Union Plans Further Strikes at Kent School Over Pupil Violence and Threats

Union Plans Further Strikes at Kent School Over Pupil Violence and Threats

Teachers demand zero-tolerance policy as safety concerns escalate at Oasis Academy

Teachers at Oasis Academy on the Isle of Sheppey, Kent, have announced additional strike action following a series of violent incidents and threats from students. This move comes after a walkout on Wednesday, when educators voiced their concerns over escalating behaviour issues at the school.

The National Education Union (NEU) will meet with the Oasis Community Learning Trust on Friday, November 24, to discuss the situation further. However, additional strikes are planned for November 28-29 and December 5-7.

Nick Childs, senior regional officer for the NEU, stated that the behaviour of students at the school is “completely unacceptable” and that teachers’ safety is being compromised. He added that effective classroom management is essential for creating a positive learning environment, which is currently lacking at the academy.

An NEU spokesperson emphasised that both staff and pupils have the right to feel safe at school. While recent discussions with the trust have led to some progress, concerns about violent behaviour persist. The union is calling for the introduction of a zero-tolerance policy for assaults and threats, with a focus on implementing 10-day fixed exclusions for students involved in such incidents.

Although the union and trust have reached agreements regarding workload and bonuses, the ongoing safety issues remain unresolved. In 2022, the academy received an “inadequate” rating from Ofsted.

A spokesperson for the Oasis Community Learning Trust expressed confidence in the progress made in negotiations and reiterated their commitment to working with staff to avoid further disruptions and ensure a safe environment for all students and staff.

Cameron Holds Talks with Netanyahu and Herzog Following Israel-Hamas Ceasefire Agreement

Cameron Holds Talks with Netanyahu and Herzog Following Israel-Hamas Ceasefire Agreement

Former UK Prime Minister discusses humanitarian aid and hostage release during visit to Israel

David Cameron, the former UK Prime Minister, met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Isaac Herzog during his visit to Israel, as a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas was announced. Cameron expressed optimism that the temporary cessation of hostilities could provide a vital opportunity to secure the release of hostages and facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid into Gaza.

The ceasefire, which is scheduled to begin on Friday at 7am local time, was brokered by Qatari officials. The first group of hostages, including 13 women and children, is expected to be released around 4pm on the same day.

Although the truce was confirmed, Cameron stressed to Netanyahu that all parties involved must ensure the agreement is upheld. “We must make it happen,” he urged, highlighting the critical need for aid to reach Gaza and alleviate the suffering caused by the ongoing conflict.

During his visit, Cameron also paid a visit to Kibbutz Be’eri, a location that witnessed some of the most intense violence during the Hamas assault. He condemned the hostage-taking, stressing that there is “never any excuse” for such actions. He expressed particular concern for British nationals held by Hamas.

Netanyahu reiterated his commitment to continuing the war effort, stating, “We will eradicate Hamas” to ensure long-term peace and security for Israel. He stressed that without eliminating this “murderous movement,” there would be no future hope for peace with the Palestinians or Arab nations.

Later, in a meeting with President Herzog, Cameron reflected on the trauma caused by the hostage crisis, drawing from his own experience when British hostages were taken in Syria during his tenure as Prime Minister.

Cameron’s visit follows a recent meeting in London with foreign ministers from various Arab and Islamic nations, where discussions focused on using the ceasefire to explore pathways for a peaceful future for both Israel and Palestine.

Senior Canadian Police Intelligence Officer Convicted of Secret-Leak Violations

Senior Canadian Police Intelligence Officer Convicted of Secret-Leak Violations

Cameron Jay Ortis found guilty of breaching Canada’s security laws and attempting to disclose classified information

A senior intelligence officer from Canada’s national police force has been convicted of violating the country’s security laws. On Wednesday, a jury delivered a guilty verdict against Cameron Jay Ortis, 51, on multiple charges related to breaching the Security of Information Act. He was found guilty of three counts of disclosing classified information and one count of attempting to do so.

In addition, Ortis was convicted of breach of trust and fraudulent use of a computer, marking a significant legal decision in a case that has raised concerns over national security. The former RCMP official had denied all charges, which included accusations that he revealed sensitive material to three individuals in 2015 and sought to leak information to a fourth party.

Ortis testified that he had shared confidential data to encourage targets to adopt an encrypted communication system provided by a foreign intelligence agency, which he believed would aid in spying on adversaries. However, the prosecution contended that Ortis lacked the necessary clearance to disclose such material and was not authorised to undertake these actions as part of any official undercover operation.

The case highlights serious concerns about the protection of national secrets and the accountability of individuals with access to sensitive government information.

