Proud to be the world's worst hotel: £18-a-night hostel which boasts about filthy rooms and tells guests to use the curtains instead of towels

Hans Brinker Budget Hostel warns clients in advance of filthy conditions

Guests are encouraged to dry off with shower curtain to save on washing

Advertising slogans include ' It can't get any worse. But we'll do our best'

But 127-room hotel's honest approach is hit with travellers and students

The rooms are filthy, there's no hot water and the guests are encouraged to dry themselves off with the curtains to save on washing.

But customers of the Hans Brinker Budget Hostel in Amsterdam can never say they weren't warned.

To prevent complaints, the owners of the $22.50 (£18)-a-night hotel feel it is best to tell people in advance about what to expect, even if that means a potentially fatal disease or mental illness.

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Uninviting: The owners of the Hans Brinker Budget Hostel in Amsterdam are happy to admit it is probably the worst hotel around Grotty: The rooms at Hans Brinker Budget Hostel are, by the owner's admission, filthy and there's no hot water Brutal honesty: One of the hotel's adverts ensures the customers are in no doubt what to expect

A lengthy disclaimer on their website reads: 'Those wishing to stay at the Hans Brinker Budget Hotel, Amsterdam, do so at their own risk and will not hold the hotel liable for food poisoning, mental breakdowns, terminal illness, lost limbs, radiation poisoning, certain diseases associated with the 18th century, plague, etc.'

From grotty rooms without a view to dirty bathrooms with no hot water, the owners are happy to admit it is probably the worst hotel around.

The lift is broken so signs point guests towards the 'eco-friendly elevator' - or stairs - and by not providing hot water they claim 'it keeps water consumption moderate.'

They even encourage those who want to shower to dry off using the curtains to save on washing and in turn 'save the planet'.

Hoping you have a life-changing stay: A disclaimer on the hotel's website warns of the dangers of contracting a potentially fatal disease Infectious: Despite the self-damning promotional material, the hotel seems to be a hit with travellers from all over the world who are scrambling to book one of the 127 rooms at the hotel

Life of luxury: Fortunately most of the target clientele, made up of students and backpackers, seem to appreciate the honest charm the Hans Brinker offers

Introducing the 'eco-towel': Customers are encouraged to dry themselves off with the curtains Advertising slogans include 'It can't get any worse. But we'll do our best' as well as 'Improve your immune system - stay at Hans Brinker!' or the modest claim 'Now with beds in every room.' But this hilariously honest approach seems to be a hit with travellers from all over the world - who are scrambling to book one of the 127 rooms at the hotel. SOME OTHER CONTENDERS...

Here is a list compiled by TripAdvisor of the dirtiest hotels in Europe in 2011 according to traveller ratings for cleanliness on its website:

1. Club Aqua Gumbet – Gumbet, Turkey 2. Altin Orfe Hotel – Icmeler, Turkey 3. Cromwell Crown – London, England 4. Corbigoe Hotel – London, England 5. Park Hotel – London, England 6. Hotel de Lantaerne – Amsterdam 7. Hotel Y Boulevard, Amsterdam, 8. Blair Victoria & Tudor Inn Hotel – London, England 9. Hotel Manofa, Amsterdam 10. Hotel The Globe, Amsterdam Hotel comparison websites are packed with mixed reviews.

One traveller from Australia wrote: 'For the reputation of the world's worst hotel, it wasn't as bad as I thought. Pretty scabby still, very basic. The bathroom was atrocious.' Another added: 'I'd read other reviews of the hostel before we got there, so was a bit nervous. Unfortunately most of the reviews I'd read were completely true. The rooms were like prison cells, with rickety old beds and metal lockers that didn't close properly.' A more promising review reads: 'Hans Brinker is a fun-filled hostel with great facilities, friendly staff and great location. You will not be disappointed.' Fortunately most of the target clientele, made up of students and backpackers, seem to appreciate the honest charm the Hans Brinker offers. The owners, who have penned a book available on Amazon about the hotel entitled 'The Worst Hotel in the World', insist most guests are pleasantly surprised when they arrive. Manager Tijmen Receveur said: 'They love our humour and sarcasm - and they have diminished their expectations to less than nothing.' Reverse psychology works: The owners have penned a book available on Amazon about the hotel entitled The Worst Hotel in the World

VIDEO: Hilarious Hans Brinker Budget Advertising film

VIDEO: Amazing Hans Brinker Advertising film from YouTube user, ajleek


In Anglo-Saxon times, you had to choose carefully who you messed with. If you happened to kill someone, then the more important he was, the more it cost you – a serf came in at 40 shillings, a freeman 100 and a prince 1,500. Today, things are different, of course. Everyone mucks in together and we don’t have privileged classes entitled to special protections.

Or do we? One of the sideshows of the General Election might make you think again. Ex-Tory Remainer Anna Soubry, standing in Broxtowe, faced a persistent and vocal opponent called Amy Dalla Mura (known online as Based Amy). Dalla Mura is a member of the nationalist English Democrats and is a fanatical Brexiteer. Last January, during one of Soubry’s question-and-answer sessions, in a swish London hotel shortly before she resigned the Tory whip, Dalla Mura intervened loudly throughout. She accused Soubry of not respecting the referendum vote and got into arguments with the audience. Two months later, while Soubry (by then in the Independent Group) was giving an interview to BBC Newsnight in the central lobby at Westminster, Dalla Mura was there again. She interrupted to say, ‘Anna Soubry is traitor’. ‘Get the police’, said Soubry.

You might think this was just part of the political rough-and-tumble. Far from it. The police now have a special unit called PLAIT – the parliamentary liaison and investigations team – dedicated to dealing with ‘attacks’ on MPs. Police intervened and Dalla Mura was arrested and prosecuted at Westminster Magistrates’ Court for harassment. In November she was convicted. Despite the fact that she was standing as a candidate in Broxtowe, she was bailed for sentence on condition that she neither visit Broxtowe nor mention Soubry in any of her literature. She won 432 votes despite these handicaps (beating another independent). Last week she was sentenced to 28 days in jail. There is so much wrong with this. Nothing Dalla Mura did should have been treated as a criminal offence. However much Soubry affected to be frightened for her safety, Dalla Mura never threatened violence. Reduced to its essentials, all she did was consistently and effectively embarrass Soubry and make it difficult for her to get her message across. No doubt this was frustrating. But it is what any robust politician ought to have to put up with. If the law on harassment prevents it, then it needs to be reined in, not have its use extended. Yet in this trivial case, Dalla Mura was not only given a criminal record — she was actually imprisoned.

Secondly, it is hard to see any justification for the restrictions placed on Dalla Mura’s election campaigning while she was on bail. Broxtowe is a large constituency consisting of three towns. What possible harm could be done to Soubry by the mere presence of an opponent in one or more of them is entirely unclear. As for the prohibition against any mention of Soubry in her campaign literature, this was simply bizarre. Any politician who is so oversensitive as to be distressed by the uncomplimentary mention of her own name in a General Election campaign does not deserve to be in politics. Thirdly, the comments made by chief magistrate Emma Arbuthnot in the case are alarming. Having started by saying that this was not a freedom-of-speech case – always a surefire indication that free speech really is at stake – Arbuthnot went on to refer to Dalla Mura’s activities as ‘intimidation’ (which they were not). Then, like too many people who should know better, she invoked the murder of Jo Cox by a madman. As if there could be any reasonable comparison between heckling a self-important politician and murder. Arbuthnot then suggested that Dalla Mura was damaging democracy and insisted that ‘MPs should be able to do their jobs without putting up with harassment’. Finally, she added that: ‘You insulted her by calling her a traitor among other things. This behaviour against elected representatives carrying out their duties will not be tolerated by this court.’ In other words, insults against politicians will be criminalised.

This isn’t the first time we have seen the heavy-handed treatment of political protest. In July this year, the same chief magistrate gave a suspended sentence to another anti-Soubry protester who called her a ‘Nazi’ and a ‘traitor’. For good measure, Arbuthnot also banned him from Parliament Square. Such ‘tirades’ were unacceptable in the face of a ‘vulnerable’ Soubry who had shown ‘great courage’, she said. So, the ‘safeguarding’ of democracy apparently now means that MPs and politicians must be given a special protected status. They must have the right – unlike the rest of us – to protection from stinging insults under threat of imprisonment.

The establishment is, of course, delighted with this state of affairs. Chillingly, immediately after the Dalla Mura hearing, a spokesman for the Metropolitan Police said that his force had a ‘commitment to dealing robustly with incidents of harassment and abuse against MPs’. He added, menacingly, that having strong political opinions was ‘absolutely no excuse’. Let that sink in. Andrew Tettenborn is a professor of commercial law and a former Cambridge admissions officer.


