A growing backlash is emerging today following Boris Johnson's announcement last night regarding plans to introduce Covid vaccine passports in clubs and at other "mass gatherings".
As The Telegraph put it this morning, it appears that Johnson has dropped the carrot and picked up the stick - and not everyone is very happy.
Night clubs returned at 00:01 on Monday 19 July, but before the day was out the Prime Minister had appeared in a televised press conference to announce new plans to introduce compulsory vaccination as a requirement of entry into nightclubs and other 'crowded events' in the autumn.
Since making the announcement yesterday, the Prime Minister has also been asked to clarify the relaxation of isolation rules for a number of fully-vaccinated key workers who've come into close contact with covid positive patients; after a Downing Street statement yesterday merely said it would not be a “blanket exemption for any sector or role”.
Speaking from his self-isolation inside number 10, the Prime Minister said that vaccination would become a condition of entry to nightclubs starting in September after Chief Medical Advisor singled out clubs out as potential "super spreading events".
The announcement regarding vaccine passports follows several weeks in which we've seen huge crowds of football fans come together, both inside and outside venues, during the Euros tournament and amidst reports this morning that Covid deaths have risen by 68% in a single week.
With Covid deaths currently their highest since April and Leeds newly named as the centre of the 'pingdemic' with more people currently in self-isolation than anywhere else in the country, some are questioning what is driving the decision making behind the rules currently at play in England.
Night Time Industries Association chief executive Michael Kill accused the Government of “an absolute shambles”.
“So, ‘freedom day’ for nightclubs lasted around 17 hours then,” he said, speaking the announcement regarding vaccine passports in nightclubs.
“80% of nightclubs have said they do not want to implement Covid passports, worrying about difficulties with enforcing the system and a reduction in spontaneous consumers, as well as being put at a competitive disadvantage with pubs and bars that aren’t subject to the same restrictions and yet provide similar environments.”
Whilst Mark Harper, a Conservative former chief whip that currently chairs the Covid Recovery Group of Tory lockdown-sceptics, criticised the new plans for vaccine passports as “effectively moving to compulsory vaccination”.
Former Conservative health secretary Jeremy Hunt also questioned the vaccine passport plans, questioning why they were being delayed until autumn.
Considering that nightclubs are predominantly popular with younger people, many of whom have only recently been invited to get their first injection, the new September deadline has created anxiety around getting their second jab in time.
Others have suggested the policy is designed to motivate younger people to get their second jab for the autumn.
Shadow health minister for Labour Justin Madders said: “How can it be safe to go to nightclubs now, with no protective measures, if in September it will require double jab status? It makes no sense.
“This proposal is more confusion and incompetence from the heart of Government at the expense of public health. They need to get a grip.”
Leeds Playhouse delivers a powerful story about the walls we build.
August Wilson’s Fences is a powerful and deeply personal family drama, exploring race, fatherhood, ambition and the emotional scars that can be passed from one generation to the next.
At Leeds Playhouse, the strength of the production lies largely with its cast. Ray Fearon gives Troy Maxson a commanding presence, balancing humour and charm with a growing sense of anger and resentment. It is an uncomfortable performance at times, but one that keeps you invested in Troy even when his actions become increasingly difficult to accept.
Madeline Appiah brings real warmth and emotional depth to Rose, while Josh Tedeku captures Cory’s frustration as a young man determined to make his own way rather than inherit his father’s limitations.
Image: Supplied
For me, though, Act 2 is where the production really comes alive.
The first half feels comparatively restrained. That isn't necessarily a criticism of the performances or Wilson's writing, but having experienced previous Headlong productions, I went in expecting a little more theatrical imagination from the staging. There were moments where I felt the production could have pushed the material further visually.
Act 2 begins to deliver that.
The rotating set adds movement and energy, while the bright LED lighting works particularly well with the live music, creating a more heightened atmosphere as the family's tensions reach breaking point. The production suddenly feels more visually ambitious, and the design starts to work hand-in-hand with the emotional journey of the characters.
Images: Supplied
The fence itself is an effective recurring image, initially a practical task, but gradually becoming a representation of Troy's need for control, protection and separation. The more the story unfolds, the more the fence feels like a barrier between Troy and the people he loves.
There is a lot to admire here, particularly in the performances, and Wilson's writing remains as relevant and affecting as ever. However, I couldn't help feeling that some of the theatrical ambition found in Act 2 could have been introduced earlier.
Ultimately, Fences is a moving and thought-provoking evening, with a particularly strong second half. For me, it was Act 2 that turned a solid production into a genuinely memorable one.
Running until 23 September at Leeds Playhouse, get your tickets here.
A new açai cafe promising to be Leeds’ ‘neighbourhood social club’ is opening soon
Clementine Hall
An independent açai bowl pop-up is opening a permanent cafe in Leeds city centre.
It seems the açai bowl trend isn't over just yet, and we're absolutely not mad about it.
The aesthetically purple frozen treat isn't just delicious, but is also known to have numerous health benefits making it guilt-free and the perfect post-workout pick me up.
You may remember Açai Social Club that opened as a pop-up in the Victoria Quarter last year, and now they're moving into a permanent spot in the city centre.
Run by a lovely husband and wife duo who have spent the last 15 months exploring cafes around the world, it's safe to say they know exactly what they're talking about.
Their açai is made with the very best ingredients, topped with the freshest fruit and sprinkled with their homemade granola - it doesn't get much better then that does it?
Announcing the very exciting news to Instagram, they said: "Açai Social Club is getting a home. Our very first store is officially on the way! We’ve been working behind the scenes to create a space that’s more about than just açai.
"What started as an idea is finally becoming something you can walk into…There’s still a lot we’re keeping under wraps for now, but we’re so excited to finally share the beginning of what’s to come.
"We can’t wait to open our doors and welcome you in. Your new neighbourhood social club, coming soon."
The exact location of the cafe and its opening date is still under wraps, but we'll of course keep you updated as and when we find out.
Georgina Pellant -
20th July 2021 
