Pubs in the UK will be allowed to open later than usual over the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee weekend, the government has announced.
Venues in England and Wales will be granted permission to extend their opening hours from 11pm to 1am over the celebratory long weekend, which will run from Thursday 2 June to Saturday 4 June.
The plans come in preparation for a long weekend of festivities, designed to mark 70 years since Queen Elizabeth II’s accession to the throne.
Whether you are a royalist or not, it will be a huge historical moment for the country – marking Queen Elizabeth II as the longest-reigning incumbent monarch and the longest-reigning female monarch in history.
Even if you don’t want to celebrate the royals, you can still enjoy a few extra hours in the pub this June as a perk.
It’s been reported that the Queen likes a bit of a tipple herself, and is a particular fan of martinis.
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According to former royal chef Darren McGrady. she starts her day off with a cocktail of gin and wine-based aperitif Dubonnet, served with ice and a slice of lemon.
At lunch, she takes a glass of wine or a gin martini, and later reportedly enjoys a glass of champagne or two with her dinner.
It has been reported separately in Vanity Fair that she also enjoys another martini after dinner.
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Image: The Crown and Kettle
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Elizabeth II became Queen on 6 February 1952 and officially became the UK’s longest-reigning monarch in 2015 when she surpassed the reign of her great-great-grandmother, Queen Victoria.
When she commemorated 65 years on the throne with her Sapphire Jubilee in 2017, she was the first British monarch to ever do so. Now, this summer, she will break another record as she celebrates her Platinum Jubilee.
As part of the celebrations. the BBC has announced plans to host a special ticketed concert at Buckingham Palace this June, with performances from global pop and rock stars, opera singers and a full, live orchestra.
Image: The City Arms
Celebrities will celebrate some of the most significant moments from HRH’s reign, with 10,000 tickets available on a first-come-first-served basis.
The extended pub licensing hours for the Platinum Jubilee could possibly be a sign of things to come in Britaingoing forward.
It has been said by the minister for policing, Kit Malthouse, the government wants to relax closing times for pubs more generally.
Speaking to The Independent, the minister said that an impact assessment is currently being prepared by officials to make amends to Section 172 of the Licensing Act 2003.
The Act currently permits extended hours at moments of local, national and international significance, but it’s been suggested that the government intends to relax these further.
Feature image – Sadler’s Cat
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England given potential advantage against Norway after reports of illness in World Cup camp
Danny Jones
England may have just been given a potential advantage ahead of the 2026 World Cup quarter-final against Norway, as it’s said that multiple players have been feeling sick of late.
Now, we’d never wish illness upon anyone… BUT, you certainly won’t hear us complaining about this one.
Yes, according to head coach Ståle Solbakken, some of his teammates haven’t been at their best over the last few days, but he has assured supporters that everyone is recovering well.
Speaking to the media before the upcoming clash, the manager said: “We’ve really only had Jorgen [Strand Larsen of Crystal Palace] who has had a fever, but then there’s been a bit of coughing and rasping scattered throughout [the national squad].”
He’s also admitted the Three Lions will be a tough challenge.
However, the initially reported ‘sickness bug’ is now being played down, with Solbakken noting that with his wider travelling camp having to contend with temperatures, altitude, air conditioning, flights, “changing rooms and all that […] it would be strange if something or other didn’t crop up.”
So, while it may have been exaggerated to a degree, they’ve certainly not been 100%.
The Scandinavian outfit are based at a training complex in Greensboro, North Carolina for this year’s World Cup – their first in nearly three decades – and have had to fly all across the United States for their matches in Boston, New York and Dallas thus far.
Once again, though, even the team doctor has told Norwegian press that the claims have been blown out of proportion, citing “very little fuss considering that we have been close together for almost six weeks”, and insisting that “all players are healthy now”.
Even James Corden was quizzing the opposition on the claims ahead of the fixture:
When asked about the truth in the headlines by domestic news outlet Nettavisen, he even went on to add: “So great that they believe this. We are in control.”
So perhaps there is a bit of sensationalism and/or gamesmanship at work, but that won’t stop us from hoping for a second that there’s even a shred of weakness to be capitalised on.
It remains to be seen just what condition both teams are in after the respective round of 16 thrillers – especially Thomas Tuchel’s side, who had to do it the hard way with 10 men against Mexico in that exhausting first knockout tie – but we’ll take whatever glimmer of hope we can that luck is on our side.
And regardless, it’s given England fans online plenty of material to have some fun with ahead of what is no doubt set to be another very long and stressful night this weekend.
Murder investigation launched as man dies two years after ‘life-changing’ Oldham attack
Emily Sergeant
A murder investigation has been launched following the death of a man who was attacked two years ago in Oldham.
Ramon Logan was left seriously injured following the assault, which took place in Oldham back in July 2024, resulting in life-changing injuries, and a man was even jailed following the attack while Ramon continued to fight for his life.
Sadly, Ramon died on 30 June at the age of 42.
A Home Office post-mortem has taken place and further reviews are being conducted to determine the cause of death.
Following this and further enquiries that have been carried out, Greater Manchester Police (GMP) has confirmed that officers have now launched a murder investigation, but no arrests have been made as of yet.
Speaking as the murder investigation has been launched, Detective Inspector Andy Day, from GMP’s Oldham district, said: “We know how difficult and painful the last two years have been for Ramon’s family, and we are continuing to support them following his death last week.
“We have now launched a murder investigation, and are keeping his family updated as we progress our enquiries. We are assessing all available material and will be making further reviews in due course.”
Ramon’s wife, Charlotte, has also paid tribute to him: “It is with a broken heart I announce the passing of my beautiful husband, Ray Logan, on 30th June. Ray was a loving husband, father, son, brother, and friend to many, and will be missed immensely by everyone who knew him.
“Ray was a part of so many people’s lives, and as much as we all have our existing memories to remember him by, it is heart-breaking that we won’t get to make any new ones.
“Ray never stopped fighting to get better for the last two years, all we can wish for now is that he gets the justice he deserves.”
Georgina Pellant -
22nd March 2022 
