Hancock vows action as ethnic communities bear brunt of Covid infections.
By Shailesh Solanki
HEALTH SECRETARY Matt Hancock has promised to urgently deliver “robust findings” from the inquiry into why black, Asian and minority ethnic communities appear to have disproportionately suffered from the coronavirus pandemic.
In an exclusive interview with Eastern Eye on Tuesday (5), Hancock pledged the analysis led by Public Health England (PHE) would be “concluded fast” by the end of the month, and said improvements would be implemented once the findings are made public.
“We owe that to those who have lost their lives to Covid-19,” the health secretary said, as it emerged on Tuesday that the total number of coronavirus deaths in all settings in the country had topped 32,300.
Weekly figures from NHS England showed that 1,361 Asians have succumbed to the virus in England and Wales, while 1,022 people of African and Caribbean heritage have died in the pandemic.
The latest figures confirm that Britain is among the countries worst hit by Covid-19 that has killed more than 250,000 worldwide. Only the US, with a population nearly five times greater, has suffered more confirmed fatalities from the virus than Britain, according to the data so far.
In a wide-ranging interview, Hancock paid tribute to migrant workers in the NHS, and defended the guidelines for the use of PPE by frontline staff, saying he followed clinical advice. He also acknowledged that government communication could have been better and spoke of his support for community pharmacy.
On Monday (4), the government announced that the PHE review (led by its London head Kevin Fenton) will analyse how ethnicity, gender and obesity can impact on people’s health outcomes from Covid-19, and added that analysis of data on health outcomes for NHS staff would be published by the end of May.
Hancock described Fenton as a highly respected and renowned public health clinician.
He told Eastern Eye: “All the different considerations need to be looked into. For a start, there is a bigger incidence in disease in urban areas and we know there is a correlation between BAME populations and urban areas.
“When you step back and ask the question – not just how many more people from BAME backgrounds are affected by Covid-19, but what can we do about it, what extra protection is needed and what is at the root of the problem?
“We know from international studies that healthcare workers are more likely to catch a transmissible disease, especially in a pandemic,” he added.
“The question we’ve got to ask is why is this happening in disproportionate numbers?”
The first few doctors to have died of Covid-19 were all from BAME backgrounds.
Figures have also shown that 35 per cent of almost 2,000 Covid-19 patients in intensive care units in England, Wales and Northern Ireland were non-white, compared to 14 per cent of the population of England and Wales.
Analysis by the Institute of Fiscal Studies (IFS) last week showed that the death rate among British black Africans and British Pakistanis from coronavirus in English hospitals was more than 2.5 times that of the white population.
Hancock said: “I’m determined to get the initial findings into the public domain and be totally transparent about the information we’ve used, the science behind it and the data we have got, so that everybody can see those studies and we can have a debate about what more we need to do.
“Some of these are sensitive subjects and we have to make sure that we are as open and transparent as possible. We owe that to those who have lost their lives to Covid-19.”
He added: “The things we are doing in terms of trying to control the diseases are good for everybody, but we have to put particular attention into those groups that are most affected because we want to have a bigger impact.”
The health secretary paid tribute to the contribution of BAME workers in the health and care sectors saying it was the “small, silver lining” in this crisis.
“The British people have woken up to the fact that you cannot run the NHS without people who have come from abroad to make their life here and dedicate their service in the NHS,” Hancock said.
However, on the criticism that structural racism in the NHS stopped ethnic staff on the pandemic frontline from raising concerns about an alleged lack of adequate PPE, the health secretary said, “It worries me and I think that, I very much hope that it isn’t the case. I want to know examples of where it is and I want to encourage people to blow the whistle.
“I haven’t seen any concrete evidence myself during the Covid outbreak. I think that people have really risen to the challenge.
“I am absolutely not denying it, but I haven’t seen individual cases of it. But if I see it, I would absolutely act on it.
“I very much hope that it isn’t there but if it is, then people should speak up about that.”
Since the outbreak of the pandemic, some doctors and health workers have complained of low supplies of PPE (personal protective equipment) and Hancock admitted “there’s no doubt that PPE has been one of the big challenges of the crisis”.
One doctor on the frontline spoke of how he suffers from nightmares as he fears his inadequate PPE increases the risk of infection among his family members when he goes back home at the end of his shift.
Hancock told Eastern Eye: “The PPE guidelines are all academically led. They are based on the very best epidemiological evidence and clinical advice.
“When we brought in the updated PPE guidelines, we did so with the BMA [British Medical Association] and the Royal College of Nursing and others. Those guidelines are very, very carefully drafted, according to what the clinical need is.
