Boris Johnson’s move to extend tariffs on imported steel by two years — a probable breach of World Trade Organisation rules — was welcomed by protectionist MPs from both sides of the political aisle. Industry also predictably lauded the decision, saying it will be protected from artificially cheap imports. Much like fishing, steel carries with it a disproportionate amount of political focus compared to its size — in 2020 the £2bn it contributed to the economy was the equivalent of just 0.1pc of total economic output and 1.2pc of manufacturing. But as the industry likes to point out: everything is made of steel. The metal goes into cars, aircraft, new buildings and the machinery that forms almost everything else. Without it, steel insiders say the logic of having a manufacturing industry in the UK would be considerably weaker — a fact that will not be lost on the Prime Minister. The move was pegged as an effort to “protect the steel sector”, Trade Secretary Anne-Marie … [Read more...] about With the Tories in turmoil, steel helps Boris Johnson show his mettle
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Anyone with OCD is vulnerable to self-gaslighting
‘You don’t eat pizza like someone who has OCD’, a date said to me last summer. I laughed awkwardly. He was right to note that my margherita was a mess. I had to tell him the truth. ‘It doesn’t work like that’, I said. One day, I thought, he might find out about the 40,000-plus pictures on my phone, ranging from dead animals to bemused strangers. I should explain. My OCD began 15 years ago. The trigger was nothing unusual: childhood bullies. At the time, I started thinking magically. A watched toaster never pops, but I counted down the seconds. If it popped before zero, I’d have a good day at school. I vividly remember the day a classmate deliberately drew an ugly picture of me, accentuating my thick eyebrows into something monstrous. ‘That’s you’, they laughed, showing off their creation. Like almost every other 11-year-old, I was insecure, and so the picture horrified me. I ripped it up. But years later, when I told a then-classmate I’d been bullied, I was … [Read more...] about Anyone with OCD is vulnerable to self-gaslighting
Prisoners being trained up as football referees to help stop cons re-offending
Prisoners are being trained up as football referees with eleven cons passing the FA’s Level 7 course in the past year, which allows them to take charge in junior amateur leagues, with Level 1 officials in control of Premier League games. A report by inspectors from the Independent Monitoring Board revealed details of the course in a new report. The scheme, which normally costs £135, states that it equips participants with the "skills and knowledge" to referee. The lags must complete five modules, including watching videos of matches, and learn the rules of the beautiful game. The criminals, at HMP Highpoint, a 1,300-capacity jail in Suffolk, also discovered how to “built a rapport” with players and coaches. READ MORE: Premier League to non-league - 11 football stars who dropped down the divisions The IMB report stated that five courses were funded via the dynamic purchasing system, an “online procurement system”, allowing governors to commission small educational … [Read more...] about Prisoners being trained up as football referees to help stop cons re-offending
Action for ME says patients struggle to get medical help
By Robert Cooper Published 2 hours ago Share close Share page Copy link About sharing People with a chronic fatigue illness are struggling to access medical help, a charity has claimed. Figures sourced by the BBC show many Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) patients are being discharged just months after starting treatment. Action for ME chief executive Sonya Chowdhury said ME had been "neglected for decades" with patients finding services "inaccessible". Health Secretary Sajid Javid has announced plans to better tackle ME . Stephen Hocking from Keswick, Cumbria, was diagnosed with ME 15 months ago and said the condition had been "devastating", but there was a lack of medical understanding. "When I was finally diagnosed nobody explained what it was or how it would affect my life," he told BBC Politics North . "The only treatment option was a clinic led by a health … [Read more...] about Action for ME says patients struggle to get medical help
Canadian Grand Prix 2017: Kimi Raikkonen has a point to prove as ‘little bits and pieces’ help Lewis Hamilton
Little bits and pieces. That was what Lewis Hamilton spoke of ahead of the Canadian Grand Prix on Friday. Little bits and pieces which Mercedes’s engineers have changed on the set-up of his car, and the sister model of team-mate Valtteri Bottas after they were squashed by Ferrari in Monte Carlo. Whatever those little bits and pieces were – and it’s believe that they centred upon minor adjustments such as brake balance and suspension settings in order to get the tyres working in their correct temperature window – they appeared to make a big difference here. The Circuit Gilles Villeneuve on Montreal’s Ile Notre Dame is a different track to Monaco in many ways – it’s much quicker for a start, with top speeds significantly exceeding 300 km/h and has a more slippery surface, but like the Principality it’s also one massive brake test. Its heavy demands on braking see drivers jumping hard on the left pedal for 19 per cent of the lap, and experiencing decelerative forces up to … [Read more...] about Canadian Grand Prix 2017: Kimi Raikkonen has a point to prove as ‘little bits and pieces’ help Lewis Hamilton
Mum who bagged £210 Michael Kors bag for just £17 explains how you can do it too
