South Korean golf star Tom Kim has secured exemption from his nation's compulsory military service after claiming individual gold at the Asian Games. Kim delivered a commanding performance at Kasugai Country Club, finishing 18 under par and winning by a three-stroke margin. ### The South Korean entered the final day with the lead and fired a superb six-under-par 64, recording five birdies and an eagle before a nervy bogey at the 17th. He still had enough of a cushion, and a tap-in par on the 18th prompted an audible roar of relief. ### TRENDING Stories Videos Your Say ### He said: "I tried not to think about it. "I just tried to play best for my country. It's a big stepping stone. "I think the pressure that I felt this week, I'll be able to implement it in my upcoming seasons." Under South Korean law, nearly all able-bodied men must complete between 18 and 21 months of national service before turning 28. ### ### ### LATEST SPORTS NEWS * Reform UK demands Andy Burnham publish all details of meetings with Manchester City owners * Ireland manager insists Israel match 'will not be friendly' after Israeli captain's comments * Manchester City defence at risk of being undermined by 2015 Etihad Airways statement ### The Government does, however, grant exemptions - requiring only basic training of less than a month - to those who win gold at the Asian Games or secure any medal at the Olympics. Former Tottenham forward Son Heung-min earned his own exemption after South Korea triumphed at the 2018 Asian Games in Indonesia. Son went on to complete three weeks of basic military training during the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, taking advantage of the pause in the Premier League season. Beyond sport, the exemption extends to classical and traditional musicians, dancers and other artists deemed to bolster national prestige. ### ### ### Although Kim dominated the individual event over 72 holes, South Korea fell short in the team competition, finishing behind China, with Japan taking bronze. The format counted only the two best scores from each three-man squad per round. That result means teammate Kim Seong-hyeon, who closed with a 73, missed out on an exemption. The third member of the squad, 35-year-old Mun Do-yeob, carded a final-round 70 but had already completed his service. ### ### ### Elsewhere at the Games, 16 South Korean baseball players secured exemptions following a 3-1 victory over Japan in the final. Three esports competitors also won gold at the Asian Games. Lee Sang-hyeok, the legendary player known as "Faker," had already won gold at the 2023 Hangzhou Games, but this time he helped his teammates dodge conscription. He said: "Of course the result is important, and the fact that the players will be exempt from the military service is important." ### **Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter**

Met Police detectives have opened a murder investigation after a 40-year-old man died following a shooting in a large crowd of families at a memorial service in west London. Police were called to East Acton at 7.47pm on Friday, after members of the public reported hearing several gunshots near the junction of Braybrook Street and Erconwald Street. ### Officers attended the scene together with paramedics from the London Ambulance Service. The injured man was treated by medical staff, but despite their efforts, he was pronounced dead at the scene. ### TRENDING Stories Videos Your Say ### His next of kin have been informed and are receiving support from specialist officers. A post-mortem examination will be carried out to establish the exact cause of death. At this stage, detectives believe the victim suffered a gunshot wound. There have been no arrests so far, according to the Met. ### ### Detectives are continuing to establish what led to the shooting and identify those responsible. A crime scene remains in place on Braybrook Street while enquiries continue. Detective Chief Inspector Brian Howie, who is leading the investigation, said: “Our thoughts are with the family and friends of a man whose life was taken in a senseless act of violence. "We understand a large number of people had gathered for a memorial service and what should have been a time to come together in remembrance has instead left a family devastated. “We believe between 40 and 50 people, including children, were present when this incident occurred. Someone knows what happened and we need them to come forward. ### LATEST DEVELOPMENTS * Hundreds of protesters chant 'stop the boats' in two seaside towns as police impose dispersal order * FlyDubai hijacker studied at British University for three years * UK-Iranian dual national bailed after being arrested over 'RAF Fairford terror plot' ### “If you were around Erconwald Street, Braybrook Street, the surrounding roads or Wormwood Scrubs playground between 6pm and 8pm, please think carefully about what you saw. "Did you see anyone carrying or concealing weapons, people on bicycles acting suspiciously, or vehicles being driven at speed? “We also want to hear from anyone with photographs, video, dashcam, doorbell or mobile phone footage or who has seen anything relevant on social media. "However insignificant it may seem, the smallest piece of information could prove crucial in helping us establish what happened and identify those responsible.” ### ### ### Police are appealing to anyone who witnessed the incident or has information that could assist the investigation to come forward. Information can be provided by calling 101 and quoting CAD 7011/2Oct, or through the police major incident portal. Those wishing to remain anonymous can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. ### **Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter**

One in four vapes confiscated from pupils in schools contain illegal substances, a new report shows. The study also suggests vaping has become ‘completely normal’ among schoolchildren, with 8 in 10 teachers reporting daily vaping in school toilets. ### Although vapes are illegal for under-18s, the study shows 1 in 5 children vape or have tried vaping. The new White Paper, by campaign group Stamp Out Vapes, led by NHS doctors, calls on the Government for urgent intervention amid warnings of a vape ‘crisis’ among children who are becoming addicted to nicotine and potentially inhaling dangerous substances without knowing. ### TRENDING Stories Videos Your Say ### The campaign group also says some products are reaching youngsters through shops operating without a vape-shop licensing system, while existing restrictions are inadequately enforced. The report claims illegal and counterfeit products are sold openly to children in every part of the country, often by shops – known as ‘phoenix’ shops – that reopen under a different name after enforcement action or after being closed down. The report ‘No Time to Delay: End Childhood Vaping’ says more than nine in ten ‘phoenix’ shops targeted over illegal tobacco or vapes are still open despite legal action against them. The report also says police and public health agencies warn seized illegal e-liquids are often testing positive for heavy metals, uncontrolled drug additives or are laced with illegal drugs such as the cannabinoid Spice, which can cause severe poisoning, seizures and loss of consciousness. ### ### ### It urges the Government to be ‘honest’ about the organised crime behind many vape shops. It states: “Illegal vapes are the most dependable cash generators organised crime has ever seen, laundering the proceeds of drug supply, exploitation and human trafficking through the country’s town centres.” It calls for tougher product safety checks, compulsory licensing for retailers and stronger enforcement against illegal sales. The report comes as research by the University of Bath found that 13 per cent of 1,923 confiscated vapes and e-liquids collected from 114 schools across England contained Spice, rising to around one in four in London and Lancashire. Dr Ahmed Ezzat, a London-based surgeon and founder of Health Creator Leaders, which is behind the campaign, said: “The illegal products reaching children have passed zero safety checks, they are sold by shops with no licence and no accountability. ### LATEST DEVELOPMENTS: * Muslim Greens blame British Empire for anti-LGBTQ laws in Middle East * UK-Iranian dual national bailed after being arrested over 'RAF Fairford terror plot' * Donald Trump told to block Labour’s bid to house migrants next door to Founding Father's birthplace ### ### ### “This is a safeguarding failure, an enforcement failure and a gift to organised crime. Products are being sold to eleven-year-olds whose harms will not fully surface for a decade.” The campaign comes despite legislation intended to strengthen protections for children. The Tobacco and Vapes Act received Royal Assent in April, giving ministers powers to introduce retail licensing, tighten product requirements and restrict advertising and promotion. ### ### The Government intends to consult on the new retail licensing scheme in 2027, prompting accusations that action is too slow. The campaign, which brings together NHS clinicians, health professionals and parents, has today launched a petition demanding tighter safety standards, retailer licensing and tougher enforcement, which they will submit to the Government. A Government spokesman said: "This Government has taken decisive action to prevent children from vaping, including making it illegal to sell vapes to under-18s, abolishing single-use vapes, and banning advertising and sponsorship by vape companies from next year. "Because of the impact on business, we are obliged to consult in detail on our proposed new retail licensing scheme, and our new restrictions on the packaging, appearance, flavours and displays of vapes, but no one should doubt our commitment to take the action required to protect children from nicotine addiction." ### **Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter**

Hundreds of anti-migrant protesters have taken to the streets across Southampton and Dover this afternoon, as police impose restrictions on demonstrations and warn participants against covering their faces. In Southampton, members of the anti-immigration group South Coast Patriots gathered, alongside a counter-protest organised by campaigners from Southampton Stand Up To Racism. ### Meanwhile, in Dover, Kent, a similar demonstration launched, with police vehicles positioned around the streets near Dover Priory Station, where the march began. It comes as tensions reach boiling point surrounding the small boat Channel crossings, with 1,655 small-boat migrants having arrived in the UK in the week between September 21 - September 27, and some 781 reaching the UK’s shores in a single day. ### TRENDING Stories Videos Your Say ### The fresh wave of demonstrations follow a movement which began last month, led and organised by Danny Tommo's Patriot Platform, which saw protest action in Dover, Portsmouth and Gosport over the curse of September. The protests aim to raise awareness of the public outrage to the government's lack of response to the crisis, often directly opposing Channel arrivals as they attempt to dock. However in Southampton today, South Coast Patriots does not appear to be affiliated with Patriot Platform, while promotional material for the Dover demonstration has been circulated under the name English Defence League. Kent Patriots, which is listed as an affiliate of Patriot Platform, said on Instagram that its members would not be taking part. ### ### ### In Southampton, protesters set off from the port carrying English and Union flags. Chants heard during the march included: “Stop the boats”, “England till I die”; and “Deport the f****** lot”. The demonstration attracted attention from people in the city centre, with numerous passers-by stopping to watch and record the demonstration on their phones. At one point, a woman sitting outside a cafe shouted “scum” at the protesters, prompting a short confrontation with one of the attendees. ### LATEST DEVELOPMENTS * Iranian small boat migrants allegedly 'identified Heaton Park Synagogue for bomb plot', court hears * Kemi Badenoch pledges to end early release scheme by building 50,000 new cells * UK-Iranian dual national bailed after being arrested over 'RAF Fairford terror plot' ### ### The march later halted outside Southampton Crown Court, where a woman addressing the crowd through a megaphone said: “You are supposed to protect us, not these illegal men coming into our country.” Around 50 people from Stand Up To Racism had assembled at the Bargate as part of a counter-demonstration. The two groups passed one another without incident, before the anti-migrant protesters continued along the High Street. Hampshire Police preemptively introduced additional powers and restrictions in preparation for the demonstrations. ### ### ### Superintendent Alex Charge, the district commander for Southampton, said in a statement published on the force's website that officers had introduced a dispersal order covering a designated area between 7pm on Friday and 7am on Sunday. Under the restrictions, anyone participating in the protest was also prohibited from wearing a face covering intended to conceal their identity between 11am and 5pm today. In Dover, Kent Police said it had also made “robust” preparations intended to minimise disruption during today's demonstration. The force said a “substantial” contingent of specially trained officers were deployed across the town centre. ### ### ### A counter-protest was also expected for Pencester Gardens, where police had said they “anticipate the two groups may attempt to come together”. A separate prohibition on face coverings is also in operation in Dover from 8am to 9pm today, and will apply to people taking part in the protest. The restricted area includes parts of Dover and the surrounding communities, including Buckland, Whitfield, Guston and St Margaret’s-at-Cliffe. The restrictions do not apply to people who cover their faces for religious, health or work-related reasons. ### **Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter**

Ireland's press conference ahead of their match against Israel came to an abrupt end after Israeli journalists asked about the FlyDubai hijacking and a claim of racism. Heimir Hallgrimsson, Ireland's manager, spoke to the press ahead of the reverse fixture versus Israel, set to take place in Serbia on Sunday. ### During the press conference, an Israeli journalist asked about the attack on board a FlyDubai flight bound for Israel earlier in the week, which saw the co-pilot suspected of stabbing the captain. The Irish press officer requested to keep the focus on "football questions", with Hallgrimsson then taking an inquiry about Finn Azaz's availability. ### TRENDING Stories Videos Your Say ### Shortly afterwards, another Israeli journalist made a claim of racism against the Irish squad. The allegation was shut down by the Irish press officer as "completely untrue", before telling the Israeli journalist: "You've just lied. You've just broadcast a lie." Shouting then abruptly ended the press conference. Irish FA representatives then asked the Israeli press to leave an embargoed media meeting with Hallgrimsson, which sparked another confrontation. ### ### ### LATEST SPORTS NEWS: * Reform UK demands Andy Burnham publish all details of meetings with Manchester City owners * Ireland manager insists Israel match 'will not be friendly' after Israeli captain's comments * Manchester City defence at risk of being undermined by 2015 Etihad Airways statement ### The briefing was eventually held in a different location. The controversial second fixture follows last week's contest, which saw Ireland dominate and win 3-0. Before the match, Irish players bowed their heads before the Israeli national anthem and did not shake hands with the Israeli squad. Goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu boycotted the fixture, and Ireland's squad opted to wear black armbands for the match "in recognition of all lives lost in the [Gaza] conflict". ### ### ### The Irish manager discussed the controversy surrounding the fixture, saying the squad is tired due to "everything going on". He continued: "It is going to be tricky and challenging for the players to be ready [for Israel], but we will do everything and the medical team will work day and night to get them fit and fresh for that game. "[It's] just another football match, but [there] is more at stake for all of us." A win would see Ireland finish on seven points from four games, and Hallgrimsson could not decide whether it would be a success. ### ### ### He said: "I don't know how I want to answer that question, if it should come from my heart or as a coach or as a person, or as a leader. Surviving this camp, coming out of it together as one, would be a massive win for me. "That is coming from my heart, I think all the challenges that this team has gone through, all the criticism… that would be a big win for me and for this group, for the association, that will be a big, big win if we go through this undamaged. "Obviously having another three points would be more probably than I could have asked for before the camp, knowing what was to come. "You never know when you go into an environment like this how players will react, but that has been the most pleasing thing for me, is to see their togetherness and how they stand up for each other. "Whatever they have done, they have done it with respect to the situation, to each other. "And after this, I've said it so many times, I think this bond of brothers will be stronger than ever, and all the obstacles that this group will face in the future will be lesser than it actually is. "I think when we look back at this camp, in hindsight, we'll say: 'This is the moment we grew the most'. We stepped up as persons, as leaders, supported each other, and the main thing is we stuck together." ### ** ** ** ** **Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter**

Parents are being warned about potentially dangerous “squishy” toys being sold online with medical syringes and sharp needles, amid growing concern over products popular among children. The sensory toys, frequently promoted as “fidget” products intended to help children relax or concentrate, have gained traction on social media. ### Some are supplied with syringes that allow users to pump air into the toys, alter their texture or create bubbles that can then be burst. Consumer protection officials are now investigating the products after concerns were raised about the risks posed by the needles. ### TRENDING Stories Videos Your Say ### The Telegraph identified a case in which a child required treatment at A&E, after accidentally piercing a finger with a sharp needle supplied with a "pimple popper" squishy toy. Kate Dearden MP, the minister for consumer protection, said her department was looking into the issue, and warned that products capable of harming children should not be sold online. "I know parents will be deeply concerned by them too, which is why my department is actively investigating this issue", she confirmed. One product available through a third-party Amazon seller comes equipped with a capped 5ml medical syringe. ### ### ### Its advertising images showed the toy being used in a young child’s bedroom, but neither the listing nor the packaging carries an age restriction or safety warning. Another set of four sand-filled squishies is shipped with a syringe, despite conflicting age information. Its online description says the product is unsuitable for children under 14, while the packaging states: "Age 3+". Similar products sold by third-party sellers on AliExpress, the Chinese online retailer, can also be found with syringes either shown in promotional photographs, referred to in product descriptions or mentioned by customers in reviews. ### LATEST DEVELOPMENTS: * Mum's fury as toddler, three, sent home from nursery and told simple lunchbox staple is BANNED * 'The Bedbug Express!' Horror and cancellations as pests found crawling through packed trains * Pub offers free pints to black lab owners amid uproar over Labour minister's 'far-right' claim ### ### Kerry Nicol, of the Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI), said the inclusion of medical equipment with toys aimed at children represented a serious safety concern. She said: "When a product that is very much aimed at children comes with a needle and syringe, something has gone seriously wrong. "Children are being exposed to unnecessary risks because dangerous products can too easily enter the UK market through third-party sellers." Authorities in Singapore, Thailand and Taiwan have recently issued warnings about needles supplied with squishy toys, with the CTSI urging UK online marketplaces to take action. ### ### Ms Nicol said online marketplaces should not regard themselves merely as "passive intermediaries", while Katrina Phillips OBE, chief executive of the Child Accident Prevention Trust, said: "Online marketplaces should have the same duty of care as the shops on our high streets." Amazon said it was "shocked" by the findings and had removed the products identified, adding that safety was a "top priority" and measures were in place to prevent non-compliant products being listed. AliExpress also said children’s safety was a "top priority", and that the listings identified had been removed and a recall process begun, including contacting customers who had bought the products. The retailer added that it was introducing a UK-wide ban on toys supplied with sharp needles and carrying out a "targeted review" of similar listings. ### **Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter**

Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrimsson insisted his side's reverse fixture against Israel "will not be friendly" following Israeli captain Manor Solomon's comments. The two teams met last week in Hungary, where Ireland dominated the contest, winning 3-0. ### Before the match, Irish players bowed their heads before the Israeli national anthem and did not shake hands with the Israeli squad. Goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu boycotted the fixture, and Ireland's squad opted to wear black armbands for the match "in recognition of all lives lost in the [Gaza] conflict". ### TRENDING Stories Videos Your Say ### Following the contest, Solomon took aim at the Irish squad, saying: "We have a country 10 times better than theirs. Obviously they hate us. We don't like them." Hallgrimsson was asked about Solomon's comments and said: "I guess it's not going to be a friendly." The Irish manager discussed the controversy surrounding the fixture, saying the squad is tired due to "everything going on". He continued: "It is going to be tricky and challenging for the players to be ready [for Israel], but we will do everything and the medical team will work day and night to get them fit and fresh for that game. ### ### ### "[It's] just another football match, but [there] is more at stake for all of us." A win would see Ireland finish on seven points from four games, and Hallgrimsson could not decide whether it would be a success. He said: "I don't know how I want to answer that question, if it should come from my heart or as a coach or as a person, or as a leader. "Surviving this camp, coming out of it together as one, would be a massive win for me. ### LATEST SPORTS NEWS: * Reform UK demands Andy Burnham publish all details of meetings with Manchester City owners * Andy Burnham warned by UAE it will pull billions out of UK over Manchester City case * Lewis Hamilton reacts to brilliant qualifying session for Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia ### ### ### "That is coming from my heart, I think all the challenges that this team has gone through, all the criticism… that would be a big win for me and for this group, for the association, that will be a big, big win if we go through this undamaged. "Obviously having another three points would be more probably than I could have asked for before the camp, knowing what was to come. "You never know when you go into an environment like this how players will react, but that has been the most pleasing thing for me, is to see their togetherness and how they stand up for each other. "Whatever they have done, they have done it with respect to the situation, to each other. ### ### ### "And after this, I've said it so many times, I think this bond of brothers will be stronger than ever, and all the obstacles that this group will face in the future will be lesser than it actually is. "I think when we look back at this camp, in hindsight, we'll say: 'This is the moment we grew the most'. We stepped up as persons, as leaders, supported each other, and the main thing is we stuck together." The two sides play tomorrow in Serbia at the TSC Arena from 7.45pm. ### ** ** ** ** **Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter**

A lively look at all the latest live and breaking news for the weekend from around the UK with our network of GB News reporters, plus views and debate from a wide range of perspectives.

