news--2020-04-23--Meghan court case: Mail on Sunday publisher accused of 'manipulating' Thomas Markle

The Mail on Sunday 's publisher has been accused in legal documents of `` harassing , humiliating , manipulating and exploiting '' the Duchess of Sussex 's `` vulnerable '' father .
A court hearing also heard claims by Meghan 's lawyer that a series of articles by Associated Newspapers were `` intended to portray her in a false and damaging light '' .
He spoke of her distress at the realisation that the publisher had `` an obvious agenda '' and what she faced `` was not a one-off . ''
The duchess is suing Associated Newspapers for alleged @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and MailOnline published sections of a letter she had written to her estranged father , Thomas Markle , in 2018 .
The first hearing in the legal action was held on Friday at the High Court , with proceedings being held remotely due to the coronavirus pandemic .
It provided an opportunity for the publisher 's legal team to request parts of the duchess 's case be `` struck out '' , ahead of a full trial on the issues .
Legal representatives and journalists reporting on the case dialled in remotely , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , sat in the Royal Courts of Justice .
Both Meghan and Harry were expected to listen in from Los Angeles to part of the virtual proceedings .
Appearing via video , Antony White QC , for Associated Newspapers , said lawyers for Meghan had made `` further assertions of improper , deliberate conduct '' .
In a reply to the publisher 's defence , the media group is accused of `` harassing , humiliating , manipulating and exploiting '' Mr Markle , who is described as `` vulnerable '' , Mr White @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Mr Markle `` appear to have been put on to the record without the claimant ( Meghan ) having contacted her father to see if he agrees with them '' .
Mr White also took issue with the duchess 's claim that the publisher `` acted dishonestly '' when deciding which parts of her letter to her father to publish .
He added : `` It is extremely common for the media to summarise or edit documents when reporting current events , and that is not a basis for an allegation of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the claimant to say , as she does , that the presentation of the letter was misleading - which is firmly denied - but there is no basis for her to allege that anyone working for the defendant was dishonest in the drafting and editing process . ''
David Sherborne , counsel for Meghan , opened his case saying it is `` important to bear in mind '' that the case is about privacy , adding that this is `` not surprising '' given that the publisher `` disclosed to the whole world @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of a daughter to her father '' .
Mr Sherborne claimed Associated Newspapers had `` harassed '' Mr Markle adding that it had `` finally manipulated this vulnerable man into giving interviews '' which he later described as `` lies '' .
The lawyer added : `` It is the defendant 's actions in stirring up , creating this dispute that they use as justification for publishing the contents of the letter . ''
He also argued that additional articles should be taken into account in support of her privacy action , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a false and damaging light '' .
Mr Sherborne said : `` That is what we are talking about .
The distress she feels at the realisation that the defendant has an obvious agenda and that this is not a one-off . ''
The hearing was scheduled to last a day and it is likely the judge will deliver a written judgment on a later date ahead of a trial .
On Monday , ahead of the hearing , text messages between Harry and Meghan and her father were released in court documents @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The defence issued its central argument in January , stating : `` The contents of the letter were not private or confidential , self-evidently or at all . ''
No trial date has yet been set .

The Mail on Sunday's publisher has been accused in legal documents of "harassing, humiliating, manipulating and exploiting" the Duchess of Sussex's "vulnerable" father.
A court hearing also heard claims by Meghan's lawyer that a series of articles by Associated Newspapers were "intended to portray her in a false and damaging light".
He spoke of her distress at the realisation that the publisher had "an obvious agenda" and what she faced "was not a one-off."
The duchess is suing Associated Newspapers for alleged privacy breaches after The Mail On Sunday and MailOnline published sections of a letter she had written to her estranged father, Thomas Markle, in 2018.
The first hearing in the legal action was held on Friday at the High Court, with proceedings being held remotely due to the coronavirus pandemic.
It provided an opportunity for the publisher's legal team to request parts of the duchess's case be "struck out", ahead of a full trial on the issues.
Legal representatives and journalists reporting on the case dialled in remotely, while the judge, Mr Justice Warby, sat in the Royal Courts of Justice.
Both Meghan and Harry were expected to listen in from Los Angeles to part of the virtual proceedings.
Image: The case revolves around a letter the duchess wrote to her father, Thomas Markle
Appearing via video, Antony White QC, for Associated Newspapers, said lawyers for Meghan had made "further assertions of improper, deliberate conduct".
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In a reply to the publisher's defence, the media group is accused of "harassing, humiliating, manipulating and exploiting" Mr Markle, who is described as "vulnerable", Mr White said.
He said those allegations relating to Mr Markle "appear to have been put on to the record without the claimant (Meghan) having contacted her father to see if he agrees with them".
Mr White also took issue with the duchess's claim that the publisher "acted dishonestly" when deciding which parts of her letter to her father to publish.
He added: "It is extremely common for the media to summarise or edit documents when reporting current events, and that is not a basis for an allegation of dishonesty.
"It is open to the claimant to say, as she does, that the presentation of the letter was misleading - which is firmly denied - but there is no basis for her to allege that anyone working for the defendant was dishonest in the drafting and editing process."
David Sherborne, counsel for Meghan, opened his case saying it is "important to bear in mind" that the case is about privacy, adding that this is "not surprising" given that the publisher "disclosed to the whole world the detailed contents of a private letter of a daughter to her father".
Mr Sherborne claimed Associated Newspapers had "harassed" Mr Markle adding that it had "finally manipulated this vulnerable man into giving interviews" which he later described as "lies".
The lawyer added: "It is the defendant's actions in stirring up, creating this dispute that they use as justification for publishing the contents of the letter."
He also argued that additional articles should be taken into account in support of her privacy action, which were "intended to portray her in a false and damaging light".
Mr Sherborne said: "That is what we are talking about. The distress she feels at the realisation that the defendant has an obvious agenda and that this is not a one-off."
The hearing was scheduled to last a day and it is likely the judge will deliver a written judgment on a later date ahead of a trial.
On Monday, ahead of the hearing, text messages between Harry and Meghan and her father were released in court documents put forward by Meghan's legal team.
The defence issued its central argument in January, stating: "The contents of the letter were not private or confidential, self-evidently or at all."
No trial date has yet been set.


news--2020-06-27--Donald Trump cuts daily briefing short after day of mockery over disinfectant comments

Donald Trump cut off his daily coronavirus briefing without taking questions after a day of mockery over his suggestion disinfectant could cure coronavirus .
The US president was angry on Friday after a day of punishing headlines in relation to his remarks .
The briefings often stretch well beyond an hour and feature combative exchanges between Mr Trump and reporters .
Mr Trump did answer questions from reporters earlier on Friday and claimed that his suggestion about disinfectant had been `` sarcastic '' .
His words came just hours after he was widely criticised for holding up disinfectant and `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' as possible solutions to the coronavirus crisis .
He had said about disinfectant : `` It knocks it out in a minute , one minute , and is there a way we can do something like that by injection inside or almost a cleaning ... '' Among the critics were doctors , who said the idea was `` irresponsible '' and `` dangerous '' , and companies that produce disinfectant , such as Dettol maker Reckitt Benckiser , which said that `` under no circumstance should our disinfectant products be administered into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ingestion or any other route ) '' .
But speaking on Friday , Mr Trump said to reporters : `` I was asking a question sarcastically to reporters like you just to see what would happen .
`` Now , disinfectant when doing this ( making a hand-washing gesture ) , maybe on the hands , would work and I was asking the question of the gentleman who was there yesterday - Bill ( Bill Bryan , head of science and tech directorate at US Department of Homeland Security 's bio-defence laboratories ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will last three or four hours or six hours but if the sun is out or if they use disinfectant it goes away in less than a minute - did you hear about this yesterday ?
`` I was asking a very sarcastic question to the reporters in the room about disinfectant on the inside but it does kill it and it would kill it on the hands and that would make things much better .
That was done in a form of a sarcastic question to the reporters . ''
Many of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ might not have been amused by his sense of humour , as the death toll from the virus topped 50,000 in the US , having doubled in 10 days , according to a tally by news agency Reuters .
The number of confirmed cases in the US has passed 880,000. : : Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker The White House had earlier said Mr Trump 's initial disinfectant comments had been taken `` out of context and run with negative headlines '' .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ statement that the president had `` repeatedly said that Americans should consult with medical doctors regarding coronavirus treatment '' .
The president was already facing criticism for championing the old anti-malarial drug hydroxychloroquine as a possible cure for COVID-19 , which has been shown to provide no benefit and possibly a higher risk of death .
The Food and Drug Administration in the US on Friday also warned people against the drug because of possible heart complications .

