‘Enslaving Africans wasn’t illegal, so no reparations,’ UK says, nursery kills toddler & Carnival gets cash boost
Plus: 'Half a million' people attended mass anti-racism rally in London
Hi everyone,
How are you keeping?! Just like that, the first quarter of 2026 is done and we’re back with your weekly news round-up.
Over the weekend, organisers say around half a million people took to the streets in central London for a mass protest against far-right politics.
The Together Alliance rally, described as a stand against the “politics of division”, saw crowds march through the capital before speeches in Whitehall, including a video message from Sadiq Khan, and a music event in Trafalgar Square.
Let’s go!
Good news
Government commits to introducing mandatory ethnicity and disability pay gap reporting for large employers
Michael Walsh appointed as King’s Counsel in latest round of senior barrister honours
Mystery donor steps in with £80k to save Black-owned music school in South London. The Music Boutique was founded 30 years ago by James Osho
Mel Thomas appointed Leicestershire’s first Black High Sheriff after decades of service
‘Enslaving Africans wasn’t illegal at the time, so no reparations owed,’ Britain says as it abstains on UN vote
The UK has been criticised for abstaining from a UN vote recognising slavery as the gravest crime against humanity, arguing there is “no duty” to pay reparations because it was not illegal at the time.
According to YouGov polling, almost half of white Britons strongly opposing reparations, while a majority of Black Britons strongly support them, exposing a stark gap in how the issue is understood and experienced.
Notting Hill Carnival secures £5m boost ahead of 60th anniversary
Notting Hill Carnival has secured £4.66m in funding to strengthen safety and support the event as it rings in 60 years of celebrating Caribbean culture. Organisers say the investment will help deliver a “safe, spectacular and sustainable” carnival while easing pressure on police and infrastructure.
Black writers’ books pulled from UK school library amid censorship row as author speaks out
Nova Reid, an author whose work was reportedly removed from a school library, has spoken out, warning that the targeting of books by Black writers risks fuelling “cultural ignorance” and erasing vital perspectives.
Michael Pusey, also known as CK Flash, launches bid to become Croydon mayor
Michael Pusey, also known as DJ CK Flash, has launched a bid to become Mayor of Croydon, pledging to focus on opportunity, local enterprise and youth empowerment.
Standing for the Taking The Initiative Party, he says he will invest in people and businesses to unlock the borough’s “potential, creativity and resilience” ahead of the May 2026 election.
What else we’re reading
NHS worker wins harassment case after Ghanaian colleague repeatedly called her ‘auntie’
Nursery in Dudley admits corporate manslaughter after toddler suffocates to death
Police officer handed written warning over use of force in arrest of Black children
Changes at the General Medical Council are expected to result in more doctors accused of racism on social media being struck off
John Boyega to appear in BBC Damilola Taylor documentary
Lupus patient says hospital ‘mistake’ left him with severe skin-peeling condition
MOBO Awards 2026: All the stars and celebs spotted at huge event in Manchester
Housing estate faces High Court action over claims residents were left “to rot” in squalor
Lenny Henry slams Trump in fiery speech as he receives huge award
Famous English diarist Samuel Pepys removed parts of his correspondence to hide that he had been offered an enslaved boy as a bribe, research suggests
Pressing Forward: new study charts 25 years of Black British media
Authored by Nadine White and developed by Brixton Heights Media, Pressing Forward examines the Black British press in modern times.
Featuring a foreword by Professor Kehinde Andrews, the study offers a vital historical record of Black British media’s impact at a time when representation remains key and sets out a blueprint for what comes next. Copies can be accessed here.
Ashley John-Baptiste’s campaign helps secure siblings’ rights in care
New legislation strengthening children’s rights to stay connected with their siblings in care has been announced, following years of campaigning led by broadcaster Ashley John-Baptiste.
Ashley, who is of mixed Black and white heritage, grew up in care.
His BBC documentary, Split Up In Care: Life without Siblings, helped drive national attention to the issue, with campaigners saying the change is long overdue.
Out & about!
Our founder Nadine White recently joined BBC Radio presenter Kamilah McInnis to discuss the work behind Black Current News and the importance of centring Black British stories in the media. The conversation also touched on our reporting on the death of Irene Dzifa King Arthur and wider systemic failings in healthcare. Listen here!
Nadine also guest-wrote an article on the rise of ‘political homelessness’ among Black communities for The New World - one of the UK’s leading current affairs magazines. Read here.
Got a news tip or story idea? Submit it via this form. Reader feedback and corrections are welcomed separately here.
