inews--2020-04-16--Lockdown extension: Matt Hancock warns coronavirus 'would run rampant' if UK ended restrictions now

Lockdown extension : Matt Hancock warns coronavirus 'would run rampant ' if UK ended restrictions now 'If we just released all the measures now , then this virus would run rampant once again , and we ca n't let that happen' The Government is widely believed to be planning to extend the lockdown by a further three weeks on Thursday evening amid signs that restrictions are starting to contain the spread of the virus and keep cases to a number the NHS can handle .
'We think it is too early to make a change' Matt Hancock said it is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
( Photo : BBC Breakfast ) '' So I 'm not going to prejudge the formal decision that 's going to be taken .
However , I think everybody can see that we 've been clear that we think it is too early to make a change .
`` And whilst we 've seen a flattening of the number of cases , and thankfully a flattening of the number of deaths , that has n't started to come down yet , and as far as I 'm concerned is still far too @ @ @ @ @ @ @ want to put all of that good effort to waste' A member of staff enforces social distancing rules in a queue outside a Waitrose supermarket in Frimley , south west of London on March 29 , 2020 .
( Photo by Adrian DENNIS / AFP ) ( Photo by ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP via Getty Images ) Mr Hancock , who has recovered from the Covid-19 virus himself , said : `` The people of this country have made these efforts over the last few weeks , have in unbelievably large numbers followed the rules @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` And I do n't want to put all of that good effort to waste , because if we just released all the measures now , then this virus would run rampant once again , and we ca n't let that happen .
`` So I understand those who are calling for an end to the lockdown or some kind of exit strategy to start now , but I think it 's just too early for that and I think that the public are incredibly understanding .
`` And I 'm very , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 've done .
As you know , I 've had some concerns going through it that people might not abide by the measures and that might mean that we did n't get a control of the curve , but it does appear that we are starting to reach a peak and that 's very good news .

Health Secretary Matt Hancock has warned that loosening the current lockdown restrictions would cause Covid-19 to “run rampant” throughout the country.
The Government is widely believed to be planning to extend the lockdown by a further three weeks on Thursday evening amid signs that restrictions are starting to contain the spread of the virus and keep cases to a number the NHS can handle.
Mr Hancock told BBC Breakfast on Thursday that while he would not prejudge the decision, due to be taken at a Cobra meeting chaired by acting deputy PM Dominic Raab, it is still “too early to make a change”.
‘We think it is too early to make a change’
He said: “We’ve yet to take the formal decision today and again, part of that decision is ensuring that the devolved authorities in Scotland and Wales and Northern Ireland have their full say.
“I’ve spoken to my counterparts and there’ll be a meeting today with the first ministers so that we can proceed as a whole country as the UK if at all possible.
“So I’m not going to prejudge the formal decision that’s going to be taken. However, I think everybody can see that we’ve been clear that we think it is too early to make a change.
“And whilst we’ve seen a flattening of the number of cases, and thankfully a flattening of the number of deaths, that hasn’t started to come down yet, and as far as I’m concerned is still far too high.”
‘I don’t want to put all of that good effort to waste’
Mr Hancock, who has recovered from the Covid-19 virus himself, said: “The people of this country have made these efforts over the last few weeks, have in unbelievably large numbers followed the rules, very, very few infractions.
“And I don’t want to put all of that good effort to waste, because if we just released all the measures now, then this virus would run rampant once again, and we can’t let that happen.
“So I understand those who are calling for an end to the lockdown or some kind of exit strategy to start now, but I think it’s just too early for that and I think that the public are incredibly understanding.
Read More Britain should brace for a year of lockdown restrictions because a vaccine could be the only way to end social distancing, expers warn
“And I’m very, very grateful to the work that they’ve done. As you know, I’ve had some concerns going through it that people might not abide by the measures and that might mean that we didn’t get a control of the curve, but it does appear that we are starting to reach a peak and that’s very good news.
“But it’s a peak, it’s still a very high level of, you know, 761 people died yesterday and that’s too many.”
Mr Raab is expected to use the daily 5pm press conference to announce an extension to the lockdown. Prime Minister Boris Johnson is recovering from a severe case of Covid-19 that saw him spend a number of days in intensive care.


inews--2020-04-16--Coronavirus: Local Government Association warns PPE is not reaching care workers

The association representing local authorities says the system for providing PPE is failing people on the frontline The Local Government Association ( LGA ) welcomed yesterday ’ s announcement by Health Secretary Matt Hancock of an improved testing regime for care home residents and workers as well as assurances that adequate PPE will reach the 1.6m employed in the care sector .
But the organisation warned that the current level of provision is poor and the changes promised by the Government must take place quickly .
Ian Hudspeth , chairman of the LGA ’ s community wellbeing board , said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ testing are vital to the safety of staff and the people they care for and we are pleased this plan provides assurance that these will be available .
A couple wear protective suits as they walk along Market Street in the near-deserted city centre in Manchester ( Photo : ANTHONY DEVLIN/AFP via Getty Images ) '' The current arrangements for accessing PPE by councils and care providers are not fit for purpose and are failing to provide what is needed on the frontline .
It is vital that the arrangements set out in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the ground.
” One major union called for an end to what it said was a “ postcode lottery ” for the distribution of PPE and called minister to be appointed to be placed in sole charge of ensuring the correct quantity and quality of equipment was being received by the NHS and the care sector .
'What is needed is a wartime plan' Steve Turner , assistant general secretary of Unite , said : “ The current postcode lottery in respect of supply and distribution , even to our NHS and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This will only happen , however , when government plays its role , as only it can , in bringing the full resources of the nation together .
“ We are at war and thousands are dying .
What is needed now is a wartime plan to coordinate our response and that requires a minister with authority , clout and nothing else to distract them from their sole purpose which should incorporate PPE and our need for ramping up our testing capabilities , which are woefully inadequate right now .
”

The organisation representing local authorities has described the current system for providing personal protective (PPE) equipment to care providers and council staff as “not fit for purpose”.
The Local Government Association (LGA) welcomed yesterday’s announcement by Health Secretary Matt Hancock of an improved testing regime for care home residents and workers as well as assurances that adequate PPE will reach the 1.6m employed in the care sector.
But the organisation warned that the current level of provision is poor and the changes promised by the Government must take place quickly.
Frontline
Ian Hudspeth, chairman of the LGA’s community wellbeing board, said: “Access to sufficient PPE and testing are vital to the safety of staff and the people they care for and we are pleased this plan provides assurance that these will be available.
“The current arrangements for accessing PPE by councils and care providers are not fit for purpose and are failing to provide what is needed on the frontline. It is vital that the arrangements set out in the plan are urgently translated to reality on the ground.”
One major union called for an end to what it said was a “postcode lottery” for the distribution of PPE and called minister to be appointed to be placed in sole charge of ensuring the correct quantity and quality of equipment was being received by the NHS and the care sector.
‘What is needed is a wartime plan’
Steve Turner, assistant general secretary of Unite, said: “The current postcode lottery in respect of supply and distribution, even to our NHS and frontline care services, must end. This will only happen, however, when government plays its role, as only it can, in bringing the full resources of the nation together.
“We are at war and thousands are dying. What is needed now is a wartime plan to coordinate our response and that requires a minister with authority, clout and nothing else to distract them from their sole purpose which should incorporate PPE and our need for ramping up our testing capabilities, which are woefully inadequate right now.”


inews--2020-04-16--Britain should brace for a year of lockdown restrictions because a vaccine could be the only way to

Britain should brace for a year of lockdown restrictions because a vaccine could be the only way to end social distancing, expers warn

Britain should brace for a year of lockdown restrictions because a vaccine could be the only way to end social distancing , expers warn A Government scientific adviser and health minister have both warned some restrictions may have to stay in place until a vaccine is found While the current restrictions are likely to be at least partially lifted some time in May , as in other European countries , that does not mean a full return to normality .
A health minister and Government scientific adviser have both warned this week that the only way to bring the lockdown @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be the introduction of a vaccine .
That is not likely to happen until early 2021 at the earliest , despite research happening at a record pace .
Nadine Dorries , a minister working under Matt Hancock , said : `` Journalists should stop asking about an ‘ exit strategy ' .
There is only one way we can ‘ exit ’ full lockdown and that is when we have a vaccine .
Until then , we need to find ways we can adapt society and strike a balance between the health of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Professor Neil Ferguson of Imperial College London , whose coronavirus modelling work has proven highly influential , said : `` If we relax measures too much then we 'll see a resurgence of transmission .
What we really need is the ability to put something in their place .
If we want to open schools , let people get back to work , then we need to keep transmission down in another manner .
`` And I should say , it 's not going to be going back to normal .
We will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ distancing , a significant level of social distancing , probably indefinitely until we have a vaccine available . ''
Countries including Germany and Italy have begun to lift some of the restrictions imposed to slow the spread of Covid-19 .
They are allowing more shops to open and sending children back to school .
But measures which could stay in place for months more , in the UK and elsewhere , include a ban on mass gatherings such as football matches and continued rules on social distancing when people do go out in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also become much more widespread , although a debate on how effective they are is still continuing .
Experts also believe that for the lockdown to be relaxed without a spike in new coronavirus cases , there needs to be a big increase in testing .
That will mean that anyone infected with Covid-19 can be isolated until they recover , along with everyone they have recently come in contact with .
Testing could also show who has immunity to the virus and can therefore go about their lives without fear of being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ end the coronavirus epipdemic in the UK is through the emergence of herd immunity .
Any suggestion that that process can be done `` naturally '' , by allowing the disease to spread through the population , is likely to spark a major backlash .
That leaves a vaccine as the last remaining option .

