The law that is choking civil society
If one were to ask for a quintessential display of the British character it would be hard to better the Shrewsbury Flower Show. Officially the world's 'longest-running flower show', according to the Guinness World Records, it is held over two days in August, attracting 60,000 visitors.
This summer should be the show's 150th birthday. Last week, however, the Shropshire Horticultural Society abruptly cancelled it. Rising costs were cited as a factor. But the main reason was the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act – known as Martyn's Law. The legislation, which was given royal assent this month, requires organisers of events with more than 200 people to engage in lengthy bureaucratic and state-monitored protocols to protect visitors from terror attacks. Unlikely though it may be that jihadists will prioritise raising the Isis flag above an array of prize lobelias, if fighting terror requires Shrewsbury to wilt, so be it.
In October, The Spectator warned that the legislation would impose 'onerous and costly regulatory requirements on civil society'. Village halls and football clubs are being co-opted into the battle against terrorism, forced to complete training and time-consuming paperwork.
The government's impact assessment suggested Martyn's Law would, at best, have a net cost of £1.8 billion. In a worst-case scenario, that would stretch to £4.9 billion: 583 times the £8.4 million in benefits expected. Shrewsbury Flower Show's burden is one shared by a cornucopia of public locations – 100,000 retail and hospitality venues, 33,000 places of worship, 400 zoos and theme parks, and so on – that are expected to be hit.
Martyn's Law is named after Martyn Hett, one of the 22 victims of the Manchester Arena bombing.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Graziadaily
an hour ago
- Graziadaily
Absolutely Everything We Know About British Actor Adam Long
The British actor Adam Long could have a new love interest according to new pictures that are doing the rounds on the internet. In photographs published by The Daily Mail, Adam Long can be seen on what appears to be a coffee date with fellow actor Aimee Lou Wood. In the pictures, they can be seen kissing and hugging outside a cafe in London while enjoying some drinks. You might recognise Long from his role in ITV's 2019 show The Bay, where he played the role of a construction worker called Vincent. But while Adam Long seems to keep a relatively low profile day to day, he's got a whole host of other huge shows under his belt - and plenty of exciting projects in the pipeline. Adam Long is a British actor, who is most well known for his role as Lewis Whippey in Happy Valley. He also starred in Dunkirk, Spike Island, Vera, Waterloo Road, The Thirteenth Tale, Act Of Grace and the award winning TV drama Don't Take My Baby. In 2019, he was in two movies called The Kill Team and The Corrupted. Adam was born on 25 April 1991, making him 34 years old. Neither Aimee or Adam have commented on their relationship status, but rumours are flying thanks to the recent pictures. Both Aimee and Adam star in the upcoming BBC romantic comedy-drama Film Club, which will air later in 2025, and online reports have noted that Aimee has liked all of Adam's social media posts since their casting was announced last November. Aimee also praised Adam after he completed a sponsored run in aid of Movember and men's mental health awareness. Under a picture he shared on Instagram, Aimee wrote 'YOU DID IT!!!!!!!' It's believed Adam met Aimee while working on the upcoming BBC series. Fittingly, the two of them play an on-screen couple in the show. Now, rumours that the pair are an item are ramping up off-screen too. A source who spotted her with Adam in South London told The Sun: 'They looked smitten with one another. They were hugging and kissing and she kept draping her arm around his neck while his hand was on her knee. They looked very comfy together — a vision of love's young dream.' Yes! You can keep up to date with all things Adam at @itsadamlong. Yes, Adam Long plays Evie's boyfriend Josh in Film Club. The BBC romantic-comedy drama, which is created by Aimee Lou Wood and Ralph Davies, will air later in 2025. Alongside Adam Long, the show stars Nabhaan Rizwaan and Doctor Foster's Suranne Jones, and filming for it wrapped earlier this year. A BBC synopsis for the show reads: 'It's Friday night. 7pm. Film Club Week 198. Evie hasn't left the house in six months after a 'wobble', and tonight, things are different.' It continues: 'Noa's got big news. A dream job is taking him across the other side of the country, which means that all of this is ending. That reality is hitting. That they're going to be forced to consider for the first time they might be more than just friends. Neither of them are the best when it comes to emotions but this time those emotions might be impossible to ignore...' The synopsis sums up Film Club by describing it as 'witty' and emotional,' show about 'love and family, about whether we should follow our hearts or heads, and being in love with a friend.'
