Hibernian supporters are invited to submit tributes to friends and family who have sadly passed away ahead of our final home game of the season against Motherwell on Saturday 16 May at Easter Road.
An annual tradition, messages and photographs from supporters will be displayed on the stadium screens before kick-off, allowing fans to remember fellow Hibees who are no longer with us and have passed away in the last year.
Tributes should include the person’s name, a message of no more than 150 letters (including spaces), and one photograph. To be included, please complete the form below by midday on Wednesday 6 May.
Live Music Now Scotland will join this year’s Festival of Europe Scotland with a special performance at National Galleries Scotland: National, presented in partnership with Live Music Now Vienna.
Taking place on 7 May 2026 (18:00–18:30), the concert features Duo Winter–Djurdjevic — flautist Anna Winter and guitarist Mihajlo Djurdjević — in a programme celebrating European composers of the 18th and 19th centuries.
This event forms part of an ongoing international exchange between Live Music Now organisations, creating opportunities for emerging musicians to share their work across borders and connect with new audiences through live performance. It also builds on Live Music Now Scotland’s continuing partnership with the National Galleries of Scotland, which this year is celebrating 85 years of musical performances in the galleries.
Rooted in the vision of founder Yehudi Menuhin, Live Music Now supports musicians at the start of their careers while bringing high-quality live music into communities and settings where it can have real impact.
Jude Anderson, Chief Executive, Live Music Now Scotland, said: “At this concert we will be treated to some brilliantly talented musicians in a programme celebrating European artists; it is a real pleasure to be presenting in partnership with the Festival of Europe.
“Artists hold such an important role in our society, exploring new ways of thinking while providing moments for joy, peace and togetherness.’
Set within the informal surroundings of the National gallery, the performance invites audiences to experience live music in a relaxed and welcoming way — offering a moment to pause, listen, and connect through a shared cultural experience.
This event is supported by the NGS Foundation and the Festival of Europe (Scotland). Elaine Ballantyne, the festival’s Trustee and Director, said: ‘Scotland has a rich heritage of European connections and the Festival of Europe (Scotland) is delighted to support Live Music Now and the National Galleries of Scotland in furthering new European opportunities for young musicians.
“We very much look forward to the Duo Winter–Djurdjevic concert on the opening of our 2026 Festival programme on 7 May.”
Event details Duo Winter–Djurdjevic will perform a varied programme of chamber music by European composers of the 18th and 19th centuries. Date: 7 May 2026 Time: 18:00–18:30 Location: National Galleries Scotland: National, The Mound, Edinburgh Admission: Free – booking required via the National Galleries of Scotland
To celebrate the arrival of The Devil Wears Prada 2, Vue Edinburgh is hosting a special ‘Runway Ready’ screening of the hotly anticipated sequel at 6.30pm tomorrow (Saturday (2 May).
For fashionistas who think they have what it takes to meet Miranda Priestly’s sky-high fashion standards, Vue welcomes customers to attend the screening clad in their most fabulous attire.
Fans will also have the opportunity to pick up a limited-edition copy of Runway Magazine. To claim a copy of the magazine, customers can present a copy of their booking confirmation email to a member of staff.
A total of 6,000 copies of the magazine are available on a first-come first-served basis.
Ian Chester, General Manager at Vue Edinburgh, said: “In the making for 20 years, we knew we had to do something extra special for the arrival of this film.
“We hope our Runway Ready screenings offer fans the chance to channel their inner Mirandas, Andys, Emilys and Nigels as they reunite with these iconic characters on the big screen. Whether it’s high fashion or casual chic, we encourage everyone to dress in whatever way makes them feel their best.”
To complete the experience, limited-edition The Devil Wears Prada 2 collectable cups (£13.99 without drink) and popcorn tins (£7.99 without popcorn) will also be available while stocks last.
To book The Devil Wears Prada 2, visit www.myvue.com. Runway Ready screenings will clearly be marked at 6.30pm on Saturday 2 May when booking.
The most historic changes to private renting in England now give 11 million tenants landmark new rights and protections that will transform their experiences
11 million private tenants in England are now protected by the biggest increase to renters’ rights in over 40 years
No more Section 21 ‘no-fault’ evictions as the Renters’ Rights Act stamps out the practice for good, as part of a huge package of new protections starting today (1 May 2026)
New rights with tougher fines now in force will help shield renters from financial exploitation, homelessness, discrimination and more
The most historic changes to private renting in England are now in action, giving 11 million tenants landmark new rights and protections that will transform their experiences.
