inews--2020-06-03--Boris Johnson to offer Hong Kong people refuge in UK if China passes security law

Boris Johnson to offer Hong Kong people refuge in UK if China passes security law 'This would amount to one of the biggest changes in our visa system in British history , ' the Prime Minister said Boris Johnson will throw open the UK ’ s borders to nearly three million Hong Kong citizens if China presses on with its plans to impose a new security law that critics believe will rob the territory of its freedom .
The Prime Minister has pledged to make what he described as one of the “ biggest changes ” in the history of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hong Kongers the opportunity to become UK citizens .
The move marks a significant escalation in tensions between the UK and China at a time when relations between the West and the eastern superpower have plummeted .
Writing in The Times , Mr Johnson said he was willing to put the people of Hong Kong “ on the route to citizenship ” unless China stepped back from its plans , which he warned would “ dramatically erode ” the region ’ s autonomy .
The stand-off comes after Beijing endorsed a new security @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that Downing Street and other major Western nations believe breaches the terms of the treaty signed between the UK and China in 1997 .
Should China plough ahead with its changes for the territory , the PM said he would effectively upgrade the status of British National ( Overseas ) passports , which 350,000 people in Hong Kong hold and 2.5 million are eligible to apply for , to grant immigration rights beyond the current six month limit .
He said : “ If China imposes its national security law , the British @ @ @ @ @ @ @ allow any holder of these passports from Hong Kong to come to the UK for a renewable period of 12 months and be given further immigration rights , including the right to work , which could place them on a route to citizenship .
“ If China proceeds to justify their fears , then Britain could not in good conscience shrug our shoulders and walk away ; instead we will honour our obligations and provide an alternative.
” The move was backed by former foreign secretary Jeremy Hunt on Wednesday who said he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ back in 1997 when the UK handed the territory back to China .
It comes as political pressure is growing across the Commonwealth , with chair of the Commons foreign affairs select committee , Tom Tugendhat , joining his counterparts in Australia , Canada and New Zealand in writing to their national leaders to express concerns over the planned security law .
The jointly signed letter by the committee chairs , which will also be sent to the Secretary General of the United Nations , states that Beijing ’ s imposition is a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the UK and China .
Mr Tugendhat MP said : “ The security law will allow Beijing to launch a complete crackdown on free speech , taking away the voice of the people by preventing any criticism of the Chinese government ’ s ultra-authoritarian rule .

Boris Johnson will throw open the UK’s borders to nearly three million Hong Kong citizens if China presses on with its plans to impose a new security law that critics believe will rob the territory of its freedom.
The Prime Minister has pledged to make what he described as one of the “biggest changes” in the history of the British visa system by allowing 2.8m Hong Kongers the opportunity to become UK citizens.
The move marks a significant escalation in tensions between the UK and China at a time when relations between the West and the eastern superpower have plummeted.
Erosion of rights
Writing in The Times, Mr Johnson said he was willing to put the people of Hong Kong “on the route to citizenship” unless China stepped back from its plans, which he warned would “dramatically erode” the region’s autonomy.
The stand-off comes after Beijing endorsed a new security law for Hong Kong earlier this week that Downing Street and other major Western nations believe breaches the terms of the treaty signed between the UK and China in 1997.
Should China plough ahead with its changes for the territory, the PM said he would effectively upgrade the status of British National (Overseas) passports, which 350,000 people in Hong Kong hold and 2.5 million are eligible to apply for, to grant immigration rights beyond the current six month limit.
He said: “If China imposes its national security law, the British Government will change our immigration rules and allow any holder of these passports from Hong Kong to come to the UK for a renewable period of 12 months and be given further immigration rights, including the right to work, which could place them on a route to citizenship.
“This would amount to one of the biggest changes in our visa system in British history.”
Political pressure growing
Mr Johnson added: “Many people in Hong Kong fear their way of life, which China pledged to uphold, is under threat.
“If China proceeds to justify their fears, then Britain could not in good conscience shrug our shoulders and walk away; instead we will honour our obligations and provide an alternative.”
The move was backed by former foreign secretary Jeremy Hunt on Wednesday who said he had supported the extension of visa rights back in 1997 when the UK handed the territory back to China.
It comes as political pressure is growing across the Commonwealth, with chair of the Commons foreign affairs select committee, Tom Tugendhat, joining his counterparts in Australia, Canada and New Zealand in writing to their national leaders to express concerns over the planned security law.
The jointly signed letter by the committee chairs, which will also be sent to the Secretary General of the United Nations, states that Beijing’s imposition is a breach of the legally binding agreement between the UK and China.
The representatives have asked for collaboration to establish a United Nations Special Envoy for Hong Kong.
Mr Tugendhat MP said: “The security law will allow Beijing to launch a complete crackdown on free speech, taking away the voice of the people by preventing any criticism of the Chinese government’s ultra-authoritarian rule.
“We cannot allow this to happen.”


inews--2020-06-03--Coronavirus lockdown has shown that access to public loos is more vital than ever

Coronavirus lockdown has shown that access to public loos is more vital than ever If you are disabled , a woman , have a young baby or a medical condition toilets are n't simply a 'nice to have' Of all the ‘ unprecedented ’ conversations I ’ ve had over the last two months , a Houseparty chat about the best way to pee outside ( and the efficacy or otherwise of a Shewee ) is actually one of the less surreal .
In fact , it ’ s likely to be a conversation that non-penis-havers up and down the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ basis .
Since the Prime Minister announced almost three weeks ago that people in England could meet one person from another household outdoors , the park and the beach have become our collective pub , cafe , watercooler and gym .
But with one key difference .
Many local councils across the UK are still keeping their public toilets closed - citing reasons from coronavirus-related hygiene concerns to discouraging non-local visitors .
There ’ s no national requirement that local councils keep them shut , and neither does the Government have to make @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reopen .
For those who have periods , a disability , a medical condition or a young baby to change , public toilets are n't simply a 'nice to have ' .
Lack of facilities restrict many people to going out for only limited periods of time , or just straying very short distances from home .
“ The fact that they are even considering keeping public toilets closed rules me out of returning to any town for shopping until they ’ re opened , ” writes one Twitter user .
“ My @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have access somewhere.
” Another says : “ I ’ m all for these long walks into the countryside but where the hell do I pee now the public toilets and pubs are closed . ''
For those living in beauty spots that attract visitors from around the UK , a lack of facilities isn ’ t just a personal nuisance but a broader sanitation concern .
Daytrippers urinating and defecating in the streets and on beaches have been making regional headlines for weeks , with Kent locals last week reporting visitors going @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Now that we don ’ t have pub and cafe facilities to fall back on , ongoing cuts to public toilets have been exposed for the gendered issue they have always been .
In a 2018 YouGov poll , 59 per cent of women said they often had to queue for toilets in public places , compared with just 11 per cent of men .
A report by the Royal Society for Public Health in the same year deemed that at least a 2:1 ratio of female to male toilets would be required @ @ @ @ @ @ @ facilities in the UK stand at 1:1 ) .
In a survey of over 2,000 UK adults conducted for the RSPH , 20 per cent of people said they didn ’ t feel able to go out as often as they ’ d like due to lack of access to toilets , and 56 per cent said they restricted their fluid intake when out to avoid needing to find a loo .
For those living in beauty spots that attract visitors from around the UK , a lack of facilities isn ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sanitation concern ( Photo : Glyn Kirk/Getty ) Even before Covid-19 , almost a third of us felt street urination was a problem in our local area ( a figure that rises to 45 per cent for London ) .
Parks , especially in big cities where residents are less likely to have gardens , are now heaving with visitors and , even prior to the pandemic , 60 per cent of people felt they lacked sufficient toilets .
There is actually no legal requirement for local councils to provide public toilets at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the number of public loos has fallen by 39 per cent and , in fact , the average English council only has 15 per 12,500 of population - that ’ s about one between 833 .
If the last fortnight has made anything clear , it ’ s that our public spaces are more vital than ever .
Those living in beauty spots can see that keeping public toilets shut as either a deterrent to visitors , or a hygiene measure , simply isn ’ t working .
Everyone deserves the opportunity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ friends or family , within the designated safety measures .
Without open public toilets , this is much tougher than it should be for at least half of the population .

