JUNE 1ST EDITION 2020 Yorkshire & Lancashire First hijab- wearing judge tells how she made it

A Muslim woman has made dramatically decrease if she wore has been British history by becoming the it, her relative warned. But Raffia appointed a first hijab-wearing judge in the refused to bow to pressure. Deputy District country. She said: “I decided that I was Judge on the Raffia Arshad, 40, is a going to wear my headscarf Midlands circuit. powerhouse with a 17-year career because for me it’s so important The latest behind her, she says she still to be accepted for who I am. figures from judges encounters discrimination and Having to become a different who declared their prejudice ‘sometimes on a daily person to pursue my profession, information to the basis’. But she wants young it’s not something I wanted. Judicial Office show Muslims to know they can “So I did, and I succeeded in that, of 3,210 in courts achieve anything they put their the interview. I was given a across England and Wales, minds to. considerable scholarship. only 205 (6%) are from a The Midlands-based judge, “I think that was probably one BAME background. Only 1,013 who grew up in West Yorkshire, of the most profound first steps (31%) are women, as of April experienced one of the most in my career. It was a solid ‘yes, 1, 2019. profound moments of her life you can do this’.” The mum-of-three says she when she was advised by her own After training in London, now wants ‘to make sure the family member to not wear her Raffia received pupilage in sound of diversity is heard loud hijab to an interview for a Nottingham, joining St Mary’s and clear’. scholarship at the Inns of Court Family Law Chambers in 2004. School of Law in 2001. Nearly 30 years later, she is not Continued on page 10 Her chances of success would only a successful barrister, but Sustained! 2 Local www.asianexpress.co.uk June 2020 - 1st Edition

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©Media Buzz. All contents are Copyright. All Rights are reserved. No part of this publication may be stored in any retrieval system or transmitted electronically in any form without prior written permission of the Publishers. Whilst every effort is made to ensure accuracy, no responsibility can be accepted for inaccuracies howsoever caused. Contributed material does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the Publishers. The editorial policy and general layout of this publication are at the discretion of the publisher and no debate will be entered into. No responsibility can be accepted for illustrations, articles or photographs whilst in transmission with the Publishers or their Agent unless a commitment is made in writing prior to receipt of such items. Places of worship to Published by Media Buzz. Media Buzz. First Floor, St Andrews House, St Andrews Street, Leeds, LS3 1LF reopen for individual Places of worship across Communities Secretary I have England will be permitted to worked with faith leaders and reopen for individual prayer representatives to prepare from Monday 15 June, the guidance that ensures this can Communities Secretary be done safely. prayer Robert Jenrick has confirmed. “People of all faiths have This decision follows shown enormous patience and discussions between the forbearance, unable to mark Government and representatives Easter, Passover, Ramadan or of major faiths through the Vaisakhi with friends and family A social media promotional Places of Worship Taskforce in the traditional way. As we poster which attempting to which the Communities control the virus, we are now celebrate the city’s diverse Secretary has chaired. able to move forwards with a communities featuring only white This move recognises the limited, but important return to staff, has outraged community spiritual and mental health houses of worship.” representatives in the city. Rajput It was part of a benefits for people being able to Faith Minister Lord pray in their place of worship, Greenhalgh said: “Religious #TogetherBradfordCan campaign JEWELLERS and that for some people this communities have shown to help the area recover from the cannot be replicated by praying enormous resilience and Coronavirus lockdown. at home. sacrifice in celebrating significant Amid the row, Bradford Council New guidance will be spiritual moments like Easter, have removed the promotional published shortly to ensure the Passover, Ramadan, Eid and poster which features seven white limited re-opening of places of Vaisakhi at home during these council staff, and apologised for worship can be done safely and extraordinary times. their failure to be all-inclusive. in line with social distancing “The Government has Over 37 per cent of Bradford’s guidelines. This will recommend determined that this is the right very multi-cultural population are the thorough cleaning of shared time to begin re-opening places spaces, hand cleansing at entry of worship for individual prayer. from BAME and other ethnic and exit and asking worshippers “It’s our hope that this is the backgrounds. to bring their own items such as first step in places of worship Mounting criticism from faith a prayer mat or religious text reopening fully, when the science and community representatives instead of sharing or using supports it. I look forward to along with key Bradford communal ones. continuing to discuss with the businesses leaders says they can’t Individual prayer will be Taskforce how to address seem to understand how the permitted from 15 June, but ongoing practical safety issues in council could get it all so wrong. communally led prayer, worship the coming weeks.” Bradford hailed as ‘City of or devotion such as services, Places of worship still have Sanctuary’ – welcoming refugees evensong, informal prayer discretion over when they and a UNESCO City of Film for meetings, Mass, Jummah or consider it safe to open and may international recognition of it’s rich Kirtan will not be possible at this decide to remain closed or film heritage, is in the process of stage. reopen at a slower pace if they bidding for UK City of Culture. The Government will continue wish. Someone who wished to remain to work with the Taskforce Under the existing regulations, anonymous said: “Bradford is the towards the full reopening of funerals are allowed in places of fifth largest metropolitan district in places of worship as soon as the worship where it is possible to do Specialists In Asian Jewellery, scientific advice allows. so safely. Other gatherings and England and has the largest Communities Secretary Rt services such as baptisms, proportion of people of Pakistani Wedding & Occasional Jewellery, Hon Robert Jenrick MP said: weddings, supplementary ethnic origin (20.3%) in the entire “Ensuring places of worship can schools, meetings and classes country. Bespoke Designs Made To Order, open again, beginning with are not permitted. Also places of “The #TogetherBradfordCan individual prayer has been my worship may open for ministers campaign poster doesn’t represent Full Jewellery Repair Service, priority. Their contribution to the of religion to film or record a or reflect our diverse Bradford common good of our country is service for broadcast, for the communities at all. Scrap, Unwanted Gold Purchased clear, as places of solace, hosting of essential voluntary “I cannot seem to figure out how comfort, stability and dignity. And activities such as homeless someone could make this mistake. the need for them is all the services, for registered early It’s a huge PR blunder and, to be 212 Roundhay Rd, Leeds, LS8 5AA greater as we weather the years and childcare providers quite frank, simply embarrassing.” uncertainties of the pandemic. and for blood donation sessions. Numerous BAME councillors “I’m pleased this can now Buildings should also remain have voiced their ‘disgust’ and Tel: 0113 249 9722 happen from 15 June. As closed to tourists. ‘disappointment’, stating that they June 2020 - 1st Edition www.asianexpress.co.uk Local 3 EMBARRASSING

Bradford council “sorry” for all-white campaign poster were elected by the local communities of Bradford to proudly represent them all, and the all-white poster attempting to represent them all has caused a huge row in the city. Council leader Susan Hinchcliffe and Chief Executive Kersten England said in a joint statement: “We acknowledge that the images did not properly represent the full rich ethnic diversity of communities within our great district and we have instructed that they are not used again. “While we are working with communities and businesses from all corners of Bradford District to raise awareness of the incredible work, innovation and resilience this is so disappointing. The pictures used on social media being shown by people across the “We will use this as an showed seven council mangers holding district, we understand that these opportunity to reflect as an signs saying #TogetherBradfordCan images were misleading and both organisation on how we are (Image: Bradford Council/Twitter) have been removed immediately. ensuring we live out our “We take equality and diversity commitment to equality and incredibly seriously, which is why diversity.” 4 Local www.asianexpress.co.uk June 2020 - 1st Edition

SSIIKKHH HHAASSHHTTAAGG BBLLOOCCKKEEDD

Facebook and Instagram meet the platforms’ community “As far as Sikhs are claim that the hashtag #SIKH guidelines. On the #Sikhism concerned it remains highly was 'mistakenly' blocked on its hashtag, too, recent posts were suspicious with some Facebook and global platforms. hidden because of user reports speculating right-wing Hindu There was a major outcry of of guideline violations. groups linked to the Indian censorship from the Sikh It has also emerged that some government that wish to community week as for almost Black Lives Matter hashtags subsume the Sikh faith may be three months after Facebook were also being blocked. responsible. and Instagram blocked the Sikh During week commencing 1st “The age of the internet has Insta say it hashtag in March, ahead of the June, #Sikh was unblocked and allowed hope for the truth to be 1984 Sikh Genocide immediately started trending aired. So for social media giants remembrance day. indicating the mass concern of like Instagram and Facebook, 1984 remains one the darkest censorship that was taking who claim to be and should be days in modern India history, as place. the bastions of freedom of was an mistake … rows erupted after a government-led attack at the Sikh’s holiest shrine - the Sri For nearly three months, the social Harmandir Sahib Complex (Golden Temple) in Amritsar in media platforms displayed error but was it? June 1984. The massacre is an incredibly painful and important time for the Sikh messages to users searching for the #Sikh community. Many Sikhs and human rights hashtag, saying posts were “temporarily activists call the violence state- sponsored genocide, while hidden because of unusual activity” that Indian officials deny it was anything more than riots. Some 83 people died and may not meet the platforms’ community over 500 were injured in the Golden Temple grounds, guidelines. On the #Sikhism hashtag, too, ensuing pogroms across India led to the deaths of almost recent posts were hidden because of user 11,000 Sikhs and displaced thousands more. Many say the reports of guideline violations. figures are much higher than reported. Facebook and Instagram say ““AAss ffaarr aass SSiikkhhss aarree ccoonncceerrnneedd iitt the block occurred Bhai Amrik Singh, the Chair speech, to block #Sikh and “mistakenly” after a user of the Sikh Federation (UK) other Black Lives Matter reported the hashtag in March, said: "For 36 years attempts hashtags is unacceptable. The but have provided no have been made to silence the blatant censorship of the truth rreemmaaiinnss hhiigghhllyy ssuussppiicciioouuss wwiitthh explanation on how this could voice of the Sikh community and feeling of oppressed have happened or by who in the though bloodshed, violence and minorities must be questioned. company is responsible. censorship. “Whilst we welcome the ssoommee ssppeeccuullaattiinngg rriigghhtt--wwiinngg HHiinndduu For nearly three months, the “Indian propaganda has unblocking and assurance it will social media platforms created a false narrative and not happen again; we demand a displayed error messages to ignored the pain and suffering full and transparent users searching for the #Sikh of millions of Sikhs. investigation into how both of ggrroouuppss mmaayy bbee rreessppoonnssiibbllee..”” hashtag, saying posts were “This incident must be fully these popular movements had “temporarily hidden because of investigated and action taken their hashtags blocked and who unusual activity” that may not against those in control. was behind it.” June 2020 - 1st Edition www.asianexpress.co.uk Local 5 6 Local www.asianexpress.co.uk June 2020 - 1st Edition ‘SLUM- DOC’

