Connect with us
DAPA Banner
DAPA Coin
DAPA
COIN PAYMENT ASSET
PRIVACY · BLOCKDAG · HOMOMORPHIC ENCRYPTION · RUST
ElGamal Encrypted MINE DAPA
🚫 GENESIS SOLD OUT
DAPAPAY COMING

NewsBeat

Budget Energy electricity bills to increase by 9.5% in August

Published

on

Belfast Live

It will impact around 105,000 customers

Northern Ireland’s third largest electricity supplier has announced a 9.5% increase to their electricity tariffs.

Advertisement

Budget Energy’s price rise will come into effect on August 4, and will add around £122 a year to the annual bill of a typical credit customer and around £121 a year to the average standard-rate keypad customer.

This will impact around 105,000 customers across Northern Ireland, bringing the annual electricity bill for a typical credit customer on a standard tariff to around £1,403 and a typical keypad customer on a standard tariff to around £1,390.

Raymond Gormley, Head of Energy Policy at the Consumer Council, said: “From 4 August, approximately 105,000 Budget Energy BillPay and keypad domestic customers on variable tariffs in Northern Ireland will see their annual electricity costs increase, bringing the average annual electricity bill for a typical credit customer on a standard tariff to around £1,403 and a typical keypad customer on a standard tariff to around £1,390.

“While this is disappointing for households, the rise reflects the recent increase in energy wholesale costs. Those Budget Energy customers on a fixed price deal will not be impacted and will continue to pay their existing agreed rates for the duration of their contract.

Advertisement

“Any Budget Energy customers who are struggling to pay their electricity bills or top up their keypad meter should contact their supplier without delay to get advice and support.”

Raymond added: “All five electricity suppliers have now either increased their tariffs or have announced that they are doing so. We would encourage consumers to think about the way they pay for their energy and see if they can reduce their energy costs.

“Being on a standard tariff and paying on receipt of a bill is the most expensive way to pay for your electricity. Switching payment methods, changing billing method or even switching supplier may save you money.”

The Consumer Council’s website has a free independent energy price comparison tool which empowers consumers to compare all electricity and gas tariffs across Northern Ireland in one place: Electricity Price Comparison Tool

Advertisement

For consumers who do not have internet access or would like additional support on checking energy tariffs, call the Consumer Council team on 0800 121 6022. You can also contact the team via email: contact@consumercouncil.org.uk.

For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter here.

Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading
Click to comment

You must be logged in to post a comment Login

Leave a Reply

NewsBeat

France vs Morocco – World Cup quarter-final LIVE: Kylian Mbappe MISSES from the penalty spot after lengthy VAR delay in Boston

Published

on

France vs Morocco - World Cup quarter-final LIVE: Kylian Mbappe MISSES from the penalty spot after lengthy VAR delay in Boston

Advertisement

Follow Daily Mail Sport’s live coverage of the latest updates as France take on Morocco in the quarter-finals of the World Cup in Boston. 

Advertisement

Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

NewsBeat

York- fish and chips and seafood restaurant could open

Published

on

York- fish and chips and seafood restaurant could open

Plans lodged with York Council would see Vitoria, in Coppergate, converted into a new Yorkies Fish and Chips seafood restaurant and takeaway.

The Harrogate-based business’ application stated the conversion would see the building renovated to create a welcoming environment for customers.

It follows the closure of the Vitoria Italian restaurant in 2023.


RECOMMENDED READING:

Advertisement

The restaurant said at the time it was due to a technical issue after it temporarily shut due to problems with its gas supply.

To Let signs then went up on the Grade II*-listed building which has stood empty since.

Its conversion into Yorkies Fish and Chips would see the outside of the building redecorated, new flooring fitted inside on the ground floor, stairs replaced and electricity cables rewired.

Two new air conditioning units would be installed at the back of the building.

Advertisement

The existing kitchen is also set to be refurbished and a wine cellar installed in the building’s basement if plans are approved by York Council.

The empty Vitoria restaurant in Coppergate, York (Image: Newsquest)

Plans stated the conversion would help preserve the historic building.

