thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-02-19--Meghan And Harry Confirm They'll Step Down From Royal Duties On March 31

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Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have confirmed they will begin their new life away from the royal family from March 31.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s spokesperson said the couple will announce details of their new non-profit organisation later in the year.
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In an update about their plans, their office said the duke will retain the ranks of major, lieutenant commander and squadron leader.
Six royal engagements were also announced with Harry due to attend an Invictus Games event with pop star Jon Bon Jovi on February 28.
The spokeswoman said the Sussexes would continue to work with their existing patronages as they build a plan for engagements in the UK and the Commonwealth throughout the year.
The duke and duchess have also been undertaking meetings as part of their ongoing work to establish their new non-profit organisation.
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Harry and Meghan announced earlier in the year their intention to split from the royal family. PA Wire/PA Images
Harry and Meghan plunged the royal family into a period of crisis when they announced earlier in the year they wanted to step back from the monarchy and become financially independent.
A summit of senior royals was convened by the Queen at Sandringham to discuss the issue, with Harry sitting down for talks with his grandmother, father the Prince of Wales and brother the Duke of Cambridge.
It was later announced they would no longer be members of the monarchy, split their time between Canada and the UK, with the majority spent in North America, and no longer be known as HRH.
Despite the unprecedented move the couple will keep the themes of their public work – the Commonwealth, community, youth empowerment and mental health, collectively.
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The couple’s spokesperson said Harry’s priorities remain supporting the welfare of servicemen and women, conservation, sport for social development, HIV and Travalyst which works to mobilise the tourism and travel industry for social good.
For Meghan her focus remains women’s empowerment, gender equality and education.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-02-19--Rapper Pop Smoke Reportedly Shot And Killed In Hollywood Hills

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thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-02-19--14 Photos From The Brit Awards After Parties That Will Give You FOMO

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While the Brits is one of the entertainment world’s most exciting nights of the year, when the ceremony wraps up, it is actually just the start of the evening for many of those in attendance.
After Tuesday’s bash came to a close, it was off to the after-parties, which are pretty infamous in the showbiz world.
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They are held by the three major music labels – Universal, Warner and Sony – at top London venues, including The Ned, Chiltern Firehouse and The Standard.
At the Universal bash, a thrilled Billie Eilish was so excited to celebrate her win for Best International Female Solo Artist David M. Benett via Getty Images At least she managed to smile when she met Mel C David M. Benett via Getty Images Mel later got behind the decks for a extra Spicy DJ set David M. Benett via Getty Images Advertisement A sombrero-clad Jax Jones also got the crowd going David M. Benett via Getty Images And once again, Billy Porter was the best dressed person in attendance David M. Benett via Getty Images Best Female winner Mabel got a congratulatory hug from Radio 1's Clara Amfo David M. Benett via Getty Images Advertisement After taking his dad to the main event, Roman Kemp swapped him for his girlfriend at the after-party David M. Benett via Getty Images While Lewis Capaldi had still not tired of being silly for the cameras David M. Benett via Getty Images Over at Sony, Harry Styles was snapped chatting with Ella Eyre and Meghan Trainor Dave J Hogan via Getty Images Advertisement While his ex Kendall Jenner was also in attendance Eamonn M. McCormack via Getty Images As were newly-reformed boyfriend JLS Eamonn M. McCormack via Getty Images Meanwhile at Warner, Stormzy and Burnaboy reunited following their moment on stage together earlier in the evening David M. Benett via Getty Images Advertisement Maya Jama also made an entrance David M. Benett via Getty Images While Lizzo made her 1000th outfit change of the evening David M. Benett via Getty Images
Lewis Capaldi walked away as the big winner at this year’s Brits, winning two awards.
However, it was Dave who was awarded the biggest prize of the night when PSYCHODRAMA was named Album Of The Year.
Host Jack Whitehall also took a moment to pay tribute to Caroline Flack, following the Love Island presenter’s death last weekend.
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thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-02-19--Watching Black People Dominate The Brit Awards Made Me Hopeful For My Son's Future

Dave picked up Best British Album at the 40th Brit Awards. Reuters
Last night, the biggest British artists gathered in London for the 40th Brit awards. American artist Lizzo delivered a hard-hitting performance, and Female Solo Artist Winner Mabel was equally incredible. But what really stood out for me was the performances and successful wins of two Black boys from London: Stormzy and Dave.
The Brits are the most prominent night of the year to celebrate music talent in the UK. The awards have an importance place highlighting rising stars (like singer Celeste, who won last night) and promoting upcoming talent. But for all its importance, for too long, Black stars haven’t got the recognition they deserved. In 2016, the awards were labelled #BRITsSoWhite across social media due to the dearth of Black artists nominated in the majority of categories.
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But last night saw real progress. In the modern day where Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are no longer royals, and Boris Johnson is prime minister, to see two normal, Black men like Stormzy and Dave walk away with the biggest awards of the night was something truly monumental.
Although the argument for greater recognition of women at the awards still stands, we have to take one step at a time and be thankful for this landmark night that saw diverse faces finally seen and heard delivering real messages on a major platform.
Dave’s performance wasn’t something you would normally see at the Brits. After Stormzy called out Theresa May in 2018 for the lack of justice for Grenfell Tower fire victims, I didn’t think it would be possible to see something as powerful and moving on the Brits’ stage again.
But then Dave came on and explicitly branded Boris Johnson “racist”. “It is racist even if it doesn’t feel racist, the truth is our prime minister is the real racist,” he rapped. He spoke about Windrush: “Still need support for the Windrush generation, reparations for the time our people spent on plantations.” He called out the media’s treatment of the Duchess of Sussex: “If you don’t wanna get it, then you’re never gonna get it. How the news treats Kate versus how they’re treating Meghan.”
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Why haven’t Grenfell victims got justice? Why did the Windrush scandal happen? Why is our own PM racist? Dave’s comments were so important because although people might not want to face these questions head on, these conversations need to happen on a mainstream platform.
Right now, a generation of Black boys and girls are seeing people like them, Stormzy and Dave, on a mainstream stage being unapologetically Black and themselves while still keeping their faith and standing for justice. What could be more inspiring for young people to believe in and aim higher?
Performing his song “Black” with a one-minute politically charged rap in front of a Caucasian-dominated crowd, Dave showed he is fearless. He showed that when you speak up for what you believe in, your voice will be heard. To champion his race and demand slavery reparations gave Dave all of my respect.
As a Black woman, it gave me hope that one day my son could be just like them. I could raise a Black boy that will one day dominate headlines, make changes and speak out on vital subjects.
Living in a society where Black people are continuously undermined, seeing Dave and Stormzy pick up the biggest awards showed that we are all equals. That bit of hope instilled in my heart blossomed. It sent a message that we can all make it.
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We have to say thank you to Stormzy and Dave for giving us the hope to carry on and giving everyone that extra kick to go out there and get your dreams regardless of your race.
British music is on the rise. To see diverse and Black faces at the forefront of the industry is what we expected years ago – but better late than never.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-02-19--Champneys Spa 'Claimed Its Apple Crumble Could Reduce Cancer Risks'

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Spa chain Champneys is being taken to court over claims it suggested an apple crumble could reduce the chance of spa-goers getting “cancer, cardiovascular disease and diabetes”.
The somewhat bizarre claim is one of 19 charges being faced by the spa, say reports, relating to food safety, nutrition and consumer protection laws.
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Champneys’ Forest Mere resort in West Sussex is accused of failing to inform visitors it had a food hygiene rating of two out of five, according to The Guardian. Another claim allegedly involves a black rice, quinoa and ginger salad, which the spa apparently said had “anti-inflammatory properties”. Champneys has denied all the charges.
The court case – which was scheduled at Brighton magistrates court for Tuesday, but has since been adjourned until 28 February – is, of course, serious business.
But the crumble controversy did remind HuffPost HQ of the long history of ridiculous spa behaviour.
Who could forget the “vagina spa” pushing vagina facials, laughably named “vajacials”? Or the spas who’ve offered weird and (not so) wonderful treatments, from “vampire facials” injecting your own blood into your forehead, the “sheep’s placenta facial” claiming to have anti-ageing benefits, or the “live snail facial” which sounded plain slimy.
One thing we can agree on: there are enough dubious health claims made in the wellness sector – and we don’t need any extra motivation to eat an apple crumble.
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thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-02-19--Who Could Be The Next Shadow Chancellor?

