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Soldiers Deployed in Croatia as Heavy Flooding Causes Widespread Damage

Soldiers Deployed in Croatia as Heavy Flooding Causes Widespread Damage

Rescue Efforts Underway Following River Bank Bursts

In Croatia, hundreds of soldiers have joined rescue workers in response to severe flooding caused by heavy rains over the past few days. Multiple rivers have burst their banks, inundating homes, roads, and buildings in affected areas.

The town of Obrovca saw schools submerged, and regions that managed to avoid flooding experienced power outages. Approximately 300 army troops have been deployed to assist in some of the hardest-hit locations.

Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic assured the public that all necessary funding and aid will be provided by the government to support recovery efforts.

Sunak to Strengthen UK-Japan Defence and Security Ties Amid Rising Tensions in Indo-Pacific

Sunak to Strengthen UK-Japan Defence and Security Ties Amid Rising Tensions in Indo-Pacific

Prime Minister to unveil new accord and bolster military and cyber partnerships.

rime Minister Rishi Sunak is in Tokyo to announce a major new agreement with Japan aimed at deepening defence, security, and cyber cooperation between the two nations. This agreement comes amid growing concerns over China’s increasing influence in the Indo-Pacific region.

The agreement, known as the “Hiroshima Accord,” will be formally signed by Sunak and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. It will see the UK commit to deploying its naval Carrier Strike Group to the Indo-Pacific region in 2025. The group, which includes an aircraft carrier and fighter jets, will collaborate with Japan’s military and other allied forces to help ensure peace and stability in the region.

In addition to military cooperation, the UK and Japan will launch a semiconductor partnership designed to reduce dependency on China for essential microchips, with the goal of strengthening global supply chains. The two countries will also announce a new cyber partnership to enhance their ability to counter cyber threats.

As part of the agreement, the UK and Japan will ramp up joint military exercises, with the largest-ever “Vigilant Isles” exercise scheduled later this year, involving approximately 170 UK personnel. They will also engage in closer consultations on global security matters.

At the G7 summit in Hiroshima, Sunak will work with leaders like US President Joe Biden, France’s Emmanuel Macron, and India’s Narendra Modi, focusing on economic security, the ongoing situation in Ukraine, and countering threats from authoritarian states like China. While there will be no bilateral meeting with Biden, the Prime Minister will participate in broader discussions about global security.

This visit to Japan also comes amid political challenges back home in the UK, with Sunak facing infighting within the Conservative Party following significant losses in local elections. He will take the opportunity to meet with key business leaders in Tokyo, including executives from companies like Toshiba, Nissan, and Hitachi.

Sunak’s spokesman emphasized that the visit is crucial for strengthening the UK-Japan relationship and for demonstrating a unified stance against global threats, particularly those posed by autocratic regimes.

WANdisco Faces Cash Crisis, Seeks Urgent $30 Million Capital Infusion

WANdisco Faces Cash Crisis, Seeks Urgent $30 Million Capital Infusion

Company plans capital raise amid severe financial strain and potential shareholder dilution.

WANdisco has issued a warning that it will run out of funds by mid-July unless it secures a rapid $30 million capital raise. The Sheffield-based technology firm intends to seek fresh shareholder investment before the end of June to stabilize its financial position and avert potential collapse.

In March, WANdisco revealed a major discrepancy in its sales and bookings data, raising red flags about the business’s viability. This prompted an immediate suspension of its shares and an internal investigation into suspected fraud led by Chair Ken Lever. In a statement, Lever emphasized the urgency of recapitalization, acknowledging that the crisis stemmed largely from the issues exposed in March. “On completion of the fund raise, I believe that the Company can have a bright future,” he stated.

The planned capital raise involves issuing new shares, which will dilute existing shareholders’ stakes. The firm aims to use the proceeds to bolster its financial stability, rebuild investor confidence, and support its marketing and business development initiatives.

WANdisco’s financial challenges have attracted scrutiny from the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority, which has opened an investigation amid fraud concerns. The company, which had been eyeing a U.S. listing and recently boasted a market cap exceeding $1 billion, experienced a dramatic reversal of fortune after uncovering over $100 million in missing sales. Its former CEO and CFO resigned abruptly during the crisis. Lever expressed confidence in the newly appointed executive team, describing them as “world-class.”

Currys Calms Investor Concerns with Upgraded Profit Forecast, Despite Expected Decline

Currys Calms Investor Concerns with Upgraded Profit Forecast, Despite Expected Decline

Strong UK and Ireland sales help balance weaker performance in Nordic markets.

Currys Calms Investor Concerns with Upgraded Profit Forecast, Despite Expected Decline
Strong UK and Ireland sales help balance weaker performance in Nordic markets.

Category: Business

Currys has revised its annual profit expectations upwards following better-than-anticipated performance in the UK and Ireland, helping to mitigate struggles in its Nordic division. Despite this improved outlook, the electricals retailer still anticipates a year-on-year decline in overall profits.

