Stories from london · United Kingdom

A London court heard testimony that an individual known as 'El Money' paid men to carry out an arson attack at a home linked to UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer. The investigation into the motive and specific actors involved is ongoing. Prosecutors state that arson attacks on properties linked to UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer in May 2025 were ordered via an online contact speaking Russian.

The Ministry of Defense has stimulated companies to enter into more than 250 military agreements. This initiative aims to establish new facilities, investments, and supply chains in the sector. The expansion is expected to create more than 70,000 jobs within the defense industry.

The Ministry of Justice is recruiting up to 1,000 judges and tribunal members across all courts and tribunals this year. These reforms are expected to reduce pressure on courts in the long term.

Some landlords are exiting the UK rental market ahead of upcoming regulatory changes on May 1. Factors contributing to this trend include new regulations, tax changes, and rising costs. The current global environment is also contributing to financial uncertainty for property owners. The impact of these changes on market availability remains a subject of discussion.

Some landlords are reportedly using the current regulatory window to evict tenants before upcoming reforms take effect. Landlords who comply with tenant rights are expected to face no issues under the new regulations. The report notes that the lack of transparency regarding eviction motives is a concern. Landlords are exiting the market due to a combination of regulatory changes, tax shifts, and rising costs. The changes are expected to take effect on May 1. Callers noted that while new legislation prevents landlords from evicting tenants who request repairs or object to rent hikes, the intended consequences may still lead to landlords selling properties. Landlords in the UK are reportedly evicting tenants in April to facilitate rent increases in June.

Fixed-term assured-shorthold tenancies (ASTs) in the UK will be abolished on May 1. Landlords are prohibited from including terms in agreements that override these protections. Landlords must provide an information sheet explaining these changes to existing tenants by May 31.

Nigel Farage received nearly £5 million from Thailand-based billionaire Christopher Harbourn in 2024. The funds are intended to finance his lifelong personal security. The news was reported by the Times. The Telegraph reported the incident on its front page. The report notes different versions of the incident exist. Nigel Farage was reportedly given £5 million by crypto billionaire Christopher Harbour. The report raises questions regarding public donations and political party funding. This follows a separate £12 million donation from Christopher Harbourn, a British cryptocurrency investor based in Thailand, last year. This follows reports of two donations worth £12 million to the Reform party, potentially from Christopher Harborne. The party is noted as being unusually dependent on funds from this single individual. This amount is in addition to his parliamentary salary.

The Israeli Foreign Minister has called for decisive and urgent action from the United Kingdom to combat antisemitism. Netanyahu said the need for accountability for those potentially state-sponsored in these criminal acts. British Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood promised the government will take action to protect Jewish citizens from antisemitism. Mahmood stated the government will do everything to eradicate the roots of antisemitism following reports of frequent attacks on Jewish people in North London. Religious leaders, politicians, and community members in the UK are demanding police action following recent arson attacks against ambulances and synagogues. Police are currently investigating possible Iranian links to these incidents. The reports follow physical, verbal, and online attacks against Jewish communities in London and across the country.

Assistant Commissioner Laura Taylor, the head of counterterrorism policing, is scheduled to make an urgent statement outside New Scotland Yard at 3:00 PM. The announcement is expected to follow a news update at 2:58 PM.

The UK Ministry has revoked the accreditation of a Russian diplomat. The United Kingdom has expelled Russian diplomat Alkesha Odedran and the spouse of Michael Skinner, the first secretary of the political department. The decision follows the expulsion of a British diplomat from Moscow in March. Russian media described the move as unacceptable and stated that London's decision would be viewed as an escalation. The British Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned the Russian ambassador in London to demand the revocation of accreditation for a Russian diplomat. The Foreign Office stated the Kremlin's decision to remove a British diplomat last month was unjustified. This action follows recent diplomatic tensions between the two nations. The United Kingdom summoned Russian Ambassador Andrey Kellen to London.