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Hearing Over Kevin McGuigan Inquest Files Delayed

Hearing Over Kevin McGuigan Inquest Files Delayed

Coroner Expects Full Inquest to Proceed in September

A hearing intended to review security files before the inquest into the death of Kevin McGuigan, an IRA man, has been postponed. Originally scheduled for early June, the hearing was deemed unfeasible by a barrister representing the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) due to the extensive amount of material that needs to be prepared.

Kevin McGuigan, a father of nine, was shot in the Short Strand area of Belfast in August 2015. His murder led to a political crisis at Stormont amid allegations of involvement by IRA members.

During a preliminary hearing on Friday, Coroner Paddy McGurgan was informed that the necessary materials would not be ready for the Public Interest Immunity (PII) hearing originally set for June. Peter Coll KC, representing the PSNI, stated, “It seems very clear it will not be possible to have in place by that date the required Public Interest Immunity certificate.” He noted the considerable work still required to prepare the materials for the PII.

Coll expressed regret over the situation and indicated that additional weeks might be needed to complete the work. Laura McMahon, representing the McGuigan family, described the delay as incredibly disappointing, raising concerns about the stability of the scheduled September dates.

The inquest was initially planned for March but has since been rescheduled for September. Following discussions, Coroner McGurgan acknowledged the difficulty in achieving the previously set dates of the 8th, 9th, and 12th of September. He has reserved two weeks in September for the inquest and aims to maintain those dates.

The PII hearing is now expected to occur from July 5-7.

Next F1 Race: Canadian Grand Prix Approaches

Next F1 Race: Canadian Grand Prix Approaches

All You Need to Know About the Upcoming Event in Montreal

The Formula 1 season continues as teams prepare for the Canadian Grand Prix at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in Montreal. This race weekend is set for 16-18 June 2023.

Max Verstappen recently secured his third consecutive victory in Spain, extending his lead in the championship to 53 points over Red Bull team-mate Sergio Perez. Mercedes showed signs of improvement, with Lewis Hamilton and George Russell finishing second and third, respectively. In contrast, Fernando Alonso encountered disappointment, finishing seventh, while Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc was outside the points in 11th.

Last year, Verstappen triumphed in Montreal, fending off a challenge from Carlos Sainz, who finished second. Despite concerns about air quality due to nearby wildfires, F1 has confirmed that this year’s race will proceed as scheduled.

Schedule for the Canadian Grand Prix
Friday, 16 June
First Practice: 6:30 PM BST
Second Practice: 10:00 PM BST
Saturday, 17 June
Third Practice: 5:30 PM BST
Qualifying: 9:00 PM BST
Sunday, 18 June
Race Start: 7:00 PM BST
How to Watch
The Canadian Grand Prix will be broadcast live on Sky Sports in the UK and ESPN in the US. Sky Sports subscribers can stream the event via the Sky Go app. For those without a Sky subscription, a NOWTV Day Pass can be purchased to access the race.

Current Driver Standings
Max Verstappen – 170 points
Sergio Perez – 117 points
Fernando Alonso – 99 points
Lewis Hamilton – 87 points
George Russell – 65 points
Carlos Sainz – 58 points
Charles Leclerc – 42 points
Lance Stroll – 35 points
Esteban Ocon – 25 points
Pierre Gasly – 15 points
Lando Norris – 12 points
Nico Hulkenberg – 6 points
Oscar Piastri – 5 points
Valtteri Bottas – 4 points
Zhou Guanyu – 4 points
Yuki Tsunoda – 2 points
Kevin Magnussen – 2 points
Alex Albon – 1 point
Nyck de Vries – 0 points
Logan Sargeant – 0 points
Constructors’ Championship Standings
Red Bull – 287 points
Mercedes – 152 points
Aston Martin – 134 points
Ferrari – 100 points
Alpine – 40 points
McLaren – 17 points
Haas – 8 points
Alfa Romeo – 8 points
AlphaTauri – 2 points
Williams – 1 point
Get ready for an exciting weekend in Montreal as the F1 season heats up!

Imran Khan’s Arrest Sparks Mass Mobilisation in Pakistan

Imran Khan’s Arrest Sparks Mass Mobilisation in Pakistan

Supporters Rally in Response to Political Turmoil and Violence

The recent detention of former Prime Minister Imran Khan has revealed the extraordinary speed at which his passionate supporters can gather in Pakistan. In mere hours following his arrest, crowds of loyalists reacted with fury, setting fire to vehicles and buildings while launching assaults on police and military installations to protest the treatment of the 70-year-old leader. This surge in support signals a formidable challenge to the government and military, demonstrating the potential for his followers to alter the political landscape through relentless pressure.

