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Charlotte Church and Jeremy Corbyn joined thousands of pro-Palestine protesters in London to demand a ceasefire in Gaza, days after a government official said the capital’s streets have become a “no-go zone for Jews”.

Organised by the Palestine Solidarity Campaign (PSC), the march stretched from Hyde Park Corner to the US Embassy in Nine Elms.

It marked the fifth major demonstration in the capital so far this year, and the PSC’s tenth since 7 October.

Follow latest: Pictures of aid drop over Gaza show scale of devastation

While marching through central London, protesters chanted “from the river to the sea, Palestine will be free” and waved banners demanding a “ceasefire now”.

Singer Charlotte Church, who led a choir in singing “from the river to the sea” last month, insisted that the marches have had “a strong, a peaceful, loving message”.

A pro-Palestine march took place in London on Saturday 9 March. Pic: PA
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The march stretched from Hyde Park Corner to the US Embassy in Nine Elms. Pic: PA

Protesters are demanding an immediate ceasefire of Israel's war on Hamas.
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It marks the fifth major demonstration in the capital so far this year, and the PSC’s tenth since 7 October.

Ahead of the latest demonstration, the UK’s counter extremism tsar claimed the protests are turning London into a “no-go zone for Jews every weekend”.

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Speaking to the PA news agency, Church said: “There’s been singing, there’s been drumming, yes, there’s been emotion but, in the majority, that emotion has been love, has been compassion, because that’s why we’re all here.

“We’re all here because we cannot bear what we’re witnessing. We cannot bear to see civilians, children, women slaughtered…

“We’re also showing that we are absolutely not going to tolerate our government being a part of propping up an apartheid regime.”

The march stretched from Park Lane at Hyde Park Corner to the US Embassy in Nine Elms. Pic: PA
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Pic: PA

The Palestine Solidarity Campaign said they expected "hundreds of thousands" to attend. Pic: PA
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The Met Police said they arrested five people during the march. Pic: PA

The war started after an attack by proscribed terror group Hamas on southern Israel on 7 October, in which 1,200 people were killed and more than 240 taken hostage.

Israel retaliated with air strikes and later a ground offensive, and so far, Hamas-run Gaza health authorities say nearly 31,000 Palestinians have been killed and thousands more bodies are feared buried under rubble.

Corbyn criticises Biden

The Met Police said it arrested five people during the march, including a woman for holding an offensive placard and two men for chanting offensive slogans.

One man was also arrested for assault, and another under the Public Order Act who was seen carrying a shield and wearing a helmet.

Former Labour leader Mr Corbyn, who now sits as an independent MP, vowed “there will be as many of them as it takes”.

“It’s all very well for Joe Biden to say they’re going to build a port to deliver aid,” he said.

“(It would) be far better if they stopped delivering arms to Israel and made sure there was a ceasefire.”

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Jeremy Corbyn took photos with protestors at a pro-Palestine march in central London. Pic: PA
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Jeremy Corbyn called the march “huge, and there will be as many of them as it takes”. Pic: PA

The protest comes a day after International Women’s Day, and saw female volunteers from Friends of Al-Aqsa join to “highlight the Palestinian genocide as a gendered issue”.

The group said gender equality “cannot be achieved whilst civilians in Palestine are under continued bombardment”.

The UK's counter extremism tsar claimed London is a "no-go zone for Jews every weekend".

‘None of us are scared’

The UK’s counter extremism tsar Robin Simcox wrote in The Daily Telegraph last week that a “permissive environment for radicalisation” is developing.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has also promised to clamp down against “extremist forces trying to tear us apart”, and Michael Gove is expected to set out a new definition of extremism in the coming days.

A counter-protest to the pro-Palestine marches was held in Victoria, central London, on Saturday afternoon and organiser Itai Galmudy said: “Jews are not afraid… we’ve had enough of those anti-Israeli hate marches that are full of inflammatory language towards Jews and Israelis. And we just want to say enough is enough.”

