#emergency west london

[ap-emergency-services-24h]

Struggling to find an engineer in London? Emergency Services 24H is now closer than ever to you!

We are everywhere you need us! North, South, East, West! All you have to do is call us!

Our Emergency Services 24H are now closer to you, answering your every need wherever you are in London. Whether you have plumbing, heating, drainage, or HVAC emergencies we are the best solution for you. Let us guide you through what we have done: we have divided our expertise into 4 regions of London and we offer services in all of them.

Here are the 4 websites that we have created to help you with your domestic emergencies and to have an easier way of contact.

https://inandoutnorthlondon.co.uk/

https://inandoutsouthlondon.co.uk/

https://inandouteastlondon.co.uk/

https://inandoutwestlondon.co.uk/

By dividing our services, there is no more confusion and the process of finding a trusty engineer becomes way easier.

We would like to mention that we offer the same services on all of our 4 websites. Let’s take a quick look at those services.

Plumbing Services

• Tap Repairs • Toilet Repairs • Leaking Pipes • Faucet Repair • Pipe Repairs • Leak Detection • Water Leak Repair • Sink Repair • Bathroom Installation

07418359785

Heating Services

• Radiator Repair • Radiator Replacement • Valves Repair And Installation • Powerflushing • MagnaClean System • Underfloor Heating Installation • Thermostat Installation • Central Heating Installations

07418359785

Drainage Services

• Blocked Drains • Drain Jetting • Blocked Toilets • Drain Survey • Drain Cleaning • Water Removal • Sewage Cleanup

07418359785

HVAC Services

• Electric Boiler Installation • Boiler Repair • Boiler Replacement • HVAC Maintenance • HVAC Installation • Air Conditioning Repair • Refrigeration Repair • Ventilation Installation

07418359785

Also, let’s take a quick look at where we offer these services in London.

EAST LONDON

• Redbridge • Barking & Dagenham • Havering • Hackney • Tower Hamlets • City of London • Newham • Lewisham • Greenwich • Bexley

WEST LONDON

• Brent • Camden • Ealing • Hammersmith and Fulham • Harrow • Hillingdon • Hounslow • Kensington and Chelsea

SOUTH LONDON

• Bromley • Croydon • Sutton • Merton • Wandsworth • Kensington and Chelsea • Richmond upon Thames

NORTH LONDON

• Barnet • Enfield • Haringey • Waltham Forest

We invite you to visit our websites for further details about our services and to get to know our team better. For immediate assistance, call us at 07418359785. You can also fill out the provided form on our website, including your name, telephone number, postcode, email, the service you need help with, and additional information about the problem.

[phantomchristinesuk]

if phantom london is down to two christines during eve’s holiday - and only one while lily is travelling to manchester for the night at the musicals thing and then rehearsing the jerry herman concert - who do you think they’ll have on standby as an emergency cover should colleen be unable to perform?

I imagine Anouk van Laake will be on standby, she was on standby for a while when the cast changed in July (since Eve was off sick and Colleen was unrehearsed), possibly also Beatrice Penny-Touré (who did an emergency cover performance pre-cast change).

Out of those 2, Beatrice is more likely since I believe she currently is not in a show so first call might be Beatrice then Anouk, depending on their availability.

[vaillantboilerrepair]

Plumbing emergencies leave no room for a delay. Well, a burst pipe, a faulty boiler, or even having problems with your drains can be the last thing you need, so finding an emergency plumber in West London who will not let you down is key. We know just how disruptive and inconvenient plumbing problems can be, which is why at Vaillant Boiler Service Expert Notting Hill, we aim to quickly identify the cause of your problem and provide a swift solution to give you back peace of mind.

[socialworkuk]

Affordable Electrician Services in London

If you are looking for affordable electrician services near you in London, you are in the right place! We have got you covered with our comprehensive guide to electrical solutions in London. It can be hard to find an affordable electrician near you. That is why it is essential to find an experienced local electrician. Here we are!

We can provide you with the necessary electrical services. We ensure the safety of your home and business. We are here to help you find affordable electrical services that won't break the bank.

Importance of Electrical Services Electricity is the lifeblood of modern living. We use electricity in our homes and businesses. A well-functional electrical system is essential. However, electrical issues can arise unexpectedly. The ill system leads our lives to hazards. That's why having access to affordable electrician services is paramount.

Understanding Your Electrical Needs Before searching for an electrician online, assessing your electrical needs is essential. Are you experiencing frequent power outages? Do you need to install new lighting fixtures? Are there issues with your circuit breaker? After understanding your requirements, we will help you communicate effectively. Our electricians can address your concerns promptly.

Where to Find Affordable Electricians

Online Directories Google can be a valuable resource for finding local electricians. This platform allows you to read reviews from previous customers. You can compare prices and locate affordable options in your area.

Recommendations We are offering our services to you. We have Google and our previous client reviews. You can check our reviews and recommendations below. Our whole team is certified electricians.

