birminghammail--2020-10-12--Birmingham City 'keen' on Manchester City trainee Kuate - report

Birmingham City have been linked with a surprise move for Cameroonian midfielder Wato Kuate .
The 25-year-old began his career at Manchester City but is now a free agent after being released by Finnish side RoPS , who questioned his commitment .
TEAMtalk say the midfielder is also being tracked by Championship rivals Sheffield Wednesday and Nottingham Forest but QPR are leading the chase and have reportedly taken him on trial .
Kuate has had a nomadic career since leaving Manchester City , playing in Italy , Israel and Turkey .
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Google Play Store and App Store He also had an eventful spell with Dundee United in Scotland in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was told he would never play for the club again after a bust up with the club captain and manager .
“ They didn ’ t treat me like everybody else .
I don ’ t know why .
My feeling is they let me down and tricked me .
I was treated unfairly , ” he told the Scottish Sun at the time .
“ When I came here the manager told me he needed me as they didn ’ t have that kind of player in midfield .
“ I said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but by the end I realised they had let me down .
The gaffer let me down .
“ I feel I got the blame for everything .
Every time something was going wrong on the pitch it was always ‘ Wato , Wato , Wato.
’ That is crazy .
“ Not everyone can love you and applaud what you are doing .
There are always people who try to knock you down , but I am prepared for that .
I ’ m a fighter .
Everything in my life I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the head coach Vesa Tauriainenis reported as saying : `` We had high expectations for Wato , but unfortunately as the season approached , he showed that he was not able to commit to our joint activities .
`` Wato is still a young and talented player , and I hope that in the future he will get into an environment where he could develop as a football player . ''
A move to Blues seems highly unlikely given the depth of options in their midfield , particularly with a manager such as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ uber-professional , experienced options .
Kuate spent time on trial with League One side Doncaster Rovers this summer but was not signed .

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Birmingham City have been linked with a surprise move for Cameroonian midfielder Wato Kuate.
The 25-year-old began his career at Manchester City but is now a free agent after being released by Finnish side RoPS, who questioned his commitment.
TEAMtalk say the midfielder is also being tracked by Championship rivals Sheffield Wednesday and Nottingham Forest but QPR are leading the chase and have reportedly taken him on trial.
Kuate has had a nomadic career since leaving Manchester City, playing in Italy, Israel and Turkey.
Sign up to our Birmingham City newsletter for the latest news and comment Why should you sign up? In our daily Birmingham City bulletin, we'll be bringing you the latest breaking news, transfer features and comment pieces, as well as the key talking points for fans. How do you sign up? It's easy and only takes seconds. Simply type your email address into the box at the top of this article and hit sign up. And that's it, you're all set. You can also sign up here. If you decide later that you no longer wish to receive the emails, simply follow the unsubscribe link in one of the newsletters - but we don't think you'll want to. And what's more, it's absolutely free! You can also get all the latest updates by following us on social media here Facebook and Twitter. We also have a free app which you can download. It is always up-to-date with the latest news from across the region. Google Play Store and App Store
He also had an eventful spell with Dundee United in Scotland in 2017 as a 21-year-old, where he was told he would never play for the club again after a bust up with the club captain and manager.
“They didn’t treat me like everybody else. I don’t know why. My feeling is they let me down and tricked me. I was treated unfairly,” he told the Scottish Sun at the time.
“When I came here the manager told me he needed me as they didn’t have that kind of player in midfield.
“I said I was OK with that arrangement, but by the end I realised they had let me down. The gaffer let me down.
“I feel I got the blame for everything. Every time something was going wrong on the pitch it was always ‘Wato, Wato, Wato.’ That is crazy.
“Not everyone can love you and applaud what you are doing. There are always people who try to knock you down, but I am prepared for that. I’m a fighter. Everything in my life I have fought for.”
After leaving ROPS the head coach Vesa Tauriainenis reported as saying : "We had high expectations for Wato, but unfortunately as the season approached, he showed that he was not able to commit to our joint activities.
"Wato is still a young and talented player, and I hope that in the future he will get into an environment where he could develop as a football player."
A move to Blues seems highly unlikely given the depth of options in their midfield, particularly with a manager such as Aitor Karanka who is known to favour uber-professional, experienced options.
Kuate spent time on trial with League One side Doncaster Rovers this summer but was not signed.
Get ready
Aitor Karanka admits Birmingham City’s squad will be tested when the Championship resumes after the international break.
Blues’ head coach has been able to capitalise on the regularity of only one match a week for the first month of the season.
That has enabled Blues to overcome their Carabao Cup defeat to Cambridge with an unbeaten start to the league campaign.
However, the action restarts on Saturday as Blues welcome Garry Monk and Sheffield Wednesday to St Andrew’s in what is the first of seven games in little more than three weeks.
Karanka admits his relatively stable selection process will become far trickier and that those who have not seen much football so far, will get their opportunities.
“The main thing is they have to know that everybody is going to be important because it is impossible to achieve something in this league with just 13, 14 or 16 players,” he told Blues Talk.
“It is true now we have done well and I have played more or less with the same team but from Saturday everything is going to change – all of them are going to be important for us, Saturday-Tuesday, Saturday-Tuesday to travel to Norwich, to London is going to be tough for everybody.
“All them need to be ready and all of them need to understand they will play because at the end I will always try to find the best XI on the pitch.”
Overall Karanka has been pleased with the response of his players over the last two months.
He has tried to improve confidence and self-belief, as well as paying attention to the fine detail in preparation.
Much more on that here.
Bigger picture
English football is on the brink of civil war after details of a plan cooked up by Liverpool, supported by Manchester United and backed by EFL chief executive Rick Parry emerged over the weekend.
The proposal, entitled Project Big Picture, would see the Premier League reduced to 18 teams, changes to the promotion and relegation procedures between the top flight and Championship and the abolition of the League Cup.
It is suggested money would be filtered further down the football pyramid but an end to the one team-one vote structure of the Premier League would see power centralised in the hands of the ‘Big Six’.
Depending on your vantage point it’s either a valuable life-line at a time of unprecedented crisis, or a shameless land grab when EFL clubs are on their uppers.
More information can be found here.
Birmingham City have been trying to get out of the Championship for nearly a decade and their fans have been reacting.
Anthony Moreland: It’s bad for football it will mean the big clubs getting richer and most of the clubs in the EFL folding not at first but in a few seasons time
David Ramzan: Don’t trust the Premier League. Through it’s formation it was supposed to help English National Football, that never worked out.
Reece Wood: Just makes the gap between the two divisions even wider, if you’ve won your play off game you should be promoted, why should a prem team be woeful all year but then still have one final chance to stay up by playing a team with a far less superior squad in a one off game? and no parachute payment? Teams coming down would have to basically strip the first team and start again as they wouldn’t be able to afford the wages, be going from prem straight down to league 2 to start again.


birminghammail--2020-10-12--Aston Villa register 'late interest' after Benrahma transfer agreed

Aston Villa could yet attempt to hijack West Ham 's move for Said Benrahma , according to reports .
Brentford 's wing wonder Benrahma has been in-demand this window with a host of Premier League clubs chasing his signature .
It was reported on Sunday that West Ham had agreed a deal with Brentford to sign Benrahma for a fee in the region of £30million .
West Ham might not have it all their own way though with The Athletic now reporting that Villa have registered a 'late interest ' in bringing Benrahma to the Second City .
David Ornstein @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) there ’ s late interest in Benrahma from likes of Aston Villa & Fulham ( Crystal Palace considered but were never seriously pursuing ) - however as things stand West Ham remain in the driving seat . ''
Dean Smith is a long-term admirer of Benrahma and wanted to bring him to Villa Park ahead of the 2019/20 campaign but Villa moved in a different direction .
Villa have already signed Ezri Konsa and record-buy Ollie Watkins from Smith 's former club Brentford .
Benrahma scored 17 goals and grabbed a further @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as they narrowly missed out on promotion to the Premier League .
He recently reminded potential suitors of his talents with a stunning brace against Fulham in his only start of this season .

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Aston Villa could yet attempt to hijack West Ham's move for Said Benrahma, according to reports.
Brentford's wing wonder Benrahma has been in-demand this window with a host of Premier League clubs chasing his signature.
It was reported on Sunday that West Ham had agreed a deal with Brentford to sign Benrahma for a fee in the region of £30million.
West Ham might not have it all their own way though with The Athletic now reporting that Villa have registered a 'late interest' in bringing Benrahma to the Second City.
David Ornstein reports: "Does sound (like) there’s late interest in Benrahma from likes of Aston Villa & Fulham (Crystal Palace considered but were never seriously pursuing) - however as things stand West Ham remain in the driving seat."
Dean Smith is a long-term admirer of Benrahma and wanted to bring him to Villa Park ahead of the 2019/20 campaign but Villa moved in a different direction. Villa have already signed Ezri Konsa and record-buy Ollie Watkins from Smith's former club Brentford.
Benrahma scored 17 goals and grabbed a further nine assists for the Bees last season as they narrowly missed out on promotion to the Premier League. He recently reminded potential suitors of his talents with a stunning brace against Fulham in his only start of this season.


birminghammail--2020-10-12--7 announcements from press conference with top medics and scientists

