It’s surreal that I was arrested at the Palestine Action ban protest

It was certainly not part of any life plan for my seventies that I should be facing a charge under the 2000 Terrorism Act. However, as one of the 532 arrested in Parliament Square on Saturday, under Section 13 of the Act, that is where I am. And it still seems vaguely surreal.

Section 13 relates to any public display indicating “that one is a member or supporter of a proscribed organisation” – in this case, Palestine Action.

Our alleged crime is that we were directly supporting Palestine Action by holding up a sign calling for an end to the genocide in Gaza and the reversal of home secretary Yvette Cooper’s dangerous decision to proscribe it as a terrorist organisation.

So I sat there, mostly in silence, for two and a half hours before being arrested. I spent a lot of time looking around at all those holding identical signs (“I oppose genocide: I support Palestine Action”), and on one occasion burst out laughing at the absurd idea that these calm, predominantly old or middle-aged, middle-class citizens are now seen by our government as linked to or even the equivalent of members of al-Qaeda, the IRA, Boko Haram or the Wagner Group.

One of the reasons why Mr Justice Chamberlain, sitting in the High Court on 30 July, expedited the appeal by Palestine Action against its proscription (now to be heard in November) was that the home secretary failed to consult with any individual or organisation other than those who had been pressing for years for Palestine Action to be proscribed. Any sensible, non-partisan person could have told Cooper she was going to end up looking like a bit of a chump – and I bet you any money her civil servants did.

Even the government’s Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre’s assessment acknowledged that “Palestine Action does not advocate for violence against persons” – the very essence of terrorism.

Weirdly, what I was most upset by was not the behaviour of the police, which I personally – though others had a different experience – found to be uniformly courteous and attentive, but the behaviour of all the no doubt well-meaning non-sitters, screaming insults at the police as they carried out their duties in removing us from Parliament Square. “Shame on you, shame on you!” Shame on whom, I found myself asking?

Shame, primarily, on our government. I’m in no doubt whatsoever that this government will be found, in due course, to have been complicit in the genocide being carried out in Gaza today – not just through continuing arms sales to Israel, but in its reckless refusal to act on states’ duties to prevent genocide under international law.

The vast majority of people here in the UK now see that genocide for what it really is. Seven days ago, a Jordanian flight to airdrop aid revealed the full extent of the devastation wrought by Israel’s assault on Gaza over the last two years. Just 48 hours after that, the commemoration of the dropping of the atomic bomb on Hiroshima 80 years ago reminded us of all of those terrible scenes. It was hard to tell the difference.

Yet, Cooper has doubled down on her determination to persuade us all that Palestine Action is a “violent organisation … causing significant injury to an individual”. Apparently, she can’t reveal the evidence that lies behind that assertion because of national security.

Let’s be clear: it is not our national security that is at stake in this moment; it is the integrity of our ministers.

Palestine Action has proved to be the most effective organisation in laying bare the extent of the UK government’s complicity in the genocide in Gaza, through its direct action campaigning against some of the manufacturers of the weapons that are killing Palestinians day after bloody day.

Has property been damaged in the actions? Yes, it has. Has that damage been costly to those involved? Yes, it has.

That does not make Palestine Action a terrorist organisation, though. The government has so many other ways of prosecuting Palestine Action for what it has been doing, including criminal damage – which already carries heavy penalties. But that would not have silenced Palestine Action.

Opposing genocide is not terrorism. That’s what brought all 532 of us to Parliament Square on Saturday, and I believe it will now bring the whole country together.

Jonathon Porritt is a former environmental adviser to King Charles and author of ‘Love, Anger and Betrayal: Just Stop Oil’s Young Climate Campaigners’ (Mount House Press, £9.99)

‘I’m on the right side of history’: The minister risking prison time to support Palestine Action

Dr Sally Mann is usually found at the east London church where her family have worshipped for five generations.

But on Saturday, striking images of the baptist minister emerged. Swarmed by police officers and standing alone, footage shared on social media shows the moment she was arrested at the pro-Palestine march held in Parliament Square.

Wearing a black shirt and white collar, she nods and silently accepts her arrest before she is escorted away, surrounded by a sea of police uniforms.

