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The Irish Sun
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Brit Miss World contestant flees host nation after ‘being made to feel like prostitute' as she slams ‘outdated' show
MISS England has quit the Miss World beauty pageant because she felt organisers were exploiting her. 6 Milla in Hyderabad in India before quitting the contest Credit: Neil Hope 6 Surfing fan Milla with her Miss England crown Credit: Neil Hope 6 The beauty queen on a CPR campaign with Prince William Credit: Supplied Milla, 24, the first Miss England to quit in the contest's 74 years, said: 'I went there to make a difference but we had to sit like performing monkeys.' The lifeguard, of Newquay, Cornwall, added: 'It's stuck in the past. Morally I couldn't be a part of it.' Devastated Milla says she 'felt like a prostitute' and was 'farmed out for entertainment' by Miss World organisers. Milla said she decided to take a stand after being paraded in front of wealthy male sponsors. Read More on World News She branded the show 'outdated' and said some of the 109 finalists were berated for being 'boring'. Her May 16 exit — the first by a Miss England in the pageant's 74 years — was put down to 'personal reasons' earlier this week. But in an exclusive interview with The Sun, Milla — whose campaigning has been supported by Prince William — said: 'The point was to do good, promote change and make a difference. 'But it became obvious that just wasn't going to happen. Most read in The Sun 'As far as I could see it hasn't changed and is stuck in the past. Morally, I couldn't be a part of it. 'All the crowns and sashes in the world mean nothing compared to using your voice and making a difference in the world.' Milla Magee the first plus size winner of Miss England Milla flew to Hyderabad, India, on May 7 for publicity events for the final but quickly realised she was only there to be ogled. Contenders were told to wear make-up 24/7 and ball gowns all day, including at breakfast. Milla said the final straw came when they were told to entertain middle-aged men as a 'thank you' for money they put into the show. She revealed: 'There were two girls to each table of six guests. 'We were expected to sit with them for the whole evening and entertain them as a thank you. 'I found that unbelievable. I remember thinking, 'This is so wrong'. I didn't come here to be farmed out for people's entertainment. Miss World is supposed to have the same values, but it's outdated and stuck in the past. They made me feel like a prostitute.' Milla added: 'At one point I tried to talk about the causes I was supporting but it was obvious the men at the table were not interested. Instead there was weird small-talk that left me feeling uncomfortable. 'I went out to make a difference, to help create a different future, perhaps inspire young people. Never in a million years did I expect to find myself in that situation. We were there to please these people and sit like performing monkeys. I couldn't stand it.' She says one official gave them a dressing down for being 'boring' after an event. Milla added: 'She clapped her hands right in my face to get my attention and as a signal for people to listen to her. 'It was so disrespectful, like she was addressing children rather than a coach full of adult women. 'It was a small incident but it showed what they really thought of us and how little respect we were being treated with.' 6 Milla talks to India media as part of her finalist duties Credit: Neil Hope 6 Milla said: 'I felt pressure to conform and it was made clear if I didn't then I wasn't going to win or get far' Credit: Supplied 6 Milla's place in the final will now be taken by Miss England runner-up Charlotte Grant Credit: SWNS Milla rang home in tears and told her mum she and other contestants were being exploited. On May 16 she told organisers she was standing down and flew home to Newquay, Cornwall. Milla's place in the final will now be taken by Miss England runner-up Charlotte Grant, 25, the current Miss Liverpool. The live-streamed final will air in over 180 countries next Saturday. Milla, a lifeguard and keen surfer, had been thrilled to win Miss England last May and was our first plus-size Miss World entrant. She used her status to launch her Go Far With CPR campaign, backed by the Prince of Wales. Milla added: 'As Miss England I was told the role would be 'beauty with a purpose' — and it was. I've campaigned for the causes I am passionate about, and have a voice as any modern woman would expect. 'But (Miss World) is simply about the way you look and present yourself. 'As far as I could see it hasn't changed from the 1960s and '70s.' Milla said finalists were endlessly displayed in dresses only suitable for the Oscars. She said: 'I felt pressure to conform and it was made clear if I didn't then I wasn't going to win or get far. But after a short while I just thought, 'this is ridiculous' and started going out without any make-up and wearing appropriate clothes that you would actually wear to have breakfast. 'I couldn't take it any more. Miss World needs to change.' Angie Beasley, director of Miss England, said this week: 'We regret to announce that Milla Magee has returned home to the UK due to personal reasons. 'We stand fully by her decision - health must always come first.'
