Connect with us

NewsBeat

‘Forgotten’ housing estate with no shop or playing fields promised new facilities

Published

on

Cambridgeshire Live

The housing estate opened more than 10 years ago

Residents on a ‘forgotten’ Peterborough housing estate have received an assurance from the council that plans to improve their development will be delivered later this month.

Advertisement

At a Full Council meeting held on Wednesday, July 1, Leader of Peterborough City Council, Dr Shabina Qayyum, directly addressed residents of the Roman Fields estate who have long campaigned for more facilities.

Cllr Qayyum began by apologising to the residents and campaigners, some of whom attended the meeting in person: “I’m really sorry that you and the residents have had to face this predicament. The current lack of facilities on the Roman Fields development is not acceptable.”

Since it opened more than ten years ago, the Roman Fields estate – also known as Manor Drive – has had no shops, park benches or playing fields. A recently-launched local campaign group called ‘Forgotten Fields’ has been drawing attention to the fact the estate’s facilities currently include one playground, one post box and two bus stops.

Teachers from the estate’s school have voiced concerns that the lack of available outdoor recreation areas may hinder attempts to help keep children on the estate fit and healthy. Cllr Qayyum described the situation as a “complex issue” which has arisen from a “combination of historical planning issues that have stemmed from the 1990s.”

Advertisement

She said: “The developer hasn’t been able to meet the trigger-point of 750 dwellings by which they are obliged to hand over a piece of land south of the school which was envisaged as community land.”

Cllr Qayyum also explained that, until recently, the developer has used other land proposed for community use to the south of Arkwright Drive as a development compound: “There is a need to remediate that before play facilities can be installed,” she said.

The Council Leader added: “We are working proactively to resolve the issue. By the end of July, we will be meeting with stakeholders… to decide what is needed in those development areas.”

These stakeholders, Cllr Qayyum noted, will include residents, ward councillors and the local MP. She added: “By the end of July, we should be forthcoming with a plan as to how we are going to implement those much needed facilities.”

Advertisement

Taking his opportunity to quiz the leader, Roman Fields resident Dr Tim Rogers asked: “Could you confirm please that you are ring-fencing £587,000 – plus all interest it has accrued since it was paid over to the council – for the specific purpose of building a community centre and two new play areas for Manor Drive/Roman Fields residents?”

Cllr Qayyum replied: “That money is in the bank; it’s there to be spent. Whether it’s spent on a community centre or play areas will depend very much on the meetings that will be held with various stakeholders.”

Dr Rogers followed up by asking Dr Qayyum if she would be willing to provide a “cast-iron guarantee” that those funds would be spent before August 2027, as that is the deadline by which those monies, along with all accrued interest, can be returned to the developer.

“We can absolutely guarantee that we are going to be delivering on those projects,” Cllr Qayyum said, adding: “depending on those conversations with stakeholders.”

Advertisement

Source link

Continue Reading
Click to comment

You must be logged in to post a comment Login

Leave a Reply

NewsBeat

Armed cops swoop on Fife housing estate amid ongoing incident

Published

on

Daily Record

Photos taken on the street show officers in tactical gear holding rifles parked up outside a home.

Armed police have swarmed a housing estate in Fife following an ongoing incident. Emergency services, including Police Scotland, raced to Walnut Crescent in the town of Methil this evening, Monday, August 24.

Advertisement

Firearm officers were among those in attendance. A police presence is understood to still be at the scene with the nature of the incident currently unknown.

It also remains unclear how many people, if any, are involved, or if there have been any injuries. Photos taken on the street, and shared with the Record, show officers in tactical gear holding rifles parked up outside a home.

One armed cop is seen staked out in the back garden of one of the properties. Several firearm officers have also been recorded storming up the garden path of one house. Cop cars can be seen parked up on nearby streets.

In another image, the street can be seen filling with spectators, as worried residents come out their homes to see what is happening. Police Scotland has been contacted for comment.