This huge new package in force from today (1 May 2026) includes the highly anticipated ban on Section 21 ‘no-fault’ evictions – ending the practice of evicting tenants without justification which will give renters greater security and help prevent homelessness.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: “For too long, families have lived with the constant fear of eviction, while young people have been outbid for the homes they need to start their lives.
“Today we are putting that right. We promised to fix a broken rental system and we’re delivering.
“This historic action will make renting fairer, safer and more secure for millions, so people can settle, put down roots and build their lives.”
Other changes will protect renters’ pockets by limiting rent increases to once a year and upfront rent demands to just one month’s payment. Bidding wars are now banned, so no one has to battle it out with high offers to secure a place and tenants can challenge unreasonable rent hikes.
Renters now have the flexibility to end any tenancy with no more than two months’ notice, as fixed-term agreements become invalid from today.
It is now also illegal to discriminate against prospective tenants for being on benefits or having children and pet requests must be reasonably considered.
Housing Secretary Steve Reed said: “Renters have been living at the mercy of rogue landlords and in fear of losing their home for too long.
“We are putting a stop to this with historic changes that give renters the security they deserve – marking the beginning of a new era for private renters.”
These new laws come with heftier penalties of up to £40k if they are broken and rogue landlords can no longer hide, as councils’ new powers under the Renters’ Rights Act kick in to investigate and clamp down harder.
Alongside boosted funding for councils to oversee the Act and take robust enforcement action, the courts are being digitalised to help tenants and landlords access justice, with millions being invested to simplify processes.
Generation Rent’s Chief Executive Ben Twomey said: “Today marks a new era for private renters across England. This new law is a vital step towards re-balancing power between renters and landlords and should be celebrated.
“Our homes are the foundations of our lives, but, for decades, Section 21 evictions forced renters to live in fear of being turfed out of our homes, preventing us from raising valid concens with our landlords. At last, this outdated and unfair law has been sent packing.
“If this law is to reach into people’s homes and improve their lives, it’s vital councils across the country are using all their powers to make sure landlords stick to the new rules. Meanwhile I encourage every renter to take the time to understand their new rights and how to enforce them.”
Clara Collingwood, Director at the Renters’ Reform Coalition, said: “It’s fantastic that section 21 no fault evictions have finally been banned. For too long this everyday injustice has allowed landlords to get away with outrageous behaviour – profiting from unhealthy homes and threatening tenants who try to stand up to them.
“And as well as abolishing section 21, the Renters’ Rights Act will make it easier for tenants to have pets in their home, limit rent up front to one month, end exploitative practices like bidding wars and make it easier to hold landlords to account over repairs. These are the biggest changes to private renting in a generation.
“It’s taken years of campaigning by renters’ organisations to get us to this point but thanks to this legislation, today we are significantly closer to securing decent, secure homes for every renter.”
Crisis Chief Executive Matt Downie said: “Today marks an important milestone for the millions of people renting across England who have lived without stability and security for far too long. Private renters will finally be able to breathe a sigh of relief without the threat of a ‘no fault’ eviction or an unfair rent increase pushing them into homelessness.
“Section 21 evictions have long been one of the leading causes of homelessness. As an organisation we have campaigned long and hard to strengthen renters’ rights and today’s legislation is a critical step in doing so.
“At last, private renters can feel safe and secure in their homes without the threat of an unnecessary eviction forcing them into homelessness.”
How have renters’ rights improved?
No more Section 21 ‘no-fault’ evictions – private landlords can no longer evict tenants without a valid reason.
Goodbye to fixed contracts – all tenancies in the private rented sector will roll on from month to month or week to week (depending on your arrangement) with no end date, giving renters more flexibility. Tenants can end them with two months’ notice.
Fairer rent rules – landlords can only raise rent once a year and renters can challenge unfair hikes.
No more bidding wars – landlords must stick to no more than the advertised rent price.
One month’s rent upfront, max – landlords can’t ask for more.
No discrimination – it’s now illegal to refuse tenants just because they receive benefits or have kids.
Pets welcome – renters can now ask to live with a pet and landlords must reasonably consider it.
