Latest news with #Beirut-born
Yahoo
04-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
‘I'll protect trans people to the end,' vows Co-op boss
The boss of Co-op has vowed to 'protect trans people to the end' after the Supreme Court's ruling on the definition of a woman. The judges' decision last month forced businesses and institutions across the country to rip up policies on how to treat transgender people. Shirine Khoury-Haq said the trans community brought a 'massive business benefit' to the Co-op. She told The Telegraph: 'These are highly talented people who, if they feel loved, if they feel valued, if they feel like they can bring their whole selves to work, their contribution is immense.' The Co-op's Beirut-born chief executive wrote to its 54,000 staff in the wake of last month's Supreme Court ruling saying she would 'continue to advocate' for them and 'speak out against hate'. More than 1,000 staff identify as trans or non-binary. Ms Khoury-Haq, 53, said in her letter that she wanted to extend her 'personal support to all of our trans and non-binary colleagues, those with trans and non-binary loved ones and anyone who will be feeling the impact of [the] ruling'. Judges last month unanimously ruled that the terms 'woman' and 'sex' in the Equality Act referred to biological sex rather than acquired gender. The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC), which regulates the Equality Act, subsequently issued interim guidance saying that companies should no longer allow trans women into female-only facilities. It said this would 'mean that they are no longer single-sex facilities and must be open to all users of the opposite sex'. Like other companies, the Co-op is now looking at what this means for its HR policies. An initial assessment has found that single-sex spaces are available in most of Co-op's locations, but the sprawling nature of the business means there are challenging areas. The Co-op runs more than 2,300 convenience stores, more than 800 funeral parlours and has insurance, legal and wholesale teams in the UK. Ms Khoury-Haq said 'the key areas that we will need to look at differently are changing rooms', which are in funeral branches, funeral care centres and depots. Some companies have already begun updating policies. Barclays, for example, has banned trans women from using female lavatories, reversing an earlier policy of allowing them to use whichever bathroom they feel most comfortable in. However, Co-op has said it will wait until the EHRC publishes full guidance, expected in June, and until then will allow staff to 'continue to use toilets and changing facilities in accordance with their gender identity.' Ms Khoury-Haq's staunch support of trans staff risks attracting attention from gender-critical campaigners, who for years have accused companies of promoting trans ideology under the banner of equality. She said Co-op would continue to be a 'safe place for people, where they can do a great job but also be themselves', adding: 'If that's 'woke', I'm fine with it.' Co-op follows Lloyds Bank in vowing to stand behind trans staff in the wake of the Supreme Court ruling. Britain's biggest lender has pledged 'solidarity' with transgender staff. Ms Khoury-Haq said: 'On a personal level, I need to take care of my trans colleagues. I always will, and, as long as I'm there, they will be protected. I will absolutely protect those people to the end.' The Supreme Court ruling on the definition of gender is one of many fast-moving issues Co-op's chief has to navigate. Just hours after sitting down with the Telegraph, Ms Khoury-Haq was told by her IT team that the company was the victim of an attempted hack. Some back-office and call-centre systems were quickly taken down as part of 'proactive steps to keep systems safe'. In a letter to staff, Co-op said security was of 'paramount importance' given the 'recent issues surrounding M&S and the cyber attack they experienced'. On Friday, Co-op admitted that hackers had breached its systems and stolen data 'relating to a significant number of our current and past members.' While financial data is not thought to be included, cyber attackers have accessed people's names and contact details. Hackers claimed to the BBC that had details on 20 million Co-op members, though the retailer has not confirmed the number. The cyber attack came in the wake of the crippling IT breach that has plagued Marks & Spencer for the past two weeks. Co-op declined to provide any additional comment on the incident. It said Ms Khoury-Haq would not be able to speak about the breach. Speaking last week, the Co-op chief said she was planning to add more technology to shops to help offset the £150m in extra costs hitting the business this year. This includes rolling out electronic shelf labels, where prices are displayed virtually and can be updated more easily. 'There's a heavy burden on business at the moment when you look at it across the board,' Ms Khoury-Haq said. 