Veterans Return to Falklands to Join Historic Battlefield Survey

Veterans Return to Falklands to Join Historic Battlefield Survey

Archaeological investigation aims to uncover relics and memories from the 1982 conflict

Veterans who fought in the 1982 Falklands War have returned to the islands to participate in the first-ever comprehensive archaeological survey of the battlefields. Collaborating with archaeologists and researchers, the veterans are part of the Falklands War Mapping Project, an initiative combining historical investigation with therapy for trauma.

The project is a partnership involving the University of Oxford, the University of Glasgow, the Falkland Islands Museum and National Trust, and Waterloo Uncovered, a charity that uses archaeology as a therapeutic tool for those affected by conflict. Two British Army veterans—referred to as Jim and John—who fought in the Battle of Mount Tumbledown, are joining the team to explore the physical landscape and trace the remnants of the war.

John is visiting the Falklands for the first time since the war 40 years ago, while Jim has returned to the islands on five separate occasions. Mark Evans, CEO of Waterloo Uncovered, expressed pride in the project, saying: “Forty years after the conflict, seven years after Waterloo Uncovered started helping veterans through archaeology, we are proud and excited to be visiting the Falklands.” Evans added that the trip aims to help veterans process their experiences while documenting the physical traces of 1982 before they disappear.

The research is being led by Dr Timothy Clack (University of Oxford) and Professor Tony Pollard (University of Glasgow). Professor Pollard described the inclusion of veterans as “a huge privilege,” emphasising the unique link this creates between historical events and present-day experiences. He noted: “This direct link between the past and the present is a unique development in conflict archaeology.”

The project aims to map and assess the remains of the Falklands War, including objects, aircraft wrecks, makeshift fortifications, and shell holes. Professor Pollard warned of the “urgency” of this work, given the threats from natural decay, development, and environmental change.

Dr Clack highlighted the importance of working alongside veterans, noting: “Working with veterans is a privilege enabling us to assess the potential of using their testimony to illuminate remains.” While initial focus will be on the Mount Tumbledown battlefield, the long-term goal is to survey additional sites from the 1982 conflict.

Dr Clack added: “This project represents a rare opportunity to explore not only the material record of a war still in living memory but also how this serves to configure recollections, meanings, and identities over the long term.”

The study will examine how physical relics evoke memories and shape emotional states, offering insights into how societies recall and preserve the legacies of conflict. Ultimately, the research seeks to deepen understanding of the cultural heritage of war and address questions of memory, identity, and the ongoing preservation of these historical sites.

Global Oil Reserves Tapped as Nations Respond to Energy Crisis

Global Oil Reserves Tapped as Nations Respond to Energy Crisis

60 million barrels to be released to combat soaring prices following the war in Ukraine

The International Energy Agency (IEA) has announced that its 31 member nations will release a total of 60 million barrels of oil from emergency reserves to tackle surging global energy prices exacerbated by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. This action adds to previous commitments from the United States and represents a significant effort to stabilise markets.

According to the IEA, the new release will contribute to a total of 120 million barrels entering the market over the next six months—the largest coordinated release in the organisation’s history. Of this, approximately half will come from the United States as part of President Joe Biden’s strategic petroleum reserve drawdown, which was announced last week.

This latest measure follows an earlier pledge last month by IEA members to release 62.7 million barrels to address global supply shortages. Fatih Birol, IEA Executive Director, highlighted the urgency of these steps, stating: “Events in Ukraine are becoming more distressing by the day, and action by the IEA at this time is needed to relieve some of the strains in energy markets.”

Energy markets have faced severe disruptions as demand rebounded following the COVID-19 pandemic, outpacing supply and pushing prices higher. Inflation, fuelled by rising energy costs, has intensified further due to uncertainties around Russian oil and gas supplies and Western sanctions on Moscow.

Russia, as the third-largest oil-producing nation globally, sends 60% of its exports to Europe and 20% to China. In response to the war, the United States has banned all Russian energy supplies, while the United Kingdom has pledged to phase out Russian oil and coal by the end of the year and cease natural gas imports “as soon as possible.” Meanwhile, the European Union is preparing to approve a ban on Russian coal—the first step against Russian energy sources that are vital for electricity generation, industrial use, and transportation.

Currently, IEA member countries collectively hold around 1.5 billion barrels of oil in their public reserves, which will be utilised to address market volatility and the ongoing crisis.

