inews--2020-04-22--Holiday refunds: Why Ryanair, TUI, Jet2 and EasyJet aren't paying refunds on coronavirus cancellatio

Holiday refunds: Why Ryanair, TUI, Jet2 and EasyJet aren't paying refunds on coronavirus cancellations - and if they are breaking the law

Holiday refunds : Why Ryanair , TUI , Jet2 and EasyJet are n't paying refunds on coronavirus cancellations - and if they are breaking the law Customers who booked with a UK or EU airline , or were due to depart from a UK or EU airport , are entitled to a refund for a cancellation Customers whose travel plans have been affected by the outbreak have been faced with refusals when asked for their money back , or issued with an automatic credit note for cancelled flights and package holiday , according to consumer watchdog Which ?
.
Instead @ @ @ @ @ @ @ credit notes , with many complaining they have been unable to claim a refund online , or get through to customers services on the phone to arrange for a refund .
TUI , Virgin Holidays and Love Holidays are among those issuing credit notes in the first instance for cancelled bookings , with these being given whether customers want them or not - even when a cash refund had been specifically requested .
TUI said that customers can still get a refund , but this can only be done after a credit note @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are not being issued until up to four weeks after the departure date .
Virgin is automatically issuing vouchers to customers , redeemable up to 31 July 2020 , but insists cash refunds are still available , although requests are taking longer than usual to process .
The vouchers can be used to rebook a holiday which departs any time before 31 December 2021 .
Lastminute.com has not confirmed whether refunds are being processed within the specified 14 days , but said it is prioritising the most imminent departures first .
However , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to process these claims , according to Which ?
.
British Airways Holidays is offering customers the option to rebook , refund , or accept a voucher to travel at a later date , and said a full refund can be requested at any point up to 12 months after the start date of the journey .
Travel Republic is still finalising its refund process , but customers currently have the choice between a refund and a credit note .
If the credit note is not redeemed before its expiry date on 31 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ given a cash refund .
Which airlines are not giving refunds ?
Jet2 said it is issuing cash refunds for cancelled flights , but didn ’ t confirm whether it was doing so within the stipulated seven days .
Customers are being contacted by the airline in order of their departure date to discuss their options .
British Airways has refused to allow customers to claim a refund online , advising that this should be done over the phone .
However , customers have reported to Which ?
that the number they were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the refund option is selected .
Etihad is offering refunds to customers who request it , but has not confirmed whether this was being done within the seven day period , while Emirates is automatically extending validity on cancelled flights for two years , or offering travel vouchers .
These include changing their travel date free of charge , changing the destination of their journey , or obtaining a voucher for non-refundable tickets of the same value as their current booking .
Vouchers that have not been used after 12 months will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?

Airlines and travel companies in the UK have been breaking the law by refusing to issue timely refunds to customers for cancellations during the coronavirus pandemic, new research has found.
Customers whose travel plans have been affected by the outbreak have been faced with refusals when asked for their money back, or issued with an automatic credit note for cancelled flights and package holiday, according to consumer watchdog Which?.
Here’s what you should know.
Is refusing a refund legal?
Which? revealed that 20 of the UK’s largest airlines and travel firms are illegally withholding refunds that should be paid to customers within 14 days.
Instead most customers have been offered vouchers or credit notes, with many complaining they have been unable to claim a refund online, or get through to customers services on the phone to arrange for a refund.
While travel companies are entitled to offer alternatives to a refund, such as a credit note, in the event of cancelled bookings, they must also offer the option of a cash refund within 14 days.
However, cash refunds are increasingly being refused, with many of the UK’s largest package holiday providers now automatically issuing vouchers instead.
Which travel companies have refused refunds?
TUI, Virgin Holidays and Love Holidays are among those issuing credit notes in the first instance for cancelled bookings, with these being given whether customers want them or not – even when a cash refund had been specifically requested.
This is despite Which? finding that these vouchers may not be financially protected.
TUI said that customers can still get a refund, but this can only be done after a credit note has been accepted. However, these are not being issued until up to four weeks after the departure date.
The company also said that the refund process is taking considerably longer than normal, meaning customers could be forced to wait months before getting their money back.
Virgin is automatically issuing vouchers to customers, redeemable up to 31 July 2020, but insists cash refunds are still available, although requests are taking longer than usual to process. The vouchers can be used to rebook a holiday which departs any time before 31 December 2021.
Love Holiday customers cannot request a refund, although credit notes that are unused can be exchanged for cash once they have expired, with the current expiry date being 31 July.
Expedia and Lastminute.com both still claim to allow cash refunds, although customers have reported they haven’t received their money back weeks after making a claim.
Lastminute.com has not confirmed whether refunds are being processed within the specified 14 days, but said it is prioritising the most imminent departures first. However, it is charged a £25 handling fee to process these claims, according to Which?.
Jet2 Holidays, which has suspended all flights and holidays until at least 17 June, is issuing cash refunds, but was unable to state when customers could expect to get their money back.
British Airways Holidays is offering customers the option to rebook, refund, or accept a voucher to travel at a later date, and said a full refund can be requested at any point up to 12 months after the start date of the journey.
Travel Republic is still finalising its refund process, but customers currently have the choice between a refund and a credit note. If the credit note is not redeemed before its expiry date on 31 December 2020, customers will automatically be given a cash refund.
Meanwhile, easyJet Holidays said that, on average, it is processing refunds for cancellations in under 14 days, while many other smaller operators are still issuing money back on time.
Which airlines are not giving refunds?
Ryanair was found to be offering customers vouchers for cancellations, telling them that any request for a refund will be “placed in the cash refund queue until the Covid-19 emergency has passed”.
This is despite previously saying it would process refunds within 20 working days.
Virgin Atlantic and Qantas have also been issuing credit notes automatically, with Virgin Atlantic stating these can be rejected in favour of a cash refund, but that its current timeframe is 90 days.
Jet2 said it is issuing cash refunds for cancelled flights, but didn’t confirm whether it was doing so within the stipulated seven days. Customers are being contacted by the airline in order of their departure date to discuss their options.
British Airways has refused to allow customers to claim a refund online, advising that this should be done over the phone. However, customers have reported to Which? that the number they were given to call automatically hangs up when the refund option is selected.
Etihad is offering refunds to customers who request it, but has not confirmed whether this was being done within the seven day period, while Emirates is automatically extending validity on cancelled flights for two years, or offering travel vouchers.
Those who want their money back will be granted a full refund, but outside the seven-day timeframe.
Customers who booked flights with KLM and Air France that are scheduled to depart before 31 May 2020 are being given three options.
These include changing their travel date free of charge, changing the destination of their journey, or obtaining a voucher for non-refundable tickets of the same value as their current booking. Vouchers that have not been used after 12 months will be fully refunded.
What are my rights?
Customers who booked their flights with a UK or EU airline, or were due to depart from a UK or EU airport, are entitled to a refund for a cancellation within seven working days.
However, none of the 10 major airlines contacted by Which? were meeting this legal requirement.
When booking a package holiday you are protected by law, meaning if your trip is cancelled, package travel regulations entitle you to a refund.
If you would prefer a full refund over a voucher or credit note, this must be processed by the company within 14 days and your money remains backed by the government’s Atol scheme while you hold your booking, even if the departure date has passed.
This means you will still get your money back even if the company goes bust, which is not necessarily the case if you accept a voucher.


inews--2020-04-22--Plane carrying PPE from Turkey lands in the UK after delays but it's not clear if all the equipment

Plane carrying PPE from Turkey lands in the UK after delays but it's not clear if all the equipment is actually on there

Plane carrying PPE from Turkey lands in the UK after delays but it 's not clear if all the equipment is actually on there Helen Whately , the care minister , said at least part of the delivery arrived in the early hours of Wednesday morning Helen Whately , the care minister , said at least part of the delivery arrived in the early hours of Wednesday morning and was being checked , following an unexplained four-day delay .
The plane had been dispatched from RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire , where two other planes have been on standby to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Monday .
The UK government is now reportedly working with the Turkish company and officials to ensure that the consignment , which was supposed to deliver 84 tons of PPE , arrives to the UK .
The government has faced widespread criticism for the lack of PPE available for NHS workers ( Photo : Getty ) The UK government is facing mounting criticism over its failure to provide PPE to NHS staff who are treating coronavirus patients .
Ministers have insisted they are pursuing `` every possible option '' to secure additional equipment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the delays .
The Prime Minister 's official spokesman said : `` We 're continuing to work to ensure that this shipment is delivered as soon as it is ready .
Asked what the hold-up was , the spokesman said : `` I do n't have the details of the reason for the delay .
As I say , we want it to be resolved as quickly as possible and the RAF is able to then bring the cargo back to the UK . ''
What we know The RAF aircraft that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pick up the delivery at around 17:00 BST on Monday , can carry about 40 tons of cargo - about half of the consignment .
Turkey 's ambassador to the UK , Umit Yalcin , said his government only learned about the deal with a private company on Sunday - the same day they were promised - and that they did everything they could to help after this .

