UK Archives | Trendbrio.com

US, UK Sign Nuclear Deal to Build Reactors and Power AI Data Centres

Fola Badmus14 hours ago14 hours ago03 mins

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and US President Donald Trump have signed a multibillion-pound agreement to expand nuclear energy infrastructure in both countries, aimed at addressing rising power demands and bolstering clean energy initiatives. The deal, called the Atlantic Partnership for Advanced Nuclear Energy, includes plans to construct up to 12 advanced modular reactors in Hartlepool, northeast England. These reactors are expected to power 1.5 million homes and create up to 2,500 jobs. The agreement also covers the development of next-generation data centres powered by small modular reactors (SMRs) in Nottinghamshire, in a project valued at £11 billion ($15 billion). US-based Holtec, France’s EDF Energy, and UK investment firm Tritax will lead the data centre initiative, while UK energy supplier Centrica will partner with American firm X-energy on the Hartlepool reactors. The partnership builds on ongoing nuclear collaborations between UK firm Rolls-Royce and US contractor BWXT and is part of a broader strategy to modernise aging UK nuclear infrastructure. The UK currently operates eight nuclear power stations, most of which are nearing the end of their service life. The move comes as global demand for low-carbon, high-reliability energy surges—particularly in industries like artificial intelligence, where energy needs are rapidly increasing. The US aims to quadruple its nuclear capacity by 2050, with Trump’s administration supporting the expansion of modular reactor technology as a faster and cheaper alternative to traditional plants. Experts estimate the UK-US nuclear programme could generate at least £40 billion ($54.4 billion) in economic value. Construction timelines for these modular reactors typically span five to seven years, with deployment expected to begin in the early 2030s.

One Year On: Rotherham Residents Recall Horror of 2024 Riots Outside Migrant Hotel

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago05 mins

By Kamal yalwa Saturday, 2 August 2025 | Rotherham, South Yorkshire A year after violent anti-immigration riots broke out in Rotherham, residents living near the Holiday Inn Express—used at the time to house asylum seekers—are still haunted by the scenes they witnessed. “It looked like a modern-day lynching,” said Paris, who, along with her partner Josh, lives just 200 metres from the hotel. “We thought we were going to see someone thrown out a window or dragged outside.” The riot, which erupted on 4 August 2024, was one of the worst outbreaks of disorder during a turbulent week of unrest across several UK towns. Tensions had reached a boiling point just days after a knife attack in Southport claimed the lives of three schoolgirls, intensifying frustrations around immigration policy. Masked demonstrators, some carrying bags of alcohol and accompanied by children, set fires and stormed the hotel. Josh recalled moving their car to a nearby street for safety before retreating indoors to watch nearly seven hours of chaos unfold. Lingering Tensions, Lasting Impact Twelve months later, the Holiday Inn Express has reopened to the public. But the unrest has left a lasting mark—not just on the building, which was set on fire during the riot—but on community relations. “I still see all this hate being spilled in online groups,” said Josh. “I think it probably could happen again,” Paris added. “That’s the faith I have in the country, really.” South Yorkshire Mayor Oliver Coppard warned that the violence could have had even deadlier consequences. “Had the rioters been more effective, we would have seen people dying that day,” he told Sky News. He blamed unresolved poverty and social inequality for fuelling resentment in some communities and called for a stronger focus on social cohesion and asylum reform. “Politics is not doing a good job of dealing with these issues,” Coppard added. ‘People Want to Riot Again’ Despite multiple prosecutions and lengthy prison sentences handed down to those involved, some locals believe the core frustrations remain unresolved. In Rotherham market, 23-year-old scaffolder Josh said the issue hasn’t gone away. “It makes people angry… it makes people want to riot again.” Others, like Gabriel, 38, who was born in Rotherham, said he has felt a shift in public perception. “People look at me differently now,” he said. “That tension is worse than the incident itself—before it was hidden, now it’s out there.” A woman who asked to remain anonymous expressed concern over rising polarisation: “The backlash is going to happen—people against government, government against people. But we all have to live together… we bleed the same blood.” National Reckoning on Immigration The events in Rotherham have come to symbolise a wider failure in the UK’s immigration system, exposing deep-seated frustrations in neglected communities. Recent protests outside migrant hotels suggest those tensions still simmer beneath the surface, with calls growing for comprehensive reform to prevent a repeat of last summer’s violence.

