Met deploys 100 officers for London's Jewish communities on the eve of Britain's biggest local vote since 2024
The Met announced a 100-officer Community Protection Team for London's Jewish communities after arson on Jewish sites and a Golders Green double stabbing being investigated as terrorism; April logged 140 antisemitic offences in the capital, 51 in Barnet. Campaigning closed for Thursday's local and devolved elections — 5,000+ seats, six mayoralties, the expanded Senedd and Holyrood contested. Council of Europe chief Alain Berset warned quitting the ECHR would place the UK alongside Russia and Belarus; Lord Robertson said Starmer had not launched his promised national security conversation.
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Met Police deploys 100-officer team for London's Jewish communities as April antisemitic offences hit 140
The Metropolitan Police is deploying a new 100-officer Community Protection Team to safeguard London's Jewish communities after a series of arson attacks on Jewish sites and a double stabbing in Golders Green being investigated as terrorism. April saw 140 antisemitic hate crimes recorded in the capital — up from 98 in March and 67 in February, the highest monthly total since the Met changed its hate-crime recording in March 2024 — with 51 of those offences in Barnet alone. The unit, drawn from neighbourhood, specialist-protection and counter-terror officers, is funded by £18 million of a £25 million Home Office package; about 50 people have been arrested and eight charged in recent weeks.
Parties make final pitches ahead of UK local and devolved elections
Campaigning concludes on Wednesday ahead of Thursday's local and devolved elections across Scotland, Wales and parts of England, the biggest set of votes since the 2024 general election. More than 5,000 seats on 136 English councils and six mayoralties are contested, alongside the newly expanded Senedd in Wales and the Scottish Parliament. Reform UK and Plaid Cymru are vying to become the largest party in the Senedd, while the SNP seeks a fifth consecutive victory in Scotland.
Council of Europe chief warns UK leaving ECHR would align it with Russia and Belarus
Council of Europe Secretary General Alain Berset warned that leaving the European Convention on Human Rights would place the UK in a group with Russia and Belarus, the only other European countries not party to the treaty. Speaking in London, Berset said leaving would have “consequences” but that it was the UK’s choice. The warning comes as the opposition Conservatives and Reform UK have pledged to quit the ECHR if they win the next general election, citing migration concerns.
UK Defence Review Chief Says PM Has Not Launched Pledged National Security Conversation
Lord Robertson of Port Ellen, the former NATO Secretary-General who led the Strategic Defence Review, told MPs on 27 April that Prime Minister Keir Starmer has still not launched the promised national conversation on defence and security. Robertson said he had reminded the PM on a couple of occasions about the commitment, which was recommendation 26 of the review, but the government has failed to act. He warned that NATO expects a potential armed attack within three years, making the delay a matter of urgency.
All Events
Every other event tracked in United Kingdom, with a one-line preview.
gb35PSNI review finds institutional misogyny in Katie Simpson murder case
A review into the Police Service of Northern Ireland's handling of the death of 21-year-old showjumper Katie Simpson found institutional misogyny and systemic failures. Simpson's death was initially treated as suicide; her sister's partner, Jonathan Creswell, was later charged with murder but took his own life in 2024. The review identified 37 other alleged victims of Creswell and criticized multiple agencies for failures. Confidence in policing has been severely shaken, and calls for reform have been made.
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PSNI review finds institutional misogyny in Katie Simpson murder case
A review into the Police Service of Northern Ireland's handling of the death of 21-year-old showjumper Katie Simpson found institutional misogyny and systemic failures. Simpson's death was initially treated as suicide; her sister's partner, Jonathan Creswell, was later charged with murder but took his own life in 2024. The review identified 37 other alleged victims of Creswell and criticized multiple agencies for failures. Confidence in policing has been severely shaken, and calls for reform have been made.