Hamas Leader Yehya Sinwar: Israel’s Top Target After Deadly Attack

Hamas Leader Yehya Sinwar: Israel’s Top Target After Deadly Attack

The secretive Hamas chief in Gaza remains elusive as Israel targets his militant group in the wake of last month’s brutal assault

The mastermind behind the deadly Hamas attack on Israel, which ignited the worst violence between the two sides in decades, remains a shadowy and highly feared figure. Yehya Sinwar, the head of Hamas in Gaza, is at the heart of the group’s leadership and is Israel’s most sought-after target. Despite being relentlessly pursued, he remains in hiding and continues to guide Hamas’ military operations.

Sinwar’s role in the October 7 assault on Israel, which killed roughly 1,200 people, mostly civilians, shocked both Israel and the international community. The attack shattered Israel’s perception of invincibility, with Hamas militants exploiting Israel’s vulnerabilities. Sinwar, a highly secretive leader who learned Hebrew while imprisoned by Israel, is a strategist who deeply understands his enemy.

While Sinwar remains a key figure in Hamas’ resistance, his survival and the outcome of the war may depend on the war’s resolution and whether Palestinians feel they have gained something from their sacrifices. The exchange of prisoners between Hamas and Israel, as well as the temporary ceasefire, is seen as a potential political victory for Sinwar, albeit one achieved at great cost.

However, Sinwar’s rise to prominence is rooted in his ruthless leadership style. His political career within Hamas began early, where he earned the nickname “Butcher of Khan Younis” for his harsh approach to suspected collaborators. Even within Hamas, he is a polarising figure — respected for resisting Israel, but feared for his authoritarian rule in Gaza.

Born in 1962 in Gaza’s Khan Younis refugee camp, Sinwar became a key figure in Hamas soon after its inception in 1987. He is known for his brutal methods in combat and for purging Hamas of suspected Israeli spies. After serving years in Israeli prisons, where he became known for his charismatic leadership among fellow detainees, Sinwar was released in 2011 as part of a prisoner exchange deal.

Sinwar’s leadership in Gaza has been marked by his alignment with Iran and Hezbollah, and his ability to direct military operations while consolidating power within Hamas. His rise was not without controversy; he was implicated in internal Hamas power struggles and survived an assassination attempt. Now, as the conflict continues, Sinwar’s survival is increasingly uncertain, yet his influence remains a significant factor in Hamas’ resilience.

Despite Israel’s efforts, the ideology Sinwar nurtured over decades is not so easily eradicated. As one former Israeli security official stated, “We may kill him, but destroying the ideology he represents is another matter entirely.”

Death Threats and Antisemitic Abuse Flood Court Amid Trump’s Fraud Trial

Death Threats and Antisemitic Abuse Flood Court Amid Trump’s Fraud Trial

Court staff and Judge Engoron face a surge in violent threats and harassment following Trump’s online attacks

The court overseeing Donald Trump’s fraud trial in New York has been inundated with a torrent of credible death threats and antisemitic abuse, according to the court’s public safety officer. The harassment began after Trump targeted Judge Arthur Engoron and his staff online, leading to an escalation of threats against them.

A filing revealed that both Judge Engoron and his clerk received hundreds of violent messages, including threats of execution and severe personal insults, some of which were transcribed into over 275 pages of voicemails. One chilling message said, “You should be executed,” while another warned, “I will come for you. I don’t care. Ain’t nobody gonna stop me either.”

These threats have prompted the court to implement gag orders to prevent further harassment. However, when Trump violated these orders, the flood of abusive messages intensified. According to Charles Hollon, an officer with the court’s Department of Public Safety, the threats have created an ongoing security risk not just for the judge and his staff, but also for their families.

Trump’s comments about court clerk Allison Greenfield sparked even more abuse, with her personal information being compromised and subjected to daily harassment, much of it antisemitic in nature. The filing details harrowing voicemail transcriptions, including one that subjected Greenfield to disgusting verbal abuse.

In response to the increasing threats, Judge Engoron has appealed to higher courts, stating that the First Amendment protections for Trump and his attorneys do not outweigh the need to protect the court staff from violence and intimidation.

This legal battle, part of the ongoing lawsuit from New York Attorney General Letitia James, could potentially lead to a collapse of Trump’s real estate empire in New York, with substantial fines on the horizon.

Federal judges are also considering gag orders in another case involving Trump’s alleged efforts to overturn the 2020 election results, as similar patterns of threats and harassment have emerged against legal professionals involved in his cases.

The ongoing attacks on the judiciary and court staff illustrate a growing culture of intimidation stemming from Trump’s rhetoric, raising concerns about the safety of those working on his numerous legal challenges.

