News

A 34-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of rape at London venue The Groucho Club, the Metropolitan Police said. An investigation was launched following reports of a woman being raped inside the popular celebrity haunt in November. On Saturday, the man was arrested in Hertfordshire on suspicion of rape and is being questioned in custody. The private members’ club had its licence temporarily suspended earlier this week after a request by police. In a statement, Scotland Yard said the application raised concerns that the venue had “breached licensing conditions” and had been the scene of a serious criminal offence. Westminster Council ruled that the club’s licence be suspended for up to 28 days until a full hearing can take place. The venue is understood to have co-operated with the council’s licensing sub-committee, acknowledged the seriousness of the allegations and accepted the decision. There is no suggestion that Groucho employees were involved in the offence, the force added. The Groucho Club is one of London’s most well-known private members’ clubs and has a long association with A-list celebrities. It was originally set up as a more relaxed alternative to traditional gentlemen’s clubs, and current members “should have a creative role within the creative industries and share the club’s maverick spirit”, according to the venue’s website. Published: 01/12/2024 by Radio NewsHub

A 20-year-old British man has died after being found injured in a hotel lift shaft while on a family holiday in Turkey. Tyler Kerry, a labourer from Basildon, Essex, was discovered on Friday morning at the bottom of the lift shaft in the hotel he was staying at in Antalya. Mr Kerry’s uncle, Alex Price, said his nephew was found at 7am local time (4am GMT) and was pronounced dead at the scene. “I got a phone call from my sister and she just said that Tyler had been found in the lift shaft at the hotel,” Mr Price told the PA news agency. “An ambulance team were attending to him but unfortunately they weren’t able to resuscitate him, and he was pronounced dead at the scene.” Mr Kerry, who was on holiday with his girlfriend Molly and grandparents Colette and Ray, has been described as a “lovely young man”. “He had a stable girlfriend and they were thinking about moving in together,” Mr Price said. “They were very settled, he was quite a mature young man for his age, very compassionate and kind, caring towards his family members and his younger siblings.” Mr Price said the family are being supported by the British consular in Antalya and a representative from TUI who were the tour operator for the holiday. He says they hope to have his nephew’s body repatriated to the UK by Tuesday. Almost £4,800 has been pledged so far to a fundraiser to cover Mr Kerry’s funeral costs. Mr Price said the family is eager for a full investigation into the circumstances of his nephew’s death. “The details are limited at the moment,” he said. “The family is still in the dark about what’s happened and are eager for a thorough investigation to find out what’s happened.” An FCDO spokesperson said: “We are assisting the family of a British man who has died in Turkey.” Published: 01/12/2024 by Radio NewsHub

Counting has resumed in the Irish General Election as focus intensifies on the potential make-up of the next coalition government. All of the three main parties – Fianna Fail, Fine Gael and Sinn Fein – were bullish about their prospects as the first results started to come through on Saturday. However, early indications from count centres across the country suggest the return of an administration involving Fianna Fail and Fine Gael currently looks much more likely than a government including Sinn Fein. The two parties that have dominated Irish politics for a century, and who shared power in the last coalition, both ruled out governing with Sinn Fein prior to Friday’s election, so it would seem unlikely that either would countenance that option if they could form a workable coalition without the need for a dramatic U-turn in stance. Fianna Fail appeared confident late on Saturday of emerging as the largest party. If it does, leader and current deputy premier Micheal Martin would then move to begin what could prove to be a protracted process of negotiating an agreed programme for government with would-be coalition partners. If Fianna Fail and Fine Gael do return to power, they will undoubted need one, if not two, of the Dail parliament’s smaller parties to reach the required 88 seats to form a majority. The Social Democrats and the Irish Labour Party appear the most realistic junior partners. The Green Party, which was the third plank of the last coalition, is set for a bruising set of results, with leader Roderic O’Gorman among a series of party representatives in a fight to hold onto their seats. After he was re-elected as a TD on Saturday night, Mr Martin said it “remains to be seen” whether he will return to the role of Taoiseach – a position he held between 2020 and 2022 – but he expressed confidence his party was well placed to make gains. Current Taoiseach, Fine Gael leader Simon Harris, dismissed talk of a Sinn Fein surge and said he was “cautiously optimistic” about where his party will stand after all the votes are counted. He was also elected as a poll topper in his constituency on Saturday evening, as was Sinn Fein president Mary Lou McDonald. Ms McDonald expressed determination to form a government of the left as she insisted Sinn Fein had broken the state’s two-party duopoly. The counting process could last days because of Ireland’s complex system of proportional representation with a single transferable vote (PR-STV), where candidates are ranked by preference. Away from the machinations of government formation, there is also focus on independent candidate Gerard Hutch who, on Sunday morning, was in fourth place in Ms McDonald’s four-seat constituency of Dublin Central. Last spring, Mr Hutch was found not guilty by the non-jury Special Criminal Court of the murder of David Byrne, in one of the first deadly attacks of the Hutch-Kinahan gangland feud. Mr Byrne, 33, died after being shot six times at a crowded boxing weigh-in event at the Regency Hotel in February 2016. A Special Criminal Court judge described Mr Hutch, 61, as the patriarchal figurehead of the Hutch criminal organisation and said he had engaged in “serious criminal conduct”. The Social Democrats have a strong chance of emerging as the largest of the smaller parties. The party’s leader, Holly Cairns, was already celebrating before a single vote was counted however, having announced the birth of her baby girl on polling day. Published: 01/12/2024 by Radio NewsHub

