Gordon Ramsay Reveals Issues with Amorous Diners at New London Restaurant

Gordon Ramsay Reveals Issues with Amorous Diners at New London Restaurant

Renowned Chef Complains About Couples Using Restroom as a “Mile High Bathroom”

Gordon Ramsay has shared a lighthearted but surprising problem he’s faced since opening his new restaurant, Lucky Cat, in London’s tallest office building at 22 Bishopsgate. Despite the venue’s sleek Asian-inspired menu and panoramic city views, Ramsay has encountered an issue that he hadn’t anticipated when starting the business.

During an appearance on ITV’s The Jonathan Ross Show, the famous chef revealed that the restaurant’s luxurious toilets have become a hotspot for amorous couples. “We’ve got a problem with the toilets,” Ramsay explained. “There are lots of couples going in there and treating it like the ‘mile high’ bathroom.”

However, the amorous behaviour is not the only thing troubling Ramsay. He also expressed frustration over the restaurant’s lucky cat statues, which have been disappearing at an alarming rate. “The cats are getting stolen. There were 477 stolen last week – they cost £4.50 each!” he lamented.

Ramsay’s appearance on the show also saw him share a funny incident involving a fan, who gave him a backhanded compliment. “A lady said to me ‘you look so much better in real life and so much taller’,” Ramsay chuckled.

As the father of six, Ramsay also discussed his family life, including the prospect of more children with his wife, Tana. With their eldest child now 26 and their youngest just 14 months, Ramsay hinted that their family might be complete. “I’d like to think so, yes,” he laughed.

On a happier note, Ramsay revealed that his daughter Holly is preparing for a “Christmas wedding” to Olympic swimmer Adam Peaty. Ramsay praised Peaty, saying, “He’s so grounded. Those two get on so well. It’s a blessing.”

Woman Charged with Stalking McCann Family After Claiming to Be Madeleine

Woman Charged with Stalking McCann Family After Claiming to Be Madeleine

Julia Wandel Accused of Disturbing the Family Through Multiple Unwanted Contacts

A 23-year-old Polish woman, Julia Wandel, has been charged with stalking the family of missing British girl Madeleine McCann, after repeatedly making unwelcome contact with them, including sending messages, voicemails, and even appearing at their home. Wandel, who claims to be Madeleine, is accused of causing serious distress to the McCann family over the past year.

Between May 2022 and February 2025, Wandel allegedly engaged in persistent harassment, including turning up at the McCann family home and sending letters, making phone calls, and leaving voicemails. She is also accused of contacting Madeleine’s siblings, Amelie and Sean, and attempting to interact with them via WhatsApp and Instagram.

The court heard that Wandel travelled from Poland to attend an annual vigil for Madeleine in August 2024. During this visit, she allegedly delivered a handwritten letter to the family. The prosecutor stated that Wandel had become obsessed with the idea of being the missing girl, even requesting a DNA test from the family.

Wandel was arrested upon her arrival at Bristol Airport on Wednesday. A 60-year-old friend, who was with her, was also detained in connection with the stalking case but has been released on bail. Both arrests were carried out by Avon and Somerset Police on behalf of Leicestershire Police, who are investigating the case.

Wandel appeared in court for the first time on Friday and was remanded in custody. She faces charges related to stalking offences occurring in various periods from May 2024 to December 2024. The next court hearing will be held on April 7, 2025, at Leicester Crown Court.

Madeleine McCann, who disappeared in May 2007 while on holiday in Portugal, remains one of the most high-profile missing person cases in the UK.

MBAS Launches BuildTrust Certification and Online Directory to Assist Property Owners

MBAS Launches BuildTrust Certification and Online Directory to Assist Property Owners

New Initiative Aims to Improve Transparency and Reliability in the Building Industry

The Master Builders Association Singapore (MBAS) has unveiled a new certification initiative designed to help property owners identify reliable builders. The Certified BuildTrust Manager emblem, alongside an online directory, will serve as a quality assurance measure, ensuring that construction professionals meet industry standards.

