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Hundreds of restaurants call for the return of Eat Out to Help Out

Is this a good idea?

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Some restaurants are calling for a return of Eat Out to Help Out when lockdown ends.

In an open letter to Boris Johnson, signed by 330 restaurant partners and led by Deliveroo’s founding father, Will Shu, restaurant operators are calling for the return of the discount scheme.

Shu also calls for an extension of VAT and business rates relief.

He warned that if further support isn’t forthcoming viable businesses will fail just as the ‘light at the end of the tunnel is becoming clearer’.

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Deliveroo’s letter represents more than 1,400 restaurants calling for an extension to the furlough scheme and for food industry workers to be included in the second phase of the vaccine roll-out.

More than 100 million meals were claimed last August as part of the scheme that required the government to make up the difference.

Shu said: “Deliveroo is committed to supporting our amazing restaurant partners through the pandemic.

“Restaurants are at the heart of our high streets and local communities and we want to play our part to help them reopen their doors when the economy opens up again.

“That is why we are calling on the government to implement this package of measures, which will be an important lifeline for small independents and high street family favourites.”

Bosses of Burger King, Pizza Express and Fuller’s are among more than 160 hospitality chiefs who have called on the Chancellor to extend the VAT cut by another year in a separate call to action.

UKHospitality coordinated the letter that proposes the VAT reduction be passed onto alcohol sales, leisure activities and weddings. 

The letter said: “Should we be allowed to reopen in the run up to Easter, it could also help us avoid having to pass on substantial price rises to customers in early April as a result of returning to a 20% rate, just prior to the Easter trading weekend.”

Kate Nicholls, chief executive of UKHospitality, said: “We are hopeful that, in the coming weeks and months, we can begin to welcome customers back and we know that people will be eager to socialise with their friends and families safely in our venues.

“That means we need to start laying the groundwork now.

“We need to make sure that the hospitality sector is in the best possible position to help rebuild as we done in the past.”

The talk of returning the scheme has caused a divide among social media users.

One wrote on Twitter: “Eat Out To Help Out was linked to increased deaths and part [sic] of why we locked down before Christmas. What sense is there in trying it again so prematurely?”

In response to the governments ‘Look him in the eyes’ campaign, a second wrote: “Look him in the eyes and say “Eat out to help out”.”

While a third added: “I loved Eat Out To Help Out, we went to restaurants we couldn’t usually afford to go to”.

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Man arrested in connection with death of Gogglebox star George Gilbey

He has been arrested on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter, police say

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@georgegilbey / Instagram

A man has been arrested in connection to the death of television personality George Gilbey who died after suffering a fall at work.

Essex Police said it was called to an incident at a road in Shoebury, near Southend-on-Sea, following a report that a man had fallen from a height while at work.

An air ambulance was in attendance but sadly, the 40-year-old died at the scene.

@georgegilbey / Instagram

A spokesperson for Essex Police said: “We received a report of an incident at Campfield Road in Shoebury at around 10am this morning (March 27), during which a man who was working at height had fallen and sustained an injury.

“The ambulance service including air ambulance were in attendance. Sadly, the man died at the scene. We will continue liaising with partners including the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). A cordon remains in place at the scene.”

Gilbey, a self-employed electricain, starred in eight series of Channel 4’s Gogglebox  alongside his mother Linda McGarry and stepfather Pete McGarry, who passed away at the age of 71 in 2021. Gilbey also Celebrity Big Brother on Channel 5 in 2014, finishing fourth.

Channel 4 Gogglebox shared a statement on its official X account, saying: “George was part of the Gogglebox family for eight series alongside his mum Linda and step-dad Pete.

“Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with Linda, and George’s family and friends at this very sad time.”

Tributes from friends and fans have been pouring in online, as one person said: “Rest in peace George, thanks for all the laughs you gave me over the years. Bet Pete’s waiting for you with a pint xxx.”

Another wrote: “Thinking of your family. I’m so sorry to your mum especially. so much grief to deal with in such a short time the world can be so cruel.”

