thedailymirror--2020-08-12--Boris Johnson has lost £1trillion. Let's blame migrants and fight with ice cream

There is a recipe , on the Ben & Jerry 's website , for making cookie dough ice cream .
I am sad to have not found it earlier in the heatwave , but at least I can make a bathful and climb into it now .
I am grateful to James Cleverly , a minister in both the Foreign Office and Department for International Development , for using his UK government-approved Twitter account to enlighten me .
He may not have intended to do so , but it was a welcome outcome which means I can now splash about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , sugar and chocolate chips .
James engaged in a spat with Ben & Jerry 's Twitter account about migrants in the Channel .
Ben , and I am sure Jerry too , were of the opinion that people at risk of drowning , most of whom were seeking asylum by the only means available to them , should be treated kindly .
James disagreed , accusing them of `` virtue-signalling '' while engaging in some prat-signalling of his own .
How cleverly this was all done is now up for debate , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the upshot was not changing a single thing anywhere in the land , aside from giving one middle-aged woman a reason to browse a food brand 's website and then decide that yes , she could lick a bath clean .
But while neither James , nor Ben , nor Jerry , intended to increase my calorie intake , neither did they mean to win any extra hearts and minds .
To both sides , this was an easy shot aimed at pleasing the home crowd , who mostly did n't notice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's unlikely anyone has asked themselves what it means when the government of a G7 country starts arguing with ice cream .
But I 'm sitting in a bath of increasingly-warmer butter , sugar and chocolate chips .
Uncomfortable thoughts are forming rapidly .
The first thoughts state that the government must be in real trouble .
The second ones wonder whether James Very Silly might be a better name .
And the third thoughts wonder why a global ice cream brand , that has actually ASKED governments to charge it more tax @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
And what thought is this , galumphing over the horizon like a woman emerging from a swamp of once-ice cream to answer the front door to a terrified postman ?
Why , it 's the uncomfortable notion that the ice cream , while it might be very right , may also have been timed perfectly for our enemies .
You see , while the nation is getting terribly excited about Channel boat crossings , it has officially entered the worst recession since the invention of GDP .
At the same time , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get £10 off a meal , which has so far cost those same citizens about £100m and , by the time it is added to their tax bills and the restaurants close and fire staff anyway because of that big recession , will probably cost them each a few hundred quid extra in tax .
With a million thought to have been made jobless since March , and evictions and mortgage foreclosures on the horizon along with a winter of sickness which will make the annual NHS winter omnicrisis look like a sniffle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ jobs , welfare , and avoiding the riots that anyone with a functioning brain stem is pencilling in for next summer .
Instead , the Home Secretary has appointed a `` Channel threat commander '' to deal with a threat that is n't there .
The Trade Secretary is hanging entire trade deals on mouldy cheese , and a foreign office and international development minister whose role includes `` conflict , humanitarian issues , and human security '' in the Middle East and North Africa whence so many of these Channel migrants are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cream .
Oh , and the Prime Minister is on holiday .
Again .
In a tent , with a baby !
And a security team !
What absolute fun THAT wo n't be .
The economy is expected to be £200bn smaller by the end of the year .
The Bank of England , which has already printed £750bn of extra money to keep the country afloat , is about to produce another £100bn from up its sleeve .
That 's a trillion pounds in imaginary money , gone , pouf , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ money , tax receipts are down , benefit claims are up , and an asylum seeker gets £5.65 a day to live on .
The 4,000 or so who 've made it across the Channel , therefore , will cost £633,600 in the 28 days during which they 're supposed to get a decision on any asylum claim .
It 'll be less than that , because some are children , and also a bit more because they get put up in cheap hotels all over the country since Tories sold off all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ year , 52 % were granted asylum on first request , and of those who were refused and appealed another 40 % got it at the second time of asking .
That all takes a bit longer , and some get legal aid , but you 'd have to be going it some to spend more than £10m on them in a year .
So even if you gold-plated those Channel migrants , their rescue operations , and their hotel rooms , they would still cost just 0.001 % of what Boris Johnson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ finished yet .
Which is a bit of a fart in the ice cream , to be honest .
Had Johnson locked down sooner , fewer people would have died .
We could have opened up earlier , jobs would be safer , and public confidence higher .
We were due a recession anyway .
We have the highest death rate in Europe because we also have the worst obesity .
But it did n't need to cost a trillion pounds .
And this is only a few months after coronavirus came to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after Brexit and an overnight economic restructuring in which we all become Hermes drivers delivering butter , sugar and chocolate chips to people trying to block out the post-apocalyptic s***show , will be far bigger .
But all of those things are hard to see , because they 're so big and important .
The few hundred desperate souls in the Channel are easier to spot , because Nigel Farage keeps pointing at them and there 's good weather .
Their importance is magnified by his need for relevance , and the government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all gets multiplied by the relative ease with which a reporter can get on a boat , compared to how difficult it is to get good shots of anyone in the government doing any actual work .
If you want a recipe for bad government , take one Boris Johnson , add some random ideologues with a worrying propensity to lose their jobs over dishonesty , and mix it all together with some racist fruitcake .
Leave it on the front page of The Sun , look at in horror in The Mirror @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it 's them migrants causing all the problems like they say , we let a bathful of Johnsons come over here in the first place .
If , on the other hand , you believe Johnson is doing a fine job in service of Queen and country , then there 's no reason not to encourage other Arab migrants to build a dynasty here , too .
Most can , at least , count their children .
And if you want a recipe for extra coronavirus , freezers full of stupid , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stopped listening to instructions and is succumbing , instead , to the dark arts of subliminal advertising , all you need to do is offer £10 off junk food and get a government minister to pick a fight with a tub of ice cream .
It 'll tick all the main addiction nodules , and the newspaper columnists wo n't be able to resist .

mirrornews@mirror.co.uk (Fleet Street Fox)

The worst recession in history and the government is sending out the prat-signal. We are all Ben & Jerry's now, says Fleet Street Fox
There is a recipe, on the Ben & Jerry's website, for making cookie dough ice cream. I am sad to have not found it earlier in the heatwave, but at least I can make a bathful and climb into it now.
I am grateful to James Cleverly, a minister in both the Foreign Office and Department for International Development, for using his UK government-approved Twitter account to enlighten me. He may not have intended to do so, but it was a welcome outcome which means I can now splash about in the correct proportions of frozen butter, sugar and chocolate chips.
James engaged in a spat with Ben & Jerry's Twitter account about migrants in the Channel. Ben, and I am sure Jerry too, were of the opinion that people at risk of drowning, most of whom were seeking asylum by the only means available to them, should be treated kindly. James disagreed, accusing them of "virtue-signalling" while engaging in some prat-signalling of his own.
How cleverly this was all done is now up for debate, as neither side concerned themselves with facts and the upshot was not changing a single thing anywhere in the land, aside from giving one middle-aged woman a reason to browse a food brand's website and then decide that yes, she could lick a bath clean.
But while neither James, nor Ben, nor Jerry, intended to increase my calorie intake, neither did they mean to win any extra hearts and minds. To both sides, this was an easy shot aimed at pleasing the home crowd, who mostly didn't notice it was an own goal. It's unlikely anyone has asked themselves what it means when the government of a G7 country starts arguing with ice cream.
But I'm sitting in a bath of increasingly-warmer butter, sugar and chocolate chips. Uncomfortable thoughts are forming rapidly.
The first thoughts state that the government must be in real trouble. The second ones wonder whether James Very Silly might be a better name. And the third thoughts wonder why a global ice cream brand, that has actually ASKED governments to charge it more tax, has lowered itself to this level.
And what thought is this, galumphing over the horizon like a woman emerging from a swamp of once-ice cream to answer the front door to a terrified postman? Why, it's the uncomfortable notion that the ice cream, while it might be very right, may also have been timed perfectly for our enemies.
You see, while the nation is getting terribly excited about Channel boat crossings, it has officially entered the worst recession since the invention of GDP. At the same time, the government is urging its citizens to get £10 off a meal, which has so far cost those same citizens about £100m and, by the time it is added to their tax bills and the restaurants close and fire staff anyway because of that big recession, will probably cost them each a few hundred quid extra in tax.
With a million thought to have been made jobless since March, and evictions and mortgage foreclosures on the horizon along with a winter of sickness which will make the annual NHS winter omnicrisis look like a sniffle, the government should be focused on jobs, welfare, and avoiding the riots that anyone with a functioning brain stem is pencilling in for next summer.
Instead, the Home Secretary has appointed a "Channel threat commander" to deal with a threat that isn't there. The Trade Secretary is hanging entire trade deals on mouldy cheese, and a foreign office and international development minister whose role includes "conflict, humanitarian issues, and human security" in the Middle East and North Africa whence so many of these Channel migrants are fleeing, is picking fights with ice cream.
Oh, and the Prime Minister is on holiday. Again. In a tent, with a baby! And a security team! What absolute fun THAT won't be.
Image: POOL/AFP via Getty Images) POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
The economy is expected to be £200bn smaller by the end of the year. The Bank of England, which has already printed £750bn of extra money to keep the country afloat, is about to produce another £100bn from up its sleeve. That's a trillion pounds in imaginary money, gone, pouf, in just 6 months. In real money, tax receipts are down, benefit claims are up, and an asylum seeker gets £5.65 a day to live on.
The 4,000 or so who've made it across the Channel, therefore, will cost £633,600 in the 28 days during which they're supposed to get a decision on any asylum claim. It'll be less than that, because some are children, and also a bit more because they get put up in cheap hotels all over the country since Tories sold off all the social housing years ago. Last year, 52% were granted asylum on first request, and of those who were refused and appealed another 40% got it at the second time of asking. That all takes a bit longer, and some get legal aid, but you'd have to be going it some to spend more than £10m on them in a year.
So even if you gold-plated those Channel migrants, their rescue operations, and their hotel rooms, they would still cost just 0.001% of what Boris Johnson has, and he hasn't even finished yet.
Which is a bit of a fart in the ice cream, to be honest.
Image: PA) PA)
Had Johnson locked down sooner, fewer people would have died. We could have opened up earlier, jobs would be safer, and public confidence higher.
We were due a recession anyway. We have the highest death rate in Europe because we also have the worst obesity. But it didn't need to cost a trillion pounds. And this is only a few months after coronavirus came to our shores: the final bill, after Brexit and an overnight economic restructuring in which we all become Hermes drivers delivering butter, sugar and chocolate chips to people trying to block out the post-apocalyptic s***show, will be far bigger.
But all of those things are hard to see, because they're so big and important. The few hundred desperate souls in the Channel are easier to spot, because Nigel Farage keeps pointing at them and there's good weather. Their importance is magnified by his need for relevance, and the government's need for a scapegoat.
It all gets multiplied by the relative ease with which a reporter can get on a boat, compared to how difficult it is to get good shots of anyone in the government doing any actual work.
If you want a recipe for bad government, take one Boris Johnson, add some random ideologues with a worrying propensity to lose their jobs over dishonesty, and mix it all together with some racist fruitcake. Leave it on the front page of The Sun, look at in horror in The Mirror, and ask yourself why, if it's them migrants causing all the problems like they say, we let a bathful of Johnsons come over here in the first place.
If, on the other hand, you believe Johnson is doing a fine job in service of Queen and country, then there's no reason not to encourage other Arab migrants to build a dynasty here, too. Most can, at least, count their children.
And if you want a recipe for extra coronavirus, freezers full of stupid, and repeated lockdowns among a populace which has stopped listening to instructions and is succumbing, instead, to the dark arts of subliminal advertising, all you need to do is offer £10 off junk food and get a government minister to pick a fight with a tub of ice cream.
It'll tick all the main addiction nodules, and the newspaper columnists won't be able to resist.


