news--2020-05-15--Deforestation 'increases the risk of animal-human disease transmission'

Widespread destruction of natural habitats is increasing the risk of further pandemics , wildlife charities and academics have warned .
Wet markets , where wild animals are sold for food , have been blamed for the spread of COVID-19 to humans .
But the World Wide Fund for Nature ( WWF ) says banning them alone wo n't prevent zoonotic diseases , where pathogens including viruses spread from animals to humans .
Dr Mike Barrett , executive director of science and conservation at WWF , said habitat destruction is bringing humans into much closer contact with wildlife , increasing the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` We have created the perfect petri-dish for pathogen spread , '' he said .
`` At the heart of this problem is the conversion of more and more habitat to produce agricultural commodities for international supply chains .
`` As we decimate forests like the Amazon so we increase the risk of the next pandemic .
`` If we continue to import commodities - soy for animal feed or unsustainably produced palm oil - we drive that deforestation in countries like Brazil .
`` This is about how humanity has failed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is believed to have originated in bats in southern China , though it 's not certain whether the transmission was through an intermediary species such as the pangolin .
Bats found in parts of the country are natural hosts of coronaviruses , with hundreds of different strains identified .
There is a risk of viruses spreading to humans if the bats are butchered and eaten , or if bat urine and faeces contaminate surfaces .
People living nearby have been shown to have antibodies to some of the viruses , but it 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ transmission .
Kate Jones , professor of ecology and biodiversity at University College London , said : `` All animals have their own pathogens .
`` Two-thirds of all human infectious diseases have their origins in animals , including Ebola , SARS , and MERS . ''
She said : `` The ecosystem services that bats provide us through pollination and seed dispersal are critical .
We need to understand the risks and mitigate them . ''
: : Listen to Coronavirus : In This Together on Apple Podcasts , Spotify , or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , WWF and the RSPB called for legislation to put sustainability at the heart of future UK trade agreements , to improve both the health of humans and ecosystems .
Research by RSPB has found that just seven commodities grown for the UK market - soy , cocoa , palm oil , timber , beef and leather , pulp and paper , and rubber - covered 13.6 million hectares in 2017 .
Beatriz Luraschi , principle policy officer at the RSPB , said : `` This is over half the size of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of land .
`` A lot of the products are grown in tropical countries with extremely high biodiversity and are very rich in carbon .
( The countries ) are also the source of many zoonotic diseases .
`` This pandemic has really shone a light on the extent to which we depend on healthy ecosystems . ''
Dr Barrett said deforestation in the Brazilian Amazon was 64 % higher in April than at the same time last year .
He said : `` It looks like we 're heading for another severe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ month .
`` Right now we are seeing efforts in the Brazilian congress that would legalise land grabs that have taken place in the Amazon in recent years .
It would legitimise further encroachment into intact areas of forest .
`` We have a choice .
If we go for a more sustainable future , we embed sustainability into our supply chains and stop destroying nature around the world .
`` But if we go back to business as usual , we lock in the certainty of the next crisis further down the @ @ @

Widespread destruction of natural habitats is increasing the risk of further pandemics, wildlife charities and academics have warned.
Wet markets, where wild animals are sold for food, have been blamed for the spread of COVID-19 to humans.
Image: A market in Wuhan, the city where the coronavirus outbreak began
But the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) says banning them alone won't prevent zoonotic diseases, where pathogens including viruses spread from animals to humans.
Dr Mike Barrett, executive director of science and conservation at WWF, said habitat destruction is bringing humans into much closer contact with wildlife, increasing the risk of diseases being transmitted to people.
"We have created the perfect petri-dish for pathogen spread," he said.
"At the heart of this problem is the conversion of more and more habitat to produce agricultural commodities for international supply chains.
"As we decimate forests like the Amazon so we increase the risk of the next pandemic.
"If we continue to import commodities - soy for animal feed or unsustainably produced palm oil - we drive that deforestation in countries like Brazil.
"This is about how humanity has failed to adequately steward nature."
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COVID-19 is believed to have originated in bats in southern China, though it's not certain whether the transmission was through an intermediary species such as the pangolin.
Bats found in parts of the country are natural hosts of coronaviruses, with hundreds of different strains identified.
Image: Activitists protest against live-animal markets
There is a risk of viruses spreading to humans if the bats are butchered and eaten, or if bat urine and faeces contaminate surfaces.
People living nearby have been shown to have antibodies to some of the viruses, but it's extremely rare for there to be human-to-human transmission.
Kate Jones, professor of ecology and biodiversity at University College London, said: "All animals have their own pathogens.
"Two-thirds of all human infectious diseases have their origins in animals, including Ebola, SARS, and MERS."
She cautioned against "demonising" species.
She said: "The ecosystem services that bats provide us through pollination and seed dispersal are critical. We need to understand the risks and mitigate them."
:: Listen to Coronavirus: In This Together on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Spreaker
In a joint webinar for parliamentarians, WWF and the RSPB called for legislation to put sustainability at the heart of future UK trade agreements, to improve both the health of humans and ecosystems.
Research by RSPB has found that just seven commodities grown for the UK market - soy, cocoa, palm oil, timber, beef and leather, pulp and paper, and rubber - covered 13.6 million hectares in 2017.
Beatriz Luraschi, principle policy officer at the RSPB, said: "This is over half the size of the UK. It's a significant amount of land.
"A lot of the products are grown in tropical countries with extremely high biodiversity and are very rich in carbon. (The countries) are also the source of many zoonotic diseases.
"This pandemic has really shone a light on the extent to which we depend on healthy ecosystems."
Image: A deforested hill in Brazil
Dr Barrett said deforestation in the Brazilian Amazon was 64% higher in April than at the same time last year.
He said: "It looks like we're heading for another severe fire season possibly from end of this month.
"Right now we are seeing efforts in the Brazilian congress that would legalise land grabs that have taken place in the Amazon in recent years. It would legitimise further encroachment into intact areas of forest.
"We have a choice. If we go for a more sustainable future, we embed sustainability into our supply chains and stop destroying nature around the world.
"But if we go back to business as usual, we lock in the certainty of the next crisis further down the line."


news--2020-05-15--Coronavirus: Pandemic leaves disabled people forced to provide their own PPE for carers

Everyone is finding the coronavirus outbreak difficult , but for disabled people across Britain it presents a whole host of additional challenges .
From missed hospital appointments to supplying PPE for carers , disability campaigner and wheelchair user Hannah Deakin tells Sky News how it has affected her .
The COVID-19 pandemic is an extremely worrying time , especially for disabled people .
It feels like we have been forgotten .
There was no mention of disabled people on the briefing made by the prime minister on Sunday .
Furthermore , where was the British Sign Language ( BSL ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ important .
We deserve to be treated equally .
Now is the time for change .
Personally , I am not finding it hard mentally , not going out and staying home .
It is a vast contrast to my usual life , going to hydrotherapy , physiotherapy and work experience each week .
My resilience maybe due to the fact that a couple of months housebound and in the constraints of our garden is nothing compared to four years in hospital with the majority of that being bedbound .
( I am @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ill people can relate to ) .
In other aspects it has been extremely difficult .
I live with my parents and am a powerchair user .
I need almost 24/7 care , which I was getting from four personal assistants .
But because of the virus situation , I currently have support from only two .
My parents support me so much even in normal circumstances , however due to having less care , I have been relying heavily on my parents , which is hard .
Normally , with a job @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and at weekends .
Caring is not like that .
At the moment it is more like a 24/7 job for my parents .
They are the back-up .
However , what about others who do n't have that ?
Or if my parents become sick ?
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker How am I supposed to provide PPE ?
Along with trying to understand my responsibilities as an employer in these current times , what PAs are entitled to and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I have the responsibility of getting PPE .
I 've been told if I got coronavirus or symptoms , my PAs could continue to look after me , but only if I provide them the correct personal protective equipment ( PPE ) .
But hang on a minute !
The NHS ca n't even get the correct PPE , so how am I supposed to suddenly manage to produce it ?
There is n't really much support .
If the NHS do n't have enough equipment and they 're struggling , how are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I have had my hospital appointment cancelled for October already .
It concerns me that this will affect us for a long time .
I do n't know what will happen to my appointment this month and then the one in August .
I do n't want to miss them , but part of me is also worried about going into a more high risk environment .
I am also , like many , missing out on regular physiotherapy and hydrotherapy sessions .
This is likely to have a detrimental effect on my @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about having access to treatment if I get COVID-19 .
Will I be treated equally ?
I believe that currently I should be , nevertheless I and many others are still anxious about it .
It would be nice to have some clarity on the subject .
It is people 's lives we are talking about .
It matters .
Furthermore , the Coronavirus Bill involves the suspension of part of the Care Act 2014 .
This could be life endangering as disabled people and carers may not get the help they need @ @ @ @ @ @ @ local authority would only be required to provide care and support to prevent a breach of the person 's rights under the European Convention on Human Rights .
Although I appreciate we are in an unprecedented situation of national emergency , I hope it is not going to be at the expense of disabled people .
It has been said that this will be a temporary suspension , however it concerns me whether it will become permanent .
Individuals and organisations have battled so hard to get the care act passed and it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so easily .
We wo n't be forgotten .
Now is the time for change .

