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Braverman Warns Protesters After Police Injuries and Arrests at Pro-Palestine Demonstration

Braverman Warns Protesters After Police Injuries and Arrests at Pro-Palestine Demonstration

Home Secretary Praises Police and Issues Stark Message Following Violent Scenes in London

Home Secretary Suella Braverman has delivered a strong warning following violence that erupted at a pro-Palestine protest in London, during which nine police officers sustained minor injuries and 15 people were arrested. While the demonstration initially progressed peacefully from Portland Place to Whitehall, clashes developed in the evening at Trafalgar Square.

The Metropolitan Police reported arrests for offences including assaulting emergency workers, setting off fireworks in public, and public order breaches. Braverman, acknowledging the efforts of the police via social media, stated: “Thank you to police officers who worked so hard yesterday in difficult circumstances to manage tens of thousands of protesters. Numerous arrests were made as a result of pockets of disorder, violence and hate.” She added a stern message to those inciting hatred and glorifying violence, saying, “The police are coming for you.”

Throughout the day, seven additional arrests occurred, with four related to breaches of section 60AA of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act, two for public order violations, and one for criminal damage. Authorities are now reviewing footage and material from the event to pursue further action. A 67-year-old man charged with racially aggravated harassment and alleged to have made offensive remarks in Whitehall will appear in court next month.

Son of Abducted Woman Appeals for Humanitarian Corridor in Gaza

Son of Abducted Woman Appeals for Humanitarian Corridor in Gaza

Rabbi Voices Plea on Behalf of Noam Sagi for Hostage Aid and Release Efforts

Noam Sagi, a British man whose 75-year-old mother, Ada, was taken hostage by Hamas from her home in Kibbutz Nir Oz near the Gaza border, has made a heartfelt appeal for the creation of a humanitarian corridor in Gaza. Speaking on behalf of Sagi during a vigil in London’s Parliament Square, Rabbi Jeremy Gordon emphasised Ada’s dedication to fostering peace between Jews and Arabs. He urged international and governmental action to free all hostages, especially vulnerable groups like children and the elderly.

The vigil, attended by hundreds, featured speeches, prayers, and testimonials, including a harrowing recount from Lital, a survivor of the Nova music festival attack. Rabbi Gordon stressed that a humanitarian corridor is essential to allow organisations to assess and provide for hostages’ needs, citing Ada’s need for ongoing medical support. The gathering highlighted the urgent need for both British and Israeli governments to intensify efforts for hostages’ safe release and to collaborate with any capable entity to secure their freedom.

Sagi, who has described the situation as akin to a “second Holocaust,” shared his frustration and deep sense of loss, calling on the British Government to take a direct role in offering support. He reaffirmed his mother’s lifelong dedication to peace and urged the Israeli government to prioritise the hostages’ release. Rabbi Gordon concluded with Sagi’s plea for humane actions, highlighting his continued compassion for people across all backgrounds, even amid the crisis.

Jada Pinkett Smith on Choosing Separation Over Divorce with Will Smith

Jada Pinkett Smith on Choosing Separation Over Divorce with Will Smith

The actress reflects on their ‘life partnership’ despite separating in 2016

Jada Pinkett Smith recently opened up about her complex relationship with husband Will Smith, revealing that despite separating in 2016, they chose not to divorce because it “didn’t feel right.” The pair, who wed in 1997 and share two children, Jaden and Willow, describe their bond as a “life partnership.”

In an interview with The Sunday Times, Pinkett Smith explained that their separation was initially aimed at divorce but said, “We don’t know why, but here we are.” The decision stemmed from the need to redefine their relationship after marrying young. She acknowledged that while they live apart, she envisions a potential reunion in the future, joking, “Will’s getting old… he’s gonna need someone to take care of him.”

The couple’s marriage has often been in the spotlight, particularly following Pinkett Smith’s 2020 revelation about her “entanglement” with singer August Alsina. Despite speculation and scrutiny, she has denied having an open marriage.

Pinkett Smith also defended herself against claims that she influenced her husband’s controversial reaction at the 2022 Oscars when Will Smith slapped Chris Rock following a joke about her alopecia. She said, “Nobody can make Will Smith do anything, and surely not me.” She added that while Rock’s joke felt insensitive given her experience with hair loss, her reaction was her own and unrelated to her husband’s actions.

