thedailyecho--2020-12-20--What are the new Christmas rules?

What are the new Christmas rules?

Boris Johnson has cancelled Christmas for millions of people across London and south-east England , who will go up to a new Tier 4 of restrictions .
Further measures to halt the spread of coronavirus have also been introduced across Wales and Scotland .
Here the PA outlines what the new Christmas rules are , and what new restrictions are coming into force .
Not completely , but the PM has effectively cancelled it for nearly 18 million in London , the South East and East of England .
These areas will move to a new Tier 4 , effectively @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and will not be able to join or form Christmas bubbles .
For everyone else in England , the Christmas “ bubble ” policy – allowing up to three household to meet up over the holiday period – will be severely curtailed to apply on Christmas Day only .
So people outside the new fourth tier will be able to celebrate Christmas , but for just one day .
Under the new Tier 4 , which comes into effect on Sunday , non-essential shops , gyms , cinemas , hairdressers and bowling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two weeks .
Pubs , bars and restaurants will be closed except for takeaways , drive-throughs and deliveries .
People should not mix with anyone outside their own household , although support bubbles will remain in place and two people from different households can meet in public outdoor spaces .
Mr Johnson also said that everyone in Tier 4 areas should work form home if they can , not enter or leave Tier 4 areas and not stay away from home overnight .
People will be allowed to travel for education , childcare @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can not work from home – and they will be permitted unlimited outdoor exercise .
– Where is going into Tier 4 ?
The new Tier 4 restrictions will apply in all Tier 3 areas in the South East – covering Kent , Buckinghamshire , Berkshire , Surrey ( excluding Waverley ) , Gosport , Havant , Portsmouth , Rother and Hastings .
It will also apply in London ( all 32 boroughs and the City of London ) and the East of England – Bedford , Central Bedford , Milton Keynes , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( excluding Colchester , Uttlesford and Tendring ) .
– Why has this been introduced ?
The move comes after scientists on the Government ’ s New and Emerging Respiratory Virus Threats Advisory Group ( NervTag ) concluded that the mutant strain identified by Public Health England – known as VUI2020/01 – was spreading more quickly .
Mr Johnson told a Downing Street briefing that early analysis showed the new strain could increase the reproductive rate by 0.4 or more and that it may be up to 70 % more transmissible than the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ advised of the group ’ s conclusions at a meeting with ministers on Friday evening , and the new regulations were signed off by the Cabinet in a conference call on Saturday lunchtime .
– What should people going into Tier 4 do if they have plans for Christmas ?
Sadly , England ’ s chief medical officer Professor Chris Whitty said people considering leaving Tier 4 areas now should unpack their bag and stay at home .
Prof Whitty reiterated that people should “ keep it small , keep it short , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are vulnerable ” over Christmas .
He advised people should minimise contact with grandparents , keeping it at a distance and for the “ shortest period you can ” .
– What will happen if people break the rules ?
Mr Johnson did not confirm whether police would be told to stop people travelling home over the festive period or knock on doors on Christmas Day .
He said that officers had so far done an “ amazing job ” of “ light touch ” policing , and that the public had been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the UK changing their rules ?
Yes , Scotland and Wales have both strengthened their restrictions .
Scotland ’ s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced a “ strict travel ban ” over the festive period .
The travel ban between Scotland and the rest of the UK will remain in place throughout the Christmas holidays and bubbles will only be allowed on Christmas Day .
All of the Scottish mainland will be placed into Level 4 restrictions from Boxing Day .
The restrictions will be reviewed after two weeks , Ms Sturgeon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that lockdown restrictions will come into effect in Wales from midnight on Saturday , while festive bubbles will only apply on Christmas Day .
First Minister Mark Drakeford said the rules would mean non-essential retail , close contact services , gyms and leisure centres and hospitality would close at “ end of trading ” on Saturday .
Stay-at-home rules will also come into effect from midnight .
– Is Northern Ireland changing its rules as well ?
PA understands that there is no immediate plan to change the Christmas Covid-19 restrictions in Northern @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other parts of the UK .
Sources said meetings between the Executive and the UK Government had been ongoing all day .
First Minister Arlene Foster , deputy First Minister Michelle O ’ Neill , Health Minister Robin Swann and chief medical officer Michael McBride held discussions on the issue on Saturday .

Further measures to halt the spread of coronavirus have also been introduced across Wales and Scotland.
Here the PA outlines what the new Christmas rules are, and what new restrictions are coming into force.
– Has Christmas been cancelled?
Not completely, but the PM has effectively cancelled it for nearly 18 million in London, the South East and East of England.
These areas will move to a new Tier 4, effectively returning to the lockdown rules of November, and will not be able to join or form Christmas bubbles.
For everyone else in England, the Christmas “bubble” policy – allowing up to three household to meet up over the holiday period – will be severely curtailed to apply on Christmas Day only.
So people outside the new fourth tier will be able to celebrate Christmas, but for just one day.
– What is Tier 4?
Under the new Tier 4, which comes into effect on Sunday, non-essential shops, gyms, cinemas, hairdressers and bowling alleys will be forced to close for two weeks.
From Sunday 20 December, some areas in England will enter Tier 4: Stay At Home. [Tap to expand the poster] pic.twitter.com/zPKKGrutN2 — UK Prime Minister (@10DowningStreet) December 19, 2020
Pubs, bars and restaurants will be closed except for takeaways, drive-throughs and deliveries.
People should not mix with anyone outside their own household, although support bubbles will remain in place and two people from different households can meet in public outdoor spaces.
Mr Johnson also said that everyone in Tier 4 areas should work form home if they can, not enter or leave Tier 4 areas and not stay away from home overnight.
People will be allowed to travel for education, childcare and to go to work if they cannot work from home – and they will be permitted unlimited outdoor exercise.
– Where is going into Tier 4?
The new Tier 4 restrictions will apply in all Tier 3 areas in the South East – covering Kent, Buckinghamshire, Berkshire, Surrey (excluding Waverley), Gosport, Havant, Portsmouth, Rother and Hastings.
It will also apply in London (all 32 boroughs and the City of London) and the East of England – Bedford, Central Bedford, Milton Keynes, Luton, Peterborough, Hertfordshire and Essex (excluding Colchester, Uttlesford and Tendring).
Covid-19 alert system in England (PA Graphics)
– Why has this been introduced?
The move comes after scientists on the Government’s New and Emerging Respiratory Virus Threats Advisory Group (NervTag) concluded that the mutant strain identified by Public Health England – known as VUI2020/01 – was spreading more quickly.
Mr Johnson told a Downing Street briefing that early analysis showed the new strain could increase the reproductive rate by 0.4 or more and that it may be up to 70% more transmissible than the old variant.
The Prime Minister was advised of the group’s conclusions at a meeting with ministers on Friday evening, and the new regulations were signed off by the Cabinet in a conference call on Saturday lunchtime.
– What should people going into Tier 4 do if they have plans for Christmas?
Sadly, England’s chief medical officer Professor Chris Whitty said people considering leaving Tier 4 areas now should unpack their bag and stay at home.
Covid-19 restrictions in England (PA Graphics)
Prof Whitty reiterated that people should “keep it small, keep it short, keep it local and remember the vulnerable are vulnerable” over Christmas.
He advised people should minimise contact with grandparents, keeping it at a distance and for the “shortest period you can”.
– What will happen if people break the rules?
Mr Johnson did not confirm whether police would be told to stop people travelling home over the festive period or knock on doors on Christmas Day.
He said that officers had so far done an “amazing job” of “light touch” policing, and that the public had been generally compliant.
– Are other parts of the UK changing their rules?
Yes, Scotland and Wales have both strengthened their restrictions.
Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced a “strict travel ban” over the festive period.
1/ I know this is tough. But this new virus strain is spreading much faster, and so we must act quickly to stop it taking hold. That means even tighter restrictions through January to prevent the serious situation currently faced by places like London & save lives. — Nicola Sturgeon (@NicolaSturgeon) December 19, 2020
The travel ban between Scotland and the rest of the UK will remain in place throughout the Christmas holidays and bubbles will only be allowed on Christmas Day.
All of the Scottish mainland will be placed into Level 4 restrictions from Boxing Day.
The restrictions will be reviewed after two weeks, Ms Sturgeon added.
– What about Wales?
The Welsh Government has announced that lockdown restrictions will come into effect in Wales from midnight on Saturday, while festive bubbles will only apply on Christmas Day.
First Minister Mark Drakeford said the rules would mean non-essential retail, close contact services, gyms and leisure centres and hospitality would close at “end of trading” on Saturday.
LEVEL 4 RESTRICTIONS TO BE INTRODUCED IN WALES FROM MIDNIGHT TONIGHT: – Non-essential retail, close contact services, gyms, leisure centres and hospitality will close– Stay at home restrictions will be in place– Work from home More information here 👇https://t.co/uxa8N1JX7j — Welsh Government (@WelshGovernment) December 19, 2020
Stay-at-home rules will also come into effect from midnight.
– Is Northern Ireland changing its rules as well?
PA understands that there is no immediate plan to change the Christmas Covid-19 restrictions in Northern Ireland, despite rules being tightened in other parts of the UK.
Sources said meetings between the Executive and the UK Government had been ongoing all day.
First Minister Arlene Foster, deputy First Minister Michelle O’Neill, Health Minister Robin Swann and chief medical officer Michael McBride held discussions on the issue on Saturday.


thedailyecho--2020-12-20--Matt Hancock says new measures will be needed to combat mutant Covid-19 strain

