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BBC Journalist Tells Boris Johnson He Looks ‘Weaselly’ After Dodging UK Coal Mines Question

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BBC Breakfast

BBC’s climate editor Justin Rowlatt interviewing Boris Johnson

Boris Johnson was torn apart – and dubbed “a little bit weaselly” – for his mixed messaging around opening a new coal mine in the UK by a BBC journalist.

As he was being interviewed in Glasgow on the first morning of COP26, the UN’s climate summit, the prime minister was under the spotlight for not putting a stop to a new mine in Cumbria for coking coal.

The mine was approved to open until 2049 by Cumbria County Council in October last year but this decision was suspended by authority in February amid backlash.

The BBC’s climate editor Justin Rowlatt pointed out: “You’re going to the developing world and saying phase out coal, at the same time as not ruling out a new coal mine in Britain.

“We started the industrial revolution – we should close the mines.

“Why don’t you just say we’re just not going to open this coal mine?

“The Chinese will just says ‘we can’t take this guy seriously’.”

Rowlatt was referring to the UK’s efforts to get China to reduce its CO2 emissions, as it is one of the top CO2 emitting nations in the world.

The prime minister replied by claiming 80% of UK power came from coal when he was a child; now it’s just 1%.

“What everybody says is incontrovertible is the progress the UK has already made,” Johnson added.

Rowlatt then pointed out: “I’m sorry to bang on about coal, but it makes you look a little bit weaselly not answering the coal question.”

Johnson hit back and said, “Sorry, I’ve answered the coal question”.

Rowlatt continued pushing him to answer his query “directly” and answer “yes or no” to opening more coal mines.

The prime minister replied: “I’m not in favour of more coal. But it’s not a decision for me, it’s a decision for local planning authorities.”

Climate experts have been hoping that world leaders would promise not to produce any new coal at COP26, but it remains unclear how many will commit to such a pledge.

Rowlatt also skewered Johnson over his personal environmental decisions and his repeated claim that the UK is a world-leading nation when it comes to tackling the climate crisis.

The BBC journalist pointed out: “A couple of weeks before the holiday starts you go on holiday to Marbella – is that world leadership?”

Johnson swerved the question by directing it back to last week’s budget announcement that air passenger duty for domestic flights would be cut.

He said: “I think that on the issue of short-haul flights – we are increasing the taxation on long-haul flights which account for 96% of emissions.”

Rowlatt then pointed out: “You decreased it on short-haul flights, the ones which there are alternatives for, and increased it on long-haul flights so you did nothing.”

“It’s very difficult, I hear you, but it’s very difficult,” Johnson admitted.

World leaders have faced further criticism as there have been an estimated 400 flights arriving in Glasgow solely for the climate crisis crunch talks.

Hundreds also chose to buy last minute plane tickets to Glasgow on Sunday night after severe problems with the rail network delayed passengers.

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Sad But True, Couples Who Meet Online Are More Likely To Divorce

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How did you meet your partner? Chances may be, online. But if you’re planning to get married, there may be some bad news in store.

Couples who meet online are more likely to divorce in the first stages of marriage, according to a survey.

The charity Marriage Foundation found that divorce is six times more likely for those who met through dating apps and other online forms compared to people who met at university or through friends and family.

But don’t fret too much – the statistics for getting divorced are actually pretty low.

LeoPatrizi via Getty Images

The charity’s research of 2,000 married couples found that people who met online since the year 2000 had a 12% chance of getting divorced in the first year of marriage. In comparison, the figure was much lower for people who met socially – with a possibility of 2%.

But, just in case you were about to get cold feet, remember that a 12% chance of divorce isn’t particularly high – it’s just that others have a lower chance of separating.

The reason being for the vast difference may be our social connections, said The Marriage Foundation.

When people meet via friends and family, their social networks support them through the initial stages – your loved ones are likely to introduce you to people who have some interests and common ground.

In contrast, couples who meet online have relatively limited information about one another, and this may result in their later demise.

Harry Benson, the research director at Marriage Foundation, said the results are “troubling”.

