Latest news with #Acomb
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Constituents critical of York MP's suspension
On Wednesday, York Central MP Rachael Maskell was suspended from Labour, along with three other MPs, for repeated breaches of party discipline. It came after she was a key figure in organising a rebellion against her party's welfare reform bill, which she said would introduce "Dickensian cuts belonging to a different era and a different party". Maskell defended her decision as standing up for disabled people but the prime minister argued the MPs were "elected on a Labour manifesto" and so should back the government's agenda. But what do Maskell's York constituents think? People in Acomb have spoken to the BBC about their reaction to the news. 'Absolutely disgusting' Richard Lowe, from the Huntington Road area of York, is visiting shops on Front Street with his wife. When quizzed about Maskell's suspension, he says this is a topic the couple has discussed in depth, due to their careers in healthcare. "Rachael Maskell, for me, embodies what the Labour movement should be," the former mental health nurse says. "My thoughts are that the suspension is absolutely disgusting. "As she says, she's been a Labour member for 34 years, she's stood up for disability rights, she's a disability campaigner." As an ex-nurse, Richard says he has always had a duty of care to his patients - and that Maskell has a duty of care to her constituents. "I won't be voting Labour at the next general election," he says. "If Rachael Maskell is still an independent MP, I'll vote for her but I'm not voting Labour. "I hope she's retaken into the Labour Party very shortly. I can't see it happening myself, but there you go." 'Where are the lines?' Sat on a bench alongside their dog are Angela and her mother-in-law, Carole, who both live locally. They explain they do not share the same political views as Maskell but were on the fence about Sir Keir Starmer's decision to suspend her. "It's difficult, isn't it? Everybody's entitled to their own opinion but where are the lines?" Angela asks. "I think Labour has made a lot of terrible choices in the past year or so. "They're not doing themselves any favours." However, they both thought the welfare system needed an overhaul. "If you're a disabled person, you should be entitled to a benefit if that benefit is appropriate for your disability," Angela says. "But I think possibly there's been a bit of a trend of people claiming disability benefits and I don't think there's been enough checks into the background of what's actually needed for some people." Carole believes more "double checks" should be made to see what benefit is fair for each claimant. 'Over the top' Further down the street, Carolina Ficco, 62, also stops to chat. She believes that no matter the political party, MPs should not be punished for representing their constituents. "I think it was extremely harsh and over the top that she's been suspended," Carolina says. "Everybody is entitled to an opinion and if she's representing people, why should she be dismissed for that? "That's what politicians are supposed to be about, they're a voice for us. It's bang out of order." She says Maskell's suspension is "absolutely, totally wrong". The prime minister defended his decision to suspend Maskell, along with Neil Duncan-Jordan, Brian Leishman and Chris Hinchliff. He said: "I am determined we will change this country for the better for millions of working people – and I'm not going to be deflected from that. "Therefore, we have to deal with people who repeatedly break the whip. "Everyone was elected as a Labour MP on a Labour manifesto of change and everybody needs to deliver as a Labour government." In a statement, the York Central MP said she wanted this Labour government to be the "very best ever" and said she had "used every opportunity" to reach into government to be an advocate for disabled people. "I am, of course, sad of the decision to suspend me for simply seeking the very best for others," Maskell said. "As someone of deep conviction and faith, I bring these values with me in all I do in representing my constituents and ensuring that I advocate for them, keep them safe and ensure that their voices are taken into the very heart of politics." Listen to highlights from North Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North. More on this story Starmer says he had to 'deal with' rebel Labour MPs Labour suspends four MPs after welfare cuts rebellion
