Day: October 24, 2025

MHRA smashes major illicit weight loss medicine production facility in record seizure

MHRA strikes massive blow to organised criminal gang in world’s biggest illegal weight loss jabs raid

Officers from the Criminal Enforcement Unit (CEU) of the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) have dismantled a major illicit manufacturing facility, making and distributing unlicensed weight-loss jabs, during a raid on a warehouse in Northampton.  

This is the first illicit production facility for weight loss medicine discovered in the UK and is believed to be the largest single seizure of trafficked weight loss medicines ever recorded by a law enforcement agency worldwide.  

During the search, MHRA officers, supported by Northamptonshire Police, seized tens of thousands of empty weight loss pens ready to be filled, raw chemical ingredients, and more than 2,000 unlicensed retatrutide and tirzepatide pens awaiting dispatch to customers. The street value of the finished weight loss products alone is estimated to be more than a quarter of a million pounds. 

Along with large amounts of sophisticated packaging and manufacturing equipment, officers recovered approximately £20,000 in cash suspected to be linked to medicines trafficking. 

The search operation, lasting two days, is the latest in the MHRA’s ongoing work to tackle the illegal trade in weight loss medicines.

The site, on an industrial estate on the outskirts of Northampton, is believed to have been used for the large-scale manufacture, packaging, and distribution of unlicensed — and potentially deadly — weight loss products to customers.  

Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Wes Streeting, said: “This is a victory in the fight against the shameless criminals who are putting lives at risk by peddling dangerous and illegal weight loss jabs to make a quick buck. 

“These unregulated products, made with no regard for safety or quality, posed a major risk to unwitting customers. 

“My message is clear: don’t buy weight loss medications from unregulated sources. Talk to your GP, seek NHS advice, and don’t line the pockets of criminals who don’t care about your health.

“Safe, appropriate, licensed obesity drugs can greatly benefit those in need if taken under medical supervision, and I urge people to only purchase and use them with the approval and oversight of medics and pharmacists.” 

Andy Morling, Head of the MHRA’s Criminal Enforcement Unit, said:  “This seizure shows the lengths these criminals will go to for profit. People should be extremely cautious when buying medicines online.

“Prescription medicines should only be obtained from a registered pharmacy against a prescription issued by a healthcare professional.

“Taking prescription medicines sourced in any other way carries serious risks to your health – there are no guarantees about what they contain, and some may even be contaminated with toxic substances. 

“Taking out the first illicit weight loss medicine manufacturing facility found in the UK is a landmark result for the MHRA and a major blow to the illegal trade. These products are untested, unauthorised, and potentially deadly. By taking this organised criminal network out of operation and stopping tens of thousands of potentially fatal products from entering circulation, we’ve prevented a serious risk to public health. 

“This is an illicit global market that endangers patients, puts big money in the pockets of organised criminals, and undermines legitimate healthcare. This operation demonstrates, once again, that my officers will stop at nothing to identify, disrupt, and dismantle the organised criminal networks who put profit before safety.”  

The MHRA #FakeMeds website offers helpful guidance and advice for staying safe when buying medicines online.  

Anyone who suspects they are having a side effect from a medicine are encouraged to talk to their doctor, pharmacist or nurse and report it directly to the MHRA Yellow Card scheme. 

Historic Royal Palaces launches new Inspiring History Teaching Awards

Much-loved historian and broadcaster Lucy Worsley to lead the national judging panel, alongside Greg Jenner, Sathnam Sanghera, Dan Jones, Shalina Patel and more

Historic Royal Palaces has announced that its inaugural Inspiring History Teaching Awards is open for entries.

Delivered with support from the Historical Association and partners across the UK, this new national award scheme celebrates teachers who bring the past to life in classrooms across the country.

More than ever, history is a vital subject in schools. Great teachers around the UK are igniting a love and appreciation for the past. They help make sense of the world and one’s place in it. They spark curiosity by exploring important stories that are relevant to everyone. And they encourage young people to ask questions and develop critical thinking – crucial skills in the age of social media and AI.

To recognise this important work, Historic Royal Palaces (HRP) will award 10 regional and national winners – each receiving a £500 cash prize for themselves and £500 for their school along with annual memberships to HRP and Historical Association, plus the chance to become an HRP Teacher Champion. One overall winner will receive an additional £500 for themselves and £500 for their school, plus a lifetime HRP membership. Read the full details at hrp.org.uk/teachingawards.

