thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-01-10--Woman, 21, Who Posed As Teen Boy To Groom And Assault Girls Is Jailed

Gemma Watts posed as a teenage boy to sexually assault up to 50 girls as young as 14 after grooming them online Press Association Images
A woman who posed as a teenage boy to sexually assault up to 50 girls after grooming them online has been jailed for eight years.
Gemma Watts, 21, travelled the country by train to meet the youngsters, who believed they were in a relationship with a boy close to their own age. Some of the girls were as young as 13.
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Disguised with her long hair tied into a bun and wearing a baseball cap, baggy jogging bottoms and a hoodie, Watts convinced them she was 16-year-old “Jake Waton”.
Watts was jailed at Winchester Crown Court on Friday after pleading guilty to seven sexual assault and grooming charges.
Judge Susan Evans QC told her: “Their age, as you plainly knew, made it more likely that they would be sexually naive, enabling you to get away with your deception.
“None of them would have consented to sexual activity with you.
“You groomed each of them with telephone and internet contact to deceive each of them as to your identity.”
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She added Watts had caused “severe psychological harm” but accepted that her low IQ, guilty plea, lack of previous convictions and relatively low age at the time served as mitigation.
Watts used her own picture on “Jake’s” Snapchat and Instagram accounts, targeting girls aged 14 to 16 by liking their profiles.
Watts was jailed for eight years at Winchester Crown Court PA
She shared skateboarding videos, used teenage slang and flattered them with complimentary messages, calling them “babe” or other pet names.
Watts, who lived at home with her mother in Enfield, north London, would then swap messages with victims, including intimate photographs, using WhatsApp, Snapchat or text, and speak over the phone before meeting them in person.
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She was so convincing that she even spent time as Jake with some of the girls’ parents.
All of Watts’ victims believed they were in a relationship with a teenage boy until police revealed she was in fact an adult woman.
The offences relate to four girls, including a 14-year-old from Hampshire and three 15-year-olds from Surrey, Plymouth and the West Midlands.
Detective Constable Phillipa Kenwright, from the Metropolitan Police, said: “It’s been life-changing for all of the victims involved. They believed they were in a relationship with a young teenage boy, to then find out this was actually a female.
“For some of these girls it was their first relationship. [...] She’s duped them the whole time.
“A lot of these victims are young, quite innocent. They have been completely taken in by Gemma Watts. They all believed they were in a relationship with a male.”
Investigators have identified a total of seven victims, some of whom don’t want to give a statement.
But Kenwright said: “I think there will be further victims, who were in a relationship with Watts, who will now realise she is a woman.”
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“I think there could be 20 to 50,” she continued.
“I think she had been grooming other young victims online using social media profiles, which are very believable.”
Watts first came to the attention of Hampshire police in March 2018 after a doctor raised concerns that a girl was in a relationship with an older boy.
The Met got involved in July that year after the defendant admitted she had been sexually active as Jake with the first three victims.
She was released under investigation by the south East force but arrested again in October 2018 by BTP officers, who found her with the fourth girl, from the West Midlands, after the victim was reported missing by her parents.
Officers had initially believed Watts was 16-year-old Jake and were taking her home to London before making the link.
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Scotland Yard secured a civil Sexual Risk Order in November 2018, in a bid to protect the public, which Watts breached just two weeks later.
She was held on remand after being arrested for sexual assault in March last year but was free again in August when she was acquitted.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-01-10--Samira Ahmed Wins Sex Discrimination Equal Pay Case Against BBC

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Journalist, writer and broadcaster Samira Ahmed PA Wire/PA Images
Presenter Samira Ahmed has won her sex discrimination equal pay claim against the BBC.
The Newswatch presenter brought the corporation to an employment tribunal last year, claiming she was paid a sixth of what Jeremy Vine received for hosting the similar show Points of View.
In a statement after the ruling, Ahmed said she was looking forward “to continuing to do my job, to report on stories and not being one”.
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“No woman wants to have to take action against their own employer,” she said. “I love working for the BBC. I’m glad it’s been resolved.”
The BBC argued that the work of Ahmed and Points of View host Jeremy Vine was different PA Wire/PA Images
The BBC had argued it was justified due to differences in news and entertainment shows.
However, on Friday an employment panel ruled unanimously that the BBC had failed to prove the difference in Ahmed and Vine’s pay was “because of a material factor which did not involve subjecting the claimant to sex discrimination”.
According to the ruling, the BBC had argued that a different set of skills were needed by Vine to present Points of View, including needing to have “a glint in the eye”.
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However, the judge said that the attempts at humour on the programme “came from the script”.
The judgment in Samira Ahmed v BBC handed down by Judge Harjit Grewal in the Central London Employment Tribunal is now available online: https://t.co/oevWxPgTVN — Judicial Office (@JudiciaryUK) January 10, 2020
“If it told him to roll his eyes, he did,” the ruling read. “It did not require any particular skill or experience to do that.
“We do not accept that the lighter tone of Points of View meant that the claimant’s work and that of Mr Vine were not broadly similar.”
Responding to the ruling, the BBC said that Ahmed “is an excellent journalist and presenter, and we regret that this case ever had to go to tribunal”.
A statement continued: “We’re committed to equality and equal pay. Where we’ve found equal pay cases in the past we’ve put them right. However, for us, this case was never about one person, but the way different types of programmes across the media industry attract different levels of pay.
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“We have always believed that the pay of Samira and Jeremy Vine was not determined by their gender. Presenters – female as well as male – had always been paid more on Points of View than Newswatch.”
The BBC said it would “consider this judgment carefully,” adding that the broadcaster wants “to work together with Samira to move on in a positive way”.
On Friday, former BBC China editor Carrie Gracie, who has fought her own equal pay battle, tweeted: ”@SamiraAhmedUK I could not be more proud of you... and all the #bbcwomen at your back.
“2020 is the 50th anniversary of the Equal Pay Act and I hope your victory gives courage to women everywhere to stand up for the value of their work. As for #BBC bosses, time to stop digging.”
@SamiraAhmedUK I could not be more proud of you ... and all the #bbcwomen at your back. 2020 is the 50th anniversary of the Equal Pay Act and I hope your victory gives courage to women everywhere to stand up for the value of their work. As for #BBC bosses, time to stop digging. — Carrie Gracie (@BBCCarrie) January 10, 2020
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Meanwhile, BBC Women’s Hour host Jane Garvey tweeted: “Just brilliant @SamiraAhmedUK – it took real courage and she has it. #equalpay”


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-01-10--Prison Officer Attacked By Inmates In Fake Suicide Belts 'Involved Convicted Terrorist'

Convicted terrorist Brusthom Ziamani has been named as one of two inmates who allegedly carried out a 'cowardly and vicious' attack on prison staff at HMP Whitemoor PA Wire/PA Images
A convicted terrorist has been named as one of two inmates believed to have carried out a “cowardly and vicious” attack on prison staff at a maximum security jail.
Scotland Yard counter-terrorism officers are investigating after an officer was attacked from behind on Thursday by two prisoners wearing fake suicide belts and armed with improvised bladed weapons.
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One of the suspects at the 458-capacity HMP Whitemoor in Cambridgeshire has been named in reports as convicted terrorist Brusthom Ziamani, 24, while the second is said to be a Muslim convert jailed for a violent offence.
Ziamani, a follower of radical preacher Anjem Choudary, 52, was found guilty of planning a terror attack in 2015 over a plot to behead a British soldier.
The prison officer attacked from behind suffered stab and slash wounds to the head, chest and face, while four other officers received stab injuries as they stepped in to help.
Steve Gillan, general secretary of the Prison Officers Association, said: “I have received a full briefing on this cowardly and vicious attack and there is no doubt in my mind that but for the bravery of staff then this morning we could have been talking about a death of a prison officer at Whitemoor Prison.
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“This was an extremely serious attack on hard-working staff.”
A Prison Service spokesperson said the incident was “quickly resolved by brave staff”, adding: “We do not tolerate assaults on our hard-working officers and will push for the strongest possible punishment.”
The Metropolitan Police said it was “deemed appropriate” for the investigation to be carried out by counter-terrorism officers.
A spokesman said: “However, we must stress that at this early stage of the investigation we are keeping an open mind with regards to any motives, and inquiries to establish the full circumstances of the incident are ongoing.”
Ziamani was 19 when he was sentenced at the Old Bailey to 22 years in prison, reduced to 19 on appeal, after he was arrested while carrying a 12in (30.5cm) knife and a hammer in a rucksack.
The court was told that he had researched the location of Army cadet bases in the south-east of the capital.
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Earlier, he had shown his ex-girlfriend weapons, described Fusilier Lee Rigby’s killer Michael Adebolajo as a “legend” and told her he would “kill soldiers”.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-01-10--Labour Leadership Hopeful Clive Lewis Calls For Referendum On Royal Family

Labour MP Clive Lewis makes a speech at the Black Cultural Archives in Brixton, London, as part of his campaign to become leader of the party. PA Wire/PA Images
Labour leadership hopeful Clive Lewis has suggested there should be a referendum on the “future” of the monarchy, amid the crisis in the royal family over Meghan Markle and Prince Harry.
Speaking in Brixton at the launch of his leadership campaign on Friday morning, Lewis said: “We are a democracy. I’d rather see us as citizens rather than subjects.”
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He added: “Why not have a referendum in this country on the future of the royal family?
Lewis later tweeted: "In response to my comments about the royal family. I didn’t say they should be abolished, I have lots of respect for the hard work they do.
"I simply think the question about their size and the money they receive should be one for the public. Asking these questions is democratic."
Harry and Meghan released a bombshell statement on Wednesday which stated the couple will be “stepping back” as senior royals and will divide their time between the UK and North America.
The couple had only recently arrived in the UK after spending an extended festive break in Canada. The duchess is now back with baby son Archie who remained behind.
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A conference call between the Queen in Sandringham, Charles in Birkhall, Aberdeenshire, William at Kensington Palace and Harry at Frogmore Cottage in the grounds of Windsor Castle has been staged to discuss the crisis, according to reports.
Lewis is seen as an outsider in the race to succeed Jeremy Corbyn, with Keir Starmer and Rebecca Long Bailey leading the pack.
Candidates have until Monday afternoon to secure the support of the 22 MPs required to make it onto the ballot.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-01-10--Prince Harry's Old Comments About The Royals Are So Relevant Now

