Latest news with #Hanson
Sky News AU
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Sky News AU
Prosecco is bargain-basement gold for Aussies craving alternative to pricey champagne, even if it's geared for lowly 'commoners' like us
There is no polite way to say this: If you drink prosecco you are common. It may sound snobbish to say so, but if you drink prosecco instead of champagne it is a sure sign you are low class. So says William Hanson, a British authority of etiquette. It makes no difference to Mr Hanson that more than 700 million bottles of prosecco are sold every year and that it is the bargain-basement alternative to champagne. Mr Hanson seems to care not that prosecco also adds the frothy pop charm to the Aperol spritz, the world's most ubiquitous cocktail. In Mr Hanson's eyes, I must be a low-class vulgarian because I rather enjoy a good prosecco, especially with a fiery Indian curry. It's palate cleansing, and the sweetness cuts through the spice. Mr Hanson is the author of the bestselling Just Good Manners (Penguin) described as the quintessential guide to etiquette. He lists other tell-tale signs that you are common. He dislikes large, wall-mounted televisions he says intrude on family life. He loathes hot tubs, disapproves of liquid soap and frowns on ill-bred commoners who put on make-up in public and hold their knives like pens. Mr Hanson sounds to me like those entitled, yet delightful high society English chaps from 'Brideshead Revisited' who dash around Chelsea and Knightsbridge saying 'righty-o'. And he is certainly on the money with his views on hot tubs and giant TVs, is he not? Mercifully, he grudgingly approves of prosecco being served at Italian-themed dinners 'because that's Italian champagne'. 'But if you really want champagne but you either can't afford it or there isn't any, that's when choosing prosecco becomes common,' he adds. Prosecco is made from the glera grape native to the Veneto region in northeastern Italy. And even there it is surrounded by a little snobbishness from the Italians themselves. Those with a more refined palate insist on posh 'prosecco superiore' bubbles. You can recognise them by the labels with the words Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG. The Conegliano Valdobbiadene region's DOCG (Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita) stamp is an assurance of quality. It is the highest rating any wine appellation can get from Italy's Ministry of Agriculture. Producers have to run the gauntlet through a panel of experts to qualify. Most 'prosecco superiore' grapes are grown in vineyards on such steep slopes so that it is too dangerous for mechanical harvesters. So the grapes are picked by hand and carried uphill in buckets on a pulley system. The Aperol spritz, meanwhile, is under siege in New York where bartenders are reportedly replacing the Aperol with Campari, its slightly bitter cousin. The traditional Italian palate cleanser sgroppino is also rocketing up the cocktail hit parade. Sgroppino (pronounced cro-PEEN-yoe) may be served as a cocktail or a slushy dessert. It is a boozy frozen treat made with lemon sorbet, prosecco and vodka. It was traditionally an after-dinner drink but is now served at brunch (heaven forbid!) alongside croissants and sweet tarts. And if you don't have prosecco you can also make it with sparkling wine. Add an orange wedge for a garnish. Or try The Americano, a bitter, low alcohol spritz described as a classic riff on the Milano-Torino cocktail. The Times reports it is a mix of simple mix of Campari (from Milan) and sweet vermouth (from Turin) created by Gaspare Campari at his Caffè Campari in the 1860s. 'When soda water was added, it became a hit among American tourists, hence the name.' For a boozier version, add a nip of gin.