Everyone is finding the coronavirus outbreak difficult, but for disabled people across Britain it presents a whole host of additional challenges.
From missed hospital appointments to supplying PPE for carers, disability campaigner and wheelchair user Hannah Deakin tells Sky News how it has affected her.
The COVID-19 pandemic is an extremely worrying time, especially for disabled people. It feels like we have been forgotten.
There was no mention of disabled people on the briefing made by the prime minister on Sunday. Furthermore, where was the British Sign Language (BSL) interpreter?
Disabled people are just as important. We deserve to be treated equally. Now is the time for change.
Personally, I am not finding it hard mentally, not going out and staying home. It is a vast contrast to my usual life, going to hydrotherapy, physiotherapy and work experience each week.
My resilience maybe due to the fact that a couple of months housebound and in the constraints of our garden is nothing compared to four years in hospital with the majority of that being bedbound. (I am sure this is something many other disabled/chronically ill people can relate to). In other aspects it has been extremely difficult.
Image: Hannah uses a powerchair and usually has the support of four personal assistants
I live with my parents and am a powerchair user. I need almost 24/7 care, which I was getting from four personal assistants. But because of the virus situation, I currently have support from only two.
My parents support me so much even in normal circumstances, however due to having less care, I have been relying heavily on my parents, which is hard.
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Normally, with a job you have a break in the evening and at weekends. Caring is not like that. At the moment it is more like a 24/7 job for my parents. They are the back-up. However, what about others who don't have that? Or if my parents become sick?
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
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
How am I supposed to provide PPE?
Along with trying to understand my responsibilities as an employer in these current times, what PAs are entitled to and new rules and regulations around the virus I have the responsibility of getting PPE.
I've been told if I got coronavirus or symptoms, my PAs could continue to look after me, but only if I provide them the correct personal protective equipment (PPE).
But hang on a minute! The NHS can't even get the correct PPE, so how am I supposed to suddenly manage to produce it?
There isn't really much support. If the NHS don't have enough equipment and they're struggling, how are individual disabled people supposed to manage?
I have had my hospital appointment cancelled for October already. It concerns me that this will affect us for a long time. I don't know what will happen to my appointment this month and then the one in August.
I don't want to miss them, but part of me is also worried about going into a more high risk environment. I am also, like many, missing out on regular physiotherapy and hydrotherapy sessions. This is likely to have a detrimental effect on my health and mobility.
I am scared about having access to treatment if I get COVID-19. Will I be treated equally? I believe that currently I should be, nevertheless I and many others are still anxious about it. It would be nice to have some clarity on the subject. It is people's lives we are talking about. It matters.
Furthermore, the Coronavirus Bill involves the suspension of part of the Care Act 2014. This could be life endangering as disabled people and carers may not get the help they need.
This is extremely frightening. The local authority would only be required to provide care and support to prevent a breach of the person's rights under the European Convention on Human Rights.
Although I appreciate we are in an unprecedented situation of national emergency, I hope it is not going to be at the expense of disabled people. It has been said that this will be a temporary suspension, however it concerns me whether it will become permanent.
Individuals and organisations have battled so hard to get the care act passed and it is upsetting it can just be suspended so easily.
We won't be forgotten. Now is the time for change.


news--2020-05-15--Coronavirus: Unions and city mayor defy government’s call to reopen schools

A teachers ' union and city mayor have hit back at government calls to send children back to school on 1 June – saying they will not let that happen unless it is `` safe '' for them to return .
The NASUWT claimed evidence it received from the government during crunch talks on Friday evening that schools should reopen next month was `` flimsy at best '' .
It added the meeting `` raised more questions than answers '' - and claimed Number 10 provided no information `` to change the widely held view that the evidence base for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' .
Meanwhile mayor of Liverpool Joe Anderson has said he would only allow teachers and children to return to school when it was `` safe to do so '' , and Labour leader of Gateshead Council , Martin Gannon , said the easing of the lockdown rules was `` frankly madness '' .
During an interview with Sky News , Mr Anderson criticised comments made by Steve Chalke , founder of the Oasis Trust , who said it was `` common sense '' for pupils to return to school , especially for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as a place of `` security and safety '' .
He said : `` I think that 's an absolute disgrace and an insult to children whether they live in disadvantaged communities or households .
`` I will only allow schools to let children , teachers and ancillary staff back into schools if it 's safe to do so .
This has got nothing to do with disadvantaged children or politics , it 's got everything to do with the safety of children . ''
He added his views were based on `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ models '' and he `` was n't looking for a confrontation '' .
`` The bottom line is I 've heard scientists give different opinions , '' he said .
`` These same scientists told us that there was no problem with care homes and the infection rates there . ''
The British Medical Association has also backed calls for the government to reconsider its plans , saying schools should not reopen in England until the case numbers are `` much lower '' .
In a letter addressed to Kevin Courtney , joint @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( NEU ) , Dr Chaand Nagpaul said current evidence on reopening schools is `` conflicting '' and he praised the union for urging caution over returning more pupils to school .
Talks between the unions and scientific advisers came after Education Secretary Gavin Williamson unveiled plans to break the deadlock between the government and unions with the talks on Friday night .
The government plans to send children in reception , Years 1 and Year 6 back to school as the country eases out of lockdown .
But General Secretary of NASUWT @ @ @ @ @ @ @ confirmation was provided that teachers are at low risk of catching COVID-19 once schools reopen .
He said : `` The NASUWT remains clear that no school should reopen until it can demonstrate that it is safe to do so .
`` No clear information was provided on what modelling has been undertaken in relation to potential transmission rates when schools open more widely .
Nothing in the meeting provided reassurance for the deeply worried and anxious school workforce .
`` We are continuing to press for answers to these questions and also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to ensure that they take appropriate and reasonable steps to assess and mitigate the health and safety risks posed by COVID-19 . ''
Leeds City Council leader Judith Blake , who chairs the Local Government Association 's Children & Young People Board , backed the comments made by Dr Roach , telling Sky News : `` An announcement was made without real consultation with headteachers .
[ There were ] no signs of the scientific evidence that they say they 've got lead them to make the decision .
`` What they 're @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the scientific evidence ' .
Explain why they 've chosen reception , Year 1 and Year 6 .
What 's the rationale behind it ? ''
She warned that , due to how the issue has been handled , parents also do n't have the `` confidence '' that all measures have been taken to make sure children can return safely .
Mr Williamson has since said that getting children back to school was `` vital '' for their educational development .
He added : `` Many schools are already taking steps to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ grateful for their support .
`` I want to reassure parents and families that we are giving schools , nurseries and other providers all the guidance and support they will need to welcome more children back in a phased way and no earlier than 1 June .
`` That 's why we have engaged closely with stakeholders from across the sector throughout the past seven weeks , including the trade unions , and today we arranged a detailed briefing for them with the scientific and medical experts . ''
: : Listen to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Podcasts , Spotify , or Spreaker Meanwhile , new research suggested children in England are more likely than any other age group to be infected with COVID-19 .

