news--2020-05-22--Coronavirus: UK's quarantine plans criticised by aviation industry

The aviation industry has criticised plans for a 14-day quarantine for people arriving in the UK from overseas .
The plans are aimed at limiting the spread of the coronavirus as the number of cases in the UK begins to fall .
But it comes as many airlines were preparing to resume flights on a smaller scale after weeks of being grounded by virus-related travel restrictions .
Ryanair said it will go ahead with plans to run 40 % of flights in July , but its chief executive Michael O'Leary dismissed the quarantine plan as `` bonkers '' .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` You can not implement an effective quarantine on inbound arrivals into the UK when passengers arriving at airports like Heathrow or Gatwick , [ then ] get on the London Underground and Gatwick Express to travel into London .
`` Every passenger arriving at every UK airport uses buses , trains , public transport to travel to their destination and the government idea that you should only isolate them after they 've all used public transport shows how ineffective a quarantine is .
`` In the UK they 're not applying effective @ @ @ @ @ @ @ instead preferring to come up with frankly ineffective and bonkers ideas like quarantines . ''
The quarantine will mean arrivals having to tell authorities where they will isolate themselves for 14 days - and they could be fined £1,000 if they break the rules .
Road hauliers , NHS workers and people from the Republic of Ireland are exempt .
The rules are not as tough as in some countries , such as Australia and New Zealand , where arrivals are taken to hotels for 14 days in isolation .
Many countries have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or residents .
Heathrow 's chief executive John Holland-Kaye said the plan would `` kill off aviation as long as it is in place '' .
He told Sky News : `` As long as the quarantine is in place then nobody is going to be flying any more than we have today , which is only about 5,000 passengers daily , when normally we would expect at this time of year nearly a quarter of a million passengers .
`` If this is what the government needs to do to keep people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ disease , then I think we have to support that .
`` But we have to have a plan for what happens next so that we can look ahead to how we 'd reopen borders . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Mr Holland-Kaye added : `` Aviation is the lifeblood of the UK economy .
All those manufacturers who want to get up and running will rely on the supply chain we 're bringing in as well as the exports @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Equally we have a tourism industry in the UK that relies on tourists coming into the UK and unless we can get those people flying in from safe countries , we ca n't get the hotels and the restaurants and so on re-started .
`` We risk having , without a plan , a very extended period without flying and we risk having a health crisis becoming an unemployment crisis . ''
Mr Holland-Kaye said the government should establish a common international standard for health and aviation with the European Union and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the UK and also perhaps save some summer holidays '' .
He added that countries such as Australia , with very low levels of virus transmission , should be among those `` we should be opening up to '' .
Virgin Atlantic , which is cutting 3,000 jobs due to the pandemic , said the quarantine would prevent it from resuming flights until at least August .
A spokesman said : `` We know that as the COVID-19 crisis subsides , air travel will be a vital enabler of the UK 's economic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ calling for a multi-layered approach of carefully targeted public health and screening measures , which will allow for a successful and safe restart of international air travel for passengers and businesses . ''
Airlines UK , the trade body for UK-registered airlines , said introducing a quarantine at this stage `` makes no sense and will mean very limited international aviation at best '' .
`` It is just about the worst thing government could do if their aim is to restart the economy , '' it added .
The government will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the trade body has said it must be `` robust , transparent and evidence-led , with advice published in full '' .

The aviation industry has criticised plans for a 14-day quarantine for people arriving in the UK from overseas.
The plans are aimed at limiting the spread of the coronavirus as the number of cases in the UK begins to fall.
But it comes as many airlines were preparing to resume flights on a smaller scale after weeks of being grounded by virus-related travel restrictions.
Ryanair said it will go ahead with plans to run 40% of flights in July, but its chief executive Michael O'Leary dismissed the quarantine plan as "bonkers".
He told Sky's Ian King Live: "You cannot implement an effective quarantine on inbound arrivals into the UK when passengers arriving at airports like Heathrow or Gatwick, [then] get on the London Underground and Gatwick Express to travel into London.
"Every passenger arriving at every UK airport uses buses, trains, public transport to travel to their destination and the government idea that you should only isolate them after they've all used public transport shows how ineffective a quarantine is.
"In the UK they're not applying effective measures, which is face masks, instead preferring to come up with frankly ineffective and bonkers ideas like quarantines."
The quarantine will mean arrivals having to tell authorities where they will isolate themselves for 14 days - and they could be fined £1,000 if they break the rules.
Road hauliers, NHS workers and people from the Republic of Ireland are exempt.
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The rules are not as tough as in some countries, such as Australia and New Zealand, where arrivals are taken to hotels for 14 days in isolation.
Many countries have also banned arrivals who are not citizens or residents.
Heathrow's chief executive John Holland-Kaye said the plan would "kill off aviation as long as it is in place".
He told Sky News: "As long as the quarantine is in place then nobody is going to be flying any more than we have today, which is only about 5,000 passengers daily, when normally we would expect at this time of year nearly a quarter of a million passengers.
"If this is what the government needs to do to keep people safe and avoid another outbreak of the disease, then I think we have to support that.
"But we have to have a plan for what happens next so that we can look ahead to how we'd reopen borders."
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Mr Holland-Kaye added: "Aviation is the lifeblood of the UK economy. All those manufacturers who want to get up and running will rely on the supply chain we're bringing in as well as the exports we take all over the world.
"Equally we have a tourism industry in the UK that relies on tourists coming into the UK and unless we can get those people flying in from safe countries, we can't get the hotels and the restaurants and so on re-started.
"We risk having, without a plan, a very extended period without flying and we risk having a health crisis becoming an unemployment crisis."
Image: John Holland-Kaye said the quarantine would kill off aviation while it is in place
Mr Holland-Kaye said the government should establish a common international standard for health and aviation with the European Union and the US to "protect jobs in the UK and also perhaps save some summer holidays".
He added that countries such as Australia, with very low levels of virus transmission, should be among those "we should be opening up to".
Virgin Atlantic, which is cutting 3,000 jobs due to the pandemic, said the quarantine would prevent it from resuming flights until at least August.
A spokesman said: "We know that as the COVID-19 crisis subsides, air travel will be a vital enabler of the UK's economic recovery.
"Therefore, we are calling for a multi-layered approach of carefully targeted public health and screening measures, which will allow for a successful and safe restart of international air travel for passengers and businesses."
Airlines UK, the trade body for UK-registered airlines, said introducing a quarantine at this stage "makes no sense and will mean very limited international aviation at best".
"It is just about the worst thing government could do if their aim is to restart the economy," it added.
The government will be reviewing the measures every three weeks, and the trade body has said it must be "robust, transparent and evidence-led, with advice published in full".


news--2020-05-21--Coronavirus: Lord Fox promises to repay taxpayers' money after furloughing himself

A Lib Dem peer has admitted making an `` error of judgment '' after furloughing himself while continuing to claim a three-figure daily allowance for working in parliament .
Lord Christopher Fox decided to furlough himself during the coronavirus crisis as the owner and sole employee of Vulpes Advisory , a communications and consultancy company .
But he continued to pick-up the daily £162 allowance given to peers for carrying out work virtually in the House of Lords .
Lord Fox has now confirmed he will repay the money he received during his time on furlough .
The 62-year-old said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ judgment and I apologise .
`` I have already begun to repay the money I received as part of the furlough scheme and intend to repay the full amount as soon as possible . ''
The furlough scheme , announced in March , allows businesses badly stung by the COVID-19 lockdown to have the government pay their staff 's wages .
Payments from the Treasury cover a rate of 80 % of staff 's salary and are capped at £2,500 a month .
The provision has since been extended , with caveats in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Listen to the All Out Politics podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Before the pandemic , peers were able to claim £323 per day for clocking in at the Upper Chamber .
It was agreed that it should be reduced to £162 while they carry out their work mainly via online means , with many now using video conferencing platform Zoom .
Lord Fox had come under fire from senior Tories for taking the payment while furloughing himself .
Former minister Robert Halfon MP accused him of wanting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ends '' , while some of his constituents are currently `` struggling to keep a roof over their heads '' .
He added : `` The chancellor needs to nip this in the bud and make sure this is not allowed . ''
Ex-universities minister Chris Skidmore also commented , tweeting : `` Time to furlough his peerage . ''

