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‘Running Scared’: Rishi Sunak Mocked After He Rules Out General Election On May 2

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Rishi Sunak has been accused of “running scared” after he finally ruled out a genera election on May 2.

The prime minister told ITV West Country that voters across the UK will not have to go to the polls “on that day”.

It brings to an end months of speculation and means the election is almost certain to take place in the autumn.

Senior Labour figures, and many Tories, wanted the general election to coincide with the local council polls in England and Wales on May 2.

But Sunak said: “In seven weeks’ time we have local elections, including in Gloucester where I was talking to them today. We have police and crime commissioner elections, we have mayoral elections.

“I’m squarely focused on those because they’re important and there’s not going to be a general election on that day.”

Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey said: “It looks like we have confirmation of Sunak running scared of an election in May.

“He knows that voters will not put up with this Conservative government’s failures on the NHS and the cost of living crisis any longer.

“That is why lifelong Conservative voters have switched to the Liberal Democrats in their droves and will vote for a hardworking local champion, rather than another Conservative MP who will take them for granted once again.”

Pat McFadden, Labour’s national campaign co-ordinator, said: “After 14 years of Tory failure, the British public have the right to expect an election to be called by 26 March and held on May 2.

“Until the day to call it has passed, we are prepared for the election to take place on the usual day in the election cycle.

“Rishi Sunak should stop squatting in Downing Street and give the country what it desperately needs – a chance for change with a Labour government. The rime minister needs to finally come clean with the public and name the date of the election now.”

Sunak’s announcement means the election is likely to take place in either October or November, although he could go all the way to January next year.

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David Tennant Announced As Host Of New Reality Game Show That’s Being Compared To The Traitors

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David Tennant has been announced as the host of a brand new reality TV show called Genius Game.

The Doctor Who actor will front the new ITV show which is “inviting the country’s most brilliant minds” to take part in the “ultimate” challenge for a cash prize.

The series will see contestants participate in never before seen games which have been designed to not only test their intellectual ability, but encourage them to use manipulation to outmanoeuvre opponents.

David will take on the role of The Creator in the eight-part series, which originates from South Korea, guiding players as they navigate the challenges.

It’s already being compared to The Traitors, in which contestants must avoid being exposed as traitors by way of lying and manipulation of their fellow contestants. It’s also following in the footsteps of the mega-hit Squid Game, the South Korean dystopian drama about a series of life or death strategic games for a prize fund, which was also adapted in reality format for the UK.

According to press materials, players will be chosen not just for their “intellectual prowess”, but their social IQ.

Produced by Remarkable Entertainment, the show will challenge players to “deceive, collude and outsmart their opponents” to become the first UK winner of Genius Game.

The Genius first premiered in South Korea in April 2013, running for four seasons until 2015.

“This exciting reality format is designed to keep not just the players but the audience on the edge of their seats with each episode containing compelling gameplay and thrilling twists,” said Katie Rawcliffe, Head of Entertainment at ITV. “David Tennant is the perfect ringmaster to preside over this battle of brainpower, teamwork and deception. We’re delighted to be bringing Genius Game to the ITV audience.”

Tamara Gilder, joint MD of Remarkable added: “We are so thrilled that David will be guiding the players through the twists & turns of the show. There’s nothing quite like Genius Game, it’s smart and funny – just like he is – he’s the perfect frontman.”

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Diane Abbott’s Hopes Of Getting The Labour Whip Back Have Been Dashed By Keir Starmer

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Diane Abbott’s hopes of getting the Labour whip back appear to have been dashed by Keir Starmer.

The Labour leader said it was right to “support” the MP after the Tories’ biggest donor, Frank Hester, was alleged to have said she made him “want to hate all black women” and “should be shot”.

However, Starmer said that should not be “conflated” with the anti-Semitism accusations Abbott faces over a letter she sent to The Observer which said that Jewish, Irish and Traveller people have never been “subject to racism”.

She later apologised “unreservedly” for any “anguish” and said she withdrew the comments, but remains under investigation by the Labour Party.

