A parliamentary inquiry has concluded that former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson actively misled MPs multiple times with his statements in response to the so-called Partygate scandal, in which he and his staff were accused of breaking social distancing rules during the Covid-19 pandemic.
The conclusion was released today in a report by the Privileges Committee of the House of Commons, which was investigating the scandal. In the report, the Committee said if Johnson were still an MP, it would recommend a suspension for 90 days.
The report also states that two MPs on the committee were in favor of expelling Johnson from the Commons — a move that would have forced an immediate by-election in his former London seat of Uxbridge and South Ruislip.
The committee also recommended that Johnson, who resigned as an MP last week after seeing an early draft of the report, should not be granted a former member’s pass to parliament.
The conclusion was released today in a report by the Privileges Committee of the House of Commons, which was investigating the scandal. In the report, the Committee said if Johnson were still an MP, it would recommend a suspension for 90 days.
The report also states that two MPs on the committee were in favor of expelling Johnson from the Commons — a move that would have forced an immediate by-election in his former London seat of Uxbridge and South Ruislip.
The committee also recommended that Johnson, who resigned as an MP last week after seeing an early draft of the report, should not be granted a former member’s pass to parliament.
- 6/15/2023
- by Zac Ntim
- Deadline Film + TV
Liam Gallagher was among those chastising Boris Johnson as the former Prime Minister addressed the Privileges Committee over the Partygate scandal on Wednesday (22 March).
Over more than three hours, Johnson was grilled about whether he knew parties were being held in Downing Street during the Covid-19 pandemic.
You can follow The Independent’s Partygate live blog for updates here.
“Boris Johnson getting his fat ass handed to him on a plate who’s says the nowt on TV these days marvellous [sic],” the former Oasis frontman tweeted during the broadcasted hearing.
Gallagher has made a number of political statements in the past, last year dedicating his NME award for Music Moment of the Year to NHS workers and “all the people that give a s*** in general”.
During the hearing, Johnson attempted to justify one particular gathering for departing aid Lee Cain, claiming they “had to happen”.
“If anyone thinks I was partying during lockdown,...
Over more than three hours, Johnson was grilled about whether he knew parties were being held in Downing Street during the Covid-19 pandemic.
You can follow The Independent’s Partygate live blog for updates here.
“Boris Johnson getting his fat ass handed to him on a plate who’s says the nowt on TV these days marvellous [sic],” the former Oasis frontman tweeted during the broadcasted hearing.
Gallagher has made a number of political statements in the past, last year dedicating his NME award for Music Moment of the Year to NHS workers and “all the people that give a s*** in general”.
During the hearing, Johnson attempted to justify one particular gathering for departing aid Lee Cain, claiming they “had to happen”.
“If anyone thinks I was partying during lockdown,...
- 3/22/2023
- by Tom Murray
- The Independent - Music
Mick Hucknall has vehemently condemned former prime minister Boris Johnson for denying that he lied about partying during the Covid lockdown.
Johnson is currently facing inquiries into whether or not he misled the House of Commons in their Partygate investigation. During Wednesday’s (22 March) committee hearing, Johnson said that claims he was “partying during lockdown” were false.
In the hearing, Johnson attempted to justify one particular gathering for departing aid Lee Cain, claiming they “had to happen”.
“If anyone thinks I was partying during lockdown, they’re completely wrong,” he added.
You can follow The Independent’s live blog for updates here.
Following the comments, Simply Red musician Hucknall shared his thoughts on the Conservative politician on social media.
“While Boris Johnson was having his leaving drinks party, like millions of others, I was disallowed to say goodbye to my dying father-in-law in hospital,” he tweeted.
Hucknall then branded Johnson...
Johnson is currently facing inquiries into whether or not he misled the House of Commons in their Partygate investigation. During Wednesday’s (22 March) committee hearing, Johnson said that claims he was “partying during lockdown” were false.
In the hearing, Johnson attempted to justify one particular gathering for departing aid Lee Cain, claiming they “had to happen”.
“If anyone thinks I was partying during lockdown, they’re completely wrong,” he added.
You can follow The Independent’s live blog for updates here.
Following the comments, Simply Red musician Hucknall shared his thoughts on the Conservative politician on social media.
“While Boris Johnson was having his leaving drinks party, like millions of others, I was disallowed to say goodbye to my dying father-in-law in hospital,” he tweeted.
Hucknall then branded Johnson...
- 3/22/2023
- by Inga Parkel
- The Independent - Music
Former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson faces another make-or-break moment in his political career when he appears in Parliament on Wednesday to face questions about whether he intentionally misled MPs over the so-called partygate scandal.
The partygate scandal rocked the UK in the months following the Covid-19 pandemic and ultimately contributed to Johnson’s downfall as Prime Minister. The affair involved reports of parties held by government and Conservative Party staff members at Downing Street, the Prime Minister’s residence, during the pandemic when public health restrictions prohibited most gatherings. In response, Johnson repeatedly said that no rules had been broken.
