Brooke Davies

The National Secular Society has reported Emmanuel Free Church of England in Morecambe to the Charity Commission after sermons by Reverend Brett Murphy allegedly described Judaism as a demonic cult and false religion and used derogatory language about Muslims and LGBTQ+ people. Murphy, who left the Church of England in 2023, is also accused of opposing same-sex adoption and making anti-Muslim comments in a Project Britannia video. The NSS argues that the church's rhetoric conflicts with its public-benefit obligations and says charity law should be reformed. The Charity Commission is assessing the concerns, while Metro says it has contacted Murphy for comment.

Amanda Knox made her stand-up debut at Edinburgh’s Gilded Balloon with Cartwheel, a show about motherhood that includes jokes and commentary about her prosecution for Meredith Kercher’s 2007 murder. Knox joked that the evidence against her was based on “vibes” and discussed her behavior at the crime scene. Meredith’s sister, Stephanie Kercher, launched a petition seeking to cancel the show, arguing that it treats her sister’s rape and murder as entertainment. Knox’s spokeswoman rejected the petition as based on false assumptions and said the performance honors Kercher’s memory, while the Gilded Balloon defended hosting it as part of the Fringe’s commitment to freedom of expression.

Adam Johnson and Kylie Smith, both from St Helens, have been charged with causing or allowing the death of their one-year-old son, child neglect and possession of cannabis. Maero Johnson was taken to hospital in August 2023 and later died; a Home Office postmortem attributed his death to ketotic hypoglycaemia and severe malnutrition. Police also found a second child neglected and underdeveloped. The couple are due to appear at Liverpool Magistrates' Court on August 13.

Mark Fraser, 40, threw a bag containing glass bottles at a South Wales Police car responding to an emergency call in Aberdare, shattering its windscreen and putting the officer at risk. He admitted criminal damage by recklessly endangering life and was given a three-year prison sentence suspended for three years, along with 250 hours of unpaid work and more than £6,000 in compensation.

Downing Street has criticised Westminster City Council proposals intended to reduce “vertical drinking” in Soho and the West End by encouraging more seating, table service and waiter-served alcohol. The government argues that busy pubs are part of British life and support thousands of jobs, while Mayor Sadiq Khan and nightlife adviser Sacha Lord also oppose the approach. Westminster Council says the guidance is designed to prevent customers from crowding pavements and disturbing passers-by, and maintains that it continues to approve most licence applications and supports profitable venues.

Westminster City Council is consulting on guidance that would discourage standing and open-bar service in pubs and bars, encouraging more seating and waiter-only ordering of food and alcohol. The draft also proposes normally refusing applications for new pubs, bars, fast-food outlets and entertainment venues in the West End Cumulative Impact Zone. Hospitality figures, venue owner Siobhan MaGill, Sacha Lord, Sadiq Khan and the London Business Alliance argue the measures could damage London’s nightlife, jobs and tourism, while the Night Time Industries Association warns other councils may copy Westminster. Deputy council leader Tim Barnes says the proposals are intended to reduce pavement crowding and excessive drinking, stressing that applications will still be assessed individually and that Westminster continues to support profitable venues.

Stephanie Kercher has petitioned for Amanda Knox's Edinburgh Fringe stand-up show, Cartwheel, to be cancelled, arguing that it turns Meredith Kercher's rape and murder into entertainment and trivialises violence against women. Knox's representatives deny the petition's characterisation, saying the show is about motherhood, raising a daughter in an unsafe world and telling difficult truths, while claiming it honours Meredith's memory. The venue, Gilded Balloon, says it supports freedom of expression and that audiences can make informed choices. The petition had collected nearly 1,000 signatures within 48 hours.

A High Court judge has ruled that plans to convert Old Royal Mint Court in Tower Hamlets into China’s largest embassy in Europe can proceed. The Royal Mint Court Residents’ Association challenged the planning decision over potential terrorist attacks, surveillance, repression of dissidents and the site’s proximity to major fibre-optic cables, but the judge found that the government had properly considered China’s involvement and that withheld blast-assessment documents did not make the process unfair. Residents say they will seek to appeal.

