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- Oxford News By Hana Edition 33
Oxford News By Hana Edition 33
Heap of trouble
Mark Skipworth
November 20, 2025
Oxford News by HANA - Edition 33
Oxford Outlook: Heap of trouble
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So much for Oxfordshire’s green credentials. One local environment story stole the national and indeed international headlines last weekend – but for all the wrong reasons.
Drone footage revealed a jaw-dropping mountain of illegal fly-tipped waste in a field next to the River Cherwell near Kidlington. It has been described as “the biggest ecological disaster that's happened on an inland waterway in this country”.
According to Sky News and other media sources, the pile was hidden behind a row of trees next to the A34, growing to the length of three Olympic-sized swimming pools and reaching up to the equivalent of a two-storey house. It was even said to be visible from space. Such was the scale of the illegal fly-tipping that the Prime Minister himself, Sir Keir Starmer, felt compelled to denounce it in Parliament as “appalling”.
The rubbish heap is on a floodplain and poses a major environmental risk, including waste and toxins being washed into the beautiful River Cherwell and on to Oxford. One landowner next to the site said he saw truckloads of rubbish arriving there every night for months. The waste – domestic rubbish, plastics, tyres and other household items – was "pre-shredded", then dumped on prepared ground.
The whole operation is believed to be the work of organised criminal gangs. I’m no detective, of course, but you have to wonder whether the bin strike in Birmingham, which has been going on since September last year, is in some way connected.
The Environment Agency (EA) says it has launched a "major investigation" to catch the culprits and bring them to justice.
Don’t hold your breath. The EA was first made aware of the dumping in the summer when the fly-tippers are thought to have begun building up the mound, yet it is only now that its specialist officers will be looking “to find who left the waste there”. According to reports, the agency issued a cease-and-desist order. To whom, exactly, and when?
Whatever the EA did or did not do, the charity Friends of the Thames is in no doubt that the agency’s delay in tackling the pile amounted to “a death sentence for the River Cherwell and the wider Thames catchment”. It has accused the EA of “total incompetence”.
There are wider issues here. The agency was recently criticised by a House of Lords committee for being slow to respond to crimes reported by the public and for a “woeful lack of successful convictions”.
It appears to be out of its depth, ill-equipped to deal with this deepening environmental crisis of large-scale dumping of waste by criminal gangs.
The Prime Minister has promised “all available powers” to find the perpetrators and make them pay for the clean-up, estimated to be larger than the entire annual £25m budget of the local Cherwell District Council. To my mind, that means not just the involvement of the police but also the intelligence services including GCHQ if we are to take this matter seriously and put an end to this new threat from organised crime.
And the scores on the doors? A new national forest is to be created in the Oxford-Cambridge growth corridor, and is in need of a name. Our exclusive survey showed by a substantial margin the people’s choice is, wait for it… “Varsity Weald”. So unpopular is “Ox-Cam Forest”– a name already being used to refer to this new woodland – that it tied with the rather undistinguished third option of “Something Else”. Mind you, the Something Else Forest has a certain Tolkien-esque quality, don’t you think?
Mark Skipworth | Oxford Editor
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Databox
Oxford boasts one of the most famous universities in the world. But data shows the city’s broader educational landscape is a good deal more complicated and challenging than the sandstone and scholarship of its elite colleges…
Further education and skills participation in Oxford: 3,391 per 100,000 of the population. Significantly lower than the national local authority average of 5,006 in 2024
GCSEs in English and Maths in Oxford: 70.8% – below the national average of 76.5% in 2024
Pupils meeting the expected standard in reading, writing and maths at the end of Key Stage 2: Oxford, 57%; national average, 60%
Scroll down for property news and more things to do in Oxford this weekend…
Top Stories From Oxford This Week
Kidlington fly-tipping: Drone footage shows scale of 'revolting' 60m-long mountain of waste next to river
Sky News · November 16, 2025
Drone footage has uncovered a massive illegal waste dump near the River Cherwell in Kidlington, raising alarm over environmental risks and potential health hazards. Local MP Calum Miller and Friends of the Thames CEO Laura Reineke have criticised the Environmental Agency's response, highlighting concerns about organised crime involvement and the urgent need for action to protect public health and the ecosystem.
PM condemns massive illegal rubbish heap in Oxfordshire as 'appalling'
BBC News · November 19, 2025
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has denounced a massive fly-tipped waste pile in Oxfordshire as "appalling," pledging to use all available powers to hold those responsible accountable for its clean-up. The situation has raised alarms, with concerns that rising water levels could wash the waste into the nearby River Cherwell.
