inews--2020-05-12--By enforcing face masks while burqas remain banned, France shows how Islamophobia informs policy

By enforcing face masks while burqas remain banned , France shows how Islamophobia informs policy France was the first European country to implement a burqa ban With more than 26,000 people now dead from coronavirus , France has made it compulsory for face masks to be worn .
The aftermath of Covid-19 will leave a whole new world but it will also challenge the precedents of the laws that previously have been imposed upon people , especially marginalised groups .
France was the first European country to ban the burqa in 2010 and then further impose restrictions on hijabs in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Under state-mandated Islamophobia , prejudice , and bigotry , France led the way for many countries within Europe including Austria , Belgium , Bulgaria , Denmark , and the Netherlands to impose restrictions on Muslim women and how they dress .
In the same year of 2010 , a French parliamentary study said : “ The concealment of the face in public space has the effect of breaking social ties , ” and further linked this to a lack of want to socially integrate into French society .
Yet , as face @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the covering of the face is about context and the individual .
The context created around Muslim women wearing the burqa was conflated with issues around security , secularism , integration , and how the burqa enforced the supposed oppression of Muslim women - regardless of this attire being their choice .
Muslim women were banned from the freedom to wear what they wanted - it wasn ’ t simply a campaign against their choice to dress , but also a persistent effort over the last 10 years to attempt to degrade @ @ @ @ @ @ @ perceived them to have .
As a result , many Muslim women have faced social stigma , further social isolation , and even Islamophobic attacks from those in the public who feel emboldened by the law to ostracise Muslim women .
In 2018 , the United National Human Rights Committee said France ’ s ban “ could have the effect of confining them ( Muslim women ) to their homes , impeding their access to public services and marginalising them . ''
A passenger wearing a protective face mask waits for her train @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Photo : Pascal Le Segretain/Getty ) Ten years later , the French government ’ s response to Covid-19 is to impose face coverings on its entire nation whilst still maintaining the ban on burqas , and the irony and hypocrisy of this has not been lost on me .
The Human Rights Watch executive director Kenneth Roth said on Twitter : “ Can the Islamophobia be any more transparent ?
The French government mandates masks but still bans the burqa ” .
The concern for integration and security seems to have vanished in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this legislation that ’ s shown that the burqa ban and the targeting of Muslim women and how they dress their bodies has always been founded in discrimination .
It ’ s okay if the entire French population is covering their faces now so long as they are doing it for France and not Islam .
In the UK , where Prime Minister , Boris Johnson once mocked Muslim women in burqas , referring to them as “ letter boxes ” , there has been a firm suggestion by the Government that wearing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be the best course of action for many .
However face masks are not mandatory to wear as of yet in the UK , neither is there a burqa ban .
It is not with malice but sheer curiosity I wonder how the French people will react to having their bodies dictated by the state and if this will take any sort of adjustment whether it ’ s mental , physical , or emotional .
I wonder if any sense of empathy will come from this for the Muslim women who have long @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cover their bodies dictated by the French government .
But even as this happens , the burqa ban exists in France and Muslim women covering their faces can still be fined or even be made to take a refresher course on citizenship .
I believe the normality around facial coverings will push those in power to further view Muslim women ’ s lives under a microscope .
Any fantasy about laws and regulations around religious facial covering relaxing - even if religious covering and face masks cover the same area and space on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I don ’ t want to entertain .
Muslim women ’ s bodies have long since been the battlegrounds for patriarchy and those in power to point score .
As we create a new normal post-Covid I believe the gendered Islamophobia and discrimination Muslim women face will continue even in the face of the blatant hypocrisy .
This is purely because those who choose to oppress Muslim women will continue to be in power , even in this new world and new normal we will all need to embrace .

With more than 26,000 people now dead from coronavirus, France has made it compulsory for face masks to be worn. The aftermath of Covid-19 will leave a whole new world but it will also challenge the precedents of the laws that previously have been imposed upon people, especially marginalised groups.
France was the first European country to ban the burqa in 2010 and then further impose restrictions on hijabs in schools and many other spaces in public. Under state-mandated Islamophobia, prejudice, and bigotry, France led the way for many countries within Europe including Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Denmark, and the Netherlands to impose restrictions on Muslim women and how they dress.
In the same year of 2010, a French parliamentary study said: “The concealment of the face in public space has the effect of breaking social ties,” and further linked this to a lack of want to socially integrate into French society.
Yet, as face masks become compulsory, we see now that the covering of the face is about context and the individual. The context created around Muslim women wearing the burqa was conflated with issues around security, secularism, integration, and how the burqa enforced the supposed oppression of Muslim women – regardless of this attire being their choice. Muslim women were banned from the freedom to wear what they wanted – it wasn’t simply a campaign against their choice to dress, but also a persistent effort over the last 10 years to attempt to degrade the agency they had and what others perceived them to have.
As a result, many Muslim women have faced social stigma, further social isolation, and even Islamophobic attacks from those in the public who feel emboldened by the law to ostracise Muslim women. In 2018, the United National Human Rights Committee said France’s ban “could have the effect of confining them (Muslim women) to their homes, impeding their access to public services and marginalising them.”
Ten years later, the French government’s response to Covid-19 is to impose face coverings on its entire nation whilst still maintaining the ban on burqas, and the irony and hypocrisy of this has not been lost on me.
The Human Rights Watch executive director Kenneth Roth said on Twitter: “Can the Islamophobia be any more transparent? The French government mandates masks but still bans the burqa”. The concern for integration and security seems to have vanished in the midst of Covid-19. It is this legislation that’s shown that the burqa ban and the targeting of Muslim women and how they dress their bodies has always been founded in discrimination. It’s okay if the entire French population is covering their faces now so long as they are doing it for France and not Islam.
In the UK, where Prime Minister, Boris Johnson once mocked Muslim women in burqas, referring to them as “letter boxes”, there has been a firm suggestion by the Government that wearing face masks when leaving the house would be the best course of action for many. However face masks are not mandatory to wear as of yet in the UK, neither is there a burqa ban.
It is not with malice but sheer curiosity I wonder how the French people will react to having their bodies dictated by the state and if this will take any sort of adjustment whether it’s mental, physical, or emotional. I wonder if any sense of empathy will come from this for the Muslim women who have long since been subjected to having how they cover their bodies dictated by the French government. But even as this happens, the burqa ban exists in France and Muslim women covering their faces can still be fined or even be made to take a refresher course on citizenship.
I believe the normality around facial coverings will push those in power to further view Muslim women’s lives under a microscope. Any fantasy about laws and regulations around religious facial covering relaxing – even if religious covering and face masks cover the same area and space on the face – is a hopeful delusion I don’t want to entertain. Muslim women’s bodies have long since been the battlegrounds for patriarchy and those in power to point score.
As we create a new normal post-Covid I believe the gendered Islamophobia and discrimination Muslim women face will continue even in the face of the blatant hypocrisy. This is purely because those who choose to oppress Muslim women will continue to be in power, even in this new world and new normal we will all need to embrace.
Mariam Khan is the editor of It’s Not About the Burqa: Muslim Women on Faith, Feminism, Sexuality and Race.


inews--2020-05-12--Coronavirus in the UK: How Vue Cinemas plans to have socially distanced film screenings

Coronavirus in the UK : How Vue Cinemas plans to have socially distanced film screenings Families will be isolated through online booking as part of plans to ensure customers feel safe Vue will keep people apart from each other using its online booking system ( Photo : Alex Davidson/Getty Images ) The Government 's conditional roadmap for exiting lockdown has pencilled in a return to certain leisure activities on 4 July at the earliest .
This will depend on the country 's progress in the fight to control coronavirus and businesses may still be expected to abide by certain restrictions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
Vue has today released a statement on its ideas for making customers feel safe .
The company said : `` We have been liaising closely with authorities across Europe to design operating procedures that can provide the degree of social distancing required and allow an experience for our customers and staff that is as safe as possible . ''
So what measures can they put in place ?
One idea is to physically isolate family groups using the online booking system , so that everyone is automatically spaced out .
Another is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ distancing inside the cinema , and to add new cleaning and employee protection protocols .
What have other cinemas said ?
Cineworld boss Mooky Greidinger has previously said that a reopening by the end of June was `` very realistic '' , but the chain has not outlined its plans for how it will operate .
Odeon meanwhile has other things to think about - it was reported yesterday that the chain 's owner AMC may be the subject of takeover interest from Amazon .
Will there even be any films to watch @ @ @ @ @ @ @ James Bond have been postponed due to the virus .
However there are set to be a few July releases , including Disney 's live-action remake of Mulan towards the end of the month .
However , some major releases may be absent from the Cineworld and Odeon chains in the coming months .
That 's because the owners of both brands have cut ties with major studio Universal due to a row over the digital release of Trolls World Tour during lockdown .
Some cinemas fear it heralds more at-home releases for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from cinemas .

