Sabtu, 23 April 2022

Dog homes inundated with people returning their pets as the cost-of-living crisis bites - Sky News

A charity is being inundated with calls from people looking to give up their dogs due to the cost-of-living crisis.

Birmingham Dogs Home has taken in 53% more animals than last year and its two sites are now full.

Charity fundraiser Rachel Frost told Sky News: "I don't think we saw that the cost of living was going to increase.

"We kind of knew about the lockdown dogs and people not having the time for them once things got back to normal, the socialising aspect of dogs during lockdown, so we foresaw we were going to get an increase in dogs that way, but the cost of living has shocked people."

Birmingham Dogs Home
Image: Birmingham Dogs Home has taken in 53% more animals than last year and their two sites are now full

The charity, which is also battling to absorb the costs of rising utility bills and fuel, is currently housing 130 dogs - with 93 brought to them over the last month.

Cersi, a one-eyed French bulldog, will soon be looking for a new home after veterinary treatment. She was taken in because her owner could no longer afford her.

"Everything's gone up, so that's really tough on families, it's a very hard decision to make," Ms Frost added.

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At Christmas, the RSPCA rescued 29% more animals than the previous year in England and Wales.

The charity said it was expecting to see a further increase by summer due to the cost-of-living crisis.

Cersi, a one- eyed 4 year old French bulldog, owner couldn’t afford her. After treatment for her eye is completed she’ll be ready for a new home.
Image: Cersi, a one-eyed French bulldog. Her owner couldn't afford to keep her

A spokesperson told Sky News: "For those who are struggling to care for their pet as a result of the cost-of-living crisis, we would urge people to please seek help from friends and family, or reputable charities like ourselves.

"We're concerned that we could see a rise in abandonments as the rising cost of living puts a strain on people's finances or we could see a rise in pets being treated with home remedies to cut costs instead of being taken to the vet.

"This could all have a worrying impact on animal welfare."

Bear, a 4 year old Pomeranian, who has had a testicular tumour removed. Bear will soon be ready to be re- homed.
Image: Bear will soon be ready to be rehomed

Tumours, knee surgery and skin irritations are amongst the problems that vets at Birmingham Dogs Home are dealing with.

The average cost of caring for a small dog is around £50 a month, but that doesn't include cover if things go wrong.

Vet Matt Perks explained: "In terms of insurance, there's a wide range out there - but you're probably looking at £50 a month for a good level of cover with lifetime cover.

"It's so worth that security. If, for example, a dog ever needs an MRI scan, you're probably talking £2,500 to £3,000 for a scan alone, some orthopaedic procedures we're talking well into thousands of pounds.

"During lockdown, people went out and bought a dog thinking it's a good idea and then it's only an afterthought when the dog starts getting problems - and is probably why we end up with these relinquishments, because people can't afford the care."

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2022-04-23 00:59:51Z
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Jumat, 22 April 2022

Hakeem Hussain: Drug addict Laura Heath found guilty of manslaughter after son dies of asthma attack - Sky News

A drug addict mother has been found guilty of the manslaughter of her asthmatic son after he died alone and "gasping for air" in a garden.

Laura Heath deliberately "prioritised her addiction to heroin and crack cocaine" prior to the "needless, premature" death of seven-year-old Hakeem Hussain on Sunday 26 November 2017, Coventry Crown Court heard.

The 40-year-old, formerly of Long Acre in Nechells, Birmingham, has been convicted of gross negligence manslaughter after her "frail" son died of an asthma attack at the home of a friend where they had been staying.

Images shown in court revealed how Heath, who had a £55-a-day drug habit, had even modified one of her son's blue inhalers with foil and an elastic band so she could use it to smoke crack.

It emerged during the trial that school nurse Melanie Richards had told a child protection conference just two days before Hakeem's death he could "die at the weekend".

Health, education and social workers voted to protect Hakeem at the same conference.

However, the meeting ended with an agreement that the family's social worker would speak to Heath about the outcome on the Monday - by which time Hakeem had died.

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Neelam Ahmed, a family outreach worker at the boy's school, told jurors how she had voted at that meeting "to take Hakeem immediately in to care".

