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How they REALLY make your airline food: Why spicy menus are best to eat at 30,000 feet, what the cabin crew do with the leftovers and why the pilots NEVER eat the same meal revealed

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How they REALLY make your airline food: Why spicy menus are best to eat at 30,000 feet, what the cabin crew do with the leftovers and why the pilots NEVER eat the same meal revealed
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Beige, bland, unidentifiable — aeroplane food doesn’t generally enjoy the highest of culinary reputations.

But I’m one of those people who eagerly await the moment on a long haul flight when I peel back the silver foil to discover what’s in store for breakfast, lunch or dinner.

What’s always interested me is how aeroplane food actually gets made. And what goes into producing thousands of meals ready to be heated and served at 38,000 ft in the sky.

To find out, I’m spending the day with British Airways at its sprawling 55,000 sq ft catering facility two miles from Gatwick Airport. It’s run by Newrest Catering, whose 350 employees produce 4,500 meals per day.

The scale of the 24-hour operation is staggering — and cleanliness is key. I start by changing into chef whites, black steel-cap boots, a striped apron, hairnet, face mask — and head to the industrial-sized metal hand washing sinks.

How they REALLY make your airline food: Why spicy menus are best to eat at 30,000 feet, what the cabin crew do with the leftovers and why the pilots NEVER eat the same meal revealed

To find out how airline food gets made, Harriet Sime (pictured with the Christmas food she helped make) spent the day with British Airways at its sprawling 55,000 sq ft catering facility two miles from Gatwick Airport

I'm assisting the team in putting together British Airways' Christmas menu (pictured), which includes a traditional Turkey roast with all the trimmings

I’m assisting the team in putting together British Airways’ Christmas menu (pictured), which includes a traditional Turkey roast with all the trimmings

I’m assisting the team in putting together British Airways’ Christmas menu, which includes a traditional Turkey roast with all the trimmings. Even under my face mask, the festive aromas are unmistakeable as chefs’ chop, peel, stir and wheel gargantuan quantities of food around.

First up are the roasted parsnips which I drizzle with honey using a slotted spoon as big as a spade before moving on to the cranberry compote station. More than 50kg of Brussels sprouts bubble away by my side in a giant silver vat as I mix bright red berries with sugar, cinnamon sticks and nutmeg.

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Every few minutes, a cavernous oven signals that the food is ready with a Christmas jingle before it’s transported in towering trolleys to vast chiller rooms to avoid anything overcooking.

British Airways is expecting to serve 380,000 Christmas dinners (including 600,000 sprouts) in the sky over the festive period.

My final stop is the ‘plating room’, where dozens of workers wearing thermals and woolly hats underneath their blue hairnets (the room is kept at a cool 8c) and long blue plastic gloves prep meals with impressive precision for Business Class passengers.

Everything is done by hand and the employees work along assembly lines, carefully adding vegetables one by one.

At the end of each shiny silver station, a ‘golden sample’ sits in an oval china bowl to demonstrate how each dish should look. I keep a close eye on it as I place three tiny but perfectly roasted carrots on top of the parsnips, followed by a dollop of the cranberry sauce I made just hours earlier.

‘We take a long time designing our menus and test them time and time again until they’re up to standard,’ Newrest’s development chef, Andy Bailey, 53, tells me.

The catering facility (pictured) is run by Newrest Catering, whose 350 employees produce 4,500 meals per day.

The catering facility (pictured) is run by Newrest Catering, whose 350 employees produce 4,500 meals per day.

Harriet carefully rolled the sausages into bacon as she made pigs in blankets for the Christmas dinner

Harriet carefully rolled the sausages into bacon as she made pigs in blankets for the Christmas dinner

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So how long do these dishes sit around before they reach passengers? For British Airways, the food we’ve prepared will be served on board the following day.

Around 90 per cent of the meals at this facility are produced for British Airways (the remaining are for Air Mauritius, Air Transat, Delta and Vueling). Each week, Newrest provides BA with 52,000 bread rolls, 47,000 desserts, as well as 20,000 bottles of sparkling wine, 45,000 of red wine and 20,000 cans of beer.

‘The perception of aeroplane food is changing,’ Mark Brega, BA’s executive chef, tells me later as we sample a Christmas roast as though we were on board. Celebrity chefs are involved and passengers now have much higher expectations.’

Indeed, as the aviation space becomes more crowded and competition fierce, airlines are now funnelling huge amounts of money into their meal service to set themselves apart. 

Cathay Pacific introduced Michelin-starred meals to first and business class passengers flying out of Hong Kong earlier this year, while Etihad offers seven-course tasting menus for those turning left. But this higher standard of food is not just for those in the posh seats.