“You just need to invest in more skirts,” a friend told me sagely over video chat last week. “Oh and always do a quick 360 before you squat.”
Of all the ‘unprecedented’ conversations I’ve had over the last two months, a Houseparty chat about the best way to pee outside (and the efficacy or otherwise of a Shewee) is actually one of the less surreal. In fact, it’s likely to be a conversation that non-penis-havers up and down the country are now having on a regular basis.
Since the Prime Minister announced almost three weeks ago that people in England could meet one person from another household outdoors, the park and the beach have become our collective pub, cafe, watercooler and gym. But with one key difference. Many local councils across the UK are still keeping their public toilets closed – citing reasons from coronavirus-related hygiene concerns to discouraging non-local visitors. There’s no national requirement that local councils keep them shut, and neither does the Government have to make an overarching decision on when they should reopen.
For those who have periods, a disability, a medical condition or a young baby to change, public toilets aren’t simply a ‘nice to have’. Lack of facilities restrict many people to going out for only limited periods of time, or just straying very short distances from home. “The fact that they are even considering keeping public toilets closed rules me out of returning to any town for shopping until they’re opened,” writes one Twitter user. “My health condition means I always have to have access somewhere.” Another says: “I’m all for these long walks into the countryside but where the hell do I pee now the public toilets and pubs are closed.”
For those living in beauty spots that attract visitors from around the UK, a lack of facilities isn’t just a personal nuisance but a broader sanitation concern. Daytrippers urinating and defecating in the streets and on beaches have been making regional headlines for weeks, with Kent locals last week reporting visitors going to the loo in residential streets.
Now that we don’t have pub and cafe facilities to fall back on, ongoing cuts to public toilets have been exposed for the gendered issue they have always been. In a 2018 YouGov poll, 59 per cent of women said they often had to queue for toilets in public places, compared with just 11 per cent of men. A report by the Royal Society for Public Health in the same year deemed that at least a 2:1 ratio of female to male toilets would be required to redress this imbalance (currently, facilities in the UK stand at 1:1). In a survey of over 2,000 UK adults conducted for the RSPH, 20 per cent of people said they didn’t feel able to go out as often as they’d like due to lack of access to toilets, and 56 per cent said they restricted their fluid intake when out to avoid needing to find a loo.
Even before Covid-19, almost a third of us felt street urination was a problem in our local area (a figure that rises to 45 per cent for London). Parks, especially in big cities where residents are less likely to have gardens, are now heaving with visitors and, even prior to the pandemic, 60 per cent of people felt they lacked sufficient toilets.
There is actually no legal requirement for local councils to provide public toilets at all. Over the last two decades, the number of public loos has fallen by 39 per cent and, in fact, the average English council only has 15 per 12,500 of population – that’s about one between 833. If the last fortnight has made anything clear, it’s that our public spaces are more vital than ever.
Those living in beauty spots can see that keeping public toilets shut as either a deterrent to visitors, or a hygiene measure, simply isn’t working. Everyone deserves the opportunity to go outside, exercise and meet friends or family, within the designated safety measures. Without open public toilets, this is much tougher than it should be for at least half of the population.
Natasha Preskey is a freelance writer


inews--2020-06-03--Coronavirus test and trace system 'will never work' if it takes 48 hours to get results, former heal

Coronavirus test and trace system 'will never work' if it takes 48 hours to get results, former health secretary Jeremy Hunt has said

Coronavirus test and trace system 'will never work ' if it takes 48 hours to get results , former health secretary Jeremy Hunt has said Former Health Secretary said that turning around coronavirus test results within 24 hours 'absolutely essential ' for an effective system The Government 's test and trace system will never work if it takes 48 hours for Covid-19 test results to come back , former Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt has said .
Mr Hunt , who is now chairman of the Commons Health and Social Care Committee , said that turning around coronavirus test results within @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Boris Johnson - is `` absolutely essential '' for an effective test and trace system .
`` My biggest concern at the moment is the time it is taking for tests to be turned around , '' he told the BBC this morning .
`` The Government advisory committee , Sage , their minutes of May 1 which have now been published say that to be effective you have to get people 's close contacts to isolate within 48 hours .
Now if the test results themselves take 48 hours to come back @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` So I strongly welcome the Prime Minister 's new 24-hour test turnaround target , but at the moment the Government is n't saying how many tests are being met within that target and for test and trace it is absolutely essential that they all are . ''
Hunt says Boris Johnson must regain the public confidence ( Photo : Leon Neal/Getty ) The former health and foreign secretary said making test and trace work was the most important way for Mr Johnson to regain public confidence in the way the Government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has been trialling its Covid-19 test and contact tracing programme on the Isle of Wight and parts of Scotland before rolling out the scheme across the country .
At the daily Downing Street press briefing on Monday , Health Secretary Matt Hancock said the system in England is successful but gave no data on the number of people contacted .
Dido Harding , who is in charge of the UK ’ s test-and-trace programme , is appearing before Mr Hunt ’ s health select committee later today .
Mr Hunt said he would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ many people had been contacted so far under the programme .
Echoing Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer 's call for Boris Johnson to `` get a grip '' on the crisis , she told BBC Radio 4 's Today programme : `` The Government have said that we 're going to have a world beating test and trace mechanism .
Frankly we 'd just like an effective one and we do n't have that today .
And so there are practical things that Government can do to make the easing of these lockdown @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Government to get a grip and put those things in place . ''
Labour MP Rachel Reeves said the test and trace system does n't have to be 'world-beating ' , it needs to be 'effective ' ( Photo : TOLGA AKMEN/AFP/Getty ) The Government is introducing the test and trace system `` to help return life more to normal , in a way that is safe and protects our NHS and social care '' .
It says the service will allow officials to trace the spread of the virus and isolate new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in giving an early warning if the virus is increasing again , locally or nationally .

The Government’s test and trace system will never work if it takes 48 hours for Covid-19 test results to come back, former Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt has said.
Mr Hunt, who is now chairman of the Commons Health and Social Care Committee, said that turning around coronavirus test results within 24 hours – the target set by Boris Johnson – is “absolutely essential” for an effective test and trace system.
“My biggest concern at the moment is the time it is taking for tests to be turned around,” he told the BBC this morning. “The Government advisory committee, Sage, their minutes of May 1 which have now been published say that to be effective you have to get people’s close contacts to isolate within 48 hours. Now if the test results themselves take 48 hours to come back, that is going to be impossible.
“So I strongly welcome the Prime Minister’s new 24-hour test turnaround target, but at the moment the Government isn’t saying how many tests are being met within that target and for test and trace it is absolutely essential that they all are.”
The former health and foreign secretary said making test and trace work was the most important way for Mr Johnson to regain public confidence in the way the Government is handling the crisis. The Government has been trialling its Covid-19 test and contact tracing programme on the Isle of Wight and parts of Scotland before rolling out the scheme across the country.
At the daily Downing Street press briefing on Monday, Health Secretary Matt Hancock said the system in England is successful but gave no data on the number of people contacted. Dido Harding, who is in charge of the UK’s test-and-trace programme, is appearing before Mr Hunt’s health select committee later today. Mr Hunt said he would press Baroness Harding for figures on how many people had been contacted so far under the programme.
‘World beating’ system
Meanwhile, shadow Cabinet Office minister Rachel Reeves urged the Government to get an effective test and trace system in place.
Echoing Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer’s call for Boris Johnson to “get a grip” on the crisis, she told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme: “The Government have said that we’re going to have a world beating test and trace mechanism. Frankly we’d just like an effective one and we don’t have that today. And so there are practical things that Government can do to make the easing of these lockdown restrictions actually work and we’re urging Government to get a grip and put those things in place.”
She also said there needed to be fast access to testing and a clear public messaging strategy.
A ‘return to normal life’
The Government is introducing the test and trace system “to help return life more to normal, in a way that is safe and protects our NHS and social care”. It says the service will allow officials to trace the spread of the virus and isolate new infections, and play a vital role in giving an early warning if the virus is increasing again, locally or nationally.
All four administrations of the United Kingdom are working closely together to have a consistent and joined-up approach to testing and tracing, the Government says.


inews--2020-06-03--Homelessness minister tells rough sleepers to ‘move in with family and friends’ during coronavirus p

Homelessness minister tells rough sleepers to ‘move in with family and friends’ during coronavirus pandemic

Homelessness minister tells rough sleepers to ‘ move in with family and friends ’ during coronavirus pandemic Mr Hall has pressed councils to find alternative accommodation for 15,000 rough sleepers given a place to stay under the 'Everyone In ' plan Rough sleepers given emergency accommodation during the coronavirus crisis should move in with family and friends , the Government 's homeless minister has suggested , as pressure to find alternative accommodation for rough sleepers mounts .
Minister for Rough Sleeping and Housing Luke Hall has told councils in England to “ seek to encourage people , where appropriate and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ family , '' in a letter addressing the next phrase of plans for homeless people , Inside Housing reported .
In the letter sent last week , Mr Hall pressed councils to find alternative accommodation for the 15,000 rough sleepers who have been given a place to stay under the `` Everyone In '' housing scheme .
Under the Government scheme , people without a home have been housed in hotels , B & Bs , and hostels to keep safe during the height of the pandemic .
Homelessness minister Luke Hall sent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Photo : Official Government portrait ) The minister also suggested that homeless migrants should be offered “ a voluntary return to their country of origin , ” reiterating that the law for those classed as having no recourse to public funds “ remains in place ” .
Former homelessness tsar Dame Louise Casey , who was also deputy director of housing charity Shelter , was appointed to lead the initiative , with more than 5,400 rough sleepers offered safe accommodation in less than a month .
Less than half of rough sleepers housed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Ministry of Housing , Communities and Local Government has pledged £433m of funding to allow only 6,000 of the 15,000 people to keep a roof over their heads , leaving less than half of the rough sleepers protected .
“ The government has set out very welcome aims to end rough sleeping and to tackle homelessness , both during the pandemic and afterwards .
However , these suggestions point towards a worrying lack of understanding as to how and why people become homeless and have to sleep rough in the first place @ @ @ @ @ @ @ services day in and day out , most people are tipped into homelessness because they can not find anywhere they can afford to live .
People do not sleep rough if they have another option , so asking them to stay with friends and family is a non starter .
“ If the government is really serious about ending homelessness , then it must tackle the reasons why people become homeless , by investing in a new generation of genuinely affordable social homes.
” An MHCLG spokesperson said : “ We thank councils @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with us throughout this pandemic as we continue to protect some of the most vulnerable people in our society .
Our new rough sleeping taskforce - spearheaded by Dame Louise Casey - has one overriding objective : to ensure as many people as possible who have been brought in off the streets in this pandemic do not return and will continue to work closely with councils and charities to provide the long term support needed .
“ We have given councils £3.2 billion to meet the immediate pressures they are facing during the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and have announced accelerated plans for new rough sleeping services – backed by £433 million – which will ensure 6,000 new housing units will be put into the system , with 3,300 of these becoming available in the next 12 months .
”

