Latest news with #LisaSmart
Daily Mail
25-05-2025
- Daily Mail
Commuters left fuming at new 'bare beating' trend on public transport - but participants could soon be landed with a £1,000 fine
Commuters across the UK are venting their frustration over a strange new trend dubbed 'bare beating' - and it's driving people round the bend. The term refers to the increasingly common sight of passengers letting any noise from their phone reverberate around the carriage, rather than using headphones. If you are a regular on public transport you may have been a victim of another passenger playing music, voice notes or videos out loud - a phenomenon that's becoming increasingly popular. While many consider the noise pollution to be extremely rude, there is a chance it might soon be also breaking the law. The Liberal Democrats recently declared they are seeking to change the law to explicitly ban this type of behaviour on English public transport. The political party want to amend the Bus Services Bill which could impose an eye-watering £1,000 fine on the so-called 'headphone dodgers'. Speaking to The Independent, home affairs spokesman Lisa Smart said: 'Far too many people dread their daily commute because of the blight of antisocial behaviour - and headphone dodgers playing loud music on buses and trains are some of the worst offenders. 'Whether you're heading to work, taking your kids to school, or simply trying to enjoy a moment of peace, everyone deserves to feel safe and respected on public transport. 'Time and time again, I hear from people who say they feel too intimidated to speak up when someone is blasting music or other content from a phone or speaker. It's time to take a stand for the quiet majority who just want to get from A to B in peace.' Taking to Reddit, commuters have questioned why people do not buy headphones to listen to music in public. One post read: 'Idk [I don't know] about anyone else but this is getting so common it legitimately makes me depressed, beyond it being just really irritating. The social contract is long gone.' Another said: 'I feel genuine embarrassment if audio comes from my phone in public for 1 second. 'I cannot fathom how some people are so low inhibited that they make facetime calls on speaker phone, play music, or scroll through TikTok with their phones deliberately on full blast for everyone to hear.' Someone else added: 'I hate being inundated with the hyper-stimulating sounds of people flipping through [Instagram] reels/TikTok, especially when someone watches a video over and over and then they scroll a little before flipping back to that same video.' A fourth added: 'I've occasionally asked people to turn it off on London trains too when I've been feeling wretched. Most people seem legitimately surprised someone is talking to them.' A fifth added: 'It's absolutely infuriating. And as much as I'd love to make some kind of generalisation, there's just so many people doing it now. 'Young and old, male and female, people of all races. They have no concept that they might be bothering other people. 'I've started to tell them to turn it off, and so far it's gone well. I would have thought that someone willing to so blatantly break social norms would react unpredictably, but actually they genuinely don't seem to realise they're being annoying? 'Or they do but the desperate need for endless reels is stronger. If it was up to me they'd be pilloried.' The annoying trend comes off the back of a slightly less infuriating trend of 'raw-dogging'. Travelers on TikTok recently went viral for flying without consuming any type of entertainment, otherwise referred to as 'rawdogging' or 'barebacking' flights. Taken to extremes, some of the practitioners also claim not to have any food or drink for the duration of the journey, even on long-haul flights. The trend crossed over into mainstream conversations after a number of high-profile sportsmen 'rawdogged' flights, including Manchester City football superstar Erling Haaland. But experts say it is dangerous to a person's physical health, could even lead to death from deep vein thrombosis or dehydration, and that those who do it are 'idiots'. Haaland popularised the concept when he posted a photo of himself to social media in a business class seat on a plane, where he looked pale and almost robotic. 'Just raw dogged a 7 hour flight. No phone no sleep no water no food only map #easy,' the 24-year-old Norwegian wrote. But nutritionist Toby King said rawdogging could increase the risk of getting a blood clot which 'can break off and cause a blockage of the arteries in the lung, which is very serious and can cause death'. 'This is one of the most dangerous trends I have seen on social media in a while, and while it looks innocent and a bit of fun on the surface, this could have deadly consequences and I would urge people to use sense when travelling,' he told travel adventure site Inspire Ambitions. Dr Gill Jenkins, who works in air ambulance transfers, didn't pull her punches when describing those who rawdog flights, saying: 'They're idiots.' She said while avoiding the internet and social media on a flight could be a good 'digital detox ... all the rest of it is against medical advice'. 'The whole thing about the risk of long-haul flying is that you're at risk of dehydration,' she told the BBC.