Two Iranian men who arrived in the UK on small boats have appeared in court after being charged with an alleged bomb plot in Manchester. Salam Ahmadyan, 36, of Liverpool, and Rahman Salehi, 34, of Salford, were arrested in Manchester on Sunday, September 20. ### They were charged with engaging in conduct in preparation for terrorist acts on Friday, Counter Terrorism Policing (CTP) confirmed. The pair allegedly conducted "hostile reconnaissance" at Heaton Park Synagogue in Manchester, as well as the Jewish Museum in Cheetham Hill, prosecutors claimed. ### TRENDING Stories Videos Your Say ### Heaton Park Synagogue was subject to a terror attack on October 2, 2025, when Jihad Al-Shamie, 35, drove his car into the gates and began attacking worshippers with a knife. Melvin Cravitz, 66, and Adrian Daulby, 53, were killed during the attack. Ahmadyan and Salehi appeared in front of Westminster Magistrates’ Court this morning. They are accused of "preparing acts of terrorism" using a "homemade explosive device". ### ### ### Prosecutor Mark Luckett said the pair were "in contact with a third party who is alleged to have directed and coordinated the planned attack and provided instructions on how to assemble a home-made explosive device." He added: "It is assessed this individual is also an Iranian national and most likely operating from within Iran." Ahmadyan, through a Farsi interpreter, and Salehi, through a Kurdish interpreter, spoke to confirm their names, dates of birth, and addresses. They were not asked to enter pleas to the charge. The pair will appear for a hearing on October 23, as District Judge Nina Tempia remanded both into custody. ### LATEST CRIME NEWS * France to 'make parents pay' for repairs to rioting youths' €30million trail of destruction * Nigel Farage sets Shabana Mahmood resignation ultimatum after boat migrants charge * 'Satanic' killer Christa Pike left unconscious with burned arms after botch-job execution atte ### ### The court heard Ahmadyan arrived in the UK via small boat in 2023. He still has an outstanding asylum claim. Salehi came to the UK on a small boat in 2020 and was granted asylum in 2023, the court heard. He has leave to remain until July 2028. He previously claimed asylum and spent five years in Germany before coming to the UK. ### ### Following the pair's arrest last month, Deputy Assistant Commissioner Vicki Evans, Senior National Coordinator for Counter Terrorism Policing, said: "This has been a long-running proactive investigation which has led to the disruption of what we believe to be a plot to target the Jewish community in the Manchester area. "Counter Terrorism policing continue to focus our efforts on identifying and disrupting those who wish to cause harm in our communities. "We are acutely aware this news will cause further concern to the Jewish community, as well as the wider public, especially given the significant High Holy Day period. "I want to reassure them we are working incredibly closely with colleagues in Greater Manchester Police and partners to ensure we’re doing everything we can to keep them and the wider public safe. "And more broadly, across the country CTP is working with local police forces to provide protective security support and advice for areas with Jewish communities, and particularly during the High Holy Day period. ### ### "As we have shown with these arrests, where we suspect there could be a threat to the public, then we will not hesitate to investigate and take action. "We are pursuing a number of lines enquiry and we anticipate these will continue over the coming days as this investigation continues. "Importantly, we do not believe there to be any ongoing threat to the public in relation to this matter, but as ever, we would ask that people remain vigilant and contact police with any concerns." ### ** ** ** ** **Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter**

The co-pilot who has been accused of trying to hijack a Flydubai plane enrolled at a British university, it has been revealed. Omani national Hammam Al-Hammami, 29, attempted to carry out a "terrorist" attack during the flight after he is said to have struck the pilot with a crash axe and attempted to take control of the aircraft, the United Arab Emirates' prosecutor general said this morning. ### According to the Wall Street Journal, Al-Hammami was banned from flying last year due to concerns over his radical ideological views. He is also said to have been working at Flydubai for just eight months, according to an Israeli official. ### TRENDING Stories Videos Your Say ### However, it has now emerged that he attended Buckinghamshire New University, where he took part in a three-year learning course in aviation management. Al-Hammami completed a distance-learning course and graduated from the university in 2023, though he did not take pilot training at the university, a spokesman told GB News. "Our thoughts are with the injured pilot, crew and passengers involved in this incident," the spokesman added. His LinkedIn profile shows he previously worked at Oman Air while studying at the university. According to CNN, he was removed from his role over concerns about his extremist ideology. ### ### ### ### The outlet also claims to have seen deleted social media posts from Al-Hammami, in which he bemoans not being able to find a wife who will wear a niqab and stop working after marriage. ABC News report the 29-year-old had allegedly been found in possession of extremist material during his time as a trainee pilot, and Al Arabiya say Omani authorities believe he may have spent time in Syria, where he could have been influenced by radical groups. The incident occurred on Wednesday, September 30, when Flydubai Flight FZ1073, travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv with 182 people on board, diverted over Jordanian airspace towards Saudi Arabia after suddenly plunging over 14,000ft in less than 30 seconds. Passengers and crew, including an off-duty British pilot, managed to tie up and stop the alleged attacker before stabilising and landing the jet. ### READ MORE ON THE FLYDUBAI HIJACKING: * Labour sparks major 'security intelligence' row with former CIA chief over the party's Israel stance * FlyDubai pilot speaks out after being stabbed by hijacker and preventing '9/11-type disaster' * 'I smell a rat!' Pro-Gaza MP accused of pushing 'crazy conspiracy theory' over Flydubai hijacking ### All passengers, including Al-Hammami, who is now in custody in Saudi Arabia, survived the incident. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told the Daily Mail he was "amazed" by the bravery of the passengers on board. Horrifying videos circulating online appear to show the passengers gaining entry into the cockpit, where the pilot, Smit Machchhar, had been stabbed. Distressing footage depicts the captain bloodied and clutching his chest, as passengers applied pressure to the wound. ### ### ### It also appears to show Al-Hammami tied up and receiving oxygen. _Speaking to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on a video call,_ Mr Machchhar described how, despite his injuries, he was able to open the door from the inside and allow passengers to enter the cockpit. "I was lying on the floor injured but I told myself to go for one last push to open the door from inside," he explained. ### ### "Others came in and also played a role [in controlling the situation]. "I was of course fighting for my own life but at the same time I knew I was not going to let others die." The Indian embassy in the UAE said yesterday that Capt Machchhar was "in good health and recovering well". ### ** ** ** ** **Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter**

Manchester City's defence is potentially at risk of being undermined by a statement from Etihad Airways in 2015. The club is expected to argue part of its appeal by saying extra funding from its sponsorship deals came from the Abu Dhabi Government, not the club's majority owners, Abu Dhabi United Group (ADUG). ### But a statement to the US Departments of Commerce, Transportation and State in May 2015 from Etihad appears to damage this position. It reads: "The assertion that the Abu Dhabi Government paid for Etihad's sponsorship of English Premier League football club Manchester City is equally false. ### TRENDING Stories Videos Your Say ### "In 2011, Etihad and Manchester City entered into a 10-year sponsorship agreement, which included naming rights for Manchester City's stadium. "Etihad funded this sponsorship from its own liquidity. It is not uncommon for airlines to have sponsorships with sports teams and their venues." Further down the 60-page submission, the statement reads: "We are Government-owned and have been since our founding. "We are and have always been clear that we do not receive any subsidies from the Abu Dhabi Government, and that we are financed through a combination of equity, shareholder and commercial loans. ### ### ### "Our shareholders' equity and loans are not subsidies under any applicable definition; they are the means by which the Abu Dhabi Government has sensibly invested in a successful business model." Manchester City were found guilty this week by an independent commission over allegations covering the 2009-10 to 2017-18 seasons. It found the club had breached financial rules, including through sponsorship arrangements it described as part of a "disguised funding scheme". The findings said City recorded close to £950million in sponsorship revenue from Abu Dhabi-based companies, while around £830million of the funding had come from ADUG. ### LATEST SPORTS NEWS: * Reform UK demands Andy Burnham publish all details of meetings with Manchester City owners * Lewis Hamilton reacts to brilliant qualifying session for Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia * Andy Burnham warned by UAE it will pull billions out of UK over Manchester City case ### ### ### The commission concluded the arrangements artificially inflated revenue and helped City appear compliant with financial limits. City confirmed on Friday they had lodged an appeal, writing: "Manchester City Football Club can confirm that at 7pm on Thursday, October 1, 2026, the Club lodged its comprehensive Appeal against the opinion of the Premier League Commission, in relation to the Premier League disciplinary matter. "The Club's firm position is that, on multiple grounds, the opinion contains clear material errors of law, principle and fact and is unsafe. "The Club is innocent of the accusations made by the Premier League and a comprehensive body of irrefutable evidence exists in support of all of its positions, relating to this case. ### ### ### "We will continue to respect due process and are necessarily restricted in what we can say further until all proceedings are complete." City have consistently denied any wrongdoing, and their appeal will be considered by a separate Appeal Board under Premier League rules. The rules call for a hearing within 12 weeks of an appeal being lodged, but the final timetable and outcome remain uncertain. Any question of punishment is being handled separately. ### ** ** ** ** **Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter**

Get involved now and pick the topic for the Saturday Scrap on October 3, 2026. Each week, The Saturday Five on GB News brings together some of the most passionate voices in politics, culture, and current affairs to debate the biggest issues of the moment. There’s only one question left to answer: What should the Five go head-to-head on in the Saturday Scrap? * Should AI be banned in school? * Should Britain pay slavery reparations? * Are the Tories back in business? This week's Saturday Five panel are: AJ Pritchard, Renee Hoenderkamp, Cai Wilshaw, Tre Lowe and Lizzie Cundy. Vote now in the poll below and watch The Saturday Five announce the results live on air at 8pm. ### ### **Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter**

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A Lincolnshire mother has expressed her frustration after her three-year-old son was sent home from nursery with a handwritten note banning flavoured yoghurts from his packed lunch. Katelan Martin, 24, from Spalding, collected her son Jeffrey from nursery on September 16 to find his Aldi Tube It strawberry yoghurt untouched, accompanied by a message stating that only natural Greek-style yoghurt would be allowed going forward. ### The mother of two branded the restriction "absurd," insisting her boy already maintains a healthy diet. "I laughed and I phoned my mum and showed her the note and said what is this about, it's literally just a strawberry yoghurt," she said. ### TRENDING Stories Videos Your Say ### The nursery appears to be implementing government guidelines ahead of schedule, with new rules not due to take effect until September 2027. During Jeffrey's first three weeks at the nursery, Katelan noticed he was regularly coming home with uneaten items in his lunchbox, which she initially put down to him simply not fancying certain snacks. But last month, she opened the lunchbox to uncover the note left inside. She explained: "It said 'unfortunately due to new policies we can no longer allow flavoured yogurts, it must be natural Greek style only'." She added: "When we went and looked around the nursery, they said the government are bringing out new policies. I think they're meant to come into effect in September 2027 so all educational settings are kind of getting a hold of it before then." ### ### ### ### Katelan argued that packed lunches ought to be quick, convenient, and reasonably priced. The cost implications of switching to Greek yoghurt are significant, she noted, given that a tub expires just three days after opening and costs twice as much as a multipack of children's yoghurt. She fears the nursery's approach risks teaching young children that ordinary foods are somehow harmful. "I'm worried about the effects that this is going to have on him if he's being told that a strawberry-flavoured yoghurt is a bad food and he can't eat it," she said. "I think it is demonising food, we live in a world where, unfortunately, a lot of people suffer with eating disorders." ### LATEST NEWS: * Pub offers free pints to black lab owners amid uproar over Labour minister's 'far-right' claim * 'The Bedbug Express!' Horror and cancellations as pests found crawling through packed trains * Hosepipe ban extended AGAIN for thousands of as drought 'to continue into 2027' ### ### ### The mother also questioned whether such rigid restrictions truly serve children's wellbeing. Despite initially backing the nursery's health-conscious intentions, Katelan now considers the policy to have gone too far. "My kids eat healthy anyway but then to be told they're not allowed flavoured yogurts, I do think it's extreme," she said. The government guidelines due to come into force in September 2027 stipulate that schools may only serve lower-fat natural plain yoghurt and plain lower-fat fromage frais as part of school meals. ### ### Regarding packed lunches, the rules direct headteachers to prohibit sugary drinks, crisps, and confectionery, while encouraging them to offer rewards for bringing in nutritious meals. A Department for Education spokesman said: "The guidance we provide to early years settings is to help them make sure young children get the tasty, nutritious meals they need to grow and thrive - including limiting foods too high in sugar." The spokesman added: "Settings have always set their own rules on packed lunches. Our guidance doesn't change that - it just helps them to encourage healthy choices, as well as including advice on cost effective healthy food so changes work for every family." Aldi has been approached for comment. ### ** ** ** ** **Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter**

Reform UK have demanded Andy Burnham publish all details of his meetings with Manchester City owners. The Prime Minister has come under fire in the week after saying he would be "really concerned" if the Abu Dhabi United Group, which owns City, had to sell up the club after being found guilty of breaching the Premier League's financial rules. ### Mr Burnham was forced to make a U-turn to calm fans' backlash, with Downing Street having to offer two clarifications on the Prime Minister's position. Reform UK Chairman Lee Anderson has now called on Mr Burnham to share what was discussed in his meetings with City's owners. ### TRENDING Stories Videos Your Say ### Mr Anderson told GB News: "It's important that our Prime Minister is open and transparent. "I'm a huge football fan and facts are facts, Manchester City have cheated their way to success, therefore, Burnham should publish all the details of his meetings with the owners. "Our beautiful game must not be held to ransom by people from the highest bidder." Mr Burnham has been seen in the past attending City games in their hospitality areas. ### ### ### Downing Street confirmed the Prime Minister has not met City's owner since taking office in July. Khaldoon Al Mubarak, City's chair, met with Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds in September, but Mr Burnham did not attend. The pair discussed the two countries' relationship in defence, security, intelligence and trade, as part of Mr Al Mubarak's role as CEO of Mubadala Investment Company, the Abu Dhabi sovereign wealth fund, according to Bloomberg. Just 11 days after the pair met, Manchester City were found guilty of breaking Premier League rules. ### LATEST SPORTS NEWS: * Andy Burnham facing calls to share details of meetings with Manchester City owners * Andy Burnham warned by UAE it will pull billions out of UK over Manchester City case * Man City whistleblower forced into hiding after receiving 'multiple death threats' ### ### ### The United Arab Emirates (UAE) are also reportedly threatening to take billions from the UK for a hi-tech hub between Oxford and Cambridge, according to The Telegraph. The UAE is understood to have invested over £30billion into British sectors over the past five years. The Premier League's judgement has reportedly dealt a major blow to relations between the two nations. City released a statement on Friday confirming they will appeal against the independent commission's findings in the Premier League's financial case. ### ### ### City said: "Manchester City Football Club can confirm that at 7pm on Thursday, October 1, 2026, the Club lodged its comprehensive Appeal against the opinion of the Premier League Commission, in relation to the Premier League disciplinary matter. "The Club's firm position is that, on multiple grounds, the opinion contains clear material errors, of law, principle and fact and is unsafe. "The Club is innocent of the accusations made by the Premier League and a comprehensive body of irrefutable evidence exists in support of all of its positions, relating to this case. "We will continue to respect due process and are necessarily restricted in what we can say further until all proceedings are complete." City have consistently denied any wrongdoing, with their appeal set to be considered by a separate Appeal Board under Premier League rules. The rules provide for a hearing within 12 weeks of an appeal being lodged, although the eventual timetable and outcome remain uncertain. The question of any punishment is being handled separately. ### ** ** ** ** **Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter**

