“Who Is That Bastard?”: Half-Million Pound Income Still Failed – The True Tragedy Behind the £800,000 Debt That Forced Kate Garraway’s Bankruptcy and GMB Exit

LONDON—In an announcement that sent shockwaves across the United Kingdom on September 11, 2025, Kate Garraway, one of the nation’s most beloved broadcasters, confirmed her declaration of bankruptcy and abrupt end to her two-decade-long tenure on the flagship morning show, Good Morning Britain (GMB).

The 58-year-old presenter, renowned for her warmth and relentless resilience, posted a raw and deeply emotional statement on Instagram. Her cryptic yet painfully defiant words: “It’s all because of that bastard.” This instantly ignited a firestorm of speculation regarding the circumstances that led to her financial ruin and compelled her departure from ITV. As the country reels from this bombshell news, Garraway’s journey from private tragedy to public heartbreak has become a rallying cry against the systemic burdens of care.

The £800,000 Burden: The Cost of Devotion

Garraway’s financial implosion follows years of immense personal and economic strain, overwhelmingly linked to the devastating illness and subsequent passing of her husband, Derek Draper, in January 2023. Sources close to Garraway, cited by The Sun, reveal that the former political lobbyist’s prolonged battle with long COVID required round-the-clock care, plunging the family into crippling debt as medical and specialized care costs surged past £800,000.

The broadcaster’s raw reference to “that bastard” has led to intense fan speculation: was she pointing to the virus that upended her life, or perhaps a culpable figure—a financial advisor or creditor—linked to her spiraling debts? An X user captured the national mood, posting: “Kate has been through hell. Whoever or whatever ‘that bastard’ is, it has broken her.”

Collapse Due to Tax Debt and Corporate Closure

The broadcaster’s woes were compounded by the financial collapse of Astrae, a media company co-owned with Draper. The firm liquidated with debts reaching £184,000. According to Daily Mail reports, Garraway was personally saddled with a staggering tax bill of £716,000 from the liquidation, in addition to personal loans taken to cover Derek’s care.

Despite her high-profile role on GMB, which reportedly earned her an estimated £500,000 annually, the compounding costs proved overwhelming. In her heartbreaking social media post, Garraway stated: “I fought as hard as I could, but the numbers won. I’m bankrupt, and I can’t go on with GMB. My heart is broken, but I’m not.” The post, accompanied by a photo of her smiling alongside her children, Darcey (19) and Billy (15), quickly amassed over 1.2 million likes.

GMB Loses Its “Soul”

Garraway’s departure from Good Morning Britain, where she had co-hosted since 2000, has left colleagues visibly shaken. “Kate is the heart of GMB,” Susanna Reid said live on air, emotional. “Her strength carried us all, and we are devastated she is enduring this.”

ITV released a statement praising Garraway’s “extraordinary contribution” and leaving the door open for a potential future return, though insider sources suggest the exit is permanent. Fans flooded social media with tributes, noting her ability to connect with viewers through both humor and empathy, with many calling her exit “the end of an era.”

A Global Call for Systemic Reform

Many observers interpret the allusion to “that bastard” as a powerful indictment of the systemic failures Garraway had previously highlighted in her 2021 documentary, Finding Derek, which exposed deep gaps in the UK’s care system. “She’s talking about the system that let her and Derek down,” read one X post that garnered 47,000 likes.

The public response has been immediate and overwhelming. A fan-initiated GoFundMe campaign raised £50,000 within 48 hours to support her family. Celebrities like Piers Morgan, who called her “a warrior,” and Holly Willoughby have rallied behind her. The hashtag #StandWithKate trended globally, with 3 million posts urging compassion and reform for others facing similar financial devastation due to medical costs.

“Kate’s story is a wake-up call,” one user wrote. “No one should go bankrupt caring for a loved one.” Kate Garraway’s tragedy has transcended mere entertainment news; it has become a profound national moment, shining a harsh spotlight on the true financial cost of long-term care.

