The appointment of a new leader of the Conservative Party, and thus a new Prime Minister, was understandably a headline-grabbing moment in recent national news, but while it was one of the most significant moments of 2022 so far for the UK, news of Liz Truss‘ new role may not have travelled so well over the pond.
This could not have been more evident than during coverage of Queen Elizabeth II’s State Funeral by an Australian broadcaster.
Around 2,000 guests attended the official State Funeral service at Westminster Abbey yesterday, including world leaders representing nearly 200 countries and territories, 500 foreign dignitaries – such as politicians, civil servants, and some celebrities – and many ordinary members of the public selected for charitable or community works.
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Prime Minister Liz Truss was one of those guests – and she was even invited to read a lesson from the Bible at the service as well.
But when she arrived at the service, she wasn’t exactly identifiable to Australian TV presenters Peter Overton and Tracy Grimshaw from Nine News, who mistook her for a “minor royal” during their live broadcast of the funeral.
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Australian presenters Peter Overton and Tracy Grimshaw unable to identify UK PM Liz Truss. pic.twitter.com/uG0eQPqBqN
Overton and Grimshaw were commentating on the proceedings as guests were turning up at Westminster Abbey when Ms Truss arrived with husband Hugh O’Leary, and they were unable to recognise who she was.
A video of the awkward moment has since gone viral on social media, racking up millions of views and thousands of comments from the public entertained by the mishap.
Prime Minister Liz Truss was one of the many famous faces in attendance at the State Funeral of HM Queen Elizabeth II yesterday / Credit: BBC
“Who is this?” Ms Grimshaw asks during the live broadcast, when Mr Overton responds: ” Hard to identify, maybe minor royals, members of the…. I can’t identify them.”
“They look like they could well be local dignitaries, it is hard to see, we are looking at the back of their heads mostly.”
Later on in the live broadcast, which the now-viral clip does not show, the pair apparently realise who the mystery woman is and go on to correct themselves, with Overton telling viewers: “I’m just told that was Liz Truss, the new Prime Minister in the distance that we could see, hopping out of that car.”
Featured Image – BBC
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Festival-goers urged to stop taking wheelie bins full of booze
Daisy Jackson
Festival-goers have been warned not to take wheelie bins full of alcohol to festivals with them this summer.
The warning has come ahead of this year’s Download Festival, which takes place next month and kicks off the summer’s biggest run of festival dates.
But a major train operator has said there have been incidents in the past of passengers trying to travel to festivals with wheelie bins and luggage trolleys.
Passengers have had to be reminded that wheelie bins are not permitted on board, and they should instead only carry as much luggage as they can comfortably carry.
The warning comes from East Midlands Railway, one of the key services that will whisk people to Download Festival between 10 and 14 June.
Customers returning from the festival are also encouraged to use boot-cleaning brushes provided at stations to help remove mud before boarding trains.
Philippa Cresswell, customer experience director at East Midlands Railway, said: “We’re encouraging customers to travel light.
“Last year, some festive goers tried to board services with wheelie bins or festival trolleys full of beer. While it might seem like a great idea for getting your supplies to the festival, it just isn’t safe or possible to bring them onboard train services.”
Festival-goers urged to stop taking wheelie bins full of booze
EMR has also warned customers to plan journeys in advance, with engineering work taking place at various locations on the Midland Main Line, near where Download Festival takes place.
She continued: “We’re advising customers travelling to Download Festival to plan their journeys in advance and be aware that essential engineering work will affect services across the weekend.
“As a result, some services will be reduced or amended, and passengers should check before they travel and allow extra time.”
The full list of 125 ‘everyday essentials’ you’ll soon be able to get for cheaper in the UK
Emily Sergeant
Crisps, biscuits, avocado, and chewing gum are just a few of the items that are soon set to be available for cheaper in the UK.
First announced by Chancellor Rachel Reeves last week, the Government has now published a list of more than 100 of key items that are set to see targeted cuts to tariffs, alongside uprating mileage rates for the first time in 15 years and reducing VAT.
It covers a wide range of ‘everyday essentials’ – from fresh fruit and vegetables, oil and baked goods, to chocolate, sauces, and soft drinks.
“The war in Iran isn’t our war, but one we will need to respond to,” Chancellor Reeves commented.
“My priority is keeping prices down for households and businesses. That’s why we’re freezing fuel duty, increasing the mileage rate for the first time in 15 years and slashed VAT temporarily this summer to help reduce the cost of days out.”
Full list of 125 ‘everyday essentials’
Garlic
Gherkins
Aubergines
Sweet peppers
Other peppers (capsicum/pimenta)
Olives (fresh/chilled)
Olives (for oil production)
Olives (frozen)
Plantains (fresh and dried)
Bananas (fresh and dried)
Limes
Citrus fruits (various)
Avocados
Fresh figs
Dried figs
Other fresh fruits
Frozen fruits
Dried apricots
Dried apples
Dried peaches/nectarines
Dried pears
Dried papaya
Mixed dried fruit
Mixed nuts
Mixed fruit and nuts
Green tea
Buckwheat
Fonio
Quinoa
Olive oil (extra virgin)
Olive oil (virgin)
Olive oil (other)
Margarine
Mixed fats and oils
Vegetable oils
Chewing gum
Liquorice products
White chocolate
Marzipan and pastes
Throat pastilles
Sugar confectionery
Boiled sweets
Toffees and caramels
Sugar tablets
Cocoa paste
Cocoa powder
Chocolate (bulk and retail)
Chocolate bars
Chocolate with fruit, nuts or cereal
Chocolate spreads
Chocolate drink preparations
Couscous
Crispbread
Gingerbread
Biscuits
Waffles and wafers
Rusks
Toasted bread products
Bread
Pizzas and quiches
Pickled peppers
Prepared vegetables
Crisps
Processed potatoes
Baked beans
Preserved beans
Preserved vegetables
Preserved tropical fruit
Candied fruit
Jams and marmalades
Preserved citrus fruits
Mixed preserved fruit and nuts
Tomato ketchup
Tomato sauces
Soups and broths
Non-alcoholic beverages
Plant-based drinks
Crisps and fresh fruit are two of the items set to see targeted tariff cuts / Credit: Esperanza Doronila | Jonas Kakaroto (via Unsplash)
The Government says these cuts support the action it has already taken to reduce the cost of living – including freezing prescription charges, protecting motorists from fuel duty increases, and raising the minimum wage.
The list of everyday essentials set to see targeted cuts to tariffs comes after the Great British Summer Savings initiative was announced last week.
This means that, from 25 June through to 1 September 2026, a temporary reduced rate of VAT – down from 20% to 5% – will be introduced on children’s meals in restaurants and family leisure activities over the summer period.
Emily Sergeant -
20th September 2022 
