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Malaysia Approves Resumption of Search for Missing MH370 Flight

Malaysia Approves Resumption of Search for Missing MH370 Flight

Government Greenlights New Effort to Find the Aircraft after Ten Years of Mystery

The Malaysian government has confirmed it will recommence the search for the missing Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370, which disappeared in 2014 with 239 people on board. This decision follows years of failed attempts to locate the wreckage of the Boeing 777, a case that remains one of aviation’s greatest mysteries.

Transport Minister Anthony Loke announced that the cabinet had agreed to a deal with Ocean Infinity, a marine exploration firm based in the United States. The new search, valued at $70 million (£56 million), is based on a “no find, no fee” model, meaning Ocean Infinity will only receive payment if the wreckage is found.

This new effort will focus on a 15,000-square-kilometre area in the southern Indian Ocean, identified as having credible new data. The deal is still in negotiations, and final terms are expected to be concluded in early 2025.

The previous search conducted by Ocean Infinity in 2018, under similar conditions, proved unsuccessful. Additionally, a global search costing $150 million ended in 2017 after two years of searching the vast expanse of ocean.

The decision to resume the search has been met with a mixed response from the families of those on board. Many relatives are holding onto hope that this renewed search might finally provide closure. Jacquita Gonzales, the wife of flight supervisor Patrick Gomes, expressed immense joy at the news, calling it the “best Christmas present ever.” On the other hand, Intan Maizura Othaman, who lost her husband in the incident, shared the complex emotions of hope and sorrow after so many years without answers.

In the years following the disappearance, debris suspected to be from the aircraft washed up on various shores around the Indian Ocean, fueling ongoing theories about the crash. Despite numerous theories, including claims of deliberate pilot action or military involvement, investigators have not been able to definitively determine the cause of the crash.

A 2018 report suggested the aircraft’s controls were intentionally altered to divert the plane from its intended path, but it stopped short of identifying who may have been responsible. Investigators reiterated that conclusive answers can only be obtained if the wreckage is recovered.

Trump-Supported Spending Bill Fails as Musk Intervenes, Government Shutdown Looms

Trump-Supported Spending Bill Fails as Musk Intervenes, Government Shutdown Looms

Democrats Block Funding Deal, Leaving Congress Without a Clear Path to Avoid Shutdown Before Christmas

A spending bill backed by Donald Trump has failed in the House vote, primarily due to interference from tech mogul Elon Musk, who disrupted a previous bipartisan agreement. The bill’s failure leaves Congress in disarray, with no clear solution in sight to prevent a government shutdown, which could cause significant disruption before Christmas.

Elon Musk criticised House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries following the vote, accusing him of rejecting a critical bill that could have aided states devastated by hurricanes earlier in the year. Musk posted on X, condemning Jeffries’ decision: “Shame on @RepJeffries for rejecting a fair & simple spending bill that is desperately needed by states suffering from hurricane damage!”

As the threat of a shutdown grows, congressional leaders are regrouping to explore potential alternatives. The bill, supported by Trump, had aimed to keep the government open and extend the debt ceiling deadline by two years. However, House Speaker Mike Johnson’s bipartisan deal would have maintained funding levels until mid-March 2025, a proposal criticised by the incoming administration and Senator JD Vance for not addressing the debt ceiling.

Democrats, however, have ridiculed Musk’s growing influence over the political process, with Senator Bernie Sanders mocking the billionaire’s role by referring to him as “President Elon Musk” in a sarcastic post on X.

What the Gisèle Pelicot Trial’s Verdict Means for France’s Fight Against Sexual Violence

What the Gisèle Pelicot Trial’s Verdict Means for France’s Fight Against Sexual Violence

Experts discuss the societal implications of the conviction of 51 men in one of France’s most shocking sexual violence cases.

The verdict in the Gisèle Pelicot rape trial marks a significant moment for French society, shedding light on the urgent need for a change in how sexual violence is addressed and understood. All 51 men on trial have been found guilty, highlighting the scale of the abuse Pelicot endured and reflecting broader issues within French culture. Despite the conviction, the trial’s implications go beyond the case itself, touching on the deep-rooted gender inequalities and cultural norms that allow such violence to persist.

