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No Writer
Jun 23
National investigation into NHS maternity services launched after families 'gaslit'

The announcement comes after Health Secretary Wes Streeting met families who have lost babies and amid the ongoing investigations at some NHS trusts into maternity care failings. The investigation in England is intended to provide truth to families suffering harm, as well as driving urgent improvements to care and safety, as part of efforts to ensure "no parent or baby is ever let down again". Politics latest: Farage unveils 'Britannia Card' in latest tax policy The Royal College of Midwives (RCM) welcomed the government's announcement and said maternity services were "at, or even beyond, breaking point". Last week, the NHS regulator said maternity and neonatal services at two Leeds hospitals had been rated inadequate over safety issues. Mr Streeting, who was speaking at the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) conference in London, apologised on behalf of the NHS for what families had been through and said it was "clear something is going wrong". He added: "For the past year, I have been meeting bereaved families from across the country who have lost babies or suffered serious harm during what should have been the most joyful time in their lives. "What they have experienced is devastating - deeply painful stories of trauma, loss, and a lack of basic compassion - caused by failures in NHS maternity care that should never have happened. "Their bravery in speaking out has made it clear: we must act - and we must act now." Mr Streeting said families have had to "fight for truth and justice" and had described being "ignored, gaslit, lied to, manipulated and damaged further by the inability for a trust to simply be honest with them that something has gone wrong". Read more:Analysis: The biggest challenge facing Streeting over state of maternity services The investigation will consist of two parts. The first will investigate up to 10 of the most concerning maternity and neonatal units, including Sussex, in the coming weeks to give affected families answers as quickly as possible, according to the Department of Health. The second will be a "system-wide" look at maternity and neonatal care, uniting lessons from past inquiries to create one clear set of actions designed to improve NHS care. A National Maternity and Neonatal Taskforce will be chaired by Mr Streeting and made up of experts and bereaved families. The investigation will begin this summer and report back by December. Sir Jim Mackey, chief executive of NHS England, said: "This rapid national investigation must mark a line in the sand for maternity care - setting out one set of clear actions for NHS leaders to ensure high quality care for all." Dr Ranee Thakar, president of the RCOG, said: "The maternity workforce is on its knees, with many now leaving the profession." Read more from Sky News:GPs can start prescribing weight loss jabs on NHSStunning images show new 'peek of cosmos' RCM chief executive Gill Walton said: "Everyone involved in maternity services - the midwifery community, obstetricians, anaesthetists, sonographers and, of course, the women and families in their care - knows that maternity services are at, or even beyond, breaking point. "This renewed focus and commitment by the health secretary to deliver change is welcome, and we will do everything we can to support him in doing so."

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Lauren Pinkney
Jun 23
Why are activists protesting against Jeff Bezos's Venice wedding?

