thedailymirror--2020-08-18--High street job losses hit 100,000 as government urged to save industry

Pressure is mounting on the Government to step in to save the retail sector after 7,000 redundancies at Marks & Spencer took the toll of high street jobs lost since the pandemic to more than 100,000 .
Pizza Express also announced 1,100 job losses tonight , with plans to permanently close 73 restaurants .
And The Centre for Retail Research has warned that job losses across the sector could hit 235,704 this year , with more than 20,600 store closures .
Centre director Prof Joshua Bamfield said : “ There are going to be a lot more job losses full @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be in the retail sector.
” Writing in the Mirror , Paddy Lillis , General Secretary of shopworkers ’ union USDAW , said : “ Retail is an important feature of our towns and cities , it employs three million people and we need a stimulus package to save the industry.
” Labour repeated its call for a Hospitality and High Streets Fightback Fund .
Shadow Business Secretary Lucy Powell said : “ The scale of job losses was not inevitable , but the incompetence of this government means we ’ re now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and store closures .
“ These job losses are devastating for the workers involved , yet they also tell a much bigger story about the threat to our high streets.
” Richard Lim , chief executive of the consultants Retail Economics , said : “ The reality is that many more retailers will fail and the number of job losses will ramp up as government support is withdrawn .
“ This is the calm before the storm.
” Most of the M & S redundancies , which are on top of the 950 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stores , with around 12 % of 60,000 shop-based staff losing their jobs over the next three months .
The cull has been blamed on the impact of the coronavirus crisis , but M & S chief executive Steve Rowe , who made £1.2million in pay and perks last year , said the cuts were “ an important step in becoming a leaner , faster business ” .
Clothing and homeware sales in M & S stores are down almost 48 % , while online sales have risen 39 % in the past @ @ @ @ @ @ @ customers since the start of the year .
John Lewis , Boots , and Debenhams are also among the big names to have announced job cuts .
Debenhams last week confirmed 2,500 redundancies and said it was considering liquidation , putting 14,000 jobs at risk .
The Mirror has championed the cause of town centres through our High Street Fightback campaign and Shop for Britain drive .
More than 180,000 jobs across all sectors have been announced by large employers since the Covid-19 outbreak .
There are fears of worse to come when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has paid the wages of 9.6million furloughed workers , ends in October .
Chancellor Rishi Sunak also introduced a business rates holiday , which will run until next March .
Professor John Colley , Associate Dean of Warwick Business School , said : “ Businesses are reducing employment to levels consistent with low levels of demand as the furlough is tapered out .
The rationale is that if demand picks up , they can take on more staff .
“ Covid-19 also provided a major opportunity for businesses facing long-term difficulties to make @ @ @ @ @ @ @ many some months ago.
” Responding to the M & S job losses , a Government spokeswoman said : “ We can not protect every job , but we will do everything we can to help people get through this crisis and back into work .
”

After Pizza Express and Marks & Spencer announced plans to cut thousands of jobs, the toll of high street jobs lost since the Covid-19 outbreak is now more than 100,000
High street job losses hit 100,000 as government urged to step in and save industry
Pressure is mounting on the Government to step in to save the retail sector after 7,000 redundancies at Marks & Spencer took the toll of high street jobs lost since the pandemic to more than 100,000.
Pizza Express also announced 1,100 job losses tonight, with plans to permanently close 73 restaurants.
And The Centre for Retail Research has warned that job losses across the sector could hit 235,704 this year, with more than 20,600 store closures.
Centre director Prof Joshua Bamfield said: “There are going to be a lot more job losses full stop, and many of them will be in the retail sector.”
Writing in the Mirror, Paddy Lillis, General Secretary of shopworkers’ union USDAW, said: “Retail is an important feature of our towns and cities, it employs three million people and we need a stimulus package to save the industry.”
Image: Hasan Esen/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images) Hasan Esen/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)
Labour repeated its call for a Hospitality and High Streets Fightback Fund.
Shadow Business Secretary Lucy Powell said: “The scale of job losses was not inevitable, but the incompetence of this government means we’re now seeing wave after wave of redundancies, and store closures.
“These job losses are devastating for the workers involved, yet they also tell a much bigger story about the threat to our high streets.”
Richard Lim, chief executive of the consultants Retail Economics, said: “The reality is that many more retailers will fail and the number of job losses will ramp up as government support is withdrawn.
“This is the calm before the storm.”
Most of the M&S redundancies, which are on top of the 950 announced in July, will be in stores, with around 12% of 60,000 shop-based staff losing their jobs over the next three months.
Image: Getty) Getty)
The cull has been blamed on the impact of the coronavirus crisis, but M&S chief executive Steve Rowe, who made £1.2million in pay and perks last year, said the cuts were “an important step in becoming a leaner, faster business”.
Clothing and homeware sales in M&S stores are down almost 48%, while online sales have risen 39% in the past eight weeks, with 1.9million new online customers since the start of the year.
John Lewis, Boots, and Debenhams are also among the big names to have announced job cuts. Debenhams last week confirmed 2,500 redundancies and said it was considering liquidation, putting 14,000 jobs at risk.
The Mirror has championed the cause of town centres through our High Street Fightback campaign and Shop for Britain drive.
More than 180,000 jobs across all sectors have been announced by large employers since the Covid-19 outbreak.
Image: Ian Forsyth/Getty Images) Ian Forsyth/Getty Images)
There are fears of worse to come when the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, which has paid the wages of 9.6million furloughed workers, ends in October.
Chancellor Rishi Sunak also introduced a business rates holiday, which will run until next March.
Professor John Colley, Associate Dean of Warwick Business School, said: “Businesses are reducing employment to levels consistent with low levels of demand as the furlough is tapered out. The rationale is that if demand picks up, they can take on more staff.
“Covid-19 also provided a major opportunity for businesses facing long-term difficulties to make decisions that would have been unpalatable to many some months ago.”
Responding to the M&S job losses, a Government spokeswoman said: “We cannot protect every job, but we will do everything we can to help people get through this crisis and back into work.”


thedailymirror--2020-08-18--Perrie Edwards' personal trainer unveils star's gruelling workout schedule

The personal trainer for Little Mix star Perrie Edwards has unveiled the star 's gruelling regime that helped her gain confidence before her holiday in Ibiza .
Speaking to New magazine , personal trainer Danielle Peazer has discussed the DPM60 training programme that Perrie took part in and praised for allowing her to not `` pick herself apart '' in photos after her holidays for the first time .
The personal trainer suggests that despite initially `` moaning '' , Perrie soon embraced the two-week programme and developed a love for abs and lower body exercises .
Danielle told the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ doing a plank for two minutes , which is a very long time for anyone .
`` She also did workouts when I was n't there , which I was really impressed with .
`` Some days she was doing extra in the evening , just because she was enjoying the workouts I was giving her . ''
27-year-old Perrie has recently been on holiday in Ibiza with her footballer boyfriend Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain , 26 .
Perrie was busy posting snaps of herself and beau Alex , revealing his chiselled abs in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the sunshine aboard a yacht .
She captioned the photos : `` I 'm yacht goin to lie , I 'm all a-boat lovin ' you .
It 's al-waves fun when we on the boat & ma boy lookin ship shape ! ''
The blonde beauty also shared multiple photos of herself looking stunning and toned while on her sun-soaked break .
In fact , Perrie looked so good that Good Morning Britain presenter Susanna Reid commented on it herself .
Susanna wrote in her Daily Mail column : `` On my @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time enviously scrolling through pictures of celebrities in their swimwear . ''
She continued : `` Perrie Edwards from Little Mix in the tiniest crochet bikini , 53-year-old Halle Berry in a sexy orange number straight out of her Bond wardrobe and the best of them all , Coleen Rooney and her £2,000 bikini and swimwear collection .
`` I 'm daring to wear a bikini this summer , too , but one with a difference : it has really big bottoms . ''
Do you have a story to sell ?
Get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trinitymirror.com or call us direct 0207 29 33033 .

Little Mix star Perrie Edwards is said to have undertaken two gym sessions a day to boost her confidence before heading on her holiday to Ibiza
The personal trainer for Little Mix star Perrie Edwards has unveiled the star's gruelling regime that helped her gain confidence before her holiday in Ibiza.
Speaking to New magazine, personal trainer Danielle Peazer has discussed the DPM60 training programme that Perrie took part in and praised for allowing her to not "pick herself apart" in photos after her holidays for the first time.
The personal trainer suggests that despite initially "moaning", Perrie soon embraced the two-week programme and developed a love for abs and lower body exercises.
Danielle told the magazine: "So I had her doing a plank for two minutes, which is a very long time for anyone.
"She also did workouts when I wasn't there, which I was really impressed with.
"Some days she was doing extra in the evening, just because she was enjoying the workouts I was giving her."
Image: Instagram) Instagram)
27-year-old Perrie has recently been on holiday in Ibiza with her footballer boyfriend Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, 26.
Perrie was busy posting snaps of herself and beau Alex, revealing his chiselled abs in a pair of swimming shorts and posing in the sunshine aboard a yacht.
She captioned the photos: "I'm yacht goin to lie, I'm all a-boat lovin' you. It's al-waves fun when we on the boat & ma boy lookin ship shape!"
Image: perrieedwards/Instagram) perrieedwards/Instagram)
The blonde beauty also shared multiple photos of herself looking stunning and toned while on her sun-soaked break.
In fact, Perrie looked so good that Good Morning Britain presenter Susanna Reid commented on it herself.
Susanna wrote in her Daily Mail column: "On my holiday, I spent way to much time enviously scrolling through pictures of celebrities in their swimwear."
Image: perrieedwards/Instagram) perrieedwards/Instagram)
She continued: "Perrie Edwards from Little Mix in the tiniest crochet bikini, 53-year-old Halle Berry in a sexy orange number straight out of her Bond wardrobe and the best of them all, Coleen Rooney and her £2,000 bikini and swimwear collection.
"I'm daring to wear a bikini this summer, too, but one with a difference: it has really big bottoms."
We hear you, Susanna!
Do you have a story to sell? Get in touch with us at webcelebs@trinitymirror.com or call us direct 0207 29 33033.


