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May 6 2024

China hacked Ministry of Defence, Sky News learns | Politics News

The Chinese state has hacked the Ministry of Defence, Sky News understands.

MPs will be told on Tuesday of a massive data breach involving the MoD, targeting service personnel.

The government will not name the country involved, but Sky News understands this to be China.

The Chinese state is to be accused of two or three attempts at hacking MoD employees – including personnel.

The cyberattack was on a payroll system with current service personnel and some veterans. It is largely names and bank details that have been exposed.

All salaries will be paid this month.

Tobias Ellwood, a Conservative MP and former soldier, told Sky News that China “was probably looking at the financially vulnerable with a view that they may be coerced in exchange for cash”.

The MoD hopes serving personnel will not be concerned about their safety. They will be provided with advice and support tomorrow.

The contractor system is not connected to the main MoD computer systems and has been taken down with a review launched.

Read more:
Beijing poses ‘constant’ threat to western cybersecurity
China ‘trying to undermine our democracy’

The MoD has been working at speed over the last 72 hours to understand the scale of the hack after it was discovered in recent days.

It is understood investigations have not so far shown any data has been taken.

This could raise questions about whether other countries with challenging relationships with China will want to share sensitive intelligence with the UK.

This comes fewer than two months after China’s “state-affiliated actors” have been blamed by the government for two “malicious” cyberattack campaigns in the UK.

Making a speech in the Commons, Deputy Prime Minister Oliver Dowden revealed the two incidents involved an attack on the Electoral Commission – responsible for overseeing elections and political finance – in 2021, and targeted attacks against China-sceptic MPs.

Labour’s shadow defence secretary John Healey said there are “so many serious questions for the defence secretary on this, especially from Forces personnel whose details were targeted”.

He added: “Any such hostile action is utterly unacceptable.

“Parliament will expect a full Commons statement tomorrow.”

Sir Iain Duncan Smith, a Conservative MP and former soldier who has been sanctioned by China, told Sky News: “This is yet another example of why the UK government must admit that China poses a systemic threat to the UK and change the integrated review to reflect that.

“No more pretence, it is a malign actor, supporting Russia with money and military equipment, working with Iran and North Korea in a new axis of totalitarian states.”

Mr Ellwood said: “We are learning the hard way how art warfare is rapidly changing as technology advances.

“Defending the digital terrain is now just as important as the physical – this is another reminder why we need to invest more in defence and security.

“Targeting the MoD’s payroll and bank details was probably looking at the financially vulnerable with a view that they may be coerced in exchange for cash.

“And if this type of cyberattack is taking place here in the UK we can assume other nato countries will be targeted too.”

Xi Jinping, China’s president, is currently on a tour of Europe – although he is not set to visit the UK.

He has spent today in Paris and will travel with French President Emmanuel Macron to the Pyrenees tomorrow.

After that, he will visit Serbia on Wednesday and Hungary on Thursday – both countries which are on friendly terms with Beijing.

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May 6 2024

Rishi Sunak: General election not a ‘foregone conclusion’ | Politics News

The results of the next general election are not a “foregone conclusion” according to Rishi Sunak, after his party’s slate of defeats in the local elections.

The prime minister was speaking off the back of analysis of the results conducted by Sky News which indicated the country was heading towards a hung parliament.

This projection, however, does not account for Labour now being the most popular party in Scotland, nor does it recognise that people are less likely to vote for an independent or small party in a Westminster election when compared to council seats.

Politics live: New SNP leader sticks to independence aim

Speaking from a charity in north London, Mr Sunak said: “Well, the independent analysis shows whilst of course, this was a disappointing weekend for us, that the result of the next general election isn’t a foregone conclusion and indeed actually is closer than the situation is closer than many people are saying.”

Mr Sunak also paid tribute to the almost 500 Tory councillors who were unseated over the weekend, as well as West Midlands mayor Andy Street.

“Well, obviously disappointing to lose Conservative councillors and a fantastic mayor for the West Midlands in Andy Street,” the prime minister said.

“And I’m grateful to them for their public service and all their hard work.

“For my part, reflecting on it, I’m determined more than ever to demonstrate to the country that we are making progress on the areas that matter to them, and we are going to deliver for them.”