Section 21 ‘no-fault’ evictions
Private landlord possession claims using the Section 21 process that are going through the courts on the commencement date will proceed as normal.
After 1 May 2026, the courts will still be able to process Section 21 possessions that are ongoing, for example:
if a private landlord served their tenant with a Section 21 notice before 1 May 2026, any court possession proceedings must be made in line with the usual rules and no later than 31 July 2026, when using the Section 21 court process.
after this date (31 July 2026), the landlord will not be able to use the Section 21 process and must use the new grounds for possession.
Dogs Trust Pet Friendly Housing Lead, Jennifer Leonard, said: “Across the UK, one in seven requests we receive from people wishing to hand over care of their dog is due to a housing-related issue.
“Now, we hope that fewer renters will face the heartbreaking choice between finding a safe place to live and keeping their beloved pet. The new legislation, alongside our resources on responsible pet ownership, provides clarity to landlords and tenants and will allow more people to benefit from the joy that pets can bring.”
Joanna Elson, CBE, Chief Executive at Independent Age said: “The implementation of the Renters’ Rights Act is an important milestone for tenants of all ages. For the rising number of older private renters that we support, it is vital.
“Many of the tenants in later life that we speak to say that, until now, they lived in a constant state of anxiety, worried about being evicted for no reason and the consequences of asking their landlord for repairs.
“Although the job of making renting safe, secure and affordable for everyone is not yet done, today, we are a significant step closer.”
Seyi Obakin, chief executive of leading youth homelessness charity Centrepoint, said: “Ending youth homelessness requires a series of policies aimed at reducing the number of young people at risk and supporting those already experiencing it into sustainable tenancies and employment.
“The protections in the Renters’ Rights Act will prevent thousands of young people pushed into homelessness every year because of no fault evictions. This is a cause for real celebration: from the beginning of this month, fewer young people will end up in housing crisis or trapped in temporary accommodation as a result of a no-fault eviction.
“Private renting is the default option hundreds of thousands of young people across the country – the increased protections in this Act mean they better able to rely on the security of their tenancies and enjoy and benefit from the stability that brings.”
Amira Campbell, National Union of Students President said: “Renting as a student can be as stressful as any university assignment. The Renters’ Rights Act is a transformative piece of legislation, giving us the ability to leave tenancies, capping the rent that can be demanded upfront, and stopping the rush to sign next year’s contract.
“I am proud of the student leaders who worked with us to ensure that Act reflects the reality we face as students and gives us the reassurances we need to be able to feel secure in our housing. Those students have made sure that future students will not face the same exploitative conditions they had to endure.
“I hope the momentum to give renters our rights only continues. Students are an important part of any university town or city, and we need a warm, decent place to live.”
David Bowles, Head of Public Affairs at the RSPCA, said: “This is an historic day for pet ownership.
“For too long, renters in England have been unfairly denied the potential joy of pet ownership. That ends thanks to this new law.
“This change is a lifeline – not just for families wanting to add a loving pet to the household, but for the many thousands of animals currently stuck in many full to bursting centres, who will now have many new opportunities to find loving adopters.
“Pet ownership is such a big commitment – but can be so rewarding. At the RSPCA, we are celebrating that the Renters’ Rights Act will facilitate happier, healthier tenants right across the country – and help us tackle a pet rehoming crisis.”
Emma Haddad, CEO at St Mungo’s: “The Renters’ Rights Act represents a sea change moment for people who have been pushed into or put at risk of homelessness.
“Measures in the Act, including a ban on Section 21 ‘no-fault’ evictions and limits on rent increases, signal a fundamental shift away from a system that has led people into homelessness instead of into a secure and stable home.
“Alongside the Renters’ Rights Act coming into force, we need to ensure that all elements of the Government’s National Plan to End Homelessness are progressed.”
Nathan Emerson, CEO of Propertymark, comments: “Today marks a significant step forward for tenants across England as the Renters’ Rights Act comes into force, bringing in a new era of protections and greater transparency in the private rented sector.
“The removal of Section 21 means tenants can no longer be evicted without a specific legal reason, which represents a major shift in security of tenure. At the same time, the new system places greater responsibility on landlords and agents to ensure every step of the process is evidence-based and fully compliant with the law.
“This is a complex transition for the sector, but professional, well-trained and qualified letting agents will play a vital role in making sure these changes work effectively in practice.”
