Christians challenge school VAT policy in High Court
Christian families and schools have launched a High Court challenge against the Government’s decision to add VAT to private and independent school fees, including Christian institutions. Supported by the Christian Legal Centre (CLC), 13 claimants - including parents, pupils, and four schools - argue that the policy, enacted on 1 January, is unlawful, discriminatory, and infringes on human rights. The removal of the VAT exemption has forced schools to raise fees, threatening access to faith-based education. Stephen White, a claimant, described the sacrifices his family makes to afford Christian schooling for their children, emphasising the vital role faith-based education plays in shaping the next generation. Headteachers warn of severe repercussions, including pupil withdrawals and potential closures. Carol Santer of The King’s School in Hampshire noted that many pupils come from non-affluent backgrounds, and some rely on specialised support unavailable in state schools. Claimants are urging the Government to reconsider its decision.
Trade: EU’s desire to negotiate with Trump
The EU has signalled its readiness to negotiate with Donald Trump, hoping to avoid a damaging trade conflict. Ursula von der Leyen highlighted growing global competition and warned against trade policies that disrupt economic bonds. Trump’s administration has begun investigating US trade deficits and unfair practices: Germany is a potential target, but chancellor Olaf Scholz has expressed cautious optimism after his first contacts with Trump's administration. Von der Leyen reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to collaboration with global partners, including India and China; she also voiced support for the Paris climate agreement, which Trump has exited. Noting that trade between the USA and the EU is worth 1.5 trillion euros, she said, ‘No other economies in the world are as integrated as we are. So our first priority will be to engage early, discuss common interests, and be ready to negotiate.’ EU officials see Trump’s policies as a wake-up call to fix their economies and become more competitive.
Netherlands: government has to reduce nitrogen pollution
A Dutch court has ruled that prime minister Dick Schoof’s government must intensify efforts to reduce nitrogen pollution in protected areas, marking a legal victory for Greenpeace. Half of the country’s vulnerable habitats must meet nitrogen thresholds by 2030, with noncompliance incurring a €10 million penalty. Schoof’s administration, elected in 2024, shifted away from its predecessor’s €24.3 billion sustainability fund, favouring technological and voluntary measures instead. However, the court called for tangible financial and regulatory actions to address emissions from agriculture, industry, and transport. Greenpeace celebrated the verdict but emphasised the need for immediate action. The verdict reverberates with other countries facing similar legal challenges - seen now as a key tool to compel governments to environmental action - for the same reasons; it will also risk further protests from Dutch farmers who are concerned about anticipated herd reductions and new farm standards. The Schoof administration may appeal the decision, balancing stricter measures with potential rural unrest and EU compliance demands.
Turkey: 76 killed in hotel fire
A devastating fire at the Grand Kartal Hotel in the Kartalkaya ski resort has killed at least 76 people, marking one of the country’s deadliest hotel fires. Survivors reported that fire alarms failed to activate, and experts suggested that inadequate fire safety measures contributed to the high death toll. The fire, which began in the restaurant area, spread rapidly, forcing some guests to jump to their deaths. Discrepancies emerged regarding the hotel’s fire safety certification, with officials noting the absence of adequate fire escapes, alarms, and suppression systems. Nine individuals, including the hotel owner, have been detained as part of the investigation. Experts said that properly designed fire safety systems and escape routes could have mitigated the tragedy. Authorities continue to investigate claims of negligence and systemic failures, as questions grow over how such a disaster occurred in a major resort.
