# City News

> The latest news from across London


## Posts

- [From Croydon high street to the High Court: the impact of live facial recognition](https://www.citylondonnews.co.uk/features/20260129/89330/from-croydon-high-street-to-the-high-court-the-impact-of-live-facial-recognition): As live facial recognition cameras become an increasingly familiar sight on London’s streets, the discussion around them is growing, playing out both in the courts and among local communities. Croydon, the site of the first pilot scheme, offers a glimpse of how the conversation is shaping up in local communities. The cameras are deployed along a bustling high street lined with a mix of high street chains, markets, and long-established independent shops. The technology works by scanning faces in real time, extracting biometric data, and comparing it against police watchlists, which currently contain details on more than 15,000 individuals. This […]
- [A recent review has found that almost 100 patients were harmed by a Great Ormond Street surgery in London.](https://www.citylondonnews.co.uk/news/20260129/89326/a-recent-review-has-found-that-94-patients-were-harmed-by-a-great-ormond-street-surgery-in-london): A review has found a former orthopaedic surgeon, who worked at the UK’s largest children’s hospital, has caused harm to almost one hundred patients. Yaser Jabbar treated children at Great Ormond Street Hospital in London for five years. A report commissioned by the North London hospital was carried out by a group of independent paediatric-orthopaedic consultants from various areas in the UK. It highlighted 98 patients had experienced some level of harm at Great Ormond Street (GOSH), of these cases 94 involved Mr Jabbar and he operated on 91. He joined the renowned children’s hospital in 2017, specialising in limb […]
- [Working in Agony: More than 100,000 People Are Calling for Menstrual Leave](https://www.citylondonnews.co.uk/news/20260129/89274/working-in-agony-more-than-100000-people-are-calling-for-menstrual-leave): “It completely wipes you out'” Scarlett Clarke, from London, was just 13 when her endometriosis pains started. She recalls passing out, vomiting in severe abdominal pain, and struggling to get through the school day. “At the time, I had no idea what was wrong,” she said, “I just remember feeling embarrassed because I kept bleeding through my clothes and onto chairs.” For years, doctors were unsure what was causing her symptoms labelling her as just having “painful periods”. Scarlett was prescribed medication that failed to ease the pain, instead leaving her exhausted and unable to concentrate on her studies. At its […]
- [Paedophile nursery worker admits to 26 new sexual offences, including upskirting](https://www.citylondonnews.co.uk/news/20260129/89292/paedophile-nursery-worker-admits-to-26-new-sexual-offences-including-upskirting): A paedophile nursery worker from North London has admitted a series of new charges, including filming up the skirts of girls as they sat in a classroom. Vincent Chan, 45, is already facing years behind bars for molesting girls aged three to four whilst working at Bright Horizons nursery on Finchley Road, West Hampstead. Chan filmed himself committing the offences during naptime at the nursery, and admitted to downloading thousands of indecent images of children. On Thursday, Chan appeared at Highbury Corner Magistrate’s Court, via videolink from HMP Pentonville, to face 26 new charges. He pleaded guilty to 10 counts […]
- [Arsenal aim to make history in FIFA Women's Champions Cup Final](https://www.citylondonnews.co.uk/news/20260129/89285/arsenal-aim-to-make-history-in-fifa-womens-champions-cup-final): The first FIFA Women’s Champions Cup Final is this Sunday, but what is this new competition flying under the footballing radar? The tournament pits the six champion clubs from each of the continental confederations against each other. The teams will then compete annually, excluding World Cup years, to find out who really is the best team in the world. Not only does this tournament crown the victor ‘world champion’, it also comes with a £1.7m prize – the biggest single payout in women’s club football ever. After a 6-0 semi-final demolition of Moroccan side AS FAR last night, Arsenal Women’s […]
- [Only in London: £1000 to Sleep in a Kitchen](https://www.citylondonnews.co.uk/news/20260129/89199/only-in-london-1000-to-sleep-in-a-kitchen): London’s housing crisis is nothing new. However, a recent viral Reddit post has highlighted the absurdity of landlords looking to make some extra cash. The advertisement, which was posted on SpareRoom, the UK’s biggest website for finding flatmates, pictures a bunkbed above a kitchen for over £1000 per calendar month. The redditor captioned the image “this has to be a joke of some kind”. The ad has since been deleted, but listings for rooms and flats like this are not rare in London. One offered a sofa for £750 a month that would make Harry Potter’s cupboard under the stairs […]
- [“Hey A.I., create an image of London without water”](https://www.citylondonnews.co.uk/news/20260129/89250/hey-a-i-create-an-image-of-london-without-water): As new infrastructure leads to bill increases hit England and Wales, how long is it before artificial intelligence (A.I.) is the new antagonist? Average household water bills in England and Wales are set to increase in April this year by 5.4%. Luckily for Londoners though, the increase is not as big as last year and Thames Water the increase will only be 0.4% which is an average of £3 a year. However, with a rising number of people and businesses relying on A.I. every day, it is hard to escape the ease of using this handy technology in the capital. […]
- [Harry Styles extends his London residency for four more nights amid ticket price controversy](https://www.citylondonnews.co.uk/news/20260129/89220/harry-styles-extends-his-london-residency-for-four-more-nights-amid-ticket-price-controversy): Harry Styles has just announced even more dates for his London residency this summer with the megastar performing for 10 nights in the capital! The former One Direction star was originally scheduled to headline just six shows at Wembley Stadium between the 12th and 23rd June. However, due to overwhelming demand, four more dates have been announced to the delight of the singer’s fanbase. Despite the expanded schedule, London remains the only UK stop as part of a residency-style format, and the singer’s limited venue destinations have caused frustration amongst fans who have criticised the format as inaccessible. For London-based […]
- ["A non-stop battle": the Stratford residents facing "unexplained, enormous" charges](https://www.citylondonnews.co.uk/news/20260129/89234/a-non-stop-battle-the-stratford-residents-facing-unexplained-enormous-charges): Residents of a housing development in Stratford say they are facing extortionate service charge rises of 100% in the past year alone, as well as backdated charges with no explanation. They say the issues at River Heights are symptomatic of wider problems in the housing leasehold system in London. “It’s a non-stop battle trying to get a fair service charge” one resident tells City News. “Over the past eight years I have probably spent about two hundred hours on constant calls, emailing people, and explaining what’s happening over and over again.” River Heights is a 2015 development formed of two […]
- [Local residents vs plane spotters as the fight for Heathrow’s £49bn third runway intensifies](https://www.citylondonnews.co.uk/news/20260129/89203/local-residents-vs-plane-spotters-as-the-fight-for-heathrows-49bn-third-runway-intensifies): It’s been an open secret for many years that Heathrow Airport would have a third runway but it was not until August 2025 when, Thomas Woldbye, CEO of Heathrow Airport, confirmed the details of the £49bn plan to expand and modernise the airport. Since then, there has been a mixed response to the proposed expansion, most recently in a revised report from The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT). Its 2026 report argues the plans are based on passenger behaviour and airline economics. CILT also outlined assumptions might have been made by the original Airport Commission report in 2015 […]
- [Inside the battle over Bethnal Green’s LTNs](https://www.citylondonnews.co.uk/news/20260129/89207/inside-the-battle-over-bethnal-greens-ltns): “Abolish the failed liveable streets scheme” was a key pledge in Luftur Rahman’s successful campaign for Tower Hamlets Mayor in 2022. Now, his vision lies in tatters after the Court of Appeal ruled that his attempts to remove the scheme were unlawful. Bethnal Green’s low traffic neighbourhood schemes – or LTNs for short – were installed in 2021. They reduced vehicle access to Old Bethnal Green Road, Columbia Road, and Arnold Road, creating cycle lanes and pedestrianised spaces instead. However, the backlash was immediate, and the then Labour-run council swiftly backtracked on plans to expand the scheme to other areas […]
- ["Education is more important than ever," says son of Holocaust survivor](https://www.citylondonnews.co.uk/news/20260127/89003/education-is-more-important-than-ever-says-son-of-holocaust-survivor): In a geopolitical climate marked by increasing religious and cultural tensions, Holocaust Memorial Day invites reflection on the lessons of the history and what they mean for a multicultural city like London today. Commemorating the Holocaust is becoming increasingly difficult with the passing of the last survivors of the concentration camps and, with them, the disappearance of their first-hand testimonies. Each year on 27 January, the United Kingdom, alongside many other countries, commemorates Holocaust Memorial Day (HMD). The date marks the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, the largest Nazi concentration and extermination camp, by Allied forces in 1945. This year marks the […]
