Day: November 5, 2017

    Households face increases of up to £930 in their annual shopping bills if Britain walks away from Brexit talks without a trade deal, according to new research which reveals a disproportionate impact on poorer families and the unemployed. Meat, vegetables, dairy products, clothing and footwear would be subject to the largest consumer price rises under a no-deal scenario, according to a study published in the authoritative National Institute Economic Review, adding to inflationary pressures that have already forced the first interest rate rise in a decade this week. Stalled negotiations resume next week in Brussels, but the government is also about to publish a trade bill which would result in Britain being required to apply swingeing new tariffs on European imports if it fa...

    The dramatic circumstances of Sir Michael Fallon’s sudden resignation as defence secretary last week can be revealed by the Observer. The cabinet heavyweight’s shock departure on Wednesday followed a phone call from the journalist, Jane Merrick, who informed Downing Street that he had lunged at her and attempted to kiss her on the lips in 2003 after they had lunched together. The revelation was the tipping point for No 10, which the Observer understands had been compiling a list of alleged incidents involving Fallon since claims against him were first made. Michael Fallon resigned as defence secretary on Wednesday after the journalist Jane Merrick told Downing Street he had lunged at her. After Fallon’s attempt to kiss her, Merrick, then a 29-year-old junior political repo...

    A second boy, 16, has been arrested after two acid attacks on delivery drivers, one of which has left the victim fighting for his life. The teenager is being held on suspicion of grievous bodily harm in relation to the assaults which took place in London in the space of half an hour. A 14-year-old boy arrested on Friday has now been released under investigation. Police said the victim of the first attack, a pizza delivery moped driver, was critically injured after being sprayed in the face with a corrosive substance and may lose his sight. The 32-year-old was attacked in Walpole Road, Walthamstow, at about 6pm last Thursday, after being approached by two men on a moped who attempted to steal his vehicle. He suffered severe injuries to his eyes and face, and also breathed i...

    This is the first picture of a takeaway delivery driver who is fighting for life in hospital after being sprayed in the face with acid by moped thieves. Muhammed Nawshad Kamal, 32, is likely to lose his sight in both eyes after he was attacked when two thugs tried to steal his moped on Thursday night. He had just finishing dropping off a delivery in Walthamstow, north London, when the thieves demanded he hand over his keys. Mr Kamal, who has lived in Britain for eight years, refused and was repeatedly doused with the corrosive liquid during the attack in Walpole Road at about 6pm on Thursday. He was sprayed in the face and chest. On Friday, officers investigating the incident arrested a 14-year-old boy in connection with the attack. He was taken to an east London police st...