Senior figures – including Ed Balls and John McDonnell – have called for Abbott to have the whip restored.

But on BBC Radio 2 today, Starmer insisted “that was for an entirely different issue” from the Hester row.

“That was allegations of anti-Semitism in relation to a letter, which is subject to an ongoing investigation which is separate from me,” he said.

The Labour leader said the party “must support” Abbott and insisted she was a “trailblazer” as parliament’s first black female MP.

Presenter Jeremy Vine then said: “In some countries there would be a statue of her, and yet she may not be able to fight her seat in the next election if you don’t hurry up and resolve this.”

But Starmer said: “All I’m saying is the abhorrent language used by the Tory donor about Diane Abbott is abhorrent, needs to be called out, the money needs to be returned. That’s one thing.

“There is a separate issue, which is Diane’s own language, which is subject to a different procedure. I don’t think we can conflate the two at this stage.”

HuffPost UK revealed yesterday that there was no imminent prospect of Abbott returning to the Labour fold.

But deputy Labour leader Angela Rayner later said she wanted to see the MP re-admitted to the parliamentary Labour party.

She said: “Personally, I would like to see Diane back but the Labour party has to follow its procedures.

“And for me, that is the most important thing – that we have made sure our party is fit to govern by making sure we have got complaint procedures that are robust and people can have confidence in.”

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NHS England’s Pause On Hormone Blockers ‘Will Deeply Affect’ Trans Youth, Charity Claims

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NHS England’s decision to stop offering transgender youth puberty blockers has been described as “a blow” to the community by a charity.

Mermaids has criticised the decision, saying trans youth are “no exception” when it comes to universal access to healthcare.

What are puberty blockers?

Puberty blockers stop hormones which trigger irreversible physical changes (such as testosterone and oestrogen), that’s why they have been seen as a lifeline to some trans youth.

According to NHS England’s Gender Identity Development Service (GIDS), puberty blockers are a “physically reversible treatment if stopped”.

However, the website claims it is “not known what the psychological effects may be”.

At the moment, fewer than 100 young people in England are prescribed puberty blockers on the NHS.

What is the new ruling around puberty blockers?

NHS England held a public consultation on their usage last year – 10% of the 4,000 respondents were trans adults, 22% were patients, and 21% were parents.

As of Tuesday this week, puberty blockers will only be available through a mandatory research trial rather than available “routinely”.

But, those currently on puberty blockers will be able to continue their treatment.

Health minister Maria Caulfield praised the announcement, saying “children’s safety and wellbeing is paramount”, describing the move was a “landmark decision” and “in the best interests of the child”.

The ruling also comes weeks before the publication of an independent review into gender identity services in England.

An interim report, published 2022, suggested that there were “gaps in evidence” around the impact of the drugs.

What does Mermaids say?

Trans youth charity, Mermaids, told HuffPost UK: “This announcement is deeply disappointing, and a further restriction of support offered to trans children and young people through the NHS, which is failing trans youth.

“There were virtually no first appointments offered in 2023, with ever-growing waiting lists of over five years.

“Those currently prescribed puberty blockers won’t see any changes to their treatment, and this is a pause on prescribing – not a ban.

“It’s also important to note that puberty blockers can be just one possible part of a young person’s gender journey.

“However, this news still comes as a blow and will deeply affect our communities.”

Mermaids added: “Everyone deserves access to healthcare, and to live happy and healthy lives. Trans youth are no exception.”

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How To Keep Rats Out Of The Garden Without Killing Them This Spring

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No offence to the little critters but for many gardeners, rats are really quite unwelcome visitors. Setting up little homes beneath decking, in sheds, greenhouses or even compost heaps means that they infiltrate the nooks and crannies of our gardens.

As they’re nocturnal, and quite skittish anyway, you’re unlikely to see a rat in the garden but signs such as rat tunnels, runs, droppings and even teeth marks can sprinkle throughout your treasured green space, letting you know that rats are living there.