Belfast Telegraph
14-05-2025
- Business
- Belfast Telegraph
MPs push for Russian asset seizures as Government targets tech and diamond trade
Introducing the Russia (Sanctions) (EU Exit) (Amendment) Regulations 2025, which MPs later agreed, Foreign Office minister Stephen Doughty described sanctions as 'a powerful tool in our armoury'. He told the Commons: 'We're working at pace with international partners to look at all lawful means to ensure that Russia pays for the horrific damage and destruction that it has done in Ukraine.' But Liberal Democrat home affairs spokeswoman Lisa Smart suggested the Government 'should consider moving on a unilateral basis' if ministers fail to strike an agreement with their counterparts overseas. The approved regulations introduce targeted software sanctions so individuals and companies must not transfer computer programmes to people in Russia. The restrictions apply to business and industrial design software, and oil and gas-related programmes and technology. They also ban UK importers from bringing in synthetic diamonds manufactured in Russia then altered or processed in a 'third country' – outside Russia, the UK and the Isle of Man. Mr Doughty said the Government was 'leading the way in targeting Russia's revenues, bearing down on its military-industrial complex and deterring and disrupting Iran's support to Russia'. He added: 'This instrument allows us to go even further in our efforts to target Russia's revenue streams and prevent the Kremlin from building its military and industrial capabilities, and it introduces a package of over 150 new trade sanctions. 'This includes new innovative measures that will prevent UK expertise from being used in Russia's defence and energy sectors.' Intervening, DUP MP for Strangford Jim Shannon asked whether the Government could pursue frozen Russian assets with 'a vengeance' and 'a zest – an evangelical zest'. He added: 'If we squeeze them on the frozen Russian assets, then we can use that for the benefit of Ukraine and indeed strengthen everyone on the side who supports Ukraine.' Liberal Democrat Europe spokesman James MacCleary later said the UK 'should begin the seizure, not just the freezing, of Russian state assets'. He replied 'absolutely' after Ms Smart asked him whether he agreed that if multilateral agreement 'can't be found, we should consider moving on a unilateral basis in a leadership role for the United Kingdom'. At the despatch box, Conservative shadow Foreign Office minister Wendy Morton told MPs: 'On these benches, we support the draft order and all measures that bear down on (Vladimir) Putin's regime and undermine his ability to prosecute the barbaric, illegal invasion of Ukraine. 'We support the further measures on technology transfers and software, on diamonds and chemicals, and the other measures to tighten both the import and export regime, and of course all of these are built on the critical mass of sanctions introduced by the Conservative government.' Referring to £2.5 billion generated from the sale of Chelsea FC in 2022, which was frozen as a result of sanctions on its former owner Roman Abramovich, Ms Morton asked the minister: 'When is his internal deadline for getting the proceeds from the sale of Chelsea Football Club out the door, and how exactly does he envisage the money being spent?' Mr Doughty said in his response: 'We are determined to see the proceeds reach humanitarian causes in Ukraine as soon as possible, and we're doing everything we can to bring that about quickly.' He described a 'complex legal issue' but added the Government was 'exploring all options to ensure the proceeds reach vulnerable people in Ukraine who are most in need'.
