THREAD: uk suspends

UK’S BOLD Move: PUBERTY Blockers Banned for Kids Indefinitely

12 December 2024 — The United Kingdom has decided to keep puberty blockers outlawed for children, Health Secretary Wes Streeting announced. He emphasized that children’s healthcare must be evidence-based. The Commission on Human Medicines found current treatments for gender dysphoria pose safety risks.

Streeting cited the Cass Review, which questioned the benefits of puberty blockers and highlighted significant risks. He stressed the need for caution when dealing with vulnerable young people and following expert advice. Clinical trials will continue next year to establish a clear evidence base for these drugs.

The government plans to work with NHS England to open new gender identity services after closing Tavistock Centre over safety concerns. Puberty blockers were banned by NHS in March, followed by emergency legislation in May prohibiting prescriptions for minors in all healthcare sectors.

TransActual UK challenged the ban legally, claiming it was unlawful to use emergency powers this way, but Britain’s High Court upheld it. The decision was influenced by Dr Hilary Cass’s report that undermined key aspects of the transgenderism movement’s arguments regarding children’s treatment.

BRITAIN’S SHOCKING Plan: 1,700 Prisoners to be Freed Amid Crisis

09 September 2024 — Prime Minister Keir Starmer plans to release around 1,700 prisoners this week to address Britain’s prison overcrowding crisis. This move follows the government’s crackdown on anti-mass migration riots. Prison officials will stagger releases to prevent rival gang conflicts.

The government has reduced the required time behind bars for some offenders from 50% to just 40% of their sentence. Serious offenders like murderers and terrorists are excluded, but domestic abusers will be among those released. A “high proportion” of freed inmates will reportedly be domestic abusers.

Domestic abuse commissioner Nicole Jacobs warned that about a third of victims might not be informed of their attackers’ release, increasing the risk of further attacks. She emphasized the importance of ensuring victims are not overlooked in these changes and maintaining justice and fairness in the process.

UK SUSPENDS ARMS Exports To Israel: Critics Fear Hamas Empowered

03 September 2024 — The new leftist UK government has suspended several weapons export licenses to Israel. Despite Labour leadership claiming the decision was apolitical, critics argue it emboldens Hamas. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the move as “shameful,” noting British citizens were among those killed and held hostage by Hamas.

British Jews, including Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis, criticized the suspension, arguing it falsely portrays Israel as violating International Humanitarian Law. They emphasized the need for solidarity against common threats from Iran and its proxies. The Board of Deputies of British Jews expressed “deep concern,” warning that the decision sends a dangerous message to terrorists.

UK Defence Minister John Healey defended the action as adherence to international law, not political bias. He informed Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant before making the announcement public. Critics remain unconvinced, viewing this as a misguided step during Israel’s critical time of need.

UK BRACES for MORE Violence Amid Anti-Immigrant Unrest

09 August 2024 — British authorities are preparing for more unrest despite efforts to stop far-right demonstrations. Prime Minister Keir Starmer emphasized the need for continued vigilance after a week of anti-immigrant violence across the country.

Starmer spoke to reporters at a mosque in Solihull, highlighting ongoing emergency meetings with law enforcement. “It’s important that we don’t let up here,” he stated, stressing the importance of planning for the coming days.

Police had anticipated widespread disorder after far-right activists listed over 100 sites to target, including immigration lawyers’ offices. However, these protests did not materialize as police and counter-protesters took to the streets in large numbers.

Carrying signs like “Refugees Welcome” and chanting “Whose streets? Our streets,” counter-protesters protected asylum service centers and immigration attorneys’ offices from potential attacks. The situation remains tense as authorities stay on high alert for future disturbances.

LABOUR SCRAPS Rwanda Plan, Sparks Outrage Over Immigration

06 July 2024 — The Labour government has abandoned the plan to send illegal immigrants to Rwanda for asylum processing. This scheme, introduced by ex-PM Boris Johnson in 2022, aimed to address the migrant crisis in the English Channel. A party insider confirmed that the plan is "dead.

