James_Smith

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Trump Shielded from Conviction by 2024 Election Win, Says Counsel

Trump Shielded from Conviction by 2024 Election Win, Says Counsel

Investigation Finds Sufficient Evidence of Guilt in 2020 Election Efforts

Donald Trump would have been convicted for his actions surrounding the 2020 election were it not for his successful bid for the presidency in 2024, according to special counsel Jack Smith’s report. Released on Tuesday by the justice department, the document outlines extensive findings about Trump’s attempts to overturn his electoral defeat.

Smith, appointed after the January 6 Capitol insurrection, concluded that his team’s evidence was strong enough to secure a conviction. However, the constitutional immunity granted to a sitting president prevented prosecution. Smith wrote, “The department’s position is unequivocal: a president cannot face indictment during their term, irrespective of the charges or evidence strength.”

Trump, who was impeached for inciting the January 6 riot and indicted on multiple charges, maintained his innocence and dismissed the investigation as politically driven. In a Truth Social post, he labelled Smith a “failed prosecutor.”

The report highlights Trump’s tactics, including pressuring officials, promoting false election claims, and orchestrating efforts to delay the certification of Joe Biden’s victory. While much of this evidence was previously public, the document reveals new considerations, such as the potential use of the Insurrection Act against Trump—ultimately deemed too legally precarious.

Despite legal setbacks, Smith’s report asserts the importance of upholding the rule of law, stating: “The integrity of our work will inspire others to pursue justice, no matter the challenges.”

A separate, unreleased section details allegations of mishandling sensitive documents, with ongoing cases involving Trump associates. As Trump prepares for his second inauguration, the debate over his legal and political legacy intensifies.

Surviving the Abyss: 35 Hours Trapped in a Capsized Dive Boat

Surviving the Abyss: 35 Hours Trapped in a Capsized Dive Boat

Divers recount harrowing tales of survival and unanswered questions surrounding the Red Sea disaster.

Trapped in a pitch-black air pocket for 35 hours, Lucianna Galetta vividly recalls her terrifying experience aboard the capsized Sea Story, an Egyptian dive vessel that sank in the Red Sea on 25 November last year.

In a video shared with the BBC, Lucianna captured the grim surroundings where she believed her life might end. Floating debris and surging seawater hindered her escape. She was one of the last 35 survivors rescued. Tragically, at least 11 people, including two Britons—Jenny Cawson and Tarig Sinada—are dead or missing.

Initially, Egyptian authorities attributed the sinking to a 4m wave, but survivors and experts cast doubt on this claim. A leading oceanographer reviewed weather data and suggested that crew errors and structural failings were likely to blame. Survivors accuse the dive company, Dive Pro Liveaboard, and local authorities of safety lapses and delayed rescue efforts, potentially costing lives.

The Sea Story set sail on 24 November with 31 international guests, three dive guides, and 12 Egyptian crew members. Survivors describe how unstable conditions worsened overnight. By 03:00, the vessel flipped, plunging passengers into chaos and darkness.

Sarah Martin, a British doctor, described crawling through slippery, debris-covered corridors to escape. Others, like Lucianna and her partner Christophe Lemmens, ended up in an air pocket in the engine room. They waited 35 excruciating hours for rescue, fearing no one would come.

Outside, survivors who reached life rafts found them ill-equipped, lacking food, water, and functioning safety lights. The Egyptian navy relied on volunteer divers to rescue trapped passengers. Among them was Lucianna’s saviour, Khattab al-Faramawi, who braved the wreckage to pull her and Christophe to safety.

Dr Simon Boxall, an oceanographer, refuted claims of a massive wave, citing data showing only 1.5m waves in the area. The BBC’s investigation raised questions about the boat’s stability and crew training.

For survivors and victims’ families, the ordeal leaves lingering questions about Red Sea diving safety. “We are lucky to be alive,” said Lucianna, “but many families need answers to grieve properly.”

On Wednesday, survivors shared their stories with the BBC, demanding accountability and a transparent investigation into the disaster.

