Staffers banned from talking about lead concerns

SWISS voters narrowly swung in favour of a nationwide ban on face coverings in a controversial referendum. Results released on Sunday evening showed 51.2 percent of voters supported the problematic proposal, that forbids women from wearing the burqa or niqab in public spaces. It was championed by the right-wing Swiss People's Party (SVP), that adopted campaign slogans including, "Stop extremism." The referendum result will be formally incorporated into the Swiss constitution due to Switzerland's system of direct democracy. Supporters of the myopic manifesto argue it will bring crime down, stopping destructive street protests and rowdy football hooligans who can no longer conceal their identity. The country follows France, Denmark, Belgium and Austria in instating a ban on face coverings. The Netherlands also enforced a similar law in 2019 , prohibiting face coverings on public transportation, in government buildings and at health and education institutions. … [Read more...] about Switzerland votes to ban face coverings including burka and niqab in controversial referendum

Prince Harry and Meghan have given an explosive tell-all interview to Oprah Winfrey, opening up about racism concerns, suicidal thoughts and Royal Family rifts. The two-hour prime-time interview with the US chat host - where "no subject is off limits" - has given the couple their chance to tell their story and left many reeling from the unexpected revelations . As the Duke and Duchess of Sussex admit they walked away from life as senior royals because they felt "trapped", we look at the network of famous and influential figures they've got on speed dial now they've built a new life in the US. President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris While the Royal Family remain staunchly apolitical, Prince Harry and Meghan's departure from "The Firm" has allowed them freedom to have a more friendly relationship with political movers and shakers. Advertisement Harry's past work on military issues bought him into close contact with the Bidens, … [Read more...] about Harry and Meghan: The celebrities and influential figures who make up their LA inner circle

A guinea pig sanctuary faces being shut down after fans comments gushing over its 'piggies' on Facebook were wrongly interpreted as hate speech towards police. The future of Masons' Cavies is under threat after algorithms flagged up the harmless fan talk as harassment and bullying. Owners Sophie, 31, and Mark Mason, 45, and their members have received a string of warnings that their comments are offensive because they use the terms 'piggies', 'pigs' and 'guinea pigs.' The sanctuary's free Facebook page, which has reached 20 million people, is still in operation. But the centre has had its content and income stopped as the community site where fans donate has been blocked, according to The Sun . The wellbeing of its 89 animals is now in jeopardy as the sanctuary has lost its monthly revenue of up to £4,000. It comes as a concern given the centre's annual cost to care for its critters is £20,000. Sophie, from Lincoln, said: “It’s totally ridiculous because the … [Read more...] about Guinea pig sanctuary could close after Facebook views ‘pig’ chat as police hate

The Queen and Prince Philip were not behind "concerns" about the colour of Archie's skin, says Oprah Winfrey. The talk show host said Prince Harry had insisted she tell people his grandmother and grandfather were not involved. In new clips on US breakfast TV, he also claimed the Queen had listened to "really bad" advice and was suddenly too busy to meet him at Sandringham last year. Harry added that the UK press was "inherently corrupt or racist or biased" and that racism was "a large part" behind him leaving the country. Live: Latest reaction to bombshell Meghan and Harry interview Advertisement Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player Meghan claims Archie's skin colour was discussed The two-hour interview - Oprah With Meghan And Harry - was broadcast on US television on Sunday night and went further than many expected. New clips have now aired on the CBS This Morning show as the … [Read more...] about Meghan and Harry interview: Queen and Prince Philip not behind comments about colour of Archie’s skin

Meghan Markle has claimed the Duchess of Cambridge made her cry in the lead up to her royal wedding. There had been reports that Meghan upset Kate in a row about the flower girl dresses, however she has now said it was actually the other way around. During her interview with Oprah Winfrey, Meghan said she has now forgiven Kate, saying that she's a "good person". She says that Kate gave her flowers to apologise for the incident. Meghan says that the incident was a "turning point". Speaking to Oprah, she said: "Everyone in the institution knew it wasn't true. I am not sharing that piece about Kate to be in any way disparaging about her. I would hope that she would want that to be corrected." Meghan also claimed that Harry had to have conversations before Archie was born about how dark his skin might be. Meghan said there were "several conversations" about her son Archie's skin tone, adding revealing who was involved in the talks "would be very damaging to them". Harry … [Read more...] about Meghan Markle says Kate Middleton made her cry – but says she’s forgiven her