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North Wales Chief Constable Amanda Blakeman is set to retire and then return to her position in a unique pension-saving move. Shell step down on January 15th and be rehired on the 16th, allowing her pension to remain at its maximum value. This Retire and Rehire scheme, approved by the Police and Crime Commissioner, will not cost taxpayers extra and will not disrupt leadership. Similar moves have been made by other high-ranking officers.

The United Kingdom is bolstering its defenses, with the armed forces minister, Al Carns, emphasizing the importance of societal preparedness in potential conflicts. NATOs Mark Rutte also warns of a possible confrontation with Russia. The UK faces increased hostile intelligence activity, leading to the creation of a new defense counter-intelligence unit and the merging of military intelligence branches. The government is also focusing on a whole of society approach to understand individual roles in an existential crisis, echoing the old Government War Book concept.

Ministers Plan to Scrap Most New Free Schools, Focusing on Special Needs Funding The UK government is set to cancel most of the new free schools proposed by the previous administration, including one by Eton College. Out of forty-four proposals, twenty-eight are expected to be scrapped, marking the end of a major education program. Free schools, state-funded academies with more flexibility than traditional schools, have been criticized for creating excess school places in some areas. The governments decision to cancel new proposals is seen as a shift away from Conservative education policies. Among the canceled plans is a new sixth form in Middlesbrough, while projects in Dudley and Oldham will continue. The government also announced a £3 billion investment to create fifty thousand new school places for children with special educational needs and disabilities, aiming to reduce long commutes.

Over a million people have joined the ranks of those receiving out-of-work benefits due to health conditions or disabilities, with the number of Universal Credit claimants reaching a record high of 3.2 million. The majority of this increase is due to claimants transitioning from Employment and Support Allowance, but new claims are also rising significantly. A study reveals that thousands have switched to disability benefits after welfare cuts, costing around £900 million and highlighting the complex interplay between welfare policies and their societal and financial implications.

Dade Mustafa, a man with immigration offenses, was caught on camera stealing two Canada Goose beanies worth £350 from Selfridges. He confronted a security guard, appeared unfazed upon arrest, and later admitted to theft. Mustafa, wearing a Canada Goose jacket in court, awaits sentencing on February twelfth.

Left-wing Labour MPs are divided over supporting Angela Rayner for party leadership, amidst speculation about Sir Keir Starmers future. Some believe Rayner could challenge Starmer, while others express concerns about her tax scandal and perceived lack of support for the left during her time in government. Despite her denial of current plans to oust Starmer, many MPs believe a challenge is likely due to opinion polls. Internal tensions within the Labour Party persist as they navigate leadership questions and public opinion.

Russian President Vladimir Putin publicly backs Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro, intensifying tensions with the US. Putin reaffirms support for Maduro amidst growing external pressure and US military presence in the region. Trump criticizes both leaders, increasing pressure on Maduro and launching strikes on alleged drug-smuggling boats. US troops seize control of an oil tanker, with Maduro remaining defiant and accusing the US of piracy.

Emily Jackson, a London paramedic, recounts a terrifying encounter with a violent patient who threatened to rape and kill her. This incident is part of a larger trend, with over half of LAS frontline workers experiencing attacks, and nearly half facing sexual harassment. The All we want for Christmas is... Respect campaign aims to address this growing issue.