thedailymirror--2020-08-12--Fresh setback for US-UK trade deal under Donald Trump amid coronavirus delay

Britain 's hopes of a post-Brexit US trade deal under Donald Trump have suffered a fresh setback , triggering a race against time before the battle for the White House unfolds .
Talks were also hit by a row over whisky tariffs and a fresh delay was triggered by the coronavirus pandemic .
In crunch negotiations with her US counterpart Robert Lighthizer , International Trade Secretary Liz Truss “ set out the UK ’ s position on wider UK-US trade issues , in particular US retaliatory tariffs on UK products including Scotch whisky ” , her office said .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ these tariffs to be unacceptable and continued to push for their immediate removal , ” it added .
Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to striking a deal - a prospect long prized by Brexiteers , who see the UK 's ability to negotiate its own deals as one of the benefits of leaving the EU .
“ In terms of the timeline of negotiations , it was agreed that they should continue at pace throughout the Autumn , '' the Department for International Trade said .
But the American presidential election takes place @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could be booted out of the White House before a pact is agreed .
His Democrat rival Joe Biden could then be in charge if he successfully defeats Mr Trump at the polls .
Ms Truss has refused to set a deadline for agreeing a US trade deal , telling MPs last month that officials Washington might `` use time pressure against us '' .
Separate negotiations aimed at deepening UK–US trade and investment ties and bolstering cooperation on issues affecting small and medium-sized firms were postponed .
In a statement , DIT @ @ @ @ @ @ @ due to take place Boston later this year due to `` concerns from Covid-19 '' .
`` We hope to rearrange in Spring 2021 , ” it said .
It comes after talks on a post-Brexit trade deal with Japan were held up - by blue cheese .
Ms Truss is reportedly pushing for better terms for agricultural products , including blue cheeses such as Stilton , in an agreement with Japan .
The senior Tory minister previously made waves on social media when she said it was a `` disgrace '' that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was imported , in a much-mocked speech to the Conservative Party conference in 2014 .

mirrornews@mirror.co.uk (Ben Glaze, Lizzy Buchan)

Crunch talks with Washington have been hit by a row over whisky tariffs and fresh delays due to the coronavirus crisis
Fresh setback for US-UK trade deal under Donald Trump as talks hit by Covid-19 delay
Britain's hopes of a post-Brexit US trade deal under Donald Trump have suffered a fresh setback, triggering a race against time before the battle for the White House unfolds.
Talks were also hit by a row over whisky tariffs and a fresh delay was triggered by the coronavirus pandemic.
In crunch negotiations with her US counterpart Robert Lighthizer, International Trade Secretary Liz Truss “set out the UK’s position on wider UK-US trade issues, in particular US retaliatory tariffs on UK products including Scotch whisky”, her office said.
“She was clear that the UK considers these tariffs to be unacceptable and continued to push for their immediate removal,” it added.
Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to striking a deal - a prospect long prized by Brexiteers, who see the UK's ability to negotiate its own deals as one of the benefits of leaving the EU.
Image: Getty Images) Getty Images)
“In terms of the timeline of negotiations, it was agreed that they should continue at pace throughout the Autumn," the Department for International Trade said.
But the American presidential election takes place on November 3, meaning Mr Trump could be booted out of the White House before a pact is agreed.
His Democrat rival Joe Biden could then be in charge if he successfully defeats Mr Trump at the polls.
Ms Truss has refused to set a deadline for agreeing a US trade deal, telling MPs last month that officials Washington might "use time pressure against us".
Separate negotiations aimed at deepening UK–US trade and investment ties and bolstering cooperation on issues affecting small and medium-sized firms were postponed.
In a statement, DIT said both sides agreed to postpone meetings due to take place Boston later this year due to "concerns from Covid-19".
"We hope to rearrange in Spring 2021,” it said.
It comes after talks on a post-Brexit trade deal with Japan were held up - by blue cheese.
Ms Truss is reportedly pushing for better terms for agricultural products, including blue cheeses such as Stilton, in an agreement with Japan.
The senior Tory minister previously made waves on social media when she said it was a "disgrace" that two thirds of cheese in the UK was imported, in a much-mocked speech to the Conservative Party conference in 2014.


thedailymirror--2020-08-12--Tory already involved in racism probe says Dawn Butler has 'made t*t of herself'

A controversial councillor already being investigated over a comment he made about migrants has sparked more fury after saying a black MP who accused police of racial profiling has made a “ t*t of herself ” .
Conservative Terry Baines , who represents a ward in Milton Keynes , Bucks , has been slammed for retweeting a post about Dawn Butler after she accused police of racial profiling .
The Labour MP has spoken out after the car she was travelling in was stopped by officers in Hackney , east London , on Sunday .
The original post was tweeted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ South Conservatives and reads : `` Dawn Butler has made a complete t*t of herself . ''
Milton Keynes anti-racism campaigner Shanika Mahendran told the MKCitizen : “ Black people are far more likely to be stopped and searched by the police .
That is a fact .
“ Dawn Butler was a victim of racial profiling , and to say she is a ’ t*t ’ in speaking up about that , you are saying that these issues don ’ t matter , that people should stay quiet when they face racism.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ paper : “ Despite MK Council unanimously passing a motion in June supporting Black Lives Matter , including Cllr Baines , he doesn ’ t seem to think it is very important to address these issues and has once again caused BME communities a lot of offence by calling an MP looking to tackle these issues a 'tit ' . ''
In May Mr Baines wrote on Facebook : `` It is time to stop the invasion of migrants and time to send a lot back . ''
He later apologised saying he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so harsh '' and that what he had meant to say `` did n't come out right '' .
He was also stripped of his role as armed forces champion .
According to the MKCitizen he referred himself to the Standards Committee at Milton Keynes Council who initially deciding that he would not face an investigation into his comment .
However the standards committee reversed a sub committee decision so an investigation is now underway which will decide if Mr Baines will be disciplined .
Shanika Mahendran , a member of the Milton @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` A Black woman speaking out about experiencing institutional racism = ‘ making a tit of herself ’ according to Cllr Baines , who previously said we should “ stop the invasion of migrants and send a lot back . ''
Mirror Online has contacted the Milton Keynes branch of the Conservative Party for a comment .

MP DAWN BUTLER HITS OUT AT POLICE FOR STOPPING HER AND BLACK FRIEND FOR 'DRIVING NICE CAR'
MP DAWN BUTLER HITS OUT AT POLICE FOR STOPPING HER AND BLACK FRIEND FOR 'DRIVING NICE CAR'
Conservative Terry Baines, who represents a ward in Milton Keynes, has been slammed for retweeted a post about the black Labour MP after she accused police of racial profiling when she was stopped in a car
Tory already embroiled in racism probe says Dawn Butler has made a 't*t of herself'
A controversial councillor already being investigated over a comment he made about migrants has sparked more fury after saying a black MP who accused police of racial profiling has made a “t*t of herself”.
Conservative Terry Baines, who represents a ward in Milton Keynes, Bucks, has been slammed for retweeting a post about Dawn Butler after she accused police of racial profiling.
The Labour MP has spoken out after the car she was travelling in was stopped by officers in Hackney, east London, on Sunday.
The original post was tweeted by the official Twitter account for Clwyd South Conservatives and reads: "Dawn Butler has made a complete t*t of herself."
Milton Keynes anti-racism campaigner Shanika Mahendran told the MKCitizen : “Black people are far more likely to be stopped and searched by the police. That is a fact.
Image: Milton Keynes Council) Milton Keynes Council)
“Dawn Butler was a victim of racial profiling, and to say she is a ’t*t’ in speaking up about that, you are saying that these issues don’t matter, that people should stay quiet when they face racism.”
Labour Cllr Mohammed Khan told the paper: “Despite MK Council unanimously passing a motion in June supporting Black Lives Matter, including Cllr Baines, he doesn’t seem to think it is very important to address these issues and has once again caused BME communities a lot of offence by calling an MP looking to tackle these issues a 'tit'."
In May Mr Baines wrote on Facebook : "It is time to stop the invasion of migrants and time to send a lot back."
He later apologised saying he didn't mean it to sound "so harsh" and that what he had meant to say "didn't come out right".
Image: Twitter) Twitter) Image: PA) PA)
He was also stripped of his role as armed forces champion.
According to the MKCitizen he referred himself to the Standards Committee at Milton Keynes Council who initially deciding that he would not face an investigation into his comment.
However the standards committee reversed a sub committee decision so an investigation is now underway which will decide if Mr Baines will be disciplined.
Shanika Mahendran, a member of the Milton Keynes branch of Labour Party, tweeted: "A Black woman speaking out about experiencing institutional racism = ‘making a tit of herself’ according to Cllr Baines, who previously said we should “stop the invasion of migrants and send a lot back."
Mirror Online has contacted the Milton Keynes branch of the Conservative Party for a comment.