Harriet made cranberry sauce (pictured above) for British Airways' Christmas dinner

Harriet made cranberry sauce (pictured above) for British Airways’ Christmas dinner

Harriet Sime (pictured) assisted the team in putting together British Airways' Christmas menu, which includes a traditional Turkey roast with all the trimmings

Harriet Sime (pictured) assisted the team in putting together British Airways’ Christmas menu, which includes a traditional Turkey roast with all the trimmings

Qatar Airways serves passengers in all classes (including economy) a popular mezze of hummus, muhammara, tabouleh and Arabic bread.

Interestingly, I learn how our tastebuds don’t function as well when in the sky as the plane air is dryer, dehydrating our nasal passages and making our tastebuds less sensitive and able to detect flavours.

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‘You lose about 30 per cent of your tastebuds so we have to factor this into our cooking,’ says Mark. ‘Generally, British food is very good, but it has a light flavour profile so spicier, more aromatic dishes tend to work better. Buttered chicken or chicken tikka masala are among our most popular dishes.

‘The same goes for wine; some of which taste brilliant on the ground but can taste awful in the air so it needs to be tested.’

The scent of food is also carefully considered when designing meals. ‘Fish like the smell of red mullet can fill up a cabin so have to be avoided. But the aroma of bread is hugely appealing, and signals to passengers that they’re in for a nice meal.’

Generally, 70 per cent of the meals on board will be meat or fish, with the remaining being vegetarian, vegan or special dietary dishes (the team have to cater to 11 different ‘dietaries’). But this can change depending on the route. Flights to India, for example, will require most meals to be vegetarian.

And what about the crew? The flight attendants eat what’s left over after service, while the captain and co-pilot dine on different meals in case either gets ill.

After my eight-hour shift, I’ll be quite happy not to see another Brussels sprout until the big day. But, more important, the next time I’m asked ‘chicken or fish?’, ‘beef or vegetarian?’, I’ll think about Andy and his colleagues — and tuck in with extra relish.

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France’s budgetary situation is ‘very serious’, new PM Barnier says

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France’s budgetary situation is ‘very serious’, new PM Barnier says
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France’s budgetary situation is ‘very serious’, new PM Barnier says
France has a “very serious” budgetary deficit, Prime Minister Michael Barnier said, weeks after France was placed on a formal procedure for violating European Union budgetary rules. Barnier, who was appointed to lead the French government on September 6 after months of political deadlock, has previously suggested tax rises to help stabilise finances.

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Barnsley manager threatens to ‘give my players a SLAP’ if they ever question Premier League stars after 7-0 hammering at Man United, as he tells them they are ‘miles off’ and were ‘absolutely destroyed’

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Barnsley manager threatens to ‘give my players a SLAP’ if they ever question Premier League stars after 7-0 hammering at Man United, as he tells them they are ‘miles off’ and were ‘absolutely destroyed’
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  • Barnsley boss Darrell Clarke pulled no punches as he condemned his players 
  • Manchester United recorded back-to-win wins with the 7-0 hammering at home
  • LISTEN NOW: It’s All Kicking Off!, available wherever you get your podcasts. New episodes every Monday and Thursday

Barnsley manager Darrell Clarke threatened to ‘slap’ his players on Tuesday night after witnessing them get crushed 7-0 by Manchester United in the Carabao Cup. 

United annihilated the League One outfit at Old Trafford thanks to doubles from Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho, and Christian Eriksen and a penalty from Antony. 

It was a bruising night for Barnsley, who had admirably beaten Wigan and Sheffield United to reach the third round, against an inconsistent United side worth around £500million on the night. 

‘If I ever hear of my players telling me Premier League players are poor I’ll be giving them a slap because we were miles off against a team that can absolutely destroy you when you’re not at it,’ Clarke revealed to Sky Sports after the drubbing.

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‘They’re a quality team but we’re very disappointed in our performance. We haven’t done ourselves justice. That was my fear tonight coming here. 

Barnsley manager threatens to ‘give my players a SLAP’ if they ever question Premier League stars after 7-0 hammering at Man United, as he tells them they are ‘miles off’ and were ‘absolutely destroyed’

Barnsley boss Darrell Clarke threatened to ‘slap’ his players after they lost 7-0 to Man United

He does not want to hear his players criticised a Premier League team again after the defeat

He does not want to hear his players criticised a Premier League team again after the defeat

Erik ten Hag's side sealed back-to-back wins after a turbulent start to the 2024-25 campaign

Erik ten Hag’s side sealed back-to-back wins after a turbulent start to the 2024-25 campaign 

‘A lot of our players had an off-day. Maybe one player, Mael (de Gevigney), probably comes out of the game with credit, but not for us. 

