Stories from London · United Kingdom

The UK government has appointed an independent Prevent Commissioner to investigate specific security situations and identify lessons learned.

The Elections Watchdog for England and Wales is considering whether to investigate £5 million given to Nigel Farage. Reform UK party member Zia Yousuf stated that a gift received by Nigel Farage was unconditional. The money was provided by Christopher Harbourn in early 2024. A party spokesperson noted the gift occurred before Farage became leader and while he was honorary president. Farage had not committed publicly to standing for parliament at the time of the transaction. The payment reportedly occurred a few months before the general election. The Conservative Party has contacted both the Parliamentary Standards Commissioner and the Electoral Commission regarding the matter. The payment was described as a personal gift unrelated to politics. Other political parties have expressed disagreement with that assessment.

Clean Planet Technologies has launched the world's first pilot facility in the United Kingdom dedicated to converting non-recyclable plastic waste into Sustainable Aviation Fuel. The process is reported to reduce emissions by over 70%.

Jonathan Hall, the government's independent adviser on terrorism legislation, described anti-Semitism as the biggest national security emergency since the COVID-19 pandemic. Hall called for a pause to address Jewish suffering and fear. He urged collective action to combat anti-Semitism and maintain a tolerant Britain. The discussion noted that while individuals linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) have faced sanctions, current legislation does not allow for the banning of a state entity. The government is reportedly proposing to bring forward new legislation to address these gaps. The incident is part of a series of attacks targeting Jewish people and property in England over recent weeks. The attack caused immediate shock according to reports.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer met with criminal justice agencies following the stabbing of two Jewish men in London on Wednesday. The incident is described as the latest in a series of anti-Semitic attacks across the United Kingdom.

A street artist has claimed authorship of a sculpture located at Waterloo Square in London. The statue has attracted large numbers of pedestrians and tourists since its appearance early Wednesday morning. The artwork features the name Banksy on its base. The discovery has caused reaction within the local art scene. The identity of the artist remains unconfirmed, though the presence of the name suggests it is likely a Banksy work. The figure is holding a large flag in his outstretched right hand. The pedestal is part of a row of existing statue pedestals in the area. The figure is depicted stepping off a pedestal as if about to fall into empty space. Banksy posted a video showing the statue being installed using a crane and heavy machinery. The site is located near The Mall and the Crimean War Memorial, adjacent to an equestrian statue of the Duke of Wellington.

A new street art sculpture by Banksy has appeared at Waterloo Square in central London. The artwork depicts a man in a business suit walking along the edge of a plinth. A flag covers the figure, according to reports. A new sculpture by street artist Banksy appeared at Waterloo Square on Wednesday morning. The artist included a signature inscription on the monument, according to the report. A new sculpture depicting a man descending a pedestal with a waving flag covering his face appeared on a roadside verge near Waterloo Palace in central London. The installation occurred during the night between Tuesday and Wednesday. Residents and tourists gathered around the work on Wednesday, suspecting the anonymous artist Banksy as the creator. The artist released a video on Instagram showing the installation process.

The Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre (JTAC) has raised the UK national threat level from substantial to severe. Security services and criminal justice agencies are implementing operational decisions to ensure public safety. Officials stated the move is intended to ensure the country remains alert regarding potential attacks throughout the nation. Alex Davies-Jones told Times Radio that the government will take action to address the situation. Prime Minister Keir Starmer pledged to implement stricter measures to protect the Jewish community. Tens of thousands of protesters have demonstrated in various cities over the last six months. The United Kingdom has raised its national terrorist threat level to the 'severe' stage. Authorities warned of a possibility of an attack occurring within the next six months.

The Metropolitan Police Commissioner has publicly called for big tech firms to develop a smartphone kill switch. This feature would allow a device to be turned off via a joint request from the police and the registered owner.

Cyclists mounted the pavement to snatch mobile phones from pedestrians in a touristy area of London near the River Thames. One witness reported attempting to protect their phone under their armpit while observing a nearby girl have her device stolen.