He also said at the time that he wanted “to make something of my life” as senior member of the royal family while the focus was still on him.
“I feel there is just a smallish window when people are interested in me before [William’s children] take over, and I’ve got to make the most of it,” he said.
The comment about living in a goldfish bowl echoed sentiments the prince expressed during a chat with The Telegraph in April 2017.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-01-11--What To Binge Watch This January, As Recommended By The HuffPost Team

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Let’s face it, January has gotten off to a pretty bleak start, and we’re all in need of a bit of escapism.
So if like us, you intend on staying indoors for the whole month to avoid the world outside, you’re going to need some decent box sets to see you through.
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Luckily, the team here at HuffPost UK have got you covered with a list of binge-worthy TV shows that come highly recommended...
Shrill
BBC iPlayer
Recommended by Matt Bagwell, Head of Entertainment
There’s so much to love in the US comedy drama Shrill, but first a disclaimer: It’s not laugh out loud funny in a Derry Girls kind of way, but you will watch with a smile on your face and yes, you will definitely LOL at points.
SNL’s Aidy Bryant stars as Annie, whose life we follow as she tries to make sense of her world - her job as a talented but underappreciated journalist, her rubbish love life and how she feels about being a bigger girl than the idiot personal trainer she keeps running into.
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It’s all brilliantly written, superbly acted and even though it feels like familiar territory, it’s a completely original take.
The Loudest Voice
NowTV
Recommended by Jess Brammar, Executive Editor
I can’t believe more people aren’t watching this show, it’s brilliant. It’s about the rise of Fox News, under the extraordinary (and terrifying) leadership of Roger Ailes, the iconic right-wing American media mogul. He’s played by a brilliantly grotesque and unrecognisable Russell Crowe in a fat suit, with an equally unrecognisable Sienna Millar as his wife.
I found this an incredible history lesson about the media strategy that began way before 9/11 and led to the election of Donald Trump, as well as a gripping human drama with some fantastic performances about the rise and ultimate downfall of Ailes.
Grace & Frankie
Netflix
Recommended by Cathie Swann, Production Co-ordinator
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I just have a lot of feeling for Grace and Frankie. With the sixth series landing on Netflix this month, I’m currently re-watching my way through the whole thing (again) and it’s still hilarious and heartbreaking with the most incredible cast.
You will absolutely fall in love with Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin (if you’re not in love with them already, come on, get your priorities in check) as Grace and Frankie, the unlikely duo who are brought together after their husbands leave them for each other.
Watch it immediately and thank me later.
You
Netflix
Recommended by Amy Packham, Assistant Life Editor
I don’t know what it is about You, but I get totally sucked in by it. The first season was creepy and weird, and I wasn’t even sure how much I enjoyed it, but when the second season was announced, I was eagerly anticipating the release on Boxing Day.
It’s about what a man does for love – and how far his obsession takes him. It’s full of twists and turns, which gets me, and you never know how far he’s going to go so I’m constantly on edge. The main character’s voiceover through the series is sinister, but keeps you hooked.
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I wouldn’t watch it before bed, or if you’re trying to relax on a Sunday, it’s not that kinda series.
The Morning Show
Apple TV+
Recommended by Daniel Welsh, Entertainment Reporter
I was expecting The Morning Show to be completely over-the-top and ridiculous – which, of course, it is in parts – but there’s actually a lot more to it than that.
Aside from the obvious camp elements (cameo appearances from Kelly Clarkson and Cheyenne Jackson, Marcia Gay Harden as a conniving journalist, the list truly goes on), Apple TV+’s flagship show also has its heavy moments, exploring themes of power and corruption, and providing an almost eerie exploration of a fictional man facing allegations in the Me Too movement.
It’s also a brilliant reminder of what Emmy-winning actress Jennifer Aniston is capable of, both in terms of her comedic timing and dramatic performances.
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Life In Pieces
Amazon Prime
Recommended by Charlie Lindlar, Commissioning Editor, Personal
Unexpectedly dark and really rude for what at first looks like a regular family sitcom, Life in Pieces delves into interfamilial and intergenerational relationships and what it really means to be a family with incredible balance and truth. It’s equally capable of nailing weird sibling rivalry and grandparent-grandchild capers and moving storylines about miscarriage, infertility and mortality.
The format of four short, interlinking stories per episode makes the show eminently bingeable, and it was (sadly) recently cancelled, so you can watch the whole thing in one go without having to wait or scour for missing seasons!
Mr Robot
Amazon Prime
Recommended by John Johnston, Senior Video Producer
Mr. Robot’s finale has just aired, which means you can binge knowing there’s light at the end of the tunnel but for its four seasons this show has been unlike anything I’ve seen.
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Starring Rami Malek, every episode is brimming with ideas, constantly keeps you on your toes and there’s not a single bad performance from the supporting cast. Even if you’re not really tech-literate, this story of hackers trying to crash the system is worth your time.
The Witcher
Netflix
Recommended by Lisa Golden, Senior Video Producer
So right out the gate, I’m going to say this isn’t the most incredibly scripted show with intense, engaging plot lines. BUT - if you have a Game Of Thrones-shaped hole in the middle of your soul this series will do the job.
The main character, played by Henry Cavill, essentially gets through the series by saying “hmm” and “fuck” to everything. He also kills bad-guy monsters, who often have some sad back story to constantly remind you that the Witcher himself, is not a bad guy. It’s silly, and weirdly hard to follow at points, but with so much WW3 sabre rattling that started off 2020, it’s nice to disappear into a fantasy world where the good guys wear tight leather pants and magic can change you from a hump-backed misfit into a sexy witch with an excellent smoky eye.
Nighty Night
BBC iPlayer
Recommended by Ash Percival, Entertainment Editor
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After practically stealing the show with just one scene as Dawn Sutcliffe in the Gavin & Stacey Christmas special, I decided it was high time to revisit Julia Davis’ comedy origins - and as luck would have it, the BBC recently stuck the complete series of Nighty Night on iPlayer.
Julia stars as suburban hairdresser Jill, a sociopath who pretends her husband is dead after he is diagnosed with cancer. She uses her “grief” to impose herself on disabled neighbour Cathy - who clearly can’t stand the sight of her, but is too polite to say - while also trying to seduce Cathy’s husband, Don. Gavin & Stacey’s Ruth Jones (aka Nessa) also plays her asthmatic assistant.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-01-11--Sultan Of Oman, The Middle East's Longest-Serving Monarch, Dies Aged 79

Sultan Qaboos bin Said Al Said of Oman, the Middle East’s longest-serving ruler, has died aged 79.
The British-educated leader seized power by overthrowing his father in a 1970 palace coup and pulled his Arabian sultanate into modernity while carefully balancing diplomatic ties between adversaries Iran and the US.
Despite presiding at the head of a system of absolute monarchy the sultan was widely regarded as a popular leader, both within his own country and abroad.
He was believed to have been in poor health in recent months, and travelled to Belgium for a medical check-up in December. The nation’s royal court has declared three days of mourning.
The state-run Oman News Agency announced his death on its official Twitter account.
Oman state TV later named the nation’s new sultan as Haitham bin Tariq Al Said, Qaboos’ cousin.
Boris Johnson paid tribute to the leader, writing in a statement that he was “deeply saddened” by the news.
The PM added: “He was an exceptionally wise and respected leader who will be missed enormously. He will be remembered for his devotion to the development of Oman into a stable and prosperous nation, and as the father of the nation who sought to improve the lives of the Omani people.
“I had the pleasure of meeting His Majesty Sultan Qaboos and was struck by his commitment to peace and understanding between nations and between faiths. He leaves a profound legacy, not only in Oman but across the region too.
“The UK is a proud friend and enduring partner of Oman, and our thoughts and prayers are with the Omani people.”


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-01-11--Phoebe Waller-Bridge Auctions Off Golden Globes Outfit To Raise Money For Australian Wildfire Fund

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Phoebe Waller-Bridge is auctioning off her Golden Globes outfit to raise money for the relief effort in fire-ravaged Australia.
The Fleabag star has placed the gold tuxedo she wore to Sunday’s ceremony on eBay as wildfires continue to burn down under.
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The comedy writer and star won two awards while wearing the outfit from Australian designers Ralph & Russo.
Phoebe Waller-Bridge arrives at the Golden Globes Steve Granitz via Getty Images
The starting bid stands at $(AU) 77,000 Australian, which is about £40,000. The auction is set to end on 20 January.
In a video shared on the official Twitter account for Fleabag, Phoebe showed fans where famous faces had touched the outfit, including Tom Hanks when he shook her hand, Sir Elton John giving her a hug and the shoulder where Olivia Colman “rested her cheek”.
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So you already own the #Fleabag jumpsuit, but there's another chance for you to dress like Phoebe Waller-Bridge! She's auctioning off her #GoldenGlobes suit by @ralphandrusso in support of the relief efforts for the Australian bushfires. https://t.co/iAJAv8wveI #DressforAus pic.twitter.com/xhMiTcAAph — Fleabag (@fleabag) January 10, 2020
James Bond star Ana de Armas and Killing Eve’s Jodie Comer are also said to have touched the tuxedo.
Phoebe said: “I’m very excited that this stunning, one-of-a-kind, couture tuxedo created by Australian geniuses Ralph & Russo will continue its journey by contributing to this urgent cause.
“If money raised by its auction can help raise funds to fight the disaster in Australia, the future impact of this suit will be far greater than the luck it brought me and the Fleabag team at the Golden Globes last weekend.”
While the tuxedo is custom made, it is reportedly similar to a UK size nine.
Phoebe won two awards while wearing the outfit Steve Granitz via Getty Images
Money raised from its sale will be donated to the Australian Red Cross Disaster Relief & Recovery Fund, WIRES Wildlife Rescue Emergency Fund and Wildlife Victoria.
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Phoebe is just the latest celebrity to pledge support for Australia as it continues to be ravaged by devastating wildfires.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-01-11--What To Expect For Love Island 2020 | Love Island Unpacked