A delayed commercial carrier containing personal protective equipment (PPE) has finally arrived in the UK, the health minister has confirmed.
Helen Whately, the care minister, said at least part of the delivery arrived in the early hours of Wednesday morning and was being checked, following an unexplained four-day delay.
The plane had been dispatched from RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire, where two other planes have been on standby to pick up more supplies from Turkey since Monday.
It is unclear whether it contains the 400,000 surgical gowns promised.
It comes after a different commercial carrier did not have enough PPE stock to complete a trip to the UK, Turkish officials have said, Sky News reported.
The UK government is now reportedly working with the Turkish company and officials to ensure that the consignment, which was supposed to deliver 84 tons of PPE, arrives to the UK.
Lack of PPE
The UK government is facing mounting criticism over its failure to provide PPE to NHS staff who are treating coronavirus patients. Ministers have insisted they are pursuing “every possible option” to secure additional equipment, but have blamed unprecedented worldwide demand for the delays.
The Prime Minister‘s official spokesman said: “We’re continuing to work to ensure that this shipment is delivered as soon as it is ready.
“As you know, we are seeking to source PPE from a number of countries and yesterday, for example, 140,000 gowns arrived from Burma.”
The spokesman said it was a commercial order from a Turkish company which was made last Thursday.
Asked what the hold-up was, the spokesman said: “I don’t have the details of the reason for the delay. As I say, we want it to be resolved as quickly as possible and the RAF is able to then bring the cargo back to the UK.”
What we know
The RAF aircraft that flew the shipment, which left to pick up the delivery at around 17:00 BST on Monday, can carry about 40 tons of cargo – about half of the consignment.
Flight tracker RadarBox showed the Airbus A400-M registered ZM416 departed Istanbul and land just after 3.30am on Wednesday at RAF Brize Norton.
On Monday, Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said the flight had been delayed due to issues in Turkey.
An initial batch of just 2,500 gowns was reportedly sent to the airport in Istanbul for quality control checks on Tuesday.
Officials reportedly made no checks to ensure the goods could be exported under current restrictions from Turkish President Tayyip Erdoğan before promising the public it was on its way, The Telegraph reported.
Turkey’s ambassador to the UK, Umit Yalcin, said his government only learned about the deal with a private company on Sunday – the same day they were promised – and that they did everything they could to help after this.


inews--2020-04-22--The Last Dance cast now: What happened to Scottie Pippen, Dennis Rodman and Michael Jordan's other C

The Last Dance cast now: What happened to Scottie Pippen, Dennis Rodman and Michael Jordan's other Chicago Bulls teammates

The keenly anticipated documentary The Last Dance , which focuses on Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls ' 1997-98 NBA @ @ @ @ @ in the UK on Sunday .
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@ @ @ @ @ Michael Jordan won the NBA championship with the Chicago Bulls in 1997-98 ( Getty Images @ @ @ @ @ of the key players to leave the Bulls at the end of the season .
@ @ @ @ @ he 's had a colourful career since ... trying his hand at professional wrestling , @ @ @ @ @ Celebrity Big Brother in 2006 and spending time as an unofficial attaché of sorts to @ @ @ @ @ in North Korea .

The keenly anticipated documentary The Last Dance, which focuses on Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls’ 1997-98 NBA season, landed on Netflix in the UK on Sunday.
The series takes a broad look at Jordan’s career and rise to stardom, with a tight angle on his final season with the Bulls – but what became of the series’ cast of stars in the more than two decades that have gone by since. Here’s a rundown of some of the key players. Michael Jordan The man himself had already retired once by the time he led the Bulls to victory in 1998, but called time again just 12 months later. He returned for a third stint in 2001 with the Washington Wizards, before retiring from the game in favour of a new life as an entrepreneur, philanthropist and all-round celebrity. Scottie Pippen Like Jordan, Scottie Pippen left the Bulls are their 1998 success and spent a year with the Houston Rockets, before moving on to the Portland Trail Blaizers and finishing up his NBA career with a return to the Bulls. Since retiring in 2004, Pippen has courted controversy in the basketball world by claiming in 2011 that LeBron James was a better player than his old teammate Jordan. Dennis Rodman
Dennis Rodman was another of the key players to leave the Bulls at the end of the season. It’s fair to say he’s had a colourful career since… trying his hand at professional wrestling, having a memorable stint in Celebrity Big Brother in 2006 and spending time as an unofficial attaché of sorts to Kim Jong-un’s despotic regime in North Korea.


inews--2020-04-22--What time is the UK coronavirus speech today? Who will stand in for Boris Johnson - how to watch liv

What time is the UK coronavirus speech today? Who will stand in for Boris Johnson - how to watch live

What time is the UK coronavirus speech today ?
Who will stand in for Boris Johnson - how to watch live The Prime Minister is reportedly resuming some duties , but cabinet ministers continue to deputise for him at the daily Covid-19 briefings Who will stand in for Boris Johnson to deliver today 's coronavirus press conference to the UK as he continues his recovery at Chequers ?
The daily briefings were introduced in response to calls for improved communication from the government on their plan to tackle the spread of Covid-19 , and give the nation the latest updates @ @ @ @ @ @ @ daily press briefings take place ?
In general the press briefings take place between 4pm and 6pm , with previous meetings tending to start just after 5pm on weekdays and at 2.30pm on weekends .
A number 10 spokesperson said that they would like to “ see [ the briefings held at ] a consistent time.
” Who will be holding today 's press conference ?
Where can I watch the press briefings ?
Yesterday Matt Hancock stated the only way to ‘ beat ’ coronavirus was to develop a working vaccine with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ global effort than anyone else .
And according to the Health Secretary , ‘ rapid progress ’ has been made with vaccine trials set to commence on Thursday , April 23 .
“ For all the efforts around the world , two of the leading vaccine developments are taking place here at home , at Oxford and Imperial.
” COVID-19 is a respiratory illness that can affect lungs and airways .
It is caused by a virus called coronavirus , and started in Wuhan in China in December 2019 .
The NHS states @ @ @ @ @ @ @ temperature ( feeling hot to the touch on your chest or back ) and a new , continuous cough ( either coughing a lot for over an hour , or having three or more coughing episodes in 24 hours ) .
There have also been reports of the illness causing flu-like symptoms , such as aches and pains , nasal congestion , runny nose and a sore throat .
It ’ s important to remember that some people may become infected but won ’ t develop any symptoms or feel unwell .

The coronavirus briefing, so much a part of the UK lockdown, has only been airing intermittently in the past few weeks.
Today, Boris Johnson will give the latest update, in which he is expected to announce further easing of lockdown measures and new funding for the NHS.
The Prime Minister chaired the final daily press conference on Monday 30 June after those announcing eagerly-anticipated changes to coronavirus lockdown rules coming on 4 July in a lunchtime address to the House of Commons.
Daily coronavirus briefings, which came to an end after that, were introduced in response to calls for improved communication from the government on their plan to tackle the spread of Covid-19, and give the nation the latest updates on the pandemic.
When do the daily press briefings take place?
Rather than its familiar 5pm slot, today’s Downing Street briefing is expected begin earlier, at around 11.00am.
In general the press conferences took place between 4pm and 6pm, with the majority of the daily meetings tending to start just after 5pm on weekdays and at 2.30pm on weekends.
A number 10 spokesperson said that they would like to “see [the briefings held at] a consistent time.”
There were, of course, a few notable exceptions, such as when it was forced to a later time slot after the Prime Minister’s key adviser Dominic Cummings gave a rare public statement regarding him travelling from London to Durham during lockdown.
Who will appear at today’s press conference?
It has not been confirmed who will join Mr Johnson for today’s conference – or indeed if he will appear alone as became increasingly the norm in the briefing’s latter weeks.
As well as the the Prime Minister and the Health Secretary Matt Hancock, various other cabinet ministers stepped up in recent weeks, including Rishi Sunak, Alok Sharma, Grant Shapps and Michael Gove.
The Chief Medical Officer Professor Chris Whitty and the Chief Scientific Adviser Sir Patrick Vallance also became regular fixtures during the briefings, while the Head of NHS England Simon Stevens has made numerous appearances.
Where can I watch the press briefings?
The press briefings will be available to watch live on BBC News.
You can watch online through BBC iPlayer here, while Sky News has a live YouTube stream here.


inews--2020-04-22--Animal Crossing: New Horizons Earth Day event: 'Nature Day' update explained, and how long challenge

Animal Crossing: New Horizons Earth Day event: 'Nature Day' update explained, and how long challenges will last

Animal Crossing : New Horizons Earth Day event : 'Nature Day ' update explained , and how long challenges will last Nature Day will celebrate the real world Earth Day in a way only Animal Crossing knows how A wealth of new updates are coming to Animal Crossing : New Horizons , bringing more events and content to Nintendo 's genteel life simulator .
Fans already knew about the existence of Nature Day - which will celebrate the real world 's Earth Day in a way only Animal Crossing knows how - but now more details have been revealed .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ originally appeared in 2012 's Animal Crossing : New Leaf , and ran the Gardening Store where he sold flowers , trees and other plant-based produce and supplies .
In previous games , Leif 's Spring Flower Event had the sloth character looking for hybrid flowers , and tasked players with collecting flowers and rare bugs .
There 's no word yet on whether we 'll see something similar in New Horizons .
Despite tying in with the real world 's Earth Day , Animal 's Crossing actually kicks off a day later @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not the single day of the actual event .
Aside from being able to purchase new foliage for your island , there will also be limited-time Nature Day activities , as well as new nature-centric Nook Miles achievements during the event .
These could ask players to plant trees around the island , or water plants , for example .
What else is new ?
Leif the Sloth and Nature Day are not the only new features the latest update to Animal Crossing is preparing players for .
From 23 April , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ boat on the players ' 'secret ' beach to the north of their island .
He 'll be there to sell the players pieces of art , although just like in previous Animal Crossing games , you 'll have to work out which art pieces are real and which are fake ; genuine pieces can then be placed in your island 's museum , which is also receiving an upgrade .
In the first week of May , the May Day Tour will take players to a new mystery island , where 'll @ @ @ @ @ @ @ collect resources and goodies .
Players will have to use a special , one-time ticket to get there between 1 and 7 May , and according to Nintendo , `` a special visitor who looks familiar might also be there ... '' International Museum Day is coming to the game on 18 May to celebrate both your island museum 's expansion , and the real-world event of the same name ( although again , Animal Crossing 's version lasts much longer than a single day ) .
During the event , players will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can take around their museum , ticking off fish , insects and fossils in their collection for an in-game reward .
How do I access the new events ?

