We’re back after a short break. It’s a bumper edition, as anticipated!

Firstly: we want to acknowledge the victims of the Golders Green and Great Dover Street attacks, carried out by Essa Suleiman. Our thoughts are with the Jewish community and everyone affected, including Black communities.

One of the victims is a British-Somali man, Ishmail Hussein, understood to be a friend of Essa’s. His name has not featured prominently in much of the reporting around the incident.

Essa is Black. When a Black perpetrator commits a heinous crime, many Black people worry about how they will be perceived and treated, as cases like this can be used to stereotype Black communities and fuel discrimination.

Revelations of Essa’s mental illness raise difficult but necessary questions, reflecting other violent incidents involving vulnerable Black male perpetrators. These conversations need care, context and empathy, not knee-jerk reactions.

Quick one: magazine pre-orders are flying, so if you’ve been meaning to grab a copy, now’s the time. If you value this work, subscribe to our digital platform to help us keep building and join a growing community of thousands.

Keep scrolling for more. One love!

Good news

• Afrori, the UK’s largest supplier of Black books, avoids threat of imminent closure after 1,000 sales target surpassed

• Ife Thompson wins Rising Star Barrister 2026 at the Women and Diversity in Law Awards

• UK rap star Konan launches awards to back emerging artists

• Gary Younge named chair of top UK book prize

• Alex Wheatle Day launched to honour late ‘Brixton Bard’ and uplift young Black storytellers

• Dawn Penn’s “You Don’t Love Me” (No, No, No) certified platinum in the UK, reportedly becoming highest-certified solo reggae song by a female artist

• Over The Top Under The Radar, a leading news podcast hosted by Carys Afoko, celebrated in Spotify campaign

Essa Suleiman: Golders Green stabbing suspect was under mental health care at time of attack, court hears

A man accused of stabbing two Jewish men and a Black Muslim man in north London was under mental health care and living in supported accommodation at the time, a court heard.

Essa Suleiman, 45, faces multiple attempted murder charges after the attacks in Golders Green, which were initially declared by the police as terrorism for reasons that are, frankly, unclear.

He has been remanded in custody and is due at the Old Bailey on 15 May.

What does the new Renters’ Rights Act mean for Black people?

From yesterday (1 May), the Renters’ Rights Act 2025 marks the biggest shake-up of the UK rental sector in a generation, introducing new rights for tenants and rules for landlords.

For Black renters, who are more likely to rent privately and face discrimination, the changes carry particular weight. We break it down here in the latest of our ‘Make It Make Sense’ explainer series.

Right-wing commentator launches legal claim over Black-focused internship scheme after being unable to apply

GB News commentator Sophie Corcoran is taking legal action after being unable to access a scheme for Black people run by the 10,000 Interns Foundation with the Bar Council.

She claims the programme unlawfully restricts applicants by race, saying she was “shocked” it was limited to certain backgrounds, despite longstanding underrepresentation of Black people in the judiciary.

The Bar Council denies wrongdoing and says it will contest the claim, with this summer’s internships still set to go ahead. The scheme is aimed at improving access for those from backgrounds that have historically had limited entry into these professions, particularly Black students and graduates.

Local election uproar as Starmer’s niece ‘parachuted into safe Croydon seat’ - while popular Black women councillors blocked

Two Black councillors in Croydon, Eunice O’Dame and Enid Mollyneux, have reportedly been prevented from standing again in a safe Labour ward, Inside Croydon has revealed.

Their exclusion, as Keir Starmer’s niece is selected instead, is fuelling concerns about transparency and race within the party.

Man jailed for beating Black pensioner, aged 79, to death in a “savage and unprovoked attack”

Phillip Fraczek has been jailed for life after beating 79-year-old retired seafarer Franklin Agbotui to death in a “savage and unprovoked” attack in east London.

Mr Franklin died days after the assault in his West Ham flat, with his family remembering him as a kind and respected member of the community.

What else we’re reading

• Sophinia Bertrand, who died after being found with head injuries in Fulham, named and pictured for the first time

• Black women ‘face UK’s toughest workplace barriers’

• Black and ethnic minority workers face ‘shocking’ increase in explicit racism, union reveals

• Councillor Marsie Skeete, former Mayor of Merton, dies

• Britain ‘stole 25 million years’ of life through slavery, report finds

• DJ AG teams up with UK music college to offer funded degree for artists - as he faces backlash for defending Charlie Sloth’s “digital blackface” and blasphemy”

• Bristol launches summer of activist events to become UK civil rights capital

• Racism-linked stress may explain why Black women more likely to die in childbirth, study finds

• Sabastian Sawe breaks marathon record as first man to complete London run in under two hours

• Tony Cesay, British national champion boxer, dies aged 58

• Black children almost 8x more likely to be strip-searched by police, report finds

• Channel 5 and ITN reach settlement with Claudia-Liza Vanderpuije ahead of tribunal over discrimination claims

• Former X-Factor finalist Gabrielle Carrington faces murder charge after influencer Klaudiaglam hit by car in Soho

• Wolverhampton solicitor, 28, died from sepsis after plastic surgery in Turkey

• Black beauty queen who represented South Africa at Miss World during apartheid dies aged 76

• ‘African tribe’ leader deported from UK after eviction from Scottish woods

• Widow died in Ghana crash after losing up to £1m in romance frauds, inquest hears

Canada was lovely! 🇨🇦

As mentioned a couple of weeks ago: we took a short trip to Canada and it offered a rare moment to pause.

There was still some work in the mix, but having the space to reset ahead of what’s shaping up to be a busy few months made all the difference. Toronto, in particular, was a joy. A reminder we’re holding onto: there is virtue in work and there is virtue in rest. You need both!

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From today (1st May 2026), the UK rental sector is undergoing the biggest transformation in a generation.

The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 will give tenants new rights and introduce new rules for private landlords.

But for Black renters in the UK, these changes carry particular weight. Over one third of us rent privately in the UK, whilst facing heightened discrimination from landlords.

Alongside that, Black Britons have also faced longstanding inequalities shaping housing access and affordability.

Shelter, the homelessness charity, reports that Black and Asian people are more likely than white people to face persistently low incomes after housing costs.

Alongside this, Black and Bangladeshi families are most likely to need housing benefit to help cover the cost of housing.

So, below we explain what’s changing and what this means for Black Britons across the UK.

An end to no-fault evictions

One of the most significant changes for renters and landlords in the Renters’ Rights Act is the abolition of no-fault evictions, otherwise known as a section 21 eviction. Landlords must now provide a reason for evicting a tenant.

For Black renters, landlord requests and evictions are one of the main reasons that Black tenants are forced to move.

In London between 2014 and 2018, Black households were significantly more likely than those of other ethnicities to report moving because their landlord ended the tenancy or evicted them.

This change introduces a level of stability for Black renters, reducing the risk of sudden displacement and giving tenants more control.

Rent protections and greater stability

Landlords will only be able to raise rent once a year and tenants will have a right to appeal any unfair increases.

Tenants will be able to appeal unfair rent increases through The Private Landlord Ombudsman, which will be launched in late 2026.

The ombudsman will aim to help renters sort complaints against landlords quickly and fairly - without needing to go to court.

In the UK in 2022, the ONS reported that Black, African, Caribbean or Black British employees earned less (£13.53) median gross hourly pay than white employees (£14.35), which has been consistent since 2012.

This means that Black British employees are hit harder by rent increases financially than their white counterparts. Greater predictability around rent could help reduce financial strain and make long-term renting more manageable.

Stronger standards

Another key reform focuses on living conditions. The Act introduces stricter requirements for landlords to ensure properties meet acceptable standards.

According to the Greater London Authority, between 2015 and 2017, 29% of Black private renters in London were deemed to live in homes below the official decent homes standard.

By raising and ensuring a minimum standard of housing, the legislation should ensure tenants are not forced to choose between affordability and basic living conditions.

The Act will also extend “Awaab’s Law” to the private rented sector, setting clear legal timeframes for landlords to fix serious hazards such as damp and mould.

The law was introduced following the death of toddler Awaab Ishak (2020), who was exposed to prolonged mould in his family’s home.

Given that Black renters are disproportionately more likely to live in substandard housing, the reform is expected to have particular significance for affected communities.

Fairer access: deposits and up-front costs

Upfront costs are a major barrier to entry when it comes to housing. The Renters’ Rights act also strengthens limits and introduces rules aimed at making renting more accessible and transparent.

Landlords cannot ask for more than one month’s rent up-front.

With Black workers earning less, on average, than their white counterparts, this limits their saving power, making it harder to save for deposits and initial costs. The changes also limit the size of deposits that landlords can take in the first instance.

Landlords must also stick to the advertised rental price, which means no more bidding wars and gazumping by other renters.

Greater accountability for landlords

The Act also introduces stronger accountability measures.

One of which is the removal of fixed-term tenancy agreements. All tenancies are now rolling.

This gives tenants more flexibility, along with more security, knowing that tenants can end a tenancy with two months’ notice without any additional fines.

It will also be illegal to refuse tenants just because they receive benefits or have kids or pets.

Among renters, Black and Asian people are 87% more likely to have experienced illegal acts by their landlord in the last year compared to white British/Irish renters.