What To Expect For Love Island 2020 | Love Island Unpacked
Love Island officially kicks off this Sunday, so here’s our resident expert Ash Percival to give you the lowdown.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-01-11--Australia’s Fires Are Still Raging, And The Devastation Can Be Seen From Space

“Unprecedented”, “apocalyptic”. The language used to describe the intensity of the Australian bushfires can only do so much to encapsulate the sheer scale of devastation still being unleashed.
At least 27 people have been killed, almost 2,000 homes have been destroyed, and scientists estimate that more than one billion – yes, one billion – animals have died. Even that figure is said to be conservative and doesn’t include some groups, including bats, frogs and invertebrates. For some species, the catastrophe is feared to have resulted in total extinction.
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An estimated 10.3m hectares of land has been burned. To put that in context, the UK’s total landmass is little more than 24m hectares.
“I can’t recall a situation where we’ve just had this much burning all at once over such a long period,” said Grant Williamson, a bushfire researcher at the University of Tasmania.
“It’s been scary knowing that so many communities are being affected, and simply the fact that when you’ve got this much fire at once there’s essentially no way to get on top of it until we get some significant rain.
“We just don’t have the resources and the manpower to cover this much area and try and extinguish all these fires without some rainfall.”
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Bushfire season is always expected in the mid-to-late summer, but this time fires started swelling as early as September – early in the southern hemisphere’s spring. There has been little relief since.
“At the moment with the continued drought and a complete lack of rain throughout many areas, particularly through New South Wales, there’s no end in sight,” Grant said.
The scale of the bushfire crisis that has engulfed parts of the country over the past months is such that the drifts of thick smoke can be seen from space, the extraordinary heat detectable even from a satellite miles above the earth.
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The world’s press held up sickening pictures of charred animals under red skies, or families choking through yellow-grey fog, their lives in tatters after losing their homes – but still it can be hard to understand the extent to which the smoke is suffocating the country.
It can be difficult to imagine just how smoky Australian skies have become.
This pair of @NASA_Landsat images shows a smoke-free day compared to yesterday.
It's bad and getting worse https://t.co/sbeTQV15wn pic.twitter.com/YdOBEXin65 — Joshua Stevens (@jscarto) January 3, 2020
The scale on which entire habitats have been destroyed is unprecedented – to such an extent that experts cannot be sure how, or even if, wildlife can recover.
Nasa images show one third of Kangaroo Island, which lies off the coast of Adelaide and is home to several vital nature reserves, has been burned away by the bushfires.
A staggering 600,000 sq miles are believed to have been destroyed, with ecologists estimating that some 25,000 koalas have been killed
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Top image shows Kangaroo Island on January 3, bottom picture shows extent of damage on January 8. NASA Worldview
“It’s frustrating because we have been talking about this for a long time. Projections that bushfires would start happening in the spring were made at least 10 or 12 years ago,” Grant said.
“That’s exactly what we’re seeing with the increases in temperature and the extreme heat we’ve had over the last few years – it’s been frustrating seeing the lack of response to that and seeing people still not accepting the science behind it.
“It’s scary, not only from the point of view of the affected communities, but also the natural environment and the ecosystems. We’re not sure how the recovery is going to go under this sort of climate, and there is still so much science to be investigated there.”
By the turn of the year the smoke had started to encroach on New Zealand, a country 1,200 miles (2000km) away – tuning the skies an “eerie” yellow. Again, to place that in the context of the UK, it would be the the equivalent of smoke drifting all the way from northern Africa.
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This picture below shows the extent of the smoke, visible from Nasa satellites on January 5, moving from Australia’s south and eastern coasts towards New Zealand.
Smoke moving in an easterly direction toward New Zealand on January 5, 2020 NASA Worldview
But there is no smoke without fire. That too is visible from space – each of the dozens of patches of flames that look tiny at such distance represent blazes that in many cases have torn apart communities and destroyed wildlife habitats.
The grey spots left behind show the areas that have been left charred by the flames.
Animation of Himawari-8 hotspots and burnt areas for fires in SE Australia, late October until now. You can see the daily pulse as fires quieten down overnight, as well as days of major fire runs. pic.twitter.com/uvQzHdLj0b — Grant Williamson (@ozjimbob) January 7, 2020
As the crisis has unfolded, much has been written about the fragmented relationship between climate science and the politicians, media, and industry giants operating at the top of Australian society.
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Scott Morrison, the prime minister, was fiercely criticised for taking a holiday to Hawaii as the crisis escalated, and has been embroiled in a number of embarrassing incidents in the weeks since – including forcing a woman from a fire-struck community to shake his hand during a walkabout.
Grant explained: “We have to talk about is how we respond to these disasters at a national scale. Most firefighting in Australia in rural areas is conducted by local town volunteer services, which were intended to fight small local fires over the course of a day or so and then go back to their homes.
“When you’ve got something like this that goes on for months across the entire country, you’ve got to start asking if local volunteers are really who you want to be doing this.
“More broadly we need to talk about how are we designing our communities and making our community safe. What can we do in terms of how we use our land, how we build houses, how we build out a chance to defend those towns?”
The pace of change in government and industry might be slow but as the crisis deepens, Australian’s are becoming increasingly vocal about the lack of action on climate change.
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Thousands of people rallied across the nation’s biggest cities on Friday – led by University Students for Climate Justice and Extinction Rebellion. Whilst the crowds turned out in a show of solidarity, they were also there to demand more from their leaders.
Activists rally for climate action at Sydney Town Hall on January 10. Jenny Evans via Getty Images
Protesters used the event to highlight the plight of animals such as koalas in the bushfires. Michele Mossop via Getty Images
Many people have seen this moment of crisis as a turning point for the way in which Australians talk about climate change.
“It is changing,” Grant explained. “Over the last few weeks people have been feeling that anger.
“Where some people used to maybe not accept climate change, or perhaps not be sure, they are now seeing the sorts of impact it can have.
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“Obviously, you need government and industry on board with that, to make some tough decisions about how we’re going to go into the future.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-01-11--Iran Admits 'Unintentionally' Shooting Down Ukrainian Passenger Plane

Iran has admitted that its military “unintentionally”shot down the Ukrainian passenger plane that crashed earlier this week, killing all 176 aboard.
The announcement comes after repeated denials of Western accusations that Iran was responsible.
The plane was shot down early on Wednesday, hours after Iran launched a ballistic missile attack on two military bases housing US troops in Iraq in retaliation for the killing of Iranian general Qassem Soleimani in a US-ordered airstrike in Baghdad.
No-one was wounded in the attack on the bases.
A military statement carried by state media said the plane was mistaken for a “hostile target” after it turned towards a “sensitive military centre” of the Revolutionary Guard.
The military was at its “highest level of readiness,” it said, amid the heightened tensions with the US.
“In such a condition, because of human error and in an unintentional way, the flight was hit,” the military said. It apologised and said it would upgrade its systems to prevent future tragedies.
It also said those responsible for the strike on the plane would be prosecuted.
Iran’s acknowledgement of responsibility for the crash was likely to inflame public sentiment against authorities after Iranians had rallied around their leaders after Soleimani’s killing.
The general was seen by some as a national hero, and hundreds of thousands of people had publicly mourned during a funeral processions which traversed the country.
But the majority of the plane crash victims were Iranians or Iranian-Canadians, and the crash came just weeks after authorities quashed nationwide protests ignited by a rise in petrol prices.
Iran’s president Hassan Rouhani blamed the tragedy on “threats and bullying” by the US after the killing of Soleimani.
He expressed condolences to families of the victims, and he called for a “full investigation” and the prosecution of those responsible.
“A sad day,” Iran’s foreign minister Mohammad Javad Zarif tweeted. “Human error at time of crisis caused by US adventurism led to disaster. Our profound regrets, apologies and condolences to our people, to the families of all victims, and to other affected nations.”
Queen Elizabeth released a statement on Saturday in the wake of the crash, writing that her thoughts and prayers were with Canada after the Iran passenger plane crash which killed 57 Canadians.
In a message to the Governor-General of Canada, the Queen said: “Philip and I have been deeply saddened by the tragic loss of life following the crash of the Ukrainian Airlines aircraft in Iran.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Canada, which has suffered such a devastating loss. I extend my deepest condolences to the families, friends and colleagues of all those Canadians, and indeed other nationalities, who died, and to the many others who have been affected by this terrible event.”
The jetliner, a Boeing 737 operated by Ukrainian International Airlines, went down on the outskirts of Tehran shortly after taking off from Imam Khomeini International Airport.
Iran had denied for several days that a missile caused the crash. But then the US and Canada, citing intelligence, said they believed Iran shot down the aircraft with a surface-to-air missile, a conclusion supported by videos of the incident.
The plane, en route to the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv, was carrying 167 passengers and nine crew members from several countries, including 82 Iranians, 57 Canadians and 11 Ukrainians, according to officials. The Canadian government had earlier lowered the nation’s death toll from 63.
“This is the right step for the Iranian government to admit responsibility, and it gives people a step toward closure with this admission,” said Payman Parseyan, a prominent Iranian-Canadian in western Canada who lost a number of friends in the crash.
“I think the investigation would have disclosed it whether they admitted it or not. This will give them an opportunity to save face.”