We’ll be bringing you the very latest updates, pictures and video on this breaking news story.

For the latest news and breaking news visit dailyrecord.co.uk

Get all the big headlines, pictures, analysis, opinion and video on the stories that matter to you.

Advertisement

Follow us on Twitter @Daily_Record – the official Daily Record Twitter account – real news in real time.

We’re also on Facebook – your must-see news, features, videos and pictures throughout the day from the Daily Record, Sunday Mail and Record Online.

Get more Daily Record exclusives by signing up for free to Google’s preferred sources. Click HERE.

Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

NewsBeat

Plasterer headbutted man, punched him in head 10 times, broke his jaw and filmed whole thing

Published

on

Wales Online

A plasterer carried out a vicious assault on a property developer who had refused to pay him following “substandard” work. Lewis Hayde, 28, filmed himself racially abusing and headbutting the 39-year-old victim, Rebwar Rashidi, as well as punching him to the head 10 times and breaking his jaw.

Judge Carl Harrison said the self-employed tradesman, from Cardiff, had done plastering for Mr Rashidi on two previous projects. On those occasions the developer had been happy with his work.

However, Mr Rashidi was not satisfied with the quality of Hayde’s work on a property he was renovating in Robert Street, Cathays.

Advertisement

“He was refusing to pay you in full unless you completed the work to the necessary standard,” Judge Harrison told Hayde during the sentencing hearing at Cardiff Crown Court.

Hayde sent messages demanding payment but the developer stood firm. The dispute culminated on February 25 when Mr Rashidi went to the property in Robert Street and took a video of the plastering work that Hayde had carried out.

The court heard Mr Rashidi sent the footage to Hayde and warned he would be posting it on Facebook to expose the alleged deficiencies in the plasterer’s work. Later the developer told police he had never really intended to do this.

“Within moments of the message, you turned up and stormed towards Mr Rashidi,” said the judge. “You came within inches of his face, shouting, ‘Where’s my money? I want it now you little c***.’

Advertisement

“He again told you the job was not finished so you would not be paid. You then headbutted him to the centre part of his nose, which was extremely painful and knocked him to the ground, briefly rendering him unconscious.

“When he came around he was dazed and weak. He got to his feet and the attack continued. You punched him to the head 10 times, using both fists. He described you punching him so hard he thought he was going to die.

“He tried to protect his head but you were too powerful. This was a man who had only just regained consciousness having been knocked out by the initial headbutt.”

Hayde was shouting at the victim: “Look at you. I told you what I’d do.”

Advertisement

The attack left Mr Rashidi with a broken jaw as well as swelling to his left eye and double vision. This “transient eye injury” meant he was unable to drive or work for around two weeks, causing lost earnings of £2,000, the court heard.

He reported the attack to police and officers arrested Hayde, on whose phone they found a video the plasterer had taken of himself assaulting the victim.

Hayde, of Blackbirds Way in Old St Mellons, pleaded guilty to racially aggravated GBH (grievous bodily harm). The racial element was identified because the footage showed him aiming a racist slur at Mr Rashidi during the attack.

The video also showed Hayde had been accompanied at the Robert Street property by another person, who appeared to be carrying a pool cue but had not faced any charges.

Advertisement

Hayde’s solicitor Derrick Gooden told the court his client had lost his home to a fire shortly before the incident. He was experiencing financial pressures and dealt with them “in the wrong way”, said Mr Gooden.

“In his view, he had carried out the work to the same standard as previous jobs for the same developer.

“He is ashamed of what he said but he has to accept it was racist and would have been perceived as racist by the complainant. Let’s face it, he’s the person who filmed it. It’s his own evidence that has forced him to enter a guilty plea.”

Mr Gooden said the defendant had no previous convictions and continues to work as a plasterer, employing “a number of individuals”. He earns £800 a week after tax, the court heard.

Advertisement

Judge Harrison took into account that there had been some “victim-blaming” from Hayde in his interview with the probation service. But he also accepted the defendant was “thoroughly ashamed” by his behaviour during a “stressful time” in his life.

