The Lifetime Achievement Award recognises an individual’s long-term commitment to volunteering and the Special Recognition Award is for individuals who have given exceptional service to others, particularly over the past year. Volunteers were presented with certificates and medals.

Cllr Gina Needs, Cabinet Member for Community Cohesion and Enforcement at Enfield Council, said: “Our local community is stronger because of our incredible volunteers who work tirelessly and give their time to help others.

“I would like to say a big thank you to every volunteer who works to make our borough a more supportive, and welcoming place.

“Our award winners’ dedication truly makes a difference, and we are proud to hold our annual event to thank, celebrate and recognise their achievements.

“I would encourage our residents to look into becoming a volunteer and to find out more about the current opportunities available in Enfield, so we can help to make the borough a better place to live.”

The winners were chosen from nominations made by residents, voluntary organisations and community groups.

The awards were launched in December 2021 to recognise and to celebrate volunteering effort and commitment.

Enfield Voluntary Action works closely with Enfield Council to help people and community groups access the knowledge, skills and resources to make a real impact in the borough.

To find out more about volunteering opportunities in Enfield visit: https://www.volunteerenfield.org.uk/

Transport for London (TfL) marks the 10th anniversary of The Sarah Hope Line, the flagship customer incident support service that offers compassionate, practical support to anyone affected by a fatal, life-changing, or traumatic incident on TfL’s transport network.

Alongside TfL's steadfast and ongoing commitment to improving safety it is vital that support is available to victims and their loved ones if safety incidents occur. The Sarah Hope Line was set up in 2016 by TfL in partnership with Sarah Hope MBE, after she tragically lost her mother and sustained lifechanging injuries alongside her daughter in a devastating collision with a bus in 2007. Over the last 10 years, the Sarah Hope Line has provided vital, tailored support to more than 600 individuals and families.

To mark the milestone anniversary, TfL, the Mayor of London and Sarah Hope MBE hosted a commemorative event on 16 February. This brought together those who have been supported by The Sarah Hope Line with those who have shaped and championed the service over the past decade, including its founder, Sarah Hope MBE, who joined attendees in reflecting on the profound impact the Sarah Hope Line has had across the capital, and the difference it will continue to make in the years ahead.

TfL Image - TfL staff at Sarah Hope Line

Anyone who contacts The Sarah Hope Line receives tailored support according to their circumstances. This can include trauma counselling, guidance towards specialist charities and organisations, help with travel costs, assistance with funeral expenses and arrangements, and short-term accommodation. The team also regularly supports individuals affected by incidents that occurred years earlier, but who are only now ready to seek help.

The introduction of The Sarah Hope Line formed a key part of TfL’s wider commitments to Vision Zero to eliminate deaths and serious injuries from London’s transport system. As part of this work, TfL and the Mayor of London committed to collaborating closely with regulators, operators and other stakeholders to thoroughly investigate serious incidents and ensure lessons are learned and shared.

Sarah Hope MBE, founder of the Sarah Hope Line, said: "For ten years, the Sarah Hope Line has stood beside people on the hardest days of their lives, offering kindness, compassion and practical help when it’s needed most. Every call reminds us that behind every incident is a real person and a family who deserve to be heard and supported — and it gives us hope that together we can build a safer, kinder future. I ask everyone to play their part: stand with us, speak up for reducing danger, and help make London’s streets safer for all."

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: "The aftermath of a serious incident on our transport network is harrowing, and it’s vital that everyone affected gets professional help when they need it

"The Sarah Hope Line has provided vital support to Londoners affected by serious incidents on our transport network over the past decade, and I want to thank Sarah for her strong campaigning which made this service a reality.

"This service is a key part of our commitment to eliminate deaths and serious injuries from the capital’s transport system, as we continue building a safer and better London for all."

S&D MEPs Lina Gálvez, chair of the European Parliament’s committee on women’s rights and gender equality, and Heléne Fritzon, S&D vice-president responsible for Feminist Europe, are travelling to the United States as part of an official European Parliament mission to participate in the CSW and defend gender equality worldwide.

In 2026, President Donald Trump has withdrawn the United States not only from UN Women but also from more than 60 UN organisations, including those central to gender equality and sexual and reproductive health and rights. The United States – once a cornerstone of multilateral cooperation – is now undermining it, defunding key bodies, and weakening the global fight against violence and discrimination targeting women and girls.

For the S&D Group, the message is unequivocal: Europe cannot stand by while women’s rights are traded for nationalist politics. As Washington turns its back on global equality, Europe must fill the leadership vacuum.
Lina Gálvez, chair of the FEMM committee and EP rapporteur on the resolution for the 70th CSW, said:

“Donald Trump’s withdrawal from international organisations defending women’s rights is not just a diplomatic decision – it is a political attack on the global system that protects women and girls. It emboldens those who want to roll back rights, silence survivors and normalise discrimination.

“Europe must not respond with caution or silence. If the United States makes it impossible to hold the CSW in New York, the European Union must immediately offer to host it. We cannot allow the world’s most important forum on women’s rights to become collateral damage of far-right ideology.

“Gender equality is not a side issue – it is the foundation of democracy. There is no freedom, no justice and no prosperity without women’s rights. If others abdicate responsibility, Europe must lead.”
Heléne Fritzon, S&D vice-president responsible for Feminist Europe, added:

“What we are witnessing is a deliberate and organised backlash. Authoritarian leaders and far-right movements are attacking sexual and reproductive rights, dismantling gender equality and starving women’s organisations of funding. This is about power – about pushing women back into silence and dependence.

“The theme of this year’s CSW – access to justice for all women and girls – goes to the core of the problem. Around the world, perpetrators too often escape accountability because they are powerful, wealthy or politically connected. Meanwhile, victims are questioned, discredited or ignored. That is not justice – it is inequality before the law.
“We are going to New York with an uncompromising message: justice systems must protect survivors, not perpetrators. Funding for women’s organisations must be strengthened, not cut. And there must be zero tolerance for all forms of violence against women. Europe will not be neutral in the face of misogyny and authoritarianism. We will stand up and fight for gender equality.”

A gender-neutral toilet and an accessible toilet, both with baby changing facilities, are now available at Morden where the former ticket office was situated. Morden is the first London Underground station to benefit from new toilets following the Mayor’s commitment, as well as the first station on the southernmost section of the Northern line’s Morden branch to offer facilities. It has been prioritised due to it being a terminus.