A teachers' union and city mayor have hit back at government calls to send children back to school on 1 June – saying they will not let that happen unless it is "safe" for them to return.
The NASUWT claimed evidence it received from the government during crunch talks on Friday evening that schools should reopen next month was "flimsy at best".
Image: This school in Dortmund, Germany, has reopened with social distancing measures in place
It added the meeting "raised more questions than answers" - and claimed Number 10 provided no information "to change the widely held view that the evidence base for opening schools from 1 June is weak".
Meanwhile mayor of Liverpool Joe Anderson has said he would only allow teachers and children to return to school when it was "safe to do so", and Labour leader of Gateshead Council, Martin Gannon, said the easing of the lockdown rules was "frankly madness".
During an interview with Sky News, Mr Anderson criticised comments made by Steve Chalke, founder of the Oasis Trust, who said it was "common sense" for pupils to return to school, especially for children from lower-income families who see it as a place of "security and safety".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:11 Liverpool mayor: 'Schools will stay closed'
He said: "I think that's an absolute disgrace and an insult to children whether they live in disadvantaged communities or households.
"I will only allow schools to let children, teachers and ancillary staff back into schools if it's safe to do so. This has got nothing to do with disadvantaged children or politics, it's got everything to do with the safety of children."
He added his views were based on "common sense" rather than "scientific models" and he "wasn't looking for a confrontation".
"The bottom line is I've heard scientists give different opinions," he said. "These same scientists told us that there was no problem with care homes and the infection rates there."
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Image: Liverpool mayor Joe Anderson says he will decide when children return to school in the city
The British Medical Association has also backed calls for the government to reconsider its plans, saying schools should not reopen in England until the case numbers are "much lower".
In a letter addressed to Kevin Courtney, joint general secretary of the National Education Union (NEU), Dr Chaand Nagpaul said current evidence on reopening schools is "conflicting" and he praised the union for urging caution over returning more pupils to school.
Talks between the unions and scientific advisers came after Education Secretary Gavin Williamson unveiled plans to break the deadlock between the government and unions with the talks on Friday night.
The government plans to send children in reception, Years 1 and Year 6 back to school as the country eases out of lockdown.
But General Secretary of NASUWT, Dr Patrick Roach, claimed no confirmation was provided that teachers are at low risk of catching COVID-19 once schools reopen.
He said: "The NASUWT remains clear that no school should reopen until it can demonstrate that it is safe to do so.
"No clear information was provided on what modelling has been undertaken in relation to potential transmission rates when schools open more widely. Nothing in the meeting provided reassurance for the deeply worried and anxious school workforce.
"We are continuing to press for answers to these questions and also for clear guidance from government to schools to ensure that they take appropriate and reasonable steps to assess and mitigate the health and safety risks posed by COVID-19."
Image: Students wearing protective face masks in a secondary school in Brussels, Belgium
Leeds City Council leader Judith Blake, who chairs the Local Government Association's Children & Young People Board, backed the comments made by Dr Roach, telling Sky News: "An announcement was made without real consultation with headteachers. [There were] no signs of the scientific evidence that they say they've got lead them to make the decision.
"What they're saying through the LGA is 'show us the scientific evidence'. Explain why they've chosen reception, Year 1 and Year 6. What's the rationale behind it?"
She warned that, due to how the issue has been handled, parents also don't have the "confidence" that all measures have been taken to make sure children can return safely.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:53 'No scientific evidence schools can reopen'
Mr Williamson has since said that getting children back to school was "vital" for their educational development.
He added: "Many schools are already taking steps to welcome back their pupils. I am grateful for their support.
"I want to reassure parents and families that we are giving schools, nurseries and other providers all the guidance and support they will need to welcome more children back in a phased way and no earlier than 1 June.
"That's why we have engaged closely with stakeholders from across the sector throughout the past seven weeks, including the trade unions, and today we arranged a detailed briefing for them with the scientific and medical experts."
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
:: Listen to Coronavirus: In This Together on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Spreaker
Meanwhile, new research suggested children in England are more likely than any other age group to be infected with COVID-19.


news--2020-05-15--Coronavirus: Every person prosecuted under Coronavirus Act was wrongly charged

Every person prosecuted under the Coronavirus Act was wrongly charged , the Crown Prosecution Service ( CPS ) has said .
Under the act , officers are allowed to remove or detain a `` suspected infectious person '' for screening and assessment , but all 44 charges brought up until the end of April were incorrect .
And 12 charges under the Health Protection Regulations 2020 , which give police powers to break up gatherings and fine people breaching restriction of movement rules , were also wrong .
However , other offences under those regulations were charged correctly , CPS @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` Under the regulations , the vast majority , that 's 175 out of 187 , have been charged correctly .
`` And these included people driving from London to Leicester for a party , groups drinking and misbehaving in the park and other groups hanging around the town centre after being asked to go home by police on several occasions .
`` Where mistakes were made , it was usually because Welsh regulations were used in England , or vice versa .
`` Under the act , all 44 charges were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ infectious people , which is what the legislation is intended for . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The CPS reviewed all 231 police charges under coronavirus legislation in England and Wales up to the end of April , where the prosecution has either been stopped or ended in a conviction .
Most ( 38 ) of the 44 charges had been brought alongside other offences , including assaults on emergency workers , theft and burglary , Mr McGill said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ in court , with 13 wrongful convictions returned to court to be withdrawn .
It comes as the National Police Chiefs ' Council revealed that a total of 14,244 fines for alleged breaches of these laws were issued by forces in England and Wales up to 11 May .
Most fines have been issued in London , the figures show , with the Metropolitan Police issuing the highest number of fines , 906 , of the 43 regional police forces in England and Wales .
Thames Valley Police was second with 866 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Warwickshire issued the fewest , with just 31 .
National Police Chiefs ' Council chairman Martin Hewitt said he was satisfied with how the laws were being enforced .
`` The figures show our approach is proportionate with just 0.02 % of the population in England and Wales being issued with a fine .
`` Our approach of - engage , explain and encourage , and only as a last resort , enforce - will continue .
It is working across the UK .
I urge the public to keep going , @ @ @ @ @ @

Every person prosecuted under the Coronavirus Act was wrongly charged, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has said.
Under the act, officers are allowed to remove or detain a "suspected infectious person" for screening and assessment, but all 44 charges brought up until the end of April were incorrect.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:58 Lockdown Road: We're hoping for restrictions to be lifted
And 12 charges under the Health Protection Regulations 2020, which give police powers to break up gatherings and fine people breaching restriction of movement rules, were also wrong.
However, other offences under those regulations were charged correctly, CPS director of legal services Gregor McGill said.
"Under the regulations, the vast majority, that's 175 out of 187, have been charged correctly.
"And these included people driving from London to Leicester for a party, groups drinking and misbehaving in the park and other groups hanging around the town centre after being asked to go home by police on several occasions.
"Where mistakes were made, it was usually because Welsh regulations were used in England, or vice versa.
"Under the act, all 44 charges were incorrect because they did not cover potentially infectious people, which is what the legislation is intended for."
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
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
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The CPS reviewed all 231 police charges under coronavirus legislation in England and Wales up to the end of April, where the prosecution has either been stopped or ended in a conviction.
Most (38) of the 44 charges had been brought alongside other offences, including assaults on emergency workers, theft and burglary, Mr McGill said.
Thirty-one of the wrongful charges were withdrawn in court, with 13 wrongful convictions returned to court to be withdrawn.
It comes as the National Police Chiefs' Council revealed that a total of 14,244 fines for alleged breaches of these laws were issued by forces in England and Wales up to 11 May.
Most fines have been issued in London, the figures show, with the Metropolitan Police issuing the highest number of fines, 906, of the 43 regional police forces in England and Wales.
Thames Valley Police was second with 866, and North Yorkshire third, with 843. Warwickshire issued the fewest, with just 31.
National Police Chiefs' Council chairman Martin Hewitt said he was satisfied with how the laws were being enforced.
"The figures show our approach is proportionate with just 0.02% of the population in England and Wales being issued with a fine.
"Our approach of - engage, explain and encourage, and only as a last resort, enforce - will continue. It is working across the UK. I urge the public to keep going, keep following the advice."


news--2020-05-15--Coronavirus: Mary-Kate Olsen's emergency divorce rejected

Mary-Kate Olsen 's request for an emergency divorce from her husband has been rejected by a judge in New York , who said it was n't an `` essential matter '' .
The fashion designer filed for separation last month , but the coronavirus outbreak had led to a hold up in court .
Olsen 's been married to Pierre Olivier Sarkozy , who is 17 years her senior , for five years .
The 33-year-old rose to fame as a toddler , along with her twin sister Ashley , starring in American sitcom Full House .
After a childhood @ @ @ @ @ @ @ acting in 2012 to focus on a career in fashion , co-founding their own brand The Row .
Mary-Kate first filed for divorce in Manhattan in April , but was facing problems after the COVID-19 outbreak led to delays in court .
In a bid to speed up the divorce process , she filed for an emergency divorce , claiming her husband was forcing her out of her home .
Mr Sarkozy , a 50-year-old banker , is the half-brother of former French president Nicolas Sarkozy .
The couple , who met in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ years .
: : Listen to the Backstage podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker New York Supreme Court spokesman Lucian Chalfen said a judge determined the matter was not essential .
He said : `` Currently , we are only accepting essential/emergency matters for filing .
The original filing was rejected by the New York County Clerk because they did not follow the essential matter procedure .
`` They refiled under the essential matter procedure and the matter was referred to the ex-parte judge , a New York @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that it is not an essential matter , so they ca n't file anything at this point . ''
Although both Olsen twins now largely avoid the spotlight , Mary-Kate has previously spoken publicly about her battle with anorexia in 2004 .
Like her sibling , Ashley Olsen , who is the eldest twin by two minutes , has dated several notably older men including cyclist Lance Armstrong and financier Richard Sachs .