Britons anxious to return to normal life after the coronavirus lockdown may have to wait a year or more.
While the current restrictions are likely to be at least partially lifted some time in May, as in other European countries, that does not mean a full return to normality.
A health minister and Government scientific adviser have both warned this week that the only way to bring the lockdown to a complete and permanent end will be the introduction of a vaccine. That is not likely to happen until early 2021 at the earliest, despite research happening at a record pace.
Nadine Dorries, a minister working under Matt Hancock, said: “Journalists should stop asking about an ‘exit strategy’. There is only one way we can ‘exit’ full lockdown and that is when we have a vaccine. Until then, we need to find ways we can adapt society and strike a balance between the health of the nation and our economy.”
‘Not going back’
Professor Neil Ferguson of Imperial College London, whose coronavirus modelling work has proven highly influential, said: “If we relax measures too much then we’ll see a resurgence of transmission. What we really need is the ability to put something in their place. If we want to open schools, let people get back to work, then we need to keep transmission down in another manner.
“And I should say, it’s not going to be going back to normal. We will have to maintain some form of social distancing, a significant level of social distancing, probably indefinitely until we have a vaccine available.”
Countries including Germany and Italy have begun to lift some of the restrictions imposed to slow the spread of Covid-19. They are allowing more shops to open and sending children back to school.
Need for testing
But measures which could stay in place for months more, in the UK and elsewhere, include a ban on mass gatherings such as football matches and continued rules on social distancing when people do go out in public. The use of masks could also become much more widespread, although a debate on how effective they are is still continuing.
Experts also believe that for the lockdown to be relaxed without a spike in new coronavirus cases, there needs to be a big increase in testing. That will mean that anyone infected with Covid-19 can be isolated until they recover, along with everyone they have recently come in contact with. Testing could also show who has immunity to the virus and can therefore go about their lives without fear of being infected.
The only definitive way to end the coronavirus epipdemic in the UK is through the emergence of herd immunity. Any suggestion that that process can be done “naturally”, by allowing the disease to spread through the population, is likely to spark a major backlash. That leaves a vaccine as the last remaining option.


inews--2020-04-16--Captain Tom Moore: how to donate to WW2 veteran's Just Giving page after 100th birthday Walk for the

Captain Tom Moore: how to donate to WW2 veteran's Just Giving page after 100th birthday Walk for the NHS fundraiser passes £12.5m

Captain Tom Moore : how to donate to WW2 veteran 's Just Giving page after 100th birthday Walk for the NHS fundraiser passes £12m One army veteran is doing everything he can to aid in the fight against coronavirus as the pandemic continues to spread Captain Tom Moore , who will turn 100 at the end of April , has managed to raise over £12 million for the NHS - after setting an initial target of £1,000 .
Captain Tom Moore has raised an incredible amount of money for the NHS ( Photo : Tom Moore ) The fundraising page @ @ @ @ @ @ @ walk a hundred lengths of his back garden , which is 25m in length , before he hits 100 years old at the end of the month .
At one point , donations were coming in so quickly that the Just Giving page crashed - it ’ s back up and running now .
Tom made an appearance on Good Morning Britain on Monday 13 April , saying : “ Who would have thought that when I set a target of £1,000 a week ago , it could have reached £500,000 ?
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Britain on Tuesday 14 April , and it was announced that his fundraising efforts had successfully brought in over £1 million .
Speaking on the show , Captain Moore said : “ Piers and Susanna it is amazing and thank you Piers for your contribution yesterday .
It was enormous , it was so kind of you .
“ It ’ s marvellous for our doctors and nurses on the front line .
In the last war it was soldiers in uniform on the front line .
This time our army are the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ re doing such a marvelous job .
“ Thank you very , very much .
You are so kind .
It ’ s such a benefit to so many people .
You ’ re giving hope to the people finding it very difficult .
We will survive this.
” What charity is the money going towards ?
The money will be spent on much needed items , such as well-being packs for NHS staff , rest and recuperation rooms and electronic devices for patients to keep in touch with their loved ones .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ charity that will receive the money from the fundraising , spoke to the BBC , saying : “ I think I absolutely join the rest of the county in being truly inspired and profoundly humbled by Captain Tom and what he has achieved .
The NHS Charities Together Twitter account also tweeted : “ And he ’ s done it .
War hero @ captaintommoore has surpassed his new £1million target already !
Keep going , Tom .
How much more can you help him raise for our # COVID19 Urgent Appeal ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ I donate to Captain Tom Moore ’ s campaign ?

Captain Tom Moore, who turns 100 today, has now managed to raise over £31 million for the NHS – after setting an initial target of £1,000.
Originally, his plan was to complete 100 circuits by his 100th birthday on Thursday 30 April. He completed the challenge two weeks ahead of schedule, overseen by a special military guard of honour.
In the process, he became the biggest ever individual fundraiser on charity site JustGiving, i revealed, and even landed a number one single in the process.
Record-breaking fundraiser
Captain Tom Moore, a 99-year-old army veteran, completely surpassed his original target of raising £1,000 for the NHS in the fight against Covid-19 two weeks before his birthday.
Captain Moore had aimed to complete 100 laps of his Bedfordshire garden by 16 April, with the use of a walking frame, and reached the milestone bang on time on Thursday morning.
In the process, he became a truenational treasure, with widespread calls for him to be knighted for his efforts.
His daughter Hannah said he had become a “beacon of hope” during challenging times.
Generous nation
Speaking to ITV after completing his challenge, the captain said the public generosity had been “unbelievable”.
“Our country and all our nations, we’re all so generous in all sorts of ways. But it’s for a super purpose,” he said.
“Nurses, doctors and all the back-up workers, they deserve everything we can give them.”
Captain Moore’s family had set up a Just Giving fundraising page, titled: “Captain Tom Moore’s 100th Birthday Walk for the NHS.”
The page explained his aim to walk a hundred lengths of his back garden, which is 25m in length, before he hits 100 years old at the end of the month.
What charity is the money going towards?
The money raised by the fundraiser is going towards NHS Charities Together.
The money will be spent on much needed items, such as well-being packs for NHS staff, rest and recuperation rooms and electronic devices for patients to keep in touch with their loved ones.
Ellie Orton, chief executive of the charity that will receive the money from the fundraising, spoke to the BBC, saying: “I think I absolutely join the rest of the county in being truly inspired and profoundly humbled by Captain Tom and what he has achieved.
“Thank you for being an inspiration and a role model.”
The NHS Charities Together Twitter account also tweeted: “And he’s done it. War hero @captaintommoore has surpassed his new £1million target already! Keep going, Tom. How much more can you help him raise for our #COVID19 Urgent Appeal? #walkwithtom #NHS.”
How do I donate to Captain Tom Moore’s campaign?
If you want to donate to the campaign, you can do so by visiting the Just Giving page online here.
Just hit the ‘donate’ button and you’ll be taken to a page where you can choose the donation amount – you can choose from the pre-selected amounts of £10, £20, £30, £50 or £100, or alternatively you can enter a specific amount yourself.
The aim was to raise money before Tom turned 100 years old at the end of the month, so the campaign should remain open until then – there has been no word on when the campaign will officially end.


inews--2020-04-16--Celebrity SAS Who Dares Wins cast 2020: SU2C line-up in full - and when it starts on Channel 4

Celebrity SAS Who Dares Wins cast 2020 : SU2C line-up in full - and when it starts on Channel 4 Katie Price , Anthea Turner , Joey Essex , Brendan Cole and Lauren Steadman are all surrendering to Ant Middleton for the new series SAS : Who Dares Wins is one of the hardest reality shows on TV , with army instructor Ant Middleton and other ex-Special Forces putting a group of amateurs through the intense training of the Special Air Service .
Ant Middleton is the former recruit in charge of the celeb 's training ( Photo : Channel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Who Dares Wins 2020 on ?
The new series of Celebrity SAS : Who Dares Wins kicks off on Monday 20 April at 9.00pm on Channel 4 , remaining in the same slots in the following weeks .
Who is in the celebrity cast ?
Katie Price is one of the 12 celebs appearing on this year 's special SAS Who Dares Wins series ( Photo : Getty ) She has a history of incredible feats , having raised money for Sport Relief in 2012 by becoming the first person to reach the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ only the second woman to ever finish the 78-mile Namibian ultra marathon .
Former Strictly professional Brendan Cole fancies his chances in Scotland ( Photo : BBC ) Paralympian Lauren Steadman reached the semi-finals of Strictly in 2018 ( Photo : Getty )

SAS: Who Dares Wins is one of the hardest reality shows on TV, with army instructor Ant Middleton and other ex-Special Forces putting a group of amateurs through the intense training of the Special Air Service.
That hasn’t stopped a group of celebrities signing up to the charity version though, now airing on Channel 4.
Ant’s usual trainers Foxy, Billy and Ollie are on hand to put the stars through their paces, and this year they’re joined by a new face, Jay.
Here’s everything we know about the new series and the full line up of celebs…
When is Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins 2020 on?
The new series of Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins kicked Monday 20 April at 9.00pm on Channel 4, and airs in the same slot in the following weeks.
Who is in the celebrity cast?
There are twelve brave celebs signed up to this year’s show, including:
Katie Price
Model, author, media personality and sometime singer formally known as Jordan.
Joey Essex
Former Towie cast member and regular guest on reality shows – he’s appeared on Celebs Go Dating, I’m A Celeb, The Jump and Celebrity MasterChef.
Anthea Turner
TV presenter best known as a former presenter of both Blue Peter and GMTV.
Helen Skelton
Another face from Blue Peter, Skelton now presents Digging Up Britain’s Past and Countryfile.
She has a history of incredible feats, having raised money for Sport Relief in 2012 by becoming the first person to reach the South Pole on a bike and is only the second woman to ever finish the 78-mile Namibian ultra marathon.
Brendan Cole
Former Strictly star and professional ball dancer, Cole also appeared as a contestant on the first ever Love Island in 2006.
John Fashanu
Former Aston Villa and Wimbledon centre-forward, Fashanu is now the host of Deal or No Deal Nigeria.
Nikki Sanderson
She played Candice on Coronation Street, but now holds the role of Maxine on Hollyoaks.
Jack Maynard
A vlogger and YouTuber, perhaps best known for being the brother of singer Conor Maynard.
Lauren Steadman
Paralympic swimmer and paratriathlete who reached the semi-final of Strictly in 2018.
Locksmith
Rudimental DJ who is also known for his workout videos on Instagram.
Yasmin Evans
Another DJ, this time on BBC Radio 1Xtra.
Tony Bellew
Former professional boxer and WBC cruiserweight champion shouldn’t have any difficulties with the physical element of the show.