She is one of 532 people arrested by the Metropolitan Police at the largest gathering of Palestine Action since it was proscribed as a terrorist group last month.

Of those, the 55-year-old is younger than the average age of those detained, with figures showing half were aged 60 or above. Speaking to The Independent on Monday, she said she is prepared to accept a prison sentence for her actions.

“I am aware there will be repercussions in my life if I am successfully convicted but I felt completely at peace with both my actions and my decision,” she said. “It’s the right side of history. Even if I knew I was going to prison for this I would do it.”

She said despite not taking part in previous Palestine Action protests, she was moved protest on Saturday because of her faith. “I believe Jesus actually meant what he said and he modelled non-violent resistance to oppressive power,” she continued. “I see myself as a minister more than an activist but I have always felt compelled by my faith to try to build a community that is built on peacemaking.”

After reading the protest briefing from Defend our Juries, who organised the demonstration, Dr Mann said she felt certain the protest would be the kind of non-violent action she feels “committed” to be part of.

“On Saturday I got up early and went to St James’ Park because I wanted to be very calm,” she told The Independent. “I sat quietly and prayed. Then I headed over to Parliament Square.”

Dr Mann said during the main protest, though people around her had been arrested, she was not. But after the scheduled end she continued holding her placard stating: “I oppose genocide, I support Palestine Action”. Within ten minutes, she said she was arrested.

“Other people very near me had been arrested, including some who really did look very elderly and vulnerable, and I thought it would be better for them if they arrest more,” she explained. “So I just decided to stand with my sign. I wanted to be arrested for this because I want to stand in solidarity with those who had been and I did feel the numbers mattered.“

Her arrest was captured on video – a powerful image of her nodding silently as she is escorted away by at least a dozen officers has accumulated thousands of likes on social media. “The numbers who turned up to arrest me were extraordinary,” she said. “I think there were a dozen officers arresting me and actually, had they asked me to walk onto the van I would’ve just gone on my own. I was completely ready to be arrested.”

She told The Independent she was put in a van with six police officers to two protesters and was put in line to be processed. “It was actually very peaceful,” she said. “It was a very low risk for me. I had moral certainty and legal ambiguity about what would happen to me, but prepared if a custodial sentence does come I am completely prepared for that. I just think it looks less and less likely now.”

But she said her arrest, along with that of elderly protestors, shows the “absurdity” of proscribing Palestine Action as a terrorist group. “I would say to Yvette Cooper, who do you think you’re protecting by proscribing me as a terrorist?’,” she said.

Also arrested under terrorist legislation was 74-year-old NHS doctor Paul O’Brien. He said the Palestinian cause was “incredibly important” to him, but that the risk of arrest did make him think harder about attending than at previous protests.

“I thought the proscribing was really, really wrong and felt so disappointed in the majority of the MPs in Labour and the Tories for supporting it,” he said. “But it did make me think harder about going out.”

He was also detained later in the day and described his experience as “bizarre”. “It was just odd, all these people who have been arrested under terrorist legislation and we looked the most unlikely terrorists,” he said. “Half of us can hardly walk. It was quite funny. Even for a terrorist offence we were automatically bailed, they know it’s so bizarre.”

He added he thought the protest would be a “memorable” day for many. “Once you’re arrested for a terrorist offence, it’s an extraordinary thing to happen in your life,” he continued. “What happened on Saturday was historic, I think it’s going to grow.”

In a statement released on Sunday, a Metropolitan Police spokesperson said the majority of the arrests made were for “displaying an item (in this case a placard) in support of a proscribed organisation (in this case Palestine Action) contrary to Section 13 of the Terrorism Act 2000”.

“Over the coming days and weeks, officers from the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command will work to put together the case files required to secure charges against those arrested as part of this operation,” they added.

JD Vance’s holiday brings ‘circus’ to sleepy Cotswolds village

Residents nearby a Grade II-listed country manor hosting JD Vance have described the major disruption his holiday has brought to their usually sleepy villages.

After a busy few months in office, the US vice president is spending his summer holidays in the hamlet of Dean, near Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire.

But residents in the vicinity of the 6-acre site have described roadblocks and police door knocks in recent days, as security in the area reaches high alert.