What Makes Imran Khan So Popular?
Khan has been a significant figure in Pakistan for decades. His fame began as a cricketer when he led the nation to its sole World Cup victory in 1992, earning him the status of a national hero. Beyond sports, he founded Pakistan’s first cancer hospital in honour of his mother and has been active in philanthropy. His strong anti-corruption stance resonates in a nation struggling with graft, and he positions himself as the only leader willing to confront Western powers, particularly the United States—a narrative that finds a receptive audience in Pakistan, where resentment towards foreign interference runs deep.

Who Forms Khan’s Support Base?
Khan’s appeal crosses various social strata. His followers include young, educated individuals disillusioned with the traditional political elite represented by the Sharifs and Bhuttos. He also connects with the diaspora and rural populations lacking access to social media.

A unifying theme among these groups is Khan’s call to challenge the elite and disrupt the status quo, feeding into their feelings of disenfranchisement. His rallies attract thousands, encompassing a diverse demographic of men, women, and youth. His strong support among younger voters has propelled his party’s prominence on social media platforms, particularly Twitter, with a significant base located in eastern Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

What Distinguishes This Recent Violence?
The violent clashes with law enforcement and the mass arrests of activists from Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party have not deterred his supporters. They are determined to protect Khan, vowing to retaliate against anyone who threatens him, viewing his arrest as a red line. This intensity of violence recalls the unrest following the assassination of Benazir Bhutto in 2007, when her supporters rioted for days. Even with the suspension of social media and mobile internet, Khan’s followers continue to mobilise by the thousands.

What Comes Next?
The upheaval has placed significant pressure on the government, security forces, and judiciary, who now face the challenge of managing the unrest while addressing the demands of Khan’s supporters. The situation remains volatile, with the potential for further escalation as tensions rise.

Blackadder Honoured with 40th Anniversary Stamp Collection

Blackadder Honoured with 40th Anniversary Stamp Collection

Royal Mail celebrates iconic comedy series with stamps depicting its memorable characters and moments.

To mark the 40th anniversary of the much-loved sitcom Blackadder, Royal Mail has unveiled a commemorative set of stamps capturing classic scenes and characters from all four series. The collection includes eight stamps showcasing unforgettable moments from the show, which spanned medieval England, the court of Queen Elizabeth I, and beyond, as well as four depicting Rowan Atkinson’s Edmund Blackadder in his various personas.

Featured on the stamps are beloved characters played by Sir Tony Robinson, Hugh Laurie, Stephen Fry, Tim McInnerny, Miranda Richardson, Brian Blessed, and the late Patsy Byrne. Fans can purchase a presentation pack of all 12 stamps for £19.60.

Blackadder debuted in 1983, created by Richard Curtis and Rowan Atkinson, with contributions from BBC producer John Lloyd and co-writer Ben Elton. It remains one of Britain’s most cherished comedies. Curtis expressed his amusement and delight at the honour, joking about Blackadder’s image being on a stamp rather than a stake. Lloyd, referencing one of the show’s iconic lines from General Melchett, added: “Let’s give them a damn good licking!”

The series began with the misadventures of the scheming Prince Edmund during a fictional reign of King Richard IV in the 15th century. Subsequent seasons saw Blackadder reimagined as a courtier to Queen Elizabeth I, a cunning butler during the Regency era, and finally, a WWI army captain trying to outwit the horrors of trench warfare.

David Gold of Royal Mail praised the enduring appeal of Blackadder, noting how the series spans both centuries of history and decades of television acclaim. The stamps are available for pre-order online, by phone, and at thousands of Post Office locations across the UK.

Workplace Abuse Affects Two-Thirds of Young Women – Survey Findings

Workplace Abuse Affects Two-Thirds of Young Women – Survey Findings

TUC research reveals prevalent sexual harassment, bullying, and verbal abuse among women, with most incidents unreported.

A recent survey by the Trades Union Congress (TUC) has found that two-thirds of young women have experienced sexual harassment, bullying, or verbal abuse at work. The study, which involved 1,000 women, highlighted that many victims choose not to report such incidents due to concerns that they would not be believed or fears it could harm their careers.

Among respondents, almost two-thirds of women aged 25 to 34 reported experiencing harassment or abuse in the workplace. Many of these instances were recurring, with more than three in five women noting that they had faced three or more incidents of bullying.

While most of these abusive behaviours occurred on work premises, they were also reported to happen through digital communication channels such as text messages, emails, social media, and virtual meetings. However, fewer than one in three women who experienced harassment chose to inform their employer. For those who remained silent, key reasons included fears of disbelief, not being taken seriously, and potential negative impacts on work relationships or career advancement.

