Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's engagement on the same day as Labour's shadow chancellor Rachel Reeves' speech at their conference in Liverpool was criticized by Labour as a 'desperate' attempt to distract. Sunak denied the visit to Newark was due to concerns about Conservative election chances, emphasizing his focus on recent government plans. The informal agreement to avoid high-profile engagements during each other's conferences was seemingly broken. The government's £1 billion investment to improve UK towns, including Newark and Mansfield, was also highlighted.

Mozambique is on the brink of a sovereign default after failing to make a $178 million interest payment, signaling a broader economic crisis. This event is part of a larger trend of heavy borrowing by African nations since receiving debt relief, with over $20bn raised through Eurobonds. The article discusses the looming problem of 'bullet payments', large lump sum repayments due at bond maturity, which could strain government finances and lead to balance of payments crises. Countries like Ghana, Gabon, and Zambia are highlighted as facing significant risks due to their debt levels. The article also notes the rising interest rates for African Eurobonds and the potential for a debt contagion effect following Mozambique's default, which could lead to further defaults and IMF interventions. Chris McKeon, an Africa Analyst at Verisk Maplecroft, provides the analysis on the situation.

Greenpeace activists disrupted Prime Minister Liz Truss's speech at the Conservative Party conference in Birmingham, protesting against policy plans they claim were not voted for. The activists were removed from the hall, and Greenpeace accused Truss of breaking the promises made in the 2019 manifesto. Rebecca Newsom and Ami McCarthy of Greenpeace criticized the government's approach to climate action, fracking, and environmental protections. Deputy Prime Minister Therese Coffey and Jacob Rees-Mogg commented on the incident, with Rees-Mogg praising Truss's response. The protesters expressed hope for the government's commitment to net zero but disapproved of the current policy direction.

Suella Braverman, the Home Secretary, has been criticized by former universities minister Jo Johnson for her comments on international students and their impact on the UK economy. Braverman suggested that the number of foreign students and their dependents is too high, which could affect low-skilled jobs and the economy. Johnson rebuked these remarks, emphasizing the importance of the higher education sector to the UK's status as a science superpower and its global competitiveness. Education minister Andrea Jenkyns also faced criticism for her comments on 'Harry Potter degrees' at a conference event.

Knowsley Council's planning committee approved a proposal by Forth Homes and LIVV Housing to build 36 houses on a field in Prescot, currently designated as urban green space. The decision was made despite concerns of overdevelopment and a surplus of green space in the area. Councillor Alan Flute cited anti-social behaviour and fly-tipping as issues with the current site, while Councillor Frances Wynn and Green Councillor Cath Golding opposed the plans, highlighting the lack of implementation of affordable housing in recent developments. The approval was passed with a majority Labour vote, with opposition from Greens, a Liberal Democrat, a Halewood Independent, and a Labour councillor.

New sculptures in Prescot, costing around £90,000 and created by artist Martin Heron, have sparked mixed reactions among residents. Some appreciate the effort to commemorate the town's history and lift spirits, while others criticize the designs as confusing and a reminder of economic decline. The sculptures, inspired by Prescot's industrial heritage, are part of Knowsley Council's regeneration plan for the town center. Despite some negative feedback, the council and artist highlight the community's involvement and the project's reflection of Prescot's past.

St Helens and Knowsley recorded zero COVID-19 deaths in the week up to April 9, contributing to a regional decline in deaths for the tenth consecutive week. The total death toll for the pandemic in the city region reached 4,579. With over half of the region's population vaccinated, public health officials anticipate a continued decrease in deaths, although the impact of recent lockdown relaxations remains uncertain.

COVID-19 infections in Halton have decreased to 43.7 cases per 100,000 residents as of March 29, with a significant drop from previous weeks. No deaths from the virus have been recorded since March 19. The decline in cases and deaths, along with the successful vaccination rollout, where over 61,000 residents have received at least one vaccine dose, suggests that the easing of lockdown measures and the return of children to schools have not increased community spread. The positive trend indicates that the planned easing of restrictions on April 12, including the reopening of pub beer gardens and non-essential shops, is likely to proceed.

Halton Council plans to demolish Broseley House in Widnes Road due to its dilapidated state and potential liability. The site is expected to remain vacant until the new Moor Lane leisure centre opens, which will allow for the demolition of the adjacent Kingsway Leisure Centre and subsequent redevelopment of the area. The new £20m leisure centre has received planning permission and is slated to open in 2022.

In 2020, three Knowsley councillors, including Andy Moorhead and his wife Kay Moorhead, failed to attend over half of the council meetings. Andy Moorhead attended only five meetings, while Kay Moorhead attended 37% of hers. Councillor Gillian Flatley also missed more than half but cited her work as a social worker and personal circumstances as reasons. Despite poor attendance, none went six months without attending a meeting, thus retaining their positions and allowances. The average attendance rate for Knowsley councillors was 88%, with Margi O’Mara having the best record and Jayne Aston attending the most meetings.

St Chad's in Runcorn, which has faced financial issues and received two 'inadequate' ratings from Ofsted since 2016, is looking to the future with optimism under new head teacher James Forber. Since his appointment in January, Forber has introduced a new team and plans to implement a new curriculum in September, including the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. The school is currently in its second period of special measures, but local council executive Tom McInerney has praised the school's focus on mental health and community engagement.

Halton has recorded its lowest number of COVID-19 cases since September 12, with 105 cases and an infection rate of 81.1 per 100,000 residents in the week up to March 1. Local hospitals are experiencing less pressure, with fewer patients than in mid-October, and deaths have remained low. The vaccine rollout is progressing well, with 40% of the adult population having received at least one dose. Measures are in place to protect against a rise in cases as children return to school, including rapid Covid tests for secondary school pupils.

The Mersey Gateway's £2 toll ranks as the third most expensive in the UK, according to GoCompare, with the Dartford Crossing and the M6 Toll Road being more costly. The Mersey Tunnels, at £1.80, are the fifth most expensive but generate more revenue than the Mersey Gateway. The Mersey Gateway has been controversial for its toll system and lack of payment booths, which opponents argue can catch drivers unaware. Halton Council maintains that the toll is necessary for the bridge's construction and maintenance costs, totaling £1.86bn until 2044. The council's request to suspend tolls during the pandemic was denied by the Department for Transport, a decision criticized by council leader Rob Polhill.

In Halton, male suicides in 2020 halved to five from ten the previous year, while female suicides increased slightly from three to four. Halton Council's health protection team credits the 24-hour crisis line and a targeted campaign at middle-aged men for the reduction. Despite the pandemic's financial pressures, support measures such as the furlough scheme may have mitigated suicide rates. Public Health England found increased psychological stress in 2020, particularly in deprived areas and among specific groups, but noted some recovery. The council emphasized that while suicide rates did not increase, mental distress did, with national and local support potentially playing a role in preventing suicides.

The article discusses the impact of the falling tea prices on the farmers in Nyeri, Kenya, due to reduced demand from Egypt following the Arab Spring. The farmers, who are shareholders in local tea factories, rely on annual dividends as their significant source of income. However, the dividends have dropped sharply, with some farmers receiving only a tenth of the previous year's amount. This has led to increased borrowing and debt among farmers, as banks in Kenya charge high-interest rates. The economic ripple effect is felt throughout the local economy, with laborers facing pay cuts and businesses like bars and butcheries seeing reduced patronage. The tea industry is crucial for Kenya's foreign exchange revenues, and the article suggests that the farmers are in a precarious situation without a clear plan for the future, should the situation not improve.