With concerns over workmanship and accountability in the building sector, MBAS aims to increase transparency by providing property owners with a verified list of professionals. The Certified BuildTrust Manager title will be awarded to builders who demonstrate compliance with rigorous quality and ethical standards.

Through the newly launched online directory, property owners can conveniently search for certified builders, making it easier to engage trusted professionals for their projects. The certification process includes thorough assessments, background checks, and adherence to safety and industry regulations.

MBAS emphasised that the initiative is part of a broader effort to elevate industry professionalism and strengthen consumer confidence. By enabling homeowners and businesses to make informed choices, the BuildTrust certification seeks to foster a more accountable and high-quality construction landscape in Singapore.

Psychiatrist and Politician Ang Yong Guan Closes Paragon Clinic Amid Suspension

Psychiatrist and Politician Ang Yong Guan Closes Paragon Clinic Amid Suspension

Dr Ang Expresses Sadness as He Vacates Premises After Nearly Two Decades of Practice

Psychiatrist and politician Dr Ang Yong Guan has announced the closure of his clinic at Paragon Medical Singapore, where he has treated patients since 2005. In a video posted on Monday (Feb 17), Dr Ang shared that he was vacating the clinic after nearly two decades, having provided psychiatric care to around 7,000 individuals.

His departure follows a ruling by the Court of Three Judges on Feb 5, which imposed a three-year suspension for exceeding prescribed medication dosage limits in a past case. Despite this, Dr Ang revealed that the Singapore Medical Council has yet to confirm when the suspension will officially commence. Until then, he intends to continue seeing patients at his Novena Medical Centre practice for a few more weeks.

“It’s a difficult moment, but life must go on. I deeply appreciate the support from everyone over the years,” he said, reflecting on his clinic’s closure.

Aside from his medical career, Dr Ang has been active in politics. He was Head of Training and Development for the Progress Singapore Party from 2020 to 2023 and later became its Second Assistant Secretary-General in April 2023. Previously, he was affiliated with the Singapore Democratic Party in 2011 and SingFirst in 2014. Over the years, he contested multiple General Elections, including in Holland–Bukit Timah GRC, Tanjong Pagar GRC, and Marymount SMC, where he narrowly lost in 2020.

Dr Ang’s public service extends beyond politics. He was awarded the Public Service Medal in 1995 for his contributions as a community leader in Kembangan, working alongside former MP George Yeo for 15 years. A former colonel in the Singapore Armed Forces, he also received the Public Administration Medal in 1996. Before retiring from military service in 2003, he served as the Chief Psychiatrist of the SAF’s Psychological Medicine Branch.

Legal Case and Suspension
Dr Ang’s legal troubles stem from a case dating back to 2012, involving a patient, Quek Kiat Siong, who died of multiple organ failure four days after receiving a prescription that exceeded recommended dosage limits. The patient had been undergoing treatment for conditions such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, and insomnia.

At the time, Dr Ang prescribed 60mg of Mirtazapine and 25mg of Zolpidem Controlled Release per day—both exceeding the respective maximum dosages of 45mg and 12.5mg.

Initially, a disciplinary tribunal convened by the Singapore Medical Council imposed a two-year suspension, which was appealed by both Dr Ang and the SMC. The Court of Three Judges later found him guilty of three counts of professional misconduct and increased his suspension to three years, finalising the decision on Feb 19.

As Dr Ang prepares to step away from his long-standing medical practice, his case continues to spark discussions about professional accountability in Singapore’s healthcare sector.

Sharp Council Tax Increases Expected Across England

Sharp Council Tax Increases Expected Across England

Majority of Local Authorities Set to Raise Taxes by Near Maximum Allowed Without Referendum

The vast majority of councils in England are planning to impose a near-maximum increase in council tax this year, with most opting for a 4.99 per cent rise. Data from 139 top-tier local authorities indicate that nearly 90 per cent will apply this increase, while a handful have been permitted to exceed the usual cap due to severe financial challenges.

Among those facing steeper increases, Somerset has been authorised to raise council tax by 7.5 per cent, while Birmingham and Trafford have received approval for 7.49 per cent. Newham and Windsor & Maidenhead stand out with planned hikes of 8.99 per cent.