thedailymirror--2020-08-18--Dad found dead in sea by daughter after going for swim on family beach outing

A dad who died after going for a swim in the sea was found face down in the water by his daughter , an inquest heard .
Tragic Paul Lee , 65 , was with his family on Clacton beach in Essex when it happened on Monday last week .
Shortly before 10.30am , Mr Lee decided to go for a swim in the water , but just 15 minutes later his daughter made the heartbreaking discovery .
Mr Lee was found unconscious and lying faced down in the water , Essex Live reports .
Emergency services , including an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a desperate bid to save his life .
Sadly , despite all efforts , the Clacton man was pronounced dead at the scene .
Further details surrounding Mr Lee 's death were disclosed at an inquest hearing held at Essex Coroners ' Court in Chelmsford today ( August 18 ) .
Coroner 's assistant , Marianne Robson , said : `` On August 10 , this gentleman went to Clacton beach with his family .
`` He went swimming in the sea but , after 10 to 15 minutes , his daughter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the water being brought in by the waves . ''
On August 14 , at Colchester General Hospital , Dr John Chapman carried out a post-mortem examination on Mr Lee 's body .
Dr Chapman came to the conclusion that Mr Lee died as a result of 1a , ischemic heart disease and 1b , coronary artery disease .
Senior coroner , Caroline Beasley-Murray said : `` I would like some photos of where exactly on the beach it was .
`` I believe it was east , which is the side of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other fatalities .
`` I will need to see the police statements and something from the family will be helpful .
`` I know the Maritime Agency is involved in this so I will need a report from the Maritime Agency and Tendring District Council . ''
A full inquest date has been scheduled for November 17 this year .

Paul Lee, 65, was with his family on Clacton beach in Essex when the tragedy happened on Monday last week, an inquest heard today
Dad found dead in sea by daughter after going for swim on family beach outing
A dad who died after going for a swim in the sea was found face down in the water by his daughter, an inquest heard.
Tragic Paul Lee, 65, was with his family on Clacton beach in Essex when it happened on Monday last week.
Shortly before 10.30am, Mr Lee decided to go for a swim in the water, but just 15 minutes later his daughter made the heartbreaking discovery.
Mr Lee was found unconscious and lying faced down in the water, Essex Live reports.
Emergency services, including an air ambulance, rushed to the scene in a desperate bid to save his life.
Sadly, despite all efforts, the Clacton man was pronounced dead at the scene.
Image: East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust) East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust)
Further details surrounding Mr Lee's death were disclosed at an inquest hearing held at Essex Coroners' Court in Chelmsford today (August 18).
Coroner's assistant, Marianne Robson, said: "On August 10, this gentleman went to Clacton beach with his family.
"He went swimming in the sea but, after 10 to 15 minutes, his daughter noticed he was laying face down in the water being brought in by the waves."
On August 14, at Colchester General Hospital, Dr John Chapman carried out a post-mortem examination on Mr Lee's body.
Dr Chapman came to the conclusion that Mr Lee died as a result of 1a, ischemic heart disease and 1b, coronary artery disease.
Senior coroner, Caroline Beasley-Murray said: "I would like some photos of where exactly on the beach it was.
"I believe it was east, which is the side of the pier where there have been some other fatalities.
"I will need to see the police statements and something from the family will be helpful.
"I know the Maritime Agency is involved in this so I will need a report from the Maritime Agency and Tendring District Council."
A full inquest date has been scheduled for November 17 this year.


thedailymirror--2020-08-18--Barcelona president Bartomeu confirms plan for Philippe Coutinho

Incoming Barcelona boss Ronald Koeman will have the final say over the immediate future of Philippe Coutinho , according the club 's president .
Josep Maria Bartomeu confirmed that Koeman will soon take over at a press conference on Tuesday , where he faced some difficult questions in the wake of the 8-2 Champions League defeat to Bayern Munich last Friday .
Since that defeat in Lisbon , manager Quique Setien and sporting director Eric Abidal have left the club , while there has been renewed speculation over the future of Lionel Messi .
The on-loan Coutinho made matters worse @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as a substitute and scoring twice for Bayern in Lisbon , but he will return to Barcelona once his loan spell ends at the conclusion of the German club 's Champions League campaign .
The former Liverpool man has been linked with a host of clubs this summer , including making a return to the Premier League , but Bartomeu says Koeman may want to keep hold of him .
`` The head coach will make the decision , '' said Bartomeu .
`` If he wants him to continue , next year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The president was pressed on the transfer future of several members of the Barca squad , and named eight players - including Messi - who he says are not for sale .
`` Messi is untouchable and non-transferable .
He knows it , we all know it , '' he said .
Do you think Philippe Coutinho should stay at Barcelona ?
Have your say below '' But there are various non-transferable players like ( Marc Andre ) Ter Stegen , ( Clement ) Lenglet , ( Nelson ) Semedo , ( Frenkie @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Griezmann , ( Ousmane ) Dembele ... players we are counting on in the future .
`` We have had ( offers ) for Ansu Fati , for example .
`` But Barca does not want to sell players , although we receive several offers for players .
`` We do n't want to sell him .
He has a great future .
I 'm telling you from here , he 's non-transferable . ''

NEW BARCELONA COACH TO BE CONFIRMED 'IN COMING DAYS' AS RONALD KOEMAN CLOSES IN ON JOB
NEW BARCELONA COACH TO BE CONFIRMED 'IN COMING DAYS' AS RONALD KOEMAN CLOSES IN ON JOB
The Barca preseident was speaking on Tuesday as he confirmed that Ronald Koeman will take over as the Catalan club's new boss following the removal of Quique Setien
Incoming Barcelona boss Ronald Koeman will have the final say over the immediate future of Philippe Coutinho, according the club's president.
Josep Maria Bartomeu confirmed that Koeman will soon take over at a press conference on Tuesday, where he faced some difficult questions in the wake of the 8-2 Champions League defeat to Bayern Munich last Friday.
Since that defeat in Lisbon, manager Quique Setien and sporting director Eric Abidal have left the club, while there has been renewed speculation over the future of Lionel Messi.
The on-loan Coutinho made matters worse for his parent club by coming on as a substitute and scoring twice for Bayern in Lisbon, but he will return to Barcelona once his loan spell ends at the conclusion of the German club's Champions League campaign.
Image: REUTERS) REUTERS)
The former Liverpool man has been linked with a host of clubs this summer, including making a return to the Premier League, but Bartomeu says Koeman may want to keep hold of him.
"The head coach will make the decision," said Bartomeu.
"If he wants him to continue, next year he will play with us."
The president was pressed on the transfer future of several members of the Barca squad, and named eight players - including Messi - who he says are not for sale.
"Messi is untouchable and non-transferable. He knows it, we all know it," he said.
Do you think Philippe Coutinho should stay at Barcelona? Have your say below
Image: NurPhoto/PA Images) NurPhoto/PA Images)
"But there are various non-transferable players like (Marc Andre) Ter Stegen, (Clement) Lenglet, (Nelson) Semedo, (Frenkie) De Jong, (Antoine) Griezmann, (Ousmane) Dembele... players we are counting on in the future.
"We have had (offers) for Ansu Fati, for example.
"But Barca does not want to sell players, although we receive several offers for players.
"We don't want to sell him. He has a great future. I'm telling you from here, he's non-transferable."


thedailymirror--2020-08-19--Hands-free driving could launch in UK in less than a year - even on motorways

Hands-free driving could be a reality in the UK in less than a year after the Government announced a consultation on the groundbreaking technology .
The Department for Transport has issued a call for evidence into Automated Lane Keeping System technology , which can take control of a vehicle at low speeds .
The system controls the car 's movements and can keep it in lane for extended periods of time .
But the driver still needs to be ready to take control when prompted by the vehicle itself .
It could be given the go-ahead for speeds of up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ potentially making long stretches of tedious motorway driving a thing of the past .
According to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders , ALKS and other automated driving systems could prevent 47,000 serious accidents and save 3,900 lives in the next 10 years .
The technology has already been approved by the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe ( UNECE ) , of which the UK is a member , and could be available as early as next spring .
Now the Government wants to hear from voices within the motoring industry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ implemented in the UK .
It will also look at whether ALKS-enabled cars should be classed as automated vehicles , if so the technology provider rather than the driver would be responsible for safety while the system is in use .
The consultation closes on October 27 this year .
Rachel Maclean , transport minister , said : `` Automated technology could make driving safer , smoother and easier for motorists and the UK should be the first country to see these benefits , attracting manufacturers to develop and test new technologies .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ area is world leading and the results from this call for evidence could be a significant step forward for this exciting technology . ''
Edmund King , AA president , said : `` Over the last 50 years , leading-edge in-car technology from seat belts to airbags and ABS has helped to save thousands of lives .
`` The Government is right to be consulting on the latest collision-avoidance system which has the potential to make our roads even safer in the future . ''

mirrornews@mirror.co.uk (Tess De La Mare)

