Author: britishbulletin.com

A Sudanese “refugee” has been convicted of threatening a Christian preacher with a knife at Hyde Park’s Speakers’ Corner.Knifeman Ahmed Mohammed, 34, approached preacher Daniel Ayettey, who was addressing a crowd from atop a ladder at the historic debate spot on a Sunday afternoon in May.Following what prosecutors described as a previous “minor incident” between the pair over religious matters, Mohammed asked the preacher: “What would you like to happen in my life?”Mr Ayettey responded: “I would like to have the Lord in your life.”That triggered an immediate change in Mohammed’s behaviour, prosecutor Nicholas Mesure told Southwark Crown Court on…

On Tuesday, David Lammy wrote to officials suggesting only rape, murder and manslaughter cases might be heard by juries under plans to overhaul the courts system.Mr Lammy wrote in a memo seen by The Times that there was “no right” to jury trials in Britain – and claimed the move would not compromise a suspect’s rights.The Justice Secretary wrote in a briefing note to ministers and senior civil servants this month that rape, murder, manslaughter and “public interest” cases would be heard by juries, while other “lower” offences would be heard by a judge.Asked whether the Prime Minister would be…

As Rachel Reeves prepares to deliver her second budget speech at the Westminster dispatch box, Scottish firms have been discussing the impact of last year’s statement and sharing their views on what could make or break this week’s announcements.More than 100 businesses were represented at Hampden Park for the Scottish Growth Seminar, with business leaders, guests and entrepreneurs addressing an audience of 175 delegates.A recurring complaint emerging in conversations with chief executives and founders was last year’s hike to employer National Insurance contributions, which many held responsible for the difficulty they faced hiring additional staff.Peter Barclay explained businesses are “feeling…

Porcelain Victoria is concerned that a change in the law could drive sex workers into poverty Porcelain Victoria has been selling sex for eight years.The 26-year-old says that being self-employed allows her to be flexible with her working hours, which helps with childcare.”I very much enjoy how freeing it is and, of course, bringing a smile to my client’s faces,” she says.”In any customer service job, you want to bring a smile to your client’s face, whether you’re a chef, or a plumber, or just somebody working at a shop.”Porcelain Victoria says she started selling sex when she was 18…

Cristiano Ronaldo will be able to play for Portugal in their opening game at next summer’s World Cup finals despite his red card against the Republic of Ireland.Ronaldo, 40, was sent off for an elbow to Dara O’Shea’s back during Portugal’s 2-0 qualifying defeat earlier this month. Violent conduct normally carries a three-match ban but Ronaldo has had the second and third matches suspended for a year.BBC Sport understands that the fact it was his first red card in 226 international appearances was taken into account.Ronaldo sat out the match against Armenia on 16 November so will not miss any…

A team of National Lottery winners have taken on some surprising new jobs in the run-up to Christmas.The lucky champions gathered at the ToyBox Project in Bedwas, Caerphilly, to help prepare presents for disadvantaged children.The group sorted, packed and wrapped donated toys with Christmas music playing in the background. They created their own version of Santa’s workshop, preparing gifts for children ranging from newborns to teenagers who might otherwise receive little on Christmas Day.Alongside the charity’s collection of new and second-hand toys, the lottery winners brought their own donations to beef up ToyBox’s offering this December.Between wrapping sessions, they spoke…

Savers are preparing for drastic changes in Chancellor Rachel Reeves’s Budget as the tax-free allowance linked to ISAs is expected to be nearly halved from £20,000 to £12,000.It is understood the Treasury is floating the policy change to encourage households to invest in the UK stock market, however critics claim it is a stealth tax on those saving their hard-earned cash.If implemented, savers would be at risk of becoming more liable for tax. Will you end up paying more to HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC)? Should the ISA tax-free allowance fall to £12,,000? | GETTY / PA

Plans to relax restrictions on new oil and gas drilling in the North Sea will be unveiled on Wednesday under the government’s North Sea Strategy.Chancellor Rachel Reeves will announce the publication of the strategy as part of her Budget speech, the understands. The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero will release a document on it shortly after.The strategy is expected to confirm the government is relaxing its moratorium on new drilling for oil and gas in a form in which it can argue the new areas are extensions of existing infrastructure.This idea for allowing new drilling in a way…

Grace Williams also won silver in the women’s class eight singles after losing by the same scoreline to Wolf in the final.It took the British team’s medal haul to 13, adding to medals won earlier in the tournament by Rob Davies, Tom Matthews, Chris Ryan, Martin Perry, Billy Shilton, Williams, Bishop and Pickard.Twomey paid tribute to Bayley’s influence on her career, with the pair having first met at Brighton Table Tennis Club in 2021.”From the start Will has been my inspiration and it’s amazing to play with such a great player,” Twomey said.”If someone had told me at the beginning…

A Welsh town has become embroiled in a heated dispute after caravans were accused of blocking off residential properties and a sports ground.Some 70 residents of Talywain, Pontypool, submitted formal complaints to Torfaen council about the vehicles’ location.The caravans’ owner, Tony Janes, parked them near the entrance to a football pitch and adjacent to several bungalows.Despite widespread opposition from the community, councillors have permitted the caravans to stay – for now.The approval comes with stringent conditions that Mr Janes must follow.Residents claim the vehicles obstruct routes to homes and the football pitches.During a planning committee session, council planning officer Justin…