A review into the Police Service of Northern Ireland's handling of the death of 21-year-old showjumper Katie Simpson found institutional misogyny and systemic failures. Simpson's death was initially treated as suicide; her sister's partner, Jonathan Creswell, was later charged with murder but took his own life in 2024. The review identified 37 other alleged victims of Creswell and criticized multiple agencies for failures. Confidence in policing has been severely shaken, and calls for reform have been made.
gb23Sudanese asylum seekers challenge UK Home Office rule reducing refugee leave to 30 months
Two Sudanese asylum seekers have launched the first legal challenge against the UK Home Secretary's policy to halve refugee leave to remain from five years to 30 months, arguing it is discriminatory and will not deter asylum seekers. The policy also restricts family reunification. UNHCR has condemned the change, warning it will increase uncertainty and administrative burdens.
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Sudanese asylum seekers challenge UK Home Office rule reducing refugee leave to 30 months
Two Sudanese asylum seekers have launched the first legal challenge against the UK Home Secretary's policy to halve refugee leave to remain from five years to 30 months, arguing it is discriminatory and will not deter asylum seekers. The policy also restricts family reunification. UNHCR has condemned the change, warning it will increase uncertainty and administrative burdens.
Two Sudanese asylum seekers have launched the first legal challenge against the UK Home Secretary's policy to halve refugee leave to remain from five years to 30 months, arguing it is discriminatory and will not deter asylum seekers. The policy also restricts family reunification. UNHCR has condemned the change, warning it will increase uncertainty and administrative burdens.
gb2113-year-old arrested after petrol bombs thrown at police in Londonderry
A 13-year-old boy was arrested in Londonderry after petrol bombs, glass bottles, and masonry were thrown at police vehicles in the Bishop Street area. The incident is part of a series of sectarian attacks in the Fountain estate area, with politicians condemning the violence as sectarian and warning of serious injury. The boy was arrested on suspicion of riotous behavior and released on bail. Police are investigating multiple recent incidents involving masked youths.
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13-year-old arrested after petrol bombs thrown at police in Londonderry
A 13-year-old boy was arrested in Londonderry after petrol bombs, glass bottles, and masonry were thrown at police vehicles in the Bishop Street area. The incident is part of a series of sectarian attacks in the Fountain estate area, with politicians condemning the violence as sectarian and warning of serious injury. The boy was arrested on suspicion of riotous behavior and released on bail. Police are investigating multiple recent incidents involving masked youths.
A 13-year-old boy was arrested in Londonderry after petrol bombs, glass bottles, and masonry were thrown at police vehicles in the Bishop Street area. The incident is part of a series of sectarian attacks in the Fountain estate area, with politicians condemning the violence as sectarian and warning of serious injury. The boy was arrested on suspicion of riotous behavior and released on bail. Police are investigating multiple recent incidents involving masked youths.
gb14Green Party leader Polanski admits falsely claiming to be Red Cross spokesman
Zack Polanski, leader of the Green Party of England and Wales, acknowledged he was wrong to describe himself as a British Red Cross spokesman on his personal website in 2020 and a crowdfunding page in 2022, stating he used 'the wrong word' and removed the claims. The British Red Cross confirmed it does not support any political party. The admission came as the party campaigns in local elections, facing scrutiny over candidate vetting and antisemitism allegations. Polanski also apologized for sharing a social media post criticizing police response to the Golders Green attack, which the Met Police chief called inaccurate. The controversy highlights challenges for the Green Party as it seeks to gain ground in urban areas.
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Green Party leader Polanski admits falsely claiming to be Red Cross spokesman
Zack Polanski, leader of the Green Party of England and Wales, acknowledged he was wrong to describe himself as a British Red Cross spokesman on his personal website in 2020 and a crowdfunding page in 2022, stating he used 'the wrong word' and removed the claims. The British Red Cross confirmed it does not support any political party. The admission came as the party campaigns in local elections, facing scrutiny over candidate vetting and antisemitism allegations. Polanski also apologized for sharing a social media post criticizing police response to the Golders Green attack, which the Met Police chief called inaccurate. The controversy highlights challenges for the Green Party as it seeks to gain ground in urban areas.