Fashion

[caption id="attachment_36181" align="aligncenter" width="600"]
Shrimps designer Hannah Weiland at her Spring 2015 Fashion Week presentation.[/caption] Arriving at my hotel late this morning, I was eager to join in the excitement of the first day of
London Fashion Week. After checking in and tearing open a pile of invitations with the same verve I displayed at my childhood birthday parties, I jumped on the tube and joined the crowds at some of the mostly hotly anticipated presentations of the season. And it was even better than I expected. Here are a few impressions from an incredible first day.
1. Everyone is talking about Shrimps. And for good reason. Designer
Hannah Weiland, who launched her line of brightly coloured faux fur jackets and accessories only a year ago, presented today a beautiful spring/summer collection that quickly became the most buzzed about among the fashion set at
Somerset House (not to mention on Instagram). Introducing faux pony hair and stingray textiles, as well as silk pyjama-style separates (in collab with
Poplin) and shoes (with
Sophia Webster), Weiland told me after her presentation that she is closer to defining the
Shrimps woman: someone who “has fun with her style.” This clutch, though—right?
2. London’s got talent. Weiland is just one of the many hot young talents presenting in London this season. (We’re especially excited for Montreal-born
Thomas Tait’s catwalk show on Monday!) Inside the Emerging Talents showroom at Somerset House, we discovered
Wool and The Gang, creators of handmade, sustainable, bespoke knitwear that is exactly what we need to get us through the next polar vortex. I’ll take one in every colour, please.
3. We will all be craving metallic leather for spring. Fashion week can be pretty dangerous. I’m not talking about being trampled by crowds or caught in the crossfire of a street style photo frenzy (though, those are very real concerns)—I’m referring covetitis, and I’ve got a serious case. Every single item from today’s
McQ spring/summer 2015 presentation is now on my wish list, but especially the rose gold and liquid-silver leather pieces. If you haven’t been vaccinated, don’t scroll down, because this moto jacket will get you too.
4. Green juice is the universal lifeblood of the fashion industry. Seriously—it’s everywhere! From a fridge full of branded
Crude Juice at McQ to free flowing libations from
The Good Life Eatery at the
Club Monaco flagship launch, I had about three times the daily recommended intake of Vitamin A within a five-hour period. Which means... I'm ready to do it all again tomorrow!
READ MOREBest street style: London Fashion Week Spring 2015London Fashion Week Spring 2015: Your Ultimate GuideLFW live: Watch all the Spring 2015 runway shows hereNYFW Spring 2015: The top fashion trendsHow to dress like a street style star


Richard Murphy (architect)

Richard Murphy OBE (born 24 April 1955) is a British architect and businessman. He is the founder and principal architect of Richard Murphy Architects, an architectural firm operating in Edinburgh. He is winner of the 2016 RIBA House of the year.

Life
Murphy was educated at Newcastle and Edinburgh Universities, and has taught at the latter. In 1991 he formed Edinburgh architectural firm, Richard Murphy Architects, and it has since grown to over twenty architects. In the early years his firm focused on designing extensions to houses and mews conversions however have subsequently diversified onto education, healthcare, the arts and commercial work. They have worked on several UK National Lottery-funded buildings.

In 1995 Murphy designed the first of the UK's Maggie's Centres, in Edinburgh, which now acts as the administrative headquarters for Maggie's. Designed to aid cancer treatment, the building was designed without any corridors, to avoid an institutional feel.

While teaching at Edinburgh University, he researched the work of the Venetian architect Carlo Scarpa, and later published a book on Scarpa, and later yet presented a Channel 4 documentary on  him. He also co-wrote "An Architect's Appreciation of Charles Rennie Mackintosh". In 2004 Murphy exhibited at the Venice Biennale. In 2012, Richard Murphy Architects published a book titled "Of Its Time and of Its Place: The Work of Richard Murphy Architects."

Murphy is a Member of the RIBA, a Fellow of the RIAS, an Academician of the Royal Scottish Academy, a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, a Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh and an Honorary Fellow of Napier University. Richard Murphy Architects has also won a total of 20 RIBA Awards.

He was appointed an OBE in the New Year's Honours January 2007 for services to architecture, the only practising architect on the list.

Murphy has held lectures in places such as Scotland, at Edinburgh University, the Student-led 5710 lecture society of The Scott Sutherland School of Architecture and The Built Environment, Aberdeen and Strathclyde University in Glasgow. In 2006 he completed a lecture tour in South Africa, and on 13 March 2012 he gave a conference titled "Architecture of its time and its place" to students at Barcelona Institute of Architecture. Most recently Murphy lectured at the Association of Icelandic Architects in 2015.

He previously completed a modern mews-style house at Calton Hill near Edinburgh Castle, for his own use, and says he lives "pretty simply". More recently Richard Murphy completed his own house on Hart Street in 2015  which won the Saltire Society Award for Best Single Dwelling New Build

Proposed work
 Haymarket Redevelopment, Edinburgh
 Candleriggs Quarter in Glasgow's Merchant City
 Dunfermline Museum & Art Gallery, Fife
 Perth Theatre, Fife

Notable completed work
Projects by year of design

 Fruitmarket Gallery, Edinburgh, 1991
 Maggie's Edinburgh, Edinburgh, 1994 + 1999 extension
 Nominated for 1997 Stirling Prize
 Dundee Contemporary Arts, Dundee, 1996
 Eastgate Theatre & Arts Centre, Peebles, 1998
 Nominated for 2004 RIAS Best Building in Scotland
 Caernarfon Arts Centre, Wales, 2000
 Olorosso Restaurant, Edinburgh, 2001
 John Muir's Birthplace, Dunbar, East Lothian, 2001
 Computer Centre, Merchiston Campus, Napier University, Edinburgh, 2001
 Tolbooth Arts Centre, Stirling, 2002
 British High Commission, Sri Lanka, 2008
 Housing Moore Street, Glasgow, 2008
 University of East London - Computer and Conference Centre, London, 2009
 Stratheden Dementia and Mental Health Unit, Fife, 2009
 Justice Mill Lane Park Inn Hotel and Office Development, Aberdeen, 2011
 Queen's University Belfast Postgraduate Accommodation, Belfast, 2012
 Old See House Mental Health Facility (in association with RPP Architects), Belfast, 2014
 Postgraduate Housing for The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, 2014

See also
European Architecture Students Assembly

References

External links
 Official site
 Richard Murphy: Ten Years of Practice at RIBA website
  The 5710 Lecture Series and Society
 "British High Commission, Sri Lanka" on Architecture News Plus

Category:Alumni of Newcastle University
Category:Alumni of the University of Edinburgh
Category:Academics of the University of Edinburgh
Category:Living people
Category:Architects from Edinburgh
Category:1955 births
Category:Place of birth missing (living people)


Tale As Old As Time - A whimsical Afternoon Tea (Kensington Hotel, London, England)

I just recently went for some well-deserved vacation to the UK. I started in London, meeting up with some friends, and then headed over to Scotland. In London, I used the opportunity to try out some afternoon tea - where better than in England ;)

My first afternoon tea was actually not really planned and it was not a traditional one which made it even more adventurous and interesting. I did some research on afternoon tea in London and asked some friends and even specialists on Instagram. I wanted to find a great traditional afternoon tea to enjoy with some friends (and I did find it - the Royal Wedding Afternoon Tea at the Park Room of the Grosvenor House - highly recommendable, will write a post later on it). However, by looking around I found also a few special themed afternoon teas such as the Mad Hatter Afternoon Tea (themed after Alice in the Wonderland) at the Sanderson Hotel, Indian Afternoon Tea at the Park Grand Hotel, and this one - Disney's Beauty and the Beast themed afternoon tea - Tale As Old As Time at the beautiful Kensington Hotel. I saw it and immediatelly fell in love with the theme and the decorations, including Chip (a teacup with a small crack) and Mrs. Potts (a teapot), Lumière (a candelabra), and Cogsworth (a pendulum clock). But unfortunately, they are completely booked out for months in advance... I was really lucky that a spot opened up during my stay in London.

Tale As Old As Time (the main theme song of Beauty and the Beast) tells Bell's story. The afternoon tea includes some tasty finger sandwiches and pastries, but instead of scones with clotted cream and jam they serve sweet brioche baguettes with chocolate creme and apricot preserve. This shall remind you on the french bakery in Bell's hometown. And then, there are four different pastries, all representing some special scenes or referring to specific moments of the movie. In addition to all that, the staff will bring you two decorations to the table: Luminière (that even lights up) and Cogsworth. They also serve nice tasting loose leaf tea what I really appreciated (not every afternoon tea serves loose leaf tea...). The staff was very attentive and accomodating, explaning the afternoon tea and the treats, drawing connections to Beauty & the Beast's storyline, decorating the table and offering to take pictures. The lounge of the hotel and atmosphere were also very suitable and comfortable.

Here is a list of what the afternoon tea included:

Three bite size appetizers, served before the actual three tiered afternoon tea etagere is brought out (a small venision pie, beef ragu & saffron arrancini balls, and a small cheese soufflé)

First tier of the etagere: Instead of the traditional scones, sweet brioche baguettes with apricot preserve and
chocolate cream, referring to the French bakery in Bell's home town.

The story of the pastries:

A small teacup in form of Chip (with an actual small crack ;) ) with a grey mousse inside and a labe "Try the grey stuff" referring to the song "Be our guest"

A gold jelly in a shot glass with an edible rose petal inside (refering to the symbolic rose and its last petal) that is served with some cream poured by Mrs. Potts spout

I highly recommend this afternoon tea. It is well afordable for what is served and you will not leave hungry (even though they do not offer seconds on the sandwiches). My favorites were the small venision pie, the salman and the chicken finger sandwiches, and the macaroon. It is whimsical and maybe a little overpowering at times. To be honest, I also did not care much for the grey mousse and the gold jelly with cream even though it was presented lovingly. However, everything together I felt really comfortable, enjoyed the food, the tea, and the time!

Thank you to the Kensington Town House to offer such a delightful afternoon tea experience :)


2012 in British music

This is a summary of 2012 in music in the United Kingdom.
In 2012, dance music continued to dominate the charts.