Recruiters Highlight Decline in Business Confidence Across Europe and the UK

Recruiters Highlight Decline in Business Confidence Across Europe and the UK

Economic Uncertainty and Political Instability Hamper Hiring in Key Markets

Recruitment companies have raised concerns over declining business confidence in the UK and across the eurozone. Political instability in France and Germany, alongside fears about economic growth, has made firms hesitant to expand their workforce.

PageGroup, a leading FTSE 250 recruitment firm, reported a 24% profit decline in Germany and a 17% drop in France during the last quarter of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023. UK profits also fell by 14%, as businesses grew cautious about hiring. Similarly, Morgan McKinley noted a 12% year-on-year decrease in job vacancies within London’s financial services sector during the same period.

The broader European economy faces challenges as major markets like Germany struggle with sluggish growth, narrowly avoiding recession over the past two years. France continues to grapple with political instability, experiencing its fourth government in 12 months. In the UK, Labour’s Keir Starmer-led administration is navigating economic pressures, including rising bond yields and currency depreciation following Donald Trump’s election and potential tariff increases.

PageGroup CEO Nicholas Kirk described the hiring landscape as difficult, highlighting extended recruitment timelines due to candidate and client uncertainty. Meanwhile, Morgan McKinley’s Mark Astbury pointed to ongoing challenges such as economic volatility, geopolitical instability, and rapid technological shifts.

Adding to the uncertainty, the European Central Bank (ECB) is preparing interest rate cuts aimed at supporting growth. However, ECB Chief Economist Philip Lane stressed the importance of a balanced approach to avoid spurring inflation, noting that “finding a middle path” will be critical.

As Europe’s largest economies contend with mounting difficulties, recruiters warn that the business outlook for the region remains subdued.

Blood Test Breakthrough Could Lead to Earlier Alzheimer’s Diagnosis by a Decade

Blood Test Breakthrough Could Lead to Earlier Alzheimer’s Diagnosis by a Decade

Landmark Proteomics Study Aims to Detect Alzheimer’s and Other Diseases Years Before Symptoms Appear

Alzheimer’s disease could potentially be identified up to ten years earlier, thanks to the world’s largest study on blood proteins. The UK-based research project, set to launch this month, will explore how diseases such as cancer and dementia develop, paving the way for blood tests that could detect these conditions well before symptoms arise.

Early data from this groundbreaking study has already shown that elevated protein levels can predict the onset of dementia up to ten years in advance and certain cancers seven years before a formal diagnosis. The UK Biobank Pharma Proteomics Project is seen as a potential game-changer in healthcare, with experts suggesting it could revolutionise medical research and diagnostics by the end of the decade.

Professor Sir Rory Collins, chief executive of UK Biobank, explained, “This study will provide valuable insights into how lifestyle, genetics, and environment interact with proteins to influence the development of diseases. It will help identify individuals at risk far earlier, enabling preventive measures before the onset of illness.”

The research will focus on how changes in protein levels, influenced by factors such as genetics, lifestyle, and environment, contribute to the development of diseases. There is also potential to develop faster and more precise blood tests for autoimmune conditions like multiple sclerosis and Crohn’s disease.

Proteomics, which involves studying the function and structure of proteins, is key to understanding how they contribute to disease. Science Minister Lord Patrick Vallance hailed the project as a transformative initiative, calling it a “new era of possibilities.”

The project is an expansion of a pioneering pilot study, which analysed nearly 3,000 proteins from the blood samples of 54,000 UK Biobank participants. The newly scaled-up study, supported by a consortium of 14 major pharmaceutical companies, aims to analyse over 5,000 proteins from 600,000 samples. These samples include those taken from participants 15 to 20 years ago, as well as more recent samples from a cohort of 100,000 individuals.

Professor Naomi Allen, UK Biobank’s chief scientist, highlighted the significance of the pilot data, which showed that specific proteins could be detected up to seven years before the clinical diagnosis of certain cancers and up to ten years before a dementia diagnosis.