Scottish Sun
07-05-2025
- Business
- Scottish Sun
Woke red tape stops British armoured vehicle-maker raising funds in the City
A BRITISH firm behind an in-demand armoured military vehicle dubbed 'The Jackal' is urging ministers to clear away red tape so the business can thrive. Devon-based Supacat says it is 'fighting a bit of a battle' to access finance — despite the popularity of the 7.6-ton bruiser which can tackle the roughest, bumpiest terrain. Advertisement 5 The Jackal, which Sun Business Editor Ashley Armstrong took for a spin Credit: Neil Hope 5 The Sun's Ashley at Supacat, which exports worldwide, making around £40million a year Credit: Neil Hope 5 Supacat is shunned by some investors, who consider defence firms unethical Credit: Neil Hope The Jackal, which Sun Business Editor Ashley Armstrong took for a spin, can carry 2.1 tons of cargo, such as missile launchers, medical supplies and drone killers. Supacat — which exports worldwide, making around £40million a year — recently won a new contract from the British Army. But it is shunned by some investors, who consider defence firms unethical as they do not have 'B Corp' status. CEO Nick Ames said the defence industry has not been 'top of the popularity tree' for more than a decade. Advertisement READ MORE BUSINESS NEWS WAT A MOVE Anthony Joshua in talks over 'serious investment' in ex-Premier League club And he said Supacat was unlikely to list in London to raise funds. He added: 'The City has for years said we, 'Don't do that sort of thing'. You'd like to see a lot more activity and liquidity on the AIM (Alternative Investment Market). You're more liquid as a business.' 5 CEO Nick Ames said the defence industry has not been 'top of the popularity tree' Credit: Neil Hope With global politics becoming increasingly fragile, the Government plans to increase military spending to 2.5 per cent of GDP within two years. Advertisement Chancellor Rachel Reeves and Defence Secretary John Healey have pledged to give more of the Ministry of Defence budget to smaller British companies, such as Supacat. The firm, which employs 250, is known to many because Jeremy Clarkson uses one of its ex-Army six-wheelers to get around his Diddly Squat farm. Phil Applegarth, head of Supacat, said: 'For the first time in our lives defence spending, which has always been cut, is rising. Keir Starmer must hike UK defence spending soon to have any credibility & ditching woke nonsense can help fund it 'To get in on this ride up we need skilled people, enthusiastic people who aren't frightened to go and join defence firms rather than be shoe-horned into B Corp. Advertisement 'There is a real sense of pride in working on what we do. We're making something that is vital. It's keeping our forces safe.' He added: 'We need to build up capability now to be the deterrent that prevents a potential war.' Mr Applegarth said the defence industry was waiting for the Government to outline its Strategic Defence Review, which is delaying investment. He added: 'There seems to be a desire to wait rather than keep going and then change. Advertisement 'You're hearing a lot of top-level speeches saying, 'Prepare, prepare' but the best we could have is longer-term contracts. The longer it is, the more we can invest in resources and skills. 'The current spiky ordering doesn't help as we have to keep getting fresh prices from the supply chain — switching the supply chain on and off rather than keeping it warm and running.' BAE TO RECRUIT 2,400 WORKERS DEFENCE giant BAE wants to hire 2,400 apprentices, graduates and undergrads this year as it gears up to meet soaring demand. It has also shrugged off the threat of President Donald Trump's tariffs, insisting it builds systems for the US Department of Defense in its US factories with a domestic supply chain. BAE said yesterday it expected to grow sales by up to 9 per cent and earnings 10 per cent as it wins more contracts for combat aircraft and vehicles, missile systems, artillery, sensor technology and drones. WIND AXE BLOW FOR GREEN ED 5 Energy Secretary Ed Miliband's wants to quadruple the number of offshore wind farms by 2030 Credit: Getty THE Government's Clean Power push looks increasingly far-fetched after a Danish firm axed a major offshore wind project, blaming higher costs. Advertisement Orsted said it will not go ahead with its Hornsea project, where 180 wind turbines off the Yorkshire coast were to power millions of homes. It is a blow to Energy Secretary Ed Miliband's desire to quadruple the number of offshore wind farms by 2030. Orsted's chief exec Rasmus Errboe said that the project was unlikely to provide value for money because of 'increased supply chain costs, higher interest rates and increased execution risk'. Andy Mayer, analyst at the Institute of Economic Affairs, said: 'It is a reminder of the folly of legally binding climate targets. Advertisement "The Government's plan to decarbonise the power grid by 2030 denies real trade-offs between lower emissions, energy security and affordability.'