Graziadaily
an hour ago
- Graziadaily
This High Street Brand Has The Best Wimbledon Outfits I've Ever Found
Now that June's finally here, tennis fever is once again taking over the UK with Wimbledon fast approaching. While most folks are interested in the action on the court, if you're more sartorially inclined like me, chances are you're paying closer attention to the spectator stands. After all, it's the most well-dressed sporting event of the year. And if you've got the elegant tennis event coming up on your social calendar, chances are you've wondered what to wear to Wimbledon. ©Insagram/@savannahgowarty While there's no official dress code, as famous attendee Kate Middleton has established, opting for a polished look is generally encouraged. Think sophisticated sun dresses, lightweight blazers and relaxed tailoring. Fortunately, I've discovered that no matter your personal taste, your Wimbledon style can be sorted with a simple scroll through fashion insider favourite brand ALIGNE. The British brand has long been a fashion editor-favourite destination for elevated, high-quality pieces that capture English elegance while still tapping into the season's hottest trends, and its SS25 collection is brimming with preppy and polished staples that'll ensure you look as good as the celebrities in the box. The easiest solution to your Wimbledon dressing woes is a breezy summer dress. ALIGNE's Rosia drop waist linen dress is the perfectly dressy take on tennis whites and it'll work wonders styled with wedge heels and a raffia bag for a timeless look. Given the dress' simple and unfussy design, you can experiment with stacks of bright jewellery for a vibrant summer look. Rosia Drop Waist Linen Dress Linen is always a good idea in the heat and this drop waist midi is one of the best of the season. A guaranteed hit at Wimbledon, you'll want to wear this simple and versatile dress all summer long. Alternatively, if you're not the biggest fan of dresses, there's plenty of relaxed tailoring to choose from too. Whether you style the Leo waistcoat with linen trousers or layer the linen Daphne blazer over a white maxi skirt, a polished set is perfectly safe and fashion forward. No matter if you choose to waft through the day in a sundress, channel a sporty edge in a tennis dress, or lean more formal with tailored separates, the good news is that you can easily kit yourself out for court-side appearances in ALIGNE this season. Below, our top picks that'll help you ace the best dressed game at Wimbledon this year. Leo Long Waistcoat A waistcoat is a mainstay in any preppy wardrobe, and the Leo's longline hourglass silhouette comes with a split hem that sits wonderfully over high-waisted trousers and jeans. Daphne Scoop Neck Linen Blazer With it's scoop neck and cinched waist lending a flattering fit, this linen iteration of teh viral Daohne blazer is the perfect companion to linen trousers, maxi skirts and even high-waisted knee-length shorts around the court. Zephyr Knitted Dress Signal your love for the sport with thsi elevated tennis dress. Pair the ribbed knit polo-neck dress with sleek suede sandals and sunglasses for a sporty yet elegant look. Natalie Elasticated Cotton Midi Skirt A-line midi skirts are the heart and soul of any breezy summer wardrobe, so naturally they're perfectly at home at Wimbledon. Offset the volume of the Natalie midi with a sleek top. Might we suggest the Leo waistcoat? Barnaby Reversible Trench Coat Your pretty white sundress is always in danger of being rained on in the UK, so a lightweight trench is a prudent choice for Wimbledon. Whether you wer it navy side up or ivory, the Barnaby trench coat makes for a perfect functional yet chic layer. Dax Crochet Top Featuring stripes in the classic white, dark green and lime green synonymous with the game, the Dax crochet top makes for teh perfect pop of colour paired with a tailored pinstrip suit. Mia Linen Maxi Skirt This straight chocolate brown maxi looks far more expensive than it is, thanks to high-quality linen-cotton construction and a minimalist design. Perfect for pairing with the matching waistcoat or a crisp white button-down. Chelsea Broderie Organic Shorts While you couldn't get away with your denim cutoffs at Wimbledon, these delicate broderie angalise shorts are perfect. Especially when styled with the matching shirt and lace up wedges. Ally Relaxed Waistcoat Now this is a waistcoat of the more traditional variety and will slot in seamlessly with tailored trousers and a blazer as well as jeans or a maxi skirt. Main image credits: ©Insagram/@emmahoareau @pinjakuivalainen