Critics argue that Prime Minister Rishi Sunak knew the Rwanda plan wouldn’t work and called an election to avoid embarrassment from potential European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) interventions. Nigel Farage had previously suggested this was Sunak’s strategy.

Unlike Farage, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer opposes withdrawing from the ECHR and seeks closer ties with the EU on immigration matters. Starmer may even consider accepting a quota of EU migrants annually in exchange for a returns policy.

Scrapping the Rwanda policy means forfeiting £270 million already sent to Kigali but saves future payments of £50 million each in 2025 and 2026. The Conservatives had claimed this policy would deter future boat migrants, a stance now abandoned by Labour.

BRITAIN HALTS Arrests: Chaos Looms Amid Prison Crisis

23 May 2024 — The National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) has advised British police to suspend “non-priority arrests” and halt operations that could lead to many arrests, according to the Times of London. The NPCC memo stressed that public protection remains a priority but suggested pausing certain activities to ease pressure on the criminal justice system.

The advice includes not jailing suspects for alleged burglaries if on-the-scene forensics or CCTV reviews are pending. Non-intelligence operations that can be delayed should be postponed. However, large-scale protests and public events should still be prioritized by police forces.

This guidance comes as male prisons face potential overcrowding by June due to judicial delays from COVID-19 lockdowns and barrister strikes. To address this, the government extended an emergency early-release scheme allowing some prisoners, excluding sex offenders and terrorists, to be released up to 70 days early starting Thursday.

Additionally, the government approved delaying court cases, meaning some suspects will be released on bail while awaiting trial rather than being held in custody. The Ministry of Justice has not disclosed how many prisoners have been freed under these measures since their implementation in October.

UK Government BLASTS ICC Over Netanyahu Arrest Warrants

21 May 2024 — The British government has criticized the International Criminal Court (ICC) for seeking arrest warrants against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Hamas leaders. UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak called the move “deeply unhelpful” during a summit in Vienna, emphasizing that there is no moral equivalence between Israel’s self-defense and Hamas’s terrorism. Sunak’s stance aligns with U.S. President Biden, who labeled the ICC’s action as "outrageous.

Cabinet minister Michael Gove echoed these sentiments, accusing the ICC of double standards by targeting Netanyahu while ignoring Syria’s Bashar al-Assad. Gove argued that this narrative aims to delegitimize Israel by holding it to higher standards than other nations. The British government maintains that the ICC lacks jurisdiction over Israel since it is not a party to the Rome Statute.

However, Labour’s David Lammy supports the ICC’s decision, citing a legal obligation for signatories of the Rome Statute to comply with its orders. Lammy accused Conservatives of undermining international law by criticizing the court. This legalistic approach contrasts sharply with current government lawyers who argue that Palestine is not recognized as a state by many countries, including the UK, thus invalidating any jurisdiction over Israel by the ICC.

UK Government’s CLIMATE STRATEGY Crumbles Under Court Scrutiny

03 May 2024 — A High Court judge has ruled the UK government’s climate strategy illegal, marking another significant setback. This decision is the second time in two years that the government has failed to meet its legal emissions targets. Justice Clive Sheldon highlighted that the plan lacked credible evidence to support its feasibility.

The scrutinized Carbon Budget Delivery Plan was intended to drastically cut greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and reach net zero by 2050. Yet, Justice Sheldon criticized it for being “vague and unquantified,” pointing out a serious lack of detail and clarity in the proposal.

Environmental organizations argued successfully that the government did not disclose vital details about how it would implement its strategy to Parliament. This omission of information hindered proper legislative oversight and played a pivotal role in the plan’s rejection by the court.

This ruling sends a clear message about accountability and transparency needed in governmental actions, especially concerning environmental policies critical for future generations.

UK’S RECORD Military Aid to UKRAINE: A Bold Stand Against Russian Aggression

23 April 2024 — Britain has unveiled its largest military aid package for Ukraine, totaling £500 million. This significant boost raises the UK’s total support to £3 billion for the current financial year. The comprehensive package includes 60 boats, 400 vehicles, over 1,600 missiles, and nearly four million rounds of ammunition.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak stressed the critical role of supporting Ukraine in Europe’s security landscape. “Defending Ukraine against Russia’s brutal ambitions is crucial not just for their sovereignty but also for the safety of all European nations,” Sunak remarked before his discussions with European leaders and NATO’s chief. He cautioned that a victory for Putin could pose threats to NATO territories as well.