The problem is, for many outdoorsy folk, killing them or poisoning them isn’t an option. I mean, of course. They’re just existing. But then, how do you get rid of them without harming them?

Thankfully, the experts at Gardeners’ World have some ideas to keep the rats at bay.

How to get rid of rats in my garden humanely

Instead of opting for rat traps, put the bird feeders away

If you have bird feeders hanging for local birds, you may be inadvertently attracting rats. This is because bird food being as small and light as it is, often falls to the ground and this attracts rats. For a while, stop filling bird feeders and if you have chickens, secure the run to deter rats.

One of the best rat repellents is simply… keeping your garden tidy

Messy gardens filled with clutter and overgrown areas are more likely to appeal to rats because of how much cover they provide. Give your garden a good tidy, especially near fences, and keep it today to deter rats.

Protect your compost heap and keep it moist

Avoid adding food scraps to your compost heap for a while and, if you can, keep it moist by including lots of greenery and mud. Gardeners’ World added: “Fixing chicken wire around the base of the bin can also help, as it prevents rats from being able to dig beneath the bin to climb inside.”

Block access to sheds and greenhouses

Rats can make their way into many small cracks, so make sure that your buildings are secured and block any gaps.

Move things around the garden to put them off coming back

Rats hate change and specifically change to their own territory. Move furniture, potted plants and anything else around your garden to encourage rats to find somewhere else to call home.

Finally, if you have any water sources such as a dripping tap that can be shut off, turn them off for a short while if you’ve exhausted all other options.

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4 Symptoms You May Not Realise Are Actually Signs Of Early Menopause

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Half of the population will experience menopause at some point in their life but for younger people, it can be difficult to identify the symptoms, especially for early menopause.

Early menopause is when an individual’s periods stop before the age of 45, and it affects 5% of women.

Isla Telfer, co-founder of GLORIAH, a menopause focussed personal care brand that creates luxury products to help people manage the first signs of the menopause, said: “More and more people are entering menopause early. Whether it’s through surgical menopause, Primary Ovarian Insufficiency, Endometriosis, they share one thing in common – a lack of recognition by professionals, friends, family, and society.”

This is sadly unsurprising. Even for standard menopause, a massive 90% of workplaces have no formal support for women experiencing menopause, according to a recent report.

However, the earlier you can identify early menopause symptoms, the sooner you can get the treatment that you need.

What are the signs of early menopause?

Telfer and her business partner Jessica Watson shared the four crucial symptoms of early menopause.

Hot flashes

A sudden feeling of heat in the face, chest and neck, accompanied by chills and sweating profusely could be a hot flash — one of the most common symptoms of menopause.

This can also present as suddenly feeling cold in those same areas as well as feeling anxious and having an elevated heart rate.

Sleep problems

The founders say that insomnia, night sweats from hot flashes, and sleep apnoea can all play their part in causing sleep issues during menopause.

However, rest is essential for menopause, as it helps to alleviate other symptoms. The NHS recommends wearing light clothing and keeping your bedroom cool to help tackle sleep issues.

Mood and cognition changes

The founders urge that mood changes and increased anxiety can be symptoms of menopause. Additionally, if you’re having problems concentrating or remembering things, you may be entering early menopause. This is because the hormonal changes that come with menopause can affect both your physical and mental health.

A recent study from the University College London found that talking therapy, such as mindfulness, group and cognitive behaviour therapy, could help tackle mood changes caused by menopause.

Vaginal dryness

Experiencing vaginal dryness could be a symptom of menopause.

This is caused by a drop in oestrogen thinning the lining of the vagina and vulva tissue. Using a lubricant during sex and a good vaginal moisturiser day-to-day can help alleviate this painful symptom.

If you feel you may be entering early menopause, speak with your GP to discuss the treatment and support available to you.

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Rishi Sunak Has Finally Said Frank Hester’s Comments About Diane Abbott Were ‘Racist’

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Rishi Sunak has finally said Frank Hester’s alleged comments about Diane Abbott were “racist”.

