222 News

Smileband supports 10 charitable organisations that support across the UK and the world, 222 News look in to researched information that is based around news and health related subjects, by entering your e mail and subscribing and verifying it in your e mail box, you are helping support 10 charities that we give money too. Also if a person’s information has been posted or shared and they don’t like it please contact us and we will have it removed, please follow our News.

Wednesday, 24 September 2025

Smileband News

Dear 222 News viewers, sponsored by smileband,

Nines: Legal Battles of Courtney “Nines” Freckleton

Courtney Leon Freckleton, better known as Nines, is a UK rapper from north-west London (Church End / Harlesden area) who has gained acclaim for his music, but also has a record of legal issues.

Key Convictions & Sentences

1. 2013 — Cannabis Possession with Intent to Supply

• Nines was sentenced to 18 months imprisonment for possession of cannabis with intent to supply.

• This came early in his career, before he had reached mainstream chart success.

2. 2021 — Importing Cannabis & Money Laundering Case

• In August 2021, Nines (then aged 31) admitted to conspiring to import 28kg of cannabis into the UK from Spain and Poland, and also to money laundering related to a £98,000 debt and the value of the drugs.

• He used encrypted messaging via EncroChat for communications with exporters (some using handles like “MicroBird”) to arrange the shipments.

• Some of the cannabis was smuggled inside boilers shipped from Poland.

• In October 2021, he was sentenced to 28 months in prison, to be served at Wormwood Scrubs.

More Recent Legal Issues

• In November 2023, Nines was arrested at Heathrow Airport in connection with drug offences — accused of being involved in the supply of cannabis and possession of a Class B drug.

• He was also charged with several breaches of an existing Serious Crime Prevention Order (SCPO) for alleged failures to inform police of his home address and for using a second mobile phone and laptop without the required disclosures.

• That case proceeded to Kingston Crown Court.

What “Sent Back to Prison” Could Mean

The phrase “sent back to prison” could mean different things:

1. New sentencing after trial/plea (like in 2021).

2. Recall, e.g. for violating parole/licence or breach of conditions tied to a release.

3. Serving remaining term, if release was conditional or halfway.

In Nines’ case:

• In 2021 he was sentenced to 28 months, and then released after serving part of that term.

• As of the latest credible reports, I found no verified source saying he has been recently recalled to prison after those 2023 charges. The 2023 charges may or may not lead to sentencing that results in imprisonment.

Impacts & Reflections

• Nines has spoken publicly about how difficult it was for his family during his time in prison, especially the 2021-2022 incarceration.

• He has also discussed how these legal issues have shaped his decisions, such as his plan for a final album titled Quit While You’re Ahead.

• Many in the public eye have expressed disappointment or concern: wastage of talent, the contradictions between rising success in music and choices that pull him back into legal trouble.

Conclusion

As of my latest information, Nines has served prison time, most notably for importing cannabis in 2021, but there is no confirmed report that he has been recently returned to prison on new charges (as of September 2025). The 2023 arrests and charges could lead to further legal action, depending on court outcomes.

Attached is a news article regarding rapper nines sent back to prison

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-58768594.amp

Article written and configured by Christopher Stanley

-- Google tag (gtag.js) --> <script async src="https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtag/js?id=G-XDGJVZXVQ4"></script> <script> window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; function gtag(){dataLayer.push(arguments);} gtag('js', new Date()); gtag('config', 'G-XDGJVZXVQ4'); </script>

894500L65WEHZ4XKDX36

https://www.legalentityidentifier.co.uk/leicert/894500L65WEHZ4XKDX36/

https://www.zoominfo.com/c/smileband/541441561

Tuesday, 23 September 2025

Smileband News

Dear 222 News viewers, sponsored by smileband,

Trump’s Claim: What Was Said

On 22 September 2025, Donald Trump held a White House press conference in which he asserted that there is a link between pregnant women taking Tylenol (known as paracetamol or acetaminophen in many countries) and an increased risk of autism in their children.

Some of the key points he made:

• He advised pregnant women to avoid taking Tylenol, unless medically necessary.

• He stated that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) would issue a physician’s notice about potential risks of acetaminophen during pregnancy.

• In some remarks he also tied vaccines into discussions of autism, and proposed use of leucovorin (a folate derivative) as a possible treatment for autism symptoms.

Scientific Evidence & What Studies Say

Studies Suggesting an Association

• There are observational studies that have reported modest associations between prenatal acetaminophen (paracetamol) use and higher rates of neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism or ADHD. For example, some meta-analyses or reviews have noted correlation.

• However, an important study in Sweden (2024) looked at nearly 2.5 million children and used sibling comparisons—this helps control for genetic and familial environmental factors. That study did not find a causal link between in-utero exposure to paracetamol and autism, intellectual disability, or ADHD.

Limitations and Caution

• Association does not equal causation. Even where correlations are observed, they could be due to confounding factors (e.g. illnesses in the mother that cause the need for painkillers, fever, genetics, other environmental exposures) rather than the drug itself.