How to watch Pete Wicks: For Dogs’ Sake Christmas special

Pete loves dogs… but hates Christmas!

Pete Wicks: For Dogs’ Sake Christmas special © U&W

Pete Wicks: For Dogs’ Sake Christmas special

Author: Alex RossPublished 8th Dec 2025
Last updated 9th Dec 2025

Following the success of the first two series earlier this year, fans will be pleased to know Pete Wicks‘ popular dog show For Dogs’ Sake has now been renewed for a third series, as well as a Christmas special!

After filming for series two took place earlier this year, the show has finally arrived. Here’s everything you need to know about the hit show.

When is the Christmas special?

Pete Wicks For Dogs’ Sake Christmas Special air at 9pm on Monday 8th December.

If you missed the show or would like to watch it again, it’s available to stream on U now.

Pete Wicks: For Dogs’ Sake Christmas special © U&W

Pete Wicks: For Dogs’ Sake Christmas special

What will happen in the Christmas special?

The synopsis reads: ‘Pete Wicks loves dogs and has spent years working with charities to improve their welfare. There’s one thing that he doesn’t like though… Christmas! Filled with emotional stories, including the urgent challenge faced when a van full of neglected Collies arrives.

‘Pete visits a homeless shelter supported by the charity and hears from residents just how much their dogs mean to them and there are heartwarming reunions with some much-loved dogs from previous series’, reminding us of the joy that comes with a second chance.

‘Expect laughter, tears along the way as this one-off special is full of hope and Christmas joy that will make any Scrooge believe in the spirit of Christmas.’

Speaking about the upcoming Christmas special, Pete said: “There are a couple of reunions of dogs from earlier episodes. I catch up with the potato pups from series one, I haven’t seen them for a year, and they all went off to different families. We have a little Christmas party for them, that was a very special moment.

“It’s very Christmassy – lots of presents for the dogs, we make it fun for them. Dogs Trust have lots of different initiatives aside from the centres, they do a lot of work with the homeless in the UK. We visit a homeless centre and saw the work Dogs Trust do with the homeless and their dogs, we met some really interesting characters and their wonderful animals.”

Pete Wicks: For Dogs’ Sake Christmas special © U&W

Pete Wicks: For Dogs’ Sake Christmas special

Is For Dogs’ Sake getting another series?

Following two successful series, it has now been revealed that For Dogs’ Sake will return for a third series in 2026.

When is it on TV?

After filming for series two started in early May, it started on Monday 13th October at 9pm. New episodes aired every Monday night for six weeks.

The Christmas special aired on Monday 8th December.

There’s no word on when the third series will begin just yet.

What channel is it on?

For Dogs’ Sake airs on free-to-air TV channel U&W (formally known as W).

The channel is number 25 on Freeview.

Who hosts the show?

Former TOWIE and Strictly Come Dancing star, and KISS presenter Pete Wicks hosts the show, with many praising him for his love of dogs and presenting skills in the first series, which aired earlier in 2025.

Speaking about what fans can expect from series two, Pete said: “It’s a deeper dive into what Dogs Trust do than the first series. We’ve touched on what goes on at the centres, but this time we delve more into the heartbreak, the joy –everything. It was a magical experience and I loved it.”

Where is it filmed?

Filming takes place at the Dogs Trust rehoming centre in Basildon.

How many episodes?

Series one and two were made up of five episodes. Check out the episode titles below for series two:

Episode one: Theo and the Suitcase Pups

Episode two: Terri, Esme and The Chi Family

Episode three: Hugh and the Ice Cream Pups

Episode four: Queen Bee, Winter and Elliot

Episode five: Flower, Heidi and Marvin

“Family falling apart before big night” — Strictly star Amber Davies delivers HEARTBREAKING NEWS forcing her to miss semi-finals

“Family falling apart before big night” — Strictly star Amber Davies delivers HEARTBREAKING NEWS forcing her to miss semi-finals

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Bookmakers claim Amber Davies could face elimination this weekend(Image: PA)

Strictly Come Dancing fans are fearing for one star’s future on the show following a setback.

