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Pockit CEO Says Nigel Farage Can Open Account Despite Political Views, as Fintech Announces $10 Million Funding Raise

Pockit CEO Says Nigel Farage Can Open Account Despite Political Views, as Fintech Announces $10 Million Funding Raise

London-based fintech Pockit commits to serving underserved customers, including politically exposed persons, with a new $10 million in funding

The CEO of Pockit, a London-based fintech, has confirmed that Nigel Farage would be able to open a current account with the company despite their differing views. Virraj Jatania, who leads the company that caters to customers often neglected by traditional banks, said, “Whilst I personally may not agree with his views, Nigel Farage would be allowed a current account with Pockit, and he could open one in just a few minutes.”

Jatania highlighted that Farage’s recent campaign to raise awareness about being de-banked had drawn attention to the struggles faced by people who are excluded from mainstream financial services. Pockit, which serves low-income and underserved groups, including politically exposed persons (PEPs), ensures advanced monitoring to address any potential issues related to these customers.

This statement comes alongside the announcement of Pockit’s $10 million capital raise, aimed at accelerating its growth and expanding its services. The funding round, led by Puma Private Equity, will enable the fintech to expand its marketing outreach, including visiting churches and other community centres to engage customers who may not be reached through conventional advertising.

The UK faces a growing problem of financial exclusion, with as many as 20 million people reportedly lacking access to basic financial services, according to PwC. Jatania explained, “Traditional banks find it unattractive and unprofitable to serve these customers due to their high operating costs and large branch networks. But for us, there’s huge potential for growth.”

This move comes after Farage raised concerns about being “debanked” by Coutts, a subsidiary of NatWest, due to his political views. Farage’s public criticism of the bank led to widespread support, particularly from Tory MPs and ministers, and even contributed to the resignations of high-level figures at NatWest. Farage has since launched a campaign against the big banks.

Founded in 2015, Pockit has since attracted over 800,000 users and processed more than $5 billion in transactions. The fintech has now raised a total of $50 million in funding. Kelvin Reader from Puma Private Equity praised Pockit’s efforts, saying, “In today’s economic climate, it’s crucial to support underserved communities and help low-income customers feel seen and supported. Pockit’s approach has tremendous potential in addressing financial exclusion across the UK and beyond.”

As a prepaid account provider, Pockit does not offer traditional banking services, nor is it covered by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS), but instead operates under the financial regulator’s e-money licensing scheme.

Police Seek Man After Incident at Guy’s Hospital Involving Mother and Baby

Police Seek Man After Incident at Guy’s Hospital Involving Mother and Baby

Authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward regarding the unsettling approach to a mother and her child

Police are searching for a man who allegedly approached a mother and her baby at Guy’s Hospital on March 21. The incident took place while the mother was waiting for a lift, when the man touched the baby. The mother immediately asked him to stop, and he complied before leaving the premises.

Detective Inspector Fiona Fraser stated, “This was clearly extremely concerning for the mother, and we are trying to establish the full facts of what occurred. At this time, there have been no similar incidents reported, and we hope this man will come forward to speak with us, or someone else may provide information.”

Fortunately, the baby was not physically harmed, but police have released an image of the man in hopes of identifying him. DI Fraser emphasized, “Our enquiries have led us to believe that this man may be able to assist with the investigation, which is why we are releasing this image.”

Anyone with information is urged to call 101, quoting CAD2533/22MAR23, or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Cuts to UK Foreign Aid Expected to Cause Thousands of Deaths, Especially Among Women and Vulnerable Groups

Cuts to UK Foreign Aid Expected to Cause Thousands of Deaths, Especially Among Women and Vulnerable Groups

The consequences of aid reductions for health and human rights are dire, warns internal assessment

The UK government’s decision to slash foreign aid has raised significant concerns regarding the fate of vulnerable groups, particularly women, as it could result in an alarming increase in preventable deaths. According to an internal assessment from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), the aid cuts will lead to higher rates of unsafe abortions and maternal deaths, with hundreds of thousands of women at risk.

Despite some small increases in aid for the year 2023-24, the overall Official Development Assistance (ODA) budget remains well below its pre-2020 levels, after the government reduced it from 0.7% to 0.5% of Gross National Income. This reduction continues to have long-term consequences, particularly on vital programmes that support vulnerable communities globally.