UK Government Faces Backlash Over Exclusion of Trans People from Conversion Therapy Ban

UK Government Faces Backlash Over Exclusion of Trans People from Conversion Therapy Ban

Sajid Javid calls for caution after controversial policy change sparks criticism

The UK Government is under scrutiny following its decision to exclude trans people from its planned ban on conversion therapy, with Health Secretary Sajid Javid urging a more cautious approach. This policy reversal has sparked significant backlash, particularly from the LGBT community, and has led to the cancellation of the Safe To Be Me conference, which was set to take place in June. Over 100 organisations withdrew their support in protest of the change.

Speaking to Sky News on Monday, Mr Javid defended the ban on conversion therapy for lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) individuals but signalled concerns about including trans people. “When it comes to conversion therapy, it is absolutely right, as the Government has said, that we ban the so-called conversion therapy for LGB people,” he stated.

However, he added: “When it comes to trans I do think that we need to be more careful. As Health Secretary, in my mind, is the recent report by Dr Hilary Cass who is one of the most experienced paediatricians in this country.” Javid referred to Dr Cass’s interim report, which raised concerns about how medical professionals assess gender dysphoria in children and young people. Her findings highlighted that such cases should involve careful medical evaluation to explore underlying causes.

The decision to exclude trans individuals has intensified debate over the definition and application of conversion therapy laws, as well as the broader implications for equality and social policy. The government’s approach is likely to remain a contentious issue amid calls for inclusivity and protection across all gender identities.

Utah Woman Tragically Dies Following Fall During Grand Canyon Hike

Utah Woman Tragically Dies Following Fall During Grand Canyon Hike

Meg Osswald, 34, falls 20 feet while on the sixth day of a boating expedition

A 34-year-old woman has lost her life after falling approximately 20 feet (6m) during a hiking trip in Grand Canyon National Park. The victim, identified as Meg Osswald, was on the sixth day of a multi-day private boating journey when the accident occurred.

According to the Grand Canyon National Park Service (NPS), they were notified about the incident at around 6.30pm on Monday. A statement revealed: “Grand Canyon National Park was alerted of an unresponsive river trip participant near Ledges Camp (river mile 152) along the Colorado River.”

The NPS reported that due to the lack of light, emergency response from the Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS) was called. The DPS team reached the scene at around 8.30pm and confirmed the woman’s death. The statement continued: “Margaret Osswald, 34, of Salt Lake City, Utah, was near camp when she fell approximately 20 feet and sustained fatal injuries. Members of the group noted she was unresponsive and began CPR.”

Ms Osswald, who worked as assistant director for the Utah Division of Water Quality and previously served as assistant attorney general at the Utah Attorney General’s Office’s Environment Division, was described as having hiked into the canyon to meet her group at Phantom Ranch.

The investigation into her death is ongoing, with the National Park Service and the Coconino County Medical Examiner conducting inquiries. The Utah Division of Water Quality expressed their condolences, stating: “We are deeply saddened by this loss, and our thoughts and support go out to her loved ones at this difficult time.”

Meg Osswald graduated from the University of Utah SJ Quinney College of Law in 2016 and passed the Utah state bar that same year.

This marks the second fatal incident within 11 days at Grand Canyon National Park. Mary Kelley, 68, recently died during a boating trip when she fell into the Colorado River from her raft. This year alone, four deaths have been reported at the park, according to a spokesperson.

The ongoing investigation will seek to determine the circumstances of this latest tragedy while highlighting the dangers faced during hiking and boating excursions in the area.

Barratt and Redrow Face Significant Financial Strain from Fire Safety Improvements

Barratt and Redrow Face Significant Financial Strain from Fire Safety Improvements

The housing giants commit to extensive cladding repairs following Grenfell tragedy, with costs soaring

Barratt Developments and Redrow are both confronting steep financial commitments as they pledge to undertake further fire safety upgrades in response to the Grenfell Tower tragedy. Barratt, a leading FTSE 100 company, has reported that its cladding improvement costs will likely range between £350 million and £400 million.

Hours prior, Redrow allocated an additional £164 million for similar safety projects, pushing its total fire safety expenditure to £200 million. Both companies are now signatories to the Government’s updated Building Safety Pledge, which introduces stricter requirements for addressing unsafe cladding risks on buildings measuring between 36ft (11m) and 59ft (18m) in height.