When will cinemas reopen?
The Government’s conditional roadmap for exiting lockdown has pencilled in a return to certain leisure activities on 4 July at the earliest. This will depend on the country’s progress in the fight to control coronavirus and businesses may still be expected to abide by certain restrictions.
How are cinemas planning to adapt?
Vue has today released a statement on its ideas for making customers feel safe. The company said: “We have been liaising closely with authorities across Europe to design operating procedures that can provide the degree of social distancing required and allow an experience for our customers and staff that is as safe as possible.”
So what measures can they put in place?
One idea is to physically isolate family groups using the online booking system, so that everyone is automatically spaced out. Another is to stagger film times to maintain social distancing inside the cinema, and to add new cleaning and employee protection protocols.
What have other cinemas said?
Cineworld boss Mooky Greidinger has previously said that a reopening by the end of June was “very realistic”, but the chain has not outlined its plans for how it will operate.
Odeon meanwhile has other things to think about – it was reported yesterday that the chain’s owner AMC may be the subject of takeover interest from Amazon.
Will there even be any films to watch?
Several movies such as the new James Bond have been postponed due to the virus. However there are set to be a few July releases, including Disney’s live-action remake of Mulan towards the end of the month.
However, some major releases may be absent from the Cineworld and Odeon chains in the coming months. That’s because the owners of both brands have cut ties with major studio Universal due to a row over the digital release of Trolls World Tour during lockdown. Some cinemas fear it heralds more at-home releases for big titles that could draw crowds away from cinemas.


inews--2020-05-12--Coronavirus: Twitter will add warnings to misleading tweets, including Donald Trump's

Twitter will now label tweets containing disputed or misleading information regarding the coronavirus outbreak Twitter has started applying warnings to tweets containing disputed or misleading information about the coronavirus outbreak , new rules which will extend to missives from Donald Trump .
The social media site is introducing labels to tweets containing moderately false or harmful claims linked to the pandemic , directing users to either a Twitter-curated page or external source depending on the tweet 's content .
Tweets containing more severe claims with a higher likelihood of either causing harm or misleading people will be masked behind a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the content shared in this tweet conflicts with guidance from public health experts regarding Covid-19 . ''
Twitter will remove tweets it identifies as containing severely misleading information which has been confirmed to be false by experts such as public health authorities .
Tweets from world leaders , including Mr Trump , will be subject to the new rules , Yoel Roth , Twitter 's head of site integrity , said .
The US president has consistently made false claims about the coronavirus , including that it could be treated by injecting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ anti-malaria drug that has not been proven safe or effective against the virus , and claiming he had seen proof the virus had been manufactured in a Wuhan laboratory .
Twitter has been criticised for failing to regulate Mr Trump 's inflammatory tweets in the past .
The President told a group of Democratic Congresswomen of colour to `` go home '' in a series of tweets , which Twitter claimed did not violate its rules despite its guidelines stating the company was `` committed to combating abuse motivated by hatred , prejudice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to silence the voices of those who have been historically marginalised . ''
The company said it would take down tweets that could incite anti-5G activists to attack phone masts in the mistaken belief the technology causes or accelerates Covid-19 last month .
The company said it had removed more than 2,230 tweets containing “ misleading and potentially harmful content ” since it changed its policies in response to the outbreak on 18 March , with its automated system Ed challenging more than 3.4m accounts targeting “ manipulative discussions around Covid-19 ” .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ on targeting tweets with the potential to cause harm means that tweets containing false claims relating to 5G and coronavirus could be allowed to remain on the platform if they are found to be non-harmful .

Twitter has started applying warnings to tweets containing disputed or misleading information about the coronavirus outbreak, new rules which will extend to missives from Donald Trump.
The social media site is introducing labels to tweets containing moderately false or harmful claims linked to the pandemic, directing users to either a Twitter-curated page or external source depending on the tweet’s content.
Tweets containing more severe claims with a higher likelihood of either causing harm or misleading people will be masked behind a warning reading: “Some or all of the content shared in this tweet conflicts with guidance from public health experts regarding Covid-19.”
Twitter will remove tweets it identifies as containing severely misleading information which has been confirmed to be false by experts such as public health authorities.
Trump included in guidelines
Tweets from world leaders, including Mr Trump, will be subject to the new rules, Yoel Roth, Twitter’s head of site integrity, said.
The US president has consistently made false claims about the coronavirus, including that it could be treated by injecting disinfectant, encouraging Americans to take an anti-malaria drug that has not been proven safe or effective against the virus, and claiming he had seen proof the virus had been manufactured in a Wuhan laboratory.
Twitter has been criticised for failing to regulate Mr Trump’s inflammatory tweets in the past. The President told a group of Democratic Congresswomen of colour to “go home” in a series of tweets, which Twitter claimed did not violate its rules despite its guidelines stating the company was “committed to combating abuse motivated by hatred, prejudice or intolerance, particularly abuse that seeks to silence the voices of those who have been historically marginalised.”
Attempting to curb false coronavirus claims
The company said it would take down tweets that could incite anti-5G activists to attack phone masts in the mistaken belief the technology causes or accelerates Covid-19 last month.
The company said it had removed more than 2,230 tweets containing “misleading and potentially harmful content” since it changed its policies in response to the outbreak on 18 March, with its automated system Ed challenging more than 3.4m accounts targeting “manipulative discussions around Covid-19”.
Twitter has been taking down tweets that deny health authority recommendations and established scientific facts, alongside potentially harmful or unfounded treatment or protection measures.


inews--2020-05-12--Covid Alert System explained: how UK coronavirus levels work, and what the 5 stages mean

Covid Alert System explained : how UK coronavirus levels work , and what the 5 stages mean Five alert levels will be used to inform the easing , or tightening , of lockdown restrictions The UK government has detailed a “ road map ” for the UK ’ s exit out of lockdown , announcing a new alert system to handle the next phase of handling the virus .
The ‘ alert system ’ will rank the threat level of coronavirus on a scale of one to five , and will be used to inform when lockdown measures can be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ System ?
The Covid Alert System will be determined mainly by the reinfection rate and the number of coronavirus cases , and will be run by a new Joint Biosecurity Centre .
The new five-point alert system will rank the threat level of the virus on a scale of one ( green ) to five ( red ) , with social distancing measures becoming tougher the higher the threat level is .
The threat level will be adjusted accordingly based on medical and scientific data , with experts analysing data from hospitals and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an accurate picture of infection rates .
What do the five alert levels mean ?
These are the five alert levels that will be used to inform the easing , or tightening , of lockdown restrictions : Level four - Severe .
This is the level the UK is currently at and means the NHS is stretched but is coping Level three - Substantial .
This means the virus is in general circulation and the NHS is operating at extra capacity .
Some restrictions will need to remain in place , but it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Level two - Moderate .
This means there is a low level of virus transmission and the NHS is operating normally .
Schools and businesses should be able to open , subject to social distancing measures Level one - Low .
This means the virus is no longer present in the UK .
No behavioural restrictions will be needed , and public and private sectors will be able to operate normally What is the current threat level in the UK ?
However , Prime Minister Boris Johnson said in his nationwide address on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UK is now moving towards level three .
`` And in turn that Covid alert level will tell us how tough we have to be in our social-distancing measures - the lower the level , the fewer the measures .
The higher the level , the tougher and stricter we will have to be .
“ Level one means the disease is no longer present in the UK and level five is the most critical - the kind of situation we could have had if the NHS had been overwhelmed .
`` Over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have been in level four , and it is thanks to your sacrifice we are now in a position to begin to move in steps to level three . ''

The UK Government detailed a “road map” for the UK’s exit out of lockdown early in May, which included a new alert system to handle the next phase of handling the virus.
This ‘alert system’ ranks the threat level of coronavirus on a scale of one to five, and is being used to inform when lockdown measures can be eased.
On Friday 19 June, after being in stage four of the alert system for the duration of the lockdown, medical officers announced that it was time for the UK to move into stage three – here’s how the system works.
What is the Covid Alert System?
The Covid Alert System is determined mainly by the reinfection rate and the number of coronavirus cases, and is run by a new Joint Biosecurity Centre.
The new five-point alert system ranks the threat level of the virus on a scale of one (green) to five (red), with social distancing measures becoming tougher the higher the threat level is.
This threat level is being adjusted accordingly based on medical and scientific data, with experts analysing data from hospitals to inform an accurate picture of infection rates.
When he announced the system, Boris Johnson said: “Covid alert level will be determined primarily by R and the number of coronavirus cases.
“And in turn that Covid alert level will tell us how tough we have to be in our social-distancing measures – the lower the level, the fewer the measures. The higher the level, the tougher and stricter we will have to be.
“There will be five alert levels. Level one means the disease is no longer present in the UK and level five is the most critical – the kind of situation we could have had if the NHS had been overwhelmed.
“Over the period of the lockdown, we have been in level four, and it is thanks to your sacrifice we are now in a position to begin to move in steps to level three.”
What do the five alert levels mean?
These are the five alert levels that will be used to inform the easing, or tightening, of lockdown restrictions:
Level five – Critical. This level would require a strict lockdown and means the virus is spreading fast, and could overwhelm the NHS
Level four – Severe. This is the level the UK is currently at and means the NHS is stretched but is coping
Level three – Substantial. This means the virus is in general circulation and the NHS is operating at extra capacity. Some restrictions will need to remain in place, but it will be safe to relax some measures
Level two – Moderate. This means there is a low level of virus transmission and the NHS is operating normally. Schools and businesses should be able to open, subject to social distancing measures
Level one – Low. This means the virus is no longer present in the UK. No behavioural restrictions will be needed, and public and private sectors will be able to operate normally
What is the current threat level in the UK?
On Friday 19 June, the UK’s coronavirus alert level was downgraded from four to three by the Chief Medical Officers following a “steady” and continuing decrease in cases in all four nations.
The Joint Biosecurity Centre has recommended the Covid-19 alert level be reduced from four to three, meaning the epidemic is in general circulation but transmission is no longer “high or rising exponentially”.
The UK’s chief medical officers said in a statement: “The Joint Biosecurity Centre has recommended that the Covid-19 alert level should move from Level 4 (A Covid-19 epidemic is in general circulation; transmission is high or rising exponentially) to Level 3 (A Covid-19 epidemic is in general circulation).
“The CMOs for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have reviewed the evidence and agree with this recommendation to move to Level 3 across the UK.
“There has been a steady decrease in cases we have seen in all four nations, and this continues. It does not mean that the pandemic is over. The virus is still in general circulation, and localised outbreaks are likely to occur.
“We have made progress against the virus thanks to the efforts of the public and we need the public to continue to follow the guidelines carefully to ensure this progress continues.”