One third (32%) of Black people with experience of homelessness reported discrimination from a social or private landlord.

According to the UK Government, 51% of families received some form of state support, such as the State Pension or Child Benefit, in the three years to March 2021.

These changes are expected to make it easier for Black families to access the private rented sector, particularly as “no DSS” or “no benefits” policies have historically limited options for many from minoritised communities, often pushing them into poorer-quality housing.

What does this all mean in practice?

The Renters’ Rights Act should mean a fairer housing system for all.

For Black renters, who are more likely to rent, more likely to face affordability pressures and more likely to encounter discrimination, these reforms are particularly relevant.

And this legislation does not close the gap completely for Black Brits. Black people still face other forms of inequality, including wage discrimination and systemic bias and these will continue to have an impact on Black people in the housing market.

But policy alone doesn’t enforce itself. Knowing when a rent increase is unfair, when an eviction is unlawful, or when you are being discriminated against is what allows you to challenge it.

If you want to learn more about your rights under the new laws, organisations like Shelter and Citizens Advice offer clear, free guidance on renting, evictions and dealing with landlords.

You can also find official updates and breakdowns of the legislation on the UK Government’s website.

If you’re worried about your situation, there are places to turn.

Shelter runs a free helpline and online advice service, while Citizens Advice can support with everything from housing disputes to benefits.

Local councils can also provide support if you are at risk of homelessness or facing unsafe living conditions.

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Black women in the UK are nearly three times more likely to die during pregnancy than their white counterparts, with new research pointing to racism and socioeconomic stress as contributing factors that may directly alter the body’s biology.

A major review led by researchers at the University of Cambridge suggests that long-term exposure to systemic racism and disadvantage can affect critical physiological processes during pregnancy, increasing the risk of serious complications.

The study found that these stressors may disrupt how the body regulates inflammation, blood flow to the placenta and oxidative stress, all of which are essential for a healthy pregnancy.

These biological changes are linked to higher rates of conditions such as preeclampsia, preterm birth, and restricted fetal growth among Black women and their babies.

Crucially, researchers stressed that these disparities are not rooted in genetic differences. Instead, they reflect the cumulative toll of social and environmental pressures over time.

Grace Amedor, the study’s lead author, said she was struck by the lack of research into the physiological drivers behind a disparity that has been known for decades.

As a Black woman herself, she described the findings as “scary” but necessary to confront.

The data is stark. Black women are 2.7 times more likely to die during pregnancy, while Black babies are more than twice as likely to die before their first birthday compared with white babies.

Researchers identified three key biological mechanisms that may help explain the gap: reduced blood flow to the placenta, higher levels of oxidative stress, and increased inflammation.

Each of these factors has been associated with poorer pregnancy outcomes.

Professor Dino Giussani, senior author of the study, said the findings highlight how deeply social inequality can shape health outcomes.

Experts say the research should shift the conversation beyond access to healthcare alone, placing greater emphasis on tackling the structural conditions that drive these risks in the first place.

The study, published in Trends in Endocrinology & Metabolism, adds to a growing body of evidence linking racism to tangible health impacts, reinforcing calls for systemic change in both healthcare and wider society.

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A 13-year-old Black boy has been missing for more than a week after he was last seen in south London, with police renewing calls for information.

Sanet Salhe was last seen in Southwark on Wednesday, 22 April. Eight days on, officers say enquiries are ongoing to locate him.

He is described as around 5ft 1in tall.

At the time he disappeared, Sanet is believed to have been wearing either a black school uniform or grey New Balance trainers, along with a black Nike jacket and a black backpack with white lines.

Police have released an image of Sanet and are asking anyone with information about his whereabouts to come forward.

Anyone who may have seen him is urged to call 999, quoting reference 01/747819/26.

UPDATE: Police confirmed on Thursday that Sanet Salhe has been found.

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‘Michael’, from director Antoine Fuqua, and its attempt to deify the ‘King of Pop’ makes for uncomfortable viewing.

Fuqua has, with the assistance of the Jackson estate, established a world in an almost parallel universe that attempts to tell the origin story of Jackson.

Here, he’s portrayed by his nephew Jaafar Jackson as family-oriented, loving, kind and flawless.

In this universe, Michael doesn’t get angry, stressed or burnt out from the relentless bombardment of not just his father Joe, played with pantomime menace by Colman Domingo, but also the gruelling rehearsal and performance schedule he goes through.

The supporting cast also features Nia Long, Juliano Valdi, KeiLyn Durrel Jones, Laura Harrier, Jessica Sula, Mike Myers and Miles Teller.

It’s a snapshot of a point in time, early 1960s to the late 1980s, that allows several sneaky narratives to be painted. There are so many.

Glaring and presented without subtlety is the omission of Janet Jackson, arguably his most famous sibling and a sister who had a profound effect on his life.

It is understood, based on La Toya Jackson’s account, that Janet was invited to be included in the film but “kindly” declined.

Michael’s need to lighten his skin and whiten his features is danced around as deftly as when he is seen moonwalking on stage.

However, by far the most jarring element is the muted telling of his relationship with children and how problematic that became for him.

Instead, we see an almost comical, scene-by-scene addition of a menagerie of animals that take residence at the Jackson household, with whom he bonds.

All the hits are played mercilessly, leaving you feeling a little shell-shocked, almost as though you are racing through a patchwork quilt of his works with a smattering of behind-the-scenes moments.

A reimagining of curated, often palatable, moments of what the family would like you to see.

What they really want you to see, you get in abundance. The villain of the piece, Joe Jackson, is only half believable, though.

For such a pivotal figure, the performance harked back to a pastiche of the role played by Laurence Fishburne as Ike Turner in the biopic of Tina Turner’s life, ‘What’s Love Got To Do With It’.

The movie starts as it finishes, leaving more questions than it answers. You get no closeness to the man, the myth, the legend. It’s incredibly disappointing that the film exacerbates this. He remains aloof throughout.

A shame, as this was an opportunity to humanise and come clean about Jackson’s shortcomings as a human being.

Let’s be real, a warts-and-all biopic would never have made for palatable viewing, as it wouldn’t generate the box office success this version of his life will no doubt bring.

It’s also important to point out that Jackson’s family had producer credits for what is essentially a puff piece of controlled narrative.

If I wanted a baggy canter through Michael Jackson’s greatest hits, my music library has extensive tracks for me to choose from.

Since the time I could speak, I’ve been a fan of his music and this is what makes watching a movie so vacuous, as it gives you no additional insight into such a legendary figure. It’s so frustrating.

This film isn’t aimed at those who want to get an inner circle perspective of Jackson. It’s aimed at those who are content to barely scratch the surface of a clearly complex individual and wallow in the nostalgia of bygone years in which he flourished. It’s a medicated, blissful ignorance pacifier; a cinematic blue pill.

It’s fitting that the climax of this whistle-stop tour of hits with no substance ends with ‘Bad’, to rework a phrase that sums up my overall viewing experience of this turgid gothic monstrosity.

This is a film which seeks to actively gaslight and make you misremember aspects of a flawed genius.

It is not a good movie and has no redeemable features. It’s bad; it’s really, really bad.

Michael is out on general release from today (April 24).

Michael Morgan is a pen-for-hire who has previously written for The Voice, Hip Hop Connection, TOUCH magazine, iNews and the Metro. Passionate about the needs of young adults and those living with mental health conditions, he spent several years working as a mentor alongside people excluded from mainstream education. A habitual line-stepper, lover of Hip Hop and film, Michael has previously been a regular film pundit on BBC Radio Essex. He has also presented, produced and directed ‘The Frontrow’, his own programme, which aired on BEN TV.

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A 72-year-old Jamaican man who had lived in the UK for nearly three decades has died after being left unable to access his immigration status following the government’s shift to a digital-only system.

Robert White lost his job, income and stability after his biometric residence permit (BRP) expired and he was unable to navigate the transition to an online-only immigration system.

Robert’s solicitor, Naga Kandiah, said his death was “not an unfortunate coincidence, but the foreseeable result of a system that failed to protect an elderly man who had lived and contributed to this country for 29 years”.

Robert had been living in the UK since the 1990s, working and building a life while on the 10-year route to settlement. Towards the end of his life, he was based in Wembley, north-west London.

Like many migrants, he was required to renew his leave every 30 months at significant cost.

But when the Home Office moved to a digital system, his physical proof of status expired, leaving him effectively locked out.

“He did not understand the change. He was never supported through it,” Mr Kandiah said.

A rapid collapse

Robert continued working in good faith until a routine right-to-work check by his employer revealed his status had lapsed.

He lost his job immediately.

Within weeks, he had no income, no access to public funds, and no safety net.

A fee waiver application submitted on his behalf in January 2026, seen by Black Current News, laid bare the extent of his situation.

It confirmed he had no income at all, no savings or assets - and was relying on friends and family for accommodation rather than renting or owning a home.

He was not receiving public funds, had no confirmed employment and could not afford the immigration fees required to regularise his status.

Despite having lived in the UK for decades, he was left effectively destitute.

His monthly outgoings, including food and travel, far exceeded what little support he had left.

