inews--2020-05-26--How coronavirus is forcing us to deal with grief differently

How coronavirus is forcing us to deal with grief differently As a nation , we are experiencing the trauma of bereavement and loss on a far greater and more profound scale than ever seen before Cynthia was described by her family as 'generous with her time , her energy and her friendship ' ( Photo : Supplied by Cynthia 's family ) '' In most cases family and friends do not see the person in the days or weeks before they die .
This means there may be no opportunity to say goodbye in person .
This can leave some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ important things that have been left unsaid .
People may be grieving alone which can add to the experience of loss , sadness and isolation , '' she added .
Mr Tennens has witnessed the strain on mourners and funeral directors ( Photo : SAIF ) 'There is no longer any normality on a personal or global level' “ At a time as our world being flipped upside down by the death of a loved one - the whole world has changed and there is no longer any normality on a personal or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an online bereavement counsellor , told i .
`` Some of the pastimes which may bring us some comfort when we are grieving , such as meeting friends and family or other coping strategies such as going to support groups are not available to us right now .
Hope can be hard to come by when you 're grieving during a pandemic ( Photo : Catherine Ivill/Getty Images ) Alexandra is keen to reiterate her mother is one of tens of thousands people in the UK who have been lost to the crisis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thousands of people who have been faced with the shock loss of a parent , a grandparent , a sibling , a partner , a friend , without the right to see them or comfort them in their final days .

Alexandra last saw her mother, Cynthia, affectionately known as C, on 15 March. The date was a happy one, with the family gathered to celebrate Cynthia’s 69th birthday.
Three days before lockdown began, Cynthia developed a high fever. Ten days later on 25 March at 2pm, Alexandra received a text from her dad saying her mum had been hospitalised with the coronavirus. By 2am, she was put in an intensive care unit in London to receive treatment.
This was the last time her father was allowed to see her.
“She was there for about half a day before they decided to start doing oxygen and put her on a ventilator, and was put on them intermittently,” she said. “After a few days of that, doctors sedated, putting her on the ventilator full time.”
Alexandra texted her mother while she was in the hospital, and heard she had rallied slightly. But another 10 days after she was hospitalised, she received a devastating call.
“The doctors told my dad that she was no longer responding,” she said. “They said at this point in the prognosis, it’s just a matter of time before she passes away.”
The death of Cynthia floored the family. Alexandra’s mother had no underlying health conditions, and was fit and active. Up until she contracted the virus, she had been volunteering at the secondary school where she had been employed as the head librarian until she retired.
“It all happened so quickly, one second she was there, the next she wasn’t,” she said. “It’s like she was hit by a bus, because you don’t see that stage of her being ill, and everything is carrying on as normally when it’s not normal.”
Like thousands of other families, Alexandra and her family were blindsided by Cynthia’s death. And on top of their unexpected grief, they have had to find a new way to say goodbye.
Loss, sadness and isolation
As a nation, we are experiencing the trauma of bereavement and loss on a far greater and more profound scale than ever seen before.
Losing a loved one is never easy, and as one of the most traumatic experiences we can go through, it seems cruel that families are stopped from grieving to curb the virus that took one of their family or friends away.
“While there are have always been unexpected deaths as a result of an accident or unknown terminal health condition, there is a significant increase in the number of people dying prematurely. Right now, family and friends have little chance to prepare,” Dr Frances Duffy, the lead clinical psychologist for older people at the Northern Health and Social Care Trust (NHSCT), told i.
“In most cases family and friends do not see the person in the days or weeks before they die. This means there may be no opportunity to say goodbye in person. This can leave some family and friends feeling that there are important things that have been left unsaid. People may be grieving alone which can add to the experience of loss, sadness and isolation,” she added.
Added to this, social distancing measures and living in separate households to our family members stipulate we cannot reach out to the people we need the most.
“The normal ways of grieving are just not available,” said Dr Duffy. “Different cultures have different rituals following death, many of these are not permitted at present. In some cultures, for example, the tradition is that family and friends visit the home of the bereaved to offer comfort and celebrate the person’s life, but this is not possible.
“Planning and attending funerals is different. Only a small number of people are permitted to attend. Social distancing means that family and friends cannot be close to one another to offer support, shake hands and hug,” she added.
Funeral directors and mourners have seen services turned upside down. Procedures to prepare the body have had to be waylaid to prevent the spread of the illness, and any outfit choices are laid on top of the body by a mortician. Spending time with the coffin is only permissible if the casket is closed.
“Mourners still face social distancing restrictions at crematoria. For example, there are limits to numbers of people who can attend as well as seating arrangements which require people not from the same household to sit a minimum of two metres apart,” Terry Tennens, chief executive of the National Society of Allied and Independent Funeral Directors, told i.
“Numbers can vary by local authority. In Dudley borough there is a limit of 10 mourners at the local authority crematoria, whilst in neighbouring Wyre Forest it’s up to 20. In some areas of the country services have been stopped altogether and church services remain unavailable.”
Mr Tennens, however, has seen some mourners employ some ingenious send-offs. In one instance, a much-loved rugby fan in East Sussex sent the hearse past his club on its way to the crematorium, with members wearing club shirts and blazers lined the road, socially distanced, and applauded the cortege.
Others have attended driveway funerals, allowing for a more intimate ceremony with select guests from the household. Mr Tennens said that for both mourners and directors, “the strain has been immense”.
“I think the biggest challenge for [funeral directors], as a caring profession, has been having to tell families that they are unable to view a loved one in a chapel of rest because it was a Covid-19 death, or that mum’s friends can’t attend her funeral due to social distancing restrictions,” he said.
“As we pass the peak, many funeral staff will be reflecting on their experience and it’s important that they are supported or signposted to support by employers. It’s essential that the mental health of people who have been on the frontline of caring for people affected by coronavirus isn’t neglected as they begin to process the impact of the crisis on their lives,” he added.
‘There is no longer any normality on a personal or global level’
As mourners are cut off from their usual social circles, online counselling has experienced a surge.
Sue Ryder, the national healthcare charity, has seen a staggering spike in demand for their online bereavement service, as a result of Covid-19, reporting an 84 per cent increase in demand for its online bereavement support. Mourners can access the free online video service for support during the process, to access professional help in dealing with their grief.
“At a time as our world being flipped upside down by the death of a loved one – the whole world has changed and there is no longer any normality on a personal or global level,” Lucy Nicholas, an online bereavement counsellor, told i. “Some of the pastimes which may bring us some comfort when we are grieving, such as meeting friends and family or other coping strategies such as going to support groups are not available to us right now.
“Also, our usual routines of school, work or activities can provide us with a sense of safety like an anchor to life before our loss. This consistency can help us with our process of grieving; now this has changed for every one of us.”
But the charity said the service needs extra resources to cope.
“Our free online video counselling service is providing a lifeline to many, but we cannot keep up with demand,” Heidi Travis, chief executive of Sue Ryder told i.
“We are asking the public to please give what they can, however small, to enable us to increase our free bereavement counselling and support the people who are waiting for our help at this incredibly difficult time.”
Coping with the grief
The scale of grief may be huge, but the experts supporting those managing are keen to emphasise that we are not alone. There are several strategies available to help process the trauma during the crisis.
“Try to keep to a routine and if you’re struggling to do this, create a list of ‘basic needs’ and tick them off as you go – or have reminders set to pop up on your phone,” Felicity Ward, a bereavement counsellor told i:
“This list could include things like drinking a glass of water, taking medication, brushing your teeth and hair, having a shower and
having something to eat.
“Try something sociable like phoning or writing to a loved one. You could also set up a group video call with your loved ones and arrange to have a virtual dinner together. Try something therapeutic such as joining the Sue Ryder Bereavement Community or read a book about loss and coping with loss; write a journal of thoughts and feelings. Express your emotions; cry, laugh, talk out loud to yourself or your loved one.
“There are lots of TedTalks on almost every topic – you could tune in and learn something new. There are also great TedTalks on grief. You could also read your favourite book or learn a new skill by searching the internet for video tutorials – why not try learning how to make your own pasta, origami or juggling? The options online are endless,” she added.
For Alexandra, setting up a JustGiving page with her family in honour of her mother is helping her process. To date, the family has raised more than £6,500 for Save The Children to commemorate her.
“We were flooded with cards and flowers from the day of her death, and over 100 notes, texts and flowers. I think it’s testament to how many lives she touched, and just how popular she was,” she said.
Alexandra is keen to reiterate her mother is one of tens of thousands people in the UK who have been lost to the crisis. She is one of hundreds of thousands of people who have been faced with the shock loss of a parent, a grandparent, a sibling, a partner, a friend, without the right to see them or comfort them in their final days.
“I’ve been really angry, feeling like something could have been done sooner, and a lot of people have responded to me and said they feel the same,” she said.
“These people are not just figures, they are people, and every single one of them has a life, and has a story.”


inews--2020-05-26--Celebrity MasterChef 2020 cast: Line-up of contestants for the new series on BBC One, and latest sta

Celebrity MasterChef 2020 cast: Line-up of contestants for the new series on BBC One, and latest start date news

