thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-10-25--Black History Doesn't Have To Just Be About Black Trauma

Four post boxes have been painted black to honour black Britons as part of Black History Month in October. Matthew Horwood via Getty Images
I’ve always been proud of my Blackness and keen to learn about it, but every year I’m left feeling unsettled when Black History Month comes around.
Undoubtedly the month is important – it’s an opportunity to learn about our past triumphs, but I always find it odd that we’re expected to only champion Black achievement for one month of the year.
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It always feels like after the month passes, people forget about our existence. And this is something I’ve learnt from a young age. Growing up, I didn’t feel that there was that much importance placed on Black History Month and you’d be lucky if your school did anything to mark the occasion.
When they did, the events were usually focused on African-American history, with a spotlight on figures such as Rosa Parks, Martin Luther King and Malcolm X.
I didn’t learn much about Black British history until I started to seek out that knowledge for myself. Learning about Black British figures such as Mary Seacole, Professor Stuart Hall and Olaudah Equiano made me realise not only how rich our identity is here but also the role Black Britons have played in British culture.
“Our history doesn’t have to be all about trauma so I’m choosing to focus on Black joy. Part of this means avoiding watching or reading anything that might trigger me, and remind me of what we’ve encountered this year.”
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Now that I’m older and more aware, I try to make a conscious effort to learn about Black history all throughout the year.
Fast forward to the events of 2020, racial issues have been at the forefront of our conversations. The death of Ahmad Arbery, Breonna Taylor and George Floyd were catalysts for these conversations, and contributed to the need for the world to pause and think about the structural inequalities that Black people face.
Witnessing the growing momentum and global support for the Black Lives Matter movement was bittersweet for me. As a Black person, it was gratifying seeing non-Black people speaking up for us but at the same time, I felt that it shouldn’t have taken the murder of a Black man for people to start valuing us.
The aftermath of George Floyd left me feeling mentally numb. I couldn’t turn on my TV or go on social media without seeing his name everywhere. I did my best to learn more about his case but ultimately, I felt too drained and overwhelmed.
If that wasn’t enough, during the same time as this was going on, Black people were dying at alarmingly high rates due to Covid-19. In short, the last couple of months have felt like a never ending episode of Black trauma.
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I spoke with a few Black people that wanted to seek therapy due to their mental health being affected so much as a result of all this and honestly speaking, part of me feels like I’m still in recovery.
Another result of the murder of George Floyd was the desire for people to learn more about racism. People have become inundated with suggestions of resources to use to learn more about the Black experience.
These resources vary from books to TV shows and even documentaries, so the last couple of months have felt like an extended Black history Month, which is why I am struggling to find the strength to celebrate Black History Month this year. For once, I’d just like to mentally switch off and forget about my Blackness.
A big part of Black history is looking back at the heroes who have stood and fought against racial injustices. But looking back at those stories during a time like this is depressing because it’s a stark reminder that we’re still fighting the same fight. It feels odd to be celebrating and championing Black strength when it feels like there’s nothing to celebrate.
It also was frustrating seeing and hearing so many conversations on race without any tangible suggestions for change. I remember a time when TV shows and movies were removed from streaming services because they reinforced racial stereotypes. Though the intent behind these actions is good, the changes aren’t tangible because they are short term.
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And this is still happening. For example, post boxes in some areas of England have been painted black to honour Black Britons, but in the grand scheme of things, what will that do? Black people don’t want surface level change, we want and need systematic change.
Though this Black History Month feels a bit odd I’m still trying to celebrate it. Our history doesn’t have to be all about trauma so I’m choosing to focus on Black joy.
Part of this means avoiding watching or reading anything that might trigger me and remind me of what we’ve encountered this year. Instead, I’ll be investing my time in Black things that give me joy. Such as Love In Colour by Bolu Babalola, which focuses on love stories of people of colour. Or re-watching old Black TV shows such as Girlfriends or Fresh Prince of Bel Air.
I love being Black but this month, I need to protect my peace.
Habiba Katsha is a freelance journalist.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-10-25--Retired NHS Medics Who Returned To Covid Frontlines Issue Stark Warning About Second Wave

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Former NHS staff who came out of retirement to join the frontline to fight coronavirus have warned that hospitals could face an entirely different staffing crisis in the looming second wave.
At the height of the pandemic in Spring, medics worked alongside furloughed staff from other professions including dentists and airline staff, as well as doctors redeployed from routine procedures.
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“It is absolute nonsense for the government to say they have got the Nightingale hospitals on standby,” Graham Sabino, a clinical perfusionist, who returned to the frontline told HuffPost UK. “Who is going to staff them?
The NHS’ rallying call in April to former medics to return generated more than 60,000 applications for roles, and within a couple of weeks, they had heard from more than 20,000 health workers. Of these, 9,000 have been deployed so far.
But medics who joined that effort have revealed a second wave of coronavirus is less likely to see as many former and retired staff join the ranks, and that many current NHS workers will struggle to take on more patients.
Sabino, 58, feels “beyond despair” at the current surge in coronavirus rates, and fears there will be “lots more deaths” this winter.
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“If things carry on the way they are, I fear we’re going to be in a situation which is as bad as it was in March and April,” he said.
Graham Sabino, a clinical perfusionist who returned to the NHS from retirement to help out during the coronavirus crisis
Sabino retired from the NHS after 41 years in May last year, and was enjoying time with his grandchildren, holidaying with his wife and playing golf.
But when coronavirus hit, the specialised medic returned to the frontline at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital in Liverpool.
“After retiring, I decided to carry on working one day a week at the hospital to keep my registration active as I did some charity trips abroad to help with heart operations on children and I wanted to still be able to do these,” he told HuffPost UK.
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“But when the true scale of how coronavirus was affecting hospitals became apparent, I knew I had to come out of retirement and go back to working for the NHS full-time.”
Graham Sabino, a clinical perfusionist returned to the NHS from retirement to help out during the coronavirus crisis Graham Sabino
Sabino returned to the NHS as head of department and worked full-time throughout the peak of the crisis before retiring again at the end of August and going back to just doing one day a week.
“When I retired the second time, I jokingly said: ‘Don’t expect me back for the second wave!’ he said.
“But in all honesty, I know I would go back again as I have a skill and a service that is needed.”
“I jokingly said: ‘Don’t expect me back for the second wave!’ But in all honesty, I know I would go back again as I have a skill and a service that is needed.”” - Grahan Sabino, who returned to the NHS from retirement during coronavirus
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Sabino, who told HuffPost UK how angry he is at the “shambolic handling” of the coronavirus crisis by the government, added: “Unlike the politicians, people who work or have worked for the NHS actually give a damn about our fellow people.”
The dad-of-three and grandfather-of-three told HuffPost UK that the coronavirus situation is getting serious once again and hospitals in Liverpool are at about 95% capacity.
“In the last few weeks, things have really started to ramp up and the impact is affecting hospitals again,” he said.
“What happened was that we saw an increase in younger people who tested positive for coronavirus. At first, we didn’t see an increase in hospital admissions as younger people were not as badly affected by the virus.
“But now we are getting an older cohort of people who are contracting the virus as all these younger people and university students have parents and grandparents.
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“However, I am not blaming the students at all. The blame lies with the government as it has been a disgrace and never got a grip of testing and tracing and spent thousands on systems that haven’t worked.”
“We are getting an older cohort of people who are contracting the virus as all these younger people and university students have parents and grandparents. However, I am not blaming the students at all. The blame lies with the government."” - Graham Sabino, who came out of retirement to help the NHS.
Sabino told HuffPost UK he believes the government should have imposed another national lockdown to get a grip of the infection and he now feels “beyond despair” as he fears there will be “lots more deaths.”
He is also deeply concerned about the staffing situation as he knows the majority of staff who returned to the NHS have now re-retired.
“It is absolute nonsense that they have got the Nightingale hospitals on standby,” he said. “Who is going to staff them?
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“The NHS are going to have to get more staff somehow – but I don’t know how they are going to do it and I think they’ll start taking in vastly reduced numbers of non-covid patients.”
Professor Judith Ellis, who ended her 42-year NHS career as chief executive of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, is worried NHS staff are already “weary”, and that the workforce this time around will look different.
Ellis, 60, who trained as a general nurse before going into paediatrics, came out of retirement to work at the temporary Nightingale Hospital in Manchester.
Professor Judith Ellis , who came out of retirement and worked at the Nightingale in Manchester NHS Professionals
Although Ellis, from Great Eccleston, Lancashire, retired in June 2018, she was still a registered nurse, as registration lasts for three years. She used her retirement to do more voluntary work in low income countries such as Uganda, Ethiopia and Somalia.
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However, when the Covid-19 situation happened and all international travel came to a halt, Ellis told HuffPost UK she watched the crisis unfold and asked herself: “Am I of use to the NHS? Can I offer anything?”
Ellis responded to the call out for former NHS staff to return and admitted her first shift in a general hospital was “terrifying”.
“Clinically, it was a long time since I had nursed adults,” she said. “I remember getting in the car for my first shift and thinking: ‘What am I doing?’
“The shift was challenging as there was no time to find out the background of patients, I couldn’t access IT systems and the drugs were vast and not the same as paediatrics.
“But I survived it and I knew the patients had compassionate care.”
Ellis then saw the Nightingale Hospital in Manchester was advertising for staff and she joined the workforce there and set up and led the family liaison team which communicated with the anxious families of Covid-19 patients.
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“Every patient that came in, we made sure we asked their family all about them and we made sure every patient and family had a video call with each other daily.”
Ellis worked at the Nightingale, Manchester for around nine weeks and says there were more than 100 patients admitted over that time, with most of them being in their 80s or older with underlying health conditions as well as coronavirus.
Ellis describes working at the Nightingale as a “phenomenal experience” and that it was an honour to provide care to care for patients affected by Covid-19.
The majority of patients were admitted to the Nightingale for intensive rehabilitation following coronavirus to free up capacity in surrounding hospitals.
Ellis told HuffPost UK she worked alongside volunteer dentists who were not working, furloughed Ryanair staff and university students, as well as current NHS workers who had been diverted there.
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The Nightingale Manchester was put on standby in late June and is poised to reopen.
But Ellis says she is concerned about how it will be staffed. “I think it will be a challenge to get these places back up and running,” she said.
“There has been a real drive to get the main NHS running properly again and there will have been lots of situations where people avoided hospitals.
“But last time, a lot of staff from actual hospitals were moved across as they had cancelled regular services. If regular NHS services are running, the question is how will they staff the Nightingales?
“Also, a lot of the people who helped out last time such as dentists and furloughed staff will be working again.”
“If regular NHS services are running, the question is how will they staff the Nightingales? Also, a lot of the people who helped out last time such as dentists and furloughed staff will be working again.”” - Professor Judith Ellis, who returned to the NHS from retirement and worked at the Nightingale, Manchester
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Ellis says that if she was called and asked to go back to assist during the second wave of coronavirus, she would say yes. But she said she fears many people are “weary” now and a rallying call to staff to return might not get the same response.
Dr Tijion Esho hadn’t retired from the NHS but left the service where he worked as an aesthetics and plastics surgeon to set up his own private practice.
He is now an award winning cosmetic surgery doctor with clinics in London, Newcastle and Dubai and has been on television on Bodyshockers with Katie Piper and E4’s Body Fixers.
But when the coronavirus pandemic took its hold, Esho filled in his forms to rejoin the NHS in whatever capacity needed as well as offering his private clinics to the NHS free of charge for triage and diagnostic centres.
He spent around six weeks working for the NHS around London during the peak of the crisis, mainly in A&E.
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However, since June, his own clinics have re-opened and he has been working 12 to 13 hour days trying to catch up on the backlog at the clinics in Wimbledon, Newcastle and Dubai.
Dr Tijion Esho, a private surgeon who returned to the NHS to help out during the peak of coronavirus
“We have been working flat out and doing extended hours and days to catch up on the backlog and are still very much under that pressure,” he told HuffPost UK.
“If the NHS wanted people to return, it would be much harder this time. Last time, there was a lockdown and everything closed down.
“But now, it is different as we are open and catching up on the backlog from lockdown.
“If there was another complete lockdown, it would be a no-brainer and of course I would return to the NHS.
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“However, at the moment, the only way I could do it is outside working hours, but I also need family time with my fiancee and our son who is almost two.
“My beliefs and reasons for wanting to help the NHS are still the same, but the ability to do it is a lot more difficult.”
“My beliefs and reasons for wanting to help the NHS are still the same, but the ability to do it is a lot more difficult.”” - Dr Tijion Esho, a private surgeon who returned to the NHS to help out during the peak of coronavirus
Esho, 39, told HuffPost UK that it was good to return to the NHS and help at a time of crisis. But he described it as a bit “weird” compared to his usual role.
“I was used to telling other people what to do rather than being told what to do. It was like going back to live at your parents’ house when you are grown up!”
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NHS Professionals says the 60,000 applications in response to the Stand Up, Step Forward, Save Lives campaign came mainly from nurses, but also from doctors and a wider spread of healthcare professionals than they would ordinarily attract.
A spokesperson for NHS England and NHS Improvement, told HuffPost UK: “There was a tremendous response from former NHS staff who offered to come back when coronavirus hit earlier this year and we are grateful to all of them.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-10-25--Self-Isolation For Covid-19 Contacts May Be Cut To Seven Days