Donald Trump cut off his daily coronavirus briefing without taking questions after a day of mockery over his suggestion disinfectant could cure coronavirus.
The US president was angry on Friday after a day of punishing headlines in relation to his remarks.
The briefings often stretch well beyond an hour and feature combative exchanges between Mr Trump and reporters.
Mr Trump did answer questions from reporters earlier on Friday and claimed that his suggestion about disinfectant had been "sarcastic".
His words came just hours after he was widely criticised for holding up disinfectant and "(ultraviolet) light inside the body" as possible solutions to the coronavirus crisis.
He had said about disinfectant: "It knocks it out in a minute, one minute, and is there a way we can do something like that by injection inside or almost a cleaning..."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:00 Light and disinfectant: Trump's cure suggestions
Among the critics were doctors, who said the idea was "irresponsible" and "dangerous", and companies that produce disinfectant, such as Dettol maker Reckitt Benckiser, which said that "under no circumstance should our disinfectant products be administered into the human body (through injection, ingestion or any other route)".
But speaking on Friday, Mr Trump said to reporters: "I was asking a question sarcastically to reporters like you just to see what would happen.
"Now, disinfectant when doing this (making a hand-washing gesture), maybe on the hands, would work and I was asking the question of the gentleman who was there yesterday - Bill (Bill Bryan, head of science and tech directorate at US Department of Homeland Security's bio-defence laboratories) - because when they say that something will last three or four hours or six hours but if the sun is out or if they use disinfectant it goes away in less than a minute - did you hear about this yesterday?
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"I was asking a very sarcastic question to the reporters in the room about disinfectant on the inside but it does kill it and it would kill it on the hands and that would make things much better. That was done in a form of a sarcastic question to the reporters."
Many of his country's citizens, however, might not have been amused by his sense of humour, as the death toll from the virus topped 50,000 in the US, having doubled in 10 days, according to a tally by news agency Reuters.
The number of confirmed cases in the US has passed 880,000.
:: Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker
The White House had earlier said Mr Trump's initial disinfectant comments had been taken "out of context and run with negative headlines".
Press secretary Kayleigh McEnany said in a statement that the president had "repeatedly said that Americans should consult with medical doctors regarding coronavirus treatment".
The president was already facing criticism for championing the old anti-malarial drug hydroxychloroquine as a possible cure for COVID-19, which has been shown to provide no benefit and possibly a higher risk of death.
The Food and Drug Administration in the US on Friday also warned people against the drug because of possible heart complications.


news--2020-04-24--Coronavirus: Identical twins Emma and Katy Davis die within three days of each other

Identical twin sisters have died within three days of each other after both tested positive for COVID-19 .
Emma and Katy Davis , aged 37 , had both worked as nurses and both had the same underlying health condition .
Children 's nurse Katy Davis died at Southampton General Hospital on Tuesday while Emma , a former surgery nurse , died early on Friday .
Katy had worked as risk and patient safety lead in child health , a spokesman for University Hospital Southampton ( UHS ) said .
She had been unwell for a period before being admitted to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the spokesman added .
Emma , he said , had worked as a nurse in surgery in the colorectal unit from 2004 until 2013 .
The spokesman said : `` She had the same underlying health condition as Katy and had been unwell prior to her admission when she tested positive for COVID-19 .
`` She sadly also passed away last night and it goes without saying just how devastating and tragic this is for the family and all who knew them .
`` Emma has been described as an excellent nurse @ @ @ @ @ @ @ good leader .
She was well liked by all and was a valuable member of the team during her time with us .
`` We are supporting Katy and Emma 's family as much as we can through this difficult and distressing period . ''
Paula Head , chief executive at UHS , said : `` Katy has been described by her colleagues where she worked in child health as a nurse people would aspire to be like and that nursing was more than just a job to her .
: : Listen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker '' On behalf of everyone here at UHS , including our patients and the communities we serve , I would like to offer our sincere condolences to her family . ''
There have been a further 684 coronavirus-related deaths in UK hospitals , the Department of Health said on Friday , bringing the total number of fatalities to 19,506 .
The growth rate of the disease continues to slow

Identical twin sisters have died within three days of each other after both tested positive for COVID-19.
Emma and Katy Davis, aged 37, had both worked as nurses and both had the same underlying health condition.
Children's nurse Katy Davis died at Southampton General Hospital on Tuesday while Emma, a former surgery nurse, died early on Friday.
Image: Katy Davis was 'a nurse people would aspire to be like'
Image: Emma Davis had the same underlying health condition as her sisiter
Katy had worked as risk and patient safety lead in child health, a spokesman for University Hospital Southampton (UHS) said.
She had been unwell for a period before being admitted to hospital when she tested positive for COVID-19, the spokesman added.
Emma, he said, had worked as a nurse in surgery in the colorectal unit from 2004 until 2013.
The spokesman said: "She had the same underlying health condition as Katy and had been unwell prior to her admission when she tested positive for COVID-19.
"She sadly also passed away last night and it goes without saying just how devastating and tragic this is for the family and all who knew them.
"Emma has been described as an excellent nurse who was calm and cheerful and a good leader. She was well liked by all and was a valuable member of the team during her time with us.
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"We are supporting Katy and Emma's family as much as we can through this difficult and distressing period."
Paula Head, chief executive at UHS, said: "Katy has been described by her colleagues where she worked in child health as a nurse people would aspire to be like and that nursing was more than just a job to her.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
"On behalf of everyone here at UHS, including our patients and the communities we serve, I would like to offer our sincere condolences to her family."
There have been a further 684 coronavirus-related deaths in UK hospitals, the Department of Health said on Friday, bringing the total number of fatalities to 19,506.
The growth rate of the disease continues to slow


news--2020-04-24--Coronavirus: Lorry driver has been living in his cab for five weeks to protect his wife and children

Sacrifice is an almost universal symptom of these coronavirus times .
Across the country , almost everyone is making sacrifices in one way or another .
But sitting on a rocky bank beside an industrial estate in Oswestry in Shropshire , with the occasional interruption of a car horn or growling engine , it 's clear that Ben McKeown 's sacrifice is more profound than most .
For the last five weeks , the lorry driver from Carmarthenshire in Wales has been effectively working and living in a cab barely two metres wide .
His only contact with his three @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and a brief glimpse of them through a window when he returns home to drop off a bag of laundry .
`` I saw my partner Nicola but we made sure to keep the two-metre distance , '' Mr McKeown says .
`` It 's a safety thing . ''
The decision was taken by Mr McKeown and his partner out of fear that he would bring the coronavirus home after doing long-distance deliveries .
Their youngest son was born 10 weeks premature and is just three months old .
`` We made @ @ @ @ @ @ @ n't worth the possibility of me infecting Nicola or the kids so we decided I 'll live in the cab , '' he says .
He has had a couple of nights ' respite in a family friend 's caravan but otherwise has slept in the cab throughout the tumultuous time since lockdown .
Mr McKeown says he is lucky to have a boss who is very supportive of him and he has made the high-end lorry cab his own .
It is impeccably clean - he is polishing the bumper at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are many nods to his home , including a duvet with the Welsh dragon and a cushion saying : `` Daddy , you 're number one ! ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Mr McKeown , a motoring fanatic who grew up wanting to drive lorries , is used to extended periods of time on the road .
Like many drivers , he sometimes spends six nights a week away from home , but never imagined he would be in this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for this , '' he says .
`` But I 'll do whatever it takes to keep my family safe .
I 'd go years if I have to . ''
But is there a feeling of intense loneliness ?
`` Oh yeah , '' he says , `` when you 're alone at night your mind starts to wander and you just miss home .
You feel homesick .
You 're thinking ' I 've missed this , I 've missed that ' .
It 's really hard .
`` I 've @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stabilisers for the first time and my little one taking her first steps but I already have a really strong bond with them so I know it 'll be fine when I get back , I 'll be winding them up again .
`` As a long-distance driver , in a way I knew what I was getting into in terms of missing things , '' he adds .
`` But you hope you can make up for that . ''
Mr McKeown is not seeking sympathy but would like an improved awareness @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as key workers , are making .
`` I have had people being so kind to me but others I think do n't realise where their food comes from and how it gets there , '' he says .
`` I hope in the future there might be better conditions for lorry drivers anyway because at the moment the showers in the services are expensive and dirty even though we 're doing an essential job . ''
He has witnessed , in the early days and weeks of lockdown , things he never @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` I was pulling up and before we 'd even unloaded people were coming over and asking me 'What 's this ?
What 's that ? '
.
I 've never seen it before , sheer desperation for basic necessities . ''
Mr McKeown hopes to return home once the most severe lockdown restrictions are lifted but will only do so once it is safe .
He also recognises the difficult but essential work his partner is doing at their family home .
`` I do n't know how she does it with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ very hard for her and I 'm so , so proud of what she 's doing , '' he says .
When he does eventually get home , there are no grand plans ; a return to normality is the only thing Mr McKeown craves .
`` I just want to see my kids again , to take them to the park , you do n't realise how much family means to you until you 're not with them . ''

