thedailymirror--2020-09-20--Rishi Sunak 'considers freezing benefits and wages' to pay for Covid crisis

Rishi Sunak has looked at a freeze on benefits and public sector pay to fight the spiralling cost of the coronavirus crisis , it is reported today .
Sources failed to rule out the crushing blow to millions of workers and the poorest - just a few years after long austerity freezes finally ended .
The Chancellor is also said to be trying to persuade Boris Johnson to suspend the `` triple lock '' on pensions , reports the Mail on Sunday - amid fears it will artificially rise due to the economic turmoil .
A Treasury source downplayed the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said there would be no return to austerity .
However , the department failed to rule out the claims , saying it would not comment on future tax or spending decisions .
And Mr Sunak has already made clear there will have to be `` restraint '' in public sector pay .
The Chancellor wrote to Cabinet ministers in July : “ It will be vital that public sector pay awards made during the review take into account the wider economic context .
In May 2020 , public sector pay was up by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ compared to a fall of 1.2 % in the private sector .
“ For reasons of fairness , we must exercise restraint in future public sector pay awards , ensuring they retain parity with the private sector . ''
It comes after the UK borrowed a record £127.9billion between April and June as the UK entered what Mr Sunak called a `` very significant '' recession .
Mr Sunak has told fellow ministers he is deeply concerned about the long-term damage to the country ’ s finances , according to the Mail on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there will be `` difficult '' decisions ahead , saying : `` We need to make sure we have sustainable public finances . ''
Now Mr Sunak is said to have discussed scrapping inflation-linked increases to both welfare payments and public sector salaries in future , as a way of clawing back billions of pounds in financial bailouts .
There could be a possible exemption to any public sector pay freeze for NHS workers , according to the Mail on Sunday .
But any freeze would still be a major blow .
Public @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a decade without either above-inflation rises , or any rises at all , as part of Tories ' austerity agenda .
Most benefits finally rose 1.7 % in April after years of freezes , with Universal Credit rising by far more as a one-year boost for coronavirus .
But there is no announcement yet on whether the rise will be repeated in 2021 .
And ministers have refused to say if Universal Credit rates will drop back down again when the one-year boost ends next April .
Downing Street has also previously failed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pay freeze .
Quizzed in May , the Prime Minister 's press secretary emphasised Boris Johnson recognises the work of frontline workers and `` we 're not going to forget that '' .
Pointing out the PM has already promised no return to the days of austerity , he added : `` We are determined to support them . ''
However , he was unable to categorically rule out either a pay freeze or tax increases - saying a future Budget had not yet been written .
Meanwhile the Chancellor is understood to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the triple lock that , unchecked , could see a huge rise in pensions in 2022 .
The 'lock ' is a key Tory manifesto pledge which raises pensions by inflation , 2.5 % or average earnings - whichever is highest .
However , it takes into account average earnings between May and July the previous year .
Because average earnings fell between 2019 and 2020 due to coronavirus , they could then be seen to rise again between that period and 2021 .
That 'rise ' in earnings could then technically @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in April 2022 .
Work and Pensions Secretary Therese Coffey held talks over the issue earlier this year , telling MPs : `` This is not about abandoning the triple lock in any way .
`` But there are some consequences if average earnings fall during this year that we need to rectify in order to make sure that aspects of the law that is already in place can not be set aside . ''

The Chancellor has also looked at suspending the triple lock on pension rises as the financial impact of coronavirus becomes clear
Rishi Sunak has looked at a freeze on benefits and public sector pay to fight the spiralling cost of the coronavirus crisis, it is reported today.
Sources failed to rule out the crushing blow to millions of workers and the poorest - just a few years after long austerity freezes finally ended.
The Chancellor is also said to be trying to persuade Boris Johnson to suspend the "triple lock" on pensions, reports the Mail on Sunday - amid fears it will artificially rise due to the economic turmoil.
A Treasury source downplayed the reports, emphasising that the government previously said there would be no return to austerity.
However, the department failed to rule out the claims, saying it would not comment on future tax or spending decisions.
And Mr Sunak has already made clear there will have to be "restraint" in public sector pay. The Chancellor wrote to Cabinet ministers in July: “It will be vital that public sector pay awards made during the review take into account the wider economic context. In May 2020, public sector pay was up by 3.7% on the year before, compared to a fall of 1.2% in the private sector.
“For reasons of fairness, we must exercise restraint in future public sector pay awards, ensuring they retain parity with the private sector."
It comes after the UK borrowed a record £127.9billion between April and June as the UK entered what Mr Sunak called a "very significant" recession.
Mr Sunak has told fellow ministers he is deeply concerned about the long-term damage to the country’s finances, according to the Mail on Sunday.
The Chancellor has previously warned there will be "difficult" decisions ahead, saying: "We need to make sure we have sustainable public finances."
Now Mr Sunak is said to have discussed scrapping inflation-linked increases to both welfare payments and public sector salaries in future, as a way of clawing back billions of pounds in financial bailouts.
There could be a possible exemption to any public sector pay freeze for NHS workers, according to the Mail on Sunday.
But any freeze would still be a major blow.
Image: PA) PA)
Public sector workers and benefit claimants suffered almost a decade without either above-inflation rises, or any rises at all, as part of Tories' austerity agenda.
Most benefits finally rose 1.7% in April after years of freezes, with Universal Credit rising by far more as a one-year boost for coronavirus.
But there is no announcement yet on whether the rise will be repeated in 2021. And ministers have refused to say if Universal Credit rates will drop back down again when the one-year boost ends next April.
Downing Street has also previously failed to categorically rule out a public sector pay freeze.
Quizzed in May, the Prime Minister's press secretary emphasised Boris Johnson recognises the work of frontline workers and "we're not going to forget that".
Pointing out the PM has already promised no return to the days of austerity, he added: "We are determined to support them."
However, he was unable to categorically rule out either a pay freeze or tax increases - saying a future Budget had not yet been written.
Image: Getty Images) Getty Images)
Meanwhile the Chancellor is understood to be examining how to solve an issue with the triple lock that, unchecked, could see a huge rise in pensions in 2022.
The 'lock' is a key Tory manifesto pledge which raises pensions by inflation, 2.5% or average earnings - whichever is highest.
However, it takes into account average earnings between May and July the previous year.
Because average earnings fell between 2019 and 2020 due to coronavirus, they could then be seen to rise again between that period and 2021.
Image: Getty) Getty)
That 'rise' in earnings could then technically lead to a large rise in pensions in April 2022.
Work and Pensions Secretary Therese Coffey held talks over the issue earlier this year, telling MPs: "This is not about abandoning the triple lock in any way.
"But there are some consequences if average earnings fall during this year that we need to rectify in order to make sure that aspects of the law that is already in place cannot be set aside."


thedailymirror--2020-09-20--Lauren Goodger risks wardrobe malfunction as she spills out of birthday outfit

Reality star Lauren Goodger risked a major wardrobe malfunction while spilling out of her top en route home from celebrating her 34th birthday .
The former The Only Way Is Essex star hit the town in London on Saturday night and made sure all eyes were on her .
Birthday girl Lauren headed out to swanky Jin Bo Law Skybar in the city , where she and pals enjoyed panoramic views of the capital at night .
The brunette beauty took to her Instagram to bring followers along for her night of cocktails and glamour as she rang in her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ appeared to flout social distancing rules as the drinks flowed .
Lauren was seen cosying up to pals for photos and videos as she documented her night .
She sat around a table with her friends and bottles of Grey Goose vodka and Moet Champagne as they posed and danced to the music in front of the city skyline .
Lauren strutted her stuff in a plunging white jumpsuit and matching white Chanel bag .
She paired her angelic look with a pair of chunky white heels and a super glam makeup look @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of her birthday look on her Instagram feed but was quickly called out by fans who accused her of editing the picture .
“ Memories of what you 've never looked like really .
Stop editing , you 're already enough as you are , ” one follower begged .
“ Why do you edit your pics ?
You don ’ t need too !
” another wrote .
A third said : “ Pics in papers look completely different to this one.
” The star was snapped leaving her birthday party looking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she struggled to contain her ample assets inside her low-cut outfit .
The pictures come after Lauren took aim at pap pictures when she appeared to look totally different in a shot from her glamorous pre-birthday dinner earlier this week .
She hit the town in Manchester with her close friend of eight-years Victoria Gage , but was quickly criticised by her followers on Instagram .
One criticised her post writing : `` U don ’ t even look like this just seen your pics in the papers totally different person such a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( sic ) Lauren clapped back to say she was using `` no filter '' and she blamed the pap photographs for making her look different .
She captioned a video : `` I said what do the pap pics make me look like '' .
Then she posed for a selfie video with Vicky , saying : `` I 'm using no filter .
Imperfections .
My body is my body and my face is my face . ''
The latest posts come after Lauren hit out at suggestions by an MP @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have been filtered and edited prior to posting .
Lauren told new !
magazine : `` What 's next - shall we get rid of makeup ?
Shall we ban hair dye ?
These are things that change how you look and make you feel better . ''
The Essex beauty described reasons why she might choose to edit her photos herself , and says this is down to her own personal anxieties .
`` When I change the filter on my images it helps with my anxiety , '' she explained , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and takes my mind elsewhere .
`` Celebrities and non-celebrities use filters on Instagram , as it 's just light-hearted and harmless . ''