While city officials haven't confirmed the wedding details, Italian media has reported that it will be a three-day affair between Tuesday and Thursday this week. The wedding party will reportedly take over the whole island of San Giorgio opposite St Mark's Square - but the location of the ceremony itself remains private. The guest list is rumoured to include Oprah Winfrey, Mick Jagger and Ivanka Trump, as well as pop star Katy Perry, who joined Ms Sanchez in the all-female celebrity crew that travelled to space in April. They and other celebrity guests such as Leonardo Dicaprio and Eva Longoria are set to join the couple for parties on the Amazon owner's super yacht, worth about $500m (£371m), which will dock in the port of Venice for the wedding, Sky TG24 in Italy reports. But not everyone in the city is excited. Why are there protests? Protesters do not have an issue with the marriage itself but with what they say is the "privatisation" and "exploitation" of the city. "He is basically going to treat the whole city as a private ballroom, as a private event area, as if the citizens are not there," said Alice Bazzoli, an activist with No Space for Bezos. Members of the group have told Sky News that the event will close parts of the city and make it difficult for locals to get around, as well as posing environmental concerns with the use of yachts in the canals. "This is not what Venice needs. This is not what a city that is already suffering from overtourism needs," Federica Toninelli, another activist associated with No Space for Bezos, said. The city has long struggled with high tourism numbers. Millions come to see the World Heritage Site for its medieval architecture, crammed into a picturesque canal network. However, this pushes up the cost of living for locals and tends to create only low-paid temporary employment. "It's going to bring money, yes, but we are not going to see any money," said Ms Toninelli. The protests are also linked to wider issues around affordable housing and a dwindling local population in Venice's historic centre. "Do we want our city even more invaded by tourists, by oligarchs, and people who buy and privatise the city, or do we want services, jobs, health services, schools, universities? Do we want to live in the city like normal people, or sell it to the best offer?" Ms Bazzoli added. What protests are planned? Members of No Space for Bezos are planning to disrupt celebrations this week. They unfurled a massive banner on 12 June from the bell tower of the San Giorgio Maggiore basilica with Bezos's name crossed out. They are planning another demonstration on 28 June where they will block guests from arriving at a party by blocking the canals with boats and their bodies, adding that it will be peaceful. "We want to take back our city that we are seeing constantly being privatised and taken away from us," Ms Toninelli told Sky News. Activists from global environmental lobby Greenpeace and the UK group Everyone hates Elon joined the protests on Monday, unveiling a huge banner in St Mark's Square with an image of Mr Bezos laughing and the caption: "If you can rent Venice for your wedding you can pay more tax." Bezos has been contacted for comment. What has the response been to the protests? The mayor of Venice, Luigi Brugnaro, has said he is "honoured" that the city is hosting the event - "Once again Venice proves to be a world stage." He added: "Those 20 people who are putting up posters are clearly capitalising on [Jeff Bezos's] image." The city of Venice has previously denied that the event would disrupt locals, saying water taxi services would run normally and that only 200 guests had been invited. "Venice is used to being the stage for events and shows every week, without significant impacts," a statement said, citing G20 and G7 summits, the Architecture and Cinema Biennales, as well as private events. It added that the city has previous experience of hosting big events successfully. So what other events has the cited hosted? George and Amal Clooney famously got married there in 2014. The actor arrived at his ceremony at the Aman Grande Canal Hotel on a boat, alongside guests including Matt Damon and model Cindy Crawford. The city also hosted world leaders for the 2021 G20 summit, as well as its annual Venice Film Festival. How does Venice place limits on tourists? Venice has been struggling with the impacts of overtourism. There were about 50,000 people living in the historic city centre in 2023 - and about 4.9 million tourist arrivals - according to the data gathering website Statista. In 2024, it became the first city in the world to introduce a payment system for tourists, with officials carrying out random checks to make sure people beyond entry points have a QR code. As it stands, those visiting between April and July for a day trip pay a standard fee of €5, unless they have booked less than four days before their visit, in which case they must pay double. The city has also put in place a size limit of 25 people for tourist groups to reduce crowds. Where else have there been tourist protests? Venice isn't the only European city where locals are frustrated with tourist numbers. Protesters in Barcelona sprayed tourists with water guns as part of demonstrations recently over the number of visitors. Anti-tourism activists have also staged protests in other popular holiday destinations across Spain, including Palma, Malaga and the Canary Islands, claiming that visitors drive up housing costs and lead to residents being unable to afford to live in city centres.

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No Writer
Jun 23
National investigation into NHS maternity services launched after families 'gaslit'