The judge imposed a two-year jail term suspended for two years. He also ordered Hayde to pay compensation of £5,720 for the injuries and £2,000 for the lost earnings. It must be paid within three years.

Before concluding the hearing, the judge told Hayde: “You’ve come as close as you can come to prison.”

Get daily breaking news updates on your phone by joining our WhatsApp community here. We occasionally treat members to special offers, promotions and ads from us and our partners. See our Privacy Notice

Advertisement

Source link

Continue Reading

NewsBeat

US-Canada trade war includes tariff hikes on goods ranging from honey to hockey sticks

Published

on

US-Canada trade war includes tariff hikes on goods ranging from honey to hockey sticks

CHICAGO (AP) — Honey. Makeup. Christmas decorations. And hockey sticks.

Those are just a few of the hundreds of different Canadian products that President Donald Trump’s administration has slapped with a 50% tax to enter the United States. The new tariffs, which kicked in Saturday, are expected to affect about $20 billion in Canadian goods, which represents roughly 5% of the $381.92 billion worth of products that the country sent to the U.S. last year.

While that’s far from the majority of Canada’s exports, 50% is a punishing rate. And households could feel the strain of higher prices the longer this import tax stays in effect — on top of spikes already spanning from previously-imposed levies. That’s because tariffs are taxes paid by importers, or businesses that buy products from abroad, and at least some of those costs are almost always passed on to shoppers.

The wide scope (and at times incredibly specific) list of goods now levied at 50% means that consumers could see price hikes in many different shopping aisles, as well as other core expenses like home-building. Countermeasures are also around the corner. Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney has promised to roll out “dollar for dollar” retaliation next month. All the while, Trump has made more threats to escalate his trade war with America’s northern neighbor, notably suggesting he could hike already steep U.S. import taxes on automobiles next year.

Advertisement

Here’s a look at some of the products in the crosshairs, on both sides of the border.

Long list of Canadian goods face Trump’s 50% tariff

When first announcing the planned 50% tariffs last month, the Trump administration said that the new taxes would be levied on Canadian products ranging from hockey sticks to wine and cement. And the list is long — covering more than 550 goods.

Some of the many items specified by the White House include:

  • Natural honey
  • Bulbs for plants such as tulips and lilies, as well as some fresh cut flowers
  • Seeds for beets, onions and other vegetables
  • Horsehair, tortoise shells, antlers and various animal products
  • Alcohol such as beer, vermouth and cider
  • Furniture knobs, wallpaper and lighting fixtures
  • Plates, cups, bowls and other kitchen or tableware
  • Paints, varnishes, vinyl tile floor coverings and various plywood sheets
  • Ice skates, golf equipment, fishing rods and other sports accessories
  • Perfumes, makeup and manicure preparations
  • Suitcases, bags, gloves and coats
  • Toys and certain “articles for Christmas festivities”
  • Digital cameras and recording equipment
  • Smartphones and video game consoles
  • Envelopes, cigarette paper and toilet or facial tissue

Trump imposed these tariffs by reaching back to a long-dormant Great Depression-era law. Section 338 of the Tariff Act of 1930, which has never been used before, authorizes the president to slap import taxes of up to 50% on imports from countries that have discriminated against U.S. businesses.

Trump claimed that Canada discriminated against autos, alcohol and dairy products, particularly following the implementation of his prior U.S. import taxes last year. It’s worth noting that the list of Canadian goods now facing the latest levy, as seen above, is far more diverse.

Advertisement

Canada says it will retaliate on US products next month

Shortly after the new 50% tariffs kicked in, Canada’s Carney promised retaliation.

On Saturday, the prime minister said his government would begin dollar-for-dollar countermeasures on Sept. 8. Carney noted Canada’s tariff increases would target U.S. steel, dairy, appliances, agricultural equipment, pulp and paper and electronics.

He said more details would be on the way.

