Number is stark contrast with estimated 110,000 at far-right activist’s ‘unite the kingdom’ rally in September

The far-right activist Tommy Robinson led a carol concert to “put the Christ back into Christmas” on Saturday in an event that had a huge drop-off in attendance from his last rally in London.

The Metropolitan police said about 1,000 people attended the event at its peak, in stark contrast to the estimated 110,000 who turned up to Robinson’s “unite the kingdom” rally in September.

Relatives of Virginia Giuffre say they are surprised Scotland Yard made decision just before release of Epstein files

The family of Virginia Giuffre have expressed their “deep disappointment” that Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor will not face a criminal investigation in the UK over allegations against him.

It was alleged that Mountbatten-Windsor had sex in London with a teenager who was trafficked, and then put pressure on his police protection officer to dig up dirt on her.

Home secretary to order special investigation amid concern inadequate checks during hiring spree may pose criminal risk

The home secretary is to order an independent special inquiry into whether the Metropolitan police allowed hundreds of recruits to join without proper vetting amid fears they may pose a criminal risk.

The Guardian has learned that the inquiry will be carried out by the policing inspectorate, with concerns centred on 300 new officers hired between 2016 and 2023.

Move comes amid fears that requirement for Freemasons to ‘protect each other’ could lead to corruption

Metropolitan police officers must tell their bosses if they are Freemasons, the force has announced, amid fears membership could be linked to corruption.

Britain’s largest force said anyone who is part or has been a member of a “hierarchical organisation that require members to support and protect each other” must declare it.

Mark Jenner began five-year relationship with Alison, a leftwing activist, while under cover spying on political campaigners

An undercover police officer deceived two women at the same time over many years in a sustained betrayal of both of them, the spycops public inquiry has heard.

Mark Jenner had a relationship with a leftwing activist, known as Alison, for five years without disclosing to her that he was in reality an undercover officer who was spying on political campaigners.