themanchestereveningnews--2020-12-14--Arena inquiry: Murderer Hashem Abedi 'scavenged' for empty vegetable oil cans

Manchester Arena mass murderer Hashem Abedi 'scavenged ' around waste bins looking for vegetable oil cans outside a fast-food takeaway where he worked , the public inquiry into the bombing atrocity heard .
Abedi took empty cans , and other metal items , and loaded them into his car to take home , a witness said .
The inquiry has been told pieces of metal from an oil can were located in the City Room area of Manchester Arena after the attack .
Abedi would also 'smoke weed ' and was n't 'honest ' , the witness said .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he got the wrong idea of Islam , '' the man , who can not be named for legal reasons , told the inquiry .
`` We do n't have to , like do bad things , smoking weed , for example .
Hashem used to do that . ''
The inquiry was told on Monday he also took ecstasy , MDMA and the painkiller Tramadol .
Abedi - who was convicted of 22 counts of murder and is now serving a life sentence - worked as a delivery driver at the takeaway @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Arena bombing of May 22 , 2017 , the inquiry was told .
The witness owned the takeaway and said he used cooking oil to fry with , buying '20 litre ' cans .
Abedi would take 'metal tins and anything including metal ' from the takeaway .
The witness said he told him it was to weigh in for scrap .
Asked how much metal Abedi took , the witness said : `` No idea . ''
`` He used to take some from [ another food establishment ] next door @ @ @ @ @ @ @ used to put the oil tins outside the bin .
`` At the end of the night , he used to collect them together and put them in his car . ''
John Cooper QC , for some of the victims ' families , suggested Abedi was 'scavenging around the bins for metal ' .
He said Abedi did n't wear 'traditional religious ' clothing but would often pray .
He also told how Abedi would tell customers he did n't have any change after making a delivery , so he would make @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who also can not be named for legal reasons , worked with Abedi at the takeaway and told the inquiry how Abedi asked him to buy acid for him .
`` He said that they 've got a generator in Libya and it has a large battery inside it and then it 's been tipped or something and it ran out of acid and if I can help him buy some acid so he can send it to Libya and get that problem solved , '' the witness said .
He said Abedi @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bank card , but that he made no attempt to buy any acid .
The witness said he had no idea of the 'true purpose ' of the acid - which the inquiry heard was to be used in an explosive .
Suicide bomber Salman Abedi , 22 , detonated a rucksack bomb in a foyer area of the Arena , known as the City Room , at the end of an Ariana Grande concert , killing 22 people and injuring more than 1,000 more , His younger brother , Hashem Abedi , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ counts of murder , one count of attempted murder and one count of conspiracy to cause an explosion following a trial in March .
He was jailed for a minimum of 55 years in August .
The inquiry is investigating the circumstances that led to the 22 people being killed in the blast .
Chapter eight of the inquiry is examining evidence relating to 'planning and preparation ' before the attack , as well as the police investigation .

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Manchester Arena mass murderer Hashem Abedi 'scavenged' around waste bins looking for vegetable oil cans outside a fast-food takeaway where he worked, the public inquiry into the bombing atrocity heard.
Abedi took empty cans, and other metal items, and loaded them into his car to take home, a witness said.
The inquiry has been told pieces of metal from an oil can were located in the City Room area of Manchester Arena after the attack.
Abedi would also 'smoke weed' and wasn't 'honest', the witness said.
"He is religious, but I think he got the wrong idea of Islam," the man, who cannot be named for legal reasons, told the inquiry.
"We don't have to, like do bad things, smoking weed, for example. Hashem used to do that."
(Image: MEN)
The inquiry was told on Monday he also took ecstasy, MDMA and the painkiller Tramadol.
Abedi - who was convicted of 22 counts of murder and is now serving a life sentence - worked as a delivery driver at the takeaway from 2016 until around six months before the Arena bombing of May 22, 2017, the inquiry was told.
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The witness owned the takeaway and said he used cooking oil to fry with, buying '20 litre' cans.
Abedi would take 'metal tins and anything including metal' from the takeaway.
The witness said he told him it was to weigh in for scrap.
Asked how much metal Abedi took, the witness said: "No idea."
(Image: PA)
"He used to take some from [another food establishment] next door," he said.
"We used to put the oil tins outside the bin.
"At the end of the night, he used to collect them together and put them in his car."
John Cooper QC, for some of the victims' families, suggested Abedi was 'scavenging around the bins for metal'.
The witness agreed.
He said Abedi didn't wear 'traditional religious' clothing but would often pray.
He also told how Abedi would tell customers he didn't have any change after making a delivery, so he would make more tips.
(Image: MEN Media)
A second witness, who also cannot be named for legal reasons, worked with Abedi at the takeaway and told the inquiry how Abedi asked him to buy acid for him.
"He said that they've got a generator in Libya and it has a large battery inside it and then it's been tipped or something and it ran out of acid and if I can help him buy some acid so he can send it to Libya and get that problem solved," the witness said.
He said Abedi told him he didn't have a bank card, but that he made no attempt to buy any acid.
The witness said he had no idea of the 'true purpose' of the acid - which the inquiry heard was to be used in an explosive.
Suicide bomber Salman Abedi, 22, detonated a rucksack bomb in a foyer area of the Arena, known as the City Room, at the end of an Ariana Grande concert, killing 22 people and injuring more than 1,000 more,
His younger brother, Hashem Abedi, now 23, was convicted of 22 counts of murder, one count of attempted murder and one count of conspiracy to cause an explosion following a trial in March.
He was jailed for a minimum of 55 years in August.
The inquiry is investigating the circumstances that led to the 22 people being killed in the blast.
Chapter eight of the inquiry is examining evidence relating to 'planning and preparation' before the attack, as well as the police investigation.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-12-14--Manchester United have already signed the perfect Wan-Bissaka back-up

Depending on which rumours you believe — and there 's never a shortage of them when it comes to Manchester United and transfers — the club may be in the market for a new right-back in 2021 .
Although MEN Sport understands United are prioritising right-wing and central defensive targets in the New Year , the right-back whispers make some degree of sense .
The very highly-regarded Max Aarons of Norwich City , who has also been touted for a Barcelona transfer , has been among the names linked with an Old Trafford move .
Yet , unlike on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to fire Luke Shaw into more consistent form , the right-back conundrum may not be as simple as signing as back-up Aaron Wan-Bissaka is very much the first choice in this position , and has been since Ole Gunnar Solskjaer sanctioned a £50million swoop for the Londoner from Crystal Palace .
He may still have improving to do as an attacking force on the overlap , but there are few better from a defensive standpoint .
Few players win 50-50 challenges like Wan-Bissaka , few are as reliable at the back .
Which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Diogo Dalot out on loan to AC Milan in the summer , leaving them with two part-time right-backs to step in for Wan-Bissaka if needs be .
Neither Timothy Fosu-Mensah nor Brandon Williams have played a huge amount of senior football as a right-back , but they are seemingly Solskjaer 's options beside from the ex-Palace youngster .
And while this shows how much Solskjaer simplicity trusts Wan-Bissaka , it does make it more difficult for the Norwegian to rotate .
Dalot was a specialist right-back and an attacking one and his designs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to seek a loan move to satisfy his demands for regular football .
Manchester United played out a drab draw with neighbours City in the first derby of the season on Saturday .
They next travel across the Pennines to take on the Premier League 's bottom side Sheffield United on Thursday night .
The Blades only have one point from their opening 12 matches , and three points will be imperative for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer 's side if they want to stay in touch with the front-runners .
MEN Sport will bring @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
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But United still need an expert in the position and a player capable of growing into a competitor for Wan-Bissaka , rather than simply a back-up .
Hence the Aarons rumours and links with other right-backs around Europe .
Yet in Ethan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ homegrown star who is perfectly placed to step into the breach .
In all truth , Laird would be a regular member of the first-team squad already had it not been for lengthy injury setbacks over the past season or two .
The 19-year-old made his senior debut last season , impressing in a couple of Europa League cameos , and is highly regarded by United 's coaches at youth level .
It 's just a huge shame his Under-23 appearances this season amount to just three , the latest being an encouraging @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's 2-2 derby draw with Man City .
That has typified a frustrating time for the Basingstoke-born youngster ; good form , but only in fits and starts .
Under-23s boss Neil Wood admitted after the derby it 's been a difficult time for Laird , with injuries coming at a vital stage of his development .
`` He 's been out for a long time and there 's still that match sharpness to get , '' Wood told MEN Sport after Laird had created a goal for Facundo Pellistri against City .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ got into good positions but could n't get back .
We know what he was like last season , he was getting into those areas and driving to the byline , but there 's a way to go for him .
He 's had a game at West Ham , then another niggling injury and then come back .
So he 's had a stop-start last few months .
`` It 's good that he 's back on the pitch , that he felt good enough to get through 90 minutes .
So @ @ @ @ @ @ @ knocks in the morning and we can get him through to the Chelsea game . ''
It Laird does avoid further injuries and continues to gain fitness , form and confidence in the Under-23s , it wo n't be long before Solskjaer calls him back into the first-team training squad .
And before the end of the season , Laird should have more senior game-time under his belt .
By then , United may well have discovered that Wan-Bissaka 's perfect right-back rival was in their squad all along .

