LONDON mayor Sadiq Khan on Thursday (21) announced an extension to his pioneering GPS tagging pilot programme which tags knife crime and domestic abuse offenders released from prison.
The GPS tagging crime scheme recently surpassed 1,000 tagged offenders and is working to quickly identify those who break their license conditions, protect victims and crucially put the onus on perpetrators to change their behaviour, rather than the victims.
Evidence from the ongoing evaluation of the pilot shows that the use of GPS tagging is reducing the risks offenders pose to their victims and working to help keep all Londoners safe.
The majority of all 1,095 knife crime and domestic abuse offenders who have been tagged are men and initial evidence from both pilots shows that GPS data is playing a significant role in detecting non-compliance and any increased risk to victims.
Latest figures show more than half (567) of the tagged offenders complied with their license conditions during the period of GPS monitoring.
More than 300 of the tagged offenders who breached their tagged license conditions were successfully recalled to prison for non-compliance or increase in risk – proving that the tagging scheme is also working effectively as an enforcement option.
The remaining cases are still live in the GPS tagging pilot.
The GPS tagging pilot, which started in February 2019, has now been extended through to March 2023 and applies to those who have served custodial sentences for knife crime offences, such as being in possession of a knife, robbery, aggravated burglary and GBH, as well as domestic abuse offenders.
The pilot sees tag wearers being fitted with a mandatory GPS tracking device, which is issued under strict license conditions.
Real-time GPS data provides the London Probation Service with accurate location and tracking data and heatmap technology is used to show an overview of a tagged person’s movements during the course of a day, week or month as well as their lifestyle habits, ensuring that the probation service can closely monitor tagged offenders across all 32 London boroughs.
The data detects non-compliance from tagged offenders – including increased risk by those who may have entered an exclusion zone set-up to protect a victim once offenders have been released from prison. Previously, this behaviour might have gone untraced but now enforcement action can be taken promptly and where necessary to protect victims and bring perpetrators to account.
Data collected from the pilot has also been used to assist in crime mapping – the process with which crime incident patterns are analysed by police – to automatically cross-reference the movements of tagged offenders with reported crimes in London. Initial results of crime mapping indicates that the use of GPS tagging is a deterrent to further offending. Further evidence is set to be released this year as part of a GPS Knife Crime Tagging Evaluation Report by the Mayor's Office for Policing and Crime (MOPAC).
The mayor’s funding and extension of the GPS tagging pilot is part of continued action taken by Sadiq to tackle knife crime and violence against women and girls through his refreshed VAWG strategy. The strategy is taking a public health approach to targeting the behaviour of those who perpetrate abuse and making sure they are the focus for change.
Khan said, "Tackling violence, protecting victims and keeping Londoners safe will always be my top priority and I’m really pleased that my GPS Knife Crime and Domestic Abuse Tagging Pilot is working quickly to identify those who break their license conditions, helping to keep the public safe and crucially putting the onus on behaviour change squarely at the perpetrators of violence, not their victims.
“Data collected so far shows that GPS tagging of knife crime and domestic abuse offenders works and that's why I'm extending this successful tagging pilot to March 2023, as part of my commitment to being tough on crime and tough on the causes of crime.
“Change will not happen overnight, but I believe that by working together we can help to stop the men who wish to do women harm and drive forward a lasting change in our society’s culture so that women and girls can finally live their lives free from fear, harassment or abuse.”
Kilvinder Vigurs, London regional director for Probation Service, London, said, “The GPS tagging pilot has and continues to be integral to our work with a range of offenders, but with a specific focus on the prevention of Knife Crime and Domestic Abuse. We utilise and take advantage of all forms of technology to encourage offenders to comply with their prison licence conditions and focus on deterring them from committing further offences.”
Detective superintendent Matt Pilch, lead responsible officer for Domestic Abuse at the Metropolitan Police, said, “We are pleased to see an extension of this pilot which has allowed us to stop those who break their license conditions in their tracks. With this scheme we have been able to keep victims safe and prevent offenders from causing further harm.
“Domestic abuse and knife crime has a devastating impact and it is important we focus our efforts on addressing the perpetrators’ behaviour and take enforcement action where necessary. We know the majority of victims of domestic abuse are women and we are working hard to deliver a safe environment for women to go about their lives without the fear of becoming victims of violent crime. Tackling violence in all its forms is a top priority in the Met and we are committed to protecting those at risk wherever and however we can.”
Anonymised Domestic Abuse Case Study:
One person identified as Mr Smith was sentenced in October 2021 at Crown Court to 10 months imprisonment following the offence of breach of his restraining order.