'When labour is much cheaper, it's hard to make a business case for a large-scale technology rollout, but when labour is more expensive, that business case starts to look very different.' Collectively, retailers face £7bn of extra costs as a result of Rachel Reeves's tax raid last October. The rise in the minimum wage and National Insurance changes that took effect on April 1 mean the cost of employing a worker in an entry-level retail job has risen by 10pc. Ms Khoury-Haq wants ministers to do more to help retailers, rather than simply piling on extra costs. She said: 'We've been saying to ministers, if you can help us reduce the loss from our stores, then the National Insurance becomes something that we can balance.' A shake-up of business rates would help the majority of Co-op stores but that is still some way off. In the meantime, retailers have been hit by a recycling levy forecast to cost the industry £2bn. Ms Khoury-Haq tried to make the case for this to be delayed 'but they decided to bring it in anyway'. The wave of costs have already started to feed into higher prices. Last month, food inflation rose to its highest level in 11 months, according to the British Retail Consortium. Ms Khoury-Haq said Co-op will 'absorb as much as we possibly can, as we have been all along, to keep prices as low as possible'. Aside from the Co-op, Ms Khoury-Haq also co-chairs the Net Zero Council alongside Ed Miliband, the Energy Secretary, reprising a role she held with the previous government. The advisory group was set up to help businesses and the Government work together on net zero as Britain races to decarbonise its energy system by 2030. The project has been the centre of controversy over the last week, following widespread power cuts in Spain, Portugal and France that may have been linked to a heavy dependence on solar power. Sir Tony Blair last week claimed net zero policies were doomed to fail amid concerns the public was being asked to make 'financial sacrifices' with little impact on global emissions. While the former prime minister later appeared to row back on the criticism, questions have continued to mount over the Energy Secretary's net zero policies. Ms Khoury-Haq said: 'If we think net zero is not important, we need to think again. Because by the time our children grow up, it will be on their doorstep. 'We need to make sure that we do the right things in order to have energy security and food security, and make sure our GDP continues to grow.' Again, the 'w' word comes up. For Ms Khoury-Haq, this 'is not about being 'woke''. 'It's about saying, 'Actually, sustainability is important for the planet. How can the UK benefit from this?'' Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
Telegraph
04-05-2025
- Business
- Telegraph
‘I'll protect trans people to the end,' vows Co-op boss
The boss of Co-op has vowed to 'protect trans people to the end' after the Supreme Court's ruling on the definition of a woman. The judges' decision last month forced businesses and institutions across the country to rip up policies on how to treat transgender people. Shirine Khoury-Haq said the trans community brought a 'massive business benefit' to the Co-op. She told The Telegraph: 'These are highly talented people who, if they feel loved, if they feel valued, if they feel like they can bring their whole selves to work, their contribution is immense.' The Co-op's Beirut-born chief executive wrote to its 54,000 staff in the wake of last month's Supreme Court ruling saying she would 'continue to advocate' for them and 'speak out against hate'. More than 1,000 staff identify as trans or non-binary. Ms Khoury-Haq, 53, said in her letter that she wanted to extend her 'personal support to all of our trans and non-binary colleagues, those with trans and non-binary loved ones and anyone who will be feeling the impact of [the] ruling'. Judges last month unanimously ruled that the terms 'woman' and 'sex' in the Equality Act referred to biological sex rather than acquired gender. The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC), which regulates the Equality Act, subsequently issued interim guidance saying that companies should no longer allow trans women into female-only facilities. It said this would 'mean that they are no longer single-sex facilities and must be open to all users of the opposite sex'. Like other companies, the Co-op is now looking at what this means for its HR policies. An initial assessment has found that single-sex spaces are available in most of Co-op's locations, but the sprawling nature of the business means there are challenging areas. The Co-op runs more than 2,300 convenience stores, more than 800 funeral parlours and has insurance, legal and wholesale teams in the UK. Ms Khoury-Haq said 'the key areas that we will need to look at differently are changing rooms', which are in funeral branches, funeral care centres and depots. Some companies have already begun updating policies. Barclays, for example, has banned trans women from using female lavatories, reversing an earlier policy of allowing them to use whichever bathroom they feel most comfortable in. However, Co-op has said it will