The trade war might not stop there

Threats of stronger countermeasures and further escalation only ramped up on Monday, raising the possibility that additional products or sectors would come into the crosshairs of the trade war.

Advertisement

Ontario Premier Doug Ford told The Associated Press in an exclusive interview Monday that “everything is on the table,” noting his province would be ready to cut off electricity and critical minerals to the U.S. if the trade war worsens.

Trump “underestimates Canada. We’re all in,” Ford said. He also called for Canada to consider using oil and potash — both major exports — as leverage.

Meanwhile, Trump took to social media to say that his administration would also increase tariffs on Canadian cars, trucks, automotive parts and steel to 50% starting Jan. 1, 2027. Like other countries, Canada currently faces a broader 25% tariff on autos. A 50% sectoral tariff on most steel imports is already in effect.

Trump accused Canada of “ripping off” the U.S. for years, through what he called “ridiculously high tariffs” on American farmers. “WE DON’T NEED CANADA, THEY NEED US!” he added in a Monday Truth Social post.

Cars and auto parts, as well as energy products, were excluded from Trump’s latest round of tariffs — but remained key sticking points in negotiations that later crumbled at the eleventh hour over the weekend.

In remarks Monday, Carney said Washington’s auto-sector proposals would “gradually dismantle” Canadian production. He added Canada is the largest customer for U.S. automobiles — and questioned what Trump’s latest move would mean for workers in states such as Ohio, Kentucky and Alabama who depend on that demand.

Advertisement

_____

AP Writers Mae Anderson in New York and Rob Gillies in Toronto contributed.

Advertisement

Source link

Continue Reading

NewsBeat

Investigation launched after dead dog found ‘dumped’ on England-Wales border | News UK

Published

on

Investigation launched after dead dog found 'dumped' on England-Wales border | News UK
A pet owner found the dog’s body on the side of the country lane in Kinnerton near Chester (Picture: Google Maps)

The remains of a dog discovered on a remote country lane have raised suspicions.

A dog walker stumbled upon a dead black lurcher on the side of a countryside lane on the border of England and Wales last week.

RSPCA was alerted after the discovery on Moor Lane, Kinnerton, near Chester, on Wednesday morning.

The animal, aged around three, appeared to have been dumped, the charity said.

Advertisement

The dog was still wearing a black collar, although the remains were badly decomposed, RSPCA said.

Sign up for all of the latest stories

Start your day informed with Metro’s News Updates newsletter or get Breaking News alerts the moment it happens.

A black Lurcher standing by a river side on a warm sunny evening.
The body belonged to a black lurcher (file image) (Picture: Getty Images)

Thanks to a microchip, officers from the charity were able to trace the first owners, who, however, revealed they had rehomed the dog.

The traces stopped after the second owners said they had also had to give the dog away.

Bethany Newis, RSPCA’s animal rescue officer, described the dog walker’s discovery as ‘upsetting’ and said there are concerns about how the dog’s body ended up on the road.

Advertisement

She said: ‘The dog was microchipped and traced to an owner in North Wales but they said they re-homed the dog as a pup. We traced the next owner, also living in North Wales, who said they had rehomed the dog because it did not get on with another pet in the home.

‘We are now trying to trace the person who took on the dog after this.

‘The lurcher would have been three in October and the fact that his body appears to have been dumped does raise suspicions, but sadly the body was too decomposed to establish an exact cause of death.’

The animal rescue expert urged anyone with information to get in touch as the RSPCA issued an appeal.

Advertisement

The dog’s black collar featured metal bone-shaped studs, a blank nametag and bits of blue rope.

She added: ‘This blue rope could have been used as a lead or as a tether and I am hoping the distinctive nature of the collar on this black lurcher may help jog people’s memories as to who may have recently owned him.

‘The area is a popular dog walking spot so we are keen to hear from anyone who may have seen anything suspicious who can help with our enquiries.’

Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@metro.co.uk.

