Co-owner of Swiss bar detained after 40 killed in New Year’s Eve party fire

One of the co-owners of a Swiss bar where 40 people died in a fire on New Year’s Eve has been taken into custody, local media report.

Sources told Swiss newspaper 24 Heures that Jacques Moretti, 49, is considered a potential flight risk.

Prosecutors are investigating the French owners of the bar on suspicion of crimes including homicide by negligence, while victims’ families have filed legal complaints over the fire at the Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana in the Canton of Valais.

The blaze broke out in the early hours of New Year’s Day, with footage showing crowds escaping the bar engulfed in flames.

Prosecutors have said the fire was likely caused by sparkling candles, which igniting the ceiling of the bar’s basement. Authorities are also looking into whether soundproofing material on the ceiling conformed with regulations and whether the candles were permitted for use in the bar.

Earlier, Jacques and his French wife Jessica Moretti did not respond to reporters’ questions as they entered the prosecutors’ office in the town of Sion for a hearing. Swiss authorities have designated Friday a national day of mourning.

Several French and Italian citizens were among the dead, and Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni called for stern punishment to be meted out to those responsible for the blaze.

“What happened is not a disaster: It’s the result of too many people who didn’t do their job or who thought they were making easy money,” Meloni said during a press conference on Friday. “Those responsible must be identified and prosecuted.”

The Rome prosecutor’s office has opened an investigation into the blaze, alleging manslaughter and arson, Italian media reported on Thursday.

On Tuesday, the mayor of Crans-Montanaski resort revealed that the bar had not undergone annual safety inspections since 2019.

“We are deeply sorry. We had no indication that the checks had not been done as requested,” Crans-Montana Mayor Nicolas Feraud told reporters, adding that bars in the town are meant to have such inspections each year.

A video from New Year’s Eve 2019-2020 shared by Swiss broadcaster RTS showed revellers carrying similar sparklers in bottles as a waiter warns: “Watch out for the foam!”

Starmer takes on Musk and Trump over ‘insulting’ Grok changes on sexualised images

Keir Starmer’s government is squaring up for a fight with Elon Musk and Donald Trump’s administration as the row over the creation of sexualised images on X escalated.

Downing Street warned that changes to Mr Musk’s AI chatbot Grok, which turned off image generation for all but paid subscribers after it was used to remove clothing from children, were “insulting” to victims of misogyny and sexual violence and had made creating deepfakes a “premium service”.

The Grok tool began replying to image requests by indicating the service is only available to “paying subscribers” on Friday, following global backlash over reports it has been used to generate sexualised images of women and children.

The move came after Sir Keir indicated that the social media platform could be completely blocked in the UK after “unlawful” and “disgusting” images were generated.

The regulator Ofcom said it was carrying out an “expedited assessment” of the response it had received after contacting X and Grok’s creator xAI about fake images after calls for it to take urgent action.

Earlier, the prime minister’s spokesperson said changes to limit usage of the Grok to paying users were “not a solution” but proved that Mr Musk’s social media site can move quickly when it wants to.

The spokesperson said: “That move… that simply turns an AI feature that allows the creation of unlawful images into a premium service.

“It’s not a solution. In fact, it’s insulting the victims of misogyny and sexual violence. What it does prove is that X can move swiftly when it wants to do so.”

Ramping up the pressure for action in a broadcast interview on Friday afternoon, tech secretary Liz Kendall demanded that Ofcom “uses the full powers of the law” against the platform.

She said: “I think the images being produced are despicable and abhorrent, and sexualising images of children is one of the worst crimes imaginable. And I think it is insulting to say that you can still access this service if you pay for it. So, Ofcom should use the full powers of the law that Parliament has given it.

“X needs to get a grip and get this material down. And I would remind them that in the Online Safety Act, there are backstop powers to block access to services if they refuse to comply with the law for people in the UK. And if Ofcom decides to use those powers, they would have the full backing of the government.”

She added: “The government, and more importantly the public, will expect to see next steps from Ofcom in days, not weeks. It is absolutely essential that they abide by the law and get those images down.”