Rishi Sunak, the chancellor of the exchequer, has arguably the most important job in British politics after the prime minister.
With controls over tax, spending and economic policy, the 39-year-old will deliver his first budget on March 11 after Sajid Javid’s shock resignation during Boris Johnson’s reshuffle.
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Downing Street has said Sunak’s appointment signals a closely aligned top team and insists Johnson’s premiership will end the ten years of austerity of his Tory predecessors.
Rishi Sunak has been promoted to the role of chancellor, but who is he likely to be facing across the despatch box when Labour elects a new leader? ASSOCIATED PRESS
But, with Labour’s leadership contest due to rumble on until April 4, it is not yet clear who Sunak will be facing across the despatch box in years to come when the opposition team is refreshed.
Keir Starmer, Lisa Nandy and Rebecca Long-Bailey have been tight-lipped about who they would pick as their shadow chancellor, not least because they could be tempted to choose a current rival, but here are some of the options.
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Rachel Reeves
Rachel Reeves is chairwoman of the Commons' business, energy and industrial strategy committee TOLGA AKMEN via Getty Images
The MP for Leeds West is seen as among the favourites to take the job - and it’s easy to understand why.
Before entering parliament in 2010, the 41-year-old was an economist at both the Bank of England and the British Embassy in Washington, having graduated with an MSc in economics from the London School of Economics.
Under Ed Miliband, Reeves was promoted to work in Ed Balls’s team as shadow chief secretary to the Treasury and was later crowned shadow work and pensions secretary.
After Jeremy Corbyn’s election as leader, Reeves has served as chairwoman of the Commons’ business, energy and industrial strategy, using the role to make smart interventions on outsourcing and breaking up the dominance of the “big four” accountancy firms in the wake of the Carillion scandal.
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Her appointment would mark a clear break with “Corbynomics”, with Reeves hitting out at unfunded promises and already having called the 2019 manifesto “economically illiterate”. It would be a mistake to label her right-wing, however, with the MP backing a financial transaction tax and having heavily criticised austerity.
While many in Labour will balk at some of Reeves’s past comments about welfare and austerity - “we don’t want to be seen, and we’re not, the party to represent those who are out of work”, for example - the MP represents one of the so-called ‘red wall’ constituencies, is highly qualified and, as one Labour source told HuffPost UK “commands respect across parliament”, so is well placed to help the party recover its economic credibility with voters.
Yvette Cooper
Labour MP Yvette Cooper has chaired the home affairs select committee Dan Kitwood via Getty Images
An early supporter of shadow Brexit secretary Keir Starmer’s campaign, speculation has been swirling the Yorkshire MP is in line for a return to the Labour frontbench.
Highly respected throughout parliament, Cooper was elected in 1997 and has served in a series of positions under both Tony Blair and Gordon Brown, including housing minister, chief secretary to the Treasury and work and pensions secretary.
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In opposition, she also spent four years as shadow home secretary, holding one Theresa May’s feet to the fire.
After losing to Corbyn in the 2015 leadership race, she resigned and it was highly anticipated Cooper may again mount a challenge for the top job.
Instead, she has been a fierce chair of the Commons’ home affairs select committee, taking ministers to task over the Windrush scandal, detention centres, modern slavery and policing.
She also led cross-party efforts to swerve a no-deal Brexit and is considered a safe pair of hands.
Like Reeves, she is one of the few MPs to hold an MSc in economics and many consider her languishing on the backbenches a waste of talent.
Jonathan Ashworth
Shadow health secretary Jonathan Ashworth could be a contender to take on Rishi Sunak Peter Summers via Getty Images
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The shadow health secretary is regarded as having a strong record against the Conservatives, opposing both Jeremy Hunt and Matt Hancock in the Commons.
He began his career in Scottish politics, formulating the party’s Holyrood campaign alongside the then chancellor Gordon Brown. He later worked as a special adviser in the Treasury and, after Labour lost in 2010, political secretary to acting leader Harriet Harman.
Despite being a moderate, Ashworth was promoted twice by Corbyn and is seen by MP colleagues as able to think on his feet and having done a solid job with the NHS brief.
Able to withstand a tough media interview, the 41-year-old has also opened up about having an alcoholic father and his drive to create sustainable addiction services.
Thought to have a deep understanding of Labour’s trade union politics (he has served on the party’s ruling NEC) and a strong work ethic, he would also prove a powerful ally should members revolt over the leader’s change in direction.
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One Labour source said: “Jon is interesting because he is a really good media performer, he gets the Treasury and he is popular across the PLP.”
Whether Ashworth would be picked when a string of competent females are vying for the role is another question.
Anneliese Dodds
Anneliese Dodds is a shadow Treasury minister Mike Kemp via Getty Images
Loyal and well-liked, Oxford East MP Annaliese Dodds was promoted to shadow Treasury minister by Corbyn in 2017.
She has previously served as an MEP and her experience sitting on the European Parliament’s economy committee could prove helpful as UK-EU trade talks gather pace this year.
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Born in Aberdeen, and later graduating with a PhD in government from the London School of Economics, Dodds would also have ideas about how to regain seats in Scotland.
The 41-year-old is also seen as a competent media performer, with regular stints on Question Time under her belt.
Her lack of experience may work against her.
Clive Lewis
Clive Lewis Peter Summers via Getty Images
Shadow Treasury minister Clive Lewis may fancy his chances of promotion after a short-lived tilt at the top job before Christmas ended in failure.
An ardent Remainer, Lewis grew up on a council estate to a single dad and has served as shadow business secretary and shadow defence secretary.
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The Norwich South MP resigned to rebel against voting for Article 50 in the wake of the Brexit vote.
He is a strong champion of freedom of movement and backs a referendum on the Monarchy. All leadership candidates will have concerns he therefore may not be best placed to regain the support of red wall voters.
Lewis was cleared of a sex harassment allegation in 2017. He also had to apologise for allegedly telling (male) actor Sam Swann to “get on your knees, bitch”.
Divisions on the left also make it difficult for Long-Bailey to promote Lewis but he nonetheless has supporters among the left-wing ‘Love Socialism, Hate Brexit’ group.
Shabana Mahmood
Labour MP for Birmingham Ladywood Shabana Mahmood served as shadow chief secretary to the Treasury when Ed Miliband was in power PA
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The Birmingham Ladywood MP and qualified barrister was one of the UK’s first Muslim MPs and has a good breadth of parliamentary experience to back up a claim for promotion.
Since her election in 2010, she served under Ed Miliband as shadow home affairs minister, shadow universities minister and shadow chief secretary to the Treasury, stepping down when Corbyn won the leadership.
Not a Corbynista, she supported Owen Smith’s leadership campaign. She has stayed neutral in the leadership race as she is leading a review into the disastrous 2019 election result. Some may be concerned about her defence of parents protesting over relationships and sex education in schools in her constituency, though the MP has since said her comments were misinterpreted and has condemned some banners used by parents as homophobic. Jon Trickett
Jon Trickett, shadow cabinet office minister, is chairman of Rebecca Long-Bailey's leadership campaign Jack Taylor via Getty Images
A Brexiteer with roots in the north, Rebecca Long-Bailey may choose to promote the chair of her leadership campaign to signal to red wall seats she is listening.
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The Hemsworth MP has served in a broad range of frontbench roles for figures across all factions of the party and could be a surprise contender for the shadow chancellor job.
He was parliamentary private secretary to both Peter Mandelson and Gordon Brown when the chancellor became PM, despite playing a significant role in rebellions on the Iraq war and Tony Blair’s public service reforms.
Promoted as shadow minister by Miliband, Trickett was later made shadow local government secretary, shadow business secretary and shadow cabinet office minister by Corbyn and he worked closely with the outgoing leader in the final days of his premiership.
Though not universally popular among MPs, Corbyn-loyal Labour members would regard Trickett’s promotion as a victory.
Outside bets
There is a chance ex-leader turned climate change campaigner Ed Miliband could make a return to frontbench politics, and perhaps even as shadow chancellor, though his name is also associated with the role of party chairman.
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John McDonnell has said he would decline a frontbench job and has said he would prefer an “international role” in future, but it is not completely impossible he would make a return to frontline politics should his protege Long-Bailey clinch victory.
Former special adviser to Harriet Harman, Seema Malhotra, who also briefly served as shadow chief secretary to the Treasury under Corbyn, could be considered for a promotion and has notably appeared on the media to support Starmer.
Chair of the Blairite organisation Progress, Alison McGovern, could be considered for a top job. The MP served briefly as shadow City minister and became Brown’s PPS when first elected. She is currently a member of the Commons’ Treasury committee.
Jonathan Reynolds may be considered for the job by Nandy. He was promoted to economic chief secretary in 2016 having served as Corbyn’s aide.
Thought to be rated by all three leadership candidates, Reynolds’s experience as shadow City minister could prove useful as the UK enters trade talks with the EU.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-02-19--Rape Comments Prove Judges Need Consent Training, Government Told

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More than 130 lawyers and women’s charities have signed a letter calling for family court judges to be trained “on the meaning of consent” after a judge ruled a woman was not raped because she took “no physical steps” to stop her attacker.
The letter to justice secretary Robert Buckland and family courts president Sir Andrew McFarlane – which has been seen by the BBC – has been signed by Women’s Aid, Rape Crisis for England and Wales and victims’ commissioner Vera Baird.
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It claims that Judge Robin Tolson is among a number of family court judges with “outdated views” that mean the courts are “no longer seen as a safe place for women who have been abused”.
During family court litigation overseen by Tolson, a man asked to be allowed to spend time with his son, who was cared for by his ex-partner.
But the woman objected and said the man had been controlling and raped her.
As part of the case, Tolson concluded that because she had “taken no physical steps” to stop the man, “this did not constitute rape”.
The woman, who lost the case at the time, has since successfully appealed.
Ms Justice Russell – who ordered a new case – has also called for family court training on how to make decisions about cases where serious sexual assault allegations have been made.
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The UK Judiciary told the BBC that “enhanced training” will be introduced from May 2020, with family court judges given training similar to that already given to criminal judges


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-02-19--Priti Patel Admits Her New Immigration Rules Could Have Stopped Her Parents Moving To Britain

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Priti Patel has admitted her own parents might not have been allowed to move to the UK if the immigration system she is introducing had been in place at the time.
Under the plans unveiled by the home secretary on Wednesday, the rules will be changed to cut the number of low-skilled migrants entering the UK.
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Patel’s parents moved to Britain from Uganda in the 1960s, shortly before Idi Amin’s decision to deport all Asians, and set up a chain of newsagents around south-east England.
LBC’s Nick Ferrari told Patel this morning he did not think one of his parents would have been allowed into the country under the new rules – and neither would hers.
“You wouldn’t be here,” he said. “Your parents, I understand, came from Uganda and were very successful in setting up newsagents. They wouldn’t have qualified, would they?”
Patel defended her new policy, but admitted that could be the case.
“Yeah, but also let’s not forget we are not changing our approach to refugees and asylum seekers, which is very different to a points-based system for employment and that particular route,” she said.
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“This isn’t about my background or my parents.
“This is a very different system to what has gone on in the past and don’t forget this is a points-based system based on the labour market.”
The home secretary added: “The policies are changing. This is the point. We are changing our immigration policy to one that’s fit for purpose for our economy, based on skills.
“This is not about refugees and asylum and people being persecuted around the world. We must differentiate between the two.”
People who want to live and work in the UK will need to gain 70 points to be eligible to apply for a visa.
Points will be awarded for key requirements like being able to speak English to a certain level, having a job offer from an approved employer, and meeting a minimum salary threshold.
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thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-02-19--Vegans Should Have Their Own Fridge Space – And Other Ways To Support Them At Work

