news--2020-05-25--Coronavirus: Britons urged to 'use common sense' as beaches and parks packed on hot Bank Holiday Mon

Coronavirus: Britons urged to 'use common sense' as beaches and parks packed on hot Bank Holiday Monday

Hundreds of Britons have flocked to beaches and parks to bask in the warm bank holiday weather , prompting authorities to urge people to `` use common sense '' .
Images emerged of packed beaches on Bank Holiday Monday , with reports of congestion around beauty spots as people take advantage of the easing of lockdown restrictions in England earlier this month .
Shortly before 12pm , Bournemouth Council said all its seafront car parks were full and told residents to `` think twice '' before visiting the beach .
A social media user who drove past Swanpool Beach in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ overflowing , hundreds of cars on surrounding roads , beach packed '' .
In west London , police say they were called to reports of a `` large group gathering '' at Ruislip Lido , and urged the public to `` use common sense '' .
Pictures showed Botany Bay and Margate Main Sands in Kent packed with beachgoers , while large crowds were also seen at Weston-super-Mare beach .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Ahead of the bank holiday , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to stay away from beauty spots , with Sefton Council in Merseyside employing a `` Wish you were n't here ! ''
campaign .
Some described the packed beaches as the `` Cummings effect '' - as Boris Johnson 's senior adviser Dominic Cummings is embroiled in a row for travelling 260 miles from London to Durham during the lockdown .
Twenty Conservative MPs claim Mr Cummings broke the lockdown rules , but the prime minister has maintained that his top aide acted `` responsibly , legally and with integrity '' .
Police @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could undermine their ability to enforce social distancing rules .
According to the rules , people should keep two metres away from anyone who is not in their household , and should not meet more than one person from another household at a time .
Sky News 's weather presenter Nazaneen Ghaffar said high pressure dominating the weather this week means it will be fine and dry with `` plenty of warmth and sunshine '' for most places .
She said : `` In fact , temperatures are set to rise , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ West of the UK it could be a rather hot day by Friday .
`` We may even beat the current highest temperature of the year so far set only a few days ago at 28.2C ( 82.76F ) in Santon Downham , Suffolk on 20 May . ''

Hundreds of Britons have flocked to beaches and parks to bask in the warm bank holiday weather, prompting authorities to urge people to "use common sense".
Images emerged of packed beaches on Bank Holiday Monday, with reports of congestion around beauty spots as people take advantage of the easing of lockdown restrictions in England earlier this month.
Shortly before 12pm, Bournemouth Council said all its seafront car parks were full and told residents to "think twice" before visiting the beach.
Image: Police say they were called to Ruislip Lido. Pic: Hillingdon Police
Image: People enjoy the hot weather on Durley and Alum Chine beaches in Dorset
A social media user who drove past Swanpool Beach in Falmouth reported seeing the "car park overflowing, hundreds of cars on surrounding roads, beach packed".
In west London, police say they were called to reports of a "large group gathering" at Ruislip Lido, and urged the public to "use common sense".
Pictures showed Botany Bay and Margate Main Sands in Kent packed with beachgoers, while large crowds were also seen at Weston-super-Mare beach.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Ahead of the bank holiday, tourism bosses had pleaded with the public to stay away from beauty spots, with Sefton Council in Merseyside employing a "Wish you weren't here!" campaign.
Some described the packed beaches as the "Cummings effect" - as Boris Johnson's senior adviser Dominic Cummings is embroiled in a row for travelling 260 miles from London to Durham during the lockdown.
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:44 Southend beach packed with sunseekers
Twenty Conservative MPs claim Mr Cummings broke the lockdown rules, but the prime minister has maintained that his top aide acted "responsibly, legally and with integrity".
Police chiefs have warned Mr Cummings' actions could undermine their ability to enforce social distancing rules.
According to the rules, people should keep two metres away from anyone who is not in their household, and should not meet more than one person from another household at a time.
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Sky News's weather presenter Nazaneen Ghaffar said high pressure dominating the weather this week means it will be fine and dry with "plenty of warmth and sunshine" for most places.
Image: Gridlock stretches on a road in Burnsall in the Yorkshire Dales
Image: A group enjoys the hot weather at Bolton Abbey in North Yorkshire
Image: Britons flock to Boscombe beach in Dorset
She said: "In fact, temperatures are set to rise, and for some across the South and South West of the UK it could be a rather hot day by Friday.
Image: Tourists make their way to Durdle Door beach in West Lulworth
Image: A packed car park at Durdle Door beach
"We may even beat the current highest temperature of the year so far set only a few days ago at 28.2C (82.76F) in Santon Downham, Suffolk on 20 May."


news--2020-05-24--Coronavirus: Boris Johnson is already paying the price for supporting Dominic Cummings

Coronavirus : Boris Johnson is already paying the price for supporting Dominic Cummings Coronavirus : Boris Johnson is already paying the price for supporting Dominic Cummings We now know for sure what most Westminster watchers have always suspected : Boris Johnson is prepared to move heaven and earth to try to protect his most trusted adviser Dominic Cummings .
Instead of his chief aide falling on his own sword after revelations that he had broken lockdown rules , the prime minister decided this weekend to become Mr Cummings ' own human shield instead .
And it has wounded him and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in substantive policy terms too .
When it comes to handling the coronavirus crisis , the decision to defend Mr Cummings ' 260-mile trip to Durham to seek childcare support from his family has blunted not just the stay at home message but the wider rules .
Why should the public follow guidelines that those in power do not ?
`` Trashing '' all the lockdown advice in a `` few short minutes '' is how Professor Stephen Reicher , a member of the government 's advisory group of behavioural science , put @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that it could mean the R number begins to rise , bringing in turn more cases , more deaths and even a second wave ; the economic , social and public health consequences of which are unconscionable .
And in political terms , the prime minister has not only failed to shut down the sorry saga but has also managed to infuriate his own MPs and the public .
One minister told me what they had witnessed at that press conference on Sunday was `` the PM 's authority with the British people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ eyes '' .
Another MP wrote to me after watching the PM to tell me his inbox was filling up with emails from furious constituents .
`` Frankly I feel disgusted on how a Conservative prime minister can treat decent people who have sacrificed so much , with such contempt , '' they said .
That the prime minister has chosen to expend vast amounts of his political capital on his adviser is an astonishing turning of tables in a world where it is the aides who fall on their swords for their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ clearly decided that he needs Mr Cummings enough not to take the easy route out by cutting him loose and moving on .
But this is a fight not yet won .
Fifteen Tories have now publicly called for him to go , while behind the scenes there are many more expressing their anger and demanding more answers from the PM via party whips .
Mr Johnson is also losing his base beyond the party : the Daily Mail on Sunday night also turned its guns on the prime minister and called for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 10 had framed as an attack on it by `` campaigning newspapers '' is morphing into something else entirely .
: : Listen to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple podcasts , Google podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker This was meant to be the people 's government .
Mr Cummings ' brilliance was that he read public mood over Brexit and translated that into a thumping majority for the PM .
But this populist PM is now looking out of touch with the people .
Whether he wins or loses this battle , @ @ @ @ @ @ @

Whether the PM wins or loses for supporting his top aide after he broke lockdown rules, he is paying the price, Beth Rigby writes.
Coronavirus: Boris Johnson is already paying the price for supporting Dominic Cummings
We now know for sure what most Westminster watchers have always suspected: Boris Johnson is prepared to move heaven and earth to try to protect his most trusted adviser Dominic Cummings.
Instead of his chief aide falling on his own sword after revelations that he had broken lockdown rules, the prime minister decided this weekend to become Mr Cummings' own human shield instead.
And it has wounded him and his government - not just politically but in substantive policy terms too.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:51 Johnson tells nation he's standing by Cummings
When it comes to handling the coronavirus crisis, the decision to defend Mr Cummings' 260-mile trip to Durham to seek childcare support from his family has blunted not just the stay at home message but the wider rules.
Why should the public follow guidelines that those in power do not?
"Trashing" all the lockdown advice in a "few short minutes" is how Professor Stephen Reicher, a member of the government's advisory group of behavioural science, put it on Sunday night.
Ministers worry that it could mean the R number begins to rise, bringing in turn more cases, more deaths and even a second wave; the economic, social and public health consequences of which are unconscionable.
And in political terms, the prime minister has not only failed to shut down the sorry saga but has also managed to infuriate his own MPs and the public.
One minister told me what they had witnessed at that press conference on Sunday was "the PM's authority with the British people draining away in front of my very eyes".
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Image: Dominic Cummings went to his parents' house in Durham from London
Another MP wrote to me after watching the PM to tell me his inbox was filling up with emails from furious constituents.
"Frankly I feel disgusted on how a Conservative prime minister can treat decent people who have sacrificed so much, with such contempt," they said.
That the prime minister has chosen to expend vast amounts of his political capital on his adviser is an astonishing turning of tables in a world where it is the aides who fall on their swords for their political masters.
But Mr Johnson has clearly decided that he needs Mr Cummings enough not to take the easy route out by cutting him loose and moving on.
But this is a fight not yet won.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:34 Police officers at Dominic Cummings' home
Fifteen Tories have now publicly called for him to go, while behind the scenes there are many more expressing their anger and demanding more answers from the PM via party whips.
Mr Johnson is also losing his base beyond the party: the Daily Mail on Sunday night also turned its guns on the prime minister and called for Mr Cummings to go.
What Number 10 had framed as an attack on it by "campaigning newspapers" is morphing into something else entirely.
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:: Listen to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple podcasts, Google podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
This was meant to be the people's government.
Mr Cummings' brilliance was that he read public mood over Brexit and translated that into a thumping majority for the PM.
But this populist PM is now looking out of touch with the people. Whether he wins or loses this battle, he is already paying the price.