A Lib Dem peer has admitted making an "error of judgment" after furloughing himself while continuing to claim a three-figure daily allowance for working in parliament.
Lord Christopher Fox decided to furlough himself during the coronavirus crisis as the owner and sole employee of Vulpes Advisory, a communications and consultancy company.
But he continued to pick-up the daily £162 allowance given to peers for carrying out work virtually in the House of Lords.
Image: The furlough scheme has been up and running since March
Lord Fox has now confirmed he will repay the money he received during his time on furlough.
The 62-year-old said: "I recognise my error in judgment and I apologise.
"I have already begun to repay the money I received as part of the furlough scheme and intend to repay the full amount as soon as possible."
The furlough scheme, announced in March, allows businesses badly stung by the COVID-19 lockdown to have the government pay their staff's wages.
Payments from the Treasury cover a rate of 80% of staff's salary and are capped at £2,500 a month.
The provision has since been extended, with caveats in place, until October.
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:: Listen to the All Out Politics podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Before the pandemic, peers were able to claim £323 per day for clocking in at the Upper Chamber.
It was agreed that it should be reduced to £162 while they carry out their work mainly via online means, with many now using video conferencing platform Zoom.
Lord Fox had come under fire from senior Tories for taking the payment while furloughing himself.
Former minister Robert Halfon MP accused him of wanting to "milk the taxpayer at both ends", while some of his constituents are currently "struggling to keep a roof over their heads".
He added: "The chancellor needs to nip this in the bud and make sure this is not allowed."
Ex-universities minister Chris Skidmore also commented, tweeting: "Time to furlough his peerage."


news--2020-05-22--Coronavirus: NHS trust apologises to family of elderly patient whose medical records were altered

An NHS trust has apologised to the family of an elderly patient after her medical records were altered leading to confusion over whether she had COVID-19 or not .
Barbara Stead was admitted to hospital in Dewsbury , West Yorkshire , after fracturing her ankle in a fall at home on 5 April .
After two days in hospital , local care homes in the area were asked if they would take the 80-year-old accompanied with a discharge form containing her medical notes .
But one care manager became suspicious after noticing that the results of a COVID-19 test had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to negative .
Then the words `` not tested but temp of 38.8 '' - one of the symptoms of COVID-19 , was also scribbled out , but not signed or dated .
This document was being given to care homes at a time when the sector was deeply worried about taking patients with coronavirus for fear of it spreading to other residents .
Guidance issued by Public Health England in early March said that care homes would get clear information on patients they were being asked to admit .
Care home owner @ @ @ @ @ @ @ patient , but refused .
She said : `` The impression I gleaned from that document was that something did n't quite stack up .
`` So I advised my manager not to take this lady as I felt something was n't right and it was n't clear whether she was COVID positive or negative .
It 's absolutely essential that these documents are crystal clear .
`` We could n't run the risk for the safety of the other residents . ''
Ten days later , Mrs Stead was back in hospital @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she had a cough and a high temperature and was later tested positive for COVID-19 .
It is not clear where she caught the virus .
John Stead , Mrs Stead 's son , said he had no idea his mother 's medical notes had been changed in this way .
`` It certainly looks confusing to anyone looking at this document .
It 's just not clear from reading it if she had the virus or not . ''
The Mid Yorkshire NHS Hospitals Trust said the form was altered to make @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been tested when she was first discharged to a care home .
It is not known whether she had the virus or not at that point .
A trust spokesperson said they had not been able to track down the person who made the alteration .
Martin Barkley , chief executive at the Mid Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust , said : `` We fully accept the way the form was amended did not comply with national best practice on documentation as the amendment was not signed or dated and could have caused confusion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for everyone in the NHS .
`` We intend to reiterate to our staff the importance of accurate and clear communication with care homes and families , and we are very sorry if this has caused any distress . ''
Care managers have told Sky News that they have faced growing pressure from hospitals to accept patients into care homes .
Care homes played a big part in freeing up hospital beds at the height of the pandemic .
In some cases , managers have refused to accept patients because information relating to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : : Listen to Coronavirus : In This Together on Apple Podcasts , Spotify , or Spreaker Marina Glaves is the registered manager at Beechy Knoll care home in Sheffield , a dementia nursing home that is one of the 60 % of homes to remain free of coronavirus .
She said : `` I see my role as the gatekeeper , which ensures that residents and staff are safe .
I 'm not bringing anybody back that has got COVID-19 to spread to everybody else in the building .
`` It 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about whether they have the virus or not and the slightest doubt causes so much anxiety .
`` We are fighting all the time just to get the very basic , often negative text .
`` I 'm not asking for somebody to come fighting fit or miraculously cured .
I 'm asking for negative tests to COVID-19 .
`` We are asking for clarity and I 'm afraid sometimes we 're getting anything but . ''

An NHS trust has apologised to the family of an elderly patient after her medical records were altered leading to confusion over whether she had COVID-19 or not.
Barbara Stead was admitted to hospital in Dewsbury, West Yorkshire, after fracturing her ankle in a fall at home on 5 April.
After two days in hospital, local care homes in the area were asked if they would take the 80-year-old accompanied with a discharge form containing her medical notes.
Image: The results of a COVID-19 test had been scribbled on and changed from positive to negative
But one care manager became suspicious after noticing that the results of a COVID-19 test had been scribbled on and changed from positive to negative.
Then the words "not tested but temp of 38.8" - one of the symptoms of COVID-19, was also scribbled out, but not signed or dated.
This document was being given to care homes at a time when the sector was deeply worried about taking patients with coronavirus for fear of it spreading to other residents.
Guidance issued by Public Health England in early March said that care homes would get clear information on patients they were being asked to admit.
Care home owner Pearl Jackson was asked to take the patient, but refused.
She said: "The impression I gleaned from that document was that something didn't quite stack up.
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"So I advised my manager not to take this lady as I felt something wasn't right and it wasn't clear whether she was COVID positive or negative. It's absolutely essential that these documents are crystal clear.
"We couldn't run the risk for the safety of the other residents."
Ten days later, Mrs Stead was back in hospital after suffering another fall, this time she had a cough and a high temperature and was later tested positive for COVID-19.
It is not clear where she caught the virus.
John Stead, Mrs Stead's son, said he had no idea his mother's medical notes had been changed in this way.
"It certainly looks confusing to anyone looking at this document. It's just not clear from reading it if she had the virus or not."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 22:43 Special report: The killer in our care homes
The Mid Yorkshire NHS Hospitals Trust said the form was altered to make it accurate because Mrs Stead had not been tested when she was first discharged to a care home.
It is not known whether she had the virus or not at that point.
A trust spokesperson said they had not been able to track down the person who made the alteration.
Image: The trust said the form was altered to make it accurate
Martin Barkley, chief executive at the Mid Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust, said: "We fully accept the way the form was amended did not comply with national best practice on documentation as the amendment was not signed or dated and could have caused confusion at what was a very challenging time for everyone in the NHS.
"We intend to reiterate to our staff the importance of accurate and clear communication with care homes and families, and we are very sorry if this has caused any distress."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:39 Justice secretary: 'We did decide to focus on the NHS'
Care managers have told Sky News that they have faced growing pressure from hospitals to accept patients into care homes.
Care homes played a big part in freeing up hospital beds at the height of the pandemic.
In some cases, managers have refused to accept patients because information relating to their COVID-19 status was not complete.
:: Listen to Coronavirus: In This Together on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Spreaker
Marina Glaves is the registered manager at Beechy Knoll care home in Sheffield, a dementia nursing home that is one of the 60% of homes to remain free of coronavirus.
She said: "I see my role as the gatekeeper, which ensures that residents and staff are safe. I'm not bringing anybody back that has got COVID-19 to spread to everybody else in the building.
"It's so important that we have clear information about whether they have the virus or not and the slightest doubt causes so much anxiety.
Image: Marina Glaves is the registered manager at Beechy Knoll care home in Sheffield
"We are fighting all the time just to get the very basic, often negative text.
"I'm not asking for somebody to come fighting fit or miraculously cured. I'm asking for negative tests to COVID-19.
"We are asking for clarity and I'm afraid sometimes we're getting anything but."