Mary-Kate Olsen's request for an emergency divorce from her husband has been rejected by a judge in New York, who said it wasn't an "essential matter".
The fashion designer filed for separation last month, but the coronavirus outbreak had led to a hold up in court.
Olsen's been married to Pierre Olivier Sarkozy, who is 17 years her senior, for five years.
Image: Mary-Kate, pictured in Paris earlier this year, has been told her divorce is not considered to be an 'essential matter'
The 33-year-old rose to fame as a toddler, along with her twin sister Ashley, starring in American sitcom Full House.
After a childhood in the public eye, both quit acting in 2012 to focus on a career in fashion, co-founding their own brand The Row.
Image: Mary-Kate and Ashley (L-R) now largely avoid the glare of the media spotlight
Mary-Kate first filed for divorce in Manhattan in April, but was facing problems after the COVID-19 outbreak led to delays in court.
In a bid to speed up the divorce process, she filed for an emergency divorce, claiming her husband was forcing her out of her home.
Mr Sarkozy, a 50-year-old banker, is the half-brother of former French president Nicolas Sarkozy.
The couple, who met in 2012, have been married for five years.
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New York Supreme Court spokesman Lucian Chalfen said a judge determined the matter was not essential.
He said: "Currently, we are only accepting essential/emergency matters for filing. The original filing was rejected by the New York County Clerk because they did not follow the essential matter procedure.
"They refiled under the essential matter procedure and the matter was referred to the ex-parte judge, a New York State Supreme Court judge. He determined that it is not an essential matter, so they can't file anything at this point."
Although both Olsen twins now largely avoid the spotlight, Mary-Kate has previously spoken publicly about her battle with anorexia in 2004.
Like her sibling, Ashley Olsen, who is the eldest twin by two minutes, has dated several notably older men including cyclist Lance Armstrong and financier Richard Sachs.


news--2020-05-15--Coronavirus: Care home residents make up more than a third of deaths linked to COVID-19

More than a third of the coronavirus-related deaths in the UK have been among care home residents in England and Wales , according to figures from the Office for National Statistics .
There were 12,526 deaths among care home residents during March and April where COVID-19 was mentioned on the death certificate .
This includes whether the disease was the underlying cause or not .
The Department of Health said on Thursday that 33,614 people have so far died from coronavirus in the UK .
There were 45,899 deaths of care home residents in March and April , meaning more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus .
Among the more than 12,500 deaths , 9,039 ( 72 % ) occurred within a care home .
Around one in 10 ( 11 % ) of care home resident deaths in England and Wales involving coronavirus were people who had no pre-existing health condition , the ONS found .
The remaining nine in 10 ( 89 % ) deaths were of those with at least one pre-existing health issue , with the most common main conditions being dementia and Alzheimer 's disease , with 5,115 deaths ( 42.5 % of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ included ischaemic heart diseases , the main pre-existing condition in 5.5 % of coronavirus-related deaths , chronic lower respiratory diseases ( 5.4 % ) and influenza and pneumonia ( 4.9 % ) .
The ONS also found coronavirus was the leading cause of death for male care home residents in England and Wales during the period 2 March to 1 May , accounting for 30.3 % of deaths .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker It was the second leading cause of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after dementia and Alzheimer 's disease , accounting for 23.5 % of deaths .
Of all hospital deaths involving coronavirus during this period , 14.6 % were accounted for by care home residents .
The figures have been revealed after care homes said they felt `` almost compelled '' to take in people who have not been tested for coronavirus .
Sky News also revealed how several councils threatened to withhold funding to help care homes deal with the coronavirus outbreak if they did not agree to take in patients with the illness @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Care spokesperson said : `` Every death from this virus is a tragedy and we are working around the clock to give the social care sector the equipment and support they need to tackle this unprecedented global pandemic .
`` This includes continuing to make sure millions of items of personal protective equipment ( PPE ) are available to care workers , using our increased testing capacity to test care home residents , staff and their families , regardless of symptoms and our new £600m Infection Control Fund to help prevent spread in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to work closely with the ONS , PHE and the CQC so we have all the information needed to continue our fight against this virus . ''
Analysis : These figures are shocking - but more bad news could be on the way These shocking figures show the scale and severity of the COVID-19 outbreak among care home residents .
To put it in perspective , official statistics show there have now been 31,607 deaths from the virus in England and Wales .
The announcement that 12,526 care home residents have died means @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the total deaths from COVID-19.ᆧ .
Yet although that fact alone is shocking , it probably underestimates the full impact of the virus on the elderly and vulnerable .
These latest statistics show that 23,136 more care home residents died than in the same period last year - but only 12,526 are registered as being directly caused by COVID-19 .
The Office for National Statistics says it is looking into this excess mortality .
When it reports its findings , we may yet have more bad news to digest .

More than a third of the coronavirus-related deaths in the UK have been among care home residents in England and Wales, according to figures from the Office for National Statistics.
There were 12,526 deaths among care home residents during March and April where COVID-19 was mentioned on the death certificate. This includes whether the disease was the underlying cause or not.
The Department of Health said on Thursday that 33,614 people have so far died from coronavirus in the UK.
There were 45,899 deaths of care home residents in March and April, meaning more than more a quarter were linked to coronavirus.
Among the more than 12,500 deaths, 9,039 (72%) occurred within a care home.
A further 3,444 (27%) occurred within a hospital.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 22:43 Special report: The killer in our care homes
Around one in 10 (11%) of care home resident deaths in England and Wales involving coronavirus were people who had no pre-existing health condition, the ONS found.
The remaining nine in 10 (89%) deaths were of those with at least one pre-existing health issue, with the most common main conditions being dementia and Alzheimer's disease, with 5,115 deaths (42.5% of all deaths involving COVID-19).
Others included ischaemic heart diseases, the main pre-existing condition in 5.5% of coronavirus-related deaths, chronic lower respiratory diseases (5.4%) and influenza and pneumonia (4.9%).
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The ONS also found coronavirus was the leading cause of death for male care home residents in England and Wales during the period 2 March to 1 May, accounting for 30.3% of deaths.
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It was the second leading cause of death in female care home residents, after dementia and Alzheimer's disease, accounting for 23.5% of deaths.
Of all hospital deaths involving coronavirus during this period, 14.6% were accounted for by care home residents.
The figures have been revealed after care homes said they felt "almost compelled" to take in people who have not been tested for coronavirus.
Sky News also revealed how several councils threatened to withhold funding to help care homes deal with the coronavirus outbreak if they did not agree to take in patients with the illness.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:20 PM pressed over 10,000 'unexplained deaths'
A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said: "Every death from this virus is a tragedy and we are working around the clock to give the social care sector the equipment and support they need to tackle this unprecedented global pandemic.
"This includes continuing to make sure millions of items of personal protective equipment (PPE) are available to care workers, using our increased testing capacity to test care home residents, staff and their families, regardless of symptoms and our new £600m Infection Control Fund to help prevent spread in care homes.
"We are continuing to work closely with the ONS, PHE and the CQC so we have all the information needed to continue our fight against this virus."
Analysis: These figures are shocking - but more bad news could be on the way
By Rowland Manthorpe, Sky News correspondent
These shocking figures show the scale and severity of the COVID-19 outbreak among care home residents.
To put it in perspective, official statistics show there have now been 31,607 deaths from the virus in England and Wales.
The announcement that 12,526 care home residents have died means that they make up almost 40% of the total deaths from COVID-19.ᆧ.
Yet although that fact alone is shocking, it probably underestimates the full impact of the virus on the elderly and vulnerable.
These latest statistics show that 23,136 more care home residents died than in the same period last year - but only 12,526 are registered as being directly caused by COVID-19.
The Office for National Statistics says it is looking into this excess mortality. When it reports its findings, we may yet have more bad news to digest.


news--2020-05-15--Harry Kane buys Leyton Orient shirt sponsorship to support charities

England football captain Harry Kane will sponsor the shirts of his former club Leyton Orient next season in a deal that supports charities and the League Two side through the COVID-19 pandemic .
The Tottenham striker , who played for the club as a youngster , has taken the front-of-shirt sponsorship for Orient 's three kits following approval from the Premier League , English Football League and Football Association .
He will split the proceeds between three charitable causes , with the home shirt donning a thank you message to the NHS `` heroes '' of the coronavirus pandemic , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's Hospice 's logo and the third kit donated to mental health charity Mind .
The striker , who scored five goals in 18 games for Orient , said : `` I was born and brought up only a couple of miles from the stadium and I am really happy to have the opportunity to give back to the club that gave me my first professional start .
`` This also gives me a platform to be able to say a big thank you to the many frontline heroes and charities out there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ challenging times . ''
Orient will give 10 % of all shirt sales back to Kane 's nominated charities .
Orient chief executive Danny Macklin said `` When we discussed with the England captain Harry Kane and his team at CK66 , we all decided that we wanted this to be unique .
`` We wanted to say thank you for the exceptional hard work and dedication of the frontline heroes during this pandemic and also bring attention to the other charities out there who have all suffering financial loss due to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , for your amazing support and generosity - you are a true role model for the modern game . ''