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Anyone notified they’ve been in contact with someone infected with Covid-19 by the Test and Trace system may only have to self-isolate for as little as seven days.
The move – which would not apply to those who test positive for the disease – comes amid concerns about the levels of public compliance with the system as well as growing dissatisfaction with its performance from ministers and MPs.
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Officials on the government’s Covid-19 taskforce are understood to be examining the case for reducing the current fortnight period of isolation to between 10 days and a week.
Boris Johnson was said to have become “disillusioned” with statistics provided by the service after they proved to be wrong, according to The Sunday Telegraph.
At the same time, there were said to be concerns that the prospect of a lengthy period indoors if they are contacted by Test and Trace is deterring people from co-operating, PA Media reports.
The Telegraph quoted a No 10 source as saying: “Compliance is not as high as we would like and self-isolation is key if we are going to beat the virus.”
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It comes after Test and Trace – headed by the Conservative peer Baroness Harding – last week hit a record low with just 59.6% of the contacts of people who tested positive for the disease being successfully contacted and told to self-isolate.
In a further sign of the unrest at Westminster, senior Tory backbencher Sir Bernard Jenkin launched a scathing attack on the performance of the system, saying public consent and co-operation was “breaking down”.
Writing in The Sunday Telegraph, he said there was a “vacuum of leadership” at the top of the organisation and called for a change that was “visible and decisive” with a senior military figure being put in charge.
“There is a spaghetti of command and control at the top, which is incapable of coherent analysis, assessment, planning and delivery,” he wrote.
“The immediate priority is to fill the vacuum of leadership in Test and Trace, which is destroying cooperation and compliance.
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“Government harnessed the military to regain control in the foot and mouth crisis; the prime minister should follow that example today, by installing a single leader, a three or four star military commander with a reputation for handling complexity under stress.
“Test and trace should then be tasked with generating and sustaining a campaign targeted at achieving behaviour change by consent.”
Sir Bernard, who chairs the Liaison Committee of senior MPs which questions the prime minister twice a year, added that Lady Harding should be given a “well-earned break” so she and others could “reflect on the lessons learned so far”.
In response, the Department of Health and Social Care acknowledged there were areas where the service needed to improve, but said people should be “talking it up, not down”.
“Dido Harding and her leadership team – drawn from the military, public and private sectors – have built the largest diagnostic industry the UK has ever seen,” a spokesman said.
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“It is the equivalent of building an operation the size of Tesco in a matter of months. The NHS Test and Trace system has built a testing capacity of 400,000 tests a day, from a starting point of 2,000 a day in March.
“This capacity is bigger per head than France, Germany, Italy and Spain and we have contacted over 1.1 million people and asked them to self-isolate.
“We need to improve in areas and we are very much focused on that, but we should be talking it up, not down.”
Meanwhile, talks are expected to continue this week between the government and local leaders in Nottinghamshire, with parts of the county expected to enter the tightest Tier 3 restrictions on Wednesday.
The council in Warrington in Cheshire has already confirmed it will be moving to the very high alert level on Thursday.
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thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-10-25--Mike Pence's Chief Of Staff Tests Positive For Covid-19

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Mike Pence’s chief of staff, Marc Short, has tested positive for Covid-19, Pence’s office announced Saturday. It’s at least the second close contact of the vice president to test positive in days.
Pence’s senior political adviser Marty Obst also tested positive earlier this week, CNN reported.
A source told The New York Times that three other Pence staff members have also tested positive. Yet Pence plans to continue his campaign schedule.
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Short has begun quarantine and is “assisting in the contact tracing process,” according to Pence’s office.
Both the vice president and second lady Karen Pence tested negative for the coronavirus Saturday and “remain in good health,” according to the vice president’s spokesman Devin O’Malley.
From VP'soffice: “Today, Marc Short, Chief of Staff to the Vice President, tested positive for COVID-19, began quarantine and assisting in the contact tracing process." — Maggie Haberman (@maggieNYT) October 25, 2020
Despite the new Covid-19 cases, the vice president intends to continue his campaign schedule. He plans to travel to North Carolina Sunday.
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Even though Short is considered a close contact of Pence, “in consultation with the White House Medical Unit, the vice president will maintain his schedule in accordance with the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines for essential personnel,” said Pence’s office. Those guidelines include careful monitoring for symptoms and wearing a mask when near people.
Saskia Popescu, an infectious disease expert at George Mason University, called Pence’s decision to continue to campaign “grossly negligent.” He “needs to be staying home 14 days,” she told The Associated Press. “Campaign events are not essential.”
Popescu called Pence’s refusal to change his schedule an “insult to everybody who has been working in public health and public health response.” She added: “I also find it really harmful and disrespectful to the people going to the rally” and those on Pence’s own staff who will travel with him.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-10-25--Third Of Doctors ‘Believe Tier System Will Have No Impact On Coronavirus Spread’

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More than a third of doctors in England feel the government’s tiering system will have no impact on efforts to contain the spread of coronavirus, a wide-ranging survey has suggested.
The research, from the British Medical Association (BMA), also raises concerns about the confidence of healthcare staff for the autumn/winter period, with more than half saying they are “quite anxious” about it.
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Almost two thirds (65%) said staffing shortages are a concern in the months ahead, while 60% said they are concerned about their personal health and wellbeing.
When it comes to dealing with patients 58% said they are concerned about the ability to cope with demand from non-Covid patients, and 44% said they were worried about the ability to cope with demand from patients with Covid symptoms.
Asked to what extent they believed the current rules for tiering in their area will be effective in containing the spread of the virus, more than a third (37%) said they felt they would have no impact or be ineffective, less than half (46%) said they thought they would work to a slight extent and just 5.95% said a significant extent.
More than 6,000 medics were questioned as part of the survey and the findings show the “enormous scale of the challenges” facing the NHS into winter, the BMA chairman said.
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Dr Chaand Nagpaul said: “Doctors know that this winter is likely be one of the most difficult times of their careers.
“They are extremely worried about the ability for the NHS to cope and their ability to care for the needs of their patients.”
The BMA said it is calling for the government to be “both honest and realistic with the public about whether the NHS can cope with routine care and Covid care this winter”.
Almost a fifth (19%) of those questioned said in the two weeks leading up to the mid-October survey they had seen a significant increase in the number of Covid cases and it was higher than the same point in the first wave.
Some 11% said while their local health system has plans in place to be able to address the backlog of patients whose care was cancelled, delayed or otherwise disrupted amid the pandemic, they had not yet made any progress, while just over a quarter (27%) said they had made some.
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Only around a third said they have premises that are currently suitable to adequately separate Covid and non-Covid patients – a statistic the BMA said highlights how difficult it will be to meet an expectation of resuming normal NHS services.
Dr Nagpaul said: “Large numbers of doctors across England have little faith that the government’s current ‘tiered’ based lock-downs will have any significant impact on controlling the virus.
“Instead of a few short weeks of suppression, bringing economic and emotional misery for those in the areas affected, we need a national prevention strategy that has a lasting impact and gets growing infection rates under control across England.”
The BMA said 6,610 doctors in England took part in the survey during the week of October 19.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-10-25--Dr Anthony Fauci Praised For 'Impressive' Andrew Marr Interview

