Hawaii ordered to allow Good News clubs at every school
Child Evangelism Fellowship (CEF) has won a significant legal victory, securing a permanent statewide injunction allowing Good News clubs to operate in all public school districts across Hawaii. These weekly gatherings teach children aged 5-12 about the Bible, memory verses, and praise songs, while also fostering fellowship and fun. Represented by Liberty Counsel, CEF filed a lawsuit against Hawaii education officials after several school districts blocked the clubs from using public school facilities, while permitting secular groups access. The courts ruled that such actions violated the first and 14th amendments of the US constitution, ensuring religious organizations have equal access to public spaces. Fred Pry of CEF welcomed the ruling as a triumph for religious freedom and free speech. Liberty Counsel continues to defend Christian clubs in other states, with plans to challenge similar restrictions in California. This victory highlights the enduring importance of protecting constitutional rights for faith-based organizations in public settings.
Sara Sharif murder: questions must be answered - PM
The murder of 10-year-old Sara Sharif has ignited calls for stronger safeguards for children, particularly those being home-schooled. Sara’s father and stepmother, convicted of her murder, had subjected her to two years of horrific abuse, prompting scrutiny of existing child protection measures. The government plans to introduce a Children's Wellbeing Bill, proposing safeguards like mandatory local authority consent for home-schooling children under protection plans, a child identifier system, and multi-agency safeguarding teams. Surrey County Council, which had been alerted to Sara’s welfare concerns before her death, is launching an independent review of its actions. Critics argue that current laws allowing at-risk children to be removed from school are inadequate. Keir Starmer emphasised the need for answers and better safeguards to prevent such tragedies. Proposals also include establishing a register for home-educated children and improving data-sharing between services to identify risks more effectively.
British businesses stop shipping to Northern Ireland
Small British businesses are halting shipments to Northern Ireland and the EU due to new EU customs rules and product safety regulations. These regulations require complex compliance steps, including detailed paperwork, batch numbering, and the designation of an EU or Northern Ireland-based 'authorised representative’. Many small firms, lacking resources to navigate these requirements, have chosen to cease trade rather than risk penalties. Entrepreneurs are expressing frustration over the lack of timely government communication and support. Business owners learned about the changes through social media rather than official channels, exacerbating the challenge during the busy Christmas season. While the Government claims to prioritise small businesses, the lack of tailored guidance leaves many struggling. Small businesses fear these changes favour larger corporations, potentially widening economic disparities.
Rayner insists pledge to build 1.5m homes 'can happen'
Deputy prime minister Angela Rayner has affirmed the Government’s ambition to build 1.5 million homes over five years, a scale unseen since World War 2. This requires constructing 370,000 homes annually, a significant increase from the 220,000 built last year. Despite this bold target, Rayner refrains from committing to a specific number of social housing units, emphasising site-dependent affordability and viability. The plan prioritises 'brownfield first’, encouraging redevelopment of previously used land. Councils must outline housing targets within twelve weeks, reassess green belt boundaries, and identify suitable 'grey belt' areas. Developers using green belt land must adhere to strict 'golden rules,' ensuring infrastructure like nurseries, healthcare facilities, and transport alongside affordable housing. With 1.3 million households on social housing waiting lists and record homelessness, the housing crisis is critical. To accelerate progress, the government has allocated £100 million and 300 new planning officers to streamline decision-making. The plan aims to balance local input, housing demand, and economic growth while addressing infrastructure needs.
