Latest news with #Kendall


Elle
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Elle
Femininity and fragrance: Angelina Kendall on being the face of narciso rodriguez' latest scent
There's a magnetic quality to Angelina Kendall. At just 19 years old, the model has already graced international runways and magazine covers, bringing a natural blend of confidence and elegance to every project she undertakes. Now, as the muse for narciso rodriguez for her eau de parfum intense, she steps into a role that feels tailor-made for her: a celebration of femininity in its most authentic, modern and empowering form. Kendall's journey into the spotlight was serendipitous. She was scouted during the pandemic, quickly making her mark in the fashion world. Her background – she was born in Australia but has also lived in Brazil – has shaped her into someone who radiates warmth, ambition and an appreciation for life's simple pleasures. This mix of depth and natural beauty caught the attention of designer Narciso Rodriguez, who describes Kendall as 'a rare, flawless and timeless kind of beauty'. The model embodies the essence of the 'for her' woman – ambitious, daring and in tune with herself. This new launch is brought to life through a bold, emotionally charged film, captured by legendary photographer Mario Sorrenti, in which we hear the muse's voice, adding intimacy and authenticity. In a dreamlike sequence, Kendall explores the layers of her personality and femininity in ways never seen before in the fragrance house's universe. The launch of for her eau de parfum intense marks a bold new chapter in the collection. Created by master perfumer Sonia Constant, it reinvents the signature heart of musk, amplifying its intensity with layers of peach, Calabrian bergamot, white florals and red spider lily. At its base, warm amber, vanilla and moss create a lasting impression of sensuality and strength. As Kendall reflects on her role as the new for her muse, she says it is more than just a campaign, it's an opportunity to celebrate authenticity, confidence and the beauty of being unapologetically oneself. I spent most of my life in Sydney, but also spent two years in regional Australia and one in Rio, Brazil, where my mum is from. I think this change in environment throughout my childhood forced me to be outgoing and confident around new people. One of my most notable attributes is that I love a chat – I'm always up for one! To me, femininity means harnessing your most authentic self. It's about living life without apology and embracing all parts of yourself, even your imperfections. Femininity used to equate to being soft or submissive, but now it has evolved to be about celebrating the best attributes of yourself. When I received the confirmation, I honestly couldn't believe it. I was so excited to see what the house had planned for the next chapter of the iconic for her fragrance. Once I was on set, it sunk in how special this project really was. To be the muse of this scent and to portray this woman who is so empowered by her femininity really allows me to connect to my inner self. It's truly so exciting to be involved in such a celebration of female empowerment. I've always stripped myself down to quite an authentic way of living. I think it's the best way to truly enjoy experiences and the relationships you make with others. In saying that, like everyone, I have some things I prefer to keep to myself. To me, this authenticity means being vulnerable enough to seek those who truly want to be around you – for you, and nothing else. It's a scary thing to be so raw with others, but I try to apply it to my daily life by asking myself whether I'm doing things for my own validation or for that of others. It plays a vital role. It's almost like a second skin, something that people associate with your presence. It's important to find a scent that you feel captures your personality and essence, or helps you to be more authentically yourself. To me, self-care is about honouring both your physical and mental needs. It's about getting outdoors or pampering yourself with a relaxing spa day, as much as recharging your social battery and reconnecting with your loved ones. Everyone finds happiness in different things, so I'd recommend doing things that give you a sense of purpose and make you excited. I maximise my happiness by meeting and connecting with people, moving my body and working towards goals. I find the most happiness and motivation in self-improvement. Without purpose, it's easy to become bored and lazy, losing this sense of fulfilment. Find your signature scent at narciso rodriguez


The Herald Scotland
a day ago
- Politics
- The Herald Scotland
This is why Scottish Labour MPs were tense in Westminster
Westminster is known for its intense energy with late night and lively debates. But as Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall unveiled the draft Bill that could save £7 billion from the benefits budget, the pressure was even higher. Kendall's plans restricts personal independence payments (PIP) for thousands of people, with impact assessments from the DWP suggesting 250,000 people – including 50,000 children – could be pushed into poverty by the reforms. Rebellions are widely expected, with discontent growing amongst the Labour party. In Westminster Hall on Wednesday, hours before Kendall unveiled the Bill, it would be an understatement to suggest Scottish Labour MPs were on edge. Read more Unspun: They had come to meet poverty campaigners from Trussell Trust, from constituencies all across Scotland, who were warning food bank use was worse than ever – and would soar if the welfare changes progressed. I spoke to around 15 of Scotland's Labour MPs in the early afternoon and every single one had been reluctant to mention the welfare plans. Several completely refused to speak about the policy, while those that did mostly towed the party line, stressing the current welfare system was broken – a line that followed from the UK Government hours later when the Bill was published. While the Bill in its entirety had only been published on Wednesday, the headline changes have been known for months, but Labour MPs warned they could not speak about any aspect of welfare reform until they had seen the paper. Those who did speak on the record were mixed, but the vast majority that I had spoken to across the day mentioned 'concerns' around the Bill – though were not planning to make those concerns public yet. Scottish Labour MPs were on tenterhooks, waiting to find out whether they will lose the party whip for voting against the UK Government's controversial welfare cuts. They have an almighty choice in front of them: vote against the UK Government's controversial welfare reforms and face the wrath of senior party officials, or vote for the cuts and face fury from the voters who elected them to Westminster in the first place. Labour suspended seven MPs for six months last year for voting against the government, urging senior figures to scrap the two-child benefit cap. Now it could happen again. It has also been reported by The Times that anyone who abstains from the vote could be 'blacklisted' from promotion. Starmer has a working majority of 165, meaning 83 Labour MPs would have to rebel for the party to lose the vote. But 42 Labour MPs have already publicly warned the proposals are the 'biggest attack' on the welfare state since Tory austerity, and there are others weighing up their options. Labour cannot afford such a big challenge to their authority. But for Scottish Labour MPs, the challenge is immense. Scottish Labour MPs need to decide whether they are willing to risk losing loyal constituents for the appearance of party loyalty.