inews--2020-04-16--MasterChef final 2020: the finalists, what time it's on tonight and what the chefs have to do in fin

MasterChef final 2020: the finalists, what time it's on tonight and what the chefs have to do in finals week

MasterChef final 2020 : the finalists , what time it 's on tonight and what the chefs have to do in finals week In finals week , the four remaining MasterChef finalists enjoy unique culinary opportunities in their quest to be crowned the 2020 champion After eight weeks of competition , the remaining contestants will have their skills tested to the absolute limit in finals week .
The challenges will take them to an island paradise and see the chefs cook alongside one of the world 's foremost pastry chefs before striving to impress judges John Torode and Gregg Wallace @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Who are the MasterChef 2020 finalists ?
After five weeks of heats , each featuring two groups of six chefs desperate to impress , the competition has gradually been narrowed down by knockout week and the semi-finals to leave just four finalists : Thomas Frake is one of the MasterChef 2020 finalists ( Photo : BBC ) David Rickett is one of the MasterChef 2020 finalists ( Photo : BBC ) Sandy Tang is one of the MasterChef 2020 finalists ( Photo : BBC ) Claire Fyfe is one of the MasterChef @ @ @ @ @ @ @ What happens in MasterChef 2020 finals week ?
The MasterChef 2020 finals week begins with an extraordinary opportunity for the quartet , as they jet off to Mauritious to face a series of exotic challenges .
They split into pairs to make street food in the fishing port of Mahebourg and cook with esteemed Mauritian chef Nizam Peeroo in the capital , Port Louis , before demonstrating what they 've learned by preparing a dinner for some of the national 's foremost foodie figures .
All four chefs live to fight another day @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the culinary high life as Albert Adria , one of the world 's great pastry chefs , invites them into his Cakes and Bubbles restaurant in London .
After recreating two of his dishes for a table of pastry experts , the finalists return to the MasterChef kitchen , when they must create one exceptional plate of food to impress Torode and Wallace - with one contestant facing the axe .
Then , all that 's left is the grand final , when the remaining three chefs don their aprons one last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two judges , who will choose the 16th MasterChef champion .
When is the MasterChef 2020 final on BBC One ?
All three of the MasterChef finals week episodes are an hour long , with Wednesday and Thursdays shows in their normal time slot of 9.00pm on BBC One .
Who are the past winners of MasterChef ?

The latest series of MasterChef has reached its culmination, with 60 chefs whittled down to just a handful desperate to be crowned the champion.
After eight weeks of competition, the remaining contestants have had their skills tested to the absolute limit in finals week.
The challenges have taken them to an island paradise and seen the chefs cook alongside one of the world’s foremost pastry chefs – now they must strive to impress judges John Torode and Gregg Wallace one last time in the MasterChef kitchen.
Who are the MasterChef 2020 finalists?
After five weeks of heats, each featuring two groups of six chefs desperate to impress, the competition was gradually narrowed down by knockout week and the semi-finals to leave just four finalists.
In Thursday night’s episode, Claire Fyfe was named as the unlucky chef to miss out on Friday’s grand final, leaving a trio of contestants:
Thomas Frake, 32, from London
David Rickett
Sandy Tang, 24, from Reading
Claire Fyfe, 35, from London – eliminated
What happens in MasterChef 2020 finals week?
The MasterChef 2020 finals week began with an extraordinary opportunity for the quartet, as they jetted off to Mauritious to face a series of exotic challenges.
They split into pairs to make street food in the fishing port of Mahebourg and cooked with esteemed Mauritian chef Nizam Peeroo in the capital, Port Louis, before demonstrating what they’d learned by preparing a dinner for some of the national’s foremost foodie figures.
All four chefs lived to fight another day, and were given another once-in-a-lifetime taste of the culinary high life when Albert Adria, one of the world’s great pastry chefs, invited them into his Cakes and Bubbles restaurant in London.
After recreating two of his dishes for a table of pastry experts, the finalists returned to the MasterChef kitchen, when they must create one exceptional plate of food to impress Torode and Wallace – but Claire Fyfe’s efforts didn’t quite have the wow factor, and she was sent home.
All that’s left now is the grand final, when the remaining three chefs don their aprons one last time to cook three courses for the two judges, who will choose the 16th MasterChef champion.
When is the MasterChef 2020 final on BBC One?
All three of the MasterChef finals week episodes are an hour long, with Wednesday and Thursday’s shows in their normal time slot of 9.00pm on BBC One.
The grand final then takes place at 7.30pm on Friday night, with all episodes, as always, available on BBC iPlayer after broadcast.
Who are the past winners of MasterChef?


inews--2020-04-16--Coronavirus: At least 27 NHS workers have died after contracting virus, latest figures show

Coronavirus : At least 27 NHS workers have died after contracting virus , latest figures show Matt Hancock confirmed 27 deaths had been verified but it is thought the figure could be higher The official number of NHS workers who have died after contracting coronavirus stands at 27 , the Health Secretary has confirmed .
However , it is thought that the true figure is likely higher – possibly more than 40 – when tributes from NHS trusts and loved ones are taken into account .
The official figure , announced by Matt Hancock during an appearance on BBC Breakfast @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deaths which had previously been verified .
It comes as a “ diligent and compassionate ” healthcare assistant who worked for Bolton NHS Foundation Trust became one of the latest workers to fall victim to the virus .
Lourdes Campbell , known as Des to her colleagues , had worked for the Trust for nearly 13 years and died in the critical care unit at Royal Bolton Hospital .
She was described by its chief executive Fiona Noden as a “ well-liked and valued member of the team ” who was dedicated to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ terrible and poignant reminder of the situation we are facing every day to help others and I want to thank every member our staff for their continued care for our patients and community , ” she said .
“ Their continued courage and commitment to duty is inspirational and a comfort to us all in these difficult times.
” Graffiti depicting the badge of the fictional superheroes Superman and Superwoman , and the NHS logo in Pontefract ( Photo : Oli Scarff/AFP/Getty ) Meanwhile a donation page set up in memory of Mary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Luton and Dunstable University Hospital who died on Sunday , has raised more than £100,000 .
Ms Agyapong , 28 , was admitted to hospital on 7 April and her baby daughter , who is said to be doing well , was later delivered successfully by caesarian section .
“ Mary was a blessing to everyone she came across and her love , care and sincerity will be irreplaceable , ” organiser Rhoda Asiedu wrote on the page .
“ I am raising this funds for her immediate family ; her husband , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , who was born at the time of her demise.
” Ms Agyapong had been working at the hospital until at least March 12 , well into her third trimester , Channel 4 news reported .
But the hospital said it did not have any coronavirus patients before she took maternity leave .
Some of the victims The announcement that 27 NHS workers had died after contracting Covid-19 marked a sombre statistic in the ongoing outbreak .
These are the names of some of the workers who lost their lives after catching the @ @

The official number of NHS workers who have died after contracting coronavirus stands at 27, the Health Secretary has confirmed. However, it is thought that the true figure is likely higher – possibly more than 40 – when tributes from NHS trusts and loved ones are taken into account.
On Monday, i listed a total of 38 care and NHS workers who had died.
The official figure, announced by Matt Hancock during an appearance on BBC Breakfast, marks an increase on the 19 deaths which had previously been verified.
It comes as a “diligent and compassionate” healthcare assistant who worked for Bolton NHS Foundation Trust became one of the latest workers to fall victim to the virus.
Healthcare assistant
Lourdes Campbell, known as Des to her colleagues, had worked for the Trust for nearly 13 years and died in the critical care unit at Royal Bolton Hospital.
She was described by its chief executive Fiona Noden as a “well-liked and valued member of the team” who was dedicated to patient care.
“This is a terrible and poignant reminder of the situation we are facing every day to help others and I want to thank every member our staff for their continued care for our patients and community,” she said.
“Their continued courage and commitment to duty is inspirational and a comfort to us all in these difficult times.”
Meanwhile a donation page set up in memory of Mary Agyeiwaa Agyapong, a pregnant nurse at Luton and Dunstable University Hospital who died on Sunday, has raised more than £100,000.
Ms Agyapong, 28, was admitted to hospital on 7 April and her baby daughter, who is said to be doing well, was later delivered successfully by caesarian section.
Fundraising effort
“Mary was a blessing to everyone she came across and her love, care and sincerity will be irreplaceable,” organiser Rhoda Asiedu wrote on the page.
“I am raising this funds for her immediate family; her husband, AJ and her baby girl little Mary, who was born at the time of her demise.”
Ms Agyapong had been working at the hospital until at least March 12, well into her third trimester, Channel 4 news reported.
But the hospital said it did not have any coronavirus patients before she took maternity leave.
Some of the victims
The announcement that 27 NHS workers had died after contracting Covid-19 marked a sombre statistic in the ongoing outbreak. These are the names of some of the workers who lost their lives after catching the virus.


inews--2020-04-16--Ramadan under coronavirus lockdown: 'I'll be connecting with the community in a different way'

