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Alice Padgett

As a skilled journalist  with over a year of experience in a national newsroom, I specialise in crafting compelling, engaging content, with a particular focus on defence and international politics. 

LBC •

AI-powered robots with grenade launchers could change Ukraine war | LBC

"Whilst they can save lives, they also change fighting capability," the defence firm saidSilent self-driving vehicles, powered by artificial intelligence, can fight enemy soldiers entirely on their own.On the version shown to LBC, a 40mm grenade launcher was mounted to a six-wheel ground vehicle, capable of driving on all-terrain through the Ukrainian wilderness.Geoff Davis, Managing Director of defence firm IDV UK, said: "Why put a human in danger when you can use a robot?""Whilst they can save...
LBC •

Brit in Finland warns UK unprepared for Russian threat | LBC

Nick, 32, moved to Pori, in Finland, in July 2024 to live with his fiancee, Heidi, and now has a nephew there.The software engineer, who grew up in Staffordshire, told LBC he would "fight for Finland" if Russia invaded.He argued that Finland is far better prepared for potential war with Russia compared to Britain.In comparison to the UK's war preparedness, he said Finland's "pragmatic approach of quietly preparing for the worst" should be adopted by Brits."The shadow of Russia has hung over Finl...
LBC •

Swedish firm gives Ukraine satellite alternative to Starlink | LBC

With this product, Ukraine could directly control more of its communications infrastructure.Swedish tech firm TERASi has designed RU1 - a new lightweight, rapidly deployable and secure radio.The device is a pocket-sized metal unit that takes in data, boosts the signal, and transmits it through the air. Its compact design makes it easy to deploy quickly in the field.With this product, Ukraine could directly own and control more of its communications infrastructure, reducing reliance on third part...
LBC •

Venezuela narco-submarines evade detection as expert warns low profile drug vessels could slip through | LBC

The coffin-like vessels are launched from countries including Venezuela and Colombia to smuggle as much as three tonnes of cocaineVerineia Codrean, Chief of Strategy & Partnerships at EUROATLAS, the company behind the GREYSHARK autonomous underwater vehicle, told LBC the scale of the problem may be far greater than authorities realise."Narco submarines are not a niche criminal problem," she said."They’re an early sign of undersea innovation happening outside state control."The biggest concern, M...
LBC •

Patrolling the depths: The 'Deep Sea Police' guarding underwater cables from foreign sabotage | LBC

The vehicle is designed for surveillance, as NATO nations scramble to protect critical undersea infrastructure.An underwater surveillance vehicle has been engineered by German company EUROATLAS to guard the world’s hidden data highways from foreign sabotage."You can’t deter what you can’t detect," Head of Strategy & Special Projects Verineia Codrean told LBC."Just a few coordinated attacks could mean that you could cut the water supply, the electricity supply, and the communication supply to a n...
LBC •

Deaf patients in the NHS: lack of accessibility and communication support | LBC

The needs of deaf patients are being "repeatedly ignored" as the NHS fail to provide British Sign Language (BSL) interpreters and communication devices.Only 7% of BSL users who require an interpreter are given that requirement for NHS appointments, found the Royal National Institute for Deaf People and SignHealth.Moona Mohammed, who requires BSL to communicate, told LBC she's faced numerous occasions where she was not given an interpreter in Barts Health NHS trust, London."I was treated like I d...
LBC •

Britain developing Iron Dome as ‘the Russian threat evolves’, defence chief tells LBC | LBC

Sir Richard told Andrew Marr the UK is developing an Iron Dome as "Russia's capability and willingness to use ballistic and cruise missiles has become more apparent".Sir Richard told Andrew Marr the UK is developing an Iron Dome as "Russia's capability and willingness to use ballistic and cruise missiles has become more apparent".The Chief of the Defence Staff explained: "We call it integrated air and missile defence, and we have, over 30 years, not really faced a threat from the air in that way...
South West Londoner •

WATCH: UK's Women's March 2025 sees thousands protest outside Westminster

The UK’s Women’s March 2025 organised a march from Waterloo to Westminster to stand-up for abortion rights and safer streets for women.


The march, which took place on Saturday 18th January, saw protestors take to the streets with signs, whistles, drums and banners.


The London organiser, Elisa Rowland, said that the march welcomes all, including trans women, as they put an emphasis on inclusivity.


The Samba Sisters accompanied the march with their drum beats and performed for the rally...
LBC •

'I'm not panicked': British family heads to Florida for Disneyworld holiday - despite Hurricane Milton warnings

9 October 2024, 16:03

A British holidaymaker flew his family out to Florida this week for a Disneyworld trip - despite widespread warnings about Hurricane Milton.

Paul Whiting, a 51-year-old former firefighter, is staying in Davenport, near Orlando, Florida.

Mr Whiting and his family flew out to Florida on Tuesday, defying warnings about the terrifying expected impact of the storm.

The Category 5 hurricane is barrelling towards the coast of western Florida, about 80 miles from where Mr Whiti...