• Some of the positive findings come from smaller, less rigorous studies which are more prone to various biases.

• The more robust, large-scale studies using good designs (e.g. sibling-comparison, adjusting for many variables) tend not to find a convincing effect.

Expert Reaction & Public Health Guidance

• Many medical and scientific experts have rejected the claim that there is strong evidence linking paracetamol use during pregnancy with autism.

• In the UK, the NHS guidance remains that paracetamol is the first-choice painkiller for pregnant women. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), Royal Pharmaceutical Society, and others have said there is no evidence that taking paracetamol as directed causes autism.

• Regulatory bodies in Australia (e.g. TGA), as well as international experts, have also expressed that paracetamol is considered safe in pregnancy.

What Is Uncertain & What Remains to Be Resolved

• Because autism is a very heterogeneous condition with many genetic and environmental contributing factors, isolating one single exposure is difficult.

• Even in the large Swedish study, although no causal link was found, small associations in other studies suggest further research might be warranted to clarify any potential risk thresholds, timing of exposure, dosage, etc.

• Effects of fever, infection, or inflammation during pregnancy, which may themselves be harmful, complicate interpretation — sometimes paracetamol is used to reduce fever, which could itself be a risk factor if uncontrolled.

• The role of public messaging is also important: claims that are premature or not well-grounded in strong evidence can lead to anxiety, potentially lead to pregnant women avoiding needed treatment, or cause stigma.

Conclusion

The claim by Trump that prenatal paracetamol use causes autism is not supported by current high-quality scientific evidence. While there are some studies that observe an association, the strongest, well-designed ones have found no causal link. Public health authorities continue to consider paracetamol as a reasonably safe option during pregnancy when used as directed, especially for managing pain or fever, under medical supervision.

The assertion is controversial, and experts have warned that making strong statements now risks causing harm via misinformation or by discouraging medically necessary use of pain relief. More rigorous research is needed to clarify whether any risk exists under certain conditions, but for now the consensus is that the evidence is weak and not conclusive.

Attached is a news article regarding trump saying autism is linked to paracetamol

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cx20d4lr67lo

Article written and configured by Christopher Stanley

894500L65WEHZ4XKDX36

https://www.legalentityidentifier.co.uk/leicert/894500L65WEHZ4XKDX36/

https://www.zoominfo.com/c/smileband/541441561

Smileband News

Dear 222 News viewers, sponsored by smileband,

A Royal Reunion: Prince Harry and King Charles Meet After 19 Months

In a much-anticipated moment, Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, and his father, King Charles III, came together in person for the first time in roughly 19 months during Harry’s recent visit to the UK. The meeting, described by Buckingham Palace as a “private tea,” took place at Clarence House in London on 10 September 2025.

Context of Strain and Distance

The distance between them has not just been physical but deeply personal. Since Harry stepped back from his duties as a senior working royal in 2020 and moved with Meghan Markle to California, the Duke has openly discussed his frustrations with how he was treated, including scrutiny from the UK press, perceived lack of support, and long-standing tensions within the family.

Another recent stressor was King Charles’s health: in February 2024, the Palace revealed that the King had been diagnosed with cancer. Harry traveled to the UK soon afterwards. Their February 2024 meeting was brief, and communication afterwards remained limited.

The Reunion

On that September day, Harry arrived at Clarence House at about 5.20pm BST, spending just under an hour with his father before heading to other engagements. The meeting was undisclosed beforehand, and the two made no public statements afterwards beyond Harry’s comment when asked how the King was: “Yes, he’s great, thank you.”

What stands out is the discretion: the meeting was private, without media presence inside, and there has been no detailed account of what was discussed. According to sources, Harry promised to keep the contents and tone of the meeting out of public commentary — including a directive to his own team not to brief journalists about what was said.

What It Might Mean

Though this is far from a public reconciliation, many observers see it as a positive step. Some take the privacy of the meeting as a signal that both father and son might prefer to rebuild trust quietly, without the pressure of media scrutiny.

However, it’s clear this meeting does not signal a return to Harry’s previous role in the Royal Family. King Charles is said to have reasserted that Harry will not take on a “half-in, half-out” royal role — something often speculated about in the days leading up to and since their meeting.

Their relationship with other family members, especially Prince William, remains strained, and many of the deeper issues that led to their estrangement — public criticism, concerns over security in the UK, disagreements over privacy and royal duties — have not been resolved in any visible way.

Looking Ahead

What comes next remains uncertain. Will there be more meetings of this kind? Will there be an apology, or shared commitments, or just ongoing quiet efforts to repair the relationship? And crucially, how will Harry’s spokespersons, media outlets, and the Royal Household handle stories in the future.

One thing is clear: with King Charles’s health and age frequently mentioned in recent reports, there appears to be urgency on Harry’s part to reconnect on a personal level.