Taste Test of 2023’s Christmas Sandwiches: The Good, the Bad, and the Bizarre

Taste Test of 2023’s Christmas Sandwiches: The Good, the Bad, and the Bizarre

From turkey feasts to bizarre brioche creations, we sample this year’s most outlandish supermarket festive sandwiches

The Christmas sandwich season has once again arrived, and British supermarkets have outdone themselves with ever more extravagant creations. Gone are the days of simple turkey with cranberry sauce; now, festive sandwiches feature everything from brie and brioche to cheesy pigs-in-blankets. Some offerings are a hit, but others fall flat, leaving us wondering how far is too far for the humble holiday sandwich.

The 2023 options seem to have a more refined approach, with many featuring upscale ingredients. Pret A Manger, criticised earlier in the year for its high prices, is offering a rye roll filled with smoked salmon, crayfish, rocket, and lemon mayo for £4.99 – a surprisingly reasonable price. Co-op’s currywurst sandwich with cheddar, sauerkraut, and mustard is another quirky but surprisingly successful creation, priced at £3.85.

Of course, there are still affordable choices for those on a budget. Morrisons’ turkey feast (£3.50), packed with turkey breast, sausages, stuffing, and bacon, is a reliable option, especially with cranberry sauce. Tesco’s vegan spiced veg and chestnut wrap, with a pea protein-based mayo, is another decent, wallet-friendly offering at just £2.85.

However, the majority of 2023’s Christmas sandwiches leave much to be desired. While some begin with interesting ideas, they often end up as dry, underwhelming combinations of uninspired ingredients in poor-quality bread.

We sampled a few of the more outlandish options, including M&S’s “Brie-LT” — a bizarre combination of bacon, brie, and caramelised onion mayo in brioche, which divided opinion on its taste. Starbucks’ festive sub roll, with ham and “festive slaw,” and Tesco’s “Yule Hog,” which pairs pork with gravy, apple sauce, and sage stuffing, also made an appearance in our taste test. Read our full thoughts on these and other festive offerings in our comprehensive guide to this year’s Christmas sandwiches.

Maguire Hails Kane as World’s Best Striker, Admits England Miss His Presence

Maguire Hails Kane as World’s Best Striker, Admits England Miss His Presence

England captain’s impact is sorely felt in matches without him, says Manchester United’s Harry Maguire

Harry Maguire has described Harry Kane as the “best striker in the world” and admitted that England truly miss his presence when he is not on the pitch.

Despite Kane not scoring in England’s 1-1 draw with North Macedonia on Monday, the Bayern Munich forward’s impact was still evident. Just 40 seconds after coming on as a substitute, Kane’s aerial presence contributed to an own goal that helped England level the match. He had also netted in Friday’s 2-0 victory against Malta.

The Manchester United defender stated, “For me, he’s the best striker in the world. We miss him when he’s not on the pitch. He’s not just our goalscorer, but our captain and leader. His role has been crucial for us.” Kane’s 21 goals in his last 24 matches for England underline his importance, making him the nation’s all-time top scorer with 62 goals in 89 appearances.

Kane’s goal tally for both club and country in 2023 is second only to Erling Haaland, with 47 goals to Haaland’s 48.

Maguire continued to praise Kane’s consistency, saying, “He’s been proving himself as one of the best strikers in the world for years. Even after his move to Bayern Munich, he’s still delivering the same clinical performances. His movement, ability to score from any angle, and leadership on the field are unmatched.”

Kane and Maguire are set to face each other when Manchester United play Bayern Munich at Old Trafford on December 12 in the Champions League group-stage finale. Reflecting on their previous encounter, when Bayern triumphed 4-3, Maguire said, “We need to find a way to contain him if we want to win at home.”

Former Stig Expresses Disappointment Over Top Gear Hiatus, Suggests Improvements

Former Stig Expresses Disappointment Over Top Gear Hiatus, Suggests Improvements

Perry McCarthy believes the show’s safety protocols could be improved following Flintoff’s crash

Perry McCarthy, the original Stig from Top Gear, has voiced his frustration over the BBC’s decision to pause the popular motoring show, following the serious injury of host Andrew ‘Freddie’ Flintoff during filming in December 2022.

On Tuesday, the BBC confirmed that Top Gear would not return for the “foreseeable future” after Flintoff’s accident, with production halted to ensure proper safety reviews are carried out. The corporation acknowledged that while the decision would disappoint fans, it was the right course of action.

McCarthy, who became famous for his role as the elusive Stig on the show, shared his disappointment with the news, saying, “It’s frustrating on many levels, and frankly, I think it’s unacceptable.” He suggested that the programme could adapt to include better on-site monitoring to prevent future incidents, adding that the current safety measures could be improved.