BBC News
6 days ago
- Politics
- BBC News
Constituents critical of York MP Rachel Maskell's suspension from Labour
On Wednesday, York Central MP Rachael Maskell was suspended from Labour, along with three other MPs, for repeated breaches of party came after she was a key figure in organising a rebellion against her party's welfare reform bill, which she said would introduce "Dickensian cuts belonging to a different era and a different party".Maskell defended her decision as standing up for disabled people but the prime minister argued the MPs were "elected on a Labour manifesto" and so should back the government's what do Maskell's York constituents think? People in Acomb have spoken to the BBC about their reaction to the news. 'Absolutely disgusting' Richard Lowe, from the Huntington Road area of York, is visiting shops on Front Street with his wife. When quizzed about Maskell's suspension, he says this is a topic the couple has discussed in depth, due to their careers in healthcare."Rachael Maskell, for me, embodies what the Labour movement should be," the former mental health nurse says."My thoughts are that the suspension is absolutely disgusting."As she says, she's been a Labour member for 34 years, she's stood up for disability rights, she's a disability campaigner."As an ex-nurse, Richard says he has always had a duty of care to his patients - and that Maskell has a duty of care to her constituents."I won't be voting Labour at the next general election," he says. "If Rachael Maskell is still an independent MP, I'll vote for her but I'm not voting Labour."I hope she's retaken into the Labour Party very shortly. I can't see it happening myself, but there you go." 'Where are the lines?' Sat on a bench alongside their dog are Angela and her mother-in-law, Carole, who both live locally. They explain they do not share the same political views as Maskell but were on the fence about Sir Keir Starmer's decision to suspend her. "It's difficult, isn't it? Everybody's entitled to their own opinion but where are the lines?" Angela asks."I think Labour has made a lot of terrible choices in the past year or so. "They're not doing themselves any favours."However, they both thought the welfare system needed an overhaul. "If you're a disabled person, you should be entitled to a benefit if that benefit is appropriate for your disability," Angela says."But I think possibly there's been a bit of a trend of people claiming disability benefits and I don't think there's been enough checks into the background of what's actually needed for some people."Carole believes more "double checks" should be made to see what benefit is fair for each claimant. 'Over the top' Further down the street, Carolina Ficco, 62, also stops to believes that no matter the political party, MPs should not be punished for representing their constituents. "I think it was extremely harsh and over the top that she's been suspended," Carolina says."Everybody is entitled to an opinion and if she's representing people, why should she be dismissed for that? "That's what politicians are supposed to be about, they're a voice for us. It's bang out of order."She says Maskell's suspension is "absolutely, totally wrong". The prime minister defended his decision to suspend Maskell, along with Neil Duncan-Jordan, Brian Leishman and Chris said: "I am determined we will change this country for the better for millions of working people – and I'm not going to be deflected from that."Therefore, we have to deal with people who repeatedly break the whip."Everyone was elected as a Labour MP on a Labour manifesto of change and everybody needs to deliver as a Labour government."In a statement, the York Central MP said she wanted this Labour government to be the "very best ever" and said she had "used every opportunity" to reach into government to be an advocate for disabled people."I am, of course, sad of the decision to suspend me for simply seeking the very best for others," Maskell said. "As someone of deep conviction and faith, I bring these values with me in all I do in representing my constituents and ensuring that I advocate for them, keep them safe and ensure that their voices are taken into the very heart of politics." Listen to highlights from North Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North.