Celebrity MasterChef 2020 cast : Line-up of contestants for the new series on BBC One , and latest start date news There are 20 celebrities vying for this year 's title , won last year by Olympic gold medallist Greg Rutherford The line-up for this year 's Celebrity Masterchef has been announced , and it includes a former England football star , Alan Partridge 's trusty PA , a pair of Olympic champions and a drag queen .
As ever , Gregg Wallace and John Torode will be putting the famous faces through their paces , and if they ca @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you know the rest ...
The BBC has not yet announced an air date for the series , but it will follow the same format , with the show airing five nights a week for eight weeks .
The contestants will be split into four groups of five , and each heat will last for one week .
Those that avoid elimination will go forward to the semi-final week , and hope to make it all the way through to the grand final .
Baga Chipz : Baga came third on the first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Race last year , becoming popular for her crude comedy and catchphrase `` much better ! ''
.
Felicity Montagu : Best known for playing Alan Partridge 's long-suffering but loyal assistant Lynn , most recently in This Time with Alan Partridge on BBC One last year .
Felicity Montagu is best known for playing Alan Partridge 's PA Lynn ( Photo : BBC ) Lady Leshurr : The Birmingham rapper is best known for her Queen 's Speech series of freestyles .
She has released two quarantine-themed tracks during the coronavirus lockdown @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Blue Peter in the '00s , and has also worked on shows including Daybreak , This Morning and Strictly Come Dancing : It Takes Two .
Judy Murray : Andy Murray 's mother is a tennis coach in her own right , and was Great Britain 's FedCup captain from 2011 to 2016 .
She also appeared on the 12th series of Strictly Come Dancing .
Riyadh Khalaf : A broadcaster who also has a successful YouTube channel , with more than 375,000 subscribers .
He is the author of online bestseller Yay @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
Phil Daniels : The actor is best known for playing Jimmy Cooper in Quadrophenia , Kevin Wicks in EastEnders and Grandad Trotter in the Only Fools and Horses prequel Rock & Chips .
Amar Latif : Latif will become Masterchef 's first ever blind chef .
He recently presented BBC Two ’ s Travelling Blind , which followed him on an adventure across Turkey .
Judi Love : The stand-up comedian and radio presenter has become a familiar face this year as one of the regular panellists on Loose Women .
Dominic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for shows about consumer affairs , such as Fake Britain and Do n't Get Done , Get Dom .
Pete Wicks : Despite sharing a surname and curly , flowing locks , Wicks is no relation to fitness guru Joe .
He made his fame on The Only Way is Essex .
Jeff Brazier : Brazier has done the reality TV rounds , appearing on the likes of Shipwrecked and Celebrity Total Wipeout .
In 2003 he went on Celebrity Wife Swap with his then-girlfirend jade Goody , swapping with Who Wants to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ingram .

The line-up for this year’s Celebrity Masterchef includes a former England football star, Alan Partridge’s trusty PA, a pair of Olympic champions and a drag queen.
There are 20 celebrities vying for this year’s title, won last year by Olympic gold medallist Greg Rutherford.
As ever, Gregg Wallace and John Torode will be putting the famous faces through their paces, and if they can’t handle the heat, well, you know the rest…
When is Celebrity MasterChef 2020 on BBC One?
Celebrity MasterChef started at 9.00pm on Wednesday 1 July on BBC One, and broadcasts two hour long episodes on Wednesday and Thursday evenings, with a shorter 30-minute edition on Friday nights.
The contestants have been split into four groups of five, and each heat will last for one week.
Those that avoid elimination will go forward to the semi-final week, and hope to make it all the way through to the grand final.
Who will be crowned Celebrity MasterChef 2020 this summer on @BBCOne @BBCiPlayer? @JohnTorode1 and @GreggAWallace discover which of our contestants has the palate and skill to chop and slice their way to lifting the Celebrity MasterChef trophy. #MasterChefUK
#CelebrityMasterChef pic.twitter.com/sbZJS9bw5T — MasterChef UK 🍴 (@MasterChefUK) May 25, 2020
Celebrity Masterchef 2020 line-up
John Barnes: The Jamaican-born former footballer is a Liverpool legend and played 79 times for England, scoring 11 goals. he now works as a pundit.
Baga Chipz: Baga came third on the first ever UK series of RuPaul’s Drag Race last year, becoming popular for her crude comedy and catchphrase “much better!”.
Felicity Montagu: Best known for playing Alan Partridge’s long-suffering but loyal assistant Lynn, most recently in This Time with Alan Partridge on BBC One last year.
Lady Leshurr: The Birmingham rapper is best known for her Queen’s Speech series of freestyles. She has released two quarantine-themed tracks during the coronavirus lockdown.
Gethin Jones: The Welshman presented Blue Peter in the ’00s, and has also worked on shows including Daybreak, This Morning and Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two.
Judy Murray: Andy Murray’s mother is a tennis coach in her own right, and was Great Britain’s FedCup captain from 2011 to 2016. She also appeared on the 12th series of Strictly Come Dancing.
Shyko Amos: Amos is best known for playing Officer Ruby Patterson in the BBC crime drama Death in Paradise.
Riyadh Khalaf: A broadcaster who also has a successful YouTube channel, with more than 375,000 subscribers. He is the author of online bestseller Yay! You’re Gay! Now What?
Phil Daniels: The actor is best known for playing Jimmy Cooper in Quadrophenia, Kevin Wicks in EastEnders and Grandad Trotter in the Only Fools and Horses prequel Rock & Chips.
Amar Latif: Latif will become Masterchef‘s first ever blind chef. He recently presented BBC Two’s Travelling Blind, which followed him on an adventure across Turkey.
I was so excited when they told me they wanted this series to feature @MasterChefUK’s first ever blind chef, but then I realised they meant me! Tune in to @BBCOne and @BBCiPlayer this summer to see me giving it a go, yikes! #CelebrityMasterChef #MasterChefUK😆 pic.twitter.com/zUTG38gFDm — Amar Latif (@AmarLatif_) May 25, 2020
Judi Love: The stand-up comedian and radio presenter has become a familiar face this year as one of the regular panellists on Loose Women.
Dominic Littlewood: The TV presenter is known for shows about consumer affairs, such as Fake Britain and Don’t Get Done, Get Dom.
Sam Quek: Quek won a gold medal in hockey for Great Britain at the 2016 Olympics and now works as a pundit, including covering American football on the BBC.
Pete Wicks: Despite sharing a surname and curly, flowing locks, Wicks is no relation to fitness guru Joe. He made his fame on The Only Way is Essex.
Thomas Skinner: Skinner is a fan favourite from the 15th season of The Apprentice. He owns a pillow company called The Fluffy Pillow Company.
Myles Stephenson: A member of the British R&B group Rak-Su, who became the first male group to win The X Factor in 2017.
Jeff Brazier: Brazier has done the reality TV rounds, appearing on the likes of Shipwrecked and Celebrity Total Wipeout. In 2003 he went on Celebrity Wife Swap with his then-girlfirend jade Goody, swapping with Who Wants to be a Millionaire‘s coughing major Charles Ingram.
Karen Gibson: The founder, choir conductor and workshop leader of London’s The Kingdom Choir, who sung at Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s wedding.
Sir Matthew Pinsent: Sir Matthew won four straight Olympic gold medals in rowing between 1992 and 2004, and also had 10 World Championship golds. He is now a sports broadcaster with the BBC.
Crissy Rock: An award-winning stand-up comedian and actress, best known for Janey York in the ITV series Benidorm. She appeared on I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! in 2011.


inews--2020-05-26--What are non-essential shops? Stores set to open on 15 June - and the rules around reopening after l

What are non-essential shops? Stores set to open on 15 June - and the rules around reopening after lockdown explained

What are non-essential shops ?
Stores set to open on 15 June - and the rules around reopening after lockdown explained Outdoor markets and car showrooms will be able to reopen from an earlier date All non-essential shops in England will be able to reopen from 15 June as part of plans to further ease the lockdown , the Government has announced .
Clothes shops and bookshops will be among the stores able to reopen in England from the middle of next month , following the reopening of outdoor markets and car showrooms .
The new regulations were announced by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's briefing , which was dominated by the news that his adviser Dominic Cummings had travelled to Durham during the lockdown .
What will be allowed to reopen ?
Outdoor markets and car showrooms will be able to reopen from 1 June , as soon as they are able to meet the Covid-19 secure guidelines to protect shoppers and workers .
As with garden centres , the risk of transmission of the virus is lower in these outdoor and more open spaces , and car showrooms often have significant outdoor space making it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ All other non-essential retailers , including shops selling clothes , shoes , toys , furniture , books , and electronics , plus tailors , auction houses , photography studios , and indoor markets , will be able to reopen from 15 June if the Government ’ s five tests are met , and businesses follow the Covid-19 secure guidelines , giving them three weeks to prepare .
What protections will be in place ?
Retail outlets , bookshops and tailors will open - but only if they meet additional safety measures ( Photo @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Businesses will only be able to open once they have completed a risk assessment , in consultation with trade union representatives or workers , and are confident they are managing the risks .
They must have taken the necessary steps to become Covid-19 secure in line with the current Health and Safety legislation .
Updates to the guidance include measures such as storing returned items for 72 hours before putting them back out on the shop floor , placing protective coverings on large items touched by the public such as beds or sofas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ surfaces that are touched regularly , such as self-checkouts , trolleys , coffee machines and betting terminals .
Michael Gove told BBC Breakfast on Tuesday : `` We need to ensure that some of the shopping habits people may have grown used to in the pre-Covid days are habits that we exercise a degree of restraint on .
`` So when it comes to touching and testing goods , when it comes to trying on clothing , when it comes to trying make-up and so on , that all of us exercise restraint @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as these stores reopen , it is a new normal , but it will allow us to ensure there are a wider range of goods and will also ensure the economy can return to a new normal , that is absolutely vital for people 's jobs . ''
What about seeing my family and friends ?
There have been no further details on the easing of social distancing measures or the restrictions on being able to meet people outside of a household since Boris Johnson announced updated measures this month for those in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ public can meet one person from outside of their household in a public setting , like a park , while remaining socially distant , and can exercise as many times a day as they wish .
People can also rest outside , and travel to beauty spots provided they practice social distancing at all times .