A wealth of new updates are coming to Animal Crossing: New Horizons, bringing more events and content to Nintendo’s genteel life simulator.
Fans already knew about the existence of Nature Day – which will celebrate the real world’s Earth Day in a way only Animal Crossing knows how – but now more details have been revealed.
As well as that, Nintendo also revealed future in-game events and features.
Here’s everything you need to know:
Who is Leif the Sloth?
From 23 April, Leif the Sloth will be making sporadic appearances on your island’s central plaza.
He’ll be selling garden-related items, including bushes and shrubs, added to the game through the new update.
Leif originally appeared in 2012’s Animal Crossing: New Leaf, and ran the Gardening Store where he sold flowers, trees and other plant-based produce and supplies.
In previous games, Leif’s Spring Flower Event had the sloth character looking for hybrid flowers, and tasked players with collecting flowers and rare bugs.
There’s no word yet on whether we’ll see something similar in New Horizons.
How does Nature Day work?
Despite tying in with the real world’s Earth Day, Animal’s Crossing actually kicks off a day later, and runs for two weeks, not the single day of the actual event.
Aside from being able to purchase new foliage for your island, there will also be limited-time Nature Day activities, as well as new nature-centric Nook Miles achievements during the event.
These could ask players to plant trees around the island, or water plants, for example.
Nature Day runs from 23 April to 4 May.
What else is new?
Leif the Sloth and Nature Day are not the only new features the latest update to Animal Crossing is preparing players for.
From 23 April, the character Jolly Redd will occasionally dock his boat on the players’ ‘secret’ beach to the north of their island.
He’ll be there to sell the players pieces of art, although just like in previous Animal Crossing games, you’ll have to work out which art pieces are real and which are fake; genuine pieces can then be placed in your island’s museum, which is also receiving an upgrade.
In the first week of May, the May Day Tour will take players to a new mystery island, where’ll they’ll have a limited time to collect resources and goodies.
Players will have to use a special, one-time ticket to get there between 1 and 7 May, and according to Nintendo, “a special visitor who looks familiar might also be there…”
International Museum Day is coming to the game on 18 May to celebrate both your island museum’s expansion, and the real-world event of the same name (although again, Animal Crossing’s version lasts much longer than a single day).
During the event, players will receive a special stamp card that they can take around their museum, ticking off fish, insects and fossils in their collection for an in-game reward.
And finally, Wedding Season takes place across the entire month of June, and sees players help to celebrate the nuptial anniversary of Reese and Cyrus.
Players can travel to Harv’s island to meet the couple, and arrange and take anniversary photos; wedding-themed items are waiting to reward you!
How do I access the new events?
A new update will be made available to all players for free on 23 April. Download it to access the new events and features.


inews--2020-04-22--Coronavirus testing: Care minister Helen Whately says people will be offered new Covid-19 test if th

Coronavirus testing: Care minister Helen Whately says people will be offered new Covid-19 test if they previously had flawed one

Coronavirus testing : Care minister Helen Whately says people will be offered new Covid-19 test if they previously had flawed one The Government is currently way below its target of 100,000 tests per day The minister confirmed reports in the Daily Telegraph that a number of people - mainly NHS staff - may have been given tests that are not reliable enough , but said this is a `` normal process '' when dealing with a `` new illness '' .
The Government is under pressure to up its testing as it nears the end of the month .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 100,000 tests per day .
Helen Whately said that some tests would have to be re-done .
( Photo : Sky News ) Ms Whately was asked on Sky News about the flawed tests on Wednesday , and said : `` So my understanding from the clinical advisors is that some of the early tests were evaluated , and the evaluation was that actually they were n't effective enough .
When asked whether people had been given the all-clear erroneously , Ms Whately said : `` The guidance has been to people that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that you are isolating .
`` We have to make sure that we look at the reliability of tests , and this has been also the whole debate around the testing of people who do n't have symptoms , for instance , and why we 're focused on people who do have symptoms .
`` We know that the testing is most accurate when you have symptoms , so this is really , really important to make sure that we 're not just testing , but testing people effectively . ''
There have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the spread of the disease ( Photo : Getty ) The memo said it had identified `` discordant results '' and that laboratories are required to re-check some samples .
Over 100,000 NHS staff have been tested to try and get them back on the frontline .
`` We know that 61 NHS workers have died and for care workers I have a figure of 15 , but we are working to get more comprehensive data on that because it is important for us to know the number of people in health and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' she told BBC Breakfast .

Care minister Helen Whately has said that some early recipients of the Covid-19 tests that have found to be flawed will now be offered new ones.
The minister confirmed reports in the Daily Telegraph that a number of people – mainly NHS staff – may have been given tests that are not reliable enough, but said this is a “normal process” when dealing with a “new illness”.
The Government is under pressure to up its testing as it nears the end of the month. It is currently way below its target of 100,000 tests per day.
Downing Street said on Tuesday that there is now capacity for 39,250 tests per day, but just 13,460 were carried out.
‘They weren’t effective enough’
Ms Whately was asked on Sky News about the flawed tests on Wednesday, and said: “So my understanding from the clinical advisors is that some of the early tests were evaluated, and the evaluation was that actually they weren’t effective enough.
She said this is a “normal process” when testing for a new illness that people are learning about all the time.
Those who were given the tests have been written to and are being offered fresh tests, she added.
When asked whether people had been given the all-clear erroneously, Ms Whately said: “The guidance has been to people that if you have symptoms to make sure that you are isolating.
“We have to make sure that we look at the reliability of tests, and this has been also the whole debate around the testing of people who don’t have symptoms, for instance, and why we’re focused on people who do have symptoms.
“We know that the testing is most accurate when you have symptoms, so this is really, really important to make sure that we’re not just testing, but testing people effectively.”
‘Degraded performance’
The Daily Telegraph reported that Public Health England (PHE) had issued a memo on the 11 April warning about “degraded performance” of some early tests, which means they are doubting the reliability of some tests.
The memo said it had identified “discordant results” and that laboratories are required to re-check some samples. Over 100,000 NHS staff have been tested to try and get them back on the frontline.
Ms Whately said that 61 NHS staff were known to have died after becoming infected with the coronavirus.
“We know that 61 NHS workers have died and for care workers I have a figure of 15, but we are working to get more comprehensive data on that because it is important for us to know the number of people in health and care who are dying of this,” she told BBC Breakfast.
“We have got to do everything we can to protect their lives.”
Additional reporting by Press Association.


inews--2020-04-22--Asda and Aldi introduce 'no touch' policies in their supermarkets to help stop shoppers spreading co

Asda and Aldi introduce 'no touch' policies in their supermarkets to help stop shoppers spreading coronavirus

Asda and Aldi introduce 'no touch ' policies in their supermarkets to help stop shoppers spreading coronavirus The supermarkets are trying to prevent people from picking up items they might not buy Two of Britain 's biggest supermarkets have introduced a `` no touch '' policy to help fight the spread of Covid-19 .
Both Asda and Aldi have started asking customers to avoid picking up products they may not purchase as the retailers hope to improve hygiene standards in stores .
Trolleys are also on the hit list , with plastic and steel identified by experts as two surfaces @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Aldi has also brought in measures ( Photo : Getty ) Asda announced the new measures on its website and said shoppers should `` touch less '' and asked them to `` pick up only what you intend to buy '' .
The grocer said : `` There will also be clear signage , directional barriers and floor markings to help you move around our store easily and maintain a two-metre distance from other customers and our colleagues .
`` You are allowed to bring your children and other members of your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ask that you keep this to a minimum to help us maintain social distancing advice .
`` We ’ re asking customers to only touch items they intend to purchase and to use cashless payment wherever they can to minimise contact .
`` There will be regular announcements on Asda radio to remind customers of their responsibility to apply social distancing rules , and to help you do this we are closing every other self-checkout till . ''
Aldi , meanwhile , targeted trolleys specifically and said of its improved standards : `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ front of stores so it is easy for customers to disinfect their hands , trolleys and baskets before doing their shop .
`` Our store colleagues may ask that customers only touch trolleys they intend to use . ''
Since the pandemic took hold in Britain , grocers have implemented enforced customer spacing , security guards stemming the number of shoppers who can enter stores at any one time , and plastic guards for checkout staff .
The likes of Sainsbury 's , Tesco , and Waitrose are not believed to have `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with some citing the need to inspect items in order to look at ingredients lists , but all have been following Government guidance in tackling the virus and preventing its spread .