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Dr Anthony Fauci has been praised for an interview on the BBC in which he lamented an “anti-science” sentiment in the world’s fight against coronavirus.
Appearing on the BBC’s Andrew Marr show, he was asked how important it was politicians set an example and “follow the science”.
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Dr Fauci said: “It’s very important. People look at what their leaders say and do, and you can positively or negatively influence behaviour.
“One of the things I’m concerned about in the United States is that part of the anti science translates maybe into anti vaccine.
“It would really be a shame if we have a safe and effective vaccine, but a substantial proportion of the people do not want to take the vaccine because they don’t trust authority.
“That would really be unfortunate if that’s the case.”
Anthony Fauci is a great example of decency and service in the face of the outrageous way he’s been treated by Trump. #Marr — Jacqui Smith (@Jacqui_Smith1) October 25, 2020
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Dr Fauci predicted it will be known before the end of the year whether or not there is a safe and effective coronavirus vaccine, but warned there would not be enough doses to vaccinate everyone before 2021.
Top US infectious diseases expert Dr Anthony Fauci tells #Marr there will be a #Covid_19 vaccine by the end of this year, as President Trump predicted, but rolling it out will take "several months"https://t.co/0YCHGXvDP2 pic.twitter.com/9dDYPf41Pt — BBC Politics (@BBCPolitics) October 25, 2020
Dr Fauci extremely impressive on #Marr just now, in all regards. Listen to this man. — David Scourfield (@JHDScourfield) October 25, 2020
His comments come amid reports plans are being made for frontline NHS staff to receive a Covid-19 vaccine within weeks.
The Mail on Sunday said it had seen a staff memo sent earlier this month by Glen Burley, chief executive of George Eliot Hospital NHS Trust in Warwickshire, explaining that health service organisations had been told “to be prepared to start a Covid-19 staff vaccine programme in early December”.
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The newspaper reported the memo added: “The latest intelligence states a coronavirus vaccine should be available this year with NHS staff prioritised prior to Christmas.”
Burley said the vaccine was “expected to be given in two doses, 28 days apart,” the Mail on Sunday said.
Dr Fauci was also asked if President Trump was right to claim the US was “rounding the corner” in its fight against the virus, to which he replied: “No.”
“If you just look at the numbers, I mean you can have opinions about what’s going on but the data speak for themselves. Yesterday we had over 70,000 cases. Additional cases in a day. And we had... a thousand deaths.
“That is an indication that you’re actually going in the wrong direction.”
Dr Anthony Fauci, Director of the US Infectious Diseases Institute, tells #Marr President Trump was wrong to say the US is "rounding the corner" on #Covid_19 https://t.co/MxwjHCHqBq pic.twitter.com/6t39QCMjQ6 — BBC Politics (@BBCPolitics) October 25, 2020
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Dr Fauci said a lack of “uniform adherence” to public health measures lead to the “precarious” coronavirus position in the US, adding he was “sorry to see” that in the UK “after getting hit pretty badly the way we did, you went down to a pretty low level, but now you’re starting to escalate in the same manner that we are here”.
I so admire Dr Fauci. He is so focussed on his job and appears a rare 'adult in the room'. He stands up to Trump where necessary, why does noone stand up to Johnson?
#Marr — Alan Ford #FBPE (@alafreeman) October 25, 2020
Dr Fauci said a potential coronavirus vaccine, alongside public health measures, could help move the US towards “some form of normality” next year.
He said: “I think when we get a vaccine, and we start getting people vaccinated … over a period of several months into 2021, we will begin to approach some form of normality, depending upon how many people, what proportion of the people, take the vaccine.
“That should be combined with some degree of public health measures. I don’t think that a vaccine alone right off will get us back to normality.
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“What I do foresee is that with a successful vaccine, and the continuation of some form of public health measures, as we go and progress through the months of 2021, getting towards the third and fourth quarter, we will see a considerable approach towards some form of normality.”
#Marr, Fauci, knows how to engage, tell journalists to stay focused and on track, and most of all in the most polite manner, tell them to play their games with themselves. Bravo. 😁 — FishGirls23 🇬🇧🌹🇪🇺 #ThreePointFivePercent (@FishGirls23) October 25, 2020


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-10-25--Welsh Government To Review Lockdown Shopping Ban On Non-Essential Items For 'Clarity'

Shelves in a supermarket near Cardiff are deemed non-essential items and are taped off as Wales. PA
The Welsh government is set to review its ban on supermarkets selling “non-essential” items during the country’s 17-day firebreak lockdown for “clarity”.
The restriction – which was introduced in a bid to be ‘fair’ to small businesses forced to close – has seen supermarket aisles cordoned off and plastic sheets placed over ‘banned’ products.
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These include areas selling electrical goods, phones, clothes, toys and games, homewares and garden products.
The nation’s health minister Vaughan Gething said the “understanding and the clarity” of the new policy – which has received a huge amount of criticism from the public – would be reviewed with supermarkets.
Childrens clothes in a supermarket near Cardiff are deemed non-essential items and are cordoned off as Wales entered a two-week "firebreak" lockdown from Friday in an attempt to protect the country's NHS from being overwhelmed by the resurgence of coronavirus. PA
Gething told the BBC’s Andrew Marr Show on Sunday: “We’re reviewing with supermarkets the understanding and the clarity and the policy because there’s been different application in different parts.
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“We all need to step back and remember why the firebreak has been introduced, to recognise that it is hard on lots of people, but we’re in a week where we’ve already seen 61 deaths take place here in Wales.
“Just about a month ago there were only six deaths in a week so coronavirus is taking off. We are seeing more people lose their lives.”
We’ll be reviewing how the weekend has gone with the supermarkets and making sure that common sense is applied. Supermarkets can sell anything that can be sold in any other type of shop that isn't required to close. In the meantime, please only leave home if you need to. — Mark Drakeford (@fmwales) October 24, 2020
His comments came after Wales’ first minister Mark Drakeford tweeted on Saturday night that the government would be reviewing “how the weekend has gone with the supermarkets and making sure that common sense is applied”.
“Supermarkets can sell anything that can be sold in any other type of shop that isn’t required to close,” he wrote. “In the meantime, please only leave home if you need to.”
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More than 55,000 people have signed a petition calling for the rule to be overturned.
Books in a supermarket near Cardiff are deemed non-essential items and are cordoned off as Wales entered a two-week "firebreak" lockdown from Friday in an attempt to protect the country's NHS from being overwhelmed by the resurgence of coronavirus. PA
On Friday, people in Wales told HuffPost UK that the restriction felt like a “punishment” – and could damage people’s mental health during lockdown.
Meanwhile, the Welsh Retail Consortium said the new rule could undermine customers’ safety in supermarkets by changing store layouts and the flow of customers through shops.
Under the firebreak rules, people can only leave their home for limited reasons, such as to buy food and medicine, provide care or take exercise, and must work from home where possible.
Leisure, hospitality and tourism businesses are closed, along with community centres, libraries and recycling centres, while places of worship are shut other than for funerals or wedding ceremonies.
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But on Sunday, Wales’ deputy minister for economy and transport warned that Wales could be set for another circuit breaker lockdown in January or February.
Lee Waters told BBC Wales’ Sunday Supplement: “I think the projections in the papers we’ve published on our worst-case scenarios shows it’s likely we’re going to need to have another firebreak in January or February.
“It’s important that we can show that we are being rational, we’re being evidence-based and we are being transparent. We are trying our best to do that.”
On Sunday, 1,104 people were reported to have tested positive for coronavirus in Wales, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 42,681.
Public Health Wales said five people with Covid-19 had died, with the total number of deaths since the beginning of the pandemic rising to 1,777.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-10-25--Spain Declares New State Of Emergency Amid Soaring Coronavirus Infections

Residents wearing face masks as they walk along an empty Javier street, in Pamplona, northern Spain (AP Photo/Alvaro Barrientos) ASSOCIATED PRESS
Spain has declared a new national state of emergency in a bid to curb soaring coronavirus infections.
Spanish prime minister Pedro Sanchez said the nation was “living in an extreme situation”, calling the Covid-19 pandemic “the most serious health crisis in the last century”.
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Speaking on Sunday, the PM announced a swathe of new measures for the country – including a nighttime curfew between 11pm and 6am. The curfew will apply everywhere but the Canary Islands.
Meanwhile, the number of people allowed to meet will be limited to six and there will be a ban on travel between certain regions, Reuters reported.
Sanchez has the power to impose the new restrictions for 15 days. After that, he will need parliamentary approval to extend the state of emergency.
The prime minister said he would ask parliament to extend the rules until May 9.
Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez (Manu Fernandez/Pool via REUTERS) POOL New / Reuters
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Spain imposed one of the toughest lockdowns early on in the pandemic and then relaxed curbs over the summer.
But like many other European countries it has seen a second wave hit in recent weeks, and now has one of the highest numbers of infections in western Europe.
According to the John Hopkins Covid-19 dashboard, Spain has recorded 1,046,132 cases of coronavirus, as well as almost 35,000 deaths.
A growing number of regions had been calling on the government to implement the measure, according to Reuters.
The news comes on the same day that Italy ordered bars and restaurants to close by 6pm and shut public gyms, cinemas and swimming pools in a bid to get Covid-19 infections under control.
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Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte told a news conference on Sunday: “We think we will suffer a bit this month but by gritting our teeth with these restrictions, we’ll be able to breathe again in December.”
In the UK, there has been a significant surge in Covid-19 cases – and deaths – in recent weeks.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-10-25--White House Chief Of Staff Mark Meadows: 'We're Not Going To Control The Pandemic'

