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Britain’s Migration Crackdown Leaves Thousands of Modern Slavery Victims Without Support

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Thousands of victims of modern slavery in Britain are being denied essential support due to stricter immigration rules introduced in 2023, according to sources from government, law enforcement, and charities. The changes have made it harder for victims to qualify for state assistance by demanding greater proof of exploitation, leading to a rejection rate of 45% in 2023 compared to just 11% in 2022. The toughened regulations are deterring victims from coming forward, fearing deportation instead of protection.

The 2015 Modern Slavery Act, once considered a global benchmark for combatting trafficking, has now lost its effectiveness, a recent House of Lords report revealed. Despite earlier pledges to reform the rules, Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s Labour government has maintained a ban on asylum seekers accessing modern slavery protections. Data from the Home Office shows that foreign victims face harsher rejection rates, with 85% of British applicants receiving positive decisions compared to just 44% for foreign nationals.

Charities warn that the tightened rules have created significant barriers for victims, many of whom are unable to provide comprehensive evidence of their exploitation. Former officials and experts said the measures undermine efforts to catch traffickers, with victim engagement plummeting. Britain’s Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner expressed concerns that fears of deportation, including past proposals to send migrants to Rwanda, continue to deter victims from seeking help.

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Italy Probes Spyware Attack Targeting WhatsApp Users, Including Activist and Journalist

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The Italian government announced an investigation into a “particularly serious” spyware incident targeting seven mobile phone users on WhatsApp. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s office denied any involvement and directed the National Cybersecurity Agency to probe the matter after reports that a journalist and a migrant rescue activist were affected.

Luca Casarini, co-founder of the Mediterranea Saving Humans charity, revealed he received a spyware alert from WhatsApp the same day Meta accused surveillance firm Paragon Solutions of targeting 90 users across several countries. Italian journalist Francesco Cancellato, editor of Fanpage, also confirmed receiving a similar alert. Both victims expressed concern about the breach, with Casarini calling it a “violation of democracy.”

Meta linked the sophisticated “zero-click” hacking method to Paragon, reportedly owned by AE Industrial Partners, and issued a cease-and-desist letter. Spyware cases were also detected in Belgium, Greece, Germany, and other EU nations. The Italian cybersecurity agency has yet to receive information on the identities of those targeted.

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High Seismic Activity Forces Evacuations from Santorini

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Santorini residents and visitors scrambled to leave the Greek island on Monday as dozens of tremors continued to shake the region for a fourth consecutive day. The quakes, some with magnitudes above 4, prompted authorities to close schools on Santorini and nearby islands, including Ios, Amorgos, and Anafi, until Friday. Disaster response units were deployed as a precaution, and people were urged to stay out of indoor spaces and small ports.

Local officials noted that while permanent residents were accustomed to earthquakes, many visitors and workers were leaving the island. “There have been continuous tremors every five minutes for three days. We couldn’t sleep last night,” said Tzanis Lignos, who left with his family after managing to secure tickets. Aegean Airlines arranged extra flights upon the request of Greece’s Civil Protection Ministry to facilitate travel for those evacuating the island.

Experts, including Efthymios Lekkas, a professor of tectonic geology and disaster management, warned that seismic activity is expected to persist for several weeks. The tremors come in an area historically known for tectonic and volcanic activity, with the last major volcanic eruption occurring in 1950. However, experts clarified that the mild volcanic activity observed recently near Santorini is unrelated to the current quakes.

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Starmer Urges Europe to Intensify Efforts Against Putin’s War Machine During Brussels Visit

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British Prime Minister Keir Starmer traveled to Brussels on Monday to call for a stronger European commitment to countering President Vladimir Putin’s Russia and its ongoing war in Ukraine. In his discussions with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and European leaders, Starmer emphasized the need for the continent to step up its efforts, particularly in targeting Russia’s energy revenues and companies supporting Putin’s missile factories. His visit marks the first time a British leader has met with EU heads of state since the UK’s departure from the bloc.