Paul Nowak, TUC General Secretary, stated: “No woman should have to endure sexual harassment, yet such incidents continue to plague workplaces. Many women, particularly those in public-facing roles like retail or healthcare, suffer regular abuse from customers and patients. This behaviour has no place in any modern work environment.”

Mr Nowak further criticised ministers for delaying new legislation designed to prevent workplace harassment and tackle abuse from customers and clients. He claimed that political backsliding, driven by pressure from backbenchers, threatens to derail these necessary protections.

In response, a spokesperson for the Government’s Equality Hub commented: “Harassment in any form is unacceptable. The Worker Protection Bill aims to strengthen workplace harassment protections. We acknowledge concerns raised by some members of Parliament about balancing free speech and tackling harassment, and amendments have been made to address this. Further adjustments will be reviewed as the Bill progresses through Parliament.”

Rising Food Bank Use Among Young People: One in Three Families Affected

Rising Food Bank Use Among Young People: One in Three Families Affected

New research by Co-op and Barnardo’s reveals the harsh toll of the cost-of-living crisis on youth access to food and mental health.

A recent study conducted by Co-op and Barnardo’s has highlighted that one in three young individuals between the ages of 10 and 25 have witnessed their families depending on food banks or similar community support services for essential supplies in recent months. The research, which surveyed 5,000 participants, underscores the profound impact of the ongoing cost-of-living crisis on the well-being and day-to-day lives of young people.

According to the findings, nearly 50% of young respondents have expressed concerns about affording basic necessities over the past six months. Around one-third reported their families have resorted to using community-based food assistance like food banks or community fridges. Alarmingly, almost one in four admitted to starting their day without a meal.

The study further revealed that rising living costs are reshaping young people’s long-term ambitions, as many are forced to prioritise short-term survival over future aspirations. Financial stability to meet basic needs has emerged as the primary goal for many, surpassing traditional aims such as home ownership or career achievements.

Shirine Khoury-Haq, the chief executive of the Co-op Group, commented: “The cost-of-living crisis has deeply affected young people, compelling them to focus on immediate concerns like securing their next meal over longer-term aspirations. Despite this, their resilience and desire for a better future remain evident. However, they are often excluded from key policy discussions that impact their lives. Giving young people a platform to voice their concerns can lead to better long-term outcomes for them and their communities.”

Lynn Perry, chief executive of Barnardo’s, added: “Our work with families across the UK continues to show that too many struggle to access essentials like food, with a growing impact on their mental health and life opportunities.”

Syria’s Assad Receives Invitation to Arab League Summit in Saudi Arabia

Syria’s Assad Receives Invitation to Arab League Summit in Saudi Arabia

Efforts to Reintegrate Syria into the Arab Community Following Years of Isolation

Saudi Arabia has extended an invitation to Syrian President Bashar Assad for the forthcoming Arab League summit in the oil-rich kingdom, as confirmed by his office on Wednesday. This development signals Syria’s gradual re-entry into the Arab fold after an extended period of political seclusion lasting twelve years.

The invitation to Assad was issued shortly after the Arab League reinstated Syria’s membership during a meeting held in Cairo on Sunday. Syria’s membership was suspended due to the severe crackdown on mass protests against Assad that erupted in 2011. This unrest evolved into a brutal civil war, resulting in nearly half a million fatalities and displacing a substantial portion of the pre-war population of 23 million.

The summit is scheduled to take place in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on May 19. Photos were released showing the Saudi ambassador to Jordan delivering the invitation, but it remains uncertain whether Assad will attend.

Historically, Saudi Arabia was a key supporter of armed opposition groups aiming to overthrow Assad’s regime. However, in recent months, the kingdom has shifted towards advocating for dialogue. On Tuesday, the Syrian foreign minister made a landmark visit to Saudi Arabia, his first in over a decade, and both nations announced plans to reopen their embassies and restore diplomatic relations.

Other nations, including Jordan and Egypt, have also renewed their ties with Damascus, following earlier normalisation efforts from the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain.

Despite these developments, there remains a lack of consensus among Arab states regarding the restoration of relations with Syria. Countries such as Kuwait, Morocco, and Qatar continue to voice their opposition, with Qatar being a prominent supporter of rebel factions in the war-torn nation.

Analysts suggest that Syria’s reinstatement in the Arab League may be largely symbolic and caution that achieving a tangible resolution could take time. Earlier this month, Jordan hosted discussions involving Syria, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Iraq as part of an Arab-led initiative aimed at finding a political solution to the ongoing conflict. The meeting also addressed other regional issues, including the refugee crisis and drug trafficking.

