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UK MPs Urged to Reject Freebies from Tobacco, Alcohol, and Junk Food Firms Amid Public Health Concerns

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UK MPs Urged to Reject Freebies from Tobacco, Alcohol, and Junk Food Firms Amid Public Health Concerns

UK MPs are being encouraged to cease taking complimentary tickets to sporting and cultural events from tobacco, alcohol, and junk food companies, as their goods cause so much illness and death.

More than 100 health organisations are pushing British MPs to refuse offers of gifts and hospitality from “unhealthy products industries” because they employ a variety of deceptive strategies to conceal the harm they cause in order to safeguard their sales.

The coalition of physicians’ associations, health charities, and children’s organisations has challenged Keir Starmer to follow through on his vow to restore integrity to public life by prohibiting such corporations from lobbying MPs with gifts that could expose them to conflicts of interest.

The prime minister announced plans to limit smoking in public spaces, including pubs, restaurants, and footpaths, to address the UK’s rising illness rate and support the NHS.

Prof Sir Ian Gilmore, chair of the Alcohol Health Alliance (AHA), stated: “Alcohol, tobacco, and poor eating are the three leading causes of death in our country, with alcohol alone taking 10,000 lives in 2022 – the worst on record.

“MPs are expected to make decisions based on the best interests of their constituents, but we know that lobbying tactics such as receiving gifts and benefits from these industries can lead to a conflict of interest and impartiality being compromised.”

The AHA, the Obesity Health Alliance (OHA), and Action on Smoking and Health (Ash) have released a new joint report outlining the “killer tactics” used by the three industries to gain political clout and thwart efforts to improve public health by cracking down on smoking, drinking, and poor diet.

They claim that tactics “to cultivate allies” include downplaying the harm their products cause, using legal threats to delay policies aimed at reducing that damage, such as plain cigarette packaging and minimum unit pricing of alcohol, distorting scientific evidence, using front groups to advance their arguments, and providing MPs with gifts, benefits, and hospitality.

“While in many cases MPs may perceive there to be little harm in accepting a ticket for a sporting event or passing on a concert ticket to a staff member, there is no such thing as a free lunch,” according to the paper.

“Businesses spend money because they feel it will benefit their financial interests. [However], it can create the appearance of a conflict of interest when MPs amend and vote on legislation that affects these corporations.” To promote transparency, MPs must declare any gifts worth more than £300.

Report Supported by Over 100 UK Health Organizations, Including Major Charities and Public Health Experts

The report’s 100-plus sponsors include the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges, health charities such as Cancer Research UK and the British Heart Foundation, and public health experts such as the Faculty of Public Health.

Thérèse Coffey, then a Conservative MP, revealed in the members’ register of interests in August 2022 that she had taken a £922.80 ticket and hospitality from the pub and beer business Greene King for Lord’s Cricket Ground in London.

Coffey, a long-time opponent of “nanny state” measures, was appointed health secretary in Liz Truss’ short-lived cabinet three weeks later, and she resisted several plans to promote public health.

Earlier this year, Giles Watling, the Tory MP for Clacton, disclosed hospitality worth £351.02 from Japanese Tobacco International. In May, he proposed revisions to the tobacco and vapes bill that would limit the proposed prohibition on cigarette purchases to people under the age of 21, rather than everyone born on or after January 1, 2009.

In a rare political intervention, the Budweiser Brewing Group paid £9,000 to sponsor a fundraising event for Labour general election candidates, including four who won on July 4th – Sarah Hall, Jo Platt, Elsie Blundell, and Kirith Entwistle.

Arden Strategies, a lobbying firm founded by former Labour minister Jim Murphy, planned and funded the event, which was attended by Lucy Powell, the House of Commons leader, who is now responsible for MPs’ conduct standards. Powell declined to comment on her presence at the Budweiser-sponsored event or have an opinion on the health groups’ ideas.

Diageo, which makes products including Johnnie Walker, has arranged dinners for MPs, including whisky tastings, while Heineken paid for tickets and hospitality for Liberal Democrat MP Christine Jardine and now-former Tory MP James Daly to attend a Six Nations rugby match.

KFC has asked Labour MPs and councillors to sample some of its “delicious, healthy” food, including salad boxes, twister wraps, and rice boxes, at one of its Liverpool outlets during the party’s annual conference next month. Those who go will be able to speak with the fast food company’s dietitian about how they are making their products healthier.

Wes Streeting, the health minister, has chastised KFC for employing legal techniques to dispute 45 local councils’ efforts to limit the number of fast food restaurants opening in their region.

Katharine Jenner, the OHA’s director, stated that successive administrations’ inability to reduce the prevalence of unhealthy food and drink in order to address the growing crisis of individuals who are dangerously overweight has contributed to an increase in obesity, heart disease, cancer, and type 2 diabetes rates.

The OHA, AHA, and Ash also say that a “gap in regulation” permits MPs to take gifts worth less than £300, such as chocolate and gifts during site visits, and that “unhealthy product industries” can sponsor events in parliament.