A major press conference has emanated from Downing Street as the Deputy Chief Medical Officer for England spoke out over an alarming rise of coronavirus .
Jonathan Van-Tam delivered a briefing to viewers on live television on Monday October 12 as Covid-19 rates continue to rise , alongside deaths .
He was joined by Steve Powis , NHSE Medical Director , and Dr Jane Eddleston , Greater Manchester Medical Lead for a coronavirus data briefing .
At 3.30pm today Boris Johnson will address MPs in the House of Commons , before delivering an televised update to the people .
Professor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ NHS England , said there were now more patients in hospital with coronavirus than there were when the Government ordered the lockdown in March .
Among seven key announcements were the warning that cases are rising across the age groups , with NHS staff in high risk areas due to be tested as a matter of course .
There were also updates on the NHS Nightingale Hospitals .
England 's deputy chief medical officer Jonathan Van-Tam said there had clearly been a `` marked pick-up '' in coronavirus case , which would result @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to present the latest data , Professor Van-Tam said that although there was more testing now than at the height of the first wave of the pandemic , it was clear there was a resurgence in cases .
`` The key point is that having had a rather flat summer , with very low amounts of Covid-positive patients in the UK , you can see that from early September there has been a marked pick-up , '' he said .
There is a lag between cases being identified and patients being admitted to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ admissions we have now actually relate to a time when there fewer cases of Covid-19 , '' he said .
`` Already , with the cases that we know about , we have baked in additional hospital admissions and sadly we also have baked in additional deaths that are now consequent upon infections that have already happened . ''
Van-Tam said it was of `` concern '' that coronavirus was `` heating up '' in more of England than a week ago .
The deputy chief medical officer made the comments as he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ change per 100,000 population by local authority between September 23-29 and September 30 to Oct 6 .
He said : `` It has changed in a matter of just a few days and that is clearly of concern to me . ''
Prof Van-Tam also warned that coronavirus was spreading from younger age groups into those aged of 60 .
`` There is the spread from those younger age groups into the 60 plus age group in the North West and the North East , and there are rates of change in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ further south .
`` And this is again of significant concern ... because of course the elderly suffer a much worse course with Covid-19 , they are admitted to hospital for longer periods , and they are more difficult to save . ''
Coronavirus cases `` creeping up '' through the age groups Van-Tam said other regions were now following the North West of England pattern where the virus moved through the age bands , having started spiking among young people at first .
Explaining an age-specific chart at a press briefing , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the infection rate was initially highest in the 16-29-year-olds .
`` And that , as you move to the right just gets hotter and hotter but as it does so you can see the incremental creep of the infection into the next age band up , 30-44 , followed two or three weeks later by a creep-up again into the 45-59s , and you can now see that the 60+ are now heating up on that chart .
`` The North West experienced all of this first and my understanding is that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you can see it in the North East and you can see it in Yorkshire and the Humber just beginning but at an earlier stage . ''
Hospitals could face more patients than at peak of pandemic Hospitals in the North West may soon be treating more coronavirus patients than at the peak of the pandemic .
Steve Powis warned that that grim figure could be surpassed in four weeks .
Nightingale Hospitals in Manchester , Sunderland and Harrogate have been asked to prepare to take patients , NHS England medical director Professor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ staff in high-risk areas will now be tested regularly regardless of symptoms .
Steve Powis operations will likely be delayed again if coronavirus cases continued to spread rapidly in the community .
The NHSE Medical Director said the NHS did not want to see this , but that it would be unavoidable if hospital admissions continued to stack up .

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A major press conference has emanated from Downing Street as the Deputy Chief Medical Officer for England spoke out over an alarming rise of coronavirus.
Jonathan Van-Tam delivered a briefing to viewers on live television on Monday October 12 as Covid-19 rates continue to rise, alongside deaths.
He was joined by Steve Powis, NHSE Medical Director, and Dr Jane Eddleston, Greater Manchester Medical Lead for a coronavirus data briefing.
At 3.30pm today Boris Johnson will address MPs in the House of Commons, before delivering an televised update to the people.
Professor Stephen Powis, the medical director of NHS England, said there were now more patients in hospital with coronavirus than there were when the Government ordered the lockdown in March.
Among seven key announcements were the warning that cases are rising across the age groups, with NHS staff in high risk areas due to be tested as a matter of course.
There were also updates on the NHS Nightingale Hospitals.
Cases rising
England's deputy chief medical officer Jonathan Van-Tam said there had clearly been a "marked pick-up" in coronavirus case, which would result in more deaths.
At a briefing to present the latest data, Professor Van-Tam said that although there was more testing now than at the height of the first wave of the pandemic, it was clear there was a resurgence in cases.
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
"The key point is that having had a rather flat summer, with very low amounts of Covid-positive patients in the UK, you can see that from early September there has been a marked pick-up," he said.
(Image: PA)
Hospital admissions for Covid-19 patients to rise
There is a lag between cases being identified and patients being admitted to hospital or dying.
"The hospital admissions we have now actually relate to a time when there fewer cases of Covid-19," he said.
"Already, with the cases that we know about, we have baked in additional hospital admissions and sadly we also have baked in additional deaths that are now consequent upon infections that have already happened."
Cases beginning to rise in older generations
Van-Tam said it was of "concern" that coronavirus was "heating up" in more of England than a week ago.
The deputy chief medical officer made the comments as he explained a map showing the rate of change per 100,000 population by local authority between September 23-29 and September 30 to Oct 6.
He said: "It has changed in a matter of just a few days and that is clearly of concern to me."
Prof Van-Tam also warned that coronavirus was spreading from younger age groups into those aged of 60.
"There is the spread from those younger age groups into the 60 plus age group in the North West and the North East, and there are rates of change in the same places but also extending a little further south.
"And this is again of significant concern... because of course the elderly suffer a much worse course with Covid-19, they are admitted to hospital for longer periods, and they are more difficult to save."
Coronavirus cases "creeping up" through the age groups
Van-Tam said other regions were now following the North West of England pattern where the virus moved through the age bands, having started spiking among young people at first.
Explaining an age-specific chart at a press briefing, he said: "You will see that the infection rate was initially highest in the 16-29-year-olds.
"And that, as you move to the right just gets hotter and hotter but as it does so you can see the incremental creep of the infection into the next age band up, 30-44, followed two or three weeks later by a creep-up again into the 45-59s, and you can now see that the 60+ are now heating up on that chart.
"The North West experienced all of this first and my understanding is that pattern is likely to be followed - you can see it in the North East and you can see it in Yorkshire and the Humber just beginning but at an earlier stage."
Hospitals could face more patients than at peak of pandemic
Hospitals in the North West may soon be treating more coronavirus patients than at the peak of the pandemic.
Steve Powis warned that that grim figure could be surpassed in four weeks.
Nightingale Hospitals prepared
Nightingale Hospitals in Manchester, Sunderland and Harrogate have been asked to prepare to take patients, NHS England medical director Professor Stephen Powis said.
NHS staff tested
All NHS hospital staff in high-risk areas will now be tested regularly regardless of symptoms.
Steve Powis operations will likely be delayed again if coronavirus cases continued to spread rapidly in the community.
The NHSE Medical Director said the NHS did not want to see this, but that it would be unavoidable if hospital admissions continued to stack up.


birminghammail--2020-10-12--Burglar crept into sleeping boy's room before attacking grandad

A burglar crept into a sleeping child 's bedroom to steal a laptop - before attacking his granddad as he fled .
Steven Kinsella forced his way into the property on Hyperion Road , Bromford , in the early hours of August 22 .
The 37-year-old , from Highfield Road in Washwood Heath , crept upstairs and stole a laptop from under the schoolboy ’ s pillow - but was disturbed by the youngster 's grandad .
West Midlands Police said Kinsella punched the 75-year-old man to the floor – leaving him with `` nasty facial cuts and bruising '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and car keys .
He went on to steal a BMX bike from a home in nearby Bromford Drive – but was arrested less than an hour later .
Officers said they had attended another home in Bromford Road following reports of a domestic incident earlier on the same morning .
Police said the offender was nowhere to be seen - but the description matched that of the burglary offender and officers were on hand to arrest Kinsella when he returned to his partner ’ s address .
He initially denied involvement , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the victim ’ s phone .
The BMX bike was also recovered from inside the house .
Kinsella went on to admit robbery and attempted burglary and at Birmingham Crown Court on Thursday , October 9 .
He was jailed for six-years and eight-months .
The victim ’ s son , Azhar Rajab , thanked officers for their swiftly response to his son ’ s 999 call in the early hours of the morning and securing justice for his dad .
He said : “ One of my son ’ s made @ @ @ @ @ @ @ struggling with my dad .
They arrived within five minutes and helped treat my injured father and comfort my children who were all in shock .
“ The burglar was arrested about an hour later which was great .
“ On behalf of my dad I wanted to say a big thumbs up to Jay for helping us through the whole process , taking statements , ID parades and supporting us through the court process.
” Investigating officer , PC Jay Aston from Stechford CID , added : “ This was a shocking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into a child ’ s bedroom as he slept and literally stole property from under his nose before punching and kicking his grandfather .
“ The victim suffered nasty injuries and is still struggling with the psychological impact of seeing an intruder in his family home .
“ I wish him well with his continued recovery and hope the fact Kinsella has been jailed for several years will offer some comfort .
”

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A burglar crept into a sleeping child's bedroom to steal a laptop - before attacking his granddad as he fled.
Steven Kinsella forced his way into the property on Hyperion Road, Bromford, in the early hours of August 22.
The 37-year-old, from Highfield Road in Washwood Heath, crept upstairs and stole a laptop from under the schoolboy’s pillow - but was disturbed by the youngster's grandad.
West Midlands Police said Kinsella punched the 75-year-old man to the floor – leaving him with "nasty facial cuts and bruising" – before running off with two phones and car keys.
He went on to steal a BMX bike from a home in nearby Bromford Drive – but was arrested less than an hour later.
Officers said they had attended another home in Bromford Road following reports of a domestic incident earlier on the same morning.
Police said the offender was nowhere to be seen - but the description matched that of the burglary offender and officers were on hand to arrest Kinsella when he returned to his partner’s address.
He initially denied involvement, but was found to be in possession of the victim’s phone. The BMX bike was also recovered from inside the house.
Kinsella went on to admit robbery and attempted burglary and at Birmingham Crown Court on Thursday, October 9. He was jailed for six-years and eight-months.
The victim’s son, Azhar Rajab, thanked officers for their swiftly response to his son’s 999 call in the early hours of the morning and securing justice for his dad.
He said: “One of my son’s made the emergency call while the offender was struggling with my dad. They arrived within five minutes and helped treat my injured father and comfort my children who were all in shock.
“The burglar was arrested about an hour later which was great.
“On behalf of my dad I wanted to say a big thumbs up to Jay for helping us through the whole process, taking statements, ID parades and supporting us through the court process.”
Investigating officer, PC Jay Aston from Stechford CID, added: “This was a shocking, violent burglary. The victim crept into a child’s bedroom as he slept and literally stole property from under his nose before punching and kicking his grandfather.
“The victim suffered nasty injuries and is still struggling with the psychological impact of seeing an intruder in his family home.
“I wish him well with his continued recovery and hope the fact Kinsella has been jailed for several years will offer some comfort.”


birminghammail--2020-10-12--Leeds United receive worrying news ahead of Wolves clash

Two Leeds United defenders have suffered injuries ahead of their Premier League meeting with Wolverhampton Wanderers .
Wolves travel to @ @ @ @ @ on Monday following the conclusion of this week 's international fixtures and it 's emerged @ @ @ @ @ without two of his defenders .
Captain Liam Cooper and Diego Llorente have picked up @ @ @ @ @ Scotland and Spain respectively and are now doubts for the Premier League 's return .
@ @ @ @ @ picked up an injury and he will be out the next two games , '' @ @ @ @ @ on Sunday .
Meanwhile , Llorente - who joined Leeds from Real Sociedad for £18million @ @ @ @ @ top flight - suffered an injury of his own during Spain 's draw with Portugal @ @ @ @ @ FA confirmed yesterday that Llorente will not travel to Kiev for their match with Ukraine @ @ @ @ @ .

