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Four NHS hospital trusts in Surrey and Kent declare critical incidents due to overwhelmed emergency services. Rising flu and norovirus cases, staff absences, and cold weather strain resources. Declarations prioritize urgent care, with cancer treatments and critical procedures remaining top priority. Kent hospitals report full beds and long waits for non-life-threatening issues, urging use of alternatives first.

UKs New Rule: Police Cant Routinely Access Rape Survivors Therapy Notes This week, the UK implemented a significant change in its approach to rape and sexual assault cases. The Home Offices new code of practice restricts police access to counseling notes from therapy sessions, except in exceptional circumstances and with high-level approval. Previously, up to 30% of rape cases involved police requesting these private notes, sometimes using them to decide on prosecutions, which left many victims feeling violated and discouraged from seeking justice. The new rules, which emphasize proportionality, relevance, and value to the case, aim to protect survivors and encourage more to come forward, ultimately helping to reduce violence against women and girls.

Social Media Monsters uncovers the chilling story of Jay Lang, a 24-year-old from Canvey Island, Essex, who posed as a teenage girl to groom young boys for explicit content and blackmail. Lang, using fake Snapchat and Instagram accounts, targeted boys aged 11 to 16, recording their interactions and threatening to expose them. After a brave victim reported him, Essex Police launched a large-scale investigation, discovering 540 videos and 140,000 images, linking to 220 potential victims. Lang was sentenced to 21 years in prison for 46 charges, including inciting child sex acts and blackmail. The documentary highlights the dangers of online predators and the importance of vigilance on trusted apps.

Chinas proposed super embassy in London, built on the site of the old Royal Mint, has unveiled a secret underground room near critical financial cables. This hidden chamber, part of two hundred eight secret rooms, could potentially house spying technology, raising concerns about national security and dissident tracking. Despite Chinas denial of spying intent, the decision to approve the embassys construction remains a contentious issue amid strained UK-China relations.

Nigel Farage rallies protesters outside Iranian embassy, advocating for freedom and urging UK to label IRGC as terror group. Despite US pressure, PM Starmers team hesitates, citing lack of practical impact. Activists demand tougher UK action as Iran protests continue, with hundreds killed.

Mehmet Ogur, a Kurdish asylum seeker, was convicted of raping an 18-year-old woman in Tamworth. Despite his claims of misunderstanding due to Google Translate, a jury found him guilty. The victims impact statement highlighted the profound trauma caused by the attack. Judge John Edwards sentenced Ogur to seven years, emphasizing the severity of his actions. This case underscores the importance of consent and accountability.

Birmingham Police Seek Suspect in Early Morning Burglary Attempt; Residents Urged to Come Forward with Information

The UK has paid substantial compensation to Abu Zubaydah, a Palestinian man tortured by the CIA and still held at Guantanamo Bay. He was the first known victim of waterboarding, and the payout resulted from MI5 and MI6 passing questions for his interrogations despite knowing about his mistreatment. British agencies continued sending queries to the CIA until at least 2006, even after early warnings of harsh conditions. Former attorney general Dominic Grieve and human rights group Reprieve demand explanations and accountability for the UKs role in Zubaydahs treatment.

34-year-old Trevelle Rowland from London deliberately rammed his car into Fergany Mvuezolo, killing him. Rowland had previously driven into security guards, injuring one. He was convicted of murder, dangerous driving, and attempted grievous bodily harm. Police describe him as a dangerous man who used his car as a weapon.