Dark underbelly of UK's new City of Culture plagued by soaring unemployment, ‘spiced-up' druggies & ‘roaming XL Bullies'
DOLED OUT Dark underbelly of UK's new City of Culture plagued by soaring unemployment, 'spiced-up' druggies & 'roaming XL Bullies'
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CLOSED shops litter the ailing high street and "spiced up" junkies stumble around like zombies or openly inject drugs in dingy doorways.
Bradford - this year's UK City of Culture - has a dark underbelly of high unemployment, petty crime and illegal substance abuse.
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A man slouches on a bench in Bradford city centre, apparently heavily intoxicated
Credit: NB PRESS LTD
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Two large Bully type dogs are walked across a road without leads
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Student Vanessa Soydere, 18, came to the city from Turkey 13 years ago and hopes to find work there after she qualifies
Credit: NB PRESS LTD
It comes after The Sun laid bare the UK's unemployment capitals, with the Labour government telling thousands of Brits: those who can work should get a job.
In May, the West Yorkshire city had 26,070 people claiming unemployment benefits, a rise on not only this time last year but also the previous month.
Outside of London, it's only behind Birmingham (10.6%) and Luton (7.7%) for joblessness stats.
Known as the "wool capital of the world" in its Victorian boom era, it's had a sad fall from grace.
Locals complain that jobs are hard to find as high street stores, banks, and pubs close.
JOB CENTRE
Former ventilation fitter Timmy worked on the Broadway Shopping Mall opposite the Jobcentre before he was sent to prison and lost his livelihood.
'I've gone to the Jobcentre today because I've just got out of jail and want to get back to work,' he told The Sun.
'I'm normally self-employed, I'm a skilled air conditioning ventilation fitter, but it's looking to be pretty hard finding work in Bradford at the moment.
The UK's top 10 unemployment hotspots
This data, compiled by the ONS, shows the percentage of people in the Claimant Count for unitary and local authorities in the UK.
The Claimant Count refers to the number of people claiming unemployment-related benefits, primarily Jobseeker's Allowance and Universal Credit, who are required to seek work. Birmingham (10.6%) Newham (8.5%) Barking and Dagenham (8.5%) Haringey (8.2) Brent (8.2%) Enfield (7.8%) Luton (7.7%) Bradford (7.5%) Hackney (7.5%) Waltham Forest (7.4%) Lewisham (7.3%) Wolverhampton (7.3%) Ealing (7.2%) Sandwell (7.2%) Tower Hamlets (7.2%) Oldham 7.0 % Croydon (6.9%) Slough (6.6%) Redbridge (6.5%) Lambeth (6.5%)
'Most of my work would be away from the city anyway. I've got all my tickets, fork-lift licence, driving licence, wagon driving licence, etc.
'I'm obviously looking for work but it is not easy.
'Them lot in the Jobcentre are offering jobs on basic wages in factories and stuff, but I'm skilled and I have a trade.'
More than 1 MILLION migrants are claiming Universal Credit in Britain – with majority unemployed
Unemployment in Bradford represents a 7.5 per cent rate, according to the latest figures.
That is an increase of 230 claimants compared to the previous month and 420 compared to May 2024.
The UK unemployment rate for people aged 16+ was 4.7 per cent in March-May 2025, according to the Office for National Statistics.
Darley Street Market
A recent boon for Bradford is the state-of-the art Darley Street Market, which opened its doors last weekend.
The new market was buzzing with vendors and customers alike during The Sun's visit, and it had a vibrant atmosphere.
It also has provided work for many Bradfordians, including Demi-Leigh Turner, 24, who is delighted to be behind the counter at Jake's Bakehouse in the market having been unemployed prior to its opening.
'It's brilliant to be working there and we are really busy,' said Demi-Leigh.
'It has been hard work, there is a lot of footfall at the market, but I'm loving it.
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The new Darley Street Market opened this month
Credit: NB PRESS LTD
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Demi Leigh Turner works at the market and praised the opportunities there
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There a multiple vacant business premises in the city centre
Credit: NB PRESS LTD
'This is a real success story for Bradford. Everybody in there is happy.'