RESTRICTIONS which forced millions of people across the UK to tear up their Christmas plans may have to remain for “ the next couple of months ” , Health Secretary Matt Hancock has suggested .
In England , Boris Johnson effectively cancelled Christmas for almost 18 million people in London , south-eastern and eastern England as the region was put into a new two-week lockdown from Sunday .
Under the new Tier 4 rules non-essential shops – as well as gyms , cinemas , casinos and hairdressers – have to stay shut and people are limited to meeting one other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ public space .
Those in Tier 4 were told they should not travel out of the region , while those outside were advised against visiting .
“ What is really important is that people not only follow them ( the new rules ) but everybody in a Tier 4 area acts as if you have the virus to stop spreading it to other people , ” Mr Hancock told Sky News ’ s Sophy Ridge On Sunday programme .
Scientists on the Government ’ s New and Emerging Respiratory Virus Threats Advisory Group @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 202012/01 mutant strain , identified by the Public Health England laboratories at Porton Down , is spreading more quickly .
The Prime Minister was advised of the group ’ s conclusions at a meeting with ministers on the Covid O Committee on Friday evening , and the new regulations were signed off by Cabinet before Saturday ’ s announcement scuppered many people ’ s plans to see family for Christmas .
“ We know with this new variant you can catch it more easily from a small amount of the virus being present @ @ @ @ @ @ @ All of the different measures we have in place , we need more of them to control the spread of the new variant than we did to control the spread of the old variant .
That is the fundamental problem .
“ We know that because we know that in November that in the areas where this new variant started , in Kent , the cases carried on rising whereas in the rest of the country the November lockdown worked very effectively .
“ It is an enormous challenge , until we can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people .
This is what we face over the next couple of months.
” In the rest of England , Christmas easing has been severely curtailed , with households allowed to gather for just one day – Christmas Day itself – rather than the five days previously planned .
Scotland and Wales are also restricting Christmas “ bubbles ” to a single day , while people in Northern Ireland have been asked to consider forming a bubble for Christmas Day only .
Wales has also mirrored the Tier 4 restrictions in England by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sunday , while Scotland has said its travel ban with the rest of the UK will now remain in place right throughout the festive period .
The new regulations creating a Tier 4 in England came into force at 7am on Sunday and will be laid before Parliament , which is in recess , on Monday .
The statutory instrument was made at 6am on Sunday , and must be approved by both the House of Commons and House of Lords within 28 days , otherwise the change to the law is reversed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ made affirmative procedure ” .
At a No 10 news conference on Saturday , Mr Johnson said he was taking the actions with a “ heavy heart ” , but the scientific evidence had left him with no choice .
The announcements prompted a rush to the London train stations and by 7pm on Saturday , there were no tickets available online from several London stations including Paddington , Kings Cross and Euston .
Footage posted on social media showed large crowds at St Pancras station waiting to board trains to Leeds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the UK for at least the rest of the year in an attempt to make sure the new strain does not reach its shores .
It said it will assess “ with other European Union nations the possibilities to contain the import of the virus from the United Kingdom ” .
The announcements came as a hammer blow to many businesses – particularly retailers hoping to pick up some pre-Christmas sales at the end of a torrid year in which they had faced repeated orders to close .
There was also fury among @ @ @ @ @ @ @ backbench unrest over the return of more and more stringent controls .
Mark Harper , the leader of the Covid Recovery Group of Tory MPs , demanded the recall of Parliament so MPs could debate and vote on the changes for England .
British Medical Association council chair Dr Chaand Nagpaul however welcomed the announcement which , he said , would save lives and help health services cope with “ incredible demand ” .

In England, Boris Johnson effectively cancelled Christmas for almost 18 million people in London, south-eastern and eastern England as the region was put into a new two-week lockdown from Sunday.
Under the new Tier 4 rules non-essential shops – as well as gyms, cinemas, casinos and hairdressers – have to stay shut and people are limited to meeting one other person from another household in an outdoor public space.
Those in Tier 4 were told they should not travel out of the region, while those outside were advised against visiting.
“What is really important is that people not only follow them (the new rules) but everybody in a Tier 4 area acts as if you have the virus to stop spreading it to other people,” Mr Hancock told Sky News’s Sophy Ridge On Sunday programme.
Scientists on the Government’s New and Emerging Respiratory Virus Threats Advisory Group (Nervtag) have concluded the VUI 202012/01 mutant strain, identified by the Public Health England laboratories at Porton Down, is spreading more quickly.
The Prime Minister was advised of the group’s conclusions at a meeting with ministers on the Covid O Committee on Friday evening, and the new regulations were signed off by Cabinet before Saturday’s announcement scuppered many people’s plans to see family for Christmas.
“We know with this new variant you can catch it more easily from a small amount of the virus being present,” Mr Hancock said.
“All of the different measures we have in place, we need more of them to control the spread of the new variant than we did to control the spread of the old variant. That is the fundamental problem.
“We know that because we know that in November that in the areas where this new variant started, in Kent, the cases carried on rising whereas in the rest of the country the November lockdown worked very effectively.
“It is an enormous challenge, until we can get the vaccine rolled out to protect people. This is what we face over the next couple of months.”
In the rest of England, Christmas easing has been severely curtailed, with households allowed to gather for just one day – Christmas Day itself – rather than the five days previously planned.
Scotland and Wales are also restricting Christmas “bubbles” to a single day, while people in Northern Ireland have been asked to consider forming a bubble for Christmas Day only.
Wales has also mirrored the Tier 4 restrictions in England by bringing forward Alert Level 4 measures to Sunday, while Scotland has said its travel ban with the rest of the UK will now remain in place right throughout the festive period.
The new regulations creating a Tier 4 in England came into force at 7am on Sunday and will be laid before Parliament, which is in recess, on Monday.
The statutory instrument was made at 6am on Sunday, and must be approved by both the House of Commons and House of Lords within 28 days, otherwise the change to the law is reversed as per a process known as the “made affirmative procedure”.
At a No 10 news conference on Saturday, Mr Johnson said he was taking the actions with a “heavy heart”, but the scientific evidence had left him with no choice.
The announcements prompted a rush to the London train stations and by 7pm on Saturday, there were no tickets available online from several London stations including Paddington, Kings Cross and Euston.
Footage posted on social media showed large crowds at St Pancras station waiting to board trains to Leeds.
The Netherlands is banning flights from the UK for at least the rest of the year in an attempt to make sure the new strain does not reach its shores.
It said it will assess “with other European Union nations the possibilities to contain the import of the virus from the United Kingdom”.
The announcements came as a hammer blow to many businesses – particularly retailers hoping to pick up some pre-Christmas sales at the end of a torrid year in which they had faced repeated orders to close.
There was also fury among some Conservative MPs after weeks of growing backbench unrest over the return of more and more stringent controls.
Mark Harper, the leader of the Covid Recovery Group of Tory MPs, demanded the recall of Parliament so MPs could debate and vote on the changes for England.
British Medical Association council chair Dr Chaand Nagpaul however welcomed the announcement which, he said, would save lives and help health services cope with “incredible demand”.


thedailyecho--2020-12-20--Shock after slithery stowaway spotted nesting in gas pipes

A HAMPSHIRE gas meter reader was left shocked and surprised when he saw a slithery stowaway sliding between the pipes .
The man spotted a snake nested inside a meter box in Beauchamp Avenue in Gosport and contacted the RSPCA .
It was soon discovered that the surprise visitor was corn snake , a non-native breed often kept as pets in the UK .
RSPCA inspector Hannah Nixon , who rescued the snake before taking the reptile to a specialist centre , said : `` It was definitely surprising for the meter reader to find this snake hiding inside !
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ common snakes kept in the UK so we do find them straying quite often .
`` Many of the snakes we rescue are thought to be escaped pets .
`` We would always recommend owners invest in an enclosure suitable for the particular species and that the enclosure is kept secure , and locked if necessary , when unattended .
`` Corn snakes in particular can be extremely good escape artists and will take the opportunity of a gap in an enclosure door , or a loose-fitting lid.
” Since the discovery of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ appealing to exotic pet owners to take precautions .
It is possible to microchip snakes so that snakes can be easily reunited if lost and found .
The charity is urging prospective reptile owners to ensure they do research their needs using expert sources to fully understand the type and amount of care that these animals need .
Hannah added : “ Reptiles are commonly found in pet shops nowadays , and are also being sold online , however it is sadly often the case that they are handed over to buyers with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to care for them or the commitment that is involved in keeping them healthy.
`` The corn snake will be cared for by the team at the charity ’ s specialist reptile centre and will be rehomed unless an owner can be found .
If anyone finds a snake they believe is non-native our advice is to keep a safe distance , monitor the snake and call our helpline on 0300 1234 999 .

The man spotted a snake nested inside a meter box in Beauchamp Avenue in Gosport and contacted the RSPCA.
It was soon discovered that the surprise visitor was corn snake, a non-native breed often kept as pets in the UK.
RSPCA inspector Hannah Nixon, who rescued the snake before taking the reptile to a specialist centre, said: "It was definitely surprising for the meter reader to find this snake hiding inside! Corn snakes are one of the most common snakes kept in the UK so we do find them straying quite often.
"Many of the snakes we rescue are thought to be escaped pets.
"We would always recommend owners invest in an enclosure suitable for the particular species and that the enclosure is kept secure, and locked if necessary, when unattended.
"Corn snakes in particular can be extremely good escape artists and will take the opportunity of a gap in an enclosure door, or a loose-fitting lid.”
Since the discovery of the slithering stowaway, the RSPCA is appealing to exotic pet owners to take precautions.
It is possible to microchip snakes so that snakes can be easily reunited if lost and found.
The charity is urging prospective reptile owners to ensure they do research their needs using expert sources to fully understand the type and amount of care that these animals need.
Hannah added: “Reptiles are commonly found in pet shops nowadays, and are also being sold online, however it is sadly often the case that they are handed over to buyers with very little or no information about how to care for them or the commitment that is involved in keeping them healthy. "
The corn snake will be cared for by the team at the charity’s specialist reptile centre and will be rehomed unless an owner can be found.
If anyone finds a snake they believe is non-native our advice is to keep a safe distance, monitor the snake and call our helpline on 0300 1234 999.


thedailyecho--2020-12-20--Marchwood house sells for £36k more than expected at auction

A HOUSE has sold for £36k more than expected in an online bidding war .
The three-storey freehold property at @ @ @ @ @ Road , Marchwood , eventually sold for £136k .
The eventual sale price was £36k @ @ @ @ @ .
It was among 132 lots across southern England listed by regional land and property @ @ @ @ @ firm ’ s last auction of eight this year .
Rob Marchant , Clive Emson @ @ @ @ @ said : “ There was keen interest in the various lots across Hampshire .
Property @ @ @ @ @ with bids exceeding guide prices on a number of occasions.
” Clive Emson ’ s @ @ @ @ @ online on February 10 .