Current Miss England and NHS frontline doctor concerned about India’s poorest Britain’s beauty queen and medic, Having impacted some 2.8 million to raise vital funds and awareness for who returned to England to rejoin her lives, the Hope Foundation has the street connected and slum dwelling post as an NHS doctor, has provided healthcare, food packages, communities in Kolkata. recommenced raising awareness to help and delivered skill enhancement Hosted by Hope ambassador and children living in the slums of India. courses to tens of thousands, giving philanthropist, Reza Beyad, the online Dr Bhasha Mukherjee, current them a sustainable future for their event was a conversation between holder the Miss England, left her families and their wider communities. award-winning TV and BBC Radio charity work in Kolkata to recommence Talking about her working India broadcaster, Andrea Catherwood, Dr her job at Pilgrim Hospital in prior to UK’s Covid-19 lockdown, Bhasha Mukherjee, acclaimed author Lincolnshire in the midst of the Covid- Bhasha tells: “We were working with so and member of the Indian Parliament 19 pandemic. many homes for orphanages and little Shashi Tharoor, and Geeta Bhasha said that while the work she girls who’d been abandoned and things Venkadakrishnan from the frontline of was doing with the charity in India was like that… but towards the end of the Hope’s emergency response in India. important, she felt her time and skills trip… I did not feel like wearing my “The Hope Foundation has restored would be of greater use to the NHS crown. the lives of tens of thousands of street during the coronavirus epidemic. “I did not feel like attending the connected children and slum “I felt that my services, given the events.” communities in Kolkata who do not training that I’ve had, would be much She returned back to England in have anybody else to call on – we are more useful in a hospital,” she says. April and following a two-week self- their only life-line to survival, and they The charity that she lends herself to, isolating period, she was back working need us more than ever now,” says the Hope Foundation, has helped to on the wards. Bhasha. educate over 66,000 children in However, after hearing recent “The charity’s vision is of ‘a world conjunction with local government accounts of families and children where it should never hurt to be a schools in Kolkata, India. Her affinity devastated by Covid-19 and Cyclone child’. We are calling on the public to to Kolkata is down to her family roots, Amphan, Bhasha hosted a compelling help us make this a reality by Bhasha herself was born there. and compassionate broadcast last week participating in this event.” June 2020 - 1st Edition www.asianexpress.co.uk Local 7 8 Local www.asianexpress.co.uk June 2020 - 1st Edition

Super sonic maths genius

sometimes because we can’t play with 10-year-old whiz kid from our friends outside, and we are staying home. Burton-Upon-Trent can “However I have management consultancy, says he occupied during lockdown. been focusing a lot since the deputy first noticed his son’s hyper-speed but However elder brother Eesah took answer a whopping 175 head told me that I was going to take passed it off as gaming. charge in focussing Musa by part in a world record competition, “I first realised as I walked past banishing the PS4 until he completed and from that point I have been him in the kitchen. He was doing the world record challenge. questions in 60 seconds!!! getting loads of high scores.” some really intense tapping whilst Talking about the pandemic and Musa adds: “I am best known for playing on his iPad sat on the the effect on family life, Mr Waris said His speed defies belief. His manner people in the world given the having the high score in TT breakfast bar,” says Mr Waris. that much of his work involved flying cool and collected. The astonishing opportunity to take part in the world Rockstars in my school and for “At first, I didn’t really out was consulting on the Haram speed of a 10-year-old schoolboy with record attempt. beating teachers including Mr comprehend what it is he was doing; Expansion Projects in Makkah and extraordinary times table skills The Christ Church Primary School Darlington. I thought he might be playing a game Madina, which meant that he wasn’t earned him an invitation to set a pupil was invited by Guinness World “One of the best things people said of some kind. around for the family as much as he’d brand new world record. Records to partake in setting a brand was my teacher – he said that I wasn’t “When he finished his ‘game’, I have liked. Ultra dandy maths whiz-kid Musa new world record for education app human and that he thought I could asked him what he was doing and “Mrs Waris is very much our tribe Waris can answer a mind-blowing 175 Times Tables Rockstars. The beat the world record. only then did I realise that he has a leader! We don’t micro-manage the questions in 60 seconds. Take it from challenge ended last week and Musa “And one of the weirdest things ‘special skill’! kids, each one is a colourful character us… we’ve tried and we can’t get is awaiting results to see if he’s the people have said was when my friend “We’re all incredibly proud of in their own right. anywhere close to even 100 answers world record holder. said that he could beat me, and so I him.” “I am at home now and with this per minute. Musa who loves to plays football, gave him a 10 second head start and The family of seven including pandemic, we’ve found ourselves at Musa from Burton-Upon-Trent netball, basketball and has an endless still won him.” Musa’s siblings Eesah (11), Dean (8), the opposite end of the spectrum, and can correctly answer 2.9 answers per list of other actives says: “Lockdown Dad Majid Waris, a managing Imaan (6) and Adam (3) have found has given us the opportunity to ‘gel’ second, and he’s one out of just 80 has actually been quite boring director for an international risk creative ways to keep the children together, better.” June 2020 - 1st Edition www.asianexpress.co.uk Local 9 10 Local www.asianexpress.co.uk June 2020 - 1st Edition First hijab-wearing judge tells how she made it Sustained! barrister’. inspired to follow their dreams if Cover story continued “I have nothing against the they see more people who look usher who said that, but it reflects like them in every profession. She said: “It’s definitely bigger that as a society, even for She said: “The judicial office are than me. It’s important for all somebody who works in the doing their utmost to promote women, but it is particularly courts, there is still this prejudicial diversity and at the time they important for Muslim women.” view that professionals at the top appointed me they didn’t know I But while her success speaks for end don’t look like me.” was going to be one of the few itself, she says she still sometimes She added: “I think one of the gets mistaken for a client or things that holds women back is hijab-wearing judges out there. interpreter when walking into a ‘Imposter Syndrome’. There are I’ve been appointed on merit, not courtroom. many times I’ve been in a because I wear a hijab. “Recently, an usher asked: ‘Are courtroom and I suddenly think: “But now it’s up to me to be you a client?’ ‘No I’m not.’ “You ‘Am I good enough?’” that voice for them, to make sure must be the interpreter?’ ‘No I’m With discrimination rife in some the sound of diversity is heard not’ ‘Are you here on work parts of society, Raffia believes loud and clear and that it gets to experience?’ ‘No, I’m actually the that young Muslims will be the appropriate places.” “Recently, an usher asked: ‘Are you a client?’ ‘No I’m not.’ “You must be the interpreter?’ ‘No I’m not’ ‘Are you here on work experience?’ ‘No, I’m actually the barrister’.”

