A former high-ranking officer has testified that two heads of UK Special Forces suppressed evidence of possible SAS war crimes in Afghanistan, including unlawful killings and suspicious deaths, and failed to report these to the military police, raising concerns about accountability and cover-ups within the military leadership.
The final report of the Post Office IT scandal inquiry will highlight the human impact and focus on compensation for victims, with a subsequent report expected in 2026 addressing accountability and blame, as the scandal's long-lasting justice process continues.
New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has issued a formal apology to survivors of abuse in state and church care, acknowledging the government's responsibility for the "horrific" treatment of approximately 200,000 individuals over seven decades. This apology follows a Royal Commission of Inquiry report revealing widespread abuse, including sexual and physical violence, particularly targeting Maori and Pacific Islander communities. The inquiry recommended 138 actions, including public apologies and legislative changes to improve accountability and care systems.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has promised to launch an inquiry after Russia published tapped military discussions, which has raised concerns about a security breach. The leaked conversations included discussions about Ukraine and were reportedly intercepted by Russian forces. Scholz has condemned the publication as a "serious incident" and pledged to investigate the breach.
An official inquiry revealed that the off-duty police officer who abducted and murdered Sarah Everard in London should never have been employed, with three police forces failing to spot clear signals of his unsuitability. The report detailed Wayne Couzens' history of viewing extreme and violent pornography and alleged sexual offending dating back nearly two decades before the murder. The inquiry's chair warned of the need for a radical overhaul of policing practices and culture to prevent another similar case. The findings identified multiple failings in Couzens' recruitment and vetting, as well as missed warning signs throughout his career. Everard's family believes she died because Couzens was a police officer, and the report urged every police force in the country to take action.
An official inquiry revealed that the off-duty police officer who abducted and murdered Sarah Everard in London should never have been employed, with three police forces failing to spot clear signals of his unsuitability. The report detailed Wayne Couzens' history of viewing extreme and violent pornography and alleged sexual offending dating back nearly two decades before the murder. The inquiry's chair warned that without a radical overhaul of policing practices and culture, there's nothing to stop another similar case. The Metropolitan Police came under further criticism for their handling of a vigil and the report called for urgent review of indecent exposure charges against serving officers. The family of Sarah Everard believes she died because Couzens was a police officer and the report identified at least five incidents of sexual abuse that weren't reported to police, with potential for more victims.
An inquiry into birth trauma led by MPs Theo Clarke and Rosie Duffield has received over 1,300 submissions, aiming to address the estimated 30,000 women in the UK who suffer negative experiences during childbirth, with one in 20 developing post-traumatic stress disorder. The initiative, triggered by Conservative MP Theo Clarke, has garnered an "overwhelming" response, including accounts dating back to the 1960s. The inquiry, administered by the Birth Trauma Association, aims to improve maternity services and is expected to report its findings in April.
The UK government seeks urgent talks with Fujitsu regarding compensation for sub-postmasters affected by the Post Office Horizon scandal, as an inquiry continues into the faulty software that led to wrongful convictions. Fujitsu's moral obligation to provide compensation has been emphasized, and the government aims to act once all facts are established. The scandal saw hundreds of sub-postmasters wrongly convicted over a 15-year period, and the ongoing inquiry has heard from Fujitsu staff expressing concerns about manipulated audit data used in criminal investigations. The Metropolitan Police has launched a criminal probe, with the investigation expected to continue until at least 2026.
Alan Bates, the real Mr Bates portrayed in an ITV drama, has addressed the Business and Trade Committee about the Post Office scandal, expressing frustration over the lack of financial redress and the prolonged nature of the issue. As the founder of the Justice for Sub Postmasters Alliance, he awaits his first offer and has garnered calls for recognition for his campaigning efforts.
An inquiry into the British Post Office scandal, where over 900 branch managers were wrongly convicted due to a faulty computer system, has resumed. The scandal, involving the Horizon IT system, led to bankruptcies, broken lives, and even suicides. Momentum for compensation and clearing names has grown, with the government planning to set aside £1 billion for victims. A television docudrama and public outrage have fueled support for the former postmasters, leading to a swift response by lawmakers. The inquiry aims to identify those responsible, while police are investigating potential fraud and perjury charges.
Susanna Reid questioned ex-Post Office minister Paul Scully on the decision to award Paula Vennells a CBE amid the Horizon scandal, where hundreds of Post Office staff were wrongly accused. Vennells announced she would return her CBE after more than one million people called for it to be revoked. The scandal, involving the Horizon IT system, led to false prosecutions and financial ruin for many. Pressure is mounting on officials, including Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, to investigate and potentially strip Vennells of her honour, with victims sharing their stories and seeking justice.
Moderate Republicans are considering supporting the idea of impeaching President Joe Biden, with the House expected to vote next week to formally open an impeachment inquiry. GOP lawmakers argue that the Biden administration's refusal to comply with congressional subpoenas has forced their hand. Some Republicans who represent swing districts or districts that Biden won in 2020 may now be more willing to vote for an inquiry, citing the administration's recalcitrance as their reason. However, not all House Republicans are convinced that a vote is necessary, and there is concern about the potential erosion of public confidence in the Supreme Court following recent high-profile cases.
Moderate Republicans are considering supporting the idea of impeaching President Joe Biden, with the House expected to vote next week to formally open an impeachment inquiry. GOP lawmakers argue that the Biden administration's refusal to comply with congressional subpoenas has forced their hand. Some Republicans who represent swing districts or districts that Biden won in 2020 may now be more willing to vote for an inquiry, citing the administration's recalcitrance as their reason. However, not all House Republicans are convinced that a vote is necessary, and there is concern about the potential erosion of public confidence in the Supreme Court following recent high-profile cases.
Former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson apologized for the government's slow response to the COVID-19 pandemic and expressed remorse for the pain and loss suffered by the victims and their families. Johnson admitted that mistakes were made and acknowledged the underestimation of the scale and pace of the challenge. He faced questions about missing WhatsApp messages and was accused of indecisiveness and a lack of scientific understanding during the crisis. The inquiry continues with further questioning of government officials.