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Depending on which rumours you believe — and there's never a shortage of them when it comes to Manchester United and transfers — the club may be in the market for a new right-back in 2021.
Although MEN Sport understands United are prioritising right-wing and central defensive targets in the New Year, the right-back whispers make some degree of sense. The very highly-regarded Max Aarons of Norwich City, who has also been touted for a Barcelona transfer, has been among the names linked with an Old Trafford move.
Yet, unlike on the opposite flank where United signed Alex Telles to fire Luke Shaw into more consistent form, the right-back conundrum may not be as simple as signing as back-up
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Aaron Wan-Bissaka is very much the first choice in this position, and has been since Ole Gunnar Solskjaer sanctioned a £50million swoop for the Londoner from Crystal Palace. He may still have improving to do as an attacking force on the overlap, but there are few better from a defensive standpoint. Few players win 50-50 challenges like Wan-Bissaka, few are as reliable at the back.
Which is why United were happy to send Diogo Dalot out on loan to AC Milan in the summer, leaving them with two part-time right-backs to step in for Wan-Bissaka if needs be. Neither Timothy Fosu-Mensah nor Brandon Williams have played a huge amount of senior football as a right-back, but they are seemingly Solskjaer's options beside from the ex-Palace youngster.
And while this shows how much Solskjaer simplicity trusts Wan-Bissaka, it does make it more difficult for the Norwegian to rotate. Dalot was a specialist right-back and an attacking one and his designs on the first-team spot meant he had to seek a loan move to satisfy his demands for regular football.
But United still need an expert in the position and a player capable of growing into a competitor for Wan-Bissaka, rather than simply a back-up. Hence the Aarons rumours and links with other right-backs around Europe.
Yet in Ethan Laird, United should have a ready-made homegrown star who is perfectly placed to step into the breach.
In all truth, Laird would be a regular member of the first-team squad already had it not been for lengthy injury setbacks over the past season or two. The 19-year-old made his senior debut last season, impressing in a couple of Europa League cameos, and is highly regarded by United's coaches at youth level.
It's just a huge shame his Under-23 appearances this season amount to just three, the latest being an encouraging and marauding display at right-back in Sunday's 2-2 derby draw with Man City. That has typified a frustrating time for the Basingstoke-born youngster; good form, but only in fits and starts.
Under-23s boss Neil Wood admitted after the derby it's been a difficult time for Laird, with injuries coming at a vital stage of his development.
"He's been out for a long time and there's still that match sharpness to get," Wood told MEN Sport after Laird had created a goal for Facundo Pellistri against City.
"You could see at times he got into good positions but couldn't get back. We know what he was like last season, he was getting into those areas and driving to the byline, but there's a way to go for him. He's had a game at West Ham, then another niggling injury and then come back. So he's had a stop-start last few months.
"It's good that he's back on the pitch, that he felt good enough to get through 90 minutes. So fingers crossed he hasn't got any knocks in the morning and we can get him through to the Chelsea game."
It Laird does avoid further injuries and continues to gain fitness, form and confidence in the Under-23s, it won't be long before Solskjaer calls him back into the first-team training squad. And before the end of the season, Laird should have more senior game-time under his belt.
By then, United may well have discovered that Wan-Bissaka's perfect right-back rival was in their squad all along.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-12-15--Man United can end unwanted record with victory over Sheffield United

Manchester United could wipe out a piece of unwanted club history on Thursday night when they take on Sheffield United .
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer 's side played out a 0-0 draw with Manchester City at the weekend in the aftermath of their UEFA Champions League exit .
With Europa League action out of the way until February , United can now focus on climbing the Premier League table , starting with a trip to rock-bottom Sheffield United .
The Blades are without a league win this season after taking one point from their opening 12 matches .
The two sides @ @ @ @ @ @ @ season , which saw United come from 2-0 down to lead 3-2 , only to concede late on to Oli McBurnie .
Sheffield United have struggled massively this time around though despite finishing ninth in their debut campaign after promotion from the Championship .
With a solitary point from 12 games , it seems inevitable that , but for a miracle , they 'll be back in the second tier next season .
Whilst three points are a necessity for United in their own quest for a top-four finish , they could also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an unwanted piece of English top-flight trivia .
Manchester United played out a drab draw with neighbours City in the first derby of the season on Saturday .
They next travel across the Pennines to take on the Premier League 's bottom side Sheffield United on Thursday night .
The Blades only have one point from their opening 12 matches , and three points will be imperative for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer 's side if they want to stay in touch with the front-runners .
MEN Sport will bring you all the build-up to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all delivered straight to your inbox by signing up to our daily newsletter .
Just put your email address in the sign-up box at the top of this article , or simply follow this link .
It 's free and only takes a few seconds .
Looking into the history books , Manchester United , remarkably , hold the record for the worst-ever start to an English top-flight season after losing all of their first 12 games in 1930/31 .
However , United did eventually break their duck with a win in match @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the old second division .
Victory against the Blades on Thursday would leave Chris Wilder 's men with one point from 13 matches , a worse record than United , removing them from the history books in the process .

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Manchester United could wipe out a piece of unwanted club history on Thursday night when they take on Sheffield United.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side played out a 0-0 draw with Manchester City at the weekend in the aftermath of their UEFA Champions League exit.
With Europa League action out of the way until February, United can now focus on climbing the Premier League table, starting with a trip to rock-bottom Sheffield United.
The Blades are without a league win this season after taking one point from their opening 12 matches.
The two sides played out an enthralling 3-3 draw last season, which saw United come from 2-0 down to lead 3-2, only to concede late on to Oli McBurnie.
Sheffield United have struggled massively this time around though despite finishing ninth in their debut campaign after promotion from the Championship.
With a solitary point from 12 games, it seems inevitable that, but for a miracle, they'll be back in the second tier next season.
Whilst three points are a necessity for United in their own quest for a top-four finish, they could also remove themselves from the record books with an unwanted piece of English top-flight trivia.
Looking into the history books, Manchester United, remarkably, hold the record for the worst-ever start to an English top-flight season after losing all of their first 12 games in 1930/31.
However, United did eventually break their duck with a win in match number 13 but were eventually relegated to the old second division.
Victory against the Blades on Thursday would leave Chris Wilder's men with one point from 13 matches, a worse record than United, removing them from the history books in the process.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-12-15--Cheryl posts clip of son Bear recreating iconic Home Alone line

Cheryl has posted a rare clip of son Bear as the pair get into the Christmas spirit .
The former Girls Aloud star shared the clip with her 3.6m Instagram followers after showing off her stunning festive decorations .
Cheryl , 37 , first showed off rose gold-themed tree alongside another which had been adorned with Disney themed decorations - including a miniature Woody from Toy Story .
At the end of all her decoration posts alongside a festive track , she shared a post which read : `` Merry Christmas you filthy animals and a happy new year , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Alone film .
Cheryl added : `` Love Cheryl and Bear , '' as the toddler could be heard saying the words in the background followed by a laugh from his mum .
Cheryl shares three-year-old Bear Grey Payne with her former One Direction star ex Liam Payne .
The couple have chosen to keep their son out of the spotlight with Cheryl only rarely sharing posts on social media about him .
The post has been shared on various fan accounts and has been flooded with messages .
`` That little British @ @ @ @ @ @ @ commented .
Another echoed : `` AWW THE LITTLE BRITISH ACCENT . ''
`` That is the cutest thing I 've ever heard , '' added a third .
A fourth said : `` 'Merry Christmas you filthy animals and a happy new year ' a kid after my own heart . ''

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Cheryl has posted a rare clip of son Bear as the pair get into the Christmas spirit.
The former Girls Aloud star shared the clip with her 3.6m Instagram followers after showing off her stunning festive decorations.
Cheryl, 37, first showed off rose gold-themed tree alongside another which had been adorned with Disney themed decorations - including a miniature Woody from Toy Story.
At the end of all her decoration posts alongside a festive track, she shared a post which read: "Merry Christmas you filthy animals and a happy new year," in reference to the classic Home Alone film.
Cheryl added: "Love Cheryl and Bear," as the toddler could be heard saying the words in the background followed by a laugh from his mum.
Cheryl shares three-year-old Bear Grey Payne with her former One Direction star ex Liam Payne.
The couple have chosen to keep their son out of the spotlight with Cheryl only rarely sharing posts on social media about him.
The post has been shared on various fan accounts and has been flooded with messages.
"That little British accent I'm melting," one commented.
Another echoed: "AWW THE LITTLE BRITISH ACCENT."
"That is the cutest thing I've ever heard," added a third.
A fourth said: "'Merry Christmas you filthy animals and a happy new year' a kid after my own heart."


themanchestereveningnews--2020-12-15--Manchester council to proceed with plans to axe school catering service