news--2020-05-22--Tara Reid reveals she is in lockdown with Jedward

Tara Reid has revealed she is quarantining with Jedward .
The American Pie actress first became friends with the X Factor twins while filming Celebrity Big Brother in the UK in 2011 .
Now , the trio are recreating the experience , albeit in coronavirus lockdown , living together in Reid 's apartment in LA - along with her boyfriend Nathan Montpetit-Howar , a 38-year-old producer and club promoter .
Reid revealed the surprise gathering on her We Hear podcast .
She told fans : `` We 've all been locked in our houses for months… it 's not easy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it 's two rooms so it 's not easy .
`` You 're always in each others faces , I 'm doing so much business for my films and [ my boyfriend ] is doing business as well , he has mortgages .
`` It 's been difficult , we 're trying to make the best of it but we 're doing the best we can . ''
John and Edward Grimes arrived in America in mid-March , just before lockdown began .
Reid explained : `` The other guys I 'm also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that I 've grown up with… do you know who Jedward is ?
`` Right now to have them in my life here… they truly have made this experience so much better than it would have been for me… '' Jedward can be heard in the background , saying they had cleaned Reid 's windows to `` earn their keep '' .
Reid recently revealed that she was in talks to play Carole Baskin in the Tiger King movie alongside Nicolas Cage .
She told US Weekly she was in negotiations to play @ @ @ @ @ @ @ movie based on the Netflix documentary .
: : Listen to the Backstage podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Reid said she 'd like to hang out with Baskin , who runs Big Cat Rescue in Tampa , Florida , if she 's offered the role .
Her experience acting with wildlife in the Sharknado film franchise could no doubt fuel her chances of bagging the part .

Tara Reid has revealed she is quarantining with Jedward.
The American Pie actress first became friends with the X Factor twins while filming Celebrity Big Brother in the UK in 2011.
Image: The Irish twins got close with Tara in Celebrity Big Brother
Now, the trio are recreating the experience, albeit in coronavirus lockdown, living together in Reid's apartment in LA - along with her boyfriend Nathan Montpetit-Howar, a 38-year-old producer and club promoter.
Reid revealed the surprise gathering on her We Hear podcast.
She told fans: "We've all been locked in our houses for months… it's not easy. I have a small apartment, it's two rooms so it's not easy.
"You're always in each others faces, I'm doing so much business for my films and [my boyfriend] is doing business as well, he has mortgages.
"It's been difficult, we're trying to make the best of it but we're doing the best we can."
Image: Reid says she's got a promising audition on the cards
John and Edward Grimes arrived in America in mid-March, just before lockdown began.
Reid explained: "The other guys I'm also quarantining with are my two best friends that I've grown up with… do you know who Jedward is?
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"Right now to have them in my life here… they truly have made this experience so much better than it would have been for me…"
Image: Tiger King: Murder, Mayhem and Madness. Pic: Netflix
Jedward can be heard in the background, saying they had cleaned Reid's windows to "earn their keep".
Reid recently revealed that she was in talks to play Carole Baskin in the Tiger King movie alongside Nicolas Cage.
She told US Weekly she was in negotiations to play the controversial animal rights activist in a movie based on the Netflix documentary.
:: Listen to the Backstage podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Reid said she'd like to hang out with Baskin, who runs Big Cat Rescue in Tampa, Florida, if she's offered the role.
Her experience acting with wildlife in the Sharknado film franchise could no doubt fuel her chances of bagging the part.


news--2020-05-22--Coronavirus: Effective track and trace strategy needed as schools reopen, ministers were told

Scientific advisers to the government told ministers they should have an effective track , trace and isolate strategy as they reopen schools .
Prime Minister Boris Johnson wants schools to reopen on 1 June and there is doubt over whether such a system will be in place .
The advisers have also said that teachers do not appear to be at a greater risk of catching COVID-19 than other professions - but there is still some risk if schools reopen .
The advisers suggested some form of coronavirus testing in school takes place .
They also said that it is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the speed of infection , known as the R rate , is below 1 - a condition which is currently being met .
News of their advice comes as SAGE released its reasoning for how schools could be reopened safely .
Key points include : • Evidence on how likely children are to transmit the coronavirus remains `` inconclusive '' , with a separate review of global studies led by University College London found those aged under 20 had 56 % less chance of being infected • Teachers do not appear to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other professions , but there is still some risk if schools reopen • The attendance of younger teachers could be prioritised to decrease the likelihood of infection for staff in more vulnerable groups • Wider contextual issues - like whether families have black , Asian and minority ethnic ( BAME ) members - has to be considered when looking at the impact of relaxing school closures on transmission of the virus Downing Street has faced growing calls to release the science behind its move to potentially begin a phased reopening of primary schools @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ease the coronavirus lockdown unveiled by the PM earlier this month , children in nursery , reception , Year 1 and Year 6 will return to their classrooms .
A final decision on whether to go ahead with reopening schools is expected to be taken by the government on or before 28 May , after the most up-to-date scientific evidence has been reviewed .
Mr Johnson has promised a `` world-beating '' track and trace system to stop a second COVID-19 peak and help ease the lockdown will be in place by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the push to reopen schools has sparked opposition from some quarters , with more than two dozen councils saying they will not begin allowing pupils back from that date .
Unions have also expressed concerns about whether teachers , support staff and pupils will be safe .
According to a poll by the Unison union , only 2 % of school staff said they felt reassured by the PM 's speech and recent government guidance on reopening .
Dr Mary Bousted , joint general secretary of the National Education Union , told Sky @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` descending into chaos '' .
`` It was told that [ 1 June ] was too quick , it was told that schools would n't have time to prepare , '' she said .
`` The government was told that the evidence was not there that it would be safe to reopen schools .
The evidence is still not there . ''
Adam Cooper , headteacher of Knavesmire Primary School in York , told Sky News after reading the documents : `` There is a lot of information to pull out from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of `` maybes '' , `` mights , '' `` can '' .
`` It puts you in a position of are you are confident to open , or confident not to open ?
You are still caught in the middle with that , I think . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Mr Cooper , whose school has been open for key workers of children during the outbreak , added : `` I do n't think what we have read @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` And that puts everyone in a really difficult position .
Difficult for schools , teachers and parents , there are no winners with this really as such . ''
Liberal Democrat education spokesperson Layla Moran said `` serious questions '' had to be asked about `` why it took so long for this to be made public '' .
`` The delay has caused unnecessary stress to parents and teachers and left schools answering questions in the dark , '' she said .
A former government chief scientific adviser has said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for schools to reopen .
Sir David King , who has convened a separate `` independent '' panel of scientists , has said delaying this by two weeks until 15 June `` approximately halves the risk to children '' .
Although a number of councils have expressed opposition to the potential reopening of schools , many are not under local authority control .
Academies , state schools that are not run by councils , could take their own decisions on whether to follow the government 's plans .
A number of chief executives @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to reopen soon in order to avoid `` irreparable '' damage to vulnerable children .
The chief executive of REAch2 , the largest primary academy chain in England , has said it plans to reopen all its schools for the priority year groups identified by the PM .
A Department for Education spokesperson said : `` The evidence published today shows we looked at a range of options in drawing up this phased approach to reopening schools , which is in line with the Government 's overall 'roadmap ' .
`` As in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ phases of the wider opening of schools will prioritise younger children .
Advice from SAGE shows there is a lower overall risk from opening schools and nurseries to younger children , and that they are less likely to become unwell if infected with coronavirus compared to adults .
`` This cautious , phased approach for allowing a limited number of pupils back into classrooms has been , and will continue to be , informed by the best possible scientific and medical advice . ''
The devolved nations have taken a different approach to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the plan is to have all children back on a part-time basis on 11 August .
In Northern Ireland , the aim is to restart classes for all children in September if enough progress has been made in tackling COVID-19 .
Meanwhile , in Wales , the government has not given any dates for when the country can expect schools to reopen .