Advertisement

For more stories like this, check our news page.

Advertisement
Advertisement

Source link

Continue Reading

NewsBeat

Sambuca Italian to open at the Riverwalk in Durham

Published

on

Sambuca Italian to open at the Riverwalk in Durham

Sambuca will move into the former Thai River unit at the Riverwalk.

The Thai venue, previously known as Thai Central, moved to The Riverwalk in 2017, but closed last June.

In a Facebook post, Sambuca confirmed the site will open soon.

The post read: “Opening soon. Riverside’s new Italian fusion destination. Great food, beautiful atmosphere, memorable experiences. The wait is almost over.”

Advertisement

Sambuca has locations across the North East and offers a range of Italian food, including pizza, pasta and risotto.

Sambuca will take over the old Thai River unit. (Image: CHRIS BOOTH)

Social media users have reacted to the announcement with messages of support.

One person commented: “Can’t wait to visit.”



Another said: “Looking forward to opening night.”

Advertisement

An opening date is yet to be announced.

The Riverwalk development, just off Framwellgate Bridge,is home to shops, restaurants and an Odeon cinema.

Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

NewsBeat

Goalposts broken as concerns raised over anti-social behaviour at South Belfast pitches

Published

on

Belfast Live

“These facilities belong to the whole community, and we all have a responsibility to look after them.”

Concerns have been raised regarding anti-social behaviour at a South Belfast playing field after goalposts were broken.

The goalposts at Cairnshill pitches in the Four Winds area have been broken at the crossbar following an incident over the weekend, with local councillor Jamie Harpur saying that it is the latest in a series of incidents at the playing field. He said last week a fire was lit at the changing rooms and a storage container was damaged.

The councillor said the damaged goalposts will have a direct impact on local club, Newtownbreda FC, and has encouraged anyone with any information regarding it to contact the police.

Advertisement

Castlereagh South Alliance councillor Jamie Harpur said: “Heartbreaking to see further anti-social behaviour at the Cairnshill pitches.

“More damage has been caused to the goalposts following a fire being lit at the changing rooms last week, along with damage to a storage container. “This sort of behaviour is completely unacceptable. It not only damages valuable community facilities, but also has a direct impact on Newtownbreda F.C, who do tremendous work with young people and the wider community in the area. “These facilities belong to the whole community, and we all have a responsibility to look after them. “If anyone has information about those responsible, I would encourage you to contact the PSNI and report it. “Let’s look after our local facilities and make sure they remain safe and welcoming spaces for everyone.”

For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter here.

Advertisement

Source link

Continue Reading

NewsBeat

49ers owner Jed York tried to pay $140 for sex at Ohio trailer park… as humiliating details of his prostitution arrest emerge

Published

on

49ers co-owner Jed York - above with wife Danielle Belluomini - allegedly attempted to pay a woman $140 for sex in a trailer park in Ohio

The married CEO of the San Francisco 49ers allegedly attempted to pay a woman $140 for sex in a trailer park in Ohio, according to court documents.

Jed York, who has two children with his wife, Danielle, and is worth $500 million, was arrested in East Palestine on suspicion of engaging in prostitution at 9:35am on Sunday. He was released after posting a $5,000 bond.

Court documents obtained by The Daily Mail reveal York, 46, ‘arranged to have sexual activity with the female in exchange for $140.’ He responded to an undercover ad placed on a known prostitution website by law enforcement.

When York arrived at the arranged location, believed to be the Wheat Hill Mobile Home Community in East Palestine, York was greeted by law enforcement.

Advertisement

He was taken into custody when an agent with the Mahoning Valley Human Trafficking Task Force discovered York had ‘in his possession his cellular device which was used to arrange a criminal act’, the court documents show.

Court records also show that York, who was born 20 miles away from East Palestine in Youngstown, Ohio, was initially charged with engaging in prostitution, but prosecutors amended that to disorderly conduct. He was also charged with possessing criminal tools.