He has been the perpetrator of incidents of domestic abuse against his ex-partner on numerous occasions, including serious physical violence, stalking and harassment. He has previously breached his Restraining Order on eight separate occasions by contacting the victim.
Mr Smith was released in February 2022, after which there were ongoing concerns in relation to his alcohol use whilst in the community, leading to formal warnings.
In March 2022, GPS alerts showed that Mr Smith had not returned to his approved address and he was not contactable by telephone. GPS data and alerts later showed that he had entered the exclusion zone of his license, linked to the victim. This led to enforcement action being taken, meaning he was recalled back to prison.
He remains in prison at this time on the basis of evidence of increased risk of serious harm.
PRIME MINISTER Keir Starmer is facing questions within the Labour party after the sacking of US ambassador Peter Mandelson.
Mandelson was removed last week after Bloomberg published emails showing messages of support he sent following Jeffrey Epstein’s conviction for sex offences. The dismissal comes just ahead of US president Donald Trump’s state visit.
Labour MPs have expressed frustration with the prime minister’s leadership. Labour backbencher Richard Burgon told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme that Starmer would be “gone” if May’s elections in Scotland, Wales and England go badly. “If May’s elections go as people predict and the opinion polls predict, then I think Starmer will be gone at that time,” he said.
Helen Hayes told BBC Radio 4’s Westminster Hour that if the dismissal affected Labour’s performance in the May 2026 local elections, questions about Starmer’s leadership would follow. She said she felt “devastated” about Mandelson but argued he should not have been appointed.
Baroness Smith defended Starmer, telling BBC Breakfast that Burgon had never supported him. She admitted Mandelson’s sacking was “not what we would have wanted” before Trump’s visit but said the prime minister was doing a good job.
Meanwhile, Conservative MP Alex Burghart demanded the release of documents related to Mandelson’s appointment, calling Starmer’s judgement “appalling.” He said the PM ignored warnings about Mandelson’s links to Epstein. Downing Street has said Starmer only learned of the emails on Wednesday and acted immediately.
By clicking the 'Subscribe’, you agree to receive our newsletter, marketing communications and industry
partners/sponsors sharing promotional product information via email and print communication from Garavi Gujarat
Publications Ltd and subsidiaries. You have the right to withdraw your consent at any time by clicking the
unsubscribe link in our emails. We will use your email address to personalize our communications and send you
relevant offers. Your data will be stored up to 30 days after unsubscribing.
Contact us at data@amg.biz to see how we manage and store your data.
Officials greet newly-elected Prime Minister of Nepal's interim government Sushila Karki (R) as she arrives at the prime minister's office in Kathmandu on September 14, 2025. (Photo by PRABIN RANABHAT/AFP via Getty Images)
NEPAL’s new interim prime minister Sushila Karki on Sunday (14) pledged to act on protesters’ calls to end corruption and restore trust in government, as the country struggles with the aftermath of its worst political unrest in decades.
“We have to work according to the thinking of the Gen Z generation,” Karki said in her first address to the nation since taking office on Friday (12). “What this group is demanding is the end of corruption, good governance and economic equality. We will not stay here more than six months in any situation. We will complete our responsibilities and hand over to the next parliament and ministers.”
Karki, 73, a former chief justice known for her independence, was appointed after mass youth-led protests forced the resignation of former prime minister K P Sharma Oli.
The demonstrations began on Monday (8) after the government banned social media, feeding into wider anger over corruption and economic hardship. At least 72 people were killed and more than 1,300 injured, according to government figures, while parliament and government buildings were set on fire.
The new leader held a minute’s silence for those who died before starting work in Singha Durbar, the main government complex in Kathmandu. Parliament has been dissolved, and elections are set for March 5, 2026.
Karki’s appointment followed negotiations led by president Ram Chandra Paudel and army chief General Ashok Raj Sigdel, with input from the youth protest movement. Thousands of young Nepalis had used the Discord messaging app to nominate Karki as their choice for interim leader.
“The situation that I have come in, I have not wished to come here. My name was brought from the streets,” she said.
Behind the movement is Sudan Gurung, a 36-year-old former DJ who founded the non-profit Hami Nepal. Using Discord and Instagram, Gurung and his team mobilised tens of thousands of protesters, even as platforms were blocked. “I will make sure that the power lies with the people and bring every corrupt politician to justice,” Gurung said last week.