thedailymirror--2020-08-12--NatWest cuts over 500 jobs and closes north London office due to coronavirus

NatWest is cutting at least 500 jobs across its retail business and closing one of its remaining offices in London .
It comes as banks press on with cost-cutting in the face of a wave of expected loan losses due to the Covid-19 pandemic .
The bank is finalising a voluntary redundancy round targeting cutting 550 full-time equivalent roles across its branches and 'premier banking ' premium service , union Unite told Reuters .
A NatWest spokesman said : `` We have taken the decision to invite applications for voluntary redundancy and will support those colleagues who apply with a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no compulsory redundancy as a result of this announcement . ''
Around 800 staff are expected to leave once part-time workers are included , Unite national officer Rob MacGregor said , adding he understood the round was oversubscribed .
Have you say about job losses due to coronavirus in the comments in below NatWest is also separately closing its Regents House office in London , which was home to one of the bank 's biggest tech hubs and had space for 2,500 workers .
`` We have been reviewing our London property strategy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the future , '' a NatWest spokeswoman said .
`` As a result , we will exit Regents House , and will reconfigure our London remaining properties at 250 Bishopsgate and 440 Strand . ''
The bank has told the bulk of its staff they can work from home until next year .
Banks across the industry are looking to cut costs as their finances are dented by the pandemic , with official data on Wednesday showing the UK economy entered a deep recession in the first half of the year .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ with job cuts through the pandemic , including cutting more than 130 staff from minnow investment bank NatWest Markets despite improved trading in volatile markets .
NatWest chief executive Alison Rose reaffirmed the bank 's target of cutting 250 million pounds from costs this year in July after the bank tumbled to a half-year loss .
Unite 's MacGregor said he understood the pandemic meant more people were banking online but urged lenders not to cut too deeply .
`` Tens of thousands of people working for banks have risen to the challenge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ' response should not be a repeat of the austerity measures that we saw after the financial crisis . ''

The bank said it was closing one of its London offices and roles would go as a result of cost cutting measures to sure itself up as losses from coronavirus mount
NatWest cuts more than 500 jobs and closes north London office due to coronavirus
NatWest is cutting at least 500 jobs across its retail business and closing one of its remaining offices in London.
It comes as banks press on with cost-cutting in the face of a wave of expected loan losses due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
The bank is finalising a voluntary redundancy round targeting cutting 550 full-time equivalent roles across its branches and 'premier banking' premium service, union Unite told Reuters.
A NatWest spokesman said: "We have taken the decision to invite applications for voluntary redundancy and will support those colleagues who apply with a comprehensive support package. There will be no compulsory redundancy as a result of this announcement."
Around 800 staff are expected to leave once part-time workers are included, Unite national officer Rob MacGregor said, adding he understood the round was oversubscribed.
Have you say about job losses due to coronavirus in the comments in below
Image: UIG via Getty Images) UIG via Getty Images)
NatWest is also separately closing its Regents House office in London, which was home to one of the bank's biggest tech hubs and had space for 2,500 workers.
"We have been reviewing our London property strategy to better reflect how we will work in the future," a NatWest spokeswoman said.
"As a result, we will exit Regents House, and will reconfigure our London remaining properties at 250 Bishopsgate and 440 Strand."
The bank has told the bulk of its staff they can work from home until next year.
Banks across the industry are looking to cut costs as their finances are dented by the pandemic, with official data on Wednesday showing the UK economy entered a deep recession in the first half of the year.
Unlike some rivals, NatWest pressed on with job cuts through the pandemic, including cutting more than 130 staff from minnow investment bank NatWest Markets despite improved trading in volatile markets.
NatWest chief executive Alison Rose reaffirmed the bank's target of cutting 250 million pounds from costs this year in July after the bank tumbled to a half-year loss.
Unite's MacGregor said he understood the pandemic meant more people were banking online but urged lenders not to cut too deeply.
"Tens of thousands of people working for banks have risen to the challenge that the pandemic created. The banks' response should not be a repeat of the austerity measures that we saw after the financial crisis."


thedailymirror--2020-08-12--Hollyoaks actress was 'heckled' in street over controversial Justin affair

Hollyoaks actress Ali Bastian has recalled being `` heckled '' by soap fans in the street , over `` ground breaking '' scenes involving her character .
The Channel 4 soap 's memorable and controversial storyline saw teacher Becca Hayton embark on a romance with her teen student Justin Burton .
The forbidden romance , which aired across 2005 and 2006 , kicked off while Justin was still in school , with Becca later falling pregnant with his baby .
Justin and Becca ended up having a relationship together in a storyline that had n't been covered on UK soaps @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that sparked controversy at the time , often led to her being heckled in the street .
Speaking exclusively to Mirror online , Ali revealed her surprise that some fans rooted for the pair , before adding that not everyone was on board .
She said : `` Totally !
But not all were..
I did used to get quite a lot of heckling in the street , people shouting at me to ‘ leave him alone !
’ .
`` Although that was challenging for me as a person at times , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people were ! ''
Keep up with all the soap news Life moves fast in soapland , so make sure you stay up to date with all the latest from your favourite soaps with our regular email newsletter .
Sign up using this form to receive regular updates on Corrie , Emmerdale , EastEnders direct to your inbox .
We 'll also keep you up to date on what your favourite stars are up to in the real world too , and the breaking news as it happens .
Ali also talked about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It was very intense as we filmed it over a long period of time which is quite unusual for soap .
`` Chris was quite young at the time and they gave it a couple of years of seed sowing before they really pushed the button on the storyline .
`` As always , Hollyoaks was the first show to address a storyline involving a relationship between student and teacher and even more so putting the female in the role of abusing her position of power - so in that respect it was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tough to portray - to stay true to the characters , to free ourselves to play the story without judging our them - although that is of course the natural thing to do as Becca was completely in the wrong .
`` I think that meant we had a story line that really challenged viewers perceptions of right and wrong all the way along .
It was very cleverly written . ''
The soap is re-airing episodes from the big storyline again on E4 all this week .

EXCLUSIVE: Hollyoaks' Becca Hayton actress Ali Bastian found her controversial scenes did not sit well with all viewers
Hollyoaks actress Ali Bastian has recalled being "heckled" by soap fans in the street, over "ground breaking" scenes involving her character.
The Channel 4 soap's memorable and controversial storyline saw teacher Becca Hayton embark on a romance with her teen student Justin Burton.
The forbidden romance, which aired across 2005 and 2006, kicked off while Justin was still in school, with Becca later falling pregnant with his baby.
Justin and Becca ended up having a relationship together in a storyline that hadn't been covered on UK soaps before.
Ali confessed the plot, that sparked controversy at the time, often led to her being heckled in the street.
Image: Lime Pictures) Lime Pictures)
Speaking exclusively to Mirror online , Ali revealed her surprise that some fans rooted for the pair, before adding that not everyone was on board.
She said: "Totally! But not all were.. I did used to get quite a lot of heckling in the street, people shouting at me to ‘leave him alone!’.
"Although that was challenging for me as a person at times, it showed how invested in the story people were!"
Image: Mersey Television) Mersey Television)
Keep up with all the soap news Life moves fast in soapland, so make sure you stay up to date with all the latest from your favourite soaps with our regular email newsletter. Sign up using this form to receive regular updates on Corrie, Emmerdale, EastEnders direct to your inbox. We'll also keep you up to date on what your favourite stars are up to in the real world too, and the breaking news as it happens.
Ali also talked about filming the plot and revealed: "It was very intense as we filmed it over a long period of time which is quite unusual for soap.
"Chris was quite young at the time and they gave it a couple of years of seed sowing before they really pushed the button on the storyline.
"As always, Hollyoaks was the first show to address a storyline involving a relationship between student and teacher and even more so putting the female in the role of abusing her position of power - so in that respect it was very ground breaking.
Image: Mike Marsland/WireImage) Mike Marsland/WireImage)
"It was tough to portray - to stay true to the characters, to free ourselves to play the story without judging our them - although that is of course the natural thing to do as Becca was completely in the wrong.
"I think that meant we had a story line that really challenged viewers perceptions of right and wrong all the way along. It was very cleverly written."
The soap is re-airing episodes from the big storyline again on E4 all this week.
Hollyoaks@25 airs weeknights at 7pm on E4.


thedailymirror--2020-08-12--Volt Connect review - £2,300 e-bike is perfect way to ease back into fitness