news--2020-05-25--Coronavirus: Briton stranded in Patagonia finally returns home via bus, taxi, plane and horseback

A British traveller stranded abroad has finally returned home after a treacherous journey by bus , taxi , plane , and a horseback ride where she used the moonlight to find her way .
Annabel Symes , 19 , from Eastbourne , got back from Patagonia five weeks later than planned due to the coronavirus lockdown .
She had been fulfilling the `` dream of a lifetime '' working as a volunteer hosting tourists at a remote horse ranch in the foothills of the Andes .
Ms Symes was due to return home in April but her flight was cancelled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contain the spread of COVID-19 .
After calling the Foreign Office for help , her return journey home was organised - and involved half a day 's horseback ride to the nearest road , a nine-hour taxi journey to the nearest town and a 17-hour bus ride to Buenos Aires airport .
Ms Symes and her partner , an American citizen , had to ride to the road in the dark , finding their way using the full moon , with mules carrying their bags .
When they finally reached the road , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with disinfectant at every checkpoint along the way .
The British Embassy negotiated travel permits with local authorities from the different regions so they could organise bus travel , book taxis and facilitate cross-country travelling .
Ms Symes and her partner returned home from Argentina on 8 May along with 200 other British travellers .
With the summer season ending , heavy snowfall could have made it impossible to leave the ranch , which was located in a region where temperatures plunge below zero .
Ms Symes said she had only packed summer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ matters worse .
She said : `` Once I realised I was stranded , I registered with the British Embassy .
`` Communication was made challenging as the estancia [ ranch ] only had patchy internet access via satellite which meant lots of cold WhatsApp conversations sitting on a tree stump in the middle of a field . ''
Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said : `` We are delighted to have been able to help Annabel get back home .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ start of the coronavirus outbreak , the Foreign Office has been working with airlines and governments to keep vital routes open , helping more than 1.3 million travellers return to the UK on commercial flights .
`` We also made £75m available for special return flights , so far bringing home more than 33,000 people from countries without commercial options . ''

A British traveller stranded abroad has finally returned home after a treacherous journey by bus, taxi, plane, and a horseback ride where she used the moonlight to find her way.
Annabel Symes, 19, from Eastbourne, got back from Patagonia five weeks later than planned due to the coronavirus lockdown.
She had been fulfilling the "dream of a lifetime" working as a volunteer hosting tourists at a remote horse ranch in the foothills of the Andes.
Image: The remote horse ranch in the foothills of the Andes, in Patagonia, where Annabel Symes was staying
Ms Symes was due to return home in April but her flight was cancelled when Argentina introduced sweeping travel restrictions to contain the spread of COVID-19.
After calling the Foreign Office for help, her return journey home was organised - and involved half a day's horseback ride to the nearest road, a nine-hour taxi journey to the nearest town and a 17-hour bus ride to Buenos Aires airport.
Ms Symes and her partner, an American citizen, had to ride to the road in the dark, finding their way using the full moon, with mules carrying their bags.
When they finally reached the road, they took a taxi which was sprayed with disinfectant at every checkpoint along the way.
The British Embassy negotiated travel permits with local authorities from the different regions so they could organise bus travel, book taxis and facilitate cross-country travelling.
Image: Ms Symes is reunited with her border terrier after arriving in the UK
Ms Symes and her partner returned home from Argentina on 8 May along with 200 other British travellers.
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With the summer season ending, heavy snowfall could have made it impossible to leave the ranch, which was located in a region where temperatures plunge below zero.
Ms Symes said she had only packed summer clothing for the trip, to make matters worse.
She said: "Once I realised I was stranded, I registered with the British Embassy.
Image: Ms Symes volunteered to host tourists at a remote horse ranch in the foothills of the Andes
"Communication was made challenging as the estancia [ranch] only had patchy internet access via satellite which meant lots of cold WhatsApp conversations sitting on a tree stump in the middle of a field."
Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said: "We are delighted to have been able to help Annabel get back home.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
"Since the start of the coronavirus outbreak, the Foreign Office has been working with airlines and governments to keep vital routes open, helping more than 1.3 million travellers return to the UK on commercial flights.
"We also made £75m available for special return flights, so far bringing home more than 33,000 people from countries without commercial options."


news--2020-05-24--Reopening Hollywood: First major movie to be released since coronavirus lockdown

The makers of the first major movie to be released since the coronavirus lockdown have told Sky News it is the `` canary in the coal mine '' for an entertainment industry looking to reopen .
The film Unhinged , a road rage thriller starring Russell Crowe , will hit cinema screens in the US on 1 July , months earlier than originally planned .
It bucks the trend of films being delayed or released instead on television and streaming services .
Almost a million TV and film workers are estimated to have lost their jobs in Hollywood alone after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spread .
Talks have begun over how to safely resume .
Mark Gill , president of Solstice Studios which has made Unhinged , said he had been encouraged by polls showing movie-goers were keen to return to cinemas .
He told Sky News : `` We are most definitely the canary in the coal mine .
We have some reasonable confidence that theatres will be open , but there 's a risk .
If things go wrong and public health departments need to shut things down , they should and they will .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ was receiving worldwide attention because it offered hope .
`` This is one of those steps that we all need to take toward getting back to normal . ''
The lockdown has seen a boom in creative ideas from the TV industry to keep audiences entertained .
Like many in Hollywood , British actors Sean Maguire and Rebecca Mader , who starred together in the US fantasy drama Once Upon A Time , would usually be auditioning for the annual pilot season .
Instead they have created their own YouTube show , At @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , who also starred in Lost , said : `` Imagine if this had been 20 years ago , we would n't have had the same way to entertain ourselves and be connected .
`` I think it 's going to be really fun for artists to realise that they can create their own content at home and not just sit there and wait for the phone to ring , or be told by a producer or a network that they are good enough . ''
Former EastEnders star Maguire said viewers will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lockdown .
: : Listen to the Backstage podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker He said : `` What you ca n't do is rush scripted content .
There is a process you ca n't just gallop through to catch up so people will just have to understand there 's going to be a little bit of a gap in the market before their favourite shows and movies can resume .
`` I think the industry will look different when we 're finished . ''
Even the very @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` What happens when you have to kiss someone in a scene ?
It is a really intimate business , '' said Mader .
The lockdown has generated huge television demand among viewers stuck at home and experts predict they will see a knock-on effect as broadcasters begin to run out of shows later this year .
Netflix has already resumed production in places like South Korea and Iceland .
The city of Los Angeles has created working groups to assess when it can resume in a place regarded as the entertainment @ @ @ @ @