Such a system could keep a car in lane for periods where the driver hasn't got their hands on the wheel - but the driver would still need to be standing by to take back control
Hands-free driving could launch in UK in less than a year - even on motorways
Hands-free driving could be a reality in the UK in less than a year after the Government announced a consultation on the groundbreaking technology.
The Department for Transport has issued a call for evidence into Automated Lane Keeping System technology, which can take control of a vehicle at low speeds.
The system controls the car's movements and can keep it in lane for extended periods of time.
But the driver still needs to be ready to take control when prompted by the vehicle itself.
It could be given the go-ahead for speeds of up to 70mph, the DfT said, potentially making long stretches of tedious motorway driving a thing of the past.
According to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, ALKS and other automated driving systems could prevent 47,000 serious accidents and save 3,900 lives in the next 10 years.
Image: Getty Images) Getty Images)
The technology has already been approved by the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), of which the UK is a member, and could be available as early as next spring.
Now the Government wants to hear from voices within the motoring industry to decide how it could be safely implemented in the UK.
It will also look at whether ALKS-enabled cars should be classed as automated vehicles, if so the technology provider rather than the driver would be responsible for safety while the system is in use.
The consultation closes on October 27 this year.
Rachel Maclean, transport minister, said: "Automated technology could make driving safer, smoother and easier for motorists and the UK should be the first country to see these benefits, attracting manufacturers to develop and test new technologies.
Would you trust hands-free driving technology? Tell us in the comments below
poll loading Is hands-free driving a good idea? 0+ VOTES SO FAR Yes No
"The UK's work in this area is world leading and the results from this call for evidence could be a significant step forward for this exciting technology."
Edmund King, AA president, said: "Over the last 50 years, leading-edge in-car technology from seat belts to airbags and ABS has helped to save thousands of lives.
"The Government is right to be consulting on the latest collision-avoidance system which has the potential to make our roads even safer in the future."


thedailymirror--2020-08-19--Greggs has announced the return of its festive bake and fans can’t wait

Many Brits will agree that the holiday season has n't officially started until you 've scoffed one of Greggs ' beloved Festive Bakes .
Featuring a flaky pastry case filled with chicken breast pieces , sage and onion stuffing and bacon mixed in sage and cranberry sauce , the comforting snack is a seasonal classic .
And whilst Halloween has n't even passed yet , Greggs has announced that its Festive Bake is officially returning for 2020 .
You read that right .
The Christmassy treat will be available from Friday , November 6th .
Meaning fans still have over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get their hands on one .
Sharing the news on social media , the bakery chain said : “ If anything can save 2020 , it 's the Festive Bake # 79Days.
” And fans have been expressing their excitement with many calling for the release date to be pushed up .
One person commented : “ We need it this year !
” Someone else said : “ Yes !
Love a festive bake also looking forward to your pumpkin spiced latte !
” While a third added : “ Omg I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the USA for this.
” Greggs has n't confirmed how much the festive bake will cost this year , but in 2019 it was £1.50 .
The countdown is officially on !
In other Christmas food news , Aldi has revealed 2020 Christmas range .
The budget supermarket will be selling plenty of tempting treats that are perfect for festive parties , such as truffle pigs in blankets and a plum and pink gin pudding .
While Christmas sweets are already on sale at Tesco supermarkets - and fans are delighted .

Greggs has announced the return of its festive bake and fans can’t wait
Many Brits will agree that the holiday season hasn't officially started until you've scoffed one of Greggs' beloved Festive Bakes.
Featuring a flaky pastry case filled with chicken breast pieces, sage and onion stuffing and bacon mixed in sage and cranberry sauce, the comforting snack is a seasonal classic.
And whilst Halloween hasn't even passed yet, Greggs has announced that its Festive Bake is officially returning for 2020. You read that right.
The Christmassy treat will be available from Friday, November 6th. Meaning fans still have over two months to wait until they can get their hands on one.
Sharing the news on social media, the bakery chain said: “If anything can save 2020, it's the Festive Bake #79Days.”
And fans have been expressing their excitement with many calling for the release date to be pushed up.
One person commented: “We need it this year!”
Someone else said: “Yes! Love a festive bake also looking forward to your pumpkin spiced latte!”
While a third added: “Omg I hope I can travel to the UK from the USA for this.”
Greggs hasn't confirmed how much the festive bake will cost this year, but in 2019 it was £1.50. The countdown is officially on!
In other Christmas food news, Aldi has revealed 2020 Christmas range.
The budget supermarket will be selling plenty of tempting treats that are perfect for festive parties, such as truffle pigs in blankets and a plum and pink gin pudding.
While Christmas sweets are already on sale at Tesco supermarkets - and shoppers are delighted.


thedailymirror--2020-08-19--Netflix is testing a 'Shuffle' button to stop couples arguing over what to watch

From Selling Sunset to The Crown , Netflix is jam-packed full of thousands of TV programmes and films .
While the platform ’ s selection is undeniably excellent , choosing what to watch can be a tricky task that can lead to heated arguments between couples .
Now , Netflix is testing a new feature that could help to resolve these arguments .
The tech giant is testing a ‘ Shuffle Play ’ button , that will randomly play TV programmes and films it thinks you ’ ll enjoy .
The new button is currently being tested for certain users @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Unsurprisingly , the response to the feature has been very mixed , with many praising the option , and others baffled by it .
Taking to Twitter , one user wrote : “ Why does my Netflix have a ‘ shuffle play ’ option ?
Who would ever use this and why ?
” Another added : “ Whoa whoa what is this cool “ shuffle play ” feature on Netflix ?
!
?
It ’ s amazing and helpful for my indecisive self.
” And one joked : “ What kind @ @ @ @ @ @ @ yolo , let ’ s spin the Netflix wheel of fortune.
’ ” Netflix has now confirmed the test , although it remains unclear when it will roll out to all users .
Speaking to The Verge , a spokesperson explained : “ We run these tests in different countries and for different periods of time - and only make them broadly available if people find them useful.
” The news comes shortly after Netflix rolled out the option to delete titles from the ‘ continue watching ’ row .
The Verge explained @ @ @ @ @ @ @ interested in watching a movie or a TV show , the title doesn ’ t disappear from the row .
It eventually gets pushed down the line as new titles are watched , but it doesn ’ t just go away .
“ Now , people can access the feature by clicking on a title in the row .
”

Netflix has revealed that it is testing a ‘Shuffle Play’ button, that will randomly play TV programmes and films it thinks you’ll enjoy
Netflix is testing a 'Shuffle' button to stop couples arguing over what to watch
From Selling Sunset to The Crown, Netflix is jam-packed full of thousands of TV programmes and films.
While the platform’s selection is undeniably excellent, choosing what to watch can be a tricky task that can lead to heated arguments between couples.
Now, Netflix is testing a new feature that could help to resolve these arguments.
The tech giant is testing a ‘Shuffle Play’ button, that will randomly play TV programmes and films it thinks you’ll enjoy.
The new button is currently being tested for certain users on the Netflix app for TV devices.
Unsurprisingly, the response to the feature has been very mixed, with many praising the option, and others baffled by it.
Taking to Twitter, one user wrote: “Why does my Netflix have a ‘shuffle play’ option? Who would ever use this and why?”
Another added: “Whoa whoa what is this cool “shuffle play” feature on Netflix?!? It’s amazing and helpful for my indecisive self.”
And one joked: “What kind of insane person just says, ‘yolo, let’s spin the Netflix wheel of fortune.’”
Netflix has now confirmed the test, although it remains unclear when it will roll out to all users.
Is a shuffle feature on Netflix a good idea? Tell us in the comments below
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
Speaking to The Verge, a spokesperson explained: “We run these tests in different countries and for different periods of time - and only make them broadly available if people find them useful.”
The news comes shortly after Netflix rolled out the option to delete titles from the ‘continue watching’ row.
The Verge explained: “If someone is no longer interested in watching a movie or a TV show, the title doesn’t disappear from the row. It eventually gets pushed down the line as new titles are watched, but it doesn’t just go away.
“Now, people can access the feature by clicking on a title in the row.”


thedailymirror--2020-08-19--Emotional Emma Kenny opens up on loss of beloved dog year on from father's death

Psychologist Emma Kenny was on hand to support This Morning viewers , who called in to share their grief over the loss of their pets .
Emma offered wise and touching words to those struggling with the deaths of their dogs and cats , sharing her own recent heartache .
The This Morning regular was close to tears as she emotionally discussed the death of her beloved chihuahua Molly in July .
She reached out to viewers , as she revealed how the recent loss opened up the wounds of another huge loss in her life just a year ago @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2019 , after taking his own life following a mental health battle , with him struggling with psychosis for eight months prior to his death .
She bravely appeared on the show shortly after at the time , encouraging others to share their grief .
Now , Emma was back on This Morning on Wednesday to discuss grief for pets , reminding people it is just as much a loss as losing a person you were close with .
She shared her own experience and grief in the hope of encouraging others to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dog comforted her through her heartache for her father , with her telling hosts Eamonn Holmes and Ruth Langsford how she cuddled up to her in her bed every day since her dad died .
But now the huge loss has not only left her devastated , but it 's reminded her of losing her father again .
She explained : `` Accumulative grief is really common , so when I lost Molly I felt like I had lost my dad all over again .
`` The wounds you 've got resurface and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' She went on : `` She was in my bed every night from when dad died .
She was a constant and she still is , and I still think about her every moment of the day .
`` People do n't take it that seriously when pets die , unless they 've had that relationship but as the callers are saying it 's really problematic . ''
On her advice for those struggling , she said : `` Just acknowledge that the grief is as real as when a lot of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ then spoke to viewers facing their own heartache , and offered advice after one caller in particular resonated with Emma .
The caller had lost her dog of 16 years in the same month as her , seven years on from the death of her own father .
She like Emma found the death had brought back old wounds , especially as the dog and her dad were close .
Emma comforted the caller , and advised her to give herself the time she needs to grieve properly .
This Morning airs weekdays @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( 116 123 ) operates a 24-hour service available every day of the year .
If you prefer to write down how you ’ re feeling , or if you ’ re worried about being overheard on the phone , you can email Samaritans at jo @ samaritans.org