Manchester council will proceed with plans to axe its ‘ declining ’ schools catering service next year despite concerns from councillors and trade unions .
Around 430 people - mostly women on low incomes - are employed by Manchester Fayre across a third of the city ’ s schools .
More schools are opting out of the council-run service every year as they want a greater control over pricing and the type of food provided to its pupils .
With a dwindling client base and a potential £1m bill to keep it running next year , the council has stressed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ meals - not the local authority .
Council leader Sir Richard Leese told his executive last week that the town hall would be unable to subsidise the service given the wider financial pressures it faces .
But the trade union GMB described the move as ‘ disgusting ’ and said they will continue to campaign against the cuts until the proposed withdrawal in September 2021 .
Several companies have expressed an interest in taking over the catering service contracts for the 74 schools currently served by Manchester Fayre .
But there are fears @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Fayre workforce , who are ethnically diverse and 97 per cent female , will be protected in the future .
Fiona Worrall , the council ’ s strategic director for neighbourhoods , told the executive : “ This is not a proposal that myself or any officers bring forward lightly .
“ We absolutely recognise that there will be a personal impact on staff going through such a significant change.
” The meeting heard that employees ’ terms and conditions will be protected if the employees are taken on by schools themselves , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But the effectiveness of the process known as TUPE , or transfer of undertakings ( protecting of employment ) regulations , has been called into question .
A small number of employees would not be eligible for TUPE as they are not contracted to specific schools and serve as relief staff for when there are shortages .
New providers could also try and change the terms and conditions of transferred employees further down the line .
City solicitor Fiona Ledden said : “ The provider would have to jump over a number of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ best to protect staff by putting as many clauses in any agreement as possible.
” Earlier this month Councillor Sarah Russell told the resources and governance committee that it was ‘ very unlikely ’ that TUPE would be successful during the Covid-19 pandemic .
A recommendation passed by the committee calling for the current subsidy levels of around £600k to be maintained was not taken up by the executive .
Councillor Luthfur Rahman , executive member for skills , culture and leisure , said the council could not justify spending such sums for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Senior GMB official Neil Smith , speaking after the executive ’ s decision , said : “ The anger is still there , it ’ s just disgusting how the workers are being treated .
“ Why have a scrutiny committee if their recommendation to take it off the table is just ignored by the executive ?
” He added : “ We ’ re not going away , the campaign carries on until every avenue has been explored .
”

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Manchester council will proceed with plans to axe its ‘declining’ schools catering service next year despite concerns from councillors and trade unions.
Around 430 people - mostly women on low incomes - are employed by Manchester Fayre across a third of the city’s schools.
More schools are opting out of the council-run service every year as they want a greater control over pricing and the type of food provided to its pupils.
With a dwindling client base and a potential £1m bill to keep it running next year, the council has stressed that schools are legally responsible for providing meals - not the local authority.
Council leader Sir Richard Leese told his executive last week that the town hall would be unable to subsidise the service given the wider financial pressures it faces.
But the trade union GMB described the move as ‘disgusting’ and said they will continue to campaign against the cuts until the proposed withdrawal in September 2021.
Several companies have expressed an interest in taking over the catering service contracts for the 74 schools currently served by Manchester Fayre.
But there are fears that not all jobs within the Manchester Fayre workforce, who are ethnically diverse and 97 per cent female, will be protected in the future.
Fiona Worrall, the council’s strategic director for neighbourhoods, told the executive: “This is not a proposal that myself or any officers bring forward lightly.
“We absolutely recognise that there will be a personal impact on staff going through such a significant change.”
The meeting heard that employees’ terms and conditions will be protected if the employees are taken on by schools themselves, or catering providers employed by schools.
But the effectiveness of the process known as TUPE, or transfer of undertakings (protecting of employment) regulations, has been called into question.
A small number of employees would not be eligible for TUPE as they are not contracted to specific schools and serve as relief staff for when there are shortages.
New providers could also try and change the terms and conditions of transferred employees further down the line.
City solicitor Fiona Ledden said: “The provider would have to jump over a number of hurdles.
“We would do our best to protect staff by putting as many clauses in any agreement as possible.”
Earlier this month Councillor Sarah Russell told the resources and governance committee that it was ‘very unlikely’ that TUPE would be successful during the Covid-19 pandemic.
A recommendation passed by the committee calling for the current subsidy levels of around £600k to be maintained was not taken up by the executive.
Councillor Luthfur Rahman, executive member for skills, culture and leisure, said the council could not justify spending such sums for a service they have no responsibility for.
Senior GMB official Neil Smith, speaking after the executive’s decision, said: “The anger is still there, it’s just disgusting how the workers are being treated.
“Why have a scrutiny committee if their recommendation to take it off the table is just ignored by the executive?”
He added: “We’re not going away, the campaign carries on until every avenue has been explored.”


themanchestereveningnews--2020-12-15--Van de Beek told how to improve as Man United transfer is questioned

Former Ajax defender John Heitinga has questioned whether Donny van de Beek made the wrong decision to join Manchester United .
The Dutch midfielder moved to Old Trafford in a £40million deal but has struggled for first-team football .
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has preferred a midfield combination of Fred and McTominay , with Bruno Fernandes just ahead of them .
That 's left Paul Pogba and Van de Beek on the sidelines , with the latter making only two Premier League starts this season .
Van de Beek made a reputation for playing in advanced areas and scoring goals with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at Ajax but with Fernandes occupying that position , Solskjaer is still trying to figure out how to best utilise his summer addition .
Van de Beek has also been trialled in a deeper role in the UEFA Champions League where he looked comfortable but Solskjaer still preferred McTominay and Fred for Saturday 's Manchester derby .
As a result , Heitinga , who also played regularly in the Premier League for Everton , has become the latest man to suggest Van de Beek should have opted for a move elsewhere .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ right decision in going to Manchester United because they have top quality midfielders – Pogba , Bruno Fernandes , ” Heitinga told Stadium Astro .
`` He has to get used to the speed of play , the fitness .
It ’ s tough , it ’ s intense in the Premier League , the Dutch league can ’ t be compared .
Manchester United played out a drab draw with neighbours City in the first derby of the season on Saturday .
They next travel across the Pennines to take on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Thursday night .
The Blades only have one point from their opening 12 matches , and three points will be imperative for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer 's side if they want to stay in touch with the front-runners .
MEN Sport will bring you all the build-up to the match .
You can have it all delivered straight to your inbox by signing up to our daily newsletter .
Just put your email address in the sign-up box at the top of this article , or simply follow this link .
It 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ It ’ s not easy when you see the midfielders at Manchester United to play them out of the team .
“ I ’ m in doubt if he made the right decision to make that move .
I ’ m a little bit worried about his development because he isn ’ t playing many games .
`` At his age , he needs to play games .
This is not good for his development .
”

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Former Ajax defender John Heitinga has questioned whether Donny van de Beek made the wrong decision to join Manchester United.
The Dutch midfielder moved to Old Trafford in a £40million deal but has struggled for first-team football.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has preferred a midfield combination of Fred and McTominay, with Bruno Fernandes just ahead of them.
That's left Paul Pogba and Van de Beek on the sidelines, with the latter making only two Premier League starts this season.
Van de Beek made a reputation for playing in advanced areas and scoring goals with late runs into the box from midfield at Ajax but with Fernandes occupying that position, Solskjaer is still trying to figure out how to best utilise his summer addition.
Van de Beek has also been trialled in a deeper role in the UEFA Champions League where he looked comfortable but Solskjaer still preferred McTominay and Fred for Saturday's Manchester derby.
As a result, Heitinga, who also played regularly in the Premier League for Everton, has become the latest man to suggest Van de Beek should have opted for a move elsewhere.
“I have doubts that he made the right decision in going to Manchester United because they have top quality midfielders – Pogba, Bruno Fernandes,” Heitinga told Stadium Astro.
"He has to get used to the speed of play, the fitness. It’s tough, it’s intense in the Premier League, the Dutch league can’t be compared.
“It’s not easy when you see the midfielders at Manchester United to play them out of the team.
“I’m in doubt if he made the right decision to make that move. I’m a little bit worried about his development because he isn’t playing many games.
"At his age, he needs to play games. This is not good for his development.”


themanchestereveningnews--2020-12-15--Man City backed for emphatic victory against West Brom

Manchester City will be looking to return to winning ways on Tuesday evening when they host relegation-threatened West Brom .
Pep Guardiola 's side were held to a goalless draw at Old Trafford on Saturday in a match where both sides failed to show enough attacking intent to win the match .
City will be hoping for an improved performance against West Brom , who sit 19th in the standings and are trying to keep their head above water this season .
West Brom have already conceded 25 goals in 12 Premier League matches and Manchester City are expected to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pressure to Slaven Bilic .
With that in mind , here 's a look at how several of the game 's top pundits are predicting the match to go .
Life doesn ’ t get any easier for West Brom as they travel to the Etihad to take on Manchester City .
The Baggies suffered another defeat when Newcastle left it late to take the points at the weekend .
City come into this having registered 3 clean sheets in their last 3 Premier League matches which will come as a welcome sight @ @ @ @ @ @ @ type of games where City are known to pile it on .
A 5-1 win at home to Burnley followed by a 2-0 win against Fulham come as stark reminders of how difficult this could be for West Brom .
The visitors have lost 5 of their last 6 away matches , and I can ’ t see anything other than a comfortable home win here .
Manchester City played out a dire , goalless derby with United at Old Trafford on Saturday .
On Tuesday night Pep Guardiola 's side host West @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into full gear .
Three points against the struggling Baggies are imperative for City in order to stay in touch with the Premier League front-runners .
We 'll bring you all the build-up , reaction and analysis to the match with our daily City newsletter .
You can get it all delivered straight to your inbox by signing up to our daily newsletter - just submit your email address in the sign-up box above or follow this link - it 's free and it only takes a few seconds The Manchester derby was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ City 's perspective , a point at Old Trafford is never a bad result .
They have to win this one , though .
West Brom will have a plan to sit in , defend and keep City out , but I do n't see that working for very long .

