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- Oxford News By Hana Edition 75
Oxford News By Hana Edition 75
Taking flight
Mark Skipworth
October 08, 2026
Oxford News by HANA - Edition 75
Oxford Outlook: Taking flight
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The heavy bombers have left our shores – at least for the time being. No more the sinister sight of American B-1 Lancers, black as death, making their descent into RAF Fairford. No more their rasping roar rattling our window panes, a daily reminder of the horrible war taking place in Iran thousands of miles away.
The abrupt redeployment of a dozen of these supersonic killing machines follows the discovery of a suspected terror plot against the Cotswold airbase which has been used by U.S. forces to launch strikes against the Islamic Republic. Small mercies?
You might well be thinking it’s about time the British government lifted the lid a little on what’s been going on. To date, we have been forced to rely on American media reports for scraps of information, the most reliable of which seems to suggest the threat of an Iran-directed drone attack on the airbase prompted the bombers to skedaddle.
In any event, this latest news got me thinking about Oxfordshire’s very own military airbase at Brize Norton, said to be the RAF’s largest, which is currently undergoing a £180m revamp including replacement of its 3km runway. Home to about about 5,800 service personnel, I drove past this “backbone of UK air mobility” the other day and work on the upgrade appears to be in full swing.
Now you may recall earlier this year, six people were charged by counter-terrorism police after military aircraft were targeted during a break-in at Brize. The group Palestine Action claimed responsibility for spraying paint on two RAF Voyager planes, saying it was a protest against Britain’s support of Israel's war in Gaza. The attack has cost millions of pounds in repairs.
My point? With the emerging dangers of weaponised drones, what new security provisions, if any, are being made for the Oxfordshire airbase when the runway reopens? In the countryside surrounding Brize, our enemies, whether state or individuals, will not have to look too far for potential hideouts – the plethora of unused or derelict agricultural buildings nearby springs to mind. Scary times, indeed. More than ever, we must all stay vigilant.
* Businesses near the closure of another busy Oxford street say they have seen a big drop in trade, the BBC reports. Queen Street is being resurfaced outside the Westgate after York stone paving installed when the shopping centre was refurbished a decade ago “cracked and became uneven”. Apparently, the road was originally supposed to be a pedestrianised walkway with the surface fitted for this purpose, but usage by bus companies and other vehicles has led to its deterioration.
Cracked and uneven paving? You have to wonder whether this disruption to the local economy is yet again the unwelcome result of Litigious Britain. Heaven forbid that anyone might trip and sue Oxfordshire County Council! Back in the day – whenever that was – we were told by our betters: “Look where you’re going!” For now, however, businesses in the area are left to put up or shut up.
Mark Skipworth | Oxford Editor
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Databox
Oxford Outlook: The Three Rs
Oxford. A bastion of academia beneath the dreaming spires. The names of the alumni roll off the tongue. JRR Tolkien (if orcs and very short chaps with very big feet are your thing). Stephen Hawking (if physics and a surprising relationship with a personal nurse are your thing). Hugh Grant (if easing remarkably well into older age and pulling off an acting masterclass in Paddington 2 are your thing).
Then there are the prime ministers. Margaret Thatcher (if poll tax riots are your thing). Tony Blair (if dodgy dossiers are your thing). David Cameron (if austerity and an EU referendum are your thing).
Big names. But the real bread and butter of education lies with kids entering the final straight of their GCSEs – with results in English and Maths critical for the next generation.
The brilliant people at The Office for National Statistics have the numbers for pass rates in English and Maths at their fingertips. More than that, the ONS allows us to compare Oxford with its 20 most similar areas. Let’s look at what the data tells us.