The intervention comes after an 18-month-long war of words between Mr Musk and Sir Keir, with the X owner using his platform to attack the prime minister and level insults at him, including suggesting he is “complicit in crimes”, is “tyrannical” and a “national embarrassment”.

Mr Musk has also openly supported far-right activist Tommy Robinson, suggesting that when he was in jail, most recently for contempt of court, he was a political prisoner and has pursued the prime minister on the issue of the Asian grooming gangs.

The row has widened to include the Trump administration, with Vice President JD Vance among others, highly critical of the Online Safety Act, which he regarded as an attack on the US economy and free speech.

Recently, a UK activist for online safety, Imran Ahmed, the British founder and CEO of the Centre for Countering Digital Hate (CCDH), was refused an entry visa into the US. And there have also been rows over the number of arrests in the UK for the misuse of social media.

The Independent previously revealed that Mr Vance was pushing for the US’s trade deal with the UK to include guarantees on free speech and rolling back online safety laws.

The tensions on free speech now seem set to resurface over Mr Musk’s X as it has faced global backlash in recent days after its AI tool was repeatedly used to generate undressed images of people without consent.

The changes in the rules mean only those with their name and payment information on file will be able to use.

Leading domestic abuse charity Refuge warned that the move to block all but Grok subscribers from accessing image generation represented the “monetisation of abuse” and allowed X to “profit from harm”.

“While limiting AI image generation to paid users may marginally reduce volume and improve traceability, the abuse has not been stopped,” Emma Pickering, head of technology-facilitated abuse and economic empowerment at Refuge, said.

The Internet Watch Foundation (IWF) also confirmed the tool had been used to create “criminal imagery of children aged between 11 and 13”.

An Ofcom spokesman said: “We urgently made contact on Monday and set a firm deadline of today to explain themselves, to which we have received a response.

“We’re now undertaking an expedited assessment as a matter of urgency and will provide further updates shortly.”

Several businesses linked to Reform London mayor candidate struck off

Reform UK’s candidate for the London mayoral election has had several businesses struck off after failing to file legally required documents.

Laila Cunningham was unveiled as the party’s candidate for the 2028 election in a press conference with Nigel Farage earlier this week.

The Westminster City councillor and former criminal prosecutor vowed to take on Sir Sadiq Khan, promising an “all out war” on crime in the capital.

But it has now emerged that one company which lists the 48-year-old as a shareholder and director, and another of which she was a director, have been struck off by Companies House.

According to the official watchdog, she and her husband, Michael Cunningham, jointly owned Kitchin Table Ltd., of which both were also directors. The company operated an app that organised women’s co-working sessions in their homes, was dissolved in August 2024 after a notice for compulsory strike-off action was issued in June that year.

She and her husband were also directors of a second company, MGIC Ltd, in which Mr. Cunningham owned the majority of shares, and which was struck off in August 2023, a year after a previous strike-off action had been discontinued.

Though failing to file company accounts is a criminal offence under UK law, prosecution is rare and it is more likely to have your company struck off instead.

Speaking to Times Radio in Friday, Ms Cunningham insisted that she “didn’t break companies’ law” and that “there was never any wrongdoing” after she failed to file company accounts.

“So I didn’t break companies’ law. Like many companies, and I don’t really like the insinuation that it was a crime in any way,” she said.

“I tried out different business ideas. Some became inactive. And that happens to thousands. They were all dormant, by the way. Every year. There was never any wrongdoing. No one was defrauded. And I passed all CPS vetting right after that.”

When asked whether failing to file company accounts is a breach of the law, she said: “Companies House routinely strikes off inactive or non-filing companies. It’s a paperwork sanction. The system is designed to clear dead companies out of the register. That’s hundreds of thousands of UK companies that are struck off every year. Overwhelmingly, because they’re dormant and admin has lapsed.

“It’s not wrongdoing. It’s just a way to get rid of dead companies. Lots of people do it.

“And you know what? We should reward that because I was taking risk. All my money went into that. Sadly, it didn’t work out because of Covid. And that’s what happened.”

