for the Buchan Heritage Society's annual Doric service. Encouraged by the positive reception, he embarked on the monumental task of translating both Testaments, producing over 800,000 words. His contributions have garnered recognition from the Scottish Parliament and royal circles, with invitations to read at Crathie Kirk by the now King Charles III. A dedicated Church of Scotland elder for 30 years, Hay also translates literary classics, writes Doric nursery rhymes, and plays the organ. He remains an active cultural ambassador for the Doric language.

Sir Keir Starmer marked 2024 as a 'year of change' in his first New Year message as prime minister. He acknowledged the challenges encountered since his election victory in July, in managing the economy and shaping the country's future, but remained optimistic about progress. Outlining his 'Plan for Change’, he emphasised initiatives such as raising the minimum wage, reducing NHS waiting lists, securing clean energy projects, and building 1.5 million new homes. He vowed to fight for a 'rebuilding' year and a brighter future, focusing on security and prosperity for all citizens. Despite criticisms, Starmer pledged his government’s dedication to restoring national confidence and achieving tangible results. Other party leaders echoed themes of change in their New Year messages: Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch highlighted her party’s renewal efforts, Lib Dem leader Sir Ed Davey called for bolder reforms, and Reform UK leader Nigel Farage lamented perceived national decline.

At least 1,300 people were evacuated across Greater Manchester on New Year’s Day following severe flooding caused by heavy rain. A major incident was declared as many areas faced widespread damage. Rivers, including the Mersey and Tame, burst their banks, submerging roads, homes, and businesses. Emergency services coordinated efforts to rescue residents. Boats were deployed to evacuate hundreds, including 500 from a migrant hotel in Didsbury and 400 from an apartment complex in Stockport. Power cuts affecting 2,800 properties were reported. Emergency shelters were set up in affected areas, while videos showed dramatic rescues and submerged vehicles. Despite the chaos, no serious injuries were reported. Chief superintendent Colette Rose praised public cooperation and emergency services for their swift response. The flooding has eased in some areas, but authorities continue to monitor the situation and provide support to displaced residents. See

The proportion of cancer patients diagnosed at early stages has reached a record high in England, with 58.7% of cases identified at stages one and two between September 2023 and August 2024. This marks a 2.7 percentage point rise since before the pandemic, significantly improving survival rates. Public awareness campaigns and innovative screening approaches, such as mobile lung and liver cancer screenings, have been credited for the progress. However, challenges remain. England is still well short of its target to diagnose 75% of cancers at early stages by 2028. Nearly one in three patients faces delays of over 62 days from urgent referrals to starting treatment. NHS England’s national cancer director, Dame Cally Palmer, acknowledged the progress but pointed out the need for further improvement, as the UK lags well behind other European nations. Cancer Research UK also called for a fully-funded national cancer plan to enhance resources and transform care. Early detection saved patients like Paul Nelson, 72, whose cancer was found through routine checks.