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-01-11--The Best Online Shops For Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Huffington Post UK Vintage furniture
So, you’ve watched Mad Men and now you want your home to look precisely like the set.
You’re not the only one – mid-century furniture is crazy popular right now. The geometric, structural style was popularised in post-war, but it’s as chic as ever today.
If you’re in the market for a drinks trolley made of oak, a lush teal velvet sofa, or something orange and brown, then we’ve got you sorted.
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Whether you want one-of-a-kind vintage pieces or modern takes on the classic style, step this way for the best places to buy mid-century style.
If you’d like to shop from the comfort of your home – or perhaps your velvet three-seater sofa from Tivoli (£1,299) - then Swoon is a reliable, generous source of mid-century furniture. With no warehouses to visit, this is more for your armchair browser. It has flexible delivery options and promises to unveil new designs every day.
Huffington Post UK Orange dining chair, Wayfair, £109.99
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You mightn’t think Wayfair would specialise in picture-perfect mid-century furniture, but it actually has an extensive range of gorgeous pieces, like this orange dining chair (£109.99). Just search for “mid-century” and get your Pinterest board ready.
Huffington Post UK Bauhaus era chair, Heal's, £4,722
Heal’s opened its doors in Rathbone Place, London, all the way back in 1810, so it’s been selling furniture a long time. It has a particularly lush range of mid-century inspired pieces, including this pricey but perfect Bauhaus-era chair (£4,722).
Habitat Habitat
Is there anything that nods to mid-century more than a wooden sideboard? This three-doored walnut number does not disappoint. There are tons of mid-century modern items to browse both in-store and online at Habitat, from gorgeous chairs and stylish prints to bigger ticket items, such as full dining sets and sofas.
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For gorgeous mid-century furniture that won’t break the bank, head to Made. This grey velvet bed is divine (was £479, now £399). The retail site works directly with independent designers in order to keep costs down. It also only makes items after they’ve been bought – meaning it doesn’t have lots of stock sitting around in warehouses, the website claims this is a more sustainable (and cost-efficient) way to make furniture. But, it can also mean there is a bit of a wait for your item to be delivered.
This Brooklyn-based brand might be towards the pricier end of the spectrum, but boy is it delightful. There are only three West Elm stores in the UK – all in and around London, which isn’t ideal for everyone. Alternatively some of the range is stocked in John Lewis. We particularly love this asymmetrical wall mirror (£349).
EBTD EBTD
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EBTD has its showroom in Walthamstow, East London. It is also home to the much-Instagrammed dog, Billy (hence the name). The shop is bursting with reclaimed, vintage and original pieces from circa 1950. We fancy sitting back in this millennial pink Bruno Mathsson swivel chair (was £710, now £568) which would make a statement in any living room.
Vinterior is an online marketplace designed to make it easier to find and buy special, statement pieces. It all started when a woman called Sandrine got exasperated, spending too long searching for the perfect Scandi yellow chair in London. Now, the site sells furniture from more than 1600 dealers. You could browse all the loveliness from your seat at this mid-century Danish style teak desk (£465) if you wanted.
Huffington Post UK Pink bar school, Cult Furniture, £139
Cult Furniture’s warehouse in Essex is 140,000 square feet and you’re welcome to visit in person, if you like. That’s where you’ll find all their clearance items. If you can’t make it out there, just order your mid-century inspired piece, like this extremely lovely pink bar stool (£139), online. One negroni on the rocks, please!
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Huffington Post UK Jozef Chierowski, Rose and Grey, £475
Rose and Grey started in 2008 as an online boutique, back before buying furniture online became such a thing. They do have a bricks and mortar showroom in Manchester, if you fancy visiting, but most of their business is done online. They do an especially good line of mid-century chairs, like this Jozef Chierowski one in sky blue, £475.
Huffington Post UK Retro Kitchen Cabinet, Elephant and Monkey, (£155)
Elephant and Monkey specialises in quirky vintage pieces from around the middle of the 20th century. It’s run by a mother-daughter business team, who originally had a shop in Cornwall, but now only operate online. Expect an irresistible range of homeware goodies, many of them extremely bright, including this retro kitchen cabinet straight from the 1950s (£155).
Huffington Post UK Olive green Danish chairs by Arne Vodder, Chase and Sorensen, £645
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The Chase and Sorensen shop is located on Dalston Lane in East London, if you’re the type who likes to sit in a chair before you bring it home. They do a very nice range of mid-century Scandinavian furniture, including these matching olive green Danish chairs by Arne Vodder (£645).


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-01-11--Love Island: Behind-The-Scenes Secrets Of The New South Africa Villa Revealed

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1. The winter Love Island villa is located in a Cape Town suburb in South Africa, and is about a half an hour drive from the city centre.
2. For the first January series, the show’s home was relocated from Mallorca – where it has been based for the last five years – due to the weather, as Spain is not hot enough at this time of year.
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3. The new property is worth a reported £5.3 million, and is owned by a local South African woman.
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4. The villa is a reported 14,531 sq ft, which is twice the size of the Spanish villa, although producers told us the actual floor space they have to play with is around the same.
5. There are more cameras than ever before – a whopping 80 cameras will be watching the Islanders’ every move, which is nine more than in the villa in Mallorca.
6. Work began to transform the property into a familiar Love Island location at the start of November, but members of the production team made numerous recces there prior to that.
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7. Construction has seen the usually open-plan property (which you can see in its original form here) divided up to create all the rooms necessary for the Love Island villa.
8. For example, the back wall of the upstairs living room is completely fake, with panoramic, sliding doors hidden behind it.
9. There’s also a whole separate wing of the villa to the left of the front door, which won’t be used on camera internally.
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10. Much of the familiar Love Island set pieces like the fire pit are made in the UK and shipped over to South Africa. Other materials came from local suppliers.
11. The construction was undertaken by around 25 UK builders, plus many local crews for different aspects like decking, metal work etc.
12. There is a production village over the other side of the perimeter fence behind the day beds, where the crew work round the clock to make the show.
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13. The pool is exactly the same length as the one in Mallorca – producers even measured it to confirm that surprising fact.
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14. The fire pit is the biggest the show has ever had, meaning they can fit more Islanders around it. Hmm…
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15. For the first time ever, the villa is split across three floors, with the garden also boasting three levels to it.
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16. The staircase connecting all the tiers of the garden was built especially for the series.
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17. Islanders will not be able to access the lowest tier of the garden from the ground floor though, meaning host Laura Whitmore and various bombshells can make their surprise entrances without being spotted.
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18. However, producers also told us the configuration of the new villa will give them more options for different walk-in shots.
19. Like Mallorca, the Cape Town villa uses an outside kitchen, which we were told is to encourage the Islanders to spend more time outside. It is located on the top deck of the garden next to the upstairs living room and pool, and has views of Cape Town’s iconic Table Mountain.
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20. But as ever, the Islanders will not be cooking much, as lunch and dinner are provided for the Islanders by on-site caterers.
21. The kitchen is also constantly restocked with snacks and drinks, ensuring the contestants never go hungry or thirsty.
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22. All of the grass in the garden is fake (despite the villa having originally having real grass prior to construction) – as are most of the plants, presumably because the contestants would forget to water them.
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23. Some false perimeter walls have been added to the garden to house “camera hides”. These allow camera men to stand filming some of the action while going unnoticed by the contestants.
24. Producers also told us they added this particular hide on the top deck of the garden to give them 270 degree views over the entire property – a first for the show.
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25. Islanders are not filmed in the toilets, but there are microphones to ensure every conversation is picked up and that there are also no emergencies in there.
26. The bathroom is fully stocked with a plethora of beauty products, some from the show’s own range, and others from commercial partners Garnier.
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27. The traditional dressing room is kitted out with hairdryers, straighteners, curlers and make-up stations for the contestants to primp and preen themselves before a hot date.
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28. Brand new for 2020 is a boys’ dressing area, which is half-way up the hallway staircase, and over looks one of two living rooms.
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29. This downstairs living room is also host to another new addition, called The Dog House, which is a fold-down bed any naughty Islanders can sleep in when their partner kicks them out.
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30. The bedroom is located behind the downstairs living room and has enough bed-space for 14 Islanders.
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31. The bathroom and girls’ dressing room is accessed by a brightly lit corridor from the boys’ dressing room.
32. For the first time, the bathroom has two showers next to one another, as well as a spa-style jacuzzi bath.
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33. On the other side of the first-floor landing is the Beach Hut, which is accessed using an electric locking system, as seen on the back of the door below…
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34. Islanders have to go through a short corridor to the Beach Hut, which also has a room used for production storage.
35. The Beach Hut looks pretty much the same as it has since series one, giving viewers a sense of familiarity. However, there are some new cushions this year.
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36. When the contestants are sat in the chair, their view is much less glamorous:
37. The Hideaway is also accessed through a corridor at the top of the second floor landing.
38. As well as having a bed, terrace and hot-tub, there’s also a toilet and a secret cupboard that producers will stock with treats for Hideaway inhabitants.
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39. At the front of the property, there is this ominous set of stairs, which actually lead around the back of the garden so the crew can reach the top of the property and the production village without the Islanders seeing them.
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40. The site is guarded 24/7 by a security team to keep the Islanders and the crew safe, while there is also always a medic on site.
41. On arrival at the villa, all guests must use anti-bacterial gel to minimise the spread of germs and Islanders getting ill.
42. Producers will return the villa to its original state before handing it back to the owners at the end of the series.
43. We’re told the summer series will come from the show’s usual home in Mallorca, although the villa will have some “tweaks” to reflect some of the changes introduced in the Cape Town pad.
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44. Oh, and if you’re wondering where you’ve seen the property before, it was used in the Black Mirror episode in which Miley Cyrus appears as Ashley O. Here she is in a scene filmed in what is now the Love Island villa’s upstairs living room!
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Love Island begins on Sunday at 9pm on ITV2.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-01-11--Why Gen X Women Aren't Sleeping