Attached is a news article regarding Prince harry metting up with King Charles

https://uk.news.yahoo.com/king-charles-reportedly-offered-prince-165600395.html

Article written and confirmed by Christopher Stanley

894500L65WEHZ4XKDX36

https://www.legalentityidentifier.co.uk/leicert/894500L65WEHZ4XKDX36/

https://www.zoominfo.com/c/smileband/541441561

Monday, 22 September 2025

Smileband News

Dear 222 News viewers, sponsored by smileband,

Paying with Your Face in Dubai: The New Frontier of Biometric Payments

Imagine walking into a supermarket in Dubai, picking up your groceries, and walking out—all without ever touching cash, a card, or even your phone. Instead, you simply smile at a scanner, and that’s your payment. It sounds futuristic, but in Dubai, this is becoming reality.

What Is It

Dubai has rolled out Face Pay, a biometric payment system that uses facial recognition to authenticate purchases. Rather than using a debit or credit card or mobile wallet at checkout, customers enrolled in the program can pay by letting a payment terminal “see” their face. No wallet, no cash, just you and your smile.

The system is enabled through PopID, a facial recognition technology provider, in partnership with Carrefour (a major supermarket chain in the UAE) and Network International, a payments processor.

Where It’s Being Used

• Carrefour stores in Deira and Amsaf Mall in Dubai are piloting Face Pay. Shoppers can enrol via the Carrefour app or website.

• Beyond supermarkets, there are plans to expand biometric payments to cafés (e.g., Costa Coffee), entertainment venues, and other merchants, through services like PopPay (another facial biometric platform).

• The government is also testing biometric payments (face or palm prints) for certain government service centres.

Why Dubai Is Doing This

There are several reasons this is appealing in Dubai:

1. Speed & Convenience: Face Pay is significantly faster than traditional payments—Carrefour claims checking out with facial recognition takes about 5 seconds, compared to 20 seconds or more otherwise.

2. Cashless Strategy: Dubai wants to make 90% of transactions cashless by 2026 as part of its broader push for a digital economy.

3. Reducing Friction: For both consumers and businesses, there is less to carry, fewer cards lost or forgotten, and fewer delays at checkout.

What You Have to Do

To pay with your face, here’s what customers need to do:

• Enrol: Sign up via the Carrefour app or website. You’ll need to link your face to a payment method (card or other).

• Use the Face Scanner: At checkout, instead of tapping a card or scanning your phone, you face a biometric scanner (camera) and once identified, payment is confirmed.

Reactions and Concerns

As with any new technology, especially one involving biometric data, there are positives and concerns.

Advantages

• Time savings and efficiency, especially during busy periods.

• Less physical contact—something appealing since the COVID-19 pandemic.

• Potential to reduce fraud if done securely, because biometric identifiers are harder to steal or replicate than physical cards.

Issues & Risks

• Privacy: Collecting and storing facial data raises questions about surveillance, misuse, and how securely that data is stored.

• Consent & control: Will people always be comfortable using their face for payments? What if someone doesn’t want to enrol, but all shops use this system?

• Errors & false matches: Facial recognition isn’t perfect—lighting, changes in appearance (e.g., facial hair, glasses), and technical issues can cause errors.

• Security risks: If the facial data is compromised, that’s a different kind of identity theft problem.

• Inclusivity: Some users—elderly, those who are camera-shy, or those without the tech literacy—may be left out.

Where This Might Grow

Face payments may expand in:

• More retail outlets and supermarket chains.

• Smaller shops and cafés.

• Government service centres (already piloted).

• Tourist sites, transit, etc., where fast and seamless payment improves experience.

Also, combining this with loyalty programmes (points automatically applied when you pay with face), or integrating this into digital IDs, might be the next steps.

Conclusion

“Paying with your face” is no longer science fiction in Dubai—it’s already happening. The benefits in convenience, speed, and modernization align closely with Dubai’s vision to go largely cashless in the coming years. But as with all biometric and digital payment systems, balancing innovation with privacy, security, and inclusivity will be essential. If done right, this could be a model for other smart cities around the world.

Attached is a news article regarding pay with your face in Dubai

https://thefintechtimes.com/dubai-welcomes-biometric-face-verification-platform-into-hypermarkets/

Article written and configured by Christopher Stanley

894500L65WEHZ4XKDX36

https://www.legalentityidentifier.co.uk/leicert/894500L65WEHZ4XKDX36/

https://www.zoominfo.com/c/smileband/541441561

Smileband News

Dear 222 News viewers, sponsored by smileband,

Why Qatar Doesn’t “Own” Most of London – and How the Crown Still Holds the Land

In the past two decades, Qatar’s sovereign wealth fund has invested heavily in London, buying stakes in landmark properties such as Harrods, the Shard, Chelsea Barracks, parts of Canary Wharf and major hotels. This has led to frequent headlines about “Qatar owning half of London.”

However, the reality is more nuanced. While Qatar does own a large portfolio of freehold buildings, much of London’s property market — especially the most historic districts — is built on leasehold land. This means the state of Qatar may control the buildings and collect rent, but the land beneath them can still belong to a different owner.

Leaseholds vs. Freeholds

In the UK, property ownership takes two main forms:

• Freehold: you own both the building and the land indefinitely.