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Blacks Solicitors LLP www.LawBlacks.com | Tel: 0113 207 0000 The Yorkshire Legal Awards 2018 Luke Patel | E: [email protected] | @LukeLawBlacks WINNER Law Firm of the year: Medium Blacks Solicitors LLP. Registered in England and Wales no. OC309566. Registered of ce: City Point, 29 King Street, Leeds, LS1 2HL 2019 where a list of members is open for inspection. Authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority no. 419628. June 2020 - 1st Edition www.asianexpress.co.uk Local 11 12 Local www.asianexpress.co.uk June 2020 - 1st Edition

URepresenting Solicitor nlawful Luke Patel High court judge is told banning mosques from opening for Friday prayers breaches human rights

A leader from a mosque has High court hearing longer simply a prohibition on launched legal action against the At the High Court hearing on communal Friday prayers” but a “more Government over “unlawful” Thursday 21st May, Mr Hussain’s general challenge” on the effect of the lockdown restrictions on Friday barrister, Kirsty Brimelow QC, told Mr rules on “the ability to conduct Friday prayers due to the coronavirus Justice Swift that the Friday prayers, prayers”. outbreak. known as the Jummah, are a The judge said he could “appreciate Lockdown measures meant “fundamental aspect” and an and sympathise” with Mr Hussain’s that places of worship were to “obligatory” part of the practice of frustration at the restrictions on his remain closed to curb the spread Islam. religious convictions. of Covid-19. Few exceptions, such She said that the key to the prayers is Supreme Court campaign as funerals, allow faith leaders to that they are “carried out physically in A campaign has now begun rallying broadcast prayers and acts of congregation”. support of other leaders and scholars for worship via the internet. In documents before the court, Ms class action to get the case expedited to Tabassum Hussain, chairman of Brimelow said the interference with Mr the Supreme Court. the executive committee of the Hussain’s human rights was “particularly Partner at Blacks Solicitors, Luke Jamiyat Tabligh-ul-Islam Mosque, severe”. Patel who is representing Tabassum one of the largest mosques in Ms Brimelow also argued that the Hussain, comments: “Mr Hussain and his Bradford, is pursuing legal action effect of the regulations translate as “it is congregation have been frustrated for against the Department for Health lawful for a member of the public to visit weeks following the obscure messages and Social Care (DHSC). garden centres, golf clubs, or house- from the Government regarding worship He argues that the rules are unlawful viewings, but not for the claimant to at their local mosque. and breach his his rights to religious arrange for socially distanced communal “It was no surprise that he and his freedom and worship. prayers in a mosque”. community took the brave step to She told the court: “There is no challenge the Government to assert their difference in our submission to a convention rights to perform an gathering of people within a garden obligatory aspect of their faith, namely centre to a gathering of people inside the Friday Jummah prayers.” another place.” Mr Patel highlights that the decision Ms Brimelow said that Mr Hussain was reinforced when the blanket ban in had put forward a plan for the mosque Northern Ireland, France and Germany to open only for an hour and a half to enter a place of worship for prayer for the Jummah prayer, with a was relaxed whilst in England the ban maximum of 50 worshippers remains, except in some limited with strict social distancing in circumstances. place. “It was undisputed that the Judges decision regulations interfered with the However, the judge convention rights to manifest your declined to grant an urgent religious belief as set out in Article 9 of injunction that would have the European Convention on Human lifted restrictions and allowed Rights,” says Mr Patel. prayers to take place at the “However, the interim relief sought to mosque on Friday, ahead of enable the last Friday prayer in the end of Ramadan. Ramadan to go ahead was refused and Sir James Eadie QC, that was surprising in the context of representing the other non-obligatory activities being Department for Health and permissible such as gathering in homes Social Care (DHSC), said and the reopening of garden centres and in court documents that golf clubs. there is an “undisputed “More importantly, the court did interference” with the recognise the importance of the ability of people to obligatory Friday congregation prayers attend their place of and granted permission to enable Mr worship during the Hussain to press on with his Judicial lockdown, but that Review application. Mr Hussain is this is “justified and pleased with the outcome and is proportionate by determined to fight on with his case to the need to seek justice for himself and all Muslims.” protect life and He adds that Mr Hussain had public health”. consulted with about 300 mosque In his ruling, committees, largely in the North of the senior England, and all of those he spoke to judge said strongly believed that the Jummah that the case prayer could not be fulfilled by remote was “no live streaming from a mosque. June 2020 - 1st Edition www.asianexpress.co.uk Local 13 14 Local www.asianexpress.co.uk June 2020 - 1st Edition

A young Leeds man will be taking the helm to expand a Duchess of Kent charity which supports young people in Yorkshire-born star appointed fulfilling their musical potential. Minhaz Abedin has been appointed CEO of Future Talent, a charity founded by Katharine Kent and former Headmaster of King’s College School in CEO of Royal Charity at 22 Cambridge Nicholas Robinson. During his teenage years, Minhaz to representing the views of millions of represented the voices of young people, young people in the United Nations. Minhaz Abedin appointed from the House of Commons to the On his decade long journey, Minhaz new CEO of Future Talent United Nations. has won the Diana Award, worked Now 22, he will lead the charity in its alongside world leaders and currently mission to support talented young sits on the board of a global charity as musicians across the UK with financial one of the youngest trustees in the bursaries, professional mentoring and world. opportunities. “I’ve seen first-hand how difficult it is Minhaz begins his was the new CEO, for young people from struggling by leading on opening of a second office backgrounds to receive the necessary for Future Talent in the North of support to fulfil their destinies. England in 2021. “By leading Future Talent, I will be able to reach into communities across the nation and offer financial and “By leading Future Talent, I will be developmental support to the gifted young musicians who need it most. That able to reach into communities is how we’ll make a lasting impact, by across the nation and offer financial allowing passionate young people to access equal opportunities for success.” and developmental support to the HRH The Duchess of Kent and gifted young musicians who need it Nicholas Robinson, Co-Founders of Future Talent, said: “We have exciting most. That is how we’ll make a plans for the expansion of our work in lasting impact, by allowing the UK and Minhaz has the energy, ideas and experience to lead this growth passionate young people to access and to ensure that our young musicians equal opportunities for success. will continue to get the vital holistic support that we offer and to give them a future with exceptional possibilities.” ” The Duchess of Kent is passionate In three years, the charity hopes to about the power of music and double the number of young musicians particularly the positive impact that it currently supports and Minhaz has music can have on young people. been awarded the responsibility to For a number of years The Duchess of achieve that. Kent taught music at a primary school in From first lobbying his MP at the age Hull. During this time, she soon of 10, Minhaz has sky-rocketed from recognised there were many children local politics to international diplomacy. and young people of considerable talent He has gone from speaking at the who needed more financial support to Dispatch Box of the House of Commons fulfil their musical potential. June 2020 - 1st Edition www.asianexpress.co.uk Local 15 16 Local www.asianexpress.co.uk June 2020 - 1st Edition Bradford public urged to help make NHS Test and Trace a success

Health experts in Bradford save lives. continuing effective social distancing we’re urging local people to keep building on the work already done district are strongly urging Sarah Muckle, Director of Public and good hygiene, the NHS Test this up by using this new service so far to respond to coronavirus. residents to use the new national Health for Bradford, said: “We are and Trace service help us to contain and following any advice they are Health protection experts will also NHS Test and Trace service if they entering a critical time for the district local cases and prevent a second given.” link in with other partners to identify think they have any of the and working together to make NHS peak in infections. Staff from Bradford’s public health and contain potential outbreaks in common symptoms of COVID-19. Test and Trace a success is vital to “The guidance is clear: if you have team are joining NHS Test and places such as workplaces, housing NHS Test and Trace, which went the safety of our people and the symptoms of coronavirus, self- Trace’s 25,000-strong contact live on Thursday 28th May, is recovery of our local economy. isolate, get tested and share your tracing team, which has the capacity complexes, care homes and designed to identify those in the “As lockdown restrictions begin to contacts with NHS Test and Trace. to trace contacts of up to 10,000 schools, ensure testing capacity is community who have had close ease gradually, it’s important to “We are hugely grateful for the people who test positive per day. deployed effectively and help the contact with people who have tested recognise we all need to take role our communities have played Local authorities will be working most vulnerable in self-isolation positive for coronavirus, helping to responsibility for controlling the so far in adhering to the rules and closely with NHS Test and Trace to access essential services in their reduce the spread of the virus and spread of COVID-19. Alongside limiting the spread of the virus, so develop local outbreak control plans, area. Racism has no place in society

By Imam Qari Asim immeasurable harm. It begins by our work in the communities to challenge our own prejudices, lack “Amidst the Covid-19 of representation and equality in pandemic, we are witnessing the our organisations and institutions. devastating impact of anti-Black As Muslims, we must stand racism across the world. against all forms of racism and We stand in solidarity with black injustice. Our Prophet people in the UK, US and beyond. Muhammad stood up against any We feel deep sadness at the form of racism and famously said: senseless death of yet another “A white person has no superiority unarmed black person, George over a black person nor a black Floyd, in the custody of the US person has any superiority over a police. white person, except by piety and We must recognise the racial good conduct.” inequality and prejudice that Today, in our communities and continue to affect black people. institutions including our mosques, The Public Health report, we are compelled by recent events published this week, shows that to work towards positive change. Black Asian and Ethnic Minority We encourage Muslims to call out have been disproportionally anti-black racism, in whatever affected by Covid-19. The socio- shape and form they see it and economic structural inequality wherever they see it. faced by BAME communities We pray for and envision a needs to tackled robustly. world where racial inequality is A desire for justice for all replaced with equality; despair compels us to work together to with joy; and privilege with fairly eliminate the racism that can cause distributed power.” June 2020 - 1st Edition www.asianexpress.co.uk Local 17 18 Local www.asianexpress.co.uk June 2020 - 1st Edition

Leeds City Council is allowing taxi and private hire drivers to install temporary safety screens in vehicles in response to the Covid-19 emergency. The council has a very strict policy on the installation of safety screens in private hire and hackney carriage vehicles. The council usually funds 50% of the cost of installing a permanent safety screen, up to £250 per vehicle, but each individual design must be approved before the council will allow them to be fitted. Due to safety concerns for both passengers and drivers during the pandemic, the council has temporarily relaxed this policy, and is now allowing drivers to install their own temporary screens without going through the usual council approval process. The council still recommends the installation of approved permanent screens, but allowing temporary screens to be fitted has enabled taxi and private hire drivers to act quickly to keep themselves and their passengers safe and reduce the risk of transmitting the virus. All temporary screens will need to be removed when the emergency ends, and the council’s policy of approving each screen design will be the only way to have a safety screen fitted. Councillor James Lewis, deputy leader of Leeds City Council, said:“We have listened to concerns from taxi COVID PROTECTION: and private hire drivers and operators about keeping safe during the coronavirus pandemic and have temporarily changed our policy to Temporary safety reflect this. “Of course it is our preference that each screen is checked and approved by us, but we understand that these are unprecedented times and that there screens in are huge numbers of drivers that need to be given the freedom to act quickly for the safety of themselves and their passengers. After careful assessment, taxis permitted we are glad to be able to provide that.”