Mountain of illegally dumped waste near Oxford river causes outcry in England
ABC News · November 19, 2025
A massive pile of illegally dumped waste near a river outside Oxford has raised environmental alarms, prompting government scrutiny and criticism over the slow response to increasing fly-tipping incidents in the U.K. Despite efforts from the Environment Agency to shut down illegal waste sites, concerns grow that winter rains could wash debris into local waterways, exacerbating the crisis.
Cryptocurrency worth £1.1m and £450,000 watch stolen during car raid in Oxford
BBC · November 18, 2025
Four suspects have been arrested in connection with a dramatic robbery in Oxford, where masked men stole a £450,000 watch and £1.1 million in cryptocurrency from victims in a car. The Thames Valley Police are conducting a thorough investigation involving extensive forensic and digital evidence analysis.
East West Rail train door row could see delay to launch
BBC News · November 19, 2025
The £7bn East West Rail project, aimed at enhancing connectivity between Oxford and Milton Keynes, is facing delays due to a dispute over driver-only operation safety concerns raised by the RMT union. Despite the first phase's completion expected by December 2024, there's no timeline for passenger services, originally planned to launch by the end of this year, highlighting the need for effective project management to realise the initiative's economic benefits.
Landmark Oxford store to be turned into a laboratory
Yahoo News · November 19, 2025
The former Debenhams department store in Oxford is being transformed into laboratory space for life sciences, addressing the growing demand for science and technology workspaces in the region. While some locals prefer retail use, the project by The Crown Estate and partners aims to revitalise the vacant site, with completion expected by mid-December and potential lab operations starting as late as 2027.
MP claims ‘misinformation’ being spread about the Oxford congestion charge
BBC · November 17, 2025
Lib Dem MP Layla Moran has accused the Reform and Conservative parties of spreading misinformation about Oxford's new £5 congestion charge, which has led to public confusion, especially regarding access to the John Radcliffe Hospital. In response, local leaders criticised the scheme’s rushed implementation, expressing concerns that it may not achieve its intended goals due to poor planning.
Oxford stop for Patriotic Millionaires bus in ‘tax us, the super-rich’ tour
Oxford Mail · November 19, 2025
The Patriotic Millionaires, a group of British millionaires, are on a bus tour advocating for higher taxes on the super-rich to combat growing inequality and fund public services, proposing a 2% tax on assets over £10 million. Their campaign highlights that just 40 families hold as much wealth as half the UK population, calling for a fairer tax system that benefits everyone.
Bishop of Oxford announces his retirement
Dr. Steven Croft, the Bishop of Oxford since 2016, has announced his retirement effective July 2026, with a formal farewell service planned for May 31. A prominent advocate for change within the Church of England, he has made significant contributions to discussions on same-sex marriage and acknowledged past challenges in addressing abuse disclosures during his tenure.
OUP plans more than 100 U.K. redundancies
Oxford University Press is laying off 113 employees, mainly in its education and English-language teaching divisions, as part of ongoing efforts to adapt to market changes. This follows last year's layoffs in the U.S., and the company is working closely with affected staff to provide support during this transition.
Oxford study reveals kissing evolved 21 million years ago
Greatest Hits Radio 80s · November 19, 2025
A new study reveals that kissing may have originated around 21 million years ago in the common ancestor of humans and large apes, with evidence suggesting that modern primates like chimpanzees and bonobos continue this ancient behaviour. Researchers used Bayesian modelling to trace mouth-to-mouth contact across primate species, indicating that even Neanderthals likely engaged in kissing by exchanging oral microbes with early humans.
Oxford University's temporary relocation of Iffley Road gym approved
BBC · November 16, 2025
Oxford University is relocating its Blues Performance Gym at the Iffley Road Sports Centre due to asbestos concerns, with plans for a temporary gym approved by Oxford City Council for five years. This move aims to ensure the safety of hundreds of students who rely on these training facilities.
Florence Pugh calls out 'inappropriate' requests during sex scenes on film sets
Oxford Mail · November 19, 2025
Florence Pugh, the 29-year-old actress known for her roles in films like Midsommar and Little Women, recently shared her mixed experiences with so-called “intimacy coordinators” on The Louis Theroux Podcast. While she appreciates their role in creating a safe filming environment, she highlighted instances of inappropriate requests, revealing an evolving perspective on handling intimate scenes.
Second casting of stolen gold toilet artwork sells for £9.2m
BBC News · November 19, 2025
Italian artist Maurizio Cattelan's gold toilet artwork titled "America" sold for £9.2 million at a Sotheby's auction, marking a notable return after its predecessor was stolen in 2019. The unique piece, crafted from over 101 kg of solid 18-carat gold, garnered only one bid, reflecting its weight-based valuation.