However, just outside the market on a street bench on Darley Street was a "spiced-up" man in a drugged-up stupor, making an upsetting and unnerving sight for shoppers and parents with young children.
Up the road, towards the old Oastler Shopping Centre and Market, which is now shuttered up due to the new relocation, there are down-and-outs hanging around.
Two scruffy and skeletal men were wandering the streets, roll-up in hand and accompanied by a pair of XL bully-type dogs, off their leash.
Another seemingly homeless guy was trying to flog a TV to passers-by.
Bradford as City of Culture 2025
Bradford was named the UK City of Culture for 2025 due to its rich cultural heritage, diverse communities and innovative spirit.
The designation was given by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport.
It means the West Yorkshire city gains access to funding to improve its infrastructure and arts facilities, and will continue to host events until the end of the year.
Bradford won their bid in May 2022, beating County Durham, Southampton and Wrexham County Borough.
More than a million people have engaged with the city's Culture projects so far this year, according to organisers.
Its outdoor opening ceremony featured a performance by magician Stephen Frayne.
The UK City of Culture programme began in 2013.
Approaching our reporter with the screen in his arms, he asked for £10 for the goods.
Beggers linger at traffic lights on busy junctions intimidating waiting motorists into handing over cash.
And junkies openly take drugs in dingy shop doorways and litter-strewn alleyways before crashing out on benches or seeking out another store to shoplift.
On Kirkgate, a once bustling shopping street, numerous loafers were hanging about swigging booze from cans and shouting at each other.
One man had emptied the industrial bin beside the British Heart Foundation charity store and was messily rummaging through its contents.
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A group of people drink alcohol
Credit: NB PRESS LTD
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Locals say the alcohol and drug problem in the city centre is getting worse
Credit: NB PRESS LTD
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Locals say they can't find work with businesses closing down
Credit: NB PRESS LTD
A charity shop volunteer said:'He doesn't care if he is making a mess.
He is often doing this to look for things to sell on to buy drugs.
'He is very aggressive on some days.
'As soon as we put the bins out he is at them. He's after the coat hangers, they might fetch him a few quid."
There was a distinct absence of any police officers patrolling the city centre.
Cops raid large cannabis farm in landmark building
By Mark Lister
POLICE found a large cannabis farm at a landmark Bradford city centre building over the weekend.
West Yorkshire Police were called to reports of a burglary at Sunwin House on Sunday.
On arrival, a large cannabis farm was found.
A 36-year-old man, who was arrested on suspicion of producing a controlled drug of class B, remains in police custody.
Enquiries remain ongoing at the scene.
Police attention has been focused on the side of the building, near Goit Side, with several force vehicles and an extensive cordon in place.
A spokesperson for West Yorkshire Police said: "A 36-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of producing a controlled drug of class B, he remains in police custody at this time.
"Police were called to reports of a burglary on Sunbridge Road.
"On arrival, officers located a large cannabis farm. Enquiries remain ongoing at the scene."
Sunwin House dates back to the 1930s, when it was constructed as a Co-operative emporium.
More recently, it was used as a TJ Hughes department store and awarded a Grade II listing for its architectural significance.
Since TJ Hughes shut its doors 15 years ago, the building has been mainly empty.
But some locals still like the place.
Former squaddie Jonny James, 32, was born and bred in Bradford and described living there as 'bloody brilliant'.
'I can't work at the moment though, due to my disability,' he says brandishing his badly scarred left arm which he damaged in a car crash.
'Before the accident I was in the Army, Royal Artillery. I'm on the sick now though.
'I don't mind living in Bradford, it has its good and bad sides, like a lot of places.
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The shutdown Wilko store is among the major franchises having left the city
Credit: NB PRESS LTD
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A man searches through litter from a large industrial bin
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Many residents say the city is rundown and there are few jobs to be had
Credit: NB PRESS LTD
'I love the place because of the people.'
Student Madison Kirby, 16, said: "There are not many opportunities for employment in the city centre as all the shops are shutting down.
'There are too many people and not enough jobs in Bradford.'
Another student Vanessa Soydere, 18, came to the city from Turkey 13 years ago.
'I hope to find work in Bradford when I have finished my studies,' she said.
'Coming from Turkey to Bradford was obviously a bit different, but I've got used to it now.