Beth Mead’s ACL Recovery Progressing Well

Beth Mead’s ACL Recovery Progressing Well

Arsenal Winger Remains Optimistic About World Cup Participation

England forward Beth Mead has expressed optimism about her recovery from an ACL injury, stating that she is “ahead of schedule.” Mead sustained the injury while playing for Arsenal in November, and despite initial concerns from Lionesses manager Sarina Wiegman about her chances of making the World Cup squad, she has made significant strides in her rehabilitation.

As the July tournament approaches, Mead has returned to light training with Arsenal and is determined to put herself in contention for the 23-player squad, which will be announced next month. “The injury’s okay,” she shared with Sky Sports News while receiving her MBE for her contributions to England’s Euro 2022 victory. “I’m a good five months in and back on the pitch, kicking a ball again, feeling good, ahead of schedule. That’s all I can control right now.”

While she remains hopeful, Mead acknowledged that her selection ultimately rests in Wiegman’s hands. “I wouldn’t say I’m confident [about going to the World Cup] because it’s out of my control, but I’m working hard to get as close to it as possible,” she stated.

The England squad has faced further challenges, with captain Leah Williamson ruled out of the World Cup due to her own ACL injury and Fran Kirby sidelined with a knee issue requiring surgery. Wiegman had previously indicated that Mead’s participation would be a long shot, remarking, “The World Cup is actually too early,” and emphasising the need for Mead to focus on her recovery.

Also receiving an MBE was Mead’s teammate Lucy Bronze, who recently underwent knee surgery herself. The Barcelona defender, set to play in the Champions League final against Wolfsburg on June 3, described her recovery as promising. “I’m two weeks post-op, and I’m walking around really well. I feel really good and positive,” she said.

Spain to Enforce Ban on Outdoor Work During Extreme Heat

Spain to Enforce Ban on Outdoor Work During Extreme Heat

Government Moves to Protect Workers Amid Rising Temperatures

Spain has announced plans to ban outdoor work during extreme heat conditions. Second Deputy Prime Minister Yolanda Díaz revealed on Wednesday that the government aims to amend legislation related to occupational safety to prohibit outdoor labour when the national weather agency, AEMET, issues red or orange alerts for dangerously high temperatures.

These alerts are typically issued when rising temperatures pose risks to public health and the environment. Spain experienced its hottest year on record in 2022 since records began in 1961, and last month marked the hottest and driest April ever recorded in the country. Currently, many regions are facing drought, with water reserves falling below 50%.

Díaz, who also serves as the labour minister, stated that further details regarding these legislative modifications will be provided by Spain’s Cabinet. A special Cabinet meeting is scheduled for Thursday to discuss drought-related measures.

It remains unclear how the new regulations will affect specific occupations such as farmers, farmhands, police, firefighters, gardeners, and cleaners. In regions accustomed to high temperatures, like southern Andalusia, construction workers typically limit their working hours to the morning during the summer months.

The need for such measures has been highlighted by tragic incidents, including the death of a temporary street cleaner from heat stroke while working in Madrid last year.

How a chance department store encounter led to Donald Trump’s ultimate disgrace

How a chance department store encounter led to Donald Trump’s ultimate disgrace

Nearly three decades after E Jean Carroll claims Donald Trump raped her in a dressing room, the pair faced off in court. Andrew Feinberg explains the case

Nearly three decades after E Jean Carroll accused Donald Trump of raping her in a department store dressing room, the writer faced him in court for a civil lawsuit that would become a major legal battle.

Carroll, a former advice columnist for Elle magazine, filed a pair of civil lawsuits against the former president. One of these was heard in a New York City federal courtroom, overseen by US District Judge Lewis Kaplan. The trial, which began on 25 April, saw closing arguments on 8 May. On 9 May, the jury found Trump liable for sexually abusing Carroll but not for rape. They awarded her $5 million in damages, which included defamation.

Due to the risks of threats and intimidation against jurors and anyone connected to the case, Judge Kaplan ordered the jury to remain anonymous throughout the trial.

Carroll testified that Trump raped her in the mid-1990s in the dressing room of the Bergdorf Goodman department store in Manhattan. She first publicly spoke out about the incident in 2019, when Trump was still in office. After he denied the allegations and accused her of fabricating the story to promote her book, Carroll filed a defamation lawsuit against him in November 2019. This suit faced delays and has not yet gone to trial.

In 2022, New York passed the Adult Survivors Act, which allowed sexual abuse survivors to file lawsuits against their attackers for incidents that occurred years prior. This legislation created a one-year window for victims to seek justice in the courts.