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Florist Urges Consumers to Rethink Valentine’s Day Rose Purchases

According to Elizabeth Honey of the British Flower Movement, purchasing flowers that are grown locally is recommended.

This Valentine's Day, a florist is promoting an alternative to the traditional red rose, suggesting that consumers opt for locally sourced blooms instead.

Bouquet of red roses. — Red roses have long been a traditional gift for Valentine's Day

According to Elizabeth Honey of the British Flower Movement in Nottingham, red roses are out of season in the UK and most of the world during this time, highlighting the importance of considering seasonal availability when making flower purchases.

Honey describes red roses as having a significant environmental impact, noting that they have the largest carbon footprint among flowers, and recommends exploring other beautiful British-grown options.

However, John Davidson of the British Florist Association notes that domestic production cannot meet the UK's demand for flowers at this time of year, citing the need for a more diversified supply chain.

Honey points out that the British flower industry is currently dominated by imported flowers, which underscores the need for increased support of local growers.

Woman with blonde hair and denim shirt in front of bouquets of flowers — Elizabeth Honey, from the British Flower Movement, says red roses are the "wicked stepmother of flowers"

Despite a rise in small, artisanal flower growers in recent years, particularly since the Covid pandemic, Honey acknowledges that these smaller operations cannot compensate for the decline of larger growers.

To revitalize the British flower industry, Honey suggests that supermarkets, which account for a significant share of flower sales, should be encouraged to offer a wider variety of locally grown flowers.

By promoting British-grown flowers, the industry can reduce its environmental impact, as flowers grown in the UK do not incur air miles.

Additionally, Honey emphasizes the environmental benefits of buying locally grown flowers, highlighting the lack of air travel associated with these purchases.

Helen Chambers, a florist and flower wholesaler from Spalding, Lincolnshire, believes that consumers should still be able to purchase roses, provided they are sourced from a reputable supplier.

Woman with grey hair and glasses in front of floral bouquets — Helen Chambers sells about one million stems every year, but said 85% of them were British grown and only 15% imports

Chambers' business sells around one million stems annually, with 85% of those being British-grown and 15% imported, demonstrating the potential for a balanced approach to flower sourcing.

Chambers notes that many growers are improving their practices, allowing for a combination of locally grown and imported flowers that prioritize sustainability.

During certain seasons, Chambers aims to source 100% of her flowers from local growers, highlighting the benefits of supporting nearby farms and reducing carbon emissions.

Chambers advocates for a greater focus on domestic flower production, warning that relying heavily on imported flowers can result in a significant carbon footprint.

John Davidson of the British Florist Association, who also serves as the chief financial officer of a major flower wholesaler, recognizes the environmental innovations being implemented by international flower growers.

The British Florist Association supports the growth of UK flower production, but acknowledges that domestic supply alone cannot meet the country's demand during this time of year.

Davidson reiterates that British production is insufficient to meet the UK's flower demand at this time, emphasizing the need for a more nuanced approach to sustainability.

He cautions against oversimplifying the complex global flower supply chain, noting that a blanket criticism of imported flowers may not be entirely accurate.

In some cases, flowers grown in warmer climates or using advanced sustainable technologies can be more energy-efficient than those grown in heated UK glasshouses during the winter months.

Davidson believes that consumers should have access to informed choices, and that the industry functions best when local and global supplies are viewed as complementary rather than competing.

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Wardley Retains Title Against Dubois in UK Showdown

On May 9, Fabio Wardley is set to put his world heavyweight title on the line for the first time, facing off against fellow Briton Daniel Dubois in Manchester.

With a combined total of 40 knockout victories, Fabio Wardley and Daniel Dubois are set to face off in a highly anticipated matchup, bringing their formidable punching power to the ring.

On Saturday, 9 May, Manchester will play host to an all-British showdown as Fabio Wardley makes his inaugural title defence against Daniel Dubois, marking a significant moment in the world of heavyweight boxing.

Wardley's reign as WBO champion began in November after Oleksandr Usyk opted to relinquish the title rather than face the Ipswich native in a mandatory defence, paving the way for Wardley to claim the championship at the age of 31.

As a former IBF titleholder, Daniel Dubois is no stranger to the upper echelons of the sport, and his upcoming bout against Wardley at the Co-Op Live Arena promises to be an explosive encounter between two fighters known for their ability to deliver devastating blows.

With a professional record of 21 fights and 20 wins, including 19 knockouts, Wardley has asserted his commitment to competing in high-stakes matchups, stating, "I've never been in this game to play around, I'm committed to big fights only."

Wardley emphasized his willingness to take on challenging opponents, saying, "I'm the champion, this is a voluntary defence, and I chose this – I've never shied away from a challenge."

The champion expressed confidence in his abilities, saying, "I've always gone looking for the biggest tests, and I'd back myself against anyone in this division."