Lauren Goodger risks wardrobe malfunction as she spills out of top
Lauren Goodger risks wardrobe malfunction as she spills out of top
The braless star appeared to be struggling to contain her ample assets inside her low-cut blazer as she was papped leaving her birthday party
Lauren Goodger risks wardrobe malfunction as she spills out of top at her birthday bash
Reality star Lauren Goodger risked a major wardrobe malfunction while spilling out of her top en route home from celebrating her 34th birthday.
The former The Only Way Is Essex star hit the town in London on Saturday night and made sure all eyes were on her.
Birthday girl Lauren headed out to swanky Jin Bo Law Skybar in the city, where she and pals enjoyed panoramic views of the capital at night.
The brunette beauty took to her Instagram to bring followers along for her night of cocktails and glamour as she rang in her 34th year.
The reality telly star appeared to flout social distancing rules as the drinks flowed.
Image: BACKGRID) BACKGRID)
Lauren was seen cosying up to pals for photos and videos as she documented her night.
She sat around a table with her friends and bottles of Grey Goose vodka and Moet Champagne as they posed and danced to the music in front of the city skyline.
Lauren strutted her stuff in a plunging white jumpsuit and matching white Chanel bag.
She paired her angelic look with a pair of chunky white heels and a super glam makeup look.
Image: BACKGRID) BACKGRID) Image: Instagram) Instagram)
The glam babe posted a snap of her birthday look on her Instagram feed but was quickly called out by fans who accused her of editing the picture.
“Memories of what you've never looked like really. Stop editing, you're already enough as you are,” one follower begged.
“Why do you edit your pics? You don’t need too!” another wrote.
A third said: “Pics in papers look completely different to this one.”
Image: Instagram) Instagram) Image: Instagram) Instagram)
The star was snapped leaving her birthday party looking a little worse for wear, as she struggled to contain her ample assets inside her low-cut outfit.
The pictures come after Lauren took aim at pap pictures when she appeared to look totally different in a shot from her glamorous pre-birthday dinner earlier this week.
She hit the town in Manchester with her close friend of eight-years Victoria Gage, but was quickly criticised by her followers on Instagram.
Image: Instagram) Instagram)
One criticised her post writing: "U don’t even look like this just seen your pics in the papers totally different person such a bad influence to young girls". (sic)
Lauren clapped back to say she was using "no filter" and she blamed the pap photographs for making her look different.
She captioned a video: "I said what do the pap pics make me look like".
Then she posed for a selfie video with Vicky, saying: "I'm using no filter. Imperfections. My body is my body and my face is my face."
The latest posts come after Lauren hit out at suggestions by an MP to label photos on social media that have been filtered and edited prior to posting.
Image: Instagram) Instagram)
Lauren told new! magazine: "What's next - shall we get rid of makeup? Shall we ban hair dye? These are things that change how you look and make you feel better."
The Essex beauty described reasons why she might choose to edit her photos herself, and says this is down to her own personal anxieties.
"When I change the filter on my images it helps with my anxiety," she explained, "as it makes me feel good and takes my mind elsewhere.
"Celebrities and non-celebrities use filters on Instagram, as it's just light-hearted and harmless."


thedailymirror--2020-09-20--Klopp's stance on Oxlade-Chamberlain as Liverpool make transfer decision

Jurgen Klopp is said to be more than happy to keep Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain this summer after Liverpool insisted they have no intentions of selling the player .
The 27-year-old had been touted for a surprise big-money move to Wolves following the arrival to Anfield of Thiago Alcantara , with Oxlade-Chamberlain 's playing time potentially limited as a result .
The former Arsenal and Southampton man is desperate to break into Gareth Southgate 's squad for next summer 's delayed European Championships , but as reported by Mirror Sport Klopp is believed to still view him as an important part of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ play him regularly this season .
He was used in some of Liverpool 's biggest games during the last campaign , both in their successful Premier League season and also in the Champions League .
In total Oxlade-Chamberlain made 30 appearances in the league , scoring four goals and creating one assist , and it is clear that Klopp has big faith in the player .
He also offers more goals from midfield than any other member of Klopp 's side , with the player having netted eight times in all competitions last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and fast in the coming months , Oxlade-Chamberlain is likely to rotate with the likes of Thiago , Jordan Henderson , Gini Wijnaldum , Fabinho and Naby Keita , and Liverpool certainly now have great strength in depth in the middle of the pitch .
Oxlade-Chamberlain was not involved in the Reds ' 4-3 win over Leeds on the first day of the Premier League season after suffering an injury over the summer , and it remains to be seen if he is back for the crucial game against Chelsea on Sunday afternoon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be happy to remain at Liverpool , and is desperate for more medals following their sensational 2019-20 campaign .

THIAGO ALCANTARA THRILLED TO BE JOINING UP WITH THE LIVERPOOL "FAMILY"
THIAGO ALCANTARA THRILLED TO BE JOINING UP WITH THE LIVERPOOL "FAMILY"
The midfielder has been in and out of Klopp's side in recent times and has been linked with a switch to Wolves this summer
Jurgen Klopp is said to be more than happy to keep Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain this summer after Liverpool insisted they have no intentions of selling the player.
The 27-year-old had been touted for a surprise big-money move to Wolves following the arrival to Anfield of Thiago Alcantara, with Oxlade-Chamberlain's playing time potentially limited as a result.
The former Arsenal and Southampton man is desperate to break into Gareth Southgate's squad for next summer's delayed European Championships, but as reported by Mirror Sport.
Klopp is believed to still view him as an important part of his team, and is planning to play him regularly this season.
Image: REUTERS) REUTERS)
He was used in some of Liverpool's biggest games during the last campaign, both in their successful Premier League season and also in the Champions League.
In total Oxlade-Chamberlain made 30 appearances in the league, scoring four goals and creating one assist, and it is clear that Klopp has big faith in the player.
He also offers more goals from midfield than any other member of Klopp's side, with the player having netted eight times in all competitions last season.
With the fixtures coming thick and fast in the coming months, Oxlade-Chamberlain is likely to rotate with the likes of Thiago, Jordan Henderson, Gini Wijnaldum, Fabinho and Naby Keita, and Liverpool certainly now have great strength in depth in the middle of the pitch.
Image: Liverpool FC via Getty Images) Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Oxlade-Chamberlain was not involved in the Reds' 4-3 win over Leeds on the first day of the Premier League season after suffering an injury over the summer, and it remains to be seen if he is back for the crucial game against Chelsea on Sunday afternoon.
The player himself is thought to be happy to remain at Liverpool, and is desperate for more medals following their sensational 2019-20 campaign.


thedailymirror--2020-09-20--Matt Hancock says you should snitch on neighbours and land them with £10k fine

Matt Hancock has become the latest minister to say he would call police if he spotted a neighbour flouting coronavirus rules - in spite of the PM saying the opposite .
The embattled Health Secretary said this morning he would snitch if he found out someone was n't self isolating when they should be .
Mr Hancock joins Home Secretary Priti Patel in saying he 'd contact police - even after Boris Johnson voiced his disdain for `` sneak culture '' .
The PM on Friday urged Brits not to be a grass unless they see someone having an 'Animal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a reference to a 1978 National Lampoon movie .
Labour leader Keir Starmer was more measured , saying that reporting neighbours `` depends on the circumstances '' .
It comes as the government introduces fines of up to £10,000 for people who repeatedly flout the two-week quarantine rule .
This morning Mr Hancock was asked by Sky News ' Sophie Ridge whether he would report a neighbour , and he responded : `` Yes , and everybody should . ''
He echoed that a short time later when asked the same question by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` Yes .
For the self isolation part that is absolutely necessary because that is how we break the chains of transmission . ''
He continued : `` I 'm not in this for a popularity contest .
I 'm in this to keep the country safe . ''
It stands in stark contrast to Boris Johnson 's standpoint , after the PM told The Sun : `` I have never much been in favour of sneak culture , myself .
`` What people should do in the first instance obviously if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their friends and neighbours .
`` But I think what is reasonable for anyone to do is if they think there is a serious threat to public health as a result of their neighbours ' activities - if there is some huge kind of Animal House party taking place , as I am sure , hot tubs and so forth , and there is a serious threat to public health then it 's reasonable for the authorities to know . ''
On Thursday Priti Patel said : `` If I saw gatherings of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would report that . ''
Kit Malthouse , the Policing Minister , said anyone concerned about people breaking the rules could call the non-emergency police number 101 .
This morning Keir Starmer told Sky News : `` I do n't think we 're a nation that wants to go round reporting our neighbours all of the time .
`` I think persuading people , cajoling people ... the policing through this has been really , really good because it 's done by consent . ''
He added : `` It depends on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the rules , I think all of us would want to do something about it and I think that 's where the majority of people are .
`` What I 've seen in policing across the country is actually it being done by consent , cajoling people , getting people to do the right thing , and I think that 's how we need to go forward .
`` I do n't disagree with the Government that in the rare cases where people are flouting the rules , something 's got to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them on that . ''
It has caused frustration among frontline police .
On Friday the chairman of the Police Federation of England and Wales , John Apter , said officers were `` trying to interpret '' the rules .
Asked if there should be `` more guidance '' he snapped : `` Maybe we should have 'guidance ' , because we have n't had any yet . ''
Mr Hancock told the Andrew Marr Show : `` This country faces a tipping point , and we have a choice , and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and does the self-isolation if they need to , follows the rule of six , which is really simple and clear , and the basics , hands , face and space , then we can avoid further measures .
`` But the alternative to that choice is that we will have to bring in more action .
`` And we don ’ t want to do that , but every single person has a part to play in this and everybody watching has a choice : do you follow the rules or not @ @

