The latest news, updates and events in Birmingham
British comedian Rowan Atkinson has been severely criticised by fans and former colleagues after coming out in support of Boris Johnson’s recent remarks on women wearing burkas, which have been described as inflammatory and “Islamophobic”. The 63-year-old actor, known for his comedy performances in Mr Bean and Blackadder, said Johnson’s political remarks were “funny”.
Britain’s world-leading researchers and entrepreneurs in the West Midlands will benefit from an additional £270 million to create the technologies of tomorrow, the Chancellor announced today. Philip Hammond will expand successful ‘catapult centres’ which are fuelling innovation across the country, including in the West Midlands, as part of the UK’s ambitious, modern Industrial Strategy.
High Street store brand Sports Direct has agreed to buy the fledgling House of Fraser department store chain for £90m. Following House of Fraser going into administration on Friday after talks with its creditors failed to reach an agreement, Sport’s Direct’s Mike Ashley has stepped in to save the business, allowing its 59 shops to remain open, including…