• Leasehold: you own the building (or the right to occupy it) for a fixed number of years, but you do not own the land.

In prime parts of London — such as Mayfair, Belgravia, and Regent Street — vast swathes of land belong to centuries-old estates such as the Crown Estate, the Grosvenor Estate (the Duke of Westminster’s family), or the Cadogan Estate (the Earl of Cadogan’s family). Developers, businesses, and foreign investors buy long leases from these estates but must return the property once the lease expires, unless they negotiate an extension.

The Crown Estate and King Charles

It’s a common misconception that “King Charles owns all of England.” The Crown Estate does hold huge amounts of land across the UK — about 180,000 hectares — including prime London real estate. But this estate is not the King’s private property. It belongs to the Crown as an institution.

Since 1760, the reigning monarch has surrendered the profits from the Crown Estate to the government. In return, they receive a fixed annual payment known as the Sovereign Grant. The estate is managed independently and its revenues go to the Treasury, not to King Charles personally.

King Charles does personally own two private estates — Sandringham in Norfolk and Balmoral in Scotland — but these are entirely separate from the Crown Estate and are not taxpayer-funded.

What This Means for Qatar’s Investments

Because of this legal framework, Qatar can invest billions into London and still, technically, not “own” the land in perpetuity. In many cases, they own long-term leases, sometimes lasting 99 or 125 years. In others, they hold stakes in companies that own the buildings but still pay ground rent to traditional landowners.

So while Qatar is a major player in London’s property market, the headlines about it “owning half of London” are exaggerated. The city’s landownership remains rooted in centuries-old British property law and historic estates, with the Crown and aristocratic families still holding much of the freehold title.

Bottom Line

• Qatar is a major investor in London, but leasehold law limits outright ownership of land.

• The Crown Estate controls much of the land in central London, but it is a public asset managed on behalf of the nation — not King Charles personally.

• The King owns only his private estates; he does not “own all of England.”

This system is why London can appear to be “sold off” while still remaining, legally, under the ultimate control of British freeholders such as the Crown Estate and other historic landlords.

Attached is a news article regarding how lease of land in uk works

https://www.economicsobservatory.com/uk-land-and-property-whats-happening-with-freehold-and-leasehold-reform

Article written and configured by Christopher Stanley

894500L65WEHZ4XKDX36

https://www.legalentityidentifier.co.uk/leicert/894500L65WEHZ4XKDX36/

https://www.zoominfo.com/c/smileband/541441561

Smileband News

Dear 222 News viewers, sponsored by smileband,

The Chris Benoit Murder-Suicide: A Tragic Chapter in Professional Wrestling

In June 2007, the professional wrestling world was shaken by one of its darkest and most tragic episodes. Chris Benoit, a highly respected Canadian wrestler known for his technical skill and intensity in the ring, was found dead in his Georgia home along with his wife Nancy and their 7-year-old son Daniel. What at first appeared to be a mystery quickly unfolded into a harrowing murder–suicide that left fans, friends, and the industry in shock.

The Events in Fayetteville, Georgia

On June 25, 2007, police were called to Benoit’s home after friends and WWE officials reported not hearing from him over the weekend. Inside, officers discovered the bodies of Nancy Benoit and young Daniel, both killed by asphyxiation, and Chris Benoit, who had died by suicide. Investigators later concluded that the killings had taken place over a three-day period.

Background on Chris Benoit

Chris Benoit was widely regarded as one of the most talented wrestlers of his generation. Born in Montreal in 1967 and raised in Edmonton, he built a career spanning decades in promotions like Stampede Wrestling, New Japan Pro-Wrestling, WCW, and ultimately WWE. Known as “The Rabid Wolverine” and “The Crippler,” Benoit was admired for his work ethic, technical mastery, and devotion to his craft.

Questions of Health and Responsibility

Following the incident, speculation turned to Benoit’s mental and physical health. Reports indicated that Benoit had been suffering from severe brain damage consistent with chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a condition linked to repeated head trauma. Toxicology tests also revealed the presence of steroids and other medications in his system, prompting debates about the role of drug use, head injuries, and mental health in professional wrestling.

Fallout for WWE and the Wrestling Community

The tragedy had a profound effect on the wrestling world. WWE, which initially aired a tribute show upon learning of Benoit’s death, later removed most references to him from its programming once the details emerged. The case sparked increased scrutiny of wellness policies in professional wrestling, including drug testing and protocols for concussions.

A Legacy Forever Stained

Chris Benoit’s in-ring accomplishments — which once placed him among the sport’s elite — have since been overshadowed by the murders of his wife and son. For many fans and wrestlers, the case remains a sobering reminder of the human cost of fame, physical punishment, and untreated mental health struggles in high-intensity sports.