GCSEs in English and Maths 2024-25
1 Kingston upon Thames: 85.8%
2 Guildford: 84.9%
3 Hammersmith & Fulham: 81.6%
4 Wandsworth: 81.2%
5 Woking: 80.8%
6 Cambridge: 80.4%
7 Hounslow: 80.3%
8 Brighton & Hove: 78.5%
9 York: 77.8%
10 Southwark: 77.7%
11 Cheltenham: 75.7%
12 Greenwich: 73.4%
13 Reading: 72.6%
14 Leeds: 72.0%
15 Lewisham: 70.8%
16 Bristol: 70.1%
17 Oxford: 69.3%
18 Lambeth: 68.9%
19 Crawley: 66.4%
20 Newcastle upon Tyne: 67.0%
Over 80% is good. Over 70% is okay. Under 70% is pretty abysmal – and Oxford falls within that category.
The fact that Oxford barely scrapes past Lambeth in this league table is shocking. The London borough has historically high levels of deprivation and is home to many families for whom English is a second language.
Education is run by Oxfordshire County Council. ‘Nuff said.
Scroll down for property news and more things to do in and around Oxford…
Top Stories From Oxford This Week
Concerns over Iran drone attack prompted pulling American heavy bombers from RAF Fairford, sources say
ABC News - October 6, 2026
The recent redeployment of a dozen B-1 bombers from RAF Fairford to the U.S. was driven by credible threats of a drone attack linked to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, prompting heightened security measures at U.S. military installations in Europe. In related actions, a 22-year-old British national has been arrested in London, while six previously detained individuals have been released on bail as authorities continue their active investigation into potential threats.
Seventh man arrested over suspected RAF Fairford terrorism plot
The Guardian - October 6, 2026
A seventh individual has been arrested in London on terrorism-related charges linked to threats against RAF Fairford, following a previous arrest of five men near the airbase, later released on bail. A sixth man, a 25-year-old dual U.K.-Iranian national, was later arrested and also released on bail. The U.S. withdrew its B-1 Lancer bombers from the site due to security concerns, particularly regarding potential Iranian threats, while UK authorities continue to investigate the situation amid public calls for patience.
‘Modest’ Oxford University is shaping the nation’s future, says vice-chancellor Oxford Mail - October 7, 2026 In her annual Oration, Professor Irene Tracey highlighted Oxford University's significant role in shaping UK identity and driving innovation, likening its impact to the storytelling of the Bayeux Tapestry. She underscored Oxford's contributions to economic growth and scientific advancement, celebrating its status as the world's top-ranked university and its commitment to stewardship and research. |
Oxford city centre roadworks hit trade and delay buses BBC News - October 7, 2026 Businesses along Queen Street in Oxford are facing substantial declines in trade due to resurfacing work initiated on September 30, with The Art Café reporting a 40% drop and nearby Castle News and Classy Barbers experiencing a 50% reduction in customers. This necessary project, undertaken by Landsec to rectify issues with the York stone paving from the Westgate shopping centre's 2017 refurbishment, is expected to be completed by October 26, but has led to restricted pedestrian access and altered bus routes. |
Hunt saboteurs set to protest against Oxford University college Yahoo News UK - October 7, 2026 Locals Against the Warwickshire Hunt plans a peaceful protest outside St John's College, Oxford, on October 17 at 10am, following allegations of an illegal hunt crossing college land, which the college denies. A recent meeting between college representatives and the protest group reflects ongoing dialogue amid the controversy. |
More trans-inclusive spaces planned for Oxford, including public loos BBC News - October 8, 2026 Oxford City Council has approved plans to enhance support for transgender individuals by increasing the availability of gender-neutral facilities, including public toilets. This initiative aims to improve safety and well-being for the trans community while collaborating with local businesses and organisations to ensure dignity and access, as council leader Susan Brown advocates for further legislative enhancements. |
£4.9m Oxfordshire SEND reform plan approved by Government Oxford Mail - October 7, 2026 Oxfordshire County Council has submitted a detailed plan to enhance support for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), backed by a £4.9 million investment from the central government. Key initiatives include recruiting additional educational professionals, launching new support programmes and establishing inclusion bases in mainstream schools to improve local access to essential services. |
Rural self-driving car idea is 'nonsense', says Oxfordshire motoring expert BBC News - October 6, 2026 Motoring journalist Amanda Stretton has criticised the Shadow Chancellor's proposal for implementing driverless cars in rural areas, citing a fundamental misunderstanding of the technology's infrastructure needs, which are often unmet in these regions. While Andrew Griffith advocates for the potential benefits of autonomous vehicles for elderly and disabled individuals, Stretton argues that the current rural road conditions are inadequate for safe operation. |