Hami Nepal (We are Nepal) activists, many in their 20s, have since become influential in talks over the interim administration. They said they will not take cabinet posts but want to ensure capable young people are involved in decision-making. “The process is being carefully carried out, so that it consists of skilled and capable youth,” the group wrote on Instagram.
Ordinary Nepalis hope the new leadership can deliver. “This government’s list of responsibilities isn’t easy,” said shopkeeper Satya Narayan, 69, in Pharping village near Kathmandu. “It needs to ensure unity and harmony in the country by taking all sections along.”
The unrest has left deep scars. More than 12,500 prisoners escaped during the chaos and remain on the run. Soldiers have now scaled back their presence on the streets, but security challenges remain severe.
Regional leaders, including Indian prime minister Narendra Modi and China’s foreign ministry, have welcomed Karki’s appointment. The Dalai Lama also sent wishes for “success in fulfilling the hopes and aspirations of the people of Nepal in these challenging times.”
For now, young activists who toppled the government are continuing to shape events, with cabinet decisions expected in the coming days. As one protest leader put it: “We don’t want to be politicians. We are only the voice of the nation.”
(Agencies)
Keep ReadingShow less
US president Donald Trump and UK prime minister Sir Keir Starmer arrive at Trump International Golf Links on July 28, 2025 in Balmedie, Scotland. (Photo by Jane Barlow-WPA Pool/Getty Images)
THE British government has announced over £1.25 billion ($1.69bn) in fresh investment from major US financial firms, including PayPal, Bank of America, Citigroup and S&P Global, ahead of a state visit by president Donald Trump.
The investment is expected to create 1,800 jobs across London, Edinburgh, Belfast and Manchester, and deepen transatlantic financial ties, the Department for Business and Trade said.
Bank of America will launch its first operation in Northern Ireland, creating up to 1,000 jobs in Belfast. Citigroup plans to invest £1.1bn across its UK operations, including a further commitment to growing its presence in Northern Ireland.
S&P Global will invest over £4 million in Manchester, supporting 200 permanent roles, while BlackRock is expected to allocate £7m to the UK market next year and has opened a new office in Edinburgh, nearly doubling its local workforce.
"These investments reflect the strength of our enduring 'golden corridor' with one of our closest trading partners," said Britain's trade minister, Peter Kyle.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves said the investments would "kickstart the growth that is essential to putting money in working people's pockets across every part of the UK."
The government said the deals line up £20bn in trade between Britain and the US.
Also on Saturday (13), the British Embassy in Washington said the countries were planning to sign a technology agreement in the coming days to bolster collaboration between their trillion-dollar tech sectors.
Trump is to fly to Britain on Tuesday (16) for his second state visit, which is expected to last three days.
(Reuters)
Keep ReadingShow less
Protesters wave Union Jack and St George's England flags during the "Unite The Kingdom" rally on Westminster Bridge by the Houses of Parliament on September 13, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Christopher Furlong/Getty Images)
MORE THAN 100,000 protesters marched through central London on Saturday (13), carrying flags of England and Britain and scuffling with police in one of the UK's biggest right-wing demonstrations of modern times.
London's Metropolitan Police said the "Unite the Kingdom" march, organised by anti-immigrant activist Tommy Robinson, was attended by nearly 150,000 people, who were kept apart from a "Stand Up to Racism" counter-protest attended by around 5,000.
The police appeared to be taken by surprise by the size of the turnout, describing the rally as "too big to fit into Whitehall," a wide street lined with government buildings, on the approved route of the march.
Police trying to prevent protesters veering from the route faced "unacceptable violence," the force said, describing officers being kicked and punched and facing hurled bottles, flares and other projectiles.
The police said 26 officers were injured, including four seriously. Arrests totalled 25, which the force said was "just the start."
"We are identifying those who were involved in the disorder and they can expect to face robust police action in the coming days and weeks," assistant commissioner Matt Twist said.
The march brought a culmination to a highly charged summer in Britain that included protests staged outside hotels housing migrants.
Demonstrators carried the Union flag of Britain and the red and white St George's Cross of England, while others brought American and Israeli flags and wore the "Make America Great Again" or MAGA hats of US president Donald Trump. They chanted slogans critical of prime minister Keir Starmer and carried placards including some saying "send them home." Some attendees brought children.
Anti-Racism protesters come out in support of refugees outside the Cladhan Hotel on September 13, 2025 in Falkirk, Scotland. (Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images)
"Today is the spark of a cultural revolution in Great Britain, this is our moment," Robinson said in an address to supporters, saying they had shown "a tidal wave of patriotism."