When the motor kicks in on an e-bike , it takes me back to that first push from my dad when my stabilisers came off .
That feeling of independently balancing on two wheels is a treasured rite of passage for many of us .
And I ’ m convinced that this connection to the first time you cycled is what makes The Volt Connect and other e-bikes such fun .
There is even evidence that electric-assisted pedalling might be better for you than walking – and even a useful aid in the fight against obesity .
One study says @ @ @ @ @ @ @ physical activity recommendations and increasing physical fitness .
As such , e-bikes offer a potential alternative to conventional cycling.
” So don ’ t be put off by some cycling purists who see e-bikes as “ cheating ” they don ’ t “ do all the work for you ” .
I tested the theory on a Volt Connect bike using a Fitbit to compare the effort and calories burned on an e-bike with the intensity of exercise on a traditional bike .
And the results were surprising .
I was using far @ @ @ @ @ @ @ realised .
There are several reasons why people buy e-bikes but exercise is not usually one of them .
Electric bikes are good for commuting because you can travel further without getting too sweaty and you can carry much more .
The power-assisted cycles can help get you back in the saddle if you are recovering from injury or illness or suffer with arthritis .
Or you might just be getting older and less able to power yourself unaided .
But my results show an e-bike might be also be a particularly useful @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it hard to get started in any field of physical activity .
The Volt Connect , like many of the better e-bikes , is based around the Shimano Steps system , which delivers the power you need at any stage of your ride .
It has a range of 70 miles , with “ high ” , “ normal ” and “ eco ” modes to power your pedalling at different levels .
You breeze along at 15.5mph or more on the flat and glide fairly effortlessly up steep hills at up to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lights , lock and mudguards , and there are quality Schwalbe tyres and good Tektro hydraulic brakes .
It also has nine gears which operate as on a normal bike .
So how much less effort was I making on the Volt Connect ?
According to my Strava app and a Fitbit , not much .
An identical 10-mile journey around South East London with hills was 7.5 minutes faster on the Volt Connect on the highest power setting , which was nearly 2mph faster on average .
I burned calories at 9.1 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ my unpowered hybrid bike , just 100 fewer in total over the trip .
The Volt Connect was kinder to my heart , but still provided plenty of cardio exercise , without the 8 minutes of peak going up the hills .
Instead , I experienced 43 minutes of cardio exercise and five minutes of fat burn .
On the Volt connect I reached a maximum rate of 136 beats per minute , according to my Fitbit compared to a max of 154 on the unpowered bike , which averaged 124 beats per @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Volt Connect , my average was 120bpm .
Volt has been making electric bikes for nearly 10 years and the company designs them from scratch , rather than adapting an existing non-powered bike , simply by adding a motor .
So they are a great place to start .
VOLT Co-Founder and CEO , James Metcalfe , said : “ E-bikes offer a multitude of benefits and are becoming increasingly popular in the UK .
“ The most obvious benefit is fitness and health , compared to traditional cycles people can go much @ @ @ @ @ @ @ choose how much assistance the bike gives them – you can choose to exercise hard , or to ride with very little effort – but it ’ s always your choice .
“ Your personal experience conveys this too , with the calories you have burnt , your heart rate and the fat burn being comparative between the e-bike and traditional bike rides .
“ Many people avoid cycling as they are concerned they may not be fit enough .
This is a key part of what makes e-bikes an invaluable tool in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ added boost that an e-bike provides makes the transition into exercise less daunting for people.
” Nearly nine million people were cycling every week in England at the peak of lockdown , figures show .
According to Sport England as much as 16 per cent of the population went out for a ride every week .
The percentage doubled from 8 % at the start of April to the 8.9million peak of 16 % at the end of May .
And more of those rides would have been on e-bikes .
In the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be sold world wide .
Priced at around £2,300 , the Volt bike is a great place to start e-cycling because they have thought of everything , it even has an in-built lock .
So you just charge the battery and off you go .
It could just be the helping hand you need to get back on the road to fitness .

I tested the theory on a Volt Connect bike using a Fitbit to compare the effort and calories burned on an e-bike with the intensity of exercise on a traditional bike
When the motor kicks in on an e-bike, it takes me back to that first push from my dad when my stabilisers came off. That feeling of independently balancing on two wheels is a treasured rite of passage for many of us.
And I’m convinced that this connection to the first time you cycled is what makes The Volt Connect and other e-bikes such fun.
There is even evidence that electric-assisted pedalling might be better for you than walking – and even a useful aid in the fight against obesity.
One study says: “E-cycling can contribute to meeting physical activity recommendations and increasing physical fitness. As such, e-bikes offer a potential alternative to conventional cycling.”
So don’t be put off by some cycling purists who see e-bikes as “cheating” they don’t “do all the work for you”.
I tested the theory on a Volt Connect bike using a Fitbit to compare the effort and calories burned on an e-bike with the intensity of exercise on a traditional bike.
And the results were surprising. I was using far more effort on the e-bike than I realised.
There are several reasons why people buy e-bikes but exercise is not usually one of them.
Image: Volt) Volt)
Electric bikes are good for commuting because you can travel further without getting too sweaty and you can carry much more.
The power-assisted cycles can help get you back in the saddle if you are recovering from injury or illness or suffer with arthritis. Or you might just be getting older and less able to power yourself unaided.
But my results show an e-bike might be also be a particularly useful exercise aid, especially for those finding it hard to get started in any field of physical activity.
The Volt Connect, like many of the better e-bikes, is based around the Shimano Steps system, which delivers the power you need at any stage of your ride.
It has a range of 70 miles, with “high”, “normal” and “eco” modes to power your pedalling at different levels.
You breeze along at 15.5mph or more on the flat and glide fairly effortlessly up steep hills at up to 11mph.
The bike comes with integrated lights, lock and mudguards, and there are quality Schwalbe tyres and good Tektro hydraulic brakes.
Image: Trevor Davies) Trevor Davies)
It also has nine gears which operate as on a normal bike.
So how much less effort was I making on the Volt Connect? According to my Strava app and a Fitbit, not much.
An identical 10-mile journey around South East London with hills was 7.5 minutes faster on the Volt Connect on the highest power setting, which was nearly 2mph faster on average.
I burned calories at 9.1 per minute, compared to 9.8 on my unpowered hybrid bike, just 100 fewer in total over the trip.
The Volt Connect was kinder to my heart, but still provided plenty of cardio exercise, without the 8 minutes of peak going up the hills. Instead, I experienced 43 minutes of cardio exercise and five minutes of fat burn.
On the Volt connect I reached a maximum rate of 136 beats per minute, according to my Fitbit compared to a max of 154 on the unpowered bike, which averaged 124 beats per minute on the trip. On the Volt Connect, my average was 120bpm.
Image: Volt) Volt)
Volt has been making electric bikes for nearly 10 years and the company designs them from scratch, rather than adapting an existing non-powered bike, simply by adding a motor. So they are a great place to start.
VOLT Co-Founder and CEO, James Metcalfe, said: “E-bikes offer a multitude of benefits and are becoming increasingly popular in the UK.
“The most obvious benefit is fitness and health, compared to traditional cycles people can go much further on e-bikes and are also able choose how much assistance the bike gives them – you can choose to exercise hard, or to ride with very little effort – but it’s always your choice.
“Your personal experience conveys this too, with the calories you have burnt, your heart rate and the fat burn being comparative between the e-bike and traditional bike rides.
“Many people avoid cycling as they are concerned they may not be fit enough. This is a key part of what makes e-bikes an invaluable tool in the fight against obesity, as the added boost that an e-bike provides makes the transition into exercise less daunting for people.”
Image: Volt) Volt)
Nearly nine million people were cycling every week in England at the peak of lockdown, figures show.
According to Sport England as much as 16 per cent of the population went out for a ride every week.
The percentage doubled from 8% at the start of April to the 8.9million peak of 16% at the end of May. And more of those rides would have been on e-bikes.
In the next three years an estimated 100million e-bikes will be sold world wide.
Priced at around £2,300, the Volt bike is a great place to start e-cycling because they have thought of everything, it even has an in-built lock. So you just charge the battery and off you go.
It could just be the helping hand you need to get back on the road to fitness.


thedailymirror--2020-08-12--A Place in the Sun couple throws major shade at Laura Hamilton in awkward chat

A Place in the Sun presenter Laura Hamilton got shut down by a fussy , house hunting couple during last night 's show .
Laura , 38 , was in sunny Fuerteventura with Sarah and Simon from Gloucester - who stood firm by the new home budget of £200,000 .
The pair refused to budge when Laura told them they might have to up their spend limit to snap up the sort of places they really want in the town of Corralejo .
Simon told her that £200,000 was their budget , Laura suggesting they be a bit more flexible @ @ @ @ @ @ @ area for 100K more .
Explaining their decision to move abroad , Sarah told : `` Simon 's retired , my children are growing up .
`` It feels like our turn for a little adventure , or a big adventure actually . ''
Simon added : `` All of that together means now is a great time and I 'm sure you will find us a fantastic property . ''
Laura explained that their budget would likely be tight if they wanted everything they 'd listed for their ideal property .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she said , `` a pool , a view , two bedrooms ... these things come at a price .
`` Is there any wiggle room at all ? ''
Laura went on : `` Just to let you know , a couple of months ago , a frontline two-bedroom apartment with spectacular views sold for over £300,000 .
`` I 'll show you the best options but I do need you to be realistic . ''
Simon replied : `` What we 're talking about is our ideal property and we recognise @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Then we 'll have to decide which ones we want and which we do n't . ''
Sarah added : `` If it was easy , we would have found it ourselves .
We would n't have needed your help . ''
Laura eventually managed to find a property with sea views that came in just over budget at £241,228 .
*A Place in the Sun airs weekdays on 4pm on Channel 4 .