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Vegans could soon find themselves with a dedicated shelf in the work fridge, as well as separate food preparation areas.
These are just some of the recommendations made by The Vegan Society in its new booklet: ‘Supporting veganism in the workplace: A guide for employers’.
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It contains tips on how to a foster vegan-inclusive environment at work, from nipping jokes about plant-based diets in the bud, to ensuring staff uniforms are vegan-friendly.
If separate fridge space stops colleagues nicking the precious oat milk, we’re here for it. But really, you’d hope people would leave their colleagues’ food alone anyway – especially for the sake of those with allergies.
The booklet has been made by the organisation in response to the landmark legal case that ruled “ethical veganism” qualifies as a philosophical belief for the purposes of the Equality Act 2010.
The case was brought forward by Jordi Casamitjana who said he was sacked by the League Against Cruel Sports after raising concerns that its pension fund was being invested into companies involved in animal testing.
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The ruling said “ethical vegans” are entitled to protections in the workplace in line with those who hold religious beliefs.
The recommendations on how to create a vegan-friendly workplace are:
Sending out a ‘dietary requirements’ sheet for catered events, ensuring that vegans have the opportunity to request that appropriate food is provided for them.
Ensuring kitchen facilities are acceptable for them to use, for example by keeping utensils and foods clean, providing colour-coded equipment and separating food preparation areas.
Designating dedicated food storage areas for vegans, such as a shelf in the fridge above non-vegan foods.
Ensuring that vegans have access to vegan-friendly clothing or other items, such as synthetic safety boots or a non-leather phone case.
Exempting vegans from a requirement to attend corporate events such as horse racing, and team building events that revolve specifically around animal products such as a ‘hog roast’ barbecue.
Considering exempting vegans from participating in buying (or signing off on the purchase of) non-vegan products.
Supporting vegan employees to discuss their pension investment options with a relevant member of staff.
The booklet also points out that jokes made about an employee’s veganism can become “burdensome” so “steps should be made to improve this”.
“One way of assessing whether a co-worker has gone too far with comments to or about vegans is to consider what type of conversational behaviour would be deemed offensive to other individuals with protected characteristics, such as those who adhere to certain religious values,” it says.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-02-20--Grace Millane's Killer Given Life Sentence With Minimum 17 Year Term

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A 28-year-old New Zealand man who killed British backpacker Grace Millane has been handed a life sentence with a minimum term of 17 years.
The offender, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was convicted of her murder in November.
The victim’s mother, Gillian Millane, appeared at the hearing at Auckland’s High Court via videolink and addressed the defendant directly, telling him her daughter “died terrified and alone in your room”, according to the New Zealand Herald.
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The man in the dock kept his head bowed, rubbed his face and had his eyes closed, the newspaper reported.
Grace Millane's murder shocked many in New Zealand, which prides itself on welcoming tourists. Facebook
Prosecutors said the culprit strangled her and shoved her body inside a suitcase before burying her.
He had claimed Grace’s death was accidental and occurred during rough sexual intercourse, which was rejected by the jury.
Grace and her killer had connected through the dating app Tinder and met in Auckland on December 1, 2018.
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The defendant had been accused of killing Grace, from Wickford, Essex, before burying her in a forested area outside Auckland.
Jurors has been shown security footage of Grace, who would have turned 22 in December, and the defendant drinking in various bars throughout the city.
Security footage showed the pair kiss repeatedly at the Bluestone Room before walking arm-in-arm a short distance into the lobby of the CityHigh hotel where the defendant was staying.
Grace was shown to follow the defendant out of the lift at 9.41pm. It was the last time she was seen alive.
Jailing him for life with a minimum term of 17 years, Justice Simon Moore told the murderer his actions amounted to “conduct that underscores a lack of empathy and sense of self-entitlement and objectification”.
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Earlier on Thursday, a cousin of Grace said the sentencing of her killer this week may not help her family to overcome their grief.
Hannah O’Callaghan told BBC Breakfast: “The sentence will not change the fact that Grace is gone.”
The family have now set up a charity in her memory, called Love Grace, where handbags and toiletries are collected for domestic abuse victims.
The project is now running in the US, Canada, New Zealand and Britain.
Grace’s death shocked many in New Zealand, which prides itself on welcoming tourists and where many people travel abroad themselves.
Hundreds of people attended candlelight vigils after she died, and Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern spoke about New Zealanders feeling “hurt and shame” that she was killed in their country.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-02-20--What Does The ‘Defend Julian Assange’ Campaign Say About The Labour Leadership?

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You’re reading The Waugh Zone, our daily politics briefing. Sign up now to get it by email in the evening.
Dreyfus doofus?
John McDonnell has crafted an image over the past few years as a sweater-wearing bank manager, chuckling at and charming interviewers who suggested he was a dangerous revolutionary. While Jeremy Corbyn was Magic Grandpa, McDonnell was Uncle John.
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But as the pair of them prepare for political retirement from the front bench (though Corbyn hinted he may stay on), it’s clear that on the issue of Julian Assange, they are both keen to champion the kind of backbench causes they have plugged away at for decades.
Today, McDonnell - who don’t forget is the shadow chancellor - decided that the most important issue for him was not the looming Budget but the fate of the Australian Wikileaks founder who is facing extradition to the US on a string of espionage and other charges over his leaks of classified material.
After a two-hour visit with Assange in Belmarsh prison, McDonnell emerged to make the extraordinary claim that this was “the Dreyfus case of our age, the way in which a person is being persecuted for political reasons for simply exposing the truth of what went on in relation to recent wars”.
Given Labour’s controversies over anti-Semitism, that sounded singularly tin-eared to the Jewish community and the CST charity (that provide on-street security for Jews in the UK) was quick to tweet it was “Disgraceful false equivalence to one of the key learning moments of modern Jewish history”.
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But McDonnell is not alone among the current Labour leadership. Corbyn himself raised Assange’s case in PMQs only recently, telling Boris Johnson that “this extradition should be opposed” because Assange had exposed “war crimes, including the murder of civilians and large-scale corruption”.
Now, not everyone in the shadow cabinet is a fan of Assange and many women Labour MPs still revile his name because of the way he avoided justice in Sweden over alleged rape and assault in 2010. In fact, I vividly remember after a WaughZone Live event with Emily Thornberry last autumn one pro-Assange campaigner asking the shadow foreign secretary for support. Her response was a very firm message that she felt the priority was getting him extradited to Sweden. In fact, Thornberry has long said of the women involved “they deserve justice”.
But justice never came. Assange avoided extradition by seeking refuge in the Ecuadorean embassy, and last year prosecutors in Sweden dropped the case. Deputy Director of Public Prosecution Eva-Marie Persson said at the time that “I would like to emphasise that the injured party has submitted a credible and reliable version of events. Her statements have been coherent, extensive and detailed.”
Persson added “the reason for this decision is that the evidence has weakened considerably due to the long period of time that has elapsed since the events in question”. Assange’s decision to simply avoid court had paid off, but it left a nasty taste in the mouth of many.
McDonnell today said he discussed with Assange a startling claim made by his lawyer this week that Trump’s allies had offered to pardon him if he said Russia was not behind Wikileaks leaks of Hilary Clinton emails. During a visit to London in August 2017, congressman Dana Rohrabacher is said to have told Assange that “on instructions from the president he was offering a pardon or some other way out if Mr Assange...said Russia had nothing to do with the DNC [Democratic National Committee] leaks”.
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A huge problem for Assange here is that there’s plenty of evidence of his close links to Vladmir Putin and the Russian regime, and that the DNC leaks were part of a Russian state-sponsored hack. One of his closest associates was also Israel Shamir, a pro-Putin anti-Semite. Your average voter may ask: is this the kind of company that McDonnell and Corbyn want to keep?
Now, of course it’s possible to oppose Assange’s extradition on grounds of press freedom and protection of whistleblowers, while at the same time loathing him for the way he avoided justice on the rape claims and for his long-standing associations with Russia. But given the way Corbyn’s own response to the Salisbury poisonings was effectively weaponised by the Tories in the last election, there are political costs for Labour in backing Assange.
Which brings us finally to Keir Starmer. When he was Director of Public Prosecutions, the Crown Prosecution Service fought hard for justice for Assange’s victims. When Assange claimed in 2012 that the Swedes were considering dropping the case, one email (leaked naturally) showed a CPS lawyer writing to their Swedish counterpart ‘don’t you get cold feet!’
But although Starmer has long fought hard as a lawyer for various causes, he is also a staunch believer in judicial independence. Leading politicians actually opposing an extradition is very problematic in the UK because our system is now a matter for the courts not politicians. Several Labour MPs were shocked when Corbyn actually opposed extradition in that PMQs.
Theresa May was the last home secretary to have the power to interfere in extradition, blocking Asperger’s sufferer Gary McKinnon’s removal to the US for hacking charges. But she changed the rules so that in future no successor would have such power, and it is now the courts rather than the home secretary who consider any human rights representations.
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That fact alone, even without Assange’s track record on those rape allegations and his close links to Putin, will probably be enough for Starmer to avoid joining any ‘stop the extradition’ protests in Parliament Square. And there will be plenty of Labour MPs, both women and men, who breathe a sigh of relief.
Quote Of The Day
“Happy to serve the party in any capacity”
Jeremy Corbyn refuses to rule out staying in the shadow cabine
Thursday Cheat Sheet
Tony Blair used a speech to mark the 120th anniversary of the founding of the Labour party to warn that against “a situation where you’re getting rounds of applause from your activists and the public’s out there thinking ‘oh my god, what’s this’.” He added that’s “absolutely the risk of the Democrats in the US now”.
Home secretary Priti Patel faced allegations she tried to oust her permanent secretary Sir Philip Rutnam and created an “atmosphere of fear” and bullying at the Home Office, the Times revealed.
Robert Halfon led Tory MPs in vowing to oppose any plans to end the fuel duty freeze in the Budget, following reports that No10 adviser Dominic Cummings had suggested a hike next year to align with the UK’s climate change credentials.
Google is planning to move its British users’ accounts out of the control of European Union privacy regulators, placing them under U.S. jurisdiction instead after Brexit, Reuters reported.
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Rebecca Long-Bailey vowed to make it Labour policy to scrap the anti-extremism programme Prevent. The plan goes significantly further than the 2019 Labour manifesto, which stated the party wanted to review the programme.
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thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-02-20--'Brutal' Dominic Cummings Has 'Nasty Streak', Says Senior Tory MP

