The Co-op could soon stop selling Israeli products after board members voted in favour of a boycott.
The non-binding motion was passed at the convenience giant’s AGM on May 17.
Nearly three quarters (73%) of members supported the motion, which urged the board to demonstrate “moral courage and leadership” by removing Israeli goods from the shelves.
Although the motion is advisory, the board confirmed it is actively reviewing its sourcing policies, to “ensure that they reflect both our values and principles and the views of our members, which they have made clear today”.
It is understood that, if implemented, the boycott could take effect as early as this summer.
The motion was first submitted last month by Co-op members
The motion was first submitted last month by Co-op members, who pointed to the retailer’s stance in 2022, when it became the first UK supermarket to boycott Russian products following the invasion of Ukraine.
Members have urged the business to adopt a consistent approach in light of the ongoing war in Gaza, which the motion said had “completely destroyed” the region.
Campaign group Palestine Solidarity Campaign (PSC), which supported the motion, hailed the vote’s result as a “landmark moment” and called on the retailer to take action.
A spokesperson for PSC, Lewis Backon, said: “The Co-op AGM vote shows ordinary people in this country are committed to the cause of justice and freedom for Palestine in their everyday lives and refuse to support Israel’s apartheid economy.
“The Co-op must now listen to its members and implement the motion by taking all Israeli goods off the shelves.”
However, the motion has sparked sharp criticism from UK Lawyers for Israel, who wrote to the Co-op opposing the motion and claiming it included “false and defamatory statements”. It accused it of promoting “racial hatred of Israelis and Jews”.
The Co-op already maintains a sourcing policy which excludes goods from Israeli settlements in occupied Palestinian territories – a position it has held since 2007.
A Carlton man has been jailed for just over a year at Nottingham Crown Court for his part in a major drugs operation.
Huy Quoc Tran, aged 37, of Honeywood Drive pleaded guilty to conspiring to produce cannabis and was jailed for 13 months.
He was among five members of a drugs gang that first came to police attention during a routine traffic stop.
A silver Mercedes was seen driving erratically by police officers before it was stopped in West Bridgford on January 26, 2023.
The driver immediately fled on foot, leaving behind a 16-year-old girl who was suspected of being illegally trafficked into the UK.
Detectives had the car recovered and forensically examined in the weeks after the stop, and were later able to link lead conspirator Hai Quoc Tran to the car by fingerprints.
An intelligence-led investigation was commenced by officers at Nottinghamshire Police’s Modern Slavery and Organised Immigration Team, which led to another vehicle of interest being stopped in the Redhill area of Nottingham in July 2023.
Carlton man Huy Quoc Tran pleaded guilty to conspiring to produce cannabis and was jailed for 13 months.Two mobile phones were found to contain evidence of large-scale drug dealingThe five members of the gang involved in a 700,000 drugs plot
That car was also found to contain Hai Quoc Tran and accomplice Thi Hong Trang Nguyen.
Crucially, it was also carrying two mobile phones that were later found to contain evidence of large-scale drug dealing.
Alongside images of cannabis and bundles of cash, officers uncovered a treasure trove of evidence revealing the identities of other conspirators.
That evidence – supported by subsequent investigation work – helped to secure a series of coordinated search warrants at five addresses across Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and Leicestershire on 30 November 2023.
At one of those properties, in Honeywood Drive, Nottingham, eight large vacuum-packed bags of cannabis were found underneath a bed.
Other properties had been converted for the purpose of growing cannabis, and contained drugs worth more than £700,000.
Nearly £14,000 in cash was also seized, along with large quantities of designer handbags, sunglasses and belts. Fake ID documents were also recovered.
Most of these items were seized at an address in Blue Bell Hill Road, Nottingham, where Hai Quoc Tran and Thi Hong Trang Nguyen were arrested and taken into custody.
The other four gang members received the following sentences:
Hai Quoc Tran, aged 39, of no fixed address, was found guilty of conspiring to produce cannabis and conspiring to supply cannabis.
Lien Thi Nguyen, aged 48, of Glen Street, Sutton-in-Ashfield, was found guilty of the same offences.
They were jailed for four years and six months and three years respectively.
Thi Hong Trang Nguyen, aged 38, of Blue Bell Hill Road, Nottingham, pleaded guilty to conspiring to produce class B drugs and was jailed for three years and six months.
Thuan Quoc Tran, aged 29, of Frederick Street, South Shields, also pleaded guilty to conspiring to produce cannabis and was jailed for three years 13 months.
The 16 year-old-girl found in the back of the car in West Bridgford was later identified and remains in the UK.