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Manchester City will be looking to return to winning ways on Tuesday evening when they host relegation-threatened West Brom.
Pep Guardiola 's side were held to a goalless draw at Old Trafford on Saturday in a match where both sides failed to show enough attacking intent to win the match.
City will be hoping for an improved performance against West Brom, who sit 19th in the standings and are trying to keep their head above water this season.
West Brom have already conceded 25 goals in 12 Premier League matches and Manchester City are expected to claim all three points and apply further pressure to Slaven Bilic.
With that in mind, here's a look at how several of the game's top pundits are predicting the match to go.
Michael Owen - BetVictor
Life doesn’t get any easier for West Brom as they travel to the Etihad to take on Manchester City.
The Baggies suffered another defeat when Newcastle left it late to take the points at the weekend.
City come into this having registered 3 clean sheets in their last 3 Premier League matches which will come as a welcome sight for Pep Guardiola.
These are the type of games where City are known to pile it on. A 5-1 win at home to Burnley followed by a 2-0 win against Fulham come as stark reminders of how difficult this could be for West Brom.
The visitors have lost 5 of their last 6 away matches, and I can’t see anything other than a comfortable home win here.
Prediction: Manchester City 4-0 West Brom
Mark Lawrenson - BBC Sport
The Manchester derby was a nothing game but, from Manchester City's perspective, a point at Old Trafford is never a bad result.
They have to win this one, though. West Brom will have a plan to sit in, defend and keep City out, but I don't see that working for very long.
Prediction: Manchester City 3-0 West Brom


themanchestereveningnews--2020-12-15--I'm A Celebrity's Giovanna hits back at claims she 'regretted' winning show

I 'm A Celebrity 's Giovanna Fletcher has been forced to hit back at claims she 'regretted ' winning the show .
The podcaster and author was crowned the very first Queen of the Castle during the final of the ITV reality show earlier this month .
Giovanna , 35 , beat BBC Radio 1 DJ Jordan North and Bolton TV star Vernon Kay to the title after just under three weeks in camp at Gwrych Castle , in north Wales .
Posting on Instagram , the mum-of-three says appearing in I 'm A Celeb was a `` career highlight @ @ @ @ @ @ @ outlets that she had been left 'overwhelmed ' by the success .
Hitting back , Giovanna said alongside a selfie : `` Just seen an article in a magazine with 'an insider ' who says I regret winning the show ... . ''
I 'm not sure who 'the insider ' was but it ’ s clearly someone I have n't spoken to .
`` I can categorically say that being part of @ imacelebrity was a career highlight and I 'm so grateful for the love that has been thrown my way @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I 'm blown away and not regretful in the slightest .
As a mother I 'll always be juggling family life and work - but I ’ m also very excited about what the future holds . ''
She ended the post : `` No negativity , no regrets - just full on positivity and love . ''
Giovanna has been inundated with supportive messages from her 1.9m followers .
`` And this is why you are Queen , '' one simply wrote .
Another said : `` Good for you !
!
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` And that 's why you won because you are a lovely person inside and out , you are so genuine , '' a third praised .
A fourth added : `` You are a deserving and lovely winner . ''

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I'm A Celebrity's Giovanna Fletcher has been forced to hit back at claims she 'regretted' winning the show.
The podcaster and author was crowned the very first Queen of the Castle during the final of the ITV reality show earlier this month.
Giovanna, 35, beat BBC Radio 1 DJ Jordan North and Bolton TV star Vernon Kay to the title after just under three weeks in camp at Gwrych Castle, in north Wales.
Posting on Instagram, the mum-of-three says appearing in I'm A Celeb was a "career highlight" after 'insiders' claimed to media outlets that she had been left 'overwhelmed' by the success.
Hitting back, Giovanna said alongside a selfie: "Just seen an article in a magazine with 'an insider' who says I regret winning the show....
"I'm not sure who 'the insider' was but it’s clearly someone I haven't spoken to.
"I can categorically say that being part of @imacelebrity was a career highlight and I'm so grateful for the love that has been thrown my way in the last few weeks.
"I'm blown away and not regretful in the slightest. As a mother I'll always be juggling family life and work - but I’m also very excited about what the future holds."
She ended the post: "No negativity, no regrets - just full on positivity and love."
Giovanna has been inundated with supportive messages from her 1.9m followers.
"And this is why you are Queen," one simply wrote.
Another said: "Good for you!!! You are amazing!!"
"And that's why you won because you are a lovely person inside and out, you are so genuine," a third praised.
A fourth added: "You are a deserving and lovely winner."


themanchestereveningnews--2020-12-15--Pub once run by 'Middleton Hangman' could be converted into shops

A pub that was once run by the ‘ Middleton Hangman ’ - one of the country ’ s last official executioners - could be converted into shops .
Harry Allen was landlord at the Woodman Inn for two years during the early 1960s and jointly held the dubious honour of having carried out the last execution in the UK .
His most controversial case was perhaps the hanging of the murderer James Hanratty .
He went to the gallows protesting his innocence , but DNA profiling carried out 39 years later matched him to the crime scene .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ led to suggestions that vodka and whisky were not the only spirits to prop up the bar - and tales abound of flying pots and other spooky goings-on .
But the pub closed nearly two years ago and it has fallen into dereliction since last orders were called in February 2019 .
Now its days as a watering hole appear to be over after plans to divide it into a pair of shops were lodged with Rochdale council .
The Woodman stands on a quarter‐acre site and includes three bedrooms , a large @ @ @ @ @ @ @ proposals tabled by Razan Karim a partitioned wall would be built in the middle of the pub , creating two new retail spaces .
A design and access statement submitted in support of the application adds : “ The main entrance will be closed off and making two new entrances into the two different shops .
“ The shop fronts will be glass and inside both shops will have access to the toilet as shown on the drawings.
” The document adds that the conversion would be in-keeping with the character of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ change to its appearance .
“ The proposed project is designed to aesthetically match the surrounding building and context , ” it states .
“ The glass store-front will give the area a whole new look from being the traditional brick to glass.
” Rochdale council will decide on whether to grant the change of ground-floor use and physical alterations to the building .
Get breaking news first on the free Manchester Evening News app - download it here for your Apple or Android device .
You can also get a round-up of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ inbox every day with the MEN email newsletter - subscribe here .
And you can follow us on Facebook here .

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A pub that was once run by the ‘Middleton Hangman’ - one of the country’s last official executioners - could be converted into shops.
Harry Allen was landlord at the Woodman Inn for two years during the early 1960s and jointly held the dubious honour of having carried out the last execution in the UK.
His most controversial case was perhaps the hanging of the murderer James Hanratty. He went to the gallows protesting his innocence, but DNA profiling carried out 39 years later matched him to the crime scene.
The Wood Street hostelry’s macabre past led to suggestions that vodka and whisky were not the only spirits to prop up the bar - and tales abound of flying pots and other spooky goings-on.
(Image: MEN)
But the pub closed nearly two years ago and it has fallen into dereliction since last orders were called in February 2019.
Now its days as a watering hole appear to be over after plans to divide it into a pair of shops were lodged with Rochdale council.
The Woodman stands on a quarter‐acre site and includes three bedrooms, a large patio and a car park.
Under proposals tabled by Razan Karim a partitioned wall would be built in the middle of the pub, creating two new retail spaces.
A design and access statement submitted in support of the application adds: “The main entrance will be closed off and making two new entrances into the two different shops.
“The shop fronts will be glass and inside both shops will have access to the toilet as shown on the drawings.”
The document adds that the conversion would be in-keeping with the character of the area, but there would be radical change to its appearance.
“The proposed project is designed to aesthetically match the surrounding building and context,” it states.
“The glass store-front will give the area a whole new look from being the traditional brick to glass.”
Rochdale council will decide on whether to grant the change of ground-floor use and physical alterations to the building.
Get breaking news first on the free Manchester Evening News app - download it here for your Apple or Android device. You can also get a round-up of the biggest stories sent direct to your inbox every day with the MEN email newsletter - subscribe here. And you can follow us on Facebook here.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-12-15--Raheem Sterling sends message to Man City title rivals