“It suggests that in the early years of marriage, couples who meet this way might lack sufficient social capital or close support networks around them to deal with all the challenges they face when compared to those who met via friends, family or neighbours,” he said.

“Over time this disparity disappears, but the question is why does it exist in the first place?”

Savanta ComRes, the market research consultancy which carried out the survey, said online couples have a disadvantage as they have to start from scratch.

They said: “Our findings in no way undermines or diminishes the vital role of online dating. But it does highlight the greater risks and difficulties of getting to know a relative stranger where reliable sources of background information and subsequent social support are less readily available.”

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COP26: Alok Sharma Dodges Questions On Cambo Oil Field Saying ‘I Have No Power’

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WPA Pool via Getty Images

The UK has come under intense scrutiny over its position towards the Cambo oil field, which is situated to the west of the Shetland Islands and is thought to hold 800million barrels of oil.

Cop26 president Alok Sharma has sought to distance himself from the government’s support of the new Cambo oil field, saying he has “no power” to halt the development.

Sharma ducked a number of questions over whether the UK could claim moral authority over the summit in Glasgow given the UK’s support for the Cambo oil field, which lies west of the Shetland Islands.

A report by the International Energy Agency (IEA) recently stated that no new oil or gas establishments could be set up after this year if the UK was to achieve its net zero target.

But Sharma pushed back against the report’s findings and said the UK had decarbonised faster than any other G20 nation.

Asked by Andrew Marr whether giving the oil field the green light sent the right message to the rest of the world during the climate gathering in Glasgow, Sharma said: “You know, we as a country have decarbonised our economy faster than any other G20 nation over the past years.

“And in terms of oil and gas, we’ve been very clear: we’ve said that in terms of granting any future licences, there will be a climate compatibility checkpoint, and any licences that are granted will have to be compatible with our legal requirement to be net zero by 2050.”

Asked about the IEA’s recommendation to stop any future oil and gas fields, and whether he could stop it, Sharma responded: “Well, it is not as you say in my power, my role here is to bring together consensus amongst almost 200 countries.

“The IEA report also makes clear that, even in a net zero scenario, there is some element of oil and gas in that.”

But Marr pushed further: “I ask again — does allowing the Cambo oil and gas field off Shetland to go ahead now set a good example around the world?

Sharma replied: “That is something that is being considered. There was a consultation inquiry around all of that.

“I’m not going to go into that particular issue. When there is an announcement, an agreement, of course I’d be very happy to come and talk to you.”

The UK has come under intense scrutiny over its position towards the Cambo oil field, which is thought to hold 800million barrels of oil.

The government has sought to defend its interest in the site on the grounds that even as the world moves away from fossil fuels, there will still be an ongoing demand for oil and gas in the coming years.

But climate activists and critics have said the government’s stance towards the oil field sends the wrong message to the rest of the world and to developing nations who will find it costly to decarbonise.

And on Saturday, Sharma was heckled as a “hypocrite” by youth activists while giving a speech at the COY26 youth conference.

Marr went on to say: “The chair of the climate change committee, Lord Deben, says of the oil field one you do that, once you allow that to go ahead, ‘you set an example that will be quoted throughout the world as showing such a development is acceptable’.

“And yet you’re not prepared to stop it.”

Mr Sharma replied: “That’s not my decision, that’s not my role.”

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Friends Star Matthew Perry Signs ‘Seven-Figure Deal’ To Write Autobiography

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Matthew Perry has reportedly signed a seven-figure deal to pen his autobiography.

The Friends star will write an “unflinchingly honest”account of his addiction issues in the as-yet-untitled book, which is set to be published in the autumn of 2022.

The actor, who played Chandler Bing on the US comedy, will take readers “behind-the-scenes” of Friends and will also explore the substance abuse and alcohol issues that have dogged his career, publisher Flatiron Books said.

According to reports in the US, the deal was in the “mid-seven figure range”.

Paul Zimmerman via Getty Images

Matthew Perry

The memoir is “the book that Friends fans have been waiting for but will also shed a powerful light for anyone who is in their own battle for themselves or a loved one”, Flatiron, a division of Macmillan, said.