Sacrifice is an almost universal symptom of these coronavirus times.
Across the country, almost everyone is making sacrifices in one way or another.
But sitting on a rocky bank beside an industrial estate in Oswestry in Shropshire, with the occasional interruption of a car horn or growling engine, it's clear that Ben McKeown's sacrifice is more profound than most.
Image: Ben McKeown has been living in his lorry for weeks to protect his family
For the last five weeks, the lorry driver from Carmarthenshire in Wales has been effectively working and living in a cab barely two metres wide.
His only contact with his three young children is a daily video call and a brief glimpse of them through a window when he returns home to drop off a bag of laundry.
"I saw my partner Nicola but we made sure to keep the two-metre distance," Mr McKeown says. "It's a safety thing."
The decision was taken by Mr McKeown and his partner out of fear that he would bring the coronavirus home after doing long-distance deliveries. Their youngest son was born 10 weeks premature and is just three months old.
"We made a joint decision that it just wasn't worth the possibility of me infecting Nicola or the kids so we decided I'll live in the cab," he says.
He has had a couple of nights' respite in a family friend's caravan but otherwise has slept in the cab throughout the tumultuous time since lockdown.
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Mr McKeown says he is lucky to have a boss who is very supportive of him and he has made the high-end lorry cab his own.
It is impeccably clean - he is polishing the bumper at the front when I arrive - and inside are many nods to his home, including a duvet with the Welsh dragon and a cushion saying: "Daddy, you're number one!"
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Mr McKeown, a motoring fanatic who grew up wanting to drive lorries, is used to extended periods of time on the road.
Like many drivers, he sometimes spends six nights a week away from home, but never imagined he would be in this situation.
"I never signed up for this," he says. "But I'll do whatever it takes to keep my family safe. I'd go years if I have to."
But is there a feeling of intense loneliness?
"Oh yeah," he says, "when you're alone at night your mind starts to wander and you just miss home. You feel homesick. You're thinking 'I've missed this, I've missed that'. It's really hard.
"I've missed my eldest riding her bike without stabilisers for the first time and my little one taking her first steps but I already have a really strong bond with them so I know it'll be fine when I get back, I'll be winding them up again.
"As a long-distance driver, in a way I knew what I was getting into in terms of missing things," he adds. "But you hope you can make up for that."
Image: Mr McKeown is living in his lorry during the coronavirus outbreak
Image: Sky's Martha Kelner (left) met with Mr McKeown in an industrial estate in Oswestry
Mr McKeown is not seeking sympathy but would like an improved awareness of the sacrifices all delivery drivers, as key workers, are making.
"I have had people being so kind to me but others I think don't realise where their food comes from and how it gets there," he says.
"I hope in the future there might be better conditions for lorry drivers anyway because at the moment the showers in the services are expensive and dirty even though we're doing an essential job."
He has witnessed, in the early days and weeks of lockdown, things he never thought he would in this country.
"I was pulling up and before we'd even unloaded people were coming over and asking me 'What's this? What's that?'. I've never seen it before, sheer desperation for basic necessities."
Mr McKeown hopes to return home once the most severe lockdown restrictions are lifted but will only do so once it is safe.
He also recognises the difficult but essential work his partner is doing at their family home.
"I don't know how she does it with three young kids, it's definitely very hard for her and I'm so, so proud of what she's doing," he says.
When he does eventually get home, there are no grand plans; a return to normality is the only thing Mr McKeown craves.
"I just want to see my kids again, to take them to the park, you don't realise how much family means to you until you're not with them."


news--2020-04-24--Coronavirus: Woman 'named and shamed' by neighbours on Facebook for not joining clap for carers

A woman says she was `` named and shamed '' by neighbours after she fell asleep and missed the weekly clap for carers tribute to NHS staff and key workers .
The mother said had been tired after `` a rough night '' with her son , and inadvertently failed to take part in the event despite having done so in previous weeks .
And writing on internet forum Mumsnet , the woman said she was later publicly criticised on the local community Facebook page .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ did not give her name or say where she lived , wrote : `` I clapped originally and it was lovely and everyone turned out for it here .
`` Last week , after a rough night with [ my son ] I fell asleep after he went down and missed the clapping .
`` A post went on our community Facebook group actually naming and shaming me .
`` I was mortified .
The post said everyone else turned out and I showed the street up and if I ca n't spend @ @ @ @ @ @ @ n't deserve to use the NHS if I or my family get ill. '' I ignored it at the time but I ca n't get it out of my head it 's really upset me . ''
The message prompted an outpouring of sympathy from others in the forum , including a series of people who said they worked for the NHS .
The woman went on to write : `` I just feel like I 'm a total outcast on my previously friendly street now even though only one person posted it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's really disturbing how quickly people are ready to turn on each other and 'report ' each other . ''
She added that her husband had advised her against replying , but said she was `` tempted '' to do so .
One user said in response : `` I know why you feel upset but honestly , you should n't .
`` I work for the NHS and I do n't go in for the clapping , and I would n't judge anyone else who did n't . ''
Another user replied @ @ @ @ @ @ @ n't think I should leave my vomiting child to clap ' to shame them back .
Awful .
`` I 'm NHS , no one in my street claps , including me . ''
And another user who said they were an NHS employee said she thought the neighbours ' behaviour was `` absolutely awful '' .
`` The clapping is lovely and demonstrates the support the NHS is receiving right now .
`` I do think the idea of clapping though could be replaced by better political decisions and funding - unfortunately @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now . ''
Launched by Dutch Londoner Annemarie Plas , the Clap for our Carers campaign sees people expressing gratitude for essential workers during the coronavirus pandemic , by clapping , cheering or - in some cases - banging pots and pans from their windows or doorsteps at 8pm each Thursday .
The woman who originally posted the message has been contacted for comment .

A woman says she was "named and shamed" by neighbours after she fell asleep and missed the weekly clap for carers tribute to NHS staff and key workers.
The mother said had been tired after "a rough night" with her son, and inadvertently failed to take part in the event despite having done so in previous weeks.
And writing on internet forum Mumsnet, the woman said she was later publicly criticised on the local community Facebook page.
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The mother, who did not give her name or say where she lived, wrote: "I clapped originally and it was lovely and everyone turned out for it here.
"Last week, after a rough night with [my son] I fell asleep after he went down and missed the clapping.
"A post went on our community Facebook group actually naming and shaming me.
"I was mortified. The post said everyone else turned out and I showed the street up and if I can't spend a minute showing my appreciation I don't deserve to use the NHS if I or my family get ill.
"I ignored it at the time but I can't get it out of my head it's really upset me."
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The message prompted an outpouring of sympathy from others in the forum, including a series of people who said they worked for the NHS.
The woman went on to write: "I just feel like I'm a total outcast on my previously friendly street now even though only one person posted it and only two others agreed
"It's really disturbing how quickly people are ready to turn on each other and 'report' each other."
She added that her husband had advised her against replying, but said she was "tempted" to do so.
One user said in response: "I know why you feel upset but honestly, you shouldn't.
"I work for the NHS and I don't go in for the clapping, and I wouldn't judge anyone else who didn't."
Another user replied: "Just reply 'sorry, didn't think I should leave my vomiting child to clap' to shame them back. Awful.
"I'm NHS, no one in my street claps, including me."
And another user who said they were an NHS employee said she thought the neighbours' behaviour was "absolutely awful".
"The clapping is lovely and demonstrates the support the NHS is receiving right now.
"I do think the idea of clapping though could be replaced by better political decisions and funding - unfortunately clapping solves no problem we face right now."
Launched by Dutch Londoner Annemarie Plas, the Clap for our Carers campaign sees people expressing gratitude for essential workers during the coronavirus pandemic, by clapping, cheering or - in some cases - banging pots and pans from their windows or doorsteps at 8pm each Thursday.
The woman who originally posted the message has been contacted for comment.