“It’s very important that people have that right level of protection. I’ve got to take the clinical advice on what the right level of protection is, and then make sure, of course, that we deliver that protection against those standards.
“Of course, I can understand people saying that they would like a higher level of protection, but when the clinical advice says that this is the right level and there is a large degree of consensus around that and it’s higher than the WHO [World Heath Organization recommendations], in my position you have to follow the science on those sorts of judgements.”
There has been criticism that the government guidelines on self isolation were not culturally sensitive and BAME families – many of whom live in multi-generation homes with little space for self-isolation – could have benefited from tailored messaging. Hancock conceded that there was room for improvement. “We’ve been expanding those campaigns all the way through. At first it was started at a national level and then we’ve been able to get messages out in a more thorough way, as time has gone on,” he said.
“The honest truth is, at the start, we had to move so fast because of the nature of the disease that we did everything we could as quickly as we could. Then we’ve gradually had to build the track while the train has been running.
“Along the way, we’ve been learning about how to do things better and communicate better.”
WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan has been hospitalised for ongoing neck and back issues, but representatives have confirmed he is not in critical condition, dismissing online speculation suggesting otherwise.
The 71-year-old wrestling icon, whose real name is Terry Bollea, was reported by TMZ Sports to be undergoing treatment related to injuries sustained during his decades-long in-ring career. His representative said Hogan is already mobile again and “not on his deathbed”, following false claims made on air by Florida radio personality Bubba the Love Sponge.
The speculation began after Bubba stated he had heard Hogan’s health had declined significantly and that family members were being called to say their goodbyes. However, he admitted the information was second-hand and unverified at the time of broadcast.
— (@)
In reality, Hogan’s current hospital stay follows a neck fusion surgery he underwent in May 2025, which was described as successful. He has undergone numerous operations over the years to treat wear and tear from wrestling, particularly to his spine, hips and knees.
Despite his physical challenges, Hogan has continued to make public appearances. His most recent confirmed outing was in January 2025 on WWE Raw, where he promoted his Real American Beer brand during the programme’s Netflix launch. The segment received a mixed reaction from the crowd.
Hogan remains one of the most recognisable figures in professional wrestling, having helped define the industry during the 1980s boom. He held multiple world titles and was central to WWE's rise to global popularity, later moving to WCW and becoming a founding member of the nWo.
His team has confirmed there is no cause for alarm, and that his current hospitalisation is part of ongoing care rather than any emergency. No further surgeries have been announced at this stage.
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Wincey Willis, a well-known face on British television during the 1980s and a pioneer of breakfast TV presenting, has died aged 76. Her death occurred on 19 December 2024, but was only recently announced.
Born Florence Winsome Leighton in Gateshead on 8 August 1948, she became widely recognised during her time on Good Morning Britain, the flagship programme of ITV’s TV-am. With her vibrant personality, distinctive mullet hairstyle, and energetic presence, she played a pivotal role in helping revive the struggling breakfast channel in the early 1980s.
Rise to television fame
Wincey Willis began her media career in local radio, working at Radio Tees (now Hits Radio) in the North East from 1975. There, she was involved in the station's record library and promotions department before moving into broadcasting. She co-presented a Saturday morning show alongside Les Ross and made her television debut in the early 1980s with Tyne Tees Television.
Her breakthrough came in 1983 when TV-am, struggling with low ratings after its launch, underwent a major overhaul under the leadership of Greg Dyke. Willis was recommended to Dyke by his deputy Clive Jones, who had seen her weather presenting on regional television. She was soon recruited to replace David Philpott as the weekday weather presenter on Good Morning Britain.
Willis quickly became a standout figure. Her approachable on-screen manner, humorous delivery, and stylish knitwear — which prompted viewers to send her hand-knitted jumpers — made her popular with the audience. She often said, “I’m not a meteorologist, but a presenter,” emphasising her role in making weather accessible to a broad audience.
During this period, she became one of several new faces associated with the successful relaunch of Good Morning Britain, which saw a shift to a more relaxed and entertainment-focused format. The revamped show featured Anne Diamond and Nick Owen as presenters, fitness segments with “Mad Lizzie” Webb, and entertainment with the puppet Roland Rat. Ratings improved rapidly, overtaking the BBC’s Breakfast Time within months.
Beyond the weather
While she was best known as a “weather girl”, Willis’s television career went beyond meteorology. In 1983, she fronted a segment called Wincey and Friends, showcasing some of her 80-plus pets, many of which had disabilities. The slot highlighted her deep interest in animal welfare. She also presented Christmas hampers to unsung heroes in a seasonal segment that reinforced her connection with viewers.
