Latest news with #JoshuaReynolds
BBC News
a day ago
- BBC News
Public should help to stop shoplifting
The public should be doing more to stop shoplifting rather than just relying on the police, the Thames Valley police and crime commissioner (PCC) has Barber said everyone had a "responsibility" to help if people wanted to live "in a safe, prosperous society" - but that would not necessarily involve physical year, Barber said the number of charges for shoplifting offences across Berkshire, Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire increased by 98% - from about 850 to about 1,700 - between April and mid-October Maidenhead MP Joshua Reynolds said he thought the call was potentially "irresponsible and dangerous" and could lead to people being put at risk. Barber said people needed to judge situations "based on what you see in front of you". He added: "I am not laying down some rules on this. But I encourage people to do something. "If we want to live in a safe, prosperous society, we all have a responsibility. It's not just about some external agency coming in from outside."If you're in a store and you witness shoplifting happening I think at the very least you should report that to the police, report it to the staff, perhaps take some mobile phone footage, shout at someone 'put that back'."Some people will feel able to physically intervene but I am not encouraging everybody to be rugby tackling offenders to the ground and put themselves at risk." But Reynolds, a Liberal Democrat elected last year, said "expecting the public to do the job for the police is not the way round this should be". He added: "When you see someone shoplifting, the right thing to do is to alert staff and call the police. "But to expect individuals to intervene when we don't know what situation they will be putting themselves into is irresponsible, and I think could actually end up being quite dangerous." You can follow BBC Berkshire on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram.
The Independent
2 days ago
- Politics
- The Independent
Police chief labels people who don't stop shoplifters ‘part of the problem'
Thames Valley Police and Crime Commissioner Matthew Barber faced criticism for stating that individuals who do not challenge shoplifters are "part of the problem". Liberal Democrat MP Joshua Reynolds and policing minister Dame Diana Johnson condemned Barber's remarks as "irresponsible" and "dangerous", advising the public against confronting thieves. The controversy arises amid record-high shoplifting offences in England and Wales, with a 20 per cent increase from the previous year. Retailers, particularly pharmacies, report a surge in shoplifting and aggressive behaviour, with many feeling police responses are inadequate. Barber defended his comments, stressing social responsibility and the importance of reporting crime, while clarifying he does not advocate for physical intervention.
The Independent
2 days ago
- Politics
- The Independent
Tory police chief faces backlash over telling public to stop shoplifters
A policing chief is facing criticism over his 'dangerous' comments telling the public to stop shoplifters and not just rely on police officers to curb thefts. Matthew Barber, the Conservative Police and Crime Commissioner for Thames Valley, branded people who do not do anything in the face of shoplifting as 'part of the problem'. Joshua Reynolds, the Liberal Democrat MP for Maidenhead, which is in the Thames Valley Police area, launched a strong criticism of Mr Barber's remarks, telling The Independent they were 'dangerous' and 'irresponsible'. And following Mr Barber's claims, policing minister Dame Diana Johnson warned members of the public against confronting shoplifters. The backlash comes as the number of shoplifting offences recorded by police in England and Wales climbed to another record high in 2024-25, up 20 per cent from 2023-24. Last month, home secretary Yvette Cooper announced a new crime 'blitz' to crack down on crime, featuring more visible policing and stronger enforcement in a bid to restore confidence in policing. But as The Independent revealed recently, shopkeepers are struggling against the wave of shoplifting offences. In response to the crisis, The Telegraph reported Mr Barber said: 'If you're not even going to challenge people, you're not going to try and stop them, then people will get away with it. That's not just about policing. That's a bigger problem with society, people who [don't do anything] – you're part of the problem.' He told a meeting of the Thames Valley police and crime panel in June that he 'wouldn't for a moment' want to suggest people should feel 'obliged to take it upon themselves to rugby tackle every perceived criminal to the ground'. But he added: 'We should all be responsible citizens in our community. 'If you've got someone in your store now stealing from you, call 999. Also, ideally, try and stop them leaving, don't just stand there and watch, which a lot of people do, which frustrates me.' Retailers, meanwhile, have accused police of not doing enough to tackle shoplifting. A new survey revealed almost nine in 10 (88 per cent) of pharmacies have experienced a surge in shoplifting incidents in the last year. Some 87 per cent also reported an increase in aggressive or intimidating behaviour towards pharmacy teams, while 22 per cent said they had witnessed physical assaults on staff. But of those who reported these instances to police, almost three-quarters (73 per cent) said they felt the response was insufficient. The National Pharmacy Association (NPA) – which conducted the poll of 476 pharmacies in England, and represents more than 6,000 independent community pharmacies – called the findings 'unacceptable'. In response to the commissioner's comments, Mr Reynolds said: 'With all due respect to the police and crime commissioner, asking shop staff or bystanders to 'challenge' criminals is not only irresponsible, it's dangerous. "Having previously worked in supermarkets, I have personally experienced the threat of violence from shoplifters. It is wholly unreasonable – and frankly irresponsible – to imply that any individual should put themselves at risk in such circumstances. "The job of tackling crime on our high streets should not fall to shopworkers or people doing their weekly shop – it falls to the police. And if they're not there in sufficient numbers, that's something for the commissioner to fix, not deflect. "The public has every right to expect safety in their communities. That safety comes from visible, proactive policing and not from moral lectures aimed at shop workers and citizens who are just trying to go about their daily lives. "If the commissioner wants to see more people stepping in, then he needs to start by showing that the police will be there to back them up – not by putting them in harm's way' And speaking on BBC Radio 4's Today programme, Ms Johnson said: 'I would not advise people to tackle an individual who was stealing. 'I came across someone stealing in a store in Hull. I went straight to the assistant to tell them what was happening. I felt that was the best thing to do. 'Obviously, it is a judgment for individuals to take, but I am worried about people feeling they need to have a go. I don't think that is appropriate.' But Mr Barber told The Telegraph he stood by his remarks, adding: 'The idea that this is just a job for the police, citizens have no responsibility, put your head down, carry on, don't get involved, I think that makes for a very poor society.' However, he stressed that he was not implying the public should 'step in where the police are not', as he emphasised the clear role police had in tackling crime. He added: 'But surely the alternative to intervening if a crime is happening in society, is you put your head down, get on with your life, ignore it, is that right?'
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
£50m Joshua Reynolds portrait goes on show
An 18th Century painting described as "the finest portrait by one of Britain's greatest artists" has gone on display in Bradford. Valued at £50m, Portrait of Mai by Sir Joshua Reynolds is on show at the city's Cartwright Hall, in Manningham. The painting, which depicts the first Polynesian to visit Britain, is touring the country for the first time since it was saved for the nation in 2023. The National Portrait Gallery said the artwork was the "most significant acquisition ever made" and would be shared between galleries in the UK and the US. Mai was a native of Raiatea, an island now part of French Polynesia. He travelled to England as part of Captain James Cook's second voyage and was received by royalty and the intellectual elite between 1774 and 1776. After embarking on a grand tour of Britain, Mai became something of a celebrity and had his portrait painted in London. Mai returned to his homeland in 1777, where he died two years later. During its time in Bradford, Portrait of Mai will be accompanied by a new engagement programme, created with youth panel members from Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture and young people from Common/Wealth theatre company. A summit, led and arranged by young people, will take place on 9 August and a late museum event is being organised for 14 August, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service. Miranda Stacey, Head of National Partnerships at the National Portrait Gallery, said: "We are delighted to be launching Journeys with Mai in Bradford during its important UK City of Culture year." She thanked supporters for making their portraits accessible to people across the UK. It will be on show at Cartwright Hall until 17 August before going on display in Cambridge and Plymouth before it travels to the J. Paul Getty Museum in Los Angeles in 2026. Listen to highlights from West Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North. National Portrait Gallery Local Democracy Reporting Service Joshua Reynolds portrait saved by US and UK funds National Gallery 'on wheels' to come to Bradford Government art collection heading to Bradford
Wales Online
24-05-2025
- Wales Online
I found crystal blue waters and fairy tale village just one hour from UK
I found crystal blue waters and fairy tale village just one hour from UK The whole trip cost me just £200, an incredible bargain considering how much there is to do there I found crystal blue waters and fairy tale village just one hour from UK I flew 1.5 hours away from London and landed in a part of the world that feels so magical it is like you are inside a fairy tale - and the flights there cost me less than £50. Like me, you may not have ever considered flying to the tiny airport of Memmingen in the south of Germany. But when learned it was just an hour's drive away from some of the world's most iconic castles, as well as bright blue lakes, I thought I'd give it a go. Memmingen Airport, in Bavaria, is less than a one hour drive away from Neuschwanstein, the castle believed to have inspired the Disney princess castle you can see in their theme parks across the globe. So, naturally I got into a rental car and made my way straight there. Neuschwanstein Castle and Alpsee Lake The iconic castle is nestled in the Bavarian Alps. To get there you drive through the stunning mountain range located in the south-eastern corner of Germany, stretching along the border with Austria. You'll pass