Good morning Patchers — here is your Thursday briefing.
King Charles dodged anti-monarchy protestors to appear at the Houses of Parliament yesterday to address the nation and usher in a new Labour government. His economy-themed speech covered 40 bills — we’ve highlighted the interesting bits.
Elsewhere, we have notes on the restaurateurs facing blackmail by menacing Google-reviewers, and a full-throated defence of West Midlands Fire Service by its new CEO, following a sequence of tragedies and attacks in the media.
In things to do, get ready to celebrate 40 years of jazz and blues in the city, and ensure laughs in the autumn by purchasing your tickets for Birmingham Comedy Festival now.
We’ll be back with more tomorrow, Kate.
Brum in brief
👑The King’s Speech (2024): King Charles has made his first speech since Sir Keir Starmer’s Labour government was elected. The party has proposed 40 bills ranging from “significant reforms to implementing legislation promised by the last government” writes the Guardian. You can read their full write up here but we have highlighted some key points that might be of particular interest to you below:
Devolution: more powers to mayors and combined authorities
A crackdown on shoplifting to target people who steal goods under £200
Buses: a bill to allow local leaders to take control of local bus services
Water watchdog: more powers for the water regulator
A new bill to "establish an independent football regulator to ensure greater sustainability in the game and strengthen protections for fans"
🫰Blackmail at The Bracebridge: The owners of a small chain of restaurants, including The Bracebridge in Birmingham, are being blackmailed by criminals who have threatened to flood their businesses with bad reviews if they don’t cough up £2,000. Chef Andy Sheridan and his business partner Sam Morgan own and run five restaurants, with a sixth due to open in Wales. At first, they played along to try to find out who the perpetrators were, then gave up — and the bad reviews came rolling in. Speaking to Radio 4, Mr Morgan said: “This is just classic fraudster tricks. The weapon is fear […]” More at the BBC.
🗣️Fire Chief speaks out: The new chief of West Midlands Fire Service has spoken out about the deaths of seven of its members this year — including his predecessor Wayne Brown. In a press conference on Tuesday, CEO Oliver Lee took aim at recent media reports about instructor Ian Revell, who was found dead at Oldbury Fire Station on Sunday, that called the service “scandal-ridden”. Rejecting an article by The Sun, he said: “I don't accept that it's scandal-ridden, and nor will it be during my tenure here.” Full details of the press conference at BirminghamLive.
🎷Jazz it up: Birmingham Jazz and Blues Festival will celebrate 40 years in the game from tomorrow until Sunday 28 July. Featuring musicians from across Europe and the USA, the vast majority of the 228 gigs will be completely free. Expect jiving, the Jitterbug and Jelly Roll. More details here.
🤣Having a laugh: One for the diary — Birmingham Comedy Festival is back this October featuring stalwarts such as Sarah Millican and Milton Jones alongside homegrown stars Shazia Mirza and Jo Enright. Also look out for events celebrating comedy history, especially a triple bill screening of Laurel and Hardy films. Get your tickets here.
i was expecting something about bin collections going to fortnightly and changing not the kings speech.
First 2 stories are national ones I read about yesterday.