In the application, his solicitor described him as a “vulnerable” man in his seventies whose “physical capabilities were on a decline”, adding that he had been unable to access his eVisa account due to difficulties with technology.

“He was genuinely unaware of the expiry of his visa,” the application stated.

‘He was trying his best’

Robert’s best friend of 24 years, Allison - who he named as his next of kin, having few close relatives in Britain - said the stress of his situation took a visible toll on his health.

They met at a birthday party in London and formed an instant bond, with Allison recalling his humour and warmth.

“He told me he couldn’t dance,” she said. “Then he got inside and was dancing properly. I said, ‘you liar’.”

They stayed in close contact ever since, supporting each other through life’s ups and downs.

“Robert was trying his best to do the right thing as far as securing his right to be in the UK,” she said.

“But he didn’t understand the system. If you don’t understand something then it won’t get done.”

Allison then described how he began to deteriorate in the months before his death, struggling with memory, falling in public and living in a cold home without electricity.

“He was always worried,” she said. “When he lost the job, everything just went downhill.”

At one point, she brought him to stay with her after he locked himself out of his home. He had been forgetting basic details and struggling to manage day-to-day life.

“He was on a survival path,” Allison said. “At his age, going out in the cold to work, just to survive.”

Robert was admitted to hospital earlier this month, where doctors diagnosed sepsis and pneumonia.

He died shortly afterwards.

While those conditions were recorded as the immediate cause of death, his solicitor said the wider circumstances cannot be ignored.

“We understand that he was experiencing significant stress and depressive illness, which may have weakened his immune system and increased vulnerability,” Mr Kandiah said.

“It is impossible, morally and factually, to separate his death from the conditions imposed upon him.”

‘Systemic neglect’

His death comes as growing evidence suggests the UK’s digital immigration system is leaving people unable to reliably prove their status, with some reporting job losses, severe stress and being left effectively in limbo.

Mr Kandiah said Robert had been turned away by multiple solicitors before he took on the case pro bono.

“Older persons have a fundamental right to dignity, safety and social protection,” he said.

“Yet Robert was pushed into destitution, stripped of his livelihood, and left unable to access or understand a system that governs his right to exist in this country.”

He warned that the shift to a digital-only immigration system has created a “silent crisis”, particularly for elderly and digitally excluded people.

“People who have lived in this country for decades are being pushed into illegality, not through intent, but through exclusion,” Mr Kandiah said.

The solicitor is now calling for urgent reforms, including non-digital alternatives and automatic settlement for long-term elderly residents.

“It is indefensible to keep elderly individuals on repeated temporary visas, charging thousands each time, only to then exclude them through inaccessible systems,” he said.

“No elderly person should ever again be subjected to exclusion, poverty and preventable harm.”

The Home Office was approached for comment.

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Dear readers,

How are you?

This week’s news moves between progress, scrutiny and the stories in between.

As always, we’ve brought together the key headlines, along with moments of recognition and good news, to give you a clear picture of what’s shaping the week.

There will be no newsletter next week as we’re travelling to Canada, but we’ll be back the following week with a bumper edition.

Good news

• Jeriah Boateng received the Joe Thompson Legacy Award, recognising people in football who have overcome adversity, at this year’s Football Black List

• Landmark exhibition showcasing 125 years of Black British music opens at V&A East

• Merlita Bryan sworn in as High Sheriff of Nottinghamshire

• Dr Jeffery Quaye lands CEO role at Arco Academy, an independent sports-specialist school in London designed for students aged 11–16

• Elderly couple jailed after racial abuse video goes viral

'Cancer care gap': NHS adds gene test to reduce chemo risks for Black patients

Routine NHS genetic testing for chemotherapy has been expanded to include a gene variant more commonly found in Black patients, aiming to reduce harmful side effects. The move addresses a longstanding gap, as previous testing focused largely on variants found in white populations, leaving Black patients at higher risk.

Anti-Islam influencer granted UK travel approval, fuelling disparity claims after Kanye West's refusal over antisemitic remarks

Valentina Gomez, a US far-right influencer known for anti-Islam and anti-Black rhetoric, has been granted UK travel approval ahead of a planned London rally. The move has sparked backlash, with critics pointing to Kanye West’s recent visa refusal and the subsequent cancellation of Wireless Festival, which he was set to headline, as evidence of inconsistent enforcement. Organisations, including Muslim Women UK and MPs such as Ayoub Khan, have urged the Home Office to intervene and bar Gomez from entering the UK altogether.

Nursery worker sentenced to just 3 years over killing of Black toddler restrained to sleep

A nursery worker has been jailed for just three years after the death of 14-month-old Noah Sibanda, who died after being restrained face down while staff tried to force him to sleep. CCTV showed the toddler pinned and left unchecked for hours, with his mother saying he died “alone, scared and in pain”.

Tau Kleio Rodriguez-Fairplay: High alert issued for British girl missing in Jamaica

A six-year-old British girl, Tau Kleio Rodriguez-Fairplay, has been reported missing in Jamaica after being taken there by a parent, with police issuing a high alert. The child was reportedly abducted in February 2025 from her home in the UK by her other parent, Athena Belle-Fairplay, and taken to Jamaica.

King’s College London accused of stripping Black student of First Class degree days before graduation - without warning

A former King’s College London student says her First Class degree was downgraded to a 2:1 just days before graduation, leaving her unable to graduate nearly two years later. Ceana Agbro claims the decision relied on a hidden peer review system she could not access or challenge, and is now crowdfunding for a Judicial Review.

What else we’re reading

• More than half of Windrush compensation claims rejected by Home Office, report finds

• French man, aged in his 80s, becomes country’s first to apologise for family’s role in slavery

• Green Party and Reform UK urged to cut ties with London candidates over racist posts

• Ernie Smith, beloved Jamaican singer, has died

• Zimbabwe’s iconic stone birds were taken by colonialists. Finally, they’re all back home

• NHS nurse wins payout after suspension over trans patient row

• Sharon Osbourne plans to attend Tommy Robinson’s anti-immigration march after past racism row

• Why are Harvard’s slavery researchers quitting or being fired?

• Badenoch calls for Axel Rudakubana’s parents to be deported after damning Southport attack report

• ‘I’m in remission for the first time due to new cancer drug’

• After years of homelessness and addiction, man turns his life around to help others

• Rock and Roll Hall of Fame: Sade, Luther Vandross, Fela Kuti and Wu-Tang Clan among 2026 inductees

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Routine NHS genetic testing for chemotherapy patients has been expanded to include a gene variant more commonly found in Black people.

Experts say the move could help prevent adverse side effects and address longstanding racial disparities in cancer care.

Before undergoing chemotherapy, patients across England are often given genetic tests to help guide treatment and reduce the risk of side effects, which can include fatigue, nausea, hair loss and mouth sores, and in some cases, can be fatal.

Until recently, NHS testing focused on four variants predominantly found in white people, leaving gaps in care for patients from other backgrounds.

As a result, the testing has been less effective for Black patients, leaving them at greater risk of severe and potentially life-threatening side effects after chemotherapy.

Academic GP Dr Veline L’Esperance, senior clinical advisor at the NHS Race and Health Observatory, hailed this development as a significant step in addressing long-standing inequalities in care.

“For too long, the genetic diversity of our patients has been rendered invisible by the very tools designed to protect them,” she said.

“Including this variant is not simply a technical update; it is proof that when we commit to equity at every stage of the pipeline, from the evidence base through to clinical implementation, we can close gaps that should never have existed.

“Patients of African ancestry deserve the same standard of safety as everyone else and now clinicians have the means to deliver it.”

Since the now-expanded test was introduced at Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust’s North West Genomic Laboratory Hub in September 2025, three patients of African ancestry have already had their chemotherapy doses adjusted, reducing their risk of severe toxicity.

The update centres on a fifth variant of the DPYD gene, which affects how the body processes certain chemotherapy drugs.

These drugs are widely used to treat cancers, including breast, colorectal and gastric cancer.

However, a deficiency in the DPD enzyme, linked to DPYD gene variants, can prevent the body from breaking down these drugs properly, leading to severe complications affecting the bone marrow, digestive system and skin.

The test is currently delivered from the Liverpool site of the North West Genomic Laboratory Hub, which provides DPYD genetic testing for more than 450 patients each month across the region.

Up to 40% of the 38,000 patients treated with these drugs in England each year are at risk of adverse reactions, according to NHS data.

These reactions may include neutropenia, severe diarrhoea and vomiting, as well as cardiac and neurological complications, and in some cases, death.

Experts say the lack of diverse genetic data has historically meant that patients from Black and other minority ethnic backgrounds are more likely to be misdiagnosed or receive inappropriate treatment.

In some cases, they may receive false-negative results if testing panels do not include variants more common in their populations.

Professor Habib Naqvi, chief executive of the NHS Race and Health Observatory, said the development highlights both the promise and the gaps within precision medicine.

The new variant is now being rolled out across additional genomic hubs in England, with further research underway to identify and incorporate other overlooked genetic differences.

Clinicians and researchers say the change is a step forward - but not the end of the road.

