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Ed Thomas

@edthom.bsky.social
41 followers 33 following 50 posts

UK editor BBC News RTS News Coverage of the year 2017/2022/26 Orwell Prize for Exposing Britain’s Social Evils. ed.thomas@bbc.co.uk

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Ed Thomas @edthom.bsky.social · 04/09/2026
Two senior Reform UK officials step down after undercover report www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
bbc.co.uk
Two Reform UK officials step down after undercover report on party donations
Reform says Dan Jukes and James Orr have left their roles as it launches an investigation into the report.
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Ed Thomas @edthom.bsky.social · 11/08/2026
IMPACT - Six mini-marts and vape shops on a High Street have been forced to close after a BBC investigation uncovered illegal cigarettes, cocaine, cannabis, and prescription medicines being offered for sale over the counter. www.bbc.co.uk/news/videos/...
bbc.co.uk
Shops selling illegal drugs closed after BBC investigation
BBC News investigations have exposed organised crime on high streets across the country.
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Ed Thomas @edthom.bsky.social · 11/08/2026
Andy Burnham has announced new powers to tackle the spread of high street vape shops, betting shops and so-called “dodgy” mini-marts. The PM said High Streets had been “hollowed out” by decades of decline and “have become unrecognisable.” www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
bbc.co.uk
Councils to get more powers to stop vape and betting shops, PM announces
Prime Minister Andy Burnham said town centres had been "hollowed out" by decades of decline.
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Ed Thomas @edthom.bsky.social · 09/08/2026
Andy Burnham to embark on cost of living and High Streets tour through the UK www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
bbc.co.uk
Burnham to set out cost-of-living measures as he tours UK
No 10 says the prime minister's plans will "give people some room to breathe", but opposition figures accuse him of "hypocrisy".
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Ed Thomas @edthom.bsky.social · 07/08/2026
Meta fined $567m in largest child safety ruling against social media giant www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
bbc.co.uk
Meta told to pay another $567m in New Mexico child safety lawsuit
The ruling is in addition to $375m in fines Meta was already ordered to pay in the case, for a total of $942m.
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Ed Thomas @edthom.bsky.social · 06/08/2026
Car washes, mini marts and vape shops can STILL sponsor skilled foreign workers despite visa changes. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
bbc.co.uk
Car washes and vape shops can still sponsor skilled foreign workers despite visa changes
The rules were tightened in July 2025 to restrict the scheme mostly to graduate-level employees who would be earning at least £41,700.
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Ed Thomas @edthom.bsky.social · 31/07/2026
Staggering…..About 49,000 migrants enter Spanish territory of Ceuta in 24 hours, officials say www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
bbc.co.uk
About 49,000 migrants enter Spanish territory of Ceuta, officials say
The estimated number of arrivals is more than half of the population of the city, which is about 83,600.
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Ed Thomas @edthom.bsky.social · 23/07/2026
A friend of the Manchester synagogue attacker has been jailed for life with a minimum of 17 years after the pair planned a separate attack on a military base. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
bbc.co.uk
Friend of Manchester synagogue attacker jailed over separate plot on military base
Mohammad Bashir, 31, drove Jihad Al-Shamie on a trip to conduct hostile reconnaissance at a military base.
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Ed Thomas @edthom.bsky.social · 23/07/2026
A police officer who took his own life in May was a violent rapist who carried out sexual attacks and attempted murders of women over at least 14 years. Story by BBC’s Mark Daly www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
bbc.co.uk
Police officer was violent rapist who attacked women over 14 years
The BBC can reveal that detectives have so far uncovered nine victims of PC Alan Greer but many more are anticipated.
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Ed Thomas @edthom.bsky.social · 23/07/2026
NEW The PM wants to bring “hope” to our High Streets. To support struggling High Streets the government will be reviewing reliefs provided to anti-social businesses, such as vape shops. www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/cd...
bbc.co.uk
Burnham cuts rates for pubs, clubs and music venues but Badenoch asks: 'Is that it?'
Chef and pub owner Tom Kerridge tells the BBC the reduction won't "really make a difference", while trade body UK Hospitality calls for "bigger solutions".
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Ed Thomas @edthom.bsky.social · 21/07/2026
Andy Burnham tells ministers "we need to be a cost of living government" during his first cabinet meeting as prime minister www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/cg...
bbc.co.uk
Burnham says 'we need to be a cost of living government' during first cabinet meeting as PM
He says ministers must give people a “sense that help is coming”. Earlier the prime minister said he would remove VAT from electricity bills in October.