Police officers stopped a suspicious vehicle in Catford and found £35,000 in cash inside a shopping bag, arresting the 54-year-old driver on suspicion of possessing criminal property. A subsequent search of his address uncovered about £4 million in cash concealed in multiple bags and 1kg of cocaine. The Metropolitan Police described it as one of London’s largest cash seizures and linked it to efforts to disrupt organized crime and drug-related harm.

A 22-year-old man died after being stabbed near Tremadoc Road and Clapham High Street at about 4:20 a.m. on Saturday. Four other men, aged 22 to 24, suffered non-life-threatening injuries and were arrested in hospital on suspicion of murder, while two further men, aged 27 and 23, were arrested there as well. All six remain in police custody or under treatment as detectives investigate the circumstances, with crime scenes in place and police appealing for witnesses.

One man died at the scene and three others were taken to hospital after an explosion and fire at an industrial unit on Brunel Road in Bedford. Residents described hearing a sound like a bomb or shooting. Bedfordshire Police established and later stood down a safety cordon, while officers remained at the site pending handover of the investigation to the Health and Safety Executive.

A man in his 30s was stabbed in the leg on Greek Street in Soho, central London, while hundreds of people watched. Paramedics treated him at the scene before taking him to hospital; his injuries are not considered life-threatening or life-changing. Police said the incident appeared to be isolated, posed no further threat to the public, and that no arrests had been made.

Sadiq Khan rebutted claims by Nigel Farage and other right‑wing figures that London is unsafe, pointing to new crime statistics showing significant reductions in offences including phone theft and murder. He argued that critics misrepresent the capital for political reasons and because of discomfort with its multicultural character. Met Police commissioner Mark Rowley confirmed that neighbourhood crime has dropped 14% due to sustained policing efforts. The article contrasts data‑driven assessments of safety with politically charged negative portrayals of the city.

Ann Widdecombe’s family announced a public memorial to be held later in the year following her killing, while a private funeral will occur in the coming weeks. Prosecutors detailed allegations that Joshua Kerry entered her home and fatally attacked her before stealing her wallet, describing the act as planned and violent. Kerry has been charged with murder and remanded ahead of an October court appearance. The CPS confirmed sufficient evidence for prosecution and noted ongoing inquiries into any potential political or terrorist motive.

Two women were taken to hospital after a car broke through a barrier on Renfrew Road and fell onto the M8 near Glasgow Airport. The motorway and surrounding roads were closed following the crash, reopening later that night. Police Scotland confirmed the single-vehicle incident and the road closures while emergency services responded.

A mother was sentenced to three years in prison for taking the murder weapon used by her son, Vickrum Digwa, after he fatally stabbed 18‑year‑old Henry Nowak in Southampton. Digwa, who had falsely claimed racial abuse, previously received a life sentence with a minimum of 21 years. The court found that Kiran Kaur’s removal of the knife helped conceal its use. Evidence presented included Digwa’s possession of multiple weapons and video footage of the victim attempting to flee before dying shortly after police arrived.

Elika Ashoori argues that earlier proscription of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps could have prevented kidnappings and attacks linked to the group, including her father’s five‑year imprisonment in Iran. The UK government has now moved to proscribe the IRGC amid rising threats, anti‑semitic incidents and proxy operations tied to Iran. Ministers announced new security powers and increased funding for policing in Jewish communities, while critics say the measures come too late for those harmed by the regime’s actions.

Martha Ann Lillard, one of the last Americans reliant on an iron lung due to childhood polio, died at 78 after the aging machine became impossible to maintain. Living inside the 1940s respirator for more than 70 years, she saw her condition worsen following bouts of Covid-19 and shingles, eventually requiring 24‑hour use as replacement parts became unavailable. Family members described ongoing struggles to keep the device functioning and highlighted her creativity and determination throughout her life.

Four teenage boys were charged in connection with the abduction and rape of a woman in Weston-super-Mare following a police investigation. The suspects, aged 17 to 19, face multiple counts including rape, false imprisonment and assault causing actual bodily harm, and have been remanded ahead of a court appearance. Police described the coordinated arrests as necessary and reassured the public while confirming support for the victim continues.