The company now forecasts profits between £110 million and £120 million, exceeding the previously predicted £104 million, though this figure remains below last year’s £126 million. Strong trading results in March and April are expected to drive a 40% increase in profits from the UK and Ireland operations.

In contrast, the retailer continues to grapple with challenges in the Nordics, where it faces stiff competition. Although cost-cutting measures have been undertaken to bolster profitability, these efforts will come at a one-off expense of £15 million to £20 million.

In an effort to enhance the Nordic division’s performance, Currys appointed a new regional leader in March. Group CEO Alex Baldock acknowledged the competitive pressures, remarking, “The intensity of competition may be unrelenting, but we’re no stranger to tough markets and aggressive competitors… We now need to go further and faster to improve our performance.”

Gatwick Airport Operations Disrupted by Reports of Drone Activity

Gatwick Airport Operations Disrupted by Reports of Drone Activity

Temporary Suspension of Flights Ensures Passenger Safety

On Sunday, May 14, Gatwick Airport experienced significant disruptions as flights were temporarily halted following reports of drone activity near the airspace. At least 12 inbound flights were diverted while an investigation was conducted.

A Gatwick spokesperson emphasized that “passenger safety is the airport’s absolute priority.” Operations were suspended at 1:44 PM in accordance with established procedures while authorities looked into the sighting of the suspected drone.

The airfield reopened around 2:35 PM, allowing normal operations to resume. This incident highlights ongoing concerns regarding drone usage in proximity to airports and the implications for flight safety.

Bafta Boss Monitoring US Writers’ Strikes Ahead of TV Awards

Bafta Boss Monitoring US Writers’ Strikes Ahead of TV Awards

London Ceremony Highlights British Television Amid Industry Challenges

At the Bafta TV awards held at the Royal Festival Hall in London, chief executive Jane Millichip stated that the organization is closely observing the ongoing writers’ strikes in the United States. Speaking on the red carpet, Millichip expressed uncertainty regarding the potential impact of the strikes on future programming, saying, “As an arts charity we don’t have a position, we hope it is resolved soon and fairly… We’re watching it closely.”

The writers’ strike, which began this month, involves 11,500 members of the Writers Guild of America, who are advocating for higher minimum pay, more writers per show, and less exclusivity on projects. This strike, the first in 15 years, highlights the challenges writers face in the evolving landscape of streaming.

Support for the striking writers was voiced by comedian and screenwriter Ben Elton, known for his work on the sitcoms Blackadder and The Young Ones. He emphasized the need for collective action among artists, stating, “I think it’s incredible that the American union is able to exercise such rights; I wish we had the same power over here.”

Nominated actor Martin Freeman, recognized for his role in The Responder, shared his concerns about the strikes and their implications for fair pay in the industry. He remarked, “My work isn’t being affected by that but we are keeping an eye on it… Fair play.”

Writer Tony Schumacher, whose series The Responder is nominated for a Bafta, expressed his full support for the writers’ strikes, adding that a quick resolution is essential.

Taron Egerton, also nominated for his role in Black Bird, voiced solidarity with the striking writers, stating, “I hope it comes to a fair conclusion quickly so we can all work.”

The ceremony also saw writer Adam Kay discussing the NHS crisis, highlighting the urgent need for adequate pay and conditions to retain healthcare staff.

Amid these discussions, Academy Award winner Gary Oldman reflected on his role in Slow Horses, noting the straightforward nature of his character’s portrayal.

The Bafta TV awards celebrate the achievements of British television while considering the broader challenges posed by ongoing labor disputes in the entertainment industry.

David Moyes Questions ‘Strange’ VAR Decision After Goal Disallowed

David Moyes Questions ‘Strange’ VAR Decision After Goal Disallowed

West Ham Denied Goal in 2-0 Defeat at Brentford

West Ham United manager David Moyes has expressed his frustration over what he describes as a series of questionable VAR decisions that have negatively impacted his team. In their recent 2-0 defeat to Brentford, the Hammers had a potential goal controversially ruled out due to an alleged handball by Divin Mubama in the build-up.

The incident occurred when Said Benrahma’s cross rebounded off the post and struck Mubama, who had raised his hand to avoid colliding with the woodwork. Following this, Manuel Lanzini retrieved the ball and set up Danny Ings for a tap-in that would have reduced the deficit to 2-1. However, referee Michael Oliver reviewed the play on the pitchside monitor and ruled that Mubama had handled the ball.

Moyes remarked, “Very strange. The Premier League have come out and called it deliberate handball. I think we need a bit of explanation on that. The first thing I would say about it is it is inconclusive. If anything, I think it hits his shoulder, right on his collarbone. If it’s a handball that leads to a goal we all know that rule, but I certainly don’t see deliberate. He might be protecting himself from going into the post. I’m amazed it was chalked off.”

He continued, “Let’s be fair, if this was the first incident we were discussing in recent games, I would say it can happen, but we’re now talking about three of these decisions. It’s getting regular. I don’t want to get in trouble, but we’ve had three real ones that could have altered things, and if you said we’ve had our fair share, I’m saying I don’t think we have.”