1 EbenezerEbenezer Street,Streeteet, BrBradford,adfforord, BD1 5A5AYAYY T:T: 01274 735070 WW:: bitbiteburger.co.ukeburger.co.uk June 2020 - 1st Edition www.asianexpress.co.uk Local 19 20 Local www.asianexpress.co.uk June 2020 - 1st Edition £7 million for coalition of children charities A ‘coalition of charities’ will help England and Wales on issues risk can get the help they need.” vulnerable children most impacted including child sexual abuse and See, Hear, Respond will provide by the coronavirus pandemic with child criminal exploitation. The support online to children and online counselling, therapy and face- money is aimed at those charities families who are struggling, street- to-face support for those at risk of that have suffered financial harm based youth work to identify and criminal exploitation, as part of a during COVID-19, helping them to support children at risk of harm Department for Education stabilise and continue delivering for outside of the home, including programme. vulnerable children and young exploitation, and help vulnerable More than £7 million will fund the people. children to successfully reintegrate launch of the See, Hear, Respond Children and Families Minister back into school or college if they service, to provide targeted help to Vicky Ford said: “We all have a have not been attending during the vulnerable children, young people collective responsibility to protect pandemic. The programme will focus and their families affected by the children and young people who face on finding and reaching out to virus and the measures put in place challenges in their home lives, or children around the country who are to stop its spread. who may not have the same support experiencing negative impacts on Led by Barnardo’s, the coalition network keeping them safe outside their health and wellbeing, as well as will work alongside local authorities, of school or college as their peers. those at risk of harm. schools and colleges, police forces, Many of them may be at additional Barnardo’s Chief Executive Javed healthcare professionals and other risk from abuse, neglect or Khan said, “The coronavirus vital services involved in protecting exploitation during these pandemic has meant that these children. unprecedented times. vulnerable children and young people are increasingly hidden from support services. With the support This funding The launch of the programme comes as of the Department For Education, Barnardo’s the Department for Education and Home will bring together a coalition of national and will provide: local charities working Office prepare to open a new joint £7.6 together to identify and support those who need Access to an online support package to support at this time of million fund for national vulnerable crisis. children and families ensuring they have “This initiative is a vital lifeline for the thousands readily available, accessible and interactive children’s charities working in England of children and young people as we navigate the information; and Wales on issues including child sexual coronavirus crisis and its aftermath, helping to improve their long-term Online and telephone referral service by abuse and child criminal exploitation. outcomes so they can trained professionals who can source have successful futures.” The Department for further help and support from charity Education has also Funded by the Department for “By working with charities provided funding to other charities workers within the partnership; Education, the partnership will directly supporting these young working with vulnerable children, harness the role and reach of the people on the front line, we can including Grandparents Plus, Family charity sector. Barnardo’s will work expand their reach to provide a Rights Group, FosterTalk, the Care Online counselling or therapy for those in partnership with other national much wider safety net to those in Leavers Association, Become, Drive experiencing high levels of anxiety, trauma children’s charities as well as need of mental health support, Forward Foundation and Adoption community-based organisations to counselling or protection from UK. This adds to investment in the or other mental health issues that can be provide solutions to the challenges people trying to exploit them, as well NSPCC’s Childline, while some £10 facing children and families that may as helping to get them safely back million of the total has already been safely addressed through digital means; have been exacerbated by the into education.” committed to the Family Fund, unique circumstances of the Safeguarding Minister Victoria helping families with children that coronavirus pandemic. Atkins said, “As a government, we have complex needs and disabilities Youth interventions and face-to-face crisis The launch of the programme have acted decisively and adapted through grants for equipment that comes as the Department for our response to prevent the makes their lives easier while support, particularly for those at risk of or Education and Home Office exploitation of vulnerable children implementing social distancing experiencing various forms of exploitation, prepare to open a new joint £7.6 during this pandemic. I’m delighted measures, including computers, million fund for national vulnerable we can provide further funding to specialist equipment and including criminal exploitation children’s charities working in frontline charities so those most at educational toys. June 2020 - 1st Edition www.asianexpress.co.uk Local 21 22 Local www.asianexpress.co.uk June 2020 - 1st Edition Changes to funeral regulations

Mourners are being asked members or, if none of these to ensure they continue to are available, to close friends. observe strict social It is hoped that the distancing when new rules at increase in the number of Bradford funerals come into mourners allowed will lead to effect from Monday, June 8. fewer bereaved families From that time up to a having to make the difficult total of 20 mourners can choice of which family attend each funeral either at members are able to attend the crematoria or at the funeral. graveside burials. Cllr Sarah Ferriby, Only 10 mourners will be Bradford Council’s Executive allowed to enter the Member for Healthy People crematorium building with 10 and Places, said: “We know it more allowed outside who is difficult in a highly will be able to listen to the emotional situation like a service through speakers. funeral to keep your distance The regulations are from those sharing your grief, designed to prevent the but it is vital for everyone’s spread of Coronavirus (Covid safety. 19) and to keep mourners, “We cannot emphasise funeral directors and enough that the easing of crematorium staff safe. restrictions does not mean All mourners, whether at the lifting of restrictions. the graveside or at the “It is vitally important that crematoria, are reminded that people follow the guidance to they must ensure social keep themselves and distancing at all times and everyone else from remain at least two metres contracting this deadly virus. away from everyone else “It is very sad that our attending from another loved ones can’t be given the household. farewell they deserve but Furniture inside the protecting the living must crematoria buildings has remain the top priority until been arranged so that the emergency is over.” mourners remain distanced Families who were unable and cleaning between to hold a funeral service services can be carried out while the tightest restrictions successfully. were in place may want to Guidance from Public arrange, through their funeral Health England restricts director, a service to be held mourner numbers at funerals in the future when social to members of the person’s distancing regulations have household and close family been lifted. June 2020 - 1st Edition www.asianexpress.co.uk Local 23 Produced in partnership with UK Government P COVID-19: Safe return to work

5 steps to working safely

Practical actions for businesses to take based on 5 main steps. Make sure you read all the guides relevant to your workplace. Each guide has speci ıc actions for businesses to take based on these

steps. Further guidance will be published as more businesses are able to reopen.

1. Carry out a COVID-19 • looking after their risk assessment physical and mental Before restarting work you wellbeing should ensure the safety of the workplace by: 4. Maintain 2m social • carrying out a risk distancing, where assessment in line with the possible HSE guidance Where possible, you • consulting with your should maintain 2m workers or trade unions between people by: • sharing the results of • putting up signs to the risk assessment with remind workers and your workforce and on your visitors of social distancing website guidance • avoiding sharing 2. Develop cleaning, workstations handwashing and hygiene ‡XVLQJÀRRUWDSHRUSDLQW procedures to mark areas to help people You should increase the keep to a 2m distance frequency of handwashing ‡DUUDQJLQJRQHZD\WUDI¿F and surface cleaning by: through the workplace if • encouraging people to possible follow the guidance on hand • switching to seeing Safety is at the heart of England (PHE) and the Health from other passengers, and business thinking. Unless people and Safety Executive (HSE); strictly adhere to the guidelines washing and hygiene visitors by appointment only • providing hand sanitiser if possible feel safe, employees won’t giving employers and employees provided by transport services. return, customers will stay best practices on the safest ways Business Secretary Alok around the workplace, in addition to washrooms 5. Where people cannot away and the restart will falter, of working across the economy, Sharma said: “This guidance harming livelihoods and public providing people with the provides a framework to get the • frequently cleaning and be 2m apart, manage disinfecting objects and transmission risk services. con ıdence they need to return UK back to work in a way that is Now new ‘COVID-19 secure’ to work. safe for everyone. surfaces that are touched Where it’s not possible guidelines are available to UK The guidance applies to “These are practical steps to regularly for people to be 2m apart, • enhancing cleaning for you should do everything employers to help them get their businesses currently open. enable employers to identify busy areas practical to manage the businesses back up and running This also includes guidance for risks that COVID-19 creates and and workplaces operating as shops which we believe may be to take pragmatic measures to • setting clear use and transmission risk by: cleaning guidance for toilets • considering whether an safely as possible. It gives ırms a in a position to begin a phased mitigate them. clearer picture of how to reopen reopening at the earliest from “And as we are able to reopen • providing hand drying activity needs to continue facilities – either paper for the business to operate safely and gradually. the 1st June. new sectors of the economy, we This follows the Prime Minister Ultimately, the decision lies will continue our collaborative towels or electrical dryers • keeping the activity      time involved as short as setting out steps to beat the with a company’s directors, and approach working with a virus and restart the economy, they need to feel comfortable wide range of stakeholders, to 3. Help people to work possible from home • using screens or barriers so we can protect jobs, restore they can operate safely. provide guidance for additional people’s livelihoods and fund the People communting to work workplaces.” You should take all to separate people from reasonable steps to help each other country’s vital public services. are advised to continue using The new guidance covers The government developed measures such as face masks eight workplace settings which people work from home by: • using back-to-back • discussing home working or side-to-side working the ‘Safe return to Work’ and gloves when travelling. are allowed to be open, from guidelines with input from ırms, Individuals who rely on public outdoor environments and arrangements whenever possible • ensuring they have • staggering arrival and unions, industry bodies and in transport, are advised to wear construction sites to factories consultation with Public Health face coverings and turn away and takeaways. the right equipment, for departure times example remote access to • reducing the number of work systems people each person has To ınd out more visit: • including them in all FRQWDFWZLWKE\XVLQJµ¿[HG necessary communications teams or partnering’ https://www.gov.uk/guidance/working-safely-during-coronavirus-covid-19.

