UK News and Discussions

[Time_Traveller]

John Bercow defects to Labour with withering attack on Johnson

Sat 19 Jun 2021

John Bercow, the former Tory MP and Speaker of the House of Commons, today delivers an extraordinary broadside against Boris Johnson and the Conservative party as he announces he has switched his political allegiance to Labour.

In an explosive interview with the Observer, Bercow says he regards today’s Conservative party as “reactionary, populist, nationalistic and sometimes even xenophobic”.

Bercow, who stepped down as Speaker in 2019 after 10 years, says he joined the Labour party a few weeks ago because he now shares its values and sees it is as the only means to removing the current Tory government from office.

“I am motivated by support for equality, social justice and internationalism. That is the Labour brand,” he said. “The conclusion I have reached is that this government needs to be replaced. The reality is that the Labour party is the only vehicle that can achieve that objective. There is no other credible option.”

Bercow says that despite Johnson’s professed commitment to “levelling up”, he has no interest in those less privileged than himself. He also describes as “utterly shameful” the decision to cut international aid.

https://www.theguardian.com/politics/20 ... on-johnson

[Time_Traveller]

Morrisons rejects £5.5bn takeover offer from private equity firm

Sat 19 Jun 2021

Morrisons has rejected a £5.5bn takeover bid from a private equity firm, believing it would have “significantly undervalued” the company.

Private equity firm Clayton, Dubilier & Rice (CD&R) had earlier said it was considering a possible cash offer for the supermarket chain.

Morrisons said it rejected a conditional cash offer from CD&R of 230p per share – which amounts to just over £5.5bn.

Morrisons said: “The board of Morrisons evaluated the conditional proposal together with its financial adviser, Rothschild & Co, and unanimously concluded that the conditional proposal significantly undervalued Morrisons and its future prospects.

“Accordingly, the board rejected the conditional proposal on 17 June 2021.”

https://www.theguardian.com/business/20 ... -morrisons

[wjfox]

WTF.

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‘Hyper-creepy’: Gavin Williamson mocked over One Britain, One Nation song

Wed 23 Jun 2021 15.25 BST

For North Korea, it is a rousing anthem with a bold opening line: “Let morning shine on the silver and gold of our land.” For Vladimir Putin, it’s a chanson-like melody, Where does the motherland begin?, from his favourite Soviet spy film. And for Gavin Williamson, it’s a new “patriotic” song with the chorus line “Strong Britain, Great Nation”.

The education secretary has provoked outrage – both real and amused – for suggesting children should sing the song on Friday to mark “One Britain, One Nation” (OBON) day. Williamson has praised the campaign by a former policeman, Kash Singh, and encouraged all schools to take part. “Children can learn about our shared values of tolerance, kindness, pride and respect,” the education department tweeted.

[...]

There have been inevitable comparisons with the Hitler Youth and with the school song sung by millions of young East German communist pioneers: “Uns’re Heimat”, or “Our homeland”. Some have suggested alternative patriotic anthems, including the Sex Pistols’ God Save the Queen or Pink Floyd’s We Don’t Need No Education. Comments have ranged from “brainwashing” and “stomach-churning”, to “hyper-creepy”.

Even the usually flag-waving Daily Express struck a sceptical note on Wednesday, reporting that some parents have threatened to boycott the event and to take their children out of school in protest. “Leaving aside the significant concern that this all seems very Hitler Youth, why on earth are you encouraging singing in schools during a global pandemic when cases are rising in schools?” one asked Williamson on Twitter.

Meanwhile the LBC host James O’Brien played the song on his show on Wednesday while standing ironically to attention. Striking a tone both weary and incredulous, he said: “I wish I was joking. It’s real. It’s actually real. I don’t know how much time we can spend on it without collapsing into fits of giggles coupled with a really weird sense of desolation.”

https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/202 ... n-day-song

[Time_Traveller]

WTF.

----------

‘Hyper-creepy’: Gavin Williamson mocked over One Britain, One Nation song

Wed 23 Jun 2021 15.25 BST

For North Korea, it is a rousing anthem with a bold opening line: “Let morning shine on the silver and gold of our land.” For Vladimir Putin, it’s a chanson-like melody, Where does the motherland begin?, from his favourite Soviet spy film. And for Gavin Williamson, it’s a new “patriotic” song with the chorus line “Strong Britain, Great Nation”.

The education secretary has provoked outrage – both real and amused – for suggesting children should sing the song on Friday to mark “One Britain, One Nation” (OBON) day. Williamson has praised the campaign by a former policeman, Kash Singh, and encouraged all schools to take part. “Children can learn about our shared values of tolerance, kindness, pride and respect,” the education department tweeted.

[...]