One of the most affected areas is women’s reproductive health, with major reductions to the Women’s Integrated Sexual Health Programme (WISH) in Pan Africa. This cut is expected to result in the prevention of 100,000 fewer unsafe abortions and the loss of over 1,500 maternal lives. Healthcare provisions in war-torn Yemen are also severely reduced, meaning half a million women and children will miss out on life-saving medical attention.

The situation in Afghanistan is especially critical, as the Taliban’s return to power has already curtailed women’s rights. With a 76% cut in aid, the FCDO will be unable to continue critical services for women and girls, leaving them vulnerable to further repression and exclusion.

The FCDO’s own equality impact assessment also reveals a damaging reduction in support for disabled people, religious minorities, and the LGBT+ community, whose access to education, healthcare, and other essential services will be restricted due to these cuts.

While the FCDO has pledged some adjustments, such as increased funding for Afghanistan and Yemen, these measures are seen as insufficient in addressing the scale of the problem.

Sarah Champion, the chairwoman of the International Development Committee, commented on the findings, saying, “The cuts will not only affect women’s health but also cut critical programmes to fight malnutrition and support vulnerable groups, resulting in thousands of avoidable deaths.”

In defence of the cuts, a Foreign Office spokesperson noted that the UK’s aid budget is set to increase to £8.3 billion next year, with a focus on humanitarian crises and protecting vulnerable populations, though the impact on low-income countries will continue to be felt until 2024-25.

Households Missing Essential Payments Reach ‘Winter Levels’ Again

Households Missing Essential Payments Reach ‘Winter Levels’ Again

Rising number of households struggling with payments highlights ongoing financial pressures.

The number of UK households missing essential payments has surged to 2.4 million, reaching levels last seen during the winter months, consumer watchdog Which? has warned. According to the charity’s July consumer insight tracker, the number of households missing or defaulting on critical payments, including housing costs, bills, loans, or credit cards, has significantly increased since May, showing that many continue to face financial struggles even in warmer months.

The data reveals that 1.5 million households missed or defaulted on a household bill such as energy, water, or council tax in the month leading up to July 13. Of those, 65% reported missing multiple bills. Among the missed payments, nearly half (49%) were for water bills, followed closely by energy bills (48%), phone bills (38%), and council tax (34%).

Additionally, approximately 770,000 households missed or defaulted on housing payments, with renters particularly affected—5.7% of renters and 3.4% of mortgage holders reported falling behind.

In response to mounting pressures, 59% of households, equating to 16.7 million people, have made financial adjustments. These include cutting back on essentials, using savings, selling possessions, or borrowing money to cover vital expenses like utilities, housing, groceries, school supplies, and medicine.

Consumer confidence has also dropped significantly, with a 16-point decline over the past month, from +25 in June to +9 in July. Fewer than 20% of people expect their financial situation to improve over the next year, while 37% believe it will worsen.

Rocio Concha, Director of Policy and Advocacy at Which?, stated: “Our research shows that, although inflation may have peaked, the human cost of the cost of living crisis continues to rise. With interest rates expected to increase further, the financial pressures on households are set to grow. We urge anyone struggling to seek free debt advice and reach out to their bill providers for assistance.”

Which? is also calling on essential service providers in sectors like food, energy, and telecoms to do more to help customers navigate this crisis, urging businesses to offer fairer deals and avoid unjust costs during these tough times.

Tees Valley Unveils New Hydrogen Transport Projects to Power Green Vehicles

Tees Valley Unveils New Hydrogen Transport Projects to Power Green Vehicles

New schemes aim to fuel airport and supermarket delivery vehicles with hydrogen as part of a £8 million green energy push.

Two pioneering transport projects in Tees Valley are set to boost the use of hydrogen-powered vehicles, including those used in supermarket deliveries and airport ground support services. The Government has allocated part of an £8 million funding package to the region’s hydrogen transport hub to support the transition to green energy.

One of the projects, led by low-emission transport company ULEMCo, will focus on creating hydrogen-powered ground support vehicles at Teesside International Airport. These vehicles, such as tow trucks for planes and sweepers for runway maintenance, will reduce emissions in the aviation sector.

As part of the initiative, the Department for Transport (DfT) announced that four new hydrogen refuelling stations will be built. These stations will not only fuel the airport vehicles but also heavy goods vehicles (HGVs), including supermarket delivery trucks, helping to decarbonise the transport industry in the region.

