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Cardiff v Chelsea: Giant-Killing Opportunity with Semi-Final Place at Stake

Cardiff City host Chelsea on Tuesday 16 December (8pm) with a place in the Carabao Cup semi-finals on the line. The quarter-final format adds immediate jeopardy: there is no VAR at this stage and, if level after 90 minutes, it goes straight to penalties (extra-time is not used until the semi-finals).

Cardiff reach the last eight on the back of a strong run in both league and cup. Their most recent match in any competition was Saturday’s dramatic 4–3 League One win over Doncaster Rovers, settled by a deep added-time winner, which extended their winning streak to five and left them four points clear at the top of League One. In this Carabao Cup run, Cardiff have knocked out Swindon Town, Cheltenham Town, Burnley and Wrexham to earn this quarter-final at home.

Chelsea arrive as Premier League opposition with their own route through the rounds already tested. Their last match in any competition was a 2–0 league win over Everton at Stamford Bridge, with Cole Palmer and Malo Gusto scoring to move Chelsea back into the top four. In the Carabao Cup, Chelsea reached the quarter-finals by beating Lincoln City and Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Team selection will be a major talking point. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has confirmed Cole Palmer will not be involved as he is being carefully managed while returning from a groin issue. Chelsea will also be without Marc Cucurella, who is suspended in this competition after receiving two yellow cards in the tournament.

The managers add an extra subplot. Cardiff boss Brian Barry-Murphy previously followed Maresca in charge of Manchester City’s Elite Development Squad, and the hosts will hope that familiarity with Chelsea’s style helps them keep this tie competitive for as long as possible.

Tactically, Cardiff are likely to lean into energy, organisation and the momentum that has carried them through recent games, looking to make the Cardiff City Stadium atmosphere a genuine factor. Chelsea should still expect long spells of possession and territory, but this is the kind of one-off cup night where control has to be matched by efficiency — especially with penalties waiting if there’s no winner after 90 minutes.

Croydon Parking Bay Dispute Continues as Mayor Refuses to Apologise

Croydon’s mayor has said he will not apologise after a resident received multiple parking fines when a disabled bay was painted around his legally parked car. The incident has prompted criticism from opposition councillors and renewed debate over parking enforcement in the borough, forming the centre of the Croydon parking bay dispute.

Footage shared on social media showed a contractor measuring and painting a disabled parking bay around a black car parked on an unrestricted road outside its owner’s home in New Addington, south London. The owner had left the vehicle there while he was on holiday.

The resident, who did not wish to be named, said Croydon mayor Jason Perry’s response to the incident “was disgraceful”. Croydon Council has previously said it “apologised for the confusion” and confirmed that “the tickets were cancelled a week before the video was uploaded to social media”.

Four penalty charge notices were issued between 22 and 26 November, after the bay was installed on 17 November. The matter was raised at a full council meeting on 10 December by New Addington North Labour councillor Kola Agboola, who called for a public apology and an explanation.

Mayor Perry acknowledged that a mistake had been made but said painting bays around parked cars was “fairly common practice”. He also said the fines were not enforced because the tickets “were not followed through”.

The car owner told the Local Democracy Reporting Service that he only shared the footage online because of previous issues with the council over parking in his area. The Croydon parking bay dispute, he said, reflected wider concerns.

Councillor Agboola said the incident had triggered “a wave of online abuse” directed at himself, local residents and the parking warden involved. He asked whether similar cases had affected “innocent motorists across Croydon” and whether the resident would have been fined if the footage had not been shared.

Responding to those questions, the mayor said: “I guess the answer is no, no and no.”

“There is no need to issue an apology because it was dealt with. This is fairly routine,” he added. He said disabled bays were often painted around vehicles when installation was required.

“If we are painting disabled bays in this borough and there is a car in the way, and it may be there for two weeks because someone has gone on holiday, then the bay will be done around the vehicle,” he said.

Mayor Perry explained that contractors normally record vehicle registration numbers during such work, which should prevent enforcement action. He said that on this occasion the parking warden made a mistake by not noting the exemption.

He also questioned why the footage had been posted online. “The whole thing was actioned before someone chose to put those images on social media, so I think we need to look at perhaps why those images were put on social media in the first place,” he said.

The car owner rejected that suggestion. “If you want us to be polite and do the right thing, then an apology is the right thing to do because they made a mistake,” he said, adding that the footage was shared because of ongoing problems with parking enforcement in the area. The Croydon parking bay dispute, he said, had not been resolved by the council’s response.