As Professor Sir Munir Pirmohamed of the University of Liverpool put it, many more variants still need to be evaluated and integrated if genomic medicine is to work equitably for all patients.

Responding to news of the gene testing, Professor Sir Pirmohamed said: “It is important to note that this is the beginning of the journey, rather than the end of journey, as there many other variants in this gene, which need to be evaluated, and implemented into the testing panel.

“This will benefit more patients irrespective of their ethnic background.”

The NHS Race and Health Observatory, an independent body hosted by the NHS Confederation and supported by NHS England, focuses on tackling long-standing inequalities affecting ethnic minority patients and the healthcare workforce.

Its work spans areas including maternity care, sickle cell disease, mental health, digital inclusion, and equity in genomics and precision medicine.

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Hi everyone,

Happy Saturday. How’s it going?

Here are some stories that are definitely worth your attention this week. Real wins, key issues, serious developments and moments that hit close to home.

As always, we’ve pulled together the moments shaping Black life right now, in Britain and beyond.

Keep scrolling!

Good news

• Bahrain Mujagata, thought to be the city's youngest licensed taxi driver, was awarded his badge on his 21st birthday

• Adeyinka Adedeji appointed as a District Judge, serving in the South Eastern Circuit, based at Willesden County Court, effective from 5 May 2026

• Caroline Dubois becomes unified WBO and WBC world lightweight boxing champion

• Artemis II: Victor Glover returns from landmark lunar orbit as first Black astronaut to travel to the Moon

• Ghana announces visa-free entry for Africans

Six-year-old girl saves mum’s life after dialling 999 during brain bleed

A six-year-old in Croydon called Pearl has been honoured after calmly calling 999 when her mum collapsed with a life-threatening brain bleed. Emergency crews said her quick thinking and clear instructions helped save her mother’s life, with the child later saying she acted “because I really love my mum”.

Brixton Plaza traders win High Court fight to stop eviction

A group of 27 independent traders have secured an injunction blocking their eviction to make way for a supermarket. Through representation by Leigh Day, the ruling means they can continue trading for now, as a legal battle over their tenancy rights continues.

UK to introduce anti-racism training for midwives amid Black maternal health crisis

New national principles will require universities to embed anti-racism and bias awareness into midwifery training across the UK. It comes as Black women remain three times more likely to die during pregnancy or shortly after childbirth compared to white women.

Britain’s first Black ballerina has historic shoes restored on TV

Trailblazing dancer Julie Felix has had her pointe shoes restored decades after being excluded from a London ballet company due to racism. The shoes date back to her first professional solo; she went on to build a career in the US before returning to teach in the UK.

What else we’re reading

• Remembering the Brixton Uprising of 1981, 45 years on

• Black food business owner convicted after storing fish in bathtub beside toilet

• ‘I dropped my baby off at nursery – within hours staff caused his death’

• BAFTA apologises and says its handling of n-word awards incident is not evidence of institutional racism after review

• Afrika Bambaataa, hip-hop pioneer accused of sexual abuse, dead at 68

• UK issues Kanye West travel ban over antisemitism, leading to festival cancellation

• Politics of Black hair: why grooming rules are under scrutiny across the diaspora

• Reform UK says it would restrict visas for countries like Jamaica and Ghana over slavery reparations

• Sadiq Khan spends £30m on late-night youth clubs in bid to prevent repeat of Clapham disorder

• Leader of UK flag-raising group arrested on suspicion of causing alarm and distress

• Teenager charged with murder after boy, 14, shot dead in London

• ‘Is calling a woman ‘auntie’ ageist harassment – or a mark of respect? It’s a trickier question than you think’ | Lola Okolosie

TikTok star Khadejah Sutherland, 26, dies after documenting stage four cancer journey

Khadejah, a popular TikTok creator who documented her cancer journey, has died aged 26 after being hospitalised. Swipe left for a statement from her team.

The Birmingham native had been living with stage four cancer since 22, which spread from her breasts to her liver and stomach.

She recently fell seriously ill after a trip to Japan and was flown back to the UK, later sharing that doctors found internal bleeding and urgent surgery was needed.

Her journey drew huge support, raising over £21,000, with many now paying tribute to her honesty and strength.

We’re thinking of Khadejah’s loved ones at this time. May she rest in peace. 🙏🏾

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A series of deaths involving Black women found in water across the UK has raised questions about how such cases are investigated, classified and communicated.

Campaigners and families point to several cases between 2020 and 2026 in which women reported missing were later found in rivers, lakes or coastal areas, often with deaths deemed “non-suspicious” or “unexplained”.

Alarm about these cases has grown within Black communities in particular, with platforms including Your Aunties Could Never, The Canary UK, Dr Shola Speaks and For Black Women UK among those amplifying questions and frustrations raised by many.

Black Current News put detailed questions to Sussex Police, the Metropolitan Police and Thames Valley Police about investigative standards, classification decisions and whether similarities across cases are examined beyond individual forces.

Police say each case has been subject to thorough investigation, but families and campaigners argue that the pattern, and the consistency of official conclusions, remain difficult to reconcile.

Among the cases cited is that of Blessing Olusegun, a 21-year-old woman from London who had recently moved to East Sussex to work as a live-in carer. Her body was found on a beach near Bexhill in September 2020.

In May 2022, the senior coroner for East Sussex ruled that her death was accidental, concluding that she had entered the water unintentionally despite being unable to swim.

However, that conclusion followed a sustained campaign by Blessing’s family, who raised concerns about the police investigation and what they described as an “undue readiness” to treat her death as suicide.

They also did not discount the possibility that race may have been a factor in both her death and the way it was investigated, noting that she had died in an overwhelmingly white town - 96% - and significantly older in demographic profile.

The coroner acknowledged that, while there was no evidence of third-party involvement, it could not be ruled out definitively.

While defending their investigation into Blessing’s death, Sussex Police told Black Current News that the force is aware of community concerns and takes them seriously.

In December 2022, Taiwo Balogun, aged 53, was found dead in a lake near Bluewater shopping centre in Kent after being missing for a whole month (29 days) before her body was discovered.

Her death was initially treated as unexpected but not suspicious.

An inquest later concluded in October 2023 that the mum-of-three died by suicide, with evidence of acute alcohol intoxication and a history of mental ill health, including autism, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.

Taiwo’s twin brother, Kenny, said she had struggled in the years after the death of her only daughter in 2007.

Despite her vulnerability, widespread and sustained media appeals were not launched at the time of her disappearance, raising questions about how such cases are prioritised.

Similar concerns have also been raised in cases involving Black children and young people whose bodies were later recovered from water, including 2-year-old Xielo Maruziva (2024), 5-year-old Daniel Alaby (2024), 11-year-old Kaliyah Coa (2025), 14-year-old Noah Donohoe (2020) and Richard Okorogheye, a 19-year-old (2021).

While the circumstances of each case differ, the handling of Richard’s disappearance was formally criticised by the police watchdog after delays in how his case was initially recorded and responded to.

More recently, in March 2026, the body of Edna Mmbali Ombakho was recovered from water in Wraysbury, Berkshire.

Thames Valley Police said her death was “unexplained but not suspicious”, with a file prepared for the coroner.

The Metropolitan Police have also confirmed that the deaths of Samaria Ayanle, a 19-year-old student, and Kayon Williams, whose body was recovered from the River Thames in 2022, were both classified as non-suspicious, with cases referred to the coroner.

Questions have also been raised about how such cases are handled in practice.

In Samaria Ayanle’s case, her body had been recovered from the Thames on 22 February 2024, but was not formally identified until nearly three weeks later, after she was reported missing.

The teenager’s friends described the delay as “unforgiveable”, raising concerns about how information was shared and acted upon.

Police forces contacted said each case had been subject to thorough investigation, with classifications based on available evidence and overseen by coroners - and that no evidence of third-party involvement had been identified.

Concerns about these deaths sit within a wider pattern that has been documented over several years.

Black people have been significantly overrepresented in missing persons data.

In England and Wales, they have accounted for around 14% of missing people despite making up roughly 4% of the population.

In London, the disparity has been even more pronounced, with Black people accounting for 36% of missing persons cases, nearly three times their share of the population.

The disparity has led to longstanding worries around Black people being overrepresented among the missing, but underrepresented in public attention when they disappear.

A 2025 study by journalist Charlie Brinkhurst-Cuff suggests these issues are not emerging in a vacuum.

This research found that Black people are disproportionately represented in missing persons data in the UK, yet their cases often receive less media attention and are less likely to prompt sustained public engagement.

The study also found that decisions about which cases receive coverage are shaped not only by data, but by editorial judgement about what is considered “newsworthy”.

A separate study by Missing People, the charity, drew similar conclusions.

For Black Women UK, a platform raising awareness of violence and neglect affecting Black women and girls in the UK, the sense of panic around these cases stems not only from the outcomes of investigations, but from what happens before them.

Founder Latoya Dennis told Black Current News that she began highlighting cases after noticing a recurring pattern in which Black women were reported missing but received little public attention until they were found dead.

“While each case is different, one of the most concerning similarities is the number of cases where Black women have gone missing and were later found in bodies of water,” she said.

“Alongside this, there is a consistent lack of urgency, media coverage and public awareness while they are missing, which can impact search efforts and outcomes.”