Lewis Hamilton has hailed a brilliant qualifying session for the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia, saying he is "much happier where the car is". The British driver qualified in P2, behind his old rival Max Verstappen, who took his first pole position of the season. ### After a mediocre session for the Mercedes, Hamilton's Ferrari is in a great spot for the race at 8am on Sunday. Reacting to qualifying in second, Hamilton said: "I love this energy. Big, big thank you to Malaysia for welcoming us. ### TRENDING Stories Videos Your Say ### "It's so hot here. I keep saying it, but that's made it a massive challenge for the tyres, the car, the mechanics in the garage. "I'm really, really thankful to my team. We made so many changes through all these practice sessions. "Because the cars are sliding, the tyres are overheating, it was really hard to find a good balance, and we made one last change going into qualifying and I think we hit the sweet spot. "To be able to close the gap to two or three tenths to Max, who's been so quick all weekend, is great, and I'm so grateful." ### ### ### Looking ahead to Sunday's race, Hamilton said: "I'm much happier with where the car is, but tomorrow is a completely different ballgame. Making these tyres last around this track - I mean, they're overheating from the get-go. "Every little bit of wheelspin you have, every little snap you have, makes a difference of how far you're going to go. "I like to think we've got a good balance. Max was really quick on his long runs, so I'll just try my best to hold onto him tomorrow." Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur praised the qualifying session for his two drivers, with Charles Leclerc in fourth. ### LATEST SPORTS NEWS: * Andy Burnham facing calls to share details of meetings with Manchester City owners * Man City chairman met Burnham ally to discuss UAE investment just days before Premier League verdict * Andy Burnham warned by UAE it will pull billions out of UK over Manchester City case ### ### ### Vasseur told Sky Sports: "It's a good qualy but the success is on Sunday, it's never on Saturday. "On top, we know that this one will be a lot about degradation, about race pace, about tyre management much more than great position. "But I prefer to have a good qualy than not. Starting from the first and second row with Lewis and Charles is a good start, but we have to now put all our focus on the race. "I think we are not that far away from Max (with tyre choice). For sure, it's difficult to read the tyres on Friday because you don't have so many laps. ### ### ### "The track was very dirty yesterday. I think we all have different opinions on the different compounds, and we'll see tomorrow, but it's not an easy exercise." Elsewhere on the grid, the McLarens complete the third row, with Lando Norris in P5 and Oscar Piastri in sixth. Last week's Grand Prix winner, George Russell, lines up in seventh, while Isack Hadjar starts in P8. Pierre Gasly and Gabriel Bortoleto complete the top 10, while Fernando Alonso, who signed a new deal with Aston Martin in the week, starts in P12. ### ** ** ** ** **Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter**

Kemi Badenoch has vowed to end the early prison release scheme by building 50,000 new cells. The plans would cost an estimated £2billion per year for the first five years, the Conservatives say, which would include both building and running the additional prison spaces. ### This would be funded by cutting foreign aid to £1billion, a further £1billion from reducing the Department for Culture, Media and Sport budget, and £500million from Cabinet Office communications, Ms Badenoch said. The first 700 prisoners were released early from prisons on Thursday, as part of a scheme that will eventually see 4,500 freed early from their sentences by June 2027. ### TRENDING Stories Videos Your Say ### The number of those to be released earlier had been closer to 6,000, though it now excludes those convicted of murder, manslaughter, a sexual or grooming-related offence, or a driving offence that led to a death. One-year jail terms have also been effectively scrapped under the Labour Government. The Tories had first begun releasing offenders early in 2023 to ease prison overcrowding, with population figures now sitting at around 98 per cent full. While Ms Badenoch accused the previous Conservative Government of doing "nowhere near enough", she also blamed Labour for "papering over the cracks". ### ### ### "We now have a plan to solve this issue," she declared. Shadow Justice Secretary Nick Timothy will announce an expert advisory group in the coming weeks, with a full and detailed plan to be devised in time for the next election, she said. Mr Timothy told the BBC that, should the Conservatives get back into power, the additional spaces would be built within six to seven years, and the "vast majority of them will be built in the first parliament". Speaking to GB News on Saturday, he said: "It's a radical policy. It will be the biggest increase in our prison capacity in the country's modern history. But it's necessary because the next government is going to need to reverse Labor's early release schemes. ### LATEST POLITICS NEWS: * Muslim Greens blame British Empire for anti-LGBTQ laws in Middle East * Benjamin Netanyahu brands Andy Burnham's Britain 'rogue state appeasing Islamist-leftist alliance * Nigel Farage sets Shabana Mahmood resignation ultimatum after boat migrants charge ### ### ### "It's going to need to reverse Labour's changes to short term sentences, which effectively abolish them, which means that crimes like shoplifting and various knife crimes go unpunished. "But it also means that we'll be able to say if you commit a violent crime, or if you're a repeat burglar or a repeat shoplifter, you are definitely going to go to prison because we need to return consequences to the criminal justice system." Ministers have insisted the release of criminals is needed to prevent the collapse of the justice system, with a prison population of 87,499 on Monday, according to weekly data published by the Ministry of Justice (MoJ). Maximum capacity in UK prisons sits at 89,055. Labour's pledge of 14,000 additional spaces by 2031 would increase that by around 15 per cent, to more than 103,000. The Tories' proposals would see a 50 per cent increase in capacity to more than 150,000. ### ### ### Ms Badenoch said: "Full prisons are a reason to build more cells, not release more criminals onto our streets. "A violent criminal doesn’t become less dangerous just because the government has run out of prison cells. "Labour cancelled our plans to rent spaces abroad and now they are stuck. Their answer is to let dangerous offenders out even earlier instead of building the prison spaces we need. "If someone keeps burgling homes, assaulting people, stealing or offending again and again, they should have to face the consequences for doing so in prison." Labour Party chairwoman Bridget Phillipson said the Tories were taking the British public "for fools". "Across 14 years in government, they added just 500 prison places and closed 23 prisons," she declared. "Now Kemi Badenoch expects the British people to believe they'll build 50,000." ### **Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter**

A British-Iranian who was arrested following the incident near RAF Fairford has been bailed, Counter Terrorism Policing (CTP) have confirmed. The 25-year-old dual UK-Iranian national was arrested on suspicion of preparation of terrorist acts on Thursday in Westminster, London. ### Searches of two properties have in the area have been conducted. Five other suspects - all UK nationals - have also been bailed in connection to the incident. ### TRENDING Stories Videos Your Say ### A full statement from the CTP reads: "A man arrested on Thursday (1 October) in connection with events at RAF Fairford on Sunday (27 September) has been released on bail. "The 25-year-old man, a dual UK/Iranian National, was arrested in the Borough of Westminster, London, on suspicion of preparation of terrorist acts under Section 5 of the Terrorism Act 2006. "Searches of two properties in the same area have now concluded. ### ### ### "The investigation into the circumstances surrounding events in Gloucestershire is continuing." The incident unfolded when a local farmer alerted the emergency services just after midnight on Sunday, September 27, after they spotted three suspicious vehicles accompanied by a group of masked men. However, police were already on the scene as it is understood one of the suspects called 999 themselves. The US have used the base as outpost for launching strikes on the Islamic Republic from Europe. ### LATEST ON RAF FAIRFORD * Israel 'warned Britain of Iranian attack on UK soil' nearly a month ago reveals Benjamin Netanyahu * Benjamin Netanyahu brands Andy Burnham's Britain 'rogue state appeasing an Islamist-leftist alliance' * Andy Burnham reveals 'strong indication Iran played part' in RAF Fairford incident ### ### ### The Islamic Republic has categorically denied involvement in the alleged terror plot. Senior National Coordinator for Counter Terrorism Policing, Vicki Evans, reiterated this week they were assessing "all possible angles" regarding the ongoing probe. "The investigation into circumstances surrounding events in Gloucestershire is hugely complex, and our specialist teams are interrogating multiple lines of enquiry," she said on Thursday. "As we’ve made clear, we’re looking at all possible angles – including possible foreign state involvement. "I’d like to thank the public for their continued support and patience whilst we work through this investigation." ### ### Prime Minister Andy Burnham revealed to GB News there are "strong indications" Iran played a part in a major security incident. Benjamin Netanyahu insisted Israel shared intelligence with the UK to help thwart the threat, and without it, "it would probably have gone through and we don't know how many British lives would have been lost". Speaking to the Daily Mail, he claimed sharing intelligence is far from an isolated incident. "I don't know how many lives we have saved giving Britain information about impending attacks," he told the outlet. ### **Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter**

The Muslim Greens, an internal affiliate of the Green Party, have blamed the British Empire for "queerphobic" laws in the Middle East. Such claims are made on the Muslim Greens' home page, which offers guidance on identifying Islamophobia and anti-Muslim hate. ### The group is one of the Green Party's Special Interest Groups, as stated on its website, and undertakes "specialist work on behalf of members". Section Eight of the guidance, titled Understanding How Homonationalism Harms Muslims and Queer Justice, and its Colonial Roots, discusses the issue. ### TRENDING Stories Videos Your Say ### The guidance asserts: "Queerphobic legislation in many Muslim-majority countries is deeply tied to colonialism." It adds the British Empire's "ambition to transform different cultures and societies into ones that mirrored the forms of violence and oppression that existed in the UK" resulted in "the vast majority of queerphobic legislation in colonies in South Asia, the Middle East and Africa". "To propose that Muslims are uniquely queerphobic because of Islam denies acknowledging how modern-day queerphobia is strongly rooted in the British Empire, culture, and society." In contrast, it is claimed the "idea that Muslim identity and Islam is in some way based around hating and marginalising queer communities is itself a form of Islamophobia and anti-Muslim hate". ### ### ### This, according to the guidance, wrongly imposes the view "not only are Muslims intrinsically queerphobic, but also erases the existence of queer Muslims and conceals the continued harm being done to queer people by the UK Government, the media, and the far-right, particularly around trans rights". Homosexuality was first decriminalised in the UK in 1967, while the Same Sex Couples Act legalised same-sex marriage in 2013. It remains a criminal offence in Afghanistan, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and Syria - all of which were never part of the British Empire. Sentences can range up to death. Iraq, Oman and the United Arab Emirates continue to criminalise homosexuality. While none of them were directly part of the British Empire, they were British protectorates and did come under the influence of the UK. ### LATEST POLITICS NEWS: * Benjamin Netanyahu brands Andy Burnham's Britain 'rogue state appeasing Islamist-leftist alliance' * Greens poised to splurge taxpayer cash on STOPPING Home Office deporting illegal migrants * Pub offers free pints to black lab owners amid uproar over Labour minister's 'far-right' claim ### ### ### Hassan Nasrallah, former leader of Hezbollah, previously claimed people engaging in homosexual acts should be killed, and blamed Western societies which, he said, had deliberately tried to destroy traditional family culture in the Middle East. Shadow Foreign Office Minister Wendy Morton said: "If that means excusing regimes that hang gay people, so be it. Blaming the British Empire is a curious excuse when Iran and Saudi Arabia were never part of it. "Conservatives will never apologise for Britain, and we will call out the persecution wherever it happens and whoever is responsible." Elsewhere, the guidance includes 18 bullet-point examples of Islamophobia. ### ### These include making statements that "equate Muslims with misogynists, paedophiles, uneducated people who "sponge off the state" and implying "Muslims have come here illegally". Muslim Greens also accuse those who organise "socials and activities around venues with alcohol, excluding observant Muslims," of Islamophobia. A Green Party spokesman described the guidance as "comprehensive, well thought-through and evidenced". "It explains the rise and normalisation of Islamophobia in Britain, the role of successive governments and mainstream media in fuelling anti-Muslim hate, and the importance of education and understanding history," the spokesman said. "Muslim people are disproportionately affected by religiously motivated hate crime and the whole of society has a duty to tackle this. This is a sensible and thorough document that deserves to be read in its entirety." ### ** ** ** ** **Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter**

GB News has been granted special access to Narva, an Estonian border town where residents can see Russia from their doorstep. Around 90 per cent of its 50,000 people speak Russian, and Vladimir Putin claims their rights are being violated. Tensions are rising, with Russia imposing a curfew along its side of the border and Denmark warning Moscow could attack a Nato country within months. With special access to the restricted border zone, GB News' National Reporter Will Godley meets the guards on watch and the locals who say they fear what comes next. **WATCH ABOVE** ### **Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter**

Benjamin Netanyahu has accused Britain's Labour Government of acting like a "rogue state appeasing an Islamist-leftist alliance" under Prime Minister Andy Burnham. The Israeli Prime Minister did not mince his words as he spoke in response to the terror plot at RAF Fairford last week. ### Mr Netanyahu had previously told Fox News that Israel had given Britain "intel" there was going to be "an Iranian-sponsored attack". But he was left incensed when the UK decided to ban trade with Israeli settlements on the West Bank last month: "The next day, they slapped sanctions on us," he said. ### TRENDING Stories Videos Your Say ### Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband had confirmed plans for sanctions on Israel as part of a "comprehensive reset" in relations. Speaking to the Mail, Mr Netanyahu described the threat on RAF Fairford as a "murderous attack", adding that without Israeli intelligence, "it would probably have gone through and we don't know how many British lives would have been lost". Police arrested a 25-year-old dual UK-Iranian national on suspicion of a terror offence in relation to the incident last week. A local farmer alerted the emergency services when they spotted three suspicious vehicles accompanied by a group of masked men. However, police were already on the scene as it is understood one of the suspects called 999 themselves. ### ### ### Five men were arrested in the wake of the incident on suspicion of explosives offences, and later terror offences. The five men - all in their 20s and from London - were released on police bail earlier this week. Andy Burnham told GB News there are "strong indications" Iran played a part in the security scare. The Islamic Republic has categorically denied involvement in the terror plot. ### MIDDLE EAST LATEST: * FlyDubai pilot speaks out after being stabbed by hijacker and preventing '9/11-type disaster' * Labour sparks major 'security intelligence' row with former CIA chief over the party's Israel stance * Israel 'warned Britain of Iranian attack on UK soil' nearly a month ago reveals Benjamin Netanyahu ### ### ### Mr Netanyahu insisted Israel shared intelligence with the UK to help thwart the threat - an incident, he claims, is far from isolated. Despite insisting the UK remains an ally, he accused the Government of "mind-blowing hypocrisy" and was keen to remind Mr Burnham: "I don't know how many lives we have saved giving Britain information about impending attacks." "They're appeasing, they're attacking Israel, [the country] that is fighting the terrorists in the terrorist regime that is attacking them," Mr Netanyahu, who is yet to speak with the Labour leader since he assumed office in July, fumed. "They appease their enemies, and they attack their protectors, really. "That's what's happening. But this is a twist of both logic and justice. It doesn't serve Britain well, it doesn't serve the world well." ### ### ### When asked how relations were between the two nations, the 76-year-old Prime Minister was unequivocal: "Well, it's not very good, is it? I mean, when they appease our common enemies and attack us, it doesn't say much." While Mr Netanyahu said Israel will "always consider Britain as an ally, even though we have, on occasion, differences with them," he warned the British Government has "gone rogue, like a rogue state". And the Israeli Prime Minister had one final swipe at Labour and Mr Burnham: "I think that if Britain doesn't regain control over its borders, you will lose Britain." He explained that Britain still has "time to recover", adding that Israel has had an "extraordinary relationship with Britain over the decades," and that he is the "first to regret that it's gone where it's going". ### ** ** ** ** **Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter**