49ers co-owner Jed York – above with wife Danielle Belluomini – allegedly attempted to pay a woman $140 for sex in a trailer park in Ohio

Advertisement
York, 46, was arrested Sunday in East Palestine, Ohio, and booked into Columbiana County Jail

York, 46, was arrested Sunday in East Palestine, Ohio, and booked into Columbiana County Jail

York is believed to have been arrested at Wheat Hill Mobile Home Community in East Palestine

York is believed to have been arrested at Wheat Hill Mobile Home Community in East Palestine

York was sentenced to one day in jail for both offenses to be served concurrently and was credited with one day served when he pleaded no contest Monday morning. He was also fined $1,150.

Records also show that York had a cellphone returned to him and that $160 that was seized was to be given to the Mahoning Valley Human Trafficking Task Force as part of the plea agreement. He also completed an online course.

Advertisement

Court records also reveal that York filed an expungement request to have the incident removed from his record. 

The NFL said in a statement: ‘We are aware of the matter, which will be reviewed under the personal conduct policy.’

The 49ers said in a statement: ‘As this is a legal matter, which has been resolved, we will not be providing any further comment at this time.’

The Daily Mail has reached out to East Palestine Police and the Mahoning Valley human trafficking task force, as well as York’s attorney for comment.

Advertisement

York filed for divorce from Danielle in May and cited irreconcilable differences. The San Francisco Chronicle has reported the couple are waiting for a court date for their dissolution of marriage case. The couple, who got married in 2011, have two sons, Jaxon and Brixton. They have agreed to legal and physical joint custody.

In December 2018, his younger brother Anthony died at the age of 35.

York is the son of Denise DeBartolo York and John York. They took control of the 49ers when DeBartolo’s brother, Eddie, was convicted in a gambling fraud scandal.

Eddie, who owned the 49ers during their 1980s-1990s dynasty, pleaded guilty in 1998 to failing to report a felony when he paid $400,000 to former Louisiana Governor Edwin Edwards in exchange for a riverboat gambling license.

Advertisement

DeBartolo, whose 49ers won five Super Bowls under his leadership, stepped down as owner in 1997 after two Louisiana newspapers reported he would be indicted for gambling fraud. 

York has been married to Belluomini since 2011 and they have two sons together

York has been married to Belluomini since 2011 and they have two sons together

He avoided prison, was fined $1 million and was suspended for a year by the NFL but the episode effectively ended his NFL career. President Donald Trump pardoned him in February 2020.

Jed began working for his father in the early 2000s and was eventually named the franchise’s CEO in 2008. He then became the principal owner in 2024 after acquiring enough of his mother’s stake.

Advertisement

During his tenure, the Niners have experienced great success, having won five NFC West titles, advanced to seven NFC Championship Games and three Super Bowls, although the team has not won the NFL’s biggest prize since 1994.

York also oversaw the building of Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California. The team moved from San Francisco to the new stadium in 2014. The stadium has hosted two Super Bowls, a World Cup and a College Football Playoff title game.

York is also a co-owner of Premier League club Leeds United and Scottish giants Rangers. 

It is the latest episode in what has been an offseason plagued with problems for the 49ers, who are expected to compete for a playoff spot again this season. They play their opening game against the Los Angeles Rams in Melbourne on September 10.

Advertisement

Head coach Kyle Shanahan was involved in an offseason car crash that left him unable to coach in training camp and with several serious injuries.

The July 14 incident has been shrouded in mystery after the police refused to release an accident report or bodycam footage from the scene and officers initially blamed the other driver, only for Shanahan to take responsibility. 

The 49ers play their play their first game against the LA Rams in Melbourne on September 19

The 49ers play their play their first game against the LA Rams in Melbourne on September 19

He collided with a car driven by a 21-year-old woman in Palo Alto last month, saying it happened when he reached for his phone. 

Advertisement

The incident left Shanahan with a concussion, broken ribs, a broken nose, a broken hand and more than 40 stitches to close a cut over his eye. 