Defence Secretary Grant Shapps emphasized how this unprecedented aid would bolster Ukraine’s defense capabilities against Russian advances. “This record package will equip President Zelenskiy and his courageous nation with essential resources to repel Putin and bring back peace and stability to Europe,” stated Shapps, reaffirming Britain’s dedication to its NATO allies and European security overall.

Shapps further underscored Britain’s unwavering commitment to support its allies by enhancing Ukraine’s military strength which is vital in maintaining regional stability and deterring future aggression from Russia.

UK-CANADA Trade Talks GRIND to a Halt: The Beef and Cheese Battle That’s Costing Billions

26 January 2024 — The UK government has unexpectedly put the brakes on post-Brexit trade talks with Canada. This sudden move follows a two-year stalemate over beef and cheese imports and exports, which began after Britain officially left the European Union.

Trade between these nations, valued at roughly 26 billion pounds ($33 billion) per year, has mostly persisted under the initial agreement made while Britain was still an EU member. However, Canadian negotiators are feeling the heat from their own beef industry and local cheesemakers. The former is pushing for access to the UK market for hormone-fed beef, while cheesemakers are raising alarms about tariff-free imports of British cheese.

The privilege of tariff-free British cheese exports came to a halt at the close of 2023 when a temporary agreement expired. This change led to a staggering 245% duty hike for British producers. Canada’s trade minister Mary Ng firmly stated that Canada “will never agree to a deal that isn’t beneficial for our workers, farmers and businesses.” Minette Batters, president of the National Farmers’ Union in England and Wales praised Britain’s resistance against hormone-fed beef imports.

Despite this hiccup in negotiations, the UK government remains open-minded about future discussions. However, any significant progress appears unlikely at present.

UK Government SIDELINES Citizen Petition, BACKS WHO’S Controversial Pandemic Treaty

25 January 2024 — In a recent announcement at the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Executive Board meeting in Geneva, the UK government revealed its support for the proposed Pandemic Treaty.

This move comes despite strong public opposition. A petition signed by over 156,000 British citizens called for a public referendum before entering into such an international agreement. However, Downing Street remains committed to the new Pandemic Accord and supports targeted amendments to bolster future health threat prevention and response under International Health Regulations.

Conservative MP Danny Kruger took issue with this top-down approach during a House of Commons debate back in April. He argued that centralized solutions fell short during Covid-19 and underscored the significance of local decision-making and responsibility.

Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, has maintained that while legally binding, the Pandemic Treaty does not grant WHO authority to override national governments or impose restrictions.

Sunak’s RWANDA Gamble: A Crucial Test Amid Conservative Uproar

17 January 2024 — UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak faces a rebellion within his own party. He’s pushing for approval of a controversial plan to deport certain asylum-seekers to Rwanda. The plan has already been blocked by the UK Supreme Court, and 60 members of his party have attempted to toughen the legislation. This led to the resignation of two deputy chairmen and a junior ministerial aide from his party.

The “Safety of Rwanda Bill” could face defeat if another rebellion occurs within Sunak’s party. This would pose a significant threat to Sunak’s government, which is just over a year old. The Prime Minister has placed this contentious immigration policy at the center of his election campaign strategy, even though he trails significantly behind Labour in opinion polls.

Sunak believes that deporting unauthorized asylum-seekers will discourage dangerous crossings over the English Channel and disrupt people-smuggling operations. However, he faces an uphill battle in convincing both fellow Conservatives and voters that this plan is effective.

Navigating tensions between liberal and law-and-order factions within his own party adds another layer of complexity for Sunak as he tries to push through this divisive policy.