Rokhaya Diallo emphasises how this trial shatters the myth of the “monster” rapist, showing that perpetrators are often ordinary men, not monstrous strangers. This myth has obscured the reality that most sexual violence is committed by people the victims know. Diallo points out that while Gisèle Pelicot’s case has drawn international attention and solidarity, it should not overshadow the fact that many women still face disbelief and mistreatment when they come forward with allegations of sexual assault in France. With an alarming 86% of sexual violence reports dismissed, it’s clear that the judicial system needs significant reform. The trial has revealed that French women, especially those who file complaints, often experience poor treatment by the police, further contributing to the issue.

Anne Bouillon, a lawyer specialising in women’s rights, argues that while the trial was a triumph for justice, it only scratches the surface of the structural and societal changes needed. Bouillon calls for a rethinking of French law, proposing the introduction of consent as a fundamental element in defining rape. She stresses that legal reform is essential, but cultural change is what will ultimately end sexual violence. Consent must become the cornerstone of all relationships, and women must be empowered to reject harmful societal expectations and fight for their rights.

Victoire Tuaillon, journalist and author, connects the Pelicot trial to the broader problem of a deeply ingrained sexist culture. She highlights how rape is often seen as an act of dominance, and that societal attitudes towards masculinity and entitlement to women’s bodies need to change. The trial has revealed the prevalence of such attitudes, which can be found in both ordinary men and in the abuse committed in the case. Tuaillon argues for major public policy reforms, such as comprehensive sexual education, better care for victims, and improved training for those in contact with victims, including police officers and teachers.

Cécile Simmons, an investigative researcher, notes how online platforms facilitated the abuse in Pelicot’s case. These unregulated spaces have become breeding grounds for harmful behaviours, such as sexual abuse and exploitation. She calls for accountability from digital platforms and highlights the role they play in normalising sexual violence, urging for more robust legislation to tackle the issue.

Finally, Clémentine Choubrac points out that the trial has ignited a conversation about the importance of consent in the legal definition of rape. She praises the public prosecutor’s office for making consent a central issue in their closing arguments. Choubrac believes that this trial is a catalyst for the cultural shift necessary to combat gender-based violence and urges continued efforts to reform laws and society’s attitudes toward consent.

Over 100 North Koreans Reported Dead in Ukraine Conflict, South Korean Lawmaker Reveals

Over 100 North Koreans Reported Dead in Ukraine Conflict, South Korean Lawmaker Reveals

Casualties include senior officers as North Korean forces struggle with unfamiliar terrain and drone warfare

A South Korean lawmaker has confirmed that at least 100 North Korean soldiers have lost their lives in combat since joining Russian forces earlier this month in the ongoing war in Ukraine. Lee Sung-kwon, speaking after a briefing from South Korea’s National Intelligence Service to parliament, revealed that around 1,000 additional North Koreans have been wounded.

Lee mentioned that these casualties included several high-ranking officials. He attributed the heavy losses to the troops’ lack of experience with the challenging terrain and modern drone warfare. The first reports of North Korean casualties emerged earlier this week, following news from October that North Korea had sent approximately 10,000 soldiers to support Russia’s military operations.

A spokesperson for the Pentagon confirmed the deaths of North Korean personnel without specifying numbers, and a US official later indicated that “several hundred” had been either killed or injured. However, these claims have yet to be independently verified by the BBC.

The North Korean soldiers, who lacked previous combat experience, are believed to have spent their initial weeks in Russia undergoing training and serving in support roles. The fatalities are thought to have occurred in the Kursk region of Russia, where Ukrainian forces are holding a strategic area captured during an unexpected assault in August.

On Saturday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that Russia had begun deploying a “significant number” of North Koreans in attacks within Kursk. These forces have not been sent to Ukraine itself, where Russia has been pushing forward in the east in recent months.

Lee Sung-kwon noted that there were reports of plans for additional deployments, with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un possibly overseeing training efforts. Intelligence sources suggested that the high casualty rate could be attributed to the “unfamiliar battlefield environment,” where North Korean troops are being used as disposable frontline units with limited capability to defend against drone attacks.

Reports from within the Russian military have indicated that North Korean forces, due to their lack of knowledge about drones, are seen as more of a burden than an asset. Despite these challenges, neither Russia nor North Korea has publicly acknowledged the deployment of the troops. However, a recent statement from North Korea, released by state news agency KCNA, reaffirmed the strength of the alliance with Moscow, claiming it was effectively countering US and Western influence.

