Emmanuel Macron
The Guardian view on Macron's state visit: a renewed entente cordiale is good for France, Britain and Europe
Editorial: After being sabotaged in the Brexit years, one of the UK's most important bilateral relationships is back on a firm footing
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The Guardian
32 minutes ago
- The Guardian
Teenage girls making TikToks: Philippa James's best photograph
This started as a project with my daughter and her friends, who are all part of the smartphone generation. They were 14 years old at the time and I wanted to learn more about the relationship they had with their mobile phones. In 2022, a study by Ofcom showed that nine out of 10 children owned one by the time they reached the age of 11, and that 91% of them used video platforms, messaging apps and social media by the age of 12. I spoke to my daughter and her friends about how they use their phones and the negative reputation that surrounds teenagers and their screens. They told me the positives as well as the negatives, such as how social media can raise confidence as well as knock it down. I asked if I could photograph them. There was very little direction from me and – rather than photographing them in a controlled portraiture style, as I would usually have done – I simply observed them doing their thing. The energy was high: they moved so fast, dancing to short music reels, filming each other, laughing, scrolling, chatting, taking selfies, and back to making TikTok dances again. It was so hectic, I struggled to keep up. This image, called TikTok, came out of that session. I found this composition and asked Lucy to quickly look up at me. I had about two seconds before the moment was broken and they moved on to the next thing. As a portrait photographer, you get a feeling about certain shots, and I knew this was the one. Back in the edit, I reflected on how the girls use their phones as a form of visual communication, or as the theorist Nathan Jurgenson calls it, 'social photography'. This means the result of the photograph is social, rather than an object as it would be in traditional photography. Social photography is less about making a document or archive, and more about taking a picture or video and sharing it, basically having a visual conversation. The more time I spent with the girls, the more I learned about the darker side of their phones – the sexism and misogyny online. I shared the project as a work-in-progress exhibition in Oxford, and I worked closely with other focus groups of teenage girls who shared their experiences of online sexism and sexual harassment. I was shocked at some of the things I learned. The final project includes photographs of their handwritten testimonials. To further my research, I was reading activists Laura Bates and Soma Sara's work – and the original title of the project was No Big Deal, informed by Sara, who says sexual harassment happens so often it becomes seen as 'no big deal'. But as the project progressed, I changed it to Once a Slag, which refers to a TikTok soundbite my daughter played to me. The acceptance and ownership of the lyrics made me feel protective and frustrated as a mother and feminist. It's not a comfortable title, but the shock factor is important to get attention and raise awareness. This photograph has many layers, but it's also striking. It is beautiful and alluring and I think it has captured a wonderful moment. It's a celebration of the joy of girlhood, and of a group of girls in their own world. And just like social photography, these teenage years are ephemeral. In this image they are having so much fun together – it's so important to capture this confidence in a safe place. This image has also made me very conscious of the triangle of three gazes: Lucy gazing at the viewer, performing for the camera but also confronting the viewer with that look, that attitude. Then my gaze as the mother and the photographer – which changes the more research I do on the subject. Then the gaze of the viewer, who might be transported back in time to their own teenage years. I find the tension between these really challenging with this subject matter. The girls in the image are now 17. A lot has come out since it was made. People such as Andrew Tate have become widely known – even though the kids knew all about him years before us adults did – and more recently the Netflix series Adolescence prompted wide debate. This week a mum got in touch with me and said: 'I need to talk to you about short skirts.' Where I sit as a mum, and where I sit as a woman, are often totally at odds. As a mum, instinctively, you want to be protective. But if you zoom out of it, why should a woman not wear what she wants? Unfortunately, young women today are at risk, just by having a phone. That's the world we don't know as parents today. Born: Bath, 1978Trained BA in art and moving image at Maidstone, Kent (2000); MA in photography at Falmouth (2023)Influences 'Rineke Dijkstra, Miranda July, Lynne Ramsay, Tracey Emin, Abigail Heyman, Cindy Sherman, Samantha Morton, Catherine McCormack, the film Short Cuts by Robert Altman, and Lisa Taddeo's book Three Women.'High point 'Being selected last year for the Taylor Wessing portrait prize and exhibiting at the National Portrait Gallery. Receiving funding from Arts Council England to develop my practice – it's given me the confidence to develop my visual language. And winning LensCulture's Emerging Talent award.'Low point 'In 2020 I was publicly criticised for including a trans women in my very first personal project, 100 Women of Oxford, and protesters threatened to sabotage the exhibition. I learned a lot from that experience about responsibility, representation, and the emotional weight of photographing real people.'Top tip 'Keep making work, reflect on what you made, then make more work. Photography can look easy, but it's hard – and consistency really matters.'