They stated: “The planning application is primarily for our client who wishes to open a high end fish and chip and seafood restaurant with a takeaway part to complement it.

“The restaurant will create a high end fit-out to the existing buildings to create a welcoming environment for the customers.”

Advertisement

Yorkies Fish and Chips opened in Knaresborough Road, Harrogate in April last year.

Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

NewsBeat

World Cup LIVE: France vs Morocco updates as furious Thomas Tuchel and England complain

Published

on

Daily Mirror

Martin Odegaard is aiming to use his Premier League experience to claim England as another shock World Cup scalp.

Norway take on the Three Lions in Miami on Saturday evening with the victor securing a spot in the semi finals.

The game will also see a number of familiar faces come together, with Odegaard and Erling Haaland set to take on some of their club teammates and domestic rivals.

Advertisement

And Norway captain Odegaard is hoping to use that familiarity to his advantage as the Scandinavians eye a spot in the last four.

Speaking ahead of Saturday’s clash, Odegaard said: “Obviously we know the quality they have. I know them really well. Outstanding players, world-class players, playing for probably one of the best national teams in the world at the moment, so it’s going to be a big test for us.

“But I think Brazil was the same. We were the underdogs and, as you saw, anything can happen in football, so, yeah, we’re going to give it a good try and see what we can do and looking forward to it.

“It’s true that a lot of us play in England, so we know them quite well. Obviously, we’ve been playing against a lot of these players in the league, so we know them but it’s about the whole team. We have to be prepared, we have to analyse the opponent like we always do and we have to have the belief in ourselves.”

Advertisement

READ THE FULL STORY HERE.

Source link

Continue Reading

NewsBeat

I’m a priest and the Bible gives us proof of what UFOs really are… here’s what Jesus told us

Published

on

Father Lee Taylor, who leads three churches in North Wales, told the Daily Mail that several passages of Scripture suggest the mysterious objects in our skies are better understood as non-human intelligence than demonic beings

The belief that UFOs are demonic has gained traction among some Christians, but one priest argues the Bible tells a very different story.

Father Lee Taylor, who leads three churches in North Wales, told the Daily Mail that several passages of Scripture suggest the mysterious objects in our skies are better understood as non-human intelligence than demonic beings.

He pointed to Genesis’ description of humanity as God’s supreme creation on Earth, Ezekiel’s vision of the ‘wheel within a wheel,’ and Jesus’ statement in John 14:2 that ‘in my Father’s house are many rooms.’

Taylor said the Church should begin examining those passages now, arguing that Christians need to prepare theologically for the possibility of non-human intelligence before any official confirmation sparks confusion or fear.

Advertisement

He believes the discovery of intelligent life beyond Earth would not undermine Christianity, but instead expand humanity’s understanding of God’s creation.

‘A bigger universe, or the discovery of a bigger universe, doesn’t make God smaller,’ Taylor, who has been ordained for 15 years, said. ‘It just makes creation bigger.’

‘I don’t think it’s a challenge to faith. I think it’s a challenge to the limits of our theological imagination,’ he added. ‘I think a larger universe demands a larger theology.’

He also urged fellow Christians to reconsider the belief that UFOs are demonic, warning that it encourages people to respond with fear rather than to approach the phenomenon with an open mind.

Advertisement

Father Lee Taylor, who leads three churches in North Wales, told the Daily Mail that several passages of Scripture suggest the mysterious objects in our skies are better understood as non-human intelligence than demonic beings

While Taylor is sure the Bible holds clues to the truth about UFOs and extraterrestrial beings, the Pentagon and White House have maintained that there is no evidence that they have visited Earth. 

The Vatican does not have a definitive doctrine on aliens, but officially embraces the scientific possibility of extraterrestrial life. 

Advertisement

The idea that UFOs are demonic has also been promoted by Vice President JD Vance and conservative commentator Tucker Carlson, both of whom have publicly discussed the phenomenon through a Christian lens.

‘I believe we’re approaching the time when humanity really must learn to think of itself not merely as citizens of the Earth, but as participants in a much larger creation,’ Taylor said.