Both Ms Richards and Ms Ahmed scored Hakeem's safety as "zero" out of 10.

Andy Couldrick, chief executive of Birmingham Children's Trust, said after the verdict that social workers missed "clear opportunities" to prevent the boy's death.

The jury also heard how Heath had previously had other children taken into care.

A serious case review into all agencies' contact with the youngster and his mother, before his death, is set to be published within weeks.

Undated handout photo issued by West Midlands Police of drugs paraphernalia and inhalers found at property at which drug user Laura Heath is alleged to have unlawfully killed Hakeem Hussain through gross negligence, after using his inhaler to smoke drugs. Issue date: Tuesday April 5, 2022.
Image: Heath modified a blue inhaler with foil and an elastic band so she could use it to smoke crack

Boy had been in hospital three times before his death

Crown counsel Matthew Brook said when opening the case that Hakeem had been repeatedly absent from school and had experienced three emergency admissions to hospital.

The third was when he spent four days in Birmingham Children's Hospital's high dependency unit for four days in September 2017 to receive treatment for his "life-threatening" condition.

Prosecutors said Heath should have been well aware of Hakeem's spiralling health problems.

However, Heath "failed to administer" any "preventer" asthma medication in the two days before he died and did not have access to a spacer device used to get more drugs into a child's lungs, her trial heard.

Police searches later found part of a spacer amid the squalor of mouldy food, over-filled ashtrays, and drugs paraphernalia in her home.

Undated handout photo issued by West Midlands Police of the kitchen at the property of drug user Laura Heath who allegedly has unlawfully killed Hakeem Hussain through gross negligence, after using his inhaler to smoke drugs. Issue date: Tuesday April 5, 2022.
Image: Police have released images of the home where Laura Heath lived with her son in Birmingham

Heath smoked three bags of heroin the night before son's death

During the trial it was heard Heath had been living in a home on Long Acre since 2013, with one visitor describing the conditions as "disgusting".

The same witness told how Hakeem said he had no bed, sleeping instead on the sofa, while there was evidence Heath used an upstairs bedroom for sex work to fund her habit with a basket of condoms next to the mattress.

In the days before his death, Heath recently started staying with a friend, Timothy Busk who lived in a flat in Cook Street, a short walk away.

One visitor described it as being "foggy and smoky" inside and a "mess", the court heard.

Heath would later tell police she smoked three bags of heroin - two before Hakeem went to bed at 10.30pm - and one afterwards, leaving her in a drug-induced sleep on the night before her son died.

Undated handout photo issued by West Midlands Police of the living room at the property of drug user Laura Heath who allegedly has unlawfully killed Hakeem Hussain through gross negligence, after using his inhaler to smoke drugs. Issue date: Tuesday April 5, 2022.
Image: A witness told the court Hakeem would sleep on the sofa rather than in bed

Mr Busk then woke Heath up at 7.37am on Sunday 26 November 2017 and told her he had found Hakeem dead in the garden and had carried his gaunt body to the sofa.

Heath phoned 999 and later told police in interview: "Hakeem was freezing and his lips were blue.

"Hakeem would go out when he was unwell and must have fallen asleep (when outside).

"I just suspect he didn't wake me up, took himself to get fresh air and then probably fell asleep."

Jurors heard Hakeem's father - who attended much of the trial - was in prison at the time of the boy's death for an offence not related to his son.

Heath will be sentenced on Thursday.

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2022-04-22 16:55:18Z
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Luton flat fire: Man fell to his death from burning high-rise after police arrived to hunt arsonist - Sky News

A man fell to his death from a burning high-rise flat after police arrived to hunt a suspected arsonist living there.

Detectives had been investigating three attempted arson attacks on local properties in the early hours of Wednesday and used CCTV footage to identify a suspect living on the 14th floor of a flat in Green Court, Luton, Bedfordshire.

Five officers were sent to the home, in a 15-storey block, at around 4am on Thursday but arrived to find the entrance on fire.

They tried to get inside to rescue the man but were overcome by the flames, police said.

One of the officers suffered serious burns and remained in hospital on Friday.

The others were treated for "minor injuries and smoke inhalation" and discharged.

