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Telegraph
2 days ago
- Business
- Telegraph
Lord Hermer's departments spent £1m to help staff work from home
Government departments headed by Lord Hermer, the Attorney General, have spent more than £1m on equipment to enable their staff to work from home, figures reveal. The information, released by the Attorney General's Office in response to parliamentary questions tabled by a former Tory cabinet minister, show that the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), the Government Legal Department (GLD), and the Serious Fraud Office (SFO) spent at least £1.24m over the past three years on remote-working equipment. As a whole, government agencies linked to seven Whitehall departments have spent around £3m on monitors, desks and other equipment, despite a ministerial push for public sector workers to return to the office. Other big spenders included the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) – a public body sponsored by the Department for Work and Pensions – which spent £955,099 since 2022/23. Lord Hermer has been in charge of the legal departments since being appointed when Labour took power last July, and the figures also cover the previous two years of Tory government. Sir Stephen Timms, the social security minister, claimed the high cost of remote-working equipment 'mainly relates to provision of equipment for new starters, and HSE has increased its staff numbers in this period mainly due to becoming the building safety regulator'. Shimeon Lee, a policy analyst at the TaxPayers' Alliance, told The Telegraph: 'Taxpayers will be dismayed to know that we are still investing in a work from home culture. Remote working has become the norm in the public sector, with little regard for productivity, accountability or value for money. 'While families grapple with squeezed services and sky-high taxes, officials are kitting out home offices at their expense. Ministers must get a grip and put the public back at the heart of public service.' The figures were revealed in a series of written parliamentary questions tabled by Sir John Hayes, a former Tory Cabinet minister. Sir John Hayes, the former minister who tabled the questions, told The Telegraph: 'Productivity has dipped in recent times and never recovered to its pre-Covid levels. It's probably the greatest macroeconomic challenge facing this Government. Unless it improves, it will stymie economic performance. 'The assumption that if you spend more and put more people into systems, you will get better outputs, ignores how productive they are. Remote working will further limit productivity and may make things worse. 'People work best when they are with others. The interactions between individuals inspire creativity and productivity. To deny that is to deny the fundamentals of effective working.' Whitehall has set 60pc office working minimum Last year, Whitehall chiefs agreed that 60 per cent office attendance – three days a week – was the minimum expected of staff. Many public bodies, including the CPS and Ofgem, only have a 40 per cent, or two days a week, requirement to work from an official building. Meanwhile, Ofgem, the UK's independent energy regulator, spent £396,486.26 on equipment to help staff work from home. Last year, The Telegraph revealed that the regulator was paying £3.5m a year for its luxury Canary Wharf offices despite seven out of eight of its employees working from home on a typical day. Miatta Fahnbulleh, the energy minister, said the total spent on working from home equipment for government departments 'reflected an increased headcount to deliver additional remit for key government priorities, and steps to reduce its London office footprint to save money'.
