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Corbyn’s brother charged following London protests
Jeremy Corbyn’s brother is among more than 20 people so far charged with committing criminal offences at protests during the coronavirus pandemic. Piers Corbyn, 73, has been charged with breaking the Health Protection Regulations — which enforce the UK’s lockdown — at two protests by conspiracy theorists. The Metropolitan Police said he was due to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court next month.
The charges came as fresh Black Lives Matter protests were due to take place across the UK this weekend, with police expecting huge crowds in London. Ministers and police have urged people not to join large demonstrations during the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, with lockdown restrictions banning gatherings of more than six people.
Three young children die after blaze at flat in Scotland
Three children aged 12, eight and five have died in hospital after a fire at an upper cottage flat in Paisley, Renfrewshire, Police Scotland said. The blaze broke out at the property on Renfrew Road, Paisley, around 9pm on Friday.
Fiona Gibson, 12; Alexander James Gibson, eight; and Philip Gibson, five, were taken to the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow. However, they died shortly after being admitted. A 39-year-old woman is also in critical condition at Paisley’s Royal Alexandra Hospital.
A spokesperson for Police Scotland said: “An investigation is underway to establish the exact circumstances of this incident. Anyone who has information that could assist our enquiries should contact police via telephone number 101 quoting incident number 3669 of 19 June 2020.”
Queen speaks of ‘great pride’ as businesses reopen
The Queen has spoken of her “great pride” in the contribution the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) and its members are making to “champion trade and rebuild communities”. The head of state’s personal message of support for UK businesses was sent to the BCC in the week many non-essential shops reopened as the coronavirus lockdown restrictions were eased.
Baroness Ruby McGregor-Smith, BCC’s president, welcomed the Queen’s message and said it would be a “huge morale boost” to business communities during the pandemic.
The Queen said in her message: “As many organisations around the country are reopening, I send my warmest best wishes and support to business communities throughout the United Kingdom, Commonwealth and across the world. At a time of great difficulty for many, it is heartwarming to see the civic response and generosity of so many businesses, small and large, to the challenges posed, whether supporting the health sector or vulnerable communities.
Katie Hopkins supporters in online protest
Followers of far-right commentator Katie Hopkins are showing their support after she was permanently banned from Twitter by tweeting “I am Katie Hopkins”. Dozens of them have posted the message to show their solidarity with the one-time Apprentice contestant.
The idea appears to be that of someone called – or at least calling themselves – Michael Barnbrook. “Do you remember the film Spartacus where everyone stood up and proclaimed ‘I am Spartacus’,” he asked. “Following twitter banning Katie Hopkins, all her disciples on Twitter should now shout out ‘I am Katie Hopkins’. I’ll start it off ‘I am Katie Hopkins’.”
Ms Hopkins was permanently suspended from the social media platform on Friday for apparently violating its hateful conduct policy. The social network did not say which of Ms Hopkins’ missives specifically had resulted in the ban.
A Twitter spokesperson said: “Keeping Twitter safe is a top priority for us – abuse and hateful conduct have no place on our service and we will continue to take action when our rules are broken.”