All non-essential shops in England will be able to reopen from 15 June as part of plans to further ease the lockdown, the Government has announced.
Clothes shops and bookshops will be among the stores able to reopen in England from the middle of next month, following the reopening of outdoor markets and car showrooms.
The new regulations were announced by Prime Minister Boris Johnson during Sunday evening’s briefing, which was dominated by the news that his adviser Dominic Cummings had travelled to Durham during the lockdown.
Here’s what businesses will be able to open across the month of June:
What will be allowed to reopen?
Outdoor markets and car showrooms will be able to reopen from 1 June, as soon as they are able to meet the Covid-19 secure guidelines to protect shoppers and workers.
As with garden centres, the risk of transmission of the virus is lower in these outdoor and more open spaces, and car showrooms often have significant outdoor space making it easier to follow social distancing guidelines.
All other non-essential retailers, including shops selling clothes, shoes, toys, furniture, books, and electronics, plus tailors, auction houses, photography studios, and indoor markets, will be able to reopen from 15 June if the Government’s five tests are met, and businesses follow the Covid-19 secure guidelines, giving them three weeks to prepare.
“Reopening non-essential retail is the next step towards restoring people’s livelihoods, restarting the UK’s economy, and ensuring vital public services like the NHS continue to be funded,” the guidelines state.
What protections will be in place?
Social distancing rules will be in place for retailers, with additional measures introduced such as plexiglass windows to aid the safety of workers and customers.
The guidelines state some protections will be in place before shops can open their doors to the public.
Businesses will only be able to open once they have completed a risk assessment, in consultation with trade union representatives or workers, and are confident they are managing the risks. They must have taken the necessary steps to become Covid-19 secure in line with the current Health and Safety legislation.
Updates to the guidance include measures such as storing returned items for 72 hours before putting them back out on the shop floor, placing protective coverings on large items touched by the public such as beds or sofas, and frequent cleaning o objects and surfaces that are touched regularly, such as self-checkouts, trolleys, coffee machines and betting terminals.
Hairdressers, nail bars and beauty salons, and the hospitality sector, will remain closed until 4 July at the earliest.
Read More Coronavirus in the UK: Boris Johnson’s promised workplace safety inspections ‘don’t exist’
Michael Gove told BBC Breakfast on Tuesday: “We need to ensure that some of the shopping habits people may have grown used to in the pre-Covid days are habits that we exercise a degree of restraint on.
“So when it comes to touching and testing goods, when it comes to trying on clothing, when it comes to trying make-up and so on, that all of us exercise restraint in not doing that and recognising that as these stores reopen, it is a new normal, but it will allow us to ensure there are a wider range of goods and will also ensure the economy can return to a new normal, that is absolutely vital for people’s jobs.”
What about seeing my family and friends?
There have been no further details on the easing of social distancing measures or the restrictions on being able to meet people outside of a household since Boris Johnson announced updated measures this month for those in England.
Currently, members of the public can meet one person from outside of their household in a public setting, like a park, while remaining socially distant, and can exercise as many times a day as they wish. People can also rest outside, and travel to beauty spots provided they practice social distancing at all times.
People are able to return to work if they cannot work from home, but the public is discouraged from taking public transport “if at all possible”.


inews--2020-05-26--When will hairdressers open? Date salons could reopen under UK plan to end lockdown

When will hairdressers open ?
Date salons could reopen under UK plan to end lockdown Latest on lockdown closures in the UK and if hairdressers could be among last businesses to reopen .
Hairdressers and barber shops remain temporarily closed , with many across the UK getting creative with cutting their own hair at home - with some very interesting results .
How long could salons be shut for ?
Johnson said that his blueprint for a gradual easing of the coronavirus lockdown in England could see primary schools , nurseries and shops partially reopening from 1 June .
Although @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be among the first businesses to reopen , Dominic Raab has revealed that they will not open until July at the earliest .
Foreign secretary , Mr Raab , confirmed hairdressers , pubs and restaurants would have to wait until phase three , which would be from 4 July at the `` very earliest '' , to be reconsidered for reopening .
Mr Raab told Sky News ' Kay Burley @ Breakfast show : `` From 4 July , at the earliest , we 'll look at other sectors and that will include @ @ @ @ @ @ @ personal care and people like hairdressers.
” The First Minister has unveiled plans to ease Scotland out of lockdown restrictions .
She said that several strict measures will be relaxed from 28 May in a four-phase `` route map '' .
However , retail services including hairdressers are not expected to be allowed to open for bookings again until phase three of the plan .
The First Minister of Wales , Mark Drakeford , said that Wales would allow more frequent exercise and the opening of garden centres , but that said schools @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Further plans to ease lockdown restrictions in Northern Ireland have been unveiled , as part of the first steps towards recovery following the coronavirus outbreak .
The NI Executive has said that groups of up to six people who do not share a household will be allowed to meet outdoors , so long as social distancing procedure is followed .
They can , however , draw on a second Treasury wage scheme which is for the self-employed .
Self-employed workers do n't need to apply to it , as HMRC will contact those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mid-May .
Citizens Advice explains that “ if your income has dropped because of coronavirus , you might be able to get money from the government .
“ You could get 80 per cent of your average profits up to a maximum of £2,500 per month .
This is called the Self-employment Income Support Scheme . ''
How can I support my local hairdresser ?
A good way to support your local hair salon is to buy a gift voucher now that you can use there when they reopen .
Hairdressers will also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , so if your salon does have a waiting list , then it ’ s worth putting your name down now .

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


inews--2020-05-26--Woman distressed to find her mother died of Coronavirus in a care home that was issued out-of-date P

Woman distressed to find her mother died of Coronavirus in a care home that was issued out-of-date PPE Eliza Flynn is worried the PPE the care home was using could have contributed to her death ' I didn ’ t want her to feel like she was alone' But just a few days after her mother passed away , Eliza claims she discovered something else that devastated her – the PPE the care home had been using had expired .
Supply issues throughout the country during the pandemic has meant that the NHS has issued guidance that expired PPE can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ safe if used correctly . ''
“ We went back last week to go through Mum ’ s stuff and start clearing out her room because they are still accepting residents into the care home , ” Eliza , from north London , said .
“ It was then that a staff member told me she was really angry with the way everything had been dealt with and that they ’ d only just got testing for staff and residents through .
“ She was ill and had lost the ability to speak @ @ @ @ @ @ @ us using facial expressions and gestures and , aside from the Alzheimer ’ s , was in good health , ” Eliza said .
“ I really feel that , had she not got the virus , she would have had a few years left .
And perhaps it might not have spread anyway if staff had been properly protected.
” Elly Flynn when she was younger ( Supplied ) “ Nobody wants to put their mother into a care home , but we had no choice as I was about to have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ manage , ” explained Eliza .
“ We had to fork out a lot of money to put her up in a London flat , so she could be near Tom and I , and got her a carer too .
But it still didn ’ t have the right facilities and my mother just wasn ’ t managing even with help.
” “ They had been allowing visitors until lockdown happened and then we were told we couldn ’ t go in to see Mum anymore , ” Eliza recalled .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ call to say she had a temperature , it wasn ’ t expected as she hadn ’ t been ill when I ’ d last seen her .
She didn ’ t seem to have any other symptoms either , so I tried not to think the worst.
” “ We were allowed to visit her a week before she passed away and had to wear full PPE , ” said Eliza .
“ It was horrendous .
We ’ d seen Mum before when she ’ d been ill , but she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The fact that we couldn ’ t properly cuddle or kiss her properly either was awful too .
My sister went back there for a few days after that visit and I would go with her but sit outside and watch on the video monitor so I could still talk to Mum too .
It felt like it was too much of a risk for me to expose myself any more with the kids at home.
” “ We ’ d discussed her being taken to hospital with the care home doctor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was agreed that would be more stressful and frightening for her to be in a place where she didn ’ t know anyone ot too far away for us to go and visit if we could.
” A spokesperson for Bridgeside Lodge said they had maintained stocks of PPE , including gloves , aprons and masks , at the home since the Government recommended their use and that it was “ correct to say that some FFP3 masks used and still in use at Bridgeside Lodge are past their labelled expiry date , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ issued guidance to confirm that these products still pass the stringent tests that demonstrate that they are safe .
With limited stocks available , it is our understanding that the Government only issues products that meet these requirements .
”