Rough sleepers given emergency accommodation during the coronavirus crisis should move in with family and friends, the Government’s homeless minister has suggested, as pressure to find alternative accommodation for rough sleepers mounts.
Minister for Rough Sleeping and Housing Luke Hall has told councils in England to “seek to encourage people, where appropriate and possible, to return to friends and family,” in a letter addressing the next phrase of plans for homeless people, Inside Housing reported.
In the letter sent last week, Mr Hall pressed councils to find alternative accommodation for the 15,000 rough sleepers who have been given a place to stay under the “Everyone In” housing scheme.
Under the Government scheme, people without a home have been housed in hotels, B&Bs, and hostels to keep safe during the height of the pandemic.
Homeless housed in pandemic
The minister also suggested that homeless migrants should be offered “a voluntary return to their country of origin,” reiterating that the law for those classed as having no recourse to public funds “remains in place”.
Under the policy, criticised by Prime Minister Boris Johnson, UK residents with permission to stay in the country are not allowed to claim Universal Credit, housing subsidies, or local authority support to find housing.
A rush to house rough sleepers gained momentum at the beginning of the pandemic.
Former homelessness tsar Dame Louise Casey, who was also deputy director of housing charity Shelter, was appointed to lead the initiative, with more than 5,400 rough sleepers offered safe accommodation in less than a month.
Less than half of rough sleepers housed post-pandemic
But now lockdown has eased, the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government has pledged £433m of funding to allow only 6,000 of the 15,000 people to keep a roof over their heads, leaving less than half of the rough sleepers protected.
Councils fear their funding won’t stretch to provide alternative plans for homeless people housed during the pandemic, with the Government allocating £3.2m in rough sleeper funding for the 343 local authorities in England.
Polly Neate, chief executive of Shelter said Mr Hall’s suggestion is “a non-starter”.
“The government has set out very welcome aims to end rough sleeping and to tackle homelessness, both during the pandemic and afterwards. However, these suggestions point towards a worrying lack of understanding as to how and why people become homeless and have to sleep rough in the first place.
“As we see in our services day in and day out, most people are tipped into homelessness because they cannot find anywhere they can afford to live. People do not sleep rough if they have another option, so asking them to stay with friends and family is a non starter.
“If the government is really serious about ending homelessness, then it must tackle the reasons why people become homeless, by investing in a new generation of genuinely affordable social homes.”
An MHCLG spokesperson said: “We thank councils, charities and other partners for working with us throughout this pandemic as we continue to protect some of the most vulnerable people in our society. Our new rough sleeping taskforce – spearheaded by Dame Louise Casey – has one overriding objective: to ensure as many people as possible who have been brought in off the streets in this pandemic do not return and will continue to work closely with councils and charities to provide the long term support needed.
“We’ve been clear councils must continue to provide safe accommodation to vulnerable rough sleepers and support those moving on from emergency accommodation as the risk from the virus reduces.
“We have given councils £3.2 billion to meet the immediate pressures they are facing during the pandemic, including to accommodate rough sleepers, and have announced accelerated plans for new rough sleeping services – backed by £433 million – which will ensure 6,000 new housing units will be put into the system, with 3,300 of these becoming available in the next 12 months.”
Cllr David Renard, LGA housing spokesman said: “Since the start of the coronavirus crisis, councils have faced significant challenges housing large numbers of homeless people in a short space of time. However, thanks to a monumental effort, the overwhelming majority – nearly 15,000 – of rough sleepers and homeless people have been found accommodation, while councils have also worked closely with those tenants who are experiencing financial difficulty as a result, to help them remain in their homes.
“Following the initial surge in demand for accommodation, councils are also now experiencing an urgent need for more accommodation as people, including young people, continue to face homelessness and rough sleeping.
“While the recently announced funding for councils to support rough sleepers is positive, we still need clarity from government on what additional practical support will be available to councils to help them move people out of hotels and temporary accommodation and into housing.
“Allowing councils to be able to keep 100 per cent of receipts from Right to Buy sales and extending the deadline to spend the money to at least five years, will also allow councils to get on with the job of building the new homes that people in their areas desperately need.”


inews--2020-06-03--Blackout Tuesday: Instagram black square posts explained, as social media marks death of George Floy

Blackout Tuesday: Instagram black square posts explained, as social media marks death of George Floyd

Organisers of # TheShowMustBePaused initiative want it to be 'an urgent step of action to provoke accountability and change' Since Mr Floyd 's death protests have taken place in cities worldwide , calling for accountability from law enforcement and for justice .
President Donald Trump has threatened to deploy military force in the US if state governors do not stamp out violent protests over police brutality .
Derek Chauvin , the officer seen kneeling on Mr Floyd 's neck , was charged on Friday with third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter , but many have called for the additional three police @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be arrested and convicted .
What are music businesses doing ?
Why are people being asked not to use # BlackLivesMatter when posting black squares ?
What have artists said ?
`` We 're broken and we 're disgusted ...
If you are white , black , brown or anything in between I am sure you feel ( left ) hopeless by the racism going on in America right now , '' Beyonce posted in an Instagram video .
On Sunday , Rihanna spoke of the `` devastation , anger [ and ] @ @ @ @ @ @ @ last week .
`` Watching my people get murdered and lynched day after day pushed me to a heavy place in my heart , '' she wrote on Instagram .
Dr Dre said : `` It 's extremely painful because it keeps going on .
It continues to go on and it 's like , 'What can we do ?
Or what do we need to do to make this thing stop ? '
'' Singer-songwriter Gabriel tweeted : “ Along with the civilised world I was horrified by the racist murder of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ needs to be confronted directly , with justice clearly seen to be done whenever & wherever it occurs.
” Former Beautiful South singer Paul Heaton said activity on his Twitter account would be suspended on Tuesday , “ thanks to the behaviour of white supremacists both in uniform & public office , and in support of all those communities suffering at their hands ” .
Revered music producer Quincy Jones said : “ It ’ s hard to know what to say because I ’ ve been dealing with racism my entire life @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rearing its ugly head right now & by God it ’ s time to deal with it once & for all .

Major labels joined other music industry groups and artists in pledging a social media “blackout” on Tuesday to protest against the death of George Floyd.
Mr Floyd, a 46-year-old unarmed black man, was killed in police custody last week after a white Minneapolis police officer knelt on his neck for almost nine minutes. He was recorded pleading with the officer, saying “I can’t breathe”.
Since Mr Floyd’s death protests have taken place in cities worldwide, calling for accountability from law enforcement and for justice. President Donald Trump has threatened to deploy military force in the US if state governors do not stamp out violent protests over police brutality.
Derek Chauvin, the officer seen kneeling on Mr Floyd’s neck, was charged on Friday with third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter, but many have called for the additional three police officers involved in his death to also be arrested and convicted.
What is Blackout Tuesday?
Blackout Tuesday was a day-long social media blackout created in response to systemic racism and as “an urgent step of action to provoke accountability and change”, calling for record labels to suspend business, delay new music releases, and pledge support for racial justice organizations in the wake of Mr Floyd’s death.
The initiative behind Blackout Tuesday is The Show Must Be Paused project, which was started by Atlantic Records marketing executives Brianna Agyemang and Jamila Thomas in response to the recent deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery and other black American citizens killed by police.
The social media movement comes under the hashtag #theshowmustbepaused and #blackouttuesday, with those participating sharing a black square on their Instagram timeline.
What are music businesses doing?
Blackout Tuesday organisers said the day was intended to disrupt the working week, offering a space to consider how the multi-billion dollar music industry has profited from black art, and to hold corporations accountable.
Beyond social media, many music businesses promised to halt for the day, with employees given a day off to “disconnect from work and reconnect with… community”, and streaming services such as Spotify pausing social publication as a symbol of solidarity.
Sony Music, Atlantic Records, Capitol Music Group, Warner Records and Def Jam are among the labels vowing #TheShowMustBePaused by committing to the day of action and promising to enact meaningful change in their organisations.
Columbia Records said Tuesday “was not a day off” but a chance to “figure out ways to move forward in solidarity”, and Atlantic Records said “the music business… will not go on as usual.”
On TV, music channel MTV will be joined by its other ViacomCBS youth and music channels, including Comedy Central, CMT, and VH1, at 9pm UK time in an eight minute, 46 second blackout, representing the length of time Chauvin knelt on Mr Floyd’s neck.
The TV networks will also provide a call to action encouraging audiences to link up with racial justice organization Color of Change.
Why are people being asked not to use #BlackLivesMatter when posting black squares?
People taking part in Blackout Tuesday were being urged not to use the hashtag #blacklivesmatter when posting black squares on Instagram as it obscures the educational resources being shared by activists online.
Lizzo said on Instagram: “When you post your black square, please don’t use the hashtag black lives matter, because it is flooding the hashtag search with just black pictures instead of information.”
Those taking part were instead urged to use #BlackoutTuesday hashtag and #TheShowMustBePaused.
What have artists said?
Multiple musicians, including Beyonce, Taylor Swift, Billie Eilish, Rihanna, Ariana Grande and Jay-Z have spoken out in response to the death and subsequent demonstrations.
“We’re broken and we’re disgusted… If you are white, black, brown or anything in between I am sure you feel (left) hopeless by the racism going on in America right now,” Beyonce posted in an Instagram video.
On Sunday, Rihanna spoke of the “devastation, anger [and] sadness” she has experienced over the last week. “Watching my people get murdered and lynched day after day pushed me to a heavy place in my heart,” she wrote on Instagram.
Dr Dre said: “It’s extremely painful because it keeps going on. It continues to go on and it’s like, ‘What can we do? Or what do we need to do to make this thing stop?'”
Radio 1 DJ Clara Amfo said: “Your anti-racist action is needed and it can’t just be on Instagram for this week, it’s a life long commitment.”
Radiohead, Mumford & Sons and Peter Gabriel also shared their support on social media.
Singer-songwriter Gabriel tweeted: “Along with the civilised world I was horrified by the racist murder of George Floyd. This type of brutality needs to be confronted directly, with justice clearly seen to be done whenever & wherever it occurs.”
Former Beautiful South singer Paul Heaton said activity on his Twitter account would be suspended on Tuesday, “thanks to the behaviour of white supremacists both in uniform & public office, and in support of all those communities suffering at their hands”.
Revered music producer Quincy Jones said: “It’s hard to know what to say because I’ve been dealing with racism my entire life. That said, it’s rearing its ugly head right now & by God it’s time to deal with it once & for all.
“As gatekeepers of the culture, it’s our responsibility to not only come together to celebrate the wins, but also hold each other up during a loss.”
Police and protestors
Demonstrations have broken out across the US following the death of Mr Floyd and other allegations of police brutality against people of colour.
Amid a febrile atmosphere, police have clashed with protesters in cities including New York, Los Angeles and Minneapolis, while Donald Trump has threatened to deploy the country’s military unless state authorities stop ongoing demonstrations.
More than 5,600 people are estimated to have been arrested in the US since the protests began.