The announcement comes after Health Secretary Wes Streeting met families who have lost babies and amid the ongoing investigations at some NHS trusts into maternity care failings. The investigation in England is intended to provide truth to families suffering harm, as well as driving urgent improvements to care and safety, as part of efforts to ensure "no parent or baby is ever let down again". Politics latest: Farage unveils 'Britannia Card' in latest tax policy The Royal College of Midwives (RCM) welcomed the government's announcement and said maternity services were "at, or even beyond, breaking point". Last week, the NHS regulator said maternity and neonatal services at two Leeds hospitals had been rated inadequate over safety issues. Mr Streeting, who was speaking at the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) conference in London, apologised on behalf of the NHS for what families had been through and said it was "clear something is going wrong". He added: "For the past year, I have been meeting bereaved families from across the country who have lost babies or suffered serious harm during what should have been the most joyful time in their lives. "What they have experienced is devastating - deeply painful stories of trauma, loss, and a lack of basic compassion - caused by failures in NHS maternity care that should never have happened. "Their bravery in speaking out has made it clear: we must act - and we must act now." Mr Streeting said families have had to "fight for truth and justice" and had described being "ignored, gaslit, lied to, manipulated and damaged further by the inability for a trust to simply be honest with them that something has gone wrong". Read more:Analysis: The biggest challenge facing Streeting over state of maternity services The investigation will consist of two parts. The first will investigate up to 10 of the most concerning maternity and neonatal units, including Sussex, in the coming weeks to give affected families answers as quickly as possible, according to the Department of Health. The second will be a "system-wide" look at maternity and neonatal care, uniting lessons from past inquiries to create one clear set of actions designed to improve NHS care. A National Maternity and Neonatal Taskforce will be chaired by Mr Streeting and made up of experts and bereaved families. The investigation will begin this summer and report back by December. Sir Jim Mackey, chief executive of NHS England, said: "This rapid national investigation must mark a line in the sand for maternity care - setting out one set of clear actions for NHS leaders to ensure high quality care for all." Dr Ranee Thakar, president of the RCOG, said: "The maternity workforce is on its knees, with many now leaving the profession." Read more from Sky News:GPs can start prescribing weight loss jabs on NHSStunning images show new 'peek of cosmos' RCM chief executive Gill Walton said: "Everyone involved in maternity services - the midwifery community, obstetricians, anaesthetists, sonographers and, of course, the women and families in their care - knows that maternity services are at, or even beyond, breaking point. "This renewed focus and commitment by the health secretary to deliver change is welcome, and we will do everything we can to support him in doing so."

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David Currie at Headingley
Jun 22
England vs India: Ben Stokes strikes late on day three after Harry Brook earlier falls one short of a ninth Test ton