Islington Council Issues Final Warning to E Bike Hire Firms Lime and Forest

Islington Council has warned e bike hire firms Lime and Forest that they could lose permission to operate in the borough unless ongoing issues around parking and rider behaviour are resolved. The council has described the situation as serious enough to place both companies on a final notice, marking a clear escalation in the Islington e bike hire warning.

Council leader Una O’Halloran and executive member Rowena Champion wrote to the companies on 11 December, citing what they called “persistent problems” that they said “remain unresolved”. The concerns include bikes blocking pavements, riders running red lights and parking bays becoming overcrowded.

Ms O’Halloran said the council was not opposed to cycling and recognised its benefits, but highlighted safety and access issues. “I’m not against cyclists and we see the benefits of bikes in the borough, but there are problems,” she said, pointing in particular to dangerous parking and riding.

She called for tighter parking restrictions and the use of geofencing to stop bikes being used in housing estates. She also said councils should be able to regulate the number of hire bikes operating locally, adding that she would ask the companies to stop operating in Islington if the issues were not addressed, reinforcing the seriousness of the Islington e bike hire warning.

Over the past year, Islington Council has installed 115 dedicated bike hire bays and removed more than 200 badly parked bikes from its streets. However, Ms O’Halloran said: “we cannot solve these issues alone”. She added that she had asked Lime and Forest to “work with us to solve this problem together”.

In their open letter, the council leaders set out further requirements to “ensure the schemes’ sustainable future”. One demand was that companies should stop operating between 23:00 and 06:00 in areas where there had been repeated complaints about night time noise.

Local residents have raised concerns about disturbance. Deborah Smith, who has lived in Islington for 30 years, said two parking spaces outside her home had recently been replaced with Lime e bike bays. She said she had been woken repeatedly by people collecting and returning bikes, as well as riders ringing bells overnight.

She said Lime should remove the bay and “put them somewhere non-residential”, adding, “no one asked us if we wanted it here or not”. She also said: “We woke up one day and it was there. It’s taken away two parking spaces for which we pay parking permits.”

In response, Forest said it was engaging with the council. Alex Berwin, the company’s head of policy, said Forest “cares deeply about making a positive impact in the city” and that it remained “committed to being a responsible operator and a constructive partner to Islington Council”.

He said the company was investing in improved parking technology, clearer in app guidance and better instructions “to help users park responsibly and reduce street clutter”. He also said Forest’s local team “responded quickly” to reported issues and that it was the only operator to have fully stopped night time servicing to reduce disruption.

Lime also said it was working with the council. A spokesperson said that while “some overnight operations are essential” to keep bikes charged and available, the company was “working with the council on practical steps to minimise disruption for residents, especially during the night”.

The company said high demand had contributed to parking problems, stating: “Record demand for our service has led to some parking challenges in Islington, which we’re working to address.” Lime added that it had helped fund more than 150 dedicated parking bays in the borough and had teams responding to misparked bikes and overcrowded bays “faster than ever”.

Met Call Centre Staff to Strike on New Year’s Eve Over Pay Dispute

Metropolitan Police call centre staff are set to strike on New Year’s Eve over a pay dispute.

Unite confirmed that 175 members employed by the Met will walk out, citing the absence of a pay increase for this financial year. The union described the action as necessary to secure what it considers fair compensation.

Keith Henderson, Unite regional officer, stated: “We know Londoners will be concerned to hear of strikes on New Year’s Eve, but our members at the Met feel they have no choice but to strike in their fight for a fair pay rise.”

The industrial action involves staff who manage crime reporting through call centres, as well as technicians and office employees responsible for servicing and dispatching police vehicles, including cars and motorbikes.

The strike is scheduled to last 25 hours, beginning at 06:00 GMT on 31 December.

Unite said the decision followed the union members’ vote for strike action after not receiving a pay increase for 2025-26. This is despite the Met awarding police officers a 4.2% pay rise and other UK forces providing the same increase to both officers and staff.

The union stated that the Met had offered two provisional pay options: a 3.8% increase, described as “below-RPI,” or a 4.2% rise contingent upon workers accepting “vastly inferior conditions.”

Policing New Year’s Eve last year cost the Met almost £2.3 million, according to Unite.

“As a significant night in policing, strike action will be very disruptive including causing delays to emergency call-outs,” the union added.

Paratus365: Bringing Clarity and Control to a Long-Overlooked Security Industry

For an industry supposedly built on trust, the UK security sector has long struggled with credibility. Businesses rely on it to protect people, property and reputation, yet behind the scenes the system is often opaque, expensive and surprisingly analogue. Quotes arrive slowly, emergency callouts carry hefty premiums, and accountability is largely assumed rather than demonstrated.

