Oxford News
BMW says EV car demand does not ‘reflect’ key requirements
As reported, senior Oxford councillor Linda Smith will next week urge the council to write to transport secretary Heidi Alexander to come to Cowley and meet factory representatives and the union.
A significant number of agency jobs have been lost at Plant Oxford as it adjusts to the government’s 2030 sales ban on new petrol and diesel cars.
The Mini Plant in Oxford (Image: Ed Nix)
A spokeswoman for the BMW Group, owners of Mini, said: “Plant Oxford is the home of MINI production and an important part of the wider UK automotive sector.
“As we have said previously, BMW Group has strong concerns about the trajectory of the ZEV mandate as future sales requirements do not reflect current levels of customer demand for battery electric vehicles in the UK.
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“We do not believe mandates create markets. The pace of the transition must be shaped by real customer demand, supported by the right market conditions and a competitive policy framework which enables long-term investment, competitiveness and jobs in the UK.”
David Henwood, a former apprentice at the Cowley plant (Image: File)
As of May 2025, the Cowley plant employs more than 3,500 workers, but that same month it was reported 180 temporary staff contracts were to be axed.
This was to align with “current business requirements” of BMW and to manage production fluctuations.
Indeed, Plant Oxford is significant for the local and county-wide economy with it being one of the largest employers in Oxfordshire.
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Former apprentice of Plant Oxford, and current city councillor, David Henwood said: “The Cowley Plant has been part of life in Littlemore for generations.
“So many of us have worked there—or know someone who has. It’s more than just a workplace, it’s part of the community’s identity.
“That’s why the current pressures facing the plant are so concerning. This isn’t just about a factory—it’s about people, livelihoods, and the future of our community.”
Linda Smith (Image: Ed Nix)
Calls have frequently been made by the motor industry to scrap the deadline to ban petrol and diesel cars.
Fossil fuel-powered cars continue to dominate the UK new car market, with EV Infrastructure news reporting battery-powered cars only make up a 23.4 per cent market share.
Trade association the Society of Motor Manufacturer and Traders described the zero-emissions vehicle mandate as a “straitjacket” which is putting “huge pressure on manufacturers”.
City councillor Linda Smith described the automotive sector as being in the midst of a “low-volume crisis” saying it would “not be an exaggeration to say that the Mini Plant Oxford has been, and continues to be, one of the worst hit”.
Oxford News
Man arrested outside Oxfordshire theatre and charged
The incident took place on Tuesday (June 9) in the car park of The Beacon in Wantage.
A 34-year-old man was arrested, charged, and remanded for possession with intent to supply, and his vehicle was seized.
This was after 32 wraps of Class A drugs and a “significant amount of cash” were found on him.
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The drugs found. (Image: Thames Valley Police)
Thames Valley Police posted an update on their South Oxon and Vale of White Horse Facebook page this morning (Monday, June 15).
The statement said: “On June 9, 2026, our team was out looking for a vehicle that had recently piqued our interest. We located it in the car park of The Beacon.
“Now, he might have been there to pick up tickets for the open mic night, Rory Bremner, or even Noasis (who are there next week and apparently very good), but it was far more likely he was there to deal.
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The car was seized. (Image: Thames Valley Police)
“A search confirmed our suspicions: 32 wraps of Class A and a significant amount of cash were found on him.
“Thanks to previous chases, we blocked him in early and ensured he was safely detained.
“A 34‑year‑old male from outside the area was arrested, charged, and remanded for Possession With Intent to Supply. The vehicle was seized.”
Oxford News
Man fighting for life after arrest made and helicopter called
The incident occurred at around 2pm yesterday (June 13), a white and blue BMW motorcycle and a grey Audi A3 were involved in a collision.
This was near the junction of B480 Watlington Road and Pettiwell, and Thames Valley Police officers attended the scene.
There was a large emergency response with the South-Central Ambulance Service and the “Helicopter Emergency Medical Service” also present.