Accessible toilet facilities opened last year at Clapton, Seven Sisters and White Hart Lane London Overground stations as part of the programme. New accessible toilets will be installed next at New Cross Gate and then Acton Central London Overground stations. Work is currently underway at Amersham Underground station, where major refurbishment works will convert existing customer toilets into fully accessible facilities. Further new accessible toilets will be installed at Colindale, Leyton, Northolt and West Ham Underground stations, as well as at Surrey Quays London Overground station as part of wider station enhancement works.

Midlife refurbishments of existing toilet facilities - which can include new fixtures, fittings, flooring and tiles for a cleaner and more modern environment - were recently completed at High Barnet Underground station and Willesden Junction London Overground station. Refurbishment works are now underway at Penge West and Crystal Palace London Overground stations, with further locations due to start work soon, including Stanmore and Watford Underground stations as well as Bush Hill Park and Enfield Town London Overground stations. A further 37 locations on the TfL network have had an LED lighting upgrade in their toilets, for improved energy efficiency and ambiance.

Emma Strain, TfL’s Customer Director, said: “We know that for many people, not being able to access a toilet can be the difference between going out on the network or not, which can have a disruptive and devastating impact on their lives. The opening of these new toilets at Morden is a significant milestone in our work to increase and improve provision on our network, building on our programme of improved facilities at Tube stations across the capital, and ties into our commitment to make our wider network as fair, accessible and inclusive as possible.”

Deputy Mayor for Transport, Seb Dance, said: "Toilet provision is critical for many Londoners and visitors, and can even determine whether somebody travels on public transport at all, so I’m pleased to see this new toilet at Morden station and many more facilities in the pipeline. The Mayor and I are committed to making our transport network as accessible as possible, and we're investing £3 million every year over five years to improve and increase accessible toilet facilities - the largest investment in toilets the network has ever seen - as we continue building a fairer and better London for everyone."

John McGeachy, Campaigns Manager, Age UK London: “London’s transport network should be accessible for everyone and that can’t happen without better provision of toilets. These new toilets at Morden station are very welcome. Many people using Morden station are travelling to or from central London and having toilets at Morden station will make those journeys that bit more comfortable. There may also be some people that start using this stretch of the Northern line where previously they avoided it. Good public transport can make a huge difference to people’s lives and any work to reduce barriers is vital. We hope that this momentum continues with more toilets on the network in 2026 alongside work to increase awareness about the locations of toilets.”

Cllr Eleanor Stringer, Deputy Leader of Merton Council and Cabinet Member for Civic Pride and Climate Change, said: “It’s fantastic that, after years of campaigning from the council and the local community, TfL are now opening new toilets at Morden station. This is a huge boost for making our transport network and town centre more accessible for everyone - especially older people, those with disabilities, and women and children. We look forward to continuing to work with TfL and the Mayor to improve transport accessibility in London.”

There are currently toilets available at 155 locations on the TfL transport network, with an additional 40 toilets within stations on the network that are not managed by TfL. TfL has created a handy Toilet Tube Map, which shows all the toilet facilities across the TfL network, including baby changing facilities and those that are wheelchair accessible.

All toilets across the TfL network are cleaned regularly. Customers can report anything in relation to toilets to any member of station staff and TfL is also developing a toilet best practice design guide to ensure that any new or upgraded toilets meet relevant standards and regulations, and are easy to maintain and less prone to abuse.

The Mayor of London’s commitments directly reinforce TfL’s customer inclusion strategy ‘Equity in Motion’ which launched two years ago, committing to more than 80 actions to make London’s transport network as fair, accessible and inclusive as possible. Actions that TfL has already delivered as part of this include improvements to lift and escalator designs, new Disability Equality Training for frontline London Underground staff that was developed with experts who have lived experience, and a new priority seat design that makes priority seating easier to identify on new DLR and Piccadilly line trains and refurbished Central, Waterloo & City line and Elizabeth line trains.

Key points

• Labour is rolling out Best Start free breakfast clubs to save working families up to £450 and set children up to start the day ready to learn
• 500 more schools to offer clubs from April, achieving Labour’s Plan for Change
• Half a million pupils in England’s most disadvantaged communities to benefit this year

It represents a campaign win for Enfield Labour, whose leader, Cllr Ergin Erbil, and MPs, Kate Osamor, Bambos Charalambous and Feryal Clark, wrote to all eligible local schools to encourage them to apply to join the scheme.

The clubs come alongside a high number of measures driven forward by Labour to cut the cost of living for families in Enfield, including expanding free school meals, rolling out 30 hours of government funded childcare, bringing down school uniform costs, and securing the future of Best Start holiday clubs.

Achieving promises made to working parents in Labour’s manifesto, all primary aged children attending these nine schools will be able to access a free breakfast and at least 30 minutes of free childcare every day, helping to support parents getting into work.

Universal Best Start free breakfast clubs are key to Labour’s Plan for Change, breaking down barriers to opportunity by making sure every child starts the school day ready to learn. Research shows the clubs have a lasting impact on children’s behaviour, attendance and attainment.

The scheme also plays a key role in Labour’s mission to tackle child poverty. The government is on track to secure the biggest reduction in child poverty within a single 5 year term, with targeted support reaching half a million children in England’s most disadvantaged communities and ensuring every child starts the day ready to learn.

Cllr Ergin Erbil, the leader of Enfield’s Labour council, said:

“One of my top priorities is to tackle the cost of living in Enfield. Free Breakfast Clubs are just one of the ways that we’re supporting local families to save money. 30 hours a week free childcare, the limit on how many branded items of uniform schools can charge for that’s coming in this September and more children than ever before able to get Free School Meals.

In our manifesto, we will set out how Enfield Labour will continue to further help families with the cost of living, and give every child in Enfield the best start in life when we win the elections in May.

Bridget Phillipson, Secretary of State for Education, said:

“Free breakfast clubs sit right at the heart of Labour’s Plan for Change, breaking the link between background and success for families all over the country.

“Breakfast clubs can have a transformative impact on the lives of millions of children, feeding hungry tummies and fuelling hungry minds so every child begins the day ready to learn.