“The possibility of developing simple blood tests that can detect diseases at an earlier stage is now closer to reality,” Allen said. “For Alzheimer’s, a test measuring certain proteins could help identify patients early, allowing them to benefit from treatments designed for the initial stages of the disease.”

The project has attracted significant funding from pharmaceutical giants like Johnson & Johnson, AstraZeneca, Pfizer, and GSK. The initial phase will focus on measuring protein levels in 300,000 samples, with the data expected to be shared with approved researchers starting in 2026. The full dataset is anticipated to be available on the UK Biobank Research Analysis Platform by 2027.

Greater Manchester Mayor Advocates for a National Inquiry into Grooming Gangs

Greater Manchester Mayor Advocates for a National Inquiry into Grooming Gangs

Andy Burnham Calls for a “Limited” Inquiry, Citing Limitations of Local Investigations

Andy Burnham, the mayor of Greater Manchester, has voiced support for a national inquiry into grooming gangs, arguing for a “limited” investigation that would address broader national concerns. Burnham stated that the local inquiry he initiated in Oldham lacked the necessary legal powers to make significant progress on the issue.

Earlier this week, Members of Parliament rejected a proposal to include a national inquiry into the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill. Had the amendment passed, it would have introduced new measures to safeguard children while tightening regulations around home schooling.

The vote came after intense criticism from billionaire tech entrepreneur Elon Musk, who criticised Labour leader Keir Starmer and the safeguarding minister, Jess Phillips. His criticisms followed the revelation that Phillips had declined a request for a public inquiry into exploitation in Oldham, made by the local council.

Although government ministers, including Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, have indicated their openness to discussions about a potential inquiry, they have stressed that their primary focus is addressing the recommendations of the 2022 report on child sexual abuse, led by Professor Alexis Jay.

In a statement on BBC Radio Manchester, Burnham expressed his belief that a more focused national inquiry would be beneficial, one that could examine the findings of previous local reviews in areas like Oldham, Rotherham, and Telford. Such an inquiry, Burnham explained, could compel individuals to provide evidence and potentially face charges for their involvement in these cases.

The mayor pointed out that the local reviews he had commissioned in Manchester, Oldham, and Rochdale were constrained in their impact due to a lack of legal authority to compel evidence or participation from key individuals.

Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy acknowledged Burnham’s viewpoint in an interview with ITV’s Good Morning Britain. She agreed that a smaller, national inquiry could investigate matters that were beyond the reach of Burnham’s local review. However, she disagreed with the need for a new national inquiry, citing the seven-year investigation established by former Prime Minister Theresa May in 2014. Nandy noted that this inquiry had already established that vulnerable young girls were often ignored by authorities due to their gender, class, and age.

The national inquiry, which concluded in October 2022 with a report by Professor Alexis Jay, found widespread failures in the way victims were treated. On Monday, Home Secretary Yvette Cooper confirmed that the government would begin implementing Jay’s recommendation for mandatory reporting of child sexual abuse, with further details to follow in the coming weeks.

Pound Hits Lowest Point in 14 Months Amid Bond Market Sell-Off and Rising Borrowing Costs

Pound Hits Lowest Point in 14 Months Amid Bond Market Sell-Off and Rising Borrowing Costs

Chancellor Rachel Reeves Faces Increasing Pressure as Market Instability Escalates

The pound has dropped to its lowest level in 14 months against the US dollar, as a bond market sell-off exacerbates fears surrounding UK assets, putting added pressure on Chancellor Rachel Reeves. Sterling fell by a cent to approximately $1.226, extending its recent decline as investor anxiety continues to mount.

Despite the government’s efforts to reassure markets, UK borrowing costs increased once again on Thursday morning, highlighting the ongoing instability. In response to the growing concerns, Reeves issued a rare public statement for the second consecutive night on Wednesday, asserting that she maintained an “iron grip” on the nation’s finances.

Michael Brown, Senior Research Strategist at brokerage firm Pepperstone, warned that the situation was becoming increasingly concerning. He remarked that the rise in bond yields and the fall of the currency indicated a loss of investor confidence in the government’s ability to manage the fiscal environment effectively. While he noted that the current situation was not yet as severe as during the Truss/Kwarteng era, he emphasised that the economic foundation appeared to be quite fragile.

