Donaldson convicted of rape; Soho cameras & more
Today’s briefing covers a major criminal conviction in Northern Ireland, new surveillance measures coming to central London, and updates on healthcare trials and public funding.
Former Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson faces a lengthy prison sentence after being found guilty of 18 child sex abuse charges, including rape. The DUP is a major political party in Northern Ireland, and the conviction of its former leader marks a significant downfall for the veteran politician.
People visiting London’s West End and Soho will soon be monitored by permanent live facial recognition cameras. The Metropolitan Police plans to install these static cameras by the end of the year to scan crowds for wanted individuals. This follows a year of testing and a successful legal challenge regarding the technology's use in public spaces.
Public services in Northern Ireland have more clarity on their future as the Finance Minister sets out a three-year funding plan for Stormont departments. This multi-year budget for the devolved government aims to provide stability for spending on essential services like health, education, and infrastructure.
Young people seeking gender identity care will see future treatments shaped by new clinical trials for puberty blockers, which are medications used to delay physical changes. Dr. Hilary Cass, who led a major review into these services, stated the trials are necessary to ensure medical decisions are based on firm evidence and to reduce potential harm.
Londoners may see new efforts to address the housing shortage as the Mayor faces pressure over a sharp rise in vacant properties. Data shows that 2.7% of homes in the capital are currently empty, representing an 81% increase since 2016.
For more details on these stories and others, visit the app’s News section. Read about a row over a Winston Churchill display, a historic George Washington letter going on display, and a Cardiff man’s unique way of dealing with fly-tippers.