During the fiscal year April 2024 to March 2025, 726,813 companies were dissolved by Companies House.

A Reform UK spokesman said:“Like many entrepreneurs, Laila has set up small companies over the years to test new business ideas. Some became inactive over time, resulting in a lapse of administration. This is something that happens to hundreds of thousands of dormant companies every year.

“Companies House routinely strikes off inactive companies in order to clear dead companies out of the register. There was never any wrongdoing on Laila’s part, and she has passed all her advanced CPS vetting and background checks.”

Labour to ramp up closure of asylum hotels under immigration crackdown

Ministers will ramp up the closure of migrant hotels in Spring as part of plans to reduce pressure on the asylum system.

Home secretary Shabana Mahmood announced sweeping changes to immigration reforms at the end of last year, which included making refugee status temporary and scrapping the right to family reunion. The Labour government has pledged to end the use of costly asylum hotels by 2029, however, the number of asylum seekers housed in the controversial accommodation has risen year-on-year.

The Home Office is now expected to ramp up the closure of hotels in Spring this year, under plans first reported by The I paper.

This will be facilitated by moving migrants waiting on asylum claim decisions into different forms of accommodation. Ministers have pledged to open army barracks to house asylum seekers and suggested that pop-up buildings could be used to create space. More homes of multiple occupation could also be used to house people seeking asylum.

The Home Office is hoping to ramp up removals from the UK to free up hotel space. Ms Mahmood has also pledged to revoke housing and financial support from asylum seekers who have the right to work or who have broken the law. The home secretary will remove the current legal obligation to provide support to asylum seekers who would otherwise be destitute. The government has pledged to revoke the duty in the coming months and replace it with a discretionary power, that will further restrict who is helped.

A senior Whitehall source told The I paper that the one in, one out returns deal with France will also be expanded, and that the government is hopeful a similar deal could be agreed with Germany.

More than 36,000 asylum seekers were being housed in Home Office hotels in September last year. The number of people in migrant hotels peaked at 56,018 at the end of September 2023 under the Conservatives, but fell to 29,561 at the end of June 2024.

The total number of people in receipt of asylum support from the government is also up two per cent year-on-year, with 111,651 individuals getting help at the end of September.

MPs warned last year that billions of pounds had been squandered on asylum hotel contracts due to poor management and incompetence at the Home Office.

The influential Home Affairs Committee criticised the level of accountability and oversight over large accommodation contracts. Migrant hotels became flashpoints of protest last summer after an asylum seeker in Epping, Essex, sexually asssaulted a 14-year-old girl.

Epping council sought to close down the hotel, taking their legal fight to the High Court, but were unsuccessful. The Home Office argued that the government would “face considerable difficulties in re-accommodating them [the asylum seeker residents] appropriately” if the hotel was shut down.

Trump: I don’t need international law – only one thing limits my power

Donald Trump has insisted he doesn’t need to abide by international law and the only constraint keeping his power in check is his own morality.

In a wide-ranging defence of a week of global provocation, the U.S. president laid out the motivation behind his actions.

In the last six days alone, he has launched strikes on Venezuela and captured its president Nicolas Maduro, repeatedly voiced his intention to take over Greenland and claimed that Colombia could be next on his list.

“I don’t need international law,” Trump told The New York Times in an interview in the Oval Office. “I’m not looking to hurt people.”

Since returning to the White House in January, Trump has successfully tested many of the constitutional and legal limits to his authority – firing the heads of independent agencies, attempting to rewrite the 14th Amendment and punishing federal judges who insist on giving immigrants due process.

But the president’s more recent decision to conduct aggressive military operations without congressional consent and threaten to take over allies’ territory has worried international leaders.

When asked if there were limits to his power, Trump replied: “Yeah, there is one thing. My own morality. My own mind. It’s the only thing that can stop me.”

The president added that his administration did need to follow international law, but contended that following it “depends what your definition of international law is.”

The president also explained how he uses his reputation for unpredictability and his readiness to deploy military action, such as the bombing of Iran, as tools to get other nations to do what he wants.

