36 m. ago Shabana Mahmood told of plans to ban Israeli fans from Aston Villa match a week ago and 'did not object'

Sir Keir Starmer has condemned the controversial plans to ban Maccabi Tel Aviv supporters from the European clash

Politics

7 h. ago Shabana Mahmood was told of Maccabi Tel Aviv ban plans a week ago and 'had not objected': Hamas victim likens police decision to a sign saying 'no Jews allowed'

Sir Keir Starmer and Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood were locked in an extraordinary stand-off with the police last night over controversial plans to ban Israeli football fans from an Aston Villa match.

Events

13 h. ago Ban on Maccabi Tel Aviv fans is a terrible decision – and a depressing one | Barney Ronay

The idea that barring the Israeli club’s supporters from Villa Park will de-escalate a volatile situation just doesn’t stand upWell, at least we have Ayoub Khan in the house, Birmingham MP and a voice of tolerance, unity and de-escalation in these difficult times. “Sports entertainment events should be enjoyed by all regardless of their race, ethnicity and background,” Khan wrote on X on Thursday. One hundred per cent this. Heart emoji. Slay, king. This is not just the best part of sport. It’s the only real point.“Now is the time to ease tensions, set aside political difference and focus on the football,” Khan concluded, scattering flowers of all shades, fluttering his fingers to release a cascade of butterflies, and opening his arms to embrace, personally, brothers and sisters of every caste and clime. Continue reading...

Events

15 h. ago Ban on Israeli football fans attending match in Birmingham could be lifted in days as ministers scramble to beef up policing

The Government has been pressuring West Midlands Police to reverse a decision to bar Maccabi Tel Aviv fans from their Europa League game against Aston Villa on 6 November.

Politics

15 h. ago Home Office was told last week that Maccabi Tel Aviv fans could face ban for Aston Villa match, police say

Sir Keir Starmer will do ‘everything in his power’ to overturn the controversial ban, according to his spokesman

Society

15 h. ago Home Office offers extra resources in bid to undo ban on Maccabi Tel Aviv fans at Aston Villa tie

No 10 says discussions happening ‘at pace’ with West Midlands police asked to provide alternate proposalsThe Home Office is offering extra support to West Midlands police in an effort to reverse its ban on fans of the Israeli football team Maccabi Tel Aviv attending a match at Villa Park next month.After a political outcry about the police decision that would stop Israeli fans going to the match, Downing Street said on Friday that discussions were happening “at pace across government” to resolve the issue. Continue reading...

Society

15 h. ago Ministers doing ‘everything in our power’ to let Maccabi fans attend Villa match

Pressure has been mounting to overturn the ban on Maccabi Tel Aviv supporters from attending the club’s Europa League match against Aston Villa.

Politics

16 h. ago Ministers locked in talks over ban on Maccabi Tel Aviv fans at Aston Villa tie

No 10 says discussions happening ‘at pace’ to resolve issue after decision by West Midlands police to issue banUK politics live – latest updatesMinisters have been locked in talks in an attempt to persuade West Midlands police to reverse a ban on fans of the Israeli football team Maccabi Tel Aviv attending a match at Villa Park next month.After a political outcry about the decision, Downing Street said on Friday that discussions were happening “at pace, across government” to resolve the issue. Continue reading...

Politics

18 h. ago Birmingham MP who backed Israeli football fan ban warmly shakes the hand of preacher who has urged followers to show 'no mercy' to Maccabi Tel Aviv supporters

Footage showed MP Ayoub Khan, a close ally of hard-Left former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn , shaking hands with Muslim influencer Asrar Rashid at Lozells Central Mosque in Birmingham in July.

Politics

18 h. ago No 10 pledges action on Maccabi fans ban a week after police warned of risk

Discussions are happening ‘at pace, across Government’ to overturn the ban on Maccabi Tel Aviv fans attending the Aston Villa match, No 10 said.

Events

19 h. ago Ministers under fire after it emerges Home Office knew LAST WEEK that Israeli football fans could be banned from attending match in Birmingham but did nothing to intervene

Sir Keir Starmer is applying major pressure on police to reverse the decision. But it emerged today that the Home Office was 'briefed last week' about it and did nothing.

Politics

19 h. ago Postecoglou defends ‘trophy’ record; Arteta backs Gyökeres, Palmer injury blow – football live

Latest news and comment before weekend’s actionPremier League: 10 things to look out for | Mail JohnTroubling news for Chelsea: Cole Palmer, who has not played since September, faces six more weeks out with a groin injury.The latest on Maccabi Tel Aviv’s visit to Aston Villa:Senior government officials will meet on Friday as they look to reverse a decision by West Midlands police to ban fans of the Israeli team Maccabi Tel Aviv from a European match at Aston Villa next month. Continue reading...

Events

19 h. ago Moment Birmingham MP who backed Israeli football fan ban was warmly praised at mosque by preacher who has urged followers to show 'no mercy' to Maccabi Tel Aviv supporters

Footage has emerged of Muslim influencer Asrar Rashid praising MP Ayoub Khan, a close ally of hard-Left former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, at Lozells Central Mosque in Birmingham.

Politics

19 h. ago 'If Tel Aviv thugs can petrify police at Aston Villa match we're all in trouble'

Police have decided to ban Tel Aviv football fans from a match in Birmingham on the grounds they cannot guarantee anyone's safety. Fleet Street Fox wonders what the point of policing is

Events

19 h. ago William praises ambulance service for encouraging staff to speak up over abuse

The Prince of Wales toured the headquarters of the London Ambulance Service (LAS) to meet those on the front line.

Politics

19 h. ago No 10 pledges action on Israeli fans ban a week after police warned of risk

Discussions are happening ‘at pace, across Government’ to overturn the ban on Maccabi Tel Aviv fans attending the Aston Villa match, No 10 said.

Events

20 h. ago 'Let them watch the match': Pressure mounts on authorities in Birmingham to reverse 'national disgrace' decision to ban fans of Israeli football team from attending game in England over safety fears

No10 said Sir Keir Starmer had been 'angered' by the decision to bar followers of Maccabi Tel Aviv from their Europa League visit to Villa Park in Birmingham on November 6 amid public safety fears.

Sport

20 h. ago Arteta backs Gyökeres, Palmer injury blow, Liverpool v Manchester United news – football live

Latest news and comment before weekend’s actionPremier League: 10 things to look out for | Mail DominicTroubling news for Chelsea: Cole Palmer, who has not played since September, faces six more weeks out with a groin injury.The latest on Maccabi Tel Aviv’s visit to Aston Villa:Senior government officials will meet on Friday as they look to reverse a decision by West Midlands police to ban fans of the Israeli team Maccabi Tel Aviv from a European match at Aston Villa next month. Continue reading...

Sport

20 h. ago Israeli football club whose fans have been BANNED from Aston Villa match hit back at 'unfair' police decision

A senior official from Maccabi Tel Aviv believes the spectre of antisemitism may have influenced the decision to stop the Israeli club's fans attending a football match on British soil.

Events

20 h. ago Discussions to overturn ban on Maccabi Tel Aviv fans happening ‘at pace’ – No 10

Sir Keir Starmer wants to do ‘everything in his power’ to ensure Jewish people feel safe in the UK, a No 10 spokesman added.

Politics