Every week, a group of dedicated volunteers guide you through the latest headlines, weather updates, events, independent food and drink, sports, and much more.
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
In Focus
Leicester councillors call on the foreign secretary for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza
The city mayor, Sir Peter Soulsby, alongside 29 of Leicester’s Labour councillors, have sent a letter to the newly appointed foreign secretary, David Lammy, to call for urgent commitments to the crisis in Gaza.
Soulsby said: “I know all of us were horrified by the Hamas atrocities that provoked this, but the subsequent reaction has been devastating to the people of Gaza.”
He continues by saying they are “particularly concerned about the large number of deaths and the destruction that's been caused. We've made representations to the government — the previous government and to the present government — asking for them to intervene strongly.”
The independent pro-Palestine Leicester South MP, Shockat Adam, subsequently welcomed the letter.
The following are their demands as well as Labour's actions to meet them.
According to the Labour manifesto, the party will: “-continue to push for an immediate ceasefire” and “the release of all hostages.” This sentiment was repeated by the foreign secretary in his first visit to Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories. Lammy told Israeli president Herzog that he hoped to “see a hostage deal emerge in the coming days” as well as seeing “a ceasefire soon” to alleviate suffering.
Labour’s manifesto stated that the party would recognise a Palestinian state as it is an “inalienable right of the Palestinian people” as well as being “essential to the long-term security of Israel.” This sentiment was supported by the foreign secretary in the House of Commons on 30 July. While he did not specify when the government would recognise an independent Palestine, he explained that “no one has a veto” on a two-state solution for Israel and Palestine.
In May this year, the former Conservative government rejected the International Court of Justices order for Israel to end its offence on Gaza.
The ICJ then concluded on 19 July that Israel’s presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory is unlawful and is under obligation to bring it to an end. The International Criminal Court also issued an arrest warrant for the Israeli prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu. The Labour government recently stated that they would not challenge this request.
The Conservatives cut funding for The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) after Israeli authorities provided information about the alleged involvement of several UNRWA employees in the October 7 attack. The UN terminated the accused staff, yet funding was never reinstated.
The foreign secretary announced on 19 July that the UK will restart funding to the organisation to get aid as quickly as possible to those who need it in Gaza. He said that Britain would “provide 21 million in new funds.”
The Labour manifesto stated that the party is “committed to recognising a Palestinian state as a contribution to a renewed peace process which results in a two-state solution.”
On Tuesday 30 July during an oral session with the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, Lammy said the UK would work with its partners to achieve a two-state solution. Again, he did not specify a timeframe.
Labour’s manifesto does not discuss arms sales to Israel. In a recent debate on Foreign Affairs and Defence on 18 July, the Secretary of State for Defence said the foreign secretary’s “commissioned the British government’s most up-to-date assessment of the degree to which any of our UK arms export licences may be facilitating a serious risk of a breach of international law.”
Many MPs – including Shockat Adam from Leicester South – have called on the party to ban arms sales to Israel as soon as possible.
He said: “The government has made some progress…but they need to go further and faster, starting with an immediate ban on arms sales — and components — to Israel and pressing our allies to do the same.”
by Emma Guy, standing in for Phil Morrish this week
🌤️ Monday: Today brings highs of 24C and lows of 14C, with partially cloud throughout the day.
🌤️ 🌧️ Tuesday-Friday: Temperatures will remain between 24C and 22C this week. On Tuesday, we can expect showers in the morning, followed by partial cloud and some sunny spells. Wednesday and Thursday will bring sunny spells and cloud, leading into Friday where we should expect a cloudy morning, with some sun arriving towards the afternoon.
🌤️ Weekend: A promising weekend awaits with highs of 22C, with sun and some cloud across the weekend!
