THE West Midlands mayor has praised ethnic groups for their compliance during the Covid-19 pandemic, saying it was a “strong reflection of the unity of communities” in the region.
The comments from Andy Street follow the release of new research, which showed that local authority areas which ranked higher for socio-economic deprivation in the West Midlands had higher rates of Covid- 19 related deaths.
This directly linked to ethnic groups, who are more likely to be on lower incomes, reside in deprived areas, and live in more crowded households.
The report, published by West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA), added that there remained “significant unanswered questions” about the higher death rates in ethnic minority communities, and further research was “urgently” needed to understand this.
At a press briefing on the report last week, Street pointed out to Eastern Eye the level of compliance by BAME communities throughout the crisis. In recent months, ethnic groups were blamed for the spike in infections by far-right groups and some public figures, who said they were not adhering to guidelines. In July, Conservative MP Craig Whittaker suggested ethnic minorities were “not taking [the Covid-19 pandemic] seriously enough”.
Dismissing the “nonsense” reported by some news outlets, Street said local ethnic communities in the region had consistently adhered to the guidelines. “Our experience has been extremely good and I think that is a very strong reflection of the unity of our communities across the whole of the West Midlands,” Street said. “I am very proud to say compliance has been extremely good here. I think one of the reasons for that is a very good effort has been put into making sure that leaders of communities have actually had all the information and been able to share those stories.”
The WMCA report also found that healthcare workers had the highest health risk due to exposure to infection in the West Midlands. The black ethnic group had the largest proportion of their population working in this sector (33.6 per cent), followed by ‘other Asian backgrounds’ (18.9 per cent).
It also found that people working within transport were at higher risk, with the largest proportion of workers within the sector hailing from the Pakistani ethnic group (17.2 per cent.) This was followed by Bangladeshis (15.5 per cent).
Jobs facing the most instability were more likely to be occupied by BAME groups and the younger population, such as positions in retail and food services, the report said.
It additionally noted that the pandemic had “exposed and exacerbated” longstanding inequalities affecting BAME groups in the UK, including challenges faced as a result of systemic bias.
Experiencing discrimination and racism on a daily basis could affect physical and mental health, the study found. Dr Lola Abudu, deputy director for health and wellbeing for Public Health England (PHE), said it was vital to dispel myths associated with mental health in minority communities so people felt they could ask for help. She encouraged ethnic groups to access resources from PHE and local authorities, if they felt they were struggling.
“We have resources for all sorts of common mental health conditions, which really help to educate people about their own mental health and how they might be able to help other people,” Dr Abudu said. “We also have resources to enable parents and guardians to support children and young people.”
She urged people to take up physical activity, which she said made a “huge difference” to mental wellbeing. “We need to be encouraging those within our (ethnic minority) communities that are less likely to be physically active,” she said.
The study follows a PHE report in June, which found death rates from Covid-19 were highest among people of ethnic minority groups. It said those of Bangladeshi ethnicity had around twice the risk of death compared to white British people. People of Indian and Pakistani ethnicity had between 10 and 50 per cent higher risk of death when compared to their white counterparts, it added.
The WMCA report acts as an interim to the Health of the Region report due to be published later this year. The study will reflect on the implications of Covid-19 in relation to inequalities in health and wellbeing across the West Midlands.
I was five years old when my parents first signed me up for a mini marathon. They were both keen runners and wanted me to follow in their footsteps. At the time, I hated it. Running felt like punishment — exhausting, uncomfortable, and something I never imagined I’d do by choice.
But one moment changed everything. I was 12, attending a gymnastics competition, and had gone to the car alone to grab my hula hoop. As I walked back, a group of men started shouting at me. They moved closer. I didn’t wait to hear what they had to say — I ran. Fast. My heart was pounding. It was the first time I felt afraid simply for existing in public as a young girl. I never told anyone. But I remember feeling thankful, strangely, that my parents had taught me how to run.