The hijacker of the Flydubai plane has been named for the first time. Hammam Al-Hammami, an Omani national, attempted to carry out a "terrorist" attack during the flight, according to reports. ### The co-pilot is said to have attacked the pilot with an axe, the United Arab Emirates' prosecutor general said this morning, as he attempted to take control of the aircraft. The tool used is understood to have been a crash axe, which is kept in the cockpit for use in emergency for escape or rescue. ### TRENDING Stories Videos Your Say ### ### Investigations will remain ongoing to determine motives and examine evidence. According to Saudi Arabian state media, Al-Hammami was banned from flying last year due to concerns over his radical ideological views. CNN reports that he was born in the UAE to Omani and Syrian parents. It is also said he has been working at Flydubai for eight months. On Wednesday, September 30, Flydubai Flight FZ1073, travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv with 182 people on board, diverted over Jordanian airspace towards Saudi Arabia after suddenly plunging over 14,000ft in less than 30 seconds. ### ### Passengers and crew, including an off-duty British pilot, managed to tie up and stop the alleged attacker, before stabilising and land the jet. All passengers, including Al-Hammami, who is now in custody in Saudi Arabia, survived the incident. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told the Daily Mail he was "amazed" by the bravery of the passengers on board. "If it wasn't for the extraordinary courage and resourcefulness of this Israeli passenger," he said. "The sewage plumber. He heard screams from the cockpit. He ran to the cockpit. The plane was already veering out of control. He was thrust to the side." ### READ MORE ON THE FLYDUBAI HIJACKING * Labour sparks major 'security intelligence' row with former CIA chief over the party's Israel stance * FlyDubai pilot speaks out after being stabbed by hijacker and preventing '9/11-type disaster' * 'I smell a rat!' Pro-Gaza MP accused of pushing 'crazy conspiracy theory' over Flydubai hijacking ### ### ### Mr Netanyahu described how the passenger allegedly opened the cockpit door, "grab the attacker and pull him away" before grabbing the controls of the plane to "prevent the continuous slide down". He also praised the "extraordinary teamwork" of the passengers, describing the incident as "so improbable that it almost sounds miraculous, and in fact, it is miraculous". The captain, Indian pilot Smit Machchhar, described the horrors of the flight earlier this week. He was allegedly stabbed by the hijacker, but was able to open the cockpit door to allow passengers to enter. "I was lying on the floor injured but I told myself to go for one last push to open the door from inside," Capt Machchhar told Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a video call. ### ### ### "Others came in and also played a role [in controlling the situation]. "I was of course fighting for my own life but at the same time I knew I was not going to let others die." The Indian embassy in the UAE said yesterday that Capt Machchhar was "in good health and recovering well". Ambassador Deepak Mittal said he was "proud of Capt Smit for his bravery" and "very reassured" to meet him. ### **Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter**

Good for the King. He has looked the reparations mafia in the eye, and he has said no. The announcement came on Friday from Buckingham Palace ahead of His Majesty’s tour of the Caribbean, which begins on October 27. Three days in the Bahamas, a state visit to Guyana, then Antigua and Barbuda for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting from November 1 to 4. ### The Palace is braced for difficult conversations. Guyana’s president has called on Britain to “do the morally right thing” and pay reparations. Caribbean leaders will press the case at the summit. The pressure is real. But the King will not bend. A Palace spokesman made it plain: the visit will not shy away from “the darkest days of our past”. ### TRENDING Stories Videos Your Say He will express sorrow. He will not issue a formal apology. As a constitutional monarch, he acts on the advice of his Government, and that Government has ruled out both an apology and reparations. The spokesman’s words were worth keeping: His Majesty’s previous statements “have been unequivocal”. Let that be recorded. No equivocation. No footnotes. In Barbados in 2021, when the island became a republic and the then-Prince of Wales attended the handover, he spoke of “the appalling atrocity of slavery, which forever stains our history.” In Rwanda the following year, he told Commonwealth leaders: “I cannot describe the depths of my personal sorrow at the suffering of so many, as I continue to deepen my own understanding of slavery’s enduring impact.” He has done everything honesty demands. He refuses to do what politics demands. ### ### And he is right, because guilt is not heritable. Charles III was born in 1948. He had no say in the transatlantic trade, no part in its cruelties, no personal involvement in the system that sustained it. To apologise on behalf of the present-day British state for the acts of men dead two centuries before his birth would be theatre with a price tag. The word “sorry”, uttered by a monarch, could be invoked as evidence by lawyers and campaigners seeking to turn regret into compensation. It would be ammunition to every reparations campaign from Bridgetown to Lagos, the opening instalment on a bill that can never be settled, only endlessly raised. Consider what Britain has already done, in deed rather than in word. In 1807, Parliament outlawed the British slave trade. In 1833, Parliament abolished slavery across most of the British Empire and put up £20 million to compensate slave owners. ### That sum was about 40 per cent of the Government’s entire annual expenditure. The debt instrument that financed it was not redeemed until 2015. Then came the West Africa Squadron: decades of Royal Navy patrols off the African coast, about 1,600 slave ships captured, around 150,000 Africans liberated, and more than 1,500 British naval personnel dead from disease or in action on that station. Britain did not merely deplore the trade. It spent blood and treasure to strangle it. Few nations have a comparable record of using naval power over decades to suppress the transatlantic slave trade. My own United States of America formally abolished slavery in 1865, more than 30 years after Britain. The Spanish and Portuguese carried more enslaved Africans across the Atlantic than Britain ever did. ### African kingdoms and rulers also played a major role in the capture and sale of enslaved people. Yet the invoice is always presented in London, and always to the living, for the dead. Even the British Government understands the difficulty. Its position, restated around this tour, is that there is no obligation to pay reparations for practices that were not illegal when they took place, however abhorrent we find them now. Ed Miliband, no one’s idea of a reactionary, has said: “I don’t think reparations are the answer.” And there is a question the reparations lobby never answers: who would pay whom? Britain’s taxpayers in 2026 are the descendants of people who had nothing to do with slavery, as well as people whose families arrived in Britain long after slavery was abolished. The recipients would be governments and organisations, not necessarily the descendants of the enslaved. The sums proposed by reparations campaigners can run into the trillions, which is to say they are impossible to establish with any universally accepted calculation. A bill that cannot be calculated, addressed to people who did not incur it, payable through governments or organisations rather than directly to those who suffered it: organised guilt, monetised. Now, the other side’s best argument deserves an answer. It costs nothing, they say, to utter two syllables: I am sorry. Why not give the gesture? Because from an ordinary man, “sorry” is courtesy. From a sovereign speaking in an official capacity, it could be invoked by lawyers and campaigners as evidence in future demands for compensation. The King cannot personally assume a liability on behalf of British taxpayers. His sorrow is his own, freely offered. An apology on behalf of the state could become someone else’s asset. ### **Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter**

Experts have praised the accelerated uptake of electric cars, as fresh data shows almost 100,000 EVs were registered in September. According to New AutoMotive, 99,827 battery electric cars were registered in September 2026 - the highest monthly total ever. ### Sales of battery electric cars jumped 37.5 per cent year-on-year, while a record number of electric vans were registered. Electric cars captured 28.2 per cent of the total market share, as drivers continue to turn away from investing in petrol and diesel vehicles. ### TRENDING Stories Videos Your Say ### The year-to-date share of electric car sales stands at 26.1 per cent, which is ahead of the Zero Emission Vehicle mandate and its effective target of 24.9 per cent. In September alone, 18 manufacturers beat the ZEV mandate goal for electric car sales, prompting New AutoMotive CEO Ben Nelmes to declare that the targets are working. He said: "With the cost of living at the top of the political agenda, ministers would be ill-advised to weaken a policy that is putting cheaper motoring within reach of millions of households." The introduction of new number plates in September continues to have a massive impact on car sales as motorists get their hands on the latest models on the forecourt. ### ### ### A Department for Transport spokesperson confirmed that over 190,000 drivers have made use of the Government's £2billion Electric Car Grant since it launched last July. Dozens of vehicles are eligible for the £1,500 and £3,750 incentive scheme, including the electric version of the UK's best-selling vehicle, the Ford Puma, as well as models from Mini, VW and Vauxhall. The most popular models in September were the Tesla Model 3 and Tesla Model Y, with a combined sales total of around 16,000. Despite not being included in the Government's grant scheme, Tesla managed to record its second-best month ever. ### LATEST DEVELOPMENTS * Anti-Ulez activist jailed for 15 years after blowing up camera with homemade bomb * European Union rejects diesel export ban after Donald Trump threats as prices hit record high * Five electric cars sold every minute in record-breaking month as EVs secure almost 100,000 sales ### ### ### Other brands were also successful, including BYD, which recorded its best month to date, with around 9,000 sales, headlined by the Sealion 7 and Seal. Melanie Lane, CEO of Pod, emphasised that drivers were recognising the financial benefits of electric cars, especially as the price of diesel hits a new record of £2 per litre. She added: "There's nothing positive about households and businesses facing those costs, but it makes the case for owning an EV stronger than ever now costs are not only lower, but more predictable and easier to manage. "It should also help illustrate to Government that we need to accelerate electrification to help UK consumers, rather than risk slowing it down by watering down the ZEV mandate." ### ### ### More than 4,800 electric vans were registered in September, up 8.7 per cent compared to the same time last year. Year-to-date, electric vans now make up 10.9 per cent of the market. Delvin Lane, CEO of Instavolt, said the sales record of almost 100,000 car sales was a "landmark moment". He said: "The argument that drivers aren't ready for electric is becoming harder to sustain. Our job now, as the UK's largest ultra-rapid EV network, is to deliver even more sites for drivers to charge at. "Every one of these new EV drivers needs confidence that there is reliable, easy-to-use infrastructure, not just today but for the decade ahead. The cars are arriving at scale, and the charging network has to be ready for them." ### **Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter**

Taxpayers in London are having to fork out more than £12billion every year to subsidise social housing in the capital, new data has revealed. In some parts of the capital, taxpayers have to pay £2,500 every month for every social home in order to make up the difference between market value and social rent. ### In Camden, where ex-Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer was until recently the local MP, a social housing tenant can expect to pay around £763 a month for a three-bed home. That's less than a third of the average £3,055 for the same house on the private market. Taxpayers have to cover that £2,292 difference. ### TRENDING Stories Videos Your Say In some Labour-run boroughs, social housing tenants can expect to receive a "lifetime" subsidy of around £656,000 over the course of 50 years if they remain in the same property. The biggest gaps are in the wealthier boroughs of central London. Kensington and Chelsea's social housing is on average £2,592 cheaper per month than the market rate. Westminster's is £2,429, Islington's is £1,975 and Camden's is £1,904. The average amount that taxpayers have to subsidise is £1,553. The new tool has been created by Tory London Assembly Member Neil Garratt. ### ### Using the ONS Price Index of Private Rents against Census data, Britons can calculate the average lifetime subsidy cost that council-controlled rents provide. It means that for the first time, Britons can see the difference between social housing payments and market rents across the nation's capital. The data tool adds to a broader picture of who lives in taxpayer-funded accommodation across London and the country at large. Just under half - 47.6 per cent - of all social housing lead tenants in London were born outside the country, according to 2021 census figures. In Brent, 61 per cent of social housing is occupied by non-UK household heads, with British nationals accounting for just 39 per cent. ### SOCIAL HOUSING - READ MORE: * 'Absolutely essential!' Reform to evict foreign nationals from social housing with pledge to end rewards for claiming welfare * Kemi Badenoch to ban all migrants from council houses and end 'cash machine UK' * 'No10 North' Andy Burnham to hand London almost 40% of nation's initial council house funding ### ### Across England and Wales, less than a fifth of social housing is occupied by those born overseas. Mr Garratt, the creator of the tool, said: “We can’t make informed decisions without the right information. This new tool lets people visualise how social housing fits into our housing market, and the astonishing gap between the going rate for a London flat and the rents some people are paying. That gap, he said, is "covered by taxes on people who already have to pay for their own housing". He added: "Under this Mayor, housing starts have collapsed, and Londoners have seen their rent take up an ever-greater share of their salaries. "It's time politicians were honest about social housing, rather than the typical response we get from the left about how council houses are the panacea to our housing problems." The data tool has been designed to enable council leaders and voters to have an honest and frank conversation about social housing subsidies, so that the public and politicians can decide what an appropriate level of subsidy would be. ### ### It is believed to be the first time the two datasets have been compiled together. In response, John O'Connell, the chief executive of the TaxPayers' Alliance, said: "London taxpayers deserve to know the true cost of council rents being set far below the private market. "Social housing can support people in genuine need, but those discounts are not cost-free and should be transparent. "Councils should publish the full financial impact so taxpayers can see exactly what they are funding." A Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government spokesman said: “Social housing has a vital role to play in helping hard-working families and lifting children out of poverty and homelessness, in London and across the country. "Our £39billion investment in social and affordable homes will help tackle the housing crisis head on, giving local people the support and stability they deserve so they can join the workforce, support the economy, and thrive in their community." ### **Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter**

Shaun Wright-Phillips could be heading for an early exit from the ballroom this weekend, according to worrying new data about the footballer's chances. Ahead of the first elimination of the series, Mr Wright-Phillips's hopes of glory have been dealt a blow as he's emerged as the most likely celeb to be sent home first. ### The data comes after he finished joint bottom of the Week One leaderboard alongside partner Alexis Warr. Their Cha-Cha earned them a lowly 15 points from judges Craig Revel Horwood, Anton Du Beke, Motsi Mabuse, and Shirley Ballas. ### TRENDING Stories Videos Your Say ### Mr Wright-Phillips was joined at the foot of the leaderboard by Melanie Walters and Aljaz Skorjanec, and Sarah Storey and Julian Caillon. But despite him not being alone in last place heading into Week Two, bookmakers are convinced he'll be the first contestant sent packing. Spokesperson for William Hill, Lee Phelps, confirmed the blow to Mr Wright-Phillips's hopes: "It’s not the opening week Shaun Wright-Phillips will have been hoping for, with the former Manchester City star now odds-on to be the first celebrity to exit Strictly Come Dancing. "With City making headlines for all the wrong reasons at the moment, Wright-Phillips becoming the odds-on favourite to be the first to go is perhaps another unwanted headline for the club’s supporters. ### ### ### "Sarah Storey is next in the betting at 7/4, while Chris Appleton and Melanie Walters are priced at 5/1 and 6/1 respectively." Mr Wright-Phillips is currently priced at 10/11, the odds-on favourite to miss out on a Week Three spot. The former Chelsea midfielder will be hoping to prove the bookies wrong when he and Ms Warr perform a Salsa to You Should Be Dancing from Saturday Night Fever this weekend. And he'll also be hoping for better feedback too. After joining Josh Widdicombe and Emma Willis at the judges' table last weekend, the reception was mixed. ### LATEST DEVELOPMENTS * Esther Rantzen's That's Life! co-star Adrian Mills speaks out following her death at age 86 * Sheridan Smith dealt blow as BBC axes hit crime drama after just one season amid drastic cost cuts * Macklemore announces his 'Free Palestine Tour' sold out 'immediately' following Ed Sheeran fallout ### ### "I liked it. I liked it because I’m just being friendly," Ms Mabuse remarked, prompting laughter from the former footballer. She then turned her attention to Mr Wright-Phillips's performance: "Shaun, if there was ever a time in life to be shy, it’s not today. "You are so cute doing that, because I can see that as a student, you’re doing the footwork, you’re doing the arms, you’re doing everything she tells you. You’re looking to the side, and you did it all really not bad at all. "But this is dancing, and the joy you’re feeling, and I’m sure there’s a joy in there; we want to feel it with you. Share it with us. It’s kept all inside." ### ### She signed off: "I would say to you this: fake it till you make it. If you’re not feeling it, it doesn’t matter, fake it. Just, like, put it on the dance floor. Don’t be scared." Ms Ballas did her best to remain positive, telling the footballer: "I’m not worried too much about the personality. Let me tell you first of all what I was impressed with. "You danced a checked forward walk, and a checked forward walk is used to change direction. And you changed direction superbly. It came from one heel to the other." The ballroom expert highlighted a number of other areas where Mr Wright-Phillips showed technical ability before signing off: "There was so much here to like, with room for improvement. You had some good choreography in there, along with your tricks and flicks and everything else that you did. ### ### "You have promise, darling. You work on your personality, but keep that footwork for me." Mr Du Beke gushed: "You’re great. I liked it a lot. It’s absolutely charming. I’m in agreement with everything Shirley said. You’re absolutely charming. You have an element of, 'I can’t believe I’m doing it. This is amazing. Have you seen who I’m dancing with? This is amazing.' "But having said that, you were bang on. There wasn’t a moment’s hesitation. Your timing was immaculate. Every step was great. I thought it was absolutely charming. Well done." But the applause was short-lived as Mr Revel Horwood then delivered his blunt assessment. "I think it’s going to be a few more weeks before you reach pro level. That’s all I have to say," he told the duo. ### **Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter**