Only 15 councils have proposed smaller increases, with Wandsworth at the lowest rate of 2 per cent, maintaining its position as one of the least expensive areas for council tax in the country. Other councils opting for more modest rises include Rotherham (3 per cent), Essex (3.75 per cent), and Doncaster (3.99 per cent).

Despite the widespread increases, experts and local leaders have raised concerns over the fairness of the council tax system. Martin Hill, leader of Lincolnshire County Council, which proposed a 2.99 per cent rise, criticised the disparity in tax-setting rules, saying: “We have always managed our finances responsibly, yet some councils receive permission to raise taxes beyond the threshold while we continue to operate within our means.”

The government’s financial projections assumed that all councils would raise tax by 4.99 per cent, contributing to an estimated 6.8 per cent overall increase in council spending power for 2025-26. However, some critics argue that the poorest households bear a disproportionate burden.

Analysis from the Resolution Foundation reveals that the lowest-income households now spend an increasing share of their income on council tax—4.8 per cent in 2020-21 compared to 2.9 per cent in 2002-03. This is significantly higher than the 1.5 per cent paid by the wealthiest fifth of households.

The current council tax framework, based on outdated property valuations from 1991, has long been criticised for being inefficient and unfair. Lalitha Try, an economist at the Resolution Foundation, described the tax as “flawed” and argued that it increasingly resembles the poll tax it was designed to replace.

As councils finalise their budgets, the impact of these tax increases on households and local economies remains a pressing concern, with many calling for urgent reforms to the system.

Budget 2025 Triggers Debate Over Vouchers and Cash Payouts

Budget 2025 Triggers Debate Over Vouchers and Cash Payouts

Government’s Choice to Prioritise Credits Over Direct Cash Assistance Divides Public Opinion

Singapore’s Prime Minister Lawrence Wong delivered his first Budget statement on 18 February, outlining key measures such as increased support for skills development, expanded financial incentives for families, and major investments in infrastructure and research. However, much of the public discourse ahead of the announcement centred on whether direct cash payouts would be included, especially with a general election on the horizon.

Rather than large cash disbursements, the Budget introduced a variety of credits under schemes like ActiveSG, LifeSG, SG Culture Pass, and the Climate Voucher programme. Additional financial assistance will come in the form of Edusave and Medisave top-ups, personal income tax rebates, and utility bill discounts.

A notable component of the Budget is the SG60 Vouchers, with every Singaporean receiving $600, while seniors will get an extra $200. In addition, all households will be granted $800 in Community Development Council (CDC) vouchers. The only direct cash payout will come via the GST Voucher scheme, with eligible individuals receiving either $450 or $850 in August 2025.

This approach has sparked significant discussion online, with some Singaporeans expressing frustration over the preference for vouchers instead of cash. Many argue that cash would provide greater flexibility in addressing rising living costs, whereas vouchers restrict spending to specific merchants and services.

One Facebook user, Sky Tan, commented, “Why not just give cash? Too many restrictions.” Another, Kamen Augustine Tan, added, “Cash is better than all these vouchers.” Others pointed out the inconvenience of finding businesses that accept CDC vouchers, questioning why unrestricted financial aid was not provided.

Some netizens also speculated that, given this is an election year, they had anticipated a more generous payout. Facebook user Ismail Ismael remarked, “I was expecting $2,000—this amount feels like peanuts.” Another, Edward Sim, referenced a local saying, warning that pre-election benefits could be followed by post-election cost increases: “We get the chicken drumsticks now, but they’ll take back the whole chicken farm later.”

While some voiced disappointment, others defended the government’s strategy, arguing that vouchers ensure targeted assistance while simultaneously supporting local businesses. Several commenters urged critics to consider the long-term benefits of the Budget rather than focusing solely on immediate financial relief.

As Singapore moves closer to the general election, Budget 2025 has ignited a lively debate about the balance between immediate cost-of-living relief and long-term national economic stability. Whether this approach will win public approval remains to be seen in the months ahead.