The UK government has announced that it has launched a consultation ditch the “overbearing” metric system and bring back imperial measurements.
22 years after the EU introduced its weights and measures directive – which forced traders by law to use the metric system when selling packaged or loose goods, such as fruit and vegetables – the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) has announced that it is pressing ahead with plans to review these “overbearing rules”.
It claims a return to imperial measurements would restore “common sense” to the statute book following Brexit.
The 12-week consultation will examine how the rules might be changed to give traders more freedom, the government said, with relevant businesses, trade associations, and consumer groups all set to be among those involved in the consultation.
The proposed return to imperial measurements has reportedly been announced now to mark Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee.
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The proposed return to imperial comes 22 years after the EU introduced its weights and measures directive / Credit: Rawpixel
Speaking on the launch of the 12-week consultation, Business Minister Paul Scully said: “While we think of our fruit and vegetables by the pound, the legacy of EU rules means we legally have to sell them by the kilo.
“Our consultation today will help shops to serve customers in the way their customers want.”
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The BEIS denied that converting back to imperial measurements would mean extra costs for businesses, and it insisted that firms would not be forced to make changes – but not everyone in the industry has received the news with open arms.
Tory peer and ASDA chairman, Lord Rose, has branded the proposed return to imperial measurements “complete and utter nonsense”.
He said it would only please “a small minority who hark for the past”.
He told Times Radio this week: “I’ve never heard such nonsense in my life. I mean, we have got serious problems in the world and we’re now saying ‘let’s go backwards’. Does anybody in this country below the age of about 40 know how many ounces there are in a pound?
“It’s complete and utter nonsense and it will add cost to those people who have to put it into place.”
He added: “I am shocked. It’s one thing having a crown on your pint glass, which is a bit of fun and a bit of nostalgia but it’s quite another having a whole dual system of weights and measures.”
Arrest made after 14-year-old boy found in critical condition on Market Street
Daisy Jackson
An arrest has been made after a teenage boy was found unresponsive on Market Street in Manchester city centre.
Detectives believe that the boy, 14, was approached by seven males who stole a designer jacket from him.
Following the altercation, he went into cardiac arrest and was rushed to hospital in a critical condition.
Thankfully, the teenager is continuing to recover well.
Detectives from Manchester City Centre Criminal Investigation Department confirmed that an 18-year-old male was arrested yesterday, Thursday 20 February.
He has been arrested on suspicion of robbery and remains in police custody.
Detective Inspector Mark Astbury of GMP’s City Centre Criminal Investigation Department, said: “We hope the victim can continue his recovery following what must have been a terrifying ordeal for him.
“Officers are fully investigating all aspects of this shocking incident that has left a man with serious injuries in hospital.
“Our work doesn’t stop here, we are continuing to investigate this incident and information from the public plays an incredibly important role in our investigations and I ask that the community keep talking to us and keep sharing their concerns with us so our teams can act.”
If you have any information, contact GMP 101 or 0161 856 4305 quoting log 2854 of 16/2/25.
Comedy is being prescribed instead of antidepressants as part of UK trials
Emily Sergeant
Trials are currently underway to see if comedy could be an alternative to antidepressants as a way to reduce NHS costs.
UK tech company Craic Health has secured important funding for its ‘comedy on prescription’ project that’s aimed at helping the Government work with the comedy industry, communities, and organisations on comedy-based social prescriptions in the hope that they can solve financial struggles within the NHS.
The groundbreaking scheme uses stand-up shows and workshops to help people who are isolated, lonely, and vulnerable.
Craic believes comedy is an ‘untapped opportunity’ to improve health and wellbeing, and has a goal to make comedy easier to access, so that it can help communities experience its mental health and social benefits.
To achieve this, the company has started trialling Comedy-on-Prescription experiences in the UK – starting in London, with the potential for expansion – which includes things like curated comedy panel game show events and workshops, and general stand-up comedy shows at some of the capital’s world-famous venues.
Comedy is being prescribed instead of antidepressants as part of UK trials / Credit: Wikimedia Commons
“Mental health issues like loneliness, isolation, and stress are more common than ever,” the company explains.
“So much so that it’s projected that by 2030, mental health problems, particularly depression, will be the leading cause of mortality and morbidity globally, [but] in this challenging world, comedy stands out as a universal language that breaks barriers.
“Research shows that comedy and laughter have powerful effects – they bring people together, create positive connections, and make life more enjoyable.”
Craic Health says that social prescribing, of which Comedy-on-Prescription is a part of, is all about inclusivity, which makes it making it suitable for people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities.
Its focus is on personalised support, tailored to individual needs and preferences.
Emily Sergeant -
3rd June 2022 