Industry support continues
Propertymark continues to support agents as they implement the new legislative framework, helping ensure they remain compliant, informed, and confident in their responsibilities.
In turn, well-trained and qualified agents are best placed to guide their landlords effectively through these changes, ensuring that tenants benefit from consistently high standards of professionalism, transparency, and legal compliance across the rental sector.
The stronger the understanding within the agency sector, the better the experience and protection delivered to tenants under the new system.
The Scottish Coalition On Tobacco (SCOT) is celebrating the UK Government’s landmark Tobacco and Vapes Bill, which was introduced with a four nations approach on 5 November 2024, having received Royal Assent to become law this week (Wednesday 29 April).
The new law means that from 1 January 2027 it will be illegal to sell tobacco products to anyone born on or after 1 January 2009. It will also bring in other major public health driven measures such as a ban on the sale of nicotine pouches to under 18s and outlaw the advertising and sponsorship of vapes and other recreational nicotine products.
The Scottish Coalition On Tobacco, an alliance of 19 health advocacy charities, royal colleges, pharmacy and medical associations convened by ASH Scotland, is welcoming the new law as a major step towards Scotland becoming a tobacco-free nation.
We are delighted that strong measures in the Tobacco & Vapes Act will become reality.
Our CEO said “This is a significant step towards eradicating the damage inflicted by profit-centred corporations on people’s lives & tackling advertisement of heath harming nicotine products” pic.twitter.com/9ngRV8XnTv
Sheila Duffy, Chief Executive of ASH Scotland and Chair of SCOT, said: “With tobacco continuing to be the biggest preventable killer of people in Scotland, causing nearly 9,000 deaths each year, we are delighted that strong measures in the Tobacco and Vapes Act will become reality as they can be truly transformative and must be implemented without delay.
“Everyone should have the right to breathe clean air, and this is a significant step towards eradicating the damage being inflicted by profit-centred multi-national corporations on people’s lives, especially in our poorest communities, and tackling the advertising and promotions of addictive, heath harming recreational nicotine products such as vapes and nicotine pouches.”
Charmaine Griffiths, Chief Executive of the British Heart Foundation, said: “This is a true landmark moment for public health.
“For everyone who has lost someone to a smoking related heart attack or stroke, for every clinician who has seen the toll of tobacco at the bedside, and for every young person who will now grow up free from the harms of smoking – we celebrate this historic achievement that will save lives for generations to come.”
Professor Steve Turner, President of Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH), said: “The Tobacco and Vapes Act has the exact type of bold ambition and long‑term thinking that makes meaningful change for children and young people. This will help to improve child health outcomes and narrow the unacceptable health inequalities gap.
“Paediatricians are thrilled to have supported this important piece of legislation, which will reduce the unacceptable burden that tobacco and vaping places on today’s youth, and also protect future generations from the harms of nicotine addiction. I celebrate this landmark moment for child health. This is a clear signal that the wellbeing of children and young people can and should come first.”
Joseph Carter, Head of Asthma + Lung UK Scotland said: “This landmark legislation means a smoke free future across the UK and the tobacco industry will no longer be able to wreak havoc on the lungs of the next generation. The Act also builds on restrictions concerning where vapes, cigarettes, and heated tobacco products can be used which we welcome.
“The next Scottish Government needs to outline how the bill will be implemented. It must also make sure existing smokers aren’t left behind by providing essential smoking cessation support, especially in areas of deprivation where smoking rates are highest. We are looking forward to working with new MSPs to go further to protect public health and hold the tobacco industry to account.”
Adam Osprey, Head of Policy at Community Pharmacy Scotland, said: “Community pharmacy teams contribute to the goal of a smoke-free Scotland by supporting tens of thousands of quit attempts each year, and have done for over 15 years.
“These teams have been sharing in more recent times their concern over the changing patterns in nicotine use, whether that be the rise in popularity of vapes and pouches. On behalf of our members, we are delighted that the Bill has passed and received Royal Assent, as its bold commitments to action provide the preventative measures that are required to complement the well-established cessation offering in Scotland”.
Professor Mark Strachan, President of the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh, said: “We are extremely pleased that the Tobacco and Vapes Bill which we supported consistently from the beginning of this process – has now received Royal Assent.
“This truly is a historic moment in the UK which offers the opportunity for all future generations of young people to be protected from the harms of smoking as we strive for a smoke-free society. The stricter regulation of vapes, especially in relation to young people, is also important.