‘I know it’s a big occasion against a very, very good team, I get that, and they turn it on against Premier League teams, but it’s a huge wake-up call for me, to the players, to understand what it takes to be a player. 

Erik ten Hag’s side peppered the Tykes’ goal with 26 shots and suffocated them so much that their opposition did not manage a single attempt on target. 

The night represented another step in the right direction for Rashford who opened his account for the season with a goal – his first in six months – in the 3-0 win at Southampton on Saturday.

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For Ten Hag, the obliteration calms some of the noise after a turbulent start to the season and he has the brief satisfaction of back-to-back wins.  

Barnsley boss Clarke added: ‘I have had a go at them. I wasn’t happy with the performance.

‘I know we have come to Man Utd, who have world-class players, but I wasn’t happy with how we played. Did the occasion get to some of them? Yes, probably. 

‘The players were miles off the standards of a top Barnsley player tonight never mind a top Premier League player. 

Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho both scored twice as they served fans a feast

Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho both scored twice as they served fans a feast 

Christian Eriksen (left) also bagged a double while Antony got off the mark for the season

Christian Eriksen (left) also bagged a double while Antony got off the mark for the season 

Barnsley had done well to reach the third round but were off the pace at Old Trafford

Barnsley had done well to reach the third round but were off the pace at Old Trafford 

Manager Ten Hag refused to get ahead of himself with a trip to Crystal Palace coming up next

Manager Ten Hag refused to get ahead of himself with a trip to Crystal Palace coming up next 

‘It was a proud night for myself but it’s been ruined by the performance.’

It was little surprise that Ten Hag was pleased but he refused to get ahead of himself with a trip to Crystal Palace, where they lost 4-0 last season, up next.

‘For the team, this is the perfect night,’ he said. ‘I wasn’t devastated after Liverpool and I’m not celebrating now.

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‘It was a brilliant goal,’ said Ten Hag of Rashford’s first. ‘In my first season he had his fight, his good mood. When I see the teeth from Marcus Rashford I am confident that he will score.

‘They are very hungry but they give each other the ball,’ added the United manager. They give assists and when Antony needs some confidence then Rashy gives him the penalty which is good in a team.’ 

Rashford was a constant threat all game and capitalised on Barnsley mistakes in the win

Rashford was a constant threat all game and capitalised on Barnsley mistakes in the win

He showed some neat footwork to work himself some space before shooting to score

He showed some neat footwork to work himself some space before shooting to score

Ten Hag did as he promised and rotated his squad which meant full debuts for £50.5m signing Manuel Ugarte and Toby Collyer who played at left-back and left his mark on Barry Cotter.

The combative Ugarte flexed his muscles as well, although there was a scare towards the end of the first half when a mistimed challenge from Luca Connell left the Uruguayan needing treatment on a bruised right foot and bloodied knee.

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Google wins EU court bid to overturn €1.49 billion antitrust fine

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Google wins EU court bid to overturn €1.49 billion antitrust fine
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Google wins EU court bid to overturn €1.49 billion antitrust fine
Google on Wednesday won a court challenge against a €1.49-billion fine levied by the European Union for abuse of dominance over online advertising in the latest in a series of legal clashes between the tech giant and the European Bloc. EU courts scrapped the fine after ruling that there has been “errors” in the initial assessment.

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Lucy Beaumont said her career was held back by predatory men on the comedy circuit as it’s revealed she has received huge divorce payout from her ex husband Jon Richardson

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Lucy Beaumont said her career was held back by predatory men on the comedy circuit as it’s revealed she has received huge divorce payout from her ex husband Jon Richardson
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Lucy Beaumont revealed her career was held back by predatory men on the comedy circuit in unearthed comments.

It was revealed on Tuesday that Lucy’s ex husband, comedian Jon Richardson, had  agreed a mega payout after they split.

Jon handed over £1.625 million to Lucy when they called time on their nine year marriage in April. The pair starred together in the mockumetary-style show Meet the Richardsons for seven years, and amassed a £6 million fortune.

But documents for a company they had run together reveal that in June, two months after their split, Jon, 41, paid Lucy, 40, £1.625 million for her shares in a company they had co run.

In light of Lucy’s departure from their company, her comments about her career trajectory have been unearthed. 

Lucy Beaumont said her career was held back by predatory men on the comedy circuit as it’s revealed she has received huge divorce payout from her ex husband Jon Richardson

Lucy Beaumont revealed her career was held back by predatory men on the comedy circuit in unearthed comments

Last year, in comments that do not refer to Jon, the comedian explained how she had suffered ‘quite a few incidences’ early on as she set out in the industry.