inews--2020-06-03--I'm an MP and a carer for my wife - I shouldn't be forced to choose between the two

I 'm an MP and a carer for my wife - I should n't be forced to choose between the two Remote voting allowed my colleagues and I to protect our communities and family from the virus This is not something I have spoken about before .
My wife Flora is disabled - and her condition has nothing to do with my duties as an MP .
However , after the “ return to Parliament ” proposal from the Government , I can no longer keep my private life completely private .
In effect I am being forced to choose @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and my duties as an elected Member of Parliament .
But the virtual parliamentary sittings meant that I was able to help my wife at the same time as properly representing the people in Caithness , Sutherland and Easter Ross .
While not being perfect , the virtual parliament worked .
I could make speeches and ask questions on behalf of my constituents - and in between times get on with the casework that continues to flood in .
But Jacob Rees-Mogg wanted to change that , and now a government motion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In one fell swoop I became a second class MP , simply because of my private duties and where I live .
There is no reason why I should be put in this impossible position .
The virtual parliament could carry on for some time yet - until we know that that the pandemic is beaten .
He will put forward a second motion to allow MPs who are affected by the coronavirus pandemic to participate in debates virtually .
But , as it stands , I am being forced to choose @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , leaving my wife without her usual care arrangements , or , if the Government gets its way , then be unable to represent my constituents in the way that I would like .
Despite the Government ’ s claim that we can not scrutinise Parliament effectively from home , this is exactly what most MPs have been doing .
The Parliamentary authorities bent over backwards to ensure that Parliament could work virtually - thus allowing MPs to question ministers and represent the concerns of their constituents in the Chamber .
For a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sense ’ , they are now ignoring their own advice to “ take all reasonable steps to help people work from home ” .
Once again there seems to be one rule for the Government , and one for everyone else .
Why does the Government want to do this ?
Is it about packing the troops in behind Boris Johnson - who without them has been rather less than brilliant at PMQs ?
What we know is that this issue is yet another question of trust in the Government .
With the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ public health advice , the people of Britain need to be sure that they can believe what the Government says .
If the Government takes away the right to speak and vote by MPs like me , then will that inspire trust ?
I think not .
If Parliament is to modernise , then it should offer virtual voting and speaking rights to MPs who are new parents , fall sick , or be in similar difficult circumstances , and therefore can not physically attend the House of Commons .
None of us @ @ @ @ @ @ @ disgrace of the Maastricht votes in the Commons when the very sick were forced to come in and vote .
With Holyrood remaining virtual and even the House of Lords having virtual voting up and running in the next couple of weeks , the Government position is inexplicable .
Remote voting has allowed my colleagues and I to protect our communities and family from the virus .

Recently I have been properly scrutinising Parliament from under the stairs in my home – while at the same time acting as my wife’s carer.
This is not something I have spoken about before. My wife Flora is disabled – and her condition has nothing to do with my duties as an MP.
However, after the “return to Parliament” proposal from the Government, I can no longer keep my private life completely private. In effect I am being forced to choose between duties as a husband and carer, and my duties as an elected Member of Parliament.
The current pandemic has meant my wife’s usual care arrangements were no longer feasible.
But the virtual parliamentary sittings meant that I was able to help my wife at the same time as properly representing the people in Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross. While not being perfect, the virtual parliament worked. I could make speeches and ask questions on behalf of my constituents – and in between times get on with the casework that continues to flood in.
But Jacob Rees-Mogg wanted to change that, and now a government motion has been passed to end virtual voting. In one fell swoop I became a second class MP, simply because of my private duties and where I live.
There is no reason why I should be put in this impossible position. The virtual parliament could carry on for some time yet – until we know that that the pandemic is beaten.
Perhaps I should give Rees-Mogg the benefit of the doubt – it may well be that he is unfamiliar with disability and carer issues.
He will put forward a second motion to allow MPs who are affected by the coronavirus pandemic to participate in debates virtually. But, as it stands, I am being forced to choose either to go back to London indefinitely, leaving my wife without her usual care arrangements, or, if the Government gets its way, then be unable to represent my constituents in the way that I would like.
Despite the Government’s claim that we cannot scrutinise Parliament effectively from home, this is exactly what most MPs have been doing. The Parliamentary authorities bent over backwards to ensure that Parliament could work virtually – thus allowing MPs to question ministers and represent the concerns of their constituents in the Chamber.
For a Government which claims to follow ‘common sense’, they are now ignoring their own advice to “take all reasonable steps to help people work from home”. Once again there seems to be one rule for the Government, and one for everyone else.
Why does the Government want to do this? Is it about packing the troops in behind Boris Johnson – who without them has been rather less than brilliant at PMQs?
Or is it about a deep-rooted fear of modernising Westminster?
What we know is that this issue is yet another question of trust in the Government. With the Dominic Cummings saga and confused messaging on public health advice, the people of Britain need to be sure that they can believe what the Government says.
If the Government takes away the right to speak and vote by MPs like me, then will that inspire trust? I think not.
The Liberal Democrats and I have long called for Parliament to be brought into the modern era.
If Parliament is to modernise, then it should offer virtual voting and speaking rights to MPs who are new parents, fall sick, or be in similar difficult circumstances, and therefore cannot physically attend the House of Commons. None of us wants to see a return to the disgrace of the Maastricht votes in the Commons when the very sick were forced to come in and vote.
With Holyrood remaining virtual and even the House of Lords having virtual voting up and running in the next couple of weeks, the Government position is inexplicable. Remote voting has allowed my colleagues and I to protect our communities and family from the virus.
This is no time for the Government to play politics.
Jamie Stone is the Lib Dem MP for Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross


inews--2020-06-03--What's on TV tonight: Cardinal moves to BBC2 for a fourth series

What 's on TV tonight : Cardinal moves to BBC2 for a fourth series Also ITV wished Bradley Walsh a happy 60th birthday and Dispatches asks if the Government has handled coronavirus wrong Pick of the day : Cardinal : Until The Night Anyone seeking respite from the heat could try the vicarious chill of the final series of this snowbound Canadian thriller , which finds detectives John Cardinal ( Billy Campbell ) and his partner Lise Delorme ( Karine Vanasse ) still working together while Delorme awaits news of her transfer to Toronto .
The two are called to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ husband of a politician fails to return home .
“ It ’ s not somebody who wants to negotiate , ” says Cardinal after a distressing video is sent to the wife .
“ It ’ s someone who wants to hurt people.
” That someone , it must be said , has a somewhat incongruous resemblance to David Walliams .
“ I ’ m glad I was dead most of that time , ” quips Joe Lycett ( born 1988 ) as the clothes-making contest revisits the decade of leg-warmers and big @ @ @ @ @ @ @ challenge of 1980s week is to create a ladies ’ power jacket , before the sewers have to transform some hi-vis clothing into an 1980s party outfit .
Finally , with one contestant looking doomed , can she make a comeback with the final challenge ?
Tonight ’ s Sewing Bee isn ’ t the only reminder of the 1980s , as Bradley Walsh ’ s fashion choices and haircuts from that decade are included in this Jason Manford-hosted 60th-birthday tribute to the versatile talent .
Walsh ’ s career has encompassed game @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Law & Order : UK to Doctor Who ) and singing – not to mention some youthful professional football .
Britain ’ s Coronavirus Catastrophe : Did The Government Get It Wrong ?
With Britain ’ s confirmed death rate from coronavirus now one of the highest in the world , and the Government ’ s strategy to get the economy restarted and prevent a second spike still a work-in-progress , reporter Antony Barnett gets the blame game rolling .
With the input of people at the heart of events , Barnett @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UK moved into lockdown , and reveals the key decisions that led to this unprecedented state of affairs .
Ben Affleck and Matt Damon bought the movie rights to the magazine article about a decade-long scam to defraud McDonald ’ s , but their fictionalisation ( should it ever surface ) surely can not come near this entertaining six-part HBO documentary about the murky affair .
It takes a darker turn this week as the mob become involved , and the FBI continue with their sting operation , interviewing unsuspecting winners of a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” then revealed not have benefited very much after having been shaken down by the scam ’ s organisers .
Gaby Hull ’ s thriller is a curious , amoral affair , with our sympathies shared equally between awkward mismatched police duo ( played by Eve Myles and Babou Ceesay ) and the charming psychopath Freddie and her former boy-soldier lover Baba ( Hermione Corfield and Dipo Ola ) .
With the police questioning Freddie , she is already plotting her next kill – seedy club boss Matt , a thug with a @ @ @ @ @ @