news--2020-04-24--Coronavirus: Jobs threat as Shearings lines up administrator

The owner of Shearings , the coach holidays provider for over-50s , has put insolvency practitioners on standby as it hunts a rescue deal that could save more than 2,500 jobs .
Sky News understands that Specialist Leisure Group ( SLG ) has filed a notice of intention to appoint administrators to a number of subsidiaries , including Shearings and UKBreakaways.com .
Sources said on Friday that EY , the accountancy firm , had been lined up to handle the insolvency process , which gives the leisure companies ten days of breathing space in which to find new backers .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , are not subject to the notices of intention to appoint administrators .
PricewaterhouseCoopers has been working with SLG and its shareholder , the US-based private equity firm Lone Star , on efforts to secure a rescue deal .
Like other leisure companies , SLG has seen revenues brought to a grinding halt by the coronavirus pandemic .
It also owns the Bay Hotels chain , UKBreakaways.com , which operates self-driving tours , and Sportingbreaks.com , a hub for organised trips to events including the British Grand Prix at Silverstone , and Wimbledon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ under the name Caledonian Travel , another coach holiday operator .
Sky News reported on Thursday that Lone Star was in advanced talks with several potential buyers .
If SLG is forced into insolvency , roughly 2,600 jobs could be put at risk , although it is unclear how many employees directly work for the subsidiaries subject to the administration notices .
The company , which traces its origins back to the establishment of the Happiways escorted tours operation in 1903 , is expected to make a decision about its future within days @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of utilising any of the emergency loan schemes established by the government in recent weeks to help mitigate the economic consequences of the coronavirus pandemic .
Companies including Carluccio 's , the restaurant chain , and Debenhams , the department store operator , have been unable to avoid administration , despite the provision of that support .
Most of SLG 's workforce has been furloughed under the government scheme which provides up to 80 % of employees ' wages , with its operations having been shut down since last month .
Shearings Holidays @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tour operators in the UK , serving more than 170 destinations in the UK , Europe and further afield .
The business was set up by Herbert Shearing , and marked its centenary last year .
Lone Star became the owner of the group through a wider portfolio of assets it took control of in 2015 .
The Texas-based private equity firm has explored a sale of the business on at least two previous occasions .

The owner of Shearings, the coach holidays provider for over-50s, has put insolvency practitioners on standby as it hunts a rescue deal that could save more than 2,500 jobs.
Sky News understands that Specialist Leisure Group (SLG) has filed a notice of intention to appoint administrators to a number of subsidiaries, including Shearings and UKBreakaways.com.
Sources said on Friday that EY, the accountancy firm, had been lined up to handle the insolvency process, which gives the leisure companies ten days of breathing space in which to find new backers.
Some divisions, and the parent company, are not subject to the notices of intention to appoint administrators.
PricewaterhouseCoopers has been working with SLG and its shareholder, the US-based private equity firm Lone Star, on efforts to secure a rescue deal.
Like other leisure companies, SLG has seen revenues brought to a grinding halt by the coronavirus pandemic.
It also owns the Bay Hotels chain, UKBreakaways.com, which operates self-driving tours, and Sportingbreaks.com, a hub for organised trips to events including the British Grand Prix at Silverstone, and Wimbledon.
Image: Debenhams is among firms to have fallen into administration during the COVID-19 pandemic
In Scotland, SLG also trades under the name Caledonian Travel, another coach holiday operator.
Sky News reported on Thursday that Lone Star was in advanced talks with several potential buyers.
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If SLG is forced into insolvency, roughly 2,600 jobs could be put at risk, although it is unclear how many employees directly work for the subsidiaries subject to the administration notices.
The company, which traces its origins back to the establishment of the Happiways escorted tours operation in 1903, is expected to make a decision about its future within days.
SLG has been exploring the possibility of utilising any of the emergency loan schemes established by the government in recent weeks to help mitigate the economic consequences of the coronavirus pandemic.
Companies including Carluccio's, the restaurant chain, and Debenhams, the department store operator, have been unable to avoid administration, despite the provision of that support.
Most of SLG's workforce has been furloughed under the government scheme which provides up to 80% of employees' wages, with its operations having been shut down since last month.
Shearings Holidays is one of the most prominent coach tour operators in the UK, serving more than 170 destinations in the UK, Europe and further afield.
The business was set up by Herbert Shearing, and marked its centenary last year.
Lone Star became the owner of the group through a wider portfolio of assets it took control of in 2015.
The Texas-based private equity firm has explored a sale of the business on at least two previous occasions.
Lone Star Funds declined to comment.


news--2020-04-22--Coronavirus: Welsh health minister Vaughan Gething caught swearing at colleague on virtual Assembly

Coronavirus: Welsh health minister Vaughan Gething caught swearing at colleague on virtual Assembly session

Wales ' health minister has been caught on video launching into a sweary tirade against a colleague .
Vaughan Gething was heard complaining about her after accidentally leaving his microphone on during a virtual session of the Welsh Assembly on coronavirus .
Speaking to an unknown person , he referred to Assembly Member Jenny Rathbone and asked : `` What the f*** is the matter with her ? ''
Other politicians on the call were seen laughing and putting their hands over their mouths in disbelief as the comments were broadcast .
Ms Rathbone showed no emotion as the remarks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Assembly 's presiding officer , quickly told Mr Gething to turn his microphone off and it then went quiet .
A few hours later , Mr Gething posted on Twitter : `` I 'm obviously embarrassed about my comments at the end of questions today .
`` I 've sent a message apologising and offered to speak to Jenny Rathbone if she wishes to do so .
`` It is an unwelcome distraction at a time of unprecedented challenge . ''
Plaid Cymru and the Welsh Conservatives are both calling for Mr Gething @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leader Adam Price said : `` He does not have the right attitude , skills or temperament to lead the government 's response to the coronavirus pandemic .
`` To maintain public confidence , the first minister needs to relieve him of these responsibilities with immediate effect . ''
Paul Davies , leader of the Welsh Conservatives , tweeted : `` Politicians are entitled to ask serious and challenging questions of ministers and it 's essential that they are able to do so during this pandemic .
`` For a health minister to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time is completely unacceptable and he should be sacked . ''

Wales' health minister has been caught on video launching into a sweary tirade against a colleague.
Vaughan Gething was heard complaining about her after accidentally leaving his microphone on during a virtual session of the Welsh Assembly on coronavirus.
Speaking to an unknown person, he referred to Assembly Member Jenny Rathbone and asked: "What the f*** is the matter with her?"
Image: Vaughan Gething accidentally left his microphone on
Other politicians on the call were seen laughing and putting their hands over their mouths in disbelief as the comments were broadcast.
Ms Rathbone showed no emotion as the remarks came through.
Image: Jenny Rathbone was the AM being sworn about
Elin Jones, the Assembly's presiding officer, quickly told Mr Gething to turn his microphone off and it then went quiet.
A few hours later, Mr Gething posted on Twitter: "I'm obviously embarrassed about my comments at the end of questions today.
Image: Former Plaid Cyrmu leader Leanne Wood was shocked
Image: One politician on the call clapped their hands to their mouth
"I've sent a message apologising and offered to speak to Jenny Rathbone if she wishes to do so.
"It is an unwelcome distraction at a time of unprecedented challenge."
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Image: Neil McEvoy couldn't help but laugh
Plaid Cymru and the Welsh Conservatives are both calling for Mr Gething to be sacked immediately.
Plaid Cymru leader Adam Price said: "He does not have the right attitude, skills or temperament to lead the government's response to the coronavirus pandemic.
"To maintain public confidence, the first minister needs to relieve him of these responsibilities with immediate effect."
Paul Davies, leader of the Welsh Conservatives, tweeted: "Politicians are entitled to ask serious and challenging questions of ministers and it's essential that they are able to do so during this pandemic.
"For a health minister to show such unprofessionalism and disdain at this time is completely unacceptable and he should be sacked."


news--2020-05-05--Coronavirus: Jason Manford turned down by Tesco after applying for job as delivery driver

Comedian Jason Manford has said he has been turned down for a job at Tesco after applying `` to feel useful '' during lockdown .
Posting on Twitter , he shared a screengrab of his rejection letter , joking that he is `` absolutely livid '' about his application to the supermarket being unsuccessful .
In a statement sent to Sky News , a Tesco spokesperson said it looked like Manford had missed the deadline for the vacancy - but is welcome to reapply for any future roles .
The 38-year-old said he applied for a job as a driver @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the coronavirus pandemic , getting in touch early on in the outbreak as some people were stockpiling , when `` it looked like supermarkets etc were going to need thousands of extra hands '' .
After another social media user joked that he would `` do anything to get out of the house '' , Manford replied : `` Oh do n't get me wrong , my extracurricular volunteer work is a purely selfish way of having an hour to myself . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Spreaker Manford , a former 8 Out Of 10 Cats team captain , also joked about his recent performance in the first UK series of The Masked Singer , in which he was disguised as a hedgehog and came runner-up to Girls Aloud 's Nicola Roberts earlier this year .
`` Haha I could 've done all the deliveries full out as the Steampunk Hedgehog from # TheMaskedSinger , '' he replied in response to one fan .
According to the screenshot of the rejection letter he shared online , the comedian had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Wilmslow , Cheshire .
The letter said : `` We appreciate your interest to work for Tesco during these unprecedented times and thank you for your application for the customer assistant - convenience .
`` Regrettably we are unable to progress your application forward this time as the vacancy is now closed . ''
The Tesco spokesperson said : `` We 've recruited around 50,000 temporary workers during the coronavirus pandemic and they have played a huge part in helping us to serve customers safely during these unprecedented times .
`` Jason @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a lot of joy to our customers and colleagues , so it 's a shame he did n't make the deadline for this vacancy .
But should he ever want to join the Tesco family in the future , we 'd be happy to receive an application from him . ''