During his visit, Starmer reiterated the importance of maintaining pressure on Putin, noting U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent threats to impose new tariffs on Russia if the war in Ukraine continues without a resolution. He expressed confidence that European allies must play a more significant role in this collective effort, working together to “crush Putin’s war machine.”

While Starmer’s visit aimed to strengthen post-Brexit relations with the EU, British Interior Minister Yvette Cooper raised concerns over the government’s position on migration. She clarified that a proposed youth mobility deal with the EU was not a priority for the UK, stressing the need to reduce net migration, which has been a central issue for the government.

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French Finance Minister Confident on 2025 Budget Talks Amid Political Tensions

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French Finance Minister Eric Lombard expressed optimism on Friday regarding ongoing talks to pass the 2025 budget bill, emphasizing that negotiations were “on the right track” despite potential compromises still needed. Speaking to TF1 television, Lombard reaffirmed the government’s commitment to reducing the public sector deficit to 5.4% of GDP this year, down from nearly 6% last year, amid concerns over tax shortfalls and increased spending.

As lawmakers from the Senate and lower house continued closed-door discussions to finalize the much-delayed budget, Lombard acknowledged the risk of a possible no-confidence motion. Prime Minister Francois Bayrou is expected to invoke constitutional powers to push the budget through without a regular vote, a move likely to provoke backlash from opposition parties, including the far-left and potentially Marine Le Pen’s far-right RN party.

Jean-Philippe Tanguy, an RN lawmaker on the panel, criticized the draft budget for lacking significant spending cuts, calling it a “phantom budget.” He warned of mounting financial risks as France approaches February without an approved fiscal plan, noting that the rising cost of state debt has already increased by 8 billion euros. The uncertainty has rattled investor confidence and could have further consequences if no resolution is reached.

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EU Stands Firm on Denmark’s Sovereignty Amid U.S. Greenland Interest

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The European Union has strongly reaffirmed its support for Denmark’s sovereignty over Greenland, following repeated comments from U.S. President Donald Trump regarding the potential acquisition of the Arctic island. European Council President Antonio Costa emphasized the importance of Denmark’s territorial integrity, calling it an “essential issue” for the EU in an interview on Wednesday. Costa’s statement aligns with the position of EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, who declared that the bloc would not entertain any negotiations over Greenland’s status.

Trump has expressed that Greenland, a semi-autonomous territory of Denmark, holds strategic significance for U.S. national security, and has even suggested the possibility of using military or economic power to secure the island. The U.S. operates a military base in northwestern Greenland, which functions as a ballistic missile early-warning system. However, both Denmark and Greenland have firmly rejected Trump’s claims, with Greenland’s Prime Minister Mute Egede stating that the island’s people should determine their own future.

In response to growing concerns about Arctic security, NATO and Denmark have agreed to bolster Arctic defense measures, with Denmark committing to an additional $2 billion in defense spending. Despite the tensions over Greenland, both Greenland and Denmark have made it clear that the island is not for sale, maintaining their position on the region’s territorial sovereignty.

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Italian PM Giorgia Meloni Under Investigation Over Release of Libyan Police Officer

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Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni revealed on Tuesday that she is under judicial investigation after her government’s controversial decision to release Libyan police officer Osama Elmasry Njeem, wanted by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for alleged crimes against humanity, including murder, torture, and rape. Njeem was repatriated on an Italian state aircraft days after being detained in Turin, prompting demands from the ICC for an explanation, as they had not been consulted.

Meloni, along with Justice Minister Carlo Nordio, Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi, and intelligence undersecretary Alfredo Mantovano, faces accusations of aiding and abetting a crime and misuse of public funds. Opposition leaders have ridiculed the government’s justification, with Piantedosi set to address parliament on Wednesday regarding the decision, which has strained relations between Rome and the ICC.

The prime minister defended her actions, calling the investigation politically motivated. Meloni pointed to previous probes against her government figures, including the recent acquittal of Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini over a migrant standoff case. Lucio Malan, Senate leader of Meloni’s Brothers of Italy party, accused the judiciary of using “politicized justice” to undermine the government amid ongoing legal reforms.