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White House chief of staff Mark Meadows on Sunday said the United States is “not going to control” the coronavirus pandemic, an apparent admission of defeat against a virus that has so far killed nearly 225,000 people nationwide.
During an appearance on CNN’s “State of the Union,” Meadows was asked about Vice President Mike Pence’s decision to continue campaigning across the country despite several of his top aides testing positive for COVID-19.
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“Your website is talking about, ‘Well, now we think the spread is coming from small social groups and family groups,’” Meadows told CNN’s Jake Tapper while defending Pence. “First it was large groups. Now it’s small groups.”
Meadows’ statement falsely suggested that public health experts reversed course on how the virus spreads. But in fact, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said earlier this month that transmission can occur in both large groups ― like President Donald Trump’s massive campaign rallies ― and in small household gatherings.
“It’s coming from all sorts of places because the pandemic’s out of control,” Tapper told Meadows.
“So here’s what we have to do: We’re not going to control the pandemic,” Meadows said. “We are going to control the fact that we get vaccines, therapeutics and other mitigation areas ―”
Tapper interrupted, “Why aren’t we going to get control of the pandemic?”
“Because it is a contagious virus,” Meadows responded. “Just like the flu.”
But Tapper continued to press him, asking why the Trump administration wouldn’t focus on controlling the spread of the virus.
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“What we need to do is make sure that we have the proper mitigation factors whether it’s therapies or vaccines or treatments to make sure that people don’t die from this,” Meadows said. He then falsely accused Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden of wanting to “lock everybody down.”
After several aides, including his chief of staff, tested positive for Covid-19, White House chief of staff Mark Meadows says VP Pence will keep campaigning: "Essential personnel, whether it's the Vice President of the United States or anyone else, has to continue on" #CNNSOTU pic.twitter.com/2ZWMmwUHG3 — CNN Politics (@CNNPolitics) October 25, 2020
Meadows’ comments signal a retreat from the White House’s previous positions on the country’s ability to manage the spread of the virus. Trump has repeatedly claimed his administration has the virus “under control” as the number of deaths and hospitalizations have continued to climb.
Dozens of White House staffers and people close to Trump — as well as the president himself — have tested positive for COVID-19 in recent weeks. Most recently, several of Pence’s aides, including his chief of staff, revealed they contracted the virus. Pence and his wife, Karen Pence, tested negative for the virus on Sunday, according to the vice president’s office.
COVID-19 cases have been on the rise in the U.S. in recent weeks. There were 83,000 new cases of the coronavirus recorded in the U.S. on Friday, the highest number reported since the pandemic began. Infections and hospitalizations are increasing in at least 38 states, according to The Washington Post.
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While many wealthy countries have been able to curb the contagion through strict mitigation measures, the U.S. has consistently led the world in reported cases and deaths.
Dr. Anthony Fauci, the leading infectious disease expert on the White House’s coronavirus task force, and other public health officials have warned that the winter months could bring a serious spike in infections.
The CDC estimated a potential vaccine would not be available to the majority of Americans until at least mid-2021, prompting Fauci and other medical experts to call for a focus on non-pharmaceutical containment strategies right now.
Fauci told CNN on Friday that a national mask mandate may be needed.
“There’s going to be a difficulty enforcing it,” Fauci said. “But if everyone agrees that this is something that’s important and they mandate it and everybody pulls together and says, ‘You know, we’re going to mandate it but let’s just do it,’ I think that would be a great idea to have everybody do it uniformly.”
Trump has dismissed calls from some Democrats, including presidential nominee Joe Biden, to issue some sort of mask mandate. Trump has mocked people who wear masks, including Biden and members of the press.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-10-25--Isle of Wight Tanker: Seven People Detained After 'Suspected Hijacking'

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Seven people have been detained after the military boarded a ship in the English Channel that was subject to “suspected hijacking”, the Ministry of Defence said.
Home secretary Priti Patel and defence secretary Ben Wallace authorised Armed Forces personnel to board the vessel to “safeguard life and secure a ship that was subject to suspected hijacking”, the MoD said in a statement.
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“Armed forces have gained control of the ship and seven individuals have been detained.
“Police investigations will now continue. Initial reports confirm the crew are safe and well.”
Defence secretary Wallace commended “the hard work of the Armed Forces and police to protect lives and secure the ship”.
“In dark skies, and worsening weather, we should all be grateful for our brave personnel,” he said. “People are safe tonight thanks to their efforts.”
In response to a police request, the Defence Secretary and Home Secretary authorised Armed Forces personnel to board a ship in the English Channel to safeguard life and secure a ship that was subject to suspected hijacking. (1/2) — Ministry of Defence 🇬🇧 (@DefenceHQ) October 25, 2020
Armed forces have gained control of the ship and seven individuals have been detained.
Police investigations will now continue. Initial reports confirm the crew are safe and well. (2/2) — Ministry of Defence 🇬🇧 (@DefenceHQ) October 25, 2020
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The news comes after Hampshire Police said the force had been called to the Nave Andromeda, a ship off the coast of the Isle of Wight, over reports of stowaways on board the making “verbal threats” towards crew.
A police spokesman said: “At 10.04am today (25 October) concerns were raised to police for the welfare of crew on board the Nave Andromeda – a vessel situated approximately six miles off the coast of Bembridge, Isle of Wight.
“The vessel had been travelling in the direction of Southampton.
“It was reported that a number of stowaways were on board, and they had made verbal threats towards the crew. No one has been reported injured.”
Police said that the Maritime and Coastguard Agency and Border Force were also involved in the operation.
In a tweet, Priti Patel said she was “thankful for the quick and decisive action of our police and armed forces who were able to bring this situation under control, guaranteeing the safety of all those on board”.
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It is understood that the 228-metre tanker had been expected to dock in Southampton at 10.30am on Sunday.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-10-26--Donald Trump's Big Book Of Plans Has Finally Been Revealed

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At least it wasn’t blank.
Footage on US news programme 60 Minutes showed White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany ceremoniously giving reporter Lesley Stahl a massive book that she said contained the health care plan President Donald Trump has been promising for more than five years – since he first launched his campaign.
But after reviewing the book, Stahl said it didn’t actually include Trump’s “comprehensive health plan”:
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President Trump’s press secretary, Kayleigh McEnany, gave us a heavy book that she described as the president’s health care plan. It was filled with executive orders and congressional initiatives, but no comprehensive healthcare plan. https://t.co/Mn6HRAOwHL pic.twitter.com/WmsoRQP2WJ — 60 Minutes (@60Minutes) October 26, 2020
Trump left in the middle of the interview because he didn’t like some of the questions Stahl asked.
“You brought up a lot of subjects that were inappropriately brought up,” he said, then scolded her for saying there would be tough questions.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-10-26--Boots To Launch 12-Minute Coronavirus Tests Offering 'Peace Of Mind' For £120

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A coronavirus test which can provide results in 12 minutes will be available in Boots within a fortnight, the pharmacy has said.
The nasal swab test will initially cost £120 and is aimed at those who do not believe they have Covid-19 and have symptoms – but want some “peace of mind”. It will be available in “selected stores”.
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The LumiraDx device has been approved by authorities in Europe and the US and has shown to be 97 percent accurate in trials.
The £120 cost of the test could also be lowered if demand grows, according to Boots chief executive Sebastian James, who said the company does not want to “make a profit out of it”.
“We are just covering our costs as there is a big up-front outlay for all the kit,” he said.
“My thinking is that if the volume is large we will be able to bring the price down. I’m hoping lots of people will want to do it and if they do, then we can make the price more accessible. We believe we are the cheapest private test.
“We think it is pretty good value compared to others on the high street, which range from £270 at the very expensive end to about £150 in online clinics.”
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He added that it was the first step toward mass testing on high streets and a way to allow Britons to get on with their lives again.
To obtain a test, patients can fill out a registration form and book an appointment through the Boots online portal.
Anyone who suspects they may have Covid-19 is still being advised to visit an NHS testing station.
Boots has also launched a 48-hour testing service, which is currently available in 10 stores across London, Birmingham, Manchester, Edinburgh and Glasgow, with plans to extend the programme to more than 50 outlets across the nation.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-10-26--Government Refuses To Rule Out Fourth Tier Of Covid Restrictions

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Health secretary Matt Hancock has refused to rule out the possibility of a new fourth tier of restrictions.
It comes after reports that Whitehall is in discussion with local authorities about imposing a further layer of coronavirus restrictions – “tier 3 plus”, or tier 4.
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According to the i newspaper, Whitehall sources expect to make the decision if the existing three-tier system has not made an impact by mid-November.
Tier 3 measures include the closure of pubs and bars that don’t serve food, gyms, soft play areas and casinos. A fourth tier could see the closure of restaurants and non-essential retail, the newspaper said.
On Monday, Hancock told BBC Breakfast the government would “rule nothing out” at the prospect of the new restrictions.
Tier 4 could see the closure of restaurants and non-essential retail. ANTHONY DEVLIN via Getty Images
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He said: “We’ve always said all along that we take nothing off the table.
“Having said that, we have seen the rise in the number of cases has slowed a bit.
“The problem is it’s still going up, and while it’s still going up we’ve got to act to get it under control.
“We rule nothing out but at the moment the three-tier system is what we’re working to and it’s effective in slowing the growth of this virus but it hasn’t brought this curve to a halt.”
The government has repeatedly ruled out a second full national lockdown over half-term, despite calls from Sage advisers and Labour.
Speaking to Sky News, Hancock said the idea of reducing isolation time for people who have been in contact with someone who has tested positive for Covid-19 from 14 days to seven is “entirely led by the clinical science”.
He said: “It’s always under review. You might remember that a couple of months ago we increased the amount of time that people who have a positive test have to isolate from seven days to 10 days.
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“That’s a clinical decision.”
Hancock said France has reduced the amount of time people have to isolate based on clinical advice, adding: “So it isn’t about the compliance issue. It’s about the overall clinical judgment of what time is required for isolation.
“Obviously I’d rather have isolation as short as is reasonably possible because of the impact it has on people’s lives, but it must be safe.”


