Nursing Unions Warn of Post-Christmas Strikes Unless Pay Deal Reached by Friday

Nursing Unions Warn of Post-Christmas Strikes Unless Pay Deal Reached by Friday

Union leader urges Prime Minister to negotiate, as further industrial action looms for NHS nurses.

Nurses across the UK will announce strike dates for after Christmas unless the government agrees to a pay deal by Friday, a union leader has warned.

Following a 12-hour walkout on Tuesday, Royal College of Nursing (RCN) General Secretary Pat Cullen told reporters that time was running out for Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to enter into meaningful negotiations. This was the second strike in less than a week, with around 10,000 NHS nurses from England, Wales, and Northern Ireland participating, expressing concerns over pay, staffing shortages, and patient safety.

Cullen stated: “The Prime Minister is out of touch with the public he serves, but he still has a chance to make this the last nurse strike of his premiership.” She added that by Friday, the union would announce the details of further strikes planned for the new year unless a satisfactory pay deal was reached.

The RCN has been pushing for a pay rise of 5% above inflation, which currently exceeds 10% in the UK. Despite this, union representatives have faced resistance, particularly from the Welsh Government, which they claim has failed to open negotiations. Nicky Hughes, RCN Wales’ Associate Director of Nursing, said that despite a large turnout on the picket lines and public support, they had received “absolute silence” from officials in Wales.

Hughes argued that the Welsh Government’s reluctance to act meant that the NHS in Wales was facing a crisis, with nurses continuing to leave the profession. She added that further discussions with health boards would be necessary before any additional strikes were called.

Elsewhere, nurse Helen Perriam, who has worked in mental health for a decade, voiced her frustrations, saying that nurses were living “pay cheque to pay cheque” and deserved a dignified wage for their hard work. She accused the UK Government of prioritising political interests over the needs of the NHS workforce.

A&E nurse Georgia Sheppard also placed the blame on the Westminster Government, arguing that inadequate funding for Wales was contributing to the crisis in healthcare services.

In response, a spokesperson for the Welsh Government said they recognised the strength of feeling among staff but could not prevent the strikes due to the ongoing funding challenges from Westminster. However, they pledged to continue discussions with all partners to resolve the situation.

Argentina’s World Cup Victory Parade Interrupted by Safety Concerns in Buenos Aires

Argentina’s World Cup Victory Parade Interrupted by Safety Concerns in Buenos Aires

Bus procession cut short after chaotic scenes as fans attempted to jump onto the vehicle, forcing players to be evacuated.

Argentina’s celebratory bus parade following their World Cup 2022 triumph was abruptly halted in Buenos Aires due to safety concerns, as chaotic scenes unfolded.

Millions of fans gathered in the streets for the festivities, with a national holiday declared on Tuesday to mark the occasion. The bus parade, which began at noon local time, was initially filled with joyous fans basking in the summer sun. However, as the bus approached a bridge, some fans tried to jump on, and footage showed one supporter falling from the vehicle.

For their safety, the Argentina squad was then evacuated by helicopter, before the bus could reach the public square and the famous Obelisk monument. Presidential spokeswoman Gabriela Cerruti explained on Twitter that the parade had to be abandoned due to the “explosion of joy” that became unmanageable.

Chiqui Tapia, president of the Argentine Football Association, apologised for the disruption on behalf of the victorious players, calling it a “shame”.

The national pride surrounding the team was palpable, with Argentina’s third World Cup victory marking the first since 1986 and bringing comparisons to the era of Diego Maradona.

The celebrations had already been non-stop since Gonzalo Montiel’s winning penalty in Sunday’s nail-biting shootout against France.

Although France’s Kylian Mbappe and his team were welcomed in Paris the night before, the Albiceleste squad returned to Buenos Aires after a stopover in Rome, arriving in the early hours of Tuesday to a raucous reception. They paraded the World Cup in front of thousands of fans at 4am, and Lionel Messi, embracing the trophy, continued the celebrations before getting back on the bus for the formal procession.

The parade was to conclude at the Obelisk, Buenos Aires’ iconic 235-foot-high monument, where fans continued their exuberant support, some even climbing the spire to wave Argentina flags.

London Drug Dealers Sentenced for Heroin Trafficking Operation in Swindon

London Drug Dealers Sentenced for Heroin Trafficking Operation in Swindon

Three men jailed for a total of 17 years after their involvement in a county lines heroin network supplying Swindon.

Three men from London have been handed prison sentences totalling 17 years for their roles in a county lines heroin distribution network operating in Swindon.

Kennedy Campbell, aged 26, from Enfield, was sentenced to 7 years and 2 months, while Bernard Sindano, 29, from Walthamstow, received 5 years and 1 month. Ricardo Wright, 24, from Croydon, was sentenced to 4 years and 9 months. All three were sentenced in their absence after failing to attend the hearing, according to Wiltshire Police.