Produced in partnership with UK Government Practical Steps: “We switly adapted our restaurant 5 key points to a takeout service only”

This sets out practical steps for A small boutique Punjabi safe distance from one another. businesses focused on 5 key points, restaurant in the leafy suburbs “Delivery drivers have been which should be implemented as of Leeds trialled a takeout trained on how to successfully P service only when lockdown make no-contact food drop soon as it is practical: measures were imposed. offs, which includes wearing Fanoosh the Indian in Street gloves and masks. Lane, Leeds, had been a “We changed to contactless 1. Work from home, if you can popular eatery fully booked payment systems, and changed All reasonable steps should be on most days before the the way we handle food for taken by employers to help people pandemic. dispatch to omit person-to- work from home. But for those who Owner Nadim Hanif says person contact. cannot work from home and whose how implementing social “We strictly limit the number workplace has not been told to close, distancing measures and of people in the store and our message is clear: you should go ramping up hygiene has kept customers are encouraged to work. Staff should speak to their the business alive. to use the hand sanitiser gel employer about when their workplace “We realised that to survive provided for them in the will open. the ınancial impact of the restaurant upon entering and Covid-19 lockdown, we had to before leaving. 2. Carry out a COVID-19 risk take some drastic measures. “Throughout the lockdown assessment, in consultation with “Following our trial for a we’ve encouraged customers workers or trade unions week, we decided that this was to follow the Government’s This guidance operates within the best way to keep cooking guidelines on social distancing, current health and safety employment and providing gourmet India and we’ve had little or no issues and equalities legislation and Punjabi food for our locals. out during this troubling “However, to keep our team with this. We will continue employers will need to carry out “We brought in 50% period. safe we implemented more to use these measures for as COVID-19 risk assessments in discounts for NHS workers, “With already a ıve-star frequent handwashing, wiping long as necessary to ensure consultation with their workers or and up to 30% for our regulars rating our hygiene standards down all kitchen surfaces and the safety our workers and our trade unions, to establish what - that’s been our way of helping and cleanliness are quite high. ensuring everyone maintains a customers.”       guidelines to put in place. If possible, employers should publish the results of their risk assessments on their stores and operations,     website and we expect all businesses preparing the training, with over 50 employees to do so. IKEA: Taking steps to make communications and measures needed to ensure co-workers feel safe and 3. Maintain 2 metres social distancing, wherever possible sure stores can safely reopen comfortable to return. “We have a wealth of Employers should re-design workspaces to maintain 2 metre experience to draw upon Ater initially closing operations, fully in line in terms of safe ways of distances between people by staggering start times, creating one all of its 22 UK stores, with UK social distancing working. Plans also include IKEA is now undertaking guidance. However, many the speci ıc requirements way walk-throughs, opening more entrances and exits, or changing considerable planning for a co-workers were also set out in the Government’s workplace guidance and the seating layouts in break rooms. safe and phased reopening. moved onto the furlough Peter Jelkeby, IKEA’s scheme. guidance developed by the Country Retail Manager for “Over time, as we have British Retail Consortium, 4. Where people cannot the UK and Ireland, explains scaled up some of our with our Union, Usdaw. be 2 metres apart, manage the steps IKEA, will be taking online operations, we have “We are working to a transmission risk to make staff and customers brought more of our co- comprehensive global Employers should look into putting Reopening Manual, which safe. workers back to support barriers in shared spaces, creating “Throughout the these operations. is adapted and fully aligned ZRUNSODFHVKLIWSDWWHUQVRU¿[HG coronavirus pandemic, our “In line with the to meet and support

teams minimising the number of highest priority has been Government’s roadmap UK guidance and social people in contact with one another, or the safety of our co-workers for easing the lockdown distancing requirements.

ensuring colleagues are facing away and customers. Prior to the restrictions, we are now “The plan is developed from each other. Government’s decision to undertaking considerable nationally and then adapted close non-essential retailers, planning for a safe and to each region, nation and

5. Reinforcing cleaning IKEA had already closed its phased reopening. Working store. Risk, legal and Public 22 UK stores. During the towards the reopening Affairs have maintained a processes Workplaces should be cleaned closure, we have continued date, we will bring back consistent dialogue with to operate our online co-workers as and when the authorities, including more frequently, paying close attention to high-contact objects business, supplying products safe systems of working are government, devolved like door handles and keyboards. to customers. implemented, and in line administrations, Primary Employers should provide “Throughout this period, with our reopening plans. Authority, health bodies and we have enforced safe “Prior to reopening, we others to ensure we have      handwashing facilities or hand systems of working for will only bring back those clarity at all times on what sanitisers at entry and exit points. those supporting ful ılment required to prepare our the plan needs to deliver.” 26 Local www.asianexpress.co.uk June 2020 - 1st Edition June 2020 - 1st Edition www.asianexpress.co.uk Business 27

Asian Your National and Local Express Business Round-up Business news

family-run garage has vehicle. been tending to vehicles The secret to his success? A from the everyday Vance says it’s his belief that it’s commercial van to beefy his team that makes his supercars since 1965. TURBOCHARGED business what it is, and Vance Johnson was an committing to regular training enthusiastic 19-year-old apart from others. From oil change, replacing using sophisticated diagnostic courses for all his staff so that teenager when he established Today, his empire is a car batteries to servicing, MOTs equipment. Vance has invested they remain in the ‘fast lane’. Troy Autopoint in North Street thriving business with fully there’s little this garage can’t heavily in diagnostics tools and “I’ve given 55 years of my life as a small motor accessary equipped stores in Harehills put right. devices, and provided training to this business and while it’s shop in Leeds. With more and Halton, providing an With the growing in this specialised skill to his been hard work wouldn’t ambition than money, he faced extensive range of services to complexities of elaborate staff. Troy Autopoint can pretty change a thing,” says Vance. stiff competition, and worked the local communities and electronic systems in new cars, much detect, diagnose and tirelessly to set his business beyond. finding faults is only possible resolve almost any fault in any Continued on page 28

Troy Autopoint’s been been revving it up for over 55 years as one of the most reputable service and tyre specialists 28 Business www.asianexpress.co.uk June 2020 - 1st Edition