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-10-27--Covid Infection Rates Should Be Reported On TV Like The Weather, MPs Say

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Coronavirus local infection rates should be reported on news and weather bulletins like pollen rates or UV rays, a cross-party group of MPs has said.
Alongside the reinstating of daily No.10 briefings, this would help make the public more aware of progress in controlling the virus, according to a new proposal for a “national coronavirus exit strategy”.
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The New Zealand-inspired plan would see Covid-19 infection rates brought to very low levels for a sustained period, with transmission then minimised by controlling the UK’s borders, and the virus finally eliminated with a nationwide vaccine rollout, it is claimed.
The group argues that the three-step Covid secure UK plan offers “an alternative to living with the virus” and will avoid repeated lockdowns and economic damage before a vaccine is available.
The plan is backed by senior MPs including Liberal Democrat Layla Moran, Tory Dan Poulter, Labour’s Clive Lewis and the SNP’s Philippa Whitford, as well as leading medical and science experts Devi Sridhar, chair of global public health at Edinburgh University, and Martin McKee of the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.
The proposals come after four months of evidence sessions held by the all party parliamentary group (APPG) on coronavirus with health professionals, bereaved families and science and medical organisations. It is backed by the campaign group March for Change.
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The first stage would focus on getting the reproduction R rate of the virus below 1 for a “sustained period”.
This would be achieved by introducing a locally-led test and trace system with the response to outbreaks also led at a local level, and financial support available for people who need to self isolate.
Infection screening of people in frontline roles should be boosted while travellers should be Covid tested on arrival in the country.
The group also calls for “clear, unambiguous and simple messaging” from the government, criticising rules such as “one metre plus” which it argues are “open to misrepresentation”.
National broadcasters should also be asked “to report on the local level of infection present as part of each news and weather bulletin, as with the pollen and UV rays” across TV, radio and the internet, while the group also says daily coronavirus briefings should be reinstated.
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BBC weather forecast BBC News
Once the virus is brought under control, the group argues that most new cases would be brought to the UK from people traveling from abroad.
Stage two of the plan would keep cases in England at lower than 10 cases per million population per day over a seven day rolling average by ensuring there is testing and screening at all UK entry points, alongside quarantine for travellers at regulated locations.
Screening should also be introduced at public transport hubs while test and trace would continue to keep rates low.
Eventually, the government should embark on a mass vaccination programme – the third stage of the plan – to eliminate the virus.
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But the group stressed: “It is vital that any government exit strategy does not depend solely on the development of an effective vaccine in the short term.”
Moran, who chairs the APPG, said: “The Covid secure UK plan is based on the principle that by focusing on saving as many lives as possible in the immediate term, you will also save jobs and be able to open up the economy sustainably.
“The UK government’s current plan stops at ‘getting R below 1’ but says nothing about what should happen next, as we saw in the first wave.
“The Covid secure UK plan builds on this and gives a clear path to the next phase of the response and rebuilding the economy, by concentrating our response at the UK’s entry points.”
Poulter said: “The closest equivalent to the plan is New Zealand.
“By bringing their numbers right down and pushing the focus of their response to their borders, they have been able to reopen stadiums to fans and go back to some form of normality.
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“Like New Zealand, we are an island or group of islands and we can leverage our geography to our benefit in battling the pandemic.”
McKee added: “The UK government’s approach is based on a false choice or ‘balance’ between saving lives and protecting jobs and the economy. This has given us the worst of all worlds, with some of the highest death rates and greatest decline in GDP anywhere.
“We are doing too little to break the chain of disease transmission while hitting people’s jobs and incomes.
“We now have examples from several countries, in Asia but also elsewhere in Europe, that the countries that have controlled infections most successfully have experienced the smallest hits to their economies.
“The Covid secure UK plan provides an achievable alternative for the UK, where we save lives, restore confidence, secure jobs, and allow us to open up the economy sustainably.”


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-10-27--No, Woolworths Is Not Returning To The UK's High Streets

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It was the news we all needed amidst an awful year – the finest purveyor of pick ’n’ mix the world has ever known was returning to our high streets.
That’s right, Woolworths is back. Well – it was if you had a cursory glance at social media. Or, er, most of the UK’s major news websites.
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Unfortunately, as it’s 2020 and everything is crap, it was a cruel fabrication by persons unknown with no regard for long-deprived fans of white chocolate mice.
A Twitter account claiming to be run on behalf of the variety store retailer that went into administration in 2008 teased a return, claiming it was “here to save 2020”.
Here to save 2020! Woolworths is coming back to your high street, as a physical store!
A couple of legal things to get sorted, but we’re full steam ahead at Woolworths HQ.
We want to get this right, so we need your help. What do you want at your UK #YourWoolworths? pic.twitter.com/k5BtcYdcAI — Woolworths UK (@UKWoolworths) October 27, 2020
The Twitter account asked for feedback on what people want from a physical store and promised to make further announcements and provide chances to win gift cards – to a joyful and nostalgic response pleading for the return of pick ’n’ mix and Ladybird clothes.
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But rats were sniffed and a closer look revealed a number of curious discrepancies.
Firstly, they spelled “Woolworths” wrong in a subsequent tweet which is a bit of a red flag tbh.
So... we’re popular (that’s for sure!)
Our trial stores will open in 2021. Very own the online Woolsworths, so we will be retail only. Before we launch we have a few legal contracts to sign, but we’re super excited!
This will be your Woolsworths ❤ pic.twitter.com/SwEXD1Gs3w — Woolworths UK (@UKWoolworths) October 27, 2020
Secondly, the account is unverified, has barely any followers and linked to a website that doesn’t exist.
Thirdly, the company that owns the Woolworths name didn’t have a clue about it.
After keeping HuffPost UK waiting for more than an hour, a Very spokesperson said: “We own the Woolworths trademark in the UK. The Twitter account UKWoolworths is not connected to The Very Group.”
Despite this, the country’s media jumped on the news as high street gospel.
Every major online outlet has reported Woolworth's is returning to the high street.
One call from me to owner Very's PR - he doesn't know a thing about it.
Surely a story based on a Twitter account with 900 followers (and spelling mistakes) should be verified? pic.twitter.com/bdfGf2R6Nm — Tom Witherow (@TomWitherow) October 27, 2020
But credit where credit is due, Woolworths has been top trend all morning and the mystery account is still going strong.
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CONFIRMED: The famous Woolworths Pick ‘n’ Mix is coming back!
Who’s excited?#Woolworths pic.twitter.com/rTVHQ2CqZK — Woolworths UK (@UKWoolworths) October 27, 2020
The household name, which sold everything from chocolate bars to toasters and televisions, collapsed into administration amid the global financial crisis and Britain’s economic downturn.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-10-27--Ocasio-Cortez Delivers Yet Another Takedown After Trump's Rally Insult

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Donald Trump keeps pumping out the insults, and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez just keeps knocking them right back at him.
At a campaign rally Monday in Lititz, Pennsylvania, the president tossed out some of his go-to attacks against the progressive lawmaker and her proposals to combat climate change.
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“A great student of the environment — I don’t think she ever took an environmental course in college,” he said. “She did go to college, right?”
Ocasio-Cortez, who graduated from Boston University with degrees in economics and international relations, argued that plenty of people without a college education could run the country better than Trump has. She slammed him and his fellow Republicans for their elitist attitude toward people without degrees, such as food service workers, calling it “classist & disgusting.”
She also pointed out that as college tuition continues to rise, degrees begin to measure privilege more than competence.
I could say yes, but who cares? Plenty of people without college degrees could run this country better than Trump ever has.
As much as GOP cry about “elites,” they’re the ones who constantly mock food service workers, people w/o degrees, etc as dumb. It’s classist & disgusting. https://t.co/t4FepwyeGl — Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@AOC) October 26, 2020
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I’ve hired people w/o degrees who have done incredible, effective, & strategic work.
The more college costs soar, the more degrees become a measure privilege than competence. Our country would be better off if we made public colleges tuition-free & cancelled student loan debt. — Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@AOC) October 26, 2020
Trump persistently goes after Ocasio-Cortez and her progressive House colleagues in the so-called “Squad”: Ayanna Pressley, Ilhan Omar and Rashida Tlaib.
At the presidential debate last week, he claimed that they “know nothing about the climate,” prompting Twitter responses from all four women. Pressley joked that they live in Trump’s head “rent free.” And Ocasio-Cortez, who worked as a bartender prior to taking office, said that three years ago she would have been gobsmacked if someone told her “an unhinged President of the United States would be repeatedly saying my name at the 2020 debate.”
In her first term, Ocasio-Cortez has been a leading voice in Congress on the fight for environmental justice. Earlier this year, she served as co-chair of Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden’s climate proposal task force. And in 2019, she and Sen. Ed Markey introduced the wide-ranging set of policy proposals known as the Green New Deal.
Trump often brings up Ocasio-Cortez and the Green New Deal at his rallies and frequently attacks her education when doing so. She almost always claps back.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-10-27--Ex-Trump Officials Line Up Against Him In Damning New Republican Ad

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Several key officials who’ve served in high-level positions in the administration of President Donald Trump are speaking out against him in a new video from Republican Voters Against Trump.
And they’re urging Americans to vote for his Democratic rival, former Vice President Joe Biden.
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“It is so much worse than it looks,” says Miles Taylor, who served as chief of staff of the Department of Homeland Security from 2017 to 2019.
“We will no longer be America after four more years of Trump,” warns Olivia Troye, a former senior aide to Vice President Mike Pence who was involved in the coronavirus task force until July.
All three have endorsed Biden.
The new spot also includes outside footage of former national security adviser John Bolton, who has said that Trump is not fit for office and that said he is voting against him. However, Bolton has also said he isn’t voting for Biden, either.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-10-27--Jamie Foxx Pays Tribute To His Sister, DeOndra Dixon, Who Has Died Aged 36