Johnson will be grilled by the UK parliamentary privileges committee on Wednesday, a cross-party group of MPs tasked with investigating potential cases of contempt of Parliament and breaches of privilege. Contempt of parliament is defined as an obstruction or interference with the workings of the House of Commons.
The hearing,...
The partygate scandal rocked the UK in the months following the Covid-19 pandemic and ultimately contributed to Johnson’s downfall as Prime Minister. The affair involved reports of parties held by government and Conservative Party staff members at Downing Street, the Prime Minister’s residence, during the pandemic when public health restrictions prohibited most gatherings. In response, Johnson repeatedly said that no rules had been broken.
Johnson will be grilled by the UK parliamentary privileges committee on Wednesday, a cross-party group of MPs tasked with investigating potential cases of contempt of Parliament and breaches of privilege. Contempt of parliament is defined as an obstruction or interference with the workings of the House of Commons.
The hearing,...
- 3/22/2023
- by Zac Ntim and Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
The likable new release Rye Lane bills itself as ‘a love letter to south London’. But, like Amélie in Montmartre, could it end up damaging the place it sets out to celebrate?
It’s always fun to see an area you know in a movie, so as a Peckham local, the new romcom Rye Lane is literally up my street. It is named after the bustling main thoroughfare of our south London neighbourhood, which is in the early stages of gentrification. African groceries and pound shops jostle up against new cocktail bars and art galleries. Go back 20 years and all Peckham was known for was working-class wheeler-dealing – largely thanks to Only Fools and Horses – and violent crime. Even our MP, Harriet Harman, wore a stab vest when she visited in 2008. Today, Peckham is a hip, popular destination, described by the New York Times as “the beating heart of London’s...
It’s always fun to see an area you know in a movie, so as a Peckham local, the new romcom Rye Lane is literally up my street. It is named after the bustling main thoroughfare of our south London neighbourhood, which is in the early stages of gentrification. African groceries and pound shops jostle up against new cocktail bars and art galleries. Go back 20 years and all Peckham was known for was working-class wheeler-dealing – largely thanks to Only Fools and Horses – and violent crime. Even our MP, Harriet Harman, wore a stab vest when she visited in 2008. Today, Peckham is a hip, popular destination, described by the New York Times as “the beating heart of London’s...
- 3/7/2023
- by Steve Rose
- The Guardian - Film News
Rupert Murdoch’s The Sun and British pubcaster ITV are facing pressure from dozens of UK MPs over the Jeremy Clarkson row sparked by the former Top Gear host using “violent, misogynistic language” against Meghan Markle. Letters can be seen below in full as UK press regulator Ipso reports the column is now the most complained about article of all time, drawing more than 17,500 complaints as of this morning.
Led by Women and Equalities Committee Chair Caroline Noakes, around 50 MPs have this morning put their names to a letter to The Sun editor Victoria Newton to “condemn in the strongest possible terms the violent, misogynistic language used against The Duchess of Sussex,” while calling for “definitive action” to be taken against Clarkson and work to be done to prevent the situation happening again.
The Sun has already retracted the column from Friday 16 December and Clarkson, who also hosts Clarkson’s Farm for Prime Video,...
Led by Women and Equalities Committee Chair Caroline Noakes, around 50 MPs have this morning put their names to a letter to The Sun editor Victoria Newton to “condemn in the strongest possible terms the violent, misogynistic language used against The Duchess of Sussex,” while calling for “definitive action” to be taken against Clarkson and work to be done to prevent the situation happening again.
The Sun has already retracted the column from Friday 16 December and Clarkson, who also hosts Clarkson’s Farm for Prime Video,...
- 12/20/2022
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
The British actor set out to emulate Meryl Streep but ended up being portrayed as the next Kate Moss. Now, with the tabloid assaults behind her, she talks ambition, Leveson and The Lost City of Z
Sienna Miller is captivating company, but as she talks I find myself thinking about Harriet Harman instead. The veteran Labour MP spoke not long ago about the mysteriously elusive timing of a woman’s prime; when young she is a floozy, too flighty to take seriously, then motherhood casts her to the margins, and by the time her children have grown up she is over the hill. Every woman will recognise the conundrum, but probably none more than Miller.
Related: The Lost City of Z review: Charlie Hunnam slow-burns down the Amazon, leaving Sienna Miller at home
Continue reading...
Sienna Miller is captivating company, but as she talks I find myself thinking about Harriet Harman instead. The veteran Labour MP spoke not long ago about the mysteriously elusive timing of a woman’s prime; when young she is a floozy, too flighty to take seriously, then motherhood casts her to the margins, and by the time her children have grown up she is over the hill. Every woman will recognise the conundrum, but probably none more than Miller.
