inews--2020-06-03--Coronavirus lockdown: Three-quarters of the UK want more wildlife and plants added to their green sp

Coronavirus lockdown: Three-quarters of the UK want more wildlife and plants added to their green spaces

Coronavirus lockdown : Three-quarters of the UK want more wildlife and plants added to their green spaces Our appreciation of nature has soared under lockdown , as the benefits of green space on our mental and physical health have become apparent Nearly three-quarters of the population wants the UK ’ s green spaces enhanced with more plants and wildlife , a poll has found .
The public ’ s appreciation of nature has soared under lockdown , as the benefits of green space on our mental and physical health have become increasingly apparent , according to Crispin Truman , chief @ @ @ @ @ @ @ England ( CPRE ) .
He is calling on the Government to improve and better protect these areas and to create new ones , as one in eight households do not have their own garden or access to a shared or public green space .
“ Access to quality local green spaces has hurtled up the agenda as a political issue and for good reason , ” said Mr Truman .
“ As lockdown eases , many people are turning to their local patch of green as a place to meet family and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ distancing , as well as their daily dose of exercise and nature , ” he said .
“ But not everyone has access to green spaces and too many have been lost…If the government is serious about learning the lessons of the pandemic , it must use upcoming planning reforms to protect these precious spaces and recognise their value as a natural health service , as we do , ” he added .
This found that 70 per cent of the public want to see Nature enhanced , primarily by increasing the number @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other wildlife .
They also want to see more trees , shrubs , hedges , plants and flowers as well as more wild – and less manicured – green space .
Paula Higgins , Chief Executive of Homeowners Alliance , said : ‘ Now that people are allowed to move , new build homes and those with nearby green space are becoming more popular . ''
`` There is a real opportunity for developers and government to create quality green spaces ; and this is much more than a patch of lawn .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ are not considered to be an afterthought or a nice extra given the positive role they can play in people ’ s lives , '' she said .

Nearly three-quarters of the population wants the UK’s green spaces enhanced with more plants and wildlife, a poll has found.
The public’s appreciation of nature has soared under lockdown, as the benefits of green space on our mental and physical health have become increasingly apparent, according to Crispin Truman, chief executive of the Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE).
He is calling on the Government to improve and better protect these areas and to create new ones, as one in eight households do not have their own garden or access to a shared or public green space.
“Access to quality local green spaces has hurtled up the agenda as a political issue and for good reason,” said Mr Truman.
Popular meeting place
“As lockdown eases, many people are turning to their local patch of green as a place to meet family and friends, subject of course to social distancing, as well as their daily dose of exercise and nature,” he said.
“But not everyone has access to green spaces and too many have been lost…If the government is serious about learning the lessons of the pandemic, it must use upcoming planning reforms to protect these precious spaces and recognise their value as a natural health service, as we do,” he added.
CPRE and the Homeowners Alliance commissioned YouGov to do a survey.
This found that 70 per cent of the public want to see Nature enhanced, primarily by increasing the number of birds, butterflies, bees and other wildlife.
They also want to see more trees, shrubs, hedges, plants and flowers as well as more wild – and less manicured – green space.
Need for planning reform
Paula Higgins, Chief Executive of Homeowners Alliance, said: ‘Now that people are allowed to move, new build homes and those with nearby green space are becoming more popular.”
“There is a real opportunity for developers and government to create quality green spaces; and this is much more than a patch of lawn. Planning reform should ensure that green spaces are not considered to be an afterthought or a nice extra given the positive role they can play in people’s lives,” she said.


inews--2020-06-03--Fossil fuel profits could collapse by two-thirds in coming years, threatening pension value for mill

Fossil fuel profits could collapse by two-thirds in coming years, threatening pension value for millions

Fossil fuel profits could collapse by two-thirds in coming years , threatening pension value for millions Think tank Carbon Tracker says the industry is in 'terminal decline ' due to climate policies and the growth of renewables Activists of Greenpeace and Fridays For Future protest against a new coal power plant in Germany ( Photo : INA FASSBENDER/AFP/Getty ) Fossil fuel companies could see profits fall by two thirds in the coming years , sending shockwaves through the financial markets and the value of British pensions plummeting .
Squeezed by the growth of renewable technologies and battered by tougher climate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the fossil fuel industry is in “ terminal decline ” .
Industry expectations of future oil , gas and coal profits hover around $ 39tr ( £31trn ) , but falling global demand could cut this to just $ 14tr in a matter of years , Carbon Tracker said .
Kingsmill Bond , energy strategist at Carbon Tracker , told i the 2020s would be the “ decade of the peaks ” , for oil , gas and coal demand around the world as nations switch to electric cars and renewable power .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ both of peak demand , and concrete evidence of massive underperformance by existing fossil fuel companies , ” Mr Bond said .
Oil drilling and refining equipment could become worthless if demand crashes ( Photo : MLADEN ANTONOV/AFP/Getty ) Fossil fuel firms unprepared for a rapid drop in demand for their products will be left holding billions of pounds of worthless assets , an event that could cause chaos in the financial markets .
Many of the UK ’ s largest pension providers are heavily invested in fossil fuel businesses , and risk @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sector enters severe decline .
Mr Bond said people should try to shed fossil fuel investments from their pensions to reduce their risk .
“ As an individual , you can try and reduce your degree of exposure to companies in this sector by buying a fossil-free index fund , ” he advised .
“ Or you can seek to buy the companies of the new energy economy.
” Mr Bond , who has worked as an equities analyst for the likes of Deutsche Bank , Sberbank and Citibank , said the public @ @ @ @ @ @ @ promising change .
“ Many fossil fuel incumbents talk a great game about how they are transitioning to the new world , but they are just not .
”

Fossil fuel companies could see profits fall by two thirds in the coming years, sending shockwaves through the financial markets and the value of British pensions plummeting.
Squeezed by the growth of renewable technologies and battered by tougher climate policies, think tank Carbon Tracker argues the fossil fuel industry is in “terminal decline”.
Industry expectations of future oil, gas and coal profits hover around $39tr (£31trn), but falling global demand could cut this to just $14tr in a matter of years, Carbon Tracker said.
Kingsmill Bond, energy strategist at Carbon Tracker, told i the 2020s would be the “decade of the peaks”, for oil, gas and coal demand around the world as nations switch to electric cars and renewable power.
“You can already see concrete evidence both of peak demand, and concrete evidence of massive underperformance by existing fossil fuel companies,” Mr Bond said.
Market panic
Fossil fuel firms unprepared for a rapid drop in demand for their products will be left holding billions of pounds of worthless assets, an event that could cause chaos in the financial markets.
Many of the UK’s largest pension providers are heavily invested in fossil fuel businesses, and risk seeing their value drop dramatically if the sector enters severe decline.
Mr Bond said people should try to shed fossil fuel investments from their pensions to reduce their risk. “As an individual, you can try and reduce your degree of exposure to companies in this sector by buying a fossil-free index fund,” he advised. “Or you can seek to buy the companies of the new energy economy.”
Mr Bond, who has worked as an equities analyst for the likes of Deutsche Bank, Sberbank and Citibank, said the public should be sceptical of fossil fuel firms promising change. “Many fossil fuel incumbents talk a great game about how they are transitioning to the new world, but they are just not.”


inews--2020-06-03--Coronavirus pandemic 'has helped two million Britons with lung conditions'

Coronavirus pandemic 'has helped two million Britons with lung conditions' As a result of stringent lockdown measures , road traffic use plummeted to its lowest levels in recent history Motorways have been largely deserted during the UK lockdown as people adhere to the Government 's advice to 'stay at home ' ( Photo : ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP/Getty ) Nearly 2 million people with lung conditions have noticed improved symptoms as a result of drop in air pollution during the Covid-19 crisis , a charity has said .
The British Lung Foundation 's ( BLF ) survey of 14,000 patients found that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in symptoms .
The charity extrapolated the figures to estimate how many people are likely to have enjoyed better health as a result of far fewer people travelling in cars during the lockdown .
Air pollution has been likened to worsening of symptoms for some lung patients , including those with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease .
As a result of stringent lockdown measures , road traffic use plummeted to its lowest levels in recent history .
The BLF poll found that one in five parents of a child with a lung @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their child 's symptoms .
The survey also showed that a quarter of people with asthma noted an improvement in their symptoms .
The British Lung Foundation and the Taskforce for Lung Health are calling for a long-term commitment to reducing air pollution in the UK .
Zak Bond , policy and public affairs officer at the BLF , said : `` Air pollution can increase your likelihood of getting a lung condition and cause lasting damage to children 's growing lungs .
Now , more than ever before , we have all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to look after our lungs , and the Government has a duty to ensure that as the country recovers from Covid-19 , we can continue to keep air pollution levels down , and keep pushing them lower , with the rapid introduction of Clean Air Zones , support for public and active transport , and tougher air quality laws .
`` We want to see the Government commit to reaching the WHO 's ( World Health Organisation ) guidelines for fine particulate matter by 2030 at the latest .
For those most vulnerable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ such as people with existing respiratory conditions , or those recovering from Covid-19 , clean air is crucial for living well now , and in the future . ''
It comes as experts from the University of Surrey created new guidance for schools to help tackle the effects of air pollution .
Measures include : encouraging schools to restrict the number of windows and doors open in classes that face drop-off/pick up zones ; planting green barriers - such as hedges - to minimise daily exposure to harmful particles ; and encouraging new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ roads .