England football captain Harry Kane will sponsor the shirts of his former club Leyton Orient next season in a deal that supports charities and the League Two side through the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Tottenham striker, who played for the club as a youngster, has taken the front-of-shirt sponsorship for Orient's three kits following approval from the Premier League, English Football League and Football Association.
He will split the proceeds between three charitable causes, with the home shirt donning a thank you message to the NHS "heroes" of the coronavirus pandemic, the away shirt showing Haven House Children's Hospice's logo and the third kit donated to mental health charity Mind.
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The striker, who scored five goals in 18 games for Orient, said: "I was born and brought up only a couple of miles from the stadium and I am really happy to have the opportunity to give back to the club that gave me my first professional start.
"This also gives me a platform to be able to say a big thank you to the many frontline heroes and charities out there who provide care and support during these challenging times."
Orient will give 10% of all shirt sales back to Kane's nominated charities.
Orient chief executive Danny Macklin said "When we discussed with the England captain Harry Kane and his team at CK66, we all decided that we wanted this to be unique.
"We wanted to say thank you for the exceptional hard work and dedication of the frontline heroes during this pandemic and also bring attention to the other charities out there who have all suffering financial loss due to the pandemic.
"Thank you, Harry, for your amazing support and generosity - you are a true role model for the modern game."


news--2020-05-14--Coronavirus in Newcastle: Novelty of lockdown gives way to fear of economic recession

This is n't right .
Mick Higgins never gets the chance to properly wash out the bins at the Bigg Market in Newcastle city centre .
Before COVID-19 , there just was n't time .
On a regular weekend morning there was always a sea of rubbish to collect up , an array of discarded bodily fluids to wash away and people staggering around in the early morning daylight trying to find their way home .
Right now , though , the hub of Newcastle 's legendary nightlife is dead .
It 's so dead that Mick now plays `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he finds one , he 's off - determined to hunt it down in his city council vehicle .
He loves this job so much he 's excited to find that piece of litter .
The Bigg Market has never been so clean .
He 's been doing this job for 28 years and is dismayed to see the city that he loves so empty .
`` It is soul destroying driving round the streets , '' he said .
`` It would be nice just to get back to normal , if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and if that means the Bigg Market is a complete mess again so be it - it 'll mean the city is buzzing again . ''
Like everywhere else Tyneside is slowly getting slightly busier with lockdown restrictions beginning to lift in England .
But for the key workers who are the eyes and ears of Newcastle after hours , it is the strangest of times .
The emptiness is eerie .
We jumped onto the Metro system at South Gosforth and joined the late shift - Craig Pearson , the driver , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the empty airport .
There are hardly any flights so , as usual now , nobody got on .
They are here for the people who need them , but it is almost unsettling .
Craig said : `` It 's like the film 28 Days Later - a zombie film where the streets are empty - but without the zombies . ''
The novelty of life in lockdown has well and truly gone - but while London is seeing just 24 new cases of coronavirus a day , that figure is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , meaning it will be some time before anything can return to normal .
The prospect of a recession is chilling - in the North East they need no reminder of what a recession looks like and the pain it can bring .
`` I used to work for Northern Rock many years ago and look what happened to that .
`` We were all made redundant and it is scary to think other people are going to go through that . ''
We got off at Haymarket in the city centre where @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ticket barriers - just waiting for a passenger .
But even when a soul does emerge up the escalators they are quieter than usual - this is one of the friendliest cities in the UK but that seems to have been taken down a notch .
It has everywhere .
The one blessing of going to work for Lauren Shipley is that she gets to see her dad , Steve , who also works helping customers at Haymarket station .
There is plenty of time to catch up with each other 's lives @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the time pretty much , '' Lauren told us as we walked down an empty platform .
`` You want it back to how it was , but nobody can say how long that 'll be . ''

This isn't right. Mick Higgins never gets the chance to properly wash out the bins at the Bigg Market in Newcastle city centre. Before COVID-19, there just wasn't time.
On a regular weekend morning there was always a sea of rubbish to collect up, an array of discarded bodily fluids to wash away and people staggering around in the early morning daylight trying to find their way home. Right now, though, the hub of Newcastle's legendary nightlife is dead.
It's so dead that Mick now plays "chase the crisp packet". If he finds one, he's off - determined to hunt it down in his city council vehicle. He loves this job so much he's excited to find that piece of litter. The Bigg Market has never been so clean.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:30 Clean streets 'soul-destroying' - street cleaner
Image: Street cleaner Mick Higgins is sad to see Newcastle so empty
He's been doing this job for 28 years and is dismayed to see the city that he loves so empty.
"It is soul destroying driving round the streets," he said.
"It would be nice just to get back to normal, if I'll be honest with you, and if that means the Bigg Market is a complete mess again so be it - it'll mean the city is buzzing again."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:14 The Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle was the first hospital in the UK to admit confirmed COVID-19 patients. How far have we come?
Like everywhere else Tyneside is slowly getting slightly busier with lockdown restrictions beginning to lift in England. But for the key workers who are the eyes and ears of Newcastle after hours, it is the strangest of times.
The emptiness is eerie. We jumped onto the Metro system at South Gosforth and joined the late shift - Craig Pearson, the driver, took us through empty stations and onward to the empty airport.
There are hardly any flights so, as usual now, nobody got on. They are here for the people who need them, but it is almost unsettling.
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Craig said: "It's like the film 28 Days Later - a zombie film where the streets are empty - but without the zombies."
Image: Metro driver Craig Pearson says Newcastle is like a zombie film
Image: The novelty of life in lockdown has given way to fear of recession
The novelty of life in lockdown has well and truly gone - but while London is seeing just 24 new cases of coronavirus a day, that figure is 4,000 a day in the North East, meaning it will be some time before anything can return to normal.
The prospect of a recession is chilling - in the North East they need no reminder of what a recession looks like and the pain it can bring.
"I have lost jobs," Craig said.
"I used to work for Northern Rock many years ago and look what happened to that.
"We were all made redundant and it is scary to think other people are going to go through that."
Image: The Strawberry pub opposite Newcastle United's football ground - all quiet as people stay home
We got off at Haymarket in the city centre where the Metro staff were standing at the ticket barriers - just waiting for a passenger. But even when a soul does emerge up the escalators they are quieter than usual - this is one of the friendliest cities in the UK but that seems to have been taken down a notch. It has everywhere.
The one blessing of going to work for Lauren Shipley is that she gets to see her dad, Steve, who also works helping customers at Haymarket station. There is plenty of time to catch up with each other's lives.
"It's like this all the time pretty much," Lauren told us as we walked down an empty platform.
"You want it back to how it was, but nobody can say how long that'll be."


news--2020-05-15--Coronavirus: JCB looks to cut up to 950 jobs as COVID-19 hits demand

Up to 950 jobs are under threat at JCB after demand for its machines fell by half as a result of the COVID-19 crisis .
The company has written to staff to say posts are under threat at its 10 plants in Staffordshire , Derbyshire and Wrexham , with a 45-day consultation period starting on Monday .
Around 500 Guidant agency employees , who work at JCB 's UK sites , are also being let go .
The job losses have been announced as a result of the severe disruption caused to JCB 's business by the coronavirus pandemic , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chief executive Graeme Macdonald said the move to restructure JCB 's business had been extremely tough but that the company `` had no choice but to take difficult decisions to adapt to this new economic reality '' .
He said : `` In 2020 we had planned to sell and produce over 100,000 machines .
With so much global uncertainty , that figure right now is looking more like 50,000 machines .
`` In the UK , around 85 % of everything we manufacture is exported and our UK factories will now produce @ @ @ @ @ @ @ planned just a few months ago .
`` As a result , we have no choice but to align our cost base to demand for the rest of the year . ''
Macdonald added : `` It is deeply regrettable that we have had to take these steps to restructure the business and that it will have an impact on so many people .
`` No business could have anticipated the scale of the COVID-19 crisis and its economic consequences .
`` JCB has had to act quickly for the long-term survival of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the heart of our decision-making throughout this difficult period . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker JCB currently employs around 6,700 people in the UK , including agency employees .
The vast majority of JCB 's employees are currently furloughed until the end of May after production at UK factories stopped in March in the face of the public health crisis .
Mr Macdonald added : `` The government 's taxpayer-funded Job Retention Scheme , which was a temporary measure that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the beginning of April , was never going to be capable of sustaining employment at companies having to face such reduced levels of demand . ''

