Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

Sajid Javid apologises for urging people not to 'cower from' Covid

Sajid Javid apologises for urging people not to 'cower from' Covid

BRITISH health secretary Sajid Javid apologised for and deleted a tweet urging people to take a Covid-19 vaccine and not to "cower" from the virus, saying on Sunday (25) he had made "a poor choice of word".

Javid, who replaced Matt Hancock as health secretary last month after his predecessor stepped down for breaking Covid rules by kissing an aide in his office, had been criticised for using the word "cower" when tens of thousands in Britain have died from the virus and many are trying to keep safe.


Britain, which has one of the highest official Covid death tolls, has shifted its strategy to fight coronavirus from using restrictions to limit its spread to opening up society in the hope vaccines will protect most people from serious illness.

Cases are high, but so is uptake of Covid-19 vaccines, and officials argue the shift is needed to help businesses in sectors such as hospitality and the night-time economy.

Writing on Twitter, Javid said on Sunday (25) he had "deleted a tweet which used the word 'cower'."

"I was expressing gratitude that the vaccines help us fight back as a society, but it was a poor choice of word and I sincerely apologise. Like many, I have lost loved ones to this awful virus and would never minimise its impact."

On Saturday (24), he had written that he had recovered after testing positive for Covid, after suffering mild symptoms.

"Please - if you haven't yet - get your jab, as we learn to live with, rather than cower from, this virus."

Angela Rayner, deputy leader of the Labour Party, was one of several lawmakers from opposition parties and people who had lost family members to the pandemic to criticise his use of the phrase "cower from".

"127,000 people have died from this virus, tens of thousands of whom would still be here if it wasn't for the catastrophic failures of your government," she said on Twitter.

"So how dare you denigrate people for trying to keep themselves and their families safe."

More For You

Minority youth face racist content online once a week, report reveals

As many as 95 per cent of respondents reported encountering violent or abusive racist content online. (Photo: iStock)

Minority youth face racist content online once a week, report reveals

MOST young people from black and minority communities in Britain encounter racist content online, a new study revealed, with more than half reporting it damages their sense of safety.

The "Youth, Race and Social Media" report published on Thursday (24) highlighted a troubling picture of online racism and its effects on young people aged 16-24.

Keep ReadingShow less
england-gp-iStock

The researchers analysed data from over 8,500 GPs between 2015 and 2021 as part of the GP work life survey. (Representational image: iStock)

GPs in England’s deprived areas face lower pay, greater pressure: Report

GPs working in the most deprived areas of England earn an average of £5,525 less per year than those in wealthier areas, according to a study by the University of Manchester published in the Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine.

The researchers analysed data from over 8,500 GPs between 2015 and 2021 as part of the GP work life survey.

Keep ReadingShow less
Cookery Class

Afghan Cookery Class Brings Flavors of Kabul to London

Kabul flavors in London!

Food lovers across the capital are invited to take part in a unique cultural experience as Chef Najee hosts an Afghan Cookery Class this Sunday, 27 April, at the Migrateful Cookery School on Corporation Row, London EC1R 0HU.

Organised by Migrateful, an initiative that supports asylum seekers, refugees, and migrants through cookery classes, the event offers attendees a chance to learn how to prepare some of Afghanistan’s most beloved traditional dishes — straight from the heart of a passionate chef.

Keep ReadingShow less
Comedy Show

Luton Gets Ready to Laugh: ‘Funny Muslims Stand-Up Comedy Show’ Set for April 27

Get Ready to LOL at the Funny Muslims Comedy Show

Laughter is on the agenda this weekend as the Funny Muslims Stand-Up Comedy Show takes over the Luton Library Theatre on Sunday, 27 April, promising an evening full of side-splitting humour — all for a good cause.

Taking place at the Luton Library Theatre, Saint George’s Square, LU1 2NG, the event will showcase a line-up of award-winning comedians from Muslim backgrounds, bringing their unique perspectives and hilarious takes on everyday life to the stage.

Keep ReadingShow less
Campbell Wilson

Air India CEO Campbell Wilson steps down as Air India Express chair

Air India CEO Campbell Wilson steps down as Air India Express chair

AIR INDIA CEO Campbell Wilson is stepping down as chair of Air India Express, the airline’s low-cost subsidiary. He will be replaced by Nipun Aggarwal, Air India’s chief commercial officer, according to an internal memo sent on Tuesday.

Wilson will also step down from the board of Air India Express. Basil Kwauk, Air India’s chief operating officer, will take his place.

Keep ReadingShow less