Nearly 2 million people with lung conditions have noticed improved symptoms as a result of drop in air pollution during the Covid-19 crisis, a charity has said.
The British Lung Foundation’s (BLF) survey of 14,000 patients found that 16 per cent had noticed an improvement in symptoms. The charity extrapolated the figures to estimate how many people are likely to have enjoyed better health as a result of far fewer people travelling in cars during the lockdown.
Air pollution has been likened to worsening of symptoms for some lung patients, including those with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. As a result of stringent lockdown measures, road traffic use plummeted to its lowest levels in recent history.
The BLF poll found that one in five parents of a child with a lung condition said they noticed an improvement to their child’s symptoms. The survey also showed that a quarter of people with asthma noted an improvement in their symptoms.
Long-term commitments
The British Lung Foundation and the Taskforce for Lung Health are calling for a long-term commitment to reducing air pollution in the UK.
Zak Bond, policy and public affairs officer at the BLF, said: “Air pollution can increase your likelihood of getting a lung condition and cause lasting damage to children’s growing lungs. Now, more than ever before, we have all become aware of how important it is to look after our lungs, and the Government has a duty to ensure that as the country recovers from Covid-19, we can continue to keep air pollution levels down, and keep pushing them lower, with the rapid introduction of Clean Air Zones, support for public and active transport, and tougher air quality laws.
“We want to see the Government commit to reaching the WHO’s (World Health Organisation) guidelines for fine particulate matter by 2030 at the latest. For those most vulnerable to the effects of air pollution, such as people with existing respiratory conditions, or those recovering from Covid-19, clean air is crucial for living well now, and in the future.”
It comes as experts from the University of Surrey created new guidance for schools to help tackle the effects of air pollution. Measures include: encouraging schools to restrict the number of windows and doors open in classes that face drop-off/pick up zones; planting green barriers – such as hedges – to minimise daily exposure to harmful particles; and encouraging new schools to be built away from main roads.


inews--2020-06-03--Coronavirus: Social media platforms remove fewer than one in 10 posts containing misinformation

Coronavirus : Social media platforms remove fewer than one in 10 posts containing misinformation Facebook , Instagram and Twitter posts containing inaccurate claims about Covid-19 were allowed to stay live on the platforms Content posted to Facebook , Instagram and Twitter claiming that wearing a facemask causes cancer , that the virus was caused by vaccines and 5G technology and can be cured by taking colloidal silver has been allowed to remain on the platforms after being flagged , research from the Centre for Countering Digital Hate ( CCDH ) has found .
The centre reported 649 individual posts to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of which only 61 ( 9.4 per cent ) were looked at further and 6.3 per cent were removed .
More than 90 per cent ( 90.6 per cent ) of the pieces of content were allowed to remain on the platforms , in spite of all three companies announcing various measures to combat the spread of untrue information linked to Covid-19 .
Facebook claimed to have removed `` hundreds of thousands '' of pieces of coronavirus-related misinformation that could cause physical harm to people that read them in April , while Instagram @ @ @ @ @ @ @ virus-focused content that had been declared false by third-party fact checkers and remove false claims flagged by global health organisations as having the potential to cause harm .
A post on Instagram linking the virus to 5G ( Photo : Instagram/CCDH ) Instagram posts claiming that Covid-19 is a global cover-up with fake prediction models in a bid to `` enslave humanity with forced vaccines , microchips and police state surveillance '' and containing footage of purported 5G masts burning were allowed to remain on the platform .
Posts alleging that viruses are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ proven to kill anyone '' and conspiracy theories about vaccine contamination were also kept on Facebook .
Misinformation and conspiracy theories have continued to circulate across the internet throughout the pandemic , proving their systems for reporting and detecting misinformation are not `` fit for purpose , '' Imran Ahmed , chief executive of the CCDH , said .
A post reported to , but allowed to stay on Instagram ( Photo : Instagram/CCDH ) '' Social media giants have claimed many times that they are taking Covid-related misinformation seriously , but this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are handed the posts promoting misinformation , they fail to take action , '' he said .
“ If social media giants continue to publish misinformation on their websites , then politicians need to hold them to account by imposing financial sanctions for the costs to the NHS , fire service , police and all of society that misinformation causes , and legislate for deeper , faster regulation . ''
“ We share the goal of reducing the spread of harmful misinformation about Covid-19 , but this sample is not representative and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 've done , ” a Facebook spokesperson told i .
“ We are taking aggressive steps to remove harmful misinformation from our platforms and have removed hundreds of thousands of these posts , including claims about false cures .
During March and April we placed warning labels on around 90 million pieces of content related to Covid-19 and these labels stopped people viewing the original content 95 per cent of the time .
“ As we 've said previously , we will not take enforcement action on every Tweet that contains incomplete or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ these new policies on March 18 and as we ’ ve doubled down on tech , our automated systems have challenged more than 4.3m accounts which were targeting discussions around Covid-19 with spammy or manipulative behaviours .

Social media platforms remove fewer than one in 10 posts reported for containing misinformation relating to the coronavirus outbreak, despite repeated promises to do so.
Content posted to Facebook, Instagram and Twitter claiming that wearing a facemask causes cancer, that the virus was caused by vaccines and 5G technology and can be cured by taking colloidal silver has been allowed to remain on the platforms after being flagged, research from the Centre for Countering Digital Hate (CCDH) has found.
The centre reported 649 individual posts to the companies for breaching their standards, of which only 61 (9.4 per cent) were looked at further and 6.3 per cent were removed.
More than 90 per cent (90.6 per cent) of the pieces of content were allowed to remain on the platforms, in spite of all three companies announcing various measures to combat the spread of untrue information linked to Covid-19.
‘Empty promises’ from social media firms
Facebook claimed to have removed “hundreds of thousands” of pieces of coronavirus-related misinformation that could cause physical harm to people that read them in April, while Instagram said it would start to ‘downrank’ virus-focused content that had been declared false by third-party fact checkers and remove false claims flagged by global health organisations as having the potential to cause harm.
Similarly, Twitter announced it was “widening its definition of harm” to tackle tweets, images and video content that contradicts guidance from authoritative sources of global and local public health information in March.
Instagram posts claiming that Covid-19 is a global cover-up with fake prediction models in a bid to “enslave humanity with forced vaccines, microchips and police state surveillance” and containing footage of purported 5G masts burning were allowed to remain on the platform.
Read More Coronavirus: More than one in four most-viewed YouTube videos contain misleading claims
Posts alleging that viruses are not contagious and have “never been proven to kill anyone” and conspiracy theories about vaccine contamination were also kept on Facebook.
Misinformation and conspiracy theories have continued to circulate across the internet throughout the pandemic, proving their systems for reporting and detecting misinformation are not “fit for purpose,” Imran Ahmed, chief executive of the CCDH, said.
“Social media giants have claimed many times that they are taking Covid-related misinformation seriously, but this new research shows that even when they are handed the posts promoting misinformation, they fail to take action,” he said.
“If social media giants continue to publish misinformation on their websites, then politicians need to hold them to account by imposing financial sanctions for the costs to the NHS, fire service, police and all of society that misinformation causes, and legislate for deeper, faster regulation.”
CCDH worked with youth development agency Restless Development and activist group Youth Against Misinformation to analyse the posts.
Facebook, Instagram and Twitter have been contacted for comment.
“We share the goal of reducing the spread of harmful misinformation about Covid-19, but this sample is not representative and the findings don’t reflect the work we’ve done,” a Facebook spokesperson told i.
“We are taking aggressive steps to remove harmful misinformation from our platforms and have removed hundreds of thousands of these posts, including claims about false cures. During March and April we placed warning labels on around 90 million pieces of content related to Covid-19 and these labels stopped people viewing the original content 95 per cent of the time.
“We will notify anyone who has liked, shared or commented on posts related to Covid-19 that we’ve since removed.”
“We’re prioritising the removal of Covid-19 content when it has a call to action that could potentially cause harm,” a Twitter spokesperson said.
“As we’ve said previously, we will not take enforcement action on every Tweet that contains incomplete or disputed information about Covid-19. Since introducing these new policies on March 18 and as we’ve doubled down on tech, our automated systems have challenged more than 4.3m accounts which were targeting discussions around Covid-19 with spammy or manipulative behaviours.
“Last month we announced that we are introducing new labelsand warning messages to provide additional context and information on some Tweets containing disputed or misleading information related to Covid-19.”


inews--2020-06-03--Coronavirus lockdown: Levels of anxiety and depression in the UK fall as restrictions ease

Coronavirus lockdown : Levels of anxiety and depression in the UK fall as restrictions ease Ongoing UCL study of over 90,000 adults shows that depression levels have decreased particularly among the under-60s Lockdown measures are slowly being lifted across the UK with some pubs reopening for customers to buy takeaway drinks and food ( Photo : TOLGA AKMEN/AFP/Getty ) Levels of anxiety and depression in the UK have fallen in the past week - as lockdown measures finally begin to be lifted - but remain above the usual reported averages , according to UCL ’ s Covid-19 social study .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ during the coronavirus epidemic shows that depression levels have decreased particularly among the under-60s , but depression and anxiety are still highest in young people , those living alone , those with lower household income , people with a diagnosed mental illness , people living with children , and people living in urban areas .
The figures also show that life satisfaction , ranging from 0 ( not at all satisfied with life ) to 10 ( completely satisfied with life ) has risen from under 5.5 when lockdown was first announced to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than usually-reported averages .
People were also asked how much confidence they had in the Government ’ s handling of the Covid-19 epidemic from one ( not at all ) to seven ( lots ) .
As the devolved nations slowly begin to lift lockdown restrictions , the found that confidence in respective governments remains steady at around 5 in Scotland and Northern Ireland , just over 4 in Wales , and around 3.5 in England as Boris Johnson 's administration suffers in light of the Dominic Cummings case .
Levels of `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also fallen further , with a greater decrease and lower levels in people with higher household incomes , people in England , compared to Scotland or Wales , and people in cities .
However , `` majority '' compliance remains relatively steady , with over 90 per cent of people surveyed still showing a large degree of compliance with the rules .
Thoughts of death and self-harm , experience of self-harm , and loneliness also remain relatively stable but are higher among younger people , those in urban areas , those with a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ diagnosed mental health condition .
Lead author Dr Daisy Fancourt said : “ It is encouraging that levels of anxiety and depression have both fallen as lockdown has eased .
However , the levels being reported by participants are still worse than usual reported averages .
While our sample is not random , meaning direct comparisons to usual averages are complex , we have good representation across demographic groups and all data are weighted to population proportions for key demographics .
”