Local Classifieds You can see a lot of advertisements online. Few companies offer cheap services, but they can't give you guarantees. Electricalsolutions247ltd is offering you professional services with guarantees. We have a special deal for you if you select us as your electrician.

At Electricalsolution247ltd, we are a leading team of electricians serving the vibrant heart of London. We offer electrical services with a commitment to customer satisfaction. Our team is ready to serve our clients. We maintain the diverse needs of our residential and commercial clients.

Our Team Our team consists of highly skilled and experienced electricians. They are dedicated to delivering superior craftsmanship and exceptional services. Each member of our team undergoes accurate training. They are experts in handling a wide array of electrical projects.

[emergencydentistuk]

https://healthrader.com/the-basics-of-urgent-dental-care-in-modern-dentistry/

Any dental issue or issue that requires prompt attention, consideration and intercession of a dental specialist is a dental crisis. It is essential to recollect that each dental issue isn’t a crisis. Average instances of dental crises incorporate uncontrolled draining from the mouth, any wrecked or broke facial bone, intense aggravation in the tooth or the gum that doesn’t wilt away even with pain relievers.

[24hrmobiletyrefittinglondon]

Candid Comparison: Mobile Tyre Fitting Services vs. Traditional Shops

Both mobile tyres fitting services west London and traditional brick-and-mortar tyre shops offer unique advantages and drawbacks. Your decision between the two ultimately hinges on your individual requirements and preferences..... Read more

[domesticelectrician123]

Electrical Contractor In the United Kingdom

When it comes to electrical work, hiring an Electrical Contractor is essential for ensuring safety and efficiency. An electrical contractor is a professional who specializes in the installation, repair, and maintenance of electrical systems in residential, commercial, and industrial settings. For More Information Contact us at - +4402089975692 And Visit our Site -https://wlec.co.uk/commercial-electrician/

[sohalshopfronts1]

Roller Shutter Repair in London

When it comes to Roller Shutter Repair in London, Sohal Shop Fronts stands as the epitome of reliability and efficiency. Their commitment to ensuring the seamless functionality of roller shutters sets them apart in the bustling cityscape. Recognizing the crucial role roller shutters play in security and convenience, Sohal Shop Fronts has mastered the art of repair with precision. Their team of skilled technicians possesses the expertise to diagnose and address a spectrum of issues promptly. From minor adjustments to comprehensive repairs, Sohal Shop Fronts approaches each task with a dedication to quality craftsmanship. The brand's name has become synonymous with trust, making them the go-to choice for businesses across London seeking swift and effective roller shutter repairs. With a customer-centric approach, Sohal Shop Fronts not only restores functionality but also ensures that the repaired roller shutters seamlessly integrate into the aesthetic and security needs of the urban landscape. For Roller Shutter Repair in London that combines skill, speed, and trust, Sohal Shop Fronts is the name that businesses rely on.

[londonemergencyplumbers]

How to Find Reliable Emergency Plumbers in West London? A Suggestive Post!

No matter which part of the globe you live in, you are destined to use some high-quality plumbing installations in your residential or commercial property. Usually, modern real estate constructions use some very sophisticated plumbing installations that every user needs to be very careful about when using. Usually, these installations need the closer attention of well-known Emergency Plumbers In West London. These plumbers are extremely good and have the knowledge, experience, and expertise to serve you in the most desired manner.

Here, knowing the right technique to find, reach, and hire the best Emergency Plumbers In West London can help you to accomplish the search. The following are a few top tips for you to follow to reach the most successful emergency plumbers not only in West London but everywhere else in the United Kingdom:

Ask for Recommendations: Start by reaching out to friends, family, and neighbours in West London. Personal recommendations can be incredibly valuable when searching for a reliable emergency plumber. Recommendations or references can be of great help for you to ease the search for the most successful Emergency Plumbers In West London.

Check Online Reviews: In today's digital age, online reviews can provide valuable insights into a plumber's reputation. Websites like Google, Yelp, and Trustpilot are excellent sources of customer feedback. Look for plumbers in West London with a high number of positive reviews and a solid overall rating. Pay attention to both the quantity and quality of reviews, as a few glowing reviews can be more trustworthy than many mediocre ones.

Verify Licensing and Insurance: Before hiring an emergency plumber, make sure they are licensed and insured. Licensing ensures that the plumber has met the necessary qualifications and training requirements. Insurance protects you in case of any accidents or damage that may occur during the plumbing work. Always ask for proof of insurance and licensing before allowing any work to begin.

Ask About Response Times: When dealing with a plumbing emergency, time is of the essence. Ask potential plumbers in West London about their response times for emergency calls. A reputable plumber should be able to provide a quick response to your urgent plumbing needs 24/7.

Inquire About Pricing: Transparency in pricing is crucial when hiring an emergency plumber. Request a detailed estimate for the work that needs to be done. Be wary of plumbers who give vague or overly low estimates, as they may try to add extra charges later. A reputable plumber will provide a clear breakdown of costs and discuss any potential additional charges upfront.