Pick of the day: Cardinal: Until The Night
9pm, BBC Two
Anyone seeking respite from the heat could try the vicarious chill of the final series of this snowbound Canadian thriller, which finds detectives John Cardinal (Billy Campbell) and his partner Lise Delorme (Karine Vanasse) still working together while Delorme awaits news of her transfer to Toronto. The two are called to deal with a missing-person report after the husband of a politician fails to return home. “It’s not somebody who wants to negotiate,” says Cardinal after a distressing video is sent to the wife. “It’s someone who wants to hurt people.” That someone, it must be said, has a somewhat incongruous resemblance to David Walliams.
The Great British Sewing Bee
9pm, BBC One
“I’m glad I was dead most of that time,” quips Joe Lycett (born 1988) as the clothes-making contest revisits the decade of leg-warmers and big shoulder pads. Indeed, the first challenge of 1980s week is to create a ladies’ power jacket, before the sewers have to transform some hi-vis clothing into an 1980s party outfit. Finally, with one contestant looking doomed, can she make a comeback with the final challenge?
Bradley Walsh: Happy 60th Birthday
9pm, ITV
Tonight’s Sewing Bee isn’t the only reminder of the 1980s, as Bradley Walsh’s fashion choices and haircuts from that decade are included in this Jason Manford-hosted 60th-birthday tribute to the versatile talent. Walsh’s career has encompassed game shows, acting (from Coronation Street and Law & Order: UK to Doctor Who) and singing – not to mention some youthful professional football.
Britain’s Coronavirus Catastrophe: Did The Government Get It Wrong?
9pm, Channel 4
With Britain’s confirmed death rate from coronavirus now one of the highest in the world, and the Government’s strategy to get the economy restarted and prevent a second spike still a work-in-progress, reporter Antony Barnett gets the blame game rolling. With the input of people at the heart of events, Barnett investigates the eight astonishing weeks when the UK moved into lockdown, and reveals the key decisions that led to this unprecedented state of affairs.
Read More McMillions: HBO series takes us into the heart of the McDonald’s Monopoly scandal – but whose side are we on?
McMillions
9pm, Sky Documentaries
Ben Affleck and Matt Damon bought the movie rights to the magazine article about a decade-long scam to defraud McDonald’s, but their fictionalisation (should it ever surface) surely cannot come near this entertaining six-part HBO documentary about the murky affair. It takes a darker turn this week as the mob become involved, and the FBI continue with their sting operation, interviewing unsuspecting winners of a fake TV show – the “winners” then revealed not have benefited very much after having been shaken down by the scam’s organisers.
We Hunt Together
10pm, Alibi
Gaby Hull’s thriller is a curious, amoral affair, with our sympathies shared equally between awkward mismatched police duo (played by Eve Myles and Babou Ceesay) and the charming psychopath Freddie and her former boy-soldier lover Baba (Hermione Corfield and Dipo Ola). With the police questioning Freddie, she is already plotting her next kill – seedy club boss Matt, a thug with a weakness for S Club 7.


inews--2020-06-03--Black Lives Matter fist symbol: Meaning and history behind the Black Power raised fist salute

Black Lives Matter fist symbol : Meaning and history behind the Black Power raised fist salute The raised , clenched fist has become a symbol of the Black Lives Matter movement .
The protestors were seen with raised clench fists , a symbol that has become intertwined with the Black Lives Matter movement that has emerged in response to the disproportionate police brutality experienced by people of colour .
What is the history of the black power fist ?
At first it was not exclusively used in relation to people of African descent , but by marginalised groups worldwide experiencing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ discriminatory behaviour .
When the Black Panther Party was founded in 1966 by Huey P. Newton and Bobby Seale to challenge police brutality against the African American community , the black power fist was repeatedly used as a symbol of black liberation .
In an iconic moment at the 1968 Mexico City Olympics Games , the American sprinters Tommie Smith and John Carlos , who both received medals , each donned a black glove and raised their fists while the national anthem played during the medal ceremony .
Tommie Smith and John Carlos @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gesture on the Olympic medal stand in Mexico City ( Photo : AFP via Getty Images ) The United States Olympic Committee said the pair had violated `` the basic standards of good manners and sportsmanship , which are so highly valued in the United States '' , but later Mr Smith declared it a `` human rights salute '' .
In reference to the subversive gesture , Mr Carlos wrote in his book The John Carlos Story : `` Hey , world , the United States is not like you might think @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of colour .
Just because we have USA on our chest does not mean everything is peachy keen and we are living large . ''
Why is it the black lives matter logo ?

Following the horrific murder of George Floyd by a white police officer in Minneapolis, protestors worldwide have taken the streets to demand justice.
Protestors in UK cities including London, Liverpool, Cardiff and Manchester have been heard chanting, “I can’t breathe,” the words Mr Floyd was filmed saying as he died while being restrained by a police officer.
Black Lives Matter has said: “We are doing this to place pressure on the American government and show that this is a worldwide issue.”
The protestors were seen with raised clench fists, a symbol that has become intertwined with the Black Lives Matter movement that has emerged in response to the disproportionate police brutality experienced by people of colour.
What is the history of the black power fist?
The raising of a closed fist as symbol of black power has a long history.
At first it was not exclusively used in relation to people of African descent, but by marginalised groups worldwide experiencing any form of oppression, to reject discriminatory behaviour.
The brandished fist was a rebuff of unjust authority and an act of collective resistance.
When the Black Panther Party was founded in 1966 by Huey P. Newton and Bobby Seale to challenge police brutality against the African American community, the black power fist was repeatedly used as a symbol of black liberation.
Photos and video footage of the Black Panthers saluting each other with raised fists at conventions, meetings and rallies solidified the symbol as synonymous with the fight for black civil rights.
In an iconic moment at the 1968 Mexico City Olympics Games, the American sprinters Tommie Smith and John Carlos, who both received medals, each donned a black glove and raised their fists while the national anthem played during the medal ceremony.
The United States Olympic Committee said the pair had violated “the basic standards of good manners and sportsmanship, which are so highly valued in the United States”, but later Mr Smith declared it a “human rights salute”.
In reference to the subversive gesture, Mr Carlos wrote in his book The John Carlos Story: “Hey, world, the United States is not like you might think it is for blacks and other people of colour. Just because we have USA on our chest does not mean everything is peachy keen and we are living large.”
Years later, when the anti-apartheid activist Nelson Mandela was released from prison in 1990 – after spending 27 years in jail – he raised a fist in triumph alongside his wife.
The black power fist has also been adopted by allies of the black community, including feminist activist Gloria Steinem and politician Bernie Saunders.
Why is it the black lives matter logo?
The Black Lives Matter movement campaigns against violence and the systemic racism directed towards black people, and was co-founded in the summer of 2013 by Alicia Garza, Patrisse Cullors, and Opal Tometi.
The raised clenched fist isn’t the only symbol brandished by the movement, but it was adopted following the death of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri in August 2014.
The unarmed black teenager was shot dead by white police who claimed he was acting in self-defence, and the black power fist was used to represent the “hands up, don’t shoot” pose.
It’s been used ever since both in social media posts and at rallies, as a symbol of resistance and defiance, and was created as an emoji in 2015.


inews--2020-06-03--What is the current Covid alert level? Why England is still stage 4 despite UK coronavirus lockdown

What is the current Covid alert level? Why England is still stage 4 despite UK coronavirus lockdown measures easing

What is the current Covid alert level ?
Why England is still stage 4 despite UK coronavirus lockdown measures easing England 's chief medical officer Chris Whitty has vetoed the Government 's wish for the Covid-19 alert level to be lowered to level three This week lockdown measures in the UK have been eased , with measures including the reopening of schools for pupils in years Reception , Year 1 and Year 6 , and people being able allowed to gather outdoors in parks and private gardens in socially-distanced groups of six .
Outdoor retail and car showrooms are now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reopen on 15 June providing they are “ Covid-secure ” .
The Government has also raised the prospect of the limited reopening of the hospitality sector in July .
However , the official Covid alert level , which the public was told would determine how and when lockdown could be eased has not changed and remains at the severe level of four , just one rung below the maximum , critical level of five .
The ‘ alert system ’ will rank the threat level of coronavirus on a scale of one to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ What is the UK 's current coronavirus alert level ?
Why the UK is still at level 4 despite lockdown rules easing It was expected that with the easing of lockdown measures - including schools reopening and people being allowed to meet in groups of six outside - the five-point alert system would have been reduced from four to three , from coronavirus transmission being `` high or rising exponentially '' to just `` in general circulation '' .
Previously , in his nationwide address on 10 May , Prime Minister Boris Johnson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ three , and lockdown measures would be able to be introduced as we moved further down the alert system .