Levels of anxiety and depression in the UK have fallen in the past week – as lockdown measures finally begin to be lifted – but remain above the usual reported averages, according to UCL’s Covid-19 social study.
The ongoing study of over 90,000 adults during the coronavirus epidemic shows that depression levels have decreased particularly among the under-60s, but depression and anxiety are still highest in young people, those living alone, those with lower household income, people with a diagnosed mental illness, people living with children, and people living in urban areas.
The figures also show that life satisfaction, ranging from 0 (not at all satisfied with life) to 10 (completely satisfied with life) has risen from under 5.5 when lockdown was first announced to over 6, but is still lower than usually-reported averages.
People were also asked how much confidence they had in the Government’s handling of the Covid-19 epidemic from one (not at all) to seven (lots). As the devolved nations slowly begin to lift lockdown restrictions, the found that confidence in respective governments remains steady at around 5 in Scotland and Northern Ireland, just over 4 in Wales, and around 3.5 in England as Boris Johnson’s administration suffers in light of the Dominic Cummings case.
Social distancing compliance
Levels of “complete” compliance with lockdown measures have also fallen further, with a greater decrease and lower levels in people with higher household incomes, people in England, compared to Scotland or Wales, and people in cities. However, “majority” compliance remains relatively steady, with over 90 per cent of people surveyed still showing a large degree of compliance with the rules.
Thoughts of death and self-harm, experience of self-harm, and loneliness also remain relatively stable but are higher among younger people, those in urban areas, those with a lower household income and people with a diagnosed mental health condition.
Lead author Dr Daisy Fancourt said: “It is encouraging that levels of anxiety and depression have both fallen as lockdown has eased. However, the levels being reported by participants are still worse than usual reported averages. While our sample is not random, meaning direct comparisons to usual averages are complex, we have good representation across demographic groups and all data are weighted to population proportions for key demographics.”


inews--2020-06-03--Brexit latest: Bank of England governor Andrew Bailey warns banks to step up preparations for no-dea

Brexit latest: Bank of England governor Andrew Bailey warns banks to step up preparations for no-deal

Brexit latest : Bank of England governor Andrew Bailey warns banks to step up preparations for no-deal Final round of talks taking place this week between UK and EU negotiators amid concern that impasse has been reached Andrew Bailey , the Governor of the UK ’ s central bank , told the chief executives of Britain ’ s biggest banks on Wednesday that there needed to be an intensification of measures to deal with the possibility of a “ no trade deal ” Brexit .
His remarks , made during one of a series of regular private conference calls with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ concern that talks between London and Brussels on a free trade agreement are deadlocked .
With the deadline to request any further extension from the European Union due to expire at the end of this month , time to agree the broad outlines of a deal within the next three weeks is beginning to run out .
The repeated insistence of Prime Minister Boris Johnson that he will not seek any extension to the transition period due to expire at the end of the year has sparked fresh concern that the UK economy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ top of the Covid-19 crisis .
Nissan , which is the UK ’ s largest carmaker , warned on Wednesday that its business in Britain “ will not be sustainable ” if the current tariff agreement with the EU is abandoned .
The Bank of England insisted that it was looking at “ a number of outcomes ” from the Brexit process as a result of its responsibility to ensure that the UK financial system was ready for “ all risks that it might face ” .
But Mr Bailey ’ s particular @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deal appears to have been interpreted as an indication that as far as the Bank of England is concerned the odds on such a scenario have narrowed .
The call was attended by the chief executives of lenders including Barclays , HSBC , Lloyds and Royal Bank of Scotland .
In a statement , the BoE said : “ As we have said previously , the possibility that negotiations between the UK and EU over a future trading relationship might not conclude in a deal is one of a number of outcomes that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coming months.
” Michael Gove outlined the Government 's intentions in the Commons ( Photo : Getty ) But despite some optimism that both sides are preparing to give some ground , a breakthrough has remained elusive .
Fishing rights are believed to be a major sticking point .
Downing Street has said that Mr Johnson is due to hold talks with the European Commission president , Ursula von der Leyen , by the end of the month in what is likely to be the culmination of the prime minister ’ s latest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bailey has previously underlined to MPs that a Brexit which would see Britain and the EU revert of World Trade Organisation ( WTO ) terms would be likely to make business “ more costly or difficult ” compared to a free trade agreement .
Several banks and investment houses have warned that the pound will come under significant pressure if a deal can not be struck .
American giant JP Morgan told its clients this week that sterling would suffer a “ fraught few months ” in the event of no trade deal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ regarded to be in more robust financial shape than they were at the start of the 2008 financial crisis and extensive preparations for a hard Brexit were made ahead of the October deadline last year .

The Bank of England has warned Britain’s largest financial institutions to step up their preparations for a hard Brexit amid growing signs that trade talks with Brussels have reached an impasse.
Andrew Bailey, the Governor of the UK’s central bank, told the chief executives of Britain’s biggest banks on Wednesday that there needed to be an intensification of measures to deal with the possibility of a “no trade deal” Brexit.
His remarks, made during one of a series of regular private conference calls with senior banking executives, come amid increasing concern that talks between London and Brussels on a free trade agreement are deadlocked.
With the deadline to request any further extension from the European Union due to expire at the end of this month, time to agree the broad outlines of a deal within the next three weeks is beginning to run out.
Transition period
The repeated insistence of Prime Minister Boris Johnson that he will not seek any extension to the transition period due to expire at the end of the year has sparked fresh concern that the UK economy is set to suffer further pain on top of the Covid-19 crisis.
Nissan, which is the UK’s largest carmaker, warned on Wednesday that its business in Britain “will not be sustainable” if the current tariff agreement with the EU is abandoned.
The Bank of England insisted that it was looking at “a number of outcomes” from the Brexit process as a result of its responsibility to ensure that the UK financial system was ready for “all risks that it might face”.
Narrowing odds
But Mr Bailey’s particular reference to a Brexit without a trade deal appears to have been interpreted as an indication that as far as the Bank of England is concerned the odds on such a scenario have narrowed. The call was attended by the chief executives of lenders including Barclays, HSBC, Lloyds and Royal Bank of Scotland.
In a statement, the BoE said: “As we have said previously, the possibility that negotiations between the UK and EU over a future trading relationship might not conclude in a deal is one of a number of outcomes that banks need to prepare for over the coming months.”
This week sees a final round of negotiations between UK and EU representatives before the deadline at the end of this month.
Fishing rights
But despite some optimism that both sides are preparing to give some ground, a breakthrough has remained elusive. Fishing rights are believed to be a major sticking point.
Downing Street has said that Mr Johnson is due to hold talks with the European Commission president, Ursula von der Leyen, by the end of the month in what is likely to be the culmination of the prime minister’s latest round of brinkmanship with Brussels.
Mr Bailey has previously underlined to MPs that a Brexit which would see Britain and the EU revert of World Trade Organisation (WTO) terms would be likely to make business “more costly or difficult” compared to a free trade agreement.
‘Fraught few months’
Several banks and investment houses have warned that the pound will come under significant pressure if a deal cannot be struck. American giant JP Morgan told its clients this week that sterling would suffer a “fraught few months” in the event of no trade deal.
Britain’s banks are widely regarded to be in more robust financial shape than they were at the start of the 2008 financial crisis and extensive preparations for a hard Brexit were made ahead of the October deadline last year.
However, lenders are also having to deal with the ramifications of the coronavirus pandemic. The crisis is expected to cost the sector billions of pounds when the full scale of business failures and soured loans eventually emerges.


inews--2020-06-03--Schools reopening: Poll suggests most primary schools ignored Boris Johnson's orders

Thirty five per cent of schools opened on the terms expected by the Government , according to a survey by the National Education Union Only a third of primary schools in England reopened according to the terms announced by the Government , a union poll suggests ( Photo : ISABEL INFANTES/AFP via Getty Images ) Only a third of primary schools in England opened on 1 June on the terms expected by the Prime Minister , according to a union survey .
A poll by the National Education Union of members in 10,953 schools found that 44 per cent did @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Year 1 and Year 6 as instructed by Boris Johnson .
Thirty five per cent of schools opened on the terms expected by the Government , while 21 per cent opened more widely but on less than the terms expected .
The survey also revealed significant regional variation - while 50 per cent of schools in the East of England opened to all the expected year groups , the figure was just eight per cent in the North West and 12 per cent in the North East .
Children of essential workers eat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ School in Worcester ( Photo : PA ) The NEU said that while most schools were being sensitive to the needs of staff , it was supporting hundreds of vulnerable members being asked to return to schools where social distancing is not possible and personal protective equipment not provided .
A Department for Education spokesperson said : “ From this week , many schools have begun welcoming children from reception , Year 1 and Year 6 back to the classroom as part of a phased and cautious approach .
“ To prepare for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been doing an excellent job including putting protective measures in place and engaging with parents and children .
We will continue to support schools who haven ’ t yet been able to open more widely to do so as soon as possible.
” The news came as the Welsh Government set out its plan for reopening schools .
Schools will reopen on June 29 for a four-week term ending on 27 July .
Not all pupils will be in at the same time on the same day .
There will be staggered starts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ most a third of pupils present at any one time .
A classroom lays dormant at Oldfield Brow Primary School during the coronavirus lockdown ( Photo : Getty ) Kirsty Williams , the minister for education , said : “ My announcement today gives schools three and a half weeks to continue preparing for the next phase .
“ We will use the last weeks of the summer term to make sure pupils , staff and parents are prepared – mentally , emotionally and practically – for the new normal in September .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ one full month of test , trace and protect , which will continue to expand.
” She added : “ The evolving science suggests that warm weather and sunlight gives us the best opportunity to ensure more time in school .
Waiting until September would mean almost half a year without schooling .
That would be to the detriment to the wellbeing , learning progress and mental health of our young people .
”

