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Delays to Hillsborough Law ‘extraordinary', writer Jimmy McGovern says

Delays to Hillsborough Law ‘extraordinary', writer Jimmy McGovern says

Glasgow Times6 days ago
McGovern, whose Bafta-winning 1996 drama Hillsborough drew attention to the families' fight for justice, said he had been following the progress of the legislation, which would include a duty for public bodies to tell the truth in the aftermath of major disasters, as well as legal aid for families.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer had pledged to bring in the law by the 36th anniversary of the tragedy, which was on April 15, but Downing Street said more time was needed to redraft it, amid fears it had been watered down and would not include a legal duty of candour.
McGovern told the PA news agency: 'I just think it's extraordinary. What's going on there is people are demanding the right to lie.
'That's what it's all about.
'They don't want a law that will tell public officials that they must tell the truth.
'It killed 97 people, Hillsborough, and so they are demanding the right to lie over another Hillsborough. 'We demand the right to lie again'. Extraordinary.'
An attempt by Liverpool West Derby MP Ian Byrne to introduce the Bill was blocked in the House of Commons earlier this month.
McGovern's drama told the story of the tragedy at the FA Cup semi-final between Liverpool FC and Nottingham Forest at Hillsborough Stadium in Sheffield, in which 97 men, women and children died, and examined the build-up and aftermath.
It has been credited as a key part in the families' fight for justice, which saw original inquest verdicts overturned and new inquests which found that the victims were unlawfully killed.
McGovern said his work did not change anything, apart from the agenda.
He said: 'The change was all brought about by the sheer determination of the Hillsborough families.
'But I take great pleasure in the fact that my docudrama did change the agenda for a short time.'
Floral tributes by the Hillsborough Memorial at Anfield, Liverpool (Peter Byrne/PA)
He said writing drama offered the opportunity to give a different perspective on an issue.
'That's why the powers that be are always sniffy about docudrama, because the camera goes to the places where they don't want it to go,' he said.
The writer said he was in a Manchester pub in 1982 when news came through that Argentine Navy cruiser the ARA General Belgrano had been sunk by the British during the Falklands War.
He said: 'People in the pub stood up and cheered.
'And I said to myself, they should be on that ship. They should see what it's like.
'Well, the camera can do that. The camera fights against that kind of cheap, easy, bloodthirsty reaction.'
McGovern's new drama, Unforgivable, airs on BBC Two at 9pm on Thursday and will be available on BBC iPlayer.
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Three arrested as demo takes place outside hotel used to house migrants
Three arrested as demo takes place outside hotel used to house migrants