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Police say that the rider of the motorcycle was a man in his 40s and that he sustained serious life-threatening injuries.
He remains in hospital receiving treatment at this current time, Thames Valley Police informs.
The driver of the grey Audi A3 has been arrested on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving and driving whilst over the specified limit for drugs.
From Wallingford, the 51-year-old man has been released under investigation whilst enquiries continue.
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Thames Valley Police is now appealing for witnesses following the serious road traffic collision in Garsington.
Investigating officer, PC Kerrie Ingham of the Roads Policing Unit said: “Firstly, I would like to thank the members of the public and the medical staff who stopped to assist.
“We are carrying out a thorough investigation into the circumstances of this collision, with a man being arrested at the scene shortly after police arrived, in attendance with paramedics from SCAS and HEMS.
“I would particularly like to hear from anyone who witnessed the grey Audi A3 driving northbound to the junction of B480 Watlington Road and Pettiwell prior to the collision.
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“I would also like to hear from anyone who witnessed the white and blue BMW motorcycle driving southbound towards the junction of the B480 Watlington Road and Pettiwell prior to the collision.
“If you saw either of these vehicles prior to the collision, or have dash-cam footage at around the time of the incident, please come forward.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact Thames Valley Police by calling 101 or submitting a report via the website, quoting reference number 43260296300.
Alternatively, you can report this anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Oxford News
Cosy Cotswolds pub has picturesque hidden beer garden
Nestled just off Burford’s sloping High Street, The Angel at Burford stands on Witney Street in a 17th-century stone building that has welcomed locals and travellers for generations.
Records and local guides trace the inn back to around 1652, and much of that period charm remains in place today, with low ceilings, original oak beams and thick stone walls creating an intimate atmosphere inside.
Open fireplaces, polished brass and traditional pub furnishings add to the sense of history, giving drinkers and diners an authentic coaching-inn feel in the heart of the market town.
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The Hook Norton Brewery sign outside. (Image: Newsquest)
Over recent years, the pub has developed into an award-winning gastropub with rooms, picking up plaudits while still functioning as a relaxed local for residents.
With a proud Hook Norton Brewery sign outside, the bar within features a line-up of the Oxfordshire brewer’s cask ales.
Separate dining areas offer a mix of cosy corners and larger tables, allowing the kitchen to serve seasonal menus that focus on classic pub dishes, Cotswold produce and modern gastropub favourites.
Beyond the interior, one of the standout attractions is the outdoor space, which is easy to miss from the street.
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The hidden beer garden at The Angel. (Image: Newsquest)
From the front bar, customers head along a corridor towards the rear of the building before emerging into a surprisingly spacious beer garden hidden behind the main frontage.
A high stone wall and surrounding buildings shelter this area, creating a secluded, almost secret walled garden that feels far removed from the bustle of Burford’s busy centre.
Landscaping has introduced planting, stone paving and plenty of wooden tables, so there is ample room for larger groups as well as quieter spots for couples and families.
Because the garden is fully enclosed and set back from the High Street, traffic noise quickly fades, so people can sit and chat in relative quiet while still being only a short walk from the centre of Burford.
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A pint of Hooky Gold in the hidden beer garden at The Angel. (Image: Newsquest)
On a warm Cotswolds afternoon, the garden becomes a suntrap, with visitors able to sit among the greenery and enjoy a pint of Hooky or a meal in the open air.
Many first-time guests comment on the contrast between the modest street view and the generous outdoor space tucked away at the back, making the garden a particular draw in spring and summer.
Accommodation above the pub provides a small number of letting rooms, giving people the chance to stay overnight in Burford, often described as the “Gateway to the Cotswolds”.
Combining centuries of history, traditional interiors, brewery links and a picturesque hidden beer garden, The Angel continues to serve as a popular stop-off for both local drinkers and tourists exploring this part of Oxfordshire.
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