England were bowled out for 465 in their first innings, just six behind India's total - Harry Brook (99) falling one agonising run short of a ninth Test century, and a first on his Headingley home ground - before India finished up 90-2 when rain ended play half an hour early in the final session. Yashasvi Jaiswal (4) fell in the fourth over to Brydon Carse (1-27), nicking off, before KL Rahul (47no) and Sai Sudharsan (30) - the debutant starting on a pair - appeared to be cruising through to stumps when adding 66 for the second wicket, only for England's golden-armed captain Ben Stokes (1-18) to claim the latter late in the day. Scorecard: England vs India, first Test, Headingley 🏏Day three as it happened - Stokes strikes late in Leeds ✍️▶️Not got Sky? Stream England vs India no contract 📺Got Sky Sports? Watch live on the Sky Sports app 📱 Earlier, Jasprit Bumrah (5-83) finished with a richly-deserved five-for as he polished off the England innings after having run through their top order on the second evening. Starting the day 209-3, with Ollie Pope 100 not out, England's No 3 would add just six to his overnight score before he perished chasing a short, wide delivery from Prasidh Krishna (3-128) that he edged behind. Brook, having taken 16 deliveries to get off the mark, was positive from the off, his first two scoring shots of the morning being a boundary and a six off consecutive balls in Krishna's opening over. He signalled his intent against Bumrah too, charging the fast bowler and smashing him for four off the first ball of his second over. Brook's boundary blitz saw him surge to a 65-ball half century, dominating a 51-run stand with Ben Stokes (20) that was ended when the skipper nicked an attempted drive off Mohammed Siraj (2-122), Stokes flinging his bat up in the air in frustration following his dismissal. Both Brook and Jamie Smith (40) rode their luck at times in another fruitful 73-run partnership for the sixth wicket, Smith overturning an lbw decision against Shardul Thakur when on nine, and Brook - dismissed for a duck off a no-ball on day two - being dropped on 46 by Rishabh Pant off Ravi Jadeja, and again on 82, Jaiswal the guilty party this time at fourth slip off Bumrah. The pair continued to press on the accelerator after lunch, Brook with a Pant-style 'falling sweep' off Jadeja for four and Smith nailing Krishna for a huge pulled six over deep backward square. Even with two fielders stationed on the boundary, and with the second new ball due next over, Smith couldn't resist the temptation of taking the shot on again two balls later, only this time Jadeja and Sudharsan would combine expertly for a relay catch to claim his wicket. Brook continued to take the attack to the Indian bowlers, and one in particular, as he firmly got under Siraj's skin when plundering consecutive overs of his for 29, taking the first-innings deficit under 100 in the process. When nudging nearer to his own century, however, Brook couldn't quite believe it when, one short, he holed out to deep backward square, top-edging a Krishna bouncer. Chris Woakes (38) and Carse (22) enjoyed a couple of big-hitting cameos to push England closer to India's total, the former smashing consecutive sixes off Krishna over to reach 2,000 Test runs in some style. But back came Bumrah and, after Siraj first cleaned up Carse, he would bowl Woakes and Josh Tongue (11) in consecutive overs to end the England innings and secure India a slender lead to take into their second. Jaiswal fell cheaply, while England could and should have picked up Sudharsan for 24 when dropped by Ben Duckett at gully off Tongue. Stokes would snap him up soon after, but Rahul remains a thorn in the home side, perched three short of his half century heading into a fascinating fourth morning in Leeds. Short-ball issues for Brook? Sky Sports' Nasser Hussain on Harry Brook's dismissal: "Brook only has one Test hundred at home and he would have been desperate for one on his home ground. "He could not be more Yorkshire. He doesn't celebrate half-centuries, he doesn't over-celebrate centuries. "But he has a slight issues with the short ball and Australia will be watching on ahead of The Ashes. "If you get out like that - caught at deep fine leg - in the first innings of a series, you know you will get more. "He gets a lot of runs with that shot but it also gets him out, so it is risk-reward. That is something he has to look at." Shastri: Brook is a destructive player Former India cricketer and coach Ravi Shastri on Brook: "I think Brook has a touch of class, there is no question about that. I had his figures ready: he would have had nine hundreds in 25 Test matches. "For someone 25 years of age, that is no joke. That is less than every three Test matches that he is getting centuries. It is incredible. "And the way he is going about his job, some of the shots he played today, he can be destructive. "There will be a few technical issues but the more exposure you get, the more challenged you are, the better you get. "He is the kind of player who will get better because he has the wherewithal and the all-round game to do so." Watch day four of the first Test between England and India, live on Sky Sports Cricket and Sky Sports Main Event from 10.15am on Monday (11am, first ball) or stream with no contract. England vs India Test series ☀️ All games at 11am UK and Ireland; all live on Sky Sports First Test: Friday June 20-Tuesday June 24 - HeadingleySecond Test: Wednesday July 2-Sunday July 6 - EdgbastonThird Test: Thursday July 10-Monday July 14 - Lord'sFourth Test: Wednesday July 23-Sunday July 27 - Emirates Old TraffordFifth Test: Thursday July 31-Monday August 4 - The Kia Oval

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No Writer
Jun 23
Palestine Action 'to be banned' as terror group, home secretary says