The makers of the first major movie to be released since the coronavirus lockdown have told Sky News it is the "canary in the coal mine" for an entertainment industry looking to reopen.
The film Unhinged, a road rage thriller starring Russell Crowe, will hit cinema screens in the US on 1 July, months earlier than originally planned. It bucks the trend of films being delayed or released instead on television and streaming services.
Almost a million TV and film workers are estimated to have lost their jobs in Hollywood alone after productions were shut down as the virus spread.
Talks have begun over how to safely resume.
Image: A shuttered Paramount Pictures in Hollywood
Mark Gill, president of Solstice Studios which has made Unhinged, said he had been encouraged by polls showing movie-goers were keen to return to cinemas.
He told Sky News: "We are most definitely the canary in the coal mine. We have some reasonable confidence that theatres will be open, but there's a risk. If things go wrong and public health departments need to shut things down, they should and they will."
Image: A deserted Hollywood Boulevard during the coronavirus lockdown
He said the release of Unhinged was receiving worldwide attention because it offered hope. "This is one of those steps that we all need to take toward getting back to normal."
The lockdown has seen a boom in creative ideas from the TV industry to keep audiences entertained.
Like many in Hollywood, British actors Sean Maguire and Rebecca Mader, who starred together in the US fantasy drama Once Upon A Time, would usually be auditioning for the annual pilot season. Instead they have created their own YouTube show, At Home With Sean And Bex.
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Mader, who also starred in Lost, said: "Imagine if this had been 20 years ago, we wouldn't have had the same way to entertain ourselves and be connected.
"I think it's going to be really fun for artists to realise that they can create their own content at home and not just sit there and wait for the phone to ring, or be told by a producer or a network that they are good enough."
Former EastEnders star Maguire said viewers will continue to see an impact of the lockdown.
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:: Listen to the Backstage podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
He said: "What you can't do is rush scripted content. There is a process you can't just gallop through to catch up so people will just have to understand there's going to be a little bit of a gap in the market before their favourite shows and movies can resume.
"I think the industry will look different when we're finished."
Image: Rebecca Mader would usually be auditioning for the annual pilot season
Even the very basics of production will need to change.
"What happens when you have to kiss someone in a scene? It is a really intimate business," said Mader.
Image: Sean Maguire says viewers will continue to see an impact of the lockdown
The lockdown has generated huge television demand among viewers stuck at home and experts predict they will see a knock-on effect as broadcasters begin to run out of shows later this year.
Netflix has already resumed production in places like South Korea and Iceland. The city of Los Angeles has created working groups to assess when it can resume in a place regarded as the entertainment capital of the world.


news--2020-05-25--Coronavirus: Dominic Cummings says 'I don't regret what I did' over lockdown trips

Dominic Cummings says he does not `` regret '' driving from London to County Durham despite the coronavirus lockdown restrictions , saying he believes he behaved `` reasonably '' .
In an unprecedented news conference in Downing Street , the prime minister 's senior adviser confirmed he , his wife and young child made the 260-mile journey at the end of March after she developed coronavirus symptoms .
He said he took the decision because of fears over a lack of childcare if he became incapacitated with the virus , and concerns about his family 's safety .
`` I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Mr Cummings said .
`` I was trying to balance all of these very complicated things . ''
Mr Cummings said that after staying at his parents ' farm , the family-of-three then went for a `` test drive '' to Barnard Castle - 30 minutes away - to check if he was well enough to drive home 15 days after he had developed COVID-19 symptoms .
He added : `` My wife was very worried , particularly as my eyesight seemed to have been affected by the disease .
`` She @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 300-mile drive with our child given how ill I had been . ''
Mr Cummings said a passer-by spotted them but none of the family went near the person and he followed social distancing measures .
He told reporters in Downing Street 's rose garden that he was in `` exceptional circumstances '' for having to seek childcare arrangements in case he and his wife were incapacitated .
Mr Cummings ' wife , the journalist Mary Wakefield , fell ill on 27 March - which led to his decision to swiftly leave Number @ @ @ @ @ @ @ camera in Downing Street .
He said he `` was n't looking for loopholes '' in the rules to justify his trips , adding : `` It 's not a simple matter of regulations ...
It does n't say you should stay at home in all circumstances . ''
He confirmed he did not seek Boris Johnson 's permission in advance of travelling to Durham because the PM `` had a million things on his plate '' but they discussed it `` in the week after it happened '' .
`` I ca @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what do you think about this ... maybe I should have done , '' he told Sky News ' political editor Beth Rigby .
Mr Cummings said he could not have remained in the isolated cottage in Durham for weeks afterwards because he was part of vital work in Downing Street to combat the coronavirus pandemic and needed to `` relieve the intense strain at Number 10 '' .
He also confirmed he has `` not considered '' offering to resign despite calls for him to step down from 20 Tory MPs .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ have been given at the time or when media reports first surfaced , he said : `` In retrospect , I think it would have been better to set this out earlier . ''
Mr Cummings denied reports he was spotted again visiting Durham a week after he went back to London , saying : `` Photos and data on my phone prove this to be false , I was in London on that day . ''
Senior cabinet ministers rallied round the former Vote Leave boss afterwards , with Michael Gove saying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ acted legally and reasonably '' and Dominic Raab tweeting he gave `` a detailed account of his actions and how he followed the rules applicable to his family '' .
Labour said `` the British people were looking for at least an apology from Dominic Cummings for breaking the lockdown '' but `` they got none '' .
A party spokesperson said : `` Millions of people have made extraordinary sacrifices during the lockdown .
Families have been forced apart , sometimes in the most tragic of circumstances .
They stayed at home @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` And yet , the message from this government is clear : it 's one rule for Boris Johnson 's closest adviser , another for everybody else . ''
Mr Johnson has given Mr Cummings his full backing , saying he `` followed the instincts of every father and every parent '' and `` acted responsibly and legally and with integrity '' .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Sorry seemed to be the hardest word for the PM 's right @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prime minister taking a solo news conference for 70 minutes in the Number 10 rose garden , about his own conduct , is not a spectacle Westminster has seen before or is likely to again .
And after 72 hours which have rocked Boris Johnson 's government , as the PM and his cabinet swung behind Dominic Cummings in the face of growing anger , how did he do ?
Well , the key thing to say is there was no apology .
Mr Cummings confirmed he had travelled 260 miles to Durham @ @ @ @ @ @ @ isolated there , in defiance of what most people took to be an instruction to stay at home .
He claimed he did not tell the prime minister about it - and that is the only aspect of this for which he expressed some regret .
Sympathy yes , for others in the same or worse situations who were unaware of the legal clause he uses to defend his conduct on the grounds of his `` extreme circumstances '' - including feeling as if his London home could be a target .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ blamed the media reporting of his actions .
And there is the bizarre business about his half-hour drive to Barnard Castle from Durham in order to `` test his eyesight '' ahead of a drive back to London .
That will be picked over for some time .
What has stuck in the craw for many of his critics , including Tory MPs , is Mr Cummings perceived arrogance - refusing to give any explanation of his actions until this point other than to claim media reports were inaccurate .
Confirming that plenty @ @ @ @ @ @ @ clear that at no point has he offered to resign or indeed considered it , wo n't endear him on that front .
All in all , Mr Cummings certainly did n't duck scrutiny , he took dozens of questions , and for a man often caricatured by his enemies , he appeared human and at times nervous .
He said he understood the `` intense hardship and sacrifice '' of others as a result of the lockdown he helped create , and asked people to understand him .
Many wo n't - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hardest word .
But Number 10 will hope its just enough to save the prime minister 's right hand man .