Why Gen X Women Aren't Sleeping

Illustration by Violet Reed for HuffPost
This article is the first in a series called “How To Human,” interviews with memoirists that explore how we tackle life’s alarms, marvels and bombshells.
In 2017, Ada Calhoun got a call from an editor at Oprah’s magazine. She had an assignment in mind, an article exploring why women in their 40s and 50s were so unhappy. At first Calhoun was resistant. “I was like, ‘Oh yeah, four people in Brooklyn are sad. Quick, someone write a trend story,’” she said.
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At the same time, Calhoun admitted she felt similarly. Her freelance writing gigs appeared to be drying up, leaving her and her family under enormous financial strain. She found herself waking up at 4am every night, plagued by self-doubt, compulsively making a list of life’s regrets.
She knew the editor was onto something. Calhoun made a few calls. And then a few more. She spoke to a wide swath of women around the country — white, Latina, Black and Asian, conservative and liberal, single and partnered, motherless and childless, gay and straight, religious and not religious — and each woman seemed to be suffering.
It turns out, Calhoun discovered, Gen X women are some of the best-educated women in history, but have more debt than any other age group. Gen X women are downwardly mobile, with most of the generation having less wealth than their parents. They are raising children later, and at the same time caring for their parents, all while going through perimenopause.
It’s no wonder Gen X women are sad, anxious ― and not sleeping.
The article in O, The Oprah Magazine went viral. After it published, Calhoun heard from hundreds of women with similar stories. That’s when she knew she had a book on her hands. The resulting memoir, “Why We Can’t Sleep,” is a superb mix of personal stories and deep research about a generation of women who are facing unprecedented pressure as they enter middle age. It’s at once realistic, but positive, asking women to face up to reality, let go of expectations, find a support system and accept this stage isn’t forever.
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Calhoun, author of “St. Marks Is Dead” and the essay collection “Wedding Toasts I’ll Never Give,” talked to HuffPost about the response to the article, midlife crises for Gen X women and how writing this book helped her deal with a tough year.
This interview was condensed and edited.
So … how much sleep did you get last night?
I actually got a solid seven hours last night.
That’s quite good!
I was very proud of myself this morning. And I would have slept longer but I had to wake up at 6:15 to take my son to school.
Your book is a lovely combination of memoir and research. Did you read other memoirs or nonfiction for inspiration?
I’ve ghostwritten 14 books in the last few years, so I think that let me see different ways of structuring things and let me get a little matrix-y. So I didn’t have clear models, but I liked thinking about structure and playing with structure.
Perhaps there’s one memoir that stood out for you?
It was funny, when “Wedding Toasts” came out, it was right around the same time as Claire Dederer’s memoir “Love and Trouble.” I read that. And I felt like it was a sister book. We actually got paired at various book events.
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Dederer’s book is about a woman coming to terms with midlife, centered around a temptation to have an affair. In some ways, the affair is a way of acting out, a thing you can control when everything else doesn’t feel like it’s in your power. In your book, you described women with similar experiences, albeit not always romantic, but definitely under the category of “bad behaviour.”
That’s right. I think that’s really astute. I did this panel with an expert on generations — I quote her in the book — and she said there’s no such thing as a midlife crisis. There’s no clear scientifically provable dip at this stage of life. She said the midlife crisis is actually an excuse for bad behaviour.
I think about that all the time. Going back to what Claire writes about, bad according to who? It’s so judgmental, this idea that if you feel like the world is not giving you what you wanted, or if you feel like your dreams are not being realised, or if you feel like you’re taking care of everybody else all the time, if you have these feelings, what I think of as a crisis, why wouldn’t you get a little wild?
And is it bad just because it’s not convenient for everybody else? The thing that I thought was funny was the panelist was like, well, it is true that your generation is rather depressed and under a ton of stress. And I was like, so just call it that. Call it the phase of being stressed and under pressure and bad. But I think “midlife crisis” is a little more punchy.
When the original article for O, The Oprah Magazine published, the response was quite viral. Could you talk about that?
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Hundreds of women wrote to me and said, me too! There was this looming sense that there was something wrong, and that they didn’t have a name for it. I was like, you’re all not crazy.
You didn’t imagine that housing costs are really high. You didn’t imagine that you’re facing a much tougher economy than your parents did when they were your age. One statistic that stood out was that we only have a one in four chance of out-earning our boomer fathers. One in four? With all this education and Title IX and our mothers being like, you go be a doctor, it still didn’t happen for us. It’s not happening. So it’s not like we just individually failed. It’s like, there were some forces at work.
It’s funny, I wrote this question down before I got to the part in the book when you meet a woman who goes to Sweden and discovers midlife utopia. I feel like every article about Scandinavia is about how perfect it is for families and women in general. Do you ever feel like the systems in place there are replicable here? I feel like the Gen X experience is very specific to America.
I think so. I don’t know enough about other countries and how they work, but I do know it’s hard to pull off the things Gen X women are trying to pull off, and if they had any support at all from any corner, it would probably make things a little better. The friend who went to Sweden got there and found she didn’t have to worry about health care or child care. I think that wherever the support comes from, getting support is always good because the burden can be so big. It definitely doesn’t get rid of menopause, it doesn’t get rid of feeling like we are becoming more invisible or feeling things narrowing, but if you take a couple things off the plate, it gets a little more manageable.
Did you have a moment of that, where you were just like, I need more support?
I’m having that now. It’s like a constant struggle because the caregiving stuff has gotten so out of control. Just a quick rundown of my fall. My father-in-law had a stroke and died in August. A couple of weeks later, I had to take my dad to all these medical appointments and he was diagnosed with stage 4 terminal cancer, and then the next month my parents’ apartment, my childhood home, burned up in a freak fire that started on the floor below them and destroyed their place. It’s uninhabitable for at least a year. Various other things have happened too.
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What a year.
It’s been a year, and it’s not even like four months.
I went back to therapy and it’s been really wonderful, and I did say at one point, maybe my father had it right, maybe that whole generation of men where they just shut themselves off and they locked the door and they were like, good luck everybody, I’ll be out for dinner. Sometimes I imagine if I had done that, if I did that now, how much more good writing would I be able to do? How much better would my writing be and how many more books would I write and my shrink, she was like, this is a limited period of time. This is not forever. And she was like, I would much rather read something by somebody who’s lived a really rich life with human relationships and responsibilities and then goes and locks themself in a room than to read something by somebody who’s only ever locked themselves in a room. And it felt like, that’s actually a nice way to think about it. This isn’t forever. Maybe one day. Maybe one day I’ll have my room that I can lock.
You have to have that faith that it exists. That there’s a time like that in the future.
I have a lot of women friends who are in their 50s and 60s and their kids are on their own and their parents have passed away and whatever happened happened with their career paths, and they are just in this much less hectic place than I am right now.
I feel like everyone in midlife is in a slow-motion crisis, that they’re not necessarily running out of a burning building, but there is still so much crisis happening.
Yeah. I think this is a generation-specific thing, but going through midlife with an iPhone, and the barrage of breaking news alerts and calls from my son’s school and work requests, there is never a break. I pick it up in the morning; it’s 6 and I look at it before I go to bed, and it’s like your whole day is dominated by other voices in your head.
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What surprised you most about the Gen X midlife crisis?
A number of women told me horrible stories about their childhood, and it wasn’t just sexual assault, but it was just like this steady march of really hard things, a lot of them involving divorced parents and being kind of cut loose and winding up in these weird situations because they didn’t have any parental supervision.
I was thinking, wait a minute, there must be a connection to how that history of trauma is connected to current midlife. There aren’t generational statistics, but I talked to a few experts and they said Gen X was the least parented generation.
It feels that way.
They said that was true, and it rings true to me too, and that Gen X women also have a ton of autoimmune problems and other physical stuff that is often potentially connected to early trauma.
What was the most challenging fact to accept?
I’m not minimising how horrible our mothers had it, what with trying to keep, often, a broken home together while working through rampant sexism. This isn’t a competition of who had it worse, but what’s new, I think, is the quantity of stuff that we’re trying to pull off without a lot of support. I think everything feeds into that idea like we were born in a baby bust. The number of caregivers available compared to all the people who need to be taken care of is so small. We didn’t have great role models for how you work full time while you have children of varying ages, so we have to figure that out at the same time.
And then also we made all these logical choices. Friends of mine who waited until their 40s to start a family, they did that because they had student loan debt, and they had no family support and their parents lived a million miles away and also weren’t super engaged, and then they get to that point and they’re trying to do it and it’s so difficult.
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Anything you want to add?


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-01-10--Love Island's Laura Whitmore: ‘I Pray Iain Stirling’s Scared Enough Of Me Not To Say Anything He Sho

Love Island's Laura Whitmore: ‘I Pray Iain Stirling’s Scared Enough Of Me Not To Say Anything He Shouldn’t’