Emergency services were called to the scene but police said the "fire took further hold of the flat" before the man, in his 50s, fell from a window and died.

More from UK

He had not been formally identified by Friday afternoon.

Police have contacted the next of kin of the person they believe him to be, while the matter has been referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct.

Assistant Chief Constable Sharn Basra said: "This is a tragic case and we are working hard to establish all of the facts of what took place.

"Our focus on Thursday was on identifying the man who had died and tracing his family members before we released any further information publicly.

"We have also been carefully recovering all possible evidence from the scene and assisting residents who had been displaced from their homes.

"What is clear from the evidence collected so far is the bravery of the attending officer, who tried to fight through the flames to save the man inside.

"Our thoughts remain with both him as he recovers in hospital and the loved ones of the man who sadly died."

More than 100 residents were evacuated from the building on Thursday morning, with the majority allowed back into their flats by the evening.

Anyone with information which may aid the investigation is asked to call 101 or get in touch with police through beds.police.uk/ro/report, quoting Operation Cheagle.

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2022-04-22 17:32:43Z
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Boris Johnson Sparks Outrage in India With Bulldozer Photo Shoot - Bloomberg

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  1. Boris Johnson Sparks Outrage in India With Bulldozer Photo Shoot  Bloomberg
  2. Boris Johnson denies misleading parliament and wants to focus on India trip  Guardian News
  3. 'No question' of PM quitting, regardless of demands for him to go, says minister - as India tour continues  Sky News
  4. Editor's letter: Boris Johnson's trip to India is a balm for his very bruised ego  The Independent
  5. Boris Johnson’s trip to India won’t work – Modi and Putin are closer than the west realises  The Independent
  6. View Full coverage on Google News

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2022-04-22 05:04:00Z
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Conservative MPs call for Boris Johnson to go over partygate as PM's tour of India continues - Sky News

Boris Johnson has met Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi as an investigation into whether he misled parliament about lockdown-busting Downing Street parties looms.

The prime minister will try to progress UK-India trade talks with Mr Modi, emphasising the importance of the partnership between the two nations for global peace and security.

He is also expected to discuss a new co-operation on clean and renewable energy in the hope of supporting India's transition away from imported oil.

It comes after it was confirmed that the PM will face a parliamentary investigation into whether he misled MPs when he denied lockdown rules were broken across Downing Street and Whitehall.

Politics hub: PM to face fresh partygate investigation

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Prime Minister Boris Johnson will face a parliamentary investigation into whether he misled MPs over partygate

Committee to examine whether PM lied to parliament

Northern Ireland minister Conor Burns defended Mr Johnson on Friday, telling Sky News that he did not believe that Mr Johnson had lied.

More on Boris Johnson

"I believe that when the full facts are seen, when the context comes out, that it will be clear that the prime minister, every time that he came to parliament, was faithful and genuine and true in what he believed.

"The prime minister told the House what he believed to be the truth in good faith at each stage and when there has been a development subsequent to that, new information, he has corrected the record."

Mr Burns said that "multiple inquiries" into partygate meant it would be "the most looked at event possibly since the Second World War" - and that the PM was "looking forward to drawing this to a conclusion".

On Thursday, MPs backed a Labour-led motion calling for the Privileges Committee to investigate Mr Johnson's conduct.

The motion was nodded through without a vote.

Conservative MPs had earlier been ordered to back a government attempt to delay the vote until inquiries by the Met Police and civil servant Sue Gray have concluded.

In a late reversal shortly before the debate began amid widespread reports that numerous Tory MPs may rebel against the government, Commons Leader Mark Spencer said Conservative MPs could vote however they wanted on Labour's motion.

And in a blow to Mr Johnson, former minister Steve Baker, an influential Conservative MP, earlier said the prime minister "should be long gone".

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Steve Baker urged Boris Johnson to resign

Conservative MPs call for Johnson to go

Meanwhile, fellow Conservative MP and Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee chairman William Wragg confirmed he had submitted a letter of no confidence in Mr Johnson's leadership.

"I cannot reconcile myself to the prime minister's continued leadership of our country and the Conservative Party," he told MPs in a scathing Commons speech.