The Irish Sun
2 days ago
- The Irish Sun
Cops' shocking blunder left monster free to murder innocent gran on dog walk – he had all the traits of a serial killer
"LAZY" police made a shocking blunder which allowed an evil monster to murder a grandmother while she walked her dog, a top cop claims. Advertisement 17 Roy Barclay during his arrest at a library months after the killing Credit: PA 17 Anita Rose was beaten to death as she walked her dog Credit: PA 17 One of the makeshift camps Barclay was staying in Credit: Crown Prosecution Service Ex-Met cop Peter Bleksley told The Sun: "This was an utterly avoidable and preventable murder." Barclay, 56 - who was He had been jailed in 2015 for the violent, unprovoked assault on 82-year-old Leslie Gunfield in Walton-on-the-Naze, Essex, before being released on parole in 2020. Despite his nomadic existence, Barclay left a sizeable digital footprint, including using his bank card to order items online, and leaving hundreds of reviews on Google Maps, showing he was in Suffolk and Essex. Advertisement READ MORE NEWS But, crucially, police "He clearly should have been a priority," continued Mr Bleksley. "His previous violent offending - not only should he not have been released halfway through his sentence, I think he pulled the wool over the eyes of the Parole Board - but a man with that kind of violent history, should be a priority. "These people should not be walking the streets of Britain." Advertisement Most read in The Sun Barclay stalked Anita, 57, on the morning of July 24 2024 before kicking and stamping on her so viciously her injuries were akin to the victim of a head-on crash. He fled the scene, leaving loyal dog Bruce by his owner's side. She died in hospital four days later. First pic of 'superyacht slasher' accused of murdering stewardess in £9.5m vessel engine room days before 21st birthday Mr Bleksley said: "This man could and should have been arrested. With the right amount of officers, with the necessary experience and expertise, this should have taken days and not weeks because he was leaving a significant footprint." He went on to say: "It is possible to find and arrest virtually any wanted person, so long as sufficient resources and expertise are deployed." Advertisement He added "the harsh reality" is that so many more people are being released early from prison or given non-custodial sentences "that huge numbers" are breaching orders and probation. But overrun forces are simply kicking the can down the road, in the hopes such people turn up after committing further crimes, preferably in other force areas, he claims. Mr Bleksley said: "Wanted people are not pursued like they should be. The files are put away, they're put on the police computers and left to collect dust in the hope they are picked up for a lesser crime. That's the reality. "That's what a current working detective told me just days ago." Advertisement He added: "That is the harsh, contemporary reality because of resources and such like. "The harsh reality of increasingly dangerous and lawless Britain, and women are losing their lives." 17 Barclay posted about Flatford shortly before he was arrested Credit: GOOGLE 17 Barclay was convicted of murder earlier this month Credit: PA Advertisement 17 Barclay left a massive digital footprint - the red dots show all the locations he reviewed and photographed between 2022 and 2024 Credit: GOOGLE He compared Ms Rose's murder to that of 35-year-old Zara Aleena, who was sexually assaulted and murdered by Jordan McSweeney as she walked home in Ilford, East London, in June 2022. In 2010, when he was a teenager, McSweeney was convicted over an attack on a young woman he had left with a swollen eye. Eleven years later, he was made the subject of a restraining order that barred him from contacting another female victim, but breached his probation and was not picked up before attacking Ms Aleena. Advertisement "With the right resources he would have been picked up quickly, and Zara Aleena would be alive today, just like Anita would be alive today," Mr Bleksley said. He went on to explain an analyst would be able to "pinpoint" the areas Barclay was active in without much issue - as happened once he became a suspect in Ms Rose's murder. "Proper analytical examination of his postings, of his behaviours, his lifestyle, should have meant he could have been found. "Like he was eventually, sadly, once he's committed murder and sufficient resources were deployed to it. Advertisement "Once you put the resources into it, you find these people. "Tragically, it took a woman's life to be taken before resources were deployed." Mr Bleksley said various police services clearly prioritise "where they see fit", adding: "Policing is a numbers game, to a certain extent. 