Dominic Cummings says he does not "regret" driving from London to County Durham despite the coronavirus lockdown restrictions, saying he believes he behaved "reasonably".
In an unprecedented news conference in Downing Street, the prime minister's senior adviser confirmed he, his wife and young child made the 260-mile journey at the end of March after she developed coronavirus symptoms.
He said he took the decision because of fears over a lack of childcare if he became incapacitated with the virus, and concerns about his family's safety.
Image: Dominic Cummings has faced calls to step down
"I don't regret what I did," Mr Cummings said.
"I was trying to balance all of these very complicated things."
Mr Cummings said that after staying at his parents' farm, the family-of-three then went for a "test drive" to Barnard Castle - 30 minutes away - to check if he was well enough to drive home 15 days after he had developed COVID-19 symptoms.
He added: "My wife was very worried, particularly as my eyesight seemed to have been affected by the disease.
"She did not want to risk a nearly 300-mile drive with our child given how ill I had been."
Mr Cummings said a passer-by spotted them but none of the family went near the person and he followed social distancing measures.
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:51 Johnson tells nation he's standing by top adviser
He told reporters in Downing Street's rose garden that he was in "exceptional circumstances" for having to seek childcare arrangements in case he and his wife were incapacitated.
Mr Cummings' wife, the journalist Mary Wakefield, fell ill on 27 March - which led to his decision to swiftly leave Number 10 - actions that were caught on camera in Downing Street.
He said he "wasn't looking for loopholes" in the rules to justify his trips, adding: "It's not a simple matter of regulations... It doesn't say you should stay at home in all circumstances."
He confirmed he did not seek Boris Johnson's permission in advance of travelling to Durham because the PM "had a million things on his plate" but they discussed it "in the week after it happened".
"I can't go to him all day asking what do you think about this... maybe I should have done," he told Sky News' political editor Beth Rigby.
Mr Cummings said he could not have remained in the isolated cottage in Durham for weeks afterwards because he was part of vital work in Downing Street to combat the coronavirus pandemic and needed to "relieve the intense strain at Number 10".
He also confirmed he has "not considered" offering to resign despite calls for him to step down from 20 Tory MPs.
But when asked if these explanations should have been given at the time or when media reports first surfaced, he said: "In retrospect, I think it would have been better to set this out earlier."
Mr Cummings denied reports he was spotted again visiting Durham a week after he went back to London, saying: "Photos and data on my phone prove this to be false, I was in London on that day."
Senior cabinet ministers rallied round the former Vote Leave boss afterwards, with Michael Gove saying it was "clear" he "acted legally and reasonably" and Dominic Raab tweeting he gave "a detailed account of his actions and how he followed the rules applicable to his family".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:35 'Cummings has not abided by his own rules' - Tory ex-minister
Labour said "the British people were looking for at least an apology from Dominic Cummings for breaking the lockdown" but "they got none".
A party spokesperson said: "Millions of people have made extraordinary sacrifices during the lockdown. Families have been forced apart, sometimes in the most tragic of circumstances. They stayed at home to protect the NHS and save lives.
"And yet, the message from this government is clear: it's one rule for Boris Johnson's closest adviser, another for everybody else."
Mr Johnson has given Mr Cummings his full backing, saying he "followed the instincts of every father and every parent" and "acted responsibly and legally and with integrity".
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Sorry seemed to be the hardest word for the PM's right hand man
By Tamara Cohen, Sky News political correspondent
Extraordinary. Unprecedented.
An unelected adviser to the prime minister taking a solo news conference for 70 minutes in the Number 10 rose garden, about his own conduct, is not a spectacle Westminster has seen before or is likely to again.
And after 72 hours which have rocked Boris Johnson's government, as the PM and his cabinet swung behind Dominic Cummings in the face of growing anger, how did he do?
Well, the key thing to say is there was no apology.
Mr Cummings confirmed he had travelled 260 miles to Durham after his wife Mary fell ill and isolated there, in defiance of what most people took to be an instruction to stay at home.
He claimed he did not tell the prime minister about it - and that is the only aspect of this for which he expressed some regret.
Sympathy yes, for others in the same or worse situations who were unaware of the legal clause he uses to defend his conduct on the grounds of his "extreme circumstances" - including feeling as if his London home could be a target.
But for the public anger, he entirely blamed the media reporting of his actions.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:31 'Out of the way': Embattled Cummings avoids questions
And there is the bizarre business about his half-hour drive to Barnard Castle from Durham in order to "test his eyesight" ahead of a drive back to London. That will be picked over for some time.
What has stuck in the craw for many of his critics, including Tory MPs, is Mr Cummings perceived arrogance - refusing to give any explanation of his actions until this point other than to claim media reports were inaccurate.
Confirming that plenty of it was accurate, and making clear that at no point has he offered to resign or indeed considered it, won't endear him on that front.
All in all, Mr Cummings certainly didn't duck scrutiny, he took dozens of questions, and for a man often caricatured by his enemies, he appeared human and at times nervous.
He said he understood the "intense hardship and sacrifice" of others as a result of the lockdown he helped create, and asked people to understand him. Many won't - especially as sorry seemed to be the hardest word.
But Number 10 will hope its just enough to save the prime minister's right hand man.


news--2020-05-25--Sorrell's S4 empire-building goes on with new MightyHive merger

Sir Martin Sorrell 's construction of a second global marketing services empire will take another step forward this week with the merger of its programmatic media arm with a leading Latin American peer .
Sky News has learnt that MightyHive , which Sir Martin 's S4 Capital bought 18 months ago for $ 150m , will unveil a combination with Digodat , a data and analytics consultancy headquartered in Argentina .
Sources said the merger was likely to be announced to the London Stock Exchange on Tuesday morning .
The deal - the latest in a string of acquisitions and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ established in 2018 - will represent a further addition to what Sir Martin has styled as a `` new age , new era '' company better-suited to today 's marketing needs than the industry 's behemoths .
Sources close to the Digodat tie-up said it reflected the advertising mogul 's determination to continue undertaking strategic deals , despite the profound uncertainty over marketing budgets caused by the coronavirus pandemic .
Sir Martin is said to believe that extending S4 's data , digital advertising content , data , analytics and programmatic capabilities will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ term , as long as the financial terms of any acquisitions do not compromise the company 's balance sheet .
The latest deal will add scores of data specialists in Argentina , Chile , Colombia and Mexico who work with clients including Google , the Spanish-based bank BBVA and Telecom Argentina to S4 's ranks .
Programmatic tools deployed in marketing campaigns by consultancies such as Digodat are increasingly in demand as companies shape personalised communications campaigns .
The terms of the merger are not expected to be made public , but will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to one insider .
Shares in S4 rose earlier this month despite warning that the COVID-19 pandemic had made it difficult to forecast the precise level of revenue growth .
It did , however , say that it expected to deliver `` sector-leading double-digit like-for-like revenue and gross profit growth for 2020 '' .
Across its various operating subsidiaries , S4 now employs approximately 2500 people , making it a still-small but fast-growing rival to WPP Group - the business Sir Martin built over 35 years into the world 's biggest marketing services @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Omnicom Group and Publicis Groupe .
Previous takeover by S4 include Circus , an agency which counts Facebook , Google and Spotify as clients , Firewood , the largest marketing agency in Silicon Valley , and Delhi-based content business WhiteBalance .
Through that string of acquisitions and share sales undertaken to finance them , Sir Martin has already turned S4 into a £1bn company .
Its shares are up nearly 50 % during the last year .
In a research note published last week , analysts at the investment bank Jefferies increased their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ saying its growth had become increasingly correlated with the major technology platforms which account for more than half its revenue .
Since leaving WPP Group , which he effectively founded during the 1980s , Sir Martin has been a staunch critic of the company , wasting few opportunities to take public potshots at his successor , Mark Read .
His departure came in controversial circumstances , and sparked a barrage of legal salvos between the two parties .
One of their fractious exchanges centred on S4 's purchase of MediaMonks , which Sir @ @ @ @ @ @ @ threat by WPP to withhold part of Sir Martin 's long-term compensation on the grounds that he had breached confidentiality obligations has since dissipated , however .
While Sir Martin 's pipeline of takeover candidates looks very different to those he pursued during much of his WPP reign , the playbook of bolt-on acquisitions and targeting of faster-growing geographies is similar .
Sir Martin remains a shareholder in WPP , with a big chunk of his wealth tied up in the stock of the company he took from a manufacturer of shopping baskets @ @ @ @ @ @ @ industry .
By the time he stepped down in April 2018 , WPP was valued by the stock market at more than £16bn , although a series of client losses and accelerating shifts in spending among global advertisers away from traditional media have hurt its valuation .

Sir Martin Sorrell's construction of a second global marketing services empire will take another step forward this week with the merger of its programmatic media arm with a leading Latin American peer.
Sky News has learnt that MightyHive, which Sir Martin's S4 Capital bought 18 months ago for $150m, will unveil a combination with Digodat, a data and analytics consultancy headquartered in Argentina.
Sources said the merger was likely to be announced to the London Stock Exchange on Tuesday morning.
The deal - the latest in a string of acquisitions and mergers engineered by S4 since it was established in 2018 - will represent a further addition to what Sir Martin has styled as a "new age, new era" company better-suited to today's marketing needs than the industry's behemoths.
Sources close to the Digodat tie-up said it reflected the advertising mogul's determination to continue undertaking strategic deals, despite the profound uncertainty over marketing budgets caused by the coronavirus pandemic.
Sir Martin is said to believe that extending S4's data, digital advertising content, data, analytics and programmatic capabilities will serve the company well in the long term, as long as the financial terms of any acquisitions do not compromise the company's balance sheet.
The latest deal will add scores of data specialists in Argentina, Chile, Colombia and Mexico who work with clients including Google, the Spanish-based bank BBVA and Telecom Argentina to S4's ranks.
Programmatic tools deployed in marketing campaigns by consultancies such as Digodat are increasingly in demand as companies shape personalised communications campaigns.
The terms of the merger are not expected to be made public, but will be financed from existing resources, according to one insider.
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Shares in S4 rose earlier this month despite warning that the COVID-19 pandemic had made it difficult to forecast the precise level of revenue growth.
It did, however, say that it expected to deliver "sector-leading double-digit like-for-like revenue and gross profit growth for 2020".
Across its various operating subsidiaries, S4 now employs approximately 2500 people, making it a still-small but fast-growing rival to WPP Group - the business Sir Martin built over 35 years into the world's biggest marketing services holding company - and rivals such as Omnicom Group and Publicis Groupe.
Image: Sir Martin built WPP into the world's biggest marketing services holding company
Previous takeover by S4 include Circus, an agency which counts Facebook, Google and Spotify as clients, Firewood, the largest marketing agency in Silicon Valley, and Delhi-based content business WhiteBalance.
Through that string of acquisitions and share sales undertaken to finance them, Sir Martin has already turned S4 into a £1bn company.
Its shares are up nearly 50% during the last year.
In a research note published last week, analysts at the investment bank Jefferies increased their price target on S4's stock, saying its growth had become increasingly correlated with the major technology platforms which account for more than half its revenue.
Since leaving WPP Group, which he effectively founded during the 1980s, Sir Martin has been a staunch critic of the company, wasting few opportunities to take public potshots at his successor, Mark Read.
His departure came in controversial circumstances, and sparked a barrage of legal salvos between the two parties.
One of their fractious exchanges centred on S4's purchase of MediaMonks, which Sir Martin outbid WPP to buy.
A threat by WPP to withhold part of Sir Martin's long-term compensation on the grounds that he had breached confidentiality obligations has since dissipated, however.
While Sir Martin's pipeline of takeover candidates looks very different to those he pursued during much of his WPP reign, the playbook of bolt-on acquisitions and targeting of faster-growing geographies is similar.
Sir Martin remains a shareholder in WPP, with a big chunk of his wealth tied up in the stock of the company he took from a manufacturer of shopping baskets in 1985 to bestriding the global advertising industry.
By the time he stepped down in April 2018, WPP was valued by the stock market at more than £16bn, although a series of client losses and accelerating shifts in spending among global advertisers away from traditional media have hurt its valuation.
S4 declined to comment on Monday.