Events
1 January – Musicians honoured in the Queen's New Year Honours list include conductor Antonio Pappano (knighthood), record producer Steve Lillywhite (CBE), composer and conductor Rev Ronald Corp (OBE) and Ralph Allwood (MBE), former director of music at Eton College.
4 June – A Diamond Jubilee Concert is held outside Buckingham Palace on The Mall, London, organised by BBC Events as part of Queen Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee celebrations. Performers include Gary Barlow, Robbie Williams, Grace Jones, Alfie Boe, Sir Cliff Richard, Sir Tom Jones, Shirley Bassey and Stevie Wonder.
16 June – Musicians honoured in the Queen's Birthday Honours list include Gary Barlow (OBE), violinist Tasmin Little (OBE) and Gareth Malone (OBE).
27 July – On the opening day of the 2012 Summer Olympics, at 8.15, Martin Creed's controversial work "All The Bells", is performed by the bells of London.
12 August – The 2012 Summer Olympics closing ceremony, also known by the title "A Symphony of British music", takes place at London's Olympic Stadium.  Performers include Take That, One Direction, The Spice Girls, Madness, George Michael, Julian Lloyd Webber, Pet Shop Boys, Ray Davies, Annie Lennox, Kaiser Chiefs and Emeli Sandé.

Artists/groups reformed
 Spice Girls
 911
 Atomic Kitten
 B*Witched
 Five
 Honeyz
 Liberty X
 Six By Seven
 Kitchens Of Distinction

Groups disbanded
 Westlife
 Jet
 Viva Brother
 The King Blues
 SoundGirl
 Pendulum
 Chumbawamba
 Does It Offend You, Yeah?

Classical music

New works
Peter Maxwell Davies – Symphony No. 9
Howard Goodall – Every Purpose Under the Heaven (The King James Bible Oratorio)
Karl Jenkins – The Peacemakers
Philip Ledger – This Holy Child (cantata)
Philip Moore – "I will lift up mine eyes"

Opera
George Benjamin – Written on Skin
Stephen Crowe – The Francis Bacon Opera
Neil Hannon – Sevastopol,

British music awards

BRIT Awards
The 2012 BRIT Awards were held on 21 February 2012 at The O2 Arena, London and hosted by James Corden. The most notable winners were Adele and Ed Sheeran, both winning two awards.

British Male Solo Artist: Ed Sheeran
British Female Solo Artist: Adele
British Breakthrough Act: Ed Sheeran
British Group: Coldplay
British Single: "What Makes You Beautiful" – One Direction
MasterCard British Album: 21 – Adele
International Male Solo Artist: Bruno Mars
International Female Solo Artist: Rihanna
International Group: Foo Fighters
International Breakthrough Act: Lana Del Rey
British Producer: Ethan Johns
Critics' Choice: Emeli Sandé
Outstanding Contribution to Music: Blur

Ivor Novello Awards
The 57th Ivor Novello Awards were held on 17 May 2012 at the Grosvenor House Hotel, London.

Best Contemporary Song: "Video Games" – Lana Del Rey (written by Lana Del Rey and Justin Parker)
PRS for Music Most Performed Work: "Rolling in the Deep" – Adele (written by Adele Adkins and Paul Epworth)
Best Television Soundtrack: The Shadow Line (composed by Martin Phipps)
The Ivors Jazz Award: Stan Tracey
Album Award: Let England Shake – PJ Harvey (written by PJ Harvey)
Outstanding Song Collection: Gary Kemp
The Ivors Inspiration Award: Siouxsie Sioux
Best Original Film Score: The First Grader (composed by Alex Heffes)
PRS for Music Outstanding Contribution to British Music: Gary Barlow, Howard Donald, Jason Orange, Mark Owen and Robbie Williams (Take That)
Best Song Musically and Lyrically: "The A Team" – Ed Sheeran (written by Ed Sheeran)
Lifetime Achievement: Mark Knopfler
Songwriter of the Year: Adele Adkins
PRS for Music Special International Award: Jimmy Webb
BASCA Fellowship: Andrew Lloyd Webber

Classical BRIT Awards
The 2012 Classic BRIT Awards were held on 2 October 2012 at the Royal Albert Hall, London and were hosted by Myleene Klass.
Female Artist: Nicola Benedetti (Italia)
MasterCard Breakthrough Artist of the Year Award: Miloš Karadaglić (Latino)
Composer: John Williams (War Horse, The Adventures of Tintin: The Secret of the Unicorn)
International Artist of the Year in association with Raymond Weil: Andrea Bocelli
Critics' Award: Benjamin Grosvenor (Chopin/Liszt/Ravel)
Male Artist: Vasily Petrenko (Shostakovich/Symphony No. 1 & 3, Shostakovich/Symphony No. 6 & 12, Shostakovich/Symphony No. 2 & 15, Rachmaninov/Piano Concertos 1 & 4, Rachmaninov/Symphony No. 3)
Classic BRITs Single of the Year in association with iTunes: "Wherever You Are" – Military Wives with Gareth Malone
Lifetime Achievement Award: John Williams
Classic FM Album of the Year in association with MasterCard: And The Waltz Goes On – André Rieu

Mercury Prize
The 2012 Barclaycard Mercury Prize was awarded on 1 November 2012 to Alt-J for their album An Awesome Wave.

Popjustice £20 Music Prize
The 2012 Popjustice £20 Music Prize was awarded on 1 November 2012 to Will Young for his single "Jealousy".

British Composer Awards
The 10th British Composer Awards were held on 3 December 2012 at Goldsmiths' Hall, London and hosted by Sara Mohr-Pietsch and Andrew McGregor.

Instrumental Solo or Duo: Learning Self-Modulation – Christian Mason
Chamber: The Four Quarters – Thomas Adès
Vocal: No Man's Land – Colin Matthews
Choral: Airplane Cantata – Gabriel Jackson
Wind Band or Brass Band: A Symphony of Colours – Simon Dobson
Orchestral: Concerto for Violin and Orchestra – Harrison Birtwistle
Stage Works: DESH – Jocelyn Pook
Liturgical: Missa Brevis – Francis Grier
Sonic Art: The Ethometric Museum – Ray Lee
Contemporary Jazz Composition: Sailing to Byzantium – Christine Tobin
Community or Educational Project: The Chimpanzees of Happytown – Paul Rissmann
Making Music Award: Mesmerism for Piano and Chamber Orchestra – Emily Howard
International Award: Concerto for Violin, Cello and Orchestra – Thomas Larcher

The Record of the Year
The 2012 Record of the Year was awarded to "Somebody That I Used to Know" by Gotye featuring Kimbra. This was the final year that The Record of the Year was awarded.

Charts and sales

Number-one singles

Number-one albums

Number-one compilation albums

Best-selling singles of 2012

Best-selling albums of 2012

Notes:

Deaths
3 January – Bob Weston, guitarist with Fleetwood Mac, 64 (gastrointestinal haemorrhage and cirrhosis of the liver)
4 January – Kerry McGregor, contestant on the third series of The X Factor, 37 (bladder cancer)
11 January – David Whitaker, English composer and conductor, 81
27 January – Ted Dicks, composer, 83
6 February – Jim King, saxophonist with Family, 69
9 February – Joe Moretti, Scottish-South African guitarist and songwriter with Nero and the Gladiators, 73
15 February – Clive Shakespeare, English-Australian guitarist, songwriter, and producer with Sherbet, 64 (cancer)
21 February – John Charles Winter, organist, 88
29 February – Davy Jones, singer and percussionist with the Monkees, 66 (heart attack)
1 March – Peter Graeme, oboist, 90
20 April – Bert Weedon, guitarist, 91
11 May – Roland Shaw, composer, arranger, and bandleader, 91
14 May – Derek Hammond-Stroud, operatic baritone, 86
20 May – Robin Gibb, singer and songwriter with the Bee Gees, 62 (liver cancer)
3 June – Andy Hamilton, Jamaican-born jazz saxophonist and composer, 94
17 June – Brian Hibbard, singer with the Flying Pickets and actor, 65 (prostate cancer)
7 July – Alf Pearson, singer and variety performer as one half of the double act Bob and Alf Pearson, 102
10 July – Lol Coxhill, saxophonist, 79
11 July – Jean Allister, opera singer, 80
16 July – Jon Lord, musician with Deep Purple and Whitesnake, and classical composer, 71 (pancreatic cancer)
23 July – Graham Jackson, conductor, 45 (cancer)
17 August – Lou Martin, keyboard player, 63
31 August – Max Bygraves, singer and variety performer, 89 (Alzheimer's disease)
2 September – John C. Marshall, jazz musician, 71
4 September – Ian Parrott, composer and academic, 96
15 September – George Hurst, conductor, 86
2 October – Big Jim Sullivan, guitarist, 71 (heart disease and diabetes)
12 October – Geraldine Mucha, composer, 95
18 November – Sir Philip Ledger, composer and academic, 74
26 October – Jo Dunne, guitarist with We've Got a Fuzzbox and We're Gonna Use It, 43 (cancer)
6 November – Clive Dunn, actor and singer, 92
18 November
Stan Greig, pianist, drummer, and bandleader, 82 (Parkinson's disease)
Sir Philip Ledger, English organist, composer, and academic, 74
20 November – Michael Dunford guitarist and songwriter with Renaissance (cerebral haemorrhage)
24 November – Ian Campbell, folk musician, 79 (cancer)
4 December – Jonathan Harvey, composer, 73 (motor neurone disease)

See also
 2012 in British radio
 2012 in British television
 2012 in the United Kingdom
 List of British films of 2012

References

2012


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Demi Lovato commended fellow actress Catherine Zeta-Jone's "brave" decision to receive treatment for a mental disorder this week.
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Broadway's biggest night has gone Hollywood.
Catherine Zeta-Jones, Denzel Washington and Scarlett Johansson were big winners at Sunday night's Tony Awards, PEOPLE reports.
Zeta-Jones was honored as best actress in a musical for 'A Little Night Music,' Washington earned his best actor prize for 'Fences,' and Johansson won Best Performance by a Featured Actress in a Play for her turn in the ...