Emma Kenny gets emotional as she opens up on loss of dog pn This Morning
Emma Kenny gets emotional as she opens up on loss of dog pn This Morning
This Morning star Emma Kenny opened up on the death of her beloved pooch Molly, as she advised viewers on grieving for pets
Emotional Emma Kenny opens up on loss of beloved dog a year on from father's death
Psychologist Emma Kenny was on hand to support This Morning viewers, who called in to share their grief over the loss of their pets.
Emma offered wise and touching words to those struggling with the deaths of their dogs and cats, sharing her own recent heartache.
The This Morning regular was close to tears as she emotionally discussed the death of her beloved chihuahua Molly in July.
She reached out to viewers, as she revealed how the recent loss opened up the wounds of another huge loss in her life just a year ago.
Emma's dad passed away in 2019, after taking his own life following a mental health battle, with him struggling with psychosis for eight months prior to his death.
Image: ITV) ITV)
She bravely appeared on the show shortly after at the time, encouraging others to share their grief.
Now, Emma was back on This Morning on Wednesday to discuss grief for pets, reminding people it is just as much a loss as losing a person you were close with.
She shared her own experience and grief in the hope of encouraging others to do the same.
Image: ITV) ITV)
Emma's beloved dog comforted her through her heartache for her father, with her telling hosts Eamonn Holmes and Ruth Langsford how she cuddled up to her in her bed every day since her dad died.
But now the huge loss has not only left her devastated, but it's reminded her of losing her father again.
She explained: "Accumulative grief is really common, so when I lost Molly I felt like I had lost my dad all over again.
"The wounds you've got resurface and I think that's really imporant."
She went on: "She was in my bed every night from when dad died. She was a constant and she still is, and I still think about her every moment of the day.
"People don't take it that seriously when pets die, unless they've had that relationship but as the callers are saying it's really problematic."
Image: ITV) ITV)
On her advice for those struggling, she said: "Just acknowledge that the grief is as real as when a lot of people lose a close relationship.
"I think people underestimate it."
Emma then spoke to viewers facing their own heartache, and offered advice after one caller in particular resonated with Emma.
The caller had lost her dog of 16 years in the same month as her, seven years on from the death of her own father.
She like Emma found the death had brought back old wounds, especially as the dog and her dad were close.
Emma comforted the caller, and advised her to give herself the time she needs to grieve properly.
This Morning airs weekdays at 10am on ITV.
* Samaritans (116 123) operates a 24-hour service available every day of the year. If you prefer to write down how you’re feeling, or if you’re worried about being overheard on the phone, you can email Samaritans at jo@samaritans.org


thedailymirror--2020-08-19--One family has 30 coronavirus cases as town faces local lockdown due to spike

Just one family has contracted 30 cases of coronavirus in Oldham as the town faces a potential lockdown .
A Covid-19 spike in the Alexandra Park area of the town appears to have stemmed from one large family , who unknowingly transmitted it on to extended family members and neighbours .
Between Monday , August 3 and Sunday , August 9 , the east of the town had the highest number of cases , recording 72 for the week .
And although the infection rate in Oldham has been dropping , its still has one of the three highest rates @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Blackburn with Darwen .
The rising number of infections has been mainly attributed to household transmission , rather than people mixing in pubs , shops or restaurants , experts say .
A local lockdown could prove `` really catastrophic '' for Oldham , the council leader has warned .
Have you been affected by the Oldham increase in cases ?
Email webnews @ mirror.co.uk Speaking to BBC Radio 4 's Today programme , Labour councillor Sean Fielding urged ministers not to impose stricter measures in the Greater Manchester town , even though @ @ @ @ @ @ @ those in Leicester when it was put into local lockdown .
He said : `` We 're strongly making the case up here in Oldham that that would not be the right solution for the wave of the pandemic that we 're seeing . ''
Figures for the seven days to August 15 show the town had a rate of 83.1 new cases per 100,000 , down from 109.7 in the seven days to August 8 , with 197 new cases .
Mr Fielding argued that `` household transmission '' is driving infections @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the working-age population , and there has been little increase in hospital admissions or deaths .
He said : `` We already have youth unemployment of 9.5 % and 15 % of unemployment generally so it would be really , really catastrophic for businesses and for the working-age population in Oldham if there were to be a local lockdown .
`` It 's different to Leicester because Leicester never really properly reopened ; this could be hundreds of businesses that have made themselves Covid-secure , spent money in doing so , reopened , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ asked to close again , and the likelihood is many of those having done all of that would simply not be able to reopen once the restrictions are lifted again . ''
Speaking to BBC News on Wednesday , Health Secretary Matt Hancock did not rule out a local lockdown .
He said : `` Places like Oldham , where we are now seeing the number of cases rise , we have to take the same localised approach , working very closely with the local council , and make sure we get both @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the rules right in place and the resources , like the testing resources , to get a grip on it in all the areas where there is an outbreak , including Oldham .
`` There is a big challenge in Oldham , the numbers are clear about that .
`` We see from what 's happened in Leicester over the past few weeks that where we put a local lockdown in place it then has been effective and we have been able to announce yesterday that Leicester is coming out of most - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ local lockdown measures because the numbers are under control .
`` Obviously that has had a huge impact on the people of Leicester , including businesses , and of course I regret that , in the way I regret a huge amount of the impact of what we have had to do to tackle the virus .
`` But we will do what is necessary and we will work very closely with the council , who have also got a really important part to play in this . ''
The town is one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ restrictions were brought in at the end of July to prevent households from mixing indoors .
Leaders in Oldham have urged residents to act to avoid a more severe lockdown and the council enlisted the help of Game Of Thrones actor James Cosmo , who recorded a video reminding people of the guidelines .
In it , he said : `` Lockdown is coming if you do n't act now and follow the coronavirus guidelines . ''

Oldham is potentially facing local restrictions to prevent further spread of the deadly disease after a rise in the infection rate put it amongst the worst in the country
Just one family has contracted 30 cases of coronavirus in Oldham as the town faces a potential lockdown.
A Covid-19 spike in the Alexandra Park area of the town appears to have stemmed from one large family, who unknowingly transmitted it on to extended family members and neighbours.
Between Monday, August 3 and Sunday, August 9, the east of the town had the highest number of cases, recording 72 for the week.
And although the infection rate in Oldham has been dropping, its still has one of the three highest rates in the country, along with Northampton and Blackburn with Darwen.
The rising number of infections has been mainly attributed to household transmission, rather than people mixing in pubs, shops or restaurants, experts say.
A local lockdown could prove "really catastrophic" for Oldham, the council leader has warned.
Have you been affected by the Oldham increase in cases? Email webnews@mirror.co.uk
Image: REUTERS) REUTERS)
Speaking to BBC Radio 4's Today programme, Labour councillor Sean Fielding urged ministers not to impose stricter measures in the Greater Manchester town, even though "raw numbers" are similar to those in Leicester when it was put into local lockdown.
He said: "We're strongly making the case up here in Oldham that that would not be the right solution for the wave of the pandemic that we're seeing."
Figures for the seven days to August 15 show the town had a rate of 83.1 new cases per 100,000, down from 109.7 in the seven days to August 8, with 197 new cases.
Mr Fielding argued that "household transmission" is driving infections in Oldham, most cases are among the working-age population, and there has been little increase in hospital admissions or deaths.
Image: PHE) PHE)
He said: "We already have youth unemployment of 9.5% and 15% of unemployment generally so it would be really, really catastrophic for businesses and for the working-age population in Oldham if there were to be a local lockdown.
"It's different to Leicester because Leicester never really properly reopened; this could be hundreds of businesses that have made themselves Covid-secure, spent money in doing so, reopened, traded for a short time, being asked to close again, and the likelihood is many of those having done all of that would simply not be able to reopen once the restrictions are lifted again."
Speaking to BBC News on Wednesday, Health Secretary Matt Hancock did not rule out a local lockdown.
Image: Daily Mirror) Daily Mirror)
He said: "Places like Oldham, where we are now seeing the number of cases rise, we have to take the same localised approach, working very closely with the local council, and make sure we get both the messages to the public and also the rules right in place and the resources, like the testing resources, to get a grip on it in all the areas where there is an outbreak, including Oldham.
"There is a big challenge in Oldham, the numbers are clear about that.
"We see from what's happened in Leicester over the past few weeks that where we put a local lockdown in place it then has been effective and we have been able to announce yesterday that Leicester is coming out of most - not all - but most of the local lockdown measures because the numbers are under control.
"Obviously that has had a huge impact on the people of Leicester, including businesses, and of course I regret that, in the way I regret a huge amount of the impact of what we have had to do to tackle the virus.
Image: REUTERS) REUTERS)
"But we will do what is necessary and we will work very closely with the council, who have also got a really important part to play in this."
The town is one of the parts of northern England where restrictions were brought in at the end of July to prevent households from mixing indoors.
Leaders in Oldham have urged residents to act to avoid a more severe lockdown and the council enlisted the help of Game Of Thrones actor James Cosmo, who recorded a video reminding people of the guidelines.
In it, he said: "Lockdown is coming if you don't act now and follow the coronavirus guidelines."


thedailymirror--2020-08-19--Corrie's Bill Roache admits future is uncertain as older actors are still banned

Coronation Street star Bill Roache opened up on his future on the cobbles ahead of the special show about his character Ken Barlow , which airs on Wednesday .
Bill , 88 , has starred as Ken for 60 years , but is currently unable to film as the older members of the cast including Barbara Knox ( Rita Tanner ) , David Neilson ( Roy Cropper ) and Sue Nichols ( Audrey Roberts ) are banned from the set during the pandemic .
The soap is filming with the younger members of the cast with social distancing measures in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ anniversary of the show , Bill admitted he never thought he would play the role for that long , having starred in the show since its inception in 1960 .
Bill told hosts Kate Garraway and Adil Ray : `` The over-70s have n't been called yet , I might be called after August , I hope so .
`` We are ready and willing , but not yet . ''
`` Sixty years is a long time is n't it , there 's an awful lot to draw from , '' he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he used to be paid £70 an episode .
Bill revealed his two adult children , James and Verity , had come down to live with him during the lockdown and they had been enjoying their time together watching films in the evening .
He also added that Verity is an artist who taught him how to draw , and he showed off his newfound skills to the hosts as he presented a bee drawing to the camera , and then an impression lion .
Bill has also got into writing a story @ @ @ @ @ @ @ itself '' when he began to write it .
Kate asked if Bill was considering putting any of his story ideas to the Corrie script team for suggestions as to how he could return .
`` The writers are told to be inventive , so I 'm hoping they will come up with something , I would like to get back , '' he replied .
`` I have been speaking to my colleagues and those who are working say there is a great camaraderie even though they are distancing , there is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ looking forward to doing that . ''