news--2020-05-25--Coronavirus: NHS doctor threatens to resign if Dominic Cummings does not

An NHS doctor working in a COVID-19 intensive care unit has said he will resign by the end of the week if Dominic Cummings has not done so by then - and said other NHS staff will most likely follow .
Dr Dominic Pimenta , a cardiology registrar , tweeted a picture of himself wearing personal protective equipment ( PPE ) , saying : `` This stuff is hot and hard work .
Have n't seen my parents since January .
`` Frankly , Cummings spits in the face of all our efforts , the whole NHS .
If he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Boris Johnson has backed his top aide and has refused to fire him after he was accused of breaching lockdown rules by travelling from London to Durham with his wife and young son to stay with his parents at the end of March - a week after the lockdown was imposed .
Dr Pimenta said he will announce his decision to quit by the end of the week if Mr Cummings is still in his position .
He said : `` I found it incredibly insulting to see the whole cabinet doubling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ public who are working incredibly hard to follow the guidance , it 's a betrayal .
`` NHS staff have bent over backwards to meet this incredible challenge , spending hundreds of extra hours in meetings and drawing up timetables to care for patients .
`` I do think it 's still early days yet , but I 'll give them until the end of the week for Mr Cummings to resign before I do .
`` I 'm not trying to lead a movement , but I would n't be surprised if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ doctor called on the government and cabinet members to apologise as he said they `` can not continue to insult health workers like this '' .
`` Many feel incredibly disrespected , like all their hard work and energy has been thrown back in their faces , '' he said .
: : Listen to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple podcasts , Google podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Mr Johnson 's decision to back Mr Cummings has brought about a rift among Conservative MPs as well , with at least 15 telling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to resign .
However , during Sunday 's daily coronavirus press briefing , Mr Johnson remained steadfastedly supportive , saying Mr Cummings acted `` responsibly , legally and with integrity '' .

An NHS doctor working in a COVID-19 intensive care unit has said he will resign by the end of the week if Dominic Cummings has not done so by then - and said other NHS staff will most likely follow.
Dr Dominic Pimenta, a cardiology registrar, tweeted a picture of himself wearing personal protective equipment (PPE), saying: "This stuff is hot and hard work. Haven't seen my parents since January.
"Frankly, Cummings spits in the face of all our efforts, the whole NHS. If he doesn't resign, I will."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:51 Johnson tells nation he's standing by Cummings
Boris Johnson has backed his top aide and has refused to fire him after he was accused of breaching lockdown rules by travelling from London to Durham with his wife and young son to stay with his parents at the end of March - a week after the lockdown was imposed.
Dr Pimenta said he will announce his decision to quit by the end of the week if Mr Cummings is still in his position.
He said: "I found it incredibly insulting to see the whole cabinet doubling down on this issue and undermining the public who are working incredibly hard to follow the guidance, it's a betrayal.
"NHS staff have bent over backwards to meet this incredible challenge, spending hundreds of extra hours in meetings and drawing up timetables to care for patients.
"I do think it's still early days yet, but I'll give them until the end of the week for Mr Cummings to resign before I do.
Image: Dominic Cummings was seen in Downing Street ahead of Boris Johnson appearing at Sunday's briefing
"I'm not trying to lead a movement, but I wouldn't be surprised if more did the same."
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The doctor called on the government and cabinet members to apologise as he said they "cannot continue to insult health workers like this".
"Many feel incredibly disrespected, like all their hard work and energy has been thrown back in their faces," he said.
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:: Listen to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple podcasts, Google podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Mr Johnson's decision to back Mr Cummings has brought about a rift among Conservative MPs as well, with at least 15 telling Sky News they want the controversial aide to resign.
However, during Sunday's daily coronavirus press briefing, Mr Johnson remained steadfastedly supportive, saying Mr Cummings acted "responsibly, legally and with integrity".


news--2020-05-25--Coronavirus: All non-essential retail shops can reopen in England from 15 June, Johnson says

High street shops can start reopening next month , Boris Johnson has said , as he moves to ease lockdown restrictions amid a huge public row over his top adviser .
The prime minister said outdoor markets and showrooms will be able to start trading again in England from 1 June - so long as they keep customers safe .
All other non-essential retailers - including shops selling clothes , shoes , toys , furniture , books , and electronics , plus tailors , auction houses , photography studios , and indoor markets - can follow suit two weeks later @ @ @ @ @ @ @ face `` spot checks '' to make sure they are implementing social distancing , and have been told they must complete a risk assessment after consultation with trade unions and workers .
Firms have been told to consider a number of measures to reassure customers and staff , including : : : Placing a poster in their windows to demonstrate awareness of the guidance : : Storing returned items for 72 hours before putting them back out on the shop floor : : Placing protective coverings on large items touched by the public @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Frequently cleaning objects and surfaces that are touched regularly , including self-checkouts , trolleys , coffee machines and betting terminals Mr Johnson announced the next steps in his plan to `` unlock the lockdown '' at Monday 's Downing Street news briefing , nine weeks since the strict `` stay at home '' measures began .
But they came as he faced continued questions about his support for Dominic Cummings following controversy over the senior adviser 's movements during lockdown .
On Monday , Mr Cummings admitted he travelled from London to Durham @ @ @ @ @ @ @ then for a `` test drive '' to a town 30 miles away to check he was well enough to drive home after he had been suffering from coronavirus .
Mr Johnson backed his special adviser after Mr Cummings gave a rare news conference , with the PM saying : `` I think he acted reasonably , legally and with integrity '' .
The prime minister also hinted he accepted mistakes could have been made about handling the coronavirus outbreak in the UK , which has so far killed 36,914 people .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for any government to say `` it has n't learnt anything as it goes along '' .
Pressing on with his bid to steer England out of lockdown , Mr Johnson said the loosening of restrictions for non-essential shops is `` contingent upon progress '' of lowering COVID-19 infection rates and ensuring there will be no second peak .
`` These are careful but deliberate steps on the road to rebuilding our country , '' he announced .
`` And we can only take these steps thanks to what we have so far @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The government said the plans had been outlined to the devolved administrations , who will make their own decisions about how to ease lockdown .
All four UK nations are loosening measures to allow people more freedom , but they do differ from each other as they make their own decisions on health .

High street shops can start reopening next month, Boris Johnson has said, as he moves to ease lockdown restrictions amid a huge public row over his top adviser.
The prime minister said outdoor markets and showrooms will be able to start trading again in England from 1 June - so long as they keep customers safe.
All other non-essential retailers - including shops selling clothes, shoes, toys, furniture, books, and electronics, plus tailors, auction houses, photography studios, and indoor markets - can follow suit two weeks later, from 15 June.
Employers will face "spot checks" to make sure they are implementing social distancing, and have been told they must complete a risk assessment after consultation with trade unions and workers.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:47 'I behaved reasonably', says Cummings
Firms have been told to consider a number of measures to reassure customers and staff, including:
:: Placing a poster in their windows to demonstrate awareness of the guidance
:: Storing returned items for 72 hours before putting them back out on the shop floor
:: Placing protective coverings on large items touched by the public such as beds or sofas
:: Frequently cleaning objects and surfaces that are touched regularly, including self-checkouts, trolleys, coffee machines and betting terminals
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Mr Johnson announced the next steps in his plan to "unlock the lockdown" at Monday's Downing Street news briefing, nine weeks since the strict "stay at home" measures began.
But they came as he faced continued questions about his support for Dominic Cummings following controversy over the senior adviser's movements during lockdown.
On Monday, Mr Cummings admitted he travelled from London to Durham at the end of March, and then for a "test drive" to a town 30 miles away to check he was well enough to drive home after he had been suffering from coronavirus.
Mr Johnson backed his special adviser after Mr Cummings gave a rare news conference, with the PM saying: "I think he acted reasonably, legally and with integrity".
The prime minister also hinted he accepted mistakes could have been made about handling the coronavirus outbreak in the UK, which has so far killed 36,914 people.
He said it was "absolute folly" for any government to say "it hasn't learnt anything as it goes along".
Pressing on with his bid to steer England out of lockdown, Mr Johnson said the loosening of restrictions for non-essential shops is "contingent upon progress" of lowering COVID-19 infection rates and ensuring there will be no second peak.
"These are careful but deliberate steps on the road to rebuilding our country," he announced.
"And we can only take these steps thanks to what we have so far achieved together."
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:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
The government said the plans had been outlined to the devolved administrations, who will make their own decisions about how to ease lockdown.
All four UK nations are loosening measures to allow people more freedom, but they do differ from each other as they make their own decisions on health.