Grace Dent Named as Gregg Wallace’s Successor on MasterChef

Grace Dent Named as Gregg Wallace’s Successor on MasterChef

Food Critic and Broadcaster Steps into the Role Following Wallace’s Exit

The BBC has officially announced that Grace Dent will replace Gregg Wallace as the new co-host of MasterChef following his departure from the show after two decades. Wallace, 60, chose to step away amidst allegations surrounding inappropriate remarks made to staff and guests, though he has strongly denied these accusations.

Dent, 51, is already a familiar face to MasterChef viewers, having appeared regularly as a sharp and insightful food critic. Beyond her role on the cooking competition, she is an established journalist, broadcaster, and author. Last year, Dent left her participation in I’m a Celebrity due to “medical grounds,” but she has now embraced this new role with great enthusiasm.

Dent shared her excitement, stating: “I’ve been watching MasterChef since I was a little girl sitting on the sofa with my dad. My whole family watches it. It’s all about finding and supporting talent, and being in this role is more than a dream come true. I’m so excited I can’t eat, which is very problematic for a restaurant critic.”

John Torode, the show’s co-presenter since 2005, expressed his joy at Dent’s appointment. He praised her as an inspiring critic and a valuable addition to the show, adding: “Grace is the perfect choice. Her expertise, passion for food, and insight into what makes MasterChef great will bring fresh energy to the show.”

The BBC’s head of entertainment, Kalpna Patel-Knight, also commented positively on the move: “Grace is an experienced and established member of the MasterChef family and a world-renowned food critic. She will bring a fresh dynamic to the upcoming series of Celebrity MasterChef.”

Reports had circulated earlier this week suggesting that Dent was the frontrunner for the role. Sources noted that her expertise and perspective would inject much-needed energy into the show following a difficult period.

While Wallace has remained firm in his denial of any wrongdoing, stating that previous investigations by the BBC six years ago found no evidence of misconduct, the broadcaster has maintained that it takes all allegations seriously and enforces strict behaviour standards.

As Grace Dent takes the next step in her career, anticipation is already building for the upcoming MasterChef series as she joins Torode to guide a new group of celebrity competitors.

Brexit’s Trade Effect: £27bn Loss for UK in Initial Two Years

Brexit’s Trade Effect: £27bn Loss for UK in Initial Two Years

Study Reveals Small Businesses Hit Hardest by EU Trade Barriers, but Overall Economic Impact Limited

The UK’s departure from the European Union resulted in a £27bn reduction in trade with the EU within the first two years post-Brexit, according to a detailed investigation by the London School of Economics (LSE). Despite this decline, the study suggests that the overall economic toll has proven less severe than initial forecasts anticipated.

Researchers at the Centre for Economic Performance examined data from over 100,000 UK firms and highlighted that small businesses bore the brunt of new trade obstacles. These barriers have forced thousands of smaller enterprises to cease trading with EU nations entirely.

By the conclusion of 2022, two years after the UK implemented the Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA) with Brussels, British goods exports had dropped by 6.4%, while imports fell by 3.1%. Despite this, larger firms adapted by finding alternative suppliers and markets, allowing imports to stabilise better than exports.

Thomas Sampson, an LSE economist and one of the study’s authors, commented: “The TCA has been particularly damaging for smaller exporters, many of whom have stopped exporting altogether. Conversely, bigger firms have managed to adjust to the new trade environment, meaning overall export declines have been less pronounced than initially expected.”

The findings also questioned predictions by the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR), which anticipated a 15% long-term trade slump that would lead to a 4% reduction in national income. While acknowledging that this decline could materialise if conditions worsen, the LSE study points out that the initial two-year trade impact has been far less dramatic.

The research draws upon unique insights from customs data collected by HMRC, offering a clear picture of how individual business relationships have shifted since Brexit. Barriers like customs checks, paperwork, and new rules-of-origin requirements disrupted trade flows, but delays to certain regulatory measures have lessened their immediate effects.

Smaller firms, those employing fewer than 100 workers, struggled the most, with over 14,000 of the examined businesses completely halting their EU trade. In contrast, larger companies proved more resilient, adapting their supply chains to maintain business continuity through alternative sourcing outside the EU.

Kalina Manova, co-author and professor of economics at UCL, stated: “The key challenge for UK businesses will lie in their ability to sustain supply networks and shift export strategies to manage non-tariff barriers over the coming years.”

The analysis did not focus on the movement of services, which are largely outside the scope of customs union agreements. Nonetheless, the findings signal that while the trade shock from Brexit caused immediate disruption to goods flows with the EU, resilience strategies—particularly from larger enterprises—mitigated the severity of these effects.

