UK News
Manchester Arena attack survivor suing conspiracy theorist who claims it was staged
Research from Kings College London shows that of 4,000 people surveyed as many as 14% think that crisis actors were probably involved in the Manchester Arena attack.
Martin HIbbert, a survivor of the 2017 Manchester Arena terror attack who was paralysed from the waist down, is suing a conspiracy theorist who claims that the tragedy was staged.
Hibbert and his daughter Eve, who suffered a traumatic brain injury as a result of the attack, have both been targeted by UK conspiracy theorist Richard D. Hall.
Richard D. Hall maintains that the attack was a hoax and has physically tracked down survivors of the Manchester Arena attack to determine whether it was fake.
The conspiracy theorist, who says that those killed in the attack are really alive and living abroad, has also been profiting from his theories – selling books and DVDs outlining his theories, as well as sharing videos on Youtube and speaking at events.
The shocking events have been uncovered by the BBC’s disinformation correspondent Mariana Spring and will be aired as part of a BBC Panorama investigation and Radio 4 podcast investigation later today.
Speaking on the BBC’s Radio 4 Today programme this morning, Martin Hibbert said that whilst he supported freedom of speech he felt that Hall was “crossing the line” by “making money from people’s misery”.
He told the programme: “I’m friends with a lot of the deceased’s family and I’m friends and in contact with a lot of the survivors. A lot of them people are recluses in their own home, they’re too scared to even come out, to even come into Manchester, and that’s what kind of made me deal with it head-on.
“I’m not having it, especially with Eve, my daughter, she’s got enough on her plate at the minute without silly people like this.”
He continued: “It’s not about kind of silencing people but when people cross a line, when err, you know, they’re going out and you know, seeing people at their home, filming people when they don’t even know they’re being filmed and they’re writing books, making money from people’s misery, that’s when it has to stop, and that’s what we’re going to do.
“I’ve spoke to my legal team and you know they’re going to get on with it, so we will shut him up and we’ll shut him down, and it will then act as a precedent.
“If you’re going to do this, if you’re going to cross the line, then you’ll be stopped and you won’t make money from it, and that’s what you’ve got to do.
“He’s a bully at the end of the day and er you’ve got to go down to his level to teach him a lesson and that’s what we’re going to do.”
Commenting on the news, Andy Burnham said that it was “deeply worrying” before adding: “The law needs to be changed to make it a serious criminal offence to peddle these offensive lies and conspiracies with custodial penalties.”
The actions of Richard D. Hall are emblematic of a general rise in UK conspiracy theorists following the pandemic, said Spring.
According to research from Kings College London, of 4,000 UK people surveyed as many as 14% said they thought that crisis actors were probably involved in the Manchester Arena attack.
Read more: Paralysed Manchester Arena attack survivor ‘walks’ for the first time
The Panorama investigation will air on the BBC tonight, whilst the Radio 4 podcast series is available on BBC Sounds now. Youtube has removed Hall’s channel and another one that promoted his content following conversations with the BBC.
Feature image – Twitter (@MartinHibbert)
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UK News
Manc music legends James announced MASSIVE hometown show
Danny Jones
Greater Manchester music legends James have just revealed a massive hometown show here in the city centre as part of a landmark domestic arena tour.
Daisy bucket hats at the ready.
James is arguably the epitome of what it is to be the understated, underdog British band; they’ve gone about the business of making quality music somewhat quietly for several decades now, but they’ve had a fresh wave of interest over the past year or so
Having opened up for the likes of Catfish and the Bottlemen’s comeback shows, not to mention playing multiple big festival slots in recent months alone, they’ve now announced a huge run of UK arena shows – and nowhere does a James crowd quite like us Mancs.
Announced as part of the celebrations around their Nothing But Love ‘best of’ LP, which pulls tracks from James’ whopping 18 studio albums, the new run of UK arena shows in 2026 follows on from numerous noteworthy shows this calendar year.
In addition to the aforementioned outdoor gigs, like their stunning sold-out night at The Piece Hall in Halifax – not too far from frontman Tim Booth’s hometown in Yorkshire – the indie veterans also celebrated a huge landmark in 2025.
Surpassing the milestone of 40 years as a band, with a lineup that’s remained largely intact and only really grown in terms of live session players and touring bandmates.
