news--2020-05-24--Man who reportedly spotted Dominic Cummings 25 miles from Durham files complaint to police

A man who claims he saw someone who `` looked like '' Dominic Cummings on a family walk 25 miles outside of Durham during lockdown has filed a complaint to police .
Retired chemistry teacher Robin Lees wrote down what he described as a `` distinctive '' number plate .
Sky News can confirm the registration number is that of a car Mr Cummings has got into in the past .
Mr Lees has contacted Durham Constabulary by email to file an official complaint regarding his alleged sighting of Mr Cummings .
Boris Johnson 's top adviser had already admitted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Durham with his wife and young son in late March to self-isolate at a family property .
The government defended Mr Cummings by saying the trip was necessary because both he and his wife had coronavirus symptoms and they needed family to help with childcare for their four-year-old son .
But in new allegations published on Saturday night , he was reportedly spotted in Houghall Woods near his parents ' Durham home on 19 April .
A week earlier , he was allegedly seen on a walk with his family in Barnard @ @ @ @ @ @ @ city .
However , no photographic evidence has been published , and the reports are based on the testimonies of two eyewitnesses .
One of them , Mr Lees , told Sky News he spotted Mr Cummings and his family walking by the River Tees near Barnard Castle .
`` I saw somebody that looked like him on the 12 April and it just looked strange , as at that time there were not that many people out , '' he said .
Mr Lees says he has a `` photographic memory '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Liberal Democrat opposition on Durham County Council , said she has written to Durham Constabulary Chief Constable Jo Farrell after `` a number '' of locals reported seeing Mr Cummings in the city and county `` on a number of occassions during April and May '' .
She said she has asked police to investigate whether Mr Johnson 's aide `` may have committed an offence '' under the new coronavirus health protection regulation law .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ North Thanet , who has joined the chorus of Conservative backbenchers calling for the PM to sack his top aide , told Sky News Mr Cummings 's political career was `` dead in the water '' if the number plate Mr Lees saw matched his registration .
During an interview on Sophy Ridge On Sunday , transport secretary Grant Shapps said claims Mr Cummings broke the lockdown twice are `` completely untrue '' , adding that the PM 's most senior adviser had stayed put in the capital after returning on 14 April @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I certainly know that the first one you mention , of travelling back up ( to Durham ) , I know that is not true . ''
The prime minister doubled down on his own defence of his top aide at Sunday 's daily briefing , saying Mr Cummings had acted `` responsibly , legally and with integrity '' .

A man who claims he saw someone who "looked like" Dominic Cummings on a family walk 25 miles outside of Durham during lockdown has filed a complaint to police.
Retired chemistry teacher Robin Lees wrote down what he described as a "distinctive" number plate.
Sky News can confirm the registration number is that of a car Mr Cummings has got into in the past.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 14:39 Minister on Cummings - full uncomfortable interview
Mr Lees has contacted Durham Constabulary by email to file an official complaint regarding his alleged sighting of Mr Cummings.
Boris Johnson's top adviser had already admitted that he drove 260 miles from London to Durham with his wife and young son in late March to self-isolate at a family property.
The government defended Mr Cummings by saying the trip was necessary because both he and his wife had coronavirus symptoms and they needed family to help with childcare for their four-year-old son.
But in new allegations published on Saturday night, he was reportedly spotted in Houghall Woods near his parents' Durham home on 19 April.
A week earlier, he was allegedly seen on a walk with his family in Barnard Castle, 25 miles away from the city.
However, no photographic evidence has been published, and the reports are based on the testimonies of two eyewitnesses.
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One of them, Mr Lees, told Sky News he spotted Mr Cummings and his family walking by the River Tees near Barnard Castle.
"I saw somebody that looked like him on the 12 April and it just looked strange, as at that time there were not that many people out," he said.
Mr Lees says he has a "photographic memory".
Councillor Amanda Hopgood, leader of the Liberal Democrat opposition on Durham County Council, said she has written to Durham Constabulary Chief Constable Jo Farrell after "a number" of locals reported seeing Mr Cummings in the city and county "on a number of occassions during April and May".
She said she has asked police to investigate whether Mr Johnson's aide "may have committed an offence" under the new coronavirus health protection regulation law.
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Sir Roger Gale, MP for North Thanet, who has joined the chorus of Conservative backbenchers calling for the PM to sack his top aide, told Sky News Mr Cummings's political career was "dead in the water" if the number plate Mr Lees saw matched his registration.
During an interview on Sophy Ridge On Sunday, transport secretary Grant Shapps said claims Mr Cummings broke the lockdown twice are "completely untrue", adding that the PM's most senior adviser had stayed put in the capital after returning on 14 April.
He told Sophy Ridge: "I certainly know that the first one you mention, of travelling back up (to Durham), I know that is not true."
The prime minister doubled down on his own defence of his top aide at Sunday's daily briefing, saying Mr Cummings had acted "responsibly, legally and with integrity".


news--2020-05-24--Coronavirus: Did Dominic Cummings flout lockdown rules with 'second trip to Durham'?

New claims that Dominic Cummings flouted lockdown guidelines emerged on a day when ministers vociferously defended the prime minister 's top aide .
News broke on Friday that he travelled to Durham to be close to his family after his wife began showing symptoms of coronavirus .
The government spent Saturday rallying round Boris Johnson 's special adviser with Transport Minister Grant Shapps saying it had always been permissible for families to travel to be closer to their relatives as long as they `` go to that location and stay in that location '' .
During Saturday 's Downing Street @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It 's for an individual to make the decision : 'How do I make sure I 've got enough support around the family ? '
`` I think that will be different for different people under whatever circumstances their particular family differences happen to dictate . ''
Since then , new claims have been made by two eyewitnesses who told the Observer and the Sunday Mirror that Mr Cummings and his wife were again up in County Durham the weekend after he had returned to work .
It is claimed he was spotted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ house on 19 April , which was going against the government 's stay-at-home message .
People are not permitted to stay overnight anywhere other than their main home - including travelling to second homes or staying in caravans .
`` Leaving your home - the place you live - to stay at another home is not allowed , '' it says .
On Easter Sunday , retired chemistry teacher Robin Lees , 70 , claimed he saw Mr Cummings and his family walking by the River Tees in Barnard Castle , about 30 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Until Saturday night , ministers seemed to be under the impression Mr Cummings had stayed put during his time in Durham .
Mr Shapps said : `` The decision here was to go to that location and stay in that location . ''
But the trip to Barnard Castle on 12 April if correct , would cast doubt over that assertion .
So did Mr Cummings flout the guidelines ?
He can claim he travelled a `` reasonable distance '' for exercise , in accordance with guidance issued by the National Police Chiefs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in early April .
It stated : `` We do n't want the public sanctioned for travelling a reasonable distance to exercise . ''
The guidance states it was permissible to drive to the countryside for a walk , providing more time was spent walking than driving .
The government 's guidance published when lockdown began listed the circumstances in which a person may leave their home .
They included : - For work , where you can not work at home - When going to shops that are permitted to be open @ @ @ @ @ @ @ medicine - For any medical need , including to donate blood , avoid illness or injury , escape risk of harm , or to provide care or help to a vulnerable person .
Travelling long distances so that childcare could be provided by relatives was not included in the government 's guidance .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden , joining a chorus of ministerial support for Mr Cummings , said : `` Dom Cummings followed the guidelines @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of story . ''
However , the government 's shutdown guidance did not state that people were free to make sure they had easy access to their family support networks .
It said : `` You should not be visiting family members who do not live in your home .
`` You should keep in touch with them using phone or video calls . ''
The guidance also did not suggest that people could travel to a new address in order to get extra help , stating they were not permitted to stay @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - including travelling to second homes or staying in caravans .
`` Leaving your home - the place you live - to stay at another home is not allowed , '' it said .
Only in exceptional circumstances were people allowed to attend relatives ' homes ; to drop off food , for example , or to deliver medicine to their door .
It added : `` If you are showing coronavirus symptoms , or if you or any of your household are self-isolating , you should stay at home - this is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''