His comments indicate that he believes his use of the U.S. military, economy and political authority to assert dominance over foreign countries could take precedence over following international law or treaties to maintain civility with allies and adversaries.

This past week, his administration ramped up rhetoric about the U.S. using military forces to take over Greenland, a Danish territory.

“We need Greenland from the standpoint of national security,” Trump told reporters Sunday.

Stephen Miller, the White House deputy chief of staff for policy, echoed the president’s remarks later on CNN, claiming the U.S. would use its military “unapologetically” and that “nobody is going to fight the United States militarily over the future of Greenland.”

Other administration officials, such as Secretary of State Marco Rubio, downplayed the reality of a military invasion.

The administration’s unabashed bid to take over the island has raised global concerns, especially after Venezuela.

When asked whether the U.S. allegiance to NATO outweighed the desire to take over Greenland, the president responded, “It may be a choice.”

Explaining why he felt the need to own the island, he told NYT: “Because that’s what I feel is psychologically needed for success. I think that ownership gives you a thing that you can’t do with, you’re talking about a lease or a treaty. Ownership gives you things and elements that you can’t get from just signing a document.”

Trump insisted that his actions in Venezuela would not embolden Chinese president Xi Jinping or Russian leader Vladimir Putin to take further action in their own regions.

He said the situation in Venezuela was different to China: “You didn’t have the jails of Taiwan opened up and the people pouring into China.”

When asked if he thought Xi might now make a move on Taiwan, he replied: “He may do it after we have a different president, but I don’t think he’s going to do it with me as president.”

Your dream cruise formula: From Caribbean islands to European cities

If your ideal holiday is one that blends fuss-free adventure with great culinary choices and sumptuous relaxation, then book yourself onto a cruise immediately. From experiencing rich cultures, visiting breathtaking beauty spots, and dining on delicious delicacies – cruising has become one of the most luxurious ways to travel.

This dream-holiday formula is something that Virgin Voyages has perfected with its multi-award-winning, adult-only cruises, which sail across Europe, North America and the Caribbean. From entertaining onboard experiences and modern facilities to exciting escapades on land, these are the types of trips that are worth writing home about, and why Virgin Voyages has been named Travel + Leisure ® World’s Best #1 Mega Ship for an impressive three years in a row.

Here’s what would-be Sailors can expect from a Virgin Voyages cruise…

Whichever of the 150-plus destinations you choose to sail to, one thing remains guaranteed, you’ll get an unforgettable journey, and leave with happy stories to share with loved ones back home. Why not make those memories on Virgin Voyages’ impressive Lady Ships, with Scarlet Lady, Valiant Lady, Resilient Lady and Brilliant Lady each offering a distinct personality which is encapsulated in everything from decor to destinations. Expect enough amenities and activities to entertain a small city: from tequila tasting to spa days and over 20 premium eateries serving menus curated by Michelin starred chefs. There’s a whole holiday’s worth of experiences before you’ve even docked at your first port.

Be gone any thoughts of pokey, old-fashioned interiors and get ready to embrace charming cabins with a super-yacht aesthetic. No matter which of the Virgin Voyages sleeping quarters you choose from, you’ll be met with super comfortable beds, a roomy rainshower, mood lighting, free Wi-Fi and a large flat-screen HDTV. Want to really push the boat out? Opt for luxury suites that promise five-star comfort and opulence, with champagne tables, sun loungers, handwoven terrace hammocks and in-room bars. Virgin Voyages ‘RockStar’ Sailors can also enjoy everything from VIP entrances to private access to rooftop terraces.

Whether your spirit is one of a dancing queen or a sophisticated theatre-goer, Virgin Voyages has nightlife and entertainment options to suit every taste – developed with the help of the world’s most-talked-about directors, choreographers, and artists. Choose from 80s parties, festival acts or classic stories like Romeo and Juliet – reinvented with a circus twist. Each ship offers something different, so if you’re a Virgin Voyages regular, you’ll never see the same thing twice. Save your vocal chords for the private karaoke rooms, while the casinos and gaming arcades could elevate an already winning mood even further.