Road closures, sniffer dogs, police and a number of blacked out cars have all been spotted in the area, a marked difference to the usual calm and quaint atmosphere of a Cotswold country retreat.

Though the village is no stranger to high-profile faces, with it being the home to former prime minister David Cameron, the level of security has prompted the owners of the manor to apologise to locals “for the circus”.

One woman told The Times the village had seen “one blinking pantomime after the other” and said: “We are used to the great and good here. Before David Cameron moved in we had Douglas Hurd and he was lovely. We have Ben Kingsley in Spelsbury and we see him in the woods walking his dog, but to close off the roads is ridiculous.”

The woman told the paper she and a friend had been stopped by police blocking a footpath while walking through the area, and said: “I told the police ‘we are two old ladies, we are hardly terrorists’.”

Another resident, a retired travel agent, told The Observer that though locals were “used to seeing police around,” because of the former prime minister, they had seen “nothing like this.

She said: “It makes it hard to get about.”

Another local told the paper police had been going door-to-door asking for personal details of residents and social media accounts.

He said: “I know several people refused. We asked them if they were protecting us, or Vance. At least they were honest and said it is for him and that it will all be passed on to the American security people.”

A workman described there being a “weird atmosphere” in the area: “I’ve done a lot of jobs here and never seen it like this.”

One local went as far as to tell LBC: “Generally we like to welcome everybody to Chipping Norton, but no, I’d absolutely kick him in the shins.”

Thames Valley Police said residents were under “no obligation” to answer any questions from officers and were not questioned about their social media.

The vice president is visiting the area with his wife Usha and children Ewan, Vivek and Mirabel.

They are renting the luxurious home from of its owners Johnny and Pippa Hornby, who bought the property in 2017 and have since received plaudits in Tatler for having transformed its Edwardian garden into a “waterworld” with an impressive swimming pool.

In a message seen by The Telegraph, Ms Hornby told neighbours she was “so sorry for the circus that is there for the next few days”, and that she hoped it would not be “too disruptive”.

During his stay, Mr Vance can enjoy the two cellars, tennis court, rose garden, gym and Georgian orangery all set within the six-acres of land the house sits on.

The 18th-century home offers pre-arranged visits to its gardens, which are set behind stone walls with “an abundant and varied selection of climbing/rambling roses, clematis and hydrangeas”.

The National Garden Scheme website says: ““The formal gardens include complex yew hedging and herbaceous borders, kitchen and cutting garden, areas of wildflower meadow, an orchard and water gardens make up areas around the house.”

His private family holiday comes after an informal meeting with foreign secretary David Lammy in Kent on Friday, which saw the pair look friendly as they went fishing.

The opening of Hampton Court Palace was also delayed on Sunday morning, as Mr Vance enjoyed a private tour of the royal residence.

PSG evolution offers Tottenham chance to reignite forgotten reputation

They were European finals that could both be described as historic without accusations of exaggeration. Paris Saint-Germain qualified for Wednesday’s Super Cup by ending their long quest to win the Champions League, becoming the first French club in more than three decades to conquer Europe and, in their 5-0 demolition of Inter Milan, delivering one of the great final performances. It could rank with Barcelona’s evisceration of Manchester United in 2011 or AC Milan’s 4-0 humiliation of Barcelona’s Dream Team in 1994. It was a statement. It was unforgettable.

Whereas many outside N17 and the Tottenham Hotspur fanbase could be forgiven for trying to banish their memories of a May night in Bilbao. If the Champions League showpiece was an example of how football should be played, perhaps its Europa League counterpart was a demonstration of how it shouldn’t.

Spurs are entitled not to care about the carping. A club increasingly defined by not winning anything claimed a continental trophy, a place in the Champions League and, it soon transpired, a meeting with PSG in Udine.

Those very different finals could prompt fears for Spurs. The best team in Europe face the 17th best in England, if last season’s Premier League table is a guide.

No side had ever won a European trophy while registering such a low finish in their domestic league; that their opponents in Bilbao were a United team that came 15th only exacerbated the contrast between continental competitions, underachievers in England stumbling on in part because their resources dwarfed those of clubs from other countries.

