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Metro
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Metro
Steve Coogan reads the names of over 15,000 children killed in Gaza at vigil
Steve Coogan made a statement at a vigil at the Houses of Parliament as he read the names of 15,000 children who have died in Gaza. The actor and comedian, 59, was among the many people at the vigil organised by Choose Love on Thursday morning. The Alan Partridge actor, was one of the many artists who, for several minutes, read a long list of names of children who had been killed during the Israel-Hamas war. 'They were the names of children who have been killed in the bombing of Gaza in the last 20 months. 'It was just showing that those names are not just statistics, they are real people, real children who had lives who died and it's to some extent to humanise them. 'There's a world war phrase that one death is a tragedy and 10 thousand is a statistic,' he said, speaking to Sky News he said that he was at the event. In the same interview, he added: 'I'm here to protest about the, basically, enforced starvation of thousands of women and children in Gaza by the weaponisation of the blockade on aid to those people. 'And also it's to give this the coverage that a lot of mainstream news outlets aren't giving.' He said human rights should apply to everyone, and criticised tough rhetoric from governments in the UK, France and Canada as He added that human rights should be applied to every human and rhetoric from UK, French, and Canadian governments was 'too little, too late'. 'Tragically, it's taken the mass, indiscriminate killing of innocent people to get to this stage,' he said. 'I think more and more people are realising that it has to stop.' Juliet Stevenson, best known for acting in Bend It Like Beckham and Truly, Madly, Deeply, was also among the actors reading the exhaustive list of names. This vigil comes as the celebrities supporting Palestine grow, with stars including Dua Lipa, Gary Lineker and Benedict Cumberbatch calling on the Government to suspend arms sales to Israel in an open letter. More Trending The open letter read: 'We urge you to take immediate action to end the UK's complicity in the horrors in Gaza.' It highlights: 'Right now, children in Gaza are starving while food and medicine sit just minutes away, blocked at the border. Words won't feed Palestinian children – we need action. Every single one of Gaza's 2.1 million people is at risk of starvation, as you read this.' 'Mothers, fathers, babies, grandparents – an entire people left to starve before the world's eyes. 290,000 children are on the brink of death – starved by the Israeli government for more than 70 days.' This was about Israel's 11-week blockade of food and other supplies into Gaza, which was lifted last week to allow a 'basic amount of food into Gaza'. Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: Gazan doctor receives the charred remains of nine of her 10 children after Israeli bombing MORE: A mum in Gaza told me her children are waiting to die MORE: Everything we know so far about Washington DC shooting suspect Elias Rodriguez
Scottish Sun
17-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
London's newest bus journey has cocktails, movie soundtracks and quizzes
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) LOOKING for the evening event of the summer – where you can enjoy views of London and learn behind-the-scenes cinema secrets with a cocktail in hand? You'll want to board Tootbus's Bar Bus. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 Tootbus's Bar Bus Tour ticks off filming locations from much-loved blockbusters Credit: Kat Forsyth (Photographer) 2 The highlight of the tour was when the bus arrived on Tower Bridge Credit: Kat Forsyth (Photographer) Lights, Camera, London! The Ultimate Movie & TV Tour ticks off filming locations from much-loved blockbusters, all while riders are quizzed on their film knowledge to be crowned the trivia champion. Climbing on board, I quickly learned that the Bar Bus is no ordinary London ride. Decorated with flower arches stretching over its roof, it also features plush leather-style benches facing a small table that make it more reminiscent of a fancy train carriage than a bus. Ice buckets are placed on each table, loaded with tins of cinema-inspired cocktails such as Espresso Royale, as well as bottles of Prosecco or rosé wine and soft drinks. Departing from Charles II Street, just off Pall Mall, I spent the next 90 minutes venturing down London's busy streets – and it's certainly a great way to tick off the landmarks. I saw the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, the London Eye, St Paul's Cathedral, the Tower of London and so much more during my trip. Guests are encouraged to sit back and relax while a guide points out locations. I forgot just how many major movies were filmed and set around London, from Harry Potter and James Bond to Mission Impossible, Bridget Jones and Sherlock Holmes. We all remember that famous Love Actually scene set in the Houses of Parliament where the fictional