Detective Constable Nicola Watson, of Nottinghamshire Police’s Modern slavery and Organised Immigration Crime Team, said: “What started out as a human trafficking investigation slowly morphed into a far larger drugs conspiracy. Cannabis farms are often linked to more serious crime and fund activities such as human trafficking and modern slavery. These people were each involved in a very significant conspiracy designed to put large amounts of cannabis onto the streets of the East Midlands.
“Growing cannabis on this scale is not a victimless crime. The residential properties used by this group, rented out by unsuspecting landlords, were left dangerous and inhabitable due to the significant damage caused in order to facilitate cannabis grows of a commercial-scale.
“Their actions also posed considerable fire risks to unsuspecting neighbours – courtesy of dangerous modifications to electricity supplies and storing of large quantities of combustible materials.
Gedling neighbourhood policing team’s Inspector Heather Harding has provided an update on how they have progressed on tackling crime across the borough during and April and what the priorities will over the next three months.
She said: “Through analysis of crime, consultation with partners, the PCC crime survey and feedback from our community, we have identified the following policing priorities for the next three months…”
Burglary
Insp Harding said: “While there are no concerning burglary trends in Gedling borough, it is a priority because of the detrimental impact it has on victims and their quality of life.
Shop theft –
“There has been an increase in shoplifting reported over recent months and we are responding to that trend by making it a key priority for the team,” Harding said.
Begging –
Inspector Harding said: “”A lot of work is ongoing on our third priority to identify and warn prolific beggars as well as signpost them to support while continuing to address the impact on the wider community.”
Actions on our priorities
Burglary
Inspector Harding said: “”We are allocating additional time and resources to focus on repeat offenders and hot spot areas as early as possible. This will maximise investigation opportunities, increase the likelihood of prosecutions and ultimately reassure victims.
“High-visibility patrols, covert operations and pop-up beat surgeries will be the main focus over the coming months.
Shop theft
Additional resources will be allocated for patrols and proactive days of action aiming to promote awareness of the issue. We will be working hard on securing Criminal Behaviour Orders for the small number of persistent offenders responsible for much of the offending in Gedling. These orders ban individuals from specific areas and are proving very successful.
Begging – An operation is in place with a clear escalation process in order to deal with beggars. This will now expand to consider the impact of cross border offenders alongside information sharing with our partners to find a long term solution.
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Inspector Harding highlighted three examples of great police work that had taken place in the community over the past month.
She said “We saw two suspects were charged after neighbourhood police carried out a series of raids to crackdown on drug crime in a Gedling borough village.
“Officers executed warrants at three properties in Calverton on March 26 following an investigation into drugs supply in the area.
“At one of the addresses, officers found suspected Class A drugs as well as weighing scales and other equipment associated with the drugs trade.
“Neighbourhood police also shut down an extensive cannabis grow after executing a warrant at a Gedling home.
“Officers from the team carried out the raid on a house in Duncroft Avenue, Gedling, and total of 330 cannabis plants were found growing in various rooms inside the property.
She added: “If you know any information about a cannabis grow in your area please get in touch.
The inspector also shared a heart-warming story involving one of her officers.
SHe said: “One of our Gedling police officers has been thanked after helping to save a man’s life while off-duty at a Parkrun.
“Police Constable Tom Packer was supporting his wife at the Newark Parkrun event at Sconce and Devon Park on March 22.
“While waiting at the finish line, PC Packer became aware of a man who was with two children and complaining about feeling unwell and light-headed.
“PC Packer suspected the man was suffering a heart attack and carried out CPR and applied a defibrillator before paramedics arrived.
“He was relieved to receive a message from the man’s wife a few days later thanking him.
“It was confirmed he had suffered a heart attack and required surgery but is now thankfully recovering.”
PC Packer said: “I did nothing that any other officer wouldn’t have done. I was just at the right place at the right time.”
Intruders broke into the Blenheim Avenue-based property through the back doorScreenshot
Officers have now elected to release moving images of someone they’d like to speak to in connection with their investigation.
Detective Constable Jessica Roffe, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: eim “We have some questions we’d like to ask this man, so would appreciate it if anyone that recognises him lets us know.
“Likewise, if you’re the person in this clip and see this appeal, we’d ask that you do the right thing and make yourself known to the police, as we believe you could assist our inquiries.
“The victims were understandably left distressed by what happened, as they lost jewellery of a sentimental nature in this burglary, so we’d really like to be able to return this to them.
“If anyone has any information, this can be reported to the police on 101, quoting incident 340 of 9 October 2024, while Crimestoppers can also be contacted anonymously by phoning 0800 555 111.”
A Home Office Safer Streets programme has led to a drop in crime in parts of Gedling borough, according to recent figures.
Enhanced safety measures have led to a 57% fall in personal robbery in Woodthorpe in Gedling.
There has also been a 18% reduction in vehicle crime thanks to the installation of new CCTV cameras and ongoing work by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Nottinghamshire, Nottinghamshire Police and partners to make the area a safer and even more welcoming place.