The Europa League was not enough to keep Ange Postecoglou in a job. It means that, after the Australian ended Tottenham’s 17-year trophy drought, Thomas Frank could win one in his first game in charge. Or the Dane, who beat Champions League-winning managers in his time at Brentford, could get an illustration of the difficulties in competing with the European elite.

Certainly an era starts for Spurs. They had more continuity in years when they won nothing – apart, that is, from far more league games. The Europa League-winning manager and captain, Son Heung Min, are both gone. Frank’s rebuild has begun with the £55m signing of Mohammed Kudus and by borrowing Joao Palhinha; when he joined Bayern Munich a year ago, the Portuguese may have thought he would be playing in this fixture as a Champions League winner, but a ball-winner supreme should at least give Tottenham an upgrade in defensive midfield.

Frank is clearly searching for one in the attacking midfield areas, even beyond buying Kudus and making Mathys Tel’s loan from Bayern into a permanent deal. Interest has turned to Savinho and Eberechi Eze, though long-time watchers of Daniel Levy may be unsurprised that the Tottenham chairman has not completed his transfer business by the start of the season.

The supposed flagship signing of Morgan Gibbs-White saw Nottingham Forest commit their playmaker to a new contract amid threats of legal action against Spurs; instead of having too many No 10s, Spurs now have too few, with James Maddison injured.

Meanwhile, Paris Saint-Germain are pursuing a recruitment model that shows the transformative impact Luis Enrique has made. In 2017, their headline arrivals were Neymar, Kylian Mbappe and Dani Alves. In 2021, they were Lionel Messi, Sergio Ramos and Gianluigi Donnarumma. Now the buys are Lucas Chevalier and Ilia Zabarnyi, neither exactly a Galactico. Going younger and less famous worked for Luis Enrique.

Zabarnyi, who some at Bournemouth had thought might end up at Liverpool as Virgil van Dijk’s long-term replacement, addresses one of the weaknesses in the PSG squad, the lack of a high-class alternative to Marquinhos and Willian Pacho, though he arrived too late to face Tottenham. Chevalier may indicate more of a change of direction.

While at Lille last season, the goalkeeper was voted into the Ligue 1 team of the year by his fellow professionals. Yet Donnarumma was arguably the best goalkeeper in the Champions League, his propensity to make big saves, some of them in shootouts, complementing PSG’s pace in attack and brio in midfield as they shrugged off their tag as a team that found a way to get knocked out.

Donnarumma has never been a perfect stylistic fit for Luis Enrique. He has been omitted from the Super Cup squad now; in the last year of his contract, it signals that PSG want a parting of the ways.

All of which could afford Spurs a chance. Donnarumma has served as the scourge of the English over the years. In 2025, PSG did, too, even if their last competitive game was a 3-0 defeat to Chelsea in the Club World Cup final, culminating in Joao Neves pulling Marc Cucurella’s hair. It means the midfielder is suspended now, but defeat at least brought the consolation of sparing them from Donald Trump intruding on their celebrations, while the Club World Cup means PSG have had far less of a pre-season than Spurs.

But for a club that won four trophies last season, normal service could soon be resumed. One of the damning facts about Spurs’ slide is that they have beaten fewer current Premier League clubs in 2025 than PSG; three to the French club’s four, as Southampton and Ipswich are now found in the Championship. First and foremost, Frank has been hired to address that domestic form. But those of a certain age can remember when Tottenham had the reputation as a cup team. Now the Super Cup affords them an opportunity to regain that.

Woman killed by falling tree branch ‘while walking with child’ in park

A young woman has died after being hit by a falling branch in a park.

The woman, in her 30s, was struck by the branch near the Buncer Lane entrance of Blackburn‘s Witton Country Park, Lancashire, just after 8.30pm on Monday.

Paramedics rushed to the park shortly after she was hit but she died shortly afterwards, according to Lancashire Police.

According to local reports, the woman was walking with a child at the time.

A Lancashire Police spokesperson: “We were called to Witton Park, Preston Old Road, Blackburn following reports a woman had been struck by a falling tree branch.

“Emergency services attended and found the woman unresponsive. Despite the best efforts of the emergency services, she was tragically pronounced dead at the scene.

“Her death is not being treated as suspicious and a file will be prepared for HM Coroner in due course.”

A council statement said: “Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council is deeply saddened to confirm that a member of the public has tragically died following an incident in Witton Park yesterday, when a large tree branch fell.”