Latoya added that families and communities have raised concerns about transparency in investigations and whether such cases are treated with the same level of priority as others.

“It has contributed to growing concern and a lack of confidence,” she said.

“Many people feel that if they or someone they know were to go missing, their case may not receive the attention needed.”

Campaigners are calling for greater transparency, improved data collection and more consistent media coverage when Black people are reported missing.

Despite speculation online, there is no evidence to indicate that these cases are connected or that a single perpetrator is responsible.

For many families and campaigners, the issue is not rooted in speculation but in confidence, or lack thereof - whether the system is doing enough, early enough and visibly enough to ensure that no case is overlooked.

If you have been affected by any of the issues in this article, support is available. You can contact the Samaritans for free on 116 123 or visit samaritans.org.

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A flagship police reform programme launched in the wake of the global Black Lives Matter protests has failed to deliver the level of change promised to Black communities, according to a damning new report.

An assessment by the Independent Scrutiny and Oversight Board (ISOB), which monitored the Police Race Action Plan (PRAP) over five years, concludes that progress has been “not enough, not fast enough, and not in the ways that matter most”.

The findings cut through years of official rhetoric, exposing a gap between ambition and reality that will feel familiar to many.

Barrister Abimbola Johnson, the board’s chair, is unequivocal in her assessment of what five years of independent scrutiny has produced, writing in the report’s foreword: “The honest answer, at the end of those five years, is: not enough, not fast enough, and not in the ways that matter most to the communities this work was created to serve.”

Launched in 2021 following the murder of George Floyd and renewed scrutiny of UK policing, the Race Action Plan was meant to transform how forces engage with Black communities.

Instead, the report paints a picture of uneven change, driven more by individuals than systems.

At its core, the issue is structural. Racism in policing is not simply about individual behaviour, but embedded in systems, culture and decision-making, the report states.

Yet many forces have been reluctant to publicly acknowledge that reality. As of March 2026, only six out of 44 police forces had formally accepted the existence of institutional racism: Avon & Somerset, Bedfordshire, British Transport Police, Dorset Police, Gloucestershire and South Wales Police.

Without that baseline, meaningful reform becomes difficult to sustain, let alone scale nationally.

Instead, policing has often defaulted to safer ground. Training, consultation and strategy documents have multiplied, but the report questions whether these efforts have led to tangible improvements in people’s lived experiences.

Forces have been “better at producing action plans than demonstrating their impact”, contributing to concerns that engagement with Black communities is sometimes more performative than transformative.

Trust remains low, with one poll suggesting only 46% of Black people in England trust the police compared to 64% of white adults.

The report stresses that confidence cannot be rebuilt through messaging alone, but through sustained behavioural change.

There are examples of progress. For example, some forces have improved transparency and data collection. British Transport Police, for instance, reduced gaps in ethnicity data in stop and search through stronger accountability.

However, these remain isolated rather than systemic. Progress is often tied to individual leaders and, when they move on, momentum stalls.

Without embedded structures and enforceable standards, change remains fragile, the report suggests.

The Race Action Plan itself was voluntary, with no legal requirement, enforcement mechanism or consistent oversight from central government.

As a result, progress has depended heavily on the willingness of individual forces to engage.

The ISOB is now urging the Home Office to plan for what comes next, including funding independent watchdogs and community groups to continue holding policing to account beyond March 2026.

It also identifies internal police culture, including resistance and defensiveness, as a key barrier to change.

The report singles out the Metropolitan Police Service as a persistent flashpoint, asking: “How do you solve a problem like the Met?”

For every year of the PRAP, the force was embroiled in a high-profile race-related scandal.

Britain’s largest police force has remained at the centre of repeated controversies, from the strip-search of Child Q to findings of institutional racism in the Casey Review and Dr Shereen Daniels’ ‘30 Patterns of Harm’ review.

One senior figure quoted in the report describes the force as “incredibly insular and self-focused”, adding that despite having “more problems pointed out than any other force”, it remains “very defensive about external influence”.

Other forces, including less diverse rural ones, are described as more willing to seek outside advice.

For a force of its size and influence, the findings raise serious questions about how deeply reform has taken hold, the report concludes.

The Metropolitan Police has been approached for comment.

Significant gaps remain. Intersectionality is largely absent, while incomplete data limits a clear understanding of who is most affected and how.

With central funding for the ISOB having ended on 31 March, there is no clear plan for what follows, raising concerns about whether even limited progress can be sustained.

The recommendations are directed at national policing bodies, the Home Office and oversight institutions. They include embedding race equity into inspection frameworks, introducing enforceable standards, improving data collection and ensuring scrutiny is independent and properly funded.

After five years, the report makes clear that the structures needed to deliver meaningful change are still not fully in place.

The Home Office has been approached for comment.

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The Green Party of England and Wales is facing renewed scrutiny over allegations of racism and internal dysfunction, after a senior member accused it of “structural” failings and a culture of retaliation, Black Current News has learned.

In a detailed open letter seen by this publication, Hamza Egal, Chair of Global Majority Greens and Convener of the Racism Policy Working Group, sets out a series of claims spanning governance, disciplinary processes and what he describes as “racialised harm”.

Global Majority Greens, chaired by Hamza, is a grouping within the party made up largely of Black and Asian members.

“The Green Party has a racism problem,” he writes.

“Not a perception problem. Not a communication problem. A racism problem - structural, documented and sustained.”

The letter, addressed to senior figures including party leader Zack Polanski and CEO Harriet Lamb, alleges that internal processes have been “weaponised” against members raising concerns, while anti-racism commitments agreed by party members have gone unimplemented.

Among the most serious claims are that:

• complaints procedures have been used in a retaliatory way

• diversity data is not being properly collected, limiting scrutiny of bias

• Subject Access Requests linked to an active disciplinary case were delayed or mishandled

• A conference-passed anti-racism motion from October 2025 has not been implemented

Hamza also calls for an independent investigation into the conduct of the party’s Spring Conference 2026, alleging that procedural disruption prevented key motions from being heard.

He claims that concerns raised internally were met with “process, delay, and silence”, adding that he had been excluded from meetings and subjected to complaints after raising governance issues.

This comes as Zack Polanski continues to position the party publicly on issues of racism and solidarity.

He was among the speakers at a huge anti–far right demonstration in central London in March on Saturday, where tens of thousands gathered to protest rising extremism.

A pattern of concern

The allegations do not exist in isolation.

In January, Demetrius Williams, a former co-chair of LGBTIQA+ Greens, left the party after less than two years of active membership.

In a public statement, he cited poor governance, weak communication and what he described as “cliquey behaviour”, alongside allegations of racism and sexism within parts of the organisation.

He said he still believed in the party’s broader political message, but could no longer publicly advocate for it given his internal experiences.

Earlier claims also point to longer-standing concerns.

In 2020, a Green Party equalities and diversity officer launched a crowdfunding campaign to take the party to court over alleged racial discrimination and victimisation.

Rashid Nix said he had experienced years of “micro-racism” and questioned recruitment processes after his anonymised application was allegedly identified and rejected.

He also accused the party of attempting to pressure him into accepting a “gagging order” as part of a proposed settlement.

At the time, he said the case was about “seeking justice from a political party that should know better.”

Hamza’s letter places particular emphasis on leadership accountability, questioning whether senior figures have acted on known issues.

He argues that anti-racism within the party is being “performed externally” while not being implemented internally, and accuses the leadership of failing to act despite being aware of concerns.

The letter also raises questions about whether conference decisions are being treated as binding and whether party structures are being applied equally to all members.

“This is how institutional racism operates,” Hamzal writes.

“Often through process, often through silence, but always with material consequences.”

Calls for accountability

The letter sets out a list of demands, including:

• a full account of the House of Lords selection process

• implementation of the party’s anti-racism platform

• compliance with data protection requests

• publication of diversity data

• an independent investigation into Spring Conference 2026

It concludes with a direct challenge to the party’s leadership: “The Green Party must now choose what it is…It cannot speak the language of justice while practising exclusion.”

The scrutiny comes at a time of rapid growth for the party.

In March, the Green Party of England and Wales announced that its membership had surpassed 200,000, nearly tripling from around 68,000 in September 2025.

The Green Party has been approached for comment.

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Hi everyone,

How are you keeping?! Just like that, the first quarter of 2026 is done and we’re back with your weekly news round-up.

Over the weekend, organisers say around half a million people took to the streets in central London for a mass protest against far-right politics.

The Together Alliance rally, described as a stand against the “politics of division”, saw crowds march through the capital before speeches in Whitehall, including a video message from Sadiq Khan, and a music event in Trafalgar Square.

Let’s go!

Good news

• Government commits to introducing mandatory ethnicity and disability pay gap reporting for large employers

• Michael Walsh appointed as King’s Counsel in latest round of senior barrister honours

• Mystery donor steps in with £80k to save Black-owned music school in South London. The Music Boutique was founded 30 years ago by James Osho

• Mel Thomas appointed Leicestershire’s first Black High Sheriff after decades of service

‘Enslaving Africans wasn’t illegal at the time, so no reparations owed,’ Britain says as it abstains on UN vote

The UK has been criticised for abstaining from a UN vote recognising slavery as the gravest crime against humanity, arguing there is “no duty” to pay reparations because it was not illegal at the time.

