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More than 50 MPs, retailers and charities have written to the government urging it to remove the 20% VAT on period pants, the reusable underwear designed to be worn as an alternative to using tampons and sanitary towels. Other period products such as pads, tampons and menstrual cups are exempt from VAT, but consumers currently pay a 20% tax on period pants as they are classified as garments. The letter, signed by 35 MPs and peers, the chief executives of Marks & Spencer and Ocado, the publisher of Hello! magazine and several charities and non-profit organisations, including Breast Cancer Now, the Marine Conservation Society and Forum for the Future, calls on Financial Secretary to the Treasury Victoria Atkins to reclassify the pants as period products in the Chancellor’s autumn statement later this year. The government made a brilliant start by removing VAT from disposable period products but we need them to finish the job and level the playing field so that whatever period product someone chooses to use, it is VAT free Victoria McKenzie-Gould, M&S M&S has also launched the new Say Pants to the Tax campaign with the period underwear brand Wuka, promising to pass on 100% of any cost savings to shoppers if it is successful. A five-pack bundle of period pants at M&S costs £35, but would be £28 without VAT, while a pack of three – currently £20 – would drop to £16. M&S, which said it sells more than 6,000 packs of the pants each week, and Wuka calculated that their customers combined had paid more than £3 million in VAT on period pants. A survey of 268 women aged 18 to 54, conducted last month, found that 23% of respondents cited cost as a reason for not using period pants, with 83% in favour of dropping VAT from the products. Period pants can be washed and worn again for months, which means they can save consumers money and help reduce plastic waste. Wuka estimates that one pair of period pants can save 200 single-use plastic disposables from going to landfill. Victoria McKenzie-Gould, corporate affairs director at M&S, said: “The government made a brilliant start by removing VAT from disposable period products but we need them to finish the job and level the playing field so that whatever period product someone chooses to use, it is VAT free. “Nearly 25% of women cite cost as a barrier to using period pants. If they were classified as they should be – as a period product – the government can make this brilliant alternative to disposable products a more cost-effective option for UK consumers.” In May, the Treasury said it would analyse whether the removal of the “tampon tax” has helped lower prices. Responding to a written question from the Labour MP Ruth Cadbury, the government said a tax reduction was able to “contribute to the conditions for price reductions” and it was “looking into whether this important zero rating is being passed on by retailers to women as intended”. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live How to lower your blood sugar levels, as new research reveals heart disease link Remove VAT from period pants, government urged ‘Long Covid has taken away my ability to eat food or urinate in three years’

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In a nutshell: Fine food and relaxation in a wonderfully serene part of the world The neighbourhood Loch Fyne Hotel and Spa sits waterside on the banks of Scotland’s longest sea loch in the western region of Argyll and Bute. Situated a 65-mile drive from Glasgow, this picturesque route skirts Loch Lomond before taking the meandering A83 through the dramatic Arrochar Alps mountain range. Big skies, wide open space and the undeniably peaceful feeling of being beside this Atlantic Ocean inlet make this special part of the world the ideal sanctuary for those seeking some R&R. While the hotel benefits from feeling very much away from things, it’s actually only a 10-minute walk from the small town of Inverary with its gothic 18th-century castle and excellent walking trails (hike to Dun Na Cuaiche for a breathtaking view). Don’t leave without a pint of local ale in The George Hotel. Read more about UK travel: The best hotels in Loch Lomond The best Christmas breaks in the Lake District Best beach stays in the UK and Ireland: Hotels, cottages and more The vibe Think Highlands hunting lodge with a warm Scottish welcome. Built in 1856, this historic building was known as Admiralty House during World War II, when it became the only place outside London to be used as a wartime cabinet office, with visitors to the building including King George VI, Winston Churchill and General De Gaulle. It found a second lease of life in 1945 when it was transformed into a hotel. Traditional gold-framed portraits of Scottish nobility, tartan carpets and tweed furnished seats in colours inspired by the surrounding natural environment are very much the aesthetic, although a 2019 refurbishment to rooms and a brand new spa has introduced a more contemporary feel to proceedings, with marble tables and plush furnishings. Bed and bath There are 68 rooms, ranging from Petite Doubles to one of four suites in the hotel’s oldest wing; Glen Ord and Lagavulin both have feature windows with stellar views across the loch. Vintage touches include rotary telephones and vintage DAB radios, while welcome trays include Tunnock’s tea cakes, mineral water, coffee and a selection of teas courtesy of The Wee Tea Company. White subway-tiled bathrooms contain rainfall showers, while suites include freestanding bathtubs and his and hers sinks. Sustainable locally made toiletries are provided