New claims that Dominic Cummings flouted lockdown guidelines emerged on a day when ministers vociferously defended the prime minister's top aide.
News broke on Friday that he travelled to Durham to be close to his family after his wife began showing symptoms of coronavirus.
The government spent Saturday rallying round Boris Johnson's special adviser with Transport Minister Grant Shapps saying it had always been permissible for families to travel to be closer to their relatives as long as they "go to that location and stay in that location".
During Saturday's Downing Street press briefing Mr Shapps claimed: "It's for an individual to make the decision: 'How do I make sure I've got enough support around the family?'
"I think that will be different for different people under whatever circumstances their particular family differences happen to dictate."
Since then, new claims have been made by two eyewitnesses who told the Observer and the Sunday Mirror that Mr Cummings and his wife were again up in County Durham the weekend after he had returned to work.
It is claimed he was spotted in Houghall Woods near his parents' house on 19 April, which was going against the government's stay-at-home message.
People are not permitted to stay overnight anywhere other than their main home - including travelling to second homes or staying in caravans.
"Leaving your home - the place you live - to stay at another home is not allowed," it says.
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:44 Breaking lockdown: Are the public angry?
On Easter Sunday, retired chemistry teacher Robin Lees, 70, claimed he saw Mr Cummings and his family walking by the River Tees in Barnard Castle, about 30 miles from his parents' home.
Until Saturday night, ministers seemed to be under the impression Mr Cummings had stayed put during his time in Durham.
Mr Shapps said: "The decision here was to go to that location and stay in that location."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:48 MPs respond to Cummings 'lockdown breach'
But the trip to Barnard Castle on 12 April if correct, would cast doubt over that assertion.
So did Mr Cummings flout the guidelines? He can claim he travelled a "reasonable distance" for exercise, in accordance with guidance issued by the National Police Chiefs' Council and the College of Policing in early April.
It stated: "We don't want the public sanctioned for travelling a reasonable distance to exercise."
The guidance states it was permissible to drive to the countryside for a walk, providing more time was spent walking than driving.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:33 Cummings 'obviously not' going to resign
The government's guidance published when lockdown began listed the circumstances in which a person may leave their home. They included:
- For work, where you cannot work at home
- When going to shops that are permitted to be open - to get things like food and medicine
- To exercise or spend time outdoors
- For any medical need, including to donate blood, avoid illness or injury, escape risk of harm, or to provide care or help to a vulnerable person.
Travelling long distances so that childcare could be provided by relatives was not included in the government's guidance.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden, joining a chorus of ministerial support for Mr Cummings, said: "Dom Cummings followed the guidelines and looked after his family. End of story."
However, the government's shutdown guidance did not state that people were free to make sure they had easy access to their family support networks.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:25 Shapps: Cummings needed 'necessary support'
It said: "You should not be visiting family members who do not live in your home.
"You should keep in touch with them using phone or video calls."
The guidance also did not suggest that people could travel to a new address in order to get extra help, stating they were not permitted to stay overnight anywhere other than their main home - including travelling to second homes or staying in caravans.
"Leaving your home - the place you live - to stay at another home is not allowed," it said.
Only in exceptional circumstances were people allowed to attend relatives' homes; to drop off food, for example, or to deliver medicine to their door.
It added: "If you are showing coronavirus symptoms, or if you or any of your household are self-isolating, you should stay at home - this is critical to staying safe and saving lives."


news--2020-05-24--Benjamin Netanyahu: Israeli PM in court accused of fraud, breach of trust and bribery

A defiant Israeli prime minister has appeared in court for the first day of his corruption trial claiming that he is the victim of a conspiracy by media , police , prosecutors and judges to oust him .
In a televised statement made just before he entered the courtroom , Benjamin Netanyahu accused police and prosecutors of conspiring to `` depose '' him .
`` The objective is to depose a strong , right-wing prime minister , and thus remove the nationalist camp from the leadership of the country for many years , '' he said .
It was the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ last years and marks a historic moment for Israel .
Mr Netanyahu is the first sitting Israeli leader ever to go on trial .
He is accused of fraud and breach of trust in two cases and bribery , fraud and breach of trust in a third case .
He denies all the charges .
The three cases against him - Case 1000 , Case 2000 and Case 4000 - centre around his relationships with businessmen , media tycoons and a leading Israeli telecoms firm .
Since the charges were first brought against @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , he has sought to avoid prosecution and the spectacle of appearing in the dock , calling the whole process an `` attempted coup '' .
`` They are not after the truth .
They are after me , '' he said .
`` [ It is a ] terror attack against Israeli democracy . ''
When the charges were formally announced last year , Israel 's Attorney General said he brought them `` with a heavy heart - but wholeheartedly '' .
`` It is not an issue of left wing or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a matter of choice , '' Avichai Mandelblit said .
An attempt by Mr Netanyahu to secure parliamentary immunity from prosecution last year failed .
The trial was then delayed by two months in March because of coronavirus restrictions .
Last week he argued , unsuccessfully , that attending today was unnecessary , costly and would violate social distancing rules .
The trial has hung over him through three election campaigns , none of which he managed to win outright .
This month the country 's political deadlock was finally broken with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which his political rival , Benny Gantz , will take over as Prime Minister in 18 months ' time .
By law , a sitting Prime Minister does not have to resign until a final conviction and all appeals have been exhausted and this trial could go on for years .
There are 333 prosecution witnesses .
A clause in the coalition agreement means even after Mr Netanyahu hands over power to Mr Gantz in 18 months , he is still not required to resign while on trial because of his position as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In the courtroom on the first day , Mr Netanyahu and his co-defendants listened to charges against them .
Defendants can enter plea bargain at any point before verdict .
Speaking outside court , Anshel Pfeffer , author of Bibi : The Turbulent Life and Times of Benjamin Netanyahu , told Sky News : `` This is certainly a pivotal moment in his life .
`` For four years , the investigation has been going on very slowly and finally we have reached the moment when he actually has to sit down in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` We saw a very telling moment as he went in .
For 50 minutes it was the judges and the prosecutors who were in charge of the proceedings .
This was a very different Netanyahu sitting on his own on the defendants ' bench doing what he was told .
It was a metamorphosis for Netanyahu . ''
As a renowned and extraordinary political survivor , many expect Mr Netanyahu , `` the magician '' , to conjure up some surprises .
His lawyers complained to the judges that the investigation documents @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The same complaint was made by the lawyers of the other defendants .
The three cases against Mr Netanyahu are : Case 1000 - The Gifts Affair : Fraud & breach of trust .
It is alleged that Mr Netanyahu received luxury goods including champagne and cigars totalling the equivalent of £162,000 from two businessmen over a continuous period amounting to a `` supply channel '' .
It is alleged that the prime minister `` acted for the benefit '' of businessmen .
He insists gifts were `` tokens of friendship '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Case 2000 - The Media Affair : Fraud & breach of trust .
It is alleged that Mr Netanyahu held several meetings with Arnon Mozes , controlling shareholder of the Yedioth Ahronoth media group .
It is claimed that they discussed promoting their common interests : favourable coverage in return for restrictions of rival paper .
Both men deny wrongdoing .
Case 4000 - The Bezeq Affair : Bribary , fraud & breach of trust .
It is alleged that there was a `` reciprocal arrangement '' between Mr Netanyahu and Shaul @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a leading Israeli telecoms firm .
It is alleged that the prime minister was involved in the promotion of regulatory decisions that favoured Bezeq .
Proceedings will continue on 19 July in a trial which could last several years .