The Princess of Wales will deliver a heartful Christmas message about the importance of love – “the greatest gift we can receive” – to those attending her annual carol service. Kate has written a letter for the 1,600 Westminster Abbey carol goers, including members of the royal family, telling them “Love is the light that can shine bright, even in our darkest times”. Her message, featured with the order of service for the event on Friday, will say: “This Carol Service is a heartfelt celebration of every one of you, and a reminder that at Christmas, and throughout the year, we must all shine for each other. “Because in times of joy and sadness, we are all each other’s light.” During the past year the princess has returned to public duties after being treated for cancer, while the King is still under the care of cancer specialists, and the service aims to provide a moment of reflection about the importance of loved ones, especially during difficult times. Olympic cycling champion Sir Chris Hoy, who is terminally ill with prostate cancer, will light a candle as will Lindsey Burrow, the wife of former Rugby League star Rob Burrow who died in June following a much-publicised battle with motor neurone disease. Readings, linked to the theme of love and empathy, will be made by the Prince of Wales and a host of stars including actors Richard E Grant, Downton Abbey star Michelle Dockery, Sophie Okonedo, nominated for an Oscar for her role in the film Hotel Rwanda, and Olympic swimming champion Adam Peaty. Kate says in her letter: “The Christmas story encourages us to consider the experiences and feelings of others. It also reflects our own vulnerabilities and reminds us of the importance of giving and receiving empathy, as well as just how much we need each other in spite of our differences. “Above all else, it encourages us to turn to love, not fear. The love that we show ourselves and the love we show others. “Love that listens with empathy, love that is kind and understanding, love that is forgiving, and love that brings joy and hope. “It is this love which is the greatest gift we can receive. Not just at Christmas, but every day of our lives. Love is the light that can shine bright, even in our darkest times.” Kate is expected to be joined by her family, husband William and their children Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, the King and Queen did not attend the Together at Christmas carol service in 2023 but have previously. Singers Gregory Porter and Paloma Faith will perform and pianist Rosey Chanas will play a specially composed piece, and the Westminster Abbey Choir will sing well known carols during a service combining the traditional and the modern. The guests have all supported others, whether friends or family, helped individuals through their work or volunteered, and they will be entertained with a performance by two soloists from the Royal Ballet and students from the Royal Ballet School. Kate has spoken of the power of nature to support wellbeing and the Abbey will be decorated with sustainable, festive decorations and foliage, and this year a “Kindness Tree” will be cited outside the Abbey for guests to dedicate a decoration to someone who has supported them throughout their life. The event will be broadcast as part of the programme Royal Carols: Together At Christmas, screened on ITV1 and ITVX on Christmas Eve, and it will feature three films about the stories of people and organisations who have inspired, counselled and comforted others in their times of need. Alongside the event at Westminster Abbey, 15 community carol services will take place around the UK in the coming days, to provide a moment for people to come together and celebrate community work during the festive season. Hosted by Lord Lieutenants, and supported by William and Kate’s Royal Foundation, these events will be tailored to their local communities and include elements of the Westminster Abbey service – including Kate’s letter. Published: 01/12/2024 by Radio NewsHub