Ramadan under coronavirus lockdown : ' I 'll be connecting with the community in a different way' This year , Muslims will be observing the holy month of Ramadan under lockdown Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and this year it starts on 23 April .
For Muslims , this will be a particularly trying time as they will be observing the holy month of Ramadan under lockdown .
During the month of Ramadan , Muslims fast all day , which means they won ’ t eat or drink between dawn and sunset .
Fasting is seen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ allows Muslims to devote themselves to their faith and come closer to Allah ( God ) .
Indeed , fasting is one of the Five Pillars of Islam , which are the basic requirements of a Muslim .
The other pillars are faith , prayer , charity and making the holy pilgrimage to the city of Mecca .
Fasting is a mental exercise as much as it is a physical one : it requires self-discipline , control and resilience .
In lockdown , if you are confined to your home and dealing with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ may prove to be even more difficult as you can ’ t dedicate the mental energy it requires .
During my childhood , I would watch my family fast and plead with my mother to allow me to fast too .
It got to the point where she would play a game with me which meant that I was allowed to fast “ in-between my meals ” .
I was far too young to be fasting , but even then I understood the importance of the practice and wanted to join in .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ their loved ones over a meal called Iftar .
Iftar meals can be mini celebrations in and of themselves and they involve friends and family members coming together and enjoying some of their favourite foods .
Under lockdown , large iftar gatherings will be impossible and so some people are choosing to have Iftar meals online .
I have already arranged a few Iftar meals with some of my close friends over Zoom .
Another important component of Ramadan is Taraweeh , Taraweeh is a practice where people go to their local mosques @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , reflect and listen to sermons .
As congregational prayers have been suspended , people will have to pray in their homes .
Ramadan is about cohesion and bringing the community together , something we can ’ t do in isolation .
I have been reaching out to my immediate neighbours , irrespective of their race , religion or creed , and asking if they need any help whilst trying to observe the social distancing rules .
Under normal circumstances , people will make a special effort to connect with their communities and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Zakat ( charity ) is very important during Ramadan but it will be made more difficult under lockdown .
However , there are things you can do .
For example , focusing on the mental health of community members and making sure you are there for them ( virtually ) as much as you can be .
Through online platforms like Whatsapp and Zoom , you can keep in touch and lend people a listening ear .
Counter-intuitively , this may be what some people need and our over-focus on other goods @ @ @ @ @ @ @ might mean we have been ignoring issues such as loneliness .
I 'm planning on putting calls out on social media for people to contact me if they feel they want to talk .
It doesn ’ t have to be religion-specific , we can just chat on Zoom and try and bridge the gap that lockdown has built .
Alongside fasting , Ramadan is also a time for spiritual reflection and prayer .
Ramadan gives you the opportunity to look within and feel gratitude for all of the things you have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people forget and think it ’ s all about abstaining from food when according to the Hadith ( prophet Muhammad ’ s teachings ) it ’ s about moral training and self-discipline , so maybe isolation will allow us to do that without external distractions .
Hopefully next year we won ’ t be in lockdown during Ramadan and one thing that I will take away with me is the focus on reflection .
Previously , I used to fast and think “ job done ” when really , I was missing a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ m looking forward to connecting with the more spiritual aspect of Islam .

The coronavirus pandemic has left people all over the world struggling to continue their daily activities whilst practising social distancing and living under lockdown measures. This month, Easter, Passover and Ramadan all fall under lockdown.
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and this year it starts on 23 April. For Muslims, this will be a particularly trying time as they will be observing the holy month of Ramadan under lockdown.
During the month of Ramadan, Muslims fast all day, which means they won’t eat or drink between dawn and sunset. Fasting is seen as very important during Ramadan as it allows Muslims to devote themselves to their faith and come closer to Allah (God). Indeed, fasting is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, which are the basic requirements of a Muslim. The other pillars are faith, prayer, charity and making the holy pilgrimage to the city of Mecca.
Fasting is a mental exercise as much as it is a physical one: it requires self-discipline, control and resilience. In lockdown, if you are confined to your home and dealing with the psychological battles isolation brings, fasting may prove to be even more difficult as you can’t dedicate the mental energy it requires.
During my childhood, I would watch my family fast and plead with my mother to allow me to fast too. It got to the point where she would play a game with me which meant that I was allowed to fast “in-between my meals”. I was far too young to be fasting, but even then I understood the importance of the practice and wanted to join in.
Read more I grew up unsure Islam was compatible with feminism. Then I began to read the scriptures for myself
Usually, Muslims break their fasts with their loved ones over a meal called Iftar. Iftar meals can be mini celebrations in and of themselves and they involve friends and family members coming together and enjoying some of their favourite foods. Under lockdown, large iftar gatherings will be impossible and so some people are choosing to have Iftar meals online. I have already arranged a few Iftar meals with some of my close friends over Zoom.
Another important component of Ramadan is Taraweeh, Taraweeh is a practice where people go to their local mosques after they break their fasts to pray, reflect and listen to sermons. As congregational prayers have been suspended, people will have to pray in their homes. Ramadan is about cohesion and bringing the community together, something we can’t do in isolation. I have been reaching out to my immediate neighbours, irrespective of their race, religion or creed, and asking if they need any help whilst trying to observe the social distancing rules.
Under normal circumstances, people will make a special effort to connect with their communities and reach out to people who need help. Zakat (charity) is very important during Ramadan but it will be made more difficult under lockdown. However, there are things you can do. For example, focusing on the mental health of community members and making sure you are there for them (virtually) as much as you can be. Through online platforms like Whatsapp and Zoom, you can keep in touch and lend people a listening ear. Counter-intuitively, this may be what some people need and our over-focus on other goods (which are just as important) might mean we have been ignoring issues such as loneliness.
I’m planning on putting calls out on social media for people to contact me if they feel they want to talk. It doesn’t have to be religion-specific, we can just chat on Zoom and try and bridge the gap that lockdown has built.
Alongside fasting, Ramadan is also a time for spiritual reflection and prayer. Ramadan gives you the opportunity to look within and feel gratitude for all of the things you have been gifted in this world. Often, people forget and think it’s all about abstaining from food when according to the Hadith (prophet Muhammad’s teachings) it’s about moral training and self-discipline, so maybe isolation will allow us to do that without external distractions.
Hopefully next year we won’t be in lockdown during Ramadan and one thing that I will take away with me is the focus on reflection. Previously, I used to fast and think “job done” when really, I was missing a vital part of Ramadan. I’m looking forward to connecting with the more spiritual aspect of Islam.


inews--2020-04-16--Coronavirus lockdown: Matt Hancock and senior adviser clash over exit strategy

Ministers accused of being ill-prepared for easing restrictions His comments , in a Radio 4 interview , brought a stinging public rebuke from Mr Hancock who said any talk of relaxing restrictions would distract from the government ’ s “ stay at home ” message .
Prof Ferguson , an epidemiologist from Imperial College London , called for action on an exit strategy to be accelerated .
“ We need to put in place an infrastructure , a command and control structure , a novel organisation for this , ” he said .
“ I ’ m reminded by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for Government - that was a major national emergency , as it were - and we 're faced with something which is , at the moment , even larger than Brexit and yet I do n't see quite the same evidence for that level of organisation . ''
He said more testing will be needed to isolate individual cases and trace their contacts as the lockdown was eased .
A government sign advising people to 'Stay Home , Protect the NHS , Save Lives ' is displayed on the advertising boards in Piccadilly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ added : “ The scientists can say what they like , the commentators can say what they like , but we will do our best by dealing with this virus.
” He said : “ Everybody wants to know what the future looks like .
The question is how do we best get through the crisis and how do we get the numbers down.
” “ The thing is this : how we communicate as government , as ministers , has a direct impact on the cases we have and the people who @ @ @ @ @ @ @

A rift has opened between Health Secretary Matt Hancock and a prominent government adviser over plans for easing Britain’s coronavirus lockdown.
Prof Neil Ferguson accused ministers of failing to carry out enough work on an exit strategy.
His comments, in a Radio 4 interview, brought a stinging public rebuke from Mr Hancock who said any talk of relaxing restrictions would distract from the government’s “stay at home” message.
Prof Ferguson, an epidemiologist from Imperial College London, called for action on an exit strategy to be accelerated.
“We need to put in place an infrastructure, a command and control structure, a novel organisation for this,” he said.
More testing needed
“I’m reminded by the fact we had a Department for Brexit for Government – that was a major national emergency, as it were – and we’re faced with something which is, at the moment, even larger than Brexit and yet I don’t see quite the same evidence for that level of organisation.”
He said more testing will be needed to isolate individual cases and trace their contacts as the lockdown was eased.
Mr Hancock said Prof Ferguson “advises government, he is not in the government”.
He added: “The scientists can say what they like, the commentators can say what they like, but we will do our best by dealing with this virus.”
Post-lockdown planning
The Health Secretary expressed the Government’s frustration over facing repeated questions over its post-lockdown planning.
He said: “Everybody wants to know what the future looks like. The question is how do we best get through the crisis and how do we get the numbers down.”
Repeating clear messages over remaining indoors would save lives, he argued.
“The thing is this: how we communicate as government, as ministers, has a direct impact on the cases we have and the people who die,” Mr Hancock said.


inews--2020-04-16--Coronavirus peak may have passed but expect thousands more deaths, experts say

Coronavirus peak may have passed but expect thousands more deaths , experts say Rise in numbers of deaths in recent days may have arisen from reporting delays rather than a resumption of rising daily number of deaths Officials announced on Thursday that another 861 people have died from the coronavirus , the highest daily figure since April 11 .
Another 4,618 people have tested positive bringing the total who have contracted Covid-19 to 103,093 .
Professor James Naismith , director of the Rosalind Franklin Institute , said : `` The rise in numbers of deaths may well have arisen from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rising daily number of deaths .
Unfortunately even although this particular measure may hopefully have peaked with the 980 deaths announced on April 10 , we will see many hundreds of hospital deaths announced each day for some weeks ahead .
`` There are still new cases arriving in hospitals and the NHS is still stretched .
This morning ’ s data from the ONS reminds us that the death toll is significantly higher than just the deaths announced in hospital .
Passing the peak of announced deaths is a moment to remember @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what is still to come .
At best we are at the end of the beginning . ''
Bradwell Hall , which has 140 residents on its site in Newcastle-under-Lyme and is the largest in Staffordshire , said eight of the deceased were residents who had tested positive for Covid-19 ( Photo : Jacob King/PA Wire ) The comments coincided with new data published by the Office for National Statistics confirming the death rate for men with coronavirus in England and Wales is twice as high as that of women .
Covid-19 was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ March - the equivalent of 69 per 100,000 people .
It accounted for 7 per cent of all deaths in England and Wales that month - 9 per cent of all deaths for males and 6 per cent for females .
The Department for Health said up to the end of March there had been 2,352 deaths from coronavirus in the UK , although that figure is only from deaths in hospitals .
The ONS figures include all mentions of Covid-19 on the death certificate , including suspected Covid-19 , as well as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the number of people with coronavirus symptoms has tumbled by nearly three quarters in the past fortnight , providing further evidence that the lockdown is starting to contain the disease .
Some 582,640 people in the UK had Covid-19 symptoms as of Thursday , down from 2 million at the start of the month , according to the latest estimate .
This was made by King ’ s College London based on an app it has set up for users to report their symptoms , which has been downloaded by 2.4 million people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ figure for coronavirus symptoms based on the data it has collected .