Designer bags don't come cheap - but one mum has revealed how she managed to pick up a £210 investment for just £17, and she says it's not uncommon, either. Mum-of-four Jay Cook couldn't believe her eyes when she spotted a 91% saving on a Michael Kors bag in her local TK Maxx store in Wales earlier this month. While the high street chain is renowned for its designer finds, the discount was far more than the usual 20-40% reduction often found on out-of-season stock. Jay, 36, was shopping in the TK Maxx clearance sale in Carmarthen when she spotted the gorgeous leather bag for just £17, reduced from £210. She noticed it on a trip to find some trainers for her eldest son who starts back at school next week. The delighted mum snapped it up instantly and went on to post her amazing find on the Latest Deals Facebook page, which soon garnered over 100 likes. One designer fan wrote: "Well done! I have a Burberry one like this, it's such a handy bag. I'm a bit jealous that you … [Read more...] about Mum who bagged £210 Michael Kors bag for just £17 explains how you can do it too
I quit football for 14 years after homophobia stopped me playing
As I made a diving save across the goalpost, my team erupted in cheers. ‘Nice one, Superman,’ a fellow player congratulated. It felt euphoric to be back doing the thing that I loved as a child, and to be in such a supportive environment – 11 years after giving it up. Playing after such a long break from the pitch was terrifying, but exhilarating. I’d abandoned my favourite sport due to persistent homophobia – but after finding an LGBTQ+ inclusive team, I’ve fallen in love with football all over again. Football was a hugely important part of my life from a young age. I used to have kick-arounds with friends between the ages of seven and 11 after school (even though I was the only girl that played) and go to matches with my dad. A Bovril and pie was our halftime ritual. My parents were incredibly supportive of my love of football. They encouraged me to join my first all-female team when I was 11. I played in goal and they came to every match, cheering me on from … [Read more...] about I quit football for 14 years after homophobia stopped me playing
Letters: Make cyclists have insurance and number plates, and ban headphones
SIR – Although it may be theoretical at present, I would be interested to know what an insurance premium for a cyclist might be under the system proposed (Tim Franey, Letters, June 27) . I find myself sceptical of both drivers’ and cyclists’ groups as they argue about who is at fault for various conflicts. I could, however, trust an actuarial calculation of risk, expressed as the cold, hard cost for insuring a cyclist. A comparison of the annual average premiums might prove illuminating. Adam Herrick SIR – Many cyclists are fully insured, my own annual premium being almost as much as my car insurance. I would also gladly display a bicycle licence plate were it the law, but how would such legislation be enforced – and how would it reach the children and young adults who use bikes for fun and exercise but often cause mayhem on footpaths as well as local roads? Rosie Harden-Vane SIR – Tim Franey writes to suggest that cycles should carry number plates. But what … [Read more...] about Letters: Make cyclists have insurance and number plates, and ban headphones
Scholz: Germans must ‘stick together’ over cost of living crisis
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Saturday urged the public to face the country's economic problems together, as inflation in Europe's leading economy remained stubbornly high. Scholz published a new video in his weekly podcast, admitting that rising prices were troubling many citizens . He called for the population to "link arms and stick together." Just days after data showed prices rose 7.6% in June compared to a year earlier, Scholz said he would convene a meeting of experts to tackle the cost of living crisis. The chancellor said he has invited trade unions, employers, the central bank (Bundesbank) and academics for a summit that kicks off Monday at the chancellery in Berlin. The campaign, dubbed "Concerted Action," echoes similar efforts by former West German chancellors in the 1960s and 1970s. One-off payments proposed instead of wage hikes Economists and politicians have mooted several ideas in recent days to ease the burden on personal budgets. Labor Minister … [Read more...] about Scholz: Germans must ‘stick together’ over cost of living crisis
Superdrug share their best-selling at home beauty treatments that will save you money
With the cost of living crisis affecting many, it has also impacted the way shoppers are spending their money. Thankfully Superdrug is on hand to help - with some low cost options to help you maintain your look without spending a fortune in the salon. Now throughout the pandemic, many of us turned to doing our own beauty treatments at home. Whether is was perfecting our own gel manicures at home, following online hair tutorials or watching how to’s on waxing - beauty fanatics took treatments into their own hands because we didn’t have access to the high street salons we’d usually rely on. Top 3 at-home beauty buys from Superdrug Studio London Brow Trimmer/ Razors Studio Eyebrow Trimmers are perfect for at home or on the go removal of fine hairs around the brow and face. From £ 3.49 Superdrug Buy Now B. Brow Groomer The dual ended B. Brow Groomer brush is ideal for filling in and shaping brows. From £ 4.99 Superdrug Buy Now … [Read more...] about Superdrug share their best-selling at home beauty treatments that will save you money