Only a third of primary schools in England opened on 1 June on the terms expected by the Prime Minister, according to a union survey.
A poll by the National Education Union of members in 10,953 schools found that 44 per cent did not open to pupils in reception, Year 1 and Year 6 as instructed by Boris Johnson.
Thirty five per cent of schools opened on the terms expected by the Government, while 21 per cent opened more widely but on less than the terms expected.
The survey also revealed significant regional variation – while 50 per cent of schools in the East of England opened to all the expected year groups, the figure was just eight per cent in the North West and 12 per cent in the North East.
‘Cautious approach’
The NEU said that while most schools were being sensitive to the needs of staff, it was supporting hundreds of vulnerable members being asked to return to schools where social distancing is not possible and personal protective equipment not provided.
A Department for Education spokesperson said: “From this week, many schools have begun welcoming children from reception, Year 1 and Year 6 back to the classroom as part of a phased and cautious approach.
“To prepare for this, headteachers and school staff have been doing an excellent job including putting protective measures in place and engaging with parents and children. We will continue to support schools who haven’t yet been able to open more widely to do so as soon as possible.”
Wales reveals plan
The news came as the Welsh Government set out its plan for reopening schools. Schools will reopen on June 29 for a four-week term ending on 27 July.
Not all pupils will be in at the same time on the same day. There will be staggered starts, lessons and breaks, with at most a third of pupils present at any one time.
Kirsty Williams, the minister for education, said: “My announcement today gives schools three and a half weeks to continue preparing for the next phase.
“We will use the last weeks of the summer term to make sure pupils, staff and parents are prepared – mentally, emotionally and practically – for the new normal in September. 29 June means there will have been one full month of test, trace and protect, which will continue to expand.”
She added: “The evolving science suggests that warm weather and sunlight gives us the best opportunity to ensure more time in school. Waiting until September would mean almost half a year without schooling. That would be to the detriment to the wellbeing, learning progress and mental health of our young people.”
Scotland and Northern Ireland have both said they will reopen schools in August.


inews--2020-06-03--Tottenham Hotspur's Son Heung-min completes military service in South Korea

All South Korean men must complete mandatory military service by the age of 28 Son Heung-min described the experience as `` tough '' , but said he was able to enjoy it without worrying about his career while football is on a hiatus .
The enforced break has also allowed Son to complete his recovery from the arm fracture he suffered in Spurs ' 3-2 win over Aston Villa in February .
All South Korean men must complete mandatory military service by the age of 28 .
Son left his service until the final months of his 27th year , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ without missing any Premier League time , due to the football season being postponed .
Son Heung-Min of Tottenham Hotspur in more familiar surroundings ( Photo : Getty ) Most South Koreans have to do 21 months of military service .
However Son was excused from the full service after he helped his country to victory in the 2018 Asian Games .
He spent three weeks in military service - significantly shorter than others he served with - and even shorter than initially planned due to Covid-19 .
He said : “ The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ know each other was a bit weird but soon we got to know each other .
We spent every day together in one room , 10 people very close , working together , we helped each other so the time was fantastic .
“ Those guys , the first day and second day they couldn ’ t even speak to me but by the end they were joking with me and we were enjoying everyone together.
” But exactly went on in the training remains a secret .
“ I couldn ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but I really enjoyed it , '' he said of the experience .
`` Those guys were nice .
The three weeks were tough but I tried to enjoy it .
`` I don ’ t know how the people felt , but for me the three weeks have been long but it was a good experience , I enjoyed it . ''
Son was out injured for the final weeks before the Premier League was suspended in mid-March , but the break in the season has allowed him to recover from a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ raring to get going again .
`` I 'm physically fine , I 'm working really , really hard to be at my maximum level and I 'm nearly there , '' he said .
`` Now we can train together , we 're training more then the last two weeks and the players - Moussa ( Sissoko ) is back , Harry ( Kane ) is back , Stevie ( Bergwijn ) is back , everyone wants to play again and everyone is motivated . ''
He returns to the UK just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ top-flight football , and will most likely be back on the pitch on 17 June when his club faces Manchester United .

A Tottenham Hotspur footballer has taken time out from the high life of Premier League football to complete his military service in South Korea.
Son Heung-min described the experience as “tough”, but said he was able to enjoy it without worrying about his career while football is on a hiatus.
The enforced break has also allowed Son to complete his recovery from the arm fracture he suffered in Spurs’ 3-2 win over Aston Villa in February.
All South Korean men must complete mandatory military service by the age of 28. Son left his service until the final months of his 27th year, and was able to undertake the exercise without missing any Premier League time, due to the football season being postponed.
Mandatory military service
Most South Koreans have to do 21 months of military service. However Son was excused from the full service after he helped his country to victory in the 2018 Asian Games.
He spent three weeks in military service – significantly shorter than others he served with – and even shorter than initially planned due to Covid-19.
He said: “The first day when we don’t know each other was a bit weird but soon we got to know each other. We spent every day together in one room, 10 people very close, working together, we helped each other so the time was fantastic.
“Those guys, the first day and second day they couldn’t even speak to me but by the end they were joking with me and we were enjoying everyone together.”
South Korean secrets
But exactly went on in the training remains a secret. “I couldn’t say everything that I’ve done but I really enjoyed it,” he said of the experience. “Those guys were nice. The three weeks were tough but I tried to enjoy it.
“I don’t know how the people felt, but for me the three weeks have been long but it was a good experience, I enjoyed it.”
Son was out injured for the final weeks before the Premier League was suspended in mid-March, but the break in the season has allowed him to recover from a fractured arm, and he is now raring to get going again.
Return to football
“I’m physically fine, I’m working really, really hard to be at my maximum level and I’m nearly there,” he said.
“Now we can train together, we’re training more then the last two weeks and the players – Moussa (Sissoko) is back, Harry (Kane) is back, Stevie (Bergwijn) is back, everyone wants to play again and everyone is motivated.”
He returns to the UK just in time to catch the return of top-flight football, and will most likely be back on the pitch on 17 June when his club faces Manchester United.


inews--2020-06-03--Universities: Students unconvinced by proposals for 'virtual' freshers' weeks and protective 'bubble

Universities: Students unconvinced by proposals for 'virtual' freshers' weeks and protective 'bubbles'

Universities : Students unconvinced by proposals for 'virtual ' freshers ' weeks and protective 'bubbles' Universities have set out ideas for making their campuses Covid-secure , but prospective and current students have expressed reservations On Wednesday i reported that institutions including Staffordshire University are planning to put students on the same course into fixed small groups or “ bubbles ” for teaching and accommodation .
The idea of the scheme is to safely reopen university campuses by restricting the number of people that students regularly mix with , reducing the potential for any Covid-19 outbreak to spread unchecked .
Cambridge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be online until summer 2021 ( Photo : LOIC VENNIN/AFP/Getty ) Georgia Edwards , who holds an offer to study music at Cambridge in the autumn , said she thought the idea of bubbles was “ very problematic ” .
“ A major part of the university experience is meeting new people , and if the university decides who we are able to interact with before we even join , this will be near impossible , ” she told i .
“ The nature of university accommodation would make it nearly impossible to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on your corridor if you are sharing bathrooms/kitchens.
” Eve Alcock , the president of the University of Bath ’ s Student Union , said she believed many universities were considering bubbles “ as a way to reduce movement on campus and make timetabling easier ” .
“ It makes logical sense , but runs the risk of having unintended welfare consequences if students are stuck in bubbles with people that they do n't get on with , ” she told i .
“ It also raises questions of who - if anyone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the bubbles .
Can we expect students to be put in a closed environment and not socialise ?
“ I also worry about students from underrepresented groups who find community and support with other students from the same backgrounds as them .
Strict bubbles could cut them off from those other support systems if they 're only allowed to find and socialise with each other virtually.
” Ms Edwards told i : “ It is hard to interact with people that you know on online calls , and this will be even more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ before .
Freshers ’ is viewed as such a 'rite of passage ' within the UK , and I am sure many people would rather see it delayed than made virtual.
” Nélson Fernandes Serrão , who holds an offer to study philosophy , politics and economics at Oxford , was equally sceptical .
“ A delayed freshers ’ week is probably the least contentious move , ” he told i .
“ Moving to a virtual event would remove the vast vast vast majority of the ambiance , atmosphere and just general @ @ @ @ @ @ @ result in that same connection .
”

Students have voiced scepticism about plans for “virtual” freshers weeks and suggestions that universities could put them in protective “bubbles” this autumn.
On Wednesday i reported that institutions including Staffordshire University are planning to put students on the same course into fixed small groups or “bubbles” for teaching and accommodation.
The idea of the scheme is to safely reopen university campuses by restricting the number of people that students regularly mix with, reducing the potential for any Covid-19 outbreak to spread unchecked.
However, prospective and current university students expressed reservations about the idea.
‘Very problematic’
Georgia Edwards, who holds an offer to study music at Cambridge in the autumn, said she thought the idea of bubbles was “very problematic”.
“A major part of the university experience is meeting new people, and if the university decides who we are able to interact with before we even join, this will be near impossible,” she told i.
“The nature of university accommodation would make it nearly impossible to social distance with anyone, especially people on your corridor if you are sharing bathrooms/kitchens.”
‘Welfare consequences’
Eve Alcock, the president of the University of Bath’s Student Union, said she believed many universities were considering bubbles “as a way to reduce movement on campus and make timetabling easier”.
“It makes logical sense, but runs the risk of having unintended welfare consequences if students are stuck in bubbles with people that they don’t get on with,” she told i.
“It also raises questions of who – if anyone – should or can be ‘policing’ the bubbles. Can we expect students to be put in a closed environment and not socialise?
“I also worry about students from underrepresented groups who find community and support with other students from the same backgrounds as them. Strict bubbles could cut them off from those other support systems if they’re only allowed to find and socialise with each other virtually.”
Virtual freshers’ week
Prospective students also appeared unconvinced by suggestions that freshers’ week could take a virtual form – an idea mooted by institutions including Brunel University London.
Ms Edwards told i: “It is hard to interact with people that you know on online calls, and this will be even more challenging with people you have never met before. Freshers’ is viewed as such a ‘rite of passage’ within the UK, and I am sure many people would rather see it delayed than made virtual.”
A better option would be for universities to allow students to meet in outdoor spaces, she said.
Nélson Fernandes Serrão, who holds an offer to study philosophy, politics and economics at Oxford, was equally sceptical. “A delayed freshers’ week is probably the least contentious move,” he told i. “Moving to a virtual event would remove the vast vast vast majority of the ambiance, atmosphere and just general fun. Socialising over Zoom doesn’t result in that same connection.”
Safety the priority
The idea for protective bubbles came on Wednesday as Universities UK published guidance on how universities can exit lockdown.
The UUK advice drew a more positive reaction from the National Union of Students.
Claire Sosienski Smith, vice president for higher education at the NUS, said: “Students are and always have been our priority and we welcome measures that prioritise students’ safety.”
She added: “It is important that universities do not try to carry on with ‘business as usual’ plans and do not attempt to bring students and staff members back onto campuses too early.”