Related: The Lost City of Z review: Charlie Hunnam slow-burns down the Amazon, leaving Sienna Miller at home
Continue reading...
- 3/16/2017
- by Decca Aitkenhead
- The Guardian - Film News
It's been a long Election Night.
From a BBC political editor soldiering on in spite of illness to a political stalwart whose hat became the butt of many a joke, it was quite a surreal evening on all accounts. As always, we at Digital Spy are here to curate everything through the weirdness that was Election Night.
1. Liberal Democrat stalwart Paddy Ashdown and his hat
Forget about Nick Clegg, clearly the Liberal Democrats' loser of the night was party chair Paddy Ashdown. Paddy offered the following gem when presented with disappointing exit poll figures: "If that exit poll is right, I'll eat my hat." Oh Paddy, don't tempt Twitter....
Couldn't resist @paddys_hat @paddyashdown #paddyashdownshat #GE2015 pic.twitter.com/tmGquAer9X
— Claro Creative (@WeAreClaro) May 7, 2015
And even Andrew Neil got in on the act.
Paddy Ashdown's hat narrative reaches its conclusion. #GE2015 https://t.co/86OmJ3bxqW
— Toby Earle...
From a BBC political editor soldiering on in spite of illness to a political stalwart whose hat became the butt of many a joke, it was quite a surreal evening on all accounts. As always, we at Digital Spy are here to curate everything through the weirdness that was Election Night.
1. Liberal Democrat stalwart Paddy Ashdown and his hat
Forget about Nick Clegg, clearly the Liberal Democrats' loser of the night was party chair Paddy Ashdown. Paddy offered the following gem when presented with disappointing exit poll figures: "If that exit poll is right, I'll eat my hat." Oh Paddy, don't tempt Twitter....
Couldn't resist @paddys_hat @paddyashdown #paddyashdownshat #GE2015 pic.twitter.com/tmGquAer9X
— Claro Creative (@WeAreClaro) May 7, 2015
And even Andrew Neil got in on the act.
Paddy Ashdown's hat narrative reaches its conclusion. #GE2015 https://t.co/86OmJ3bxqW
— Toby Earle...
- 5/8/2015
- Digital Spy
The BBC has responded to fresh reports of plans by MPs to abolish the corporation's licence fee.
A new report published by the Sunday Express alleges that as many as 50 MPs are backing a plan to scrap the licence fee in favour of an opt-in subscription fee.
The BBC has now offered a response to insist that the continuation of the licence fee remains "vital" in keeping hit shows like Doctor Who and EastEnders on the air.
A comment published on the BBC's Media Centre website read: "At just £2.80 a week the BBC Licence Fee is excellent value for money - only this weekend newspapers have been reporting the rising costs of subscription services.
"It's vital that programmes like EastEnders, Strictly, Sherlock, Doctor Who and Match of the Day can been watched by everyone - not a select few; and support for the Licence Fee has actually risen by 22% since...
A new report published by the Sunday Express alleges that as many as 50 MPs are backing a plan to scrap the licence fee in favour of an opt-in subscription fee.
The BBC has now offered a response to insist that the continuation of the licence fee remains "vital" in keeping hit shows like Doctor Who and EastEnders on the air.
A comment published on the BBC's Media Centre website read: "At just £2.80 a week the BBC Licence Fee is excellent value for money - only this weekend newspapers have been reporting the rising costs of subscription services.
"It's vital that programmes like EastEnders, Strictly, Sherlock, Doctor Who and Match of the Day can been watched by everyone - not a select few; and support for the Licence Fee has actually risen by 22% since...
- 11/16/2014
- Digital Spy
Harriet Harman has suggested that the TV licence fee may be re-evaluated in the future.
The deputy Labour leader described the current £145.50-per-year charge as a "means to an end, not an end in itself", and the BBC could be funded by different means.
Harman's remarks come a day after The Thick of It writer Armando Iannucci said that a subscription service should replace the licence fee.
She told Total Politics: "The licence fee is a means to an end, it's not an end in itself.
"If there's a better way to have universal - and a measure of independence from government in terms of the finance - if there a better way of doing that, let's hear about it.
"We haven't found it in the past; we might do in the future. Let's see. It's not easy to see what would be better than the licence fee, but that...
The deputy Labour leader described the current £145.50-per-year charge as a "means to an end, not an end in itself", and the BBC could be funded by different means.
Harman's remarks come a day after The Thick of It writer Armando Iannucci said that a subscription service should replace the licence fee.
She told Total Politics: "The licence fee is a means to an end, it's not an end in itself.
"If there's a better way to have universal - and a measure of independence from government in terms of the finance - if there a better way of doing that, let's hear about it.
