Stories from london · United Kingdom

London Mayor Sadiq Khan announced an increase in street police presence, including armed officers, to maintain safety. This follows recent security concerns and investigations into potential Iranian involvement in local incidents. Police stated that investigations are ongoing and no definitive conclusions have been reached regarding Iranian links. One student is currently in custody and was hospitalized with minor injuries. Metropolitan Police Commissioner Mark Rowley is considering asking the Home Secretary to ban two major demonstrations planned for later this month. This consideration follows the UK terror threat level being raised to severe. Rowley stated the intention is to reassure Jewish communities that all possible measures are being taken to ensure their safety. The move comes amid discussions regarding resources to tackle anti-Semitism.

Victims' Minister Alex Davies-Jones stated the UK government is acting to combat antisemitism while protecting freedom of speech. Davies-Jones noted that upcoming pro-Palestinian marches are being reviewed by Victims' Ministers. The minister said certain individuals have hijacked marches to cause division and hatred. Davies-Jones noted that while people have the right to protest Israel, some marches have been hijacked by individuals seeking to cause division and hatred. The minister said certain marches normalize anti-Israeli sentiment which in turn normalizes anti-Jewish sentiment. The government is currently reviewing plans for pro-Palestinian marches scheduled for the coming weeks. A UK minister discussed strengthening police presence in Jewish communities and increasing investment in security services.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced plans to pass new terror laws aimed at shutting down charities that promote antisemitic extremism. The legislation also seeks to restrict how certain groups operate.

British anti-terrorist police are investigating an Islamist group known as Araqat Ashab al-Yamina al-Islamia. The movement emerged in early March following Israeli and American bombings in Iran. Investigators suspect the group is affiliated with Iranian interests.

Retailers warn of a rush on traditional tumble dryers before a law change phases them out to help achieve net zero. Under policies from Energy Secretary Ed Miliband, vented and condenser dryers could be banned in favor of heat pump alternatives.

New legislation regarding rental rights and landlord responsibilities takes effect today in the United Kingdom. The law change aims to address the balance between renters and landlords within the housing system. Discussion noted high competition for decent rental properties and the presence of substandard housing. The impact of the law on the rental market remains a subject of debate among stakeholders. The implementation follows recent discussions regarding tenant protections and housing reforms. Landlords are now required to list a maximum rent price and are prohibited from accepting offers above that amount to prevent bidding wars. Tenants can now terminate leases with two months' notice, providing more flexibility than previous long-term contracts. Rent increases are restricted to once per year and must reflect current market rates.

The National Association of Landlords (NRLA) reported there has been no mass exodus of landlords in recent years. Recent research indicates the landlord sector may actually be slightly larger than previously estimated.

Citizens Advice Research found that in almost half of cases where renters complained to the council about disrepair, their landlord issued a section 21 eviction within six months.

The Portuguese women's table tennis team plays Guatemala today in the final group stage match of the World Team Championships in London. China's men's and women's national table tennis teams are scheduled to compete in the London Team Event tomorrow afternoon. The men's team enters the competition with 12 titles and the women's team with 7 titles. Veteran player Liang Jingkun is noted for his experience in the Swaythling Cup. Younger players including Lin Shidong and Peng are expected to participate to gain international experience. The team previously lost to North Korea and defeated Spain with a 3-1 score. Korona Kielce is scheduled to play Piast Gliwice today in an Ekstraklasa match. Coach Jacek Rzienicki noted that Korona Kielce holds only a two-point lead over the relegation zone. The Chinese women's team will face Poland in the finals of the London Olympics team event.

Reform UK has proposed redirecting £670 million originally earmarked for the Chey Gost deal toward the Royal Navy. The party stated approximately £400 million should be allocated to shipbuilders in Scotland.