MJ Gleeson, another competitor in the housing market, confirmed its commitment to the pledge on Wednesday while also noting assessments on 15 buildings it previously developed that are over 36ft tall. Gleeson is aiming to conclude its assessments by June’s end but has yet to identify any associated costs.

This development follows similar announcements from Crest Nicholson and Taylor Wimpey on Tuesday, indicating that the financial burden continues to escalate. While Barratt has expressed intentions to recover costs from other parties involved in the construction process, it remains uncertain whether these efforts will yield success.

David Thomas, CEO of Barratt, highlighted the company’s position: “We have always been clear that we do not believe leaseholders should pay for remediation of their homes and are committed to helping affected leaseholders living in the buildings we developed. Through constructive engagement between industry and Government, a proportionate and sensible approach has been found and we look forward to completing the remediation process as quickly as possible.”

Meanwhile, Redrow has emphasised its role in building high-rise apartments between 2000 and 2010 and outsourcing much of the design and construction to contractors. They have stated that the financial responsibility should not rest on leaseholders but will involve working with leaseholders to remediate buildings while seeking compensation from contractors and other third parties, although this remains uncertain.

Redrow added: “These remediation works are expected to take a number of years to complete.”

James Thompson, CEO of MJ Gleeson, echoed the sentiment that leaseholders should not carry financial responsibility for addressing fire safety risks. He expressed his full support for the Government’s efforts to involve the wider industry in addressing these issues, stating: “The housebuilding sector has responded positively to this initiative and is playing a proactive role and at significant cost.”

Thompson also reiterated that his company will maintain collaborative efforts with the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) and other stakeholders to resolve this critical issue efficiently.

Former Nurse’s Homicide Conviction Sparks Debate in Nashville DA Race

Former Nurse’s Homicide Conviction Sparks Debate in Nashville DA Race

Medical error case becomes a political battleground ahead of key primary

The criminal conviction of a former nurse over a medication error that led to a patient’s death has ignited controversy in the Nashville district attorney race. RaDonda Vaught, 38, was found guilty of criminally negligent homicide and gross neglect last week after a jury determined her actions caused the death of 75-year-old Charlene Murphey in December 2017.

Vaught had mistakenly administered vecuronium, a paralysing drug, instead of the sedative Versed while attempting to calm Murphey ahead of a PET scan. The error occurred when Vaught used an override to access the drug from an automatic dispensing cabinet but failed to identify the medication properly. She did not notice the warning on the drug’s container nor that the drug was a powder requiring reconstitution. Vaught also did not monitor Murphey for an adverse reaction.

The case has split opinion, with nursing and patient safety groups opposing the decision to criminally prosecute a medical mistake. Critics argue that such legal action will deter healthcare workers from admitting errors, ultimately jeopardising patient safety. Two candidates vying to replace Glenn Funk as Nashville’s district attorney — P. Danielle Nellis and Sara Beth Myers — have both criticised the prosecution.

Nellis labelled the error as “a classic medical malpractice issue that should have been resolved as such,” suggesting that Funk may be allowing political factors to influence his legal decisions. Myers, meanwhile, pledged not to pursue criminal charges against medical professionals for unintentional mistakes that constitute civil malpractice.

Funk has countered these criticisms, emphasising that Vaught’s actions go far beyond a simple error. In a pointed response, Funk highlighted 18 separate failings on Vaught’s part leading to Murphey’s death. Funk also stated that Vaught’s conviction ensures she will never return to the medical profession — a result that aligns with Murphey’s family’s wishes.

Murphey’s daughter-in-law, Chandra Murphey, expressed mixed emotions in a statement released by Funk’s office, describing the politicisation of the case as “humiliating, degrading, and retraumatizing.”

The DA candidates, with their primary set for 3 May, now find themselves grappling with a polarising issue that could shape voter sentiment. Myers has already heard concerns from healthcare professionals worried about future legal risks under Funk’s administration. She has questioned the value of pursuing a high-profile case such as this, arguing that resources should instead focus on violent crimes and other urgent safety concerns.

“How does the prosecution of this healthcare provider make our community safer?” Myers asked, criticising what she views as an attempt by Funk to gain attention through this case.

With the district attorney’s role set for an eight-year term and no Republican challengers in sight, the outcome of the primary could cement how Nashville addresses the intersection of healthcare and the legal system moving forward.