But speaking to Sky News at the demonstration, Gillian Mosley, a Jewish director marching as part of the Jewish Bloc for Palestine, said claims the capitol is a “no-go” area are “absurd”.

“Obviously I’m surrounded by Jews,” she said. “I also live in central London and have lots of Jewish neighbours, and none of us are scared.”

Gillian Mosley said claims London is a 'no-go zone' for JJews are 'absurd'.
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Gillian Mosley, a Jewish director marching for Palestine, said “none of us are scared”.

Pic: PA
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Pic: PA

PSC hails ‘unprecedented’ tenth march

Ben Jamal, director of the PSC, said after the march that it was “unprecedented” to see “this many people marching for this length of time”.

“You’ll see people here come from all walks of life, young and old, many people here with young children,” he said.

“They see children’s bodies being pulled out of the rubble, they look like that, they say ‘it could be my child, that could be my brother, that could be my sister’.

“‘I want it to stop and I want my government to take action’. That’s why they’re marching.”

Before the march, the Met Police said the cost of policing Gaza-related protests in London had reached over £32 million and had required 35,464 officer shifts and more than 5,200 officer rest days to be cancelled.

While it didn’t say how many were estimated to have attended the march, the force said more than 2,300 officers policed 11 major events on Saturday and 500 officers from outside the Met’s area were brought in to assist.

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Tulip Siddiq named in third Bangladesh inquiry into money laundering and power misuse

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Tulip Siddiq named in third Bangladesh inquiry into money laundering and power misuse

Former anti-corruption minister Tulip Siddiq has been named in a third inquiry being launched by authorities in Bangladesh investigating money laundering and power misuse.

At a media briefing in Dhaka held hours after Ms Siddiq resigned as a minister, investigators confirmed they were working on another probe involving the Labour MP.

It is the third Bangladesh inquiry and comes on top of questions about London properties she lives in or has lived in with links to her aunt, the ousted Bangladesh prime minister Sheikh Hasina and her Awami League party.

Director general of the Anti-Corruption Commission Akhtar Hossain told Sky News the organisation was “preparing another investigation against Tulip Siddiq and her uncle Tarique Siddique for money laundering, power misuse, and illegally occupying Bangladesh government property”.

Mr Hossain also said the investigation team in Bangladesh would contact the UK authorities if additional information was required.

A spokesperson for Ms Siddiq said: “No evidence has been presented for these allegations.

“Tulip Siddiq has not been contacted by anyone on the matter and totally denies the claims.”

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Tarique Siddique is Ms Siddiq’s uncle – the husband of her mother’s younger sister – and previously served as a defence and security adviser to her aunt Sheikh Hasina.

Ms Hasina fled Bangladesh in August and resigned her post after 20 years amid weeks of deadly protests.

Read more: What allegations is Tulip Siddiq facing?

Tulip Siddiq with Sheikh Hasina in 2009. Pic: Reuters
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Tulip Siddiq with Sheikh Hasina in 2009. Pic: Reuters

The new government has since accused Ms Hasina’s Awami League administration of crimes and corruption while in office.

Ms Siddiq quit as anti-corruption minister on Tuesday after links with her aunt and her political regime came under scrutiny.

It is claimed she has benefited financially from three London properties linked to her aunt and her allies.

She referred herself to the prime minister’s standards adviser Sir Laurie Magnus who said he had “not identified evidence of improprieties” but added it was “regrettable” Ms Siddiq had not been more alert to the “potential reputational risks” of the ties to her aunt.

Ms Siddiq said continuing in her role would be “a distraction” for the government but insisted she had done nothing wrong.

Read more: Tulip Siddiq boasted of links with ousted Bangladesh PM

Tulip Siddiq (far left) with her aunt, Sheikh Hasina (third left), and Russian President Vladimir Putin at a 2013 signing ceremony in the Kremlin as Moscow lent $1.5bn to help build a nuclear power station. File pic: AP
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Tulip Siddiq (far left) with her aunt, Sheikh Hasina (third left), and Russian President Vladimir Putin at a 2013 signing ceremony in the Kremlin as Moscow lent $1.5bn to help build a nuclear power station. File pic: AP

Earlier this week, Sky News revealed Bangladesh investigators were looking into Ms Siddiq as part of a separate corruption inquiry into the illegal allocation of land in a new town development outside of Dhaka.

