A man has been taken into custody for possibly causing a fatal accident involving a Mercedes car and a pedestrian.
Police and emergency services were called to Harrow Road, Westminster when someone reported a blue Mercedes hitting a person around 3. 50am today
The man in his 50s who was walking on the road passed away at the spot where the incident occurred.
Scotland Yard said that his family has been told.
The person driving, who is a man in his twenties, was taken into custody for possibly causing someone’s death by driving recklessly and driving while under the influence of drugs.
The roads are still closed while the police are investigating.
Tag: Westminster
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Pedestrian killed in collision in Westminster, man detained
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Food costs to increase faster than energy costs
In the next weeks, experts predict that it will be harder to put food on the table than to keep the lights on.
The cost of living issue has upended the lives of many Brits as the price of food has more than doubled amid persistent double-digit inflation.
Food inflation is alarmingly high at 15.7%, with some fresh food price tags rising 18.8% from one year to the next in April.
The tales have been eerie. People enter food banks “crying,” and single parents miss meals or consume cat food because they cannot afford to buy groceries.
Statistics released by the Resolution Foundation yesterday show how the average grocery bill will overtake the increase in the average fuel bill by next month.
‘While energy prices have risen faster, food makes up a far larger share of the typical household’s consumption (13% versus 5% in 2019-20),’ the report from the think-tank says.
The government doesn’t realise the financial toll the price hikes are taking on people, the think-tank said (Picture: PA) ‘This, combined with food prices continuing to rise even as energy bills fall back, means that by this summer the average increase in food costs since 2019-20 (£1,000) will be larger than that for energy bills (around £900).’
The price jump will hit low-income households the hardest as food costs gobble up more of people’s paychecks than energy bills.
One in five people is already eating less or skipping meals, with low-income and larger families or people on benefits being more likely to do so.
People of colour were also more likely to say the same, according to the Resolution Foundation’s analysis of a YouGov survey of 10,122 UK adults aged 18 or over, as well as say they have used a food or warm bank in the last four weeks.
In the year since April 2022, record numbers of food parcels were handed out by the Trussel Trust, which operates food pantries across the nation, with 750,000 people using the charity network’s food banks.
‘Taken together, high food and energy inflation mean low-income households are experiencing effective inflation rates more than 3ppts higher than high-income households,’ the Resolution Foundation adds.
‘We also know that poorer households buying the cheapest food are less able to change what they buy to save money. Instead, they cut down on eating.’
Six in 10 (61%) of the poorest fifth of households have cut back on essentials compared to 35% of richer households, per data from the Office of National Statistics (ONS).
Rent, water, mobile and broadband bills, council tax, interest rates and soon energy bills (the current price cap will end in July) have all risen in recent months.
Rishi Sunak, thought to be the wealthiest prime minister in history, and his wife Akshata Murty (Picture: Stefan Rousseau/WPA Pool/Getty Images) The Resolution Foundation says that it’s not sure whether the government has quite clocked how difficult these price increases are for families.
‘Everyone realises food prices are rising,’ it says, ‘but it’s less clear that the scale of the increase has been fully understood in Westminster.
‘This summer the food price shock to family finances is on course to overtake that from energy bills.
‘The cost of living crisis isn’t ending, it’s just entering a new phase.’
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Adorable moment Charlotte holds Louis’ hand for their Grandpa Wales’ coronation
Prince Louis and Princess Charlotte clutched hands gently as they made their way to their grandfather’s coronation.
The Prince and Princess of Wales and their children arrived among the final attendees for today’s historic ceremony.
Louis gave everyone a cautious wave as the family’s car drove up in front of Westminster Hall, looking a little overwhelmed.
His sister Charlotte then eased any anxieties he may have had, as she confidently took his hand as the pair walked in.
Prince George and Princess Charlotte clasped hands ahead of the ceremony (Picture: Reuters) 
Prince Louis struggled to sit still at some points in the ceremony (Picture: PA) Prince Louis shifted in his seat during the ceremony and, as any five-year-old would, seemed to get distracted at times.
During the first half of the ceremony, he could be seen letting out a big yawn. At one point, he took the opportunity to excitedly point out something of interest to Charlotte.
King Charles was then humbled by his grandson who, mere moments after the monarch was crowned, let out a large yawn in response.
During the ceremony, Kate Middleton, Princess of Wales, gave a sentimental nod to tradition with her outfit of a white dress with a blue robe.