Daily Mirror
31-05-2025
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
Aidan O'Brien shuts down rumours after huge change in the Derby betting market
The leading trainer in the Derby with ten wins, O'Brien has favourite Delacroix, The Lion In Winter and Lambourn going forward to Epsom's premier Classic this year as his main contenders Aidan O'Brien has shut down rumours that demoted ante-post favourite The Lion In Winter will miss the Derby at Epsom. The Acomb winner drifted to double-figure odds of 12-1 on Friday, having been 5-2 with William Hill at the start of the week. Spokesman Lee Phelps described the horse as "totally friendless" in the betting on a day that left a question mark hanging over his participation. But O'Brien has since told ITV Racing that The Lion In Winter, beaten at odds on in the Dante when last seen, will run in the Classic. "My exact words to Aidan were 'Is The Lion In Winter doubtful now?' said presenter Matt Chapman. "His response was to that 'on-course Matt' with a thumbs-up emoji." Some punters responded by taking the bigger prices on offer for the colt, who had 2,000 Guineas titleholder Ruling Court behind when scoring in Group Three company as a juvenile. Paddy Power spokesman Paul Binfield suggested The Lion In Winter's price might have lengthened after O'Brien - top handler in the showpiece event with ten victories - said stable jockey Ryan Moore would find it hard to overlook Delacroix. The strong stayer has finished with a clear advantage in two trials on home turf at Leopardstown. Binfield said on Saturday morning: "We're a little bit in the dark as to why The Lion In Winter drifted, although Aidan O'Brien's comments on riding plans was a key factor. "I think this morning the punters were thinking the price was just too big about a horse with a huge reputation." The Lion In Winter is 7-1 for a possible clash with three horses who finished in front of him in his prep race - winner Pride Of Arras (4-1), runner-up Damysus (10-1) and fifth-placed Nightwalker (25-1). Aidan O'Brien said beforehand he expected his horse to "improve a ton" after a delayed start to the campaign which saw him miss the Guineas on the Rowley Mile at Newmarket. But he added that stamina for 1m 4f could be a question mark: "He doesn't work like a mile-and-a-half horse really, he works like a miler. "I know most horses by Sea The Stars do stay, but obviously we're going to have to wait and see first before we can be really sure of anything."
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
LPSS reinstates Pre-K French Immersion program at Myrtle Place Elementary for upcoming school year
LAFAYETTE, La. () — After pushback over funding cuts by the , the Pre-K French Immersion program at Myrtle Place Elementary is officially making a comeback for the 2025-2026 academic school year. Parents Blair Broussard and Cara Acomb, and LPSS school board member Roddy Bergeron, say the Pre-K French Immersion is needed for the community and culture. 'When it was announced in January that the Pre-K Immersion Program would be cut from Myrtle Place, we wanted to make our voices heard about that and have our concerns be taken into consideration about this decision,' said Broussard. This comes after LPSS cut funding for the Pre-K French immersion at Myrtle Elementary School in January. After LPSS made budget cuts on the program, a local group of about 80 individuals have been advocating to save the program. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now LPSS works to save Pre-K French Immersion Program at Myrtle Elementary Acomb says the program is a great resource and provides a headstart for children who want to be fully exposed to the language. 'Both of my daughters are in the program, and they will every once in a while, switch to French,' said Acomb. 'I'm wondering what they are saying back there, but they both speak it so fluently, and it's just a great tool,' said Acomb. After hearing many concerns from parents, LPSS announced they have since reconsidered their plans to cut the program. In a letter sent to parents in April, it states the program would be resuming applications for the upcoming school year. Roddy Bergeron, a LPSS Board Member, says officials are working to preserve the program throughout the years. 'There's some potential through funding, there is community partners out there, it's still the state legislature, they have some purse strings too that we can pull on and see if there's any funding for us, we're going to find every avenue we can to help preserve the program,' said Bergeron. Broussard says she is grateful she and other parents' concerns were taken into consideration. 'There will be Pre-K in the fall happening,' said Broussard. 