“As we celebrate this major milestone in public health policy and the progress that has been made over the last few decades, we also remember that smoking remains the leading cause of preventable death in the UK and we will continue to work with others to ensure that all existing smokers are regularly offered and provided with access to the highest quality cessation support and that this support is backed up with appropriate investment.”
National Threat Level increased to SEVERE following Golders Green attack and increasing threat of Islamist and Extreme Right Wing terrorism in the UK
The Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre (JTAC) has today (30 April 2026) raised the UK National Threat Level from SUBSTANTIAL, meaning an attack is likely, to SEVERE, meaning an attack is highly likely in the next six months.
The increase in threat comes following yesterday’s stabbing in Golders Green in North London, but it is not solely a result of that attack. The terrorist threat level in the UK has been rising for some time, driven by an increase in the broader Islamist and Extreme Right Wing terrorist threat from individuals and small groups based in the UK.
While the UK National Threat Level set independently by JTAC reflects the terrorist threat in the UK, it comes against a backdrop of increased state-linked physical threats which is encouraging acts of violence, including against the Jewish community.
This is an independent, systematic, and rigorous process, based on the very latest intelligence and analysis of internal and external factors which drive the threat.
Home Secretary, Shabana Mahmood, said: “Yesterday’s abhorrent, antisemitic attack was a vile act of terrorism.
“My thoughts today remain with the victims, and with the whole Jewish community at a time of deep disquiet and fear.
“My deepest thanks go to the volunteers and emergency services, a number of whom I met today. Their actions saved lives and they are, and forever will be, heroes.
“Today, the national threat level has increased to “severe”, which means a terrorist attack is considered highly likely.
“I know this will be a source of concern to many, particularly amongst our Jewish community, who have suffered so much.
“The Government has today announced a significant increase in investment to protect our Jewish communities, with record funding for policing and security at synagogues, schools and community centres. And we will do everything in our power to rid society of the evil of antisemitism.
“As the threat level rises, I urge everyone to be vigilant as they go about their daily lives, and report any concerns they have to the police.
“And I can assure everyone that our world-class security services and the police are working day and night to keep our country safe.”
The UK was last at SEVERE in November 2021, following the Liverpool Women’s Hospital bombing and murder of Sir David Amess, before being lowered to SUBSTANTIAL in February 2022.
In light of yesterday’s attack and a spate of vile antisemitic arson attacks in London, the Government is investing an additional £25 million funding to protect Jewish communities against horrific antisemitic attacks.
This brings the total funding to £58 million this year – the largest investment a government has made in protecting Jewish communities in history.
This funding will go towards increasing police presence and patrols in communities, as well as added protective security in synagogues, schools, and community centres.
It will also be invested into the expansion of Project Servator, putting specialist and plain-clothes officers in the community who are trained to spot suspicious activity and identify individuals preparing to commit serious crimes.
Legislation will also be fast tracked in the coming weeks to clamp down on individuals and groups carrying out hostile activity for foreign states, including those who act as their proxies.
The Home Secretary will be given new proscription-like powers to ban the activities of state-backed organisations who pose a threat to the UK’s national security. It will give police and intelligence agencies stronger tools under the National Security Act to disrupt the activities of anyone acting on behalf of state-backed organisations.
More information about how the threat levels is set and what it means can be found by visiting the Security Service webpage
PM remarks from Downing Street on Golders Green attack: 30 April 2026
Yesterday, Britain’s Jewish community suffered yet another vile terrorist attack. Two men stabbed in broad daylight on the streets of Golders Green because they were Jews. I’ve just come back from Golders Green where I expressed my sadness and solidarity with that community but also my determination to act because the truth is this attack is not a one-off.
There have been a series of attacks including an arson attack in Hendon, an attack on the Jewish Ambulance Service Hatzola, the fireball at Kenton United Synagogue which I visited last week and on top of all this Heaton Park in Manchester last October where two Jewish men were killed in a vile Islamist attack on their synagogue. And so people are scared, scared to show who they are in their community, scared to go to synagogue and practise their religion, scared to go to university as a Jew, to send their children to school as a Jew, to tell their colleagues that they are Jewish, even to use our NHS. Nobody should live like that in Britain but Jews do.