The under-fire Health Secretary said he would report people to police if they failed to self-isolate, as the government pushes through fines of up to £10,000 for rule breakers
Matt Hancock says 'everybody' should snitch on neighbours and land them with £10k fine
Matt Hancock has become the latest minister to say he would call police if he spotted a neighbour flouting coronavirus rules - in spite of the PM saying the opposite.
The embattled Health Secretary said this morning he would snitch if he found out someone wasn't self isolating when they should be.
Mr Hancock joins Home Secretary Priti Patel in saying he'd contact police - even after Boris Johnson voiced his disdain for "sneak culture".
The PM on Friday urged Brits not to be a grass unless they see someone having an 'Animal House' style hot tub party - a reference to a 1978 National Lampoon movie.
Labour leader Keir Starmer was more measured, saying that reporting neighbours "depends on the circumstances".
It comes as the government introduces fines of up to £10,000 for people who repeatedly flout the two-week quarantine rule.
Image: PA) PA)
This morning Mr Hancock was asked by Sky News' Sophie Ridge whether he would report a neighbour, and he responded: "Yes, and everybody should."
He echoed that a short time later when asked the same question by the BBC's Andrew Marr, saying: "Yes. For the self isolation part that is absolutely necessary because that is how we break the chains of transmission."
He continued: "I'm not in this for a popularity contest. I'm in this to keep the country safe."
Image: Getty Images) Getty Images)
It stands in stark contrast to Boris Johnson's standpoint, after the PM told The Sun: "I have never much been in favour of sneak culture, myself.
"What people should do in the first instance obviously if they are concerned is raise it with their friends and neighbours.
"But I think what is reasonable for anyone to do is if they think there is a serious threat to public health as a result of their neighbours' activities - if there is some huge kind of Animal House party taking place, as I am sure, hot tubs and so forth, and there is a serious threat to public health then it's reasonable for the authorities to know."
Image: POOL/AFP via Getty Images) POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
On Thursday Priti Patel said: "If I saw gatherings of more than six people, clearly I would report that."
Kit Malthouse, the Policing Minister, said anyone concerned about people breaking the rules could call the non-emergency police number 101.
This morning Keir Starmer told Sky News: "I don't think we're a nation that wants to go round reporting our neighbours all of the time.
"I think persuading people, cajoling people ... the policing through this has been really, really good because it's done by consent."
He added: "It depends on the circumstances. If someone is repeatedly flouting the rules, I think all of us would want to do something about it and I think that's where the majority of people are.
"What I've seen in policing across the country is actually it being done by consent, cajoling people, getting people to do the right thing, and I think that's how we need to go forward.
"I don't disagree with the Government that in the rare cases where people are flouting the rules, something's got to be done about it, so we support them on that."
It has caused frustration among frontline police.
Image: PA) PA)
On Friday the chairman of the Police Federation of England and Wales, John Apter, said officers were "trying to interpret" the rules.
Asked if there should be "more guidance" he snapped: "Maybe we should have 'guidance', because we haven't had any yet."
Mr Hancock told the Andrew Marr Show: "This country faces a tipping point, and we have a choice, and the choice is if everybody follows the rules and does the self-isolation if they need to, follows the rule of six, which is really simple and clear, and the basics, hands, face and space, then we can avoid further measures.
"But the alternative to that choice is that we will have to bring in more action.
"And we don’t want to do that, but every single person has a part to play in this and everybody watching has a choice: do you follow the rules or not?"


thedailymirror--2020-09-20--Boris Johnson 'considering lifting rule of six for 24 hours on Christmas Day'

Boris Johnson is reportedly weighing up lifting his `` rule of six '' on Christmas Day to allow friends and family to celebrate together .
The PM is worried about being `` portrayed as Scrooge '' , it is claimed - and may make the move to lift spirits after a difficult few months .
Since Monday social meetings of more than six people have been banned in an effort to stop Covid-19 spreading between households .
It is understood government advisors were planning for the rule of six to be in place for at least three months - to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have privately made clear the ban could be in force for as long as six months to March .
Johnson has warned a second wave is `` inevitable '' and the government has not ruled out a second national lockdown to prevent the death toll spiralling again .
But it means Brits face a bleak Christmas , with a one-day exception being weighed up to try to make it more bearable .
An insider told The Sun : “ The PM is anxious to avoid being portrayed as Scrooge .
“ He ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are making big sacrifices to defeat this virus and is considering ways to allow them to experience the joy of Christmas for at last part of the holiday season.
” Data released on Friday by the government 's Sage committee reveals that the R rate across the UK is between 1.1 and 1.4 - meaning the number of cases could be doubling every seven to eight days .
The number needs to be below 1 for the virus to be in retreat , and health authorities say hospital admissions are on the rise @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Public Health England , said : `` We 're seeing clear signs this virus is now spreading widely across all age groups and I am particularly worried by the increase in rates of admission to hospital and intensive care among older people .
`` This could be a warning of far worse things to come . ''
The Prime Minister echoed that pessimism , admitting that the UK is heading the same way as Spain , where the death toll hit 239 in a day this week .
He said : `` We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the pandemic as it evolves over the last few days and there 's no question , as I 've said for several weeks now , that we could expect ( and ) are now seeing a second wave coming in .
`` We are seeing it in France , in Spain , across Europe – it has been absolutely , I 'm afraid , inevitable we were going to see it in this country . ''

The Prime Minister is reportedly anxious at being "portrayed as Scrooge" and is weighing up telling Brits they can gather in groups of more than six for one day to try and lift spirits
Boris Johnson 'considering lifting rule of six for 24 hours on Christmas Day'
Boris Johnson is reportedly weighing up lifting his "rule of six" on Christmas Day to allow friends and family to celebrate together.
The PM is worried about being "portrayed as Scrooge", it is claimed - and may make the move to lift spirits after a difficult few months.
Since Monday social meetings of more than six people have been banned in an effort to stop Covid-19 spreading between households.
It is understood government advisors were planning for the rule of six to be in place for at least three months - to the beginning of December.
But they have privately made clear the ban could be in force for as long as six months to March.
Johnson has warned a second wave is "inevitable" and the government has not ruled out a second national lockdown to prevent the death toll spiralling again.
Image: AFP via Getty Images) AFP via Getty Images)
But it means Brits face a bleak Christmas, with a one-day exception being weighed up to try to make it more bearable.
An insider told The Sun : “The PM is anxious to avoid being portrayed as Scrooge.
“He’s fully aware that millions of people are making big sacrifices to defeat this virus and is considering ways to allow them to experience the joy of Christmas for at last part of the holiday season.”
Data released on Friday by the government's Sage committee reveals that the R rate across the UK is between 1.1 and 1.4 - meaning the number of cases could be doubling every seven to eight days.
Image: Splash) Splash)
The number needs to be below 1 for the virus to be in retreat, and health authorities say hospital admissions are on the rise.
Yvonne Doyle, medical director at Public Health England, said: "We're seeing clear signs this virus is now spreading widely across all age groups and I am particularly worried by the increase in rates of admission to hospital and intensive care among older people.
"This could be a warning of far worse things to come."
The Prime Minister echoed that pessimism, admitting that the UK is heading the same way as Spain, where the death toll hit 239 in a day this week.
He said: "We're looking very carefully at the spread of the pandemic as it evolves over the last few days and there's no question, as I've said for several weeks now, that we could expect (and) are now seeing a second wave coming in.
"We are seeing it in France, in Spain, across Europe – it has been absolutely, I'm afraid, inevitable we were going to see it in this country."


thedailymirror--2020-09-20--Pep Guardiola hands Man City contract boost ahead of Premier League opener

Pep Guardiola has handed Manchester City a major boost before tonight 's Premier League opener – by declaring his desire to sign a new deal .
Guardiola , who has taken City to record-breaking heights in his four seasons in charge , has entered the final year of his current contract .
The Catalan has never stayed at a club longer than four years , meaning his City tenure is now the longest of his glittering managerial career .
But Guardiola , 49 , has eased any fears City fans may have had about him waving farewell at the end @ @ @ @ @ @ @ desire to extend his stay at the club - but only if he earns it .
“ I would love to stay longer here , ” said Guardiola , whose side travel to Woves on Monday .
“ It 's a place I love to be , but I have to deserve .
“ This club achieved standards in the last decade but we have to maintain that and I have to deserve it .
“ I 'm going to see if I deserve it this season , in terms of how the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I would n't be here if I didn ’ t feel the fire or the desire to play good .
“ I still want to help the players avoid making mistakes and still I have the passion to do it - maybe more than ever .
I want to try to be together and have a good season.
” Guardiola has daily dialogue with sporting director Txiki Begiristain and chief executive Ferran Soriano , and insisted there is no panic over him having already entered the final year of his deal .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a game , so we don ’ t have much time to think about it , ” said Guardiola .
“ I try to see Txiki and Ferran every day , and I speak every week with Khaldoon [ Al Mubarak , City chairman ] .
“ When it 's going to happen , it 's going to happen .
Now we have other issues .
“ It will not be a problem for the club to do what we have to do in the future.
” On the eve of City 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cut the number of available substitutes from nine to seven , claiming the move was detrimental to the welfare of players .
“ I don ’ t understand why , in this incredible schedule we have after the pandemic , when we finished the season late and started quickly , how we can not protect the players with five substitutions , instead we stick to three , ” said Guardiola .
“ When the argument is that it favours the top five or top six , it ’ s because the people don @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The guys who play below the top five or six teams , they have the same problem as all of them - they have games every three days .
“ There 's a way to protect the players .
We have to protect the business , yes , but we have to protect the players .
“ With five substitutions , we protect the players , but I don ’ t decide these kinds of situations.
” Guardiola revealed midfielder Fernandinho - who has converted to centre-back - is City 's new captain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the end of last season .
“ He 's always the guy that leads in the bad moments , ” said Guardiola .
“ The locker room decided Fernandinho is captain.
” Sign up to the Mirror Football email here for the latest news and transfer gossip

The City chief's current deal is up at the end of the season, but he has made clear his willingness to sign a fresh
Pep Guardiola has handed Manchester City a major boost before tonight's Premier League opener – by declaring his desire to sign a new deal.
Guardiola, who has taken City to record-breaking heights in his four seasons in charge, has entered the final year of his current contract.
The Catalan has never stayed at a club longer than four years, meaning his City tenure is now the longest of his glittering managerial career.
But Guardiola, 49, has eased any fears City fans may have had about him waving farewell at the end of this season, by revealing his desire to extend his stay at the club - but only if he earns it.
“I would love to stay longer here,” said Guardiola, whose side travel to Woves on Monday.
“It's a place I love to be, but I have to deserve.
Image: Pool via REUTERS) Pool via REUTERS)
“This club achieved standards in the last decade but we have to maintain that and I have to deserve it.
“I'm going to see if I deserve it this season, in terms of how the club goes forward and improves.
“I wouldn't be here if I didn’t feel the fire or the desire to play good.
“I still want to help the players avoid making mistakes and still I have the passion to do it - maybe more than ever. I want to try to be together and have a good season.”
Guardiola has daily dialogue with sporting director Txiki Begiristain and chief executive Ferran Soriano, and insisted there is no panic over him having already entered the final year of his deal.
“We have, every three days, a game, so we don’t have much time to think about it,” said Guardiola.
“I try to see Txiki and Ferran every day, and I speak every week with Khaldoon [Al Mubarak, City chairman].
“When it's going to happen, it's going to happen. Now we have other issues.
“It will not be a problem for the club to do what we have to do in the future.”
Image: REUTERS) REUTERS)
On the eve of City's opener, Guardiola criticised the decision to cut the number of available substitutes from nine to seven, claiming the move was detrimental to the welfare of players.
“I don’t understand why, in this incredible schedule we have after the pandemic, when we finished the season late and started quickly, how we cannot protect the players with five substitutions, instead we stick to three,” said Guardiola.
“When the argument is that it favours the top five or top six, it’s because the people don’t understand absolutely anything.
“The guys who play below the top five or six teams, they have the same problem as all of them - they have games every three days.
“There's a way to protect the players. We have to protect the business, yes, but we have to protect the players.
“With five substitutions, we protect the players, but I don’t decide these kinds of situations.”
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Guardiola revealed midfielder Fernandinho - who has converted to centre-back - is City's new captain, after David Silva's departure at the end of last season.
“He's always the guy that leads in the bad moments,” said Guardiola. “The locker room decided Fernandinho is captain.”
Sign up to the Mirror Football email here for the latest news and transfer gossip


thedailymirror--2020-09-20--Holidaymaker shares experience of getting a Covid-19 test for Jersey getaway

