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Statutory Maternity Pay Delays Harriett Thompson applied for 21 weeks of SMP at £187.18 per week – a total of £3,931.78. The statutory maximum is £194.32 per week, meaning she missed out on £7.14 weekly, or £149.94 over the full claim. HMRC cited a backlog; the first cheque arrived on 8 April 2026, almost a year after the expected April 2025 payment. Similar cases reported delays of 18 months to 3 years, with some receiving threatening HMRC letters. Financial Impact on Self‑Employed Self‑employed claimants must fund their own SMP through their limited company and then seek reimbursement from HMRC, turning a normally automatic payroll process into a manual, unpredictable one. Richard Douglas of Oakworth Financial Planning notes that once the process becomes manual, “timescales are almost impossible to predict due to a lack of processing staff and extra verification checks.” Selina Flavius of Black Girl Finance describes the system as “clunky” and “designed with traditional employers and employees in mind,” leaving director‑owners to juggle cash‑flow while awaiting reimbursement. Even when paid, the SMP rate is lower than the 90 % average‑earnings uplift employees receive, meaning freelancers can lose “hundreds or thousands of pounds” over the leave period, according to Catherine Goldfinger of Milk & Money. Mortgage Challenges Mortgage lenders assess income stability. Habito explains that self‑employed borrowers without employees face “big impact on income” assessments, often resulting in higher deposits and specialist brokers. Rachael Twumasi‑Corson needed three years of tax returns and a 15 % deposit to secure a mortgage in late 2021. Fluctuating earnings during maternity leave increase perceived risk, leading to longer approval times and stricter terms. Expert Commentary Richard Douglas (Oakworth Financial Planning): “HMRC’s systems work well for traditional employer‑employee relationships; for owner‑operators the process is manual and slow.” Selina Flavius (Black Girl Finance): “The statutory maternity pay money is there, but the claim process is awkward, slow and prone to confusion for director‑owners.” Catherine Goldfinger (Milk & Money): “Maternity allowance lacks the six‑week average‑earnings uplift, meaning self‑employed parents can lose significant income.” Key Takeaways Self‑employed mothers must front SMP payments, creating cash‑flow strain. HMRC delays can extend up to three years, undermining financial stability. Mortgage applications become harder, often requiring larger deposits and specialist brokers. Policy designed for traditional employment leaves a gap for director‑owners and freelancers.

Bulgaria is holding its eighth parliamentary election in five years, with polling stations opening at 7am local time (04:00 GMT) and closing at 17:00 GMT. The election is significant as it could bring to power a left-leaning, pro-Russian former President Rumen Radev, just days after voters in Hungary rejected the authoritarian policies and global far-right movement of Viktor Orban.The December protests that brought down the previous conservative-led government drew hundreds of thousands of mainly young people to the streets, calling for an independent judiciary to tackle widespread corruption. Radev, a former air force general, has said he wants to rid the country of its “oligarchic governance model” and backed anticorruption protests late last year.Radev has advocated for renewing ties with Russia and criticised sending military aid to Ukraine. He resigned from the mainly ceremonial presidency in January to launch his bid to lead the government as prime minister. However, his stance has drawn criticism from opponents, who accuse him of being too accommodating towards the Kremlin.Bulgaria, a nation of 6.5 million people, has faced repeated political instability since 2021, with fragmented parliaments producing weak coalition governments. The EU member state has cycled through a succession of administrations since mass anticorruption protests in 2021 ended the conservative rule of longtime leader Boyko Borissov.The opinion polls suggest that Borissov’s pro-European GERB party is expected to finish second, with about 20 percent support, ahead of the liberal PP-DB alliance. Official results are likely to be announced on Monday.

Tens of thousands of displaced Lebanese families have begun returning to their homes in southern Lebanon, despite ongoing Israeli attacks and home demolitions near the border. The return comes after a 10-day truce between Lebanon and Israel.On Saturday, a steady stream of vehicles carrying mattresses, bags, and flags was seen traveling south as families evaluated the condition of their homes. However, many found their homes destroyed or damaged beyond habitation, making them hesitant to stay.The Lebanese army has advised residents to postpone their return, while Hezbollah has warned that it has its "finger on the trigger" should Israel breach the agreement. Senior Hezbollah official Mahmoud Qamati cautioned that "Israeli treachery is expected at any time, and this is a temporary truce".Lebanese authorities report that nearly 2,300 people were killed and over one million displaced throughout the conflict, primarily from southern Lebanon and Beirut's southern suburbs. Local media and residents indicate that Israeli forces continue demolition operations across several border villages.The Israeli military has established a "Yellow Line" in southern Lebanon, similar to what it did in the Gaza Strip, designating a military zone and buffer inside the area.

