Notes from the North: Reform UK slammed over AI image of library, Blackpool in the Epstein files
Latest on our exclusive, agenda-setting and award-winning journalism in the North of England.
Reform UK being accused on ‘cynically increasing tensions’ in communities might not seem like the most ground-breaking of articles on the surface.
But this one is notable for the level of anger it caused - with the much-loved Harris in Preston manipulated by AI to feature a group of asylum seekers queuing outside (not the image above).
The comments from the Reform UK chief whip in Lancashire drew criticism from local councillors and the local City of Sanctuary office.
Blackpool’s small role in the Epstein files has been examined while there is some good news over in Calderdale.
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Reform UK chief whip accused of using The Harris to ‘cynically increase tensions’ in the community
Reform UK’s chief whip at County Hall has been accused of using a Preston landmark to ‘cynically increase tensions’ in communities.
Cllr Luke Parker, Reform UK’s county councillor for Preston East, posted an AI-generated image of The Harris with asylum seekers outside under the header: “Harris Museum as a Migrant Sanctuary?”
In his post, he attacks Preston City Council’s leader Matthew Brown over the decision made by the authority earlier this month for the site to join the Museum of Sanctuary scheme.
But Cllr Brown said that Cllr Parker is attempting to suggest that the museum will be used as accommodation for asylum seekers - which is not what joining the Museum of Sanctuary scheme means.
Ghislaine Maxwell tried to arrange Mandelson and Clinton meeting in Blackpool
Child sex trafficker Ghislaine Maxwell, the jailed former girlfriend of Jeffrey Epstein, tried to arrange a meeting between Peter Mandelson and Bill Clinton - both known associates of the billionaire paedophile financier - during the former US president’s trip to Blackpool in 2002, the Epstein files have revealed.
An email exchange between Maxwell and Mandelson - released by the US Department of Justice and seen by The Blackpool Lead - shows Maxwell pushing for a meeting during Clinton’s high-profile appearance in the town, before being rebuffed.
The messages do not suggest wrongdoing but provide fresh insight into the access Maxwell tried to broker between senior figures in British and American politics at the height of Epstein’s influence.
More free breakfast clubs for Halifax schools as MP’s lobbying reaps success
More children in Halifax will soon benefit from free, daily breakfast clubs following the Government’s announcement of the next 500 schools that will offer the scheme from April.
Dean Field Primary school and St Malachy’s Primary School have been named on the list, after being urged to apply by Halifax MP Kate Dearden.
Ms Dearden said she was delighted more schools were being included in the scheme, which means 984 local children will be able to access a nutritious meal at the start of the day, ensuring they are ready to learn, supporting parents back into work and helping families to save up to £450 a year.
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