Witton Country Park is 480 acres of mixed woodland, parkland and farmland, and is to the west of Blackburn.

The estate was once owned by the Feilden family, who built and lived in Witton House (1800 – 1946) and created the park at the same time.

From approximately 1900 the house was empty for long periods and during both world wars the house and estate were used by the army.

Witton House was demolished in 1952, after being sold to Blackburn Corporation in 1946. The Witton Estate, comprising some 485 acres, was included in this sale.

Jet, Set, Glow: How to turn pre-flight time into a wellness ritual

The airport might not be the first place you think of when you think about wellness, but believe me, you can hone healthy habits just about anywhere. Feeling well is about small incremental changes that are easy to manage and I’ve got plenty of tips on how to apply these ahead of a holiday.

Part of my job is travelling to health retreats around the world so there are a few things I do when I arrive at Heathrow to prepare me for this. Read on for my tips on how to transform waiting at your gate into a wellness ritual.

There are great wellness wins to be found in Duty-Free if you know where to look. Discounted skincare? Yes please. I’ll always head to the World Duty Free stores to stock up on my flight favourites to hydrate, protect and soothe stressed out skin and wellness tools to fight jet-lag and keep my healthy habits up on the other side.

Don’t believe what you see on TikTok – you don’t want to be putting on a load of skincare and facemasks on a plane. Dermatologists agree that less is more, so I pick up one of Aesop’s simple Venturer kits and use it as soon as I’m on the plane. The mouthwash and deodorant contain no nasties and the natural scents soothe the nervous system.

I also head to the Charlotte Tilbury counter to make the most of the deals there. The Magic Cream is gentle and hydrating so I use it on the plane once I’ve taken any make up off to stop my skin drying out in transit. I also usually pick up an In-Flight Hydrate, Protect and Glow kit, which contains a hydrating travel-sized mist, primer and lip oil.

If you’re concerned about your circulation on a flight, you can find incredible ayurvedic massage tools and neurocosmetic oils from Mauli Rituals to give the brain and skin a boost while you’re waiting to board and in flight. The brand’s bath salts are great for jet lag recovery too.

I slather hand cream on to prevent dryness while I’m in air conditioned spaces so I also make a beeline for L’Occitane products while I’m in the World Duty Free store – the minis are great for travelling and there are some cute travel exclusives available, such as the Shea Travel Must Have’s Set. Elemis also does a great selection of minis. If you don’t want to bring your entire skincare routine on holiday, opt for the whole Elemis protocol in minis in a travel exclusive set for a gentle hydrating pro‑collagen fix.

You can reserve your products online up to 30 days before your trip, so rather than stressing about what’s in stock or turning up without a clue, I recommend pre-ordering and heading straight to the desk for what you need. Then enjoy a bit of a browse. Stress isn’t great for you at any time, let alone when you travel so don’t stress yourself out by spending too long looking for what you need and having to run to your gate.

I recommend pre-ordering the Aesop kit, Charlotte Tilbury skincare or Mauli Rituals’ travel-size oils. It’s also worth looking for travel-exclusive offers and sets. The Charlotte Tilbury, Elemis and Clinique travel sets are often much better value than high street versions

There are a host of other stores I like to visit for essentials when I arrive at Heathrow and Boots is obviously one of them. This is where I find all my supplements – magnesium for sleep and muscle tension, electrolytes to maintain hydration while travelling and probiotics or digestive enzymes to keep my gut happy.

I also head to the Rituals store for more aromatherapy goodness but usually I’ll have already stocked up in World Duty-Free. One thing I won’t have found in Duty-Free is clothing, so I go to Lululemon for buttery-soft comfies to wear on the plane. Of course, no airport visit is complete without popping into WH Smiths for a book – next on my list is Genius Gut by Dr Emily Leeming.

Did you know that Terminal 2 and Terminal 5 both offer quiet areas for stretching? This is a must if you’re going to be sitting down for ages on your flight. A quick stretch or yoga session helps to alleviate tight hips, back and neck pain and avoid swelling – especially if you do it before you board and after you land.