The Inspiring History Teaching Awards are an extension of Historic Royal Palaces’ own work to bring history to life for every child in the UK. As an independent charity, HRP receives no Government or Crown funding and relies on visitors, members, donors and partners to care for its six remarkable palaces: Tower of London, Hampton Court Palace, Kensington Palace, Banqueting House, Kew Palace, and Hillsborough Castle and Gardens. 

Over the next 10 years, it is committed to reaching every school in the UK through on-site visits, school programmes, new digital experiences and teacher support. The Inspiring History Teaching Awards mark a new chapter in that ambition— a timely, national moment to shine a light on teachers who bring the past to life, spark curiosity, and inspire students.  

The Inspiring History Teaching Awards are about impact beyond exam results. The judging panel will be looking for innovation and ingenuity: the class that are vividly transported to Ancient Egypt or Tudor England; The child who comes home bursting to share mind-boggling facts; or the student who finds new pride in their community after discovering a local hero who changed society for the better.

This brand-new, national award is designed to celebrate teachers from every corner of the UK, at all career levels, within Primary, Secondary, Further Education, Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) or Additional Support Needs (ASN). Nominations are free and simple to do and can be submitted by anyone over 18. The charity is encouraging colleagues, parents, guardians, governors – and teachers themselves – to champion brilliant history educators making a difference.

On Saturday 20th June 2026, a prestigious ceremony will be held at the Tower of London where the 10 regional and national winners will be celebrated, and the overall winner will be revealed.

Lucy Worsley, Historian, Broadcaster and HRP Ambassador, will lead the judging process to decide who clinches the top award. She says: “Great history teaching doesn’t just tell students what happened—it helps them think, question and connect with the world around them.

“We’re looking for the inspirational people who do this every day in their classrooms. If that’s you – or somebody you know – please send in a nomination. HRP’s Inspiring History Teaching Awards will be an important chance to celebrate their hard work, creativity and passion.”

On the national judging panel, Lucy Worsley is joined by more of the UK’s most respected and recognisable historians, educators and writers, including: 

  • Greg Jenner – Historian and Podcast Host (You’re Dead To Me)
  • Sathnam Sanghera – Journalist and Author (Empireland, Empireworld and The Boy with the Topknot)
  • Dan Jones – Historian, Author and Podcast Host (This Is History)
  • Shalina Patel – Historian, Teacher and Writer (The History Lessons)
  • Michael Riley – History Educator and Academic 
  • Katie Hunter – Teacher, Activist and Researcher

To ensure the awards have a truly national reach, HRP is collaborating with organisations across all four devolved nations. UK-wide partners include the Historical Association – who is the Associate Partner for the awards – and the Association of Independent Museums.

In Scotland, HRP is working with Royal Collection Trust and the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the Scottish Maritime Museum, and the Scottish Association for the Teaching of History.

In Wales, HRP is working with Cadw; and in Northern Ireland, with National Museums NI and the History Teachers’ Association of Northern Ireland.

HRP’s Inspiring History Teaching Awards are now open for entries at hrp.org.uk/teachingawards. Entries will close on Sunday 25 January 2026.

Edinburgh’s Hogmanay launches music and comedy programme with Scottish talent topping the bill

2MANYDJS, VALTOS AND HAYLEY ZALASSI TAKE OVER STREET PARTY

ASSEMBLY ROOMS FESTIVAL CLUB WELCOMES VIC GALLOWAY’S VITAMIN C CLUB NIGHT, SUSIE MCCABE, LARRY DEAN AND MORE, AS WELL AS RETURN OF TRADITIONAL CEILIDHS

PLUS, ST.GILES’ WELCOMES LAU FOR SPECIAL CANDLELIT CONCERT

TICKETS ON SALE VIA www.edinburghshogmanay.com from TODAY

Edinburgh’s Hogmanay has today announced a music and comedy programme spannning four days of the festival, with Scottish talent topping the bill across the famous Street Party, Edinburgh’s Hogmanay Festival Club at the Assembly Rooms and Candlelit Concerts at St.Giles’ Cathedral. 

From electro-trad trailblazers Valtos to comedy mainstays Susie McCabe, Larry Dean and Christopher Macarthur-Boyd, trad trio Lau, as well as Street Party headliners 2manydjs and more, there’s non-stop entertainment to end the year on a high at Edinburgh’s Hogmanay.  