According to YouGov polling, almost half of white Britons strongly opposing reparations, while a majority of Black Britons strongly support them, exposing a stark gap in how the issue is understood and experienced.

Notting Hill Carnival secures £5m boost ahead of 60th anniversary

Notting Hill Carnival has secured £4.66m in funding to strengthen safety and support the event as it rings in 60 years of celebrating Caribbean culture. Organisers say the investment will help deliver a “safe, spectacular and sustainable” carnival while easing pressure on police and infrastructure.

Black writers’ books pulled from UK school library amid censorship row as author speaks out

Nova Reid, an author whose work was reportedly removed from a school library, has spoken out, warning that the targeting of books by Black writers risks fuelling “cultural ignorance” and erasing vital perspectives.

Michael Pusey, also known as CK Flash, launches bid to become Croydon mayor

Michael Pusey, also known as DJ CK Flash, has launched a bid to become Mayor of Croydon, pledging to focus on opportunity, local enterprise and youth empowerment.

Standing for the Taking The Initiative Party, he says he will invest in people and businesses to unlock the borough’s “potential, creativity and resilience” ahead of the May 2026 election.

What else we’re reading

• NHS worker wins harassment case after Ghanaian colleague repeatedly called her ‘auntie’

• Nursery in Dudley admits corporate manslaughter after toddler suffocates to death

• Police officer handed written warning over use of force in arrest of Black children

• Changes at the General Medical Council are expected to result in more doctors accused of racism on social media being struck off

• John Boyega to appear in BBC Damilola Taylor documentary

• Lupus patient says hospital ‘mistake’ left him with severe skin-peeling condition

• MOBO Awards 2026: All the stars and celebs spotted at huge event in Manchester

• Housing estate faces High Court action over claims residents were left “to rot” in squalor

• Lenny Henry slams Trump in fiery speech as he receives huge award

• Famous English diarist Samuel Pepys removed parts of his correspondence to hide that he had been offered an enslaved boy as a bribe, research suggests

Pressing Forward: new study charts 25 years of Black British media

Authored by Nadine White and developed by Brixton Heights Media, Pressing Forward examines the Black British press in modern times.

Featuring a foreword by Professor , the study offers a vital historical record of Black British media’s impact at a time when representation remains key and sets out a blueprint for what comes next. Copies can be accessed here.

Ashley John-Baptiste’s campaign helps secure siblings’ rights in care

New legislation strengthening children’s rights to stay connected with their siblings in care has been announced, following years of campaigning led by broadcaster Ashley John-Baptiste.

Ashley, who is of mixed Black and white heritage, grew up in care.

His BBC documentary, Split Up In Care: Life without Siblings, helped drive national attention to the issue, with campaigners saying the change is long overdue.

Out & about!

Our founder Nadine White recently joined BBC Radio presenter Kamilah McInnis to discuss the work behind Black Current News and the importance of centring Black British stories in the media. The conversation also touched on our reporting on the death of Irene Dzifa King Arthur and wider systemic failings in healthcare. Listen here!

Nadine also guest-wrote an article on the rise of ‘political homelessness’ among Black communities for - one of the UK’s leading current affairs magazines. Read here.

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An author whose work was reportedly removed from a school library has spoken out, warning that the targeting of books by Black writers risks fuelling “cultural ignorance” and erasing vital perspectives.

Nova Reid told Black Current News that she felt “agitated, but not surprised” after learning her book The Good Ally had been singled out in a wider removal of titles from Manchester school The Lowry Academy.

The writer and social justice advocate’s work sits at the intersection of storytelling, mental health and racial justice.

Over more than a decade, she has earned multiple accolades for work widely described as transformative.

“Where the US goes, the UK often follows. None of this is new, sadly,” she said, pointing to a surge in book bans in the United States, where titles exploring race and identity, including Black experiences, are among those most frequently targeted.

“But for this to be happening in schools which are designed to deepen learning, understanding and foster curiosity is deeply problematic.

“One thing’s for sure, if our books weren’t transformative and helping to do the deep change work required to challenge racism and social injustice, they wouldn’t be pulled off shelves. It’s undeniable: they have impact.”

Around 130 books were reportedly removed or restricted following an internal review of library materials, according to an investigation by Index on Censorship, which first uncovered the scale of the removals.

The organisation did not initially name the school involved. It was later identified as The Lowry Academy by local outlet The Mill.

Titles by other Black authors were among those affected, including works by Dean Atta, Reni Eddo-Lodge, Bernardine Evaristo, Michelle Obama and Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie.

When asked what she believes is driving such decisions, Nova was clear.

“Fear, ignorance, fascism, loss of control - any and all of the above,” she said, adding that the situation reflects a wider historical pattern.

“Book burning and banning have been common moves by institutions for centuries. Keeping people ignorant and uninformed helps those institutions maintain control.

“Books have power. They expand knowledge and change people’s world view, which can shape behaviour and the desire to move away from systems and ways of being that are harming us.”

Nova continued: “Schools and libraries should be places of learning and curiosity, especially around subjects that challenge, not control. Human beings are designed to evolve. This kind of behaviour moves us backwards.”

According to reporting by The Mill, the school has denied banning books, stating that an audit was carried out and that most titles were categorised by age appropriateness and returned to shelves, with only a small number removed.

The school has also said it does not recognise the account of a former librarian who alleged she faced disciplinary action over the books she stocked before resigning.

But Nova warned that the implications of such decisions extend far beyond a single school.

“It contributes to historical illiteracy and erasure. Fascism is on the rise in the UK, we can’t ignore that,” she said.

“There are too many people engaging in far-right thinking who lack education and have been falsely indoctrinated to believe that the reason for their negative life circumstances is down to immigrants.

“This censorship of our books contributes to growing cultural ignorance which feeds hate. It’s dangerous.”

When asked what she would say to young people who might now be denied access to books like hers, Nova suggested that they seek support.

“Tell your parents or caregivers what’s happening,” she said.

“Ask them to write to the school for an explanation. Let them know you want the books reinstated. Use your voice.

“If you can, buy our books online or in independent book stores, or find out about campaigns like Free Books Campaign that offer free copies.

“Keep talking about and reading our books.”

The case comes amid growing concern about censorship in UK schools and libraries, with librarians reporting increased pressure to remove books and warning that the influence of US-led campaigns is beginning to shape what young people are allowed to read.

Black Current News has contacted The Lowry Academy for comment.

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British national Teraiya Stapleton has been sentenced to nine months in prison and fined following a cocaine smuggling case in Jamaica, according to her mother.

The mother of one, in her early 20s, had been charged after drugs were allegedly found hidden in footwear at Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay.

She had already spent time in custody awaiting trial before the sentence was handed down on Wednesday.

The outcome has prompted strong reactions online, with loved ones expressing shock at both the conviction and penalty.

In a post, her mother, Sheryl Gentles, wrote: “9 months and a 6 grand fine…God knows why this is happening.”

£6,000 is roughly JMD $1.2 million.

Teraiya’s friend, Genevieve Sanoussi, is also understood to have been sentenced.

The case continues to draw attention across the UK and Jamaica.

Teraiya was arrested in October 2024 alongside Sanoussi as they prepared to board a flight to the UK following a holiday.

Authorities alleged that more than five pounds of cocaine had been concealed inside footwear in their luggage.

According to reporting at the time, around two pounds were said to have been found in Teraiya’s suitcase, with the remainder allegedly discovered in her co-accused’s belongings.

Both women denied knowledge of the drugs, maintaining they were unaware of the contents of the items they were carrying.

The case has been widely discussed across diaspora communities, with competing narratives emerging around culpability, coercion and the risks facing young travellers.

Teraiya’s family have consistently maintained her innocence, arguing she did not knowingly transport drugs and raising concerns about the legal process.

A crowdfunding campaign was launched to support legal fees and explore options for further legal action.

Under Jamaican law, drug trafficking offences carry serious custodial sentences, and prosecutions involving foreign nationals are not uncommon.

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office has previously confirmed to Black Current News that it was providing consular support to the British nationals involved, though it cannot intervene in local judicial proceedings.

The case remains a stark reminder of the severe consequences attached to drug offences overseas, where legal systems, sentencing frameworks and prison conditions can differ significantly from those in the UK.

Isat Buchanan, the high-profile attorney-at-law who represented Vybz Kartel in his successful murder appeal and now serves as Member of Parliament for Eastern Portland, is understood to be acting as counsel to Teraiya.

To understand how this case unfolded, read our earlier explainer.

This story is developing

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Dear readers,

Our regular dispatch is landing a little later than usual after a hectic weekend, some of which was spent at the Community, Corporate & Culture Awards.

It was a special event and we enjoyed being in the room with the likes of Dean Forbes, Davina Forbes-Williamson, Tim Campbell, Richie Brave, Bishop Rose Hudson-Wilkin, Abimbola Johnson, Olivia Hylton and many others doing incredible work across business, media and community.

Below are the stories worth your attention this week, from community wins and cultural moments to key events shaping experiences.