inews--2020-06-03--Coronavirus latest: Boris Johnson and Keir Starmer clash over 'public trust and confidence'

Coronavirus latest : Boris Johnson and Keir Starmer clash over 'public trust and confidence' Labour leader accuses Boris Johnson of ignoring his offer of support over the reopening of schools At their fourth clash at Prime Minister ’ s Questions , it emerged that Sir Keir had written to Mr Johnson two weeks ago offering to build support among teachers and parents about the return of some primary school pupils on 1 June , but the PM had not yet replied .
Mr Johnson responded by insisting he had spoken to the Labour leader by phone some days later and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trust and confidence ” by unleashing “ endless attacks ” on the Government .
The fiery encounter marked a stepping up of Labour ’ s criticism of the Government amid doubts that Mr Johnson has moved too quickly on the easing of lockdown restrictions .
The letter to the Prime Minister on 18 May proposed a meeting with the PM , Education Secretary Gavin Williamson and Sir Keir and Rebecca Long-Bailey for Labour to discuss reaching a consensus on the return of schools , which teaching unions and some parents had warned was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ took the trouble to ring ” Sir Keir to brief him on the easing of lockdown measures - although it later emerged this was a joint phone call between all of the Westminster opposition leaders .
The Prime Minister denied that he had not replied , saying : “ I am surprised ( Sir Keir ) should take that tone , since I took the trouble to ring him up , and we had a long conversation in which I briefed him about all the steps that we were taking .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stage.
” Mr Johnson also accused his opponent of “ casting aspersions ” with comments about a lack of progress on a having a fully functioning test and trace system in place by the Government 's target date of 1 June .
'We want to be constructive' A spokesman for Sir Keir said it was “ right ” that Labour challenged the Government when it thought changes to the lockdown , including ministers ’ approach to schools , could have been made differently .
Hours after the exchange , the Government published a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Cabinet Office minister in charge of the day to day running of the coronavirus response , to his opposite number Rachel Reeves on 29 May in which he , among other things , passed on thanks from the Prime Minister to Sir Keir and claiming to have “ highlighted the issues raised ” with the relevant minister .
Sir Keir said the scenes of MPs queuing to vote were 'shameful' A Labour source said : “ We want to be constructive , but that requires the Government to cooperate and work with us @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mr Johnson also performed a u-turn over MPs ’ voting rights after scenes of long queues through the Palace of Westminster on Tuesday during a vote scrapping the hybrid system , which had allowed members to contribute via videolink .
The Prime Minister said the Government would back proxy voting for MPs who can not attend parliament if they are shielding due to health reasons or are over 70 .
A government motion allowing proxy voting will be put forward on Thursday .

Boris Johnson and Sir Keir Starmer were locked in an extraordinary row over public trust as the Labour leader accused the Prime Minister of ignoring his offer of support over the reopening of schools.
At their fourth clash at Prime Minister’s Questions, it emerged that Sir Keir had written to Mr Johnson two weeks ago offering to build support among teachers and parents about the return of some primary school pupils on 1 June, but the PM had not yet replied.
Mr Johnson responded by insisting he had spoken to the Labour leader by phone some days later and accused his opponent of undermining “public trust and confidence” by unleashing “endless attacks” on the Government.
The fiery encounter marked a stepping up of Labour’s criticism of the Government amid doubts that Mr Johnson has moved too quickly on the easing of lockdown restrictions.
Phone call
Keir Starmer is absolutely right to highlight the collapse in public trust and confidence in recent days. The government must get a grip or risk a second wave of this virus #PMQs — Lisa Nandy (@lisanandy) June 3, 2020
The letter to the Prime Minister on 18 May proposed a meeting with the PM, Education Secretary Gavin Williamson and Sir Keir and Rebecca Long-Bailey for Labour to discuss reaching a consensus on the return of schools, which teaching unions and some parents had warned was too hasty.
Mr Johnson insisted he “took the trouble to ring” Sir Keir to brief him on the easing of lockdown measures – although it later emerged this was a joint phone call between all of the Westminster opposition leaders.
The Prime Minister denied that he had not replied, saying: “I am surprised (Sir Keir) should take that tone, since I took the trouble to ring him up, and we had a long conversation in which I briefed him about all the steps that we were taking. He did not offer any dissent at that stage.”
Mr Johnson also accused his opponent of “casting aspersions” with comments about a lack of progress on a having a fully functioning test and trace system in place by the Government’s target date of 1 June.
Read More Schools reopening: Children’s Commissioner Anne Longfield says schools should stay open to let students study over summer
‘We want to be constructive’
A spokesman for Sir Keir said it was “right” that Labour challenged the Government when it thought changes to the lockdown, including ministers’ approach to schools, could have been made differently.
Hours after the exchange, the Government published a letter sent from Michael Gove, the Cabinet Office minister in charge of the day to day running of the coronavirus response, to his opposite number Rachel Reeves on 29 May in which he, among other things, passed on thanks from the Prime Minister to Sir Keir and claiming to have “highlighted the issues raised” with the relevant minister.
A Labour source said: “We want to be constructive, but that requires the Government to cooperate and work with us in the national interest.”
At PMQs Mr Johnson also performed a u-turn over MPs’ voting rights after scenes of long queues through the Palace of Westminster on Tuesday during a vote scrapping the hybrid system, which had allowed members to contribute via videolink.
The Prime Minister said the Government would back proxy voting for MPs who cannot attend parliament if they are shielding due to health reasons or are over 70. A government motion allowing proxy voting will be put forward on Thursday.


inews--2020-06-03--British Vogue shuns celebrities to put three key workers on historic cover

British Vogue shuns celebrities to put three key workers on historic cover Editor Edward Enninful said it had 'taken an international crisis ' for people to see their beauty Some of the most famous faces in the world have graced the cover of British Vogue .
The Duchess of Cambridge , Taylor Swift and , most recently , Judi Dench have all starred in its pages .
But for the first time the fashion bible has opted to shun global celebrity and instead photograph regular people - the key workers of the pandemic - for its cover .
Narguis Horsford @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : Jamie Hawkesworth / British Vogue ) Narguis Horsford , from Bounds Green , north London , has worked for Transport for London for 10 years and driven London Overground trains for the past five .
She got the shock of a life when her manager asked if she would like to be in Vogue .
`` At first I thought he was winding me up , '' she told the magazine .
`` But it later turned out to be very real .
I feel amazing to be representing the female front-line @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her alarm for 2am each morning to make it into work on time , but says she is glad to keep the country turning .
`` I still have to distance myself from my family , '' she told the magazine .
`` Obviously I 'm out here and I 'm on the frontline .
They do worry , especially my grandmother , she worries a lot . ''
Anisa Omar has gone from shelf stacker to cover star ( Photo : Jamie Hawkesworth / British Vogue ) Ms Omar said : `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
I was just a regular supermarket worker .
It 's more than just a job now .
It 's such a nice title being a key worker . ''
She added : `` I ’ ve been struck by how friendly those around me have been , while observing social distancing – from the builders working across the street to the joggers I see in Hyde Park , which is opposite my home .
I hope that this cover symbolises a new era of community and care for each other . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ editor of British Vogue in 2017 , said : `` Our heroes today are different .
There has been a shift in who we look up to and admire , and these people need to be celebrated .
`` They were always heroes , doing their jobs to keep this country on its feet – but they are also normal people .
There is such a beauty in normality , but it ’ s taken an international crisis for us to see it . ''

Some of the most famous faces in the world have graced the cover of British Vogue. The Duchess of Cambridge, Taylor Swift and, most recently, Judi Dench have all starred in its pages.
But for the first time the fashion bible has opted to shun global celebrity and instead photograph regular people – the key workers of the pandemic – for its cover.
Next train to fashion central
Narguis Horsford, from Bounds Green, north London, has worked for Transport for London for 10 years and driven London Overground trains for the past five. She got the shock of a life when her manager asked if she would like to be in Vogue.
“At first I thought he was winding me up,” she told the magazine. “But it later turned out to be very real. I feel amazing to be representing the female front-line key workers.”
Ms Horsford sets her alarm for 2am each morning to make it into work on time, but says she is glad to keep the country turning.
“I still have to distance myself from my family,” she told the magazine. “Obviously I’m out here and I’m on the frontline. They do worry, especially my grandmother, she worries a lot.”
Proud to be a key worker
Anisa Omar, a 21-year-old who stacks shelves in a branch of Waitrose in central London, is also featured, alongside midwife Rachel Millar, from Northern Ireland.
Ms Omar said: “Before I think it was quite overlooked. I was just a regular supermarket worker. It’s more than just a job now. It’s such a nice title being a key worker.”
She added: “I’ve been struck by how friendly those around me have been, while observing social distancing – from the builders working across the street to the joggers I see in Hyde Park, which is opposite my home. I hope that this cover symbolises a new era of community and care for each other.”
Beauty in normality
Edward Enninful, who took over as editor of British Vogue in 2017, said: “Our heroes today are different. There has been a shift in who we look up to and admire, and these people need to be celebrated.
“They were always heroes, doing their jobs to keep this country on its feet – but they are also normal people. There is such a beauty in normality, but it’s taken an international crisis for us to see it.”
The July edition of British Vogue is on sale from 5 June.


