Lucy Pasha-Robinson

News Reporter

United Kingdom

Award-winning freelance journalist, fluent French speaker, anglo-Asian.

Portfolio

UK politics

The Independent
01/24/2017
How the Supreme Court ruling offers hope for EU nationals

Campaigners fighting for the right of EU nationals to remain in the UK after Brexit said they had been offered their first glimmer of hope after the Supreme Court ruling. The historic judgement found that Theresa May must secure approval from parliament before triggering Article 50 in order to withdraw Britain from the bloc.

The Independent
03/16/2017
One in three Black and Asian Brits have been racially abused since Brexit

Over a third of Black, Asian and minority ethnic (Bame) people have been racially abused or have witnessed racist abuse since the Brexit vote, a report reveals. One in five Bame people have suffered or seen a racial assault and two in five - 41 per cent - have heard racist remarks or opinions since Britain's decision to leave the EU in June 2016.

The Independent
02/24/2017
Government just quietly 'blocked benefits payments to 160,000 people'

Conservative ministers have introduced emergency legislation which denies 160,000 people from receiving benefits that are "rightfully theirs", it has been claimed. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) was advised to expand the reach of the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) by two tribunals to cover a broader spectrum of claimants, including those with psychological problems. However disabilities minister Penny Mordaunt said urgent reforms were needed to "restore the original aim of...

The Independent
02/19/2017
Home Office set to review child refugee asylum claims in France

The Government has announced it will review asylum applications from child refugees in France, less than two weeks after its early closure of the Dubs programme. The Home Office said it would reconsider cases of children "normally resident in the Calais camp", after it emerged up to 400 unaccompanied minors had made their way back to the so-called Jungle in recent weeks.

The Independent
01/26/2017
Theresa May warns Donald Trump about Iran

Theresa May has warned about "Iran's malign influence in the Middle East" in a speech delivered to Republicans in Philadelphia. The Prime Minister said pushing back on "Iran's aggressive efforts" to increase its "arc of influence from Tehran through to the Mediterranean" was a priority for the UK, taking a markedly tougher tone since reestablishing diplomatic relations 18 months ago.

The Independent
01/26/2017
Theresa May and Donald Trump set to hold joint press conference

Theresa May is set to hold a joint press conference with Donald Trump on Friday during her visit to Washington, the White House has announced. Ms May left for the United States on Thursday to become the first foreign leader to meet the President.

The Independent
01/18/2017
How you can help EU nationals living in UK facing Brexit uncertainty

Charities, campaigners and human rights activists have accused Theresa May of using EU nationals as a "bargaining chip" for Brexit negotiations after she refused to guarantee their right to remain in the UK. Matt Carr, organiser of 1 Day Without Us, a national day of action to celebrate migrant contributions, told The Independent Ms May made a "deliberate political choice" not to guarantee EU citizens' rights.

The Independent
10/20/2016
Number of Britons seeking EU citizenship surges after Brexit vote

The number of British people seeking citizenship in EU countries has surged following June's EU referendum, it was claimed. Member states including Denmark, Italy, Ireland and Sweden have all seen an increase in applications from Britons eager to secure their right to live and work in Europe.

The Independent
10/17/2016
Majority of Londoners say they're willing to pay for a renters union

Nine out of 10 of London's private renters have experienced at least four serious problems during their tenancy, including electrical faults, incomplete repairs and lost deposits, according to a new survey. The report, commissioned by Green London Assembly Member Sian Berry, found nearly six out of 10 renters would pay for an independent renters organisation to investigate landlords and campaign for better standards.

The Independent
11/03/2016
The Government is taking the Article 50 ruling to the Supreme Court

The British Government has suffered a momentous defeat in a High Court ruling over whether Article 50 can be triggered by law without a parliamentary vote. Lord Chief Justice Lord Thomas said on Thursday Theresa May must allow Parliament a vote before formal Brexit proceedings can be invoked in a surprise ruling that complicates the Government's Brexit plans.