The new “definitive” greatest hits record also includes two brand-new songs in ‘Wake Up Superman’ and ‘Hallelujah Anyhow’, both of which are produced by Leo Abrahams, who worked with the band on their long-awaited number one album Yummy in 2024 – a feat loooong overdue if you ask us.
As evidenced by the sheer amount of new material they continue to put out and the almost non-stop touring, they remain one of the most prolific artists in the country. FACT.
You can see the rest of James’ upcoming tour dates, including a healthy number of Northern stops in the likes of Liverpool, Leeds and more.
James UK arena tour dates 2026
- Fri 2 Birmingham Utilita Arena
- Sat 4 Leeds First Direct Bank Arena
- Tues 7 Aberdeen P&J Live
- Wed 8 Glasgow OVO Hydro
- Fri 10 Newcastle Utilita Arena
- Sat 11 Liverpool M&S Bank Arena
- Mon 13 Cardiff Utilita Arena
- Tues 14 Nottingham Motorpoint Arena
- Fri 17 London The O2
- Sat 18 Manchester Co-op Live
With James returning to Manchester for their Co-op Live arena debut next April, along with a sensational support slot from fellow local legends, Doves (I know, how lucky are you lot?!), you can bank on this one selling out quickly.
General admission goes on sale this Friday, 10 October at 9:30am, so you’d better be ready to grab yours in a flash.
You can find the ticket link HERE, and we’ll see you in the crowd for a good ol’ singalong.
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Featured Images — Ehud Lazin/Press shots (supplied)
UK News
English rugby legend Lewis Moody reveals MND diagnosis
Danny Jones
Much-loved English rugby legend Lewis Moody has revealed his heartbreaking MND (motor neuron disease) diagnosis.
The Leicester Tigers and Bath icon, who was captain of the Rugby World Cup-winning England squad back in 2003, unfortunately announced to the world that he is now suffering from MND, also known as ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis).
Moody, 47, is just the latest well-known rugby player to have developed the progressive neurological disorder, with both former players and others being forced to retire due to the condition.
The Ascot-born rugby union veteran has admitted that the news has come as a ‘sudden shock’ to him and his family, but has been left moved by the overwhelming wave of positivity he has received since making the health update public.
Sharing a lengthy message online, Moody wrote: “I’m writing to share some tough news. I have recently been diagnosed with ALS, also known as Motor Neurone Disease (MND). This has been incredibly hard to process and a huge shock to me and my family.
“I feel fit and well in myself, and I’m focused on staying positive, living life and dealing with the changes / will experience as they come.
“I am being well supported by my family, friends and medical professionals, and I’m truly grateful to those who, in their time, helped progress research to support others, like me, living with this disease.”
Notable ex-pros who have sadly passed away from the disease in recent years include Doddie Weir and, of course, Rob Burrow MBE.
There is currently no known cure for MND at present, but as Burrow’s best mate and inspirational teammate, Kevin Sinfield has famously, the belief is that this is because it remains “underfunded” and a breakthrough could still be found.
Speaking to BBC Sport with his long-term partner on Monday, 6 October, ‘Mad Dog Moody’ gave a very open and honest interview about the last few weeks, going from noticing some weakness in his shoulder at the gym to having now been given the tragic diagnosis.
Lewis’ statement continues: “Since retiring from the sport I love, and alongside my wife Annie, I’ve been able to dedicate much of the past 12 years to fundraising for The Lewis Moody Foundation in support of those affected by brain tumours.
“My plan is to continue with this, but to also create an opportunity to support a charity closer to my current situation. I would be so grateful for your help with this and look forward to sharing more, once l am clear on what this looks like.
“For now, please know I feel your love and support; all l ask is that I am given some space to navigate this with my wife and sons, and those closest to us – but without doubt, I will continue to embrace life and grasp opportunities in the same way I always have.
Take Care, Lewis Moody.”
Read more:
Sharing a post of their own on social media this morning, the Red Roses wrote: “Everyone at England Rugby is saddened to learn that former captain Lewis Moody has been diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease (MND).
“All of our thoughts are with Lewis, his family and friends as they come to terms with this diagnosis. We will be offering both practical and emotional support, and know the entire rugby community will stand with them at this incredibly difficult time.
“We encourage people to show their support through the fundraising initiatives now being set up and available through GoFundMe.”
Sending our strength and support to Lewis Moody, as well as his family, friends and fans; you can donate to his fundraiser down below.
For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE.
Featured Images — Lewis Moody (via Instagram)/Land Rover MENA (via Flickr)