Prime Minister, played by Hugh Grant, swings his hips to Girls Aloud song Jump. But did you know that some scenes from 2005 film V For Vendetta were also filmed here? Only Fools and Horses fans gobsmacked to learn classic BBC sitcom WASN'T filmed in London It turns out the production team were allowed to create real, controlled explosions outside the building for one of the most dramatic scenes – something that movie makers are not usually permitted to do, our guide told us. My highlight of the tour was when the bus arrived on Tower Bridge – which most Marvel fans will recognise from Spider-Man: Far From Home starring Tom Holland and Zendaya. It was the golden hour as the sun was setting across the city and glittering on the Thames – and luckily for me, the traffic slowed so I was able to take in some of the most impressive views of the sunset, with the city skyline as backdrop. Around halfway through the tour is when the competitive part begins, so I'd suggest bringing your film-loving pals with you if you want to win the quiz. If you fancy a trip on the open-top bus, but movies aren't your thing, Tootbus offers Discovery tours, kids' tours, London by Night tours and more. I can't think of a better way to tick off the capital's sights for any London newbies. Let's face it, it's a lot more fun that the tube. GO: Tickets for the Bar Bus cost from £49 per adult aged 16+ and £30 per child aged five to 15. Those booking online in advance can bag up to 30 per cent off bookings. The Bar Bus leaves every Friday & Saturday at 6.30pm (including school holidays). See
Wales Online
14-05-2025
- Health
- Wales Online
'I'm disabled and 99% bed-bound but live life to the full - why the assisted dying bill is wrong'
'I'm disabled and 99% bed-bound but live life to the full - why the assisted dying bill is wrong' Nicki Myers has a condition which means she is barely ever able to leave her bed but says pressures from elsewhere could impact decisions on whether people live or die Supporters of the "Not Dead Yet" campaign, previously protested outside the Houses of Parliament (Image: Getty Images ) Nicki Myers has a condition which means she can barely leave her bed. The 52-year-old has pulmonary fibrosis which means she is 99% bed-bound. But she says with the help of her local hospice she is still able to live life to the full. But she fears moves to introduce assisted dying to the UK could leave people in her position facing choices over whether to live or die. Now she has joined with other disabled campaigners to argue the Westminster assisted dying Bill violates their rights under a United Nations (UN) convention. And they say their voices have been 'ignored' in the debate. The move is being backed by campaign groups including Disabled People Against Cuts, Disability Rights UK and Not Dead Yet UK. Nicki, who lives in Cambridge, is making a complaint alongside Essex-based Nicola Waters, 51, calling on the United Nations to declare that the passage of assisted dying legislation violates the UN Convention on the Rights of Disabled People (UNCRPD). Ms Myers said she was given five years to live seven years ago. She said: 'I was motivated to be a complainant in this case because I believe the way this legislation has been introduced, as a Private Members Bill, has meant the voices of people in my position (those who want to keep living as well as possible for as long as possible, and with good quality services) have been ignored. 'I also believe the timing of this Bill is wrong. When social security, fuel allowance, health, social care and palliative care services are all simultaneously under threat, it is not the right time for people to be asked if they want assistance from the state to end their lives.' Article continues below Ms Waters, who has the progressive neurodegenerative condition Motor Neurone Disease (MND), said she believes opportunities to make the Bill safer in recent months have not been taken. She fears people are being offered death rather than care. She said: 'This Bill will see those of us who live with terminal illness being offered suicide rather than the care and treatments we need to live. Numerous amendments that would have made the Bill safer have been voted down. As a result, I could be offered assisted suicide at every medical appointment I have.' The complaint contains multiple arguments, including a claim there has been a lack of pre-legislative consultation or scrutiny; the Bill has been rushed; a failure to publish accessible formats of the Bill and related material; a failure to recognise the importance of engaging with organisations run and controlled by deaf and disabled people; and inadequate arrangements for hearing from these groups at committee stage. Silent Witness actor Liz Carr is a disability rights campaigner and a member of the Not Dead Yet group (Image: Getty ) Actor and disability rights campaigner Liz Carr has backed the complaint, saying it feels as though the voices of disabled people have been 'sidelined' in the debate. She said: 'Considering the fact that this Bill is very much about disability (the majority of terminally ill people come under the Equality Act definition of disabled), it is shocking to me that the voices of disabled people's organisations have not been adequately heard so far. 