wait until the EHRC publishes full guidance, expected in June, and until then will allow staff to 'continue to use toilets and changing facilities in accordance with their gender identity.' Ms Khoury-Haq's staunch support of trans staff risks attracting attention from gender-critical campaigners, who for years have accused companies of promoting trans ideology under the banner of equality. She said Co-op would continue to be a 'safe place for people, where they can do a great job but also be themselves', adding: 'If that's 'woke', I'm fine with it.' Co-op follows Lloyds Bank in vowing to stand behind trans staff in the wake of the Supreme Court ruling. Britain's biggest lender has pledged 'solidarity' with transgender staff. Ms Khoury-Haq said: 'On a personal level, I need to take care of my trans colleagues. I always will, and, as long as I'm there, they will be protected. I will absolutely protect those people to the end.' The Supreme Court ruling on the definition of gender is one of many fast-moving issues Co-op's chief has to navigate. Just hours after sitting down with the Telegraph, Ms Khoury-Haq was told by her IT team that the company was the victim of an attempted hack. Some back-office and call-centre systems were quickly taken down as part of 'proactive steps to keep systems safe'. Attempted security breach In a letter to staff, Co-op said security was of 'paramount importance' given the 'recent issues surrounding M&S and the cyber attack they experienced'. On Friday, Co-op admitted that hackers had breached its systems and stolen data 'relating to a significant number of our current and past members.' While financial data is not thought to be included, cyber attackers have accessed people's names and contact details. The cyber attack came in the wake of the crippling IT breach that has plagued Marks & Spencer for the past two weeks. However, Co-op declined to provide any additional comment on the incident. It said Ms Khoury-Haq would not be able to speak about the breach. Speaking last week, the Co-op chief said she was planning to add more technology to shops to help offset the £150m in extra costs hitting the business this year. This includes rolling out electronic shelf labels, where prices are displayed virtually and can be updated more easily. 'There's a heavy burden on business at the moment when you look at it across the board,' Ms Khoury-Haq said. 'When labour is much cheaper, it's hard to make a business case for a large-scale technology rollout, but when labour is more expensive, that business case starts to look very different.' Collectively, retailers face £7bn of extra costs as a result of Rachel Reeves's tax raid last October. The rise in the minimum wage and National Insurance changes that took effect on April 1 mean the cost of employing a worker in an entry-level retail job has risen by 10pc. Ms Khoury-Haq wants ministers to do more to help retailers, rather than simply piling on extra costs. She said: 'We've been saying to ministers, if you can help us reduce the loss from our stores, then the National Insurance becomes something that we can balance.' A shake-up of business rates would help the majority of Co-op stores but that is still some way off. In the meantime, retailers have been hit by a recycling levy forecast to cost the industry £2bn. Ms Khoury-Haq tried to make the case for this to be delayed 'but they decided to bring it in anyway'. The wave of costs have already started to feed into higher prices. Last month, food inflation rose to its highest level in 11 months, according to the British Retail Consortium. Ms Khoury-Haq said Co-op will 'absorb as much as we possibly can, as we have been all along, to keep prices as low as possible'. Aside from the Co-op, Ms Khoury-Haq also co-chairs the Net Zero Council alongside Ed Miliband, the Energy Secretary, reprising a role she held with the previous government. The advisory group was set up to help businesses and the Government work together on net zero as Britain races to decarbonise its energy system by 2030. The project has been the centre of controversy over the last week, following widespread power cuts in Spain, Portugal and France that may have been linked to a heavy dependence on solar power. Sir Tony Blair last week claimed net zero policies were doomed to fail amid concerns the public was being asked to make 'financial sacrifices' with little impact on global emissions. While the former prime minister later appeared to row back on the criticism, questions have continued to mount over the Energy Secretary's net zero policies. Ms Khoury-Haq said: 'If we think net zero is not important, we need to think again. Because by the time our children grow up, it will be on their doorstep. 'We need to make sure that we do the right things in order to have energy security and food security, and make sure our GDP continues to grow.' Again, the 'w' word comes up. For Ms Khoury-Haq, this 'is not about being 'woke''. 'It's about saying, 'Actually, sustainability is important for the planet. How can the UK benefit from this?''