Willis was a passionate advocate for animals and conservation throughout her life. In 1986, she published a book, It’s Raining Cats and Dogs, a collection of animal anecdotes, and even devised a board game called The Weather Game, which was marketed by Waddingtons.
- YouTubeYouTube / Tvam Archive
From 1984 to 1989, she served as the adjudicator on Channel 4’s popular game show Treasure Hunt, which starred Anneka Rice. Her role added to her national recognition, as she provided the authoritative voice verifying clues and progress.
In 1987, she left TV-am following a reported disagreement with management over her role. Managing director Bruce Gyngell had insisted she only present weather segments, limiting her wider participation in the programme.
Later career and conservation work
After stepping back from television, Willis pursued her passion for nature and conservation. She worked on turtle conservation projects in Greece and became involved with a worm composting firm, Wiggly Wigglers. She returned briefly to television with a wildlife segment on Tyne Tees Weekend in 1993 and later transitioned to regional radio.
Willis hosted shows on BBC Coventry & Warwickshire between 2006 and 2009, and later presented The Big Day Out on BBC Hereford & Worcester from 2010 to 2012.
She was diagnosed with fronto-temporal dementia in 2015 and subsequently moved back to the North East, where she lived in Sunderland until her death.
Personal life
Willis was adopted as a baby by Florence and Thomas Dimmock and raised in Hartlepool in a strict Baptist household. She took her nickname from the nursery rhyme “Incey Wincey Spider,” which became a lifelong moniker. After leaving Hartlepool High School for Girls, she studied in Strasbourg and worked as a travel courier and music rep before entering broadcasting.
Her 1972 marriage to Malcolm Willis ended in divorce. She lived for many years in a converted railway station near Barnard Castle, sharing her home with an assortment of animals including dogs, cats, rabbits, tropical birds, fish, and even a giant terrapin.
Wincey Willis blazed a trail for female presenters on breakfast television and left a lasting legacy in both broadcasting and animal advocacy. She is remembered not just for her work in front of the camera, but for her lifelong commitment to the welfare of animals and nature.
Wincey Willis, born 8 August 1948, died 19 December 2024
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McDonald’s introduces the Big Arch burger in the UK
McDonald’s has added a new item to its UK menu – the Big Arch burger. Described by the company as a “new icon,” the burger was unveiled through McDonald’s UK’s official Instagram page as part of a limited-time promotional menu.
The Big Arch includes two beef patties, slices of white cheddar cheese, crispy onions, shredded lettuce, crunchy pickles, and a newly formulated signature sauce. It is served in a soft bun scattered with poppy seeds, a departure from the sesame-seed buns typically used in McDonald’s burgers.
Key ingredients and features
The Big Arch distinguishes itself from other McDonald’s burgers through a few notable components:
Beef patties: The burger is built with two full-sized beef patties, making it one of the more filling single-burger options currently available.
White cheddar cheese: Unlike other McDonald’s burgers that use processed cheese, the Big Arch includes two slices of white cheddar – one placed above and another below the patties.
Signature sauce: A new sauce developed specifically for this burger is applied generously to both the top and bottom buns. It has a smooth texture and slightly spicy flavour profile.
Crispy onions: The burger includes crispy fried onions for added texture and a mild sweetness.
Poppy seed bun: The Big Arch uses a poppy-seed-topped bun, which is less common across the brand’s UK menu.
These elements combine to offer a layered combination of textures and flavours. While the burger includes familiar McDonald’s components such as shredded lettuce and pickles, the overall construction is aimed at offering a more indulgent and substantial option.
Size and presentation
The Big Arch is larger in size than several of McDonald’s other staple burgers, including the Big Mac. The dual beef patties and thick bun contribute to its bulk, with the inclusion of cheese on both sides of the meat adding to its density.
The sauce is applied liberally, with some customers noting it tends to spill over the edges of the bun. The bright yellow sauce has a more pronounced flavour than the standard Big Mac sauce and adds a slightly tangy kick.
Availability and pricing
The Big Arch is available across UK branches of McDonald’s for a limited period. As of June 2025, the standalone burger is priced at £7.99. It is also available as part of a meal that includes fries and a drink, typically priced upwards of £10 depending on location and customisation.
It joins McDonald’s summer menu alongside other promotional items, forming part of the brand’s strategy to offer seasonal and experimental products alongside its core range.
Nutritional information
McDonald’s has not yet released full nutritional details for the Big Arch on its website, but early estimates suggest the burger is high in calories and fat content due to its size, dual cheese slices, and sauce content. As with other promotional items, calorie counts are expected to be listed in restaurants and on McDonald’s digital ordering platforms.