Corrie star Bill Roache, who has played Ken Barlow for 60 years, revealed he has no idea when the older members of the cast will be able to return to the soap
Coronation Street star Bill Roache opened up on his future on the cobbles ahead of the special show about his character Ken Barlow, which airs on Wednesday.
Bill, 88, has starred as Ken for 60 years, but is currently unable to film as the older members of the cast including Barbara Knox (Rita Tanner), David Neilson (Roy Cropper) and Sue Nichols (Audrey Roberts) are banned from the set during the pandemic.
The soap is filming with the younger members of the cast with social distancing measures in place.
Speaking about the upcoming 60th anniversary of the show, Bill admitted he never thought he would play the role for that long, having starred in the show since its inception in 1960.
Image: ITV) ITV)
Bill told hosts Kate Garraway and Adil Ray: "The over-70s haven't been called yet, I might be called after August, I hope so.
"We are ready and willing, but not yet."
"Sixty years is a long time isn't it, there's an awful lot to draw from," he said of his Corrie special, revealing he used to be paid £70 an episode.
Image: ITV) ITV)
Bill revealed his two adult children, James and Verity, had come down to live with him during the lockdown and they had been enjoying their time together watching films in the evening.
He also added that Verity is an artist who taught him how to draw, and he showed off his newfound skills to the hosts as he presented a bee drawing to the camera, and then an impression lion.
Bill has also got into writing a story that he said "unfolded and told itself" when he began to write it.
Kate asked if Bill was considering putting any of his story ideas to the Corrie script team for suggestions as to how he could return.
"The writers are told to be inventive, so I'm hoping they will come up with something, I would like to get back," he replied.
"I have been speaking to my colleagues and those who are working say there is a great camaraderie even though they are distancing, there is a great feel, so I am looking forward to doing that."
* Good Morning Britain airs weekdays on ITV at 6am


thedailymirror--2020-08-19--Man crushed by 99-year sentence drew circle of his blood before hanging himself

A man committed extreme acts of self harm before taking his own life in prison while serving an indeterminate sentence .
Tommy Nicol killed himself back in 2015 six years into an Imprisonment for Public Protection ( IPP ) sentence .
While many people locked up on the now-abolished sentence committed violent and sexual convictions , Tommy was jailed for a string of lower-level crimes that culminated in a robbery .
The effect of not knowing if he would ever be allowed out of prison started eating away at the young man .
After six years inside and having failed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ safe to release him , Tommy 's mental health took a serious slide .
He made masks for himself , set fire to his cell and repeatedly smashed his head against a wall before hanging himself .
Click here to read more about Imprisonment for Public Protection ( IPP ) sentences .
`` I did n't understand what the sentence meant until after he died , '' his sister Donna Mooney , who campaigns for those still on IPP terms to be re-sentenced , told Mirror Online .
`` He would say to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ year license .
`` I did n't think it was possible in this country .
He was lost .
I could see it in his eyes .
His eyes were vacant and lost . ''
Like countless others caught up in the UK penal system , Tommy had a `` terrible childhood '' , Donna says .
His early teenage years were spent acting up in school and committing petty crimes , before he was locked up at 14 for stealing a car .
A spell in HMP Feltham when he was 16 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and stealing a car from a mechanic , whose arm was injured in the brief tussle that followed .
It was at that point that a judge at St Albans Crown Court decided short spells inside were not enough and he sentenced Tommy to an IPP .
After six years inside five different prisons , Tommy began to deteriorate quickly once he failed parole for a second time .
Donna said : `` He had not been in any trouble in those six years .
`` He was working in the kitchen which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ inside .
He did n't do drugs .
`` Anyone who knows about prison knows how difficult that is .
And then his mental health just nose dived .
`` There was a note about him banging his head on the wall until it bled .
They did n't try and call anyone in the family during this . ''
Donna says the pressure of being surrounded by prisoners not on IPPs , whose release is n't entirely dependant on their behaviour inside , began to take its toll on Tommy .
To @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the endless delays in courses he needed to complete to pass parole - courses he was never able to carry out .
Tommy asked to be taken into segregation , where he stayed for 90 days .
Do you know someone who has been affected by an IPP sentence ?
Email webnews @ mirror.co.uk Following two separate weeks of hunger strikes over his imprisonment , Tommy began to float bits of paper in a bowl in his cell .
The day after he was moved to HMP The Mount in Hemel Hempstead @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 38 , cut his face , something a psychiatrist at his inquest suggested was a sign of considerable concern given how the wounds can not be hidden .
`` He put a circle of his blood on the floor and began rocking in the corner , '' Donna said .
`` Then he started tearing up clothes and sheets and making himself into a warrior .
`` They deemed him to be dangerous .
Because he was n't stopping doing that he was being 'non-compliant ' .
`` I saw videos of him @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into the cell in riot gear .
`` They took him in an unfurnished cell .
There was only a mattress , a pot to go to the toilet in and just stripped sheets .
`` On the way out one of the guards said 'you just need to behave yourself ' .
`` That was on Saturday . ''
Over the weekend Tommy tried to gouge his eyes and attempted to break his own fingers .
`` On the Monday night he hanged himself , '' Donna said .
`` He did @ @ @ @ @ @ @ him down and he was unconcious .
`` He was cuffed while he was unconscious for hours .
The medical staff asked for them to be taken off , he was sedated , the cuffs were then put on again .
`` Then they came off again and he died a few days later . ''
She added : `` At no point had he had any mental health intervention , in fact the mental health team had tried to see him on three occasions on the Monday but they were denied any @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a see through panel in the door . ''
To compound the tragedy for his family , prison officials only alerted Tommy 's solicitor of his imminent death hours before his life support machine was turned off .
His family only found out once it was too late .
It took Donna hours of ringing round prisons and local hospitals to discover where her brother had died , before she received a four bullet-point document outlining what had happened to him .
Although it is too late for her brother , Donna , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ death will not be in vain .
Along with ardent campaigner Shirley Debono , she is pushing for all IPP prisoners to be resentenced .
`` This seems the most safest , fair and logical way to address things , '' Donna said .
`` Alongside this we are pushing for the licence conditions to be changed so that the length of the licence is linked to the index offence rather than the blanket approach of 99 years which is currently in place .
`` We are also asking that the recall process @ @ @ @ @ @ @ possibly the parole board ) is involved in any recall to stop the 60 % unnecessary recalls happening . ''
In addition , Donna wants IPP prisoners to be prioritised when it comes to access to therapeutic courses that are essential for their wellbeing and potential release .
A Ministry of Justice spokesperson said : “ Those serving IPP sentences were deemed by a judge to pose a high risk to the public and will be released after they demonstrate to the Parole Board they are no longer a threat.
” A petition @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be found here .

EXCLUSIVE: Tommy Nicol took his own life by hanging himself at HMP The Mount having suffered serious mental health problems while serving an indefinite sentence
Man crushed by indefinite sentence drew a circle of his blood before hanging himself
A man committed extreme acts of self harm before taking his own life in prison while serving an indeterminate sentence.
Tommy Nicol killed himself back in 2015 six years into an Imprisonment for Public Protection (IPP) sentence.
While many people locked up on the now-abolished sentence committed violent and sexual convictions, Tommy was jailed for a string of lower-level crimes that culminated in a robbery.
The effect of not knowing if he would ever be allowed out of prison started eating away at the young man.
After six years inside and having failed to convince a parole board it was safe to release him, Tommy's mental health took a serious slide.
He made masks for himself, set fire to his cell and repeatedly smashed his head against a wall before hanging himself.
Click here to read more about Imprisonment for Public Protection (IPP) sentences.
Image: Donna Mooney) Donna Mooney)
"I didn't understand what the sentence meant until after he died," his sister Donna Mooney, who campaigns for those still on IPP terms to be re-sentenced, told Mirror Online.
"He would say to me they had given him a 99 year license.
"I didn't think it was possible in this country. He was lost. I could see it in his eyes. His eyes were vacant and lost."
Like countless others caught up in the UK penal system, Tommy had a "terrible childhood", Donna says.
His early teenage years were spent acting up in school and committing petty crimes, before he was locked up at 14 for stealing a car.
A spell in HMP Feltham when he was 16 proceeded arrests for driving without a license and stealing a car from a mechanic, whose arm was injured in the brief tussle that followed.
Image: Getty Images) Getty Images)
It was at that point that a judge at St Albans Crown Court decided short spells inside were not enough and he sentenced Tommy to an IPP.
After six years inside five different prisons, Tommy began to deteriorate quickly once he failed parole for a second time.
Donna said: "He had not been in any trouble in those six years.
"He was working in the kitchen which is the highest job you can get inside. He didn't do drugs.
"Anyone who knows about prison knows how difficult that is. And then his mental health just nose dived.
"There was a note about him banging his head on the wall until it bled. They didn't try and call anyone in the family during this."
Donna says the pressure of being surrounded by prisoners not on IPPs, whose release isn't entirely dependant on their behaviour inside, began to take its toll on Tommy.
To make matters worse, he was hit by the endless delays in courses he needed to complete to pass parole - courses he was never able to carry out.
Tommy asked to be taken into segregation, where he stayed for 90 days.
Do you know someone who has been affected by an IPP sentence? Email webnews@mirror.co.uk
Image: Getty Images) Getty Images)
Following two separate weeks of hunger strikes over his imprisonment, Tommy began to float bits of paper in a bowl in his cell.
The day after he was moved to HMP The Mount in Hemel Hempstead.
Three days later Tommy, then 38, cut his face, something a psychiatrist at his inquest suggested was a sign of considerable concern given how the wounds cannot be hidden.
"He put a circle of his blood on the floor and began rocking in the corner," Donna said.
"Then he started tearing up clothes and sheets and making himself into a warrior.
"They deemed him to be dangerous. Because he wasn't stopping doing that he was being 'non-compliant'.
"I saw videos of him at the inquest. Four people went into the cell in riot gear.
"They took him in an unfurnished cell. There was only a mattress, a pot to go to the toilet in and just stripped sheets.
"On the way out one of the guards said 'you just need to behave yourself'.
"That was on Saturday."
Over the weekend Tommy tried to gouge his eyes and attempted to break his own fingers.
"On the Monday night he hanged himself," Donna said.
Image: PA) PA)
"He didn't die straight away. They got him down and he was unconcious.
"He was cuffed while he was unconscious for hours. The medical staff asked for them to be taken off, he was sedated, the cuffs were then put on again.
"Then they came off again and he died a few days later."
She added: "At no point had he had any mental health intervention, in fact the mental health team had tried to see him on three occasions on the Monday but they were denied any access to see him, even through a see through panel in the door."
To compound the tragedy for his family, prison officials only alerted Tommy's solicitor of his imminent death hours before his life support machine was turned off.
His family only found out once it was too late.
It took Donna hours of ringing round prisons and local hospitals to discover where her brother had died, before she received a four bullet-point document outlining what had happened to him.
Although it is too late for her brother, Donna, a teacher, is determined that his death will not be in vain.
Along with ardent campaigner Shirley Debono, she is pushing for all IPP prisoners to be resentenced.
"This seems the most safest, fair and logical way to address things," Donna said.
"Alongside this we are pushing for the licence conditions to be changed so that the length of the licence is linked to the index offence rather than the blanket approach of 99 years which is currently in place.
"We are also asking that the recall process be changed so that another body (possibly the parole board) is involved in any recall to stop the 60% unnecessary recalls happening."
In addition, Donna wants IPP prisoners to be prioritised when it comes to access to therapeutic courses that are essential for their wellbeing and potential release.
A Ministry of Justice spokesperson said: “Those serving IPP sentences were deemed by a judge to pose a high risk to the public and will be released after they demonstrate to the Parole Board they are no longer a threat.”