In response to the crash, a health and safety review was carried out on previous Top Gear series, though it did not cover Flintoff’s specific accident. The review found that BBC Studios had followed the required safety protocols and industry best practices. However, it acknowledged that “important learnings” had been identified and that these would be rigorously applied to future productions of the show.

The BBC also reassured fans that while the Top Gear UK series is on hold, other activities related to the franchise, such as international formats, digital content, and licensing, would continue unaffected.

In its statement, the BBC noted the complex nature of Top Gear’s production, which combines tight filming schedules with high editorial ambitions, and reiterated its commitment to improving safety practices moving forward.

England Extend Unbeaten Streak in Euro 2024 Qualifiers with Comfortable Win Over Malta

England Extend Unbeaten Streak in Euro 2024 Qualifiers with Comfortable Win Over Malta

Harry Kane’s late goal secures a 2-0 victory, while other teams battle for crucial points in their groups

England maintained their unbeaten run in the Euro 2024 qualifiers with a 2-0 victory against Malta, extending their dominance in Group C. The match, held at Wembley, saw the Three Lions take the lead in the eighth minute after Malta’s Enrico Pepe inadvertently scored an own goal.

Despite high expectations from the crowd, it wasn’t until the 75th minute that England doubled their lead when Harry Kane found the net from close range, ensuring the win.

Elsewhere, Italy kept their Euro 2024 hopes alive with a thrilling 5-2 victory over North Macedonia. Matteo Darmian opened the scoring for Italy, and Federico Chiesa’s brace before half-time gave them a commanding lead. North Macedonia mounted a second-half comeback through Jani Atanasov’s double, narrowing the gap to just one. However, Italy sealed the victory with a late strike from Giacomo Raspadori and a fifth goal by Stephan El Shaarawy.

In Group E, Albania secured qualification despite being held to a 1-1 draw by Moldova. Albania took the lead in the 25th minute with a penalty from Sokol Cikalleshi, but Moldova equalised through Vladislav Baboglo, ensuring the draw that sent Albania through to Euro 2024.

Czech Republic clung onto second place in Group E with a 1-1 draw against Poland in Warsaw. Jakub Piotrowski gave Poland the lead, but Tomas Soucek’s equaliser in the second half kept the Czechs on course for qualification, while Poland’s hopes were dashed.

In Group H, Denmark confirmed their place in the group stages after a 2-1 win over Slovenia. Joakim Maehle put Denmark ahead, but Slovenia equalised through Erik Janza. Thomas Delaney then scored the decisive goal, securing Denmark’s progression.

Meanwhile, Kazakhstan boosted their qualification chances with a 3-1 victory over San Marino. Islam Chesnokov scored a brace for Kazakhstan, while Simone Franciosi briefly gave San Marino hope with a goal. However, Kazakhstan regained their two-goal advantage thanks to a late penalty from Abat Aimbetov.

Northern Ireland’s qualification hopes suffered a blow with a heavy 4-0 defeat to Finland, their seventh loss in the campaign.

Bear Breaks into California Home After Woman’s Death, Sparking Investigation

Bear Breaks into California Home After Woman’s Death, Sparking Investigation

Authorities confirm 71-year-oldCalifornia police are investigating the mysterious events surrounding the death of 71-year-old Patrice Miller, whose body was discovered in her home after it was ransacked by a bear. The Sierra County Sheriff’s Office has stated that Miller’s death likely occurred before the bear entered the residence, with the animal’s actions thought to be unrelated to her demise.

On 8 November, officers conducted a welfare check at Miller’s home in Downieville, as she had not been heard from for several days. After forcing entry, deputies found her body inside. The initial investigation suggests that Miller passed away before the bear’s involvement. Authorities are now working alongside Fish and Wildlife experts to determine the exact sequence of events.

It is believed that the bear may have entered the house after detecting a scent or for other reasons, likely attracted by food or the remnants of food in the home. As part of their ongoing investigation, officials are focused on understanding the bear’s behaviour and ensuring the safety of local residents.

In light of the incident, the Sierra County Sheriff’s Office has issued safety precautions for the community, urging residents to secure ground-level doors and windows, lock vehicles, and eliminate any outdoor food sources, including trash.

The sheriff’s office extended its condolences to Miller’s family, acknowledging the tragic loss of a local community member.

Bear behaviour experts note that during the autumn months, bears are in a phase known as hyperphagia, where they consume large amounts of food in preparation for winter hibernation. Ann Bryant, from the Bear League of the Lake Tahoe Basin, explained to CBS News that bears have an exceptional sense of smell and may have been simply investigating the home for potential food sources.