Good news

• African Caribbean Kidney Education Enterprise (ACKEE) wins community business award at the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry SME Business Awards 2026. Launched in 2024, ACKEE tackles kidney health inequalities among African Caribbean communities

• Afua Hirsch receives honorary doctorate from University of the Arts

• Black-owned startup goes global with backing from UK Export Finance

• Trailblazing poet Benjamin Zephaniah honoured as first-ever recipient of the City of Birmingham Medal

Harlesden’s reggae legacy honoured with Music Walk unveiling

Over the weekend, commemorative paving stones were unveiled and awards presented as part of the Harlesden Music Walk, a key strand of the wider Bassline project.

The initiative honours Harlesden’s legacy as the UK’s reggae capital and the Windrush generation whose cultural influence shaped it. It honoured key figures from across the scene, including General Levy, Janet Kay and the late singer Delroy Washington. Pioneering groups Aswad, The Cimarons and Ruff Cut Band were recognised, alongside Dennis Brown, Jet Star record label, Hawkeye Records, Starlight Records and Trojan Records

The moment spoke to community, influence and history, ensuring Harlesden’s reggae heritage is permanently recognised in the area. A public celebration is slated to take place this summer.

TfL investigating after worker seen berating elderly Black woman in public

TfL says it is “urgently investigating” after a worker was filmed berating an elderly woman who asked for directions, telling her to “use her brain” and calling her a “fool”.

Andrew Powell sworn in as King’s Counsel after outstanding career in complex family law

Andrew Powell has been sworn in as King’s Counsel, marking a major career milestone for the leading family law barrister known for handling complex, high-stakes cases at the forefront of evolving legal issues.

Renowned London arts venue under fire after ‘ghetto’ remarks about Black awards event

Renowned London arts venue Rich Mix is facing backlash after broadcaster Remel London said her awards event was described as “ghetto”, “disgusting” and “nasty”.

King Charles photo with Caribbean officials sparks backlash over slavery-linked portrait

A photo of King Charles with Caribbean officials is facing criticism after it emerged the group posed beneath a portrait of George IV, a monarch linked to wealth derived from enslaved labour in Grenada.

What else we’re reading

• Edna Mmbali Ombakho: Fundraiser launched to return her to Kenya after death in the UK

• Dozens of AI ‘Black women’ accounts removed over racist, sexualised content

• ‘Quit or I’ll murder you’: Paapa Essiedu faces racist backlash over Harry Potter casting

• Women in Africa up to 150 times more likely to die from maternal sepsis than in Europe, study reveals

• GB News faces complaints after commentator claims ‘genocide’ against white people in UK

• Ex-Met officer guilty of abusing position to groom TV presenter Jackie Adedeji

• Hundreds of racism complaints at police forces led to no officers sacked

• Black people bitten by police dogs at over three times the rate of white people, data shows

• ‘Racist comments about my daughter’s hair at a kids’ group made me set up my own support network’

• Black music drove 80% of UK recorded music revenue over the past 30 years, report finds

• Station FM founder DJ Keithley dies, remembered as a pioneer of UK reggae radio

UK Black Business Entrepreneurs Survey now open

A new national survey is gathering insights for the upcoming UK Black Business Entrepreneurs Report 2026.

The research aims to better understand the experiences of Black and African Caribbean diaspora-owned businesses, and will be used to inform how government, investors and corporates engage with the sector.

If you’re a business owner, you’re being encouraged to participate and share with others too.

The survey takes less than 10 minutes to complete and is open until 31 March 2026: https://shorturl.at/rWzFF

Out and about!

Our founder, Nadine White, was named ‘Social Justice and Equality Champion’ at Community, Corporate & Culture Awards 2026, sponsored by HSBC, for work that challenges power, speaks truth and holds authority to account across journalism, film and Black Current News.

She extends thanks to Mahari Hay and the CCC team, the judges and her community. The win was unexpected, but deeply appreciated! Read more here.

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As tensions rise between Iran and the United States, following a sharp escalation in late February when US and Israeli forces launched coordinated airstrikes on Iranian nuclear and military sites, much of the focus has been on escalating tensions and global security.

The strikes, which killed senior Iranian figures, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, triggered retaliatory missile and drone attacks by Iran on Israel, US bases and allied targets across the region, raising fears of a wider regional conflict.

But conflicts like this rarely stay confined to one region.

They show up in everyday life by disrupting major oil and gas supplies and the routes used to move them, pushing up global energy prices.

As energy costs rise, so does the price of producing and transporting goods, driving up bills and food prices.

In Britain, those pressures are not felt equally.

For communities already facing structural inequality, global crises can deepen existing hardship and shape everything from household finances to the wider social climate.

Why do global crises tend to hit Black households in Britain harder?

Global crises tend to deepen existing inequalities, rather than create new ones.

Jabeer Butt OBE, Chief Executive of the Race Equality Foundation, told Black Current News: “Global crises rarely affect societies evenly. When international conflicts trigger inflation, energy price rises or wider economic uncertainty, the consequences tend to fall hardest on people who are already economically insecure.

“In Britain, Black households are more likely to face those pressures because of longstanding inequalities in the labour market, housing and income.”

In practice, that means households with less financial cushion are more exposed when prices rise or income becomes unstable.

Could this push up the cost of living again?

There are early warnings that the economic effects of conflict could once again be felt through rising household costs.

Dr Shabna Begum, CEO of the Runnymede Trust, told Black Current News: “Economists are predicting an imminent rise in food prices, as fertiliser and transport costs are set to rise. Black families in the UK already experience a disproportionately high risk of food insecurity, with 21% reporting such issues.

“This means that Black families who already face hunger or reduced food quality are likely to see this worsen.

“Similarly, whilst the new energy price cap will protect energy bills until July, if the war continues, energy prices will likely rise steeply after that period.”

Dr Begum added: “Black households already experience higher rates of fuel poverty and so this is again, likely to have a bigger impact on them.”

For many families, even small increases in food or energy costs can have immediate consequences.

Have we seen this before in Britain?

Recent history offers a clear precedent.

Matthew Johnson, CEO of Race on the Agenda, told Black Current News: “We know that the cost-of-living crisis that was exacerbated by the war in Ukraine had a disproportionate and severe impact on Black people.”

He added: “Research by Runnymede Trust showed that Black and Global Majority communities were 2.2 times as likely to be in deep poverty than their white counterparts when the war in Ukraine started.

“However, this also rises to 2.7 times when we focus on Black communities alone.”

These patterns suggest that global shocks do not land evenly, but follow existing fault lines.

Could more families be pushed into poverty?

Mr Johnson warned that without targeted support, the consequences could be severe.

“Without the right support, these types of impacts will only push more Black people into poverty and those who are already in poverty will be pushed deeper into it,” he said

Lower average savings, higher levels of debt and overrepresentation in lower income brackets mean some households have less room to absorb economic shocks.

As global crises hit unevenly, targeted support is essential, Mr Johnson explained.

With energy bills expected to rise by around £344 in July, increased financial assistance will be needed.

Without it, more Black households risk falling into poverty, while others are pushed further into it.

The UK government has been approached for comment.

Does conflict fuel division and scapegoating at home?

Periods of economic uncertainty can also shift the social climate.

Dr Begum said: “We know that periods of economic strife and insecurity are fertile breeding ground for the far right who exploit economic turbulence to advance hateful messages about scarcity of resources and scapegoat communities of colour for deteriorating conditions.

“Whether it is austerity or foreign policy decisions, the blame for the fallout has a habit of landing with those least active in making them.”

Mr Johnson also pointed to the risk of increased racialised hostility: “Given how Iran is often publicly associated with Islam, political events can lead some to stereotype or generalise Muslims as a whole.

“This racialised hostility means Black people may face abuse not only because they are Muslim, but because they are perceived to be Muslim based on their appearance, ethnicity or cultural identity.”

How does war change who is seen as a threat?

Beyond economics and social tension, some experts warn that conflict can reshape how societies define belonging and threat.

Liz Fekete, director of the Institute for Race Relations, told Black Current News: “We are going backwards.

“Over the last two decades, racism and intolerance have grown exponentially in the UK, with many retrogressive laws and policies that impact on racialised communities directly linked to the seemingly never-ending ‘war on terror’ brought in after September 11 2001.”

She added: “History teaches us that it is racialised communities who are most readily identified as the ‘enemy within’ at a time of war.”

But for many communities, the impact of war is not only about how they are seen, but how they understand the conflict itself.

Dr Begum added: “It also should not be ignored that often these global conflicts trace back over deep colonial scars and that the current military action cannot be delinked from previous histories of extraction of natural resources as well as narratives about ‘moral missions’.

“For many communities of colour in the UK whose own migration pathways were forged through historical colonial chapters - there is an echo of their own experiences in this war in ways that are often ignored.”

Why this matters now

Global conflicts may feel distant, but the effects are not.

From rising bills to shifting political narratives, the consequences show up in everyday life.

The impact is not random. It follows existing inequalities and will continue to hit the same communities hardest.

Recognising that is essential to understanding how global events translate into lived reality in Britain.

