Brits could be facing a ban on the use of disposable barbecues this summer in efforts to cut the risk of wildfires.
Although the grills may be a staple of British summertime culture, with over a million estimated to be bought in the UK each year, they have certainly been the subject of much discussion in recent years due to a number of environmental and sustainability concerns.
Disposable barbecues not only typically contain single-use plastic, but also charcoal which is often not sustainably-sourced, and cannot be can’t be recycled or composted.
Because of these concerns, supermarket retailers Waitrose and Aldi last month made the decision to stop selling them in order to protect forests and wildlife, and Brighton and Hove City Council was one of the local authorities which voted overwhelmingly to ban them from the area’s beaches and parks as part of its strategy to tackle climate change.
Also, in a bid to prevent devastating wildfires from occurring in some of the country’s best-loved nature reserves and green spaces, the Co-op last year banned the selling of disposable barbecues in any of its stores within a one-mile radius of a national park.
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And now, it seems like further action could soon be taken on a national scale.
Brits could be facing a ban on the use of disposable barbecues in efforts to cut the risk of wildfires / Credit: Pixahive
It comes after environment minister Victoria Prentis told a House of Commons debate this week that the government was commissioning research to examine the role that disposable barbecues play in wildfires, as the latest data from the Home Office is said to suggest that around 4% of accidental fires can be linked to barbecue use.
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This does not, however, differentiate between the use of a barbecue in a home or at a place like a public park or beach.
She crucially said it’s “when they are left unattended or used recklessly that the risk occurs”.
Ms Prentis continued: “It is clear to me that we do not have enough data on the role that disposable barbecues play in wildfire incidents, however, anecdotal evidence – not least in this debate – suggests that they have been responsible for a number of serious incidents.”
Labour MP Holly Lynch – who led the Commons debate – was also sure to highlight the 75 wildfires that West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service has already attended this year, and added that “a significant number are caused by careless and reckless use of disposable barbecues on our moorland.”
Disposable barbecues have been the subject of much discussion due environmental and sustainability concerns / Credit: Rawpixel
She said a ban on disposable barbecues “would have an instant and transformative effect in protecting our moorland” and would help to “safeguard” them and our communities in the years ahead.
Mike Amesbury, a local government spokesperson for the Labour party, too called on the Department for Environment during the debate to “step up and become more proactive in tackling this growing problem”, adding: “That should include consideration of whether disposable barbecues should be banned from sale entirely.
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“The government certainly needs to encourage the small minority using barbecues in appropriate locations to be more responsible.
“And think of the potential consequences for people, the environment and livestock.”
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Tailgaters and middle lane hoggers warned to change their ‘dangerous’ driving style
Emily Sergeant
A warning has been issued to tailgaters and motorway middle lane hoggers urging them to change their ‘dangerous’ driving style.
Do you find yourself guilty of two of the biggest driving sins from time to time?
Well, according to the latest figures released by National Highways, one in three motorists have admitted to middle lane hogging in their lives, while one in four have committed acts of tailgating on some of the UK’s fastest roads.
These shocking survey findings – which were released back in early March as the Government-owned road management company launched a new campaign – showed that lane hogging was among the behaviours that are most likely to cause motorists and passengers to feel ‘frustrated’, and tailgating was most likely to cause feelings of unease, stress, and anxiety.
Nearly a third (32%) of drivers admitted to lane hogging ‘at least occasionally’ while driving on England’s motorways and major A roads, according to the survey – which polled 2,500 adults between the ages of 16-75.
On top of this, almost seven in ten adults in England (67%) said close following or tailgating is a ‘serious problem’ on these types of roads, but nearly a quarter (23%) admitted to doing it from time to time.
Tut-tut.
Tailgaters and middle lane hoggers have been warned to change their ‘dangerous’ driving style (Credit: IPTC/Ronald Hudson)
It’s these very statistics which have led National Highways to issue an urgent warning that calls on these motorists to “carefully consider” their driving habits, as “little changes can change everything”.