Inquire About Warranties: A reliable plumber should stand behind their work with a warranty. Ask about any warranties or guarantees that come with their services. This can provide you with peace of mind, knowing that if any issues arise after the repair, they will be addressed at no additional cost to you.

Trust Your Calibre: Finally, trust your instincts when choosing an emergency plumber. If a plumber gives you a bad feeling or seems unprofessional, looking elsewhere is best. You should feel comfortable and confident in the plumber you choose to handle your emergency.

Get Multiple Quotes: Don't settle for the first plumber you find. It's a good idea to get quotes from multiple plumbing companies in West London. Instead of making any kind of hurry, you must prefer conducting a market survey. You must insist on reaching multiple service providers and getting quotes from them all. You need to be very careful and impartial when comparing these quotes. A successful survey can take you to the best service provider!

Check for Specializations: Different plumbing companies may specialize in various areas of plumbing. Checking the specialization levels can be a great thing to help you reach the best Emergency Plumbers In West London. Since all boiler defects are not the same, therefore you must ensure the plumber you choose has the skills and knowledge necessary to address your specific issue.

Let’s Conclude:

Finding a reliable emergency plumber in West London is essential for peace of mind when plumbing disasters strike. If you are looking for the most successful Emergency Plumbers In West London, then you are not alone. Most homeowners love to get the services of the most accomplished service providers, and there is nothing wrong with this. You must do well to stay 100% neutral in the whole process of finding and reaching the best place to find and hire the best Emergency Plumbers In West London.

[wlecelectrical]

Emergency Electrician Kensington: Finding Reliable Local Services in West London

Introduction:

Electrical emergencies can strike at any time, and when they do, having access to a trustworthy and prompt electrician is crucial. If you reside in Electrician Near Me, it's essential to know where to turn when you're facing an electrical crisis. In this blog, we'll explore the importance of having an emergency electrician in Kensington, how to find one near you and the benefits of relying on local services for your electrical needs.

Understanding the Need for an Emergency Electrician in Kensington:

Electrical emergencies can range from power outages and electrical fires to faulty wiring and malfunctioning circuits. Having a qualified emergency electrician on call can make all the difference in safeguarding your property and loved ones in Kensington.

Searching for an 'Electrician Near Me':

When you're dealing with an electrical emergency, time is of the essence. Conducting a quick online search for emergency electrician Kensington can provide you with a list of local electricians ready to respond to your urgent needs.

Why Local Matters:

Faster Response Times: It can reach your location faster, minimizing downtime during electrical emergencies.

Familiarity with Local Regulations: Local electricians are well-versed in the specific electrical regulations and safety standards of the area, ensuring compliance with local codes.

Reliable Services: Local electricians often prioritize building strong relationships with their communities. They rely on their reputation, which means they're more likely to provide reliable and trustworthy services.

What to Look for in an Emergency Electrician:

24/7 Availability: Ensure the electrician offers round-the-clock emergency services.

Licensing and Certification: Verify that the Electrician Kensington is properly licensed and certified to handle emergency electrical work.

Experience: Look for electricians with a proven track record in handling various types of electrical emergencies.

Customer Reviews: Read online reviews and testimonials to gauge the electrician's reputation and customer satisfaction.

The Range of Emergency Electrical Services:

A skilled emergency electrician should be equipped to handle a wide range of issues, including:

Power outages and electrical failures.

Electrical fires and smoke alarms.

Wiring problems and electrical shocks.

Circuit breaker and fuse box issues.

Appliance malfunctions.

Conclusion: Safety First in Kensington and West London

Electrical emergencies can happen unexpectedly, and it's vital to be prepared. Whether you're dealing with a power outage in Kensington or a wiring problem in Electrician West London, having access to a reliable emergency electrician can provide peace of mind. Local electricians who understand the unique needs of your area are your best bet for fast, efficient, and safe electrical solutions.

Remember to research and choose an emergency electrician with care. Prioritize safety and quality to ensure your electrical issues are addressed promptly and professionally, minimizing risks and disruptions to your daily life.

[ilovetoxicfictionalmen]

DEAD IN THE HEAD

KINKTOBER DAY 28 - DUMBIFICATION WITH JIM

Pairing.| Jim x fem!reader

Summary.| You put yourself into a close call, Jim saves you and wonders how dumb you really are.

Warnings.| Dubcon, head m!receiving, dumbification, deep throat, degrading.

Word count.| 1.2k

Notes.| Had to do him on the 28th

“How fucking stupid are yah, aye!” Jim lectured in hushed tones as he shoved you into your most recent hideout, a small apartment building west of London. 

Almost tripping on over your cheap sneakers, you sniffled back your tears, your body still trembled from the terrifying close call. If it wasn’t for Jim and his handy baseball bat, you’d be ripped from limb to limb instantly. Jim huffed out in frustration and dropped the bat to the floor, his hands rested behind his head as he paced around the room. The only sounds were his heavy breaths and your quiet sobbing. 