Megan Lynch, publisher of Flatiron Books, said: “We need humour, we need catharsis, and we need to agree on something – and Matthew’s extraordinary story, told in his inimitable voice, is that thing.

“Matthew’s book has unrivalled potential to bring people together, which feels especially galvanising right now, a time of isolation and division.”

The 52-year-old was one of the best-known and best-paid television stars during the 10-year run of Friends from 1994 but he struggled to overcome addiction.

In 2016, Matthew told the BBC his drug use was so bad he cannot remember roughly three years of his time on Friends, from seasons three to six.

Perry joined his former co-stars for the highly awaited Friends reunion special in May.

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Wait – Is There A Covid Plan C Too?

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One of Boris Johnson’s scientific advisers admitted that ‘plan C’ restrictions have been discussed in the health and social care department in the event that Covid cases continue to soar over the winter.

The news comes as the debate over introducing plan B continues.

Downing Street is currently relying on plan A, which involves championing the booster vaccine programme, suggesting people choose to wear face masks in crowded areas, regular testing, more funds for the NHS and the “largest ever flu jab” campaign.

NHS representatives have pushed for stricter measures, also known as plan B, to be introduced – and now there’s even talk of plan C.

Where did all this talk of plan C come from?

Chief scientific adviser to the department of health and social care, Professor Lucy Chappell said measures beyond plan B have been “proposed”.

Speaking to a parliamentary committee on Tuesday, she said: “It has been proposed. The name has been mentioned. It is not being extensively worked up…people have used the phrase.”

She did not say any more on the issue, adding: “At the moment the focus is on plan B.”

The Telegraph reported last week that further measures were being considered, including potentially the banning of household mixing at Christmas.

This is just what happened last year – but the prime minister has promised this year’s festive season will not go the same way, despite rising Covid infections.

The government has also promised not to introduce a lockdown as long as people take precautionary measures to reduce the Covid spread now.

But not everyone agrees that there is even a plan C

The prime minister’s spokesperson said: “As we have repeatedly made clear, there is no plan C.

“We knew the coming months would be challenging which is why we set out our plan A and plan B for autumn and winter last month.

“We are monitoring all the data closely and the government remains committed to taking further action if necessary to protect the NHS from being overwhelmed.”

Deputy chief medical officer for the government department Dr Thomas Waite told MPs: “I haven’t been consulted on anything about a plan C.”

What about plan B?

Plan B would see mandatory face masks implemented in certain crowded or indoor places, recommendations to work from home if possible and the potential introduction of vaccine certification.

According to leaked documents, this would last five months and finish around the end of March 2022.

However Downing Street has insisted that is “no planned five-month timeline” for plan B.

Why hasn’t plan B been introduced?

Professor Chappell told the science and technology there was “no single metric” which would enact plan B.

The government has been accused of deliberately leaking reports that plan B would cost the economy between £11 billion and £18 billion, as people would stop commuting.

The prime minister’s official spokesperson also said plan B would be introduced only if the “pressure on the NHS is unsustainable”, claiming that current measures allow “venues to remain open and remain trading”.

The government’s chief scientific adviser, Sir Patrick Vallance, told BBC Breakfast on Thursday: “As soon as you start thinking, ‘Am I or am I not going to do this? It looks close’, that is the time you need to push beyond your natural reluctance to do it and do it.

“This is obviously something the government will have to consider carefully but we need to be ready to move fast if that occurs.”

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Yep, Even Gwyneth Paltrow Gets The Giggles During Sex Talk Sometimes

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Gwyneth Paltrow might sell vibrators, sex pills and orgasm candles on her Goop lifestyle website, but even she can get embarrassed by sex talk.

The actor got a serious case of the giggles when she appeared on the latest episode of Red Table Talk on Wednesday.

The 49-year-old star buried her head in her hands when host Jada Pinkett Smith got x-rated with a toy paddle and talked about using it to playfully spank someone on the bum.

“A little tap on the fanny never hurt anybody,” Jada said as she pulled out a paddle from the pile.

Clearly blushing, Gwyneth covered her face before being reduced to a fit of giggles.