🚔 Leicester City Centre far-right protest: Following two protests that took place in Leicester City Centre on Saturday 3 August, a Section 34 dispersal order has been put in place. A dispersal order grants police powers to ask members of the public who are taking part in causing anti-social behaviour to leave the area for 48 hours. The order remains in place until 7.20am on Monday 5 August - Leicestershire Police
🚨 Urgent appeal to trace missing girl, 16, thought to be in Leicester: The appeal, which is shared by both Leicestershire Police and officers in Surrey, centres on 16-year-old Casey. She was last seen at Horley Train Station in Surrey on Wednesday (31 July), but has not been sighted since. Officers believe she is in the south Leicester area. Police say they are concerned for Casey’s welfare and have called on the public for help. As part of their appeal, police have released an image of Casey - Leicester Mercury
💷 Leicester’s finances still on ‘cliff edge’ despite savings: Councillors hear there will not be enough money left in the council's reserves to meet a forecast £90 million budget deficit next financial year, 2025/26, councillors were told. At that point, unless more savings or income can be found, the council will have to file a Section 114 notice – essentially declaring itself bankrupt - Leicester Mercury
🖼️ Local history project marks milestone with 350th heritage panel: Since 2014, when city mayor Peter Soulsby launched his idea for a series of on-street heritage panels, hundreds of Leicester stories have been researched, written up and reproduced on panels in neighbourhood and city centre locations. Now, 350 colourful information panels feature on the city’s streets - Leicester City Council
🪔 Diwali lights event could be sacrificed - mayor: City mayor Sir Peter Soulsby was asked to clarify what would happen with 2024 events at a recent council scrutiny meeting. He said the council had been involved in discussions with stakeholders, and he confirmed the illuminations would be in place as normal. However, he said talks were continuing over whether there would be two separate events and that efforts would continue to try to attract sponsorship funding to enable future events - BBC Leicester
🚧 Granby Street pedestrian improvements enter next phase: Leicester City Council is carrying out works to widen footpaths and create more space for pedestrians on a stretch of Granby Street. Improvements to the stretch of road between Dover Street and Chatham Street are now complete. The second phase of Granby Street improvements is due to begin on Monday, 5 August - Leicester City Council
⚽️ Ex-Leicester boss Craig Shakespeare dies aged 60: Former Leicester City manager Craig Shakespeare has died at the age of 60, his family has announced. Shakespeare was undergoing treatment for cancer back in October 2023. As well as managing Leicester, he also worked for West Brom, Hull, Everton, Watford, Aston Villa and Norwich and had a spell as England assistant boss in 2016 - BBC Sport
🏘️ Leicester developer behind student flats block ‘did not know’ it needed planning permission: In 2015,OSM Leicester Ltd purchased Millstone House, in Leicester city centre’s on Millstone Lane.In documents submitted to the council’s planning department, OSM claimed it did not know it required permission for its development. OSM claimed the building was being used as student accommodation when it bought it in 2015, and that it “was not aware” the lawful use was different - Leicester Mercury
🩶 Tributes paid to 'best ice cream man ever': Steve Merry was fondly known as Steve Super Scoop by friends, family, and neighbours in the Highfields area of Leicester. Mr Merry, died at the age of 73 on 25 July following a short illness. In the days after his death, Miss Merry said her family had received floods of messages and comments on social media from people who “loved” him. “It's been a real comfort to us. We did know he was loved, but the outpouring has been very personal and very overwhelming,” she said. “We were always so proud of him, and we're even more proud now.” - BBC East Midlands
🏊 🏳️🌈 Could Leicester's first Pride Swim provide a new alcohol-free queer community?: While Leicester’s Pride Swim will take place in August, early launch events across the country have already received positive feedback. Michael Gunning, a former Olympic swimmer who opened the first event of 2024 at the London Aquatic Centre, concludes: “People normally associate Pride with late nights, parties and drinking alcohol, but Pride can be anything you want it to be, and this event shows exactly that!” - Great Central Gazette
Pop down to Attenborough Arts Centre for a fantastic arts workshop where you’ll be working with clay. Tickets from £8. Runs from 10am to 12pm. Over 18s only.
🚨 💷 Dinosaur World Live– 6 to 8 August 2024
If you’re a fan of dinosaurs, head over to Curve Theatre for a thrilling interactive show direct from London’s West End. Matinee and evening performances available. Tickets from £10. Roar!
Calling all young witches and wizards! Grab your pointy hats and visit Leicester Guildhall for a magical day. Tickets booked online cost £4, accompanying adults go free. Runs from 11am to 3pm.
Head to Leicester Museum and Art Gallery for a fascinating talk about key pieces of Expressionist art in the gallery. Runs from 2pm to 3pm. Tickets cost £10.
Visit Curve Theatre for an insightful exhibition about decolonisation and the reclamation of jewellery, curated by British Asian artist Anisha Parmar. Runs from 1pm.
What has been described as 'arguably the best city-centre flat available on the market' is up for sale. The two-bed, top-floor flat has a private entrance accessed via the roof-terrace, entry to the flat is through a glass covered walkway offering dual access to the impressive living accommodation and a separate utility room and w/c.
Price: Offers over £390,000. You can view the property here.
2-bed flat for sale, Charles Street. Screenshot: Hortons / Zoopla
BID Leicester has proudly announced the return of Leicester Restaurant Week!
Taking place from Monday 21 October to Sunday 27 October 2024, this highly anticipated event promises a delectable experience for food enthusiasts, offering the perfect opportunity to explore both new gastronomic delights and cherished classics across the city.
Applications are now open for businesses to take part and for all our foodie friends, stay in the loop by sign up for the e-newsletter for announcements and competitions from Leicester Restaurant Week 2024.
⚽️ Women’s football: LCFC Women sign former Stade de Reims striker Noémie Mouchon. The striker has signed a three-year deal at King Power Stadium - The 21-year-old scored nine goals in 22 league fixtures last term. Read more
🏀 Men’s basketball: Leicester Riders are thrilled to introduce Rob Jarram as the new Head of Leicester Riders Foundation and Performance Pathway. Jarram will continue the Foundation’s invaluable charitable efforts throughout Leicestershire and allocate resources and attention to the Academy pathway. Read more
🏹 Women's Archery: Leicester's teenage archery sensation proud of Olympic debut. Megan Havers made it the furthest of any Brit in the women's individual competition before being beaten by the eventual champion. Read more
Jem Collins
