UK News

UK News

NOTTING HILL CARNIVAL SEES A DROP IN SERIOUS VIOLENCE SAYS POLICE

This year’s Notting Hill Carnival attracted around a million people and saw 423 arrests and two non-life-threatening stabbings, but police reported “far fewer incidents of serious violence” than in previous years. Assistant Commissioner Matt Ward credited proactive measures such as live facial recognition, knife arches, and stop-and-search for preventing crime. Despite arrests for drugs, weapons, and assaults, organisers stressed these figures represented only a tiny fraction of attendees, with the event largely celebrated as safe, vibrant, and community-driven.

‘BRIXTON BARD’ ALEX WHEATLE DIES AGED 62 AFTER PROSTATE CANCER BATTLE

Alex Wheatle, the acclaimed writer known for his powerful novels about life on London’s streets, has died at the age of 62 following a battle with prostate cancer. Nicknamed the “Brixton Bard,” Wheatle was diagnosed with the illness in 2023 and became an advocate for raising awareness. Born on January 3, 1963, he spent much of his early life in children’s homes before discovering a passion for writing—starting with lyrics, then moving on to poetry, short stories, and novels.
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JOEY BARTON FACES BACKLASH AS SOCIAL MEDIA USERS REMIND HIM OF HIS BROTHER'S CRIMINAL PAST

Former footballer Joey Barton has sparked controversy on social media after making comments about the casting of Stephen Graham’s new television programme. Barton took to Twitter to question whether Graham had made the right choice in selecting a young actor, suggesting that the portrayal of knife crime in the UK was inaccurately cast.
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STORMZY AWARDED HONORARY DOCTORATE FROM CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY

Rapper Stormzy has been honoured with an honorary doctorate in law from the University of Cambridge, recognising his significant philanthropic contributions. Beyond his chart-topping music career, the 31-year-old, real name Michael Ebenazer Kwadjo Omari Owuo Jr., has launched numerous initiatives in sports and the arts. He founded #Merky Books, a publishing imprint championing Black British authors, and recently co-purchased AFC Croydon Athletic, aiming to transform the football club into a vital community hub.‍
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RAPPER DIGDAT CONVICTED OF ATTEMPTED MURDER IN LONDON DRIVE-BY SHOOTING

Nathan Tokosi, widely recognised by his stage name DigDat, has been found guilty of attempted murder following a drive-by shooting in west London. The 25-year-old rapper was implicated in an attack where multiple shots were fired at a man in Notting Hill on November 20, 2023. The Old Bailey heard that DigDat was among those in a stolen Audi from which at least six rounds were discharged at 27-year-old Daniel Offei-Ntow, striking him in the head, mouth, and body.
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BRITS WILL BE CALLED UP IF WE GO TO WAR WITH RUSSIA

Britons have been cautioned that they could face conscription if war were to break out with Russia.Mike Martin, a former Afghanistan veteran and Liberal Democrat MP for Tunbridge Wells, issued this warning as the conflict in Ukraine continues with no immediate resolution in sight.
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LONDON UNVEILS NIGHTTIME PLAN WITH ‘QUIET ZONES’ TO REDUCE NOISE COMPLAINTS

Westminster Council has introduced a new nighttime strategy for London, including designated “quiet zones” and “quiet nights” to address noise complaints from residents. Key areas such as Oxford Street, the Strand, and Victoria Street will be designated for late-night entertainment, while businesses will be encouraged to create calm spaces for neurodiverse individuals. The plan also includes 100 additional CCTV cameras to enhance safety, particularly for LGBTQ+ venues. However, business owners argue the policy threatens London’s nightlife, which has already seen a 19% decline since the pandemic.
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TEACHER WHO FALSELY ACCUSED 14 YEAR OLD PUPIL OF SEXUAL ASSAULT IN ATTEMPT TO HIDE HER CRIMES IS JAILED

A former teacher has been sentenced to prison after grooming and sexually abusing a teenage student, before falsely accusing him of rape. Judith Evans, 33, received a two-year jail term for multiple sexual offences involving the boy and will remain on the sex offender register for life. Evans was employed at Belfast Boys’ Model School in Northern Ireland when she developed an inappropriate relationship with the student. She later manipulated and sexually exploited him, taking advantage of his admiration towards her.‍
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TEENAGER JAILED FOR LIFE FOR THE FATAL STABBING OF ELIANNE ANDAM

A teenager who fatally stabbed 15-year-old Elianne Andam in a dispute over a teddy bear has been sentenced to at least 23 years in prison for her murder. Hassan Sentamu, then 17, attacked Elianne with a kitchen knife outside a shopping center in Croydon, south London, in September 2023.
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KEIR STARMER TO ABOLISH NHS ENGLAND IN MAJOR SHAKE-UP TO REDUCE BUREAUCRACY

Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced the abolition of NHS England, citing the need to cut bureaucracy and bring healthcare management back under democratic control. The move aims to streamline operations, reduce inefficiencies, and redirect funds toward frontline services. Health Secretary Wes Streeting confirmed that the restructuring would lead to a significant reduction in administrative roles, with a greater focus on patient care.
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