Vance discussed the UFO phenomenon, saying he firmly believed that there were phenomena that humans simply cannot explain, but he was more open to other possibilities, such as a divine presence.

However, the vice president added that what he might view as an angel or demon might be interpreted as an extraterrestrial by others.

Advertisement

While speaking on the Joe Rogan Experience podcast in 2024, Carlson said: ‘They’re from here, and they’ve been here for thousands of years, whatever they are.’

‘And it’s pretty clear to me that they’re “spiritual entities,”‘ he continued, ‘whatever that means.’

Taylor said the Church should begin examining Bible passages now to prepare theologically for the possibility of non-human intelligence before any official confirmation sparks confusion or fear. Pictured is a still from a UFO video released by the White House

Taylor said the Church should begin examining Bible passages now to prepare theologically for the possibility of non-human intelligence before any official confirmation sparks confusion or fear. Pictured is a still from a UFO video released by the White House 

Taylor said: ‘I don’t think it’s the most helpful framework for discussing an unknown phenomenon. It can encourage people to project fear or certainty onto something we don’t yet understand.’

Advertisement

He argued that, if intelligent life exists beyond Earth, ‘there’s no reason to assume that every other form of intelligence would fit neatly into categories of absolute good or absolute evil.’ Instead, he believes such beings would likely reflect the same diversity already found among humanity.

The priest discussed Steven Spielberg’s latest film, Disclosure Day, which explores global disclosure of extraterrestrial intelligence.

One of the film’s central characters, a former nun named Jane, fears that confirmation of extraterrestrial life could shatter the foundations of her faith.

She worries that disclosure could force believers to question everything they know about God, Jesus and the Bible.

Advertisement

However, another nun highlights a verse in Genesis that Taylor said could point to the existence of extraterrestrials.

Taylor said the movie points to Genesis’ narrative that humanity is God’s supreme creation on Earth.

The priest also pointed to the Book of Ezekiel, in which the prophet describes a mysterious vision of 'a wheel within a wheel' descending from the sky

The priest also pointed to the Book of Ezekiel, in which the prophet describes a mysterious vision of ‘a wheel within a wheel’ descending from the sky

‘So then that asks a profound question: Why would God create such a vast universe if it was intended only for us?’ he added.

Advertisement

He argued that the repeated emphasis on Earth leaves open the possibility that God may have created intelligent life elsewhere in the universe, meaning humans could be God’s supreme creation without being His only intelligent creation.

Taylor said that interpretation should encourage Christians to think more broadly about creation rather than view the possibility of extraterrestrial life as a threat to their faith.

The priest also pointed to the Book of Ezekiel, in which the prophet describes a mysterious vision of ‘a wheel within a wheel’ descending from the sky.

While mainstream biblical scholars interpret the passage as a symbolic vision of God’s glory, Taylor said some people believe it could instead describe an encounter with advanced non-human technology that ancient writers lacked the language to explain.

Advertisement

Finally, Taylor cited John 14:2, in which Jesus tells his disciples, ‘In my Father’s house are many rooms,’ or ‘many mansions’ in some translations.

While the verse is traditionally understood as referring to heaven, Taylor believes it could also hint at a far larger and more complex creation than humanity has yet discovered, one that may include other forms of intelligent life.

‘When Jesus talks about “many rooms” or “many mansions,” using language that people at the time would have understood, I wonder if this is some sort of hint? Could we view it that way?’ the priest questioned.

Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

NewsBeat

Jason Kelce makes first comments on Travis and Taylor Swift wedding while at celebrity golf tournament

Published

on

Jason Kelce has finally broken his silence on his brother Travis' wedding to Taylor Swift

Advertisement

Jason Kelce has finally broken his silence on his brother Travis’ wedding to Taylor Swift – and admitted the celebrations were heavily fueled by booze.

The Philadelphia Eagles legend, 38, made his first public comments regarding the highly secretive July 3 ceremony while out at the 2026 ACC Golf Championship. 

