Cathy Come Home wasn’t made to inform, it was made to confront. When it premiered as part of the BBC’s Wednesday Play series back in November ‘66, 12 million people – a quarter of the British population at that time – tuned in to see Ken Loach’s seminal social-realist masterwork. The reaction from audiences was remarkable, provoking public outrage and prompting major discussions within the political sphere: donations to the charity Shelter surged in the days that followed the transmission...

Academic experts from Birmingham City University’s Centre for Brexit Studies have revealed how the General Election result will impact the Brexit outcome. A detailed infographic has been released showing what we can expect to see from Brexit negotiations based on six potential outcomes from the election. The image explores the differences we can expect to see in negotiations, and eventual Brexit, if the election results in a Conservative landslide victory or a Labour-led coalition and everything in between. Professor Alex...

Simon Cowell is amongst the favourites at 11/8 to receive a knighthood when the Queen’s Birthday Honours list is announced on 17th June. Fellow Britain’s Got Talent judge David Walliams said Cowell “thinks he should have a knighthood” and the odds suggest the leading online bookmaker agrees. Meanwhile, J K Rowling is the shortest in the betting at evens to receive a magic tap on the shoulder from the Queen’s sword. Her Royal Highness is 6/4 to make space for...

An effigy of Theresa May wielding two fingers has been erected on the White Cliffs of Dover. The Conservative leader is dressed in a full Union Jack skirt with her two fingers raised looking out across the Channel. It is unclear at this time who is responsible for the statue, but it is believed to have already been taken down. Simon Hare told Kent Online: “Whether you agree or disagree with Brexit, it was crass, vulgar and insulting to any...

Today in a packed press conference, Dave Green of the Fire Brigades Union (FBU) warned that with 10,000 less firefighters under Theresa May's watch as Home Secretary, "ability to respond is becoming compromised." Cities such as Greater Manchester and London had seen "huge cuts" the former firefighter explained, adding that nationwide after seven years of cuts the fire and rescue services had lost one in six firefighters. "Our members are very much feeling the strain," he warned, adding "at some point or another...

First we had ‘Brexit means Brexit’ then we had ‘Strong and stable’ (or was it ‘Stable and Strong’?), then the ‘Coalition of Chaos’, and now we have ‘The Labour Money Tree’. There seems no end to Theresa May’s PR soundbites (or indeed mud slinging), but the Money Tree one really gets me, especially when I hear it being parroted by friends and family members with little or no economic knowledge. Convincing the electorate that running the country is the same...

For a band with such a strong and unmistakable catalogue of original material, Placebo have always had an impeccable way with a cover version. Starting with a take on Syd Barrett’s Dark Globe, way back in 1996, they have freely interpreted the songs of others to complement the originals. Their choice of covers – from Nick Drake to Boney M; Serge Gainsbourg to Depeche Mode – demonstrates Brian Molko and Stefan Olsdal’s musical influences and heritage. Rather than keep their...

A kind-hearted barber who walks the streets to give homeless people free haircuts in his spare time has been commended for his selfless actions. Kalon Forrest, 20, has been a professional barber for over four years and works six days a week. However, in his own time, Kalon takes to Princes Street, Edinburgh, to cut the hair of the homeless to make them feel better about themselves. Kalon, from Gullane, East Lothian, did the work without recognition for years before...

Whatever sort of business you run it is important that you present yourself appropriately to the public. Getting the uniform your staff wear right is a crucial part of this, especially in a public facing industry like the hospitality sector. Simon Jersey explain the important elements to keep in mind when bringing together the perfect uniform for hospitality staff and what they can accomplish for your business. Present the right image Getting your uniform right starts with understanding the sort...