Ann Widdecombe was found dead in her Dartmoor home with serious injuries, and police believe she was attacked the previous day. A man initially arrested on suspicion of murder has been released, and investigators continue searching for those responsible. Police are examining all available evidence and appealing for information while maintaining a cordon around the property. Widdecombe’s political career, later media appearances and personal background are outlined as authorities work to establish the circumstances of her death.

Record-breaking UK heatwaves have brought six days over 35C in 2026, with temperatures expected to stay above 30C across England and Wales into next week. The Met Office forecasts continued hot, dry weather with possible thunderstorms in southern regions, while northern Scotland sees temporary rain before improving conditions. Water companies have introduced hosepipe bans across several areas amid rising pressure on water supplies driven by extreme heat, changing rainfall patterns, population growth and long-term underinvestment in infrastructure.

Police are investigating two £250,000 donations made to Reform UK by Fiona Cottrell, the mother of convicted fraudster George Cottrell, who is already under scrutiny for allegedly concealing impermissible donations. Fiona Cottrell is also believed to have transferred £1 million to a company linked to Reform deputy leader Richard Tice, half of which was later donated to the party. Questions persist about the origin of the funds and their connection to the ongoing inquiry. The article also notes previous funding provided by George Cottrell and references wider political tensions surrounding Nigel Farage and upcoming electoral processes in Clacton.

Inmates at HMP Chelmsford report extreme heat and confinement for up to 22 hours a day, with family members describing conditions as torturous during recent temperatures reaching 36C. Prisoners are said to receive minimal water, poor ventilation and unusable hot showers, prompting concerns about unsafe conditions. The Prison Service states that measures exist to protect staff and inmates during hot weather. The prison, previously flagged as being in a near state of collapse, remains under scrutiny following past operational failures, including the mistaken release of an inmate.

A long-standing pledge from Count Binface’s earlier political campaigns has drawn renewed attention to the awkwardly positioned hand dryer in the men’s toilets of the Crown and Treaty pub in Uxbridge. New owners Guna and Anu Sachdeva only recently learned of the joke after visitors arrived specifically to see the dryer, leading to a surge in humorous Google reviews. While the dryer’s location remains difficult to improve due to the layout of the historic building, the owners say they are open to moving it and would welcome a visit from Count Binface to discuss it.

London tenants living in a Lambeth Council block with a communal heating system faced bill increases of up to 350 percent, plunging many into debt and triggering eviction notices. Because energy costs were charged as a service fee, residents were not protected by the energy price cap and were unable to control their heating use, even during heatwaves. A group of tenants secured a judicial review with legal backing from the Public Interest Law Centre, challenging the council’s billing practices and highlighting wider concerns affecting hundreds of thousands of households on heat networks across the UK.

Business owners and venue operators on Old Compton Street say this year’s Pride was the quietest and most restricted they have experienced, blaming Westminster Council’s regulations for limiting cultural vibrancy and economic activity. Longtime LGBTQ+ figures cite declining queer identity in Soho, while younger attendees increasingly turn to areas like Dalston for more authentic celebrations. Some owners describe burdensome conditions tied to temporary licences, including increased security requirements. Westminster Council counters that Soho was packed and that it supported Pride with extended hours and numerous temporary event notices.

Skeletal remains found near Sweetwater Gap in Wyoming were identified as those of Scottish man John Gillies, who disappeared six years earlier while camping. The Sublette County Sheriff’s Office used personal items recovered at the site and DNA from relatives in Scotland to confirm the identity, with support from Interpol, Scottish authorities, and the Wyoming State Crime Laboratory. Officials highlighted the cooperation across jurisdictions and are working to return the remains to Scotland at the family’s request.

Prince Harry’s wife Meghan Markle and their children Archie and Lilibet are not expected to join him in London next week despite earlier hopes they would travel for events linked to the Invictus Games. Their visit remains uncertain due to security concerns following the government’s refusal of taxpayer-funded police protection and the downgrading of Harry’s security after stepping back as a working royal. Sources expressed hopes the children could visit King Charles, though concerns over paparazzi attention remain. Buckingham Palace is said to have no involvement in security decisions.

