'Meghan's father charged' and 'Brand investigation widens'
BBC • • entertainment
Key Points:
- Thomas Markle, father of the Duchess of Sussex, faces charges of possessing child sexual abuse material, described by the Daily Mirror as a "court bombshell," with FBI raids conducted on his rented Hollywood storage units.
- Comedian Russell Brand's recent conviction for rape and sexual assault prompts calls for reform in how rape trials are conducted, with officials suggesting his case may encourage more victims to come forward about celebrity abuse.
- Andy Burnham is expected to receive a report recommending up to £6 billion investment to help youth employment, emphasizing an "invest to save" strategy, though the Department for Work and Pensions has not yet commented on the review.
- Labour MPs, including Rachael Maskell, urge careful consideration of welfare reform proposals to ensure they support rather than punish benefit recipients.
- London's Oxford Street pedestrianisation shows early economic benefits with a 13% increase in West End spending shortly after car bans, while Monty Don bids farewell to BBC's Gardeners' World after over two decades.