news--2020-05-25--Coronavirus: Moss Bros suitor abandons bid to scrap £22m takeover

The company behind a £22m takeover of Moss Bros , the men 's suits retailer , has abandoned an attempt to scrap the deal amid the coronavirus pandemic .
Sky News has learnt that Brigadier Acquisition , a vehicle set up by the owner of Crew Clothing , has decided to complete the deal just three days after vowing to appeal against the City mergers watchdog 's verdict that it should do so .
The decision makes completion of the transaction a formality , and is expected to be confirmed by the Takeover Panel in a statement on Tuesday .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the most contentious deals to be announced since the COVID-19 crisis erupted .
The 22p-a-share takeover was announced on March 12 , shortly before the UK lockdown began but after it had become clear that COVID-19 was likely to wreak havoc across swathes of the UK economy .
Coronavirus-related uncertainty was cited by Moss Bros ' board as one of the reasons for accepting Brigadier 's offer .
The pandemic has caused chaos across the high street , with Debenhams , Oasis and Warehouse Group , and Cath Kidston among the chains @ @ @ @ @ @ @ administrators .
Others , including French Connection , have warned that they are fast-running out of cash .
The acquirer , Menoshi 'Michael ' Shina , subsequently said it wanted to walk away , sparking a battle with the menswear chain that was resolved in Moss Bros ' favour last week by the Takeover Panel .
One insider said Brigadier had elected to ditch the appeal it had indicated it would pursue because the potential benefit would be outweighed by the time and cost of doing so .
They added that Brigadier intended @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which is led by Colin Porter , chief executive .
Brigadier and Moss Bros declined to comment on Monday .

The company behind a £22m takeover of Moss Bros, the men's suits retailer, has abandoned an attempt to scrap the deal amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Sky News has learnt that Brigadier Acquisition, a vehicle set up by the owner of Crew Clothing, has decided to complete the deal just three days after vowing to appeal against the City mergers watchdog's verdict that it should do so.
The decision makes completion of the transaction a formality, and is expected to be confirmed by the Takeover Panel in a statement on Tuesday.
It will draw a line under one of the most contentious deals to be announced since the COVID-19 crisis erupted.
The 22p-a-share takeover was announced on March 12, shortly before the UK lockdown began but after it had become clear that COVID-19 was likely to wreak havoc across swathes of the UK economy.
Coronavirus-related uncertainty was cited by Moss Bros' board as one of the reasons for accepting Brigadier's offer.
The pandemic has caused chaos across the high street, with Debenhams, Oasis and Warehouse Group, and Cath Kidston among the chains which have been forced to call in administrators.
Others, including French Connection, have warned that they are fast-running out of cash.
The acquirer, Menoshi 'Michael' Shina, subsequently said it wanted to walk away, sparking a battle with the menswear chain that was resolved in Moss Bros' favour last week by the Takeover Panel.
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One insider said Brigadier had elected to ditch the appeal it had indicated it would pursue because the potential benefit would be outweighed by the time and cost of doing so.
They added that Brigadier intended to retain Moss Bros' management team, which is led by Colin Porter, chief executive.
Brigadier and Moss Bros declined to comment on Monday.


news--2020-05-25--Coronavirus: Boris Johnson under pressure to sack Dominic Cummings by 19 Tory MPs, bishops and NHS s

Coronavirus: Boris Johnson under pressure to sack Dominic Cummings by 19 Tory MPs, bishops and NHS staff

Boris Johnson is under growing pressure to fire top aide Dominic Cummings as 19 Conservative MPs , bishops and NHS staff called for his resignation over suggestions he broke lockdown rules .
The prime minister told the nation on Sunday Mr Cummings acted `` responsibly , legally and with integrity '' after his chief adviser admitted travelling 260 miles to his parents in Durham for childcare support after his wife displayed coronavirus symptoms .
Members of the public also claimed to have seen him in Barnard Castle , a picturesque town 30 miles from Durham , then again in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
So far , 19 Conservative MPs have called for Mr Cummings ' resignation , including former ministers Steve Baker , Caroline Nokes and Tim Loughton .
Former minister Paul Maynard said : `` It is a classic case of 'do as I say , not as I do ' - and it is not as if he was unfamiliar with guidance he himself helped draw up .
`` It seems to me to be utterly indefensible and his position wholly untenable . ''
The MPs join a growing line of high-profile figures @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his own advice instead of flouting the rules .
Church of England bishops accused the PM of treating people `` as mugs '' and with `` no respect '' after loyally sticking by his chief aide .
The Rt Revd Nick Baines , Bishop of Leeds , tweeted : `` The question now is : do we accept being lied to , patronised and treated by a PM as mugs ? ''
And an NHS doctor has threatened to resign by the end of the week if Mr Cummings has not done so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ many of his fellow NHS workers will happily do the same .
Dr Dominic Pimenta , a cardiology registrar , tweeted a picture of himself wearing personal protective equipment ( PPE ) , saying : `` Frankly , Cummings spits in the face of all our efforts , the whole NHS .
If he does n't resign , I will . ''
Durham County Council 's Liberal Democrat opposition leader Amanda Hopgood said she had written to Durham police 's chief constable Jo Farrell asking for an investigation into Mr Cummings after `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ him in the county .
Durham 's acting police and crime commissioner Steve White has also asked the force to `` establish the facts concerning any potential breach of the law '' .
Scientists from the Scientific Pandemic Influenza Group on Behaviours , who have been advising the government , said by backing Mr Cummings , Mr Johnson had `` trashed '' their advice on how to deal with the pandemic .
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer insists he would have sacked Mr Cummings if he was prime minister , and that Mr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` contempt '' by refusing to get rid of his chief adviser .
Scottish First Minister and SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon said Mr Cummings should either resign or be sacked , pointing out she had had to accept the resignation of Scotland 's chief medical officer adviser Catherine Calderwood last month for her own lockdown breach .
`` I know it is tough to lose a trusted adviser at the height of crisis , but when it 's a choice of that or integrity of vital public health advice , the latter must @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` That 's the judgement I and , to her credit , Catherine Calderwood reached .
PM and Cummings should do likewise . ''
: : Listen to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple podcasts , Google podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Education Secretary Gavin Williamson told Sky News on Monday Mr Cummings made `` absolutely clear '' to the prime minister that `` at no stage did he break the law or break the rules '' and Mr Johnson `` agreed with the assessment '' .
Twice challenged to deny that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , he did not do so directly , but repeated the aide had `` operated within the rules '' .
Mr Cummings ' parents , Robert and Morag , have come to their son 's defence , with his mother saying the family had been grieving after her brother , Lord Justice Laws , who died on 5 April after contracting COVID-19 in hospital .
An unnamed neighbour told the Mirror and the Guardian they saw Mr Cummings on the day his uncle died - and the PM was admitted to hospital with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ garden with Abba 's Dancing Queen playing loudly .
His father said he was `` disgusted '' at the way the press had treated his son since news of his travels broke .
The government defended Mr Cummings by saying the first trip - which he has admitted to - was necessary because both he and his wife had coronavirus symptoms and they needed family to help with childcare for their four-year-old son .