inews--2020-06-03--Dominic Cummings' Durham retreat under investigation over planning permission

Durham County Council is investigating complaints the cottage does not have correct planning permission A new twist in the tale of Dominic Cummings ’ decision to self-isolate in County Durham has emerged with the local authority now investigating if the property he used has planning permission .
Boris Johnson ’ s special adviser has already come under fire for travelling more than 250 miles to his parents ’ farm with his wife and four-year-old son in March during lockdown .
Now it seems the property where he stayed , which he described as “ sort of concrete blocks ” may @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spokesperson for Durham County Council told i : “ We have received a number of complaints and are currently looking into the matter.
” Mr Cummings spent time at a property on his family ’ s farm on the outskirts of Durham after both he and his wife displayed symptoms of Covid-19 .
He claimed it was the “ safest place to be in the circumstances ” as there would be childcare on hand for his son .
During his stay , Mr Cummings also made an Easter Sunday trip with his family @ @ @ @ @ @ @ before returning to London .
This was at a time the Government had advised against all but essential travel and asked everyone to stay at home .
A road on the outskirts of Barnard Castle visited during the COVID-19 lockdown by Dominic Cummings ( Photo : Getty ) The building the 48-year-old is believed to have resided in on the family estate has come under council scrutiny after complaints regarding planning permission for this dwelling on the farm .
Mr Cummings ’ father is understood to have bought the farm in 1999 and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the construction of a pitched roof structure over an existing swimming pool .
But an examination of the Durham County Council planning portal , by the Northern Echo , found no planning permission for another dwelling .
One of the complaints the council is investigating is believed to relate to “ unauthorised change of use of building to residential occupation and associated alterations ” .

A new twist in the tale of Dominic Cummings’ decision to self-isolate in County Durham has emerged with the local authority now investigating if the property he used has planning permission.
Boris Johnson’s special adviser has already come under fire for travelling more than 250 miles to his parents’ farm with his wife and four-year-old son in March during lockdown.
Now it seems the property where he stayed, which he described as “sort of concrete blocks” may not have correct planning permission.
A spokesperson for Durham County Council told i: “We have received a number of complaints and are currently looking into the matter.”
Planning permission investigated
Mr Cummings spent time at a property on his family’s farm on the outskirts of Durham after both he and his wife displayed symptoms of Covid-19.
He claimed it was the “safest place to be in the circumstances” as there would be childcare on hand for his son.
During his stay, Mr Cummings also made an Easter Sunday trip with his family to Barnard Castle to test his eyesight before returning to London.
This was at a time the Government had advised against all but essential travel and asked everyone to stay at home.
Family farm
The building the 48-year-old is believed to have resided in on the family estate has come under council scrutiny after complaints regarding planning permission for this dwelling on the farm.
Mr Cummings’ father is understood to have bought the farm in 1999 and was granted planning permission two years later for the construction of a pitched roof structure over an existing swimming pool.
But an examination of the Durham County Council planning portal, by the Northern Echo, found no planning permission for another dwelling.
One of the complaints the council is investigating is believed to relate to “unauthorised change of use of building to residential occupation and associated alterations”.
Durham City Labour MP Mary Foy has also asked the council to look into the planning matter.


inews--2020-06-03--Britain’s Coronavirus Catastrophe: Did the Government Get It Wrong?, Channel 4, review: an investiga

Britain’s Coronavirus Catastrophe: Did the Government Get It Wrong?, Channel 4, review: an investigation to shame Boris Johnson

Britain ’ s Coronavirus Catastrophe : Did the Government Get It Wrong ?
, Channel 4 , review : an investigation to shame Boris Johnson Clear-headed and immaculately sourced , this Dispatches film was essential viewing — so did the Government get it wrong ?
Britain ’ s Coronavirus Catastrophe : Did the Government Get It Wrong ?
, Channel 4 , 9pm ★★★★ I don ’ t know about you but when I spot a Covid-19 documentary in the schedule these days , I seem to turn into Brenda from Bristol ( “ You ’ re joking !
Not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stand this.
” ) Having said that , the Dispatches film Britain ’ s Coronavirus Catastrophe : Did the Government Get It Wrong ?
turned out to be essential viewing .
Clear-headed and immaculately sourced , this investigation shamed the Prime Minister and his hapless gang of fools .
Forget accusations of editorialising .
The facts were simply laid out before us and corroborated by multiple people .
We know how things played out in the weeks leading up to lockdown ; there 's no point in going through it all again .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ was the ferocity of the attacks on the Government .
The gloves were off .
Behavioural scientist Professor Susan Michie said she was `` frankly horrified '' after Johnson boasted on March 3 about shaking hands with people at hospital .
Professor Gabriel Scally , President of Epidemiology and Public Health at the Royal Society of Medicine , described the announcement on March 12 that the `` contain '' phase was over as `` leaving an open playing field for the virus '' .
He added that he `` was shouting at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Patrick Vallance alluded to `` herd immunity '' on the radio .
Later , the Nobel prize winner Sir Paul Nurse claimed that his offer of 2,000 tests a day was ignored .
He described speaking to UK government ministers as like “ talking to a blancmange – you sort of poke it and it wobbles for a while and then more or less goes back to the original shape it had ” .
Perhaps the most unsettling moment arrived when health analyst George Batchelor estimated that , had the lockdown been enforced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have been avoided .
So did the Government get it wrong ?
I ’ ll leave you to make up your own mind .

Britain’s Coronavirus Catastrophe: Did the Government Get It Wrong?, Channel 4, 9pm ★★★★
I don’t know about you but when I spot a Covid-19 documentary in the schedule these days, I seem to turn into Brenda from Bristol (“You’re joking! Not another one? I can’t stand this.”) Having said that, the Dispatches film Britain’s Coronavirus Catastrophe: Did the Government Get It Wrong? turned out to be essential viewing. Clear-headed and immaculately sourced, this investigation shamed the Prime Minister and his hapless gang of fools.
Forget accusations of editorialising. The facts were simply laid out before us and corroborated by multiple people. We know how things played out in the weeks leading up to lockdown; there’s no point in going through it all again. What was really striking about this film was the ferocity of the attacks on the Government. The gloves were off.
Behavioural scientist Professor Susan Michie said she was “frankly horrified” after Johnson boasted on March 3 about shaking hands with people at hospital. Professor Gabriel Scally, President of Epidemiology and Public Health at the Royal Society of Medicine, described the announcement on March 12 that the “contain” phase was over as “leaving an open playing field for the virus”. He added that he “was shouting at the radio” when Chief Scientific Officer Sir Patrick Vallance alluded to “herd immunity” on the radio.
Later, the Nobel prize winner Sir Paul Nurse claimed that his offer of 2,000 tests a day was ignored. He described speaking to UK government ministers as like “talking to a blancmange – you sort of poke it and it wobbles for a while and then more or less goes back to the original shape it had”.
Read More The BBC’s treatment of Emily Maitlis is an outrage, and more shocking than anything she said on Newsnight
Perhaps the most unsettling moment arrived when health analyst George Batchelor estimated that, had the lockdown been enforced 11 days earlier, 13,000 deaths could have been avoided.
So did the Government get it wrong? I’ll leave you to make up your own mind.


inews--2020-06-03--Cardinal, BBC Two, review: Canadian crime drama was chilly, impenetrable and, frankly, a bit boring

Cardinal , BBC Two , review : Canadian crime drama was chilly , impenetrable and , frankly , a bit boring Billy Campbell and Karine Vanasse play detectives in this gloomy Canadian crime drama , which has switched from BBC4 to BBC2 You can see why the first three series of Cardinal were shown on BBC4 .
The Canadian crime drama , now shifted to BBC2 , has a lot in common with a minimalist art installation : chilly , impenetrable and , frankly , a bit boring .
I kept squinting into the gloom ( the sun doesn ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to try to work out what Detective John Cardinal ( Billy Campbell ) and his partner Lise Delorme ( Karine Vanasse ) were up to .
Crunching through the snow ?
Driving in the dark ?
That can ’ t have been it .
But ...
I think it was .
The reason for all this crunching and driving was that crown prosecutor Robert Quillen ( Jorge Molina ) had gone missing .
His wife , a local politician called Sheila Gagne ( Carmen Moore ) , had expected him home after his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) and raised the alarm when Robert didn ’ t show up to a hearing the following morning .
Not all that surprising , given that he was frozen solid in the middle of nowhere , his leg chained to a log .
Sorry , I ’ ve jumped ahead there .
Before we got to Robert ’ s grisly demise , Cardinal and Delorme did some detective work ( hence all the crunching and the driving ) , and discovered that Robert had been dragged from a hotel room and that there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The odd thing , though , was that if someone wanted this man dead , why not just kill him ?
Why dress him up in warm clothes and leave him to freeze slowly ?
“ He wanted Robert to suffer , ” explained Cardinal .
A-ha !
Campbell was fairly convincing as the grizzled , troubled detective but this might have just been down to the salt-and-pepper beard and the snug jacket ( no one ’ s getting in here , thank you very much ) .
I was less sure about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and self-conscious , as if always straining to remember her lines .
There ’ s obviously a bit of a thing/not-a-thing going on between the two of them , which is nice , but perhaps they could get cracking and open up to each other because , lorks , this show could do with some warmth .