A defiant Israeli prime minister has appeared in court for the first day of his corruption trial claiming that he is the victim of a conspiracy by media, police, prosecutors and judges to oust him.
In a televised statement made just before he entered the courtroom, Benjamin Netanyahu accused police and prosecutors of conspiring to "depose" him.
"The objective is to depose a strong, right-wing prime minister, and thus remove the nationalist camp from the leadership of the country for many years," he said.
Image: He denies all the charges which include fraud, breach of trust and bribery
It was the opening day of a trial which could last years and marks a historic moment for Israel.
Mr Netanyahu is the first sitting Israeli leader ever to go on trial. He is accused of fraud and breach of trust in two cases and bribery, fraud and breach of trust in a third case. He denies all the charges.
The three cases against him - Case 1000, Case 2000 and Case 4000 - centre around his relationships with businessmen, media tycoons and a leading Israeli telecoms firm.
Since the charges were first brought against him by police investigators in December 2018, he has sought to avoid prosecution and the spectacle of appearing in the dock, calling the whole process an "attempted coup".
"They are not after the truth. They are after me," he said. "[It is a] terror attack against Israeli democracy."
When the charges were formally announced last year, Israel's Attorney General said he brought them "with a heavy heart - but wholeheartedly".
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Image: Supporters of the PM wave Israeli flags and hold placards
"It is not an issue of left wing or right. Enforcing the law isn't a matter of choice," Avichai Mandelblit said.
An attempt by Mr Netanyahu to secure parliamentary immunity from prosecution last year failed. The trial was then delayed by two months in March because of coronavirus restrictions.
Last week he argued, unsuccessfully, that attending today was unnecessary, costly and would violate social distancing rules.
The trial has hung over him through three election campaigns, none of which he managed to win outright.
This month the country's political deadlock was finally broken with the formation of a coalition government deal in which his political rival, Benny Gantz, will take over as Prime Minister in 18 months' time.
Image: Netanyahu gazes at his lawyer while waiting for proceedings to begin at the Jerusalem District Court
By law, a sitting Prime Minister does not have to resign until a final conviction and all appeals have been exhausted and this trial could go on for years. There are 333 prosecution witnesses.
A clause in the coalition agreement means even after Mr Netanyahu hands over power to Mr Gantz in 18 months, he is still not required to resign while on trial because of his position as the "alternate" Prime Minister.
In the courtroom on the first day, Mr Netanyahu and his co-defendants listened to charges against them. Defendants can enter plea bargain at any point before verdict.
Speaking outside court, Anshel Pfeffer, author of Bibi: The Turbulent Life and Times of Benjamin Netanyahu, told Sky News: "This is certainly a pivotal moment in his life.
"For four years, the investigation has been going on very slowly and finally we have reached the moment when he actually has to sit down in court," Mr Pfeffer said.
"We saw a very telling moment as he went in. For 50 minutes it was the judges and the prosecutors who were in charge of the proceedings. This was a very different Netanyahu sitting on his own on the defendants' bench doing what he was told. It was a metamorphosis for Netanyahu."
As a renowned and extraordinary political survivor, many expect Mr Netanyahu, "the magician", to conjure up some surprises.
Image: He gave a statement - flanked by people wearing face masks - before entering court
His lawyers complained to the judges that the investigation documents were not presented to them in time. The same complaint was made by the lawyers of the other defendants.
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The three cases against Mr Netanyahu are:
Case 1000 - The Gifts Affair: Fraud & breach of trust. It is alleged that Mr Netanyahu received luxury goods including champagne and cigars totalling the equivalent of £162,000 from two businessmen over a continuous period amounting to a "supply channel". It is alleged that the prime minister "acted for the benefit" of businessmen. He insists gifts were "tokens of friendship" and that he did not act inappropriately.
Case 2000 - The Media Affair: Fraud & breach of trust. It is alleged that Mr Netanyahu held several meetings with Arnon Mozes, controlling shareholder of the Yedioth Ahronoth media group. It is claimed that they discussed promoting their common interests: favourable coverage in return for restrictions of rival paper. Both men deny wrongdoing.
Case 4000 - The Bezeq Affair: Bribary, fraud & breach of trust. It is alleged that there was a "reciprocal arrangement" between Mr Netanyahu and Shaul Elovitch, controlling shareholder in Bezeq, a leading Israeli telecoms firm. It is alleged that the prime minister was involved in the promotion of regulatory decisions that favoured Bezeq.
Proceedings will continue on 19 July in a trial which could last several years.


news--2020-05-24--Coronavirus deaths: 118 more people with COVID-19 have died, taking UK total to 36,793

Another 118 more people have died with COVID-19 in the UK , taking the total to 36,793 .
The latest figure from the Department of Health is for coronavirus-related deaths in all settings , including hospitals , care homes and the community , reported in a 24-hour period up to 5pm on Saturday .
Separately , each home nation has reported its own fatality figures , which may differ from the overall UK picture as reporting times vary .
NHS England has announced 147 new deaths of people who tested positive for COVID-19 , bringing the total number of confirmed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 25,691. : : Listen to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple podcasts , Google podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker England 's figure is higher than the UK 's because the figures are collated at different times of the day .
Nine more deaths have been recorded in Scotland , the country 's government has announced , bringing the total to 2,270 .
Another seven people have died in Wales , where 1,267 have lost their lives after testing positive for COVID-19 .
And there has been a further death in Northern Ireland , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to 506 .

Another 118 more people have died with COVID-19 in the UK, taking the total to 36,793.
The latest figure from the Department of Health is for coronavirus-related deaths in all settings, including hospitals, care homes and the community, reported in a 24-hour period up to 5pm on Saturday.
Separately, each home nation has reported its own fatality figures, which may differ from the overall UK picture as reporting times vary.
NHS England has announced 147 new deaths of people who tested positive for COVID-19, bringing the total number of confirmed reported deaths in England's hospitals to 25,691.
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 Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple podcasts, Google podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
England's figure is higher than the UK's because the figures are collated at different times of the day.
Nine more deaths have been recorded in Scotland, the country's government has announced, bringing the total to 2,270.
Another seven people have died in Wales, where 1,267 have lost their lives after testing positive for COVID-19.
And there has been a further death in Northern Ireland, taking the total number of coronavirus-related fatalities to 506.


news--2020-05-24--Coronavirus: Cummings row 'undermines trust in government and more people will die' - scientist

A scientist who has been advising the government during the coronavirus crisis has said the row over Dominic Cummings has undermined efforts to fight the pandemic - and `` more people are going to die '' as a result .
The comments by Professor Stephen Reicher , a member of the Scientific Pandemic Influenza Group on Behaviours ( SPI-B ) , came after Boris Johnson backed Mr Cummings ' decision to travel 260 miles to his parents ' house in the North East during lockdown .
SPI-B feeds analysis and advice to the scientists on the government 's emergency panel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) .
Prof Reicher told Good Morning Britain : `` If you look at the research it shows the reason why people observed lockdown was not for themselves , it was n't because they were personally at risk , they did it for the community , they did it because of a sense of 'we 're all in this together ' .
`` If you give the impression there 's one rule for them and one rule for us , you fatally undermine that sense of 'we 're all in this together ' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of behaviour which have got us through this crisis . ''
He added : `` The real issue here is that because of these actions , because of undermining trust in the government , because of undermining adherence to the rules that we all need to follow , people are going to die .
`` More people are going to die . ''
Mr Johnson said on Sunday that Mr Cummings acted `` responsibly , legally and with integrity '' after his chief adviser admitted travelling to Durham for childcare support after his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Johnson 's comments , Prof Reicher wrote on Twitter : `` As one of those involved in SPI-B , the government advisory group on behavioural science , I can say that in a few short minutes tonight , Boris Johnson has trashed all the advice we have given on how to build trust and secure adherence to the measures necessary to control COVID-19 .
`` Be open and honest , we said .
Trashed .
Respect the public , we said .
Trashed .
Ensure equity , so everyone is treated the same @ @ @ @ @ @ @ consistent we said .
Trashed .
Make clear 'we are all in it together ' .
Trashed . ''
He added : `` It is very hard to provide scientific advice to a government which does n't want to listen to science .
I hope , however , that the public will read our papers ( publicly available ) and continue to make up for this bad government with their own good sense . ''
Two other SPI-B members and health psychologists - University College of London professors Robert West and Susan Michie @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said it was imperative the public did not abandon social distancing despite the exceptions made for the PM 's chief aide .
`` The key thing we need to remember is that the reason for the lockdown is not for the sake of people like Dominic Cummings or the prime minister , it is for our friends and families ' sake so the rules are really , really important , '' he said .
Prof Michie called for Professor Chris Whitty , England 's chief medical officer , to give his own briefings @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
She wrote : `` I hope that @ CMO_England @ uksciencechief & colleagues will in future give their own scientific briefings to the British public unencumbered by distrust of @ BorisJohnson & co. Never thought I 'd say this but do n't want science to be dragged down by association with dishonesty . ''
: : Listen to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple podcasts , Google podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The row over Mr Cummings ' trip in late March erupted on Friday evening following two newspaper investigations .
Calls @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over the weekend .
Number 10 said the aide travelled to be near his family in the North East , as he feared there would be no one to look after his four-year-old son if he and his wife became ill with coronavirus at the same time .
Education Secretary Gavin Williamson told Sky News on Monday Mr Cummings made `` absolutely clear '' to the prime minister that `` at no stage did he break the law or break the rules '' and Mr Johnson `` agreed with the assessment '' .

