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Author: Denise Meriche - London Correspondent
Policy Guide: Brexit
As far as Brexit goes, how are the multiple election parties promising a stable post Brexit future?
With Labour being seen more popular with younger voters, the party maintains it will give the public the vote of whether or not they want to remain.
Within three months of coming to power, labour will create a sensible deal.
Within six months they will put that deal to a public vote alongside with the option to remain in the EU.
They plan to ‘rip up’ the deeply flawed deal negotiated by Boris Johnson, and introduce new legislation which is in line with Labour’s priorities and principles.
Jeremy Corbyn has been appraised for his public – spirited ideals, however skeptics are not so convinced with his power in leadership.
Rival constitution, The Conservative party has been adamant with their ‘Get Brexit Done’ attitude.
The current leader Boris Johnson, has asserted his beliefs in the leaving of the European Union.
They will start putting their deal through Parliament before Christmas and will leave the European Union in January.
They will keep the UK out of the single market, out of any form of customs union, and end the role of the European Court of Justice.
As well as this, they will negotiate trade deals next year and wont extend the implementation period beyond December 2020.
The Green Party, in par with Labour will also provide a people’s vote, deciding the future on Brexit.
They describe their constitution as ‘a pro European party and are unequivocally campaigning for Britain to remain in the EU.
The Liberal Democrats are approaching with a ‘Stop Brexit’ plan and using the ‘Remain’ bonus to invest in Public Services.
The Party campaigned to stay in the EU in 2016, and ‘unequivocally believe that the UK is stronger as part of the EU.
The Lib Dems, criticizes the conservative’s ‘Get it Done’ approach, stating “it will simply usher in more years of difficult negotiations over the UK’s trade deal with the EU.”
The Brexit Party, lead by Nigel Farage, has a priority to Leave the European Union and deliver the Brexit that 17.4m voted for in 2016.
They plan on pursuing what they call a “Clean-Break Brexit”. There will be no extended transition period, and no further entanglement with the EU’s political institution.
A Clean-Break Brexit is a chance to reduce the cost of living for working families, and control our own national security borders.
Half Term Activities in Clapham
With Halloween fast approaching, Clapham, the suburb of London, offers a healthy range of activities to keep the youngsters occupied.
Take a stroll through Clapham Common, and make use of the ball court, alongside a skatepark.
The skatepark consists of mountainous slopes perfect for frivolous freestyle riding or even skating.
And treat yourself once you’re tired, to a mouth-watering, carribean-styled lunch at the infamous Riddim & Flavaz.
The benches and a shelter means you can invite the whole party to the skatepark, with enough seats for all
If you’re a film buff, enjoy low costly movies at the Clapham Picture House, just off the high street.
A range of horror movies will be available to watch as we edge ever so near to All Hallow’s Eve.
For the movers and shakers, you can find yourself at a spin class at the Better Gym in Clapham.
Signing up to Better Gym means on your free trial, you can even bring a friend to come and work out with you.
Moped Gang Jailed After Series of Robberies in London
Members of an organised crime group have been jailed after a series of moped enabled crimes across London.
12 men were sentenced to a total of 67 years and 8 months imprisonment, at Kingston crown court on Monday 13th May.
The court heard how the gang were responsible for over 400 offences around South and West London Boroughs, between November 2017 and June 2018.
Among these offences were a series of professional raids on clothing stores and a robbery where they threatened to snatch a 3 year old from his mother.
Most offences occurred at night where they concealed their identities with helmets in a bid to remain anonymous.
The gang used stolen cars and mopeds which had their number plates removed.
The met launched an investigation called ‘Operation Fieldhouse’ into the organised crime group, in February 2018 following a surge in moped enabled crimes.
As a result of several months of meticulous work and surveillance, key members of the organised crime group were identified.
A breakdown of the defendants and offences are as follows:
Omar Tafat, 22 of John Smith Avenue, London SW6 previously pleaded guilty to attempted theft, going equipped to steal, criminal damage to a police car and breach of a criminal behaviour order.
He was also found guilty of two further counts of robbery and possession of an offensive weapon on Friday, 5 October 2018.
Tafat was sentenced to eight years and five months’ imprisonment.
Josh Strong-Myers, 20 of Loftus Road, W12 previously pleaded guilty to attempted theft, going equipped to steal, criminal damage to a police car, dangerous driving, driving whilst disqualified, possession of an offensive weapon and conspiracy to steal (cameras).
He was also found guilty of two further counts of robbery and possession of an offensive weapon on Friday, 5 October 2018. Strong-Myers was sentenced to eight years’ imprisonment.