EDINBURGH’S HOGMANAY STREET PARTY

Amidst the backdrop of Edinburgh’s historic skyline, the legendary Street Party will once again transform the city centre into one of the world’s largest open-air dancefloors on 31 December, bringing in the bells with the last show of 2025 and the first of 2026. 

Electronic sensations 2manydjs will headline the Party Zone, delivering a set relayed throughout Princes Street, building up to the world-famous Midnight Moment fireworks from Edinburgh Castle. 

Known for their eclectic, boundary-pushing DJ sets, the Belgian duo will take to the decks for one night only, joined by special guest DJHayley Zalassi, who will kickstart the party with one of her euphoric sets. 

Meanwhile, the Tartan Zone will spotlight homegrown talent, headlined by genre-bending Skye duo Valtos. Known for their powerful fusion of electronic soundscapes and contemporary folk, Martyn MacDonald and Daniel Docherty will set the tone for a high-energy night, joined by their full live band.

Partygoers can dance the night away to all-female folk outfit The Poozies and the upbeat Bella McNab’s Dance Band, creating one of the world’s largest ceilidh dances and spotlighting Scottish traditional music to end the year. 

Daniel Docherty and Martyn MacDonald of Valtos said: “We are absolutely delighted to be asked to perform at the Edinburgh Hogmanay Street Party this year.

“The Street Party is iconic worldwide and the opportunity to showcase our sound (and the sound of Scotland) to locals, and visitors alike, fills us with much excitement. The only thing blowing the roof off this year will be Valtos!”

ASSEMBLY ROOMS FESTIVAL CLUB

Some of Scotland’s leading comedians join the Hogmanay festivities this year with a night of non-stop laughs at Ho Ho Hogmanay on 30 December, featuring award-winning comedy from Larry Dean, Christopher Macarthur-Boyd and more. 

A stellar bill of Scottish acts will take to the stage including one of the UK’s leading comics and three-time Edinburgh Comedy Award nominee Larry Dean and, following a completely sold out Edinburgh Fringe run, Glaswegian stand-up Christopher Macarthur-Boyd, plus Edinburgh local and rising star Ayo Adenekan, with the night hosted by comedy legend Susie McCabe.  

Susie McCabe said: “New Year is such a brilliant time to be in Edinburgh, and a night of comedy at the Assembly Rooms is the perfect starter before the main event on Hogmanay night!”

Assembly Rooms will also host a special opening-night takeover with Vic Galloway’s Vitamin C Club Night on 29 December, following the annual Torchlight Procession. Curated and hosted by BBC Radio Scotland’s Vic Galloway and Andy Wake (The Phantom Band), this spectacular night of live music will feature live music from local indie-rock band waverley. and a DJ set from Stuart Braithwaite of Mogwai fame, for non-stop dancin’, a night of rock’n’roll, psych, cosmic disco, soul, funk and rarities – and everyone is invited. 

The festival’s beloved foot-stompin’ ceilidhs also return, inviting revellers of all ages to dance their way into the New Year in true Scottish style.

An annual sell-out, the Bairns Hogmanay Ceilidh Club returns for an afternoon of family fun on 31 December with the Sensational Jimi Shandrix Experience, whilst the late-night Hogmanay Ceilidh Club invites guests to dress to impress and take to the dancefloor for a night of high-energy ceilidh in traditional Hogmanay fashion, featuring Scotland’s best live ceilidh bands across two dancefloors with Ceilidhonia, Teannaich, Hugh McDiarmid’s Haircut, and Bodhran Bodhran, delicious whisky tasting and a raucous countdown to midnight and Auld Lang Syne.  

CANDLELIT CONCERTS 

In the Old Town, the beloved Candlelit Concert at St. Giles’ Cathedral returns on Hogmanay night, offering an evening of musical reflection in one of Edinburgh’s most atmospheric settings.  

This year’s concert marks the arrival of 2026 with works from classical giants Bach and Mozart, performed by the St. Giles’ Cathedral Choir, directed by new Master of Music Jack Oades, along with the St. Giles’ Camerata, and a stunning array of talented young soloists. 

Brand new for 2025, St. Giles’ is also the setting for an intimate candlelit performance from acclaimed folk trio Lau on 30 December. Lau by Candlelight sees some of traditional music’s most celebrated innovators Kris Drever (guitar, vocals), Martin Green (accordion) and Aidan O’Rourke (fiddle), strip away their banks of electronics, loops and wild effects, for a performance less about spectacle and more about close listening and reflection. 