“Alongside our plans to roll out school based nurseries and get thousands more children school ready, this government is delivering the reforms needed to give every child, wherever they grow up, the best start in life.”

The next Superloop express bus service, SL11, is going into service for the first time this weekend, (Saturday 24 January) reducing journey times and strengthening transport links in southeast London. The SL11 route will run as a limited-stop express service between Abbey Wood and North Greenwich via Thamesmead and Woolwich and will provide Londoners with a sustainable transport option. It will also support regeneration plans in the Thamesmead area and the DLR extension, which was given the green light in the Government’s Autumn Budget.

It comes after Transport for London’s (TfL's) latest consultation on proposals to extend the DLR from Gallions Reach to Beckton Riverside and Thamesmead demonstrated strong public backing. The introduction of route SL11 is a key milestone in supporting thousands of new homes and jobs, unlocking growth and improving sustainable travel options in the area.

To celebrate the launch, pay as you go customers will be able to enjoy free travel on SL11 for the first week. Customers will still be required to touch in with a valid Oyster card or contactless card as they board the bus as usual but won't be charged.

The SL11 route builds on the success of the game-changing Superloop network, which has carried around 60 million passengers overall since its introduction. With the inclusion of SL11, the Superloop bus network will increase to 218 kilometres of routes, transforming travel in and around outer London and adding 8.1million of bus kilometres per year to the capital’s network. The BL1 express service from Waterloo to Lewisham, mirroring the proposed Bakerloo Tube line extension route, launched last September and has seen positive results. The route saw more than 27,900 customers tap in during its first seven days when it also offered free fares. Plans are now in place to expand the network even further, ensuring buses continue to play a critical role in a green, healthy, and inclusive future for London.

The SL11 replaces route 472 (in the daytime only), improving journey times in the southeast and providing quicker connections to other key services in the capital. It will run at a higher frequency than route 472 improving wait times. The route will also take a more direct route through Woolwich town centre and provides easy connections with Superloop route SL3 at Abbey Wood for journeys towards Bexleyheath, Sidcup, Chislehurst and Bromley North. The buses will have dedicated priority seat moquettes and most buses will have USB chargers at seats. SL11 will have a timetabled frequency of every six minutes during the day Monday to Saturday between 07:00 and 21:00, and every 10 to 12 minutes during other times, except early Sunday mornings when it will be every 15 minutes.

The night route, N472, will also be introduced from 00:15 to 04:45 and serve all bus stops currently served by route 472. Buses will operate every 30 minutes on all nights of the week and will use the same buses as the SL11.

The initiative has a primarily charitable purpose: through the official website www.longesttiramisu.uk, it is possible to donate by booking your own slice or tray of tiramisu, directly contributing to the fundraising campaign in support of the Esharelife Foundation, a UK-based charity recognised by the Charity Commission. The foundation supports projects in some of the most disadvantaged areas of the world and also backs the Mayor of London’s Food Bank Project, providing tangible help to families and individuals in need.

The event will take place at Chelsea Old Town Hall and is organised by COMPLITALY TV, the news and media channel for Italians in the United Kingdom, and promoted by Nexa Events Ltd. The project represents one of the most significant initiatives ever undertaken in the UK to promote Italian gastronomic culture. The initiative benefits from the patronage of the Embassy of Italy in London, the Consulate General of Italy in London, the Italian Chamber of Commerce for the United Kingdom, the Italian Cultural Institute, ICE – Italian Trade Agency, and the Consulate of the Republic of San Marino.

The record attempt will be carried out in partnership with leading brands of Italian excellence, which will actively contribute to the preparation of the tiramisu: Azienda Carnevale, Sterilgarda, Forno Bonomi, Eurovo, Illy Caffè, Bontà Italia and Gelecta—companies that represent the very best of Made in Italy worldwide.

Alongside the main partners, the event is supported by a strong network of sponsors, including: Tratos, Eataly, Gruppo San Carlo, Coach House, McArthurGlen, Zonin, Del Vigna LTD, Ricchetto Law, Britaly SM & Partners, Blacksmith Insurance Brokers, and BR.IT. Customs, confirming the project’s economic and institutional relevance. A central operational role will be played by the gastronomic supporters, who will be directly involved in the hands-on creation of the record-breaking tiramisu: Federazione Italiana Cuochi UK, Italian Culinary Consortium, and Etica del Gusto, which will coordinate the chefs and pastry chefs taking part in the challenge.

Separately, the event will also welcome the participation of schools, present as symbolic and community-based entities: the Italian school SIAL.school in London and Chelsea Park Walk School, highlighting the connection between Italian culture and the local area, with an operational involvement in the record-making process. Additional supporters include Lyre’s and the cultural association Il Circolo, which will contribute to enhancing the event and its related activities.
The initiative will be amplified by a network of media and radio partners, including FPA, Rai Italia, Rai Radio 2, Vero, London Mums, Radio Venezia, Radio Monte Carlo 2, and Gotobeat, which will also serve as the official ticketing platform for the evening concerts.

The programme will in fact include live concerts on Saturday evening, organised with the support of Gotobeat (ticketing platform), featuring performances by Chiara Nova, The Italian Radio Society, and Ed Sheeran Experience, turning the record attempt into a large, public celebration. Not just tiramisu. Over the two days, the Italian Expo will also take place—an exhibition featuring stands from selected Made in Italy excellence brands. The project also carries a strong symbolic value: the tiramisu will be dedicated to King Charles III and Queen Camilla, as a gesture of gratitude towards the United Kingdom and as a celebration of the deep bond between Italy and Great Britain, strengthened by the presence
and contribution of the Italian community. Through the official website, it is also possible to register as a volunteer, becoming part of the team that will help deliver the Guinness World Record and experiencing first-hand an event
destined to make history.