Kian Taylor, 20 of no fixed address previously pleaded guilty to attempted theft, going equipped to steal, criminal damage to a police car, dangerous driving, driving whilst disqualified and possession of an offensive weapon.
He was also found guilty of robbery at Isleworth Crown Court on Friday, 5 October 2018 and conspiracy to burgle on Monday, 14 January 2019.
Taylor was sentenced to nine years and four months’ imprisonment.
Steven Weller, 36 of Greenlawn Lane, TW8 previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to rob and conspiracy to burgle on Thursday, 11 October 2018.
He was sentenced to six years and seven months’ imprisonment.
Terry Marsh, 32 of Vanston Place, SW6 previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to rob, conspiracy to steal and conspiracy to burgle on 11 September 2018.
He was sentenced to 13 years and two months’ imprisonment.
Ryan Moran 26, of Hazelbury Road, SW6 pleaded guilty to conspiracy to steal, conspiracy to burgle and handling stolen goods on Tuesday, 11 September 2018.
He was handed a 24 month suspended sentence.
John McFadyen, 24, of Hounslow Road, TW13 previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to rob on Tuesday, 11 September 2018.
He was sentenced to two years and eight months’ imprisonment.
Isaac McFadyen, 19 of Hounslow Road, TW13 previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to rob on 11 September 2018.
He was sentenced to two years and eight months’ imprisonment.
Mitchall Leaver, 25 of Trott Street, SW11 previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to burgle.
He was sentenced to a 12 month suspended sentence.
Aaron Pask, 27 of Westway, W12 was previously found guilty of conspiracy to burgle and conspiracy to steal on Friday, 4 January 2019 and conspiracy to steal on 1 February 2019.
He was sentenced to six years and eight months’ imprisonment.
Scott Leaver, 25 of Frazier Street, SE1 was found guilty of conspiracy to burgle on Monday, 7 January 2019.
He was sentenced to four years and eight months’ imprisonment.
Ram Monk, 23 of no fixed address was found guilty of conspiracy to burgle on 14 January 2019.
He was sentenced to two years and eight months’ imprisonment.
Other offences included ram-raiding a high-end outdoor clothing company in High Street Kensington twice within a month, assaulting the security guard who had been hired after the first raid on the second and throwing him onto the street.
The gang also sprayed a police car with fire foam extinguishers, before making off with a stolen bike.
Detective Inspector Andy Durham, who led the investigation, said:
“Operation Fieldhouse was a painstaking investigation which sought to apprehend violent moped criminals.
Following months of hard work and dedication carried out by my officers, the organised crime group responsible for a series of dangerous offences across London have been brought to justice.”
According to the national crime agency, the government needs to fork £2.7bn to tackle the serious, growing issue of or
National crime agency says law enforcement needs 2.7bn more over next three years to keep up with organised crime.
Two Men Arrested After Two Bodies Discovered in Freezer in Canning Town
Two men have been arrested after two women’s bodies were found in a freezer at a flat in Canning Town East London.
Officers investigating have said two men aged 50 and 34, have been detained following the discovery of the bodies.
Detectives launched a murder enquiry after the gruesome discovery and are still trying to formally identify the deceased.
The remains were found by officers when they were called to Vandome Close, Canning Town.
On Tuesday, 30 April, a 34-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of murder and taken into custody.
A 50-year-old man arrested on suspicion of murder on Monday, 29 April remains in custody.
There are fears that one of the deceased may be Mary Jane Mustafa, 38, after she vanished mysteriously last May.
The last time she had been seen was in May 2018 on her way to the shops with just £3 and her phone in her pocket.
Her older sister told the MailOnline today: “It’s my baby sister… I can’t believe she is dead.”
The owner of the flat in East London is known according to the neighbours as a registered sex offender.
As part of police work to identify the deceased and trace their next of kin, the suspects have been held at a police station in East London.
Following concerns about the welfare of an occupant, police were called to a flat on Friday 26th April.
To help the investigation, police showed photos to the residents to try and help formally identify the deceased.
She was always nice, charming,” said one resident, who added that the woman had a history of drug abuse.
Local councillors were walking around the area near Custom House station to reassure residents and collect facts.
Cllr James Beckles, the cabinet member for crime and community safety said:
“This was a horrific crime and the council is working closely with the police to get to the bottom of it,”
“We’re encouraging residents to provide evidence to police confidentially.”
The discovery of the bodies left nearby residents shaken.
One man who lives in the block and who did not want to be named, said:
“I’m astonished, it’s a little community. We’re all tight-knit around here, everybody knows everybody.”
A spokesperson for the met said: “A crime scene is in place and we would encourage anyone with information about what may have happened at this premises to contact police on 101, quoting CAD 4303/26APR.”.