thedailymirror--2020-08-19--When are Premier League fixtures 2020/21 released? Date and time of announcement

The new season certainly is coming around quickly , is n't it ?
It seems like just days since the 2019/20 Premier League concluded , yet due to the unprecedented situation the world finds itself in preparations are already getting underway for the 2020/21 campaign .
The powers that be have announced that the full list of fixtures for the new season will be released at 9am on Thursday morning , with fans up and down the country desperate to find out who they will face on the opening day .
Here is everything else you need to know ahead @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the 2020/21 Premier League season start ?
Get the latest transfer news straight into your inbox !
Sign up for the brilliant new Mirror Football newsletter !
From the latest transfer news to the agenda-setting stories , get it all in your email inbox .
Put your email at the top of this article or follow the instructions on this link .
The new campaign is due to kick off on Saturday September 12 , over a month later than initially planned due to the coronavirus pandemic .
It is expected to conclude @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new season curtain raiser of the Community Shield , meanwhile , is set to take place at Wembley on Saturday August 29 , with Liverpool taking on Arsenal .
Where will you be able to find next season ’ s Premier League fixtures ?
You will be able to find them on the Mirror website as soon as they are released .
Who are the current favourites for the title ?
Despite Liverpool running away with the Premier League title in the 2019/20 season , Manchester City are the slight favourites for next @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Who will win the Premier League in 2020/21 ?
Have your say here Pep Guardiola 's side will be desperate for revenge after they were so comfortably beaten to first place by Jurgen Klopp 's team , and it is set to be a much closer race this time around .
Manchester United are the best of the rest at 8/1 , while some may fancy a flutter on Chelsea at 14/1 .

Just under a month since the last games of last season were played thoughts are already turning towards the next campaign
The new season certainly is coming around quickly, isn't it?
It seems like just days since the 2019/20 Premier League concluded, yet due to the unprecedented situation the world finds itself in preparations are already getting underway for the 2020/21 campaign.
The powers that be have announced that the full list of fixtures for the new season will be released at 9am on Thursday morning, with fans up and down the country desperate to find out who they will face on the opening day.
Here is everything else you need to know ahead of the big reveal...
When does the 2020/21 Premier League season start?
Image: POOL/AFP via Getty Images) POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
Get the latest football news straight into your inbox! It's been a season of mayhem and thrill - so make sure you don't miss a single thing by signing up for the brilliant new Mirror Football newsletter! All the latest transfer news, headlines and hard-hitting analysis will land straight into your inbox. You won't miss out. To sign up, put your email at the top of this article or follow the instructions on this link.
The new campaign is due to kick off on Saturday September 12, over a month later than initially planned due to the coronavirus pandemic.
It is expected to conclude on May 23 2021.
The traditional new season curtain raiser of the Community Shield, meanwhile, is set to take place at Wembley on Saturday August 29, with Liverpool taking on Arsenal.
Where will you be able to find next season’s Premier League fixtures?
You will be able to find them on the Mirror website as soon as they are released.
Who are the current favourites for the title?
Despite Liverpool running away with the Premier League title in the 2019/20 season, Manchester City are the slight favourites for next season's crown among most bookmakers.
Who will win the Premier League in 2020/21? Have your say here
Image: Action Images via Reuters) Action Images via Reuters)
Pep Guardiola's side will be desperate for revenge after they were so comfortably beaten to first place by Jurgen Klopp's team, and it is set to be a much closer race this time around.
Manchester United are the best of the rest at 8/1, while some may fancy a flutter on Chelsea at 14/1.
Man City 10/11
Liverpool 15/8
Man Utd 8/1
Chelsea 14/1
Tottenham 50/1
Arsenal 50/1
*Odds provided by Paddy Power


thedailymirror--2020-08-19--Matt Hancock refuses to guarantee aspiring medical students places at university

Aspiring medical students could still lose out on places at University this year , Health Secretary Matt Hancock has admitted .
Matt Hancock pledged the Government would do `` everything we can '' to find places for would-be doctors but admitted it could not be guaranteed .
It comes after an u-turn on exam results earlier this week saw students who had their results downgraded that they would be awarded the grade predicted for them by their teacher .
But the delay in making the change means many pupils , whose downgraded results did n't match the offers made to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on a place .
Mr Hancock claimed that he is `` absolutely looking at '' lifting the cap on the number of places to study medicine , which is currently regulated to help the NHS for the future of the workforce .
Universities UK , who represent higher education institutions across the country , has called for the cap to be lifted .
In a letter to Education Secretary Gavin Williamson , they demanded `` urgent assurances '' that he was speaking to the Department for Health about increasing the medical student cap @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the comments below '' The role of universities in training the medical workforce is essential for all regions and nations of the UK , as clearly shown by our members ' response to the Covid-19 pandemic , '' the letter said .
But Mr Hancock refused to guarantee that every student with the grades to study medicine would be found a place .
He told Sky News : `` We ’ re doing everything that we can and we ’ re working on this issue right now .
I acknowledge the issue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ These are difficult challenges .
And this is something we ’ re working on now.
” Professor Martin Marshall , chair of the Royal College of GPs , claimed a `` large number of potential medical students '' have missed out on their university place due to the decision that came five days after results were released last Thursday .
He said it was `` deeply worrying '' that students affected may come from areas which are under-doctored .

It comes after the Royal College of GPs and Universities UK called for more to be done to increase the number of medics in training
Aspiring medical students could still lose out on places at University this year, Health Secretary Matt Hancock has admitted.
Matt Hancock pledged the Government would do "everything we can" to find places for would-be doctors but admitted it could not be guaranteed.
It comes after an u-turn on exam results earlier this week saw students who had their results downgraded that they would be awarded the grade predicted for them by their teacher.
But the delay in making the change means many pupils, whose downgraded results didn't match the offers made to them by their universities, lost out on a place.
Mr Hancock claimed that he is "absolutely looking at" lifting the cap on the number of places to study medicine, which is currently regulated to help the NHS for the future of the workforce.
Universities UK, who represent higher education institutions across the country, has called for the cap to be lifted.
In a letter to Education Secretary Gavin Williamson, they demanded "urgent assurances" that he was speaking to the Department for Health about increasing the medical student cap.
Have your say on this story in the comments below
Image: Getty Images) Getty Images)
"The role of universities in training the medical workforce is essential for all regions and nations of the UK, as clearly shown by our members' response to the Covid-19 pandemic," the letter said.
But Mr Hancock refused to guarantee that every student with the grades to study medicine would be found a place.
He told Sky News: "We’re doing everything that we can and we’re working on this issue right now. I acknowledge the issue, I absolutely recognise it.
“These are difficult challenges. And this is something we’re working on now.”
Professor Martin Marshall, chair of the Royal College of GPs, claimed a "large number of potential medical students" have missed out on their university place due to the decision that came five days after results were released last Thursday.
He said it was "deeply worrying" that students affected may come from areas which are under-doctored.


thedailymirror--2020-08-19--Abbey Clancy looks sensational in tiny string bikini as she holidays in Italy

Abbey Clancy set social media on fire with her latest sizzling snap .
Sun-kissed from the glorious Italian sunshine , the mother worked her best camera angle for her post on Wednesday .
Britain 's Next Top Model , 34 , snapped a mirror selfie where she was residing with her husband Peter Crouch on their latest getaway to Sardinia , in Italy .
Eyes peering over the top of her iPhone , Abbey focused the gorgeous picture on her envy-inducing toned figure in a bikini .
Her model figure was accentuated by the tie string design of her bikini @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Abbey accessorised her beach look with a golden pendant and a watch .
Golden locks tumbled in a flurry of waves down her shoulders .
Her steaming selfie comes just a day after the couple packed on the PDA on a sandy Italian beach .
As lockdown continued to ease , Abbey and Peter have been jet-setting - first in Portugal and now in Italy .
They took their kids - Sophia , nine , Liberty , six , Johnny , two , and Jack , one - with them to Portugal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ children have been keeping them company in Italy too .
Already it 's been nine magical years since the couple tied the knot .
They marked the anniversary in June earlier this year in the lockdown period .
Do you have a story to sell ?
Get in touch with us at webcelebs @ trinitymirror.com or call us direct 0207 29 33033 .