South Wales Guardian

time4 minutes ago

  • South Wales Guardian

Three arrested as demo takes place outside hotel used to house migrants

Sunday saw the latest in a series of demonstrations outside The Bell Hotel in Epping, Essex, after an asylum seeker was charged with allegedly attempting to kiss a 14-year-old girl. Protesters waved union flags, while Stand Up To Racism counter-protesters marched to the hotel with signs reading: 'Stop scapegoating refugees and migrants'. A 52-year-old man from Loughton was arrested on suspicion of a public order offence. It is understood the arrest was in connection with abuse being shouted towards counter-protesters. A 53-year-old woman, also from Loughton, was arrested on suspicion of a racially aggravated public order offence connected with a previous protest, and it is understood she was part of the protest against the use of the hotel. A 27-year-old woman from Deptford was arrested on suspicion of criminal damage and a public order offence, and it is understood she was part of the counter-protest. Essex Police Chief Superintendent Simon Anslow said: 'I want to thank those who attended for the peaceful nature of both protests. 'Our role is to ensure that you can express your democratic right to protest safely and lawfully and we had a proportionate and robust plan in place to ensure that could happen. 'I am pleased that today has passed off without incident and I am grateful to our colleagues from other forces for their support.' Weyman Bennett, co-convener of Stand Up To Racism, told the PA news agency that volunteer security personnel accompanied them. He added: 'We're happy to demonstrate but we're not happy to be attacked by thugs, racists and hooligans.' One man was seen being taken away from the station area by two officers, though it was not clear if he was part of any group. Members of Stand Up To Racism were seen trying to stop people from filming the protesters, as locals watched the march from their driveways. One local man was seen chanting in support of Tommy Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, as the march went past. He began shouting 'there's only one Tommy Robinson' when a protester approached him. One Stand Up To Racism protester chanted 'fascist scum' at him before police stepped in to ensure they would not come together. Essex Police said it had established protest restrictions due to repeated serious disruption, violence, and harm to the community during previous demonstrations. The force said that there was a ban on anyone wearing face coverings and that there were designated sites opposite the hotel for protesters. A dispersal order was in effect from 12pm on Sunday until 8am on Monday, covering Epping town centre and nearby transport hubs. Both sets of protesters were kept separated by fences. Those protesting outside The Bell Hotel in Epping chose to ignore counter-demonstrators and began singing. They sang Sweet Caroline and Come On Eileen while demonstrators from Stand Up To Racism chanted: 'Nazi scum off our streets'. Essex Police said that residents have reported feeling 'trapped', fearful of leaving their homes and anxious about protest activity previously. Hotel residents and staff have been advised to remain indoors after 5pm as some have experienced verbal and physical harassment, including a resident chased and injured while returning to the hotel, the force added. Essex Police said there was an 'escalation of violence' during protests on July 13, 17, 20 and 24, involving hundreds of people. The force added that officers were assaulted, missiles were thrown, vehicles were vandalised and the hotel sustained broken windows and graffiti. The Epping protest was sparked by the charging of asylum seeker Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu, 38, with sexual assault after he allegedly attempted to kiss a 14-year-old girl. He denied the charge at Chelmsford Magistrates' Court and will stand trial in August.

I'm a top UK cop-turned UFO hunter – here's why Donald Trump is running out of time to ‘come clean' about alien secrets
I'm a top UK cop-turned UFO hunter – here's why Donald Trump is running out of time to ‘come clean' about alien secrets

Scottish Sun

time4 minutes ago

  • Scottish Sun

I'm a top UK cop-turned UFO hunter – here's why Donald Trump is running out of time to ‘come clean' about alien secrets

Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) DONALD Trump should come clean on UFOs before a "catastrophic event", a former British detective has warned. Gary Heseltine believes the US president should disclose the truth before a sighting causes mass panic. 8 President Donald Trump has teased the release of documents relating to UFOs Credit: Getty 8 Chilling UFO footage allegedly showing a US warship facing off with 'Tic Tac' aircraft in 2023 Credit: Twitter/@JeremyCorbell 8 Former British cop Gary Heseltine now runs a UFO agency Credit: Gary Heseltine Gary, who probed the 7/7 London bombings for the British Transport Police, is now a leading UFO detective, giving lectures around the world. The 65-year-old, who took early retirement in 2013 to launch his own UFO magazine after 24 years in the force, says it's only a matter of time before an incident would go viral over the internet sparking alarm. And he believes the pressure is growing to reveal the truth after several whistleblowers have come forward to give evidence before the US Congress and a new documentary featuring 34 high level military and government officials - including Senator Marco Rubio - has been released. He said: "With the arrival of President Trump for a second term in the White House many people wondered if he would become the 'Disclosure' President. "This was after many others who would go on to become senior officials in the administration had openly and publicly stated their views on the need for transparency on the UAP issue prior to taking office. "People like Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, Tulsi Gabbard, the Director of National Intelligence, Kash Patel, the Director of the FBI and John Ratcliffe, the Director of the CIA. "These people have openly advocated UAP transparency but in the first four months of the administration they have said nothing on the issue publicly. Why not?" With wars waging in Ukraine and the Middle East, Gary believes now would be the right time to admit we are being visited by non human intelligence (NHI) to unite the planet. He adds: "While the new President has walked into several major world issues like the Ukraine/Russia conflict and tensions in the Middle-East with the war with Israel/Palestine and further activity in Yemen, Iran, Syria and Lebanon etc., some might argue that it might be an appropriate time to announce Disclosure. "Such a revelation might galvanise nations away from the polarisation we see currently. Area 51 at risk as huge fire creeps closer to base with black smoke filling air sparking wild UFO conspiracy theories "This may sound fanciful but no-one doubts that as and when Disclosure occurs, that it will be the most profound moment in human history. "UAP are the Elephant in the room, no-one is talking about Non Human Intelligence because there hasn't been a Disclosure announcement, yet, we know from fast developing events in the U.S. that it is seemingly just around the corner. "Whether it is this year or next, the reality is that such an announcement is likely to occur soon and when it does and the reality of NHI sinks in, nothing in politics, the military and life in general will ever quite be the same. "We know that the Five Eyes countries (U.S., U.K., Canada, Australia and New Zealand) have been briefed on UAP activity in May 2023 and perhaps several more countries have been too, but the question is to what level are our military and political leaders informed. While the new President has walked into several major world issues like the Ukraine/Russia conflict and tensions in the Middle-East with the war with Israel/Palestine and further activity in Yemen, Iran, Syria and Lebanon etc., some might argue that it might be an appropriate time to announce Disclosure. Such a revelation might galvanise nations away from the polarisation we see currently. Gary Heseltine "It remains a big question, just how much do our political leaders know about the reality of UAP? "I fear that they are vastly under informed and under prepared for an NHI Disclosure world." Gary, of Wakefield, West Yorkshire, who edits UFO Truth Magazine, is hopeful about a new documentary called Age Of Disclosure - featuring dozens of top officials including US Secretary of State Marco Rubio - could bring about "a new dawn in mankind's history." The retired cop said: "After giving it much thought I think 2025 could be a crucial year for the Disclosure issue. Trump vows to release new Pentagon UFO videos if he wins after admitting there 'could be life on other planets' By Sayan Bose DONALD Trump vowed last year to reveal exclusive UFO footage if he was elected back to the White House. The Republican presidential candidate said he would push the Pentagon to declassify the alleged UFO sighting videos in a sensational interview. Trump, who went on to trounce Democratic rival Kamla Harris in the presidential elections in November 2024, is known to have a decade-long fascination with aliens and unexplainable sightings. He told popular American podcaster Lex Fridman that he would "surely" make secret footage of alleged UFO sightings public. During the chat, Fridman asked Trump: "Will you help push the Pentagon to release more footage, which a lot of people claim is available?" To which Trump readily agreed and said: "Oh yeah, sure, I'll do that. I would do that. I'd love to do that. I have to do that." The Republican leader also claimed he had faced pressure to declassify previous records of alien encounters as he admitted "there could be life on other planets". He added: "People begged me not to do it but I'll be doing that very early on." "Clearly the Trump administration is not going anywhere near the NHI topic at the moment, so when will the issue be broached? It's a good question. "The Federal Secrets Task Force under the stewardship of Congresswoman Anna Paulina Luna was given only a six-month mandate to look at the likes of the JFK, RFK assassinations etc, but it was also supposed to look at UFO/UAP/USOs yet, the latter dates to discuss that have been put back