inews--2020-05-12--When is the next bank holiday? Why the first May long weekend was a Friday - and full list of 2020 U

When is the next bank holiday? Why the first May long weekend was a Friday - and full list of 2020 UK holidays

When is the next bank holiday ?
Why the first May long weekend was a Friday - and full list of 2020 UK holidays The coronavirus lockdown restrictions mean some of this year 's bank holidays will be very different to usual For many people , bank holidays are some of the high points of the year , giving us a few bonus days off to travel down to the beach or to fly off to Prague on a whim .
That 's not to say they wo n't be welcome , though - many will be eagerly counting down @ @ @ @ @ @ @ off work to recharge the batteries , even if it 's just for a daily exercise walk and a family Zoom quiz .
Here are all the dates you need to know , and why 2020 's bank holidays are following a slightly different pattern to usual .
Why was the first May bank holiday on Friday ?
One of our two May bank holidays , the early one , known as May Day , was moved by the Government to coincide with the 75th anniversary of VE Day , or Victory Day @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ensure that the long weekend would coincide with the extended 75th anniversary celebrations of the surrender of Nazi Germany , which ended the Second World War in Europe .
As part of the VE Day commemorations , more than 20,000 pubs were going to encourage drinkers to toast the heroes of the war , while churches were set to take part in a Ringing Out For Peace .
However , like all other mass gatherings and general activities involving leaving our homes , all public VE Day events were cancelled - so all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In total , there are six days in 2020 for those living in England , Scotland , Wales , and Northern Ireland , though some nations have additional holidays .
Here is a list of 2020 's bank holidays : As ever , there are various other key dates to remember in 2020 .
None provide paid , free time off work but all are important nonetheless .
Other dates for your diary :

For many people, bank holidays are some of the high points of the year, giving us a few bonus days off to travel down to the beach or to fly off to Prague on a whim.
However, like everything else, the coronavirus outbreak and ensuing lockdown restrictions mean that the majority of the nation’s long weekends have proved very different so far this year.
That’s not to say they aren’t welcome, though – many will be eagerly counting down the days to get some precious time off work to recharge the batteries, even if they still can’t do absolutely everything they want to.
Here are all the dates you need to know, and why 2020’s bank holidays have followed a slightly different pattern to usual.
When is the next bank holiday?
This year, the next bank holiday for England, Wales and Northern Ireland falls on Monday 31 August – it always coincides with the final Monday of the month.
Therefore last year’s day off was on Monday 26 August, and the 2021 bank holiday falls on Monday 30 August.
Both of May’s long weekends fell during a time when lockdown measures were more universally stringent in the UK, as did the two Easter bank holidays.
However, not only are there far more options available now (except for those people subject to local lockdown rules), there is the added bonus of 31 August coinciding with the final day of the Government’s Eat Out to Help Out scheme.
Why was the first May bank holiday moved to a Friday?
One of our two May bank holidays, the early one, known as May Day, was moved by the Government to coincide with the 75th anniversary of VE Day, or Victory Day in Europe.
This was meant to ensure that the long weekend would coincide with the extended 75th anniversary celebrations marking the surrender of Nazi Germany, which ended the Second World War in Europe.
As part of the VE Day commemorations, more than 20,000 pubs were going to encourage drinkers to toast the heroes of the war, while churches were set to take part in a Ringing Out For Peace.
However, like all other mass gatherings and general activities involving leaving our homes, all public VE Day events were cancelled – so all commemorations had to be kept indoors.
Here is a list of 2020’s bank holidays
In total, there are six days in 2020 for those living in England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, though some nations have additional holidays.
New Year’s Day: Wednesday 1 January
New Year’s Holiday: Thursday 2 January (Scotland only)
St Patrick’s Day: Tuesday 17 March (Northern Ireland only)
Good Friday: Friday 10 April
Easter Monday: Monday 13 April (England, Wales and Northern Ireland only)
Early May bank holiday: Friday 8 May
Spring bank holiday: Monday 25 May
Battle of the Boyne (substitute day): Monday 13 July (Northern Ireland only)
Summer bank holiday: Monday 3 August (Scotland only)
Summer bank holiday: Monday 31 August (England, Wales and Northern Ireland only)
St Andrew’s Day: Monday 30 November (Scotland only)
Christmas Day: Friday 25 December
Boxing Day (substitute day): Monday 28 December
As ever, there are various other key dates to remember in 2020. None provide paid, free time off work but all carry importance nonetheless.
Other dates for your diary:


inews--2020-05-12--Normal People ending explained: what the BBC series finale means - and how it differs from Sally Roo

Normal People ending explained: what the BBC series finale means - and how it differs from Sally Rooney's book

Normal People ending explained : what the BBC series finale means - and how it differs from Sally Rooney 's book While most fans are desperate for Marianne and Connell to end up together , the real ending - as in life - is not that easy ...
It follows the love story of Marianne ( Daisy Edgar-Jones ) and Connell ( Paul Mescal ) , a young couple who are forced to overcome a series of obstacles in order to be together , including mental health needs and pressure from friends .
And while most fans are desperate for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the real ending - as in life - is not that easy ... Marianne and Connell have got back together , and look to finally be able to settle into a long-term relationship , when the carpet gets whipped from under their feet .
Connell is offered a place on a creative writing course in New York , which would mean leaving Marianne behind in Dublin for a year .
Connell and Marianne have to overcome many obstacles ( Photo : BBC ) He is deliberating over whether to take the offer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , not wanting to be the reason why he does not pursue his dreams .
She knows that this might mean Connell ends up living in New York full time , which would likely mean the end of any potential relationship .
Connell eventually decides to uproot his life and move , making the emotional decision while say with Marianne on the bedroom floor .
What does this mean for their future ?
It is left open ended .
The pair do not close the chapter on their love story , nor do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ How does it compare to Rooney 's book ?
The series stays mostly loyal to the book 's ending .
In Rooney 's novel Connell becomes editor of the literary magazine at Trinity College after publishing a short story .
This leads to him being offered a place on a Master 's degree as the prestigious Cornell University in New York .
The book ends without the reader knowing what Connell decides , leaving it up to the imagination whether he decides to chase his dream in New York or remain in Ireland @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not necessarily give the satisfactory ending some crave , both the book and series have been praised for their more complex and realistic takes on life .

Normal People has become the latest lockdown TV sensation, with people rushing to binge all 12 episodes of the BBC Three show, based on Sally Rooney’s bestselling novel.
It follows the love story of Marianne (Daisy Edgar-Jones) and Connell (Paul Mescal), a young couple who are forced to overcome a series of obstacles in order to be together, including mental health needs and pressure from friends.
And while most fans are desperate for Marianne and Connell to end up together, the real ending – as in life – is not that easy…
How the Normal People TV series ends
Marianne and Connell have got back together, and look to finally be able to settle into a long-term relationship, when the carpet gets whipped from under their feet.
Connell is offered a place on a creative writing course in New York, which would mean leaving Marianne behind in Dublin for a year.
He is deliberating over whether to take the offer, and Marianne pushes him towards it, not wanting to be the reason why he does not pursue his dreams.
She knows that this might mean Connell ends up living in New York full time, which would likely mean the end of any potential relationship.
Connell eventually decides to uproot his life and move, making the emotional decision while sat with Marianne on the bedroom floor.
What does this mean for their future? It is left open ended. The pair do not close the chapter on their love story, nor do they commit to continuing long distance.
How does it compare to Rooney’s book?
The series stays mostly loyal to the book’s ending. In Rooney’s novel Connell becomes editor of the literary magazine at Trinity College after publishing a short story.
This leads to him being offered a place on a Master’s degree as the prestigious Cornell University in New York.
The book ends without the reader knowing what Connell decides, leaving it up to the imagination whether he decides to chase his dream in New York or remain in Ireland with Marianne.
Rooney has no plans for a follow-up novel, and intended the story to remain open ended.
And while it does not necessarily give the satisfactory ending some crave, both the book and series have been praised for their more complex and realistic takes on life.


inews--2020-05-12--Marks and Spencer food delivery: UK stores offering home delivery through Deliveroo, and how to orde

Marks and Spencer food delivery: UK stores offering home delivery through Deliveroo, and how to order

Marks and Spencer food delivery : UK stores offering home delivery through Deliveroo , and how to order Tasks like going to the supermarket to buy groceries has become trickier as life under lockdown continues for residents across the UK Most major supermarkets offer home delivery , however these delivery slots are booked fast - even if you do manage to bag a home delivery , you could be left waiting weeks for your order .
Why have M & S partnered with Deliveroo ?
“ In order to play our part in feeding the nation , we have partnered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ same-day delivery service of essential productions , ” M & S explained in a statement .
As the coronavirus pandemic continues to keep the UK in lockdown , the chain decided to partner with Deliveroo instead to bring forward its delivery service by four months .
What items am I allowed to order ?
The M & S store on the app even states : “ We ’ re bringing all your M & S favourites right to your front door .
From champagne to coffee , tasty snacks to all your essentials @ @ @ @ @ @ @ products per individual items , and there is limited stock availability , so you might not be able to buy some of the more popular items .
The app says : “ This store is experiencing a high demand right now , so some items may be unavailable and your order could be rejected .
“ We ’ re here to deliver whatever we can , but if you aren ’ t able to get what you need , please check back later.
” You ’ re also able to buy alcohol , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ even some spirits .
You ’ ll be expected to show ID upon delivery if you buy any of these restricted items .
How do I order from M & S ?
Ordering groceries from M & S via Deliveroo is the same process as ordering any other food from the app .
Deliveroo offers contact-free delivery , so your order will be left at your front door to collect .
You ’ ll be able to track your rider ’ s progress on the app as they make their way to you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fee in place on the M & S store on Deliveroo which you will be subject to if your order is less than £15 .
For example , if you only wanted to buy a loaf of bread for £1.35 , the small order fee would cost £13.65 , to bring the total cost of your order to £15 , not including the delivery and service cost .

