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Clearsprings Ready Homes earned nearly £187 million in profits from government contracts to house asylum seekers, despite complaints about poor conditions at its hotels. Asylum seekers report inedible food and inadequate hygiene, while the company's profits have raised concerns among MPs and charities.
Baby banks in London urgently seek donations of clothing and supplies as financial pressures mount for families. A survey shows 81% of parents supported by the charity Little Village cannot afford warm winter wear. CEO Sophie Livingstone stresses the need for help before the cold weather intensifies.
Tate Britain will create new Mediterranean and East Asian-inspired gardens, including a "garden classroom," after receiving approval from Westminster City Council. The project aims to enhance the gallery's entrance and promote accessibility, allowing more visitors to connect with nature.
Jewish and Palestinian individuals gathered in central London to advocate for peace following a violent attack in Manchester. Organizers emphasized unity and shared human rights, highlighting the importance of grassroots movements in resolving conflict. Attendees expressed hope for peaceful resolutions despite ongoing tensions.
Police dismantled an international gang accused of smuggling 40,000 stolen mobile phones from the UK to China. Eighteen suspects were arrested, and over 2,000 stolen devices were recovered during the operation, which is considered the largest crackdown on phone theft in the UK. The investigation began after a victim traced a stolen iPhone to a warehouse near Heathrow Airport.
Stephen Lawrence's father demands that David Norris, one of his son's murderers, name the other attackers before considering his release from prison. As Norris seeks parole, Dr. Neville Lawrence insists that understanding Norris's views on race and his admission of guilt are crucial for public safety. The Parole Board hearing will include victim impact statements from the Lawrence family.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer urged students to refrain from participating in pro-Palestinian protests on the second anniversary of the Hamas attack on Israel, citing concerns over rising antisemitism. He emphasized that staging demonstrations on this date shows a lack of respect for the Jewish community. The call for restraint comes amid heightened security for Jewish communities following a recent attack on a synagogue in Manchester.
Residents of Elmers End, southeast London, face ongoing disturbances from illegal car racing in a local supermarket parking lot. A night-time barrier is set to be installed to curb the noise and danger, though locals fear it may simply shift the problem elsewhere. Authorities are under pressure to address the growing trend of illegal car meets across the capital.
Kyle Rolfe, 25, faces eviction from his childhood home in west London after Ealing Council invoked tenancy succession rules. Following his mother's death from cancer, he was informed he must vacate the property by October 22, where her ashes are scattered. Despite submitting a rehousing request, he struggles with anxiety over the potential loss of his home.
An animal protection charity urged Transport for London (TfL) to remove a social media video promoting cat travel on public transport. The Cats Protection charity criticized the video as "shocking," highlighting the potential stress and safety risks of traveling with cats in crowded areas. TfL maintains that animals can travel on the network if done safely and in accordance with regulations.