The case against the trio dates back to 2017, when officers launched an investigation into the ‘Captain’ county lines drug operation. Through tracking the phone numbers of the dealers involved, police identified Campbell as the leader of the network, which was responsible for flooding Swindon with Class A drugs, including heroin.

Campbell’s arrest came in April 2018, alongside Wright, just a month after Sindano had been taken into custody. During the operation, police seized large amounts of cash, drugs, and burner phones used by the dealers.

The three men pleaded guilty to their involvement and were sentenced on 14 December. Wiltshire Police’s PC Emma Rice praised the Fortitude team for their work in bringing the criminals to justice.

“County lines dealers like these destroy lives, and our team was relentless in ensuring they were caught,” Rice said. “These convictions send a clear message that we will not allow borders to protect those trying to supply illegal drugs to our communities.”

Attorney Questions Moscow Police’s Ability to Solve Idaho Quadruple Murder Case

Attorney Questions Moscow Police’s Ability to Solve Idaho Quadruple Murder Case

Kaylee Goncalves’ family voices doubts over local law enforcement’s capability, with no suspects or murder weapon found months after the killings.

The attorney representing the family of Kaylee Goncalves, one of the victims in a brutal quadruple murder case, has raised concerns about the Moscow Police Department’s capacity to solve the crime. The murders, which occurred on 13 November at an off-campus rental home in Moscow, Idaho, have left the community shaken, with no arrests made and the killer still at large more than six weeks later.

Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle, and Ethan Chapin were all fatally stabbed, but there have been no breakthrough developments, and no murder weapon has been identified. The police have not named any suspects.

Shannon Gray, the attorney representing the Goncalves family, expressed frustration over the police’s handling of the investigation, stating that they were holding local authorities accountable. “I’m not sure they are capable of handling a quadruple murder. If they are in over their heads, they should admit it and hand the case over to someone with more experience,” Gray told the Today show this week.

Moscow Police requested support from the FBI and Idaho State Police shortly after the murders but have remained the lead agency in the investigation. Authorities have insisted that they are withholding certain information to maintain the integrity of the case.

This criticism comes after Steve Goncalves, Kaylee’s father, clarified recent comments he made, which were misconstrued as calling the police “cowards.” In an interview with Fox News, he explained that he was referring to a lawyer blocking the release of key information, not the officers themselves. He added that his family recognises the pressure investigators are under but remains upset by the lack of transparency.

The Goncalves family has also expressed their anger over the details surrounding the victims’ injuries, with Steve Goncalves stating that the public deserved to know the severity of the wounds. The police have not yet revealed whether the perpetrator acted alone or given any details on their gender.

In addition, authorities are continuing to investigate a mystery white car seen near the crime scene around the time of the murders. Police are tracking down thousands of vehicles that match the description of the car, hoping to find crucial information.

The victims, all college students, were murdered in their beds with a fixed-blade knife. Two other roommates, who lived in the same house but were not involved in the attack, were unharmed. The crime scene remained undetected for several hours before police received a 911 call reporting an unconscious person at the house.

Ex-NFL Player Willie McGinest Jr. Arrested in Connection with Alleged Nightclub Assault

Ex-NFL Player Willie McGinest Jr. Arrested in Connection with Alleged Nightclub Assault

The former linebacker was detained after an incident at a West Hollywood club, with authorities investigating an assault involving a deadly weapon.

Willie McGinest Jr., the former NFL linebacker, was arrested on Monday in relation to an assault that took place at a nightclub in Southern California. The incident occurred on December 9 at a venue in West Hollywood, where McGinest was reportedly involved in an altercation.

According to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, witnesses identified McGinest as a participant in the assault. Following his voluntary visit to the West Hollywood sheriff’s station to provide a statement, he was arrested on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon. McGinest was later released after posting bond.

At this stage, it remains unclear whether McGinest has retained legal representation to comment on the allegations.

The 51-year-old McGinest enjoyed a 15-year career in the NFL, playing for both the New England Patriots and the Cleveland Browns after his college football days at the University of Southern California.

Harvey Weinstein Convicted of Rape in Los Angeles Trial Following New Allegations

Harvey Weinstein Convicted of Rape in Los Angeles Trial Following New Allegations

Former Hollywood mogul faces further legal repercussions after being found guilty in California, following his 2020 conviction in New York.

Harvey Weinstein has been convicted of rape at his Los Angeles trial, marking another significant legal setback for the disgraced movie mogul. After nine days of deliberation, a jury found the 70-year-old guilty of multiple charges, including forcible rape, forced oral copulation, and sexual misconduct involving a woman known as Jane Doe 1. Weinstein had pleaded not guilty to all charges.