Up to 950 jobs are under threat at JCB after demand for its machines fell by half as a result of the COVID-19 crisis.
The company has written to staff to say posts are under threat at its 10 plants in Staffordshire, Derbyshire and Wrexham, with a 45-day consultation period starting on Monday.
Around 500 Guidant agency employees, who work at JCB's UK sites, are also being let go.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:03 Chancellor warns of a 'significant recession'
The job losses have been announced as a result of the severe disruption caused to JCB's business by the coronavirus pandemic, which will see annual production halved.
Chief executive Graeme Macdonald said the move to restructure JCB's business had been extremely tough but that the company "had no choice but to take difficult decisions to adapt to this new economic reality".
He said: "In 2020 we had planned to sell and produce over 100,000 machines. With so much global uncertainty, that figure right now is looking more like 50,000 machines.
"In the UK, around 85% of everything we manufacture is exported and our UK factories will now produce machines at half the rate we had planned just a few months ago.
"As a result, we have no choice but to align our cost base to demand for the rest of the year."
Macdonald added: "It is deeply regrettable that we have had to take these steps to restructure the business and that it will have an impact on so many people.
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"No business could have anticipated the scale of the COVID-19 crisis and its economic consequences.
"JCB has had to act quickly for the long-term survival of the business, which has been at the heart of our decision-making throughout this difficult period."
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JCB currently employs around 6,700 people in the UK, including agency employees.
The vast majority of JCB's employees are currently furloughed until the end of May after production at UK factories stopped in March in the face of the public health crisis.
Mr Macdonald added: "The government's taxpayer-funded Job Retention Scheme, which was a temporary measure that has seen most UK employees furloughed since the beginning of April, was never going to be capable of sustaining employment at companies having to face such reduced levels of demand."


news--2020-05-15--Coronavirus: Surrogate trade exposed as pandemic leaves 51 babies stranded in Kiev hotel

Dozens of babies are stranded in Ukraine because of the coronavirus pandemic .
The babies were born to surrogate mothers in Ukraine and are due to be collected by parents from the US , UK , Europe and elsewhere .
But Ukraine , like many countries around the world , has closed its borders to foreigners in an effort to limit the spread of the coronavirus , which has killed more than 300,000 people globally .
Ukraine 's borders have been closed to foreigners since March , leaving most of the parents to make do with seeing their babies in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 51 babies lying in rows of cots in a small hotel on the outskirts of Kiev are likely to be waiting for a long time yet , as Ukraine 's government said it can only allow parents into the country if a request is received from the relevant embassy .
For others , leaving the country is the problem .
Rafa Aires , from Spain , got in before the lockdown to collect his daughter Marta but now he can not leave , as almost all flights have been suspended and he needs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Maria , was unable to travel with him due to work commitments and he said : `` Every day I make video calls with my wife for one hour or an hour and a half for her to see the baby .
`` It is very difficult .
`` Nurses and medical personnel in this hotel are wonderful .
They make my life easier . ''
The hotel belongs to the clinic BioTexCom , which has been trying to get the Ukrainian government to take action but the action suggested was not what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ human rights ombudsman for Ukraine 's parliament , said the images showed the country had a `` massive and systemic '' surrogacy industry where babies were advertised as a `` high quality product '' .
She suggested the law could be changed to reserve the services for Ukrainian parents .
BioTexCom 's founder Albert Tochilovsky said : `` We were prepared for this negative reaction . ''
Surrogacy is legal in Ukraine and a surrogate mother can receive up to £14,000 .
The parents of only 16 babies have been able to travel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , BioTexCom 's lawyer , said : `` The children are all provided with food , a sufficient number of employees look after them , but there is no substitute for parental care .
`` We try to send photos of children to the parents , we try to make conference calls , but this can not replace communication in direct contact . ''

Dozens of babies are stranded in Ukraine because of the coronavirus pandemic.
The babies were born to surrogate mothers in Ukraine and are due to be collected by parents from the US, UK, Europe and elsewhere.
But Ukraine, like many countries around the world, has closed its borders to foreigners in an effort to limit the spread of the coronavirus, which has killed more than 300,000 people globally.
Image: The babies are shown to their parents only through pictures and video calls
Ukraine's borders have been closed to foreigners since March, leaving most of the parents to make do with seeing their babies in pictures and during video calls.
The 51 babies lying in rows of cots in a small hotel on the outskirts of Kiev are likely to be waiting for a long time yet, as Ukraine's government said it can only allow parents into the country if a request is received from the relevant embassy.
Image: Fifty-one babies are waiting at a Kiev hotel to meet their parents
For others, leaving the country is the problem.
Rafa Aires, from Spain, got in before the lockdown to collect his daughter Marta but now he cannot leave, as almost all flights have been suspended and he needs to finish paperwork.
His wife, Maria, was unable to travel with him due to work commitments and he said: "Every day I make video calls with my wife for one hour or an hour and a half for her to see the baby.
"It is very difficult.
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"Nurses and medical personnel in this hotel are wonderful. They make my life easier."
The hotel belongs to the clinic BioTexCom, which has been trying to get the Ukrainian government to take action but the action suggested was not what they wanted.
Lyudmyla Denisova, the human rights ombudsman for Ukraine's parliament, said the images showed the country had a "massive and systemic" surrogacy industry where babies were advertised as a "high quality product".
She suggested the law could be changed to reserve the services for Ukrainian parents.
BioTexCom's founder Albert Tochilovsky said: "We were prepared for this negative reaction."
Surrogacy is legal in Ukraine and a surrogate mother can receive up to £14,000.
The parents of only 16 babies have been able to travel to Ukraine so far.
Denis Herman, BioTexCom's lawyer, said: "The children are all provided with food, a sufficient number of employees look after them, but there is no substitute for parental care.
"We try to send photos of children to the parents, we try to make conference calls, but this cannot replace communication in direct contact."


news--2020-05-01--Coronavirus: Fertility services to resume within a fortnight as UK passes virus peak

Fertility services will be able to resume in the UK within the next fortnight almost two months after treatments were halted by the coronavirus pandemic .
Announcing the decision on Friday , Health Secretary Matt Hancock said he was `` delighted '' and assured that strict guidelines would `` ensure staff and patients remain safe '' .
Clinics across the country can now apply to resume services from 11 May , according to the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority ( HFEA ) , as long as safety and protection of staff and patients can be ensured .
Guidance for reopening @ @ @ @ @ @ @ England and NHS Clinical Commissioners , and will be given to all Clinical Commissioning Groups ( CCGs ) across the country .
Such requirements will include social distancing being observed in waiting rooms and personal protective equipment ( PPE ) being supplied .
Telephone appointments could also replace some face-to-face meetings , if suitable , while an auditing tool will ensure these measures are being followed .
Later this week , Mr Hancock is due to write to CCGs to find out if they will be able to restart treatment - whether through @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` to ensure fair provision '' .
It comes after the Department of Health and Social Care acknowledged that while private clinics may be able to reopen quickly , it may take a little longer for NHS services to reach the requirements stipulated in the guidelines due to staff being redeployed .
Speaking at the daily Downing Street coronavirus briefing , Mr Hancock said he understood `` just how time-sensitive treatment can be and how important it is for the families affected '' .
He added : `` And I know that this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ forever .
`` So when I say thank you for all of you , everybody watching , for staying at home to protect the NHS of course I 'm saying thank you on behalf of the lives that you 're saving .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker '' But I 'm also saying thanks on behalf of the lives that the NHS can now once again help to create . ''
Meanwhile , Sally Cheshire , the chair of HFEA , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ clinics would be able to apply to resume services , acknowledging that the closures have been `` extremely distressing '' for patients .
She added : `` This will be good news for those wanting to resume treatment and have the opportunity to try for their much longed for family . ''
Geeta Nargund , lead consultant for Reproductive Medicine at St George 's Hospital NHS Trust , said she was also `` delighted '' that services could soon be restarted .
She added : `` We thank the government for recognising the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ couples across our nation and acting swiftly to help them .
`` We must ensure that effective social distancing and safety measures are put in place so that we can not only help save lives but start creating lives again . ''

Fertility services will be able to resume in the UK within the next fortnight almost two months after treatments were halted by the coronavirus pandemic.
Announcing the decision on Friday, Health Secretary Matt Hancock said he was "delighted" and assured that strict guidelines would "ensure staff and patients remain safe".
Clinics across the country can now apply to resume services from 11 May, according to the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA), as long as safety and protection of staff and patients can be ensured.
Guidance for reopening is currently being drawn up by NHS England and NHS Clinical Commissioners, and will be given to all Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) across the country.
Such requirements will include social distancing being observed in waiting rooms and personal protective equipment (PPE) being supplied.
Telephone appointments could also replace some face-to-face meetings, if suitable, while an auditing tool will ensure these measures are being followed.
Later this week, Mr Hancock is due to write to CCGs to find out if they will be able to restart treatment - whether through an NHS clinic or private service - "to ensure fair provision".
It comes after the Department of Health and Social Care acknowledged that while private clinics may be able to reopen quickly, it may take a little longer for NHS services to reach the requirements stipulated in the guidelines due to staff being redeployed.
Speaking at the daily Downing Street coronavirus briefing, Mr Hancock said he understood "just how time-sensitive treatment can be and how important it is for the families affected".
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He added: "And I know that this treatment can change lives for the better forever.
"So when I say thank you for all of you, everybody watching, for staying at home to protect the NHS of course I'm saying thank you on behalf of the lives that you're saving.
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"But I'm also saying thanks on behalf of the lives that the NHS can now once again help to create."
Meanwhile, Sally Cheshire, the chair of HFEA, said she was "pleased" that clinics would be able to apply to resume services, acknowledging that the closures have been "extremely distressing" for patients.
She added: "This will be good news for those wanting to resume treatment and have the opportunity to try for their much longed for family."
Geeta Nargund, lead consultant for Reproductive Medicine at St George's Hospital NHS Trust, said she was also "delighted" that services could soon be restarted.
She added: "We thank the government for recognising the distress faced by thousands of women and couples across our nation and acting swiftly to help them.
"We must ensure that effective social distancing and safety measures are put in place so that we can not only help save lives but start creating lives again."