“This project shows how a record can become a collective act of solidarity,” says Mirko Ricci, Director of COMPLITALY TV and creator of the initiative. “It is our way of saying thank you to this country and of showing what the Italian community can achieve when it works together.” Compliance with all Guinness World Records regulations will be ensured by Gaglione Notaries and Solicitors, who will support the official adjudicator throughout all verification and validation stages of the record attempt. Ricci already holds five Guinness World Records, including the record for the largest tiramisu in the world, achieved in Italy in 2015 with a monumental dessert weighing over 3,015 tonnes. His other records include the largest profiterole, millefoglie, and focaccia in the world. Finally, the event takes place in a historic moment for Italian cuisine, recently recognised by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, making this London-based record
attempt a global symbol of excellence, solidarity, and cultural identity. ITALIAN VERSION Il Tiramisù più lungo del mondo: qualcosa di grande sta per arrivare a Londra Un tributo da record a Re Carlo III e alla Regina Camilla per celebrare l’eccellenza, la cultura e la solidarietà italiana nel cuore di Londra Un grande record può essere anche un grande gesto di solidarietà.

Nasce con questo spirito “The Longest Tiramisu – Guinness World Record Official Attempt”, l’ambizioso progetto che il 25 e 26 aprile porterà a Londra il tentativo ufficiale di realizzare il tiramisù più lungo del mondo, superando i 300 metri sotto la supervisione dei giudici del Guinness World Records.

L’iniziativa ha uno scopo primariamente benefico: attraverso il sito ufficiale www.longesttiramisu.uk è possibile donare prenotando la propria fetta o il proprio vassoio di tiramisù, contribuendo direttamente alla raccolta fondi destinata alla Esharelife Foundation, charity con sede nel Regno Unito riconosciuta dalla Charity Commission. La fondazione sostiene progetti nelle aree più svantaggiate del mondo e supporta anche il Food Bank Project del Mayor of London, offrendo un aiuto concreto a famiglie e persone in difficoltà.

L’evento si svolgerà presso la Chelsea Old Town Hall ed è organizzato da COMPLITALY TV, il canale di informazione per gli italiani nel Regno Unito, promosso da Nexa Events Ltd. Il progetto rappresenta una delle più importanti iniziative di promozione della cultura gastronomica italiana mai realizzate nel Regno Unito.

L’iniziativa gode del patrocinio dell’Ambasciata d’Italia a Londra, del Consolato Generale d’Italia a Londra, della Camera di Commercio Italiana per il Regno Unito, dell’Istituto Italiano di Cultura, dell’ICE – Italian Trade Agency e del Consolato della Repubblica di San Marino. Il record sarà realizzato in partnership con marchi dell’eccellenza italiana, che contribuiranno
attivamente alla preparazione del tiramisù: Azienda Carnevale, Sterilgarda, Forno Bonomi, Eurovo, Illy Caffè, Bontà Italia e Gelecta, aziende simbolo del Made in Italy nel mondo.

Accanto ai partner principali, l’evento è sostenuto da una solida rete di sponsor, tra cui: Tratos, Eataly, Gruppo San Carlo, Coach House, McArthurGlen, Zonin, Del Vigna LTD, Ricchetto Law, Britaly SM & Partners, Blacksmith Insurance Brokers e BR.IT. Customs, realtà che confermano la rilevanza economica e istituzionale del progetto. Un ruolo operativo centrale sarà svolto dai supporter gastronomici, che si metteranno in prima linea nella realizzazione materiale del tiramisù da record: Federazione Italiana Cuochi UK, Italian Culinary Consortium ed Etica del Gusto, che coordineranno chef e pastry chef coinvolti nell’impresa.

Separatamente, l’evento vedrà anche la partecipazione delle scuole, presenti come realtà simboliche e di comunità: la scuola italiana SIAL.school di Londra e la Chelsea Park Walk School, a testimonianza del legame tra cultura italiana e territorio, con un coinvolgimento operativo nella realizzazione del record. Tra i supporter figurano inoltre Lyre’s e l’Associazione culturale Il Circolo, che contribuiranno alla valorizzazione dell’evento e delle sue attività collaterali.
L’iniziativa sarà amplificata da una rete di media e radio partner composta da FPA, Rai Italia, Rai Radio 2, Vero, London Mums, Radio Venezia, Radio Monte Carlo 2 e Gotobeat, che sarà anche ticketing platform ufficiale per i concerti serali.
Il programma prevede infatti concerti dal vivo il sabato sera, organizzati con il supporto di Gotobeat (ticketing platform), che vedranno sul palco Chiara Nova, The Italian Radio Society ed Ed Sheeran Experience, trasformando il tentativo di record in una grande festa aperta al pubblico.
Non solo tiramisù. Durante le due giornate si svolgerà anche l’Italian expo: un’exhibition di stand di alcune eccellenze del Made in Italy.
Il progetto assume anche un forte valore simbolico: il tiramisù sarà dedicato a Re Carlo III e alla Regina Camilla, come gesto di riconoscenza verso il Regno Unito e come celebrazione del legame profondo tra Italia e Gran Bretagna, rafforzato dalla presenza e dal contributo della comunità italiana.

Attraverso il sito ufficiale è inoltre possibile iscriversi come volontari, entrando a far parte del team che lavorerà alla realizzazione del Guinness World Record e vivendo in prima persona un evento destinato a entrare nella storia.
“Questo progetto dimostra che un record può diventare un atto collettivo di solidarietà,” dichiara Mirko Ricci, direttore di COMPLITALY TV e ideatore dell’iniziativa. “È il nostro modo di ringraziare questo Paese e di dimostrare cosa la comunità italiana è in grado di realizzare quando lavora unita.”

A garantire il rigoroso rispetto delle regole del Guinness World Records sarà lo studio legale Gaglione Notaries and Solicitors, che affiancherà il giudice ufficiale durante tutte le fasi di verifica e convalida del record. Ricci vanta già cinque Guinness World Records, tra cui quello per il tiramisù più grande del mondo, realizzato in Italia nel 2015 con un dolce monumentale di oltre 3.015 tonnellate. Tra gli altri primati figurano il profiterole, la millefoglie e la focaccia più grandi del mondo.

L’evento si inserisce infine in un momento storico per la cucina italiana, recentemente riconosciuta dall’UNESCO come Patrimonio Immateriale dell’Umanità, rendendo questo tentativo londinese un simbolo globale di eccellenza, solidarietà e identità culturale.

The Mayor’s Civic Awards recognise outstanding volunteers, campaigners, and fundraisers who go above and beyond for their community. Both individuals and groups can be nominated.

Meanwhile, the Ben Kinsella Award, created in memory of Ben Kinsella, celebrates young people aged 18 or under who are making a positive impact locally. Any Islington resident under 18 can be put forward for this award.