Comedian Jason Manford has said he has been turned down for a job at Tesco after applying "to feel useful" during lockdown.
Posting on Twitter, he shared a screengrab of his rejection letter, joking that he is "absolutely livid" about his application to the supermarket being unsuccessful.
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In a statement sent to Sky News, a Tesco spokesperson said it looked like Manford had missed the deadline for the vacancy - but is welcome to reapply for any future roles.
The 38-year-old said he applied for a job as a driver after becoming "recently unemployed" due to the coronavirus pandemic, getting in touch early on in the outbreak as some people were stockpiling, when "it looked like supermarkets etc were going to need thousands of extra hands".
After another social media user joked that he would "do anything to get out of the house", Manford replied: "Oh don't get me wrong, my extracurricular volunteer work is a purely selfish way of having an hour to myself."
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Manford, a former 8 Out Of 10 Cats team captain, also joked about his recent performance in the first UK series of The Masked Singer, in which he was disguised as a hedgehog and came runner-up to Girls Aloud's Nicola Roberts earlier this year.
"Haha I could've done all the deliveries full out as the Steampunk Hedgehog from #TheMaskedSinger," he replied in response to one fan.
According to the screenshot of the rejection letter he shared online, the comedian had applied to work at a Tesco Express in Wilmslow, Cheshire.
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The letter said: "We appreciate your interest to work for Tesco during these unprecedented times and thank you for your application for the customer assistant - convenience.
"Regrettably we are unable to progress your application forward this time as the vacancy is now closed."
The Tesco spokesperson said: "We've recruited around 50,000 temporary workers during the coronavirus pandemic and they have played a huge part in helping us to serve customers safely during these unprecedented times.
"Jason's skills would have no doubt brought a lot of joy to our customers and colleagues, so it's a shame he didn't make the deadline for this vacancy. But should he ever want to join the Tesco family in the future, we'd be happy to receive an application from him."


news--2020-05-05--Coronavirus: Government eyes further emergency scheme to aid SMEs

Ministers are considering a new multibillion pound intervention into the coronavirus crisis through a scheme that would accelerate payments to cash-starved small businesses .
Sky News has learnt that the Treasury and Bank of England are in discussions about an emergency programme targeted at providers of supply chain finance .
Under the plans , which are at an exploratory stage , the Covid Corporate Financing Facility ( CCFF ) , which was set up to buy commercial paper from large blue-chip companies , would be amended to promote faster payments of SMEs ' invoices .
Banking sources said that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to banks and other supply chain finance providers to seek views about how such a scheme might operate .
If it went ahead , it would add a further strand to the unprecedented array of measures established by ministers to keep Britain 's economy afloat during the COVID-19 crisis .
Since the outbreak of the pandemic in March , ministers have made hundreds of billions of pounds available in the form of wage subsidies and state-guaranteed loans to businesses of all sizes .
The precise details of a new scheme to support supply @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out , although they are expected to make progress during the course of this week , according to one official .
The chancellor , Rishi Sunak , is understood to have been alerted to concerns about reduced liquidity in the capital markets which usually fund the receivables-backed instruments on which supply chain funders depend .
An initiative to support the sector could benefit SME suppliers to major corporates by increasing the latter 's lending capacity , according to one banker whose employer is examining the government 's plans .
One option under consideration @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to enable investment grade companies to allocate part of their allowance under the facility to a third-party provider of supply chain finance , which would issue commercial paper on their behalf , the banker said .
To accelerate payments to SMEs , CCFF-eligible companies would transfer payment obligations owed to UK-based SMEs into a special purpose vehicle established by the supply chain finance provider .
The CCFF would then buy commercial paper issued by the SPV , secured by these payment obligations , they added .
Big players in the supply chain finance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Orbian and Prime Revenue , as well as mainstream banks including HSBC and Lloyds Banking Group .
A Whitehall source said participants in a new scheme would have to commit to using any funding allocated to them through the CCFF to accelerating payments to UK-based SME suppliers .
They would also be required to be , or become signatories to the UK 's Prompt Payment Code .
A Treasury spokesperson declined to comment on the specifics of the supply chain finance scheme under consideration , but said : `` We are taking unprecedented @ @ @ @ @ @ @ loans and guarantees , paying 80 % of furloughed workers ' wages and tax deferrals . ''
This week , the Bounce Back Loans Scheme - which provides 100 % state-backed loans - was launched in an effort to speed up the provision of credit to struggling companies .
In the last month , the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme , which offers loans of up to £5m , and a larger version have become operational .
Billions of pounds have now been funnelled to companies under the various programmes as the UK @ @ @ @ @ @ @ become unprecedented in its scale and the suddenness of its emergence .

Ministers are considering a new multibillion pound intervention into the coronavirus crisis through a scheme that would accelerate payments to cash-starved small businesses.
Sky News has learnt that the Treasury and Bank of England are in discussions about an emergency programme targeted at providers of supply chain finance.
Under the plans, which are at an exploratory stage, the Covid Corporate Financing Facility (CCFF), which was set up to buy commercial paper from large blue-chip companies, would be amended to promote faster payments of SMEs' invoices.
Banking sources said that the Treasury had issued a call for evidence to banks and other supply chain finance providers to seek views about how such a scheme might operate.
If it went ahead, it would add a further strand to the unprecedented array of measures established by ministers to keep Britain's economy afloat during the COVID-19 crisis.
Since the outbreak of the pandemic in March, ministers have made hundreds of billions of pounds available in the form of wage subsidies and state-guaranteed loans to businesses of all sizes.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 9:46 Sunak announces small business loan scheme
The precise details of a new scheme to support supply chain finance have yet to be ironed out, although they are expected to make progress during the course of this week, according to one official.
The chancellor, Rishi Sunak, is understood to have been alerted to concerns about reduced liquidity in the capital markets which usually fund the receivables-backed instruments on which supply chain funders depend.
An initiative to support the sector could benefit SME suppliers to major corporates by increasing the latter's lending capacity, according to one banker whose employer is examining the government's plans.
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One option under consideration would be the amendment of the CCFF to enable investment grade companies to allocate part of their allowance under the facility to a third-party provider of supply chain finance, which would issue commercial paper on their behalf, the banker said.
To accelerate payments to SMEs, CCFF-eligible companies would transfer payment obligations owed to UK-based SMEs into a special purpose vehicle established by the supply chain finance provider.
The CCFF would then buy commercial paper issued by the SPV, secured by these payment obligations, they added.
Big players in the supply chain finance sector include specialists such as Greensill, Orbian and Prime Revenue, as well as mainstream banks including HSBC and Lloyds Banking Group.
A Whitehall source said participants in a new scheme would have to commit to using any funding allocated to them through the CCFF to accelerating payments to UK-based SME suppliers.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:38 COVID-19: Is the govt's loan scheme working?
They would also be required to be, or become signatories to the UK's Prompt Payment Code.
A Treasury spokesperson declined to comment on the specifics of the supply chain finance scheme under consideration, but said: "We are taking unprecedented action to support business, including business loans and guarantees, paying 80% of furloughed workers' wages and tax deferrals."
This week, the Bounce Back Loans Scheme - which provides 100% state-backed loans - was launched in an effort to speed up the provision of credit to struggling companies.
In the last month, the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme, which offers loans of up to £5m, and a larger version have become operational.
Billions of pounds have now been funnelled to companies under the various programmes as the UK economy grapples with a crisis which has become unprecedented in its scale and the suddenness of its emergence.


news--2020-05-05--Coronavirus: Boris Johnson was shaking hands as some scientists were calling for it to stop

