Graham Linehan arrest: Govt 'needs to look at whether police getting balance right', says Wes Streeting

Graham Linehan calls UK 'police state' after court hearing

Father Ted creator Graham Linehan leaves Westminster Magistrates’ Court saying the UK is "not free anymore" and describing it as "a police state". He is on trial accused of harassing trans activist Sophia Brooks, which he denies. Prosecutors told the court that his posts about her were "oppressive" and "vindictive". Report by Covellm. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn

Graham Linehan arrives at court for trans harassment trial

Comedy writer Graham Linehan arrives at Westminster Magistrates’ Court to face trial accused of harassing transgender activist Sophia Brooks. The Father Ted creator wears a placard outside court reading "There’s no such thing as a 'Transgender Child'". He denies harassing Ms Brooks online and a separate charge of damaging her phone. His appearance comes days after he was detained over gender-critical posts on X. Report by Covellm. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn

Govt wins appeal over Epping asylum housing ban

The Court of Appeal has overturned a ruling which blocked the use of The Bell Hotel in Epping to house asylum seekers. Lord Justice Bean said decisions on accommodation must take account the government's legal duty to support asylum seekers. Report by Etemadil. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn

Detention centre job ads removed after Govt intervention

Care Minister Stephen Kinnock welcomed the removal of job adverts for floristry and hairdressing tutors at Heathrow’s immigration detention centre, calling them “excessive and unnecessary.” Report by Etemadil. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn

High-caffeine energy drinks to be banned for under-16s

High-caffeine energy drinks will be banned for under-16s in England to prevent harm to children’s health, the Government has said. Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting said eight out of 10 parents wanted to see a ban on the sale of high caffeine energy drinks to children. The Government has launched a 12-week consultation on the issue and plans to implement the change as soon as it can. Report by Covellm. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn

Streeting praises Brianna Ghey’s mother over phone ban call

Health Secretary Wes Streeting says the Government is "listening carefully" to Esther Ghey’s call for a legal ban on phones in schools. He praised her campaigning following her daughter Brianna’s murder, saying many schools already ban phones "for good reason" and ministers are reviewing wider online safety measures. Report by Covellm. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/itn and follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/itn