While walking between holes on the course, Kelce was asked by a fan about the Madison Square Garden event, to which he said: ‘It was a good time’. 

He later told another spectator, as seen in a New York Post video, that the exclusive bash was ‘great’, before continuing his walk with his entourage.  

Advertisement

But the 38-year-old really let slip just how wild the reception got when quizzed about his beverage intake on the night. 

When asked if he had consumed more or less than 15 beers during the festivities, Jason confessed his final tally was ‘way over’ that mark. 

Jason Kelce has finally broken his silence on his brother Travis’ wedding to Taylor Swift

Advertisement
Travis celebrated his wedding to Taylor Swift in front of 1,000 guests at MSG last week

Travis celebrated his wedding to Taylor Swift in front of 1,000 guests at MSG last week  

Kelce and Swift officially tied the knot inside the iconic New York City arena last week in an event shrouded in intense secrecy. Guests were reportedly forced to sign non-disclosure agreements and surrender their cell phones upon entry.

Jason served as his younger brother’s best man, while Swift’s brother, Austin, took on the role of man of honor. The ceremony was officiated by actor Adam Sandler.  

The bride and groom´s outfits came from Christian Dior Haute Couture and its designer Jonathan Anderson with shoes custom-made by Christian Louboutin. She wore Cartier jewelry.

Advertisement

Actors Bradley Cooper, Zoe Kravitz, Hugh Grant and Ethan Hawke; models Gigi Hadid and Karlie Kloss; comic Chris Rock; director Steven Spielberg; singer Camila Cabello and author Jenny Han were among the guests from the world of arts and entertainment.

Kelce’s coach Andy Reid and Chiefs teammates including Patrick Mahomes were among the sports figures in the arena, along with Brady, Seattle Seahawks receiver and recent Super Bowl champ Cooper Kupp, New York Giants receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster and ESPN personalities Joe Buck and Stephen A. Smith.

Earlier on Thursday, Jason – who has competed in the celebrity golf tournament for the past two years – was captured working on his swing before the competition officially gets underway on Friday, according to US Weekly.

He’ll be without his right-hand man this year as brother Travis will be enjoying his newly-wedded bliss rather than tee it up at Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course this week. 

Advertisement

The brothers have hit the fairways together for the past two years in boisterous fashion – much to the entertainment of fans. 

Jason made his first =comments regarding the ceremony at the 2026 ACC Golf Championship

Jason made his first =comments regarding the ceremony at the 2026 ACC Golf Championship

Travis did not join his brother on the fairways this year as he enjoyed newly-wedded bliss

Travis did not join his brother on the fairways this year as he enjoyed newly-wedded bliss 

Last year, Jason and Travis served as the headliners for the ACC Golf Championship – that attracts some of the biggest A-Listers across sport and entertainment. 

Advertisement

To say their tournament descended into chaos would be an understatement. 

Playing alongside Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield, the trio shotgunned beers, received ice cream deliveries and threw a party throughout their round – which almost ended in disaster.

One spectator found himself in Travis’s firing line – albeit through no fault of his own – as he was struck in the back of the neck by an errant shot from the Kansas City Chiefs star.

The injured fan managed to laugh the incident off as the tight end signed an autograph and posed for a photo in compensation. ‘I think so,’ he answered, when asked if he was okay.

Advertisement

Football’s most famous brothers soaked up the attention in Tahoe all week, patiently signing autographs and taking photos with fans who lined the fairways.

They partied around the golf course, throwing and drop kicking footballs into the boats parked along the par-three 17th. Jason and Mayfield even practiced a snap. 

Advertisement

Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

NewsBeat

Lanchester Garden Centre in Durham home to rare Jellycats

Published

on

Lanchester Garden Centre in Durham home to rare Jellycats

Lanchester Garden Centre on Bargate Bank boasts an almost perfect rating of 4.5 stars from nearly 4,000 reviews on Google.

Within the garden centre is Potter’s World which describes itself as the “North East’s hidden gem.”

The attraction is home to exotic free-flying birds, reptiles, amphibians, and two tortoises called Hermione and Herman.