- [The court battle behind Wimbledon tennis' future](https://www.citylondonnews.co.uk/news/20260127/88981/the-court-battle-behind-wimbledon-tennis-future): A High Court judge is set to rule on a long running row over whether the All England Tennis Club can expand its historic iconic Wimbledon tennis grounds into the adjoining park. A hearing took place from the last week over whether Wimbledon Park can be developed for business or commercial purposes – with a verdict expected in the next two or three months. Tennis heads ‘expect economic growth and new opportunities for players’ The All England Lawn Tennis Club [AELTC] addressed plans to rebuild the space including an 8,000 seat stadium, 3km boardwalk and walkways, and 38 courts. This […]
- [Government Gives Pubs a Support Package After Business Rates Backlash](https://www.citylondonnews.co.uk/news/20260127/89144/government-gives-pubs-a-support-package-after-business-rates-backlash): Pubs and live music venues in England will receive a new support package from April after months of concern that rising business rates would push more venues towards closure. The government has announced a 15% discount on business rates bills for pubs, alongside a freeze on increases for the next two years. Treasury Minister Dan Tomlinson said the three-year package would be worth around £1,650 for the average pub. The measures follow a backlash after November’s Budget, when many pubs discovered they were facing steep increases in their business rates from April. Business rates are a property tax paid by […]
- [So much more than ADHD. The uneasy relationship between crime and neurodiversity.](https://www.citylondonnews.co.uk/news/20260127/88924/so-much-more-than-adhd-the-uneasy-relationship-between-crime-and-neurodiversity): An anonymous 18 year old speaks to City News about getting in trouble with police in his youth. He told City News that having ADHD means “it’s harder to think before reacting”, but that it is not the only reason that made him get into troubling situations.  He said ADHD was not the only factor to blame for his criminal actions. “You definitely can control it. Everybody’s different though and it depends on many factors like your childhood, upbringing and all these different types of things.” Being medicated for a period over his teenage years, he is currently not on medication […]
- [A Look Inside London's Men's Sheds](https://www.citylondonnews.co.uk/news/20260127/88943/a-look-inside-londons-mens-sheds): “I was a loose-end, I couldn’t find a job… I really didn’t know what to do with myself.” After leaving Zimbabwe in 2011, Alan Alison found himself in London, struggling with loneliness and a lack of purpose. Whilst searching for ways to keep himself busy, he came across the ‘UK Men’s Shed Association’ (UKMSA), a non-profit providing practical places for older individuals to come together through woodworking, pottery and other creative activities. Alan says that “AgeUK mentioned that I should try visiting the ‘Camden Town Men’s Shed’ and I did, since then it has been my lifeline, it’s given me […]
- [“When he talks, he must remember that his body is in our hands”: The Iranian regime’s campaign to censor Iranian journalists abroad](https://www.citylondonnews.co.uk/news/20260127/88940/when-he-talks-he-must-remember-that-his-body-is-in-our-hands-the-iranian-regimes-campaign-to-censor-iranian-journalists-abroad): “When you look at the extent some authoritarian regimes go to prevent journalists from telling their stories, it becomes clear that there is value in what those journalists and media outlets do.” Behrang Tajdin, economics correspondent for BBC Persian, is talking to City News about the Iranian government’s efforts to censor journalists abroad. He said the regime hired criminal gangs to pressure journalists and punish family members on their behalf. Protests in Iran are entering their fifth week following sharp economic collapse that saw the currency plunge, inflation soar, and worsening living conditions amidst decades of corruption and mismanagement of […]
- [Why are Gen Z Londoners obsessed with luxury gyms?](https://www.citylondonnews.co.uk/news/20260127/88893/why-are-gen-z-londoners-obsessed-with-luxury-gyms): Gen Z are leading the charge on the luxury fitness movement. Although social media encourages curating aspirational lifestyles, it’s not just the aesthetic keeping them spending. In the 2025 Gen Z fitness pulse report, 53% of Gen Z (born between 1997-2012) are prioritising spending more on health and fitness memberships, with popular luxury gym chains in London like Third Space and KX offering memberships starting from £240 to £615 per month. Third Space reported a 115% growth in profit in 2024/25. The chain is appealing to Gen Z and Millennial demographics, by offering an inclusive luxury experience with classes, spa […]
- [London’s Changing Neighbourhoods: How Gentrification Is Reshaping The City](https://www.citylondonnews.co.uk/analysis/20260127/88871/londons-changing-neighbourhoods-how-gentrification-is-reshaping-the-city): London is changing fast. New research shows that many neighbourhoods once considered lower-income are now seeing rising costs, shifting populations, and fewer affordable homes. The latest analysis tracks 25 years of migration data to understand how people move into, out of and across London. Researchers focused on 53 neighbourhoods that have experienced gentrification since 2012. These areas have seen incomes rise sharply, while populations of children and black residents have declined. People moving into these areas now come from further away and from less deprived parts of the city, highlighting the growing financial and social pressure in gentrified neighbourhoods. Gentrification […]
- ['TfL punishes graffiti more than gropers', claims artist](https://www.citylondonnews.co.uk/arts/20260127/88904/tfl-punishes-graffiti-more-than-gropers-claims-artist): TfL have revealed they spend up to £11 million annually removing graffiti, but what do the artists behind it think? I met up with a London based graffiti artist, ‘Liam’ to discuss his thoughts on the revelation. Walking around Shoreditch, known for its abundance of graffiti and street art, he showed me some of his favourite pieces and spoke about trains, culture, crime and community. “If you get groped on the train BTP [British Transport Police] will send you a f*****g reference number and never follow it up, but do a little tag on the side of a window they’ll […]
- [Jessie Buckley set to continue award winning streak with BAFTA nomination](https://www.citylondonnews.co.uk/arts/20260127/88969/jessie-buckley-set-to-continue-award-winning-streak-with-bafta-nomination): Irish actress Jessie Buckley has added a BAFTA nomination after being shortlisted for the Oscars, Golden Globes and Critic Choice Awards for her role in Hamnet. Originally from Killarney, County Kerry, Buckley went on to study in London at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA). Now, just over ten years later, she is securing multiple nominations for her role as Agnes Hathaway, Shakespeare’s wife, in Chloe Zhao’s record breaking film, Hamnet. Her co-star Paul Mescal is nominated for best supporting actor. Hamnet has set the BAFTA record for most nominations for a film directed by a woman. The film, […]
- [City Explained: Who is Laila Cunningham?](https://www.citylondonnews.co.uk/news/20260122/88631/city-explained-who-is-laila-cunningham): Laila Cunningham is the newly appointed Reform UK mayoral candidate for the 2028 London Mayor Elections. Yet, many Londoners do not know who she is. She has been mentioned in the press this week for her comments about stop and search for women who wear the Burqa, as well as her proposition to scrap ULEZ if she were mayor. Yesterday (21/01) she took to social media to criticise The Mirror over a story about her mother which Cunningham called “politically motivated”. She described the article as a “political witch hunt by a far-left outlet scraping the barrel”. As a guest […]
- [Sadiq Khan’s ‘Key Worker Living Rent’ scheme pledging 6,000 affordable new homes for frontline workers](https://www.citylondonnews.co.uk/news/20260122/88779/sadiq-khans-key-worker-living-rent-scheme-pledging-6000-affordable-new-homes-for-frontline-workers): Mayor of London Sir Sadiq Khan has pledged to deliver at least 6,000 new rent-controlled homes for key workers by 2030. Sir Sadiq launched the ‘Key Worker Living Rent’ scheme yesterday in line with his 2024 manifesto pledge. The homes will offer long-term rents based on 40% of key workers’ average net household incomes for key workers, including teachers, nurses, careers and busdrivers. Based on data from the Office for National Statistics, the London Assembly says the scheme will save those in a one-bedroom home £4,500 on average a year and £7,000 for those in a two-bedroom home. It will […]
- [First 100 arrests made following new Live Facial Recognition pilot in Croydon](https://www.citylondonnews.co.uk/news/20260122/88633/first-100-arrests-made-following-new-live-facial-recognition-pilot-in-croydon): The Metropolitan police have arrested more than 100 wanted people in the first three months of a Live Facial Recognition (LFR) pilot in Croydon. The pioneering scheme, led to arrests being made on average every 34 minutes when in use, leading to more efficient police deployments. Since the start of 2024, LFR deployments in Croydon has led to 249 arrests. Of those arrests, 193 have since been charged or cautioned. Of those arrests, a third were for violence against women and girls (VAWG), such as sexual assault and strangulation. Others include burglary, possession of offensive weapon and recall to prison. […]
- [Government announce 'once in a generation' reforms](https://www.citylondonnews.co.uk/news/20260122/88851/government-announce-once-in-a-generation-reforms): As the government announces ‘once in a generation’ reforms of the water industry, the Rivers Trust says it does not deliver change at the pace and scale rivers need. In the wake of a “massive” Thames Water mains pipe burst, resulting in overnight flooding in West London, water infrastructure is under scrutiny. This week the government announced the water white paper which outlines reforms they have described as the biggest overhaul of the water industry since privatisation. Key measures include MOT style health checks on pipes, pumps and treatment works. Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds said there would be “nowhere to […]