Asked about the disquiet from within his party about the direction the Conservatives are taking, Mr Sunak said: “What unites all members of our party, MPs and beyond, are our values as Conservatives and the type of country that we want to build.”

In the wake of the local election defeats, Mr Sunak was facing calls to tack both further right and further to the centre.

Mr Street called on the prime minister not to drift to the right, telling Sky News that he “would definitely not advise that drift”.

“The message is clear: winning from that centre ground is what happens,” he added.

Meanwhile, former home secretary Suella Braverman wrote in the Daily Telegraph that “the hole to dig us out of is the PM’s, and it’s time for him to start shovelling”.

She called for the Conservatives to take a tougher stance on tax, migration, small boats and law and order.

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Mr Sunak said: “I’m absolutely determined to fight incredibly hard for what I believe and for the future country that I want to build, and that’s what I’m going to do.

“Fight for this country, fight for the things I believe and deliver for everyone on the things that matter to them.”

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May 6 2024

Heineken investment set to reopen 62 pubs – is your local on the list? | Business News

Heineken is investing £39m in more than 600 of its pubs in the UK – in a move it says will bring 62 back from the dead.

The Dutch brewer said the cash injection into its Star Pubs operation will create more than 1,000 jobs.

According to Star Pubs, 612 pubs are set to benefit, with refurbishments focusing on “transforming tired pubs in suburban areas into premium locals” as people commute less to city centres.

This will include “subtle zoning” work to cater for various customer activities, such as watching sport and dining.

Two pubs in Essex have already reopened after works costing £424,000 together, with another in Bromsgrove, near Birmingham, set to relaunch later this month.

Some of the pubs earmarked to reopen this year

The Cherry Tree in Witham, Essex

The Crown & Anchor, Aveley, Essex

The Wildmoor Oak at Wildmoor near Bromsgrove

The Black Bull in Ecclesfield, Sheffield

The Hesketh Tavern in Cheadle Hulme, Stockport

The Junction in Wombwell, South Yorkshire

The Manvers Arms in Radcliffe on Trent, Nottinghamshire

The Punch Bowl in West Hallam, Derbyshire

The Rose of Denmark, Bristol

Roxy’s Steak & Tap in Twickenham, southwest London

The Talbot in Cheslyn Hay, Staffordshire

The Winterton Arms in Chiddingfold, Surrey

“People are looking for maximum value from visits to their local,” said Lawson Mountstevens, Star Pubs’ managing director.

“They want great surroundings and food and drink as well as activities that give them an extra reason to go out, such as sports screenings and entertainment.

“Creating fantastic locals that can accommodate a range of occasions meets this need and helps pubs fulfil their role as vital third spaces where communities can come together.”

Some revamps will also include overhauling cellars with new dispensing equipment and measures to improve energy efficiency, such as heating controls, Star said.

Read more:
Pubs ‘vanishing’ at rate of more than two per day
Takeaway pints from pubs banned

It comes on top of similar plans in recent years and will represent more than £200m in investments since 2019.

Mr Mountstevens added: “Pubs have proved their enduring appeal, after all the disruption of recent years, Star is on track to have the lowest number of closed pubs since 2019.

“It’s a tribute to the drive and entrepreneurship of licensees and the importance of continued investment.

“Well-invested pubs run by great licensees are here to stay, but like all locals, they need government support to reduce the enormous tax burden they shoulder.”

Pubs have suffered as both the cost of living and business forced 450 sites to close last year despite government support, according to the British Beer and Pub Association, which warns another 2,000 are at risk.

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May 6 2024

Rishi Sunak admits Tories may not win general election and claims UK heading for hung parliament | Politics News

Rishi Sunak has admitted the Tories may not win the general election after grim defeats in the local polls.

The prime minister suggested the UK was on course for a hung parliament and claimed voters would not want to see Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer “propped up in Downing Street” by the SNP or smaller parties.

In an interview with The Times, Mr Sunak pointed to Sky News analysis of the local election results by election expert Professor Michael Thrasher which suggested Labour would be the largest party in a hung parliament.

