MPs have expressed concerns that minimum-wage shop workers are unfairly bearing the consequences of facial recognition technology failures in major UK stores, including Sainsbury’s and Home Bargains. Incidents involving misidentification have raised questions about staff safety and the adequacy of current training practices.

Mark Neville, 65, pleaded guilty to attempted arson and weapons possession following a Molotov cocktail attack at the Thistle City Barbican Hotel in Islington, which housed asylum seekers. The incident, captured on CCTV, occurred on 25 September 2025, causing no injuries. He was remanded in custody ahead of sentencing.