Coronation of King Charles III latest
Meanwhile Prince George was seen wearing his Page of Honour red ceremonial uniform, Charlotte chose a white dress with a white cape and Louis donned a dark blue and black button-up uniform.
Nine-year-old Prince George, as a future King, is playing an important role in the coronation today.
He was named as one the pages of honour of the ceremony, and forms part of the procession through Westminster Abbey.
He has also helped hold the robes of his grandfather Charles during the two-and-a-half hour ceremony.
Afterwards he will sit in a carriage behind the King and Queen Consort with his siblings and the Prince and Princess of Wales.
Kate previously said she was happy for her oldest son to participate in the ceremony as long as he was not the subject of ‘overwhelming scrutiny’.
Princess Charlotte, who is William and Kate’s only daughter, turned eight on Tuesday.
Despite being third in line to the throne, she is playing only a small role in the coronation.
After watching her grandfather be crowned King, she will accompany her siblings in the procession from the church after the ceremony.
She is then likely to join her family on the balcony of Buckingham Palace.
Prince Louis, 5, is the youngest of William and Kate’s three children.
Due to his young age he will not have a large role in the coronation, but is expected to join his family in the procession and on the balcony of Buckingham Palace.
It is not the youngsters’ first experience of a royal carriage procession, with the trio waving to crowds from a landau during the Platinum Jubilee celebrations last year.
Huge crowds have gathered to watch the royal procession – viewing areas were full by 8.30am – with thousands more watching on big screens across the country.
Others had arrived to the coronation ceremony earlier – including Prince Harry.
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Camilla given the crown of Queen Mary
As millions of people across the world watched, Camilla was crowned Queen.
After Queen Elizabeth II passed away, she assumed the role of Consort to support her husband King Charles III’s rule.
Over the course of more than 50 years, she transitioned from romantic involvement to mistress to finally wife of the King, and the trip culminated with her being formally crowned as the country’s Queen.
In a ceremony today, Camilla was crowned with Queen Mary’s Crown, which has been reset with the Cullinan III, IV and V diamonds.
It is the first time in almost three centuries that an existing crown will be worn, as opposed to a new piece.
Camilla was also anointed in public by the Archbishop of Canterbury, in a break with tradition.
The Dean of Westminster poured oil from the ampulla into the coronation spoon, and held the spoon for the Archbishop of Canterbury.
As she was anointed the Archbishop said: ‘Be your head anointed with holy oil.
‘Almighty God, the fountain of all goodness; hear our prayer this day for thy servant Camilla, whom in thy name, and with all devotion, we consecrate our Queen.
Camilla was also anointed in public by the Archbishop of Canterbury, in a break with tradition ‘Make her strong in faith and love, defend her on every side, and guide her in truth and peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.’
This morning, the official royal website was updated to refer to Camilla as ‘the Queen’ as opposed to the Queen consort.
The coronation ceremony began at 11am, inside Westminster Abbey, and was held by the Archbishop of Canterbury.
At 12pm, King Charles was crowned with the St Edward’s Crown in a lavish ceremony.
He wore crimson robes as he arrived at Westminster Abbey, the site of every coronation for the past nine centuries.
It is tradition for the monarch to wear the solid gold St Edward’s Crown – often dubbed the centrepiece of the Crown Jewels – at the moment of coronation.
Only invited guests were able to watch the ceremony in person with footage broadcast to big screens and television across the world.
While Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation was three hours long, the coronation of King Charles is due to last until 1pm.
Up and down the UK, big screens have been placed in public parks so people can gather to watch today’s events unfold.
There are dozens of screenings taking place in every corner of England, but only two each in Wales and Scotland.
Both of the Welsh locations are in Cardiff – at the capital’s castle and its bay – while the Scottish events will take place at Glasgow Cathedral and Edinburgh’s Ross Bandstand in Princes Street Gardens.
Meanwhile in Northern Ireland, there’s capacity for 15,000 people to watch the ceremony in public across nine locations.
Those travelling across the country on public transport today will be reminded to ‘mind the gap’ by the King himself.
Charles and Camilla have recorded an announcement which is being played between Friday and Monday at every railway station across the UK and all London Underground stations, industry body the Rail Delivery Group said.
In the message, the King begins by telling passengers: ‘My wife and I wish you and your families a wonderful coronation weekend.’
