A MAN has been charged after a protester climbed up the clock tower of Big Ben and held on for 17 hours.

The man, who scaled Elizabeth Tower barefoot at around 7.20am on Saturday, finally came down just after midnight on Sunday.

The Mega Agency

A man scaled Elizabeth Tower barefoot at around 7.20am on Saturday[/caption]

Images from the scene showed the man holding the Palestine flag he had with him on the ledge as he was lifted to the ground in a cherry picker.

Daniel Day, 29, of Westcliff-on-Sea, Essex, has now been charged with causing a public nuisance and trespassing on a protected site, the Metropolitan Police said.

Day is accused of scaling Elizabeth Tower barefoot at around 7.20am on Saturday, and came down just after midnight on Sunday.

He was remanded in custody to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Monday.

Emergency crews had been at the scene with dozens of uniformed police officers guarding the cordon which extended from Bridge Street to Westminster Bridge.

Two aerial ladder platforms, an incident response unit ambulance, regular ambulances and two fire engines were also present late on Saturday.

Parliamentary tours, which happen on Saturdays when Parliament is sitting and on weekdays during the summer recess, were cancelled.

In a statement issued just after 1am, the force said: “The man has now been arrested.

“This has been a protracted incident due to the specifics of where the man was located and the need to ensure the safety of our officers, the individual and the wider public.

“We worked with other agencies including the London Fire Brigade and deployed specialist officers to bring this incident to a close as quickly as possible whilst minimising risk to life.

“We have been in close liaison with the Parliamentary Estate throughout and all roads have been reopened.”

A POPULAR plug-in hybrid car owned by thousands of drivers has been recalled amid safety issues.

The company has asked the owners of the motor “not to charge their cars” as it could kill the battery.

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A Ford Kuga Plug-in Hybrid parked on a street[/caption]

Ford has issued an urgent recall to pull back the popular Kuga plug-in hybrid car.

The motor giant said a problem with the vehicle’s battery pack could lead to a short circuit.

The firm has warned owners not to charge the car battery until the issue is resolved.

Drivers have been urged to use their cars in Auto EV mode to run on petrol power.

The issue affects every current-generation Ford Kuga plug-in hybrid with the 2.5-litre petrol engine, AutoExpress reports.

Ford has said that drivers will receive a “Stop Safely Now”message on their dashboards and a warning light on the driver’s display.

In the event of a short circuit, breaking and steering will remain unaffected – but the drivetrain could lose power.

It is understood that the company will try to resolve the issue by issuing a software update – and the remedy will be sorted free of charge for the owners.

A representative from Ford said: “Customers can always contact a customer relationship service if they have any further questions.”

It comes after Volkswagen recalled 177,493 crossover SUVs, including certain Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport vehicles over a fire risk.

The motors recalled range from model years 2024 to 2025 and may possibly have loose engine covers.

The engine cover may have been improperly installed after vehicle service, allowing it to come loose and contact hot engine surfaces, said the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Officials warn a loose engine cover could potentially increase the risk of a fire.

Volkswagen dealers will remove the engine cover, free of charge, to remedy the issue, the NHTSA said.

It comes after another huge car name recalled 9,000 motors over fears they pose a fire risk.

Hyundai bosses are concerned that brake fluid could leak into the affected cars, potentially sparking engine fires.

The company is urging drivers to park vehicles in open spaces and away from flammable materials.

Meanwhile, five major carmakers are set to recall thousands of motors over safety fears relating to various faults with air bags and other components.

Drivers in the UK can find out if a manufacturer has recalled any vehicle, part, or accessory due to a serious safety problem by using the GOV.UK website.

An investigation last year revealed that vehicle recalls have surged over the past 30 years.

To that end, almost 1.2 million vehicles were recalled by the DVSA in the first eight months of 2024.

A RISE IN RECALLS

Newer figures show that nearly 250 car recalls were issued by the end of the year – affecting up to 2.3 million vehicles in total.

In contrast, 30 years previously in 1994, just 27 passenger car recalls were issued.

Cars make up the vast majority of UK vehicle recalls, although other vehicles, such as vans, trucks, buses, motorcycles, motorhomes, trailers, and even individual parts like seats, are also included.

CarVertical’s Matas Buzelis said: “As cars become increasingly modern and incorporate more electrical components, recalls are becoming more common.

“Fortunately, these issues are usually resolved during regular vehicle maintenance, causing minimal inconvenience to drivers.”