And so yesterday this anxiety that is always there went to another place, to terror frankly. That is the right word. I want to thank the Jewish Security Services who wrestle with this every day and who alongside the police prevented a much greater tragedy yesterday.
I met some of the first responders today and on behalf of the country I thanked them for their bravery. We will strengthen the visible police presence in our Jewish communities. We will increase our investment in those Jewish Security Services.
We will introduce much stronger powers to shut down charities that promote antisemitic extremism. We will prevent hate preachers from entering our country, bar them from our campuses, our streets, our communities. Work with our justice system to speed up sentences on antisemitic attacks so there is a stronger deterrence factor as we do with riots.
And we need stronger powers to tackle the malign threat posed by states like Iran because we know for a fact that they want to harm British Jews which is why we will fast-track the necessary legislation. And yet the truth is while we can and we will bring the full power of the state to bear on this, this is about society every bit as much as it is about security. At moments like this we often say this is not Britain, that these attacks are an afront to British values, to British tolerance, British decency but they keep happening.
And so today instead I will simply say that our values are not a gift handed down generation to generation. They are something we earn each day through action. They come from us.
Antisemitism is an old, old hatred. History shows that the roots are deep and if you turn away it grows back. Yet far too many people in this country diminish it.
They either don’t see it or they don’t want to see it. Take the marches that happen regularly across Britain. Of course we protect freedom of speech and peaceful protests in this country but if you are marching with people wearing pictures of paragliders without calling it out you are venerating the murder of Jews.
If you stand alongside people who say globalise the intifada, you are calling for terrorism against Jews and people who use that phrase should be prosecuted. It is racism, extremely racism and it has left a minority community in this country scared, intimidated, wondering if they belong. So, I say again this government will do everything in our power to stamp this hatred out.
We will strengthen our security and protect our Jewish community, but I also call on everyone decent in this country to open their eyes to Jewish pain, Jewish suffering and Jewish fear. I call on everyone to come together and fight antisemitism and I call on everyone to fight for the decent, respectful, tolerant Britain that I and millions of people love so that our freedom and our values can still speak loud and true to a community that can no longer take it on faith. Thank you.
The UK’s Terrorism Threat Level has been raised to Severe – meaning an attack is highly likely.
There is nothing to suggest a specific threat to Scotland. You should be alert, not alarmed, remain vigilant and report anything suspicious.
Assistant Chief Constable Stuart Houston, Organised Crime and Counter Terrorism, said: “Today the Home Secretary announced an increase in the UK’s Terrorism Threat Level to Severe, meaning an attack is now highly likely.
“This decision has been made in response to a series of recent attacks on Jewish communities and a terror attack declared in north London yesterday (29 April). I want to stress that there is no intelligence to suggest any specific threat to Scotland.
“However, I do want to take this opportunity to urge the public to remain alert but not alarmed. You should remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to Police Scotland.”
Police Scotland can be contacted on 101 or in an emergency you should always dial 999.
The previously un-named graves of two officers who gave their lives during World War One have been identified in Belgium. Captain (Capt) Gordon Cuthbert of Sunbury, Middlesex, and Lieutenant (Lt) Leslie Harvey, originally from Windsor, both served with 1/8 Battalion Duke of Cambridge’s Own, Middlesex Regiment and both died near Ypres on 25 April 1915.
Two ‘unknown soldier’ headstones have been replaced with ones bearing the names of the men who lay there after investigation work by the MOD’s Joint Casualty and Compassionate Centre (JCCC), also known as the ‘War Detectives’.
Rededication services for Capt Cuthbert and Lt Harvey were organised by the team, and services were held for Capt. Cuthbert at the Commonwealth War Graves Commission’s (CWGC) Tyne Cot Cemetery and for Lt Harvey at Sanctuary Wood Cemetery yesterday (29 April 2026).
JCCC Caseworker, Alexia Clark, said: “I am grateful to the independent researcher who put such a lot of effort into discovering the stories of these two men, and the records behind the un-named graves and who ultimatly submitted the cases for their identification.
“Their work has led us to recognise the final resting places of Captain Cuthbert and Lieutenant Harvey, and to restore their names to them.
“It has been a privilege to have contributed to these cases and to have organised the services of rededication today.”