The case involved allegations from four women, spanning from 2005 to 2013. While Weinstein was acquitted of one sexual battery charge, the jury was unable to reach a verdict on several counts, including those related to Jennifer Siebel Newsom, the wife of California Governor Gavin Newsom, and another accuser. A mistrial was declared on those charges.

Ms. Newsom, who is a documentary filmmaker, spoke out after the trial, calling Weinstein a “serial predator” and declaring that he would never be able to harm another woman. “Weinstein will spend the rest of his life behind bars where he belongs,” she stated, praising the bravery of all survivors who testified.

Governor Newsom expressed immense pride in his wife and the women who came forward. He stressed the importance of supporting survivors and amplifying their voices. “Their strength and conviction are a powerful example to all of us,” he said.

This trial follows Weinstein’s 2020 conviction in New York, where he was sentenced to 23 years in prison for similar charges. The Los Angeles case continues the long legal battle for the former Hollywood mogul, who has faced accusations of sexual misconduct from more than 100 women since 2017. Weinstein is due to be sentenced in Los Angeles next year, but will first serve his New York sentence before being transferred back for his California conviction.

The Los Angeles trial, which began in October, saw multiple women testify about the abuse they suffered at the hands of the once-powerful producer. Prosecutors argued that Weinstein exploited his industry status to prey on vulnerable women, while the defence suggested his actions were part of a broader, transactional culture within Hollywood.

Callum Hudson-Odoi to Remain at Bayer Leverkusen for the Remainder of the Season

Callum Hudson-Odoi to Remain at Bayer Leverkusen for the Remainder of the Season

Chelsea confirms winger’s loan recall clause has expired, with Hudson-Odoi set to stay in the Bundesliga.

Chelsea winger Callum Hudson-Odoi will continue his loan spell at Bayer Leverkusen for the rest of the season after his recall clause expired. The Bundesliga club confirmed the news, with sporting director Simon Rolfes expressing his satisfaction that the 22-year-old would remain at the club for the duration of the campaign.

“We were confident Callum would stay, but now we have the certainty,” Rolfes stated to Bild. “We’re delighted about that because he’s a very important player for us.”

Since joining Leverkusen in the summer, Hudson-Odoi has made 15 appearances and scored once. Despite Chelsea’s interest in recalling him during the January transfer window, particularly following Armando Broja’s injury, the young winger will remain with his current club for the rest of the term.

Graham Potter had the option to bring the academy graduate back to Stamford Bridge as Chelsea looks for attacking reinforcements. The club has been linked with potential signings such as Joao Felix and Youssoufa Moukoko, while David Fofana is set to join after Molde and Chelsea agreed on an £8.6 million transfer fee.

Jordan Suspends TikTok Amid Deadly Protests Over Rising Fuel Prices

Jordan Suspends TikTok Amid Deadly Protests Over Rising Fuel Prices

Social media platform banned temporarily after a police officer was killed in clashes, as protests spread across the kingdom.

Jordan has implemented a temporary ban on the social media platform TikTok following violent protests triggered by soaring fuel prices, which led to the tragic death of a police officer. The protests, initially sparked by truck drivers, have spread to various cities across the Middle Eastern country. On Thursday, clashes with law enforcement saw the use of tear gas, and videos of the violence quickly spread on TikTok, prompting the government to act.

The Jordanian Public Security Directorate announced on Friday that TikTok would be suspended for its failure to prevent the spread of violent content and posts that incited unrest. Authorities have not specified the duration of the ban.

The affected cities of Maan, where the officer was killed, and Karak, saw internet disruptions as protests against fuel price hikes intensified. While the truck drivers’ strike continued on Friday, the scale of the protests has diminished.

King Abdullah II condemned the violence and pledged to take strong action against those responsible. “We will not tolerate violence against our security personnel, who are dedicated to protecting our country and its people,” the king declared, following a visit to the family of the slain officer, Abdul Razzaq Abdel Hafez Al Dalabeh, in Maan.

In response to the unrest, Interior Minister Mazen Farrayeh stated that additional anti-riot police would be deployed to control violent protests. “We have witnessed a significant increase in violent acts, and tougher security measures will be enforced,” he remarked, following the injuries of 40 officers and the damage to vehicles during the clashes. Authorities have since arrested 44 individuals linked to the protests.

The government has pledged to review the demands of the truck drivers, but emphasised that it has already spent over 500 million dinars (£580 million) this year to cap fuel prices. Jordan’s economic strategy is guided by an International Monetary Fund (IMF)-supported structural reform programme, which is aimed at maintaining fiscal stability while addressing the country’s financial challenges.