She was also named in an investigation into the alleged embezzlement of $5bn (£3.9bn) from a nuclear power project in the country developed in partnership with Russia.

Labour sources suggested these accusations were not genuine and Ms Siddiq had not been contacted by anyone in Bangladesh about the inquiries.

Nobel peace-prize winning economist Muhammad Yunus, who is leading Bangladesh’s interim government, said the London properties used by Ms Siddiq should be investigated and returned if she is found to have benefited from “plain robbery”.

Following her resignation, Professor Yunus said there will be a thorough investigation into properties and assets “tied to stolen Bangladeshi funds, including those linked to individuals with connections to the previous regime” and if it is proven they have benefited from embezzlement “we expect those assets to be returned to Bangladesh, where they rightfully belong”.

“Tulip Siddiq may not have entirely understood the source of the money and property that she was enjoying in London, but she knows now and should seek forgiveness from the people of Bangladesh,” he added.

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Singer Linda Nolan dies ’embraced with love’ with siblings by her side

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Singer Linda Nolan dies 'embraced with love' with siblings by her side

Singer Linda Nolan, who rose to fame alongside her sisters in The Nolans, has died after several years of battling cancer.

The Irish star, 65, and her sisters Coleen, Maureen, Bernie, Denise and Anne, had a run of hits in the late 1970s and ’80s – including the disco classic I’m In The Mood For Dancing.

Paying tribute on The Nolans‘ X account, her sisters described her as “a pop icon and beacon of hope”, who “faced incurable cancer with courage, grace and determination, inspiring millions”.

Linda died peacefully in hospital this morning, “embraced with love and comfort” with her siblings by her side, her agent Dermot McNamara said in a statement.

“As a member of The Nolans, one of the most successful girl groups of all time, Linda achieved global success; becoming the first Irish act to sell over a million records worldwide, touring the world and selling over 30 million records,” he said.

“Her distinctive voice and magnetic stage presence brought joy to fans around the world, securing her place as an icon of British and Irish entertainment.

“Beyond her incredible career, Linda dedicated her life to helping others, helping raise over £20m for numerous charities, including Breast Cancer Now, Irish Cancer Society and Samaritans, amongst countless others. Her selflessness and tireless commitment to making a difference in the lives of others will forever be a cornerstone of her legacy.”

Linda Nolan, Anne Nolan, Bernie Nolan, Coleen Nolan, and Maureen Nolan.
Pic PA
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Five of the Nolans in 1983 (L-R): Linda, Anne, Bernie, Coleen and Maureen. Pic: PA

Linda’s death came after she was admitted to hospital with pneumonia over the weekend. She began receiving end-of-life care after slipping into a coma on Tuesday, Mr McNamara said.

Details of a celebration of the star’s “remarkable life” will be shared in due course, he added.

Linda was born to Tommy and Maureen Nolan in Dublin on 23 February 1959, the sixth of eight children.

Her parents were both singers and keen to turn their young family into a musical troupe. Linda made her stage debut aged just four.

Those early years put the siblings on track for a career in show business which lasted for decades. As well as I’m In The Mood For Dancing, The Nolans had hits with Gotta Pull Myself Together, Attention To Me and Don’t Make Waves, and they also had their own TV specials.

At their height, they toured with Frank Sinatra and were reported to have outsold The Beatles in Japan.

Linda left the group in 1983, but later reformed with her sisters for several comeback performances. She also became known for musical theatre, most notably performing the role of Mrs Johnstone in Blood Brothers for three years from 2000.

The Nolan Sisters, (left to right) Bernadette, Denise, Linda (top), Anne and Maureen
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L-R: Bernie, Denise, Linda (top), Anne and Maureen Nolan pictured in 1975, before youngest sister Coleen joined the group

Four siblings struck by cancer

Linda was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2006, and underwent a mastectomy to remove her left breast two days before her 47th birthday.

