Voters could abandon centrist parties if budget fails, warns former cabinet secretary

Anas Sarwar has stated that Scotland cannot depend on migrants to fill social care positions, highlighting the need for a reform of the UK's immigration system and advocating for better wages to attract local workers. This statement comes amid ongoing discussions about the challenges faced by the social care sector in Scotland.

Boris Johnson took four days off from official duties during a critical period in February 2020 when the NHS was preparing for a potential Covid crisis, as revealed by official disclosures. During this time, he was at Chevening, engaging in leisure activities such as walking his dog and riding a motorbike while pandemic planning stalled.

A survivor of a blizzard in Chilean Patagonia, Tom Player, reported that trekkers were assured by staff that adverse weather conditions were normal and that they could proceed with their hike. The blizzard resulted in the deaths of a British woman, Victoria Bond, along with two Mexicans and two Germans. Approximately 30 volunteers attempted to rescue the hikers during the severe weather.

A group of 28 survivors of Jeffrey Epstein's sexual abuse has reported receiving death threats as they anticipate blame for their abuse. In a statement, the victims expressed their fears of escalating threats and urged police to investigate and provide protection. This warning comes as they await the release of files related to Epstein, the late financier and convicted sex offender.

During the recent US government shutdown, immigration agents arrested, detained, and deported tens of thousands of individuals across the country. New data indicates that over 65,000 people are currently held in immigration detention, marking the highest number ever recorded. Despite the shutdown halting most government operations, immigration enforcement continued unabated.

Ukraine is preparing for a fourth winter of war as President Zelensky seeks support amid a controversial 28-point peace plan that includes territorial concessions and military reductions, which has faced backlash from European allies. Concurrently, the U.S. is witnessing a MAGA rebellion that has led to the release of government files related to the Epstein investigation, while in Britain, Labour proposes a significant overhaul of the asylum system, drawing criticism from within its ranks.

André Corrêa do Lago, the president of COP30, has expressed concerns that the climate summit may conclude without a deal, urging the preservation of the Paris Agreement. As the final day of negotiations unfolds, an informal plenary is currently assessing the state of discussions, with significant divisions remaining among participating countries.

Nathan Gill, the former leader of Reform UK in Wales, has been sentenced to 10 and a half years in prison for accepting bribes from Oleg Voloshyn, an alleged Russian asset, in exchange for pro-Russia speeches. This incident raises questions about the influence of foreign entities in British politics and the integrity of political figures associated with Reform UK. The party is urged to distance itself from such narratives as it faces scrutiny over its connections to Russia.