Compression socks can also help with swelling and improve your circulation but it’s great to wake the body up too. Try ankle rolls, neck rotations, legs up the wall and cat-cow stretches. You can also use this time to use your Mauli Rituals massage tools to boost circulation and get your muscles nice and relaxed before having to sit still for an extended period.

Even if you’re flying economy, you can also book into lounges like Plaza Premium or No1 Lounge for a fee. Many include quiet zones, hot food, showers and complimentary herbal teas. Terminal 5 also has a spa inside some lounges like the Sofitel Heathrow if you’re really in need of some downtime whilst passing through the airport, perhaps for a connecting flight.

There are so many eateries and shops I recommend at Heathrow, you just have to know where to look for the healthiest finds. Eating high protein and fibre options will mean you stay fuller for longer and feel comfortable on your flight. You might also want to think about whether you plan to sleep on the plane or not, and either go for foods and drinks that will relax you, or give you an energy boost, depending on your plans.

I’ll always go for a high protein breakfast from Pret over a fry up at ‘spoons. I also love their ginger shots for an extra immunity boost before breathing in aeroplane air.

If I want to feel awake and invigorated, I’ll go for a juice and a matcha from Joe and the Juice. Leon is a great shout if you want something more filling that won’t leave you feeling sluggish – think fast, fresh options including quinoa bowls, grilled chicken, and veggie pots.

For a sit-down meal, head to Giraffe for global-inspired meals with veggie options, smoothies and herbal teas. My all-time favourite spot is Itsu for sushi, miso soup, edamame and gut-friendly options that won’t leave me feeling bloated or uncomfortable during the flight.

Then I’ll stock up on snacks from M&S food for the plane – fresh fruit, nuts and coconut water for hydration. Eating mineral-rich food like this and staying hydrated can help lessen jet lag.

Heathrow has water refill stations in every terminal after security. Staying hydrated is one of the easiest ways to reduce jet lag, boost focus, and support digestion—especially important if you’re flying long haul. I fill mine up with filtered water and then drink it before I go through security. On the other side it’s easy to refill your bottle or buy a new bottle of filtered water.

You can also bring your own herbal tea bags, electrolytes and soothing adaptogenic drinks from home. Most come in travel-size sachets and all you have to do is politely ask any coffee shop or restaurant for hot or cold water in a takeaway cup or your reusable cup to mix them up.

I always create a personal ritual to feel grounded whilst I’m in an airport. They can be busy frenetic places and you might already feel tired from an early start. I like to do a guided meditation (there are plenty of free ones on Spotify) with my headphones on while I’m sitting down paired with some box breathing exercises. I also do it again once I’m in my seat on the plane. This relaxes the nervous system and gets you into a more positive mental state. It’s great for alleviating any stress, preparing you for any stressful or challenging situations or calming your nerves if you happen to be a nervous flyer.

You can also use your aromatherapy oils, a rollerball or a spray to soothe your senses and reset. Just be mindful of other people around you if you’re spraying something. I also try to use the opportunity of time spent waiting at my gate to read a book, instead of doom-scrolling on my phone. If I’m doing this, I pop my earplugs in to drown out the noise around me – my favourites are from Loop. If you prefer to take in your surroundings, pop your headphones on and listen to a soothing or uplifting playlist. I like to curate these before I head to the airport to help me get into the right headspace when I need it.

If you do suffer with anxiety around crowds, feel nervous about flying or just want to feel more grounded, you can practice saying a few affirmations and mantras for confidence and calm. This could be something as simple as: “I am safe and I travel with ease”.

Armed with all these tips you’ll hopefully be able to board your flight feeling relaxed, prepared and excited to travel to destinations far and wide. Though the unknown can be stressful, there are plenty of ways to feel more optimistic and resilient if we know how to take better care of ourselves, wherever we are.

Find out more about Heathrow’s Redefine Your Beauty campaign, including treatment menus, participating brands and exclusive offers here.

US hitwoman who flew to UK found guilty of niqab disguise murder plot

A would-be assassin who travelled from the US to shoot a man in Birmingham has been found guilty of conspiracy to murder.

Birmingham Crown Court previously heard that US citizen Aimee Betro, 45, became embroiled in a plot to attack a rival family of Mohammed Nazir and his father Mohammed Aslam.