Bond yields continued to rise on Thursday, with the interest rate on 10-year UK debt climbing to 4.921% in early London trading – a level not seen since 2008. Thirty-year bond yields, which had already hit 28-year highs earlier this week, increased again, reaching 5.474%.

Chris Turner, Global Head of Markets at ING, explained that the global bond market sell-off had triggered a reaction in the UK gilt market, leading investors to scale back their bets on the pound. Investors, who had previously viewed sterling as a strong counter to the dominant US dollar, are now rethinking their positions in light of the sell-off in gilts.

Although the pound is still above its record low following the 2022 mini-budget, when it neared parity with the dollar, the current market turmoil is raising concerns. Former Bank of England policymaker Martin Weale compared the present situation to 1976, when a sharp fall in the pound led the Labour government to seek a bailout from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), coupled with stringent spending cuts. Weale, now a professor at King’s College London, pointed out that the combination of a weakening currency and rising long-term interest rates is similar to the events of 1976, which could be a scenario that haunts the Chancellor.

In addition to these market concerns, a Bank of England survey of UK firms revealed that over half of the companies in the UK are preparing to raise prices or reduce jobs as a result of Reeves’s increase in employers’ national insurance contributions, set to take effect in April. The survey found that 61% of firms expect to lower profit margins, 54% plan to increase prices, 53% anticipate reducing employment, and 39% expect to offer lower wages in response to the increased NICs. The results underscore the challenges faced by businesses and reflect the growing uncertainty within the UK’s economic landscape.

A Devastating Wildfire Strikes Hollywood, Leaving Celebrities and Families Homeless

A Devastating Wildfire Strikes Hollywood, Leaving Celebrities and Families Homeless

Stars Including Paris Hilton, Billy Crystal, and Adam Brody Among Those Affected by Los Angeles Wildfires

Several high-profile celebrities, including Paris Hilton, Billy Crystal, and Adam Brody, have found themselves among the victims of the ferocious wildfires tearing through Los Angeles. Over 1,000 structures have been destroyed as multiple fires continue to rage in the area, affecting not only homes but also Hollywood’s renowned celebrity-filled neighbourhoods.

The catastrophic fires have been especially destructive in Pacific Palisades, a scenic enclave where hillside mansions face the threat of an advancing inferno. Since Tuesday, the flames have spread from a few hundred acres to over 15,000, leaving a swath of destruction. James Woods, a veteran actor known for his roles in Nixon and Casino, broke down in an emotional interview on CNN, recounting the loss of his property in Pacific Palisades. He expressed disbelief, saying, “One day you’re swimming in the pool, and the next day it’s all gone.” Despite the tragedy, he shared a moment of solace when his wife’s niece offered her piggy bank to help rebuild.

Billy Crystal, also devastated by the loss of his long-time home, shared a heartfelt statement, reflecting on the deep connection to the house where he and his wife raised their children. He described the home as a place filled with “love” and “beautiful memories” and emphasised that, while heartbroken, the support of their loved ones would help them endure the difficult times.

Paris Hilton also took to Instagram to share her grief, revealing that her Malibu property had been destroyed. She posted, “Watching our home burn to the ground on live TV is something no one should ever have to experience,” adding that her thoughts were with all those affected by the fires. Meanwhile, a property belonging to Adam Brody and his wife, actress Leighton Meester, was also reportedly lost in the blaze.

The devastating impact extends to other celebrities as well, including The Hills stars Spencer Pratt and Heidi Montag, who shared their experiences of seeing their home engulfed in flames. Though they managed to evacuate safely, Montag expressed her distress over the loss of their possessions.

Mandy Moore, known for her role in This Is Us, shared a poignant message on social media, expressing shock over the destruction. In her post, Moore revealed that their children’s school had been destroyed and many of their favourite spots were gone. Despite the devastation, she expressed hope for rebuilding their shattered community.