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Two Leeds United defenders have suffered injuries ahead of their Premier League meeting with Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Wolves travel to Elland Road to face Leeds on Monday following the conclusion of this week's international fixtures and it's emerged that Marcelo Bielsa could be without two of his defenders.
Captain Liam Cooper and Diego Llorente have picked up injuries on international duty with Scotland and Spain respectively and are now doubts for the Premier League's return.
"Unfortunately Liam Cooper has picked up an injury and he will be out the next two games," Scotland boss Steve Clarke confirmed on Sunday.
Meanwhile, Llorente - who joined Leeds from Real Sociedad for £18million following their promotion to the top flight - suffered an injury of his own during Spain's draw with Portugal last week.
The Spanish FA confirmed yesterday that Llorente will not travel to Kiev for their match with Ukraine due to a muscular injury.


birminghammail--2020-10-12--Woman shamed into losing seven stone after mortifying V Festival moment

A woman who was hooked on chocolate and takeaways lost a staggering seven stone - after she broke a chair at a music festival .
Lynsey Blackshaw , 29 , tipped the scales at 17 stone after years of gorging on fast-food and sweet treats all washed down with pints of beer .
The secondary school teacher could munch through an entire sharing pack of Cadbury ’ s chocolate bars and scoffed more than 3,000 calories a day .
She decided to take drastic action after she smashed a camping chair when she sat down with pals at the V @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Slimming World , Lynsey has shed seven stone and six dress sizes .
She now runs 10km three times a week and has swapped takeaways and chocolate for vegetables , fish and rice .
Her weight loss was so dramatic she was forced to spend hundreds of pounds having her size 22 wedding dress taken in to fit her size 10 frame .
Mum-of-one Lynsey , of Hawarden , north Wales , said : “ When I broke the camping chair my friends were really nice and said it had bad reviews .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ I was so big .
`` I was 17 stone and looked awful in every picture from the festival .
“ I came back on a Monday and joined the local Slimming World group on the Wednesday .
“ When I went to try on the wedding dress that month I asked for a smaller one because I told them I had joined a slimming group .
“ By January I had lost three-and-a-half stone and they say you can lose two stone and still wear the same dress .
“ The dress @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ In February I went to try it on and they said I could still wear that dress but would have to pay a lot of money to alter it .
“ In the end the alterations were £400 but it was worth it .
“ As it got closer to the wedding I got to my target .
Originally it was 12 stone and now I am 10-and-a-half stone .
“ Initially the dress was size 22 and now I ’ m 10 .
“ I used to eat a large sharer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ meant for at least two people .
“ You are supposed to eat a handful at a time but I used to eat the whole thing .
“ At university in Manchester I was surrounded by takeaways and used to have one every night .
“ I never used to cook and didn ’ t know how to use the oven .
“ I probably eat double the amount I was supposed to .
`` The ready meals I had were full of fat and sugar .
“ Now I do all my @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to mix things up .
“ I still eat carbs like rice and potatoes and I love pasta - I eat a lot of it .
“ Those foods will fill you up and you need the carbs for energy .
“ I have a lot of fruit and vegetables and drink lots more water instead of full fat coke .
“ I don ’ t cut anything out .
I wouldn ’ t want to deprive myself of chocolate , I just have less .
“ I ’ ll have a fun-size @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the evening and I still have a curry occasionally .
“ I used to drink beer on nights out or while watching the football .
“ Instead I have vodka diet cokes which have a lot fewer calories.
” On a typical day Lynsey has two bananas for breakfast and two cereal bars for elevenses .
Lunch is usually a pasta dish with two apples in the afternoon and for dinner she has fish or chicken with vegetables .
Her weight loss even inspired her new husband Liam Blackshaw , 32 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he lost two stone himself .
Lynsey added : “ It is not about cutting out certain foods .
It ’ s about eating better and doing more exercise .
“ Before I didn ’ t do anything at all and the only exercise I got was walking between classrooms .
“ Now I run 10km three times a week in about an hour .
“ Since losing the weight I had to get a whole new wardrobe of clothes , but that was fine because I loved that .
“ A lot @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all of my friends were so pleased for me.
” Lynsey has now been taken on as a Slimming World consultant and is helping others to lose weight .
She added : “ I show people the pictures of how I was before and they can ’ t believe it ’ s me .
They say it ’ s inspiring .
“ It felt so good being that weight for the wedding because for some people it was the first time they had seen me like that .

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A woman who was hooked on chocolate and takeaways lost a staggering seven stone - after she broke a chair at a music festival.
Lynsey Blackshaw, 29, tipped the scales at 17 stone after years of gorging on fast-food and sweet treats all washed down with pints of beer.
The secondary school teacher could munch through an entire sharing pack of Cadbury’s chocolate bars and scoffed more than 3,000 calories a day.
She decided to take drastic action after she smashed a camping chair when she sat down with pals at the V Festival in August 2015.
Since joining Slimming World, Lynsey has shed seven stone and six dress sizes.
She now runs 10km three times a week and has swapped takeaways and chocolate for vegetables, fish and rice.
Her weight loss was so dramatic she was forced to spend hundreds of pounds having her size 22 wedding dress taken in to fit her size 10 frame.
Mum-of-one Lynsey, of Hawarden, north Wales, said: “When I broke the camping chair my friends were really nice and said it had bad reviews.
(Image: Lynsey Blackshaw / SWNS)
“But I knew it was because I was so big.
"I was 17 stone and looked awful in every picture from the festival.
“I came back on a Monday and joined the local Slimming World group on the Wednesday.
“When I went to try on the wedding dress that month I asked for a smaller one because I told them I had joined a slimming group.
“They said ‘everyone says that’.
“By January I had lost three-and-a-half stone and they say you can lose two stone and still wear the same dress.
“The dress cost £1,200 which is about average.
(Image: Lynsey Blackshaw / SWNS)
“In February I went to try it on and they said I could still wear that dress but would have to pay a lot of money to alter it.
“In the end the alterations were £400 but it was worth it.
“As it got closer to the wedding I got to my target. Originally it was 12 stone and now I am 10-and-a-half stone.
“Initially the dress was size 22 and now I’m 10.
“I've totally changed my life and habits.
“I used to eat a large sharer bag of chocolate every day which was meant for at least two people.
“You are supposed to eat a handful at a time but I used to eat the whole thing.
“At university in Manchester I was surrounded by takeaways and used to have one every night.
(Image: Lynsey Blackshaw / SWNS)
“I never used to cook and didn’t know how to use the oven.
“I probably eat double the amount I was supposed to.
"The ready meals I had were full of fat and sugar.
“Now I do all my cooking from scratch and use recipe books to mix things up.
“I still eat carbs like rice and potatoes and I love pasta - I eat a lot of it.
“Those foods will fill you up and you need the carbs for energy.
“I have a lot of fruit and vegetables and drink lots more water instead of full fat coke.
“I don’t cut anything out. I wouldn’t want to deprive myself of chocolate, I just have less.
“I’ll have a fun-size bar of Dairy Milk or white chocolate in the evening and I still have a curry occasionally.
“I used to drink beer on nights out or while watching the football.
“Instead I have vodka diet cokes which have a lot fewer calories.”
On a typical day Lynsey has two bananas for breakfast and two cereal bars for elevenses.
Lunch is usually a pasta dish with two apples in the afternoon and for dinner she has fish or chicken with vegetables.
(Image: Lynsey Blackshaw / SWNS)
Her weight loss even inspired her new husband Liam Blackshaw, 32, an electrical engineer, to diet and he lost two stone himself.
Lynsey added: “It is not about cutting out certain foods. It’s about eating better and doing more exercise.
“Before I didn’t do anything at all and the only exercise I got was walking between classrooms.
“Now I run 10km three times a week in about an hour.
“Since losing the weight I had to get a whole new wardrobe of clothes, but that was fine because I loved that.
“A lot of people said I looked amazing and all of my friends were so pleased for me.”
(Image: Lynsey Blackshaw / SWNS)
Lynsey has now been taken on as a Slimming World consultant and is helping others to lose weight.
She added: “I show people the pictures of how I was before and they can’t believe it’s me. They say it’s inspiring.
“It felt so good being that weight for the wedding because for some people it was the first time they had seen me like that.


birminghammail--2020-10-12--Cops mocked for celebrating 'drug bust' - after seizing 2 tiny cannabis plants