- [“Do Dry January if you want. But do it at the pub.”](https://www.citylondonnews.co.uk/news/20260122/88782/do-dry-january-if-you-want-but-do-it-at-the-pub): A new website, ‘Is My Pub F****d‘, uses official data to identify the most at-risk pubs in the country, many of which are in London. Its creator, Ben Guerin, wanted to spotlight the pubs that need our support the most. Matthew Hayhurst spoke to him for City News. Matthew Hayhurst: Hi Ben, big fan of the website. So pubs on the site are categorised from ‘Somehow Fine’ to ‘Absolutely F***d’, could you explain what those mean in real terms? Ben Guerin: The categories are based on the percentage increase in rateable value. That’s the figure the government uses to calculate […]
- [Explained: London's Homicide Stats](https://www.citylondonnews.co.uk/news/20260122/88744/explained-londons-homicide-stats): London’s homicide rate fell to its lowest level in over a decade in 2025. City News has analysed the recently released homicide statistics released by the Metropolitan Police. We find that London retains the highest homicide rate within England and Wales and is declining at half the rate of the five fastest regions. Last year, London recorded a total of 97 homicides. In terms of rate, this translates to 1.1 deaths for every 100,000 people. This is the lowest rate since 2014 and marks an 11% decrease from 2024. Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan commented on the progress, “many people […]
- [The community shaken by Grenfell Tower now fights against £3bn development](https://www.citylondonnews.co.uk/news/20260122/88743/the-community-shaken-by-grenfell-tower-now-fights-against-3bn-development): A joint venture between Ballymore and Sainsbury’s will see 2,500 new homes built in Kensal Green. New development plans stretch across 7.2 hectares of majority brownfield land near Kensal Green Cemetery and the Grand Union Canal. This includes 3.8 hectares of open space, with green space with play areas for children. However, residents have expressed concerns about the impact of developing on the land. Local campaigners ‘Keep Kensal Green’ are fighting against the development which they argue will cause traffic congestion, lacks adequate social housing, and will contribute to cultural and environmental degradation. Campaigner Jessica Jones highlighted the need for […]
- [No Phone Policy Brings 'Calm' to Classrooms say London Teachers, but divide remains on a social media ban](https://www.citylondonnews.co.uk/news/20260122/88733/no-phone-policy-brings-calm-to-classrooms-say-london-teachers-but-divide-remains-on-a-social-media-ban): Teachers across the capital have told City News that while phone bans can transform behaviour inside schools, the online world continues to spill into classrooms. It comes as Ofsted gains new powers to help schools ensure they’re phone-free. This week the House of Lords voted in support of a social media ban for under-16s, a move ministers are trying to block, while the government has just launched its own consultation – speaking to teachers, parents and young people – that runs until the summer. But enforcing a total ban may be far harder than politicians suggest. “A greater degree of calm” […]
- [London-wide male hormone ads questioned by critics and experts](https://www.citylondonnews.co.uk/news/20260122/88769/london-wide-male-hormone-ads-questioned-by-critics-and-experts): If you’ve been on the Tube recently, you’ve probably seen them; bold posters stating, “It’s not him, it’s his hormones”, asking men whether their hormones are “getting the better of them”. The testosterone testing campaign by private health company Voy, has been hard to miss and hasn’t gone unnoticed online. On social media, particularly TikTok, the ads have sparked a backlash. Critics have accused them of ragebait, recycling language long used to dismiss women, and oversimplifying complex behaviour. Katie Cook, a content creator who focuses on women’s health awareness, says she’s seen the campaign on her feed. While she welcomes […]
- [Is Dry January the final nail in the coffin for London's struggling pubs?](https://www.citylondonnews.co.uk/news/20260122/88648/is-dry-january-the-final-nail-in-the-coffin-for-londons-struggling-pubs): This is not the article I was expecting to write. After doomscrolling through some of the more pessimistic corners of the internet and reading Facebook comments such as “Them childish d*ckheads doing dry jan will kill off London pubs once and for all. No surrender!” I decided it was both my journalistic and moral duty to find out if young Londoners really are staying home nursing a self-flagellatory glass of water. There was only one possible course of action- a pub crawl. I concocted a route that would traverse a variety of North London watering holes, each with varying demographics […]
- [AI vs Film: How Artificial Intelligence is Reshaping The London Film Industry](https://www.citylondonnews.co.uk/news/20260122/88651/ai-vs-film-how-artificial-intelligence-is-reshaping-the-london-film-industry): As Oscar nominations are announced and the BAFTAs approach, City News has spoken to filmmakers who are experimenting with artificial intelligence. From early planning to post-production, the role of AI is raising questions about creativity in the city’s film industry. AI: behind the scenes Generative AI reached the mainstream in November 2022 with the launch of ChatGPT. In film production, its use is increasing across areas like voiceovers, pre-visualisation and concept art. A divided industry Film director and producer Martin Percy, who runs the cinema workshop AI Basics: Thrills or Chills, calls the AI debate a “culture war”. “You can […]
- [Reform’s London mayoral candidate criticised for comments over stop-and-search](https://www.citylondonnews.co.uk/news/20260122/88646/reforms-london-mayoral-candidate-criticised-for-comments-over-muslim-women-subjected-to-stop-and-search): Laila Cunningham, Reform UK’s candidate for the 2028 London mayoral election, has drawn national media attention after controversially suggesting that Muslim women, wearing the burka, should be subject to stop and search. But her remarks have prompted criticism from members of London’s Muslim community. City News has heard from some of London’s residents in response to Laila Cunningham’s comments on stop-and-search. In a recent media interview, Cunningham said of Muslim women, ‘I would look to ban face coverings if I could, but I would like to make it a reason for stop and search’. She added, ‘it has to be […]
- [Campaign prepares legal challenge as opposition to North London cafe takeover grows](https://www.citylondonnews.co.uk/news/20260122/88654/campaign-prepares-legal-challenge-as-opposition-to-north-london-cafe-takeover-grows): Over 20,000 people have signed a petition against the imminent hand-over of independent cafes across parks within North London to a new operator. Hoxton Beach, the current operators of three of the cafes, have voiced serious concerns in response to the City of London Corporation’s decision to transfer the establishments to a corporate chain. It has launched the Real Cafes Campaign and is crowd-funding legal action against their eviction and the change in ownership. Under the plans, cafes in Golders Hill Park, Parliament Hill Fields, Parliament Hill Lido, and Queen’s Park will be taken over by Daisy Green. The Corporation announced […]
- ["We have lived in fear for 50 years – not anymore." Meet the Iranian women using their voice in London](https://www.citylondonnews.co.uk/news/20260122/88649/iran-protests): Meet Yasmin and Sonia: two Iranian women trying to give a voice to their people on the streets of London. Both women have asked not to be identified, fearing repercussions in their home country. Yasmin, who’s name we’ve changed, was twelve when she moved to the UK with her parents and sister. She still has family in Iran, including aunts, uncles, and grandparents. Amid a nationwide internet shutdown in Iran, families in London have been struggling to communicate with loved ones. Yasmin says that in the last few days her family have been able to call, but she cannot contact […]
- [‘Failed by the system’: London’s most vulnerable children housed in illegal placements](https://www.citylondonnews.co.uk/news/20260122/88642/failed-by-the-system-londons-most-vulnerable-children-housed-in-illegal-placements): London’s most vulnerable children are being placed in illegal ‘homes’, many of which are out of their area, a City News investigation has found. Care specialists have told City News that this is a “care system in crisis” and risks harming vulnerable children’s development. As of March 2025, government data shows London had 250 children’s homes in total, which is the lowest across all regions in England, and the capital does not have a secure children’s home to house the city’s most vulnerable children. A Public Accounts Committee report published on 16 January highlights how limited capacity is causing an […]
- [The Brixton campaign group fighting for a freer council](https://www.citylondonnews.co.uk/news/20260122/88637/the-brixton-campaign-group-fighting-for-a-freer-council): A new left-wing community campaign in Brixton is inviting residents  ”To stop Reform and Remake the UK” by challenging the council by standing in May’s local elections. ‘Fed up with Lambeth council? – Let’s put our own independent candidate!” reads one poster.  Lambeth council has been criticised in the media recently for a ‘lack of money management’ and ‘intimidating’ homeless families. The campaign called ‘shake it up’ aims to challenge mainstream party politics, ‘taking power out of closed rooms’, and giving it back to the residents of Lambeth. The campaign began last week in the Brixton Acne Lane ward, and […]