It was all your fault, even though you had no cruel intentions. You just wanted to help out for once, so you snuck out to a shopping strip in hopes of finding more supplies. Jim warned you against it when you first considered it. Too dangerous for you, he claimed, he’d always have to accompany you, he continued. But you were sick of contributing nothing to your duo. 

As you stood in the middle of the room like a lost puppy, Jim felt a pulsation of pity towards you. Jim exhaled as he tugged off his blood stained shirt, his pale skin filled your orbs, you gulped at his thin frame emerging closer to you. Not gently, however not roughly, he pulled off your stained hoodie, your hands rubbed over your bare arms. Jim bit his lip at how cropped your singlet was. You pouted at the specs of dried blood on the bridge of his nose and forehead.

The two of you were already sleeping together, the apocalypse split everyone’s souls in half, you both desired someone to hold onto, to comfort one another. The attraction was always clear and love had been growing daily. Jim took you into his arms, he swayed you gently, his eyes bore into your skull as your gaze remained low, fearful of his justified anger towards you.  

“Almost got us killed out there” Jim mumbled, his cold lips close to your ear, you felt his breath fan against your skin, it spiked up your goosebumps. 

You tried to apologize, but the words became mush as it left your lips, you whimpered in total humiliation. Jim chuckled at your timid behavior, how could he stay mad at you when you were so damn helpless? 

“How dumb are you?” Jim whispered. 

“Jim?” you frowned, confusion whacked over your expression. It only seemed to prove his point. 

“Come on, tell me how fucking dead in the head you are” Jim laughed as he tapped his fingers on your skull. 

Your orbs darted around as you tried to read the room, Jim’s expression was so sternly serious that you weren’t even sure what was the right answer. Surprisingly, he was quite patient with your answer, he admired the way your lip trembled and eyes swelled with hesitation. 

“I’m really dumb” you eventually whispered. 

“Keep on going” he exhaled, his hands rubbing against your lower back.

“Jim-” 

“Go on!” Jim hissed and he pulled your body against his, his erection poked against your stomach. 

You whined out, your hips awakened, desperate to hump against him. Sex always took the pain and angst away, it was a blissful distraction, for the both of you. Your thighs squeezed together, you fell to your knees, your hand shot up to rub his bulge and Jim sighed out slowly, his jaw stern and hips poked forward. 

“So fucking dumb, I can’t survive without you” you murmured, your mouth watered up, glistering eyes blinked frequently.  

“I know baby, you’re only good enough to please my cock it seems” Jim chuckled in a demeaning tone as you eagerly unzipped his pants. 

Your mouth felt numb, you were mumbling and humming in agreement, not even really caring about what he was saying anymore. As you pumped his hardening cock, Jim tilted his head at you. You looked at it for permission, after a painful minute, your mouth dripping with saliva, Jim nodded his head for you to continue on. 

Your tongue swirled over his tip, licking up every spec of his precum. A heavy sigh echoed throughout the room as Jim closed his eyes, you took him in your mouth quickly. His shoulders slouched, you were always able to relieve him of his aching body and tormented mind. 

“Such a cock hungry slut” Jim muttered, his hands slipped into your loose hair. 

You moaned around him, a wave of vibrations ran straight down to his base. Your hand massaged his balls gently, his blue eyes fluttered at the stimulation.  

“This is all you’re fucking for aye, worshipping my cock. Fucking waste of oxygen really… Dumb bitches always want dick” Jim mumbled, his lower lip stuck in between his teeth. As you nodded your head in agreement, you could feel your walls squeeze, the thought of jumping onto his cock fueled your energy. “Only good thing about you is how tight your fucking cunt is” he insulted, however it felt like the ultimate praise for you. 

Your head bobbed up and down his length, tongue poked all the way out, just the way that he liked it. Jim gulped down, he watched his tip poking against your cheeks as you hollowed them out. As his eyes rolled back, he grunted roughly. 

“You don’t even deserve to milk my cock with your pussy tonight” Jim spat, the grip in your hair tightened as he roughly tugged at the roots. But your eyes only widened at his comment. “Stupid fucking bitch” he swore harshly. 

You whined around him, when you attempted to pull your mouth off, he held you to his base. It quickly became hard to breath, you pushed against his thighs but his hold remained the same. 

“Oh, did you actually understand what I said?” Jim mocked, a sinister grin on his lips. 

As you nodded your head quickly, Jim chuckled and roughly patted your cheek as his hold finally loosened. 

“Bad, stupid girls don’t get to be fucked senselessly, I’ll fuck you when you figure out some common sense” Jim stated, his tone lacked joke. 