The crime reductions were over the last 12 months from April 2024 when the project started, compared to the previous three-year average.
Furthermore, statistics have shown a 57% reduction in bicycle theft and a 21% drop in public disorder offences.
Funded by the Home Office’s Safer Streets programme and coordinated by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Nottinghamshire, the project has focused on reducing crime, antisocial behaviour, and violence against women and girls through a range of measures.
Visitors to Arnot Hill Park – a Green Flag accredited park which attracts hundreds of visitors daily – are now benefitting from the upgrades to all Victorian style lighting within the park, which vastly improves visibility in the evenings.
Environmental improvements have taken place to trim back overgrowth and increase visibility for existing CCTV cameras in the park to reduce blind-spots which could have led to an increase in antisocial behaviour.
Furthermore, cyclists visiting the park have taken advantage of new bicycle lockers which allow them to safety secure their bikes whilst visiting the park using a dedicated locker, greatly reducing the risk of bicycle thefts in the area.
Nottinghamshire Police and Crime Commissioner Gary Godden said: “The Safer Streets project in Gedling has had a really positive impact, bringing visible improvements to popular areas such as Arnot Hill Park.
“The new lighting and CCTV cameras have vastly improved feelings of safety for locals, while helping to reduce rates of crime.
“Partnership working and targeted investment has been key to improving areas in Gedling as we continue to strive to make Nottinghamshire a safer place for all.”
Gill Elliot, a regular visitor to Arnot Hill Park, praised the new safety interventions.
She said: “I just love it here. It’s a place my late husband and I used to adore coming. I feel safe at the park, and I wouldn’t come if I didn’t. It’s just a brilliant place to be.”
As well as being a popular local hotspot, Arnot Hill Park is also home to Gedling Borough Council offices.
Laura Chaplin, Legal Services Manager and Data Protection Officer at Gedling Borough Council, said: “As a regular user of the car parks surrounding Arnot Hill House the improvements to the lighting can only be seen as having a positive impact, by assisting in deterring criminal activity, helping people to feel more secure and reducing the risk of accidents.”
This was in the 12 months from October 2022 when the project started, compared to the previous three-year average.
Sergeant Alison Riley, of the Gedling neighbourhood policing team, said: “Arnot Hill Park is a very popular local green space so it is pleasing to hear it has become an even safer and more pleasant place to visit.
“Antisocial behaviour is a priority for our team as we understand the impact it can have on our communities.
“Any reduction in these offences across Gedling is to be welcomed and shows this raft of new safety measures, as well as our team’s efforts on patrol, is making real improvements to people’s lives.”
Cllr David Ellis, Portfolio Holder for Public Protection at Gedling Borough Council said: “These results show just how effective targeted investment and partnership working can be in tackling crime and antisocial behaviour.
“The improvements in Arnot Hill Park and surrounding areas are making a real difference to residents’ lives, helping people feel safer and more confident in their communities”.
The previous round of Safer Streets funding which benefitted the Gedling Borough was utilised in Netherfield and Colwick and saw patrols by street wardens, a new Shop Watch radio scheme, CCTV and free home security devices.
This combined with the ongoing work by Nottinghamshire Police and Gedling Borough Council and led to house burglary in the area decrease by 57% and vehicle crime by 67%.
To report antisocial behaviour in your neighbourhood, call Nottinghamshire Police on 101
Asda has announced it plans to scrap its 5% Blue Light Card discount for emergency workers, NHS staff, teachers and members of the armed forces later this month.
The supermarket giant said it was cutting the benefit so it can shift its focus ‘to provide all customers with value’.
The Blue Light Card scheme was first introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The scheme offered a s% discount tp key workers
The scheme will officially end on May 31, 2025.
The 5% discount, which applies to fresh food, bakery items, dairy products and fruit juice, was the only one of its kind offered by a major UK supermarket.
It has been in place since 2020 and was most recently integrated into the Asda Rewards app in 2023, removing the need for eligible customers to show their Blue Light Card at checkout.
An Asda spokesperson said: “Our focus now is on providing all our customers with outstanding value every time they visit our stores or shop with us online.”
The latest moves comes amid the supermarket chain’s attempt to double down on a value-for-all position, with the aim of restoring its competitive edge in a tight market.
Earlier this year, the grocery retailer brough back its Rollback pricing proposition, under returning boss Allan Leighton.
Manor Residential care home, on Church Street, has made an application to create an extension that would see 22 bedrooms added
The latest planning application was submitted to Gedling Borough Council on Wednesday, April 23.
The application reads:The proposed extension to existing residential care home will create additional private rooms alongside communal spaces, with associated external works.
“The proposed development would deliver 22 additional en-suite bedrooms within the proposed extension, across three storeys, Communal and service areas would be delivered across the ground and lower ground floors.
