China’s crackdown in Hong Kong escalated dramatically today with police arresting more than 50 opposition figures in their largest operation since a draconian security law was imposed on the financial hub. The sweep is the latest salvo in Beijing’s battle to stamp out opposition after millions hit the streets in 2019 with huge and sometimes … Read more
Roads bosses to crack down on tailgaters using new cameras which monitor gaps between vehicles The technology is being trialled on a stretch of motorway in the Midlands Devices have caught more than 26,000 drivers in two months, figures show The offence can lead to prosecution for driving without due care and attention By Tom … Read more
London’s monuments have been fenced off to deter revellers from throwing illegal New Year’s Eve celebrations tonight as the capital city prepares for 2021 under a strict lockdown. Photos show Trafalgar Square closed off from public access while council officials boarded up Winston Churchill’s statue by Parliament as police threaten to take tough action against Tier … Read more
What is it about carrot-topped Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden that fails to fill you with confidence? That precious voice, perhaps, or the way he reminds you of a model from a whimsical Boden catalogue. Maybe it’s his failure to stand up for theatres these past ten months. Whatever it is, he does not strike you … Read more
Ministers are planning crackdown on ‘rip-off’ energy firms over expensive penalties for loyal customers Alok Sharma expected to announce moves in crack down on energy companies Many switch customers to more expensive standard rates when contracts end Legislation to regulate new energy-saving smart meters is also being considered By Harriet Dennys And Glen Owen For … Read more
Covid marshals are scrambled to bar in ‘aggressive’ Scotch eggs crackdown: Owner blasts ‘bolshy’ enforcement officers who visited her venue over ‘free snack with every drink’ offer Rachael Parke runs the bar/restaurant Number 29 in Burnham Market, Norfolk She was visited by Covid marshals over complaints of offering free scotch eggs Claimed she attempted to get around Covid rules … Read more
The Culture Secretary said changes to gambling laws are needed to combat addiction caused by the ‘betting shop in your pocket’. Oliver Dowden, whose department will lead the biggest shake-up of the rules for the industry in 15 years, said he was struck by conversations he had with ‘victims’ of gambling addiction. Smartphones and online … Read more
China has warned the UK and its allies from the ‘Five Eyes’ alliance to ‘be careful not to get their eyes jabbed and blinded’ after the group demanded Beijing end its crackdown on Hong Kong. Britain and its four allies – US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand – criticised China for allegedly silencing dissent in the … Read more
A London council has been blasted by the government for a lack of ‘common sense’ after it set up metal barriers in front of goals in a park to stop children playing football. Southwark council blocked the goals in Warwick Gardens in Peckham, south London, along with a sign that warned people not to touch … Read more
Boris Johnson’s eco call to arms: Crackdown on diesel and petrol vehicles could be sped up to bring in ban by 2030 PM Boris Johnson called on world leaders to commit to tackling climate crisis The banning of sales of new petrol and diesel cars could be brought forward Insiders believe that Mr Johnson will … Read more