As cryptocurrency conferences go, it’s hard to top those hosted by CoinGeek. They have become the go-to gathering places for everyone in the crypto space and are regarded as the most prestigious events for showcasing the power of Bitcoin BCH. This fall, the CoinGeek Week Conference will continue that tradition, offering an exciting opportunity for crypto enthusiasts, merchants and seasoned professionals to come together to see why Bitcoin BCH is the world’s only true retail-driven cryptocurrency, and what’s in store for the future.

The event will be held November 28-30 at the Mermaid at Puddle Dock in London. Industry experts will be present to provide important insight into the state of Bitcoin BCH and how merchants can take advantage of the digital currency to increase their revenue streams. Each day will be filled with a plethora of information that is designed to provide an in-depth understanding of what is going on in the ever-changing world of crypto.

Day 1 centers on application developers. It will be the perfect opportunity to pick up inside knowledge on the latest blockchain advancements from those who are spearheading cryptocurrency’s evolution. After the day’s activities wrap up, a networking event will give attendees the chance to meet others, forge new alliances and explore new ventures.

Day 2 will be geared toward application merchants. If you want to see how easy it is to integrate Bitcoin BCH as a payment alternative – or why you should – the activity will provide a wealth of knowledge. Don’t get left behind while the competition moves forward and blazes new trails. This retail-focused conference will be followed by a networking session similar to that seen on Day 1, and will be the optimal chance for merchants and entrepreneurs to expand their networks and create new business contacts.

Day 3 is all about the future. If you’re curious about what’s in store for crypto and the blockchain, you can’t miss this day’s activities. We’re just getting started with crypto and blockchains, and what is coming down the pipe is incredible. Get the knowledge you need to be able to take your business to the next level.

Following the completion of Day 3, CoinGeek founder Calvin Ayre will host his highly popular after party for those who have attended all three days. There are parties and there are CoinGeek parties – a CoinGeek party is one for the history books.

Tickets are available now and multi-day tickets can be purchased for a discount off the single-day price. Space is limited, so reserve your place today before it’s too late. bComm associates receive a discount and, as always, tickets can be purchased using Bitcoin BCH.

Note: Tokens on the Bitcoin Core (segwit) Chain are Referred to as BTC coins. Bitcoin Cash (BCH) is today the only Bitcoin implementation that follows Satoshi Nakamoto’s original whitepaper for Peer to Peer Electronic Cash. Bitcoin BCH is the only major public blockchain that maintains the original vision for Bitcoin as fast, frictionless, electronic cash.

In the Bitcoin BCH community Roger Ver needs no introduction but as that community has grown exponentially in the last few years its worth reiterating; Roger was one of the first investors in BCH and remains a passionate and informed speaker on the subject.

CoinGeek Week (Nov 28th – Nov 30th) is a Bitcoin (BCH) & Blockchain Conference with some of the most influential speakers in the industry and will be held at The Mermaid Hotel in the heart of London’s old-fashioned financial district. As ever there will be an after-party hosted by CoinGeek founder Calvin Ayre…just look ‘em up!

Blockchain technology is transforming more than just transactions but BCH is bringing BCH back to its original roots as the one true blockchain that can do it all.

Roger will be joined on the exclusive line up that has also recently confirmed Ryan X Charles, the founder of Yours.org and the soon-to-be-launched ‘Money Button’.

Also confirmed to speak is the ever-controversial Dr Craig Wright, nChain’s Chief Scientist. In the BCH community, everybody has a view on Craig but few can deny the veracity of his maths.

With transaction fees on BCH at an average of $0.02 coupled with the Money Button, BCH is going to get even quicker and even easier.

The three-day conference will include developers, miners, merchant’s – both those curious to adopt BCH and those who already do and, of course, investors in BCH, the only true Bitcoin.

Note: Tokens on the Bitcoin Core (segwit) Chain are Referred to as BTC coins. Bitcoin Cash (BCH) is today the only Bitcoin implementation that follows Satoshi Nakamoto’s original whitepaper for Peer to Peer Electronic Cash. Bitcoin BCH is the only major public blockchain that maintains the original vision for Bitcoin as fast, frictionless, electronic cash.


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LONDON – January 10th, 2014, SENSUOUS London, announces it now accepts Bitcoin as a method of payment for its Central London, luxury sensual massage experience. In what is likely the first of its kind in the United Kingdom, SENSUOUS are glad to be able to offer our clients the possibility of instant, final, secure and discreet payment for our massage service, without the expensive exchange rate and credit card fees or charge-backs of tradition payment service providers. Bitcoin and similar cryptocurrencies have a “clear potential for growth and could become a major means of payment for online transactions” a Bank of America analyst told CNBC. As the number of Bitcoin users continues to increase, merchants such as Adafruit, BTCTrip, Alliance Virtual Offices, and Clearly Canadian, see the value of working with BitPay to help expand their business. “BitPay is the gateway payment for business that want to accept bitcoin. It’s the main player to develop the merchant economy for bitcoin community,” said Martin Fernandez, CEO BTCTrip. Bitpay’s reputation as “the Paypal of Bitcoin payments” together with their enterprise eCommerce...

Here at Sensuous London we’d like to introduce you to our top 5 essential sensuous massage oils. Massage oil helps the therapist’s hands move freely and smoothly across the body, intensifying the experience while making the body pliable and supple. Base carrier oils can be combined with naturally relaxing essential fragrances or oils, who’s beneficial properties can be adsorbed by the skin. We’ve asked our massage angels for some of their favourites and come up with these 5 top recommendations that you can try out and experience for your-self. The most widely used oil by professional masseuses and our favourite, is natural sweet almond oil. Used in a variety of cosmetics, it’s lubricating, but not penetrating, which makes it an excellent massage oil and protectant. Almond oil is especially suited to dry, sensitive and irritated skin. It’s softening, revitalising and nourishing to the skin. Grapeseed oil is another widely used natural massage oil. An excellent alternative for those with nut allergies as it’s naturally non-allergenic, high in antioxidants, nourishing with Vitamins A, B, C and E. Light and odourless, suitable...

Erotic massage in London with Sensuous

Erotic massage in London by Sensuous, the only five star tantric massage experience. Relax and experience a Sensuous erotic massage in London, from one of our highly trained masseuses.

Imagine receiving the most relaxing, stress reliving erotic massage in London of your lifetime from the beautiful girl of your dreams. Choose from one of our talented Sensuous, international masseuses. Blond and elegant Eastern Europeans girls, petite Oriental girls or cute, brunette Mediterranean girls. We aim to create the most relaxing, bespoke, erotic massage in London for your ultimate pleasure and satisfaction.

We offer a high-end, executive, five star erotic massage in London service, for four and five star hotels, businesses and residencies in the Mayfair and Central London area. Tourists, business visitors and residents come to Sensuous for a uniquely Sensuous erotic massage in London.

Our incall and outcall professionally trained masseuses are available on a strictly appointment only basis by calling our friendly concierge 10am – 2am, 7 days a week.

Health benefits of Sensuous tantric massage in London

There are a number of ways in which your tantric massage in London can help your general health and well-being.

Massage has been shown to stimulate the release of endorphins alleviating stress and promoting relaxation.

High blood pressure can lead to heart attacks, strokes and diabetes if it is left untreated. There have been studies done to show that a tantric massage in London can help lower blood pressure. Researchers believe that your tantric massage in London can help lower blood pressure by stimulating the vagus nerve, which helps regulate a number of important functions in the body, including blood pressure.

A tantric massage in London can help reduce the amount of cortisol in the body, known as the stress-hormone. Cortisol destroys immunity cells, which makes a person more prone to developing illnesses. Because a tantric massage in London helps reduce the amount of cortisol in the body, it can also boost the immune system.

Sensuous, nuru massage in London techniques

Sensuous masseuses use a stimulating mix of aromatherapy, candlelight, relaxing chill-out mixes and a blend of tradition and unconventional massage techniques to create the ultimate in nuru massage in London experiences.

Why choose Sensuous for your nuru massage in London

Sensuous aim to offer you the ultimate in bespoke, five star, nuru massage in London. Call our friendly concierge to discuss your specific, personal requirements to help us pair you with your ideal Sensuous masseuse.

We are always eager to hear your experiences with one of our Sensuous masseuses so we can build and improve our, already, extensive experience and offer you what is, without doubt, the very best nuru massage in London.


THE suggestion would be considered unbelievable - if it involved anyone other than Clive Palmer.

The controversial billionaire is rumoured to be planning to clone a dinosaur from DNA so he can set it free in a Jurassic Park-style area at his new Palmer Resort in Coolum.

Mr Palmer has, apparently, been in deep discussion with the people who successfully cloned Dolly the sheep to bring his dinosaur vision to life.

If Mr Palmer can resurrect the Titanic, what is to stop him from trying with another of his other alleged passions - dinosaurs?

This is just one of the rumours circulating about Mr Palmer's plans for Coolum.

And while the concept sounds like a joke, it apparently comes from a source close to Mr Palmer's inner circle.

It was the same source who provided the Daily with an exclusive peek at Mr Palmer's plans to build towering hotels at the Palmer Resort with a 20-storey sky needle and a giant, London Eye-style ferris wheel.

Mr Palmer has not commented on this vision yet. Sunshine Coast Mayor Mark Jamieson has said Mr Palmer was very serious about the plans.