Response and comparison
While the Big Arch has drawn comparisons to the Big Mac, Quarter Pounder, and Double Cheeseburger, its ingredients and presentation set it apart from these longstanding menu items. The use of a poppy seed bun, white cheddar, and crispy onions is particularly uncommon within McDonald’s regular range in the UK.
There is a huge response to make this permanantInstagram/ mcdonaldsuk
The introduction of the Big Arch comes amid wider efforts by fast food chains to diversify their offerings and respond to changing consumer preferences, including the desire for more variety and limited-edition items.
Most notable one
The Big Arch burger represents one of McDonald’s most notable UK menu additions in 2025, offering a larger, sauce-rich option aimed at customers seeking a more filling meal. With a distinctive construction and price point of £7.99, it is positioned as a premium item within McDonald’s current range.
The burger is available at participating McDonald’s locations across the UK for a limited time, with availability expected to depend on customer response and ongoing promotional schedules.
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Several hidden threats linked to heat waves often go unnoticed
As temperatures across the UK continue to rise, so too do the health risks associated with extreme heat. While sunburn and dehydration are well-known dangers, several hidden threats linked to heat waves often go unnoticed. With climate change intensifying the frequency and severity of hot spells, some forecasts suggesting 40 °C days could become a regular feature in the next 12 years, it’s essential to understand these lesser-known risks and how to protect yourself.
1. Skin reactions triggered by common medications
Certain widely-used medications can increase sensitivity to sunlight, making people more prone to rashes, blistering, and sunburn—even on cloudy days. This includes nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen, some antibiotics such as doxycycline, statins, antidepressants, and hormone replacement therapy (HRT).
If you are taking these medications, apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, wear protective clothing, and limit your exposure to direct sunlight. It’s also worth consulting your pharmacist to confirm whether your medicines are photosensitising.
2. Medication breakdown in high temperatures
Many people are unaware that heat can reduce the effectiveness of certain medications. Medicines stored in hot environments—such as parked cars, near windows, or in steamy bathrooms—may degrade or fail to work properly.
Insulin, for example, can lose potency if not kept within the recommended temperature range. Always check the storage instructions on packaging and use a cool bag or insulated storage when travelling with essential medicines.
3. Strain on the heart and lungs
Heatwaves place added stress on the cardiovascular and respiratory systems. People with pre-existing heart conditions, high blood pressure, or asthma may be particularly vulnerable. According to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), even moderate increases in temperature can result in a rise in emergency service usage and hospital admissions.
If you or someone you care for has a heart or lung condition, monitor symptoms closely during warm spells. Avoid strenuous activity during peak heat hours (typically 11am to 3pm) and stay indoors in a cool environment where possible.
4. Heat exhaustion that escalates into emergency
Heat exhaustion occurs when the body overheats and cannot cool itself effectively. Symptoms include dizziness, muscle cramps, excessive sweating, nausea, rapid pulse, and fainting. If untreated, this can progress to heatstroke, a medical emergency.
According to NHS guidance, anyone showing signs of heat exhaustion should be moved to a cool place, given fluids, and cooled down within 30 minutes. If symptoms persist beyond this period, dial 999 immediately.
5. Dehydration and kidney problems
Excessive heat leads to fluid loss through sweating, increasing the risk of dehydration. For individuals taking medications such as diuretics, ACE inhibitors, lithium, or NSAIDs, the risk of kidney damage becomes more significant when fluids are lost.
To avoid complications, drink plenty of water throughout the day, even if you don’t feel thirsty. Diluted squash and oral rehydration solutions can also help maintain electrolyte balance. Avoid alcohol and excessive caffeine, both of which contribute to fluid loss.
6. Poor sleep and mental health effects
Hot nights can make it difficult to fall and stay asleep, leading to fatigue and irritability. Prolonged heat exposure can also worsen anxiety, agitation, and even contribute to a rise in suicide rates, according to some studies. The psychological toll of repeated extreme weather events is now recognised as a public health issue.
To maintain good sleep hygiene, keep your bedroom cool and ventilated. Close blinds during the day to block out sunlight and open windows in the evening when outdoor temperatures drop. Use light bedding and consider a fan if the room temperature stays below 35 °C.
7. Long-term damage from repeated exposure
Repeated exposure to extreme heat may contribute to chronic health conditions over time. This includes increased risk of kidney disease, cardiovascular strain, and metabolic disorders. UK health experts warn that, without mitigation and adaptation, the number of heat-related deaths could rise significantly in the coming years.
Heatwaves disproportionately affect the elderly, children, outdoor workers, and those with existing health conditions. As such, public awareness and preparedness are key.