Following the incident, Will Smith faced public backlash, resigned from the Academy, and was banned from Oscar events for a decade. The experience prompted the couple to embark on a “new path” together, maintaining their commitment to supporting each other despite their unconventional arrangement.

British Airways Flight U-Turn Leaves Travellers Stranded Amid Israel Conflict

British Airways Flight U-Turn Leaves Travellers Stranded Amid Israel Conflict

Passengers Share Experiences of Flight Chaos Due to Safety Concerns

A British woman, in her 60s, described a “very difficult situation” faced by those stranded in Israel after her British Airways flight to Tel Aviv turned back due to safety concerns. Landing instead at Stansted Airport on a Smartwings flight from Eilat, she recounted having to buy new tickets and drive for five hours to reach the alternative departure point. Her flight was one of three chartered by the Tzedek Association and Feldan Travel, bringing mainly British and American citizens to the UK.

The situation has affected numerous flights as airlines like easyJet, Virgin Atlantic, and BA suspended services to and from Israel following recent Hamas attacks. Another passenger, London-based Deborah Green, recounted her fear waking up to sirens while in Jerusalem. Efforts to assist evacuees were organized by advocacy groups at the airport, with the UK government planning additional flights for British nationals.

Andy Robertson to Return to Liverpool After Shoulder Injury

Andy Robertson to Return to Liverpool After Shoulder Injury

Scotland Captain Forced Off During Match Against Spain, Now Set for Assessment

Andy Robertson will return to Liverpool for further assessment after sustaining a shoulder injury while on international duty with Scotland. The left-back captained his country in their crucial Euro 2024 qualifier against Spain in Seville, where Scotland needed just a point to secure their place in next summer’s tournament. However, the match ended in a frustrating 2-0 defeat, with Robertson forced off before half-time after Spanish goalkeeper Unai Simon landed awkwardly on him.

Robertson was seen with his arm in a makeshift sling as he was replaced, clearly in discomfort following the incident. Scotland’s manager, Steve Clarke, confirmed that Robertson would miss their upcoming friendly against France on Tuesday and will return to Liverpool for a medical assessment.

“Andy has hurt his shoulder,” Clarke stated after the match. “He will go back to his club now.”

The injury casts doubt over Robertson’s participation in Liverpool’s upcoming Merseyside derby against Everton on October 21, as well as the club’s subsequent fixtures. The Reds have a packed schedule, including Europa League matches against Toulouse and a Carabao Cup clash away to Bournemouth. Robertson has been a key figure in Liverpool’s defence this season, playing every minute of their first eight Premier League matches.

Labour to Address ‘Chronic’ Maths Problem with Primary School Reforms

Labour to Address ‘Chronic’ Maths Problem with Primary School Reforms

Shadow Education Secretary Outlines Plans to Improve Early Numeracy Education
Politics

Labour plans to tackle the “chronic cultural problem with maths” by ensuring that the subject is better taught from an earlier age, Shadow Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson has announced. The party’s proposals focus on enhancing “real-world” maths education in primary schools, with an emphasis on early intervention to foster stronger lifelong numeracy skills.

Speaking at the Labour Party conference in Liverpool, Phillipson will outline the party’s commitment to integrating practical numeracy skills—essential for both work and daily life—into children’s learning from the outset. Labour’s plan includes upskilling primary school teachers to deliver high-quality maths lessons and launching an expert-led review to promote high educational standards.

The proposed Curriculum Review would encourage teachers to demonstrate how numeracy is used in everyday situations, such as through household budgeting, sports league tables, currency exchange rates during travel, and recipes. Labour’s plan also aims to incorporate financial literacy into maths teaching, with real-life examples like using Individual Savings Accounts (ISAs) to explain percentages.

This initiative follows Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s announcement of plans to introduce the Advanced British Standard (ABS), a new qualification to eventually replace A-levels and T-levels, with post-16 students required to study some form of maths and English until the age of 18. Labour’s intervention seeks to address issues with numeracy that persist into adulthood, such as the inability to interpret basic graphs or calculate supermarket discounts.

Phillipson will also pledge to reform Sunak’s Maths to 18 working group, ensuring it shifts focus towards primary education and examines the equivalent of phonics for maths. Furthermore, the party plans to collaborate with nurseries to establish trained “Maths champions” who will support early learning in childcare settings.

The Labour government would fund its proposed “Teacher Training Entitlement” to upskill primary school teachers by ending tax breaks for private schools. This measure is intended to help teachers deliver the high-quality maths education needed to improve numeracy outcomes across the country.