It is also understood Mr Palmer intends to target the Middle East market for his resort.

But this vision, if it is correct, will not bring employment to the region.

It has been suggested he wants to use "fly-in, fly-out Muslim hospitality staff" to cater for his clientele.

While Mr Palmer was quick to deny he had plans to build a sky rail to Mount Coolum, he remains silent about the latest speculations.

He declined to answer questions relating to the dinosaur rumours and the Middle East.

A spokesman said Mr Palmer would hold a press conference in Brisbane on Friday.


Perou

Ralph Perou (born May 1970), known professionally as Perou and @mrperou on social media, is a Great, British, fashion, portrait and music photographer who has also appeared as a judge on Make Me a Supermodel UK and on season 2 of Bravo TV's American Make Me a Supermodel. He was part of the T.V series called "Dirty Sexy Things" on the British network E4 which aired in 2011. Perou photographed models to be put in his exhibition at the end of the series.

Early life
Perou was born in Newick, a small village in East Sussex, England. Perou has stated that he, ‘had a very happy, carefree childhood growing up in the countryside. It's where I discovered my love of English cider’
He went to primary school at Newick Church of England school and completed secondary school at Chailey and Haywards Heath Sixth form. When Perou finished his Religious Studies and Design A levels he considered a career as a long-distance lorry driver or as a missionary. But Perou states that he ‘saw the dark’ and after a short stint as a butler he completed a BTEC OND in Design Photography at North East Surrey College of Technology.

Between 1991-1994 Perou studied for a BA Hons degree in Photography, Film and Video Arts at the University of Westminster.

In 1998 Perou met his wife, Lucy on Burgh Island in Devon. He was driving a 1980's black TransAm, was wearing full leathers and was sporting a short red mohican.
Perou has two sons with Lucy: Maximum Perou (born 2002) and Z Perou (born 2005)
They were married in St.Nicholas at Wade church in Kent in 2007

Professional career

After graduating in 1994 Perou worked at Click Studios in London as a studio manager where he met many of the world’s leading photographers of the time, other assistants and the people behind Dazed & Confused magazine.

It was during his time at Click Studios that Perou learned photography professionally. He started shooting for editorial clients like Time Out, Skin Two and Dazed & Confused magazines. He also started shooting bands, following work that he did with his friends who were in the band Elcka.

In 1995, Perou moved to the first floor of a converted fire station in Old Street, London. Shortly after, Dazed & Confused relocated to the ground floor of the same building and Perou started working on the picture desk with the photographic director, Phil Poynter. Perou continued to shoot for magazines and record companies and left Dazed & Confused around 1997. One of his musician shoots was with British singer/songwriter Gary Numan for his 1997 album Exile alongside Joseph Cultice.

Perou was initially known as a ‘fetish photographer’ through his early work for Skin Two magazine and after being featured in the book Fetish: Masters of Erotic Fantasy Photography.

In 2000, Perou opened the photographic studio, the ‘Perou Factory’ in Hackney Wick (an industrial estate in the east of London). In 2006 the London Development Agency ‘compulsory purchased’ the Perou Factory as part of redevelopments for the 2012 Olympics. Perou and his family relocated to the East Kent coast.

In 2012, Perou with a team of supportive volunteers, started renovating a dilapidated warehouse in Bow, East London. In 2013 it was launched as 'The Bow Bunker', which is a flexible place for photography, film and very special events.

In May 2014 issue one of EDICT magazine was released. Perou is the Editor in Chief of EDICT.
EDICT magazine is art directed and designed by Peter & Paul.
The premise of the magazine is 'There's too much of everything. Here's some more'.
Each issue features one artist recommending one piece of art or other artist; one musician recommending one other band or piece of music etc..
Edict is a free magazine that is distributed mainly in the UK and Tokyo, Japan.

Issue 2 of EDICT magazine was released in January 2015.
issue 3 of EDICT magazine was released in September 2016

On Friday 13th Nov 2015, Perou's first book 'Coulrophobia' was released, which features self portraits of him made up like a clown. It was made in collaboration with 19 of the world's best makeup artists and Marilyn Manson.
'Coulrophobia' (which means the fear of clowns) was designed by Peter & Paul and supported by MAC Cosmetics.

Perou's book 'Marilyn Manson by Perou: 21 years in Hell' published by 'reel art press' is now accepting pre-orders and will be available worldwide from may 20th 2020

Marilyn Manson speaking of the book and Perou says, “Just because you have a f**king Instagram page does not make you Perou. That’s your quote.”

Speaking of Marilyn Manson and the book, Perou has said, “I often get asked, ‘Who was your favourite person to photograph?’ or ‘Who is the best person you’ve photographed?’. It’s always ‘Marilyn Manson.’ Which is just as well, considering how many times I’ve photographed him.”

Exhibitions
1991 BTEC graduate show in St Martins in  the Lane Crypt. London
1993 ‘A Private View by Pike and Perou’. video screening in Milk Bar, Soho
1994 PCL graduate show. Riding House Street. London
2000 ‘Bosozoku’. Rapid Eye, London
2002 ‘Perou Show’ at Blink Gallery. London
2004 125 Magazine ‘Smell Issue’ (group show). London
2005 ‘Torture Garden’ Great Eastern hotel. London.
2005 ‘Torture Garden’ Galerie Bertin-Toublanc. Paris
2006 ‘Bosozoku’ Studio Apart. Amsterdam.
2006 ‘Dita Von Teese’ Parco buildings. Tokyo. Japan
2007 BT Essence of the Entrepreneur. Oxo tower Gallery. London
2008 BT Essence of the Entrepreneur. Oxo tower Gallery. London
2008 Pet Shop Boys in National Portrait Gallery. London
2008 Camera Press Anniversary (group show) National Portrait Gallery. London
2008 125 Magazine ‘Future Issue’ (group show) AOP gallery. London
2015 Coulrophobia. MAC Cosmetics pro store Carnaby Street. London

Modelling
1995 Catwalk Comme des Garçons. Paris
1996 Catwalk  Sonja Nuttall. London
1999 Cyclefly  album cover Generation Sap
2000 Catwalk Evisu. London
2005 Vivenne Westwood Tie campaign s/s 2005.

TV
2003 Season 5 Absolutely Fabulous (cameo) in episode ‘Exploitin’ with Jean-Paul Gaultier
2004 BBC Picture of Africa.
2005 Channel 5 Make Me A Super Model UK Season 1 judge.
2006 Channel 5 Make Me A Super Model UK Season 2 judge and mentor.
2008 Celebrity Weakest Link ‘Body Beautiful’ episode.
(Perou would have been first out had he not intimidated Gok Wan into changing his vote).
2008 Bravo TV (America) Make Me A Super Model Season 2 judge.
2011 Channel 4 "Dirty Sexy Things"

Directing
1999 Marilyn Manson rockumentary God is in the TV.
2001 Co-director with Chris Turner for Black Box Recorder [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NNjyDPOL2Ms The Art of Driving]
2004 Co-director with Bill Yukich for Eighties Matchbox B-Line Disaster ‘Mister Mental’
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jU18GM9QcDo
2007 KT Tunstall 'Hold On'

External links
Official Perou website
Edict Magazine

References
March 2005 British Journal of Photography: cover story and interview
March 2009 Professional Photographer'': cover story and interview
Nikki Taylor, Judges Dropped from Season 2 of MMAS Realityblurred.com, January 7, 2009

Category:English photographers
Category:Living people
Category:People from Newick
Category:1970 births


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The Holiday Inn London-Luton Airport hotel is ideally located for both business and leisure travellers who are departing from/arriving into London Luton Airport. It’s just a short 10-minute walk, or 2-minutes by the local bus service, to the passenger terminal. All of our newly refurbished, modern bedrooms feature Hypnos beds and are triple-glazed, guaranteeing a peaceful night’s sleep.

Book our Park and Fly Package to leave your car at Holiday Inn Express London-Luton Airport while you jet off abroad. The good-value deal includes one night's accommodation and secure hotel parking for 4, 8 or 15 days. Hotel highlights include free Wi-Fi and free breakfast.

With our Park and Fly Package, leave your car in our barrier secured car park, which boasts over 300 parking spaces. Take the hassle out of airport parking by checking in and relaxing before jetting off from Luton Airport, only a 10 minute drive away.
Fees for transfers to airport apply.

A modern contemporary destination hotel…welcome to the Holiday Inn Express Dunstable.
From its attractions and rolling countryside with the nearby Dunstable Downs, the area surrounding the Holiday Inn Express Dunstable hotel is just waiting to be discovered. Parking, breakfast and wireless Internet in the hotel are all included.

15 miles from Luton Airport, Holiday Inn Express Stevenage is an ideal base when looking for great value for money and comfort. The hotel is opposite Stevenage train station and 10 minutes' walk from Stevenage Leisure Park. All guests receive access to the adjacent Nu Yu sports centre. Breakfast is inclusive and there is free wi-fi available throughout the hotel, saving you that little bit extra.

Choose the Executive Package at Holiday Inn Stevenage for complimentary wireless Internet in your upgraded room, and complimentary parking. Or choose the London Shop and Stop Package. Make the Holiday Inn Stevenage the perfect stop over being only 25 minutes away from London Kings Cross by train.

We are very close to Warner Brothers Studio Tour - The Making of Harry Potter, and right next door to Watford Junction Station, where you can take a train to central London or Wembley Stadium in under 20 minutes.