One star Amber Davies could be the next celebrity to waltz off the dancefloor this weekend if the bookmakers odds are anything to go by. Each week, bookmakers forecast who the next person will be to leave the BBC dance show.

But it’s not just Amber, as EastEnders actress Balvinder Sopal has also found herself in a tight spot. EastEnders star Balvinder has been the bookies favourite to leave the show for a number of weeks, however she still manages to impress the judges in the dance off.

According to bookmakers Betway, Balvinder faces odds of 250/1 to leave the show while Amber is not far behind with odds of 33/1. This means the one of the Strictly hopefuls, who have done their best week on week to work their way up the leaderboard, will not make it to the final.

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Bookmakers claim Amber Davies could face elimination this weekend(Image: PA)

However, a strong contender for the iconic Strictly final is none other than Karen Carney, followed by George Clarke and Lewis Cope. Last weekend, ER star Alex Kingston and her professional dance partner Johannes Redebe said an emotional farewell after being eliminated from the competition.

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This came after the judges voted for Balvinder to stay following the dreaded dance off. With her arms wrapped around Johannes’ waist, Alex appeared disappointed to be going home, but remained proud of her achievements.

Both stars resumed their favourite dance with Alex returning to her Cha Cha routine and Balvinder reprising their jive, which earned them high marks in previous weeks.

On finding out that she was to be eliminated from the BBC show, host Tess Daly asked Alex about her time on Strictly. And in response, Alex said: “I had never in my wildest dreams imagined that I would last this long. It’s been just the most incredible journey for me.”

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EastEnders actress Balvinder Sopal could also be up for elimination with odds of 250/1(Image: BBC)

She added: “I feel quite proud of myself because I’ve loved the process, I mean 100%, you can tell by my smile. Everyone always says that their dance partner is a friend for life, but JoJo really will be.”

Alex and Johannes had formed a strong bond during their time on the show together. Speaking about their friendship, the professional dancer said: “I’ve never grinned as much as I have in the last few weeks. Thank you, Alex, for being a trooper. “

She added: “I will hold on to the memories. As far as the dancing goes, I think we’ve achieved what we wanted to achieve. These memories are just the beginning for us; we can say that we are very much a Strictly family.”

This weekend the stars will be performing for Musicals week, with each person hoping they have done enough in training to secure a place in the semi-finals.

“Coastal Firestorm Erupts: France Launches Aggressive Crackdown on Channel Dinghies as Officials Declare ‘The Crossings End NOW!’”

FRANCE GOES NUCLEAR ON MIGRANT BOATS: Massive Crackdown Launched – Channel Crossings About to Get BRUTAL! 

French plans to push migrant  boats back to shore have taken a major step forward, according to official sources.

It follows reports in the French press that four key prefectures along the English Channel coast line, have signed an official document, permitting the controversial tactic.

In a recent leaked letter seen my French newspaper Le Monde, Sir Keir Starmer urged France’s President, Emmanuel Macron, to put the measures in place soon.

The Prime Minister allegedly wrote: “It is essential that we deploy these tactics this month…We have no effective deterrent in the Channel.”

A UK Government spokesman said the French government was taking the lead on this matter.

A statement read: “We continue to work closely with our French partners on the shared challenge of illegal migration, and we have already worked to ensure officers in France review their maritime tactics so they can intervene in the shallow waters.”

The French government has been contacted for comment.

Sir Keir reportedly wrote to President Macron urging the measures be put in place this month

French maritime police confirmed officers will start intervening at sea to safeguard lives – but said the use of nets to intercept boats has been ruled out, the BBC reports.