news--2020-05-01--Tony Allen: Afrobeat pioneer and legendary drummer dies aged 79

Tributes have been paid to pioneering Afrobeat drummer Tony Allen , who has died aged 79 .
Nigeria-born Allen , along with Fela Kuti , helped define the Afrobeat genre as part of the band Africa '70 .
His manager , Eric Trosset , said he died suddenly in his home city of Paris , adding it was not linked to the coronavirus .
`` The exact cause of death is unknown , '' Mr Trosset said .
`` He was in top form , it was quite sudden .
I spoke to him at 1pm and two hours later @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pompidou hospital , where he died . ''
Afrobeat combines West African musical styles with US funk and jazz influences , with Allen described by Brian Eno as one of `` the great musicians of the 20th century - and the 21st '' .
He also collaborated with Blur star Damon Albarn and Clash bassist Paul Simonon in supergroup The Good , the Bad & the Queen , releasing two albums .
Red Hot Chili Peppers bassist Flea said Allen was his hero and that their time jamming together was `` heavenly '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` The epic Tony Allen , one of the greatest drummers to ever walk this earth has left us .
`` What a wildman , with a massive , kind and free heart and the deepest one-of-a-kind groove .
Fela Kuti did not invent afrobeat , Fela and Tony birthed it together . ''
Sean Lennon , son of John Lennon and Yoko Ono , said : `` Another day another legend passes on .
It 's really incredible the rate at which we 're losing them .
Tony Allen R.I.P .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Allen was `` a pioneer who 's vibrations changed popular music forever.. and quite the character too ... '' Allen was born in Nigerian capital Lagos and did n't start drumming until he was 18 .
He met collaborator Fela Kuti in 1964 and they went on to release dozens of albums together as Africa '70 , giving birth to the Afrobeat genre in the process .
When he eventually left , such was his prowess , the band reportedly had to hire several drummers to replicate his sound .

Tributes have been paid to pioneering Afrobeat drummer Tony Allen, who has died aged 79.
Nigeria-born Allen, along with Fela Kuti, helped define the Afrobeat genre as part of the band Africa '70.
His manager, Eric Trosset, said he died suddenly in his home city of Paris, adding it was not linked to the coronavirus.
"The exact cause of death is unknown," Mr Trosset said.
"He was in top form, it was quite sudden. I spoke to him at 1pm and two hours later he felt bad and was transported to Pompidou hospital, where he died."
Afrobeat combines West African musical styles with US funk and jazz influences, with Allen described by Brian Eno as one of "the great musicians of the 20th century - and the 21st".
He also collaborated with Blur star Damon Albarn and Clash bassist Paul Simonon in supergroup The Good, the Bad & the Queen, releasing two albums.
Image: Allen performing in Central Park, New York, in June 2000
Red Hot Chili Peppers bassist Flea said Allen was his hero and that their time jamming together was "heavenly".
Writing on Instagram, Flea said: "The epic Tony Allen, one of the greatest drummers to ever walk this earth has left us.
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"What a wildman, with a massive, kind and free heart and the deepest one-of-a-kind groove. Fela Kuti did not invent afrobeat, Fela and Tony birthed it together."
Sean Lennon, son of John Lennon and Yoko Ono, said: "Another day another legend passes on. It's really incredible the rate at which we're losing them. Tony Allen R.I.P."
Radiohead producer Nigel Godrich tweeted that Allen was "a pioneer who's vibrations changed popular music forever.. and quite the character too..."
Allen was born in Nigerian capital Lagos and didn't start drumming until he was 18.
He met collaborator Fela Kuti in 1964 and they went on to release dozens of albums together as Africa '70, giving birth to the Afrobeat genre in the process.
When he eventually left, such was his prowess, the band reportedly had to hire several drummers to replicate his sound.


news--2020-05-01--Coronavirus: Sergio Aguero says pandemic scares him and other players

Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero has said `` the majority of players are scared '' by the prospect of returning to football too soon amid the coronavirus pandemic .
His comments come as Premier League clubs are preparing to discuss proposals for Project Restart in an attempt to try to salvage the remaining games of the 2019/20 season .
The campaign has been suspended since 13 March and while clubs want to finish the season , Aguero , who has been spending lockdown in his Cheshire home , believes players are reluctant .
`` The majority of players are scared @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Aguero told Argentinian TV station El Chiringuito .
`` I 'm scared but I 'm with my girlfriend here and I 'm not going to be in contact with other people .
I 'm locked in my house and the only person I could infect is my girlfriend .
: : Listen to the All Out Politics podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker '' They 're saying that there are people that have it and do n't have any symptoms but still infect you .
That 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Maybe I have the illness and I do n't even know .
`` When one person is ill we will think 'oh what 's happening here ? '
I hope a vaccine will be found soon so that this all ends . ''
The government is due to review lockdown restrictions next Thursday and Project Restart could see matches being played behind closed doors from 8 June , with players asked to wear face masks at all times .
There is a possibility some matches will be available on free-to-air TV .

Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero has said "the majority of players are scared" by the prospect of returning to football too soon amid the coronavirus pandemic.
His comments come as Premier League clubs are preparing to discuss proposals for Project Restart in an attempt to try to salvage the remaining games of the 2019/20 season.
The campaign has been suspended since 13 March and while clubs want to finish the season, Aguero, who has been spending lockdown in his Cheshire home, believes players are reluctant.
"The majority of players are scared because they have children and families," Aguero told Argentinian TV station El Chiringuito.
"I'm scared but I'm with my girlfriend here and I'm not going to be in contact with other people. I'm locked in my house and the only person I could infect is my girlfriend.
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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"They're saying that there are people that have it and don't have any symptoms but still infect you. That's why I am here at home. Maybe I have the illness and I don't even know.
"When one person is ill we will think 'oh what's happening here?' I hope a vaccine will be found soon so that this all ends."
The government is due to review lockdown restrictions next Thursday and Project Restart could see matches being played behind closed doors from 8 June, with players asked to wear face masks at all times.
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There is a possibility some matches will be available on free-to-air TV.


news--2020-05-01--Coronavirus: Ryanair to slash up to 3,000 jobs over COVID-19 crisis