More Clarity on Force Majeure Clauses

eaders of this publication may “Neither party shall be liable for its recall a few months ago an failure or delay in performing any of its R editorial on Force Majeure obligations hereunder if such failure or Clauses and whether they could be delay is caused by circumstances relied upon by a party who is unable to beyond the reasonable control of the fulfil their contractual obligations as a party affected including but not limited result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The to industrial action (at either party), fire, recent case of 2 Entertain Video Limited flood, wars, armed conflict, terrorist act, v Sony DADC Europe Limited has riot, civil commotion, malicious clarified when a Force Majeure Clause damage, explosion, unavailability of will apply. fuel, pandemic or governmental or In that case £40m worth of stock other regulatory action.” belonging to 2 Entertain stored in a However, the Judge found that the warehouse belonging to Sony was lost break-in at the warehouse was during the 2011 London riots when foreseeable and could have been intruders broke into the warehouse and prevented by Sony by having better started a fire which destroyed it. 2 security on the building. On that basis, Entertain, who had a logistics and it could not be considered an event of distribution agreement with Sony, sued force majeure under the agreement Sony on the basis that it had failed to because the failure to prevent the keep the stock secure in the warehouse damage by fire was not caused by and to adequately assess the risk of circumstances which were beyond TURBOCHARGED intruders or fire. Sony’s control. Sony could not have As part of its defence, Sony relied on a prevented the riot from occurring but it Force Majeure Clause was not the riot that directly caused the Troy Autopoint’s been been revving it up within the damage but instead it was the break-in agreement and the subsequent arson and that was for over 55 years as one of the most which stated something which could have been that: stopped by Sony. For those reasons, the reputable service and tyre specialists Judge held that Sony could not rely on the Force Majeure Clause and was industry accreditations companies just cannot responsible for 2 Entertain’s losses albeit Continued from page 27 tucked under it’s belt, and match!” it was subject to a contractual cap of with a reputation that goes MOT testing service is £5m under the agreement. “I’ve been lucky enough beyond Yorkshire’s borders another popular part of the This case is an important reminder to work with some fantastic is one of the region’s business. that Force Majeure Clauses will not people. All the senior staff leading suppliers of “We offer a fast, efficient protect businesses which could have have between 15 and 30 affordable quality tyres. service at a discounted reasonably taken action to avoid the years’ motor experience, so Servicing over 25,000 price and a no obligation type of problem or event set out in the I know our customers are vehicles a year, the quote for any repairs that clause but failed to do so. Although in excellent hands. business has won may be required. the crisis caused by the COVID-19 “We have always strived excellence awards for ten- “From a simple oil pandemic would constitute an to give our customers good years-running from West change to a major service “unforeseeable” event outside a honest service at a fair Yorkshire Trading including cambelt changes, party’s reasonable control (and price. Small jobs can often Standards. we have the equipment pandemic is specifically referred to be carried out on a ‘while- “With stock of more than and the knowledge to offer in the Force Majeure Clause in you-wait’ basis and 1500 tyres on the shelf and you not just a this case), those affected would customers relax in our ready to fit, we aim to keep comprehensive still be expected to continue to modern air-conditioned you on the road with the maintenance package but take reasonable steps to comply and heated waiting areas.” minimum of delay and at also a cost effective way to with the terms of the Troy Autopoint has many prices that big national maintain your car.” agreement which they are able to still perform and to mitigate the effects of any non-performance as far as Get £10 off your next service by downloading the voucher at possible. It is not enough to simply say that the pandemic https://www.troyautopoint.co.uk was beyond the party’s control any more than it was for Sony to say that the riot was beyond its control. A defaulting party cannot simply assume that because the pandemic has Businesses urged to adhere to resulted in a number of events which has led to the contract not safety guidance before reopening being performed, the failure of performance can be excused and that Bradford Council is asking local rate. there is no breach of contract. businesses to carefully check and act on It is particularly important every If you require any assistance with the latest government Covid-19 guidance business understands how to work safely to contractual matters or any COVID-19 before reopening later this month. reduce the risk of passing on the virus related issue then please contact Luke The government has announced that before re-opening. Patel at Blacks Solicitors on 0113 227 non-essential retail businesses will be Businesses that have remained open may 9316 or by email at allowed to reopen on Monday 15 June, but also need to make further changes as the “[email protected]”. only if it is safe to do so and when they economy gradually re-opens. have been made Covid-secure. Councillor Alex Ross-Shaw, Portfolio Other sectors may be allowed to reopen Holder for Regeneration, Planning and on 4 July but only if it is safe to do so and Transport, said: “It’s vitally important Please contact Luke Patel will be subject to restrictions designed to everyone helps keep economic recovery as on 0113 227 9316 reduce the spread of coronavirus. safe and sustainable as possible. Currently the Yorkshire and “This means carefully following the or by email at Humber/North East Covid-19 re-infection official advice around distancing and [email protected] number remains high. hygiene. Bradford Council and the local NHS “If we do this properly then it could help continues to ask people to Stay Home, Save to prevent a second wave of Covid-19 Lives because of this high local re-infection infections.” June 2020 - 1st Edition www.asianexpress.co.uk Business 29 30 Business www.asianexpress.co.uk June 2020 - 1st Edition June 2020 - 1st Edition www.asianexpress.co.uk Life & Style 31

RReefflleecctt yyoouu ppeerrssoonnaalliittyy……

Treat Republic, Printed Face Mask Peony, £15.99 Vibrant, colourful, reusable face masks from Treat Republic

As the country continues to has just been launched, and are relax lockdown measures, with designed to help with preventing non-essential shops also being an upsurge in coronavirus allowed to reopen from 15th infections. June, many restrictions will still The masks from Treat be in place for a while longer. Republic are not medical masks, The government has also or PPE, but are made from the made wearing face masks on highest quality double-layered public transport compulsory, and fabric with extra soft finish for chances that face masks will comfortable wearing. The ultra soon become part of our soft ear loops are elastic allowing everyday wardrobes, why be them to fit to a wide range of boring? face shapes and size. An exciting new collection of printed and themed face masks Continued on page 32 32 Life & Style www.asianexpress.co.uk June 2020 - 1st Edition

Managing Director Jigs Ghaghada Continued from page 31 says: “In these strange times we Each face mask comes with a live in, many of us prefer to colourful design on it that allows you wear some sort of face cover Reflect you to bring a bit of your personality on when we venture out for our show. Whether it's a beautiful floral daily walk or to commute to design, a quirky zombie face print or a work. design to show your support for our “We wanted to design brave NHS workers these face masks something that would feel are bound to be the envy of everyone less intimidating and to else. help spread a little colour personality… These masks are the perfect and hope, and perhaps solution to get covered up, and still even make someone look and feel comfortable when smile.” outdoors. Masks are priced The Treat Republic range features reasonably at £15.99 and Printed Face Mask - Vibrant, colourful, several vibrant and colourful styles of each come with two filters. Grey Camo face masks ranging from bright florals, Refill filters are also available monochrome repeat prints and to buy separately. reusable face masks camouflage styles. Each mask has a Available now at pocket in which a PM2.5 carbon filter www.treatrepublic.com. (supplied with the mask) can be from Treat Republic inserted.

OUR VERDICT About Treat Republic ★★★★★ Treat Republic is a British design-led brand that specialises in making gifts, homeware, jewellery and really Treat Republic’s face masks look accessories. The company is a small family-owned you’ll find business and has over 15-years in the gift industry trendy and with the huge range personality as for creating exciting and innovative products. Its omething that reflects your specialist personalised giftware is stocked by a s r of well as giving you an added laye number of prestigious high street and online retailers. ion. They’re donating £1 for every mask they sell to raise ction during the Covid-19 situat prote ality funds for NHS and key workers. ’re very well-made with high qu They have ric - with a pocket for a filter, and fab a wide per-comfortable ear loops to fit su st of all nge of face shapes and sizes. Be ra efinitely a they’re washable and reusable. D huge thumbs up!

“From 15th June it will become compulsory to wear a face covering on public transport” June 2020 - 1st Edition www.asianexpress.co.uk Life & Style 33 34 Life & Style www.asianexpress.co.uk June 2020 - 1st Edition GGrreeeenn ffiinnggeerrss……?? Best and worst garden trends TOP 30 BEST GARDEN TRENDS

1. Bird feeder 17. Composting 2. Vegetable garden 18. Built in BBQ/Outdoor kitchen 3. Water feature 19. Planters 4. Lanterns/outdoor lights 20. Garden pathways/stepping 5. Summer house stones 6. Hanging baskets 21. Bumblebee nest boxes 7. Bird bath 22. Rose gardens 8. Herb garden 23. Tree house 9. Solar lighting 24. Rock garden 10. Green house 25. Terracotta plant pots 11. Raised garden bed 26. Patio heater 12. Decking 27. Garden bar/pub in a shed 13. Hedgehog homes 28. Living walls 14. Pond 29. Re-purposing household 15. Wild meadow area/growing of items to grow plants in - such as wildflowers bathtubs, sinks, old bikes 16. Fire pit 30. Bird/animal box camera