Conservative MP Huw Merriman PA
Downing Street adviser Dominic Cummings has a “nasty streak” and a “somewhat brutal way”, a senior Tory MP has warned.
Huw Merriman also said he was “torn” about Boris Johnson’s closest aide, saying Cummings could also be a “breath of fresh air” for Whitehall.
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In an interview with The House magazine, the chairman of the Commons’ transport committee said Cummings, who led the Vote Leave campaign for Brexit, was able to “challenge the status quo”, but that way he operated was “divisive”.
It comes as Johnson aims to capitalise on the 80-seat majority he won in December’s general election with sweeping changes in Whitehall and public institutions.
Cummings, who is central to the Number 10 operation, has faced criticism for hiring Andrew Sabisky, who was later forced to resign after it emerged he had previously suggested black people had lower IQs than white people, and that women’s sports were more comparable to the Paralympics than the Olympics.
He has also sparked controversy over his approach to handling the media, with some journalists excluded from important briefings with civil servants.
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Merriman said: “I feel quite torn about my views on Dominic Cummings, because on the one hand, I like people that have original thought and ideas. They challenge the status quo.”
He said Whitehall could be “more responsive” to the public’s needs, and added: “And so actually, I think he’s a breath of fresh air as far as that’s concerned.”
Johnson’s administration has launched a consultation on decriminalising, and therefore essentially making voluntary, the BBC licence fee. Cummings and Johnson are thought to be split on the idea of scrapping the levy altogether.
Dominic Cummings, senior advisor to Boris Johnson ASSOCIATED PRESS
Merriman, who is chairman of the all-party parliamentary group (APPG) on the BBC, said he was worried about the way No.10 had briefed journalists about the public service broadcaster.
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He picked out reports which suggested it would be “forcibly slimmed down”, transformed into a subscription service and “given a ‘whack’ in the process”.
He said: “Where I get concerned is the somewhat brutal way behind [his methods]. So the BBC is a good example of that. It’s fair enough to say we need to have a conversation about whether the licence fee is going to still be relevant in 2027. There’s nothing wrong with that. I agree with that conversation.
“But this whole thing about ‘whacking’, about ‘it’s got hundreds of radio stations, and we’re going to close them down’. It doesn’t, it has 63 and so, therefore, the facts aren’t correct.
“And there seems to be a sort of nasty streak behind some of these briefings. And if our whole mantra is to try and unite the country, after the difficulties we’ve had over the last couple of years, and this government has a mandate to do that, then I’m not sure why we need to be quite so divisive in the tone and language that we’re using. I just don’t think it’s going to end well.”
Former minister Damian Green has also sounded the alarm about Tory colleagues “BBC bashing” since the election.
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Merriman went on to say he supported the licence fee.
“It is absolutely right that the future funding model of the BBC is debated before 2027 when the charter is up for renewal,” he said.
“What’s not helpful, and unedifying, is waging some ideological trench warfare on the BBC.
“My own preference would be to continue with the licence fee. By having most homes pay towards the BBC, we all have a stake in this much-loved British institution, and we keep it at a price which, at roughly the price of the Sun, is affordable for most.
“Others will take a different view, but I dislike the nasty manner in which this debate is being conducted. It needs to stop.”
BBC bosses fear decriminalising the licence fee could cost the corporation £200m a year.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-02-20--Caroline Flack: Met Police Refers Itself To Watchdog Over Force's Contact With TV Presenter Before D

Caroline Flack: Met Police Refers Itself To Watchdog Over Force's Contact With TV Presenter Before Death

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The Metropolitan Police has referred itself to the police watchdog over the contact it had with Caroline Flack before her death, the force said.
The former Love Island presenter was found dead at her east London flat on Saturday having taken her own life, her family said.
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The force’s directorate of professional standards reviewed all previous contact with Flack, 40, before making the referral on Wednesday.
It is standard practice for a referral to be made to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) when a person who has had recent contact with police dies, the force said.
In a statement, the Met said: “As is standard practice when a member of the public dies or is seriously injured and has had recent contact with police, the Directorate of Professional Standards has reviewed all previous police contact with Flack.
“Following the review, the MPS made a mandatory referral to the IOPC on Wednesday, 19 February to allow for an independent assessment.
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“No notice of investigation has been served on any officer and no conduct issues have been identified by the DPS. No officer is on restricted duties or suspended.”
An IOPC spokesman: said: “The Independent Office for Police Conduct has received a referral from the Metropolitan Police relating to its contact with Caroline Flack prior to her death.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-02-20--Roger Stone, Long-Time Trump Ally, Sentenced To Three Years And Four Months In Jail

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Roger Stone, the political consultant and longtime ally of US president Donald Trump, has been sentenced to three years and four months in prison after being convicted of lying to Congress and witness tampering.
Stone is an old friend and confidante of Trump, who describes himself as a “dirty trickster”.
The sentencing follows prosecutors initially recommending a term in prison of between seven and nine years.
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But earlier this month, Department of Justice leadership took the unprecedented step of reversing the sentencing recommendation shortly after a 2 am Trump tweet complaining that it was “a horrible and very unfair situation” for Stone.
Roger Stone is an old friend and confidante of Trump, who describes himself as a “dirty trickster”. ASSOCIATED PRESS
US district court judge Amy Berman Jackson said Stone’s crimes demanded a significant time behind bars but said the seven to nine years originally recommended by the Department of Justice were excessive.
Stone’s lawyers had asked for a sentence of probation, citing his age of 67 years, his health and his lack of criminal history.
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“He was not prosecuted, as some have complained, for standing up for the president,” the judge said in her sentencing decision. “He was prosecuted for covering up for the president.”
Stone was found guilty in November of lying to congressional investigators about Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election. He was convicted on all seven counts he was charged with, including obstructing an official proceeding and witness tampering.
Stone had previously bragged about his connection to WikiLeaks, the shady information hub that released a trove of hacked emails from the Democratic National Committee. He later lied to Congress about his connection with WikiLeaks. Rick Gates, a former Trump campaign official, testified that he was in communication with Stone and believed the political operative had inside access to WikiLeaks.
On Tuesday, Trump called for the case against Stone to be thrown out entirely.
Over the course of five decades, Stone has cultivated a successful career in politics without ever becoming a politician.
Instead, he amassed power and influence as a behind-the-scenes lobbyist and consultant, playing the Washington game without ever being constrained by the rules that normally apply to those seeking office.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-02-20--Jeremy Corbyn Says He Could Accept Shadow Cabinet Job Under Next Labour Leader

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Jeremy Corbyn has indicated he wants a job in the shadow cabinet after he steps down as Labour leader.
Speaking to broadcasters on Thursday afternoon in Wales, Corbyn said he would be “happy to serve the party in any capacity” if offered a role.
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“My whole life has been about making my contribution in parliament,” he said.
Asked again if he would accept a job under his successor, Corbyn said: “See what it is. I didn’t know I was going to be offered anything.”
Rebecca Long-Bailey has said she would offer Corbyn a place in her shadow cabinet because “I love him so”.
According to Politics Home the shadow business secretary, a close ally of the outgoing Labour leader, told party members earlier this month it was “up to him” if he wanted a spot on the frontbench.
“I’d like to but I don’t know whether he wants to do it because he said not,” she said.
Richard Burgon, who is running to be Labour deputy leader, told HuffPost UK last week that Corbyn still had a “valuable role” to play.
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“If he was shadow foreign secretary, that would be ideal,” the shadow justice secretary said.
Corbyn’s comments are in contrast to John McDonnell, the shadow chancellor, who has said he will return to the backbenchers once a new leader is elected.
ASSOCIATED PRESS
This morning leadership contender Lisa Nandy confirmed she would serve in a shadow cabinet led by Long-Bailey or the current frontrunner Keir Starmer.
Nandy has signalled that there would be no bad blood should one of her competitors beat her to the top spot on April 4, with voting due to begin on Friday February 21.
Asked on ITV’s Good Morning Britain whether she would serve in the shadow cabinet should she fail in her bid to become leader, she said: “Yeah, of course.
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“What you don’t actually realise is we are quite good mates behind the scenes, there’s a camaraderie that comes from being put through this process,” she saidf.
“We’re the only people who understand how tough it is and, yes, I’d be proud to serve in their shadow cabinets.”
Stamer has refused to commit to having leadership opponents in his shadow cabinet if he wins the contest.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-02-20--Regent's Park Mosque Stabbing: Worshippers Tackled Knifeman In Attack