BBC News
32 minutes ago
- BBC News
How to keep a hedgehog healthy
Have you ever seen one of these prickly fellows in a garden? Hedgehogs are native to mainland Britain but they're currently classified as a species that is vulnerable to extinction. Sharon and Andy run the charity Burntisland Hedgehog Haven Hedgehog Haven and spend their time rescuing, rehabilitating and releasing sick and injured hedgehogs. They spoke to Newsround about the work they do and why it's so important, after being nominated for a BBC Make a Difference Award. This is Andy with one of their spikey residents. Andy and Sharon started rescuing hedgehogs back in March 2023 and have had 520 hedgehogs through the door so far. This is Gracie. She was caught in a football is a pretty common problem for hedgehogs. Andy and Sharon also see lots of injured hedgehogs from garden hedgehogs come in after their nests have been disturbed from humans doing garden work, others might be orphaned or have they get a call about a hedgehog, the pair will take it to the vet to get the care it needs before looking after it until it is strong enough to be released back into the wild. Linden is just one of the hedgehogs Andy and Sharon have helped to was found on his own when he was just seven days are born deaf and blind, and at their very small size, they're particularly the Hedgehog Haven has a patient this young, they need to be fed a special formula every couple of hours, even through the night. Look at Linden now!He weighed just 51 grams when he came in and is now 432g and nearly ready to be released into the wild!Andy and Sharon will try and release him where he was found, or as close to the area as possible, to give him the best chance of thriving when he's back home. Andy and Sharon say hedgehogs are nocturnal which means they are most active at night so if you see one out in the day, it might need some advice is to ask your parent or guardian to call a local rescue who will be able to give you advice on what to do. What can you do to help hedgehogs at home? You can make your garden accessible to the prickly fellows if you have one by making a hedgehog highway - an easy path into your garden for good to leave out a bowl of water so if they're thirsty they can take a biscuits or wet cat or dog food can also be really helpful for them if you know you've got some and Sharon say once they know your garden is friendly and a nice place to be, they'll probably bring their pals along too!
The Sun
32 minutes ago
- The Sun
The 5p hack to keep your fake grass looking new & green & why you should never hoover it
KEEP your fake grass looking lush and green with this 5p hack - and find out why you should never hoover it. The clever trick is simple, cheap, and keeps artificial lawns looking like new without hours of maintenance. 2 Experts warn that vacuuming fake grass can actually damage the fibres and make it look worn out, but with this easy 5p hack, you can refresh your lawn in minutes. Fallen leaves, pet hair, spilled drinks, twigs, dust and dirt can all build up on your fake grass. If left unchecked, this debris can damage the fibres and even encourage moss to grow. While rainwater will wash away most surface grime, it's a good idea to check your artificial grass weekly for loose dirt and debris. A proper deep clean every four weeks will keep your lawn looking fresh, smelling great, and in top shape for years to come. So, how can you clean the grass and get your lawn looking its best again? Washing up liquid Spills on artificial grass are inevitable - whether it's coffee, wine, or even stray paint splatters from giving the fence a fresh coat. The key is to tackle them straight away, before they harden and risk leaving a mark. While artificial turf is tough and designed to resist stains, acting fast is the smartest way to keep it looking pristine. 5 ways to get your paddling pool hot in seconds Washing up liquid mixed with warm water is a quick and easy way to tackle everyday spills and mess. Fill a bowl with lukewarm water and a dash of washing-up liquid, then work the suds into the fibres to lift the stain. Soak the stain directly with a damp cloth or kitchen towel for liquid stains - but do not rub the grass. Rinse thoroughly with a hose to wash away both the dirt and the solution. Gardening tips and hacks How to transform your garden on a cheap budget How to preserve your favourite flowers at home - 5 easy tips explained Which plants should I be wary about my dog being around? When is the best time to prune roses? When should I start planting daffodil bulbs? How high can a garden fence be and can it be taller than my neighbours? What colour of fence paint makes a garden look