Ministers will now face pressure to reduce trade barriers further and maintain strategic efforts to ensure the UK economy continues to adapt, as the next phase of TCA negotiations looms in 2024.

Guy Hands’ Property Firm Sells Military Housing to MoD for £6 Billion

Guy Hands’ Property Firm Sells Military Housing to MoD for £6 Billion

36,000 homes transfer ends legal dispute with the government over housing reforms

Terra Firma, the investment firm connected to billionaire Guy Hands, has agreed to transfer 36,000 military homes to the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) in a deal valued at £5.99 billion. This marks the conclusion of a long-standing legal conflict between Hands’ firm and the government over recent housing reforms.

The homes, known as the Married Quarters Estate, will be handed over with their 999-year lease to the MoD as part of the agreement, which is nearly twice the amount Terra Firma paid for Annington — the property company managing the homes — over a decade ago. While the sale price falls short of the £8 billion the properties were appraised at last year, it represents a significant financial resolution to the legal battle.

The legal dispute began as Annington raised concerns about potential financial losses stemming from reforms introduced by the Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act. In September, it escalated to a legal action before the European Court of Human Rights, alongside challenges in the UK High Court. These legal complications are now resolved with this sale.

Originally, in 1996, Annington acquired 57,400 military homes from the government for £1.7 billion under the tenure of Defence Secretary Michael Portillo. The agreement included a 200-year lease, with the MoD responsible for ongoing maintenance costs. Over time, Annington has redeveloped and sold nearly 20,000 of these homes as affordable housing for first-time buyers.

Terra Firma acquired Annington from Japanese bank Nomura Holdings in 2012 for £3.2 billion. Hands, known as one of the most prominent names in UK private equity, has overseen investments worth over £15 billion since launching Terra Firma in 2002. His portfolio includes EMI, Tilia Homes, and Welcome Hotels.

This sale will save the MoD approximately £230 million annually by reducing rental costs while bringing military housing fully back into public ownership. Defence Secretary John Healey described the deal as a “decisive break with the failed approach of the past” while acknowledging the challenges ahead to improve accommodation for military families.

Ian Rylatt, CEO of Annington, highlighted that this sale marks “a new chapter” for the estate, resolving costly legal battles and allowing focus to shift toward rebuilding and modernising military housing.

The sale will see 159 homes, valued at £55 million, returned to Annington within the next 12 months as part of an existing agreement. Proceeds from the sale will go toward debt repayment for Annington, with additional funds distributed to shareholders, including UK pension schemes and sovereign wealth funds. Terra Firma will also reinvest part of these proceeds into the UK property market.

Despite this deal, reports from the Defence Infrastructure Organisation indicate ongoing challenges with military housing, including widespread issues with damp, mould, and poor-quality maintenance, contributing to a substandard living experience for many service families. In response, the government allocated £400 million last year to address these concerns, although problems persist.

The sale concludes a significant chapter in the relationship between the government, military housing, and private investment while laying the groundwork for future opportunities to address the housing needs of service members and their families.

Harry and Meghan Release Festive Family Portrait on Christmas Card

Harry and Meghan Release Festive Family Portrait on Christmas Card

A rare glimpse of their children is shared in the holiday greeting

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have unveiled a rare image of their two children on their official Christmas card this year. The photograph is part of a set of six pictures featured on the card, which carries the cheerful message: “We wish you a very happy holiday season.”

In one photo, Prince Archie, aged 5, and Princess Lilibet, aged 3, are pictured walking toward their smiling parents with their backs to the camera. The image intentionally keeps their faces obscured, as the couple has maintained a level of privacy for their children by limiting public exposure.

Additionally, the card includes Meghan embracing a young girl and Prince Harry holding hands with a man reclining in bed. The complete Christmas card reads:

“On behalf of the office of Prince Harry and Meghan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Archewell Productions and Archewell Foundation, we wish you a very happy holiday season and a joyful New Year.”

This particular card is intended for professional use, while the couple has sent out a separate, private version to their close friends and family members.

Since stepping away from their senior royal roles in January 2020, the couple has retained their Duke and Duchess of Sussex titles but are no longer referred to as His or Her Royal Highness (HRH).

Having relocated to California in June 2020 — just before Lilibet’s birth in 2021 — they no longer maintain an official residence in the United Kingdom.