Raheem Sterling believes it is only a matter of time before `` the penny drops '' and Manchester City 's goalscoring woes become a thing of the past .
The Blues have scored 17 goals in 11 Premier League games this season but five of those came in the demolition of Burnley at the Etihad and in seven of those games City have either failed to trouble the scorers or netted just once .
It had led to Pep Guardiola 's side being six points off the pace at the top of the Premier League table , although they do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the dire draw at Old Trafford on Saturday was the latest example of their issues in front of goal .
That derby stalemate did earn City a sixth straight clean sheet but goals at the other end have been harder to come by and Sterling has just one goal in his last nine appearances for the club .
But he remains confident that the goals are still within City and that their fortunes are due to change .
“ I put emphasis on it but at the same time I haven ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have liked .
It has been a tough start to the season for different reasons but we are still in a good position and that 's the most important thing for me , '' he said .
`` We could be further down the table but that is not the case and we are still getting the results and grinding results out .
`` There will be a period where the penny drops for everyone in the team and we have just got to stick at it and that is the exact same @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be confident of closing the gap to Tottenham and Liverpool tonight when they welcome West Brom to the Etihad .
It has been a wide-open Premier League season so far and Sterling expects that to continue , although he 's warned those clubs that City could be a different force once they start taking their chances on a regular basis .
`` There are so many teams that are in [ the title race ] .
Everyone is playing really well and in some games teams are losing points like the other day @ @ @ @ @ @ @ big teams lost points , '' he said .
`` It is open and there for the taking .
It is about consistency for us and we need to be more consistent which I think we have been doing , in terms of not losing games .
Now it is time to score a lot more goals and finish our chances .
”

Raheem Sterling believes it is only a matter of time before "the penny drops" and Manchester City's goalscoring woes become a thing of the past.
The Blues have scored 17 goals in 11 Premier League games this season but five of those came in the demolition of Burnley at the Etihad and in seven of those games City have either failed to trouble the scorers or netted just once.
It had led to Pep Guardiola's side being six points off the pace at the top of the Premier League table, although they do have a game in hand, and the dire draw at Old Trafford on Saturday was the latest example of their issues in front of goal.
That derby stalemate did earn City a sixth straight clean sheet but goals at the other end have been harder to come by and Sterling has just one goal in his last nine appearances for the club.
But he remains confident that the goals are still within City and that their fortunes are due to change.
“I put emphasis on it but at the same time I haven’t scored as many goals as I would have liked. It has been a tough start to the season for different reasons but we are still in a good position and that's the most important thing for me," he said.
"We could be further down the table but that is not the case and we are still getting the results and grinding results out.
"There will be a period where the penny drops for everyone in the team and we have just got to stick at it and that is the exact same for me as well.”
City will be confident of closing the gap to Tottenham and Liverpool tonight when they welcome West Brom to the Etihad.
It has been a wide-open Premier League season so far and Sterling expects that to continue, although he's warned those clubs that City could be a different force once they start taking their chances on a regular basis.
"There are so many teams that are in [the title race]. Everyone is playing really well and in some games teams are losing points like the other day when we lost points and the other big teams lost points," he said.
"It is open and there for the taking. It is about consistency for us and we need to be more consistent which I think we have been doing, in terms of not losing games. Now it is time to score a lot more goals and finish our chances.”


themanchestereveningnews--2020-12-15--Sir Kier Starmer calls for urgent review on relaxation of rules over Christmas

Sir Keir Starmer is calling for an urgent COBRA meeting to convene the relaxation of coronavirus measures over Christmas .
The Labour leader has demanded an emergency review of the plans and is urging Prime Minister Boris Johnson to consider `` tougher action '' over the festive period .
He has urged the Government to reconsider the loosening of the restrictions over Christmas , warning the ramifications for the NHS and the economy `` could be severe '' .
In a letter to the Prime Minister , he said : “ It has become increasingly clear over recent days that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ago has failed to control transmission of Covid-19 .
Sadly , it does now appear that the Government has – once again – lost control of infections , putting our economy and our NHS at grave risk in the new year.
” Sir Keir added : “ I understand that people want to spend time with their families after this awful year , but the situation has clearly taken a turn for the worse since the decision about Christmas was taken .
It serves no-one for politicians to ignore this fact .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now convene Cobra in the next 24 hours to review whether the current relaxation is appropriate given the rising number of cases .
If you conclude with Government scientists that we need to take tougher action to keep people safe over Christmas , then you will have my support.
” The Labour leader wrote : “ This is a critical moment for our country .
The tiered system has not kept the virus under control and has left us with precious little headroom .
Put simply , if you take the wrong decision @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and our economy in the new year could be severe.
” At present , it remains the Government 's `` intention '' to allow up to three households to mix over the Christmas period - but these plans will remain `` under constant review '' .
However Downing Street declined to give a cut off date after which people could be confident the Christmas arrangements are no longer under review .
Asked repeatedly , the Prime Minister ’ s spokesman said : “ We have set out the Christmas guidance and we have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to remain cautious and vigilant throughout the Christmas period… “ As we have done throughout the pandemic we keep all advice under constant review.
” The spokesman said people should “ try to keep numbers down and don ’ t do things that are unnecessary ” to avoid behaviours that would spread coronavirus over the festive period .
“ We have been clear that whilst we have published guidance that will allow families and friends to meet up it is imperative that people remain cautious and vigilant throughout the Christmas period .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what people can do , but what it isn ’ t saying is this is what people should do so it is up to people to remain cautious and vigilant throughout the period.
” In response to suggestions that the Christmas arrangements could be restricted to three days or two households , Downing Street again said the measures were being kept under “ constant review ” .
They added : “ We have set out the guidance for the Christmas bubbling arrangements .
“ But… we obviously keep all advice under constant review.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ 23 and 27 , loved ones will be able to meet indoors regardless of which tier the area they live is in .
It comes shortly after a rare joint editorial the British Medical Journal and Health Service Journal said that the government `` is about to blunder into another major error that will cost many lives '' .
The report said the government made a `` rash '' decision in relaxing coronavirus measures over Christmas amid further calls for five-day break to be scrapped .

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Sir Keir Starmer is calling for an urgent COBRA meeting to convene the relaxation of coronavirus measures over Christmas.
The Labour leader has demanded an emergency review of the plans and is urging Prime Minister Boris Johnson to consider "tougher action" over the festive period.
He has urged the Government to reconsider the loosening of the restrictions over Christmas, warning the ramifications for the NHS and the economy "could be severe".
In a letter to the Prime Minister, he said: “It has become increasingly clear over recent days that the tier system you introduced two weeks ago has failed to control transmission of Covid-19. Sadly, it does now appear that the Government has – once again – lost control of infections, putting our economy and our NHS at grave risk in the new year.”
Sir Keir added: “I understand that people want to spend time with their families after this awful year, but the situation has clearly taken a turn for the worse since the decision about Christmas was taken. It serves no-one for politicians to ignore this fact.
“It is my view that you should now convene Cobra in the next 24 hours to review whether the current relaxation is appropriate given the rising number of cases. If you conclude with Government scientists that we need to take tougher action to keep people safe over Christmas, then you will have my support.”
The Labour leader wrote: “This is a critical moment for our country. The tiered system has not kept the virus under control and has left us with precious little headroom. Put simply, if you take the wrong decision now, the ramifications for our NHS and our economy in the new year could be severe.”
At present, it remains the Government's "intention" to allow up to three households to mix over the Christmas period - but these plans will remain "under constant review".
However Downing Street declined to give a cut off date after which people could be confident the Christmas arrangements are no longer under review.
(Image: PA)
Asked repeatedly, the Prime Minister’s spokesman said: “We have set out the Christmas guidance and we have been clear around the need for people to remain cautious and vigilant throughout the Christmas period…
“As we have done throughout the pandemic we keep all advice under constant review.”
The spokesman said people should “try to keep numbers down and don’t do things that are unnecessary” to avoid behaviours that would spread coronavirus over the festive period.
“We have been clear that whilst we have published guidance that will allow families and friends to meet up it is imperative that people remain cautious and vigilant throughout the Christmas period.
“And remember that these guidelines set out what people can do, but what it isn’t saying is this is what people should do so it is up to people to remain cautious and vigilant throughout the period.”
In response to suggestions that the Christmas arrangements could be restricted to three days or two households, Downing Street again said the measures were being kept under “constant review”.
They added: “We have set out the guidance for the Christmas bubbling arrangements.
“But… we obviously keep all advice under constant review.”
Under current plans, between December 23 and 27, loved ones will be able to meet indoors regardless of which tier the area they live is in.
It comes shortly after a rare joint editorial the British Medical Journal and Health Service Journal said that the government "is about to blunder into another major error that will cost many lives".
The report said the government made a "rash" decision in relaxing coronavirus measures over Christmas amid further calls for five-day break to be scrapped.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-12-15--What is the new strain of coronavirus and should we be worried about it?