Most major supermarkets offer home delivery, however these delivery slots are booked fast – even if you do manage to bag a home delivery, you could be left waiting weeks for your order.
M&S has partnered with food delivery service Deliveroo to try and make things easier for shoppers, offering same day deliveries for groceries.
Here’s what you should know, and how to order.
Why have M&S partnered with Deliveroo?
M&S have partnered with food delivery company Deliveroo to deliver their groceries to shoppers across the UK.
“In order to play our part in feeding the nation, we have partnered with Deliveroo to provide our customers a same-day delivery service of essential productions,” M&S explained in a statement.
M&S had plans to partner with Ocado to deliver groceries, with an initial launch date of September 2020.
As the coronavirus pandemic continues to keep the UK in lockdown, the chain decided to partner with Deliveroo instead to bring forward its delivery service by four months.
What items am I allowed to order?
You’re allowed to order a variety of items from the M&S store on Deliveroo.
The M&S store on the app even states: “We’re bringing all your M&S favourites right to your front door. From champagne to coffee, tasty snacks to all your essentials,
“We’ve got everything you need, whenever you need it.”
There is a maximum of two products per individual items, and there is limited stock availability, so you might not be able to buy some of the more popular items.
The app says: “This store is experiencing a high demand right now, so some items may be unavailable and your order could be rejected.
“We’re here to deliver whatever we can, but if you aren’t able to get what you need, please check back later.”
You’re also able to buy alcohol, like beer, wine, cider and even some spirits. You’ll be expected to show ID upon delivery if you buy any of these restricted items.
How do I order from M&S?
Ordering groceries from M&S via Deliveroo is the same process as ordering any other food from the app.
If you’ve never used Deliveroo before, this is how to order:
Download the Deliveroo app onto your smartphone, or visit the Deliveroo website instead
Enter in your postcode and you’ll be able to see all of the restaurants and stores that are available for delivery
Search for M&S and in the search bar and tap on the store
From here, you’ll be able to browse through all the items available, adding them to your basket as you please
When you’re finished shopping, tap on the ‘checkout’ option to review your order before purchasing
Deliveroo offers contact-free delivery, so your order will be left at your front door to collect. You’ll be able to track your rider’s progress on the app as they make their way to you.
The delivery fee is £4.50, with an additional service fee of 49p.
There is also a small order fee in place on the M&S store on Deliveroo which you will be subject to if your order is less than £15.
For example, if you only wanted to buy a loaf of bread for £1.35, the small order fee would cost £13.65, to bring the total cost of your order to £15, not including the delivery and service cost.
The full list of participating stores
The M&S website states: “If you live within the catchment area of one of the 100+ BP M&S stores offering delivery, you will be able to get everything from milk and bread to pizza and wine straight to your doorstep.”
This is the full list of stores offering delivery:


inews--2020-05-12--Coronavirus: Matt Hancock denies claims that beauty spots will be overrun as lockdown changes

Coronavirus : Matt Hancock denies claims that beauty spots will be overrun as lockdown changes Tourism chiefs in Cumbria and Cornwall fear hordes of day-trippers will push up infections Health Secretary Matt Hancock has rejected claims by tourism bodies that new rules allowing people to travel anywhere in England will lead to overcrowding at beauty spots .
Tourism organisations in Cumbria and Cornwall have expressed concerns that the relaxation of travel restrictions from Wednesday will lead to hordes of day-trippers descending on the Lakes and south west , leading to social distancing rules to be flouted .
Under the next @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to exit from the lockdown , giving people more access to fresh air and exercise , people in England will be able to drive anywhere in the country , as long as they keep 2m apart from people not in their household and do not cross the borders in Scotland or Wales .
They can not stay overnight .
Hotspots in rural parts of England are particularly vulnerable , according to tourism chiefs , because those communities are further away from hospitals and risk being inundated if there is a spike in infection @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would lead to a rise of Covid-19 infections in those beauty spots , Mr Hancock told Radio 4 ’ s Today programme : “ Not if people socially distance when they get there , and hence we ’ ve kept the socially distancing rules very clearly in place.
” Asked if there is a limit on how far people can drive , he said : “ No , there isn ’ t .
But this is n't for people to move house or to go on holiday or to be able to stay.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the public had found the new range of measures - including advice on returning to work and meeting one person outdoors 2m apart , confusing .
Criticism over help for care sector He added that it was “ really unfair ” to suggest the care sector had been “ let down ” during the outbreak .
The minister added : “ Some of our most vulnerable people live in care homes and yet only around a quarter of deaths that have been in care homes .
That is much lower than most @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time , we ’ ve put in place those measures to protect people in care homes .
“ I think the fact that , among people who work in the NHS , no more people have died than in the general population , I think that is a testament to how the NHS has performed .
`` In almost all epidemics like this , it is doctors and nurses who tend to bear the brunt and so far , in this epidemic , in this country , there has been no higher death @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that is a really good thing .
”

Health Secretary Matt Hancock has rejected claims by tourism bodies that new rules allowing people to travel anywhere in England will lead to overcrowding at beauty spots.
Tourism organisations in Cumbria and Cornwall have expressed concerns that the relaxation of travel restrictions from Wednesday will lead to hordes of day-trippers descending on the Lakes and south west, leading to social distancing rules to be flouted.
Under the next phase of the Government’s plan to exit from the lockdown, giving people more access to fresh air and exercise, people in England will be able to drive anywhere in the country, as long as they keep 2m apart from people not in their household and do not cross the borders in Scotland or Wales. They cannot stay overnight.
Hotspots in rural England ‘vulnerable’
Hotspots in rural parts of England are particularly vulnerable, according to tourism chiefs, because those communities are further away from hospitals and risk being inundated if there is a spike in infection.
But asked whether the rule change would lead to a rise of Covid-19 infections in those beauty spots, Mr Hancock told Radio 4’s Today programme: “Not if people socially distance when they get there, and hence we’ve kept the socially distancing rules very clearly in place.”
Asked if there is a limit on how far people can drive, he said: “No, there isn’t. But this isn’t for people to move house or to go on holiday or to be able to stay.”
The Health Secretary also dismissed suggestions that the public had found the new range of measures – including advice on returning to work and meeting one person outdoors 2m apart, confusing.
Criticism over help for care sector
He added that it was “really unfair” to suggest the care sector had been “let down” during the outbreak.
The minister added: “Some of our most vulnerable people live in care homes and yet only around a quarter of deaths that have been in care homes. That is much lower than most international comparators. And at the same time, we’ve put in place those measures to protect people in care homes.
“I think the fact that, among people who work in the NHS, no more people have died than in the general population, I think that is a testament to how the NHS has performed.
“In almost all epidemics like this, it is doctors and nurses who tend to bear the brunt and so far, in this epidemic, in this country, there has been no higher death rate among healthcare workers. I think that is a really good thing.”


inews--2020-05-12--Coronavirus lockdown: Teaching unions risk public support with fierce opposition to school reopening

Coronavirus lockdown: Teaching unions risk public support with fierce opposition to school reopening plans

Union leaders have branded the Government 's stance on easing lockdown restrictions as 'reckless' As the Government outlines its path out of the Covid-19 lockdown , how and when schools will return has been the primary concern for parents across the country .
The Prime Minister said his ambition was to begin reopening primary schools from 1 June if the rate of infection remained low enough to do so .
To begin with schools will open their gates to Reception , Year 1 and Year 6 pupils as part of the Government ’ s plan to take “ baby steps @ @ @ @ @ @ @ back to a semblance of normality .
But the proposals were roundly attacked by teaching unions even before the guidance was published as to how the Government proposed to embark on what will be an extremely delicate undertaking .
The National Education Union dismissed the timetable to return as “ reckless ” and insisted it was “ not safe yet ” for schools to reopen , despite both the Chief Medical Officer and the Chief Scientific Adviser stating that reopening schools would have a limited impact on the rate of infection .
School @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Head Teachers branded the plans “ unfeasible ” and claimed the Government was being “ irresponsible ” in looking to return children to school .
While it is undeniable that the messaging from the Government and the sequencing of its proposals has led to confusion , and any lifting of the restrictions will prompt fears from parents and teachers alike , teaching unions are in danger of taking an unhelpful stance in this pandemic .
Unions will always seek to look after their members , and special dispensation should be found for teachers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with people who do so they are not placed at unnecessary risk of infection .
But thoughts must surely also go towards the most vulnerable children where school is a lifeline , for those on free school meals and school is their only source of a healthy meal , and for all children whose education is undoubtedly taking a hit during this lockdown .
At some point , people will have to return to work and to allow the economy to start turning once more .
To do this , schools and nurseries @ @ @ @ @ @ @ medical and scientific experts are advising that it could be safe to do so by the beginning of June , then union leaders may be better served if they worked with the Government on trying to ease the route back to school , than working against it .