17 Ms Rose seen leaving her home moments before she was attacked Credit: PA Advertisement 17 Police at the scene in Brantham, Suffolk Credit: East Anglia News Service 17 Barclay is seen stalking along the road before committing the murder Credit: Suffolk Police "Many chiefs argue for more funding, and they do have a point." He compared UK policing to Italy, where he recently visited, saying: "It's got 10 million less than the UK but twice as many officers and half the amount of crime. It's basic, simple numbers." Advertisement Three months after the Ms Rose murder, Barclay's final few Google reviews were about Flatford, a historic area on the Essex-Suffolk border famed for inspiring iconic paintings. He was camping just a mile away from the murder site. Mr Bleksley said he was essentially goading cops. "By the time he started putting those posts, after this dreadful murder, he clearly thought they're not going to find me." Advertisement He said the descriptions of Ms Rose's murder are "particularly galling", and added he believes Barclay would certainly have killed again if he wasn't caught. He said his "trademark" of leaving a dog lead wrapped around the victim's leg was also done in his previous assault offence. Asked if he could have become a serial killer, Mr Bleksley said: "Of course, without any doubt whatsoever. "He takes trophies, he leaves trademark wrapping of the leads twice round the leg, he attacked an elderly vulnerable man beforehand. Advertisement 17 Ms Rose with her dog Bruce was completely unawares Credit: Suffolk Police 17 A handout issued by Suffolk Police showing the map and timeline of events Credit: PA 17 Anita is a gran of 13 Credit: Facebook "This is an absolute monster and danger to the elderly, a coward because he picks on the elderly. Picks on a lone female. Absolutely revolting waste of space." Advertisement He went on to say: "The cases that grab people's attention and frighten them to their very core are when the ordinary becomes extraordinary, and that is exactly what happened in this case. "This wonderful woman, mother of six, grandma of 13, much loved partner, should of course have been free to walk her dog as she chose." Asked why someone like Barclay would target random strangers, Mr Bleksley continued: "It is often a complete and utter waste of time trying to rationalise the workings of an irrational mind. "That said, his similar behaviour in the past went some way in helping to convict him. Advertisement "As for his mentality, deal with what's in front of you, and there should have been plenty in front of detectives to have arrested him before he murdered and not after he'd murdered. "That didn't happen. It's 2025 we're talking about, when analysis, geographical analysis, geographical patterns, the science is so far advanced, crimes these day are solved by mobile phone evidence, digital footprints, CCTV. "These things could quite easily have been utilised to find him, they weren't and a woman is dead as a result, needlessly." Mr Bleksley added: "There'll be more cases. In the current situation, if this is allowed to go on, there'll be more and more cases. Advertisement "There are too many dangerous people out there and not enough prison places for them." 17 Officers scouring the area near where Anita was found Credit: East Anglia News Service 17 Police an and around Rectory Lane in Grantham Credit: Darren Fletcher 17 CCTV grabs released by police after Ms Rose was killed Credit: PA Advertisement A chance meeting with a Suffolk Police officer near White Bridge, between Brantham and Manningtree, finally led to Barclay's arrest in October last year. Barclay gave the officer, Det Con Simpson, a fake name, coming across as "quite nervous and quite anxious", the detective said. Six days later, at Ipswich County Library, Barclay was arrested and was subsequently charged with Anita's murder, which he denied. After his conviction, the Crown Prosecution Service described Barclay as "an individual that… has a history for acting violently so we knew that this was somebody that could act unprovoked in a very violent manner". Advertisement Assistant Chief Constable Alice Scott said: 'Following the conviction resulting from the trial of Roy Barclay for the murder of Anita Rose last summer, a voluntary partnership review will now be conducted under the MAPPA* process involving the police and the probation service. 'It will look closely at the information sharing processes and how the organisations collaborated in terms of Barclay who was wanted on recall to prison when he murdered Anita. 'This review will be a thorough assessment and scrutiny of the processes concerning Barclay. "It will be expedited as soon as possible so we can provide clear and definitive answers for Anita's family. Advertisement "Our thoughts remain with Anita's family and friends as they reflect on the past year, and our force Family Liaison Officers will continue to remain in close dialogue with them as the review progresses.' A Suffolk Police spokesperson told The Sun: "As this review is ongoing, it would be inappropriate to comment further." Do you know more? Email 17 Barclay had previously been jailed for a sick attack Credit: East Anglia News Service Advertisement 17 Ex Met detective Peter Bleksley Credit: Peter Bleksley
Scottish Sun
2 days ago
- Scottish Sun