'There are obviously some things that go on which are not nice and you do see some sights.'
The Sun has approached Bradford City Council for comment.
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Bradford is this year's city of culture, meaning it has access to extra funding to improve infrastructure
Credit: NB PRESS LTD
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A beggar approaches motorists at traffic lights
Credit: NB PRESS LTD
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Student Madison Kirby, 16, said there are not many opportunities for employment in the city centre as all the shops are shutting down
Credit: NB PRESS LTD
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Parts of the city centre are very rundown
Credit: NB PRESS LTD
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Former squaddie Jonny James, 32, was born and bred in Bradford but is currently unable to work due to disability
Credit: NB PRESS LTD
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Former ventilation fitter Timmy Firth has just come out of prison and is looking for work
Credit: NB PRESS LTD
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Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) MILLIONS of Brits now have access to a supercharged version of Google called AI Mode. A new button is now appearing on UK phones and computers that makes Google more 'powerful' than ever – and insiders told The Sun it could save you time, money and even bag you bargain holidays. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 13 Google has added a new AI Mode button to its search bar Credit: Sean Keach / The Sun 13 You'll be able to ask far more complicated queries Credit: Google AI Mode is powered by Google's brainy bots and launched in the US earlier in the year. Now the new version of Google has made it to the UK, and will appear for all Brits by the end of the week. It lets you make 'previously impossible' searches, like complicated questions about planning your big summer holiday. 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So if you're not happy with the results or if you want to know something else, you can go back to any AI Mode search and ask more. 13 Google says that you'll be able to use it to plan holidays Credit: Google 13 AI Mode searches are two to three times longer than a regular search, according to Google Credit: Sean Keach / The Sun 'You should be able to retrieve this particular response,' Hema explained. 'And if you wanted to ask follow-up questions on the basis of that, you can pick this up and then do your next step of information-seeking questions on the basis of that.' Hema also said that her own family used AI Mode to plan a trip. 'So my daughter just finished college and has been doing travelling with a friend,' the Google exec told us. 'And she just did the Portugal to Spain trek. 'And we were actually using AI Mode in the US when she was home to help her plan her trip. 'To say: How do you pace yourself? What are some good places to stay? What are budget places to look for? How should you think about food? 'So it was really, really magical.' 13 The Sun sat down with Hema Budaraju, who is in charge of boosting Google Search using AI Credit: Google WHAT IS AI MODE ACTUALLY FOR? Here's the official word from Google, including tips on how to search well... "AI Mode is particularly helpful for exploratory questions and for more complicated tasks," Google explained. "Like comparing products, planning a trip or understanding complex how-tos. "In fact, we've found that early users of AI Mode are asking questions that are two or three times the length of traditional search queries. "For example, you can now ask questions like: 'Things to do in Edinburgh this weekend with friends. We're big foodies who like music but also chill vibes and exploring off the beaten track.' "Or: 'How do migrating birds know where to go?' 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'AI Mode can understand the entire scene and image, including the content and the context of how objects relate to each other. 'So in the particular case, where you have a bookshelf and say 'hey, find me recommendations of books like that', it's able to understand the context of the entire image.' She said it would 'come back with recommendations and places where you can have access to those specific books'. 'And then if you have additional follow-up questions to build on, you can do that right there.' 13 You'll also be able to use AI Mode for product comparison Credit: Google 13 Google will serve up text, links, map pins and more with AI Mode Credit: Sean Keach / The Sun The Sun also saw a demo where Google insiders asked AI Mode about how to get into birdwatching. It served up info on what gear you'll need, the best places nearby to spot birds laid out on a map, and general advice. The complicated question was answered in a matter of seconds, and linked out to multiple websites. 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She said: 'I think it depends on the use case, doesn't it? 