MI5 Arrests Supermarket Worker Planning Terrorist Attack
Alfie Coleman, a 21-year-old supermarket worker from Great Notley, Essex, was apprehended by MI5 operatives in a Morrisons' car park while attempting to purchase a gun for a planned terrorist attack, a court heard. Prosecutor Nicholas De La Poer KC stated that Coleman, who denies preparing terrorist acts, had been communicating with MI5 agents disguised as fellow extremists and had amassed weapons and extremist literature, including a version of The Anarchists Cookbook. Four knives were recovered from his bedroom following his arrest.
UK house prices decline 0.5% amid rising mortgage rates
UK house prices fell by 0.5% in March, according to Halifax, with the average price now at £299,677, as rising mortgage rates and uncertainty from the conflict in the Middle East dampened demand. The annual growth rate also slowed to 0.8%, down from 1.2% in February, reflecting a loss of momentum in the housing market. The average two-year fixed mortgage rate rose to 5.84%, the highest since July 2024, as concerns over inflation and energy prices persisted.
Record Employment Tribunal Backlog Raises Legal Concerns
The Law Society of England and Wales has expressed concerns over a significant backlog in Employment Tribunal cases, which has reached a record high of 68,192 outstanding cases as of January 2026, up nearly 50% from the previous year. This backlog coincides with the launch of the Fair Work Agency (FWA), which is now responsible for enforcing various employment rights, including the national minimum wage and sick pay. The agency's ability to manage this increased demand effectively is under scrutiny, particularly as new regulations prohibit employers from seeking legal advice during unannounced raids.
22,000 UK students ordered to repay mis-sold loans
The Student Loans Company has instructed 22,000 students in the UK to repay maintenance loans that were mis-sold, as their weekend courses were deemed ineligible for such financial support. Affected students received notifications stating that their universities provided incorrect information regarding their course eligibility, leading to demands for immediate repayment of loans and childcare grants. The issue involves courses from 15 institutions, with universities considering a legal challenge against the government's decision.
