UK not adequately prepared for defence, say MPs
A new report from the parliamentary defence committee warns that Britain is not adequately prepared to defend itself, its overseas territories, or its NATO allies from modern threats. Despite plans to boost domestic defence production - including six new munitions factories and increased spending toward ‘war-fighting readiness’ - MPs say progress is too slow; the country remains over-dependent on the USA for critical capabilities such as intelligence, air-to-air refuelling, and troop transport. Noting severe gaps in air and missile defence, they are concerned that promised improvements in civil resilience are moving at a ‘glacial pace’. The committee’s chair Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi urged the Government to communicate more clearly with the public about real security risks, including drone incursions and cyber threats, noting that national defence requires national engagement. Ministers say new factories and investments will create jobs and strengthen security, but the report insists urgency is needed. The report coincides with concerns about a Russian spy ship operating just outside British territorial waters: see
Ukraine: two ministers dismissed over corruption allegations
Ukraine has been shaken by its most serious political crisis since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion, after parliament voted to dismiss the energy and justice ministers in response to a major corruption investigation. The probe centres on an alleged $100 million scheme involving contracting at the state nuclear agency, implicating figures with close ties to the presidency and fuelling public outrage during a time of national sacrifice. Justice minister German Galushchenko and energy minister Svitlana Hrynchuk both resigned under pressure from Volodymyr Zelensky before lawmakers voted to remove them. While both deny wrongdoing, the scandal has energised opposition voices demanding deeper reforms, including changes within the president’s inner circle. Anti-corruption authorities have said their investigation, whose chief suspect is Zelenskiy's former business partner, includes other state agencies. With Ukraine still fighting for its survival against Russian aggression, the crisis underscores the critical need for transparency, accountability, and public trust in wartime leadership.
Poland: partnership with IJM to combat human trafficking
Poland is one of the highest-risk areas for trafficking in Europe, with 209,000 people currently trapped in modern slavery and many more vulnerable due to migration and regional conflict. Women and children make up the overwhelming majority of those exploited for sex. The country’s geography - bordering seven nations and serving as a transit hub - makes it a key route for traffickers. Although Poland has earned top marks from the USA for its commitment to combating exploitation, law enforcement resources remain stretched too thin to meet the growing need for protection. International Justice Mission (IJM), the world’s largest anti-trafficking organisation, has now launched a formal partnership in Poland, building on its success in Romania and other regions. Working with authorities, NGOs, and survivors, IJM will focus on strengthening investigations, ensuring survivor care, and driving systemic change, with the aim of protecting millions from abuse and exploitation.
Gaza: Christians face an almost impossible choice
Gaza’s small Christian community, long rooted in the land where their faith began, is now confronting an existential crossroads. As a fragile ceasefire wavers and destruction remains widespread, believers like Elias al-Jalda face the stark question of whether their community can survive. With homes destroyed and more than two years spent sheltering in churches - some of which were themselves struck, causing tragic loss of life - daily existence has become a struggle for food, water and safety. Yet amid the devastation, they have discovered a profound solidarity, forming close-knit bonds in shared suffering. Many are choosing to leave while they can, echoing a wider regional trend in which ancient Christian populations across the Middle East have dramatically dwindled. Still, Elias and others hold on to hope, believing that Christian presence should remain in the birthplace of their faith.
