News To Know: Your TLDR round-up for the week
We're living in a world where's there's a constant barrage of news – and it can be hard to stay on top of it all. Here, our 'News To Know' round-up has you covered, with our pick of six big (and under-the-radar) stories, so that you can breeze your way through any conversation at brunch this weekend...
Rwanda bound migrant flight cancelled
A plane carrying asylum seekers was grounded just minutes before it was due to take-off to Rwanda – where migrants who've travelled to the UK illegally are being sent as part of a new government plan to crack down on Chanel crossings.
The five year plan is aimed at people who arrive in the UK through what the government calls "illegal, dangerous or unnecessary methods", such as on small boats or hidden in vehicles.
But this week the first flight set to leave the UK – with just seven people on board – was cancelled following an eleventh-hour intervention by the European Court of Human Rights. Despite the intervention, and widespread backlash from campaigners for refugee rights, home secretary Priti Patel doubled-down on the plan, saying: "We will not be deterred from doing the right thing."
Grenfell victims remembered five years on from tragedy
Londoners and bereaved loved ones gathered on Tuesday 14 June to mark the five year anniversary of the Grenfell fire, in which 72 people tragically lost their lives.
In the morning, a memorial service was held for locals – who were joined by Kate Middleton and Prince William – to pay tribute to those who they sadly lost. During the memorial, a multi-faith service was held and a 72-second silence was observed. Afterwards, hundreds of people took part in a two-mile silent protest around the area and dozens of firefighters lined the streets in mourning.
"For many of us the events five years ago are still so raw in our minds and our losses remain heavy in our hearts," Natasha Elcock, chairwoman of campaign group Grenfell United, said at the memorial.
Missguided says customers owed refunds wont get them
Fast-fashion brand Missguided – who recently fell into administration after suppliers filed to shut it down over unpaid debts – has this week confirmed that customers who are owed a refund will not get their money back.
Addressing shoppers who've been left out-of-pocket, Teneo (the company running the business until it's taken over by a new owner) said the brand will not be able to honour refunds it owes to customers.
Customers who are expecting a refund should now reach out to their debit or credit card provider, or buy-now-pay-later schemes like Klarna, if this is how they paid. Full details on how to get your money back when a company goes bust can be found here, via Which?.
Monkeypox to be renamed over ‘discriminatory’ stigma
Monkeypox is set to be renamed after a group of scientists branded its current name "inaccurate" and "stigmatising" due to the references that the rare disease is African.
The World Health Organization (WHO) is overseeing the name change after 30 scientists wrote a letter calling for an "urgent need" to change the name to avoid discriminating. One potential name that has been put forward is hMPXV.
The virus outbreak has seen over 1,600 cases recorded in more than 30 countries, and is now classified as a "notifiable disease" by health officials in England. Monkeypox can be passed on through sexual activity, coughing or sneezing, or contact with monkeypox scabs, but the UKHSA said that monkeypox does not usually spread easily and the risk to the population is low.
Ice cream sellers fear Cadbury 99p Flake shortage amid UK heatwave
Just as the UK is blessed with a heatwave and the demand for ice cream heightens, the must-have Cadbury flake to complete your Mr Whippy has gone sparse. In fact, Cadbury’s parent company (Modelez) has said there are "supply chain disruptions" after moving most of its production of Flakes to a factory near Cairo, Egypt.
"This is disappointing to our members and their customers as the Flake product is synonymous... enjoyed throughout the UK especially during the summer months," a Modelez spokesperson said. "We are working, and will continue to work hard, to resolve the situation, and are working closely with our direct distributive customers to manage stock allocation fairly based on initial forecasts."
But, amidst the cost of living crisis, rail strikes and flight cancellations, perhaps the lack of Flakes is the least of our worries. So, prepare to enjoy your ice creams along the beach with no iconic chocolate this summer.
Landlords cannot refuse tenants with pets under new law
It's good news for animal lovers! In possibly the biggest shakeup of private renting in recent years, tenants will soon have a legal right to keep pets in their rented homes. According to a study by Goodlord, just 5% of landlords currently allow animals in their properties, with the reason being the increase in potential maintenance costs.
As part of the government's Renters Reform Bill, buy-to-let investors will no longer be permitted to place blanket bans on pets in their properties – however, housing secretary Michael Gove will grant landlords the power to request that tenants have insurance to cover any potential damage made by pets.
The law change will also make it illegal for landlords to ban renting to families with children or those in receipt of benefits.
And that's the news you need to know!
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