Abbey Clancy looked amazing as she continued to model her fantastic figure in an array of swimwear after landing in Italy following their break in Portugal
Abbey Clancy looks sensational in tiny string bikini as she holidays in Italy
Abbey Clancy set social media on fire with her latest sizzling snap.
Sun-kissed from the glorious Italian sunshine, the mother worked her best camera angle for her post on Wednesday.
Britain's Next Top Model, 34, snapped a mirror selfie where she was residing with her husband Peter Crouch on their latest getaway to Sardinia, in Italy.
Eyes peering over the top of her iPhone, Abbey focused the gorgeous picture on her envy-inducing toned figure in a bikini.
Her model figure was accentuated by the tie string design of her bikini, which snaked around her body twice.
Image: abbeyclancyofficial/Instagram) abbeyclancyofficial/Instagram)
Abbey accessorised her beach look with a golden pendant and a watch.
Golden locks tumbled in a flurry of waves down her shoulders.
Her steaming selfie comes just a day after the couple packed on the PDA on a sandy Italian beach.
Image: abbeyclancyofficial/Instagram) abbeyclancyofficial/Instagram)
As lockdown continued to ease, Abbey and Peter have been jet-setting - first in Portugal and now in Italy.
They took their kids - Sophia, nine, Liberty, six, Johnny, two, and Jack, one - with them to Portugal.
It's not known if the children have been keeping them company in Italy too.
Image: Instagram) Instagram)
Already it's been nine magical years since the couple tied the knot.
They marked the anniversary in June earlier this year in the lockdown period.
Do you have a story to sell? Get in touch with us at webcelebs@trinitymirror.com or call us direct 0207 29 33033.


thedailymirror--2020-08-19--Two of PC Andrew Harper's teenage killers launch appeal bids against convictions

Two of PC Andrew Harper 's killers have launched appeals against their manslaughter convictions .
Albert Bowers and Jessie Cole , both 18 , have lodged applications with the Court of Appeal seeking permission to challenge their convictions and their 13-year sentences .
Confirmation of their appeal bids came on Wednesday as PC Harper 's widow launched a petition to show the level of public support for tougher jail terms for people who kill emergency services workers .
Lissie Harper , 29 , is trying to secure a meeting with Home Secretary Priti Patel and wants to show the extent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ She declined to comment on news of the applications to appeal .
Supported by the Police Federation of England and Wales , which represents more than 120,000 rank-and-file officers , Harper 's Law would see anyone convicted of killing an emergency services worker given a life sentence .
PC Harper died last summer when he was dragged down country lanes behind a car driven by fleeing quad bike thieves .
Three teenagers were cleared of murder but convicted of manslaughter .
Henry Long , 19 , was jailed for 16 years and Cole @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mrs Harper told the PA news agency : `` What Harper 's Law would target is if someone is convicted of killing a police officer , or any frontline worker for that matter , then they would go to prison for life .
`` Ultimately if somebody goes out and makes a decision to do something in a criminal way that has the result of killing someone who is a police officer , a nurse , a doctor , even people in the fire service , that they should expect to receive an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Long could be out in just over 10 years , whereas Andrew does n't have his life . ''
The Attorney General 's Office ( AGO ) has been asked to review the killers ' sentences to consider if they were too lenient .
The AGO may refer their cases to the Court of Appeal for judges to consider whether the sentences should be increased .
Mrs Harper went on : `` We 've had so much support from everyone , from members of the public .
I ca n't tell you how @ @ @ @ @ @ @ saying , 'yes , this needs to happen ' .
I 've had a lot of messages saying , 'what can we do , how can we help ?
We support Harper 's Law ' .
`` This is something that we want people to do , we want them to sign and share the petition as much as possible , just to show how much support there is for it and how many people want this . ''
PC Harper , a traffic officer with Thames Valley Police , had only been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on August 15 last year .
His widow said going through the criminal trial made her determined to bring about a change in the law .
She said : `` You expect that process to be fair and at the end of it get some justice , and that just did n't happen for us .
`` Sitting in court and witnessing it all and then getting to the verdict has just made me more determined now to do something .
`` I just thought , 'well , this is n't how it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that I can do to change it ' , hence Harper 's Law .
`` It was something that I had spoken to the Police Federation about before that , but that was the moment that I thought 'right , now something needs to change ' .
`` At the end of it there would have been almost a guaranteed level of justice , instead of 'they 're going to go away for a few years and then they 'll be back out ' .
`` If someone has taken someone 's life @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spend a proportionate amount of their lives in prison . ''
Ms Harper , a designer , said her late husband would want her to push for the reform .
`` Andrew was so devoted to his job and he loved it , he was very good at it and he had a lot of respect for his colleagues .
I know it 's something that he would want me to do , or he would want for it to be done .
`` It 's doing something for him and creating his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a situation that is horrific into something that might make a difference in the future . ''
The petition is at https : //www.change.org/HarpersLaw No date has been set for the hearing of the appeals by Bowers and Cole .

mirrornews@mirror.co.uk (Sian Harrison, Margaret Davis)

We'll be bringing you the very latest updates, pictures and video on this breaking news story
Two of PC Andrew Harper's killers have launched appeals against their manslaughter convictions.
Albert Bowers and Jessie Cole, both 18, have lodged applications with the Court of Appeal seeking permission to challenge their convictions and their 13-year sentences.
Confirmation of their appeal bids came on Wednesday as PC Harper's widow launched a petition to show the level of public support for tougher jail terms for people who kill emergency services workers.
Lissie Harper, 29, is trying to secure a meeting with Home Secretary Priti Patel and wants to show the extent of the backing for her campaign.
She declined to comment on news of the applications to appeal.
Image: PA) PA)
Supported by the Police Federation of England and Wales, which represents more than 120,000 rank-and-file officers, Harper's Law would see anyone convicted of killing an emergency services worker given a life sentence.
PC Harper died last summer when he was dragged down country lanes behind a car driven by fleeing quad bike thieves.
Three teenagers were cleared of murder but convicted of manslaughter. Henry Long, 19, was jailed for 16 years and Cole and Bowers were given 13 years.
Image: TVP/UNPIXS (EUROPE)) TVP/UNPIXS (EUROPE)) Image: TVP/UNPIXS (EUROPE)) TVP/UNPIXS (EUROPE))
Mrs Harper told the PA news agency: "What Harper's Law would target is if someone is convicted of killing a police officer, or any frontline worker for that matter, then they would go to prison for life.
"Ultimately if somebody goes out and makes a decision to do something in a criminal way that has the result of killing someone who is a police officer, a nurse, a doctor, even people in the fire service, that they should expect to receive an appropriate sentence for it.
"Henry Long could be out in just over 10 years, whereas Andrew doesn't have his life."
The Attorney General's Office (AGO) has been asked to review the killers' sentences to consider if they were too lenient.
Image: PA) PA)
The AGO may refer their cases to the Court of Appeal for judges to consider whether the sentences should be increased.
Mrs Harper went on: "We've had so much support from everyone, from members of the public. I can't tell you how many messages I've had from people saying, 'yes, this needs to happen'. I've had a lot of messages saying, 'what can we do, how can we help? We support Harper's Law'.
"This is something that we want people to do, we want them to sign and share the petition as much as possible, just to show how much support there is for it and how many people want this."
PC Harper, a traffic officer with Thames Valley Police, had only been married for a month when he died on August 15 last year.
Image: PA) PA)
His widow said going through the criminal trial made her determined to bring about a change in the law.
She said: "You expect that process to be fair and at the end of it get some justice, and that just didn't happen for us.
"Sitting in court and witnessing it all and then getting to the verdict has just made me more determined now to do something.
"I just thought, 'well, this isn't how it should be. Maybe there's something that I can do to change it', hence Harper's Law.
"It was something that I had spoken to the Police Federation about before that, but that was the moment that I thought 'right, now something needs to change'.
"At the end of it there would have been almost a guaranteed level of justice, instead of 'they're going to go away for a few years and then they'll be back out'.
Image: PA) PA)
"If someone has taken someone's life because of criminal activity they deserve to spend a proportionate amount of their lives in prison."
Ms Harper, a designer, said her late husband would want her to push for the reform.
"Andrew was so devoted to his job and he loved it, he was very good at it and he had a lot of respect for his colleagues. I know it's something that he would want me to do, or he would want for it to be done.
"It's doing something for him and creating his legacy, I suppose, and turning a situation that is horrific into something that might make a difference in the future."
The petition is at https://www.change.org/HarpersLaw
No date has been set for the hearing of the appeals by Bowers and Cole.


thedailymirror--2020-08-19--Matt Hancock claims non-medic Dido Harding is 'the best' person to run pandemic

