Adam Goldsmith

Police have urged additional victims of convicted sex offender Simon Levy to come forward after he was found guilty of murdering Sheryl Wilkins and Carmenza Valencia-Trujillo and raping another woman in London. Levy had been monitored by the Metropolitan Police while on bail and known as a sexual predator, yet went on to commit further sexual assaults, including attacks on at least 10 women on public transport. The Metropolitan Police, British Transport Police and Crown Prosecution Service have admitted serious failures, while the Independent Office for Police Conduct is investigating two officers. A multi-agency review has been called to examine inadequate monitoring, missed warning signs and the wider justice-system failures that allowed Levy to remain a threat.

Police have urged any further victims of Simon Levy to come forward after he was convicted of murdering Carmenza Valencia-Trujillo and Sheryl Wilkins, raping another woman and sexually assaulting at least 11 others. Levy committed further offences while being monitored as a convicted sex offender, prompting criticism from London’s victims’ commissioner and victims’ advocates over failures by the Metropolitan Police, British Transport Police, Crown Prosecution Service and courts. The IOPC is investigating one constable for gross misconduct and a detective sergeant for misconduct, while two BTP officers have been reassigned over alleged incompetence. The Metropolitan Police says it has investigated possible links to other unsolved incidents but has identified no further victims so far.

Andy Burnham prepares to become the UK’s prime minister, pledging greater political stability and relief from cost‑of‑living pressures in his first Downing Street speech. He will succeed Keir Starmer after a meeting with King Charles III, amid opposition calls for a general election. His early agenda is expected to include scrapping digital ID plans, reviewing North Sea drilling within Labour’s manifesto limits, and expanding public control of key utilities. Speculation continues over senior cabinet appointments, including the next chancellor, as Labour figures emphasise continuity with the 2024 manifesto while supporting more ambitious action.

Andy Burnham will outline a message of stability and promise “more breathing room” for the public in his first speech as UK prime minister. He succeeds Keir Starmer following a formal meeting with King Charles III and is expected to emphasize political responsibility and domestic priorities, including cost-of-living measures. Speculation continues over senior cabinet appointments, particularly the next chancellor, with Ed Miliband and Shabana Mahmood seen as contenders. Burnham plans to abandon a proposed national digital ID system and review North Sea oil and gas plans while maintaining Labour’s previous commitment not to issue new drilling licences. Environmental groups are pressuring him to uphold the manifesto position. Opposition figures have called for a general election, while Labour leadership stresses continuity with increased ambition.

Andy Burnham will cancel plans for a government digital ID system upon becoming prime minister, redirecting resources toward cost‑of‑living priorities. The decision reverses earlier Labour proposals under Keir Starmer, which had already shifted from mandatory to voluntary digital IDs following public opposition. Critics in Parliament had labeled the rollout flawed and costly. Conservative and Liberal Democrat figures welcomed the scrapping while disputing Labour’s handling of the issue. Burnham is also expected to outline plans for new North Sea oil and gas drilling in line with Labour’s manifesto commitments.

Andy Burnham will cancel plans for a national digital ID system upon becoming prime minister and redirect resources toward addressing the cost of living. The decision reverses earlier proposals under Keir Starmer, which had already shifted from mandatory to voluntary following public pushback and parliamentary criticism. Conservatives accused Burnham of claiming credit for an existing policy change, while Liberal Democrats welcomed the move. The update comes as Burnham is also expected to pursue new North Sea oil and gas drilling within the limits of Labour’s manifesto commitments.

Court filings reveal that racing driver Paul Rees is suing BBC Studios for more than £100,000, alleging he suffered back injuries and PTSD when a Morgan Super 3 driven by Andrew Flintoff overturned during a Top Gear shoot in 2022. Rees claims inadequate warnings were given about the risks of drifting the three-wheeled vehicle, while BBC Studios denies negligence and argues Rees’s instructions caused the crash. Flintoff previously settled with the BBC over his injuries, and the incident contributed to Top Gear being put on hold.

Police arrested a man in south London over an alleged threat made on X to shoot Reform UK leader Nigel Farage following local elections. Officers informed Farage that the investigation will involve reviewing seized digital devices. The arrest occurred shortly after the killing of Reform spokesperson Ann Widdecombe, which is under counter-terror investigation. Reform UK figures emphasised the need for increased MP security, with proposals for round-the-clock protection if the party were in government.

At least eight people in the UK have been arrested as part of an investigation into online forums encouraging drug-facilitated sexual assault. The National Crime Agency has identified 270 individuals linked to a primary forum and associated sites, and evidence has been shared with international law enforcement. Fourteen investigations are ongoing and eight victims have been identified. Agencies from multiple countries met in London, leading to the identification of more than 150 offenders and victims and four additional online groups. Officials from the CPS and police highlighted the severity of the abuse and urged victims to seek help. The case echoes that of Gisèle Pelicot, who was repeatedly drugged and raped by men invited by her husband, who has been jailed for 20 years.