Two of Britain’s biggest supermarkets have introduced a “no touch” policy to help fight the spread of Covid-19.
Both Asda and Aldi have started asking customers to avoid picking up products they may not purchase as the retailers hope to improve hygiene standards in stores.
Trolleys are also on the hit list, with plastic and steel identified by experts as two surfaces upon which coronavirus can live for days.
Push for cashless payment
Asda announced the new measures on its website and said shoppers should “touch less” and asked them to “pick up only what you intend to buy”.
The grocer said: “There will also be clear signage, directional barriers and floor markings to help you move around our store easily and maintain a two-metre distance from other customers and our colleagues.
“You are allowed to bring your children and other members of your household to our stores, but we ask that you keep this to a minimum to help us maintain social distancing advice.
“We’re asking customers to only touch items they intend to purchase and to use cashless payment wherever they can to minimise contact.
“There will be regular announcements on Asda radio to remind customers of their responsibility to apply social distancing rules, and to help you do this we are closing every other self-checkout till.”
Disinfecting trolleys
Aldi, meanwhile, targeted trolleys specifically and said of its improved standards: “Sanitisation stations are in place at the front of stores so it is easy for customers to disinfect their hands, trolleys and baskets before doing their shop.
“Our store colleagues may ask that customers only touch trolleys they intend to use.”
The additional controls brought in by Asda and Aldi join wider initiatives by all supermarkets.
Since the pandemic took hold in Britain, grocers have implemented enforced customer spacing, security guards stemming the number of shoppers who can enter stores at any one time, and plastic guards for checkout staff.
The likes of Sainsbury’s, Tesco, and Waitrose are not believed to have “no touch” rules in place, with some citing the need to inspect items in order to look at ingredients lists, but all have been following Government guidance in tackling the virus and preventing its spread.


inews--2020-04-22--For the UK to recover from coronavirus, the Government must look past London

For the UK to recover from coronavirus , the Government must look past London Regions like the West Midlands have a vital role in leading the charge The impact on the West Midlands has been severe , with the number of cases and deaths second only behind London .
This human tragedy has left our whole region grieving for those relatives , friends and neighbours who have been lost .
Sadly the scale of this loss is not unexpected .
The West Midlands is a huge urban area of three million people , the second-biggest outside London , and it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ country by its central location and transport links .
We have seen our region step up to the challenge with energy , bravery and common sense .
From the brilliant NHS and care workers to the canny inventors and engineers building ventilators ; from the bus and train staff to the supermarket workers and the local community groups .
Our response has been led by the people who live here .
Nobody waited for orders from London to help our neighbours , to provide food for those in need , or to work @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the Black Country , Birmingham , Solihull and Coventry that we are doers , not talkers .
We just get on with it .
That magnificent West Midlands spirit is what will carry us through coronavirus and the economic challenges to come .
As weeks progress , I am expecting the numbers of cases in the region to plateau and then to fall , and we will turn our minds to lifting the lockdown and to the economic recovery .
All the talk of `` levelling-up '' all parts of Britain by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we tackle coronavirus , but it must return to the fore as we plan to get the economy started again .
The Government must make sure that the city-regions are at the heart of that economic recovery .
The regions which are now overseen by the nine elected Metro Mayors , covering 43 per cent of England ’ s population , and have a combined economic output of over £700 billion per year .
This doesn ’ t mean however that the lockdown should be released at different times in different regions .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` sniff test '' that Londoners would be allowed to go to the pub or play football in the park while people in the West Midlands or Greater Manchester were told to stay indoors .
Given how well-connected the regions are , this would surely contribute to further spikes in case of the virus .
The release from lockdown needs to be based on the science , and it is likely to be phased , with testing and continued social distancing to keep the transmission rate low , so that we can start @ @ @ @ @ @ @ doesn ’ t pass the 'sniff test ' that Londoners would be allowed to go to the pub or play football in the park while others are indoors ( Photo : Peter Summers/Getty ) Given the scale of the economic disruption that coronavirus has caused , it will be hard for the economy to bounce straight back to the position before the shutdown .
Therefore the Government needs a substantial plan to help the economy if we are to get businesses growing again as soon as possible .
We need to look if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ economy that we can put in place .
Could we loosen planning restrictions , or streamline the bureaucracy which slows down Government-funded projects ?
Could we invest in rolling out new electric vehicle charging points or 5G infrastructure faster ?
Could we retrain those people who are out of work in new digital skills ?
Each city-region has different specialisations , for example , the West Midlands is home to Jaguar Land Rover and the automotive industry , whereas London is the home of the financial services sector .
Therefore whatever help the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to suit each region .
Mayors and local councils in these regions are best positioned to support local industries , to help their communities , and to build infrastructure that is needed .
The Government will need to use its financial muscle to get the economy going , but we must make sure that we don ’ t depend on an indirect fiscal stimulus through financial institutions alone .
If you are trying to get a shot of adrenaline into the bloodstream , you don ’ t inject it into a patient ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the food .
You put it straight into the blood vessel .
Mayors and their council colleagues have the local knowledge to get the financial support directly to where it is needed the most .
Our city-regions stand ready to act if we are given the powers and resources to do so .
We ’ re going to need to be flexible and pragmatic in the months ahead to make sure we aren ’ t heading for a serious long-term downturn .

When I left my job leading John Lewis to run for Mayor of the West Midlands, I never imagined facing a challenge as utterly devastating as the coronavirus pandemic.
The impact on the West Midlands has been severe, with the number of cases and deaths second only behind London. This human tragedy has left our whole region grieving for those relatives, friends and neighbours who have been lost. Sadly the scale of this loss is not unexpected. The West Midlands is a huge urban area of three million people, the second-biggest outside London, and it is connected to the rest of the country by its central location and transport links.
We have seen our region step up to the challenge with energy, bravery and common sense. From the brilliant NHS and care workers to the canny inventors and engineers building ventilators; from the bus and train staff to the supermarket workers and the local community groups.
Our response has been led by the people who live here. Nobody waited for orders from London to help our neighbours, to provide food for those in need, or to work those extra shifts. We often feel in the Black Country, Birmingham, Solihull and Coventry that we are doers, not talkers. We just get on with it. That magnificent West Midlands spirit is what will carry us through coronavirus and the economic challenges to come.
‘It just doesn’t pass the “sniff test” that Londoners would be allowed to go to the pub or play football in the park while people in the West Midlands or Greater Manchester were told to stay indoors.’
As weeks progress, I am expecting the numbers of cases in the region to plateau and then to fall, and we will turn our minds to lifting the lockdown and to the economic recovery. All the talk of “levelling-up” all parts of Britain by Government has been put on hold while we tackle coronavirus, but it must return to the fore as we plan to get the economy started again. The Government must make sure that the city-regions are at the heart of that economic recovery. The regions which are now overseen by the nine elected Metro Mayors, covering 43 per cent of England’s population, and have a combined economic output of over £700 billion per year.
This doesn’t mean however that the lockdown should be released at different times in different regions. It just doesn’t pass the “sniff test” that Londoners would be allowed to go to the pub or play football in the park while people in the West Midlands or Greater Manchester were told to stay indoors. Given how well-connected the regions are, this would surely contribute to further spikes in case of the virus. The release from lockdown needs to be based on the science, and it is likely to be phased, with testing and continued social distancing to keep the transmission rate low, so that we can start to rebuild the economy.
Given the scale of the economic disruption that coronavirus has caused, it will be hard for the economy to bounce straight back to the position before the shutdown. Therefore the Government needs a substantial plan to help the economy if we are to get businesses growing again as soon as possible. We need to look if there are exceptional measures to boost our economy that we can put in place.
Could we loosen planning restrictions, or streamline the bureaucracy which slows down Government-funded projects? Could we invest in rolling out new electric vehicle charging points or 5G infrastructure faster? Could we retrain those people who are out of work in new digital skills?
Each city-region has different specialisations, for example, the West Midlands is home to Jaguar Land Rover and the automotive industry, whereas London is the home of the financial services sector. Therefore whatever help the public sector provides needs to be tailored to suit each region.
Mayors and local councils in these regions are best positioned to support local industries, to help their communities, and to build infrastructure that is needed. The Government will need to use its financial muscle to get the economy going, but we must make sure that we don’t depend on an indirect fiscal stimulus through financial institutions alone. If you are trying to get a shot of adrenaline into the bloodstream, you don’t inject it into a patient’s dinner, and hope they eat the food. You put it straight into the blood vessel. Mayors and their council colleagues have the local knowledge to get the financial support directly to where it is needed the most.
Our city-regions stand ready to act if we are given the powers and resources to do so. We’re going to need to be flexible and pragmatic in the months ahead to make sure we aren’t heading for a serious long-term downturn.
It’s going to be a long road back to economic prosperity, but our city-regions have a vital role in leading the charge.
Andy Street is the Conservative Mayor of the West Midlands


inews--2020-04-22--Earth Day 2020: We need urgent action on climate change after 'crescendo' of droughts and hurricanes

