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  1. The Back Pages
13 October 2021

This England: Petrol Heads

This column – which, though named after a line in Shakespeare’s “Richard II”, refers to the whole of Britain – has run in the NS since 1934.

By New Statesman

Petrol heads

A tanker driver has told how he was tailed by 20 drivers who were dismayed to discover he was not transporting petrol.

Johnny Anderson, who drives for Weaver Haulage, was transporting dry mortar mix from Wolverhampton to a Northamptonshire building site. When he reached his destination, he saw a line of traffic backed up behind him.

“The man at the front said, ‘You could have stopped and told us you weren’t a petrol tanker,’” he said.
BBC East of England 
(Andrew McKeown)

Armchair critic

Select and enter your email address The New Statesman's quick and essential guide to the news and politics of the day. The best way to sign up for Morning Call is via morningcall.substack.com Your weekly guide to the best writing on ideas, politics, books and culture every Saturday. The best way to sign up for The Saturday Read is via saturdayread.substack.com Our Thursday ideas newsletter, delving into philosophy, criticism, and intellectual history. The best way to sign up for The Salvo is via thesalvo.substack.com Stay up to date with NS events, subscription offers & updates. Weekly analysis of the shift to a new economy from the New Statesman's Spotlight on Policy team. The best way to sign up for The Green Transition is via spotlightonpolicy.substack.com
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A furious gran is demanding DFS take back a £1,200 sofa she claims is “dangerous” – despite the store saying it is not faulty.

Claire Neil says that her two-year-old grandson has injured himself twice as he stands up and either “flops” or “bangs” back down – hitting his face on the armrests with such force he “gave himself a black eye”. Horrified, Neil rang and emailed the retail giant numerous times before a DFS worker examined the silver crushed velvet sofa and cuddle chair in her home in September and deemed it safe.
Manchester Evening News 
(Janet Mansfield)

[See also: This England: Spurring stuff]

A new lease of life

A blind dog due to be put down is now enjoying life as a girl’s best friend. Cocker spaniel Stevie was adopted by Vickie Tatlow for her daughter Tegan, 18. Stevie was due to be put down due to poor eyesight but had pioneering surgery and can now see.
Yorkshire Post 
(Michael Meadowcroft)

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This article appears in the 13 Oct 2021 issue of the New Statesman, Perfect Storm

Select and enter your email address The New Statesman's quick and essential guide to the news and politics of the day. The best way to sign up for Morning Call is via morningcall.substack.com Your weekly guide to the best writing on ideas, politics, books and culture every Saturday. The best way to sign up for The Saturday Read is via saturdayread.substack.com Our Thursday ideas newsletter, delving into philosophy, criticism, and intellectual history. The best way to sign up for The Salvo is via thesalvo.substack.com Stay up to date with NS events, subscription offers & updates. Weekly analysis of the shift to a new economy from the New Statesman's Spotlight on Policy team. The best way to sign up for The Green Transition is via spotlightonpolicy.substack.com
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Visit our privacy Policy for more information about our services, how Progressive Media Investments may use, process and share your personal data, including information on your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications.
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