When Eliza Flynn was forced to put her mother, Elly, in a care home, it was one of the toughest decisions she’d ever made. She knew how much the then 68-year old valued her independence, so waited as long as she could before Alzheimer’s really took hold.
By the time the Covid-19 pandemic broke out, Elly had already deteriorated to the point where she could barely remember who her daughter even was.
Sadly, she contracted the virus, and when staff at the home called to tell Eliza, 38, that her mother was dying, she had one final visit to say goodbye.
‘I didn’t want her to feel like she was alone’
“It was terrible seeing her lying there and not being able to hug her,” she told i. “My sister and I had to put on full Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and we were allowed to hold her hand and tell her we loved her.
But just a few days after her mother passed away, Eliza claims she discovered something else that devastated her – the PPE the care home had been using had expired. Supply issues throughout the country during the pandemic has meant that the NHS has issued guidance that expired PPE can be used, saying it is “safe if used correctly.”
She now believes this may have contributed to Elly contracting the virus, and could be one of the causes behind the rapid spread of Covid-19 throughout care homes in the UK.
“We went back last week to go through Mum’s stuff and start clearing out her room because they are still accepting residents into the care home,” Eliza, from north London, said. “It was then that a staff member told me she was really angry with the way everything had been dealt with and that they’d only just got testing for staff and residents through.
Box of PPE had refreshed expiry date
“On top of that she said, ‘They’ve sent us rubbish protection’ and showed me a box of PPE that had a 2020 expiry date sticker on top of the original expiry date of 2016 written on the box. It was obvious someone had just put another sticker over it.”
Eliza was stunned but, still grieving the loss of her mother and with her two children Arthur, three, and Hector, two, to look after as well as her business as a pre and post-natal personal trainer to run online during lockdown, she didn’t have time to investigate further.
But she believes that, had the care home been given adequate protection, her mother might still be alive today.
“She was ill and had lost the ability to speak recently but she could still communicate with us using facial expressions and gestures and, aside from the Alzheimer’s, was in good health,” Eliza said. “I really feel that, had she not got the virus, she would have had a few years left. And perhaps it might not have spread anyway if staff had been properly protected.”
Elly was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2012 when she was 68 years old, after showing signs of the chronic neurodegenerative disease for two years beforehand.
“Nobody wants to put their mother into a care home, but we had no choice as I was about to have my first child and couldn’t manage,” explained Eliza. “We had to fork out a lot of money to put her up in a London flat, so she could be near Tom and I, and got her a carer too. But it still didn’t have the right facilities and my mother just wasn’t managing even with help.”
Elly was put into Bridgeside Lodge in Islington, north London and after she settled in, Eliza and her sister were happy with the care she received there and visited her regularly.
Then on April 2nd this year, a few days after Coronavirus lockdown restrictions were put in place around the UK, Eliza got a call from the doctor at the home to say her mother was seriously ill.
“They had been allowing visitors until lockdown happened and then we were told we couldn’t go in to see Mum anymore,” Eliza recalled. “So, when I got that phone call to say she had a temperature, it wasn’t expected as she hadn’t been ill when I’d last seen her. She didn’t seem to have any other symptoms either, so I tried not to think the worst.”
Days later however, Elly’s oxygen saturation levels had fallen dangerously low and Eliza and her sister were told she might not survive.
Final visits were limited
“We were allowed to visit her a week before she passed away and had to wear full PPE,” said Eliza. “It was horrendous. We’d seen Mum before when she’d been ill, but she couldn’t even open her eyes. The fact that we couldn’t properly cuddle or kiss her properly either was awful too. My sister went back there for a few days after that visit and I would go with her but sit outside and watch on the video monitor so I could still talk to Mum too. It felt like it was too much of a risk for me to expose myself any more with the kids at home.”
As she became weaker, Elly was put on oxygen to keep her alive.
“We’d discussed her being taken to hospital with the care home doctor but, in the end, it was agreed that would be more stressful and frightening for her to be in a place where she didn’t know anyone ot too far away for us to go and visit if we could.”
Tragically, Elly passed away on April 19 and the cause of death listed on her birth certificate was stated as Coronavirus with underlying Alzheimer’s. She was 76 years old.
Eliza now suspects the PPE she and her sister wore to visit their mother may have been expired too, as well as the PPE the staff member showed her.
“As far as I know that is all they’ve been sent so they’ve been having to use protective gear that may not even be protecting them or the residents properly,” she said. “I know they’ve been struggling to get hold of any at all.”
A spokesperson for Bridgeside Lodge said they had maintained stocks of PPE, including gloves, aprons and masks, at the home since the Government recommended their use and that it was “correct to say that some FFP3 masks used and still in use at Bridgeside Lodge are past their labelled expiry date,” but that “the NHS has issued guidance to confirm that these products still pass the stringent tests that demonstrate that they are safe. With limited stocks available, it is our understanding that the Government only issues products that meet these requirements.”
“This is what they are still wearing because they can’t get any others,” added Eliza. “The care home can only use what they are given so I’m not blaming them, but I don’t see why the government still can’t sort this out, considering we had so much warning.”
A Department for Health and Social Care spokesperson said: “Coronavirus can have a devastating effect on the most vulnerable people in society, and our deepest sympathies go out to families who have lost relatives to it.
“We are working around the clock to make sure care homes and our frontline social care workforce are getting the support they need to protect their residents and tackle coronavirus.
“We’ve delivered 1.33 billion items of PPE since the outbreak began, and all deliveries are checked to make sure the equipment meets the safety and quality standards to protect our frontline workers.”


inews--2020-05-26--UK coronavirus deaths drop to lowest level for six weeks, but proportion of care home fatalities con

UK coronavirus deaths drop to lowest level for six weeks, but proportion of care home fatalities continues to rise

UK coronavirus deaths drop to lowest level for six weeks , but proportion of care home fatalities continues to rise The ONS said trends `` should ... be interpreted with caution '' The number of deaths involving coronavirus in the UK reached its lowest weekly level for six weeks earlier in May , while the proportion of deaths in care homes has continued to rise .
New figures released by the Office for National Statistics ( ONS ) recorded 4,210 deaths involving Covid-19 registered in the week running to May 15 , marking the lowest weekly total since the week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deaths were registered .
The percentage of deaths caused by the virus and the total number of excess deaths compared with the five-year average continued to decrease .
But the total number of deaths from all causes rose by 1,916 to 14,573 - with an increase being reported after a dip during the early May bank holiday .
Pre-dug graves for Covid-19 deaths are seen in Maker Cemetery on April 14 , 2020 in Maker , England .
( Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images ) The ONS said trends over these two weeks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' .
For the first time , deaths in care homes accounted for more than half of the total number of deaths with coronavirus .
On 9 May , there were 214 deaths in care homes - 51 per cent of the total , while 191 ( 46 per cent ) took place in hospitals .
They show that 42,173 deaths involving Covid-19 occurred in England and Wales up to 15 May ( and had been registered up to 23 May ) .
The latest figures from the National Records of Scotland , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ involving Covid-19 had been registered in Scotland up to 17 May .
And the latest figures from the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency , also published last week , showed 664 deaths involving Covid-19 had been registered in Northern Ireland up to 20 May .
Together , these figures mean that so far 46,383 deaths have been registered in the UK where Covid-19 was mentioned on the death certificate , including suspected cases .
A further 964 hospital patients in England who had tested positive for Covid-19 died between 16 May and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Monday by NHS England - which , together with the total figure of 46,383 registered deaths , indicates the overall death toll for the UK is now just over 47,300 .
The National Records of Scotland found there were 4,434 excess deaths in Scotland between 23 March and 17 May , while the Northern Ireland Statistics & Research Agency put the figure for Northern Ireland at 834 excess deaths between 21 March and 15 May .

