News
Dominic Raab tells Sky News 250 people are in hospital with Omicron – there’s actually 10
The Deputy PM first said that 250 were in hospital, then nine, then ten
Deputy Prime Minister Dominic Raab managed to get the figures on Omicron hospitalisations wrong in not one but two TV interviews today – leading officials to speak out and correct the record.
Speaking to Sky News this morning, Raab said there were 250 people in hospital with the new Covid-19 variant.
He then went on to the BBC and said that there were nine people hospitalised with Omicron.
In both cases, he got the numbers wrong – in fact, there are actually 10 people currently in hospital with the new variant.
Officials have since gone on the record to say that Raab ‘misspoke’ on both occasions.
After Raab was challenged by broadcaster Adil Ray on GMB. who gave him a third opportunity to put the right figure on the record following the morning’s confusion, he accused him of ‘ranting’ at him.
Raab had earlier told Sky‘s Kay Burley that ‘a significant number’ were hospitalised, but was unable to quote any exact figures when being interviewed by her.
When she pressed him for an answer, he said: “Well the last I saw was in the low hundreds, I think 250 the last time I looked – but of course, the data is being updated all of the time.”
Within the hour, though, he had revised that figure down to just nine in time for his appearance on BBC Breakfast.
Read more: Police release CCTV of missing Charley Gadd’s last known movements in Manchester
“I know we’ve had one death,” he said. “I think we’ve got nine people who are in hospital with it.”
In both instances, Raab was incorrect – as officials later confirmed, stating that there are still only 10 people in hospital as Sajid Javid had told Sky News the day prior.
It is correct, however, that one person in the country has sadly died as a result of contracting Omicron.
Raab later attempted to justify his mistake on Sky News to GMB on the basis of ‘mishearing’ a question.
Feature image – ITV
News
Stockport man admits to drugging and raping his wife without her knowledge for more than 20 years
Emily Sergeant
A man in his 60s from Stockport has admitted drugging and raping his wife in a ‘horrific’ 20-year campaign of abuse.
According to Greater Manchester Police (GMP), the man – who cannot be identified in order to protect the life-long anonymity of the victim – previously admitted five counts of rape, three counts of sexual assault, six counts of assault by penetration, and one count of sharing intimate photos or film.
And now, during an appearance at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court yesterday (14 September), he pleaded guilty to a further 45 charges.
This makes it 60 charges in total the man has now pleaded guilty to.
Some of the charges he pleaded guilty to yesterday include a further 16 counts of rape, nine counts of assault by penetration, seven counts of sexual assault, and four counts of attempted rape, amongst several others.
Speaking following the court appearance yesterday, GMP’s Assistant Chief Constable, Rick Jackson, said: “Our focus remains on supporting the victim of this horrific campaign of abuse through what is a very complex investigation.
“Specialist support continues to be provided to the victim at the centre of this case.
“If you are concerned you or someone you know may be affected by drug-facilitated sexual abuse, please know that you do not need proof, certainty, or a clear memory to be taken seriously.
“You are not expected to understand exactly what has happened or who was involved in order to be taken seriously. If you feel that something has happened, then please report it or ask for help.”
Read more:
GMP reiterates that anyone who does choose to report sexual abuse does not need a full account or clear memory, can share as much or as little as they feel able, and will be supported by trained officers, as their ‘immediate’ safety and wellbeing will be the ‘priority’.
They may also speak to a support organisation first and decide later whether to involve police.
- Saint Mary’s Sexual Assault Referral Centre – Services are available on a 24-hour basis, and can be accessed by calling 0161 276 6515.
- Greater Manchester Rape Crisis – Call on 0161 273 4500 or email [email protected]
- Survivors Manchester – Call 0161 236 2182.
Featured Image – Robert Cuts (via Flickr)
News
Referees admit Manchester City’s derby-winning goal over Manchester United was a VAR ‘error’
Emily Sergeant
Referees have admitted that Manchester City’s winning goal during yesterday’s Manchester derby was a VAR ‘error’.
In case you didn’t tune into the Manchester derby yesterday – which was held at Manchester United’s home ground, Old Trafford – star striker Erling Haaland’s goal handed Manchester City a 1-0 victory – in the end, even after fellow City player Phil Foden was given a straight red card and sent off in the twenty third minute.
Haaland‘s goal was initially deemed offside on the pitch, before VAR overruled the decision.
New City signing Enzo Fernandez was in an offside position as he attempted to play the ball before Haaland scored.
Fernandez appeared to impact the defending of Manchester United‘s Lisandro Martinez by attempting a diving header, despite not touching the ball.
Following the full-time whistle, United’s manager Michael Carrick said it was ‘worrying’ that the goal was allowed to stand, claiming that there was no ‘grey area’ when it came to determining whether Fernandez had interfered with play.
“It’s worrying if that’s how the game is seen by those who are officiating it,” he commented.
Pundit and former Manchester United star, Gary Neville, also expressed confusion at the decision, declaring on Sky Sports after the game: “I’m going to need the offside law explaining to me, because that has lost me, I have to say. I do think when they look back on this, they will recognise they got it wrong.”
Neville said he thinks that referee Michael Oliver will be ‘nervous’ about the goal yesterday, as will the rest of the officials.
And now, less than 24 hours after the match ended, refereeing body Pro Ref has since made what Sky Sports is calling an ‘unusual intervention by confirming that a review of the goal will take place.
A spokesperson for Pro Ref said in a statement: “It was established that Enzo Fernandez did not play the ball and therefore that makes any offside offence subjective, however, on this occasion, the VAR did not recognise the likely impact of his position and should have recommended an on-field review.
“Contact has been made with Manchester United to acknowledge what we deem is an error of judgement.
Read more:
“A review of the incident will take place.”
Featured Image – Jaleel Akbash (via Unsplash)
Georgina Pellant -
14th December 2021 