A man died after falling from Grampian Tower in Westcliff-on-Sea, Essex, early Friday morning following reports of a loud scream and breaking glass. Police responding to concerns found him dead outside the building and have launched an investigation. Witnesses described hearing a bang, screaming, and a crash of glass. Authorities are seeking information and footage from the surrounding area between midnight and 7am.

A three-year-old boy remains in critical but stable condition after being thrown into a crocodile enclosure at Johnsons of Old Hurst in Cambridgeshire, undergoing five surgeries with more expected. His parents say they have been living in the hospital during his treatment, while donations exceeding £25,000 are helping to support the family and his rehabilitation. Police arrested a 30-year-old man on suspicion of attempted murder but later bailed him due to being unfit for interview. The zoo and emergency services were praised for their quick actions, and the boy’s long-term recovery remains uncertain.

Germany plans to require workers to obtain a doctor’s note from the first day of illness under proposals from Chancellor Friedrich Merz aimed at reducing sick leave and improving economic competitiveness. Labor unions, including Verdi, argue the policy creates mistrust toward employees, while family physicians warn it would overwhelm clinics with unnecessary appointments.

Severe thunderstorms in Mexico could delay the England–Mexico World Cup match, already scheduled for a 1am UK kickoff. A potential one‑hour delay similar to Mexico’s previous match may keep fans in pubs until around 5am. Supporters and some figures, including England manager Thomas Tuchel, are calling for a temporary bank holiday to allow people to stay up without losing sleep. Forecasters estimate a 28% chance of another weather‑related delay at Estadio Azteca.

A hosepipe ban affecting one million residents in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight will begin on July 10 as Southern Water responds to critically low water levels following record heatwaves. Restrictions are expected to last until autumn without significant rainfall. South East Water already has a ban in place in Kent. River Test flows have dropped sharply, and experts warn that ongoing dry weather in southern England could lead to further drought concerns despite short-term rain in northern regions.

Plainclothes Metropolitan Police officers conducted a covert operation at Wembley Stadium to identify and deter predatory behavior targeting women and girls attending Harry Styles concerts. Officers monitored suspicious activity, intervened early when needed and made arrests linked to indecent exposure and upskirting at recent events. The initiative aims to disrupt potential offenders and reassure attendees through discreet but active policing.

Two 15‑year‑old boys originally spared custody for multiple rapes in Fordingbridge were resentenced to four years’ detention after the Court of Appeal ruled their previous penalties unduly lenient. Public and political backlash, including intervention from the prime minister and arguments from the Attorney General’s Office, highlighted failures in the original sentencing, particularly its limited consideration of victim impact. The victims and their families expressed relief at the revised sentences while stressing that the trauma remains lifelong. Judges condemned the severity of the crimes and emphasised the need for appropriate punishment, with legal representatives calling the decision a significant step toward prioritising victims in the justice system.

A woman who secured a 20-year sentence against her father for repeated childhood rape has been informed he may be released after just seven years under the government’s early release scheme. She fears for her safety, recalling past threats and violence, and argues that monitoring measures are inadequate for victims who lived with their abusers. The government defends the policy as necessary to prevent a prison capacity crisis, citing expanded prison places, tougher rules for dangerous offenders and increased investment in probation services.

British Transport Police are searching for a man who sexually assaulted a woman on a DLR train after approaching and harassing her at Canary Wharf. The attacker grabbed and refused to release the victim until two passengers intervened. He left the train at King George V station, and detectives have released an image as part of the appeal for information.

E.coli levels in the River Thames surged to dangerous levels after a sewage spill at Fulham Reach during a heatwave. Readings reached 58,000 colony-forming units per 100ml, far above safe swimming thresholds. Thames Water attributed the spill to an unexpected localised storm occurring during planned maintenance connected to Tideway Tunnel testing. River Action noted the discharge breached rules restricting sewage releases to heavy rainfall. High contamination levels pose risks to river users such as rowers and kayakers, and Thames Water is reviewing the incident.

A seven-year-old boy from Flint Township, Michigan, died from heart failure while weighing more than five times the normal weight for his age, leading to the arrest of his parents on suspicion of second-degree murder, child abuse and torture. Authorities said the child had no pediatric care despite available health insurance and lived in hoarding conditions, with both children kept out of school and unknown to state services. A family tribute described him as a joyful child who loved watching Super Monsters.