'Sir Chris Hoy talking about prostate cancer saved my life' BBC News - September 24, 2026 Dave Maybrick, a cyclist from Oxford diagnosed with prostate cancer after requesting a PSA test inspired by Sir Chris Hoy, emphasises the importance of compassionate care in cancer treatment. His experience at the Churchill Hospital highlights how a supportive environment and emotional outreach can significantly enhance patients' journeys, encouraging others to prioritise awareness and testing for prostate cancer. |
How Tom Holland helped Oxford’s Florence Pugh land a Spider-Man role Oxford Mail - October 7, 2026 Florence Pugh attributed her role in the upcoming Spider-Man film, Brand New Day, to Tom Holland's enthusiasm for her character, Yelena Belova, highlighting how his endorsement at a red carpet event spurred fan excitement and led to her casting. Pugh first brought Yelena to life in 2021's Black Widow and has since appeared in the Hawkeye series. |
Oxford life sciences firm appoints veteran biotech investor Yahoo News UK - October 5, 2026 Oxford Science Enterprises has appointed Dr. Jeffrey Moore as senior partner and head of life sciences, leveraging his extensive biotech venture capital experience to enhance its portfolio of academic spinouts. This leadership transition coincides with Amgen's acquisition of Dark Blue Therapeutics for up to $840 million, underscoring both firms' commitment to innovation in the biopharmaceutical sector. |
Calls for police to 'do better' enforcing Oxfordshire 20mph limits BBC - October 8, 2026 Oxfordshire County Council's transport chief, Gareth Epps, has called for increased enforcement of the newly established 20mph speed limits, citing a stark contrast in ticket issuance compared to Cornwall. In discussions with Thames Valley Police and Police and Crime Commissioner Matthew Barber, Epps emphasised the importance of consistent enforcement to ensure road safety and compliance among drivers. |
David Hockney tapestry to be installed at Oxford University Yahoo News UK - October 7, 2026 David Hockney's tapestry inspired by his 1963 painting "Play Within A Play" will debut at London’s Guildhall Art Gallery on October 23 as part of the "Beyond Bayeux: Tapestry Now" exhibition, featuring works from notable artists and celebrating contemporary tapestry alongside the skills of British weavers. Measuring an impressive six metres in width, the tapestry will be unveiled in the exhibition before it is installed at Oxford University next year to mark the 600th anniversary of Lincoln College. |
Handbag found in Cotswolds charity shop sells for nearly £8,000 Witney Gazette - October 7, 2026 A woman uncovered a rare Christian Dior Koi Saddle Bag, designed by John Galliano for the autumn/winter 2003 collection, at a charity shop for £80. After being authenticated by Kinghams auction house, the bag sold for an astonishing £7,870, far surpassing its anticipated value and highlighting its status as a "Holy Grail" among luxury handbags. |
Jeremy Clarkson to open second pub abroad, away from UK Oxford Mail - October 7, 2026 Jeremy Clarkson, renowned for his work on Top Gear and The Grand Tour, announced plans to acquire a pub outside the UK, citing significant challenges in the current UK business climate. His first venture, The Farmer's Dog in Oxfordshire, has thrived since its August 2024 opening, despite ongoing difficulties in farming and broader economic pressures discussed at the Conservative Party Conference. |
Police unleash new weapon to make Oxfordshire e-bike arrest Oxford Mail - October 7, 2026 The Banbury Neighbourhood Policing Team successfully apprehended a suspect linked to a dangerously ridden Sur-Ron bike, thanks to the strategic use of SelectaDNA Spray. This innovative forensic tool enabled officers to identify unique markings on the suspect's clothing and bike, leading to an arrest and seizure of evidence. |
Will Oxfordshire's Sebastian Croft surprise everyone in Celebrity Traitors? BBC - October 3, 2026 Sebastian Croft, the talented actor and singer from Oxfordshire, is making waves as an emerging contender in "Celebrity Traitors", following his breakout role in Netflix's "Heartstopper". With a background in theatre and music, Croft navigates the complexities of fame while using songwriting as a personal outlet to express hidden emotions, supported by a devoted fan base. |
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Sport
Football: glamour of the EFL Trophy
Oxford United, a club with plans approved for a spanking new stadium near Kidlington (and an accompanying I’m-Alan-Partridge hotel), this week face the harsh realities of relegation from the Championship. But first, let’s dwell (briefly) on what might be loosely described as a ‘cup match’.