South Wales Argus
2 days ago
- Business
- South Wales Argus
Welfare reform marks moment of compassion, says Kendall amid backbench anger
Liz Kendall's words come amid a backlash from some Labour MPs who have criticised the 'awful' cuts to welfare – which the Government hopes can save up to £5 billion a year. The reforms – aimed at encouraging more people off sickness benefits and into work – are set to include the tightening of criteria for personal independence payment (Pip), which is the main disability benefit, as well as a cut to the sickness-related element of universal credit (UC) and delayed access to only those aged 22 and over. Ministers are likely to face a Commons stand-off with backbench Labour MPs over their plans, with dozens of them last month saying the proposals were 'impossible to support'. In what could be seen as an attempt to head off some opposition, the legislation – known as the Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment Bill – will give existing claimants a 13-week period of financial support. The Department for Work and Pensions said this will apply to those affected by changes to the Pip daily living component, including those who lose their eligibility to Carers Allowance and the carer's element of UC. But campaigners, including disability equality charity Scope, said the longer transition period, up from an originally expected four weeks, 'will only temporarily delay a cut and disabled people will continue to be living with extra costs when it comes to an end'. Food bank network Trussell said: 'The last-minute details on protections offer something for a small proportion of people, but even they will still see a real-terms cut. 'The reality of this Bill is still record cuts in support for disabled people, and the biggest cuts to social security since 2015.' Contrary to Ms Kendall's words, learning disability charity Mencap accused the Government of having 'confirmed the choice to turn its back on thousands of disabled people and by pushing ahead with these welfare reforms, they are causing a huge amount of anxiety'. Ms Kendall said: 'Our social security system is at a crossroads. Unless we reform it, more people will be denied opportunities, and it may not be there for those who need it. 'This legislation represents a new social contract and marks the moment we take the road of compassion, opportunity and dignity. 'This will give people peace of mind, while also fixing our broken social security system so it supports those who can work to do so while protecting those who cannot – putting welfare spending on a more sustainable path to unlock growth as part of our Plan for Change.' As the Bill was formally introduced to the Commons on Wednesday, and the question asked as to what the next date for debate will be, Labour backbencher and former shadow chancellor John McDonnell could be heard to say 'Never'. A date has not yet been confirmed. I'll vote against these awful welfare reforms. A Labour government should lift people out of poverty, not put people into it. If you agree, then please write to your MP and tell them that. — Brian Leishman (@BrianLeishmanMP) June 17, 2025 Louise Murphy, senior economist at the Resolution Foundation think tank said the longer period of protection for those affected by Pip cuts is 'a sensible tweak that should ease the blow for those who are no longer eligible for support'. But she criticised extra funding for employment support not coming fully into effect until 2029 at the earliest, saying: 'While ministers have softened the stick of welfare cuts, they have not strengthened the carrot of greater employment support.' Sir Keir Starmer said he was 'determined' to ensure the reforms go through because he feels the welfare system 'doesn't work for anyone'. 'It doesn't work for those that want to get back to work, and it certainly doesn't work for the taxpayer,' the Prime Minister told Good Morning Britain, saying 'those that need to be protected should be protected'. 'If you need help in support to get into work, the Government should be providing that support and help to get into work,' he said. 'If you do have conditions, disabilities that mean it is impossible for you to work, then you need to be properly protected and supported.' Ms Kendall said her 'door was always open' to colleagues but that the Government is 'firm in our convictions' over the changes. 'I'm a reasonable person who wants to talk to my colleagues,' she told BBC Radio 4's PM programme, adding that she will 'always listen' but that 'we are firm in our convictions of the case for reform and confident in the plans that we have put forward'. The latest data, published on Tuesday, showed that more than 3.7 million people in England and Wales are claiming Pip, with teenagers and young adults making up a growing proportion. (PA Graphics) The figures, published by the Department for Work and Pensions, showed there were a record 3.74 million people in England and Wales claiming Pip as of April this year. The figure is up from 3.69 million in January and a jump of 200,000 from 3.54 million a year earlier. Data for Pip claimants begins in January 2019, when the number stood at 2.05 million. Pip is a benefit aimed at helping with extra living costs if someone has a long-term physical or mental health condition or disability and difficulty doing certain everyday tasks or getting around because of their condition. Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall leaves Downing Street after a Cabinet meeting (Stefan Rousseau/PA) An impact assessment published alongside Wednesday's Bill introduction, confirmed previously published estimates that changes to Pip entitlement rules could see about 800,000 people lose out, with an average loss of £4,500 per year. Ms Kendall previously said there are 1,000 new Pip awards every day – 'the equivalent of adding a city the size of Leicester every single year'. The impact assessment also confirmed a previous estimate that some 250,000 more people, including 50,000 children, are likely to fall into relative poverty after housing costs in 2029/2030, although the Government repeated that this does not take into account the potentially positive impact of £1 billion annual funding by then for measures to support people into work. Changes to UC are expected to see an estimated 2.25 million current recipients of the health element impacted, with an average loss of £500 per year. But the Government said around 3.9 million households not on the UC health element are expected to have an average annual gain of £265 from the increase in the standard UC allowance. While all of the Bill applies to England and Wales, only the UC changes apply to Scotland. The Government said there are equivalent provisions to legislate for Northern Ireland included in the Bill.


Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Business
- Daily Mirror
What you need to know about DWP disability benefit cuts as big changes unveiled
Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall has published the Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment Bill to enact plans to slash £5billion from the welfare bill by 2030 MPs will get a vote on plans for sweeping cuts to sickness and disability benefits in the coming weeks. Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall has published new legislation - known as the Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment Bill - to enact plans to slash £5billion from the welfare bill by 2030. The plans have been branded "catastrophic" by charities and sparked backlash among Labour MPs, with dozens poised to rebel when the bill is put to the test in the Commons. But Ms Kendall argued that the broken benefits system could collapse without reform, and said the bill "represents a new social contract and marks the moment we take the road of compassion, opportunity and dignity". Here's what you need to know about the changes. What are the changes to PIP? The Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is paid to people in England and Wales who need assistance with daily tasks due to a long term physical or mental condition. The payment, which starts at £73.90 per week, is not means-tested and can be paid to people who are working. Eligibility is calculated using a points-based system, based on how difficult someone finds it to perform tasks like washing themselves and getting dressed. From November 2026, people would need to score a minimum of four points in at least one daily activity to qualify. Needing help to get in or out of the shower, or supervision to use the toilet are measures that don't meet this threshold. The mobility component of PIP, which starts at £29.20 a week, is not affected. An estimated 150,000 people will lose access to carers benefits by 2029/30 due to the changes. What are the changes to Universal Credit? The changes relate to the health element of Universal Credit (UC), which is paid on top of the standard rate for people who have a health condition or disability that limits how much they can work. The Government says this disincentivises people to try to get back into work as it is more generous than the standard rate. So the standard allowance will rise at an above inflation rate over the next four years - estimated to be worth £725 by 2029/30 for a single household 25 or over. But existing claimants will see the health element frozen at £97 per week from April next year. What support is being given to those affected? People who face cuts to their benefits will be shielded from a cliff edge by a 13-week transition period. The DWP said it was one of the most generous ever - more than three times the length of protection provided for the transition from the previous Disability Living Allowance to PIP. Young people aged between 18 and 21 in England will be offered a "youth guarantee" of training or work. The Government will also introduce a "right to try" so people don't automatically lose their benefits if they start a job but it doesn't work out. There will be a £1 billion employment support package to support more people with health conditions back into work.


Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Health
- Daily Mirror
DWP disability cuts branded 'catastrophic' as Liz Kendall unveils major changes
Charities urged MPs to reject changes to the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and Universal Credit, which the Government's own assessment said risked pushing people into poverty The Government has been accused of turning its back on sick and disabled people after pressing ahead with "catastrophic" benefit cuts. Charities urged MPs to reject changes to the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and Universal Credit (UC), which the Government's own assessment said risked pushing an extra 250,000 people, including 50,000 children, into poverty. Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall argued she was taking "the road of compassion, opportunity and dignity" as she sought to soften the impact by introducing a 13-week transition period so existing claimants avoid a cliff edge. But campaigners said the last-minute changes to the plans would do little to mitigate the devastating impact. Around 3.2 million families could be hit by the overall reforms by 2030, with an average loss of £1,720 per year, according to the Government's analysis in March. The document said estimates did not include the impact of the £1 billion employment support package "which we expect to mitigate the poverty impact". Around 800,000 people are expected to be impacted by PIP changes, including 370,000 current claimants and 430,000 future recipients, with an average loss of £4,500 per year. READ MORE: 'Spend a day in our life, PM' says mum whose disabled daughter may lose PIP benefits The tightening of eligibility will mean those who can't wash half of their body or cook a meal unaided no longer qualify for the daily living element - unless they have another condition. The UC health element, which is claimed by more than two million people, will be frozen at £97 a week for existing claimants until 2029/30, and reduced to £50 a week for new claimants from 2026/27. Ms Kendall has previously said people under 22 will no longer be able to access the health top up of UC - and instead will be offered a 'youth guarantee' of training or work, with threats of benefit cuts if they reject the offer. The 13-week grace period will apply to existing claimants who lose the PIP daily living component, including those who lose eligibility to Carers Allowance and the carer's element of Universal Credit. More than 200,000 people with the most severe, lifelong conditions to be protected from future reassessment for UC. Food bank network Trussell said: "The reality of this Bill is still record cuts in support for disabled people, and the biggest cuts to social security since 2015." Mencap, the learning disability charity, accused the Government of having "confirmed the choice to turn its back on thousands of disabled people". Carers UK said at least 150,000 people will lose their Carer's Allowance, while nearly 100,000 carers who receive both PIP and Carer's Allowance will lose their disability benefit. Keir Starmer is braced for the biggest revolt of his premiership of the legislation, with dozens of Labour MPs poised to rebel when it faces its first Commons test in the coming weeks. Labour MP Steve Witherden, who represents Montgomeryshire and Glyndŵr, told the Mirror: "I find the proposals deeply concerning, particularly at a time when poverty levels across the UK are already alarmingly high. "Millions of children live in households where parents are struggling to afford basic necessities such as food, heating, or even sterilising baby bottles. "This Bill risks exacerbating these difficulties, with cuts that could push disabled households into even deeper hardship - especially in Wales, which currently has the highest poverty rates among disabled people in the UK. I will be voting against this Bill.' Ms Kendall said the system was broken - and would fail to deliver for those who need it most without reform. "Our social security system is at a crossroads," she said. "Unless we reform it, more people will be denied opportunities, and it may not be there for those who need it. "This legislation represents a new social contract and marks the moment we take the road of compassion, opportunity and dignity. "This will give people peace of mind, while also fixing our broken social security system so it supports those who can work to do so while protecting those who cannot - putting welfare spending on a more sustainable path to unlock growth as part of our Plan for Change." Ministers say the plans - designed to slash £5billion from the welfare bill by 2030 - are designed to drive down spiralling costs and help more people back into work. One in 10 people of working age now claiming a sickness or disability benefit and some one million young people are not in education, employment or training - around one in eight. The number of people claiming PIP is expected to double from 2 million to 4 million over this decade, sending the bill for working-age sickness and disability benefit to £70billion a year by the end of this Parliament. A record 3.74 million people in England and Wales were claiming PIP in April. Helen Barnard, Director of policy at Trussell, said: 'This bill will push nearly half a million more people into severe hardship and towards the doors of food banks." She added: 'The last minute details on protections offer something for a small proportion of people, but even they will still see a real-terms cut." Mencap's Jackie O'Sullivan said: 'Today the Government confirmed the choice to turn its back on thousands of disabled people and by pushing ahead with these welfare reforms, they are causing a huge amount of anxiety. 'Mencap's recent survey of people with a learning disability found an alarming 70% would need to cut down on food if they lose PIP, while over half (60%) said they would need to cut back on heating and nearly half (45%) were worried they would be unable to leave their home." Charlotte Gill, Head of Campaigns and Public Affairs at the MS Society, said: "The government claims this Bill is about protecting people, but in reality it will take thousands of pounds a year from disabled people, including many living with MS – pushing more into poverty and worsening people's health. 'PIP is a lifeline not a luxury. If these cuts go ahead, many will be forced to reduce spending on essentials like food and heating. And some have told us they would have to leave work." James Taylor, Director of Strategy at disability equality charity Scope said: 'This bill will be catastrophic for disabled benefits will plunge hundreds of thousands into poverty." Louise Murphy, senior economist at the Resolution Foundation, said the longer period of protection for those affected by Pip cuts would ease the blow but said extra funding for employment support wasn't coming into effect until 2029. She added: "While ministers have softened the stick of welfare cuts, they have not strengthened the carrot of greater employment support."