‘A crisis boiling over’: Essex community divided over violent migrant protests
Epping, a historic Essex town, remains divided following ten days of protests outside the Bell Hotel, which houses asylum seekers. Tensions erupted after an Ethiopian resident was charged with sexual assault, prompting both peaceful demonstrations and violent clashes. Smoke flares, injuries to police, and arrests followed, with far-right figures reported among the protestors. While some locals insist the protests were motivated by child safety concerns, not race, others fear Epping is being manipulated by outsiders stirring hate. A growing police presence and physical barriers now surround the hotel, with more demonstrations expected. Local MP Dr Neil Hudson has urged the government to close the hotel and condemned violence as 'deeply troubling.' Residents voice mixed views - some fearful and disturbed, others dismissing the unrest as exaggerated by the media. The charity Hope Not Hate warns that far-right groups are exploiting community tensions to spread division. Amid growing anxiety and fractured public opinion, many call for the legal process to be respected and for peace to be restored to the community.
Minehead: Community's pain after deadly school bus crash
Minehead is mourning the loss of a 10-year-old boy after a tragic school bus crash injured several others. The bus, carrying over 60 students and staff, veered off the road while returning from a trip to the zoo. Churches in the town have responded swiftly, offering prayer, pastoral care, and safe spaces for grieving. Tommy Pratt, a trainee minister at Minehead Baptist Church, described the incident’s deep impact on the close-knit community. Church members with ties to the school were among those affected, and many locals are still 'processing' the shock. Churches across denominations are coordinating efforts to support families, school staff, and medical workers. The Hub café has opened its doors for prayer and conversation, and churches are preparing Sunday services with space for lament and reflection. A GoFundMe appeal has raised over £15,000 for affected families. Amid sorrow, the community’s unified and compassionate response has become a source of strength. Church leaders are praying for God’s peace, healing, and comfort during this time of collective grief.
Ukraine: new peace talks, says Zelensky
Volodymyr Zelensky has announced that Ukraine and Russia will engage in another round of talks on 23 July in Turkey. This comes at a time of intensified Russian drone attacks and continued escalation in the long-running conflict, now in its fourth year. While earlier talks have led to prisoner exchanges, little progress has been made toward achieving a lasting peace. Russia’s conditions for ending the war include Ukraine’s full withdrawal from the regions of the country now occupied by Russia, and international recognition of territories it has claimed since 2014, including Crimea. Ukraine, on the other hand, seeks a ceasefire, restoration of its borders (to 2013), return of all abducted children, release of civilians, and the exchange of prisoners of war. Donald Trump has voiced support for increased sanctions on Russia to pressure a resolution, urging both sides to reach an agreement swiftly. The world watches closely as diplomatic efforts resume amid deep divisions and ongoing violence.
France: cities impose curfews on children after drug violence
Several French cities have introduced night-time curfews for minors in response to escalating violence linked to drug trafficking. In Nîmes, where recent shootings and a brutal murder have shaken residents, authorities have imposed a 9pm–6am curfew for under-16s to shield children from violence and criminal exploitation. Mayor Jean-Paul Fournier described the situation as 'untenable,' blaming drug gangs for fostering a climate of fear. Other cities, including Béziers and Limoges, have implemented similar curfews. However, officials admit enforcement is challenging, with continued youth disturbances and attacks on police undermining their effectiveness. In Béziers, youths recently ambushed officers with fireworks, and Limoges saw unrest involving 100 people. The violence highlights a growing trend of gang activity spreading beyond Marseille, France’s drug crime epicentre. In 2024, drug-related violence claimed 110 lives and wounded over 300. The government is responding with tougher laws, high-security prisons, and expanded investigative powers, but community leaders warn that more than policing is needed to protect young lives and restore peace.