International Business Times UK
10/02/2016
Theresa May says Article 50 will be triggered by March 2017 starting Brexit process

British Prime Minister Theresa May has announced that negotiations for the UK to leave the European Union will begin by March 2017. May announced that she will trigger Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty, which will begin the two-year process of negotiating the UK's withdrawal from the economic alliance, on the BBC's The Andrew Marr show on Sunday (2 October).

The Independent
12/05/2016
Is the EU going to fall apart before Britain gets a chance to leave it?

Italy's rejection of constitutional reform on Sunday was the latest in a string of electoral tests to send shockwaves through Europe's increasingly fragile foundations. With Austria narrowly escaping a ruling far-right president and Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi's resignation giving rise to fresh uncertainty over the bloc's future, could this be the end of the European Union as we know it?

Humanitarian issues

The Independent
02/23/2017
Women freed from Isis are taking off their veils and burning them

Syrian women liberated from Isis control have been filmed burning their veils as they reclaim their freedom. Footage released by local media showed a group of jubilant women removing their face veils and stamping on them before setting fire to the fabric with a lighter and smoking cigarettes in celebration.

The Independent
01/07/2017
A secret underground network is working together to free Isis sex slaves

A secret underground network operating in Iraq and Syria has reportedly freed more than 3,000 Yazidi women held captive in sexual slavery by Isis. Kurdish and Christian civilians make up the group, along with other ethnic minorities and families of the victims, NGO Yazda has claimed.

The Independent
10/31/2016
Thousands of homeless migrants are sleeping rough in Paris - and no one's talking about it

As the world's focus turns to the near 10,000 migrants displaced from the Calais "jungle", thousands of refugees are sleeping rough on the streets of northern Paris, away from the media spotlight. Now, French authorities have launched an evacuation of a migrant camp in Stalingrad, the latest in a string of similar operations in the area in recent months.

BuzzFeed
People Smugglers Step Up Exploitation Of Migrants With Lethal New Strategy

North African people smugglers have adopted a cynical new strategy to capitalise on migrants' desperation to reach Europe, according to a Unicef spokesman. Using ever-flimsier vessels that they know will never make the crossing, smugglers are relying on rescue boats to take the migrants the rest of the way to shore.

Lucy Pasha-Robinson
01/14/2016
Willkommenskultur after Cologne

On 31st December, gangs of men gathered in Cologne with the premeditated intention of sexually assaulting and stealing from women. The news was hard to swallow. As many as 1,000 men were said to be involved, with upwards of 90 complaints deposed by female victims, and eye-witness accounts claiming the majority were of Arab or North-African origin.

The Independent
11/08/2016
What should you do if you see a homeless child?

Some 120,000 children will be homeless this Christmas, according to housing charity Shelter. However, you won't - or you shouldn't - see these children on the streets. Most of these minors, with their families, will be forced to find emergency temporary accommodation such as hostels or bedsits.

Lucy Pasha-Robinson
06/03/2016
Countless human rights violations show why we should boycott Dubai

The Great British Summer is upon us and escaping the wash out is looking more and more appealing. With London's sky-rocketing house prices, stagnating wages and never-ending university debt, it's no wonder generation-rent are looking for more than just a holiday.

Women

The Independent
03/17/2017
Nearly half of girls do not know what is happening when they start their period

Nearly half of girls (44 per cent) do not know what is happening to them the first time they have their period, a new report has revealed. A majority of women felt scared (60 per cent) or embarrassed (58 per cent), and half did not feel confident enough to tell anyone else they had started their period.

BuzzFeed
This Is What It's Like To Go Through Menopause At 25

I always knew deep down that something was up with my periods. From day one, they were irregular and painful, radiating aches down my thighs and causing such extreme bloating that I couldn't wear trousers.

The Independent
10/31/2016
The pill: From sexual revolution to cancer and depression links - everything you need to know...

The contraceptive pill sparked a sexual revolution for women when it hit the mainstream in the 1960s, but how much do we really know about its side effects? Hormonal contraceptives are used by 3.5 million women in the UK alone, allowing them to prevent pregnancy on their terms, but many of the side effects affecting women today haven't improved since its inception.