Transport Secretary Mark Harper highlighted the potential of hydrogen technology to decarbonise transport and stimulate economic growth. He said, “Today’s winners showcase Tees Valley’s expertise as a leader in hydrogen technology. This investment will create skilled jobs and apprenticeships across the North East.”

Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen added, “We were one of the first areas to trial hydrogen fuels, and this continued success has helped secure a permanent refuelling station for the region.”

The announcement comes amid increasing criticism of Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s plans to expand the UK’s oil and gas reserves, with climate advocates warning against continued fossil fuel reliance.

Prince William’s Holiday Cottages Now Cheaper Than Budget Hotel Stays

Prince William’s Holiday Cottages Now Cheaper Than Budget Hotel Stays

Luxury properties from the Duchy of Cornwall estate offer royal comfort at budget prices.

Holidaymakers looking for a touch of royal luxury at an affordable price can now rent one of Prince William’s holiday cottages for less than the cost of a Travelodge. The Prince rents out a range of luxury homes through the Duchy of Cornwall estate, with prices reduced as more families seek budget-friendly UK holidays amid financial pressures.

According to a survey by MoneyTransfers.com, over half of Britons are opting for domestic breaks to cut costs. As reported by the Mirror, a week’s stay in one of these exclusive Cornish cottages costs approximately £980 for a group of four, or just £35 per person per night.

The Duchy’s collection of properties includes charming country houses and cottages across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. Among them, three cottages in the Cornish town of Lostwithiel promise a blend of “traditional elegance with contemporary comfort.”

One standout offering, the nine-bedroom Restormel Manor near Fowey, had its price slashed by £2,328 for August stays and is now available for £517 per person, equating to £73 a night. Guests can enjoy amenities such as an indoor pool, tennis court, and fishing rights on a nearby river.

Proceeds from the rentals go towards supporting Prince William and Kate’s official duties, as the Duchy of Cornwall estate remains a key source of income for the royal couple. For families seeking a touch of elegance on their staycation, these deals offer a royal bargain.

Vicky Pattison Details Terrifying Escape from Car Fire

Vicky Pattison Details Terrifying Escape from Car Fire

Reality TV star recounts harrowing experience after car bursts into flames on the A1.

Vicky Pattison, known for her roles on Geordie Shore and I’m a Celebrity, revealed a frightening incident where a car she was in caught fire while travelling on the A1. The 35-year-old shared a video of the blazing vehicle on Instagram, describing the experience as “absolutely terrifying.”

Pattison and her partner, Ercan Ramadan, were in an Uber en route to a restaurant in Essex when the incident occurred. The driver initially instructed them to remain in the car, but the situation quickly escalated as the vehicle suddenly erupted into flames. “The man’s like, just stay in the car, it’ll be fine,” Pattison recounted, adding that, being on a busy stretch of the A1, they were hesitant to exit immediately. However, moments later, the car burst into flames, forcing them to flee to safety.

Pattison shared footage of the blazing car and described the shock of standing by the roadside watching it burn. Despite the ordeal, the couple eventually made it to their destination, with Pattison posting photos of their evening, captioning one: “3 cars, two hours and one near death experience later… and we made it.”

She later confirmed that Uber refunded her for the trip and humorously noted their apology for “nearly turning me extra crispy and charging me for the privilege.”

Errol Spence Set for Rematch with Terence Crawford Despite Heavy Loss

Errol Spence Set for Rematch with Terence Crawford Despite Heavy Loss

Spence eyes December bout at light-middleweight after brutal first defeat against Crawford.

Errol Spence has confirmed his intention to trigger the rematch clause for a second fight with Terence Crawford, despite enduring a punishing loss in their initial showdown. Crawford dominated Spence in a historic Las Vegas bout, becoming the first male two-weight undisputed world champion of the four-belt era. The fight saw Spence knocked down three times before a decisive ninth-round stoppage, marking the first professional loss of his career.

Crawford, who remains undefeated at 40-0 with 31 knockouts, secured the WBA, WBC, and IBF welterweight titles to add to the WBO belt he has held since 2018. His performance further solidified his standing as one of boxing’s top pound-for-pound fighters, extending his dominance since moving up from light-welterweight, where he was also an undisputed champion.

Despite the lopsided nature of their first encounter, Spence is determined to seek redemption. He aims for a rematch in December at the light-middleweight limit of 154 pounds, citing difficulties in making the 147-pound welterweight limit. “We’ve got to do it again,” Spence said immediately following the fight, expressing confidence that he would perform better next time. He reiterated at the post-fight press conference that he hopes the rematch takes place at 154 pounds.