Earth Day 2020: We need urgent action on climate change after 'crescendo' of droughts and hurricanes, experts say

Earth Day 2020 : We need urgent action on climate change after 'crescendo ' of droughts and hurricanes , experts say While coronavirus shutdowns may lead to falling emissions in the short-term , we can not allow governments to be complacent Humans risk being locked into suffering through centuries of rising sea levels , extreme weather and biodiversity loss if urgent action is not taken to cut emissions .
That is the stark warning issued today by the World Meteorological Organisation , which warned that the physical signs of climate change - from droughts to hurricanes - have accelerated to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ last five years .
The period between 2014 and 2019 is the hottest on record , the WMO confirmed in its Global Climate 2014-2019 report , released today on the 50th anniversary of Earth Day .
Although the shutdowns around the world to stop the spread of coronavirus will almost certainly lead to a dip in emissions in 2020 , governments must not be complacent , WMO Secretary-General Petteri Taalas warned .
Both crises must be tackled at once , he stressed : “ Whilst COVID-19 has caused a severe international health and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ change may threaten human well-being , ecosystems and economies for centuries , ” said Mr Taalas said .
“ We need to flatten both the pandemic and climate change curves , ” he said .
Evacuations from storm or flood-hit areas are more difficult , and overstretched health systems will struggle to deal with victims of extreme weather .
“ Governments need to do more to strengthen warning systems to cope with multiple hazards , ” he said .
Healthcare systems already stretched by the pandemic will struggle to deal with climate impacts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1970 , when Earth Day began , carbon dioxide levels at a key global monitoring station are up 26 per cent , and global average temperatures have increased by 0.86 degrees .
Meanwhile the world ’ s oceans are heating up , glaciers are melting and sea levels are rising , and the window of time to reverse the damage is running out .
Mr Taalas called for the world to “ show the same determination and unity against climate change as against COVID-19 ” .
“ We need to act together in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of humanity not just for the coming weeks and months , but for many generations ahead , ” he said .
The WMO added its backing to calls for post-coronavirus recovery packages to stimulate low-carbon growth , warning that recoveries from previous economic crises have led to an upswing in emissions .
Earlier today UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also warned the world “ must act decisively to protect our planet from both the coronavirus and the existential threat of climate disruption ” .

Humans risk being locked into suffering through centuries of rising sea levels, extreme weather and biodiversity loss if urgent action is not taken to cut emissions.
That is the stark warning issued today by the World Meteorological Organisation, which warned that the physical signs of climate change – from droughts to hurricanes – have accelerated to reach a “crescendo” in the last five years.
The period between 2014 and 2019 is the hottest on record, the WMO confirmed in its Global Climate 2014-2019 report, released today on the 50th anniversary of Earth Day.
‘Flatten both curves’
Although the shutdowns around the world to stop the spread of coronavirus will almost certainly lead to a dip in emissions in 2020, governments must not be complacent, WMO Secretary-General Petteri Taalas warned.
Both crises must be tackled at once, he stressed: “Whilst COVID-19 has caused a severe international health and economic crisis, failure to tackle climate change may threaten human well-being, ecosystems and economies for centuries,” said Mr Taalas said. “We need to flatten both the pandemic and climate change curves,” he said.
Battling a global pandemic makes coping with climate change more difficult, Mr Petteri pointed out.
Evacuations from storm or flood-hit areas are more difficult, and overstretched health systems will struggle to deal with victims of extreme weather. “Governments need to do more to strengthen warning systems to cope with multiple hazards,” he said.
Urgent action required
Since 1970, when Earth Day began, carbon dioxide levels at a key global monitoring station are up 26 per cent, and global average temperatures have increased by 0.86 degrees. Meanwhile the world’s oceans are heating up, glaciers are melting and sea levels are rising, and the window of time to reverse the damage is running out.
Mr Taalas called for the world to “show the same determination and unity against climate change as against COVID-19”. “We need to act together in the interests of the health and welfare of humanity not just for the coming weeks and months, but for many generations ahead,” he said.
The WMO added its backing to calls for post-coronavirus recovery packages to stimulate low-carbon growth, warning that recoveries from previous economic crises have led to an upswing in emissions.
Earlier today UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also warned the world “must act decisively to protect our planet from both the coronavirus and the existential threat of climate disruption”.


inews--2020-04-22--Coronavirus: Barriers to claiming benefits could get worse during the UK lockdown, frontline adviser

Coronavirus: Barriers to claiming benefits could get worse during the UK lockdown, frontline advisers warn

Coronavirus : Barriers to claiming benefits could get worse during the UK lockdown , frontline advisers warn 'We 're seeing a lot of people struggling simply because they 've never had to access the benefits system' The barriers some groups of people face to accessing benefits are likely to be amplified during the coronavirus lockdown , frontline advisers at Citizens Advice have warned .
Demand for Universal Credit has surged amid the pandemic , with social distancing measures leaving many people unable to work or facing reduced hours .
Around 1.5 million claims were made in the six weeks to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for Work and Pensions .
However advisers helping people claim benefits said those without a bank account or the appropriate forms of ID were struggling during the lockdown , adding that they were trying to raise awareness about the Government 's Payment Exception Service .
Advisers at Citizens Advice said the lockdown conditions meant it was more difficult for people to open the bank accounts and obtain copies of the documents they needed for their benefits application .
It was proving to be a particular problem for certain groups such as refugees , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ violence , they said .
One frontline adviser dealt with a case involving an individual who normally worked cash-in-hand but had lost their source of income because of Covid-19 .
`` They tried to apply for Universal Credit but were unable to complete the online application as they did not have a bank account .
The process has been particularly difficult due to the effect of lockdown measures on banking services , as well as the fact that the individual lacks the required standard forms of ID , '' said Citizens Advice , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with information about accessing the Payment Exception Service .
Research from Citizen 's Advice found that 20 per cent of adults in the UK have either already applied or expect to apply for benefits as a result of the coronavirus outbreak .
Jamie McGlynn , a contact centre manager at Citizens Advice Manchester , said : `` Our advisers are receiving calls every day from people whose livelihood has simply disappeared due to this pandemic .
Some lost their jobs or were in unstable work when the crisis hit , and others have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ kicks in .
`` Staff are working flat out to help them with their concerns .
Alongside issues with making an online application for Universal Credit , we 're seeing a lot of people struggling simply because they 've never had to access the benefits system .
There ’ s a huge demand for advice . ''
`` But we know that some people are still slipping through the safety net , often with desperate consequences . ''
She called on the Government to plug the remaining gaps in the employment support schemes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ turn advance payments in the benefits system into non-repayable grants .
“ The system has stood firm in the face of the unprecedented demand and our dedicated staff have gone above and beyond to help process more than 1.5 million new Universal Credit claims in just over a month .
“ These are challenging times , but Universal Credit is providing a vital safety net to those affected by the pandemic and we ’ ve taken action by injecting over £6.5bn to support people on the welfare system , along with the other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Chancellor , '' she added .

The barriers some groups of people face to accessing benefits are likely to be amplified during the coronavirus lockdown, frontline advisers at Citizens Advice have warned.
Demand for Universal Credit has surged amid the pandemic, with social distancing measures leaving many people unable to work or facing reduced hours. Around 1.5 million claims were made in the six weeks to 12 April, according to the Department for Work and Pensions.
However advisers helping people claim benefits said those without a bank account or the appropriate forms of ID were struggling during the lockdown, adding that they were trying to raise awareness about the Government’s Payment Exception Service.
It allows people without bank accounts to access benefits in certain circumstances.
Lockdown difficulties
Advisers at Citizens Advice said the lockdown conditions meant it was more difficult for people to open the bank accounts and obtain copies of the documents they needed for their benefits application.
It was proving to be a particular problem for certain groups such as refugees, rough sleepers and people affected by domestic violence, they said.
One frontline adviser dealt with a case involving an individual who normally worked cash-in-hand but had lost their source of income because of Covid-19.
“They tried to apply for Universal Credit but were unable to complete the online application as they did not have a bank account. The process has been particularly difficult due to the effect of lockdown measures on banking services, as well as the fact that the individual lacks the required standard forms of ID,” said Citizens Advice, adding that the adviser provided the individual with information about accessing the Payment Exception Service.
People using the service may be sent a payment card to collect money from PayPoint outlets located in newsagents, convenience stores and supermarkets.
However advisers said the option was not always well known.
‘Staff are working flat out’
Research from Citizen’s Advice found that 20 per cent of adults in the UK have either already applied or expect to apply for benefits as a result of the coronavirus outbreak.
Jamie McGlynn, a contact centre manager at Citizens Advice Manchester, said: “Our advisers are receiving calls every day from people whose livelihood has simply disappeared due to this pandemic. Some lost their jobs or were in unstable work when the crisis hit, and others have no income until the self-employed support scheme kicks in.
“Staff are working flat out to help them with their concerns. Alongside issues with making an online application for Universal Credit, we’re seeing a lot of people struggling simply because they’ve never had to access the benefits system. There’s a huge demand for advice.”
‘Government worked hard to shore up protections’
Dame Gillian Guy, chief executive of Citizens Advice, said the Government had worked hard “to shore up protections for workers and process soaring claims for Universal Credit”.
“But we know that some people are still slipping through the safety net, often with desperate consequences.”
She called on the Government to plug the remaining gaps in the employment support schemes to protect more jobs, and to turn advance payments in the benefits system into non-repayable grants.
Work and Pensions Secretary Thérèse Coffey said Universal Credit was providing vital support during the Covid-19 outbreak.
“The system has stood firm in the face of the unprecedented demand and our dedicated staff have gone above and beyond to help process more than 1.5 million new Universal Credit claims in just over a month.
“These are challenging times, but Universal Credit is providing a vital safety net to those affected by the pandemic and we’ve taken action by injecting over £6.5bn to support people on the welfare system, along with the other job and business support programmes announced by the Chancellor,” she added.