Celebrities have also been sharing tributes online after hearing the tragic news.

EastEnders actress Daniella Westbrook shared a photo of Gilbey and his mum on Instagram, and wrote beside it: “Goodnight, my darling friend George. I’m absolutely gutted.”

In a post on X, former Geordie Shore star Ricci Guarnaccio, and Celebrity Big Brother co-star, wrote: “Breaks my (heart) but @georgegilbey you are well and truely going to be missed my friend. Always lit up the room, cared for others & the memories we made I’ll cherish for ever brother. From CBB to speaking to you last week, I’m going to hugely miss you ma boiii! Love you G.”

And, Simon Minty wrote on Instagram: “So sorry to hear this. I really enjoyed watching George. Condolences to Linda and family.” 

In the latest update, police said the arrested man was in his 40s and from the Witham area of Essex, and that further updates would be announced ‘proactively’. The force said he was arrested on ‘suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter’.

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Police issue urgent appeal to find missing man from Tameside

Have you seen David?

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Greater Manchester Police

Greater Manchester Police has issued an urgent appeal to help find a man who was last seen in Tameside in the early hours of yesterday.

David, 40, was last seen on Sands Walk, Hyde, at around 12am on Wednesday March 27th.

He is believed to still have his mobile phone on him and to be somewhere in the Greater Manchester area, police say.

David is described as a white male, around 6 ft 2 ins tall, of slim build and a bald head with red facial hair. He also has tattoos on his arms and legs.

He was last seen wearing jeans, a black t-shirt and a black hoodie.

Anyone who has seen David or who may have any information about his whereabouts is urged to contact GMP on 0161 856 9325.

 

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Gogglebox star George Gilbey dies after fall from height at age 40

RIP George

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@georgegilbey / Instagram

Television personality George Gilbey who starred on Gogglebox has died after suffering a fall at work.

Essex Police said it was called to an incident at a road in Shoebury, near Southend-on-Sea, following a report that a man had fallen from a height while at work.

An air ambulance was in attendance but sadly, the 40-year-old died at the scene.

@georgegilbey / Instagram

A spokesperson for Essex Police said: “We received a report of an incident at Campfield Road in Shoebury at around 10am this morning (March 27), during which a man who was working at height had fallen and sustained an injury.

“The ambulance service including air ambulance were in attendance. Sadly, the man died at the scene. We will continue liaising with partners including the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). A cordon remains in place at the scene.”

Gilbey starred in eight series of Channel 4’s Gogglebox  alongside his mother Linda McGarry and stepfather Pete McGarry, who passed away at the age of 71 in 2021. Gilbey also Celebrity Big Brother on Channel 5 in 2014, finishing fourth.

Channel 4 Gogglebox shared a statement on its official X account, saying: “George was part of the Gogglebox family for eight series alongside his mum Linda and step-dad Pete.

“Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with Linda, and George’s family and friends at this very sad time.”

Tributes from friends and fans have been pouring in online, as one person said: “Rest in peace George, thanks for all the laughs you gave me over the years. Bet Pete’s waiting for you with a pint xxx.”

Another wrote: “Thinking of your family. I’m so sorry to your mum especially. so much grief to deal with in such a short time the world can be so cruel.”

Celebrities have also been sharing tributes online after hearing the tragic news.

EastEnders actress Daniella Westbrook shared a photo of Gilbey and his mum on Instagram, and wrote beside it: “Goodnight, my darling friend George. I’m absolutely gutted.”

In a post on X, former Geordie Shore star Ricci Guarnaccio, and Celebrity Big Brother co-star, wrote: “Breaks my (heart) but @georgegilbey you are well and truely going to be missed my friend. Always lit up the room, cared for others & the memories we made I’ll cherish for ever brother. From CBB to speaking to you last week, I’m going to hugely miss you ma boiii! Love you G.”

And, Simon Minty wrote on Instagram: “So sorry to hear this. I really enjoyed watching George. Condolences to Linda and family.” 

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