You mewled on his size, tears swelled your swollen eyes. But Jim ignored your muffled pleased and fucked your mouth forcefully. The volume of your gags seemed dangerous, however Jim was too built up to care at the moment. The sounds of his huffs, groans and curses implied how close to the edge he was. As he reached his climax, your nose is forced against his skin, cock pushed to the back of your throat, complete oxygen cut off. You cried out, but forced your mouth to remain open as the warm salty substance shot down your throat. The pats of reassurance to your cheek left a mark.

“Good fucking bitch” Jim praised as he let go of you, you fell onto your ass, gasping out, eyes swollen red. “You’ll continue to suck my cock until you know how to fucking stay in line aye? No touching yourself, no humping my thigh, nothing. Stupid girls don’t get to feel good” Jim made known, zero remorse on his look. 

You heaved out, tears slipped down your cheeks, your throat ached as you tried to swallow down the salty taste. With a smug smirk, Jim tucked himself back into his pants. Jim held out his hand which you reluctantly took. As you’re yanked onto your feet, he crashed his lips onto yours, his arms caged your body in.

[vaillantboilerrepair]

Emergency Plumber West London - Your Best Call For Emergency Plumbing Issues

In moments where a single malfunction could cause damages like leaking or flooding the basement, it is best to call immediately for an emergency plumber. May it be a burst pipe, blocked drain, or your boiler going out of order; you really need an emergency plumber West London around. We know how quick these things can escalate, so our team at Vaillant Boiler Service Notting Hill is ready to come in for you and do professional plumbing services.

Why You Need an Emergency Plumber:

1. Unforeseen Plumbing Challenges

There are times when your plumbing emergency and difficulties will not give you a warning before doing their damage. Perhaps a pipe will burst in the night, or your boiler is set to fail just as you need hot water above all else. If you have an emergency plumber West London on speed dial, then you are well-prepared for these unexpected problems!

2.Preventing Further Damage

If a plumbing issue is ignored, it can be disastrous. If the water leakage is not detected on time, it can lead to structural damage to your home, and if you leave a drainage system blocked for too long, there may be an odor problem but also health risks. These are the kinds of problems that can be solved early on and with minimal damage by calling a seasoned plumber at your disposal.

 3.Restoring Comfort

The malfunction of your heating system or water supply can have a direct impact on how comfortable you are day-to-day. An emergency plumber can deal with these problems in no time, putting your house back to a comfortable state and ensuring that you are not left stranded without these essential services.

Services Offered by an Emergency Plumber in West London:

 1.Burst Pipe Repairs

Burst pipes can lead to damage from floods. The tools and expertise of our emergency plumber in West London mean that when your pipes are damaged, they can act quickly, minimizing the impact on your property.

2. Boiler Repair and Replacement

 It is important that you get this problem of a non-functioning boiler corrected as soon as possible. One of our consensational services is emergency boiler repair and if the boiler is irreparable then we replace it immediately. 

 3. Drain Cleaning and Unblocking 

This is mostly because blocked drains are known to cause more severe plumbing situations once they occur. We provide you with emergency services for drain cleaning and unblocking so that your drainage system remains optimally effective.

4. Advanced Leak Detection and Effective Repairs

Hidden leaks are just as hard to find and can cause massive damage over time. We take pride in offering fast, reliable, and permanent leak detection services by qualified professionals using the latest pipe camera technology to locate a dying or burst pipe 24/7.

Choosing the Right Emergency Plumber in West London:

1. 24/7 Availability  

Plumbing issues can arise at any time; hence you would also want a plumber who is available for on-call services. Don't hesitate to contact Vaillant Boiler Service Notting Hill at any time – day or night for immediate help with all your emergency plumbing means.

2. Experienced Professionals  

Experience counts: dealing with urgency of the plumbing matters. Our experienced plumbers have dealt with all kinds of emergencies and done them well!

 3.Quick Response Time

Every second is critical in emergencies. This is why when we send an emergency plumber West London, they respond quickly, minimizing damage and solving the issue effectively.

4.Transparent Pricing

Extra expenses can make the situation even more stressful during a plumber’s emergency. Our prices are fixed and there is nothing hidden, you will know the clear picture of what everything costs before we complete any work.

Preparing for Plumbing Emergencies: Essential Steps:

1. Know the location of your shut off valves

 During a plumbing emergency, you can afford to switch off the water supply since this helps in minimizing more damage. It is useful to learn the position of your shut off valves and make sure that they are accessible to you.

2.Keep Contact Information Handy

Keep the contact details of a reliable emergency plumber in West London readily available. Add our number at Vaillant Boiler Service Experts Notting Hill to your phone book, so you can reach us in a crisis.

3.Regular Maintenance

Plumber maintenance of your plumbing system is crucial so that you avoid emergencies. It also helps to plan for regular check ups and maintenance of the plumbing system to avert future problems.