A scientist who has been advising the government during the coronavirus crisis has said the row over Dominic Cummings has undermined efforts to fight the pandemic - and "more people are going to die" as a result.
The comments by Professor Stephen Reicher, a member of the Scientific Pandemic Influenza Group on Behaviours (SPI-B), came after Boris Johnson backed Mr Cummings' decision to travel 260 miles to his parents' house in the North East during lockdown.
SPI-B feeds analysis and advice to the scientists on the government's emergency panel SAGE (Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies).
Prof Reicher told Good Morning Britain: "If you look at the research it shows the reason why people observed lockdown was not for themselves, it wasn't because they were personally at risk, they did it for the community, they did it because of a sense of 'we're all in this together'.
"If you give the impression there's one rule for them and one rule for us, you fatally undermine that sense of 'we're all in this together' and you undermine adherence to the forms of behaviour which have got us through this crisis."
He added: "The real issue here is that because of these actions, because of undermining trust in the government, because of undermining adherence to the rules that we all need to follow, people are going to die.
"More people are going to die."
Mr Johnson said on Sunday that Mr Cummings acted "responsibly, legally and with integrity" after his chief adviser admitted travelling to Durham for childcare support after his wife displayed coronavirus symptoms.
Following Mr Johnson's comments, Prof Reicher wrote on Twitter: "As one of those involved in SPI-B, the government advisory group on behavioural science, I can say that in a few short minutes tonight, Boris Johnson has trashed all the advice we have given on how to build trust and secure adherence to the measures necessary to control COVID-19.
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"Be open and honest, we said. Trashed. Respect the public, we said. Trashed. Ensure equity, so everyone is treated the same, we said. Trashed. Be consistent we said. Trashed. Make clear 'we are all in it together'. Trashed."
He added: "It is very hard to provide scientific advice to a government which doesn't want to listen to science. I hope, however, that the public will read our papers (publicly available) and continue to make up for this bad government with their own good sense."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 8:49 PM defends Dominic Cummings
Two other SPI-B members and health psychologists - University College of London professors Robert West and Susan Michie - backed the comments.
Prof West said it was imperative the public did not abandon social distancing despite the exceptions made for the PM's chief aide.
"The key thing we need to remember is that the reason for the lockdown is not for the sake of people like Dominic Cummings or the prime minister, it is for our friends and families' sake so the rules are really, really important," he said.
Prof Michie called for Professor Chris Whitty, England's chief medical officer, to give his own briefings independently from the cabinet in the future.
She wrote: "I hope that @CMO_England @uksciencechief & colleagues will in future give their own scientific briefings to the British public unencumbered by distrust of @BorisJohnson & co. Never thought I'd say this but don't want science to be dragged down by association with dishonesty."
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:: Listen to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple podcasts, Google podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
The row over Mr Cummings' trip in late March erupted on Friday evening following two newspaper investigations. Calls for Mr Cummings' resignation have mounted over the weekend.
Number 10 said the aide travelled to be near his family in the North East, as he feared there would be no one to look after his four-year-old son if he and his wife became ill with coronavirus at the same time.
Education Secretary Gavin Williamson told Sky News on Monday Mr Cummings made "absolutely clear" to the prime minister that "at no stage did he break the law or break the rules" and Mr Johnson "agreed with the assessment".


news--2020-05-24--Dominic Cummings 'should go': Tories break ranks and demand aide's sacking

A senior Conservative MP has said Boris Johnson 's top aide Dominic Cummings `` should go '' .
Steve Baker , a prominent member of the 1922 Committee of backbench Tories , told Sky News ' Sophy Ridge On Sunday programme : `` I have always opposed him being in Number 10 .
`` He creates an awful lot of collateral damage ... things just get rather ugly around the edges .
`` He fights against any attempt to control him and direct him and it is just not a suitable way for anyone to behave when they are in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be held to account .
`` He is not always right , he is certainly not indispensable to Boris .
No one is .
I just think this is the end of the road .
`` He has at the very least not abided by the slogans that he has enforced on the rest of the country and that is why he should go . ''
Mr Cummings has insisted he behaved `` reasonably and legally '' after it was revealed he travelled 260 miles from London to his elderly parents ' home @ @ @ @ @ @ @ son during lockdown at the end of March after his spouse developed coronavirus symptoms .
These comments were echoed by Mr Johnson at Sunday 's Number 10 briefing , with the prime minister saying he believed his top aide had acted with `` integrity '' throughout and that `` some '' of the allegations were `` palpably false '' .
When asked why Mr Cummings needed to travel to Durham when he has now said that his family did not care for his son , Mr Johnson said the guidance `` makes it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ childcare needs that has got to be taken into account '' .
`` I have seen a lot of stuff in the last few days about this episode of self-isolation by Mr Cummings that does not seem to correspond remotely with reality , '' he added .
`` As far as I can see he stuck to the rules and he acted legally and responsibly with the sole objective of avoiding such contact as would spread the virus .
`` His objective was to stop the spread of the virus and he behaved @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that . ''
But Mr Baker said : `` It is very clear that Dominic travelled when everybody else understood Dominic 's slogans to mean 'stay at home , protect the NHS and save lives ' .
`` I think mums and dads who very much care about their children and who have been foregoing the childcare of their extended family will wonder why he has been allowed to do this .
`` I really do n't see how this is going to go away unless Dominic goes . ''
Mr Baker also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Saturday voiced their support for Mr Cummings , including Health Secretary Matt Hancock , Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab and his cabinet colleague Michael Gove .
`` I think yesterday , secretaries of state were out with some quite thin lines trying to save Dominic ... and it did n't work , and it is n't going to work because the media are n't going to let this go , '' he said .
`` I just see this rattling on now day after day , wasting the public 's time , consuming political @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we need to deal with .
`` No one is indispensable .
Dominic should go , and we should have a chief of staff to the prime minister who does n't end up in the newspapers in this way . ''
Meanwhile , Hazel Grove MP William Wragg suggested he was of the same view , as he retweeted one of Steve Baker 's critical Twitter posts .
Former Tory minister Paul Maynard was withering in his response to the PM 's defence of Mr Cummings .
The Blackpool North and Cleveleys MP @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the collective dismay and I understand the widespread anger '' .
`` So many people in this constituency have gone out of their way to stick to both the letter and the spirit of the guidelines and laws , despite it coming at great personal emotional cost , '' the tweet read .
`` It is a classic case of 'do as I say , not as I do ' - and it is not as if he was unfamiliar with guidance he himself helped draw up .
It seems to me to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ untenable . ''
Former defence minister Tobias Ellwood also warned the government that `` the ship is being blown off course '' .
He wrote on Twitter : `` Time for a formal address from the captain offering firm leadership , command & control to resolve setbacks , re-unite collective resolve & rebuild mission focus . ''
Wellingborough MP Peter Bone said he knew parents who had found themselves in the same position as Mr Cummings `` and they did n't shoot off '' to other parts of the country .
`` To @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the rules just does n't stand up to scrutiny , '' he told Sky News .
`` The vast majority of Conservative MPs think Dominic Cummings has to go .
The chief whip has been inundated with people saying this is n't sustainable .
`` Dominic Cummings staying in government weakens the government and Dominic Cummings leaving strengthens the government . ''
In the latest allegations , Mr Cummings was reportedly spotted by a member of public in Houghall Woods near his parents ' Durham home on 19 April .
And a week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ saw him 30 miles away from the city , during the period he was believed to be self-isolating .
Sky News spoke to that witness , retired chemistry teacher Robin Lees , who said he spotted Mr Cummings and his family walking by the River Tees near Barnard Castle and wrote down a `` distinctive '' number plate .
`` I saw somebody that looked like him on the 12 April and it just looked strange , as at that time there were not that many people out , '' he said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Thanet , who has joined the chorus of Conservative backbenchers calling for the PM to sack his top aide , told Sky News Mr Cummings 's political career was `` dead in the water '' if the number plate matched his registration .
He said : `` How can I expect people to exercise restraint if a senior member of the government is allowed to do what he likes ?
`` Mr Cummings broke his own rules .
I ca n't believe he did n't have a friend or a neighbour that could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was necessary .
`` That is why I think Mr Cummings 's position is completely untenable . ''
He added : `` However brilliant he may be , he is also very dangerous , and I think this situation proves that . ''
Since Mr Baker publicly called for Cummings to resign , several other Conservative MPs followed suit and came out to condemn the PM 's chief aide .
Damian Collins - Dominic Cummings has a track record of believing that the rules do n't apply to him and treating the scrutiny @ @ @ @ @ @ @ position of authority with contempt .
The government would be better without him .
Simon Hoare - With the damage Mr Cummings is doing to the government 's reputation he must consider his position .
Lockdown has had its challenges for everyone .
It 's his cavalier `` I do n't care ; I 'm cleverer than you '' tone that infuriates people .
He is now wounding the PM/Govt & I do n't like that .
Craig Whittaker - I totally agree that Dominic Cummings position is untenable .
I 'm sure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ interests of his family but like every decision we take we also have to take responsibility for those decisions .
You can not advise the nation one thing then do the opposite .
Caroline Nokes - I made my views clear to my whip yesterday .
There can not be one rule for most of us and wriggle room for others .
My inbox is rammed with very angry constituents and I do not blame them .
They have made difficult sacrifices over the course of the last 9 weeks .
Robert Syms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Track and Trace and the next phase of lifting lockdown next week .
Whatever the merits of a Govt Adviser they should never be the story or it detracts from central message which is to get us out of this crisis .
The adviser should go .
Robert Halfon - I do not support , or condone anyone who has broken the law or regulations .
Anyone who has done so should face the consequences .
It is important for everyone to follow public health advice , that includes members of the government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or laws have been breached there should be serious consequences .