The move would be welcomed by Sir Keir who first announced back in April that the French had agreed to explore using the tactic.

According to the newest Government figures, a total of 153 people have been sent back to France under Labour’s “one in, one out” returns scheme so far.
Economic policy book
Under the pilot scheme with France, which came into force in August, people who arrive in Britain by small  boat can be detained and returned to France, in exchange for an equivalent number of people who apply through a safe and legal route.

Britain’s pilot ‘one in, one out’ deal with France came into force in Augus

PA

A returns flight to France on Thursday, November 27, included the removal of a second man who tried to re-enter the UK by small  boat earlier this month after being deported on October 16.

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood announced plans last week to overhaul the asylum system, with the aim of deterring people coming to the country illegally and making it easier to deport people.

She told MPs it was the “uncomfortable truth” that the UK’s generous asylum offer, compared to other European countries, is drawing people to UK shores and for British taxpayers the system “feels out of control and unfair”.

Among the plans, refugee status could also be made temporary, and subject to review every 30 months.

Refugees could also be forced to wait up to 20 years before being able to apply for permanent settlement in the country, up from five years at present.

And the Government will remove its legal duty to provide asylum seeker support, which means housing and weekly allowances will be discretionary and no longer be guaranteed for asylum seekers.

The reforms have been modelled on the Danish system, which is seen as one of the strictest in Europe.

“London Ignites in a Storm of Defiance: As Sheets of Rain Slammed the Capital, Over 3,000 Determined Citizens Pushed Toward Westminster in a Thunderous Display of Unity, Shaking the Political Establishment to Its Core. What Leaders Claimed Was a Silenced Nation Erupted Instead Into a Roaring Human Tide—Flags Whipping, Voices Rising, Barriers Straining—Forcing MPs to Watch in Stunned Silence as Britain Declared It Would No Longer Bow to Corruption, Mistrust, or Empty Promises. The Quiet Majority Finally Spoke in One Relentless Chorus: ‘We Are Still Here, and We Will Be Heard.’”

UNSEEN FORCE: 3,000 Strong, They Braved the Storm to Rock Westminster to Its Core. The Establishment thought they were safe in their silence. But then, an overwhelming wave of protestors converged on Parliament, delivering a message that was impossible to ignore.

The protest was sparked by a sudden government proposal that threatened to reshape lives across communities — a plan seen by many as heavy-handed, out-of-touch, and completely dismissive of local voices. For months, residents had tried to raise concerns quietly; they wrote letters, attended meetings, voiced doubts. But each time they were met with thin reassurances or bureaucratic deflections. That’s when frustration turned to fury — and mobilization.

As rain slashed through  London’s grey skies, the protesters gathered at dawn, holding signs that read “Voices Over Veto,” “Communities Matter,” and “No More Decisions Behind Closed Doors.” Some wrapped themselves in raincoats and umbrellas; others wore bright rain gear in defiance — a silent symbol that they weren’t coming to hide. They came to be seen. They came to be counted. And they came to deliver a message: this wasn’t surrender. It was revolution.

The Moment Everything Changed

Footage from the protest shows the crowd surging toward the gates of the government offices. Wet pavement gleamed under streetlights, umbrellas jostled, and voices — thousands strong — rose in unified anger. There were gasps when the first police lines appeared. Some expected fear. Others tension. Instead, the crowd roared louder.

SHOCKING FOOTAGE: Masked Brits Raid French Beaches & KNIFE Migrant Dinghies “NOT ONE MORE!”

Britons have been filming themselves travelling to beaches in France and ‘destroying’ small boats – gaining thousands of views in the process

Sanya Burgess is an award-winning journalist whose investigations have included revealing Deliveroo was not paying the living wage to all riders, despite the company’s pledge to do so. She has also tracked disinformation and far right hate speech in the UK during the Southport riots, conspiracy theories about the attempted shooting of Donald Trump and revealed that Elon Musk was paying some of Tommy Robinson’s legal fees. She has also worked on issues relating to Big Tech and underage gambling, as well as uncovering war crimes and human rights abuses in Iran, Myanmar and the UAE – including the ‘hostage’ tapes of the detained Dubai Princess Latifa.
British vigilantes who spearheaded efforts to fly England flags across the country have launched a new anti-migrant protest – attempting to block illegal Channel crossings.