He also explained that he was driving at around 20mph with his Tesla in autopilot mode when the crash happened.

In autopilot mode, Tesla ‘matches the speed of your vehicle to that of the surrounding traffic’ and ‘assists in steering within a clearly marked lane, and uses traffic-aware cruise control.’

Shanahan was the only person who needed to be hospitalized and police didn’t issue him a ticket for the cellphone use. 

Advertisement

Source link

Continue Reading

NewsBeat

Scottish Government should abandon social care cuts, says Labour hopeful Fagan

Published

on

Scottish Government should abandon social care cuts, says Labour hopeful Fagan

In what he called his first two budget tests, Mr Fagan had called for the Scottish Government to give communities the powers and funding needed to bring bus services back into public control, and to deliver a minimum £15-an-hour rate for social care workers with better terms and conditions.

Source link

Continue Reading

NewsBeat

Prince Harry steps down from board of wildlife charity ahead of return to UK with Meghan | UK News

Published

on

Pic: AP

Prince Harry has quit the board of a wildlife charity which last year admitted human rights abuses by its rangers.

The Duke of Sussex, 41, is no longer a trustee of African Parks as he and his family prepare to move back to the UK from the US in days.

Harry was president of the charity for six years before he became a member of its board of directors in 2023.

His spokesman said he remains an active and avid supporter of African Parks.

Advertisement
Advertisement

Harry and Meghan’s homecoming is a risk – and not just for them

Last May, the conservation organisation admitted that human rights abuses were committed by its rangers in the Republic of the Congo, a country in Central Africa.

Advertisement

It followed an independent human rights investigation into allegations that guards managed and paid by the charity had beaten, raped and tortured indigenous people in the Odzala-Kokoua National Park.

In a statement last May, African Parks said: “In mid-2023, African Parks was made aware of allegations of human rights abuses by eco-guards against the Baka community in Odzala-Kokoua National Park, Republic of Congo.”

It added that following an investigation it “acknowledges that, in some incidents, human rights abuses have occurred, and we deeply regret the pain and suffering caused to the victims”.

“There is no place for any form of abuse in the name of conservation,” African Parks added.

Advertisement

The spokesman for Harry said: “The Duke is proud of his 10 years with African Parks and fully supports the ongoing strengthening of its board.

“His commitment to conservation in Africa continues, and he remains a supporter of African Parks’ mission.”


The truth about Meghan’s role

Advertisement

In 2016, the prince helped move hundreds of African elephants in Malawi to a safer home as part of a project organised by African Parks, describing the experience as “amazing”.

The charity said in 2025 that it had improved its safeguarding processes, both in the Odzala-Kokoua National Park and institutionally.

Last week, it was revealed the duke and six other household names will have to pay more than £9.5m to the Daily Mail’s publisher in the first round of legal costs after losing their High Court claims.

Advertisement

The high-profile figures, also including Baroness Doreen Lawrence and Sir Elton John, sued Associated Newspapers Limited over allegations of unlawful information-gathering.

Harry, the Duchess of Sussex, Prince Archie, seven, and Princess Lilibet, five, are preparing to set up home in the UK within days, six years after the couple stepped back as working royals and moved to California.

Their children have already been enrolled in British schools, but it has not been confirmed where the family will live.

The duke and duchess are planning an “extended stay” in the UK but it has not been confirmed how long this will last.

Advertisement

It is also not yet clear whether taxpayers will foot the bill for the Sussexes’ security.


Can Harry afford to pay millions in legal fees?

Advertisement

Former Suits star Meghan, 45, is said to be pursuing an acting role, with reports she is in talks about a role in Guy Ritchie’s Netflix hit The Gentlemen.

There have also been claims that a potential deal was off.

On Monday, it was confirmed that The Gentlemen has been officially renewed for a third season.