“The proposed development would re-open an existing second access point to the site, to create an ‘in-and-out’ system for vehicles.
“The overall objective of the scheme is to expand and improve on the existing care home accommodation via a high-quality extension, in a sustainable location which is not subject to any specific constraints or designations.”
A police officer who used “excessive force” to restrain a teenage girl in Arnold has been sacked.
PC Kevin Markowski faced a gross misconduct hearing at Force HQ in Sherwood Lodge which ended today (15).
The hearing heard how the officer and his colleague attended an incident in Arnold just before 8pm on August 24, 2022.
The incident involved a 16-year-old girl who was shouting and swearing in in Front Street, and allegedly threatened to ‘bang someone out’.
The officer approached the girl and asked her to stop shouting and swearing before grabbing hold of her arm and leading her towards the police car.
The hearing then heard the officer banged her head on the police vehicle causing injury and put his hands on her throat area on two occasions when restraining her in the back of the police vehicle.
It was said the force used was “unnecessary and disproportionate.”
The girl was then driven to her mum’s address and is later de-arrested for breach of the peace.
PC Markowski was also described as “disrespectful and discourteous” when he refused to provide a concerned member of the public with his collar number.
Throughout the hearing, the officer said that the force he used throughout was necessary, reasonable and proportionate.
He said that his hands were on the top of her chest and not her throat area and that he did not believe he was restricting her breathing.
The two-day hearing was chaired by Temporary Deputy Chief Constable, Rob Griffin, and two independent panel members.
The panel dismissed PC Markowski’s assertions and found he had breached the following standards of professional behaviour: duties and responsibilities, authority, respect and courtesy, use of force and discreditable conduct.
He was dismissed from the force without notice and placed on the police barred list.
Following the hearing, Mr Griffin said: “In this case the panel found that PC Markowski’s actions were unnecessary and disproportionate and that his dismissal is necessary for maintaining public trust and confidence in policing.
“The vast majority of our employees maintain the highest possible professional standards which makes it all the more important we address instances where an individual’s behaviour has fallen short of these expectations.”
Gedling Eye has compiled a list of the cheapest petrol pumps in Gedling borough. The data is sourced from PetrolPrices.com, which covers major service stations including brands like BP, Shell, and Texaco as well as supermarkets, smaller chains and independent stations.
The website combines price data from Catalist with its own crowdsource data, which comes from website users and forecourt owners. The site says it hopes to have “the most up to date and reliable price data across the industry”.
The UK’s average fuel price is 133.02p per litre for Unleaded and 139.33p per litre for diesel, according to data from RAC
The following prices were reported locally on 14/05/25
Here are the latest prices from across the borough…
Volunteers are being sought to help clear a destructive species of plant from a Gedling waterway to help protect wildlife.
Himalayan balsam, a non-native species, outcompetes native plants on riverbanks, reducing biodiversity and reduces the food that attracts some of the birds to the area.
Each year the Gedling Conservation Trust runs a campaign to eradicate Himalayan balsam from Ouse Dyke, which runs beside the Netherfield Lagoons Local Nature Reserve and historically has attracted kingfishers and herons to fish in it.
The Trust are now helping people will come forward to help with this year’s campaign.
Volunteers on a previous campaign to remove balsam from Ouse Dyke
The chair ofthe Trust , Mark Glover said: “Last year’s clearance was a huge success but the work now need to go on – to build upon previous work.
“This year’s balsam plants are beginning to grow, but the plants are small and easily pulled out.
“Last year we managed to clear some 650 metres of balsam down stream from Teal Close and there is very little evidence of plants growing along this stretch. This a major achievement and the transformation to the bankside vegetation is dramatic – allowing native species to thrive.
“So this year we want to continue with the work, pushing further on down stream towards the river Trent.”
The dates and times of this year’s sessions are as follows:
Friday, May 16th at 10.00 am and 2.30 pm Wednesday, May 21st, at 10.00 am Friday, May 23rd at 10.00 am and 2.30 pm Friday, May 30th at 10.00 am and 2.30 pm Friday, June 6th at 10.00 am and 2.30 pm Friday, June 13th at 10.00 am and 2.30 pm Wednesday, June 18th at 10.00 am Friday, June 20th at 10.00 am and 2.30 pm Friday, June 27th at 10.00 am and 2.30 pm Wednesday, July 2nd at 10.00 am Friday, July 4th at 10.00 am and 2.30 pm Friday, July 11th at 10.00 am and 2.30 pm Wednesday, July 16th at 10.00 am Friday, July 18th at 10.00 am and 2.30 pm Wednesday, July 30th at 10.00 am
Thos wanting to take part should meet at the end of Teal Close:
People wanting more information can call the Trust on 07850 768337 for more information.