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It’s not just the 12 new contestants who will be taking their first steps into the Love Island villa when the new series kicks off this weekend, as new host Laura Whitmore is sharing those same nerves as she prepares to take the helm of the show.
Laura is taking over from Caroline Flack, who announced last month that she was standing down for the first-ever winter run, having been charged with assaulting her boyfriend.
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While she is no stranger to TV, having hosted I’m A Celebrity spin-off show Get Me Out Of Here Now! and short-lived reality series Survival Of The Fittest, her new role will mark a telly-first for her – working with her other half, the show’s hilarious narrator Iain Stirling.
After jetting out to Cape Town in South Africa earlier this week, Laura spilled all on trying to rein-in her boyfriend’s one liners as we sat down for a chat with her inside the spectacular new Love Island villa...
Laura Whitmore is the new host of Love Island ITV
She’s not looking forward to navigating all the stairs in the new villa when doing the slow-mo walk
“How am I going to make that look nice?!” she says. “I’m not trying to overthink it too much.”
She’s going to be just as protective over the Islanders as Caroline was
“I think you’d have to be very cold to not become attached or protective,” Laura explains. “We forget that they’re real people. We’re watching it as a show, but it’s not Coronation Street – these people are real and their emotions are real.”
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She’s also already had some experience of offering comfort to contestants too
“When Amy Hart came out of the villa last year [she left after being unable to watch ex Curtis Pritchard cracking on with other people], I was in Mallorca visiting Ian and I was at the airport flying back and I bumped into her. I was starstruck and went up to her and said, ‘I just want to say what you did was incredible’. But I didn’t realise she hadn’t spoken to anyone since she came out or even really seen the reaction.
“I gave her a hug and when I saw her afterwards she told me I had no idea what that meant. She didn’t know everyone was on her side, and it was nice for her to see that.”
Laura had Caroline’s blessing to host the show before even being asked to
Laura reveals that the show’s former presenter got in touch as soon as she announced she was standing down to tell Laura she was her first choice to get the gig.
“It’s not ideal and Caroline has been incredible,” she says.
“She messaged me before ITV contacted me and said that she really hoped I got the role. She said, ‘I know how much of a fan you are of the show’. I just thought that was so lovely.”
Laura also said she asked bosses if she could speak to Caroline again after being offered the role, so she did not find out the news in the press first.
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She adds: “I’m so happy to do the show, but I just wish it was in a different situation.”
Laura is replacing Caroline Flack, who stood down from this series of Love Island David M. Benett via Getty Images
And when she was offered the job, she had to have a serious conversation with boyfriend Iain
Laura says that there was some thinking to do when ITV offered her the role, as Love Island has traditionally been her boyfriend Iain’s show, and the pair needed to think about how being seen working together might affect their relationship.
“We’ve always been very private,” she says. “I know we’ve been together a few years and we put stuff up on Instagram, but you can kind of control that, and this is obviously such a big show.
“Love Island is like other TV shows I’ve worked on in the past, it’s working with ITV, so for me, I felt very comfortable with the role in a presenting capacity.
“If we weren’t together, we’d do the show, so we don’t want that to stop us from doing the show.”
She’s now dreading what Iain will say about her in his voice-over
Iain is known for his tongue-in-cheek narration, and while Laura is fully expecting him to be cheeky, she has issued him with a warning.
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She says: “The problem is I record my bit doing the coupling up and stuff, then I fly back to London. Then he does his job, so I’m not going to even be in the same country.
“All over Christmas, he was on his phone to Mark who he co-writes with and I asked what he was talking about, and he said, ‘That’s for me to know and you to find out’.
“I just have to pray that he’s scared enough of me not to say anything he shouldn’t.”
Laura with boyfriend Iain Stirling David M. Benett via Getty Images
However, he has been helping to come up with new names for the Flack Attacks
Caroline’s unannounced visits to the villa had become known as Flack Attacks over the years, but with the presenter no longer on the show, it’s left everyone scratching their heads to come up with a new name – although it seems Iain may already have that covered.
“I know there’s a note in his phone with different ideas of what he’s going to come out with, which I pray is good,” Laura says.
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When we suggest the Whitmore Walk-In, she laughs: “That’s good, I’ll take that!”
She won’t meet the Islanders before they go in – but she already has a favourite
“I’ve watched the packages, so I’ve seen them all chatting about themselves, and Siânnise I really like,” she says of the Bristolian beauty consultant. “All of them seem great.
“But it’s when they all get together and those relationships and interaction that really makes the difference and you see their true colours.”
Siannise Fudge is Laura's early favourite ITV
Aftersun is the part of the job she’s most excited about to
“Live television is my favourite thing,” Laura says. “I do a live radio show, I’ve worked on the I’m A Celeb after show which was crazy, I’ve done the Brits red carpet live. If you can interview musicians drunk, live, you can do anything.
“So Aftersun is what I’m really looking forward to, as that’s me in my happy place.”
She’s planning to plant plenty of trees to offset all the flights she will be taking
With Laura taking the 13-hour flight to Cape Town at various points throughout the series, needing to return to London to host her BBC 5Live show each Sunday and Aftersun each Monday, she is going to be racking up those airmiles.
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But the environmentally-conscious star will be making up for all that time in the sky.
“I’m going to plant lots of trees to offset my carbon footprint,” she says. “I’ve been looking at this website to see how many trees I need to plant – and it’s a lot!”
Laura will also be hosting spin-off show Aftersun ITV
The South African heat is going to be tricky for her
With temperatures hitting over 30 degrees as filming began this week, Laura admits she’s not sure how she will be coping in the sun.
“I don’t know how to deal with the heat – I’m Irish!” she says. “I burn a lot, I sweat a lot.”
Better get laying on that factor 50.
And her advice for the contestants?
“Sometimes you find it where you least expect it – it may not be the person who you initially think,” she laughs, as she thinks about her own relationship.
“Me and Iain met a while before we went on a date or anything like that, he was just around and would message me these messages. He texted me once asking me what kind of dog I had, to which I replied a maltipoo, and that was it – that was him flirting.
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“Nine months later, I realised. I just thought it was him being weird.”
Love Island begins on Sunday at 9pm on ITV2.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-01-11--Male Artists Dominate The Brit Awards Nominations As Dave And Lewis Capaldi Come Out On Top

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Dave and Lewis Capaldi are the leading artists at this year’s Brit Awards, with four nominations each.
Unfortunately, after last year saw three British women leading the nominees, it’s a decidedly male-heavy shortlist this year, with no women recognised in the Album Of The Year or Group Of The Year categories.
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In fact, Mabel is the only female artist with more than one nomination, with three in total, matching her with Stormzy.
The chart-topping Vossi Bop rapper is up for Album Of The Year in 2020, alongside Dave, Lewis Capaldi, Harry Styles and Michael Kiwanuka.
Mercury Prize-winner Dave has received four Brit Award nominations JM Enternational/Shutterstock
Check out the full list of nominees below...
Female Solo Artist
Charli XCX
FKA Twigs
Freya Ridings
Mabel
Mahalia
Male Solo Artist
Dave
Harry Styles
Lewis Capaldi
Michael Kiwanuka
Stormzy
Mabel is up for three Brit Awards Danny Moloshok/Invision/AP
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Group Of The Year
Bastille
Bring Me The Horizon
Coldplay
D-Block Europe
Foals
New Artist Of The Year
Aitch
Dave
Lewis Capaldi
Mabel
Sam Fender
After a strong 2019, Lewis Capaldi has been nominated for four Brit Awards RMV/Shutterstock
Song Of The Year
Dancing With A Stranger – Sam Smith and Normani
Don’t Call Me Up – Mabel
Giant – Calvin Harris and Rag’n’Bone Man
I Don’t Care – Ed Sheeran and Justin Bieber
Just You And I - Tom Walker
Ladbroke Grove – AJ Tracey
Location – Dave and Burna Boy
Nothing Breaks Like A Heart – Mark Ronson and Miley Cyrus
Someone You Loved – Lewis Capaldi
Vossi Bop – Stormzy
International Male Solo Artist
Bruce Springsteen
Burna Boy
Dermot Kennedy
Post Malone
Tyler, The Creator
Ed Sheeran has received just one nomination this year for his Justin Bieber collaboration I Don't Care Joel C Ryan/Invision/AP
International Female Solo Artist
Ariana Grande
Billie Eilish
Camila Cabello
Lana Del Rey
Lizzo
Album Of The Year
Divinely Uninspired To A Hellish Extent - Lewis Capaldi
Fine Line - Harry Styles
Heavy Is The Head - Stormzy
Kiwanuka - Michael Kiwanuka
PSYCHODRAMA - Dave
Can Glastonbury-headliner Stormzy win Album Of The Year for a second time? Anthony Harvey/Shutterstock


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-01-11--All The Snubs And Surprises From The 2020 Brit Award Nominations

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The contenders for the 2020 Brit Awards are now waiting patiently to find out if they’re among this year’s winners.
Chart-toppers Lewis Capaldi and Dave have each received four nominations, including recognition in top categories like Album Of The Year and Best New Artist.
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Sadly though, with limited space in each category, some artists are always going to be left out in the cold – despite their best efforts – while others may be pleasantly surprised to hear they’re in the running for a gong this year.
Here are the 11 biggest snubs and surprises from this year’s nominees...
SNUB - Ed Sheeran
Male Solo Artist
Pacific Press via Getty Images
Kicking things off with perhaps the most obvious omission, Ed Sheeran already has six Brit Awards to his name, including the Global Success title, which he’s won for the last two years running.
He’s also had huge commercial success with his latest collaborations album No. 6 Collaborations Project, which has topped the albums chart on both sides of the Atlantic and spawned an impressive three number one singles.
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And yet, the Brit Awards have paid it dust. Either they aren’t considering the release a “proper” album (which would be interesting, as the Grammys have chosen to give it a nomination) or, like many critics, they were simply unimpressed.
SNUB - Taylor Swift
International Female Solo Artist
Kevin Kane via Getty Images
However, the Lover era has also been a bit of a mixed one for Taylor, with singles like the over-the-top ME! and polarising You Need To Calm Down garnering a mixed reception, not to mention her ongoing drama involving her former record label and music manager Scooter Braun.
After many pointed out she’d been snubbed by the Grammys, Taylor has also been overlooked by the Brits in the International Female category. This is particularly noteworthy given how a) recently-released Lover was and b) lukewarmly-received nominee Camila Cabello’s most recent album was.
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SURPRISE - D-Block Europe
Group Of The Year
RMV/Shutterstock
We’re going to be honest, we’re not especially familiar with the work of D-Block Europe, who released two mixtapes in 2019, both of which charted in the top 10.
But when we sat down to make our Brit Awards predictions, we couldn’t help but notice how stale many of the British groups who released charting music were in 2019, so to see a group as refreshing as this lot getting recognition is an exciting prospect, and probably something the Brits is in need of.
SNUB - Sam Fender
British Male
Danny Payne/Shutterstock
In 2019, Lewis Capaldi finished as runner-up in the Critics’ Choice category, behind Sam Fender, who has suddenly found himself playing second fiddle a year later.
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Although his Best New Artist nod is to be commended, we’re a little surprised to see the Brits not choosing to push their former Critics’ Choice recipient a little more following the release of his debut album, with a particular omission in the Best Male category.
SNUB - Liam Gallagher
Best Male Solo Artist
KGC-138/STAR MAX/IPx
Technically still only two albums into his solo career, Liam Gallagher’s first album earned him a Best British Male nomination in 2018, and we had kind of assumed that his sophomore effort would do the same.
His absence is particularly noteworthy as the Brits is celebrating its 40th show in 2020, and Liam has been responsible for some very famous (or should we say infamous?) moments at the awards show over the years.
We’re not particularly upset at this snub though, especially given how many times Liam made headlines for all the wrong reasons in 2019.
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SURPRISE - Harry Styles
Best Male Solo Artist, Album Of The Year
Charles Sykes/Invision/AP
That same year when Liam earned his first Brit Award nomination, Harry Styles’ self-titled debut album was completely overlooked (apart from in the British Video Of The Year category, though these nominees were determined by YouTube views rather than a panel).
Fast-forward a year, though, and Harry’s second effort Fine Line has earned him not just recognition in the British Male category, but also the much-coveted Album Of The Year, where he’ll face off against past winner Stormzy, with whom he was involved in a release-week chart battle at the end of last year.
SNUB - Lil Nas X
International Male Artist
Broadimage/Shutterstock
So on one hand, this makes perfect sense. Lil Nas X’s 2019 release 7 was actually an EP, not a full-blown album, which means he’s probably not eligible for the International Male Solo Artist category.
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But then, why doesn’t 7 count but D-Block Europe’s mixtapes do? And if the Brits aren’t counting 7 as an album, why are the Grammys, where Lil Nas X is up for multiple awards including, tellingly, Album Of The Year? And if the Brits are bending the rules a bit for D-Block Europe, why not for Lil Nas X in a year he’s had huge hits and smashed chart records the world over?
What we really want is for 2020 to be the year musicians stop confusing everyone with EPs and mixtapes, and go back to just releasing actual albums (or maybe a three or four-track EP as a treat), to avoid head-scratching moments like this one.
SURPRISE - Mabel
Best New Artist
Isabel Infantes - PA Images via Getty Images
Again, at first glance Mabel is a more-than-worthy nominee for Best New Artist in 2019. It was, after all, the year she released her biggest hit to date, Don’t Call Me Up, as well as her debut album High Expectations.
The surprising thing is that 2020 is actually the second year in a row that Mabel has been nominated for Best New Artist. She previously lost out to Tom Walker in 2019, when the award was still known as British Breakthrough, and had been a nominee in the Critics’ Choice Award a year earlier.
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So while we’re big fans of Mabel, we can’t help but feel the contenders for Best New Artist be a little more... new.
SURPRISE - Mark Ronson and Miley Cyrus
Song Of The Year
Again, a track released in 2018 might seem like an unlikely nominee at the 2020 Brit Awards, but Nothing Breaks Like A Heart was released within the eligibility period, and didn’t really make its biggest impact until 2019, which is how it’s ended up on the list (even though a whole Brit Awards ceremony has already been and gone since we first heard this song).
And in case you’re wondering how it makes the cut on a list of British tracks, remember the song is actually Mark Ronson’s, with Miley Cyrus only credited as a featured artist.
SNUB - Liam Payne
Best Male Solo Artist
Liam Payne Rmv/Shutterstock
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Yes we know, we know, LP1 wasn’t exactly a success among critics (who could forget that scathing Guardian review?), but the Brits did invite Liam Payne to perform at the show in which they announced their nominees, so it seems a bit much to have snubbed him completely.
It should also be noted that Liam does have three solo Brit Award nominations, not to mention his seven wins as a member of One Direction.
SNUB - Every female artist in Britain who released an album in the last 12 months
Album Of The Year
David Wolff - Patrick via Getty Images
There are five slots in the Album Of The Year category, and this year all five of them have gone to male artists, with Stormzy, Dave, Harry Styles, Lewis Capaldi and Michael Kiwanuka all in the running.
It’s most certainly not the case that no British women released albums worthy of Brit Award recognition in 2019 – indeed, five of them have been nominated in the Female Solo Artist category – so our question is... what are the Brits playing at?
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No women have been nominated in the Group Of The Year category either, a category where very few female artists have ever been nominated, and even fewer have actually won (from what we can work out, Five Star and Gorillaz are the only winning bands with female members, and one of those is a literal cartoon character).
The male-heavy short list is a particularly disappointing sight after last year’s top nominees were all women, and while the diversity among this year’s top contenders is not to be overlooked either, it’s still a shame that more women haven’t been recognised in the top categories in 2020.
Let’s hope this is something that can be rectified this time next year when, if rumours are to be believed, the Brits is planning to do away with gendered categories.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-01-11--Terminally Ill Campaigners Urge Government To Scrap 'Disgraceful' Benefits Rules