It holds educational experiences where children can meet and interact with the animals.

Advertisement

One reviewer said: “Potters World with the birds and animals is amazing. They’re all so well looked after too”.

One of the biggest draws appears to be the play area.

A review said: “Nice place to visit, great garden centre and small animals to see.

“Lovely play area for the kids and plenty of outdoor seating.”

Advertisement

The garden centre announced that they had been specially selected as an official Jellycat Seeker Store on social media this week (July 6).

They have become an official Jellycat Seeker Store. (Image: EMMA FOSTER)

They said: “Only a handful of independent stores across the country are chosen for this, and it means some very special Jellycat characters will be quietly perched on our shelves, waiting for the right person to spot them.

“A few old pals have crept out of hibernation — and not a moment too soon.

“After snoozing for quite a while, these unforgettable Jellycat favourites have decided it’s time for a new adventure… and they’ve chosen Lanchester Garden Centre as one of their special UK hideouts.

Advertisement

“We’re expecting our very first Seekers delivery any time soon — bringing with it a mix of rare returners, old favourites, and magical little characters who’ve been hiding away for far too long.”

Emma Foster, the garden centre’s general manager, said: “We were over the moon to be chosen.

“We work very closely with our rep and Jellycat have very strict protocols, so they only select people who they feel are married to the brand and match their concept and ethos.

“We’ve had a huge response.

Advertisement

“This has definitely reignited a passion for finding those little quirky, unusual pieces that not everybody will have.”

The centre also includes The Greenhouse Restaurant which serves afternoon tea, a full English, and Sunday lunches.

One person commented: “The restaurant is very nice.

“I got an afternoon tea, and my husband got fish and chips.

Advertisement

“The food was so good, it finished the day off perfectly.”

The garden centre offers a wide range of products including plants, outdoor furniture, paving, and tropical fish.

The opening times are 9am-5pm.

Advertisement

Source link

Continue Reading

NewsBeat

Man masking face with scarf caught in fuel station scam

Published

on

Wales Online

Darren Watts was the only culprit caught after a fraud involving seven fuel stations

Advertisement

The owner of a haulier firm is furious after authorities were only able to bring one fraudster to justice following a fuel card scam.

Libco Logistics, based in Caerphilly county, lost more than £5,000 from the swindle which took place across seven filling stations over the course of two days.

Prosecutor Jemma Guy told Newport Magistrates’ Court: “Libco had 45 vans delivering housing goods around Wales. For each van a fuel card was registered to purchase diesel. On April 16, 2024, the company was emailed by Snap Fuel, the business it used for fuel cards.”

Snap raised concerns of potential fraudulent activity on the cards and Libco quickly realised several payments from recent days had not been for the purpose of refuelling its vans.

Advertisement

“The value of some of the transactions was much greater than would be expected,” said Ms Guy. “Refuelling should cost no more than £100 but some of these cost more than £300.”

Libco reported to police some £5,235 worth of payments at seven fuel stations in south Wales but only one of those incidents led to a criminal conviction. That incident had happened on April 14 at the A470 Texaco station in Abercynon when a 54-year-old man called Darren Watts – who did not work for Libco – had used one of the fuel cards to buy £300 worth of diesel.

CCTV showed Watts had been on the station forecourt wearing a hood and a scarf that covered his face. He pulled the pump hose behind his car boot which was up and blocking the camera’s view of what he was doing. It became clear he had pumped diesel into a container – and in the following days he advertised the fuel for sale online.

Watts was caught after his Ford Cougar’s registration number was picked up on the CCTV. But he was the only culprit brought to justice and Libco owner Steven Walters believes the blame for this lies with Gwent Police.

Advertisement

Mr Walters told WalesOnline: “I had 50-odd drivers working for me and one of them got their hands on a bunch of fuel cards, which were then passed on to people who stole thousands of pounds of fuel over two days.

“Darren Watts was the tip of the iceberg. He’s just somebody who was handed one of these cards. I didn’t even know who he was.”