Attached is a news article regarding Chris Benoit

https://abcnews.go.com/amp/Nightline/chris-benoits-dad-son-suffered-severe-brain-damage/story?id=11471875

Article written and configured by Christopher Stanley

894500L65WEHZ4XKDX36

https://www.legalentityidentifier.co.uk/leicert/894500L65WEHZ4XKDX36/

https://www.zoominfo.com/c/smileband/541441561

Smileband News

Dear 222 News viewers, sponsored by smileband,

Drone Deliveries in the UK: Winter on the Horizon

As technology accelerates, the idea of drone-based delivery is moving from science fiction toward reality. Several companies and government bodies in the UK have made moves in recent months that suggest drone delivery could begin in earnest — possibly as soon as this winter or early next year. But whether it becomes commonplace “this winter” depends on several regulatory, technical, operational, and public acceptance factors.

Here’s a breakdown of what we know, plus what needs to happen.

What’s Already in Motion

1. Amazon Prime Air

Amazon has selected Darlington as the site for its first planned Prime Air drone delivery operations in the UK. The company is preparing to build flight facilities at its fulfilment centre there, engage with the local community, and work with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) for permission to fly in airspace.

The goal is fast delivery — in 60 minutes or less — using electric drones.

2. Regulatory Moves & Government Funding

The UK government is pushing forward with regulatory changes to enable drone operations beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) — a key enabler for more ambitious delivery use-cases.

Also, over £20 million has been earmarked to support new drone and flying-taxi technologies, including trials, regulatory simplification, and infrastructure development.

3. Royal Mail and Remote Areas

In more remote and rural contexts, drone trials are already underway. For example, Royal Mail is working with Skyports and Argyll & Bute Council to deliver mail between remote Scottish islands (Islay and Jura) with drones, carrying loads up to about 6 kg.

4. Public Interest and Local Planning

Local councils and communities are being involved in discussions (e.g., Darlington council) about landing sites, flight paths, safety issues, and how drone operations might impact jobs, noise, and local infrastructure.

What Still Needs to Be Solved

Even with ambitious plans, several factors could delay or limit the rollout of drone deliveries this winter:

1. Regulation & Airspace Permissions

The CAA must approve operations, especially for flights that go beyond line of sight of the operator. Safe integration into UK airspace — avoiding conflicts with other aircraft, ensuring fail-safe systems — is complex.

Planning permissions from local authorities are also required for hubs, take-off/landing sites, etc.

2. Weather and Environmental Challenges

Winter brings snow, ice, strong winds, low visibility, shorter daylight hours — all of which pose a challenge for drone reliability and safety. Drones for many trials are still being tested under ideal conditions; robustness in harsher weather may lag.

3. Payload, Range, Noise, and Battery Life

Drones are still constrained in how much weight they can carry, how far they can travel, and how quietly they operate. “Last-mile” deliveries (e.g. small parcels) are more feasible than large or heavy ones. Battery performance drops in cold weather, which could reduce effective range.

4. Infrastructure & Logistics

To operate safely and usefully, drone delivery requires infrastructure: charging stations, drone ports or launch/landing pads, regulatory oversight, traffic management, ‘detect and avoid’ systems. Many of these are still under development or trial.

5. Public Acceptance & Community Impacts

Noise, privacy, safety and visual disturbance are concerns that often come up. For example, Amazon is planning community engagement in Darlington to address concerns. If a large number of people raise objections, that could slow permissions.

What “This Winter” Likely Looks Like

Given the current state of affairs, here are some plausible scenarios for what might happen this winter (roughly late 2025 / early 2026):

• Limited Trials Expand: More trials in specific rural or remote areas (islands, highlands, less dense populations), especially for mail, medical supplies, or small-package delivery. These are easier to pilot due to fewer airspace conflicts and lower risk.

• Amazon Darlington Moves Ahead: If all permissions and technical issues are sorted timely, Amazon might begin limited Prime Air flights in Darlington by winter or early spring. Likely small-scale at first: restricted to certain customers, certain days, fine-weather operations.

• First Commercial Flights in Very Restricted Environments: For example, drone deliveries within private facilities, or between depots, or in “industrial parks” or campus-like settings where regulatory approvals are simpler.

• Regulatory Milestones: CAA may publish more concrete rules for BVLOS operations, airspace management, and safety standards. These are essential for scaling up.

• No Mass Adoption Yet: It’s unlikely drone delivery will be widespread in cities or across the board this winter. Many challenges remain too large to be fully overcome in just a few months.

Risks to the Winter Timeline

• Delays in approving regulations or in pushing through necessary legal changes

• Technical failures or safety incidents that lead to stricter oversight or pauses

• Poor weather disrupting pilot programmes and slowing public confidence

• Flight path, noise, and privacy objections from local residents

• Infrastructure bottlenecks — e.g. delays in installing landing/charging facilities, or acquiring enough drones and trained staff

Conclusion: Optimism, But With Caution

Drone delivery in the UK is closer than it’s ever been. With major players like Amazon preparing sites, government funding allocated, regulatory frameworks beginning to open up, there is a real chance that some customers will see drones delivering parcels this winter — especially in more forgiving geographies (rural, less dense, favourable weather).

That said, broadly rolling out drone delivery across the UK in all conditions is unlikely this winter. Instead, we can expect a patchwork: pilot schemes, careful trials, and incremental expansion. If all goes well, winter 2025-26 might set the stage for wider adoption in 2026.