Experts have identified a new variant of coronavirus , which they say could be the cause of a rise in cases in the south of England .
Matt Hancock announced the news in the House of Commons yesterday , but told MPs there is nothing to suggest the new strain of the virus is more harmful .
However , the health secretary said initial analysis suggests it may be growing faster than the existing coronavirus variants .
England 's chief medical officer Professor Chris Whitty told a Downing Street press conference : `` It does appear to be in an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and bits of London which are increasing rapidly . ''
Public Health England ( PHE ) said that as of December 13 , 1,108 cases with this new variant had been identified .
Scientists have said it is normal for viruses to mutate and that research into the new strain is still in the early stages .
Here 's everything we know so far about the new strain of coronavirus and whether or not we should be worried about it .
What is the new strain of coronavirus ?
The new strain of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ VUI – 202012/01 – the first variant under investigation in December .
Mr Hancock said it is being analysed by government scientists “ right now ” .
He told MPs it was being cultured in government labs at Porton Down in Wiltshire , and will have tests conducted on it .
Should we be worried about it ?
According to the experts , virus mutation and changes are to be expected .
There have already been various strains of Covid-19 with no real consequence , but this one could be harder to control @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Although it is still to early to predict the potential impact of the mutation , scientists have urged the general public not to be concerned .
“ People should not be losing sleep about this , '' Calum Semple , professor of outbreak medicine at the University of Liverpool and a member of the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies ( Sage ) said .
`` They really need to leave the virology to the scientists because we ’ re at the very early stages of understanding what ’ s going on here @ @ @ @ @ @ @ COG-UK ) consortium said it is difficult to predict whether any given mutation is important when it first emerges and that it would take “ considerable time and effort to test the effect of many thousands of combinations of mutations ” .
What about the vaccine ?
Mr Hancock said the latest clinical advice is that it is highly unlikely that this mutation would fail to respond to a vaccine .
The vaccine produces antibodies against many regions in the spike protein , and it is unlikely a single change would make the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that some of the mutations are occurring in what he described as the key that the virus uses to unlock the cells – something which is seen with flu each year , which is why the flu vaccine has to change year on year .
He added : “ I would expect the ( Covid-19 ) vaccine still to be reasonably effective because it ’ s currently 95 % effective .
“ Even if we dropped a few percentage points , it ’ s still going to be good enough , and much @ @ @ @ @ @ @ market .
“ And the next bit of good news is that the new vaccines are essentially like emails that we send to the immune system , and they ’ re very easy to tweak .
“ So if we know that the lock has changed very slightly , we just have to edit that email , change a word or two and then the vaccine that will be ready in six to eight weeks ’ time after that , will be competent and better targeted to the new strain . ''
What @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the new strain to identify any potential risks .
Although it is not the first new strain to emerge , the fact that it has been identified in an area with high transmission rates means it could be spreading faster than other variants - so it is important scientists understand it .
Dr Susan Hopkins , Test and Trace and PHE joint medical adviser , said : “ We are investigating a new strain of SARS-CoV-2 , predominantly in Kent and the surrounding areas .
`` It is not unexpected that the virus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that we spot any changes quickly to understand the potential risk any variant may pose . ''
Scientists will be growing the new strain in the lab to see how it responds .
They will be looking at whether it produces the same antibody response , how it reacts to the vaccine , and modelling the new strain .
It could take up to two weeks for this thorough process to be complete .

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Experts have identified a new variant of coronavirus, which they say could be the cause of a rise in cases in the south of England.
Matt Hancock announced the news in the House of Commons yesterday, but told MPs there is nothing to suggest the new strain of the virus is more harmful.
However, the health secretary said initial analysis suggests it may be growing faster than the existing coronavirus variants.
England's chief medical officer Professor Chris Whitty told a Downing Street press conference: "It does appear to be in an area of the country, particularly Kent and bits of London which are increasing rapidly."
Public Health England (PHE) said that as of December 13, 1,108 cases with this new variant had been identified.
Scientists have said it is normal for viruses to mutate and that research into the new strain is still in the early stages.
Here's everything we know so far about the new strain of coronavirus and whether or not we should be worried about it.
What is the new strain of coronavirus?
The new strain of coronavirus identified in England has been named VUI – 202012/01 – the first variant under investigation in December.
Mr Hancock said it is being analysed by government scientists “right now”.
He told MPs it was being cultured in government labs at Porton Down in Wiltshire, and will have tests conducted on it.
Should we be worried about it?
According to the experts, virus mutation and changes are to be expected.
There have already been various strains of Covid-19 with no real consequence, but this one could be harder to control if it is found to spread faster.
Although it is still to early to predict the potential impact of the mutation, scientists have urged the general public not to be concerned.
“People should not be losing sleep about this," Calum Semple, professor of outbreak medicine at the University of Liverpool and a member of the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (Sage) said.
"They really need to leave the virology to the scientists because we’re at the very early stages of understanding what’s going on here."
The Covid-19 Genomics UK (COG-UK) consortium said it is difficult to predict whether any given mutation is important when it first emerges and that it would take “considerable time and effort to test the effect of many thousands of combinations of mutations”.
What about the vaccine?
Mr Hancock said the latest clinical advice is that it is highly unlikely that this mutation would fail to respond to a vaccine.
The vaccine produces antibodies against many regions in the spike protein, and it is unlikely a single change would make the vaccine less effective.
Prof Semple explained that some of the mutations are occurring in what he described as the key that the virus uses to unlock the cells – something which is seen with flu each year, which is why the flu vaccine has to change year on year.
He added: “I would expect the (Covid-19) vaccine still to be reasonably effective because it’s currently 95% effective.
“Even if we dropped a few percentage points, it’s still going to be good enough, and much better than many other vaccines on the market.
“And the next bit of good news is that the new vaccines are essentially like emails that we send to the immune system, and they’re very easy to tweak.
“So if we know that the lock has changed very slightly, we just have to edit that email, change a word or two and then the vaccine that will be ready in six to eight weeks’ time after that, will be competent and better targeted to the new strain."
What happens next?
PHE will be investigating the new strain to identify any potential risks.
Although it is not the first new strain to emerge, the fact that it has been identified in an area with high transmission rates means it could be spreading faster than other variants - so it is important scientists understand it.
Dr Susan Hopkins, Test and Trace and PHE joint medical adviser, said: “We are investigating a new strain of SARS-CoV-2, predominantly in Kent and the surrounding areas.
"It is not unexpected that the virus should evolve and it’s important that we spot any changes quickly to understand the potential risk any variant may pose."
Scientists will be growing the new strain in the lab to see how it responds.
They will be looking at whether it produces the same antibody response, how it reacts to the vaccine, and modelling the new strain.
It could take up to two weeks for this thorough process to be complete.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-12-15--Manchester United news and transfers LIVE

Mino Raiola released a new statement on the future of Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba , hinting a January transfer wo n't be possible .
Raiola dropped a bombshell last week on the eve of United 's game against RB Leipzig , claiming Pogba 's United career was `` over '' while touting a return to former side Juventus .
Pogba broke his silence on Raiola 's comments on Instagram following United 's Premier League draw against Manchester City and publicly defended his agent over reports published in German outlet Bild .
Raiola previously urged United to authorise a transfer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2022 at Old Trafford but believes a summer departure is the most likely outcome. ''
Pogba will have a great future , '' Raiola said .
`` In England , they 're very sensitive when you talk about Pogba .
I ’ ve just expressed my thoughts .
I ’ ve said that Paul can leave in the summer , it ’ s hard to do top deals in January . ''
United are preparing for a visit to Sheffield United on Thursday night .
Stick with us for all the latest news @ @ @ @

Mino Raiola released a new statement on the future of Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba, hinting a January transfer won't be possible.
Raiola dropped a bombshell last week on the eve of United's game against RB Leipzig, claiming Pogba's United career was "over" while touting a return to former side Juventus.
Pogba broke his silence on Raiola's comments on Instagram following United's Premier League draw against Manchester City and publicly defended his agent over reports published in German outlet Bild.
Raiola previously urged United to authorise a transfer for his client who is contracted until 2022 at Old Trafford but believes a summer departure is the most likely outcome.
" Pogba will have a great future," Raiola said. "In England, they're very sensitive when you talk about Pogba. I’ve just expressed my thoughts. I’ve said that Paul can leave in the summer, it’s hard to do top deals in January."
United are preparing for a visit to Sheffield United on Thursday night.
A recap of today's United news.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-12-15--Secondary school and college pupils to get weekly Covid tests from January