Ricki Lake, the beloved TV host, also expressed sorrow over losing her “dream home”, while other famous personalities such as Anthony Hopkins, John Goodman, Anna Faris, and Cary Elwes were among the many who reportedly lost their residences.

Miles Teller, star of Top Gun: Maverick, and his wife, Keleigh Sperry, also had their home destroyed, while Sperry posted on Instagram urging others to leave water for animals left behind during evacuations.

Mark Hamill, famous for his role as Luke Skywalker in Star Wars, called the fires the “most horrific” disaster since 1993, sharing that he had evacuated his Malibu home just in time to avoid the flames. Other stars such as Eugene Levy and Cameron Mathison, along with music legend Diane Warren, have also faced the loss of their homes.

In the midst of the chaos, Steve Guttenberg, star of Police Academy, remained behind to assist firefighters by moving cars and clearing paths for emergency vehicles. Local schools and iconic landmarks, including the Palisades Charter High School, which featured in the horror film Carrie, have also been devastated.

The damage has not only affected the homes of celebrities but also the broader community, with film premieres and star-studded events being cancelled. The Academy Awards nominations were postponed by two days, while upcoming events, including the Screen Actors Guild Awards, were called off due to the fires.

As new blazes erupt, including the Sunset fire in Hollywood Hills, the people of Los Angeles, including many famous figures, now face the enormous task of rebuilding their homes and lives after these catastrophic fires.

Trump Intensifies Rhetoric on Acquiring Greenland and Panama Canal

Trump Intensifies Rhetoric on Acquiring Greenland and Panama Canal

The President-elect reiterates his claims over strategic territories, asserting their importance for US security

Donald Trump, the President-elect, has once again sparked controversy by advocating for the US to acquire both Greenland and the Panama Canal, calling them essential to national security. During a press conference at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida, Trump was asked if he would rule out using military or economic pressure to seize these territories. He responded, “No, I can’t assure you on either of those two, but I can say this: we need them for economic security.”

Both Denmark and Panama have firmly rejected any suggestions of relinquishing these territories. Trump has previously expressed his views on expanding US territory, and he also indicated his dissatisfaction with Canada, suggesting that the country should be part of the US. “They should be a state,” he remarked, pointing out the billions the US spends protecting Canada.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau quickly dismissed the idea, stating that there was “not a snowball’s chance in hell” of Canada joining the US. The shared border between the two countries, the longest in the world, was established in treaties dating back to the 1700s.

Trump’s press conference, which had originally been scheduled to announce a $20bn investment in US data centres by Dubai-based Damac Properties, veered into a broader discussion on environmental regulations, the election system, ongoing legal challenges, and criticism of President Joe Biden. Among his more unconventional statements, Trump suggested renaming the Gulf of Mexico to the “Gulf of America” and reiterated his opposition to wind power, claiming that wind turbines “drive the whales crazy.”

The timing of Trump’s comments coincided with a visit to Greenland by his son, Donald Trump Jr. The younger Trump arrived in Nuuk, Greenland’s capital, on a personal trip, stating he had no official meetings lined up. When asked about this, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen emphasised that “Greenland belongs to the Greenlanders,” reaffirming that only the people of Greenland could determine its future.

Greenland, with a population of just 57,000, is an autonomous Danish territory but remains part of the Kingdom of Denmark. While its economy is supported by subsidies from Copenhagen, it holds strategic importance due to its proximity to the Arctic and its vast natural resources, including rare earth minerals critical for high-tech devices. The island is also home to a significant US military facility.

Trump argued that Greenland is essential for military operations, particularly in monitoring the activities of Russian and Chinese vessels. He described the island as crucial for “protecting the free world.”

In addition to Greenland, Trump again raised the issue of the Panama Canal, a vital trade route that connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. He claimed the canal, now under Panamanian control, is “being operated by China” and criticised Panama for overcharging US ships. However, Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino denied these claims, stating that there is no Chinese influence in the canal, although a Hong Kong-based company, CK Hutchison Holdings, operates two ports at the canal’s entrances.