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Jamie Foxx has said his “heart is shattered into a million pieces”, following the death of his sister DeOndra Dixon at the age of 36.
The Oscar-winning star announced that DeOndra had died in an emotional Instagram post, shared late on Monday night.
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He wrote: “My beautiful loving sister Deondra has transitioned... I say transitioned because she will always be alive… anyone who knew my sis... knew that she was a bright light.
“I can’t tell you how many times we have had parties at the house where she has got on the dance floor and stolen the show… well I know she is in heaven now dancing with her wings on.”
Jamie added: “Tho my pain is unbelievable... I smile when I think of all of the great memories that she left me.”
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The actor and singer also shared some of his favourite memories of DeOndra, who was born with Down’s syndrome, and later became an ambassador for the Global Down Syndrome Foundation, including having her dance in his Blame It music video, and in a performance at the Grammys.
“Deondra you have left A hole in my heart… but I will fill it with all of the memories that you gave me,” Jamie added. “I love you with every ounce of me… our family is shattered but we will put the pieces back together with your love… and y’all please keep my family in your prayers.”
Jamie Foxx at an NAACP event earlier this year Aaron J. Thornton via Getty Images
Following his post, Jamie received support from a number of his famous friends, including Viola Davis, Snoop Dogg and his former co-star Michael B Jordan, who wrote: “Here for you brother! No words can ease what you’re going through but the Jordans are here for you and your family!”
Jamie’s daughter Corrine Foxx also commented on the post, writing: “Our angel. Life will not be the same without her.”
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The model then posted a separate tribute on her own Instagram page:
In a blog on the Global Down Syndrome Foundation website, DeOndra said she had moved to California to live with her brother after finishing high school.
She wrote that she was “born to dance”, adding: “My brother has given me a chance to do some special things.”


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-10-27--Phillip Schofield Insists He Has No Plans To Divorce Wife After Coming Out As Gay

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Phillip Schofield has insisted he has no plans to divorce his wife of 27 years, after coming out as gay earlier this year.
Back in January, the This Morning host revealed he was gay in an emotional Instagram statement, and has repeatedly spoken about how his wife, Stephanie Lowe, has been a huge support to him throughout the coming out process.
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During an interview on Chris Evans’ How To Wow podcast, Phillip described their marriage as a “work in progress”, noting that he and his wife have no plans to divorce.
“There is a great deal of talk of divorce [in the media] – we have not discussed that at all,” the daytime presenter said. “With divorce... that has not been discussed. We are picking our way through and however that works and it’s a work in progress.”
Phillip and Steph at the Brit Awards in 2018 John Phillips via Getty Images
He added: “I am a work in progress. Steph is a work in progress.”
Phillip and Steph married in 1993, and have two grown-up daughters, Molly, 26, and Ruby, 23.
During an interview on Lorraine earlier this month, Phillip spoke about how Steph had offered him guidance before his public coming out, stating: “We talked the whole thing through. There were no secrets, there have never been any secrets. When I knew, she knew.
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“And it wasn’t like a sudden ping, it was like ‘This is tripping me up’ – initially I didn’t understand.”
The couple with their daughters, Molly and Ruby, in 2018 Samir Hussein via Getty Images
Steph previously told The Sun: “I love Phillip, as much today as I ever have, and always will.
“Although this is difficult for us all, I support Phillip in taking this brave step and I will still be there, holding his hand. Everyone should be proud to live their own truth.”
Useful websites and helplines:


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-10-27--Quaden Bayles' Family Reveals What Really Happened After He Went Viral

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Quaden Bayles and his mum Yarraka have revealed what happened behind the scenes after she posted a heartbreaking video of her distraught son expressing the urge to take his life because of relentless bullying over his short stature.
The Facebook video, uploaded in February, was viewed 25 million times in less than two days and sparked a global conversation amongst football players and A-list celebrities like Hugh Jackman and Cardi B.
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A crowdfunding campaign was created by comedian Brad Williams – who was also born with achondroplasia, a form of dwarfism – to fly Quaden to Disneyland. It raised more than £165,000 in a few days.
The following weeks and months were overwhelming for the family, who faced criticism for live-streaming Quaden’s anguish, followed by bizarre and cruel internet rumours that the boy was actually a 19-year-old actor and the family was rich and scamming the public for financial gain. Another false rumour was that Quaden was dead – perhaps the worst of all the lies that Yarraka could not begin to grasp.
Now, 10-year-old Quaden and his mum have sat down with the ABC’s Australian Story to update the public on how they have coped in the aftermath of their rollercoaster ordeal.
“I could never have predicted what was going to happen after posting one video,” Yarraka said of her Facebook Live message.
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“Apparently, Quaden is an 18-year-old man. He’s already rich and famous. He’s an actor. I coached him to do and say everything in that video. And it was all fake.”
Yarraka said that was when she knew she needed professional help. She got lawyers onboard to counteract the lies and launched defamation proceedings against Sydney’s Daily Telegraph columnist Miranda Devine for retweeting false information.
“I think it’s really concerning that you have high-profile people that don’t do their due diligence. A lot of people obviously believed her,” Yarraka said.
“We ended up getting our apology and the matter’s been settled.”
In February this year I posted some comments on my personal Twitter account about Quaden Bayles and his mother Yarraka. I now know those comments were hurtful and untrue. I sincerely apologise to the Bayles for those comments. — Miranda Devine (@mirandadevine) September 19, 2020
Even though Quaden has “always wanted to go to America,” Yarraka decided taking a GoFundMe holiday “did not sit right” and they have donated the majority of the money to charity. A very small amount has been put aside for Quaden’s medical fees.
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As Quaden has battled ongoing health issues and adjusted to the glare of media attention, his mum received some surprising help from an unlikely hero. American school psychologist Brooks Gibbs, who had critiqued and analysed the original video, offered counselling sessions with Quaden and his mum in which they workshopped approaches to build up emotional resilience and deal with bullies from a new perspective.
“There’s been so many positive aspects over the negatives,” Yarraka said of the sessions with Brooks, with whom she initially felt defensive.
“At first I felt like my parenting was under attack. I felt my defensive mechanisms were kicking in.
“I sat back and I processed that, and I was like, ‘He’s right.’”
Quaden has also reacted well to the “really helpful” and “really good” strategy sessions with Brooks.
“Don’t be upset, treat them like a friend. That’s what I say to people now and now they understand,” Quaden explained.
“People think I'm 18, but I'm really not, trust me. I'm turning 10.” Quaden Bayles has set the record straight and is working hard to ignore his bullies and get back to school #AustralianStory pic.twitter.com/Zqd447MuJz — AustralianStory (@AustralianStory) October 26, 2020
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Although Quaden’s return to school this year has caused him anxiety, Yarraka said she is “so proud” that her son can tell people how he feels now because that’s something he hadn’t been able to do in the past.
So, what’s next for Quaden?
“Buy a house and a car for my mum and help the homeless,” he said.
“And be a good man.”


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-10-27--More Than 10,000 Free Meals Given To Hungry Children On First Day Of Half Term

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More than 10,000 meals were delivered to hungry children by businesses and community groups on the first day of half-term after the government refused to extend free school meals into the holidays.
Hundreds of organisations stepped up to provide free food to those who need it after the Tories refused to support a motion extending the voucher scheme that had kept more than a million children fed through lockdown and the school holidays.
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Spearheaded by footballer Marcus Rashford, who has spent months campaigning to end child hunger, the campaign quickly went viral – leading to thousands of people being fed on the first day of the half-term break alone.
More than 400 people have so far responded to a call-out on Rashford’s Twitter page, in which the Manchester United star called for “incredible local businesses” to let him know how many free meals for children had been supplied.
🗣 Calling all incredible local businesses...
Out of curiosity, how many complimentary Childrens meals have each of you supplied today? Day 1 of Half Term.
Can you let me know number and where you are located.
Thank you x — Marcus Rashford MBE (@MarcusRashford) October 26, 2020
A count of the replies by HuffPost UK reveals that more than 10,000 food packages were supplied on Monday alone. Some of these account for a single hot meal or packed lunch, while others include enough food for a week – meaning the true number of meals supplied free is likely to be much higher.
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This figure is also rising continuously as more businesses and community groups reply to Rashford’s post, with organisers reporting thousands more meals requests for the week ahead.
The Bubble Inn, Derby, delivered 77 hot meals today pic.twitter.com/UDtDHdD8wQ — Darshna Soni (@darshnasoni) October 26, 2020
250 with a 1 year old in tow! pic.twitter.com/u3eYF218dx — carly (@carlymulls) October 27, 2020
Just under 100 locally. Kirklees. Today we have orders of over 120. Day 2..🙏🏼🧡 pic.twitter.com/VWoHAww9kV — Tanisha Bramwell - Dewsbury West Candidate (@TanishaDewsWest) October 27, 2020
Rashford’s campaign has been met with widespread praise, with thousands sharing his posts and his drive to end holiday hunger continuing to dominate the political agenda, days after the motion to extend the voucher scheme failed to pass.
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Tory MPs have given a number of reasons for failing to support the motion, ranging from the government already “pumping money into the welfare system” and misleading claims families were spending the vouchers on items such as alcohol and tobacco – despite restrictions in place preventing this.
Several Tories have faced significant backlash for their comments in the wake of the vote and ensuing public outcry, with North Devon MP Selaine Saxby fiercely criticised for saying she “very much” hoped businesses who fed hungry children wouldn’t go on to ask for government support.
Her Facebook post began to circulate widely just hours after colleague Ben Bradley, suggested free school meal vouchers for the children in his constituency “effectively” went to crack dens and brothels.
Despite widespread anger at the decision not to extend free school meals, Boris Johnson has doubled down on his opposition to the motion, insisting on Monday that the “best way of tackling holiday hunger” was to boost Universal Credit.
His government has increased the benefit by £1,000 a year per household, but analysis by the Resolution Foundation has found that this is set to end in April 2021 – meaning many families will face a significant drop in income in the spring.
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There were possibly murmurs of a U-turn when, speaking on Monday, Johnson said: “We don’t want to see children going hungry this winter, this Christmas, certainly not as a result of any inattention by this government – and you are not going to see that.
“We will do everything in our power to make sure that no kid, no child goes hungry this winter during the holidays. That’s obviously something we care about very much.
“I totally understand the issue of holiday hunger. It is there – we have to deal with it.
“The debate is: how do you deal with it? We are very proud of the support we have given.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-10-27--There's A 2020-Scented Candle. Guess What It Smells Like

