There have been countless calls for Huw Edwards to be knighted for his coverage of the death of HM Queen Elizabeth II.
The seasoned broadcaster has been a presenter on the BBC since 1986, and while he has held a number of notable roles during his time working for the corporation, he is mostly-known to UK audiences as the face BBC News at Ten – which he has been since 2003.
Some of the significant events Edwards has delivered the news of to the nation over the years include the election of Barack Obama, the results of the EU referendum, and the Royal wedding of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.
But by far one if the most important events was the death HM Queen Elizabeth II.
Although the 10pm slot is where he is usually most at home, following the announcement by Buckingham Palace earlier yesterday that HM Queen Elizabeth II was “under medical supervision” at Balmoral after her doctors had become “concerned for Her Majesty’s health”, Edwards remained on air for extended periods throughout the day.
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Following the release of Buckingham Palace’s statement, the BBC confirmed that all its regular programming had been suspended and that it would be showing rolling news streams until at least 6pm.
Shortly after 6:40pm BST, Edwards confirmed the news that HM Queen Elizabeth II had died aged 96.
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Delivering the statement released by The Royal Family to announce HM The Queen’s passing live on air to millions of people watching right across the UK, Huw said: “The Queen died peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon.
“The King and The Queen Consort will remain at Balmoral this evening and will return to London tomorrow.”
Since the news was confirmed and the world watched as Edwards delivered one of the most important statements in recent British history, famous names and members of the public have been taking to social media in their thousands to share messages of respect for the presenter and praise his long-running service to news reading.
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Edwards’ delivery of the news has been called a “masterclass” in broadcasting, and many people have been calling for him to be knighted.
Comedian David Baddiel said on Twitter: “It’s really an amazing performance by Huw Edwards. A masterclass in whatever the opposite might be of comedy improvisation, in extended sombreness.”
Rory Bremner added: “Respect to Huw Edwards. He’s just done about a 72 hour straight live shift for the change of PMs. And anchored the 10 O’clock all week. He must be utterly exhausted. Dimbleby-esque stamina and professionalism.”
Darryl Morris also said in a tweet: “Huw Edwards has just spent four long days anchoring rolling covering of a change of Prime Minister and the death of the monarch… and he has barely dropped a syllable. A national treasure.”
It’s really an amazing performance by Huw Edwards. A masterclass in whatever the opposite might be of comedy improvisation, in extended sombreness.
Also, respect to Huw Edwards. He’s just done about a 72 hour straight live shift for the change of PMs. And anchored the 10 O’clock all week. He must be utterly exhausted. Dimbleby-esque stamina & professionalism.
Huw Edwards has just spent four long days anchoring rolling covering of a change of Prime Minister and the death of the monarch… and he has barely dropped a syllable. A national treasure.
“I wouldn’t go as far as a knighthood but the way he held him self during what was evidently a very hard thing for him to do after covering the last 72 hours of the new PM was nothing short of admirable and professional,” one Twitter user said.
Another Twitter user said: “Huw Edwards deserves a knighthood for basically talking to countless people about nothing for hours on end and now leading the most important news story of a generation, the best to ever do it I think.”
A third added: “In awe of Huw Edwards, leading the BBC News live broadcast for almost five hours from a single press release. He’s cautious not to generate hysteria but also respectful of the potential severity of the situation. Top class broadcaster.
“And now he reads the biggest news bulletin of his career, with grace, calmness and respect.”
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And now he reads the biggest news bulletin of his career, with grace, calmness and respect.
Huw Edwards deserves a knighthood for basically talking to countless people about nothing for hours on end and now leading the most important news story of a generation, the best to ever do it I think!
“Hats off to Huw Edwards who has been delivering extraordinary coverage on BBC One since lunchtime. A masterclass in professionalism. I am in awe,” a fourth said.
Another said on Twitter: “Huw Edwards, in the circumstances, was brilliant. If anyone was born to broadcast, it was him. Dignified throughout and visibly upset. A credit to the BBC.”
“What a week for Huw Edwards. His relentless professionalism through Liz Truss’ appointment and now the Queen’s death really is to be admired. If anyone has the right to say they’re tired, it’s him. Hope he has a day off soon,” yet another person said full of praise.
Huw Edwards deserves a knighthood after this shift
Huw Edwards deserves a knighthood for his current performance on the beeb.
— Pete Creek #FBPE I am European! (@BemusedofBD23) September 8, 2022
HM Queen Elizabeth II died aged 96 on 8 September 2022.
During her reign, Elizabeth II served as Queen of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth – undertaking an important symbolic and unifying role as a head of state, spanning numerous geographical regions, cultures, and religions.
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She was not just the longest-reigning British monarch in history, but she was also the first-ever monarch to reign in the UK for 70 years.
She was beloved by many for her sense of duty and devotion to her role.
