London

cross-posted from: https://feddit.uk/post/24106337

A discovery underneath the basement of an office block has been described as one of the most important pieces of Roman history unearthed in the city of London.

Archaeologists have found a substantial piece of the ancient city's first basilica - a 2,000 year old public building where major political, economic and administrative decisions were made.

The excavation has so far revealed sections of stone wall that formed the base of the basilica, which would have been two-and-a-half storeys high.

The site, which will eventually be opened to the public, sheds light on the city's beginnings.

"This is so significant - this is the heart of Roman London," said Sophie Jackson, from the Museum of London Archaeology (Mola), who revealed the new find exclusively to BBC News.

"This building will tell us so much about the origins of London, why London grew and why it was chosen as the capital of Britain. It's just amazing."

cross-posted from: https://feddit.uk/post/22939833

Sir Keir Starmer is embroiled in another row over Donald Trump after the Labour mayor of London warned of a “resurgent fascism” on the eve of his inauguration.

Allies of the prime minister slapped down Sir Sadiq Khan, distancing the government from his comments, while the Tories condemned them as “unacceptable”. The latest spat comes at a difficult time for the UK-US relationship.

In what would be an extremely rare move, Mr Trump is considering rejecting Sir Keir’s nominee for UK ambassador to the US, Lord Mandelson.

The Trump team is also still angry Labour staffers travelled to the US to campaign for their rivals, the Democrats, in the presidential race.

Sir Sadiq warned of a "resurgent fascism" and “deeply worrying times, especially if you're a member of a minority community", in The Observer.

“By exploiting economic concerns and a growing distrust of political and media institutions, these reactionary populists have been able to attract new supporters,” he wrote.

“In Germany, the AfD is on course for a breakthrough in next month’s federal elections. In France, the National Rally is topping presidential polls. And, of course, in the US, Donald Trump is back.

He also hit out at close Trump ally Elon Musk, adding: “A billionaire bully shouldn’t be able to use his social media platform as a propaganda tool to amplify lies and advance the cause of the far right.”

Asked about his comments on the BBC on Sunday, Treasury minister Darren Jones said: “I don’t agree with it. I speak on behalf of the government, and we don’t agree with it.”

'Don't actually swim in the Thames' should probably be the headline.

cross-posted from: https://feddit.uk/post/22552152

It’s January, and while for many Londoners the first month of the year means no drinking, eating healthily and an overly ambitious new exercise regime, for others, it marks the return of a slightly weird annual event – the No Trousers tube ride.

Following last year’s well-attended event – which we at Time Out documented in photos here – the trousers-free tube ride is back in 2025, with hundreds of people expected to take part.

If this is your sort of thing, here’s all the information on how to take part. Let’s hope it’s not a cold day!

When is the no-trousers tube ride?

The pants-free fiesta will take place on Sunday January 12. Participants will be meeting at the Old Pagoda in Chinatown from 2.45pm for a 3pm start. Organisers ask you to still be fully clothed at this point, please, and bring a bag to store your trews in for when the time comes to strip down to your skivvies.

...

What’s the point of it all?

Ultimately, the no-trousers tube ride is just a bit of cheeky fun. It’s not attached to any charities or making any kind of political statement – the tradition started in New York in 2002 and persists to this day. The whole point is to remain as nonchalant as possible, despite your trouser-free state.

Landlords excuse: building has been lived in extensively, and needs a multimillion pound refurbishment. Building was completely refurbished in 2017.

150 people served with section 21 eviction notices.

Update: There's now a petition you can sign to counter this predatory landlord behaviour: https://chng.it/P2j7yj2xM4

About time.

Glass cases house beautifully displayed arm-candy at the latest new entry on a reviving Oxford Street in central London.

This is not a designer handbag purveyor but a store dedicated to Ikea’s signature bright blue Frakta carrier bag – a pop-up shop paving the way for the home furnishing retailer’s delayed move into a larger store on-site, which is due to open next year.

Filled with quirky social-media-friendly gimmicks including a service button to call up blue candy floss from a curtained window and a blue mirrored room intended to mimic entering a Frakta bag, the small shop has opened after construction issues prompted delays to the main store. Ikea had originally hoped to open the larger store last autumn, but building work was delayed by problems including water leaking into the basement.