Matt Hancock has bizarrely claimed non-medic Dido Harding is `` simply the best '' person in the entire country to run his pandemic organisation right now .
The Health Secretary defended his decision to install the Tory peer and pal of David Cameron as interim head of a new National Institute for Health Protection .
The new body will merge the pandemic work of Public Health England , which is being axed , and NHS Test and Trace which Baroness Harding currently leads .
She will `` establish the NIHP and undertake the global search for its future leadership .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ or a medic .
She is a former worker at a management consultancy who worked at TalkTalk , Tesco , Sainsbury 's and Thomas Cook before chairing NHS Improvement .
She has been appointed to the role without an open competition or recruitment process and will not be paid a penny for her work .
Yet asked if she was qualified for the job , Mr Hancock told BBC Breakfast : `` Yes , absolutely .
She ’ s simply the best person who could be doing this job now .
`` She @ @ @ @ @ @ @ private sector running very large organisations , and this is a very large organisation now with a budget of over £10billion .
`` Also in the NHS , she ’ s been the chair of NHS Improvement for the last over three years .
`` She ’ s been expanding and building that testing capacity , the Test and Trace system we talked about that is so effective in finding people now and asking them to self-isolate .
`` So we ’ re very lucky to have her giving this public service at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Harding ’ s leadership , the £10billion NHS Test and Trace programme – which Boris Johnson vowed would be “ world beating ” – has been so unsuccessful at contact tracing that many of its responsibilities have been shifted to local authorities .
Is Dido Harding the right choice for the job ?
Tell us in the comments below More than a quarter of Covid-19 sufferers ' close contacts are not reached by the national call centre service , which is largely outsourced to Serco and Sitel .
She was also in charge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which – after a trial on the Isle of Wight costing over £11million – the Government was forced to admit did not work .
A second app using Apple and Google technology is now on trials on the island .
Baroness Harding was boss of TalkTalk when it suffered one of Britain ’ s worst ever data breaches with 157,000 customers ’ personal data , including bank details , stolen by hackers in 2015 .
It was fined a record £400,000 by the Information Commissioner ’ s Office for “ abdicating its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the board of the Jockey Club , criticised for pressing ahead with the Cheltenham Festival days before lockdown .
The Mirror revealed in June that her husband , Tory MP John Penrose , had joined the advisory board of the 1828 right-wing think-tank that called for the NHS to be replaced by an insurance system .
It has also published articles calling for the abolition of PHE .
He said then that 1828 publishes a range of political ideas , adding : “ I don ’ t necessarily agree with all of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ manifesto pledges on which I was elected.
” The Health Secretary defended plans to break up PHE in the middle of the coronavirus pandemic .
Critics have expressed dismay that Public Health England ( PHE ) was being dismantled during the crisis , with some calling the move `` risky '' and `` irresponsible '' , but Matt Hancock said delaying the change would have been `` wrong '' .
On Tuesday he announced the Government was pressing ahead with controversial plans to scrap PHE .
The new National Institute for Health Protection @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of PHE 's responsibilities along with the NHS Test and Trace programme and the work of the Joint Biosecurity Centre .
Quizzed about the timing of the PHE announcement , he told Sky News : `` My responsibility is to make sure that the pandemic response is the best it possibly can be and that 's why I 've taken this decision now .
`` One of the lessons from the crisis , for me , is that if something is the right thing to do , then delaying doing it is the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have done an incredible amount of work during this crisis - their science has been some of the some of the best that 's been done anywhere .
They were one of the first to come up with a test of coronavirus and to sequence the genome .
And I want to put on the record my thanks for the work that they 've done .
`` But we 've now got Public Health England , we 've got NHS Test and Trace , we 've got a new Joint Biosecurity Centre working @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to keep people safe and in order to have the very best possible response that we can , we need to bring these organisations together now .
`` We 're going to do this carefully .
I entirely understand concerns , but on the other hand , all my experience through this pandemic has told me that if you need to act , you need to get on with it .
`` And I hope that this gives a long-term future for all those working on the pandemic response . ''

mirrornews@mirror.co.uk (Benjamin Cooper, Dan Bloom, Mikey Smith)

The Health Secretary claimed the Tory peer, who was appointed on a salary of zero with no recruitment process, is 'simply the best' person for the job in the entire country
Matt Hancock has bizarrely claimed non-medic Dido Harding is "simply the best" person in the entire country to run his pandemic organisation right now.
The Health Secretary defended his decision to install the Tory peer and pal of David Cameron as interim head of a new National Institute for Health Protection.
The new body will merge the pandemic work of Public Health England, which is being axed, and NHS Test and Trace which Baroness Harding currently leads. She will "establish the NIHP and undertake the global search for its future leadership."
Baroness Harding is not a doctor or a medic. She is a former worker at a management consultancy who worked at TalkTalk, Tesco, Sainsbury's and Thomas Cook before chairing NHS Improvement.
She has been appointed to the role without an open competition or recruitment process and will not be paid a penny for her work.
Image: PA) PA)
Yet asked if she was qualified for the job, Mr Hancock told BBC Breakfast: "Yes, absolutely. She’s simply the best person who could be doing this job now.
"She has enormous experience, both in the private sector running very large organisations, and this is a very large organisation now with a budget of over £10billion.
"Also in the NHS, she’s been the chair of NHS Improvement for the last over three years.
"She’s been expanding and building that testing capacity, the Test and Trace system we talked about that is so effective in finding people now and asking them to self-isolate.
"So we’re very lucky to have her giving this public service at such a critical time.”
Under Baroness Harding’s leadership, the £10billion NHS Test and Trace programme – which Boris Johnson vowed would be “world beating” – has been so unsuccessful at contact tracing that many of its responsibilities have been shifted to local authorities.
Is Dido Harding the right choice for the job? Tell us in the comments below
Image: PA) PA)
More than a quarter of Covid-19 sufferers' close contacts are not reached by the national call centre service, which is largely outsourced to Serco and Sitel.
She was also in charge of implementing the Test and Trace app, which – after a trial on the Isle of Wight costing over £11million – the Government was forced to admit did not work.
A second app using Apple and Google technology is now on trials on the island.
Baroness Harding was boss of TalkTalk when it suffered one of Britain’s worst ever data breaches with 157,000 customers’ personal data, including bank details, stolen by hackers in 2015.
It was fined a record £400,000 by the Information Commissioner’s Office for “abdicating its security obligations”.
She is also on the board of the Jockey Club, criticised for pressing ahead with the Cheltenham Festival days before lockdown. The Mirror revealed in June that her husband, Tory MP John Penrose, had joined the advisory board of the 1828 right-wing think-tank that called for the NHS to be replaced by an insurance system. It has also published articles calling for the abolition of PHE.
He said then that 1828 publishes a range of political ideas, adding: “I don’t necessarily agree with all of them particularly if they contradict the NHS manifesto pledges on which I was elected.”
The Health Secretary defended plans to break up PHE in the middle of the coronavirus pandemic.
Critics have expressed dismay that Public Health England (PHE) was being dismantled during the crisis, with some calling the move "risky" and "irresponsible", but Matt Hancock said delaying the change would have been "wrong".
On Tuesday he announced the Government was pressing ahead with controversial plans to scrap PHE.
The new National Institute for Health Protection (NIHP) will take in some of PHE's responsibilities along with the NHS Test and Trace programme and the work of the Joint Biosecurity Centre.
Quizzed about the timing of the PHE announcement, he told Sky News: "My responsibility is to make sure that the pandemic response is the best it possibly can be and that's why I've taken this decision now.
"One of the lessons from the crisis, for me, is that if something is the right thing to do, then delaying doing it is the wrong thing.
"I think PHE have done an incredible amount of work during this crisis - their science has been some of the some of the best that's been done anywhere. They were one of the first to come up with a test of coronavirus and to sequence the genome. And I want to put on the record my thanks for the work that they've done.
"But we've now got Public Health England, we've got NHS Test and Trace, we've got a new Joint Biosecurity Centre working separately.
"And so in order to keep people safe and in order to have the very best possible response that we can, we need to bring these organisations together now.
"We're going to do this carefully. I entirely understand concerns, but on the other hand, all my experience through this pandemic has told me that if you need to act, you need to get on with it.
"And I hope that this gives a long-term future for all those working on the pandemic response."


thedailymirror--2020-08-19--Brits prepared to spend £1,332 extra on holidays during the pandemic

Brits are prepared to spend an average of £1,332 extra on holidays to feel safe during the coronavirus pandemic .
New research from AllClear Insurance found that UK holidaymakers are willing to increase their budget across factors such as their choice of resort , their airline and even transfers , in a bid to feel safe .
The MaruBlue survey asked over 2,000 Brits whether they would be prepared to increase their budget - and what they would be looking to spend more money on .
The biggest increase came down to the choice of resort , hotel or villa @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up to £308 more in a bid to have a 'higher quality ' stay .
Unsurprisingly , social distancing on flights was unveiled as a key concern for Brits , so budget travel is less of a priority .
Holidaymakers admitted that they 'd be ready to spend an average of £213 more for a higher grade of travel , and up to £198 more with a different airline .
Social distancing was also a key factor when it comes to spending money on general transport , with Brits willing to splash the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with other people .
Most admitted they would prefer to use taxis instead of public transport , even with an extra average cost of £53 , while others were prepared to fork out an extra £124 to have a private excursion rather than opting to mix with other groups .
Travel insurance was also a key factor for Brits , who were willing to spend an average of £82 extra to have a policy that covers factors related to Covid-19 .
It 's worth noting that if the FCO advises against your chosen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ travel insurance so you should always double check your policy .
• Mirror readers can currently get a 20 % discount on AllClear Gold , Gold Plus and Platinum policies using discount code READER20 - find out more on readerdeal.co.uk .

Brits are prepared to spend an average of £1,332 extra on holidays including upgrading hotels and travel insurance
Brits are prepared to spend an average of £1,332 extra on holidays to feel safe during the coronavirus pandemic.
New research from AllClear Insurance found that UK holidaymakers are willing to increase their budget across factors such as their choice of resort, their airline and even transfers, in a bid to feel safe.
The MaruBlue survey asked over 2,000 Brits whether they would be prepared to increase their budget - and what they would be looking to spend more money on.
The biggest increase came down to the choice of resort, hotel or villa, with UK travellers willing to pay up to £308 more in a bid to have a 'higher quality' stay.
Unsurprisingly, social distancing on flights was unveiled as a key concern for Brits, so budget travel is less of a priority.
Image: Getty) Getty)
Holidaymakers admitted that they'd be ready to spend an average of £213 more for a higher grade of travel, and up to £198 more with a different airline.
Social distancing was also a key factor when it comes to spending money on general transport, with Brits willing to splash the cash a bit more to avoid travelling with other people.
Most admitted they would prefer to use taxis instead of public transport, even with an extra average cost of £53, while others were prepared to fork out an extra £124 to have a private excursion rather than opting to mix with other groups.
Travel insurance was also a key factor for Brits, who were willing to spend an average of £82 extra to have a policy that covers factors related to Covid-19.
It's worth noting that if the FCO advises against your chosen holiday destination, this can invalidate your travel insurance so you should always double check your policy.