And confirming the ‘blacklist’ of alleged offenders, she said there were up to 15 men carrying out the appalling behaviour.

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Lucy, said when being asked if anything had held her back: ‘Predatory male behaviour.

‘I’ve had quite a few incidences where if you’re in any other workforce you would go to HR, but there isn’t one. I think it’s just everywhere and it’s not talked about enough.

‘It upsets me when I hear about young female comics having the same experiences. I thought for a while it was the same five or six people – and now it’s not – I could name you 10 or 15 because of course people talk.’

The writer and performer spoke in July 2023 about the issue on The Comedian’s Comedian Podcast.

It was revealed on Tuesday that Lucy's ex husband, comedian Jon Richardson, had agreed a mega payout after they split

It was revealed on Tuesday that Lucy’s ex husband, comedian Jon Richardson, had agreed a mega payout after they split 

She added: ‘Comedy has the biggest gossips ever so everybody knows – or if you don’t know the ones I know yet then you will do soon.

‘It attracts such interesting, passionate, raw, edgy, wounded people – but it also attracts predatory men who are really messed up and sexually have been repressed for years. And they get a bit of fame and display these behaviours.

‘It just gets covered up. Their agents know and the channels know and nobody seems to be doing anything about it. 

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‘There’s been times when I’ve just wanted to go on Twitter and just let people know everyone that we talk about, but not allowed to say.’

According to recently filed accounts Lucy and Jon’s company was worth £4 million last year and the couple are still listed as joint owners of a £1 million detached home with a pool in Yorkshire and a £1 million flat in a swanky part of North London.

The pair, who share one daughter together, tied the knot in April 2015 and announced their split in April this year – just days after the launch of the fifth series of their comedy show Meet The Richardsons.

They started dating in 2013 after they met each other through friend Roisin Conaty and went on to work together on a number of shows including Meet The Richardsons.

Last year the comedian explained how she had suffered 'quite a few incidences' early on as she set out in the industry

Last year the comedian explained how she had suffered ‘quite a few incidences’ early on as she set out in the industry 

Jon and Lucy started dating in 2013 after they met each other through friend Roisin Conaty and went on to work together on a number of shows (pictured in 2017)

Jon and Lucy started dating in 2013 after they met each other through friend Roisin Conaty and went on to work together on a number of shows (pictured in 2017) 

But four months ago in a joint statement the couple said: ‘After 9 years of marriage, we would like to announce that we have separated. We have jointly and amicably made the difficult decision to divorce and go our separate ways. 

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Meet The Richardsons saw Lucy nominated for a BAFTA TV award in the female performance in a comedy programme category in 2023.

The show first launched on the channel in 2020 with the couple writing it alongside Peter Kay’s Car Share scribe Tim Reid.

Lucy has had a successful standup career and has featured on a number of panel shows including Would I Lie To You?, Taskmaster The Last Leg and Have I Got News For You. 

In 2021 her comedy Hullraisers, which she co-wrote, was aired on Channel 4 while in that same year she released her first book Drinking Custard: Diary of a Confused Mum. 

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Now woke scientists want to shrink your PINT – as they claim smaller servings of beer could reduce the UK’s alcohol consumption

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Now woke scientists want to shrink your PINT – as they claim smaller servings of beer could reduce the UK’s alcohol consumption
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For as long as pubs have been pouring beer, the pint has been the universally accepted serving size.

But now, woke scientists from the University of Cambridge want to do away with the humble pint to curb the nation’s boozing.

In the first trial of its kind, researchers convinced 12 pubs to ditch their pint glasses in favour of two-thirds servings for four weeks.

With the biggest serving size now a third smaller, pub-goers drank almost 10 per cent less beer and cider compared to when pints were on the menu.

However, should this recommendation become policy, the study found that bars could face falls in revenue of to 9.6 per cent. 

Now woke scientists want to shrink your PINT – as they claim smaller servings of beer could reduce the UK’s alcohol consumption

Scientists want to shrink the size of your pint in order to cut down Britain’s boozing habits after a study found that smaller serving sizes reduce alcohol consumption 

Although Britain’s beer consumption has fallen off in recent years, health experts are still worried that the UK’s drinking habits could be damaging our health.

As the researchers point out in their paper, published in PLOS Medicine, cutting down alcohol consumption reduces the risks of seven common cancers and diseases.

Lead researcher Professor Theresa Marteau, director of the Behaviour and Health Research Unit, told MailOnline: ‘Alcohol harms health, increasing the risk of over 200 different diseases and injuries including bowel, breast and liver cancers.