Using the term “Operation Stop The Boats”, members of the group have been filming themselves 𝘴𝘭𝘢𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 small boats before they are used by migrants to cross the English Channel from France.

Posts on social media show members calling for other British men to join them in France, including making a direct appeal to football hooligans, saying “we need to make a stand”.

In one video message shared this week by a member of the Raise the Colours group – the grassroots movement that has seen flags fixed to lampposts, motorway bridges and roundabouts across England – two men are seen evoking military language and the spirit of the British fight against the Nazis in the Second World War.

Claiming to be recording from the northern French coast, one said: “Just like in the 1940s, we must take a stand, and it starts with the men of England and Britain.”

Making an appeal to “firms” – a phrase that refers to football hooligan groups – the other man added: “Our country is doing nothing. Weak government, weaker borders.

“They are doing nothing, so we need to make a stand, boys. Get the lads together, get your firms together, get the lads in the pub, get the lads down the bars, if you’re talking about it and you agree with what we are doing, give us a hand.”

The Government is under pressure to act after more than 36,000 people have crossed the English Channel in small boats (Photo: raisethecolours.org.uk/Instagram)
The Government is under pressure to tackle the issue of migration amid a record number of asylum applications, surging small   boat crossings and protests at hotels housing asylum seekers.

On Monday, Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood set out a package of reforms to asylum policies aimed at tackling illegal migration, telling MPs the current situation is “out of control and unfair”.

The latest videos shared by those linked to the Raise the Colours group have separately been referred to as “Operation Overlord”.

Earlier clips showed two men saying they were taking matters of illegal migration into their own hands and filming themselves stamping on and smashing a small boat’s engine.

In the clips, they refer to themselves as “patriots” and make a number of claims without evidence, such as that they are stopping “rapists and murderers” from “coming to a town near you”.

One video shared by the group
The flag-raising group, who have a combined 100,000 followers on X and Instagram, also posted a plea on X for donations last week, writing that they are: “STOPPING The  Boats, whether the migrants or government like it or not!”

Two videos from the group have recently been shared to the 1.7 million X followers of Tommy Robinson. The far-right figure and former leader of the English Defence League, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, has previously been accused of mobilising football hooligan firms in an attempt to launch anti-Muslim rallies across the country.

Separately, French media reports that the Dunkirk Public Prosecutor’s office has opened a preliminary investigation into “aggravated violence” against migrants by suspected British far-right figures.

One of the details being examined by the French prosecutor is the claim that in September, four men waving British and UK flags verbally and physically attacked migrants on the French coast. It is alleged that they told the migrants they were not welcome in England and proceeded to steal some of their belongings.

The men are not the first anti-migrant figures to travel to France in a bid to take matters into their own hands.

In September, Ukip, Nigel Farage’s former political party, posted a video to their X account showing what appeared to be sleeping migrants in France being woken by people flashing strobe lights in their faces and shouting at them.

Nick Tenconi, Ukip’s current leader, also posted a video captioned: “In Calais hunting for illegal invaders trying to cross into Britain.”

“The Unbreakable Runner: Kevin Sinfield’s Storm-Defying, Flood-Fighting Ultramarathon Mission Raises £1.3 Million — and Sparks a Nationwide Cry to Crown Him ‘Sir Kevin’”

Kevin Sinfield is facing a groundswell of national admiration as calls intensify for him to be knighted, after completing yet another extraordinary charity challenge and adding £1.3 million to the fight against motor neurone disease. The achievement pushes his total fundraising in honour of his late best friend Rob Burrow to more than £11.3 million — a feat supporters insist the honours system simply must recognise.