until no-one knows. "If things don't develop soon on that front, then the six months mandate may soon expire. What then? "Approximately two months ago a major new UAP documentary film, 'The Age of Disclosure' premiered at a mid-west film festival and it received very favourable reviews in the mainstream media yet, the roll-out of the film nationwide/worldwide did not follow and has been put on hold. "Why? My guess it is all about timing. "I suspect the volatile situations in Europe and the Middle-East have put paid to addressing the UAP issue for the time being. "I think it will be interesting to see when the film is released, and indeed how it is rolled out. "Some people think it may get a national cinema run which would be very interesting if that occurs. "I believe the documentary may hold the key to a 'Disclosure' moment as it is meant to usher in a new dawn in mankind's history. "Senator Marco Rubio, the Secretary of State for the United States is featured in the film and he is seen as third only to the President and the Vice President in terms of his place in the administration. 8 US Secretary of State Marco Rubio features on a new UFO documentary Credit: Reuters 8 FBI Director Kash Patel Credit: AP 8 CIA director John Ratcliffe Credit: AP "His appearance in the film is bound to be a major talking point for the media. "Whilst I have not seen the film the excellent trailer states that 34 key people appear in it, including several current politicians. "In the film trailer, Jay Stratton, the former head of the UAP Task Force states openly that he has seen NHI craft and Non-Human bodies. That in itself is highly noteworthy. He's never said anything like that publicly before. "In recent months two eminent scientists involved in UAP research for decades have finally revealed things in public for the very first time. "Hal Puthoff, arguably the most important scientist ever to work on the UAP issue, said recently on the Joe Rogan podcast, that the U.S. has 10 NHI craft in its possession. "And only in just the last few weeks, Eric Davis, a scientist who has worked with Puthoff for many years said at a UAP Disclosure Fund event in Congress, that there are four different types of NHI, the Greys, Reptilians, Mantids and Nordics! "What has long been suspected has now been confirmed by one of the world's leading scientists on the UAP issue. His public statement is something of a wow moment for me." 'PHOENIX LIGHTS' Back in March 1997, thousands of people, including Hollywood actor Kurt Russell and a former US governor, witnessed the so-called Phoenix Lights. Some people managed to film the lights using camcorders as camera phones were not available. But smartphones are everywhere now and Gary believes another major event could not be easily hushed up or dismissed by the powers that be like they did before. He said: "I think we are truly at a crossroads on the Disclosure issue. "There is a real chance this year that things will come together and the film 'Age of Disclosure' will be used to support an announcement by President Trump of the reality of NHI. "However, if that does not happen this year then the moment we have all hoped for so long may have been lost for who knows how long and the prospect of 'Catastrophic Disclosure', a term coined by Colonel Karl Nell, may be the only way that the NHI story finally breaks into the mainstream world. What were the Phoenix Lights? The Phoenix Lights were a series of widely sighted unidentified flying objects (UFOs) observed over Arizona and Nevada on March 13, 1997. Thousands of people reported seeing a V-shaped formation of lights moving silently across the sky, and stationary lights in the Phoenix area. While some believe it was a UFO sighting, the official explanation is that they were flares dropped during military exercises. The lights were observed between 7.30 pm and 10.30pm MST, spanning a distance of about 300 miles, from the Nevada border through Phoenix to Tucson. The Air Force stated the lights were flares dropped during military exercises at the Barry M. Goldwater Range near Phoenix. Despite the official explanation, many people believe the lights were a genuine UFO sighting, and the incident has become a significant event in UFO lore. The Phoenix Lights remain a subject of debate and fascination, with many still questioning the official explanation. "Yet 'Catastrophic Disclosure' should be a last resort measure because of the uncertainty such an event may cause. "For decades the forces that have controlled the UAP narrative have risked such an event but were half prepared to combat such a scenario, the risk for panic and alarm is now much higher because of the internet, new technology and the use of social media. "Think about it, everyone carries a smartphone with high quality video cameras and applications that offer immediate 'live streaming'. "I've been saying it for several years that if the 1997 Phoenix Lights event took place now that it would likely cause a 'Catastrophic Disclosure' moment. "Back then the authorities were able to cast doubt on grainy poor quality videos of lights in the sky above the city and they just about managed to 'control' of the media and officials but it was a close shave. "But here is the kicker, I believe that if that same event happened today and was seen by over 50,000 people, and was captured in 4k, 8k video and 'live streamed' within minutes of it occurring the authorities would not have time to contain it. "Such an event would likely go viral across the world on social media in minutes …. and the cat would be out of the bag. "A mile wide craft of unknown origin captured in stark reality over the city of Phoenix and with it 'Catastrophic Disclosure' on an unprepared world. "So this is a choice for our political leaders. I would urge President Trump to inform the world about the reality of NHI soon or risk causing major public panic with a 'Catastrophic Disclosure' event. "The clock is ticking like never before." Do you know more? Email 8 Gary says it's time for the truth Credit: Gary Heseltine

