Chancellor Rachel Reeves has asked officials to model a proportional seller-paid levy on high‑value homes as a possible replacement for stamp duty, part of wider discussions to shift to a local property tax and stabilise council funding — a move that has ignited political backlash over fairness and housing market…

After winning Retail Excellence at TheIndustry.fashion Awards 2025, Selfridges has expanded its Reselfridges ecosystem — creating permanent repair, resale and upcycling destinations across all UK stores and positioning circular services alongside luxury brands to normalise sustainable premium shopping. Selfridges has cemented its position at the heart of fashion’s sustainability push,…

The Metropolitan Police will use live facial recognition cameras on approaches to this year’s Notting Hill Carnival, saying the technology will help deter serious violence; campaigners and civil‑liberties groups warn it amounts to mass surveillance, is prone to errors and demands clearer legal oversight. The Metropolitan Police has confirmed it…

An organised campaign to hang St George’s Crosses and Union flags across English streets has sparked confrontations with local councils and highways crews, raising safety concerns, accusations of political signalling and fears the displays could be co‑opted by far‑right groups. An organised campaign to blanket English streets with St George’s…

Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, known as Mo Chara of Belfast hip‑hop trio Kneecap, has been charged after video footage allegedly showed a Hezbollah flag at an O2 Forum show; he was granted unconditional bail and the band says it will contest the prosecution amid large demonstrations and a wider debate…

A tester borrowed a 60‑inch projector screen from a Library of Things hub for under a tenner, avoiding a £115 purchase and landfill clutter — though transport and handling on the Tube proved fiddly. I had planned a quiet movie night, but as the tech‑minded flatmate it fell to me…

A 45‑page advisory guide encouraging neutral terms such as “partner” instead of “husband” has been portrayed in national tabloids as a ban, prompting clarifications from Greenwich and renewing a wider debate over whether councils are prioritising language guidance over frontline services. Greenwich council’s advisory inclusive-language guide has become the latest…

Clusters of St George’s and Union flags and red crosses painted on mini‑roundabouts in parts of Birmingham and Tower Hamlets have prompted council clearances, accusations of intimidation and concerns over far‑right amplification as grassroots organisers insist their aims are patriotic. Images of St George’s Crosses and Union Jacks suddenly appearing…

The Evening Standard argues an estimated net rise of nearly 1 million people by 2030 risks overwhelming London’s shrinking affordable housing pipeline, pressing rents up and homeownership further out of reach unless City Hall and Whitehall deliver a coordinated migration and house‑building strategy. The Evening Standard’s latest commentary makes a…

Facing recent stabbings, assaults on officers and hundreds of arrests, the Met has ordered uniformed staff to prioritise crowd safety over joining in festivities for this year’s Notting Hill Carnival — a move that risks straining community relations while aiming to improve rapid response and reduce violence. The Metropolitan Police…

The Metropolitan Police plans to deploy live facial recognition at this year’s Notting Hill Carnival, prompting a judicial review and renewed debate over whether biometric surveillance can be used safely and lawfully without normalising state intrusion or worsening racial bias. The Metropolitan Police’s plan to use live facial recognition at…

New analysis from the Institute for Government and Department for Education data show London still outperforms the rest of England, but growing local disparities, rising severe absence and teacher shortages mean ministers have yet to set out a clear, resourced plan to close pandemic‑era gaps. London’s schools remain a study…