rolling fields, with views of the rocky mountains for miles. You will pass plenty of farmland on your travels through Bavaria (Image: Joshua Reynolds ) Article continues below Before taking a five euro shuttle up to the castle, you park in a little idyllic village called Hohenschwangau, near Schwangau and Füssen. The buses come every 10-15 minutes and take you to all the way up the mountain, dropping you off at a bus stop that is a five-minute walk to Neuschwanstein. It is truly breathtaking. Built in the 19th century, Neuschwanstein Castle has become an icon of romantic architecture and German cultural heritage. (Image: Joshua Reynolds ) When you've finished at the castle, you can hop on a bus back to Hohenschwangau and walk two minutes over to Lake Alpsee. Here you can rent a boat for 15 euros, walk around the lake, dive in the water off the jetty or grab a German beer and Bratwurst and enjoy them with the views of the mountains, crystal clear blue water and, of course, the castles. Lake Alpsee is the perfect place to swim on a summer's day About 45 minutes away from Hohenshwangau is the town of Grainau, home to the brightest blue lake in all of Germany, Lake Eibsee, as well as the highest mountain in Germany, the Zugspitze. It is also just an hour and a half's drive from the more well-known city of Munich. A stay in a chalet here overnight costs around £50 in May and the rental car cost £75 including insurance for three days, bringing the grand total of my trip to a mere £175. In terms of spending money, since all the amazing things to see are outdoors, almost all of them are free. At the foot of the German mountains are traditional villages such as Grainau and Mittenwald. After a good night's sleep in the guest house, it was time to explore Lake Eibsee and the Zugspitze. Zugspitze and Lake Eibsee Tucked away at the foot of Germany's highest mountain, the Zugspitze, lies one of the most breathtaking natural treasures in the Bavarian Alps — Lake Eibsee. With its crystal-clear waters, forested shoreline, and backdrop of rugged peaks, Eibsee is a destination that feels almost too perfect to be real. View of Lake Eibsee from the Zugspitze Formed during the last Ice Age and later shaped by a massive rock-slide over 3,000 years ago, Eibsee's dramatic landscape features eight small islands and several underwater ridges. These geological quirks add to its enchanting atmosphere and make it one of the most photogenic locations in the region. You can rent a boat or paddleboard here for less than 20 euros, and take it out to explore the eight little islands in the centre of the lake. Visiting the lake is free, and a full day of parking set me back 13 euros. Lake Eibsee is home to eight little islands (Image: Joshua Reynolds ) Often called the 'Caribbean of the Alps' due to its emerald green and turquoise waters, Eibsee is a popular year-round destination for nature lovers, photographers, and outdoor enthusiasts. (Image: Joshua Reynolds ) Eibsee's allure lies not only in its beauty but in the diverse outdoor experiences it offers throughout the year. In summer, the lake becomes a hotspot for swimming, paddleboarding, rowing and picnicking. The clear water takes on a surreal turquoise hue on sunny days, drawing photographers and nature lovers from across Europe. Lake Eibsee is one of the most beautiful and crystal-clear alpine lakes in Germany (Image: Joshua Reynolds ) For hikers, the Eibsee Rundweg — an 8 km trail circling the lake — offers ever-changing views and tranquil forest paths. It's a relatively easy walk and suitable for families, with benches and lookout points scattered along the route. Lake Eibsee also serves as the lower station for the Zugspitze gondola, which whisks visitors to the summit in just ten minutes. From the top, you're rewarded with panoramic views across Germany, Austria, and even into Italy on a clear day. Zugspitze is the highest mountain in Germany, standing at 2,962 meters (9,718 feet) above sea level. Partnach Gorge Nestled deep in the Reintal Valley near the resort town of Garmisch-Partenkirchen, about 20 minutes from Grainau, is the Partnach Gorge, a stunning natural wonder that draws visitors from all over the world. Walking through the narrow gorge you can admire its thundering waterfalls, steep limestone walls and ethereal atmosphere and get a raw and immersive experience of the Bavarian Alps well worth the 10 euro entry fee. Stretching approximately 702 meters (2,303 feet) in length and plunging up to 80 meters (262 feet) deep, the Partnach Gorge was carved by the Partnach River, which still rushes and roars through its base. The gorge's walls are composed of dark, shell-bearing limestone deposited during the Triassic period, over 240 million years ago. As the Alps rose and the Partnach River flowed, the gorge was slowly sculpted into its current dramatic form. In 1912, the gorge was declared a natural monument, protecting its unique features and opening it up to safe public access via carved tunnels, narrow walkways and handrails along the cliff edges. Many hikers use the gorge as a starting point for more ambitious treks into the Wetterstein mountains or even a multi-day journey toward the Zugspitze, Germany's tallest peak. The gorge's walls are composed of dark, shell-bearing limestone (Image: Joshua Reynolds ) However, even as a standalone visit, Partnach Gorge is unforgettable — a place where geology, water, and time have conspired to create a truly awe-inspiring spectacle. Article continues below So for less than £200 I managed to see some of the world's clearest alpine waters and the most iconic castle, as well as some breath-taking displays of geology — and I would do it again in a heartbeat.