The peak of coronavirus deaths in the UK may have passed, but another wave of Covid-19 may strike before a vaccine is found, experts say.
Officials announced on Thursday that another 861 people have died from the coronavirus, the highest daily figure since April 11. Another 4,618 people have tested positive bringing the total who have contracted Covid-19 to 103,093.
Professor James Naismith, director of the Rosalind Franklin Institute, said: “The rise in numbers of deaths may well have arisen from reporting delays rather than a resumption of rising daily number of deaths. Unfortunately even although this particular measure may hopefully have peaked with the 980 deaths announced on April 10, we will see many hundreds of hospital deaths announced each day for some weeks ahead.
“There are still new cases arriving in hospitals and the NHS is still stretched. This morning’s data from the ONS reminds us that the death toll is significantly higher than just the deaths announced in hospital. Passing the peak of announced deaths is a moment to remember the human suffering that has happened and what is still to come. At best we are at the end of the beginning.”
New data
The comments coincided with new data published by the Office for National Statistics confirming the death rate for men with coronavirus in England and Wales is twice as high as that of women. Covid-19 was the underlying cause in 3,372 deaths in March – the equivalent of 69 per 100,000 people. It accounted for 7 per cent of all deaths in England and Wales that month – 9 per cent of all deaths for males and 6 per cent for females.
The Department for Health said up to the end of March there had been 2,352 deaths from coronavirus in the UK, although that figure is only from deaths in hospitals. The ONS figures include all mentions of Covid-19 on the death certificate, including suspected Covid-19, as well as deaths in the community.
Meanwhile, the number of people with coronavirus symptoms has tumbled by nearly three quarters in the past fortnight, providing further evidence that the lockdown is starting to contain the disease.
Some 582,640 people in the UK had Covid-19 symptoms as of Thursday, down from 2 million at the start of the month, according to the latest estimate. This was made by King’s College London based on an app it has set up for users to report their symptoms, which has been downloaded by 2.4 million people. The researchers have extrapolated a nationwide figure for coronavirus symptoms based on the data it has collected.


inews--2020-04-16--ITV drama Quiz throws Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? 'coughing major’ Charles Ingram back into spotl

ITV drama Quiz throws Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? 'coughing major’ Charles Ingram back into spotlight

ITV drama Quiz throws Who Wants to Be a Millionaire ?
'coughing major ’ Charles Ingram back into spotlight Ingram and his wife were convicted in 2001 for deception It was a scandal that captured the public imagination as much as the hit quiz show that spawned it .
Former British Army major Charles Ingram and his wife Diana , and an accomplice , Tecwen Whittock , made headlines around the world nearly two decades ago when they were found guilty of trying to scam the hit ITV show Who Wants to Be a Millionaire ?
with a coughing plot @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Quiz , has thrown the Wiltshire couple ’ s £1m win and later conviction for “ procuring the execution of a valuable security by deception ” back into the spotlight .
The human rights lawyer Rhona Friedman has taken up the case after becoming convinced the couple were the victims of a miscarriage of justice .
“ You meet Charles and Diana and they are not people who are capable of entering into this kind of criminal conspiracy , or any kind of criminal conspiracy , where they would risk everything in this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ couple ’ s conviction came two years after Mr Ingram won the top prize in a 2001 episode of the show , which was so popular that at its peak 19 million people tuned in to watch – a third of the British population .
They and college lecturer Whittock were handed suspended sentences following a high-profile trial in which they were accused of using an elaborate coughing scheme to cheat , but have always maintained their innocence .
Following the scandal , the couple went on to appear on celebrity editions of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ They have since moved to Bath , where they reportedly now sell custom jewellery .
“ And Tecwen , there he was , coughing .
One single cough .
At an appropriate point he ’ d turn around towards the hot seat and do one cough and then turn away again .
“ He said during the trial that it was very dusty in the studio .
I ’ m sorry but you could have eaten your dinner off that set .
It was immaculate , absolutely immaculate .
And he didn ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It only appeared on the night.
” Charles Ingram and his wife Diana leave Southwark Crown Court in 2003 ( Photo : Getty ) An appeal would use advances in science that would mean it might now be possible to work out who was coughing .
“ I don ’ t want to overstate it , but there is an ability now to discern between different people making coughs in a way that wasn ’ t possible in 2003 , ” Ms Friedman said .
Mr Ingram turned to Twitter at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ gutsy ” three-part ITV drama in which they were played by Matthew Macfadyen and Sian Clifford .
Asked what he thought about Mr Ingram by Chris Moyles on Radio X , he said : “ I mean the bottom line is he ’ s a rotter and a cad and a bandit and he was guilty .
No question in my mind at all that he was guilty .
”

It was a scandal that captured the public imagination as much as the hit quiz show that spawned it. Former British Army major Charles Ingram and his wife Diana, and an accomplice, Tecwen Whittock, made headlines around the world nearly two decades ago when they were found guilty of trying to scam the hit ITV show Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? with a coughing plot.
But now an ITV drama, Quiz, has thrown the Wiltshire couple’s £1m win and later conviction for “procuring the execution of a valuable security by deception” back into the spotlight.
The human rights lawyer Rhona Friedman has taken up the case after becoming convinced the couple were the victims of a miscarriage of justice.
“You meet Charles and Diana and they are not people who are capable of entering into this kind of criminal conspiracy, or any kind of criminal conspiracy, where they would risk everything in this way,” she said.
‘Coughing major’
The couple’s conviction came two years after Mr Ingram won the top prize in a 2001 episode of the show, which was so popular that at its peak 19 million people tuned in to watch – a third of the British population.
They and college lecturer Whittock were handed suspended sentences following a high-profile trial in which they were accused of using an elaborate coughing scheme to cheat, but have always maintained their innocence.
Following the scandal, the couple went on to appear on celebrity editions of Wife Swap and the Weakest Link. They have since moved to Bath, where they reportedly now sell custom jewellery.
Phil Davies, the senior floor manager for Millionaire, told Sky News: “I was crouched down and I was watching.
“And Tecwen, there he was, coughing. One single cough. At an appropriate point he’d turn around towards the hot seat and do one cough and then turn away again.
“He said during the trial that it was very dusty in the studio. I’m sorry but you could have eaten your dinner off that set. It was immaculate, absolutely immaculate. And he didn’t have his cough in rehearsals either. It only appeared on the night.”
‘A rotter and a cad’
An appeal would use advances in science that would mean it might now be possible to work out who was coughing.
“I don’t want to overstate it, but there is an ability now to discern between different people making coughs in a way that wasn’t possible in 2003,” Ms Friedman said.
Mr Ingram turned to Twitter at the weekend to express his admiration for the “gutsy” three-part ITV drama in which they were played by Matthew Macfadyen and Sian Clifford.
“The cast, the story, the scenes, simply brilliant,” he said, adding that the drama was “terrifyingly accurate and, oh yes, horribly cringeworthy”.
Quiz has left some viewers turning to social media to question the couple’s guilt.
But Chris Tarrant, who hosted Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? and is played by Michael Sheen in the drama, has retained a strongly-held opinion about the scandal.
Asked what he thought about Mr Ingram by Chris Moyles on Radio X, he said: “I mean the bottom line is he’s a rotter and a cad and a bandit and he was guilty. No question in my mind at all that he was guilty.”


inews--2020-04-16--Working from home and coronavirus: Pyjama-clad remote workers are reluctant to return to the office

Working from home and coronavirus : Pyjama-clad remote workers are reluctant to return to the office A commute lasting mere seconds , an absence of annoying colleagues and an anything-goes dress code have proved appealing A job advertisement promising a commute lasting mere seconds , an absence of irritating colleagues and the licence to turn up in your pyjamas would likely attract many eager candidates .
So perhaps it should not be surprising that abandoning lengthy journeys , noisy open-plan environments and conventional apparel has proved a positive experience for the majority of Britons working from home during the Covid-19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Among those working from home for the first time , nearly seven in ten workers ( 68 per cent ) feel they are either more productive or equally productive since the Government urged people to stay away from the office , while almost one third ( 31 per cent ) have reported an improvement in their work-life balance , the research released by analytics firm Visier reveals .
Yet employees are not confident that their companies will continue to permit them to work from home once the nation has begun to recover from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ per cent ) of the 1,000 office workers polled predicted their employer would ditch widespread remote working once the pandemic was over , compared to 28 per cent who said they thought their companies would embrace flexible working long-term .
Visier co-founder Jan Schwarz said : “ There are of course work activities and roles that are best served by face-to-face interaction , and some workers simply have a preference for it .
But it ’ s still disappointing to hear so many respondents predict their employers will walk away from the change @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is over.
” He added : “ Covid-19 has prompted the world ’ s biggest home working experiment .
It has rapidly sped up the future of work , and will impact the way we think about work in the years to come .
The worst thing that companies can do is ignore what they have learned about their workforce and how they like to operate.
” Less stressed and eating better Ms Kitchingham , who lives in Croydon , south London , said : “ I no longer have to face Tube @ @ @ @ @ @ @ start [ work ] now I ’ m a lot less stressed and feel a lot more ready to take on my day.
” She and her colleagues have a daily meeting at 9am lasting 15 minutes , which , Ms Kitchingham said , had “ greatly reduced ” the number of discussions and ad-hoc requests she receives from co-workers during the day .
And she is eating more healthily too now as she is able to prepare proper meals instead of relying on sandwich shops and arriving home “ too tired to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ very busy but being able to switch off at 5.30 and immediately be at home to cook or do yoga or do the washing is excellent , ” she added .

