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Active Leisure and Budget-Friendly Fun Drive Summer Spending in the UK

Active Leisure and Budget-Friendly Fun Drive Summer Spending in the UK

Consumers turn to affordable fitness and entertainment as summer spending spikes

Recent data from Revolut highlights a significant shift in UK spending habits this summer, with Britons increasingly choosing active and cost-effective leisure activities. Notably, there was a 38% rise in spending on sports clubs and gyms in July compared to June, reflecting a growing interest in staying fit while keeping costs manageable.

The surge in fitness-related expenditure is linked to the excitement surrounding the Paris Olympics. Additionally, spending on gym memberships rose by 18%, while sports retailers saw an 11% increase in sales, indicating a trend toward more health-focused, affordable activities.

Indoor entertainment venues also benefited from the summer demand. Visits to amusement parks and aquariums saw increases of 48% and 46%, respectively, while museum attendance grew by 26%. Meanwhile, cinema spending surged by 35%, though it was slightly lower compared to the blockbuster releases of 2023.

Food spending also saw a shift, with fast food outlets experiencing a 7% increase in purchases as families opted for convenient and budget-friendly dining options.

Fiona Davies, Revolut’s head of growth for the UK, Ireland, and Nordics, commented, “This summer’s spending patterns show that people are keen to maximise their enjoyment while keeping an eye on costs. There has been a clear preference for affordable and active leisure activities, alongside value dining options, to make the most of the summer season.”

Natalie Elphicke Accused of Lobbying Justice Secretary During Husband’s Trial

Natalie Elphicke Accused of Lobbying Justice Secretary During Husband’s Trial

Claims of inappropriate influence resurface amid MP’s defection to Labour

Natalie Elphicke, who recently switched allegiance from the Conservatives to Labour, faces allegations of lobbying then-Justice Secretary Sir Robert Buckland in 2020 to intervene in her former husband Charlie Elphicke’s criminal trial for sexual offences. Sir Robert, who was Lord Chancellor at the time, claims Ms Elphicke approached him to complain that the case’s scheduling was unfair and its handling by Lady Justice Whipple at Southwark Crown Court exposed it to heightened public scrutiny.

Observers interpreted her appeal as either an attempt to move the case to a less prominent court or to replace the presiding judge, according to The Sunday Times. Sir Robert dismissed the request, citing constitutional limits preventing any interference with judicial matters. “She was told unequivocally that speaking to the judge about the trial would have been entirely improper,” he told the newspaper.

Charlie Elphicke, who preceded Ms Elphicke as MP for Dover, was subsequently convicted of sexually assaulting two women and sentenced to two years in prison. Despite ending their marriage after his conviction, Ms Elphicke publicly supported his failed appeal, controversially characterising him as a victim of politically motivated accusations. She is further accused of lobbying for improved prison conditions for him, including requests for more comfortable bedding—claims she refutes.

Ms Elphicke’s spokesperson dismissed the allegations as “nonsense,” asserting that other Conservative MPs supported Mr Elphicke during his imprisonment, independent of her actions. A Labour spokesperson stated that Ms Elphicke “totally rejects” Sir Robert’s characterisation of their exchange.

Her defection to Labour has provoked internal discontent, with some MPs expressing concern over her past defence of Mr Elphicke. She has since clarified her stance, condemning her ex-husband’s behaviour and expressing regret for prior comments regarding his victims.

The controversy adds to speculation about Ms Elphicke’s motives for leaving the Conservative Party. Sources cited by The Observer claim dissatisfaction over being overlooked for housing ministerial roles under Liz Truss and Rishi Sunak fueled her defection. In announcing her switch, Ms Elphicke criticised Sunak’s “tired and chaotic government” and expressed belief in Labour’s ability to bring “a much better future.”

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, during a joint appearance with Ms Elphicke, emphasised openness to collaboration with “reasonably minded people” from other political backgrounds, suggesting a less divisive approach to political engagement.