These newly announced shows further expand a four-day programme that already features Grammy Award-winners Wet Leg at the Concert in the Gardens, joined by Scots favourites Hamish Hawk and Lucia & The Best Boys.  

Scottish music legends Peat & Diesel headline the Night Afore Concert on 30 December, performing a barnstorming set underneath the backdrop of Edinburgh Castle, with support from Scottish accordion sensation RuMac. 

City of Edinburgh Council Leader Jane Meagher said: “Edinburgh’s Hogmanay is always an unforgettable experience, and 2025 promises to be another year to remember.

“With a fantastic four-day festival lined up for the celebrated Street Party, there’s no better place in the world to welcome the New Year.

“This year’s programme truly offers something for people of all ages – whether you’re dancing to DJ sets from international icons like 2MANYDJs and local favourite Hayley Zalassi or enjoying the family-friendly fun of the beloved Bairns Hogmanay Ceilidh Club.

“I have no doubt this will be one of the most memorable Hogmanay celebrations yet. It’s not to be missed.”

Directors of Unique Assembly, who create and produce the Edinburgh’s Hogmanay festival said: “We’re incredibly proud to unveil the next wave of events, with a feast of live music, ceilidhs and comedy across four days of Edinburgh’s Hogmanay.

“From rising stars to much-loved mainstays of the cultural scene, these artists and events promise to light up every corner of the city, from the exhilarating Street Party, the hilarious Ho Ho Hogmanay and our raucous traditional ceilidhs, there really is something for everyone to enjoy.” 

Tickets for all events on sale from 12pm Friday 24 October, via www.edinburghshogmanay.com

Edinburgh’s Hogmanay 2025/26 is supported by Principal Funding Partners City of Edinburgh Council and Major Partners the Scottish Government’s Festivals EXPO Fund all working together to create spectacular Edinburgh’s Hogmanay celebrations for Scotland. 

Follow Edinburgh’s Hogmanay on social media – Facebook and Instagram.  

CCHS Winter Concert

WEDNESDAY 26 NOVEMBER at 6pm

The Winter Concert is a fantastic celebration of our talented young musicians, featuring performances from the Choir, Jazz Band, Mr Allan’s School of Rock, soloists and many more!

It would be amazing to see lots of people there to support our young people.

The event will start at 6pm and finish by 7.30pm.

Tickets are free – please make sure you book your tickets by scanning the QR code

🎟️

Snooker Giants Set For Edinburgh

John Higgins, Mark Williams, Zhao Xintong, Kyren Wilson, Neil Robertson, Mark Selby and defending champion Lei Peifan are among the snooker stars in the field for the BetVictor Scottish Open in Edinburgh in December.

The draw and schedule is OUT NOW for the world ranking event and fans are strongly urged to book tickets fast to make sure of their seats to see the greatest stars on the planet competing for the Stephen Hendry Trophy.  Tickets start at just £16.50, incredible value for the chance to see world class live sport.

For the full draw and ticket details visit wst.tv  

The 64-player tournament runs from December 15th to 21st at the Meadowbank Sports Centre in the Scottish capital and it will be screened across the planet by broadcasters including TNT Sports, Eurosport, DMAX and WST Play.

China’s Lei, ranked 84th in the world at the time, registered a massive shock last year when he beat Wu Yize in the final to land his first pro title. He starts the defence of his crown against Amir Sarkhosh on the opening morning at 10am on Monday December 15th.

Other key matches over the opening days include:

Scotland’s four-time Crucible king John Higgins v Antoni Kowalski. 1pm on Monday December 15th

British Open champion Shaun Murphy v Liu Hongyu. Not before 2pm on Monday December 15th

World number three and Saudi Masters champion Neil Robertson v He Guoqiang. 7pm on Monday December 15th

Reigning World Champion Zhao Xintong v Robert Milkins. Not before 8pm on Monday December 15th

Former UK Champion Stephen Maguire v Chang Bingyu. Not before 8pm on Monday December 15th

Scotland’s Anthony McGill v Tom Ford. 1pm on Tuesday December 16th

Xi’an Grand Prix champion Mark Williams v Ben Mertens. 1pm on Tuesday December 16th

Four-time World Champion Mark Selby v Robbie McGuigan. Not before 2pm on Tuesday December 16th

World number two Kyren Wilson v Gao Yang. 7pm on Tuesday December 16th

BetVictor English Open champion Mark Allen v Ishpreet Singh Chadha. Not before 8pm on Tuesday December 16th

Higgins said: “I always enjoy playing in my home tournament, with my family and friends watching.