Wrap Up

It is essential to avail the service of an emergency plumber in West London when you need their help! Here at Vaillant Boiler Service Experts Notting Hill, we understand the importance of fast and effective service with regard to your plumbing needs. Whether it be a burst pipe, boiler break down, or even a blocked drain, our experienced team is here to help. Get in touch with us today for dependable emergency plumbers and put your mind at ease during any plumbing invasive situations.

[captainfantasticalright]

Sir Terry Pratchett: on why he co-wrote Good Omens with Neil Gaiman, how long it took, and the loss of the first 5000 words, but saved and later recovered.

You can read more about that last bit here:

From another STP interview:

When Neil Gaiman and I were doing the Good Omens tour it was great fun because I was suffering with one other person. We were actually interviewed by a very well-known interviewer in that particular city who hadn't even read his notes, let alone the book. You may recall that the subtitle of the book was "The Nice and Accurate Predictions of Agnes Nutter." He thought that this was the real title of the book -- that it was a nonfiction book about predictions. He had no idea it was even fiction. Neil and I could see the engineer in the booth doubled over with laughter, because he happened to be a fan. We looked at one another, and the unspoken thought was, "We'd better not wipe the floor with this guy." So we had to find a way of giving answers that would be technically correct, but somehow sending the message that the host was conducting the wrong interview. We did emerge fairly unscathed. Then, there was another one where we were at a public broadcasting radio station somewhere on the West Coast. The director of protocol came out to see us before the interview. She looked us up and down and said, "You're English, aren't you? Now, you're not going to swear on the air are you?" We replied, "Well, we hadn't intended to…" But, of course, now that was all we could think about! We were passing each other notes saying, "Be sure not to say $#@!" Many public broadcasting stations are hounded by people looking for any pretext to get them off the air, so I suppose that's why this station was so worried about swearing. We did find out that Americans don't think that the word "bugger" is swearing, because they don't know what it means. I mean, it's not like the London Times or the BBC are known for the amount of swearing they allow. But to be told not to swear, well, it just made it impossible not to think of it. The words would just bubble up. But we acted like gentlemen.

[mariacallous]

“We’ve seen arson, sabotage and more: dangerous actions conducted with increasing recklessness,” warned Ken McCallum, the head of MI5, Britain’s domestic security and counter-intelligence agency, of the threat posed by Russia and the GRU, its military-intelligence agency. “The GRU in particular is on a sustained mission to generate mayhem on British and European streets,” he said on October 8th. Other European intelligence agencies are equally concerned. On October 14th Bruno Kahl, Germany’s spy chief, said that Russia’s covert measures had reached a “level previously unseen”. Thomas Haldenwang, the head of Germany’s domestic intelligence services, told lawmakers that an act of sabotage had almost caused a plane to crash earlier this year as he warned that “aggressive behaviour” by Russian spies was putting lives at risk.

Russia’s war in Ukraine has been accompanied by a crescendo of aggression, subversion and meddling elsewhere. In particular, Russian sabotage in Europe has grown dramatically. “We see acts of sabotage happening in Europe now,” Vice-Admiral Nils Andreas Stensones, the head of the Norwegian Intelligence Service, said in September. Sir Richard Moore, the chief of MI6, Britain’s foreign-intelligence agency, put it more bluntly: “Russian intelligence services have gone a bit feral, frankly.”

The Kremlin’s men have squeezed the West out of several African states. Its hackers, Poland’s security services said, have tried to paralyse the country in the political, military, and economic spheres. Russia’s propagandists have pumped disinformation around the world. Its armed forces want to put a nuclear weapon in orbit. Russian foreign policy has long dabbled in chaos. Now it seems to aim at little else.

Start with the summer of sabotage. In April Germany arrested two German-Russian nationals on suspicion of plotting attacks on American military facilities and other targets on behalf of the GRU. The same month Poland arrested a man who was preparing to pass the GRU information on Rzeszow airport, a hub for arms to Ukraine, and Britain charged several men over an arson attack on a Ukrainian-owned logistics firm in London. The men were accused of aiding the Wagner Group, a mercenary outfit now under the GRU’s control. In June France arrested a Russian-Ukrainian who was wounded after attempting to make a bomb in his hotel room in Paris. In July it emerged that Russia had plotted to kill Armin Papperger, the boss of Rheinmetall, Germany’s largest arms firm. On September 9th air traffic at Stockholm’s Arlanda airport was shut down for more than two hours after drones were spotted over runways. “We suspect it was a deliberate act,” a police spokesperson said. American officials warn that Russian vessels are reconnoitring underwater cables.

Even where Russia has not resorted to violence, it has sought to stir the pot in other ways. The Baltic states have arrested a number of people for what they say are Russian-sponsored provocations. French intelligence officials claim that Russia was responsible for the appearance of coffins draped with the French flag and bearing the message “French soldiers of Ukraine” left at the Eiffel Tower in Paris in June. Many of these actions are aimed at fanning opposition to aid for Ukraine. But others are intended simply to widen splits in society of all kinds, even if these have little or no link to the war. France says that Russia was also behind the graffiti of 250 Stars of David on walls in Paris in November, an effort to fuel antisemitism, which has surged since the start of the Israel-Hamas conflict.