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‘In England it is the fifth largest contributor to early death, disease and disability, and the leading risk factor for those aged 15 to 49.’

Since increasing the price of drinks or placing restrictions on beer sales would prove extremely unpopular, concerned scientists are keen to find other ways of slowing drinkers down.

In this study, researchers asked pubs to get rid of the pint serving for beer and cider and replace this with a two-thirds glass.

The idea is that, since people tend to have a set number of drinks rather than a specific volume of beer, making those drinks smaller should encourage people to drink less.

Researchers found that by swapping out the 568ml imperial pint for a smaller 379ml two-third pint serving, pub-goers drank 10 per cent less beer than they otherwise would have. Although, slightly more wine was sold than before

Researchers found that by swapping out the 568ml imperial pint for a smaller 379ml two-third pint serving, pub-goers drank 10 per cent less beer than they otherwise would have. Although, slightly more wine was sold than before 

The study took place over three four-week periods, first selling pints as normal, then switching to smaller servings, and finally returning to business as usual.

And, as the researchers had predicted, the mean volume of beer sold fell noticeably in the four weeks when pints weren’t available.

On average, the 12 venues in the study sold just under five fewer pints (2.77 litres) of beer and cider per day when pint glasses were removed.

While the researchers had anticipated that customers would be extremely hostile to the change, the venues involved reported very few complaints.

The amount of wine sold during the trial period did increase slightly, rising by 7.2 per cent on average, but almost half of this increase was from one venue which also acted as a restaurant.

Professor Marteau and her co-authors write: ‘Removing the offer of pints in 13 licensed premises for 4 weeks reduced the volume of beer sold.

‘This is in keeping with the emerging literature showing that smaller serving sizes help us drink less and presents a novel way of reducing alcohol consumption and improving population health.’

While the researchers argue that this could be an effective way of reducing the health impacts of drinking, they acknowledge that pubs are unlikely to be keen on the idea.

Despite being offered £3,000 to compensate for the losses and all of the smaller glasses needed, less than one per cent of venues contacted about the trial agreed to participate.

During the trial period, the venue’s mean daily revenue fell by five per cent due to the drop in beer sales 

The total drop in weekly revenue varied from just £3.70 to £146.60 depending on the venue. 

And, when the trial was complete, none of the bars involved kept their maximum serving size at two-thirds.

Since pubs are unlikely to adopt this measure voluntarily, the researchers therefore suggest that the regulation would be needed to ban the pint.

Data gathered by the World Health Organization and compiled by Oxford University-backed platform Our World in Data, found that the UK's beer consumption has been steadily falling since the 1980s. Researchers think further reductions could help ease the health impacts of alcohol consumption

Data gathered by the World Health Organization and compiled by Oxford University-backed platform Our World in Data, found that the UK’s beer consumption has been steadily falling since the 1980s. Researchers think further reductions could help ease the health impacts of alcohol consumption 

Professor Marteau says: ‘Removing the one pint serving size would need to be enforced by changes to alcohol licensing regulations which stipulate the sizes in which alcohol is served.’

However, with many pubs struggling to stay open, many may be concerned about any legislation designed to bring down sales.

A spokesperson for the British Beer and Pub Association told MailOnline: ‘Measures to reduce alcohol consumption must be carefully thought through as this study showed a decrease in beer volume was accompanied by a slight increase in the purchase of higher strength alcoholic drinks.’

Ash Corbett Collines, vice-chairman of the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA), told MailOnline: ‘With less than 1% of venues approached for the study agreed to trial the smaller measure, and none of the 12 pubs who did take part choosing to keep the change, the on-trade’s verdict is clear.

Since people tend to order a set number of drinks, rather than a specific volume, swapping a pint for a two-thirds glass (pictured) means that drinkers consume less alcohol (stock image)

Since people tend to order a set number of drinks, rather than a specific volume, swapping a pint for a two-thirds glass (pictured) means that drinkers consume less alcohol (stock image) 

‘The removal of the British Pint from pubs would not encourage drinkers to embrace the sociable and supervised environment of the pub, which fosters moderate drinking. Instead, it would push people toward drinking at home.’

Likewise, Andy Slee, chief executive of the Society of Independent Brewers, told MailOnline: ‘It should be down to publicans, brewers and beer drinkers to decide the best way to enjoy a local beer.’

However, despite the obvious resistance to the introduction of the policy, the researchers maintain that their findings should be included in consideration for new regulations.

Professor Marteau says: ‘There is a trade-off to be made between improving population health by reducing alcohol consumption through effective alcohol control policies and the health of the alcohol industry.’