Politics live: PM told to ‘wake up and smell the coffee’ after elections

“These results suggest we are heading for a hung parliament with Labour as the largest party,” Mr Sunak told the paper.

“Keir Starmer propped up in Downing Street by the SNP, Liberal Democrats and the Greens would be a disaster for Britain.

“The country doesn’t need more political horse-trading, but action. We are the only party that has a plan to deliver on the priorities of the people.”

Meanwhile, Tory rebels have warned the prime minister to change his political course after the weekend’s local election results.

Read more:
The local election winners and losers
Charts tell story of Conservative collapse
Analysis: Labour’s future success is less clear-cut

Sunak urged to take party towards right

Former home secretary Suella Braverman urged him to mould the party towards the right in order to win back voters.

But she told the BBC a change of leadership was not a “feasible prospect,” adding: “There is no superman or superwoman out there who can do it.”

Ms Braverman urged the prime minister to adopt several measures to win back voters, including further tax cuts and a cap on legal migration.

Tories ‘up for the fight,’ minister insists

But Transport Secretary Mark Harper insisted Mr Sunak and the Tories are “up for the fight” of a general election despite their terrible results in the local contests.

Talking to Sky News’ Sunday Morning With Trevor Phillips, the minister said: “I think the key thing that people need to do now is get behind the prime minister, focus on the things the government is focused on delivering – the British people’s priorities around the economy, dealing with migration – and get out there and take that fight to the country ahead of the general election.”

Labour won 1,158 seats in the 107 councils in England that held elections on 2 May, an increase of more than 232.

The Liberal Democrats won 552 seats, up nearly 100, while the Tories came in third place on 515 seats, down nearly 400.

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May 5 2024

Graeme McCormick pulls out of SNP leadership race paving way for John Swinney | Politics News

Graeme McCormick has pulled out of the race to become SNP leader and instead endorsed rival John Swinney as Scotland’s next first minister.

Mr McCormick’s decision not to pursue a leadership bid leaves Mr Swinney as the only official candidate after Humza Yousaf announced he is stepping down.

Mr Yousaf said he was resigning last week after he decided to end the power-sharing agreement with the Scottish Green Party.

In a statement shared with Sky News, Mr McCormick, a party activist, said he had had a “lengthy and fruitful conversation” with Mr Swinney, adding that he had “met the threshold set by the party rules”.

“John and I agreed the challenges which the SNP, our government and our people face, and explored new thinking on a range of issues which I am confident, as they are advanced, will inspire activists both within the SNP and wider independence movement in the following weeks and months,” he said.

“This is a fresh start for our members and our politicians, and I’m sure that John’s determination to deliver Independence will be rewarded at the forthcoming general election.

“I have therefore concluded that I shall not proceed with my nomination for party leader but instead support John Swinney’s nomination for party leader and first minister of Scotland.”

It means the party will avoid a three-week leadership contest, which would have been triggered had Mr McCormick not stepped aside and received. the required 100 nominations.

Barring a bombshell – Swinney will become leader tomorrow

The SNP establishment is quietly breathing a sigh of relief after a wildcard challenger pulled the plug.

Grassroots member Graeme McCormick has been a thorn in the side of the party hierarchy for a long time, but the truth is he never stood a chance of becoming leader.

Apparently, he was gathering the required 100 signatures from party members on his clipboard at an independence rally in Glasgow on Saturday. It doesn’t get more grassroots than that.

His move to trigger a contest would have delayed the inevitable Swinney win, but it would have forced the party to spend three weeks having another internal debate.

It would have been difficult (and embarrassing) for Mr Swinney and co as they try and pull a divided party back together.

Mr McCormick told Sky News he had a discussion with Mr Swinney on Sunday, and it seems the pair came to some sort of agreement.

Many will see this as a small diplomatic win for the incoming first minister as he uses soft power to spare the SNP’s blushes.

Barring a bombshell, Mr Swinney will become leader tomorrow and first minister of Scotland on Tuesday as Humza Yousaf packs his bags and heads for the same door he kicked the Greens out of a few weeks ago.

Read more
Who is John Swinney?
What direction will the SNP take?

Earlier on Sunday, Mr Swinney warned potential challengers from entering the race, saying it would delay the party from “rebuilding”.