Nemo from Switzerland Tops Eurovision Jury Vote Amid Controversy

Nemo from Switzerland Tops Eurovision Jury Vote Amid Controversy

Jury and public votes to determine 2024 winner

Swiss singer Nemo Mettler has claimed the top spot in the jury vote at the Eurovision Song Contest, which took place in Malmo, Sweden, amid ongoing protests regarding Israel’s participation. The 24-year-old non-binary performer captivated the audience in a pink skirt and fluffy jumper, balancing atop a tilting metal disc while delivering their operatic-dance track The Code. Nemo led the jury leaderboard with 365 points, followed by France’s Slimane with 218 points, and Croatia’s Baby Lasagna, who scored 210 points.

The winner of the 2024 contest will be determined once the jury scores are combined with the public votes.

Protests against Israel’s entrant, Eden Golan, saw demonstrators outside the Malmo Arena, with some shouting “shame” at attendees. Among the detained protesters was Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg. The event featured multiple performers calling for peace, including Lithuania’s Silvester Belt urging love to “spread to the world,” and Ireland’s Bambie Thug proclaiming “love will always triumph hate.” Portugal’s Iolanda, following her performance of Grito, declared, “Peace will prevail,” while Slimane called for unity through music.

In other developments, Dutch contestant Joost Klein was disqualified by Eurovision organisers following an altercation involving a camerawoman. Klein’s song Europapa was a tribute to his late parents, and the decision drew criticism from the Dutch broadcaster Avrotros, labelling it “very heavy and disproportionate.” Eurovision’s governing body, the EBU, confirmed that police are investigating the incident that occurred after Klein’s semi-final performance.

Camilla Awards First Royal Warrants, Including to Fortnum & Mason

Camilla Awards First Royal Warrants, Including to Fortnum & Mason

Queen honours firms for excellence and sustainability

Buckingham Palace has announced that Camilla, Queen Consort, has granted her first royal warrants, including one to the luxury department store Fortnum & Mason. Seven businesses have received royal warrants from Camilla, alongside those already honoured by King Charles, such as Cornwall’s Camel Valley vineyard and Shane Connolly, the florist for the royal couple’s 2005 wedding and recent coronation.

Royal warrants are prestigious marks given to businesses that supply goods or services to the monarchy, allowing them to display the royal coat of arms. This recognition is granted for up to five years and signals excellence and quality.

Tom Athron, CEO of Fortnum & Mason, expressed the company’s pride, highlighting the values that underpin the royal warrant system: sustainability, supporting rural communities, and preserving arts and crafts. Fortnum’s, based in London’s Piccadilly, has a rich history with the monarchy, providing goods for generations of royals, including Queen Elizabeth II, who famously shopped there.

Camilla’s warrants include London wine merchants Corney & Barrow, chemist DR Harris & Co, and jeweller Wartski. Meanwhile, Charles, as King, has continued the recognition of 138 companies, including Burberry, Aston Martin, Laurent-Perrier, and Waitrose.

Israeli Singer Eden Golan Reaches Eurovision Final Amid Protests

Israeli Singer Eden Golan Reaches Eurovision Final Amid Protests

Golan’s emotional performance of ‘Hurricane’ secures her place in the final

Eden Golan, a 20-year-old Israeli artist, has secured a spot in the Eurovision final in Malmo, Sweden, following a successful public vote. Her performance of “Hurricane,” a reworked version of her earlier song “October Rain,” captured the audience’s attention. The emotional track is said to symbolically reference the ongoing conflict in Israel, particularly the recent attacks from Hamas.

As Golan took the stage, she received a mix of applause and protests, with some audience members reportedly shouting “free Palestine” during the rehearsals earlier in the week. Despite the tense atmosphere, the event’s organisers stated that they would not censor audience reactions. Golan performed in a flowing sand-coloured dress and opened with a dramatic back bend, which contributed to the positive reception.

The Eurovision semi-finals were marked by heightened political tensions, with thousands of pro-Palestinian demonstrators taking to the streets of Malmo, expressing solidarity with Gaza and voicing their opposition to Israel’s participation in the contest. Golan’s advancement to the final comes amid these protests, adding a layer of controversy to the ongoing event.