According to YouGov polling, vast majorities of people want the government to be free of the influence of the tobacco (78%), alcohol (71%), and food and drink (71%), industries when developing health policy.

Matt Lambert, CEO of the Portman association, an alcohol trade association, believes drink companies should be entitled to meet with MPs.

The Portman Group does not comment on corporate hospitality rules for public representatives, as this is a subject for parliamentary authorities.

However, it is critical for parliamentarians to be able to listen to a variety of opposing viewpoints, and we reject the narrow-minded principle of excluding alcohol producers from discussions where they have much to contribute, such as responsible marketing and encouraging moderate consumption of their products.”

The Food and Beverage Federation declined to respond.

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‘Fake Heiress’ Anna Sorokin Debuts On ‘Dancing With The Stars’ — With A Sparkly Ankle Monitor

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Los Angeles — Anna Sorokin, a convicted con artist, appeared on “Dancing With the Stars” with a featherweight — and extremely glittery — ankle monitor.

The so-called ‘fake heiress,’ who was convicted of swindling banks, hotels, and friends in 2019 after fraudulently claiming to be a wealthy German heiress named Anna Delvey, debuted the ballroom-worthy ankle monitor during the launch of “Dancing With the Stars'” new season Tuesday night.

“It’s not a huge deal at all. It’s quite light, and I asked them to tighten it so it doesn’t droop. So it’s not too horrible,” she told The Associated Press following the premiere. She and professional dancer Ezra Sosa performed a routine to Sabrina Carpenter’s “Espresso.”

sorokin

‘Fake Heiress’ Anna Sorokin Debuts On ‘Dancing With The Stars’ — With A Sparkly Ankle Monitor

“It’s the real star of the show, let’s be honest here,” Sosa said of Sorokin’s glittering ankle monitor.

“I think it’s kind of funny how people like — it’s not like an ankle weight,” Sosa told reporters. “It’s not like twenty pounds. It’s literally less than a pound, so it’s no big issue.”

Sorokin recognized that her debut did not go as expected.

“I feel relieved that it’s over,” she stated. “I feel like my dance could have been a little bit better, but I’m happy I’ve done this and it was a great experience all over.”

Sorokin expressed optimism that viewers will be forgiving despite her criminal history.

“Hopefully, people will give me a chance to demonstrate what I can do. “And I served my sentence and paid my restitution,” she claimed.

sorokin

‘Fake Heiress’ Anna Sorokin Debuts On ‘Dancing With The Stars’ — With A Sparkly Ankle Monitor

Early fan reactions were negative, with the phrase “Anna Delvey’s Lacklustre DWTS Debut” trending on social media site X.

She was released from prison in February 2021, but immigration authorities apprehended her immediately after, stating she had overstayed her visa and needed to be repatriated to her native Germany. The “Inventing Anna” inspiration was in ICE custody for more than a year before a judge paved the way for her to be transferred to house confinement in October 2022 while fighting deportation.

Her parole conditions had to be modified to allow her to travel from New York to Los Angeles for filming.

SOURCE | AP

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Wojnarowski, ’91, Steps Down as ESPN General Manager to Join Bonnie’s Basketball Program

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(VOR News) – Adrian Wojnarowski is leaving journalism to become St. Bonaventure men’s basketball general manager.

“I am delighted and honoured to be back at St. Bonaventure University, and the chance to contribute to Coach Mark Schmidt and our prestigious Atlantic 10 men’s basketball program,” Wojnarowski said.

“During these dynamic eras of collegiate athletics, I am excited about becoming part of a championship program that integrates elite basketball, widespread television visibility, professional training, and future-oriented learning opportunities inside a close-knit and nurturing educational setting.”

Wojnarowski will help the coaching staff recruit, engage with families and alumni players, raise money for professional player programs, coordinate collective efforts, run the transfer portal, and capitalise on NIL opportunities as general manager.

Since 2022, some mid-major and power conference schools have hired general managers, especially for men’s basketball and football, to keep up with the fast-changing collegiate sports market.

The director of basketball operations wanted to share NBA success stories and new ideas with the community. The director also stressed the importance of global possibilities for our players in athletics and in life.

Vice President and Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Bob Beretta called Wojnarowski’s selection a “incredible opportunity” for the university, men’s basketball, and athletics.

“Amidst significant upheaval in the intercollegiate athletics industry, we are conclusively demonstrating that St. Bonaventure remains at the vanguard of transformation,” he said. “This is an audacious decision that is in line with our institutional objectives to sustain and thrive.”

Beretta believes Wojnarowski’s global basketball network will aid the endeavour.

Woj understands St. Bonaventure and Franciscan ideals, the president stated, in addition to his extensive professional and intercollegiate basketball network.

“The willingness of the most accomplished journalist in his profession to relinquish a lucrative media career in order to provide support to his alma mater is a clear indication of his deep affection and great enthusiasm for Bonaventure.”

Schmidt called Wojnarowski’s hire a “home run.”

“Recruiting and retention in the new NIL college basketball landscape are crucial,” said Schmidt, the school’s most successful men’s basketball coach. “Woj is as connected as anyone in the basketball world and his decades-long network of relationships can only help our program remain among the top teams in the Atlantic 10 going forward.”