Lord Barwell, former chief of staff to Theresa May - Mr Johnson's predecessor in Downing Street - told Sky News on Friday that it all showed the mood among Tory MPs "isn't quite as supportive of the PM as maybe some people were having us believe two or three days ago".

He said that the comments from Mr Baker, a key figure in Mrs May's downfall, were also very significant, adding: "If I was still doing my old job in Number 10 I would be very worried about that intervention yesterday."

Speaking to Sky News' political editor Beth Rigby in India, the prime minister insisted he had "absolutely nothing, frankly, to hide" when trying to explain his decision to drop the government's amendment to the Labour motion.

"People were saying it looks like we are trying to stop stuff. I didn't want that. I didn't want people to be able say that," Mr Johnson said.

Meanwhile, responding to Mr Baker's call for him to quit, the PM added: "I understand people's feelings. I don't think that is the right thing to do."

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Boris Johnson says he has 'nothing to hide' on partygate..

The investigation will not fully begin until the conclusion of the Metropolitan Police's inquiry into 12 events and the Privileges Committee will determine whether the PM is in contempt of parliament for misleading MPs with his repeated denials of lockdown-busting parties in Downing Street.

On Thursday, the Met confirmed that they will not issue any further partygate updates before the May local elections.

Scotland Yard told Sky News that the investigation would carry on and officers would continue recommending fines - but the force will not put out media notices on referrals until after the polls on 5 May.

But Number 10 has pledged to confirm if the prime minister or cabinet secretary receive any fines before next month's elections.

So far, more than 50 fines have been issued in relation to the lockdown-breaking parties in Westminster.

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Last week the prime minister, Chancellor Rishi Sunak and Mr Johnson's wife Carrie Johnson were all issued fixed-penalty notices for attending an event to mark the prime minister's 56th birthday.

The prime minister is thought to have been at more of the 12 events under investigation by Scotland Yard.

The PM has faced persistent calls to resign over partygate and apologised to MPs this week in a performance high on contrition.

Earlier on Thursday, Mr Sunak said he is "extremely and sincerely sorry" for the upset he caused by attending the rule-breaching gathering.

Speaking in Washington ahead of an IMF meeting, Mr Sunak apologised for the "hurt and the anger" he had caused over his partygate fine and said he had "always acted in good faith" when discussing the matter in parliament.

The prime minister missed the debate in the Commons on his conduct on Thursday as he began his two-day official visit to India.

On Friday, Mr Johnson will discuss next-generation defence and security collaboration with Mr Modi across land, sea, air, space and cyber - including support for new Indian-designed and built fighter jets.

Read more: What are the Met Police investigating regarding partygate?

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Boris Johnson is in India where he's expected to offer to help cut Indian reliance on Russian oil and defence equipment

The UK will issue an Open General Export Licence to India - reducing bureaucracy and shortening delivery times for defence procurement.

A virtual Hydrogen Science and Innovation hub will also be launched to accelerate green hydrogen.

Ahead of his meeting with the Indian PM, Mr Johnson said: "The world faces growing threats from autocratic states which seek to undermine democracy, choke off free and fair trade and trample on sovereignty.

"The UK's partnership with India is a beacon in these stormy seas. Our collaboration on the issues that matter to both our countries, from climate change to energy security and defence, is of vital importance as we look to the future.

"I look forward to discussing these issues with Prime Minister Modi in New Delhi today and working together to deliver a more secure and prosperous future for both our peoples."

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2022-04-22 01:31:01Z
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Ukrainian troops begin training in Britain as Johnson steps up support - Reuters UK

NEW DELHI, April 21 (Reuters) - A small number of Ukrainian troops are being trained in Britain for the first time since the start of the Russian invasion as Prime Minister Boris Johnson steps up his military support to help Ukraine fight off its neighbour. The troops began training with armoured patrol vehicles donated by Britain this month, Johnson's spokesman said.

Britain is providing Ukraine with 120 armoured patrol vehicles, including the Mastiff, which can be used as a reconnaissance or patrol vehicle. The spokesman said Britain, in conjunction with its allies, was providing new types of equipment to Ukrainian soldiers that they may not have used before.