Other notable performers who made it to the final include Switzerland’s Nemo, with his operatic-pop song “The Code,” and Norway’s Gate, who performed the folk-inspired “Ulveham.”

Direct Rule ‘Only Option’ for Northern Ireland If Ministers Fail to Agree on Covid Measures, Briefing Reveals

Direct Rule ‘Only Option’ for Northern Ireland If Ministers Fail to Agree on Covid Measures, Briefing Reveals

Tensions within Stormont executive led to advice that reintroducing direct rule was the only solution.

A briefing document released by the UK Covid-19 Inquiry has revealed that former Northern Ireland Secretary Sir Brandon Lewis was advised in late 2020 that reintroducing direct rule from London was the “only option” if Stormont ministers failed to reach an agreement over Covid-19 measures. This advice came during a period of intense debate within the executive, as ministers struggled to agree on whether to extend lockdown measures amid rising infection rates.

The document, dated November 11, 2020, and titled “Legal Situation If NI Executive Cannot Decide On Replacement Regulations,” outlined the limited powers available to the UK Government in intervening in Northern Ireland’s health policy. It stated that in the event of an executive deadlock, direct rule would be the most viable course of action. This would involve the UK government taking over decision-making powers from the devolved institutions, a measure that had not been used since 2007.

The document clarified that the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland does not have the authority to intervene in devolved matters unless it is through direct rule, which could apply across all devolved policy areas. This would include taking decisions that the Northern Ireland executive could not agree on, including crucial public health decisions during the pandemic.

The inquiry also revealed WhatsApp exchanges from early 2020 between key DUP ministers and advisers, which reflected their frustration with the approach of the then Taoiseach Leo Varadkar regarding the pandemic. In these messages, the DUP ministers criticized the Republic of Ireland’s response and voiced their concerns about following an all-island approach to Covid measures, with Peter Weir asserting that the focus should be on public health rather than political considerations.

The discussions around the executive’s failure to extend restrictions in November 2020 underscored the ongoing tensions between different political factions in Northern Ireland during the crisis. These exchanges highlighted the challenges faced by the executive in responding to the pandemic, as well as the underlying political divides that impacted decision-making.

Tailored Psychotherapy Could Enhance Quality of Life for Patients with Motor Neurone Disease, Study Finds

Tailored Psychotherapy Could Enhance Quality of Life for Patients with Motor Neurone Disease, Study Finds

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy proves effective for improving psychological wellbeing in MND patients.

Therapy (ACT), could significantly improve the quality of life for patients living with motor neurone disease (MND). In the absence of a cure, researchers emphasize the importance of addressing the psychological aspects of the disease, which affects the brain and nerves, eventually causing patients to lose the ability to move, speak, swallow, and breathe.

The study, led by the University of Sheffield and University College London, found that combining ACT with usual care led to clinically significant improvements in psychological health and quality of life for patients. ACT, which focuses on mindfulness and encouraging patients to accept difficult thoughts rather than avoiding them, was particularly effective in improving the mental well-being of MND patients.

Professor Chris McDermott from the University of Sheffield stated, “While we work hard for a cure, it is essential we support those living with MND now.” The study’s results, published in The Lancet, suggest that ACT could be an important tool for healthcare providers, particularly in MND clinical services, to support patients’ psychological health.

Professor Rebecca Gould from UCL highlighted the connection between poor psychological health and negative outcomes in MND, including shorter survival and increased risk of suicide. The study’s findings are particularly significant, as around 5,000 people in the UK currently live with MND.

The research was funded by the NIHR Health Technology Assessment and the MND Association. It is hoped that the findings will lead to wider access to psychological support, such as ACT, as part of standard care for MND patients.

Financial Strain Compels Many New Mothers to Return to Work Early, Research Finds

Financial Strain Compels Many New Mothers to Return to Work Early, Research Finds

Maternity pay gaps and low benefits lead to increased financial stress for new mothers.