'So when you actually think of it on a daily basis with billions of search queries – and sometimes these are simpler ones like weather, sports scores, train schedules – just a link to a site that you wanted to go to, search is awesome at it. 'And I think that you would be able to find what was the fastest way that you need to get the information. 'And we think of AI Mode as more complex. The harder questions, the difficult questions that you otherwise probably wouldn't have had a chance to figure out formerly. 'So I think it depends on the use case. You could choose whichever format that you prefer to engage with search.' Hema also revealed that AI Mode isn't meant to replace Google's chatbot Gemini. The ChatGPT-style both is available on phones and computers, and lets you ask almost anything in a conversational style – including with your voice in real-time. The Sun even tried using it as a free tour guide for holidays. A GOOG IDEA? The expert view Brits finally have access to AI Mode, but what does The Sun's tech editor Sean Keach think? It's hard to imagine a time before Google. I use it, unthinkingly, dozens of times a day. Maybe more than that. And I suspect most of you are exactly the same. So when Google makes a big change, it affects billions of people. And AI Mode is a seriously big change. I've had an early look at it in Google's HQ and it's undoubtedly impressive. It serves up rapid-fire responses to very complicated questions, answering them from every angle and serving up loads of very appropriate links, map pins, and suggestions. It doesn't take a genius to see how this could make planning a day out or a holiday much easier. There are clearly loads of ways this will save you time, not least because you don't have to make 15 different searches. One, plus a follow-up question, might do. The real question will be around how it affects all of us. This is Google serving up content, which means it might make mistakes. If those mistakes relate to health or finances, it could be very serious. We'll have to watch it closely. And secondly, anyone making content will rightly be worried that people might not need to visit their websites if the content shows up on Google first. Google seems certain that this won't be the case, and that Brits will be shown more appropriate links than ever before. But again, only time will tell. In the meantime, I'm off to see if AI Mode can book me a cheap summer hol. Croatia, here I come. Picture Credit: Sean Keach Google says that AI Mode won't kill off Gemini. They'll both exist together. 'The role of AI mode is primarily information-seeking journeys,' Hema said. 'And information-seeking journeys that are built on the power of the goodness of knowledge graph, maps, shopping, places. 'That's why you see the presence of these links very strongly. 'The Gemini app is more like your most personal, capable assistant, where you do maybe things that help your creativity and productivity tasks.' GOOG LINKING Google has faced questions over whether AI will make it harder for people who create content, like journalists, writers, and researchers. The Sun asked Hema if the end-goal was to keep everyone on Google's own systems – rather than heading off to different websites. Hema said that Google's AI Mode would still give plenty of opportunity for users to end up on other pages. 13 You can ask complicated questions – or simple questions with complicated answers Credit: Google 13 You can tap the AI Mode button in the search bar – or convert your search after you've already made it Credit: Sean Keach / The Sun 'I would think of it in two ways. One is, it's expansionary. People are not asking some of these questions today on search," Hema said. 'But with the capabilities and with the technology, the ability to ask these questions now opens up to everyone. 'Which means that there are newer questions and newer opportunities for traffic and for content to be discovered. 'Secondly, we are very committed to ensuring that there are strong links to figure out the right jump-off points and make it easy.' 13 AI Mode also builds in Google Lens so that you can ask about images too Credit: Google She said the existing AI Overviews feature, which summarises content to provide speedy answers to your questions on Google, is a great example of that. 'We send billions of clicks and with AI Overviews, one of our learnings is that when people go from AI Overviews to the content, they tend to spend more time there, which is a good sign that it's a good thing," the Google exec added. IT'S AI TIME If you want to try Google's AI Mode, it's available in the UK right now. You'll see a new AI Mode button on the right side of the search bar, which you can tap for brainier results. And if you make a search and – in hindsight – wished you'd used AI for it, you can tap the AI Mode button at the top of the screen to convert your request instantly. If you can't see AI Mode right away, don't panic: it'll take a few days for the feature to reach all Brits.
