Cannabis factory found near UK’s central bank

Police discovered a cannabis factory in London's financial district that was emptied because office workers stayed at home to contain the spread of Covid-19.

The force that polices the historic Square Mile district, traditionally home to the country’s largest finance companies, said that 826 plants were found in a commercial building in Throgmorton Street, close to the Bank of England.

The usually bustling City of London has emptied during the Covid-19 pandemic, leaving many offices disused. Jason Alden/Bloomberg

The central bank's governor, Andrew Bailey, said that the area had been quiet since March, when companies put plans in place to allow for remote working after the UK government called on staff to work from home where possible.

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“We are now going to be the subject of endless jokes about ‘now we know what the Bank of England has been on',” Mr Bailey said. “I’m sure there will be many other jokes.”

Police said the raid came after reports of a strong smell of cannabis coming from the building. Pictures released by the force showed rows of plants and specialist cultivating equipment.

“This is the first cannabis factory in the City, no doubt being set up in response to fewer people being out and about during the pandemic who might have noticed any unusual activity,” London's Met Police said. Two people were arrested.

Tearful appearance

Chancellor Rachel Reeves set markets on edge as she appeared visibly distraught in parliament on Wednesday.

Legislative setbacks for the government have blown a new hole in the budgetary calculations at a time when the deficit is stubbornly large and the economy is struggling to grow.

She appeared with Keir Starmer on Thursday and the pair embraced, but he had failed to give her his backing as she cried a day earlier.

A spokesman said her upset demeanour was due to a personal matter.

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