Ryanair is planning to shed up to 3,000 jobs because of the collapse in air travel caused by the coronavirus crisis .
The budget airline also hit out at the state bailout of competitors , including Lufthansa and Air France , which chief executive Michael O'Leary has criticised as `` financial doping '' and `` manifestly unfair '' .
The jobs to go will be mainly pilot and cabin crew jobs , while the remaining staff face unpaid leave and having their pay slashed by up to 20 % .
The group is also to close off `` a number @ @ @ @ @ @ @ demand for air travel recovers from the coronavirus outbreak .
It comes after British Airways said it expected to cut a quarter of its pilots as part of wider plans to axe 12,000 jobs because of the COVID-19 pandemic .
The devastating impact of the disease on the aviation industry has been underlined as Heathrow revealed the number of passengers travelling through the airport last month plummeted by around 97 % compared with April 2019 .
It saw its chief executive warn that millions of jobs could be hit unless Heathrow got up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of business on aviation .
Mr O'Leary , whose pay was cut by 50 % for April and May , has agreed to extend the reduction for the remainder of the financial year to March 2021. : : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The airline said its flights will remain grounded until `` at least July '' and passenger numbers will not return to 2019 levels `` until summer 2022 at the earliest '' .
For the 12 months to the end of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ carry fewer than 100 million passengers .
Its target for the period was 154 million .
Speaking to Sky News , Mr O'Leary said : `` We have never faced a period like this in the airline industry . ''
He added : `` When we do return to flying its clear we are going to have to fly with both hands tied behind our back because our competitors Lufthansa have just received €12bn in state aid , Air France is going to receive €10bn in state aid .
`` These guys will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cost selling for the next three or four years .
`` So not only are we facing less flying with fewer flights , but prices are going to be incredibly low , which is good for consumers but bad for the airlines .
`` And if we are going to carry a third less passengers this year I am afraid we are going to need fewer pilots and fewer cabin crew . ''
He said the 3,000 jobs to be cut amounted to 15 % of the workforce .
Condemning the `` financial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ breach of competition rules , Mr O'Leary said : `` We regret these job cuts , we regret these pay cuts , but they are what the well-run airlines like Ryanair and others will have to do to survive and compete against the likes of Lufthansa and Air France receiving tens of billions of state aid from their national governments . ''
Responding to the threatened cuts , Brian Strutton , general secretary of the pilots ' union BALPA , said : `` There has been no warning or consultation by Ryanair about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is miserable news for pilots and staff who have taken pay cuts under the government job retention scheme .
`` Ryanair seems to have done a U-turn on its ability to weather the COVID storm .
`` Aviation workers are now facing a tsunami of job losses .
`` The UK government has to stop daydreaming and keep to the promise made by the chancellor on 17 March to help airlines or this industry , vital to the UK economy , will be devastated . ''
Ryanair said it is in `` active @ @ @ @ @ @ @ number of planned aircraft deliveries over the next 24 months .
It expects to report a net loss of more than €100m ( £87m ) between April and May , with `` further losses '' in the following three months .
The statement went on : `` Ryanair entered this unprecedented COVID-19 crisis with almost €4bn ( £3.5bn ) in cash , and we continue to actively manage these cash resources to ensure that we can survive this COVID-19 pandemic , and more importantly the return to lower fare flight schedules as soon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chief executive John Holland-Kaye has stressed the importance of the airport to kick-starting the UK economy .
He told Sky News ' Ian King Live programme : `` We tend to think of aviation as just being us going on our holidays but it 's not that at all .
`` The aviation from Heathrow is exports getting around the world , it is our supply chain coming here for manufacturing .
`` Hundreds of thousands if not millions of jobs rely on long haul planes from Heathrow .
`` Unless we can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ quickly as possible then the UK economy will be stuttering to recover from this . ''

Ryanair is planning to shed up to 3,000 jobs because of the collapse in air travel caused by the coronavirus crisis.
The budget airline also hit out at the state bailout of competitors, including Lufthansa and Air France, which chief executive Michael O'Leary has criticised as "financial doping" and "manifestly unfair".
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:28 Millions of jobs need Heathrow 'up and running'
The jobs to go will be mainly pilot and cabin crew jobs, while the remaining staff face unpaid leave and having their pay slashed by up to 20%.
The group is also to close off "a number of aircraft bases across Europe" until demand for air travel recovers from the coronavirus outbreak.
It comes after British Airways said it expected to cut a quarter of its pilots as part of wider plans to axe 12,000 jobs because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The devastating impact of the disease on the aviation industry has been underlined as Heathrow revealed the number of passengers travelling through the airport last month plummeted by around 97% compared with April 2019.
It saw its chief executive warn that millions of jobs could be hit unless Heathrow got up and running soon, given the reliance of business on aviation.
Mr O'Leary, whose pay was cut by 50% for April and May, has agreed to extend the reduction for the remainder of the financial year to March 2021.
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
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
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The airline said its flights will remain grounded until "at least July" and passenger numbers will not return to 2019 levels "until summer 2022 at the earliest".
For the 12 months to the end of March 2021, Ryanair forecasts it will carry fewer than 100 million passengers. Its target for the period was 154 million.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 6:09 The process of getting back to work
Speaking to Sky News, Mr O'Leary said: "We have never faced a period like this in the airline industry."
He added: "When we do return to flying its clear we are going to have to fly with both hands tied behind our back because our competitors Lufthansa have just received €12bn in state aid, Air France is going to receive €10bn in state aid.
"These guys will have the money to engage in below cost selling for the next three or four years.
"So not only are we facing less flying with fewer flights, but prices are going to be incredibly low, which is good for consumers but bad for the airlines.
"And if we are going to carry a third less passengers this year I am afraid we are going to need fewer pilots and fewer cabin crew."
He said the 3,000 jobs to be cut amounted to 15% of the workforce.
Condemning the "financial doping of state aid" as a breach of competition rules, Mr O'Leary said: "We regret these job cuts, we regret these pay cuts, but they are what the well-run airlines like Ryanair and others will have to do to survive and compete against the likes of Lufthansa and Air France receiving tens of billions of state aid from their national governments."
Responding to the threatened cuts, Brian Strutton, general secretary of the pilots' union BALPA, said: "There has been no warning or consultation by Ryanair about the 3,000 potential job losses and this is miserable news for pilots and staff who have taken pay cuts under the government job retention scheme.
"Ryanair seems to have done a U-turn on its ability to weather the COVID storm.
"Aviation workers are now facing a tsunami of job losses.
"The UK government has to stop daydreaming and keep to the promise made by the chancellor on 17 March to help airlines or this industry, vital to the UK economy, will be devastated."
Ryanair said it is in "active negotiations" with Boeing to cut the number of planned aircraft deliveries over the next 24 months.
It expects to report a net loss of more than €100m (£87m) between April and May, with "further losses" in the following three months.
The statement went on: "Ryanair entered this unprecedented COVID-19 crisis with almost €4bn (£3.5bn) in cash, and we continue to actively manage these cash resources to ensure that we can survive this COVID-19 pandemic, and more importantly the return to lower fare flight schedules as soon as possible."
Meanwhile, Heathrow chief executive John Holland-Kaye has stressed the importance of the airport to kick-starting the UK economy.
He told Sky News' Ian King Live programme: "We tend to think of aviation as just being us going on our holidays but it's not that at all.
"The aviation from Heathrow is exports getting around the world, it is our supply chain coming here for manufacturing.
"Hundreds of thousands if not millions of jobs rely on long haul planes from Heathrow.
"Unless we can get Heathrow up and running again as quickly as possible then the UK economy will be stuttering to recover from this."


news--2020-05-01--Coronavirus: Princess Charlotte pictured helping those in need ahead of fifth birthday on Saturday

Princess Charlotte 's fifth birthday has been marked with the release of four photos of her volunteering for those in need .
In the pictures captured by her mother , the Duchess of Cambridge , the young royal can be seen carrying bags of fresh food due to be delivered to elderly and vulnerable people in lockdown in Norfolk .
One picture shows her knocking on the door of an elderly resident while clutching a bag of fresh pasta that she had made with her parents and brothers , Prince George , six , and Prince Louis , two , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shows her smiling directly at the camera in a portrait shot .
All four photos were captured earlier this month while she was volunteering with her family for those in need during the coronavirus pandemic .
It is not known if her father , the Duke of Cambridge , was driving the delivery van , which was from the Sandringham Visitor Centre .
The family of five got soaked as they carried out their deliveries , which is said to have taken place in the area around their home of Anmer Hall on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Staff at the estate have been preparing and delivering meals for the elderly and the vulnerable in the last five weeks , with around 1,000 meals being delivered in the first week alone , according to Buckingham Palace .
Princess Charlotte was born on 2 May 2015 at the private maternity Lindo Wing of St Mary 's Hospital in Paddington , central London .
Kate is an amateur photographer who has on a number of occasions released her own photos of her children in celebration of their birthdays .

Princess Charlotte's fifth birthday has been marked with the release of four photos of her volunteering for those in need.
In the pictures captured by her mother, the Duchess of Cambridge, the young royal can be seen carrying bags of fresh food due to be delivered to elderly and vulnerable people in lockdown in Norfolk.
One picture shows her knocking on the door of an elderly resident while clutching a bag of fresh pasta that she had made with her parents and brothers, Prince George, six, and Prince Louis, two, the day before.
The final photo shows her smiling directly at the camera in a portrait shot.
Image: Charlotte has helped deliver food to those in need during the coronavirus lockdown
Image: The pictures were captured by her mother, the Duchess of Cambridge
All four photos were captured earlier this month while she was volunteering with her family for those in need during the coronavirus pandemic.
It is not known if her father, the Duke of Cambridge, was driving the delivery van, which was from the Sandringham Visitor Centre.
The family of five got soaked as they carried out their deliveries, which is said to have taken place in the area around their home of Anmer Hall on the Queen's Norfolk estate of Sandringham.
Staff at the estate have been preparing and delivering meals for the elderly and the vulnerable in the last five weeks, with around 1,000 meals being delivered in the first week alone, according to Buckingham Palace.
Image: Princess Charlotte was pictured helping to load a van with food for those in need
Princess Charlotte was born on 2 May 2015 at the private maternity Lindo Wing of St Mary's Hospital in Paddington, central London.
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She weighed 8lb 3oz.
Kate is an amateur photographer who has on a number of occasions released her own photos of her children in celebration of their birthdays.