"We haven't found it in the past; we might do in the future. Let's see. It's not easy to see what would be better than the licence fee, but that...
- 6/4/2014
- Digital Spy
In the midst of recession, the UK's creative industries have been quietly outperforming the rest of British industry
Colin Welland famously exclaimed "the British are coming!" while accepting an Oscar for Chariots of Fire in 1982. Three decades on, Mr Welland could feel a tinge of satisfaction when looking through the Academy Awards nominations. Heading the list of UK contenders is Londoner Steve McQueen's film 12 Years a Slave, which will be vying for best picture and best director with Gravity, the spacewalk thriller whose visual effects were created at Shepperton Studios. Brit actors Judi Dench, Steve Coogan and Jeff Pope have nominations for the comedy Philomena, as do Christian Bale and Sally Hawkins for their roles in American Hustle and Blue Jasmine.
These British hopefuls – and there are many more – may come to little on the night, but even if they do, anyone who shares a Welland-like interest in our...
Colin Welland famously exclaimed "the British are coming!" while accepting an Oscar for Chariots of Fire in 1982. Three decades on, Mr Welland could feel a tinge of satisfaction when looking through the Academy Awards nominations. Heading the list of UK contenders is Londoner Steve McQueen's film 12 Years a Slave, which will be vying for best picture and best director with Gravity, the spacewalk thriller whose visual effects were created at Shepperton Studios. Brit actors Judi Dench, Steve Coogan and Jeff Pope have nominations for the comedy Philomena, as do Christian Bale and Sally Hawkins for their roles in American Hustle and Blue Jasmine.
These British hopefuls – and there are many more – may come to little on the night, but even if they do, anyone who shares a Welland-like interest in our...
- 1/20/2014
- by Editorial
- The Guardian - Film News
In this second extract from After Leveson, a book edited by John Mair, a former Sunday Mirror editor and News of the World deputy editor airs his grievances about the Leveson process. Paul Connew explains why he believes the Leveson process was flawed and revealed how he came to discover that he too was a victim of phone hacking…
The setting up of the Leveson inquiry wasn't just a blatant example of political expediency, it was a disastrous PR strategy seized on in a blue funk moment of political panic.
Yes, there was a tsunami of public revulsion over the hacking of murdered schoolgirl Milly Dowler's phone by the News of the World, as revealed in July 2011 by Nick Davies and The Guardian.
But was there a genuine and irresistible public clamour for a judicial inquiry into the "culture, practices and ethics of the British press" (Leveson's terms and conditions)? Probably not.
The setting up of the Leveson inquiry wasn't just a blatant example of political expediency, it was a disastrous PR strategy seized on in a blue funk moment of political panic.
Yes, there was a tsunami of public revulsion over the hacking of murdered schoolgirl Milly Dowler's phone by the News of the World, as revealed in July 2011 by Nick Davies and The Guardian.
But was there a genuine and irresistible public clamour for a judicial inquiry into the "culture, practices and ethics of the British press" (Leveson's terms and conditions)? Probably not.
- 2/19/2013
- by Roy Greenslade
- The Guardian - Film News
From a grumpy Ariel Sharon to a splenetic Tracey Emin, some of the most entertaining, controversial – and cringe-making – encounters from the Guardian's daily features section, G2
Thora Hird
Simon Hattenstone
12 April 1999
She introduces me to Scotty by way of a photograph on her sideboard. "That is the best picture of my husband and my grandson. He was a good man." The picture is taken in Beverly Hills where her daughter, the former child movie star Janette Scott, used to live. "We had 54 years together. It was a wonderful life. And you see, Simon, I was ashamed that I didn't know it was a stroke he'd had. I was getting ready to go to work in the back, and we've got two bedrooms, and I was in one and he was in the other, not because we didn't speak to each other, because my arthritis, well, with all this you wouldn't...
Thora Hird
Simon Hattenstone
12 April 1999
She introduces me to Scotty by way of a photograph on her sideboard. "That is the best picture of my husband and my grandson. He was a good man." The picture is taken in Beverly Hills where her daughter, the former child movie star Janette Scott, used to live. "We had 54 years together. It was a wonderful life. And you see, Simon, I was ashamed that I didn't know it was a stroke he'd had. I was getting ready to go to work in the back, and we've got two bedrooms, and I was in one and he was in the other, not because we didn't speak to each other, because my arthritis, well, with all this you wouldn't...
- 10/17/2012
- by Simon Hattenstone, Emma Brockes, Decca Aitkenhead
- The Guardian - Film News
London - The British Labour Party's deputy leader has called on politicians of all political parties to work together to limit the Murdoch family's News Corp. media empire in the U.K. on the eve of a keynote speech from Elisabeth Murdoch at the Edinburgh International Television festival, according to the Guardian. The daughter of News Corp. CEO Rupert Murdoch is set to appear late on Thursday in the annual James MacTaggart lecture at the industry gathering. Labour deputy leader Harriet Harman said that "the age of deference to the Murdochs is over." She added that she wanted to make an
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- 8/23/2012
- by THR Staff
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
What has the Leveson inquiry revealed about Jeremy Hunt's taste in art? Did he get to Take That? And how big an N-Dubz fan is he?