Last year’s awards spotlighted inspirational local heroes - from a lifelong volunteer transforming schools and community spaces, to a devoted caretaker whose passion for music brought joy for over three decades, and a young fire cadet leading safety workshops and greening our borough. Their stories remind us of the kindness that makes Islington such a caring community.

Cllr Jason Jackson, Mayor of Islington, said: “Every one of us knows someone who gives their time and energy to help others without expecting anything in return.

“Whether they’re a volunteer, a carer, a community organiser, or a young person inspiring their peers - such commitment reflects the very best of Islington. Let’s celebrate these remarkable local heroes who make our borough such a welcoming place.”

Residents are invited to nominate those who have made a real difference in the local community by:

Inspiring and supporting children and young people
Fostering safety, inclusion, and a strong sense of community
Championing a cleaner, greener, and healthier Islington
Helping neighbours through cost-of-living challenges
Volunteering their time to enhance local life
The award winners will be announced at a special ceremony in March 2026 at Islington Assembly Hall. The Mayor will present the awards, alongside certificates and vouchers to celebrate their exceptional contributions.

To learn more about the awards and to submit a nomination, head to the council’s website. Nominations close at midnight on Sunday, 1 February, ahead of the award's ceremony on Monday, 23 March.

For details of last year’s winners, visit the council’s website.

Williams delivered when it mattered most, knocking down two key three-pointers in the fourth quarter along with an incredible chase down block, while Reynolds added a game-high nine assists to control the tempo.

Donald Carey Jr led all scorers for Leicester with 23 points, while Raequan Battle poured in 30 in a high-usage display.

London’s efficiency told the story. The Lions shot 55 percent from the field, dished out 22 assists, and were clinical at the line, converting 13 of 14 free throws. Contributions came from across the roster, with Ethan Price scoring 10 points on 5-of-7 shooting off the bench and Tarik Phillip adding 11 points and five assists.

There was little to separate the sides early on. London edged a tight opening quarter 21-19, and neither team was able to gain meaningful separation in the second. The lead never grew beyond five points, with the Lions taking a narrow 40–38 advantage into half-time, in part thanks to Karolis Lukosiunas hitting 3-of-4 from three-point range to keep Leicester honest, as the rest of the team went 0-for-10.

The third quarter proved decisive. Leicester have struggled in that period throughout the season, and the trend continued as London asserted control, outscoring the Riders 22-15 to build a 62–53 lead heading into the final quarter.

The Riders threatened a comeback, opening the fourth on a 7–0 run to force a timeout from Lions head coach Tautvydas Sabonis. The response was immediate, as Williams buried a corner three to halt the momentum. London pushed the lead into double figures for the first time with just over two minutes remaining, again through Williams from beyond the arc, before closing out the game with composure.

The Lions now turn their attention to Europe, travelling to Italy to face Dolomiti Energia Trento in the EuroCup on Tuesday night.

Children spend a significant portion of their lives at school, making the quality of education, environment, and support critical. The Tes Awards aim to highlight institutions that excel in these areas, from innovative teaching to exceptional student outcomes.

This year’s awards, held on June 20, spanned multiple categories, including Inclusive School of the Year, Teaching Assistant of the Year, and Subject Lead of the Year. Among London’s winners:

• Oasis Academy South Bank: Recognized for its high teacher retention, positive student outcomes, and nurturing atmosphere. Tes praised the academy for providing “a warm, inclusive, and supportive learning community that sets pupils up for life,” noting that attendance is among the highest in the borough despite challenging circumstances for many students.

• Rosemead Preparatory School and Nursery: Awarded Independent Prep School of the Year. Judges highlighted its forward-thinking approach, including AI-enhanced learning, robotics on the curriculum, and innovative assessment methods. One expert described it as “a school to watch.”

• Harris Federation: Named Trust of the Year (10 schools or more) for consistently high attainment levels and strong Ofsted ratings.

• Abingdon House School: Won Best Use of Technology for leveraging specialized tools to support neurodiverse students.

• William McWhirter, Kingsdale Foundation School: Recognized as Subject Lead of the Year for his work as head of PE.

These awards shine a spotlight on London’s schools providing high-quality education in both state-funded and independent settings, ensuring children are supported academically and personally.
While private institutions often make the headlines, state schools like Oasis Academy demonstrate that exceptional education is available without tuition fees. Parents looking for guidance can also consult other league tables, including the Sunday Times Power Guide and Which School Advisor rankings, to explore top-performing comprehensive and selective schools across the UK.

Leandro Petersen, AFA’s Chief Commercial & Marketing Officer, said: “This is a historic moment for Argentine football. Our aim is to build a brand that resonates globally, beyond sporting achievements, through professional management and strategic alliances.”

Attendees were treated to a special interview with World Cup-winning goalkeeper Emiliano “Dibu” Martínez, who underlined the worldwide influence of Argentine football and the loyalty of its fans. “Our jersey represents values and identity that transcend borders,” he stated.

Brand Finance revealed the AFA’s brand value and its robust global sponsorship portfolio, while Genius Sports shared insights into technology and data innovations supporting the federation’s commercial growth.

The event, supported by Arsenal FC, emphasized AFA’s commitment to international growth, highlighting how Argentine football continues to expand its reach through strategic partnerships, innovation, and fan engagement worldwide.

After successful activations in Belgrade and Valencia earlier this season, Bouncing For Good continued to build momentum in London, engaging young people through an interactive workshop designed to promote teamwork, confidence, and positive life habits. One Team coaches, London Lions staff and volunteers guided students through a blend of basketball drills, team-building exercises and creative challenges that encouraged both physical activity and personal growth.

King Solomon Academy — located in central London and known for its culturally diverse community and commitment to equity — welcomed the program as part of its ongoing efforts to support students from a wide range of socioeconomic backgrounds. With 62% of its pupils receiving free school meals, the school places strong emphasis on providing opportunities that enrich students’ educational and social experiences.

During the afternoon, Bouncing For Good culminated in a special basketball donation, where London Lions players Amin Adamu, Mo Soluade together with Jada Lewis and Sara Ahmadpour from the London Lions Women’s team presented new basketballs to the school and participate in fun on-court activities with the students. The players shared insights from their own journeys in sport, helping inspire the next generation to stay active, ambitious and engaged.