MasterChef host Gregg Wallace was accused of making lewd comments and asking for the personal phone numbers of female production staff in a letter a producer and director claimed to have sent to the BBC in 2022. The letter, posted to Instagram by Dawn Elrick on her Sh*t Men In TV Have Said To Me account, collected a number of anonymous accounts from people who alleged they “have experienced sexism and sexual harassment within the TV industry”. It comes after it was announced Wallace was to step away from the BBC cooking show while historical misconduct complaints are externally reviewed by MasterChef producers Banijay UK. The 60-year-old also faces allegations of inappropriate sexual comments from 13 people across a range of shows over a 17-year period, as reported by BBC News, which said it sent a letter to the TV star’s representatives earlier this week. Wallace’s lawyers say “it is entirely false that he engages in behaviour of a sexually harassing nature”. In the letter Elrick claimed to have sent to the BBC in 2022, she wrote: “I have noticed a pattern of behaviour from one person whose name has been mentioned half a dozen times. “In connection with lude (sic) comments being made to female production members, female production being made to feel uncomfortable about being asked for their personal numbers, being made to talk to the talent whilst the talent is topless and general unease in his company. “Gregg Wallace is the name attached to these experiences. “Additionally, it has been reported to us that these behaviours are not reserved for production staff.” At the end, the letter claimed the actions “clearly fail to meet” the corporation’s sexual harassment and bullying standards and asked the BBC “what measures will be taken to make sure that this key talent is aware that these behaviours are unacceptable”. Elrick added: “We do not need to stress how difficult/stressful/upsetting it is for women in production to be placed in a position where high profile talent use their clout to make deeply uncomfortable remarks. “Although these are not, as stressed above, not official complaints, it is the number that have come forward about this one person that has prompted this letter. “We tend to err on the side of believing these stories as there is absolutely no gain to be made from making them up.” It concluded by saying that some of those impacted would be willing to come forward if asked. Elrick told The Observer she had received the allegations against Wallace via her Instagram account, and said the letter had been submitted with the support of industry union Bectu. She told the news outlet that soon after sending the letter, she also submitted the allegations to the corporation via Navex Global, an external whistleblowing service. Elrick said the BBC suggested each individual would have to make their own, direct complaint to the corporation. She claimed she had received no further contact with regards to the report. A BBC spokesperson said: “If issues are raised with us, we have robust processes in place to deal with them swiftly and appropriately. We will always listen if people want to make us aware of something directly. “It would be inappropriate for us to comment on anything that could form part of Banijay’s ongoing investigation or otherwise influence it.” Wallace took to Instagram on Saturday evening with a cryptic post which read: “We are all different.” Further accusations were levelled against the TV presenter on Friday in news outlets such as The Sun about other alleged behaviour. Allegations were also raised by staff members about Wallace’s behaviour on Gregg Wallace’s Big Weekends to BBC News, with Channel 5 asking the programme’s production company Rumpus Media to look into the accusations. Rumpus Media said: “We do not tolerate inappropriate behaviour on our productions. “Our comprehensive duty of care processes were in place during production of these series and any matters raised would have been investigated in accordance with these.” A statement about the historical allegations from Banijay UK read: “Whilst these complainants have not raised the allegations directly with our show producers or parent company Banijay UK, we feel that it is appropriate to conduct an immediate, external review to fully and impartially investigate. “While this review is under way, Gregg Wallace will be stepping away from his role on MasterChef and is committed to fully co-operating throughout the process. “Banijay UK’s duty of care to staff is always a priority and our expectations regarding behaviour are made clear to both cast and crew on all productions, with multiple ways of raising concerns, including anonymously, clearly promoted on set. “Whilst these are historical allegations, incidences brought to our attention where these expectations are not met are thoroughly investigated and addressed appropriately.” The statement added: “If anyone would like to talk to us or raise any issues or concerns, then they can contact speakup@banijayuk.com in confidence.” It comes after the production company confirmed on Saturday it had appointed law firm Lewis Silkin to lead an investigation into Wallace’s alleged behaviour. Published: 01/12/2024 by Radio NewsHub