Mark Hughes handing in the Scrap Six Months petition in summer 2019. Courtesy of Mark Hughes.
The government has been urged to stop “dragging its heels” over benefits changes for terminally ill people.
Under current rules, only people with six months or less to live are able to have their benefits fast-tracked – a rule charities say is leaving gravely ill people facing “a mountain of red tape, stressful assessments and financial uncertainty”.
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According to Marie Curie – an end of life charity – almost 2,000 people have died without financial support since the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) agreed to carry out the review.
It is now calling on the government to “find its heart” and scrap the six month rule.
Meanwhile, doctors have argued it is incredibly difficult to accurately predict how long someone is likely to live.
In July – following a damning parliamentary report – the government agreed to review the system, which was dubbed “outdated, arbitrary and not based on clinical reality”.
But six months on, campaigners, terminally ill people and their families are still waiting for the findings to be published.
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Amongst them is Mark Hughes, 58, from Essex, who was told his bone cancer was terminal in 2011 and has been volunteering tirelessly for Marie Curie for years.
Mark Hughes Courtesy of Mark Hughes.
“Every time we get a brown envelope through the front door that looks like it could be from the DWP, we get that horrible sinking feeling in our stomachs,” he explained.
“The first thing you start worrying about is whether or not you’re going to have to do another assessment, whether or not another benefit is going to be taken away.”
Mark, who handed in a petition calling for the end of the six-month cut off alongside fellow campaigners with terminal illnesses in summer 2019, described the personal impact of dealing with the DWP at the same time as coming to terms with such a devastating diagnosis.
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“It’s endless, absolutely relentless,” he explained. “I have tried to be a strong as I can throughout this process, but seeing my wife sorting through the paperwork and all the time coming to terms with the fact her husband has a terminal illness was horrendous.
“A terminal diagnosis should be enough for the DWP, as far as I am concerned. I worked all my life, worked really hard, and paid all my taxes, but now we have to jump through hoop after hoop just to get the help we need.”
Despite living with a terminal illness himself, Mark is committed to helping people who have found themselves in a similar situation and are left struggling to cope with mountains of paperwork and an uncertain future.
“Thousands of people’s lives are being made a misery,” he said. “And at the end of their life, doesn’t matter how long it is, they should be allowed to die with dignity – not fighting for a small amount of money that could have eased so much stress.
“We’ve been told there were delays because of Brexit, because of the election, but those things haven’t delayed people dying. We’re trying to help the people who can’t help themselves – this should be a priority for our government.”
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Mark’s sentiments are echoed by 56-year-old Liam Dwyer from Surrey, who was diagnosed with motor neurone disease in 2005.
“If you can call it lucky, I am still living,” he said. “I was given 18 months to five years to live back then and I’m still here.
“No-one, not even myself, knows how long I have. I have met people and they have died in weeks.
“I honestly don’t understand why a person given a terminal diagnosis is not giving automatic exemption. It is absolutely disgraceful that dying people are treated this way.”
Matthew Reed, Marie Curie’s chief executive, said the charity had not seen “any notable progress” when it came to dropping the fast-track cut-off point for people with more than six months to live.
“The government’s own figures suggest that 10 people a day have died while waiting for PIP in the six months since the DWP announced a review,” he said.
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“And while we have seen personnel changes at the DWP, it is now a new year, with a new government, which has a clear majority and, therefore, no excuse not to act fast to stop ten more people dying everyday without the support they need. It’s time now to get this done.”
But a spokesperson for the DWP said the review was “well under way”, calling it an “absolute priority for us”.
“We recognise how devastating dealing with a terminal illness can be, and the impact it can have on families,” they said.
“This vital work is well under way and we are working closely with medical professionals and charities like Motor Neurone Disease Association and Marie Curie.
“We are making positive changes and actively gathering all the relevant medical evidence needed to shape the proposals.”


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-01-11--In The Face Of Heightened Tensions, It Is Labour’s Responsibility To Stand Against Oppression

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If I were to describe the past decade in one word, it would be: polarised.
Across the world, the far right has raised its ugly head. Neofascist movements effectively tapped into pre-existing prejudices and the anger caused by years of neoliberalism, austerity and deprivation. Governments formed or inspired by the radical right stirred hate and attacked the rights of women and minorities: whether that’s Jews, Muslims, migrants, Traveller communities and gay or transgender people.
On the other hand, progressive movements grew: demanding the right to decide what to do with one’s body, to walk the streets without fear of rape or harassment, to not be discriminated against in the workplace, to love who you love and be true to who you are. In the streets, online, in parliaments and workplaces they made themselves heard, changing millions of minds and transforming conversations.
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These are the kind of movements I owe my political formation to. Over years and decades, I’ve had to unlearn ideas and behaviours that all of us were, in one way or another, socialised into. As a man I know I have much to learn for other equality movements and that this learning is a life-long journey.
My time as an MP has made me more aware of the power dynamics that exist in society: between men and women, between people of different backgrounds and ethnicities, between those in positions of power and those with very little of it. I know I have made mistakes, and I am grateful for those who both challenged me and gave me the space to grow.
A lot has been said since the election about the need to listen to voters - and we should. But we must lead as well. We need to meet people where they are, speak a language that everyone can understand, but not give an inch to racism, sexism and prejudice. Our party is at a critical juncture where we face a stark choice. Do we attempt to mimic right wing frames around migration and a distorted view of patriotism that contributes to the country becoming more xenophobic, isolationist and inward looking? Or do we champion the benefits of internationalism and build solidarity between our diverse communities through greater social and economic equality? Social conservatism means nothing short of turning back the clock on hard-won rights for women, LGBTQ communities and race equality and I will resist our party going down this route with every bone in my body.
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Contrary to the picture that’s often painted, the working class does not just consist of socially conservative straight white men. It’s also the black Uber driver, the homeless transgender teenager, the migrant cleaner. If Labour doesn’t stand for them, it doesn’t stand for the working class.
My feminist values are rooted in my socialist values. The number of women CEOs in Britain’s biggest companies is irrelevant if they pay their women workers poverty wages or discriminate against black employees.
Liberation and equality will never come from the top down but through organising from the ground up, and our Labour movement has a crucial role to play in fighting for it.
Its important that women and equalities issues aren’t viewed as stand-alone policy, considered only as an afterthought. All the key priorities of my campaign have gender equality running right through them.
Labour MP Clive Lewis BEN STANSALL via Getty Images
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My determination to make party democracy and grassroots organising a priority is driven by the desire to see Labour become more accessible and inclusive, moving away from the macho, adversarial politics that has dominated politics for too long. I want to make a clear break from old hierarchal, authoritarian modes of operation.
We know that women have overwhelmingly bore the brunt of the Tories austerity agenda, with women of colour being particularly impacted. Cuts to social care and public services mean that more often than not it is women who are expected to compensate for this extra work in their lives, usually unpaid. Our opposition to Tory austerity must highlight the fact that some sections of society have been hit much harder than others. We as a party must commit to addressing the intrinsic biases in economics and policy that organisations such as the Women’s Budget Group and the Runnymede Trust have been so expert in highlighting.
And women will be at the heart of Labour’s Green New Deal, tackling the disproportionate concentration of women in low-paid, poorly valued service sector roles and creating secure, equally paid, dignified green jobs fit for the future.
Fundamentally whether our party is led by a man or a woman matters little if our women activists continue to be bullied and harassed. I have been horrified seeing the amount of abuse my women colleagues receive on a daily basis, much more when they aren’t white. Labour needs a robust, independent system to deal with every complaint, and a culture where no one is exempt from accountability. Our commitment to equality must come before factional loyalties.
But to truly transform our party, and society, we can’t just rely on punishment and exclusion. Racism, sexism and other forms of prejudice don’t come down to a handful of bad eggs but are embedded in structures and systems that perpetuate prejudice and inequality. As Labour leader, I would actively engage with Jewish, BAME, LGBTQ and women’s groups to deliver a programme of political education and reform reaching every CLP.
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On a national level, we need inclusive and holistic sex and relationships education in every school. We need to teach about the legacy of the Empire and the long history of struggles for freedom and equality. We need to end the hostile environment for migrants and the aggressive policing of black and Asian, specifically Muslim communities - and when these issues come up on the doorstep, we must be ready to defend our values, not change the topic.
In the face of heightened tensions and growing threats, it is Labour’s responsibility to stand against oppression. But to change the country, we must first be able to change ourselves.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-01-11--Harry Dunn: Anne Sacoolas Extradition Request 'Highly Inappropriate" Says US