Boris Johnson is under growing pressure to fire top aide Dominic Cummings as 19 Conservative MPs, bishops and NHS staff called for his resignation over suggestions he broke lockdown rules.
The prime minister told the nation on Sunday Mr Cummings acted "responsibly, legally and with integrity" after his chief adviser admitted travelling 260 miles to his parents in Durham for childcare support after his wife displayed coronavirus symptoms.
Members of the public also claimed to have seen him in Barnard Castle, a picturesque town 30 miles from Durham, then again in the county after he had returned to London.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:51 Johnson tells nation he's standing by Cummings
So far, 19 Conservative MPs have called for Mr Cummings' resignation, including former ministers Steve Baker, Caroline Nokes and Tim Loughton.
Former minister Paul Maynard said: "It is a classic case of 'do as I say, not as I do' - and it is not as if he was unfamiliar with guidance he himself helped draw up.
"It seems to me to be utterly indefensible and his position wholly untenable."
The MPs join a growing line of high-profile figures calling for Mr Cummings to listen to his own advice instead of flouting the rules.
Church of England bishops accused the PM of treating people "as mugs" and with "no respect" after loyally sticking by his chief aide.
Image: (L-R) Conservative MPs Steve Baker, Sir Roger Gale, Caroline Nokes have all called for Mr Cummings' resignation
The Rt Revd Nick Baines, Bishop of Leeds, tweeted: "The question now is: do we accept being lied to, patronised and treated by a PM as mugs?"
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And an NHS doctor has threatened to resign by the end of the week if Mr Cummings has not done so by then - and said he thinks many of his fellow NHS workers will happily do the same.
Dr Dominic Pimenta, a cardiology registrar, tweeted a picture of himself wearing personal protective equipment (PPE), saying: "Frankly, Cummings spits in the face of all our efforts, the whole NHS. If he doesn't resign, I will."
Image: Dr Dominic Pimenta said he would resign by the end of next week if Mr Cummings has not. Pic: Twitter/Dr Dominic Pimenta
Durham County Council's Liberal Democrat opposition leader Amanda Hopgood said she had written to Durham police's chief constable Jo Farrell asking for an investigation into Mr Cummings after "a number" of locals reported seeing him in the county.
Durham's acting police and crime commissioner Steve White has also asked the force to "establish the facts concerning any potential breach of the law".
Scientists from the Scientific Pandemic Influenza Group on Behaviours, who have been advising the government, said by backing Mr Cummings, Mr Johnson had "trashed" their advice on how to deal with the pandemic.
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer insists he would have sacked Mr Cummings if he was prime minister, and that Mr Johnson is treating the British people with "contempt" by refusing to get rid of his chief adviser.
Scottish First Minister and SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon said Mr Cummings should either resign or be sacked, pointing out she had had to accept the resignation of Scotland's chief medical officer adviser Catherine Calderwood last month for her own lockdown breach.
"I know it is tough to lose a trusted adviser at the height of crisis, but when it's a choice of that or integrity of vital public health advice, the latter must come first," Ms Sturgeon tweeted.
"That's the judgement I and, to her credit, Catherine Calderwood reached. PM and Cummings should do likewise."
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:: Listen to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple podcasts, Google podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Education Secretary Gavin Williamson told Sky News on Monday Mr Cummings made "absolutely clear" to the prime minister that "at no stage did he break the law or break the rules" and Mr Johnson "agreed with the assessment".
Twice challenged to deny that the under-fire adviser travelled to Barnard Castle, he did not do so directly, but repeated the aide had "operated within the rules".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:04 Cummings' assurance 'good enough for PM'
Mr Cummings' parents, Robert and Morag, have come to their son's defence, with his mother saying the family had been grieving after her brother, Lord Justice Laws, who died on 5 April after contracting COVID-19 in hospital.
An unnamed neighbour told the Mirror and the Guardian they saw Mr Cummings on the day his uncle died - and the PM was admitted to hospital with coronavirus symptoms - in his parents' garden with Abba's Dancing Queen playing loudly.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:30 'Do you recommend Barnard Castle for a day out?' Cummings heckled
His father said he was "disgusted" at the way the press had treated his son since news of his travels broke.
The government defended Mr Cummings by saying the first trip - which he has admitted to - was necessary because both he and his wife had coronavirus symptoms and they needed family to help with childcare for their four-year-old son.


news--2020-05-25--Coronavirus: Close-contact and competitive sports training given go-ahead

Athletes and elite sportspeople have been given permission to resume close-contact and competitive training for the first time since March .
Phase two guidance has been issued by the government for individual sports , provided they `` have the appropriate carefully controlled medical conditions in place '' as the country continues to grapple with the coronavirus outbreak .
Public health officials and sports medical officers have contributed to the guidelines , which permit organised and close-contact training to take place under carefully controlled medical conditions .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ already returned in socially distanced small groups , but clubs now face a key vote on Wednesday over contact training .
The official advice , aimed at helping competitors reach fitness levels required for matches , says close-contact training for elite athletes can include coaching and tackling in team sports within a two-metre distance .
The guidelines clarify : `` Stage two training can be described as the resumption of close contact ( interaction within the two-metre social distancing boundary ) training where pairs , small groups and/or teams will be able to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
close quarters coaching , combat sports sparring , teams sports tackling , technical equipment sharing , etc ) . ''
On 13 May , the government published its phase one guidance , which advised adherence to strict social distancing .
Stage three of the government 's protocols are expected to centre on a return to professional sports in June .
The government stressed that the decision to implement the latest guidelines will be the responsibility of the respective sports bodies and clubs , in consultation with athletes , coaches and support staff @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and taekwondo have also made steps towards resuming competitive action , while other Olympic and Paralympic disciplines are yet to make decisions over a return .
Sports minister Nigel Huddleston said : `` This new guidance marks the latest phase of a carefully phased return to training process for elite athletes , designed to limit the risk of injury and protect the health and safety of all involved .
`` We are absolutely clear that individual sports must review whether they have the appropriate carefully controlled medical conditions in place before they can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ athletes , coaches and support staff . ''
He added : `` We believe these pragmatic measures should provide further reassurance that a safe , competitive training environment can be delivered , as we work towards a restart of professional sport behind closed doors when it is safe to do so . ''
The current social distancing rules will continue to apply during travel to training , equipment sharing will be avoided where possible , and communal areas will mostly be expected to remain closed .
Top-level sport in England could restart behind @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spectators may not be able to attend venues until a coronavirus vaccine is found .

Athletes and elite sportspeople have been given permission to resume close-contact and competitive training for the first time since March.
Phase two guidance has been issued by the government for individual sports, provided they "have the appropriate carefully controlled medical conditions in place" as the country continues to grapple with the coronavirus outbreak.
Public health officials and sports medical officers have contributed to the guidelines, which permit organised and close-contact training to take place under carefully controlled medical conditions.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Premier League footballers have already returned in socially distanced small groups, but clubs now face a key vote on Wednesday over contact training.
The official advice, aimed at helping competitors reach fitness levels required for matches, says close-contact training for elite athletes can include coaching and tackling in team sports within a two-metre distance.
The guidelines clarify: "Stage two training can be described as the resumption of close contact (interaction within the two-metre social distancing boundary) training where pairs, small groups and/or teams will be able to interact in much closer contact (e.g. close quarters coaching, combat sports sparring, teams sports tackling, technical equipment sharing, etc)."
On 13 May, the government published its phase one guidance, which advised adherence to strict social distancing.
Stage three of the government's protocols are expected to centre on a return to professional sports in June.
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The government stressed that the decision to implement the latest guidelines will be the responsibility of the respective sports bodies and clubs, in consultation with athletes, coaches and support staff.
In socially distanced environments, sailing and taekwondo have also made steps towards resuming competitive action, while other Olympic and Paralympic disciplines are yet to make decisions over a return.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 5:01 Barnes: 'We should finish the season'
Sports minister Nigel Huddleston said: "This new guidance marks the latest phase of a carefully phased return to training process for elite athletes, designed to limit the risk of injury and protect the health and safety of all involved.
"We are absolutely clear that individual sports must review whether they have the appropriate carefully controlled medical conditions in place before they can proceed, and secure the confidence of athletes, coaches and support staff."
He added: "We believe these pragmatic measures should provide further reassurance that a safe, competitive training environment can be delivered, as we work towards a restart of professional sport behind closed doors when it is safe to do so."
The current social distancing rules will continue to apply during travel to training, equipment sharing will be avoided where possible, and communal areas will mostly be expected to remain closed.
Top-level sport in England could restart behind closed doors from 1 June, but spectators may not be able to attend venues until a coronavirus vaccine is found.


news--2020-05-24--Coronavirus: Lockdown turning Britons against fast fashion - but will it last?