- ['None of this government have ever had a business in their life' - London pub owner fears closure amidst rising costs](https://www.citylondonnews.co.uk/news/20260120/88407/none-of-this-government-have-ever-had-a-business-in-their-life-london-pub-owner-fears-closure-amidst-rising-costs): With an average of one pub a day closing down during 2025 in England and Wales, the owner of a West London pub has accused the Labour government of “not having a brain between them”. Damien Smyth, who runs Biddy Mulligan’s pub in Olympia, has expressed his frustration at spiralling costs despite Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ recent announcement that she will offer additional support to the sector. The chancellor’s move responded to publican anger over the decision to reduce pub business rate discounts from 75% to 40% in the November budget. It remains to be seen exactly what the extra support […]
- [Champions League Preview: Spotlight on North London & Thomas Frank](https://www.citylondonnews.co.uk/sport/20260120/88416/champions-league-preview-spotlight-on-north-london-thomas-frank): North London takes centre stage in the Champions League tonight as Spurs and Arsenal face key European tests Frank aims to save face Tottenham Hotspur vs Borussia Dortmund, Tuesday 20th January – 20:00  Spurs host Borussia Dortmund at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium tonight, returning to European action following their calamitous last-minute defeat to struggling West Ham. Thomas Frank’s side has shown flashes of attacking potential this season, but has struggled to put together a strong run of form. This will prove a pivotal game for Thomas Frank’s future, whose side have won one of their last eight. Spurs have been […]
- [Could Nigel Farage be our next prime minister?](https://www.citylondonnews.co.uk/news/20260120/88569/could-nigel-farage-be-our-next-prime-minister): Nigel Farage has been a constant presence in British politics for years. From UKIP to the Brexit Party and now Reform UK, he has shaped debates around the European Union, immigration, and national identity. But could he be the UK’s next Prime Minister? The UK has historically operated as a two-party system, with Labour and the Conservatives alternating in power. Smaller parties have always existed, but they have rarely been strong enough to form a government on their own. In fact, the last time a party outside Labour or the Conservatives governed alone was more than a century ago, when the […]
- [Dulwich locals hang toast on trees in pagan ritual](https://www.citylondonnews.co.uk/news/20260120/88410/dulwich-locals-hang-toast-on-trees-in-pagan-ritual): A folk tradition passed down from the Celts has seen something of a resurgence in London. On a mild Saturday afternoon, revellers gathered to sing to the health of the orchard trees, beating pots and pouring cider around their base before sticking toasted bread on the branches. “Apples are a really important crop in this country, they were the first crop we used to make alcohol with. Anything around alcohol tends to have a lot of mythology”, says Sam, an education officer with the trust. The word Wassail comes from the Anglo Saxon ‘wes hal’ meaning ‘good hail’. Once part of […]
- [Labour councils pledge to protect free travel for over 66s in London](https://www.citylondonnews.co.uk/news/20260120/88421/labour-councils-pledge-to-protect-free-travel-for-over-66s-in-london): The Freedom Pass has allowed Londoners aged 66 and over to travel for free on London’s public transport network for more than 50 years. But concerns about its rising cost have created uncertainty over the scheme’s future. Earlier this month, London Councils – the body which represents all 32 London boroughs and the City of London- announced a potential review of the Older Person’s Freedom Pass, due to rising financial pressures on boroughs. The pass currently costs London’s councils almost £333m, a figure expected to rise to £372m next financial year. One of the proposals is to limit the London over-66 […]
- [Jews in London sceptical of possible American asylum offer](https://www.citylondonnews.co.uk/news/20260120/88409/jews-in-london-sceptical-of-possible-american-asylum-offer): Jewish Londoners have given a mixed response to claims that the United States should offer British Jews asylum. Robert Garson, a British Jew from Manchester who is now serving as President Trump’s personal lawyer, claimed in The Telegraph that “the UK is no longer a safe place for Jews”. He says he’s in discussions with the State Department about offering British Jews asylum in the US. The Trump administration has repeatedly criticised the UK over its handling of antisemitism in the past year. In a report last summer, they accused the UK of backsliding on human rights, citing increased antisemitic […]
- ['I want to be the voice of Iran': The Iranian Londoners who fear the worst](https://www.citylondonnews.co.uk/news/20260120/88432/i-want-to-be-the-voice-of-iran-the-iranian-londoners-who-fear-the-worst): ‘Iranian people have nothing to loose, that’s why they go out to protest… this government has done nothing’. Fariba Nazemi, a 70 year old foster carer from west London, constantly sits by her phone, waiting to receive a call from her cousins. 12 days and no contact with family in Iran, Fariba is extremely worried about her relatives. She says at the moment ‘Iranian people are most of the time upset’. Iran has faced two weeks of the biggest demonstrations in decades. On the 28th of December protesters took to the streets of Iran over the economy. However, the protests […]
- [Londoners react to Brooklyn saying bye bye to the Beckhams](https://www.citylondonnews.co.uk/arts/20260120/88403/londoners-react-to-brooklyn-saying-bye-bye-to-the-beckhams): In an essay of six Instagram stories last night, Brooklyn Peltz Beckham, the eldest son of power couple David and Victoria Beckham, accused his parents of controlling press narratives about his relationship with wife Nicola Peltz Beckham. Today, David Beckham has refused to answer questions about the family feud after being spotted at the World Economic Forum in Davos. Since Brooklyn’s post last night, Londoners have been abuzz with the latest news. Commuters told City News: “I am Team Beckham, how can he bash them like that.” “Good for him for standing up for himself.” “It’s very similar to the […]
- [Illegal 'gambling predators' cost a man his life, say his family.](https://www.citylondonnews.co.uk/news/20260120/88399/illegal-gambling-predators-cost-a-man-his-life-say-his-family): “Gambling drove Ollie to such unbearable despair”. Chloe Long remembers her brother Ollie as a kind, compassionate brother and uncle, who had a life full of endless possibilities. But those possibilities abruptly ended when he was sucked into the world of illegal gambling. ‘He could not break free from the gambling predators, and he felt he had no option but to take his own life.’ A passionate football fan, Ollie started betting on the sport in 2016 and a big early win of around £15,000 encouraged a casual habit to spiral, until it hijacked the sport he loved. He tried to […]
- [UK Government approves plans for Chinese mega-embassy](https://www.citylondonnews.co.uk/news/20260120/88431/uk-government-approves-plans-for-chinese-mega-embassy): Plans for a new Chinese embassy in London have been accepted, following a decision by the government. The government announced this morning it has approved plans for a new Chinese embassy in London after concluding that security and public safety risks could be managed. The decision comes after years of debate and delays. The plans were rejected by Tower Hamlets Council in 2022 over safety concerns, but when Chinese officials resubmitted their application in 2024, the government took over the decision. A 240-page document containing the decision says concerns around protests, policing, and the site’s location have been carefully assessed […]
- [New Protest Group Dumps Manure in Luxury Hotel](https://www.citylondonnews.co.uk/news/20251204/88346/new-protest-group-dumps-manure-in-luxury-hotel): A Take Back Power spokesperson told City news that they are “gonna keep making it hard for the super rich to sleep.” On Wednesday, three activists dumped manure below the Christmas Tree in the lobby of the famous Ritz hotel, part of a new non-violent civil resistance called ‘Take Back Power’. The supporters were subsequently removed from the lobby, where they held out signs outside the entrance. Joe Clark, graduated from the University of Leeds and works at a charity. He’s just joined the group after agreeing with their message. “I’m just a supporter. I saw the action yesterday, and I […]
- [The Ashes: Joe Root makes 135 not out to give England a massive boost](https://www.citylondonnews.co.uk/news/20251204/88354/the-ashes-joe-root-makes-135-not-out-to-give-england-a-massive-boost): It’s the Second Test of The Ashes in Australia – a day-night Test, where play began at 4am UK time, allowing British spectators to tune in for Joe Root’s historic century. As part of these Tests, matches are played into the evening in Australia, allowing for Brits to tune in through the morning into the afternoon. The match began at 2pm Australia time, marking a change from the standard hours of play. This was done for two main reasons: allowing for locals to buy tickets to games at more reasonable hours outside of work, and offering the chance for Brits […]
- [The lesser told truths about witch-hunt history and 'Jack the Ripper'](https://www.citylondonnews.co.uk/news/20251204/88301/the-lesser-told-truths-about-witch-hunt-history-and-jack-the-ripper): The last woman convicted of witchcraft in Britain was in 1944 – which… wasn’t very long ago. These stereotypes creep into life today. We still use the phrase ‘witch-hunt’, and there is comparisons that social media ‘witch-hunts’ are the new form of being burnt at the stake. This dark part of our history has clearly left a dent. I spoke with Maria Beadell, founder of London-based Herstorical Tours- ‘Hex and the City’. With a background in London ghost tours, history, writing and acting,  her specialism seemed to be in giving voice to forgotten and misrepresented women in history. Maria, having […]