This week, Tom Cruise returns to cinema screens in his latest attempt to cement himself as Hollywood royalty and bag his first-ever Oscar on his fifth time of asking. He stars in Digger, a dark apocalyptic satire that, despite mixed early reviews, is thought by many to be the 64-year-old's best shot at the statuette to date. ### It's been high on my list of must-watches for most of the year. Helmed by The Revenant and Birdman director Alejandro González Iñárritu, I didn't think my anticipation for an on-screen flick would be trumped before 2026 was out. But then I watched the first live show of this year's Strictly Come Dancing. Suddenly, a desperate urge to binge the audition tapes of the celebrities who missed out on the hosting roles took over me. ### TRENDING Stories Videos Your Say ### I grew curious. Curious as to what the likes of Zoe Ball, Angela Scanlon, Rylan Clark, Janette Manrara, and many others did in the audition process that led bosses to opt for Johannes Radebe and Josh Widdicombe. Something horrific must have happened. Did they verbally attack the show's producers? Did Ball fall asleep during the audition? Did Clark bring up the small boats (_we know how much the Beeb hates that_)? Whatever these tapes hold, it must make for intriguing and possibly horrific viewing because I can think of no other explanation that would've led BBC bosses to land on the current trio. Radebe and Widdicombe were joined by presenting royalty Emma Willis for their first live show on Saturday. The former Big Brother host has already established herself as the only saving grace of the 2026 revamp. ### ### ### The nerves were palpable - and understandable. Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman's reign as the faces of Strictly left a bar higher than even the 6ft+ Radebe could reach. Widdicombe and Radebe bore the brunt of the backlash. The latter was tasked with overseeing the famous "Clauditorium" but irked viewers by repeatedly reading out the terms and conditions of the vote while the audience drowned him out with cheers. A rather wooden sign-off of "Who's next?" after chatting to each couple also proved that seamless balletic transitions on the dance floor don't necessarily translate to reading from an autocue. Widdicombe remained downstairs alongside Willis, accompanying each couple by the judges' table as they awaited feedback. ### LATEST DEVELOPMENTS * Macklemore's 'Free Palestine Tour' is virtue-signalling, why not perform IN Palestine? - Alex Davies * Strictly needed its biggest line-up ever in 2026 but this year's class is a joke - Alex Davies * Thought the Ed Sheeran-Gaza row was insane? Wait to see why pro-Pals want this sitcom star cancelled - Alex Davies ### ****His presence felt unnecessary. Complaints rained in branding him a "spare part" and -_for the few who stopped short of directly calling for his axe_ - some pleaded for him to swap roles with Radebe. But unlike Radebe, who'd built up a fanbase as a pro dancer on the show, the backlash facing Widdicombe felt more barbed. He hasn't built that rapport with the fanbase; he hasn't got the risque quick-wit required for one of the campest shows on TV, and side-by-side with Willis, he'll never command the screen. His stint on The Last Leg proved this. He's not a front-man. And his brand of comedy is a lot more corduroy than it is sequins. ### Following the launch show, my colleagues Mark White and Anne Diamond and I discussed the new-look trio on Breakfast. Mark, like so many others, directed his ire Widdicombe's way. I don't blame him or the thousands of others unimpressed with Widdicombe's efforts thus far. But that isn't to say the comic should bear the brunt of the fury. Quite the contrary, in fact. Widdicombe and Radebe have been thrust into the unforgiving arena that is the Strictly universe as sacrificial lambs. Unqualified for the gig and unprepared for the inevitable onslaught. ### ### The fault does not lie with them, but rather with the BBC Studios team who decided these two men could breathe new life into a scandal-hit Strictly brand in need of resuscitation. At the time of their appointment, Kate Phillips, the BBC's Chief Content Officer, said the trio's "chemistry was undeniable" and that she and her colleagues had "chosen three outstanding hosts to take up the mantle." Sarah James, Executive Producer for BBC Studios, added that the trio's "magic was undeniable" from the get-go. "Emma brings a wealth of presenting experience and a natural warmth... Josh had us all in stitches with his unique style of self-deprecating humour and razor-sharp wit... And then there’s Jojo, a one-of-a-kind talent... who will bring all his experience and knowledge to this new role," she added. ### ### The delusion - _or should it be incompetence?_ - didn't stop there. Suzy Lamb, MD for Entertainment at BBC Studios, added that "individually, each of them brings something audiences already love - personality, insight, and wit". "When you put those qualities together, the result is a kind of chemistry that feels fresh, dynamic, and impossible to ignore," she hilariously added. Willis has already hit back at the "judging" the three have faced. The likes of Motsi Mabuse, Gabby Logan, and others at the BBC have rallied around the trio. Meanwhile, Phillips, James, and Lamb remain blissfully shielded from the glitter-covered toxicity and abuse that their decision has prompted. ### Widdicombe says he's now using a tool called "the Brick" to limit his time on social media. Whether this is to shield himself from the tirade is unknown. But with the time he'll save, I'd be using it to break down the doors of Phillips, James, and Lamb, demanding answers as to why they put him in this position when he clearly isn't up to the task. Because, despite only being two shows in, Strictly cannot go on this way if it has any hope of surviving in this new age of TV. **Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter**

France is threatening to make parents "pay" for repairs to the trail of destruction that rioting youths have left across the country. In what has been branded a warning to Britain and a wake-up call over mass migration, youths have "lynched" police officers, destroyed school buildings, set fire engines alight and attacked members of the public across the country. The far-left-fuelled violence is thought to have left French taxpayers facing a damages bill worth more than €30million (£25million). ### France's Justice Minister has proposed a radical solution. Gerald Darmanin has asked prosecutors to hold parents civilly liable for damage their children have caused so they can "pay for the repairs". "It's not the minor who pays, it's the parents... Today it's also a problem with parents," he said. ### TRENDING Stories Videos Your Say Making them at fault would be "much more useful than imprisonment", he said. "When high schools are destroyed, when bus shelters are attacked, when transport is attacked, we now demand the civil responsibility of the parents," he insisted. Since the start of the rioting, around 2,000 people have been taken into custody - 90 per cent of whom are under 18. In a statistic which shatters claims the youths are protesting against conditions in the classroom, a third of those arrested were detained for violence against individuals. But where youths have targeted their schools, the repair bills have shot up into seven or eight figures. ### ### ### According to estimates from the Ile-de-France, Grand Est, Hauts-de-France and Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes regions, the damage to schools alone has cost more than €38million. In the Ile-de-France region - which includes Paris, and is home to 468 schools, President Valerie Pecresse estimated the cost to sit at €7million. The president of the Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes region, Fabrice Pannekoucke, estimated the damage on Friday at "between €25million and €30million across 300 high schools. The President of the Grand Est region, Franck Leroy, said he was facing a bill of nearly €1million. "We have gone from student protests" to a question of "public order," Mr Darmanin added. He warned of even more "urban violence" across the weekend - culminating in an ominous national day of mobilisation on Tuesday. ### FRANCE - READ MORE: * French pensioner, 93, found dead at home with 'naked Sudanese migrant, 34, lying on top of her' * Thugs mime sex acts on statue of Virgin Mary then destroy Christian icon in 'unspeakable' crime * Eiffel Tower boss quits after 'humiliated' female staff sidelined for Hindu religious group ### ### And he repeeated his warnings about the leaders of the far-left France Unbowed party (LFI), accusing them of trying to co-opt the high school student movement and inciting violence. He described Manuel Bompard, the movement's coordinator, as a "firefighter-arsonist" And he accused LFI's presidential candidate Jean-Luc Melenchon of spouting "extremely violent remarks" before finally "changing his tone, too late." Law-abiding French onlookers have been left stunned by the scenes of the last week. One video from the carnage showed pack of thugs chasing a policewoman through the streets before attacking as she lay on the ground. Yobs have been seen setting deodorant alight to use as makeshift flamethrowers against women. ### ### Others have beaten teachers in the street. National Rally president Jordan Bardella said the footage of the policewoman "lynched on the ground... illustrate what France has become after decades of laxity and mass immigration". Reform UK leader Nigel Farage said he was "horrified by the violence" surging on the streets of France. He warned: "This is what happens when hard-left politicians allow thuggery to spiral out of control. This will never happen in Britain under Reform." While his home affairs spokesman Zia Yusuf said the scenes should serve "as a warning to Britain". He said: "Unless we have political leaders brave enough to stand up to these people and take action, scenes like the ones in France will come to Britain too. Britain needs Reform." ### **Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter**

A country pub is offering black lab owners free pints after a Labour minister called the idea of Britain based on pubs, warm ale and black labradors a "far-right fantasy that never really existed". The Trowel and Hammer in Cotton, Suffolk, will hand punters "a free warm beer with every black labrador" in a special offer amid outrage at the MP's claim. ### Jenny Riddell-Carpenter, the Nature Minister who represents nearby Suffolk Coastal, claimed the traditional imagery of Britain was a "far-right nostalgic vision" that "we don't want to have". She claimed the so-called "far-right" will try to weaponise rural Britain at the next election, and said she lies "awake at night" and "fears" what "nostalgic vision" of the countryside will be used in the supposed battle. ### TRENDING Stories Videos Your Say Instead, she threatened to campaign for Labour's "progressive vision for the countryside". Now, the Trowel and Hammer's landlord Freddy Vaudrey has weighed in, blasting her remarks as "completely misaligned with the reality of pub life". Mr Vaudrey added: "It was a stupid thing to say. It wasn't correct." He said he and his wife Becky had spent three years - and a lot of money - restoring the pub "to make sure it is there for future generations, and hopefully still selling Suffolk warm ales". ### ### The duo have a "fantastic" black labrador named Philip. A post on their watering hole's Instagram account jokingly invited customers to "a pub that doesn’t exist" on Sunday. The landlord added that Ms Riddell-Carpenter had "picked on the countryside, which is wrong". "Politics should be left out of pubs - our pub is for everyone, and we need their custom to keep our business alive. All people and dogs are welcome. That's what pubs are for," he said. ### RURAL BRITAIN UNDER THREAT - READ MORE: * Labour draws up plans to make Britain's countryside 'less white' in nationwide diversity drive * Andy Burnham accused of 'waging war' on Britain’s countryside as Labour faces rural revolt * Labour plan to turn 500,000 acres of countryside into Net Zero farms condemned by Reform UK and farmers ### ### He said Sunday's offer would be about "celebrating Suffolk and community", explaining: "Sundays are for meeting friends and family, going for a country walk with your dog, enjoying some home-cooked food and then going for a lovely drink in the pub. "We want people to enjoy their families and their dogs in the pub." The Labour minister's remarks came back to bite her just days after she made them. She had shared images on social media of her black labrador and of her local pub. Ms Riddell-Carpenter later attempted to address the uproar, which had led to accusations that Labour "really, really hates this country". ### ### She said she was talking about how "rural life isn't always rosy and there are challenges Government can fix". The MP, 40, insisted she loved pubs, pints and labradors and "so much more that rural Britain is". Though she doubled down on her campaigning promise, vowing that "our progressive Labour vision under this Government will bring more opportunity for everyone in rural Britain". Conservative chairman and labrador-owner Kevin Hollinrake said: "Labour think the countryside, the pub, the dog and the people who love them are far-right. "Labour is taxing the pub out of existence, as part of a sustained attack on the countryside, with almost two closing every day. That is a far more pressing cause of insomnia." ### **Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter**

Jordan Pickford said he is "only getting better" after facing competition from James Trafford for England's No1 jersey. The Everton goalkeeper has been on the bench for the Three Lions' first two Nations League matches but will return against Croatia and Czechia next week. ### For the first time in eight years, Pickford has competition for the starting goalkeeper spot, insisting he is relishing the challenge. He said: "I'm 32 now, you see keepers playing still at 40, still playing at the highest level. ### TRENDING Stories Videos Your Say ### "It's about me focusing on myself; I set myself my own goals. "I want to push boundaries and keep improving and keep going to be the best version of myself. "I'll never stop until I stop. I'm not slowing down, I think I'm only getting better." Pickford has been the first-choice goalkeeper since before the 2018 World Cup, sharing he is determined to support Trafford. ### ### ### LATEST SPORTS NEWS * Andy Burnham facing calls to share details of meetings with Manchester City owners * Andy Burnham warned by UAE it will pull billions out of UK over Manchester City case * Man City whistleblower forced into hiding after receiving 'multiple death threats' ### The Leeds United goalkeeper has had a strong start to the season since his move from Manchester City, as Pickford hailed the way the pair are getting on. "It is not often I do that," he said of his bench-warming. "The manager told me the reasons why. It was good for me to see where I'm at." Pickford continued: "It's about me being a good teammate with good energy around the place and train well and have that leadership role. ### ### ### "I think I've done it really well over the last two games. It's not normal for me, but first and foremost, the manager asks to be the best teammate. "I love playing but if I'm watching, I just want the best for England and that's to win and I think I dealt with it really well. "It was different, but we have also been together in a cycle now for two years. ### ### ### "Trafford started really well for Leeds. It's been a good unit around us for the last two years. "That's what the manager said and you have to respect that decision." England play Croatia on Saturday evening, with kick-off at 5pm. ### **Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter**

Thomas Tuchel has revealed Manchester City's guilty verdict has been a "big subject" in the England camp. The Three Lions are preparing to face Croatia on Saturday in their third Nations League contest, a week on from City being charged with breaching Premier League rules. ### Marc Guehi and Elliot Anderson are the City representatives in the England squad after Nico O'Reilly withdrew this week to assess an injury. Commenting on the City situation and how it has impacted the camp, Tuchel said: "We had some time off between the matches, and it is a big subject. ### TRENDING Stories Videos Your Say ### "Everyone speaks about it, so there is no other voice needed. I am glad to be not that voice. No one needs my half-knowledge on the topic. "Of course, the players talk about it. City players talk about it. We talk with them but only briefly. "They are ready to go tomorrow. But of course, it's a big topic in the camp." Tuchel suggested he would continue to consider picking City players should the club be relegated from the Premier League. ### ### ### LATEST SPORTS NEWS * FA breaks silence on Man City case with warning over football’s integrity * Andy Burnham facing calls to share details of meetings with Manchester City owners * Former England star reveals Fabio Capello accused him of 'sleeping with grannies' ### He said: "I would always try to pick the best team for the camp, occasion, the tournament. "I will never rule out that because they don't play in the top flight in their country. We need to look at it case by case." City formally appealed against the independent commission's findings, maintaining they are innocent of the Premier League's accusations. The appeal marks the next stage in a case that has cast a shadow over the eight-time champions. ### ### ### City said: "Manchester City Football Club can confirm that at 7pm on Thursday October 1, 2026 the Club lodged its comprehensive Appeal against the opinion of the Premier League Commission, in relation to the Premier League disciplinary matter. "The Club's firm position is that, on multiple grounds, the opinion contains clear material errors, of law, principle and fact and is unsafe. "The Club is innocent of the accusations made by the Premier League and a comprehensive body of irrefutable evidence exists in support of all of its positions, relating to this case. "We will continue to respect due process and are necessarily restricted in what we can say further until all proceedings are complete." ### ### ### City's appeal follows the commission's ruling on allegations covering the 2009-10 to 2017-18 seasons. It found the club had breached financial rules, including through sponsorship arrangements it described as part of a "disguised funding scheme". The findings included that City recorded close to £950million in sponsorship revenue from Abu Dhabi-based companies, while around £830m of the funding had come from Abu Dhabi United Group, the club's ownership group. The commission concluded that the arrangements artificially inflated revenue and helped City appear compliant with financial limits. City have always denied any wrongdoing. ### **Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter**

Nigel Farage has set Shabana Mahmood a resignation ultimatum after two small boat migrants were charged over a terror plot. Salam Ahmadyan, 36, from Liverpool, and Rahman Salehi, 34, from Salford, were arrested in the Manchester area and later charged with terror offences. ### The two individuals charged are Iranian nationals who arrived via small boat in 2020 and 2023. One of those charged had been granted asylum, while the other has a live asylum claim. ### TRENDING Stories Videos Your Say ### Reacting to the allegations, the Reform UK leader said: "Eleven years ago, I warned that terrorists were using illegal routes into Europe to attack us. The establishment ignored me. "Nine years ago, I specifically highlighted the Iranian threat via illegal migration. Crickets. "Six years ago, I specifically warned about the invasion in the Channel, often taking to sea myself to document the horrors. Again, I was dismissed. "In 2023, I reported on terrorists coming into Britain on small boats, just like these men did under the Tory Government. ### ### ### "In 2025, in the House of Commons, I discussed Iranian terrorists at Dover. And in April and May of this year I cited sources that told me Iranian terrorists were already in our midst. They said shame on me. "No. Shame on them. We now have a state of national emergency on our borders, and this Government is trying to open them to even more unknown individuals. "We are inviting terror and horror into our communities. It must end now. And if this Home Secretary disagrees, she must resign." Back in April, Mr Farage told GB News he had been alerted over the real ramifications of the small boat crisis. ### BRITAIN'S BORDERS CRISIS - READ MORE: * Two Iranians who arrived on small boats charged with plotting terror attack in UK * Andy Burnham faces revolt after PM splits with Shabana Mahmood over small boat crisis * Giving millions of pounds to Afghanistan and Iran will stop migrant crisis, suggests Labour MP ### ### ### In the wake of the Golders Green stabbing, the Reform UK leader said he had received fresh intelligence indicating a new wave of arrivals from Iran. Speaking to GB News, the Clacton MP explained: "I do have a source within the Iranian-Persian diaspora who is one of the best-connected human beings in the world that I know. "He told me last night that he knows for a fact that over the course of the last few weeks, there have been Iranian operatives crossing the Channel in small boats. "To put that in simple terms, we are importing terrorists into our country from across the English Channel." In a direct message to Sir Keir, Mr Farage said: “I challenge the Government; tell me I’m wrong. **MORE TO FOLLOW...** ### ### ### **Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter**

