Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

LGBT classes: Headteacher says protests won't stop lessons

Protesters objecting to LGBT lessons in a Birmingham school have vowed to continue protests even after next week's half-term break.

Hundreds of angry parents gathered outside Anderton Park Primary School in Birmingham on Friday as demonstrations reached eighth week. Students were sent home early amid concerns of safety.


School headteacher Sarah Hewitt-Clarkson said she will not change what is being taught in school because of protests.

"There is a real despair that has made this us-and-them feeling. It's only a small minority of parents and actually a majority are totally fed," she was quoted as saying.

"It's not peaceful, it is aggressive, it's rude. Their tactics are very bullying and intimidating, they're meant to crush the spirit of people like me, and other women."

She also condemned Birmingham Hall Green MP Roger Godsiff, who said five-year-olds were too young learn about LGBT issues.

"It's the fabric of British society is at stake here, because the equality laws hold us together," she said. "The law is there as a mark in the sand that we all have to promote, and understand and aspire to."

Labour's Jess Phillips, the MP for Birmingham Yardley, who lives near the school, said the protests were damaging the reputation of Birmingham's "peaceful and loving" Muslim community.

“It is hate preaching," she was quoted as saying. "The protest has to be stopped. I feel like everyone is pussyfooting around a load of bigots. They shouldn’t be allowed anywhere near the schools. These are people with a religious extremist agenda. They are holding schools under siege.”

More For You

Uganda-high-commission-event

The event also focused on Uganda’s role in cultural diplomacy and sustainable development.

Uganda high commission hosts heritage event in London

THE UGANDA high commission in London hosted an event highlighting Uganda’s cultural heritage and investment opportunities at the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Building. The event featured a performance by the Watoto Children’s Choir.

Uganda’s high commissioner to the UK, Nimisha J Madhvani, addressed the gathering, welcoming guests and speaking about the country’s cultural diversity.

Keep ReadingShow less
Maha-kumbh-pilgrims-reuters

Devotees arrive at the river bank to take a holy dip at Sangam during the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, India on January 28, 2025. (Photo: Reuters)

India says 420 million pilgrims have visited Maha Kumbh

INDIA’s government announced on Friday that more than 420 million pilgrims have taken part in ritual bathing at the Maha Kumbh, a Hindu religious festival.

Organisers say the estimate is based on artificial intelligence and surveillance cameras used to track attendance.

Keep ReadingShow less
Bird-flu-Getty

There have been 27 confirmed cases of bird flu in England and one in Scotland during the current outbreak. (Representational image: Getty Images)

England bans 'bird gatherings' to contain avian flu spread

THE GOVERNMENT has announced a ban on "bird gatherings" in England as part of efforts to contain the spread of avian influenza.

The ban, which comes into effect from midday on Monday, will apply to fairs, markets, and shows involving various bird species.

Keep ReadingShow less
Matt-Jukes-Getty

Matt Jukes, the UK’s head of counterterrorism, has called for a social media ban for children under 16. (Photo: Getty Images)

Nine-year-old among youngest referred for far-right deradicalisation

A UK charity working to counter far-right radicalisation has seen children as young as nine referred for support.

Exit Hate UK, which helps individuals leave extremist movements, said its youngest-ever referral was nine years old, with the average age of those seeking help being about 15, according to The Times.

Keep ReadingShow less
Streeting hails India’s global role as Labour backs bilateral relations

Wes Streeting addresses the Republic Day reception at the Guildhall in London last Tuesday (28),joined by Sir Lindsay Hoyle and Vikram Doraiswami

Streeting hails India’s global role as Labour backs bilateral relations

WES STREETING spoke of the priority prime minister Sir Keir Starmer and the Labour government attach to relations with India when he addressed a Republic Day reception at the Guildhall in London last Tuesday (28).

But the secretary of state for health and social care won over the large Indian crowd by paying an unexpected tribute to Rishi Sunak.

Keep ReadingShow less