Queen announced plans to ban conversion therapy
The Queen announced on the 11th of May during her speech to the UK Parliament that, “measures will be brought forwards on making conversion therapy illegal.” Conversion therapy is the practice of trying to change an individual’s sexual orientation, which include physical practices such as electroshock therapy. Earlier this year, in April 2021, three members of the LGBT+ Advisory Panel quit, accusing the government of being ignorant on key issues. Ozanne, one of these said members, explained the urgency on how, “we need action” and that, “a full ban on conversion therapy” needs to be implemented. Theresa May had put in her 75 point plan to improve lives of LGBT+ people and that the, “end of practice of conversation therapy was needed”. The Queen’s statement has therefore been considered both promising and saddening, since many people have called for action to be taken before.
Conflict in Israel
Hamas has been firing rockets from Gaza into Israel. Israel retaliated with air strikes. This caused destruction such as a 13 story building on Gaza collapsing after it was hit. A state of emergency was declared in the mixed Arab-Jewish town of Lod after protests turned to riots. This is believed to be the most violent conflict experienced in the area since the 2014 Gaza War, Joe Biden recently spoke about his hopes that both sides wil be able to de-escalate soon.
Change in lockdown rules
From Monday the 17th May, people in England will be able to meet in groups of up to 30 outdoors. Six people or two households will be able to meet indoors, including staying overnight. Pubs, bars, cafes and restaurants will be allowed to serve customers indoors. Indoor entertainment such as museums, cinemas, theatre, indoor exercise classes and concert halls will reopen. Other changes will be made to guidance, such as care home residents being able to have 5 named visitors.
Indian variant found in Tynemouth
An Indian COVID variant has been discovered with a link to a bar in Tynemouth, with there being eight confirmed infections so far. This comes to light as the Indian variant has been confirmed to be found in nearby Newcastle. Burke, North Tyneside Director or Public Health, reassures that, “Coronavirus levels in the borough and the wider region are the lowest they’ve been since September.” The bar explained in a Facebook groupchat that it came from a member of staff who was asymptomatic.