The action has been taken after the activist group claimed responsibility for breaking into RAF Brize Norton last week. Footage released by the group showed them vandalising aircraft - with reports of damage totalling millions of pounds. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said "the disgraceful attack on Brize Norton" on Friday was "the latest in a long history of unacceptable criminal damage committed by Palestine Action" Politics latest: Minister dodges question on UK reaction to US strikes on Iran She said a draft proscription order will be laid in parliament next week and if passed, it will make it illegal to be a member of, or invite support for, Palestine Action. Proscription can lead to prison sentences of up to 14 years for some offences, although some breaches are punishable with fines. Saeed Taji Farouky, a member of the group, told Sky News the proscription was "completely irrational" and "without precedent". He branded it a "knee-jerk reaction from the government" because the group "was able to humiliate them and show serious flaws in the defences of the RAF base". Armed forces minister Luke Pollard said a "full review" of security at military bases was under way, and the government was working alongside counter-terror police to find the activists who broke into the Oxfordshire base. The group has also claimed responsibility for several incidents involving red paint being sprayed on businesses. Read more:Who are Palestine Action?Barclays targeted by activists A protest in support of Palestine Action was taking place on Monday in London. Sir Mark Rowley, the head of the Metropolitan Police, said he was "shocked and frustrated" that the action was going ahead. He added that he had limited powers to stop the demonstration until proscription takes place. The Metropolitan Police three people had been arrested at the Palestine Action protest in Trafalgar Square - two for obstruction and one for a "racially aggravated public order offence". In her statement to parliament, Ms Cooper said Palestine Action "publicises and promotes its attacks involving serious property damage". She said the group had claimed responsibility for an attack on a Jewish-owned business in north London, as well as causing millions of pounds of damage to defence businesses. 👉Listen to Politics at Sam and Anne's on your podcast app👈 The home secretary said, however, that if parliament supports the proscription, the right to "peaceful protest" will remain unaffected. "It is vitally important that those seeking to protest peacefully, including pro-Palestinian groups, those opposing the actions of the Israeli government, and those demanding changes in the UK's foreign policy, can continue to do so," she added.

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Bethany Minelle, arts and entertainment reporter
Jun 22
Festival season is here, but does politics have a place on the stage?