On Monday, culture secretary Jeremy Hunt tweeted "With mirth and laughter let old wrinkles come (Gratiano, Merchant of Venice)", a celebratory quote for Shakespeare's birthday. On Tuesday, "Is this a dagger which I see before me?" might have seemed more appropriate.
Perhaps surprisingly, only two of the emails released by the Leveson inquiry this week indicated that Hunt had an interest in the arts beyond the Murdochs' BSkyB takeover bid. One, from News Corp's public affairs executive Frédéric Michel to James Murdoch, reported grabbing the culture secretary "before he went in to see Swan Lake" to discuss the bid. In another, sent later that year, Michel plaintively asked Hunt's special adviser Adam Smith whether Ed Vaizey's refusal to meet News Corp while the...
On Monday, culture secretary Jeremy Hunt tweeted "With mirth and laughter let old wrinkles come (Gratiano, Merchant of Venice)", a celebratory quote for Shakespeare's birthday. On Tuesday, "Is this a dagger which I see before me?" might have seemed more appropriate.
Perhaps surprisingly, only two of the emails released by the Leveson inquiry this week indicated that Hunt had an interest in the arts beyond the Murdochs' BSkyB takeover bid. One, from News Corp's public affairs executive Frédéric Michel to James Murdoch, reported grabbing the culture secretary "before he went in to see Swan Lake" to discuss the bid. In another, sent later that year, Michel plaintively asked Hunt's special adviser Adam Smith whether Ed Vaizey's refusal to meet News Corp while the...
- 4/26/2012
- by Alex Needham
- The Guardian - Film News
He has served with the Special Forces in Afghanistan. But is Dan Jarvis facing his toughest challenge yet – as shadow arts minister?
Britain has had some unlikely arts (and shadow arts) ministers over the years. But none so far-fetched, perhaps, as Dan Jarvis, latterly Major Jarvis, company commander in the Parachute Regiment, who won the Barnsley Central byelection last March and is now three months into his role as shadow culture minister. It's a swift rise and it's easy to see what a valuable scalp he is for Ed Miliband's Labour: an officer who has just received an MBE for his military record, and who has been a committed Labour member since his teens. But is Jarvis, whose last frontline role was with the Special Forces Support Group in Afghanistan, right for the job of culture spokesman?
The night before we met, he was helping launch Labour Friends of the Forces,...
Britain has had some unlikely arts (and shadow arts) ministers over the years. But none so far-fetched, perhaps, as Dan Jarvis, latterly Major Jarvis, company commander in the Parachute Regiment, who won the Barnsley Central byelection last March and is now three months into his role as shadow culture minister. It's a swift rise and it's easy to see what a valuable scalp he is for Ed Miliband's Labour: an officer who has just received an MBE for his military record, and who has been a committed Labour member since his teens. But is Jarvis, whose last frontline role was with the Special Forces Support Group in Afghanistan, right for the job of culture spokesman?
The night before we met, he was helping launch Labour Friends of the Forces,...
- 1/10/2012
- by Charlotte Higgins
- The Guardian - Film News
Update: Politicians over here are saying that it is not enough for CNN chat show Piers Morgan to issue communiqués from America saying that he knows nothing about phone-hacking. Morgan has denied he knows anything about Heather Mills, Paul McCartney’s ex-wife, having her phone hacked – although in 2006 he admitted to once listening to one of her mobile phone messages. Therese Coffey, a Conservative MP who sits on a UK Parliament committee investigating phone-hacking, told the BBC that Morgan must help police with their inquiries. Harriet Harman, deputy leader of the opposition Labour Party, also weighed in, saying Morgan has questions to answer. “It’s not good enough for him to say, or somebody to say on his behalf, I always comply with the law,” Harman told Sky News. Of course, there’s an element of people rubbing their hands here. A lot of politicians who have scores to settle...
- 8/4/2011
- by TIM ADLER in London
- Deadline London
Former Strictly Come Dancing judge Arlene Phillips has hit out at Ann Widdecombe, saying that her appearance on the show is a “a joke too far”.
The So You Think You Can Dance panellist thinks that show bosses are pushing Ann to become the next John Sergeant, but she insists that the public will tire of the former Tory MP.
Arlene told The Sun: “I don’t know whether Ann will be as interesting as John or last as long. She could be somebody who people get bored with very quickly.”
Phillips tipped Felicity Kendal and Pamela Stephenson to do well on the series but added that rugby star Gavin Henson will regret signing up for the dance extravaganza.