Daily Mirror
2 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Stella McCartney is tested for killer disease with sister on same day every year
Sir Paul McCartney and his late wife Linda's youngest daughter Stella speaks on the heartbeaking loss of her mum nearly three decades ago Fashion designer Stella McCartney is urging women to not ignore free NHS breast cancer checks after opening up about losing her mother to the disease in a rare interview. The daughter of Beatles legend Sir Paul was 25-years-old when she lost her mother Linda, aged just 53, in 1998 - three years after she was diagnosed with the illness. But in a new insight into her private life, Stella, 53, has revealed how she goes for mammogram screenings with her trusted eldest sister, Mary, 55, and says it is vital other women do the same. Her warning comes just a week after British pop singer Jesse J, 37, shocked fans by revealing she had been diagnosed with early stage breast cancer after a period of 'in and out of tests." The Bang Bang star, real name Jessica Cornish, is now posting regular updates to her 13.9 million Instagram followers so they can keep up to date with her progress. Urging women to get tested, Stella said: "I love the idea of going with my sister and my best friends on International Women's Day every year. "I think it is a nice way to celebrate that process. Go and get your mammograms. My sister is my best friend. It is like no other." Stella has previously described how her mother's death was 'the most difficult thing I've ever had to encounter', and says the feeling of loss is with her every day. But although her mother passed away 27 years ago, Stella says the pain does not get any easier especially as she watches her own children - sons Miller, 20, Beckett, 17, and daughters Bailey, 18, and Reiley, 15, - grow up not knowing who their grandmother was. She said: "My mum didn't see my kids. I was just 28. It is the greatest loss, especially when you become a mother. I was so young and passing down motherhood, what a beautiful gift. It is just not you not having her and you losing her it is them not knowing her too. Like "She didn't know you". Stella recently praised Beyonce's mother Tina Knowles for speaking out about her own breast cancer scare. She said: "I think it was courageous for you (Tina Knowles) to share your story and I wish more people would share it. I wish more people would have shared that what when my mother was alive, hoping that she would still be alive. So I commend you for talking about it. Everyone should get mammograms. It is all about prevention. It is so important. "I have spent a lot of time at a breast centre in Kettering and I highlight this disparity in breast cancer mortality. I ask so many questions and some don't know they can get free screenings." Today, Stella says her mother Linda continues to guide her in the way she conducts her family life with husband Alasdhair Willis and in the way she runs her business which saw her receive a CBE from King Charles in 2023 for her services to fashion. The designer - who takes after her mother in her love of animals and refusal to eat meat and uses no leather or fur in creations for her eponymous label - says her ethos is partly inspired by her mother's beliefs. Stella said: "What an influence my mum was. Obviously in my life she guides me how I conduct myself in my business and in my home." But despite the trappings of the McCartney name, Stella admits she is just like any other mother at home, especially when it comes to her daughters who often steal treasured items from her catwalk collections. She said: "I have an 18-year-old daughter but she is now an age when she is stealing all my major clothes. She is like "Can I go into the archive?" and she whips out the most iconic pieces. She is like "Oh that is the 1997 runway." And I never see it again." "But my kids do get mad at me. There is that Saturday Night Live sketch where they say "I am your mother". "My kids always play that to me. But I said to my daughter once "The only mission I have as a mother is to pass on the thing I have learned." My boys are different." And as Father's Day approaches this Sunday, Stella says her children are just like everyone else's adding: "I have to tell my kids like it is Father's Day coming up. I say to them that we don't need anything, We don't need anything so I say to them 'But write him a letter. Make him proud of you.'