A job advertisement promising a commute lasting mere seconds, an absence of irritating colleagues and the licence to turn up in your pyjamas would likely attract many eager candidates. So perhaps it should not be surprising that abandoning lengthy journeys, noisy open-plan environments and conventional apparel has proved a positive experience for the majority of Britons working from home during the Covid-19 pandemic, according to a survey.
Among those working from home for the first time, nearly seven in ten workers (68 per cent) feel they are either more productive or equally productive since the Government urged people to stay away from the office, while almost one third (31 per cent) have reported an improvement in their work-life balance, the research released by analytics firm Visier reveals.
Business as usual?
Yet employees are not confident that their companies will continue to permit them to work from home once the nation has begun to recover from the pandemic.
Almost half (47 per cent) of the 1,000 office workers polled predicted their employer would ditch widespread remote working once the pandemic was over, compared to 28 per cent who said they thought their companies would embrace flexible working long-term.
The future of work
Visier co-founder Jan Schwarz said: “There are of course work activities and roles that are best served by face-to-face interaction, and some workers simply have a preference for it. But it’s still disappointing to hear so many respondents predict their employers will walk away from the change…once the worst of the crisis is over.”
He added: “Covid-19 has prompted the world’s biggest home working experiment. It has rapidly sped up the future of work, and will impact the way we think about work in the years to come. The worst thing that companies can do is ignore what they have learned about their workforce and how they like to operate.”
Less stressed and eating better
Communications manager Louise Kitchingham, 31, has gained three hours of free time every day since she began working from home, having ditched a 90-minute commute.
Ms Kitchingham, who lives in Croydon, south London, said: “I no longer have to face Tube delays or strikes…so when I start [work] now I’m a lot less stressed and feel a lot more ready to take on my day.”
She and her colleagues have a daily meeting at 9am lasting 15 minutes, which, Ms Kitchingham said, had “greatly reduced” the number of discussions and ad-hoc requests she receives from co-workers during the day.
And she is eating more healthily too now as she is able to prepare proper meals instead of relying on sandwich shops and arriving home “too tired to cook”.
“I feel a lot healthier, more alert…and a lot less stressed,” Ms Kitchingham said.
“Work is still very busy but being able to switch off at 5.30 and immediately be at home to cook or do yoga or do the washing is excellent,” she added.
@kt_grant


inews--2020-04-16--Coronavirus travel advice: will summer holidays go ahead? The latest updates for travel to Spain, TU

Coronavirus travel advice: will summer holidays go ahead? The latest updates for travel to Spain, TUI holidays, easyJet cancellations and more

Coronavirus travel advice : will summer holidays go ahead ?
The latest updates for travel to Spain , TUI holidays , easyJet cancellations and more The EU has advised people not to make plans for summer holidays Traditionally , July and August are two of the busiest months in the travel calendar .
However , European Commission President Ursula Von der Leyen has cautioned that nobody can make reliable forecasts as to whether borders will reopen by then and has urged people not to make summer holiday plans in Europe as the coronavirus pandemic continues to grip the Continent .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ speaking to the nation ’ s trade unions , suggested that the Schengen area ’ s external borders should remain closed until September .
Our own government has now extended lockdown until at least 7 May .
With hundreds of thousands of trips cancelled as a result of the Foreign Office advising against all non-essential travel , does this mean that summer holidays are likely to follow suit ?
“ New interest in peak season holidays is likely to materialise at the last minute and is likely to be slow in getting off @ @ @ @ @ @ @ part of the decision-making mix : which countries will still be in lock-down , for example .
No doubt there will be countries that may not wish to welcome British visitors until the situation in the UK is clearer.
” Will my holiday to France this August take place ?
French President Emmanuel Macron wears a face mask during the visit of the military field hospital outside the Emile Muller Hospital in Mulhouse , eastern France ( Photo : Mathieu Cugnot/AFP/Getty ) France has extended its lockdown for a further three weeks until @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to non-EU citizens until further notice ( British nationals are considered EU nationals until the end of this year ) .
According to a spokesperson for the France Tourism Development Agency , the country ’ s tourism sector is expected to remain closed until mid-July .
The airline has not indicated when flights will resume and has furloughed staff until June ; so far flights have been cancelled until mid-May but it is likely that cancellations will be rolling .
Therefore , wait for your flight to be cancelled to ensure you receive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A spokesperson for the Spanish Tourist Office said : “ It ’ s still unknown how the pandemic will evolve so it is impossible to make forecasts about the summer season .
This won ’ t just depend on the situation in Spain but also on the situation in our source markets .
The opening of borders will depend on the evolution of the health crisis .
Safety is our first priority.
” If I decide to postpone my TUI summer holiday , will I be able to move it to next summer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if you are due to depart before 30 June , and booked before 17 March , you can change the date to another holiday .
You will be asked to pay the difference if it is more expensive or you will be refunded the difference if it is cheaper .
The same will apply if your holiday is cancelled , although you ’ d also be entitled to a refund .
I ’ ve paid a deposit for a summer holiday and have been asked to settle the balance .
Should I pay @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a financially protected package , yes .
An Atol-bonded holiday means that any money you ’ ve paid is safe , and by paying the balance on time , you won ’ t be contravening the agreement you entered into when committing to the holiday - most operators ask for the money 10-12 weeks before departure .
If the trip is cancelled , you are entitled to all of your money back , but if you don ’ t pay the balance , you risk losing your deposit .
Is the UK a @ @ @ @ @ @ @

July and August are usually two of the busiest months in the travel calendar. However, the Health Secretary Matt Hancock has indicated that the summer season for holidays abroad is very likely to be cancelled, telling ITV’s This Morning that it is “unlikely that big, lavish, international holidays are going to be possible this summer.”
The Foreign Office continues to advise against all non-essential international travel, and the Government will soon require all arrivals into the UK to quarantine for a 14-day period. The intention is that this will not be a requirement for arrivals from France and the Common Travel Area (Ireland, the Isle of Man and Channel Islands), although Ireland requires arrivals to quarantine for two weeks, with the exception of Northern Ireland arrivals.
Spain has also announced that all visitors must quarantine for 14 days on arrival, starting 15 May, putting the country’s sun-kissed coastline and islands out of reach until further notice.
Iceland, Portugal and Greece plan to welcome visitors this summer
The Government of Iceland announced that it expects to start easing restrictions on international arrivals from 15 June. Visitors are expected to be given the choice of being tested for Covid-19 upon arrival, or otherwise prove that they are free of infection.
In southern Portugal, the Algarve tourist office has said that the region will be ready to receive visitors once international borders reopen. Three-quarters of its hotels are expected to be open by mid-June, with a ful reopening by July. Beaches will reopen in June, with new health and safety measures in place. The Portuguese Environment Agency will set out rules in the coming days. The Algarve has recorded 340 Covid-19 cases since January.
Greece is keen to kickstart its tourist economy, hoping to welcome visitors from 1 July, perhaps contingent on arrivals being permitted into the country only if they have been confirmed to be Covid-free.
Border bubbles
European Commission President Ursula Von der Leyen cautioned that nobody can make reliable forecasts as to when borders will reopen and urged people not to make summer holiday plans in Europe. However, the European commission is now drafting plans to create tourism “bubbles” – allowing countries to open borders with similar coronavirus epidemiology profiles. In the Baltic states, Estonia, Lithuania and Latvia will open their borders to each other from 15 May.
Restrictions and quarantine requirements have resulted in increased interest for domestic summer holidays. The Government has said that hospitality venues could potentially begin to reopen from 4 July, should the rate of infection remain below 1, offering some hope for businesses and holidaymakers.
Meanwhile, Ryanair has announced that it plans to restart 40 per cent of its flying schedule from the beginning of July.
Noel Josephides, director of industry issues at AITO – The Specialist Travel Association, says: “New interest in peak season holidays is likely to materialise at the last minute and is likely to be slow in getting off the ground. Many factors will be part of the decision-making mix: which countries will still be in lock-down, for example. No doubt there will be countries that may not wish to welcome British visitors until the situation in the UK is clearer.”
Iago Negueruela, the Balearic Minister for Tourism said that Spain’s Mediterranean islands would likely remain closed until August and the return of British visitors will be encouraged in a safe manner. The islands are the second most popular Spanish destination for British visitors with more than 3.5 million arrivals each year.
When the islands welcome tourists again “will depend on how the borders are opened once the COVID-19 crisis is over” he said, emphasising the importance that “the archipelago continues to be a reference and example of a safe destination in Spain and in Europe” and that they are working to develop “protocols and plans to guarantee that the tourism industry can reopen its doors with the highest level of security.”
When can we start visiting France?
France is now emerging from lockdown, but its borders remain closed to non-EU citizens until further notice (British nationals are considered EU nationals until the end of this year). According to a spokesperson for the France Tourism Development Agency, the country’s tourism sector is expected to remain closed until mid-July.
However, President Macron and Prime Minister Boris Johnson have spoken about the “need for close bilateral, European and international cooperation in the fight against Covid-19”. The British government has announced that quarantine measures will not apply to arrivals from France. The two leaders have agreed to work together on the consultation over the coming weeks, indicating a reciprocal agreement allowing British nationals to enter France without the need to quarantine once borders reopen, nor the need to quarantine on their return home.
Can I get a refund for an easyJet flight to Malaga in late July?
EasyJet’s fleet has been grounded until further notice, with Easter and summer 2021 flights now on sale. Customers with cancelled bookings have the option to request a refund (by phone), rebook for any other flight until March 2021 or accept a voucher for the value of their booking, valid until summer 2021.
The airline has not indicated when flights will resume but is maintaining its fleet in order to be able to partially re-start flights with around two weeks’ notice.
However, with quarantine rules now applying in both directions for trips to Spain, a summer holiday on the Costas looks unlikely, requiring 14 days of isolation on arrival in Spain, and on return back to the UK, until further notice. This would make easyJet’s resumption of commercial flights to Spain unlikely until the measures are relaxed.
A spokesperson for the Spanish Tourist Office said: “It’s still unknown how the pandemic will evolve so it is impossible to make forecasts about the summer season. This won’t just depend on the situation in Spain but also on the situation in our source markets. The opening of borders will depend on the evolution of the health crisis. Safety is our first priority.”
If I decide to postpone my TUI summer holiday, will I be able to move it to next summer without paying any more?
TUI beach holidays have been cancelled until 11 June, with later departures “continually reviewed”. If you have booked a holiday due to depart after this date, you should assume it will go ahead and that amendment fees will apply.
However, if you are due to depart before 11 June, and booked before 17 March, you can change the date to another holiday. You will be asked to pay the difference if it is more expensive or you will be refunded the difference if it is cheaper. The same will apply if your holiday is cancelled, although you’d also be entitled to a refund.
The German-owned holiday giant has announced plans to reduce costs by 30 per cent across the group, affecting up to 8,000 jobs globally. However, it has pledged to “reinvent the holiday” this year and assured customers that it is ready to resume operations once travel restrictions are lifted. A number of its hotels will open in Germany in the coming days. CEO Fritz Joussen said: “For 2020 we will also reinvent the holiday: new destinations, changed travel seasons, new local offerings, more digitalisation.” The company has implemented a 10-point plan for increased hygiene measures.
I’ve paid a deposit for a summer holiday and have been asked to settle the balance. Should I pay?
If you can and it is a financially protected package, yes. An Atol-bonded holiday means that any money you’ve paid is safe, and by paying the balance on time, you won’t be contravening the agreement you entered into when committing to the holiday – most operators ask for the money 10-12 weeks before departure. If the trip is cancelled, you are entitled to all of your money back, but if you don’t pay the balance, you risk losing your deposit.
However, if your financial circumstances are uncertain, speak to your operator about your options before paying the balance.
Is the UK a safe bet for a summer holiday?
Boris Johnson has announed that as part of the three-part phased plan to reopen society, hospitality venues including hotels, B&Bs and self-catering accommodation, could reopen from 4 July, providing they meet new Covid Secure Guidelines to ensure public health and safety.
However, the nation’s beauty spots are cautious about welcoming a surge of holidaymakers after lockdown, with many destinations such as Cumbria, Wales and Scotland, urging visitors to stay away. If infection rates continue to fall, it is possible that they may gradually begin to welcome visitors this summer, although this is likely to be in a controlled manner.
If you are considering a self-catering holiday, it would be advisable to book with a company that is offering flexible rebooking options.