Lockdown is causing customers to turn against `` fast fashion '' - with 35 % of women saying they intend to buy fewer items in the future , according to a new report .
With the high street in crisis , stores are closed and unwanted stock is piling up - and it seems people 's habits are changing too .
The Royal Society for the Encouragement of Arts , Manufacturers and Commerce ( RSA ) has found an increasing number of Britons now want brands to focus on sustainability .
Josie Warden , associate director at the RSA , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an opportunity for positive change .
`` The fashion system is a significant contributor of waste , carbon emissions and other pollution , including microfibres in the ocean .
`` It is also an industry riddled with poor labour conditions .
`` Concerns about these impacts are quickly rising up the public agenda and , in a similar way to the backlash we have seen against plastics , this is another issue on which citizens are demanding rapid change .
`` The results of this survey provide cause for optimism .
The enforced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and given us space to reflect on what matters .
`` Our impact on the environment and society are clearly important concerns , particularly among young people who want to enjoy fashion more responsibly after the lockdown is over . ''
In recent years , influencers on social media have helped to boost fast fashion sales .
But , during the lockdown many have had to get creative , focusing on loungewear and slippers , rather than summer dresses and stilettos .
It is estimated 350,000 tonnes of used clothing goes to landfill @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there is pressure for people to shop sustainably .
Eshita Kabra-Davies runs a new start-up called By Rotation .
It is an app that encourages people to borrow others ' clothes rather than buy new ones .
She told Sky News : `` The amount that we consume is very different to how our parents would have consumed things 10 , 20 years ago .
`` By using our app , fashion lovers can access quality designer pieces for a fraction of the retail price .
`` You shy away from buying fast @ @ @ @ @ @ @ use once or twice before you throw them away or donate them .
`` We are really promoting people to invest in quality pieces and share them with each other . ''
The RSA report found that during the lockdown people are making do , by fixing old clothes and even producing their own .
Around half of those questioned have taken up alternative hobbies to shopping , such as exercise , cooking and phoning friends and family .
And there is now real pressure on brands to make long-term changes , so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ People Tree is a company that has always had sustainability at its core , but insists there is a reason why more companies do not take a similar approach .
: : Listen to Coronavirus : In This Together on Apple Podcasts , Spotify , or Spreaker Managing director Melanie Traub told Sky News : `` If it was an easy thing to do , I think more companies would do it .
`` You need to look at all the conditions , from the growing of the cotton , through to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the factory and the wages that you 're paying .
`` There is a cost and it 's whether the consumer is willing to pay that cost . ''
The coronavirus pandemic has undoubtedly had an enormous impact on the retail industry .
Some fashion shows have gone digital , stock is piling up and companies are having to rely on online sales .
But factories across the world are now starting to reopen .
People 's habits seem to be changing , but will they last post lockdown ?

Lockdown is causing customers to turn against "fast fashion" - with 35% of women saying they intend to buy fewer items in the future, according to a new report.
With the high street in crisis, stores are closed and unwanted stock is piling up - and it seems people's habits are changing too.
The Royal Society for the Encouragement of Arts, Manufacturers and Commerce (RSA) has found an increasing number of Britons now want brands to focus on sustainability.
Image: Sky's Rebecca Williams found more people are thinking about sustainable fashion during lockdown
Josie Warden, associate director at the RSA, said: "The crisis can be an opportunity for positive change.
"The fashion system is a significant contributor of waste, carbon emissions and other pollution, including microfibres in the ocean.
"It is also an industry riddled with poor labour conditions.
"Concerns about these impacts are quickly rising up the public agenda and, in a similar way to the backlash we have seen against plastics, this is another issue on which citizens are demanding rapid change.
"The results of this survey provide cause for optimism. The enforced lifestyle changes have disrupted our purchasing habits and given us space to reflect on what matters.
"Our impact on the environment and society are clearly important concerns, particularly among young people who want to enjoy fashion more responsibly after the lockdown is over."
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Image: Ms Kabra-Davies is encouraging people to invest in quality pieces and share them with friends
In recent years, influencers on social media have helped to boost fast fashion sales.
But, during the lockdown many have had to get creative, focusing on loungewear and slippers, rather than summer dresses and stilettos.
It is estimated 350,000 tonnes of used clothing goes to landfill every year in the UK, so there is pressure for people to shop sustainably.
Eshita Kabra-Davies runs a new start-up called By Rotation. It is an app that encourages people to borrow others' clothes rather than buy new ones.
She told Sky News: "The amount that we consume is very different to how our parents would have consumed things 10, 20 years ago.
"By using our app, fashion lovers can access quality designer pieces for a fraction of the retail price.
"You shy away from buying fast fashion pieces, that you probably only use once or twice before you throw them away or donate them.
"We are really promoting people to invest in quality pieces and share them with each other."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:32 The environmental impact of your jeans
The RSA report found that during the lockdown people are making do, by fixing old clothes and even producing their own.
Around half of those questioned have taken up alternative hobbies to shopping, such as exercise, cooking and phoning friends and family.
And there is now real pressure on brands to make long-term changes, so that they are more environmentally friendly.
People Tree is a company that has always had sustainability at its core, but insists there is a reason why more companies do not take a similar approach.
:: Listen to Coronavirus: In This Together on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Spreaker
Managing director Melanie Traub told Sky News: "If it was an easy thing to do, I think more companies would do it.
"You need to look at all the conditions, from the growing of the cotton, through to the manufacture, through to the conditions in the factory and the wages that you're paying.
"There is a cost and it's whether the consumer is willing to pay that cost."
The coronavirus pandemic has undoubtedly had an enormous impact on the retail industry. Some fashion shows have gone digital, stock is piling up and companies are having to rely on online sales.
But factories across the world are now starting to reopen. People's habits seem to be changing, but will they last post lockdown?


news--2020-05-25--Coronavirus: 'Strategically important' companies could receive government bailouts

Strategically important companies will be able to receive government bailouts on a `` last resort '' basis , it has been revealed .
The Treasury has said it will step in when a company 's failure would `` disproportionately harm the economy '' - but only once all other options had been exhausted .
A spokeswoman said : `` We are putting in place sensible contingency planning and any such support would be on terms that protect the taxpayer . ''
Under the new plan - named Project Birch - Chancellor Rishi Sunak has increased the Treasury 's capacity to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It means the government is prepared to be a lender of last resort across all sectors of the economy , and not just in the aviation sector as Mr Sunak previously suggested in a private letter .
Although the Treasury could end up buying stakes in crucial businesses facing acute financial problems exacerbated by the coronavirus pandemic , it is believed that the government 's preferred option involves extending loans .
Companies in the steel , aviation and aerospace industries are among those in dire straits .
Earlier this month , Sky News @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up a unit , known as Project Birch , to assess companies ' requests for support during the pandemic .
Among the companies which asked ministers for urgent help are Tata Steel UK , owner of the Port Talbot steelworks , the supercar maker McLaren , and Virgin Atlantic Airways .
: : Listen to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Last week , the chancellor warned of a `` severe recession the likes of which we have n't seen '' after official figures showed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He told a parliamentary committee that there was `` more hardship to come '' after the data showed 856,500 people submitted jobless benefit applications in April .
Mr Sunak indicated that despite the government 's `` unprecedented '' effort to prevent mass unemployment , it `` wo n't be able to protect every job and every business '' .
The Treasury is already bankrolling 80 % of wages for eight million temporarily laid-off workers under its Job Retention Scheme .
This has cost £11bn so far , and the latest official estimates suggest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scheme is designed to dissuade business crippled by the lockdown from permanently dismissing employees , with their salaries subsidised by the taxpayer until they can return to work .

Strategically important companies will be able to receive government bailouts on a "last resort" basis, it has been revealed.
The Treasury has said it will step in when a company's failure would "disproportionately harm the economy" - but only once all other options had been exhausted.
A spokeswoman said: "We are putting in place sensible contingency planning and any such support would be on terms that protect the taxpayer."
Under the new plan - named Project Birch - Chancellor Rishi Sunak has increased the Treasury's capacity to handle bespoke bailouts of viable companies.
It means the government is prepared to be a lender of last resort across all sectors of the economy, and not just in the aviation sector as Mr Sunak previously suggested in a private letter.
Although the Treasury could end up buying stakes in crucial businesses facing acute financial problems exacerbated by the coronavirus pandemic, it is believed that the government's preferred option involves extending loans.
Companies in the steel, aviation and aerospace industries are among those in dire straits.
Earlier this month, Sky News reported that the UK government had set up a unit, known as Project Birch, to assess companies' requests for support during the pandemic.
Among the companies which asked ministers for urgent help are Tata Steel UK, owner of the Port Talbot steelworks, the supercar maker McLaren, and Virgin Atlantic Airways.
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:: Listen to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Last week, the chancellor warned of a "severe recession the likes of which we haven't seen" after official figures showed a record rise in unemployment claims.
He told a parliamentary committee that there was "more hardship to come" after the data showed 856,500 people submitted jobless benefit applications in April.
Mr Sunak indicated that despite the government's "unprecedented" effort to prevent mass unemployment, it "won't be able to protect every job and every business".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:49 24 April: 'Branson can bail himself out'
The Treasury is already bankrolling 80% of wages for eight million temporarily laid-off workers under its Job Retention Scheme.
This has cost £11bn so far, and the latest official estimates suggest this could rise to £50bn.
The scheme is designed to dissuade business crippled by the lockdown from permanently dismissing employees, with their salaries subsidised by the taxpayer until they can return to work.