Paratus365 enters this landscape with a clear proposition: modernise how security is sourced, delivered and paid for. The platform applies the logic of on-demand digital services to a sector that has, until now, resisted meaningful change.

Replacing Friction with Visibility

At its core, Paratus365 is a smartphone-based platform connecting businesses directly with fully vetted, SIA-licensed security officers. The experience is deliberately simple. Clients book officers on demand or in advance, without waiting for quotes or navigating agency intermediaries whose fees often add little value.

The result is cost savings of 15–30%, but the real shift is less about price and more about transparency. Fixed pricing removes the uncertainty that has historically surrounded security spend. What you see is what you pay – whether booking routine cover or filling short-notice gaps caused by sickness or holidays.

This clarity extends beyond the invoice. Clients can select officers based on skills, experience, appearance, location and even language – a level of choice rarely offered by traditional providers.

A Higher Bar for Vetting and Accountability

One of the platform’s most significant departures from industry norms is its approach to verification. Every officer on Paratus365 undergoes comprehensive screening: SIA licence checks, five-year employment history, right-to-work verification and platform-verified identity confirmation.

Once deployed, officers are tracked via live location monitoring, with compulsory photographic evidence confirming the correct individual is on-site and actively working. For clients, this replaces blind trust with measurable assurance – a shift that feels overdue in a sector responsible for frontline protection.

Paratus365 also introduces verified officer reviews, creating a feedback loop that benefits both businesses and operatives. Performance is no longer anecdotal or hidden behind agency relationships; it is visible and reliable.

Fairer Economics for Businesses and Officers

The platform’s payment model addresses another persistent issue in the sector. Clients pay upfront for a guaranteed service, with funds held securely until the job is completed. This structure eliminates informal payment practices that have historically undermined professionalism.

For officers, payment is instant and always above minimum wage – a meaningful change in an industry where delayed pay cycles often push workers into unreliable side arrangements. By stabilising income, Paratus365 aims to improve reliability and retention, benefiting everyone involved.

Support Without the Middlemen

Despite removing traditional intermediaries, Paratus365 does not leave users unsupported. A 24/7 back-office team aids with both same-day requirements and long-term planning, ensuring businesses retain human support alongside digital efficiency.

A Measured Step Forward

Paratus365 does not claim to reinvent security. Instead, it applies modern expectations – visibility, control, accountability and fair pay – to an industry that has lagged behind them.

In doing so, it quietly challenges long-standing assumptions about how security services should be procured and managed. For businesses tired of opaque pricing and limited oversight, and for officers seeking a more professional and reliable working model, the appeal is clear.

In a sector overdue for reform, Paratus365 sets a new benchmark – not through disruption for its own sake, but by aligning security provision with how organisations now expect services to work.

Teddington Cemetery Extension Recommended Despite Allotment Objections

Plans to extend a south west London cemetery on to land currently used for allotments have been recommended for approval, despite opposition from residents and plot holders. Richmond Council is seeking to expand Teddington Cemetery on to the Shacklegate Lane allotments to address a shortage of burial space.

Council officers have said there is an urgent need for additional burial capacity, with Teddington Cemetery expected to reach its limit within the next year. The proposed Teddington Cemetery extension would create around 616 new burial plots, which are expected to be filled over approximately 30 years.

In a report recommending approval, officers said the council would still meet its required number of allotments across the borough. They added that alternative sites would be offered to those currently using the Shacklegate Lane plots. The report also noted that plans to extend the cemetery on to the allotments were approved in 1993, demonstrating the temporary nature of allotment use on the site.

The report stated: “Considering the above, on balance, the loss of the allotment space is considered in these circumstances to be acceptable and the provision of extra burial space beneficial and in alignment with the policies of the development plan.”

Almost 60 objections were submitted to the planning committee, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service. Objectors argued that demand for allotments in Richmond was high, with long waiting lists, and called for alternative long term solutions to burial provision that would avoid the loss of the Shacklegate Lane site.

Paul Cuff, who has gardened at the allotments for 40 years, said he would be “devastated” if the site closed. He told the BBC that relocating was not a realistic option for him.

“If I’ve got to move up to Hampton Hill, it’s a good 40-minute walk. I’m 79 in January and I’m not getting any younger.

“So basically, I won’t have an allotment.”

Candace Taylor, from the Shacklegate Lane Allotment Association, questioned the council’s approach and the long term implications of the proposal. “This apparently is going to cover 30 years of burial space, but what are they going to do then?” she said.

Responding to concerns, Richmond Council deputy leader Julia Neden-Watts said the authority recognised local opposition but stressed the need to act. “With Teddington Cemetery expected to reach capacity within the next year, we must act now to ensure continued provision of local burial space,” she said.