- [Northern Line FC 5-2 Hammersmith and Circle FC: The TfL and London Underground Football League heats up](https://www.citylondonnews.co.uk/news/20251204/88317/northern-line-fc-5-2-hammersmith-and-circle-fc-the-tfl-and-london-underground-football-league-heats-up): Hammersmith and Circle FC took a second-half battering from Northern Line FC in the Transport for London and London Underground Football League at the Market Road football pitches on Tuesday. In a clash that saw vicious tackles and many complaints – from both sides – regarding some dubious refereeing decisions, Northern Line struggled to find the sort of rhythm they’ve displayed often this season, seeing them lead the way in Division One. The opening period saw the squad, composed of workers from across the Northern Line, struggle for possession, partly thanks to a strong pressing game from Hammersmith and Circle. […]
- [London Christmas trees criticised as 'advert cones'](https://www.citylondonnews.co.uk/news/20251204/88142/london-christmas-trees-criticised-as-advert-cones): Eye-catching trees have captured commuters’ attention in busy London railway stations this Christmas. But a debate is swirling online around these less-than-traditional festive features. Some Londoners have expressed unease the trees are effectively promoting major brands and shows. “I actually just messaged a photo of [The Stranger Things tree] to my sister to say Stranger Things promo is crazy this year, it’s mad” Looming large at the centre of Waterloo Station, a Stranger Things-themed tree has appeared, marking the release of its 5th season. One fan told City News she had come specifically to visit the tree, and was delighted […]
- [London’s HIV Services Face a New Test as UK Pushes Toward 2030 Zero-Transmission Targets](https://www.citylondonnews.co.uk/news/20251204/88241/londons-hiv-services-face-a-new-test-as-uk-pushes-toward-2030-zero-transmission-targets): The government’s pledge to end HIV transmissions in the UK is entering a decisive phase. This year on World AIDS day clinicians warn progress is real, but fragile as stigma remains entrenched in many communities. Thousands have fallen out of treatment reports AidsMap, and global funding cuts risk increasing infections. Innovative London Programmes aim to close the gap. London is among a number of global Fast-Track Cities committed to eradicate HIV transmissions by 2030. According to the Greater London Authority, the capital has seen significant, world-leading reductions in diagnoses, but warns “progress is uneven,” particularly among Black communities, migrants, and […]
- [Shoulder to Shoulder: The Men’s Community Rewriting the Rules of Masculinity](https://www.citylondonnews.co.uk/news/20251204/88168/shoulder-to-shoulder-the-mens-community-rewriting-the-rules-of-masculinity): When Tom Stroud and Dan Shrigley met for the first time over a coffee, they were struck by how strange it felt to be meeting this way as men. “We were like, why is it weird for two guys to meet up for coffee like this? Surely there are other guys who are craving more connection.” Dan says. The pair, who are London-based, thought they’d identified something: were other men in the city looking for connection, but hesitating to ask for it? That’s how the Shoulder to Shoulder men’s community was born. In January of this year, Dan and Tom […]
- [Trafalgar Square’s Christmas Tree and it’s Journey to the Centre of London](https://www.citylondonnews.co.uk/news/20251204/88176/trafalgar-squares-christmas-tree-and-its-journey-to-the-centre-of-london): The world’s most famous Christmas tree has arrived in the capital. The tree in Trafalgar Square appeared early on Monday morning and will be lit up in splendour after a lighting ceremony on Thursday. For many Londoners, the festive season only truly begins once they’ve seen and judged the tree in all its glory. Whilst debates of the tree’s appearance have become as traditional as the tree itself, the story of why and how it gets to the city shouldn’t be forgotten. The tree is a gift from the people of Norway to Britain to express their ongoing gratitude for […]
- [Alone on Christmas: The Hidden Struggle of London's Young Adults](https://www.citylondonnews.co.uk/news/20251204/88152/alone-on-christmas-the-hidden-struggle-of-londons-young-adults): “It’s everywhere, it’s promoted, it’s commercial. You can’t walk into a supermarket without being reminded, “Stephanie says. Festive adverts, shop displays, the queues of people buying for gatherings she won’t be part of. It doesn’t simply remind her she’ll be spending Christmas by herself. Instead, it points to why she’ll be alone. For Stephanie, the lead-up to Christmas is a challenge. Estranged from her family, the 25-year-old has spent several Decembers learning how to navigate the festive season on her own. “There’s a lot of grief involved, which I don’t think we often talk about,” she explains. Stephanie says people […]
- [Abandoned Trolleys Are Impacting The Environment More Than You Think](https://www.citylondonnews.co.uk/news/20251204/88253/abandoned-trolleys-are-impacting-the-environment-more-than-you-think): Abandoned supermarket trolleys have become a common sight in parts of London. Residents are writing in local groups, posting on X and sharing images of trolleys blocking pavements, turning up in parks, even in water bodies. Research conducted by Wanz, a trolley manufacturer, reveals that London and its surrounding areas are the largest hotspot in the UK for their retrievals of abandoned trolleys recently. Wanz have collected 14,445 trolleys from Greater London, compared to 7,838 in the larger Newcastle / Middlesbrough area, the next largest hotspot. But beyond the frustration, what actually happens to these trolleys, and why does it […]
- [Household Bills to Increase after £28bn Investment Plans](https://www.citylondonnews.co.uk/news/20251204/88209/household-bills-to-increase-after-28bn-investment-plans): Ofgem approves £28 billion upgrade to UK energy networks, adding £108 to household bills. The regulator’s final decision increases the level of spending from a previously proposed £24 billion. Under the plans, around £17.8 billion will go towards gas transmission and distribution systems. While a further £10.3 billion will be used to strengthen the country’s high voltage electricity grid. The regulator says says the work is needed to modernise aging infrastructure, prepare the gird for growing electricity demand, and support the shift towards cleaner energy. However, because the upgrades are funded through energy bills, households will see a gradual increase […]
- [Riding home for Christmas? Here's our train travel tips](https://www.citylondonnews.co.uk/news/20251204/88121/riding-home-for-christmas-heres-our-train-travel-tips): With Christmas right around the corner, millions of Londoners will be planning their journeys to see their loved ones over the festive season, and this year the government’s given us an early present. What the fare freeze means: The government have announced they will be freezing train prices, saying this plan will “deliver real savings for millions of commuters”. Railway historian Tim Dunn sees this announcement as welcome step towards rail reform. He said that previously ‘our government … has chosen to put the cost of travel onto the traveller, not subsidise it by taxpayers’. The freeze is expected to […]
- [Hackney's Moth Club planning dispute becomes national test case for grassroots venue protections](https://www.citylondonnews.co.uk/news/20251204/88144/hackneys-moth-club-planning-dispute-becomes-national-test-case-for-grassroots-venue-protections): The Music Venue Trust (MVT) is warning that a planning dispute over Hackney’s Moth Club represents an “existential threat” to the wider live-music ecosystem and risks setting a “catastrophic” national precedent. The organisation accuses Hackney Council of disregarding established planning safeguards, with the outcome poised to test whether the UK’s cultural protections genuinely function. The dispute centres on two planning applications submitted in late 2024 for new housing on Morning Lane. The venue’s owners argue the proposed flats, some with balconies facing the stage wall, would inevitably lead to noise complaints and jeopardise its operation.   A public petition against […]
- [London Bakeries who are Keeping the Mince Pie Tradition Alive](https://www.citylondonnews.co.uk/news/20251204/88134/london-bakeries-who-are-keeping-the-mince-pie-tradition-alive): National Mince Pie Day fell on 22 November and new data suggests that Britain’s appetite for them isn’t slowing down. A recent YouGov poll found more than half of Britons (56–58%) still include mince pies in their festive traditions. Behind the nostalgia of a sweet, fruit-filled pastry lie the London bakeries who are working to meet the demands to make thousands of them each festive season. Today’s mince pie is synonymous with sweet fruit, brandy, and rich, flaky pastry. In medieval England, mince pies were savoury, and made with meat, dried fruit and spices. By the Tudor period, the pies […]
- [London’s Littlest Gardeners Are Growing Big Wins](https://www.citylondonnews.co.uk/news/20251204/88123/londons-littlest-gardeners-are-growing-big-wins): Every week, next to St Jude’s Church in Hampstead Garden Suburb, a crew of young pioneers, armed with gloves, watering cans and a whole lot of enthusiasm, get to work. And this year, all that happy chaos paid off: the club has brought home multiple gardening trophies. I chatted to some of these budding superstars to find out why they love gardening so much. One young “earth explorer” told me he enjoys planting and getting his hands dirty, while another said gardening club is “fun and a place you get to meet new friends.” Several were big fans of eating […]