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🔴Live: Hezbollah vows continued support for Gaza despite deadly pager blasts

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🔴Live: Hezbollah vows continued support for Gaza despite deadly pager blasts
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🔴Live: Hezbollah vows continued support for Gaza despite deadly pager blasts
Lebanon’s Hezbollah, an ally of Hamas, said on Wednesday that it will continue “operations to support Gaza” after a  wave of exploding pagers thought to be orchestrated by Israel targeted the group on Tuesday, killing at least nine and wounding some 2,800 across the country. Also on Wednesday, the UN General Assembly is set to vote on a draft resolution by the Palestinian Authority to formally demand that Israel end its occupation of the Palestinian territories within 12 months.

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Taylor Swift superfans lift Universal Music as record giant predicts booming profits

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Taylor Swift superfans lift Universal Music as record giant predicts booming profits
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Taylor Swift superfans lift Universal Music as record giant predicts booming profits

Hitmaker: Universal’s artists include Taylor Swift (pictured) and Elton John

Superfans are expected to help deliver growth at Universal Music.

The world’s biggest record company predicts profits will grow by 10 per cent every year for the next four years, while revenues are set to jump 7per cent.

Universal, whose artists include Taylor Swift and Elton John, delivered the forecasts in a market update yesterday. 

The group pointed to ‘accelerating superfan monetisation’ and continued growth in streaming subscriptions as key factors in its growth outlook.

In 2023, Universal posted profits of £2billion and revenues of £9.4billion. It has been enjoying a boost as a result of Swift’s Eras concert tour.

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The tour alone boosted merchandising revenue by 44 per cent in the second quarter this year.

Yesterday’s projections came as part of the group’s capital markets day, where it unveiled its plans for the year.

The targets contrasted with the group’s last update in July, when Universal’s Amsterdam-listed shares dropped the most since the company’s initial public offering in 2021.

Investors were left spooked after its streaming revenues disappointed investors.

But Universal Music has been pushing ahead with a global cost-cutting program.

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Israel planted 5,000 pager explosives months before deadly blasts, Lebanese security sources say

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Israel planted 5,000 pager explosives months before deadly blasts, Lebanese security sources say
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Israel planted 5,000 pager explosives months before deadly blasts, Lebanese security sources say
Israel’s spy service injected explosive materials activated by coded messages into thousands of Gold Apollo-branded pagers during production, months before they were imported imported by the Lebanese group Hezbollah, a senior Lebanese security source said. Hezbollah fighters were using the low-tech devices in an attempt to evade Israeli location-tracking, sources said. For its part, Taiwan-based Gold Apollo said it had not manufactured the devices used in the blasts, but that they had been made by a European firm with the right to use its brand.

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Delta issues eyebrow-raising new memo about wearing underwear to flight attendant applicants

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Delta issues eyebrow-raising new memo about wearing underwear to flight attendant applicants
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Delta Airlines has reminded prospective new flight attendants that they must wear underwear in a document outlining the company’s ‘appearance requirements’ for employees.

The airline recently shared a two-page document listing its strict guidelines for how those who hope to land a job should look on its website – and it has a new stipulation about underwear.

It states that ‘proper undergarments must be worn’ by interviewees, ‘but must not be visible.’

A Delta spokesperson told DailyMail.com that the change was new and their intent was to be ‘more specific.’

‘In the interest of transparency and clarity for all perspective candidates we are encouraging people to “dress for success” and give a great first impression as they aspire to join the flight attendant ranks,’ the spokesperson added.

Delta issues eyebrow-raising new memo about wearing underwear to flight attendant applicants

Delta Airlines reminded prospective new flight attendants that they must wear underwear in a document outlining the company’s ‘appearance requirements’ for employees (stock image) 

In the document, Delta includes a slew of other detailed rules regarding potential hires’ appearances, touching on everything from why you can’t have ‘neon’ or ‘multi-colored’ nails to what the length of your eyelashes should be.

‘Delta flight attendants spend the most time with our customers and are the face of our airline,’ it reads. 

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‘To help ensure commitment to Delta’s brand and customer service we have created updated appearance requirements for your interview process, initial qualification training, and throughout your career as a Delta Flight Attendant.’

Delta stated that all staff members ‘must always maintain personal cleanliness and hygiene.’

It explained that ‘eyelashes should appear natural, avoiding extreme length and volume,’ while ‘facial hair must be trimmed and neatly maintained.’

It also said that ‘visible tattoos’ were not permitted and ‘must be covered by clothing or waterproof makeup.’

‘Bandages are not suitable for coverage of tattoos at any time,’ the airline added.