The three-storey freehold property at 1 Marchwood Terrace, Main Road, Marchwood, eventually sold for £136k.
The eventual sale price was £36k more than the original estimate.
It was among 132 lots across southern England listed by regional land and property auctioneers Clive Emson in the firm’s last auction of eight this year.
Rob Marchant, Clive Emson’s Hampshire auctioneer, said: “There was keen interest in the various lots across Hampshire. Property continues to attract buyers, with bids exceeding guide prices on a number of occasions.”
Clive Emson’s first auction in 2021 is online on February 10.


thedailyecho--2020-12-20--PHOTOS: Best present ever! Meet some of Hampshire's Christmas babies

THESE parents got the best Christmas present they could ever have wished for - their own little bundle of festive @ @ @ @ @ Daily Echo publishes pictures of families who have been bestowed new life on Christmas Day @ @ @ @ @ over the past twenty years – show some of the parents with their new arrivals @

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thedailyecho--2020-12-20--‘Christmas star’ will appear for the first time in 800 years

Jupiter and Saturn are set to closely align in the night ’ s sky to form a ‘ Christmas Star ’ , for the first time in 800 years .
The two planets will line up to create a bright light visible from Earth on Monday 21 December - the same date as the winter solstice .
The celestial event is known as the Great Conjunction by astronomers and has also been nicknamed a Christmas Star or Star of Bethlehem .
What is the Christmas Star ?
In the bible , the Christmas Star was what the wise men used @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the birthplace of Jesus Christ .
What the actual bright light was has been debated for many years with one possible explanation being a rare conjunction of multiple planets .
In more recent times the Christmas Star , or Star of Bethlehem , is often the final decorative piece placed on the tops of Christmas trees .
The Great Conjunction has also taken the nickname of Christmas Star and Star of Bethlehem due to the time of the year this alignment occurs .
What is the Great Conjunction ?
It ’ s a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ appear to align in the night ’ s sky .
The two Gas Giants are rarely seen this close , with experts predicting they will be separated by less than the apparent diameter of the moon .
Though they will look aligned the two planets will be hundreds of millions of miles apart .
When was the last Great Conjunction ?
The orbits of the two Gas Giants and Earth means there is an alignment every 20 years , which makes Jupiter and Saturn appear closer in the night ’ s sky .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ was way back in the 13th Century and NASA doesn ’ t predict another alignment this close for another 60 years .
Patrick Hartigan , an astronomer at Rice University in America , said in an interview with Forbes that it was an “ exceptionally rare ” event .
And added the last time the planets were aligned this close was on 4 March 1226 .
Where will I be able to see the Christmas Star ?
The Christmas Star will be visible from Earth , with the help of a clear night @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will move into closer alignment from Thursday 17 December for roughly a week , with the closest point being Monday 21 December .
Stargazers can expect to see the phenomenon low in the western sky shortly after sunset , meaning people in the UK should be on the lookout from 3.54pm .
It is bright enough to be seen without the use of telescopes or binoculars , yet astronomers say several of the planets ’ satellites will be visible with viewing aides .
How far away are Saturn and Jupiter from Earth ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ changing due to the different orbits of the two planets .
It is 365 million miles away at its closest point and 601 million miles away at its furthest .
It 's a similar story with Saturn 's orbit , which has its own course and does n't run parallel with Earth 's , meaning the distance varies .
Even at its closest point Saturn is still 746 million miles away and just over a billion miles away from Earth at its furthest point .
There are 403.3 million miles between Jupiter and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jupiter ?
Jupiter , the fifth planet from the Sun , is the largest in the Solar System .
It is 11 times wider than Earth , with a radius of 43,440 miles .
Saturn is sixth in line in the order of planets from the Sun and is the second largest .
It is nine times the width of Earth , with a radius of 36,183 miles .
Earth has a radius of 3,960 miles .
The radius is a straight line from the centre to the circumference of a circle .

The two planets will line up to create a bright light visible from Earth on Monday 21 December - the same date as the winter solstice.
The celestial event is known as the Great Conjunction by astronomers and has also been nicknamed a Christmas Star or Star of Bethlehem.
What is the Christmas Star?
In the bible, the Christmas Star was what the wise men used as a guide to help them find the birthplace of Jesus Christ.
What the actual bright light was has been debated for many years with one possible explanation being a rare conjunction of multiple planets.
In more recent times the Christmas Star, or Star of Bethlehem, is often the final decorative piece placed on the tops of Christmas trees.
The Great Conjunction has also taken the nickname of Christmas Star and Star of Bethlehem due to the time of the year this alignment occurs.
What is the Great Conjunction?
It’s a rare phenomenon which sees Jupiter and Saturn appear to align in the night’s sky.
The two Gas Giants are rarely seen this close, with experts predicting they will be separated by less than the apparent diameter of the moon.
Though they will look aligned the two planets will be hundreds of millions of miles apart.
When was the last Great Conjunction?
The orbits of the two Gas Giants and Earth means there is an alignment every 20 years, which makes Jupiter and Saturn appear closer in the night’s sky.
The last time they appeared this close was way back in the 13th Century and NASA doesn’t predict another alignment this close for another 60 years.
Patrick Hartigan, an astronomer at Rice University in America, said in an interview with Forbes that it was an “exceptionally rare” event.
And added the last time the planets were aligned this close was on 4 March 1226.
Where will I be able to see the Christmas Star?
The Christmas Star will be visible from Earth, with the help of a clear night’s sky.
The two planets will move into closer alignment from Thursday 17 December for roughly a week, with the closest point being Monday 21 December.
Read more: When is the shortest day of the year 2020? Date of the winter solstice and how many hours of daylight there are
Stargazers can expect to see the phenomenon low in the western sky shortly after sunset, meaning people in the UK should be on the lookout from 3.54pm.
It is bright enough to be seen without the use of telescopes or binoculars, yet astronomers say several of the planets’ satellites will be visible with viewing aides.
How far away are Saturn and Jupiter from Earth?
Jupiter's distance from Earth is constantly changing due to the different orbits of the two planets. It is 365 million miles away at its closest point and 601 million miles away at its furthest.
It's a similar story with Saturn's orbit, which has its own course and doesn't run parallel with Earth's, meaning the distance varies.
Even at its closest point Saturn is still 746 million miles away and just over a billion miles away from Earth at its furthest point.
There are 403.3 million miles between Jupiter and Saturn.
How big are Saturn and Jupiter?
Jupiter, the fifth planet from the Sun, is the largest in the Solar System. It is 11 times wider than Earth, with a radius of 43,440 miles.
Saturn is sixth in line in the order of planets from the Sun and is the second largest. It is nine times the width of Earth, with a radius of 36,183 miles.
Earth has a radius of 3,960 miles. The radius is a straight line from the centre to the circumference of a circle.


thedailyecho--2020-12-20--Eastleigh Rugby Football club donates to food bank

A RUGBY club has donated over 300 items in one week to its local food bank .
Since returning to @ @ @ @ @ Eastleigh Rugby Football club has been taking donations for the food bank at their regular @ @ @ @ @ items are being given to Eastleigh Basics Bank as part of the clubs Rugby for @ @ @ @ @ 300 items donated this week alone .
Items include everything from beans to biscuits and @ @ @ @ @ Junior club chairman , Paul Tiller , said : “ I can ’ t thank @ @ @ @ @ supporters enough for their overwhelming generosity .
`` Our Rugby for Good initiative is striving @ @ @ @ @ our wider community , and these donations will make a real difference to people ’ @ @ @ @

Since returning to training after the second lockdown Eastleigh Rugby Football club has been taking donations for the food bank at their regular Sunday training sessions.
Collected items are being given to Eastleigh Basics Bank as part of the clubs Rugby for Good initiative, with over 300 items donated this week alone.
Items include everything from beans to biscuits and spaghetti to sanitary products.
Junior club chairman, Paul Tiller, said: “I can’t thank our players, parents and supporters enough for their overwhelming generosity.
"Our Rugby for Good initiative is striving to have an impact in our wider community, and these donations will make a real difference to people’s lives.”


thedailyecho--2020-12-20--Ambulance volunteer stepping down

Ambulance volunteer stepping down

A COMMUNITY First Responder is stepping down from his role after almost 10 years .
John Price , is said to have been an “ integral part ” of the first responders team in his home town of Bishop ’ s Waltham since joining in 2011 .
Community First Responders are volunteers who are trained by the South Central Ambulance Service to attend emergency calls and provide a lifesaving response while an ambulance is on its way .
Following a career as a Consultant Engineer and with no prior medical knowledge , John trained to be a Community First Responder @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , has dedicated almost 20,000 hours , responding to more than 1,000 patients , John is “ very proud ” that during his time as a Bishops Waltham Community First Responder , the group won the National Heart Safe Award ( 2017 ) and most recently was awarded the prestigious Queens Award for Voluntary Service ( 2020 ) .
He says that being a responder is the “ most rewarding thing ” he has ever done .
A South Central Ambulance spokesperson said : “ On behalf of all of the patients that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ support and comfort to , we ’ d like to say ‘ Thank You ’ to John for his years of service as a Community First Responder.
” “ As well as responding , John has spent hundreds of hours to improve the maps that the CFRs use so that all the house names and numbers for our area have been identified .
“ He pioneered the use of flashing lights on responder vehicles , or as near as possible to the patient , which help the ambulance crews identify the right house @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the handbook for CFRs and is responsible for setting up challenging imaginary scenarios to test the skills and improve the training for local responders .
”

John Price, is said to have been an “integral part” of the first responders team in his home town of Bishop’s Waltham since joining in 2011.
Community First Responders are volunteers who are trained by the South Central Ambulance Service to attend emergency calls and provide a lifesaving response while an ambulance is on its way.
Following a career as a Consultant Engineer and with no prior medical knowledge, John trained to be a Community First Responder and in his time in the roll, has dedicated almost 20,000 hours, responding to more than 1,000 patients,
John is “very proud” that during his time as a Bishops Waltham Community First Responder, the group won the National Heart Safe Award (2017) and most recently was awarded the prestigious Queens Award for Voluntary Service (2020).
He says that being a responder is the “most rewarding thing” he has ever done.
A South Central Ambulance spokesperson said: “On behalf of all of the patients that John has brought life-saving skills, professional support and comfort to, we’d like to say ‘Thank You’ to John for his years of service as a Community First Responder.”
“As well as responding, John has spent hundreds of hours to improve the maps that the CFRs use so that all the house names and numbers for our area have been identified.
“He pioneered the use of flashing lights on responder vehicles, or as near as possible to the patient, which help the ambulance crews identify the right house.
“He was involved in revising the handbook for CFRs and is responsible for setting up challenging imaginary scenarios to test the skills and improve the training for local responders.”