The Government ’ s weekly in-out Covid quarantine Hokey Cokey is driving holidaymakers up the wall , sparking crazy scrambles to get home in time to beat sudden 4am self-isolation deadlines .
It ’ s also infuriating the beleaguered travel industry , which is calling for more regional air corridors and airport testing on arrival in Britain .
What many UK travellers may not realise is that there ’ s a small holiday island not far away where they speak English , use sterling and have been successfully carrying out coronavirus airport ( and ferry port ) testing for more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ quarantines .
Jersey , largest of the Channel Islands , opened its borders on July 3 and since then has carried out more than 103,000 tests at a cost of £5million .
I was there last week and found out how it works – and how simple it is .
Once you ’ ve booked your flight ( in my case , easyJet from Gatwick ) and with travel medical insurance in place , you head to the Jersey government website for the pre-departure registration form .
This takes about five minutes to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hours of your journey .
What do they ask for ?
Your personal details and contact email/mobile number , the foreign countries and UK regions you have visited in the 14 days prior to your arrival , your flight or ferry details and where you are staying .
You will need to agree to a Covid PCR test on arrival , or otherwise quarantine for 14 days ( a non-starter for a holiday ) , plus agree to be texted twice daily by the Jersey contact tracing team who ask if you have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you ’ ve been recently you will fall into one of a traffic light set of categories : GREEN Test on arrival and no self-isolation , but keep to social distancing and avoid indoor attractions where possible until you get a negative result – usually it arrives within 48 hours .
I live in Essex and had not been elsewhere , so was in this category .
The PCR test process was well-organised , quick and simple , though it ’ s a bit uncomfortable having the back of your throat and nose @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Test on arrival and self-isolate until Day 5 , when you must take another test .
If this returns a negative result ( again up to 48 hours ) , you are able to leave self-isolation .
RED ( eg Mid/East Antrim ) Test on arrival but due to where you ’ ve been previously you can ’ t escape 14-day self-isolation .
With my swabbed throat and nostrils smarting a little , I left the airport and headed to my hotel .
Not long after checking in I got the first contact @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or had any symptoms .
It ’ s really not a bother and you simply reply WELL or COVID ( in my case WELL ) .
I got another text that evening , one in the morning , and then – less than 24 hours after my plane landed – an email and text confirming I was negative .
For the rest of my three-night stay the contact team ’ s check-up texts arrived regularly and I replied WELL each time .
Before my negative test arrived – the rate is 99.6 per @ @ @ @ @ @ @ much as possible , taking in a beach , a castle and was at the zoo when the all-clear arrived .
On the first night I had a drink at the hotel bar ’ s terrace , and ate at a socially distanced table in the restaurant .
Jersey is rightly taking the virus very seriously as it restarts its tourism business and there are warning signs and hand sanitisers absolutely everywhere .
At all times on the island I felt very secure and there was a warm welcome ( and sunshine !
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ mostly by hire car , plus a couple of taxis .
Amanda Burns , chief executive of tourist board Visit Jersey , said : `` Protecting everyone in Jersey is the priority .
`` That ’ s why we have implemented our unique and comprehensive fast-track border testing system , so we can keep people safe while also optimising the traveller experience .
`` Since reopening our borders in July , we ’ ve seen more than 64,000 inbound travellers and have the highest level of testing in Europe – with one of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` This combination has made Jersey the ideal location for a late-season escape and resulted in rising demand across hotels , restaurants and island attractions .
`` People should feel safe and reassured when they visit our island , which offers pristine beaches , uninterrupted coastal paths , unique hospitality and a big spirit . ''
If you ’ re on the lookout for a safe , savvy , no-quarantine getaway this autumn , you won ’ t go far wrong by heading to delightful Jersey – as far south as it ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UK passport .
• Get tourist info at jersey.com and find the Covid pre-entry form at gov.je

Jersey is testing holidaymakers for coronavirus - our Travel Editor visited the holiday hotspot to see how it all works
Jersey testing visitors for Covid-19 - one traveller shares what the process is like
The Government’s weekly in-out Covid quarantine Hokey Cokey is driving holidaymakers up the wall, sparking crazy scrambles to get home in time to beat sudden 4am self-isolation deadlines.
It’s also infuriating the beleaguered travel industry, which is calling for more regional air corridors and airport testing on arrival in Britain.
What many UK travellers may not realise is that there’s a small holiday island not far away where they speak English, use sterling and have been successfully carrying out coronavirus airport (and ferry port) testing for more than two months, almost eliminating 14-day quarantines.
Jersey, largest of the Channel Islands, opened its borders on July 3 and since then has carried out more than 103,000 tests at a cost of £5million.
I was there last week and found out how it works – and how simple it is.
Once you’ve booked your flight (in my case, easyJet from Gatwick ) and with travel medical insurance in place, you head to the Jersey government website for the pre-departure registration form.
This takes about five minutes to complete and should be done within 48 hours of your journey.
What do they ask for? Your personal details and contact email/mobile number, the foreign countries and UK regions you have visited in the 14 days prior to your arrival, your flight or ferry details and where you are staying.
You will need to agree to a Covid PCR test on arrival, or otherwise quarantine for 14 days (a non-starter for a holiday), plus agree to be texted twice daily by the Jersey contact tracing team who ask if you have any virus symptoms.
Depending on where you’ve been recently you will fall into one of a traffic light set of categories:
GREEN Test on arrival and no self-isolation, but keep to social distancing and avoid indoor attractions where possible until you get a negative result – usually it arrives within 48 hours.
I live in Essex and had not been elsewhere, so was in this category. The PCR test process was well-organised, quick and simple, though it’s a bit uncomfortable having the back of your throat and nose swabbed.
AMBER (eg Newcastle) Test on arrival and self-isolate until Day 5, when you must take another test. If this returns a negative result (again up to 48 hours), you are able to leave self-isolation.
RED (eg Mid/East Antrim) Test on arrival but due to where you’ve been previously you can’t escape 14-day self-isolation.
With my swabbed throat and nostrils smarting a little, I left the airport and headed to my hotel.
Not long after checking in I got the first contact team text asking if I was well or had any symptoms. It’s really not a bother and you simply reply WELL or COVID (in my case WELL).
I got another text that evening, one in the morning, and then – less than 24 hours after my plane landed – an email and text confirming I was negative.
For the rest of my three-night stay the contact team’s check-up texts arrived regularly and I replied WELL each time.
Before my negative test arrived – the rate is 99.6 per cent – I stuck to outdoors as much as possible, taking in a beach, a castle and was at the zoo when the all-clear arrived. On the first night I had a drink at the hotel bar’s terrace, and ate at a socially distanced table in the restaurant. Jersey is rightly taking the virus very seriously as it restarts its tourism business and there are warning signs and hand sanitisers absolutely everywhere.
At all times on the island I felt very secure and there was a warm welcome (and sunshine!) everywhere I went, getting about mostly by hire car, plus a couple of taxis for business meetings.
Amanda Burns, chief executive of tourist board Visit Jersey, said: "Protecting everyone in Jersey is the priority.
"That’s why we have implemented our unique and comprehensive fast-track border testing system, so we can keep people safe while also optimising the traveller experience.
"Since reopening our borders in July, we’ve seen more than 64,000 inbound travellers and have the highest level of testing in Europe – with one of the lowest rates of positive results.
"This combination has made Jersey the ideal location for a late-season escape and resulted in rising demand across hotels, restaurants and island attractions.
"People should feel safe and reassured when they visit our island, which offers pristine beaches, uninterrupted coastal paths, unique hospitality and a big spirit."
If you’re on the lookout for a safe, savvy, no-quarantine getaway this autumn, you won’t go far wrong by heading to delightful Jersey – as far south as it’s possible to go without needing a UK passport.


thedailymirror--2020-09-20--Colby Covington phones Donald Trump after win over Tyron Woodley

Covington , an outspoken supporter of the President , cruised to victory over Woodley who suffered a rib injury in the final round .
And as he gave his post-fight press conference , Covington put in a call to the White House .
He was transferred to President Trump who said : `` I 'm proud of you man .
I ’ m a big fan and I ’ m proud of you .
`` You ’ re tough , you have the right spirits .
So now go win the next one , and keep it for a long @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a long time .
`` You are something ...
I appreciated the shout out tonight , too .
I ’ m your fan , you ’ re my fan .
Two of a kind , two of a kind . ''
Covington , who has also spoken out against the Black Lives Matter movement , said later : “ Ladies and gentlemen , the silent majority is ready to make some noise .
`` If you thought that was a beating , wait until November 3 when Donald Trump gets his hands on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be a landslide . ''
Woodley was unable to work his way into a fight which had been much-anticipated but proved one-sided .
Covington will now plot a route to a rematch with welterweight champion Kamaru Usman .
Usman stopped Covington last year and went on to retain his belt with a victory over Jorge Masvidal this summer .
Before Usman , however , Covington wants his own shot at Masvidal .
`` Marty Fakenewsman , Street Judas , we got unfinished business , '' he said .
`` There 's nowhere @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to hide .
I 'm coming for you .
You 're next . ''