A senior Conservative MP has said Boris Johnson's top aide Dominic Cummings "should go".
Steve Baker, a prominent member of the 1922 Committee of backbench Tories, told Sky News' Sophy Ridge On Sunday programme: "I have always opposed him being in Number 10.
"He creates an awful lot of collateral damage... things just get rather ugly around the edges.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 14:39 Minister on Cummings - full uncomfortable interview
"He fights against any attempt to control him and direct him and it is just not a suitable way for anyone to behave when they are in political life - we all have to be held to account.
"He is not always right, he is certainly not indispensable to Boris. No one is. I just think this is the end of the road.
"He has at the very least not abided by the slogans that he has enforced on the rest of the country and that is why he should go."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:57 'I behaved reasonably and legally'
Mr Cummings has insisted he behaved "reasonably and legally" after it was revealed he travelled 260 miles from London to his elderly parents' home in Durham with his wife and four-year-old son during lockdown at the end of March after his spouse developed coronavirus symptoms.
These comments were echoed by Mr Johnson at Sunday's Number 10 briefing, with the prime minister saying he believed his top aide had acted with "integrity" throughout and that "some" of the allegations were "palpably false".
When asked why Mr Cummings needed to travel to Durham when he has now said that his family did not care for his son, Mr Johnson said the guidance "makes it very clear that where you have particular childcare needs that has got to be taken into account".
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"I have seen a lot of stuff in the last few days about this episode of self-isolation by Mr Cummings that does not seem to correspond remotely with reality," he added.
"As far as I can see he stuck to the rules and he acted legally and responsibly with the sole objective of avoiding such contact as would spread the virus.
"His objective was to stop the spread of the virus and he behaved in such a way as to do that."
But Mr Baker said: "It is very clear that Dominic travelled when everybody else understood Dominic's slogans to mean 'stay at home, protect the NHS and save lives'.
"I think mums and dads who very much care about their children and who have been foregoing the childcare of their extended family will wonder why he has been allowed to do this.
"I really don't see how this is going to go away unless Dominic goes."
Mr Baker also criticised senior members of government who on Saturday voiced their support for Mr Cummings, including Health Secretary Matt Hancock, Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab and his cabinet colleague Michael Gove.
"I think yesterday, secretaries of state were out with some quite thin lines trying to save Dominic... and it didn't work, and it isn't going to work because the media aren't going to let this go," he said.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:34 Police officers at Dominic Cummings's home
"I just see this rattling on now day after day, wasting the public's time, consuming political capital and diverting from the real issues we need to deal with.
"No one is indispensable. Dominic should go, and we should have a chief of staff to the prime minister who doesn't end up in the newspapers in this way."
Meanwhile, Hazel Grove MP William Wragg suggested he was of the same view, as he retweeted one of Steve Baker's critical Twitter posts.
Former Tory minister Paul Maynard was withering in his response to the PM's defence of Mr Cummings.
The Blackpool North and Cleveleys MP tweeted that he "can only share the collective dismay and I understand the widespread anger".
"So many people in this constituency have gone out of their way to stick to both the letter and the spirit of the guidelines and laws, despite it coming at great personal emotional cost," the tweet read.
"It is a classic case of 'do as I say, not as I do' - and it is not as if he was unfamiliar with guidance he himself helped draw up. It seems to me to be utterly indefensible and his position wholly untenable."
Former defence minister Tobias Ellwood also warned the government that "the ship is being blown off course".
He wrote on Twitter: "Time for a formal address from the captain offering firm leadership, command & control to resolve setbacks, re-unite collective resolve & rebuild mission focus."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:13 Cummings denies going to Durham a second time
Wellingborough MP Peter Bone said he knew parents who had found themselves in the same position as Mr Cummings "and they didn't shoot off" to other parts of the country.
"To try and pretend he didn't break the rules just doesn't stand up to scrutiny," he told Sky News.
"The vast majority of Conservative MPs think Dominic Cummings has to go. The chief whip has been inundated with people saying this isn't sustainable.
"Dominic Cummings staying in government weakens the government and Dominic Cummings leaving strengthens the government."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:47 'People are rightly angry with Cummings'
In the latest allegations, Mr Cummings was reportedly spotted by a member of public in Houghall Woods near his parents' Durham home on 19 April.
And a week earlier, it is alleged an eyewitness saw him 30 miles away from the city, during the period he was believed to be self-isolating.
Sky News spoke to that witness, retired chemistry teacher Robin Lees, who said he spotted Mr Cummings and his family walking by the River Tees near Barnard Castle and wrote down a "distinctive" number plate.
"I saw somebody that looked like him on the 12 April and it just looked strange, as at that time there were not that many people out," he said.
Sir Roger Gale, MP for North Thanet, who has joined the chorus of Conservative backbenchers calling for the PM to sack his top aide, told Sky News Mr Cummings's political career was "dead in the water" if the number plate matched his registration.
He said: "How can I expect people to exercise restraint if a senior member of the government is allowed to do what he likes?
"Mr Cummings broke his own rules. I can't believe he didn't have a friend or a neighbour that could have helped out in London if it was necessary.
"That is why I think Mr Cummings's position is completely untenable."
He added: "However brilliant he may be, he is also very dangerous, and I think this situation proves that."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:38 Led by Donkeys van plays 'stay home' video outside Cummings's house
Since Mr Baker publicly called for Cummings to resign, several other Conservative MPs followed suit and came out to condemn the PM's chief aide.
Damian Collins - Dominic Cummings has a track record of believing that the rules don't apply to him and treating the scrutiny that should come to anyone in a position of authority with contempt. The government would be better without him.
Simon Hoare - With the damage Mr Cummings is doing to the government's reputation he must consider his position. Lockdown has had its challenges for everyone. It's his cavalier "I don't care; I'm cleverer than you" tone that infuriates people. He is now wounding the PM/Govt & I don't like that.
Craig Whittaker - I totally agree that Dominic Cummings position is untenable. I'm sure he took the decision in the best interests of his family but like every decision we take we also have to take responsibility for those decisions. You cannot advise the nation one thing then do the opposite.
Image: (L-R) Steve Baker, Sir Roger Gale, Caroline Nokes
Caroline Nokes - I made my views clear to my whip yesterday. There cannot be one rule for most of us and wriggle room for others. My inbox is rammed with very angry constituents and I do not blame them. They have made difficult sacrifices over the course of the last 9 weeks.
Robert Syms - The Govt have to explain Test Track and Trace and the next phase of lifting lockdown next week. Whatever the merits of a Govt Adviser they should never be the story or it detracts from central message which is to get us out of this crisis. The adviser should go.
Robert Halfon - I do not support, or condone anyone who has broken the law or regulations. Anyone who has done so should face the consequences. It is important for everyone to follow public health advice, that includes members of the government and their advisors. If those regulations or laws have been breached there should be serious consequences.