Advertisement

Source link

Continue Reading

NewsBeat

FIFA legends turn on Gianni Infantino: Football greats tell president ‘enough is enough’ in bombshell joint-statement – hours after Cristiano Ronaldo’s awkward encounter with under-fire boss

Published

on

Mikael Silvestre (pictured) is leading calls for Gianni Infantino to step down as FIFA president

Advertisement

Pressure is continuing to mount on under-fire FIFA president with high-profile current and former footballers now making formal statements for him to stand down.

Ex-Manchester United and France defender Mikael Silvestre, who is part of FIFA’s Players’ Voice Panel, took to X on Monday to demand change, writing: ‘Enough is enough!’

That statement was also shared by France 1998 World Cup winner Emmanuel Petit as well as Lionesses star Lucy Bronze.

Infantino is facing calls to quit from his UEFA counterpart Aleksander Ceferin in the wake of a hugely controversial plan to sell stakes in a company to run the World Cup to private investors.

Advertisement

And players have now begun to speak out against the 56-year-old, with Monday’s widely-shared statement evident of that who ‘share the exact same concerns as the millions of fans around the world’.

It added: ‘Like them, we have watched the game we love drift away from its core values under FIFA’s current leadership.

Infantino pictured

Mikael Silvestre (left) is leading calls for Gianni Infantino to step down as FIFA president

Advertisement
Silvestre's statement, which was shared by several others, demanded that 'enough is enough'

Silvestre’s statement, which was shared by several others, demanded that ‘enough is enough’

‘For too long we’ve seen major decisions taken without players being consulted or considered, and without any regard for the fans who sustain the sport.

‘Change is necessary. Power has blurred the current leadership’s ability to distinguish between its own interests and what is best for football.’

Silvestre’s interjection is significant given it effectively comes from within the FIFA fold, with the Players’ Voice Panel a 16-strong group formed by the global governing body to monitor and advise on initiatives to tackle racism.

Advertisement

The statement continued: ‘Recent events have made silence impossible. Enough is enough.

‘We call on all stakeholders to step forward and help reshape the future of our sport.’

One of Silvestre’s former Manchester United team-mates Cristiano Ronaldo crossed paths with Infantino recently – with many on social media stating it was an encounter that the Portuguese didn’t enjoy.

Ronaldo was spotted at the Esports World Cup in Paris and was filmed greeting the Swiss chief.

Advertisement

However, after the pleasantries, the Al-Nassr star seemed to grimace as he walked away.

After asking how is he, Infantino referenced the fact he is close to reaching the 1,000-career goals mark, saying: ‘Twenty-three [goals] more, right? Good luck. Come on, come on.’

Cristiano Ronaldo crossed paths with Infantino tat the Esports World Cup in Paris

Cristiano Ronaldo crossed paths with Infantino tat the Esports World Cup in Paris

The Portuguese star appeared to grimace as he left Infantino's company after their exchange

The Portuguese star appeared to grimace as he left Infantino’s company after their exchange

Advertisement

Whether or not Infantino will be in position to see if Ronaldo reaches that landmark remains unclear.

Ceferin has ruled himself out of the running against Infantino but said in an interview with The Rest Is Politics podcast that his adversary has two options.

‘One option is that he realises that he doesn’t have the support, and that’s not only a political support of the ones who vote, but the political support of football community, the political support of fans, the political support of the players, former players, coaches,’ the Slovenian said.

‘And the second option that he goes to the elections in March, but in that case, I think he will have a candidate against him. I don’t know yet who.’

Advertisement

The current president of CONCACAF, Victor Montagliani, has been mentioned by some observers as a potential rival candidate. CONCACAF is the continental confederation representing countries from North and Central America plus the Caribbean. Montagliani is also a FIFA vice-president.

CONCACAF joined UEFA and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) in rejecting Infantino’s private investor plan, with its presidents describing it as a ‘deception’ in an open letter published earlier this month.

Infantino was in the Caribbean at the weekend, attending a youth football tournament in the Dominican Republic.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Source link

Continue Reading

Trending

Copyright © 2025