- [Mayor rejected warning to take action to preserve London's car clubs](https://www.citylondonnews.co.uk/news/20251202/88077/mayor-ignored-warnings-to-take-action-to-preserve-londons-car-clubs): London Mayor Sadiq Khan rejected warnings that urgent action was needed to secure the capital’s car clubs. In April, a report from the London Assembly Transport Committee called on the Mayor and Transport for London (TfL) to develop a pan-action London plan to preserve the car clubs. The report claimed that leaving councils to create their own strategies for car clubs had lead to inconsistent coverage, causing some operators to pull out of the capital. On Monday, Zipcar – the world’s largest car-sharing company – announced they were ceasing operations in the capital. Over half a million Londoners hold Zipcar […]
- [Nepo Babies Still Wear the Fashion Crown](https://www.citylondonnews.co.uk/news/20251202/88057/nepo-babies-still-wear-the-fashion-crown): Butter-yellow, baby bumps and British icons. But, what stood out at the 2025 Fashion Awards was the presence of dolled-up nepotism across the generations. Alongside the awards, frills and charitable focus, the Royal Albert Hall event included a  line-up of our favourite London-based nepo babies, ranging from old school icons to the fresh faces on the scene. Some of our favourite looks from the original nepo babies are: Lily Allen West End girl, Lily Allen, stunned the carpet with an air of sophistication in a Baroque Valentino gown. She meets our nepo baby requirements as daughter of renowned actor, comedian […]
- [These AI images are warping people's view of London](https://www.citylondonnews.co.uk/news/20251202/88017/these-ai-images-are-warping-peoples-view-of-london): You’ve probably seen them – AI-generated videos sprawled across your feed. Their next target: London. Our social media feeds are saturated with artificial intelligence. Automated voices, synthetic artwork, and videos that increasingly look like they were shot on an iPhone, in person. Apps like Sora and Veo give consumers the chance to become producers, creating videos that express their views without the bureaucracy or negotiation of a film crew. But AI video production hasn’t only replicated cinematic imagery. Low quality, grainy videos of the London Underground have proliferated on X and TikTok, depicting gangs of masked men filling the tube. […]
- [‘My anorexia was coercing me’: calls for more eating disorder safeguards in the assisted dying bill](https://www.citylondonnews.co.uk/news/20251202/88005/i-dont-actually-want-to-die-calls-for-more-eating-disorder-safeguards-in-the-assisted-dying-bill): “If there was a legal way of someone giving me a way to end my life, and no one would have told me off for it, I would have done it without a shadow of a doubt.” Ailidh Musgrave spent 15 years in and out of hospital after being diagnosed with anorexia aged 13. At times, she was given less than a week to live. Over 20 hospitals rejected her for treatment, which Ailidh believes is due to her case’s complexity – she also has a connective tissue disorder and autism. She told City News, “I didn’t see a future […]
- [Brent has the lowest levels of GPs per patient in London](https://www.citylondonnews.co.uk/news/20251202/88016/brent-has-almost-half-the-gp-coverage-of-camden-new-analysis-shows): Brent has some of the lowest GP staffing levels in London and almost half the GP coverage per patient seen in Camden, City News reveals. London overall has 5.09 GPs for every 10,000 patients which is below the England average of 5.85. The World Health Organisation (WHO) says the figure should be closer to 10. Some boroughs such as Newham and Ealing also have some of the lowest staffing levels in the capital. Others like Hackney and Richmond have almost twice as many GPs relative to their population. The strain can also be seen in how long patients wait for […]
- [Local Labour Chair resigns after purchase of Green membership](https://www.citylondonnews.co.uk/news/20251201/87985/local-labour-chair-resigns-after-purchase-of-green-membership): The chair of Surrey Heath Constituency Labour Party has resigned from his post – after becoming a member of the Green Party. Prior to standing down, Charlie Wilson had expressed the hope that he could belong to both political parties. But Labour Party rules do not allow this, forcing the 20-year-old to leave his position. “Perhaps the Greens don’t mind but Labour is super tribal about it” he said on Wednesday evening. Mr Wilson bought a Green Party Membership on Monday 14th November, prompting discussion on a WhatsApp group run by Young Green Party activists. Asked to comment, Mr Wilson […]
- [Pay-per-mile on EV's 'Sends Mixed Messaging', According to EV Company](https://www.citylondonnews.co.uk/news/20251127/87946/pay-per-mile-on-evs-sends-mixed-messaging-according-to-ev-company): The Autumn 2025 Budget will see drivers of electric vehicles (EVs) charged per mile in the UK, as part of the taxes introduced by Rachel Reeves.  The Tax on EVs is £1.4 billion of the governments’ projected £26 billion tax increase by 2029-30.  What the New Tax Means for Drivers From 2028, the government will introduce a mileage-based road levy on both fully electric and plug-in hybrid cars: 3p per mile for EVs  1.5p per mile for hybrids Industry analysts at Drive Electric estimate that a typical driver covering 8,500 miles a year, will face £255-260 in extra annual costs. […]
- [Cyber Criminals Strike London Councils](https://www.citylondonnews.co.uk/news/20251127/87941/cyber-criminals-strike-london-councils): Hackers have sent London councils into emergency procedures, impacting shared IT services and phone lines as authorities attempt to limit the damage. So far, the authorities impacted are the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea (RBKC), Westminster City Council and London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham. RBKC has even encouraged staff to work from home due to the incident. Hackney council has issued an urgent memo warning staff about phishing scams, after a significant cyber attack in 2020 led to the leaking of 280,000 residents’ data. RBKC has stated they have found the ’cause’ of the incident, but are not […]
- [Tate Workers Strike Reveals Pay Gap Between Staff and Top Earners](https://www.citylondonnews.co.uk/news/20251127/87868/tate-workers-strike-reveals-pay-gap-between-staff-and-top-earners): Is £34,000 a year enough to survive in London? And what if that salary comes from one of the city’s most prestigious cultural institutions? Tate workers are striking from the 26th of November to the 2nd of December, protesting low pay, working conditions, and the rising cost of living. The action follows recent strikes at the British Library, pointing to wider pressure across London’s cultural sector. Culture, media, and sport receive just 0.36 percent of total government spending in the UK, leaving major institutions like Tate navigating tight budgets year-on-year. Tate says it has made careful savings to invest in […]
- [London Christmas Events cause anxiety for neurodivergent attendees](https://www.citylondonnews.co.uk/news/20251127/87805/london-christmas-events-cause-anxiety-for-neurodivergent-event-goers): As Christmas rolls around in London, so do the markets. Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland, South Bank Christmas Market, and Christmas at Kew Gardens are a few of the big names. With the festivities, comes anxiety for some in the neurodivergent community whose needs may still not be correctly supported by event organisers. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodivergent condition which affects almost 88,000 Londoners, according to a survey by the London Assembly, and that’s only counting those able to get a diagnosis. There were more than 200,000 NHS patients in September with an open referral for suspected autism. Dr Selina […]
- [Appy to Help: New Tool Takes the Sting Out of Matchdays](https://www.citylondonnews.co.uk/news/20251127/87649/can-innovation-help-residents-around-london-stadiums): Centres of excitement and culture, but also sources of disruption and noise, locals share mixed reviews about stadium life. With seven premier league football teams and twenty-one stadiums, London is a hub for thousands of sports fans every week. These venues bring extra cash, business and buzz to areas across London. Cafes, merchandise stalls and corner shops all have queues out of the door on match days, and the noise of chants and singing can be heard for miles. Ideal for some, but with affordable housing in short supply, it’s not just football fans who choose to live around stadiums. […]
- [The decline of Ridley Road Market: in their own words.](https://www.citylondonnews.co.uk/news/20251127/87808/the-decline-of-ridley-road-market-in-their-own-words): Ridley Road Market, operational for over 140 years and often referred to as the “heart and soul of Dalston”, is now just a fragment of its former glory. Having served the Dalston community for over a century, Ridley Road market embodies the area’s rich history of immigration and cultural diversity. However, in recent years, it has become difficult to survive as a trader. With sky-rocketing rent, rising expenses and dwindling footfall, many traders are worried about what the future holds for them and the market itself. “I can’t see us being here in five years, we will be gone.” David, […]
- [Radiohead return to touring after seven-year hiatus](https://www.citylondonnews.co.uk/news/20251125/87746/radiohead-return-to-touring-after-seven-year-hiatus): Radiohead return to touring after a 7-year hiatus. Radiohead returned to London with a series of concerts over the last five days, their first live performances in the UK since 2017. This comes after a summer of 90s nostalgia from the Oasis reunion tour to Pulp’s new album to the 90s house classic ‘Where Love Lives’ being the soundtrack to John Lewis’s viral Christmas Advert. Songs were re-situated by live reworkings While the force of nostalgia is strong, the Financial Times’s Art Writer and Pop Critic Ludovic Hunter-Tilney noted the band’s reworking of tracks for the live performance. Different arrangements […]