Zack Polanski, leader of the Green Party of England and Wales, acknowledged he was wrong to describe himself as a British Red Cross spokesman on his personal website in 2020 and a crowdfunding page in 2022, stating he used 'the wrong word' and removed the claims. The British Red Cross confirmed it does not support any political party. The admission came as the party campaigns in local elections, facing scrutiny over candidate vetting and antisemitism allegations. Polanski also apologized for sharing a social media post criticizing police response to the Golders Green attack, which the Met Police chief called inaccurate. The controversy highlights challenges for the Green Party as it seeks to gain ground in urban areas.
gb13Palestinian ambassador protests British Museum removal of 'Palestine' from exhibits
Palestinian Ambassador to the UK Husam Zomlot has called for Foreign Office intervention after the British Museum removed references to 'Palestine' from exhibit panels, replacing them with 'Gaza and the West Bank'. Zomlot describes the change as historical erasure amid ongoing conflict. The museum denies removing the term entirely, but scholars criticize the move as politically motivated and historically inaccurate. The dispute highlights tensions over cultural heritage and national identity in the context of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
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Palestinian ambassador protests British Museum removal of 'Palestine' from exhibits
Palestinian Ambassador to the UK Husam Zomlot has called for Foreign Office intervention after the British Museum removed references to 'Palestine' from exhibit panels, replacing them with 'Gaza and the West Bank'. Zomlot describes the change as historical erasure amid ongoing conflict. The museum denies removing the term entirely, but scholars criticize the move as politically motivated and historically inaccurate. The dispute highlights tensions over cultural heritage and national identity in the context of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Palestinian Ambassador to the UK Husam Zomlot has called for Foreign Office intervention after the British Museum removed references to 'Palestine' from exhibit panels, replacing them with 'Gaza and the West Bank'. Zomlot describes the change as historical erasure amid ongoing conflict. The museum denies removing the term entirely, but scholars criticize the move as politically motivated and historically inaccurate. The dispute highlights tensions over cultural heritage and national identity in the context of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
gb11NATO naval chiefs meet at Northwood to discuss future of standing naval forces and uncrewed systems
NATO's Allied Maritime Command hosted its annual Maritime Operational Commanders' Conference at Northwood from 15 to 17 April, bringing together chiefs of navy, fleet commanders, and senior leaders. Discussions centered on the future of NATO's standing naval forces, integration of uncrewed systems, and enhancing deterrence. Participants also addressed operational experimentation, information sharing, and security cooperation across missions including Operation Sea Guardian and enhanced vigilance activities in the Baltic and Arctic. The conference underscores NATO's focus on adapting to great power competition and technological change in the maritime domain.
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NATO naval chiefs meet at Northwood to discuss future of standing naval forces and uncrewed systems
NATO's Allied Maritime Command hosted its annual Maritime Operational Commanders' Conference at Northwood from 15 to 17 April, bringing together chiefs of navy, fleet commanders, and senior leaders. Discussions centered on the future of NATO's standing naval forces, integration of uncrewed systems, and enhancing deterrence. Participants also addressed operational experimentation, information sharing, and security cooperation across missions including Operation Sea Guardian and enhanced vigilance activities in the Baltic and Arctic. The conference underscores NATO's focus on adapting to great power competition and technological change in the maritime domain.
NATO's Allied Maritime Command hosted its annual Maritime Operational Commanders' Conference at Northwood from 15 to 17 April, bringing together chiefs of navy, fleet commanders, and senior leaders. Discussions centered on the future of NATO's standing naval forces, integration of uncrewed systems, and enhancing deterrence. Participants also addressed operational experimentation, information sharing, and security cooperation across missions including Operation Sea Guardian and enhanced vigilance activities in the Baltic and Arctic. The conference underscores NATO's focus on adapting to great power competition and technological change in the maritime domain.
gb10EU trade deal may force UK to restrict glyphosate weedkiller use
A new UK-EU sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) trade agreement could lead to restrictions on the pre-harvest use of glyphosate, a weedkiller classified as probably carcinogenic by the WHO. The EU banned the practice in 2023. UK environmental groups urge the government to align with EU standards, while the chemical industry lobbies for exceptions. The UK's glyphosate licence expires in November.