“Obviously it would mean a great deal to win the title, it would be really special and all of the Scottish players would say the same. The standard is so good now, without a doubt it’s the best time there has ever been to be a fan.”

It’s the third event in the 2025/26 BetVictor Home Nations Series and the arena will be packed for many sessions across the seven days in the heart of one of the world’s most historic cities.

Famous artists go incognito for Heart Research UK’s art auction

Heart Research UK’s award-winning art auction, the anonymous heART project, is back for its eighth consecutive year, offering art lovers a rare chance to own original pieces from world-renowned artists, all while supporting life-saving heart research.

This unique auction invites the public to bid on A5-sized artworks created by a mix of internationally acclaimed and emerging artists. The twist? The identity of each artist remains a mystery until the auction closes, hence the name the anonymous heART project.

Since its launch in 2018, the anonymous heART project has raised over £440,000, with more than 3,000 artworks donated. Every penny goes directly to Heart Research UK, a charity dedicated to the prevention, treatment and cure of heart diseases.

In the UK, heart disease claims a life every five minutes. Heart Research UK is tackling this crisis by funding vital research into cardiovascular conditions and supporting a range of preventative initiatives, from workplace and community health checks to grants for local groups across the country.

This year’s auction features pieces from iconic names including, Dame Zandra Rhodes DBE ZDI, a celebrated British fashion designer, famous for creating clothing for Princess Diana, Freddie Mercury, and Marc Bolan. Dame Zandra is also the founder of London’s Fashion and Textile Museum.

Dame Zandra commented: “I’m absolutely thrilled to be part of the anonymous heART project. It’s a beautiful initiative that brings together creativity and compassion in the most meaningful way.

“Knowing that a small piece of art can help fund life-saving heart research is incredibly powerful. I hope my contribution brings joy to its new owner and helps shine a little more colour on the vital work Heart Research UK is doing to protect hearts across the country.“

Robert Smith, lead singer of The Cure and a passionate Patron of Heart Research UK has supported the project since 2019, he also has donated art works this year. In a previous statement RobertSmith shared: “I am very proud to be a Patron of Heart Research UK.

“Their determined focus on pioneering investigation into the understanding and treatment of cardiovascular disease, and their drive to improve the ‘heart health’ of the UK is inspiring.”

Other notable contributors include Gorillaz illustrator,  Jamie Hewlett, Paul Insect, Hannah Flowers, Emily Gravett, Bil Donovan, Julian Opie, Russell Tovey, The London Police, Sue Williams A’Court, Kamwei Fong, and many more.

Jamie Hewlett also commented: “It’s cool to be part of something where the art does the talking and even cooler when it helps save lives.

“Big love to Heart Research UK for making creativity count.”

This year, for the first time ever in anonymous heART project history, the auction will also feature a limited-edition collection of larger artworks that customers can bid on during the auction.

Whether you’re a seasoned collector or a first-time bidder, the anonymous heART project offers a thrilling opportunity to own a one-of-a-kind piece of art, while helping fund vital research that saves lives.

The auction officially starts on 31st October and will be ongoing for 10 days, to find out more about the anonymous heART project, register your interest here.

Edinburgh Poverty Commission: A Just Capital?

Edinburgh Poverty Commission – A Just Capital: 2025 Call to Action

Join us for the official launch of the Edinburgh Poverty Commission’s Interim Report!

This exciting event will take place at the Nicolson Square Venues, where we will share our findings and calls to action to tackle poverty in our city over the next 5 years.

You’ll also have the opportunity to meet the commission members and citizens who have shaped this work, and to help us build on what is already a vibrant movement to end poverty in Edinburgh.

We look forward to seeing you then!

Jim McCormick and Linda Craik – Co-chairs, Edinburgh Poverty Commission

BACKGROUND:

In 2020 we published our landmark report ‘A Just Capital’ setting a ten year mission, and clear calls to action for the steps needed to eradicate poverty in Scotland’s capital city.

Five years into that mission we have reconvened, in a newly invigorated collaboration with the End Poverty Edinburgh citizen’s group, to comment on what has changed in this city since the publication of our first report, what has worked best for people who live in poverty, and to set out a practical pathway for the next five years.