Exeter City 2 v 2 Oxford United – Exeter win 4-3 on penalties (EFL Trophy, 6/10/26)
In Southern Group A of this largely pointless competition about which no one cares, Exeter won 4-3 on spot kicks in a shootout after matters ended square at full time. A poor night for The U’s.
Notts County v Oxford United (League One, 12.30pm 10/10/26)
Normal service resumes this weekend when The U’s face Notts County in League One. The men in yellow could nick a useful three points in this one, despite playing away. County have had a poor start to the season and languish 20th in the table. A win over The Magpies (incidentally, the oldest professional football club in the world) could see United leap into the playoff places.
The Sports Desk
Oxford United Women dig deep to beat Bournemouth Yahoo News UK - October 6, 2026 Oxford United Women secured a vital 1-0 victory over AFC Bournemouth, maintaining their five-point lead in the WNL Southern Premier Division and extending their unbeaten streak while not conceding a single goal this season. Despite facing challenges, including a red card for Nicola Gibson, the team's strong defensive effort ensured their continued dominance in the league. |
Oxford City Women exit FA Cup after dramatic late defeat Yahoo News UK - October 6, 2026 In a thrilling Women's FA Cup match, Oxford City Women suffered a heart-wrenching defeat to Tooting Bec, conceding a late goal after a dominant performance in the second half. Despite an early lead from Ellie White and significant possession, Oxford was unable to secure advancement, illustrating the critical importance of focus in high-stakes competitions. |
Oxford Chargers storm to second with biggest win of season Yahoo News UK - October 7, 2026 The Oxford Chargers surged to second place in the WSRA National League after a commanding 58-32 victory over the Buxton Bulls, marking their largest win of the season. With standout performances from captain Jody Scott and rising star Harry Fletcher, the Chargers secured all three points and closed the gap on league leaders Edinburgh. |
Property news
Cotswolds homes cost ‘over 10 times the average income in the UK’ This is Oxfordshire - October 7, 2026 The average Cotswold home now costs 10.3 times the average UK income, according to Lloyds Bank. In response to challenges faced by first-time buyers, the government has introduced the "Your First Home" initiative, allowing new-build purchases with a 2.5% deposit and a 20% government loan, with further details expected in the upcoming budget. |
Property For Sale
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What’s on in and around Oxford?
Record 300 runners join hospice team for Oxford Half Marathon Yahoo News UK - October 7, 2026 Helen & Douglas House is set to make a significant impact at the upcoming Oxford Half Marathon on October 11, with over 300 participants, including hospice families and senior leaders from the University of Oxford, all raising funds towards their goal of £200,000 to support essential hospice care for children with life-shortening conditions. Community members are encouraged to contribute to this vital initiative by donating through their fundraising page at hdh.org.uk/team200k. |
African Caribbean centre opens in Oxford BBC News - October 7, 2026 The Island, a new African Caribbean centre in Oxford, has launched in the former Staples store on Park End Street to honor the Windrush generation's contributions through a series of free events, including exhibitions and performances, running until October 31. Highlights feature a reconstruction of a 1960s West Indian front room and an archive of artefacts, in collaboration with Oxford Brookes University, celebrating the legacy of this community, particularly women in NHS roles. |
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