CarVertical claims that 3.1% of cars on the road are recalled at least once in the UK – the lowest recall rate among the 26 European countries analysed.

The highest recall rates were seen in Portugal, Greece, and Spain.

One of the biggest issues surrounding recalls arises when a vehicle is sold on and the owner’s records are not updated.

Manufacturers always contact owners to inform them of a recall, but this becomes difficult when car firms cannot track down the vehicle’s current keeper.

In the eyes of the law, it is the legal responsibility of vehicle owners to ensure their cars are safe to drive and do not have outstanding safety recall notices.

HE won The Traitors backstabbing his way to fortune.

But The Sun can reveal Harry Clark is no traitor in real life… at least not to the BBC.

The former Army ace has rejected a huge money deal from ITV to take part in next month’s Celebrity Big Brother.

It’s the second year in a row that ITV bosses have tried to woo Harry.

Instead, Harry is sticking with the Beeb – and will film hit series Pilgrimage.

A source said: “Bosses would love Harry and came with another big money offer but he turned it down.

“They are gutted but he’s been swayed again.

“He’s got some great things going on this year but CBB won’t be one of them.”

The Sun previously revealed how Love Island‘s Chris Huges and Daley Thompson are in “advanced talks”.

Producers will also be hoping that he will stir things up when he’s sharing the house with a string of Gen Z and Millennial stars.

A TV insider said: “Daley is notoriously unwoke and likes to be provocative, so it will be interesting to see how he is received by some of the younger housemates.

“As someone who was at the height of his fame in the Eighties, many of them will barely know who he is – but for a generation of older viewers he’ll be seen as a great signing.”

Meanwhile former CBBC presenter and The One Show host Angellica Bell has signed up to take part.

It’s thought Angellica has handed a hefty five-figure deal.

A source said: “Angellica is an excellent booking by ITV.

“She’s one of the most recognizable faces in UK TV thanks to crossing over from children’s TV to primetime shows like The One Show and Martin Lewis.

“Angellica isn’t afraid to speak her mind either. I can’t imagine she will hold back if things kick off in there.”

New details about the next gen Xbox suggest it has more in common with Valve’s Steam Machines concept than a traditional console.

SHE may have only just left EastEnders but that does not mean Natalie Cassidy has ruled out coming back.

The Sonia Fowler actress is already planning her return to Albert Square, which she hopes will take place in a decade’s time, for the next big anniversary show.

BBC

Sonia Fowler actress Natalie Cassidy is already planning her return to Albert Square[/caption]

And the much-loved star, who quit the BBC soap after three decades, issued a warning to show bosses in case they are thinking of replacing her with a new actress in the meantime.

She said: “If they recast Sonia, I’m going to Borehamwood [where the show is shot] with a sledgehammer.

“I feel very protective about Sonia.

“She could die off screen, though.

“We could be watching it one night and you know the old phone call: Cathy runs in saying, ‘Ian, I’ve just had a message, Sonia’s dead’.

“That could easily happen.

“But I do hope, like for the 50th anniversary, that I could pop back.”

TEMPLEGATE tackles Monday’s racing confident of building the bank for Cheltenham.

Back a horse by clicking their odds below.

RICKETY BRIDGE (4.00 Plumpton, nap)

He won on hurdles debut for Paul Nicholls at Southwell and ran his best race since when just denied at Chepstow last time. He has plenty of staying power for this trip and Freddie Gingell takes a handy 3lb off his back.

KORUS (2.20 Stratford, nb)

He was much improved on chase debut at Plumpton latest when coming home third. This slightly longer distance looks ideal and trainer Warren Greatrex is in decent form. He likes a bit of cut in the ground.

SIAM PARK (4.40 Taunton, treble)

Is another who took a big step up for jumping a fence last time. He just ran out of petrol a little over 2m2f and this slightly shorter trip should be ideal. There’s more to come from Joe Tizzard’s six-year-old.

LAURA’S BREEZE (6.00 Newcastle, Lucky 15)

She has been knocking on the door here with back-to-back seconds. She had no luck in running last time and can make amends here.

Templegate’s tips

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• Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
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• Gamble Aware – www.gambleaware.org

Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.

WALKERS have launched a new and limited edition flavour for Easter – but it has left fans divided.

The crisp giant’s new offering – Sensations slow-roasted pork and apple sauce – was spotted recently in Tesco.