inews--2020-04-22--Primates expert Dame Jane Goodall: ‘The hurt done to Mother Nature can still be healed’

Primates expert Dame Jane Goodall : ‘ The hurt done to Mother Nature can still be healed ’ To mark Earth Day , Dr Jane Goodall reflects on her decades-long campaign to protect chimpanzees - including by tackling climate change A UN Messenger of Peace , she spends around 300 days a year travelling to spread her message .
Here , to mark the 50th anniversary of Earth Day , we present a Q & A with her from the introduction to the new book Climate Rebels .
She is also the subject of the new documentary , Jane Goodall @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Wednesday 22 April at 8pm .
Q : When did you realise your conservation work was making a real , positive difference ?
`` At the end many people came up for me to sign copies of my books .
One CEO of a very big American company was crying .
He could not speak but hurried away .
Afterwards , he wrote .
Would I attend a very private meeting of the CEOs of the five or six largest companies in Switzerland ?
`` One of the men was responsible for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what size a tree must be before it could be harvested , how far apart they must be , how many years before that section of the forest could be logged again .
And after that meeting , he wrote to tell me that he had added a code of conduct which stipulated that there should be no logging in chimpanzee habitats .
I was amazed . ''
Q : What drives you to keep campaigning for an environment that improves the lives of all living things ?
`` The once great forest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ series of gradually decreasing fragments .
Gombe National Park was once part of that forest – by 1980 it was an isolated island of trees .
The chimpanzees are gone from some of their former range and are endangered in others .
Dr Jane Goodall says adults have stolen children 's future `` and we are still stealing '' ( Illustration : Hannah Peck ) '' More and more animal and plant species are becoming extinct .
But I believe there is still a window of time when , if we all get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the hurt we have inflicted on Mother Nature , and at least slow down climate change .
I am often told that my lectures give people some hope , so I have to keep on doing what I can for the sake of the natural world that I love , and for future generations .
Q : Why do you believe it is so vital to engage and inform young people ?
Q : We ’ re living in an era that can feel frightening .
Do you see reasons to feel optimistic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I look at the Moon , I think with awe of how human beings have been able to walk there – wow !
And now we have clean green energy , we have ways of sucking CO2 out of the atmosphere , and incredible new technologies are in the pipeline .
`` But we must , at the same time , each make our own efforts to minimise our ecological footprints .
Make ethical choices in what we buy , eat and wear .
Reduce global consumption of meat and eliminate poverty , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to make ethical choices .
They must clear the last trees to grow food or make charcoal in their desperate efforts to feed themselves and their family .
And in urban areas they must buy the cheapest junk food to simply stay alive .

Dr Jane Goodall was 26 when she began studying how chimpanzees lived in Gombe, western Tanzania. In 1977 she founded the Jane Goodall Institute to further this research. It also works with young people around the world through its Roots & Shoots programme.
A UN Messenger of Peace, she spends around 300 days a year travelling to spread her message. Here, to mark the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, we present a Q&A with her from the introduction to the new book Climate Rebels. She is also the subject of the new documentary, Jane Goodall: The Hope, on National Geographic on Wednesday 22 April at 8pm.
Q: When did you realise your conservation work was making a real, positive difference?
A: “I was invited to speak at a meeting of international tropical hardwood timber companies around 1990. I did not want to meet these people who were destroying the forests I loved, but I went.
“I talked about my relationship with the forests, the harm that the big corporations were causing in Africa. I told them about the lives of the chimpanzees and how these were disrupted. I told stories. I explained how the roads they made enabled hunters to go deeper and deeper into the forests.
“At the end many people came up for me to sign copies of my books. One CEO of a very big American company was crying. He could not speak but hurried away. Afterwards, he wrote. Would I attend a very private meeting of the CEOs of the five or six largest companies in Switzerland?
“One of the men was responsible for writing the code of conduct that stipulated what size a tree must be before it could be harvested, how far apart they must be, how many years before that section of the forest could be logged again. And after that meeting, he wrote to tell me that he had added a code of conduct which stipulated that there should be no logging in chimpanzee habitats. I was amazed.”
Q: What drives you to keep campaigning for an environment that improves the lives of all living things?
“I have loved animals and nature since I was a child. I have travelled the world and seen the destruction wrought by my own species.
“The once great forest that stretched across Africa is now a series of gradually decreasing fragments. Gombe National Park was once part of that forest – by 1980 it was an isolated island of trees. The chimpanzees are gone from some of their former range and are endangered in others.
“More and more animal and plant species are becoming extinct. But I believe there is still a window of time when, if we all get together, we can start to heal the hurt we have inflicted on Mother Nature, and at least slow down climate change. I am often told that my lectures give people some hope, so I have to keep on doing what I can for the sake of the natural world that I love, and for future generations.
“At 86 years old I cannot slow down – but must speed up to make the most of the years I have left.”
Q: Why do you believe it is so vital to engage and inform young people?
A: “There is a saying: “We haven’t inherited the world from our parents, we’ve borrowed it from our children.”
But we have not borrowed, we’ve stolen their future and we are still stealing.
“Adults are often set in their ways. Children are flexible and they can influence their parents and grandparents. Once they understand the problems and are empowered to take action, they show so much determination and energy.”
Q: We’re living in an era that can feel frightening. Do you see reasons to feel optimistic about the future?
A: “My greatest reason for hope is our young people.
“Secondly, there is our amazing intellect. Animals are way more intelligent than people used to think, but even the brightest chimp or dolphin or crow cannot compare to some human technological achievements.
“Every time I look at the Moon, I think with awe of how human beings have been able to walk there – wow! And now we have clean green energy, we have ways of sucking CO2 out of the atmosphere, and incredible new technologies are in the pipeline.
“But we must, at the same time, each make our own efforts to minimise our ecological footprints. Make ethical choices in what we buy, eat and wear. Reduce global consumption of meat and eliminate poverty, for the really poor cannot afford to make ethical choices. They must clear the last trees to grow food or make charcoal in their desperate efforts to feed themselves and their family. And in urban areas they must buy the cheapest junk food to simply stay alive.
“The next reason for hope is the resilience of nature. Given time, and perhaps some help, places we destroyed can once again become beautiful. The natural world could return. First the plants, followed by animals.
“Finally, there is the indomitable human spirit: those who tackle what seems impossible and won’t give up. I believe that we must make changes, but we do still have reason to hope.”
This is an edited excerpt from ‘Climate Rebels’ by Ben Lerwill (£12.99, Puffin), out now
This story is part of Covering Climate Now, a global collaboration of more than 250 news outlets to strengthen coverage of the climate story


inews--2020-04-22--Government launches string of bizarre coronavirus ads designed to get shared online in repeat of gen

Government launches string of bizarre coronavirus ads designed to get shared online in repeat of general election strategy The adverts have been designed by No 10 's digital guru Ben Guerin who also worked on the Conservative general election campaign The strategy is a repeat of the techniques used during the general election campaign , when the Conservative party put out deliberately bad social media posts with childish fonts and garish colours , so that people would be more likely to share them .
One of the coronoavirus ads shows two women relaxing on a sofa , but a third @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what appears to be a deliberate error .
The post has not been deleted after several days of mockery .
Another of the unusual adverts promoted by the Government One message simply says 'It 's called a living room for a reason' Another shows a manipulated image of a pie with the words `` stay home '' baked into its crust , while one advert depicts a doormat with `` not welcome '' on it .
A further Government ad says : `` It 's called a living room for a reason .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ New Zealand-based advertising agency , has been hired to work in Downing Street for the duration of the Covid-19 crisis .
He is known for crafting eye-catching but unorthodox online messages , as in the general election and Australia 's last election campaign .
A No 10 insider said : `` One of the key aims is to get it shared and talked about as much as possible .
The engagement is good even if it 's over something like the hand being in a weird position . ''
Giles Kenningham , a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` There is such a wall of noise and mountain of information and fake news coming at people the ability to be heard or read is getting harder and harder .
Therefore this tactic of uglifying social media content in an effort to boost its virality is a savvy move . ''
The adverts are designed to get attention online This image was inspired by wartime recruiting posters Marketing experts said the tactic had sometimes proved effective for companies - but warned it may be sending an overly simplistic message which could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Stephanie O'Donohoe of the University of Edinburgh Business School compared the campaign to the `` legendary crap ad '' of the past but added : `` This content could be described as crap without being legendary - it 's dull and didactic , a little like dad-dancing around social media . ''
Isabelle Szmigin , Professor of Marketing at the University of Birmingham , said : `` I do n't think that this is the message we should be using at this time , I think that people have got it ... People @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could bake a cake ' is not the right tone . ''

