Latest news with #JonSopel
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Jon Sopel says Keir Starmer is ‘cringe' for handing Donald Trump letter from King Charles
Former BBC presenter Jon Sopel has hit out at Keir Starmer for his 'cringe' presentation of a letter from King Charles to US president Donald Trump. The Labour leader presented Trump with an invitation from the monarch for a 'historic second state visit' to the UK in February earlier this year. The letter, partially obscured by Trump's hand, read: 'I can only say that it would be … pleasure to extend that invitation once again, in the hope that you … some stage be visiting Turnberry and a detour to a relatively near neighbour might not cause you too much inconvenience. An alternative might perhaps be for you to visit Balmoral." Trump called King Charles a 'beautiful man' in return. Sopel, 66, spoke about the gesture during an appearance at the Hay Festival, which has partnered with The Independent for a second year. 'I think that British diplomacy is very minimal,' he began, in conversation with Anushka Asthana. 'I think British diplomacy can be still quite subtle and clever. Now, was it clever or subtle for Keir Starmer to reach into his pocket and flourish a letter from the King? It was cringe. It was awful.' He continued: 'Downing Street was very happy they got what they wanted, but what did they get that was backable at the end of it? What commitment did they get from Trump at the end of it? But even then if Donald Trump said to you 'I'm going to lend you a hundred pounds but don't worry you don't have to pay me back.' Would you trust him? I'm gona say probably not so much.' It comes shortly after The News Agents host blamed the BBC's 'both sides-ism' for his departure from the network in 2022, after over 40 years with the broadcaster. 'I don't think the media is enabling [Nigel] Farage,' Sopel told panellists on The News Review hosted by The Independent's Helen Coffey, as they discussed the popularity of Reform. 'We have to report the surge in support for Reform. Maybe you could say a few years ago, too much attention was given to him – and indeed, the 'both sides-ism' I found at the BBC was one of the things that drove me out after many, many years.'
Times
09-05-2025
- Times
Jon Sopel's wartime travails and keeping his marriage afloat
News organisations take great care before sending correspondents into a war, but this is a relatively new development. When working for the BBC, the journalist Jon Sopel was a young dad of two at the point he was suddenly told he was going to Afghanistan. He tells Travel Diaries that they didn't even give him time to get the advised three rabies jabs, and his route to the country was fatal for others. So, naturally, he had concerns, and it's hard to imagine these being dealt with now as they were then. When he told his boss that he would have to talk to his wife about the trip, Sopel's boss replied: 'Oh mate, you're only on your first marriage.' Sir Trevor McDonald knows Sopel's
Yahoo
10-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
IHIF EMEA 2025 Sees 15% Growth in Investor Attendance, Reinforcing Confidence in Hospitality's Investment Potential and the Event's Unmatched Audience Quality
IHIF EMEA 2026 Takes Place in Spring in Berlin LONDON, April 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Questex's International Hospitality Investment Forum EMEA (IHIF EMEA), the premier meeting place for hospitality investment in EMEA, successfully concluded the 27ᵗʰ edition, which took place 31 March – 2 April at the InterContinental and Pullman hotels in Berlin. IHIF EMEA united 2,500 industry professionals, from leading investment firms, top hospitality brands and operators and advisory companies, including a record-breaking 700+ investors managing over $581 billion in assets under management. Thirty percent of investors were new to IHIF EMEA bringing new sources of capital to attendees. With the event theme 'Own the Moment,' IHIF EMEA served as the unique platform to navigate the evolving business landscape with curated tracks and deep content for three days of networking, insights and deal-making. 'For the past 27 years, IHIF EMEA has always been full of excitement and enthusiasm as the best and brightest in hospitality investment gather to meet, network and learn. This year, we are delighted that IHIF EMEA continues to serve as a platform to empower global decision-makers, investors, hotel brands, operators and innovators to shape the future of hospitality,' said Alexi Khajavi, Group President Hospitality and Wellness, Questex. IHIF EMEA serves the hospitality investment community by delivering unparalleled thought leadership through keynotes, general sessions, workshops and networking events that equips attendees with actionable strategies to drive growth and innovation. Attendees gained insights from 190+ leaders on global trends shaping the EMEA hospitality landscape including Accor, Marriott International, Radisson Hotel Group/Louvre Hotels Group, Hyatt Hotels, IHG Hotels & Resorts, Covivio Hotels, Minor Hotels, Blackstone, L+R Hotels, Fattal Group, CDL, Limestone Capital and Pandox. Jon Sopel, renowned British journalist, political presenter, podcaster and author, spoke and in addition, Alexander Börsch, Chief Economist, Deloitte and Dex Hunter-Torricke, Emerging Technologies Expert and Former Communications Executive at SpaceX & Facebook delivered keynote addresses. IHIF EMEA concluded with an unfiltered audience led Q&A where all outstanding questions after the three-day conference programme were answered by the industry leaders. Networking, Knowledge Sharing & CollaborationIHIF EMEA prioritised networking, knowledge sharing and collaboration. The Power Hour AI-based networking matched attendees with the most relevant contacts based on goals and