The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel
Covington dominated Woodley for five rounds before the former welterweight champion suffered a rib injury in the final session
Colby Covington dominated former UFC welterweight champion Tyron Woodley - then promptly phoned Donald Trump.
Covington, an outspoken supporter of the President, cruised to victory over Woodley who suffered a rib injury in the final round.
And as he gave his post-fight press conference, Covington put in a call to the White House.
He was transferred to President Trump who said: "I'm proud of you man. I’m a big fan and I’m proud of you.
"You’re tough, you have the right spirits. So now go win the next one, and keep it for a long time. Just keep that championship for a long time.
"You are something... I appreciated the shout out tonight, too. I’m your fan, you’re my fan. Two of a kind, two of a kind."
Image: ESPN) ESPN)
Covington, who has also spoken out against the Black Lives Matter movement, said later: “Ladies and gentlemen, the silent majority is ready to make some noise.
"If you thought that was a beating, wait until November 3 when Donald Trump gets his hands on Sleepy Joe. That’s going to be a landslide."
Woodley was unable to work his way into a fight which had been much-anticipated but proved one-sided.
Covington will now plot a route to a rematch with welterweight champion Kamaru Usman.
Usman stopped Covington last year and went on to retain his belt with a victory over Jorge Masvidal this summer.
Image: Zuffa/LLC via Getty Images) Zuffa/LLC via Getty Images)
Before Usman, however, Covington wants his own shot at Masvidal.
"Marty Fakenewsman, Street Judas , we got unfinished business," he said.
"There's nowhere to run, and there's nowhere to hide. I'm coming for you. You're next."


thedailymirror--2020-09-20--Government vehemently denies Chris Whitty 'threatened to resign'

The government has vehemently denied England 's Chief Medical Officer `` threatened to resign '' after reports swirled about his position .
A source told the Mail on Sunday Chris Whitty `` has let them know he could go '' - as ministers voiced fears he could spill the beans in an interview if he leaves .
Such a resignation by Prof Whitty would be explosive as he has helped lead the government 's response , but often appeared at odds with Boris Johnson .
The respected scientist was in the room when many of the key decisions about the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government today issued a rare categorical denial that Prof Whitty `` threatened '' to quit .
A Department of Health spokeswoman said : `` The claim that the Chief Medical Officer has threatened to resign at any point is categorically not true and it would be wholly inaccurate to suggest otherwise .
`` The Chief Medical Officer has worked closely with government throughout the pandemic to provide the latest medical advice and will continue to do so . ''
A source close to Prof Whitty also told the Mail on Sunday he had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , either implicitly or explicitly .
It comes after the Chief Medical Officer repeatedly sounded the alarm about the spread of coronavirus , in comments that often seemed more cautious than those from the Prime Minister .
In July he warned England had `` probably '' reached the limit of easing the coronavirus lockdown - before further easements then happened in mid-August .
And this month he warned the `` period between now and spring is going to be difficult '' - despite the PM saying he was `` still hopeful '' that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` back to normal by Christmas '' .
Prof Whitty has also sounded caution over the PM 's `` moonshot '' plan for daily mass testing , saying he could not put a date on when it would be because `` that 's not how science works '' .
Sources discussed the medic 's position with the Mail on Sunday .
One said : `` He is very well regarded and there is a fear that if the Government defied his instructions or advice , he would make that known . ''
Another @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` if he resigns , it 's a massive credibility loss for the Government '' .
They added : `` What he has let them know is - he could go ...
If he goes , can you imagine what he could say in an interview ? ''
Both No10 and the Department of Health denied Prof Whitty had threatened to resign .
One source insisted the story was `` 100 % not true '' .

A Sunday newspaper claimed the Chief Medical Officer 'has let them know he could go' - but the government said the claim was 'categorically not true'
The government has vehemently denied England's Chief Medical Officer "threatened to resign" after reports swirled about his position.
A source told the Mail on Sunday Chris Whitty "has let them know he could go" - as ministers voiced fears he could spill the beans in an interview if he leaves.
Such a resignation by Prof Whitty would be explosive as he has helped lead the government's response, but often appeared at odds with Boris Johnson.
The respected scientist was in the room when many of the key decisions about the pandemic were taken.
However, the government today issued a rare categorical denial that Prof Whitty "threatened" to quit.
A Department of Health spokeswoman said: "The claim that the Chief Medical Officer has threatened to resign at any point is categorically not true and it would be wholly inaccurate to suggest otherwise.
Image: Pippa Fowles / No10 Downing Street) Pippa Fowles / No10 Downing Street)
"The Chief Medical Officer has worked closely with government throughout the pandemic to provide the latest medical advice and will continue to do so."
A source close to Prof Whitty also told the Mail on Sunday he had not given the impression he would go, either implicitly or explicitly.
It comes after the Chief Medical Officer repeatedly sounded the alarm about the spread of coronavirus, in comments that often seemed more cautious than those from the Prime Minister.
In July he warned England had "probably" reached the limit of easing the coronavirus lockdown - before further easements then happened in mid-August.
And this month he warned the "period between now and spring is going to be difficult" - despite the PM saying he was "still hopeful" that some aspects of our lives would be "back to normal by Christmas".
Image: POOL/AFP via Getty Images) POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
Prof Whitty has also sounded caution over the PM's "moonshot" plan for daily mass testing, saying he could not put a date on when it would be because "that's not how science works".
Sources discussed the medic's position with the Mail on Sunday.
One said: "He is very well regarded and there is a fear that if the Government defied his instructions or advice, he would make that known."
Another source close to a Cabinet minister claimed "if he resigns, it's a massive credibility loss for the Government".
They added: "What he has let them know is - he could go... If he goes, can you imagine what he could say in an interview?"
Both No10 and the Department of Health denied Prof Whitty had threatened to resign. One source insisted the story was "100% not true".


thedailymirror--2020-09-20--Pope tells LGBTQ+ parents God loves their children 'as they are'

The pope has said God loves gay children `` as they are '' following a landmark meeting .
Pope Francis ' comments came as he met with the parents of 40 LGBTQ+ children who form a religious association in Italy called Tenda di Gionata .
Following the audience vice-president of the association Mara Grassi and her husband Agostino Usai , whose eldest child is gay , gave the pontiff a booklet entitled 'Lucky Parents ' .
It outlines their experiences and includes letters making requests but also protesting church communities historic treatment of LGBTQ+ communities .
Many of the parents @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , - which translates to Jonathan 's Tent , have said their children either disguised their true identity or turned their back on the faith as a result .
In response the pope said : `` The Church does not exclude them because she loves them deeply .
`` God loves our children because they are all children of God .
The church loves our children as they are . ''
He was also presented with a rainbow t-shirt emblazoned with the slogan 'In love there is no fear ' .
`` He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ moment of deep harmony that we will not forget , '' Mara told Milan-based daily church newspaper Avvenire .
She added : `` Our association wants to make the Church and families with LGBT children dialogue .
`` I explained that we consider ourselves lucky because we have been forced to change the way we always look at our children .
What we have now is a new gaze that has allowed us to see in them with the beauty and love of God .
`` We want to create a bridge with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can change its gaze towards our children , no longer excluding them but welcoming them fully .
`` After I came to know that my son was homosexual , I suffered a lot because the rules of the church made me think that he was excluded from the love of God . ''
The meeting marked a turning point for the group and showed the pope is willing to act on a number of recent reports that make recommendations on how to make the church more inclusive .
One member , Filippo M. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the painful journey that , as LGBT believers , each of us has made a confession , I would not have imagined that we would have reached this stage .
`` Meeting the Holy Father means a lot .
It is the recognition of the pastoral activity that the ecclesial realities scattered throughout the territory have been carrying out for many years now .
A church on the way that welcomes us and meets its pastor . ''
The meeting followed a public audience in the Renaissance courtyard of San Damaso in the @ @

Parents of 40 LGBT children met with Pope Francis to discuss how the Catholic Church can be more inclusive and presented the pontiff with a rainbow t-shirt
Pope tells LGBTQ+ parents God loves their children 'as they are' in landmark meeting
The pope has said God loves gay children "as they are" following a landmark meeting.
Pope Francis' comments came as he met with the parents of 40 LGBTQ+ children who form a religious association in Italy called Tenda di Gionata.
Following the audience vice-president of the association Mara Grassi and her husband Agostino Usai, whose eldest child is gay, gave the pontiff a booklet entitled 'Lucky Parents'.
It outlines their experiences and includes letters making requests but also protesting church communities historic treatment of LGBTQ+ communities.
Many of the parents who are members of Tenda di Gionata,- which translates to Jonathan's Tent, have said their children either disguised their true identity or turned their back on the faith as a result.
Image: REUTERS) REUTERS)
In response the pope said: "The Church does not exclude them because she loves them deeply.
"God loves our children because they are all children of God. The church loves our children as they are."
He was also presented with a rainbow t-shirt emblazoned with the slogan 'In love there is no fear'.
"He looked and smiled. It was a moment of deep harmony that we will not forget," Mara told Milan-based daily church newspaper Avvenire.
She added: "Our association wants to make the Church and families with LGBT children dialogue .
"I explained that we consider ourselves lucky because we have been forced to change the way we always look at our children. What we have now is a new gaze that has allowed us to see in them with the beauty and love of God.
Image: Getty Images) Getty Images)
"We want to create a bridge with the church so that the church too can change its gaze towards our children, no longer excluding them but welcoming them fully.
"After I came to know that my son was homosexual, I suffered a lot because the rules of the church made me think that he was excluded from the love of God."
The meeting marked a turning point for the group and showed the pope is willing to act on a number of recent reports that make recommendations on how to make the church more inclusive.
One member, Filippo M. di Spoleto, said: "In the painful journey that, as LGBT believers, each of us has made a confession, I would not have imagined that we would have reached this stage.
"Meeting the Holy Father means a lot. It is the recognition of the pastoral activity that the ecclesial realities scattered throughout the territory have been carrying out for many years now. A church on the way that welcomes us and meets its pastor."
The meeting followed a public audience in the Renaissance courtyard of San Damaso in the Vatican.


