London news · 11 November 2026
Poundland owner to free up £10m to pay suppliers before bosses face government questioning
City AM reports that Gordon Brothers, Poundland's owner, has agreed to unlock about £10m held on the retailer's balance sheet to pay suppliers, a day before its bosses are questioned by the government.
Government opens probe into leak of Budget bank tax rise
The Cabinet Office's Government Security Group is investigating a possible leak of the Chancellor's decision to double the bank surcharge, reported hours before his Budget speech. Treasury committee chair Dame Meg Hillier criticised past leak inquiries.
Man convicted of murder over fatal stabbing in Kilburn block of flats
Leon Douglas, 45, has been found guilty of murdering Khalid Marchoud, 40, after a nine-day trial at Harrow Crown Court, the Met Police says. He was arrested within four days of the stabbing.
Police name man they wish to speak to over Peckham murder
The Met has named Musa Sillah, 23, as a man detectives wish to speak to about the 2023 killing of Rohan Trotman in Peckham. A £10,000 Crimestoppers reward is on offer.
Russell Brand jailed for 10 years and six months for rape and sexual assaults
Russell Brand, 51, was sentenced at Southwark Crown Court to 10 years and six months in prison after a jury convicted him of one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault. He will be on the sex offenders' register for life.
Oxford Street's first week: City Hall reports footfall up 16%, spending up 19%
City Hall says footfall on Oxford Street's traffic-free section rose 16% year-on-year in its first six days, with spending up 19%. A commentator says novelty and weather may explain part of the rise.
Incoming Lord Mayor to travel by Thames barge before Lord Mayor's Show
Bronek Masojada, the incoming Lord Mayor of the City of London, will travel by ceremonial barge from Westminster to HMS President on Saturday 14 November before joining the Lord Mayor's Show.
RMT announces eight 24-hour London Tube strikes from November to February
The RMT union has announced eight 24-hour strikes on the London Underground between November 2026 and February 2027, in a dispute over a proposed four-day week for drivers. London Underground says the plan would give drivers a real choice of working pattern.
Old Vic announces first season under Rupert Goold
The Old Vic has announced the first programming of Rupert Goold's tenure, with four productions in 2027 including Damian Lewis in Henry V and Milly Alcock in Julie. Tickets go on general sale at noon on 16 November.
Bond Street Christmas lights to be switched on 12 November
Bond Street's Christmas lights will be switched on at 7pm on 12 November, with the street closed to traffic from 4pm for live music and brand events. It is the last year of the Crown Jewels-inspired design.
Wanstead Park Grotto removed from Heritage at Risk Register
The Grade II listed Grotto in Wanstead Park, east London, has been taken off Historic England's Heritage at Risk Register. The City of London Corporation says this follows years of conservation planning and specialist restoration.
London transport watchdog calls for rethink on 'floating bus stops'
London TravelWatch, the official consumer body for the capital's transport users, wants all shared use bus boarders removed and no new bus stop by-passes built until cyclists' compliance with the Highway Code improves.
City of London Corporation comments on Hampstead Heath bathing ponds judicial review
A City of London Corporation spokesperson said the Supreme Court's definition of 'sex' did not require all services to be single-sex or prevent trans-inclusive arrangements. The Corporation says its approach to the Hampstead Heath bathing ponds is lawful.
Santa Steam Express returns to London Victoria in December
Steam Dreams' Santa Steam Express will run from London Victoria on Saturday 12 and Saturday 19 December, with four departures each day. Tickets start at £45 per person.
Bank of England's Lombardelli warns youth unemployment could leave 'lasting scars'
Bank of England deputy governor Claire Lombardelli said the UK jobs market is "stuck in low gear" and that weak hiring risks leaving "lasting scars" on young people. She also said there was "likely to be a case" for another interest rate rise in the near term.