Lane hogging and tailgating both fall under the offence of ‘careless driving’ in England, with the country’s police forces having the power to hand out on-the-spot fines of £100 and three penalty points to those who commit such offences.
“Middle lane hogging and tailgating are far more than mere annoyances for drivers,” warned RAC road safety spokesperson, Rod Dennis, adding that these actions “put everyone on the roads at risk.”
If you’re too close to the vehicle in front, you’re tailgating. This is very dangerous and could lead to a collision. Always leave at least a two-second gap and make sure you follow the advice from The Highway Code.
He continued in his reaction to the release of the latest National Highways figures: “Closely following another motorist could easily result in a serious collision should the driver ahead need to brake sharply for any reason, so the fact nearly one in four drivers admitted to doing so on some of England’s fastest and busiest roads is frightening”.
Mr Dennis said he understands that offenders “might find these habits hard to kick”, but that’s why the urgent calls for motorists to make changes are “so important”.
“By understanding that how we choose to drive affects others, we can each make a real difference to the safety of our roads,” he concluded.
Paddy McGuinness admits he thinks Bolton is ‘still in Lancashire’ not Greater Manchester
Emily Sergeant
Paddy McGuinness has admitted that he believes “Bolton still falls under Lancashire” and not Greater Manchester.
The famous comedian and TV presenter – who was born and raised in Farnworth in 1973, back when it genuinely was still categorised as Lancashire – made the somewhat controversial declaration to his millions of followers on Instagram this week as he shared some pictures of himself that are currently featuring as part of a photography exhibition.
McGuinness is one of dozens of local famous faces forming part of the ‘Greater Mancunians’ project by The Manchester College.
150 students have participated in the landmark photography project – which is currently on display down at Manchester Central Library’s Main Exhibition Hall – and it features images of some of Manchester’s most famous and influential people shot at numerous locations across the city.
Noel Gallagher, Johnny Marr, Ricky Hatton, Andy Burnham, Angela Rayner, Maxine Peake, Jonathan Warburton, and Professor Erinma Bell MBE are among the 100 contributors featured in the project, alongside McGuinness.
The 50-year-old, who is most well-known for his acting and presenting roles in Phoenix Nights, Max and Paddy’s Road To Nowhere, Take Me Out, and Top Gear, says it was “a real honour” to be featured in the exhibition.
McGuinness wrote on Instagram: “It was a real honour to take part in the Greater Mancunians project with the students at The Manchester College. The exhibition is full of people from music, comedy, politics, poetry, television, medicine and beyond.”
He then said it’s “well worth popping in if you’re in town”, before dropping the final Bolton-related bombshell: “PS, I’m still saying Bolton falls under Lancashire.”
In case you’re unfamiliar with the borough’s history, Bolton was considered to be a part of Lancashire until Greater Manchester was formally established all the way back on 1 April 1974 – but still to this day, the town is located within the historic county boundaries of Lancashire.
Paddy McGuinness admits he thinks Bolton is ‘still in Lancashire’, not Greater Manchester (Credit: Wikimedia Commons)
After making the bold claim about Bolton’s geographical location, McGuinness has been met with praise and has received hundreds of comments from other Bolton and wider Greater Manchester residents agreeing with him and sharing their similar opinions under the post.
“I think they should redefine Lancashire back to its old borders, it would bring unity to the area and create a northern powerhouse,” one person commented.
Another fan wrote: “Bolton will always be in Lancashire for me”, while a third commented: “ALWAYS Lancashire. Can’t move land boundaries, they’re not pieces of paper,” a fourth shared a similar sentiment: “They can tell us we’re Greater Manchester, but I know Im a Lancashire lass,” and a fifth added: “Lancashire all the way lad.”
“BOLTON WILL ALWAYS BE LANCASHIRE,” another clearly strong-viewed comment reads.
Emily Sergeant -
5th April 2022 