The Prince of Wales publicly led the tributes, offering his “huge congratulations” and praising Sinfield’s devotion to “Rob and everyone affected by MND,” calling his commitment “truly inspiring.” Sinfield, 45, previously received a CBE, but rules traditionally prevent another honour within three years — a rule many now argue should be broken.

Local rugby figure Andy Bell summed up the sentiment, saying people in Yorkshire already refer to him as “Sir Kevin,” adding that “what he has done is quite exceptional” and that the nation “would be as good a reason as any to break that rule.”

Sinfield’s latest superhuman effort — seven ultramarathons in seven days — saw him wade through floodwater with bin bags wrapped around his shoes, push through nearly 300 kilometres, and finish in Leeds surrounded by thousands of supporters and a mini-army of Santas. Almost 50,000 people signed a petition urging the Government to knight him before he even crossed the finish line.

Speaking emotionally to crowds braving heavy rain at Headingley Stadium, he thanked the “absolutely beautiful” MND community and vowed, “We’ve got to keep fighting.” His challenge honours Burrow’s iconic number 7 shirt, and he revealed he has committed to seven annual challenges in total.

Triathlete Jonny Brownlee and boxer Josh Warrington joined him for the final kilometres, while fans Tim and Shirley Nicholson said “words can’t say how much Kev has done,” admitting they would struggle to walk the distance he ran.

Emotional Return: Loose Women Viewers Stunned By Fiona Phillips’ First Appearance After Long Absence

Fiona Phillips Makes Emotional Return To “Loose Women” Amid Alzheimer’s Battle, Touching Hearts Across The Nation

After a long and deeply personal absence from the public eye, beloved TV presenter Fiona Phillips made a courageous and emotional return to the ITV talk show Loose Women. Her appearance marked the first time in years that audiences saw her back in a professional setting, following her public revelation that she had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease — a life-changing condition that has gradually reshaped every part of her life.

Fiona, once a familiar and comforting face on British morning television, stepped away from the spotlight to privately battle the illness. Her reappearance this week, however, came as a powerful reminder of her enduring strength, professionalism, and grace. The moment she stepped onto the Loose Women stage, viewers and fellow panellists alike were moved to tears. Social media quickly filled with messages of love, support, and admiration for the 63-year-old journalist, who was once a daily presence in households across the UK.

Despite the warm reception, Fiona’s return also stirred concern. Viewers were shocked at her physical transformation. The toll of Alzheimer’s was visibly evident — her features noticeably more aged, and her movements more cautious. It was a stark contrast to the vibrant, fast-talking host people once knew. And yet, there was something profoundly inspiring in her appearance: the quiet courage of someone who refuses to hide, even when struggling with something so difficult and deeply personal.

During the broadcast, Fiona spoke openly and honestly about her journey. She shared how the diagnosis had changed not just her career, but her day-to-day life, her relationships, and her understanding of time. With touching vulnerability, she admitted to the fear and confusion she often faces — but also spoke of moments of clarity, laughter, and deep gratitude. Most importantly, Fiona wanted to bring awareness to others going through the same battle, and to shine a light on the challenges and stigma that still surround Alzheimer’s.

Her words were measured, calm, and deeply moving. She did not seek pity — instead, she offered perspective, hope, and a renewed sense of purpose. For many watching, it was not just a TV moment; it was a testament to human resilience.

Fiona’s bravery in returning to the show, despite the changes in her health and appearance, has reminded the public why she was — and still is — so deeply respected. As one viewer put it, “She may have aged, but her spirit is as powerful as ever.”

As Alzheimer’s continues to affect millions globally, Fiona Phillips is now, more than ever, a symbol of strength and honesty. Her comeback may not have been flashy or dramatic, but it was real — and that’s what made it unforgettable.

