UK sends warship to NATO defence exercise
HMS Prince of Wales, Britain's largest warship, has embarked for Norway to spearhead a significant NATO exercise, the largest since the Cold War. The Portsmouth-based aircraft carrier, replacing HMS Queen Elizabeth due to a technical issue, was made ready in just a week, showcasing the Royal Navy's quick response capabilities and the strategic advantage of having two aircraft carriers. The carrier will lead a strike group of eight ships, including British, American, Spanish, and Danish vessels. The exercise will demonstrate NATO's unity and strength, involving over 20,000 UK personnel and focusing on defending Scandinavia and Northern Europe. The carrier, equipped with F-35B Lightning fighters and various helicopters, will first undergo a week's training in the North Sea. 600 vehicles are being shipped from the UK to Germany to join the exercise, which will Involve 90,000 NATO troops. See
Body Shop staff fear company will be broken up
The Body Shop, acquired by the German restructuring firm Aurelius, faces uncertainty as employees fear job losses and store closures. Aurelius, known for breaking up companies like Lloyds Pharmacy, also has a history of retaining some businesses, such as Footasylum. While Aurelius's intentions remain unclear, its track record suggests possible restructuring rather than total dissolution. The Body Shop's situation is precarious, with the closure of its home-selling arm and refusal to pay long-term bonuses to employees. The company's loss-making European business was recently separated and sold to Alma24, linked to Aurelius. This move, along with the UK arm's administration, is seen as a cost-cutting strategy, potentially leading to the closure of up to half of its 200 UK stores. Administration allows handling redundancy payments and lease obligations without burdening Aurelius. Despite the potential downsizing, the UK business is considered crucial for supporting the Body Shop's international network, indicating a likely survival in a restructured form.
Two bodies discovered in the Thames
The Met has reported that two bodies have been found in the River Thames, less than a mile apart. A spokesperson stated that investigations are under way to identify the dead men and inform their relatives. The police confirmed that these findings are not related to Abdul Ezedi, a suspect in a Clapham acid attack, who is believed to have jumped into the river on 31 January. The Port of London Authority says that an average of 31 people die in the Thames each year, 90% as a result of suicide. See
Shoplifting at highest level in twenty years
Shoplifting in England and Wales has reached its highest level in two decades, with over 400,000 incidents reported for the first time since 2002. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) revealed a sharp increase from 304,459 cases in the previous year to 402,000 in the year up to September 2023. The rise coincides with the ongoing cost-of-living crisis, exacerbated by escalating prices and post-Christmas financial strain. A survey indicated that 84% of people expected January to be financially challenging due to increased costs and holiday spending. There was a 4.3% inflation rate in December 2023, despite a slight decrease in food inflation from 7.7% in November. Rising food prices continue to affect millions. Major retailers, including Co-op, reported substantial losses due to shoplifting. In response, the Government has launched an action plan to address the issue, with ongoing efforts to combat the crime.
Ukraine: Avdiivka close to being surrounded by Russian forces
In a makeshift field hospital near Avdiivka, a surgeon is treating soldiers for frostbite and shrapnel wounds as the war with Russia nears its two-year anniversary. With exhaustion and frustration mounting among defenders due to weapon shortages and the absence of a swift victory, casualties are rising. Vitalii, a former children's hospital surgeon, said, ‘I urge the West to be more decisive in assisting Ukraine; otherwise sooner or later their soldiers will (also) have to fight against this evil that has invaded our country.’ After many months, the Kremlin's forces appear close to surrounding the ruins of Avdiivka, with some Ukrainian soldiers privately admitting that the town, scene of some of the heaviest fighting of the war so far, could fall at any moment. In such dire circumstances, the resilience of the Ukrainian soldiers shines through as they continue to fight against overwhelming odds.
Russia: new law targets critics of the military
On 14 February Vladimir Putin signed a law enabling authorities to seize assets from individuals convicted of spreading false information about the military. The law, approved swiftly by parliament, targets those discrediting the government or inciting extremism, potentially affecting exiled critics who have property in Russia. A Kremlin spokesman dismissed concerns about misuse, stating it aims to penalise traitors and scoundrels. The law expands on existing legislation which is used to silence dissent, particularly about the war in Ukraine. Thousands have faced imprisonment or fines for criticising the government. The timing of this new law, a month before the election in March, underscores the restricted political environment in Russia. Putin’s main rival Alexey Navalny is in prison, and Boris Nadezhdin, critical of the war in Ukraine, has been barred from standing.