Attached is a news article regarding drone deliveries to hit the uk this winter

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/crlze41zygdo.amp

Article written and configured by Christopher Stanley

894500L65WEHZ4XKDX36

https://www.legalentityidentifier.co.uk/leicert/894500L65WEHZ4XKDX36/

https://www.zoominfo.com/c/smileband/541441561

Smileband News

Dear 222 News viewers, sponsored by smileband,

Google’s £5 Billion Investment in the UK: What It Means

What has been announced

• Google (parent company Alphabet) is committing £5 billion over the next two years to the UK.

• A central component of the investment is the opening of a new data centre at Waltham Cross, Hertfordshire, just north of London.

• The investment includes capital expenditure (capex), research & development (R&D), and related engineering. DeepMind (the London-based AI research lab) is part of the plan.

• Google has entered a deal with Shell to help manage its renewable energy supply and improve grid stability; they aim to have about 95% of its UK operations powered by carbon-free energy by 2026.

Economic and job impacts

• The investment is projected to create about 8,250 jobs annually in British businesses.

• Beyond direct jobs, the plan includes skills training: Google already has trained over a million people in the UK over the last decade, and is part of industry-govt efforts to train 7.5 million people by 2030 in AI-relevant skills.

• Google claims this investment supports the UK’s “AI economy,” which it estimates could add £400 billion to the UK economy by 2030.

Environmental & infrastructure aspects

• The Waltham Cross data centre features sustainable design elements: air-cooling to reduce water usage; off-site heat recovery (waste heat reused to warm homes, schools or businesses).

• With the Shell partnership and other clean energy efforts, Google aims for most of its UK operations to be powered by clean (i.e. carbon-free or near carbon-free) energy by 2026.

Political & strategic context

• The announcement comes just ahead of (or coinciding with) the state visit of US President Donald Trump to the UK. It is part of a broader wave of tech-investment pledges involving other US tech companies too, tied to strengthening UK-US tech ties.

• UK Finance Minister Rachel Reeves described the move as a “powerful vote of confidence in the UK economy” and welcomed the partnership with the US.

Analysis: Opportunities & Challenges

Opportunities

1. Boost to UK tech / AI sector

The investment strengthens the UK’s competitiveness in AI and cloud services, especially with DeepMind included. This could help the UK retain and attract top technical talent, researchers, startups.

2. Job creation and skills development

The promise of thousands of jobs annually, plus major skills-training efforts, helps address the tech skills gap. Engaging in R&D and engineering locally has multiplier effects (suppliers, support businesses, universities).

3. Environmental benefits and infrastructure

Data centres are energy-intensive; designing them with sustainability in mind (clean power, heat reuse, efficiency) lessens environmental impacts. Also, partnering to improve grid stability is important as AI/computing demands rise.

4. Global signal of confidence

Such big commitments from a major tech company send a strong message internationally: the UK is still a place to invest in high tech, especially amid geopolitical and regulatory uncertainty elsewhere. This helps the government position the UK as a hub for AI & digital infrastructure.

Challenges / Risks

1. Scaling clean energy and infrastructure

Meeting targets for 95% clean energy by 2026 is ambitious. It assumes the grid can supply enough renewable power, plus storage, and that regulatory and planning permissions allow for needed energy infrastructure (wind, solar, battery, etc.).

2. Planning, regulation, and local opposition

Data centres often face issues around planning permission, local community concerns (noise, heat, water, land use), environmental regulation. Fast-tracking without community engagement can lead to resistance.

3. Labour / Skills supply

While training commitments are positive, there may be bottlenecks in attracting / retaining people with the right skills—especially outside London/high-cost areas.

4. Economic uncertainty

Inflation, energy costs, supply chain constraints, and global competition (esp. from the US, EU, China) may influence how much of the potential is realized.

5. Return on investment & long-term stability

Big investments require stable policy, reliable regulation, and continued demand. If policies shift, e.g. around data privacy, tech regulation, taxation, or energy policy, that could affect investment outcomes.

Implications for the UK Economy

• In the short term, increased construction, engineering, and ancillary services demand in the regions around Waltham Cross and wherever the infrastructure upgrades are needed.

• Over medium term, this helps seed the growth of AI-adjacent industries (deep tech, cloud computing, cybersecurity, scientific research, etc.).

• Potential upward effects on regional economic development, especially if some of the job and infrastructure gains extend into less developed areas.

• Possible environmental cost savings / health co-benefits if data centre heat reuse reduces fossil fuel heating, and renewable energy capacity is expanded.

Conclusion

Google’s £5 billion investment is a major commitment to the UK’s AI and research infrastructure, combining economic, environmental, and strategic dimensions. If executed well, it could provide substantial returns: not just in improved technological capabilities, but in jobs, innovation, and sustainable growth. However, realizing that promise will depend heavily on regulatory frameworks, energy supply, skills development, and local community acceptance.