Man and Woman from Mitcham Charged with Murder of 1 Month Old Baby.
A man and woman have been charged with murdering a one-month old baby.
One-month-old Eva Sanders died on 2 September 2017 after being admitted to hospital the previous day.
Her parents, Clare Sanders, 42 and Tomas Vaitkevicius 44, were summonsed to appear at Wimbledon Magistrates’ Court on 30 April.
The pair of Streatham Road CR4, Mitcham have been charged by postal requisition on 3 April with murder and causing/allowing the death of a child.
The death was originally treated as unexplained but later deemed to be suspicious.
The charges comes almost two years after baby Eva Sanders’s death.
Police were called to a property in Streatham Road, Mitcham, and found the child unresponsive.
She was then rushed to hospital and placed on life support on September 2017.
London Marathon 2019: Kenya Reigns Supreme
London Marathon winner, Eliud Kipchoge ran the second fastest marathon in history, in 2 hours and 38 seconds.
As the London Marathon came to an end on Sunday, Mo Farah was beaten by Eliud Kipchoge and his compatriot Brigid Kosgei.
Both winners, reigned supreme for the Kenyan team as they won the men’s and women’s elite race in record time.
Ethiopian Mosinet Geremew finished second in 2:02:38.
Eliud Kipchoge now owns the two fastest times ever.
The Kenyan said, the key to his success is ‘to love the sport and train in a positive way’.
Brigid Kosgei, 25, broke the record for the youngest female to win the London Marathon, displacing Ethiopian Aselefech Mergia who won in 2010.
Disappointment for Mo Farah however, despite his determination to win his first London Marathon after coming third last year.
Mo Farah’s hopes of winning the 39th London Marathon disappeared at the halfway point as Eliud established himself as the race’s greatest performer.
Britain’s four-time Olympic champion was seen visibly frowning as he made into 5th place this year.
Speaking shortly after he said: ‘ I’m tired, I feel like I gave it all but it’s just one of these days’
‘I’ve given everything, and I did that, I tried my hardest but that’s what the result was – [I] can’t take anything from that.
‘He is a very special athlete and he is humble. If Eliud can run those sort of times it just gives us another level of possibility’
According to Mo Farah’s coach, he was attacked at a hotel in March, and could be the cause of his lack of performance.
There were more celebrations elsewhere as American Dan Romanchuk, won the men’s wheelchair race.
Swiss Manuela Schar won the women’s and Japan’s Misato Michishita was triumphant in the women’s visually impaired race.
This year’s race was officially launched in Blackheath by Sir Andy Murray, at 10:10 am.
Tens of thousands of amateur fundraisers closely followed behind the pro athletes, helping to raise over £1 billion.
Museum of London: The Beasts of London Tour
The Beats of London tour showcases the many animals that used to roam wild in London.
The newly introduced exhibition at the Museum of London, ‘ Beasts of London’, provides an ‘immersive tour through the capital’s history.
The mighty lion, and the humble rabbit (which was introduced by the Romans as a food source) are represented along with rats and fleas which were the cause of the great plague.
Modern residents including foxes and pigeons also feature.
After the founding of ‘Londinium’, the Roman invaders of Britain brought many beasts along with them.
Aquila the eagle, voiced by actor Pam Ferris, will be your guide to the ancient Roman city.
Expect tales of ‘cruelty and companionship’ which delve deep into the un-sugarcoated relationship between humans and animals.
Watch the trailer here for more idea of what to expect.
The animals’ stories, thankfully enough, have been translated and voiced over by a range of celebrities including: Kate Moss, Joe Pasquale, and Angelica Bell, just to name a few.
The full cast list can be found on the Museum of London website.
London has been home to bears, lions and elephants, but the most life-threatening beasts are much smaller and more subtle.
There are even stories from London’s smallest species: The Bacterium.
Also the source of the great plague, the bacterium plays a major role in how our society has been shaped in the capital.
Renowned actor Brian Blessed plays the sinister Bacterium, smallest beast of London and true source of the great plague.
Cat, rat, flea and Bacterium, will take you through the story of sickness and turmoil that ravaged through the city before the Great Fire of London.
Museum of London recommends Beasts of London for children aged seven and over, as some scenes may be upsetting to anyone younger.
However, this doesn’t prevent younger children from viewing – it is at the discretion of parents and carers.
The experience takes about an hour and the event is expected to be popular so get booking, particularly if you intend on going in the first few weeks, school holidays or weekends.
Adult tickets start at £8 and concessions at £6.40.
Tickets are available to book at half hour intervals. Beasts of London opens at museum of London, on Friday 5 April 2019.