The number of deaths involving coronavirus in the UK reached its lowest weekly level for six weeks earlier in May, while the proportion of deaths in care homes has continued to rise.
New figures released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) recorded 4,210 deaths involving Covid-19 registered in the week running to May 15, marking the lowest weekly total since the week ending April 3, when 3,801 Covid-19-related deaths were registered.
The percentage of deaths caused by the virus and the total number of excess deaths compared with the five-year average continued to decrease.
But the total number of deaths from all causes rose by 1,916 to 14,573 – with an increase being reported after a dip during the early May bank holiday.
Deaths in care homes
The ONS said trends over these two weeks “should therefore be interpreted with caution”.
For the first time, deaths in care homes accounted for more than half of the total number of deaths with coronavirus. On 9 May, there were 214 deaths in care homes – 51 per cent of the total, while 191 (46 per cent) took place in hospitals.
The figures bring the total number of deaths involving Covid-19 in the UK to more than 47,000.
They show that 42,173 deaths involving Covid-19 occurred in England and Wales up to 15 May (and had been registered up to 23 May).
The latest figures from the National Records of Scotland, published last week, showed 3,546 deaths involving Covid-19 had been registered in Scotland up to 17 May .
And the latest figures from the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency, also published last week, showed 664 deaths involving Covid-19 had been registered in Northern Ireland up to 20 May.
ONS figures
Together, these figures mean that so far 46,383 deaths have been registered in the UK where Covid-19 was mentioned on the death certificate, including suspected cases.
A further 964 hospital patients in England who had tested positive for Covid-19 died between 16 May and 24 May, according to figures published on Monday by NHS England – which, together with the total figure of 46,383 registered deaths, indicates the overall death toll for the UK is now just over 47,300.
The number of excess deaths in the UK since the coronavirus outbreak began is nearly 60,000.
Tuesday’s ONS figures show 53,960 excess deaths in England and Wales between 21 March and 15 May 2020.
The National Records of Scotland found there were 4,434 excess deaths in Scotland between 23 March and 17 May, while the Northern Ireland Statistics & Research Agency put the figure for Northern Ireland at 834 excess deaths between 21 March and 15 May.
Together, this means the total number of excess deaths in the UK across this period now stands at 59,228.
All figures are based on death registrations.
Additional reporting by PA


inews--2020-05-26--Virgin Orbit launch: Richard Branson's rocket fails during maiden flight

The rocket was dropped from a jumbo jet during the flight , leading to the mission being aborted Richard Branson 's Virgin Orbit failed in its first test launch of a new rocket carried aloft by the Boeing 747 and released over the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Southern California ( Photo : PA ) Sir Richard Branson 's Virgin Orbit rocket has failed during its first test flight as part of a data-gathering mission into launching satellites into space .
The rocket was being carried by a Boeing 747 jumbo jet , dubbed Cosmic Girl , before it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the coast of Southern California in the early hours of Tuesday morning .
While the 70ft rocket successfully lighted its booster engine on cue , an unspecified issue caused the mission to be terminated , the satellite launch company confirmed .
The carrier aircraft and all its crew returned safely to the Mojave Air and Space Port in California .
A team has been working on the LauncherOne rocket for five years and has another six rockets currently under construction .
The Virgin Orbit Boeing 747-400 aircraft named Cosmic Girl takes off from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ desert north of Los Angeles ( Photo : PA ) “ Our team performed their prelaunch and flight operations with incredible skill today .
Test flights are instrumented to yield data and we now have a treasure trove of that , '' Dan Hart , chief executive of Virgin Orbit , said .
`` We accomplished many of the goals we set for ourselves , though not as many as we would have liked .
Nevertheless , we took a big step forward today . ''
The purpose of the flight was to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ launch process rather than to put a satellite into orbit .
The rocket 's orbit had been intended to be deliberately low to avoid contributing to the problem of space junk .
The company had been conservative in its hopes for the launch , after Will Pomerantz , Virgin Orbit 's vice president for special projects , said during a briefing on Saturday : `` History is not terribly kind , necessarily , to maiden flights '' .
Elon Musk , founder of rival space exploration company SpaceX , said he was sorry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ adding it took SpaceX four attempts to reach orbit with its Falcon 1 rocket .
Musk is hoping to make history by sending two Nasa astronauts to the International Space Station in a SpaceX rocket on Wednesday evening , which would make it the first private company to send astronauts into space .
Virgin Orbit claims to have dozens of missions worth `` hundreds of millions '' booked in for customers including the Royal Air Force and the US Space Force and plans to launch from both the UK and Japan .

Sir Richard Branson‘s Virgin Orbit rocket has failed during its first test flight as part of a data-gathering mission into launching satellites into space.
The rocket was being carried by a Boeing 747 jumbo jet, dubbed Cosmic Girl, before it was released over the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Southern California in the early hours of Tuesday morning.
While the 70ft rocket successfully lighted its booster engine on cue, an unspecified issue caused the mission to be terminated, the satellite launch company confirmed.
The carrier aircraft and all its crew returned safely to the Mojave Air and Space Port in California.
A team has been working on the LauncherOne rocket for five years and has another six rockets currently under construction.
“Our team performed their prelaunch and flight operations with incredible skill today. Test flights are instrumented to yield data and we now have a treasure trove of that,” Dan Hart, chief executive of Virgin Orbit, said.
“We accomplished many of the goals we set for ourselves, though not as many as we would have liked. Nevertheless, we took a big step forward today.”
The purpose of the flight was to gather data on every step of the launch process rather than to put a satellite into orbit. The rocket’s orbit had been intended to be deliberately low to avoid contributing to the problem of space junk.
Failure to launch
The company had been conservative in its hopes for the launch, after Will Pomerantz, Virgin Orbit’s vice president for special projects, said during a briefing on Saturday: “History is not terribly kind, necessarily, to maiden flights”.
Elon Musk, founder of rival space exploration company SpaceX, said he was sorry to hear of the failed launch, adding it took SpaceX four attempts to reach orbit with its Falcon 1 rocket.
Musk is hoping to make history by sending two Nasa astronauts to the International Space Station in a SpaceX rocket on Wednesday evening, which would make it the first private company to send astronauts into space.
Virgin Orbit claims to have dozens of missions worth “hundreds of millions” booked in for customers including the Royal Air Force and the US Space Force and plans to launch from both the UK and Japan.


inews--2020-05-26--Labour has held off calling for Dominic Cummings to resign because Keir Starmer knows No 10 wants to

Labour has held off calling for Dominic Cummings to resign because Keir Starmer knows No 10 wants to turn row into a straight political fight The Labour leader has taken a more measured approach to the controversy than other Opposition leaders As the chorus of calls for Dominic Cummings ' resignation continues to grow , one voice has conspicuously not joined in - Keir Starmer .
Unlike most other high-profile Opposition figures , the Labour leader has stopped short of calling for Boris Johnson to sack his right-hand man .
And he declined to join a Tuesday morning conference call @ @ @ @ @ @ @ agree a co-ordinated response .
That does not mean Sir Keir has been silent .
He has made it clear that if he were in the Prime Minister 's place , he would have fired Mr Cummings ; he has called for an inquiry to be led by the Cabinet Secretary ; and he put a message complaining that `` it 's one rule for Boris Johnson 's closest adviser , another for everybody else '' .
But he has avoided ever actually demanding the adviser 's resignation , as have most other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as 20 Tory MPs , a string of high-profile conservative commentators and Scotland minister Douglas Ross , who quit on Tuesday , have called for Mr Cummings to go .
Boris Johnson ’ s controversial chief adviser Dominic Cummings was unrepentant about appearing to breach lockdown rules ( Photo : Jonathan Brady/PA Wire ) One reason for Sir Keir 's caution is that he does not want to pick a fight he can not win .
Given the Prime Minister 's determination to keep Mr Cummings in place , supported by most of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will hang on to his job ; for Labour to seek his resignation , and fail , would risk making the party look impotent and potentially cancel out the boost it received from the Government 's U-turn on immigration fees for NHS workers last week .
Another is that he is alive to the importance of framing in politics .
Mr Cummings and his supporters believe that much of the opposition to him comes from people who already hated him , pointing to the fact that his most outspoken critics tend to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's election victory .
Even among Conservative MPs , most of those who have demanded his head are either from the centrist wing of the party or are Brexiteers who have clashed with Mr Cummings since before the 2016 referendum because of their disagreements with him over strategy .
For Sir Keir to lead the charge against him would only add to the sense inside No10 that Mr Cummings is victim of a political stitch-up .
Labour 's calculation is that staying in the background , and hoping that Mr Cummings ' usual @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is the best way to cause major damage .

As the chorus of calls for Dominic Cummings’ resignation continues to grow, one voice has conspicuously not joined in – Keir Starmer.
Unlike most other high-profile Opposition figures, the Labour leader has stopped short of calling for Boris Johnson to sack his right-hand man. And he declined to join a Tuesday morning conference call involving all the other party leaders to agree a co-ordinated response.
That does not mean Sir Keir has been silent. He has made it clear that if he were in the Prime Minister’s place, he would have fired Mr Cummings; he has called for an inquiry to be led by the Cabinet Secretary; and he put a message complaining that “it’s one rule for Boris Johnson’s closest adviser, another for everybody else”.
But he has avoided ever actually demanding the adviser’s resignation, as have most other members of the shadow Cabinet – even as 20 Tory MPs, a string of high-profile conservative commentators and Scotland minister Douglas Ross, who quit on Tuesday, have called for Mr Cummings to go.
Pick your battles
One reason for Sir Keir’s caution is that he does not want to pick a fight he cannot win. Given the Prime Minister’s determination to keep Mr Cummings in place, supported by most of the Cabinet, it remains likely he will hang on to his job; for Labour to seek his resignation, and fail, would risk making the party look impotent and potentially cancel out the boost it received from the Government’s U-turn on immigration fees for NHS workers last week.
Another is that he is alive to the importance of framing in politics. Mr Cummings and his supporters believe that much of the opposition to him comes from people who already hated him, pointing to the fact that his most outspoken critics tend to be Remainers who were aghast at Mr Johnson’s election victory.
Political stitch-up
Even among Conservative MPs, most of those who have demanded his head are either from the centrist wing of the party or are Brexiteers who have clashed with Mr Cummings since before the 2016 referendum because of their disagreements with him over strategy.
For Sir Keir to lead the charge against him would only add to the sense inside No10 that Mr Cummings is victim of a political stitch-up.
Labour’s calculation is that staying in the background, and hoping that Mr Cummings’ usual allies end up turning against him, is the best way to cause major damage.