Holiday Inn Express Bedford is close to the A6, the A1 and is a short 10 minute drive from Bedford town centre. London Luton Airport is only 16 miles away and you can catch a direct train connection to Bedford train station. Our Bedford hotel is less than an hours' drive from Silverstone Formula 1 circuit, an ideal base for motor sport fans.

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LONDON—Three of this city's most iconic luxury hotels, including Claridge's, are being sucked into Ireland's banking crisis, illustrating how the country's problems are having an impact beyond Irish shores.

The owners of the group of hotels recently saw the Irish government transfer its loans with Anglo Irish Bank Corp. and Bank of Ireland PLC into the country's state-loan agency, which plans to acquire up to about €73 billion ($102 billion) in nominal value of real-estate loans in hopes of restoring confidence in Ireland's...


This article is more than 2 years old

This article is more than 2 years old

Harvey Weinstein appeared in court in New York on Monday, to plead not guilty to charges including two counts of predatory sexual assault, which carries a maximum sentence of life in prison.

The film producer was released on bail. His lawyer said more charges were expected.

Weinstein was brought into the Manhattan courtroom handcuffed from behind, then uncuffed for the proceedings. His lawyer Benjamin Brafman argued there was no evidence the 66-year-old Weinstein would flee.

“We fight these battles one day at a time, and today we won this round,” Brafman said outside court.

A grand jury previously indicted Weinstein on charges involving two women. The charges answered on Monday concern an alleged forcible sex act performed on a third woman, in 2006.

The Manhattan district attorney, Cyrus Vance Jr, has said Weinstein was charged with “some of the most serious sexual offenses” that exist under state law.

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Brafman has said his client maintains all the allegations are false and he will be vindicated.

More than 75 women have accused Weinstein, once one of the most powerful men in Hollywood, of wrongdoing. Allegations detailed in Pulitzer Prize-winning stories last October in the New York Times and the New Yorker drove the #MeToo movement.

Several actors and models accused Weinstein of criminal sexual assaults. They include: the film actor Rose McGowan, who said Weinstein raped her in 1997 in Utah; the Sopranos actor Annabella Sciorra, who said he raped her in her New York apartment in 1992; and the Norwegian actor Natassia Malthe, who said he attacked her in a London hotel room in 2008.

Weinstein lawyers fear 'bad PR' could taint jury in sexual assault trial Read more

A former Weinstein Company production assistant, Mimi Haleyi, last October made allegations against Weinstein that align with the charges in the updated indictment.

Haleyi said Weinstein forcibly performed oral sex on her in 2006 in what appeared to be a child’s bedroom in his Manhattan apartment. Neither the district attorney’s office nor Haleyi’s attorney, Gloria Allred, would confirm that Haleyi was the accuser in the new charges.

New York police said in early November that they were investigating allegations by another Weinstein accuser, the Boardwalk Empire actor Paz de la Huerta, who told them in October that he had raped her twice in 2010.

Weinstein has denied all allegations of non-consensual sex, with his attorney challenging the credibility of his accusers.

Vance urged other accusers to come forward, saying the investigation was continuing.

“If you are a survivor of the predatory abuse with which Mr Weinstein is charged, there is still time to pursue justice,” he said.


Monday, August 24, 1998 Last modified at 12:35 a.m. on Monday, August 24, 1998

Al Fayed now places blame for fatal car crash on his former bodyguards

PARIS (AP) - The billionaire father of Princess Diana's boyfriend now blames his ex-bodyguards for the car crash that killed Diana and his son, Dodi, after insisting for months a conspiracy was behind the crash.

Mohamed Al Fayed said former bodyguards Trevor Rees-Jones and Alexander Wingfield were responsible for the midnight crash last August "through their incompetence and unprofessional practices."

"They had rules and they moved away from the rules. They let me down," Al Fayed, owner of Harrod's department store in London and the Ritz Hotel in Paris, was quoted by Time magazine as saying in an interview published Sunday.

It was from the Ritz that Diana and her boyfriend Dodi Fayed left in a chauffeur-driven black Mercedes the night of Aug. 31, shortly before the car crashed into a pillar in the Pont de l'Alma tunnel along the Seine River.

Al Fayed's lawyers say the bodyguards should have insisted on a backup car and should not have allowed driver Henri Paul to take the route he did.

They also say Rees-Jones, the sole survivor of the crash, should have insisted that Diana and Fayed wear a seat belt as he did, according to the Time article.

Investigators have focused been focusing on several factors, including evidence that Paul, who worked for the Ritz, was drunk, driving the Mercedes at a high speed and trying to evade press photographers.

"Mr. Wingfield is saddened that he should choose the buildup to the first anniversary of the crash to make such absurd comments," Waddington added.

According to the Telegraph, both Rees-Jones and Wingfield have insisted they objected to the drive they say Dodi Fayed planned, in part because it lacked a backup car.

Meanwhile, the Telegraph reported that Wingfield, who left the hotel that night in a decoy car, is to take Al Fayed to court next week, claiming he was forced to quit after he refused to back up Al Fayed's conspiracy theory.

In addition, there were indications that Rees-Jones, who has since resigned from his job with Al Fayed, could change his story.

Rees-Jones was expected to meet with investigative Judge Herve Stephan in Paris.

His French lawyer, Christian Curtil, asked Stephan in June to question top Ritz managers about possible security lapses and about how much they knew of Paul's condition.

Six months ago, Rees-Jones said Paul didn't appear drunk the night of the crash.


London
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St Martins Lane

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Points of Interest

Get an overview of this hotelChic minimalism next to the London Coliseum

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Simply enter your Nectar card number when you check out. Your points will be credited 35 days after you return from your trip.

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Popular property highlights

Free WiFi

Restaurant

Business centre

Laundry facilities

Babysitting or childcare (surcharge)

West End hotel

Located in the West End theater district, this dramatically designed boutique hotel is next to the London Coliseum, home of the English National Opera. Covent garden and Trafalgar Square are a short walk away.

Hotel bar

Distinctive features of St Martins Lane include a tea counter in the lobby, the Blind Spot bar, and an acclaimed restaurant: Asia de Cuba. Currency exchange, a 24-hour business center, and state-of-the-art meeting/breakout rooms are available as well.

Free WiFi

Guestrooms have floor-to-ceiling windows framing London views. Adjustable lighting lets guests bathe the room in their choice of colors to fit the mood. All rooms include USB charging ports, minibars, and free wired high-speed Internet.

St Martins Lane

Hotel Amenities

Hotel Amenities

Designed by Philippe Starck, the lobby at St. Martins Lane features yellow-colored glass revolving doors, oversized columns, and Portuguese limestone floors. The hotel partners with Gymbox fitness center to provide guests with 24-hour access to fitness facilities and quirky fitness classes such as Gladiators TV-based exercises or "stiletto workouts."

This hotel offers currency exchange, a 24-hour business center, state-of-the-art event space including meeting/breakout rooms with two 62-inch plasma screen monitors for audio/visual playback, and a 24-hour multilingual secretarial staff. Mobile phones and fax machines are available on request.

Other facilities and amenities include a sophisticated late-night bar and a modern-cuisine restaurant, Asia de Cuba, as well as 24-hour room service. Free wireless Internet access is available in public areas. On-site parking and valet parking (surcharge) are available.

Free newspapers in lobby

Fitness facilities

Babysitting or childcare (surcharge)

Restaurant

Coffee shop or café

Limo or Town Car service available

Business center

Express check-out

24-hour front desk

Concierge services

Total number of rooms - 204

Number of floors - 6

Dry cleaning/laundry service

Valet parking (surcharge)

Number of bars/lounges - 2

Breakfast available (surcharge)

Airport transportation

Tours/ticket assistance

Free WiFi

Express check-in

Luggage storage

Laundry facilities

Elevator/lift

Meeting rooms 4

Year Built 1999

Area shuttle (surcharge)

Number of buildings/towers - 1

Family Friendly Amenities

Family Hotel

Free Wi-Fi

Soundproofed rooms

Laundry facilities

Babysitting or childcare (surcharge)

Internet

Available in all rooms:
Free WiFi
,
Free wired Internet

Available in some public areas:
Free WiFi

Parking

Valet parking (surcharge)

Room Amenities

Premium TV channels

Pay movies

Premium bedding

Room service (24 hours)

Minibar

In-room climate control (air conditioning)

Free newspaper

Air conditioning

Soundproofed rooms

Phone

Coffee/tea maker

Daily housekeeping

Turndown service

Private bathroom

Bathrobes

Free toiletries

Hair dryer

Designer toiletries

In-room massage available

Iron/ironing board (on request)

In-room safe (laptop compatible)

Desk

Cable TV service

Flat-panel TV

HDTV

Free WiFi

Free wired Internet

Connecting/adjoining rooms available

Where to Eat

Asia de Cuba - newly renovated dinig venue.

This restaurant offers an enchanting interior design, experimental combinations and a new twist on old favorites. The chef interprets Asian-influenced Cuban fare for a modern crowd and a discerning palate. The new Asia de Cuba retains the same authentic preparations, tropical accents, and sharing-style presentation loved by guests and food critics alike, now enhanced with a creative new menu and a chic new dining sanctuary. Fresh ingredients, handcrafted dishes, and eye-catching interiors make for an unforgettable dining experience with surprising cultural flavor.

This restaurant serves lunches and dinner.

Accessibility

If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please note them at check-out when you book your room.