Amin Adamu, also the One Team ambassador of the London Lions program, expressed his enthusiasm for being part of the initiative: “Growing up, basketball played a huge role in helping me build confidence and stay focused, so being here and sharing that with young people means a lot to me. If programs like this can give kids a positive space to learn, express themselves and feel supported, then it’s already making a real difference and I’m very happy to be able to take part of it”.

The partnership between Euroleague Basketball’s One Team, Motorola and local clubs such as the London Lions underscores a shared commitment to using sport as a tool for social good. With more European cities scheduled for upcoming visits, Bouncing For Good will continue delivering meaningful community engagement throughout the season.

The Mayor of Enfield Council, Councillor Margaret Greer, and STEM Activities Coordinator, Linda Van Keimpema from Imperial College London, presented award certificates to the students who accomplished some of the highest grades across various subjects, including an additional award for the students who achieved the highest results in STEM subjects.

The evening also included informative workshops for students and their parents and carers, offering discussions about university choices, careers, and higher education, including a panel session with representatives from Oxford University, Cambridge University, Imperial College, and others.

Keynote speakers included Highlands School alumni, Rishan Patel, PhD Candidate at UCL, and Tia El-Ahmadi, apprentice at BlackRock within the Client Experience Department.
Congratulating the students, Councillor Abdullahi said, “I would like to say a huge well done to all the pupils that have received outstanding results this GCSE. A lot of hard work and endless dedication has been put into the work, so it brings me great pleasure to recognise and dedicate the evening to our rising stars.

“This would not have been possible without the support from the schools, teaching staff and headteachers who are always on call to support the students during class time. I would like to give a special thanks to Vincent Mclnereny, Headteacher of Highlands School, for hosting the evening and leading on parents Q&A session.”
“100% of maintained schools in Enfield are now rated Good or Outstanding by Ofsted across all four key categories.

“We hope we can continue to push the boundaries forward to give the students in our borough the best chance of succeeding.”
The Mayor of Enfield Council, Councillor Margaret Greer said, “A wonderful end to the day at the Enfield High Achievers Awards at Highlands School. Honoured to celebrate our outstanding Year 12 students, their dedication, and the families and teachers who helped guide them.
“My speech tonight recognised their resilience, excellence, and bright futures. Truly inspiring to witness such talent shaping the future of our borough.”
The event has been made possible through sponsorship from St Peter’s College Oxford, and Newnham College Cambridge.

NHS National Medical Director Prof. Meghana said, “This unprecedented wave of super flu is placing the NHS in a worst-case scenario for this time of year.”

The number of flu patients in hospitals is now enough to fill three full hospital trusts. Cases in Scotland are also rising, although at a slower pace. Experts warn that this season could be particularly severe due to a new mutated version of the virus.

Flu Symptoms and Risk Groups

While flu usually resolves on its own, it can cause serious illness in certain groups. Symptoms often appear suddenly and include high fever, body aches, fatigue, dry cough, sore throat, and headache.

In children, ear pain and reduced activity may also be observed.

Who should be especially cautious?

• Adults over 65
• Pregnant individuals
• People with heart, lung, kidney, or immune system problems
• Babies and young children
• Anyone whose symptoms do not improve within 7 days

Emergency and Medical Assistance

If flu symptoms become severe or high-risk situations arise:

• You can call NHS 111 or seek help online via 111.
• In cases requiring urgent intervention, call 999 or go to the hospital’s A&E.

Immediate help is recommended for:

• Sudden chest pain
• Difficulty breathing
• Heavy coughing with blood

Mask Usage and Protective Measures

The surge of “super flu” has revived the pandemic-era discussion on mask-wearing. Some hospitals now require patients and visitors to wear surgical masks when entering A&E.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) advises that people with flu-like symptoms consider wearing a mask, especially when case numbers are rising.

Daniel Elkeles, head of NHS Providers, stated: “People with symptoms such as fever or body aches must wear face coverings in public. The infection control discipline we maintained during Covid needs to be reinstated.”

According to UKHSA, masks protect the wearer and, if used by someone with symptoms, reduce the spread of virus particles.

Public Health Recommendations

Flu is highly contagious, especially during the first 5 days of illness. NHS advises the public to:

• Wash hands frequently with soap and water
• Cover mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing
• Dispose of used tissues immediately
• Stay home and limit contact if you have a high temperature or feel unwell

Experts stress that these measures are critical for both individual and community health.

Of all the businesses launched on the estate in 2025, small businesses comprised over 60 per cent. These include:

Bonnie Blooms – a boutique florist in Cockfosters

Barberholic – a modern barbershop in Edgware

Jamaica Patty – a Caribbean patty specialist in Farringdon

Joe Blakes – a speciality coffee and artisan bakehouse in Holborn

Celtic Coffee – an artisan coffee spot in West Acton

Across the capital, Places for London continues to unlock the full potential of its estate and is investing £300m to improve its existing estate over the next nine years – helping to give small businesses the best platform to succeed. As part of its Places for Growth initiative, Places for London is providing new incubator space in its Lockton Street Arches to give new local businesses space to develop and grow.

Recently, Places for London recognised some of the best performing businesses across its estate at its second Customer Conference, which was held at The Bike Shed in Shoreditch, another of the many small businesses on its estate.

This year's Small Biz 100, an annual celebration of 100 of the thousands of small businesses all over the UK includes BloomsYard, a café wine bar brand blending modern hospitality with convenience, located within the Places for London estate.

Samantha Bain-Mollison, Head of Retail at Places for London, said: "We are proud to be joining small and medium enterprises across the country in celebrating Small Business Saturday once again this year.

“We are dedicated to working with these type of businesses and love to help them succeed. This year, as with previous years, I look forward to seeing Londoners support the small business in their local areas by choosing to find new places to discover, things to do and places to go.”

Deputy Mayor for Business and Growth, Howard Dawber, said: “More than half of all London’s jobs are in small businesses, and they are the backbone of our economy. Alongside the Mayor, I am proud to be a champion of our brilliant and innovative small and medium sized companies. As Londoners start their Christmas shopping in earnest, I’d encourage everyone to go and discover some of the excellent gifts and products on offer from small businesses in their local neighbourhood, as we continue building a better and more prosperous London for everyone."