inews--2020-05-26--Michael Gove defends Dominic Cummings over lockdown trip to Durham and says 'he didn't break the rul

Michael Gove defends Dominic Cummings over lockdown trip to Durham and says 'he didn't break the rules'

Michael Gove defends Dominic Cummings over lockdown trip to Durham and says 'he did n't break the rules' 'What 's clear is that he did n't break the law , he did n't break the rules , he sought to protect his family' '' I think most people will understand he was under pressure , and sought to put the health of his wife and son first , and took care to ensure they as a family unit were not in danger of infecting other people . ''
`` But , I think , fundamentally , that now he has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can make our minds up , whether we are bishops or broadcasters , about the appropriateness of his actions . ''
Asked if Mr Cummings needed to drive to Barnard Castle before going down to London , Mr Gove replied : `` I think he was wise to make sure he was comfortable before driving back down to London on the A1 , an inevitably busier road , and of course it is the case it was part of the National Police Chiefs ' Council 's guidance that you could drive at that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Boris Johnson ’ s controversial chief adviser Dominic Cummings was unrepentant about appearing to breach lockdown rules ( Photo : Jonathan Brady/Pool/AP ) '' It 'd have been entirely within his right to return to work that day on the basis of the advice he had been given , that 's my understanding , so that drive was completely appropriate . ''
Mr Cummings said he made the trip because of fears over a lack of childcare if he became incapacitated with the virus , and concerns about his family 's safety @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he has `` not considered '' resigning .
PM 's adviser Dominic Cummings spoke to the media and public about his lockdown drive to Durham ( Photo : Jonathan Brady/WPA Pool/Getty ) Mr Cummings said he was worried that if they both fell ill , there was `` nobody in London we could reasonably ask to look after our child and expose themselves to Covid '' .
The family drove to Durham that evening and did not stop on the way , he said .
They stayed in an `` isolated property '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the following day he woke up in pain and `` clearly had Covid symptoms '' .
But he said that because his eyesight had been affected by the disease , his wife did not want to risk the long drive back to London , so they went on a `` short drive '' to Barnard Castle - around 25 miles away from where he was isolating .
`` And I think that the situation that I was in was exceptional circumstances , and the way that I dealt with it was the least @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and I had both been unable to look after our four-year-old . ''

Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove has defended Dominic Cummings over his trip to Durham during lockdown, claiming government adviser gave an “exhaustive, detailed and verifiable” set of reasons for the trip and did “not break the law”.
Mr Gove faced a barrage of questions on Monday about the adviser’s decision to drive to County Durham from London in March during the height of the coronavirus lockdown, which Mr Cummings has refused to apologise for.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson is under increasing pressure to fire his adviser, who says he made the trip because of fears over a lack of childcare if he became incapacitated with the virus, and concerns about his family’s safety.
‘Exhaustive, detailed and verifiable’
Mr Gove said Mr Cummings’ account of his trip to Durham was “exhaustive, detailed and verifiable” as he defended the adviser’s decision to break lockdown restrictions to travel to his parent’s house.
The Minister for the Cabinet Office told BBC Breakfast on Tuesday: “I think Dominic completely understands the sense of concern people felt as the story broke.
“I think the account he gave yesterday was exhaustive, it was detailed, it was verifiable. I think people will make their own mind up as they listened to Dominic’s account.
“I think most people will understand he was under pressure, and sought to put the health of his wife and son first, and took care to ensure they as a family unit were not in danger of infecting other people.”
He said in another interview with Sky News that an earlier explanation of Mr Cummings’ trip to Durham would have led to less “confusion” about what happened.
“I think it is probably right that, if Dominic had given a full explanation of these events earlier, then some of the confusion that has arisen might not have arisen.
“But, I think, fundamentally, that now he has given an account, all of us can make our minds up, whether we are bishops or broadcasters, about the appropriateness of his actions.”
He said Mr Cummings had taken medical advice around issues with his eyesight and was able to “drive safely”.
Asked if Mr Cummings needed to drive to Barnard Castle before going down to London, Mr Gove replied: “I think he was wise to make sure he was comfortable before driving back down to London on the A1, an inevitably busier road, and of course it is the case it was part of the National Police Chiefs’ Council’s guidance that you could drive at that time to take exercise as well.”
‘He didn’t break the law’
Mr Gove also told the BBC Radio 4’s Today programme: “What’s clear is that he didn’t break the law, he didn’t break the rules, he sought to protect his family.
“And he also sought to ensure the risk of anyone in his family infecting anyone else was absolutely minimised.”
Asked what was Mr Cummings’ reasonable excuse under the law to drive to Barnard Castle, Mr Gove said the adviser was “preparing to return to work” and wanted to be “confident” in his ability to drive to London.
Told the reason “preparing to return to work” did not appear under the regulations, Mr Gove replied: “No, but the key thing is Dominic is a key worker and being in a position to return to work is a sensible thing.
“It’d have been entirely within his right to return to work that day on the basis of the advice he had been given, that’s my understanding, so that drive was completely appropriate.”
Asked if it was within the guidance, Mr Gove said: “I believe so.”
Mr Cummings remains under fire over allegations he breached coronavirus lockdown restrictions after he said he does not regret his actions and declined to apologise.
In a press conference in the 10 Downing Street garden, the Prime Minister’s chief adviser sought to defend his decision to drive to County Durham from London in March.
Mr Cummings said he made the trip because of fears over a lack of childcare if he became incapacitated with the virus, and concerns about his family’s safety – but revealed that despite the backlash he has “not considered” resigning.
The political storm overshadowed an announcement by Boris Johnson that all shops across England will be able to open next month if they can meet the coronavirus guidelines to protect shoppers and workers.
Opposition leaders will hold talks on Tuesday morning to discuss public health messaging amid the row.
An ‘isolated property’
Outlining his trip to the North East, the adviser told reporters how his wife, the journalist Mary Wakefield, fell ill on 27 March – leading him to swiftly leave No 10 to return home.
After a couple of hours, she felt better and Mr Cummings went back to Downing Street. But that evening he said he discussed the situation with his wife – including the fact that many in No 10 had developed coronavirus symptoms.
Mr Cummings said he was worried that if they both fell ill, there was “nobody in London we could reasonably ask to look after our child and expose themselves to Covid”.
The family drove to Durham that evening and did not stop on the way, he said. They stayed in an “isolated property” on his father’s farm, where the following day he woke up in pain and “clearly had Covid symptoms”.
Mr Cummings said that by 11 April he was still feeling “weak and exhausted” but had no coronavirus symptoms, so thought he would be able to return to work the following week – possibly part-time.
But he said that because his eyesight had been affected by the disease, his wife did not want to risk the long drive back to London, so they went on a “short drive” to Barnard Castle – around 25 miles away from where he was isolating.
“We did not visit the castle, we did not walk around the town,” he insisted, but said that he had felt a “bit sick” so they had walked about 10 to 15 metres to the riverbank where they sat for about 15 minutes until he felt better.
The family returned to London on April 13, and he went back to work the next day, Mr Cummings said.
In the hour-long press conference, he declined to apologise for his actions, but conceded that “reasonable people may well disagree about how I thought about what to do in the circumstances”.
However, he said: “I don’t regret what I did… I think what I did was actually reasonable in these circumstances. The rules made clear that if you are dealing with small children that can be exceptional circumstances.
“And I think that the situation that I was in was exceptional circumstances, and the way that I dealt with it was the least risk to everybody concerned if my wife and I had both been unable to look after our four-year-old.”
Additional reporting by Press Association


inews--2020-05-26--I worked at Lehman Brothers when it collapsed in 2008 and the 'Covid Crash' terrifies me