Donald Trump has been told to block Labour’s bid to house migrants at a disused Royal Air Force base in Suffolk. Allies of the President have told GB News the White House could take a dig at Downing Street over its plan to parachute 1,250 unvetted foreigners into MoD Barnham. ### For the past five months, Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has been eyeing up the leafy village, home to just 500 residents, to make way for the influx of unwanted neighbours. Greg Swenson, Chairman of Republicans Overseas UK, told the People’s Channel Mr Trump “likes to make jabs about mass migration” and could see the President interjecting over the “absurd” decision from Andy Burnham's top team. ### TRENDING Stories Videos Your Say ### “I think the President would probably say something about that town anyway, not just because of Thomas Paine, but just because of how absurd it is,” the Trump ally told The People’s Channel. In the past, Mr Trump lamented the migrant crisis was “killing” Europe, ordering former prime minister Sir Keir Starmer to “get his act together”. Speaking to Late Show Live presenter Bev Turner, the President even warned the issue facing the UK was “more important than inflation”. Remarking on Mr Trump’s apparent affinity for commenting on Britain’s plight, Mr Swenson explained the President “likes to throw little darts at these guys”. He said: “He's fine in person. He gets along with Andy Burnham. He got along with Keir Starmer, until he didn't. He likes to make the jabs about energy and about mass migration." ### ### ### But Mr Trump was tipped to avoid direct involvement and show respect for a sovereign nation. He said: “You know, it's not his business. It's a sovereign country – but it doesn't mean he wouldn't make a comment about it.” Sir Keir’s relationship with Britain’s US partners hit a wall when the former prime minister refused to support US strikes on Iran earlier this year. The move appeared to open the floodgates to swathes of criticism from the Oval Office over Britain’s migrant crisis. ### BARNHAM'S FIGHTBACK - READ MORE: * Barnham’s quiet revolution against a migrant camp is unlike any other in England * US Air Force officers 'blindsided by plans to house migrants near critical British bases' * Barnham locals plan Piddington-style referendum over plans to house asylum seekers in small village ### ### And, last week, Piddington residents encouraged Barnham councillors to capitalise on Mr Trump’s interest by winning attention from Washington through its Anglo-American heritage. Just three miles from Barnham, Thetford is the birthplace of US Founding Father Thomas Paine. Some 250 years ago, the British-born rebel stirred up commotion in the town – and now its villagers are hoping to do the same today. Chief propagandist Mr Paine immigrated to the British American colonies in 1774 with support from Benjamin Franklin. Penning the 174-page pro-independence pamphlet _Common Sense_ , the revolutionary fuelled the American Patriot movement. The document later became the second-most-read book in the US of all time, behind the Bible. And Mr Paine has been memorialised in the Norfolk village, with a statue of the revolutionary proudly standing outside the town hall. The town refuses to shy away from its American heritage, with the Thomas Paine Hotel named after him. Now, locals are hoping to send a message across the pond by appealing to the President’s interest in protecting this cornerstone of US history. ### ### “I don’t know if Donald Trump knows Barnham exists or not, but if he did, and the more interest we can get, the better,” John Bauer, the parish councillor spearheading the Barnham revolt, told the channel. “That gets the attention of the decision-makers.” Mike Gonzalez, a senior fellow at The Heritage Foundation, one of Washington's most prominent right-wing think tanks, lauded the bid by Barnham residents – and suggested Mr Trump could weigh in. He told Britain's News Channel: “The whole asylum system in the UK is an outrage. It is better to stop it at the source rather than have it be a village-by-village approach. Having said that, Labour never will. “Imagine how much all of this will cost the UK taxpayer. So given the parlous state of things, I understand the villagers trying whatever they can to protect their homes. “Their effort, thus, is praiseworthy, and I can see President Trump taking an interest.” Buildings or monuments in Britain strongly intertwined with American history, such as homes of Founding Fathers and their ancestors, can be protected by planning laws. ### ### ### Some are even defended in the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979 if UK criteria for architectural or historic importance are met. Mr Bauer continued: “Anything that we can use to put pressure on the Government if it's appropriate, whether that be a referendum, whether that be interest from Donald Trump through the Thomas Paine link…” “Nothing is being ruled out. You've got the facts. Thomas Paine, one of the Founding Fathers. He came from this area, he was a bit of a rebel, he stirred things up a bit.” Even Terry Jermy, the Labour MP for South West Norfolk, backed the creative method of reaching out to Mr Trump, saying “any option was worth looking at”. The village are already taking a leaf out of the revolutionary’s book as they consider a symbolic referendum to declare independence and leave the UK, a few weeks after Piddington’s unprecedented vote. Last week, GB News visited the sleepy Suffolk village and raised the alarm over the risk of setting up a migrant camp so close to military bases used by the US Air Force. Mr Bauer pointed out the closeness of RAF Lakenheath, RAF Mildenhall and RAF Feltwell, key airbases with longstanding links to the US military, were a cause for concern. ### ### Mildenhall and Lakenheath have the largest USAF presence in the entire country and are heavily involved in the ongoing attacks on the Islamic Republic. American fighter jets are being sent to the Suffolk sister bases for maintenance and refuelling purposes as the Iran war rumbles on. RAF Honington, which used to use MoD Barnham as an overflow site, is home to 1,600 personnel from the British Armed Forces. Sending a direct plea to Mr Trump, a Barnham resident told the People's Channel: "I just want him to understand the danger, and I know he does. "He just needs to be made aware of this here. He and the Prime Minister of this great country should sit down and have a serious discussion." Mr Trump’s possible foreign intervention for the sake of national security would not be unprecedented, however. A fortnight ago, the President announced a deal between the US and Denmark to establish a military presence on Greenland to deter unwanted advances from China or Russia in the strategic location. Mr Jermy, who was born in Thetford, pointed out surrounding bases, like Honington, would have a chance to represent themselves in the Home Office’s planning process. ### ### He said: "I'm sure that they will have a view and they need to take part in the process, which is the most likely way we are going to stop this is through the planning or legal process." Instead of the migrant camp, the Labour MP proposed transforming the disused site into a joint training centre for Norfolk and Suffolk constabularies. Both police forces have already requested to buy the strategically located land, right on the border of both counties in East Anglia. Under ministers' current plan to merge police forces, Mr Jermy said it was “highly likely” the counties would be banded together anyway. Before Barnham was floated as a potential site for joint training, Norfolk Constabulary had to trudge all the way to Oxfordshire for their mandated teaching. "I would much rather have a local solution," he said. "We don't want our officers spending hours in cars travelling. A local solution, and I think the strategic significance for the police of that location trumps the alternative usage." A Home Office spokesman previously told GB News: "This Government is working on a fairer distribution of asylum accommodation across the country, with £1billion saved in costs since the election. "This includes closing all asylum hotels and moving to alternative accommodation, including former military sites." ### **Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter**

The number of children receiving disability benefits has tripled to almost one million with a surge in claims for learning difficulties, behavioural disorders and ADHD-related conditions driving up the bill, new research reveals. An explosive new report by the Policy Exchange think-tank reveals the equivalent of one additional child in every classroom in England and Wales has been added to the disability benefit system for these conditions since the pandemic. This means each classroom of under-16s now has on average 2.5 children receiving benefits. ### Researchers warn since the pandemic, annual spending on Child Disability Living Allowance (DLA) has more than doubled to £5.3billion and is forecast to reach £8.3 billion by 2030/31.Policy Exchange is demanding tougher eligibility rules, arguing the system needs to concentrate support on children with the greatest needs. The controversial proposals are likely to intensify the debate over Britain's soaring disability benefits bill, with families and campaigners warning children with serious disabilities already struggle to obtain adequate support. The report reveals that the number of children receiving DLA in England and Wales rose from 314,000 in 2010 to 915,000 this year, which is an increase of 191 per cent. ### TRENDING Stories Videos Your Say ### Of these, an additional 404,000 claimants have been recorded since the pandemic across three categories: learning difficulties, behavioural disorders and hyperkinetic syndrome or ADHD-related conditions. Together, these conditions now account for 86 per cent of child DLA claimants, compared with 73 per cent before the pandemic and just 48 per cent in 2002. The researchers forecast their share could reach 90 per cent within five years. Claims for all other disabling conditions combined have fallen by six per cent over the past five years. The researchers also argue some questions on the 40-page disability application form could apply to children without disabilities, raising concerns about how accurately it identifies those needing financial support. The report also found claims have increased faster than recorded diagnoses. Between 2019/20 and 2024/25, the prevalence of learning difficulties among children aged up to 17 increased by 35 per cent, while DLA claims recorded under learning difficulties rose by 55 per cent. Diagnosed ADHD increased by 82 per cent, compared with a 177 per cent increase in DLA claims for behavioural disorders and ADHD related conditions combined, although the diagnostic and benefit categories are not directly equivalent. ### ### ### The report also highlights a striking shift towards higher payments. Among claimants in the three fastest-growing categories, the proportion receiving the highest care allowance rose from 30.5 per cent before the pandemic to 42.4 per cent in 2025/26. Nearly 98 per cent now receive either the middle or highest care rate, while 85 per cent receive a mobility component compared with 52 per cent of children claiming for other disabling conditions. Mobility payments can cover children needing supervision outdoors, not only those with physical difficulties. The report found families qualifying for the highest levels of care and mobility support can now receive up to £194.60 a week, which is more than £10,000 a year, compared with £148.85 a week, or £7,740 annually, before the pandemic. Although payment rates have risen broadly with inflation, researchers found a growing proportion of children with learning and behavioural conditions are qualifying for higher awards. Jean-André Prager, Policy Exchange's Senior Fellow in Welfare and a former adviser to three Prime Ministers, said: "Child DLA is now supporting a very different population from the one it was designed for. Of course, disabled children deserve support. But we need to make sure that support is reaching those with the greatest needs and ask whether some of this money could be used more effectively to provide earlier support for children and families." ### LATEST DEVELOPMENTS * Britain's biggest benefits fraudster who stole £54 MILLION ordered to pay back just £18k * Benefits fraudster pocketed over £70k after social media proposal post exposed lie of being single * BBC's Nick Robinson scolded by shadow minister over benefits claimants' spending of taxpayer cash ### ### Co-author Keir Haldane said: "The growth in Child DLA has been striking, both in the number of claimants and in the level of awards. Reform should focus on whether the current system is still the most effective way to support children with additional needs." Policy Exchange proposes restricting eligibility for the three fastest-growing categories and tightening the criteria governing payment levels. The think-tank has proposed sharply restricting eligibility for new assessments and reassessments in the three fastest-growing categories, with estimated savings of £11.9 billion over four years. It says some of the savings could be reinvested into prevention and help for children and families, including £1billion in children's mental health services, £300 million in family hubs and £200 million in parental support programmes. The proposals come amid wider controversy over disability benefit reform and the financial pressures facing families. Separate Department for Work and Pensions estimates show that £190million in DLA was underpaid in 2025/26, compared with £70 million in overpayments covering both adults and children. A separate Department of Work and Pensions analysis estimated £710 million in unfulfilled DLA entitlement, highlighting cases where claimants had additional needs that were not reflected in their awards. ### **Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter**

Andy Burnham has been warned by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) that it will pull billions of pounds of investment out of Britain after Manchester City was found guilty of breaking Premier League rules. Mr Burnham previously said he would be "really concerned" if the UAE decided to sell up the football club but was forced into a U-turn, with Downing Street insisting no team is "above the rules". ### The UAE is now reportedly threatening to take billions from the UK for a hi-tech hub between Oxford and Cambridge, according to The Telegraph. The news comes as Manchester City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak is understood to have met with Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds on September 14 to discuss the UAE's investment in Britain. ### TRENDING Stories Videos Your Say ### The pair met at Downing Street to discuss the two countries' relationship in defence, security, intelligence and trade, as part of Al Mubarak's role as CEO of Mubadala Investment Company, the Abu Dhabi sovereign wealth fund, according to Bloomberg. Just 11 days after the pair met, Manchester City were found guilty of breaking Premier League rules. Al Mubarak reportedly knew City had been found guilty at the time of the meeting, with the Department for Business and Trade insisting the pair did not discuss the club. The UAE is understood to have invested over £30billion into British sectors over the past five years. ### ### ### LATEST SPORTS NEWS * Andy Burnham facing calls to share details of meetings with Manchester City owners * Brydon Carse charged by cricket regulator after nightclub incident * Unai Emery claims 'many clubs' inflated their budgets as Man City appeal rocks Premier League ### The former Chancellor Rachel Reeves claimed the development of the Cambridge and Oxford route could bring in £78billion to the UK economy in the next 10 years. However, the Premier League's judgement has dealt a major blow to relations between the two nations. Richard Masters, the chief executive of the Premier League, said the findings "vindicated" the league's decision to pursue the probe against City. He said: "The core decision establishes the facts of what happened at Manchester City during this period. It details how the club systematically broke Premier League rules for nearly a decade. ### ### ### "It also vindicates the Premier League's decision to pursue this case against Manchester City. "While the process to date has been both long and difficult, the league has remained determined that the facts be established independently. "It is a key responsibility of the Premier League to ensure that the rules, approved by the clubs themselves, are upheld to protect the integrity of the competition. "It is paramount that the league remains competitive and fair for all clubs and for the fans. We take that role extremely seriously." ### ### ### City confirmed they will appeal, writing: "Manchester City Football Club can confirm that at 7pm on Thursday, October 1, 2026, the Club lodged its comprehensive Appeal against the opinion of the Premier League Commission, in relation to the Premier League disciplinary matter. "The Club's firm position is that, on multiple grounds, the opinion contains clear material errors, of law, principle and fact and is unsafe. "The Club is innocent of the accusations made by the Premier League and a comprehensive body of irrefutable evidence exists in support of all of its positions, relating to this case. "We will continue to respect due process and are necessarily restricted in what we can say further until all proceedings are complete." City have always denied any wrongdoing. ### **Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter**

Andy Burnham is planning to axe the triple lock early despite promising pensioners no changes will be made until 2030, Downing Street has said. No10 confirmed today that MPs will get to vote on the plans ahead of the next general election. ### It is not yet known when Mr Burnham plans on holding the next national poll. The Prime Minister had said that Britons would need to wait until 2029 before taking to the stage at Labour Party Conference in Liverpool. ### TRENDING Stories Videos Your Say ### However, insiders now claim Mr Burnham could call a snap election next May. Addressing the imminent changes to the triple lock, a No10 spokesman said: “The Government will legislate for the change during this Parliament.” Mr Burnham is planning to abandon measures to tie state pension increases to inflation, earnings of 2.5 per cent in a bid to fund free social care. The triple lock was introduced in 2010 by Lord Cameron, with Labour committing to the pensioner perk at the last general election. ### ### ### However, the Prime Minister will now only link state pension increases to inflation or a minimum of 2.5 per cent. The Government believes the new system will help save £15billion by 2040. Despite Mr Burnham wanting to fund free social care, the Institute for Fiscal Studies warned it is possible the changes might not raise any money. Shadow Work & Pensions Secretary Helen Whately said: “Labour stood on a manifesto to keep the triple lock. ### LATEST DEVELOPMENTS * Restore Britain hands Labour victory as Rupert Lowe stitch-up gives Nigel Farage fresh headache * Andy Burnham faces revolt after PM splits with Shabana Mahmood over small boats in Brexit blame game * Andy Burnham still plotting to hold 2027 election just days after saying he wouldn't ### ### "Andy Burnham should get a mandate from the public if he wants to change it. “Funding a National Care Service through cuts to the state pension does not add up. Labour will raise taxes to make up the difference. “The triple lock is Conservative policy. Rather than going after pensioners who cannot work, a Conservative Government would get the economy growing again and make cuts to the welfare bill.” Reform UK Treasury spokesman added: “Andy Burnham is not being straight with the British public. He told us he wouldn’t be touching the triple lock until 2030. ### ### "Now we find out he’s legislating for his plan to rob pensioners during this Parliament. “Reform UK will always back our pensioners. We’ll keep the triple lock by cutting wasteful spending on migrant benefits, foreign aid and mad net zero subsidies.” Mr Burnham's triple lock U-turn came after the Prime Minister was accused of betraying his constituents in Makerfield by backpedalling on Brexit. Despite promising not to reignite the debate around EU membership in July, Mr Burnham is now considering rejoining the Brussels bloc as part of his cross-Channel reset. ### ### However, polling suggests the public is broadly supportive of Mr Burnham's plan to axe the triple lock. Almost half - 48 per cent - told YouGov that they would back the change to fund social care. Meanwhile, 28 per cent of Britons still disagreed with the changes. The Prime Minister has been warned his proposal could soon become his "Winter Fuel moment". ### **Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter**

