Month: June 2020

Women’s groups are fighting to get justice for rape victims after a number of “weaker” cases have failed to reach court. The End of Violence Against Women (EVAW) coalition has called for an investigation into the Crown Prosecution Service’s (CPS) approach to dealing with rape allegations. They argue that so-called “weaker” rape cases have been…

Thunderstorms and torrential rain are set to sweep across the UK, bringing an abrupt end to a week of baking hot weather. The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for the whole of the UK on Friday, with storms expected to bring lightning, hail and flooding to some areas. There could also be…

Lewis Hamilton has attended a Black Lives Matter peaceful protest in London’s Hyde Park and urged everyone supporting the movement to “keep pushing”. Hamilton, 35, also highlighted the diversity of the crowd at the Sunday rally and said he believes “positive change will come”. Formula 1’s six-time champion and only black driver has been campaigning…

Dame Barbara Windsor’s husband says she may soon have to move into a care home because her Alzheimer’s has worsened. Scott Mitchell, 57, said a specialist had told him that it might no longer be possible for the former Carry On and Eastenders star to stay at home. Dame Barbara was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in…

Many of the country’s aquariums could close for good unless they are given more government support, or allowed to reopen along with zoos. The British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums says the public should be allowed to visit aquariums from next week, in the same way indoor retail and zoos have been given…

Rapper Wretch 32 has shared a video of his 62-year-old father being tasered by police at his home in north London. The footage shows Millard Scott tumbling downstairs after an officer is heard to warn: “Police officer with a Taser. Stay where you are.” As officers ask if he is OK and tell him to…

Labour’s shadow health secretary has accused the government of “covering up vital recommendations” that could help protect black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) people from COVID-19. Jonathan Ashworth’s criticisms come after Whitehall sources told Sky News the recommendations from a Public Health England (PHE) review were “held back” by the government, adding “ministers have had…

Reckless drivers have been taking advantage of quiet roads during lockdown to drive at “truly shocking” speeds, according to police data obtained by the RAC. It revealed that two-thirds of Britain’s police forces had caught people driving at more than 100mph in the first three weeks of lockdown. The Metropolitan Police recorded one driver doing…