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A man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after he stabbed a man in his 70s who was leading the call to prayer in a mosque near Regent’s Park.
Worshippers tackled the 29-year-old suspected knifeman, who is believed to have been attending prayers at London Central Mosque, as witnesses told how he launched a “vicious attack” on the muazzin, who makes the call to prayer.
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Police, who were called at about 3.10pm on Thursday, are not treating the incident as terror-related.
The victim was treated by paramedics before being taken to hospital. He is in a non-life threatening condition. The man who was arrested has now been taken into custody, the Metropolitan Police said.
Ayaz Ahmad, adviser to the mosque, said: “Everybody’s reaction was shock and horror, the men were screaming.
“It was a vicious attack. We live in a society where we hear a lot about knife crime and what have you but actually to physically be in a situation where you’re first-hand watching an attempted murder take place it’s very shocking.”
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He added: “This guy was not a regular, I’ve never seen him here in 10 years.”
A police officer distributes crime scene tape after an attack at the London Central Mosque in Park Road, near Regent's Park. Chris J Ratcliffe via Getty Images
Images posted to social media showed a man in a red hooded top, jeans and bare feet being pinned to the floor by police officers inside the mosque, as others, including a small child, watched on.
A video also appeared to show a knife on the floor under a plastic chair.
Abi Watik, 59, said the victim was stabbed once in the right shoulder moments after prayers had started and the attacker “was silent the whole time”.
“We were shocked, we didn’t know what happened, we saw the guy on the floor and blood on his shoulder and the knife on the floor,” he said.
The mosque said members of the congregation broke from their prayers and restrained the attacker until police arrived.
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Ahmad added: “It would have been life threatening if it wasn’t for the worshippers who helped stop the guy and apprehend him.
“I called the ambulance, the ambulance came within a matter of minutes.”
Eyewitness Abi Watik speaks to media outside London Central Mosque in Regent's Park. ASSOCIATED PRESS
Mustafa Field, director of the Faiths Forum for London, told reporters outside the mosque that worshippers said it was “one stab, one strike, around the neck” of the victim.
“Then the congregation members, some of them broke their prayers, and intervened, restrained the individual,” he said.
“The mosque security called the police, and the police were there within minutes, and he was restrained and taken away.”
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In a statement, London Central Mosque said the victim was stabbed while calling worshippers to prayer.
“There was an incident today at London Central Mosque where an unknown individual attacked and stabbed the muazzin during Asr Prayer around 3pm.
“The attacker was apprehended by the worshippers until the police arrived and arrested him.”
The muazzin was seriously injured in the attack, the statement added.
I'm deeply saddened to hear of the attack at the London Central Mosque. It's so awful that this should happen, especially in a place of worship. My thoughts are with the victim and all those affected. — Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) February 20, 2020
London Central Mosque in Regent's Park, where police have arrested a man on suspicion of attempted murder after officers were called to reports of a stabbing PA
Prime minister Boris Johnson said he was “deeply saddened” over the news of the attack.
“It’s so awful that this should happen, especially in a place of worship,” he tweeted. “My thoughts are with the victim and all those affected.”
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A spokesperson for the London Ambulance Service said the man had been taken to a “major trauma centre”.
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said police would be providing extra resources, writing on Twitter: “I’m deeply concerned by this incident at London Central Mosque.
“Every Londoner is entitled to feel safe in their place of worship & I want to reassure London’s communities that acts of violence in our city will not be tolerated.
“The Met are providing extra resources in the area.”


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-02-20--Trump Mocked A Twitter Typo And His Mentions Burst Into Flames

Did Donald Trump really just try to insult someone about a typo? This man is the most blatant hypocrite I have ever seen and he was elected president? Nothing but a fear mongering divider in chief with a lust of power for legal protection. We must vote this fool out


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-02-20--9 Phrases That Really Bother People With Depression

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When you’re living with depression, love and support from friends and family can make a big difference. But it’s often hard for them to know what to say or how to help.
Loved ones may end up making comments, often with good intentions, that can end up doing more harm than good.
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We asked people with this mental health condition to share the common phrases they hear that really bug them and why. Here’s what they told us:
1. “You should try working out.”
“I’m not going to deny the chemical effects working out has on the brain, but what about when they pass? The whole thing about depression is you struggle to get out of bed, much less work out. Furthermore, when I’m at my lowest and you tell me I should work out, it just makes me feel worse about myself.” — Crystal N.
2. “It’s all in your head.”
“Granted, this is usually said by people who have never experienced clinical or severe depression, and they likely do not understand the difficult and detrimental side effects of mental illness. It bothers me because it represents a lack of compassion and understanding, in my opinion. It implies that depression is not a big deal and almost makes it seem like it’s imaginary.”— Karla Culbertson
3. “Why don’t you just let yourself be happy?”
“Unless there is some sort of magical happiness elixir that I’m not aware of, joy is not something depressed folks can just allow themselves to experience on demand. When darkness is all you’ve ever lived with, it’s impossible to even contemplate the notion of life in the light, let alone actually go ahead and do it. Therefore, suggesting to someone who’s chronically depressed that he or she should just ‘be happy’ makes as much sense as asking my dog to explain Bitcoin to me. It’s a complete fantasy.” — Craig Tomashoff
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4. “You’re being selfish.”
“People with depression don’t act for selfish reasons. They can be hurting so bad that they think they are being completely selfless when they say things like, ‘You would be better off without me,’ because they feel like they’re relieving their loved ones from pain. It frustrates me that people place even more blame on the depressed which creates a spiral of more depression.” — Katie Leikam
5. “Medication isn’t the answer.”
“I’ve had numerous people tell me that I’m too young to be taking medication or that I shouldn’t take it at all. Why is there shame in getting a little help from medication? Sometimes, you just can’t do it on your own. It isn’t for everyone but there shouldn’t be shame in taking it if you do!” ― Crystal N.
6. “Just be more positive.”
“I feel like people who say this don’t accept the fact that depression is a real illness. A serious and deadly one. I feel like they think I’m not fighting it and do nothing. It is incredibly upsetting.
It’s very hard to understand that every single thing can suddenly become hard when you have depression. Getting out of bed feels like climbing Everest. Going out becomes impossible. Everything is at an Olympic level and I am far from being an athlete. Someone saying this becomes someone I won’t reach if I need help. For me, it’s like they close the conversation. What can I answer to this? I don’t have the energy to explain that it’s way more complicated and that I don’t even understand what’s wrong with me. So I just shut down.” ― Sow Ay
Sow Ay Telling someone with depression to just "be positive" isn't helpful.
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7. “Hey, it could be worse.”
“This phrase takes the value out of someone’s thoughts and feelings. It also takes away from the healing process, which can be very difficult, gruelling and dark to begin with. I realise that the person saying these things might be trying to help, but the fact of the matter is, they only usually make things worse.” — Culbertson
8. “It’s just a bad day.”
“Bad days don’t linger for days, possibly weeks. If I’m struggling to get out of bed, dress myself, eat, please don’t downplay my struggles and tell me it’s because I had a rough day at work. It’s depression, plain and simple.” ― Crystal N.
9. “Why didn’t you speak up about how you were feeling?”
“I have no reason to doubt that, for the most part, people who ask this question are well-intentioned. Still, it’s as naïve a query as you can possibly have for someone living inside the sensory deprivation tank that is chronic depression.
That’s because in this world, nobody really likes hanging around people who talk freely about their demons. To open up like that isn’t seen as a sign of strength. It’s more likely regarded as an extreme annoyance. (Seriously, next time someone at work asks you how you’re doing as you pass in the hallway, really tell them. See how long that conversation lasts.)
Once the number of times you’re called Debbie Downer in any given week hits double digits, the last thing you want to do is be open about being depressed.” — Tomashoff
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thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-02-20--How To Politely Turn Down An Invite To A Stag Or Hen Do Abroad

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To fly or not to fly, that is the question. A growing number of brides and grooms are having their hen and stag dos abroad – and people aren’t happy about it.
Almost two-thirds think having these parties in a different country is too long, too expensive or involve too much travel. And when you hit your late 20s and early 30s – a.k.a permanent wedding season – multiple celebrations can eat up your annual leave and entire holiday budget.
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Just under half of all flights taken by men aged 20-45 in 2019 were for stag dos, according to the research commissioned by environmental charity Hubbub, while just over a third of flights taken by women in the same age group were for hen dos. These increasingly extravagant affairs are leaving many with a sour taste – a third of the 2,000 people surveyed said they’ve felt resentful towards the bride, groom or trip organiser.
Although some people have doubted the stats, it got us thinking, nonetheless, about how to turn down an invite. After all, what happened to a good old knees up in your hometown with your nearest and dearest, eh?
Weddings are meant to be happy times, so how do you keep everyone smiling if you can’t afford the trip abroad, can’t get the time off work, or simply don’t want to go?
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bernardbodo via Getty Images
Etiquette consultant Julia Esteve Boyd says you’re well within your rights to turn down an invite – even from a close friend – but it’s best to do it in person.
By doing it face-to-face, she says, you can make sure your friend understands your reasoning. “Sending a text could look like a brush off. If face-to-face is not possible, give them a call instead,” she says.
And when it comes to explaining why you can’t go, Boyd recommends being as honest as possible. “Kindly explain that you can’t afford it or have other commitments,” she says, “or you could even say, ‘You know I don’t feel comfortable at these parties but I’d still love to celebrate with you another time.’”
Suggest something simple like a quiet drink or a dinner out, she adds, just to show you care. This is something William Hanson, executive director of The English Manner etiquette school, advises to do, too. He says offering an alternative, low-key treat for your friend can soften the blow.
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“There is no need to feel too guilty if you say no,” adds Hanson. “I have a blanket policy with friends and relatives that I won’t attend any evenings of debauchery but I will take the bride or groom out for dinner to mark their new stage of life.
“This way seems less churlish and the bride/groom do usually admit they enjoyed the quieter, more intimate affair better than being tied to a lamppost in Prague.”