Severe Snowfall and Icy Conditions to Disrupt Scotland, Prompting Weather Alerts

Severe Snowfall and Icy Conditions to Disrupt Scotland, Prompting Weather Alerts

Yellow warnings issued as snow and ice threaten transport and power networks across Scotland this weekend.

Scotland is preparing for significant disruption this weekend due to snow and icy conditions, with weather warnings in place. The Met Office has issued a yellow warning for various areas in Scotland, starting at 7am on Saturday and lasting until 9pm on Sunday. These conditions are expected to cause delays on the roads, and there is potential for power outages and mobile phone signal disruption.

To mitigate the impact, Traffic Scotland has announced that gritter trucks will be working around the clock to treat roads across the region. Glasgow Airport was also temporarily closed on Friday morning until the snow and ice were cleared, reopening around 11.30am.

In Shetland, efforts are underway to restore power to thousands of homes that were affected when heavy snow brought down power lines on Monday. Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) reported that by 9:30pm on Friday, approximately 700 properties remained without power.

Mark Macdonald, head of region at SSEN, reassured the public, saying: “We have made significant progress, despite continued heavy snowfall, and have been reconnecting towns and villages gradually. Our dedicated team of 150 engineers will continue working overnight and will be joined by additional crews tomorrow to ensure the power is restored as quickly as possible. We are hopeful that the majority, if not all, homes will be reconnected by Sunday, with any remaining small groups of properties restored by Monday.”

Macdonald also expressed gratitude for the support from local communities, Shetland Islands Council, and resilience partners. “We understand that being without power for an extended period can be difficult, particularly for vulnerable residents, and we are doing everything possible to assist,” he added.

SP Energy Networks also issued safety advice to customers in anticipation of snow and ice affecting power lines this weekend. The company has mobilised engineers to areas forecasted to be heavily impacted, though they caution that travel disruptions could delay repairs in certain regions. Craig Arthur, SP Distribution Director, urged customers to prepare for potential power cuts, stressing that prompt reporting of outages would help restore power more quickly.

Arthur said, “Our engineers are ready to respond, but snow and ice may damage power lines, so it’s crucial to stay prepared. If you experience a power cut, report it immediately by calling the national emergency helpline on 105.”

Surge in Covid-19 Hospitalisations Sparks Calls for Masks and Testing Amid Growing Concerns

Surge in Covid-19 Hospitalisations Sparks Calls for Masks and Testing Amid Growing Concerns

Experts urge public health measures as hospital admissions increase alongside flu cases, with winter pressures mounting.

Covid-19 hospital admissions in England have risen by 22 per cent in just one week, heightening concerns among health professionals. On 14 December, 6,720 people were in hospital due to the virus, up from 5,501 on 7 December, according to NHS England data. Alongside this increase, the number of Covid patients requiring mechanical ventilation rose from 129 to 150.

The surge in hospitalisations varies by region, with the south-west seeing a 56 per cent increase in Covid-related admissions. Dr Daniel Goyal, an NHS Covid doctor, described the rise in hospitalisations as “very concerning,” emphasising the added strain on an already overstretched healthcare system. He highlighted the alarming issue of patients contracting Covid while in hospital, which delays their discharge and further burdens the NHS.

Dr Goyal has called for stronger public health messaging, particularly in the lead-up to Christmas, urging people to wear high-quality face masks in crowded or communal spaces. He also recommended wearing masks at holiday gatherings, especially if vulnerable family members are present.

In addition to rising Covid admissions, the UK is facing an uptick in flu cases, with hospital admissions for flu surpassing those for Covid for the first time since the pandemic began. Flu admissions stood at 6.8 per 100,000 people in the week leading up to 11 December, slightly higher than the 6.6 per 100,000 for Covid-19. However, flu admissions are increasing at a much faster rate, nearly doubling week-on-week, while Covid-19 hospitalisations are rising more gradually.

The increase in flu cases has made it more prevalent than at any point during the last four winters, according to UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) data. Hospital admissions for flu are highest among the elderly, particularly those aged 85 and over, as well as young children, with the flu rate in children aged four and under showing a significant jump.

Professor Majeed Azeem, head of public health at Imperial College, warned that the UK faces a “double threat” of both Covid-19 and flu. He recommended that the public get vaccinated against both viruses and consider testing before visiting elderly relatives during Christmas.

As the health system grapples with these challenges, strike action by nurses across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland has added to the pressure. The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) is protesting over pay following unsuccessful government negotiations, with the first nationwide strike of nurses in the UK’s history set to take place.

Recent data from NHS England also shows a 17 per cent rise in the number of people primarily being treated for Covid in acute trusts between 6 and 13 December. This is consistent with Office for National Statistics (ONS) data, which suggests an increase in Covid infection rates, with 1 in 60 people estimated to have the virus in the week ending 26 November, up from 1 in 62 the previous week.