She said:
“He’ll regret this. On the launch show, unhappy was the word that sprang to mind.”
Arlene isn’t a fan of Coronation Street star Tina O’Brien either.
The So You Think You Can Dance panellist thinks that show bosses are pushing Ann to become the next John Sergeant, but she insists that the public will tire of the former Tory MP.
Arlene told The Sun: “I don’t know whether Ann will be as interesting as John or last as long. She could be somebody who people get bored with very quickly.”
Phillips tipped Felicity Kendal and Pamela Stephenson to do well on the series but added that rugby star Gavin Henson will regret signing up for the dance extravaganza.
She said:
“He’ll regret this. On the launch show, unhappy was the word that sprang to mind.”
Arlene isn’t a fan of Coronation Street star Tina O’Brien either.
- 9/27/2010
- by Lisa McGarry
- Unreality
Mark highlights lots of screen politicians - and one banker - you wouldn't want running your country...
Here in Britain, Parliament has been dissolved and there's just under a month until the UK goes to the polling booths to decide who has to put up with taxes, education and all that joy for the next five or so years. This isn't the time for Den Of Geek to get political, but we would like to say don't worry - politicians could be a lot worse than they are.
So often in films, politicians are all that is villainous, slimy or incompetent about the cast of characters, so imagine if one of these movie politicians got into office next month.
You'd be yearning for the days when a ministerial cock-up entailed the receipt for a Battlefield Earth DVD turning up on the register of ministers' interests, rather than the destruction of...
Here in Britain, Parliament has been dissolved and there's just under a month until the UK goes to the polling booths to decide who has to put up with taxes, education and all that joy for the next five or so years. This isn't the time for Den Of Geek to get political, but we would like to say don't worry - politicians could be a lot worse than they are.
So often in films, politicians are all that is villainous, slimy or incompetent about the cast of characters, so imagine if one of these movie politicians got into office next month.
You'd be yearning for the days when a ministerial cock-up entailed the receipt for a Battlefield Earth DVD turning up on the register of ministers' interests, rather than the destruction of...
- 4/12/2010
- Den of Geek
The proposed equality bill says any 'heartfelt' belief is a religion – yet Star Wars disciples are still being asked to de-hood
Chris Jarvis, aged 31: the force may be with you. Jarvis is the Southend Jedi knight who refused to dehood in his jobcentre and has now received an apology from the manager for the lack of respect given to his "religion or beliefs". Being a Jedi knight, though, and committed to struggling unceasingly for justice and civilisation, Chris spurns such mouthings as empty, choosing rather to endure to the final triumph, and is planning to sue for discrimination.
You may argue that the history of the galaxies would look a great deal different if Darth Vader had taken a similar course, and would certainly have been far less exciting; I thank Jarvis for showing us what happens when The Earthly Powers That Be try to fight the forces of...
Chris Jarvis, aged 31: the force may be with you. Jarvis is the Southend Jedi knight who refused to dehood in his jobcentre and has now received an apology from the manager for the lack of respect given to his "religion or beliefs". Being a Jedi knight, though, and committed to struggling unceasingly for justice and civilisation, Chris spurns such mouthings as empty, choosing rather to endure to the final triumph, and is planning to sue for discrimination.
You may argue that the history of the galaxies would look a great deal different if Darth Vader had taken a similar course, and would certainly have been far less exciting; I thank Jarvis for showing us what happens when The Earthly Powers That Be try to fight the forces of...
- 3/18/2010
- by Charles Nevin
- The Guardian - Film News
Older people don't deserve to be travestied in a romcom: cinema should explore the reality of their lives
Last week the romcom forsook bright-eyed singledom for the tougher terrain of matrimony. This week it's boldly gone to a yet more perilous place. It's Complicated dares to embrace the embraces of the ageing.
We dutifully applaud: those getting on in years, we're told, must be rescued from the shadows and accorded parity with the young. Thus, the righteous wrath of the likes of Pd James (89) and Harriet Harman (59) has forced the BBC to atone for past sinfulness by returning Moira Stuart (60) to the airwaves. Not, however, to her former TV role: the estimable Stuart will be bestowing her charm and gravitas on Radio 2's listeners. This adjustment is understandable. The screen is intrinsically ageist, since both young and old tend to prefer to look at the young. In the cinema, it's...
Last week the romcom forsook bright-eyed singledom for the tougher terrain of matrimony. This week it's boldly gone to a yet more perilous place. It's Complicated dares to embrace the embraces of the ageing.
We dutifully applaud: those getting on in years, we're told, must be rescued from the shadows and accorded parity with the young. Thus, the righteous wrath of the likes of Pd James (89) and Harriet Harman (59) has forced the BBC to atone for past sinfulness by returning Moira Stuart (60) to the airwaves. Not, however, to her former TV role: the estimable Stuart will be bestowing her charm and gravitas on Radio 2's listeners. This adjustment is understandable. The screen is intrinsically ageist, since both young and old tend to prefer to look at the young. In the cinema, it's...