The Sun
5 hours ago
- The Sun
Brainy new Google ‘AI Mode' that finds you cheap hols & saves you money launches in UK as boss brands it ‘magical'
Sean Keach, Head of Technology and Science Published: Invalid Date, MILLIONS of Brits now have access to a supercharged version of Google called AI Mode. A new button is now appearing on UK phones and computers that makes Google more 'powerful' than ever – and insiders told The Sun it could save you time, money and even bag you bargain holidays. AI Mode is powered by Google's brainy bots and launched in the US earlier in the year. Now the new version of Google has made it to the UK, and will appear for all Brits by the end of the week. It lets you make 'previously impossible' searches, like complicated questions about planning your big summer holiday. You could set exact budgets, explain what each family member likes, the types of places you'd like to visit, and even ask for a full itinerary. But there are concerns over what it means for the rest of the internet, and whether regular web users will end up visiting websites or will simply stay on Google. Google's Hema Budaraju said AI Mode searches are typically two to three times longer than a regular question, and explained: 'It breaks it down into the different component questions, then sends off like dozens, sometimes hundreds of searches. 'We're able to bring back a much deeper, more diverse set of results that previously was just not possible.' AI AM READY Hema is the Google exec tasked with upgrading your search bar using AI. She showed The Sun several demos of AI Mode working in real-time. One example question included: 'Weekend family getaway destinations that can entertain a very hard-to-please teenager who likes wildlife photography, with nice hikes nearby, and is close to a spa so I don't lose my mind.' That sort of search would normally take multiple different questions, but AI Mode can pull all of the info and links you need into a single answer. Google's Gemini AI app lets you chat out loud with shockingly humanlike virtual helper 'In our testing, we've seen that the query length on AI Mode is almost two to three times that on regular search,' Hema told The Sun at Google's London HQ. 'It's like an indication of people's change in behaviour. The willingness to use the technology in different ways, and finding things that previously were probably much harder to find.' The AI Mode is also meant to work like a chatbot – like Google Gemini or ChatGPT – with the option to ask even more questions. So if you're not happy with the results or if you want to know something else, you can go back to any AI Mode search and ask more. 13 13 'You should be able to retrieve this particular response,' Hema explained. 'And if you wanted to ask follow-up questions on the basis of that, you can pick this up and then do your next step of information-seeking questions on the basis of that.' Hema also said that her own family used AI Mode to plan a trip. 'So my daughter just finished college and has been doing travelling with a friend,' the Google exec told us. 'And she just did the Portugal to Spain trek. 'And we were actually using AI Mode in the US when she was home to help her plan her trip. 'To say: How do you pace yourself? What are some good places to stay? What are budget places to look for? How should you think about food? 'So it was really, really magical.' 13 WHAT IS AI MODE ACTUALLY FOR? Here's the official word from Google, including tips on how to search well... "AI Mode is particularly helpful for exploratory questions and for more complicated tasks," Google explained. "Like comparing products, planning a trip or understanding complex how-tos. "In fact, we've found that early users of AI Mode are asking questions that are two or three times the length of traditional search queries. "For example, you can now ask questions like: 'Things to do in Edinburgh this weekend with friends. We're big foodies who like music but also chill vibes and exploring off the beaten track.' "Or: 'How do migrating birds know where to go?' "Behind the scenes, AI Mode uses our query fan-out technique, breaking down your question into subtopics and issuing a multitude of queries simultaneously on your behalf. "This enables Search to dive deeper into the web than a traditional search on Google, helping you discover even more of what the web has to offer and find incredible, hyper-relevant content that matches your question." Picture Credit: Google TEXT BEST THING? AI Mode isn't just for typing in text, either. Google is bundling in its Lens tech, which scans snaps that you upload to tell you about them. The Sun recently used it as a "dupe-hunter" to find thousands of pounds in savings. The tech giant said that this could be used as a way to make online shopping much easier. 'In AI Mode, you can take a picture, upload an image, and ask a question – and get a rich, comprehensive response with links to dive deeper,' Hema told us. 'AI Mode can understand the entire scene and image, including the content and the context of how objects relate to each other. 'So in the particular case, where you have a bookshelf and say 'hey, find me recommendations of books like that', it's able to understand the context of the entire image.' She said it would 'come back with recommendations and places where you can have access to those specific books'. 'And then if you have additional follow-up questions to build on, you can do that right there.' 