- [Fairness on trial: A balanced look at the government’s Mansion Tax plans](https://www.citylondonnews.co.uk/news/20251125/87762/fairness-on-trial-a-balanced-look-at-the-governments-mansion-tax-plans): The Chancellor is reportedly planning a significant change to property taxation, with a proposed Mansion Tax targeting high value homes. Amidst a government commitment not to raise headline income taxes, this levy is seen as a key way to boost public finances and address wealth inequality. However, the details of the tax and its potential unintended consequences have sparked immediate debate across the political and financial spectrums. Two types of Mansion Tax being considered Current speculation centres around two main models for the new Mansion Tax. They are both designed to leverage the value of expensive properties: Council Tax Surcharge […]
- [Super-low council tax Wandsworth could soon face hikes, council documents show](https://www.citylondonnews.co.uk/news/20251125/87767/super-low-council-tax-wandsworth-could-soon-face-hikes-council-documents-show): Wandsworth, which currently has the lowest council tax rates in England, could soon face tax hikes or service cuts, according to a council report. The report, which was presented to the Council’s finance overview and scrutiny committee meeting last month, says: “it is clear the Council will require significant ongoing reductions in spend levels or increases in income to maintain its financial sustainability”. The government’s Fair Funding Review is one of the causes behind the looming tax rises. The document describes the review as “potentially significant for Wandsworth.” The Fair Funding Review will be implemented from May 2026, changing government […]
- [Are influencers outselling brands? Who’s really driving purchases?](https://www.citylondonnews.co.uk/news/20251125/87704/are-influencers-outselling-brands-whos-really-driving-purchases): Was it because you had a quick rummage through a website and saw a dress worth purchasing? Or perhaps it was because your favourite influencers showcased their wanted products which has inspired you to buy them too! A Textile Resources statistic states since 2023, at least 70% of Generation Z and millennials have admitted to buying something fashion influencers have promoted.   But why is this? Why have people became more likely to trust influencers over brands? It seems to be an issue of intimacy.   Cambridge Dictionary recently named ‘parasocial’ as the 2025 word of the year. The term […]
- [Are knife attacks really on the rise on public transport in London?](https://www.citylondonnews.co.uk/news/20251125/87684/are-knife-attacks-really-on-the-rise-on-public-transport-in-london): With 4 knife attacks in one week in London, concern is rising over safety on public transport. All 3 incidents in such close time proximity turns attention towards growing concerns for public safety on London transport In the first 6 months of this year, Transport for London (TFL) recorded 4,423 reported violent offences on its services. This is 58 fewer offenses than in the first six months of the previous year. TFL found that 39% of its users have felt worried about their personal safety on public transport in the past 3 months. 9% of Londoners claim that their concerns […]
- [Are Pubs Just For Grown-Ups?](https://www.citylondonnews.co.uk/news/20251125/87711/are-pubs-just-for-grown-ups): On a grey weekday afternoon in Leyton, the front room of William the Fourth still carries the easy chaos of a family-friendly pub. A buggy sits parked beside a long table; a toddler points at the chalkboard beer list as two parents quietly decide who is buying the next round. By 7pm, though, that scene will disappear. William the Fourth- a long established East London pub has introduced a new rule: no children on the premise after 7pm. The decision, announced on social media, came into action on Monday 24th November and has sparked immediate debate. Was this a reasonable […]
- [Champions League Preview: The Battle of the Young Superstars and the Return of the Kane](https://www.citylondonnews.co.uk/news/london/20251125/87708/champions-league-preview-the-battle-of-the-young-superstars-and-the-return-of-the-kane): Chelsea versus Barcelona: Tuesday 25th November 20:00hrs When one thinks of Chelsea versus Barcelona, it is next to impossible to decide on which track to select in your jukebox of memories. 2012 produced “Torres through on goal…” and noises from Gary Neville, which I dare not attempt to put in print… Before that, 2009 produced a Michael Essien volley, arguably one of history’s greatest shirt-off celebrations, and ultimately one of football’s most debated games (“IT’S A DISGRACE!”). Therefore, it is no surprise that as the teams prepare to battle at ‘The Bridge’ tonight, fans twitch at their office desks as […]
- [M25 to be moved and homes demolished as Heathrow expansion approved](https://www.citylondonnews.co.uk/news/20251125/87696/m25-to-be-moved-and-homes-demolished-as-heathrow-expansion-approved): Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander has approved a £49 billion plan for a third runway at Heathrow – involving redirecting the M25 into a tunnel running underneath the airport and also requiring the compulsory purchase of a number of properties. The proposal, which was submitted by Heathrow Airport, was chosen over another proposal submitted by the Arora Group, led by hotelier Surinder Arora. The rejected plan proposed a shorter runway – which would have avoided moving the M25 – at almost half the cost. The greenlit runway will be 3,500 metres long, and Heathrow says it will increase passenger capacity to […]
- [Smoke seen across west London as firefighters tackle warehouse fire.](https://www.citylondonnews.co.uk/news/20251125/87685/150-firefighters-are-tackling-a-warehouse-fire-in-southall): 150 firefighters are tackling a warehouse fire in Southall. Large plumes of smoke are visible across West London. Initial reports of a fire were received at 8.55 am, according to the London Fire Brigade, and their control officers have taken over 60 calls since then. Though the cause of the fire is not yet known, it is believed that there may be fireworks stored inside the west London warehouse that is presently still engulfed in flames. The blaze is being battled by around 150 firefighters and 25 fire engines as the two-storey structure remains alight. London Fire Brigade’s assistant commissioner […]
- [London Artists Warn of Chinese Surveillance Threat](https://www.citylondonnews.co.uk/news/20251125/87669/london-artists-warn-of-chinese-surveillance-threat): On 4 June, a candlelit vigil outside the Chinese Embassy in London marked 35 years since the Tiananmen Square Massacre – a brutal act of state-sanctioned violence in 1989 that resulted in the deaths of hundreds of pro-democracy protesters. Among them stood Hong Kong artists Lumli and Lumlong, who fled to the UK in 2021 after pro-Beijing media accused them of promoting independence through their work. “The police came to our studio to threaten us. We were scared, so we fled,” Lumli told City News. Their art is deliberately provocative: traditional portraiture overlaid with bold colours and hyperbolic forms, creating […]
- [Safe Havens: Inside Wandsworth's crackdown on Violence Against Women and Girls](https://www.citylondonnews.co.uk/news/20251120/87609/safe-havens-inside-wandsworths-crackdown-on-violence-against-women-and-girls): Wandsworth council has partnered with the Safer Business Network and Walksafe to establish its ‘Safe Haven’ scheme – a borough-wide effort to provide a temporary place of safety to anyone that needs it. 17 local businesses so far have signed up to the scheme, who agree to provide support and assistance, calling a friend or taxi, offering a drink of water or a phone charger, or calling emergency services. Among the approved locations across the borough are Battersea Arts Centre, The King’s Head, and Battersea Library. Walksafe Founder and CEO Emma Kay, told City News: “75% of our user base […]
- [First Major Crypto Fraud Arrests Following Raid](https://www.citylondonnews.co.uk/news/20251120/87627/first-major-crypto-fraud-arrests-following-raid): Two men have been arrested on suspicion of fraud and money-laundering connected to cryptocurrency. The arrests followed raids of properties in London and Yorkshire carried out by the Serious Fraud Office after their first major investigation into cryptocurrency-linked fraud. They launched an investigation following the collapse of a company which had raised over £20 million. The company, called Basis Markets, raised their funds through two public fundraisers in 2021 which promised to use funds to create a “crypto hedge fund”. By June 2022 investors were informed the project could no longer proceed as planned. Following the SFO investigation and raids, […]
- [Experts Warn About Scam Targeting London Drivers](https://www.citylondonnews.co.uk/news/20251120/87533/experts-warn-about-scam-targeting-london-drivers): Londoners are voicing their fears about innocent drivers being targeted in staged “crash for cash” scams. Fraudsters intentionally cause car accidents, and lodge false insurance claims. Footage shared exclusively with City News appears to show multiple incidents on the same residential street. Resident Frances Tew says she watched a moped driver wait for half-an-hour at the same corner before driving directly into an oncoming car. On one occasion, Tew says the victim was pressured into handing over her driver’s license details. “I feel cross,” she said, “and I worry that it could happen to me any time I leave the […]