Scientific advisers to the government told ministers they should have an effective track, trace and isolate strategy as they reopen schools.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson wants schools to reopen on 1 June and there is doubt over whether such a system will be in place.
The advisers have also said that teachers do not appear to be at a greater risk of catching COVID-19 than other professions - but there is still some risk if schools reopen.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:03 Future education under coronavirus
The advisers suggested some form of coronavirus testing in school takes place.
They also said that it is safe to reopen schools as long as the speed of infection, known as the R rate, is below 1 - a condition which is currently being met.
News of their advice comes as SAGE released its reasoning for how schools could be reopened safely. Key points include:
Evidence on how likely children are to transmit the coronavirus remains "inconclusive", with a separate review of global studies led by University College London found those aged under 20 had 56% less chance of being infected
Teachers do not appear to be more at risk of catching COVID-19 than other professions, but there is still some risk if schools reopen
The attendance of younger teachers could be prioritised to decrease the likelihood of infection for staff in more vulnerable groups
Wider contextual issues - like whether families have black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) members - has to be considered when looking at the impact of relaxing school closures on transmission of the virus
Downing Street has faced growing calls to release the science behind its move to potentially begin a phased reopening of primary schools from 1 June.
Under plans to ease the coronavirus lockdown unveiled by the PM earlier this month, children in nursery, reception, Year 1 and Year 6 will return to their classrooms.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:51 'Test, track and trace before reopening schools'
A final decision on whether to go ahead with reopening schools is expected to be taken by the government on or before 28 May, after the most up-to-date scientific evidence has been reviewed.
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Mr Johnson has promised a "world-beating" track and trace system to stop a second COVID-19 peak and help ease the lockdown will be in place by the time schools begin to reopen.
But the push to reopen schools has sparked opposition from some quarters, with more than two dozen councils saying they will not begin allowing pupils back from that date.
Unions have also expressed concerns about whether teachers, support staff and pupils will be safe.
According to a poll by the Unison union, only 2% of school staff said they felt reassured by the PM's speech and recent government guidance on reopening.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:07 Children 'less likely to have serious symptoms'
Dr Mary Bousted, joint general secretary of the National Education Union, told Sky News the plans to reopen schools were "descending into chaos".
"It was told that [1 June] was too quick, it was told that schools wouldn't have time to prepare," she said.
"The government was told that the evidence was not there that it would be safe to reopen schools. The evidence is still not there."
Adam Cooper, headteacher of Knavesmire Primary School in York, told Sky News after reading the documents: "There is a lot of information to pull out from this, but there are a lot of "maybes", "mights," "can".
"It puts you in a position of are you are confident to open, or confident not to open? You are still caught in the middle with that, I think."
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Mr Cooper, whose school has been open for key workers of children during the outbreak, added: "I don't think what we have read today shows that schools can reopen safely.
"And that puts everyone in a really difficult position. Difficult for schools, teachers and parents, there are no winners with this really as such."
Liberal Democrat education spokesperson Layla Moran said "serious questions" had to be asked about "why it took so long for this to be made public".
"The delay has caused unnecessary stress to parents and teachers and left schools answering questions in the dark," she said.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 8:27 The difficulty of social distancing in school
A former government chief scientific adviser has said 1 June is "too early" for schools to reopen.
Sir David King, who has convened a separate "independent" panel of scientists, has said delaying this by two weeks until 15 June "approximately halves the risk to children".
Although a number of councils have expressed opposition to the potential reopening of schools, many are not under local authority control.
Academies, state schools that are not run by councils, could take their own decisions on whether to follow the government's plans.
A number of chief executives of academy chains have said schools have to reopen soon in order to avoid "irreparable" damage to vulnerable children.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:29 Parents fearful of sending children to school
The chief executive of REAch2, the largest primary academy chain in England, has said it plans to reopen all its schools for the priority year groups identified by the PM.
A Department for Education spokesperson said: "The evidence published today shows we looked at a range of options in drawing up this phased approach to reopening schools, which is in line with the Government's overall 'roadmap'.
"As in other countries across Europe, the first phases of the wider opening of schools will prioritise younger children. Advice from SAGE shows there is a lower overall risk from opening schools and nurseries to younger children, and that they are less likely to become unwell if infected with coronavirus compared to adults.
"This cautious, phased approach for allowing a limited number of pupils back into classrooms has been, and will continue to be, informed by the best possible scientific and medical advice."
The devolved nations have taken a different approach to schools than Westminster.
In Scotland, the plan is to have all children back on a part-time basis on 11 August.
In Northern Ireland, the aim is to restart classes for all children in September if enough progress has been made in tackling COVID-19.
Meanwhile, in Wales, the government has not given any dates for when the country can expect schools to reopen.


news--2020-05-22--Coronavirus: Children and older adults join trials to find COVID-19 vaccine

Scientists want to recruit more than 10,000 people across the UK - including children and older adults - to take part in the next two phases of clinical trials to find a vaccine for coronavirus .
Work began in January on an inoculation for COVID-19 , which uses a virus taken from chimpanzees , developed by the University of Oxford 's Jenner Institute and the Oxford Vaccine Group .
The first phase involved 160 healthy volunteers - aged between 18 and 55 - but now researchers want to expand that further .
Initially , they are looking for up to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ • 250 people aged 18-55 who have come into contact , or possible contact , with COVID-19 patients due to their work , such as health and care workers , cleaners , and dentists Scientists want a total of 10,260 people for the trial , which they say is one of only four under way worldwide .
It could also `` pave the way for a vaccine to be delivered later this year '' , according to Saul Faust , professor of paediatric immunology and infectious diseases at the University of Southampton .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Oxford Vaccine Group , said the clinical studies are `` progressing very well '' .
He said : `` We are now initiating studies to evaluate how well the vaccine induces immune responses in older adults , and to test whether it can provide protection in the wider population . ''
AstraZeneca said on Thursday that it had the capacity to manufacture one billion doses , and could begin supplying it in September .
The pharmaceutical firm said it has secured the first agreements for at least 400 million doses of the vaccine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker In Scotland , the University of Glasgow will support the trials in collaborations with NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde .
Dr Jennifer Armstrong , medical director of NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde , said : `` We 're proud to have NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde join the global effort in finding an effective vaccine for COVID-19 .
`` Our dedicated team of health and care staff have put patients first every step of the way as we responded to this virus @ @

Scientists want to recruit more than 10,000 people across the UK - including children and older adults - to take part in the next two phases of clinical trials to find a vaccine for coronavirus.
Work began in January on an inoculation for COVID-19, which uses a virus taken from chimpanzees, developed by the University of Oxford's Jenner Institute and the Oxford Vaccine Group.
The first phase involved 160 healthy volunteers - aged between 18 and 55 - but now researchers want to expand that further.
Image: A plate culture used to develop a COVID-19 vaccine at Imperial College
Initially, they are looking for up to 620 new volunteers in three categories:
250 people aged 18-55 who have come into contact, or possible contact, with COVID-19 patients due to their work, such as health and care workers, cleaners, and dentists
250 healthy people aged at least 55
120 healthy people aged over 70
Scientists want a total of 10,260 people for the trial, which they say is one of only four under way worldwide.
It could also "pave the way for a vaccine to be delivered later this year", according to Saul Faust, professor of paediatric immunology and infectious diseases at the University of Southampton.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:17 UK will have 30m vaccine doses by Sept - if it works
Professor Andrew Pollard, head of the Oxford Vaccine Group, said the clinical studies are "progressing very well".
He said: "We are now initiating studies to evaluate how well the vaccine induces immune responses in older adults, and to test whether it can provide protection in the wider population."
AstraZeneca said on Thursday that it had the capacity to manufacture one billion doses, and could begin supplying it in September.
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The pharmaceutical firm said it has secured the first agreements for at least 400 million doses of the vaccine.
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In Scotland, the University of Glasgow will support the trials in collaborations with NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde.
Dr Jennifer Armstrong, medical director of NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, said: "We're proud to have NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde join the global effort in finding an effective vaccine for COVID-19.
"Our dedicated team of health and care staff have put patients first every step of the way as we responded to this virus."


news--2020-05-21--Shop workers could be trained to spot 'codeword' from domestic violence victims

