Bolton’s high COVID rate is being made worse by conspiracy theories, says MP
Yasmin Qureshi, Labour MP for Bolton South East, believes conspiracy theories and scepticism over legitimacy of the virus have seen virus cases rise in the town.
A local MP says that conspiracy theories around coronavirus have contributed to Bolton becoming the worst-affected area in England.
The Greater Manchester borough is under tighter restrictions following a surge in positive test results in recent weeks, with local hospitality operating a takeaway-only service and most other venues required to close between 10pm and 5am.
Casinos, skating rinks and bowling alleys are banned from trading.
Residents are also forbidden from meeting anyone outside their support bubble, inside or outside.
But despite the new restrictions, Bolton COVID cases have continued to climb, and Labour MP for Bolton South East Yasmin Qureshi has expressed concern that people are ignoring the rules as they’re questioning the legitimacy of the virus.
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“There is a lot of confusion about the virus in the area,” she said.
“There are a lot of people now who do not believe it is true.”
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Wikimedia Commons
A hashtag that rejects government rules and regulations, #thinkingforyourself, is gaining momentum and spreading across local forums and social media.
Qureshi added: “They genuinely believe it’s some kind of conspiracy.
“A lot of them don’t understand the rules either and so there are many who just aren’t following them – they think it is a way of controlling them somehow.
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“It is very dangerous.”
Bolton’s COVID rate is 187.8 cases per 100,000 people, with hospital admittances also increasing.
According to health experts, males in their 40s and 50s are among those worst affected.
David Dixon / Geograph
Alongside Bolton, the nine surrounding Greater Manchester boroughs are on ‘red alert’ due to a spike in cases in the North West.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has already confirmed the presence of a second wave in the UK, with as many as 11 million people in Britain now living under tighter restrictions.
Chief medical personnel Chris Whitty and Patrick Valance are due to give a press conference later today to update the public on the situation, with concerns that the infection rate is “heading in the wrong direction.”
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Oasis announce surprise exclusive song on new War Child album HELP(2) releasing this week
Emily Sergeant
Surprise… we’re getting a new Oasis song on Friday.
Well, not actually ‘new’ – but we had to get your attention somehow, and hopefully we succeeded. That’s because, if you didn’t already know, this Friday (6 March) is release day for the new HELP(2)album in aid of War Child, and even before this announcement, it was already gearing up to be one of the most anticipated projects of the year.
But now, it’s got even better, as War Child Records has today announced that Oasis will feature on the album with a very-special inclusion – a stand-alone 7” single.
Fans of the iconic Manchester band will be able to listen to the track enclosed within the gatefold of the vinyl edition and as a hidden track on the double CD version, as well as it also being available to stream from this Friday too.
The band have generously contributed an exclusive live version of the fan favourite song, ‘Acquiesce (Live from Wembley Stadium, 28 September ‘25)’, to the album.
This marks the first physical release of a live recording from Oasis’ record-breaking 2025 world tour, with the recording taken from the final night of their seven-show run at Wembley Stadium.
In case you don’t remember, Oasis actually previously featured on the original HELP album all the way back in 1995, opening the record with ‘Fade Away’, and Noel Gallagher also contributed as one third of The Smokin’ Mojo Filters, alongside Paul McCartney and Paul Weller, so this is actually the band’s return nearly three decades on.
Oasis’ return proves their enduring support for War Child’s mission to ‘protect, educate, and stand up for’ the rights of children affected by conflict.
HELP(2) is being released on Friday 6 March / Credit: Supplied
‘Acquiesce – Live’ follows other recent releases taken from the HELP(2) record, including ‘Begging For Change’ by Pulp, ‘Opening Night’ by Arctic Monkeys, ‘Flags’ by Damon Albarn, Grian Chatten & Kae Tempest, and ‘Let’s Do It Again!’ by The Last Dinner Party.
Other big-name artist set to feature on the album are Fontaines D.C, Olivia Rodrigo, Depeche Mode, Foals, Wet Leg, Ezra Collective, and countless more.
HELP(2) will be released on Friday 6 March via War Child Records, and you can pre-order the album here or stream it on all streaming services.
Featured Image – Joshua Halling (Supplied)
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Søstrene Grene announces official opening date for new Manchester Arndale store
Emily Sergeant
Søstrene Grene has now confirmed the official opening date for its brand-new store inside Manchester Arndale.
In case you missed it, the beloved Scandinavian lifestyle and home decor retailer announced back in September that Manchester Arndale was the latest location to get the ‘Grene’ light for a new 4,952 sq ft store – with the shopping centre saying it was ‘delighted’ by the addition.
Known for its contemporary – yet surprisingly affordable – home decor, furniture, and stylish lifestyle products, stepping foot inside a Søstrene Grene is store is arguably unlike any other experience on the high street, thanks to its unique layout and winding aisles making it feel like you’re discovering something new around every corner.
The retailer offers a wide assortment of homeware, kitchen items, craft supplies, soft furnishings, toys, gift ideas, seasonal décor, and everything in between.
Søstrene Grene has just announced the official opening date for its new Manchester Arndale store / Credit: Supplied
The new Søstrene Grene store follows a recent flurry of other openings and announcements at Manchester Arndale, including Sephora, Alo Yoga, PureSeoul, Represent, and more, and also comes after the lifestyle brand announced that it would be opening a new store in Stockport.
And now, it’s been confirmed that the Arndale store will officially open its doors later this month on Thursday 26 March.
“Manchester has always had a special atmosphere and opening a second store here is a reflection of the city’s creativity and enthusiasm for design,” commented Mikkel Grene, who is the Group CEO and co-owner of Søstrene Grene, as the opening date was announced.
“Each new store allows us to bring more of our Scandinavian-inspired vision to communities across the UK, offering spaces that are calm, thoughtful and full of inspiration.
“This launch is another exciting step in our UK journey and we’re proud to continue sharing what makes Søstrene Grene unique.”
The Manc -
21st September 2020 