thedailyecho--2020-12-19--Pictures of nativity plays in Hampshire in 2000

THERE 'S little doubt that our tea towels will be used far less this Christmas .
Ordinarily , this would @ @ @ @ @ when youngsters would don them proudly on their heads and cram into halls to perform @ @ @ @ @ and parents .
The Daily Echo remembers when such things were viable and takes a @ @ @ @ @ from 20 years ago .
Is your little - now big - angel among the @ @ @ @

Ordinarily, this would be the time of year when youngsters would don them proudly on their heads and cram into halls to perform a nativity play for teachers and parents.
The Daily Echo remembers when such things were viable and takes a look back at nativity pictures from 20 years ago.
Is your little - now big - angel among the images from 2000?


thedailyecho--2020-12-20--Hampshire Police will enforce coronavirus rules to tackle 'blatant breaches'

POLICE say they will take enforcement action if `` blatant '' breaches of coronavirus rules are discovered in Hampshire .
Southampton remains in Tier 2 restrictions , while Portsmouth , Gosport and Havant are in Tier 4 and the Isle of Wight is in Tier 1 .
The changes came after Boris Johnson announced yesterday a raft of new restrictions over Christmas .
Hampshire Constabulary 's assistant chief constable Maggie Blyth said : “ As we move into a position from this weekend with parts of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight being covered by four different tiers based on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , I ’ d like to reassure our communities that our approach will continue to be to engage , explain and encourage people to comply with the regulations in place in their area .
`` We will use common sense and discretion to determine what is reasonable .
`` However we will enforce where blatant breaches are observed .
“ We will not be preventing people from travelling from one area to another , but are working with ferry operators and partner agencies to ensure that the public is informed about the restrictions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the restrictions from the highest tier that they are travelling from or to at all times .
“ We will continue to maintain Covid-19 related patrols , as required , in addition to our usual resourcing as we move through the Christmas and New Year period .
`` This is to address any problems that are identified to us and ensure that people are observing the restrictions that are in place at the given time to prevent the spread of the virus . ''

Southampton remains in Tier 2 restrictions, while Portsmouth, Gosport and Havant are in Tier 4 and the Isle of Wight is in Tier 1.
The changes came after Boris Johnson announced yesterday a raft of new restrictions over Christmas.
Hampshire Constabulary's assistant chief constable Maggie Blyth said: “As we move into a position from this weekend with parts of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight being covered by four different tiers based on local authority boundaries as opposed to postcodes, I’d like to reassure our communities that our approach will continue to be to engage, explain and encourage people to comply with the regulations in place in their area.
"We will use common sense and discretion to determine what is reasonable.
"However we will enforce where blatant breaches are observed.
“We will not be preventing people from travelling from one area to another, but are working with ferry operators and partner agencies to ensure that the public is informed about the restrictions in place.
"Everyone must observe the restrictions from the highest tier that they are travelling from or to at all times.
“We will continue to maintain Covid-19 related patrols, as required, in addition to our usual resourcing as we move through the Christmas and New Year period.
"This is to address any problems that are identified to us and ensure that people are observing the restrictions that are in place at the given time to prevent the spread of the virus."


thedailyecho--2020-12-20--Seven more coronavirus patients die in Hampshire's hospitals

SEVEN more people have died in Hampshire 's hospitals after testing positive for coronavirus .
Figures published by NHS England @ @ @ @ @ more people have died with Covid-19 .
Across the whole of Hampshire , 829 people @ @ @ @ @ since the start of the pandemic .
At Portsmouth Hospitals NHS Trust , seven more @ @ @ @ @ the total up to 336 .
Two patients at Hampshire Hospitals Trust have died , @ @ @ @ @ .
At University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust there have been a total of 230 @ @ @ @ @ Health NHS Foundation Trust there have been 23 deaths .

Figures published by NHS England on Sunday reveal that seven more people have died with Covid-19.
Across the whole of Hampshire, 829 people have now died in hospitals since the start of the pandemic.
At Portsmouth Hospitals NHS Trust, seven more patients have died, bringing the total up to 336.
Two patients at Hampshire Hospitals Trust have died, taking the total to 232.
At University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust there have been a total of 230 deaths, and at Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust there have been 23 deaths.


thedailyecho--2020-12-20--69 new Covid-19 cases in Southampton

69 new Covid-19 cases in Southampton

THE number of new coronavirus cases in Southampton now stands at 69 , according to the latest government data .
In the past 24 hours , there have been 69 new cases in Southampton which has taken the city 's total to 4,696 since the beginning of the pandemic .
In the seven days leading up to December 15 , the number of cases stood at 332 with a 131.5 rolling rate of per 100,000 of the population .
Cases in Eastleigh now stand at 26 , taking the total to 1,913 .
In the seven days prior to December @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the rolling rate was 77.1 per 100,000 of the population .
• Southampton set to remain in Tier 2 High Alert over Christmas In the New Forest , there are 26 new cases .
This has taken the total to 2,207 since the beginning of the health crisis .
A total of 155 cases have been recorded in the latest rolling seven day period and the case rate is 86.1 .
In Test Valley there have been new 32 Covid-19 cases , increasing the total to 1,782 .
Prior to December 15 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with a 92.7 case rate .
• 'The situation has worsened ' : Covid cases in Southampton are on the rise Winchester has seen 27 new cases in the last 24 hours , taking the total to 2,046 .
In the latest seven day rolling period , there was 151 cases with a 120.9 rate .
In the last 24 hours , Fareham has seen 36 new coronavirus cases .
Its total now stands at 1,773 .
In the seven days leading up to December 15 , there was 180 cases with a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the population .
Gosport has seven new cases , taking the total to 1,382 since the start of the pandemic .
Prior to December 15 , the number of recorded cases was 135 with a case 159.1 rate .

In the past 24 hours, there have been 69 new cases in Southampton which has taken the city's total to 4,696 since the beginning of the pandemic.
In the seven days leading up to December 15, the number of cases stood at 332 with a 131.5 rolling rate of per 100,000 of the population.
Cases in Eastleigh now stand at 26, taking the total to 1,913.
In the seven days prior to December 15, there were 103 cases and the rolling rate was 77.1 per 100,000 of the population.
In the New Forest, there are 26 new cases.
This has taken the total to 2,207 since the beginning of the health crisis.
A total of 155 cases have been recorded in the latest rolling seven day period and the case rate is 86.1.
In Test Valley there have been new 32 Covid-19 cases, increasing the total to 1,782.
Prior to December 15, the number of recorded cases was 117 with a 92.7 case rate.
Winchester has seen 27 new cases in the last 24 hours, taking the total to 2,046.
In the latest seven day rolling period, there was 151 cases with a 120.9 rate.
In the last 24 hours, Fareham has seen 36 new coronavirus cases.
Its total now stands at 1,773.
In the seven days leading up to December 15, there was 180 cases with a rolling rate of 154.9 per 100,000 of the population.
Gosport has seven new cases, taking the total to 1,382 since the start of the pandemic.
Prior to December 15, the number of recorded cases was 135 with a case 159.1 rate.


thedailyecho--2020-12-21--Boris Johnson to hold press conference on Monday afternoon

Prime Minister Boris Johnson will hold a Downing Street press conference on Monday afternoon following a meeting of the Cobra emergency committee .
The committee has been convened to discuss the spread of the new coronavirus variant and the response of countries – including France – in banning travel from the UK .
The exact time has not been published yet .
Last night , France put in place a ban on hauliers crossing the English Channel with their cargo .
But despite their intervention last night , today , France appears set to end a ban on hauliers crossing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said a protocol would be adopted at a European Union-wide level “ to ensure that movement from the UK can resume ” .
The UK has been cut off from large parts of Europe – and some other areas of the world – as authorities imposed bans on passengers because of concern about the more infectious mutant coronavirus .
Downing Street said the UK Government was in contact with the French authorities about the ban on lorries crossing the channel .
Asked whether Boris Johnson believed the French action was justified , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : “ We are obviously working incredibly closely with our international partners and are working urgently to minimise the disruption as far as possible.
” The spokesman added that “ we are in close contact with the French to try and get this resolved ” .

The committee has been convened to discuss the spread of the new coronavirus variant and the response of countries – including France – in banning travel from the UK.
The exact time has not been published yet.
Last night, France put in place a ban on hauliers crossing the English Channel with their cargo.
But despite their intervention last night, today, France appears set to end a ban on hauliers crossing the Channel.
Transport minister Jean-Baptiste Djebbari said a protocol would be adopted at a European Union-wide level “to ensure that movement from the UK can resume”.
The UK has been cut off from large parts of Europe – and some other areas of the world – as authorities imposed bans on passengers because of concern about the more infectious mutant coronavirus. Downing Street said the UK Government was in contact with the French authorities about the ban on lorries crossing the channel.
Asked whether Boris Johnson believed the French action was justified, the Prime Minister’s official spokesman said: “We are obviously working incredibly closely with our international partners and are working urgently to minimise the disruption as far as possible.”
The spokesman added that “we are in close contact with the French to try and get this resolved”.


thedailyecho--2020-12-21--Two charged as part of investigation into supply of drugs in Southampton