International Business Times UK
11/26/2016
UN: Violence against women obstacle to sustainable global development

Violence against women imposes large-scale costs on families, communities and the economy, the UN has warned. Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon called for "meaningful action" to end persistent violence against women around the world, stressing the costs of such persecution created obstacles to sustainable development in a speech delivered on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and Girls on Friday (25 November).

Belle Jar
11/27/2015
When did ageing become a women's issue?

I'm just going to come right out and say it: anti-ageing ads are bullshit. Did no one let those advertising execs know that this isn't the '50s? You'd be forgiven for thinking not. Earlier this week, I tuned in for my weekly fix of my favourite series.

International Business Times UK
09/25/2016
Labour launches Women in Leadership programme in memory of Jo Cox

Labour has announced the launch of a Women In Leadership mentoring programme in memory of Labour MP Jo Cox. General Secretary Iain McNicol announced the plans to train 600 future women leaders at the opening address of the Labour Party Conference in Liverpool on Sunday (25 September).

International affairs

The Independent
04/20/2017
Police officer dead and two injured after Champs-Elysees shooting

A police officer has died and two are seriously wounded after a shooting near the Champs-Elysees boulevard in Paris. Isis have claimed responsibility for the attack, in which the officer was said to have been killed while in a car before the assailant was himself shot dead by police.

The Independent
04/21/2017
First picture of Paris attack suspect published

The man believed to be responsible for Thursday's terror attack in Paris was previously investigated for terrorism threats and jailed for shooting police officers, it has been confirmed. Paris prosecutor Francois Molins officially named Karim Cheurfi, 39, as the perpetrator of the Champs-Elysees attack during a press conference on Friday.

The Independent
01/26/2017
You're more likely to die in a space travel incident than be killed by a refugee terrorist in...

The chance of a being killed by a refugee terrorist in the US is one in 3.64 billion, according to a new report that studied the tangible risk posed by immigration. The statistic was revealed as news emerged of President Donald Trump's plan to issue an executive order suspending immigration from seven Muslim-majority countries, and ban refugees from entering the US for 120 days.

The Independent
01/19/2017
Marine Le Pen holds lead in latest first round French election poll

Far-right leader Marine Le Pen is holding on to her lead in the first round of the French presidential elections, according to a new poll. The Front National head had between 25 and 26 per cent support compared with presidential favourite François Fillion, who received between 23 and 25 per cent, according to an Ipsos Sopra Steria poll for the respected French newspaper, Le Monde and the Cevipof research centre.

The Independent
01/12/2017
Marine Le Pen takes the lead in first round French election poll

Marine Le Pen has overtaken French presidential favourite François Fillon to become the frontrunner in the latest first round election poll. The Front National leader is now polling at 26.5 per cent, a lead of 1.5 per cent over former Conservative Prime Minister Fillon.

The Independent
01/13/2017
Donald Trump 'highly likely' to be impeached within months of becoming President

Donald Trump is "highly likely" to face impeachment within 18 months of taking office, an expert in American politics has warned. The President-elect deflected the latest wave of explosive allegations to rock his administration on Wednesday during his first news conference since his election, adding to the growing list of scandals that emerged during his campaign.

The Independent
12/20/2016
Germany can expect 'further significant attacks' after Berlin lorry tragedy

Germany can expect "further significant attacks" after a lorry ploughed into crowds at a Berlin Christmas market on Monday killing at least 12 people, a police chief has warned. Head of the federal criminal police office Holger Münch said Germany remained on "high alert" with police unclear whether a man arrested in connection with the attack is actually the perpetrator.

The Independent
01/16/2017
Istanbul nightclub attack suspect 'captured'

The gunman suspected of killing 39 people in an Istanbul nightclub on New Year's Day has been arrested, according to local media reports. Abdulkadir Masharipov was reportedly arrested by police in the Esenyurt district of the Turkish capital, the Hurriyet newspaper said.

The Independent
11/24/2016
Donald Trump's tax plans a 'massive giveaway' to richest 1%

Donald Trump's taxation plans would represent a "massive giveaway" to America's richest one per cent and leave eight million of its poorest families worse off, experts have warned. The proposal - which Mr Trump announced would benefit the "forgotten" working and middle classes - will reportedly see millions of low-income and single-parent families face sharp tax hikes, while America's elite receives a break worth an estimated $214,000 (£171,000).

