The government has come to learn a lot about the stubborn, steadfast spirit of Manchester this week.
On one side, we’ve got the Mayor, council and hospitality sector angrily rejecting new restrictions and squaring off against health ministers for a “fairer” deal.
On the other, we’ve got Marcus Rashford repeatedly booting a ball against Downing Street’s door demanding more support to tackle child food poverty.
Whilst No. 10 is being coy about Greater Manchester’s tier position so far, it has already flat out rejected Rashford’s attempts to provide free school meals to children during the Christmas holidays.
But Manchester United’s star striker remains undeterred. He knows the battle is only just beginning,
“This is not going anytime soon and neither am I…” the footballer wrote.
Nearly 200,000 people are already behind him.
Merry Christmas kids…
It’s also not for food banks to feed millions of British children but here we are. 250% increase in food poverty and rising…
Rashford’s petition to parliament – which has now accrued enough signatures to see it brought to the floor at the House of Commons for debate – amassed more than 100,000 supporters in 10 hours.
Within 24 hours, numbers toppled 175,000.
The petition is asking the government to expand free school meals to all under-16s where a parent or guardian is in receipt of Universal Credit or equivalent benefit; provide meals and activities during all holidays; and increase the value of Healthy Start vouchers to at least £4.25 per week.
But currently, the government is reluctant to entertain another proposal from Rashford – who has already won an honorary doctorate and MBE for his services to tackle child food poverty throughout the pandemic.
In spring, he actually helped to overturn government policy; convincing ministers to supply free school meals during the summer.
But despite that win, Rashford expected another fight with his new campaign. It appears he’s got it.
In response to the latest petition, a spokesperson for No. 10 stated: “We took that decision to extend free school meals during the pandemic when schools were partially closed during lockdown.
“We’re in a different position now with schools back open to all pupils.
“It’s not for schools to regularly provide food to pupils during the school holidays. We believe the best way to support families outside of term time is through Universal Credit rather than government subsidising meals.”
So, Boris Johnson has flatly rejected @MarcusRashford call for free school meal help to be given to poor kids over Christmas and other holidays.
No.10 spokesman: “It’s not for schools to regularly provide food to pupils during the school holidays…"
Greater Manchester is in battle mode this week; fighting the government on several fronts.
And it should perhaps come as no surprise that Mayor Andy Burnham – the resolute voice of the region during the tier saga – has weighed in to provide support for Rashford’s campaign.
“The bigger the number the louder the voice…” said the footballer in response to the 100k signatures so far.
Questions about CPR and defibrillators to be included on driving theory tests for the first time
Emily Sergeant
Driving theory tests will soon include new CPR questions and questions about defibrillators in a bid to boost cardiac arrest survival.
The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has confirmed that, from autumn 2025, driving theory tests will start to build on the existing content that’s been part of driver education for years by adding enhanced first aid questions on CPR, and for the first time, questions on automated external defibrillators (AEDs).
The Government says the move aims to address the UK’s low cardiac arrest survival rates by making sure more people ‘know how to respond’ in emergencies.
Around 2.4 million theory tests are taken each year, so this means that hundreds of thousands of people annually will gain knowledge of life-saving skills through the enhanced questions.
At present, the driving theory test – which has to be taken by learner drivers before they can book their driving test – has two parts, and it’s in the first part where the enhanced first aid questions are expected to be added.
DVSA is proud to introduce CPR and defibrillator questions to theory tests ❤️
— Driver & Vehicle Standards Agency (@DVSAgovuk) August 13, 2025
The first part of the test involves 50 multiple-choice questions drawn from a bank of over 700 questions, covering topics from road signs and traffic laws, to vehicle safety, hazard awareness, and crucially in this case, first aid.
Learners must get at least 43 out of 50 right to pass this section of the test.
The DVSA assures that the upcoming changes involve no additional cost, test time, or difficulty, and that they ‘simply update’ existing first aid content with current best practice.
From autumn 2025, car and motorcycle theory test candidates will need to familiarise themselves with CPR techniques, including proper hand placement and compression rates, and how to use automated external defibrillators.
“Part of being a safe and responsible driver is knowing what to do in an emergency – how to step in and make a real, life-saving difference,” commented Mark Winn, who is a DVSA Chief Driving Examiner.
“Learning CPR and how to use an AED is a very simple skill and adding this into the official learning resource is a great way for DVSA to support the drive to raise awareness.”
Featured Image – pxfuel
News
Urgent appeal after woman, 70, dies after being found unconscious with ‘serious injuries’ on a Tameside road
Emily Sergeant
An urgent appeal has been issued after a woman was found unconscious with ‘serious injuries’ on a road on the Tameside / Oldham border.
Greater Manchester Police‘s (GMP) Serious Collision Investigation Unit is appealing for information after the woman, aged 70, was taken to hospital upon being discovered on Waggon Road in Park Bridge, which is an area on the border of Tameside and Oldham, at around 2:30pm this past Sunday afternoon (10 August).
Police say their investigation is centred on trying to find out how the woman came to be on the road, and ultimately, uncover more about the incident as a whole.
This is why officers are now appealing to the Greater Manchester public.
#APPEAL | Our Serious Collision Investigation Unit (SCIU) is appealing for information after a woman died after being found unconscious on a road on the Oldham/Tameside border yesterday (10/08/25). pic.twitter.com/lzjANgh8Tg
Anyone who saw the incident, or who may have dashcam footage, is urged to call GMP’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit on 0161 856 4741, quoting incident number 1858 of 10/08/25.
You can also call 101, or talk to GMP via the LiveChat function at www.gmp.police.uk.
The Manc -
16th October 2020 