HuffPost UK Supplied
HuffPost may receive a share from purchases made via links on this page. Prices and availability subject to change.
We’ve already given you our suggestions of gifts that’ll make people smile – but this one is guaranteed to make people laugh. Or vomit. We’re not quite sure.
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Online retailer Flaming Crap has introduced its latest candle with a ’2020 scent’. And you can probably guess what that smells like.
Nope, not just of shit. It actually has four fragrant layers taking you on a sensual journey through the year: subtle wafts of banana bread, hand sanitiser, DIY and woody musks, alongside a spritz of budget aftershave in honour of that 2020 TV icon – Joe Exotic from Tiger King.
Do those scents go together? Absolutely not. Will it smell like a hot mess? Of course. Could it get a few laughs from its recipient? It’s all we can hope for.
Either way, it’s rather fitting for a pandemic-scented candle, don’t you think?
If you’re inclined to buy this for a mate, know that it’s actually pretty sustainable, using vegan kerasoy wax, recycled labels and packaging. Oh, and it’s £14.99.
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thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-10-27--Amy Coney Barrett: Everything You Need To Know About The New Supreme Court Judge

Judge Amy Coney Barrett looks over at US President Donald Trump as she is sworn in to serve as an associate justice of the Supreme Court. REUTERS
On Monday night, Republicans in the US Senate voted to confirm Amy Coney Barrett to the Supreme Court. Barrett was sworn in that evening, filling the seat left vacant by Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who died in September.
Her confirmation marks a major political victory for Trump and the Republican Party just eight days before the presidential election on November 3.
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Here’s what you need to know about the newest addition to the US Supreme Court.
Who is she?
Barrett is a newcomer to the bench, having been selected by president Trump to serve as a federal appeals court judge in Chicago three years ago.
She graduated first in her class at the University of Notre Dame’s Law School and spent much of her career as a professor there, where she was voted professor of the year multiple times.
She clerked for the late conservative Justice Antonin Scalia and, like him, is an “originalist”. That means she says judges should aim to interpret the words of the US Constitution as the authors intended when they were written in 1787.
She is the mother of seven, including two adopted children from Haiti.
A devout Catholic, she has previously insisted her faith does not compromise her legal work.
What are her views?
Barrett is a conservative judge and her legal opinions and remarks on abortion and gay marriage have made her a favourite of the Christian right wing.
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During her confirmation hearings earlier this month, she dodged even the most basic questions.
Barrett's legal opinions and remarks on abortion and gay marriage have made her a favourite of the religious right. REUTERS
On the environment, she refused to say if climate change is real (it is) and claimed to have “no firm views” as she is “certainly not a scientist”. She has repeatedly insisted that she would not speak on climate change, claiming it is a political issue – as opposed to an established scientific fact.
Democrats have warned that Barrett is a threat to the Affordable Care Act and have highlighted her record of hostility to the health care law, women’s reproductive rights and LGBTQ+ rights.
Barrett has called Roe vs Wade – the landmark case establishing a woman’s right to an abortion – “an erroneous decision”, and said the Affordable Care Act’s birth control benefit was “an assault on religious liberty”.
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How the Senate voted
The final tally was 52 to 48.
Senator Susan Collins from Maine was the only Republican to vote no. REUTERS
Every Republican but one – Senator Susan Collins of Maine – voted to confirm Barrett. Every Democrat voted no.
How does this swing the Court?
Barrett is Trump’s third Supreme Court justice, after Neil Gorsuch and Brett Kavanaugh. Her appointment officially tilts the balance of the court farther to the right than it has been in 70 years.
At 48, she is also the youngest person on the court and will likely serve for decades, cementing Trump’s influence on the judicial system.
Why was her confirmation controversial?
Aside from all the above, the timing of her confirmation ended a weeks-long dash by Republicans to put her on the court before the election, in case Trump loses. No Supreme Court confirmation has ever occurred this close to a presidential election.
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At 48, Barrett is the youngest person on the court and will likely serve on the court for decades. REUTERS
The rush to confirm her has bitterly divided the two main parties. Democrats protested the rushed process, calling it a “sham” and boycotting Barrett’s vote out of the Judiciary Committee.
They criticised Republicans for the hypocrisy of filling a Supreme Court seat in a presidential election year after they denied president Barack Obama the ability to do so.
The late Justice Ginsburg’s dying wish had been that her seat would not be filled until after the next president takes office on January 20.
What did Republicans say?
President Trump celebrated Barrett’s nomination and cheered the work of Senate majority leader Mitch McConnell to push through her nomination.
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“She is one of our nation’s most brilliant legal scholars and she will make an outstanding justice on the highest court in the land.
“It is highly fitting that Justice Barrett fills the seat of a true pioneer for women, Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.”
Ahead of the vote, McConnell said Democrats’ complaints about the process were unfounded.
“You can’t win ’em all,” he said on the Senate floor. “Elections have consequences.
“What this administration and this Republican Senate has done is exercise a power that was given to us by the American people in a manner that is entirely within the rules of the Senate and the Constitution of the United States.”
What did Democrats say?
Minority leader Chuck Shumer said the vote was “one of the darkest days” in the history of the 231 years of the Senate, adding Republicans will regret their power grab in the long haul.
“I want to be very clear with my Republican colleagues: you may win this vote, and Amy Coney Barrett may become the next associate justice of the Supreme Court, but you will never, never get your credibility back,” Schumer said.
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“The next time the American people give Democrats a majority in this chamber, you will have forfeited the right to tell us how to run that majority.”
Presidential nominee Joe Biden said Barrett’s confirmation should be a final appeal to Americans who haven’t yet cast a ballot.
Presidential nominee Joe Biden said Barrett’s confirmation should be a final appeal to Americans who haven’t yet cast a ballot. REUTERS
“The rushed and unprecedented confirmation of Amy Coney Barrett as associate justice to the Supreme Court, in the middle of an ongoing election, should be a stark reminder to every American that your vote matters,” he said in a statement.
What did Barrett say?
Barrett said at her swearing-in on Monday night: “I am grateful for the confidence you have expressed in me, and I pledge to you, and to the American people, that I will discharge my duties to the very best of my ability.
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“I will do my job without any fear or favour and that I will do so independently of both the political branches and of my own preferences.
“I love the Constitution and the democratic republic that it establishes and I will devote myself to preserving it.”
What’s next?
On Tuesday morning, Chief Justice John Roberts will administer the judicial oath in a private ceremony at the Supreme Court. From then, she will be able to officially begin work on the nation’s highest court.
Several major legal petitions await Barrett and the other justices in her first week on the job, including several related to voting, one on access to Trump’s tax returns and another on Mississippi’s 15-week abortion ban.
She is also expected to participate in arguments later in November in a case in which Trump and Republican-led states are seeking to invalidate the 2010 Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare.
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The act has helped millions of Americans obtain medical insurance and barred private insurers from denying medical coverage to people with pre-existing conditions.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-10-27--RuPaul Covers Cosmopolitan Magazine And It's A Total Serve

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RuPaul has been unveiled as Cosmopolitan’s latest cover star and to say it’s a serve… would be an understatement.
For her first ever Cosmo cover shoot, the drag icon is giving us full Glamazon, complete with huge hair, a glittering dress and, of course, striking one of her signature killer poses.
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RuPaul on the cover of Cosmpolitan ALBERT SANCHEZ AND PEDRO ZALBA/COSMPOLITAN UK
To accompany her photo-shoot, Ru was interviewed by Drag Race superfan Jade Thirlwall of Little Mix, and in amongst the usual platitudes about the “tenacity of the human spirit” and how we’re “born naked and the rest is drag”, she reflected on how her drag has evolved over the years.
“As a kid, I knew I would be famous,” Ru explained. “Cher, David Bowie, Diana Ross, Dolly Parton – I mixed all of those together and came up with who I would be.
“Early on, when I started my career in Atlanta, in 1982, it was a mecca for drag queens. Me and my friends were all punk rock – combat boots, smeared lipstick, ratty wigs and hairy chests. Then I moved to New York to make money, so I decided to glam it up.
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“Then, when I started to get really serious and got a record deal, I did my Glamazon drag, which is what we do today.”
Michelle Visage and RuPaul at PaleyFest in 2019 Jean Baptiste Lacroix via Getty Images
Ru also spoke about her long friendship with Drag Race judge Michelle Visage, saying: “She’s a good egg. She’s super smart. I met her in 1988. Over the years she popped up in different situations and I thought, ‘My goodness, this is someone who I really need to get to know’.
“I like her a lot. She makes me laugh. I feel bad sometimes on the [Drag Race] panel because we cut up like girlfriends and I don’t want the others to feel left out but we have a natural chemistry together.”
Ru later shared the cover on her Instagram page, writing: “C’mon, Cosmo Cover!”
Commenting on the post, Jade wrote: “Thank you for such an interesting, inspiring and incredible interview.”
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thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-10-27--Sacha Baron Cohen Reveals How That Infamous Rudy Giuliani Stunt Almost Went Wrong

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Actor Sacha Baron Cohen says the infamous scene in the Borat sequel involving former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani almost fell apart twice as it was unfolding.
On Monday, Cohen told Late Show host Stephen Colbert that he was hiding in a specially built “hideaway” for the scene, but had to scramble to get inside it when Giuliani’s security came in to sweep the room before the interview with actor Maria Bakalova, who portrays Borat’s daughter in the movie.
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Once inside the hideaway, the only way to communicate and know when to leave was via text, except someone forgot to check the cellphone’s battery:
.@SachaBaronCohen explains how they pulled off the ‘inappropriate’ Rudy Giuliani scene in #Borat2 pic.twitter.com/T6PSVdOI4u — A Late Show (@colbertlateshow) October 27, 2020
Giuliani, who serves as personal attorney to President Donald Trump, was caught on camera being more than a little creepy with Bakalova. At one point, he even placed his hands down his pants. The former mayor said he was tucking his shirt in.
Trump called Cohen a “creep” for the stunt and said he’s not funny.
Cohen replied by offering him a job:
Donald—I appreciate the free publicity for Borat! I admit, I don’t find you funny either. But yet the whole world laughs at you.
I’m always looking for people to play racist buffoons, and you’ll need a job after Jan. 20. Let’s talk!https://t.co/itWnhJ8TQF — Sacha Baron Cohen (@SachaBaronCohen) October 24, 2020
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thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-10-27--The Most Popular Baby Names Of The Last 100 Years