courtesy of The Highland Soap Company, while fluffy bathrobes and soft slippers come as standard for elevated lounging. My Shackleton bed was blissfully comfortable, with quality mitre linen keeping me cosy throughout the night. Food and drink Kick things off with a wee dram in the cosy Loch View bar. In addition to cocktails, spirits and wine, there’s a good selection of local beers and an impressive selection of whisky. Squishy leather sofas, marble tables and a fireplace make this the perfect place for a tipple with a view thanks to the floor-to-ceiling windows looking over the loch. Cladach Mòr Bistro is an AA rosette awarded restaurant with a focus on Scotland’s excellent produce and with Loch Fyne internationally renowned for the quality of its seafood, it’s the ideal place to dive in. Produce is sourced locally (but of course), with a dream selection of seafood and meat, meaning it’s not the best option for vegetarians and vegans. Langoustines were succulent and bouncy, scallops tender and lemon sole delicious. The venison was also an absolute treat and beautifully cooked. Staff were knowledgeable and warm. Public areas Significant cash has been splashed at the hotel’s new Shore Spa, and it’s largely been a successful investment. The indoor 15 metre pool includes aqua jets to obliterate any persistent muscular knots, while a steam room invites you to sweat it out. Step outside to switch it up in the barrel sauna, before rinsing in the drench shower and hopping into the hot tub with views across the loch. Therapists at the adjacent Inverary Spa, which offers a good selection of treatments, including facials, massages and scrubs, are experienced and professional, and use award-winning natural ishga skincare products made from Scottish seaweed. In addition to the bar and restaurant area, there’s also a games room, with board games to entertain all ages, and an under-stairs snug to escape to with a book. Nuts and bolts Room count: 68 Freebies: Tea, coffee and sweet treats in bedrooms. Wifi: Free wifi is available to all guests throughout the hotel. Extra charges: None. Disability access: The hotel has an access level and a lift to guest bedrooms across three floors. All public areas are accessible. The Cladach Mòr Bistro restaurant, Loch View bar, private rooms and spa are all on the ground floor. The original/older part of the building does not have lift access, however. Pet policy: Well-behaved dogs are welcome in all guestrooms, reception area, Loch View lounge bar and the hotel grounds. Dogs staying overnight are subject to a £20 charge per evening; no charge for service dogs. Bottom line Best thing: Friendly service and those loch views. Worst thing: The “hot” tub was not especially hot during my stay. Perfect for: A relaxing weekend break. Not right for: Stag and hen dos. Instagram from: The hot tub. Read more of our UK hotel reviews: The best spa hotels in the Scottish Highlands Best luxury hotels in Scotland Best hotels in Glasgow Read More The best New Year’s hotel breaks with entertainment This hotel has opened the Lake District’s first ‘spa garden’ The best all-inclusive UK breaks to celebrate the New Year How to do winter in London right The best new hotels that opened in the UK this autumn Why you should explore the Cotswolds by bike

Lewis Hamilton has said he would welcome a protest from Just Stop Oil campaigners at this weekend’s British Grand Prix. The climate activists targeted Wimbledon on Wednesday and have caused disruption at the Lord’s Ashes Test, the Premiership rugby final and the World Snooker Championship so far this year. Asked ahead of Sunday’s race, if he would support a protest which did not involve people invading the track, Hamilton said: “Yes. I support peaceful protests.” Five people invaded last year’s British Grand Prix after they stormed the Wellington Straight – the fastest point of the Northamptonshire track – before sitting down during the opening lap. The contest had already been suspended following Alfa Romeo driver Zhou Guanyu’s high-speed crash, but a number of cars sped by the group before they were dragged away by marshals. The protesters were handed suspended jail sentences in March. Silverstone has worked alongside Northamptonshire Police to beef up security ahead of this year’s event, with a record 480,000 people expected to attend over the weekend, and 150,000 fans in place for the race. Seven-time world champion Hamilton added: “We are hoping we have learnt from the experience (of last year). “We have 100 more marshals this weekend which will be supportive to make sure it doesn’t happen. “From my perspective, and my teams’ perspective, we are focused on sustainability and we believe in what people (the protesters) are fighting for and we are making those changes as a sport. “But safety is key. We don’t want to put them in harm’s way and we don’t want to put anyone else in harm’s way. If there was to be one (a protest) we hope it is not on track.” Earlier this week, McLaren driver Lando Norris told Just Stop Oil campaigners that they would be “stupid and selfish” to put lives in danger by protesting But Williams’ London-born Alex Albon believes an attack is likely. “There is a high chance of something happening this week,” he said. “It is a concern because a pitch invasion is one thing but with cars and moving parts it gets a bit more dangerous to some extent.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live 5 memorable races staged at Silverstone David Coulthard looks at the key issues surrounding Lewis Hamilton’s next deal Phenomenal circuit and incredible atmosphere – Mark Webber remembers Silverstone