Attached is a news article regarding goggle investing 5 billion in to the uk economy

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/crmek723dz9o.amp

Article written and configured by Christopher Stanley

894500L65WEHZ4XKDX36

https://www.legalentityidentifier.co.uk/leicert/894500L65WEHZ4XKDX36/

https://www.zoominfo.com/c/smileband/541441561

Smileband News

Dear 222 News viewers, sponsored by smileband,

Experts Back Ketamine for Medical Depression: Promise, Caution, and What’s Next

Depression is a major public health challenge. Many people don’t respond to standard treatments such as SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) and therapy. In recent years, ketamine has emerged as a promising option, especially for treatment-resistant depression. Experts are now more willing to endorse its use — but with careful caveats.

What is Ketamine & Esketamine.

• Ketamine was originally developed as an anaesthetic. In sub-anaesthetic doses it has been found to produce rapid antidepressant effects.

• Esketamine, a derivative, has been developed into a nasal spray formulation (for example, Spravato) and is approved in some places for treatment-resistant depression.

What the Research Says

Rapid response in treatment-resistant cases

• Meta-analyses of clinics and trials consistently show that a significant proportion of people with treatment-resistant depression respond to ketamine. One systematic review incorporating real-world studies (n ≈ 2,600 across many studies) found ~45% response rate and ~30% remission.

• In a head-to-head trial comparing intravenous ketamine to electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in non-psychotic treatment-resistant depression, ketamine produced substantial responses and had fewer cognitive or memory side effects compared with ECT.

New formulations being studied

• Slow-release (extended-release) ketamine tablets have shown promise in preventing relapses. A UK Phase 2 trial found that those on tablets had fewer relapses over 13 weeks compared to placebo, with some side-effects (dizziness, dissociation) more common at higher doses.

What Experts (in the UK and internationally) Are Saying Now

• The Royal College of Psychiatrists (RCPsych) in the UK has endorsed the use of ketamine-based medications in clinical settings for depression, saying that among treatments involving psychedelics, ketamine is the most studied for rapid relief of depressive symptoms.

• But they are clear: ketamine should be used only in specialist settings, with appropriate oversight and monitoring. It’s not yet recommended for routine use outside those settings.

• The RCPsych and other bodies warn against “hype” around psychedelics more generally. For other substances like MDMA or psilocybin, they say the evidence is still early, side-effects are less well understood, and long-term benefits are not yet established.

Benefits vs Risks

Advantages

• Speed: Ketamine can reduce depressive symptoms much faster than traditional antidepressants, which often require weeks to take full effect.

• Efficacy in hard cases: Those who have not responded to other treatments often show improvement.

• Alternatives where others fail: It provides another option for people for whom therapy and multiple meds haven’t worked.

Risks & Limitations

• Side effects: Possible short-term effects include dissociation, dizziness, changes in blood pressure, sometimes nausea. In trials some participants experienced relapses when ketamine was stopped.

• Duration and sustainability: The antidepressant effect may diminish; what happens long-term is less clear.

• Abuse potential: Ketamine is a controlled substance (in the UK, Class B) and has known potential for misuse. Using it outside controlled clinical settings raises concerns.

• Cost and access: In some jurisdictions, it’s expensive, or not yet licensed for general use. Regulatory and NHS coverage varies.

Implementation & What Experts Recommend

• Use ketamine in specialist clinical settings, under the care of trained professionals. Monitoring before, during, and after treatment is essential.

• Patient selection matters: people with treatment-resistant depression (those who failed other treatments) are the current main group. Also careful screening for risks (e.g. cardiovascular, substance misuse history).

• Explore the right doses, the schedule (how often, how many infusions or doses), and ways to maintain improvements (e.g. booster doses).

• Continue research: especially into long-term effects, optimal formulations (oral, slow-release tablets, nasal spray, IV), how ketamine works in the brain, and how to reduce side effects.

Policy and Regulatory Landscape

• Licensing: Esketamine is licensed in some countries for treatment-resistant depression. In the UK, there is availability in Scotland via NHS; in England, access is more limited.

• Guidelines: Bodies like RCPsych are issuing position statements to guide safe, evidence-based use. They emphasise that evidence is promising but still evolving.

What Remains to be Addressed

• Long-term safety and efficacy: How sustained are the benefits over many months or years? What cumulative side effects might occur?

• Comparisons with other treatments: E.g. how does ketamine compare to ECT or newer antidepressants, in terms of both effectiveness and quality of life?

• Optimal delivery: Which route (IV vs intranasal vs tablets) gives the best balance of efficacy, convenience, safety?

• Cost-effectiveness: Will health services (e.g. NHS in the UK) accept the cost and set up infrastructure for safe delivery?

• Ethical/regulatory oversight: How to prevent misuse, ensure informed consent, control unregulated clinics.

Conclusion

The scientific and clinical community is increasingly in favour of ketamine as part of the toolkit against depression — particularly for patients who haven’t improved with traditional therapies. The evidence of rapid antidepressant effects and potential utility of new formulations (like slow-release tablets) is strong enough that many experts now accept ketamine’s medical use in controlled contexts.