- [Forget Brat Summer, Say Hello to Classical Winter](https://www.citylondonnews.co.uk/arts/20251120/87600/forget-brat-summer-say-hello-to-classical-winter): Out with the old, in with the old? Young composers are seeing a classical music renaissance in London, which they hope will open up the traditionally inaccessible artform. Cameron Graham, a member of the London Symphony Orchestra’s young composer mentorship scheme Soundhub, says that the classical music scene in London is now thriving following a severe decline during the pandemic. The reopening of Iklectik, an iconic experimental venue in Peckham, along with ongoing events by the London Contemporary Music Festival, provide a home for musicians who don’t feel they fit the classical mould. Classical fever has taken the internet by […]
- [Shoppers are Cautious this Black Friday, Says Retail Expert](https://www.citylondonnews.co.uk/arts/lifestyle/20251120/87493/shoppers-are-cautious-this-black-friday-says-retail-expert): The Black Friday sales have hit London early this year and the promotions are plastered across shop windows. However, some shoppers are wary. 80% of Generation Z and 81% of Millennials are hitting the high street this Black Friday, to prepare for Christmas. Many shoppers told City News that they are always appreciative of a discount, and look forward to the sale every year. Some, however, are feeling cautious after Which? Looked at 227 products in the sales fortnight last year and found that 9 out of 10 deals were the same price or cheaper at other times of the […]
- [Jeremy Corbyn: Government's NHS Funding Plans are 'Disgusting and Disgraceful'](https://www.citylondonnews.co.uk/news/20251120/87360/jeremy-corbyn-governments-nhs-funding-plans-are-disgusting-and-disgraceful): “NO NEW PFI IN OUR NHS”, Campaigners outside of the Department of Health and Public Services implore the government to reconsider reported plans to employ private financing models in the health service. The protest, organised by campaign group We Own it, drew an impassioned crowd of NHS workers and concerned Londoners. They stood alongside multiple government MPs, including former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, who spoke out against the use of private finance to fund NHS developments. Loans from private finance have been used across the London NHS trusts before to support developments. Critics of the schemes say the cost of […]
- [Lambeth Moves Toward Tourist Tax as Visitor Numbers Surge](https://www.citylondonnews.co.uk/news/20251120/87509/lambeth-moves-toward-tourist-tax-as-visitor-numbers-surge): Lambeth, known for key London attractions like the London Eye, Brixton’s O2 Academy, and the South Bank, is aiming to introduce one of the city’s first tourist taxes. As tourism grows, London expects to welcome a record 43 million visitors from other countries in 2025. Tourism brings in more than £27 billion a year for the UK economy and supports about 700,000 jobs. Lambeth alone is understood to attract more than three million visitors each month, with around 200,000 extra people arriving at the weekends. A Borough Feeling the Pressure In a statement sent to City News, Lambeth Council said while […]
- [Shepherd's Bush Market Months Away From Redevelopment](https://www.citylondonnews.co.uk/news/20251120/87444/shepherds-bush-market-months-away-from-redevelopment): Attempts to protect Shepherd’s Bush Market from redevelopment have been shut down by the local council. Shepherd’s Bush Market moved one step closer to widescale development, with Hammersmith & Fulham Council’s refusal to designate the site as an “Asset of Community Value” sparking controversy. The council rejected the proposal on the grounds that the market focuses on retail, and not on furthering the social interest or wellbeing of the community. In response to the decision, Friends of Shepherd’s Bush Market accused Hammersmith & Fulham Council of siding with “billionaire developers over market traders and the local community”. Local man Bobby, […]
- [London’s National COVID Memorial Wall to Be Officially Preserved by the Government](https://www.citylondonnews.co.uk/news/20251120/87404/londons-national-covid-memorial): The government plans to officially preserve the National Covid Memorial Wall in Lambeth which was created as a grassroots project by campaigners during the March 2021 lockdown. The Wall, situated along the River Thames by St Thomas’ Hospital, a major centre of the UK’s COVID-19 response, features over 250,000 hand-painted red hearts and spans 540 metres, directly opposite the Houses of Parliament. Each heart commemorates and represents a life and a loved one lost to COVID-19. How it began Matthew Fowler painted the first heart in March 2021 after he lost his father to COVID-19. In the same month, he […]
- [Chiswick House Conservatory added to Historic England's 'Heritage at Risk Register'](https://www.citylondonnews.co.uk/news/20251118/87394/chiswick-house-conservatory-added-to-historic-englands-heritage-at-risk-register): The Hounslow Conservatory at Chiswick House has been added to Historic England’s ‘Heritage at Risk Register’ giving it another opportunity to be saved. The Grade I listed Conservatory is now closed to the public due to structural fragility and urgent repair needs. You may recognise the elegant 18th-century Chiswick House from Bridgerton. Especially, in Season 3 Episode 6, ‘Romancing Mr. Bridgerton’. Behind the film and glamour, the Conservatory is crumbling. Originally built in 1813, it has undergone major reconstruction three times. The structural issues stem mainly from the timber and glass materials used in the second repair in the 1930s. […]
- [Commons hears new calls for Chinese embassy plan to be refused](https://www.citylondonnews.co.uk/news/20251118/87377/commons-clash-over-chinese-embassy-in-london): Labour and the Conservatives have clashed in the House of Commons over the plans for the new Chinese embassy in London after the government said it “will not tolerate” the country’s attempts to “interfere with our sovereign affairs.” The Security Minister Dan Jarvis set out a list of measures the UK is  taking to prevent “covert and calculated” attempts to interfere with the way the country is run. Shadow home affairs spokesperson Alicia Kearns told MPs: “We would refuse permission for that embassy” – referring to the proposed Chinese Embassy near to the Tower of London There has been ongoing […]
- [Are more flags in London the answer to the city's growing tensions?](https://www.citylondonnews.co.uk/news/20251118/87302/are-more-flags-in-london-the-answer-to-the-citys-growing-tensions): Flying more flags could help reduce tensions in the capital, according to an educational charity who advise parliament on the use of flags. “Having more flags is always going to be helpful in terms of expression, and not being so binary,” Philip Tibbetts, of the Flag Institute,  told CityNews. The Flag Institute promotes greater understanding of flags, and flag flying. The charity provides guidance on flag designs and protocols, and runs design competitions for new flags. Recent months have seen communities in London become fractured by flags. While some claim that the masses of St George’s Cross and Union Jack […]
- [Why a tax won't stop this man from betting](https://www.citylondonnews.co.uk/news/20251118/87305/why-a-tax-wont-stop-this-man-from-betting): Adam bets for fun. Last month, he estimated spending between £600 and £800 gambling. He says the social aspect makes even losing enjoyable. “Even if I’m losing a bit, I don’t mind cuz it’s fun to do with everyone. Adam – not his real name – participates in online sports betting. He’s one of thousands of online gamblers who are expected to be hit by the new government tax in the November budget.  Adam, who lives in London,  says he has “no idea about the new tax and how it works. But in terms of would it stop me, then […]
- [American Cash and Chinese Capital snap up central London](https://www.citylondonnews.co.uk/news/20251118/87300/billionaires-american-chinese-take-over-london): With Hollywood stars, tech tycoons and Chinese government entities buying in, London’s property boom is reading more like a spy thriller than a market trend. What do George Lucas, Jack Ma’s wife and Larry Ellison have in common? They’ve all bought properties in London in the last twelve months. They’re also multi billionaires.  The tall, imposing, Georgian buildings in London’s leafy Belgravia are quintessentially British. Their owners, however, come from all over the world. Most notably, from China and the United States. The rivalry is taking over the capital. Earlier this year, data from Knight Frank revealed that America had overtaken China as the biggest buyer in prime […]
- [Harry Beck: The man behind the tube map](https://www.citylondonnews.co.uk/news/20251118/87307/harry-beck-the-man-behind-the-tube-map): An original 1932 Harry Beck tube map draft is being auctioned this December. Christie’s Auction House have announced they are selling the map on the 11th of December for between an expected £70,000-£100,000. Millions of people encounter the London Tube map every day. But who is the man behind the design? Who is Harry Beck? In 1931, Harry Beck created the first topological map still known to us today. His initial design was rejected for being “too radical”. The map was reconsidered in 1933 after a few edits and was sold for an estimated five guineas. The design was printed […]
- [Parents call for greater inspection of supported accommodation after daughter's death](https://www.citylondonnews.co.uk/news/20251118/87321/young-womans-death-in-supported-accommodation-raises-questions): The mother of a vulnerable 24-year-old woman who died in supported accommodation is calling for the Care Quality Commission (CQC) to have greater powers to investigate the levels of wellbeing support.  Emma Lloyd Buckingham told City News her daughter’s death would have been preventable had she been given the appropriate care. Supported accommodation provides housing for vulnerable individuals to live more independently, such as those who require mental heath support, victims of domestic violence or the homeless. She said her daughter Chante had autism and Emotionally Unstable Personality Disorder (EUPD), and struggled to connect with people who couldn’t understand her […]

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