Cops' shocking blunder left monster free to murder innocent gran on dog walk – he had all the traits of a serial killer
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) "LAZY" police made a shocking blunder which allowed an evil monster to murder a grandmother while she walked her dog, a top cop claims. Roy Barclay was on Suffolk Police's list of most wanted criminals but he was able to avoid being recalled to prison for two years before killing defenceless Anita Rose in Brantham, last July. 17 Roy Barclay during his arrest at a library months after the killing Credit: PA 17 Anita Rose was beaten to death as she walked her dog Credit: PA 17 One of the makeshift camps Barclay was staying in Credit: Crown Prosecution Service Ex-Met cop Peter Bleksley told The Sun: "This was an utterly avoidable and preventable murder." Barclay, 56 - who was convicted of the gran-of-13's murder last week - had been living off-grid in makeshift camps, thus breaching his licencing conditions which stated he should remain at a fixed address. He had been jailed in 2015 for the violent, unprovoked assault on 82-year-old Leslie Gunfield in Walton-on-the-Naze, Essex, before being released on parole in 2020. Despite his nomadic existence, Barclay left a sizeable digital footprint, including using his bank card to order items online, and leaving hundreds of reviews on Google Maps, showing he was in Suffolk and Essex. But, crucially, police failed to act and arrest him for the breach for two years before it was too late. "He clearly should have been a priority," continued Mr Bleksley. "His previous violent offending - not only should he not have been released halfway through his sentence, I think he pulled the wool over the eyes of the Parole Board - but a man with that kind of violent history, should be a priority. "These people should not be walking the streets of Britain." Barclay stalked Anita, 57, on the morning of July 24 2024 before kicking and stamping on her so viciously her injuries were akin to the victim of a head-on crash. He fled the scene, leaving loyal dog Bruce by his owner's side. She died in hospital four days later. First pic of 'superyacht slasher' accused of murdering stewardess in £9.5m vessel engine room days before 21st birthday Mr Bleksley said: "This man could and should have been arrested. With the right amount of officers, with the necessary experience and expertise, this should have taken days and not weeks because he was leaving a significant footprint." He went on to say: "It is possible to find and arrest virtually any wanted person, so long as sufficient resources and expertise are deployed." He added "the harsh reality" is that so many more people are being released early from prison or given non-custodial sentences "that huge numbers" are breaching orders and probation. But overrun forces are simply kicking the can down the road, in the hopes such people turn up after committing further crimes, preferably in other force areas, he claims. Mr Bleksley said: "Wanted people are not pursued like they should be. The files are put away, they're put on the police computers and left to collect dust in the hope they are picked up for a lesser crime. That's the reality. "That's what a current working detective told me just days ago." He added: "That is the harsh, contemporary reality because of resources and such like. "The harsh reality of increasingly dangerous and lawless Britain, and women are losing their lives." 17 Barclay posted about Flatford shortly before he was arrested Credit: GOOGLE 17 Barclay was convicted of murder earlier this month Credit: PA 17 Barclay left a massive digital footprint - the red dots show all the locations he reviewed and photographed between 2022 and 2024 Credit: GOOGLE He compared Ms Rose's murder to that of 35-year-old Zara Aleena, who was sexually assaulted and murdered by Jordan McSweeney as she walked home in Ilford, East London, in June 2022. In 2010, when he was a teenager, McSweeney was convicted over an attack on a young woman he had left with a swollen eye. Eleven years later, he was made the subject of a restraining order that barred him from contacting another female victim, but breached his probation and was not picked up before attacking Ms Aleena. "With the right resources he would have been picked up quickly, and Zara Aleena would be alive today, just like Anita would be alive today," Mr Bleksley said. He went on to explain an analyst would be able to "pinpoint" the areas Barclay was active in without much issue - as happened once he became a suspect in Ms Rose's murder. "Proper analytical examination of his postings, of his behaviours, his lifestyle, should have meant he could have been found. "Like he was eventually, sadly, once he's committed murder and sufficient resources were deployed to it. "Once you put the resources into it, you find these people. "Tragically, it took a woman's life to be taken before resources were deployed." Mr Bleksley said various police services clearly prioritise "where they see fit", adding: "Policing is a numbers game, to a certain extent. 