Government ministers have authorised a string of surreal coronavirus adverts designed to be mocked online so that people share them and spread the “stay at home” message.
In the past week, a number of ads created by No 10 digital guru Ben Guerin have attracted derision on Twitter for making corny jokes and featuring bizarre Photoshop.
The strategy is a repeat of the techniques used during the general election campaign, when the Conservative party put out deliberately bad social media posts with childish fonts and garish colours, so that people would be more likely to share them.
One of the coronoavirus ads shows two women relaxing on a sofa, but a third woman’s hand is also visible in what appears to be a deliberate error. The post has not been deleted after several days of mockery.
Photoshop fail?
Another shows a manipulated image of a pie with the words “stay home” baked into its crust, while one advert depicts a doormat with “not welcome” on it. A further Government ad says: “It’s called a living room for a reason.”
Mr Guerin, who runs a New Zealand-based advertising agency, has been hired to work in Downing Street for the duration of the Covid-19 crisis. He is known for crafting eye-catching but unorthodox online messages, as in the general election and Australia’s last election campaign.
A No 10 insider said: “One of the key aims is to get it shared and talked about as much as possible. The engagement is good even if it’s over something like the hand being in a weird position.”
Giles Kenningham, a former adviser to No10, told i: “There is such a wall of noise and mountain of information and fake news coming at people the ability to be heard or read is getting harder and harder. Therefore this tactic of uglifying social media content in an effort to boost its virality is a savvy move.”
Marketing experts said the tactic had sometimes proved effective for companies – but warned it may be sending an overly simplistic message which could backfire with some of the public.
Stephanie O’Donohoe of the University of Edinburgh Business School compared the campaign to the “legendary crap ad” of the past but added: “This content could be described as crap without being legendary – it’s dull and didactic, a little like dad-dancing around social media.”
Isabelle Szmigin, Professor of Marketing at the University of Birmingham, said: “I don’t think that this is the message we should be using at this time, I think that people have got it… People understand the realities, and saying ‘you could bake a cake’ is not the right tone.”
The Government was initially criticised for putting out mixed messaging on the response to coronavirus before adopting the slogan “stay at home, protect the NHS, save lives”.
It has since sought to hammer that slogan home at every opportunity.


inews--2020-04-22--Gangs of London stars Joe Cole and Sope Dirisu: 'If you don’t like violence, you can watch something

Gangs of London stars Joe Cole and Sope Dirisu: 'If you don’t like violence, you can watch something else'

Gangs of London stars Joe Cole and Sope Dirisu : 'If you don ’ t like violence , you can watch something else' Sky 's drama does n't shy away from showing London 's bloody criminal underworld , but , say its stars , there 's a softer side to these gangsters Gangs of London is not for the faint of heart .
Not only does the first episode of Sky Atlantic ’ s new drama about London ’ s criminal underworld ask for 90 minutes of your time , it also increases your blood pressure with every passing scene @ @ @ @ @ @ @ boxing with his dad in front of the television , the next he ’ s being hunted down by a brute brandishing a bloody meat cleaver .
It ’ s sequences like this one – which takes place in an abandoned block of flats just after another man has been chopped up in the bath – that makes Gangs of London , set in the modern day capital , one of the most violent shows on television .
Viewers will also see a man burned alive while being dangled off the edge of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fight featuring the inventive use of an ashtray .
Fans of Guy Ritchie and Quentin Tarantino will no doubt find a lot to like here .
But the stars of the show , Joe Cole and Sope Dirisu , aren ’ t too concerned about what you think of the brutal scenes .
“ In today 's world you can access the hardest pornography and the most violent videos you want at the click of the button , ” says Cole .
“ We 're in a world where there 's so much @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I 'm not saying that shows have to be a certain way to stand out , but there is a lot for every different kind of viewer in this series .
If it 's not for you , that ’ s not anything to be ashamed about , there 's so much other stuff out there that you can watch .
But in terms of our responsibility as storytellers , we 're not lying .
Stuff like this happens in the world.
” Dirisu wanted to do his own stunts to understand what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have to carry on fighting ( Photo : Sky ) Cole , 31 , plays Sean , the eldest son of the Wallace family , who is thrust into power following the murder of his father , London ’ s criminal kingpin , Finn ( Colm Meaney ) .
Sean ’ s appointment rattles his father ’ s once-loyal network , since he seems more hellbent on revenge than keeping operations running smoothly .
Dirisu , 29 , takes on the role of Elliot Finch , a helping hand to Sean , constantly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ top role in the Wallace organisation .
Why he ’ s so keen to be there , though , is so far unknown to his boss .
The bloodshed , both actors argue , is entirely necessary to the story .
To use Dirisu ’ s word , it is presented “ tastefully ” .
Cole points out that every time a gun is fired , the camera pulls away , leaving us to fill in the missing , er , shots with our imagination – a trademark of director Gareth Evans , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Indonesian action film The Raid .
“ It 's those things that probably make a viewer feel more uncomfortable , ” says Cole .
“ Imagination can be far worse than reality.
” Cole and Dirisu are both born and bred Londoners .
Cole , the eldest of four brothers , grew up in Kingston .
After developing an interest in becoming an actor at a young age , he enrolled at the National Youth Theatre .
He has since made a career out of playing criminals , from his first on screen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rape in a 2010 episode of The Bill to the now dearly departed John Shelby in Brummy gangster series Peaky Blinders .
Dirisu , who grew up on the opposite side of the Thames in Edgware , also took acting classes at the National Youth Theatre , though he followed a less traditional route into television than his co-star .
Dirisu first appeared in the second series of Channel 4 ’ s dystopian drama Utopia in 2014 .
Parts in Black Mirror and Humans have confirmed that he has a discerning eye for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ skills from the same institution , both Cole and Dirisu approach new roles in a similar fashion .
For Gangs of London , neither engaged in much hands-on research .
“ I read a couple of books about London ’ s historical gangs , ” says Dirisu .
Cole admits he doesn ’ t find meeting people similar to the character he is going to play particularly helpful .
Instead , he also read about the real life gangs and their deplorable acts .
“ I got in a bit of a wormhole @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he says .
The psychological state of Sean and Elliot and how they cope with the violent , hyper-masculine world they ’ ve been thrown into was of much more importance to the actors .
“ Sean is a man who has lived in a bubble his entire life , ” says Cole .
“ He probably went to private school , he ’ s never spoken to a therapist or anyone about his emotions .
I had to think about how what he ’ s seen and done would impact him .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ London shows a softer side of men in one hell of a f**ked up world.
” He ’ s referring to a character played by Iranian actor Narges Rashidi , who quietly promises to cause trouble for Sean ’ s enterprise .
There ’ s also Michelle Fairley , who takes on the role of Finn ’ s widow and the Wallace family matriarch , Marian .
“ That character demonstrates more of the stereotypical masculinity from bygone times , ” says Cole .
“ She has a stiff upper lip and she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ quite cool the way the show plays with those roles.
” Cole plays Sean , thrust into power after the death of his father ( Photo : Sky ) The softer take on tough manliness doesn ’ t extend to those fight scenes , though , as Dirisu found out while training to do all his own stunts .
“ I wanted to know what it was going to feel like to really get cracked in the face , ” he says .
“ It 's one thing pretending to get up from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ve actually done it – more than once – you can portray an honest response to it.
” It ’ s no wonder he was upset that his brother thought CGI was used , rather than his own hard work .