As the Government outlines its path out of the Covid-19 lockdown, how and when schools will return has been the primary concern for parents across the country.
The Prime Minister said his ambition was to begin reopening primary schools from 1 June if the rate of infection remained low enough to do so.
To begin with schools will open their gates to Reception, Year 1 and Year 6 pupils as part of the Government’s plan to take “baby steps” towards getting the economy and life back to a semblance of normality.
‘Reckless’
But the proposals were roundly attacked by teaching unions even before the guidance was published as to how the Government proposed to embark on what will be an extremely delicate undertaking.
The National Education Union dismissed the timetable to return as “reckless” and insisted it was “not safe yet” for schools to reopen, despite both the Chief Medical Officer and the Chief Scientific Adviser stating that reopening schools would have a limited impact on the rate of infection.
The country’s biggest teaching union accused the Government of “stoking teachers’ anxiety” by setting out plans for schools to begin slowly reopening.
School leaders’ union the National Association of Head Teachers branded the plans “unfeasible” and claimed the Government was being “irresponsible” in looking to return children to school.
Already petitions and video conference meetings are being shared on school WhatsApp groups as local union representatives mobilise against the Government’s plans to begin reopening schools.
While it is undeniable that the messaging from the Government and the sequencing of its proposals has led to confusion, and any lifting of the restrictions will prompt fears from parents and teachers alike, teaching unions are in danger of taking an unhelpful stance in this pandemic.
Unions will always seek to look after their members, and special dispensation should be found for teachers with existing health conditions or those living with people who do so they are not placed at unnecessary risk of infection.
Work together
But thoughts must surely also go towards the most vulnerable children where school is a lifeline, for those on free school meals and school is their only source of a healthy meal, and for all children whose education is undoubtedly taking a hit during this lockdown.
At some point, people will have to return to work and to allow the economy to start turning once more. To do this, schools and nurseries will have to reopen.
If the medical and scientific experts are advising that it could be safe to do so by the beginning of June, then union leaders may be better served if they worked with the Government on trying to ease the route back to school, than working against it.


inews--2020-05-12--The 14 best movies in 2020 that have changed from cinema releases to online

The 14 best movies in 2020 that have changed from cinema releases to online With cinemas shut down across the @ @ @ @ @ bringing their new releases to you Anya Taylor-Joy and Johnny Flynn in the film adaptation @ @ @ @ @ novel , Emma .
( Picture : Focus Features ) The original cinema release of @ @ @ @ @ which heavily features firearms , already had to be postponed after a string of mass @ @ @ @ @ autumn .
And in 2020 , UK cinemas closed just over a week after its @ @ @ @ @ cutting down its time in the limelight .
Scoob !
is an animated adaptation of @ @ @ @ @ Doo .
( Picture : Warner Animation Group ) Issa Rae and Kumail Nanjiani star @ @ @ @ @ unintentionally involved in a murder .
( Picture : Paramount Pictures ) The computer-animated Trolls @ @ @ @ @ film to become available under this new partnership .
It is also now available on @ @ @ @ @ .

Since the UK lockdown began, more people than ever are now using streaming services for some much needed entertainment.
Where we once enjoyed a trip out to the cinema, we are getting inventive with video calls and simultaneous streaming, and families are growing ever more reliant on the likes of Disney+ to keep restless kids distracted.
While this is undoubtedly great news for the likes of Netflix, film studios have been feeling the full force of the crisis.
Adapting to the unprecedented situation, many studios have now scrapped scheduled cinema releases, in favour of home-entertainment releases.
So, if you’ve been crossing off old Netflix titles like a winning bingo card, look no further than our list of new and upcoming online film releases, to keep your lockdown binge-watching fresh.
Onward
This computer-animated fantasy-adventure film produced by Walt Disney Pictures and Pixar Animation Studios, is sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike.
Featuring the voices of Chris Pratt and Tom Holland, it follows the adventures of two elven brothers who begin a magical quest to spend one more day with their late father.
This film only had two weeks of theatrical release before cinemas closed, which pales in comparison to the usual six weeks that most largely anticipated films have.
UK cinema release date: 6 March 2020
Available on demand from: 4 May 2020
Available to watch on: Sky Store, Amazon Prime, Google Play, iTunes
DVD, 4K Ultra HD & Blu-ray release: 19 May 2020
Misbehaviour
Starring Keira Knightley and Jessie Buckley, this comical drama follows a group of feminist protesters who create a plan to disrupt the 1970 Miss World competition.
A mere four days after the film was released in theatres across the UK, cinemas were forced to close due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The film was released on demand, three months prior to its DVD release date, to compensate.
UK cinema release date: 13 March 2020
Available on demand from: 15 April 2020
Available to watch on: YouTube, Amazon Prime, Google Play, YouTube
DVD release date: July 2020
Bloodshot
Bloodshot only saw a single week in theatres before lockdown measures forced cinemas to close. Four days later it was released online, for on-demand home entertainment.
Vin Diesel, stars as Ray Garrison, a US marine who is resurrected by a team of scientists and transformed into the superhero Bloodshot, after he and his wife are murdered.
The film is based on the bestselling comic book of the same name.
UK cinema release date: 13 March 2020
Available on demand from: 24 March 2020
Available to watch on: Sky Store, YouTube, Google Play, Amazon Prime
DVD release: 5 May
Blu-ray and Ultra HD 4K Blu-ray release: 8 June 2020
Emma
This adaptation of Jane Austen’s 1815 novel of the same name, is set in Georgian and Regency-era England and follows a young woman, Emma Woodhouse, as she plays the role of matchmaker for her friends and family.
The film stars Anya Taylor-Joy (Peaky Blinders, Split) as Emma, Bill Nighy (Love Actually, Pirates of the Caribbean) as Mr Woodhouse, and comedian Miranda Hart as Miss Bates.
UK cinema release date: 14 February 2020
Available on demand from: 20 March 2020
Available to watch on: YouTube, Amazon Prime, Google Play
DVD release date: 19 May 2020
Vivarium
This horror film may strike a chord with many of us currently stuck at home during lockdown.
Jesse Eisenberg and Imogen Poots star as a couple who get trapped for several years inside an eerie house in an empty, labyrinthine-like suburban neighbourhood.
The film details their descent into despair, as they continually but unsuccessfully try to escape this surreal reality.
Cinema release date: 27 March 2020
Available on demand from: 27 March 2020
Available to watch on: Amazon Prime, YouTube, Google Play
DVD release date: 25 May 2020
Read more: It will feel risky to go to the cinema in July but addicts like me will take their chances
Artemis Fowl
This fantastical film follows the epic journey of Artemis Fowl, a 12-year-old boy genius and criminal mastermind, as he takes on an ancient, underground civilisation, while attempting to find his father who has mysteriously disappeared.
Starring Judy Dench (Victoria and Abdul, Cats) Colin Farrel (In Bruges, The Gentlemen) and Nonso Anozie (Game of Thrones) and directed by Kenneth Branagh, this film is based on Eoin Colfer’s popular fantasy novels of the same name.
UK cinema release date: 29 May 2020
Available on demand from: 12 June, 2020
Available to watch on: Disney+
The Hunt
The original cinema release of this controversial satirical film, which heavily features firearms, already had to be postponed after a string of mass shootings in the US last autumn. And in 2020, UK cinemas closed just over a week after its theatrical release date, dramatically cutting down its time in the limelight.
However all is not lost, for you can now watch as twelve strangers avoid being hunted for sport, from the safety and comfort of your home, on Amazon Prime.
Starring Hilary Swank and Emma Roberts.
UK cinema release date: 11 March 2020
Now available on demand on: Amazon Prime
DVD release: 9 June, 2020
Scoob!
Warner Brothers has followed in the footsteps of Universal Pictures and the Walt Disney Company by opting for a video on-demand release of its new animated film Scoob!, as cinemas remain closed across the world.
Scoob! is an animated adaptation of the much loved cartoon Scooby Doo.
It is the first film based on the popular kids show, since the live action version, Scooby-Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed, hit cinemas in 2004.
It will be released on demand the same day as its now-cancelled theatrical release.
The film features the voices of Zac Efron, Amanda Seyfried and Mark Wahlberg.
UK cinema release date: 15 May 2020
Available on demand from: 15 May, 2020
Available to watch on: Amazon Prime
The Way Back
Ben Affleck stars as Jack Cunningham, a high school basketball superstar who gave up the sport for unknown reasons.
The film follows him years later, as he attempts to find redemption by leaving his meaningless job and battling an alcohol addiction, in order to become a basketball coach for his old university.
UK Cinema release date: 24 April
Now available on demand on: Amazon Prime
DVD release date: 19 May
Read more: How to get Disney Plus: Smart TV, Sky Q and app download explained, and the devices you can watch on
The King of Staten Island
The King of Staten Island is a comedy-drama based on the life of American comedian, Pete Davidson (Saturday Night Live), who grew up in Staten Island.
The film is a coming-of-age story which follows him as he enters the world of stand-up comedy.
Universal Pictures has decided to premiere The King of Staten Island through home entertainment services on 12 June, a full week prior to its original theatrical release date.
However it is not yet known what services it will be streamed on, so keep your eyes peeled.
Cinema release date: 19 June 2020
Available to watch on: 12 June 2020
The Lovebirds
This romantic comedy stars Issa Rae and Kumail Nanjiani as a couple who are on the verge of breaking up, when they become unintentionally involved in a murder mystery.
The film follows them as they try to save themselves and their relationship, while trying to clear their names.
Cinema release date: 3 April
Available on demand from: 22 May
Available to watch on: Netflix
Read more: How to get Disney Plus: Smart TV, Sky Q and app dowàload explained, and the devices you can watch on
The Invisible Man
Elizabeth Moss (Handmaid’s Tale) stars in this science fiction horror which sees her fight against her scientist ex boyfriend, who becomes invisible in order to stalk and terrorise her.
While this film had three full weeks in UK theatres before lockdown began, it has been released early on streaming services, way ahead of its DVD release date.
Cinema release date: 28 February
Available on demand from: 20 March 2020
Available to watch on: Amazon Prime, Google Play, YouTube
DVD release date: 29 June 2020
Inheritance
This thriller sees Lily Collins star as the daughter of a wealthy and powerful man who upon suddenly passing away, leaves her with a disturbing secret inheritance that threatens to destroy her family’s lives.
The film also stars Simon Pegg (Shaun of the Dead, Hot Fuzz).
It has not yet been announced which streaming platforms it will be released on, so be sure to watch this space.
Cinema release date: 22 May 2020
Available on demand from: 22 May 2020
Trolls World Tour
In a response to the pandemic, Sky has recently announced a partnership with NBCUniversal which will make movie releases available to rent on the Sky Store on the exact same day as their scheduled cinema premieres.
The computer-animated Trolls World Tour was the first film to become available under this new partnership. It is also now available on several other on demand services.
The film is a jukebox musical and a sequel to the extremely popular 2016 film Trolls.
It sees Princess Poppy and Branch on another adventure, this time aiming to unify the musical world of Trolls and defeat Queen Barb from destroying different genres of music.
Cinema release date: 10 April 2020
Available on demand from: 10 April 2020
Available to watch on: YouTube, Google Play, Amazon Prime


inews--2020-05-12--Maxwell Perkins: the publisher who took a chance on an unknown author called F Scott Fitzgerald