Ozzy Osbourne Honoured with Final Tour Through Birmingham as Fans Flood Streets in Tribute

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago02 mins

Thousands of fans lined the streets of Birmingham on Wednesday to pay their final respects to legendary rocker Ozzy Osbourne as his cortege made an emotional journey through the city he called home. The procession stopped at the iconic Black Sabbath Bridge on Broad Street, where mourners have created a shrine in tribute to the heavy metal pioneer, who died last week at the age of 76. Cries of “We love you, Ozzy!” rang out as the Osbourne family — Sharon, Jack, Kelly, and Aimee — laid flowers and paused to read the heartfelt messages left by fans. Sharon Osbourne, visibly emotional, offered a peace sign to the crowd before returning to the vehicle. Each family member held a pink rose wrapped in black paper and tied with a purple ribbon — colours synonymous with Black Sabbath. The hearse carrying Ozzy also bore floral arrangements in matching hues. The cortege began its route at Ozzy’s childhood home in Aston before heading into the city centre. The tribute came just weeks after Osbourne made his final stage appearance at Villa Park, where he performed alongside artists inspired by his decades-long career — including Metallica, Guns N’ Roses, and Yungblud. The day marked a powerful farewell to a music icon whose legacy continues to resonate with generations around the world.

UK Faces Pressure to Recognise Palestinian State as Gaza Humanitarian Crisis Deepens

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago03 mins

By Kamal YalwaUK,Gaza,July 26, 2025 Calls are intensifying for the UK to formally recognise the State of Palestine, as Labour MPs and humanitarian groups highlight the worsening crisis in Gaza and urge the government to take decisive action. The MP behind the recent cross-party letter urging recognition has warned that “time is running out” to support a viable two-state solution. This comes as Prime Minister Keir Starmer confirmed that the UK will assist with humanitarian airdrops into Gaza amid dire shortages of food and water. Starmer’s remarks followed mounting pressure on the UK to align with France, which recently announced plans to recognise Palestinian statehood by September. The Prime Minister said Britain is “prepared to play its part” in supporting aid efforts while continuing to work diplomatically toward a long-term peace framework. However, the planned airdrops have drawn criticism from humanitarian experts, who argue that they offer only symbolic relief in the face of growing starvation. Philippe Lazzarini, head of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), sharply condemned the airdrop strategy, calling it “a distraction and smokescreen.” In a post shared on social media, Lazzarini described the method as “expensive” and “inefficient,” and warned that airdrops “can even kill Palestinians” if mishandled. “A manmade hunger can only be addressed by political will. Lift the siege, open the gates & guarantee safe movement + dignified access to people in need,” he wrote. UNRWA says it has 6,000 trucks loaded with humanitarian supplies currently waiting in Jordan and Egypt, ready to enter Gaza if access is granted. The agency reiterated that only safe, sustained land entry points can adequately meet the scale of need on the ground. As the humanitarian catastrophe worsens, political momentum is building in Europe and beyond for the recognition of a Palestinian state—a move supporters believe could revive long-stalled peace talks and reaffirm international support for a two-state solution.