Research by Maternity Action reveals that financial stress during maternity leave is forcing many new mothers to return to work earlier than they would prefer. A survey of 1,000 new mothers found that 60% relied on credit cards to manage during maternity leave, and a similar proportion either returned to work earlier or planned to do so due to financial pressures.

The charity also reported that only 13% of women on maternity leave benefit from occupational maternity pay schemes, a significant decrease from 44% in 2008.

Maternity Action’s director, Ros Bragg, highlighted that many women face severe financial difficulties, with some having to skip meals or rely on food parcels. This, she emphasized, negatively impacts both the health of mothers and their babies.

Bragg also noted that women in self-employment or on specific work contracts often can’t claim statutory maternity pay, exacerbating the financial challenges. She called on the government and political parties to address this “pregnancy poverty crisis” and improve maternity pay and benefits.

The charity has launched a manifesto to “End Pregnancy Poverty,” urging political leaders to commit to policy changes ahead of the next general election.

‘Nationwide Issue’ with Airport E-Gates Causes Major Disruptions Across the UK

‘Nationwide Issue’ with Airport E-Gates Causes Major Disruptions Across the UK

Technical problems with Border Force e-gates lead to long queues and delays at airports.

A “nationwide issue” with Border Force e-gates has caused significant disruption at airports across the UK. The Home Office acknowledged a “technical issue” affecting the e-gates, which are used to scan passports, and confirmed that it was working with Border Force to resolve the problem as quickly as possible.

On Tuesday evening, social media footage showed long queues forming at London’s Heathrow Airport, where passengers were impacted by the malfunction. A Heathrow spokesperson confirmed that the airport was working with Border Force to address the issue and support affected passengers.

Stansted Airport also reported the nationwide issue, and its spokesperson said that operational and customer service staff were assisting passengers while the issue was being fixed.

Passengers at several airports, including Gatwick and Heathrow, faced long waits at passport control, with some being diverted to manual processing. Sam Morter, arriving at Heathrow from Sri Lanka, described the scene at Terminal 3 as “pandemonium,” with Border Force officials scrambling to manage the influx of passengers.

The disruption follows a recent strike by Border Force workers at Heathrow over working conditions, further complicating the situation. The union had protested against planned changes to rosters that would affect around 250 workers at passport control.

Russian Eurovision Star Manizha Reflects on Constant Pressure and Releases New Single “Candlelight”

Russian Eurovision Star Manizha Reflects on Constant Pressure and Releases New Single “Candlelight”

The singer, who has faced political backlash, releases the song as a symbol of hope amidst challenging times

Manizha, the last Russian artist to compete in the Eurovision Song Contest, has opened up about the ongoing pressure she faces from politicians and the constant need to carefully consider her words.

After Russia’s exclusion from the 2022 Eurovision due to its invasion of Ukraine, Manizha, who represented the country in 2021, continues to use her platform to advocate for LGBT+ rights, feminism, and peace, despite the backlash from pro-Kremlin voices.

The Tajikistan-born, Russia-raised artist shared that she edits her words daily, saying: “I don’t know which word will be the last word,” reflecting on the constant threat of imprisonment. She also spoke about the challenges of living in Russia, where she is banned from performing live and faces frequent cyberattacks on her social media.

Despite the political pressure, Manizha remains determined to spread hope through her art. “I’m not fighting politicians, but I am trying to create a world of hope, step by step, and surround myself with people who share the same values,” she said.

Her new single, Candlelight, out on Wednesday, serves as a symbol of hope in these difficult times. She explained the significance of the song, which was written and recorded in both London and Moscow, saying it is about finding light and love amidst darkness.

Manizha also expressed her pride in representing Russia at Eurovision in 2021, despite the ongoing political and social challenges she faces. “It was about our power, our strength, and our beauty,” she said.

The singer also addressed the divisive political climate surrounding the contest, including the exclusion of Russia and debates about other countries, such as Israel, amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Manizha called for music to be seen as a unifying force, stating, “Music is a beautiful choice. We need to choose peace, not sides.”

In closing, she advised future Eurovision contestants to “make your moment slow” and cherish the experience of being on such a significant stage.