interests, ensuring fast, high-value introductions. Plus, partnered with IHIF EMEA as a Global Distribution Partner to create the Bar & Networking Pavilion, a dynamic space for both dedicated meetings and spontaneous networking opportunities. Ideas flowed, deals happened, and connections were made at the central bar and café. Elsewhere, Capital Meets offered a series of targeted mini receptions, connecting investors, operators, lenders, advisors, and rising leaders for focused, high-value conversations that helped drive business forward. IHIF EMEA Exhibition FloorIHIF EMEA attendees had the opportunity to meet with 85+ leading companies such as CBRE, Accor, Asser Development Authority, Saudi Ministry of Tourism, Colliers, JLL, Hilton, Hyatt, IHG Hotels & Resorts, Radisson, Hotel Group and Wyndham Hotels & Resorts on the exhibition floor as they introduced their latest ventures, investments and innovations redefining guest experiences and operational efficiency. More than 50 announcements were made at IHIF EMEA, select announcements include: IHG Hotels & Resorts debuts nine brands in 13 countries across Europe Limestone Capital – Limestone Capital Acquires Nobu Hotel London Shoreditch Marriott International Announces Plans to Double the Portfolio of Four Points Flex by Sheraton across Europe by the end of 2026, Fueling Growth in the Affordable Midscale Segment Club Med and OMRAN Unveil Architect Selection for Club Med Musandam at IHIF Hilton to Hit 1,000 Hotels in EMEA and Launch Tempo by Hilton Brand in Region HR Group launches Revo Hospitality Group FLOK Named to Financial Times FT 1000 List as It Scales Tech-Enabled Flexible Hospitality Across Europe Wyndham Hotels & Resorts – France, India, Spain, Turkey And Portugal Mark A New Era For Wyndham As The Hospitality Giant Expands Across EMEA With Unmatched Success AwardsThe Young Leader Award was presented by IHIF EMEA and The International Society of Hospitality Consultants (ISHC) to Nicola Bandera, Development Senior Analyst – Hospitality. This award recognises and celebrates the excellence of young emerging leaders in the hospitality industry. Bandera began his hospitality journey at the age of 12 in a professional kitchen, eventually working in a Michelin-starred restaurant before transitioning to hotel management. He has experience spanning hotel operations, consulting and real estate development. ISHC's CEO Andrea Belfanti commented, 'Nicola embodies the vision, determination, and excellence that define a Young Leader Award recipient. His journey from the kitchen to hotel development showcases resilience, innovation, and leadership. Nicola's ability to tackle challenges and mentor future talent set him apart, and we are proud to recognize his impact on the hospitality industry.' The Pitch Perfect: New Hospitality Development Project Showcase is a programme where companies pitch their groundbreaking projects to a panel of industry judges in a Dragon's Den-style session. Herbert Pinzolits, Owner & CEO of Mamma Group won for his standout project, Vienna House Easy by Wyndham at Vienna Airport for its vision, potential and investment appeal. Additionally, the HAMA Europe Asset Management Achievement Award, which recognises the key role played by hotel asset management in sustainably growing asset value and driving underlying investment return was presented at IHIF EMEA to Pygmalion Capital for their 323-key, two property Project Arno portfolio in Florence, Italy. Here's what IHIF EMEA attendees and sponsors had to say about the event: Dimitris Manikis, President EMEA, Wyndham Hotel & Resorts, 'It was a great opportunity to see existing friends, colleagues and partners, to make new ones and once again witness the resilience, passion and dedication from all towards our amazing industry.' Ruslan Husry, CEO & Owner, Revo Hospitality Group, 'What resonated with me most wasn't the stage, but the spark – in conversations, in our team, in the response from everyone who shares our belief that hospitality can be so much more.' Patrick Mendes, CEO Europe & North Africa, Accor, 'Berlin is close to my heart, and the International Hospitality Investment Forum (IHIF) was not only a great way to showcase the progress the Accor Group has made over the last couple of years and months, but also a welcome opportunity to be back in Germany's capital.' Lily Wecker, Development Director, Mandarin Oriental, 'Mandarin Oriental has been coming to IHIF since the beginning, we foster a lot of new relationships and focus on very much strengthening our existing partnerships.' IHIF EMEA 2026 will take place in Spring in Berlin. For more information about IHIF EMEA 2026, visit For IHIF EMEA 2026 sponsorship opportunities, click here. Stay connected with IHIF EMEA on X, LinkedIn and Instagram. About IHIF EMEA The International Hospitality Investment Forum EMEA (IHIF EMEA) is the premier event for hospitality investment professionals. By uniting influential hospitality leaders from Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, IHIF EMEA aims to shape the future of the hospitality industry with three-days of content, networking, insights and deal-making. IHIF EMEA 2026 takes place in Spring of 2026 at the InterContinental and Pullman hotels in Berlin. About QuestexQuestex helps people live better and longer. Questex brings people together in the markets that help people live better: hospitality and wellness; the industries that help people live longer: life science and healthcare; and the technologies that enable and fuel these new experiences. We live in the experience economy – connecting our ecosystem through live events, surrounded by data insights and digital communities. We deliver experience and real results. It happens here. Media ContactsKirsty McKennaIHIF EMEAkmckenna@ Meryl FranzmanIHIF EMEAmfranzman@ in to access your portfolio