Geoff Barton, General Secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL), welcomed Labour’s focus on numeracy, highlighting its importance for all young people. However, Barton cautioned that maths teaching in primary schools is already strong and any intervention should support existing efforts rather than overhaul them completely. He stressed the need for adequate funding and resources for primary schools, as well as time for teachers to develop their expertise in maths education.

Barton also endorsed the emphasis on teaching numeracy in practical, real-world contexts, particularly as students grow older, and expressed support for the proposed curriculum review to ensure that pupils are equipped with the skills most relevant to daily life.

Carey Mulligan Announces Birth of Third Child with Husband Marcus Mumford

Carey Mulligan Announces Birth of Third Child with Husband Marcus Mumford

Actress Shares Update in Vogue’s November Cover Story

British actress Carey Mulligan has welcomed her third child with husband Marcus Mumford. The 38-year-old star of Promising Young Woman shared the news in a feature interview with Vogue magazine for its November cover story.

Mulligan, who is married to the 36-year-old musician and lead singer of Mumford & Sons, already has two children: daughter Evelyn and son Wilfred. The couple, who tied the knot in 2012, are now embracing the joys of parenthood once again with their newest addition.

In the Vogue interview, Mulligan recounted a humorous moment from her day-to-day life with the infant. While entering a London coffee shop, she was noted for laughing off a yellow diaper-leak stain on her blouse. Speaking to her baby, she remarked, “I’m going to change you, and then we’re going to find Mum another shirt.”

Mulligan has enjoyed a successful acting career, starring in a range of critically acclaimed films including Promising Young Woman, which earned her an Oscar nomination, The Great Gatsby, and She Said, in which she portrayed one of the journalists who helped expose Harvey Weinstein’s history of abuse. Her latest project, Maestro, sees her portraying Felicia Montealegre, the wife of conductor Leonard Bernstein, played by Bradley Cooper.

Reflecting on her life with Mumford, Mulligan described it as “very normal,” involving routine activities like school runs and Sunday lunches, although she acknowledged the “tricky logistics” that come with their busy careers. Mulligan, who maintains a relatively low profile outside of her films, also expressed how her life often feels like a mix of the ordinary and the extraordinary. “Most days I’m just me,” she explained. “I don’t feel famous when I’m out in the country… and then every once in a while I step into a magic phone box, and — whoosh — I come out the other side in a designer gown.”

In her upcoming role in Maestro, Mulligan portrays a character who shares similarities with her own life, as the story revolves around an actress and a musician in a complicated marriage. However, she felt that her character’s story was unique, especially as “everything revolved around Lenny,” referring to Bernstein.

The full interview, which includes more insight into Mulligan’s life and career, can be found in the latest issue of Vogue.

Holly Willoughby Steps Down From This Morning After 14 Years

Holly Willoughby Steps Down From This Morning After 14 Years

TV Star Makes Difficult Decision to Prioritize Family Life

Holly Willoughby Steps Down From This Morning After 14 Years
TV Star Makes Difficult Decision to Prioritize Family Life
Entertainment

Holly Willoughby has announced that she is stepping down from her role as co-host of This Morning after 14 years. The 42-year-old presenter shared the news on social media, describing it as a “difficult goodbye” and revealing that she had made the decision for the sake of her family.

In her post, Willoughby expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to be part of the show’s history, stating: “It has been an honour to just be part of its story, and I know this story has many chapters left to go. However, I now feel I have to make this decision for me and my family.”

Willoughby, who has three children—Belle, Harry, and Chester—with her husband Daniel Baldwin, thanked ITV, her colleagues, and the show’s loyal viewers for their ongoing support. Her former This Morning co-hosts were among those expressing their sadness, with Alison Hammond, Dermot O’Leary, and Craig Doyle all sending messages of love and respect.

The announcement comes after a troubling period for Willoughby, as a man was arrested in connection with a plot to kidnap and murder the presenter. Her London home was reportedly under police guard after the arrest. The man, a security officer named Gavin Plumb, was charged with soliciting a murder plot and incitement to kidnap in Essex earlier this month.

Willoughby’s departure follows her longtime co-host Phillip Schofield’s resignation from the show in May after admitting to a relationship with a younger colleague, sparking controversy surrounding the show. This Morning has also faced scrutiny over allegations of fostering a “toxic” work culture, with an external review still underway.