Cardinal, BBC Two, 9pm ★★★
You can see why the first three series of Cardinal were shown on BBC4. The Canadian crime drama, now shifted to BBC2, has a lot in common with a minimalist art installation: chilly, impenetrable and, frankly, a bit boring. I kept squinting into the gloom (the sun doesn’t shine much in Algonquin Bay) to try to work out what Detective John Cardinal (Billy Campbell) and his partner Lise Delorme (Karine Vanasse) were up to. Crunching through the snow? Driving in the dark? That can’t have been it. But… I think it was.
The reason for all this crunching and driving was that crown prosecutor Robert Quillen (Jorge Molina) had gone missing. His wife, a local politician called Sheila Gagne (Carmen Moore), had expected him home after his date (open marriage; sounds complicated) and raised the alarm when Robert didn’t show up to a hearing the following morning. Not all that surprising, given that he was frozen solid in the middle of nowhere, his leg chained to a log.
Sorry, I’ve jumped ahead there. Before we got to Robert’s grisly demise, Cardinal and Delorme did some detective work (hence all the crunching and the driving), and discovered that Robert had been dragged from a hotel room and that there was a lot of money involved. The odd thing, though, was that if someone wanted this man dead, why not just kill him? Why dress him up in warm clothes and leave him to freeze slowly? “He wanted Robert to suffer,” explained Cardinal. A-ha!
Campbell was fairly convincing as the grizzled, troubled detective but this might have just been down to the salt-and-pepper beard and the snug jacket (no one’s getting in here, thank you very much). I was less sure about Vanasse as Delorme. She was stiff and self-conscious, as if always straining to remember her lines.
There’s obviously a bit of a thing/not-a-thing going on between the two of them, which is nice, but perhaps they could get cracking and open up to each other because, lorks, this show could do with some warmth.


inews--2020-06-03--Madeleine McCann disappearance: Parents dare to hope they might finally find out what happened

Madeleine McCann disappearance : Parents dare to hope they might finally find out what happened Detectives have built a picture of the suspect ’ s character , behaviour , lifestyle and his contacts immediately before Madeleine went missing Detectives searching for Madeleine McCann are keeping an open mind .
Nevertheless , they emphasised that they believe this development – the identification of a new suspect – to be significant in their investigation .
A German man who was living in Praia da Luz when the four-year-old went missing , and who is now in prison for an unrelated offence , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Thirteen years after she disappeared while on holiday with her family , it is extraordinary news .
Her parents dare to hope that they might finally find out what happened .
Kate and Gerry McCann have been here before .
Their oldest daughter would have been 17 three weeks ago .
They continue to hope that she might be found alive and they need some sort of closure .
In a new international public appeal , Scotland Yard and the German police have released two mobile phone numbers of interest and pictures of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Parents of missing girl Madeleine McCann , Kate ( L ) and Gerry McCann ( R ) pose with an artist 's impression of how their daughter might look ( Photo : Getty ) Operation Grange has looked at more than 600 people of interest , with four males suspects identified in 2013 subsequently eliminated .
Funding is regularly reviewed , with £11.75m of costs so far .
A team of four Met detectives continues to investigate Madeleine ’ s disappearance , which is treated as a missing person ’ s investigation by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Germany .
Detectives have built a picture of the suspect ’ s character , behaviour , lifestyle and his contacts immediately before Madeleine went missing .
Now they want more information about his movements in the hours before and after she disappeared from a holiday apartment on the Algarve .
Small businesses will be vital to Britain ’ s economic recovery .
Last month I explained how we and other titles in our media group are giving away free advertising to small firms to help them bounce back .
Working with the Federation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 6,000 applications , so we have increased the fund to £5 million of free advertising for 1,600 companies .
The first ads run in i this week - good luck to all involved .
We are proud to support this simple initiative .

Detectives searching for Madeleine McCann are keeping an open mind. Nevertheless, they emphasised that they believe this development – the identification of a new suspect – to be significant in their investigation.
A German man who was living in Praia da Luz when the four-year-old went missing, and who is now in prison for an unrelated offence, is the focus of their enquiries. Thirteen years after she disappeared while on holiday with her family, it is extraordinary news. Her parents dare to hope that they might finally find out what happened.
Kate and Gerry McCann have been here before. Their oldest daughter would have been 17 three weeks ago. They continue to hope that she might be found alive and they need some sort of closure.
In a new international public appeal, Scotland Yard and the German police have released two mobile phone numbers of interest and pictures of a camper van they have seized.
Operation Grange has looked at more than 600 people of interest, with four males suspects identified in 2013 subsequently eliminated. Funding is regularly reviewed, with £11.75m of costs so far. A team of four Met detectives continues to investigate Madeleine’s disappearance, which is treated as a missing person’s investigation by British police and a murder inquiry by Germany.
Detectives have built a picture of the suspect’s character, behaviour, lifestyle and his contacts immediately before Madeleine went missing. Now they want more information about his movements in the hours before and after she disappeared from a holiday apartment on the Algarve.
Someone knows what happened.
Read More Madeleine McCann disappearance: timeline of the search for Maddie as police speak to German man
Small businesses will be vital to Britain’s economic recovery. Last month I explained how we and other titles in our media group are giving away free advertising to small firms to help them bounce back.
Working with the Federation of Small Businesses, we received almost 6,000 applications, so we have increased the fund to £5 million of free advertising for 1,600 companies. The first ads run in i this week – good luck to all involved. We are proud to support this simple initiative.
Twitter: @olyduff


inews--2020-06-04--Dermot Kennedy: 'A lot of songwriting just isn’t good enough’

The Irish singer-songwriter talks to Nick Duerden about busking , his hip-hop influences and writing from the heart “ But sometimes , ” he goes on , “ you just don ’ t have the energy for it .
Being in a studio with a bunch of people mumbling a load of phrases [ at you ] … it doesn ’ t always work .
I find I need to give myself the space to breathe .
And to be honest , I ’ m happier alone.
” To find himself sequestered in his parents ’ home back in Dublin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He has set up a home studio in what was once the spare bedroom , and it is littered with the paraphernalia typical of a musician : guitars , microphones , bits of paper on which are scribbled hopeful rhyming couplets . '
I 've always wanted to be different ' ( Photo : Leonardo Veloce ) The 28-year-old is the latest in a long line of earnest troubadours currently monopolising the charts .
His album debuted at number one , while its lead single , “ Power Over Me ” , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ed Sheeran ’ s artful navelgazing and Rag ’ n ’ Bone Man ’ s R & B-inflected rhythms , has rarely been off the radio .
His new single , “ Giants ” , follows in a similarly robust vein .
The fact that Kennedy has been plying his trade for more than a decade , only to rise to prominence at the very time when the charts are full of people who look , or sound , roughly like him , has not passed him by .
“ I think about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ Is it a coincidence that I fell into the bracket that is most saturated right now ?
” He lifts the baseball cap that sits low on his forehead , and scratches his hairline .
“ The singer-songwriter-with-guitar format will always exist , and there will always be people like me inspired by the likes of Van Morrison and David Gray .
But if you want to do this for real , then it has to be unique .
And , for me , that ’ s [ expressed ] in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ influences everything I do.
” If that influence is mostly kept understated on an album that otherwise adheres to the classic tropes of singer-songwriter fare – heartfelt lyrics , and a voice keening with melancholic ache – there is good reason , he insists.
“ I wanted it to be quite subtle , but I do use mostly programmed beats in the studio , which nudges it out of the singer-songwriter lane and makes what I do unique .
My love for hip-hop , for spoken word , that ’ s important to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be different.
” Born and raised in Dublin , Kennedy studied classical music at university , but spent his formative years on his city ’ s Grafton Street , where he busked .
“ Learning to busk is an art form in itself , ” he says .
“ You have to treat your spot like a shop , because you want people to be drawn in .
If I played a Ben Howard song , which I love , people wouldn ’ t stop , but if I played an Ed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would stop .
I hated having to make that choice every day.
” He hated it because , at heart , he was a romantic .
“ I had this beautiful idea that if what I did was good enough , then it would blow up , and the world would pay attention .
It never did.
” He is wrong , though , because the world did blow up for him .
Busking made him enough money to occasionally record his own songs in the studio , one of which , “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , made it on to a Spotify playlist .
“ It was a completely algorithmic thing , ” he says , “ but it meant I went from getting one or two plays a day to something like 10,000.
” He subsequently signed to Island , released his album in September , and became very successful very quickly indeed .
His current UK tour , postponed until the autumn , sees him playing big venues most acts don ’ t get to play until their second , or third , albums .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he agrees .
'Hip-hop is so exciting to me ' ( Photo : Lucy Foster ) But it has all come at a cost .
Kennedy is now a marketable commodity , if not quite a malleable one .
His favourite singer-songwriters – artists such as Damien Rice , Ray LaMontagne and Bon Iver – are tortured souls who found they loathed the spotlight the moment they stepped into it , and each has worked hard to remain deliberately obscure ever since .
Kennedy himself doesn ’ t want a return to obscurity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ suppose that ’ s because I ’ m definitely ambitious , and I do want to succeed .
But the art in all this is of paramount importance to me .
If the art ever suffers , then I ’ ll address it.
” “ There are so many artists right now , technically my peers , who just go to sessions all day long with someone in LA or London or New York , people who say to them : ‘ How about this for a hook : I miss you baby @ @ @ @ @ @ @ straight into the heartfelt chorus .
Sorry , but that ’ s completely see-through , and it isn ’ t powerful at all .
To me , it ’ s insulting to those singer-songwriters who dig to the deepest parts of themselves and drag it out in order to display it to the world .
So a lot of the songwriting today , it ’ s just not good enough.
” “ I ’ ve had a certain amount of difficulty in my life , and I haven ’ t yet got to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ carefree , ” he says .
“ But then again , I don ’ t think I have to go through life hurting myself on purpose in order to get a song out of it .
There ’ s enough hurt out there in the world already to get sufficient inspiration from .
”