news--2020-04-14--Coronavirus: Tour de France postponed amid French lockdown

The Tour de France has become the latest major sporting event to be affected by the coronavirus outbreak .
On Monday French President Emmanuel Macron announced that large gatherings would be banned until at least mid-July , putting an end to hope the event could still be staged in June .
The three-week tour will now be held from 29 August , according to French media , meaning it would end on the Champs Elysee at the same time as the newly rearranged French Open tennis tournament only a few miles away .
Event organisers have not yet commented on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but local authorities in the Haute-Savoie region , which hosts some of the final stages of the race , have tweeted to say the event will pass through on 17 September , seemingly corroborating media reports .
However , Amaury Sports Organisation ( ASO ) , the event organisers , said earlier on Tuesday : `` Given that it 's now impossible that the Tour starts at its planned date , we are consulting with the [ International Cycling Union ] to try and find new dates . ''
The race has a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ line the roads during the event - something which may have to be looked at when the new dates are confirmed .
There are also concerns that borders into France , which are largely closed off , would need to be reopened , so that riders from around the world would be able to compete .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The Giro d'Italia , a cycling race through Italy , was scheduled to begin in May , but was cancelled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Spanish version of the race still down to start in September .
Last year 's Tour de France was won by Egan Bernal from Colombia , with the UK 's Geraint Thomas the runner up .

The Tour de France has become the latest major sporting event to be affected by the coronavirus outbreak.
On Monday French President Emmanuel Macron announced that large gatherings would be banned until at least mid-July, putting an end to hope the event could still be staged in June.
The three-week tour will now be held from 29 August, according to French media, meaning it would end on the Champs Elysee at the same time as the newly rearranged French Open tennis tournament only a few miles away.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:51 March: Day-to-day isolation in France
Event organisers have not yet commented on the reports of a new date, but local authorities in the Haute-Savoie region, which hosts some of the final stages of the race, have tweeted to say the event will pass through on 17 September, seemingly corroborating media reports.
However, Amaury Sports Organisation (ASO), the event organisers, said earlier on Tuesday: "Given that it's now impossible that the Tour starts at its planned date, we are consulting with the [International Cycling Union] to try and find new dates."
The race has a global following, and millions of fans line the roads during the event - something which may have to be looked at when the new dates are confirmed.
There are also concerns that borders into France, which are largely closed off, would need to be reopened, so that riders from around the world would be able to compete.
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:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
The Giro d'Italia, a cycling race through Italy, was scheduled to begin in May, but was cancelled by organisers last month, with the Spanish version of the race still down to start in September.
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Last year's Tour de France was won by Egan Bernal from Colombia, with the UK's Geraint Thomas the runner up.


news--2020-04-15--Coronavirus: Another 761 COVID-19 deaths in hospitals in UK

Another 761 patients with coronavirus have died in UK hospitals .
The Department of Health announced the increase , which takes the total to 12,868 .
The number of tests for COVID-19 , the disease caused by the coronavirus , has also risen by 15,994 to 398,916 , although this includes some people being tested more than once .
There have now been 98,476 positive tests for the illness in the UK .
Once again , figures were also provided by health authorities in each of the home nations , which collate their stats at different times throughout the day @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the government 's overall total .
NHS England said another 651 coronavirus patients had died in hospitals in England , taking its total to 11,656 .
Patients were aged between 20 and 101 , and 20 of those ( aged 20 to 101 ) had no known underlying health conditions when they tested positive for coronavirus .
London had the most deaths with 153 , followed by the Midlands with 128 , while the East of England and North West both recorded 107 .
There were 76 in the South East , 49 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and 31 in the South West .
Scotland recorded another 84 deaths , which was its biggest daily increase to date .
Wales also recorded its highest daily increase with 60 , and Northern Ireland recorded another six .
In each country , the number of deaths in hospitals now stands at : Separate figures from the Office for National Statistics ( ONS ) have also suggested that the UK 's true coronavirus death toll is much higher than the hospital figures indicate .
The latest ONS update on Tuesday showed 10 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ during the week ending 3 April did not happen in hospital , with more than half of those happening in care homes .
It came after news at Monday 's government coronavirus briefing that 92 care homes had reported outbreaks of the disease in the 24 hours before the conference .
The National Records of Scotland also revealed on Wednesday that - as of 12 April - almost 25 % of 962 registered deaths where COVID-19 was mentioned in the death certificate in Scotland had occurred in care homes .
First Minister Nicola @ @ @ @ @ @ @ included in the Scottish government 's daily updates from now on , adding that 433 care homes in Scotland had recorded incidents of coronavirus .
She said Scotland has moved to now testing all symptomatic patients in care homes .
Opposition parties have warned of a `` growing crisis '' in care homes and there are demands for those deaths to be included in the daily government updates to stop `` potentially thousands '' of fatalities going `` under the radar '' .
The government has pledged that social care staff who need @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to access one as testing capacity continues to increase , but one minister has said care home outbreaks were `` almost unavoidable '' .
Social care minister Helen Whately told Sky News care homes are `` used to '' infection control due to seasonal flu .

Another 761 patients with coronavirus have died in UK hospitals.
The Department of Health announced the increase, which takes the total to 12,868.
The number of tests for COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus, has also risen by 15,994 to 398,916, although this includes some people being tested more than once.
There have now been 98,476 positive tests for the illness in the UK.
Once again, figures were also provided by health authorities in each of the home nations, which collate their stats at different times throughout the day and so may not tally up to the government's overall total.
Image: Almost 100,000 Britons have tested positive
NHS England said another 651 coronavirus patients had died in hospitals in England, taking its total to 11,656.
Patients were aged between 20 and 101, and 20 of those (aged 20 to 101) had no known underlying health conditions when they tested positive for coronavirus.
London had the most deaths with 153, followed by the Midlands with 128, while the East of England and North West both recorded 107.
There were 76 in the South East, 49 in the North East & Yorkshire, and 31 in the South West.
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Scotland recorded another 84 deaths, which was its biggest daily increase to date.
Wales also recorded its highest daily increase with 60, and Northern Ireland recorded another six.
In each country, the number of deaths in hospitals now stands at:
England - 11,656
Scotland - 699
Wales - 463
Northern Ireland - 140
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:35 'There will be more tough times to come'
Separate figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) have also suggested that the UK's true coronavirus death toll is much higher than the hospital figures indicate.
The latest ONS update on Tuesday showed 10% of coronavirus-related fatalities in England and Wales during the week ending 3 April did not happen in hospital, with more than half of those happening in care homes.
It came after news at Monday's government coronavirus briefing that 92 care homes had reported outbreaks of the disease in the 24 hours before the conference.
The National Records of Scotland also revealed on Wednesday that - as of 12 April - almost 25% of 962 registered deaths where COVID-19 was mentioned in the death certificate in Scotland had occurred in care homes.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said deaths outside hospitals would be included in the Scottish government's daily updates from now on, adding that 433 care homes in Scotland had recorded incidents of coronavirus.
She said Scotland has moved to now testing all symptomatic patients in care homes.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:31 Care home staff show 'heroism coming to work'
Opposition parties have warned of a "growing crisis" in care homes and there are demands for those deaths to be included in the daily government updates to stop "potentially thousands" of fatalities going "under the radar".
The government has pledged that social care staff who need a test for COVID-19 will be able to access one as testing capacity continues to increase, but one minister has said care home outbreaks were "almost unavoidable".
Social care minister Helen Whately told Sky News care homes are "used to" infection control due to seasonal flu.


news--2020-04-15--Coronavirus: Shoe retailer Office put up for sale as pandemic bites

The footwear retailer Office has been put up for sale by its South African owner as it becomes the latest chain to seek new funding amid the coronavirus pandemic .
Sky News has learnt that Alvarez & Marsal ( A & M ) , the professional services firm , has been hired by Truworths International to run an accelerated sale process for Office .
The prospects for a solvent sale of the business , which trades from 130 stores in the UK and Europe , were unclear on Wednesday .
Information sent to prospective bidders said it was `` anticipated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a short time-frame '' .
A & M is running a similar process for Cath Kidston , the modern vintage fashion brand which filed a notice of intention to appoint administrators nearly a fortnight ago .
Office considered a formal restructuring process called a company voluntary arrangement ( CVA ) last year but ultimately decided against using such a mechanism to close unprofitable stores .
Instead , it concluded a refinancing in September , and said it would shut unwanted shops when their leases expired .
It is unclear whether , like many @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rent to landlords at the end of March .
Truworths bought the Office chain in 2015 in a deal worth about £250m .
In addition to its UK estate , it trades from stores in Germany and Ireland .
The news of its accelerated sale process comes as the high street prepares for confirmation of the administration of Oasis and Warehouse , the women 's fashion retailers , putting 2300 jobs at risk .
A & M and Office declined to comment .