“My bid to become SNP leader has received very, very comprehensive support within the SNP. I have sent out a message which is about unifying the SNP to strengthen our party and win Scottish independence,” he told Sky’s Trevor Phillips.

“I think that is necessary as the SNP is not as cohesive today as the party needs to be, and my campaign has attracted very wide support.

“So I think the SNP has got a chance to start rebuilding from the difficult period that we’ve had under my leadership and, bluntly, I would just like to get on with that as quickly as I can do because every day that we spend in an internal contest, which I think we all probably know the outcome of, we delay the ability for the SNP to start its rebuilding and I want to get on with that as quickly as I possibly can do.”

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May 5 2024

‘You stay classy, Leeds?’ Anchorman star Will Ferrell invests in Championship club | UK News

Will Ferrell has become the latest celebrity to invest in Leeds United – joining Gladiator star Russell Crowe and Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps.

The Hollywood actor, 56, has bought a stake in the Championship club’s owners 49ers Enterprises, in which golfers Jordan Spieth and Justin Thomas also have shares.

Ferrell, who is best known for his comedic roles in films such as Elf, Anchorman and Blades Of Glory, is already the co-owner of Major Soccer side Los Angeles FC.

He revealed his love of the English game during a six-day trip to watch matches around the country with friends, including Manchester City’s 3-1 win over Aston Villa last season, speaking to Sky Sports pundits including Gary Neville ahead of the fixture.

Ferrell, who played the chief executive of toy company Mattel in last summer’s blockbuster Barbie alongside Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling, was also spotted enjoying a pint with fans before watching Wrexham beat Wealdstone in the National League.

Read more from Sky News:
Lord Of The Rings and Titanic actor Bernard Hill dies
Madonna plays her biggest-ever show on Rio beach

Since Deadpool star Ryan Reynolds and It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia creator Rob McElhenney, both 47, bought the Welsh club in 2021 the side have received global attention.

Wrexham recently secured a second consecutive promotion, while the Disney+ documentary series, Welcome To Wrexham, which follows the trials and tribulations of the club, is in its third season.

Leeds missed out on automatic promotion to the Premier League on Saturday after their 2-1 home defeat to Southampton and Ipswich’s 2-0 win against Huddersfield, which secured the Tractor Boys’ return to the top flight for the first time in 22 years.

Daniel Farke’s side now aim to bounce back to the top tier via the play-offs and face Norwich in the first leg of their semi-final at Carrow Road next Sunday.

Three-time major winner Spieth confirmed he and fellow American Thomas bought minority shares in the club last summer.

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May 5 2024

Olly Alexander addresses ‘extreme’ remarks from fans on Israel’s Eurovision inclusion | Ents & Arts News

The UK’s Eurovision Song Contest representative has addressed “extreme” remarks from fans over Israel’s inclusion in the competition.

Olly Alexander was selected as this year’s representative for the UK for the popular singing competition.

It’s set to take place in Malmo, Sweden, next week but tens of thousands are expected to protest Israel’s involvement and its ongoing war in Gaza.

Alexander, the Years & Years singer, has found himself facing criticism from some who called for him to withdraw amid the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas.

Queers for Palestine circulated a letter, signed by thousands including actors Indya Moore, Brigette Lundy-Paine, and Maxine Peake calling for the It’s A Sin actor to pull out of the show.

In March, along with Irish hopeful Bambie Thug, Danish entrant Saba and other Eurovision artists, Alexander released a joint statement, backing “an immediate and lasting ceasefire” but refusing to boycott the event.

Now, speaking out in a new documentary which has followed the 33-year-old as he prepares for the show, he has described some of the comments he and other participants have faced as “very extreme”.

He said: “A lot of the contestants and myself have been having a lot of comments that are like ‘You are complicit in a genocide by taking part in Eurovision’ which is quite extreme. It’s very extreme.

“I understand where that sentiment is coming from but I think it’s not correct.

“It’s an incredibly complicated political situation, one that I’m not qualified to speak on.

“The backdrop to this is actual immense suffering. It’s a humanitarian crisis, a war.

“It just so happens there’s a song contest going on at the same time that I’m a part of.”