The National
02-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The National
Meat the Fish review: Beloved Beirut spot brings fresh and familiar flavours to Dubai
Some restaurants serve more than just food – they offer a sense of belonging. Meat the Fish has always been that kind of place for me, a destination I find myself going back to over and over again during my trips to Beirut, both for the familiar faces and flavours. For me, the restaurant is synonymous with hearty meals and conversations. It's where I've spent countless hours indulging in my favourite foods while catching up with my favourite people after being away for months on end. So when the beloved Beirut-born concept opened an outpost in Dubai, I knew it would be more than just another addition to the city's rich culinary scene. Instead, it felt personal, like a piece of home had made its way to the UAE. Meat the Fish Dubai is tucked along the picturesque waterfront promenade of Marsa Al Arab, and the setting couldn't be more fitting. With a prime spot facing the sea, the outdoor seating is a dreamy escape – breezy, welcoming and light-filled. For those warmer summer days in Dubai, the indoor seating provides a cool, minimalist and inviting space that retains the restaurant's signature charm. Dining at Meat the Fish in Dubai felt like a reunion with an old friend. The familiar flavours, attentive service and serene setting all work hand-in-hand to recreate the warmth and comfort I associate with its Beirut counterpart. The menu stays true to its roots, emphasising freshness, with weekly specials that ensure each visit offers something new. I started with the salmon tartare (Dh95), which was fresh and delicately seasoned, allowing the quality of the fish to shine through as it literally melted in the mouth. Paired with some sourdough bread and a squeeze of lemon juice, the combination was nothing short of divine. The market salad (Dh45) with ruby red salmon was another favourite. The delicate, buttery fish carried a subtle sweetness that balanced perfectly with the crisp greens and tangy dressing. For the main course, we ordered the black cod donburi (Dh145) - a comforting bowl of miso-marinated black cod over black forbidden rice. Each spoonful offered a harmonious blend of flavors that was nourishing, without compromising on taste. While I didn't have the chance to sample the salmon kale caesar salad as it is only served on Wednesdays, it is a must-try and my go-to order at Meat the Fish Beirut. Other dishes I recommend – the butter lettuce salad, the whipped feta, lobster roll and bibimbap bowl. If you order one thing at Meat the Fish, let it be the black bao (Dh98). The bun is pillowy soft and jet black, wrapped around crispy king prawns that are cooked to perfection. The fresh mint leaves and radish in the bun bring all the flavors together, with a taste of sweet and sour sauce and kewpie mayo for an extra flavour kick. It's crunchy, juicy and just the right amount of indulgent, making it one of the most satisfying items on the menu and another go-to order of mine. Bringing Meat the Fish to Dubai feels like more than just a new branch – it's a continuation of everything that made the Beirut original so beloved. Here, it comes with a sea breeze, a skyline view, and that same unmistakable sense of care behind every dish. It's the kind of place that makes you want to come back. Whether you're looking for a relaxed lunch, a sunset dinner, or just somewhere to reconnect with loved ones over fresh, hearty meals, Meat the Fish delivers. And for those of us who've known and loved it since its Beirut days, there's something deeply comforting in knowing it's found a second home - and brought its soul with it. Dishes range from Dh45 to Dh240 and drinks are from Dh30 to Dh43. Meat the Fish is open from 8 am till midnight. Reservations can be made on 058 930 4640. The review was conducted at the invitation of the restaurant
The Guardian
11-04-2025
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
Cosmic visions, Edwardian bling and Middle Eastern monuments – the week in art
Ali Cherri: How I Am MonumentThis Beirut-born artist creates contemporary monuments that echo the archaeology of the Middle East. Baltic, Gateshead, from 12 April to 12 October Richard WrightComplex, beguiling yet ephemeral site-specific paintings by the 2009 Turner prize winner. Camden Art Centre, London, from 16 April to 22 June The Edwardians: Age of EleganceJohn Singer Sargent, Edward Burne-Jones and more capture the bling and complacency of the golden summers before the first world war. King's Gallery, London, until 23 November Astronomy Photographer of the Year ExhibitionRavishing images of the cosmos, mostly taken by amateur astronomers with easily available equipment. National Maritime Museum, London, until 11 August Inventing Post-ImpressionismHow the critic Roger Fry championed the art of Cézanne, Van Gogh and more in early 20th-century Britain. Charleston, Sussex, until 2 November As you let David Hockney's intense blues cascade over you to the strains of Wagner's Tristan und Isolde at his new exhibition in Paris, you realise how deep and sustaining a love for life this man feels and can communicate. Read the full review. A retrospective of British artist Ed Atkins follows his quest to 'reimagine life's chaos' Almost 130 years after his death, the work of William Morris has gone viral A giant memorial quilt for people who died of Aids is to show at Tate Modern A LS Lowry painting sold to a Guardian literary editor for £10 could fetch £1m Eco research studio Material Cultures believes nature has the best building materials A new exhibition is showcasing artworks from Californians hit by the recent wildfires Called 'freak pictures', Mainie Jellett and Evie Hone's works transformed Irish art The BBC reinstalled a sculpture by paedophile Eric Gill with a new protective screen A Landscape With Tobias and the Angel by Jan Lievens, 1640-4 As a young painter, Jan Lievens worked in friendship and rivalry with Rembrandt – no less. They were both based in Leiden, possibly sharing