This week lockdown measures in the UK have been eased, with measures including the reopening of schools for pupils in years Reception, Year 1 and Year 6, and people being able allowed to gather outdoors in parks and private gardens in socially-distanced groups of six.
Outdoor retail and car showrooms are now open, and other non-essential shops can reopen on 15 June providing they are “Covid-secure”. The Government has also raised the prospect of the limited reopening of the hospitality sector in July.
Boris Johnson’s spokesperson has said the gradual changes made to lockdown measures have been “guided by the scientific and medical advice”.
However, the official Covid alert level, which the public was told would determine how and when lockdown could be eased has not changed and remains at the severe level of four, just one rung below the maximum, critical level of five.
What is the UK’s current coronavirus alert level?
Despite this week’s easing of certain lockdown restrictions, England’s official coronavirus alert level still remains at four.
This assessment was made by the chief medical officer Sir Chris Whitty, guided by data provided by the Government’s new Joint Biosecurity Centre (JBC).
The UK’s government Covid-19 recovery strategy, published last month, stated: “The JBC will be responsible for setting the new Covid-19 alert level to communicate the current level of risk clearly to the public.”
The Covid Alert System ranks the threat level of the virus on a scale of one (green) to five (red), with social distancing measures becoming tougher the higher the threat level is.
According to the system, level four is severe, meaning the NHS is stretched but is coping.
Level three is substantial, with the virus in general circulation and the NHS operating at extra capacity; some restrictions need to remain in place and other measures can be relaxed.
Why the UK is still at level 4 despite lockdown rules easing
It was expected that with the easing of lockdown measures – including schools reopening and people being allowed to meet in groups of six outside – the five-point alert system would have been reduced from four to three, from coronavirus transmission being “high or rising exponentially” to just “in general circulation”.
However, the level has stayed the same.
Previously, in his nationwide address on 10 May, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said the UK is moving towards level three, and lockdown measures would be able to be introduced as we moved further down the alert system.
Boris Johnson’s spokesperson said: “In terms of the setting of the alert level, it’s ultimately for the chief medical officers, who are informed by the data which has been collected, collated and analysed by the JBC.”
They added: “With the decisions in terms of the easements we made yesterday, I’ll stress again how cautious they were, and how we’re moving forwards at a very gradual rate.
“Secondly, they were based upon us meeting the five tests, and that is what we are currently doing.”
After being hospitalised with coronavirus himself, Mr Johnson said he would not risk a second peak in the disease by relaxing restrictions too quickly.
Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have their own chief medical officers – and the easing of lockdown measures vary across all the nations, with further measures set to be introduced if infection levels do not increase.


inews--2020-06-03--What is martial law? Donald Trump hasn't declared it over George Floyd protests - but here's when it

What is martial law? Donald Trump hasn't declared it over George Floyd protests - but here's when it's been used in US history

What is martial law ?
Donald Trump has n't declared it over George Floyd protests - but here 's when it 's been used in US history Normally military troops are forbidden by law to become involved in law enforcement , but Donald Trump is threatening to send in the army The act permits the president to send active-duty troops to the streets of cities during protests to be used for domestic law enforcement , and it contains multiple sections , with the first two being the most significant .
The first involves federal `` aid '' for state governments @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a governor ( or a state legislature if the governor is unavailable ) , the president can send `` land or naval forces of the U.S. '' ... `` to suppress [ an ] insurrection '' or rebellion .
When has martial law been used in US history ?
Police block a street from protesters during a demonstration in the aftermath of George Floyd ’ s death , after nearby shops were ransacked , in Santa Monica , California ( Photo : Getty ) In the 20th Century , it was also enacted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dr Martin Luther King Jr in 1968 , and in 1957 President Eisenhower sent troops to help integrate the Little Rock Nine - a group of nine African American students enrolled in Little Rock Central High School .
Following Hurricane Katrina in 2005 , Congress amended the law to give further clarity on its use during natural disasters .
The changes were dropped a year later following objections by state governors who did not want to surrender their authority .
What has Donald Trump said about the US protests ?

Donald Trump threatened to use military force to quash heated protests in response to the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis if state governors do not stamp out the violent uprisings.
Thousands of people have been arrested as protests against police brutality continue across the United States, but Mr Trump derided the nation’s governors as “weak” and demanded tougher action.
The protests started after videos emerged of Mr Floyd, a 46-year-old black man, pleading for air while a police officer pressed a knee on his neck for almost nine minutes, causing him to die of asphyxia.
Derek Chauvin, the officer seen kneeling on Mr Floyd’s neck, was charged on Friday with third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter, but Mr Floyd’s brother Philonise and others are calling for the additional three police officers involved to also be arrested and convicted.
With Mr Trump threatening to send in the army to end unrest, what exactly is martial law, how would it be implemented and when has it previously been used?
What is martial law?
Normally military troops are forbidden by law to become involved in law enforcement in the US.
The Posse Comitatus Act, signed on 18 June, 1878, by President Rutherford B. Hayes, bars federal troops from participating in domestic law enforcement activities such as arrests and detentions.
However, there are some exceptions. Mr Trump’s threat could see him enact the Insurrection Act of 1807, which was signed into law by Thomas Jefferson.
The act permits the president to send active-duty troops to the streets of cities during protests to be used for domestic law enforcement, and it contains multiple sections, with the first two being the most significant.
The first involves federal “aid” for state governments. It states at the request of a governor (or a state legislature if the governor is unavailable), the president can send “land or naval forces of the U.S.” … “to suppress [an] insurrection” or rebellion.
According to the second section, the president may also deploy troops without a state’s request in the events of “unlawful obstructions, combinations, or assemblages, or rebellion against the authority of the United States.”
Martial law could see people’s civil rights suspended, curfews enacted, search and seizure carried out without warrant, or a military tribunal for those who defy the rules.
It’s also likely there would be heavy travel restrictions, with road closures and quarantine zones.
When has martial law been used in US history?
The Insurrection Act was last invoked in 1992 during the Rodney King riots in Los Angeles, which followed the acquittal of four white police officers who beat Rodney King.
Martial law was first used by General Andrew Jackson in New Orleans during the War of 1812, between the United Kingdom and United States.
In the 20th Century, it was also enacted to restore order following the killing of Dr Martin Luther King Jr in 1968, and in 1957 President Eisenhower sent troops to help integrate the Little Rock Nine – a group of nine African American students enrolled in Little Rock Central High School.
President Lincoln used martial law during the civil war specifically to control “rebels and insurgents”, and it was also imposed in Boston and in Virginia during the American Revolution, from 1775 – 1783.
Following Hurricane Katrina in 2005, Congress amended the law to give further clarity on its use during natural disasters. The changes were dropped a year later following objections by state governors who did not want to surrender their authority.
What has Donald Trump said about the US protests?
Mr Trump hasn’t declared martial law yet, but he does brand himself a “wartime president”.
Yesterday he said he planned to deploy “thousands and thousands” of United States soldiers with the National Guard and other branches of the armed forces to “dominate the streets” until protests subside.
In remarks made from the White House Rose Garden, Mr Trump said: “If the city or state refuses to take the actions that are necessary to defend the life and property of their residence, then I will deploy the United States military and quickly solve the problem for them.
“As we speak, I am dispatching thousands and thousands of heavily armed soldiers, military personnel and law enforcement officers to stop the rioting, looting, vandalism, assaults, and the wanton destruction of property.”
However in March, when Mr Trump activated the National Guard in three states, Defense Secretary Mark Esper insisted: “this is not a move toward martial law as some have claimed.”


inews--2020-06-03--Artificial light 'increases breast cancer risk by 10 per cent'

A 16-year study compared rates of breast cancer in 200,000 women with satellite images of outdoor light pollution near their homes Post-menopausal women are 10 per cent more likely to develop breast cancer if they are exposed to high levels of artificial outdoor light at night , researchers suggest .
A 16-year study compared rates of breast cancer in almost 200,000 women with satellite images of outdoor light pollution around where they lived .
Scientists at the National Cancer Institute in the US only assessed women that had already been through the menopause , as very little research previously looked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rena Jones said : `` The small number of studies to investigate this question have often relied on subjective exposure data and yielded inconsistent results .
We utilised an objective exposure measure - estimated outdoor light at night from satellite data .
`` It will be important for future studies to accurately measure light at night exposure for individuals using a combination of objective measures , carefully designed questionnaires , and personal measurement devices . ''
Although the study , published in the International Journal of Cancer , does not provide an explanation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ found that artificial light can interfere with the production of the hormone melatonin , which inhibits the growth of certain cancer cells .
As melatonin is involved in controlling how the body recovers during sleep , some scientists believe it is possible that artificial light interrupts the body 's natural circadian rhythm and therefore reduces the amount of melatonin the body produces .
The US researchers did acknowledge that various other factors can influence a person 's risk of developing breast cancer .
`` Our findings also suggested that the relationship between LAN @ @ @ @ @ @ @ breast cancer risk may differ by individual characteristics , such as smoking , alcohol drinking , sleep duration and BMI , and neighbourhood environment , '' they said .
The relationship between artificial light and breast cancer has been debated for years and different long-term studies keep producing different answers .
Papers from the Breast Cancer Now Generations Study in the last two years in the British Journal of Cancer showed that exposure to light at night did not increase breast cancer risk - for either pre- or post-menopausal women - and also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of breast cancer .
Around 55,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer every year in the UK with around 11,500 women dying from the disease annually .
Dr Simon Vincent , Director of Research at Breast Cancer Now , said : “ It ’ s interesting that this study suggests residential outdoor light at night may be linked to a small increase in breast cancer risk in postmenopausal women , but major studies have reported conflicting results on this issue in recent years .
In the last two years alone , major analyses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Breast Cancer Now Generations Study have suggested that outdoor light at night may have no impact on breast cancer risk , and the same for working night shifts .
“ Despite numerous , robust studies , we still don ’ t yet have a definitive answer on the role that outdoor light at night may play in breast cancer risk .
But with the any potential increase in risk likely to be very small even if it does exist , we wouldn ’ t want anyone to be worried by these findings .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ can ’ t change , there are steps all women can take to lower their breast cancer risk , such as maintaining a healthy weight , keeping physically active and drinking less alcohol .
Even small changes are a great start .
”