Three arrested as demo takes place outside hotel used to house migrants
Three arrested as demo takes place outside hotel used to house migrants

Glasgow Times

time4 minutes ago

  • Glasgow Times

Three arrested as demo takes place outside hotel used to house migrants

Sunday saw the latest in a series of demonstrations outside The Bell Hotel in Epping, Essex, after an asylum seeker was charged with allegedly attempting to kiss a 14-year-old girl. Protesters waved union flags, while Stand Up To Racism counter-protesters marched to the hotel with signs reading: 'Stop scapegoating refugees and migrants'. People take part in a Stand Up to Racism protest (Jordan Pettitt/PA) A 52-year-old man from Loughton was arrested on suspicion of a public order offence. It is understood the arrest was in connection with abuse being shouted towards counter-protesters. A 53-year-old woman, also from Loughton, was arrested on suspicion of a racially aggravated public order offence connected with a previous protest, and it is understood she was part of the protest against the use of the hotel. A 27-year-old woman from Deptford was arrested on suspicion of criminal damage and a public order offence, and it is understood she was part of the counter-protest. People take part in a Stand Up to Racism protest in Epping (Jordan Pettitt/PA) Essex Police Chief Superintendent Simon Anslow said: 'I want to thank those who attended for the peaceful nature of both protests. 'Our role is to ensure that you can express your democratic right to protest safely and lawfully and we had a proportionate and robust plan in place to ensure that could happen. 'I am pleased that today has passed off without incident and I am grateful to our colleagues from other forces for their support.' Weyman Bennett, co-convener of Stand Up To Racism, told the PA news agency that volunteer security personnel accompanied them. He added: 'We're happy to demonstrate but we're not happy to be attacked by thugs, racists and hooligans.' It is believed that the hotel houses a number of asylum seekers (Jordan Pettitt/PA) One man was seen being taken away from the station area by two officers, though it was not clear if he was part of any group. Members of Stand Up To Racism were seen trying to stop people from filming the protesters, as locals watched the march from their driveways. One local man was seen chanting in support of Tommy Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, as the march went past. He began shouting 'there's only one Tommy Robinson' when a protester approached him. One Stand Up To Racism protester chanted 'fascist scum' at him before police stepped in to ensure they would not come together. Essex Police said it had established protest restrictions due to repeated serious disruption, violence, and harm to the community during previous demonstrations. The force said that there was a ban on anyone wearing face coverings and that there were designated sites opposite the hotel for protesters. Protesters and counter-protesters were kept separated (Jordan Pettitt/PA) A dispersal order was in effect from 12pm on Sunday until 8am on Monday, covering Epping town centre and nearby transport hubs. Both sets of protesters were kept separated by fences. Those protesting outside The Bell Hotel in Epping chose to ignore counter-demonstrators and began singing. They sang Sweet Caroline and Come On Eileen while demonstrators from Stand Up To Racism chanted: 'Nazi scum off our streets'. Essex Police said that residents have reported feeling 'trapped', fearful of leaving their homes and anxious about protest activity previously. A number of demonstrations have taken place outside the hotel (Jordan Pettitt/PA) Hotel residents and staff have been advised to remain indoors after 5pm as some have experienced verbal and physical harassment, including a resident chased and injured while returning to the hotel, the force added. Essex Police said there was an 'escalation of violence' during protests on July 13, 17, 20 and 24, involving hundreds of people. The force added that officers were assaulted, missiles were thrown, vehicles were vandalised and the hotel sustained broken windows and graffiti. The Epping protest was sparked by the charging of asylum seeker Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu, 38, with sexual assault after he allegedly attempted to kiss a 14-year-old girl. He denied the charge at Chelmsford Magistrates' Court and will stand trial in August.

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