That was my first experience of harassment. Sadly, it wouldn’t be my last.
In school, I was a fast runner. I even won races. But I gave it up — until lockdown. My mum encouraged me to start again. We went for walks, and one day I had to jog to catch up with her. That simple moment reminded me that running didn’t have to be painful. It could be freeing. It could be joyful.
But that joy was short-lived. The more I ran, the more I noticed the dangers. As a south Asian woman, I was reminded that public spaces are not always made for us.
When I ran with my mum or friends, I felt safe. Alone, I felt exposed. On quiet canal paths, I’ve been catcalled — told to “go on, sexy,” or had comments made about my body. I’ve had racist abuse shouted at me from passing cars: “Go back home, p***.” Some men — including from within our own community — have rolled down their windows to yell disgusting things in Punjabi, honk their horns, or make obscene gestures. I’ve been called a “b****” just for running past someone, and told to “get out of the way, b****.” The verbal violence is constant, and always unprovoked.
It’s exhausting. It makes you hyperaware of every step, every corner, every man you see.
Yet, in places like the Isle of Skye, I experienced what running should feel like. People greeted you with smiles. Drivers slowed down and waved. There were no shouts, no stares. Just peace.
Running is supposed to be my outlet. As a full-time carer for my mum, it’s the one thing that helps me manage stress and anxiety. But now, running itself causes stress. I drive 20 to 30 minutes to find a busy park where I might feel safe — and even then, I’m constantly looking over my shoulder.
I've lost count of the number of times I’ve stopped mid-run just because a group of men were approaching. I cross the road. I walk. I pretend to check my phone. It’s not paranoia — it’s self-preservation.
I’ve been hit by a drink thrown from a bus. I’ve been called “sexy legs” for wearing shorts. I’ve had to stop wearing certain clothes, change my routes, avoid specific times of day — all because men can’t keep their comments to themselves.
And I’ve started carrying personal protection. Something no woman should have to do — but many of us do, silently. I truly believe we should be allowed to carry pepper spray. If we’re not being protected by the system, we should be able to protect ourselves.
Even when I’ve gone out with mum for a walk or a run, men driving past whistle and blow their horn. I’ve seen men stare at mum and one even blew a kiss at her; it’s shocking and disturbing to experience.
This is not just my experience. It’s far too common. When I created Asian Women Run, I wanted to build a safe space where south Asian women could run together and feel empowered. But even in our group, women share their fears. Some won’t run outdoors at all because of how unsafe they feel. It’s heart-breaking. Running — a sport that supports mental and physical health — has become inaccessible for so many because of harassment.
Why is it that in countries like Singapore or the UAE, women can run freely, but in the UK — a country that prides itself on equality — we still feel afraid?
This isn’t just about running. It’s about ownership of public space. It’s about safety. It’s about respect. And it’s about change.
We need more than hashtags. We need action — from local councils, from police, from community leaders, and from men. We need more well-lit areas, safer routes, education in schools, and stronger consequences for street harassment. We need cultural change, and it starts by listening to women when we say: this is happening.
I don’t want to give up something I love. I want to keep running. I want to feel the wind on my face without fear. I want to wear what’s comfortable, not what’s “safe.” I want to stop looking over my shoulder.
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Chandran wore lambskin shorts and a green cashmere sweater for her Wimbledon appearance
Charithra Chandran attended Wimbledon as a Ralph Lauren ambassador, turning heads in a vintage-inspired ensemble.
Her look echoed Bridgerton character Edwina Sharma, with soft curls and a classic summer palette.
Fans online praised her poise and outfit, with many saying she outshone stars like Andrew Garfield.
The actress wore a green cashmere sweater, tailored lambskin shorts and white Nappa pumps.
Charithra Chandran’s Wimbledon appearance might have been behind Hollywood stars Andrew Garfield and Monica Barbaro, but her crisp summer ensemble made sure all eyes found her. Dressed head-to-toe in Ralph Lauren, the British-Indian actress brought understated elegance and old-school charm to Centre Court, and social media took notice.