TWO more people have been charged in connection with the supply of drugs in Southampton .
A teenage boy and a woman in her 20s have both been charged with drug offences following a series of warrants at addresses across the city on November 17 and 18 .
These included warrants at Imperial Avenue , Outer Circle , Richmond Gardens , Witts Hill , Victory Crescent and Shirley Road .
• One charged and four arrested as police storm six homes in drugs crackdown Jade Stubbs , aged 20 , of Outer Circle , Southampton was charged with conspiracy to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ conspiracy to supply a Class B drug .
A 17-year-old boy from Southampton , who can not be named for legal reasons , has been charged with conspiracy to import controlled drugs of Class B and conspiracy to supply a Class B drug .
Both have been released on conditional bail and are next due to appear at Southampton Magistrates on March 30 , 2021 .
• Man charged in connection with drug supply and firearms offence A spokesperson from Hampshire Police said : `` The operation was led by officers from the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Southampton West Neighbourhood Team .
`` We ’ re committed and doing everything we can to tackle drugs and associated crime in our city and keep our communities safe .
`` If you suspect drug related activity in your area , please get in touch by calling 101 .
Every call you make helps us build up an intelligence picture which enables us to take action .
`` Alternatively you can contact independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org/ . ''

A teenage boy and a woman in her 20s have both been charged with drug offences following a series of warrants at addresses across the city on November 17 and 18.
These included warrants at Imperial Avenue, Outer Circle, Richmond Gardens, Witts Hill, Victory Crescent and Shirley Road.
Jade Stubbs, aged 20, of Outer Circle, Southampton was charged with conspiracy to import controlled drugs of Class B and conspiracy to supply a Class B drug.
A 17-year-old boy from Southampton, who cannot be named for legal reasons, has been charged with conspiracy to import controlled drugs of Class B and conspiracy to supply a Class B drug.
Both have been released on conditional bail and are next due to appear at Southampton Magistrates on March 30, 2021.
A spokesperson from Hampshire Police said: "The operation was led by officers from the Serious Organised Crime Unit with assistance from the Southampton West Neighbourhood Team.
"We’re committed and doing everything we can to tackle drugs and associated crime in our city and keep our communities safe.
"If you suspect drug related activity in your area, please get in touch by calling 101. Every call you make helps us build up an intelligence picture which enables us to take action.
"Alternatively you can contact independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org/."


thedailyecho--2020-12-21--Coronavirus: More GP surgeries to vaccinate Hampshire residents

MORE GP surgeries and special sites will vaccinate residents against Covid-19 over the next few days .
NHS bosses have confirmed that more residents across Hampshire are set to receive a dose of the Pfizer and BioNTech vaccine .
This will be helped by another ten GP surgeries across the county will start the roll out of the vaccine `` over the next couple days '' , with exact dates yet to be confirmed .
So far vaccinations have started at 26 sites across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight .
Where are the new vaccine sites ?
According to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the next GP-led sites going live with vaccination clinics over the next couple of days are : • Milford on Sea War Memorial Hospital ( for New Forest Primary Care Network ) Who can get the vaccine at this stage ?
As reported , those aged 80 and over , as well as care home workers and residents identified as priority groups will be the first to receive the vaccine .
Residents have been asked not to contact their surgery as health bosses said the NHS will contact people in the priority groups @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the vaccine .
What has been said ?
Dr Nigel Watson , GP and clinical lead for Hampshire and Isle of Wight Covid-19 Vaccination Programme , said : “ It has been great that we have been able to get the vast majority of our GP-led sites up and running so quickly .
`` Clinics are going really well with lots of our patients and staff saying how smoothly things have run .
`` We ’ d like to thank everyone for bearing with us as we know how important the vaccine is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people to please continue to be patient .
`` The NHS will contact you when it is your turn to be offered a vaccine with information about how to do this .
Whilst the vaccine roll-out is really good news , we know that the virus is still very much with us so we all must do everything we can to protect ourselves and others.
” The news comes as Christmas plans have been scrapped across most of the country and Portsmouth , Gosport and Havant have been placed in Tier 4 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ currently in Tier 2 .

NHS bosses have confirmed that more residents across Hampshire are set to receive a dose of the Pfizer and BioNTech vaccine.
This will be helped by another ten GP surgeries across the county will start the roll out of the vaccine "over the next couple days", with exact dates yet to be confirmed.
So far vaccinations have started at 26 sites across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.
Where are the new vaccine sites?
According to the latest list released by the NHS the next GP-led sites going live with vaccination clinics over the next couple of days are:
Crosfield Hall, Romsey
Forest Surgery, Bordon
Hayling Island Health Centre
Emsworth Baptist Church
Milford on Sea War Memorial Hospital (for New Forest Primary Care Network)
Fordingbridge Hospital (for Avon Valley Primary Care Network)
The Lights, Andover
Winchester Holiday Inn (for Winchester Rural, North and East Primary Care Network)
Westridge Centre, Ryde, Isle of Wight
The Bay Medical Practice, Shanklin, Isle of Wight.
Who can get the vaccine at this stage?
As reported, those aged 80 and over, as well as care home workers and residents identified as priority groups will be the first to receive the vaccine.
Residents have been asked not to contact their surgery as health bosses said the NHS will contact people in the priority groups when it is their turn to receive the vaccine.
What has been said?
Dr Nigel Watson, GP and clinical lead for Hampshire and Isle of Wight Covid-19 Vaccination Programme, said: “It has been great that we have been able to get the vast majority of our GP-led sites up and running so quickly.
"Clinics are going really well with lots of our patients and staff saying how smoothly things have run.
"We’d like to thank everyone for bearing with us as we know how important the vaccine is to many people. I would ask people to please continue to be patient.
"The NHS will contact you when it is your turn to be offered a vaccine with information about how to do this. Whilst the vaccine roll-out is really good news, we know that the virus is still very much with us so we all must do everything we can to protect ourselves and others.”
The news comes as Christmas plans have been scrapped across most of the country and Portsmouth, Gosport and Havant have been placed in Tier 4.
Southampton and the rest of Hampshire are currently in Tier 2.


thedailyecho--2020-12-21--Christmas coronavirus gathering rules change in Southampton

SOUTHAMPTON will remain in tier 2 restrictions but other areas of the county will be placed into tier 4 , Hampshire County Council has confirmed .
Boris Johnson ’ s u-turn last night put millions of Christmas plans into chaos with new restrictions brought into areas of the county including Portsmouth , Havant and Gosport .
But while Southampton remains in Tier 2 , the rules around gathering at Christmas have still changed .
Three households will be allowed to mix , but only on Christmas day , and these gatherings must not involve people from a Tier 4 area @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sunday areas in the South East currently in Tier 3 will be moved into a new Tier 4 – effectively returning to the lockdown rules of November .
Non-essential shops , gyms , cinemas , hairdressers and bowling alleys will be forced to close for two weeks – while people will be restricted to meeting one other person from another household in an outdoor public space .
Sir Keir Starmer has said Labour supports the latest coronavirus restrictions but he accused Boris Johnson of “ gross negligence ” in failing to act earlier @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Minister waited until the 11th hour to take this decision , ” the Labour leader told an online press conference .
“ It was blatantly obvious last week that the Prime Minister ’ s plan for a free-for-all over Christmas was a risk too far .
“ And yet , rather listening to concerns and taking them seriously , the Prime Minister did what he always does : dismissed the challenge , ruffled his hair and made a flippant comment .
“ We have known about rising infections and the NHS reaching capacity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weeks.
” Extra police officers are to be deployed in London to enforce travel rules and stop people going in and out of the city without permission , and the public is being urged to adhere to Government guidance .
Keith Mans , leader of Hampshire County Council and chair of the Local Outbreak Engagement Board , said : “ Central Government has confirmed that the local authority areas of Havant Borough and Gosport Borough will come under COVID-19 Tier 4 restrictions from tomorrow .
“ This new Tier will be broadly the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in November .
The rest of the Hampshire County Council local authority area will remain in Tier 2 ( High ) .
“ As well as outlining these new tighter restrictions , the Prime Minister also announced changes to previous plans for the festive period .
People now living in Tier 4 areas should not mix with anyone outside their own household at Christmas , although support bubbles will remain in place for those at particular risk of loneliness or isolation .
“ While the announcement just days before Christmas may understandably come @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s crucial that we all take the necessary steps to protect the public ’ s health – particularly those who are elderly or clinically extremely vulnerable .
It ’ s the right thing to do .

Boris Johnson’s u-turn last night put millions of Christmas plans into chaos with new restrictions brought into areas of the county including Portsmouth, Havant and Gosport.
But while Southampton remains in Tier 2, the rules around gathering at Christmas have still changed.
Three households will be allowed to mix, but only on Christmas day, and these gatherings must not involve people from a Tier 4 area.
The Prime Minister announced that from Sunday areas in the South East currently in Tier 3 will be moved into a new Tier 4 – effectively returning to the lockdown rules of November.
Non-essential shops, gyms, cinemas, hairdressers and bowling alleys will be forced to close for two weeks – while people will be restricted to meeting one other person from another household in an outdoor public space.
Sir Keir Starmer has said Labour supports the latest coronavirus restrictions but he accused Boris Johnson of “gross negligence” in failing to act earlier.
“Yet again, the Prime Minister waited until the 11th hour to take this decision,” the Labour leader told an online press conference.
“It was blatantly obvious last week that the Prime Minister’s plan for a free-for-all over Christmas was a risk too far.
“And yet, rather listening to concerns and taking them seriously, the Prime Minister did what he always does: dismissed the challenge, ruffled his hair and made a flippant comment.
“We have known about rising infections and the NHS reaching capacity in many parts of the country for weeks.”
Extra police officers are to be deployed in London to enforce travel rules and stop people going in and out of the city without permission, and the public is being urged to adhere to Government guidance.
Keith Mans, leader of Hampshire County Council and chair of the Local Outbreak Engagement Board, said: “Central Government has confirmed that the local authority areas of Havant Borough and Gosport Borough will come under COVID-19 Tier 4 restrictions from tomorrow.
“This new Tier will be broadly the same as the national restrictions in place in November. The rest of the Hampshire County Council local authority area will remain in Tier 2 (High).
“As well as outlining these new tighter restrictions, the Prime Minister also announced changes to previous plans for the festive period. People now living in Tier 4 areas should not mix with anyone outside their own household at Christmas, although support bubbles will remain in place for those at particular risk of loneliness or isolation.
“While the announcement just days before Christmas may understandably come as a disappointment to many, it’s crucial that we all take the necessary steps to protect the public’s health – particularly those who are elderly or clinically extremely vulnerable. It’s the right thing to do.