Imgorthand via Getty Images The names that dominated the last century aren't necessarily the same ones in the top 10 today.
These days, we’re used to newborns named Liam, Olivia and Ava, but those names haven’t dominated the popularity lists for very long in the grand scheme of things.
The Social Security Administration in the US keeps data on baby names going back to the 1880s, including lists of the top picks broken down by decade, state and relative shift in popularity. Another interesting list is the top 100 names of the last 100 years.
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The most popular name for baby girls born during the years 1920 to 2019 was Mary, followed by Patricia and Jennifer, according to the agency. As for boys, the names James, John and Robert topped the list.
“Please note that popular names listed below are not necessarily consistently popular in every year,” the SSA website states. “For example, the name James, ranked as the most popular male name over the last 100 years, has been ranked as low as number 19. Similarly, the most popular female name in the table, Mary, ranked as low as 127.”
Without further ado, here are the top 100 names for boys and girls born from 1920 to 2019.
Girls
Mary Patricia Jennifer Linda Elizabeth Barbara Susan Jessica Sarah Karen Nancy Lisa Margaret Betty Sandra Ashley Dorothy Kimberly Emily Donna Michelle Carol Amanda Melissa Deborah Stephanie Rebecca Laura Sharon Cynthia Kathleen Amy Shirley Angela Helen Anna Brenda Pamela Nicole Samantha Katherine Emma Ruth Christine Catherine Debra Rachel Carolyn Janet Virginia Maria Heather Diane Julie Joyce Victoria Kelly Christina Lauren Joan Evelyn Olivia Judith Megan Cheryl Martha Andrea Frances Hannah Jacqueline Ann Gloria Jean Kathryn Alice Teresa Sara Janice Doris Madison Julia Grace Judy Abigail Marie Denise Beverly Amber Theresa Marilyn Danielle Diana Brittany Natalie Sophia Rose Isabella Alexis Kayla Charlotte
Boys


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-10-27--Ivanka Trump’s Anniversary Message To Jared Kushner Quickly Goes Off The Rails

Ivanka Trump, President Donald Trump’s daughter and adviser, sent her husband Jared Kushner ― also a White House adviser ― an anniversary message on Twitter on Sunday. It didn’t exactly go over well, given Kushner’s key role in the administration’s failures to control the coronavirus pandemic, which has killed more than 225,000 Americans.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-10-27--Victoria Derbyshire Apologises After Saying She Would Break Rule Of Six At Christmas

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In an interview with Radio Times the presenter revealed she intended to spend the festive period with her relatives and was willing to break the rules to do so.
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Victoria Derbyshire David M. Benett via Getty Images
“If the rule of six is still in place at Christmas, we’re breaking it to have the rule of seven, we just are,” she told the magazine. “Joining me, my husband and our two boys will be my mum, her partner and my husband’s dad.
“It’s fine. We’ll do it knowing what the risks are. We’re not stupid. We’re going to be sensible and buy a thermometer gun. But we have to be together at Christmas. It feels almost irresponsible saying that, but I don’t think we’re alone in feeling that way. We need to see my elderly mum and my husband’s elderly dad. We just do.”
On Tuesday, Victoria apologised for her comments on Twitter, admitting it was “totally wrong” and that she will follow whatever rules are in place at Christmas.
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Good morning. I’m starting the day by saying I’m sorry: a few weeks ago the Radio Times asked me (amongst other things) what would potentially happen at Christmas with my own family if the rule of six was still in place.... 1/2 — Victoria Derbyshire (@vicderbyshire) October 27, 2020
I talked about my mum, her partner & my dad-in-law spending it with us - making seven in our home in a Tier One area (medium). It was hypothetical - however I was totally wrong to say it & I’m sorry. We’ll of course continue to follow whatever rules are in place on Dec 25th 2/2 — Victoria Derbyshire (@vicderbyshire) October 27, 2020
“I’m starting the day by saying I’m sorry,” she tweeted. “A few weeks ago the Radio Times asked me (amongst other things) what would potentially happen at Christmas with my own family if the rule of six was still in place.
“I talked about my mum, her partner & my dad-in-law spending it with us - making seven in our home in a Tier One area (medium). It was hypothetical - however I was totally wrong to say it & I’m sorry. We’ll of course continue to follow whatever rules are in place on Dec 25th.”
The presenter, who has two sons, Oliver, 16, and Joe, 13, with her husband Mark also told Radio Times that it was family she has missed the most during the pandemic.
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“What I’ve missed most is having loads of people round my house and seeing family,” she said.
“My mum lives in Bolton, I live in London, so I’ve not been able to see her much. We do Zoom calls every Saturday, but that’s it. It’s mad.”


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-10-27--Joe Dempsie Says Game Of Thrones Finale Has An Important Lesson We Can All Learn From

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Joe Dempsie has shared his thoughts on the divisive Game Of Thrones finale, including an important message he thinks we can all glean from the episode.
The British actor played the blacksmith Gendry in the first three series of the hit fantasy drama, returning for the final two seasons, the last of which ended up getting a mixed response from fans.
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In a new interview with The Independent, Joe admitted he has “sympathy” for those disappointed with the pacing of the final series, stating: “Watching it back, I think they could have maybe taken a little more time.”
However, Joe was quick to add that he’s actually a fan of the finale overall, in particular the message that “the human race can put their differences aside to defeat a common enemy”.
Joe in character as Gendry in Game Of Thrones HBO
“That is something we could all do with addressing,” he concluded.
During the interview, Joe was also asked for his thoughts on the romance between his character and Arya Stark, played by co-star Maisie Williams.
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“It was an odd transition purely because I’d seen Maisie grow up,” Joe said of his co-star, who was 12 when she first appeared in Game Of Thrones.
“I’d met her when she was a child and, during the course of the first three seasons, it was something I was asked regularly because the books suggest there’s a possible romance. It always made me slightly uncomfortable.
“I know we were recreating fantasy, but we as actors have to make it very much in reality, and they were asking me to comment on whether I – at the time, a 25-year-old man – would like my character to hook up with a 14-year-old. I always avoided answering the questions. But it was something I then had to think about.”
Joe on set with co-star Maisie Williams HBO
Fortunately, when it actually came to shooting the scene, Joe said he found it “absolutely fine”.
He explained: “When we were doing season eight, Maisie was a grown woman. Also, putting that initial discomfort to the side, I didn’t wanna patronise her.
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“She’s an incredibly capable young woman who commanded the respect of that set, so to play up about doing the scene would have been doing her a massive disservice.”
Joe at a fashion event earlier this year David M. Benett via Getty Images
Since the Game Of Thrones finale aired in 2018, it’s proved controversial with both fans and the cast, with a number of former stars sharing their thoughts on how producers chose to wrap things up.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-10-27--Senate Confirms Amy Coney Barrett To The Supreme Court

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Senate Republicans voted Monday night to confirm Amy Coney Barrett to the Supreme Court, tilting the balance of the court to a 6-3 conservative majority for years to come and handing US President Donald Trump a victory barely a week before the election.
Every Republican but one, senator Susan Collins of Maine, voted to confirm Barrett. Every Democrat voted no. The final tally was 52 to 48.
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The White House planned to hold a large outdoor event later Monday night to celebrate Barrett’s confirmation, despite a previous White House event for Barrett triggering a coronavirus outbreak among attendees. Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas reportedly will administer the constitutional oath to Barrett at the event.
Barrett’s confirmation ends a weekslong dash by Republicans to put her on the court before the November 3 election, in the event Trump loses reelection and leaves a potential President Joe Biden better positioned to fill the seat in 2021. Barrett, 48, will fill the seat left vacant by Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who died in September.
Democrats protested the rushed process, calling it a “sham” and boycotting Barrett’s vote out of the Judiciary Committee. They criticised Republicans for the hypocrisy of filling a Supreme Court seat in a presidential election year after they denied President Barack Obama the ability to do so. They warned that Barrett is a threat to the Affordable Care Act and highlighted her record of hostility to the health care law, women’s reproductive rights and LGBTQ rights. But they never had the votes to stop her confirmation.
Ahead of the vote, Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said Democrats’ complaints about the process were unfounded.
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“You can’t win ’em all,” McConnell said on the Senate floor. “Elections have consequences.”
“What this administration and this Republican Senate has done is exercise a power that was given to us by the American people in a manner that is entirely within the rules of the Senate and the Constitution of the United States,” he said.
But Minority Leader Chuck Schumer called Monday’s vote “one of the darkest days” in the history of the 231 years of the Senate, and said Republicans will regret their power grab in the long haul.
“I want to be very clear with my Republican colleagues: You may win this vote, and Amy Coney Barrett may become the next associate justice of the Supreme Court, but you will never, never get your credibility back,” Schumer said. “The next time the American people give Democrats a majority in this chamber, you will have forfeited the right to tell us how to run that majority.”
Barrett is Trump’s third Supreme Court justice, after Neil Gorsuch and Brett Kavanaugh. All three are members of the Federalist Society, a conservative legal organisation through which Trump has outsourced his selection of Supreme Court justices and nearly all of his 53 appeals court judges. The Federalist Society is part of a vast and secretive $250 million network of groups promoting conservative judges and causes.
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During Barrett’s confirmation hearing this month, senator Sheldon Whitehouse connected the dots between the conservative dark money groups and Barrett’s nomination, saying her confirmation is the grand prize for big donors hoping for favourable court rulings on the issues they care about: among them, weakening or doing away with the Affordable Care Act, abortion rights and marriage equality.