A police force has been relentlessly mocked by thousands of social media users for celebrating the seizure of TWO tiny cannabis plants .
Over-zealous cops from Cheshire Constabulary boasted about their bust on Friday ( 9/10 ) and even uploaded pictures of the haul to Facebook .
Alongside a pair of tired-looking plants in separate pots , they posted : `` This morning we seized 2 cannabis plants from an address in Alsager after neighbours reported a strong smell of cannabis .
“ If you notice anything suspicious anywhere around the town please let us know via 101 or 999 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Alsager Police 's Facebook page quickly went viral with web users reacting with disbelief to the tiny haul and accusing the force of wasting resources .
Nearly 10,000 people have reacted to the post , which has also been commented on over 8,000 times and shared by 6,500 people .
Carl Marsh wrote : “ For a second then I thought it was the 1st April .
Tax payers ’ money well spent on that drug raid .
`` You ’ d probably waste more money on fuel than the drug value @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Patterson put : “ Jesus wept , the country on its knees and you waste resources on this nonsense and then have the audacity to pat yourself on the back ? ''
Stephanie Louise sarcastically added : “ The smell must have been so overpowering ... excellent seizure ” Paul Humber said : “ So you parade a non seizure on social media this is not what was being smelt .
The plants are too young to create a heavy odour .
“ I would really take this post down as it is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Seriously.. ?
In the middle of a pandemic.
?
And are those cannabis plants at all , or just CBD plants ? ''
Dave Sharrock added : `` Well done , you 've taken approximately 5 spliffs off the streets ... we can sleep safe in our beds . ''
Andie Plowright said : `` Size of that crop !
!
!
!
You sure did catch them baddies did n't you .
Embarrassed for you .
`` Do a proper job and protect the people who ask for it instead of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wrote : `` God how amazing !
Well done guys !
Keeping all these drugs off our streets .
`` You guys must have smelt it from a mile away .
Can only imagine how high the street worth is !
I ’ m proud my taxes pay for this hard work . ''
Reece Williams added : `` Thank you for saving three teenagers from getting high '' while Wayne Roberts said : `` Well if it is n't Miami Vice 's finest . ''
James Godber said : `` Keep us @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A series similar to narcos is on the cards . ''

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A police force has been relentlessly mocked by thousands of social media users for celebrating the seizure of TWO tiny cannabis plants.
Over-zealous cops from Cheshire Constabulary boasted about their bust on Friday (9/10) and even uploaded pictures of the haul to Facebook.
Alongside a pair of tired-looking plants in separate pots, they posted: "This morning we seized 2 cannabis plants from an address in Alsager after neighbours reported a strong smell of cannabis.
“If you notice anything suspicious anywhere around the town please let us know via 101 or 999 in an emergency.”
The post by the Alsager Police's Facebook page quickly went viral with web users reacting with disbelief to the tiny haul and accusing the force of wasting resources.
Nearly 10,000 people have reacted to the post, which has also been commented on over 8,000 times and shared by 6,500 people.
Carl Marsh wrote: “For a second then I thought it was the 1st April. Tax payers’ money well spent on that drug raid.
"You’d probably waste more money on fuel than the drug value of those little plants."
Martin Patterson put: “Jesus wept, the country on its knees and you waste resources on this nonsense and then have the audacity to pat yourself on the back?"
Stephanie Louise sarcastically added: “The smell must have been so overpowering... excellent seizure”
Paul Humber said: “So you parade a non seizure on social media this is not what was being smelt. The plants are too young to create a heavy odour.
“I would really take this post down as it is truly embarrassing “
Angela Moonchild commented: "Seriously..? In the middle of a pandemic.? And are those cannabis plants at all, or just CBD plants?"
(Image: Alsager Police / SWNS)
Dave Sharrock added: "Well done, you've taken approximately 5 spliffs off the streets...we can sleep safe in our beds."
Andie Plowright said: "Size of that crop!!!! You sure did catch them baddies didn't you.
Embarrassed for you.
"Do a proper job and protect the people who ask for it instead of this fooling around.
Paris Rochelle Squires wrote: "God how amazing! Well done guys! Keeping all these drugs off our streets.
"You guys must have smelt it from a mile away. Can only imagine how high the street worth is! I’m proud my taxes pay for this hard work."
Reece Williams added: "Thank you for saving three teenagers from getting high" while Wayne Roberts said: "Well if it isn't Miami Vice's finest."
James Godber said: "Keep us posted if Netflix get in touch. A series similar to narcos is on the cards."


birminghammail--2020-10-12--I'm A Celebrity 2020 could be scrapped by ITV as lockdown announced

Aerial images show a hive of activity at the new `` I 'm a Celebrity '' castle camp as work continues despite fears the show could be scuppered by the coronavirus pandemic .
New drone photos reveal ongoing construction at Gwrych Castle in Wales amid worries the series could be at risk just a month before it starts due to a looming national pandemic .
Large cranes , workmen , vehicles and scaffolding could be seen around the 250 acre land over the weekend while marquees and a large white structure have also been built .
The nearby sleepy town @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the arrival of Ant and Dec with businesses erecting signs welcoming the Geordie presenting duo .
It is believed ITV has forked out a whopping £1 million to host the 2020 series at the supposedly haunted 200-year-old castle .
But it has been reported programme bosses are now locked in `` urgent talks '' about axing the series due to the threat of another Covid-19 lockdown .
Current legislation in surrounding areas bans people meeting anyone indoors who is n't part of their own household .
Local lockdown rules also state people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ without a reasonable excuse .
As a result , producers have apparently considered postponing this year 's series - but locals say there has been no sign of work halting at the site over the past few days .
Pub worker Marc Bowen , 45 , of Abergele , said : `` There 's been no let up as far as we can see , but you ca n't get that near to the site due to all of the security .
`` It 's like Alcatraz up there but there 's been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ does n't seem like they are going to cancel it any time soon .
`` I 'm sure it would be too costly for them to ditch at this stage , they will make it happen one way or another .
The area is still buzzing with workmen . ''
Delyth Rees-Dykes , who runs the Beauty Rooms beauty salon in Abergele , said : `` The whole town is fully behind the show coming here .
`` It 's all been very exciting and it would be a shame if they had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ climate you just never know .
`` You can see all the cranes and marquees but the site is so locked down you ca n't see exactly what is going on up there .
`` We had been looking forward to an influx of visitors and a boost to the local economy but we are in local lockdown so that might not happen now . ''
Local politicians also said last week that the show is not under threat despite new lockdown restrictions in surrounding Conwy and Denbighshire .
Councillor Sam Rowlands , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said : `` There is really good measures in place to ensure safety of staff and the community .
`` And it is good to see and hear the support of Vaughan Gething , Wales ' health minister , and Dafydd Elis-Thomas [ deputy minister for Culture , Sport and Tourism ] .
`` With crew staying at the caravan park - the measures are all really good .
`` Anybody going on site are getting temperature checks , filling in forms .
They have very good procedures in place .
`` You @ @ @ @ @ @ @ band , there is security .
There is also a sense of normality which I think is important as it is also a place of work .
`` They are doing more than enough . ''
Construction to restore the castle and transform it for the new series began last month in preparation for the latest batch of celebs and Bushtucker Trials .
Stars linked with this year 's series include former EastEnders actress Tamzin Outhwaite , Love Island 's Tommy Fury and Boyzone star Keith Duffy .
Richard Cowles , Director of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` It was a big challenge to find a UK location where we could continue to deliver what viewers love about I 'm A Celebrity ... Get Me Out of Here !
`` But Gwrych will definitely do that ; the Castle sits in an amazing and atmospheric setting on a hillside overlooking the Irish Sea .
`` While there will be plenty of changes required as we move from New South Wales in Australia to North Wales in the UK , we are really excited to see how we can adapt the @ @ @

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Aerial images show a hive of activity at the new "I'm a Celebrity" castle camp as work continues despite fears the show could be scuppered by the coronavirus pandemic.
New drone photos reveal ongoing construction at Gwrych Castle in Wales amid worries the series could be at risk just a month before it starts due to a looming national pandemic.
Large cranes, workmen, vehicles and scaffolding could be seen around the 250 acre land over the weekend while marquees and a large white structure have also been built.
The nearby sleepy town of Abergele has also been gearing up for the arrival of Ant and Dec with businesses erecting signs welcoming the Geordie presenting duo.
It is believed ITV has forked out a whopping £1 million to host the 2020 series at the supposedly haunted 200-year-old castle.
But it has been reported programme bosses are now locked in "urgent talks" about axing the series due to the threat of another Covid-19 lockdown.
Current legislation in surrounding areas bans people meeting anyone indoors who isn't part of their own household.
Local lockdown rules also state people can't enter or leave the area without a reasonable excuse.
(Image: Tristan Potter / SWNS)
As a result, producers have apparently considered postponing this year's series - but locals say there has been no sign of work halting at the site over the past few days.
Pub worker Marc Bowen, 45, of Abergele, said: "There's been no let up as far as we can see, but you can't get that near to the site due to all of the security.
"It's like Alcatraz up there but there's been comings and goings constantly, so it doesn't seem like they are going to cancel it any time soon.
"I'm sure it would be too costly for them to ditch at this stage, they will make it happen one way or another. The area is still buzzing with workmen."
(Image: Tristan Potter / SWNS)
Delyth Rees-Dykes, who runs the Beauty Rooms beauty salon in Abergele, said: "The whole town is fully behind the show coming here.
"It's all been very exciting and it would be a shame if they had to suspend it but in the current climate you just never know.
"You can see all the cranes and marquees but the site is so locked down you can't see exactly what is going on up there.
"We had been looking forward to an influx of visitors and a boost to the local economy but we are in local lockdown so that might not happen now."
Local politicians also said last week that the show is not under threat despite new lockdown restrictions in surrounding Conwy and Denbighshire.
(Image: Tristan Potter / SWNS)
Councillor Sam Rowlands, leader of Conwy County Borough Council, said: "There is really good measures in place to ensure safety of staff and the community.
"And it is good to see and hear the support of Vaughan Gething, Wales' health minister, and Dafydd Elis-Thomas [deputy minister for Culture, Sport and Tourism].
"With crew staying at the caravan park - the measures are all really good.
"Anybody going on site are getting temperature checks, filling in forms. They have very good procedures in place.
"You fill in a form, get a band, there is security. There is also a sense of normality which I think is important as it is also a place of work.
"They are doing more than enough."
(Image: Tristan Potter / SWNS)
Construction to restore the castle and transform it for the new series began last month in preparation for the latest batch of celebs and Bushtucker Trials.
Stars linked with this year's series include former EastEnders actress Tamzin Outhwaite, Love Island's Tommy Fury and Boyzone star Keith Duffy.
Richard Cowles, Director of Entertainment at ITV Studios said previously: "It was a big challenge to find a UK location where we could continue to deliver what viewers love about I'm A Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here!
"But Gwrych will definitely do that; the Castle sits in an amazing and atmospheric setting on a hillside overlooking the Irish Sea.
"While there will be plenty of changes required as we move from New South Wales in Australia to North Wales in the UK, we are really excited to see how we can adapt the format."


birminghammail--2020-10-12--How to watch Boris Johnson's speech on TV as three tier lockdown announced

The Prime Minister 's speech to the nation today will be broadcast live on television as a three-tier lockdown system is announced .
Tiers one , two and three will be unveiled by Boris Johnson after he addresses MPs in the House of Commons on October 12 .
Monday has seen an early COBRA meeting held at No 10 Downing Street , from where the PM will made an address to the nation later today .
The broadcast will be held at around 6pm , according to reports .
It will be broadcast live on national television , including terrestrial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be showing it , alongside a string of news publication YouTube accounts .
Sky News will also broadcast live on YouTube and on its rolling 24-hour news channel .
Mr Johnson will host a Cobra meeting of senior health chiefs and top ministers this morning .
Dominic Cummings , his special adviser , was seen entering Downing St at after 8am .
The data briefing with deputy chief medical officer Jonathan Van Tam and other NHS representatives will take place at 11am , reports say .
During this meeting with experts , health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ grim details of how the virus is spreading across the country .
This weekend saw a dozen deaths in Birmingham and Midlands hospitals .
Mr Johnson is then due to give a statement in the House of Commons at 3.30pm , before appearing in a televised press conference , which is expected at about 6pm .
The PM will be flanked by Chancellor Rishi Sunak and the Chief Medical Officer , Professor Chris Whitty .

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The Prime Minister's speech to the nation today will be broadcast live on television as a three-tier lockdown system is announced.
Tiers one, two and three will be unveiled by Boris Johnson after he addresses MPs in the House of Commons on October 12.
Monday has seen an early COBRA meeting held at No 10 Downing Street, from where the PM will made an address to the nation later today.
The broadcast will be held at around 6pm, according to reports. It will be broadcast live on national television, including terrestrial channels.
BBC One and ITV will be showing it, alongside a string of news publication YouTube accounts.
Sky News will also broadcast live on YouTube and on its rolling 24-hour news channel.
Mr Johnson will host a Cobra meeting of senior health chiefs and top ministers this morning.
Dominic Cummings, his special adviser, was seen entering Downing St at after 8am.
The data briefing with deputy chief medical officer Jonathan Van Tam and other NHS representatives will take place at 11am, reports say.
During this meeting with experts, health officials will update the PM on the grim details of how the virus is spreading across the country.
This weekend saw a dozen deaths in Birmingham and Midlands hospitals.
Mr Johnson is then due to give a statement in the House of Commons at 3.30pm, before appearing in a televised press conference, which is expected at about 6pm.
The PM will be flanked by Chancellor Rishi Sunak and the Chief Medical Officer, Professor Chris Whitty.


birminghammail--2020-10-12--Costs of hosting Brum 2022 Commonwealth Games smash through £200m

The costs to Birmingham of hosting the Commonwealth Games in 2022 are now expected to be more than £218m , figures show .
Birmingham City Council released games budget figures following a Freedom of Information Request from the Local Democracy Reporting Service ( LDRS ) .
The figures show the council ’ s “ direct contribution ” to the games remain unchanged at £184m , representing around 25 per cent of the total games costs .
But further costs under the headings programme team , legacy development and enhanced city operations add more than £34m to the wider planned spending @ @ @ @ @ @ @ City Council states : “ [ … ] The council will incur further costs more widely associated with Birmingham ’ s role as Host City .
“ These are NOT direct games costs and include : “ The costs associated with co-ordinating the council ’ s games-related activities and funding contributions ( the programme team costs ) - budgeted at £11.5m between 2020/21 and the games time .
“ A programme of investment in activities to encourage community engagement and participation in the games to help realise the long-term benefits of hosting the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ community cohesion ( legacy development ) - budgeted at £6m.
” This funding is set for approval from the council ’ s cabinet tomorrow ( Oct 13 ) and includes ten small grants of between £10,000 and £20,000 delivered to Birmingham-based groups to create artistic projects across the city .
The games organising committee will also be delivering a six-month cultural festival across Birmingham and the West Midlands from March to September 2022 .
The council added in the FOI response : “ Additional activities to supplement ‘ business as usual ’ work @ @ @ @ @ @ @ venues as a result of increased visitor numbers , including enhanced cleaning and wayfinding activities ( enhanced city operations ) - budgeted at £15m.
” Capital expenditure costs of the games already announced are due to include spending on Alexander Stadium , Sandwell Aquatics Centre and other costs including the public realm and organising committee costs .
Separately to the games costs is the Perry Barr regeneration works , expected to cost £500m in the run up to the games .
The development of the Athletes ’ Village complex will now not be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , it was announced over the summer .
A Birmingham City Council spokesperson said : “ We are all seeing the impact of Covid-19 on all aspects of our daily lives .
`` Looking to the future , the Commonwealth Games will provide a major opportunity for Birmingham to position itself within the world , and particularly with the Commonwealth .
`` The importance of the event and the opportunities it provides for the city and wider region , from an economic and social perspective , are now more significant than ever .
@

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The costs to Birmingham of hosting the Commonwealth Games in 2022 are now expected to be more than £218m, figures show.
Birmingham City Council released games budget figures following a Freedom of Information Request from the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS).
The figures show the council’s “direct contribution” to the games remain unchanged at £184m, representing around 25 per cent of the total games costs.
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But further costs under the headings programme team, legacy development and enhanced city operations add more than £34m to the wider planned spending.
In the FOI response, Birmingham City Council states: “[…] The council will incur further costs more widely associated with Birmingham’s role as Host City.
“These are NOT direct games costs and include:
“The costs associated with co-ordinating the council’s games-related activities and funding contributions (the programme team costs) - budgeted at £11.5m between 2020/21 and the games time.
“A programme of investment in activities to encourage community engagement and participation in the games to help realise the long-term benefits of hosting the event such as improved civic pride and community cohesion (legacy development) - budgeted at £6m.”
This funding is set for approval from the council’s cabinet tomorrow (Oct 13) and includes 110 small grants of between £10,000 and £20,000 delivered to Birmingham-based groups to create artistic projects across the city.
The games organising committee will also be delivering a six-month cultural festival across Birmingham and the West Midlands from March to September 2022.
The council added in the FOI response: “Additional activities to supplement ‘business as usual’ work in and around the city and games venues as a result of increased visitor numbers, including enhanced cleaning and wayfinding activities (enhanced city operations) - budgeted at £15m.”
Capital expenditure costs of the games already announced are due to include spending on Alexander Stadium, Sandwell Aquatics Centre and other costs including the public realm and organising committee costs.
Separately to the games costs is the Perry Barr regeneration works, expected to cost £500m in the run up to the games.
The development of the Athletes’ Village complex will now not be ready in time for the games themselves, it was announced over the summer.
A Birmingham City Council spokesperson said: “We are all seeing the impact of Covid-19 on all aspects of our daily lives.
"Looking to the future, the Commonwealth Games will provide a major opportunity for Birmingham to position itself within the world, and particularly with the Commonwealth.
"The importance of the event and the opportunities it provides for the city and wider region, from an economic and social perspective, are now more significant than ever.”


birminghammail--2020-10-12--Curbs on wedding receptions could be on way for Brum and Black Country

Speculation is mounting that restrictions - and possibly even a total ban - on wedding receptions could be on their way to Birmingham and the Black Country .
Local leaders have identified after-wedding parties as a problem area that is driving up cases between families and friends .
Birmingham 's council leader Cllr Ian Ward said cases transmitted through the hospitality sector - in pubs , restaurants and cafes - was minimal .
`` Exposures through eating out , hospitality and entertainment account for just 2 % of contacts ( of positive cases ) , '' he said on Friday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it appears to be celebrations , particularly wedding receptions , where people can not resist the urge to congratulate the bride and groom , and when that happens and hands are shaken we see transmission of the virus . ''
We understand that message has been hammered with government officials during discussions about restrictions on the hospitality sector .
If - and this is by no means certain - Birmingham and neighbouring areas with high infection rates are deemed 'high risk ' , or 'tier two ' , such a ban could be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Also widely predicted is a ban on people meeting up socially from lots of different households in pubs and restaurants - which would mean a change to the existing 'rule of six ' .
The current national 'rule of six ' means individuals from as many as six different households could meet up in a pub , cafe or park - and that , say local officials , is unhelpful when the main problem here is around household transmission .
They would prefer to see those encounters limited to people from no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ frustration locally that conversations between local politicians and the Department of Health have been opaque , with officials giving little away about what is coming .
Birmingham 's MPs are furious that they still have no idea what new restrictions - if any - are in store for the city and region .
Jess Phillips , MP for Birmingham Yardley , speaking yesterday , said the Government did not appear to have a clear plan for the region , despite days of discussions - or if they did , they were n't sharing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have no idea what is going to happen next and that 's woeful .
I do n't think they give a toss what we think . ''
Fellow city MP Liam Byrne , representing Hodge Hill , said the chaos caused by leaks , anonymous briefings and delay was potentially catastrophic for lives and livelihoods .
`` It has become impossible to have any faith in what is going to come next , '' he said .
And fellow Labour stalwart Jack Dromey , Erdington , said the voice of Birmingham `` is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` In common with the great cities of the north on what happens next , decisions that should be taken in Town Hall are being made in Whitehall . ''
Mayor Andy Street was this morning keeping his counsel but we know he has been involved in daily exchanges with Health Secretary Matt Hancock , pressing the case for few , if any , new restrictions for the region and for it not to be deemed in need of more interventions .
A case is also being made locally for the second tier @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be sub divided into Tier 2a and Tier 2b .
The higher of these would include more restrictions on pubs and restaurants ; the lower would have a limited impact on the sector .
Cllr Ward told a meeting on Friday : `` We are urging the Government to introduce an approach that better reflects the data and takes less of a sledgehammer approach to the hospitality sector - by effectively introducing Tiers 2a and 2b . ''
The city 's specialist wedding venues and banqueting halls , and their suppliers and associated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Covid secure rules and bans on large gatherings .
The impact has been felt especially in areas where the summer tradition of large Asian weddings and celebrations is the lifeblood of the community .
Shopkeepers in Alum Rock and Bordesley Green , for example , have told us how trade has been decimated by the restrictions .
But the rules , designed to restrict transmission , have also been flouted with impunity by some venues .
Police and councils have issued enforcement notices against some venues where large gatherings have been alerted , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ actions .
The local consensus is that , with some exceptions , existing measures are working on keeping on top of the virus , and that the focus now must be on a rapidly improved test , trace and isolate regime led by local public health teams .
In Birmingham , testing uptake has been increasing , but so too has the positivity rate ( the proportion of people tested found to be positive ) .
It is currently at a worryingly high 9.1 % .
Among the city 's scientists and testing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Trace and the need for a massive upturn in testing is deemed crucial .
Prof KK Cheng , Director of the Institute of Applied Health Research , University of Birmingham , has been sharing his insights on Twitter , warning : `` In hotspots , if hospitality does n't shut soon many other businesses would have to before too long as the epidemic grows .
Government should support pubs and restaurants as they 'take one for the country ' . ''
He has also pressed the case that a reformed Test , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He said today : `` We 've a fighting chance of keeping most things open and having no lockdown this winter with : Meanwhile , the University of Birmingham has now opened a testing analysis lab as part of measures to increase capacity - the first of a series of new labs to support the commercial test and trace operations .
Birmingham , Sandwell , Solihull and Wolverhampton are currently subject to local restrictions banning visitors in homes and gardens .
Infection rates have remained consistently high since , but the figures have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Some 476 positive cases were reported in a week among Birmingham 's student population , as we reported here .
Walsall , not currently subject to those restrictions but experiencing high infection rates , is widely expected to join them today .

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Speculation is mounting that restrictions - and possibly even a total ban - on wedding receptions could be on their way to Birmingham and the Black Country.
Local leaders have identified after-wedding parties as a problem area that is driving up cases between families and friends.
Birmingham's council leader Cllr Ian Ward said cases transmitted through the hospitality sector - in pubs, restaurants and cafes - was minimal.
"Exposures through eating out, hospitality and entertainment account for just 2% of contacts (of positive cases)," he said on Friday.
"If there is an issue it appears to be celebrations, particularly wedding receptions, where people cannot resist the urge to congratulate the bride and groom, and when that happens and hands are shaken we see transmission of the virus."
We understand that message has been hammered with government officials during discussions about restrictions on the hospitality sector.
If - and this is by no means certain - Birmingham and neighbouring areas with high infection rates are deemed 'high risk', or 'tier two', such a ban could be part of a package of new measures.
Also widely predicted is a ban on people meeting up socially from lots of different households in pubs and restaurants - which would mean a change to the existing 'rule of six'.
The current national 'rule of six' means individuals from as many as six different households could meet up in a pub, cafe or park - and that, say local officials, is unhelpful when the main problem here is around household transmission.
They would prefer to see those encounters limited to people from no more than two households.
There is frustration locally that conversations between local politicians and the Department of Health have been opaque, with officials giving little away about what is coming.
Birmingham's MPs are furious that they still have no idea what new restrictions - if any - are in store for the city and region.
Jess Phillips, MP for Birmingham Yardley, speaking yesterday, said the Government did not appear to have a clear plan for the region, despite days of discussions - or if they did, they weren't sharing that with local leaders.
"I have no idea what is going to happen next and that's woeful. I don't think they give a toss what we think."
(Image: PA)
Fellow city MP Liam Byrne, representing Hodge Hill, said the chaos caused by leaks, anonymous briefings and delay was potentially catastrophic for lives and livelihoods.
"It has become impossible to have any faith in what is going to come next," he said.
And fellow Labour stalwart Jack Dromey, Erdington, said the voice of Birmingham "is not being heard on crucial decisions.
"In common with the great cities of the north on what happens next, decisions that should be taken in Town Hall are being made in Whitehall."
Mayor Andy Street was this morning keeping his counsel but we know he has been involved in daily exchanges with Health Secretary Matt Hancock, pressing the case for few, if any, new restrictions for the region and for it not to be deemed in need of more interventions.
A case is also being made locally for the second tier - or high risk grading - to be sub divided into Tier 2a and Tier 2b. The higher of these would include more restrictions on pubs and restaurants; the lower would have a limited impact on the sector.
Cllr Ward told a meeting on Friday: "We are urging the Government to introduce an approach that better reflects the data and takes less of a sledgehammer approach to the hospitality sector - by effectively introducing Tiers 2a and 2b."
(Image: Darren Quinton/Birmingham Live)
The city's specialist wedding venues and banqueting halls, and their suppliers and associated businesses, have been drastically affected by Covid secure rules and bans on large gatherings.
The impact has been felt especially in areas where the summer tradition of large Asian weddings and celebrations is the lifeblood of the community.
Shopkeepers in Alum Rock and Bordesley Green, for example, have told us how trade has been decimated by the restrictions.
But the rules, designed to restrict transmission, have also been flouted with impunity by some venues.
Police and councils have issued enforcement notices against some venues where large gatherings have been alerted, while others have been warned about their actions.
The local consensus is that, with some exceptions, existing measures are working on keeping on top of the virus, and that the focus now must be on a rapidly improved test, trace and isolate regime led by local public health teams.
In Birmingham, testing uptake has been increasing, but so too has the positivity rate (the proportion of people tested found to be positive). It is currently at a worryingly high 9.1%.
Among the city's scientists and testing experts, the vital role of Test and Trace and the need for a massive upturn in testing is deemed crucial.
Prof KK Cheng, Director of the Institute of Applied Health Research, University of Birmingham, has been sharing his insights on Twitter, warning: "In hotspots, if hospitality doesn't shut soon many other businesses would have to before too long as the epidemic grows. Government should support pubs and restaurants as they 'take one for the country'."
He has also pressed the case that a reformed Test, Trace and Isolate scheme is vital.
He said today: "We've a fighting chance of keeping most things open and having no lockdown this winter with:
● Improved Find, Test, Trace, Isolate, Support
●Sensible social distancing
●High usage of masks
●Border controls
●Good communication and public trust
Meanwhile, the University of Birmingham has now opened a testing analysis lab as part of measures to increase capacity - the first of a series of new labs to support the commercial test and trace operations.
Birmingham, Sandwell, Solihull and Wolverhampton are currently subject to local restrictions banning visitors in homes and gardens. Infection rates have remained consistently high since, but the figures have been skewed by an insurgence of students.
Some 476 positive cases were reported in a week among Birmingham's student population, as we reported here.
Walsall, not currently subject to those restrictions but experiencing high infection rates, is widely expected to join them today.
Current infection rates are: Birmingham, 167 cases per 100,000 people; Solihull, 141; Walsall, 137; Coventry, 129; Sandwell, 123; Wolverhampton, 100; Dudley, 79.


birminghammail--2020-10-12--Parent slams school for selling face masks to pupils

A Dudley school is at the centre of a Covid controversy after charging pupils for PPE masks .
One student at St James Academy racked up a debt of 60p for three face masks over a period of two days , his father said .
The dad has slammed the school and told BlackCountryLive he will not be footing the bill .
`` I 'm not paying them the money .
If they want the kids to wear a mask , then they should be providing them '' , he said .
The teen 's father - who asked not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ being charged for a mask if they forget to bring their own in .
The 39-year-old says his son does have a football team branded face mask but says he does n't like to take it to school in fear of being bullied .
However , the wearing of masks in schools is not compulsory , government guidelines state .
The father-of-four took to social media , to slate the school 's actions .
His post said : `` St James Academy are taking the p*** .
It 's bad enough asking or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but when they don ’ t have one the school are making them pay 20p each for one .
`` If you want them to wear one , then provide them is the answer .
`` F****** jokers .
The thing is it is n't compulsory to wear one anyway .
This country is a joke . ''
BlackCountryLive has contacted Dudley Academies Trust for a comment regarding the issue .

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A Dudley school is at the centre of a Covid controversy after charging pupils for PPE masks.
One student at St James Academy racked up a debt of 60p for three face masks over a period of two days, his father said.
The dad has slammed the school and told BlackCountryLive he will not be footing the bill.
"I'm not paying them the money. If they want the kids to wear a mask, then they should be providing them", he said.
The teen's father - who asked not to be named - claims children are being charged for a mask if they forget to bring their own in.
The 39-year-old says his son does have a football team branded face mask but says he doesn't like to take it to school in fear of being bullied.
However, the wearing of masks in schools is not compulsory, government guidelines state.
The father-of-four took to social media, to slate the school's actions. His post said: " St James Academy are taking the p***. It's bad enough asking or telling your kids to wear a mask, but when they don’t have one the school are making them pay 20p each for one.
"If you want them to wear one, then provide them is the answer.
"F****** jokers. The thing is it isn't compulsory to wear one anyway. This country is a joke."
BlackCountryLive has contacted Dudley Academies Trust for a comment regarding the issue.


birminghammail--2020-10-12--Latest Covid rates for Worcestershire ahead of new lockdown rules

Coronavirus infection rates have continued to rise in five areas of Worcestershire , concerning new figures show .
In the seven days to October 8 , the number of cases rose in the Worcester , Bromsgrove , Wyre Forest , Malvern Hills , and Redditch districts compared to the previous week .
The highest in the list was Bromsgrove , with 121 cases in the week before October 8 , a rate of 121.1 cases per 100,000 people in the area .
That compared to just 83 cases and an infection rate of 83.1 in the seven days before October @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bromsgrove residents were previously warned to take social distancing measures seriously after the area recorded the highest Covid infection rate in Worcestershire .
The rolling seven-day rate of new cases of Covid-19 for every local authority area also shows that cases have jumped in other areas of the county .
The figures , based on tests carried out in laboratories and in the wider community , showed Worcester was up from 63 to 83 cases while Wyre Forest rose from 55 to 87 .
Redditch meanwhile recorded a rise from 44 to 58 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rate has gone from 146 cases per 100,000 people to 167 in Birmingham .
Solihull has also risen , from 108 to 141 .
Walsall is up to 137 , and Coventry 129 , with Stafford and Sandwell also in the 120s .
The list has been calculated by the PA news agency and is based on Public Health England data published on Sunday October 11 on the Government 's coronavirus dashboard .
Here is the list in full .
From left to right , it reads : name of local authority ; @ @ @ @ @ @ @ days to October 8 ; number ( in brackets ) of new cases recorded in the seven days to October 8 ; rate of new cases in the seven days to October 1 ; number ( in brackets ) of new cases recorded in the seven days to October 1 .
Birmingham and the rest of the West Midlands :

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Coronavirus infection rates have continued to rise in five areas of Worcestershire, concerning new figures show.
In the seven days to October 8, the number of cases rose in the Worcester, Bromsgrove, Wyre Forest, Malvern Hills, and Redditch districts compared to the previous week.
The highest in the list was Bromsgrove, with 121 cases in the week before October 8, a rate of 121.1 cases per 100,000 people in the area.
That compared to just 83 cases and an infection rate of 83.1 in the seven days before October 1, just a week earlier.
Bromsgrove residents were previously warned to take social distancing measures seriously after the area recorded the highest Covid infection rate in Worcestershire.
The rolling seven-day rate of new cases of Covid-19 for every local authority area also shows that cases have jumped in other areas of the county.
The figures, based on tests carried out in laboratories and in the wider community, showed Worcester was up from 63 to 83 cases while Wyre Forest rose from 55 to 87. Redditch meanwhile recorded a rise from 44 to 58.
Elsewhere in the midlands, the rate has gone from 146 cases per 100,000 people to 167 in Birmingham. Solihull has also risen, from 108 to 141.
Walsall is up to 137, and Coventry 129, with Stafford and Sandwell also in the 120s.
The list has been calculated by the PA news agency and is based on Public Health England data published on Sunday October 11 on the Government's coronavirus dashboard.
Here is the list in full. From left to right, it reads: name of local authority; rate of new cases in the seven days to October 8; number (in brackets) of new cases recorded in the seven days to October 8; rate of new cases in the seven days to October 1; number (in brackets) of new cases recorded in the seven days to October 1.
Top 50
Nottingham 830.0 (2763), 314.5 (1047)
Knowsley 669.5 (1010), 485.9 (733)
Liverpool 598.5 (2981), 504.4 (2512)
Newcastle upon Tyne 509.5 (1543), 420.1 (1272)
Burnley 503.8 (448), 445.3 (396)
Manchester 477.7 (2641), 530.5 (2933)
Sheffield 439.3 (2569), 263.0 (1538)
Sefton 418.6 (1157), 314.7 (870)
West Lancashire 398.1 (455), 217.8 (249)
St Helens 387.6 (700), 323.4 (584)
Halton 381.7 (494), 309.1 (400)
Leeds 380.9 (3021), 299.8 (2378)
Exeter 380.5 (500), 229.8 (302)
Rochdale 380.4 (846), 271.1 (603)
Pendle 371.3 (342), 297.5 (274)
Oldham 361.4 (857), 249.3 (591)
Salford 357.0 (924), 280.1 (725)
Blackburn with Darwen 355.4 (532), 208.4 (312)
Wigan 346.3 (1138), 211.2 (694)
Hyndburn 333.2 (270), 269.0 (218)
Preston 332.6 (476), 296.9 (425)
Bury 330.4 (631), 270.2 (516)
Trafford 318.5 (756), 217.0 (515)
Warrington 318.1 (668), 209.0 (439)
Tameside 295.8 (670), 205.3 (465)
Stockton-on-Tees 293.9 (580), 171.3 (338)
Bradford 289.9 (1565), 250.5 (1352)
Bolton 288.6 (830), 247.6 (712)
Rossendale 286.8 (205), 222.4 (159)
Wirral 286.1 (927), 223.1 (723)
Middlesbrough 285.9 (403), 192.2 (271)
Sunderland 284.5 (790), 254.9 (708)
Ribble Valley 277.6 (169), 192.2 (117)
County Durham 275.0 (1458), 150.0 (795)
North Tyneside 274.6 (571), 191.9 (399)
Barrow-in-Furness 274.4 (184), 171.5 (115)
Rushcliffe 267.7 (319), 119.1 (142)
Broxtowe 265.7 (303), 115.8 (132)
Lancaster 259.5 (379), 138.3 (202)
Stockport 257.0 (754), 184.4 (541)
South Tyneside 251.0 (379), 252.4 (381)
Gateshead 246.0 (497), 197.0 (398)
Hartlepool 243.4 (228), 216.7 (203)
Rotherham 240.4 (638), 149.2 (396)
South Ribble 239.2 (265), 167.9 (186)
York 236.0 (497), 132.9 (280)
Calderdale 226.1 (478), 125.8 (266)
Barnsley 221.6 (547), 119.5 (295)
Chorley 217.4 (257), 119.3 (141)
Gedling 216.3 (255), 96.7 (114)
Birmingham and the rest of the West Midlands:
Birmingham 167.9 (1917), 146.9 (1677)
Solihull 141.9 (307), 108.1 (234)
Walsall 137.3 (392), 104.4 (298)
Coventry 129.7 (482), 89.6 (333)
Stafford 126.0 (173), 82.3 (113)
Sandwell 123.0 (404), 112.3 (369)
Bromsgrove 121.1 (121), 83.1 (83)
South Staffordshire 115.6 (130), 83.6 (94)
Wolverhampton 100.6 (265), 74.4 (196)
Rugby 99.1 (108), 67.0 (73)
Stratford-on-Avon 98.4 (128), 50.0 (65)
Tamworth 93.9 (72), 31.3 (24)
Warwick 90.4 (130), 45.2 (65)
Cannock Chase 89.3 (90), 44.7 (45)
Lichfield 85.9 (90), 64.0 (67)
Wyre Forest 85.9 (87), 54.3 (55)
Staffordshire Moorlands 82.3 (81), 52.8 (52)
Worcester 82.0 (83), 62.2 (63)
East Staffordshire 81.0 (97), 48.4 (58)
Dudley 79.6 (256), 72.5 (233)
Stoke-on-Trent 79.2 (203), 62.8 (161)
North Warwickshire 78.1 (51), 49.0 (32)
Shropshire 68.7 (222), 54.5 (176)
Redditch 68.0 (58), 51.6 (44)
Malvern Hills 67.3 (53), 48.3 (38)
Nuneaton and Bedworth 67.0 (87), 61.6 (80)
Telford and Wrekin 58.4 (105), 60.0 (108)
Wychavon 53.3 (69), 56.4 (73)


birminghammail--2020-10-12--Tesco shoppers warned they have been overcharged for items

Tesco Clubcard holders have been forced to pay more for discounted items due to a sale glitch .
Shoppers on social media have voiced their disgruntlement at not having discounts applied while ordering online .
Discounts and savings are n't being made on some orders online , mainly Click and Collect deliveries , they say .
One on Twitter wrote : `` Hi @ Tesco I ’ ve just had my shop delivered but I ’ m trying to work out how to get the Clubcard prices ?
`` These haven ’ t been knocked off my bill and my @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you help ? ''
`` I did n't get Clubcard prices on my online shop I collected today ... charged full price ! ''
a second said .
`` Clarification on how the clubcard prices for delivery work ?
I am a clubcard member , ordered a few items with the promotion but they arrived with full price charged , '' added a third .
Tesco said it has now contacted all affected customers and has offered them a £10 off e-voucher as a gesture of goodwill .
Tesco said : “ We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to a technical error , the Clubcard Prices discount on your purchases and your Clubcard points were not added to your account .
“ We will email you a £10 e-coupon for Tesco online grocery to cover the missing Clubcard Prices saving and make sure that the Clubcard points you are owed are also added to your account.
” A spokesperson said : “ Unfortunately , due to a technical error a very small proportion of people didn ’ t have their discount applied , ” said a spokesperson for Tesco .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and we have contacted those affected and issued them with an e-coupon to cover this .
”

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Tesco Clubcard holders have been forced to pay more for discounted items due to a sale glitch.
Shoppers on social media have voiced their disgruntlement at not having discounts applied while ordering online.
Discounts and savings aren't being made on some orders online, mainly Click and Collect deliveries, they say.
One on Twitter wrote: "Hi @Tesco I’ve just had my shop delivered but I’m trying to work out how to get the Clubcard prices?
"These haven’t been knocked off my bill and my Clubcard is registered with it. Can you help?"
"I didn't get Clubcard prices on my online shop I collected today... charged full price!" a second said.
"Clarification on how the clubcard prices for delivery work? I am a clubcard member, ordered a few items with the promotion but they arrived with full price charged," added a third.
Tesco said it has now contacted all affected customers and has offered them a £10 off e-voucher as a gesture of goodwill.
Tesco said: “We’re really sorry but, due to a technical error, the Clubcard Prices discount on your purchases and your Clubcard points were not added to your account.
“We will email you a £10 e-coupon for Tesco online grocery to cover the missing Clubcard Prices saving and make sure that the Clubcard points you are owed are also added to your account.”
A spokesperson said: “Unfortunately, due to a technical error a very small proportion of people didn’t have their discount applied,” said a spokesperson for Tesco.
“We’re really sorry this happened, and we have contacted those affected and issued them with an e-coupon to cover this.”


birminghammail--2020-10-12--Dr Hilary blasts 'insulting' new coronavirus symptom suggested by MP

Dr Hilary Jones has slammed an `` insulting '' new coronavirus symptom which a disgraced MP argues she suffered during a bout of Covid-19 .
Lorraine Kelly today spoke out about disgraced MP Margaret Ferrier who has refused to quit for repeatedly breaching coronavirus rules by travelling after developing symptoms .
`` It is this new Covid symptom , '' Lorraine Kelly said .
Lorraine added : `` She says Covid made her act out of character .
So Dr Hilary Jones , is this a new symptom that we did not know about ?
`` The virus made me @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` Absolutely not , '' Dr Hilary said .
`` You ca n't get away with that one .
Do not take us for a fool .
`` She knew what she was doing and she knew what she was doing several times when she knew what she was doing .
`` Covid does not change people 's behaviour .
No . ''
The former SNP MP has said she will not resign despite backlash over her journeys between Glasgow and Westminster with Covid-19 symptoms and then having tested positive for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sun that having the infection caused her to `` act out of character '' and she `` panicked '' before taking the 350-mile trip by train back to Scotland .
The MP for Rutherglen and Hamilton West , who was suspended by the SNP and had the party whip withdrawn over the saga , said she had no intention of standing down .
Speaking on Sky News ' Sophie Ridge On Sunday show , Ms Sturgeon said the breach was `` unacceptable '' and Ms Ferrier should resign as an MP .

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Dr Hilary Jones has slammed an "insulting" new coronavirus symptom which a disgraced MP argues she suffered during a bout of Covid-19.
Lorraine Kelly today spoke out about disgraced MP Margaret Ferrier who has refused to quit for repeatedly breaching coronavirus rules by travelling after developing symptoms.
"It is this new Covid symptom," Lorraine Kelly said.
"Yes," replied Dr Hilary.
Lorraine added: "She says Covid made her act out of character. So Dr Hilary Jones, is this a new symptom that we did not know about?
"The virus made me do it?" asked Dr Hilary.
"Yes" laughed Lorraine.
"Absolutely not," Dr Hilary said. "You can't get away with that one. Do not take us for a fool.
"She knew what she was doing and she knew what she was doing several times when she knew what she was doing.
"Covid does not change people's behaviour. No."
The former SNP MP has said she will not resign despite backlash over her journeys between Glasgow and Westminster with Covid-19 symptoms and then having tested positive for the virus.
Ms Ferrier told the Scottish Sun that having the infection caused her to "act out of character" and she "panicked" before taking the 350-mile trip by train back to Scotland.
The MP for Rutherglen and Hamilton West, who was suspended by the SNP and had the party whip withdrawn over the saga, said she had no intention of standing down.
Speaking on Sky News' Sophie Ridge On Sunday show, Ms Sturgeon said the breach was "unacceptable" and Ms Ferrier should resign as an MP.


birminghammail--2020-10-12--The Osbournes get new TV show investigating the supernatural

Sharon , Jack and Ozzy Osbourne are discussing whether Bigfoot is reality or fiction in a new TV show .
The famous family are at the centre of a new Really TV series titled The Osbournes Want To Believe , which sees Jack trying to talk his famous parents around into considering that supernatural activity and more may hold some truth .
The family is no stranger to appearing on TV together , having been one of the pioneers of reality TV with their MTV series The Osbournes back in 2002 , which also featured daughter Kelly .
Black Sabbath @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Darkness throughout his stellar music career , is resolute when asked by Jack about if he believes in Bigfoot .
`` No , '' he says emphatically , during the first episode of the programme filmed during lockdown , which sees Jack show his parents video footage of poltergeists , haunted dolls , UFOs and more , followed by a discussion and sometimes debate , about the veracity of various phenomenon .
Jack think father Ozzy , who spoke frankly about being diagnosed with Parkinson 's disease earlier this year , is the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ says : `` Oh absolutely , he 's superstitious , but he 's a sceptic and a cynic when it comes to this kind of stuff '' .
Sharon , 68 , and Brummie Ozzy , 71 , first met in 1970 , and married in 1982 .
They went on to have three children - Kelly , Jack and Aimee , who has largely chosen to stay out of the limelight .
When Sharon reflects on filming the series , she says it was a `` gift '' .
`` Because we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ know , wanting to see each other , no work , no nothing , so it was like a gift ... it was so much fun , '' she explains .
So has son Jack , 34 , managed to change her mind on anything ?
She says perhaps : `` Probably about UFOs , because I 've always been like 'Nah , what are you on about , ( it 's a ) load of old rubbish , you know it 's cartoon books , read too many cartoon books ' but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ something to it , well more than something to it , now '' .
`` I think it was in 1996 , and we went up to Inverness and we went on like a little random long weekend holiday and went on a little Loch Ness Monster excursion , '' said Jack .
Sharon adds : `` Jack and Ozzy would go out to the loch at night and they had their torches , going ankle deep into the loch , looking for the monster '' .
`` But no luck , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Nessie '' .
The Osbournes Want To Believe airs on Really from October 19 .

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Sharon, Jack and Ozzy Osbourne are discussing whether Bigfoot is reality or fiction in a new TV show.
The famous family are at the centre of a new Really TV series titled The Osbournes Want To Believe, which sees Jack trying to talk his famous parents around into considering that supernatural activity and more may hold some truth.
The family is no stranger to appearing on TV together, having been one of the pioneers of reality TV with their MTV series The Osbournes back in 2002, which also featured daughter Kelly.
Black Sabbath frontman Ozzy, dubbed the Prince of Darkness throughout his stellar music career, is resolute when asked by Jack about if he believes in Bigfoot.
"No," he says emphatically, during the first episode of the programme filmed during lockdown, which sees Jack show his parents video footage of poltergeists, haunted dolls, UFOs and more, followed by a discussion and sometimes debate, about the veracity of various phenomenon.
Jack think father Ozzy, who spoke frankly about being diagnosed with Parkinson's disease earlier this year, is the most sceptical of them all.
He says: "Oh absolutely, he's superstitious, but he's a sceptic and a cynic when it comes to this kind of stuff".
Sharon, 68, and Brummie Ozzy, 71, first met in 1970, and married in 1982. They went on to have three children - Kelly, Jack and Aimee, who has largely chosen to stay out of the limelight.
When Sharon reflects on filming the series, she says it was a "gift".
"Because we were all so bored and had you know, wanting to see each other, no work, no nothing, so it was like a gift... it was so much fun," she explains.
So has son Jack, 34, managed to change her mind on anything?
She says perhaps: "Probably about UFOs, because I've always been like 'Nah, what are you on about, (it's a) load of old rubbish, you know it's cartoon books, read too many cartoon books' but I definitely do think that there is something to it, well more than something to it, now".
"I think it was in 1996, and we went up to Inverness and we went on like a little random long weekend holiday and went on a little Loch Ness Monster excursion," said Jack.
Sharon adds: "Jack and Ozzy would go out to the loch at night and they had their torches, going ankle deep into the loch, looking for the monster".
"But no luck," quips Jack, "we never found Nessie".
The Osbournes Want To Believe airs on Really from October 19.


birminghammail--2020-10-12--England heading for 'nationwide lockdown' as Boris Johnson delivers speech

An expert has warned the country is braced for a `` nationwide lockdown '' as Boris Johnson announces a new three-tier system .
Former regional public health director John Ashton appeared on Monday 's Good Morning Britain to discuss his worries about the pandemic .
Professor John Ashton told Kate Garraway , Susanna Reid and Piers Morgan today : `` It is looking really grim now .
`` We are definitely where we were back at the end of March . ''
He said : `` As so often in this crisis the government has done too little too late @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We are heading to the country having a whole lockdown . ''
`` Whereas at the beginning , if we had the testing capacity we would not have needed to lock the whole country down , '' he warned .
He added : `` We might have been able to have 3 point approach to not locking down , with the tier systems . ''
`` Now we are heading to a situation where the whole country will be locked down again , '' he added .
Prof Ashton continued : `` But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ support the economy .
`` The economy and public health are entirely inter-dependent .
It is not either or . ''
Night-time economy adviser for Greater Manchester Sacha Lord told ITV 's Good Morning Britain : `` When the UK went down into national lockdown it was 80 % furlough .
But now , if you live in the north and work in hospitality , you will see 67 % .
`` It does n't make sense , it 's not fair , and for us , and for many , many other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we 're thrown under the bus . ''

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An expert has warned the country is braced for a "nationwide lockdown" as Boris Johnson announces a new three-tier system.
Former regional public health director John Ashton appeared on Monday's Good Morning Britain to discuss his worries about the pandemic.
Professor John Ashton told Kate Garraway, Susanna Reid and Piers Morgan today: "It is looking really grim now.
"We are definitely where we were back at the end of March."
He said: "As so often in this crisis the government has done too little too late then too much too late.
"We are heading to the country having a whole lockdown."
"Whereas at the beginning, if we had the testing capacity we would not have needed to lock the whole country down," he warned.
He added: "We might have been able to have 3 point approach to not locking down, with the tier systems."
"Now we are heading to a situation where the whole country will be locked down again," he added.
Prof Ashton continued: "But we need proper arrangements in place to support the economy.
"The economy and public health are entirely inter-dependent. It is not either or."
Night-time economy adviser for Greater Manchester Sacha Lord told ITV's Good Morning Britain: "When the UK went down into national lockdown it was 80% furlough. But now, if you live in the north and work in hospitality, you will see 67%.
"It doesn't make sense, it's not fair, and for us, and for many, many other operators, it feels reckless and like we're thrown under the bus."