The best and worst garden trends of all time have ornaments resembling birds, animals or butterflies, been revealed – with bird feeders and vegetable were all considered to be bad trends – as well as patches among the good, and gnomes and fake artificial topiary balls, sonic animal repellers and grass among the bad. patio heaters. A study found water features, summer houses However, some fashions have divided the and decking are also viewed favourably among nation’s gardeners – including the staple of 1990s green-fingered Brits, as are herb gardens, living gardening TV shows, decking, which falls into both TOP 30 WORST GARDEN TRENDS walls and outdoor kitchens. the good and bad categories. But they’re not enamoured with hot tubs, Wildlife-enticing garden trends such as hedgehog trampolines or wind chimes – nor fences painted homes, meadow areas and bumblebee nest boxes 1. Gnomes 16. Pretend bicycle planters with orange wood stain, or coniferous trees. fall safely into the good trends list. 2. Fake grass 17. Metal bird/animal/butterfly Commissioned by Draper Tools, the poll of 2,000 As do tree houses, lanterns and pond areas, with adults who own a garden found 83 per cent believe sustainable trends such as composting proving 3. Plastic ornaments wall ornaments they have impeccable taste when it comes to their popular too. 4. Fake animal/bird statues e.g. 18. Garden tiki bar outdoor space. It also emerged around a quarter of gardeners Flamingos 19. Re-purposing household Although four in 10 admitted that they regret said they make a concerted effort to keep up to 5. Artificial topiary balls items to grow plants in - such as some decisions they’ve made in relation to their date with the latest trends in the world of 6. Buddha statue bathtubs, sinks, old bikes back yards. gardening. 7. Trampoline 20. Outdoor beanbags Kev Smith, head of marketing at Draper Tools, Three in 10 get most of their inspiration from 8. Hot tub 21. Crazy paving said: “The research goes to show just how visiting garden centres, but gardening TV 9. Recycled old tires as plant 22. Sonic animal repellers passionate we are about our gardens - clearly those programmes (26 per cent) and family members (21 containers 23. Conifers polled have pretty strong opinions on what works per cent) are also popular sources. and what doesn’t.” The Draper Tools study, carried out through 10. Pub in a shed 24. Decking “However gardens are a very personal thing and OnePoll, found the typical garden owner has spent 11. Ivy 25. Patio heater what is right for one person isn’t necessarily right £1,909 to date on making their back yard just right. 12. Fences painted with orange 26. Gas powered barbecues for another, so if you’re happy with your garden And 39 per cent reckon they’ll spend more on it wood stain 27. Fire pit then that’s all that matters. this year than they’ve ever spent during a single 13. Wind chime 28. Topiary (trimming hedges into “But it’s certainly fascinating – and a bit of fun – year before. 14. Shoe planter (a planter that shapes) to find out what people are keen on and what Over the course of a typical 12-month period, looks like a shoe) 29. Chimenea they’re not quite so fond of.” those polled will spend a total of 86 hours working 15. Fairy gardens (tiny mini 30. Decorative crates The study also found planters resembling old away on their beloved gardens – that’s the gardens for fairies) shoes, faux bicycle planters or metal wall equivalent of three days and 14 hours. June 2020 - 1st Edition www.asianexpress.co.uk Life & Style 35 36 Life & Style www.asianexpress.co.uk June 2020 - 1st Edition June 2020 - 1st Edition www.asianexpress.co.uk Entertainment 37

Entertainment

THE LATEST ENTERTAINMENT AND CELEBRITY NEWS FROM BOLLYWOOD & HOLLYWOOD

OPINION: “Nobody is born racist. It is learned.”

DAwJard -wFinnring iprcominkent Ltonidoon DJn gives Bolt to DJ for their private his thoughts about racism, schools and the parties, Fricktion’s versatile DJ curriculum. skills have entertained various stars “Here’s some thoughts about racism, schools from Leonardo Di Caprio, Jason and the curriculum (from my own experience in Statham to Mick Jagger and DJing school). This goes hand in hand in racism towards alongside Hip Hop stars 50 Cent, brown and black people. Drake and Bruno Mars. I remember struggling to sing hymns like ‘Away On the topic of historical facts, here’s in a Manger’ because I wasn’t Christian. These more detail… songs were part of the school curriculum that we India had valuable assets such as spices, had to sing. jewels, textiles etc. Britain went from For this, my cousin and I were given lines for setting up trading posts in India for spices not participating. (which were incredibly valuable back then) I remember my favourite teacher Jon Fletcher to trade back in the UK. Hence why who stuck up for us because he knew we were curry has become such a Hindu. He was the most kindest, compassionate prevalent British cuisine. white person I knew as a kid having to deal with Britain went from trading to racism from other school kids on a daily. assuming full-control over I also remember getting kicked out of class in India as a country when India, high school and sent to detention for arguing with at that point, was not a united the history teacher. front. She was giving this spiel on how supreme Britain and the Monarchy was; and how at one Continued on page 38 point they ruled a quarter of the world (including India and Jamaica), and Britain is a proud country built off such an enduring heritage etc. I argued that Britain exploited countries such as India and Jamaica and that the crown jewels the Queen wears (even to this day) were stolen from India during their reign and never returned. These are facts btw… lets go on. “Growing up, I was used to being called a Paki and to go back to my own country.“ Personally called upon by Neymar Jr and Usain 38 Entertainment www.asianexpress.co.uk June 2020 - 1st Edition OPINION: “Nobody is born racist.It is learned.” DJ Fricktion area. My parents owned a “corner something Not all white people are racist, I it harder than others. But here’s the Continued from page 37 shop” as you put it, and endured years more have close friends that are white but important part… of racism from some (not all) systematic? it’s not enough to not be racist. Saying statements like ‘all lives During World War 1, Britain called customers. A child It’s when you mature enough as an matter and just because I’m white, on India for troops to ally with them. As a white person can you honestly can’t be adult to not want to make your own doesn’t mean I’m privileged. My In return Britain promised say you’ve experienced anyone scolded judgement and research and speak family is poor and we have struggled Independence for India; and for mistreat you or cause you harm for out when it becomes a problem. therefore I’m not privileged,’ takes Indian soldiers and their families to because of the colour of your skin? It Mine and so many other people’s away from the real problem. have the opportunity to live in the has happened, probably on a minor parents came from India, Pakistan, As a white person you may have UK. scale but nowhere near close to the Jamaica… the list is endless. struggled and worked hard to get to “But you have to understand that ratio brown and blacks have They came to the UK for a better where you are, nobody is taking that brown and black people have had a endured for centuries. way of life, because of the lure of the away from you. But you have to struggle since the day they were This is why white privilege is a British economy, which was understand that brown and black born.“ real thing… on a systematic ironically built off exploiting other people have had a struggle since the After the WWI, Britain didn’t live level designed to keep order, countries. It’s crazy hypocritical day they were born, which is up to their promises of Independence power and control. when you think about it. something you can never understand which caused protests in India, which Now let’s go back to the It’s like building a beautiful or relate to. in turn led to a movement by curriculum…. mansion by the hands of blacks This is what white privilege is – Mahatma Gandhi to ultimately lead Unless you’ve done your and browns through exploitation where you’ve never had to struggle to India’s Independence at the research, what you think you and then closing the door saying because of the colour of your skin. It’s expense of thousand’s of dead know has been taught to ‘you can’t come in’. And then never hindered an opportunity for soldiers. you either by friends, telling all your friends, you. At school I barely had a voice family, media or the school children and media that ‘we This is not about making anyone because the majority of the school curriculum. built it ourselves’. feel bad about something out of their was white. There are so many other Nobody is born racist. It There’s playing fair and control, it’s about acknowledging, experiences from people all around is learned. Some of it may there’s taking advantage. understanding and reframing the way the world who have deeper have changed culturally Lets be honest, if everyone society portrays black and brown experiences of racism and white today, but when I was a kid so played fair (which all know has people and taking a stand. privilege – more than my own. many of the facts were missed never been and probably will If this had hit a nerve with anyone There’s a point to what I’m out by the governing bodies who never be the narrative while I’m reading, it’s not my intention other saying…. wrote the curriculum. alive), the US and UK wouldn’t be than to spread awareness. I suggest Growing up, I was used to being Is it because white kids would go the two most powerful countries in digging a little deeper into why so called a Paki and to go back to my back to their parents and say ‘mum the world. Fact! many black and brown people across own country. they taught us about how Britain and being racist. They don’t know any Everyday life is hard for many the globe are protesting. I’d get beaten up for being brown how the Queen exploited blacks and better, much like the kids I knew in people across the world and we can Peace and love. ❤” growing up in a predominantly white browns during the war’? Or was it school didn’t. all agree that some people have had

One of the UK’s biggest bhangra acts Jaz Dhami has spoken of reconnecting with his faith during lockdown. In one of a series of religious reflections on BBC UK Local Radio, he said his Sikh faith had become a “pillar for direction, stability and focus during these weird times”. Many know Jaz – real name Jasvinder Singh Dhami – for his collaboration with top Indian bhangra star rapper Yo Yo Honey Singh on the track ‘High Heels’ which has been viewed more than 150 million times on YouTube. Speaking on the broadcast, he said: “However unusual and unsettling this current situation is, I’ve been able to draw inspiration from these reconnects teachings and it’s from a period in my life where you could say I learnt the full meaning of discipline through my education with music. “I’d spend countless hours, days and weeks reciting just one Raga with Sikh or one Shabad. “I kind of lost that sense of discipline through the fast pace of my life but this lockdown has enabled me to revisit that time.” The reflation will feature on faith in 14 BBC Local Radio stations at 5.50am on Sunday 7th June. It will be available afterwards religion on BBC Sounds. series June 2020 - 1st Edition www.asianexpress.co.uk Entertainment 39 40 Entertainment www.asianexpress.co.uk June 2020 - 1st Edition June 2020 - 1st Edition www.asianexpress.co.uk Motors 41

Bugatti Chiron How the company builds the W16 hypercar

The automobile started as a tool for extraordinary, but Bugatti does come to transportation but has become so much mind. more than that in the last 130 years. It’s latest, the Chiron, is an For many, it’s a symbol of engineering marvel that looks great at individuality, a form of expression. 261 miles per hour (420 kilometres per It also marries artful design with hour) or zero. A new documentary engineering to create genuinely dives into the Chiron’s build process, stunning and mechanically exceptional giving a peek behind the hypercar machines. curtain. Few carmakers can combine the two different vocations into something truly Continued on page 42 42 Motors www.asianexpress.co.uk June 2020 - 1st Edition

