The Key Club has decided to cancel showings of the 2022 Qatar World Cup, citing the 'ongoing human rights and LGBTQ+ issues' in the host city as the reason for the removal of the eventsfrom its schedule.
The popular event space and music venue was due to show England games for the World Cup but made the decision yesterday to remove this as an option.
Releasing a statement on Facebook, The Key Club have said that:
"We have decided to cancel the upcoming England matches which we had planned to show at The Key Club.
"We wanted to create a safe space where people felt comfortable to watch the football, however, after careful deliberation and upon further research, we now understand it is best to cancel the upcoming events in response to the ongoing human rights and LGBTQ+ issues surrounding the host nation.
"The Key Club is committed to creating a safe, welcoming, and inclusive space and so we hope you all stand by our decision.
"As an additional mark of our support, we will be collecting donations for LGBTQ+ charities at upcoming events at The Key Club.
Adding that "Whilst we won't be showing the matches, we wish England the very best of luck!", the Facebook post has received overwhelmingly positive comments on the venue's decision to support the LGBTQ+ community and continue to offer a safe space for all.
"So much respect for this, it means so much to our community, that you take that stand and let us know we matter. I hope more business follow. We appreciate you." was just one of the positive comments left, whilst others shared rainbow heart emojis and likes on the update.
The Key Club isn't the only Leeds-based business to reverse the decision to show the 2022 Qatar World Cup. The Mustard Pot in Chapel Allerton also issued a statement yesterday, stating that "I made the wrong decision to show the World Cup and I am sorry" with all tickets refunded and an apology "to anyone we offended by announcing we would be showing it".
If your skincare routine has been needing an upgrade, there's some good news waiting for you inside Trinity Leeds.
The shopping centre has just welcomed Moida, a brand-new beauty retailer specialising in authentic Korean skincare, bringing some of the world's most sought-after K-beauty products to Leeds.
Named after the Korean word meaning 'to gather' or 'come together', moida is all about making Korean skincare easy to discover and accessible for everyone.
Inside the new store that has taken over the old Claire's Accessories site, shoppers can expect an extensive range of handpicked products from some of the biggest names in K-beauty, including Beauty of Joseon, Dr. Althea, TIRTIR, Medicube, Biodance, and more cult-favourite brands.
The collection has been curated by a team of Korean beauty experts with close links to Korea, meaning customers can expect everything from viral TikTok sensations to exclusive products that are often difficult to get hold of elsewhere in the UK.
Moida K-Beauty has opened in Trinity Leeds. Credit: The Hoot Leeds
Steven Foster, Centre Director at Trinity Leeds, said: "With Korean skincare still increasing in popularity, moida brings an exciting new concept to the centre. Offering guests viral products alongside everyday essentials, plus the chance to browse new brands in-store will be a fantastic experience.
"We know moida is going to be a brilliant addition for both existing fans of K-beauty and those keen to discover it for the first time."
It's the latest announcement following the recent launches of Lane7, Footasylum, LEGO, Jerk Junction, The Fragrance Shop and schuh at Trinity Leeds.
Leeds man jailed for life after being found guilty of dozens of sexual and physical assault offences
Emily Sergeant
A man from Leeds has been jailed for life after being found guilty of dozens of sexual and physical assault offences.
Paul Benstock - aged 62, of Appletree Court in the village of East Ardsley - appeared at Leeds Crown Court last week where he was sentenced after being convicted of more than 40 offences committed against five victims,
Following a Leeds Safeguarding investigation, Benstock was found guilty of a number of sexual offences and physical assaults against both adult and child victims, including 14 counts of rape - with these offences having thought to have taken place over a 22-year period between 1998 and 2020.
Benstock was also identified as being involved in the making of indecent images of children following an operation by the National Crime Agency’s Child Exploitation and Online Protection Command (CEOP), and was also found guilty of these offences.
"Much of Benstock’s offending was against victims who were children at the time," explained Detective Sergeant Michelle Barnes, of Leeds Safeguarding Unit.
"His victims have shown incredible bravery in giving us detailed accounts of what has taken place and then again supporting the trial process by giving evidence when Benstock refused to take accountability for his awful crimes."
Benstock was sentenced to 37 years imprisonment.
He was also made the subject of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order and has been placed on the Sex Offenders Register indefinitely, West Yorkshire Police has confirmed.