The move came hours after business secretary Kemi Badenoch broke ranks to do so and followed a day of confusion in Downing Street.

In a statement issued this evening, a No.10 spokesman said: “The comments allegedly made by Frank Hester were racist and wrong.

“He has now rightly apologised for the offence caused and where remorse is shown it should be accepted.

“The prime minister is clear there is no place for racism in public life and as the first British-Asian prime minister leading one of the most ethnically diverse Cabinets in our history, the UK is living proof of that fact.”

The Guardian reported yesterday that Hester said in 2019 that said Abbott made him “want to hate all black women” and that she “should be shot”.

That led to calls for the Tories to hand back the £10 million he gave to the party last year.

However, senior government figures were initially sent out by Downing Street to defend Hester this morning.

Energy minister Graham Stuart said he made his comments “half a decade ago”, while work and pensions secretary Stride said “we need to move on”.

At two separate Downing Street briefings for journalists today, the PM’s spokespeople also repeatedly refused to say Hester’s remarks were racist.

But pressure was piled on Sunak when business secretary Kemi Badenoch posted on X: “Hester’s 2019 comments, as reported, were racist.

“I welcome his apology. Abbott and I disagree on a lot. But the idea of linking criticism of her, to being a black woman is appalling. It’s never acceptable to conflate someone’s views with the colour of their skin.”

Hester, who runs health tech firm TPP, allegedly made the remarks at a staff meeting.

Talking about a female executive at another firm, he reportedly said: “It’s like trying not to be racist but you see Diane Abbott on the TV, and you’re just like I hate, you just want to hate all black women because she’s there, and I don’t hate all black women at all, but I think she should be shot.

″[The executive] and Diane Abbott need to be shot.”

TPP said Hester “accepts that he was rude about Diane Abbott in a private meeting several years ago but his criticism had nothing to do with her gender nor colour of skin”.

In his first public comments on the row, Hester said “racism … is a poison that has no place in public life”.

He added: “The UK benefits immensely from the rich diversity of people – like my parents – who had roots in another land, religion and culture.

“We should celebrate those differences which have made us the world’s most successful multi-ethnic, multi-faith democracy. And we should have the confidence to discuss our differences openly and even playfully without seeking to cause offence.”

In a statement, Diane Abbott said: “It is frightening. I live in Hackney and do not drive, so I find myself, at weekends, popping on a bus or even walking places more than most MPs.

“I am a single woman and that makes me vulnerable anyway. But to hear someone talking like this is worrying.”

“The fact that two MPs have been murdered in recent years makes talk like this all the more alarming.”

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Kemi Badenoch Breaks Ranks To Say Frank Hester’s Comments About Diane Abbott Were ‘Racist’

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Kemi Badenoch has said Tory donor Frank Hester’s alleged comments about Diane Abbott were “racist” as pressure mounted on Rishi Sunak to do the same.

The Guardian reported that Hester said in 2019 that said Abbott made him “want to hate all black women” and that she “should be shot”.

That led to calls for the Tories to hand back the £10 million he gave to the party last year.

A spokesman for TPP, the tech firm Hester runs, said he “accepts that he was rude about Diane Abbott in a private meeting several years ago but his criticism had nothing to do with her gender nor colour of skin”.

Downing Street repeatedly refused today to call the remarks “racist”, insisting instead that they were “unacceptable”.

A spokeswoman for the prime minister, who spent the day working in No.10, told reporters: “What is alleged and reported to have been said would clearly have been unacceptable, but we are not going to characterise further alleged comments from source reporting.”

But Badenoch broke ranks with the PM to make her views clear on X (formerly Twitter).

She said: “Hester’s 2019 comments, as reported, were racist.

“I welcome his apology. Abbott and I disagree on a lot. But the idea of linking criticism of her, to being a black woman is appalling. It’s never acceptable to conflate someone’s views with the colour of their skin.