Mr Walters accused Gwent Police of acting too slowly to gather evidence against others who may have been involved including an employee he suspected of handing out the fuel cards in the first place.

Police said there had been difficulties obtaining CCTV footage from three of the fuel stations “despite requests to supply it for the investigation”. The force refused to answer why it had not served warrants to seize all the footage it needed.

Advertisement

Watts, of Church Road in Gelligaer, pleaded guilty to fraud by false representation and was fined £240 and ordered to pay compensation of £300 to Libco. After the sentencing we phoned Mr Walters who was not satisfied by the lone conviction well over two years after he reported the crimes.

“I’m so angry,” he said. “Police dragged their feet. All the CCTV gets wiped after the first few weeks. Some of the garages obviously weren’t as helpful as they should have been but police never followed up with a warrant.”

Gwent Police told us it did receive CCTV from four of the seven fuel stations but that the Crown Prosecution Service decided there was only strong enough evidence to bring a charge over one of the incidents – Watts’ fraud in Abercynon.

Libco is now in the process of being liquidated. Mr Walters said this was the result of losing its key client and nothing to do with the fuel card scam.

Advertisement

He added: “We did get past the fraud. I had a strong chat with an employee I suspected and they then quit.”

During the sentencing District Judge Sophie Toms asked why it took two years for the case to reach court but the prosecutor was unable to shed light on this.

The court heard Watts has been struggling with health problems including a stroke and throat cancer.

Watts’ solicitor Richard Williams said: “He accepts the stupidity of his actions. He has had previous convictions but nothing in the past 25 years.”

Advertisement

The defendant receives £1,050 per month in personal independence payments and universal credit, the court heard.

Judge Toms said Watts was not fit for unpaid work due to his health issues. She imposed prosecution costs of £85 and a victim services surcharge of £96 on top of the fine and compensation.

Get daily breaking news updates on your phone by joining our WhatsApp community here. We occasionally treat members to special offers, promotions and ads from us and our partners. See our Privacy Notice.

Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

NewsBeat

How to watch France vs Morocco FOR FREE: TV channel and live stream for World Cup quarter-final today

Published

on

How to watch France vs Morocco FOR FREE: TV channel and live stream for World Cup quarter-final today

Quarter-final action at the World Cup begins tonight with pre-tournament favourites France taking on Morocco in Boston.

Les Bleus have won every single game in North America so far, topping their group in the process and are now two games away from reaching a third successive World Cup final.

Source link

Continue Reading

NewsBeat

Online threats to Britain are increasing, police say

Published

on

Online threats to Britain are increasing, police say

LONDON (AP) — Technology and online platforms are increasingly being used to threaten the United Kingdom, including by hostile countries, extremists and far-right groups, senior British police officials said Thursday.

There is a “continual battle” against threats online, said Vicki Evans, a senior national coordinator for counterterrorism at the Metropolitan Police, and police need help from technology companies because “it’s not something we can do alone.”

Islamic extremism remains the biggest threat but over the past five years, threats from far-right groups and hostile states have significantly grown, said Laurence Taylor, head of counterterrorism police.

According to Evans, the threat from hostile states is the “most rapidly escalating mission” for counterterrorism police.

Advertisement

Threats from hostile countries are increasing

In July, two Romanian men were jailed over the stabbing of a journalist from a Persian-language television station, which the judge said was carried out on behalf of Iran’s government.

In June, a Ukrainian man and Romanian man were jailed for their role in setting fire to property linked to U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer — a plot which fits the description of Russian state-backed sabotage. And in May, a U.K. border official and former Hong Kong police officer were convicted of spying for China.

Evans said that in 2025, there were more than 20 Iranian-backed plots, including assassinations, kidnappings and other serious crimes against the U.K. Additionally, police are still investigating whether arson attacks against Jewish sites earlier in the year have a link to Iran.

Russia has been organizing a “constant stream of surveillance plots” against people and institutions in Britain, aiming to target people Russian officials believe are enemies, “infiltrate” ordinary life and identify people who will “peddle” Russian narratives or carry out proxy work on behalf of the Russian state, she added.