After being given the all-clear in 2011, in 2017 she was diagnosed with secondary breast cancer. Three years later, Linda and Anne together revealed they were being treated for cancer once again.

The sisters were diagnosed with different forms of the disease just days apart after they returned home from filming a series of their show, The Nolans Go Cruising. Linda had cancer of the liver, while Anne had breast cancer.

Linda Nolan seen attending the Bold x Pink Ribbon Foundation Party in 2024.
Pic: Shutterstock
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The star, pictured last year, had battled cancer for several years. Pic: Shutterstock

They went on to write Stronger Together, an account of their journey that included frank details of their treatments and the side effects.

But in 2023, Linda revealed the cancer had spread to her brain and she was beginning treatment as part of a new drug trial.

The Nolans lost their second-youngest sister, Bernie, to cancer in 2013, aged 52.

Loose Women star Coleen Nolan also revealed she was diagnosed with skin cancer last year, and said she was using a chemotherapy cream to remove it.

Linda’s husband of 26 years, Brian Hudson, died in 2007 after being diagnosed with skin cancer.

Anne Nolan is now cancer-free.

Tributes to star ‘who was always a joy’

TV star and singer Cheryl Baker and comedian Tommy Cannon are among those who have paid tribute.

“I’m heartbroken to hear about the passing of Linda Nolan,” Cannon wrote on X. “I had the pleasure of working with her on so many occasions, and she was always a joy – full of warmth and love. My thoughts and love are with the Nolan girls and the whole family.”

“The most incredible voice, the wickedest sense of humour, such a massive talent,” Baker wrote. “You’re with Brian now, Lin.”

Loose Women also sent its love to her family. Linda appeared as a guest panellist on the ITV chat show over the years, alongside her sister Coleen.

The Blackpool Grand Theatre described her as “a true Blackpool icon”.

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Kelyan Bokassa: Three arrested after boy, 14, stabbed to death on London bus

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Kelyan Bokassa: Three arrested after boy, 14, stabbed to death on London bus

Two teenagers and a woman have been arrested after a 14-year-old boy was stabbed to death on a bus in southeast London.

Kelyan Bokassa was on the 472 service in Woolwich when he was attacked just before 2.30pm on Tuesday 7 January.

The teenager died at the scene shortly after medical help arrived.

Two boys, aged 15 and 16, were arrested on Wednesday on suspicion of murder, and a 44-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender.

All three remain in custody, the Metropolitan Police said.

Detective Chief Inspector Sarah Lee said: “While these arrests mark a significant step forward in this investigation, we continue to appeal for anyone with information about Kelyan’s murder to come forward and speak to us.

“I would like to thank officers for working around the clock in order to locate our suspects and praise the Woolwich community for their ongoing support and patience whilst we have carried out our investigation.

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“I know that this incident deeply affected you all, and I hope that these two arrests reassure you that we are doing everything to tackle violent offenders across London.”

Anti-knife campaigner Faron Paul. Pic: PA
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Anti-knife campaigner Faron Paul speaking during a vigil held for Kelyan last week. Pic: PA

The Metropolitan Police called the stabbing a “horrific attack”, while London mayor Sir Sadiq Khan said the “heartbreaking violence has absolutely no place in our city”.

Kelyan was an aspiring rapper, who was described as having “briefly” been a student at St Columbia’s Catholic Boys School in Bexleyheath.

Following his death, his mother Mary Bokassa described his troubled childhood to journalists.

She said he was taken into care, moved from school to school, and eventually fell into the clutches of criminal gangs.

Read more from Sky News:
Singer and TV personality Linda Nolan dies
Father denies murdering daughter during ‘play-fight’

Met Police officers were called to reports of a stabbing on a Route 472 bus at 2.28pm on 7 January on Woolwich Church Street, near its junction with the A205 South Circular Road.

Paramedics from the London Ambulance Service and London’s Air Ambulance attended the scene.

Police say Kelyan’s family are being supported by specialist officers as the investigation “remains ongoing”.

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