"It is only sensible that they get requisite training to make best use of it," the spokesman said. "We are always conscious of anything perceived to be escalatory but clearly what is escalatory is the actions of (Vladimir) Putin’s regime."

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Johnson, under pressure over parties at his Downing Street residence during the coronavirus lockdown restrictions, has been at the forefront of efforts to supply Ukraine with military equipment since the start of the war.

The British leader has established close ties with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, talking to him regularly by phone and visiting him in Kyiv.

Members of the Ukrainian government visited a military camp in April on Britain's Salisbury Plain where they were shown demonstrations of equipment, followed by discussions on how the government can supply weapons. Britain's military has been training Ukrainian forces since the 2014 annexation of Crimea. They were withdrawn in February to avoid direct conflict with Russian forces and the possibility of NATO being drawn into the conflict.

Since the start of the war, Britain has provided Ukraine with anti-ship, anti-aircraft and light anti-tank weapons, which have proved useful for mobile Ukrainian fighters to use against Russia's armoured vehicles.

The United States military is also training Ukrainian troops on using howitzer artillery while Britain is training Ukrainians in Poland to use anti-aircraft weapons.

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Editing by William Maclean

Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

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2022-04-21 21:02:00Z
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'Astonishing': Crimes reported at royal palaces revealed, with hundreds going unpunished - Sky News

Hundreds of crimes have been reported at royal palaces in the last three years including offences involving weapons, drugs, violence and robbery.

A total of 470 crimes were recorded at Buckingham Palace, Kensington Palace, St James's Palace and Clarence House - either inside or immediately outside the grounds - between 2019 and 2021, the Metropolitan Police revealed.

They included hundreds of thefts along with reports of arson and criminal damage, burglary, robbery, possession of weapons and violence against the person offences.

Less than 1% of the crimes resulted in someone being charged, cautioned or fined, and no suspects were identified in more than 400 offences, according to data released under the Freedom of Information Act.

It comes after Prince Harry voiced security fears about bringing his family from the US to the UK, saying he "does not feel safe" when visiting and offering to pay for police protection.

Prince Harry has given a wide-ranging interview to James Corden. Pic: AP
Image: The Duke of Sussex now lives in California with Meghan and their two children. Pic: AP

Dai Davies, a former head of royal protection at Scotland Yard, said the number of crimes was "astonishing" and "frightening".

The former chief superintendent told Sky News: "If you can steal or cause incidents at or near the royals, what does that say about the current security?

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"If these offences have an impact on the personal safety of the royals, that would give me great concern."

What does the data show?

Sky News submitted a freedom of information request to the Met Police asking for details of crimes reported at those four royal residences in London since 2019.

The force refused to provide some of the information for "national security" and "law enforcement" reasons, including which crimes had been reported at each location, and whether the offences took place inside the grounds or immediately outside.

A police officer patrols within the grounds of Buckingham Palace
Image: A police officer patrols within the grounds of Buckingham Palace

In total, 383 crimes were recorded in 2019, before a sharp drop in offences during the coronavirus pandemic, with 64 crimes reported in 2020 and 23 in 2021.

Among the offences were:

• Theft - 380

• Possession of weapons - 25

• Drug offences - 17

• Arson and criminal damage - 15

• Violence against the person - 15

• Public order offences - 8

• Robbery - 7

• Burglary - 1

• Vehicle offences - 1

• Miscellaneous crimes against society - 1

A police vehicle drives past Buckingham Palace in London, Britain, January 4, 2022. REUTERS/John Sibley
Image: A police car outside Buckingham Palace

Of the 470 crimes recorded, just nine resulted in someone being charged or summonsed. One caution was issued, along with one penalty notice for disorder.

No suspect was identified in 404 offences, while 34 crimes had evidential difficulties, and five cases were deemed not in the public interest.

Sixteen crimes were dealt with by community resolutions, which are used for low-level offences and can include a simple apology, an offer of compensation or a promise to clear up any criminal damage.

Buckingham Palace worker jailed for thefts

Last year, a member of catering staff at Buckingham Palace was jailed after stealing medals and official photos of the royal family from the Queen's residence.