'Varied groups of disability rights organisations should have been invited to give evidence at the committee and to do this effectively, sufficient time to prepare was needed and preparatory information in accessible formats should have been provided. Particularly during committee stage, the amount of information being shared, that we need to comment on is practically impossible to read through without the time to do this comprehensively and without the information being provided appropriately and accessibly. It also feels that our voices have been sidelined, marginalised even, as not particularly relevant to this Bill.' Article continues below Help in a crisis If you're having thoughts about suicide, are harming yourself or have considered self-harm, it's important to tell someone. These organisations give immediate support: Your local 24/7 NHS crisis line: at or visit Under 35? Visit call 0800 068 4141 (lines are open 24 hours every day of the year), text 88247 or email pat@ If you do not feel you can keep yourself or someone else safe, call 999. The Bill is supported by MP and disability rights advocate Marie Tidball. She secured amendments to ensure the establishment of independent advocates to support people with learning disabilities, autism or mental health conditions and to set up a disability advisory board, and has confirmed she will vote yes again at the third reading, feeling assured safeguards have been strengthened. She told reporters last month: 'I can say, as someone who has looked at legislative scrutiny over the course of the last 20 years, this is the most extraordinary, deliberative cross-party process I've ever seen.'
Toronto Sun
08-05-2025
- General
- Toronto Sun
80 years ago World War II in Europe was over. Celebrating V-E Day is now tinged with some dread
Published May 08, 2025 • 4 minute read Images are projected onto the Queen Elizabeth Tower, in the Houses of Parliament, including the British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, whose statue is in the foreground, during the V-E Day 80th anniversary events in London, Tuesday, May 6, 2025. Photo by Alastair Grant / AP Photo LONDON — Even if the end of the Second World War in Europe spawned one of the most joyous days the continent ever lived, Thursday's 80th anniversary of V-E Day is haunted as much by the spectre of current-day conflict as it celebrates the defeat of ultimate evil. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account Hitler's Nazi Germany had finally surrendered after a half-decade of invading other European powers and propagating racial hatred that led to genocide, the Holocaust and the murdering of millions. That surrender and the explosion of hope for a better life is being celebrated with parades in London and Paris and towns across Europe while even the leaders of erstwhile mortal enemies France and Germany are bonding again. Germany's new foreign minister, Johann Wadephul, paid tribute to 'the enormous sacrifices of the Allies' in helping his country win its freedom from the Nazis and said that millions of people were 'disenfranchised and tormented by the Nazi regime.' 'Hardly any day has shaped our history as much as May 8, 1945,' he said in a statement. 'Our historical responsibility for this breach of civilization and the commemoration of the millions of victims of the Second World War unleashed by Nazi Germany gives us a mandate to resolutely defend peace and freedom in Europe today.' Your noon-hour look at what's happening in Toronto and beyond. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. His comments underscore that former European enemies may thrive — to the extent that the 27-nation European Union even won the 2012 Nobel Peace Prize — but that the outlook has turned gloomy over the past year. Bodies continue to pile up in Ukraine, where Russia's 2022 full-scale invasion started the worst war on the continent since 1945. The rise of the hard right in several EU member states is putting the founding democratic principles of the bloc under increasing pressure. 'The time of Europe's carefree comfort, joyous unconcern is over. Today is the time of European mobilization around our fundamental values and our security,' Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said at a Dutch memorial event in the lead-up to the celebrations. It makes this unlikely stretch of peace in Europe anything but a given. And even NATO, that trans-Atlantic military alliance that assured peace in Europe under the U.S. nuclear umbrella and its military clout, is under internal strain rarely seen since its inception. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. The United States was instrumental in turning the tide of the war in Europe, invading along with Allies the D-Day beaches in France's Normandy on June 6, 1944 in what proved to be the tipping point of the war in Europe that inexorably led to the invasion of Germany and the defeat of Hitler. On Wednesday, U.S. President Donald Trump proclaimed Thursday as a day for the United States to celebrate victory in the Second World War, insisting the country should better recognize its essential role in the war. 