Charithra Chandran styled her hair in soft curls for the Ralph Lauren outfitInstagram/charithra17/
A Ralph Lauren moment with a Bridgerton nod
Charithra arrived at Wimbledon 2025 in a look that paid homage to her Bridgerton roots while firmly placing her among fashion’s rising stars. Wearing a sleeveless green cashmere sweater layered over a crisp white shirt, she paired the look with tan lambskin shorts and sleek white Nappa pumps, giving preppy summer chic a polished, modern upgrade.
She styled her hair in soft vintage curls, writing on TikTok that her look was “Edwina inspired,” referencing her breakout role in the hit Netflix period drama. She later posted the outfit on Instagram, captioning it, “Repping @wimbledon green with @ralphlauren. Wouldn’t be summer without it.” The post quickly gained traction, with fans and fashion watchers alike praising her effortless charm.
— (@)
Fans say she 'stole the spotlight' from Hollywood A-listers
While Andrew Garfield and Monica Barbaro were seated directly in front of her, and even made headlines for their courtside chemistry, many online noted that Chandran quietly stole the moment. One user tweeted, “Charithra Chandran is so beautiful, I didn’t even notice Andrew Garfield.” Another added, “Serving face, grace and Wimbledon-worthy class.”
Reddit threads lit up with praise for her presence and look, with several fans highlighting how refreshing it was to see a dark-skinned South Asian woman at the centre of attention at such a high-profile event. The comments ranged from “She should be a Disney princess” to “That’s the definition of quiet luxury.”
Style with substance: why Chandran’s fashion matters
Chandran’s choice to embrace a look so rooted in vintage elegance and British tailoring also mirrors her own journey. She is an Oxford graduate who brings intelligence, poise, and presence both on-screen and off. As a brand ambassador for Ralph Lauren, she has consistently delivered looks that nod to heritage while adding her own contemporary vibe to it.
In a media landscape that still underrepresents South Asian women in luxury fashion spaces, Chandran’s presence at Wimbledon in a leading designer’s box, and in their outfit, felt quietly radical. She wasn’t just there; she belonged there.
Charithra’s look was inspired by her character Edwina Sharma from BridgertonInstagram/charithra17/
From Bridgerton to fashion’s front row
While Charithra Chandran is best known for playing Edwina Sharma in Bridgerton Season 2, she’s no stranger to reinvention. Recent credits include Dune: Prophecy and the upcoming season of One Piece, where she plays Nefertari Vivi. Off-screen, she’s rapidly becoming a name to watch in the fashion world, with red carpet looks that bring together tradition and trend with striking ease.
Whether she’s portraying a royal on screen or sitting in the royal box in real life, Chandran’s presence is part of a larger shift towards a more diverse, intelligent, and graceful representation in both fashion and film.
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Running from 8–11 July, the sale is exclusively available to Prime members
Amazon Prime Day runs until 11 July, with major savings on electronics
Apple AirPods Pro 2, iPad 11th-gen, and MacBook Air M4 hit all-time low prices
Samsung Galaxy phones, Sony headphones and Fire TV devices also see deep cuts
Prime Day is exclusive to Amazon Prime members, but free trial users can also access deals
Biggest electronics sale of the year
Amazon’s four-day Prime Day 2025 event has delivered a flood of deals on popular electronics, including smartphones, laptops, tablets, headphones and more. Running from 8–11 July, the sale is exclusively available to Prime members, though new users can sign up for a 30-day free trial to access the discounts.
As part of this year’s event, several top-rated products from Apple, Samsung, Sony and Amazon itself have seen some of their lowest-ever prices. According to The Independent’s senior tech critic Alex Lee, “Apple discounts are notoriously rare — but this Prime Day is a clear exception.”