- 1/11/2010
- by David Cox
- The Guardian - Film News
Shilpa Shetty will be bringing her personal touch of Bollywood glamour to a House of Commons reception today hosted by Labour MP Keith Vaz. “The House of Commons reception is being thrown for Raj and me by British MP Keith Vaz who’s a dear friend of ours,” she confirmed. Equality Minister Harriet Harman is expected to attend and a number of other Mps will be amongst the 150 guests. House of Commons chefs have prepared a special dessert for the meal called Shilpa’s Delight. Shilpa is a patron of Keith’s diabetes charity Silver Star.
Meanwhile, Shilpa’s science has been criticised, amongst many other celebrities, by the Ngo Sense About Science. Shilpa recently stated that she didn’t drink carbonated drinks because it made your skin all wrinkly and dehydrated. Loughborough University physiologist Ron Maughanof says this is nonsense. "Carbonated drinks have no effect on oxygen levels in...
Meanwhile, Shilpa’s science has been criticised, amongst many other celebrities, by the Ngo Sense About Science. Shilpa recently stated that she didn’t drink carbonated drinks because it made your skin all wrinkly and dehydrated. Loughborough University physiologist Ron Maughanof says this is nonsense. "Carbonated drinks have no effect on oxygen levels in...
- 1/7/2010
- Bollyspice
London, Jan 5 (Ians) The British parliament, down in the dumps over a long-running expenses scandal, is set to brighten up to a touch of Indian glamour Wednesday when it hosts a wedding dinner in honour of Bollywood star Shilpa Shetty and her husband Raj Kundra.
The dinner at the House of Commons is to be hosted by Keith Vaz, Britain’s longest serving MP of Indian origin, and is expected to be attended by prominent British MPs and ministers led by the Leader of the House of Commons and Equality Minister Harriet Harman.
Leading members of the Asian.
The dinner at the House of Commons is to be hosted by Keith Vaz, Britain’s longest serving MP of Indian origin, and is expected to be attended by prominent British MPs and ministers led by the Leader of the House of Commons and Equality Minister Harriet Harman.
Leading members of the Asian.
- 1/5/2010
- by realbollywood
- RealBollywood.com
Arlene Phillips has claimed that she won’t return to BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing, even if her replacement does leave.
Reports suggest that Alesha Dixon, who was brought in to replace Arlene on the Strictly judging panel last year, may be about to leave to further her music career. But when asked if she would be prepared to make a comeback on the show, the So You Think You Can Dance judge told Hello magazine:
‘I never even entertain that question.’
‘It’s something that’ll never happen,’ she added. ‘I don’t even think about it.’
Arlene will be appearing on the show’s UK wide tour though. She explained:
‘It’s the perfect way to say, ‘Hi, I’m here and thank you for your support. I’ve always been passionate about Strictly.’
Related posts:Harriet Harman Blasts BBC Decision To Sack Arlene PhillipsArlene Phillips returning to...
Reports suggest that Alesha Dixon, who was brought in to replace Arlene on the Strictly judging panel last year, may be about to leave to further her music career. But when asked if she would be prepared to make a comeback on the show, the So You Think You Can Dance judge told Hello magazine:
‘I never even entertain that question.’
‘It’s something that’ll never happen,’ she added. ‘I don’t even think about it.’
Arlene will be appearing on the show’s UK wide tour though. She explained:
‘It’s the perfect way to say, ‘Hi, I’m here and thank you for your support. I’ve always been passionate about Strictly.’
Related posts:Harriet Harman Blasts BBC Decision To Sack Arlene PhillipsArlene Phillips returning to...
- 1/4/2010
- by Lisa McGarry
- Unreality
Arlene Phillips has admitted that she ‘lost confidence’ in herself after being sacked from Strictly Come Dancing earlier this year.
Phillips admitted that she wasn’t expecting the news and was completely shocked by the BBC’s decision.
Speaking to Glamour magazine, Phillips explained: “The hardest thing was that I lost confidence in myself because of it. I think anyone would in that position, when you believe you’re doing a good job and then discover you’re not.
“I’m a harsh critic, but I’m my own harshest critic, so when I let somebody go there has to be a big reason for it. What happened was such a shock that I almost couldn’t take it in, and that hasn’t stopped. Not a day goes by that I don’t get letters and emails about it.”
Arlene will now judge on BBC’s newest dance show,...
Phillips admitted that she wasn’t expecting the news and was completely shocked by the BBC’s decision.
Speaking to Glamour magazine, Phillips explained: “The hardest thing was that I lost confidence in myself because of it. I think anyone would in that position, when you believe you’re doing a good job and then discover you’re not.