The Independent
11/20/2016
Marine Le Pen has taken a huge lead over Nicolas Sarkozy in the latest French presidential...

Front National leader Marine Le Pen has taken a sizeable lead over Nicolas Sarkozy in a new French presidential election poll. The far-right leader had 29 per cent of the vote when pitted against Les Républicains' former president, who was eight points behind, and held a 15-point lead over the Parti de Gauche's Jean-Luc Mélenchon in the poll released by Ipsos.

The Independent
11/19/2016
The proof that something terrifying really is happening with climate change

Global sea ice is retreating at unprecedented speed with its impact already being felt across the globe, a leading scientist has warned. While ice in the Arctic is close to record lows, the Antarctic has seen sea ice running at lowest ever levels for this time of year since records began.

The Independent
09/19/2016
China's demand for rare $50,000 'aquatic cocaine' fish bladder pushing species to extinction

China's illegal trade in the rare totoaba fish bladder is driving an endangered species of vaquita fish to the brink of extinction, according to a new report. Numbers of the vaquita have been decimated by illegal poachers using gill nets to trap the totoaba fish, nicknamed "money maw" or "aquatic cocaine" for its staggeringly high price tag on the Asian market.

International Business Times UK
09/18/2016
Eastern European countries will veto Brexit if their citizens rights are threatened

A group of influential Eastern European countries have threatened to veto Brexit if it diminishes the rights of their citizens who live and work in Britain. The Visegrad Four (V4), made up of the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland and Slovakia, are seeking a guarantee that their nationals will be treated as equals under the UK's laws should Brexit go ahead, before agreeing to any proposed deal.

The Independent
09/20/2016
Indian market trader 'caught spray-painting unripe fruit'

Indian market traders are spray-painting and dying fruit to make it appear more natural and boost sales, it has been claimed. Footage passed to The Independent shows a man at stall in Dehli applying the paint to a mound of unripe lychees.

International Business Times UK
09/18/2016
New York bombing that injured 29 was 'terrorism' but not linked to Isis, says governor

The governor of New York has confirmed the bombing in New York that injured 29 people was an "act of terrorism", but has dismissed any links to Islamic State (Isis). Speaking at a press conference Andrew Cuomo said: "A bomb exploding in New York is obviously an act of terrorism but it's not linked to international terrorism, in other words, we find no Isis connection."

International Business Times UK
09/17/2016
Paris hostage situation was a 'false alarm', according to French authorities

French police who stormed a central Paris church this afternoon in a suspected hostage situation have confirmed that the situation was a false alarm. Parisian authorities issued an alert of a possible hostage situation in a central Paris church on the afternoon of Saturday (17 September).

International Business Times UK
10/01/2016
Egyptian MP says women should prove they're virgins before attending university

An Egyptian MP has called for mandatory virginity tests to be performed on women before being admitted to universities. According to Egyptian Streets, MP Elhamy Agina called on the Minister of Higher Education to issue a mandate which would require officials to review virginity testing, specifying that university cards should only be issued to female students on completion of a virginity test.

International Business Times UK
09/18/2016
New Yorkers urged to 'be vigilant' as investigations into bomb blast continue

New York Mayor Bill de Blasio has called on New Yorkers to "be vigilant" following Saturday's (17 September) bomb blast that injured 29 people in Manhattan. Speaking at a press conference at New York's police headquarters, he called for patience in order to get to the "full truth" and said he would not "jump to conclusions" regarding the attack.

International Business Times UK
09/17/2016
Explosion at 5K charity race in New Jersey

A "device" exploded in New Jersey on Saturday morning (17 September) as 5,000 people were preparing to run a five kilometer charity race. Police are investigating another suspicious package which has yet to be identified. According to police, the bomb went off in a bin on D Street in Seaside Park at around 9:30am local time.