In a video link to the rally, US billionaire Elon Musk, who has intervened in British politics to support Robinson and other far-right figures, called for a change of government in Britain. He said the British public were scared to exercise their free speech.
Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, describes himself as a journalist exposing state wrongdoing. Britain's biggest anti-immigrant political party, Reform UK, which has topped opinion polls in recent months, has kept its distance from Robinson, who has several criminal convictions.
"We want our country back, we want our free speech back on track," said Sandra Mitchell, a supporter attending the rally.
"They need to stop illegal migration into this country," she said. "We believe in Tommy."
At the counter-protest, Ben Hetchin, a teacher, said: "The idea of hate is dividing us and I think the more that we welcome people the stronger we are as a country."
Police said they had more than 1,600 officers deployed across London on Saturday, including 500 brought in from other forces. In addition to policing the two demonstrations, the London force was stretched by high-profile soccer matches and concerts.
Immigration has become the dominant political issue in Britain, eclipsing concerns over a faltering economy, as the country faces a record number of asylum claims. More than 28,000 migrants have arrived in small boats across the Channel so far this year.
Red and white English flags have proliferated along streets and been painted on roads. Supporters call it a spontaneous campaign of national pride, but anti-racism campaigners see a message of hostility to foreigners.
Anti-racism charity Hope Not Hate, which has monitored such rallies for more than a decade, said "a number of well known far-right extremists" including Robinson spoke on-stage and were among the crowds.
Joe Mulhall, its director of research, told the BBC it was "probably... the largest far-right demonstration ever in Britain".
King's College London assistant public policy professor Georgios Samaras agreed, saying it showed "multiple factions within the far-right" as well as newcomers had converged in London.
It comes amid growing anti-immigration sentiment, as Brexit supporter Nigel Farage's hard-right Reform UK leads in polls and protesters target hotels used to house asylum seekers.
It also follows anti-immigration riots last year in numerous towns and cities, which Robinson was accused of fuelling with incendiary online posts.
(Agencies)
Keep ReadingShow less
Piyush Goyal recalled that in February, Narendra Modi and Donald Trump had instructed their trade ministers to conclude the first phase of the bilateral trade agreement (BTA) by November 2025. (Photo: Getty Images)
INDIA’s commerce and industry minister Piyush Goyal on Thursday said that negotiations on the proposed trade agreement between India and the United States, which began in March, are progressing in a positive atmosphere and both sides are satisfied with the discussions.
He recalled that in February, Indian prime minister Narendra Modi and US president Donald Trump had instructed their trade ministers to conclude the first phase of the bilateral trade agreement (BTA) by November 2025.
“Discussions have been going on in a positive atmosphere with seriousness since March. It is progressing, and both the countries are satisfied with the progress,” Goyal told reporters. On Wednesday, he had also said that India is in “active dialogue” with the United States.
Trump this week said there would be “no difficulty” for the two countries to reach a successful conclusion and that he looked forward to speaking with his “very good friend” Modi in the coming weeks. In a post on Truth Social, he wrote he was “pleased to announce that India, and the United States of America, are continuing negotiations to address the Trade Barriers between our two Nations.”
Modi responded on X, welcoming Trump’s statement and expressing confidence that the negotiations would help unlock the potential of the partnership. He said India and the US are close friends and natural partners and are working to conclude the discussions at the earliest.
The two countries have completed five rounds of negotiations since March. The sixth round, scheduled to take place in India last month, was deferred after Washington imposed an additional 25 per cent tariff on Indian goods over purchases of Russian crude oil.
The aim of the pact is to more than double bilateral trade in goods and services to USD 500 billion by 2030 from the current USD 191 bn. Trade ties have been strained due to tariffs, with the US imposing a 50 per cent import duty on Indian goods from August 27. The move has hit exports from labour-intensive sectors such as shrimp, textiles, leather and footwear. India has described the tariffs as unfair, unjustified and unreasonable.
Talks have also been delayed over US demands for greater access in sensitive sectors such as agriculture and dairy. India has said repeatedly that it will not compromise the interests of small and marginal farmers and cattle rearers.
The US is India’s largest trading partner. In 2024-25, bilateral trade in goods was USD 131.8 bn, with India’s exports at USD 86.5 bn and imports at USD 45.3 bn. The US is also the third-largest investor in India, with foreign direct investment of USD 76.26 bn between April 2000 and June 2025, accounting for 10 per cent of India’s total FDI inflows.
On protests in Nepal, Goyal said the Indian government is monitoring the situation and working to bring back Indian citizens stranded there. He added that the Indian mission in Nepal is ready to provide support and expressed hope for normalcy to return soon.