Crawford, meanwhile, seemed open to a second bout, even suggesting he might be willing to move up in weight to accommodate Spence. “147 pounds was kinda hard for me too,” he admitted, hinting at ambitions to challenge light-middleweight undisputed champion Jermell Charlo. Regarding the public’s interest in a rematch, Crawford noted the strong support for their first fight and expressed confidence that fans would turn out again.

With both fighters open to a rematch, boxing fans may soon witness a renewed clash between Spence and Crawford at a higher weight class.

Khloe Kardashian Shares Rare Photos of Son Tatum in Heartwarming First Birthday Tribute

Khloe Kardashian Shares Rare Photos of Son Tatum in Heartwarming First Birthday Tribute

The reality star celebrated her son’s milestone, born via surrogate with ex Tristan Thompson, with a heartfelt message and photos.

Khloe Kardashian delighted fans by sharing rare glimpses of her son, Tatum, as she celebrated his first birthday. The Kardashians star, 39, welcomed Tatum through a surrogate with her ex-boyfriend, Tristan Thompson, on July 28, 2022. The former couple also share a five-year-old daughter, True.

In a touching Instagram post on Friday, the Good American co-founder posted several pictures of her son, accompanied by a heartfelt caption expressing her deep bond with him. “God knew my heart needed you,” Kardashian wrote. “I needed your sweet smile, your angelic spirit, and the unique love that only you could bring into my life. I’m beyond proud to be your mother.”

Reflecting on their family dynamics, Kardashian continued, “You have brought so much love and laughter into our home. Everyone is drawn to your joyful presence, especially True—she adores being your big sister.” She also noted how Tatum’s bond with his sister reminded her of her own close relationship with their late uncle Bob.

The reality star concluded the tribute with a mix of nostalgia and love, stating, “I can’t believe you’re already one. Happy first birthday, my sweet, sweet baby.” She playfully modified the lyrics of You Are My Sunshine to son-shine in his honour.

Kardashian’s post drew supportive comments from close friends. Actress Malika Haqq wrote, “Happy Birthday Tatum,” while fellow reality star La La Anthony added, “Tatum!!! Happy birthday handsome boy. You’re the sweetest!” followed by a series of affectionate emojis.

Greta Thunberg Urges Ministers to Choose ‘Right Side of History’ on Net Zero Policies

Greta Thunberg Urges Ministers to Choose ‘Right Side of History’ on Net Zero Policies

The climate activist participated in a London protest against the Rosebank oil and gas field project.

Greta Thunberg, the prominent climate campaigner, criticised the UK Government during a demonstration in London, opposing the proposed Rosebank oil and gas field development.

Thunberg joined fellow activists outside the office of UK Energy Security Secretary Grant Shapps, urging officials to align with what she called the “right side of history.” Shapps is expected to make a decision on the approval of Rosebank, located around 80 miles northwest of the Shetland Isles. If developed, it would be the UK’s largest untapped oil and gas field, potentially yielding up to 500 million barrels of oil.

Environmental campaigners warn that burning such quantities of oil could release more carbon dioxide than 28 low-income countries produce in a single year. Speaking to Channel 4 News, Thunberg highlighted, “The mere fact that the UK Government is considering this reveals just how detached they are from reality. This summer’s record-breaking heatwaves and extreme weather are only the beginning of a rapidly intensifying crisis.”

Thunberg stressed that unless immediate and genuine action is taken, the situation will continue to deteriorate, adding, “This isn’t a new normal—it will worsen without real efforts to address it now.”

Her remarks come as climate advocates express worry that Prime Minister Rishi Sunak may dilute some of the government’s green policies following the Conservative Party’s victory in the Uxbridge and South Ruislip by-election. Success in former Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s constituency was credited to local opposition to the extension of London’s ultra-low emissions zone (Ulez), prompting calls from some Conservative members to reconsider net zero strategies.

While Sunak has indicated a preference for a “pragmatic and proportionate” net zero plan, especially given rising living costs, Thunberg criticised such an approach, calling it dangerously short-sighted. “Believing one crisis can be addressed without tackling others is a flawed mindset,” she cautioned. “Right now, it seems we’re incapable of focusing on more than one major issue, and that’s extremely risky.”

Thunberg concluded with a warning: “Choose the right side of history. We are watching, and we will hold you accountable. Short-term profits at the expense of long-term survival will not be forgotten.”