Over 220 UK MPs Urge Starmer to Recognise Palestine as a State

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago05 mins

More than 220 British MPs have signed a cross-party letter urging Prime Minister Keir Starmer to formally recognise Palestine as an independent state, significantly increasing pressure on Downing Street to shift its current position. The letter, coordinated by Labour MP and International Development Committee Chair Sarah Champion, calls the move a moral and historic responsibility, citing Britain’s colonial-era role in Palestine and its authorship of the 1917 Balfour Declaration. “British recognition of Palestine would be particularly powerful given its role as the author of the Balfour Declaration and the former Mandatory Power in Palestine,” the letter states. “Since 1980, we have backed a two-state solution. Such a recognition would give that position substance as well as living up to a historic responsibility.” The push comes amid intensifying humanitarian concerns in Gaza, where ongoing conflict has triggered severe food shortages, rising malnutrition, and allegations of targeted violence by Israeli forces. Earlier this month, around 60 Labour MPs privately appealed to Foreign Secretary David Lammy to act immediately. The growing number of signatories now reflects deeper frustration with what critics see as the UK government’s reluctance to back recognition despite its long-standing support for a two-state solution. In response, Prime Minister Starmer issued a statement on Friday describing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza as “unrelenting,” calling for a regional peace plan that includes eventual Palestinian statehood. “Recognition of a Palestinian state has to be one of those steps. I am unequivocal about that. But it must be part of a wider plan which ultimately results in a two-state solution and lasting security for Palestinians and Israelis,” he said. International Pressure Mounts The UK’s hesitance now stands in contrast with France, whose President Emmanuel Macron announced his government would formally recognise Palestine at a UN conference in September. This has amplified pressure on the UK to act in concert with key allies. “They said they wanted to be in lockstep with allies, but this means that position won’t hold,” a Labour MP told reporters. US President Donald Trump, however, dismissed Macron’s announcement, saying: “What he says doesn’t matter… He’s a good guy, but that statement doesn’t carry weight.” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu strongly condemned the French decision, calling it a reward for terrorism following the October 7 attack, and warning that a Palestinian state could become “another Iranian proxy” and a direct threat to Israel. UK Government Defends Position Technology Secretary Peter Kyle defended the UK’s stance, saying the government supports eventual statehood but insists that recognition must happen within the framework of a long-term peace process. “We want Palestinian statehood… but right now, we’ve got to focus on easing the extreme, unwarranted suffering in Gaza,” he said on Friday. The Foreign Office reiterated its support for a two-state solution, stating it will recognise Palestine only when it can “make the most impact” in support of peace. An emergency meeting with French and German officials was also convened Friday to address what Starmer called a “human catastrophe” in Gaza, underscoring the urgent diplomatic and humanitarian dimensions of the crisis.

Woodhall, Polaris Bank, UK and Lagos Governments Launch ₦1.5bn Creative Sector Fund

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago04 mins

By Kamal Yalwa: LAGOS – July 15, 2025Nigeria’s creative industry received a major boost as Woodhall Capital, in partnership with Polaris Bank, the UK Government, and the Lagos State Government, unveiled a ₦1.5 billion Creative Sector Fund to expand access to structured financing for entrepreneurs across fashion, film, music, and digital content. The fund was announced during the launch of the Creative Currency Podcast, an initiative designed to foster collaboration between creatives, financiers, policymakers, and global stakeholders. The platform will also serve as a policy engagement forum addressing long-standing challenges such as limited financing, weak intellectual property enforcement, and lack of scalable business structures. Speaking at the launch hosted at the Ikoyi residence of the British Deputy High Commissioner, Abimbola Ozomah, Executive Director at Polaris Bank, said the fund marks a deliberate shift in recognizing intellectual property as a bankable asset. “This fund represents more than capital; it reflects our belief in Nigerian creativity as a global force,” Ozomah said. “We’re not just exporting talent. We’re exporting ownership, structure, and long-term value.” Mojisola Hunponu-Wusu, Founder and CEO of Woodhall Capital, emphasized the need for bespoke financial products and investor-matching services tailored for creative MSMEs. The UK Government, represented by Deputy High Commissioner Jonny Baxter, reaffirmed its commitment to Nigeria’s creative economy, citing the UK-Nigeria Creative Industries Partnership signed in 2024 as a milestone for trade and investment. Representing the Lagos State Government, Mrs. Folashade Ambrose-Medebem, Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, highlighted ongoing policy reforms, infrastructure support, and the Lagos Creative Fund, which offers zero-interest loans of up to ₦10 million to creative businesses. Panelists at the event urged creatives to formalize operations, protect intellectual property, and maintain transparent financial records, while financial institutions were encouraged to rethink risk models to accommodate the unique dynamics of creative enterprises. The Creative Currency Podcast aims to build a knowledge-sharing ecosystem for creators, investors, legal experts, and cultural stakeholders, promoting professionalism, transparency, and global competitiveness in Nigeria’s creative sector. The event closed with a unified call to “invest in systems, not just stories”, stressing that a structured, well-capitalized creative economy can drive job creation, exports, and global influence for Nigeria. Polaris Bank reiterated its commitment to supporting MSMEs, noting its extensive portfolio dedicated to growing small businesses and fostering economic inclusion across the country.