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Ed Thomas @edthom.bsky.social · 21/07/2026
Ann Widdecombe was hit on head repeatedly with hammer, prosecutors say www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
bbc.co.uk
Ann Widdecombe was hit on head repeatedly with hammer, prosecutors say
Joshua Kerry, 28, from Rotherham, in South Yorkshire, is charged with her murder and appeared in court.
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Ed Thomas @edthom.bsky.social · 13/07/2026
Twelve people have been arrested over an alleged right-wing terror threat to an Islamic event at a country estate in Suffolk, police said. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
bbc.co.uk
Twelve arrested over threat to an Islamic event in Suffolk
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood says the police's response "undoubtedly saved lives".
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Ed Thomas @edthom.bsky.social · 13/07/2026
NEW Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has announced Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) will be designated a threat to national security. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
bbc.co.uk
UK government proscribes Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps
Shabana Mahmood will use new powers to ban support for the group, which has been linked to death threats and intimidation on British soil.
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Ed Thomas @edthom.bsky.social · 13/07/2026
Counter terrorism police now leading investigation into Ann Widdecombe's murder www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
bbc.co.uk
Counter terrorism police now leading investigation into Ann Widdecombe's murder
The man in custody has since been re-arrested on suspicion of commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism, police say.
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Ed Thomas @edthom.bsky.social · 12/07/2026
Police say no suggestion of political motive in Widdecombe killing after new arrest www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
bbc.co.uk
Police say no suggestion of political motive in Widdecombe killing after new arrest
Police say they are not looking for anyone else after a 28-year-old man was arrested in Rotherham, South Yorkshire.
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Ed Thomas @edthom.bsky.social · 11/07/2026
NEW Attack happened 24 hours before Widdecombe found, police say. Statement from Devon and Cornwall Police, “We believe the attack took place on Wednesday 8 July at around 12.30pm," "Our enquiries are moving at pace for a suspect, believed to be a white male." www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/cj...
bbc.co.uk
Police step up manhunt after Widdecombe murder suspect released - live updates
Police say the investigation into the former Conservative minister's death is "moving at a significant pace" and are appealing for information.
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Ed Thomas @edthom.bsky.social · 11/07/2026
A 26-year-old man who was arrested on suspicion of murdering former MP Ann Widdecombe has been released, police say Devon and Cornwall Police say he is "no longer part of the investigation" and the murder inquiry is "moving at a significant pace" www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/cj...
bbc.co.uk
Suspect in Ann Widdecombe murder inquiry released and no longer part of investigation
Police say the investigation into the former Conservative minister's death is "moving at a significant pace" and are appealing for information.
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Ed Thomas @edthom.bsky.social · 10/07/2026
A 26-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder after the death of Ann Widdecombe. - police say a white British male is in custody - The incident is not being treated as terrorism. - “no information" suggests it was politically motivated www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/cp...
bbc.co.uk
Man, 26, arrested on suspicion of murder after Ann Widdecombe found dead at home
Devon and Cornwall Police say a white British male is in custody after the 78-year-old was found at her home on Thursday with serious injuries.
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Ed Thomas @edthom.bsky.social · 10/07/2026
BREAKING Police launch murder investigation into Ann Widdecombe's death www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/cp... www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/cp...
bbc.co.uk
Police launch murder investigation into Ann Widdecombe's death
Devon and Cornwall Police say the 78-year-old was found at her home on Dartmoor in Devon on Thursday with serious injuries.
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Ed Thomas @edthom.bsky.social · 10/07/2026
Police investigate Reform donations, the Times reports www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
bbc.co.uk
Police investigate Reform donations, the Times reports
The investigation is looking into donations made to Reform UK by the mother of the convicted fraudster George Cottrell, according to the Times.
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Ed Thomas @edthom.bsky.social · 09/07/2026
Andy Burnham has taken another step towards becoming the next prime minister. Burnham's Labour leadership bid has been backed by 322 Labour MPs. He remains the only declared candidate after nominations began. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
bbc.co.uk
Burnham on track to be next PM as 322 Labour MPs back him
The former mayor of Greater Manchester is unopposed in the race to replace Sir Keir Starmer.
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Ed Thomas @edthom.bsky.social · 09/07/2026
News you might have missed ! Andy Burnham is on course to become Labour's new leader, with no other candidate running against him as nominations in the contest open. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
bbc.co.uk
Andy Burnham on course for No 10 as Labour nominations open
The former mayor of Greater Manchester is unopposed in the race to replace Sir Keir Starmer.
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Ed Thomas @edthom.bsky.social · 08/07/2026
UK to change law so ringleader of Rochdale grooming gang can be deported www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
bbc.co.uk
UK government will change law so grooming gang ringleader can be deported
The home secretary is expected to set out on Monday how she plans to amend the 1971 Immigration Act.