Red Table Talk

Gwyneth Paltrow

There was also talk of female orgasms, sensation play, a vulva puppet and a whole host of household items the women could use in the bedroom.

Talk then turned to Gwyneth’s own sex life when Jada brought up how the actor had been “having some of the best sex these days.”

“But I’m a newlywed,” Gwyneth, who married producer Brad Falchuk in 2018, replied. “So it’s cheating, you know, maybe a little bit.”

Last week, during an appearance on Ellen, host Ellen DeGeneres teased Gwyneth by pulling out one of the company’s vibrators.

“Can you show that on TV?” Gwyneth asked, prompting Ellen to wave it quickly one more time. 

Ellen asked how Gwyneth’s son Moses, 15, “feels about things like this that you’re selling.”

The proud mother replied that she wanted to tell the host “the sweetest thing”.

She recalled: “A few months ago, he said, ‘Mom, I was really embarrassed for a minute that Goop sold vibrators and then I realised like no, this is great. You’re making people feel not embarrassed to buy something and that’s great. You’re a feminist.’”

Watch the full episode of Red Table Talk above.

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Greenpeace’s Parody Video Hits Out At The Government’s Empty Climate Promises

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Twitter @JolyonRubinstein

Satirist Jolyon Rubinstein mocked the government in a new Greenpeace video

Greenpeace UK launched a scathing video taking aim at Downing Street’s inaction over climate change on Tuesday.

Featuring satirist Jolyon Rubinstein, the video saw him pose as a government representative talking to members of the public about green initiatives.

The parody is part of Greenpeace’s campaign for “actions not words” from No.10 when it comes to addressing the pressing climate crisis.

“This government takes the climate crisis seriously. We’re committed to making Britain a beacon of a new green revolution,” Rubinstein begins.

“As long as we can agree on a very loose definition of ‘committed’ and ‘green revolution’ and actually taking the ‘climate crisis seriously’.”

He then begins to stop people in the street and, in a serious tone, asks: “Should we really be putting ourselves in a position where we’re putting the planet before profit?”

Rubinstein also took on COP26, the UN’s climate summit which will be hosted by Downing Street in Glasgow and starts on Saturday.

Both China and Russia’s leaders will not be attending the pivotal climate talks despite being two of the world’s most polluting countries.

In the video, Rubinstein pointed out: “China isn’t really doing anything is it, so why should we?”

“Listen you’ve got to be realistic, we’re committed to increasing renewable energy production while simultaneously not upsetting our fossil fuel donors,” he continued.

“If we don’t really utilise those fossil fuels, then the dinosaurs died for nothing didn’t they?”

The satirist joked about the UN’s IPCC report released back in August as well, where world leaders were warned humanity is at “code red” when it comes to the climate crisis.

He told the public – with a straight face – that this warning doesn’t count as the UN didn’t say “what shade of red” they meant.

“The real climate criminals are the ones not freezing their bread,” Rubinstein joked, to the bemusement of passersby.

This comment stemmed from a headline suggestion made by the prime minister’s COP26 spokesperson Allegra Stratton.

She claimed the public should try to help with the climate crisis by taking “micro-steps” including not rinsing dishes before putting them in the dishwasher, putting bread in the freezer to prolong its shelf life.

The comment triggered a wave of criticism because such small daily tasks do not have the same effect as the titans in the fossil fuel industry.

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Shirley Ballas Thanks Strictly Viewers Who Spotted Lump Under Her Arm, As Docs Discover ‘Concerning’ Symptoms

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Shirley Ballas has thanked Strictly Come Dancing viewers after they spotted a lump under her arm, which led to her speaking to a doctor.

The 61-year-old head judge said viewers had helped her discover “concerning” symptoms in her body.

After seeking medical advice, Shirley said that doctors had discovered her hormone levels are “not right” and she needs some scans.

“All in all a little concerning for my doctor,” she said, adding that she had made a hospital appointment.

She wrote on Instagram that her doctor was “making an appointment to check certain odd things happening in my body”.

“To each and every one of you who started me on this road thank you so much,” she began. “I’ll keep you all updated. Remember health is wealth so I’ll be on top of these issues for the time being. With gratitude to you all.”