Pope Leo XIV has addressed tens of thousands of faithful near Angola's capital, Luanda, urging the country to overcome divisions and corruption during a landmark tour of Africa. Speaking at an open-air Mass on Sunday in the town of Kilamba, Leo addressed the country's civil war-scarred past, which he said has brought enmity and division, squandered resources and poverty.The pontiff arrived in the Portuguese-speaking nation on Saturday for the third leg of a four-nation tour of the continent, which began in Algeria and Cameroon and will also include a stop in Equatorial Guinea. At a meeting with Angolan officials, including President Joao Lourenco, Leo spoke out against the suffering and social and environmental disasters caused by the rampant exploitation of natural resources.Leo said he is not afraid of the Trump administration and will continue to speak out against war. The pope's rhetoric has put him at odds with Trump, who last week called the Catholic leader weak and terrible for foreign policy. Many people who attended the Mass at Kilamba arrived early in the morning in anticipation, with Sister Christina Matende saying, The pope coming here is a joy. We are living in a moment of a lot of difficulties, and we are waiting for the blessing of the pope.

Tens of thousands of displaced Lebanese families are returning home despite ongoing reports of Israeli shelling and demolitions of homes near the country's southern border. A preliminary assessment by Lebanese authorities found that nearly 40,000 homes had been destroyed or damaged before the truce.Cars loaded with mattresses, bags, and salvaged belongings continued streaming south on Saturday as families went back to see if their homes remained. However, many are finding their homes badly damaged or uninhabitable. Fadel Badreddine, displaced from Nabatieh, said, 'There's destruction and it's unliveable. We're taking our things and leaving again.'A 10-day ceasefire took effect on Thursday night, raising hopes of a pause after 46 days of intensified Israeli attacks. However, uncertainty remains amid widespread destruction and Israeli warnings against returning to parts of southern Lebanon. Al Jazeera correspondents reported that Israeli bulldozers were continuing demolition and land-clearing operations in several areas of southern Lebanon, while Israeli artillery also shelled areas around Beit Lif, al-Qantara, and Toul.Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said the area between the security zone and the Litani River had not yet been cleared of fighters and 'weapons'. He stated that this will have to be done through diplomatic means or continued Israeli military activity after the ceasefire. Rare face-to-face talks between Lebanon and Israel are expected to resume in the coming days, though both sides appear to have sharply different priorities.

Alycia Baumgardner entered the Theater at Madison Square Garden on Saturday morning as the defending champion of three junior‑lightweight belts (WBO, IBF, WBA) and delivered a textbook performance against South Korea’s Bo Mi Re Shin. The Ohio‑born fighter, trained by Derrick James, secured a wide‑margin unanimous decision, with judges scoring the bout 98‑92, 98‑92 and 99‑91, confirming her sixth successful defense in the 130‑lb division. The event, staged by Most Valuable Promotions Women—the new women’s‑boxing platform launched by boxer‑influencer Jake Paul—also featured a dramatic co‑main event. New Zealand’s Lani Daniels, a 37‑year‑old former IBF light‑heavyweight and heavyweight champion, defied 4‑to‑1 odds by stopping unified super‑middleweight champion Shadasia Green with a ninth‑round technical knockout. Green was subsequently taken to hospital on a stretcher, though promoters later confirmed she was “awake and talking.” Daniels, nicknamed the “Smiling Assassin,” expressed mixed emotions after the bout, saying, “I’m happy but also concerned for her,” while celebrating her third‑weight‑class world title. The upset added a compelling narrative to a night already highlighted by Baumgardner’s dominance. Baumgardner’s fight unfolded under traditional men’s championship rules—ten three‑minute rounds. From the opening bell she imposed her technical superiority, landing crisp straight punches and a sharp right‑left combination that set the tempo. Shin attempted to disrupt the rhythm, even attempting a brief grapple in round three, but Baumgardner’s disciplined jab and footwork kept her in control. Midway through the contest the challenger found brief success, pressing forward in rounds five and six and even edging a round in the judges’ eyes. However, Baumgardner rebounded in round seven, re‑establishing distance and using angles to neutralize Shin’s pressure. By the ninth round she had reclaimed the fight, delivering clean counters that left Shin visibly shaken. In the final round, rather than coasting on the scorecards, Baumgardner engaged in a high‑energy exchange, finishing the night with a flurry that earned her a standing ovation from the thousands‑strong crowd. She entered the ring accompanied by New York rapper Lil’ Kim, a moment that amplified the event’s star power. Post‑fight, Baumgardner highlighted the physical demands of three‑minute rounds, stating, “Three‑minute rounds, ten rounds, on my period—baby, stop playing with me.” Her comments underscored an ongoing push within women’s boxing for longer rounds, a change she believes suits her aggressive style. Looking ahead, Baumgardner voiced interest in marquee match‑ups, naming Irish champion Katie Taylor as a dream opponent and also mentioning Amanda Serrano as a viable New York showdown. She emphasized that she “deserves the biggest fights and the biggest paydays,” signaling her ambition to elevate the profile—and profitability—of women’s boxing.