Wojnarowski plans to leave his lucrative ESPN position in 2022 to support the university that changed his life. The Jandoli School of Communication and Basketball has received funding from him and his 92-year-old wife Amy.

“I express my gratitude to President (Jeff) Gingerich, Bob Beretta, Coach Schmidt, and the collective St. Bonaventure community for extending a warm reception to my wife, Amy, and myself as we reintegrate into the campus community in a new capacity,” he stated. “The university’s stunning campus immediately enthralled us as undergraduate students.” I’m ready to work.

Today on ESPN on X, 1991 graduate Wojnarowski retired.

“While this craft has had a profound impact on my life, I have made the decision to retire from ESPN and the news industry,” he stated. “While I acknowledge the commitment inherent in my work, my level of motivation has diminished compared to my previous state.” The objective is to optimise the use of my finite time.

Wojnarowski edited Yahoo Sports’ Vertical for two years before joining ESPN in 2017. In nearly ten years at The Record of New Jersey, he won two APSE Columnist of the Year awards. He worked for the Waterbury Republican-American and the Fresno Bee for years.

The National Sports Media Association awarded Wojnarowski the Peer Recognition Award for National Sportswriter of the Year in 2017, 2018, and 2019. Red Smith, Jim Murray, Frank Deford, Rick Reilly, Bob Ryan, and Tom Verducci have won this competition three years running.

Wojnarowski wrote “The Miracle of St. Anthony: A Season with Coach Bob Hurley and Basketball’s Most Improbable Dynasty,” a New York Times bestseller.

Wojnarowski received an honorary degree in 2022, spoke at the university’s graduation ceremony, and was named Jandoli School Alumnus of the Year for 2019. His name was also on the school’s Wall of Distinguished Graduates.

Amy and Adrian’s return to Bonaventure will be commemorated with a news conference on Wednesday, September 25, at 4:00 p.m. in the Quick Centre for the Arts theatre. Residents of the university can attend.

SOURCE: BONNIES

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The Bank of England is Largely Expected to Keep Interest Rates Unchanged as Long as Inflation Exceeds its Target.

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Bank of England

(VOR News) – The Bank of England will probably keep interest rates at the same level on Thursday after official data showed that inflation in the UK remained steady in August at an annual rate of 2.2%.

This occurs one day following the official release of the numbers. This is because the higher cost of flying was somewhat offset by decreased petrol prices as well as cheaper costs for lodging and dining.

Additionally, the Bank of England is expected to maintain interest rates.

The cost of borrowing money increased dramatically by central banks worldwide from near zero during the Coronavirus outbreak, as a result of rising supply chain concerns and Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, which increased Bank of England energy costs, when prices started to soar.

This action was taken in reaction to the notable rise in prices due to the rising cost of electricity. They have started lowering interest rates in response to this scenario, as inflation rates have started to decline from multi-decade highs.

The Office of National Statistics released its most recent figure on Wednesday, and it was in line with market expectations.

This leads one to conclude that, for the second consecutive month, the inflation rate has remained somewhat higher than the 2% target set by the British central bank. For the first time in more than three years, inflation inched closer to the target in June.

The central bank has been progressively lowering its main interest rate by a quarter point since the start of the outbreak, bringing it down to 5% below its starting point.

This was the first decline that has happened since the start of the pandemic. Even though the Bank of England vote was quite close, four out of the nine members decided against changing the original proposal.

The US Federal Reserve is expected to cut interest rates on Wednesday for the first time in the previous four years. Interest rates would be reduced for the first time with this.

The great majority of economists believe that the Bank of England’s monetary policy committee will be on holiday on Thursday. This is due to the fact that several committee members have continuously expressed their concerns about price increases in the vital services industry, which accounts for almost 80% of the UK economy.

The statistical data released on Wednesday indicates that the services sector experienced an increase in inflation in August, from 5.2% in July to 5.6% in August.

Bank of England increased this due to rising airfares across Europe.

Nonetheless, they believe that after the government’s budget was made public on October 30, the bank would probably reduce its deposits once more in November.

Claiming that it is imperative to close a projected 29 billion dollar deficit in the public budget—or 22 billion pounds less than the previous administration estimated—the incoming Labour government has taken office.

Additionally, they have said that they might have to increase taxes and cut spending, which would probably be bad news for the British economy’s short-term outlook and drive down inflation. It is anticipated that this event will have a detrimental effect on the British economy.

According to Suren Thiru, the director of economics at the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Bank of England and Wales, “an interest rate cut on Thursday is looking unlikely with the majority of the Monetary Policy Committee likely to want to assess the impact of next month’s budget before deciding when to loosen policy again.”

Suren Thiru is a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Bank of England and Wales because he is the director of economics.

Suren Thiru made his statement in reaction to the decision that was made by the Monetary Policy Committee regarding when in the future to relax policy once more. On account of the fact that the majority of committee members arrived at this conclusion, this remark could be made public.

SOURCE: AP

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Market Speculation Over the Next Fed Rate Reduction Hides More Fundamental Issues.

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