thedailyecho--2020-12-21--Hampshire Police will enforce coronavirus rules to tackle 'blatant breaches'


thedailyecho--2020-12-21--£3.1M paid in damages by Southampton hospital 2019-20

MILLIONS of pounds in damages were paid out last year following serious mistakes made at a Southampton hospital .
Data from NHS Resolution , which handles such cases on behalf of the NHS , revealed 58 clinical negligence claims against University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust were successful in 2019 to 2020 .
A total damages bill of £3.1 million was paid out in relation to these claims over the year , while further legal costs totalled £411,614 .
Successful claims against the trust were up 71 per cent compared to the 34 reported in 2018-19 , when £6.3 million @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , interim CEO , University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust said : “ We are constantly working to improve and to provide the best possible care to our patients .
`` In any instance where we do not meet the high standards we set ourselves , we have comprehensive processes in place to ensure we learn from this , to continually enhance the care we offer .
“ It ’ s important to hear when things don ’ t go well and we have a committed patient safety culture which encourages these occasions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ upon , through implementing recognised best-practice , providing latest guidance and offering regular training to our staff .
`` Through continual improvement we can reduce the very small number of the patients who have cause to bring claims against our trust.
” The Clinical Negligence Scheme for Trusts , administered by NHS Resolution , handles all negligence claims against members for incidents which happened after April 1 1995 .
This means claims could be settled for harm which occurred years before .
Trusts pay into the scheme on a pay-as-you-go basis to cover @ @ @ @ @ @ @ previously reported by the Daily Echo , a total of three people died in the space of four years due to errors of handing out drugs at University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust .
A FOI request revealed that the Trust paid out more than £320,000 worth of compensation to patients who have suffered the consequences of medical negligence between 2016 and 2020 .
More than 10,000 medication errors were made at the Trust over the course of four years leaving 8,392 individuals suffering with the aftermath , a freedom of information has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ three mistakes resulted in the death of three people .

Data from NHS Resolution, which handles such cases on behalf of the NHS, revealed 58 clinical negligence claims against University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust were successful in 2019 to 2020.
A total damages bill of £3.1 million was paid out in relation to these claims over the year, while further legal costs totalled £411,614.
Successful claims against the trust were up 71 per cent compared to the 34 reported in 2018-19, when £6.3 million was paid in damages.
University Hospital Southampton.
David French, interim CEO, University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust said: “We are constantly working to improve and to provide the best possible care to our patients.
"In any instance where we do not meet the high standards we set ourselves, we have comprehensive processes in place to ensure we learn from this, to continually enhance the care we offer.
“It’s important to hear when things don’t go well and we have a committed patient safety culture which encourages these occasions to be reported, investigated and acted upon, through implementing recognised best-practice, providing latest guidance and offering regular training to our staff.
"Through continual improvement we can reduce the very small number of the patients who have cause to bring claims against our trust.”
The Clinical Negligence Scheme for Trusts, administered by NHS Resolution, handles all negligence claims against members for incidents which happened after April 1 1995. This means claims could be settled for harm which occurred years before.
Trusts pay into the scheme on a pay-as-you-go basis to cover the bill due each year.
As previously reported by the Daily Echo, a total of three people died in the space of four years due to errors of handing out drugs at University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust.
A FOI request revealed that the Trust paid out more than £320,000 worth of compensation to patients who have suffered the consequences of medical negligence between 2016 and 2020.
More than 10,000 medication errors were made at the Trust over the course of four years leaving 8,392 individuals suffering with the aftermath, a freedom of information has uncovered. Of the errors made, three mistakes resulted in the death of three people.


thedailyecho--2020-12-21--Burglars target sheds and outbuildings in Waterside area

POLICE are investigating a spate of burglaries in the Waterside area .
Six homes in Oak Road , Dibden Purlieu were among those raided by thieves between December 17 and December 21 .
Burglars also targeted several properties in nearby roads , including Oak Close .
A police spokesperson said : `` The burglaries happened at various times throughout this time period and were a result of sheds and outbuildings being broken into . ''
Police are appealing for witnesses to the following crimes : Burglary at Oak Road between 3am and 3.20am on December 18 ( crime reference number @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at around 4.50pm on December 18 ( crime ref 44200487571 ) .
Burglary at Oak Road at around 6.05pm on December 18 ( crime ref 44200487653 ) .
Burglary at Oak Road at around 8.35pm on December 18 ( crime ref 44200487811 ) .
Burglary at Oak Close at around 6pm on December 18 ( crime ref 44200487654 ) .
Burglary at Oak Road at around 1am on December 18 ( crime ref 44200487811 ) .
Burglary at Oak Road between 10pm on December 17 and 6.30am on December 18 ( crime ref @ @ @ @ @ @ @ between 8pm on December 17 and 12.01am on December 18 ( crime ref 44200487654 ) .
Burglary at Beaulieu Road between 2am and 3am on December 18 ( crime ref 44200487654 ) .
Burglary at Lanehays Road , Hythe , at around 2.20am on December 19 ( crime ref 44200488122 ) .
A police spokesperson said : `` We would like to hear from anyone with information on any of these incidents .
Did you notice anything suspicious ?
Did you see someone hanging around the area ?
Perhaps you have CCTV or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ information is asked to contact us by calling 101 , quoting the crime reference numbers above .
`` Alternatively , you can contact independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 .
`` We also wanted to take the opportunity , especially over the festive period , to remind local residents about appropriate crime prevention advice around burglaries : '' Lock your shed or garage every evening , ensuring that you have a reliable and robust lock in place to deter any would-be burglars .
`` Mark your prized possessions by using a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ only visible under Ultraviolet light .
`` Ensure side gates are locked to prevent access to the rear of the property .
`` Record the details of your property such as serial numbers for electronic goods on the Immobilise website ( https : //www.immobilise.com/ ) '' You know your local communities .
If you notice anything out of the ordinary , such as someone tampering with a lock on a neighbour ’ s shed , please report it to us via 101 . ''

Six homes in Oak Road, Dibden Purlieu were among those raided by thieves between December 17 and December 21.
Burglars also targeted several properties in nearby roads, including Oak Close.
A police spokesperson said: "The burglaries happened at various times throughout this time period and were a result of sheds and outbuildings being broken into."
Police are appealing for witnesses to the following crimes:
Burglary at Oak Road between 3am and 3.20am on December 18 (crime reference number 44200487571).
Burglary at Oak Road at around 4.50pm on December 18 (crime ref 44200487571).
Burglary at Oak Road at around 6.05pm on December 18 (crime ref 44200487653).
Burglary at Oak Road at around 8.35pm on December 18 (crime ref 44200487811).
Burglary at Oak Close at around 6pm on December 18 (crime ref 44200487654).
Burglary at Oak Road at around 1am on December 18 (crime ref 44200487811).
Burglary at Oak Road between 10pm on December 17 and 6.30am on December 18 (crime ref 44200487653).
Burglary at Oak Close between 8pm on December 17 and 12.01am on December 18 (crime ref 44200487654).
Burglary at Beaulieu Road between 2am and 3am on December 18 (crime ref 44200487654).
Burglary at Lanehays Road, Hythe, at around 2.20am on December 19 (crime ref 44200488122).
A police spokesperson said: "We would like to hear from anyone with information on any of these incidents. Did you notice anything suspicious? Did you see someone hanging around the area? Perhaps you have CCTV or Ring doorbell footage?
"Anyone with information is asked to contact us by calling 101, quoting the crime reference numbers above.
"Alternatively, you can contact independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
"We also wanted to take the opportunity, especially over the festive period, to remind local residents about appropriate crime prevention advice around burglaries:
"Lock your shed or garage every evening, ensuring that you have a reliable and robust lock in place to deter any would-be burglars.
"Mark your prized possessions by using a property or police approved forensic marking solution only visible under Ultraviolet light.
"Ensure side gates are locked to prevent access to the rear of the property.
"Record the details of your property such as serial numbers for electronic goods on the Immobilise website (https://www.immobilise.com/)
"You know your local communities. If you notice anything out of the ordinary, such as someone tampering with a lock on a neighbour’s shed, please report it to us via 101."


thedailyecho--2020-12-21--FLOOD WARNING: Met Office says heavy rain on the way for Hampshire

A WARNING of flooding has been issued for Hampshire as heavy rainfull is set to hit the county later this week .
The Met Office has issued a yellow warning for rain across the county , as well as the rest of the southern part of the country , between 6am on Wednesday and 6am on Thursday .
It says that there is a `` small chance that homes and businesses could be flooded , causing damage to some buildings '' .
It adds that anyone travelling via public transport is warned that there is a chance of delays or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to flooding .
A spokesperson for the Met Office said : `` Spells of heavy rain are expected across southern England and parts of south Wales during Wednesday and into early Thursday .
`` The heaviest rain is likely to develop during Wednesday evening and continue overnight before clearing away to the southeast by Thursday morning .
`` Much of the area is likely to see 20-40 mm through this period .
There is still some uncertainty in exactly where the heaviest rain will fall but there is the potential for some places @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of rain .
`` The heavy rain will be accompanied by strong north to northeasterly winds during Wednesday evening and overnight . ''

The Met Office has issued a yellow warning for rain across the county, as well as the rest of the southern part of the country, between 6am on Wednesday and 6am on Thursday.
It says that there is a "small chance that homes and businesses could be flooded, causing damage to some buildings".
It adds that anyone travelling via public transport is warned that there is a chance of delays or cancellations to train and bus services due to flooding.
A spokesperson for the Met Office said: "Spells of heavy rain are expected across southern England and parts of south Wales during Wednesday and into early Thursday.
"The heaviest rain is likely to develop during Wednesday evening and continue overnight before clearing away to the southeast by Thursday morning.
"Much of the area is likely to see 20-40 mm through this period. There is still some uncertainty in exactly where the heaviest rain will fall but there is the potential for some places to see as much as 50-70 mm of rain.
"The heavy rain will be accompanied by strong north to northeasterly winds during Wednesday evening and overnight."


thedailyecho--2020-12-21--Sainsbury’s warns of gaps on shelves due to border issues