a studio. Art lovers who visited them raved about the two youthful geniuses. But Rembrandt went on to sublime highs and lows, his personal disasters only deepening his art. Lievens had a much more ordinary career. It was hard to be exceptional in the market-led art world of 17th-century Holland with its appetite for craftsmanlike depictions of reality. This painting shows how much Lievens has in common with Rembrandt, nonetheless: an appetite for biblical tales and melancholic inner poetry. Lievens depicts the little figures of Tobias, who was sent on a journey by his blind father Tobit, and the angel who helped him catch a fish: making an ointment from its gall, Tobias was able to heal Tobit's eyes. The supernatural encounter is almost banal in its everyday quality. It is the shadowy, cloud-muffled northern landscape that engrosses the artist. Lievens loses himself in dark trees and the shimmering surface of a river. Sombre and strange, his landscape is a romantic poem of rural sadness. National Gallery, London If you don't already receive our regular roundup of art and design news via email, please sign up here. If you have any questions or comments about any of our newsletters please email newsletters@
New York Times
07-03-2025
- Politics
- New York Times
An Advocate for Women of the Middle East — and Herself
Growing up in Beirut, Lebanon, Lina Abou-Habib regularly faced discrimination because of her gender and witnessed inequality for women, she said. 'People think of Lebanon as a contemporary, open country, but there are many laws that discriminate against women,' she said. As an example, women who seek divorces, even if they are in abusive marriages, risk losing custody of their children. In Lebanon, family law is governed by religious courts, and often favors fathers in custody disputes. 'I've had more than one friend who is being physically abused by her husband but is too afraid to leave for fear of never seeing her children again,' Ms. Abou-Habib said. She also pointed to Lebanon's nationality law. Ms. Abou-Habib, 62, the director of the Asfari Institute for Civil Society and Citizenship at the American University of Beirut, where she also teaches, has made it her life's mission to change the 1925 law, which states that children's citizenship is based on the nationality of their father, even if their mother is Lebanese. That means if a Lebanese woman marries a man from another country, their children are not considered Lebanese citizens, and must apply for legal residency. 'They will forever be viewed as aliens in the country of their mothers,' Ms. Abou-Habib said. 'They don't have the right to attend public schools, take a government job or vote.' Ms. Abou-Habib has lived through the experience firsthand. Her husband is from a neighboring Arab country, and their Beirut-born daughter will never legally be a Lebanese citizen. The Asfari Institute researches social justice movements in the region, including in Lebanon, Jordan, Egypt and Morocco, and connects activists with academia to collaborate on social change. It also regularly partners with U.N. Women on research projects. For International Women's Day, the group planned to host a global conference at the university for women in the medical field, with the aim of motivating and helping young women to join the profession. The following interview with Ms. Abou-Habib was conducted by phone and has been edited and condensed. What are the biggest challenges of being a woman today in Lebanon and the Arab region? Vulnerability to violence and sexual abuse. You can be sexually harassed at work, on the streets and at home. Yet, it's accepted, and women and girls are blamed if they are harassed or even raped. The absence of being able to take any legal recourse encourages the abuse. What would you like to see change for women in the Arab region? Do you have specific goals? I want to change the way societies in Arab countries view women. I want to see laws that uphold the dignity of women, particularly when it comes to marriage, divorce and being able to decide if they want to have children or not. They should also be free to choose what they want to wear. How can these changes happen? What actions need to be taken? They can only happen if the laws change, but people's mind-sets must also change, and the school curriculum needs to change. Right now, school textbooks in many Arab countries portray women in traditional roles of being housewives and in the kitchen. If textbooks show women in professional roles, such as doctors and scientists, the perception of women will change. How has being public about your mission to reform nationality laws helped your cause? I started speaking out in 2000 about nationality laws. I organized a public demonstration in Beirut with sister feminist activists and women suffering from this injustice. We had local, regional and international media cover the demonstration. After that, the nationality law became a global issue. Future demonstrations were bigger and amplified our voices. The media interviewed us and embarrassed the politicians who upheld these laws. The media interviewed them as well and held them accountable for preventing women from having equal rights. Gender inequality is strengthened by fear, taboos and a culture that blames the victims. The only way to break this is to go public and turn a personal injustice into a cause. What policies have you helped accomplish so far to help women, and how have these policies made an impact? This work has resulted in easing policies related to providing residency permits to children of Lebanese mothers who are married to non-Lebanese men. This has been critical to ensure that children of Lebanese women can safely and legally stay in Lebanon. In 2010, we had a minister of interior and municipalities, Ziyad Baroud, who issued a directive where non-Lebanese spouses and children of Lebanese women could get nonconditional residency permits in Lebanon. After we started the campaign, many countries in the region, including Egypt, Algeria and Morocco, changed their laws in our favor.