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
MPs push for Russian asset seizures as Government targets tech and diamond trade
Several MPs have suggested the Government should move beyond sanctions and seize Russian assets, as they approved new measures targeting the tech and diamond trades. Introducing the Russia (Sanctions) (EU Exit) (Amendment) Regulations 2025, which MPs later agreed, Foreign Office minister Stephen Doughty described sanctions as 'a powerful tool in our armoury'. He told the Commons: 'We're working at pace with international partners to look at all lawful means to ensure that Russia pays for the horrific damage and destruction that it has done in Ukraine.' But Liberal Democrat home affairs spokeswoman Lisa Smart suggested the Government 'should consider moving on a unilateral basis' if ministers fail to strike an agreement with their counterparts overseas. The approved regulations introduce targeted software sanctions so individuals and companies must not transfer computer programmes to people in Russia. The restrictions apply to business and industrial design software, and oil and gas-related programmes and technology. They also ban UK importers from bringing in synthetic diamonds manufactured in Russia then altered or processed in a 'third country' – outside Russia, the UK and the Isle of Man. Mr Doughty said the Government was 'leading the way in targeting Russia's revenues, bearing down on its military-industrial complex and deterring and disrupting Iran's support to Russia'. He added: 'This instrument allows us to go even further in our efforts to target Russia's revenue streams and prevent the Kremlin from building its military and industrial capabilities, and it introduces a package of over 150 new trade sanctions. 'This includes new innovative measures that will prevent UK expertise from being used in Russia's defence and energy sectors.' Intervening, DUP MP for Strangford Jim Shannon asked whether the Government could pursue frozen Russian assets with 'a vengeance' and 'a zest – an evangelical zest'. He added: 'If we squeeze them on the frozen Russian assets, then we can use that for the benefit of Ukraine and indeed strengthen everyone on the side who supports Ukraine.' Liberal Democrat Europe spokesman James MacCleary later said the UK 'should begin the seizure, not just the freezing, of Russian state assets'. He replied 'absolutely' after Ms Smart asked him whether he agreed that if multilateral agreement 'can't be found, we should consider moving on a unilateral basis in a leadership role for the United Kingdom'. At the despatch box, Conservative shadow Foreign Office minister Wendy Morton told MPs: 'On these benches, we support the draft order and all measures that bear down on (Vladimir) Putin's regime and undermine his ability to prosecute the barbaric, illegal invasion of Ukraine. 'We support the further measures on technology transfers and software, on diamonds and chemicals, and the other measures to tighten both the import and export regime, and of course all of these are built on the critical mass of sanctions introduced by the Conservative government.' Referring to £2.5 billion generated from the sale of Chelsea FC in 2022, which was frozen as a result of sanctions on its former owner Roman Abramovich, Ms Morton asked the minister: 'When is his internal deadline for getting the proceeds from the sale of Chelsea Football Club out the door, and how exactly does he envisage the money being spent?' Mr Doughty said in his response: 'We are determined to see the proceeds reach humanitarian causes in Ukraine as soon as possible, and we're doing everything we can to bring that about quickly.' He described a 'complex legal issue' but added the Government was 'exploring all options to ensure the proceeds reach vulnerable people in Ukraine who are most in need'.
Daily Mirror
24-04-2025
- Politics
- Daily Mirror
Have your say: Should passengers who play music out loud get £1,000 fines?
The Lib Dems have led calls for fines up to £1,000 for 'headphone dodgers' on public transport, arguing that they disturb the peace of other commuters and that something needs to be done It's 7am on a Monday morning, you've had to wake up at the crack of dawn, get ready, and head in to work on a transport system that's (literally) bursting with people at all times, but especially at that time. All you want is to achieve a state of zen as you put yourself through a cumbersome commute. Instead, what you get is an impossibly loud TikTok video being played at a dolphin-like frequency from the person sitting (or squished real tight) next to you. If you're one of the many, many individuals who have been disturbed by blaring music and noise from people's phones while using public transport, then the Liberal Democrats believe they may have just the solution to your woes. The party is pushing for a crackdown on the nuisance of individuals blasting music on public transport, suggesting penalties of up to £1,000 for rule breakers. Do you agree with the call for £1,000 fines on annoying public transport passengers? Take our poll and have your say. READ MORE: Politicians float £1000 fines for 'headphone dodgers' who make others dread public transport Sir Ed Davey's party is aiming to modify the Bus Services Bill, currently being reviewed in the House of Lords, to ban the playing of music and videos from mobile phones on public transport across England. They propose that this alteration could be enforced using existing railway byelaws, which already prohibit actions such as littering, spitting, and using offensive language. The