Camilla then says: ‘Wherever you are travelling, we hope you have a safe and pleasant journey.’
The message concludes with Charles adding: ‘And remember, please mind the gap.’
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Over 5,000 members of the armed forces march through Waterloo
In order to participate in the coronation, thousands of soldiers and other military personnel hopped off trains at Waterloo this morning.
This morning, more than 5,000 people rode trains to the capital in what is thought to be the largest military staff transfer on British rails since Sir Winston Churchill’s burial in 1965.
Seven South Western Railway trains, two chartered West Coast Railways trains, and personnel from the Royal Navy, Army, Royal Air Force, and Commonwealth troops were utilised for the trip.
The soldiers, sailors and aviators arrived to the sound of a special announcement recorded by the King and Queen, which is being played at stations across Britain this weekend.
All of the members of the armed forces will be taking part in the coronation later today(Picture: PA) 
They marched through Waterloo station before heading to Westminster(Picture: PA) 
The march was a sight to behold for anyone in Westminster this morning(Picture: PA) 
It is the largest military group to travel by train since Winston Churchill’s funeral(Picture: PA) 
Armed police watched on as the soldiers marched past(Picture: PA) 
Troops taking part in the march (Picture: AFP) 
Sailors were also among the troops marching through Westminster (Picture: PA) After leaving Waterloo, they marched over Westminster Bridge to assemble ahead of the coronation.
They headed across the bridge and onto Birdcage Walk.
Coronation of King Charles III latest
The military personnel are leading processions accompanying the King and Queen to and from Westminster Abbey.
Network Rail’s Wessex route director Mark Killick said: ‘We are delighted to have welcomed over 5,000 armed forces personnel to London Waterloo this morning in what is the biggest movement of military personnel by the rail industry since 1965.
‘The coronation of the King and the Queen Consort is of huge national significance and we’re very proud of the role we are playing, not only in helping transport the armed forces but also the many thousands of customers who are travelling by train to London to take part and celebrate this occasion.
‘I would like to thank the many colleagues who are working exceptionally hard to ensure our customers experience smooth and pleasant journeys and I would like to wish customers an enjoyable and memorable coronation weekend.’
South Western Railway managing director Claire Mann said: ‘We are proud to support the armed forces in their ceremonial duties for what will be an unforgettable day for the whole country.
‘I’m very grateful for the hard work and support of all of my colleagues who have made these special trains possible, and the additional services we are providing to Windsor & Eton Riverside for the coronation concert tomorrow.
‘On behalf of all colleagues at South Western Railway, I wish everyone a happy coronation weekend.’
Lieutenant Colonel Belinda Forsythe, deputy chief of staff for the London district, who has overseen the military operation’s logistics, said: ‘The coronation is a momentous occasion and it’s with immense pride that UK and Commonwealth armed forces are taking in the largest military ceremonial operation of its kind for a generation.
‘For the thousands of soldiers, sailors and aviators from the UK and across the Commonwealth to arrive in London together by train before marching off to take part in this historic ceremony was a unique and special moment and my thanks go to all involved in making it happen.’
Later this morning the armed forces will take part in the King’s coronation as he is anointed at Westminster Abbey at lunchtime.
It is the first UK coronation since that of Queen Elizabeth II in 1953.
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Stormont: Bill to slash assembly members’ pay to be introduced
On Monday, new legislation will be introduced in Westminster to give the Northern Ireland secretary the authority to reduce the salaries of assembly members.
As the executive had not been restored, Chris Heaton-Harris confirmed the move earlier in November.
The Executive Formation Bill will give parties more time to return to power-sharing government.
It will also clarify civil servants’ “limited decision-making” powers in the absence of ministers.
Extra provisions are also being made to allow a regional rate to be set, should an executive not be in place, as well as powers for the approval of some public appointments.
Mr Heaton-Harris said the bill would address the “realities of the governance gap in Northern Ireland during the present impasse”.
Under the new legislation, a fresh timeline will be set for the restoration of a power-sharing government.
If the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) refuses to end its boycott of the Stormont institutions by 8 December, Mr Heaton-Harris has the option to either call an election – which would be for some time between mid-January and the beginning of March – or extend the deadline by six weeks to 19 January.
If nothing changes by then, an election could take place by 13 April.