'We are going to start celebrating our victories again!' he said. The war did drag on beyond Europe especially in the Pacific against Japan, but even Taiwan joined in marking the day for the first time — and highlighting current-day threats. Instead of Russia, it was centring on China, its immediate rival. China claims Taiwan as part of its territory to be annexed by force if necessary. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 'Military aggression against another country is an unjust crime that is bound to fail,' Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te said. He added that both Taiwan and Europe were 'now facing the threat of a new authoritarian bloc.' European celebrations Commemorations have been going all week through Europe, and Britain has taken a lead. Here too, the current-day plight of Ukraine in its fight against Russia took centre stage. 'The idea that this was all just history and it doesn't matter now somehow, is completely wrong,' U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer said. 'Those values of freedom and democracy matter today.' In London later Thursday, a service will be held in Westminster Abbey and a concert, for 10,000 members of the public, at Horse Guards Parade. In Paris, French President Emmanuel Macron is expected to oversee a ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at the Arc de Triomphe. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. And in Berlin, Chancellor Friedrich Merz will again highlight how Germany has remodeled itself into a beacon of European democracy by laying a wreath at the central memorial for the victims of war and tyranny. And, symbolically, Russia and President Vladimir Putin will be totally out of lockstep with the rest of Europe, celebrating its Victory Day one day later with a huge military parade on Red Square in central Moscow to mark the massive Soviet contribution to defeat Nazi Germany. — Raf Casert reported from Brussels. Mike Corder in Wageningen, Netherlands, and Jamey Keaten in Geneva, contributed to this report. Read More Toronto Maple Leafs Editorial Cartoons Sunshine Girls Sunshine Girls Canada
Libyan Express
04-05-2025
- Business
- Libyan Express
UK government rejects proposal to use frozen Libyan assets
A Union flag blows in the wind near the Houses of Parliament on October 3, 2019 in London, England |The British government has rejected a parliamentary proposal debated in the House of Lords on Thursday, May 1, 2025, which called for the use of frozen Libyan assets to provide compensation to victims of IRA bombings that utilised explosives supplied by the Gaddafi regime. During the debate, Lord Collins of Highbury, the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, stated that the government distinguishes between victims of IRA attacks using Libyan-supplied Semtex and victims of operations 'directly carried out by Libya' in other Western countries. The proposal, put forward by Baroness Hoey, aimed to utilise a portion of the approximately £12 billion in frozen Libyan assets held in the UK to compensate around 150 victims of IRA bombings. Baroness Hoey noted that victims from France, Germany, and the United States had received compensation from the Gaddafi regime averaging $5 million per victim, with these victims collectively seeking about £353 million in compensation. Baroness Hoey argued that recent UK legislation allowing the seizure of frozen Russian assets to aid Ukraine—specifically a £2.26 billion loan to be repaid using profits generated from sanctioned Russian sovereign assets—created a legal precedent that could be applied to the Libyan assets case. She characterised this as 'What is good for the Russian goose's assets is good for the Libyan ganders assets.' The government defended its decision by citing United Nations resolutions stipulating that frozen Libyan assets should be preserved 'for the future benefit of the Libyan people.' Officials argued that seizing these assets could undermine international efforts toward Libyan stability. The government also declined to redirect the estimated £5 million collected annually in taxes from these frozen assets, with Lord Collins explaining that these funds go into 'the Government's consolidated fund, which is used for essential public services.' During the parliamentary debate, several peers expressed frustration over what they described as 'secret arrangements' with the former Gaddafi regime that successive Conservative and Labour governments have maintained, prioritising these agreements over compensation for victims. Lords also pressed for the publication of a government-commissioned report by William Shawcross regarding compensation options. The government refused this request, maintaining that the report contained 'private and confidential conversations' and that its release would potentially harm 'UK national security and international relations.'