Rui Pinto, the whistleblower behind Manchester City's initial charges, said he is going into hiding after claiming to have received "multiple death threats". Pinto, a Portuguese hacker, has been a protected witness since 2020 after agreeing to give Portuguese authorities access to millions of files acquired before his arrest in Budapest. ### He has been heavily involved in City's case since creating the website Football Leaks. Pinto's lawyers issued a statement saying Pinto had been informed that his special security status would end on October 10. ### TRENDING Stories Videos Your Say ### The 37-year-old took to social media, saying he is at "serious risk of assassination". He wrote: "On Wednesday, just hours after the verdict officially confirming Manchester City's guilt, the commission responsible for Portugal's witness protection programme informed me of its decision to terminate my participation in the programme and withdraw my police protection, thereby knowingly placing me in a life-threatening situation. "Given these circumstances, I have no alternative but to relocate, within the next few days, to an undisclosed location for an indefinite period of time, due to the multiple death threats I have received and the serious risk of an assassination attempt against me. "For this reason, I have just set up a GoFundMe campaign, and I am asking for everyone's support to help me survive this serious situation created by the Portuguese state, which, as I have already stated, has knowingly decided to place my life at risk. ### ### ### LATEST SPORTS NEWS * Andy Burnham facing calls to share details of meetings with Manchester City owners * Brydon Carse charged by cricket regulator after nightclub incident * Sir Alex Ferguson, 84, reveals terrifying aftermath of 2018 brain haemorrhage ### "I would like to take this opportunity to extend a special thanks to everyone who continues to support Football Leaks, and I can give everyone one guarantee: the fight will most certainly continue." Pinto hopes to raise £2.5million in donations. City continue to plead their innocence and have formally appealed against the independent commission's findings in the Premier League's financial case. The club says the commission's opinion contains "clear material errors" of law, principle and fact and is "unsafe". ### ### ### City maintain they are innocent of the Premier League's accusations. City wrote: "Manchester City Football Club can confirm that at 7pm on Thursday October 1, 2026 the Club lodged its comprehensive Appeal against the opinion of the Premier League Commission, in relation to the Premier League disciplinary matter. "The Club's firm position is that, on multiple grounds, the opinion contains clear material errors, of law, principle and fact and is unsafe. "The Club is innocent of the accusations made by the Premier League and a comprehensive body of irrefutable evidence exists in support of all of its positions, relating to this case. ### ### ### "We will continue to respect due process and are necessarily restricted in what we can say further until all proceedings are complete." City's appeal comes after the commission ruled on allegations covering the 2009-10 to 2017-18 seasons. It found the club had breached financial rules, including through sponsorship arrangements it described as part of a "disguised funding scheme". City have consistently denied wrongdoing. ### **Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter**

Tyson Fury has predicted his fight with Anthony Joshua will "live up to all the expectations". The all-British bout has been long in the making and is set to play out at Cardiff's Principality Stadium on December 11. ### The fight is being bankrolled by Saudi Arabian promoter Turki Alalshikh and will be broadcast on Netflix. Fury believes the bout will be up there with Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier in 1975 and backed for a thrilling contest between the pair. ### TRENDING Stories Videos Your Say ### He said: "I don't regret anything because it's finally happening. "It probably makes more financial sense now and that's what we're in this sport for. "It's more money than it ever was before, plus the fact we've got the broadcasting giant Netflix streaming it, and Turki Alalshikh has got an open chequebook. "There's never been a better time to be the don of the division. And the fact it's happening in Cardiff - even better." ### ### ### LATEST SPORTS NEWS * FA breaks silence on Man City case with warning over football’s integrity * Andy Burnham facing calls to share details of meetings with Manchester City owners * Former England star reveals Fabio Capello accused him of 'sleeping with grannies' ### Fury continued: "You got Ali v Joe later on in their careers - it was a great fight and I believe this will be a great fight, too. "I believe it will be one of the biggest fights the world's ever seen and it'll live up to all the expectations." After the respectful rhetoric Fury used when he offered Joshua a pint of Guinness after their fight, he directed a series of fierce comments at his opponent. Fury said: "I don't know him as a man. I only know him as the fake facade we see on TV or when he's doing interviews. ### ### ### "I don't know anything about him at all behind the mask. Sometimes that slips now and again, but I don't know him as an individual, I don't know him at all. "For me, he was never any good. He would never beat me in a million years in any time. "When I hit him with that right hand, he's going to feel the full force of it, he's going to fall over in a heap. Before the bell goes, he'll be looking for a landing position on the floor somewhere." Fury took aim at Joshua's warm-up fight for their December bout, mocking Joshua for being knocked down on a couple of occasions. ### ### ### He said: "If he didn't fight me, who would he fight next? He just got knocked down twice by Kristian Prenga, whoever the f*** he is. "What happens if he fights a live opponent? Someone who's not hand-picked and selected, a bum, to knock over? "I don't know anyone he could beat, and he definitely ain't beating me - that's for sure." ### **Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter**

Two Iranians have been charged with a suspected terror plot against British Jews ahead of Yom Kippur. Salam Ahmadyan, 36, from Liverpool, and Rahman Salehi, 34, from Salford, were arrested in Manchester on Sunday. ### They were both identified as Iranian nationals before being charged with engaging in conduct in preparation for terrorist acts against Section 5 of the Terrorism Act 2006. It is alleged the pair were in contact with an overseas third-party who may be in Iran in relation to the plot. ### TRENDING Stories Videos Your Say ### Both men will appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court tomorrow. **MORE TO FOLLOW...** ### ### ### ### ### ### ### ### ### ### ### **Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter**

Shabana Mahmood has sent a message to Nigel Farage as the Home Secretary prepares to update MPs on security measures for elected figures. Ms Mahmood released her statement shortly after the man accused of murdering Ann Widdecombe was charged with plotting a terror attack against the Reform UK leader. ### Joshua Kerry, 28, who is also on trial for the murder of ex-Tory minister Ann Widdecombe, was charged with one count of engaging in conduct in preparation of acts of terrorism. After Counter Terrorism Policing confirmed the charge, Ms Mahmood said: "I know the new charges made today will be extremely concerning. ### TRENDING Stories Videos Your Say ### "My profound sympathies are with Nigel Farage and his family. Let no one make any mistake: an attack on anyone in politics is an attack on us all. "This case raises serious questions about the security of those in public life. "We must use this as an opportunity to reset. Once Parliament returns, I will update on our work to strengthen protections for those who choose to serve." The House of Commons will return after the conclusion of the Conservative Party Conference in Birmingham. ### ### ### Despite Ms Mahmood offering Mr Farage a meeting with the chair of Ravec, the independent body within the Home Office that manages the security of those in public life, Labour was accused of cutting the Reform UK leader's taxpayer-funded detail. A Reform UK spokesman claimed the package offered by the Home Office was around 75 per cent of the protection he had already been offered. Mr Farage spoke out about his protection fears following Ms Widdecombe's death earlier this summer. The Clacton MP revealed he had received 1,577 threats since February, including 597 death threats. ### LATEST DEVELOPMENTS * Restore Britain hands Labour victory as Rupert Lowe stitch-up gives Nigel Farage fresh headache * Andy Burnham faces revolt after PM splits with Shabana Mahmood over small boats in Brexit blame game * Andy Burnham still plotting to hold 2027 election just days after saying he wouldn't ### ### All eight Reform UK MPs now receive 24/7 security funded by the party's donors. Zia Yusuf, who serves as Reform UK's home affairs spokesman, set out his plan to offer £100million "round-the-clock protection" if Mr Farage becomes Prime Minister. ### ### ### ### ### **Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter**

The Cricket Regulator has charged England fast bowler Brydon Carse with a breach of Regulation 3.2 of the ECB Professional Conduct Regulations, stemming from an incident in Derby during the early hours of August 23, 2026. The case will now be passed to the independent Cricket Discipline Panel for adjudication. ### The regulation in question prohibits any participant from behaving in a way "which is improper or which may be prejudicial to the interests of cricket or which may bring the ECB, the game of cricket or any cricketer or group of cricketers into disrepute". The 31-year-old was arrested on suspicion of being drunk and disorderly, though he was subsequently de-arrested. ### TRENDING Stories Videos Your Say ### He had been out celebrating with teammates following their County Championship victory over Derbyshire. Social media footage showed Carse in handcuffs during the incident, which took place after Durham's away fixture against Derbyshire in the County Championship. Derbyshire Police subsequently confirmed it was examining allegations of assault connected to the events of that evening. However, the force concluded its investigation last month without taking further action. ### ### ### LATEST SPORTS NEWS * FA breaks silence on Man City case with warning over football’s integrity * Andy Burnham facing calls to share details of meetings with Manchester City owners * Former England star reveals Fabio Capello accused him of 'sleeping with grannies' ### The Cricket Regulator announced on Friday that its own inquiry had resulted in the formal charge against Carse. Carse's involvement in the Derby incident had immediate repercussions for his international career. England selectors removed him from the Test squad for the remainder of their series against Pakistan in the wake of the arrest. The paceman was also left out of both the T20I and ODI squads for England's ongoing series against Sri Lanka, effectively sidelining him from all international cricket. ### ### ### The Cricket Regulator's statement read: "Following a Cricket Regulator investigation, Brydon Carse has been charged with breaching Regulation 3.2 of the ECB Professional Conduct Regulations, in relation to events in Derby in the early hours of the morning on August 23, 2026. "The matter will now be referred to the independent Cricket Discipline Panel for adjudication. "As the process is ongoing, no further comment will be made." ### ### ### An ECB spokesman acknowledged the charge, writing: "We are aware of the Cricket Regulator's decision to charge Brydon Carse. "Brydon now has the opportunity to respond through the established process. "As we do not wish to prejudge the outcome, it would not be appropriate for us to comment further." ### **Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter**

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The person alleged to have murdered Ann Widdecombe has also been charged with preparing a terror act against Nigel Farage. Joshua Kerry, 28, has been charged with offences against the Reform UK leader for activity alleged to have taken place between May 2024 and July 2026. ### He was charged with one count of engaging in conduct in preparation of acts of terrorism, including against the MP, Counter Terrorism Policing confirmed. Kerry, of Byrley Road, Rotherham, South Yorkshire, was charged under the Terrorism Act 2006. ### TRENDING Stories Videos Your Say ### The charge laid against the 28-year-old relates to activity alleged to have taken place between May 31, 2024, and July 8, 2026. Kerry will appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on October 7, 2026. The accused is already facing a murder charge after Ms Widdecombe was found bludgeoned to death in her Devon home on July 8. Senior National Coordinator for Counter Terrorism Policing, Deputy Assistant Commissioner Vicki Evans, said: "We have been running a hugely intensive and complex investigation for some time. ### ### ### "The charge announced today is a result of the tireless work of investigators across the Counter Terrorism Policing network. "This investigation has been led by a dedicated team of detectives, analysts, and forensic experts, working on multiple lines of enquiry, which has resulted in this very serious charge." Shabana Mahmood extended her sympathies to Mr Farage and his family after CTP announced the charge was made. "I know the new charges made today will be extremely concerning," the Home Secretary said. "My profound sympathies are with Nigel Farage and his family." She continued: "!Let no one make any mistake: an attack on anyone in politics is an attack on us all. "This case raises serious questions about the security of those in public life. We must use this as an opportunity to reset. "Once parliament returns, I will update on our work to strengthen protections for those who choose to serve." The Reform UK spokeswoman and former Tory minister died after being hit over the head with a hammer 21 times at her home in Haytor on Dartmoor, a court previously heard. Kerry was arrested in Rotherham, some 300 miles away from Ms Widdecombe's property. ### LATEST DEVELOPMENTS: * Nigel Farage pays tribute to 'extraordinary' Ann Widdecombe on day of funeral * Police investigating whether Ann Widdecombe murder suspect linked to Nigel Farage firebomb attack * New details of Ann Widdecombe's funeral announced as church releases statement ahead of service ### ### ### The 28-year-old was arrested for the Tory minister's murder and has now been re-arrested for the preparation of a terror plot against the Clacton MP. Ms Widdecombe joined the Brexit Party in 2019 after serving in Government as a Conservative minister. She later joined Reform UK in 2023, becoming Mr Farage's immigration and justice spokeswoman for the party. After Ms Widdecombe was murdered, counter terror police re-launched an inquiry into an attack on Mr Farage's London property in April 2025. ### ### The police force initially told the Reform leader that security cameras did not capture the suspect at this London home. But further examination by counter-terror police found the suspect and their car had been spotted "over an extended period", The Telegraph revealed earlier this week. The officer who originally reviewed the footage was subsequently placed under investigation by the police watchdog. The IOPC is now investigating whether the officer in question could be found guilty of discreditable conduct. ### **Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter**

The Metropolitan Police has urged students to call off a pro-Palestine march planned for the third anniversary of the October 7 terror attack on Israel. More than 600 officers will be deployed across London over the coming week, with around half a dozen protests set to take place. ### Deputy Assistant Commissioner James Harman warned that the events "create the risk of communities feeling unsafe and unsupported". DAC Harman added: "For many in our city, this will be a day of mourning, a day of reflection." ### TRENDING Stories Videos Your Say ### However, the University of London Coalition plans to march on Wednesday, October 7, on the third anniversary of Hamas's attack against Israel. The students plan to walk from King's College London on the Strand to University College London in Holborn from midday. The Metropolitan Police said it had tried to contact the organisers to ask them to choose a different date. DAC Harman added: "I use this opportunity today to urge them to reconsider and to make contact with us urgently so that they can plan their event on a different date." ### ### ### Police have written to the four universities the students attend, asking for their help and leadership. The letter cites recent Community Security Trust findings on antisemitism which show incidents at UK universities remain substantially higher than before October 2023. The force acknowledged calls for the march to be banned but stressed that police cannot give or refuse permission for protests. Conditions on the route and timing will be imposed on Wednesday, with arrests likely for anyone who breaches them. ### LATEST DEVELOPMENTS * British university evacuated as 'suspicious item' sparks huge police response * Vladimir Putin warns Nato 'all weapons at disposal' if Russia is attacked * Police arrest British-Iranian on suspicion of terror offence following RAF Fairford incident ### ### October 10 will also see up to 10,000 people march as part of the Palestine Coalition. Marchers will gather near Northumberland Avenue at noon before ending with a rally on Whitehall at 5pm. A counter-protest by Stop the Hate and others is anticipated. The 35 large protests organised by Palestine Coalition groups since October 2023, along with other related protests, have cost the Met £26.6 million. Once officers diverted from their usual duties are factored in, that figure rises to £90 million. ### ### ### Police are also preparing for any potential trouble this weekend during canvassing for the Holborn & St Pancras by-election. Arrests have already been made in recent weekends after clashes between canvassers and protesters. DAC Harman said police had acted to prevent crime and disorder, "and not on any political preference nor on any perceived 'two-tier' approach". Around 5,000 people will march in Whitechapel on Sunday to mark the 90th anniversary of the Battle of Cable Street. ### ### ### Scotland Yard said it has made more than 17,000 hate crime arrests since October 2023. Officers will act on antisemitism, anti-Muslim abuse and support for proscribed groups such as Palestine Action. DAC Harman said: "We have absolutely no desire to police culture wars or wars of words between opposing groups." The officer added: "If anyone thinks they can commit crime, intimidate our communities or stir up hatred towards others, they should think again as they will be dealt with swiftly and decisively." ### **Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter**