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Ed Thomas @edthom.bsky.social · 21/06/2026
Donald Trump 👇🏻
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Ed Thomas @edthom.bsky.social · 20/06/2026
From Makerfield to No.10 - Does Andy Burnham have the support outside of his home turf? We went to St Helen’s - voted for Reform in the locals - to hear more.
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Ed Thomas @edthom.bsky.social · 15/06/2026
Keir Starmer says under-16s will be banned from social media. The ban will include Snapchat, TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook and X - but not WhatsApp and Signal. www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/c7...
bbc.co.uk
Under-16s to be banned from social media, Starmer announces
Snapchat, TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook and X will be among the platforms banned by spring 2027, the government says.
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Ed Thomas @edthom.bsky.social · 11/06/2026
A High Street mini mart worker who groomed and raped children has been jailed. Iraqi asylum seeker Bawan Harwe exploited underage girls as young as 12 with vapes and alcohol. Co-worker Sharam Muhamadi helped organise the abuse. He’s now on the run. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
bbc.co.uk
Child-rape sentence reignites scrutiny of UK high street mini-marts
Rapist Bawan Harwe lured underage girls back to his flat with the promise of free vapes and cash.
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Ed Thomas @edthom.bsky.social · 10/06/2026
IMPACT Illegal mini-marts and vape shops to shut for up to 12 months under law change prompted by our BBC reporting. For 18 months, on High Streets across the UK, our investigations exposed drug gangs, child sexual exploitation and money laundering. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
bbc.co.uk
Illegal mini-marts to shut for up to 12 months under law change prompted by BBC
Under current rules, shops breaking the law can only be closed for up to six months in England and Wales.
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Reposted by Ed Thomas
Nick Plumb @nickplumb.bsky.social · 08/06/2026
I spoke to @edthom.bsky.social for his latest In Depth piece, How the High Street became a window on our political instability. It does a great job of setting out why high streets are such a potent issue, politically. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
bbc.co.uk
How the High Street became a window on our political instability
High Streets have declined in recent years. What does this tell us about the UK?
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Ed Thomas @edthom.bsky.social · 08/06/2026
How our High Streets became a window on our political instability… www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
bbc.co.uk
How the High Street became a window on our political instability
High Streets have declined in recent years. What does this tell us about the UK?
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Ed Thomas @edthom.bsky.social · 23/05/2026
Government spends 25 times more on benefits than jobs for young people. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
bbc.co.uk
Government spending 25 times more on benefits than jobs for young people, says Alan Milburn
Reforms are needed of the welfare system to tackle the high numbers of young people not in work or education, says Alan Milburn.
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Ed Thomas @edthom.bsky.social · 21/05/2026
🚨UK immigration and emigration - a closer look at the numbers👇🏻 The ONS provisionally estimates - 🚨642,000people left the UK to live in another country long term during the year ending in December 2025.
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Ed Thomas @edthom.bsky.social · 20/05/2026
A new £30m High Street organised crime unit has been announced by the government after the BBC's year-long investigative reporting into illegal mini-marts, vape shops and barbers. #IllegalCigarettes #HighStreet #Crime #Gangs #Investigation #Vapes #BBCNews
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Ed Thomas @edthom.bsky.social · 19/05/2026
IMPACT - a new £30m High Street organised crime unit’s been announced after our investigative reporting into illegal mini-marts/vape shops. On our High Streets BBC News exposed. 🚨drug gangs 🚨child sexual exploitation 🚨immigration crime 🚨tax evasion www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
bbc.co.uk
New police unit to target crime gangs fronting High Street shops
It follows BBC News exposing drug gangs, money laundering, immigration crime, and ghost directors linked to shop fronts.
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Ed Thomas @edthom.bsky.social · 18/05/2026
LIVE Starmer 'fights on', says deputy PM, as he says Labour must unite to contest by-election www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/cr...
bbc.co.uk
Starmer 'fights on', says deputy PM, as he says Labour must unite to contest by-election
David Lammy tells the BBC that it is time the party
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Ed Thomas @edthom.bsky.social · 18/05/2026
The High street shops facilitating immigration crime and the small boats crisis. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
bbc.co.uk
UK-registered firms linked to payments for small-boat crossings, BBC finds
Smugglers are directing migrants to pay using a network of British businesses, secret filming reveals.