She disguised herself with a niqab before pointing a handgun at Sikander Ali in a Birmingham cul-de-sac on 7 September 2019.

However, the gun jammed, allowing Mr Ali to escape in his car.

Betro appeared in the court on Tuesday wearing a purple T-shirt and with her hair in space buns.

She showed no obvious reaction and stared towards the jury bench as the verdicts were returned.

She was found guilty by majority 11-verdicts on charges of conspiracy to murder and possessing a self-loading pistol with intent to cause fear of violence.

She was found guilty by a unanimous verdict on a charge of fraudulently evading the prohibition on importing ammunition.

Jurors deliberated for almost 21 hours before handing down the verdicts.

Betro, who is originally from West Allis in Wisconsin but spent several years in Armenia before her arrest in January, will be sentenced on 21 August.

Defence barrister Paul Lewis KC said he was not asking for pre-sentence reports as they would not assist the court.

Judge Simon Drew KC told the court: “I suspect Miss Betro would like to know the outcome of this case and there is nothing worse than sitting waiting.”

Betro also showed no emotion as she was remanded in custody and led away to the cells.

During the trial, prosecutors said Betro flew to Britain in August 2019 to attack businessman Aslat Mahumad’s family as part of a “violent” feud. Mr Ali is Mr Mahumad’s son.

Giving evidence, Betro suggested that the perpetrator was “another American woman” who sounded similar to her, used the same phone and wore the same sort of trainers.

Betro also told jurors that it was “all just a terrible coincidence” that she was around the corner from the scene of the attempted assassination six minutes later.

The court heard that Betro had become embroiled in the murder plot after meeting Nazir on a dating app, then visiting the UK and sleeping with him.

Nazir and his father, both of Derby, were jailed in 2024 for their part in the bungled assassination plot.

The Crown also said that Betro returned to the scene hours after the attempted shooting of Mr Ali and fired three shots into his house, which was empty at the time.

She then left the UK and flew back to the US the next day.

The new plan which could see under-22s get free bus travel in England

People under the age of 22 could get free bus travel if new plans go ahead.

Free travel for this age group is already available in Scotland and now MPs are calling on the government to do the same in England, too.

The Transport Select Committee, which made the recommendation, said it would improve young people’s access to “work and skills opportunities” and “help embed long-term public transport use”.

People aged 16-21 in Wales are entitled to a one-third discount on fares, and from next month will be able to travel for £1 per journey.

Parts of England offer discounted or free bus travel for young people, such as London for 16 and 17-year-olds.

People are entitled to free bus travel in England when they reach the state pension age, which is currently 66 but will rise from next year.

Bus fares in England for all passengers are capped at £3 until the end of 2025.

In a report on buses, the select committee said: “England’s patchwork of local youth concessions contrasts with national schemes in Scotland and Wales.

“A coherent national approach to ensure fair access across England is essential if the government is serious about driving economic growth, which depends on removing barriers to education, training, and employment for the next generation.”

The report described public transport as a “major barrier to employment for young people”, especially in places with limited services.

It added: “In some areas, transport is restricting opportunity rather than enabling it.”

The committee urged the government to reform the way local bus services are funded, with longer-term settlements.

It also called for a national ambition for a minimum level on public transport connectivity.

Department for Transport (DfT) figures show the number of bus journeys taken in England outside London fell by 22 per cent from 4.6 billion in 2009 to 3.6 billion in 2024.

Labour MP Ruth Cadbury, who chairs the committee, said: “Those most affected by unreliable or even non-existent buses include the young, who need them to get to school, college, university and their first jobs.

“Denying young people these experiences denies them their life chances.

“We call for a universal, free bus pass for all under-22s to equalise opportunity.

“While the bus fare caps have been beneficial, the government has yet to spell out a coherent strategy of what they aim to achieve, and whether more targeted options could produce better outcomes.

“While the government’s Bus Services Bill contains positive ideas, the Transport Committee’s report says ministers should go further to get bums back on seats.”

The Bill, which is going through Parliament, will lead to an overhaul of buses, such as by giving all local transport authorities new powers to run their own services.

It will also reduce some of the red tape involved in bus franchising, including reducing the minimum period between local areas taking control of services and being allowed to start operations.

The DfT has been approached for a comment.