UK court rejects bid to halt transfer of F-35 parts to Israel

Fola Badmus3 months ago3 months ago01 mins

A London court has ruled the UK government’s decision to allow the export of F-35 fighter jet components to Israel during its war on Gaza is lawful. The human rights group Al-Haq argued at a hearing last month that the decision was unlawful because it was in breach of Britain’s obligations under international law, including the Geneva Conventions. Tens of thousands of Palestinians – mostly women and children – have been killed by Israel in its bombardments of Gaza. But the High Court dismissed the group’s challenge in a written ruling. The United Kingdom contributes components to an international defence programme that produces and maintains the F-35s. Defence Secretary John Healey said a suspension would impact the “whole F-35 programme” and have a “profound impact on international peace and security”.

UK Court Orders Forfeiture of Property Linked to Senator’s Wife — Abigail Katung Appeals Ruling

Fola Badmus3 months ago3 months ago15 mins

Abigail Katung, wife of Nigerian senator Sunday Marshall Katung, says she has filed an appeal against a UK High Court ruling that ordered the forfeiture of a £1 million property in Leeds to the UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA). The ruling, which followed a civil recovery case brought by the NCA, affects a house located at Sandmoor Drive in the upscale Alwoodley area of Leeds. The court found that Mrs Katung had no legitimate legal interest in the property, which the NCA accepted title to in 2020 as part of a £10 million settlement with a businessman suspected of laundering illicit funds. Questionable Transactions Court documents reviewed by PREMIUM TIMES, which first broke the story, revealed that Mrs Katung had entered into an agreement in 2015 to purchase the property, paying £400,000 of the agreed £1 million price to the original owner. However, the court found that most of the deposit was transferred from Nigeria via a Bureau De Change — what Mrs Katung herself described as a “parallel” or “black” market foreign exchange channel. Justice Jay, who presided over the case, ruled that Mrs Katung provided insufficient and unreliable evidence to support her claim to the property. He stated the court was “not satisfied that she was a particularly reliable witness,” and described “telling omissions” in her testimony. The judgment concluded that she was “conducting a business in foreign exchange transactions to circumvent Nigerian foreign exchange regulations and/or to avoid a punitive exchange rate.” No Credit for Payment, NCA Entitled to Damages The High Court ruled that Mrs Katung had no legitimate claim to the property and would not be credited for the £400,000 payment. The NCA is also entitled to damages for her occupation of the property since 2020 and to recover court costs. In a reaction reported by The Punch, Mrs Katung maintained her innocence and confirmed she had filed an appeal. “There is no point in disguising my upset at the terms of the judgment,” she said. “I intend to appeal on both the facts and the law.” She added that she had made “full disclosure” of the case to the Leeds City Council before the ruling became public, and stressed, “I have not sought to hide away.” Political and Legal Fallout Mrs Katung, who became Leeds’ first lord mayor of African descent in May 2024, has lived in the city since 2000 and represents the Little London and Woodhouse ward. The Labour Party confirmed to the BBC that an internal investigation is underway. A spokesperson for Leeds City Council said it was reviewing the High Court’s judgment but declined to comment further. Meanwhile, Senator Sunday Katung defended his family against allegations of wrongdoing. A statement from his spokesperson, Midat Joseph, said the couple “have always conducted their affairs lawfully and transparently” and would pursue legal action “to correct this defamatory narrative.” Rob Burgess, Head of Asset Denial at the NCA, welcomed the ruling. “The court’s finding here will allow us to fully recover a property we accepted title to in 2020, ensuring that a substantial sum can be returned to the public purse,” he said. The appeal filed by Mrs Katung will be considered by a higher court in due course.