Apple’s best Prime Day deals
Apple AirPods Pro 2
Was £229, now £179 – Amazon.co.uk These premium earbuds feature upgraded audio quality and adaptive noise cancellation. Tech reviewer David Phelan described them as “the best AirPods yet”, noting their impressive environmental awareness features.
Was £329, now £284 – Amazon.co.uk Launched in March 2025, this model comes with an A16 Bionic chip, USB-C charging, and 128GB of storage. It’s considered the best-value iPad currently on the market.
Was £999, now £849 – Amazon.co.uk This slimline laptop is praised for its fast performance, long battery life and sleek design. Phelan called it “Apple’s best MacBook Air yet”.
Ultra 2: Was £799, now £659 Both watches include health tracking features like sleep monitoring, ECG, and fitness metrics. The Ultra 2 also includes a double-tap gesture and two-day battery life.
Was £99, now £55 – Amazon.co.uk Praised by reviewers for sound quality and noise cancellation at a budget price. Which? rated them one of the best mid-range earbuds.
Was £289, now £179 – Amazon.co.uk These over-ear headphones offer top-tier noise cancellation and comfort. Suitable for frequent travellers or remote workers.
Was £79, now £53 – Amazon.co.uk A favourite alternative to AirPods, with long battery life and reliable ANC.
Tips for tech shoppers
Check price history – Use tools like CamelCamelCamel to confirm whether a deal is genuinely at its lowest price.
Compare with high street retailers – Currys, Argos and John Lewis may match or beat Prime Day prices.
Watch out for Lightning Deals – Some electronics deals are time-limited or quantity-restricted.
Sign up for alerts – Use the Amazon app or wishlists to get notified as soon as your favourite products drop in price.
Read expert reviews – Publications like The Independent, TechRadar, and Wired offer trusted opinions.
Prime Day 2025 has proven to be a massive event for electronics, with major savings on Apple, Samsung, Sony and more. From flagship phones and MacBooks to OLED TVs and noise-cancelling earbuds, this year’s sale includes some of the best prices seen in months. With the sale ending at 11:59 pm on 11 July, time is running out to make the most of these deals.
Whether you're after new headphones, a smartwatch, or a tablet for work or leisure, the Prime Day sale offers plenty of compelling options — but only while stocks last.
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The handbag is now the most valuable ever sold at auction
The original Hermes Birkin bag sold for £7.4m at Sotheby’s Paris.
It belonged to British actress and singer Jane Birkin.
The handbag is now the most valuable ever sold at auction.
It ranks as the second most expensive fashion item sold globally.
A record-breaking sale
The original Hermes Birkin handbag, once owned by British actress and singer Jane Birkin, has been sold for £7.4 million at a Sotheby’s auction in Paris, setting a new world record for the most valuable handbag ever sold at auction.
The sale, held on Thursday, saw the iconic fashion item exceed all expectations, with Sotheby’s calling it “a startling demonstration of the power of a legend.” The bag is now also the second most expensive fashion item ever sold at auction, following the £24 million paid for Judy Garland’s ruby red slippers from The Wizard of Oz in 2024.
The origin of the Birkin
Jane Birkin, a celebrated figure in French and British cinema from the 1960s onwards, inspired the creation of the handbag during a chance encounter in 1981. She was seated next to Jean-Louis Dumas, then artistic director at Hermes, on an Air France flight. Using a wicker basket as her carry-on, Birkin remarked that handbags at the time were too small for her needs.
In response, Dumas began sketching potential designs with Birkin on the back of an airline sick bag. Hermes introduced a prototype in 1985 and asked for Birkin’s permission to name the new style after her. The design quickly gained traction and evolved into a status symbol within the fashion world.
Cultural significance and celebrity appeal
Since its launch, the Birkin bag has been associated with luxury and exclusivity. It has been carried by global celebrities including Kate Moss, Victoria Beckham, Khloe Kardashian and Jennifer Lopez.