The Sussexes have since launched the Archewell Foundation, a non-profit organisation committed to supporting charitable initiatives under the mantra “show up, do good.” Their media company, Archewell Productions, has secured a multi-million-dollar deal with Netflix to produce original content.

Archbishop of York Issues Apology Amidst Intensified Resignation Calls

Archbishop of York Issues Apology Amidst Intensified Resignation Calls

Stephen Cottrell expresses remorse over handling of David Tudor sex abuse case as scrutiny mounts

Stephen Cottrell, the Archbishop of York and the second-highest ranking figure in the Church of England, has issued a public apology for his delayed response in the case of David Tudor, a Church of England priest banned for life after admitting to serious sexual abuse involving two girls aged 15 and 16.

Facing mounting pressure to resign, Cottrell stated he is “deeply sorry” for his handling of the situation, particularly as allegations suggest he failed to act decisively during his tenure as Bishop of Chelmsford. Reports indicate that Tudor remained in his position despite being barred by the Church from being alone with children and having paid compensation to a sexual abuse survivor.

The Church of England has since acknowledged the problem, with the BBC reporting a “catalogue of past safeguarding failures” that enabled individuals considered risks in the 1980s to return to ministry in the 1990s. In response, Cottrell maintained that his inaction stemmed from systemic issues and decisions inherited from the past, rather than deliberate negligence.

Cottrell explained that the protocols of the time did not adequately prevent Tudor’s return to ministry, stating: “Changes to the way safeguarding is now managed and scrutinised would mean the decision taken in 1988 would not take place now.” Despite rejecting direct calls to step down, he pledged to oversee reforms to ensure improved safeguarding processes.

Bishop of Newcastle, Helen-Ann Hartley, has declared that Cottrell’s leadership of the Church of England is now “impossible,” citing a lack of accountability and transparency as central issues. These latest developments follow the resignation of Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby last month, who stepped down in the wake of findings that his delayed police reporting of abuse by serial offender John Smyth contributed to prolonged suffering among victims.

As the Church of England faces these repeated crises, the conversation surrounding institutional accountability and safeguarding remains at the forefront. Cottrell has vowed to prioritise independent scrutiny moving forward to prevent similar failures in the future.

Emergency Response Underway in Mayotte After Deadly Cyclone Strikes

Emergency Response Underway in Mayotte After Deadly Cyclone Strikes

Thousands Feared Dead as Cyclone Chido Devastates French Territory with 200kmph Winds

France has launched an urgent aid effort after Cyclone Chido tore through Mayotte on Saturday, leaving destruction in its wake and potentially claiming thousands of lives. With wind speeds exceeding 200kmph, the cyclone caused extensive damage to homes, government buildings, and a key hospital.

The French interior ministry has warned that the full number of casualties is difficult to determine, though estimates suggest that the death toll could be in the thousands. François-Xavier Bieuville, the local prefect, confirmed that poorer neighbourhoods with informal housing suffered the worst impacts. Entire areas have been flattened, and electricity supplies are largely out.

Bruno Retailleau, France’s interior minister, has stated that the full extent of the devastation could take “days and days” to assess. Meanwhile, the French military has mobilised emergency workers, medical teams, and supplies from Reunion Island to aid survivors. An additional 800 personnel are expected to arrive in the coming days to support recovery efforts.

The cyclone has also severely damaged the main airport, including its control tower, limiting access to the island and further complicating emergency operations. French President Emmanuel Macron expressed his condolences, saying that his thoughts are with Mayotte’s residents, many of whom have “lost everything.”

Efforts are being supported by logistical aid such as military rations, tents, and generators. Meanwhile, Nicolas Daragon, France’s minister for security, confirmed on social media that emergency aid flights have already started arriving in response to the crisis.

The archipelago is particularly vulnerable, with challenges such as overcrowding, poverty, and inadequate infrastructure exacerbating recovery efforts. Many of Mayotte’s 320,000 residents live in extreme poverty, and access to clean water and food remains a key concern following the cyclone’s destruction.

The response faces additional challenges as Mayotte is geographically isolated, situated nearly 8,000km from Paris and far from the French mainland. Efforts are also hindered by cultural factors—Mayotte’s practice of burying bodies within 24 hours has complicated accurate assessments of casualties.

Efforts to stabilise the situation are prioritised, with the French state fully mobilising to address the immediate humanitarian crisis while also preparing for the longer-term challenges of recovery.