Combatting Childhood Obesity in London
Childhood obesity has soared and become a major crisis across London. (Credit Thinkstock)
I spoke to London Assembly member Florence Eshalomi,to shed light on what is being done to tackle childhood obesity.
At last month’s question time with the Mayor, the critical issue of childhood obesity arose.
With major cuts along the NHS, many are starting wonder what is being done to stop the increasing pressure on NHS funds.
Along with this, the task of promoting healthier food choices and more physical activity for the youth was also being discussed.
According to recent statistics, the NHS spends approximately £5.1 billion on obesity per year but overall the figure is closer to £ 16bn.
With this in mind, it shows that increasing pressure on NHS funds for obesity could be minimized if measures are put in place to demote junk food and lack of exercise.
The introduction of the sugar tax and banning of junk food adverts on public transport, has shown to be quite effective however the issue is still at large.
With healthy foods usually being deemed more expensive and harder to obtain, whilst unhealthy foods are cheaper and more appealing, it seems that the route cause isn’t solely based on lack of exercise.
The vast range of cheap fast food restaurants available, which are within 400m of public schools is having an astonishing effect according to researchers.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan’s new planning strategy says fast food outlets should not be allowed to open within 400m of schools.
To gain more insight I met up with London assembly member, Florence Eshalomi, to break down the strategies being used, and highlight the facts.
https://soundcloud.com/user-101404774/florence-interview
More recently, Mayor Sadiq Khan has issued a ban on junk food adverts on the public transport network.
From the 25th February 2019, the restrictions will apply on all modes of transport controlled by TFL.
Food and drink brands, restaurants, takeaways and delivery services will only be able to place adverts which promote their healthier products, rather than simply publicising brands.
The Mayor’s online Talk London platform, which offers Londoners the chance to have their say on issues in the capital, alone received 1,500 consultation responses with 82 per cent supporting the proposals.
There is a growing body of evidence that the more children are exposed to advertising for less healthy foods, whether on TV, on the internet, or via outdoor advertising, the higher the risk of increasing their consumption of those foods and of becoming overweight or obese.
With 30 million journeys made every day on TfL’s network, it’s advertising offers key opportunity for promoting good food and a healthy lifestyle.
Adverts for junk food are set to be banned on the London Underground, Sadiq Khan has confirmed (Picture: Getty).
This is part of a wider drive to tackle child obesity, which includes Sadiq setting up London’s first-ever Child Obesity Taskforce.
The Taskforce is committed to take action to help halve the percentage of London’s children who are overweight at the start of primary school and obese at the end of primary school by 2030.
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “Child obesity is putting the lives of young Londoners at risk and placing huge pressure on our already strained health service”
“It is absolutely imperative that we take tough action against this ticking timebomb now, and reducing exposure to junk food advertising has a role to play in this – not just for children, but parents, families and carers who buy food and prepare meals.”
“It’s clear that advertising plays a huge part in the choices we make, whether we realise it or not, and Londoners have shown overwhelming support for a ban on adverts for junk food and drink on our transport network.
Changes will be made to TfL’s advertising policy to reflect these restrictions.
Draft guidance for advertisers and their agencies are available here: www.london.gov.uk/food
This will be developed further over the coming weeks.
Brexit fears rise as 60 Days to Go
Prime minister Theresa May is facing increasing pressure to negotiate Brexit terms.
As Brexit approaches, fears over Brexit have not been calmed due to the uncertainty of Theresa May’s direction.
Unlike Switzerland, the UK cannot negotiate enough trading deals before the deadline which is putting more strain on the PM.
With 2 months to go before we finally leave the European Union, many people are still unsure about what to do with Brexit.
The Prime Minister is currently facing up to a ‘Super Tuesday’ vote that could define or delay her Brexit.
MPs may need to work longer and lose their February half-term break if Brexit is to be delivered on time.
Ahead of tomorrow’s votes on her Brexit plans, Theresa May is under more pressure to win concessions from the EU over the Northern Irish backstop.
Amongst all of the amendments, Labour MP Yvette Cooper proposed a new bill to rule out the UK leaving without a formal deal.
This would allow parliament time to find a way through the deadlock and approve a deal with Brussels.
The bill to bring in the new law would require Theresa May to postpone Brexit day, 29 March until 31 December, if MPs do not approve her deal by 26 February.
The Prime Minister would do this by asking the EU to agree to extend the two-year limit on Article 50 – the mechanism paving the way for the UK to leave the EU.
However, if Yvette Cooper’s amendment was successful, and she then managed to get MPs to approve her bill, it would become law and so place an obligation on the government.
However with the EU elections due in May will make a longer extension almost impossible to agree with the other member states.
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