Scottish Sun
25-04-2025
- Business
- Scottish Sun
Popular seaside town dubbed the ‘English Riviera' is home to the UK's best fish and chips shop
A POPULAR seaside town, known as the 'English Riviera', is home to the UK's best fish and chips shop. Pier Point in Torquay, Devon, has been named as the national fish and chip shop of the year. Advertisement 7 Pier Point Chippy in Torquay, Devon, was named the national fish and chip shop of the year. Credit: Pier Point 7 The chip shop is located close to the town's marina, near the far left end Credit: Neil Hope 7 In the opposite direction to the marina, there is a sprawling beach Credit: Alamy Located at Pier Point Bar and Restaurant close to Torquay marina, the Pier Point fish and chip shop gained the award at the Fishermen's Mission Awards. The Fisherman's Mission is a charity which fights poverty in UK fishing communities by providing support to fishermen and their families. The winning Devon spot offers a smaller menu to ensure each portion of fish and chips served is quality. In addition, the chippy is committed to using fish from sustainable resources. Advertisement In fact, all of the fish sold at Pier Point Chippy, including cod, haddock and plaice, is MSC certified - which means it comes from well-managed, sustainable fisheries. Classics at the chippy include cod for £10.60, lighter bite code for £7.40, haddock for £10.60, battered fillet of hake for £9.80 and an ultimate fish sarnie with cod, served in a brioche bun with homemade tartar sauce for £8.60. The eatery also has a number of specials including salt and pepper squid for £7.60 and battered tiger prawns for £8.25. They also serve a couple of veggie and vegan options. Advertisement Owner Lorraine Arnold told Torbay Today: "It was a complete surprise and humbling. It's because we were nominated by them. They decided. It was from the country. "This one is special, sweet. It is a lovely recognition for myself and the team and for all the money we have raised." The Trelawney Hotel in Torquay, Devon is among the chepeates places to stay in the UK, as rated by Tripadvisor Lorraine added that the recognition is also about giving back to the community. Nearby, over in Brixham, south Devon and west country fish restaurant chain Rockfish were also handed the Outstanding Achievement Award. Advertisement Both Pier Point and Rockfish have raised thousands for the Fisherman's Mission charity in recent years too. Pier Point Chippy is located in the bustling town of Torquay, which sits on the English Riviera. A few steps from the chippy is a pier and marina, home to a boat brokerage, boat sales, jet ski rides, a coastal RIB 'seafari' and a number of restaurants and bars. In the opposite direction, visitors will find a long stretching sandy beach set just off a road with plenty of parking. Advertisement 7 The chippy has been commended for also supporting the Fisherman's Mission charity Credit: Google maps 7 Pier Point Chippy serves a range of different fish including cod, haddock and plaice Credit: Pier Point Also, on the other side of the road is an open park area, where families can retreat to when the tide comes in. Holidaymakers looking to make the most of the region's seafood scene should head to Torquay between September 26 and October 12 for England's Seafood Feast. Advertisement Across two weeks, the English Riviera celebrates local seafood with over 40 species featured. The celebration includes tasting menus and seafood-inspired events from chefs. The Sun's Lisa Minot recently visited the English Riviera and tested out some of its food spots. Plus, this map reveals Britain's best fish and chip shops where you can pick up an award-winning supper for as little as £1.80. Advertisement 7 Rockfish in Brixham, also nearby, was also commended Credit: Getty
The Irish Sun
25-04-2025
- Business
- The Irish Sun
Popular seaside town dubbed the ‘English Riviera' is home to the UK's best fish and chips shop
A POPULAR seaside town, known as the 'English Riviera', is home to the UK's best fish and chips shop. Pier Point in Torquay, Devon, has been named as the national fish and chip shop of the year. 7 Pier Point Chippy in Torquay, Devon, was named the national fish and chip shop of the year. Credit: Pier Point 7 The chip shop is located close to the town's marina, near the far left end Credit: Neil Hope 7 In the opposite direction to the marina, there is a sprawling beach Credit: Alamy Located at Pier Point Bar and Restaurant close to Torquay marina, the Pier Point fish and chip shop gained the award at the Fishermen's Mission Awards. The Fisherman's Mission is a charity which fights poverty in UK fishing communities by providing support to fishermen and their families. The winning Devon spot offers a smaller menu to ensure each portion of fish and chips served is quality. In addition, the chippy is committed to using fish from sustainable resources. In fact, all of the fish sold at Pier Point Chippy, including cod, haddock and plaice, is MSC certified - which means it comes from well-managed, sustainable fisheries. Classics at the chippy include cod for £10.60, lighter bite code for £7.40, haddock for £10.60, battered fillet of hake for £9.80 and an ultimate fish sarnie with cod, served in a brioche bun with homemade tartar sauce for £8.60. The eatery also has a number