Report endorses graduate visas amid immigration concerns
The graduate visa route, which allows overseas students to stay in the UK for up to three years post-graduation, should remain, according to a Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) report. This follows concerns from Home Secretary James Cleverly about potential abuse for immigration purposes. Despite calls from former immigration minister Robert Jenrick to abolish the visa, the report found no evidence of widespread abuse and highlighted its importance for funding British universities and supporting the government's international educational strategy. It emphasised the visa's role in helping universities expand course offerings and cover financial losses from domestic students and research. In 2023, 114,000 graduate route visas were granted, primarily to students from India, Nigeria, China, and Pakistan. The MAC recommended maintaining the route and implementing a mandatory registration system for international recruitment agents to prevent exploitation. The British Chambers of Commerce supported the findings, citing the need for skilled workers. Despite some initial low-wage employment, many graduate visa holders transition to skilled roles, enhancing their job prospects and wages over time.
Many court hearings postponed as prison crisis worsens
Hundreds of court hearings have been postponed due to a worsening prison crisis. The Government has triggered emergency measures under Operation Early Dawn, causing defendants to remain in police custody instead of being transferred to magistrates' courts for bail hearings. This contingency allows defendants to be held in police cells until prison beds are available, leading to last-minute delays and adjournments. Justice officials have not confirmed the number of affected cases but emphasised the measures aim to limit disruption. Labour criticised the government for 'stalling justice' and leaving victims in limbo. Legal bodies expressed concern about the real-life consequences of these delays. The government blamed prison capacity issues on backlogs from the pandemic and the 2022 barrister’s strike. However, prisons watchdog Charlie Taylor called the situation 'entirely predictable,' and legal representatives described the scenario as 'administrative carnage.' The Magistrates’ Association and other legal experts have urged the government to provide more resources in the justice system to prevent further delays and inefficiencies. The emergency measures are expected to last a week.
Man arrested for terrorism offences and causing explosions
A 31-year-old man from Bedfordshire has been arrested on suspicion of terrorism offences after police discovered 'suspicious substances' at his home. Initially arrested on 6 May for causing explosions likely to endanger life and possessing Class A drugs, the man was found with several suspicious items. Bedfordshire Police conducted a small controlled explosion last week and informed the Metropolitan Police's counter-terrorism officers. The man was bailed while investigations continued but was re-arrested on Tuesday on suspicion of possessing articles for terrorist purposes. The police reported finding numerous items and substances at his address, which are being safely removed by specialist officers. They assured the public that there is no risk to local residents or the wider community. Locals described the man as living with his parents, with his mother stating he collected chemicals. She maintained it was unrelated to terrorism and that police were being over-cautious.
Slovakia PM in stable but serious condition after shooting
Prime Minister Robert Fico is in a stable but serious condition after being shot multiple times on Wednesday. Fico, 59, underwent five hours of surgery at a hospital in Banska Bystrica. The hospital director confirmed his condition remains grave. He was attacked in Handlova during a meeting, and a suspect was detained at the scene. The interior minister described the incident as a politically motivated assassination attempt. Fico, a divisive figure known for opposing military aid to Ukraine and sanctions on Russia, was shot at close range, sustaining injuries to his stomach and arm. The deputy prime minister indicated that Fico’s surgery went well, and he is currently not in a life-threatening condition. The shooting has been widely condemned as an attack on democracy. The suspect, reportedly a 71-year-old writer and political activist, allegedly disagreed with government policies. The incident coincided with parliamentary discussions on abolishing Slovakia's public broadcaster RTVS. The state security council and government are scheduled to meet following the attack.