Adamo Canto was sentenced to eight months in prison after he pleaded guilty to three counts of theft between November 2019 and August 2020.

Adamo Canto was jailed after admitting stealing medals and official photos of the royal family
Image: Adamo Canto was jailed after admitting stealing medals and official photos of the royal family

Some of the goods, worth between £10,000 and £100,000, were listed for sale on eBay, a court heard.

In February, a man who scaled a Buckingham Palace fence was spared jail by a judge who told him he was lucky not to have been killed by police.

Cameron Kalani entered the Royal Mews - which houses the Royal Family's horses - in the early hours of 10 May last year.

Cameron Kalani leaving Westminster Magistrates Court in London where he admitted trespassing at Buckingham Palace after scaling the fence to the Royal Mews. The 44 year old was caught with a kitchen knife and cocaine in his bag when he was held in the early hours of May 10. Picture date: Friday November 19, 2021.
Image: Cameron Kalani pictured leaving Westminster Magistrates' Court

The 44-year-old, who was caught with a 20cm kitchen knife and cocaine in his bag when he was arrested, was handed a 24-week prison sentence, suspended for a year.

Deputy District Judge Roy Brown told Kalani: "It is just good luck and good fortune that neither you nor anyone else was either seriously injured or killed in the course of your escapade."

Meanwhile, an American tourist was fined £200 in February after admitting trespassing in the grounds of Buckingham Palace.

Joseph Huang Kang, 24, outside Westminster Magistrates' Court, central London, where he is charged with trespassing in the Royal Mews. Mr Kang, who is accused of sneaking into the stables of Buckingham Palace on December 10, 2021, was bailed on condition that he not be within 200 metres of Buckingham Palace and that he does not attempt to leave the United Kingdom. Picture date: Wednesday January 12, 2022.
Image: Joseph Huang Kang outside Westminster Magistrates' Court

Joseph Huang Kang jumped over the fence into the Royal Mews last December, ignoring staff who challenged him and running off before being found in the toilets.

The 24-year-old from Houston, Texas, pleaded guilty to trespassing on a protected site.

What does the Met Police say?

The Met Police said it had "responsibility for security in and around the royal palaces, but we will not comment on matters relating to security".

A force spokesman told Sky News: "In common with other crowded locations, the majority of offences committed at or within the vicinity of the palaces were thefts.

"Officers will always endeavour to pursue all viable and proportionate lines of enquiry."

Kensington Palace in London
Image: Kensington Palace in London

The force also defended its decision not to disclose which crimes were recorded at each royal residence, or whether the offences occurred inside or outside the grounds.

In its Freedom of Information response, a spokesman said: "To disclose the requested information would allow interested criminal parties to gain an advantage and increased awareness of policing decisions used to safeguard national security.

"All royal residences are considered sites of national interest. Any possible threat... would be considered a threat to the prime institution of the United Kingdom's constitutional arrangements and therefore a threat to national security.

"Whilst there is a public interest in transparency of the use of policing resources and its effectiveness against the threat posed to the Royal Family and royal residences… there is a very strong public interest in safeguarding."

Buckingham Palace declined to comment when approached by Sky News.

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2022-04-22 02:07:59Z
CBMihwFodHRwczovL25ld3Muc2t5LmNvbS9zdG9yeS9yZXZlYWxlZC1odW5kcmVkcy1vZi1jcmltZXMtcmVjb3JkZWQtYXQtcm95YWwtcGFsYWNlcy1pbmNsdWRpbmctZHJ1Z3Mtd2VhcG9ucy1hbmQtdmlvbGVuY2Utb2ZmZW5jZXMtMTI1OTM4MDLSAYsBaHR0cHM6Ly9uZXdzLnNreS5jb20vc3RvcnkvYW1wL3JldmVhbGVkLWh1bmRyZWRzLW9mLWNyaW1lcy1yZWNvcmRlZC1hdC1yb3lhbC1wYWxhY2VzLWluY2x1ZGluZy1kcnVncy13ZWFwb25zLWFuZC12aW9sZW5jZS1vZmZlbmNlcy0xMjU5MzgwMg