Captain Gordon Cuthbert
14 August 1876 – 25 April 1915
In 1894, Gordon Cuthbert joined the London Rifle Brigade, and he was gazetted 2nd Lieutenant in the 2nd Volunteer Brigade of the Middlesex Regiment in February 1900. He transferred to the Territorial Reserve in 1908 and was appointed captain in command of the Twickenham Company in 1911.
On the outbreak of war in August 1914, he rejoined the Middlesex Regiment and proceeded to Gibraltar for garrison duty until February 1915 when he was sent to northern Europe. He was killed on 25 April whilst leading a storming party which retook a trench near Ypres. In the chaos of war immediate burial was impossible, and following the war Gordon’s name was added to the Menin Gate Memorial to the missing in Ypres.
In 1920 the body of a Captain of the Middlesex Regiment was recovered on the southern side of the Ypres-Roulers railway line – his rank and regiment were determined from elements of his uniform, but his personal identity was impossible to tell and so he was buried as an unknown Captain at Tyne Cot Cemetery.
Detailed research has now allowed the unknown Captain to be identified as Gordon Cuthbert.
Military personnel salute, and Standards are dipped, as Last Post sounds at the service for Captain Cuthbert (Crown Copyright)
Lieutenant Leslie Harvey
3 January 1884 – 25 April 1915
Leslie Harvey joined the Inns of Court Officer Training Corps, and on the outbreak of war volunteered immediately, being given a commission in the Middlesex regiment on 28 August 1914. Leslie was sent to Gibraltar with the regiment in October 1914 and was promoted to Lieutenant in February 1915. Following a short period of leave in England he was sent to France, in late February – early March 1915.
By April 1915 Leslie had reached Belgium and was engaged in fighting in the Zonnebeke area. On 25 April 1915 he was killed whilst leading a bayonet charge. Although he was buried by his men at the time – near a railway crossing – the records of his grave were lost and following the war he was named on the Menin Gate Memorial to the missing at Ypres.
In early 1929, the body of an unknown Lieutenant of the Middlesex Regiment was recovered from a location just south of the Ypres-Roulers railway – identified by a shoulder title, and his badges and buttons. It was impossible to determine his personal identity, and he was buried as an unknown Lieutenant at Sanctuary Wood Cemetery, alongside two other men recovered at the same place and time.
Archival research has now connected this unknown Lieutenant to Leslie Harvey and allowed us to identify his final resting place.
Padre Victoria Day leads the service for Lt Harvey (Crown Copyright)
The services today were supported by serving soldiers from the Princess of Wales’s Royal Regiment and led by Padre Victoria Day of 26 Royal Engineer Regiment.
The headstones were replaced by CWGC.
Polly Brewster, Commemorations Case Officer at CWGC, said: “On the 25th April 1915, Captain Gordon Cuthbert and Lieutenant Leslie Harvey were engaged in fierce fighting near Ypres and made the ultimate sacrifice.
“It feels very poignant that 110 years later, almost to the day, we are now able to commemorate them by name at their final resting places. The Commission will continue to care for their graves in perpetuity, ensuring that they can rest in peace and dignity, their sacrifice remembered.”
An MHRA-led investigation has exposed a £1.8 million illegal medicines and steroids network, leading to seven men being sentenced
Seven men have been sentenced after an investigation by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency’s (MHRA) Criminal Enforcement Unit into a large-scale criminal network supplying illegal steroids and prescription-only medicines. The group received combined sentences totalling more than 21 years’ imprisonment.
The investigation began after UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) identified website linked to the Bolton area that were suspected of selling performance-enhancing steroids and other illegal medicines.
MHRA investigators traced the activity to a flat above commercial premises on St Helens Road, which was being used to store, package, and distribute the drugs.
During enforcement action, officers seized more than 130,000 doses of steroids and unauthorised medicines that were being sold by mail order. These included products such as tamoxifen, finasteride and modafinil, highlighting the scale and complexity of the illegal supply network. Further searches across Bolton led to a number of arrests.
Following a detailed investigation, several individuals were charged with offences including conspiracy to supply controlled drugs, supplying unauthorised medicines, and money laundering to the value of over £1.8 million.
Tim Duffield, MHRA Head of Intelligence said: ““This was a well-organised operation that put people at real risk. Medicines bought outside regulated channels can be unsafe, ineffective or fake.
“Our investigators worked hard to break up this criminal network and bring those responsible to justice. These convictions are just part of the MHRA’s ongoing work to tackle the illegal trade in medicines and protect public health.”