Tesco

Walkers have launched a new and limited edition flavour for Easter[/caption]

Walkers described the “unforgettable” flavour as “a rich, smoky aroma of slow-roasted pork balanced with sweet, tangy apple sauce”.

“First… The smoky aroma of spit-roast pork. Then… A taste of sweet and tangy apple sauce”, reads the snack’s packet.

The Sensations packaging is also a coral colour with Easter eggs on it.

The product is priced at £2.50 at Tesco or £1.65 with a Clubcard.

However many were quick to express their dislike for the flavour on social media.

One said: “This flavour is nasty and the balance is completely off… These are quite possibly the worst crisps I’ve ever had.”

Another wrote: “My son got some this week and they are by all accounts nasty.”

A third added: “Those crisps are absolutely revolting, touched my tongue and felt so sick.”

But others disagreed with many rushing to defend the inventive taste.

A happy customer penned: “These were game changing. Didn’t think they’d get the apple sauce flavouring but they did it. Epic.”

It comes as The Sun revealed Walkers have confirmed it’s bringing back its iconic Worcester Sauce flavour.

This time, the snack will be made in collaboration with Lea & Perrins, the maker of one of the most famous Worcester sauces in the UK.

The tangy flavour was axed two years ago leaving fans heartbroken.

The product is only being sold in Worcester in one specific shop.

Walkers has confirmed a limited supply will be exclusively available at Charlie’s Convenience Store, 59 Barbourne Road, Worcester. 

CANCELLED WALKERS CRISPS

Walkers has a history of cancelling certain flavours before bringing them back.

In 2024, the crisp giant announced the return of another fan-favourite – BBQ Sauce.

The popular flavour was launched in the 1990s but was discontinued before making a heroic comeback.

In the past, the brand has also treated fans to an array of new flavours, including Tomato Ketchup and Cheese Toastie and Heinz Beanz flavour.

These limited edition flavours were not around for long however, and were removed from stores last October.

JAMES Bond will still be a British man despite being sold to “woke” Hollywood streaming site Amazon.

Before giving up ownership of the popular film franchise, 007’s stewards Barbara Broccoli and Michael G Wilson insisted the suave spy has to retain his nationality and gender.

AP:Associated Press

James Bond will still be a British man despite being sold to “woke” Hollywood streaming site Amazon[/caption]

Ms Broccoli, who took over the Bond brand from company Eon Productions alongside Mr Wilson in 1995, made the arrangement before she agreed to sell the rights to Amazon in a £770million deal.

Insiders have hit back at fears the streaming giant – owned by Jeff Bezos – will turn Bond “woke”.

An insider told the Mail on Sunday: “Amazon is committed to keeping the spirit of Bond alive and that means he has to be British or from the Commonwealth – and he has to be male.”

They added: “Jeff is a massive Bond fan and while he’s excited to see how Amazon can take the franchise forward there are certain things which are sacrosanct.

But, Bond’s race is still on the table, with the source adding: “But certain things are up for discussion, like whether Bond should be played by a man of colour.”

Former 007 actor Pierce Brosnan, 71, told The Sunday Telegraph it is a “given” the next actor to take on the role should be British after the success of Daniel Craig, 57.

The Irish actor said: “I thought it was coming for some time I guess, but I think it was the right decision for Barbara and Michael.

“It takes great courage from them to let go, they will still have a say in matters, I hope that [Amazon] handles the work and the characters with dignity and imagination and respect.”

Half-siblings Barbara Broccoli, 64, and Michael G Wilson, 83, took over the Bond franchise from their father and stepfather Albert ‘Cubby’ Broccoli – who bought the film rights from Bond creator Ian Fleming in 1961.

Since then there have been 25 movies – where Bond defeats villains bent on destruction, all while drinking martinis and seducing women.

After the announcement of the £770 million deal with Amazon, owned by billionaire Jeff Bezos, 61, some fans feared the character would be watered down and turned ‘woke’.

AN Ex On The Beach star has revealed a huge on set mistake he made, while filming with Danny Dyer for his new movie Marching Powder.

Danny, 47, stars in new flick Marching Powder, and the premiere for the movie took place in London on Tuesday night.

Declan Doyle

An Ex On The Beach star has revealed a huge on set mistake he made, while filming with Danny Dyer for his new movie Marching Powder[/caption]

PA

Marching Powder drops on screens this weekend[/caption]

Splash

Danny at the world premiere of his new movie this week[/caption]

Marching Powder, written and directed by Nick Love, will hit our screens this weekend.