Advertisement

Across Europe, Russia has recruited dozens of people on apps like Telegram to carry out vandalism or set fires — including at a warehouse in London that stored communications equipment meant for Ukraine.

Dylan Earl, the ringleader of that plot, was recruited on Telegram by the Wagner Group, a mercenary organization acting on behalf of Moscow that has been designated a terrorist group by the U.K. government.

Evans also said that teenagers as young as 15 have been arrested by police in relation to proxy plots. The challenge for law enforcement, she added, is that “anyone could be targeted,” especially online.

“This isn’t something that’s happening elsewhere,” Evans said, speaking to journalists at New Scotland Yard, the Metropolitan Police headquarters. “It’s happening here. This risk is in our neighborhoods, in our online spaces and in our workplaces.”

The threat of far-right extremism is rising

Taylor said that the threat level in the U.K. was raised in April from “substantial” to “severe,” partly because cases linked to extreme far right ideologies are “growing substantially.”

Police have noted an increase in “vile” content, particularly online, which creates a “cocktail of racism, misogyny and extreme homophobia,” he said.

Advertisement

Extreme views, he said, appear to be being challenged less and less and so conditions have been created where previously unacceptable views are now more prevalent.

As an example, he gave the case of an 18-year-old woman, Alina Burns, who was imprisoned for almost 20 years in May after attacking a stranger with an ax — an attack that Taylor said was motivated by her extreme right-wing mindset.

Children are increasingly radicalized online

Alfie Coleman — a 22-year-old sentenced on Wednesday for 13.5 years for trying to buy a gun from an undercover MI5 officer — was radicalized online from the age of 14, Taylor said.

Evans said that those behind the exploitation are specifically designing online content to attract young people by blending it with propaganda and gaming footage, historical images and music. The young are then prompted to carry out violent acts — such as being asked to “recreate” in real life horrific attacks from video games, she said.

Advertisement

In some cases, Evans said, “sadistic online groups,” ask people to compete against each other to cause harm online and offline — by using cyberattacks, extremism, serious violence or even child sexual abuse or terrorism.

The extent of “lawful but awful” content online, including extreme violence and gore, she said means that some people now have a skewed sense of what is normal or acceptable. Those people are particularly vulnerable to manipulation, including by state actors, she said.

Although the government has said that Britain will ban social media for those under 16, that is not enough, said Evans, adding that pressure needs to be put on technology companies to help curb harmful content online.

Laws and policies regulating harmful content online quickly go out of date while social platforms have powerful mechanisms to push content to young people, she said.

Advertisement

“The tipping point is very swift and steep,” for some people who are drawn into harmful content online, she said.

Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

NewsBeat

Stockton: a worthy contender for Town of Culture prize

Published

on

Stockton: a worthy contender for Town of Culture prize

It is appropriate as it comes just weeks after the opening of its £23m Stockton Waterfront Urban Park, which is one of the most extraordinary attempts in the country to revive a town centre and to right the wrongs of the 1970s.

Stockton has much to commend it, with its railways and matches, its theatres, libraries and The Globe which, after its redevelopment, has suddenly become a regional capital for entertainment.

READ FIRST: STOCKTON MAKES IT TO THE SHORTLIST

Advertisement

But so many of our other towns have so much to commend them. That 18 towns, from Alnwick to Scarborough, in the North East and North Yorkshire, submitted expressions of interest tells how vibrant culture is in our neck of the woods.

It must have been impossible for the judges to pare down 398 entries, so we are sure they have tried to spread them out across the country and they have tried to ensure that towns which really need a boost are involved.

Disappointingly, this means towns with really impressive entries – and you must be bowled over by the cultural achievements of Bishop Auckland in the last decade and Richmond in the last couple of centuries – must miss out.

However, it is to be hoped that the bidding process has reminded the participants just how much their places have to offer and why they should be proud of them.

Advertisement

Perhaps the question should be asked of those towns which did not take part why they did not choose to blow their own trumpets when there was a potential £3m prize at stake – hopefully, Stockton can bring it home for us all.

Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Trending

Copyright © 2025