A UK government minister has warned Brits against the tradition of “snogging under the mistletoe” this Christmas.
Or more specifically, “snogging” anyone you do not know.
In the wake of the government being accused of delivering mixed messages, Work and Pensions Secretary, and Conservative MP Therese Coffey said in an interview with ITV’s Robert Peston on his political talk show yesterday that people should try to keep socially distanced from one another where possible this festive season, in a bid to curb the spread of the new Omicron variant.
Ms Coffey said that said all kissing with those “you don’t already know” should be avoided.
When questioned by Peston on whether Brits should consider being “cautious” over Christmas socialising, Therese Coffey responded: “I don’t think there should be much snogging under the mistletoe.
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“[We] don’t need to do things like that, but I think we should all be trying to enjoy the Christmas ahead of us and that’s why we’re working so hard to get the deployment of as many vaccines as possible, and of course continuing to encourage people who haven’t been vaccinated at all yet, to come forward, recognising that we’re still trying to understand the impact of Omicron.
“That’s why we’ve got our top scientists working on it.
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“But what we do know is that vaccines will help protect against impacts and that’s why we’ve pre-ordered the antiviral medical treatments as well.”
.@Peston: Should we be cautious over socialising at Christmas?@theresecoffey: I don’t think there should be much snogging under the mistletoe.
Ms Coffey was asked about Christmas socialising in relation to whether she agreed with and was backing the comments made by the UK’s Health Security Agency CEO and head of NHS Track and Trace Dr Jenny Harries this week.
Dr Jenny Harries grabbed headlines after urging everyone to do their bit by reducing the number of social contacts they have, and also warned against “not socialising when we don’t particularly need to”.
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But Ms Coffey responded: “Christmas we should continue to plan for and enjoy, I hope.”
After Ms Coffey’s comments were picked up on Twitter, and many began to share their responses and continue to critique the government’s mixed messages, she herself tweeted: “Don’t kiss with people you don’t know… Government working exceptionally hard with NHS and the Jabs Army to get boosters in arms so we can all enjoy a proper Christmas knees-up.”
Watch the full interview folks … Don't kiss with people you don't know..Government working exceptionally hard with NHS and the Jabs Army to get boosters in arms so we can all enjoy a proper Christmas knees up https://t.co/3jgYFNM070
— Thérèse Coffey #LizforLeader #PutinMustFail (@theresecoffey) December 1, 2021
Therese Coffey’s comments also come a handful of new targeted measures were introduced in England on Tuesday in the wake of the detection of the new Omicron variant.
The UK government says that the new measures – which were announced by Prime Minister Boris Johnson in a Downing Street news conference this past Saturday evening, and confirmed by Health Secretary Sajid Javid this week – are being taken as a “precaution to slow down the spread of the variant”.
The measures will be in place for three weeks while the government attempts to “gather more information”.
A Christmas train in Wigan has been delivering donated toys galore
Thomas Melia
Yuletide wishes have come true as a donation of toys and goodies have been delivered via a Christmas train in Wigan, right in time for the big day.
The Amazon toy train, which is a new initiative running this festive season, is dropping off presents from now right up until Christmas day itself.
Already visiting Wigan earlier this month, the locomotive has its sites set on three more stops including London, Swansea and Scotland as it makes its journey across three nations.
In partnership with Multibank’s Brick-by-Brick project, the train hopes to provide and offer gifts to families in need across the UK with Wigan marking the closest stop off in Greater Manchester.
Credit: Lee Boswell (supplied)
All the toys that are being transported across the country in this Amazon-fronted train are featured on the company’s ‘Top Ten Toys 2024’ list.
Hatchimals, Screamerz and Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza were some of the exciting gifts found on the Christmas train in Wigan at the start of this month.
This lighthearted and fun-filled Christmas-themed project is kitted out with toys from top brands like Play-Doh and the brickmasters themselves, LEGO Star Wars.
So far, Multibank has helped over 400,000 families and provided three million essential items across their operations in England, Scotland and Wales since launching in 2022.
This collaborative local project doesn’t just operate at Christmastime either: Brick-to-Brick Multibank run all year round collecting surplus business requirements like furniture, hot water bottles and hygiene products to be used by those less fortunate.
The Christmas train in Wigan filled with Amazon’s top toys.The Wigan toy train features some well known brands.Credit: Supplied
This roster of children’s favourite companions and interactive games is inspired by the consumers themselves. Every toy is related to or the exact match of what Amazon customers have been searching for the most. A real Christmas list come true.
The list of the top toys isn’t extortionate either, offering customers some affordable and still as fascinating options with prices starting from £9.99.
Even old-school classics like Play-Doh have a spot on this wish list. This poses the really big question: where’s the adult version?
You may have finished your Christmas shopping not too long ago or might still be looking for inspiration, browse the top-ranked teddies and more HERE.
Floral tributes laid for Baby A after remains found in Salford, as police hunt ‘answers’
Daisy Jackson
Floral tributes have begun to pile up outside the Salford park where the remains of a baby were found earlier this week.
The child, who is being called Baby A, was discovered near Ashtons Field on Wednesday 20 November.
Their identity is not yet known, and police are trying to determine ‘who this baby could be, how long they have been here, and how they have sadly died’.
In an update shared last night, GMP said their investigation was continuing and the force will do ‘everything we can to get answers’.
They also shared images of cuddly toys, flowers and letters that have been left at the snowy scene by officers and by the local community.
In the latest update, GMP said: “Our investigation continues after the remains of a young baby were tragically found in Little Hulton yesterday.
“The thoughts of everyone at Greater Manchester Police are with Baby A, and we will do everything we can to get answers.
“We would like to thank the community for their tributes to Baby A and their support and compassion at this time. We are truly grateful.”
Floral tributes laid for Baby A after remains found in Salford. Credit: GMP
GMP are appealing for anyone with any information to come forward so they can ‘find answers for this baby’.
Chief Superintendent Neil Blackwood said: “Even the most minor detail could be crucial to our investigation. If you have seen anyone in the area over the last few days, or know who the parents could be, please call us as soon as you can.
“As soon as we are in a position to confirm further details about the circumstances, we will do so.
“Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101 quoting log 1319 of 20/11/24. If you would prefer to remain anonymous, call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
Emily Sergeant -
2nd December 2021 