The Herald Scotland
2 days ago
- Politics
- The Herald Scotland
Televise grooming gang inquiry given public interest, Labour peer urges
Speaking in Parliament, the Muslim Labour peer again apologised for the crimes carried out by 'wicked, wicked men' and said many in her community felt 'deeply ashamed'. Responding, Home Office minister Lord Hanson of Flint also said he would like to see the inquiry 'speeded up', but this would be subject to discussion with the chairperson, which the Government was looking to swiftly recruit. The full-scale investigation was announced by the Prime Minister following a major review by Baroness Casey into grooming gangs, leading to accusations of a U-turn by Tory critics. Her report, published on Monday, found the ethnicity of perpetrators had been 'shied away from', with data not recorded for two-thirds of offenders. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper claimed officials had dodged the issue of ethnicity among the groups of sex offenders for fear of being called racist, even though available data showed suspects were disproportionately likely to be Asian men. Labour peer and broadcaster Baroness Hazarika was previously a political adviser to former prime minister Gordon Brown, Baroness Harman and Energy Secretary Ed Miliband (Alamy/PA) Lord Hanson told peers on Wednesday: 'The Government is determined to root out the horrific crimes of grooming gangs and secure justice for victims.' He pointed out all 12 recommendations made by Lady Casey had been accepted by the administration, including the establishment of a national probe. The minister added: 'The inquiry will be time limited, have statutory powers to direct targeted investigations into local areas with the aim of holding institutions to account for current and historic failures in their response to group-based child sexual exploitation.' Lady Hazarika said: 'I welcome this inquiry. And I just wanted to say that, as a Muslim woman, I want to profoundly apologise for what these wicked, wicked men have done to white working class girls. 'Many of us feel deeply ashamed, and let's not call them grooming gangs. These are rape gangs which operated on an industrial level. 'I hope the inquiry will also hear the voices of Muslim girls who were also abused by these animals.' She added: 'The minister talks about a time limit. Could the inquiry be capped at two years because justice delayed is justice denied? 'Given the public interest, can this inquiry be televised? 'And finally, given the incredible work that Baroness Casey has done, can she be appointed the chair? Because in a world of appalling systemic failure, she is the only public figure that many victims trust.' Lord Hanson said: 'She asks about the timescale for the inquiry, Baroness Casey has indicated it would be around three years. I would like to see it speeded up, but we have to discuss that matter with the potential chair of the inquiry. 'And the Government intends to try to recruit the potential chair of the inquiry as a matter of some speed, and we are in the process of doing that now. 'Baroness Casey herself is currently now going to be engaged in a further report, but we will appoint a chair as soon as possible.' He added: 'As to the matter of televising the proceedings, again if she will bear with me, that again will be a matter of discussion with the chair to determine. 'We want to ensure that we take action speedily on this issue.' He pointed out other recommendation made by Lady Casey would be implemented 'in very short order'. These included making it mandatory to collect ethnicity and nationality data of all suspects in child sexual abuse cases, a change in the law so that all adult sex with under-16s was considered rape, and a review of the criminal records of exploitation victims.
Belfast Telegraph
2 days ago
- Politics
- Belfast Telegraph
PSNI to be given powers to seize electronic devices to combat immigration crime
Under the proposed Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill currently progressing through Parliament authorities will have new tools to combat criminal gangs. Speaking on the legislation, Minister of State at the Home Office, Lord David Hanson, described it as a "turbocharge" to current enforcement capabilities. 'Our Borders Bill will turbocharge efforts to combat irregular migration and organised immigration crime,' he said. 'It will equip law enforcement across the UK with new tools to better identify, disrupt and dismantle the criminal networks behind this vile trade.' Among the key measures is the expansion of powers to seize electronic devices such as mobile phones believed to contain intelligence on people-smuggling operations. These powers will be extended to police forces across the UK, including the PSNI, and are inspired by counterterrorism protocols. Lord Hanson highlighted that the enhanced authority will 'provide critical insights into the operations of smuggling gangs'. 'This change will deliver greater intelligence on these people smuggling gangs, enhancing investigations and strengthening the collective response to bring criminals to justice,' he added. The Bill draws directly from counterterrorism strategies, allowing earlier interventions in smuggling networks. It includes provisions to criminalise the supply or possession of materials suspected to be used in illegal crossings, such as parts for small boats, bringing immigration enforcement more in line with anti-terror practices. The proposed powers come in response to a recent report from His Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS), which welcomed the potential for electronic device seizures to yield valuable information on criminal activity. However, officials have stressed that any device seizure, retention, or data extraction will be assessed on a case-by-case basis and subject to strict oversight and safeguards. The measures are part of the Government's broader 'Plan for Change' strategy, which aims to restore order to the UK's asylum and immigration systems. Law enforcement agencies are said to be working 'round the clock' to dismantle smuggling operations. Last month, a major Home Office operation in Northern Ireland targeting people-smuggling networks led to more than 30 arrests and the seizure of assets worth £160,000. Simultaneously, the newly formed Border Security Command is working to 'deepen international collaboration in the fight against irregular migration'. The Government's efforts have also been underpinned by a substantial financial commitment. On June 11, the Chancellor announced up to £280m per year in funding for the Border Security Command. The Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill is scheduled to enter Committee Stage in the House of Lords next week.