Post-menopausal women are 10 per cent more likely to develop breast cancer if they are exposed to high levels of artificial outdoor light at night, researchers suggest.
A 16-year study compared rates of breast cancer in almost 200,000 women with satellite images of outdoor light pollution around where they lived. Scientists at the National Cancer Institute in the US only assessed women that had already been through the menopause, as very little research previously looked into this demographic.
Study researcher Dr Rena Jones said: “The small number of studies to investigate this question have often relied on subjective exposure data and yielded inconsistent results. We utilised an objective exposure measure – estimated outdoor light at night from satellite data.
“It will be important for future studies to accurately measure light at night exposure for individuals using a combination of objective measures, carefully designed questionnaires, and personal measurement devices.”
Body clock
Although the study, published in the International Journal of Cancer, does not provide an explanation for the link, previous research has found that artificial light can interfere with the production of the hormone melatonin, which inhibits the growth of certain cancer cells. As melatonin is involved in controlling how the body recovers during sleep, some scientists believe it is possible that artificial light interrupts the body’s natural circadian rhythm and therefore reduces the amount of melatonin the body produces.
The US researchers did acknowledge that various other factors can influence a person’s risk of developing breast cancer. “Our findings also suggested that the relationship between LAN [light exposure at night] and breast cancer risk may differ by individual characteristics, such as smoking, alcohol drinking, sleep duration and BMI, and neighbourhood environment,” they said.
The relationship between artificial light and breast cancer has been debated for years and different long-term studies keep producing different answers. Papers from the Breast Cancer Now Generations Study in the last two years in the British Journal of Cancer showed that exposure to light at night did not increase breast cancer risk – for either pre- or post-menopausal women – and also that night shifts did not increase risk of breast cancer.
Around 55,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer every year in the UK with around 11,500 women dying from the disease annually.
Dr Simon Vincent, Director of Research at Breast Cancer Now, said: “It’s interesting that this study suggests residential outdoor light at night may be linked to a small increase in breast cancer risk in postmenopausal women, but major studies have reported conflicting results on this issue in recent years. In the last two years alone, major analyses of over 100,000 UK women from the Breast Cancer Now Generations Study have suggested that outdoor light at night may have no impact on breast cancer risk, and the same for working night shifts.
“Despite numerous, robust studies, we still don’t yet have a definitive answer on the role that outdoor light at night may play in breast cancer risk. But with the any potential increase in risk likely to be very small even if it does exist, we wouldn’t want anyone to be worried by these findings.
“Whilst there are some things we can’t change, there are steps all women can take to lower their breast cancer risk, such as maintaining a healthy weight, keeping physically active and drinking less alcohol. Even small changes are a great start.”


inews--2020-06-03--Coronavirus lockdown: Huge demand from the public for more and bigger cycle lanes

Coronavirus lockdown : Huge demand from the public for more and bigger cycle lanes Thousands of people write to their councils to ask for pop-up cycle lanes People are keen to walk and cycle far more as the lockdown is eased – but only if they are given the space to do so safely , report finds .
A poll in London found that 56 per cent of inhabitants want pavements to be permanently widened to make space for walking and 57 per cent want to see new cycle lanes created and existing ones broadened .
And a UK-wide survey @ @ @ @ @ @ @ population would ditch their cars in favour of cycling and walking , as long as they feel safe to do so .
They wanted to see traffic restrictions in residential streets , a reduction in the speed limit to 20mph in residential and built up areas , as well as more designated cycle lanes , according to a YouGov poll for the Cycling UK association .
Across the UK people have taken up cycling during the lockdown ( Photo : ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP/Getty ) Meanwhile , more than 6,000 people across the UK have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ create ‘ pop-up ’ cycle lanes using traffic cones and signs .
The new polls come amid growing interest in cycling as quieter roads and fears about travelling on public transport have pushed the number of cyclists on the road up by 70 per cent .
But cycling advocates are concerned that the newfound enthusiasm for pedaling could dwindle as the lockdown eases and roads become busier – and that car use could become even greater if people switch from public transport to cars rather than bikes .
They say Covid-19 has given @ @ @ @ @ @ @ improve and expand the network of cycling lanes and they should take this while they can .
“ Our poll shows clearly that people are prepared to rethink their travel habits , using their cars less and cycling more , but only if they feel safe to do so , ” said Duncan Dollimore , of Cycling UK .
Rob Whitehead , director of strategic projects at Centre for London think tank for the city , said : “ Whilst lockdown has encouraged many to try walking and cycling to get to work @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to nudge Londoners to return to their cars .

People are keen to walk and cycle far more as the lockdown is eased – but only if they are given the space to do so safely, report finds.
A poll in London found that 56 per cent of inhabitants want pavements to be permanently widened to make space for walking and 57 per cent want to see new cycle lanes created and existing ones broadened.
And a UK-wide survey found that 36 per cent of the population would ditch their cars in favour of cycling and walking, as long as they feel safe to do so.
They wanted to see traffic restrictions in residential streets, a reduction in the speed limit to 20mph in residential and built up areas, as well as more designated cycle lanes, according to a YouGov poll for the Cycling UK association.
Writing to your councillor
Meanwhile, more than 6,000 people across the UK have written to their councils asking them to create ‘pop-up’ cycle lanes using traffic cones and signs.
The new polls come amid growing interest in cycling as quieter roads and fears about travelling on public transport have pushed the number of cyclists on the road up by 70 per cent.
But cycling advocates are concerned that the newfound enthusiasm for pedaling could dwindle as the lockdown eases and roads become busier – and that car use could become even greater if people switch from public transport to cars rather than bikes.
They say Covid-19 has given the government and councils a mandate to improve and expand the network of cycling lanes and they should take this while they can.
People rethinking transport
“Our poll shows clearly that people are prepared to rethink their travel habits, using their cars less and cycling more, but only if they feel safe to do so,” said Duncan Dollimore, of Cycling UK.
“If there’s space for people to cycle separated from motor vehicles, millions more will do it,” he said.
Rob Whitehead, director of strategic projects at Centre for London think tank for the city, said: “Whilst lockdown has encouraged many to try walking and cycling to get to work and exercise, it looks equally likely to nudge Londoners to return to their cars.
“Without bold thinking and innovation, London could be heading for a new era of gridlock on our roads,” he said.


inews--2020-06-03--Coronavirus: Childcare sector ‘needs urgent bailout to protect jobs’, TUC warns

Without adequate childcare women in the workplace could be set back decades The TUC is warning working mothers could be forced out of work if the Treasury does not support the childcare sector ( Photo : Getty ) The Government must provide the childcare sector with an urgent cash boost if it is to avoid mothers being forced to leave the workforce , the Trades Union Congress ( TUC ) has warned .
The TUC is urging Chancellor Rishi Sunak to fund the sector in a similar way he has given financial help to transport networks so childcare providers can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were providing before the coronavirus pandemic .
The union body claims Government aid would allow groups such as nurseries , childminders breakfast clubs , and after school childcare and holiday schemes to remain open with social distancing measures in places .
The TUC is concerned that a lack of childcare risks mums having to leave their jobs , and would “ reverse decades of progress women have made in the labour market and increase the gender pay gap ” .
TUC general secretary Frances O'Grady said 'Women workers are bearing the brunt of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) Frances O ’ Grady , general secretary of the TUC , said : “ Our childcare sector is on the brink of collapse – and it ’ s putting women ’ s jobs on the line .
If childcare places disappear , women will be pushed out of the workforce .
“ Women workers are bearing the brunt of this crisis , both on the frontline and at home .
Mums have picked up the majority of childcare while nurseries and schools have been closed – and many have had to sacrifice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ The Government can ’ t stand by while mums are forced out of their jobs .
Childcare is necessary if we are going to work our way out of this economic crisis and stop the misery of mass unemployment .
If we ’ re all in this together , nurseries desperately need government cash to stay open.
” Childcare concerns for teaching assistant Last week , i reported how some working mums were also struggling to juggle childcare and hold down a job .
Laura , a 29-year-old teaching assistant , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ how she and her partner will be able to provide childcare for their nine-year-old son once they return to work this month .
“ I ’ m trying to teach my son while teaching and supporting all my students , while also making sure we are safe and have all the things we need , '' said Laura .
`` It ’ s mentally exhausting and I ’ m barely sleeping through the stress of it all .
”