Maxwell Perkins : the publisher who took a chance on an unknown author called F Scott Fitzgerald F Scott Fitzgerald ’ s debut novel was published 100 years ago but his talent was initially overlooked – except by one painstaking editor '' In a real dark night of the soul , it is always three o ’ clock in the morning , day after day.
” It ’ s a quote that speaks to us in this dislocating , long dark night on which we fear the sun may never rise .
It comes from The Crack-Up , a collection @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in 1936 by which time the four novels on which his reputation rests , including The Great Gatsby , had come and gone .
This March marked the centenary of Fitzgerald ’ s debut , This Side of Paradise .
Based loosely on his experience as a Princeton undergrad , it ’ s the original campus novel , hailed by The New York Times as “ nearly perfect ” .
An instant bestseller , it established Fitzgerald as the voice of the Jazz Age , an era of youthful rebellion that prefigured the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is less familiar with This Side of Paradise than with The Great Gatsby , Fitzgerald ’ s third novel , published in 1925 and the subject of a half-dozen film treatments , the most recent starring Leonardo DiCaprio .
It too is semi-autobiographical , inspired by a summer in the Hamptons , playground of wealthy New Yorkers , and begun on the French Riviera , where Fitzgerald and his wife Zelda Sayre partied during their first flush of stardom and marital bliss .
“ They didn ’ t make the 20s , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the 20s.
” Marital bliss : F Scott Fitzgerald with his wife Zelda and daughter ( Courtesy : Keystone/Getty Images ) Fitzgerald stands as a symbol of an age of excess which , as he wrote , “ raced along under its own power , served by great filling stations full of money ” .
Yet beneath the shiny façade of his prose – beneath the bonnet of Jay Gatsby ’ s yellow Rolls-Royce – there lies a great deal of social commentary .
Gatsby ’ s failure can be ascribed to its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ celebration of the American Dream , Fitzgerald suggesting that while there ’ s all to play for , only the rich win .
Fitzgerald “ won ” in the sense that he was fortunate to find a champion .
The novel that would become This Side of Paradise was written and rewritten several times at the behest of Maxwell Perkins , a junior editor at Charles Scribner & Sons , who went into battle with his colleagues over what he believed was an important novel .
No money was at stake – advances @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a conservative house , its foundation stones John Galsworthy , Henry James , and Edith Wharton .
F Scott Fitzgerald 's 'This Side of Paradise ' , which was published only after editor Maxwell Perkins got hold of it The editor-in-chief William Crary Brownell did not believe in “ tinkering ” with manuscripts .
Perkins begged to differ for , in a literal sense , he patiently deconstructed and reconstructed manuscripts and often supplied authors with plotlines .
“ The great interest in publishing is to take on an author at the start @ @ @ @ @ @ @ then to publish not this book and that , but the whole author , ” he declared .
A century ago , publishing was a “ gentlemanly ” business and editors read “ the slush pile ” of unsolicited manuscripts .
True , Fitzgerald had an entrée to Scribners via author and Irish diplomat Shane Leslie , with whom he had Catholic and old-school-tie connections , but his manuscript – then entitled The Romantic Egotist – was read by the entire team .
Perkins was the last to see it and the only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He wrote to the author advising : “ The story does not culminate in anything as it must to justify the reader ’ s interest as he follows it ” .
Fitzgerald , still in the army , began reworking it .
Only when he arrived in New York in February 1919 and met Perkins did the novel begin to take proper shape .
It was Perkins who suggested changing the narrative from first to third person .
Over the course of much rewriting , the novel was retitled The Education of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Side of Paradise – at which point Perkins went into battle for the third time .
The editorial team tied , young versus old .
Charles Scribner ’ s was the casting vote and he slept on his decision .
On 18 September , Perkins was able to write to Fitzgerald , concluding : “ The book is so different that it is hard to prophecy how it will sell but we are all for taking a chance and supporting it with vigour.
” By publication day , there was a good deal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ offices , yet Malcolm Cowley , critic and creative writing teacher who would champion the work of Jack Kerouac , and whose pupils included Ken Kesey , reported that Fitzgerald ’ s was “ the terrifying voice of a new age , and it made some of the older employees of Scribners cringe ” .
Perkins was vindicated .
The novel sold 20,000 in its first week , during which time Fitzgerald married the Alabama debutante Zelda Sayre at St Patrick ’ s Cathedral .
She ’ d be a troubled presence in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Gatsby ’ s Daisy Buchanan .
His earnings increased twentyfold , to almost $ 20,000 , a fortune , but Fitzgerald was profligate and Perkins would frequently bail him out with personal loans .
Still , there were problems with Hemingway ’ s second novel : A Farewell to Arms contained more profanity than was deemed acceptable .
Perkins needed to discuss the problem with Charles Scribner and to remind himself of the issues at hand jotted down the words “ shit , f**k and piss ” on his desk calendar , heedless @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Today .
Spotting the list , Scribner worried aloud about Perkins ’ state of health .

“In a real dark night of the soul, it is always three o’clock in the morning, day after day.” It’s a quote that speaks to us in this dislocating, long dark night on which we fear the sun may never rise. It comes from The Crack-Up, a collection of essays by F Scott Fitzgerald published in 1936 by which time the four novels on which his reputation rests, including The Great Gatsby, had come and gone.
Fitzgerald died four years later, just 44, his body and brain destroyed by drink, his work largely forgotten. “The poor son of a bitch,” murmured his old friend Dorothy Parker, quoting Jay Gatsby, paying tribute at a Los Angeles funeral parlour. Just 30 people attended Fitzgerald’s burial, among them his editor Maxwell Perkins, a man with an “infallible sense of structure” and a deep sympathy for the author’s lot.
Perkins was the first modern-day editor. He spotted not only Fitzgerald’s talent but also that of Ernest Hemingway, Thomas Wolfe, Erskine Caldwell, and Alan Paton. He was patient and painstaking in a way no editor today would be – or could be.
This March marked the centenary of Fitzgerald’s debut, This Side of Paradise. Based loosely on his experience as a Princeton undergrad, it’s the original campus novel, hailed by The New York Times as “nearly perfect”. An instant bestseller, it established Fitzgerald as the voice of the Jazz Age, an era of youthful rebellion that prefigured the 60s.
Today’s casual reader is less familiar with This Side of Paradise than with The Great Gatsby, Fitzgerald’s third novel, published in 1925 and the subject of a half-dozen film treatments, the most recent starring Leonardo DiCaprio. It too is semi-autobiographical, inspired by a summer in the Hamptons, playground of wealthy New Yorkers, and begun on the French Riviera, where Fitzgerald and his wife Zelda Sayre partied during their first flush of stardom and marital bliss. “They didn’t make the 20s,” Lilian Gish observed, “they were the 20s.”
Now an American classic, Gatsby was not a success in its day. Reviews were mixed: H L Mencken did not deny “the charm and beauty of the writing” but dismissed Gatsby as “in form no more than a glorified anecdote, and not too probable at that”.
The impecunious Fitzgerald had turned down a $10,000 offer for newspaper serialisation – considerably more than his advance and, as it turned out, royalties. Its performance was a life-long disappointment. He didn’t live to see the revival of his literary fortunes, though his daughter Frances Scott Fitzgerald benefited financially.
Fitzgerald stands as a symbol of an age of excess which, as he wrote, “raced along under its own power, served by great filling stations full of money”. Yet beneath the shiny façade of his prose – beneath the bonnet of Jay Gatsby’s yellow Rolls-Royce – there lies a great deal of social commentary. Gatsby’s failure can be ascribed to its downbeat message, more cautionary tale than celebration of the American Dream, Fitzgerald suggesting that while there’s all to play for, only the rich win.
Fitzgerald “won” in the sense that he was fortunate to find a champion. The novel that would become This Side of Paradise was written and rewritten several times at the behest of Maxwell Perkins, a junior editor at Charles Scribner & Sons, who went into battle with his colleagues over what he believed was an important novel. No money was at stake – advances were then uncommon – but Scribners was a conservative house, its foundation stones John Galsworthy, Henry James, and Edith Wharton.
The editor-in-chief William Crary Brownell did not believe in “tinkering” with manuscripts. Perkins begged to differ for, in a literal sense, he patiently deconstructed and reconstructed manuscripts and often supplied authors with plotlines. “The great interest in publishing is to take on an author at the start, or reasonably near it, and then to publish not this book and that, but the whole author,” he declared.
A century ago, publishing was a “gentlemanly” business and editors read “the slush pile” of unsolicited manuscripts. True, Fitzgerald had an entrée to Scribners via author and Irish diplomat Shane Leslie, with whom he had Catholic and old-school-tie connections, but his manuscript – then entitled The Romantic Egotist – was read by the entire team. Perkins was the last to see it and the only editor to spot Fitzgerald’s potential.
He wrote to the author advising: “The story does not culminate in anything as it must to justify the reader’s interest as he follows it”. Fitzgerald, still in the army, began reworking it. Only when he arrived in New York in February 1919 and met Perkins did the novel begin to take proper shape.
It was Perkins who suggested changing the narrative from first to third person. Over the course of much rewriting, the novel was retitled The Education of a Personage and, finally, This Side of Paradise – at which point Perkins went into battle for the third time.
“A publisher’s first allegiance is to talent”, he told a disapproving editorial meeting. “And if we aren’t going to publish talent like this, it is a very serious thing.”
The editorial team tied, young versus old. Charles Scribner’s was the casting vote and he slept on his decision. On 18 September, Perkins was able to write to Fitzgerald, concluding: “The book is so different that it is hard to prophecy how it will sell but we are all for taking a chance and supporting it with vigour.”
By publication day, there was a good deal of excitement throughout Scribners’ Fifth Avenue offices, yet Malcolm Cowley, critic and creative writing teacher who would champion the work of Jack Kerouac, and whose pupils included Ken Kesey, reported that Fitzgerald’s was “the terrifying voice of a new age, and it made some of the older employees of Scribners cringe”.
Perkins was vindicated. The novel sold 20,000 in its first week, during which time Fitzgerald married the Alabama debutante Zelda Sayre at St Patrick’s Cathedral. She’d be a troubled presence in all his work, not least as Gatsby’s Daisy Buchanan. His earnings increased twentyfold, to almost $20,000, a fortune, but Fitzgerald was profligate and Perkins would frequently bail him out with personal loans.
It was Fitzgerald who introduced Perkins to Ernest Hemingway, a foreign correspondent he’d befriended in Paris. Hemingway’s debut, The Sun Also Rises, captured the disillusion and disorientation of the First World War generation. Once again Perkins battled, but Scribners sold 12,000 copies within a couple of months of its 1926 publication.
Still, there were problems with Hemingway’s second novel: A Farewell to Arms contained more profanity than was deemed acceptable. Perkins needed to discuss the problem with Charles Scribner and to remind himself of the issues at hand jotted down the words “shit, f**k and piss” on his desk calendar, heedless of its heading: Things to Do Today. Spotting the list, Scribner worried aloud about Perkins’ state of health.
Perkins was “the dean of American editors”, a man for whom (as he told Thomas Wolfe) “there could be nothing so important as a book can be”. His role in 20th century publishing remained unsung until A Scott Berg (named after Fitzgerald) turned his doctoral dissertation into a book, Max Perkins: Editor of Genius (1978), which in turn became the basis for a film, Genius (2016). Perkins was portrayed by Colin Firth, though the movie sadly rendered the genuine colour of Perkins’ life in gaudy hand-tinted Hollywoodese.
The biography should be set reading for anyone considering a career in publishing. Perkins was, says Berg, “more a friend to his authors than a taskmaster… He served as psychoanalyst, lovelorn adviser, marriage counsellor, career manager, money-lender. Few editors before him had done so much work on manuscripts, yet he was always faithful to his credo, ‘This book belongs to the author.’” Perkins also believed that “book editors should remain invisible”.
What would he make of today’s publishing world, with its adherence to schedules, bottom lines and personality? Not a great deal, for he’d despair at the lack of allegiance to talent and its replacement by chequebook publishing.