International Business Times UK
09/18/2016
Air rage incidents quadruple over three years

"Air rage" incidents on UK airlines have quadrupled over a three-year period, according to Civil Aviation Authority data. The figures show 386 dangerous incidents were logged in 2015, compared to just 85 in 2013. The head of a leading budget operator has now called for people who cause trouble on flights to be banned from flying.

Sunday Mirror
05/28/2016
ISIS use 50,000 civilians as 'human shields' as Iraqi forces blitz Fallujah

Islamic State fighters hid behind 50,000 civilian hostages as Iraqi forces blitzed Fallujah. The jihadis used the human shield as efforts to retake the ­terrorist stronghold, which kicked off under a US-led coalition on May 22, intensified. Some 70 fanatics have been killed in airstrikes in the past five days in Iraq and Syria, including Maher al-Bilawi, IS's leader in Fallujah.

The Independent
11/09/2016
The promises Bernie Sanders made to America that Hillary Clinton failed to give

As the world reels following Donald Trump's shock election as the 45th president of the United States, people are looking to the Democratic party's choice of candidate. Many believe Bernie Sanders could have won the election if he had been nominated over Hillary Clinton, who for many was an unsuitable candidate to face the growing anti-establishment sentiment gripping the West.

International Business Times UK
09/04/2016
Apple tax crackdown is not an attack on US, says EU Commission boss

The European Union ruling that US tech giant Apple must pay €13bn (£10.9bn, $14.50bn) in back taxes was clearly based on facts and existing rules and not an action taken "against the United States of America", EU Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker said on Sunday.

International Business Times UK
09/04/2016
Mother Teresa canonised by Pope Francis at Vatican ceremony

Mother Teresa, the nun who rose to fame for founding hospices for Kolkata's poor, was declared a saint of the Catholic Church on Sunday (4 September) by Pope Francis in a ceremony at the Vatican, 19 years after the nun's death.

Health

Daily Mirror
03/26/2016
Men encouraged to check breasts as cancer cases rise for third successive year

Cases of male breast cancer are on the increase, sparking calls for men to have more frequent checks, writes Lucy Pasha Robinson in the Sunday People. Diagnoses of the deadly disease in men rose to 332 in 2014 from 291 the previous year, figures from the Office for National Statistics reveal.

Belle Jar
09/28/2015
Orthorexia: The disease disguised as a virtue

I was diagnosed with endometriosis this year. The subsequent surgery was unexpected and I came out the other side of the ordeal completely destabilised. The shock was exacerbated by the ill-informed GP who broke the news that I'd almost certainly have difficulty conceiving, a notion that at 24 is incomprehensible.

Lucy Pasha-Robinson
01/10/2016
Going cold turkey: can Britain beat the booze?

This week, Chief Medical Officer for England, Sally Davies, announced new, tougher guidelines for recommended alcohol consumption in Britain based on evidence that drinking, even in moderation, increases our chance of cancer. Her advice is clear, cut back on the booze or risk the consequences. So can Britain kick its alcohol habit, just like that?...

Chemistanddruggist
EPS 'tokens' pilot delayed to avoid winter pressures

by Lucy Pasha-Robinson The pilot, which was due to be trialled across 16 GP practices in "early autumn", has now been pushed back to accommodate the expected "intense period" over winter, a spokesperson for NHS Digital told C+D last week (October 3).

Chemistanddruggist
Health and wellbeing pharmacists 'could be future of care'

Lloydspharmacy is in the midst of a huge change. In September, the multiple's parent company, Celesio UK, completed the takeover of 281 former Sainsbury's pharmacies. Earlier this month, it held an away-day event - complete with welcoming speeches and 'speed dating' icebreaker sessions - to help its new community pharmacy colleagues get to know each other.

UK news

The Independent
03/24/2017
This woman in a hijab was pictured walking past terror victims and became a meme. Now the...

The photographer who captured an image of a woman in a hijab walking past terror attack victims on Westminster Bridge has defended her actions as "completely appropriate" and said the image had been wildly "misappropriated". The woman has been viciously attacked online, with far-right supporters and anti-Islam websites using it as "evidence" of her indifference to the scene.