Salad leaves and citrus fruits could be missing from supermarket shelves as a result of restrictions on UK-France trade , Sainsbury ’ s has warned .
The supermarket giant said France ’ s ban on freight hauliers from the UK could affect food supplies but assured customers that crucial Christmas dinner supplies are available and already in the country .
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said the ban on accompanied freight is “ slightly surprising ” .
• Countries across the world restrict travel from UK and freight lorries face disruption Thousands of lorries that were meant to travel across the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to stay away from Kent ports .
HGVs turning up at Dover on Monday morning were greeted with signs saying “ French borders closed ” , and were being turned away .
It came as the south-east of England grapples with a new variant of coronavirus that could be up to 70 % more transmissible than the original strain .
A Sainsbury ’ s spokesman said : “ All products for the Great British Christmas lunch are already in the country and we have plenty of these .
“ If nothing changes , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the coming days on lettuce , some salad leaves , cauliflowers , broccoli and citrus fruit – all of which are imported from the Continent at this time of year.
” Mr Shapps said that “ probably about 20 % ” of goods going into and out of the country passes through Kent .
He told Sky News : “ But it ’ s not the mainstay .
Most goods actually come in and out by unaccompanied containers and those will continue to flow.
” Asked what the shortages could be , Mr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t want these links to be closed for too long , but it ’ s not unusual for them to be closed and disrupted .
“ In the short term it ’ s not a specific problem .
But of course the key is to get it resolved.
” While unaccompanied freight is exempt from the 48-hour ban , goods that would usually be transported on lorries driven on to ferries by drivers face being unable to cross the Channel to France .
This will mean that the vast majority of trade @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be held up at the border .
Alex Veitch , general manager at Logistics UK – formerly known as the Freight Transport Association – said he is “ genuinely not worried ” about food shortages , and urged people not to panic-buy .
He said : “ But at the same time , this does need sorting out because after a while there will potentially be fewer trucks coming this way ( from Europe ) because the haulage firms that provide that service will be very worried about their driver being stranded on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lorry into the UK from Europe tend to be those with a “ short shelf life ” , he added .
Mr Veitch said UK export firms are also likely to be “ pulling their hair out ” as they rush to deliver goods to mainland Europe ahead of December 31 – the end of the post-Brexit transition period .
He said : “ They are probably trying to do that in haste just in case there is no free trade agreement .
“ If they are selling to an EU company , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the moment that there won ’ t be a free trade deal , so their buyer might have to pay either very high or in some cases low tariffs on their products , depending what it is .
”

The supermarket giant said France’s ban on freight hauliers from the UK could affect food supplies but assured customers that crucial Christmas dinner supplies are available and already in the country.
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said the ban on accompanied freight is “slightly surprising”.
Countries across the world restrict travel from UK and freight lorries face disruption
Thousands of lorries that were meant to travel across the English Channel on Monday have been told to stay away from Kent ports.
HGVs turning up at Dover on Monday morning were greeted with signs saying “French borders closed”, and were being turned away.
It came as the south-east of England grapples with a new variant of coronavirus that could be up to 70% more transmissible than the original strain.
Lorries parked on the M20 near Folkestone, Kent, as part of Operation Stack (Steve Parsons/PA)
A Sainsbury’s spokesman said: “All products for the Great British Christmas lunch are already in the country and we have plenty of these.
“If nothing changes, we will start to see gaps over the coming days on lettuce, some salad leaves, cauliflowers, broccoli and citrus fruit – all of which are imported from the Continent at this time of year.”
Mr Shapps said that “probably about 20%” of goods going into and out of the country passes through Kent.
He told Sky News: “But it’s not the mainstay. Most goods actually come in and out by unaccompanied containers and those will continue to flow.”
Asked what the shortages could be, Mr Shapps said: “Obviously we don’t want these links to be closed for too long, but it’s not unusual for them to be closed and disrupted.
We are currently preparing Manston ready to support Kent Resilience Forum’s plans to manage disruption in #Kent today. This can accommodate up to 4,000 lorries. However our message to #Hauliers is to avoid travelling to Kent until further notice. pic.twitter.com/uXXt4nMCHQ — Dept for Transport (@transportgovuk) December 21, 2020
“In the short term it’s not a specific problem. But of course the key is to get it resolved.”
While unaccompanied freight is exempt from the 48-hour ban, goods that would usually be transported on lorries driven on to ferries by drivers face being unable to cross the Channel to France.
This will mean that the vast majority of trade out of the port of Dover could be held up at the border.
Speaking about the closure of French borders to freight for 48 hours, Alex Veitch, General Manager at Logistics UK said: “Logistics UK is aware that accompanied freight from the UK is not being allowed access to France for 48 hours; Logistics UK is — Logistics UK (@LogisticsUKNews) December 21, 2020
Alex Veitch, general manager at Logistics UK – formerly known as the Freight Transport Association – said he is “genuinely not worried” about food shortages, and urged people not to panic-buy.
He said: “But at the same time, this does need sorting out because after a while there will potentially be fewer trucks coming this way (from Europe) because the haulage firms that provide that service will be very worried about their driver being stranded on the UK side.”
Items imported by lorry into the UK from Europe tend to be those with a “short shelf life”, he added.
Mr Veitch said UK export firms are also likely to be “pulling their hair out” as they rush to deliver goods to mainland Europe ahead of December 31 – the end of the post-Brexit transition period.
He said: “They are probably trying to do that in haste just in case there is no free trade agreement.
“If they are selling to an EU company, there is a pretty high chance at the moment that there won’t be a free trade deal, so their buyer might have to pay either very high or in some cases low tariffs on their products, depending what it is.”


thedailyecho--2020-12-21--Countries across the world restrict travel from UK and freight lorries face disruption

BORIS Johnson will hold crisis talks with ministers after France banned lorries carrying freight from the UK and countries around the world ended flights amid fears over the new mutant coronavirus strain .
The Prime Minister will chair a meeting of the Government ’ s Cobra civil contingencies committee on Monday amid warnings of “ significant disruption ” around the Channel ports in Kent .
UK importers are reported to be struggling with congestion problems at Felixstowe and Southampton and there are fears of major delays at Dover from the new year .
• READ : Countries across the world @ @ @ @ @ @ @ > Hauliers were urged to stay away from the area amid warnings of potential problems as the end of the Brexit transition period looms on December 31 .
Kent Police said they were implementing Operation Stack in a bid to ease potential congestion , while the Department for Transport said Manston Airport was also being prepared as another contingency measure against the anticipated level of disruption .
Countries including France , Germany , Italy , the Netherlands , Belgium , Poland , Austria , Denmark , Ireland , and Bulgaria announced restrictions on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ highly infectious new strain is widespread across south-east England .
Italian authorities also announced the mutant strain had been detected in a traveller who recently returned to the country from the UK .
With France suspending all traffic from the UK for 48 hours , it raised fears that trade flows could be severely disrupted while passengers across Europe could be left stranded in the final run-up to Christmas .
A No 10 spokesman said : “ The Prime Minister will chair a Cobra meeting tomorrow to discuss the situation regarding international travel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ freight into and out of the UK .
“ Further meetings are happening this evening and tomorrow morning to ensure robust plans are in place.
” Transport Secretary Grant Shapps urged people including hauliers to stay away from the area around the Channel ports .
“ We expect significant disruption in the area .
My department is urgently working with Highways England and Kent Council on contingency measures to minimise traffic disruption in the area , ” he said .
The British Retail Consortium ( BRC ) warned the closure of France to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for UK imports and exports in the busy Christmas period .
Andrew Opie , the BRC ’ s director of food and sustainability , said any “ prolonged ” disruption would be a problem in the run-up to the end of the Brexit transition period on December 31 .
“ While goods can enter from France , few haulage firms will be willing to send trucks and drivers across to the UK without a guarantee they can return to the EU in a timely manner , ” he said .

The Prime Minister will chair a meeting of the Government’s Cobra civil contingencies committee on Monday amid warnings of “significant disruption” around the Channel ports in Kent.
UK importers are reported to be struggling with congestion problems at Felixstowe and Southampton and there are fears of major delays at Dover from the new year.
Hauliers were urged to stay away from the area amid warnings of potential problems as the end of the Brexit transition period looms on December 31.
Kent Police said they were implementing Operation Stack in a bid to ease potential congestion, while the Department for Transport said Manston Airport was also being prepared as another contingency measure against the anticipated level of disruption.
Countries including France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Belgium, Poland, Austria, Denmark, Ireland, and Bulgaria announced restrictions on UK travel following the disclosure that the highly infectious new strain is widespread across south-east England.
Italian authorities also announced the mutant strain had been detected in a traveller who recently returned to the country from the UK.
With France suspending all traffic from the UK for 48 hours, it raised fears that trade flows could be severely disrupted while passengers across Europe could be left stranded in the final run-up to Christmas.
A No 10 spokesman said: “The Prime Minister will chair a Cobra meeting tomorrow to discuss the situation regarding international travel, in particular the steady flow of freight into and out of the UK.
“Further meetings are happening this evening and tomorrow morning to ensure robust plans are in place.”
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps urged people including hauliers to stay away from the area around the Channel ports.
“We expect significant disruption in the area. My department is urgently working with Highways England and Kent Council on contingency measures to minimise traffic disruption in the area,” he said.
The British Retail Consortium (BRC) warned the closure of France to UK traffic would create “difficulties” for UK imports and exports in the busy Christmas period.
Andrew Opie, the BRC’s director of food and sustainability, said any “prolonged” disruption would be a problem in the run-up to the end of the Brexit transition period on December 31.
“While goods can enter from France, few haulage firms will be willing to send trucks and drivers across to the UK without a guarantee they can return to the EU in a timely manner,” he said.


thedailyecho--2020-12-21--Sir Desmond Swayne calls for debate over Christmas restrictions