thedailymirror--2020-09-20--Girl, 14, dies after being knocked down by car as two men arrested

Two teenagers have been arrested after a 14-year-old girl died after being hit by a car .
Merseyside Police say @ @ @ @ @ and 19 , were arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving .
It @ @ @ @ @ in St Helens , Merseyside , on Saturday night .
Officers were called to a @ @ @ @ @ a car and a pedestrian on Blackbrook Road at about 9.50pm .
A force spokesman @ @ @ @ @ attended and the pedestrian , a 14-year-old girl , was taken to hospital where she @ @ @ @ @ family have been informed and are being supported at this time . ''
Officers urged @ @ @ @ @ or had any information , CCTV or dashcam footage to contact police on 101 quoting @ @ @ @ @ Roads Policing Unit on 0151 777 5747 or contact Crimestoppers , anonymously , on 0800 @ @ @

mirrornews@mirror.co.uk (Eleanor Barlow, Sam Elliott)

The men - aged 18 and 19 - have been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving following the fatal crash in St Helens, Merseyside, last night.
Girl, 14, dies after being knocked down by car as two men arrested
Two teenagers have been arrested after a 14-year-old girl died after being hit by a car.
Merseyside Police say the men, aged 18 and 19, were arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.
It comes after the fatal crash in St Helens, Merseyside, on Saturday night.
Officers were called to a report of a collision involving a car and a pedestrian on Blackbrook Road at about 9.50pm.
A force spokesman said: "Emergency services attended and the pedestrian, a 14-year-old girl, was taken to hospital where she sadly died.
"Her family have been informed and are being supported at this time."
Officers urged anyone who witnessed the incident or had any information, CCTV or dashcam footage to contact police on 101 quoting ref 2000056927.
Call the Roads Policing Unit on 0151 777 5747 or contact Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.


thedailymirror--2020-09-20--Inside Zoe Ball’s £1.5 million mansion after £1m BBC pay packet unveiled

Radio 2 ’ s Zoe Ball has splashed the cash on a new £1.5 million home after it was announced this week she 's set to become the BBC 's top earner .
According to the latest reports , Zoe 's pay has soared from £370,000 to £1.36million this year .
After her whopping salary was revealed in full for the first time , the radio presenter , 49 , and her partner Michael Reed have decided to spend some of the star ’ s hard earned dough on a mansion in Sussex .
The BBC Radio 2 and Strictly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from former top earner Gary Lineker .
It has now been reported that Zoe has purchased an enormous home in the popular country town of Lewes , Sussex - just 18 minutes from her old pad .
Zoe and partner Michael have upgraded from their £1 million cottage in Ditchling , East Sussex , to a mansion fit for a queen only eight miles down the road .
Their swanky new abode comes complete with all the bells and whistles , including a swimming pool with a diving board , acres of land @ @ @ @ @ @ @ £1.5 million property boasts period charm , outbuildings , gorgeous views across the Sussex countryside and even a vegetable patch .
The impressive house was built by a Russian aristocrat Baron Vladimir de Wolff in the 1920s , and will make for the perfect home for Zoe , Micheal and her children Woody and Nelly to enjoy .
Zoe took to her social media channels last month to thank a removals company for their help as the family moved into their new home .
She wrote : `` Major love for this hilarious @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Simon & @ smoothmoverremovals you guys rock.
” She hinted to her fans she has an even “ bigger veg patch ” than before as she gushed overhear new country abode .
`` Thanks to my mama , glo glo , em & Curly Sue # topteam # thingsyoufind # underbeds # escapetothecountry # biggervegpatch # pottingshed '' Zoe ’ s salary is now nine times that of the Prime Minister ’ s , and it seems she ’ s had no trouble figuring out what to splash her cash on .
Her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reports that she 'd lost a million listeners on her Radio 2 Breakfast Show .
She pulled in 8.2million listeners every week in the final quarter of 2019 , compared to the 9.1million Chris Evans brought in before he left in 2018 .
Despite the drop , the BBC Annual Report revealed that Zoe ’ s pay has soared from £370,000 last year to a minimum of £1.36million .
The BBC came under fire after reports showed that many of its female stars were paid less than their male counterparts .
It saw @ @ @ @ @ @ @ top earners are still mostly male , four of the top 10 are now female , and they 've all been given pay rises .
Following backlash over the gender pay gap , the BBC Radio 2 and Strictly It Takes Two presenter will take over from former top earner Gary Lineker when it comes to BBC staff pay packets .
Match Of The Day host Lineker was the BBC 's top earner during the 2019/2020 tax year with a salary of £1.75 million , compared to Zoe 's £1.36 million .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ % pay cut when he signed a new five year deal with the Beeb , Zoe is expected to take over from him as the top earner .

The BBC radio and TV presenter is living it up in an enormous home in the scenic country town of Lewes, Sussex
Radio 2’s Zoe Ball has splashed the cash on a new £1.5 million home after it was announced this week she's set to become the BBC's top earner.
According to the latest reports, Zoe's pay has soared from £370,000 to £1.36million this year.
After her whopping salary was revealed in full for the first time, the radio presenter, 49, and her partner Michael Reed have decided to spend some of the star’s hard earned dough on a mansion in Sussex.
The BBC Radio 2 and Strictly It Takes Two presenter will take over from former top earner Gary Lineker.
Image: SplashNews.com) SplashNews.com) Image: SplashNews.com) SplashNews.com)
It has now been reported that Zoe has purchased an enormous home in the popular country town of Lewes, Sussex - just 18 minutes from her old pad.
Zoe and partner Michael have upgraded from their £1 million cottage in Ditchling, East Sussex, to a mansion fit for a queen only eight miles down the road.
Their swanky new abode comes complete with all the bells and whistles, including a swimming pool with a diving board, acres of land and even a tennis court.
Image: SplashNews.com) SplashNews.com) Image: SplashNews.com) SplashNews.com)
The £1.5 million property boasts period charm, outbuildings, gorgeous views across the Sussex countryside and even a vegetable patch.
The impressive house was built by a Russian aristocrat Baron Vladimir de Wolff in the 1920s, and will make for the perfect home for Zoe, Micheal and her children Woody and Nelly to enjoy.
Zoe took to her social media channels last month to thank a removals company for their help as the family moved into their new home.
Image: SplashNews.com) SplashNews.com) Image: SplashNews.com) SplashNews.com)
She wrote: "Major love for this hilarious hardworking crew for moving us today. Simon & @smoothmoverremovals you guys rock.”
She hinted to her fans she has an even “bigger veg patch” than before as she gushed overhear new country abode.
"Thanks to my mama, glo glo, em & Curly Sue #topteam #thingsyoufind #underbeds #escapetothecountry #biggervegpatch #pottingshed"
Zoe’s salary is now nine times that of the Prime Minister’s, and it seems she’s had no trouble figuring out what to splash her cash on.
Image: SplashNews.com) SplashNews.com) Image: SplashNews.com) SplashNews.com)
Her salary reveal comes just one month after reports that she'd lost a million listeners on her Radio 2 Breakfast Show.
She pulled in 8.2million listeners every week in the final quarter of 2019, compared to the 9.1million Chris Evans brought in before he left in 2018.
Despite the drop, the BBC Annual Report revealed that Zoe’s pay has soared from £370,000 last year to a minimum of £1.36million.
Image: SplashNews.com) SplashNews.com)
The BBC came under fire after reports showed that many of its female stars were paid less than their male counterparts.
It saw several threaten to quit.
While the top earners are still mostly male, four of the top 10 are now female, and they've all been given pay rises.
Following backlash over the gender pay gap, the BBC Radio 2 and Strictly It Takes Two presenter will take over from former top earner Gary Lineker when it comes to BBC staff pay packets.
Match Of The Day host Lineker was the BBC's top earner during the 2019/2020 tax year with a salary of £1.75 million, compared to Zoe's £1.36 million.
But after Gary agreed to take a 23% pay cut when he signed a new five year deal with the Beeb, Zoe is expected to take over from him as the top earner.


thedailymirror--2020-09-20--Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's response to Victor Lindelof display against Palace

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer refused to blame Victor Lindelof for Man Utd 's defeat to Crystal Palace despite conceding his team defended poorly .
United were beaten convincingly in their opening game as Palace scored three times at Old Trafford with Donny van de Beek 's debut goal the only positive for Solskjaer .
Lindelof 's performance was particularly notable , as he was arguably at fault for all three goals .
He failed to stop the cross which set up Andros Townsend 's opener and allowed Wilfried Zaha to turn him too easy for the third .
In fairness to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from a questionable penalty decision but it was Lindelof who inadvertently gave away the spot kick .
But Solskjaer defended the centre-back when quizzed on Lindelof 's display post-match , saying : `` We all need games , we all need sharpness we all need time to get back to our best and I think we are going to get better .
`` But we are playing catch-up .
Today we did n't defend as well as we could have done but I would n't want to point fingers at individuals . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ been the subject of debate throughout the summer as it is , with various pundits calling on United to sign a replacement .
Get the latest Man Utd transfer news straight into your inbox !
Manchester United are looking to plot their path back to the top .
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has already brought in Donny van de Beek but Jadon Sancho remains Manchester United 's number one target .
And you can keep track of their journey by signing up for the brilliant new Mirror Football newsletter !
From the latest transfer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it all in your email inbox .
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Solskjaer again fought Lindelof 's case when discussing the penalty .
`` I feel it is not a penalty because I think the ball comes from so close to Vic , where can he put his hands ? ''
he said .
Few could argue with the United boss as Lindelof was no more than a yard away from Andre Ayew when the striker @ @ @ @ @ @ @ arm .
David de Gea did save the subsequent penalty from Ayew but Palace were awarded a retake due to the goalkeeper stepping off his line , which Zaha duly converted .
Who should United consider to replace Lindelof ?
Have your say below .
Former United defender Gary Neville was in no two minds about Lindelof though .
Speaking after Zaha had sealed all three points , Neville said : `` Well I think he [ Zaha ] ’ s had the beating of those two Manchester United centre-backs all day .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ where he wants them .
He ’ s just not strong enough there Lindelof .
It ’ s a 50/50 .
It ’ s weak !
`` You can talk about Jadon Sancho all you like , but until they get a centre-back in who can run and defend one-on-one , you ’ re never going to win a league . ''
Sign up to the Mirror Football email here for the latest news and transfer gossip .