I worked at Lehman Brothers when it collapsed in 2008 and the 'Covid Crash ' terrifies me We ’ re entering another global downturn .
The imminent 2020 ‘ Covid Crash ’ could be worse than the Credit Crunch , for which I had a front-row seat at Lehman Brothers - the bank that triggered the 2008 crash .
To survive it , we will need a new social contract , a shared purpose and an ethical tax system .
Twelve years ago I was a young equity research analyst at what was one of the world ’ s largest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t involved in the `` casino capitalism '' that led to the firm ’ s collapse , we were just as affected by its consequences .
Many of my colleagues broke down in tears when the firm announced its bankruptcy .
I myself was more philosophical .
I had already booked annual leave to go on a pilgrimage to Mecca the night that Lehman went bust .
After returning home , I continued working for Nomura , the Japanese bank that acquired part of the old firm .
But something had changed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The crash didn ’ t shake my faith - if anything it strengthened it .
But it did shake my faith in unbridled capitalism .
Beyond the social strains , delicately managing the economic fallout will be another significant challenge .
As a result of the spending that is proving essential to get us through the pandemic , Rishi Sunak must find a solution to the likely £337 billion budget deficit .
Both tax rises and cuts to spending will inevitably be part of this .
With respect to the latter , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ repeat the mistakes of the past .
Our charity enquiries have quadrupled in the weeks since the lockdown ( Photo : Oli Scarff/Getty ) Cuts to welfare and public services - Austerity 2.0 - would be brutal .
The charity that I run , National Zakat Foundation , was founded in 2011 and has only become one of the largest providers of hardship grants in the country because of the effects of the first wave of austerity .
Given that our enquiries have quadrupled in the weeks since the lockdown , the worst @ @ @ @ @ @ @ make the social and economic conditions for the poor even more unbearable .
Aside from more austerity , the other option is higher taxes .
Asking a poorer population to hand over more of their income is a difficult task for any government , and the post-Coronavirus years will be no different .
Governments can keep their economies afloat and take their citizens along with them , by doing two things : taxing wealth not income , and creating a well-marketed , transparent tax system that treats taxpayers like philanthropists rather than taking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is to embrace wealth taxes over income taxes .
The truly rich are defined not by how much they earn , but by how much they already have .
By taxing these savings , they can be encouraged to circulate trapped wealth through the economy , supporting growth and job creation .
This is exactly what the low-interest rates we have had for years were intended to achieve - but it is time to go further .
In line with this approach , keeping income taxes relatively low will encourage the furloughed and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new employment .
Secondly , and perhaps more significantly , the way tax is communicated to taxpayers needs to change completely .
Currently the tax system is all stick and no carrot - don ’ t pay , and HMRC will pursue , sue or even imprison you .
Dutifully pay what you owe , however , and no one will ever congratulate you for your contribution or properly explain its benefits .
Every taxpayer should receive a personal tax statement not only detailing where their tax has been spent but showing in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it has made - exactly what any effective charity would do for its donors .
At a time when we need to pull together like never before , even if the tax burden does increase , taxpayers are more likely to dig deep and contribute willingly for the greater good .

We’re entering another global downturn. The imminent 2020 ‘Covid Crash’ could be worse than the Credit Crunch, for which I had a front-row seat at Lehman Brothers – the bank that triggered the 2008 crash. To survive it, we will need a new social contract, a shared purpose and an ethical tax system.
Twelve years ago I was a young equity research analyst at what was one of the world’s largest investment banks. Although my department wasn’t involved in the “casino capitalism” that led to the firm’s collapse, we were just as affected by its consequences. Many of my colleagues broke down in tears when the firm announced its bankruptcy.
I myself was more philosophical. I had already booked annual leave to go on a pilgrimage to Mecca the night that Lehman went bust. After returning home, I continued working for Nomura, the Japanese bank that acquired part of the old firm. But something had changed: I felt increasingly unfulfilled and unmotivated. The crash didn’t shake my faith – if anything it strengthened it. But it did shake my faith in unbridled capitalism.
Recessions can lead to dangerous social changes. The fall of Lehman Brothers one day in September 2008 led to years of austerity and increased inequality, paving the way for divisive populism around the world.
The Covid Crash may well do the same, with effects worsened through social isolation, health paranoia, and xenophobia.
Beyond the social strains, delicately managing the economic fallout will be another significant challenge. As a result of the spending that is proving essential to get us through the pandemic, Rishi Sunak must find a solution to the likely £337 billion budget deficit. Both tax rises and cuts to spending will inevitably be part of this. With respect to the latter, it is critical that we do not repeat the mistakes of the past.
Cuts to welfare and public services – Austerity 2.0 – would be brutal. The charity that I run, National Zakat Foundation, was founded in 2011 and has only become one of the largest providers of hardship grants in the country because of the effects of the first wave of austerity. Given that our enquiries have quadrupled in the weeks since the lockdown, the worst thing to do now would be to make the social and economic conditions for the poor even more unbearable.
Aside from more austerity, the other option is higher taxes. Asking a poorer population to hand over more of their income is a difficult task for any government, and the post-Coronavirus years will be no different.
Governments can keep their economies afloat and take their citizens along with them, by doing two things: taxing wealth not income, and creating a well-marketed, transparent tax system that treats taxpayers like philanthropists rather than taking them for granted.
The first step is to embrace wealth taxes over income taxes. The truly rich are defined not by how much they earn, but by how much they already have. By taxing these savings, they can be encouraged to circulate trapped wealth through the economy, supporting growth and job creation. This is exactly what the low-interest rates we have had for years were intended to achieve – but it is time to go further. In line with this approach, keeping income taxes relatively low will encourage the furloughed and unemployed to return to work or seek new employment.
Secondly, and perhaps more significantly, the way tax is communicated to taxpayers needs to change completely. Currently the tax system is all stick and no carrot – don’t pay, and HMRC will pursue, sue or even imprison you. Dutifully pay what you owe, however, and no one will ever congratulate you for your contribution or properly explain its benefits.
Essentially, taxpayers are the world’s biggest philanthropists
In order for more of us to see taxpaying as an impactful civic duty rather than a wasted personal burden, I want governments to encourage tax payments like charities encourage donations.
Every taxpayer should receive a personal tax statement not only detailing where their tax has been spent but showing in an inspiring and real way the difference it has made – exactly what any effective charity would do for its donors. At a time when we need to pull together like never before, even if the tax burden does increase, taxpayers are more likely to dig deep and contribute willingly for the greater good.
Essentially, taxpayers are the world’s biggest philanthropists. To ensure the Covid Crash is less harmful to the poor than the Credit Crunch, our governments must recognise and honour them as such.
Iqbal Nasim MBE is CEO of the National Zakat Foundation


inews--2020-05-26--Springwatch 2020: what time it's on BBC Two tonight, presenters joining Chris Packham and where it's

Springwatch 2020: what time it's on BBC Two tonight, presenters joining Chris Packham and where it's being filmed

Springwatch 2020 : what time it 's on BBC Two tonight , presenters joining Chris Packham and where it 's being filmed The BBC series is returning for a socially-distanced new season , with the presenters scattered around the UK For many of us , contact with nature has been limited over the last few months , with people remaining indoors to help slow the spread of coronavirus .
So it could not be a better time for Springwatch to return to our TVs , letting us live vicariously through Chris Packham and the crew .
Packham says this series @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other '' , with the team making adjustments to make sure the show could still go ahead , despite lockdown .
The Springwatch hub is out , and instead the presenters will be broadcasting separately from natural spots close to their homes .
When is Springwatch back on TV ?
The series will run for three weeks , with episodes on Tuesdays , Wednesdays , Thursdays and Fridays , at the same time on the same channel .
Viewers can expect their annual helping of otters and other critters ( Photo : BBC @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Covid-19 restrictions the team are scattered all around the country .
Packham is broadcasting live from the New Forest , Iolo William is in the heart of west Wales and Gillian Burke is at the Beaver Project near her home in Cornwall .
Michaela Strachan is locked down in South Africa so she takes on a smaller role in this year 's series , but she will sent a special message to the team over video link , and we will also revisit some of her favourite moments from Springwatch 's past @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will document a spring like no other , as the native wildlife of the UK adjusts to life in both towns and in the country without the presence of people '' .
The series will `` celebrate both the wildlife and the science stories that showcase the diversity of UK habitats and species '' and will feature pre-recorded wildlife films , captured just prior to the Government restrictions on movement , as well as more recent content shot in accordance with the official guidance on self-distancing .
A badger captured on film during @ @ @ @ @ @ @ BBC ) There will be special guest presenters throughout the series , with Steve Backshall joining the show 's first episode from his home on the banks of the Thames .
`` I ’ m delighted that through the magic of modern technology , the Springwatch team will be able to share the splendour of spring with the nation again this year .
And broadcasting live from the New Forest , I ’ m looking forward to showing viewers some of the best British wildlife from my neck of the woods . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ a unique spring and one that has presented the whole nation with some really tough challenges .
With so many of us stuck indoors , Springwatch will bring the bright energy and colour of a season that is the very symbol of hope and resilience itself .
I can ’ t wait to share this spring with everyone ! ''