Launch of London’s first lane rental scheme. Enfield Council becomes the first London borough approved to champion a Lane Rental Scheme, aimed at cutting traffic, congestion and reducing roadworks disruption. Utility companies and works promoters will be charged for carrying out works on the busiest roads at peak times, encouraging quicker, better-planned projects. Funds raised will be reinvested into improving the borough’s road, for example to fix potholes, ensuring long-term benefits for residents, businesses and road users.

Enfield Council has been given the green light by the Department for Transport and Transport for London to implement London’s first Lane Rental Scheme, designed to cut traffic and keep the borough’s roads moving.

Following government approval, Enfield Council can now begin implementing the scheme, which will see companies such as utility firms charged for carrying out roadworks on the busiest sections of the borough’s road network at peak times.

The aim is to reduce disruption caused by street works, encourage better planning and promote quicker completion of essential works.

The decision marks an important milestone for Enfield, which will be the first local authority in London – and one of only a handful across England – to operate a Lane Rental Scheme. Similar schemes elsewhere in the country have already delivered measurable reductions in road disruption and improved coordination.

Under the scheme, revenue collected from lane rental charges will be reinvested into initiatives that improve the local road network, including fixing potholes.

Cllr Rick Jewell, cabinet member for Transport and Waste, said: “We are proud that Enfield is leading the way in London with this new approach to managing roadworks. The Lane Rental Scheme will help us keep traffic moving, reduce disruption for residents and businesses, and ensure that those carrying out works on our roads plan more efficiently and responsibly.”

The Council developed the proposal following a consultation and detailed engagement with the Department for Transport and Transport for London. Guidance for highways authorities on developing and running lane rental schemes in England can be found on the Government’s website.

Implementation of the scheme in Enfield will begin shortly, with further details to be shared in due course.

Emma Strain, Customer Director at Transport for London, said: “We know how important it is for our customers to feel in control of their journeys, and these new TfL Go features are all about making that easier. Whether it’s getting real-time notifications on your line or checking which bus stop to head to next while on the Tube, these updates give our customers the information they need, right when they need and want it most.”

Regular updates to TfL Go are part of TfL’s ongoing commitment to improving the customer experience and making travel information more accessible and personalised. Last month, TfL improved access to bus stop information on the app. Customers can now find any bus stop and check arrival times for bus services anywhere in London simply by moving the map in the app, making it easier to plan ahead or coordinate travel. Previously, this was limited to local bus stops based on GPS-based views, but the update means that users can now check onward bus times while travelling on Tube and rail services.

Disrupted or closed bus stops are now clearly marked, adding even more convenience for daily travel. iOS users can now also view entire bus routes on the map, search for specific stops, and save favourites for quick access, with Android support for these features coming soon.

Launched in 2020, TfL Go provides real-time arrival times and information in a mobile-friendly and accessible way to customers travelling on Tube, bus, and rail services across London. It also suggests alternative routes, and walking and cycling options, and provides information about which stations have toilets and where they are located.

The app has around 1.4 million monthly active users and has been downloaded more than ten million times since it launched. Earlier this year, it was updated to allow customers to easily access their contactless or Oyster online account and then view their journey history directly in the TfL Go app, rather than having to do so via the TfL website.

The TfL Go app is free to download and available on both iOS and Android devices at www.tfl.gov.uk/go

• Sets out the fair choices taken by the government that will cut our debt and government borrowing to help interest rates keep falling.

The Chancellor today unveiled a Budget that takes the fair choices to deliver on the country’s priorities of cutting the cost of living, reducing NHS waiting lists and driving down our borrowing and debt.

Millions of hardworking families struggling with household costs will benefit from Rachel Reeves’ inflation-busting decisions, with decisive action to cut £150 off energy bills, freeze rail fares and a historic move to lift 450,000 children out of poverty.
Despite a decade of damage and historic underinvestment under the previous government which led to a £16 billion downgrade to productivity, the Chancellor was clear she was determined to defy the forecasts and break Britain out of its cycle of decline through stability, investment and reform.

Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves said:

I can tell you today that, for every family we are keeping our promise to get energy bills down and cut the cost of living with £150 taken off the average household energy bill from April.

Money off bills, and in the pockets of working people. That is my choice.
Upgrading the UK’s economic growth this year to 1.5% from 1% in the Spring, the government’s fiscal watchdog the Office of Budget Responsibility (OBR) said the choices taken in the Budget would reduce inflation to 0.4% next year and cut government borrowing faster than any other G7 country, meaning more money can be spent on vital public services rather than debt interest.
It also said the Chancellor would more than double headroom to over £21.7 billion – providing the stability we need for economic growth.

Cutting the cost of living

The choices the government has made have led to wages growing more in the first year of this government than at any point in the 2010s, but the Chancellor was clear too many families are still struggling with the cost of living which is why the Budget includes a range of measures to cut bills and boost pay packets.
Front and centre of the plans is a move to take £150 off energy bills to lower inflation and ease pressure on family finances. Poorer households will save up to £300 when combined with the Warm Homes Discount.

In a range of further measures designed to ease the cost of living, commuters will save hundreds of pounds on their season tickets after rail fares were frozen for the first time in 30 years. An extension of the temporary 5p fuel duty cut for an extra 5 months, a further fuel duty freeze, and the new UK wide Fuel Finder scheme will save the average driver £89, and boosted pay-packets will give a £900 rise for full time workers on the National Living Wage and National Minimum wage. Full-time workers on the 18-20 National Minimum Wage rate will see a £1,500 rise.
Thanks to the government’s commitment to the pension triple lock for this parliament, pensioners on the full new state pension will receive an extra £575 a year from April 2026.

Cutting waiting lists and protecting vital public services

The Chancellor was clear the government would not return to austerity by slashing public investment or public services which left waiting lists rising and choked off economic growth.
Instead, she committed to maintaining the highest levels of public investment for four decades, protecting the record investment in our NHS that has cut waiting lists by over 230,000, the largest fall in 15 years, and delivered an extra 5.2 million appointments in England.
The Chancellor today stated she will go further, announcing 250 new Neighbourhood Health Centres and expanding more services back into communities so people can get better, faster care locally.
Reeves was also clear that the government would be relentless in driving out waste so that every penny of public money is spent wisely. She reaffirmed plans to cut the cost of politics, by abolishing Police and Crime Commissioners and 5,000 councillors which together save more than £250 million over five years while continuing the crackdown on Covid fraud is estimated to deliver almost £400 million.