The Independent
03/03/2017
A proposal to ban puppy sales in pet shops has just been quietly dismantled following...

A proposal to ban the "inhumane" sale of puppies in UK pet shops was derailed after two leading dog charities opposed it, it has been revealed. Dogs Trust and Blue Cross warned against implementing a ban on third party dog sellers, according to the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) sub-committee that conducted an inquiry into animal welfare in the UK.

The Independent
12/01/2016
Serious and violent crime triple the amount recorded by police, according to new Government figures

The number of serious and violent crimes in England and Wales has increased by more than three times when measured with a new crime severity index. The findings, published by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) showed crimes weighted by the harm they cause society and individuals rose by nearly 17 per cent over the past five years, compared to the five per cent figure recorded by police in England and Wales.

The Independent
11/14/2016
The BBC will devote more time to covering religion

The BBC is set to diversify its programming with increased multi-faith coverage to better reflect the "role of religion in modern Britain". As part of the shake-up, Director General Tony Hall, Lord Hall of Birkenhead, will invite religious leaders to a round table next year to discuss how the broadcaster can improve on its existing output.

The Independent
11/30/2016
These are the best places in the world for maths and science education

Singapore has achieved the highest global education rankings for primary and secondary school pupils in maths and science, according to a new study. The Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS), published every four years by the International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement (IEA), assessed the performance of more than 600,000 children aged nine to 10 and 12 to 14 in 57 countries worldwide.

The Independent
12/05/2016
It's so polluted in London today that Sadiq Khan has asked people not to drive

London Mayor Sadiq Khan urged motorists to leave their cars at home on Monday as high air pollution alerts were issued across the capital. Westminster and the City were among the worst-affected areas, along with other busy roads, while the rest of London was issued with "moderate" warnings.

The Independent
11/08/2016
Toblerone has sparked outrage after changing its iconic shape

Toblerone has come under fire after it increased the space between the distinctive triangles of its bars. Mondelez International, the company which makes the product, said the change was made due to price rises in recent months, however consumers called the move "obscene".

mirror
03/11/2016
English Oak trees could be WIPED OUT by killer disease

Britain's national tree could be wiped out by a killer disease unless its spread can be contained, according to researchers. Scientists have been awarded a £1 million grant to save the English Oak from the latest tree disease to ravage Britain's countryside.

Sunday Mirror
05/21/2016
Scottish Kirk accepts officials in gay marriages - putting pressure on C of E

Church officials in same-sex marriages could be accepted by the Church of England , following a historic vote by the Scottish Kirk. The Church of Scotland voted to extend the same law that allows ministers to be in same-sex civil partnerships to clergy and church officials, increasing the pressure on the Church of England to follow suit.

International Business Times UK
09/04/2016
Strictly Come Dancing launch beats X Factor in Saturday night ratings battle

Strictly Come Dancing returned to the BBC last night (4 September), with a record 9.3 million viewers tuning in to the launch of its 14th season. The episode which saw celebrities and dancers paired off in teams, took a 46.6% viewing share for broadcast TV, peaking at 10.1 million viewers.

International Business Times UK
09/17/2016
Britain should scrap the 1p piece, says Bank of England governor

Britain should abolish the one penny coin, according to the governor of the Bank of England. Speaking yesterday (16 September), Mark Carney said the 1p needs to go "at some point" because its value is becoming increasingly diminished by inflation.

International Business Times UK
09/18/2016
Man arrested at Heathrow Airport under Terrorism Act

A man has been arrested at Heathrow Airport for an offence under the Terrorism Act, according to London's Metropolitan Police. The 39-year-old man was arrested after arriving at the airport on Saturday 17 September. He was subsequently arrested on suspicion of possessing terrorist related material under Section 58 of the Terrorism Act 2000.

Daily Mirror
05/07/2016
Elderly British couple die in France after car plunges into river

An elderly British couple died after their car went off the road at a dangerous bend in the Dordogne area of France and plunged into a river. The couple, who have been named locally as Richard Lucas, 85, and his wife Mary, 83, from Lincoln, have a holiday home in the south-west region that is hugely popular with British tourists.