Despite Moyes’ grievances, Brentford could have extended their lead further, having already scored through Bryan Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa in the first half. Moyes made nine changes to his lineup ahead of Thursday’s Europa Conference League semi-final second leg against AZ Alkmaar, indicating his priorities lie beyond the immediate league concerns.

Reflecting on the match, Moyes said, “I didn’t enjoy the performance. I thought we were soft, easy to play against. It was so poor. We did some work on defending long throws, but you wouldn’t have thought it watching that today. I’m so disappointed the players didn’t deal with it.”

With this victory, Brentford has secured a top-10 finish, dispelling any notions of a “second-season syndrome” as they continue to impress in the Premier League.

Manchester United: Ten Hag Uncertain on Rashford Injury but Hints at McTominay Retur

Manchester United: Ten Hag Uncertain on Rashford Injury but Hints at McTominay Retur

Manager hopes to regain key players as Champions League qualification push continues.

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has expressed uncertainty regarding the severity of Marcus Rashford’s leg injury, which kept the England striker out of the squad for the 2-0 victory over Wolves at Old Trafford. Rashford sustained the injury during United’s recent defeat to West Ham, and Ten Hag admitted before the Wolves match that the forward was “more than doubtful,” ultimately not making the bench.

United secured an important win without their leading goal scorer, thanks to goals from Anthony Martial and substitute Alejandro Garnacho. With crucial fixtures remaining against Bournemouth, Chelsea, and Fulham, plus an FA Cup final showdown with Manchester City, the Red Devils are eager to see Rashford return. He is one goal away from becoming the first United player since Robin van Persie in 2012-13 to reach the 30-goal mark across all competitions in a single season.

Ten Hag, addressing Rashford’s absence, said: “I can’t tell [what the latest is] at this moment. He is not available. We have to focus on the team who is available… We have a good team and it’s a good squad. We have to win this game.” While unable to confirm a timeline for Rashford’s recovery, he noted, “The medical staff is working hard on it… I hope [he will be back soon].”

Meanwhile, Ten Hag provided a positive update regarding Scott McTominay’s potential return from injury, which could provide a midfield boost as United continue their push for a Champions League spot amid competition from Liverpool and Newcastle.

Patel Urges Braverman: ‘Clock is Ticking’ to Halt Channel Boat Crossings

Patel Urges Braverman: ‘Clock is Ticking’ to Halt Channel Boat Crossings

The former Home Secretary calls for drastic action from the Government on illegal migration and post-Brexit promises.

Priti Patel has issued a stark warning to current Home Secretary Suella Braverman, emphasising that time is running out to fulfil the Government’s pledge to stop small boat crossings in the English Channel. Speaking at the Conservative Democratic Organisation conference in Bournemouth, Patel underscored the challenges faced by the Government in delivering on their promise and suggested that drastic measures may be necessary.

In a conversation with GB News host Dan Wootton, Patel highlighted that ending Channel crossings was complex and “difficult,” pointing to the need for practical legislative implementation. She stated, “The clock is ticking on the Government when it comes to delivery… They’ve made a big play on this… so they’re going to have to do something pretty drastic now.” Patel also hinted at a potential exit from the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) if deemed necessary to achieve their goals, although she acknowledged the political challenges of securing parliamentary support for such a move.

Patel’s comments come amidst broader discontent within the Conservative Party, particularly among Brexiteers, over the Government’s decision to scale back its plan to eliminate EU-era laws. Business Secretary Kemi Badenoch recently announced that only around 600 laws would be revoked, as opposed to the original goal of 4,000. Patel warned that failing to deliver on the promised regulatory overhaul could erode public trust and undermine the Government’s credibility.

During the conference, Patel stressed the importance of targeted legal reforms over expansive legislative agendas, urging her party to focus on swift and effective action to maintain voter trust and ensure future electoral success.

Lampard Confirms Kante’s Season-Ending Injury in Latest Chelsea Setback

Lampard Confirms Kante’s Season-Ending Injury in Latest Chelsea Setback

Chelsea midfielder ruled out with groin injury, compounding struggles in a challenging campaign.

N’Golo Kante is unlikely to feature for Chelsea again this season after suffering a groin injury, according to interim manager Frank Lampard. The French World Cup winner, who has already faced extended absences due to a hamstring injury and fitness issues, was a starter in Chelsea’s recent fixtures — a 3-1 defeat against Arsenal and a 3-1 victory over Bournemouth.

Lampard disclosed that Kante’s latest setback occurred during training ahead of Chelsea’s match against Nottingham Forest. “N’Golo felt something in his groin yesterday during training,” said Lampard. “It’s going to be a two or three-week injury, which essentially means he won’t be back this season.”

With Kante sidelined, Chelsea’s midfield against Forest will consist of Mateo Kovacic, Conor Gallagher, and record signing Enzo Fernandez. This further injury blow comes as Chelsea, despite heavy transfer spending exceeding £600 million, are set to finish the season in the bottom half of the Premier League table.