Victims of domestic abuse could be given a codeword to allow them to alert people such as shop workers that they are in danger .
Under new government plans , retail workers would be trained to identify the key words and would then be able to pass information onto relevant agencies such as law enforcement and victims ' charities .
The Home office said it is working on the codeword scheme with various groups including the National Pharmacy Association , the British Retail Consortium , and domestic abuse charities , all of whom will be among the participants in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Johnson on Thursday .
Mr Johnson said : `` I am acutely aware that for some people home is not a safe space , and that coronavirus has brought with it additional dangers . ''
He added : `` It is vital that we come together and bring all our collective expertise to ensure we are doing everything we can to support those at risk , and to help them rebuild their lives . ''
As well as domestic abuse , the summit will be looking at new ways to support victims of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ modern slavery .
It comes as around £10 million has been earmarked to boost the National Crime Agency 's ability to tackle paedophiles operating on the dark web , and there is a further £3.36 million for projects to the understand the threat posed by the most serious criminals .
The Home Office said that £76 million of extra funding has been made available for vulnerable people from the Government 's £750 million package of support for charities .
Representatives from the National Crime Agency , National Police Chiefs ' Council , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and victims ' commissioners and leaders from domestic abuse and children 's charities , including the NSPCC , Refuge and Women 's Aid are among those who are set to attend the summit .
NCA director general Lynne Owens said the additional funding for this financial year should help to arrest more online child sex offenders while NSPCC chief executive Peter Wanless described children as `` the hidden victims of this crisis '' who maybe struggling with anxiety and fear of abuse or neglect while being cut off from friends , family and @ @ @

Victims of domestic abuse could be given a codeword to allow them to alert people such as shop workers that they are in danger.
Under new government plans, retail workers would be trained to identify the key words and would then be able to pass information onto relevant agencies such as law enforcement and victims' charities.
The Home office said it is working on the codeword scheme with various groups including the National Pharmacy Association, the British Retail Consortium, and domestic abuse charities, all of whom will be among the participants in a virtual Hidden Harms Summit hosted by Boris Johnson on Thursday.
Mr Johnson said: "I am acutely aware that for some people home is not a safe space, and that coronavirus has brought with it additional dangers."
He added: "It is vital that we come together and bring all our collective expertise to ensure we are doing everything we can to support those at risk, and to help them rebuild their lives."
As well as domestic abuse, the summit will be looking at new ways to support victims of sexual violence, child sexual abuse and modern slavery.
It comes as around £10 million has been earmarked to boost the National Crime Agency's ability to tackle paedophiles operating on the dark web, and there is a further £3.36 million for projects to the understand the threat posed by the most serious criminals.
The Home Office said that £76 million of extra funding has been made available for vulnerable people from the Government's £750 million package of support for charities.
Representatives from the National Crime Agency, National Police Chiefs' Council, the children's, domestic abuse, anti-slavery and victims' commissioners and leaders from domestic abuse and children's charities, including the NSPCC, Refuge and Women's Aid are among those who are set to attend the summit.
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NCA director general Lynne Owens said the additional funding for this financial year should help to arrest more online child sex offenders while NSPCC chief executive Peter Wanless described children as "the hidden victims of this crisis" who maybe struggling with anxiety and fear of abuse or neglect while being cut off from friends, family and support services.


news--2020-05-22--Coronavirus: Self-isolate for 14 days or face £1,000 fine, travellers to UK to be told

International travellers could face fines of £1,000 if they fail to self-isolate for 14 days after arriving in the UK , the government is expected to announce .
Visitors , including returning Britons , will be asked to share their contact details under the measures , with health officials performing spot checks to ensure they are complying with the rules .
The policy , which will be introduced early in June , is set to be unveiled by Home Secretary Priti Patel at the daily Downing Street briefing this afternoon .
Road hauliers and medical officials are going to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the common travel area with Ireland will be unaffected .
Despite London and Paris holding discussions about a possible exemption , it is believed that the quarantine measures will apply to arrivals from France .
Travellers from the Republic of Ireland will be exempt , and officials in Australia argue that travellers from there should not face quarantine .
Northern Ireland Secretary Brandon Lewis told Sky News the measure was a `` sensible '' course of action to keep the infection rate `` as low as possible '' .
He added that ministers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' on when to introduce a quarantine , while also confirming travellers arriving in the UK will be responsible for their own accommodation .
Mr Lewis added that there were `` no plans '' at the moment for so-called air bridges , exemptions for those travelling to countries with low infection rates .
Shadow health secretary Jonathan Ashworth said he supported the quarantine plans , but queried why action had not been taken sooner .
In his address to the nation on 10 May , Prime Minister Boris Johnson had warned it would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on people coming into this country by air '' as the UK tries to keep coronavirus transmission rates down .
Speculation of a 14-day self-isolation period sparked an angry response from the already embattled aviation industry , with Ryanair boss Michael O'Leary describing the plan as `` bonkers '' on Friday .
In a statement to Sky News Virgin Atlantic said : `` The safety and security of our people and our customers is always our top priority and public health must come first .
`` However , by introducing a mandatory 14 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the UK , the Government 's approach will prevent flights from resuming .
`` We are continually reviewing our flying programme and with these restrictions , there simply wo n't be sufficient demand to resume passenger services before August at the earliest .
`` We know that as the COVID-19 crisis subsides , air travel will be a vital enabler of the UK 's economic recovery .
`` Therefore , we are calling for a multi-layered approach of carefully targeted public health and screening measures , which will allow for a successful and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ passengers and businesses . ''
The trade body Airlines UK had echoed these remarks , warning that mandatory quarantine measures `` would effectively kill '' international travel to and from the UK .
On Thursday , some airlines had announced tentative plans to start resuming flights .
EasyJet confirmed plans to offer a limited schedule of predominantly domestic flights from the middle of June , with just one international service connecting London Gatwick and the French city of Nice .
Passengers and crew will be required to wear masks in airports and on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sold during the flights .
Ryanair is preparing to restore 40 % of its flights from 1 July , while British Airways is due to make a `` meaningful return '' to service in the same month .
Meanwhile , the government is set to publish the scientific advice underpinning its decision to reopen schools to some children on 1 June .
Classes are set to resume for pupils in nursery , reception , Year 1 and Year 6 , with unions pressuring the government to present evidence that shows this is safe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker A final decision on whether to go ahead with reopening schools is expected to be taken by the government on or before May 28 after the most up-to-date scientific evidence has been reviewed .
Some councils - predominantly Labour-run local authorities in the North of England - have ruled out a wider reopening from 1 June .
Yesterday , Health Secretary Matt Hancock shared findings of a study suggesting that at least 5 % of people in the UK have now developed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in London .
He also confirmed that more than 10 million antibody tests are going to be rolled out from next week , and revealed that certificates are being looked at for people who test positive for antibodies .

International travellers could face fines of £1,000 if they fail to self-isolate for 14 days after arriving in the UK, the government is expected to announce.
Visitors, including returning Britons, will be asked to share their contact details under the measures, with health officials performing spot checks to ensure they are complying with the rules.
The policy, which will be introduced early in June, is set to be unveiled by Home Secretary Priti Patel at the daily Downing Street briefing this afternoon.
Road hauliers and medical officials are going to be exempt from the new restrictions, and the common travel area with Ireland will be unaffected.
Despite London and Paris holding discussions about a possible exemption, it is believed that the quarantine measures will apply to arrivals from France.
Travellers from the Republic of Ireland will be exempt, and officials in Australia argue that travellers from there should not face quarantine.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:40 'We've all got to take responsibility for what we do'
Northern Ireland Secretary Brandon Lewis told Sky News the measure was a "sensible" course of action to keep the infection rate "as low as possible".
He added that ministers had been "guided by the science" on when to introduce a quarantine, while also confirming travellers arriving in the UK will be responsible for their own accommodation.
Mr Lewis added that there were "no plans" at the moment for so-called air bridges, exemptions for those travelling to countries with low infection rates.
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Shadow health secretary Jonathan Ashworth said he supported the quarantine plans, but queried why action had not been taken sooner.
In his address to the nation on 10 May, Prime Minister Boris Johnson had warned it would soon be time to "impose quarantine on people coming into this country by air" as the UK tries to keep coronavirus transmission rates down.
Speculation of a 14-day self-isolation period sparked an angry response from the already embattled aviation industry, with Ryanair boss Michael O'Leary describing the plan as "bonkers" on Friday.
In a statement to Sky News Virgin Atlantic said: "The safety and security of our people and our customers is always our top priority and public health must come first.
"However, by introducing a mandatory 14 day self-isolation for every single traveller entering the UK, the Government's approach will prevent flights from resuming.
"We are continually reviewing our flying programme and with these restrictions, there simply won't be sufficient demand to resume passenger services before August at the earliest.
"We know that as the COVID-19 crisis subsides, air travel will be a vital enabler of the UK's economic recovery.
"Therefore, we are calling for a multi-layered approach of carefully targeted public health and screening measures, which will allow for a successful and safe restart of international air travel for passengers and businesses."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:39 'Ignoring lockdown measures is idiotic'
The trade body Airlines UK had echoed these remarks, warning that mandatory quarantine measures "would effectively kill" international travel to and from the UK.
On Thursday, some airlines had announced tentative plans to start resuming flights.
Image: British Airways, easyJet and Ryanair all plan to resume some services in the coming weeks
EasyJet confirmed plans to offer a limited schedule of predominantly domestic flights from the middle of June, with just one international service connecting London Gatwick and the French city of Nice.
Passengers and crew will be required to wear masks in airports and on aircraft, and no food will be sold during the flights.
Ryanair is preparing to restore 40% of its flights from 1 July, while British Airways is due to make a "meaningful return" to service in the same month.
Meanwhile, the government is set to publish the scientific advice underpinning its decision to reopen schools to some children on 1 June.
Classes are set to resume for pupils in nursery, reception, Year 1 and Year 6, with unions pressuring the government to present evidence that shows this is safe.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
A final decision on whether to go ahead with reopening schools is expected to be taken by the government on or before May 28 after the most up-to-date scientific evidence has been reviewed.
Some councils - predominantly Labour-run local authorities in the North of England - have ruled out a wider reopening from 1 June.
Yesterday, Health Secretary Matt Hancock shared findings of a study suggesting that at least 5% of people in the UK have now developed COVID-19 antibodies, rising to 17% in London.
He also confirmed that more than 10 million antibody tests are going to be rolled out from next week, and revealed that certificates are being looked at for people who test positive for antibodies.


