Queensland government blames police for overstated figures on drop in crime – as it happened

The French National Assembly voted overwhelmingly to suspend a controversial pension reform, a significant move amid ongoing budget discussions and threats to the government's stability. This decision reflects the contentious nature of the reform and the precarious position of the current government as it navigates legislative challenges.

The French National Assembly is set to vote on a crucial social security financing bill that includes a postponed pension reform. This reform is a key government initiative aimed at stabilizing the pension system amidst rising costs, highlighting the ongoing challenges in managing social security in France.

An investigation has revealed that decades of abuse against thousands of young men by staff at a detention centre in County Durham were ignored and dismissed by the prison service, police, and the Home Office. This alarming report highlights a systemic failure to protect vulnerable individuals and hold perpetrators accountable, raising serious concerns about oversight and accountability within the UK's detention system. The findings underscore the urgent need for reform to ensure the safety and rights of detainees are prioritized.

Victoria's government has proposed a plan that would allow children as young as 14 to be sentenced as adults, potentially facing 20-year jail terms for violent crimes. This initiative, announced by the Allan Labor government, mirrors similar laws enacted in Queensland. The proposal has drawn widespread condemnation from human rights, Indigenous, and legal experts, as well as advocacy groups, who argue it represents an alarming regression in juvenile justice. Critics emphasize the negative implications of treating young offenders as adults, raising concerns about the impact on vulnerable populations and the effectiveness of such punitive measures.

The UK government, led by Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden, has announced a reconsideration of its previous rejection of compensation for the Women Against State Pension Inequality (WASPI) campaigners. This move indicates a potential shift in policy regarding the financial support for women affected by changes to the state pension age. However, McFadden clarified that this reconsideration does not guarantee that compensation payouts will be made. The situation is significant as it reflects ongoing debates about pension rights and the impact of policy changes on women's financial security.

The number of universal credit claimants in the UK has increased significantly, reaching 8.3 million, up from 7.2 million the previous year. This rise of over a million claimants highlights the growing reliance on government support amid economic challenges. The surge in universal credit applications reflects broader issues such as unemployment and financial instability, making it a critical concern for policymakers and social services. Understanding the implications of this increase is essential for addressing the needs of those affected and ensuring adequate support systems are in place.

Since April, over 90 prisoners have been mistakenly released in England and Wales, prompting scrutiny of the government's handling of prison management. This issue raises concerns about public safety and the effectiveness of the justice system.

The UK government has announced it will reconsider its previous decision not to award compensation to the Waspi women, a group affected by changes to the state pension age. This reconsideration is prompted by undisclosed evidence, as stated by the Work and Pensions Secretary. The outcome of this decision is significant for the Waspi women, who have been advocating for compensation due to the financial impact of the pension changes on their lives.