13 13 The Sun also saw a demo where Google insiders asked AI Mode about how to get into birdwatching. It served up info on what gear you'll need, the best places nearby to spot birds laid out on a map, and general advice. The complicated question was answered in a matter of seconds, and linked out to multiple websites. One notable absence from the demos seen by The Sun was video results. Asked about video in AI Mode, Hema said: 'We will continue to add new features. 'I think at this point, you're likely to see more links and ways to get there – but we'll continue to look at feedback and add features.' CHAT'S GOOD? She said that the main purpose behind AI Mode is to allow for more complicated questions that wouldn't normally be possible. 'If you ask more nuanced questions, add more parameters, add a ton of constraints, you'll be able to ask anything on your mind and get a helpful AI-powered response,' Hema said. 13 13 So is this the end for regular Google search? Hema explained that there's still a place for more conventional snippets of info and lists of links. She said: 'I think it depends on the use case, doesn't it? 'So when you actually think of it on a daily basis with billions of search queries – and sometimes these are simpler ones like weather, sports scores, train schedules – just a link to a site that you wanted to go to, search is awesome at it. 'And I think that you would be able to find what was the fastest way that you need to get the information. 'And we think of AI Mode as more complex. The harder questions, the difficult questions that you otherwise probably wouldn't have had a chance to figure out formerly. 'So I think it depends on the use case. You could choose whichever format that you prefer to engage with search.' Hema also revealed that AI Mode isn't meant to replace Google's chatbot Gemini. The ChatGPT-style both is available on phones and computers, and lets you ask almost anything in a conversational style – including with your voice in real-time. The Sun even tried using it as a free tour guide for holidays. A GOOG IDEA? The expert view Brits finally have access to AI Mode, but what does The Sun's tech editor Sean Keach think? It's hard to imagine a time before Google. I use it, unthinkingly, dozens of times a day. Maybe more than that. And I suspect most of you are exactly the same. So when Google makes a big change, it affects billions of people. And AI Mode is a seriously big change. I've had an early look at it in Google's HQ and it's undoubtedly impressive. It serves up rapid-fire responses to very complicated questions, answering them from every angle and serving up loads of very appropriate links, map pins, and suggestions. It doesn't take a genius to see how this could make planning a day out or a holiday much easier. There are clearly loads of ways this will save you time, not least because you don't have to make 15 different searches. One, plus a follow-up question, might do. The real question will be around how it affects all of us. This is Google serving up content, which means it might make mistakes. If those mistakes relate to health or finances, it could be very serious. We'll have to watch it closely. And secondly, anyone making content will rightly be worried that people might not need to visit their websites if the content shows up on Google first. Google seems certain that this won't be the case, and that Brits will be shown more appropriate links than ever before. But again, only time will tell. In the meantime, I'm off to see if AI Mode can book me a cheap summer hol. Croatia, here I come. Picture Credit: Sean Keach Google says that AI Mode won't kill off Gemini. They'll both exist together. 'The role of AI mode is primarily information-seeking journeys,' Hema said. 'And information-seeking journeys that are built on the power of the goodness of knowledge graph, maps, shopping, places. 'That's why you see the presence of these links very strongly. 'The Gemini app is more like your most personal, capable assistant, where you do maybe things that help your creativity and productivity tasks.' GOOG LINKING Google has faced questions over whether AI will make it harder for people who create content, like journalists, writers, and researchers. The Sun asked Hema if the end-goal was to keep everyone on Google's own systems – rather than heading off to different websites. Hema said that Google's AI Mode would still give plenty of opportunity for users to end up on other pages. 13 'I would think of it in two ways. One is, it's expansionary. People are not asking some of these questions today on search," Hema said. 'But with the capabilities and with the technology, the ability to ask these questions now opens up to everyone. 'Which means that there are newer questions and newer opportunities for traffic and for content to be discovered. 'Secondly, we are very committed to ensuring that there are strong links to figure out the right jump-off points and make it easy.' She said the existing AI Overviews feature, which summarises content to provide speedy answers to your questions on Google, is a great example of that. 'We send billions of clicks and with AI Overviews, one of our learnings is that when people go from AI Overviews to the content, they tend to spend more time there, which is a good sign that it's a good thing," the Google exec added. IT'S AI TIME If you want to try Google's AI Mode, it's available in the UK right now. You'll see a new AI Mode button on the right side of the search bar, which you can tap for brainier results. And if you make a search and – in hindsight – wished you'd used AI for it, you can tap the AI Mode button at the top of the screen to convert your request instantly. If you can't see AI Mode right away, don't panic: it'll take a few days for the feature to reach all Brits. 13