Trump also reiterated his belief that the decision to transfer control of the Panama Canal to Panama in 1977 was a mistake. He called the move, orchestrated under President Jimmy Carter, a “very big mistake.”

The seriousness of Trump’s territorial ambitions, particularly regarding Canada and Greenland, remains unclear. The proposal to annex Canada is especially controversial, as the country is home to over 41 million people and is the second-largest nation by area in the world.

During the same press conference, Trump also revisited several unfounded conspiracy theories, including a bizarre suggestion that Hezbollah was involved in the 2021 US Capitol riot.

As Trump prepares for his second term, his statements on territorial expansion and foreign policy continue to stir debate both within the US and internationally.

Labour Challenges Tech Giants, Pledging Action Against Online Abuse and Deepfakes

Labour Challenges Tech Giants, Pledging Action Against Online Abuse and Deepfakes

Victims Minister Alex Davies-Jones outlines plans to tackle explicit deepfakes and hold social media platforms accountable

The Labour Party has issued a strong challenge to tech giants, including Elon Musk, vowing to hold firms accountable for permitting online abuse on their platforms.

The government’s new initiative targets the growing issue of explicit deepfakes, introducing a criminal offence for both creating and distributing such images. Victims Minister Alex Davies-Jones spoke exclusively to The Independent, detailing the government’s approach to tackling what she described as a “devastating epidemic” of digital abuse.

“These hyper-realistic images are deeply abusive, degrading, and humiliating,” Davies-Jones explained. “We must take decisive action to address this alarming problem.” She stressed that Ofcom, the UK’s communications regulator, has the power to take action against tech firms, including imposing fines of up to £18 million or 10% of their annual revenue, whichever is higher.

Moreover, Davies-Jones underscored the importance of criminal sanctions, which will compel platforms to remove illegal content. “Once these new offences are in place, Ofcom will be obligated to enforce them, ensuring tech companies respond swiftly to remove unlawful material,” she said.

Despite acknowledging the challenges in policing this new legislation, Davies-Jones assured that the government is collaborating with the College of Policing to equip law enforcement with the necessary resources and expertise to track down perpetrators.

The government’s crackdown comes in response to the rapid rise in explicit deepfake imagery, which has caused significant harm, particularly to women and girls, who are often the main victims. The Ministry of Justice estimates that one in three women faces online abuse.

“It is horrific,” said Davies-Jones. “Victims are left feeling worthless and vulnerable, as they have no idea who has seen these images or where they’ve been shared.”

The deepfake images are particularly concerning because they are so realistic, making it extremely difficult to distinguish between what is real and what is fabricated. “That’s why it’s so critical we get the legislation right,” she added. “We must address this issue, as it has escalated to epidemic proportions.”

The announcement comes amidst a heated dispute between Sir Keir Starmer and X (formerly Twitter) owner Elon Musk. The controversy ignited when Musk criticized the government for rejecting calls for a national inquiry into the grooming gangs scandal. Over Christmas, Musk accused Home Office minister Jess Phillips of being a “rape genocide apologist” and called for her imprisonment, sparking an outcry.

Following Musk’s tirade, a man was charged with sending malicious communications to Phillips, highlighting the urgency of tackling violence against women. Davies-Jones stressed that this is not an isolated issue affecting politicians but one that affects everyone, emphasizing that the government is committed to taking action.

The victims minister also dismissed Musk’s call for a new national inquiry into grooming gangs. “The UK has already conducted a comprehensive national inquiry that lasted seven years and cost over £100 million,” she explained. “Now, it’s time to focus on implementing the recommendations to ensure justice for victims.”

Her comments came shortly after Professor Alexis Jay, chair of the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse, also supported Sir Keir’s stance that there is no need for a new inquiry. “We have all the information we need,” she stated, calling for action rather than more inquiries.

Davies-Jones concluded by addressing the broader issue of violence against women and girls, urging social media platforms to be more responsible in how they handle such sensitive matters. “It is essential that we listen to victims and survivors, as they have already spoken through the National Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse. Now, it is time to deliver justice for them.”