OLE GUNNAR SOLSKJAER SAYS MAN UTD MAY STILL LOOK TO IMPROVE SQUAD WITH TRANSFERS
OLE GUNNAR SOLSKJAER SAYS MAN UTD MAY STILL LOOK TO IMPROVE SQUAD WITH TRANSFERS
Lindelof had a torrid afternoon up against Wilfried Zaha and Andre Ayew who outmuscled the Swedish international as Palace earned a deserved 3-1 victory at Old Trafford
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer refused to blame Victor Lindelof for Man Utd's defeat to Crystal Palace despite conceding his team defended poorly.
United were beaten convincingly in their opening game as Palace scored three times at Old Trafford with Donny van de Beek's debut goal the only positive for Solskjaer.
Lindelof's performance was particularly notable, as he was arguably at fault for all three goals.
He failed to stop the cross which set up Andros Townsend's opener and allowed Wilfried Zaha to turn him too easy for the third.
In fairness to the Swede, Palace's second came from a questionable penalty decision but it was Lindelof who inadvertently gave away the spot kick.
Image: Pool via REUTERS) Pool via REUTERS)
But Solskjaer defended the centre-back when quizzed on Lindelof's display post-match, saying: "We all need games, we all need sharpness we all need time to get back to our best and I think we are going to get better.
"But we are playing catch-up. Today we didn't defend as well as we could have done but I wouldn't want to point fingers at individuals."
Lindelof's role in the team has been the subject of debate throughout the summer as it is, with various pundits calling on United to sign a replacement.
Get the latest Man Utd news straight into your inbox! There's never a dull moment at Manchester United, and as the second half of the season mounts, it's more chaotic than ever. Keeping track of it all has never been simpler. Get all the latest transfer news and agenda-setting stories delivered straight to your inbox by signing up for the Mirror Football newsletter! Just put your email at the top of this article or follow the instructions on this link.
Solskjaer again fought Lindelof's case when discussing the penalty.
"I feel it is not a penalty because I think the ball comes from so close to Vic, where can he put his hands?" he said.
Few could argue with the United boss as Lindelof was no more than a yard away from Andre Ayew when the striker scooped the ball up and into his arm.
David de Gea did save the subsequent penalty from Ayew but Palace were awarded a retake due to the goalkeeper stepping off his line, which Zaha duly converted.
Who should United consider to replace Lindelof? Have your say below.
Image: Getty Images) Getty Images)
Former United defender Gary Neville was in no two minds about Lindelof though.
Speaking after Zaha had sealed all three points, Neville said: "Well I think he [Zaha]’s had the beating of those two Manchester United centre-backs all day.
"He’s got them exactly where he wants them. He’s just not strong enough there Lindelof. It’s a 50/50. It’s weak!
"You can talk about Jadon Sancho all you like, but until they get a centre-back in who can run and defend one-on-one, you’re never going to win a league."
Sign up to the Mirror Football email here for the latest news and transfer gossip.


thedailymirror--2020-09-20--Kourtney Kardashian's perfect response to 'weird' Addison Rae, 19, friendship

Kourtney Kardashian delivered the perfect response to one troll who joined the haters in blasting her friendship with teenage TikTok star Addison Rae Easterling .
Over the last few months mum-of-three Kourtney , 41 , has raised eyebrows for striking up an unlikely bond with 19-year-old Addison and posting a plethora of scantily clad pictures of them together on social media .
Not one to bow down to her critics , Kourtney returned to her Instagram page to share a series of bikini shots of her and Addison as they posed in a swimming pool together .
Kourtney showed off @ @ @ @ @ @ @ while Addison seductively ran her hands through her wet hair while clad in a black string two piece side her .
The pals then lay side by side in the water as the racy photoshoot continued .
`` Two more days of summer , '' said Kourtney in the caption , as she posted to Instagram .
Not long after Kourt 's pics went live , trolls began to bombard the comment section with opinions on the dynamic duo , who share a 22 year age gap .
`` This friendship still weirds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wrote , to which another replied , `` She 's 41 and she 's hanging around with 19 year olds in swimming pools . ''
Kourtney then dropped into the conversation by snapping back : `` Do you suggest a better place ?
I 'm looking for ideas ... '' Mum Kourtney and social media sensation Addison have forged a firm friendship in recent months after meeting via Kourtney 's ten-year-old son Mason Disick .
`` We surprised Mason because Mason liked my videos on TikTok , '' Addison told The Tom Ward @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of just stuck around and we got really close .
We started working out together .
We did a video on her YouTube of us doing a butt workout and stuff , so that was fun . ''
Addison said she had watched Kourtney and her famous family on Keeping Up With the Kardashians before getting to know them on a personal level .
After being invited into their inner circle the teen described them as 'lovely people who genuinely care about each other . '
`` It just really shows you how @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all just for the show , it 's how they really are , '' she told E !
news .
Poosh founder Kourtney has been equally complimentary of 'bestie ' Addison and has invited her to spend time at her LA mansion .
She also shut down rumours that her ex Scott Disick was dating the influencer .
Sharing a picture of them enjoying a joke , Kourtney quippped : `` My husband 's girlfriend and I exchanging stories . ''
To which Addison responded : `` What a wonderful tale . ''

The Keeping Up With the Kardashian's star, 41, has raised eyebrows over her blossoming friendship with 19-year-old TikTok star Addison Rae
Kourtney Kardashian delivered the perfect response to one troll who joined the haters in blasting her friendship with teenage TikTok star Addison Rae Easterling.
Over the last few months mum-of-three Kourtney, 41, has raised eyebrows for striking up an unlikely bond with 19-year-old Addison and posting a plethora of scantily clad pictures of them together on social media.
Not one to bow down to her critics, Kourtney returned to her Instagram page to share a series of bikini shots of her and Addison as they posed in a swimming pool together.
Kourtney showed off her curves in a gold thong bikini while Addison seductively ran her hands through her wet hair while clad in a black string two piece side her.
Image: Instagram) Instagram) Image: Instagram) Instagram)
The pals then lay side by side in the water as the racy photoshoot continued.
"Two more days of summer," said Kourtney in the caption, as she posted to Instagram.
Not long after Kourt's pics went live, trolls began to bombard the comment section with opinions on the dynamic duo, who share a 22 year age gap.
"This friendship still weirds me tf out," one user wrote, to which another replied, "She's 41 and she's hanging around with 19 year olds in swimming pools."
Kourtney then dropped into the conversation by snapping back: "Do you suggest a better place? I'm looking for ideas..."
Image: Instagram) Instagram) Image: Kourtney Kardashian/Instagram) Kourtney Kardashian/Instagram)
Mum Kourtney and social media sensation Addison have forged a firm friendship in recent months after meeting via Kourtney's ten-year-old son Mason Disick.
"We surprised Mason because Mason liked my videos on TikTok," Addison told The Tom Ward Show, adding, "I kind of just stuck around and we got really close. We started working out together. We did a video on her YouTube of us doing a butt workout and stuff, so that was fun."
Addison said she had watched Kourtney and her famous family on Keeping Up With the Kardashians before getting to know them on a personal level.
Image: Tik Tok) Tik Tok) Image: TikTok) TikTok)
After being invited into their inner circle the teen described them as 'lovely people who genuinely care about each other.'
"It just really shows you how genuine they are. It's not all just for the show, it's how they really are," she told E! news.
Poosh founder Kourtney has been equally complimentary of 'bestie' Addison and has invited her to spend time at her LA mansion.
She also shut down rumours that her ex Scott Disick was dating the influencer.
Sharing a picture of them enjoying a joke, Kourtney quippped: "My husband's girlfriend and I exchanging stories."
To which Addison responded: "What a wonderful tale."


thedailymirror--2020-09-22--Keeping seats empty on planes doesn't stop coronavirus outbreaks, study says

A 'super spreader ' was likely responsible for 16 positive coronavirus cases on one flight , according to a new study into how the infection spreads on planes .
The paper warns the current practice of keeping middle seats empty `` seems to be insufficient '' at preventing such outbreaks .
Researchers analysed 10-hour Flight VN54 from London to Hanoi , Vietnam , on March 2 - with the results now published by the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention ( CDC ) .
Two-hundred and seventeen passengers were on board with a 27-year-old Vietnamese woman in business class @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the outbreak , reports the Daily Star .
According to reports , a dozen fellow business class passengers later tested positive .
The study found that `` seating proximity was strongly associated with increased infection risk '' , despite passengers being more spaced out than those in economy class .
`` We conclude that the risk for on-board transmission of SARS-CoV-2 during long flights is real and has the potential to cause Covid-19 clusters of substantial size , even in business class-like settings with spacious seating arrangements well beyond the established distance used @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' the study said .
`` As long as Covid-19 presents a global pandemic threat in the absence of a good point-of-care test , better on-board infection prevention measures and arrival screening procedures are needed to make flying safe . ''
The report recommended that `` tightened screening and infection prevention measures , '' especially for those travelling from countries with known high coronavirus transmission , should be implemented in airports and on planes , and that mask-wearing should be made mandatory .
The travel industry has taken a massive blow during the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the world , with British Airways , EasyJet and Ryanair all announcing mass redundancies .
In an effort to keep business going , airlines have undertaken various hygiene measures to minimise the risk of coronavirus entering and spreading on an aircraft .
New protocols include temperature screening , more intensive cleaning and mandatory mask wearing for all passengers on board .
However the new study does n't bode well for the efficacy of seat spacing , another common strategy being employed to ensure passengers do n't get too close together .

mirrornews@mirror.co.uk (Sophie Bateman, Ryan Merrifield)