The footwear retailer Office has been put up for sale by its South African owner as it becomes the latest chain to seek new funding amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Sky News has learnt that Alvarez & Marsal (A&M), the professional services firm, has been hired by Truworths International to run an accelerated sale process for Office.
The prospects for a solvent sale of the business, which trades from 130 stores in the UK and Europe, were unclear on Wednesday.
Information sent to prospective bidders said it was "anticipated that a sale will be completed within a short time-frame".
A&M is running a similar process for Cath Kidston, the modern vintage fashion brand which filed a notice of intention to appoint administrators nearly a fortnight ago.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:35 Workers laid off despite furlough scheme
Office considered a formal restructuring process called a company voluntary arrangement (CVA) last year but ultimately decided against using such a mechanism to close unprofitable stores.
Instead, it concluded a refinancing in September, and said it would shut unwanted shops when their leases expired.
It is unclear whether, like many retailers, Office declined to pay its rent to landlords at the end of March.
Truworths bought the Office chain in 2015 in a deal worth about £250m.
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In addition to its UK estate, it trades from stores in Germany and Ireland.
The news of its accelerated sale process comes as the high street prepares for confirmation of the administration of Oasis and Warehouse, the women's fashion retailers, putting 2300 jobs at risk.
A&M and Office declined to comment.


news--2020-04-15--Oasis and Warehouse enter administration: 200 jobs go, 1,800 more furloughed

High-street fashion chains Oasis and Warehouse have entered administration , with 200 staff losing their jobs immediately .
Business services firm Deloitte , which is handling a collapse that was first reported by Sky News , said a further 1,800 workers were being furloughed as a buyer is sought .
The move comes three weeks after The Oasis and Warehouse Group , which has 92 branches and 437 concessions and is owned by the failed Icelandic lender Kaupthing , began discussions with prospective buyers .
Although there is understood to have been strong interest in a deal , the uncertainty @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to have made a solvent sale impossible to conclude , though talks are expected to continue .
It marks the latest high street failure as the retail sector , already struggling before the COVID-19 crisis , adapts to the shutdown of non-essential stores .
Debenhams , Laura Ashley and BrightHouse are among the other names to have entered administration in recent weeks .
Rob Harding , joint administrator at Deloitte , said : `` COVID-19 has had a devastating effect on the entire retail industry and not least the Oasis Warehouse group .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ recent weeks , and significant interest from potential buyers , it has not been possible to save the business in its current form . ''
The statement added : `` The group employed over 2,000 people in total in the UK at the time of the appointment and today 's announcement will result in 202 redundancies .
`` A total of 41 head office roles will be retained to assist the administrators and 1,801 employees will be furloughed across head office , stores and concessions . ''
It said online trading would continue @ @ @ @ @ @ @

High-street fashion chains Oasis and Warehouse have entered administration, with 200 staff losing their jobs immediately.
Business services firm Deloitte, which is handling a collapse that was first reported by Sky News, said a further 1,800 workers were being furloughed as a buyer is sought.
The move comes three weeks after The Oasis and Warehouse Group, which has 92 branches and 437 concessions and is owned by the failed Icelandic lender Kaupthing, began discussions with prospective buyers.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:34 Collapse of rent-to-own giant BrightHouse
Although there is understood to have been strong interest in a deal, the uncertainty caused by the coronavirus pandemic is thought to have made a solvent sale impossible to conclude, though talks are expected to continue.
It marks the latest high street failure as the retail sector, already struggling before the COVID-19 crisis, adapts to the shutdown of non-essential stores.
Debenhams, Laura Ashley and BrightHouse are among the other names to have entered administration in recent weeks.
Image: Debenhams collapsed last week for the second time in a year
Rob Harding, joint administrator at Deloitte, said: "COVID-19 has had a devastating effect on the entire retail industry and not least the Oasis Warehouse group.
"Despite management's best efforts over recent weeks, and significant interest from potential buyers, it has not been possible to save the business in its current form."
The statement added: "The group employed over 2,000 people in total in the UK at the time of the appointment and today's announcement will result in 202 redundancies.
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"A total of 41 head office roles will be retained to assist the administrators and 1,801 employees will be furloughed across head office, stores and concessions."
It said online trading would continue in the "short term".


news--2020-04-15--Coronavirus: Pharmacist arrested in probe over illegal COVID-19 test kits

A pharmacist has been arrested during an investigation into the illegal sale of coronavirus testing kits .
He was held by officers from the National Crime Agency ( NCA ) who searched two properties and seized £20,000 in cash .
The pharmacist , 46 , from Croydon , south London , was arrested under the Fraud Act for allegedly making false claims about the testing kits ' capability .
A surveyor , 39 , was arrested in west London on a similar allegation as the NCA targets suspects thought to be cashing in on the COVID-19 pandemic .
The surveyor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , where investigators found 250 kits which he allegedly said he planned to sell to construction workers .
Both suspects were freed on bail while the separate investigations continue .
Nikki Holland , the NCA 's director of investigations , said : `` Criminals capitalise on fear and anxiety and they will exploit any opportunity , no matter how awful , to line their pockets .
`` Illegally selling testing kits completely undermines the nation 's collective response to the pandemic and actually endangers lives .
`` Anyone thinking of trying to profit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ these arrests and that bringing these offenders to justice and ceasing their activities is a key priority across law enforcement . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Tariq Sarwar , head of operations for enforcement at the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency ( MHRA ) , said : `` The use of products for the diagnosis of coronavirus infection in community settings , such as pharmacies , for home use , is not at present advised by Public Health England @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tests for home use , and it is illegal to supply such products .
The safety , performance or quality of the products can not be guaranteed and this poses a health risk . ''
The NCA said it had also taken down a website using phishing emails to lure customers into buying suspected non-existent personal protection equipment ( PPE ) .

A pharmacist has been arrested during an investigation into the illegal sale of coronavirus testing kits.
He was held by officers from the National Crime Agency (NCA) who searched two properties and seized £20,000 in cash.
The pharmacist, 46, from Croydon, south London, was arrested under the Fraud Act for allegedly making false claims about the testing kits' capability.
A surveyor, 39, was arrested in west London on a similar allegation as the NCA targets suspects thought to be cashing in on the COVID-19 pandemic.
The surveyor was stopped in his car in Uxbridge, where investigators found 250 kits which he allegedly said he planned to sell to construction workers.
Both suspects were freed on bail while the separate investigations continue.
Nikki Holland, the NCA's director of investigations, said: "Criminals capitalise on fear and anxiety and they will exploit any opportunity, no matter how awful, to line their pockets.
"Illegally selling testing kits completely undermines the nation's collective response to the pandemic and actually endangers lives.
"Anyone thinking of trying to profit in this way should take note of these arrests and that bringing these offenders to justice and ceasing their activities is a key priority across law enforcement."
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Tariq Sarwar, head of operations for enforcement at the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), said: "The use of products for the diagnosis of coronavirus infection in community settings, such as pharmacies, for home use, is not at present advised by Public Health England.
"There are no CE marked tests for home use, and it is illegal to supply such products. The safety, performance or quality of the products cannot be guaranteed and this poses a health risk."
The NCA said it had also taken down a website using phishing emails to lure customers into buying suspected non-existent personal protection equipment (PPE).


news--2020-04-15--Coronavirus: Duke of Westminster donates £12.5m to NHS and the vulnerable