Aston Martin says it plans to offer future. from 2021.” Marek Reichman, executive vice- Later, the DBX could get a hybrid more variations of its DBX SUV Stroll said: “With St Athan Aston Martin has revealed it has president and chief creative officer at powertrain. The Aston Martin because the existing model has reopened safely last week, I’m considered the potential of different Aston Martin, recently told Valhalla, the firm’s mid-engined proved hugely popular already. extremely pleased that the DBX body styles for the DBX in the past. Australian motoring site GoAuto hypercar, uses a V6 hybrid The news came from new remains on track for deliveries in the The SUV sits on a new platform that the company would not make a powertrain that is expected to executive chairman Lawrence Stroll summer and has a strong order book developed specifically for the vehicle, small version of the platform. during the British firm’s first-quarter behind it extending into 2021. with reports of the company wanting However, it could make a smaller eventually replace the current financial report, with the Canadian “Based on these successful initial to expand the number of models that body but keep the wheelbase the Mercedes-AMG-sourced V8 billionaire stating that the order orders for the DBX, we plan to use it to maximise its cost same, while making a larger version currently found in Aston’s sports cars book was looking good into the unveil future derivatives starting effectiveness. of the DBX is ‘relatively simple’. and SUV. MMoorree vveerrssiioonnss ooff AAssttoonn MMaarrttiinn’’ss DDBBXX SSUUVV oonn tthhee wwaayy

installing the wiring harness, which is built to be both compact and light. The Chiron features 2.5 kilometres (1.55 miles) of wiring. It’s a slow process, too, taking four days alone to attach the pristine body panels, with Bugatti Chiron the last part being the active wing. How the company builds the W16 hypercar The Chiron has been around for four years and has spawned several variants worldwide certified to build the beastly and one-offs, ranging from the Divo to Continued from page 41 powerplant, and the team produces the Pur Sport. With 1,500 bhp (1,118 about three engines a week, which uses kilowatts) and a top speed of 261 mph, The documentary begins in the about 3,700 parts. Becoming a Bugatti the Chiron is both beastly and company's Molsheim, France, engine builder requires an additional beautiful. It’s sleek, fast – sprints to 60 headquarters to marry the front and two years of training. miles per take 2.3 seconds – and rear pieces of the chassis together The mill is just one of the 2,600 endlessly customisable to the before heading to Germany, where the pieces that complete the car, which customer’s taste. Its nearly £2.8 million 8.0-litre W16 is built. takes about two months to finish. price tag feels justified. There are only eight technicians Slowly, the car comes together, like The W16 engine alone has about 3,700 parts June 2020 - 1st Edition www.asianexpress.co.uk Motors 43

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Fitness brands including "delusional" for questioning why Reebok have cut ties with CrossFit had been silent on the CrossFit after the company's killing of Floyd by police in CEO posted a tweet making light Minneapolis. of George Floyd's death. Since Mr Glassman's tweet It began when the Institute for about George Floyd, hundreds of Health Metrics and Evaluation at affiliate gyms have removed the University of Washington CrossFit from their branding. A tweeted that "racism is a public spreadsheet tracking all of the health issue". gyms that are rebranding In response, Mr Greg Glassman currently lists 227 fitness centres tweeted "FLOYD-19" - a play on distancing themselves from Covid-19, the name of the disease CrossFit. caused by the coronavirus. He also called an affiliate Continued on page 47 Brands cut ties with CrossFit over George Floyd tweet 46 Sport www.asianexpress.co.uk June 2020 - 1st Edition

CRICKET: Isa Ghua to present Test & ODI Gunning highlights shows Gunning

The BBC will show highlights of On 12 July, BBC One viewers can also every Test and one-day international watch a new documentary called 'One played by England this summer, Day' which looks back on that incredible starting with the three-Test series Sunday of 14 July 2019 when England against West Indies in July. won the Cricket World Cup in thrilling ffoorr gglloorryy Isa Guha will present the programmes fashion at the same time as a five-hour as home Test cricket returns to BBC TV epic Wimbledon final between Novak for the first time since 1999. Djokovic and Roger Federer. ional England kick off against West Indies at Test Match Special will continue to 18-year-old Amaar Akbar set to make profess the Ageas Bowl on 8 July, with highlights broadcast live radio commentary of on BBC Two at 19:00 BST. every ball of England's summer, together debut under Frank Warren banner Guha will be joined by BBC cricket's with some special programming which lead analyst Michael Vaughan. includes rewinds of classic matches and England's record Test run-scorer Sir podcasts. Alastair Cook, West Indies' 2016 The BBC Sport website will carry live Twenty20 World Cup final hero Carlos in-play clips of all England matches and Brathwaite, former England spinner Phil have regular columns from England Tufnell and broadcaster Alison Mitchell bowler Mark Wood and England complete the commentary line-up. women's captain Heather Knight, and Before that, Guha, who has been a our cricket correspondent Jonathan regular on the BBC's Test Match Special Agnew. since she retired from an 11-year For fans of podcasts, BBC Sounds will international career, will present a weekly continue to be the place to find four-part series which begins on Tailenders, featuring England's all-time Saturday 6 June and looks back on leading wicket-taker James Anderson, classic matches between England and and TMS specials and the BBC World West Indies. Service's Stumped programme.

IsaGuha played 113 times for England across all formats June 2020 - 1st Edition www.asianexpress.co.uk Sport 47

out with sparring with David Ava Avanesyan - Back page story continued former world champion and current European champion against his bout with England’s Josh “I got into boxing around four-years ago, and Kelly. from the off my coaches and other people in Speaking about sparring with boxing icons, boxing said I had talent,” says Akbar. Amaar says: “Not only am I honoured, I’ve “I’ve always had an interest in combat sport; learnt so much from one of the best in the from boxing to MMA, and have grown up in a world. family which have been big around sports - “I fully understand the thrill of the boxing especially boxing. business and the need to perform in order to “I’m very proud to be representing Dewsbury cement my place among the very best. at the top level of the sport in England,” says “In relation to this tournament, I’m one of the Akbar. youngest to reach the finals. I had to beat a lot of Brands cut ties Due to coronavirus restrictions in place, good men to get here, five straight bouts which Akbar’s been busy preparing to grace the were fatiguing both mentally and physically. squared circle, he’s been training up to three “I have very strong faith and place everything times a day five or six days a week at Warrior on Allah SWT. As long as I train hard, winning Breed Boxing Gym under the watchful eye of and losing comes from the Almighty. his coach - dad Zahir Akbar. “It’s with this belief I feel I can deal with with CrossFit over Studying a sporting course at Bradford anything. I learnt this after the death of my College, Akbar has been a regular sparring younger brother who sadly died due to a heart partner with ex British champion Tyrone Nurse condition. from Huddersfield - a respected name on the “Looking to the future, I’d like to represent boxing circuit; and Bilal Rehman former my country, and beyond that aim is to be world English champion. He was also asked to help George Floyd tweet champion.” Lives Matter DC and Know Your Rights Continued from page 45 anti-racist campaign groups. Adidas AG, which owns Reebok, also He said he had been trying to make a issued a statement confirming it was point about lockdowns that have been put ending its relationship with CrossFit. in place to try to contain the spread of the "Recently, we have been in discussions coronavirus. regarding a new agreement, however, in Mr Glassman also came under fire for light of recent events, we have made the an email he reportedly sent to an affiliate decision to end our partnership with who asked for a response from the CrossFit HQ," the company said in a company on anti-racist protests across the statement to AFP news agency. US. Several CrossFit athletes also criticised "I sincerely believe the quarantine has the company. adversely impacted your mental health," Four-time CrossFit Games champion he reportedly wrote to the woman, before Matthew Fraser praised a colleague for calling her "delusional". "You think you're disaffiliating from the company, while more virtuous than we are. It's disgusting." Olympian and three-time CrossFit Games One of these gyms, Petworth Fitness in champion Tia-Clair Toomey said she was Washington DC - formerly CrossFit "incredibly saddened, disappointed and Petworth - wrote on Instagram: "For a frustrated" with Mr Glassman's brand that has preached about being 'for comments. all', the deafening silence on current and Icelandic CrossFit athlete Katrin Tanja past issues of racism tells us all we need to Davidsdottir also posted screenshots of know." Mr Glassman's tweet and email, and said It added that it would donate its annual she was "ashamed, disappointed and affiliate fee - $3,000 (£2,364) - to the Black angry". 48 Sport www.asianexpress.co.uk June 2020 - 1st Edition

18-year-old Amaar Akbar set to make professional debut Gunning under Frank Warren banner Seeded number one in England by the England Boxing Association, 18-year-old Amaar Akbar already had a great run in the national elite boxing tournament last year. Now the former Mirfield Grammar School student awaits to make his professional debut. Dewsbury-born and bred, Akbar beat five opponents last year to reach the finals of the most prestigious boxing event in the amateur for glory calendar. This year he’ll be one of the youngest ever to be showcasing his ability at the epicentre of British boxing under Frank Warren’s illustrious banner. Continued on page 46

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