UK will not tolerate Chinese spying, minister says after MI5 alert

Vigils were held at three Gaelic football grounds in Louth to honor five young people who tragically lost their lives in a two-vehicle crash in Gibstown on Saturday. The community gathered to mourn the victims and support their families during this difficult time. The incident has deeply affected the local area, prompting an outpouring of grief and solidarity among residents.

More than 80 countries have united in a call for a roadmap to phase out fossil fuels during the UN Cop30 climate summit. This coalition includes nations from Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Pacific, as well as EU member states and the UK. The countries are advocating for a transition away from fossil fuels to be a central outcome of the negotiations, despite facing opposition from petrostates and other stakeholders. The summit is seen as a critical moment for global climate action.

The Caribbean's slavery reparations body, led by Prof Sir Hilary Beckles, has called for a 'mutually beneficial' restorative justice program from the UK during its first official visit. The commission aims to address the historical injustices of slavery and colonialism, clarifying that their goal is not to 'break the British Treasury' with demands for trillions of pounds, but to find a solution to rectify the colonial legacy. This visit marks a significant step in the Caribbean's pursuit of justice.

MI5 has issued a warning to UK parliamentarians regarding potential espionage activities linked to Chinese spies. The alert highlights concerns over individuals posing as headhunters to target politicians, indicating a growing threat of foreign interference in UK politics. This warning aims to raise awareness among lawmakers about the risks associated with foreign espionage efforts.

UK security minister Dan Jarvis has warned that Members of Parliament (MPs) and peers are facing a 'covert and calculated' effort by the Chinese intelligence service to recruit them through LinkedIn profiles. This alert follows a warning from MI5, which indicated that individuals linked to the Chinese government were attempting to gain non-public insights from those with access to sensitive information about the UK government and Parliament.

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood is under pressure to clarify her recent statement regarding asylum admissions, which indicated that only a 'few hundred' asylum seekers would be allowed to enter the UK under new refugee schemes. Mahmood has defended her hardline policies, including family deportations and asset confiscation from claimants, by asserting her commitment to work with the UNHCR to establish 'safe and legal' routes for 'genuine' asylum seekers.

The Northern Ireland Secretary, Benn, has dismissed claims that the new legacy bill poses a national security threat. He expressed confidence that the bill will successfully pass through the Commons, indicating a positive outlook on its acceptance. The debate surrounding the bill is set to commence, with Benn opening the discussions in Parliament. This development highlights the government's commitment to advancing the legislation despite concerns raised by critics regarding its implications for national security.

Morwenna Loughman expressed that delays in her rapist's trial have exacerbated her trauma. Recent research indicates that one-third of trials were postponed last year, highlighting systemic issues within the judicial process. Loughman's experience underscores the emotional toll that such delays can impose on survivors of sexual violence, raising concerns about the effectiveness and timeliness of legal proceedings in addressing these serious crimes.