Pupils in every secondary school and college in England will have access to rapid coronavirus tests from January , the government has announced .
Building on the success of testing pilots in schools and colleges over the past few months , from January all staff in secondary schools and colleges will be eligible for the weekly rapid tests as part of an initial rollout .
It will also include those in special schools and alternative provisions with the aim of keeping 'staff and students as safe as possible and in education ' , the Department for Education announced today .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ schools and colleges for the first phase of rollout to staff from the first week of January .
Primary schools will then 'be supported to roll out testing as quickly as possible over the spring term ' .
The move comes amid mounting anger in the north west over pupils in London being tested for Covid , despite months of disruption experienced by schools in this region .
Leaders here said they were 'absolutely appalled ' by the government 's announcement last week to mass test secondary pupils in areas of London , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ areas like Greater Manchester should have been prioritised .
Under the plans for the new year - when there 's expected to be a spike in cases following household mixing at Christmas - students will be eligible for daily testing for seven days if they are identified as a close contact of someone who has tested positive .
Under current guidelines , up to a whole school bubble has to self-isolate if one student or staff member tests positive .
From January , those in the same bubble do not need to self-isolate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a day .
This will improve attendance and ensure young people can benefit from face-to-face teaching as much as possible .
Staff will also be eligible for daily testing if they are identified as a close contact .
Roughly one in three people have the virus without symptoms so could be spreading the disease unknowingly .
Asymptomatic testing helps to identify positive cases more quickly , and break chains of transmission .
Education Secretary Gavin Williamson said : `` This huge expansion of rapid testing for those working in education is a milestone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and colleges open for all .
`` I know it has taken a phenomenal effort from everyone to ensure approximately 99 % of schools have been open each week since the start of term .
`` Testing on this scale brings real benefits to education , it means more children , teachers and staff can stay in their classes in schools and colleges without the need to self-isolate . ''
Consent will be need to be given in all cases by the staff member , student , or parent before the test is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who do not want to participate in daily testing will still be able to self-isolate as is currently the case .
What do you think about the plans for weekly Covid tests in schools ?
Do you think it will improve the situation in Greater Manchester schools ?
Let us know in the comments here or on our Manchester Family Facebook page .
The DfE says the pilots that have taken place in schools and colleges over the autumn term have shown the positive impact regular testing can have in finding asymptomatic cases @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to self-isolate amongst staff and students .
Dr Susan Hopkins , senior medical adviser to Public Health England and NHS Test and Trace , said : `` Lateral flow devices are a vital additional tool in helping us detect Covid-19 cases that we wouldn ’ t otherwise know about , meaning that we can break chains of transmission and save lives .
`` In schools these tests can help make students and staff safer by helping us quickly identify many people who are unknowingly carrying high levels of the virus , preventing them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' The government says that schools and colleges will be provided with the necessary equipment and materials to deliver the testing and will be reimbursed for 'reasonable administrative costs such as staff time ' .
It says working is continuing with local authorities to trial approaches to regular testing in early years settings , with provision expected to increase throughout the spring .

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Every secondary school and college in England will have access to rapid coronavirus tests from January, the government has announced.
Building on the success of testing pilots in schools and colleges over the past few months, from January all staff in secondary schools and colleges will be eligible for the weekly rapid tests as part of an initial rollout.
It will also include those in special schools and alternative provisions with the aim of keeping 'staff and students as safe as possible and in education', the Department for Education announced today.
Test kits will begin arriving at secondary schools and colleges for the first phase of rollout to staff from the first week of January.
Primary schools will then 'be supported to roll out testing as quickly as possible over the spring term'.
The move comes amid mounting anger in the north west over pupils in London being tested for Covid, despite months of disruption experienced by schools in this region.
Leaders here said they were 'absolutely appalled' by the government's announcement last week to mass test secondary pupils in areas of London, Kent and Essex, saying Tier 3 areas like Greater Manchester should have been prioritised.
Under the plans for the new year - when there's expected to be a spike in cases following household mixing at Christmas - students will be eligible for daily testing for seven days if they are identified as a close contact of someone who has tested positive.
Under current guidelines, up to a whole school bubble has to self-isolate if one student or staff member tests positive. From January, those in the same bubble do not need to self-isolate if they agree to be tested once a day. This will improve attendance and ensure young people can benefit from face-to-face teaching as much as possible.
Staff will be tested weekly as a matter of routine and will also be eligible for daily testing if they are identified as a close contact. Roughly one in three people have the virus without symptoms so could be spreading the disease unknowingly. Asymptomatic testing helps to identify positive cases more quickly, and break chains of transmission.
Education Secretary Gavin Williamson said: "This huge expansion of rapid testing for those working in education is a milestone moment in our work to keep schools and colleges open for all.
"I know it has taken a phenomenal effort from everyone to ensure approximately 99% of schools have been open each week since the start of term.
"Testing on this scale brings real benefits to education, it means more children, teachers and staff can stay in their classes in schools and colleges without the need to self-isolate."
Consent will be need to be given in all cases by the staff member, student, or parent before the test is given.
Close contacts of positive cases who do not want to participate in daily testing will still be able to self-isolate as is currently the case.
What do you think about the plans for weekly Covid tests in schools? Do you think it will improve the situation in Greater Manchester schools? Let us know in the comments here or on our Manchester Family Facebook page.
The DfE says the pilots that have taken place in schools and colleges over the autumn term have shown the positive impact regular testing can have in finding asymptomatic cases before they spread and reducing the need to self-isolate amongst staff and students.
Dr Susan Hopkins, senior medical adviser to Public Health England and NHS Test and Trace, said: "Lateral flow devices are a vital additional tool in helping us detect Covid-19 cases that we wouldn’t otherwise know about, meaning that we can break chains of transmission and save lives.
"In schools these tests can help make students and staff safer by helping us quickly identify many people who are unknowingly carrying high levels of the virus, preventing them from passing it on to others."
The government says that schools and colleges will be provided with the necessary equipment and materials to deliver the testing and will be reimbursed for 'reasonable administrative costs such as staff time'.
It says working is continuing with local authorities to trial approaches to regular testing in early years settings, with provision expected to increase throughout the spring.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-12-15--I'm A Celebrity's final figures show how close Jordan North was to winning

I 'm A Celebrity 2020 may feel like a lifetime ago already .
For less than three weeks , millions of us tuned in every night to watch 12 celebrities face some of their biggest fears in trials at Gwrych Castle .
And let 's not forget Ant and Dec .
But when it came down to it , it was between Vernon Kay , Jordan North and Giovanna Fletcher to be crowned King or Queen of the castle .
Of course we know that it was podcaster and author Giovanna who , after 12 million votes were cast , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Celeb winner for 2020 .
But it could have been very different as the voting figures have revealed .
Giovanna , 35 , received 50.27 % of the final vote , while Radio 1 DJ Jordan , 30 , got 49.73 % .
Though it seemed Giovanna was always in the running as at the close of the first vote , which decided third place as Vernon , she had the bigger lead with 39.45 % to Jordan 's 34.06 % .
The ITV reality series ended up being the biggest television show @ @ @ @ @ @ @ million viewers watching across the series .
Based on location in Wales instead of Australia for the very first time , the show climaxed with a peak of 12.1m viewers watching the final .
I 'm a Celebrity started the series with 14.3 million viewers - making ITV its biggest audience since the Croatia v England World Cup Semi-Final in 2018 .

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I'm A Celebrity 2020 may feel like a lifetime ago already.
For less than three weeks, millions of us tuned in every night to watch 12 celebrities face some of their biggest fears in trials at Gwrych Castle.
And let's not forget Ant and Dec.
But when it came down to it, it was between Vernon Kay, Jordan North and Giovanna Fletcher to be crowned King or Queen of the castle.
Of course we know that it was podcaster and author Giovanna who, after 12 million votes were cast, was announced as the I'm A Celeb winner for 2020.
But it could have been very different as the voting figures have revealed.
Giovanna, 35, received 50.27% of the final vote, while Radio 1 DJ Jordan, 30, got 49.73%.
Though it seemed Giovanna was always in the running as at the close of the first vote, which decided third place as Vernon, she had the bigger lead with 39.45% to Jordan's 34.06%.
(Image: Kieron McCarron/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)
The ITV reality series ended up being the biggest television show of 2020 with an average of 11.2 million viewers watching across the series.
Based on location in Wales instead of Australia for the very first time, the show climaxed with a peak of 12.1m viewers watching the final.
I'm a Celebrity started the series with 14.3 million viewers - making ITV its biggest audience since the Croatia v England World Cup Semi-Final in 2018.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-12-15--Otter photographed in River Irwell is 'the first ever' in Salford