The prime minister continued to shake hands even as some scientists advising the government on its coronavirus response were calling for the practice to be halted , it has emerged .
Scientists were calling for an end to hugging and handshakes in early March , newly-released papers from the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies ( SAGE ) shows .
On 3 March , the SPI-B group of behavioural scientists said the directive would have sent an important signal about the need for good hand hygiene in stopping the spread of COVID-19 , the disease caused by the coronavirus .
That @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Downing Street news conference that he was continuing to shake the hands of people he met .
Later that week , the PM made a point of shaking hands with This Morning presenter Phillip Schofield , even though the presenter kept his hands to his sides when he interviewed Mr Johnson for the ITV show .
Mr Johnson was also pictured shaking hands with England rugby captain Owen Farrell at Twickenham .
He was then photographed shaking hands with boxer Anthony Joshua on 9 March , during the Commonwealth Day service at Westminster @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the paper , the PM 's spokesman said that Mr Johnson would not have been aware at the time of the document , which did not at that point represent the considered view of SAGE .
`` The PM would n't have seen that advice , '' the spokesman said .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker '' The PM was very clear at the time , he was taking a number of precautionary steps including frequently washing his hands .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the prime minister 's approach changed . ''
The SPI-B paper said : `` There was agreement that government should advise against greetings such as shaking hands and hugging , given existing evidence about the importance of hand hygiene .
`` A public message against shaking hands has additional value as a signal about the importance of hand hygiene .
`` Promoting a replacement greeting or encouraging others to politely decline a proffered hand-shake may have benefit . ''
The same day , Mr Johnson told reporters at a Downing Street briefing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I was at a hospital the other night where I think there were coronavirus patients and I was shaking hands with everybody , you will be pleased to know , and I continue to shake hands .
`` People must make up their own minds but I think the scientific evidence is ... our judgment is that washing your hands is the crucial thing . ''
The news emerged as it was confirmed that the UK has now passed Italy and has the highest number of coronavirus-related deaths in Europe .

The prime minister continued to shake hands even as some scientists advising the government on its coronavirus response were calling for the practice to be halted, it has emerged.
Scientists were calling for an end to hugging and handshakes in early March, newly-released papers from the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE) shows.
On 3 March, the SPI-B group of behavioural scientists said the directive would have sent an important signal about the need for good hand hygiene in stopping the spread of COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus.
Image: England captain Owen Farrell shakes hands with Boris Johnson after the England v Wales Six Nations match at Twickenham on 7 March
That same day, Boris Johnson told a Downing Street news conference that he was continuing to shake the hands of people he met.
Later that week, the PM made a point of shaking hands with This Morning presenter Phillip Schofield, even though the presenter kept his hands to his sides when he interviewed Mr Johnson for the ITV show.
Mr Johnson was also pictured shaking hands with England rugby captain Owen Farrell at Twickenham.
He was then photographed shaking hands with boxer Anthony Joshua on 9 March, during the Commonwealth Day service at Westminster Abbey.
Asked about the contents of the paper, the PM's spokesman said that Mr Johnson would not have been aware at the time of the document, which did not at that point represent the considered view of SAGE.
"The PM wouldn't have seen that advice," the spokesman said.
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"The PM was very clear at the time, he was taking a number of precautionary steps including frequently washing his hands.
"Once the social distancing advice was changed, the prime minister's approach changed."
The SPI-B paper said: "There was agreement that government should advise against greetings such as shaking hands and hugging, given existing evidence about the importance of hand hygiene.
"A public message against shaking hands has additional value as a signal about the importance of hand hygiene.
"Promoting a replacement greeting or encouraging others to politely decline a proffered hand-shake may have benefit."
The same day, Mr Johnson told reporters at a Downing Street briefing: "I am shaking hands. I was at a hospital the other night where I think there were coronavirus patients and I was shaking hands with everybody, you will be pleased to know, and I continue to shake hands.
"People must make up their own minds but I think the scientific evidence is ... our judgment is that washing your hands is the crucial thing."
The news emerged as it was confirmed that the UK has now passed Italy and has the highest number of coronavirus-related deaths in Europe.


news--2020-05-05--Coronavirus: Scientists say a more contagious mutant strain has been sweeping globe

Scientists say they have identified a mutation in coronavirus which they believe means a more contagious strain has been sweeping Europe and the US - and could even reinfect those who already have antibodies .
Researchers at Los Alamos National Laboratory in the US detected 14 mutations in the COVID-19 virus spike proteins , one of which - known as Spike D614G - they said was of `` urgent concern '' .
Their research paper suggests the mutated strain of coronavirus that has become dominant across the world was first indentified in Europe and is different to those which spread @ @ @ @ @ @ @ urgent is the issue that the research paper describing their findings has been made available before being peer-reviewed , although this has caused concern among some observers .
By analysing more than 6,000 genetic sequences of coronavirus samples taken from patients globally , the researchers found the mutated strain was persistently becoming the most dominant version of the virus in every region it was detected in .
While first discovered in Europe in early February , the researchers believe the coronavirus mutation has now become the most prevalent strain across the whole of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has been consistently out-competing the original strain detected in Wuhan , which spread through that region of China and some other Asian countries before March .
Dr Bette Korber , the study 's lead author , said : `` The story is worrying , as we see a mutated form of the virus very rapidly emerging , and over the month of March becoming the dominant pandemic form .
`` When viruses with this mutation enter a population , they rapidly begin to take over the local epidemic , thus they are more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spike protein has caused concern because this is one of the most effective parts of the virus , and the aspect which most treatments and vaccines are targeting .
For instance , the discovery of a `` groundbreaking '' antibody - that prevents the virus from infecting human cells - works by binding to this protein instead of allowing it to bind to cells and replicate .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The spike proteins are molecules on the outside of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hold of and then penetrate the outer walls of human and animal cells .
There are two key features in the protein which have been attributed with its enormous infectious ability .
The first is called the receptor-binding domain ( RBD ) , which they describe as `` a kind of grappling hook that grips on to host cells '' , while the second is known as the cleavage site , `` a molecular can opener that allows the virus to crack open and enter host cells '' .
The researchers acknowledge they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ changed these key features .
However , the fact the team 's findings have not yet been peer-reviewed has concerned some observers , who fear the potentially alarming report should be rigorously analysed before being made public .
On the website hosting the study , one user suggested the `` title of the manuscript seems a bit disingenuous '' and warned that the prevalence of the mutated spike protein could be a matter of correlation rather then causation .
Although the mutated form of the virus is quickly out-competing the one initially detected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are not certain of their hypothesis that this is due to the spike protein mutation rather than another mutation .
Given the spike protein 's `` vital importance both in terms of viral infectivity and as an antibody target , we felt an urgent need for an 'early warning ' pipeline to evaluate spike pandemic evolution '' , the study 's authors said .

Scientists say they have identified a mutation in coronavirus which they believe means a more contagious strain has been sweeping Europe and the US - and could even reinfect those who already have antibodies.
Researchers at Los Alamos National Laboratory in the US detected 14 mutations in the COVID-19 virus spike proteins, one of which - known as Spike D614G - they said was of "urgent concern".
Their research paper suggests the mutated strain of coronavirus that has become dominant across the world was first indentified in Europe and is different to those which spread early on in the pandemic.
Image: A graphic shows the mutation, in blue, becoming the most dominant strain
So urgent is the issue that the research paper describing their findings has been made available before being peer-reviewed, although this has caused concern among some observers.
By analysing more than 6,000 genetic sequences of coronavirus samples taken from patients globally, the researchers found the mutated strain was persistently becoming the most dominant version of the virus in every region it was detected in.
While first discovered in Europe in early February, the researchers believe the coronavirus mutation has now become the most prevalent strain across the whole of the world.
The study indicates it has been consistently out-competing the original strain detected in Wuhan, which spread through that region of China and some other Asian countries before March.
Dr Bette Korber, the study's lead author, said: "The story is worrying, as we see a mutated form of the virus very rapidly emerging, and over the month of March becoming the dominant pandemic form.
"When viruses with this mutation enter a population, they rapidly begin to take over the local epidemic, thus they are more transmissible."
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The mutation to the spike protein has caused concern because this is one of the most effective parts of the virus, and the aspect which most treatments and vaccines are targeting.
For instance, the discovery of a "groundbreaking" antibody - that prevents the virus from infecting human cells - works by binding to this protein instead of allowing it to bind to cells and replicate.
Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
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The spike proteins are molecules on the outside of the virus which it uses to grab hold of and then penetrate the outer walls of human and animal cells.
There are two key features in the protein which have been attributed with its enormous infectious ability.
The first is called the receptor-binding domain (RBD), which they describe as "a kind of grappling hook that grips on to host cells", while the second is known as the cleavage site, "a molecular can opener that allows the virus to crack open and enter host cells".
The researchers acknowledge they do not know how the mutations have changed these key features.
However, the fact the team's findings have not yet been peer-reviewed has concerned some observers, who fear the potentially alarming report should be rigorously analysed before being made public.
On the website hosting the study, one user suggested the "title of the manuscript seems a bit disingenuous" and warned that the prevalence of the mutated spike protein could be a matter of correlation rather then causation.
Although the mutated form of the virus is quickly out-competing the one initially detected in Wuhan, the researchers say they are not certain of their hypothesis that this is due to the spike protein mutation rather than another mutation.
Given the spike protein's "vital importance both in terms of viral infectivity and as an antibody target, we felt an urgent need for an 'early warning' pipeline to evaluate spike pandemic evolution", the study's authors said.