For many of us, contact with nature has been limited over the last few months, with people remaining indoors to help slow the spread of coronavirus.
So it could not be a better time for Springwatch to return to our TVs, letting us live vicariously through Chris Packham and the crew.
Packham says this series “will be a series like no other”, with the team making adjustments to make sure the show could still go ahead, despite lockdown.
The Springwatch hub is out, and instead the presenters will be broadcasting separately from natural spots close to their homes.
Here is everything you need to know…
When is Springwatch back on TV?
The first episode will be on BBC Two on Tuesday 26 May at 8pm.
The series will run for three weeks, with episodes on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, at the same time on the same channel.
All episodes will also be available to watch on catch-up in BBC iPlayer.
What can we expect?
Due to Covid-19 restrictions the team are scattered all around the country. Packham is broadcasting live from the New Forest, Iolo William is in the heart of west Wales and Gillian Burke is at the Beaver Project near her home in Cornwall.
Michaela Strachan is locked down in South Africa so she takes on a smaller role in this year’s series, but she will sent a special message to the team over video link, and we will also revisit some of her favourite moments from Springwatch‘s past.
The BBC promises this series “will document a spring like no other, as the native wildlife of the UK adjusts to life in both towns and in the country without the presence of people”.
The series will “celebrate both the wildlife and the science stories that showcase the diversity of UK habitats and species” and will feature pre-recorded wildlife films, captured just prior to the Government restrictions on movement, as well as more recent content shot in accordance with the official guidance on self-distancing.
There will be special guest presenters throughout the series, with Steve Backshall joining the show’s first episode from his home on the banks of the Thames.
Packham said: “This Springwatch will be a series like no other. As the country experiences lockdown the natural world offers solace to so many.
“I’m delighted that through the magic of modern technology, the Springwatch team will be able to share the splendour of spring with the nation again this year. And broadcasting live from the New Forest, I’m looking forward to showing viewers some of the best British wildlife from my neck of the woods.”
Burke added: “This is certainly a unique spring and one that has presented the whole nation with some really tough challenges. With so many of us stuck indoors, Springwatch will bring the bright energy and colour of a season that is the very symbol of hope and resilience itself. I can’t wait to share this spring with everyone!”


inews--2020-05-26--After defending Dominic Cummings, Boris Johnson may lose the fear factor to manage lockdown

After defending Dominic Cummings , Boris Johnson may lose the fear factor to manage lockdown The Government has lost control of the message and has put lives and livelihoods at risk Fear has a bad reputation .
Nobody wants to live in a society of fear ; it ’ s an emotion to be avoided .
As such , the role of the modern state is driven by the public ’ s desire to avoid those fear-inducing elements of modern life .
But that does not mean the role of the state is to eliminate fear .
Rather it needs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ fear factor ” .
This is the fine line between using fear to encourage public compliance with the law ( i.e .
fear of prison is itself a preventative strategy ) , while at the same time convincing the very same people that they don ’ t need to live in a constant state of dread , anxiety and fearfulness .
Using but not abusing the fear factor is therefore one of the most central but least discussed elements of political life .
The Government must maintain a delicate equilibrium .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ velvet glove .
Never before in peacetime has the fear factor become so central and explicit in British politics ( and elsewhere ) than during the Covid-19 crisis .
The Government has needed to maintain calm but also convince the public to recognise the scale of the health threat and to abide by the lockdown rules .
But whether they will continue to do so now , looks highly uncertain .
Experts know how important the fear factor is in managing a pandemic .
The US Center for Disease Control ’ s Field @ @ @ @ @ @ @ risk communication to stimulate sufficient “ risk perception ” – fear – in vulnerable populations during an outbreak .
Predictably , clarity is considered key to this : clarity regarding the threat and clarity about what people should do to mitigate the threat .
As if that were not bad enough , Johnson has defended his senior advisor Dominic Cummings .
While the rest of the country was sticking to the Government ’ s diktat , Cummings had driven to the other side of the country while his wife had symptoms .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nation ; Cummings had acted “ responsibly , legally and with integrity ” .
It was “ instinct ” rather than ignorance or arrogance that had led him to Durham .
That , in Johnson ’ s book was absolutely fine .
But Stephen Reicher , a member of the Government ’ s own advisory committee on behavioural science , said : “ In a few short minutes Boris Johnson has trashed all the advice we have given on how to build trust and secure adherence to the measures necessary to control Covid-19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , any public fears surrounding lockdown had suddenly dissipated .
If there is one rule the British public won ’ t stand it ’ s the one that seems to apply to the many but not to a chosen few .
Managing the fear factor – that balance between social panic and public indifference – demands clarity .
The shift in official messaging had already replaced precision with confusion .
Now , the public finds that a powerful figure not only felt fearless enough to break the rules but has gone on to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ afraid , since there have been no repercussions for him whatsoever .
Even before these revelations , we have seen people – many of whom may fear lack of wages more than the virus – pack into public transportation to go to work .
Others will surely follow now .
The question now is whether Johnson will bounce back from yet another calamitous decision and how he seeks to reconcile it with his persona .
He has always been a populist politician .
He longs to be loved and is therefore reluctant to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ – as Bernard Crick wrote 50 years ago – politics can not make “ all sad hearts glad ” .
Johnson ’ s need to please combined with his personal fears – the loss of his carefully calibrated image as the jumping , japing , jester – may well have affected his ability to understand and use the “ fear factor ” .
And yet at the same time his obvious reliance on Cummings has popped his populist pretensions .
Dominic “ man-of-the-people ” Cummings and Boris “ slightly-less-man-of-the-people ” Johnson suddenly appear @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thereby demonstrate that when push comes to shove , there really is one rule for them and a different one for everyone else .
Once lost , the fear factor is hard to restore .
Once the public has become fearless rather than fearful in relation to any topic or threat , it becomes almost impossible to use fear in a constructive , pragmatic and evidence-based manner .
With the potential for a second coronavirus spike being a very real risk , the fact that Johnson baulked may well come back to haunt @ @

Fear has a bad reputation. Nobody wants to live in a society of fear; it’s an emotion to be avoided. As such, the role of the modern state is driven by the public’s desire to avoid those fear-inducing elements of modern life.
But that does not mean the role of the state is to eliminate fear. Rather it needs to manage what might be termed the “fear factor”. This is the fine line between using fear to encourage public compliance with the law (i.e. fear of prison is itself a preventative strategy), while at the same time convincing the very same people that they don’t need to live in a constant state of dread, anxiety and fearfulness.
Using but not abusing the fear factor is therefore one of the most central but least discussed elements of political life. The Government must maintain a delicate equilibrium. It must wear an iron first in a velvet glove.
Never before in peacetime has the fear factor become so central and explicit in British politics (and elsewhere) than during the Covid-19 crisis. The Government has needed to maintain calm but also convince the public to recognise the scale of the health threat and to abide by the lockdown rules.
And most people did respond to the fear factor. They acknowledged the risks, played their role and stayed at home.
But whether they will continue to do so now, looks highly uncertain. Experts know how important the fear factor is in managing a pandemic. The US Center for Disease Control’s Field Epidemiology Manual emphasises the importance of effective risk communication to stimulate sufficient “risk perception” – fear – in vulnerable populations during an outbreak. Predictably, clarity is considered key to this: clarity regarding the threat and clarity about what people should do to mitigate the threat.
And in this, the Westminster government has failed. It has lost control of the message and has put lives and livelihoods at risk.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson had already muddied the message on May 10 when he shifted the official advice from “stay home” to “stay alert”. In allowing his desire to please to trump restraint, he caused public confusion.
As if that were not bad enough, Johnson has defended his senior advisor Dominic Cummings. While the rest of the country was sticking to the Government’s diktat, Cummings had driven to the other side of the country while his wife had symptoms.
Had he broken the rules?
“No” the prime minister told the nation; Cummings had acted “responsibly, legally and with integrity”. It was “instinct” rather than ignorance or arrogance that had led him to Durham. That, in Johnson’s book was absolutely fine. But Stephen Reicher, a member of the Government’s own advisory committee on behavioural science, said: “In a few short minutes Boris Johnson has trashed all the advice we have given on how to build trust and secure adherence to the measures necessary to control Covid-19”.
Like a bubble being burst, any public fears surrounding lockdown had suddenly dissipated. If there is one rule the British public won’t stand it’s the one that seems to apply to the many but not to a chosen few.
Managing the fear factor – that balance between social panic and public indifference – demands clarity. The shift in official messaging had already replaced precision with confusion. Now, the public finds that a powerful figure not only felt fearless enough to break the rules but has gone on to prove he was right not to be afraid, since there have been no repercussions for him whatsoever.
Even before these revelations, we have seen people – many of whom may fear lack of wages more than the virus – pack into public transportation to go to work. Others will surely follow now.
The fallout
The question now is whether Johnson will bounce back from yet another calamitous decision and how he seeks to reconcile it with his persona. He has always been a populist politician. He longs to be loved and is therefore reluctant to tell the public the simple truth that – as Bernard Crick wrote 50 years ago – politics cannot make “all sad hearts glad”.
Johnson’s need to please combined with his personal fears – the loss of his carefully calibrated image as the jumping, japing, jester – may well have affected his ability to understand and use the “fear factor”. And yet at the same time his obvious reliance on Cummings has popped his populist pretensions. Dominic “man-of-the-people” Cummings and Boris “slightly-less-man-of-the-people” Johnson suddenly appear willing to defend the indefensible. They thereby demonstrate that when push comes to shove, there really is one rule for them and a different one for everyone else.
Once lost, the fear factor is hard to restore. Once the public has become fearless rather than fearful in relation to any topic or threat, it becomes almost impossible to use fear in a constructive, pragmatic and evidence-based manner. With the potential for a second coronavirus spike being a very real risk, the fact that Johnson baulked may well come back to haunt him.
Matthew Flinders, Founding Director of the Sir Bernard Crick Centre for the Public Understanding of Politics, University of Sheffield; Dan Degerman, Research associate, Lancaster University, and Matthew Thomas Johnson, Senior Lecturer in Politics, Lancaster University
This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.