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EU trade deal may force UK to restrict glyphosate weedkiller use
A new UK-EU sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) trade agreement could lead to restrictions on the pre-harvest use of glyphosate, a weedkiller classified as probably carcinogenic by the WHO. The EU banned the practice in 2023. UK environmental groups urge the government to align with EU standards, while the chemical industry lobbies for exceptions. The UK's glyphosate licence expires in November.
A new UK-EU sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) trade agreement could lead to restrictions on the pre-harvest use of glyphosate, a weedkiller classified as probably carcinogenic by the WHO. The EU banned the practice in 2023. UK environmental groups urge the government to align with EU standards, while the chemical industry lobbies for exceptions. The UK's glyphosate licence expires in November.
gb9Ferguson Marine Plans Shipyard Expansion with New Fabrication Hall
Ferguson Marine has initiated a ground investigation tender for a potential expansion of its Port Glasgow shipyard, including a new 100m x 40m portal frame fabrication shed. CEO Graeme Thomson warned the yard will run out of space within five years and is exploring expansion at the Inchgreen facility. The move is tied to Scottish Government plans to order four more vessels and the yard's role in Type 26 frigate block fabrication for BAE Systems, signaling a strategic push to secure long-term commercial and defense shipbuilding capacity in Inverclyde.
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Ferguson Marine Plans Shipyard Expansion with New Fabrication Hall
Ferguson Marine has initiated a ground investigation tender for a potential expansion of its Port Glasgow shipyard, including a new 100m x 40m portal frame fabrication shed. CEO Graeme Thomson warned the yard will run out of space within five years and is exploring expansion at the Inchgreen facility. The move is tied to Scottish Government plans to order four more vessels and the yard's role in Type 26 frigate block fabrication for BAE Systems, signaling a strategic push to secure long-term commercial and defense shipbuilding capacity in Inverclyde.
Ferguson Marine has initiated a ground investigation tender for a potential expansion of its Port Glasgow shipyard, including a new 100m x 40m portal frame fabrication shed. CEO Graeme Thomson warned the yard will run out of space within five years and is exploring expansion at the Inchgreen facility. The move is tied to Scottish Government plans to order four more vessels and the yard's role in Type 26 frigate block fabrication for BAE Systems, signaling a strategic push to secure long-term commercial and defense shipbuilding capacity in Inverclyde.
gb8Gibraltar dumps untreated sewage into Mediterranean for decades
Gibraltar, a British overseas territory, has been pumping raw sewage from nearly 40,000 people directly into the Mediterranean Sea due to the lack of a wastewater treatment plant. The European Court of Justice ruled against the UK in 2017, but post-Brexit enforcement is limited. A 25-year contract to build a treatment plant was awarded in June 2025, with advanced works beginning.
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Gibraltar dumps untreated sewage into Mediterranean for decades
Gibraltar, a British overseas territory, has been pumping raw sewage from nearly 40,000 people directly into the Mediterranean Sea due to the lack of a wastewater treatment plant. The European Court of Justice ruled against the UK in 2017, but post-Brexit enforcement is limited. A 25-year contract to build a treatment plant was awarded in June 2025, with advanced works beginning.
Gibraltar, a British overseas territory, has been pumping raw sewage from nearly 40,000 people directly into the Mediterranean Sea due to the lack of a wastewater treatment plant. The European Court of Justice ruled against the UK in 2017, but post-Brexit enforcement is limited. A 25-year contract to build a treatment plant was awarded in June 2025, with advanced works beginning.