A Place in the sun star gets sassed by very fussy couple
A Place in the sun star gets sassed by very fussy couple
A Place in the Sun star Laura Hamilton managed to keep a straight face after a couple told her 'If it was easy, we would have found it ourselves' in a frank chat about their budget
A Place in the Sun couple throws shade at Laura Hamilton in awkward budget chat
A Place in the Sun presenter Laura Hamilton got shut down by a house hunting couple in a tense moment on last night's show as they told her "If it was easy, we would have found it ourselves".
Laura, 38, was in sunny Fuerteventura, Spain with Sarah and Simon from Gloucester - who stood firm by the new home budget of £200,000.
The pair refused to budge and had a stern response for Laura when she told them they might have to up their spend limit to snap up the sort of places they really want in the town of Corralejo.
Simon told her that £200,000 was their budget, Laura suggesting they be a bit more flexible after a home sold recently in the area for 100K more.
Image: Channel 4) Channel 4)
Explaining their decision to move abroad, Sarah told: "Simon's retired, my children are growing up.
"It feels like our turn for a little adventure, or a big adventure actually."
Simon added: "All of that together means now is a great time and I'm sure you will find us a fantastic property."
Image: Channel 4) Channel 4)
Laura explained that their budget would likely be tight if they wanted everything they'd listed for their ideal property.
"The things you're mentioning," she said, "a pool, a view, two bedrooms...these things come at a price.
"Is there any wiggle room at all?"
Image: Channel 4) Channel 4)
"No," said Simon bluntly.
Laura went on: "Just to let you know, a couple of months ago, a frontline two-bedroom apartment with spectacular views sold for over £300,000.
"I'll show you the best options but I do need you to be realistic."
Simon replied: "What we're talking about is our ideal property and we recognise we would have to have compromises.
"Then we'll have to decide which ones we want and which we don't."
Sarah added: "If it was easy, we would have found it ourselves. We wouldn't have needed your help."
Laura eventually managed to find a property with sea views that came in just over budget at £241,228.
*A Place in the Sun airs weekdays on 4pm on Channel 4.


thedailymirror--2020-08-12--Train driver killed and second person feared dead after landslip derails train

A rail driver is believed to have died and a second fatality is feared after this morning 's devastating derailment in Scotland .
A huge emergency services operation was launched after the train plummeted down an embankment , with thick smoke seen billowing from the crash site .
More than 30 emergency vehicles and an air ambulance are at the scene in Stonehaven , Aberdeenshire , after the smash , which happened at around 9.40am .
Onlookers have described a `` massive emergency response '' after the train derailed .
Earlier footage posted by Network Rail Scotland had shown water @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been affected by this incident ?
Email webnews @ mirror.co.uk For live updates on the derailment , click here Unconfirmed reports claim there were nine people on board , including six passengers .
Scotland First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said there were `` early reports of serious injuries '' .
The train involved was the 6.38am Aberdeen to Stonehaven service , which had four carriages .
It is understood that the locomotive and three carriages derailed , and slid down an embankment .
Investigators believe it may have been caused by a landslip , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ flooding .
Ms Sturgeon tweeted : `` This is an extremely serious incident .
`` I 've had an initial report from Network Rail and the emergency services and am being kept updated .
All my thoughts are with those involved . ''
Train operator ScotRail posted a message on Twitter shortly after 6.30am warning that services across Scotland would be disrupted due to `` extremely heavy rain flooding '' .
Video posted to social media by Network Rail Scotland earlier on Wednesday showed a landslip on the track at Carmont , believed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the crash .
It is unclear whether the landslip was directly related to the derailment .
Network Rail tweeted at 9.49am : `` At Carmont , we 've had reports of a landslip , which means services ca n't operate between Dundee & Aberdeen . ''
Police had said reports of the train derailment were first received at 9.40am .

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A train driver has reportedly died and emergency services fear a second fatality, sources said, following the tragedy in Aberdeenshire this morning
A rail driver is believed to have died and a second fatality is feared after this morning's devastating derailment in Scotland.
A huge emergency services operation was launched after the train plummeted down an embankment, with thick smoke seen billowing from the crash site.
More than 30 emergency vehicles and an air ambulance are at the scene in Stonehaven, Aberdeenshire, after the smash, which happened at around 9.40am.
Onlookers have described a "massive emergency response" after the train derailed.
Earlier footage posted by Network Rail Scotland had shown water on the tracks nearby.
Have you been affected by this incident? Email webnews@mirror.co.uk
For live updates on the derailment, click here
Image: Twitter) Twitter)
Unconfirmed reports claim there were nine people on board, including six passengers.
Nearby Aberdeen Royal Infirmary has reported a major incident.
Scotland First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said there were "early reports of serious injuries".
The train involved was the 6.38am Aberdeen to Stonehaven service, which had four carriages.
Image: Mirror Online) Mirror Online) Image: NEWSLINE MEDIA LIMITED) NEWSLINE MEDIA LIMITED)
It is understood that the locomotive and three carriages derailed, and slid down an embankment.
Investigators believe it may have been caused by a landslip, with parts of the line affected by flooding.
Ms Sturgeon tweeted: "This is an extremely serious incident.
"I've had an initial report from Network Rail and the emergency services and am being kept updated. All my thoughts are with those involved."
Image: @NetworkRailSCOT/Twitter) @NetworkRailSCOT/Twitter)
Image: Twitter) Twitter)
Train operator ScotRail posted a message on Twitter shortly after 6.30am warning that services across Scotland would be disrupted due to "extremely heavy rain flooding".
Video posted to social media by Network Rail Scotland earlier on Wednesday showed a landslip on the track at Carmont, believed to be close to the scene of the crash.
It is unclear whether the landslip was directly related to the derailment.
Network Rail tweeted at 9.49am: "At Carmont, we've had reports of a landslip, which means services can't operate between Dundee & Aberdeen."
Police had said reports of the train derailment were first received at 9.40am.


thedailymirror--2020-08-12--Alton Towers shut as damage from 'apocalyptic' thunderstorm cuts water supply

Alton Towers has closed after an 'apocalyptic ' thunderstorm cut the park 's water supply .
The theme park told visitors to stay away after the overnight storm 'interrupted ' the water supply , StokeOnTrentLive reports .
Large queues have since formed outside the Staffordshire site , with many complaining about the lack of information from park bosses .
Thunderstorms ravaged the UK last night , including in Staffordshire , after the Met Office issued a yellow weather warning .
'Biblical ' downpours of 30mm of rain fell in just one hour across Hull and East Yorkshire , with landslides @ @ @ @ @ @ @ described the weather as 'apocalyptic ' , while another person in Stoke said the thunder sounded 'like a bomb going off ' .
Have you been affected by this story ?
Email webnews @ mirror.co.uk In a statement on Twitter , Alton Towers said : `` Please be advised that due to a strong electrical storm overnight our water supply at the resort has been interrupted .
`` Please do not travel to the resort .
`` We will re-validate any guests who have booked a ticket for today and had their visit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ apologise for the inconvenience caused and look forward to welcoming you back soon . ''
Disgruntled customer took to social media to share their frustration .
One tweeted : `` Got to the entrance of @ altontowers only to find it ’ s be closed due to storm damage to the water system .
Nearly 4 hour journey from Southampton .
The place looked rammed . ''
Dozens of people replied to the Alton Towers announcement that it had shut , asking whether they would receive compensation .
One wrote : `` Can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and dog kennel fees also plus my three-hour drive ?
We got here with the biggest queues ever .
It took an hour to get from Farley to car park . ''
Another added : `` Should have stated it was shut early this morning !
No way should a park being open if toilets are closed !
Refund and free tickets back is the right thing to do for everyone today . ''
A third said : `` I completely understand that it ’ s not their fault and I ’ m @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But the park is completely manic .
No-one knows the hell what ’ s going on .
Some staff saying closing , some staff saying open .
Completely mixed messages . ''
And a fourth added : `` People are angry because the storm happened overnight , the damage was done overnight .
Surely you were aware of this before you opened ?
`` You could have informed people before they travelled for hours spending time and money to get to the park no ? ''
However , others were more sympathetic for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's control .
One said : `` Thanks for the update .
Understandable under the circumstances .
Good luck @ altontowers stay safe . ''
Thunderstorms raged across the country yesterday as downpours sparked flooding and traffic chaos .
One Twitter user tweeted last night : `` This # storm is so delightfully Apocalyptic , really fits in with the 2020 ethos .
2 hours in and still going strong # Edinburgh '' .
Debbie , from Stoke , who shared a video of the lightning , tweeted : `` Stoke last night @ @ @ @ @ @ @ off with the thunder and lightning . ''

mirrornews@mirror.co.uk (Hayley Parker, Matthew Dresch)

Alton Towers has closed after an overnight thunderstorm cut off the resort's water supply, with furious customers left in a queue outside waiting for information
Alton Towers has closed after an 'apocalyptic' thunderstorm cut the park's water supply.
The theme park told visitors to stay away after the overnight storm 'interrupted' the water supply, StokeOnTrentLive reports.
Large queues have since formed outside the Staffordshire site, with many complaining about the lack of information from park bosses.
Thunderstorms ravaged the UK last night, including in Staffordshire, after the Met Office issued a yellow weather warning.
'Biblical' downpours of 30mm of rain fell in just one hour across Hull and East Yorkshire, with landslides reported in Scotland.
One Twitter user described the weather as 'apocalyptic', while another person in Stoke said the thunder sounded 'like a bomb going off'.
Have you been affected by this story? Email webnews@mirror.co.uk
Image: REUTERS) REUTERS)
In a statement on Twitter, Alton Towers said: "Please be advised that due to a strong electrical storm overnight our water supply at the resort has been interrupted.
"Please do not travel to the resort.
"We will re-validate any guests who have booked a ticket for today and had their visit to Alton Towers interrupted.
Image: REUTERS) REUTERS)
"We apologise for the inconvenience caused and look forward to welcoming you back soon."
Disgruntled customer took to social media to share their frustration.
Alton Towers has now pledged to revalidate all tickets who have had their visit to the resort interrupted.
One disgruntled customer tweeted: "Got to the entrance of @altontowers only to find it’s been closed due to storm damage to the water system. Nearly 4 hour journey from Southampton. The place looked rammed."
Another person said: "Can you pay my petrol, £400 hotel and dog kennel fees also plus my three-hour drive? We got here with the biggest queues ever. It took an hour to get from Farley to car park."
One visitor added: "Should have stated it was shut early this morning! No way should a park being open if toilets are closed! Refund and free tickets back is the right thing to do for everyone today."
A third said: "I completely understand that it’s not their fault and I’m happy to come back another day. But the park is completely manic. No-one knows the hell what’s going on. Some staff saying closing, some staff saying open. Completely mixed messages."
And a fourth added: "People are angry because the storm happened overnight, the damage was done overnight. Surely you were aware of this before you opened?
"You could have informed people before they travelled for hours spending time and money to get to the park no?"
However, others were more sympathetic for a situation out of the theme park's control.
One said: "Thanks for the update. Understandable under the circumstances. Good luck @altontowers stay safe."
An Alton Towers spokesman said: “Due to a strong electrical storm overnight which interrupted our water supply we have had to temporarily close the resort.
"The health and safety of our guests and our team is always our top priority, with hygiene a particular area of focus at the moment. When we decided to open the theme park this morning, we were unaware of the water supply issues.
"Once it became clear that the supply would not be restored quickly, we immediately decided to close.
"We are revalidating all guests’ tickets who have had their visit to Alton Towers Resort interrupted so that they are able to visit again on another day.
"Our engineers are working to fix the issue and we hope to re-open shortly once the water supply has been restored.”
Thunderstorms raged across the country yesterday as downpours sparked flooding and traffic chaos.
One Twitter user tweeted last night: "This #storm is so delightfully Apocalyptic, really fits in with the 2020 ethos. 2 hours in and still going strong #Edinburgh".
Debbie, from Stoke, who shared a video of the lightning, tweeted: "Stoke last night mad it was like a bomb going off with the thunder and lightning."