Energy CEO Defends Profits Amidst Rising Bills and Economic Strain

Energy CEO Defends Profits Amidst Rising Bills and Economic Strain

Chris O’Shea argues against windfall tax as households face mounting financial pressure

Snow falling on the very day the energy price cap increased by 54 per cent seems symbolic of the difficult financial times facing millions across the UK. With rising energy costs squeezing incomes and 2.5 million households at risk of entering “fuel stress”, the response from corporate giants is now under scrutiny.

Chris O’Shea, CEO of Centrica — the parent company of British Gas — defended the company’s profits despite the public outcry. According to Political Editor Nicholas Cecil, O’Shea disclosed that the company’s pre-tax profits rose by over £500 million last year, driven by oil and gas exploration and production. However, O’Shea maintained that 80 per cent of these additional profits had already gone to the Government, leaving the company with approximately £100 million.

His stance came amid questions about a windfall tax on energy companies’ profits, with the CEO resisting such a move. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has limited fiscal action, worried that expanding support would risk further straining the UK’s debt burden and fiscal headroom. Critics have noted that targeted financial support could have been implemented, such as uprating benefits in line with inflation. Instead, Sunak chose to increase national insurance thresholds, a move that disproportionately benefits middle and higher earners.

On the social side, the debate surrounding fuel duty cuts continues, with sceptics raising doubts over their effectiveness. The economic landscape remains precarious, and the Chancellor’s policy decisions highlight the challenges of balancing fiscal responsibility with urgent public need.

Beyond financial matters, the newsletter features royal updates and cultural commentary, with notable insights into historical events such as the Falklands conflict anniversary and a retrospective on cultural trends.

This analysis forms part of West End Final, our daily newsletter offering a mix of news, culture, commentary, and sports. You can subscribe here for updates every weekday at 4pm.

Denzel Washington’s Advice to Will Smith After Oscars Incident with Chris Rock

Denzel Washington’s Advice to Will Smith After Oscars Incident with Chris Rock

The Hollywood legend intervened moments after the altercation

Will Smith has shared the guidance Denzel Washington offered him shortly after the infamous moment when he struck Chris Rock during the Oscars ceremony.

The event unfolded on Sunday, 27 March, in Los Angeles when Rock joked about Jada Pinkett Smith, Will’s wife, referencing her shaved head with the line: “Jada, I love you. GI Jane 2, can’t wait to see you.” Pinkett Smith previously disclosed her alopecia diagnosis, which explained her bald appearance.

Following the joke, Smith walked onstage, struck Rock, and returned to his seat, loudly stating: “Keep my wife’s name out your f**ing mouth.”*

Immediately after the altercation, Denzel Washington and Tyler Perry were seen speaking with Smith, attempting to console him. About 15 minutes later, when Smith accepted the Best Actor award for King Richard, he reflected on a recent piece of advice from Washington during his emotional acceptance speech:

“I’m being called on in my life to love people and to protect people and to be a river to my people,” Smith said. “I know, to do what we do, we’ve gotta be able to take abuse. You’ve gotta be able to have people talk crazy about you. In this business, you’ve gotta be able to have people disrespecting you. You’ve gotta smile and pretend that that’s okay.”

Smith then disclosed the counsel Washington gave him: “In your highest moments, be careful; that’s when the devil comes for you.”

Following the incident, Smith apologised to Rock. In an Instagram statement, he acknowledged that while humour is part of life as a public figure, “violence in all of its forms is poisonous and destructive.”

On 30 March, during his first stand-up show after the incident, Rock said he was “still processing” the events. Reports suggest he was unaware of Pinkett Smith’s health condition prior to his joke.

Smith has faced potential repercussions from the Academy, including suspension or expulsion, with the next board meeting scheduled for 18 April. Notable members of the Academy include Whoopi Goldberg, Steven Spielberg, and Laura Dern. However, on 1 April, Smith announced his resignation from the organisation, leaving questions about his future at the Oscars.

The incident sparked polarised reactions from Hollywood and social media, with many celebrities and public figures — including politicians — weighing in on the matter. A resurfaced 2016 joke from Rock about Pinkett Smith has also reignited attention in the wake of the incident.

Further footage of Rock and Pinkett Smith in the immediate aftermath of the altercation has circulated online.

You can view the full list of 2022 Oscar winners here and explore the latest updates and commentary surrounding this dramatic event.