inews--2020-04-16--Coronavirus: Hospital cleaner travels 4,500 miles from Nepal to London to 'do his bit'

Coronavirus : Hospital cleaner travels 4,500 miles from Nepal to London to 'do his bit' Purna Ghale , 43 , has worked at Northwick Park Hospital in Harrow , north-west London , for 16 years Purna Ghale was stuck in Kathmandu when the city went into lockdown ( Photo : NHS ) A hospital cleaner has travelled 4,500 miles from Nepal to London to return to work during the coronavirus pandemic .
Purna Ghale , from Edgware , north London , had been in the Nepalese capital , Kathmandu , visiting relatives when his return flight to the UK was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in March , the BBC has reported .
Mr Ghale , 43 , has worked at Northwick Park Hospital in Harrow , north-west London for 16 years , and was anxious to get back to the UK to “ do his bit ” .
“ There were only a handful of reported cases in Kathmandu but the lockdown is very strict in Nepal , ” the married father-of-two told the broadcaster .
“ The police and army patrol the streets and very few people are allowed outside , ” he added .
Adventure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s economy , but lockdown has stopped climbers visiting the region ( Photo : PRAKASH MATHEMA/AFP/Getty ) Mr Ghale was reunited with his family after being repatriated by the Government and has returned to work at Northwick Park .
On 20 March the hospital declared a “ critical incident ” after it ran out of intensive care beds following a surge in patients being treated for Covid-19 .
In a message to staff seen by the news site Health Service Journal the hospital said it did not have enough space for patients requiring @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hospitals about transferring patients to other sites .
Elsewhere , the husband of a nurse in Mansfield , Nottinghamshire , has written a song dedicated to NHS staff working during the coronavirus outbreak .
Richard Parkin ’ s song , “ Heroes and Angels ” , calls for the nation to “ unite in praise for the NHS ” .

A hospital cleaner has travelled 4,500 miles from Nepal to London to return to work during the coronavirus pandemic.
Purna Ghale, from Edgware, north London, had been in the Nepalese capital, Kathmandu, visiting relatives when his return flight to the UK was cancelled as the city went into lockdown in March, the BBC has reported.
Back in Britain
Mr Ghale, 43, has worked at Northwick Park Hospital in Harrow, north-west London for 16 years, and was anxious to get back to the UK to “do his bit”.
“There were only a handful of reported cases in Kathmandu but the lockdown is very strict in Nepal,” the married father-of-two told the broadcaster.
“The police and army patrol the streets and very few people are allowed outside,” he added.
Mr Ghale was reunited with his family after being repatriated by the Government and has returned to work at Northwick Park.
On 20 March the hospital declared a “critical incident” after it ran out of intensive care beds following a surge in patients being treated for Covid-19.
In a message to staff seen by the news site Health Service Journal the hospital said it did not have enough space for patients requiring critical care and it was contacting neighbouring hospitals about transferring patients to other sites.
‘Heroes and angels’
Elsewhere, the husband of a nurse in Mansfield, Nottinghamshire, has written a song dedicated to NHS staff working during the coronavirus outbreak.
Richard Parkin’s song, “Heroes and Angels”, calls for the nation to “unite in praise for the NHS”.
His wife, Marney, works in the cardiac catheter suite at King’s Mill Hospital in Sutton-in-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire.
Ms Parkin’s colleagues filmed a video to accompany the song, which has been watched thousands of times online.


inews--2020-04-16--Coronavirus: Staffordshire care home hit by 24 resident deaths in three weeks

Coronavirus : Staffordshire care home hit by 24 resident deaths in three weeks The Bradwell Hall home last month issued an appeal for donations of face masks after warning its stocks were running low Bradwell Hall , which has 140 residents on its site in Newcastle-under-Lyme and is the largest in Staffordshire , said that eight of the deaths were residents who had tested positive for Covid-19 .
Other fatalities were the result of “ pneumonia-like symptoms ” , although the patients had not been tested for the virus .
The outbreak at the home , where a further ten @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also been found to have Covid-19 , will further intensify the focus on the levels of personal protective equipment ( PPE ) available to care homes and their workers .
The first case at the home , where relatives have praised the standard of care , was recorded on 23 March and four days later it issued a public statement appealing for donations because it was running short of face masks as its staff isolated suspected cases and increased use of PPE .
Bradwell Hall , which has 140 residents on its site @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Staffordshire , said eight of the deceased were residents who had tested positive for Covid-19 ( Photo : Jacob King/PA Wire ) In a statement at the time , the home said it had used 2,000 masks in a matter of days , adding : “ We have thousands more on order but as you will no doubt be aware , there is a national shortage and suppliers can not give any delivery dates .
The NHS can only provide a small number to us.
” The owner of the home , Edward @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had been “ heartbreaking ” .
In the same period last year , the home , which industry watchdog the Care Quality Commission last month rated as requiring improvement , recorded five deaths .
In a statement , Mr Twigge said : “ We look after some of the most frail and elderly people and it is always upsetting when someone passes away .
However , the last three weeks have been truly heartbreaking for everyone involved with the home .
“ We clearly still have a difficult few days and weeks to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thank everyone for their continued support at this time.
” The care home tragedy came as a leaked letter to Government from senior social care leaders condemned the supply of PPE to care workers as “ shambolic ” and warned that despite promises from ministers that deliveries were improving the supply situation remained “ haphazard ” .
At the same time the Local Government Association , which represents councils , warned that the current system for distributing PPE to its members and care providers was “ not fit for purpose ” and said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Secretary Matt Hancock needed to be put in place rapidly .
Matt Hancock announced changes to rules on saying goodbye to relatives ( Photo : PA ) Mr Hancock insisted on Thursday that Government figures suggest just 15 per cent of care homes have two or more cases of Covid-19 .
But industry leaders believe the figure is much higher , with one network saying as many as two-thirds of its homes are dealing with outbreaks .
The number of coronavirus deaths in care homes is now believed to be at about 1,400 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nationwide .
'They looked after my dad really , really well' At Bradwell Hall , the home said it was working with Public Health England , the NHS and Staffordshire County Council to deal with the spike in cases , including further cleansing and self-isolation measures .
Around a quarter of the 414 staff employed at the home have also self-isolated .
He said : “ The staff had almost no equipment to stop the disease spreading .
I ’ m not blaming the home , they looked after my dad really , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be ramping up testing , and frontline nurses and carers should get tested first .
”