“The land at Shacklegate Lane has been designated for cemetery use for many years, and the temporary nature of the allotment use here has been clearly communicated and understood.”

She added that the council would support affected allotment holders by offering alternative sites and assistance during the transition. Neden-Watts also said the Teddington Cemetery extension would aim to keep the site green and accessible, with plans to improve biodiversity and provide new volunteering and community gardening opportunities.

Green Party councillor Caroline Wren suggested the council should explore reusing old graves instead. “In this cemetery, they’re not doing it yet. It’s absolutely staggering to me that they promised that so many years ago and they have not taken it up,” she said.

Richmond Council’s planning committee is due to make a decision on the Teddington Cemetery extension on Wednesday.

Undercover Policing Inquiry to Hear Evidence from Former Met Officer

A former undercover Metropolitan Police officer who infiltrated a left wing campaign group in east London is due to give evidence to the Undercover Policing Inquiry. Mark Jenner, also known as agent HN15, operated under the name Mark Cassidy during his deployment.

While undercover, Jenner formed a five year intimate relationship with an activist known as “Alison”, not her real name, while he was married with children. The pair lived together, went on holidays and attended family events. Alison and Jenner’s former wife have both given evidence to the inquiry.

The Undercover Policing Inquiry is examining the tactics used by the Metropolitan Police Special Demonstration Squad. It has previously been reported that at least 50 women were deceived into intimate relationships with undercover officers over several decades. The inquiry heard that Jenner’s relationship with Alison did not appear in his official reports to senior officers.

“There are so many layers of lies,” Alison said.

“I think his direct managers knew and covered it up. Or they didn’t know and they are entirely incompetent.”

Alison told the inquiry she met Jenner at the Colin Roach Centre in Hackney in 1995, which she described as a “peaceful organisation” supporting families in dispute with the police. Jenner became a prominent figure within the group and later moved into Alison’s flat.

“We were very compatible,” she said. “I felt very safe with him.”

Documents shown to the inquiry indicated Jenner requested travel authorisation to follow group activities outside London. These trips were in fact holidays with Alison, including visits to Israel, Thailand and Amsterdam.

When Alison later discovered Jenner was an undercover officer, she said she was “very angry, distressed and physiologically disturbed”.

“His true motivation was about sexual gratification,” she said.

Jenner’s former wife told the inquiry she received “no support from the police” and claimed “the deceit and collusion went high up the chain.” Alison has since supported other women with similar experiences and helped establish the Police Spies Out of Our Lives website.

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Jon Savell said the Metropolitan Police acknowledged “the serious wrongdoing and the totally unacceptable behaviour” by some undercover officers and apologised for the harm caused.

Mark Jenner is expected to give four days of evidence to the Undercover Policing Inquiry. The inquiry continues.

Nearly 90% of Gen Z distracted by technology at Christmas dinner table, new research reveals

Nearly 90% of Gen Z admit to being distracted by technology at the Christmas dinner table, according to new research that highlights how modern digital habits are disrupting festive mealtimes and meaningful family connection.

The exclusive survey reveals that traditional Christmas gatherings — long seen as a time for warmth, conversation and togetherness — are increasingly being overshadowed by phones, screens and social media. The findings suggest the festive season is no longer immune to the pull of technology, particularly among younger generations.

Research commissioned by Uber Eats also shows that more than a third of Brits (37%) struggle to make conversation at the Christmas dinner table, despite 9 in 10 describing themselves as “good conversationalists”. In reality, 65% admit to being regularly distracted by technology while eating.

While over half of respondents (52%) say they crave deeper, more meaningful conversations with friends and family, familiar conversation starters such as “What’s new with you?” or “Tell me a fun fact about yourself” are leaving many feeling more disconnected than engaged.

In response, broadcaster and self-confessed conversation enthusiast Nick Grimshaw has partnered with Uber Eats and Indian restaurant brand Mowgli to help reignite real conversation this Christmas. Together, they have created a set of festive conversation cards designed to spark meaningful, surprising and entertaining discussion over a shared meal.

The conversation prompts encourage diners to move beyond polite small talk, tapping into shared human experiences with questions such as “Is there a lesson you’ve learned that’s stayed with you?” and “What’s a mealtime tradition you’d love to start?”

With conversational anxiety often driven by fears of saying the wrong thing, a lack of shared interests or chat that feels too shallow, Grimshaw’s prompts aim to unlock personal stories, spark curiosity and get people opening up. The idea is simple: good food, fewer screens, and conversations that actually connect.