UK Judges DISMISS Security Threats, HAND Citizenship to Isis Propagandist

01 January 2024 — British judges have recently overlooked concerns raised by the Home Office regarding a Sudanese migrant, referred to as “S3”. This individual entered the UK illegally in 2005 and again in 2018. Despite having his British passport revoked due to active dissemination of ISIS propaganda, he has now been granted UK citizenship and permanent anonymity.

S3’s legal representation argued that his deportation would infringe upon his human rights. They cited potential detention and torture risks in Sudan as reasons for him to remain in the UK. This argument swayed the justices, even though S3 has made multiple trips back to Sudan without facing any form of persecution. During one such visit in December 2016, he allegedly used social media platforms to spread ISIS propaganda.

The government presented a case suggesting that S3 is a threat to national security. MI5 claimed that he showed unwavering commitment towards extremist ideologies propagated by ISIS and could potentially influence others towards radicalization. However, his lawyers successfully invoked provisions from the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) preventing his deportation.

Prominent Brexiteers like Nigel Farage believe that Rishi Sunak’s government must withdraw from ECHR for regaining control over Britain’s borders. The ECHR has been previously used as a shield against deportation for at least 53 convicted terrorists.

BRUTAL Clampdown: UK’S PEACEFUL Protesters Face Harsh Penalties Under New Conservative Laws

28 December 2023 — In the United Kingdom, peaceful protesters, including a retiree and an engineer, are facing harsh penalties under new laws. The retiree risks a two-year prison sentence for simply holding a sign outside a courthouse. This sign reminded jurors of their right to acquit defendants. At the same time, the engineer was slapped with a three-year sentence for displaying an “Just Stop Oil” banner from a bridge.

A wave of arrests has swept across those who participated in environmental protests by merely walking slowly down streets. These detentions are part of stringent new laws that curb protest rights in the U.K., leading to hundreds of environmental activists being held.

The Conservative government defends these laws as necessary measures to prevent extremist activists from disrupting daily life and harming the economy. However, critics argue that these actions erode civil rights without adequate scrutiny from lawmakers or protection from courts.

Jonathon Porritt, an ecologist and former director of Friends of Earth, joined others in front of London’s Central Criminal Court to protest this treatment. He voiced his concern over what he perceives as government suppression stating that “legitimate protest is part of what

ASYLUM-SEEKERS Shock: UK Lawmakers Vote to Send Refugees to Rwanda Despite Heated Controversy

13 December 2023 — In a move that has stirred up considerable controversy, British lawmakers have given their approval to the government’s controversial plan. This plan involves sending asylum-seekers on a one-way journey to Rwanda. Human rights groups have expressed strong disapproval, and the policy has already cost the U.K. a staggering $300 million without any flights having taken off yet. The House of Commons gave its nod to the government’s Rwanda bill by 313-269 votes, thereby preventing a defeat that could have undermined Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s authority.

The primary aim of this bill is to bypass a U.K. Supreme Court ruling that declared it illegal for migrants who reach Britain via boats across the English Channel to be sent off to Rwanda. This vote was pivotal for Sunak’s Conservatives who command an impressive majority and haven’t seen a government bill defeated at its first Commons vote since 1986.

However, not everyone in the Conservative party is onboard with this decision. The Safety of Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration) Bill faces opposition from Conservative centrists who argue it teeters on violating international law, as well as lawmakers on the party’s authoritarian right who believe it doesn’t go far enough in ensuring unauthorized migrants can be deported. Earlier this week, many hard-liners threatened

UK Gives Greece the COLD SHOULDER Over Ancient Sculptures Dispute

29 November 2023 — Britain and Greece have been at odds for years over where some of the finest ancient Greek sculptures should reside. These masterpieces have been showcased in London for more than two centuries. The disagreement reached a new peak when UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak unexpectedly called off a meeting with his Greek counterpart, Kyriakos Mitsotakis.

This abrupt cancellation came after Mitsotakis used British television to reiterate his demand for the return of these 2,500-year-old works of art. The sculptures in question were crafted between 447-432 B.C., serving as decorations for the renowned Parthenon, a temple dedicated to Athena, Athens’ protective deity.

Although these pieces endured through wars, earthquakes, invasions and religious shifts in the temple over thousands of years, many were lost when Venetians besieged and destroyed the Parthenon in 1687.