A man who is running 2,684 miles (4,320km) across Australia hopes to break a new British record by completing the challenge in 60 days. Jack Pitcher, 28, from Bracknell, Berkshire, has faced extreme conditions while covering the distance from Perth to Sydney. The ultra-marathon runner was hoping to complete the challenge alongside fellow runner Joshua Smith, but after a recent injury the 21-year-old from Reading must complete the remaining 1,620km by bicycle. Nikki Love, 56, from Nottingham holds the current British record, running from the Western Australia capital to New South Wales city in 77 days. Mr Pitcher, who aims to reach Bondi Beach in Sydney by Wednesday, hopes to beat this record by 17 days. “I’ve been running all my life. I started running with my Mum when I was a kid,” Mr Pitcher told the PA news agency. “We did our first half marathon together, and I’ve always pushed myself when I was running.” As well as setting a new British record, Mr Pitcher and Mr Smith are also raising money for SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity, and ARC Wokingham, a volunteer-run counselling service. Mr Pitcher, who has previously suffered with depression, hopes this run will help motivate others who are struggling with mental health issues. The two friends who set off on their journey in early October have faced a number of challenges along the way. “Two weeks ago when we were running, Josh pulled up quite quickly. He couldn’t carry on, so we had to call it a day,” said Mr Pitcher. “He took a few days off and on the fourth day he was back running, however he could barely stand up after 10km. “We got him loads of magnesium and sleeping tablets to help him, and nothing worked. And I think his body just gave up on him. “He still ran 2700km at 21-years-old. It’s an incredible feat to do that at that age. “It’s down to me now to carry the torch and bring the record home.” For the first few weeks of their challenge the pair stuck to a strict routine of setting off at 7.30am to complete 72km per day. For the final push Mr Pitcher said he is now running 16 hours a day to complete his run on time. “The last sort of few days for me, it’s been absolute torture. I’m going to bed at about 10.30pm, and I’m up at 4.30am having breakfast. “I’m stretching, I’m getting ready. I can barely move and then I’ve got to try and find the strength to run for 16 hours.” Mr Pitcher described some highlights of his journey including the beautiful Australian nature and experiencing the kindness of strangers. “The wildlife has been amazing. I’ve seen emus, kangaroos, wombats,” he said. “A lot of Australian drivers actually stop and give you cold drinks. I’ve had ice coffees, powerades, I’ve had it all. “I’ve been very shocked at some of the storms out here at night, the heaviest rain I’ve ever seen, the most aggressive lightning I’ve ever seen. You know, it’s amazing.” Published: 01/12/2024 by Radio NewsHub

Mental health waiting time targets have been breached more than 168,000 times since they were introduced a decade ago, Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Alex Cole-Hamilton has said. Figures obtained by the party through freedom of information requests show the 18-week waiting time target for two types of treatment was missed 168,128 times since it was introduced in 2014. Performance against the target is meant to be at 90%, although this has never been met. The target for child and adolescent mental health services was missed at least 43,670 times and the target for other psychological therapies was missed 124,458 times. Mr Cole-Hamilton said: “Mental health has become a signature issue for my party because we know that if you break your arm you’d expect to have it in a cast by the end of the day, but the wait for mental health treatment can be months if not years. Nobody should have to endure that. “SNP ministers have unleashed tens of millions of cuts on overwhelmed mental health services. They have made it so much harder to bring down waiting lists and get everyone seen. “Scotland needs world-class mental health services. “By investing in driving down mental health waiting times we can help people get back to work and make the most of their education. “The SNP haven’t met the waiting time targets once in the 10 years since they were introduced. It’s time to put an end to their decade of failure.” Mental wellbeing minister Maree Todd said: “We absolutely understand the distress caused to everyone by any delay in accessing mental health support. Whilst we recognise the ongoing pressures facing the NHS, long waits are unacceptable. “We are working to ensure that people get the right support, at the right time, and in the right place. This means continuing to work and invest across both community and acute settings. “This year, in addition to core NHS board spend more than £1.3 billion for mental health services, we allocated £120 million to NHS boards to improve the quality and delivery of mental health services for all, including CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service). “We have invested over £130 million since 2020 in community-based prevention and early intervention projects. We’ve exceeded our commitment to fund over 800 additional mental health workers in A&E departments, GP practices, police custody suites, and prisons. “Over 75,000 people have now been referred to our world-leading distress brief intervention programme, providing timely support to those in distress and easing pressures on other frontline services.” Published: 01/12/2024 by Radio NewsHub

