Supporters of Imran Khan have staged protests in Islamabad demanding his release, defying a government lockdown, road barricades, and internet blackouts. On 26 November they clashed with security forces, leading to several deaths, injuries, and mass arrests. The protesters, led by Khan’s wife and party leaders, faced heavy police resistance, including tear gas and road blockades. The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party accused authorities of using excessive force, while the government reported security personnel sustained bullet injuries. At least six deaths, including four security officials, were reported. Hundreds were arrested as the authorities tried to prevent the protests, which have now been called off by the PTI leadership. Imran Khan has been in jail for over a year and faces dozens of criminal charges ranging from corruption to leaking state secrets, all of which he and his party deny. His supporters are demanding judicial reforms as well as his release.
The authorities have arrested fourteen individuals, including a wounded teenage boy, after they emerged from an illegal gold mine in Stilfontein, where hundreds of miners remain trapped underground. The miners, called zama zamas, search abandoned mines for gold, often risking arrest, deportation, or violence. Operating in over six thousand defunct mines, they endure dangerous conditions, relying on contractors for food and supplies. This underground economy is dominated by criminal syndicates which exploit the miners, sometimes forcing them to work under threat. Efforts to remove the miners include blocking shafts and restricting supplies. Officials estimate 350-400 miners remain underground, but some reports put the number at as much as four thousand. The government is looking at ways of getting the miners out, but fears of poisonous gases and armed syndicates are complicating rescue plans.
The International Criminal Court (ICC) prosecutor plans to seek an arrest warrant for Myanmar’s military leader, Min Aung Hlaing, for crimes against humanity in the alleged persecution and forced deportation of Rohingya Muslims. Over 730,000 Rohingya fled Myanmar for Bangladesh in a campaign described by the UN as having ‘genocidal intent’. The military junta denies the accusations, insisting that it has been targeting terrorists. This is the ICC’s first request for an arrest warrant against a high-ranking Myanmar official, with further applications anticipated. Its investigations have been hampered by Myanmar’s lack of cooperation and the escalating turmoil in the country since the 2021 military coup. Human Rights Watch says this is ‘an important step toward breaking the cycle of abuses and impunity which is a key factor in fuelling the military’s mass violations’. The ICC’s move comes amid huge criticism over its recent arrest warrants for Benjamin Netanyahu, Yoav Gallant, and a Hamas leader: see
The church in North Korea is growing at a remarkable 6% a year, far higher than the South Korean church's 0.7% growth rate, despite severe persecution under the Kim regime. With 400,000 Christians, North Korean believers face imprisonment or death for their faith, yet they persevere, using secret prayer codes and worshipping in hidden mountain sanctuaries. Miraculous healings often lead to conversions, highlighting God's power amidst oppression. In contrast, South Korea, renowned for its vibrant Christianity, faces a decline in faith among the younger generation. Nonetheless, South Korean churches remain a global force, with extensive missionary outreach, including efforts in countries like Afghanistan and North Korea. Initiatives such as Operation Dandelion, which sends Bibles into North Korea via balloons, demonstrate their dedication. Persecution in the North has ignited revival, while prosperity in the South has dulled spiritual fervour: but faithful witness continues to bring people to Christ across both Koreas.
Pastor Greg Laurie recently shared the Gospel with Jordan Peterson on the psychologist's podcast, addressing life, eternity, and hope in Christ. Laurie emphasised that heaven is not for 'good people' but for 'forgiven people’. Reflecting on Genesis 22, he paralleled Isaac’s willing sacrifice with Jesus' ultimate sacrifice for humanity, stating, 'There was no other way we could reach God.' Laurie shared his personal story of loss, recounting the tragic death of his son Christopher in 2008. Despite the pain, he expressed hope in God’s promises and confidence in seeing his son again, explaining that faith in Christ, not familial ties, secures eternity. Peterson admitted struggling with reconciling Christian teachings about perfecting the world with the eternal focus of the faith. Laurie responded with Scripture, highlighting how trials have drawn him closer to God’s promises. He affirmed God’s faithfulness, saying, 'I’ve put His promises to the test, and He’s come through for me’.
The Government has unveiled significant reforms to the children’s social care system to prioritise early intervention, tackle profiteering in care provision, and improve outcomes for vulnerable children. Spending on looked-after children has surged from £3.1 billion in 2009/10 to £7 billion in 2022/23, while private care providers have been criticised for substandard care and excessive profits (as much as 23% in some cases). Key reforms include granting Ofsted new powers to fine exploitative care providers, requiring financial transparency from large placement providers, and capping profits if necessary. Local councils will be mandated to create multi-agency safeguarding teams and extend support to care leavers up to age 21 through the Staying Close programme. The reforms also aim to shift focus to early intervention, ensuring families are involved in decisions about their children. Education secretary Bridget Phillipson said that these changes aim to end the neglect within the system and give every child a chance to thrive.
Ukraine fires UK-supplied missiles at Russia
22 Nov 2024
Ukraine has reportedly used British-supplied Storm Shadow missiles to strike targets in Russia's Kursk region. These long-range missiles, capable of striking targets nearly 200 miles away, mark a significant escalation in Ukraine's defence capabilities. The missiles were supplied under a policy shift allowing the use of British and US military equipment within Russian territory. However, experts warn their impact may be limited due to Ukraine's small stockpile. Military analysts suggest the missiles have already been used for strategic strikes on logistics hubs and ammunition depots. Meanwhile, tensions escalate as Russia lowered its threshold for using nuclear weapons following the US's similar policy shift. Critics fear this could spark wider conflict. On the one thousandth day of Putin’s invasion, the UK announced extra support for Ukraine with funding to provide new drone capabilities. See also and Europe article ‘Biden’s decision on missiles’.
Inflation creeps above UK target
22 Nov 2024
UK inflation rose by more than expected to 2.3% for October, exceeding the official 2% target. This rise, up from 1.7% in September, reflects increased energy costs following a 10% hike in the energy price cap and higher prices for food and products like stamps. This news comes amid concerns about inflationary pressures, potentially influenced by global factors such as Donald Trump’s trade policies. The Bank of England’s monetary policy committee (MPC) will weigh these figures in December to decide whether to adjust interest rates further. In early November, the MPC cut the base rate to 4.75%. Additional government spending and tax adjustments from chancellor Rachel Reeves' recent budget may also drive up short-term inflation. One commentator thinks that the impact of Trump’s policies will likely have limited effects on UK GDP and inflation, even under extreme scenarios. Analysts predict the UK base rate could drop to 3.75% by late 2025.