Speaking about the sale, Morgane Halimi, Sotheby’s global head of handbags and fashion, said: “It is a startling demonstration of the power of a legend and its capacity to ignite the passion and desire of collectors seeking exceptional items with unique provenance.”
Previous record and global recognition
Before this auction, the highest-selling handbag was the Hermes white Himalaya niloticus crocodile diamond retourne Kelly 28, which sold for £380,000 in 2021. The sale of the original Birkin now marks a defining moment in both fashion history and the luxury collectibles market.
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This is also part of Mattel’s mission to extend the boundaries of imaginative play
The doll features a glucose monitor, insulin pump and CGM app
Created in collaboration with type 1 diabetes charity Breakthrough T1D
Part of Mattel’s broader push for inclusivity and representation in toys
Barbie with type 1 diabetes joins inclusive fashionistas range
Mattel has launched its first diabetes Barbie doll, designed to represent children with type 1 diabetes and promote greater inclusivity in children’s toys.
The new addition to the Barbie Fashionistas line comes with realistic medical features including a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) on her arm, secured with heart-shaped medical tape, and an insulin pump to help manage her blood sugar levels. She also carries a smartphone with a CGM app to monitor glucose throughout the day, and a bag large enough to store snacks and other essentials.
Designed in partnership with Breakthrough T1D
The diabetes Barbie doll was developed in collaboration with Breakthrough T1D, a global not-for-profit organisation supporting people with type 1 diabetes (T1D). The autoimmune condition typically develops in childhood and requires patients to monitor their blood glucose and take insulin regularly.
Krista Berger, senior vice-president of Barbie and global head of dolls, described the launch as “an important step in our commitment to inclusivity and representation.”
“Barbie helps shape children’s early perceptions of the world, and by reflecting medical conditions like T1D, we ensure more kids can see themselves in the stories they imagine and the dolls they love,” she said.
Karen Addington, CEO of Breakthrough T1D UK, welcomed the collaboration: “I’m absolutely thrilled that Barbie now includes a doll with type 1 diabetes. For children with T1D who don’t often see themselves represented, this doll will be a powerful role model, celebrating their strength and bringing recognition, inclusion and joy to their play.”
A growing legacy of inclusive design
Since the original Barbie’s debut in 1959, the brand has evolved to reflect greater diversity. The first Black Barbie dolls were introduced in the 1960s, followed by Hispanic dolls in the 1980s. From the 1990s onwards, Mattel expanded the range to include Barbies in under-represented careers such as astronauts and scientists.
It wasn’t until 2019 that Barbie dolls with visible disabilities were introduced. Since then, Mattel has launched more than 175 diverse Barbie looks as part of the Fashionistas range, which now includes dolls with hearing aids, prosthetic limbs, wheelchairs, vitiligo, and Down’s syndrome. A black Barbie with Down’s syndrome and a blind Barbie are also part of the line.
The diabetes Barbie doll continues that trend, offering children with the condition a chance to see themselves positively reflected in their toys.
Industry-wide shift toward representation
Barbie is not the only toy brand prioritising diversity. UK-based brand Lottie includes dolls with autism and Down’s syndrome, while Lego offers a variety of inclusive minifigures, including characters with physical and non-visible disabilities.
Arjun Panesar, founding chief executive of Diabetes.co.uk, praised Mattel’s decision, stating: “Representation matters – especially in childhood. Seeing a Barbie doll with type 1 diabetes helps normalise the condition, reduce stigma and show children that they are not alone.
“It’s a positive step forward in building confidence, inclusion and understanding around living with diabetes.”
Promoting empathy through play
The launch of the diabetes Barbie doll is not just about inclusion—it is also part of Mattel’s mission to extend the boundaries of imaginative play. The company says the goal is to encourage children to engage with experiences beyond their own, helping them to understand the challenges others may face.
As Barbie continues to evolve, the inclusion of realistic medical conditions such as type 1 diabetes signals a more inclusive future for toys and the children who play with them.