political party contends that local authorities could impose similar rules on buses by bolstering current antisocial behaviour laws. Under their proposed amendments, anyone found violating the ban could face a hefty fine of up to £1,000. Lisa Smart, the Lib Dems' spokesperson for home affairs, said that antisocial behaviour makes people "dread their daily commute" and highlighted that "headphone dodgers playing loud music on buses and trains are some of the worst offenders." She added: "Whether you're heading to work, taking your kids to school, or simply trying to enjoy a moment of peace, everyone deserves to feel safe and respected on public transport." Smart also emphasised: "Time and time again, I hear from people who say they feel too intimidated to speak up when someone is blasting music or other content from a phone or speaker." The Lib Dems are cracking down on inconsiderate folk who blast their tunes way too loud in public spaces, suggesting a hefty fine could be slapped on offenders to the tune of £1,000. They're rallying for the "quiet majority," with their spokesperson stating: "It's time to take a stand for the quiet majority who just want to get from A to B in peace." And it's true. People have generally started being less considerate towards others, with incidents of rudeness increasing worldwide over the past few years. A 2022 study revealed that 76% of individuals encounter rudeness at least once a month, a significant rise from 55% a decade ago. According to research by Monash political scientists Dr Steven Zech and Dr Matteo Bonotti, societal incivility has been incrementally increasing, particularly following "global stressful events" such as the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2016 Brexit referendum, and the 2008 financial crash — all of which had far-reaching consequences that can be felt even today. Professor Lucas Walsh, director of Monash's Centre for Youth Policy and Education Practice, even suggests that specific events are not the sole cause of this trend. He attributes the rise in rudeness to the shifting nature of society, which has become more diverse and individualized, making it challenging for people to share common values and a mutual understanding of the greater good, leading to increased friction among individuals. Labour's Gareth Bacon hasn't been shy about sharing his two cents either. The Shadow Transport Secretary said: "Everyone deserves to travel in peace. Playing loud music on public transport may seem like a small thing, but it speaks towards a growing tolerance of antisocial behaviour that chips away at public civility."
Daily Mirror
24-04-2025
- Politics
- Daily Mirror
Politicians float £1000 fines for 'headphone dodgers' who make others dread public transport
The Lib Dems are looking to amend the Bus Services Bill going through the House of Lords to make it illegal to play music out loud on public transport in England The Liberal Democrats are calling for a ban on the scourge of people playing music out loud on public transport, proposing fines of up to £1,000 for those who flout the rules. Sir Ed Davey's party is seeking to amend the Bus Services Bill, currently under consideration in the House of Lords, to prohibit the playing of music and videos from mobile phones on public transport across England. They suggest that this change could be implemented using existing railway byelaws, which already outlaw behaviours such as littering, spitting, and using offensive language. The Lib Dems argue that local authorities could enforce similar rules on buses by strengthening current antisocial behaviour laws. Under their proposed changes, anyone found breaching the ban could face a hefty fine of up to £1,000. Lisa Smart, the Lib Dems' spokesperson for home affairs, said that antisocial behaviour makes people "dread their daily commute" and pointed out that "headphone dodgers playing loud music on buses and trains are some of the worst offenders." She continued: "Whether you're heading to work, taking your kids to school, or simply trying to enjoy a moment of peace, everyone deserves to feel safe and respected on public transport." Smart also highlighted: "Time and time again, I hear from people who say they feel too intimidated to speak up when someone is blasting music or other content from a phone or speaker." The Liberal Democrats are advocating for stringent measures against individuals who display blatant disregard for others by blasting loud music in shared spaces, including imposing fines of up to £1,000. They said: "It's time to take a stand for the quiet majority who just want to get from A to B in peace." According to a Home Office source, officials have been instructed to work swiftly to determine the most effective way to utilise fines in tackling antisocial behaviour. They stated: "Under the Tories, on-the-spot fines for antisocial behaviour fell into practical disuse from the record levels set under the last Labour government. "There is now work to be done to understand how and where these kind of fines can be most useful and the Home Secretary has instructed her officials to carry out this analysis at pace, so that we can give the police the fullest range of powers possible to take effective action against anti-social behaviour, whatever form it takes and wherever it occurs." Shadow transport secretary Gareth Bacon echoed the sentiment, saying: "Everyone deserves to travel in peace. Playing loud music on public transport may seem like a small thing, but it speaks towards a growing tolerance of antisocial behaviour that chips away at public civility."