news--2020-05-05--Judi Dench becomes Vogue's oldest cover star - and is potty-mouthed about 'mangy' Cats character

At the age of 85 , Dame Judi Dench has become British Vogue 's oldest cover star - and has given some forthright opinions on the widely panned Cats film in her interview .
The Oscar , BAFTA and Olivier-winning actress features on the front of the fashion bible 's June issue , in which she also discusses Harvey Weinstein 's downfall and the debate about a possible female James Bond ( she 's not a fan of the idea ) .
Dame Judi is known for a huge range of films , including Shakespeare In Love , Chocolat , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in several of the 007 films .
However , most recently , it is the big-screen adaption of Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber 's musical Cats , which was released just before Christmas , that has become a talking point .
The revered actress starred as Old Deuteronomy in the film , which was savaged by critics .
Most criticism was directed at the visual effects , with each character turned into a cat-human hybrid through the use of CGI .
According to her Vogue interview , Dame Judi admitted she was unhappy about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she ended up looking `` mangy '' .
She also said she has not watched the full film .
`` The cloak I was made to wear ! ''
she said .
`` Like five foxes f****** on my back . ''
Dame Judi said she hoped she would look elegant but instead resembled `` a battered , mangy old cat '' .
She added : `` A great big orange bruiser .
What 's that about ? ''
Having first played spymaster M alongside Pierce Brosnan as Bond in 1995 's Goldeneye @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the franchise , with current 007 Daniel Craig saying the upcoming No Time To Die - pushed back to November due to the coronavirus pandemic - will be his last .
There have been growing calls for a woman to take over the role .
Dame Judi said that while she is all for female action leads , when asked about the case of a woman as Bond , she replied : `` Call it something else , then ? ''
She also said Ian Fleming , who created Bond , would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ won her best supporting actress Oscar for 1998 period romantic drama Shakespeare In Love , which was produced by disgraced media mogul Weinstein .
: : Listen to the Backstage podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Following his rape conviction in February , he is now serving a 23-year prison sentence .
Dame Judi said of his victims : `` My sympathies go to anybody who went through an experience like that .
It 's very upsetting .
`` It 's good that things come to the surface @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a kind of freedom , I 'm sure . ''
The actress also dismissed any thought of retirement from a stage and screen career that has now entered its eighth decade .
`` Wash your mouth out ! ''
was the reply .
You can read the full interview in the June issue of British Vogue , available from Thursday

At the age of 85, Dame Judi Dench has become British Vogue's oldest cover star - and has given some forthright opinions on the widely panned Cats film in her interview.
The Oscar, BAFTA and Olivier-winning actress features on the front of the fashion bible's June issue, in which she also discusses Harvey Weinstein's downfall and the debate about a possible female James Bond (she's not a fan of the idea).
Dame Judi is known for a huge range of films, including Shakespeare In Love, Chocolat, Notes On A Scandal and as M in several of the 007 films.
Image: Dame Judi Dench starred as Old Deuteronomy in Cats. Pic: Universal
However, most recently, it is the big-screen adaption of Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber's musical Cats, which was released just before Christmas, that has become a talking point.
The revered actress starred as Old Deuteronomy in the film, which was savaged by critics. Most criticism was directed at the visual effects, with each character turned into a cat-human hybrid through the use of CGI.
According to her Vogue interview, Dame Judi admitted she was unhappy about how her character turned out, saying she ended up looking "mangy".
She also said she has not watched the full film.
"The cloak I was made to wear!" she said. "Like five foxes f****** on my back."
Dame Judi said she hoped she would look elegant but instead resembled "a battered, mangy old cat". She added: "A great big orange bruiser. What's that about?"
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Having first played spymaster M alongside Pierce Brosnan as Bond in 1995's Goldeneye, Dench was asked about the future of the franchise, with current 007 Daniel Craig saying the upcoming No Time To Die - pushed back to November due to the coronavirus pandemic - will be his last.
There have been growing calls for a woman to take over the role.
Image: Daniel Craig has said the upcoming No Time To Die will be his last outing as 007. Pic. Universal Pictures
Dame Judi said that while she is all for female action leads, when asked about the case of a woman as Bond, she replied: "Call it something else, then?"
She also said Ian Fleming, who created Bond, would not be in favour.
Dame Judi won her best supporting actress Oscar for 1998 period romantic drama Shakespeare In Love, which was produced by disgraced media mogul Weinstein.
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:: Listen to the Backstage podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Following his rape conviction in February, he is now serving a 23-year prison sentence.
Dame Judi said of his victims: "My sympathies go to anybody who went through an experience like that. It's very upsetting.
"It's good that things come to the surface and are spoken about and people feel a kind of freedom, I'm sure."
Image: Harvey Weinstein was jailed earlier this year
The actress also dismissed any thought of retirement from a stage and screen career that has now entered its eighth decade.
"Wash your mouth out!" was the reply.
Quite right.
You can read the full interview in the June issue of British Vogue, available from Thursday


news--2020-05-05--Coronavirus: Glimmer of hope as total number of UK deaths decline from peak, new figures suggest

There was a slight fall in the total number of deaths registered in England and Wales in the week ending 24 April - driven by a decrease in the number of hospital deaths , according to new figures .
In the seven days to 24 April , there were 21,997 deaths registered in England and Wales - 11,539 more than the five-year average , according to the Office for National Statistics .
However , that week saw the first decrease in the weekly total number of registered deaths since 20 March .
The number of deaths registered in the week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the previous week .
Previous figures have shown deaths in Scotland also falling , although rising in Northern Ireland , that week .
This suggests it may be the week the UK came through its peak mortality rate amid the coronavirus crisis .
Of those deaths registered in the week to 24 April , 8,237 mentioned COVID-19 , which represents 37.4 % of all deaths .
This was a decrease of 521 deaths compared to the previous week .
Deaths occurring in hospitals in England and Wales decreased by 12.6 % in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the previous week , from 9,434 to 8,243 .
But there was a different picture in care homes , where the number of registered deaths increased by 8.1 % from 7,316 deaths to 7,911 .
And deaths in private homes increased by 5.8 % from 4,570 to 4,834 .
The highest number of coronavirus-linked deaths in the week to 24 April were among those over 85 , with 3,507 deaths .
But the highest proportion of deaths involving COVID-19 out of all causes was among those aged 75 to 84 ( 40.2 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in London in the week to 24 April , which was more than half ( 50.5 % ) of all deaths in the capital .
It also meant almost one-fifth ( 17.1 % ) of all COVID-19 deaths registered in England and Wales in the week to 24 April occurred in London .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The North West and North East also had a high proportion of COVID-19 deaths , accounting for 38.8 % and 38 % , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ regions .
In Wales , there were 413 deaths registered in the week to 24 April involving coronavirus , accounting for 36.7 % of all deaths registered in the country .
In total this year , up to 24 April , the ONS said there were 27,356 deaths involving COVID-19 registered in England and Wales .
Liz Kendall , Labour 's shadow minister for social care , said : `` These figures show that talk of being 'past the peak ' of this awful virus simply does not hold true for social care @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to get to grips with this problem - including getting proper PPE to the frontline , making care workers a top priority for testing and ensuring the NHS does more to support social care services and help keep elderly and disabled people safe . ''

There was a slight fall in the total number of deaths registered in England and Wales in the week ending 24 April - driven by a decrease in the number of hospital deaths, according to new figures.
In the seven days to 24 April, there were 21,997 deaths registered in England and Wales - 11,539 more than the five-year average, according to the Office for National Statistics.
However, that week saw the first decrease in the weekly total number of registered deaths since 20 March.
The number of deaths registered in the week to 24 April was 354 less compared with the previous week.
Previous figures have shown deaths in Scotland also falling, although rising in Northern Ireland, that week.
This suggests it may be the week the UK came through its peak mortality rate amid the coronavirus crisis.
Of those deaths registered in the week to 24 April, 8,237 mentioned COVID-19, which represents 37.4% of all deaths.
This was a decrease of 521 deaths compared to the previous week.
Deaths occurring in hospitals in England and Wales decreased by 12.6% in the week to 24 April compared to the previous week, from 9,434 to 8,243.
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But there was a different picture in care homes, where the number of registered deaths increased by 8.1% from 7,316 deaths to 7,911.
And deaths in private homes increased by 5.8% from 4,570 to 4,834.
The highest number of coronavirus-linked deaths in the week to 24 April were among those over 85, with 3,507 deaths.
But the highest proportion of deaths involving COVID-19 out of all causes was among those aged 75 to 84 (40.2%).
There were 1,406 coronavirus-linked deaths in London in the week to 24 April, which was more than half (50.5%) of all deaths in the capital.
It also meant almost one-fifth (17.1%) of all COVID-19 deaths registered in England and Wales in the week to 24 April occurred in London.
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:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
The North West and North East also had a high proportion of COVID-19 deaths, accounting for 38.8% and 38%, respectively, of deaths registered in these regions.
In Wales, there were 413 deaths registered in the week to 24 April involving coronavirus, accounting for 36.7% of all deaths registered in the country.
In total this year, up to 24 April, the ONS said there were 27,356 deaths involving COVID-19 registered in England and Wales.
Liz Kendall, Labour's shadow minister for social care, said: "These figures show that talk of being 'past the peak' of this awful virus simply does not hold true for social care.
"Ministers must take urgent action to get to grips with this problem - including getting proper PPE to the frontline, making care workers a top priority for testing and ensuring the NHS does more to support social care services and help keep elderly and disabled people safe."


