London private members’ club for media, arts, and publishing
Conservative MP Patrick Spencer has been found not guilty of two counts of sexual assault after a trial at Southwark Crown Court concerning incidents at the Groucho Club in August 2023. The jury has cleared him; he has maintained innocence and described the proceedings as a test of character.
A large fire at the Grand Burstin Hotel on Folkestone’s Marine Parade has led to the evacuation of about 280 guests. Emergency services believe the blaze started in the basement. A welfare centre has been set up as investigations continue and residents are being relocated.