news--2020-05-22--Coronavirus: Ikea to reopen 19 stores with social distancing measures in place

Homeware chain Ikea is set to reopen 19 stores across England and Northern Ireland with social distancing measures in place .
Families will be banned when the outlets open on 1 June , with the company saying it will only allow one adult and one child per household inside at a time .
The retailer said wardens will patrol stores and the number of customers will be limited .
Extra hand sanitiser and more deep cleans of bags , trolleys , bathrooms , equipment and touchscreens will take place .
Cash will not be accepted , with all payments by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said customers should avoid travelling to stores just to process refunds , with the chain pointing out it has a 365-day returns policy .
The retailer said the 19 sites reopening will be in areas including London , Birmingham , Manchester and Belfast .
Restaurants and play areas will remain closed but the food market will reopen for customers to make food like Swedish meatballs at home .
Bosses have said they aim to limit customer numbers via a staggered entry system and are asking shoppers to `` come prepared with ready-made lists @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Collect facilities in England , Wales and Northern Ireland are opening in a phased approach and in line with government guidelines .
Stores across Scotland , Wales and Ireland will remain closed in line with government coronavirus guidance .
: : Listen to Coronavirus : In This Together on Apple Podcasts , Spotify , or Spreaker It also revealed its Coventry store , which was already facing the axe , will remain closed permanently .
Since the pandemic and subsequent store closures , Ikea 's car parks in Gateshead and Wembley have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Key workers were also allowed to shop in the Swedish food markets after being tested .
Ikea 's move comes as Wetherspoons and Sports Direct both released details for reopenings .
The full list of locations where Ikea stores are reopening :

Homeware chain Ikea is set to reopen 19 stores across England and Northern Ireland with social distancing measures in place.
Families will be banned when the outlets open on 1 June, with the company saying it will only allow one adult and one child per household inside at a time.
The retailer said wardens will patrol stores and the number of customers will be limited.
Extra hand sanitiser and more deep cleans of bags, trolleys, bathrooms, equipment and touchscreens will take place.
Cash will not be accepted, with all payments by card or contactless device only.
Image: The car parks of some Ikea stores have been used as coronavirus testing sites
Ikea said customers should avoid travelling to stores just to process refunds, with the chain pointing out it has a 365-day returns policy.
The retailer said the 19 sites reopening will be in areas including London, Birmingham, Manchester and Belfast.
Restaurants and play areas will remain closed but the food market will reopen for customers to make food like Swedish meatballs at home.
Bosses have said they aim to limit customer numbers via a staggered entry system and are asking shoppers to "come prepared with ready-made lists and own bags".
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Click & Collect facilities in England, Wales and Northern Ireland are opening in a phased approach and in line with government guidelines.
Stores across Scotland, Wales and Ireland will remain closed in line with government coronavirus guidance.
:: Listen to Coronavirus: In This Together on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Spreaker
It also revealed its Coventry store, which was already facing the axe, will remain closed permanently.
Since the pandemic and subsequent store closures, Ikea's car parks in Gateshead and Wembley have been turned into drive-through coronavirus testing sites.
Key workers were also allowed to shop in the Swedish food markets after being tested.
Ikea's move comes as Wetherspoons and Sports Direct both released details for reopenings.
The full list of locations where Ikea stores are reopening:


news--2020-05-22--New security laws for Hong Kong could cause 'potential significant rift' between UK and China

Brace for a new and potentially significant rift between Britain and China over Hong Kong .
Beijing is poised to turn its back on a promise to guarantee the former British territory 's rights and freedoms for half a century , a clock that only started ticking in 1997 .
A proposal by the Chinese Communist Party to impose national security laws on Hong Kong is the most significant attempt yet to enforce the mainland 's will on this international city .
It underlines the impatience felt by China 's leaders following increasingly mutinous pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ control .
The drastic move also underscores China 's growing confidence and power as the world-order wobbles and countries are consumed by the coronavirus pandemic .
President Xi Jinping knows he will draw fire from the United States , Britain and other countries allied with the West , but has clearly calculated it is a risk worth taking .
Details are still sketchy , but the proposal could enable China to set up bases for its intelligence and security agencies in Hong Kong .
The intent , according to Beijing , is to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and foreign interference .
China also says Hong Kong 's `` high autonomy '' will be secured .
The territory has a special status guaranteed by what is known as the Basic Law and a `` one country , two systems '' principle agreed between London and Beijing ahead of the handover .
But activists and foreign diplomats fear in reality the new plan could enable the Chinese security services to take action that breaches the rights and powers enjoyed by residents .
A previous attempt by Hong Kong to pass a national @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and was put on hold .
Pro-democracy protesters returned to the streets in their hundreds and thousands last year to demonstrate against other action by the mainland .
They have also railed against Carrie Lam , Hong Kong 's leader , who 's accused of being too willing to follow Beijing 's lead .
The COVID-19 outbreak meant these protests - which left the territory gridlocked - largely stopped in recent months , but an easing of the health emergency has seen pockets of renewed action on the streets .
This looks set @ @ @ @ @ @ @ national law proposal , with activists calling on people to rise up and challenge it , even as Ms Lam says her government will `` fully cooperate '' .
Into the mix , throw the United States .
President Donald Trump has spent the past two months attacking China over its handling of the pandemic , blaming Beijing for infecting the world .
He has warned that Washington would react `` very strongly '' if Beijing imposed the new security law on Hong Kong .
Mike Pompeo , his secretary of state , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and warned that it would spell a `` death knell '' for the high degree of autonomy enjoyed by the territory .
This in turn could lead to the US withdrawing a special trading status it gives to Hong Kong in what would be a costly move for the Asian financial hub .
Britain on Friday clubbed together with allies Australia and Canada to issue a rare joint rebuke about China 's action .
`` We are deeply concerned at proposals for introducing legislation related to national security in Hong Kong , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Marise Payne , Australia 's top diplomat , and Canadian Foreign Minister François-Philippe Champagne said in a statement .
`` Making such a law on Hong Kong 's behalf without the direct participation of its people , legislature or judiciary would clearly undermine the principle of 'One Country , Two Systems ' , under which Hong Kong is guaranteed a high degree of autonomy . ''