bigger? Will my garden plants still grow if my backyard doesn't receive any sun? If the spill has dried on, gently loosen it with a toothbrush to avoid damaging the grass. Washing-up liquid can cost as little as 5p per use, making it an extremely budget-friendly way to keep your fake lawn looking fresh. But for stubborn stains or lingering smells, you'll want to bring out a specialist artificial grass cleaner for a deeper refresh. Why not hoover? Don't use your everyday vacuum cleaner on artificial grass, as it can damage the fibres and suck up the infill sand that keeps the turf in place. Instead, opt for smooth, sweeping motions with a stiff brush or plastic broom for a safer, more effective clean. If you prefer a powered option, choose a specialist garden vacuum designed specifically for artificial grass. Standard hoovers aren't built for damp surfaces, and exposure to condensation or rainfall could quickly ruin them. Common mistakes Never use sharp objects, as they can cut or tear the turf - tackle stuck or dried-on debris with a putty knife or another blunt tool instead. Skip the heat after hosing down your lawn, as artificial grass will dry naturally. Avoid harsh chemicals when removing sticky residue, as they can damage the plastic fibres - opt for a specialist synthetic grass cleaner. Always clean gently without rubbing the grass too hard, as excessive force can cause unnecessary wear and damage. A jet washer can clean artificial grass quickly - but it needs to be on a power setting that doesn't damage the lawn. So, test a small patch first, and keep the power nozzle at least a foot away from the artificial turf. Gardening mistakes that could get you fined Gardening experts over at Toolstation have revealed the garden laws you need to be aware of not breaking. While some of these laws could land you with a fine of up to £20,000 in extreme cases, a friendly chat with your neighbours can usually resolve any issues. Tree removal and pruning: If you have a tree in your garden you want to get rid of you better think twice and do your research. The gardening experts reveal: 'If one neighbour wishes to remove or heavily prune a tree that the other neighbour values, disputes can arise over the impact on the view, shade, or privacy. " While it might cause a row, if it is in your property boundary it is ultimately your choice, unless it has a Tree Protection Order on it. 'But, some trees may be protected by a Tree Protection Order which makes it an offence to uproot, top or destroy them, the experts warn. The maximum fine for breaking this law is £20,000, so make sure you double check if it does have a TPO. You can find out by contacting your local council for a map that shows this information. Alternatively, you can ask to speak with your local tree officer. Property boundaries and fences: One of the main causes of neighbours falling out is through arguing over property boundaries and fencing. To avoid this situation, the gardening pros recommend checking the deeds of your property to determine the correct boundaries 'Most of the time, it's easy to determine who owns the fence as the fence posts will usually be on the owners side," they add. 'Additionally, the height of fences or hedges can cause disputes between neighbours if one party feels the height has exceeded the two metre guidance. "Hedges and fences should be no more than two metres high, and you could be asked by the council to take them down if a neighbour complains about the height. "Luckily, standard fence sizes are less than two metres tall so you shouldn't have a problem.' Garden structures and additions: A pergola is the perfect addition to a garden if you want somewhere to relax in the shade. But if it obstructs your neighbour's view or violates local building regulations it could cause a dispute, as can sheds and other garden structures. 'If you're not sure, have a chat with your neighbours to let them know what you're planning and, if there's an issue, get in touch with your local council who can give you more guidance," advise the gardening experts. Overhanging branches and plants: 'When branches, vines, or roots from one neighbour's tree or plant extend into the neighbouring property, it can lead to disagreements over potential damage to structures, blocked views, or the burden of maintenance," reveal the pros. However, it's important to note you can only trim overhanging branches up to the boundary of your property otherwise, it could be seen as trespassing. You can climb into the tree to carry out the work if needed, but only on your property and make sure to stay on your side of the fence if you don't have permission to enter your neighbours garden.