thedailymirror--2020-08-12--Stacey Solomon dismisses Meghan and Harry book as 'another fantasy novel'

Stacey Solomon has dismissed biography 'Finding Freedom ' about Meghan Markle and Prince Harry as `` another fantasy novel '' .
Appearing on Loose Women today , she was asked her opinion on the book , written by Carolyn Durand and Omid Scobie , which the Duke and Duchess of Sussex reportedly have n't been involved in .
Stacey said : `` I honestly do n't feel any differently about them .
`` I feel like these kind of books ... you either approve of it or you do n't .
So when somebody says 'they have been speculated to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said yes this is what we think ' .
`` To me , I just do n't think that 's good enough .
`` Unless they come out and say 'we absolutely stand by this book .
This is word for word how we feel ' to me it 's just another fantasy novel about the royal family .
`` And I think there 's been so many of them written and sometimes I just feel like I would rather not read it and not know .
`` I think what they want @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
What they contest is obviously things that they feel are not true .
`` So , I do n't think there 's anything in there that 's upset them or has painted them in a light that they do n't want .
`` But I also do n't know if everything in there is straight from the horse 's mouth . ''
Meanwhile , her co-star Janet Street-Porter said that she `` could n't be bothered '' to read the whole book .
`` Harry and Meghan , if they did collaborate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of a PR disaster for them , '' she said .
`` The book has some amazingly banal details in it like 'Archie was born with his eyes open ' . ''

Loose Women panelist Stacey Solomon gave her an opinion on biography Finding Freedom, written by Carolyn Durand and Omid Scobie
Stacey Solomon has dismissed biography 'Finding Freedom' about Meghan Markle and Prince Harry as "another fantasy novel".
Appearing on Loose Women today, she was asked her opinion on the book, written by Carolyn Durand and Omid Scobie, which the Duke and Duchess of Sussex reportedly haven't been involved in.
Stacey said: "I honestly don't feel any differently about them.
"I feel like these kind of books... you either approve of it or you don't. So when somebody says 'they have been speculated to', 'approve all of this and said yes this is what we think'.
"To me, I just don't think that's good enough.
Image: ITV) ITV)
"Unless they come out and say 'we absolutely stand by this book. This is word for word how we feel' to me it's just another fantasy novel about the royal family.
"And I think there's been so many of them written and sometimes I just feel like I would rather not read it and not know.
Image: NEIL HALL/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock) NEIL HALL/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock) Image: ITV) ITV)
"I think what they want us to know they will tell us. What they contest is obviously things that they feel are not true.
"So, I don't think there's anything in there that's upset them or has painted them in a light that they don't want.
"But I also don't know if everything in there is straight from the horse's mouth."
Meanwhile, her co-star Janet Street-Porter said that she "couldn't be bothered" to read the whole book.
"Harry and Meghan, if they did collaborate with that book it's a bit of a PR disaster for them," she said. "The book has some amazingly banal details in it like 'Archie was born with his eyes open'."
*Loose Women airs weekdays at 12.30pm on ITV


thedailymirror--2020-08-12--Materazzi explains how he gave Balotelli 'a good beating' after outburst

Marco Materazzi claims he gave Mario Balotelli `` a good beating '' after the bad boy striker threw his Inter Milan shirt to the floor in a stroppy outburst .
The pair were teammates at the Nerrazurri when manager Jose Mourinho led the team to Champions League glory in the 2009/10 season .
In the semi-finals Inter came up against defending champions and tournament favourites Barcelona , and won the first leg 3-1 .
Balotelli had to make do with a place on the bench for the fixture , but was seemingly intent on under-performing .
And he did just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as a substitute before chucking his shirt onto the ground as he left the field at the final whistle .
Materazzi said on an Instagram Live video : `` I gave him a good beating , it 's true .
I love Mario , but he really deserved it that day .
`` We 've become friends again now , practically brothers , but he did something that day that he really should not have done .
`` Throwing his shirt to the ground after the final whistle was n't even the worst @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , on the team bus , he told us : 'Today I 'm going to play badly , ' so I promised to make him pay if he did . ''
Balotelli had even made angry gestures towards Inter 's fans during his performance .
And after committing the cardinal sin of throwing the club colours to the ground , Materazzi made sure he followed up on his promise .
`` When he came off the bench , he tried a shot from midfield rather than go on the counter .
Diego Milito @ @ @ @ @ @ @ added .
`` We believed in Mario , he scored many goals and contributed to the victory , but a week after that , I asked Mourinho to put me against Balotelli in the training ground games between ranks .
`` After a few seconds , I 'd sent him back to the dressing room . ''
Sign up to the Mirror Football email here for the latest news and transfer gossip .

Balotelli started among the substitutes during Inter's Champions League semi-final first leg win over Barcelona in 2010, but produced some typically petulant behaviour once he got on
Marco Materazzi claims he gave Mario Balotelli "a good beating" after the bad boy striker threw his Inter Milan shirt to the floor in a stroppy outburst.
The pair were teammates at the Nerrazurri when manager Jose Mourinho led the team to Champions League glory in the 2009/10 season.
In the semi-finals Inter came up against defending champions and tournament favourites Barcelona, and won the first leg 3-1.
Balotelli had to make do with a place on the bench for the fixture, but was seemingly intent on under-performing.
And he did just that after failing to make an impact as a substitute before chucking his shirt onto the ground as he left the field at the final whistle.
Image: REUTERS) REUTERS)
Materazzi said on an Instagram Live video: "I gave him a good beating, it's true. I love Mario, but he really deserved it that day.
"We've become friends again now, practically brothers, but he did something that day that he really should not have done.
"Throwing his shirt to the ground after the final whistle wasn't even the worst of it.
Image: AFP/Getty Images) AFP/Getty Images)
"Before the game, on the team bus, he told us: 'Today I'm going to play badly,' so I promised to make him pay if he did."
Balotelli had even made angry gestures towards Inter's fans during his performance.
And after committing the cardinal sin of throwing the club colours to the ground, Materazzi made sure he followed up on his promise.
"When he came off the bench, he tried a shot from midfield rather than go on the counter. Diego Milito wanted to kill him," Materazzi added.
"We believed in Mario, he scored many goals and contributed to the victory, but a week after that, I asked Mourinho to put me against Balotelli in the training ground games between ranks.
"After a few seconds, I'd sent him back to the dressing room."
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thedailymirror--2020-08-12--You can now watch the Algarve's spectacular sunsets thanks to a new livestream

If Instagram is anything to go by , there 's nothing quite like a spectacular sunset to really get into that holiday vibe - and Portugal 's the Algarve offers up some pretty incredible views .
Unfortunately , holidays to Portugal are currently off the cards for Brits as the FCO advising against all but essential travel to the country .
( You can see the latest advice here ) .
The silver lining is that you wo n't need to miss out on some of those sunset views , as the Algarve tourism board is bringing them to you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be hosting special livestream events in August with a camera focused on the horizon for picturesque views of the sunset in Sagres , the most southwestern point of Portugal .
Dubbed the 'Sagres Sunset Shots ' , you 'll be able to catch the sunset , alongside live virtual performances from musicians and DJs who have curated a playlist to make the moment a little bit more special .
The livestream will include views of the breathtaking Cabo de São Vicente lighthouse , one of the region 's most emblematic sights .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
The events will be livestreamed on the 14th , 15th and 16th August at 8pm ( UK time ) .
The sun tends to set between 8pm-9pm , but the music will provide extra entertainment while you wait .
You can watch the livestream on Visit Algarve 's Facebook page , and their YouTube page .
The event will also be hosted on the Algarve Tourism Facebook page .
João Fernandes , president of Algarve Tourism , said of the project : `` The Sagres Sunset Shots allows us to show the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , now enriched with an entertainment component , through music .
`` Given the current restrictions , this is an event specially designed to be experienced online , with live streaming , so we are sure it will capture all the charm of this natural landscape and surprise those who join us through social networks . ''

The Algarve region is famed for its beautiful sunsets - and now you can watch the beautiful scenery on a new livestream
Algarve sunsets are being live-streamed for Brits missing out on Portugal holidays
If Instagram is anything to go by, there's nothing quite like a spectacular sunset to really get into that holiday vibe - and Portugal's the Algarve offers up some pretty incredible views.
Unfortunately, holidays to Portugal are currently off the cards for Brits as the FCO advising against all but essential travel to the country. (You can see the latest advice here ).
The silver lining is that you won't need to miss out on some of those sunset views, as the Algarve tourism board is bringing them to you with a new livestream.
Visit Algarve will be hosting special livestream events in August with a camera focused on the horizon for picturesque views of the sunset in Sagres, the most southwestern point of Portugal.
Dubbed the 'Sagres Sunset Shots', you'll be able to catch the sunset, alongside live virtual performances from musicians and DJs who have curated a playlist to make the moment a little bit more special.
Image: Visit Algarve) Visit Algarve)
The livestream will include views of the breathtaking Cabo de São Vicente lighthouse, one of the region's most emblematic sights.
Want to check it out for yourself?
The events will be livestreamed on the 14th, 15th and 16th August at 8pm (UK time). The sun tends to set between 8pm-9pm, but the music will provide extra entertainment while you wait.
You can watch the livestream on Visit Algarve's Facebook page, and their YouTube page. The event will also be hosted on the Algarve Tourism Facebook page.
João Fernandes, president of Algarve Tourism, said of the project: "The Sagres Sunset Shots allows us to show the beauty of another corner of our region, now enriched with an entertainment component, through music.
"Given the current restrictions, this is an event specially designed to be experienced online, with live streaming, so we are sure it will capture all the charm of this natural landscape and surprise those who join us through social networks."