The US has criticised the UK’s request to extradite Anne Sacoolas – the American charged with causing teenage motorcyclist Harry Dunn’s death by dangerous driving – as “highly inappropriate”.
The Home Office said it submitted the request to the US State Department for the 42-year-old wife of an American intelligence official on Friday, after she was charged with causing the 19-year-old’s death by dangerous driving in December.
Dunn, 19, died after his motorbike crashed into a car outside RAF Croughton in Northamptonshire on August 27 last year.
Sacoolas claimed diplomatic immunity after the crash and was able to return to her home country, sparking international controversy.
The Home Office has said the matter is now “a decision for the US authorities” after formally submitting the extradition request on Friday.
But the US Department for State has said it has always been their position that Sacoolas had diplomatic immunity, stating that a request to extradite somebody with immunity would be an abuse.
A spokesman said: “It is the position of the United States government that a request to extradite an individual under these circumstances would be an abuse.
“The use of an extradition treaty to attempt to return the spouse of a former diplomat by force would establish an extraordinarily troubling precedent.”
The spokesman added that they will continue to engage with the UK government and said they have been transparent on all matters, both legal and diplomatic.
After a meeting with foreign secretary Dominic Raab and home secretary Priti Patel, Dunn’s family pressed repeatedly for a meeting with the prime minister.
A letter seen by the PA news agency on Friday showed that the family’s local MP, business secretary Andrea Leadsom, had written to Boris Johnson to request a face-to-face meeting.
In the letter, Leadsom urges the Johnson to “hear at first hand what they have been through”, adding that a meeting would “go a long way to assure them that the case and their concerns are being taken seriously”.
The family have said they said they are “pleased” with the extradition request, adding that they feel it is a “huge step towards achieving justice for Harry”.
Confirming the request, a spokesman for the Home Office said: “Following the Crown Prosecution Service’s charging decision, the Home Office has sent an extradition request to the United States for Anne Sacoolas on charges of causing death by dangerous driving.
“This is now a decision for the US authorities.”
The family have initiated various legal proceedings against the Foreign Office, the US government and Sacoolas herself after their lawyers disputed the granting of diplomatic immunity.
Reacting to the extradition request on behalf of Dunn’s family, spokesman Radd Seiger told PA: “I have learned that the extradition request for Anne Sacoolas has been delivered today to the United States Department of Justice in accordance with the requirements laid out in the treaty between the two countries and I have notified the parents.
“This will not of course bring Harry back, but in the circumstances of all that this family have been through, they are pleased with the development and feel that it is a huge step towards achieving justice for Harry and making good on the promise that they made to him on the night he died that they would secure justice for him.
“Despite the unwelcome public comments currently emanating from the US administration that Anne Sacoolas will never be returned, Harry’s parents, as victims, will simply look forward to the legal process unfolding, as it must now do, confident in the knowledge that the rule of law will be upheld.
“They will simply take things one step at a time and not get ahead of themselves.
“However, no one, whether diplomat or otherwise, is above the law.”


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-01-11--Claudia Winkleman Says Psychologist Friend 'Saved' Her After Horror Of Daughter's Halloween Accident

Matilda, now 13, has had several operations since the accident.
A BBC Watchdog investigation looked into the flammability of children’s Halloween costumes in May 2015 and found some are classified as “toys” rather than “clothing”.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-01-11--Sharon Osbourne Backtracks On Story Of Sacking Assistant After House Fire

She said: “I thought, right, where is that [censored] assistant? So I go into the guest house, and he’s like ‘is everything alright?’ and I’m like, ‘no, the house is on fire, get out and help, go in and get the paintings out’. And I said, ‘you must go in and find the dogs’.”
She continued: “So he has humming and ahh-ing – this ex-assistant – so anyway, he did get the dogs. And the fire engines arrived, very lovely people, and they came and they had this oxygen for the assistant. So I said, ‘how very dare you. You work here. You get more paintings out’.”


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-01-11--Anger As Extinction Rebellion Included In Police List Of Extremist Organisations

Extinction Rebellion and its supporters have criticised police after it was included on a list of extremist organisations in an official report.
The Guardian reported on Friday that documents seen by the publication revealed the climate change activist group had been listed alongside Neo-Nazi groups such as National Action and Islamic extremists in a guide drawn up by Counter Terror Police South East (CTPSE).
It is understood that the version of the document was issued in November, but has since been recalled and the group is not classed by police as extremist.
Members of the movement have since branded the label a “terrorism slur” and a “deliberate attempt to silence” them.
In the hours after the story broke, a number of prominent supporters, politicians, and commentators voiced their anger online, with British writer and campaigner George Monbiot writing: “It’s official: those of us who care about the living planet and the future of humanity are extremists, and should be reported to Prevent.”


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-01-12--Jade Goody's Son Bobby Brazier Makes Catwalk Debut As Dolce & Gabbana Model

Jade Goody’s son Bobby Brazier has made his catwalk debut as a model at Milan Fashion Week.
The 16-year-old son of the late Big Brother star modelled in the Dolce & Gabbana show at Teatro Metropol on Saturday.
Bobby Brazier walks in the Dolce & Gabbana autumn/winter 2020-2021 fashion show on 11 January in Milan Victor VIRGILE via Getty Images
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He was pictured marching down the runway in long black coat and carrying a purse from the designer’s autumn/winter 2020-2021 collection.
Bobby, whose dad is TV presenter Jeff Brazier, said his dreams “had come true” after walking his first runway.
He posted on Instagram: “6 months ago I said give me 3 years I’ll be doing fashion week. Thankyou @dolcegabbana ! Dream come true tonight, I’m buzzin ! [sic]”
Bobby, 16, was signed as a model last year Victor VIRGILE via Getty Images
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Bobby signed to modelling agency Unsigned Group last year, and also celebrated finishing his GCSEs where he scored three A grades, two Bs and three Cs.
Jeff has been a single dad to Bobby and his brother Freddie, 14, since Jade’s death from cervical cancer in 2009.
Jade with sons Bobby and Freddie in 2006 Dave M. Benett via Getty Images
Last year, the TV star spoke of how he would not let his sons watch a recent Channel 4 documentary about Jade’s life.
He said: “From a technical parenting point of view, whilst they are coming to the end of their childhood and they are able to take on board more adult themes, I don’t think they are quite ready to watch a large percentage of what has been shown.
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“I don’t begrudge any of the content that has been used in making the documentary. It is particularly well-made and people have no issue with that.
“But in terms of is that something they could watch? It’s not like they would find out so much more about mum in a lovely or warm or memorial way, or just looking back and remembering it.
“There are a lot of really adult themes there that they are probably not going to get their head around.
“They could find it upsetting and [make them] angry.”
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Jeff was interviewed about his relationship with Jade for the documentary and admitted he chose to do so after being told her mum, Jackiey Budden, would speak about it on his behalf.
“That definitely got me in. Nobody wants to be represented by Jackiey,” he remarked.
“I agreed because I thought it would be better when [Bobby and Freddie] watched that they saw me giving some positive, really glowing remarks about their mum, as opposed to being an absence.”
Jeff was not with Jade prior to her death, as she married partner Jack Tweed in the days before she died.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-01-12--Britain Condemns Iran's Arrest Of UK Ambassador After Attending Vigil For Plane Crash Victims

He also said US president Donald Trump’s actions have made the situation “much more volatile” but noted “his administration has got Americans home, whereas the UK hasn’t succeeded”.
Ratcliffe told Sky News’ Sophie Ridge show: “The arrest of the ambassador and the attempt to try and turn that into ‘this is a foreign plot, it’s the British organising the protest’ which is what Iranian Press TV has put out, it’s a really bad sign for us.
“Of course we are in the middle of all that because Nazanin is regularly brought out as someone involved in overthrowing the regime and all those fake stories.
“As a sign of where things are going, the fact the regime’s instinct is A) to deny bad stuff then B) to blame foreigners is not great if you are a foreigner that has been blamed.”
Zaghari-Ratcliffe is serving a five-year sentence over allegations, which she vehemently denies, of plotting to overthrow the Tehran government, having been arrested in 2016 during a holiday visit to show her baby daughter Gabriella, now aged five, to her parents.
She has suffered declining physical and mental health during her detention and suffered panic attacks amid the rising political tensions in recent days.
The 40-year-old is among as many as five people with dual British-Iranian nationality, or with UK connections, believed to be in prison in Iran at present.