US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention study looked at a long-haul flight from London to Hanoi, Vietnam, in which one 'super spreader' is thought to have infected 16 people
A 'super spreader' was likely responsible for 16 positive coronavirus cases on one flight, according to a new study into how the infection spreads on planes.
The paper warns the current practice of keeping middle seats empty "seems to be insufficient" at preventing such outbreaks.
Researchers analysed 10-hour Flight VN54 from London to Hanoi, Vietnam, on March 2 - with the results now published by the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Two-hundred and seventeen passengers were on board with a 27-year-old Vietnamese woman in business class believed to have been the source of the outbreak, reports the Daily Star.
Image: Getty Images) Getty Images)
According to reports, a dozen fellow business class passengers later tested positive.
The study found that "seating proximity was strongly associated with increased infection risk", despite passengers being more spaced out than those in economy class.
"We conclude that the risk for on-board transmission of SARS-CoV-2 during long flights is real and has the potential to cause Covid-19 clusters of substantial size, even in business class-like settings with spacious seating arrangements well beyond the established distance used to define close contact on airplanes," the study said.
Image: Anadolu Agency via Getty Images) Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)
"As long as Covid-19 presents a global pandemic threat in the absence of a good point-of-care test, better on-board infection prevention measures and arrival screening procedures are needed to make flying safe."
The report recommended that "tightened screening and infection prevention measures," especially for those travelling from countries with known high coronavirus transmission, should be implemented in airports and on planes, and that mask-wearing should be made mandatory.
The travel industry has taken a massive blow during the pandemic due to the extensive restrictions around the world, with British Airways, EasyJet and Ryanair all announcing mass redundancies.
In an effort to keep business going, airlines have undertaken various hygiene measures to minimise the risk of coronavirus entering and spreading on an aircraft.
New protocols include temperature screening, more intensive cleaning and mandatory mask wearing for all passengers on board.
However the new study doesn't bode well for the efficacy of seat spacing, another common strategy being employed to ensure passengers don't get too close together.


thedailymirror--2020-09-22--Jamie Carragher names third best player in world behind Messi and Ronaldo

Jamie Carragher reckons Manchester City midfielder Kevin de Bruyne is the third-best player in the world .
For the last five seasons , De Bruyne - who City signed from Wolfsburg in the summer of 2015 - has been at the centre of the club 's success .
The Belgium international has been the conductor of the orchestra at the Etihad , scoring 50 goals and providing a whopping 90 assists in 223 appearances for Pep Guardiola 's side .
De Bruyne 's exploits during his second stint in the Premier League have won him plenty of plaudits , with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher agrees with that assessment of the 29-year-old and reckons he 's second only to Barcelona 's Lionel Messi and Juventus ' Cristiano Ronaldo .
`` I would say De Bruyne , when we talk about the best players in the world now , I would put him top of the second band of players behind Messi and Ronaldo , '' Carragher said during an appearance on Sky Sports .
`` I would put him top of that list , if you said to me who would I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be Kevin De Bruyne . ''
De Bruyne was the star of the show in Manchester City 's Premier League opener on Monday night , a 3-1 victory over Wolves at Molineux .
The Belgian grabbed a goal and an assist against last season 's surprise package , which prompted Carragher to say : `` The numbers he gets with assists and goals , he 's a manager 's dream .
`` He can play in the [ no . ]
10 position , right of a three , and Roberto Martinez plays @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I think he 's had great longevity in his career because I still think he 'll have the ability to play that deep role , maybe when his legs go a little bit because he 's got a great engine .
`` But his passing ability is as good as anything we 've ever seen in the Premier League .
And he can play that role when he 's in his mid-thirties not a problem . ''
De Bruyne and his City team-mates will be back in action on Thursday night , welcoming @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the third round of the Carabao Cup .

CRISTIANO RONALDO SHOWS NO SIGNS OF SLOWING DOWN AT 35
CRISTIANO RONALDO SHOWS NO SIGNS OF SLOWING DOWN AT 35
Belgium international Kevin de Bruyne has scored 50 goals and racked up 90 assists since joining Manchester City from Wolfsburg in the summer of 2015.
Jamie Carragher names third best player in world behind Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo
Jamie Carragher reckons Manchester City midfielder Kevin de Bruyne is the third-best player in the world.
For the last five seasons, De Bruyne - who City signed from Wolfsburg in the summer of 2015 - has been at the centre of the club's success.
The Belgium international has been the conductor of the orchestra at the Etihad, scoring 50 goals and providing a whopping 90 assists in 223 appearances for Pep Guardiola's side.
De Bruyne's exploits during his second stint in the Premier League have won him plenty of plaudits, with many dubbing the midfielder "world-class."
Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher agrees with that assessment of the 29-year-old and reckons he's second only to Barcelona's Lionel Messi and Juventus ' Cristiano Ronaldo.
"I would say De Bruyne, when we talk about the best players in the world now, I would put him top of the second band of players behind Messi and Ronaldo," Carragher said during an appearance on Sky Sports.
"I would put him top of that list, if you said to me who would I want in my team - it would be Kevin De Bruyne."
De Bruyne was the star of the show in Manchester City's Premier League opener on Monday night, a 3-1 victory over Wolves at Molineux.
Longest-serving managers in top four tiers of English football (as of August 2, 2020) 1. Simon Weaver (Harrogate Town) - 11 years, 73 days 2. Gareth Ainsworth (Wycombe) - 7 years, 313 days 3. Sean Dyche (Burnley) - 7 years, 277 days 4. John Coleman (Accrington Stanley) - 5 years, 319 days 5. Jurgen Klopp (Liverpool) - 4 years, 299 days 6. Mark Cooper (Forest Green) - 4 years, 85 days 7. Chris Wilder (Sheffield United) - 4 years, 82 days 8. Pep Guardiola (Manchester City) - 4 years, 32 days 9. Paul Warne (Rotherham) - 3 years, 248 days 10. David Artell (Crewe) - 3 years, 207 days
The Belgian grabbed a goal and an assist against last season's surprise package, which prompted Carragher to say: "The numbers he gets with assists and goals, he's a manager's dream.
"He can play in the [no.]10 position, right of a three, and Roberto Martinez plays him central midfield for Belgium.
"I think he's had great longevity in his career because I still think he'll have the ability to play that deep role, maybe when his legs go a little bit because he's got a great engine.
"But his passing ability is as good as anything we've ever seen in the Premier League. And he can play that role when he's in his mid-thirties not a problem."
De Bruyne and his City team-mates will be back in action on Thursday night, welcoming Championship side Bournemouth to the Etihad in the third round of the Carabao Cup.


thedailymirror--2020-09-22--'Back to work' message set to be scrapped by Government in latest Tory u-turn

The Government 's 'back to work ' message could soon be scrapped in the latest Tory U-turn as coronavirus cases surge , it has been reported .
For weeks Downing Street has been urging Brits to return to offices following the easing of restrictions in order to help boost retail economies .
But now Britain is facing down the barrel of a second wave during the winter months .
Boris Johnson is set to address the nation from 8pm on Tuesday , including outlining the new 10pm curfew rules for the hospitality sector .
The PM will also tell people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as it does n't detrimentally affect business , reports the Daily Telegraph .
The newspaper says Mr Johnson will , however , stop short of a two-week “ circuit breaker ” lockdown .
Asked if London office employees could be advised to work from home from some point next week , Health Secretary Matt Hancock told Times Radio on Monday : `` Well , I would n't rule it out . ''
During his address , Mr Johnson is expected to reiterate messages about hand washing , mask wearing and social distancing amid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as the curfew , the hospitality sector will be restricted by law to table service only from Thursday .
Mr Johnson will chair meetings of Cabinet and the Cobra emergency committee - including the leaders of Scotland , Wales and Northern Ireland - ahead of a live , televised address .
It comes after the UK 's four chief medical officers recommended raising the Covid alert level from three to four - the second highest - indicating the `` epidemic is in general circulation ; transmission is high or rising exponentially '' .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Vallance - the chief scientific adviser - said the UK could see 50,000 Covid-19 cases a day by mid-October and a daily death toll of 200 or more a month later unless urgent action is taken .
A No 10 spokesperson said : “ No-one underestimates the challenges the new measures will pose to many individuals and businesses .
We know this won ’ t be easy , but we must take further action to control the resurgence in cases of the virus and protect the NHS .
”

Boris Johnson is set to tell office workers to return to working from home as part of his Tuesday evening address to the nation as coronavirus cases continue to surge
'Back to work' message set to be scrapped by Government in latest Tory u-turn
The Government's 'back to work' message could soon be scrapped in the latest Tory U-turn as coronavirus cases surge, it has been reported.
For weeks Downing Street has been urging Brits to return to offices following the easing of restrictions in order to help boost retail economies.
But now Britain is facing down the barrel of a second wave during the winter months.
Boris Johnson is set to address the nation from 8pm on Tuesday, including outlining the new 10pm curfew rules for the hospitality sector.
Image: Getty Images) Getty Images)
The PM will also tell people to revert to home working as long as it doesn't detrimentally affect business, reports the Daily Telegraph.
The newspaper says Mr Johnson will, however, stop short of a two-week “circuit breaker” lockdown.
Asked if London office employees could be advised to work from home from some point next week, Health Secretary Matt Hancock told Times Radio on Monday: "Well, I wouldn't rule it out."
Image: Getty Images) Getty Images)
During his address, Mr Johnson is expected to reiterate messages about hand washing, mask wearing and social distancing amid the soaring infection rates.
As well as the curfew, the hospitality sector will be restricted by law to table service only from Thursday.
Mr Johnson will chair meetings of Cabinet and the Cobra emergency committee - including the leaders of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland - ahead of a live, televised address.
It comes after the UK's four chief medical officers recommended raising the Covid alert level from three to four - the second highest - indicating the "epidemic is in general circulation; transmission is high or rising exponentially".
And earlier on Monday, Sir Patrick Vallance - the chief scientific adviser - said the UK could see 50,000 Covid-19 cases a day by mid-October and a daily death toll of 200 or more a month later unless urgent action is taken.
A No 10 spokesperson said: “No-one underestimates the challenges the new measures will pose to many individuals and businesses. We know this won’t be easy, but we must take further action to control the resurgence in cases of the virus and protect the NHS.”