Brace for a new and potentially significant rift between Britain and China over Hong Kong.
Beijing is poised to turn its back on a promise to guarantee the former British territory's rights and freedoms for half a century, a clock that only started ticking in 1997.
A proposal by the Chinese Communist Party to impose national security laws on Hong Kong is the most significant attempt yet to enforce the mainland's will on this international city.
Image: Chinese president Xi Jinping
It underlines the impatience felt by China's leaders following increasingly mutinous pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong last year against what activists see as creeping control.
The drastic move also underscores China's growing confidence and power as the world-order wobbles and countries are consumed by the coronavirus pandemic.
President Xi Jinping knows he will draw fire from the United States, Britain and other countries allied with the West, but has clearly calculated it is a risk worth taking.
Details are still sketchy, but the proposal could enable China to set up bases for its intelligence and security agencies in Hong Kong.
The intent, according to Beijing, is to help tackle subversion, secession, terrorism and foreign interference.
China also says Hong Kong's "high autonomy" will be secured.
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The territory has a special status guaranteed by what is known as the Basic Law and a "one country, two systems" principle agreed between London and Beijing ahead of the handover.
But activists and foreign diplomats fear in reality the new plan could enable the Chinese security services to take action that breaches the rights and powers enjoyed by residents.
A previous attempt by Hong Kong to pass a national security law in 2003 triggered widespread protests and was put on hold.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:23 Hong Kong to adopt China's controversial security law
Pro-democracy protesters returned to the streets in their hundreds and thousands last year to demonstrate against other action by the mainland.
They have also railed against Carrie Lam, Hong Kong's leader, who's accused of being too willing to follow Beijing's lead.
The COVID-19 outbreak meant these protests - which left the territory gridlocked - largely stopped in recent months, but an easing of the health emergency has seen pockets of renewed action on the streets.
This looks set to swell in response to the new national law proposal, with activists calling on people to rise up and challenge it, even as Ms Lam says her government will "fully cooperate".
Image: Hong Kong chief executive Carrie Lam wearing a face mask due to the coronavirus
Into the mix, throw the United States.
President Donald Trump has spent the past two months attacking China over its handling of the pandemic, blaming Beijing for infecting the world.
He has warned that Washington would react "very strongly" if Beijing imposed the new security law on Hong Kong.
Mike Pompeo, his secretary of state, has called the move "disastrous" and warned that it would spell a "death knell" for the high degree of autonomy enjoyed by the territory.
This in turn could lead to the US withdrawing a special trading status it gives to Hong Kong in what would be a costly move for the Asian financial hub.
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 Divided States on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Britain on Friday clubbed together with allies Australia and Canada to issue a rare joint rebuke about China's action.
"We are deeply concerned at proposals for introducing legislation related to national security in Hong Kong," Dominic Raab, the UK foreign secretary, Marise Payne, Australia's top diplomat, and Canadian Foreign Minister François-Philippe Champagne said in a statement.
"Making such a law on Hong Kong's behalf without the direct participation of its people, legislature or judiciary would clearly undermine the principle of 'One Country, Two Systems', under which Hong Kong is guaranteed a high degree of autonomy."


news--2020-05-22--Lana Del Rey denies racism after she is criticised for comments she made about Beyonce, Nicki Minaj

Lana Del Rey denies racism after she is criticised for comments she made about Beyonce, Nicki Minaj and others

Lana Del Rey has defended herself against allegations of racism after accusing a host of high-profile female singers of hypocrisy in the music industry .
The 34-year-old faced a backlash after posting a statement on Instagram calling out stars , including Beyonce , Doja Cat , Cardi B , Camila Cabello and Nicki Minaj .
The Video Games singer said her post was nothing to do with race , and she simply listed her `` favourite singers '' .
In the post , Del Rey denied her lyrics are anti-feminist or glamorise abuse and name-checked the other female artists .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ had `` number ones with songs about being sexy , wearing no clothes , f***ing , cheating etc '' she wanted to sing freely `` without being crucified '' .
Del Rey said : `` I think it 's pathetic that my minor lyrical exploration detailing my sometimes submissive or passive roles in my relationships has often made people say I 've set women back hundreds of years . ''
However , her lengthy message quickly drew criticism for mentioning mainly women of colour .
Responding , Del Rey wrote in the comments @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is sad to make it about a WOC ( women of colour ) issue when I 'm talking about my favourite singers… .
`` And this is the problem with society today , not everything is about whatever you want it to be .
It 's exactly the point of my post - there are certain women that culture does n't want to have a voice it may not have to do with race I do n't know what it has to do with .
`` I do n't care anymore but do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ me racist because that is bulls*** . ''
She also said that when she mentioned `` women who look like me , '' in her original post , she was not referring to race .
Del Rey wrote : `` And my last and final note on everything-when I said people who look like me-I meant the people who do n't look strong or necessarily smart , or like they 're in control etc .
it 's about advocating for a more delicate personality , not for white woman . ''
Del Rey @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lyrics which frequently explore themes including emotionally abusive relationships , also said she is `` not a feminist '' .
Born Elizabeth Woolridge Grant , Del Rey 's stage name was inspired by 1940s Hollywood actress Lana Turner .
She signed off her message by referencing the 'Karen meme ' , which has become popular during the coronavirus pandemic and is generally used to make fun of white women with a perceived sense of entitlement .
: : Listen to the Backstage podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Karen comments tho .
V helpful . ''
She signed off her post by announcing her new album - White Hot Forever - will be released on 5 September .
The singer also said she will be publishing two new books of poetry , in which she will be `` sharing more of her feelings '' .

Lana Del Rey has defended herself against allegations of racism after accusing a host of high-profile female singers of hypocrisy in the music industry.
The 34-year-old faced a backlash after posting a statement on Instagram calling out stars, including Beyonce, Doja Cat, Cardi B, Camila Cabello and Nicki Minaj.
The Video Games singer said her post was nothing to do with race, and she simply listed her "favourite singers".
Image: Rapper Nicki Minaj came in for some criticism
Image: As did Cardi B
In the post, Del Rey denied her lyrics are anti-feminist or glamorise abuse and name-checked the other female artists.
She said now those other women have had "number ones with songs about being sexy, wearing no clothes, f***ing, cheating etc" she wanted to sing freely "without being crucified".
Del Rey said: "I think it's pathetic that my minor lyrical exploration detailing my sometimes submissive or passive roles in my relationships has often made people say I've set women back hundreds of years."
However, her lengthy message quickly drew criticism for mentioning mainly women of colour.
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Responding, Del Rey wrote in the comments section of her post: "This is sad to make it about a WOC (women of colour) issue when I'm talking about my favourite singers….
"And this is the problem with society today, not everything is about whatever you want it to be. It's exactly the point of my post - there are certain women that culture doesn't want to have a voice it may not have to do with race I don't know what it has to do with.
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"I don't care anymore but don't ever ever ever ever bro- call me racist because that is bulls***."
She also said that when she mentioned "women who look like me," in her original post, she was not referring to race.
Image: Del Rey is known for her dark lyrics which often explore unhealthy relationships
Del Rey wrote: "And my last and final note on everything-when I said people who look like me-I meant the people who don't look strong or necessarily smart, or like they're in control etc. it's about advocating for a more delicate personality, not for white woman."
Del Rey, who is known for her dark lyrics which frequently explore themes including emotionally abusive relationships, also said she is "not a feminist".
Born Elizabeth Woolridge Grant, Del Rey's stage name was inspired by 1940s Hollywood actress Lana Turner.
She signed off her message by referencing the 'Karen meme', which has become popular during the coronavirus pandemic and is generally used to make fun of white women with a perceived sense of entitlement.
:: Listen to the Backstage podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Del Rey wrote: "Thanks for the Karen comments tho. V helpful."
She signed off her post by announcing her new album - White Hot Forever - will be released on 5 September.
The singer also said she will be publishing two new books of poetry, in which she will be "sharing more of her feelings".


news--2020-05-22--Coronavirus: More job vacancies in some parts of UK despite crisis, research shows

There has been a surge in job vacancies in some parts of the UK despite the overall impact on jobs due to the coronavirus crisis , research has shown .
According to the Recruitment and Employment Confederation ( REC ) , the number of job adverts has increased in rural areas such as South Norfolk , Omagh and Moray .
The number of job vacancies in Breckland and South Norfolk in the East of England grew by 8.7 % week-on-week between the start and middle of May .
Many areas of Scotland and the North East also saw an increase @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Out Politics podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Among those in demand are roofers , security guards and NHS staff - particularly health professionals , pharmacists and nurses .
The largest weekly falls in vacancies were in the South West and North West .
REC chief executive Neil Carberry said : `` Health and social care workers being in high demand is n't a surprise , but as more workplaces start to reopen , we are likely to see similar trends emerging for other roles .
`` The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ security guards could be the first sign of this .
`` It 's encouraging to see growth in many areas of northeast England , and hopefully other regions will start to follow in the coming weeks .
`` The economy will begin to bounce back from COVID-19 in the coming months , as businesses start to hire again . ''
Minister for employment Mims Davies said : `` As we begin to reopen sectors of our economy , it 's welcome news that businesses are kick-starting recruitment efforts across the UK including in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ impact of COVID-19 is yet to play out , our new Job Help site is there to support anyone looking for work right now , with thousands of roles available . ''