thedailymirror--2020-08-12--Dr Ranj gives window cleaner a fright after sleeping naked without bed sheets

Dr Ranj Singh felt it was only right to come clean about his horrifying encounter with his window cleaner .
The Strictly Come Dancing star , 41 , took to Twitter to detail exactly what went down this morning , joking that he should probably offer to pay for the window cleaner 's counselling .
The doctor penned : `` Much like other people in this heat , I 've taken to sleeping with no clothes or bed sheets ... That was a great idea until I was woken up by the window cleaners this morning .
`` I have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ escape so had to lay there and pretend to be asleep . ''
In a follow-up tweet , he added : `` To be honest , I ’ m not sure who the experience was worse for ... '' I think I should probably offer to pay for his counselling .
BRB . ''
The hilarious encounter prompted fans to burst into laughter , with one asking the Strictly star : `` Did you at least casually roll over onto your front ? ''
To which he responded : `` Of course !
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ m not sure the view improved ! ''
Other fans were left in stitches about the gaffe , as they rushed to the comments section with questions as to how it all went down .
One fan suggested : `` Oh this made me giggle !
Maybe time for an emergency sheet for such occasions ? ''
Another wrote : `` That ’ s so funny definitely brightened up my morning . ''
While a third added : `` Ha ha good job he did n't fall off his ladder ! ''
A @ @ @ @ @ @ @ goodness !
Now that 's funny . ''
Do you have a story to sell ?
Get in touch with us at webcelebs @ trinitymirror.com or call us direct 0207 29 33033

The Strictly star detailed exactly what went down, joking that he should probably offer to pay for the window cleaner's counselling
Dr Ranj Singh felt it was only right to come clean about his horrifying encounter with his window cleaner.
The Strictly Come Dancing star, 41, took to Twitter to detail exactly what went down this morning, joking that he should probably offer to pay for the window cleaner's counselling.
The doctor penned: "Much like other people in this heat, I've taken to sleeping with no clothes or bed sheets... That was a great idea until I was woken up by the window cleaners this morning.
"I have no curtains. I couldn't even escape so had to lay there and pretend to be asleep."
Image: drranj/Instagram) drranj/Instagram)
In a follow-up tweet, he added: "To be honest, I’m not sure who the experience was worse for...
"I think I should probably offer to pay for his counselling. BRB."
The hilarious encounter prompted fans to burst into laughter, with one asking the Strictly star: "Did you at least casually roll over onto your front?"
Image: Twitter) Twitter)
To which he responded: "Of course! I discreetly rolled over but I’m not sure the view improved!"
Other fans were left in stitches about the gaffe, as they rushed to the comments section with questions as to how it all went down.
One fan suggested: "Oh this made me giggle! Maybe time for an emergency sheet for such occasions?"
Image: ITV) ITV)
Another wrote: "That’s so funny definitely brightened up my morning."
While a third added: "Ha ha good job he didn't fall off his ladder!"
A fourth agreed, writing: "My goodness! Now that's funny."
Do you have a story to sell? Get in touch with us at webcelebs@trinitymirror.com or call us direct 0207 29 33033


thedailymirror--2020-08-12--Footage shows flood water flowing on rail line close to where train derailed

Footage posted this morning shows rail tracks submerged in water close to the scene of the fatal derailment in Stonehaven .
Today Network Rail Scotland shared a video of a landslip in Carmont , saying services can not operate between Dundee and Aberdeen .
The train involved was the 6.38am Aberdeen to Stonehaven service , which had four carriages .
It is understood that the locomotive and three carriages derailed , and slid down an embankment , with 12 people thought to have been on the train at the time .
Investigators believe it may have been caused by a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ affected by flooding .
Alongside the video , Network Rail Scotland wrote : `` At Carmont , we ’ ve had reports of a landslip , which means services can ’ t operate between Dundee & Aberdeen . ''
Local MP Andrew Bowie said there had been severe flooding in the hours leading up to the tragedy .
Have you been affected by this incident ?
Email webnews @ mirror.co.uk For live updates on the derailment , click here He said : `` The situation was really bad this morning , the River @ @ @ @ @ @ @ through it , had burst its banks and the heavy rain had caused flooding in the centre of Stonehaven and lots of the side streets leading off it .
`` Luckily , the water receded incredibly quickly and the river has peaked and is going down .
`` Obviously none of us expected there to be such a serious incident as a rail derailment at the same time , but it just goes to show how damaging the bad weather can be . ''
He added : `` I do n't think speculation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ obviously do n't know why the derailment took place , but obviously we have suffered terrible weather here . ''
More than 30 emergency vehicles and an air ambulance are at the scene in Stonehaven , Aberdeenshire , after the smash , which happened shortly before 9.45am .
Onlookers have described a `` massive emergency response '' after the train derailed .
Sources have told PA news agency that one person has died , with insiders telling The Scotsman that the driver was killed .
Scotland First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said there were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

Footage posted by Network Rail Scotland shows part of the Dundee to Aberdeen line submerged in water in Carmont, not far from the scene of the fatal Stonehaven derailment
Footage posted this morning shows rail tracks submerged in water close to the scene of the fatal derailment in Stonehaven.
Today Network Rail Scotland shared a video of a landslip in Carmont, saying services cannot operate between Dundee and Aberdeen.
The train involved was the 6.38am Aberdeen to Stonehaven service, which had four carriages.
It is understood that the locomotive and three carriages derailed, and slid down an embankment, with 12 people thought to have been on the train at the time.
Investigators believe it may have been caused by a landslip, with parts of the line affected by flooding.
Alongside the video, Network Rail Scotland wrote: "At Carmont, we’ve had reports of a landslip, which means services can’t operate between Dundee & Aberdeen."
Local MP Andrew Bowie said there had been severe flooding in the hours leading up to the tragedy.
Have you been affected by this incident? Email webnews@mirror.co.uk
For live updates on the derailment, click here
Image: @NetworkRailSCOT/Twitter) @NetworkRailSCOT/Twitter)
He said: "The situation was really bad this morning, the River Carron, the main river which flows through it, had burst its banks and the heavy rain had caused flooding in the centre of Stonehaven and lots of the side streets leading off it.
"Luckily, the water receded incredibly quickly and the river has peaked and is going down.
"Obviously none of us expected there to be such a serious incident as a rail derailment at the same time, but it just goes to show how damaging the bad weather can be."
He added: "I don't think speculation is helpful at this stage. We obviously don't know why the derailment took place, but obviously we have suffered terrible weather here."
Image: pixel8000) pixel8000)
Image: @NetworkRailSCOT/Twitter) @NetworkRailSCOT/Twitter)
More than 30 emergency vehicles and an air ambulance are at the scene in Stonehaven, Aberdeenshire, after the smash, which happened shortly before 9.45am.
Onlookers have described a "massive emergency response" after the train derailed.
Sources have told PA news agency that one person has died, with insiders telling The Scotsman that the driver was killed.
Nearby Aberdeen Royal Infirmary has reported a major incident.
Scotland First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said there were "early reports of serious injuries".


thedailymirror--2020-08-12--'Major incident' declared as heavy rain and thunderstorms trigger major flooding

A major incident has been declared after parts of the UK were hit by serious flooding .
Emergency services were called to a landslide at Pettycur Bay Holiday Park in Fife , Scotand , where 28 people were rescued , prompting the emergency declaration .
Caravans were evacuated and 218 are understood to be in emergency accommodation .
In Stonehaven , Aberdeenshire , a train has fallen down an embankment after it derailed following heavy rain in the region .
Two people including the driver are believed to have died and a huge emergency service operation has been launched .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hull and East Yorkshire after forecasting have been warning for days the scorching temperatures could make way for more unsettled conditions .
Locals described 'biblical ' downpours of 33mm of rain in just one hour , as the summer wash-out begins .
Is there a storm hitting your area ?
Email pictures and video to webnews @ mirror.co.uk The storms that have been brewing for days will be the sting in the tail of a week of baking weather that saw UK swelter in record August highs of 38C .
The Met Office @ @ @ @ @ @ @ parts as ferocious thunder and heavy rains begins to hit northern England and Scotland .
Forecasters warned East Yorkshire could be hit by torrential downpours as well as thunderstorms from Wednesday afternoon , Hull Live reports .
Forecaster Nicki Maxey said : `` This could involve hail and gusts of wind as well and it could be severe.
” Spectacular lightning storms set the skies aglow overnight in some parts , as the week 's dramatic weather takes a turn for the worse .
One woman who spotted the storm this morning said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` proper sky cracking . ''
A spokesman for the Met Office said : `` Early morning mist will clear to North Sea coasts leaving most places fine with hot sunshine quickly developing .
`` This will spark some heavy showers and thunderstorms through the afternoon , especially in the west with torrential rain and hail possible .
Maximum temperature 32 °C . ''
Humberside Police were warning of surface flooding on the A63 at Brough .
Heavy rain and thunderstorms have caused travel disruption and flooding in several parts of Scotland .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ due to the conditions on Wednesday morning , as surface flooding drenched motorways and streets .
ScotRail tweeted that due to `` extremely heavy rain '' and flooding on the railway , services across the country will be delayed or cancelled .
Passengers were advised to check before travelling and consider alternative transport where possible .
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service said it was called to multiple reports of flooding in the Perthshire area , with many domestic properties affected .
Perth and Kinross Council said several roads in the area were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in floodwater in streets in Perth .
In Fife , a landslide caused the closure of the A921 between Kinghorn and Burntisland .
The Met Office has issued a yellow warning of thunderstorms for the eastern half of Scotland which is in force until midnight on Wednesday .
It warned that some places are likely to see `` further severe thunderstorms '' , but with `` significant uncertainty in location and timing '' .
Scotland 's warning covers Central , Tayside and Fife , Angus , Clackmannanshire , Dundee , Falkirk , Fife @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The unsettled weather follows days of scorching temperatures , with some parts seeing the mercury rise to a tropical 37C .
Early thundery rain clearing northeast Scotland during the morning , perhaps a few thunderstorms redeveloping later over the Highlands .
Elsewhere still hot or very hot with scattered but possibly intense thunderstorms developing during the afternoon into the evening .
Increasingly cloudy in the north but mostly dry .
Thunderstorms perhaps developing over Northern Ireland and southern Scotland later .
Some sporadic thunderstorms continuing for England and Wales .
Another very warm @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but less so for many , particularly in the east .
Breezier and cloudier in northern parts .
Areas of thundery rain over the south during the day .
Rather cloudy in the south with some showers or thunderstorms at times .
Drier in the north ; best of the sunshine for northwestern parts .
Mainly warm , bu

mirrornews@mirror.co.uk (Abigail O'Leary, Talia Shadwell)