inews--2020-05-12--'I can't work because of my health but I was denied furlough - some of my bills aren't getting paid'

' I ca n't work because of my health but I was denied furlough - some of my bills are n't getting paid' ' I ’ m about £240 short a month .
We ’ re struggling , ' said Colleen , who has been asked to shield herself during the pandemic A woman who has been told to shield herself because she is at a higher risk from coronavirus has said she is struggling to pay for food and bills after her employer refused to furlough her .
Colleen , who has chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and clothing shop where she is employed during the pandemic .
She is receiving statutory sick pay but says she is now worse off by £240 a month and has accepted food parcels .
Employers can choose to furlough individuals who are shielding , which is when they have been asked to stay at home at all times because they are `` clinically extremely vulnerable '' during the pandemic .
But Citizens Advice has found is it getting calls from vulnerable people who are shielding but have been denied furlough .
Many are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is worth £95.85 a week , and benefits .
The charity is calling for the most vulnerable workers , including those in the shielded group , to have a right to be furloughed if their work would require them to breach public health advice . '
I wish they had furloughed me' Given her current financial situation , Colleen said she wished she had never given her shielding letter to her employer and had continued to work in the shop during the pandemic .
She is not aware of any employees who have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I wish that they had furloughed me , '' said the part-time employee .
`` But then I sometimes wish I never took my letter in .
I should have gone back to work .
But then again if I went to work I would have [ been at risk ] .
I ’ m not winning , am I ?
“ He ’ s frightened that he might bring me something back home so he won ’ t come back .
He ’ s moved out to keep me safe .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ works full time , '' said Colleen , adding that he had left shopping on her door step .
Colleen has been forced to rely on food parcels ( Photo by Leon Neal/Getty Images ) Colleen said she had also accepted food parcels .
`` It really is nice , you know , but then I think , 'Why should I get it ? '
There are other people that need it as well .
It ’ s not just me .
Loads of people ... are suffering .
In the week following @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 20 April , it gave one-on-one employment advice to 4,152 workers .
An analysis of a randomised sample of 10 per cent of these cases found more than 70 per cent of those who were potentially high risk had not been furloughed .
The charity 's chief executive , Gillian Guy , said advisers had seen `` upsetting cases where vulnerable workers have faced the impossible choice of safeguarding their health or ensuring they have enough to live on , because they have been denied furlough '' .
Ms Guy added : “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they live with , are likely to have to remain at home for longer than others .
These are the people who need the protection of the furlough scheme the most , so it ’ s essential they ’ re able to use it . ''

A woman who has been told to shield herself because she is at a higher risk from coronavirus has said she is struggling to pay for food and bills after her employer refused to furlough her.
Colleen, who has chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma, is unable to work at the food and clothing shop where she is employed during the pandemic. She is receiving statutory sick pay but says she is now worse off by £240 a month and has accepted food parcels.
“Some of my bills are not getting paid and some are… I’m about £240 short a month. We’re struggling,” the 55-year-old, from Suffolk, told i.
Job Retention Scheme
Employers can choose to furlough individuals who are shielding, which is when they have been asked to stay at home at all times because they are “clinically extremely vulnerable” during the pandemic.
Under the Government’s Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, employers can apply for a grant that covers 80 per cent of their furloughed workers’ monthly pay, up to £2,500 a month.
But Citizens Advice has found it is getting calls from vulnerable people who are shielding but have been denied furlough. Many are relying on statutory sick pay, which is worth £95.85 a week, and benefits.
The charity is calling for the most vulnerable workers, including those in the shielded group, to have a right to be furloughed if their work would require them to breach public health advice.
‘I wish they had furloughed me’
Given her current financial situation, Colleen said she wished she had never given her shielding letter to her employer and had continued to work in the shop during the pandemic. She is not aware of any employees who have been furloughed for any reason.
“I wish that they had furloughed me,” said the part-time employee. “But then I sometimes wish I never took my letter in. I should have gone back to work. But then again if I went to work I would have [been at risk]. I’m not winning, am I?
“I know [it would have risked my health] but, at the end of the day, we’re not getting enough money coming in.”
Colleen’s husband is a carer and cannot return home for the time being. Their son, who works in food delivery, has temporarily moved out to avoid transmitting the virus.
“My boy… is still putting his rent money down even though he [doesn’t] live here.
“He’s frightened that he might bring me something back home so he won’t come back. He’s moved out to keep me safe. He’s always paid rent because he works full time,” said Colleen, adding that he had left shopping on her door step.
Colleen said she had also accepted food parcels. “It really is nice, you know, but then I think, ‘Why should I get it?’ There are other people that need it as well. It’s not just me. Loads of people… are suffering.
“I do feel bad for doing it but then I think, ‘I’ve got to eat.'”
Before the coronavirus pandemic, Colleen would have said her employer was “absolutely brilliant”. Now she is “very disappointed”.
“I thought they would have understood more. It’s not my fault that they sent me a letter…”
‘Upsetting cases’
According to Citizens Advice, Colleen is not alone in her predicament.
In the week following the launch of the furlough scheme on 20 April, it gave one-on-one employment advice to 4,152 workers. An analysis of a randomised sample of 10 per cent of these cases found more than 70 per cent of those who were potentially high risk had not been furloughed.
The charity’s chief executive, Gillian Guy, said advisers had seen “upsetting cases where vulnerable workers have faced the impossible choice of safeguarding their health or ensuring they have enough to live on, because they have been denied furlough”.
“The Job Retention Scheme has helped millions of people, but there isn’t a one-size-fits-all remedy for getting them back to work.
Ms Guy added: “The shielded group, and the people they live with, are likely to have to remain at home for longer than others. These are the people who need the protection of the furlough scheme the most, so it’s essential they’re able to use it.”
Around 6.3 million people are currently having 80 per cent of their salaries paid under the furlough scheme, which was initially put in place for four months.
Chancellor Rishi Sunak is expected to announce an extension to the scheme on Tuesday.
A spokesman for the Treasury said: “The Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme is protecting jobs and businesses through this crisis and has already supported millions of workers across the UK.
“It is up to individual employers to decide whether to furlough their staff. If they decided to do so, then shielded employees are eligible for the scheme.
“If shielded employees have not been furloughed, we have made changes to Statutory Sick Pay in order to additional support, ensuring that it is payable from day one as a minimum amount an employee is entitled to. We have also introduced a significant package of temporary welfare measures which is available to those on low incomes who are claiming Statutory Sick Pay – including increases to Universal Credit.”
This article was updated on 12/05/2020 at 12:27pm to include a comment from the Government


inews--2020-05-12--When will hairdressers reopen? Date salons could open again as Government reveals plan for easing UK

When will hairdressers reopen? Date salons could open again as Government reveals plan for easing UK lockdown