A vicar has been left "appalled" after a statue of the Virgin Mary was allegedly assaulted and then damaged in France. Speaking to GB News, New Malden Vicar Stephen Kuhrt told host Martin Daubney he is "shocked and dismayed" at the "terrible act of vandalism". ### Two men were arrested after allegedly performing sex acts on the statue of Virgin Mary on the French island of Corsica. In footage posted by the perpetrators on social media, the pair were seen interacting with the statue located under an archway in Porto-Vecchio. Following the incident, the statue was found damaged and ripped out of place. ### TRENDING Stories Videos Your Say ### A social media account, allegedly belonging to one of the men, posted an apology on Thursday and claimed he was "completely out of it" at the time. He added: "I know it's disrespectful even though I'm not religious. I'm totally sorry to the people I offended." Reacting to the incident, Mr Kuhrt told GB News: "It is an appalling attack on a very, very important symbol for Roman Catholics. "I'm a Church of England Christian, but Catholic to my brothers and sisters, and I'm very, very shocked and dismayed that this terrible act of vandalism took place." ### ### ### Mr Kuhrt argued that such an incident does indicate that some perceive the Christian faith as more "fair game" than others. He said: "As to what it indicates more broadly, I think the very level of shock about this, I think a lot of people are horrified about this and I think that tells tells the story. "There has been a strong reaction, but I think nonetheless it does indicate that Christianity is sometimes seen as a bit more fair game, perhaps a bit more identified with the establishment. "So those who are sort of wanting to be subversive, wanting to act in protest, are probably likely to identify Christianity, as I say, being fair game." ### LATEST DEVELOPMENTS * Thugs mime sex acts on statue of Virgin Mary then destroy Christian icon in 'unspeakable' crime * Calls for Argentine tourists to be banned from Falkland Islands after 'waving flags' on territory * FlyDubai pilot speaks out after being stabbed by hijacker and preventing '9/11-type disaster' ### ### ### As the vicar told GB News host Martin Daubney that he is "glad" one of the perpetrators has "fully apologised", Martin expressed his outrage at the act. He responded: "Stephen, I admire your your forgiveness, I admire your charitable status on this, I do, but I don't share it. Because there has been a significant increase of vandalism, arson, attacks on churches, particularly on the continent, and there's no coincidence to me about what's going on with mass immigration. "We had a story yesterday where in North Yorkshire people were being taught that the Virgin Mary wore a hijab and Jesus had a beard. Now, of course, that's absurd, Islam wasn't even invented for six centuries after that moment. "But something's going on where these acts are now becoming more permissible, they're becoming more desirable, and Christians are kind of retreating and being polite. But perhaps, actually, we need a bit more righteous fury?" ### ### ### Mr Kuhrt told GB News: "I don't want to be misunderstood of saying this was anything other than totally and utterly appalling, I condemn it out of hand. "I suppose all I'm trying to say, it is a little bit of caution about us putting too many things together, so I think this was an example of sort of appallingly rubbish behaviour rather than necessarily a religiously motivated attack. "Now, religiously motivated attacks do take place on Christians and they are to be taken really seriously. "But I think the only reason for the note of caution that I have is at the heart of Christianity is responding to evil." ### **Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter**

G7 countries will release 100 million barrels of fuel from their stockpiles after Donald Trump repeatedly threatened to ban US diesel exports. President Trump had warned he would halt American exports, a move industry voices said would have “catastrophic” effects on global markets, unless Europe dipped into its stored supplies of diesel ### The threat came at a time when diesel prices already hit record highs in the UK. Europe held crisis talks yesterday and an emergency call was held today between the G7 group of wealthy nations, including America. ### TRENDING Stories Videos Your Say ### Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband stood in for Andy Burnham due to the Prime Minister attending his father’s funeral. The group agreed to release 100 million barrels of fuel over the next four months, including “a frontloaded substantial diesel release within the first 20 days”. In a statement, it said that there would be “no restrictions or bans on exports among G7 countries”, an indication that the threat of the export ban has been dropped. It called “on all producers to refrain from imposing bans that could exacerbate market tensions”. ### ### ### French President Emmanuel Macron said that G7 members had agreed to “take no measures to restrict the exchange of energy and petroleum products between partner countries”. Responding to the news, Mr Trump said: “Europe has just agreed to release a massive amount of their heavily stocked Diesel Oil. The process will begin immediately. Thank you for your attention to this matter!” The G7 said that “unprecedented volatility in oil markets” threatened both economic stability and “the well-being of our citizens”. Diesel prices have rocketed globally as a result of the war in Iran, as well as attacks on Russian infrastructure in the Ukraine conflict. ### LATEST DEVELOPMENTS * Donald Trump threatens to press ahead with diesel exports ban as Britain holds urgent crisis talks * Britain's nuclear ambition 'slowed by red tape' with newest reactors five years behind schedule * North Sea drilling is 'no brainer', EDF boss says, as Labour dawdles over oil and gas fields ### ### Trump had repeatedly suggested an export ban, a move widely seen as aimed at easing forecourt prices for Americans ahead of November’s mid-term elections. On Thursday, the Trump administration singled out France and Germany, warning they faced being cut off from US supplies unless they tapped into their emergency diesel stockpiles. “It is in Europe’s best interest to work with the United States as we pursue multiple pathways to boost the supply of refined products and lower costs for consumers,” a US official said. Ahead of today’s G7 call, Anna-Kaisa Itkonen, for the European Commission, criticised the threat of a ban. ### ### ### She said: “We fully reject any ban on diesel. A ban would not be beneficial to anyone. “It would undermine our trust in the United States as a reliable partner.” In the UK, ministers sought to reassure the public amid concerns about supply as prices reached a record high of £2 a litre. Transport Minister Keir Mather said Britain’s supply of diesel was “robust” and “resilient”, adding that the country had a wide range of sources. He said: “I want to reassure people this morning that the United Kingdom has got a diverse range of supply when it comes to diesel. We have resilience built into our system for that reason. “People shouldn’t be concerned about shortages because of the inherent resilience that is built into that system.” ### ### ### Elizabeth de Jong, Chief Executive of Fuels Industry UK, said the crisis highlighted the role of domestic refineries played in energy security. Refineries break down crude oil into components such as petrol, diesel and jet fuel. The UK now imports more than half of its diesel. In 2000, when it had twice the number of refineries, imports accounted for less than a fifth. Ms de Jong said: “UK refineries are critical to our energy security and national resilience, especially in an increasingly unstable global context. Over the past two decades, we have seen four UK refineries close, and UK diesel imports rise from just 16 per cent of total demand in 2000 to 54% of today. “Our four remaining refineries provide critical national resilience, reducing the UK’s dependence on international supply chains. But without urgent protection against carbon and investment leakage, more UK refineries are at risk of closure. “With global uncertainty increasing, now is the time for the UK Government to show it is taking energy security seriously and to ensure our remaining refineries are protected. “The forthcoming Autumn Budget must urgently address this issue and include measures to level the playing field for our remaining refineries.” ### **Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter**

The King is not expected to offer an official apology or financial reparations to Commonwealth nations for Britain's role in the historic transatlantic slave trade. The UK Government's position is understood not to have changed ahead of His Majesty's high-profile visit to the Caribbean later this month, including a Realm Visit to the Bahamas, where campaigners have warned him "not to come empty-handed". ### King Charles's Autumn tour will also visit Guyana before the Queen joins him in Antigua and Barbuda for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM). A Buckingham Palace spokesman has told GB News that the visit will "not shy away from the darkest days" of the past, and has repeatedly said that His Majesty acts solely on Government advice. ### TRENDING Stories Videos Your Say ### Royal officials also pointed to the King's longstanding expressions of personal sorrow and work to address inequalities. A Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) source claimed Labour ministers have given no indication they are about to change the longstanding opposition to compensating descendants of enslaved people. The Government's legal position is that Britain is not required to pay reparations for historical acts, especially when they did not break international law at the time. Despite describing the transatlantic trade in enslaved people as "abhorrent", Government officials have confirmed ministers have not advised King Charles to offer a formal apology. ### ### ### Constitutional experts have previously said issuing a formal apology could put the UK Government in legally tricky territory, but an FCDO official declined to comment. It is understood Buckingham Palace is looking at ways the tour could provide opportunities to renew King Charles's personal commitment to acknowledging historical wrongs and addressing inequalities. A Buckingham Palace spokesman has told GB News: "His Majesty, of course, always acts on the advice of his Government as part of our constitutional settlement. "He has a long history of engaging on this particular issue and all of the things that he has said at CHOGM and elsewhere in the past, about his personal sorrow, about this particular period of our history, are worth repeating. ### LATEST ROYAL DEVELOPMENTS * Prince Harry lauded as 'down-to-Earth and kind-souled' by former BGT winner * Meghan Markle’s ‘personal gift to Princess Eugenie’ listed on eBay for £20,000 * Queen Mette-Marit pulls out of major engagement following health complications ### ### "And it's not just about what His Majesty has said; it's about what he's done: the personal support for Commonwealth education programmes since the last CHOGM, and his support, over many decades, for young people through The King’s Trust. "This shows that he has always engaged on ways in which the inequalities of the past can be righted. But as far as reparations and apologies go, that is a matter for the Government. And His Majesty always acts on his Government's advice." Asked for King Charles's views on Caribbean nations cutting ties with the monarchy in favour of a republic, officials repeated that the democratic decision is for individual countries to pursue. A FCDO spokesman said: "The Government's position on reparations is well established. The Government absolutely acknowledges that the transatlantic trade in enslaved people was abhorrent, and that the impacts of that were horrific and do endure to today. ### ### ### ### "The Government has been clear that it will not pay financial reparations. The Government is committed to continue dialogue with Commonwealth partners, and, indeed, the Prime Minister, at the time, committed to that again at the last CHOGM, to meaningful, truthful, and respectful dialogue, and also, we're committed to working with Commonwealth partners to understand the legacies of the past and to work with them to build modern, forward-looking partnerships that are in all countries’ benefits." Meanwhile, the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting is expected to prioritise investment, trade, climate resilience, democracy and opportunities for women and young people. During the separate State Visit to Guyana, the King is expected to highlight opportunities for British businesses with the UK's largest trading partner in the Commonwealth Caribbean. The Queen, meanwhile, will focus on violence against women and girls, literacy and The Queen's Commonwealth writing competition in Antigua and Barbuda. The King's schedule is expected to be packed full of engagements as he continues regular cancer treatment; a royal source repeated it was going in a “very positive” direction. ### **Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter**

The former deputy leader of the Greens has described Zack Polanski's party as "anti-women" after being banned from attending their annual conference. Speaking to GB News outside the venue in Brighton, Shahrar Ali revealed he and other gender-critical members have been "persecuted" for supporting the Supreme Court ruling on single-sex spaces. ### Women's rights campaigners at the Green Women's Declaration were also banned from entering the conference over claims that their attendance would make transgender members feel "unsafe". Addressing his block on attending the conference, Mr Ali told GB News that anyone who holds gender critical views has been "persecuted" from the event. ### TRENDING Stories Videos Your Say ### He said: "I'm here as somebody who's been in the party over 20 years to meet friends outside conference. "But those of us who subscribe to the view that single-sex spaces for women and girls should be protected and safeguarded have been systematically persecuted by the party, and so I'm here to speak about that outside party conference." ### ### ### Asked by GB News Political Correspondent Olivia Utley whether the party has become "anti-women", Mr Ali agreed. He argued: "They're anti-women and any men as well who believe in the importance of single-sex protections for women and girls. "We've got an advocacy group called Green Women's Declaration who've been barred entry into the conference as well, and I think it's very important that we fight through the courts as necessary. "I'm going to the court a second time to expose the rot within the Green Party." ### LATEST DEVELOPMENTS * Green women's rights campaigners outraged after being BANNED from party conference * Zack Polanski condemned by former Green leaders over motion defining Zionism as racism * Jewish Greens at risk of being reported for racism for belonging to 'Zionist' synagogues ### ### ### Asked what extent the attitude towards gender-critical members is coming from Mr Polanski, the ex-deputy admitted that Green governance has "failed". He told GB News: "If you are afraid to speak your mind in a political party, one which prides itself on free speech, you can't make good policy. "This weekend, there's a motion coming for the second time this year, Zionism is racism, which has caused great consternation and angst both within the party and outside. And the trouble is, even the leadership can't actually discuss the implications of such a motion, which are clearly contrary to party policy. "Zionism is not racism. In fact, Israel does have a right to exist, and that's part of the core of Green Party policy, which is a two-state solution." ### ### ### Mr Ali argued that Mr Polanski has made the Greens into a "one-issue party": "What Polanski has done, unfortunately, over the last year, he's been very successful in building the party, but he's bringing into the party individuals and coalitions who are only speaking about one thing. "And it's not the environment, it's not the climate emergency, it's Palestine and Gaza, just to the exclusion of everything else – and that's not helping our trajectory either – it's making us a single-issue party of the wrong sort." He concluded that Mr Polanski has made the party "particularly vulnerable". He said: "I do think that he's popular within the party. He's presided over a burgeoning membership increase, which is phenomenal. But the trouble is, one of the main planks of his leadership campaign was eco-populism, and we're not talking about eco policies. "There's no eco in the eco-populism, there's just populism. They're left of Starmer, and they're no longer left of Burnham. So he's actually made us particularly vulnerable." ### **Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter**

Andy Burnham has been urged to share details of his meeting with Manchester City's owners, the Abu Dhabi United Group (ADUG), and publish what hospitality he has received at the Etihad Stadium. The Liberal Democrats are pressing the Prime Minister to reveal the full details after he came under widespread criticism this week for defending the ADUG despite an independent commission finding that City had breached Premier League financial rules. ### The Prime Minister said he would be "really concerned" if the ownership group was compelled to sell the club – remarks that prompted Downing Street to issue two separate clarifications on Thursday. Anna Sabine, the Liberal Democrats' culture, media and sport spokeswoman, said the Prime Minister's links to ADUG warrant proper scrutiny. ### TRENDING Stories Videos Your Say ### She intends to write to both Downing Street and the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) seeking full details of their interactions. "Football fans up and down the country deserve to know that the rules apply to everyone, however rich and powerful they are. "When the Prime Minister leaps to the defence of a club's owners within hours of a verdict, people are entitled to ask what their relationship is. "Andy Burnham must come clean and publish details of every meeting and conversation he has had with City Football Group, Abu Dhabi United Group or UAE Government representatives, going back to his time as mayor and that includes any hospitality freebies received," she told The Guardian. ### ### ### LATEST SPORTS NEWS * PM forced into Man City U-turn amid 'political interference' row in bid to cool furious fan backlash * Man City stars could rip up contracts and leave for FREE after financial ruling * FA breaks silence on Man City case with warning over football’s integrity ### The full scope of that hospitality remains uncertain, though GMCA rules mean gift declarations for serving officeholders are publicly accessible without requiring a freedom of information request. Since entering Downing Street, the Prime Minister has not attended any City fixtures but has been present at two Everton matches at Hill Dickinson Stadium, sitting in the directors' box rather than using his South Stand season ticket. Manchester City confirmed they have lodged an appeal against the commission's ruling, reiterating that the verdict "contains clear material errors, of law, principle and fact and is unsafe". City said: "Manchester City Football Club can confirm that at 7pm on Thursday, October 1, 2026, the Club lodged its comprehensive Appeal against the opinion of the Premier League Commission in relation to the Premier League disciplinary matter. ### ### ### "The Club's firm position is that, on multiple grounds, the opinion contains clear material errors, of law, principle and fact and is unsafe. "The Club is innocent of the accusations made by the Premier League and a comprehensive body of irrefutable evidence exists in support of all of its positions, relating to this case. "We will continue to respect due process and are necessarily restricted in what we can say further until all proceedings are complete." ### ### ### City's appeal comes after the commission ruled on allegations covering the 2009-10 to 2017-18 seasons. It found the club had breached financial rules, including through sponsorship arrangements it described as part of a "disguised funding scheme". Manchester City have consistently denied wrongdoing. ### **Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter**

A British university has been evacuated as a "suspicious item" has sparked a mammoth police response. Police have swarmed Newcastle University's campus as authorities cordon off the impacted area. ### Emergency services were summoned after the item was discovered earlier this afternoon. Staff and pupils were promptly evacuated from the surrounding buildings before the police blocked off several major roads nearby. ### TRENDING Stories Videos Your Say ### Firefighters were spotted descending on the scene, while police officers were seen arriving in tow with multiple fire engines. Ambulance crews have also arrived at the scene. Queen Victoria Road, Brewery Lane, King’s Road and St Thomas’ Street are all now cordoned off by Northumbria Police. A force spokesman said: "At 2.10pm today (Friday) we received a report of a suspicious item at a Newcastle University building on Kings Walk in Newcastle city centre. ### ### ### "Officers are in attendance and a cordon is in place to ensure the safety of the public. "Further information will be communicated in due course." The King George VI building is said to be the latest building to be taped off. The force's sniffer dog unit was also seen at the scene. ### LATEST FROM THE NORTH EAST: * Teenagers killed after car topples into River Wear named by Northumbria Police * Boy, 17, arrested after three teenagers killed following car crash into river * Man drove tractor into a house after homeowner desecrated his father and brother's grave ### ### ### The Royal Victoria Infirmary's main entrance, which is next door to the campus, has been sealed off as well. Members of the public have been instructed to enter the building through different routes. However, the hospital remains open. ### ### Others are able to leave the New Victoria Wing car park and the multistorey car park. Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust confirmed that the building was not being evacuated. Patients are currently being directed to different car parks. ### **Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter**