birminghammail--2020-04-27--Riz Ahmed's heartbreak after losing two family members to coronavirus

Riz Ahmed has said he has lost two family members to coronavirus .
The Venom actor and rapper told GQ Hype : `` I 'm seeing reports of India , where the government are calling it 'corona-jihad ' and they 're trying to blame it on the spread of Muslims and they are segregating hospitals between Muslims and non-Muslims .
`` Trump is using it as an excuse to try to ban immigration and the Hungarian government is centralising power off the back of this .
`` I 'm looking at the fact it 's hitting African-Americans twice as hard @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that 50 % of NHS frontline workers - is it 50 % ?
- are ethnic minorities . ''
He added : `` I have lost two family members to Covid .
I just want to believe their deaths and all the others are n't for nothing .
`` We got ta step up to re-imagine a better future . ''
He continued : `` Coronavirus is on some level an alien invasion , is n't it ?
It 's bringing humanity together against the common enemy .
`` So there is this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , of us all going through this crazy challenge together and only being able to get through this together .
`` And yet , in the midst of that , insofar as any crisis is a mirror , reflecting your priorities and patterns , this crisis is reflecting and revealing the faultlines in our society , the broken records that are stuck in our head , the f***eries and the power plays that are still dominating how we are running our planet , the rising intolerance . ''
Referring to the viral video @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he compared it to his latest album , in which he symbolically broke up with Britain .
He said : `` It 's almost like there is an alternate ending to The Long Goodbye !
I 've walked off , but Britney 's ( a stand-in for Britain ) called me back again .
Britannia 's saying : ' I need you !
Come back ! '
She 's saying : 'We need you frontline staff .
We need you Uber drivers .
We need you shelf stackers . '
`` Who are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of crisis in this country , have kept this country together ?
`` It 's the people at the bottom of the barrel ; the people being hit hardest by this pandemic .
`` We say we love the NHS more than the royal family , more than the Army , but do we love the people who keep the NHS alive ?
`` Because every time we tell people to f*** off back to where they came from , that 's not what we 're saying .
`` So I really hope @ @ @ @ @ @ @ opens our minds to that reality , to the stupidity of our prejudice .

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Riz Ahmed has said he has lost two family members to coronavirus.
The Venom actor and rapper told GQ Hype: "I'm seeing reports of India, where the government are calling it 'corona-jihad' and they're trying to blame it on the spread of Muslims and they are segregating hospitals between Muslims and non-Muslims.
"Trump is using it as an excuse to try to ban immigration and the Hungarian government is centralising power off the back of this.
"I'm looking at the fact it's hitting African-Americans twice as hard; I'm looking at the fact that 50% of NHS frontline workers - is it 50%? - are ethnic minorities."
(Image: Getty Images)
He added: "I have lost two family members to Covid. I just want to believe their deaths and all the others aren't for nothing.
"We gotta step up to re-imagine a better future."
He continued: "Coronavirus is on some level an alien invasion, isn't it? It's bringing humanity together against the common enemy.
"So there is this potential for this momentous, unique-in-the-history-of-our-species moment, of us all going through this crazy challenge together and only being able to get through this together.
"And yet, in the midst of that, insofar as any crisis is a mirror, reflecting your priorities and patterns, this crisis is reflecting and revealing the faultlines in our society, the broken records that are stuck in our head, the f***eries and the power plays that are still dominating how we are running our planet, the rising intolerance."
(Image: (Credit too long, see caption))
Referring to the viral video of poem Clap For Me Now, he compared it to his latest album, in which he symbolically broke up with Britain.
He said: "It's almost like there is an alternate ending to The Long Goodbye! I've walked off, but Britney's (a stand-in for Britain) called me back again. Britannia's saying: 'I need you! Come back!' She's saying: 'We need you frontline staff. We need you Uber drivers. We need you shelf stackers.'
"Who are the people who, for every moment of crisis in this country, have kept this country together?
"It's the people at the bottom of the barrel; the people being hit hardest by this pandemic.
"We say we love the NHS more than the royal family, more than the Army, but do we love the people who keep the NHS alive?
"Because every time we tell people to f*** off back to where they came from, that's not what we're saying.
"So I really hope that this revelation, this awakening, opens our minds to that reality, to the stupidity of our prejudice.


birminghammail--2020-04-27--Why mayors such as Andy Street should lead effort to rebuild economy

Regional mayors should lead efforts to rebuild the economy once the coronavirus lockdown starts to end , senior Tory Lord Heseltine says .
Lord Heseltine , a former Deputy Prime Minister , urged Prime Minister Boris Johnson to let local leaders such as West Midlands Mayor Andy Street take the lead , saying : `` We need to address situations as local people know them to be not as Whitehall imagines them to be . ''
And his comments were welcomed by Mr Street , who said : `` Here in the West Midlands we have already begun drawing up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by both political and business leaders .
`` What is crucial however is that the Government supports our plan and puts cash on the table . ''
Lord Heseltine , who led government efforts to regenerate Merseyside in the 1980s and the Coalition Government 's devolution plans after the banking crisis , said the country now faced challenges `` far in excess of anything I remember '' .
Writing in the London Evening Standard , he said : `` `` People are forced to live on reduced incomes , to live on savings @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to restore , as far as possible , their personal finances .
Companies are turning to the government for help , but they are also haemorrhaging cash . ''
He urged the Government to `` look to local leadership as the most effective in tackling local problems '' , saying : `` The government should now invite the Mayors to draw up proposals that would most quickly and most effectively rekindle their economies . ''
Mr Street said : “ Lord Heseltine is absolutely right , the UK ’ s regions all have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ must be allowed to plot their own recoveries .
`` A centralised approach to the public health emergency has been understandable given every region has faced the same challenges , but taking the same approach for the economic emergency will not work . ''
He highlighted proposals to build a huge factory in the West Midlands producing batteries for electric cars .
`` We know , for example , that we are going to need the UK ’ s first Gigafactory and continued investment in the electric/autonomous vehicles opportunities offered by the region @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their own plans , it is also critical , as Lord Heseltine highlights , that the regions play a key role in any central Government decision making .
I have already begun lobbying to have my seat at the table . ''
A report by accountants KPMG last week warned that the West Midlands would be hit harder than any other region as a result of the lockdown .
The closure of car plants and hundreds of factories connected to the automotive sector meant the region ’ s economy would shrink by 10.1 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
A national survery published last week also warned that the economy had ground to a halt during the lockdown , with both manufacturers and service industries reporting a collapse in business this month .
A key index measuring business activity , called the Purchasing Managers ' Index or PMI , confirmed that the UK is heading for a major recession worse than the one that followed the 2008 banking crisis .

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Regional mayors should lead efforts to rebuild the economy once the coronavirus lockdown starts to end, senior Tory Lord Heseltine says.
Lord Heseltine, a former Deputy Prime Minister, urged Prime Minister Boris Johnson to let local leaders such as West Midlands Mayor Andy Street take the lead, saying: " We need to address situations as local people know them to be not as Whitehall imagines them to be."
And his comments were welcomed by Mr Street, who said: "Here in the West Midlands we have already begun drawing up our recovery plan which will be led by both political and business leaders.
"What is crucial however is that the Government supports our plan and puts cash on the table."
(Image: Birmingham Mail)
Lord Heseltine, who led government efforts to regenerate Merseyside in the 1980s and the Coalition Government's devolution plans after the banking crisis, said the country now faced challenges "far in excess of anything I remember".
Writing in the London Evening Standard, he said: " "People are forced to live on reduced incomes, to live on savings, to borrow and they will want to restore, as far as possible, their personal finances. Companies are turning to the government for help, but they are also haemorrhaging cash."
He urged the Government to "look to local leadership as the most effective in tackling local problems", saying: "The government should now invite the Mayors to draw up proposals that would most quickly and most effectively rekindle their economies."
Mr Street said: “Lord Heseltine is absolutely right, the UK’s regions all have different economic strengths and weakness and they must be allowed to plot their own recoveries.
"A centralised approach to the public health emergency has been understandable given every region has faced the same challenges, but taking the same approach for the economic emergency will not work."
He highlighted proposals to build a huge factory in the West Midlands producing batteries for electric cars. "We know, for example, that we are going to need the UK’s first Gigafactory and continued investment in the electric/autonomous vehicles opportunities offered by the region.
"As well as drawing up their own plans, it is also critical, as Lord Heseltine highlights, that the regions play a key role in any central Government decision making. I have already begun lobbying to have my seat at the table."
A report by accountants KPMG last week warned that the West Midlands would be hit harder than any other region as a result of the lockdown.
The closure of car plants and hundreds of factories connected to the automotive sector meant the region’s economy would shrink by 10.1 per cent this year, KPMG said.
A national survery published last week also warned that the economy had ground to a halt during the lockdown, with both manufacturers and service industries reporting a collapse in business this month.
A key index measuring business activity, called the Purchasing Managers' Index or PMI, confirmed that the UK is heading for a major recession worse than the one that followed the 2008 banking crisis.


birminghammail--2020-04-27--Albion favourite AJ is losing his locks in the name of the NHS

The former midfielder flaunted his flowing locks as he buzzed around the Hawthorns turf between 2001 and 2006 , having joined from Nottingham Forest .
The volume of hair he still has is something he ’ s rightly proud of - so as you can quite imagine it ’ ll hurt when he parts with those locks .
He plans to sooner than you might expect - but it ’ ll be for a terrific cause .
Johnson , who is back working at Albion on match-days as the club 's co-commentator , will shave his head once he hits @ @ @ @ @ @ @ raised to aid Dudley Group NHS Charity .
“ When I say shave , probably a number one or a number two - for those of you who do know me , you ’ ll know how much this is really going to hurt me , ” Johnson said , via a video .
“ But we ’ re doing it for a great cause - we ’ re doing it for the NHS , who are out there putting their lives and their families ’ lives at risk at the moment , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , horrible disease , that ’ s out there .
“ We ’ re going to try and reach £10,000 , and I want to reach £10,000 or I ’ m not doing it !
With your help , I will do it and it ’ s for a great cause .
“ Please guys - I ’ m not asking for £10 , £5 ... a bit of spare change , £1 , anything like that .
There ’ s enough supporters in football , and this has really brought our nation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all stand together on this and show our togetherness by donating and getting me to have a shaved head - which is going to kill me , but is for a great cause .
“ Please give whatever you can and thank you very much.
” You can donate to Johnson ’ s cause via his Just Giving page , which can be found here .
At the time of writing , the page had raised just shy of £1,400 from more than 100 different donors .

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Andy Johnson’s barnet is renowned among West Bromwich Albion supporters.
The former midfielder flaunted his flowing locks as he buzzed around the Hawthorns turf between 2001 and 2006, having joined from Nottingham Forest.
The volume of hair he still has is something he’s rightly proud of - so as you can quite imagine it’ll hurt when he parts with those locks.
He plans to sooner than you might expect - but it’ll be for a terrific cause.
Johnson, who is back working at Albion on match-days as the club's co-commentator, will shave his head once he hits £10k, and it will be funds raised to aid Dudley Group NHS Charity.
“When I say shave, probably a number one or a number two - for those of you who do know me, you’ll know how much this is really going to hurt me,” Johnson said, via a video.
“But we’re doing it for a great cause - we’re doing it for the NHS, who are out there putting their lives and their families’ lives at risk at the moment, to help us get over this horrible, horrible disease, that’s out there.
“We’re going to try and reach £10,000, and I want to reach £10,000 or I’m not doing it! With your help, I will do it and it’s for a great cause.
How Albion have made a difference in lockdown Albion have been leading the way in the face of the coronavirus pandemic, by supporting their fanbase and local community. Here are the variety of efforts they've made during this difficult period without football. CEO Mark Jenkins revealed he took a 100% pay cut - and other board members agreed to salary reductions - READ
Albion organised food parcels for local NHS staff who hadn't time to shop - READ
The Baggies, through the Albion Foundation, checked in with every season ticket holder over the age of 70 - READ
Jake Livermore made a lovely gesture to Albion fan who recently lost his father to Covid-19 - READ
Happy birthday! Baggies past and present wished supporters many happy returns - READ
“Please guys - I’m not asking for £10, £5...a bit of spare change, £1, anything like that. There’s enough supporters in football, and this has really brought our nation closer together.
“Let’s all stand together on this and show our togetherness by donating and getting me to have a shaved head - which is going to kill me, but is for a great cause.
“Please give whatever you can and thank you very much.”
You can donate to Johnson’s cause via his Just Giving page, which can be found here. At the time of writing, the page had raised just shy of £1,400 from more than 100 different donors.


birminghammail--2020-04-27--Mum stabbed in heart in plea over horrifying murder footage

A tearful mum who survived being stabbed in the heart has pleaded with the public not to share harrowing footage of a murder victim 's last moments .
Janika Cartwright was knifed eight times by her ex-boyfriend in front of her nine-month old baby .
Now she has urged phone users not to post footage of an attack which led to the death of a 20-year-old man in Smethwick on Sunday .
Two teenagers were also knifed in an unrelated incident in Marston Green Park on the same day .
The clips , circulated despite warnings from West Midlands Police @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was stabbed at West Cross Shopping Centre .
Distraught Janika took to Facebook to plea for 'respect , empathy and compassion ' after hearing of videos which 'normalise trauma ' amid a knife crime crisis .
She fumed : `` I do n't understand why anyone would not only video , circulate it and then share it and watch it , it makes me so angry .
That 's somebody 's child that you 're watching a video of being killed .
`` Even you clicking on it to watch it , it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to watch , you 're causing trauma to every single person that 's watching it , then you 're normalising trauma because people see these things so much , it 's just not ok. '' Somebody 's child has died today , please have some compassion , have some sympathy , have some empathy , have some respect . ''
Recalling on her own ordeal , which saw her stabbed outside a gym in Stirchley in 2013 , she added : `` I dread to think of somebody videoing me being stabbed - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to see that . ''
She echoed pleas also shared by MP Jess Phillips and West Midlands Police in the wake of Sunday 's violence .
The violent attacks began at 2.40pm when a boy , aged 16 , and a 19-year-old were stabbed at Marston Green Park , Chelmsley Wood .
A 14-year-old was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder where he remained in custody for questioning .
Less than two hours later , a man was stabbed in the heart outside West Cross Shopping Centre in Mallin Street , Smethwick .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the scene at around 4.30pm .
Detectives from West Midlands Police 's Homicide Unit were at the scene on Sunday night .
No arrests had been made and officers urged the public not to share graphic and distressing footage from the murder on social media .
A spokesman for West Midlands Ambulance Service said : “ We were called at 4:37pm on Sunday to reports of a stabbing at West Cross Shopping Centre .
`` We sent the Midlands Air Ambulance from Cosford , two land ambulances , two paramedic officers , our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and BASICS doctor , with the first resource on scene in less than six minutes .
`` On arrival , crews found one patient , a man in a critical condition .
Staff worked quickly to administer advanced trauma care on scene but sadly , despite best efforts nothing could be done to save the man and he was confirmed dead at the scene . ''

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A tearful mum who survived being stabbed in the heart has pleaded with the public not to share harrowing footage of a murder victim's last moments.
Janika Cartwright was knifed eight times by her ex-boyfriend in front of her nine-month old baby.
Now she has urged phone users not to post footage of an attack which led to the death of a 31-year-old man in Smethwick on Sunday.
Two teenagers were also knifed in an unrelated incident in Marston Green Park on the same day.
The clips, circulated despite warnings from West Midlands Police, capture the moment the Smethwick victim was stabbed at West Cross Shopping Centre.
Distraught Janika took to Facebook to plea for 'respect, empathy and compassion' after hearing of videos which 'normalise trauma' amid a knife crime crisis.
She fumed: "I don't understand why anyone would not only video, circulate it and then share it and watch it, it makes me so angry. That's somebody's child that you're watching a video of being killed.
"Even you clicking on it to watch it, it's not OK. It's traumatising to watch, you're causing trauma to every single person that's watching it, then you're normalising trauma because people see these things so much, it's just not ok.
"Somebody's child has died today, please have some compassion, have some sympathy, have some empathy, have some respect."
Recalling on her own ordeal, which saw her stabbed outside a gym in Stirchley in 2013, she added: "I dread to think of somebody videoing me being stabbed - my child and my mum would have to see that."
She echoed pleas also shared by MP Jess Phillips and West Midlands Police in the wake of Sunday's violence.
The violent attacks began at 2.40pm when a boy, aged 16, and a 19-year-old were stabbed at Marston Green Park, Chelmsley Wood.
A 14-year-old was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder where he remained in custody for questioning.
Less than two hours later, a man was stabbed in the heart outside West Cross Shopping Centre in Mallin Street, Smethwick.
A 20-year-old victim was pronounced dead at the scene at around 4.30pm.
Detectives from West Midlands Police's Homicide Unit were at the scene on Sunday night.
No arrests had been made and officers urged the public not to share graphic and distressing footage from the murder on social media.
A spokesman for West Midlands Ambulance Service said: “We were called at 4:37pm on Sunday to reports of a stabbing at West Cross Shopping Centre.
"We sent the Midlands Air Ambulance from Cosford, two land ambulances, two paramedic officers, our HART team, a Critical Care car and BASICS doctor, with the first resource on scene in less than six minutes.
"On arrival, crews found one patient, a man in a critical condition. Staff worked quickly to administer advanced trauma care on scene but sadly, despite best efforts nothing could be done to save the man and he was confirmed dead at the scene."


birminghammail--2020-04-27--John Lewis set to reopen 50 stores in May - but Birmingham could be last

John Lewis will re-open all 50 stores in May , according to reports on Monday .
The department store chain , which has stores in Birmingham and throughout the Midlands , shuttered stores last month .
John Lewis shut all of its shops on March 23 as a nationwide lockdown was imposed by Prime Minister Boris Johnson .
The PM called for non-essential businesses to close amid fears over the ongoing unprecedented coronavirus crisis .
Covid-19 has killed thousands of Brits , and infected many more .
But more and more businesses are re-opening , including foot outlets like Burger @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
John Lewis , which kept its Waitrose stores trading , is set to get things operating again next month , it is claimed .
John Lewis director Andrew Murphy told the Mail on Sunday : `` For the last four or five weeks the crisis has been intense and the demands have meant we 've been dealing with circumstances changing almost daily .
`` Over the past seven to ten days there has been a shift .
For the first time we have been properly beginning to think about a restart .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ others .
`` Even in a scenario where we are theoretically able to open all our shops on the first day , we would n't do that .
We would open in a minimum of three tranches , '' he said .
First would come stores with big car parks - allowing staff to drive to work and not need to rely on public transport .
Another option would be to use private buses to let staff get to and from shops .
Big stores in places like London , Birmingham and Glasgow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 're also really mindful that public sentiment has changed and big business will need to prioritise health and safety above all else , '' Murphy said .
`` There will be no headlong rush to get our shops open just because we can . ''
`` We have to recognise that when we first do this we will learn a lot of things that we did n't expect , even though we will aim to get it broadly right .
`` We will learn lessons that mean by the time we get to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ materially differently . ''

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John Lewis will re-open all 50 stores in May, according to reports on Monday.
The department store chain, which has stores in Birmingham and throughout the Midlands, shuttered stores last month.
John Lewis shut all of its shops on March 23 as a nationwide lockdown was imposed by Prime Minister Boris Johnson.
The PM called for non-essential businesses to close amid fears over the ongoing unprecedented coronavirus crisis.
Covid-19 has killed thousands of Brits, and infected many more.
But more and more businesses are re-opening, including foot outlets like Burger King, Pret A Manger and Greggs.
John Lewis, which kept its Waitrose stores trading, is set to get things operating again next month, it is claimed.
(Image: PA)
John Lewis director Andrew Murphy told the Mail on Sunday: "For the last four or five weeks the crisis has been intense and the demands have meant we've been dealing with circumstances changing almost daily.
"Over the past seven to ten days there has been a shift. For the first time we have been properly beginning to think about a restart."
But some stores would open before others.
"Even in a scenario where we are theoretically able to open all our shops on the first day, we wouldn't do that. We would open in a minimum of three tranches," he said.
First would come stores with big car parks - allowing staff to drive to work and not need to rely on public transport.
Another option would be to use private buses to let staff get to and from shops.
Big stores in places like London, Birmingham and Glasgow would stay closed longer.
"We're also really mindful that public sentiment has changed and big business will need to prioritise health and safety above all else," Murphy said.
"There will be no headlong rush to get our shops open just because we can."
"We have to recognise that when we first do this we will learn a lot of things that we didn't expect, even though we will aim to get it broadly right.
"We will learn lessons that mean by the time we get to the end we could be doing things materially differently."


birminghammail--2020-04-27--Burger King reopens 10 UK restaurants in lockdown - FULL LIST

Burger King has reopened ten further restaurants in the country - giving customers the chance to order takeaway .
Fast food fans can get items on a takeaway bases from ten further outlets across the country in the coronavirus lockdown .
Burger King re-opened six branches last week .
And now 10 further fast food restaurants have been opened .
The company operates 550 branches across the UK .
Its restaurants in Edinburgh , Aberdeen , Glasgow , Dundee and Merton in London are set to open .
The chain 's chief executive Alasdair Murdoch told The Mail on Sunday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Last week , delivery drivers were forced to queue for more than an hour to pick up orders at at Burger King 's drive-thru Coventry branch .
Burger King reopened four restaurants : two in Bristol , one in Coventry , and one in Swindon .
Katie Evans , marketing director at the chain , said Burger King hoped the re-openings would go `` some way to lifting our customers ' spirits in these difficult times '' .
She added : `` We want to demonstrate how appreciative everyone at Burger King @ @ @ @ @ @ @ efforts in these unprecedented times . ''
KFC , Greggs and Pret A Manger are among the other restaurants to be back operating amid the lockdown .

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Burger King has reopened ten further restaurants in the country - giving customers the chance to order takeaway.
Fast food fans can get items on a takeaway bases from ten further outlets across the country in the coronavirus lockdown.
Burger King re-opened six branches last week. And now 10 further fast food restaurants have been opened.
The company operates 550 branches across the UK.
Its restaurants in Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Glasgow, Dundee and Merton in London are set to open.
(Image: Getty Images)
The chain's chief executive Alasdair Murdoch told The Mail on Sunday the locations are yet to be confirmed.
Last week, delivery drivers were forced to queue for more than an hour to pick up orders at at Burger King's drive-thru Coventry branch.
Burger King reopened four restaurants: two in Bristol, one in Coventry, and one in Swindon.
Katie Evans, marketing director at the chain, said Burger King hoped the re-openings would go "some way to lifting our customers' spirits in these difficult times".
She added: "We want to demonstrate how appreciative everyone at Burger King UK is of [NHS staff] efforts in these unprecedented times."
KFC, Greggs and Pret A Manger are among the other restaurants to be back operating amid the lockdown.


birminghammail--2020-04-27--James 'Arg' Argent's emotional words to Gemma Collins in lockdown

James Argent has flaunted his incredible weight loss - and posted a gushing message to Gemma Collins on social media .
Gemma branded herself the UK 's answer to Marilyn Monroe on Sunday , as her brand-new reality show started on ITBVBe .
Diva On Lockdown , a twist on Gemma 's Diva Forever series , began this weekend .
And her on-off partner James , commonly known as Arg , has posted a snap of him and Gemma to Instagram as the lockdown continues .
Arg , 32 , was clearly missing his TOWIE flame , as he shared @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Eiffel Tower in Paris .
Mirror Online reports Arg , who has recently lost five stone , shared an emotional caption alongside the romantic snap .
He said : `` Lockdown absolutely sucks without you GC but I understand you have to entertain the nation & put a smile on peoples faces at this difficult time ! ''
His heart-warming post comes after it was reported he shed weight in preparation for marrying Gemma .
Gemma and Arg have postponed their wedding plans so the troubled star could focus on his health , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ told the publication : `` Gemma wants them to start a family together ASAP .
But she 's also taking his health into account and knows Arg getting better is more important than anything . ''
James left fans shocked with his slimmed-down frame in his latest Instagram post .
It came after he was forced to have a spell in rehab in the New Year to help him cope with booze and his weight battle .
Alongside his snap he posted earlier in the month , he wrote : `` I 'm @ @ @ @ @ @ @ One day at a time ❤ ''

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Brendad McFadden, James Rodger)

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James Argent has flaunted his incredible weight loss - and posted a gushing message to Gemma Collins on social media.
Gemma branded herself the UK's answer to Marilyn Monroe on Sunday, as her brand-new reality show started on ITBVBe.
Diva On Lockdown, a twist on Gemma's Diva Forever series, began this weekend.
And her on-off partner James, commonly known as Arg, has posted a snap of him and Gemma to Instagram as the lockdown continues.
Arg, 32, was clearly missing his TOWIE flame, as he shared a post of them kissing by the Eiffel Tower in Paris.
Mirror Online reports Arg, who has recently lost five stone, shared an emotional caption alongside the romantic snap.
He said: "Lockdown absolutely sucks without you GC but I understand you have to entertain the nation & put a smile on peoples faces at this difficult time!"
His heart-warming post comes after it was reported he shed weight in preparation for marrying Gemma.
Gemma and Arg have postponed their wedding plans so the troubled star could focus on his health, according to Heat magazine.
A source told the publication: "Gemma wants them to start a family together ASAP. But she's also taking his health into account and knows Arg getting better is more important than anything."
James left fans shocked with his slimmed-down frame in his latest Instagram post.
(Image: PA)
It came after he was forced to have a spell in rehab in the New Year to help him cope with booze and his weight battle.
Alongside his snap he posted earlier in the month, he wrote: "I'm making progress, Inside & Outside. One day at a time ❤"


birminghammail--2020-04-27--Julie Hesmondhalgh wouldn't accept Hayley Cropper role on Corrie today

Julie Hesmondhalgh has said she would not take the part of Hayley Cropper today and hopes she would not be offered it .
The actress played the first trans character in a British soap when she arrived on the Coronation Street cobbles in 1998 .
She transformed trans visibility in the UK , but the character was controversial because she was played by a cis woman .
She told The Guardian : `` There was a really great trans rights group , Press for Change , who were really , really pissed off - and I totally understood why .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ' I hear you , but honestly I think the pressure on a trans actor - who definitely would have had a certain amount of vulnerability anyway - would have been unbearable . '
`` The way the press was then , they 'd have been eaten alive .
So I assured them that I was their ally , that I would play the part with as much sensitivity and empathy as I could , that I would listen to them .
And , honestly , I think I did a decent job @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the part today , she said : `` I would hope that it would n't be offered to me as a cis woman .
I definitely would n't take it .
`` I left Corrie because it was time for me to go personally , but it was also time for Hayley - a trans woman played by a cis woman - to go , too .
`` I was about to become an absolute anachronism , because there were then trans actors to play those parts , and even more now .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ several awards , for her portrayal of Hayley .
The character died in 2014 .
The actress said she is still in awe of how much Hayley and her relationship with cafe owner Roy Cropper changed public perception .
She said : `` Even now , I ca n't quite believe the power of it .
`` Literally within weeks , people were saying to me in the street : 'When are you and Roy getting married ? '
`` I 'd be like : 'We 're not allowed to - it 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 'd be like : 'Oh , never mind that ! '
`` I knew then that something was shifting .
If you want to fight prejudice , you put somebody likeable in the living room and people can see beyond what makes them different to what makes them the same . ''

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Julie Hesmondhalgh has said she would not take the part of Hayley Cropper today and hopes she would not be offered it.
The actress played the first trans character in a British soap when she arrived on the Coronation Street cobbles in 1998.
She transformed trans visibility in the UK, but the character was controversial because she was played by a cis woman.
She told The Guardian: "There was a really great trans rights group, Press for Change, who were really, really pissed off - and I totally understood why.
"I met them and said: 'I hear you, but honestly I think the pressure on a trans actor - who definitely would have had a certain amount of vulnerability anyway - would have been unbearable.'
(Image: ITV supplied by pixel 8000 ltd)
"The way the press was then, they'd have been eaten alive. So I assured them that I was their ally, that I would play the part with as much sensitivity and empathy as I could, that I would listen to them. And, honestly, I think I did a decent job."
Asked if she would take the part today, she said: "I would hope that it wouldn't be offered to me as a cis woman. I definitely wouldn't take it.
"I left Corrie because it was time for me to go personally, but it was also time for Hayley - a trans woman played by a cis woman - to go, too.
"I was about to become an absolute anachronism, because there were then trans actors to play those parts, and even more now."
Hesmondhalgh won widespread acclaim, including several awards, for her portrayal of Hayley. The character died in 2014.
The actress said she is still in awe of how much Hayley and her relationship with cafe owner Roy Cropper changed public perception.
She said: "Even now, I can't quite believe the power of it.
"Literally within weeks, people were saying to me in the street: 'When are you and Roy getting married?'
"I'd be like: 'We're not allowed to - it's against the law,' and they'd be like: 'Oh, never mind that!'
"I knew then that something was shifting. If you want to fight prejudice, you put somebody likeable in the living room and people can see beyond what makes them different to what makes them the same."


birminghammail--2020-04-27--Molineux changes Wolves fans want to see as club plan for future

Redeveloping Molineux is a hot topic at Wolverhampton Wanderers right now .
Chairman Jeff Shi has made no secret of owner Fosun ’ s desire to increase Molineux ’ s capacity to at least 50,000 , and the club are in constant dialogue with Wolverhampton City Council over potential avenues of expansion .
At a fans ’ meeting last year , Wolves ' marketing chief Russell Jones offerd a small update on plans .
“ I and two colleagues are working on the Steve Bull Stand almost daily with the council , ” said Jones .
But it isn ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will need work if Molineux is to reach Shi ’ s target , with the South Bank also earmarked for improvements .
And there are more changes fans want to see made before Molineux is the 21st century 'Golden Palace ' everyone craves .
We asked Wolves supporters what they would change about Molineux and while many agree its capacity is the most pressing concern with thousands on the season ticket waiting list , there were plenty of other responses .
Here ’ s is just part of the fans ' wishlist ... @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Steve Bull upper - it takes too long .
If you time it wrong you can get in line 20 minutes before the game starts and still miss the first 10 minutes .
Jess Chopra : Not Molineux as such but better internet on matchdays .
Mark Webb : The capacity so I can get a ticket .
Rav Singh Barn : Serving time in concourse in the Steve Bull .
Annette Pearce : The roof in the North Bank because since the new stand was built when it rains we get soaking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : Higher quality , more varied merchandise in the megastore .

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Redeveloping Molineux is a hot topic at Wolverhampton Wanderers right now.
Chairman Jeff Shi has made no secret of owner Fosun’s desire to increase Molineux’s capacity to at least 50,000, and the club are in constant dialogue with Wolverhampton City Council over potential avenues of expansion.
At a fans’ meeting last year, Wolves' marketing chief Russell Jones offerd a small update on plans. “I and two colleagues are working on the Steve Bull Stand almost daily with the council,” said Jones.
But it isn’t just the Steve Bull Stand which will need work if Molineux is to reach Shi’s target, with the South Bank also earmarked for improvements.
And there are more changes fans want to see made before Molineux is the 21st century 'Golden Palace' everyone craves.
We asked Wolves supporters what they would change about Molineux and while many agree its capacity is the most pressing concern with thousands on the season ticket waiting list, there were plenty of other responses.
Here’s is just part of the fans' wishlist...
Lee Savigar: Change entrance to the Steve Bull upper - it takes too long. If you time it wrong you can get in line 20 minutes before the game starts and still miss the first 10 minutes.
Jess Chopra: Not Molineux as such but better internet on matchdays.
Mark Webb: The capacity so I can get a ticket.
Ernie Remy: Make the roof retractable.
Rav Singh Barn: Serving time in concourse in the Steve Bull.
Annette Pearce: The roof in the North Bank because since the new stand was built when it rains we get soaking wet even in Row P.
Karl Theobald: Make the South Bank bigger.
Alison Foster: More places to buy refreshments.
Adam Smith: Capacity and symmetry. Make Molineux a golden palace that’s a sight to behold!
Chris Schepper: Higher quality, more varied merchandise in the megastore.


birminghammail--2020-04-27--Tom Hardy's brilliant coronavirus message to kids on CBeebies

Tom Hardy will urge children to remember their loved ones are always with them , even if they can not hug them due to social distancing , during a CBeebies bedtime story .
The Hollywood actor , 42 , first read a story to children on the channel in 2016 and since then his stories have been requested more than one million times on BBC iPlayer .
On Monday , he will read Hug Me by Simona Ciraolo , about Felipe , a young cactus who really needs a hug , but his family `` just is n't the touchy-feely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to find a friend .
He will open the story by saying : `` Hello .
I 'm Tom .
Sometimes , on a day like this , I feel strong and happy .
But on other days , I just need somebody to give me a hug .
`` Tonight 's bedtime story is all about a little cactus called Felipe , who just wants a hug too . ''
Finishing the story , he will tell the channel 's young viewers : `` So , in the end Felipe found someone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ possible to hug the ones that you love .
But they 're always there , in your heart .
`` It 's time for bed .
Off you go and I look forward to seeing you again for another bedtime story .
Good night . ''
Hardy will read a new story each day from April 27 to May 1 , with the date of a sixth story yet to be confirmed .
The `` Tom Week '' of stories was recorded in his garden , in line with social distancing guidelines , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bulldog Blue for some of the sessions .
Other stories will include Under The Same Sky by Robert Vescio and Nicky Johnston , which will air on April 28 and is about two children on opposite sides of the world who crave friendship .
CBeebies Bedtime Story is at 6.50pm on CBeebies and on BBC iPlayer .

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Tom Hardy will urge children to remember their loved ones are always with them, even if they cannot hug them due to social distancing, during a CBeebies bedtime story.
The Hollywood actor, 42, first read a story to children on the channel in 2016 and since then his stories have been requested more than one million times on BBC iPlayer.
On Monday, he will read Hug Me by Simona Ciraolo, about Felipe, a young cactus who really needs a hug, but his family "just isn't the touchy-feely kind", so he sets off to find a friend.
He will open the story by saying: "Hello. I'm Tom. Sometimes, on a day like this, I feel strong and happy. But on other days, I just need somebody to give me a hug.
"Tonight's bedtime story is all about a little cactus called Felipe, who just wants a hug too."
Finishing the story, he will tell the channel's young viewers: "So, in the end Felipe found someone to hug. It's not always possible to hug the ones that you love. But they're always there, in your heart.
(Image: BBC)
"It's time for bed. Off you go and I look forward to seeing you again for another bedtime story. Good night."
Hardy will read a new story each day from April 27 to May 1, with the date of a sixth story yet to be confirmed.
(Image: PA)
The "Tom Week" of stories was recorded in his garden, in line with social distancing guidelines, and he was accompanied by his French bulldog Blue for some of the sessions.
Other stories will include Under The Same Sky by Robert Vescio and Nicky Johnston, which will air on April 28 and is about two children on opposite sides of the world who crave friendship.
CBeebies Bedtime Story is at 6.50pm on CBeebies and on BBC iPlayer.


birminghammail--2020-04-27--Cat Deeley drops major update on SM:TV Live coming back after 22 years

Cat Deeley has tantalisingly teased a return of SM : TV in a brand-new interview - and we 're very excited .
The 43-year-old spoke out weeks after Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly teased a return of the popular Saturday morning catalogue show .
The programme , which thrust the Geordie duo to huge fame , was also presented by Brummie Cat .
And speaking to Mirror Online , she has mused the show could return in some form - giving us a massive pang of nostalgia .
She told our sister title : `` It was so much fun @ @ @ @ @ @ @ us , ‘ You must remember how much fun it is while you ’ re doing it.
’ “ You never feel it at the time , because it ’ s live , and you feel a bit of the pressure of it but looking back on it , I think it ’ s the most fun we ’ ve ever had.
” Pressed if a reunion was in the works , Cat , 43 , teased : “ Quite possibly ... ” The show which featured Friends spoof Chums , ran from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ d like to return to the format , Cat laughed : “ Of course I would !
I ’ m Cat the Dog from Birmingham.
” The presenter , who is set to front a project for Disney , said on social media she is locked down in London with her husband Patrick Kielty , and their two children .

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Cat Deeley has tantalisingly teased a return of SM:TV in a brand-new interview - and we're very excited.
The 43-year-old spoke out weeks after Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly teased a return of the popular Saturday morning catalogue show.
The programme, which thrust the Geordie duo to huge fame, was also presented by Brummie Cat.
And speaking to Mirror Online, she has mused the show could return in some form - giving us a massive pang of nostalgia.
She told our sister title: "It was so much fun.
"Phillip Schofield once said to us, ‘You must remember how much fun it is while you’re doing it.’
“You never feel it at the time, because it’s live, and you feel a bit of the pressure of it but looking back on it, I think it’s the most fun we’ve ever had.”
Pressed if a reunion was in the works, Cat, 43, teased: “Quite possibly...”
The show which featured Friends spoof Chums, ran from 1998 until 2003.
Asked if she’d like to return to the format, Cat laughed: “Of course I would! I’m Cat the Dog from Birmingham.”
The presenter, who is set to front a project for Disney, said on social media she is locked down in London with her husband Patrick Kielty, and their two children.


birminghammail--2020-04-27--Pictures: Cordon erected close to murder scene as police enquires continue

Police remain near to the fatal stabbing in Mallin Street Detectives are continuing to search an area of Smethwick after a man was knifed to death .
Crews from West Midlands Police are currently working on land near the murder scene in Mallin Street after the 20-year-old man was stabbed in the chest at around 4.30pm on Sunday , April 26 .
The Midlands Air Ambulance was called - but the victim was pronounced dead before he could be taken on board , a spokesman for the force said .
They added : `` We have launched a murder investigation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Smethwick .
`` Officers were called after the man was found with serious injuries at West Cross Shopping Centre at around 4.40pm .
`` He had suffered knife injuries and the air ambulance was called − but unfortunately the victim was pronounced dead before he could be taken on board .
`` Our thoughts go out to the family of the young man who has lost his life and we ’ re working to establish the circumstances around his death .
`` We are aware of mobile footage circulating on social media @ @ @ @ @ @ @ share this and instead to get in touch .
`` This can be extremely distressing for family and friends .
However if you do have any information , mobile phone footage or dash-cam footage , we 'd urge you to get in touch with us as soon as possible as this could assist us as our investigations continue . ''

Police remain near to the fatal stabbing in Mallin Street
Detectives are continuing to search an area of Smethwick after a man was knifed to death.
Crews from West Midlands Police are currently working on land near the murder scene in Mallin Street after the 31-year-old man was stabbed in the chest at around 4.30pm on Sunday, April 26.
The Midlands Air Ambulance was called - but the victim was pronounced dead before he could be taken on board, a spokesman for the force said.
They added: "We have launched a murder investigation after a 20-year-old man was fatally stabbed in Smethwick.
Crime Widget
"Officers were called after the man was found with serious injuries at West Cross Shopping Centre at around 4.40pm.
"He had suffered knife injuries and the air ambulance was called − but unfortunately the victim was pronounced dead before he could be taken on board.
"Our thoughts go out to the family of the young man who has lost his life and we’re working to establish the circumstances around his death.
"We are aware of mobile footage circulating on social media and would urge people to please not share this and instead to get in touch.
"This can be extremely distressing for family and friends. However if you do have any information, mobile phone footage or dash-cam footage, we'd urge you to get in touch with us as soon as possible as this could assist us as our investigations continue."


birminghammail--2020-04-27--Ricky Gervais confirms After Life season three after demands from fans

Ricky Gervais has confirmed a third season of After Life after the second debuted to rave reviews on social media .
The Office funny man , who also wrote Extras , Derek and Life 's Too Short , has answered fans ' prayers with a brilliant update over the poignant comedy .
The comedian , from Berkshire , has addressed calls for another instalment of Netflix hit comedy-drama .
His confirmation came after he was overwhelmed by the emotional reaction to the second series , which hit Netflix last week .
Speaking on a Twitter livestream on Sunday evening , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ revisit the characters but feared he may let fans down .
When asked if he would write more , he said : `` I 'd love to do a season three , it looks like it 's going to go down a storm , so if this reaction carries on then yes . ''
He went on to explain on the social media platform : `` The better it goes down the worst it is for me , you can do something f***ing amazing , and everyone goes : 'Oh god , it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . '
`` But if you do something else that is 9.5/10 people are like : 'It 's f***ing awful , this is the worst show on television ' , so that 's what goes through my mind . ''

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Ricky Gervais has confirmed a third season of After Life after the second debuted to rave reviews on social media.
The Office funny man, who also wrote Extras, Derek and Life's Too Short, has answered fans' prayers with a brilliant update over the poignant comedy.
The comedian, from Berkshire, has addressed calls for another instalment of Netflix hit comedy-drama.
His confirmation came after he was overwhelmed by the emotional reaction to the second series, which hit Netflix last week.
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Speaking on a Twitter livestream on Sunday evening, Ricky revealed that he would love to revisit the characters but feared he may let fans down.
When asked if he would write more, he said: "I'd love to do a season three, it looks like it's going to go down a storm, so if this reaction carries on then yes."
(Image: PA)
He went on to explain on the social media platform: "The better it goes down the worst it is for me, you can do something f***ing amazing, and everyone goes: 'Oh god, it's the best thing ever, 10/10.'
"But if you do something else that is 9.5/10 people are like: 'It's f***ing awful, this is the worst show on television', so that's what goes through my mind."


birminghammail--2020-04-27--Couple defy 200million-to-one odds to have miracle triplets at Good Hope

A couple have beaten 200-million-to-one odds to have miracle triplets which were conceived naturally .
Becky Sefton , 29 , and partner Adam Balduckie , 33 , were told there was a 50 per cent chance of them losing all three baby girls .
But identical twins Ellie and Everlyn and sister Ella were born seven weeks premature on March 28 weighing just 3lbs each .
Mum-of-six Becky , of Tamworth , Staffs.
, said : “ It is really rare to have triplets like this .
“ Usually you get twins and then a singleton of the opposite sex @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to get three girls or three boys .
“ We did conceive naturally - I released two eggs one of which split into the twins and the other was the singleton .
“ Adam has twins in his family so we knew it was possible but never expected to have triplets .
“ I ’ m so proud .
It still hasn ’ t hit us yet that we have got three .
A month down the line it hasn ’ t sunk in .
“ Throughout all of our pregnancy there was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , that none of them would make it .
“ The consultant suggested foetal reduction which is where you lose one of them so there ’ s lower risk of a miscarriage and losing all of them .
“ There was high risk of cross contamination between them with only one placenta .
“ But we decided not to intervene and let nature take its course .
“ We thought if we lose one or all of them it means they weren ’ t meant to survive , but they came out kicking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ miracle .
The anaesthetist actually shouted ‘ Jesus !
’ when they came out screaming and crying .
“ He said he couldn ’ t believe they were all crying because their lungs were not developed yet.
” Due to the lockdown rules , dad Adam , a window fitter , was not present at the births when Becky had a caesarean at Birmingham Women ’ s Hospital .
The couple ’ s other three children have also been unable to meet their new sisters while they gain weight in hospital .
Becky @ @ @ @ @ @ @ difficult to be honest .
My partner ended up missing the birth as I was rushed in to have a caesarean .
“ When he got to the hospital he didn ’ t know if they were born .
“ Once I was in recovery I had to stay in hospital for four days and he wasn ’ t able to visit me on the ward but he could see his daughters on his own .
“ If I went down to see them in neo-natal he had to wait until I left @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We weren ’ t able to see our daughters together .
“ It ’ s been very unusual compared to my previous births .
It was quite strange not to have him there for four days .
“ In neo-natal we had to ask to take them out of their incubators and it was difficult to hold them because they were so tiny and covered in wires and tubes .
“ You had to wear masks , aprons and gloves and wash our hands .
It has been a nightmare.
” Becky ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ May 14 but she was rushed to hospital on March 27 when she started having contractions .
She said : “ I went into labour at six o ’ clock the next day and didn ’ t even realise .
“ The nurse came running in and said : ‘ Didn ’ t you know you are having contractions every 10 minutes.
’ “ I was already 4.5cm and was rushed down to theatre to get them out .
`` I was awake for the caesarean but didn ’ t even know what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hurrying so much they ran me down on the same bed I ’ d been lying on .
“ Because we live in Tamworth and I was in Birmingham after they rang Adam he wasn ’ t able to get to theatre in time .
“ I lost quite a lot of blood , three pints in total , but there were no complications or problems with the birth .
“ I recovered quite quickly and spent four days in hospital then was discharged.
” Everlyn was transferred to Good Hope Hospital for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stayed in Birmingham Women ’ s Hospital before they were all allowed home .
Becky , who also has seven-year-old daughter Poppy , and sons Alfie , five , and Freddie , two , said : “ I went to see them every day because I ’ ve had to have training on how to tube feed them .
“ It ’ s been really hard and stressful for myself seeing them in separate visits and in different hospitals .
“ My other three children didn ’ t see them for three weeks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are all smitten with them and couldn ’ t believe it .
“ They are really happy to have three more siblings.
” Becky and Adam finally took the triplets home last week and are adapting to their extra-large family during lockdown .
Dad Adam said : “ It has been quite strange and nerve-wracking worrying about whether Becky or the girls could catch something like coronavirus .
“ The girls are doing brilliantly now .
They are all laid back and don ’ t have distinct personalities yet .
“ The kids @ @ @ @ @ @ @ great .
We ’ re just happy we ’ re all together .
“ We ’ ve made a strict family routine so the triplets have fallen into that which makes life a lot easier for us .
“ You have got to be organised with three newborns .
It is exhausting but very rewarding .
”

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A couple have beaten 200-million-to-one odds to have miracle triplets which were conceived naturally.
Becky Sefton, 29, and partner Adam Balduckie, 33, were told there was a 50 per cent chance of them losing all three baby girls.
But identical twins Ellie and Everlyn and sister Ella were born seven weeks premature on March 28 weighing just 3lbs each.
Mum-of-six Becky, of Tamworth, Staffs., said: “It is really rare to have triplets like this.
“Usually you get twins and then a singleton of the opposite sex, so it’s quite rare to get three girls or three boys.
(Image: Becky Sefton / SWNS)
“We did conceive naturally - I released two eggs one of which split into the twins and the other was the singleton.
“Adam has twins in his family so we knew it was possible but never expected to have triplets.
“I’m so proud. It still hasn’t hit us yet that we have got three. A month down the line it hasn’t sunk in.
“Throughout all of our pregnancy there was high risk, over 50 per cent, that none of them would make it.
(Image: Becky Sefton / SWNS)
“The consultant suggested foetal reduction which is where you lose one of them so there’s lower risk of a miscarriage and losing all of them.
“There was high risk of cross contamination between them with only one placenta.
“But we decided not to intervene and let nature take its course.
“We thought if we lose one or all of them it means they weren’t meant to survive, but they came out kicking and screaming.
“It was a miracle. The anaesthetist actually shouted ‘Jesus!’ when they came out screaming and crying.
“He said he couldn’t believe they were all crying because their lungs were not developed yet.”
Due to the lockdown rules, dad Adam, a window fitter, was not present at the births when Becky had a caesarean at Birmingham Women’s Hospital.
The couple’s other three children have also been unable to meet their new sisters while they gain weight in hospital.
(Image: Becky Sefton / SWNS)
Becky said: “It has been quite difficult to be honest. My partner ended up missing the birth as I was rushed in to have a caesarean.
“When he got to the hospital he didn’t know if they were born.
“Once I was in recovery I had to stay in hospital for four days and he wasn’t able to visit me on the ward but he could see his daughters on his own.
“If I went down to see them in neo-natal he had to wait until I left or even until the next day. We weren’t able to see our daughters together.
“It’s been very unusual compared to my previous births. It was quite strange not to have him there for four days.
“In neo-natal we had to ask to take them out of their incubators and it was difficult to hold them because they were so tiny and covered in wires and tubes.
“You had to wear masks, aprons and gloves and wash our hands. It has been a nightmare.”
Becky’s due date for the babies was May 14 but she was rushed to hospital on March 27 when she started having contractions.
She said: “I went into labour at six o’clock the next day and didn’t even realise.
“The nurse came running in and said: ‘Didn’t you know you are having contractions every 10 minutes.’
“I was already 4.5cm and was rushed down to theatre to get them out.
"I was awake for the caesarean but didn’t even know what was going on.
“They were hurrying so much they ran me down on the same bed I’d been lying on.
“Because we live in Tamworth and I was in Birmingham after they rang Adam he wasn’t able to get to theatre in time.
“I lost quite a lot of blood, three pints in total, but there were no complications or problems with the birth.
“I recovered quite quickly and spent four days in hospital then was discharged.”
Everlyn was transferred to Good Hope Hospital for more intensive treatment while the other babies stayed in Birmingham Women’s Hospital before they were all allowed home.
Becky, who also has seven-year-old daughter Poppy, and sons Alfie, five, and Freddie, two, said: “I went to see them every day because I’ve had to have training on how to tube feed them.
“It’s been really hard and stressful for myself seeing them in separate visits and in different hospitals.
(Image: Becky Sefton / SWNS)
“My other three children didn’t see them for three weeks until we brought them home. They are all smitten with them and couldn’t believe it.
“They are really happy to have three more siblings.”
Becky and Adam finally took the triplets home last week and are adapting to their extra-large family during lockdown.
Dad Adam said: “It has been quite strange and nerve-wracking worrying about whether Becky or the girls could catch something like coronavirus.
“The girls are doing brilliantly now. They are all laid back and don’t have distinct personalities yet.
“The kids are all pitching into help which is great. We’re just happy we’re all together.
(Image: Becky Sefton / SWNS)
“We’ve made a strict family routine so the triplets have fallen into that which makes life a lot easier for us.
“You have got to be organised with three newborns. It is exhausting but very rewarding.”


birminghammail--2020-04-27--Doctors warned over new coronavirus-related condition affecting kids

A report has warned over a new Covid-19 related condition which has been affecting children .
An urgent alert was sent out by the Health Service Journal .
In its new report , the HSJ suggests a coronavirus-related syndrome is affecting youngsters across the UK .
Indeed , experts say they have recorded a surge in cases over the past month .
Doctors have been warned : “ [ In the ] last three weeks , there has been an apparent rise in the number of children of all ages presenting with a multisystem inflammatory state requiring intensive care across @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the UK .
“ There is a growing concern that a [ covid-19 ] related inflammatory syndrome is emerging in children in the UK , or that there may be another , as yet unidentified , infectious pathogen associated with these cases.
” The syndrome , which is yet to be named , can cause several unpleasant symptoms , reports the Mirror .
These include abdominal pain and cardiac inflammation , according to the report .
The alert added : “ The cases have in common overlapping features of toxic shock syndrome and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with severe COVID-19 in children .
“ Abdominal pain and gastrointestinal symptoms have been a common feature as has cardiac inflammation .
“ This has been observed in children with confirmed PCR positive SARS-CoV-2 infection as well as children who are PCR negative .
Serological evidence of possible preceding SARS-CoV-2 infection has also been observed .
”

newsdesk@birminghamlive.co.uk (Shivali Best, James Rodger)

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A report has warned over a new Covid-19 related condition which has been affecting children.
An urgent alert was sent out by the Health Service Journal.
In its new report, the HSJ suggests a coronavirus-related syndrome is affecting youngsters across the UK.
Indeed, experts say they have recorded a surge in cases over the past month.
Doctors have been warned: “[In the] last three weeks, there has been an apparent rise in the number of children of all ages presenting with a multisystem inflammatory state requiring intensive care across London and also in other regions of the UK.
“There is a growing concern that a [covid-19] related inflammatory syndrome is emerging in children in the UK, or that there may be another, as yet unidentified, infectious pathogen associated with these cases.”
The syndrome, which is yet to be named, can cause several unpleasant symptoms, reports the Mirror.
These include abdominal pain and cardiac inflammation, according to the report.
The alert added: “The cases have in common overlapping features of toxic shock syndrome and atypical Kawasaki Disease with blood parameters consistent with severe COVID-19 in children.
“Abdominal pain and gastrointestinal symptoms have been a common feature as has cardiac inflammation.
“This has been observed in children with confirmed PCR positive SARS-CoV-2 infection as well as children who are PCR negative. Serological evidence of possible preceding SARS-CoV-2 infection has also been observed.”


birminghammail--2020-04-27--Suspected drug dealer arrested - after driver gives cop a lift

A man was arrested on suspicion of drug dealing - after a driver gave a chasing cop a lift to catch him .
It happened after two men fled a van chased by police which had ignored an order to stop amid suspicions it was uninsured on Kingswinford High Street on Saturday , April 25 .
The van , which was driving dangerously at speed towards Wall Heath , hit a hedge at the junction of Enville Road .
Officers said two people fled on foot but one was caught after a short foot chase .
The second was cornered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an officer a lift to catch him .
West Midlands Police said a large amount of suspected class A drugs and several mobile phones were discovered .
One of the men was arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving and failing to stop .
Both were detained on suspicion of possessing controlled drugs with intent to supply .
Pc Jamie Follows took to West Midlands Police 's online alert system WM Now to tell residents about the incident .
The alert said : `` On April 25 officers from C unit Brierley Hill pursued @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pulled out on us on High street Kingswinford and we suspected he had no insurance .
`` We signalled for him to stop however he made off at speed driving dangerously to Wall Heath .
`` At the junction of Enville Road the driver lost control of the vehicle and collided with a hedge .
`` Both occupants ran from the van , the driver was detained after a short foot chase .
The passenger ran for some distance and we were helped by a member of the public , who gave one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ him !
`` We located a large amount of suspected class A drugs and several mobile phones . ''

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A man was arrested on suspicion of drug dealing - after a driver gave a chasing cop a lift to catch him.
It happened after two men fled a van chased by police which had ignored an order to stop amid suspicions it was uninsured on Kingswinford High Street on Saturday, April 25.
The van, which was driving dangerously at speed towards Wall Heath, hit a hedge at the junction of Enville Road.
Officers said two people fled on foot but one was caught after a short foot chase.
The second was cornered after a member of the public gave an officer a lift to catch him.
West Midlands Police said a large amount of suspected class A drugs and several mobile phones were discovered. One of the men was arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving and failing to stop.
Both were detained on suspicion of possessing controlled drugs with intent to supply.
Pc Jamie Follows took to West Midlands Police's online alert system WM Now to tell residents about the incident. The alert said: "On April 25 officers from C unit Brierley Hill pursued the pictured van.
"The driver pulled out on us on High street Kingswinford and we suspected he had no insurance.
"We signalled for him to stop however he made off at speed driving dangerously to Wall Heath.
"At the junction of Enville Road the driver lost control of the vehicle and collided with a hedge.
"Both occupants ran from the van, the driver was detained after a short foot chase. The passenger ran for some distance and we were helped by a member of the public, who gave one of our officers a lift to catch him!
"We located a large amount of suspected class A drugs and several mobile phones."


birminghammail--2020-04-27--The perfect Aston Villa quiz if you're in your teens

We 've been having lots of positive feedback about our Aston Villa quizzes .
It seems you all enjoy testing your claret and blue knowledge from time to time .
However , one of the constant messages we get back is that some of the questions are 'before my time ' .
Yep , we think it 's a lame excuse too !
But in the interests of fairness we intend to set up a series of quizzes that better reflect your era .
We 're kicking off with a quiz for the whippersnappers , hence 'The perfect quiz if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ So rather than getting your granddad to Google claret and blue memories that were only captured in black and white before you were even a twinkle in your parents ' eyes , this quiz focuses on the past decade , 2010-2020 .
There 's 10 questions for you to have a bash at and do n't forget to share your score on social media .
Without further ado , crack on with the quiz at the top of this piece .
If you enjoyed that , then have a bash at our Villa @ @ @ @ @ @ @ need help from someone a bit older !

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Question - 1 of 10 Score - 0 of 0 Which of these players did not score a penalty in the play-off semi-final shootout against West Bromwich Albion in 2019? Mile Jedinak
Jack Grealish
Albert Adomah Next question Thanks for taking part in this quiz You scored Replay quiz
We've been having lots of positive feedback about our Aston Villa quizzes.
It seems you all enjoy testing your claret and blue knowledge from time to time.
However, one of the constant messages we get back is that some of the questions are 'before my time'.
Yep, we think it's a lame excuse too! But in the interests of fairness we intend to set up a series of quizzes that better reflect your era.
We're kicking off with a quiz for the whippersnappers, hence 'The perfect quiz if you're in your teens'.
So rather than getting your granddad to Google claret and blue memories that were only captured in black and white before you were even a twinkle in your parents' eyes, this quiz focuses on the past decade, 2010-2020.
There's 10 questions for you to have a bash at and don't forget to share your score on social media.
Without further ado, crack on with the quiz at the top of this piece.
If you enjoyed that, then have a bash at our Villa 1990s quiz here - although you might need help from someone a bit older!


birminghammail--2020-04-27--Lineker fears for the season amid Albion promotion charge

Former England forward Gary Lineker worries that cancelling the English football season may be the only way forward - a decision that , if taken , could have huge ramifications for West Brom .
Along with Leeds United , the Baggies under Slaven Bilic have set the pace in the second tier of English football this term and , with nine matches to play , are well placed to push their promotion challenge over the line .
Albion and Leeds have dominated the Championship standings this season , largely left undisturbed in the automatic promotion places and still enjoy a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the chasing pack prior to the suspension of the season - indeed neither side have forfeited their hold on the top two spots at any point since November .
Having seen the non-league wiped out because of coronavirus , there remains uncertainty in how the Premier League and EFL may approach the situation in the coming weeks and months , and both Albion and Leeds still have nine league fixtures pencilled in to complete .
Match of the Day presenter Lineker , though , fears that declaring the campaign null and void @ @ @ @ @ @ @ benefit of the sport in the long-term - even if it doesn ’ t appear a fair decision in the short-term .
He tweeted , in response to Piers Morgan : “ May well prove to be the only way .
Hardly the fairest way , though ?
” The topic was being discussed on the back of the Eredivise in the Netherlands being cancelled last week - governing body KNVB announced that there ’ d be no league titles , promotion or relegation , meaning Alan Pardew ’ s ADO Den Haag @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UEFA held a crunch meeting on Thursday morning to decide the fate of the 2019-20 campaign , expressing their preference for seasons to be completed but stated that if that is not an option , qualification to their competitions should be based on ‘ sporting merit ’ .
The EFL , meanwhile , released a statement of their own over the weekend detailing that they remain committed to completing the campaign , and are constantly exploring ways in which this can be done , while the health and wellbeing of all involved remains @ @ @ @

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Former England forward Gary Lineker worries that cancelling the English football season may be the only way forward - a decision that, if taken, could have huge ramifications for West Brom.
Along with Leeds United, the Baggies under Slaven Bilic have set the pace in the second tier of English football this term and, with nine matches to play, are well placed to push their promotion challenge over the line.
Albion and Leeds have dominated the Championship standings this season, largely left undisturbed in the automatic promotion places and still enjoy a cushion to Fulham and the other members of the chasing pack prior to the suspension of the season - indeed neither side have forfeited their hold on the top two spots at any point since November.
Having seen the non-league wiped out because of coronavirus, there remains uncertainty in how the Premier League and EFL may approach the situation in the coming weeks and months, and both Albion and Leeds still have nine league fixtures pencilled in to complete.
Match of the Day presenter Lineker, though, fears that declaring the campaign null and void may be the only answer for the benefit of the sport in the long-term - even if it doesn’t appear a fair decision in the short-term.
He tweeted, in response to Piers Morgan: “May well prove to be the only way. Hardly the fairest way, though?”
How Albion have made a difference in lockdown Albion have been leading the way in the face of the coronavirus pandemic, by supporting their fanbase and local community. Here are the variety of efforts they've made during this difficult period without football. CEO Mark Jenkins revealed he took a 100% pay cut - and other board members agreed to salary reductions - READ
Albion organised food parcels for local NHS staff who hadn't time to shop - READ
The Baggies, through the Albion Foundation, checked in with every season ticket holder over the age of 70 - READ
Jake Livermore made a lovely gesture to Albion fan who recently lost his father to Covid-19 - READ
Happy birthday! Baggies past and present wished supporters many happy returns - READ
The topic was being discussed on the back of the Eredivise in the Netherlands being cancelled last week - governing body KNVB announced that there’d be no league titles, promotion or relegation, meaning Alan Pardew’s ADO Den Haag survived the drop against the odds.
UEFA held a crunch meeting on Thursday morning to decide the fate of the 2019-20 campaign, expressing their preference for seasons to be completed but stated that if that is not an option, qualification to their competitions should be based on ‘sporting merit’.
The EFL, meanwhile, released a statement of their own over the weekend detailing that they remain committed to completing the campaign, and are constantly exploring ways in which this can be done, while the health and wellbeing of all involved remains of paramount importance.


birminghammail--2020-04-27--Police called to 'armed burglary' find cannabis factory

Police responding to reports of an armed burglary in Birmingham uncovered a cannabis factory .
Officers were called in the early hours of Monday April 27 following an alleged incident in the Handsworth Wood area .
They discovered a cannabis factory with hundreds of plants under specialist lighting .
Around 400 plants were seized by police and taken for disposal .
A spokesman for West Midlands Police said : `` A Unit Newtown attended an address in Handsworth Wood in the early hours to reports of a burglary with armed offenders .
Turns out , it was a cannabis factory @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for disposal . ''
It happened during a weekend of violence in Birmingham after a series of daylight stabbings rocked the city .
In an unrelated incident , a schoolboy was fighting for his life in hospital after a vicious double stabbing at a city park .
The 16-year-old was left in a critical condition after he was knifed near Chapelhouse Road , Solihull on the afternoon of Sunday April 26 .
Another teen , aged 19 , was also stabbed and was in hospital in a stable condition .
A boy aged @ @ @ @ @ @ @ murder .
He remained in police custody for questioning .
And , in another unrelated incident on Sunday , a 20-year-old man died after he was stabbed at West Cross Shopping Centre in Smethwick .
A murder investigation has been launched .
A police spokesman said yesterday : `` Our thoughts go out to the family of the young man who has lost his life and we ’ re working to establish the circumstances around his death .
`` We are aware of mobile footage circulating on social media and would urge people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to get in touch .
`` This can be extremely distressing for family and friends .
However if you do have any information , mobile phone footage or dash-cam footage , we 'd urge you to get in touch with us as soon as possible as this could assist us as our investigations continue . ''

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Police responding to reports of an armed burglary in Birmingham uncovered a cannabis factory.
Officers were called in the early hours of Monday April 27 following an alleged incident in Hamstead Hall Avenue in the Handsworth Wood area
At 1.30am, they discovered a cannabis factory with hundreds of plants under specialist lighting. Around 400 plants were seized by police and taken for disposal.
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A spokesman for West Midlands Police said: "A Unit Newtown attended an address in Handsworth Wood in the early hours to reports of a burglary with armed offenders. Turns out, it was a cannabis factory! Around 400 plants seized and ready for disposal."
Enquiries are ongoing.
It happened during a weekend of violence in Birmingham after a series of daylight stabbings rocked the city.
In an unrelated incident, a schoolboy was fighting for his life in hospital after a vicious double stabbing at a city park.
The 16-year-old was left in a critical condition after he was knifed near Chapelhouse Road, Solihull on the afternoon of Sunday April 26. Another teen, aged 19, was also stabbed and was in hospital in a stable condition.
A boy aged 14 was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder. He remained in police custody for questioning.
And, in another unrelated incident on Sunday, a 20-year-old man died after he was stabbed at West Cross Shopping Centre in Smethwick. A murder investigation has been launched.
A police spokesman said yesterday: "Our thoughts go out to the family of the young man who has lost his life and we’re working to establish the circumstances around his death.
"We are aware of mobile footage circulating on social media and would urge people to please not share this and instead to get in touch.
"This can be extremely distressing for family and friends. However if you do have any information, mobile phone footage or dash-cam footage, we'd urge you to get in touch with us as soon as possible as this could assist us as our investigations continue."


birminghammail--2020-04-27--'Think of their family' - MP urges public NOT to share murder footage

A Birmingham MP has pleaded with the public to not share footage of a Smethwick killing and a double stabbing at a city park .
Jess Phillips , MP for Yardley , urged people to think of the victim 's family and not to promote violent videos of the unrelated incidents after a day of bloodshed on Sunday , April 26 .
She wrote on Twitter : `` Please do not share footage circulating of these brutal tragedies .
Imagine how it feels to the family of the victim .
Sending love and care to those who are dealing with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ began at 2.40pm when a boy , aged 16 , and a 19-year-old were stabbed at Marston Green Park , Chelmsley Wood .
A 14-year-old was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder where he remained in custody for questioning .
Less than two hours later , a man was stabbed in the heart outside West Cross Shopping Centre in Mallin Street , Smethwick .
A 20-year-old victim was pronounced dead at the scene at around 4.30pm .
Detectives from West Midlands Police 's Homicide Unit were at the scene on Sunday night .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ urged the public not to share graphic and distressing footage from the murder on social media .
A spokesman for West Midlands Ambulance Service said : “ We were called at 4:37pm on Sunday to reports of a stabbing at West Cross Shopping Centre .
`` We sent the Midlands Air Ambulance from Cosford , two land ambulances , two paramedic officers , our HART team , a Critical Care car and BASICS doctor , with the first resource on scene in less than six minutes .
`` On arrival , crews found @ @ @ @ @ @ @ critical condition .
Staff worked quickly to administer advanced trauma care on scene but sadly , despite best efforts nothing could be done to save the man and he was confirmed dead at the scene . ''

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A Birmingham MP has pleaded with the public to not share footage of a Smethwick killing and a double stabbing at a city park.
Jess Phillips, MP for Yardley, urged people to think of the victim's family and not to promote violent videos of the unrelated incidents after a day of bloodshed on Sunday, April 26.
She wrote on Twitter: "Please do not share footage circulating of these brutal tragedies. Imagine how it feels to the family of the victim. Sending love and care to those who are dealing with this harm."
The violent attacks began at 2.40pm when a boy, aged 16, and a 19-year-old were stabbed at Marston Green Park, Chelmsley Wood.
A 14-year-old was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder where he remained in custody for questioning.
Less than two hours later, a man was stabbed in the heart outside West Cross Shopping Centre in Mallin Street, Smethwick.
A 31-year-old victim was pronounced dead at the scene at around 4.30pm.
Detectives from West Midlands Police's Homicide Unit were at the scene on Sunday night.
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No arrests had been made and officers urged the public not to share graphic and distressing footage from the murder on social media.
A spokesman for West Midlands Ambulance Service said: “We were called at 4:37pm on Sunday to reports of a stabbing at West Cross Shopping Centre.
"We sent the Midlands Air Ambulance from Cosford, two land ambulances, two paramedic officers, our HART team, a Critical Care car and BASICS doctor, with the first resource on scene in less than six minutes.
"On arrival, crews found one patient, a man in a critical condition. Staff worked quickly to administer advanced trauma care on scene but sadly, despite best efforts nothing could be done to save the man and he was confirmed dead at the scene."


birminghammail--2020-04-27--Villa player 'closer than ever' to completing move - reports

Borja Baston ’ s stint at Aston Villa looks set to come to an end this summer .
The striker joined Villa on transfer deadline day in January to provide attacking cover following a season-ending injury to Wesley .
Borja reportedly signed a short-term deal until the end of the season and has been used sparingly by Dean Smith , making just two appearances off the bench in the Premier League .
And reports in Spain suggest Borja - who has played just 16 minutes of football for Villa - is ‘ closer than ever ’ to returning to former @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spell of Borja ’ s career came with Zaragoza in 2014/15 when he scored 23 goals in 38 Segunda Division games .
AS reports : “ General director Luis Carlos Cuartero and sports director Lalo Arantegui have been negotiating with the centre-forward and his agent , Manolo García Quilón , for several weeks.
” Borja wants to play in La Liga which puts pressure on Zaragoza to seal promotion to the top flight once the season in Spain resumes .
Zaragoza are second in the league and trail leaders Cadiz by just one @ @

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Borja Baston’s stint at Aston Villa looks set to come to an end this summer.
The striker joined Villa on transfer deadline day in January to provide attacking cover following a season-ending injury to Wesley.
Borja reportedly signed a short-term deal until the end of the season and has been used sparingly by Dean Smith, making just two appearances off the bench in the Premier League.
And Villa Park favourite Alan Hutton, who only retired last summer after helping the club to promotion, doesn't think Borja has a chance of earning a new deal.
“I can’t see it, he’s only played 16 minutes which is not really enough, is it, to warrant a new deal or whatever,” Hutton told Football Insider.
“I heard reports that he’s been linked to teams in Spain. I think at the time Villa were in a position where they needed bodies in. Wesley was injured, Samatta was in the pipeline, they probably also needed cover for Keinan Davis.
“At the time they signed him until the summer which kind of tells you he was only kind a quick fix. It’s not really worked out, not really had the time to work so it doesn’t surprise me he’ll be moving on in the summer.”
Reports in Spain suggest Borja is ‘closer than ever’ to returning to former club Real Zaragoza.
The most successful spell of Borja’s career came with Zaragoza in 2014/15 when he scored 23 goals in 38 Segunda Division games.
AS reports: “General director Luis Carlos Cuartero and sports director Lalo Arantegui have been negotiating with the centre-forward and his agent, Manolo García Quilón, for several weeks.”
Borja wants to play in La Liga which puts pressure on Zaragoza to seal promotion to the top flight once the season in Spain resumes. Zaragoza are second in the league and trail leaders Cadiz by just one point.


birminghammail--2020-04-27--Call for Universal Credit 2020 coronavirus rise to be added to ESA benefit

Campaigners are calling for the emergency coronavirus boost in Universal Credit to be applied to other benefits too .
Universal Credit - for those who are unemployed or on low incomes - was given a special rise of £1,000 a year ( around £80 a month ) on top of the April increase in line with inflation after the benefit freeze ended .
This emergency measure has yet to be applied to other unemployment benefits such as ESA ( Employment and Support Allowance ) , meaning millions of people may be financially struggling during the pandemic .
The Disability Benefits @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of over 100 organisations with an interest in disability and social security , is calling on the Government to remedy this issue .
Current ESA payment rates after the April inflation uprating can be found in our detailed guide here In an open letter today to Thérèse Coffey , Secretary of State for Work and Pensions , DBC said : `` In March of this year , in response to the Covid-19 pandemic , the Government announced an emergency increase of £20 a week for both Universal Credit and Working Tax Credits .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ yet been extended to other out of work benefits , such as Employment and Support Allowance , leaving many disabled people without this urgently-needed support .
`` This emergency increase must be extended immediately to Employment and Support Allowance , on the grounds that anything else would be discriminatory ; that disabled people already face additional costs and reduced benefits ; and that disabled people in particular are facing increased costs as a result of the Covid-19 emergency .
`` By only applying the increase to some benefits and not others , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more generous support to those who are without employment ' remains incomplete .
`` Disabled people and people with long-term health conditions who already claim benefits such as Employment and Support Allowance have been forgotten about . ''
It continued : `` For disabled people , the Covid-19 emergency has been uniquely challenging .
Many disabled people are at greater risk from Covid-19 , and have had to go to more extreme measures than other people , and for longer , to protect themselves – leading to significant anxiety and isolation .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seen in response to the emergency are also more likely to impose additional challenges for disabled people .
And at the same time , disabled people have had to fight to retain their rights , in the face of the Care Act being suspended and concerns about discrimination in provision of health care . ''
DBC says that , on average , disabled people need an extra £583 a month for additional costs that non-disabled people don ’ t have to face – for example on specialist equipment , transport , or essential @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people have seen financial support drop massively due to benefit changes over the years .
The fall is an average of £1,200 a year , and as much as £4,300 a year in households with at least one disabled child .
Almost 5,000 people have signed a petition for all out-of-work benefits to get the same Covid-19 emergency £20 increase that Universal Credit has seen .
In its open letter to the DWP , the consortium adds that even a similar increase to the one given to Universal Credit would not be enough @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the benefit cap and two-child limit , a disability element to be added to Universal Credit , the reintroduction of the work-related activity component of ESA ( and Universal Credit equivalent ) and bigger annual increases in benefit rates to make up for the effects of the four-year freeze .
It want payments to go up by the Consumer Prices Index + 2 % for four years .

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Campaigners are calling for the coronavirus boost in Universal Credit to be applied to other benefits too.
Universal Credit - for those who are unemployed or on low incomes - was given a special rise of £1,000 a year (around £80 a month) on top of the April increase in line with inflation after the benefit freeze ended.
This emergency measure has yet to be applied to other unemployment benefits such as ESA (Employment and Support Allowance), meaning millions of people may be financially struggling during the pandemic.
The Disability Benefits Consortium (DBC), a network of over 100 organisations with an interest in disability and social security, is calling on the Government to remedy this issue.
(Image: PA)
In an open letter today to Thérèse Coffey, Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, DBC said: "In March of this year, in response to the Covid-19 pandemic, the Government announced an emergency increase of £20 a week for both Universal Credit and Working Tax Credits.
"However the same increase has not yet been extended to other out of work benefits, such as Employment and Support Allowance, leaving many disabled people without this urgently-needed support.
"This emergency increase must be extended immediately to Employment and Support Allowance, on the grounds that anything else would be discriminatory; that disabled people already face additional costs and reduced benefits; and that disabled people in particular are facing increased costs as a result of the Covid-19 emergency.
"By only applying the increase to some benefits and not others, the Government’s stated aim to 'offer more generous support to those who are without employment' remains incomplete.
"Disabled people and people with long-term health conditions who already claim benefits such as Employment and Support Allowance have been forgotten about."
It continued: "For disabled people, the Covid-19 emergency has been uniquely challenging. Many disabled people are at greater risk from Covid-19, and have had to go to more extreme measures than other people, and for longer, to protect themselves – leading to significant anxiety and isolation.
"The changes and restrictions the UK has seen in response to the emergency are also more likely to impose additional challenges for disabled people. And at the same time, disabled people have had to fight to retain their rights, in the face of the Care Act being suspended and concerns about discrimination in provision of health care."
DBC says that, on average, disabled people need an extra £583 a month for additional costs that non-disabled people don’t have to face – for example on specialist equipment, transport, or essential health services.
And it says disabled people have seen financial support drop massively due to benefit changes over the years. The fall is an average of £1,200 a year, and as much as £4,300 a year in households with at least one disabled child.
Almost 5,000 people have signed a petition for all out-of-work benefits to get the same Covid-19 emergency £20 increase that Universal Credit has seen.
In its open letter to the DWP, the consortium adds that even a similar increase to the one given to Universal Credit would not be enough.
It is calling for an end to the benefit cap and two-child limit, a disability element to be added to Universal Credit and the reintroduction of the work-related activity component of ESA (and Universal Credit equivalent) .
The DBC also wants bigger annual increases in benefit rates to make up for the effects of the four-year freeze. It want payments to go up by the Consumer Prices Index + 2% for four years.
Current ESA rates from April 2020:
Payments listed below are the amount per week, though it's important to note that ESA is paid every two weeks.
Personal Allowances
Single
Under 25 - increasing from £57.90 to £58.90
25 or over - increasing from £73.10 to £74.35
Lone parent
Under 18 - increasing from £57.90 to £58.90
18 or over - increasing from £73.10 to £74.35
Couple
Both under 18 - increasing from £57.90 to £58.90
Both under 18 with child - increasing from £87.50 to £89.00
Both under 18 (main phase) - increasing from £73.10 to £74.35
Both under 18 with child (main phase) - increasing from £114.85 to £116.80
One 18 or over, one under 18 (certain conditions apply) - increasing from £114.85 to £116.80
Both over 18 - increasing from £114.85 to £116.80
Claimant under 25, partner under 18 - increasing from £57.90 to £58.90
Claimant 25 or over, partner under 18 - increasing from £73.10 to £74.35
Claimant (main phase), partner under 18 - increasing from £73.10 to £74.35
Payment rates for all other elements of ESA, such as disability premiums, can be found in our detailed guide here