Cutting Debt

Currently, £1 in every £10 the public sector spends now goes on debt interest - four times what we spend on nurses. The Chancellor made clear there was nothing progressive about this and set out plans to cut borrowing and our debt by spending wisely, reforming welfare and making fair choices on tax.
Her decisions and commitment to her iron clad fiscal rules will mean borrowing will fall in every year, doubling the fiscal headroom to £21.7 billion to secure the public finances.

Driving economic growth

The Chancellor said she was determined to double down on the decisive action to grow the economy and create good jobs, building on the action already taken including increasing public investment by over £120 billion over the Parliament, creating the National Wealth Fund, which has already invested £3.8 billion, backing builders not blockers through the biggest planning reforms in a generation and supporting the expansion of Heathrow and Gatwick airports, plus the construction of Sizewell C.
She announced she would be supporting high streets with permanently lower tax rates for 750,000 retail and hospitality properties and backing entrepreneurs and fast-growing companies with tax breaks to hire and list in the UK.
Other measures to boost growth include funding hundreds more planners across England to supercharge the government’s commitment to build 1.5 million homes, extending the DLR to Thamesmead, unlocking thousands of new homes and jobs and investing further in the Lower Thames Crossing, building the UK’s first Small Modular Reactors at Wylfa on Anglesey, introducing a first-of-its-kind three-year stamp duty holiday for new UK-listed companies, saving firms up to £50 million per year and increasing share prices and reforming ISAs to get more people investing and drive £4 billion of investment into our stock market.

Making the tax system fairer

On tax, the Chancellor set out fair and necessary choices that will deliver on the public’s priorities to cut the cost of living, NHS waiting lists and borrowing. She said she would be implementing the major reforms to protect employees pay slips but also cut their energy bills.

Asking everyone to contribute, the current personal tax thresholds will be frozen from 2028 to 2031, but those with broader shoulders will contribute more through fair reforms previously ducked for too long. Taxes on property, dividend and saving income – which currently face no equivalent of National Insurance – will be increased by 2p, narrowing the tax gap between landlords and tenants, with additional allowances to protect those with small amounts of such income.
A typical family home in England pays more council tax than a £10 million Westminster mansion, so the Budget also introduces a High Value Council Tax Surcharge on homes worth more than £2 million, while protecting those on low incomes.

The Budget also set out reforms to well-intentioned tax reliefs which have seen significantly increasing costs that disproportionately benefit the wealthy. From April 2029, the government will charge employee and employer National Insurance on any pension contributions made via salary sacrifice above £2,000 a year and halve capital gains tax relief for bosses selling their businesses to Employee Ownership Trusts from 100% to 50% to retain a strong incentive for employee ownership while ensuring business owners pay their fair share.

In moves to update the tax system for a modern-day economy the government is introducing a new per mile levy for electric and plug-in hybrid cars, coming in 2028. All cars contribute to wear and tear on our roads, so it is only right that our motoring taxes cover EVs via a modest per mile levy, with extra support to keep EV ownership attractive.
Responding to the significant growth in online gambling which has boosted revenues while increasing social harms, the government will increase online gambling duties, raising more than £1 billion a year. In-person gambling for horseracing will be protected with the government also scrapping bingo duty to recognise the cultural value these provide for millions across the country.

Fuel prices are now at their lowest in real terms for a decade. To support motorists, the government is extending the temporary 5p cut to fuel duty for a further five months until the end of August 2026, as well as cancelling the planned inflation increase for 2026-27. After this extension, the fuel duty rate will gradually return to early 2022 levels.

Reforming welfare

With fairness at its heart, the Budget also set out a series of measures to fix a broken welfare system that has left millions written off as too sick to work.
The historic decision to remove the two-child limit in full from April 2026 will lift 450,000 children out of poverty - the biggest reduction at any Budget this century. Making children poor costs us all in the long run with a child growing up in poverty less likely to work and 25% more likely to be on benefits as an adult.
The Chancellor also announced reforms to Motability, removing luxury cars from the scheme and saving taxpayers £1.5 billion over five years. The Budget also supports the long-term youth unemployed by offering them a guaranteed job instead of benefits and closes the loophole that allows people living abroad to buy a UK State Pension at a reduced rate.
The Chancellor was clear the Budget makes fair but necessary choices – but those choices are for a purpose: building a stronger, fairer country, where living standards rise, child poverty falls, and public services are rebuilt in every corner of Britain.

During her tenure, Cllr Comer-Schwartz has overseen a series of achievements, including:

Pioneering the council’s approach to community power and tackling inequality 

The transformation of the council’s youth justice service from ‘requires improvement’ to ‘outstanding’ and £2million investment in services for survivors of violence against women and girls 

Building hundreds of new council homes for local people 

Taking decisive action on the climate emergency – with Islington ranked as having the healthiest streets in London 

Leading the borough’s recovery from the Covid pandemic 

Taking 8,000 of the lowest income households in Islington out of Council Tax completely for the first time to support those most affected by the cost-of-living crisis 
Cllr Comer-Schwartz said: “It has been the privilege of my life to serve as a councillor for the community where I grew up for the last 11 years and to lead this fantastic borough.

“I am extremely proud that this council has delivered so much for local people on the manifesto that we were elected on – fighting against inequality, transforming youth justice, tackling the housing crisis and creating liveable neighbourhoods that are healthier and safer for families and children.

“I know that this passion will continue because of the dedication to public service that thousands of council officers display every day in Islington.

“London is the greatest city on earth, and the opportunity to continue the fundamental reform of policing and approach to justice the Mayor has worked hard to deliver is an opportunity I couldn’t turn down.”

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “Nothing is more important to me than keeping Londoners safe. Kaya brings extensive experience to the role, working to make Londoners safer and improving trust and confidence in the police, which we know leads to reductions in violence and crime.

“I’m pleased to appoint Kaya Comer-Schwartz as London’s new Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime and I’m confident that she will help us to continue reforming the police and deliver a safer London for everyone.”