“MPs have a difficult job balancing multiple interests -often under threats of intimidation as we saw recently in parliament.

“Some people make flippant comments without thinking of this context. This is why there needs to be space for forgiveness where there is contrition.”

Meanwhile, health minister Maria Caulfield told the BBC: “I condemn these comments – I personally do find them racist- it’s not something we should be kind of excusing in any way.”

The comments were at odds with fellow ministers Graham Stuart and Mel Stride, both of whom sought to play down the row earlier today.

Stuart, the energy minister, said Hester made his comments “half a decade ago”, while work and pensions secretary Stride said “we need to move on”.

In his first public comments on the row, Hester said “racism … is a poison that has no place in public life”.

He added: “The UK benefits immensely from the rich diversity of people – like my parents – who had roots in another land, religion and culture.

“We should celebrate those differences which have made us the world’s most successful multi-ethnic, multi-faith democracy. And we should have the confidence to discuss our differences openly and even playfully without seeking to cause offence.”

In a statement, Diane Abbott said: “It is frightening. I live in Hackney and do not drive, so I find myself, at weekends, popping on a bus or even walking places more than most MPs.

“I am a single woman and that makes me vulnerable anyway. But to hear someone talking like this is worrying.”

“The fact that two MPs have been murdered in recent years makes talk like this all the more alarming.”

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Cabinet Minister Slammed For Saying ‘Move On’ Over Frank Hester’s Dianne Abbott Comments

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A cabinet minister has been condemned after he said people need to “move on” from a race row engulfing the Tory Party’s biggest donor.

Frank Hester, who gave the Conservatives £10 million last year, reportedly said Diane Abbott made him “want to hate all black women” and that she “should be shot”.

But work and pensions secretary Mel Stride said that while the remarks were “inappropriate”, it was not “a gender-based or a race-based comment”.wes

He added: “He has apologised and I think we need to move on from that.”

Shadow health secretary Wes Streeting said Stride’s response showed the Tory Party was “rotten to its core and unfit for office”.

Former Tory adviser Sam Freedman said: “This line is so appalling that it can only be in use because Hester is demanding that they stick to his line.

“Mel Stride is not a stupid person. There is no way he thinks this is a good or reasonable line.”

Asked if the Tories should hand back the money Hester gave them, he said: “We can’t cancel anybody from participation in public life, or indeed donating to parties because they said something intemperate and wrong in their past.

“It’s not my decision, but I do welcome those who support the Conservative Party to ensure that we have Rishi Sunak – our first Hindu prime minister.”

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Sorry, What ― An Oscar Is Only Worth HOW Much?

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Of course, winning an Oscar is priceless. But buying one? Well, depending on who you are, that might be much cheaper than you think.

The first Oscar to be sold was hawked by Harold Russell in 1992 for a cool $55k.

And that’s a steal in comparison to other sales ― Steven Spielberg purchased Bette Davis’s 1938 Best Actress Oscar for $578,000, for instance, and in 2014, Joseph Wright’s 1943 Best Colour Art Direction Oscar for My Gal Sal sold for $79,200.

Not a bad profit considering the statue only costs $400 to make, right?

Well… wrong

Anyone who wins an Oscar has to sign an agreement that includes a 1951 no-resale rule introduced by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

In 2015, a court ruling changed a rule that meant anyone selling an Oscars statue should offer it to the Academy for $10 first, and lowered it to one measly dollar.

“Award winners shall not sell or otherwise dispose of the Oscar statuette, nor permit it to be sold or disposed of by operation of law, without first offering to sell it to the Academy for the sum of $1.00,” says the Academy’s site.

“This provision shall apply also to the heirs and assigns of Academy Award winners who may acquire a statuette by gift or bequest.“

The Academy has successfully sued people who have tried to sell their Oscar without first giving them their $1 shot ― including the owner and auction house behind the Joseph Wright sale we mentioned before.

In that case, the statue was returned to the Academy.

So, technically an Oscar is only worth a single US dollar (blood, sweat, and tears nonrefundable).

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