The Duke of Westminster , one of the UK 's richest men , is donating an extra £10m to the national effort against COVID-19 , pledging money that will directly help NHS staff and their families .
Last month Hugh Grosvenor , 29 , pledged £2.5m to projects helping the vulnerable during the coronavirus crisis .
But now the billionaire , who is the world 's richest person under 30 , is giving another £10m largely to thank NHS staff for their tireless work .
`` I want to say a huge thank you to all our amazing NHS staff @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' he said .
`` We are all humbled and incredibly grateful that you are working tirelessly to keep us safe and keep the country functioning . ''
Most of the money will go straight to helping NHS staff and their families , with £5m going to NHS Charities Together to set up a family fund .
The fund will provide help and support for workers who 've continued to risk their own lives to treat patients , as well as acknowledging what a worrying time this has been for their children and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Hugh Grosvenor , who is worth an estimated £10bn said , `` NHS staff and key workers do n't work in isolation .
They have children and families whose health and wellbeing will also be highly impacted by this crisis .
`` As they keep us safe , I want to help provide as much support to them and their families as we can .
`` Our donation will help create a Family Fund within NHS Charities Together to provide @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mental health support to NHS staff and their families . ''
A key focus for the duke 's own charitable foundation is helping families and young people , which is why he was keen to work with NHS fundraisers to set up this specific type of fund .
`` We know many NHS staff have chosen to keep their families safe by staying apart and focusing their time and energy to care for their patients and save lives , '' Ellie Orton , chief executive of NHS Charities Together said .
`` Their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no doubt comes with its own price . ''
The rest of the duke 's £10m donation will be split between scientific bodies and other charities helping vulnerable families .
Some £3m is going to national medical research and development linked to COVID-19 , while a further £2m will help charities and organisation supporting those most likely to feel the greatest financial and social impact from the ongoing crisis .

The Duke of Westminster, one of the UK's richest men, is donating an extra £10m to the national effort against COVID-19, pledging money that will directly help NHS staff and their families.
Last month Hugh Grosvenor, 29, pledged £2.5m to projects helping the vulnerable during the coronavirus crisis.
But now the billionaire, who is the world's richest person under 30, is giving another £10m largely to thank NHS staff for their tireless work.
"I want to say a huge thank you to all our amazing NHS staff and everyone providing critical frontline services," he said.
Image: The Duke of Westminster's money will be split between NHS workers and the most vulnerable
"We are all humbled and incredibly grateful that you are working tirelessly to keep us safe and keep the country functioning."
Most of the money will go straight to helping NHS staff and their families, with £5m going to NHS Charities Together to set up a family fund.
The fund will provide help and support for workers who've continued to risk their own lives to treat patients, as well as acknowledging what a worrying time this has been for their children and wider families.
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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Hugh Grosvenor, who is worth an estimated £10bn said, "NHS staff and key workers don't work in isolation. They have children and families whose health and wellbeing will also be highly impacted by this crisis.
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"As they keep us safe, I want to help provide as much support to them and their families as we can.
"Our donation will help create a Family Fund within NHS Charities Together to provide food, respite, rehabilitation and positive mental health support to NHS staff and their families."
Image: The duke said he was humbled and grateful for the work NHS staff are doing
A key focus for the duke's own charitable foundation is helping families and young people, which is why he was keen to work with NHS fundraisers to set up this specific type of fund.
"We know many NHS staff have chosen to keep their families safe by staying apart and focusing their time and energy to care for their patients and save lives," Ellie Orton, chief executive of NHS Charities Together said.
"Their dedication is not only remarkable, but no doubt comes with its own price."
The rest of the duke's £10m donation will be split between scientific bodies and other charities helping vulnerable families.
Some £3m is going to national medical research and development linked to COVID-19, while a further £2m will help charities and organisation supporting those most likely to feel the greatest financial and social impact from the ongoing crisis.


news--2020-04-15--Coronavirus: Stray dogs eating bat meat may have started pandemic, study says

The coronavirus pandemic may have been started by stray dogs eating bat meat , according to a study .
Professor Xuhua Xia , from the University of Ottawa 's biology department , has suggested that stray dogs are the most likely intermediate host for the transmission of Sars-CoV-2 into humans .
According to the study , the ancestor of the new coronavirus and its nearest relative - a bat coronavirus - infected the intestines of dogs .
They then evolved before moving to humans .
Humans and mammals can fight viruses through an antiviral protein which stops the infection multiplying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ CpG dinucleotides - tell the immune system to attack the virus .
But single-strand coronaviruses can avoid the body 's natural defences by reducing the CpG .
Prof Xia analysed betacoronavirus genomes and found that Sars-CoV-2 and its closest relative - a bat coronavirus - have the lowest amount of CpG .
Only genomes from canine coronaviruses have similar genomic values , the study says .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The cellular receptor for Sars-CoV-2 is `` pervasively expressed in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ study says , adding : `` This is consistent with the interpretation that the low CpG in Sars-CoV-2 was acquired by the ancestor of Sars-CoV-2 evolving in mammalian digestive systems .
`` The interpretation is further corroborated by a recent report that a high proportion of Covid-19 patients also suffer from digestive discomfort .
`` In fact , 48.5 % presented with digestive symptoms as their chief complaint . ''
Prof Xia said the results suggested `` the importance of monitoring Sars-like coronaviruses in feral dogs in the fight against Sars-CoV-2 '' .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the department of Veterinary Medicine and researcher in infection dynamics at the University of Cambridge , was not convinced .
He said : `` There is far too much inference and far too little direct data .
I do not see anything in this paper to support this supposition and am concerned that this paper has been published in this journal .
`` I do not believe that any dog owners should be concerned as a result of this work . ''
Nearly two million people worldwide have been infected by the virus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ published online in the journal Molecular Biology and Evolution .
Caroline Allen , chief veterinary officer at the RSPCA , said : `` It is really important to note that this is just a theory .
`` There is currently no evidence that dogs were the origin of this virus and no evidence that they are playing a role in the spread of COVID-19 , which is a disease transmitted between humans .
`` It is vitally important that people do not abandon their pets or harm stray dogs on the basis of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as this could have a huge impact on animal welfare .
`` We would encourage people to stick to the latest government and medical advice and visit our website for more advice around pet care during the crisis - www.rspca.org.uk/coronavirus . ''

The coronavirus pandemic may have been started by stray dogs eating bat meat, according to a study.
Professor Xuhua Xia, from the University of Ottawa's biology department, has suggested that stray dogs are the most likely intermediate host for the transmission of Sars-CoV-2 into humans.
According to the study, the ancestor of the new coronavirus and its nearest relative - a bat coronavirus - infected the intestines of dogs. They then evolved before moving to humans.
Humans and mammals can fight viruses through an antiviral protein which stops the infection multiplying. Meanwhile, regions of DNA - CpG dinucleotides - tell the immune system to attack the virus.
But single-strand coronaviruses can avoid the body's natural defences by reducing the CpG.
Prof Xia analysed betacoronavirus genomes and found that Sars-CoV-2 and its closest relative - a bat coronavirus - have the lowest amount of CpG.
Only genomes from canine coronaviruses have similar genomic values, the study says.
Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
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The cellular receptor for Sars-CoV-2 is "pervasively expressed in the human digestive system", the study says, adding: "This is consistent with the interpretation that the low CpG in Sars-CoV-2 was acquired by the ancestor of Sars-CoV-2 evolving in mammalian digestive systems.
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"The interpretation is further corroborated by a recent report that a high proportion of Covid-19 patients also suffer from digestive discomfort.
"In fact, 48.5% presented with digestive symptoms as their chief complaint."
Prof Xia said the results suggested "the importance of monitoring Sars-like coronaviruses in feral dogs in the fight against Sars-CoV-2".
But Professor James Wood, head of the department of Veterinary Medicine and researcher in infection dynamics at the University of Cambridge, was not convinced.
He said: "There is far too much inference and far too little direct data. I do not see anything in this paper to support this supposition and am concerned that this paper has been published in this journal.
"I do not believe that any dog owners should be concerned as a result of this work."
Nearly two million people worldwide have been infected by the virus.
The findings of the study are published online in the journal Molecular Biology and Evolution.
Caroline Allen, chief veterinary officer at the RSPCA, said: "It is really important to note that this is just a theory.
"There is currently no evidence that dogs were the origin of this virus and no evidence that they are playing a role in the spread of COVID-19, which is a disease transmitted between humans.
"It is vitally important that people do not abandon their pets or harm stray dogs on the basis of this theoretical paper or misleading reports, as this could have a huge impact on animal welfare.
"We would encourage people to stick to the latest government and medical advice and visit our website for more advice around pet care during the crisis - www.rspca.org.uk/coronavirus."