news--2020-05-05--UK and US begin talks on 'ambitious' post-Brexit free trade deal

The UK and US have begun negotiations on an `` ambitious '' post-Brexit free trade deal .
International Trade Secretary Liz Truss formally opened the talks on Tuesday during a video conference call with US trade representative Robert Lighthizer .
The first round of discussions will get under way on Wednesday and continue for around two weeks .
There will be some 100 negotiators on each side taking part .
Further rounds of talks will happen every six weeks and will be conducted remotely until it is safe to travel again .
The negotiations will be led at an official @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's Oliver Griffiths and Daniel Mullaney , the assistant US trade representative for Europe and the Middle East .
Supporters of Brexit have argued the ability for Britain to strike its own free trade deals with nations around the world like the US will provide a boost to the economy .
But opponents have expressed fears that striking a deal with Washington will mean Britain having to accept looser US food and environmental standards and will not make up for losing access to the EU 's customs union and single market .
They @ @ @ @ @ @ @ NHS to American firms , something Prime Minister Boris Johnson denied during last year 's general election campaign .
Ms Truss said a trade agreement would help the UK and US economies `` bounce back '' following the COVID-19 pandemic .
`` We want to strike an ambitious deal that opens up new opportunities for our businesses , brings in more investment and creates better jobs for people across the whole of the country , '' she said .
`` The prime minister has been clear that we champion free trade and this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do business with our friends across the pond .
`` As we sit down at the negotiating table today be assured that we will drive a hard bargain to secure a deal that benefits individuals and businesses in every region and nation of the UK . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Mr Lighthizer welcomed the beginning of talks , which he said were aimed at striking an `` historic agreement '' .
`` Under the leadership of President Trump , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and high-standard trade agreement with the UK that will strengthen our economies , support good-paying jobs and substantially improve opportunities for trade and investment between our two countries , '' he said .

The UK and US have begun negotiations on an "ambitious" post-Brexit free trade deal.
International Trade Secretary Liz Truss formally opened the talks on Tuesday during a video conference call with US trade representative Robert Lighthizer.
The first round of discussions will get under way on Wednesday and continue for around two weeks.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:43 Now the UK is out of the EU, what next?
There will be some 100 negotiators on each side taking part.
Further rounds of talks will happen every six weeks and will be conducted remotely until it is safe to travel again.
The negotiations will be led at an official level by the Department for International Trade's Oliver Griffiths and Daniel Mullaney, the assistant US trade representative for Europe and the Middle East.
Supporters of Brexit have argued the ability for Britain to strike its own free trade deals with nations around the world like the US will provide a boost to the economy.
But opponents have expressed fears that striking a deal with Washington will mean Britain having to accept looser US food and environmental standards and will not make up for losing access to the EU's customs union and single market.
They also fear it will open up the NHS to American firms, something Prime Minister Boris Johnson denied during last year's general election campaign.
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:34 Johnson: 'NHS not on the table in any way'
Ms Truss said a trade agreement would help the UK and US economies "bounce back" following the COVID-19 pandemic.
"We want to strike an ambitious deal that opens up new opportunities for our businesses, brings in more investment and creates better jobs for people across the whole of the country," she said.
"The prime minister has been clear that we champion free trade and this deal will make it even easier to do business with our friends across the pond.
"As we sit down at the negotiating table today be assured that we will drive a hard bargain to secure a deal that benefits individuals and businesses in every region and nation of the UK."
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Mr Lighthizer welcomed the beginning of talks, which he said were aimed at striking an "historic agreement".
"Under the leadership of President Trump, the United States will negotiate an ambitious and high-standard trade agreement with the UK that will strengthen our economies, support good-paying jobs and substantially improve opportunities for trade and investment between our two countries," he said.


news--2020-04-30--Coronavirus: Trump 'very confident' COVID-19 vaccine will be developed this year contrary to scienti

Coronavirus: Trump 'very confident' COVID-19 vaccine will be developed this year contrary to scientific advice

Donald Trump says he is `` very confident '' that a vaccine for the coronavirus will be developed by the end of the year .
The US president appeared at a primetime virtual town hall hosted by the Fox News network in the shadow of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington .
His own scientific advisers have consistently agreed with international experts that a vaccine could take 12 to 18 months to appear .
But the president struck an optimistic tone .
`` We are very confident that we are going to have a vaccine at the end of the year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to have a vaccine by the end of this year and we are pushing very hard .
`` We are pushing supply lines .
Many companies are , I think , close . ''
Mr Trump said the search for a vaccine was an international effort that he did n't care if another country was first to find the solution .
`` I 'll take my hat off to them . ''
The two-hour event was branded `` Returning To Work '' , as Mr Trump pushed his plan for states to reopen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get it back open safely , but as quickly as possible . ''
: : Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker In the week that saw the highest nationwide death toll in a 24-hour period in the US - 2,909 reported deaths on Friday - the president again defended his administration 's response .
`` It is all working out .
It is horrible to go through , but it is working out . ''
Mr Trump again blamed authorities in China for what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the alarm about the virus .
He said earlier this week that he has seen evidence that the virus emerged from the Wuhan Virology Laboratory .
Asked if he was alleging `` something nefarious '' , he said he believed it was the result of a `` mistake '' .
Mr Trump promised more details about the origins of the outbreak would soon be released by the US intelligence services but offered no details .
Mr Trump has been accused of ignoring repeated warnings about the risks of the virus in his presidential @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he was told it was `` not a big deal '' .
With exactly six months to go until the presidential election , Mr Trump lamented how the lockdown had prevented him from holding campaign rallies .
But , appearing on one of his favourite television networks , he was able to hit familiar campaign themes , including trade and his border wall .
He also described a phone call with British prime minister Boris Johnson after his recovery from a `` vicious '' battle with coronavirus .
`` He thought it was @ @ @ @ @ @ @

Donald Trump says he is "very confident" that a vaccine for the coronavirus will be developed by the end of the year.
The US president appeared at a primetime virtual town hall hosted by the Fox News network in the shadow of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington.
His own scientific advisers have consistently agreed with international experts that a vaccine could take 12 to 18 months to appear.
But the president struck an optimistic tone. "We are very confident that we are going to have a vaccine at the end of the year.
"We think we are going to have a vaccine by the end of this year and we are pushing very hard.
"We are pushing supply lines. Many companies are, I think, close."
Mr Trump said the search for a vaccine was an international effort that he didn't care if another country was first to find the solution. "I'll take my hat off to them."
The two-hour event was branded "Returning To Work", as Mr Trump pushed his plan for states to reopen their economies.
"We have to get it back open safely, but as quickly as possible."
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:: Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker
In the week that saw the highest nationwide death toll in a 24-hour period in the US - 2,909 reported deaths on Friday - the president again defended his administration's response.
"It is all working out. It is horrible to go through, but it is working out."
Mr Trump again blamed authorities in China for what he described as their failure to raise the alarm about the virus.
He said earlier this week that he has seen evidence that the virus emerged from the Wuhan Virology Laboratory.
Asked if he was alleging "something nefarious", he said he believed it was the result of a "mistake".
Mr Trump promised more details about the origins of the outbreak would soon be released by the US intelligence services but offered no details.
Mr Trump has been accused of ignoring repeated warnings about the risks of the virus in his presidential daily briefings throughout January. He claimed he was told it was "not a big deal".
With exactly six months to go until the presidential election, Mr Trump lamented how the lockdown had prevented him from holding campaign rallies.
But, appearing on one of his favourite television networks, he was able to hit familiar campaign themes, including trade and his border wall.
He also described a phone call with British prime minister Boris Johnson after his recovery from a "vicious" battle with coronavirus. "He thought it was over," Mr Trump said.