It is not often you open the pages of the newspapers and see a story linking the CIA, French security, al-Qaeda, Wales and insurance brokers.

But last week a plane was grounded in Paris by French security officers after the US claimed that the passenger list contained names of al-Qaeda suspects.

The French authorities interviewed the alleged suspects, which included a Welsh insurance broker. It turned out the list was compiled by the US intelligence services based on homonyms - names that sounded or looked similar to the supposed terrorists'.

Of course, the insurance broker cannot be named, but Backchat is intrigued at what his name could be. Is there a Dai Jones or Myfannwy Evans in Osama Bin Laden's network? Have US intelligence services intercepted phone messages where Men of Harlech has been sung to rally the faithful?

Backchat can only assume that the man was a little obvious, particularly as he was "the only insurance agent in the village".

The 2025 Insurance Times Awards took place on the evening of Wednesday 3rd December in the iconic Great Room of London’s Grosvenor House.

Hosted by comedian and actor Tom Allen, 34 Gold, 23 Silver and 22 Bronze awards were handed out across an amazing 34 categories recognising brilliance and innovation right across the breadth of UK general insurance.
Many congratulations to all the worthy winners and as always, huge thanks to our sponsors for their support and our judges for their expertise.

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