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Britain and EU Clash Over Post-Brexit Fishing Rights in Hague Tribunal

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Britain and the European Union have taken their first legal dispute over post-Brexit fishing rights to the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague. The case, which began on Tuesday, centers on whether Britain’s ban on fishing sandeels in its North Sea waters breaches the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA). A three-member panel of legal experts from France, New Zealand, and South Africa will hear arguments for three days and deliver a final ruling by late April. The ban, justified by Britain as necessary for ecological balance, has sparked tensions, with the EU calling it discriminatory and disproportionate.

Though the financial impact is minor, with Britain estimating a maximum revenue loss of £45 million for non-UK vessels, the political ramifications could be significant. A ruling against the ban may lead to EU retaliation, potentially straining Britain’s efforts to “reset” relations with the bloc under Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Environmental groups and Brexiteers have also urged the government to stand firm, creating further complications.

The case highlights broader tensions between the UK and EU, as both sides aim to resolve trade and regulatory disagreements post-Brexit. Britain is also exploring a veterinary agreement to ease food trade and closer defense cooperation with EU leaders. The fishing ban specifically affects Danish fleets that harvest sandeels for animal feed and oil production, while British vessels do not target the species.

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British Businesses Set to Cut Pay Awards Amid Tax Hikes and Economic Pessimism

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A majority of British businesses are planning to reduce staff pay awards in response to upcoming payroll tax increases, according to surveys published on Monday. Incomes Data Research (IDR) revealed that 69% of employers surveyed were moderately or extremely likely to slow pay rises to offset the tax hike announced by Finance Minister Rachel Reeves in her October budget. Over half of respondents said they were “extremely likely” to scale back pay increases, with one-third also considering redundancies. The survey, covering 168 employers and 1.2 million workers, found that 43% expect pay rises between 3.0% and 3.99%, while only 14% anticipate increases of 4% or more.

The Confederation of British Industry (CBI) added to the bleak outlook, reporting only a slight improvement in business sentiment for the next three months. The CBI’s growth indicator rose marginally to -22 in January from a two-year low of -24 in December, as businesses across sectors, including manufacturing, services, and retail, remained pessimistic. Alpesh Paleja, the CBI’s interim chief economist, warned that plans to cut staff and raise prices could exacerbate challenges for policymakers trying to balance growth and inflation control.

These findings come as the Bank of England prepares to announce its interest rate decision on February 6. Most economists expect a quarter-point rate cut, though the long-term trajectory remains uncertain. Meanwhile, Reeves has defended her tax increases as a one-off measure to stabilize public finances, ahead of an upcoming speech outlining her strategy to accelerate Britain’s sluggish economic growth.

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Irish Parliament Vote for Prime Minister Delayed Amid Opposition Protests

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The election of Micheál Martin as Ireland’s new prime minister was delayed by a day after chaotic scenes in the parliament, Dáil Éireann, on Wednesday. The disruption stemmed from protests by opposition lawmakers over speaking rights for independent legislators backing the incoming coalition government. The speaker was forced to suspend proceedings four times before adjourning the session to Thursday morning.

Martin, set to lead a coalition of Fine Gael, Fianna Fáil, and independents, criticized the opposition, particularly Sinn Féin, for what he called a “subversion of the Irish constitution.” He emphasized the importance of electing a taoiseach and forming a government, expressing dismay at the day’s events. Outgoing premier Simon Harris, who was poised to become deputy prime minister, described the disruptions as “stunt politics on speed.”

The delay has postponed Martin’s appointment of new ministers, with the government aiming to finalize the cabinet before the upcoming U.S. presidential inauguration. The opposition’s protest centered on government-supporting independents retaining extended speaking rights, a contentious issue that remains unresolved. Sinn Féin’s David Cullinane accused the coalition and independents of engaging in “stroke politics” that prompted the standoff.

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