The dispute over this cultural heritage is one of the most challenging unresolved issues globally. As diplomatic efforts falter and tensions rise between Britain and Greece, it’s unclear what measures will be taken next in this ongoing struggle over historical artifacts.

UK Government’s RWANDA Deportation Plan DERAILS: A Major U-Turn in Policy Revealed

19 November 2023 — The UK government has confessed that it can’t assure any Rwanda deportation flights will depart before the forthcoming general election. This revelation from Chancellor Jeremy Hunt marks a significant shift from Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s earlier statements. The Supreme Court recently deemed the Rwanda plan unlawful, prompting Sunak to hustle to regain control of the situation.

In an interview with Sky News, Hunt expressed optimism for flights next year but conceded, “We can’t guarantee that.” The United Kingdom is set for a general election next year at the latest by early January 2025. Current polling suggests that the ruling Conservatives are likely to be defeated.

An ex-government minister responsible for this policy cautioned that it won’t work as the government lacks boldness to implement necessary steps for deportations. Sunak had previously pledged in an emergency address to eliminate any further obstacles to enforce this policy and ensure planes depart as scheduled in Spring next year.

This reversal pushes back the revised date for deportation flights further into the future than initially expected. Despite this drawback, James Cleverly, new Home Secretary (interior minister), maintains they are “absolutely determined” to see them

UK Government STANDS FIRM: Rwanda Deportation Plan to be Revived Despite Backlash

17 November 2023 — James Cleverly, Britain’s interior minister, affirmed on Thursday the government’s unwavering resolve to reinstate its contentious plan of deporting asylum-seekers to Rwanda. This decision persists despite the UK Supreme Court’s blockage of the plan over migrant safety concerns in Rwanda. The government aims to start deportation flights before the next national election, due no later than 2024.

Legal experts and critics have expressed apprehension about this policy, warning it could tarnish Britain’s international standing and incur substantial costs. The Supreme Court had previously determined that Rwanda is not a safe destination for asylum-seekers who face a “real risk of ill-treatment” and possible forced return to their home countries.

Nonetheless, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has committed to signing a treaty with Rwanda intended at sealing gaps in the plan. He also conveyed his willingness to “revisit” international relationships if hurdles continue obstructing the deportation policy. Some members within his Conservative Party have even proposed withdrawing from the European Convention on Human Rights if required.

Despite unanimous opposition from justices, the British government remains unyielding in its belief

UK Parliament SHUNS Cease-Fire Call Amid Israel-Hamas CONFLICT: A Blow to Labour Party Unity

16 November 2023 — The UK House of Commons has recently dismissed a proposed amendment that urged the government to demand a cease-fire in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. The Scottish National Party presented this amendment, but it was turned down by 290 Parliament members, while only 183 voted in favor.

This decision is perceived as a significant blow to Keir Starmer, the leader of the Labour Party. Despite his efforts to display unity within his party ahead of next year’s national election, fifty-six members from his own party backed the amendment.

Following this setback, Starmer expressed disappointment over his colleagues’ lack of support for his stance. He said, “I wanted my position on this matter to be clear and consistent,” after the vote.

AMAZON and META Bow to UK Antitrust Pressure, Pledge Fair Play

06 November 2023 — Amazon and Meta, two tech behemoths, have put an end to separate antitrust investigations in the United Kingdom. They’ve agreed to halt practices that unfairly tip the scales in their favor against vendors and consumers on their platforms. This agreement was reached with the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), effectively closing the investigations into their online marketplaces.

The CMA had been examining Amazon’s potential threat to competition by preferentially treating merchants who shell out for extras like storage, packaging, and delivery. The watchdog also probed Amazon’s choice of suppliers for its “buy box” feature as well as its data collection habits. As part of this settlement, Amazon will stop using data from third-party sellers for competitive advantage.

Meta’s probe focused on whether its data collection methods provided it an unfair leg up over competitors offering classified data and online dating services. Both companies have embraced these settlements; Amazon previously settled a similar EU antitrust case in December by agreeing to make substantial changes in how it does business.