Speaking in the BBC’s documentary titled Olly Alexander’s Road To Eurovision ’24, he continued saying that people should boycott Eurovision if they didn’t feel comfortable watching and he respected their decision – but would be taking part himself.

He added: “My plan is to just focus on putting on a good performance in Malmo.

“My team, everyone’s worked so hard, and we’re in the final stretch now.”

Read more from Sky News:
Progress reported in Gaza ceasefire talks
Man charged over 1966 murder after DNA breakthrough
About 31,000 homes without water

Earlier in the week, Alexander broke down crying during an interview with The Times when discussing the pressure he had come under for participating in Eurovision.

He told the paper he knew a number of signatories of the petition against him, and none had reached out to him.

He said: “This is so much bigger than me and Eurovision, it really is. But, obviously, I wish there wasn’t a war or this insane humanitarian crisis.

“I wish for peace and I have found this experience, at times, extremely … I’ve just felt really sad and distressed.”

Speaking on Sky’s Sunday Morning with Trevor Phillips, deputy director general of the European Broadcasting Union who organises Eurovision, Jean Philip De Tender, defended Israel’s inclusion in the competition.

He said: “We do understand the concerns and deeply held views around the war in the Middle East.

“The song contest is a music event organised and co-produced by 37 public broadcasters, it’s not a competition between nations or governments.

“Our governing bodies reviewed the participation of Kan [Israel’s public broadcasting corporation] and found that they met all of the competing rules.”

Phillips pointed out incidences when Kan came under fire for their broadcasting.

This included, he said, when Kan published a video of children singing, in the public broadcaster’s own words, for the “annihilation of Gaza” and when one of their presenters was seen writing “I want to send the people of Gaza artillery shells”.

Mr De Tender said they had been in contact with Kan about the content they published and their editorial output, and had expressed concern on occasion.

He added that Eurovision had competition rules which they had to follow, and taking action beyond these rules to exclude Kan would have been a “political decision as such which we cannot take”.

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May 5 2024

Mother of trans boy who died in mental health unit calls for public inquiry | UK News

The mother of a transgender boy who died after self-harming in a mental health unit is calling for a public inquiry into his care.

Charlie Millers, 17, from Stretford, Greater Manchester, died from a brain injury five days after being found unconscious on the Junction 17 wing at Prestwich Hospital in December 2020.

An inquest at Rochdale Coroners’ Court found there were multi-agency failings leading up to his death and that he didn’t intend to end his life.

The inquest jury found that a lack of one-to-one nursing care and the decision not to place Charlie on constant observations at the ward probably contributed to his death.

His mother, Sam Millers, had repeatedly called for more support to keep him safe.

She told Sky News: “All these failings, it upsets me that I’ll never get the opportunity to say I’m sorry. He was at risk of death and as his mum, I said I didn’t think he’d be here for Christmas.”

Charlie was a talented artist who loved football and animals, but he struggled with his mental health from an early age.

He had been diagnosed with ADHD and was severely bullied after publicly identifying as a boy from the age of 12.

The court heard Charlie was receiving support from Trafford Council children’s services as he was in a cycle of self-harm and suicide attempts. He was admitted to Junction 17 due to a deterioration in his mental health.

Charlie was the third young person to die at the hospital in less than a year.

His mother said: “Three deaths in nine months due to the same observation failings is really concerning and we are going to push for a public inquiry.”

Read more:
What gender treatments are currently available to children?
‘Life-changing’ sickle cell disease treatment made available on NHS

The senior coroner at the inquest, Joanne Kearsley, also said she was concerned and told jurors she would write to the Department for Health and Social Care to seek recommendations to prevent future deaths.

In the months before he died, Charlie had been admitted three times to the unit, which is run by Greater Manchester Mental Health (GMMH) NHS Foundation Trust.

GMMH said: “A wide range of actions have already been taken to improve inpatient mental health services both in response to Charlie’s death, and as part of our wider improvement plan.”

Meanwhile, Trafford Council said: “We are actively working with our safeguarding partnership to enhance our practice when young people are in crisis to improve their care.”