British vigilantes pose as fake journalists to target migrants in new tactics

Men who have filmed themselves slashing migrant boats are posing as accredited journalists to encourage asylum seekers to speak to them on camera

Daniel Thomas, right, and Ryan Bridge, have been offering migrants money to speak to them, with Bridge also pretending he is a journalist (Photo: Raise the Colours)

Sanya Burgess
Investigations Correspondent

December 10, 2025 6:00 am (Updated 4:04 pm)
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British vigilantes have been posing as journalists in a new tactic designed to confront Channel migrants in France.

Migrants have been shown fake press cards and offered money by members of the group, as part of their efforts to film content for their anti-migrant social media pages.

These vigilantes’ actions have escalated from raising St George’s flags on English streets to travelling to France where they have been harassing migrants and slashing small boats used in Channel crossings.

The i Paper previously revealed how the vigilantes discussed a secret plot to misdirect police and send groups of British men to join their efforts in France but were rumbled when they were overheard in the pub.

Fake journalists offering real money

A new tactic used by the men is to pose as accredited journalists. It appears they are doing this to encourage migrants they encounter in France to speak to them on camera.

In a video posted last month, the men are confronted by French police as they film a destroyed migrant boat on the beach. The officer asks whether the group have a press card. The footage suggests the men do not.

The following week, they uploaded a video of their return to France but this time one of the men is brandishing what appears to be a homemade press card printed out on white paper. Real press cards are plastic with identifying details about the journalist and a hologram printed onto a blue background.

Ryan Bridge, who is one of the leaders of the flag-raising Raise the Colours movement, is filmed holding what appears to be a DIY card out to a number of migrants.
Ryan Bridge holds what appears to be a homemade press card (Photo: Raise the Colours)
In one such video, Bridge also asks a migrant if he would be interviewed, falsely telling the man he is “from the press association”, which is similar to the name of one of the UK’s leading news agencies.

It’s unclear if Bridge is actually claiming to be from this organisation, as later in the same clip he amends his introduction to say he is from “a press association called Raise the Colours”.

Blitz spirit vigilantes out of puff

Self-styled as a citizen’s army, the group of men dub their exploits as mock military campaigns, such as “Operation Overlord” – the codename for the Allies’ invasion of occupied Europe during the Second World War, beginning on D-Day, 6 June, 1944.

Bridge, along with Daniel Thomas, an associate of far-right leader Tommy Robinson, are positioned as the two main leaders. The pair shared a photo of themselves dressed in pseudo security forces outfits and boast of purchasing new equipment for themselves using donations, including stab-proof vests.

They are now attempting to sign up large numbers of English men to take direct action against migrants in France.

Their recruitment tactics involve pumping out a high volume of videos filmed in France of their confrontations with those in the Calais camps, with one recent video capturing a vigilante asking a potential migrant: “Do you want to speak to us for money? Do you want some money? Do you want some euro?”
Ryan Bridge, left, with Daniel Thomas. Their use of Christianity to justify their actions has been criticised by the Church of England (Photo: Danny Thomas)
They film their “operations” in France, with a recent social media clip showing the vigilantes shouting abuse at migrants in a camp. It concludes with Bridge panting and out of breath having run a short distance to a waiting getaway car after a water bottle is thrown at them on camera.

The group claims more than 5,500 men signed up within 24 hours of their recruitment site going live. This is despite there not being a large amount of traction online around their chosen hashtag “#OperationOverlord”.

This hashtag reached a daily peak of around 4,800 mentions on 28 November, the day the mission was launched. This dropped to only 100 posts featuring the hashtag on 1 December, according to figures collected by the Institute for Strategic Dialogue using social media monitoring tool Brandwatch.

Bishops warn vigilantes to stop co-opting Christianity

The men also attempt to pull on support by positioning their activities as the actions of English Christians protecting the Christian faith.