In an accompanying video message, the former ballroom champion – who had surgery to have breast implants removed in 2019 – said tests had shown her testosterone levels to be “ultra-high”, her oestrogen levels “extremely low”, and that she needs scans on her adrenal glands and ovaries.

Fellow judge Motsi Mabuse was among those to send messages of support, writing, “take care of yourself”, while Tess Daly said she was “sending love”.

Olympian Adam Peaty, who is competing in the current series, added: “Sending all my love and positive energy.”

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JoJo Siwa’s Disturbing Dancing With The Stars Routine As Pennywise Is The Actual Stuff Of Nightmares

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Eric McCandless via Getty Images

JoJo Siwa and Jenna Johnson perform a jazz routine on Dancing with the Stars

On nearly every level, a dance performance featuring the evil clown from Stephen King’s It and one of his child victims set to the tune of a Broadway score shouldn’t work. 

And yet, here’s JoJo Siwa in full Pennywise drag delivering an absolutely deranged and downright genius performance to the tune of Cole Porter’s Anything Goes on the US version of Strictly Come Dancing on Monday night. 

Fully understanding the assignment of Horror Night for Dancing With The Stars’ series’ Halloween episode, the Dance Moms alum performed a jazz routine alongside pro Jenna Johnson – dressed in a children’s rain costume with a big red balloon, naturally – to a creepy remix of the song by District 78 featuring Patrice Covington.

Despite her relentlessly positive demeanour off the dance floor, JoJo managed to capture exactly what makes Stephen King’s creation so menacing. Keeping low to the ground and bouncing on one leg at a time, she tapped into her inner Pennywise, all while showcasing her well-established killer dance skills. 

The performance ended with JoJo grabbing Jenna by the throat, ripping off her fake hand and then chomping on it, as the song came to a close with a blood-curdling scream. 

The judges uniformly lavished praise upon the star, who for the second week in a row earned a perfect score. 

“It. Is. Terrifying. And absolutely brilliant. You turned a nightmare into a work of art,“ remarked Bruno Tonioli. “The quality of your dances — the thing you did in there, combining jazz, ballet, contemporary, acrobatics. I’m telling you, you are a terrific talent.”

Carrie Ann Inaba said: “What I loved about this performance is you pushed yourself further,” while Len Goodman added:“If ever a dance captured the flavour of a book, that was it.”

JoJo, who’s made history on the series as the first contestant to be paired with a same-sex partner, is now the clear front-runner to win the Mirrorball Trophy.

Her performance also stirred up plenty of reactions on social media, with fans watching along and celebrating the delightfully unhinged dance.

Watch JoJo Siwa’s performance above.

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Breastfeeding My Boyfriend Viewers Don’t Think They’ll Ever Recover From Watching The Channel 4 Doc

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Channel 4

Breastfeeding My Boyfriend

Channel 4 viewers have been sharing their thoughts on Breastfeeding My Boyfriend after the documentary aired on Monday evening, and it’s fair to say some don’t think they’ll ever recover from the experience.

It’s not like the clue wasn’t in the title…

The broadcaster described the doc as “a look at the taboo surrounding adult breastfeeding, exploring a growing underground scene that ranges from women producing milk for their partners to the lucrative lactation porn industry.”

One contributor, known as Milky Mummy, explained how she made £30,000 a month selling lactation videos.

Another woman, called Lana, said the practice is the perfect foreplay for her and her boyfriend and that she missed breastfeeding her two children once they grew up.

While Tip and Button explained they were doing ANR – that’s an “adult nursing relationship” – and typically breastfeeding three to five times a day, because they enjoyed it. 

The show quickly started trending after shocked viewers flocked to Twitter to share their thoughts.

Many questioned why the people featured would even agree to appear in the doc in the first place…

Most viewers wondered if they’d ever recover from the experience…

And it wasn’t just the visuals that some found upsetting…

It inspired some people to start a brand new life…

And others to break the habits of a lifetime…

While others are already counting down the days until Friday…

Breastfeeding My Boyfriend is available to watch on All4 now.

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