Nick Grimshaw said:

“I love when people open up and share their stories, and I firmly believe that the best conversations happen when people are relaxed, enjoying good food, and have their phones at bay, being present in the moment. I’m thrilled to team up with Uber Eats and Mowgli to inject some life back into dinner table discussions, giving people the tools they need to switch off the screen and turn up the chat.”

Saskia De Jongh, at Uber Eats, added:

“Every day, millions of us enjoy amazing food through Uber Eats. With Mowgli, we wanted to offer something extra this Christmas: delicious dishes and a moment to truly reconnect with our loved ones. After all, great stories, like great food, are meant to be shared.”

The festive conversation cards reflect Mowgli’s core philosophy of bringing people together over honest, home-style Indian cooking —-the kind found in a family kitchen. The menu ranges from comforting classics like Mother Butter Chicken to vibrant street-food favourites such as Fenugreek Fries, all designed for sharing. Delivery bundles and set menus are available exclusively via Uber Eats, making group dining easy this festive season.

Fans will also have the chance to see an expert host in action, with Nick Grimshaw hosting a special Mowgli dinner on 16 December. A limited number of places will be available through Uber Eats UK’s Instagram, where users can engage with Nick’s dinner party content for a chance to attend.

The research also highlights stark generational differences in conversation topics. While Millennials tend to talk about food (25%) and fitness (24%), Gen Z conversations are more focused on social media and memes (23%) or people they know (21%). Baby Boomers, meanwhile, are most likely to discuss holidays (41%).

This Christmas, Uber Eats and Mowgli aim to bridge the generational divide – one thoughtful conversation prompt at a time. A lucky selection of customers across the UK will receive Nick Grimshaw’s festive conversation cards with their Mowgli order via Uber Eats from this week, while stocks last.

Arsenal 2–1 Wolves: Late Mosquera Own Goal Sends Gunners Five Points Clear at the Summit

Arsenal snatched a dramatic late victory at the Emirates Stadium as Yerson Mosquera’s stoppage-time own goal sealed a 2–1 win over Wolves and restored a five-point cushion at the top of the Premier League table.

It looked as though the leaders were heading for a damaging draw against the bottom club when Wolves substitute Tolu Arokodare powered in a header on 90 minutes to wipe out Arsenal’s slender advantage and silence the home crowd. But just when the pressure threatened to mount on Mikel Arteta’s side, Arsenal found one final surge.

Bukayo Saka, the hosts’ most persistent attacking threat, whipped a dangerous cross into the six-yard box in the fourth minute of added time. Under intense pressure from Gabriel Jesus, Mosquera could only glance the ball beyond his own goalkeeper, sending the Emirates into raptures and breaking Wolves’ hearts.

The decisive moment spared Arsenal considerable embarrassment. A draw against a winless Wolves side would have handed momentum firmly to Manchester City, but instead the Gunners reasserted their authority in a title race already full of twists.

The match itself was far from comfortable for the home side. Wolves arrived with a clear plan and executed it impressively, defending deep, denying space between the lines and limiting Arsenal to zero shots on target in a flat first half. They even threatened to take the lead when Hwang Hee-Chan was played through on goal, only for David Raya to stand tall and make a crucial one-on-one save.

Arsenal’s breakthrough came in scrappy fashion midway through the second half. From a Saka corner, the ball struck the post and rebounded off Wolves goalkeeper Sam Johnstone, trickling over the line in cruel circumstances for the visitors. Rather than using the goal as a platform, Arsenal retreated and lost their grip, allowing Wolves to grow in confidence.

That hesitation was punished late on when Matheus Mane’s effort deflected kindly into the path of Arokodare, who made no mistake with a firm header to seemingly earn Wolves a famous point. The celebration was short-lived.

Saka responded immediately, delivering one last cross into the danger area, and Arsenal’s persistence was rewarded with the fortunate but decisive own goal that could yet prove pivotal in the title run-in.

The win was a huge emotional lift for Arsenal after last weekend’s defeat at Aston Villa, though it came with a concern as Ben White was forced off in the first half with a hamstring problem. Wolves, meanwhile, were left with nothing to show for a disciplined and committed display, slipping to a tenth straight defeat in all competitions and a fifth loss under Rob Edwards.

Arteta admitted afterwards that relief outweighed satisfaction, acknowledging his side’s standards dipped after taking the lead. Wolves’ manager, despite the crushing nature of the defeat, praised his players’ effort and unity, insisting performances like this will eventually bring rewards.

For now, Arsenal march on at the top, while Wolves remain rooted to the bottom — undone not by a lack of effort, but by the fine margins that so often define the Premier League.