ITV managing director Kevin Lygo expressed regret at Willoughby’s decision, praising her as “one of the best loved, respected, and most accomplished broadcasters in the UK,” and confirmed she would remain part of the ITV family moving forward. The future of her role on Dancing On Ice, which she co-hosted with Schofield, remains uncertain.

The announcement comes after This Morning lost its title as best daytime show at the National Television Awards to The Repair Shop. Despite the challenges, Willoughby’s presence and impact on the show will be deeply missed by fans and colleagues alike.

First Anniversary of Tragic Creeslough Explosion Remembers 10 Victims

First Anniversary of Tragic Creeslough Explosion Remembers 10 Victims

Community Reflects on a Year of Heartache and Recovery After Deadly Blast

A year has passed since the catastrophic explosion in Creeslough, County Donegal, which tragically claimed the lives of 10 individuals. On October 7, 2022, the devastating blast killed four men, three women, and three young people, ages ranging from five to 59.

The local community gathered in remembrance, as a ceremony was held at the site of the explosion, with people coming together to honour those they lost. A mass was held at St Michael’s Church, where tributes were paid to the victims and thanks were given to the emergency responders who helped in the aftermath of the explosion.

Among those who died were Robert Garwe and his daughter Shauna Flanagan-Garwe, Catherine O’Donnell and her son James Monaghan, fashion student Jessica Gallagher, Celtic supporter Martin McGill, Australian James O’Flaherty, shop assistant Martina Martin, carpenter Hugh ‘Hughie’ Kelly, and 14-year-old Leona Harper.

The Bishop of Derry and Raphoe, Andrew Forster, spoke of the pain that the community had endured over the last year, but also of the remarkable support people had shown each other. He stated that the village had witnessed “the best in people” during a time of profound heartache. Despite this, the underlying sense of grief and loss was still deeply felt by all.

Fr John Joe Duffy, the parish priest, said the day marked both a personal reflection on the lives lost and a reminder of the long road to healing. He noted that the journey of recovery would continue, acknowledging the ongoing grief and uncertainty. “We will travel it together,” he said, emphasising the unity of the community as they moved forward, bound by shared tragedy.

As of the anniversary, the cause of the explosion remains unclear, though investigations are still underway. Irish police are considering several theories, with a gas leak being one possibility. Authorities have processed hundreds of statements and pursued numerous lines of inquiry, with assistance from energy systems specialists.

Leading up to the anniversary, the families of the victims have asked for privacy, and politicians, including Ireland’s Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and Tánaiste Micheál Martin, expressed their condolences. Varadkar extended his thoughts and prayers to the community, stating, “Our thoughts and prayers are with those who lost loved ones and the community in Creeslough today and every day.” Martin added, “We remember the 10 lives lost, those injured, their families, and the entire community united in grief.”

Irish Leaders Condemn Hamas Attack on Israel and Call for Peace Process

Irish Leaders Condemn Hamas Attack on Israel and Call for Peace Process

Leo Varadkar and Micheál Martin call for an immediate end to hostilities and a renewed focus on a two-state solution

Irish leaders have strongly condemned the recent Hamas attack on Israel and called for a peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict. Taoiseach (Prime Minister) Leo Varadkar expressed horror at the rocket attacks and the resulting loss of life, describing the violence as “appalling.” He stressed the need for an immediate cessation of hostilities, stating, “We condemn attacks on civilians unequivocally. The fighting should stop immediately.”

Micheál Martin, Ireland’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs, echoed Varadkar’s call for moderation, stressing the importance of “moderate voices” in bringing an end to the conflict. He expressed concern for civilians in Gaza and condemned the attack, which he said was “without justification.”

Martin also reaffirmed Ireland’s support for a two-state solution as the only viable path to lasting peace. He noted that the rising influence of hardline factions in the region made it more crucial than ever to have moderate voices advocating for a political solution. “What we need really is a political peace process to get on track in a serious way,” he said, calling for international intervention to facilitate the process.

On the question of Israel’s military response to the Hamas attack, Martin indicated that more information was required before making an assessment. He reiterated his longstanding position that bombings in urban areas often lead to unjustifiable civilian casualties, emphasizing Ireland’s commitment to international conventions regarding such actions. However, he also acknowledged the severity of the Hamas attack and expressed concern for the people of Gaza.

Martin’s comments came after a recent diplomatic trip to the region, during which he met with Israeli leaders, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Isaac Herzog, as well as Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.