The trailer, which was released in the autumn, gave fans a glimpse at what to expect.

And Danny has said: “It’s about a couple who are trying to save their marriage, it’s under strain because of the husband’s struggle with drugs.”

One person taking part in the movie is Ex On The Beach star Declan Doyle, who got off to a bit of a bumpy start as he filmed his role.

Dad-of-one Declan was playing a coffee shop owner in the movie, but struggled to get his lines right after a mistake he made while trying to get into the role.

Declan explained to The Sun: “I played the role of a coffee shop owner, and decided to make TEN espressos and drank them, while waiting around to film.

“I don’t know why I did it, but I was buzzing because of all the coffee so ended up forgetting my lines.

“Dany had to encourage me to speak and was like ‘go on’ as it became my turn to say my lines.”

Despite his filming faux-pas, Declan has assured The Sun that he adored his time filming the show, saying just how supportive EastEnders legend Danny was throughout.

In the trailer, Danny, 47, can be seen talking to camera with some suspicious substance in his hand while a group of men could be seen fighting in the background.

“I’m here to introduce my new film,” Danny says.

“It’s a gentle lovely little rom com called Marching Powder.”

He then stops and shouts at the men: “Oi mate, oi mate pipe down,” before sniffing the suspicious substance.

At the start of the trailer, Danny’s alter-ego Jack Jones can be seen in court, where a judge tells him all the bad things that he has done – including fighting at football, possession of cocaine.

He is given six weeks to turn his life around or he’ll end up in prison.

There are plenty of fights, drug taking and raunchy sex scenes in the upcoming film.

And this isn’t the first time that Danny and director Nick have worked together.

They’ve also joined forces for The Football Factory, The Business, Goodbye Charlie Bright and Outlaw.

Undoubtedly, Danny’s performance in The Football Factory is his most memorable to date.

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Dad-of-one Declan was playing a coffee shop owner in the movie, but struggled to get his lines right[/caption]

ONE OF The Spice Girls is set to star in her own fly on the wall show to reveal what ‘really goes on behind the scenes.’

The band – which is composed of Emma Bunton, Mel B, Mel C, Victoria Beckham and Geri Horner have millions of fans worldwide.

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Geri Horner is reportedly in talks for her own fly on the wall show[/caption]

PA

She has seemingly been involved in a pitch for her own programme[/caption]

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It is unknown if her husband Christian Horner will appear in the series[/caption]

But it has now been revealed that Geri, 52, could give her fans access as she never has before.

The Bag It Up hitmaker is reportedly in talks to star in her very own fly on the wall programme.

Sources say that the Spice Girls star has been involved in a pitch for a a new series that would give fans a behind the scenes look at her life.

Although she’s married to Red Bull Racing CEO Christian Horner, 51, it’s currently known if he would appear in the show.

Together they also are very private when it comes to their seven-year-old son Monty, and the outlet reports he’s unlikely to join the project.

A TV insider told The Mail: “Geri has taken a step back from the limelight in recent years but she has been talking about a reality series which would show what goes on behind the scenes in her life.

“Geri is a fascinating character and of course it would be done in a classy way. She is hilarious and leads a very interesting life.”

This comes after we reported that talks for The Spice Girls to reunite for a new tour were axed.

Although the ladies were in talks about a fresh set of gig dates, Geri reportedly pulled the plug on the idea.

Rumours even suggested that Victoria – who was not a part of the 2019 Spice World Tour – considered a potential cameo appearance.

It came amid rumours of a fresh feud with co-star Mel B, 49, after she posted a ‘jibe’ on Geri’s birthday.

An insider told the outlet that the Look at Me songstress turned children’s writer completely walked away from any future projects.

A source said at the time: “Geri has had enough to deal with after all the drama with her husband’s relationship with his assistant – it has been a tough enough time – and she’s just lost patience with Mel and her little digs and jibes.

“She’s walked away and without Geri it’s really not going to happen – in the past she’s been a driving force in the group, but she doesn’t want to deal with Mel at all at the moment let alone share a stage with her.”

The Sun contacted a representative for Geri at the time of writing.

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The former singer has been married to the Red Bull Racing boss since 2015[/caption]

Rex

PA:Press Association

The ladies had been in talks for a fresh set of dates[/caption]

PA:Press Association

But Geri reportedly walked away from any future project after a feud with Mel B[/caption]