When it came to flight attendants’ nails, Delta included numerous regulations, writing, ‘Fingernails must be clean, neat, trimmed and, if polished, chip-free. 

The airline recently updated a two-page document listing its strict guidelines for how those who hope to land a job should look on its website

The airline recently updated a two-page document listing its strict guidelines for how those who hope to land a job should look on its website  

‘All nails must be the same color. No neon colors, multi-color, adornments, glitter, hand-painted designs, or airbrushed nails permitted.’

It even included a rule regarding the way you smell, stating that while ‘aftershave, cologne, and perfume may be used,’ they have to be ‘applied lightly.’ 

When it comes to flight attendants’ hair, the document said that their locks should have a ‘natural-looking hue,’ which meant ‘no stark highlights or unnatural shades.’

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‘Hair touching or longer than the shoulder must be pulled completely back and secured away from the eyes, such as in a ponytail, bun, braid, etc.,’ it added.

‘If hair is up (i.e., in a ponytail), and still extends past your mid-back, it must be pinned up.’

As for jewelry, Delta explained in the document that there was a maximum of two earrings per ear, and the earrings ‘should be no larger than a dime.’

‘Earrings may be gold, silver, white pearl, or clear diamond/diamond-like studs only,’ it urged. ‘No hoop earrings. Ear stretching gauges are not permitted.’

In addition, aside from ‘single side-nose piercing with a pinhead stud,’ no other ‘facial or visible body piercings are allowed.’

When it comes to clothing, the document stipulates that it ‘must be professional and fit properly.’ 

‘Dresses and skirts should be at or below knee length,’ it continued.

Delta included a slew of rules regarding how those who hope to land a job should look, touching on everything nails to length of eyelashes. Delta flight attendants are seen

Delta included a slew of rules regarding how those who hope to land a job should look, touching on everything nails to length of eyelashes. Delta flight attendants are seen

‘Shoes should be closed toe flats, heels or sling back. Athletic type shoes are not permitted. 

‘Tie is required with button collared dress shirts for those who choose to wear the male uniform.’  

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Delta added that using profanity, chewing gum, and using your cellphone or earbuds during the interview process was strictly prohibited.

‘[Delta flight attendants] must be passionate about enhancing each customer’s experience while embodying the Delta brand,’ the airline concluded.

‘A Delta flight attendant is expected to deliver a welcoming, elevated, and caring experience while creating moments that matter for our customers. 

‘The customer service experience begins the moment a flight attendant puts on their uniform. 

‘The Delta uniform represents always putting safety first, pride in the Delta culture, and demonstrates a genuine graciousness that will be remembered by our customers.’

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Inside the warped mind of Trump’s second would-be assassin, according to top psychologists

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Inside the warped mind of Trump’s second would-be assassin, according to top psychologists
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From Trump voter to would-be Trump assassin, Ryan Routh is the second person to attempt to take the presidential nominee’s life in just two months.

And like Thomas Cook, who tried to take Trump’s life less than two months ago, Routh’s political beliefs are similarly confused and oblique.

Routh, 58, voted for Trump in 2016 then became a staunch never-Trumper after the 2020 loss. He had a Biden-Harris sticker on his van yet slammed Biden online.

Routh traveled to Ukraine to be a freedom fighter and dyed his hair to be the color of the Ukrainian flag, yet was a fan of brief Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy, who strongly opposed helping the Ukrainians in their war against Russia.

Dr Raj Persaud, a celebrity psychologist in the UK, said his contradictory political views were a sign Routh was a disturbed person driven by delusions of grandeur rather than an ideolog truly trying to save Democracy. 

Inside the warped mind of Trump’s second would-be assassin, according to top psychologists

He is pictured above draped in the American and Ukrainian flags

Would-be Trump assassin Ryan Wesley Routh was likely suffering from a psychiatric or personality disorder, say psychologists – although it is not clear whether he was ever diagnosed with one

Dr Persaud said Routh appeared to have a delusional sense of grandeur, or an unrealistic sense of superiority, uniqueness or invulnerability.

Their mental health issues and sense of grandeur means they continue to struggle in society, failing to hold down a job or a relationship.

Over time, this leads to tension building up — and they start to blame those around them for their shortcomings instead of themselves.

It’s this resentment that leads them to launch an attack on a symbol of society, such as a presidential candidate, for revenge or in order to prove they are ‘really something special’ and have been ‘underrated’ by everybody.

Dr Persaud said Trump was a target because the former president is so visible.

Dr Persaud said: ‘I think Trump is more easily a target… because to these inadequate men Trump is more aggravating and appears to have everything they hanker after.