Much of Russia’s activity has been virtual. In April hackers with ties to the GRU seem to have manipulated control systems for water plants in America and Poland. In September America, Britain, Ukraine and several other countries published details of cyber-attacks by the GRU’s Unit 29155, a group that was previously known for assassinations in Europe, including a botched effort to poison Sergei Skripal, a former Russian intelligence officer. The GRU’s cyber efforts, which had been ongoing since at least 2020, were not just aimed at espionage, but also “reputational harm” by stealing and leaking information and “systematic sabotage” by destroying data, according to America and its allies.

Beyond Europe, GRU officers have been in Yemen alongside the Houthis, a rebel group that has attacked ships in the Red Sea, ostensibly in solidarity with Palestinians. Russia, angered by America’s provision of long-range missiles to Ukraine, came close to providing weapons to the group in July, CNN reported, but reversed course after strong opposition from Saudi Arabia. The fact that Vladimir Putin, Russia’s president, was willing to alienate Muhammad bin Salman, the kingdom’s de facto ruler whom he had courted for years, is an indication of how Russia’s war has cannibalised its wider foreign policy.

Everything everywhere

“What Putin is trying to do is hit us all over the place,” argues Fiona Hill, who previously served as the top Russia official in America’s National Security Council. She compares the strategy to the Oscar winning film: “Everything Everywhere All at Once”. In Africa, for instance, Russia has used mercenaries to supplant French and American influence in the aftermath of coups in Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger.

Russia’s meddling in America takes a very different form. In May Avril Haines, America’s director of national intelligence, called Russia “the most active foreign threat to our elections” above China or Iran. This was not merely about trying to shape America’s policy on Ukraine. “Moscow most likely views such operations as a means to tear down the United States as its perceived primary adversary,” she said, “enabling Russia to promote itself as a great power.” In July American intelligence agencies said that they were “beginning to see Russia target specific voter demographics, promote divisive narratives, and denigrate specific politicians”.

These efforts are generally crude and ineffectual. But they are prolific, intense and sometimes innovative. In September America’s Justice Department accused two employees of RT, a Kremlin-controlled media outlet that regularly spews out Russian talking points and lurid conspiracy theories, of paying $10m to an unnamed media company in Tennessee. The firm, thought to be Tenet Media, posted nearly 2,000 videos on TikTok, Instagram, X and YouTube. (Commentators paid by the company denied wrongdoing.) The department also seized 32 Kremlin-controlled internet domains designed to mimic legitimate news sites.

Russian propagandists are also experimenting with technology. CopyCop, a network of websites, took legitimate news articles and used ChatGPT, an AI model, to rewrite them. More than 90 French articles were modified with the prompt: “Please rewrite this article taking a conservative stance against the liberal policies of the Macron administration in favour of working-class French citizens.” Another rewritten piece included evidence of its instructions, saying: “This article…highlights the cynical tone towards the US government, NATO, and US politicians.”

Russian disinformation campaigns are hardly new, acknowledges Sergey Radchenko, a historian of Russian foreign policy, pointing to episodes such as the Tanaka memorandum, an alleged Soviet forgery that was used to discredit Japan in 1927. Nor are proxy wars or assassinations a novelty. Soviet troops were already fighting in Yemen, disguised as Egyptians, in the early 1960s, he notes. The KGB’s predecessors and successors have killed many people abroad, from Leon Trotsky to ex-spy Alexander Litvinenko.

The genuinely new part, says Mr Radchenko, “is that whereas previously special operations supported foreign policy, today special operations are foreign policy.” Ten years ago the Kremlin worked with America and Europe to counter Iran and North Korea’s nuclear programme. Such co-operation is now fanciful. “It is as if the Russians no longer feel they have a stake in preserving anything of the post-war international order,” says Mr Radchenko. This period reminds him more of Mao’s nihilistic foreign policy during China’s Cultural Revolution than the Soviet Union’s cold-war thinking, which included periods of pragmatism and caution. Ms Hill puts it another way: “It’s Trotsky over Lenin.”

Mr Putin embraces these ideas. “We are in for probably the most dangerous, unpredictable and at the same time most important decade since the end of World War II,” he said in late 2022. “To cite a classic,” he added, invoking an article by Vladimir Lenin in 1913, “this is a revolutionary situation.” That belief—that the post-war order is rotten and needs rewriting, by force if necessary—also gives Russia common cause with China. “Right now there are changes the likes of which we haven’t seen for 100 years,” Xi Jinping told Mr Putin last year in Moscow, “and we are the ones driving these changes together.”