Anyone feeling emotionally distressed or suicidal can call Samaritans for help on 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org in the UK. In the US, call the Samaritans branch in your area or 1 (800) 273-TALK

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May 4 2024

Who is the new West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker? | UK News

Richard Parker has pulled off a surprise victory in the West Midlands mayoral election.

The Labour candidate unseated Andy Street, winning by just 1,508 votes, to end the Tory’s seven-year term.

Here’s what you need to know about the relatively unknown politician.

Originally from Bristol, Mr Parker’s father was a dock worker and his mother a school secretary.

He left school aged 16 and went straight to work at a local port authority before getting an economics degree.

Mr Parker went to work for PwC in 1989, where he gained his accountancy qualifications and went on to become a partner, managing the accountancy firm’s relationship with the Labour Party.

Mr Parker also worked with council leaders to set up the West Midlands Combined Authority in 2016 before leaving to set up his own company RP Strategy.

The firm works with small and medium-sized companies and social enterprises on initiatives such as green investment, housing and the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games.

Read more:
Conservative Andy Street suffers shock loss
Tories suffer worst election results in years

He has been a Labour Party member for 35 years and was selected as the candidate for West Midlands mayor over Birmingham City councillor Nicky Brennan In April 2023.

In his manifesto, Mr Parker, 60, tells of his “ordinary working-class background” and writes: “I’ve never been a politician before, but I’m not prepared to sit on the sidelines any more. I’ll do politics differently. Things must change.”

His election promises include a plan to create 150,000 jobs and training opportunities across the West Midlands, revitalise high streets and tackle crime and anti-social behaviour.

He has lived in the West Midlands since 1985 and spent his working life there. His wife works as a lawyer and his son works in manufacturing in the Black Country.

A Birmingham Mail profile of the new mayor says Mr Parker is a Bristol City fan who calls trip-hop band Massive Attack “friends”.

He also told the paper he likes cooking, watching live bands, going to the theatre and meeting friends for a pint or a coffee.

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May 4 2024

Ipswich Town promoted to the Premier League after 22 years away | UK News

Ipswich Town have been promoted to the Premier League after 22 years out of the top flight.

The Tractor Boys beat Huddersfield 2-0 at Portman Road to secure a second successive promotion, having finished runners-up to Plymouth in League One last season.

Kieran McKenna’s side already had a three-point advantage over third-placed Leeds going into the final game of the season and only needed a draw to secure promotion from the Championship.

Ipswich became the first club since Southampton in 2012 to gain back-to-back promotions from the third tier to the Premier League, while the result sealed Huddersfield’s relegation to League One.

Thousands of Ipswich fans gathered outside the ground before kick-off with some setting off smoke bombs and flares.

The expectant home crowd watched their team pin the opposition in their own half in the opening 20 minutes and Ipswich should have taken the lead following a breakaway in the 25th minute.

But the dominant display saw the Tractor Boys go 1-0 up two minutes later from a well-worked move where Conor Chaplin found Wes Burns unmarked in the box and the Welshman fired home to a huge raw from the crowd.

Omari Hutchinson struck again three minutes after the restart, skipping away from a challenge to find the back of the net from the edge of the box.

Fans poured on to the pitch after the final whistle to celebrate a remarkable turnaround in the club’s fortunes.

McKenna pledged to “work really hard over the summer” and praised his “incredible” players.

“To get here so far so quickly, a lot of hard work, everyone together, it’s amazing what you can do,” he said.

“They’re incredible [the players]. I’ll speak to them over the next few days, they have been an absolute privilege to work with, my first managerial job. I’ve been fortunate with the group of players, group of people that I’ve come across and they are a wonderful group and they deserve all the success.

“It’s been great and a massive thank you to my family and to my parents.

“What a journey it’s been. I’m not sure it will happen again in the way that we’ve done it. I know you can say technically it’s been done before but I’m not sure it’s been done like this in a football club like this, how we’ve done it and not sure this will happen for a very long time.

“We will work really hard over the summer and what a fantastic challenge ahead and enjoy the celebrations and look forward and we will make sure you enjoy next season.”

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Some of the pubs earmarked to reopen this year

Barring a bombshell – Swinney will become leader tomorrow

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