Don’t want to leave your full-on fitness regime behind when you go on holiday? Or are you just curious to try a new healthy group class? Whatever your wellness wishes, there’s plenty to keep you busy onboard with workouts for every level. There’s yoga, HIIT, weight training, boxing, meditation and more, plus running or walking the signature 255-metre-ish Virgin red running track, which curves around the top of the ship in a halo shape. If relaxation is your main goal, head to the spa for everything from steam room and sauna to hot stone massage and seaweed wrap. The beauty salon offers a range of professional treatments, from manicures, pedicures and nail art to IV therapy, Botox and fillers.

While you’re free to enjoy port cities at your own leisure, Virgin Voyages also curates an array of land excursions or ‘Shore Things’ for those who want to immerse themselves in local culture. Why not enjoy a barefoot fish cookout on the Mexican island of Cozumel, a late night party on the Greek Island of Mykonos or visit the historic halls of Harvard University when sailing through Boston, Massachusetts. If you’re cruising the Caribbean, choose from a beach day in St Vincent and The Grenadines; explore the private island of Mustique or visit the colourful buildings of the capital Kingstown. Do as much or as little as you like – you’re always in charge!

Proving that there really is a cruise for everyone, Virgin Voyages’ child-free cruises visit almost endless destinations that span Europe, North America and the Caribbean. Choose a five-night cruise from New York to Bermuda, taking in the paradise pink-sand beaches, maritime history and cafe culture of the island, or maybe a seven-night voyage starting in Los Angeles and sailing to Cabo San Lucas and Mazatlan in Mexico. For a trip closer to home, soak in the Mediterranean sunshine while visiting Europe’s most famous cities and islands starting in the homeports of Greece and Spain. Tick off an array of bucket list destinations with the Idyllic Ibiza cruise aboard the Valiant Lady; set sail from Rome to Barcelona with stop offs at the superluxe Amalfi Coast, Cannes and Ibiza – now, that’s what you call an A-list adventure.

With so many incredible destinations to visit and on-board luxury to explore, a cruise with Virgin Voyages is a holiday you’ll never stop talking about.

Discover Virgin Voyages luxury range of cruises and plan your next adventure today

Moscow fires new hypersonic missile likened to nuclear warhead in deadly strike

Russian forces have struck western Ukraine with a hypersonic ballistic missile which is supposedly capable of carrying nuclear warheads, the Defence Ministry confirmed.

Moscow claims the attack on the western city of Lviv was a response to an alleged attempted drone attack on one of Vladimir Putin’s residences last month. Kyiv has denied this took place.

The Oreshnik is an intermediate-range hypersonic ballistic missile that has been fired by Russian forces against Ukraine only once before, in November 2024. It is capable of carrying nuclear as well as conventional warheads.

Putin has claimed enemy forces cannot intercept because of its velocity at more than 10 times the speed of sound.

Elsewhere, at least four people were killed in Kyiv as Russia fired total of 278 missiles and drones overnight, according to Ukraine’s military, which said it downed 244 of them in flight.

Just hours earlier, Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky alerted the nation about Russia’s intention to launch a large-scale offensive and urged people to take shelter when asked.

Around half a million residents in Kyiv have been left without power as a result, the capital’s mayor said.

Firefighters called to huge blaze at industrial estate in Bangor

A huge fire has broken out at an industrial estate in Bangor, Northern Ireland.

Emergency services were drawn in from five different fire stations to respond to the major blaze near Balloo Way on Friday afternoon.

Thick grey smoke was seen billowing high over the Co Down city as police advised the public to avoid the area and keep windows closed.

“Emergency services are currently at the scene and residents are advised to keep windows closed due to smoke,” a spokesman for the police said.

It was not immediately clear what had caused the fire. Sources told Belfast Live it may have been caused by a boiler explosion.

North Down MP Alex Easton paid tribute to the responding emergency services, writing on social media: “I am urging everyone to stay well away from Balloo industrial estate and let the PSNI and NI Fire Service deal with the situation.

“My thoughts are with [them] as they deal with this major fire and praying nobody has been injured.“

Did you see what happened? Contact james.reynolds@independent.co.uk

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