“I’m a harsh critic, but I’m my own harshest critic, so when I let somebody go there has to be a big reason for it. What happened was such a shock that I almost couldn’t take it in, and that hasn’t stopped. Not a day goes by that I don’t get letters and emails about it.”
Arlene will now judge on BBC’s newest dance show,...
- 12/9/2009
- by Lisa McGarry
- Unreality
Deputy Labour Leader Harriet Harman is reportedly a big fan of X Factor singers, John and Edward Grimes.
Harriet’s boss, Gordon Brown recently revealed that he wasn’t a fan of the boys, however The Minister for Women and Equality told The Sun:
“I think they’re very talented entertainers.
“I don’t think they belittle the rest of the talent – they’re great fun.”...
Harriet’s boss, Gordon Brown recently revealed that he wasn’t a fan of the boys, however The Minister for Women and Equality told The Sun:
“I think they’re very talented entertainers.
“I don’t think they belittle the rest of the talent – they’re great fun.”...
- 11/9/2009
- by Lisa McGarry
- Unreality
Harriet Harman has backed complaints over the BBC's treatment of Arlene Phillips, claiming that the former Strictly Come Dancing judge is a victim of age discrimination. Labour's Deputy Leader and Equalities Minister made her remarks during Commons questions yesterday - before encouraging the corporation to reinstate Phillips on the show's panel. BBC One controller Jay Hunt announced last week that the 66-year-old professional choreographer had been dropped in favour of popstar Alesha Dixon, 30. Speaking yesterday, Harman admitted: "I think it's absolutely shocking that Arlene Phillips is not going to be a judge on Strictly Come Dancing. "As Equalities Minister, I am suspicious that there is age discrimination there. So I'd like to take the opportunity of asking the BBC - it is not too late, we (more)...
- 7/17/2009
- by By Daniel Kilkelly
- Digital Spy
Scotland on Sunday (http://news.scotsman.com/entertainment/Harry-Potter-and-the-order.5049972.jp) is today reporting in a satirical piece that Harriet Harman, deputy leader of the Labour party in the UK, has asked J.K. Rowling to make a keynote speech at their autumn conference in Brighton, England later this year. It is not made clear whether Jo has accepted the invitation, so please treat this as a rumour for the time being. You may remember that last September (http://www.snitchseeker.com/harry-potter-news/j-k-rowling-donates-1-million-labour-party-59284/) Jo donated £1 million to the party, who are currently in government in Britain. She is also good friends with Sarah Brown, wife to the Prime Minister, Gordon Brown. *Note*: Although this story is political in nature, we ask that members please remember the rules and refrain from getting into debates. *Update*: Sky News (http://uk.news.yahoo.com/5/20090307/tpl-harriet-and-harry-potter-magic-22f1e11.html) has quotes from a question & answer session,...
- 3/8/2009
- by EmmaRiddle
- Snitchseeker.com
Scotland on Sunday (http://news.scotsman.com/entertainment/Harry-Potter-and-the-order.5049972.jp) is today reporting in a satirical piece that Harriet Harman, deputy leader of the Labour party in the UK, has asked J.K. Rowling to make a keynote speech at their autumn conference in Brighton, England later this year. It is not made clear whether Jo has accepted the invitation, so please treat this as a rumour for the time being. You may remember that last September (http://www.snitchseeker.com/harry-potter-news/j-k-rowling-donates-1-million-labour-party-59284/) Jo donated £1 million to the party, who are currently in government in Britain. She is also good friends with Sarah Brown, wife to the Prime Minister, Gordon Brown. *Note*: Although this story is political in nature, we ask that members please remember the rules and refrain from getting into debates. *Update*: Sky News (http://uk.news.yahoo.com/5/20090307/tpl-harriet-and-harry-potter-magic-22f1e11.html) has quotes from a question & answer session,...
- 3/8/2009
- by EmmaRiddle
- Snitchseeker.com
Scotland on Sunday (http://news.scotsman.com/entertainment/Harry-Potter-and-the-order.5049972.jp) is today reporting in a satirical piece that Harriet Harman, deputy leader of the Labour party in the UK, has asked J.K. Rowling to make a keynote speech at their autumn conference later this year. It is not made clear whether Jo has accepted the invitation, so please treat this as a rumour for the time being. You may remember that last September (http://www.snitchseeker.com/harry-potter-news/j-k-rowling-donates-1-million-labour-party-59284/) Jo donated £1 million to the party, who are currently in government in Britain. She is also good friends with Sarah Brown, wife to the Prime Minister, Gordon Brown. *Note*: Although this story is political in nature, we ask that members please remember the rules and refrain from getting into debates.
- 3/8/2009
- by EmmaRiddle
- Snitchseeker.com
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