Doors open 9.30am for 10:00am start
Event ends 12:00 noon.

Book your place here.

You can sign up to the launch event on Friday 31 October here:

https://edinburghpovertycommission.org.uk/2025/10/21/edinburgh-poverty-commissions-interim-report/

TODAY: Community Lunch at Empty Kitchens, Full Hearts

Menu for Friday 24th October 🥣

We are excited to share a delicious community meal with you today. We do our best to have a variety of options, including vegetarian and often a delicious pudding.

What’s on the menu today:

Leek and potato soup

Lamb casserole with potato and veg

Cauliflower curry with rice (V)

Banana cake with custard

Please check the board or ask our volunteers about allergens.

And just a heads-up, our food is served until it runs out!

Do come along and enjoy. Thank you!

Fireworks season: Emergency services launch Operation Moonbeam 2025

Police Scotland is dedicating more resource than ever before to tackle crimes involving fireworks over the Bonfire Night period.

Operation Moonbeam 2025 is officially launched today – Friday, 24 October – and will once again see public order officers supporting colleagues from local policing divisions to tackle violence and disorder and protect communities from harm.

In 2024, there was a reduction in the number of serious order incidents across the country and the number of officers injured fell to one, compared with 62 in 2023.

However, the level of violence directed towards police and other emergency services was still of significant concern and additional resource is being provided to support local policing teams dealing with fireworks-related crime.

Operation Moonbeam was first launched in 2018, following serious disorder in various parts of the country which saw one officer in Edinburgh seriously injured when she was struck by a firework.

Overall, fireworks offences have seen a reduction since this time, but an increased targeting of emergency services has prompted a more robust response to tackling these incidents.

In addition to enhanced levels of specialist support, frontline officers in Edinburgh a will be equipped with Body Worn Video, as the national roll-out of this technology continues.

This will improve opportunities to identify those involved in criminal activity during this time, including attacks on police officers and emergency service workers.

Assistant Chief Constable Tim Mairs, Gold Commander for Operation Moonbeam, said: “Last year, following Bonfire Night, I reflected on what was a successful policing operation that saw a reduction in serious disorder offences and a dramatic reduction in the number of officers injured.

“As part of this year’s campaign, we will shortly be publishing some compelling stories from members of Police Scotland, Lothian Busses and affected communities highlighting the significant impact being involved in, or subject to attacks with fireworks can have.

“However, we still saw unacceptable levels of violence and disorder in parts of Glasgow and Edinburgh, leaving communities in these areas in a state of fear and alarm. This was wholly unacceptable, and we immediately launched a major criminal investigation to identify those responsible and bring them to justice.

“Over 60 people have been reported for their involvement in fireworks offences over the Bonfire Night period for 2024. I want to make it clear our pursuit of offenders for any crimes this year will be equally unrelenting. If you chose to create fear in your community, and if you chose to attack those who are deployed to keep people safe, you will face justice.

“We will use all available technology, resources and policing tactics at our disposal to keep our people safe while they, in turn work with other emergency service partners to protect the public from harm.

“Please help us make Bonfire Night 2025 a safe event for everyone looking to enjoy it.”

Community Safety Minister Siobhian Brown added: “We want everyone to enjoy Bonfire Night and I urge those planning to use fireworks to do so safely and responsibly.

“Misuse of fireworks puts communities and emergency services at risk and will not be tolerated. While Police Scotland reported a reduction in serious disorder on Bonfire Night last year, the Scottish Government will continue to support the police and courts in taking firm action against those who do break the law.

“We have brought in a number of measures to improve firework safety, including a ban on providing fireworks to under-18s and making attacks on emergency workers using fireworks an aggravating factor that courts can take into account when sentencing offenders. We have also provided local authorities with powers to designate firework control zones in local areas and a number of these will be in place this year.

“My thanks go to all the emergency services who have been working hard to ensure a safe Bonfire Night and who will again be on the front line to keep our communities safe.”

Andrew Laing, Deputy Crown Agent for Local Court at the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS), said: “Those who carry out reckless and dangerous public offending throughout the period of Bonfire Night can expect to be dealt with rigorously by the justice system. 

“Those deliberately putting other people in danger may be held in custody by the police, remanded by the courts, and expect to receive a custodial sentence at the conclusion of the court case. 

“Anyone seeking to obstruct or attack an emergency worker will be treated with the full force of the law. 