Songwriting, says Dermot Kennedy, is the craft of attempting to access that most potent part of yourself in order to reach your deepest emotions, and to then be as sincere as possible in expressing them.
“But sometimes,” he goes on, “you just don’t have the energy for it. Being in a studio with a bunch of people mumbling a load of phrases [at you]… it doesn’t always work. I find I need to give myself the space to breathe. And to be honest, I’m happier alone.”
To find himself sequestered in his parents’ home back in Dublin, then, does have certain benefits. He has set up a home studio in what was once the spare bedroom, and it is littered with the paraphernalia typical of a musician: guitars, microphones, bits of paper on which are scribbled hopeful rhyming couplets.
In the fortuitous position of being the author of a hit album – his debut, Without Fear, was released last autumn – he has had little time even to attempt to reach his deepest creative emotions – until now.
“Trying to live in the moment the few months before lockdown was definitely difficult,” he notes. “So it’s kind of nice for a while just to sit still.”
The 28-year-old is the latest in a long line of earnest troubadours currently monopolising the charts. His album debuted at number one, while its lead single, “Power Over Me”, which hits the median soft spot between Ed Sheeran’s artful navelgazing and Rag’n’Bone Man’s R&B-inflected rhythms, has rarely been off the radio. His new single, “Giants”, follows in a similarly robust vein.
‘If you want to do this for real, then it has to be unique. And, for me, that’s [expressed] in the way that a love of hip-hop influences everything I do’
The fact that Kennedy has been plying his trade for more than a decade, only to rise to prominence at the very time when the charts are full of people who look, or sound, roughly like him, has not passed him by.
“I think about it a lot,” he frowns. “Is it a coincidence that I fell into the bracket that is most saturated right now?” He lifts the baseball cap that sits low on his forehead, and scratches his hairline. “The singer-songwriter-with-guitar format will always exist, and there will always be people like me inspired by the likes of Van Morrison and David Gray. But if you want to do this for real, then it has to be unique. And, for me, that’s [expressed] in the way that a love of hip-hop influences everything I do.”
If that influence is mostly kept understated on an album that otherwise adheres to the classic tropes of singer-songwriter fare – heartfelt lyrics, and a voice keening with melancholic ache – there is good reason, he insists.
“I wanted it to be quite subtle, but I do use mostly programmed beats in the studio, which nudges it out of the singer-songwriter lane and makes what I do unique. My love for hip-hop, for spoken word, that’s important to me. I’ve always wanted to be different.”
Born and raised in Dublin, Kennedy studied classical music at university, but spent his formative years on his city’s Grafton Street, where he busked. “Learning to busk is an art form in itself,” he says. “You have to treat your spot like a shop, because you want people to be drawn in. If I played a Ben Howard song, which I love, people wouldn’t stop, but if I played an Ed Sheeran hit that everybody loves, they would stop. I hated having to make that choice every day.”
He hated it because, at heart, he was a romantic. “I had this beautiful idea that if what I did was good enough, then it would blow up, and the world would pay attention. It never did.”
He is wrong, though, because the world did blow up for him. Busking made him enough money to occasionally record his own songs in the studio, one of which, “An Evening I Will Not Forget”, made it on to a Spotify playlist. “It was a completely algorithmic thing,” he says, “but it meant I went from getting one or two plays a day to something like 10,000.”
He subsequently signed to Island, released his album in September, and became very successful very quickly indeed. His current UK tour, postponed until the autumn, sees him playing big venues most acts don’t get to play until their second, or third, albums. “It’s been amazing,” he agrees.
But it has all come at a cost. Kennedy is now a marketable commodity, if not quite a malleable one. His favourite singer-songwriters – artists such as Damien Rice, Ray LaMontagne and Bon Iver – are tortured souls who found they loathed the spotlight the moment they stepped into it, and each has worked hard to remain deliberately obscure ever since. Kennedy himself doesn’t want a return to obscurity, he says, “and I suppose that’s because I’m definitely ambitious, and I do want to succeed. But the art in all this is of paramount importance to me. If the art ever suffers, then I’ll address it.”
He seems particularly keen to shirk the singer-songwriter tag, far keener to be aligned alongside, and collaborate with, artists such as the Brit Award-winning Dave, and the US rapper artist J Cole.
“Hip-hop is so exciting to me,” he says, his face animated. “I see far more sincerity in hip-hop, and far more storytelling than you would see in my lane.
“There are so many artists right now, technically my peers, who just go to sessions all day long with someone in LA or London or New York, people who say to them: ‘How about this for a hook: I miss you baby’, and then it’s straight into the heartfelt chorus. Sorry, but that’s completely see-through, and it isn’t powerful at all. To me, it’s insulting to those singer-songwriters who dig to the deepest parts of themselves and drag it out in order to display it to the world. So a lot of the songwriting today, it’s just not good enough.”
Kennedy’s aim is to be good enough, and to constantly find truth to mine.
“I’ve had a certain amount of difficulty in my life, and I haven’t yet got to the point where everything is happy and carefree,” he says. “But then again, I don’t think I have to go through life hurting myself on purpose in order to get a song out of it. There’s enough hurt out there in the world already to get sufficient inspiration from.”
Dermot Kennedy’s new single ‘Giants’, is out this month. He tours the UK in the autumn


inews--2020-06-04--When did Madeleine McCann go missing? What's happened since she disappeared in 2007 as new German su

When did Madeleine McCann go missing? What's happened since she disappeared in 2007 as new German suspect emerges

21 July 2008 - The investigation by Portuguese police is shelved and both the McCanns and Mr Murat have “ arguido ” status lifted .
24 March 2009 - The McCanns launch a fresh appeal for information on the Algarve regarding their daughter 's disappearance .
3 March 2010 - A file of possible sightings released by Portuguese police is described as “ gold dust ” by a spokesperson for the McCanns .
May 2011 - Under the guidance of Home Secretary , Theresa May , Scotland Yard launches Operation Grange , led by the Metropolitan Police Service , to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
2017 - Fresh appeal for Madeleine is launched 10 years after she went missing .
25 April 2017 - `` A significant line of inquiry '' emerged , according to Met Police Assistant Commissioner Mark Rowley , that is `` worth pursuing '' .
However , Mr Rowley stressed there was no `` definitive evidence '' regarding Madeleine 's fate .
5 June 2019 - The government announced it will continue to fund Operation Grange until March 31 , 2020 .
The Home Office also confirmed £11.75m has been spent on the @ @ @ @

Despite being dogged by rumour, speculation and false turns, the case of Madeleine McCann has resurfaced after police revealed a convicted German sex offender is a new suspect in the child’s disappearance from Praia da Luz, Portugal.
Madeleine’s case spurred an extensive and costly police hunt across much of Europe, with the most recent Metropolitan Police investigation, which began in 2011, costing more than £11m.
Described as “the most heavily reported missing-person case in modern history”, at one stage Madeleine’s parents were named as suspects before a new operation was launched to investigated the circumstances of her death.
Here’s what happened since Madeleine disappeared on 3 May 2007.
Who is Madeleine McCann?
Madeleine was born in Leicester and lived with her family in Rothley.
She was three-years-old when she disappeared. She was described as blonde-haired with blue-green eyes, a small brown spot on her left calf and unique eye defect known as coloboma, which appears as a a distinctive dark strip on the iris of her right eye.
When did she go missing?
She vanished on 3 May 2007, whilst asleep in a holiday apartment in Praia da Luz, Portugal.
Madeleine and her twin siblings Sean and Amelie were sleeping in a ground-floor apartment, as their parents dined out with friends at a restaurant 55 metres away.
Kate and Gerry McCann checked on the children throughout the evening, and Madeleine is believed to have disappeared between 9.10pm and 10pm that evening.
A timeline of events
3 May 2007 – Kate and Gerry McCann leave their three children — Madeline, Amelie and Sean — asleep in their holiday apartment in Praia da Luz, Portugal, whilst eating out with friends nearby. That same night, three-year-old Madeleine disappears from her bed, and the next day Portuguese police launch an investigation into her disappearance.
14 May 2007 – Portuguese Police name Robert Murat, a 34-year-old Portuguese-British man as an official suspect “arguido” and take him in for questioning.
3 August 2007 – 100 days following Madeleine’s disappearance investigating officers publicly acknowledge that the three-year-old year could be dead.
6 August 2007 – Portuguese media reports a British sniffer dog has found traces of blood in the McCann’s holiday apartment.
7 September 2007 – Portuguese police name Gerry and Kate McCann as “arguidos”, or official suspects, within the case.
21 July 2008 – The investigation by Portuguese police is shelved and both the McCanns and Mr Murat have “arguido” status lifted. 24 March 2009 – The McCanns launch a fresh appeal for information on the Algarve regarding their daughter’s disappearance. 3 March 2010 – A file of possible sightings released by Portuguese police is described as “gold dust” by a spokesperson for the McCanns. May 2011 – Under the guidance of Home Secretary, Theresa May, Scotland Yard launches Operation Grange, led by the Metropolitan Police Service, to review the circumstances of Madeleine’s death. 13 May 2011 – Prime Minister David Cameron asks the Met Police to help investigate the case. 15 June 2013 – The Home Office agrees to fund a full-scale investigation by the Met Police. 2017 – Fresh appeal for Madeleine is launched 10 years after she went missing. 25 April 2017 – “A significant line of inquiry” emerged, according to Met Police Assistant Commissioner Mark Rowley, that is “worth pursuing”. However, Mr Rowley stressed there was no “definitive evidence” regarding Madeleine’s fate. 5 June 2019 – The government announced it will continue to fund Operation Grange until March 31, 2020. The Home Office also confirmed £11.75m has been spent on the operation since 2011.
What’s happened recently in the case?
Yesterday Scotland Yard revealed a German prisoner has been identified as a suspect in her disappearance.
Metropolitan Police detectives have not named the man, but he is a German national, known to have been in and around Praia da Luz on the Algarve at the time she went missing. He has been named locally as Christian B is reported to be a convicted child sex offender.