A HAMPSHIRE MP has called for Parliament to debate new Christmas restrictions after Boris Johnson 's u-turn .
The Prime Minister announced a raft of changes to existing Christmas rules on Saturday afternoon , creating a new Tier 4 level and specifying that gatherings can only be held on one day .
The move has angered a number of Tory MPs , and there are now calls for Parliament to have a say .
Sir Desmond Swayne , MP for New Forest West , suggested that the Government is frightened of its own Parliament .
He told a radio programme @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for New Forest West told BBC Radio 4 ’ s Today programme : “ Yes , they ’ ve been looking at it since September and how convenient when Parliament went into recess on Thursday suddenly they were then able to produce this revelation .
“ Let ’ s see the evidence then , let ’ s have Parliament back and show us and convince us , come clean .
“ I want Parliament to be recalled so we can scrutinise properly in a democracy decisions that are being made which affect our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The recall of Parliament requires a request by the Government to the Speaker , why would the Government be so reluctant to recall Parliament ?
“ Is it that it ’ s not sure of the evidence that it has and that its case isn ’ t as convincing as it ought to be , what ’ s Government frightened of ?
“ The arrangements for Christmas were explicitly voted on by Parliament .
If they ’ re to be changed then in my view , Parliament should vote again .
”

The Prime Minister announced a raft of changes to existing Christmas rules on Saturday afternoon, creating a new Tier 4 level and specifying that gatherings can only be held on one day.
The move has angered a number of Tory MPs, and there are now calls for Parliament to have a say.
Sir Desmond Swayne, MP for New Forest West, suggested that the Government is frightened of its own Parliament.
He told a radio programme: Conservative Sir Desmond Swayne, MP for New Forest West told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme: “Yes, they’ve been looking at it since September and how convenient when Parliament went into recess on Thursday suddenly they were then able to produce this revelation.
“Let’s see the evidence then, let’s have Parliament back and show us and convince us, come clean.
“I want Parliament to be recalled so we can scrutinise properly in a democracy decisions that are being made which affect our economy radically and our liberty.
“The recall of Parliament requires a request by the Government to the Speaker, why would the Government be so reluctant to recall Parliament?
“Is it that it’s not sure of the evidence that it has and that its case isn’t as convincing as it ought to be, what’s Government frightened of?
“Frightened of its Parliament?
“The arrangements for Christmas were explicitly voted on by Parliament. If they’re to be changed then in my view, Parliament should vote again.”


thedailyecho--2020-12-21--In the dock: A round-up of 12 Southampton court cases including theft and assault

THE following cases were heard at Southampton Magistrates ' Court : MARTIN JOHN FRASER , 30 , of Burgoyne Road , Southampton .
Pleaded guilty to once count of theft from Tesco Express in Southampton .
Discharged conditionally for 12 months .
Ordered to pay £45.15 compensation and court costs of £85 .
PHILIP STUART WINGFIELD , 26 , of Bingham Road , Verwood .
Pleaded not guilty but was found guilty of speeding and failing to provide his details to a police officer .
Fined £680 and driving licence endorsed with nine points .
Ordered to pay victim surcharge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
TYLER NORRIS , 21 , of Richmond Road , Southampton .
Pleaded guilty to the possession of cannabis , riding a motorbike without a licence , and riding without insurance .
Fined £400 and ordered to pay victim surcharge of £40 .
Driving Licence endorsed with six points .
MATEUSZ ZIELINSKI , 36 , of Shirley Road , Southampton .
Pleaded guilty to once count of drunk and disorderly behaviour and one count of assaulting an emergency worker .
Committed to prison for 26 weeks suspended for 12 months and fined £400 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ costs .
DANIEL JOSEPH MACKEL , 25 , of Herne Road , Cosham .
Pleaded guilty to driving on the motorway while banned .
Fined £100 and banned from driving for one month .
Ordered to pay £100 victim surcharge and court costs of £85 .
RHYS PAUL SHERWOOD , 19 , of Lower Brownhill Road , Southampton .
Pleaded guilty to the possession of Class A drug diamorphine .
Discharged conditionally for 12 months .
Ordered to pay £22 victim surcharge and £85 court costs .
KELVIN BRETT ANDREWS , 26 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ guilty to one count of theft .
Fined £200 and ordered to pay £200 compensation .
Luke ANDREW WARD , 25 , of Millbrook Road West , Southampton .
Pleaded guilty to one count of theft .
Committed to prison for 12 weeks suspended for nine months and ordered to pay £35.30 compensation .
Also ordered to pay £85 court costs .
JOSHUA LEWIS VENTURA BLYTH , 25 , of Hut Farm Place , Chandler ’ s Ford .
Pleaded guilty to assault by beating .
Handed community order .
Ordered to pay @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of £95 .
LEE JAMES GOSDEN , 32 , of International Way , Southampton .
Pleaded guilty to three counts of drug driving .
Disqualified from driving for 23 months and handed community order .
Also ordered to pay victim surcharge of £95 and court costs of £85 .
KAROL KNAPIK , 43 , of St Mary Street , Southampton .
Pleaded guilty to stealing knives .
Fined £80 .
Also ordered to pay victim surcharge of £32 and court costs of £85 .
CONNOR MARK RANSOM , 20 , of Bransbury Close @ @ @ @ @ @ @ driving .
Disqualified from driving for 12 months and fined £138 .
Also ordered to pay victim surcharge of £34 and court costs of £85 .

MARTIN JOHN FRASER, 30, of Burgoyne Road, Southampton. Pleaded guilty to once count of theft from Tesco Express in Southampton. Discharged conditionally for 12 months. Ordered to pay £45.15 compensation and court costs of £85.
PHILIP STUART WINGFIELD, 26, of Bingham Road, Verwood. Pleaded not guilty but was found guilty of speeding and failing to provide his details to a police officer. Fined £680 and driving licence endorsed with nine points. Ordered to pay victim surcharge of £66 and court costs of £620.
TYLER NORRIS, 21, of Richmond Road, Southampton. Pleaded guilty to the possession of cannabis, riding a motorbike without a licence, and riding without insurance. Fined £400 and ordered to pay victim surcharge of £40. Driving Licence endorsed with six points.
MATEUSZ ZIELINSKI, 36, of Shirley Road, Southampton. Pleaded guilty to once count of drunk and disorderly behaviour and one count of assaulting an emergency worker. Committed to prison for 26 weeks suspended for 12 months and fined £400 compensation. Ordered to pay £85 court costs.
DANIEL JOSEPH MACKEL, 25, of Herne Road, Cosham. Pleaded guilty to driving on the motorway while banned. Fined £100 and banned from driving for one month. Ordered to pay £100 victim surcharge and court costs of £85.
RHYS PAUL SHERWOOD, 19, of Lower Brownhill Road, Southampton. Pleaded guilty to the possession of Class A drug diamorphine. Discharged conditionally for 12 months. Ordered to pay £22 victim surcharge and £85 court costs.
KELVIN BRETT ANDREWS, 26, of Chiltern Green, Southampton. Pleaded guilty to one count of theft. Fined £200 and ordered to pay £200 compensation.
Luke ANDREW WARD, 25, of Millbrook Road West, Southampton. Pleaded guilty to one count of theft. Committed to prison for 12 weeks suspended for nine months and ordered to pay £35.30 compensation. Also ordered to pay £85 court costs.
JOSHUA LEWIS VENTURA BLYTH, 25, of Hut Farm Place, Chandler’s Ford. Pleaded guilty to assault by beating. Handed community order. Ordered to pay court costs of £85 and victim surcharge of £95.
LEE JAMES GOSDEN, 32, of International Way, Southampton. Pleaded guilty to three counts of drug driving. Disqualified from driving for 23 months and handed community order. Also ordered to pay victim surcharge of £95 and court costs of £85.
KAROL KNAPIK, 43, of St Mary Street, Southampton. Pleaded guilty to stealing knives. Fined £80. Also ordered to pay victim surcharge of £32 and court costs of £85.
CONNOR MARK RANSOM, 20, of Bransbury Close, Southampton. Pleaded guilty to drug driving. Disqualified from driving for 12 months and fined £138. Also ordered to pay victim surcharge of £34 and court costs of £85.


thedailyecho--2020-12-21--Plan for 'Cheese Dreams' food van refused by Fareham council

CONTROVERSIAL plans for a mobile food van in a residential part of Fareham have been thrown out .
Fareham Borough Council have rejected an application for the siting of a mobile catering van at a residential property in the area .
Cheese Dream Company applied to the council to trade from the mobile food catering caravan , to offer deliveries , which is parked in a private garden in Jubilee Road .
However , the application was refused over concerns it 'would result in a detrimental impact on the living conditions of the neighbouring residents in terms of noise , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said that the proposed use is a main town centre use which would be located in an out-of-centre residential area .
Local resident Stephen Miles said : `` The location is in the middle of a residential street and there will be smells and a vast increased in traffic in a child play zone put in place by the council - this would be against the creating a safe play area . ''
Other residents Claire and Nick Leggett said : `` Any cooking fumes , that of fats/ oils and food smells @ @ @ @ @ @ @ waft into multiple homes when windows or doors are open .
The proposed opening days and times are limited to start but could easily increase if granted .
`` If the power is supplied by a generator , noise pollution needs to be a consideration along with that of the delivery pick ups & customers , with the added possibility of anti-social behaviour .
`` As the van is mobile would it not be more appropriate for a pitch at a local market , car park , or industrial estate to capitalise on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Daily Echo has approached Cheese Dreams for a comment .

Fareham Borough Council have rejected an application for the siting of a mobile catering van at a residential property in the area.
Cheese Dream Company applied to the council to trade from the mobile food catering caravan, to offer deliveries, which is parked in a private garden in Jubilee Road.
However, the application was refused over concerns it 'would result in a detrimental impact on the living conditions of the neighbouring residents in terms of noise, disturbance and odour.'
The council said that the proposed use is a main town centre use which would be located in an out-of-centre residential area.
Objectors raised concerns over parking issues, safety and resulting litter.
Local resident Stephen Miles said: "The location is in the middle of a residential street and there will be smells and a vast increased in traffic in a child play zone put in place by the council - this would be against the creating a safe play area."
Other residents Claire and Nick Leggett said: "Any cooking fumes, that of fats/ oils and food smells are very likely to be smelt and waft into multiple homes when windows or doors are open. The proposed opening days and times are limited to start but could easily increase if granted.
"If the power is supplied by a generator, noise pollution needs to be a consideration along with that of the delivery pick ups & customers, with the added possibility of anti-social behaviour.
"As the van is mobile would it not be more appropriate for a pitch at a local market, car park, or industrial estate to capitalise on a larger passing trade."
The Daily Echo has approached Cheese Dreams for a comment.