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'Biblical' downpours of 30mm of rain in just one hour has washed through Hull and East Yorkshire as storms arrive on the heatwave's tail in northern England and Scotland
UK weather forecast: 'Major incident' declared as heavy rain and storms flood parts of UK
A major incident has been declared after parts of the UK were hit by serious flooding.
Emergency services were called to a landslide at Pettycur Bay Holiday Park in Fife, Scotand, where 28 people were rescued, prompting the emergency declaration.
Caravans were evacuated and 218 are understood to be in emergency accommodation.
In Stonehaven, Aberdeenshire, a train has fallen down an embankment after it derailed following heavy rain in the region.
Two people including the driver are believed to have died and a huge emergency service operation has been launched.
Rolling thunder has also been heard across Hull and East Yorkshire after forecasting have been warning for days the scorching temperatures could make way for more unsettled conditions.
Locals described 'biblical' downpours of 33mm of rain in just one hour, as the summer wash-out begins.
Image: PA) PA)
Is there a storm hitting your area? Email pictures and video to webnews@mirror.co.uk
The storms that have been brewing for days will be the sting in the tail of a week of baking weather that saw UK swelter in record August highs of 38C.
The Met Office issued a yellow weather warning on some parts as ferocious thunder and heavy rains begins to hit northern England and Scotland.
Forecasters warned East Yorkshire could be hit by torrential downpours as well as thunderstorms from Wednesday afternoon, Hull Live reports.
Image: Twitter) Twitter)
Image: @NetworkRailSCOT/Twitter) @NetworkRailSCOT/Twitter)
Forecaster Nicki Maxey said: "This could involve hail and gusts of wind as well and it could be severe.”
Spectacular lightning storms set the skies aglow overnight in some parts, as the week's dramatic weather takes a turn for the worse.
One woman who spotted the storm this morning said the thunder is "ferocious" and "proper sky cracking."
A spokesman for the Met Office said: "Early morning mist will clear to North Sea coasts leaving most places fine with hot sunshine quickly developing.
Image: PA) PA) Image: PA) PA)
"This will spark some heavy showers and thunderstorms through the afternoon, especially in the west with torrential rain and hail possible. Maximum temperature 32 °C."
Humberside Police were warning of surface flooding on the A63 at Brough.
Heavy rain and thunderstorms have caused travel disruption and flooding in several parts of Scotland.
Rail passengers and motorists were facing disruption due to the conditions on Wednesday morning, as surface flooding drenched motorways and streets.
ScotRail tweeted that due to "extremely heavy rain" and flooding on the railway, services across the country will be delayed or cancelled.
Image: REUTERS) REUTERS)
Passengers were advised to check before travelling and consider alternative transport where possible.
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service said it was called to multiple reports of flooding in the Perthshire area, with many domestic properties affected.
Perth and Kinross Council said several roads in the area were impassable due to flooding.
cars half-submerged in floodwater in streets in Perth.
In Fife, a landslide caused the closure of the A921 between Kinghorn and Burntisland.
The Met Office has issued a yellow warning of thunderstorms for the eastern half of Scotland which is in force until midnight on Wednesday.
Image: PA) PA)
It warned that some places are likely to see "further severe thunderstorms", but with "significant uncertainty in location and timing".
Scotland's warning covers Central, Tayside and Fife, Angus, Clackmannanshire, Dundee, Falkirk, Fife, Perth and Kinross and Stirling.
The unsettled weather follows days of scorching temperatures, with some parts seeing the mercury rise to a tropical 37C.
UK 5 day weather forecast
Today:
Early thundery rain clearing northeast Scotland during the morning, perhaps a few thunderstorms redeveloping later over the Highlands. Elsewhere still hot or very hot with scattered but possibly intense thunderstorms developing during the afternoon into the evening.
Tonight:
Increasingly cloudy in the north but mostly dry. Thunderstorms perhaps developing over Northern Ireland and southern Scotland later. Some sporadic thunderstorms continuing for England and Wales. Another very warm night.
Thursday:
Still hot in the south but less so for many, particularly in the east. Breezier and cloudier in northern parts. Areas of thundery rain over the south during the day.
Outlook for Friday to Sunday:
Rather cloudy in the south with some showers or thunderstorms at times. Drier in the north; best of the sunshine for northwestern parts. Mainly warm, bu


thedailymirror--2020-08-12--Stacey Solomon says Gloria still gets name wrong after 4 years working together

Stacey Solomon has said that Loose Women co-star Gloria Hunniford still gets her name wrong - despite working alongside her @ @ @ @ @ 30-year-old revealed that Gloria , 80 , often called her 'Tracey ' rather than Stacey @ @ @ @ @ complaining about her gripe over people calling her Janice , which she said `` really @ @ @ @ @ Appearing on the show via video link , Stacey exclaimed : `` I get that @ @ @ @ @ get called Trace !
`` I think Gloria still , on the odd occasion , @ @ @ @ @ what ! '
`` I 'm like , 'Gloria , we 've been working together @ @ @ @ @ '' Meanwhile Brenda Edwards said that she was often called `` sir '' .
`` @ @ @ @ @ names - you 're fine !
I get called sir , '' Brenda said .
@ @ @ @ @ '' Janet pointed out .
`` Not face to face ! '
`` Yeah , @ @ @ @ @ a men 's voice ! ''
Brenda responded in horror .

The 30-year-old has worked with Gloria Hunniford, 80, ever since she began appearing as a panelist on Loose Women
Stacey Solomon says Gloria still gets her name wrong after four years of working together
Stacey Solomon has said that Loose Women co-star Gloria Hunniford still gets her name wrong - despite working alongside her for four years.
The 30-year-old revealed that Gloria, 80, often called her 'Tracey' rather than Stacey.
Janet Street-Porter had been complaining about her gripe over people calling her Janice, which she said "really winds her up".
Image: ITV) ITV)
Appearing on the show via video link, Stacey exclaimed: "I get that too, Janet! I get called Trace!
"I think Gloria still, on the odd occasion, says 'Tracy, you know what!'
Image: REX/Shutterstock) REX/Shutterstock) Image: ITV) ITV)
"I'm like, 'Gloria, we've been working together for four years!'"
Meanwhile Brenda Edwards said that she was often called "sir".
"They call you women's names - you're fine! I get called sir," Brenda said.
"On the phone," Janet pointed out. "Not face to face!'
"Yeah, but I don't have a men's voice!" Brenda responded in horror.
*Loose Women airs weekdays at 12.30pm on ITV


thedailymirror--2020-08-13--Firefighter fosters dog he found 'lifeless' under bed during raging fire

A firefighter has decided to foster a dog who he saved after finding her lying `` lifeless '' under a bed while responding to a fire .
Jamie Trew found Millie the Jack Russell during a fire on the ground floor of a flat in Newham on July 28 .
Emergency services were called to the address around 9pm , where firefighters found a woman being treated by medics outside .
She told them her beloved dog was missing so the firefighters began searching for her .
Shortly after , the lifeless body of Millie was found under a bed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The dog is now being looked after by Mr Trew while the owner recovers .
Station officer Dean Ivil said : `` After 10 minutes she showed signs of life and she eventually regained consciousness enough to start walking and was taken to the local emergency vet .
`` After a short stay there , her owner has agreed she can be fostered and she is now happily staying with leading firefighter Jamie Trew who found her .
`` It 's a lovely ending for what could have been a tragic story @ @ @ @ @ @ @ best , Millie has a forever home with Jamie and his family , '' he added .
The cause of the fire is under investigation , it left part of the bedroom where Millie was found damaged .
However , brave firefighters managed to get the blaze under control in 40 minutes .

mirrornews@mirror.co.uk (Unzela Khan, Tanveer Mann)

Jamie Trew found Millie the Jack Russell during a flat fire after being called to Newham on July 28 - he has since decided to foster her
Firefighter decides to foster dog he found 'lifeless' under bed during raging fire
A firefighter has decided to foster a dog who he saved after finding her lying "lifeless" under a bed while responding to a fire.
Jamie Trew found Millie the Jack Russell during a fire on the ground floor of a flat in Newham on July 28.
Emergency services were called to the address around 9pm, where firefighters found a woman being treated by medics outside.
She told them her beloved dog was missing so the firefighters began searching for her.
Shortly after, the lifeless body of Millie was found under a bed and she was given oxygen and water.
After 10 minutes she regained consciousness, BBC reports.
Image: LFB) LFB)
The dog is now being looked after by Mr Trew while the owner recovers.
Station officer Dean Ivil said: "After 10 minutes she showed signs of life and she eventually regained consciousness enough to start walking and was taken to the local emergency vet.
"After a short stay there, her owner has agreed she can be fostered and she is now happily staying with leading firefighter Jamie Trew who found her.
"It's a lovely ending for what could have been a tragic story. If her owner decides it's best, Millie has a forever home with Jamie and his family," he added.
The cause of the fire is under investigation, it left part of the bedroom where Millie was found damaged.
However, brave firefighters managed to get the blaze under control in 40 minutes.