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-02-21--Donald Trump Slams Oscar-Winning South Korean Film Parasite

Donald Trump Slams Oscar-Winning South Korean Film Parasite
At a rally in Colorado Springs, Donald Trump launched into a bizarre rant against this year’s Oscar-winning film Parasite for its South Korean roots. The hugely popular film won Best Picture, Best Director, Original Screenplay and International Film but the President didn't like the timing of it as he negotiates trade deals with South Korea.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-02-21--Islamic State Supporter Pleads Guilty To St Paul's Cathedral Bomb Plot

After converting to Islam she began to follow extremists online and by 2015 had become radicalised, the prosecution alleged.
In encrypted chat with an undercover officer last August, the defendant said that she would “rather die young and get to Jannah [paradise] quickest way possible”.
She also stated: “I always knows [sic] I wanted to do something big….killing one kafir [infidel] is not enough for me.”
Shaikh expressed a desire to target a church or somewhere “historical” on a day like Christmas or Easter to “kill more”, according to the case summary.
In September last year, she revealed her plan to stay in a hotel near St Paul’s then check out the cathedral and “take photos like a tourist”.
On September 24 last year, she met the fake explosive expert’s wife in Uxbridge to hand over her bags.
Then on October 13, the female undercover officer cancelled a second meeting and police forced their way into Shaikh’s flat to arrest her.
In a police interview she admitted posting extremist material and the plot, although she said she may not have gone through with it.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-02-21--Our Flaking Habit Is Out Of Control – Just Say Yes Or No To Social Plans

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“Hey, sorry it’s last minute, but I don’t think I’m going to make it later.”
There are few things that annoy me more than getting a text from a friend bailing on the day. Of course, there are times we all genuinely need to cancel plans – if you’re snotty or vomiting, I don’t want to see you either. And if you’re struggling with your mental health and need a night in, I’ll understand and be the first to offer support.
But flaking – which I define as backing out of a plan with a lame or non-existent excuse – is reaching new heights.
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More than a quarter of British adults have initially said yes to an invite, despite having no intention of attending in the first place, according to a new study. Craving downtime and embracing “the joy of missing out” were among the reasons people wanted to stay in.
But let’s get one thing straight: flat-out lying to your friends isn’t a legitimate form of self-care. It’s selfish – and it’s likely to have a negative impact on their wellbeing.
The survey of 2,000 people, conducted by Privilege Insurance, found only one in five follow through with every plan they make and around a third of all pre-planned meet-ups never actually occur.
As someone who tends to be the organiser of social plans – the person who’s co-ordinated the calendars, researched the restaurant and booked the table – the stats are even more infuriating.
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For every plan that falls through, there’s a schmuck behind the scenes who’s wasted a lot of time and energy. If you cancel on plans you had no intention of going to, it tells me you think your time is more valuable than mine – and that hurts. If you do it repeatedly, maybe we both need to think about why, and take a long, hard look at our friendship.
“If you cancel on plans you had no intention of going to, it tells me you think your time is more valuable than mine – and that hurts.”
The study also suggests younger generations are more prone to flaking than our parents; millennials admitted to telling three times as many ‘porkies’ per year (22) to get out of plans, compared to over 55s (7). It isn’t surprising.
I’m reminded of a conversation I had with my nan a few years ago when I asked her how she co-ordinates seeing her friends without using a mobile phone. Her response was simple: you set a time and date for your next meeting when you see each other, put it in your diary, and stick to it.
Maybe WhatsApp and our ability to let a friend down with a few words hastily typed during the working day has created a culture of unreliability.
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thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-02-21--Mother Of Grace Millane Confronts Killer For First Time

Mother Of Grace Millane Confronts Killer For First Time
The mother of murdered backpacker Grace Millane told her killer she is tormented over “the terror and pain she must have experienced at your hands”. Speaking via video-link at Auckland High Court, Millane said: “As a mother I would have done anything to change places with her. I sit full of guilt knowing I couldn’t help her, that I should have been there. She died terrified and alone in a room with you”.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-02-21--Here Are The Facts Behind That Question Time Audience Member's Angry 'Close The Borders' Rant

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An audience member on Thursday night’s BBC Question Time caused quite a stir when she angrily argued the UK should “completely close the borders” to stop non-Brits entering the country.
Claiming Britain was “sinking” and immigrants were costing public services too much, the audience member repeatedly asked: “What sort of country is allowing this?”
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The passionate outburst was prompted by a question to the show’s panel, which asked: “Please explain how chronic understaffing in social care will be tackled, given the government’s new immigration system.”
“We should completely close the borders … enough is enough”
This audience member says the number of people ’flooding in’ to the UK is costing public services too much. #bbcqt pic.twitter.com/T5EshhWqQu — BBC Question Time (@bbcquestiontime) February 20, 2020
A government policy statement this week outlined plans for a new points-based system after freedom of movement ends and said the economy needs to move away from a reliance on “cheap labour from Europe”.
The woman in the Question Time audience took this one step further, calling for a total ban on people entering the country because “enough is enough”.
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But is she right?
HuffPost UK takes a look at her main points and the examines the actual facts...
The UK Is ‘Sinking’
“At what stage does the panel think this country has had enough, that we should close the borders? [...] Because it’s got to the stage now where there’s no education, schooling, infrastructure – it’s enough, we are sinking.”
Parts of the UK are indeed underwater right now but that is due to the weather and not immigration.
Completely closing the borders makes the fundamental mistake of treating all those who seek to cross them as one homogenous group that is costing the UK money.
Studies that try to determine the overall cost of immigrants on the UK vary widely in their conclusions due to differing methodologies and agendas of those conducting them.
But broadly speaking, according to FullFact: “Most studies suggest that the fiscal impact of immigration in the UK is relatively small (amounting to less than 1% of the country’s overall Gross Domestic Product).”
Breaking it down, there is clearly an economic argument to keep the borders open at least for some people. A 2018 report by Oxford Economics concluded that European migrants coming to the UK actually contribute £2,300 per year more to the public purse than the average UK adult.
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People ‘Flooding’ In
“You’ve got people flooding into this country that cannot speak English.”
A government report in 2018 estimated that 770,000 people in England speak “hardly any or no English”. The majority of those are thought to be women of Pakistani or Bangladeshi origin.
The report was published alongside a government pledge from then-communities secretary Sajid Javid to pledge £50m to boost integration, inspired by his own experience as a “six-year-old interpreter” for his Pakistani mother.
Portrait of a man regretting the seating arrangements#bbcqt pic.twitter.com/5m6BTLlClk — Adam Standring (@AdamPolitics) February 21, 2020
The Language Barrier
“How much is it costing for the interpreters? I was in hospital last week. The interpreter never turned up for the people who couldn’t speak English. She was paid, they all had to go on, and all the radiologists stood around. What sort of country is allowing this?”
There is no recent, accurate data on how much interpreters cost the NHS but a 2012 report by 2020health.org used Freedom of Information requests to determine NHS trusts spent £23.3m in 2011 on translation services.
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This accounted for 0.02% of NHS spending for that year.
The £23.3m figure was helpfully extrapolated by the Daily Express in 2017 to provide the totally proportionate and not remotely inflammatory headline: “It’s RIDICULOUS” NHS spends £100 million on TRANSLATORS for 128 languages in five years.
Health Tourism
“What sort of country is allowing this tourism to come in? You arrive in a plane, you get free service, you can have your babies, you can just carry on having it all for free.”
So-called “health tourism” costs around £1.8bn a year but it is an issue that it is often vastly overstated and misinterpreted.
The common misconception is that it consists of people coming to the UK solely to take advantage of the free healthcare provided by the NHS.
But the actual definition covers all those who are not “ordinarily resident” in the UK and so covers groups such as people who injure themselves while on holiday.
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The figure for those deliberately taking advantage of the NHS is far lower and has been roughly estimated as £100m to £300m a year.
In Context
These figures need to be put into context – there are a multitude of issues that place far greater strain on the NHS and are caused by the lifestyle choices of native Brits.
Alcohol cost the NHS £3.5bn in 2015
Smoking cost the NHS £2.6bn in 2015
Lack of exercise costs the NHS £1bn a year
So perhaps anyone complaining about the cost of immigrants on the NHS should make sure they’re tackling all the above before sticking their head above the parapet.
Another way to counter the money lost by health tourism would be to clamp down on tax evasion which, as a share of government spending, costs the NHS £537m each year.
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Additionally, 5% of immigrants to the UK in 2018 were asylum seekers, those seeking refuge from persecution, war, torture and death in their own countries.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-02-21--Why Wood Burning Stoves Are Facing A Fuel Ban From 2021