Wardley believes the upcoming fight against Dubois is one of the most significant in the heavyweight division, noting, "This is one of the biggest fights that can be made right now, and the best part is, it doesn't need any extra hype – this fight sells itself."

Daniel Dubois, 28, has a notable record, having stopped Anthony Joshua in September 2024, although his IBF title reign was ultimately ended by Oleksandr Usyk in July 2025, marking his second defeat at the hands of the Ukrainian boxer.

According to promoter Frank Warren, the Wardley-Dubois matchup represents "another piece of British heavyweight history being made", highlighting the significance of this all-British encounter.

Warren praised the decision to stage this fight, saying, "This is the most exciting and explosive fight available for Fabio's first title defence, and it's a testament to his character that he demanded this matchup."

Warren also commended Dubois, saying, "For Daniel to be attempting to become a two-time world champion at just 28 is remarkable – this will be his sixth world title fight, and only Oleksandr Usyk has been able to defeat him in that run."

For the latest boxing schedule and results in 2026, please refer to the provided information.

Fans can catch up on every episode of Born to Brawl for more boxing content.

Business

Ring Drops Partnership With Surveillance Company Amid Criticism

A commercial aired during the Super Bowl has drawn fresh attention to the smart doorbell company’s handling of user privacy.

Amazon's Ring, a smart doorbell company, has ended its partnership with Flock Safety, a firm that provides surveillance services, following criticism over its handling of user privacy.

A iPhone showing video outside of a home captured from a Ring doorbell camera.

In October, Ring and Flock Safety announced a deal that would have enabled law enforcement agencies to access video footage from Ring devices, with customer consent, for investigative purposes.

The proposed agreement would have allowed agencies partnered with Flock to retrieve relevant video recordings from Ring devices, provided customers had given their permission.

The decision to cancel the partnership came shortly after a Ring advertisement aired during the Super Bowl, sparking widespread criticism for its perceived invasiveness.

According to Ring, the partnership with Flock would have required significantly more time and resources than initially anticipated, leading to the decision to terminate the agreement.

Ring also stated that the integration of its cameras with Flock's systems never took place, and as a result, no customer videos were shared with Flock Safety.

A Flock Safety spokesperson described the cancellation of the partnership as a mutual decision, stating that it would allow both companies to better serve their customers and communities.

Flock Safety released a statement saying, "We believe this decision allows both companies to best serve their respective customers and communities," following the cancellation of the partnership.

Ring, acquired by Amazon in 2018, has previously faced concerns regarding its privacy policies, particularly with regards to its collaboration with law enforcement agencies and its handling of user data.

A recent Ring advertisement, which showcased the company's Search Party feature, drew new criticism and sparked concerns about surveillance and privacy.

The advertisement, which depicted a neighborhood using Ring devices to locate a lost dog, was widely criticized for promoting a form of community surveillance.

Senator Ed Markey, a Democrat from Massachusetts, responded to the advertisement by calling on Amazon to discontinue its monitoring features, citing concerns about the potential for a "surveillance state."

The Electronic Frontier Foundation, a non-profit organization that advocates for internet rights, criticized the advertisement, saying it used a relatable scenario to promote a feature that could potentially enable widespread surveillance and tracking.

The advertisement was also mocked on social media, with rival company Wyze releasing a satirical video that poked fun at Ring's Search Party feature.

In the video, Wyze co-founder Dave Crosby jokingly suggests that the technology could be used to track anyone, but claims it is only used for finding lost dogs, highlighting the potential risks and concerns surrounding the feature.

Both Ring and Flock Safety have faced public scrutiny over their handling of user privacy and their collaborations with law enforcement agencies.

Flock Safety, founded in 2017, has experienced rapid growth, with its cameras and license plate readers currently active in over 5,000 US cities, primarily through contracts with police agencies.

The company's plans to partner with Ring were announced amidst controversy, with Senator Ron Wyden accusing Flock of not doing enough to prevent the misuse of its cameras, particularly in relation to immigration and abortion laws.

Flock Safety has disputed these allegations, denying any wrongdoing.

Ring also collaborates with law enforcement agencies, receiving thousands of requests for footage from customer cameras each year, and complying with these requests when legally required.

News

GB claims first medal as Weston dominates skeleton event

Matt Weston has solidified his position as the world’s top skeleton racer, making history with a gold medal win at the 2026 Winter Games in Cortina, thereby earning Team GB its inaugural medal of the competition.

With his dominant performance in Cortina, Matt Weston solidified his position as the world's top skeleton racer, claiming a historic Olympic gold medal and earning Team GB its first medal at the 2026 Winter Games.

A daily breakdown of the Winter Olympics is available for viewers who want to stay up-to-date on the events.

The complete schedule, including the timing of all medal events, can be accessed for planning purposes.

The current standings of the 2026 Winter Olympics medal count are available for tracking.