Tuesday, March 19News For London

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London’s Columbia Road Carols Cancelled Amidst Safety Concerns

Explainers
Weekly carols happen every Wednesday of December St. Peter's Church in Bethnal Green, located in east London, are cancelling its highly anticipated Christmas carol events due to a sudden viral surge on TikTok that led to an overwhelming crowd of over 10,000 attendees. The annual carol service, which has been a tradition for over two decades, was halted abruptly due to safety concerns after the December 6th event. The area was dangerously overcrowded, leading to the cancellation of the event. Normally, the Wednesday sing-alongs at the church would attract a modest crowd of around 200. However, this year's event became a significant threat to public safety due to the overwhelming turnout. In collaboration with local authorities and the police, the decision was made to...

UK slide towards contraction as cost of living rises

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The United Kingdom suffered an economic setback after newly released data revealed an unexpected contraction in growth in October. Gross domestic product, the primary measure of economic activity, fell by 0.3% last month, reversing a 0.2% increase in September. The contraction of output in the manufacturing, services, production, and construction sectors tipped the scales in the negative direction. The unexpected drop fuels fears of a recession as rising inflation and interest rates squeeze British households and businesses. Consumers have less money to spend on goods and services because of the cost-of-living crisis. Policymakers must now weigh whether additional rate hikes aimed at taming inflation could harm an already struggling economy more. https://youtu.be/L5BH9EE9R4w?...

BTS are off to serve the South Korean military after reaching at the peak of their career

Explainers
BTS is undoubtedly at the peak of their artistic and commercial success as a pop act. This begs the question: is it wise for the Korean phenomenon to hit pause by enlisting in mandatory military service right now? Compelling cases can be made on both sides. On the one hand, it is risky for the band to step away just as they dominate charts and penetrate mainstream Western media. They became the first Asian act to win Artist of the Year at the American Music Awards. Songs like " Dynamite, "Butter", and "Permission to Dance" show they can compete with elite global stars for radio play and digital streams.And their concerts have gone into spectacular full-stadium productions. Disappearing for 18-20 months threatens to surrender hard-fought ground in the quest for cultural domination.Howev...
University spending has fallen and will fall further: IFS reports

University spending has fallen and will fall further: IFS reports

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According to a report by the Institute for Fiscal studies, University students are receiving a lower spend on their education compared to previous years. Credit; Institute for Fiscal studies A new report from the Institute for Fiscal Studies says that, in real terms, UK students are having less spent on their education than they were in 1990. The annual IFS report on education in Britain says real-term spending per student will fall next year to 2011 levels.  https://ifs.org.uk/publications/annual-report-education-spending-england-2023 It’s a complex – and politically sensitive issue – but it’s partly because governments have underestimated the rates of inflation in recent years, while domestic student fees have been capped. So universities have be
Rishi Sunak set to give statement about Israel-Hamas war

Rishi Sunak set to give statement about Israel-Hamas war

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(produced 16th October 2023) As tension in the middle east increases, the Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is due to address the House of Commons later. He has already said that the UK is firmly standing with Israel, but what do people want to hear from him this afternoon? https://soundcloud.com/westminster-world/israel-gaza-crisis-voxpop?si=e4a16e15c646422ea26ab5941e637aa0&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing
New addition to the superloop network is now open

New addition to the superloop network is now open

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Credit: Muhammad Hamza Khan Another addition to the superloop bus routes is now open for the public. The SL10 serves between Harrow and North Finchley in North London. The SL10 express bus route between Harrow and North Finchley also calls at Kenton, Kingsbury and Hendon. The superloop network of bus routes aims to connect town centres, hospitals, schools and transport hubs. The bus will run every 12 minutes on Monday - Saturday, every 15 minutes on evenings and Sundays. It is the fifth addition of the routes, that were launched to encourage Londoners to travel more sustainably. https://youtu.be/KxnhPHhoI4Y Credit: Muhammed Hamza Khan and Sameed Kakroo
Experience Disney magic this Christmas

Experience Disney magic this Christmas

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In celebration of 100 years, Disney opened a gigantic archive exhibition. Disney 100: The Exhibition Credit: Yasmin Ahmed Disney100: The Exhibition, which commemorates The Walt Disney Company's official 100th anniversary, is a once-in-a-lifetime event that has arrived in London and is running through Christmas until January 2024. The giant exhibition highlights Disney's most legendary tales and is taking place in London's famous ExCel as part of a global celebration. Experience nostalgic and enthralling adventures through a century of The Walt Disney Company, where you'll come across unique interactive installations, poignant narratives, and magical behind-the-scenes work. Explore the ten opulently large themed galleries to immerse yourself in an unparalleled multimedia, visu...

Prince Harry’s legal battle unveiled: Alleges ‘unlawful and unfair’ treatment in security shift

Explainers
Lawyers for Prince Harry have told the High Court that he was treated in an “unlawful and unfair” way when his security arrangements in Britain were changed.  Harry, the Duke of Sussex, is taking legal action against the Home Office over a decision in 2020 to provide him with a different degree of protection when he visits this country from his new home in California.  The court hearing – much of which will be held in private, for security reasons – is expected to last two days. Our reporter, Sameed Kakroo, is at the High Court.  https://youtu.be/hR8sC33JMdM