The Metropolitan Police has launched an investigation into entertainer and children's author David Walliams following reports of alleged serious sexual offences, according to BBC News. The force confirmed it is examining allegations separate from those reported earlier in the week by ITV News and the Guardian, while also reviewing that earlier reporting to determine whether evidence of offences exists. Walliams has stated he is not a sexual predator and has not broken the law.
The investigation, led by Detective Superintendent Mike Cagney, has urged anyone affected by sexual offences to contact police. The Metropolitan Police said it had received multiple allegations of non-recent serious sexual offences. The earlier reporting by ITV News and the Guardian followed a three-year investigation involving conversations with more than 100 people.
What are the other major stories in the papers?
Beyond the Walliams investigation, several other significant matters dominate the front pages. The Guardian reports separately that Nigel Farage's security arrangements have been funded by Reform UK despite claims that a £5 million gift from a party donor in 2024 would cover these costs. A Reform UK spokesperson declined to comment on the specifics, stating:
As a standard practice, we do not comment on security matters.
Reform UK also features prominently in the i Paper, which reports that the party's deputy leader has lobbied the Bank of England regarding cryptocurrency policy following a £9 million donation. The paper clarifies that there is no evidence Christopher Harborne, identified as the donor, requested this intervention or that the deputy leader was acting on his behalf. The Reform figure involved has indicated his position aligns with a longstanding commitment to financial deregulation.
Television personality Noel Fielding has issued a statement regarding Russell Brand's sentencing to more than a decade in prison for rape and sexual assault. Fielding expressed regret over certain jokes made alongside Brand, stating he was
appalledby some of his own remarks. He told the publication he had no awareness of Brand's crimes and has had no contact with him for many years.
What is the situation with the Piddington asylum site?
The government has granted planning permission to accommodate asylum seekers at a former military installation near Piddington in Oxfordshire, sparking fierce local opposition. The approved plans cover 1,256 detained asylum seekers at the former Ministry of Defence Bicester site, with temporary, phased use. Local residents have vowed to resist the proposal, with one headline declaring the decision a betrayal.
The government has stated it will continue engaging with the community and that no final decision to proceed has been made. However, Piddington Parish Council chairman has indicated the council will pursue a legal challenge to the asylum-site plans, with the planning decision open to challenge for six weeks. The proposal forms part of the government's broader strategy to close asylum hotels and transition to alternative accommodation arrangements, including former military sites.
What other stories are leading the papers?
The Financial Times continues to lead on the aftermath of Nvidia chief Jensen Huang's resignation. According to sources cited by the paper, the technology company's board has approached Rene Haas, a former employee now leading British chipmaker Arm, as a potential successor. The paper reports that Huang's career has been significantly damaged by an infidelity scandal.
The Daily Mail's front page focuses on Mohammed Alfatih, whose links to Hamas can now be reported following his conviction on Friday of unlawfully wounding a bailiff outside his Birmingham home. The publication reveals he was granted UK citizenship and has subsequently been re-arrested in German detention on suspicion of involvement in an alleged gun plot targeting Jewish sites. A Home Office spokesperson condemned
those who choose to support [Hamas's] activities and further its aims.
The Conservative Party's shadow education secretary has told the Times that schools should restrict the time pupils spend using screens. Laura Trott warns that
overuse of computers and tablets does 'real damage' to children. The Times also features a photograph of King Charles III from his visit to Croydon on Friday, where he received a birthday cake marking his 78th year.
The Daily Telegraph leads with an interview featuring former Prime Minister David Cameron regarding his family's experience with Alzheimer's disease. Cameron, now president of Alzheimer's Research UK, is calling on the government to
make breakthrough treatments available on the NHS. The paper also covers the launch of a new campaign called Stay Out, which opposes UK rejoining the European Union, timed ahead of a UK-EU summit scheduled for the following week.