Teamjackson via Getty Images
The most polluting fuels burned in household stoves and open fires will be phased out from next year to clean up the air, the Government has said.
Owners of wood burners, stoves and open fires will no longer be able to buy coal or wet wood to burn in them, under a ban to be rolled out from 2021.
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Plans for the ban were first announced nearly 18 months ago, but the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs has now confirmed it will go ahead.
So why the change – and what do you need to know if have a fire or stove yourself?
Why is the ban happening?
Plans to phase out the sale of house coal and wet wood have been confirmed as part of efforts to tackle tiny particle pollutants known as PM2.5, which can penetrate deep into lungs and the blood and cause serious health problems.
Wood burning stoves and coal fires are the single largest source of PM2.5, contributing three times as much of the pollution as road transport, the Environment Department (Defra) said.
Environment Secretary, George Eustice, said: “Cosy open fires and wood-burning stoves are at the heart of many homes up and down the country, but the use of certain fuels means that they are also the biggest source of the most harmful pollutant that is affecting people in the UK.
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“By moving towards the use of cleaner fuels such as dry wood we can all play a part in improving the health of millions of people.”
When will sales be phased out?
Sales of two of the most polluting fuels, wet wood and house coal will be phased out from 2021 to 2023, to give householders and suppliers time to move to cleaner alternatives such as dry wood and manufactured solid fuels.
These produce less smoke and pollution, and are cheaper and more efficient to burn, officials said.
So, the new ban means:
Sales of bagged traditional house coal will be phased out by February 2021. The sale of loose coal direct to customers will end by 2023.
Sales of wet wood in small units (less than 2 cubic metres) will be phased out from February 2021. Wet wood in volumes greater than 2 cubic metres will also have to be sold with advice on how to dry it before burning.
Makers of solid fuels will also need to show they have a very low sulphur content and only emit a small amount of smoke.
Will wood-burning stoves be banned?
In 2019, Michael Gove announced open fire fuels and the sale of some log burners will be banned as part of plans to tackle air pollution that “shortens lives”. The measures form part of the government’s Clean Air Strategy, which plans to ensure only the cleanest stoves are available for sale by 2022.
In this transition period, eco-design regulations will force new stoves to be significantly less polluting than before. There are also likely to be changes to existing smoke control legislation, as well as new powers for local authorities to take action in high pollution areas.
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Defra has a list of approved stoves on its website – these produce fewer smoky particulates than older stoves and roughly 90% less than an open fire. So if you’re going to get one, make sure it’s on the list.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-02-21--Phoebe Waller-Bridge Lifts The Lid On Her Work On New James Bond Film, No Time To Die

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The Fleabag and Killing Eve creator served as a co-writer on the latest 007 outing, which will be the last to star Daniel Craig in the lead role.
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“It was really challenging, and my role there was to try and be helpful and to offer things,” she recalled during an appearance on Radio 4’s Woman’s Hour.
Revealing a script had already been written when she signed on to the project, Phoebe continued: “Cary [Joji Fukunaga, the film’s director] had a really specific vision for the movie and so did Daniel, and it had been in development for a really long time and they had a script, so that process for me was about stepping back and just saying, ‘I’m going to give you these options and then you can use any of them or you can get rid of all of them’, because everybody was writing on it.
“I mean, there were just so many ideas and (it was) so clear to so many people. I was just throwing things out there and hoping that anything sticks. I was going ‘pew, pew, pew!’”
Phoebe Waller-Bridge at the SAG Awards last month Chelsea Guglielmino via Getty Images
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Describing her highlight of the experience, Phoebe added: “It was actually seeing the stunt people, the stunt guys practising… Practising? Drilling? I don’t know.
“And they would actually hold their hands like guns, like kids, when they’re rehearsing it. I was walking past, and then they all go ‘pew, pew, pew’ for the gun sound! That was my favourite take away from being on a Bond set.”
Back in December, Phoebe spoke out to clarify reports about why she’d been recruited to help write No Time To Die, after several outlets suggested she’d been brought in to make the film’s women more well-rounded.
No Time To Die marks Daniel Craig's fifth and final time playing James Bond Brendon Thorne via Getty Images
“That didn’t really come into the conversation,” she insisted. “That’s only really the press that have made that thing, in terms of me being a woman, you can see it is a button-pressing thing.
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“The reality was I got a call from Barbara [Broccoli, the film’s producer] and Daniel [Craig] saying, ‘We like your work, can you come in and help us?’.
“There wasn’t ever really a conversation about can you come in and help us with ‘the ladies’.”


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-02-21--Baby Names That Have Been Banned Around The World

“The court is profoundly concerned about the very poor judgment that this child’s parents have shown in choosing this name,” the judge stated. “It makes a fool of the child and sets her up with a social disability and handicap, unnecessarily.”
9. Facebook
Another choice from the Mexican state of Sonora’s forbidden names list was Facebook. Twitter, Yahoo and Email were also on the list.
Other countries appear to allow the name Facebook, however. In 2011, an Egyptian father reportedly named his daughter Facebook as a nod to the role the social media service played in Egypt’s revolution.
10. Venerdi
In 2007, an Italian court ordered a couple to rename their son, who’d been baptized Venerdi (Italian for “Friday”). Officials argued that the name was evocative of the servant character in Daniel Defoe’s “Robinson Crusoe” and therefore violated legislation banning “ridiculous or shameful” names.
“They wanted an unusual name, something original, and it did not seem like a shameful name,” the parents’ lawyer said in an interview. “We think it calls to mind the day of the week rather than the novel’s character.”
According to the lawyer, the court ordered the boy to be named Gregorio because he was born on that saint’s feast day.
11. Lucía
In a 2002 opinion piece, San Francisco Chronicle writer Louis Freedberg lamented a California policy barring accent marks in birth name records.
“[W]hen I tried to record my newly-born daughter’s name Lucía on her birth certificate last week I was told I couldn’t,” he wrote. “At least not correctly. I was told I had to record her name without that pesky accent ― as Lucia (which would be pronounced LOOsha), rather than Lucía (as in LooSEEyah).”
12. Chow Tow
In 2006, Malaysian authorities released a list of unsuitable names for newborns, including the Cantonese moniker Chow Tow, meaning “smelly head.” Other no-no names are Sor Chai (“insane”), Khiow Khoo (“hunchback”) and Woti (“sexual intercourse”).
The country doesn’t allow parents to name their babies after animals, insects, fruits, vegetables, colors, numbers, or royal titles, either.
13. Anal
The name Anal is on a list of prohibited baby names from New Zealand’s Registrar of Births, Deaths and Marriages. It’s safe to assume the name fell under the category of “might cause offence to a reasonable person” ― a criterion for assessing the legality of baby names in the country.
14. Osama Bin Laden
German authorities prohibited a Turkish couple living in Cologne from naming their baby son Osama Bin Laden in 2002.
A court spokesperson noted that the name was rejected because it would not be allowed in Turkey and due to “the obvious association of the name with the terror attacks of 11 September.”
In the same vein, Germany has traditionally not allowed parents to name their children Adolf Hitler.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-02-21--Frances Cuka, Star Of Friday Night Dinner, Has Died, At The Age Of 83

Veteran actress Frances Cuka has died at the age of 83.
Frances was best known for her role in the Channel 4 comedy Friday Night Dinner, in which she played Nelly, the Goodman family’s grandmother.
The news of her death was confirmed in an obituary published in The Guardian, which it was revealed she died on 16 February.
No cause of death was given, although her obituary noted that she suffered a stroke “a few years ago”, and had previously been diagnosed with cancer.
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Frances Cuka in Friday Night Dinner Channel 4
The obituary read: “Always cheerful and down-to-earth, it was typical that she should have made her last stage appearances in north London fringe theatres nine years ago as Oscar Wilde’s Lady Bracknell and “a blousy Bermondsey broad” in a play called Carry On Brighton.
“Cuka had a fulfilling private life, with two significant long-term relationships with married men.
“She was a voracious reader and a dedicated gardener in the large ground floor Hampstead apartment she occupied for the past 50 years.”
Terribly sad that our wonderful Friday Night Dinner Grandma, Frances Cuka, has passed away. https://t.co/eIAnjRHYYU — Robert Popper (@robertpopper) February 20, 2020
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Frances began her career in acting in the late 1950s, appearing in a production of Macbeth and later originating the role of Jo in the play A Taste Of Honey, which she remained in when it made the jump from the West End to Broadway.
She later appeared in the film Scrooge in 1970, more recently appearing in the Roman Polanski adaptation of Oliver Twist and the comedy-drama Closer To The Moon.
Frances pictured in 1977 Frank Tewkesbury via Getty Images
In 1991, she was cast as Peggy Mitchell in EastEnders, and filmed several scenes as the character, though these were ultimately scrapped, and the part went to Jo Warne. Three years later, the part was recast, with Barbara Windsor playing the role instead.
Friday Night Dinner will return to our screens in March, though it’s not known whether Frances filmed any scenes for the upcoming sixth series.
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Watch some of her Friday Night Dinner highlights below:


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-02-21--Dot Cotton Actress June Brown Reveals She Has Quietly Left EastEnders But Fans Are Demanding A Prope

Dot Cotton Actress June Brown Reveals She Has Quietly Left EastEnders But Fans Are Demanding A Proper Send Off