There have been inevitable comparisons with the Hitler Youth and with the school song sung by millions of young East German communist pioneers: “Uns’re Heimat”, or “Our homeland”. Some have suggested alternative patriotic anthems, including the Sex Pistols’ God Save the Queen or Pink Floyd’s We Don’t Need No Education. Comments have ranged from “brainwashing” and “stomach-churning”, to “hyper-creepy”.

Even the usually flag-waving Daily Express struck a sceptical note on Wednesday, reporting that some parents have threatened to boycott the event and to take their children out of school in protest. “Leaving aside the significant concern that this all seems very Hitler Youth, why on earth are you encouraging singing in schools during a global pandemic when cases are rising in schools?” one asked Williamson on Twitter.

Meanwhile the LBC host James O’Brien played the song on his show on Wednesday while standing ironically to attention. Striking a tone both weary and incredulous, he said: “I wish I was joking. It’s real. It’s actually real. I don’t know how much time we can spend on it without collapsing into fits of giggles coupled with a really weird sense of desolation.”

https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/202 ... n-day-song

Just reminds me of nationalistic jingoism.

[Time_Traveller]

UK government confirms TV ban on pre-9pm junk food adverts

Thu 24 Jun 2021

The government has confirmed it is to introduce a pre-9pm ban on junk food advertising on TV and tighten restrictions online, as reported by the Guardian on Wednesday.

The new restrictions, which come into force from the end of next year, have been branded as “draconian” by the advertising industry.

The rules, which will ban the advertising of products deemed to be high in fat, salt and sugar (HFSS), will not apply to marketing by smaller companies of less than 250 employees.

“We are committed to improving the health of our children and tackling obesity,” said Jo Churchill, public health minister.

“The content youngsters see can have an impact on the choices they make and the habits they form. With children spending more time online, it is vital we act to protect them from unhealthy advertising.”

https://www.theguardian.com/business/20 ... tv-adverts

[wjfox]

[wjfox]

Latest Tory scandal.

Doubtless to be swept under the carpet within a few days.

[Ozzie guy]

If I am honest I don't have a problem with this did a something else happen because of the adult activities?

Latest Tory scandal.

Doubtless to be swept under the carpet within a few days.

[wjfox]

Labour Party chairwoman Annaliese Dodds: "If Matt Hancock has been secretly having a relationship with an adviser in his office - whom he personally appointed to a taxpayer-funded role - it is a blatant abuse of power and a clear conflict of interest.

"The charge sheet against Matt Hancock includes wasting taxpayers' money, leaving care homes exposed and now being accused of breaking his own Covid rules.

"His position is hopelessly untenable. Boris Johnson should sack him."

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-57612441

[wjfox]

[Time_Traveller]

Matt Hancock resigns as health secretary after admitting breaking COVID rules

Saturday 26 June 2021

Matt Hancock has resigned as health secretary after admitting breaking coronavirus rules, Downing Street says.

In his letter of resignation, Mr Hancock said: "The last thing I would want is for my private life to distract attention from the single-minded focus that is leading us out of this crisis.

"I want to reiterate my apology for breaking the guidance, and apologise to my family and loved ones for putting them through this. I also need (to) be with my children at this time."

It comes after leaked CCTV appeared to show him kissing an aide in his departmental office.

https://news.sky.com/story/matt-hancock ... y-12342613

[Time_Traveller]

Traffic-light system of ‘eco-scores’ to be piloted on British food labels

Sun 27 Jun 2021

A new traffic light system on food and drinks packaging is being launched to allow consumers to make more environmentally friendly choices.

The scheme has been put together by Foundation Earth, a new non-profit organisation backed by the government, global food giant Nestlé and British brands including Marks & Spencer, Sainsbury’s, the Co-op and Costa Coffee.

A pilot run in the autumn will see a range of food and drink carrying front-of-packaging “eco scores” for the first time, ranking the environmental impact of each item and allowing customers to easily assess whether they are buying goods that have a low-carbon footprint from suppliers focused on sustainability.

The labels are expected to shake up the supply chains of the food and drinks industry and encourage producers to be more innovative in helping reduce their environmental impact. Products will be graded into tiers marked A to G and colour-coded, with green reserved for the most environmentally friendly items and red for the least, based on a system developed by food scientists at Oxford University with support from World Wide Fund for Nature.

Food production is a major contributor to carbon emissions and biodiversity loss. The UN’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change says the industry is responsible for up to 37% of greenhouse gases, and that without intervention this is likely to increase by 30% by 2050 due to population growth.

https://www.theguardian.com/business/20 ... ood-labels

[Time_Traveller]

Hancock kissing camera has been disabled, says new health secretary

1 hour ago

The camera that caught Matt Hancock kissing his aide has been disabled, new health secretary Sajid Javid says.