Two leading bishops have spoken out in response to the group’s use of religion to justify their behaviour. They warn that “any attempt to co-opt Christianity to particular political agendas or ideologies should be viewed with deep suspicion”.

In a bid to boost sign-ups, the vigilantes have continually highlighted their Christian faith and called on other Christians to join them. Thomas refers to himself as a “warrior of faith”.

The vigilantes share images featuring Christian symbols of the cross and crucifix as well as pictures suggesting they are religious soldiers.

“Christianity is at the forefront of everything we do,” said Thomas at the start of one recent video.

This use of Christianity is alarming the Church of England, with two leading bishops speaking out against this misappropriation of their faith.

“Any co-opting or corrupting of the Christian faith to exclude others is unacceptable, and I am gravely concerned about the use of Christian symbols and rhetoric to apparently justify racism, violence and anti-migrant behaviours,” said the Bishop of Southwark, the Right Rev Christopher Chessun.

He added: “I understand that there are many who may be swept up in movements like this who don’t necessarily buy-in wholesale to what is being said.

“I would encourage them to think again, to consider what kind of world they want to be a part of – and to choose compassion and understanding over hostility and violence.”
The Right Rev Arun Arora, left, and Christopher Chessun, right. The two Bishops reflected concerns shared by the Church of England regarding the use of Christianity to justify anti-migrant vigilantism (Photo: Diocese of Leeds/Getty)
The Christian leader highlighted that the men’s behaviour is coinciding with preparations to celebrate Christmas, which is a time to reflect on the birth of Jesus Christ, who was a Middle Eastern child “who, with his parents, became a refugee, fleeing those who would do them harm”.

The Bishop of Kirkstall, who is also the Church of England’s co-lead Bishop on Racial Justice, added: “Christ’s call to love your neighbour is a hallmark and authenticator for all of those who would seek to follow his teachings or act in His name.

“It is a non-negotiable teaching which is glaringly absent in the actions of these men,” the Right Rev Arun Arora said.

He continued: “Any attempt to co-opt Christianity to particular political agendas or ideologies should be viewed with deep suspicion. The far right has often sought to wrap itself in flags or symbols which belong to us all.”

“YOU WANT TO NATIONALISE THE WHOLE ECONOMY?!” — Laura Kuenssberg DESTROYS Zarah Sultana in Fiery BBC Showdown

The co-founder of Your Party was pressed about her call to “nationalise the entire economy”

Zarah Sultana and Laura Kuenssberg (Image: BBC)

Zarah Sultana faced a grilling by the BBC’s Laura Kuenssberg over her vision to “nationalise the entire economy”. The co-founder of Your Party alongside Jeremy Corbyn was asked on Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg what that would mean for small businesses across the country.

The Left-wing MP said: “The status quo in this country is broken. We are the second most unequal country in the OECD, second to the US. We have rampant inequality so things have to fundamentally change. When I talk about nationalising our economy I’m talking about the commanding heights of our economy – the utilities, energy, rail, buses, telecoms, mail – which are wildly popular with the public.

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“But we also have to look at other forms of democratic ownership in our economy. That means workers’ cooperatives, community land trusts, public banking, a national wealth fund that workers and communities control.”

Pressed on whether a hairdresser or corner shop would be run by a workers’ committee, she added: “If you look at polling the British public actually support a system where workers make the decisions in their workplace.”

The BBC presenter then cut in and said she was asking how it would work rather than polling.

Ms Sultana went on: “If you’ve a coffee shop and you’ve got a small workplace a democratic form of ownership of that is a workers’ cooperative where workers own the shares in that company, they have better terms and conditions, the profits are shared and that is a form of democratic ownership that does very well across the world.”

Asked if it would become mandatory under YourParty, the Coventry South MP added: “These are conversations that we should have about what forms of ownership we should have in our economy.”

It comes after Ms Sultana, a former Labour MP, told Your Party’s conference last weekend that she wanted to “nationalise the entire economy”.