Asghar Gheshalghian, a 48-year-old from Iran, has been jailed for eight years for money laundering in connection with people smuggling gangs involved in Channel crossings. He operated an unregistered money transfer business in North London, serving as a middleman for migrants and their families. He collected payments and, upon the migrants' safe arrival in the UK, passed the money to the gangs, earning a commission. His illicit activities were masked by a front business in rug dealing. Arrested in 2021 after a two-year investigation, Gheshalghian's premises were searched, resulting in the seizure of around £50,000. Phone evidence linked him to many Iranian migrants who claimed asylum in the UK. In total, he channelled about £1.6 million through his bank accounts. Evidence in his trial included covert recordings where Gheshalghian boasted about his criminal business. In sentencing him, Mr Justice Griffith emphasised his significant role in facilitating illegal immigration. The case highlights ongoing efforts to combat organised immigration crime.

Rishi Sunak has proposed compromising some of Britain's Brexit freedoms to encourage the return of devolved government in Northern Ireland. He plans to introduce a requirement that all new laws undergo screening to ensure they won't create additional trade barriers in the Irish Sea, aiming to persuade the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) to end its two-year boycott of Stormont, which has paralysed Northern Irish politics. All laws would have to come with a ministerial statement confirming they would not significantly harm internal UK trade. If Britain diverges from EU rules, these checks could increase, potentially blocking new laws that differ from Brussels. Unionists argue that the current arrangement harms the Northern Irish economy. While Sunak's offer aims to guarantee no new laws will create more trade barriers between Great Britain and Northern Ireland, critics argue it would tether the UK to European standards and limit the benefits of Brexit. The DUP leader, Sir Jeffrey Donaldson, has been in talks with the government over returning to power-sharing in Stormont but has faced resistance within his party.

Sexual health clinics across the UK are facing a crisis, leading to the rationing of condoms and a reduction in services. The budget for sexual health has been slashed by £64 million since 2014, resulting in staff shortages and closures of clinics. As a consequence, access to essential services like testing and treatment for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), contraception, and HIV prevention is increasingly limited. Experts warn that the cuts are counterproductive, potentially leading to higher long-term healthcare costs and unplanned pregnancies and reducing HIV transmission. Patients are now often required to demonstrate symptoms before being seen, leading to many asymptomatic individuals going undiagnosed and untreated. This situation is especially concerning given the rise in antibiotic-resistant strains of STIs. This crisis in sexual health services also raises issues of inequality, as the most affected are often young, LGBTQ+, or from lower socio-economic backgrounds. Advocates are calling for urgent government action to address the funding shortfall and prevent further deterioration of these vital services.

The Home Office is intensifying its crackdown on 'zombie knives' following a surge in violent crimes involving these weapons. These knives, characterised by their large size and horror film-like appearance, have been increasingly used in serious assaults across London. In response, home secretary James Cleverly plans to extend the definition of a bladed article under the Offensive Weapons Act 2019, and to ensure tougher penalties for those found carrying them. He emphasised the Government's commitment to keeping communities safe and reducing the harm caused by knife crime. The crackdown on zombie knives is seen as a crucial step in addressing the growing concerns about violent crimes in London and across the UK. The Government is determined to tackle this issue head-on by ensuring that law enforcement agencies have the necessary tools and legislation to respond effectively to the threat posed by these weapons.