The acquittal of Martyn Blake, the officer who shot Chris Kaba in 2022, continues to dominate the headlines. Several newspapers are reporting on the news that Mr Kaba was named as the perpetrator in a shooting at a nightclub a week prior to his death. The Metro has reported that a gang has placed a £10,000 bounty on Mr Blake’s head due to Mr Kaba’s death. He has been forced to leave his home and now faces the threat of danger for life.
The Daily Mail reports that the judge has extended the ban on the publication of Mr Blake’s address, photos, or even descriptions of his appearance. Meanwhile, according to The Guardian, the National Police Chiefs’ Council has called for the government to make it harder for officers to be investigated and prosecuted in cases such as this. Campaigners have branded the move an attempt to secure “effective immunity” for officers. Reports suggest that Home Secretary Yvette Cooper will make an announcement to expedite a review of accountability for police officers.
The Times writes that Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley wants officers to be exempt from criminal charges unless it can be proved that they deliberately departed from their training. Despite his acquittal, Mr Blake could still face gross misconduct proceedings that could result in his dismissal, adding to the simmering resentment felt by firearms officers, says The Times.
The i has reported on the potential abolition of water regulator Ofwat. The government has launched a commission to consider “radical reform” of the water industry after mass illegal dumping of sewage into the UK’s waterways. The UK and Welsh governments have ruled out nationalisation as an option, according to the report.
According to the Daily Telegraph, regulators are expected to rule that the Alzheimer’s treatment donanemab is too expensive for use by the NHS. Although research has shown the drug can slow the disease by 35%, it is likely to be available only through private clinics or as part of clinical trials. Disappointingly, groups have campaigned for better access to new drugs on the NHS.
Lastly, The Daily Mirror has reported that Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer met with the winners of the Pride of Britain awards and was “overcome by their heroic tales as they outlined how he could help” their various causes. Sir Keir promised to work towards that end within his capacity.
HSBC’s latest announcement about a significant reorganisation that will redraw its operations between east and west also made the headlines in the Financial Times. The British and Hong Kong businesses will be two of the four new standalone units, as the bank intends to improve the navigation of geopolitical tensions
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