Russia’s foreign-policy strategy, published in 2023, offers the bland reassurance that it “does not consider itself an enemy of the West…and has no ill intentions”. A classified addendum acquired by the Washington Post from a European intelligence service suggests otherwise. It proposes a comprehensive containment strategy against a “coalition of unfriendly countries” led by America. That includes an “offensive information campaign” among other actions in the “military-political, trade-economic and informational-psychological…spheres”. The ultimate aim, it notes, is “to weaken Russia’s opponents”.

This does not mean Russia is unstoppable. It is increasingly a junior partner to China. Its influence has slipped in some countries, such as Syria. It does not always back up its own proxies—dozens of Wagner fighters were killed in an ambush by Malian rebels, aided by Ukraine, in July. And Russian subversion can be disrupted, says Sir Richard, by “good old-fashioned security and intelligence work” to identify the intelligence officers and criminal proxies behind it. The fact that Russia is increasingly reliant on criminals to carry out these acts, in part because Russian spies have been expelled en masse from Europe, is a sign of desperation. “Russia’s use of proxies further reduces the professionalism of their operations, and—absent diplomatic immunity—increases our disruptive options,” says Mr McCallum.

Russian meddling is intended to put pressure on NATO without provoking a war. “We also have red lines,” says Ms Hill, “and Putin is trying to feel those out.” But if he is truly driven by a revolutionary spirit, convinced that the West is a rotten edifice, that suggests more lines will be crossed in the months and years ahead.

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Thursday, October 26th, 2023

A woman has been found guilty of handing over a three-year-old British girl for female genital mutilation (FGM) during a trip to Kenya, in the first conviction of its kind.

After a trial at the Old Bailey, Amina Noor, 39, was convicted of assisting a Kenyan woman to carry out the procedure in 2006. The conviction, which carries a maximum sentence of 14 years, is the first for assisting in such harm under the Female Genital Mutilation Act 2003.

The only other successful prosecution under the act was in 2019 when a Ugandan woman from Walthamstow, east London, was jailed for 11 years for cutting a three-year-old girl.

Campaigners said the verdict showed that the introduction in 2015 of mandatory reporting of suspected FGM was working.

The senior crown prosecutor Patricia Strobino hailed Noor’s conviction, saying: “This kind of case will hopefully encourage potential victims and survivors of FGM to come forward, safe in the knowledge that they are supported, believed and also are able to speak their truth about what’s actually happened to them.

“It will also send a clear message to those prospective defendants or people that want to maintain this practice that it doesn’t matter whether they assist or practise or maintain this practice within the UK or overseas, they are likely to be prosecuted.”

Strobino added: “Part of the challenge of this type of offence is the fact that these types of offences occur in secrecy. Within specific communities within the UK, although these offences and practices are prevalent, it is often very difficult to get individuals to come forward to explain the circumstances of what’s happened to them because there was a fear that they may be excluded or pushed away or shunned, isolated from their community.”

Previously, the prosecutor Deanna Heer KC said Noor travelled to Kenya with the girl in 2006 and while there took her to a private house where the child was subjected to FGM.

The crime only came to light years later when the girl was 16 and confided in her English teacher at school.

When spoken to, the defendant said she thought the procedure was just an injection and that afterwards the girl was “happy and able to run around and play”. But when examined in 2019, it emerged that the girl’s clitoris had been removed.

Noor appeared “shocked and upset” and said that was not what she had thought was going to happen, Heer said. According to an initial account, Noor described going with another woman to a “clinic” where the girl was called into a room for a procedure.

The defendant said she was invited in but refused because she was “scared and worried”. Afterwards, the girl appeared quiet and cried the whole night and complained of pain, according to the account.

In a later police interview under caution, Noor denied that anyone had made threats against her before FGM was done to the girl.

Heer said: “She was asked whether, when she arrived at the clinic or even before then, she felt she did not want it to happen. She said: ‘Yeah I thought about it but then, you know, got it done.’”

Jurors were told the defendant was born in Somalia and moved to Kenya at the age of eight during the civil war in Somalia. She was 16 when she came to the UK and was later granted British citizenship.

The defendant described what had been done to the girl as “Sunnah”, meaning “tradition” or “way” in Arabic, and said it was a practice that had gone on for cultural reasons for many years.

Giving evidence in her trial, Noor, from Harrow, in north-west London, said she was threatened with being “cursed” and “disowned” within her community if she did not take part. She told jurors that the threat gave her “pain”, adding: “That was a pressure I had no power to do anything about.”

The alleged victim, who is now 21, cannot be identified for legal reasons.

Nimco Ali, an FGM survivor who founded the Five Foundation, a global partnership to end the cutting of girls, welcomed the verdict.

She said: “It is incredible that the mandatory reporting by teachers and healthcare professionals – that we have fought hard for – is starting to pay off. A girl was obviously failed. She was let down by the system but she got some form of justice today thanks to the policies that we now have in place.”

She added: “We have to address FGM in the UK and everywhere by working together to address the root causes of the issue.”

Research in 2014 estimated that 137,000 women and girls are affected by FGM in England and Wales. Ali said this estimate needed updating urgently.