Territorial police force for Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire
Prime Minister Andy Burnham has told Labour MPs he will not cast a vote on the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill when it returns to the Commons on 11 September. He has written that he has personal views but will not influence the debate and has asked ministers to avoid public advocacy so MPs can exercise a free vote.
Big changes to England and Wales’ criminal justice system are moving forward as overcrowding drives policy decisions. Government plans to accelerate prison construction and expand early release schemes have been revised after public backlash and safety concerns. Officials are also deporting foreign prisoners and reviewing IPP sentences to free up space, with new measures to monitor released prisoners.
Ryan Bridge, founder of Raise the Colours, has been charged with 14 offences linked to a two‑month period in Oxfordshire. The charges include threatening behaviour, harassment and common assault. He will appear in Oxford Magistrates’ Court on 3 November as injunctions against flag displays remain in force in Oxfordshire and Birmingham.
A high court judge has ruled Thames Valley Police obtained search powers for warrants used at the former Duke of York’s Sandringham and Royal Lodge homes under the wrong law and declared the warrants unlawful. The force has said its wider investigation into alleged misconduct in public office continues and has applied to retain seized property under a different statutory power.
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has launched a judicial review against Thames Valley Police over his February arrest on suspicion of misconduct in public office. He has asked a judge to rule on the lawfulness of search warrants used at Sandringham and Royal Lodge after documents linked to Jeffrey Epstein were released by the US Justice Department. He has denied wrongdoing and regrets his friendship with Epstein.
The Crown Estate has ended the Royal Lodge lease and is marketing future use. Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has settled a net £1.5m after paying £1.8m in repairs; the King’s private funds may cover the net outcome. TVP’s legal challenge over search warrants is separate but linked to Epstein-related inquiries.
Police Scotland is investigating new information related to allegations that women were trafficked to Balmoral, the royal residence in Aberdeenshire. The inquiry is at a very early stage and remains evidence-led, with authorities not disclosing details as investigations continue. Dozens of Epstein-related documents have already drawn attention to the royal circle.
Jemima Goldsmith has said she supports Brand’s victims and has described her own 2014 incident with him. Russell Brand has been sentenced to 10.5 years in prison after being found guilty of rape and sexual assault, with related court statements highlighting his pattern of abusive behavior.