Asda is giving away free hot drinks to Britain’s emergency responders to help them get through their shifts this winter.
The UK supermarket chain’s new initiative will see that all paramedics, police officers and firefighters will be able to get their hands on a warming cup of tea or coffee multiple times during their long hours, with the service available all day, every day — including in Asda‘s 24-hour stores.
Opening the scheme up from over 330 Asda Stores, cafes and Express shops to help make their shifts that little bit easier during the colder weather in the lead-up to Christmas, it’s a great idea that surely everyone can get behind.
Active from 1 November right up until 31 December 2023 when emergency responders are waiting in the wings to help during the ever-unpredictable New Year’s Eve, so long as they come in-store wearing their uniform, they’ll be able to grab a quick brew or two at no charge. Lovely stuff.
Petition to make free hot drinks for emergency responders the standard at all supermarkets? (Credit: Asda)
Better still, with countless crucial key workers inside the supermarkets also busy with their shifts, members of the police, ambulance or fire service can help themselves to free tea or coffee not only from the Asda Cafe but the self-service Costa or Leon machines as well.
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Speaking on this kind and convenient scheme, Asda’s Chief People and Corporate Affairs Officer, Hayley Tatum, said:“This initiative is a token of our appreciation for the tireless work that our emergency responders are carrying out in the communities in which we operate.
“Whether on duty, enjoying a break or finishing a shift, we invite them to pop in, say hi and grab a cuppa.”
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Likewise, Asda and its customers are always spotlighting their own staff for a job well done as they know how needed their roles are and recognise their importance, especially during the holiday season.
Comments included: "Great job Ted. Inspiring initiative shown … keep up the great work!”, "What an amazing young man. You will go far” and “That's a man well raised. Your parents must be so proud.”
Off-duty responders with a Blue Light Card can also receive 10% back in their Cashpot account on all fresh purchases including fresh meat, fish and ready meals when they scan their Asda Rewards app at the checkout — a deal that is on all year-round, not just this winter).
It’s great to see the supermarket putting together schemes like this and free drinks for emergency responders is by no means the only one; in fact, Asda has launched four different helpful initiatives to help local communities this year.
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Another vital one that has just rolled out recently is their ‘winter warmer’ deal, where those over 60 can get similar access to hot drinks as the emergency services as well as a portion of soup for just a pound.
Former supply teacher charged with child sex offences in schools across Greater Manchester
Emily Sergeant
A former supply teacher has been charged with a number of child sex offences, including upskirting in schools across Greater Manchester.
Abusali Rahman, a British national of Bangladeshi ethnicity from Salford, is remanded in custody after being charged with offences including, but not limited to, 12 counts of taking an indecent photograph/pseudo-photograph of a child (images obtained by upskirting), three counts of making indecent photograph / pseudo-photograph of a child (making AI-generated images), and one count of attempting to meet girl under 16 following sexual grooming.
The offences are alleged to have taken place between December 2023 and June 2025, according to Greater Manchester Police (GMP).
Thirteen girls have been identified – aged between 13 and 16 at the time of the alleged offending – at seven high schools in three Greater Manchester boroughs (Bury, Bolton, and Salford).
All affected schools and the parents of the 13 identified girls have been informed, GMP has confirmed, and all necessary safeguarding personnel have been made aware of the ongoing investigation – with specialist support on offer to them throughout this case.
A former supply teacher has been charged with child sex offences in schools across Greater Manchester / Credit: GMP
Rahman has not worked in schools since he was arrested in June 2025, after a concern was raised by a parent about an image of their child in school uniform being circulated by a social media account.
The discovery of further images prompted an upskirting investigation by GMP’s Online Child Abuse Investigation Team (OCAIT), and a ‘significant’ amount of specialist and sensitive work has since gone into trying to identify girls.
Rahman was charged and appeared at Wigan Magistrates’ Court last month (April 2026), before being remanded into custody and set to appear again at Bolton Crown Court on Thursday 28 May.
By law, alleged victims of sexual offences have a lifelong right to anonymity, and GMP therefore asks that people respect their privacy and protect the integrity of the case by not speculating or commenting on it, either in person or online.
“I understand the concern and upset that will come with this news,” commented Detective Chief Superintendent Rebecca McKendrick, head of GMP’s Public Protection Division.
“It is so important that everyone refrains from speculation as this is an active case where the girls affected have a right to lifelong anonymity and the defendant has a right to a fair trial. The last thing that needed now is speculation around this case – if you know something, please report it directly to us.”
Featured Image – MChe Lee (via Unsplash)
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Manchester City ‘strongly condemn’ racist abuse towards first-team players at Everton
Danny Jones
Manchester City Football Club have released a statement following yet more troubling racist abuse in the Premier League this May bank holiday.
Pep Guardiola’s side faced Everton in a fixture that ended in a 3-3 draw, which could prove pivotal in their pursuit of leaders Arsenal.
Sadly, however, one of the main stories to be taken from the game once again revolves around abuse and discrimination.
Match officials were quickly made aware of racial remarks directed at winger Antoine Semenyo on the day, and, unfortunately, defender Marc Guehi has also been the subject of hateful messaging online in the aftermath of the result.
Sharing a short, but simple and emphatic statement, the club wrote: “Manchester City strongly condemns the racist abuse directed towards Antoine Semenyo at yesterday’s match.
“We welcome the swift action taken by Everton and the police to identify the individual responsible.
“We are also incredibly disappointed to hear that Marc Guéhi was subject to a series of vile racist social media posts last night.”
They go on to add that they will “continue to offer our full support to both Antoine and Marc and never accept discrimination of any kind in our game.”
Everton themselves have since confirmed that local authorities swiftly identified at least one individual alleged to be responsible for the unacceptable behaviour.
As mentioned in their own post, the culprit is said to have been a 71-year-old man who was quickly flagged by fans and stewards inside the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
While this may be the first incident reported at the Toffees’ new home ground, regrettably, it’s just the latest in a long line of similar cases raised not just in English football but the top flight, specifically.
It goes without saying that we’re sorry to hear that stuff like this is still happening, and we send our strength to all those who continue to be affected by this despicable treatment.
As ever, ‘the beautiful game’ is for everyone and racism has no place in society, let alone football – kick it out once and for all. In other news surrounding Man City, there’s also been some controversy surrounding their upcoming FA Youth Cup final.
Danny Jones -
6th November 2023 