'It is so important that all of these stakeholders have worked together to make this possible, this is the next chapter for Pre-K and French Immersion and really all world language immersion that LPSS offers.' There are limited spots available for Pre-K students who want to pursue the French immersion program. The program is being run on a tuition contract. The tuition rate is $603 per month for 9 months from September to May. If you are interested in applying for this program, here are the next steps: Complete an online application at for the Program Choice of 'Lafayette Parish School System Pre-K Program.' If you have already completed a Lafayette Parish School System Application at our Early Childhood placement team will be contacting you via our online application system regarding this new placement opportunity. You will receive a notification when the information is sent. If you have not already done so, complete a Lafayette Parish School System Application at Democratic Rep. McIver charged with assault after skirmish at ICE center, New Jersey prosecutor says LPSS reinstates Pre-K French Immersion program at Myrtle Place Elementary for upcoming school year Freedom Caucus chair predicts 'big beautiful bill' lacks support to pass this week 107-year-old man receives Iowa high school diploma 93 years later 'Dilbert' creator Scott Adams reveals same cancer diagnosis as Biden, says he has months to live Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
RTÉ News
14-05-2025
- Sport
- RTÉ News
Aidan O'Brien: Derby favourite The Lion In Winter 'works like a miler'
Aidan O'Brien expects his Betfred Derby favourite The Lion In Winter to "improve a ton" for his eagerly-anticipated return to action in Thursday's Al Basti Equiworld Dubai Dante Stakes at York. The Sea The Stars colt supplemented debut success at the Curragh with a Group Three victory in the Acomb Stakes on the Knavesmire last summer and spent the winter months at the head of ante-post lists for the 2000 Guineas. However, O'Brien revealed in March that he was unlikely to be ready to begin his Classic campaign on the Rowley Mile and he instead bids to enhance his Derby credentials at York. "We're delighted that it looks like he's going to make it," said the Ballydoyle handler. "We weren't sure he would – he's been off a long time. But with the Derby in mind, it was the perfect prep. Obviously, it's a very good Derby trial. "He's going to improve a ton from whatever he does. Hopefully, he's going to run well and that we've enough done with him to help him to run well. But I'm looking forward to it and to see what's going to happen. "It's going to be very interesting. Hopefully, we have him in a good enough place to show what his potential could be." Having not yet raced beyond seven furlongs, The Lion In Winter will have his stamina tested over an extended mile and a quarter at York before a planned step up to a mile and a half at Epsom. On the Derby trip, O'Brien added: "You can never be sure. He doesn't work like a mile-and-a-half horse really, he works like a miler. "I know most horses by Sea The Stars do stay, but obviously we're going to have to wait and see first before we can be really sure of anything." A lack of fitness will not be an issue for Alpine Trail, who since making a winning debut at Wolverhampton in February has landed a novice prize at Yarmouth and impressed in the Listed Newmarket Stakes, prompting connections to supplement him for the Dante at a cost of £14,000 last week. Trainer Charlie Appleby told "Alpine Trail has done very little wrong to date. We know he gets this trip and feel he will get further. "He is a hard horse to assess because he wouldn't get you too excited in the mornings, although you cannot fault what he has achieved on the track. "The Lion In Winter looks the standout in the race, although our horse won't be out of place in an otherwise competitive renewal." James Owen will saddle the 2000 Guineas fifth Wimbledon Hawkeye, who was second to The Lion In Winter at York in the Acomb as a two-year-old. The Newmarket handler is relishing moving the son of Kameko up to 10 furlongs ahead of a tilt at the Derby and said: "I think he's been crying out for a step up in trip and ran so well at the track last year. He's fit from a couple of runs and I think he has a great chance. "We're hopeful the Acomb formline is as good as it looks on paper and he's run two solid races this year. We rode him slightly different in the Guineas and he was doing his best work at the end of that race, so I think he'll love the extra two furlongs. "He settled well in the Guineas and came home so well and he just doesn't look like a miler now – he wants a trip. "One hundred per cent the Derby will still be the plan after this, he's a tough horse and we said we were going to run him plenty and he takes racing so well. He was fresh straight away after the Guineas and of course we need to run well to confirm our place in the Derby, but I couldn't be happier with him at home." Ralph Beckett is represented by once-raced Sandown maiden winner Pride Of Arras, while Tuscan Hills is a fascinating contender having won each of his two juvenile starts for Raphael Freire. Other runners include John and Thady Gosden's Classic Trial third Damysus and his stablemate Nightwalker, who needs to improve after filling the same position in the Feilden Stakes on his first start as a three-year-old. Barry Mahon, racing manager to Nightwalker's owner-breeders Juddmonte, said: "I think he needed his first run this year in the Feilden. I think John and Thady concentrated on relaxing him over the winter and they felt after the race that maybe they switched him off a little bit too much. "He's come forward nicely for that run and I think we'll find out a bit more in the Dante. It looks a very strong renewal, but he's a colt we like and if he acquits himself well, the Derby at Epsom would be very much a possible."