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Black people are being bitten by police dogs at more than three times the rate of white people, according to new figures that lay bare stark racial disparities in the use of force across England and Wales.

Figures drawn from Home Office use of force data show that in the year ending 31 March 2025, police deployed dogs against Black people 2.7 times more often than white people overall.

The disparity was even greater when it came to bites, with Black individuals bitten 3.5 times more often.

The findings are supported by Freedom of Information data on complaints about police dog deployments in 2024-25, though only two forces, the Metropolitan Police and West Yorkshire Police, provided usable responses.

Campaign group StopWatch, which conducted the analysis, said the figures raise serious concerns about proportionality and accountability in policing.

Habib Kadiri, executive director of StopWatch, said the data points to a troubling pattern.

“The use of dogs as a police tactic has increased in both frequency and severity, disproportionately affecting Black communities, with scant evidence of any accountability when concerns are raised,” he said.

“The FoIs reveal a pattern where officers escape disciplinary action and complaints are dismissed by a regulator meant to protect the public from excessive police force, heaping further indignity on a highly stressful and traumatic situation for individuals seeking justice for a violent physical assault.”

Case-level evidence obtained from the Metropolitan Police adds further weight to those concerns.

In one incident, an officer reportedly “could not get the dog off” a person who was being handcuffed, resulting in injuries.

In another case, a complainant alleged a police dog was released without warning, leading to injury.

Despite multiple complaints relating to excessive force, the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) found the “service provided was acceptable” in all cases reviewed.

The findings come amid a sharp overall rise in the use of police dogs.

Since 2021, deployments have increased by around 31%, while dog bites have risen by 34%, signalling a growing reliance on the tactic by forces.

Separate Home Office data shows police dogs were deployed 3,232 times across England and Wales, resulting in 2,495 bites.

The data also highlights the breadth of those impacted.

Police dogs were deployed 373 times against children, including one under the age of 11.

There were also hundreds of incidents involving individuals with reported mental and physical health conditions.

Campaigners are now calling for stronger oversight, including the adoption of a “reasonable grounds panel” model used by Northamptonshire Police.

The approach would introduce escalating consequences for officers who fail to meet standards, including restricting their powers until further training is completed.

StopWatch argues that applying similar scrutiny to police dog use could help reduce misuse and rebuild public trust.

The Home Office has been approached for comment.

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Women in sub-Saharan Africa who develop maternal sepsis are almost 150 times more likely to die than those in Europe, according to new research released by WaterAid.

The findings, published as part of the charity’s Time to Deliver campaign, have prompted renewed calls for the UK government to protect overseas aid funding for water, sanitation and hygiene.

The campaign is backed by high-profile figures including singer Beverley Knight and journalist and author Yomi Adegoke, alongside broadcaster Myleene Klass, actors Sir Mark Rylance and Adjoa Andoh, plus others.

Amaka Godfrey, WaterAid’s Executive Director of International Programmes, said: “In the UK, maternal sepsis remains one of the most feared and life-threatening complications of pregnancy and childbirth.

“No woman, anywhere, should fear dying in childbirth simply because there is no clean water.

“In sub-Saharan Africa, one in nine mothers face this reality due to inadequate water, sanitation and hygiene, a crisis made worse by UK aid cuts leaving increasing numbers of women without the basics needed for a safe, dignified birth.”

The warning comes ahead of the UN Water Conference in December, where global leaders are expected to address access to clean water, sanitation and hygiene.

Maternal sepsis, a life-threatening infection that can develop during or after pregnancy, remains one of the leading causes of death in childbirth globally, underscoring stark inequalities in maternal healthcare.

Asatta M Gray, a teacher in Grand Cape Mount, Liberia, said: “When I was delivering, there was no water at the facility. The caretaker had to go and draw water and bring it to the clinic.

“For my previous deliveries, I would have a clean-up and then wear my clothes and go home before taking a bath.”

Shanette Khaula Shamu, a midwife at Bomboja Clinic in Grand Cape Mount, Liberia, explained how a lack of clean water can make childbirth dangerous.

“Water is important. It is the key tool to the health of the mother and the child,” she said.

“Because everything that is done in that process, when it’s not clean, that delivery is not a safe one.

“It’s never considered a safe delivery because through the process the perineum needs to be clean.

“Through that process, everything that needs to be done, has to use water to clean the place than remove your glove and use a sterile glove to care for the child.

“You have to be able to wash your hands.

“If you don’t do this, you can introduce bacteria into the woman. Bacteria she got from the facility, she didn’t come with it.

“Then she will come down with postpartum sepsis. This is very dangerous.”

Her account reflects wider systemic failings across maternity care settings in the region.

Most maternity wards lack proper cleaning (65%), two-thirds do not have clean water and soap for staff to wash their hands (66%), and nearly four in five do not have a functioning toilet (78%), the report found.

As a result, one in nine women develop maternal sepsis, with an estimated 36 deaths each day linked to the condition.

More than 15.4 million births each year take place in facilities without essentials such as clean water, sanitation or handwashing, according to the report.

The charity warns that recent UK aid cuts have worsened the situation, reducing funding for water, sanitation and hygiene from £206.5 million in 2018 to £80 million in 2024, with further reductions expected.

The campaign, launched in Parliament, is urging the UK government to place women and girls at the centre of its development strategy and to mobilise international action ahead of the UN Water Conference later this year.

The UK government has been approached for comment.

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A gross failure in care contributed to the death of a 47-year-old mother with sickle cell disease, an inquest has found, as a coroner ruled that opportunities to treat her were missed during her final days in hospital.

Irene Dzifa King Arthur died at Frimley Park Hospital in Surrey on 8 August 2024, after what the court heard was a period of “clinical deterioration” that was not properly recognised or treated.

Assistant Coroner Dr Karen Henderson concluded that Irene died of natural causes contributed to by neglect, identifying delays in treatment and a failure to respond to clear warning signs.

Despite the findings, the coroner said she would not issue a prevention of future deaths report, stating that changes to haemotology care were already being made within the hospital’s department.

The inquest heard that Irene, who had previously been “generally well” and had never required a blood transfusion, was admitted to hospital on 5 August after feeling unwell.

While she was initially treated appropriately, not all necessary investigations were completed or acted upon that day.

The court heard there was a “significant lapse in care” and “suboptimal care” as her haemoglobin levels dropped by more than 20%, with no adequate steps taken to address it.

Her haemoglobin was found to be around half her normal baseline for more than 24 hours.

The coroner said a blood transfusion should have been given on 6 August but was delayed.

“There was a failure to provide basic medical attention,” she said.

The court heard that Irene was clinically deteriorating in hospital, but this was not properly recognised.

There was “no clinical curiosity” about her increasing need for oxygen, and no adequate investigations were carried out to determine the cause.

The coroner found that this led to a missed opportunity to diagnose pulmonary emboli, or blood clots, which were later identified in a post-mortem examination.

She concluded that if Irene’s anaemia had been treated earlier, her oxygen-carrying capacity would have been improved and she would not have died when she did.

Her anaemia was found to have materially contributed to her death.

Black Current News attended the hearing at HM Coroner’s Court in Woking, where Dominic King Arthur sat with two supportive friends.

As the findings were delivered, Irene’s husband, Dominic, wept in court.

The coroner told him: “I am so sorry for your loss.”

Earlier in the inquest, which opened in January 2026, the court heard that Irene had told her husband she felt she “wasn’t being listened to” during her time in hospital.

In a statement, Dominic described his concerns about her care and the level of understanding of sickle cell disease.

He said the world was “a better place with her in it”.

“I wish I could turn back the time to the dawn of 8th August 2024, when I said I would drop the children off and come back with some strawberries for us to spend the night together in the hospital,” his statement read.

“If I had known that 30 minutes later, I would walk back to see Irene in the hands of medics, I would have stayed with her all the way through.”

He added: “I am still struggling to come to terms with Irene’s tragic and sudden death.

“My life and the lives of our two very young children will never be the same again.”

Concerns about the treatment of sickle cell patients have been raised repeatedly at a national level.

A 2021 cross-party report titled No One’s Listening highlighted evidence of racism and systemic failures in sickle cell care across the UK.

The findings in Irene’s case come amid ongoing scrutiny of how patients with the condition are treated within the NHS.

A civil servant, Irene was a devoted wife and mother of two young children.

Born in Accra, Ghana, she moved to the UK in 2000 and built a distinguished career in public service.

She worked for the Department for Transport and the Air Accidents Investigation Branch, later serving as a policy adviser during the Covid-19 pandemic.

She was also a charity trustee supporting people with Down’s syndrome and their families.

Responding to the inquest’s conclusion, Leigh Day partner Suzanne White said Irene’s experience speaks to a wider, deeply troubling pattern.

“Too many people living with sickle cell disease, predominantly from Black communities, report feeling dismissed, disbelieved, and marginalised when they seek care,” she said.

“This must change. Listening to patients, acting promptly on clinical warning signs, and ensuring staff have the right training and support are not optional, but basic standards of care.

“On behalf of Irene’s family, we will continue to pursue accountability and meaningful, lasting improvements so that no other family endures such a preventable loss.”

Frimley Park Hospital has been approached for comment.

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