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New York and other major cities’ hotels revealed high on luxury, yet frugal on offering high-speed Internet

“No Wi-Fi?” is just the kind of question that gains a lot of detractors for whomsoever it is directed towards. Safe to assume then that five star hotels would be the last to make it to that Wi-Fi hate list. Correct? If I were you then before agreeing, I’d think again. Especially since now a very eloquent list is doing the rounds of the Internet (ha!), demonstrating with unwavering confidence, it’s the highest priced hotels, the ones that even charge a hefty fee for Wi-Fi that are in fact, offering the slowest speeds. And it’s the budget heroes charging nothing, or next to and offering much faster connections.
While there are already ways to check your own connection’s speed, it was nothing short of genius, we’d say, when a new website Hotelwifitest.com was launched to let hotel guests test the speed of their Internet connection and then save their comments for others’ reference. Naturally, one could also note whether or not they were charged for the Wi-Fi and if yes, then how much. And the answers are such that put several top-notch properties to shame.

In New York, itself, one of the most populous cities and also with the highest number of tested hotels (160), where the extent of net savvy-ness should put Wi-Fi on the pro bono list for luxury hotels, are Wi-Fi frugal St. Regis (0.03 mbps), Four Seasons Hotel (0.50 mbps) and Trump International (5.5 mbps), among others. And while they’re busy asking for $995, $994 and $1,675 a night respectively with paid Wi-Fi, it’s the $90 a night Da Vinci-s and the $155 a night Pod 39-s that are offering 100 mbps and 75.4 mbps for nothing.

In case you’re wondering, room rates and reviews are courtesy of Hotels.com. And while most hotels have their Wi-Fi listed as “free”, some still charge for access, or for access to a faster “premium” connection. Good thing is results can also be shared on social media. And hundreds of hotels have already been rated, besides New York, in London (51), San Francisco (42), Singapore (35) and Amsterdam (21) as well. To conclude, we can’t say just how thankful we are for this Tripadvisor of Hotel Internet.


exploring locally – london love

Local travel is still the key word for me – having been to different parts of London a lot lately. If you are like me – lucky enough to live near one of the world’s most cosmopolitan cities, then you have endless opportunities to explore new places and events. I can never get tired to London as the city always keeps revealing new sides of itself.

My London is about exploring its many waterways – barges mooring along canals, little riverside strolls, grandeur of river Thames, finding new little fusion eateries and amazing cream teas, sampling foods at Harrods, quirky stores, markets, spotting beautiful historic landmarks and buildings in Belgravia and Knightsbridge.

My London is learning about its long history, slowly changing landscape, amazing cream teas and spotting fashion trends on the road. My London is also about all those famous tourist attractions that locals often miss: London Bridge, Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, London Zoo and the London Eye – and the latest one, Europe’s tallest building, the Shard, which I am yet to visit (and if you’re visiting London for longer, the Shard also has London’s latest luxury hotel from one of my favourite hotel groups: The Shangri-La London).

It’s been nearly 30 years since I visited Madame Tussaud’s and I think it’s time I show that place to the next generation and we’ll see how many not-so-recent figures we can recognize…and view over London, maybe reaching pretty close to our Kentish home is also well overdue. Add there the world’s largest museum, Victoria & Albert (or just V&A) and our family must-visit-in-London -list already covers the first school holiday week with activities!

My old N1 post code in London – Islington – is full of surprises from antique stores and cool weekend stalls of river walks and some pretty amazing food. Oh those memories… London is a place so many of us travellers have visited, but rarely experienced outside the obvious – be it a West End musical, football match in Wembley or a pint near Piccadilly Circus.

I would love to hear now what your favourite spots and secret tips are for London?

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12 Responses to "exploring locally – london love"

Oh, I love London so much and your photos are beautiful – particularly the first one – I can imagine living there! I have only been to London three times and haven’t seen much beyond the famous tourist attractions but my husband was lucky enough to live there for a year as a student at the London School of Economics. We are starting to plan a return trip for our spring break next year and I think we’ll be able to start venturing out into some of the city’s great neighbourhoods but we’ll still have to make time for seeing West End shows. My older daughter starts university in the fall and she’s already planning to do her third year abroad in London so I’m sure she won’t mind if I visit often!! 😉

Thank you Lisa. If you come by we should definitely meet – for a cream tea of course! I can never haec enough of West End shows and have just been looking into what to see next, besides the Book of Mormon, which is a must see show at the moment!

Lovely, lovely photos of London! I adore this city and feel so lucky to have lived here for the past year. N1 is a fab postcode – there is always more to discover. I spend quite a lot of time in Bloomsbury, full of quirky bookshops and literary sites, and up around the Hampstead Heath, the one place in London where I feel like I get away from the city for a bit.
Thanks for sharing your lovely photos. 🙂

Since you are talking about waterways…one of my favorite London things to do is take the boat to Greenwich – get fabulous views of the Tower Bridge in both directions, plus there are tons of fun things to do there like the observatory, the Maritime Museum, and the market.

I love Islington too – when we lived in London, we were in Stoke Newington nearby.

That’s a great idea Mara, as our train goes to London Bridge and I think the boats to Greenwich depart nearby. That maritime Museum looks gorgeous from the outside. I also remember walking to Stoke Newington when we lived in London – really pretty houses there!


UAE's Expo 2020 could be best ever, says economist

If the World Expo 2020 was held in Dubai it could become one of the most successful international events ever staged, in terms of the impact on the host city, a top economist has told Arabian Business.

Putting on world extravaganzas such as the Olympics and football World Cup have historically left host countries with multi-billion dollar losses thanks to bloated construction costs, unnecessary infrastructure, poorer-than-expected tourism revenues and underutilised buildings.

But not in Dubai, according to London Business School Professor of Economics and deputy dean Andrew Scott.

“Dubai has less to fear from the inefficiencies of hosting the Expo, which are unwanted infrastructure, buildings and housing, and has a lot more to gain from indirect benefits of hosting an international event,” Professor Scott said.

Dubai this week passed two further stages in its bid to host the six-month long event.

The emirate is considered to be a front runner against the other contenders, Ekaterinburg (Russia), Izmir (Turkey), and Sao Paulo (Brazil). Thailand’s Ayutthaya was cut from the competition this week over concerns the city’s bid did not have enough support from the government.

Professor Scott said the direct economic impacts of hosting an international event was two-fold.

“The building of infrastructure and [other] investments ... brings benefits to the economy in the short-term but that’s where things get negative in the long-term because you get stuck with cycling stadia and swimming pools that aren’t going to be used in the longer-term,” he said.

“The second direct benefit is greater tourism, but what tends to happen there is all the people who over the next three to four years thought of [going to the city] end up coming during the event, so you’ve got this big blip at the cost of later travel.”

But Dubai’s geographical and economic position in the world – with almost half the global economy to the east and the other half to the west - would reduce the negative impacts, while enhancing the positive.

It also was already building what will be the world’s largest airport, as well as expanding ports and other transport facilities and sporting stadia.

“Dubai already has a lot of the infrastructure needed [to host the Expo] and they’re trying to really get infrastructure going again, so this is a great opportunity to reignite it,” Professor Scott said.

“[Dubai also] can convert the infrastructure more easily.

“[Also] the symbolism of the event, I think, will be tremendous for Dubai and [the emirate’s bid to] position itself as one of the key global cities.”

There also were indirect benefits including symbolism and the improved position of the city globally and domestically – although such sentimentality often faded quickly.

“[The repositioning] as a global city has a big plus and already Dubai is in a great position to do that given how the world is changing and where Dubai is based on its previous actions,” Professor Scott said.

“You can [also] use it to explain more to the resident population what your role in the world is and the function of the economy within that. The resident population tend to like these events; it tends to make them feel happy, important, at the heart of things – like hosting a good party.”

The exact impact of the most recent Olympics, in London, which cost about 10 billion pounds, is yet to be realised, but reports show the boost to hotel guest arrivals in other Olympic cities was not realised.

Hotels in Sydney experienced a 6.3 percent fall in the number of guest arrivals in 2000, while hotels in Athens experienced a 5.3 percent decline in arrivals in 2004, Beijing’s fell 39 percent August 2008, the Games month, compared with August 2007.

The US predicted it would make a $4bn profit after hosting the 1994 World Cup but ended up losing $9bn. South Africa also end up with a debt, although it’s not known exactly how much, and Germany only broke even despite already having most of the infrastructure needed.

Dubai’s Minister of State and managing director of the Higher Committee for Hosting the World Expo 2020, Reem Al Hashimy, said a year ago that it could cost the UAE $4bn to host the World Expo 2020 but the event would attract 25m tourists and create opportunities for small and medium sized businesses.

More metro lines, ports, infrastructure services, tourism and entertainment facilities also would need to be built in time for the event.

Dubai’s vision for the Expo, which would be held at a yet-to-be built exhibition site at Dubai Trade Centre - Jebel Ali, includes an open plaza called Al Wasl (the connection), with three zones branching out to symbolise the sub themes of sustainability, mobility and opportunity.

Inspired by traditional Arab souks, the proposed site integrates the UAE's architectural heritage with the requirements of the Expo to foster the fundamental principles of innovation, partnership and collaboration between participants and visitors.


Running a bakery in a small, English town on the outskirts of London usually brings its fair share of quiet days. But, for Edward Durkin's family-owned bakery, May 19 could well be the busiest day in its 100-year history. Four generations on since his family first opened Heidi Bakery in a shopping mall opposite England's Windsor Castle in 1918, Durkin is in a prime position to take advantage of the marriage of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. "This is the biggest event in our bakery's history and we are taking full advantage of the day," Durkin told CNBC.