New Yorkers received an early Christmas present last week when Stefan Pildes, the organizer of SantaCon in New York City, was arrested on Wednesday morning and charged with wire fraud. Pildes allegedly used hundreds of thousands of dollars from event-based charitable donations on his personal expenses, such as luxe vacations and “extravagant meals”, according to Manhattan federal prosecutors. The news of Pildes' indictment sparked a humorous reaction on social media, with many New Yorkers expressing schadenfreude and relief. “LMAO” – internet slang for “laughing my ass off” – was one response, and “ahahahahahahahahahahaha” was another. The event, which has been associated with debauchery and chaos in the city, has long been a source of frustration for many residents. According to allegations in the indictment, Pildes sold tickets for $10 to $20 that granted access to SantaCon-sanctioned venues and received up to a 25% cut of participating bars’ sales. He repeatedly represented that these proceeds went to charity and claimed he didn’t receive any money from SantaCon or related entities. However, prosecutors allege that Pildes diverted more than half of the $2.7m in proceeds from 2019 to 2024 to an entity he controlled, using the funds freely to finance various personal ventures. The Manhattan borough president, Brad Hoylman-Sigal, told the Guardian: “I’m not surprised about the charges, but I am surprised that it took so long for someone, for a prosecutor, to look under the hood of this organization.” He also noted that he has been working to get SantaCon to follow community guidelines since 2013. Pildes appeared in federal court, where he entered a not guilty plea to one wire fraud count – which carries a maximum 20-year prison sentence. He was released on a $300,000 bond, with the condition that he have “no involvement … in the promotion or organizing of the event called SantaCon”. As he left court, Pildes was met by a throng of reporters eager for answers about the alleged SantaCon scam, but he did not respond to questions.

Every year on April 17, Palestinians commemorate Prisoner’s Day to bring attention to the thousands of men, women, and children held in Israeli prisons. This year’s observance is particularly significant due to Israel’s recently enacted death penalty law, which exclusively targets Palestinians convicted of deadly attacks.Rights groups have strongly criticized the law, labeling it a violation of international law and inherently discriminatory. The United Nations human rights chief has even suggested it could constitute a possible “war crime”.According to the prisoners’ rights group Addameer, nearly 10,000 Palestinians are currently being held in Israeli prisons, both within Israel and in occupied territories. These individuals are viewed by Palestinians as political prisoners who must be freed.The historical context of Prisoner’s Day dates back to April 17, 1971, when Mahmoud Bakr Hejazi was released in the first prisoner exchange between Israel and Palestine. In 1974, the Palestinian National Council officially designated April 17 as Prisoner’s Day, which has since served as a day of national and international solidarity with the Palestinian struggle against Israel’s continued occupation.Administrative Detention and Its ImplicationsAs of early April, 9,600 Palestinians were in Israeli custody. Of these detainees:3,532 are administrative detainees – held without charge or trial.342 are children.84 are women.119 are serving life sentences.Administrative detention is a longstanding Israeli policy allowing authorities to hold Palestinians without charge or trial for six-month periods that can be renewed indefinitely. Critics argue that this system is widely abused and denies due process, with over one-third of detainees being held under administrative detention.The Plight of Palestinian ChildrenIsrael is the only country that tries children in military courts, often denying them basic rights. 342 children were being held in Israeli prisons this month, with over 12,000 Palestinian children detained by Israeli forces since the outbreak of the second Intifada in 2000. These children are often subjected to physical and psychological torture, interrogated without parental or legal presence, and exploited for information or used as leverage against their families.The New Death Penalty LawThe new law allows military courts to impose the death penalty on Palestinians convicted of killing Israelis in acts of “terror.” This law, approved on March 30 and set to take effect by the end of April, applies to Palestinians from the West Bank tried in Israeli military courts. The Palestinian Authority has condemned the bill as a “war crime against the Palestinian people”, citing violations of the Fourth Geneva Convention.The rights group B’Tselem noted that the conviction rate for Palestinians tried in military courts is about 96 percent, often based on ‘confessions’ obtained through pressure and torture.A Legacy of DetentionSince 1967, Israeli forces have detained an estimated one million Palestinians, or about 20 percent of the Palestinian population. This systemic practice has fragmented communities, perpetuated cycles of trauma, and generated widespread resentment. For many families, arrests have become an inevitability, with freedom remaining uncertain for those currently behind bars, just as it has for generations before them.

Following a 10-day truce agreement between Lebanon and Israel, tens of thousands of displaced Lebanese have begun returning to their homes in southern Lebanon. The truce, which came into effect on Friday, has brought a fragile calm to the region, with many residents eager to assess the damage to their homes and communities.Despite the ceasefire, Lebanon's army has accused Israel of several early violations, including intermittent shelling of southern Lebanese villages. Hezbollah has warned that it has its 'finger on the trigger' in case of Israeli violations, while French President Emmanuel Macron has expressed concerns that the ceasefire 'may already be undermined by ongoing military operations.'The conflict has resulted in over 2,100 deaths and 1.2 million displaced in Lebanon, according to Lebanese authorities. Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz has stated that the ceasefire does not mean Israel's campaign against Hezbollah is over, and that the group's fighters will have to be disarmed one way or another.As residents return to their hometowns, some have pledged to stay, while others have expressed fears that the fragile truce could collapse. The ceasefire could ease tensions in US-Iran negotiations, with Iran viewing the regional conflict as interconnected.