Mario Theophanous, UKAD’s Head of Intelligence and Investigations, said: “Disrupting the supply of illegal performance-enhancing drugs is central to protecting sport.
“Our intelligence officers work in partnership with regulators and law enforcement, to identify and dismantle the criminal networks that make these substances available. That collaboration is a vital part of how we keep prohibited substances out of sport, and away from elite athletes and young people.”
Zaheer Oomer, who is unemployed, pleaded guilty at an early stage to all charges, including money laundering offences to a value of £99,893.
Rizwan Atcha, a health and safety advisor, Imtiaz Atcha, a former bank manager, and Matthew Williams, a care worker, also pleaded guilty at the start of the trial in June 2025. Each admitted money laundering offences to the value of £772,112, £117,733 and £221,349 respectively.
Abdul Khan, a scrap metal dealer, Saddym Shahid, a mechanic, and Rajendra Patel, a scrap metal worker, pleaded not guilty and stood trial at Bolton Crown Court. They faced charges of money laundering involving £139,967, $248,750 and £229,061 respectively. Following consideration of extensive evidence, the jury found all three men guilty on 7 July 2025.
A Proceeds of Crime Act confiscation investigation is ongoing.
The MHRA reminds the public to only obtain medicines from trusted and regulated sources, such as registered pharmacies.
Anyone who suspects they have been sold illegal or unsafe medicines, or is experiencing side effects, should seek medical advice and report any concerns to the MHRA’s Yellow Card scheme.
Convictions
Abdul Khan and Saddaym Shahid – Conspiracy to supply class C drugs 4 years imprisonment. Conspiracy to supply unauthorised medicinal products 18 months imprisonment concurrent. Money laundering 3 years imprisonment consecutive. Total 7 years imprisonment.
Mohammed Oomer – Conspiracy to supply class C drugs 35 months imprisonment. Conspiracy to supply unauthorised medicinal products 18 months imprisonment concurrent. Money laundering 20 months imprisonment consecutive. Total 4 years 7 months.
Rizwan Atcha – 4 counts of money laundering. 37 months imprisonment concurrent on each count. Total 3 years and 1 month imprisonment.
Imtiaz Atcha – 4 counts of money laundering. 18 months imprisonment suspended for 2 years. Electronically monitored curfew from 9pm to 7pm for four months. To do 250 hours of unpaid work.
Rajendra Patel – 2 counts of money laundering. 24 months imprisonment suspended for 2 years. Electronically monitored curfew from 9pm to 7pm for four months. To do 250 hours of unpaid work.
Matthew Williams – 4 counts of money laundering. 24 months imprisonment suspended for 2 years. Electronically monitored curfew from 9pm to 7pm for four months. To do 250 hours of unpaid work.
On Europe Day, Saturday 9 May 2026, a free drop-in event for 16–35-year-olds will take place in Edinburgh, offering practical opportunities to study, work, travel, and volunteer across Europe.
The Connecting Europe Fair will be hosted at the French Institute on the Royal Mile from 10:00 to 16:30. Part of the wider Festival of Europe Scotland (7–17 May), this Fair is all about sharing exciting European connections that are accessible to as many people as possible.
Visitors will have the chance to meet with key organisations offering access to European opportunities, including the British Council, Erasmus Student Network, International Voluntary Service, the University of Edinburgh’s Languages for All programme, and the EU–UK Parliamentary Liaison Office.
The Fair will also feature exciting activities, such as:
Prize Draw: Win Interrail passes
Photo Booth Competition: Get creative for a chance to win Amazon vouchers
Europe Day Quiz – to test your knowledge about Europe and learn something new!
Following the UK’s rejoining of Erasmus Plus, the Connecting Europe Fair offers a timely opportunity to explore education, volunteering, and travel across Europe once again. Whether you have five minutes or five hours to spare, pop by the Fair and in-person connect with experts who can help you unlock European experiences.
Organiser Niamh Donnellan explained: “The Fair aims to open doors and highlight accessible ways for young people in Scotland to engage with Europe, whether through study, volunteering, or cultural exchange.”
EVENT DETAILS
Date: Saturday 9 May 2026
Time: 10:00 – 16:30
Location: French Institute, Royal Mile, Edinburgh EH1 1RN (Step-free access via George IV Bridge)