17 Ms Rose seen leaving her home moments before she was attacked Credit: PA 17 Police at the scene in Brantham, Suffolk Credit: East Anglia News Service 17 Barclay is seen stalking along the road before committing the murder Credit: Suffolk Police "Many chiefs argue for more funding, and they do have a point." He compared UK policing to Italy, where he recently visited, saying: "It's got 10 million less than the UK but twice as many officers and half the amount of crime. It's basic, simple numbers." Three months after the Ms Rose murder, Barclay's final few Google reviews were about Flatford, a historic area on the Essex-Suffolk border famed for inspiring iconic paintings. He was camping just a mile away from the murder site. Mr Bleksley said he was essentially goading cops. "By the time he started putting those posts, after this dreadful murder, he clearly thought they're not going to find me." He said the descriptions of Ms Rose's murder are "particularly galling", and added he believes Barclay would certainly have killed again if he wasn't caught. He said his "trademark" of leaving a dog lead wrapped around the victim's leg was also done in his previous assault offence. Asked if he could have become a serial killer, Mr Bleksley said: "Of course, without any doubt whatsoever. "He takes trophies, he leaves trademark wrapping of the leads twice round the leg, he attacked an elderly vulnerable man beforehand. 17 Ms Rose with her dog Bruce was completely unawares Credit: Suffolk Police 17 A handout issued by Suffolk Police showing the map and timeline of events Credit: PA 17 Anita is a gran of 13 Credit: Facebook "This is an absolute monster and danger to the elderly, a coward because he picks on the elderly. Picks on a lone female. Absolutely revolting waste of space." He went on to say: "The cases that grab people's attention and frighten them to their very core are when the ordinary becomes extraordinary, and that is exactly what happened in this case. "This wonderful woman, mother of six, grandma of 13, much loved partner, should of course have been free to walk her dog as she chose." Asked why someone like Barclay would target random strangers, Mr Bleksley continued: "It is often a complete and utter waste of time trying to rationalise the workings of an irrational mind. "That said, his similar behaviour in the past went some way in helping to convict him. "As for his mentality, deal with what's in front of you, and there should have been plenty in front of detectives to have arrested him before he murdered and not after he'd murdered. "That didn't happen. It's 2025 we're talking about, when analysis, geographical analysis, geographical patterns, the science is so far advanced, crimes these day are solved by mobile phone evidence, digital footprints, CCTV. "These things could quite easily have been utilised to find him, they weren't and a woman is dead as a result, needlessly." Mr Bleksley added: "There'll be more cases. In the current situation, if this is allowed to go on, there'll be more and more cases. "There are too many dangerous people out there and not enough prison places for them." 17 Officers scouring the area near where Anita was found Credit: East Anglia News Service 17 Police an and around Rectory Lane in Grantham Credit: Darren Fletcher 17 CCTV grabs released by police after Ms Rose was killed Credit: PA A chance meeting with a Suffolk Police officer near White Bridge, between Brantham and Manningtree, finally led to Barclay's arrest in October last year. Barclay gave the officer, Det Con Simpson, a fake name, coming across as "quite nervous and quite anxious", the detective said. Six days later, at Ipswich County Library, Barclay was arrested and was subsequently charged with Anita's murder, which he denied. After his conviction, the Crown Prosecution Service described Barclay as "an individual that… has a history for acting violently so we knew that this was somebody that could act unprovoked in a very violent manner". Assistant Chief Constable Alice Scott said: 'Following the conviction resulting from the trial of Roy Barclay for the murder of Anita Rose last summer, a voluntary partnership review will now be conducted under the MAPPA* process involving the police and the probation service. 'It will look closely at the information sharing processes and how the organisations collaborated in terms of Barclay who was wanted on recall to prison when he murdered Anita. 'This review will be a thorough assessment and scrutiny of the processes concerning Barclay. "It will be expedited as soon as possible so we can provide clear and definitive answers for Anita's family. "Our thoughts remain with Anita's family and friends as they reflect on the past year, and our force Family Liaison Officers will continue to remain in close dialogue with them as the review progresses.' A Suffolk Police spokesperson told The Sun: "As this review is ongoing, it would be inappropriate to comment further." Do you know more? Email 17 Barclay had previously been jailed for a sick attack Credit: East Anglia News Service