Former N-Sync star Justin Timberlake - a man who's crooned about his love of "dance, dance, dance" and has recently become a meme for his mic-centric moves on stage - is a headliner too. Meanwhile, Glastonbury Festival will see headline acts including Olivia Rodrigo, the 1975, and Charli XCX. But along with the headline stars and hot weather, politics has also found its way into the spotlight. Youth culture and political expression have long been part of the festival experience, with Vietnam, nuclear disarmament, Brexit and the Russian invasion of Ukraine all attracting attention over the decades. This year, with geopolitics seemingly at a boiling point, the Israel-Hamas war has had far-reaching implications. As the Israel-Iran war follows in its wake, the conflict has prompted strong opinions on both sides. Irish-language rap trio Kneecap's upcoming Glastonbury Festival set has become a flashpoint for robust debate, drawing protests from those calling for their set to be cancelled, as well as those championing their right to speak out. The root of the contention? Kneecap band member Liam O'Hanna, 27, was charged with a terror offence earlier this year, accused of displaying a flag in support of Hezbollah, a proscribed organisation in the UK, at a gig last year. Hezbollah was proscribed in its entirety in 2019 because the government classed it as a terrorist organisation and said its attacks on Israel were "attempts to destabilise the fragile situation in the Middle East". On Saturday, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said he did not think Kneecap's planned Glastonbury Festival performance was "appropriate" and Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch said she thought the BBC "should not be showing" the band's performance at the festival next weekend. Read more:'Scary spotlight' on music stars amid Kneecap chargeKneecap release new single after member charged Although "removed" from playing at Scottish music festival TRNSMT next month due to "safety concerns", Kneecap have remained on the Glastonbury bill, prompting the question: Is the stage a place for political opinion? 'If we think we're separate from world events, we're kidding ourselves' Faithless star Sister Bliss, who performed at the first of the re-instated Isle of Wight Festivals and is performing again this year, tells Sky News: "If we think that we're separate from world events, we're absolutely kidding ourselves. Our lives are tied intrinsically to everybody else's on the planet. "You can have certain people that express that in a way that is perhaps a tad crass, but I love that lyrically - especially on our records, in songs that we've made over the last 30 years - I feel that you can combine the personal and political in a way that's not tub-thumping or simplistic. These issues are very nuanced that are going on in the world right now." Speaking to Sky News at the Isle of Wight Festival, Clean Bandit star Grace Chatto says artists are right to use the stage to amplify their voice. "It is such a great place for political speech, like when Jeremy Corbyn spoke at Glastonbury - it was the most attended thing of the whole event, and it just brought such a feeling of unity and hope in that field on that day". The 39-year-old cellist adds: "Then recently, Kneecap and Massive Attack have just been so important, I think, and amazing." Earlier this month, Massive Attack, who have previously been critical of Israel, included footage of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar and his family as part of a video montage at one of their concerts. 'I've got loads of friends who are absolute idiots politically' Fresh from the Isle of Wight Main Stage, Mae Muller tells Sky News: "With what's happening in Gaza, I know that's been a very prominent theme with people saying, 'Should we speak out about it or not?' But that's not political, it's a human rights issue. "It's important for us to use our voice, because not everybody can. If we feel strongly about something, and we can stand behind it, I think [the stage is] definitely a place to do it." Muller, who represented the UK at last year's Eurovision Song Competition - which became a highly politicised event despite the attempts of the organisers to keep it from the stage - continues: "Art is inherently political, and you can't really escape it. And we shouldn't want to escape it. It can be two things at once. [Politics] and fun can coexist." Meanwhile, Razorlight front-man Johnny Borrell, ahead of his Main Stage performance, tells Sky News: "Why not say what you believe in? Why does everyone get so precious? "You can disagree with people. I've got loads of friends who are absolute idiots politically - they think the earth is flat. I like them as people, but I completely disagree with them in politics". Borrell adds: "We don't have a problem with disagreeing, but if everyone's tapping away [mimes typing on a phone] and they're like, 'No, I'm really angry, I'm going to tap back,' that's a different thing. That's what's changed recently." A 'disruptor' festival, showing the world that anything is possible' Regardless of the polarised times, Isle of Wight Festival promoter John Giddings, 72, says the Isle of Wight Festival experience should be a break from activism rather than a call to arms. The 72-year-old, who represents artists ranging from Blondie to Phil Collins, told Sky News: "We're purely about music and entertainment, and we are to switch off from politics for three or four days. We're in the business of entertaining people, not preaching to people. And I don't understand why people attempt to. That's a different forum." Giddings, who relaunched the iconic festival after it was outlawed by authorities in 1970, fearing the crowds and rowdy behaviour could detract from the island, may be keen to avoid political controversy, but he's keen to break the mould in other areas. Following a long line of stars before him, including Bob Dylon, Jimi Hendrix and Joni Mitchell, singer Emmanuel Kelly has become the first physically differently-abled artist to perform on the Isle of Wight Festival's Main Stage. The 31-year-old former X Factor star, who supported Coldplay on their Music Of The Spheres tour last year, says as far as accessibility is concerned, the Isle of Wight Festival is a trailblazer. Kelly tells Sky News: "Somebody that's different is on the stage and is able to show the world that anything's possible." Echoing the festival's early rebel roots, he credits it with being a "disruptor", adding, "They make the extra effort to teach the others around the world to make the extra effort as well… It's important and it's happening and I'm excited for it." In response to Sir Keir's call for Kneecap to be removed from the line up at Glastonbury next weekend, and whether the performance would be available on any BBC platforms if it goes ahead, a BBC spokesperson said: "As the broadcast partner, the BBC will be bringing audiences extensive music coverage from Glastonbury, with artists booked by the festival organisers. "Whilst the BBC doesn't ban artists, our plans will ensure that our programming will meet our editorial guidelines. Decisions about our output will be made in the lead up to the festival." The Isle of Wight Festival runs until Sunday 22 June, with the Glastonbury Festival kicking off on 25 June.