“We stand fully behind justice partners in ensuring that the public and members of the emergency services are protected at all times.

“Our message to people who carry out this type of offending is that it carries serious consequences.

“We will always prosecute such matters where there is a sufficiency of evidence and it is in the public interest to do so.”

‘Coalition of the Willing’ set to meet as leaders focus on crippling Russia’s ability to wage war

European leaders set to arrive in London today for a meeting of the ‘Coalition of Willing’ as Ukraine’s allies ramp up pressure on Russia heading into winter

  • Global leaders set to convene this afternoon both in person in London, and virtually, to discuss how they can pile pressure on Putin
  • Prime Minister will urge leaders to act to take Russian oil and gas off the global market, finish the job on Russian sovereign assets to unlock billions of pounds to fund Ukraine’s defences, and step up the gifting of long-range capabilities
  • Meeting comes as the Prime Minister announces acceleration of missile delivery programme to deliver 140 lightweight-multirole missiles to Ukraine this winter, supporting UK jobs

PILING PRESSURE ON PUTIN?

European leaders are set to arrive in London today for a critical meeting of the ‘Coalition of Willing’ as Ukraine’s allies ramp up pressure on Russia heading into winter.

Leaders will convene this afternoon, both in person and virtually, to discuss how they can pile pressure on Putin as he continues to kill innocent civilians with indiscriminate attacks across Ukraine, including hitting a nursery filled with toddlers and children this week.

The London hosted meeting comes after Putin proved yet again that he is not serious about ending his illegal war, failing to engage with President Trump’s most recent proposals for meaningful peace talks.

Leaders are expected to use the meeting to focus the world’s attention on how they can further strengthen Ukraine’s hand and cripple Russia’s ability to continue to wage war.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: “The only person involved in this conflict who does not want to stop the war is President Putin, and his depraved strikes on young children in a nursery this week make that crystal clear.

“Time and again we offer Putin the chance to end his needless invasion, to stop the killing and recall his troops, but he repeatedly rejects those proposals and any chance of peace.

“From the battlefield to the global markets, as Putin continues to commit atrocities in Ukraine we must ratchet up the pressure on Russia and build on President Trump’s decisive action.

“After all, Ukraine’s security matters to us all, and what happens on the frontline of Donetsk today is shaping our collective future for years to come.”

In the past fortnight, the international community has stepped up its decisive action to force President Putin back to the negotiating table and secure a just and lasting peace for Ukraine.

That has included the US’ decisive action this week to place a chokehold round Putin’s finance flows and sanction two of the largest Russian oil companies, following the UK action taken last week.

The European Union has also adopted its 19th sanctions package against Russia, further targeting the Russian oil trade and cracking down on financial loopholes, and Ukraine’s allies have accelerated work to use the full value of immobilised Russian Sovereign Assets to support Ukraine – a move that would be unprecedented and finance Ukraine’s war efforts for years to come.

The government has been clear that the UK’s national security – the foundation of the Government’s Plan for Change – starts in Ukraine.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, Prime Minister Dick Schoof, as well as the NATO Secretary General, Mark Rutte, are all expected to attend the meeting in person at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office today.

They will be greeted by children from St Mary’s Ukrainian School, which has welcomed hundreds of displaced Ukrainian children since Russia’s full-scale invasion.

A further 20 leaders are expected to dial into the call.

During the call, the Prime Minister is expected to call on leaders to put Ukraine in the strongest possible position going into the winter. He will urge leaders to act to take Russian oil and gas off the global market, finish the job on Russian sovereign assets to unlock billions of pounds to fund Ukraine’s defences, and step up the gifting of long-range capabilities to ensure Ukraine can build on its success of this week.

Leaders will also discuss how more can be done to protect energy infrastructure, as Russia continues to systematically destroy critical national infrastructure, plunging millions of innocent Ukrainians into the cold and dark.

The Prime Minister will announce that a UK missile building programme has been accelerated to deliver more than 100 extra air defence missiles ahead of schedule to bolster Ukraine’s defences through the depths of winter.

The package forms part of the £1.6bn deal between UK industry and Ukraine in March to provide more than 5,000 lightweight-multirole missiles (LMM) to support Ukraine’s defence, creating 200 jobs and supporting 700 existing jobs at Thales in Belfast.

The contract tripled the LMM production capacity and as work has progressed quicker than expected the delivery of an extra 140 LMMs will be accelerated to provide to Ukraine in the winter months.