Gangs of London is not for the faint of heart. Not only does the first episode of Sky Atlantic’s new drama about London’s criminal underworld ask for 90 minutes of your time, it also increases your blood pressure with every passing scene. One moment a character is playfully boxing with his dad in front of the television, the next he’s being hunted down by a brute brandishing a bloody meat cleaver.
It’s sequences like this one – which takes place in an abandoned block of flats just after another man has been chopped up in the bath – that makes Gangs of London, set in the modern day capital, one of the most violent shows on television. Viewers will also see a man burned alive while being dangled off the edge of a skyscraper and a particularly lively bar fight featuring the inventive use of an ashtray. Fans of Guy Ritchie and Quentin Tarantino will no doubt find a lot to like here.
But the stars of the show, Joe Cole and Sope Dirisu, aren’t too concerned about what you think of the brutal scenes. “In today’s world you can access the hardest pornography and the most violent videos you want at the click of the button,” says Cole.
“We’re in a world where there’s so much content,” adds Dirisu. “I’m not saying that shows have to be a certain way to stand out, but there is a lot for every different kind of viewer in this series. If it’s not for you, that’s not anything to be ashamed about, there’s so much other stuff out there that you can watch. But in terms of our responsibility as storytellers, we’re not lying. Stuff like this happens in the world.”
Cole, 31, plays Sean, the eldest son of the Wallace family, who is thrust into power following the murder of his father, London’s criminal kingpin, Finn (Colm Meaney). Sean’s appointment rattles his father’s once-loyal network, since he seems more hellbent on revenge than keeping operations running smoothly. Dirisu, 29, takes on the role of Elliot Finch, a helping hand to Sean, constantly trying to prove himself worthy of a top role in the Wallace organisation. Why he’s so keen to be there, though, is so far unknown to his boss.
The bloodshed, both actors argue, is entirely necessary to the story. To use Dirisu’s word, it is presented “tastefully”. Cole points out that every time a gun is fired, the camera pulls away, leaving us to fill in the missing, er, shots with our imagination – a trademark of director Gareth Evans, who also oversaw the critically acclaimed 2011 Indonesian action film The Raid. “It’s those things that probably make a viewer feel more uncomfortable,” says Cole. “Imagination can be far worse than reality.”
Cole and Dirisu are both born and bred Londoners. Cole, the eldest of four brothers, grew up in Kingston. After developing an interest in becoming an actor at a young age, he enrolled at the National Youth Theatre. He has since made a career out of playing criminals, from his first on screen role as a boy accused of gang rape in a 2010 episode of The Bill to the now dearly departed John Shelby in Brummy gangster series Peaky Blinders.
Dirisu, who grew up on the opposite side of the Thames in Edgware, also took acting classes at the National Youth Theatre, though he followed a less traditional route into television than his co-star. Dirisu first appeared in the second series of Channel 4’s dystopian drama Utopia in 2014. Parts in Black Mirror and Humans have confirmed that he has a discerning eye for the right roles.
Read More Bulletproof’s Ashley Walters and Noel Clarke: ‘We’ve seen too many TV shows where characters like us break the law’
Having learnt their skills from the same institution, both Cole and Dirisu approach new roles in a similar fashion. For Gangs of London, neither engaged in much hands-on research. “I read a couple of books about London’s historical gangs,” says Dirisu. Cole admits he doesn’t find meeting people similar to the character he is going to play particularly helpful. Instead, he also read about the real life gangs and their deplorable acts. “I got in a bit of a wormhole reading all these horror stories,” he says.
The psychological state of Sean and Elliot and how they cope with the violent, hyper-masculine world they’ve been thrown into was of much more importance to the actors. “Sean is a man who has lived in a bubble his entire life,” says Cole. “He probably went to private school, he’s never spoken to a therapist or anyone about his emotions. I had to think about how what he’s seen and done would impact him. I’d like to think Gangs Of London shows a softer side of men in one hell of a f**ked up world.”
“Elliot represses a lot. He never talks to anyone or tells anyone he had a bad day. That’s a classic symptom of toxic masculinity,” adds Dirisu. “But you see women take on more traditionally mascualine qualities in the show, too.”
He’s referring to a character played by Iranian actor Narges Rashidi, who quietly promises to cause trouble for Sean’s enterprise. There’s also Michelle Fairley, who takes on the role of Finn’s widow and the Wallace family matriarch, Marian. “That character demonstrates more of the stereotypical masculinity from bygone times,” says Cole. “She has a stiff upper lip and she’s so tough. It’s quite cool the way the show plays with those roles.”
The softer take on tough manliness doesn’t extend to those fight scenes, though, as Dirisu found out while training to do all his own stunts. “I wanted to know what it was going to feel like to really get cracked in the face,” he says. “It’s one thing pretending to get up from being smashed about but when you’ve actually done it – more than once – you can portray an honest response to it.” It’s no wonder he was upset that his brother thought CGI was used, rather than his own hard work.
Gangsters have long been a stalwart of great television, from The Sopranos to Cole’s old family of Shelbys in Peaky Blinders. Will Gangs of London join the canon of long-running crime dramas? “It’s in the audience’s hands now,” says Cole. “We’ve done our bit and we just got to see how people respond.”
“There’s definitely scope for us to have that deeper and darker delve into the world that we’ve created,” adds Dirisu, “but not to be something ongoing like EastEnders.” At this, Cole laughs, before clarifying. “The Sopranos? I would absolutely take that.”
Gangs of London is on Sky Atlantic from 23 April


inews--2020-04-22--'The government paid me to help set up a business - now I have to pay them to go bankrupt because I

'The government paid me to help set up a business - now I have to pay them to go bankrupt because I can't get coronavirus loans'

'The government paid me to help set up a business - now I have to pay them to go bankrupt @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus loans' A street-food vendor who launched his dream business with a start up loan @ @ @ @ @ for bankruptcy Moo Stoo was set up using a Government scheme in 2018 , but @ @ @ @ @ any loans He said in order to maintain the business through the Covid-19 crisis he @ @ @ @ @ at least £10,000 , and to get it up and running properly with all the @ @ @ @ @ out successful he would need up to £60,000 .
Liam , left , tried to @ @ @ @ @ he said was 'humiliating' Trying to raise money 'is humiliating' He said setting up the @ @ @ @ @ first time he was doing a job that he loved Liam said if he loses @ @ @ @ @ be able to start again from scratch 'It 's the first job I have loved @

A small business owner who launched his start up with Government backing but has now been rejected from the coronavirus loan scheme is facing bankruptcy in a matter of days.
Bristol-based Liam Walker has exhausted every avenue in an attempt to save his fledgling business but has been denied help and now faces having to pay out almost £700 to file for bankruptcy.
Mr Walker said he set up his business with the help of a Government scheme less than two years ago which encouraged entrepreneurship but now he, and scores of others, have been abandoned.
Dream business
Mr Walker, 38, decided to follow his dreams of opening his stew and dumplings street food company Moo Stoo in 2018 after leaving a job in the Civil Service which, he said, had been making him miserable.
He was able to finally launch the business using the Government Enterprise Allowance which helps unemployed people set up their own companies.
To qualify for the loan he had to remain unemployed during the time it took to secure the help and set up the business, meaning he racked up a lot of debt, which was then exacerbated by the costs of running a new company.
He said by Christmas of 2019 the business had “a really fantastic few months” but bad weather in February – which impacted the food markets he went to – dampened his possible turnover.
Facing bankruptcy
Then when coronavirus hit, he was not in a financial position to continue operating – even on a delivery basis.
The i reported how several small or start up businesses such as Mr Walker’s were being rejected from the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS) because they did not have a high enough turnover in their first year to qualify.
And weeks later, without any help and still being turned down by the government-backed loans, Mr Walker is facing bankruptcy.
Mr Walker, who lives with his partner, a council worker, in Bristol, said: “The government guidelines were that you could not borrow more than 25 per cent of your previous year’s turnover. For a new starter like me… my turnover for the first year was something like £9,000 because I only started trading in September.
“The minimum amount you could borrow is £25,000 so I have taken that to mean the minimum turnover you would have needed was £100,000. So that rules me out.”
He said in order to maintain the business through the Covid-19 crisis he would need a loan of at least £10,000, and to get it up and running properly with all the equipment he needs to come out successful he would need up to £60,000.
Trying to raise money ‘is humiliating’
After failing to access any of the Treasury’s allocated funds or schemes, Mr Walker set up a GoFundMe but has only raised just over £100 so far.
“Setting up the GoFundMe was humiliating to be honest because it feels like begging, but I have put so much into this that I don’t want to give up now,” he said.
“Basically I have tried every avenue and been turned away so unless the chancellor changes his position I will be looking at having to file for bankruptcy within a week.
“All the bills are going to start coming out on the first of the month so I will have no choice but to start bankruptcy proceedings.”
Mr Walker said he emailed his MP, Labour’s Bristol West member Thangam Debbonaire but she replied saying there is nothing more she can do to help him.
£680 bankruptcy fee
As a last ditch attempt Mr Walker has asked her to ask the Treasury whether the Chancellor would waive his bankruptcy fee.
When a business files for bankruptcy in the UK they must pay a £680 bankruptcy fee to cover an adjudicator cost of £130 and a deposit of £550 which you get back if the application is rejected.
Mr Walker is pleading with the chancellor to make an exception given the circumstances. He has not yet had a response.
After applying for universal credit and other government schemes, he discovered he is eligible for 80 per cent of his previous income plus housing benefits. This totals at £360 a month – less than his half of the rent.
Mr Walker and his partner will have to rely on the latter’s salary from the council to cover rent and utilities until he is able to get another job.
But more than the financial strain of the situation, Mr Walker is now faced with losing the business he worked hard to set up.
‘It’s the first job I have loved’
Being able to access the Government’s enterprise scheme in the first place was what enabled him to finally fulfil his dream of cooking for a living but now, he said, he feels abandoned by the Conservatives.
“I put so much into this and its the only job in my entire life that I have actually loved – it’s heaven for me to have the kitchen to myself with my 90s dance music on, just cooking on my own, it’s lovely.
“But if this doesn’t work out I don’t think I will have it in me to start up again. And anyway my credit rating has been destroyed.
“Everyone says the first two years of running your own business is financial hell and I felt like I was just starting to come through the other side and turning it into something I can use to support myself with and now it feels like it’s all been kicked away.
“I didn’t even vote for these people but even I feel betrayed by them. All these qualities that the Conservatives espoused, like self reliance hard work, small business owners like myself have all got those traits and now we have been abandoned.”
The Treasury was approached for comment.