Researchers develop air-powered robots that move in sync without electronics
Ox · November 14, 2025
Researchers at the University of Oxford have developed a groundbreaking modular, air-powered robotics system that enables robots to autonomously perform complex tasks and exhibit synchronised behaviours without external control. This innovative approach leverages embodied intelligence, allowing robots to adapt and respond to their environments, setting the stage for future advancements in programmable self-intelligent machines.
Protesters gather in Oxford to oppose ban on ‘Palestine Action’
The Oxford Blue · November 19, 2025
Protesters gathered outside the Clarendon Building in Oxford to oppose the UK government's ban on 'Palestine Action,' demonstrating against its implications for civil liberties amid rising police operations addressing local crime. As tensions heightened, authorities made several arrests, prompting a community meeting to discuss public safety and gather feedback.
Oxford Union votes 'overwhelmingly' to declare Israel 'bigger threat than Iran'
GB News · November 16, 2025
The Oxford Union's recent debate saw members overwhelmingly declare Israel a "bigger threat than Iran" to regional stability, reflecting critical views on Israel's impact in the Middle East. This outcome highlights the contentious nature of geopolitical discussions surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and Iran's role in the region.
Tech tycoon’s Oxford institute ‘importing Silicon Valley attitude’
Research Professional News · November 13, 2025
The Ellison Institute of Technology in Oxford, founded by billionaire Larry Ellison, is embracing a bold "go big, fail fast" strategy to create a thriving tech ecosystem akin to Silicon Valley, as highlighted by its chief operating officer Lisa Flashner. This initiative aims to drive economic growth in the Oxford-Cambridge region while fostering collaboration and innovation among scientists.
Asylum seeker jailed for raping 15 year-old girl
BBC · November 13, 2025
Amin Abedi Mofrad, a 35-year-old asylum seeker from Iran, has been sentenced to nine and a half years in prison for raping a 15-year-old girl in Oxford after exploiting her vulnerability. The case, praised by police for the victim's courage, underscores ongoing efforts to combat violence against women through initiatives like Project Vigilant.
Sport
Oxford Outlook: The U’s
The men in yellow face high flying Middlesbrough at the Kassam on Saturday in an extremely tough fixture. If the U’s lose, then all eyes will turn to the Sheffield derby - Wednesday v United - on Sunday. A combination of an Oxford defeat at the hands of Boro and the Owls losing to the Blades would see the U’s only stay out of the Championship drop zone on goal difference.
Focus then switches to United’s trip to Norwich on Tuesday night. Lose at Carrow Road and we really have a problem. It’s still early days in the season, of course. But, with a spanking new (and very expensive) stadium on the horizon, the mere thought of relegation to League 1 sends a shiver down the spine. Gut feeling says the men in yellow will be okay come the end of the season. But only just.
Property news
Inside Mary Berry's peaceful life in beautiful Henley where homes fetch £790,000
Somerset Live · November 19, 2025
Mary Berry, the iconic chef and author with a career spanning over 60 years, has released her latest cookbook, Mary 90: My Very Best Recipes, while also enjoying life in picturesque Henley-on-Thames after selling her long-time home in Buckinghamshire. Known for her role on The Great British Bake Off and her impressive collection of over 75 cookbooks, Berry's journey continues as she captivates food lovers worldwide.
East West Rail Project proposes Bicester level crossing underpass
BBC · November 19, 2025
East West Railway Company has proposed an underpass to replace the London Road level crossing in Bicester, prioritising safety and improved facilities, despite criticism from local advocates for a simpler pedestrian option. Public engagement events are planned for early next year as the community navigates concerns over costs and accessibility ahead of a follow-up consultation.
What’s on in and around Oxford?
Blenheim Palace Christmas lights trail named among UK's best
Oxford Mail · November 17, 2025
Experience the magic of Blenheim Palace's Christmas lights trail, recognized as one of the UK's best, featuring a dazzling display of light installations, a festive market with mulled wine, and an enchanting "Wizard of Oz" theme inside the palace. Join the celebration from November 14 to December 21, with tickets available for adults at £75 while children aged between three and 16 get in for £48.
'Before The Millennium' comes to OFS this Christmas. Playwright Karim Khan talks success, inspiration and belonging
Ox In A Box · November 19, 2025
This Christmas, Oxford's OFS stage will host the world premiere of "Before The Millennium," a poignant new play by acclaimed playwright Karim Khan, exploring themes of friendship and migration through the lives of two Pakistani best friends working at Woolworths as the millennium approaches. After overcoming writer's block and reflecting on his own 90s upbringing, Khan aims to create an emotional journey that resonates with audiences while honouring the experiences of women who migrated during that era.
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