News
MPs call for review of all lockdown fines
According to the committee, COVID rules have changed at least 65 times since March 2020 - and the "unfair system" was leading to fines being "incorrectly issued."
A parliamentary committee is calling for all fines issued during lockdown to be reviewed due to a “lack of legal clarity”.
The Joint Committee on Human Rights (JCHR) – which consists of MPs and Lords – is a group that scrutinises each government bill for ‘its compatibility with human rights’, and members said they had “significant concerns” about the validity of lockdown fines.
According to the committee’s new report, COVID rules have changed at least 65 times since March 2020 – and the “unfair” system was leading to fines being “incorrectly issued.”
More than 85,000 Fixed Penalty Notices (FPRs) have been distributed in England during the pandemic so far.
Breaches considered to be the most serious – and where the organiser has organised gatherings of more than 30 people – have seen fines of £10,000.
£800 penalties have also been introduced for house parties where there are over 15 attendees.
Police have issued around 4,500 fines in Greater Manchester alone – with the region ranking as one of the worst for COVID breaches in 2020.
But the JCHR has said that lockdown fines need to be scrutinised – with committee Chair Harriet Harman stating that the “whole process disproportionately hits the less well-off and criminalises the poor over the better off.”
Ms Harman added: “We’ve got an unfair system – with clear evidence that young people, those from certain ethnic minority backgrounds, men, and the most socially deprived, are most at risk.
“Those who can’t afford to pay face a criminal record along with all the resulting consequences for their future development.”
It was revealed this week that a law firm has taken up case of Karen Reissmann – a frontline worker who was fined £10,000 for organising a St Peter’s Square protest against the proposed 1% pay rise for NHS workers.
Despite an initial review, GMP have so far upheld the fine – with the force “satisfied that the issue was proportionate, legal, accountable and necessary in the circumstances.”
Organisers of an impromptu gig at Platt Fields Park featuring AJ Tracey were fined £10,000 in a high-profile breach earlier this month – with hundreds flocking to see the rapper visit Manchester.
Featured image: Wikimedia Commons
News
Two teens arrested after stabbing of 14-year-old boy in Manchester city centre
Emily Sergeant
Two teenagers have been arrested following the stabbing of a 14-year-old boy in Manchester city centre over the weekend.
In case you need bringing up to speed first, at around 3:15pm this past Saturday afternoon (17 October 2026), officers from Greater Manchester Police (GMP) were called out to reports of a stabbing on the ninth floor of the Arndale carpark in Manchester city centre.
Emergency services attended the scene, and a 14-year-old boy was taken to hospital with injuries consistent with a stab wound.
Thankfully, the victim’s injuries are not believed to be life-threatening or life changing, but an investigation and enquiries are ongoing.
Police conceded that this will ‘understandably’ cause concern in the community, but has assured the public that they believe this to be an ‘isolated incident.
And now, it has been confirmed that two teenage boys, also aged 14, were arrested on Sunday night (18 October) on suspicion of grievous bodily harm, and tat this time, they are currently in custody for questioning.
“We’d like to thank the local community for their support during our investigation as well as the passersby who helped the victim following this incident,” commented Detective Inspector Sean McFadden, of GMP’s City of Manchester district.
“Your quick-thinking undoubtedly saved the victim from potentially life-threatening injuries.
“We appreciate that incidents of this nature can cause concern and we’d like to reassure the public that we understand this was an isolated incident and there is no wider threat to the community.
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“Officers worked quickly and arrested two juveniles on Sunday, and they currently remain in custody for questioning.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101, quoting log 2050 of 17/10/2026, or via the LiveChat function. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Featured Image – GMP
News
UK Government announces £100 fines for ‘antisocial behaviour’ on public transport
Emily Sergeant
The Government has today announced plans to tackle antisocial behaviour on public transport.
In a bid to crackdown on loud music, littering, vaping, and other threatening behaviour on buses and trains, guidance was issued by the Government today for local authorities to prosecute and even issue fines of up to £100.
For many, playing audio out loud on public transport – also known as ‘loudcasting’ – has become one of modern life’s most irritating parts of the daily commute, but now, a new national campaign is aiming to encourage rail passengers, in particular, to ‘share the carriage, not the noise’ to improve the journey experience for all.
This will include reminders of the rules in place on the rail network and, if a passenger refuses to stop when asked by authorised rail staff, they can be removed from the train at the next station or face fines up to £1,000.
On buses, however, the powers for authorities were already made possible by the Bus Services Act 2025, meaning all local transport authorities in England are able to set and enforce their own rules.
Authorised officers – including transport safety officers and the police – will be responsible for enforcement, rather than bus drivers themselves, and they will be tasked with a three-step approach to deal with incidents. They will need to:
- Engage with the person
- Explain the rules and their impact on other passengers
- Take enforcement action if they refuse to comply
“We’ve all been on the train when someone starts blasting music or videos from their phone,” commented Prime Minister Andy Burnham.
“It gets on your nerves and can quickly spoil the journey, so we’re launching a nationwide campaign reminding passengers to use headphones on trains. On top of that, we’re giving local leaders new powers to tackle loud music, vaping and littering on buses.
“It’s a simple thing, but one that will make journeys that little bit better for all of us.”
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Ben Plowden, Chief Executive at the Campaign for Better Transport, added: “Antisocial behaviour is not just irritating, it can be a real deterrent to people using public transport – especially people with different accessibility requirements.
“If these new powers are properly and visibly enforced, they should help everyone feel safe and comfortable on public transport and enjoy the ride.”
Featured Image – Northern
The Manc -
27th April 2021 