Sunday World
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Sunday World
Kneecap in the clear as British police drop Glastonbury Festival ‘riot' probe
The investigation was announced in June after officers reviewed video footage and audio recordings A criminal investigation into the performance of Belfast rap trio Kneecap at Glastonbury Festival has been dropped by police. Avon and Somerset Police said it will be taking 'no further action' on the grounds that there is 'insufficient evidence to provide a realistic prospect of conviction for any offence'. The investigation was announced in June after officers reviewed video footage and audio recordings from the sets of Kneecap and punk duo Bob Vylan at the Somerset festival. Yesterday, the group, comprised of Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, Naoise Ó Cairealláin, and JJ Ó Dochartaigh, posted a screenshot to social media from an email that appeared to be from a senior investigating officer. One element of the political policing intimidation attempt is over It said: 'Following a review of the evidence, I have determined there will be no further action.' In the caption of their post, Kneecap said: 'One element of the political policing intimidation attempt is over. 'We played a historic set at Glastonbury. Whole area closed an hour before due to crowds. A celebration of love and solidarity. A sea of good people at the world's most famous festival.' Mo Chara, DJ Provaí and Móglaí Bap of Kneecap performs on the West Holts Stage during during day four of Glastonbury Festival. Avon and Somerset Police said: 'An investigation has been carried out into comments about a forthcoming court case made during Kneecap's performance at Glastonbury Festival on Saturday, June 28. Kneecap at Glastonbury. Photo: PA Today's News in 90 Seconds - July 19th 'Detectives sought advice from the Crown Prosecution Service during their enquiries and after that advice, we have made the decision to take no further action on the grounds there is insufficient evidence to provide a realistic prospect of conviction for any offence. 'Kneecap was informed of that decision earlier today [Friday July 18]. 'Inquiries continue to be carried out in relation to separate comments made on stage during Bob Vylan's performance.' Bob Vylan performing on the West Holts Stage during the Glastonbury Festival (Yui Mok/PA) During Bob Vylan's performance, rapper Bobby Vylan chanted 'Death, death to the IDF [Israel Defence Forces]', while a member of Kneecap suggested fans 'start a riot' outside his bandmate's upcoming court appearance, before clarifying: 'No riots, just love and support.' Conservative shadow home secretary Chris Philp said the outcome of the investigation is 'another example of two-tier justice', and added that the 'start a riot' comment was 'clearly inciting violence'. Kneecap have been in the headlines after Ó hAnnaidh, who performs under the name Mo Chara, was charged with a terror offence relating to allegedly displaying a flag in support of Hezbollah. In May, the Metropolitan Police said the group were being investigated by counter-terrorism police after videos emerged allegedly showing them shouting 'Up Hamas, up Hezbollah' and 'Kill your local MP'. The group apologised to the families of murdered MPs and said they have 'never supported' Hamas or Hezbollah, which are banned in the UK. Kneecap are known for their provocative lyrics and merchandise as well as their championing of the Irish language and pro-Palestinian stance. Earlier in the week. they announced new tour dates to play their 'biggest run of shows ever' across Scotland, Wales and England.
Rhyl Journal
3 days ago
- Rhyl Journal
Five people charged over alleged break-in during Palestine Action protest
The group is accused of forcing their way into Elbit's South Gloucestershire facility on August 6 last year, causing extensive damage and seriously assaulting staff and two police officers. Counter Terrorism Policing South East carried out a series of raids on Tuesday before arresting the five suspects. The Crown Prosecution Service has authorised charges and said it will submit to the court that the offences were committed with a terrorist connection. Finn Collins, 20, from Whitstable in Kent; Harland Archer, also 20 and from Whitstable; Salaam Mahmood, 19, from London; Moiz Ibrahim, 27, from London; and Louie Adams, 33, from London, have all been charged with aggravated burglary, criminal damage and violent disorder. They are due to appear from custody at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Saturday. A sixth person, a 66-year-old man from Bristol, was also arrested during Tuesday's operation – but has since been released without charge. Ten people were arrested shortly after the incident in August 2024, and a further eight in November. All 18 were later charged and are awaiting trial. Elbit Systems UK, which is Israeli-owned, has been repeatedly targeted by Palestine Action over its role in producing military technology.
