Two police forces have said they will be taking “no further action” against Huw Edwards as reports of fresh allegations involving the BBC presenter emerge.
Huw Edwards has been named by his wife as the BBC presenter at the centre of the ongoing public scandal which has been dominating the news cycle and headlines over the past few days.
The 61-year-old Welsh newsreader’s wife, Vicky Flind, revealed in an official public statement yesterday that her husband was “suffering from serious mental health issues”, and is now receiving in-patient hospital care “where he will stay for the foreseeable future”.
BBC news anchor Huw Edwards named by his wife as presenter in explicit photo row, in statement on his behalf https://t.co/YpD6v4K07Z
Flind has asked for privacy for her family during this time.
The statement issued by Flind comes as the BBC reported Edwards was facing “yet more allegations of inappropriate behaviour”, but this time towards his colleagues at the broadcasting corporation– with two current colleagues, and a former BBC staffer, claiming they had been the recipients of “inappropriate messages” from the presenter, according to Sky News.
One told BBC News they were contacted this year with “a flirtatious message” referencing their appearance, while another said they felt messages they received were “an abuse of power”.
But even amid the ongoing scandal and with the fresh allegations have been reported on, both the Metropolitan Police and South Wales Police have each concluded following their investigations that there is “no information to indicate that a criminal offence has been committed”.
The Met Police issued a statement reading: “There is no further police action. As such, the Met has advised the BBC it can continue with its internal investigation.
Image: BBC
“We are aware of media reporting of further allegations against the same individual. No specific details or information about these allegations have been passed to us and therefore there is no police action at this time.
“Should evidence of criminality or safeguarding issues be identified at any point we would expect matters to be referred to the relevant police force.”
South Wales Police also said “no criminality was identified” following its investigations.
In reference to the conclusion of the two police forces’ investigations, a BBC spokesperson said: “We have seen the statement from the police confirming they have completed their assessment and are not taking further action.
“We’re grateful to them for completing this work at speed.”
Nestled in Armley, Assembly House is an independent creative hub bringing artists together.
Assembly House, based on Canal Road in Armley inside a historic Victorian mill, has become a home for creatives across Leeds since launching in 2013.
The artist-led organisation combines working studios with an independent gallery and project space, hosting everything from exhibitions and workshops to community events and live music.
The space is currently home to 80 creatives who make up their community, comprising of professional practitioners including educators, performers, painters, sculptors, illustrators, video artists and designers.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Their aim is simple - to offer affordable studios to emerging artists alongside technical support, producing support along with access to workshops, internal film screenings and events.
Assembly House offer a yearly program of exhibitions designed to showcase the studio holders and get their work out there. It's all aimed at helping the artists, whether it's their first show or tenth.
It has also helped bring art into the wider neighbourhood through community murals, public sculptures and activities for local people.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
They believe art has the power to bring people together and to evoke emotion and thought, and we've got to say that we absolutely agree.
The space can also be hired by students and independent creatives looking to put on their own exhibitions or bring a project to life.
The fabulous venue is generally open to visitors during exhibitions, workshops and events, with visits by appointment at other times, so it's worth checking its website before heading over.
To have a look at their current programme and to find out more about what Assembly House are doing for Leeds and the community, you can take a look at their website here.
Leeds Palestinian Film Festival announces dates for 12th annual edition
Clementine Hall
The Leeds Palestinian Film Festival has announced the dates for this year's festival.
This year's festival will explore the words of the celebrated Palestinian artist Sliman Mansour: "To make art is to say we are here."
These words will reflect the content of this year's festival, which aim to keep Palestinian stories alive; defy the erasure of history; and bring voices from the depths of destruction.
The Leeds Palestinian Film Festival will open Friday 13 November at the iconic Hyde Park Picture House with Life Support, a documentary about doctors in Gaza directed by Daniele Rugo.
Image: Supplied
The screening will be followed by a live Q&A with the director and doctors from the film, chaired by Healthworkers4Palestine.
Early programme highlights include the UK premiere of Conversation with the Sea, Muayad Alayan's family drama in which a 60-year-old Palestinian man in Jerusalem, ordered by an Israeli court to pay a debt allegedly owed by his son who drowned decades ago, sets out to discover what happened.
Also showing will be Maggie Lemere's documentary, Land of Canaan, follows Palestinian farmers and their olive trees, some more than 1,000 years old, and the fair-trade movement led by Dr Nasser Abufarha to protect them.
Image: Supplied
Frances Bernstein, Festival Director, said: “To make art is to say we are here. We chose the words of the celebrated Palestinian artist Sliman Mansour as this year's theme because they reflect what the programme is for: keeping Palestinian stories alive, defying the erasure of Palestinian history, culture and identity, and bringing voices from the depth of destruction to audiences in Leeds."
The full programme, guests and ticket information will be announced in the coming weeks. You can find out more here.
Emily Sergeant -
13th July 2023 