Los Angeles Times
4 days ago
- Business
- Los Angeles Times
Trump fires Democratic commissioner of independent agency that oversees nuclear safety
WASHINGTON — President Trump has fired a Democratic commissioner for the federal agency that oversees nuclear safety as he continues to assert more control over independent regulatory agencies. Christopher Hanson, a former chairman of the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, said in a statement Monday that Trump terminated his position as NRC commissioner without cause, 'contrary to existing law and longstanding precedent regarding removal of independent agency appointees.' The firing of Hanson comes as Trump seeks to take authority away from the independent safety agency, which has regulated the U.S. nuclear industry for five decades. Trump signed executive orders in May intended to quadruple domestic production of nuclear power within the next 25 years, a goal experts say the United States is highly unlikely to reach. To speed up the development of nuclear power, the orders grant the U.S. Energy secretary authority to approve some advanced reactor designs and projects. White House spokesperson Anna Kelly said in an emailed statement that 'all organizations are more effective when leaders are rowing in the same direction' and that the Republican president reserves the right to 'remove employees within his own executive branch.' Trump fired two of the three Democratic commissioners at the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, an independent federal agency responsible for enforcing federal laws that prohibit discrimination in the workplace. In a similar move, two National Labor Relations Board members were fired. Willie Phillips, a Democratic member and former chairman of the independent Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, stepped down in April, telling reporters that the White House asked him to do so. Trump also signed an executive order to give the White House direct control of independent federal regulators such as the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Federal Trade Commission and the Federal Communications Commission. New Jersey Rep. Frank Pallone, the top Democrat on the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, called Hanson's firing illegal and another attempt by Trump to undermine independent agencies and consolidate power in the White House. 'Congress explicitly created the NRC as an independent agency, insulated from the whims of any president, knowing that was the only way to ensure the health, safety and welfare of the American people,' Pallone said in a statement. Senate Democrats also said Trump overstepped his authority. Sens. Sheldon Whitehouse, Patty Murray and Martin Heinrich said in a joint statement that 'Trump's lawlessness' threatens the commission's ability to ensure that nuclear power plants and nuclear materials are safe and free from political interference. Hanson was nominated to the commission by Trump in 2020. He was appointed chair by former President Biden in January 2021 and served in that role until Trump's inauguration to a second term as president. Trump selected David Wright, a Republican member of the commission, to serve as chair. Hanson continued to serve on the NRC as a commissioner. His term was due to end in 2029. Wright's term expires on June 30. The White House has not said if he will be reappointed. Edwin Lyman, director of nuclear power safety at the Union of Concerned Scientists, called Hanson a dedicated public servant and a strong supporter of the NRC's public health and safety mission. Firing Hanson is Trump's 'latest outrageous move to undermine the independence and integrity' of the agency that protects the U.S. homeland from nuclear power plant disasters, Lyman said in a statement. The NRC confirmed Hanson's service ended on Friday, bringing the panel to two Democrats and two Republicans. The commission has functioned in the past with fewer than the required five commissioners and will continue to do so, the statement said. McDermott and Daly write for the Associated Press. McDermott reported from Providence, R.I.
Boston Globe
4 days ago
- Politics
- Boston Globe
Trump fires Democratic commissioner of independent agency that oversees nuclear safety
Get Starting Point A guide through the most important stories of the morning, delivered Monday through Friday. Enter Email Sign Up White House spokesperson Anna Kelly told reporters that 'all organizations are more effective when leaders are rowing in the same direction' and that the Republican president reserves the right to remove employees within the executive branch who exert his executive authority. Advertisement Trump fired two of the three Democratic commissioners at the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, an independent federal agency responsible for enforcing federal laws that prohibit discrimination in the workplace. In a similar move, two National Labor Relations Board members were fired. Willie Phillips, a Democratic member and former chairman of the independent Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, stepped down in April, telling reporters that the White House asked him to do so. Advertisement Trump also signed an executive order to give the White House direct control of independent federal regulators such as the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Federal Trade Commission and the Federal Communications Commission. New Jersey Rep. Frank Pallone, the top Democrat on the the House Energy and Commerce Committee, called Hanson's firing illegal and another attempt by Trump to undermine independent agencies and consolidate power in the White House. 'Congress explicitly created the NRC as an independent agency, insulated from the whims of any president, knowing that was the only way to ensure the health, safety and welfare of the American people,' Pallone said in a statement. Senate Democrats also said Trump overstepped his authority. Sens. Sheldon Whitehouse, Patty Murray and Martin Heinrich said in a joint statement that 'Trump's lawlessness' threatens the commission's ability to ensure that nuclear power plants and nuclear materials are safe and free from political interference. Hanson was nominated to the commission by Trump in 2020. He was appointed chair by President Joe Biden in January 2021 and served in that role until Trump's inauguration to a second term as president. Trump selected David Wright, a Republican member of the commission, to serve as chair. Hanson continued to serve on the NRC as a commissioner. His term was due to end in 2029. Wright's term expires on June 30. The White House has not said if he will be reappointed. Edwin Lyman, director of nuclear power safety at the Union of Concerned Scientists, called Hanson a dedicated public servant and a strong supporter of the NRC's public health and safety mission. Firing Hanson is Trump's 'latest outrageous move to undermine the independence and integrity' of the agency that protects the U.S. homeland from nuclear power plant disasters, Lyman said in a statement. Advertisement The NRC confirmed Hanson's service ended on Friday, bringing the panel to two Democrats and two Republicans. The commission has functioned in the past with fewer than the required five commissioners and will continue to do so, the statement said.