Featured Image – BBC News
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Manchester’s libraries to become ‘warm spaces’ with free hot drinks and WiFi this winter
Emily Sergeant
Manchester’s libraries are set to become ‘warm welcome spaces’ offering free hot drinks and internet access to those in need again this winter.
After millions of local residents visited the ‘stigma-free safe spaces’ to escape and take refuge from the cold each year since they were first introduced in 2022, Manchester City Council has decided to reintroduce its popular ‘Warm Welcome Spaces’ scheme again this year during the chillier months.
All 22 of Manchester‘s public libraries are, once again, taking part in the scheme this time around.
Designed to ‘provide support to people who need it’ over some of the most challenging months of the year when temperatures drop, the Council’s scheme is offering a range of different services – and they’re all for free of charge.
Free hot drinks, WiFi and internet access, data SIM cards, and newspapers are just some of the things people can make the most of inside these ‘warm spaces’, as well as get access to information, advice, and extra signposting to other support services they made need in the city.
Manchester’s libraries will become ‘warm spaces’ with free hot drinks and WiFi again this winter / Credit: Haydon Waldeck | koolshooters (Pexels)
There will be age-friendly spaces to connect with others, story times once a week at 11am for children under five, and even weekly digital drop-ins too.
Manchester Central Library, Miles Platting Community Library, Hulme High Street Library, Beswick Library, Longsight Library, and Abraham Moss Library are just some of the libraries taking part this winter.
All 22 libraries will be free to enter, and the Council says people can stay in them ‘for as long as you like’.
“For many years, the Council has been a proud supporter of the Warm Welcome Spaces initiative,” explained Councillor Thomas Robinson, who is the Executive Member for Healthy Manchester and Adult Social Care at Manchester City Council.
“In Manchester we have been all too aware of the impact of the cost-of-living crisis and the hardships people have suffered as a result.
“It’s not an exaggeration to say this work has the potential to be lifesaving. The simple act of offering a person a safe place where they can interact with other Mancunians, to not feel alone or get the help they need, can have a lasting and meaningful impact.”
Find your local free ‘Warm Welcome Space’ in Manchester here.
Featured Image – RawPixel
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Jürgen Klopp reveals the main reason he turned down the Manchester United job
Danny Jones
Former Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp has revealed one of the main reasons he turned down the Manchester United job more than a decade ago.
The ex-Borussia Dortmund boss turned Merseyside hero spent nine years at Anfield, going on to win a Champions League, Premier League, and a collection of cups.
It’s also worth noting that this all came in the years following the departure of legendary Man United manager Sir Alex Ferguson, but there could have been an alternate reality where Klopp carried on where ‘Fergie’ left off, as the now 58-year-old says the club spoke to him during that time.
With Sir Alex leaving in 2013 after the best part of 30 years, Klopp told Steven Bartlett on his most recent Diary of A CEO episode that “of course, they were interested.”
OUT NOW!
💥Jürgen Klopp on The Diary Of A CEO
Some of the topics we cover:
•His surprise at Liverpool’s £450m transfer window and why he didn’t get the same money
•He says a return to Liverpool is possible – but he couldn’t ask for just one year off
Admitting that the interest was mutual “at one point”, the prospect of joining Liverpool‘s historic rivals clearly appealed to him.
Noting that he was flourishing as an up-and-coming coach (aged 46 back then) in charge of an impressive Dortmund team – adding that even some of his then future players to be at Liverpool flew to watch them play in the Champions League – it’s clear he had plenty of suitors.
However, the retired German footballer turned ‘Gegenpressing’ tactician goes on to explain that despite United trying to poach him from the Bundesliga, it was “the wrong time, wrong moment for me.”
Crucially, he says that some aspects of the conversations between him and the club at the time proved to be a turn-off rather than an incentive, citing talk of ‘the biggest club in the world’ and supposedly “signing any player we want.”
In short, Klopp says that, crucially, it didn’t sound like it would have been his project, drawing parallels to the board wanting to bring back players like Paul Pogba, with arguably similar ‘mistakes’ being made with the return of Cristiano Ronaldo. In his eyes, looking backwards simply “never helps”.
You can see the clip in full here:
Had he not turned down the offer, do you think Klopp could have helped rebuild Man United?
According to Klopp, after negotiations seemed to revolve primarily around the kind of players they were going to bring in, he decided the opportunity wasn’t for him.
Nevertheless, it looked like things worked out for Merseyside’s biggest club, at least, as he went on to become one of the most successful managers in the Premier League, managing to break up the long period of dominance overseen by both Manchester United and, most recently, Man City.
As for the red half of Manchester, they at the very least had a good weekend as they finally ended their long wait for a win away against Liverpool.
In case you missed it, you can watch the highlights – including another big clutch goal from Harry Maguire – down below.
Emily Sergeant -
9th September 2022 