However, experts are clear: this is not a magic bullet. There are genuine uncertainties and risks. Proper oversight, patient selection, regulatory frameworks, and more research are needed to ensure that ketamine is used safely and effectively.

Attached is a news article regarding ketamine used for medical depression

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cyvjy7m3vmdo.amp

Article written and configured by Christopher Stanley

894500L65WEHZ4XKDX36

https://www.legalentityidentifier.co.uk/leicert/894500L65WEHZ4XKDX36/

https://www.zoominfo.com/c/smileband/541441561

Smileband News

Dear 222 News viewers, sponsored by smileband,

Putin Could Escalate—How & Why

1. Strategic and Military Drivers

• Territorial Ambitions: Russia has repeatedly sought to consolidate control over occupied regions (Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, Zaporizhzhia) and possibly push further, both to strengthen its bargaining position and to create buffer zones.

• Weakened Ukrainian Defences / Aid Gaps: If Ukraine’s military support—equipment, air‐defense, ammunition—lags, Russia may see an opportunity to strike harder.

• Internal Pressure & Regime Legitimacy: Domestic Russian politics, the need to show strength, and military morale push toward more visible victories. Failures or stalling offensives may risk domestic prestige, which often incentivises escalations.

2. Methods of Escalation Putin Could Use

• Missile & Drone Bombardments: More air / missile strikes, especially on infrastructure (power, roads), or civilian zones to sow fear and disruption.

• Kinetic Offensives: Pushing ground offensives in the east or south of Ukraine (e.g. around Donetsk, Kharkiv, Zaporizhzhia) where frontlines are porous or contested.

• Cyber Operations: Hacking, information warfare to disrupt government, utilities, sow confusion.

• Border Incursions / Provocations: Cross-border attacks, increasing shelling from Russian-held territories, violating airspace in NATO-bordering countries to test reactions.

• Leveraging Negotiations: Using talks as cover or delay while building up force; proposing ceasefires with hidden preconditions; pushing Ukraine to make territorial concessions.

Trump’s Likely Response: What We Know & What Suggests Inaction

1. What We Do Know About Trump’s Policies & Statements

• Trump paused U.S. military aid to Ukraine at one point, triggering sharp criticism in Kyiv and among allies.

• He has suggested that nothing substantial can happen on peace until he meets with Putin.

• He has expressed frustration with Zelenskyy’s public statements and attitude toward negotiations, accusing him of not wanting peace or being too rigid.

• Trump has floated the possibility of Ukraine giving up territories (such as Crimea) in order to reach a deal.

2. What Suggests He Might Not Respond Strongly

• Reluctance to commit deeper U.S. military involvement; more emphasis on diplomacy or negotiation rather than direct military support.

• Risk aversion regarding escalation with Russia—including nuclear powers—and concern about American domestic costs or entanglement.

• Public signaling that he sees Ukraine as harder to work with than Russia in negotiations.

• Past behavior: pausing support, being critical of Ukraine, emphasizing “peace deals” that may require concessions.

Consequences if Putin Escalates & Trump Doesn’t Act

• Ukraine will be under greater pressure, potentially leading to territorial losses, humanitarian crises, and infrastructure collapse.

• European allies may be left to pick up more of the burden, both in military aid and accepting refugees, and face political and economic fallout.

• Diminished deterrence—if Putin sees that even serious violations or escalations elicit weak responses, that may embolden further aggression, not just in Ukraine but in the region (e.g. NATO’s eastern flank).

• Erosion of U.S. credibility—among allies and adversaries alike—if promises of defending democracy, supporting allies, and enforcing norms aren’t backed by action.

• Negotiation leverage shifts in Moscow’s favor; Ukraine might be pressured into unfavorable deals, territorial concessions, or security guarantees with weak enforceability.

Why Trump Might Act (Despite Appearances)

It’s also important to consider why Trump could respond more forcefully, despite signals otherwise:

• Pressure from U.S. Congress, especially members concerned with national security or with backing Ukraine.

• Pushback from European allies—if they demand stronger U.S. action, or if instability spills over.

• Global public opinion and media scrutiny; high stakes if images of civilian suffering escalate.

• Strategic U.S. interests: maintaining deterrence against Russia, countering Russian influence, preventing a broader war that could involve NATO.

Conclusion

The evidence suggests that Putin could choose to escalate, especially if he judges current Western resolve waning or believes that U.S. leadership under Trump will not mount a proportionate response. Trump’s past statements and policy decisions give some reason for concern that escalation might not meet strong countermeasures.

However, there are also constraints—both domestic (political, financial) and international (alliances, public opinion)—that might push Trump toward at least partial responses, even if not maximal ones.

Attached is a news article regarding Putin can continue attacking Ukraine and Trump will do nothing about it

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-09-20/putin-decides-russia-can-step-up-ukraine-attacks-and-trump-won-t-act

Article written and configured by Christopher Stanley

894500L65WEHZ4XKDX36

https://www.legalentityidentifier.co.uk/leicert/894500L65WEHZ4XKDX36/

https://www.zoominfo.com/c/smileband/541441561