There has been a surge in job vacancies in some parts of the UK despite the overall impact on jobs due to the coronavirus crisis, research has shown.
According to the Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC), the number of job adverts has increased in rural areas such as South Norfolk, Omagh and Moray.
The number of job vacancies in Breckland and South Norfolk in the East of England grew by 8.7% week-on-week between the start and middle of May.
Many areas of Scotland and the North East also saw an increase.
Image: Healthcare workers are among those in demand
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Among those in demand are roofers, security guards and NHS staff - particularly health professionals, pharmacists and nurses.
The largest weekly falls in vacancies were in the South West and North West.
REC chief executive Neil Carberry said: "Health and social care workers being in high demand isn't a surprise, but as more workplaces start to reopen, we are likely to see similar trends emerging for other roles.
"The increase in job adverts for cleaners and security guards could be the first sign of this.
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"It's encouraging to see growth in many areas of northeast England, and hopefully other regions will start to follow in the coming weeks.
"The economy will begin to bounce back from COVID-19 in the coming months, as businesses start to hire again."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:20 'We can't protect every job'
Minister for employment Mims Davies said: "As we begin to reopen sectors of our economy, it's welcome news that businesses are kick-starting recruitment efforts across the UK including in rural areas.
"While the full impact of COVID-19 is yet to play out, our new Job Help site is there to support anyone looking for work right now, with thousands of roles available."


news--2020-05-22--Coronavirus: Infection rate unchanged - as 351 more COVID-19 deaths recorded

The UK 's coronavirus R number - speed of infection - has remained the same for the second week .
Scientific advisers to the government said the R number is between 0.7 and 1 across the UK , the same as last Friday .
The number remains higher than early on in the lockdown when it was 0.5 to 0.9 , with the lack of downward movement thought to be because of the continued spread of coronavirus in care homes and hospitals rather than the wider community .
There is a two to three week time lag in calculations of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a measure of how fast a virus is spreading .
Above 1 an outbreak is growing ; the further below 1 the faster it 's shrinking .
The news comes as the Department of Health announced 351 more people have died with COVID-19 in the UK , bringing the total to 36,393 .
The government originally said the R number was the main figure that would determine when the lockdown is eased because as long as the R value remains below one , the number of daily cases will continue to fall .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the R value plummeted to around 0.6 then dropped even further as people adhered to the `` stay at home '' order .
Announcing his `` road map '' out of lockdown , Boris Johnson said ministers would reimpose controls if the rate of transmission started to pick up again .
However , when R increased last Friday from between 0.5 and 0.9 to between 0.7 and 1 - the same as this week 's number - Health Secretary Matt Hancock said the figure was just one of a number of other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ socialise again .
He said last week 's R number was based on data from a fortnight before so he did not believe the figure was above one .
Mr Hancock told Sky News last Saturday : `` On the timing , this is based on data from a couple of weeks ago because of the way it is measured but also from the survey data that the ONS ( Office for National Statistics ) has published .
`` It is an incredibly important figure for policymakers but it is one data point @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new cases . ''
Deputy chief medical officer Dr Jenny Harries said R is a `` really important measure '' but what they are really looking for is reducing the number of cases and `` getting rid of the epidemic in the UK '' .
`` R is a representation of what is happening in that fight , '' she said .
: : Listen to the All Out Politics podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker

The UK's coronavirus R number - speed of infection - has remained the same for the second week.
Scientific advisers to the government said the R number is between 0.7 and 1 across the UK, the same as last Friday.
The number remains higher than early on in the lockdown when it was 0.5 to 0.9, with the lack of downward movement thought to be because of the continued spread of coronavirus in care homes and hospitals rather than the wider community.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:39 'Ignoring lockdown measures is idiotic'
There is a two to three week time lag in calculations of the latest R value. R is a measure of how fast a virus is spreading. Above 1 an outbreak is growing; the further below 1 the faster it's shrinking.
The news comes as the Department of Health announced 351 more people have died with COVID-19 in the UK, bringing the total to 36,393.
The government originally said the R number was the main figure that would determine when the lockdown is eased because as long as the R value remains below one, the number of daily cases will continue to fall.
After the lockdown was announced in March, the R value plummeted to around 0.6 then dropped even further as people adhered to the "stay at home" order.
Announcing his "road map" out of lockdown, Boris Johnson said ministers would reimpose controls if the rate of transmission started to pick up again.
However, when R increased last Friday from between 0.5 and 0.9 to between 0.7 and 1 - the same as this week's number - Health Secretary Matt Hancock said the figure was just one of a number of other data points that determines when people can socialise again.
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He said last week's R number was based on data from a fortnight before so he did not believe the figure was above one.
Mr Hancock told Sky News last Saturday: "On the timing, this is based on data from a couple of weeks ago because of the way it is measured but also from the survey data that the ONS (Office for National Statistics) has published.
"It is an incredibly important figure for policymakers but it is one data point to look at alongside the level of new cases."
Deputy chief medical officer Dr Jenny Harries said R is a "really important measure" but what they are really looking for is reducing the number of cases and "getting rid of the epidemic in the UK".
"R is a representation of what is happening in that fight," she said.
:: Listen to the All Out Politics podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker


news--2020-05-22--Stormzy's #Merky Books to launch 'How To' series on activism, writing and other topics

Stormzy 's publishing imprint is set to release a new series of non-fiction books offering tips on topics from activism to writing .
# Merky Books will publish a 12-part series of `` short and practical pocket-sized guides '' , starting with three titles to be launched in September and the rest later in the year .
Among the topics are activism , writing and building a brand , according to a statement from the publisher .
Lemara Lindsay-Prince , # Merky Books ' commissioning editor , said : `` This series was built from the idea that we still @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and want to learn .
`` I believe that knowledge should be shared and new voices heard .
`` The books ' approach balances insight , practical knowledge , know-how and wisdom on a range of topics from things you can do with your hands , to actions which establish new behaviours .
`` I 'm excited for readers to have these - there will be a book that speaks to the core of your ambitions the most . ''
She added : `` I ca n't wait for everyone to digest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ' series .
`` The books are a first for the imprint , and contribute to our commitment of uplifting a new generation . ''
: : Listen to the Backstage podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The first three books , to be released on 3 September , are : • How To ... Change It by Joshua Virasami • How To ...
Build It by Niran Vinod and Damola Timeyin • How To ... Write It by Anthony Anaxagorou The Brit Award-winning grime star , who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ artist to headline at Glastonbury , is among the many artists to have had to cancel gigs due to the coronavirus .

Stormzy's publishing imprint is set to release a new series of non-fiction books offering tips on topics from activism to writing.
#Merky Books will publish a 12-part series of "short and practical pocket-sized guides", starting with three titles to be launched in September and the rest later in the year.
Among the topics are activism, writing and building a brand, according to a statement from the publisher.
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Lemara Lindsay-Prince, #Merky Books' commissioning editor, said: "This series was built from the idea that we still have things we wish we could do, and want to learn.
"I believe that knowledge should be shared and new voices heard.
"The books' approach balances insight, practical knowledge, know-how and wisdom on a range of topics from things you can do with your hands, to actions which establish new behaviours.
"I'm excited for readers to have these - there will be a book that speaks to the core of your ambitions the most."
She added: "I can't wait for everyone to digest, share and collect the 'How To' series.
"The books are a first for the imprint, and contribute to our commitment of uplifting a new generation."
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:26 Stormzy makes history at 2019 Glastonbury
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:: Listen to the Backstage podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
The first three books, to be released on 3 September, are:
How To... Change It by Joshua Virasami
How To... Build It by Niran Vinod and Damola Timeyin
How To... Write It by Anthony Anaxagorou
Stormzy launched #Merky Books, a collaboration with Penguin Random House, in July 2018.
The Brit Award-winning grime star, who last year became the first black solo artist to headline at Glastonbury, is among the many artists to have had to cancel gigs due to the coronavirus.