When will hairdressers reopen ?
Date salons could open again as Government reveals plan for easing UK lockdown Latest on lockdown closures in the UK and if hairdressers could be among last businesses to open .
Hairdressers and barber shops remain temporarily closed , with many across the UK getting creative with cutting their own hair at home - with some very interesting results .
How long could salons be shut for ?
Although it was originally thought that hairdressers could be among the first businesses to reopen , Dominic Raab has revealed that they will not open until July @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mr Raab , confirmed hairdressers , pubs and restaurants would have to wait until phase three , which would be from 4 July at the `` very earliest '' , to be reconsidered for reopening .
Mr Raab told Sky News ' Kay Burley @ Breakfast show : `` From 4 July , at the earliest , we 'll look at other sectors and that will include hospitality , but it will also include personal care and people like hairdressers.
” Although this will now be unlimited , Sturgeon said there must be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” , which is in contrast to Johnson ’ s new advice .
The First Minister of Wales , Mark Drakeford , said that Wales would allow more frequent exercise and the opening of garden centres , but that said schools will not reopen from 1 June .
They can , however , draw on a second Treasury wage scheme which is for the self-employed .
Self-employed workers do n't need to apply to it , as HMRC will contact those who are eligible for the payout by mid-May .
Citizens Advice explains @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because of coronavirus , you might be able to get money from the government .
“ You could get 80 per cent of your average profits up to a maximum of £2,500 per month .
This is called the Self-employment Income Support Scheme .
How can I support my local hairdresser ?
A good way to support your local hair salon is to buy a gift voucher now that you can use there when they reopen .
Hairdressers will also be very busy when they do reopen , so if your salon does @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s worth putting your name down now .
What have others countries done ?
It became the first European country to relax its restrictions in early April , firstly by allowing its citizens to jog and walk in the countryside without wearing their masks , as long as they kept 2 metres apart .
The country has a four-stage plan , part of which includes allowing outdoor restaurant and bar areas to reopen from 11 May , along with hairdressers and beauty salons .
Restaurants are then expected to resume indoor service @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from 25 May , which is two weeks earlier than the previous date of 8 June .

Hairdressers and barber shops across the UK are reopening from July 4, amid a raft of changes to lockdown restrictions that include the reopening of museums, galleries and cinemas, plus relief for the hospitality sector, with pubs, restaurants and hotels allowed to start trading again.
Since March, hairdressers have remained temporarily closed, with many across the UK getting creative with cutting their own hair at home – with some very interesting results.
Now they are set to reopen, but with extra security measures in place. Here’s what you need to know.
When do hairdressers reopen?
Hairdressers had been named among the businesses able to reopen from July 4, to the relief of families who have been managing with DIY haircuts and shaggier locks.
This is in line with the government’s “phase three” of lockdown, in which hospitality businesses, some entertainment venues and hairdressers might be able to reopen.
The decision to reopen salons comes as part of Boris Johnsons blueprint for a gradual easing of the coronavirus lockdown in England, which saw primary schools, nurseries and shops partially reopening from 1 June.
Although it was originally thought that hairdressers could be among the first businesses to reopen, Dominic Raab revealed that they will not open until July at the earliest.
This is in line with the plans for some cafes or restaurants with outdoor space, and places or worship and socially distanced cinemas.
When Nicola Sturgeon unveiled a four-phase route map to ease Scotland out of lockdown restrictions, she said retail services including hairdressers are not expected to be allowed to open for bookings again until phase three of the plan.
What safety measures will be in place?
Hairdressers and barbers have been advised to wear protective visors when they reopen after July 4.
Other precautions are expected, such as discussing the appointment in the mirror and avoiding smalltalk during the haircut to reduce the amount of face-to-face time.
The National Hair and Beauty Federation has advised salons to be clear in their messaging to customers about the health and safety measures in place.
What about wages?
It is estimated that 60 per cent of hairdressers are freelance, making them ineligible for the government’s furlough scheme.
They can, however, draw on a second Treasury wage scheme which is for the self-employed. Self-employed workers don’t need to apply to it, as HMRC will contact those who are eligible for the payout by mid-May.
Citizens Advice explains that “if your income has dropped because of coronavirus, you might be able to get money from the government.
“You could get 80 per cent of your average profits up to a maximum of £2,500 per month. This is called the Self-employment Income Support Scheme.”
How can I support my local hairdresser?
A good way to support your local hair salon is to buy a gift voucher now that you can use there when they reopen.
Hairdressers will also be very busy when they do reopen, so if your salon does have a waiting list, then it’s worth putting your name down now.
L’Oréal Professionnel, the British Beauty Council patron, has released a COVID-19 support guide to help salon owners, employees, and self-employed hair stylists who are currently out of work.
The guide includes details on the current government measures, alongside information on how to claim benefits, HR and legal advice.


inews--2020-05-12--Extinction Rebellion activists to flood UK towns and cities with ‘pop up’ cycle routes this weekend

Extinction Rebellion activists to flood UK towns and cities with ‘ pop up ’ cycle routes this weekend Planned action will see campaigners carve out extra space for cycling and walking Extinction Rebellion ( XR ) campaigners will set about creating scores of pop-up bike lanes and walking routes in towns and cities across the UK this weekend , in an effort to `` reclaim the streets '' from polluting traffic .
The climate campaign group said it feared traffic levels in towns and cities would revert back to normal levels after the lockdown is eased , making it much @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cycle to work or to local shops .
Ministers have promised to spend £2bn creating temporary walking and cycling routes in an bid to prevent a spike in traffic , and already some local authorities have opened pop-up cycle routes and wider pavements to enable social distancing .
However XR insists faster , more radical change is needed .
It is calling on its activists across the country to bypass local authorities and spend the weekend creating new cycling routes in their local neighbourhoods , by spray painting cycle lanes , marking new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ toilet plungers to separate bikes from traffic .
Alongside creating new cycling routes , activists are also being encouraged to widen pavements using planters and pallets , to make more space for pedestrians and queues for shops .
Cycling journeys have jumped dramatically during the lockdown ( Photo : TOLGA AKMEN/AFP via Getty Images ) XR activist Caspar Hughes , part of the team co-ordinating the weekend ’ s actions , said local authorities are not moving fast enough to make changes to road layouts .
“ We need to be highlighting to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they have just got weeks now to prepare city and town centres to make it safe for people to get out and [ remain ] physically distanced , ” he told i .
“ We need to highlight the depth of the problem , ” he added .
“ Virtually every town and street with any public facility - whether that is a shop or a pub or a library - will need to be changed to allow people to walk and physically distance safely.
” A spokesperson for the Mayor of London @ @ @ @ @ @ @ being rolled out across the capital : “ Sadiq is determined that London ’ s recovery from coronavirus will be green .
His bold London Streetspace plans are rapidly overhauling our city ’ s streets by safely creating new cycle lanes and wider pavements .
Any unofficial action could jeopardize this and put people in danger.
” XR hopes some of the changes could become permanent , given that local authorities are already under pressure from Westminster to promote cycling and walking as the lockdown eases .
Public transport is only expected to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ order to maintain social distancing , prompting fears of a huge surge in car use .
This could push up carbon emissions , worsen air quality and cause huge tailbacks , ministers fear .
Speaking over the weekend , Transport Secretary Grant Shapps promised to put cycling and walking “ at the heart ” of the UK ’ s transport policy .
“ Whilst it ’ s crucial that we stay at home , when the country does get back to work we need to ask those people to carry on cycling or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by many others as well , ” he said .

Extinction Rebellion (XR) campaigners will set about creating scores of pop-up bike lanes and walking routes in towns and cities across the UK this weekend, in an effort to “reclaim the streets” from polluting traffic.
The climate campaign group said it feared traffic levels in towns and cities would revert back to normal levels after the lockdown is eased, making it much more difficult for people to walk and cycle to work or to local shops.
Ministers have promised to spend £2bn creating temporary walking and cycling routes in an bid to prevent a spike in traffic, and already some local authorities have opened pop-up cycle routes and wider pavements to enable social distancing.
However XR insists faster, more radical change is needed. It is calling on its activists across the country to bypass local authorities and spend the weekend creating new cycling routes in their local neighbourhoods, by spray painting cycle lanes, marking new routes with chalk, and even using toilet plungers to separate bikes from traffic.
Alongside creating new cycling routes, activists are also being encouraged to widen pavements using planters and pallets, to make more space for pedestrians and queues for shops.
Redesigning roads
XR activist Caspar Hughes, part of the team co-ordinating the weekend’s actions, said local authorities are not moving fast enough to make changes to road layouts.
“We need to be highlighting to local authorities which are doing nothing that they have just got weeks now to prepare city and town centres to make it safe for people to get out and [remain] physically distanced,” he told i.
“We need to highlight the depth of the problem,” he added. “Virtually every town and street with any public facility – whether that is a shop or a pub or a library – will need to be changed to allow people to walk and physically distance safely.”
However, some local authorities are concerned the action could make roads more dangerous, stressing cycle routes need to be properly planned.
A spokesperson for the Mayor of London urged people to use official cycle lanes being rolled out across the capital: “Sadiq is determined that London’s recovery from coronavirus will be green. His bold London Streetspace plans are rapidly overhauling our city’s streets by safely creating new cycle lanes and wider pavements. Any unofficial action could jeopardize this and put people in danger.”
A permanent shift?
XR hopes some of the changes could become permanent, given that local authorities are already under pressure from Westminster to promote cycling and walking as the lockdown eases.
Public transport is only expected to run at 10-15 per cent capacity in order to maintain social distancing, prompting fears of a huge surge in car use. This could push up carbon emissions, worsen air quality and cause huge tailbacks, ministers fear.
Speaking over the weekend, Transport Secretary Grant Shapps promised to put cycling and walking “at the heart” of the UK’s transport policy. “Whilst it’s crucial that we stay at home, when the country does get back to work we need to ask those people to carry on cycling or walking and for them to be joined by many others as well,” he said.