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No Writer
Jun 23
Palestine Action 'to be banned' as terror group, home secretary says

The action has been taken after the activist group claimed responsibility for breaking into RAF Brize Norton last week. Footage released by the group showed them vandalising aircraft - with reports of damage totalling millions of pounds. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said "the disgraceful attack on Brize Norton" on Friday was "the latest in a long history of unacceptable criminal damage committed by Palestine Action" Politics latest: Minister dodges question on UK reaction to US strikes on Iran She said a draft proscription order will be laid in parliament next week and if passed, it will make it illegal to be a member of, or invite support for, Palestine Action. Proscription can lead to prison sentences of up to 14 years for some offences, although some breaches are punishable with fines. Saeed Taji Farouky, a member of the group, told Sky News the proscription was "completely irrational" and "without precedent". He branded it a "knee-jerk reaction from the government" because the group "was able to humiliate them and show serious flaws in the defences of the RAF base". Armed forces minister Luke Pollard said a "full review" of security at military bases was under way, and the government was working alongside counter-terror police to find the activists who broke into the Oxfordshire base. The group has also claimed responsibility for several incidents involving red paint being sprayed on businesses. Read more:Who are Palestine Action?Barclays targeted by activists A protest in support of Palestine Action was taking place on Monday in London. Sir Mark Rowley, the head of the Metropolitan Police, said he was "shocked and frustrated" that the action was going ahead. He added that he had limited powers to stop the demonstration until proscription takes place. The Metropolitan Police three people had been arrested at the Palestine Action protest in Trafalgar Square - two for obstruction and one for a "racially aggravated public order offence". In her statement to parliament, Ms Cooper said Palestine Action "publicises and promotes its attacks involving serious property damage". She said the group had claimed responsibility for an attack on a Jewish-owned business in north London, as well as causing millions of pounds of damage to defence businesses. 👉Listen to Politics at Sam and Anne's on your podcast app👈 The home secretary said, however, that if parliament supports the proscription, the right to "peaceful protest" will remain unaffected. "It is vitally important that those seeking to protest peacefully, including pro-Palestinian groups, those opposing the actions of the Israeli government, and those demanding changes in the UK's foreign policy, can continue to do so," she added.

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No Writer
Jun 23
Crystal Palace's Europa League prospects improve after John Textor sells stake to New York Jets owner Woody Johnson

Textor's shares in Palace threatened to be an obstacle to their participation in the Europa League next season because the American is a shareholder in French side Lyon, who are set to enter the same competition. Under UEFA's multi-club ownership rules, it looked as though Palace could miss out. Transfer Centre LIVE! | Crystal Palace news & transfers🦅Palace fixtures & scores | FREE Palace highlights▶️Sky Sports to show 215 live PL games from next seasonNot got Sky? Get Sky Sports or stream with no contract on NOW 📺 However, Textor's 43 per cent stake in the London club has now been sold to Johnson in a deal worth more than £190m and values Palace at more than £400m. A Crystal Palace statement said: "Crystal Palace Football Club can confirm that Robert Wood Johnson, "Woody", an American businessman and co-owner of the New York Jets, has signed a legally binding contract to purchase Eagle Football's holding in the Club. "Whilst the completion is pending approval from the Premier League and Women's Super League, we do not envisage any issues and look forward to welcoming Woody as a partner and director of the club. "We would like to go on record to thank John Textor for his contribution over the past four years and wish him every success for the future." The sale is subject to Premier League and WSL approval, but may now free Palace up to play in the Europa League. The Eagles qualified for the competition thanks to their FA Cup final victory over Manchester City. A decision is expected within days that Palace will take their place in Europa League for first time in their history with the draw in August. Textor, who through his Eagle Football Holdings group also owns a significant stake in Botafogo, who are the current Brazilian and South American champions, initially invested in Palace in 2021. Johnson has been in talks with Textor and Palace chairman Steve Parish for several weeks. He is the billionaire owner of New York Jets and a former US ambassador to UK and has tried to buy a Premier League club before, with interest in West Ham and Chelsea. Textor and Eagle Football, who also own Belgium's RWD Molenbeek, will now try to buy another English club. Sky Sports to show 215 games in 2025/26 From next season, Sky Sports' Premier League coverage will increase from 128 matches to at least 215 games exclusively live. And 80 per cent of all televised Premier League games next season are on Sky Sports.

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