The surprise appearance of an Otter close to Manchester city centre is ' a big deal ' , according to an expert .
A photograph of the otter in the River Irwell , at Adelphi Weir , Salford , has circulated on social media in the last couple of days .
While some people are happy to see the animal in the river , others have expressed concerns that it will have a negative impact on other animals in the area .
`` Otters are good or bad depending on how you look at them , '' he said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ see them because they represent definitive proof that our waterways are in full recovery mode .
`` There are people who wo n't be happy because they are an absolutely rapacious predator .
They eat fish , ducklings , little birds , and ground nesting mammals .
`` I personally think it 's brilliant .
It 's part of nature . ''
The photograph was taken by Salford Council worker Peter Openshaw and Mr Duddy believes that the appearance of the mammal has an added level of significance due to the area it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In Salford and so close to the centre of Manchester , it 's a big deal .
They 've never been photographed or recorded there previously .
`` We 've seen mink before and people get the two confused but that picture was the best photo and definitive proof that otters have returned to central Salford .
`` Around Greater Manchester , we have no doubts otters exist but they 've never been recorded properly in the centre of Manchester or Salford . ''
Mr Duddy believes that it is also a testament @ @ @ @ @ @ @ done on improving the rivers in Greater Manchester since the 1970s .
He continued : `` If someone saw a stickleback ( fish ) in the Irwell or Manchester Ship Canal in the 1970s , it would have made the Manchester Evening News because the waters were so polluted .
`` Over the last 40 years there 's been a huge effort by so many people to improve the waterways of Greater Manchester and it 's only really in the last 10 years that real improvements have taken place .
`` Now there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Greater Manchester . ''

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The surprise appearance of an Otter close to Manchester city centre is 'a big deal', according to an expert.
A photograph of the otter in the River Irwell, at Adelphi Weir, Salford, has circulated on social media in the last couple of days.
While some people are happy to see the animal in the river, others have expressed concerns that it will have a negative impact on other animals in the area.
Mike Duddy, a project manager at Mersey Rivers Trust, understands both arguments.
"Otters are good or bad depending on how you look at them," he said.
Sign up to the free MySalford email newsletter Get regular updates from Salford direct to your email inbox with the free MySalford newsletter. Click on this link, enter your email address, and select 'MySalford News'. That's all there is to it.
"Some people are absolutely delighted to see them because they represent definitive proof that our waterways are in full recovery mode.
"There are people who won't be happy because they are an absolutely rapacious predator. They eat fish, ducklings, little birds, and ground nesting mammals.
"I personally think it's brilliant. It's part of nature."
The photograph was taken by Salford Council worker Peter Openshaw and Mr Duddy believes that the appearance of the mammal has an added level of significance due to the area it was spotted.
He added: "In Salford and so close to the centre of Manchester, it's a big deal. They've never been photographed or recorded there previously.
"We've seen mink before and people get the two confused but that picture was the best photo and definitive proof that otters have returned to central Salford.
"Around Greater Manchester, we have no doubts otters exist but they've never been recorded properly in the centre of Manchester or Salford."
Mr Duddy believes that it is also a testament to the hard work that has been done on improving the rivers in Greater Manchester since the 1970s.
He continued: "If someone saw a stickleback (fish) in the Irwell or Manchester Ship Canal in the 1970s, it would have made the Manchester Evening News because the waters were so polluted.
"Over the last 40 years there's been a huge effort by so many people to improve the waterways of Greater Manchester and it's only really in the last 10 years that real improvements have taken place.
"Now there's fish in almost every river in Greater Manchester."


themanchestereveningnews--2020-12-15--The rules on parents getting time off work when children are isolating

Bubble closures have become the norm at many of Greater Manchester 's schools leaving parents struggling to get to work .
If a child is sent home from school , it 's only them who needs to isolate and the rest of the family can go about their usual business .
But when the closures involve younger pupils , someone needs to be with that child , so unless one parent either does n't work or works from home , many families are finding it increasingly difficult .
So what are your rights if you ca n't get to work @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you the time off ?
Here Kate Palmer , HR advice and consultancy director at Peninsula , offers her advice .
`` Where a parent is not self-isolating , they are legally entitled to unpaid time off for dependants , '' she said .
`` The employment right to this time off is intended to be for unforeseen emergencies only , of which the coronavirus will likely fall under .
The law stipulates that time off for dependants can be taken specifically where a dependant has either fallen ill , is injured , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in which this time can be taken include where arrangements for the provision of care of a dependant need to be made , where normal arrangements have been disrupted .
This would include the unexpected closure of an employee ’ s child ’ s school .
`` Currently , there is no qualifying service period required to entitle an employee to take time off work of this nature so employees who have just started a new role can still take this time off . ''
Have you struggled to work because your child @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Has your employer been understanding ?
Let us know in the comments here , or on our Manchester Family Facebook page .
She added : `` If parents are to take time off for dependants , they should be aware that , aside from the fact that it is unpaid , they are required to inform their employer as soon as reasonably practicable about the absence , the reason for it and the anticipated length .
`` Employers should not reasonably refuse this time off .
Employees have a right to take a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which is generally taken to be up to two days per instance .
`` This is because the point of the time off is to make other arrangements for childcare , rather than time off actually to look after the child .
However , employers may want to consider the coronavirus situation when establishing principles around a ‘ reasonable ’ amount of time . ''
While some parents have been able to call on family members for support - if they 've formed a childcare bubble - others , including those with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ too far away , have n't had that option .
`` Where it is clear that a longer period of time off may be needed , employers may find it beneficial to open up communication with employees about how an extended period of time off will be dealt with , '' said Kate .
`` It may be that employees are permitted to work from home where possible , or a temporary period of other flexible working options arranged .
Employees who have caring responsibilities arising from coronavirus can be furloughed .
However @ @ @ @ @ @ @ furloughed ; it is used at the employer ’ s discretion . ''
If a parent themselves is self-isolating then they are entitled to Statutory Sick Pay ( SSP ) , except in cases where the isolation is necessary following travel to a non-quarantine exempt country .
The government has made clear that , even if a child is isolating , a parent will not be classed as ‘ self-isolating ’ unless their child : • exhibits symptoms or tests positive for the coronavirus • they are experiencing symptoms or have tested positive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ exempt country abroad • or they have been told by the NHS to self-isolate Childcare bubbles have been allowed in all tiers since December 2 .
A childcare bubble is where one household links with one other household to provide informal childcare to anyone under 14 .
All adults in both households must agree to this arrangement .
Members of either household can provide childcare in a home or public place and this includes overnight care .
You can only have one childcare bubble with one other household .
This means no household @ @ @ @ @ @ @ childcare bubble .
For more details see the government guidance here .

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Bubble closures have become the norm at many of Greater Manchester's schools leaving parents struggling to get to work.
If a child is sent home from school, it's only them who needs to isolate and the rest of the family can go about their usual business.
But when the closures involve younger pupils, someone needs to be with that child, so unless one parent either doesn't work or works from home, many families are finding it increasingly difficult.
So what are your rights if you can't get to work? Is your employer obliged to give you the time off?
Here Kate Palmer, HR advice and consultancy director at Peninsula, offers her advice.
"Where a parent is not self-isolating, they are legally entitled to unpaid time off for dependants," she said. "The employment right to this time off is intended to be for unforeseen emergencies only, of which the coronavirus will likely fall under. The law stipulates that time off for dependants can be taken specifically where a dependant has either fallen ill, is injured, or is assaulted.
"Other circumstances in which this time can be taken include where arrangements for the provision of care of a dependant need to be made, where normal arrangements have been disrupted. This would include the unexpected closure of an employee’s child’s school.
"Currently, there is no qualifying service period required to entitle an employee to take time off work of this nature so employees who have just started a new role can still take this time off."
(Image: Peninsula)
Have you struggled to work because your child has been sent home from school? Has your employer been understanding? Let us know in the comments here, or on our Manchester Family Facebook page.
She added: "If parents are to take time off for dependants, they should be aware that, aside from the fact that it is unpaid, they are required to inform their employer as soon as reasonably practicable about the absence, the reason for it and the anticipated length.
"Employers should not reasonably refuse this time off. Employees have a right to take a ‘reasonable’ amount of time off, which is generally taken to be up to two days per instance.
"This is because the point of the time off is to make other arrangements for childcare, rather than time off actually to look after the child. However, employers may want to consider the coronavirus situation when establishing principles around a ‘reasonable’ amount of time."
While some parents have been able to call on family members for support - if they've formed a childcare bubble - others, including those with elderly vulnerable grandparents, or relatives living too far away, haven't had that option.
"Where it is clear that a longer period of time off may be needed, employers may find it beneficial to open up communication with employees about how an extended period of time off will be dealt with," said Kate.
(Image: Getty Images)
"It may be that employees are permitted to work from home where possible, or a temporary period of other flexible working options arranged. Employees who have caring responsibilities arising from coronavirus can be furloughed. However, there is no right to be furloughed; it is used at the employer’s discretion."
If a parent themselves is self-isolating then they are entitled to Statutory Sick Pay (SSP), except in cases where the isolation is necessary following travel to a non-quarantine exempt country.
The government has made clear that, even if a child is isolating, a parent will not be classed as ‘self-isolating’ unless their child:
exhibits symptoms or tests positive for the coronavirus
they are experiencing symptoms or have tested positive
they have returned from a non-quarantine exempt country abroad
or they have been told by the NHS to self-isolate
Childcare bubbles have been allowed in all tiers since December 2. A childcare bubble is where one household links with one other household to provide informal childcare to anyone under 14. All adults in both households must agree to this arrangement.
Members of either household can provide childcare in a home or public place and this includes overnight care.
You can only have one childcare bubble with one other household. This means no household should be part of more than one childcare bubble.
For more details see the government guidance here.