Quick protection tips
Stay hydrated: Aim to drink water regularly. Add squash or electrolyte tablets if needed.
Keep medicines cool: Store according to label instructions, away from sunlight and moisture.
Stay indoors during peak heat: Avoid direct sun between 11am and 3pm.
Wear protective clothing: Lightweight fabrics, wide-brimmed hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen (SPF 30+) are all essential.
Keep your home cool: Shut blinds, use fans below 35 °C, and open windows when cooler outside.
Recognise danger signs: Learn the symptoms of heat exhaustion and stroke, and respond quickly.
Why this matters
A yellow heat-health alert is currently in effect across seven regions in England, including London, the Midlands, and the South East. Temperatures are expected to rise to around 32 °C this weekend, which may meet official criteria for a heatwave.
With the UK facing more extreme weather due to climate change, recognising and responding to these hidden health risks can save lives. Whether you're managing your own health, caring for family members, or working outdoors, being prepared for the heat is now more important than ever.
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She remained a central figure on the network, co-hosting the long-running 'Worst Cooks in America'
Chef and television personality Anne Burrell, best known for her work on Food Network, has died at the age of 55. Her family confirmed her death in a statement on Tuesday, 17 June 2025, in Brooklyn, New York. No cause of death was given.
Burrell gained widespread recognition for her energetic television presence, signature blonde hair and bold culinary style. Over the years, she became a household name in American food media, with a career spanning restaurants, television, and publishing.
Rise to fame on Food Network
Anne Burrell first appeared on the Food Network as sous-chef to Mario Batali on Iron Chef America. Her charisma and assertive style quickly set her apart, leading to her own show Secrets of a Restaurant Chef, which debuted in 2008 and ran for nine seasons.
She remained a central figure on the network, co-hosting the long-running Worst Cooks in America and appearing on popular programmes including Chopped and Food Network Star. A Food Network spokesperson described her as “a remarkable person and culinary talent — teaching, competing and always sharing the importance of food in her life and the joy that a delicious meal can bring.”
Early life and culinary education
Born Anne W. Burrell on 21 September 1969 in Cazenovia, upstate New York, she grew up inspired by Julia Child. She pursued formal culinary training at the Italian Culinary Institute for Foreigners, later honing her skills in Italian kitchens.
Upon her return to the United States in 1998, she joined Felidia Ristorante in Manhattan, working under chef Lidia Bastianich. Her early restaurant experience also included time at Savoy in New York.
Business venture in Brooklyn
In 2017, Burrell partnered with Phil Casaceli to open Phil & Anne’s Good Time Lounge, a Brooklyn-based restaurant described by her as “funky, cool and homey.” Despite initial buzz, the restaurant closed in 2018, less than a year after opening.
Standing out from Mario Batali’s shadow
Burrell’s early fame was closely associated with Mario Batali, but she made concerted efforts to establish herself independently, especially after Batali faced serious allegations of sexual misconduct in 2017. Though several investigations were later closed due to insufficient evidence, the controversy affected many of his associates.
Chef Claudette Zepeda, who competed with Burrell on the 2025 Food Network show House of Knives, said Burrell had several “phoenix moments” in her career. “Coming out as her own human being and autonomous competitor was a huge moment,” Zepeda noted. “People just assumed complacency. She had to carve her own path, and that wasn’t easy.”
Fiercely competitive and admired
Fellow chef and television personality Scott Conant, who worked with Burrell on Worst Cooks in America, recalled her intense competitive streak. “She was the most competitive person ever,” he said. “I beat her once in a special episode, and she didn’t talk to me for three months.”
Despite her fierce attitude, Burrell was respected for her commitment and passion. “She was unapologetic and defined herself and told her story through food,” Conant added.
Cookbooks and culinary legacy
Burrell authored two best-selling cookbooks: Cook Like a Rock Star: 125 Recipes, Lessons, and Culinary Secrets and Own Your Kitchen: Recipes to Inspire & Empower. Both were co-written with food stylist and author Suzanne Lenzer, who praised Burrell’s distinctive voice and strong opinions.
“She hated pepper,” Lenzer said. “She thought it was a spice like horseradish, why put it on everything?” Still, Burrell made an exception for traditional dishes like pasta carbonara, where pepper is essential.
Personal life and survivors
Anne Burrell is survived by her husband, Stuart Claxton, a marketing executive she married in 2021, her mother Marlene Burrell, younger sister Jane Burrell-Uzcategui, and her stepson Javier Claxton.
Though the cause of her death has not been disclosed, her impact on American food culture is widely recognised. From restaurant kitchens to primetime television, Anne Burrell’s bold personality and culinary skill made her one of the most influential chefs of her generation.