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Boris Johnson and Rishi Sunak to be fined over lockdown parties

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant - 12th April 2022

It has just been announced that Boris Johnson and Rishi Sunak are to receive fines for attending parties during lockdown.

A No 10 spokesperson confirmed today that the Prime Minister and the Chancellor had received notification from the Metropolitan Police that they would be given fixed penalty notices as part of a wider investigation into a series of gatherings held at Downing Street and Whitehall when COVID-19 restrictions were in place back in 2020 and 2021.

However, the spokesperson said they had not been told which event the fine was for, and declined to provide further information at this time.

It comes after the Metropolitan Police launched an official investigation back in January into 12 events where restrictions may have been breached, with a total of more than 50 fines having been handed out so far.

Read more: Leaks reveal more boozy Downing Street lockdown parties were held when indoor mixing was banned

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Police issued the first 20 fines on 1 April to people who attended a leaving party for a Number 10 official on 18 June 2020 in the Cabinet Office building at 70 Whitehall, and then some of those fines were also handed out to people who attended two events on 16 April 2021, which shocked the nation as it was the day before Prince Philip’s funeral.

Boris Johnson and Rishi Sunak are to receive fines for attending parties during lockdown / Credit: Flickr

At the time the investigation was launched, the Met said they would “police without fear or favour”, and provide updates “at significant points” in its inquiry, but said they would not be naming those who received the fines.

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The government promised to reveal if Mr Johnson and Mr Sunak were among them, however.

Read more: Police launch an official investigation into Downing Street lockdown parties

After the news broke this afternoon, leader of the Labour Party, Sir Keir Starmer, has spoken out in response to the fines in a statement on Twitter, calling for both the Prime Minister and Rishi Sunak to resign.

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“Boris Johnson and Rishi Sunak have broken the law and repeatedly lied to the British public. They must both resign. The Conservatives are totally unfit to govern.

“Britain deserves better.”

Liberal Democrat leader, Sir Ed Davey, has also called for Parliament – which is currently on its Easter recess – to be recalled to hold a no confidence vote in the Prime Minister, as “no other leader in any other organisation would be allowed to continue after law-breaking on this scale.”

“This is a government in crisis neglecting a country in crisis,” he added on Twitter.

Featured Image – Parliament.TV

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Iconic Manchester nightclub Panacea reopens as IKaro, a new grill and champagne bar

The Manc The Manc

This week, an iconic Manchester venue will reopen its doors with a brand new concept.  

The legendary city centre nightclub known as Panacea is about to reopen as IKaro, a new grill and champagne bar on John Dalton Street.

The move follows an application for planning permission earlier this year and sees a new team into the former popular celebrity hotspot Panacea, which has been closed since 2015.

At the restaurant, diners will find two menus focusing on two different elements, fire and ice. On the first, you’ll find Grilled Lobster Tails, Japanese A5 Wagyu Ribeye, and Australian Wagyu Tomahawk. 

On the second an array of Sushi and Sashimi such as Torched Hand Dived Scallops and Bluefin Tuna Otoro. 

Behind the menus are talented sushi chef, Lattawan Buchanan, who’s spent time at popular restaurants Ivy Asia and former ‘Masterchef: The Professionals’ finalist, Exose Grant. 

Head Chef Exose Grant, said, “Our menu showcases the best of the land and sea. We’ll be using fresh, quality produce in the best possible way. Innovative and impeccably presented dishes that don’t compromise on flavour.”

Read more: Manchester City loanee João Cancelo looks ‘possessed’ in viral post-match interview

Behind the bar, you’ll find countless varieties of Champagne including a frequently changing sommelier’s selection of rare bottles which, in keeping with the venue’s reputation as a go-to late-night haunt, will be served up until doors close at 2.30am.

Head of bars, Sean McGuirk, said: “Alongside our extensive ‘by the bottle’ offering, you can expect elevated classic cocktails, as well as some uniquely extravagant options.

“Our team will play with flavours and theatrics to deliver an experience like no other.”

IKaro will mark its launch with a VIP event on Saturday 23 September before doors open to the public on Wednesday 27 September. 

Read more: Peter Kay wants to do a Phoenix Nights film and has already written multiple Max and Paddy Christmas specials

Company director, Zack Issak, said, “It’s long overdue that this popular space opened its doors once more and we’re thrilled to be able to do that.

“IKaro will create an unforgettable experience from start to finish. Guests will enjoy a choice of the world’s finest Champagnes, paired with the best Wagyu steaks and seafood on the market.”

Bookings for the intimate, 84-cover restaurant, are open now and can be made online at www.ikaro.co.uk for Wednesday 27 September onwards. 

Featured image – The Manc Group

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Trafford dog owner jailed after six-year-old girl was ‘savaged’ during attack

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant

A man from Trafford whose pack of dogs were described as having “savaged” a six-year-old girl during an attack has been handed jailed time.

Bernard Valentine has also been banned from owning dogs for life.

It comes after the 36-year-old appeared at Minshull Street Crown Court last week (22 September) in relation to the distressing attack involving a six-year-old little girl and his pack of Pocket Bulldogs at his address on Ackers Lane in Carrington back on Sunday 26 March.

The court heard how the attack took place as the youngster walked to her friend’s house.

As she walked past the address Valentine was staying at in his camper van outside, she was set upon by a pack of six dogs that were being kept both in the back garden and in the defendant’s camper van, according to Greater Manchester Police (GMP).

Ackers Lane in Carrington, where the attack took place earlier this year / Credit: Google Maps

The little girl’s older sister then bravely tried to wrestle the dogs off her as she was being attacked on the pavement.

It was only when her mother picked her up that the dogs ran off.

The little girl sadly sustained “serious injuries” to her face, scalp, hand, abdomen, arms, legs, back, and shoulder during the attack – which she has since had surgery for.

Following the traumatic incident, Valentine was arrested on Tuesday 28 March when his van was traced to Fallowfield in south Manchester, and the dogs were subsequently seized, before he was also arrested in connection with another incident back in December 2022 when a man was walking his pet Dalmatian.

Both the man and Dalmatian were injured after being set upon by the dogs, and a member of the public was said to have had to intervene.

Following his trial last week, Valentine was handed a 49-month prison sentence.

He was also banned from owning dogs for life, and has a 10-year restraining order after pleading guilty to eight charges of being in charge of a dog dangerously out of control, and possession of Class B drugs.

Speaking following the trial, DC Goodhand, of Trafford CID, thanked the victims for supporting the prosecution, adding: “Whilst nothing can take these experiences away from them, we hope that today’s sentence goes some way to allowing them to heal and move on.”

DC Goodhand also urged anyone with information relating to dangerous animals to report this to the police, so that “appropriate action can be taken”.

Read more:

Any information can be reported via 101, or anonymously through the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Featured Image – GMP

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