Marcus Fakana, from Tottenham, 19, was sentenced in December to one year in Al-Aweer prison after having consensual sex with a 17-year-old British girl in Dubai, a minor under UAE law but legal in the UK.
Author: WTX News Editor
Cliff Notes Marcus Fakana, an 18-year-old British teenager, has been released from a Dubai jail after receiving a royal pardon from Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum. His case has drawn public attention, highlighting concerns about the treatment of tourists and the need for expedited legal processes for foreign nationals in the UAE. The legal complications arose from a relationship with a 17-year-old girl, reported by her mother, with the age of consent in Dubai…
From dancing in Austria to international workshops in computational chemical biology, there are some huge cultural and innovation events this week across the European continent. Check out what’s happening in the EU/ Europe this week.
Lots of events this week, with Wimbledon fully underway and Cameron Norrie Britain’s last hopeful at the home tournament. Grab your strawberries and cream and a glass of Pimms for a truly British week.
Monday’s headlines won’t be an easy read for No 10 as the newspapers suggest the PM is facing a fresh revolt. One newspaper suggests the Labour Party is willing to explore a wealth tax, but it appears more like an attempt to alarm its readers than a truth with any legs.
The prime minister’s plans to revive the NHS may face some early teething problems, as NHS doctors could strike this summer if they don’t receive a pay rise.
Monday marks the 20th anniversary of the July 7 terror attacks across London, and several of the tabloids lead with tributes to the victims and speak to survivors.
Images from Wimbledon feature on the front pages, as do images from the tragedy in Texas.
The UK headlines this Monday morning all lead with the 20th anniversary of the July 7 2005, terror attacks across London. The attacks killed 52 people and injured more than 700. The headlines ask whether Britain is really any safer now than 20 years ago, and some look at what life in the UK is like for British Muslims. Many publications speak to the survivors and the relatives of the victims.
The headlines roll out as the tributes roll in, with the prime minister and King Charles leading the tributes.
Elsewhere, a new COVID-19 variant is spreading across the UK, and there are fears of a new NHS doctors’ strike amid calls for a pay rise.
In international news, the UK media continues its coverage of the flash flooding in Texas, which has killed at least 81 people, including children. There’s ongoing coverage of the Trump-Musk spat as the world’s wealthiest man launches his own political party in the USA to take on the Democrats and Republicans.
Israel continues to attack Gaza, with at least 38 killed on Sunday. It comes amid ceasefire talks and as Israel’s Netanyahu prepares to head to the USA for a meeting with Donald Trump.
An Israeli reservist recounted that his unit was ordered to shoot anyone entering defined “no-go zones,” often resulting in civilian casualties irrespective of perceived threats.
A new Covid-19 variant known as Stratus (XFG and XFG.3) is rapidly spreading in the UK. The UK Health Security Agency reports these subvariants account for around 30% of cases in England, rising sharply in recent weeks.
On the 20th anniversary of the 7 July terror attacks, Prime Minister Keir Starmer, King Charles III, and Home Secretary Yvette Cooper led national commemorations to remember the 52 people killed and over 770 injured in 2005 suicide bombings on London’s Underground and a bus.
Elon Musk has launched the America Party, a new political entity aimed at hitting back at the traditional two-party system in the US.
Elon Musk announces the formation of the America Party to challenge the current political system, citing concerns over waste and corruption within the existing one-party framework.
Erin Patterson, 50, has been convicted of murdering her estranged husband’s parents and an aunt by serving them beef wellington laced with death cap mushrooms.
US President Donald Trump on Sunday blasted multibillionaire CEO Elon Musk’s launch of a new US political party called the America Party.
Police clash over political murder probes in South Africa as a new power struggle emerges between the Police and politicians.
MP Josh Babarinde reveals he endured childhood abuse, aiming to raise awareness to prevent similar experiences for children today.
Cliff Notes Donald Trump plans to visit Texas on Friday after the devastating flash flooding that resulted in 79 fatalities, citing the need to minimise disruption for recovery efforts. He has expressed intentions to phase out FEMA after 2025, advocating for local management of emergency resources, but currently deferred specific discussions on funding cuts. Trump has maintained communication with the Texas governor regarding the situation and reiterated confidence in state-level disaster management capabilities. Texas flash…
Cliff Notes – Millions of Iranians unite in mourning Ashura serves as a poignant reminder of the martyrdom of Imam Hussein, drawing emotional responses from the Shia community amid recent regional tensions, particularly Israel’s unexpected attacks on Iran. The ceremony provided an opportunity for solidarity among Iranians, with Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei making a public appearance, reinforcing his authority in the face of adversities. Analysts express concerns over potential ongoing conflict, highlighting the Iranian…
Wayne Rooney has reportedly signed a two-year, £800,000 deal with the BBC to join Match of the Day, marking a significant career shift from football management.
A far-right man charged with murder following the death of an 85-year-old found with serious injuries in Streatham, south London.
At least 69 fatalities confirmed due to flash floods in Texas, with 11 girls from Camp Mystic among those still unaccounted for.
The government is facing tension with Labour MPs over welfare cuts, likened to a child’s bedtime negotiation, with limited resources for policy changes.
Cliff Notes Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley advocates for reforming the policing system in England and Wales, proposing a reduction from 43 county forces to 12-15 larger mega forces. He emphasises that the current model, designed in the 1960s, is outdated and hinders effective policing in addressing contemporary threats, while better utilisation of technology could enhance efficiency. Rowley also notes disappointing police funding increases and calls for more financial contributions from football clubs to…
Cliff Notes Thunderstorms are forecast for eastern England on Sunday, with 15-25mm of rain expected and a yellow weather warning issued from 7am to 7pm. Rainfall may reach 40-60mm in areas experiencing repeated thunderstorms, leading to potential flooding, power cuts, and damage from lightning strikes. A high-pressure system from the Azores is projected to bring sunny weather and temperatures in the low 30s by midweek, signalling a possible third heatwave of the summer. UK weather:…
The UK has reinstated diplomatic relations with Syria for the first time in 14 years, as Foreign Secretary David Lammy visits Damascus and meets key officials, including interim president Ahmed al Sharaa.
Iran’s supreme leader made a public appearance amidst rising tensions with Israel and the US, receiving a warm reception from supporters who chanted a Shia victory chant.