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Ed Thomas @edthom.bsky.social · 16/05/2026
Tens of thousands of protesters have descended on London for two rival marches. - the Unite the Kingdom rally, organised by far-right figure Tommy Robinson. - and a pro-Palestinian demonstration. More than 4,000 police officers have been deployed www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
bbc.co.uk
Tens of thousands descend on London for rival protests
A heavy police operation is in place for the Unite the Kingdom march, organised by Tommy Robinson, and a separate pro-Palestinian protest.
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Ed Thomas @edthom.bsky.social · 15/05/2026
NEW Andy Burnham is allowed to run in the candidate selection process for the Makerfield by-election, Labour says The constituency's current MP is stepping down - with polling expert John Curtice saying the Manchester mayor faces a "formidable challenge" www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/cw...
bbc.co.uk
Andy Burnham allowed to run for selection in Makerfield by-election, Labour's ruling body says - live updates
The Greater Manchester mayor still needs to be selected as the local party's candidate.
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Ed Thomas @edthom.bsky.social · 15/05/2026
A day of two towns. First Bootle….. form “they’re all traitors” to “stick with Starmer” and “I just want hope.” Reaction on Merseyside to a day of political drama in a constituency that represents what was the heart of the Labour movement. 1/2
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Ed Thomas @edthom.bsky.social · 14/05/2026
A big day… - Angela Rayner says she’s been cleared over tax affairs, potential leadership bid? - Sir Keir Starmer warns Labour MPs that a leadership contest could result in "chaos". - Health Secretary Wes Streeting expected to challenge the PM today. www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/cw...
bbc.co.uk
Rayner says she has been cleared over tax affairs, paving way for any leadership bid
The former deputy prime minister said she had been
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Ed Thomas @edthom.bsky.social · 13/05/2026
Wes Streeting, seen as potential PM rival, leaves Downing Street less than 20 minutes after arriving for crunch Starmer meeting.
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Ed Thomas @edthom.bsky.social · 13/05/2026
Sir Keir Starmer will meet Health Secretary Wes Streeting, seen as a potential leadership rival, this morning at Downing Street. It comes ahead of the King's Speech, in which King Charles will set out the government's new laws - 🚨here's what could be in the speech👇🏻 www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
bbc.co.uk
Starmer prepares for King's Speech as he faces leadership crisis
King Charles III will attend Parliament to deliver the speech outlining the government's agenda.
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Ed Thomas @edthom.bsky.social · 12/05/2026
Should or he stay or should he go? The view from #Blackpool on a #Labour #PrimeMinister under pressure.
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Ed Thomas @edthom.bsky.social · 12/05/2026
The prime minister tells the cabinet he will get on with governing in the face of growing calls for him to resign.
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Ed Thomas @edthom.bsky.social · 12/05/2026
The first government minister resigns and urges Keir Starmer to quit, as the PM faces his cabinet Miatta Fahnbulleh, the communities minister, is among more than 70 Labour MPs who have urged him to resign immediately or draw up a timetable www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/c1...
bbc.co.uk
Keir Starmer latest: First government minister resigns and urges Starmer to set timetable to quit
More than 70 Labour MPs publicly turn against the prime minister, as No 10 replaces six ministerial aides who quit on Monday evening.
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Ed Thomas @edthom.bsky.social · 11/05/2026
NEW Number of Labour MPs calling for Starmer to go rises to 70 A total of 70 Labour MPs have now explicitly called for Keir Starmer to resign or set a timetable for his resignation as prime minister. This number is steadily rising. www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/c1...
bbc.co.uk
Four ministerial aides quit as 70 Labour MPs call for Starmer to resign
Keir Starmer earlier promised to prove
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Ed Thomas @edthom.bsky.social · 11/05/2026
Labour backbench MP Catherine West backs down from her threat to trigger a leadership challenge against Keir Starmer - but still calls on him to quit as prime minister www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/c1...
bbc.co.uk
Labour MP backs down from leadership challenge but calls on Starmer to go by September
Catherine West - who said at the weekend she was prepared to challenge the PM herself - says Starmer's speech this morning was
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Ed Thomas @edthom.bsky.social · 11/05/2026
WATCH LIVE PM to give major speech as he tries to see off a leadership challenge following Thursday's election results. Starmer will say "incremental change won't cut it" and the government "will be defined by rebuilding our relationship" with the EU. www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/c1...
bbc.co.uk
Starmer about to give major speech as he tries to convince Labour MPs to back him
Starmer's speech - in which he will say
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Ed Thomas @edthom.bsky.social · 09/05/2026
WATCH the moment Labour lose Barnsley Council after 50 years in power. “It’s hard, I’ve given everything to this town”. Reaction from Sir Stephen Houghton, he’s been leader of Barnsley Council for 30 years.
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