Mr Javid said the device has been "disabled by the department", adding that he does not believe ministers' offices should have cameras fitted.

Asked about the device on Monday morning, Mr Javid said: "I haven't disabled the camera that you are talking about, but it has been disabled by the department.

"I think for security it is just common sense… I don't think, as a general rule, there should be cameras in the secretary of state's office.

https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/uknews/h ... wGly?pfr=1

[Time_Traveller]

Labour activists ‘egged and kicked’ on Batley and Spen campaign trail

Sun 27 Jun 2021

Labour activists in the Batley and Spen byelection have been pelted with eggs and kicked in the head while on the campaign trail, the region’s mayor has said.

Tracy Brabin, the newly elected mayor of West Yorkshire, said she was leafleting with colleagues, volunteers and campaigners in the Whitaker Street area of Batley on Sunday when they were followed, verbally abused and physically assaulted by a group of young men.

Brabin, who was the Labour MP for the constituency before winning the metro mayor job in May, said: “The group I was with included young people and the elderly. I witnessed them being egged, pushed and forced to the ground and kicked in the head.”
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West Yorkshire police confirmed on Sunday evening that they were investigating, and Brabin – who also holds the police and crime commissioner responsibility for the region – praised officers for their swift response.

She said: “We know why tensions are rising in our streets. Those who want to sow division are not welcome in our community. The actions of these people do not represent the Batley and Spen I know. We are kinder than this.”

https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/202 ... aign-trail

[Time_Traveller]

Huge Fire Breaks Out At Elephant And Castle Station

28 Jun 2021

A huge fire has broken out at London’s Elephant and Castle station.

Footage taken at the scene shows large plumes of dark smoke above the train station, which can be seen from London Bridge.

It’s unclear at the time of writing whether or not anyone has been injured in this incident. National Rail has stated trains will not be able to call at the station until approximately 2.30pm.

As per an announcement from National Rail:

A fire next to the track at Elephant & Castle means trains are currently unable to run this station. As a result of this, trains between London Blackfriars and Denmark Hill / Herne Hill may be cancelled or delayed.

This is expected until approximately 14:30.

https://www.unilad.co.uk/news/huge-fire ... e-station/

[wjfox]

Huge Fire Breaks Out At Elephant And Castle Station

https://www.unilad.co.uk/news/huge-fire ... e-station/

Christ, that looks bad. I know the station well and have passed through hundreds of times.

[wjfox]

Seems to be directly from the tracks/underground.

I'm guessing some kind of electrical explosion.

Hope nobody's injured or worse.

[Time_Traveller]

Seems to be directly from the tracks/underground.

I'm guessing some kind of electrical explosion.

Hope nobody's injured or worse.

I had a look at another website and no-one is hurt.

[Time_Traveller]

LEON unveils nationwide expansion plans and news of Drive-Thru concept coming to West Yorkshire

28/06/2021

Naturally Fast Food brand LEON today unveils plans for its first Drive-Thru restaurant in West Yorkshire.

The prominent new 2,000 sq. ft. Drive-Thru restaurant is the first of its kind for the LEON brand, and the fourth LEON restaurant to open in West Yorkshire. The 50+ cover restaurant, which is set to open in Autumn 2021, is also the first new opening for the brand since its sale to EG Group in April 2021.

The new site will create 30 new jobs for the area and a recruitment drive is about to commence across all positions from the kitchen to management.

Continuing with its mission to bring Naturally Fast Food to as many people as possible, LEON hopes this expansion into Drive-Thru will make it easier for even more people to eat well and therefore live well, especially if they’re on the move.

Sustainability will be at the forefront of both the build and finished restaurant. The eco-friendly restaurant will be supplied with power from a 100% renewable energy source. It will have solar panels on the roof which will contribute to further reducing energy consumption and, post-launch, it is planning to install a wind turbine that will generate even more sustainable power. There will also be electric vehicle charging and bike racks to encourage cyclists and cycle-thru guests.

https://www.retailtimes.co.uk/leon-unve ... yorkshire/

[Time_Traveller]

Right to repair rules will extend lifespan of products, government says

8 hours ago

Washing machines, TVs and fridges will be cheaper to run under a new legal right for repairs, the government says.

From Thursday, manufacturers will have to make spares available to consumers, with the aim of extending the lifespan of products by up to 10 years, it said.

Higher energy standards this year will also knock an average of £75 per year off energy bills, the government said.

However, one company said that the new rules could make white goods more expensive.

The right to repair rules are designed to tackle "built-in obsolescence" where manufacturers deliberately build appliances to break down after a certain period to encourage consumers to buy new ones.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-576 ... dT4SVfVfCs