of specials including salt and pepper squid for £7.60 and battered tiger prawns for £8.25. They also serve a couple of veggie and vegan options. Most read in News Travel Owner Lorraine Arnold told "This one is special, sweet. It is a lovely recognition for myself and the team and for all the money we have raised." The Trelawney Hotel in Torquay, Devon is among the chepeates places to stay in the UK, as rated by Tripadvisor Lorraine added that the recognition is also about giving back to the community. Nearby, over in Both Pier Point and Rockfish have raised thousands for the Fisherman's Mission charity in recent years too. Pier Point Chippy is located in the bustling town of Torquay, which sits on the A few steps from the chippy is a pier and marina, home to a boat brokerage, boat sales, jet ski rides, a coastal RIB 'seafari' and a number of restaurants and bars. In the opposite direction, visitors will find a long stretching sandy beach set just off a road with plenty of parking. 7 The chippy has been commended for also supporting the Fisherman's Mission charity Credit: Google maps 7 Pier Point Chippy serves a range of different fish including cod, haddock and plaice Credit: Pier Point Also, on the other side of the road is an Holidaymakers looking to make the most of the region's seafood scene should head to Torquay between September 26 and October 12 for England's Seafood Feast. Across two weeks, the English Riviera celebrates The celebration includes tasting menus and seafood-inspired events from chefs. Read more on the Irish Sun The Sun's Plus, this map reveals Britain's best fish and chip shops where you can pick up an award-winning supper for as little as £1.80. 7 Rockfish in Brixham, also nearby, was also commended Credit: Getty 7 Both Brixham and Torquay sit on the south west coast of England Credit: Alamy
Scottish Sun
22-04-2025
- Climate
- Scottish Sun
Thousands of Brits to get £200 payout after burst pipe sparked huge water outage
WATER MESS Thousands of Brits to get £200 payout after burst pipe sparked huge water outage THOUSANDS of Brits are set to receive £200 compensation after a burst water main left homes and businesses without water for days. South West Water (SWW) will give a £200 credit to all affected households after water outages hit around 13,000 properties across Devon, Plymouth, Tavistock, Torquay, and nearby areas from Sunday to midweek. Advertisement 5 The UK Health Security Agency has confirmed 22 cases of a diarrhoea-type illness caused by the waterborne parasite cryptosporidium Credit: Neil Hope 5 The chaos hit areas across Plymouth,Tavistock and Torquay Credit: Getty 5 Locals had been falling ill for over a week before South-West Water issued a tap water alert, suggesting that water was boiled before being drank Credit: Neil Hope The disruption began when a major water main burst, causing widespread outages. South West Water (SWW) said supplies were expected to return by Wednesday, and as of early Tuesday, engineers were still working non-stop to repair the damage and safely refill the network. Business customers will be offered tailored compensation packages, depending on the extent of their losses. They will also receive £100 for every 12 hours without supply and can apply for additional compensation. Advertisement Fred Thomas, Labour MP for Plymouth Moor View, pressed SWW for action, calling the situation "unacceptable." And said in a series of posts on X that all water supply would return "first thing" on Wednesday morning. He said he had spoken directly with SWW chief executive Susan Davy to demand a clear timeline and fair compensation. 'I'm pleased they've agreed to a £200 credit for households,' said Mr Thomas. Advertisement 'Businesses can reach out to me directly for help with compensation claims.' SWW's Managing Director of Water Services, David Harris, apologised to customers, acknowledging the frustration caused. 'This is a tricky task,' he said. 'We're refilling hundreds of miles of pipes and clearing air pockets carefully to avoid further issues. Advertisement "We didn't plan this and we're very sorry.' The company also confirmed that bottled water stations were set up in key locations including The George Park and Ride, Bere Alston Bowling Club, Knightstone Tearooms in Yelverton, and Morrisons in Tavistock. Schools, universities, and leisure centres were among the worst affected. Horrabridge Primary and Nursery School closed after struggling to get updates from SWW, while Nuffield Health Devonshire in Plymouth and Plymouth Marjon University also temporarily shut down. Sir Geoffrey Cox, MP for Tavistock, called for faster support for vulnerable residents and criticised what he described as a 'worrying pattern of poor service' from SWW. Advertisement Local mum-of-three Morwenna Roesner from Tavistock said her family was without water for more than 36 hours. 'It's frustrating not being able to do basic things like dishes or shower, but staying hydrated is the most important thing, especially for people on medication,' she said. SWW reiterated its commitment to fair compensation, describing the payments as a "gesture of goodwill" to make amends for the disruption. 5 Water supplies started returning early Wednesday morning after engineers worked round the clock to repair the burst pipe Credit: Alamy Advertisement