EastEnders fans are calling for soap bosses to give Dot Cotton a proper exit storyline after June Brown revealed she has quietly left the BBC soap after 35 years.
The 93-year-old actress has played the chain-smoking Albert Square mainstay since the soap began in 1985.
Her character had not featured on the show since an episode last month, when Dot left a voicemail for Sonia Fowler, played by Natalie Cassidy, saying she had moved to Ireland.
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June has played Dot Cotton since 1985. BBC
Speaking on the Distinct Nostalgia podcast to former co-star Rani Singh, June said she had now left the soap “for good”.
“I don’t want a retainer for EastEnders, I’ve left. I’ve left for good,” she revealed.
“I’ve sent her off to Ireland and that’s where she’ll stay. I’ve left EastEnders. I did make up a limerick. It’s a bit dirty.
“I went back to do a good story. Alas and alack, when I got back it had gone up in smoke.
“Well that is no joke. I got a small part, a very small part. And that ended up as a big wet fart. Alas and alack, I will never go back.”
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June Brown Yui Mok - PA Images via Getty Images
The veteran actress arrived on Albert Square shortly after the soap began in 1985, and aside from a break between 1993 and 1997, has been a regular since.
EastEnders fans have since demanded a fitting farewell for Dot since June dropped the bombshell that she as left the show.
Sorry but @bbceastenders have to get June Brown back in for an exit storyline, one of the longest characters in soap history has to have a major exit storyline, that’s just how it’s always been and she deserves it ❤ pic.twitter.com/H3ckmOncAl — Dan 💙 (@mylifeiswicked) February 20, 2020
rt if you stan dot cotton and think she deserves a proper exit storyline. #EastEnders #EastEnders35. june needs to be lured back so that dot can have an iconic exit like she deserves. pic.twitter.com/3lCpt2W9xd — Tiff’s The Best Legacy Character (@TiffFirestarter) February 20, 2020
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i can not believe june brown has left💔 dot’s exit was so rushed and out of the blue, in fact we didn’t get a proper goodbye scene. an eastend legend gone, just like that. #EastEnders — ♡ (@janinesbutcher) February 20, 2020
Surely they have to bring back June Brown for an exit storyline.... that scene can't be her exit, its rubbish😭 #EastEnders @bbceastenders Bump Dot off! give us the Emotional/Iconic death scenes we deserve. — Shaquelle (@KeelBaillie) February 20, 2020
It is understood her bosses at the BBC had no idea she never intended to return.
An EastEnders spokesman said the door remained open for a comeback, appearing to leave the decision in June’s hands.
A statement said: “We never discuss artists’ contracts, however as far as EastEnders are concerned the door remains open for June, as it always has if the story arises and if June wishes to take part.”
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thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-02-21--Greg James Finally Works Out Who His Celebrity 'Captors' Are After Latest Elaborate Radio 1 Stunt

Greg James has finally cracked the code and found out who was responsible for “capturing” him after this year’s Brit Awards.
On Wednesday, Greg made headlines when he failed to turn up for work the morning after the Brits, with many listeners assuming he’d just overdone it at an afterparty.
However, as it turned out, the presenter’s no-show was actually part of a new elaborate Radio 1 stunt, as he soon revealed in a Twitter video.
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“Some explaining has got to be done,” he told his fans. “Last night, at the Brits afterparty, I was put into a car, blindfolded and driven over an hour or so away to a building which contains this white room.
“The only thing I was being told is that I was being taken to the boss’ place.”
OK. An explanation on the ‘no show’...
It’s been a mad 12 hours. #WhosGotGreg pic.twitter.com/ZoDlGOJSqr — Greg James (@gregjames) February 19, 2020
Greg then explained that he and his followers would have to work through a variety of clues to find out who the mysterious “boss” was, and free him.
Well, after more than 24 hours locked in a mysterious white room, Greg finally worked out who was responsible for holding him against his will, and as many fans had already suspected thanks to a key on her dress at the Brit Awards, it was fellow Radio 1 presenter Mollie King.
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She wasn’t acting alone, though, and it later transpired that Alan Carr was also behind the prank, which saw Greg unknowingly being held in a room on the 39th floor of the Shard.
Alan had previously been seen wearing a similar key to Mollie during a recent interview on The Graham Norton Show.
UNBELIEVABLE NONSENSE.
It’s done and I now have even more trust issues. Thanks a bunch @chattyman @MollieKing #WhosGotGreg pic.twitter.com/F0kyzGcW7F — Greg James (@gregjames) February 20, 2020
“I am actually shaking because I had no idea I was up this high in the world, I don’t remember anything,” Greg explained, after the prank was finally over.
“I came from the Brits drunk, they put me in a lift, they put me in a wheelchair and brought me to here.”
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He also joked that, unbeknown to him, he was trying to work out the location of the “most visible building in London”.
Clues to help track down the two celebrity captors included a red scarf, a green jacket (which Alan had tweeted a photo of hours before the Brit Awards) and a cryptic note.
Around this time last year, Greg was involved in an elaborate escape room stunt, which took him more than a full day to get out of.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-02-21--Babies on Netflix: 3 BrillIant Truths We Learned From The New Show

When you’re a parent, it can be tempting to assume you know everything there is to know about parenting – especially once you’ve got through the twin stresses of birth and breastfeeding.
But perhaps the main lesson of becoming a mother or a father for the first time is that there’s always something new to learn – not least because every new milestone comes with its own unique challenges.
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With that in mind, we sat down, with curiosity, to watch the new Netflix series Babies – a 12-parter that promises to “unlock the miracle of babies’ first year” by following 15 different ones around the world during those first 12 months (because Gwyneth Paltrow doesn’t have a monopoly on our doc viewing).
Here’s what we learned from the first two episodes.
Netflix/Nutopia Netflix series Babies airs from 21 February.
Dads bond with their babies in exactly the same way as mums.
We already know that levels of oxytocin, the so-called ‘love hormone’, rise during pregnancy, birth and breastfeeding – all the body’s way of ensuring a mother ‘bonds’ well with her baby. But Professor Ruth Feldman, of the Interdisciplinary Center Herzliya in Israel, made a breakthrough when she realised that the same surge can take place in men, too.
“When mother and baby touch each other a lot, oxytocin levels rise – which makes you want to touch each other more,” Feldman says. It gives you a sense of reward – the higher the oxytocin level, the more the mother bonds with the infant.” Feldman’s study involved 80 couples and measured oxytocin levels in mums and dads from birth into the first month. The results were “really shocking” – because the levels were identical.
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“It was a huge surprise to us,” Feldman says. “We’ve known for over 100 years that mothers get a surge of oxytocin during pregnancy, childbirth and nursing – but we discovered that the more you do with a baby – wash it, feed it and engage in that parental role – the more your oxytocin system will activate. This is amazing. Fatherhood is biological – it’s as deep as motherhood.”
Your brain changes when you become a parent. Forever.
You’ve probably heard (or experienced first hand, ahem) that when a baby cries at night, it’s the mother who usually hears the cry first. Even when the dad gets up to change of comfort the baby, the mother is often the one who’s unable to get back to sleep. Feldman says this is because the surge in oxytocin at birth activates the mother’s amygdala – the part of the brain responsible for emotions and empathy.
“The amygdala makes us vigilant and worry about the infant,” she says. “Once the mother’s amygdala is open, it stays like this forever – no matter how old the child is. But in fathers’ brains, it usually activates about a quarter of what you see in mothers.”
And when there’s no mother? Well, Feldman did a study looking at 48 gay couples who had a child via a surrogate. She videotaped the dads at home, interacting with their baby, and also measured oxytocin levels. She then scanned the fathers’ brains.
“Our results showed that when fathers are the primary caregiver, they have amygdala activation – just like mothers. We had no idea we would find that. Pregnancy, childbirth and nursing activate the mother’s brain, but it’s also activated by caregiving. This shows that it’s a choice to be a parent.”
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Dirt really is good for your baby.
We’re all pretty careful about telling our children to wash their hands but we shouldn’t worry too much about dirt. That’s according to Professor Susan Lynch, of the University of California who found that babies living with dogs and cats (or even mice and cockroaches) are better protected from developing asthma and allergies.
“In homes with no pets, there’s less bacterial exposure,” Lynch says in the second episode. “Babies raised in those households have a greater chance of developing asthma in childhood.
Conversely, in homes where dogs are present – and to a lesser extent, cats – there’s a much broader diversity of bacteria that the baby is exposed to, and those babies are actually protected from developing asthma.”


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-02-21--Donald Trump Ridicules Parasite In Jaw-Dropping Anti-South Korean Rant

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Donald Trump has demonstrated an impressive double-whammy of casual racism and a total misunderstanding of the concept of time in a rant about the Oscar-winning South Korean film Parasite.
Speaking at a rally in Colorado, the president bemoaned the film’s success and instead lauded the 1939 film Gone With the Wind, that although is seen as a classic, has been criticised for glorifying slavery.
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“How bad were the Academy Awards this year?” the he asked, prompting boos from the crowd.
“The winner is – a movie from South Korea! What the hell was that all about?
“We got enough problems with South Korea with trade. On top of that, they give him best movie of the year? Was it good? I don’t know. Let’s get Gone With The Wind. Can we get Gone With the Wind back, please?”
The most revealing part is that Trump asked for ‘Gone with the Wind’ back. Patriarchy, slavery, celebrating the Old South. Yikes. Trump really does signal to his voters’ worst instincts https://t.co/9xeKW70lcj — Robert E Kelly (@Robert_E_Kelly) February 21, 2020
So Donald Trump disses “Parasite” for winning best picture because it’s Korean. And he says “lets get “Gone With The Wind” back please”. Really?!! A movie set in 1861 with slaves all up and through that joint! That’s probably the America he wants to go back too. — Tony Baker (@TonyBakercomedy) February 21, 2020
Trump also aimed a barb at Brad Pitt, who mentioned the president’s impeachment trial during his Oscars acceptance speech.
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“And then you have Brad Pitt,” Trump said. “I was never a big fan of his. He got up, said a little wise guy thing. He’s a little wise guy.”
Parasite is one of the most acclaimed films of recent years.
Director Bong Joon-Ho’s searing commentary on class struggle made history at the Academy Awards this month when it became the first foreign language film to win the top prize.
On a memorable night, Parasite also earned Bong best director and won both best original screenplay and best international feature.
Bong’s satirical dark comedy veers wildly between different genres as it tells the story of an unscrupulous poor family’s often hilarious attempts to embed themselves inside the home of a rich family.
It moves from comedy to horror before building up to a gruesome conclusion.
Parasite was a popular choice for best picture at the Oscars, winning ahead of Sam Mendes’s well-fancied war epic 1917.
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Bong addressed the issue of Western audiences being reluctant to watch foreign language films during his acceptance speech at the Golden Globes.