Twenty-four residents have died of coronavirus at a care home which was last month forced to issue a plea for donations of face masks after warning its stocks were running low.
Bradwell Hall, which has 140 residents on its site in Newcastle-under-Lyme and is the largest in Staffordshire, said that eight of the deaths were residents who had tested positive for Covid-19. Other fatalities were the result of “pneumonia-like symptoms”, although the patients had not been tested for the virus.
The outbreak at the home, where a further ten residents and one member of staff have also been found to have Covid-19, will further intensify the focus on the levels of personal protective equipment (PPE) available to care homes and their workers.
The first case at the home, where relatives have praised the standard of care, was recorded on 23 March and four days later it issued a public statement appealing for donations because it was running short of face masks as its staff isolated suspected cases and increased use of PPE.
2,000 masks used
In a statement at the time, the home said it had used 2,000 masks in a matter of days, adding: “We have thousands more on order but as you will no doubt be aware, there is a national shortage and suppliers cannot give any delivery dates. The NHS can only provide a small number to us.”
The owner of the home, Edward Twigge, said the last three weeks had been “heartbreaking”. In the same period last year, the home, which industry watchdog the Care Quality Commission last month rated as requiring improvement, recorded five deaths.
‘Truly heartbreaking’
In a statement, Mr Twigge said: “We look after some of the most frail and elderly people and it is always upsetting when someone passes away. However, the last three weeks have been truly heartbreaking for everyone involved with the home.
“We clearly still have a difficult few days and weeks to get through and I would like to thank everyone for their continued support at this time.”
The care home tragedy came as a leaked letter to Government from senior social care leaders condemned the supply of PPE to care workers as “shambolic” and warned that despite promises from ministers that deliveries were improving the supply situation remained “haphazard”.
‘Paltry’ deliveries
The letter from the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services (Adass) to a senior Whitehall Official warned that early deliveries of PPE to care homes and providers of at-home care had been “paltry”.
At the same time the Local Government Association, which represents councils, warned that the current system for distributing PPE to its members and care providers was “not fit for purpose” and said new measures announced this week by Health Secretary Matt Hancock needed to be put in place rapidly.
Mr Hancock insisted on Thursday that Government figures suggest just 15 per cent of care homes have two or more cases of Covid-19. But industry leaders believe the figure is much higher, with one network saying as many as two-thirds of its homes are dealing with outbreaks. The number of coronavirus deaths in care homes is now believed to be at about 1,400 and may be as high as 4,000 nationwide.
‘They looked after my dad really, really well’
At Bradwell Hall, the home said it was working with Public Health England, the NHS and Staffordshire County Council to deal with the spike in cases, including further cleansing and self-isolation measures. Around a quarter of the 414 staff employed at the home have also self-isolated.
Reg Amison, 86, a great-grandfather from Stoke-on-Trent, died at the home on 30 March after being diagnosed with Covid-19 and discharged from hospital. His son Robert said his father’s death raised vital questions about testing and access to PPE.
He said: “The staff had almost no equipment to stop the disease spreading. I’m not blaming the home, they looked after my dad really, really well. But the Government should be ramping up testing, and frontline nurses and carers should get tested first.”


inews--2020-04-16--Grammar school advocate Nick Timothy appointed to Department for Education role

Theresa May 's former chief of staff in Number 10 has been appointed a non-executive director on the Department for Education 's board Former Theresa May aide Nick Timothy ( left ) , pictured here in 2017 general election , has been appointed a non-executive director in the Department for Education ( Photo : JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP/Getty ) A former adviser to Theresa May who is an advocate for more grammar schools has been given a role in the Department for Education .
Nick Timothy , who served as Ms May 's joint chief of staff in Number 10 until June @ @ @ @ @ @ @ director on the DfE 's board .
A staunch supporter of selective education , his time in Downing Street was marked by an unsuccessful attempt to roll out more grammars .
The plans were sunk by the Conservatives ’ disastrous performance in the 2017 general election , when the party lost its parliamentary majority .
Theresa May 's former advisers Nick Timothy and Fiona Hill are pictured outside Conservative Party Headquarters on June 9 ( Photo : Chris J Ratcliffe/Getty ) The performance was widely blamed on the Tory manifesto which Mr Timothy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to resign days after the election result .
Government non-executive directors are supposed to “ provide advice and bring an external perspective to the business of government departments ” , but they do not have decision-making powers .
The appointment is nevertheless likely to raise fears among campaigners against selective education that Boris Johnson ’ s Government could revive Mr Timothy ’ s grammar school agenda .
The creation of new grammars is currently prohibited by law , but the Conservatives now have enough MPs to change the law if Mr Johnson wanted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do so would be hugely controversial , and would arguably clash with the Prime Minister ’ s pledge to “ level up ” education standards across the country .
In January i was told by a senior DfE figure that the Government would not be seeking the legislative change needed for a large-scale rollout of new grammars .
As well as being pro-grammars , Mr Timothy is a vocal champion of faith schools .
During his time in Downing Street he unsuccessfully attempted to abolish the cap which means free schools can only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the basis of religion .
Mr Timothy claimed the cap was contrary to Catholic canon law , and said getting rid of it would pave the way for a new wave of Catholic state schools .
As well as sitting on the DfE board , Mr Timothy is a columnist for The Daily Telegraph , a visiting professor at the University of Sheffield and a member of the organising committee for the 2022 Commonwealth Games A DfE spokesperson said : “ As with all the department ’ s non-executive directors , Nick @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that will support our work as we continue to develop our world-leading education system .
”

Wildfires are continuing to ravage the islands of Hawaii, as the death toll rises to 55, with hundreds of people feared to be missing.
Officials are unclear as to how many people have been displaced, after wildfires fanned by winds of a distant hurricane engulfed the resort town of Lahaina on Maui on Wednesday evening and the death toll is expected to rise even higher.
In a statement issued on Thursday night, Maui County authorities reported a two-person increase in the number of fatalities attributed to the Lahaina, Pulehu, and Upcountry fires. Officials said the Lahaina fire is still active, and that firefighters were working to contain fires across Pulehu, Kihei and Upcountry Maui, in a Friday morning update.
One eyewitness who escaped the fatal fires likened the situation to an apocalypse (Photo: Matthew Thayer/The Maui News via AP)
They added that more firefighters have been added to the force in an effort to contain the flames.
“The firefighting effort was bolstered by 21 firefighters from the Honolulu Fire Department, seven supervisory personnel and four vehicles. A nine-member search-and-rescue team also arrived on island,” officials said
Major fires have decimated the resort destination island of Maui, while neighbouring Big Island and Oahu have also faced blazes that are now under control.
The town of Lahaina on Maui has been badly damaged, with historic landmarks, including the oldest Banyan tree in the United States, at risk. The tree, which has been on the island for 150 years, is still standing but badly scorched, aerial photographs have shown.
Residents were forced to dive into the ocean to escape the flames, as one local told i that the places she knew had been “wiped off the map”, adding that many elderly people and families would have been unable to escape.
The wildfires are continuing to raze the town with more than 1,700 buildings and billions of dollars in property destroyed.
Neighbourhoods were burnt to the ground and the western side of the town, and around 2,000 people were evacuated to shelters after they were forced to abandon their homes.
The fires also destroyed parts of Kula, a mountainous inland residential area.
The disaster has been called one of the deadliest US wildfires in recent history. Travelling in Utah on Thursday, US President Joe Biden pledged the federal response will ensure that “anyone who’s lost a loved one, or whose home has been damaged or destroyed, is going to get help immediately”.
About 12,000 residents on Maui are thought to be without power, and water shortages on the west coast of the island are causing concern, with authorities saying the outages could last for weeks.


inews--2020-04-16--Captain Tom Moore becomes Just Giving's biggest-ever fundraiser as he raises £16m for NHS

Captain Tom Moore becomes Just Giving 's biggest-ever fundraiser as he raises £16m for NHS A 99-year-old veteran who is raising funds for the NHS by walking 100 lengths of his garden has become the biggest individual fundraiser ever , the website JustGiving has said .
Mr Moore , who lives with his family in Bedfordshire , hoped to raise £1,000 for the NHS by walking 25 metre laps of his garden .
By Thursday morning a total of more than £16 million had been donated by hundreds of thousands of supporters .
The figure beats that of Stephen Sutton @ @ @ @ @ @ @ activist , known for his fundraising efforts for the Teenage Cancer Trust .
Mr Sutton , who died in 2014 , raised more than £5 million by the second anniversary of his death and was posthumously honoured by the Queen .
The late teen 's mum , Jane , said : `` I wanted to be one of the first to send my congratulations to Captain Tom Moore . ''
She added : `` My understanding is that Stephen ’ s total , until today , was the highest total raised by an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now passed to Captain Tom and could not have gone to a more worthy individual . ''
'They deserve every penny of it' On Wednesday morning Mr Moore told the BBC : “ Completely out of this world !
Thank you so much to all you people who subscribe to the National Health Service because , for every penny that we get , they deserve every one of it.
” His daughter , Hannah Ingram-Moore , said : “ He ’ s embraced this adventure as the next stage of his life .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ about purpose and , whilst he ’ s had a life full of purpose , he did fall and break his hip and became much less independent than he had been for the preceding 98 years .
And what you have done , everyone who ’ s supported him , is give him his next purpose.
” Money raised by Mr Moore and others for NHS Charities Together is being spent on wellbeing packs for NHS staff , rest and recuperation rooms , electronic devices to enable hospital patients to keep in contact @ @ @ @ @ @ @ groups help discharged patients .

A 99-year-old veteran who is raising funds for the NHS by walking 100 lengths of his garden has become the biggest individual fundraiser ever, the website JustGiving has said.
Mr Moore, who lives with his family in Bedfordshire, hoped to raise £1,000 for the NHS by walking 25 metre laps of his garden.
By Thursday morning a total of more than £16 million had been donated by hundreds of thousands of supporters.
Record fundraising effort
The figure beats that of Stephen Sutton MBE, a teenage blogger and charity activist, known for his fundraising efforts for the Teenage Cancer Trust.
Mr Sutton, who died in 2014, raised more than £5 million by the second anniversary of his death and was posthumously honoured by the Queen.
The late teen’s mum, Jane, said: “I wanted to be one of the first to send my congratulations to Captain Tom Moore.”
She added: “My understanding is that Stephen’s total, until today, was the highest total raised by an individual on JustGiving. That baton has now passed to Captain Tom and could not have gone to a more worthy individual.”
‘They deserve every penny of it’
On Wednesday morning Mr Moore told the BBC: “Completely out of this world! Thank you so much to all you people who subscribe to the National Health Service because, for every penny that we get, they deserve every one of it.”
His daughter, Hannah Ingram-Moore, said: “He’s embraced this adventure as the next stage of his life.
“I believe that life is all about purpose and, whilst he’s had a life full of purpose, he did fall and break his hip and became much less independent than he had been for the preceding 98 years. And what you have done, everyone who’s supported him, is give him his next purpose.”
Money raised by Mr Moore and others for NHS Charities Together is being spent on wellbeing packs for NHS staff, rest and recuperation rooms, electronic devices to enable hospital patients to keep in contact with loved ones and a support community groups help discharged patients.
Donations can be made at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/tomswalkforthenhs