The Government must provide the childcare sector with an urgent cash boost if it is to avoid mothers being forced to leave the workforce, the Trades Union Congress (TUC) has warned.
The TUC is urging Chancellor Rishi Sunak to fund the sector in a similar way he has given financial help to transport networks so childcare providers can return to the levels of care they were providing before the coronavirus pandemic.
The union body claims Government aid would allow groups such as nurseries, childminders breakfast clubs, and after school childcare and holiday schemes to remain open with social distancing measures in places.
Reversing decades of progress
The TUC is concerned that a lack of childcare risks mums having to leave their jobs, and would “reverse decades of progress women have made in the labour market and increase the gender pay gap”.
Frances O’Grady, general secretary of the TUC, said: “Our childcare sector is on the brink of collapse – and it’s putting women’s jobs on the line. If childcare places disappear, women will be pushed out of the workforce.
“Women workers are bearing the brunt of this crisis, both on the frontline and at home. Mums have picked up the majority of childcare while nurseries and schools have been closed – and many have had to sacrifice work hours and pay to do so.
“The Government can’t stand by while mums are forced out of their jobs. Childcare is necessary if we are going to work our way out of this economic crisis and stop the misery of mass unemployment. If we’re all in this together, nurseries desperately need government cash to stay open.”
Childcare concerns for teaching assistant
Childcare concerns for teach assistant
Last week, i reported how some working mums were also struggling to juggle childcare and hold down a job.
Laura, a 29-year-old teaching assistant, said she is growing increasingly concerned about how she and her partner will be able to provide childcare for their nine-year-old son once they return to work this month.
“I’m trying to teach my son while teaching and supporting all my students, while also making sure we are safe and have all the things we need,” said Laura. “It’s mentally exhausting and I’m barely sleeping through the stress of it all.”


inews--2020-06-03--Coronavirus lockdown: One third of UK adults have suffered from worse-performing internet while work

Coronavirus lockdown: One third of UK adults have suffered from worse-performing internet while working from home

Coronavirus lockdown : One third of UK adults have suffered from worse-performing internet while working from home Exclusive : While the UK 's broadband infrastructure has held under increased traffic , performance is still being affected A third of UK adults have experienced worse internet performance during lockdown , the majority of whom have struggled to complete work , research has found .
Three-quarters ( 73 per cent ) of 2,301 people said they were using the internet more since Boris Johnson advised everyone who could to stay at home , with 44 per cent reporting logging on `` much @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UK 's broadband infrastructure has largely held up under the influx of millions of workers logging on from home , 35 per cent of those questioned said they were experiencing worse connectivity than prior to lockdown , according to data from YouGov on behalf of i .
Of these , seven in 10 ( 69 per cent ) said they 'd had difficulty in their general internet use , such as web browsing and online shopping , while two-thirds ( 67 per cent ) said they 'd experienced disruption while streaming video or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
While the European Commission warned in March that the region 's internet may struggle to cope , the UK 's broadband providers ' ability to scale their networks to handle huge increases in traffic meant widespread outages were averted , Ofcom recently claimed .
Streaming video and downloading or playing videogames online puts the most strain on internet infrastructure , rather than making video calls or sending emails .
Half of people experiencing worse broadband performance ( 52 per cent ) said they 'd had difficulty doing work , with 15 per @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lot '' of disruption .
Homes with higher numbers of people living under the same roof were the most likely to experience connectivity issues , with 43 per cent of those in households of four or more saying their internet was worse overall , alongside 41 per cent of those in homes of three or more .
One in four of people in households hosting five people or more reported their home connection as having deteriorated , 15 per cent said their connection was “ much worse ” .
Monitors display virtual riders @ @ @ @ @ @ @ world in one day ' challenge ( Photo : JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP/Getty ) '' Many people are now using their internet much more than usual but a significant proportion - a third - are experiencing worse internet performance than they did prior to the lockdown , '' said Olivia Bonito , YouGov 's digital media and technology research manager .
This difficulty in accessing stable internet increases as the number of household residents rises , suggesting internet performance is being affected by increased demand .
While many might be able to cope in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ affect productivity if working from home becomes the 'new normal ' . ''

A third of UK adults have experienced worse internet performance during lockdown, the majority of whom have struggled to complete work, research has found.
Three-quarters (73 per cent) of 2,301 people said they were using the internet more since Boris Johnson advised everyone who could to stay at home, with 44 per cent reporting logging on “much more than usual”.
While the UK’s broadband infrastructure has largely held up under the influx of millions of workers logging on from home, 35 per cent of those questioned said they were experiencing worse connectivity than prior to lockdown, according to data from YouGov on behalf of i.
Of these, seven in 10 (69 per cent) said they’d had difficulty in their general internet use, such as web browsing and online shopping, while two-thirds (67 per cent) said they’d experienced disruption while streaming video or music services such as Netflix or Spotify.
Read More Coronavirus in the UK: How broadband infrastructure coped as the nation stayed at home
While the European Commission warned in March that the region’s internet may struggle to cope, the UK’s broadband providers’ ability to scale their networks to handle huge increases in traffic meant widespread outages were averted, Ofcom recently claimed.
Streaming video and downloading or playing videogames online puts the most strain on internet infrastructure, rather than making video calls or sending emails.
Broadband issues with work
Half of people experiencing worse broadband performance (52 per cent) said they’d had difficulty doing work, with 15 per cent saying it had caused “a lot” of disruption.
Homes with higher numbers of people living under the same roof were the most likely to experience connectivity issues, with 43 per cent of those in households of four or more saying their internet was worse overall, alongside 41 per cent of those in homes of three or more.
One in four of people in households hosting five people or more reported their home connection as having deteriorated, 15 per cent said their connection was “much worse”.
“Many people are now using their internet much more than usual but a significant proportion – a third – are experiencing worse internet performance than they did prior to the lockdown,” said Olivia Bonito, YouGov’s digital media and technology research manager.
This difficulty in accessing stable internet increases as the number of household residents rises, suggesting internet performance is being affected by increased demand. While many might be able to cope in the short term, it could start to affect productivity if working from home becomes the ‘new normal’.”


inews--2020-06-03--Ribena hunts for climate-resistant blackcurrants that can cope with Britain's mild winters

Ribena hunts for climate-resistant blackcurrants that can cope with Britain 's mild winters Ribena owner Lucozade Suntory invests £500,000 in project to develop a variety that doesn ’ t need a cold winter to deliver a good crop Cordial maker Ribena is attempting to head off the threat climate change poses to its business by developing a new variety of blackcurrant that can cope with Britain ’ s increasingly mild winters .
Ribena , which is owned by Lucozade Ribena Suntory , buys up 90 per cent of Britain ’ s £10m blackcurrant crop each year .
But milder winters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , less reliable fruits for its drinks business .
That is why Ribena is investing £500,000 in a five-year project with the James Hutton Institute to develop a new variety of blackcurrant that doesn ’ t need a cold winter to deliver good summer fruits .
“ We are seeing big shifts in our climate .
We ’ ve had an incredibly mild winter , followed by the sunniest May ever , and the driest May in 124 years , ” Ribena 's blackcurrant agronomist Harriet Prosser told i .
“ That puts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Standard blackcurrant varieties need around 2,000 `` cold hours '' - when the temperature drops below 7C - before they start to bud in the Spring , Ms Prosser explained .
The cold spell reduces the risk of frost damage to new buds , and ensures blackcurrant shrubs flower at the right point in the season for peak pollination .
But this year , blackcurrant growers in the UK ’ s South East saw just 1,300 `` cold hours '' , raising the risk of lower yields and an unevenly ripened crop .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ means even ripening is essential ( Photo : Lucozade Ribena Suntory ) Ribena is trying to manage Britain ’ s unpredictable weather patterns by sourcing blackcurrants from across the country , from Kent to Scotland .
Its growers also use a range of varieties , including some better adapted to warmer climates .
But each year growing a bumper crop of blackcurrants in Britain becomes more of a challenge .
This year Ribena resorted to using a specially developed nutrient-rich “ energy drink ” on the plants to encourage fruiting , Ms Prosser @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Britain ’ s warming winter conditions is crucial to the sector ’ s long-term prospects .
“ I think we would always work to keep British blackcurrants going , ” Ms Prosser said .
“ It would get harder without this breeding programme .
”

Cordial maker Ribena is attempting to head off the threat climate change poses to its business by developing a new variety of blackcurrant that can cope with Britain’s increasingly mild winters.
Ribena, which is owned by Lucozade Ribena Suntory, buys up 90 per cent of Britain’s £10m blackcurrant crop each year. But milder winters fuelled by climate change threatens poorer quality, less reliable fruits for its drinks business.
That is why Ribena is investing £500,000 in a five-year project with the James Hutton Institute to develop a new variety of blackcurrant that doesn’t need a cold winter to deliver good summer fruits.
“We are seeing big shifts in our climate. We’ve had an incredibly mild winter, followed by the sunniest May ever, and the driest May in 124 years,” Ribena’s blackcurrant agronomist Harriet Prosser told i. “That puts us in a really difficult position.”
Warm winters
Standard blackcurrant varieties need around 2,000 “cold hours” – when the temperature drops below 7C – before they start to bud in the Spring, Ms Prosser explained. The cold spell reduces the risk of frost damage to new buds, and ensures blackcurrant shrubs flower at the right point in the season for peak pollination.
But this year, blackcurrant growers in the UK’s South East saw just 1,300 “cold hours”, raising the risk of lower yields and an unevenly ripened crop.
Long-term threat
Ribena is trying to manage Britain’s unpredictable weather patterns by sourcing blackcurrants from across the country, from Kent to Scotland. Its growers also use a range of varieties, including some better adapted to warmer climates.
But each year growing a bumper crop of blackcurrants in Britain becomes more of a challenge. This year Ribena resorted to using a specially developed nutrient-rich “energy drink” on the plants to encourage fruiting, Ms Prosser said.
Finding a blackcurrant that thrives in Britain’s warming winter conditions is crucial to the sector’s long-term prospects. “I think we would always work to keep British blackcurrants going,” Ms Prosser said. “It would get harder without this breeding programme.”