‘[Trump] is supposedly a billionaire and has a super-model wife yet he had his own TV series and he flies around in a private jet.

‘He is living the dream as far as they are concerned… he is living their dream.’

These individuals also tend to be lone wolf actors, said Dr Persaud, rather than to be acting in a group — which are much harder to protect against.

Dr Jonathan Alpert, a psychotherapist in New York City, pointed to Mr Routh’s frequent run-ins with the law — including a hit-and-run and charge for possession of a machine gun dating back to 2002 — as a sign that he may have had an antisocial personality disorder, a condition where patients have a consistent disregard for the rights of others. 

There are also signs of delusions of grandeur from Routh’s stint in Ukraine, where he says he was based for five months. 

While there, he attempted to join a foreign legion and, when he was rejected, set out to recruit fighters himself. This led other fighters to view him as deluded as to his importance.

Evelyn Aschenbrenner, an American citizen serving in the legion, told CNN: ‘He seemed to have this delusion of grandeur thing. I’m like, “all you’re doing is causing headaches for everybody… the legion already has a recruiting website, there’s no need for you to be doing this”.’

Would-be assassin Ryan Routh is pictured above in the main square in Kyiv, Ukraine. The square was beamed around the world at the start of the war in 2022

Would-be assassin Ryan Routh is pictured above in the main square in Kyiv, Ukraine. The square was beamed around the world at the start of the war in 2022

Another fighter in Ukraine told the New York Post: ‘[Routh was] a crazy idiot, but no one’s really surprised.

‘People like that show up and are desperate to help and be important, and he was just one of those — just on the crazier end of things.’

There are also signs of delusions of grandeur in his decision to publish his own 291-page book titled ‘Ukraine’s Unwinnable War,’ which sold for $2.99 online.

The Economist reports the text, from 2023, is something between a diary and a political treatise.

Routh even compares himself at one point to George Orwell.

It is not clear whether Mr Routh was ever diagnosed with psychiatric or personality disorders.

The truck parked at Mr Routh's home had a 'Biden/Harris' bumper sticker on it. Psychologists say it is likely the attack had little to do with politics

The truck parked at Mr Routh’s home had a ‘Biden/Harris’ bumper sticker on it. Psychologists say it is likely the attack had little to do with politics

Routh is 58 years old and is now being held in police custody

Routh is 58 years old and is now being held in police custody 

Routh’s political views are riddled with contradictions, including his support of the Ukraine war and of Vivek Ramaswamy — who is against supporting the country. 

He has also previously written online about how he was a Trump voter but then switched to the democratic party. In later posts online, he described a strong dislike for Biden. 

Dr Persuad said: ‘People always look for political affiliations, but the research has shown over and over again that these people are not politically motivated.

‘These are not hard-core Republicans or Democrats , these are people not driven by politics but by personality problems and resentment against society at large.’ 

West Palm Beach Sheriff Sheriff Ric Bradshaw holds up an image of Routh's backpack, bag, GoPro and AK-47 style rile left outside Trump International Golf Club on Sunday when he fled the scene as the Secret Service opened fire

West Palm Beach Sheriff Sheriff Ric Bradshaw holds up an image of Routh’s backpack, bag, GoPro and AK-47 style rile left outside Trump International Golf Club on Sunday when he fled the scene as the Secret Service opened fire 

The gunman was positioned two holes ahead of where Trump was golfing on Sunday when Secret Service shots were fired in his direction. The hole is the area of the course closest to the road and present the most 'vulnerabilities,' according to those familiar

The gunman was positioned two holes ahead of where Trump was golfing on Sunday when Secret Service shots were fired in his direction. The hole is the area of the course closest to the road and present the most ‘vulnerabilities,’ according to those familiar 

Psychotherapists also came forward following the assassination attempt on Trump in Pennsylvania in July to again say the move likely had little to do with politics.

Dr Rachel Toles, a licensed clinical psychologist based in California, said people in these scenarios often have an extremely damaged ego, and have a desire to take out someone who has what they most covet — which could be success or popularity.

It’s possible, she said, that Trump represented something to his attacker, Thomas Matthew Crooks, that he deeply desired.

Dr Toles told DailyMail.com: ‘We’re talking about somebody who feels incredibly invisible, and he’s targeting the most visible man on the plant.

‘I do think it’s more about that, than it is about political Donald Trump.’

Crooks had no criminal record, unlike Routh, and virtually no online footprint — lacking popular social media sites like TikTok and Instagram. 

Classmates and school officials often characterized him as quiet, according to reports, with some saying he was often bullied because of his body odor and for wearing camouflage hunting outfits and surgical masks to school.

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