Sir Keir Starmer will set out a “plan for change” with milestones set in key policy areas to achieve the targets laid out in Labour’s manifesto, Downing Street has said. The Prime Minister will this week kick off what he has called the “next phase” of Government, as he announces the markers for his “missions” that Number 10 say will allow the public to hold Sir Keir and his team to account on their promises and will be reached by the end of the Parliament. The milestones will run alongside public sector reform, Downing Street said. This will include a focus on reforming Whitehall, spearheaded by the as-yet-unannounced new chief civil servant the Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet ministers, so it is geared towards the delivery of Labour’s missions, according to Number 10. The same focus will also influence decisions for next year’s spending review, it has been suggested. Writing in The Sun on Sunday, the Prime Minister compared “focusing the machinery of government” to “turning an oil tanker” and said that “acceptance of managed decline” has “seeped into parts of Whitehall”. “The British people aren’t fools. They know a ruthless focus on priorities is essential,” he wrote. Labour’s missions, as laid out in their July election manifesto, focus on economic growth, energy security and cleaner energy, the NHS, childcare and education systems, as well as crime and criminal justice. Ahead of revealing the details, Sir Keir said in a statement: “This plan for change is the most ambitious yet honest programme for government in a generation. “Mission-led government does not mean picking milestones because they are easy or will happen anyway – it means relentlessly driving real improvements in the lives of working people. “We are already fixing the foundations and have kicked-started our first steps for change, stabilising the economy, setting up a new Border Security Command, and investing £22 billion in an NHS that is fit for the future. “Our plan for change is the next phase of delivering this Government’s mission. “Some may oppose what we are doing and no doubt there will be obstacles along the way, but this Government was elected on mandate of change and our plan reflects the priorities of working people. “Given the unprecedented challenges we have inherited we will not achieve this by simply doing more of the same, which is why investment comes alongside a programme of innovation and reform.” The so-called “missions” outlined in Labour’s election manifesto focused on five key policy areas: kickstart economic growth; make Britain a clean energy superpower; take back our streets; break down barriers to opportunity; and build an NHS fit for the future. The announcement comes after a first five months in office that has seen anger over Budget proposals and reports of tension in Number 10. Polling for The Observer newspaper by Opinium indicates that more than half of the public disapprove of the Prime Minister’s performance. According to the survey of approximately 2,000 adults, 54% of people disapprove of his performance, compared with 22% who approve, leaving him with a net rating of -32%. Published: 01/12/2024 by Radio NewsHub

Temperatures are expected to plunge on Monday after the UK enjoys a mild weekend, the Met Office has said. Sunday will see highs of 16C before temperatures drop to as cold as minus 7C on Monday night, spokeswoman Becky Mitchell said. Despite the mild weather on Sunday, it will be quite “wet and windy” in parts of the UK, including Wales and north-west England. “The rest of the weekend is looking rather mild,” Ms Mitchell said. “We have got highs of 15 or 16C on Sunday. It will be quite wet and windy though, we will have various bands of rain coming in from the west, which could be heavy at times, and also very breezy across the whole country. The rain will be heavy in places, but we’re not expecting any large amounts to cause any significant issues. “As I say, western areas will see most of the outbreaks of rain, but there will be some dry interludes as well.” The highest temperatures will be in south-west England on Sunday. “For south-eastern England tomorrow we will have some showers at times, some brighter spells in the afternoon,” she said. “It will be quite mild with highs of about 15C in south-east England. For Wales and north-west England the rain will be quite heavy at times. “It will be quite breezy as well. We will probably see the highest temperature in the south-west of England, which could be 16C.” However, she said temperatures will drop as we head into next week. “Starting on Monday we will see some colder weather arrive,” she said. “Temperatures will be a bit below average to start next week. Monday we have got some showery outbreaks of rain, and northerly wind. “Tuesday we will have a band of rain gradually moving in from the west. “The temperatures this whole time will be around mid-single figures, so feeling pretty chilly. We will have some overnight frost as well, particularly on Monday night. “Temperatures on Monday could fall as low as about minus 7C in parts of rural Scotland overnight. That is likely to be the coldest night of the week. “Thereafter temperatures are probably turning average from midweek, with rain at times and some dry interludes too.” Published: 30/11/2024 by Radio NewsHub