Each week, Ben Hopkinson looks back at a serious, crazy, and happy news story from the past week.
Serious News
(David Parker)
Following on from last week’s news regarding sending illegal migrants to Rwanda, the UK government has dropped its plan to turn them back to France. The policy was allowing Border Force Patrols to intercept boats and sent them back to France which has been classed as inhumane and a risk to life. The PCS civil servants’ union has since called the government’s U-turn a “humiliating climbdown”. However, the Home Office has stated that ministers are “unified” in wanting to stop the crossings. The change of stance is due to the policy being challenged in the High Court.
Crazy News
(Heinz)
Ahead of celebrating 70-years on the throne for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, Heinz has rebranded two of the UK’s best-known sauces. HP Sauce is now HM Sauce while Salad Cream is called Salad Queen – both with a crown on the label. Starting to become available the past week from most supermarket shelves, you can buy these for your parties, picnics and events across the four day bank holiday happening in June. Heinz senior brand manager Anke Von Hanstein says: “This is an extraordinary moment for the Queen and the great British public, and we want to celebrate this with two of our most well-loved and historic sauces. Releasing limited-edition bottles in time for the Jubilee felt like the perfect fit. We hope our customers enjoy these celebratory designs and that they add a squeeze of fun to the Jubilee celebrations, however one is celebrating”.
Happy News
(Gobinder Jhitta)
During the bank holiday weekend celebrating the Queen’s 70 years on the throne, pubs will be staying open until 1am. Home Secretary Priti Patel is using a special law in order to extend drinking hours and licenses for events which are classed as “exceptional national significance”. Speaking of the special la, she says: “Over the extended Bank Holiday weekend, we will be able to raise a glass to toast Her Majesty’s incredible service to our country, while also providing a boost to the hospitality industry after a challenging couple of years”. Boris Johnson added: “We know how hard hit our hospitality industry was during the pandemic and it’s great that we not only get to support Her Majesty but our hard-hit hospitality industry”.