Local businesses in Windsor are already reaping the rewards that an influx of tourists — especially those from the U.S. — will bring to the Berkshire town. "I don't think it's ever been as sustained and drawn as much international attention as much as this," Durkin said. "We remember William's and Kate's 2011 wedding, but that was in London. The real key is having the event in Windsor." Location isn't the only advantage. The shopping mall which Heidi Bakery is located in has held a royal warrant, which gives his business official status as a supplier of gifts to Queen Elizabeth's household, for the best part of 20 years.

Edward Durkin (L) and Heidi Rolfe-Daniel (R), the great granddaughter of the department store's original founder Heidi Bakery / Crest Comms

Durkin's royal connections run a little deeper. He fondly remembers the soon-to-be-wedded prince, along with his elder brother Prince William, regularly visiting his bakery after school with their friends when they were teenagers attending the nearby Eton College. Home to both the queen's residence and Eton, famed for educating royalty and politicians including several prime ministers, Windsor's diminutive size may prove to be a headache for anyone trying to find accommodation for the big day. "All of the hotels are full, so I'm envisaging the town is nearing full capacity," Durkin said.

Fully booked

When she arrived in London from Brazil in 2009, Jaciara Pereira never envisaged that she would capitalize on such a surge of interest in hotels. Her property rental business consists of 17 properties in Windsor and London. All are fully booked out the weekend of the royal wedding. Tourists from countries including the U.S., India, Bangladesh and Argentina have spared no expense booking rooms in Notting Hill and Kensington, London's more expensive locations, so that they are able to commute into Windsor by train and soak up the atmosphere. Pereira said the wedding has given her business such a financial boost that she has had to recruit more staff. It's a "win-win for all," she said. "The royal family makes such a good impact. Families especially want to stay for short breaks, so I can see this boost continuing."

Paying a premium

With space at a premium in Windsor, London's luxury hotels have also capitalized. One hotelier is offering a "grand royal wedding package" for £3,500 ($4,873) per night for two people. The package includes afternoon tea, a royal wedding souvenir and a "360-degree view" of the capital's skyline. And premium marketing isn't just the preserve of vacationers and hotels either. British pen-maker Yard O Led has launched a luxury silver pen and pencil set encrusted with Californian golden poppies, in what it has dubbed a homage to Markle's former life as a Hollywood actress. The firm described the product as offering a "delicate feminine appeal" — for the not-so-delicate price of £495 ($681). Vacation packages with a royal wedding theme include a cruise ship company that is offering the opportunity to visit countries in southern Africa — a rumored honeymoon destination for the couple — including a trip to Victoria Falls, at the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe, and Johannesburg, South Africa.

Vacation packages with a royal wedding theme include a trip to Victoria Falls Marka / UIG via Getty Images

Supermarket sweep

Big businesses too have jumped on the royal bandwagon. For those on a budget, British supermarket Iceland has concocted a limited supply of a two-tier elderflower and lemon cake — replicating the royal couple's wedding cake. Iceland's Head Chef Neil Nugent was given the task of "second guessing" the royal cake, adding what he called an "American spin" of buttercream and Sicilian lemon curd. "I heard the announcement [of the type of cake] on the radio and immediately got texts from Iceland's owner asking to get a cake done that's as close to what the royals are getting," Nugent said. With a turnaround of just three weeks, he's not overly worried about the £8 ($11) price tag that customers will have to pay, considering that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's cake is rumored to have cost £65,000.

Scant promise


At least a dozen Tory MPs are ready to quit the party to stop Boris Johnson becoming leader.

They issued the warning last night after he sparked outrage by saying Theresa May’s Brexit strategy had put Britain in a suicide vest and handed the detonator to Brussels.

Mr Johnson’s critics accused him of using disgusting language to distract attention from his private life.

And today the PM's official spokesman slapped down Mr Johnson over the comments.

He said: ‘This is not the language that the Prime Minister would choose to use. Beyond that, I don’t plan on giving this article further oxygen.

‘The PM is fully focused on Brexit negotiations which are at a very important and intense stage, and on delivering on the verdict of the British people.’

Mr Johnson is being divorced by long-suffering wife Marina over claims of another affair.

Boris Johnson (pictured in his Thame garden) last night sparked outrage by saying Theresa May’s Brexit strategy had put Britain in a suicide vest and given detonator to Brussels

It was also revealed that Ms Wheeler could be serving divorce papers branding him an 'adulterer' as early as Monday.

A source told The Sun she is looking to move on quickly as she has 'had enough.'

They said: 'The papers are coming imminently. They were due within the next fortnight but Marina’s just had enough.'

It comes as Mr Johnson was pictured looking glum in the garden of his Oxfordshire home with his head in his hands as he sipped a cup of tea.

Yesterday the MP faced fresh revelations about his relationship with Carrie Symonds, who abruptly quit as Tory communications director last month.

Sources last night claimed the pair had been on a series of high-class dates in London - including at the discreet Rosewood Hotel in Holborn.

With the Conservatives descending into open warfare, allies of Mr Johnson hit back, accusing No 10 of orchestrating a smear campaign with the leak of a ‘dirty dossier’ on his love life.

But Foreign Office minister Alan Duncan, who served as Mr Johnson’s deputy, yesterday described him as an ‘irresponsible wrecker’ and vowed to stop him becoming party leader.

Sarah Wollaston, Tory chairman of the Commons health committee, yesterday became the fourth MP to warn publicly that she would resign from the party if Mr Johnson toppled Mrs May.

A senior Tory said 12 or more MPs would refuse to serve under the former foreign secretary – effectively depriving the Government of a majority.

Mr Johnson’s critics accused him of using disgusting language to distract attention from his private life (pictured, former Tory aide Carrie Symonds)

‘Boris will never be prime minister – he would split the party,’ the MP said. ‘There are a large number of us determined to make sure he does not get onto the ballot paper whenever the leadership contest takes place.

‘If he did somehow manage to win then there are many of us – well into double figures – who would resign the party whip. He would lose the Government’s majority. He could not govern.’

The row came as:

Downing Street faced questions about whether Miss Symonds had been forced out of her job because of revelations about her closeness to Mr Johnson;

Jeremy Hunt, Sajid Javid and International Development Secretary Penny Mordaunt paraded their pro-Brexit credentials amid talk of a leadership contest;

David Davis prepared to unveil an alternative Brexit plan based on a technological solution to the Northern Ireland border issue;

No 10 launched a fresh charm offensive with MPs in a bid to win support for Mrs May’s Chequers plan;

Tory MP Nadine Dorries, an ally of Mr Johnson, said Miss Symonds appeared to have become ‘collateral damage’ in Downing Street’s war with him. Mr Johnson had been on the back foot following revelations last week that his 25-year marriage to Miss Wheeler was over. But yesterday he went on the attack with an incendiary article in which he renewed his criticism of the Prime Minister’s handling of Brexit.

Writing in the Mail on Sunday, he said Mrs May had allowed the Northern Ireland issue to become ‘grossly inflated’.

Yesterday he faced fresh revelations about his relationship with Carrie Symonds (pictured), who abruptly quit as Tory Party communications director last month.

It has now been suggested that Miss Symonds (pictured right with Michael Gove) may have lost her job for being too close to Johnson

He warned Brexit would fail unless she tore up the so-called ‘backstop’ agreed with the EU last December, which would keep Northern Ireland in the customs union. Mr Johnson described the Chequers plan, which would require Britain to follow a common rulebook with the EU, as a humiliation.

‘We look like a seven-stone weakling being comically bent out of shape by a 500lb gorilla,’ he said. ‘We have opened ourselves to perpetual political blackmail.

‘We have wrapped a suicide vest around the British constitution – and handed the detonator to Michel Barnier.’ Tom Tugendhat, chairman of the Commons foreign affairs committee, savaged Mr Johnson’s intervention and told him to grow up.

‘A suicide bomber murdered many in the courtyard of my office in Helmand,’ said the former Army officer. ‘The carnage was disgusting, limbs and flesh hanging from trees and bushes.

It comes after his wife Marina (pictured) began divorce proceedings when rumours of an affair surfaced

‘Brave men who stopped him killing me and others died in horrific pain. Some need to grow up. Comparing the PM to that isn’t funny.’

Sir Alan said: ‘For Boris to say that the PM’s view is like that of a suicide bomber is too much. This marks one of the most disgusting moments in modern British politics. I’m sorry, but this is the political end of Boris Johnson. If it isn’t now, I will make sure it is later.’

Alistair Burt, who also served under Mr Johnson, said there was ‘no justification for such an outrageous, inappropriate and hurtful analogy’.

Home Secretary Mr Javid urged Mr Johnson to use ‘measured language in future’, adding: ‘There are much better ways to articulate your differences.’

But allies of Mr Johnson rallied to his defence. MP Zac Goldsmith said there were ‘a number of possible motives’ for Sir Alan’s attack but ‘given its author, we can be certain principles aren’t one of them’.

Mrs Dorries said Mr Johnson faced vitriol because rivals were terrified of his popular appeal.

Ross Thomson, another Eurosceptic Tory, accused No 10 of trying to smear Mr Johnson, following the leak of a ‘black book’ on him.

Drawn up by a member of Mrs May’s team during the 2016 leadership election, the 4,000-word dossier details Mr Johnson’s affairs with journalists Petronella Wyatt and Anna Fazackerly and socialite Helen Macintyre, with whom he had a love child.

It also details his sacking by former Tory leader Michael Howard for lying, his admission that he tried cocaine at university and his controversial comments during years of column writing.

Mr Thomson said: ‘What on earth are No 10 playing at? We are all Conservatives. This is gutter politics that only serves to deliver the disaster of a Corbyn government.’

Downing Street sources angrily denied that they were involved in the leaking of the document to the media.