Setting out details of the bill, the secretary of state said people in Northern Ireland were being “denied full democratic representation”.
“The government’s priority is to see politicians elected to return to fulfil their roles in a strong, devolved, locally-accountable government as laid out in the Belfast Good Friday Agreement,” he said
“I urge the Northern Ireland parties to use this extended time to come together and deliver for the interests of all the people in Northern Ireland, particularly in this time of rising costs.”
Dates for the diaryNorthern Ireland has been without a government since February as the DUP has refused to return to power-sharing in protest over the Northern Ireland Protocol.
Unionist politicians argue the post-Brexit trading arrangement undermines Northern Ireland’s position in the UK.
It keeps the region aligned with some EU trade rules to ensure goods can move freely across the Irish land border.
Despite an assembly election in May – in which Sinn Féin won the largest number of seats – and four attempts to elect an assembly speaker, the DUP continued to refuse to nominate executive ministers.
The UK and EU remain in talks about the protocol, in the hopes of getting a deal to suit both sides.
Analysis: More movable deadlines could come
Three weeks after he backtracked on his legal obligation to call an assembly election, Chris Heaton Harris is playing for more time.
By providing the extra space with two new deadlines, he hopes the UK and EU will strike a deal over the Northern Ireland Protocol, which could pave the way for the DUP’s return to the Northern Ireland Executive.
That is a big ask given the gaps which remain between London and Brussels.
Don’t be surprised if we end up with more dates to circle in the calendar once the two set today join the long list of Northern Ireland’s movable deadlines.
As for cutting assembly members’ salaries, let’s see if that is a threat the secretary of state will stick to.
The bill also gives the secretary of state the power to amend assembly members’ salaries while the assembly is “unable to conduct business and maintain public service delivery”.
This could see their wages cut by 27%, or just over £14,000, reducing their incomes from £51,500 to £37,337.
“At present MLAs (members of the legislative assembly) are not in a position to fulfil the full range of their duties, so it is right that we take steps to reduce their salaries, especially in the current economic climate,” Mr Heaton-Harris said.
He also criticised outgoing ministers for “poor decisions” which he said helped create the current £660m black hole in public finances.
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Suella Braverman: Backlash shows scars of six months of turmoil run deep in Tory party
One issue has stood out like a sore thumb amid the relative political calm that has washed over Westminster in the last five days.
Suella Braverman’s reappointment as home secretary a week after she resigned over security breaches has perplexed and befuddled Conservative MPs and officials.
Given Rishi Sunak’s commitment to integrity, the perception that a great office of state was traded away for support in the race for Number 10 has riled some.
A former cabinet minister said: “Rishi has screwed up and done a grubby deal to get support… he comes out and says ‘I am the savior, I’m whiter than white’ but he’s grey when push comes to shove.”
Another former minister said Mr Sunak was “desperate for her not to back Boris as they were terrified of an election. He needed a coronation as he’s frightened of any electorate.”
Downing Street denied any deal was done.
But there are also live questions about Mrs Braverman’s suitability for the role.
Her resignation just 11 days ago came after she sent a sensitive government document from her personal email account.
One of the recipients was a veteran Conservative MP who is said to be a regular confidante of the home secretary.
But she also accidentally copied in a parliamentary staffer who works for another Tory MP.
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Sunak addressing Tory Eurosceptics this morning
Rishi Sunak is addressing a caucus of arch-Eurosceptic Conservative MPs this morning, Sky News understands.
The European Research Group (ERG) was instrumental in opposing Theresa May’s Brexit deal.
Mr Sunak is speaking to them this morning in Westminster.
Both Mr Sunak and Penny Mordaunt were Brexit supporters, so will both be hoping for the ERG’s endorsement.
Mark Francois, the chair of the ERG, will be making a statement at lunchtime today.
Source:Skynews
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Order of Service: State funeral of Queen Elizabeth II
The Dean of Westminster, David Hoyle, is leading the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II.
Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, will however give the sermon and the commendation – the ceremonial moment when the Queen is entrusted to God.
Prayers will come from the Archbishop of York, the Cardinal Archbishop of Westminster, the Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland and the Free Churches Moderator.
The Prime Minister Liz Truss and the Secretary General of the Commonwealth Patricia Scotland are set to deliver lessons – readings from scripture.
And it will be down to the Dean of Westminster to pronounce the blessing.
Below is the order of service for the Queen’s funeral:
