inews--2020-05-22--I've never been more proud to be a teacher than during the coronavirus lockdown

I 've never been more proud to be a teacher than during the coronavirus lockdown It is during these extraordinary circumstances that I ’ ve really felt a heightened sense of purpose As teachers returned to their classrooms in early 2020 , none of us could have predicted what was around the corner .
The spread of Covid-19 has led to many challenges across society , and teachers had to adjust to this new reality by pulling together in hugely demanding circumstances to keep schools open for those who need it most .
Like other schools , Friday 20 March @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
With the exception , of course , for the children of key workers and those most vulnerable , for whom we remained open to provide supervised learning .
The rest of our students also embarked on an uncharted journey – transitioning to a temporary new way of learning at home .
Since then , I have been nothing but astounded at how well my colleagues , students and their parents have adapted to this ‘ new normal ’ , and it ’ s so humbling to hear parents ’ heartfelt appreciation for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a role in the corporate world to become a teacher , in search of a career that would be more fulfilling .
Over the years , teaching has always allowed me to feel like I ’ m making a real difference to the lives of my students , but it is during these extraordinary circumstances that I ’ ve really felt a heightened sense of purpose .
So how it has worked in practice ?
Well , my colleagues and I have devised a rota , to ensure we are all spending equal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with home learning , as well as heading into school to support those who are still attending in person .
So far , I ’ ve taught in the classroom for two separate weeks , and I also volunteered to cover during the Easter break .
When schools closed to most pupils , my colleagues and I wrote and hand-delivered cards and letters to the children in our classes .
I had to deliver mine over two days and quite a few miles .
I managed to see some of the children at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ made it feel very worthwhile .
All staff at the school recorded video messages to our classes , which were edited together to share with the school community .
In return , several year groups have now created their own versions to send back to their teachers which have been very emotional for us all to watch .
I received my year group ’ s video whilst walking the dog at 6am before I had to go into school , and I will admit , I was crying my eyes out .
I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be a teacher .
I also make regular phone calls to the families of my students to see how they are and if they need any further support .
I ’ ve been touched by the heartfelt messages of support and “ thank yous ” from pupils , parents and the wider community – it ’ s created stronger bonds and helped keep me motivated .
It ’ s encouraging to hear this sentiment is being felt across the country as three-quarters of parents surveyed by the Government 's Get Into Teaching campaign @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , feel that teachers across the board have gone above and beyond during these times .
I ’ ve been sharing video messages to my students and their families each morning to say hello and ask them a random question like `` if you were an animal , what would you be and why ? ''
to get the day started .
I definitely miss seeing them each day , so to hear that parents surveyed feel that their child is missing their schoolteacher , and being in lessons , is hugely touching @ @ @ @ @ @ @ find innovative and creative ways to support pupils .
As the Computing lead at my school , I had implemented Google Classroom over the last 12 months , so a lot of the groundwork had already been done .
That said , not all of our students have access to technology , so we have also been preparing and posting non-IT based material to our students where it ’ s been needed .
Importantly , these times have really provided an opportunity to teach our students how to explore learning in different ways @ @ @ @ @ @ @ providing them with the tools and encouragement to be as creative and curious as possible .
My wife and I have two children of our own at home , so juggling our work whilst supporting them with their home learning has certainly kept us busy .
But knowing that I ’ m there to support my students during this unsettling time has kept me motivated and I ’ m proud to be part of a whole school team that is playing its part in this national effort .
It ’ s fair to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unique period of our lives , but teaching has never been more important .

As teachers returned to their classrooms in early 2020, none of us could have predicted what was around the corner. The spread of Covid-19 has led to many challenges across society, and teachers had to adjust to this new reality by pulling together in hugely demanding circumstances to keep schools open for those who need it most.
Like other schools, Friday 20 March marked the temporary closure of Halterworth Primary. With the exception, of course, for the children of key workers and those most vulnerable, for whom we remained open to provide supervised learning.
The rest of our students also embarked on an uncharted journey – transitioning to a temporary new way of learning at home. Since then, I have been nothing but astounded at how well my colleagues, students and their parents have adapted to this ‘new normal’, and it’s so humbling to hear parents’ heartfelt appreciation for the job we do.
I left a role in the corporate world to become a teacher, in search of a career that would be more fulfilling. Over the years, teaching has always allowed me to feel like I’m making a real difference to the lives of my students, but it is during these extraordinary circumstances that I’ve really felt a heightened sense of purpose.
So how it has worked in practice? Well, my colleagues and I have devised a rota, to ensure we are all spending equal amounts of time both assisting our students with home learning, as well as heading into school to support those who are still attending in person. So far, I’ve taught in the classroom for two separate weeks, and I also volunteered to cover during the Easter break.
When schools closed to most pupils, my colleagues and I wrote and hand-delivered cards and letters to the children in our classes. I had to deliver mine over two days and quite a few miles. I managed to see some of the children at a distance whilst delivering them, which made it feel very worthwhile.
All staff at the school recorded video messages to our classes, which were edited together to share with the school community. In return, several year groups have now created their own versions to send back to their teachers which have been very emotional for us all to watch. I received my year group’s video whilst walking the dog at 6am before I had to go into school, and I will admit, I was crying my eyes out. I’ve never felt more proud to be a teacher.
I also make regular phone calls to the families of my students to see how they are and if they need any further support. I’ve been touched by the heartfelt messages of support and “thank yous” from pupils, parents and the wider community – it’s created stronger bonds and helped keep me motivated. It’s encouraging to hear this sentiment is being felt across the country as three-quarters of parents surveyed by the Government’s Get Into Teaching campaign, to mark Thank a Teacher Day, feel that teachers across the board have gone above and beyond during these times.
I’ve been sharing video messages to my students and their families each morning to say hello and ask them a random question like “if you were an animal, what would you be and why?” to get the day started. I definitely miss seeing them each day, so to hear that parents surveyed feel that their child is missing their schoolteacher, and being in lessons, is hugely touching.
Many schools have pulled together to find innovative and creative ways to support pupils. As the Computing lead at my school, I had implemented Google Classroom over the last 12 months, so a lot of the groundwork had already been done. That said, not all of our students have access to technology, so we have also been preparing and posting non-IT based material to our students where it’s been needed. Importantly, these times have really provided an opportunity to teach our students how to explore learning in different ways and at their own pace, by providing them with the tools and encouragement to be as creative and curious as possible.
My wife and I have two children of our own at home, so juggling our work whilst supporting them with their home learning has certainly kept us busy. But knowing that I’m there to support my students during this unsettling time has kept me motivated and I’m proud to be part of a whole school team that is playing its part in this national effort. It’s fair to say we are all in an intensely unique period of our lives, but teaching has never been more important.
Phil Young is a teacher


inews--2020-05-22--Mortgage holiday extension: How the changes to the UK payment scheme work as it's extended by three

Mortgage holiday extension: How the changes to the UK payment scheme work as it's extended by three months

Mortgage holiday extension : How the changes to the UK payment scheme work as it 's extended by three months Borrowers who are taking a three-month mortgage payment holiday could extend it for another three months Those struggling can claim an extension , or end the holiday ( Photo : Joe Giddens/PA Wire ) Announcing the news , the Economic Secretary to the Treasury , John Glen , said : “ We ’ re doing everything we can to help people with their finances at this difficult time , and that includes making sure people get the support they need @ @ @ @ @ @ @ why we ’ re working with the banks and lenders to extend payment holidays if people need them .
“ Everyone ’ s circumstances will be different , so when homeowners can pay some or all of their mortgage , they should work with their lender on a plan ; but if they are still struggling , I want them to know that help is there.
” How would the extension work ?
Buy-to-let landlords who take up the scheme are expected to pass on the benefit to renters ( Photo : Getty @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , mortgage interest still builds up during a payment holiday , unless the lender says otherwise .
And the outstanding debt will still be owed by the borrower .
Additionally , the Financial Conduct Authority has warned it could still impact your ability to borrow in future , even if the holiday does n't directly affect credit files .
`` The FCA highlighted that while your official credit record can ’ t be affected by these breaks , this isn ’ t the only way firms decide whether to lend to you .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , you may be asked whether you took advantage of the scheme – and how long for .
So it could still affect your ability to borrow .
`` There ’ s also an immediate financial cost - because these missed payments will have to be repaid too .
If you have £150,000 mortgage at 2.5 per cent with 15 years left to run , and you take a three month break , your monthly repayments could rise £20 a month .
This doesn ’ t sound earth shattering , but it adds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ £1,750 more over the life of the mortgage .
.
If you extend your mortgage term by anything up to six months , you also need to consider the impact at the other end of the mortgage term .
This could mean you have to pay your mortgage even after you ’ ve retired , or wait an extra six months to stop work .
Alternatively , it could mean your mortgage remains a burden at a time of life when you hoped to prioritise other things – like your pension , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it last ?

Homeowners struggling to pay their mortgage amid the coronavirus outbreak will be able to apply for a three-month mortgage payment holiday extension.
Those who have encountered financial issues because of the pandemic can defer their mortgage payments until September, extending the scheme due to expire at the end of June.
For those who have not claimed the extension, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has proposed that the time to apply be extended until 31 October.
Here’s how you can claim a mortgage holiday, and how the extension works.
Treasury extends the scheme
Borrowers who are taking a three-month mortgage payment holiday could extend it for another three months, or start making reduced payments, under proposals from the Treasury.
The continuation of the scheme has been introduced because the Treasury was concerned an abrupt end to the scheme could produce a cliff-edge effect, with families left facing even worse money issues than when the virus first struck, BBC News reported.
Announcing the news, the Economic Secretary to the Treasury, John Glen, said: “We’re doing everything we can to help people with their finances at this difficult time, and that includes making sure people get the support they need with their mortgages. That’s why we’re working with the banks and lenders to extend payment holidays if people need them.
“Everyone’s circumstances will be different, so when homeowners can pay some or all of their mortgage, they should work with their lender on a plan; but if they are still struggling, I want them to know that help is there.”
How would the extension work?
To apply for a holiday, the same criteria stands. Mortgage payment holidays of up to three months are available to all homeowners who are up to date on their mortgage payments.
They’re also available to buy-to-let landlords whose tenants have been financially affected by the coronavirus. Landlords who take payment holidays are expected to pass on this relief to their tenants.
To get a payment holiday, you’d need to contact your bank directly.
At the end of a payment holiday, firms should contact their customers to find out if they can resume payments and if so, agree a plan on how the missed payments will be repaid.
Importantly, the benefit is not just for new claimants. Firms are expected to engage with their customers and find out what they can repay and, for those who remain in temporary financial difficulty, offer further support.
What are the drawbacks?
While the scheme offers some temporary relief, beneficiaries of the scheme will still accrue interest on their mortgage.
Generally, mortgage interest still builds up during a payment holiday, unless the lender says otherwise. And the outstanding debt will still be owed by the borrower. Additionally, the Financial Conduct Authority has warned it could still impact your ability to borrow in future, even if the holiday doesn’t directly affect credit files.
Sarah Coles, personal finance analyst, Hargreaves Lansdown: “A possible extension to mortgage holidays will come as a huge relief for borrowers. However, it’s not a ‘get out of jail free’ card.
“The FCA highlighted that while your official credit record can’t be affected by these breaks, this isn’t the only way firms decide whether to lend to you. If you apply for loans in future, you may be asked whether you took advantage of the scheme – and how long for. So it could still affect your ability to borrow.
“There’s also an immediate financial cost – because these missed payments will have to be repaid too. If you have £150,000 mortgage at 2.5 per cent with 15 years left to run, and you take a three month break, your monthly repayments could rise £20 a month. This doesn’t sound earth shattering, but it adds up, and you might pay around £1,750 more over the life of the mortgage. .
If you extend your mortgage term by anything up to six months, you also need to consider the impact at the other end of the mortgage term. This could mean you have to pay your mortgage even after you’ve retired, or wait an extra six months to stop work. Alternatively, it could mean your mortgage remains a burden at a time of life when you hoped to prioritise other things – like your pension,” Ms Coles added.
If the proposals are confirmed, the FCA would still expect customers who can afford to return to full repayments to do so as this is in their best interests.
How long will it last?
The FCA is inviting feedback by 26 May and expects to finalise the guidance, which applies only to mortgages and not other credit products, shortly afterwards.
While current homeowners using the scheme can skip payments under their bank’s permission until September, new applicants can apply for an extension until 31 October. This will extend to ban on homes being repossessed, which would continue under the same guidelines until 31 October.
Christopher Woolard, interim chief executive at the FCA, said: “Our expectations are clear – anyone who continues to need help should get help from their lender.
“We expect firms to work with customers on the best options available for them, paying particular attention to the needs of their vulnerable customers, and to provide information on where to access help and advice.
“Where consumers can afford to restart mortgage payments, it is in their best interests to do so. But where they can’t, a range of further support will be available. People who are struggling and have not had a payment holiday will continue to be able to apply until 31 October.”
Additional reporting by Press Association


inews--2020-05-22--Ryanair refunds: Airline caught telling customers a tactic they used to get money back was ‘fraudule

Ryanair refunds: Airline caught telling customers a tactic they used to get money back was ‘fraudulent activity’ and warning them of ‘blacklist’

Ryanair refunds : Airline caught telling customers a tactic they used to get money back was ‘ fraudulent activity ’ and warning them of ‘ blacklist ’ Some frustrated Ryanair customers have attempted to secure refunds via chargeback , whereby card providers can reclaim money from the bank Ryanair customers have accused the airline of informing them that a consumer scheme they made use of to obtain refunds was tantamount to fraud , with a threat to blacklist travellers in the future .
Thousands of passengers have experienced difficulties when attempting to get their money back for flights that have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , with many being offered vouchers instead of a refund .
The vouchers can be exchanged for cash refunds only after 12 months and are not financially protected .
This has led some would-be travellers to make use of chargeback , a scheme that allows customers to instruct their card issuer to try to reclaim money from the supplier ’ s bank .
However , consumer website MoneySavingExpert.com ( MSE ) claimed it was aware of at least 10 instances in which Ryanair staff have warned customers that attempting to get their money @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or that it could result in them being banned from using the airline again .
Consumer champion Martin Lewis described the warnings as 'outrageous ' ( Photo : PA ) A screenshot taken by a Ryanair passenger published by MSE capturing an online chat between the customer and an operative shows the airline representative telling the claimant that “ chargeback is a fraudulent activity ” .
Another screenshot shows an operative warning a passenger that trying to obtain a refund via chargeback could lead to the customer ending up on a “ blacklist @ @ @ @ @ @ @ use Ryanair in the future ” .
Mr Lewis said : `` To give Ryanair the benefit of the doubt , we have to view this as human error in highly pressured circumstances , due to possibly systemically poor customer service training.
” He continued : `` Chargeback is a bedrock of the plastic purchase promise .
It is a term of Amex , Mastercard and Visa rules that companies who take payments from these cards must agree to .
“ If customers do n't receive the product or service they were promised @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get their money back.
” The consumer champion added : `` It is outrageous for a firm 's staff to call asking your bank for a chargeback an act of fraud .
”

Ryanair customers have accused the airline of informing them that a consumer scheme they made use of to obtain refunds was tantamount to fraud, with a threat to blacklist travellers in the future.
Thousands of passengers have experienced difficulties when attempting to get their money back for flights that have been cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic, with many being offered vouchers instead of a refund. The vouchers can be exchanged for cash refunds only after 12 months and are not financially protected.
‘Fraudulent activity’
This has led some would-be travellers to make use of chargeback, a scheme that allows customers to instruct their card issuer to try to reclaim money from the supplier’s bank.
However, consumer website MoneySavingExpert.com (MSE) claimed it was aware of at least 10 instances in which Ryanair staff have warned customers that attempting to get their money back using chargeback could amount to fraud or that it could result in them being banned from using the airline again.
A screenshot taken by a Ryanair passenger published by MSE capturing an online chat between the customer and an operative shows the airline representative telling the claimant that “chargeback is a fraudulent activity”.
Another screenshot shows an operative warning a passenger that trying to obtain a refund via chargeback could lead to the customer ending up on a “blacklist”, meaning they “cannot use Ryanair in the future”.
‘Outrageous’
MSE founder Martin Lewis described the warnings as “outrageous”.
Mr Lewis said: “To give Ryanair the benefit of the doubt, we have to view this as human error in highly pressured circumstances, due to possibly systemically poor customer service training.”
He continued: “Chargeback is a bedrock of the plastic purchase promise. It is a term of Amex, Mastercard and Visa rules that companies who take payments from these cards must agree to.
“If customers don’t receive the product or service they were promised, they can do a chargeback to get their money back.”
The consumer champion added: “It is outrageous for a firm’s staff to call asking your bank for a chargeback an act of fraud.”
Ryanair climbdown
Ryanair has admitted in a statement that the claims made by its staff were “untrue”.
“Chargebacks are not considered a fraudulent activity and Ryanair only ‘blacklists’ customers in confirmed fraud cases,” it added.


inews--2020-05-22--The ten best TV shows to watch this week, from Homecoming to Hannah Gadsby's Douglas

The ten best TV shows to watch this week , from Homecoming to Hannah Gadsby 's Douglas There 's also cat-and-mouse thriller We Hunt Together and Prince William discusses mental health with footballers Julia Roberts moves from lead actor to executive producer for the second series of this mystery , making way for musician Janelle Monáe .
Waking up on a boat in the middle of a lake with no idea who she is or how she got there , Jackie ( Monáe ) sets out to uncover what happened to her and how she fits into the ominous Homecoming @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bring Celeste Ng 's novel to life ( Photo : Amazon/Hulu ) Reese Witherspoon brings Celeste Ng ’ s 2017 novel to the small screen .
When Mia ( Kerry Washington ) and her daughter Pearl move to the prim neighbourhood of Shaker Heights , they are welcomed by the equally strait-laced Richardsons .
Not all is as perfect as it seems , though , and the entire town is shaken when Mia realises the newest resident on the block is an adopted baby – and the actual daughter of her colleague at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up due to a postpartum episode and financial hardship , and has spent the past year searching for her .
Another Ice Age has devastated Earth and the last human survivors are living out their last days on a train circling the globe .
This series adaptation of Parasite director Bong Joon-ho ’ s 2013 film focuses on the brewing class divide between passengers , as the poor “ tailies ” plan an uprising .
Hannah Gadsby captured the world ’ s attention in 2018 with her first Netflix special , Nanette , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ giving up stand-up .
That didn ’ t exactly work out , and now the comedian is back with another show covering the complexity of identity , art history and her dog , Douglas .
Fed up of amateur banana bread ?
The fifth series of Bake Off ’ s professional spin-off is back this week with new teams of chefs vying to impress judges Benoit Blin and Cherish Finden .
Comedian Tom Allen and Bake Off alum Liam Charles return as hosts , and in the first episode , they challenge the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ salad pastries .
Men at the Barre : Inside the Royal Ballet Men at the Barre : Inside the Royal Ballet ( Photo : BBC ) To many , ballet conjures up images of little girls in delicate tutus – but there are plenty of professional male ballet dancers who challenge that .
This film follows their gruelling routines , asking why men who want to dance are so often ridiculed , and what makes the art form an attractive career .
This Mark Wahlberg-produced HBO docuseries details one of the most notorious @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the McDonald ’ s Monopoly scam .
In the 90s , customers of the fast-food chain thought they could win up to $ 1m in a promotional giveaway .
But no one did , for good reason - all the winning Monopoly game pieces had been removed from circulation by a former police officer and sold on to his associates , in a heist worth $ 24m .
Filmed over the course of a year , the Duke of Cambridge meets with players , managers and fans to discuss their mental health through @ @ @ @ @ @ @ England goalkeeper Joe Hart and his struggle with a declining career to a local club bringing together bereaved fathers , this documentary explores how the game can be both a healer and a cause of mental health issues .
Continuing with the football theme , this sitcom follows three young footballers whose off the pitch antics get them in trouble with their Italian manager , Cesare .
Created by Iain Morris and Damon Beesley , the writing duo behind The Inbetweeners , it is fun , highly quotable and perfectly timed for those @ @ @ @ @

Homecoming
From Friday 22 May, Amazon Prime Video
Julia Roberts moves from lead actor to executive producer for the second series of this mystery, making way for musician Janelle Monáe. Waking up on a boat in the middle of a lake with no idea who she is or how she got there, Jackie (Monáe) sets out to uncover what happened to her and how she fits into the ominous Homecoming Initiative.
Little Fires Everywhere
From Friday 22 May, Amazon Prime Video
Reese Witherspoon brings Celeste Ng’s 2017 novel to the small screen. When Mia (Kerry Washington) and her daughter Pearl move to the prim neighbourhood of Shaker Heights, they are welcomed by the equally strait-laced Richardsons. Not all is as perfect as it seems, though, and the entire town is shaken when Mia realises the newest resident on the block is an adopted baby – and the actual daughter of her colleague at a Chinese restaurant, who gave her up due to a postpartum episode and financial hardship, and has spent the past year searching for her.
Snowpiercer
From Monday 25 May, Netflix
Another Ice Age has devastated Earth and the last human survivors are living out their last days on a train circling the globe. This series adaptation of Parasite director Bong Joon-ho’s 2013 film focuses on the brewing class divide between passengers, as the poor “tailies” plan an uprising.
Hannah Gadsby: Douglas
From Tuesday 26 May, Netflix
Hannah Gadsby captured the world’s attention in 2018 with her first Netflix special, Nanette, in which she announced why she was giving up stand-up. That didn’t exactly work out, and now the comedian is back with another show covering the complexity of identity, art history and her dog, Douglas.
Bake Off: The Professionals
Tuesday 26 May, 8pm, Channel 4
Fed up of amateur banana bread? The fifth series of Bake Off’s professional spin-off is back this week with new teams of chefs vying to impress judges Benoit Blin and Cherish Finden. Comedian Tom Allen and Bake Off alum Liam Charles return as hosts, and in the first episode, they challenge the bakers to create strawberry tarts and fruit salad pastries.
Men at the Barre: Inside the Royal Ballet
Wednesday 27 May, 9pm, BBC Four
To many, ballet conjures up images of little girls in delicate tutus – but there are plenty of professional male ballet dancers who challenge that. This film follows their gruelling routines, asking why men who want to dance are so often ridiculed, and what makes the art form an attractive career.
McMillions
Wednesday 27 May, 9pm, Sky Documentaries
This Mark Wahlberg-produced HBO docuseries details one of the most notorious cases of fraud in the US: the McDonald’s Monopoly scam. In the 90s, customers of the fast-food chain thought they could win up to $1m in a promotional giveaway. But no one did, for good reason – all the winning Monopoly game pieces had been removed from circulation by a former police officer and sold on to his associates, in a heist worth $24m.
We Hunt Together
Wednesday 27 May, 10pm, Alibi
A mismatched pair of detectives seek out a violent, psychopathic couple on a killing rampage? Yes please. Eve Myles and Jackson Babou Ceesay play coppers opposite murderers Hermione Corfield and Dipo Ola. TV escapism at its finest and darkest.
Football, Prince William And Our Mental Health
Thursday 28 May, 8.05pm, BBC One
Filmed over the course of a year, the Duke of Cambridge meets with players, managers and fans to discuss their mental health through the prism of football. From former England goalkeeper Joe Hart and his struggle with a declining career to a local club bringing together bereaved fathers, this documentary explores how the game can be both a healer and a cause of mental health issues.
The First Team
Thursday 28 May, 9.30pm, BBC Two
Continuing with the football theme, this sitcom follows three young footballers whose off the pitch antics get them in trouble with their Italian manager, Cesare. Created by Iain Morris and Damon Beesley, the writing duo behind The Inbetweeners, it is fun, highly quotable and perfectly timed for those missing the beautiful game.


inews--2020-05-22--Birds on British rivers are eating insects filled with microplastics

Birds on British rivers are eating insects filled with microplastics Freshwater insects eat microplastics , then birds eat the insects - and feed them to their chicks Dippers are unique in the songbirds , for their ability to wade , swim and dive in running water ( Photo : Andrew2606 ) Birds in Britain ’ s rivers are swallowing hundreds of plastic fibres every day , because the insects they eat are contaminated with the man-made material .
That is the startling conclusion reached by scientists at Cardiff University , the University of Exeter , and the Greenpeace Research Laboratories @ @ @ @ @ @ @ further fears plastic is causing far-reaching damage to UK wildlife .
Previous research has shown around half of insects in UK rivers contain plastic .
Now it has been shown that dippers - small birds that wade , swim and dive in running water - are not only eating the insects contaminated with plastic , but are also feeding them to their young .
It is the first study to show that microplastic particles less than 5mm in diameter are being passed up the freshwater food chain .
“ In almost 40 years @ @ @ @ @ @ @ never imagined that one day our work would reveal these spectacular birds to be at risk from the ingestion of plastics - a measure of how this pollution problem has crept upon us , ” said lead author Professor Steve Ormerod , co-director of Cardiff University ’ s Water Research Institute .
Microplastic particles are eaten by insects , then travel up the food chain ( Photo : LOUISA GOULIAMAKI/AFP via Getty Images ) The team collected samples of droppings and regurgitated pellets from the songbirds and their young , and were shocked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Most of the fibres were from clothing and building materials , and the research suggests birds are ingesting around 200 particles of plastic a day via insects .
Dippers depend on river insects as their only source of food , so have no way of avoiding this plastic contamination .
Although the samples suggest the plastic passes through the birds , the scientists fear it could still prove toxic to the birds in such large quantities .
“ We have known for some time that microplastics including polyester , polypropylene and nylon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” said Dr David Santillo , Greenpeace honorary research fellow at the University of Exeter .
“ But our forensic approach now reveals how extensively these materials contaminate freshwater food webs .
The impact of the chemicals and pollutants in these plastics on dippers and their chicks remains to be seen .
”

Birds in Britain’s rivers are swallowing hundreds of plastic fibres every day, because the insects they eat are contaminated with the man-made material.
That is the startling conclusion reached by scientists at Cardiff University, the University of Exeter, and the Greenpeace Research Laboratories, in a first-of-a-kind study which raises further fears plastic is causing far-reaching damage to UK wildlife.
Read more: A river in Manchester has the worst microplastic pollution in the world
Previous research has shown around half of insects in UK rivers contain plastic. Now it has been shown that dippers – small birds that wade, swim and dive in running water – are not only eating the insects contaminated with plastic, but are also feeding them to their young.
It is the first study to show that microplastic particles less than 5mm in diameter are being passed up the freshwater food chain.
“In almost 40 years of researching rivers and dippers, I never imagined that one day our work would reveal these spectacular birds to be at risk from the ingestion of plastics – a measure of how this pollution problem has crept upon us,” said lead author Professor Steve Ormerod, co-director of Cardiff University’s Water Research Institute.
Toxic impact?
The team collected samples of droppings and regurgitated pellets from the songbirds and their young, and were shocked to find microplastic particles in around half. Most of the fibres were from clothing and building materials, and the research suggests birds are ingesting around 200 particles of plastic a day via insects.
Dippers depend on river insects as their only source of food, so have no way of avoiding this plastic contamination. Although the samples suggest the plastic passes through the birds, the scientists fear it could still prove toxic to the birds in such large quantities.
“We have known for some time that microplastics including polyester, polypropylene and nylon, pollute Britain’s rivers,” said Dr David Santillo, Greenpeace honorary research fellow at the University of Exeter.
“But our forensic approach now reveals how extensively these materials contaminate freshwater food webs. The impact of the chemicals and pollutants in these plastics on dippers and their chicks remains to be seen.”


inews--2020-05-22--Sage member Sir Ian Boyd says if UK lockdown had started a 'week or two weeks earlier' it could have

Sage member Sir Ian Boyd says if UK lockdown had started a 'week or two weeks earlier' it could have reduced coronavirus deaths

Sage member Sir Ian Boyd says if UK lockdown had started a 'week or two weeks earlier ' it could have reduced coronavirus deaths 'It would have made quite a big difference to the steepness of the curve of infection and therefore the death rate' Sir Ian Boyd , a member of the Government 's Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies ( Sage ) , told the BBC on Thursday that lockdown should have begun a `` week or two weeks earlier '' - which would have reduced the amount of deaths from Covid-19 .
Speaking to the BBC 's Coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ St Andrew 's University who joined the advisory group known as Sage a month ago , said that the UK and other European countries had been `` slow off the mark '' in introducing restrictions .
The Government figures as of Thursday evening showed that 36,042 people have died from the Covid-19 virus , a tally which Sir Ian said could have been lower if lockdown had been introduced earlier .
'Could we have acted earlier ? '
Sir Ian Boyd said lockdown should have started earlier .
( Photo : BBC ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ very early was really important '' and `` I would have loved to have seen us acting a week or two weeks earlier and it would have made quite a big difference to the steepness of the curve of infection and therefore the death rate .
`` And I think that 's really the number one issue - could we have acted earlier ?
Were the signs there earlier on ? ''
He said the Government had received `` very blunt and very clear '' advice from its top advisors .
He also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ assessments of Covid-19 on the emergence of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome ( Sars ) in 2003 , which is less infectious than the new coronavirus .
Boris Johnson put the UK into lockdown on 23 March after mounting pressure , with the situation in countries such as Italy , France and Spain looking dire .
Prime Minister Boris Johnson addressing the nation about coronavirus ( COVID-19 ) from 10 Downing Street ( Photo : PA ) Sir Ian said : `` One could point the finger at ministers and politicians for not being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` You could point the finger at scientists for not actually being explicit enough .
But at the end of the day all these interact with public opinion as well .
`` And I think some politicians would have loved to have reacted earlier but in their political opinion it probably was n't feasible because people would n't have perhaps responded in the way they eventually did . ''
Sir Ian also called on ministers to stop using the term `` led by the science '' , which has become a frequent feature @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said : `` I think the statement 'we are guided by the science ' is slightly misleading .
I do n't think ministers intend it to be misleading .
I think they intend it to help to provide trust in what they are saying .
And quite rightly so .
`` Basically what we in the scientific community do is give the best advice we can based on the evidence that 's available to us .
We then pass it to government ministers and the policy parts of government who can then take @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like within the policy context . ''

Sir Ian Boyd, a member of the Government’s Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (Sage), told the BBC on Thursday that lockdown should have begun a “week or two weeks earlier” – which would have reduced the amount of deaths from Covid-19.
Speaking to the BBC’s Coronavirus Newscast, the professor of biology at St Andrew’s University who joined the advisory group known as Sage a month ago, said that the UK and other European countries had been “slow off the mark” in introducing restrictions.
The Government figures as of Thursday evening showed that 36,042 people have died from the Covid-19 virus, a tally which Sir Ian said could have been lower if lockdown had been introduced earlier.
‘Could we have acted earlier?’
He told the podcast that “acting very early was really important” and “I would have loved to have seen us acting a week or two weeks earlier and it would have made quite a big difference to the steepness of the curve of infection and therefore the death rate.
“And I think that’s really the number one issue – could we have acted earlier? Were the signs there earlier on?”
He said the Government had received “very blunt and very clear” advice from its top advisors. He also suggested Number 10 had based its initial assessments of Covid-19 on the emergence of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (Sars) in 2003, which is less infectious than the new coronavirus.
Boris Johnson put the UK into lockdown on 23 March after mounting pressure, with the situation in countries such as Italy, France and Spain looking dire.
‘Public opinion’
Sir Ian said: “One could point the finger at ministers and politicians for not being willing to listen to scientific advice.
“You could point the finger at scientists for not actually being explicit enough. But at the end of the day all these interact with public opinion as well.
“And I think some politicians would have loved to have reacted earlier but in their political opinion it probably wasn’t feasible because people wouldn’t have perhaps responded in the way they eventually did.”
Sir Ian also called on ministers to stop using the term “led by the science”, which has become a frequent feature of the evening press conferences.
He said: “I think the statement ‘we are guided by the science’ is slightly misleading. I don’t think ministers intend it to be misleading. I think they intend it to help to provide trust in what they are saying. And quite rightly so.
“Basically what we in the scientific community do is give the best advice we can based on the evidence that’s available to us. We then pass it to government ministers and the policy parts of government who can then take that and do with it what they like within the policy context.”


inews--2020-05-22--When will gyms reopen? Latest UK coronavirus lockdown news as gymnasiums are still closed

When will gyms reopen ?
Latest UK coronavirus lockdown news as gymnasiums are still closed With the UK lockdown still in place , but Boris Johnson revealing a `` conditional plan '' to easing restrictions , when could gyms begin to reopen again ?
Johnson said that his blueprint for a gradual easing of the coronavirus lockdown in England could see primary schools , nurseries and shops partially reopening from 1 June .
Some cafes or restaurants with outdoor space , and places or worship and socially distanced cinemas , could return to business from July , although specific details @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The government hasn ’ t yet confirmed when gyms will be able to reopen .
The First Minister has unveiled plans to ease Scotland out of lockdown restrictions , around two weeks after Boris Johnson began to ease lockdown restrictions in England .
She said that several strict measures will be relaxed from 28 May in a four-phase `` route map '' .
In phase one , from May 28 , outdoor swimming in Scotland is permitted along with other outside activities including golf , canoeing and hiking .
However , leisure centres @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the country reaches phase three of the exit-lockdown plan during which physical distancing measures will still be in place .
The First Minister of Wales , Mark Drakeford , said that Wales would allow more frequent exercise and the opening of garden centres , but that said schools will not reopen from 1 June .
In Northern Ireland , some sports , such as golf and tennis , have also been allowed to restart , with social distancing measures in place .
Health club chain PureGym has previously said that it is working @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out to allow for social distancing , alongside capping member numbers .
However , Mr Cobbold added that gyms will only be re-opened when permitted to do so by the government .
He said : `` The right approach is a considered and careful opening , we will probably , when permitted by government , start by opening half a dozen sites and then expand from there when we 're confident that we have a model that 's safe and secure for members for the future.
” The PureGym website states : “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ work hard to ensure your club is clean , safe , and ready for your return .
We are looking forward to welcoming you back.
” Fitness studio Barry 's Bootcamp also released a statement saying the company is `` unsure when we will be reopening but will continue to closely follow the advice of the government and local authorities '' .
They are currently offering virtual workouts for members .
Virgin Active will also inform customers when it will reopen clubs `` once it is safe to do so based on government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other European countries ?
In Italy , citizens will now be able to travel within regions in order to visit relatives , provided that they wear masks .

The coronavirus lockdown has changed people’s lives in many ways, but one of the biggest has been the way in which we exercise.
Gyms, leisure centres and indoor pools had all been closed since 21 March, while home workout equipment is like gold dust online.
However, the Government has finally given the go-ahead for gyms to open their doors again.
When did the gyms reopen?
Gyms, leisure centres and indoor pools reopened on Saturday 25 July.
They will have to follow strict new guidelines, such as introducing timed bookings for workouts and restrictions on showering.
Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said the move to reopen gyms would help get the country “match-fit to defeat the virus” amid growing fears of inactivity among the population due to social distancing restrictions.
“The reopening of gyms is the news millions across the country have been waiting for with many people desperate to jump on a spinning bike or dive into a pool,” he said.
“Our comprehensive guidance will ensure gyms, pools and leisure centres have the support they need to reopen safely for their customers and staff.”
In the Government’s Our Plan to Rebuild document, released on Monday 11 May, gyms and fitness studios were originally part of step three of the lockdown exit plan, starting from 4 July.
However, Mr Johnson later said indoor gyms are categorised as “close proximity” businesses and would remain shut.
He said: “The business and culture secretaries will establish task forces with public health experts and the sectors to help them become Covid-secure and reopen as soon as possible.”
The industry reacted with frustration at Mr Johnson’s “catastrophic decision” to give the green light to many sectors of the economy, but not gyms.
Mark Sesnan, managing director of GLL, which runs 270 leisure and sport facilities on behalf of local authorities, said: “This will bad for business, bad for jobs and bad for the health of the nation.”
He added: “The Government is ignoring the health of the nation, when it has been proven that conditions such as obesity and diabetes increase the risks associated with Covid-19.”
What safety measures will be in place?
When gyms reopen, it won’t be business as usual.
According to The Times, gyms and swimming pools will require receptionists to use clickers to count numbers going in, and booking systems will be put in place to prevent overcrowding.
On gym floors, people will only be permitted to use equipment that’s spaced two metres apart and a gym’s maximum capacity will be calculated based on three metres squared per person.
Changing rooms and showers will be in use but “extra care” will be provided to maintain social distancing in these areas, while sweat towels will not be permitted on gym floors or studios.
Health club chain PureGym has previously said that it is working out how its facilities could be laid out to allow for social distancing, alongside capping member numbers.
PureGym CEO Humphrey Cobbold, told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme that the chain was working to upgrade hygiene and sanitation procedures in order to “provide a safe environment for the future.”


inews--2020-05-22--Little Boy Blue cast: who stars with Stephen Graham in the Rhys Jones drama series, and when it's re

Little Boy Blue cast: who stars with Stephen Graham in the Rhys Jones drama series, and when it's repeated on ITV

Little Boy Blue cast : who stars with Stephen Graham in the Rhys Jones drama series , and when it 's repeated on ITV Little Boy Blue , ITV 's retelling of the 2007 murder of 11-year-old Rhys Jones , is getting a second airing To this day the motive behind the killing is unclear - was Rhys simply a random , tragic target , was it a case of mistaken identity or was he caught in the crossfire during a gang fight ?
Little Boy Blue , written by Bafta-winner Jeff Pope , follows the story of how Rhys @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to justice .
When is Little Boy Blue on ITV ?
The series has four episodes in total , and remaining three will air over the next three nights at 9pm , finishing on Wednesday 27 May .
Who is in the cast ?
Dave Kelly is the man in charge of the case and what turns out to be a difficult and complicated hunt for Rhys ' killer .
He is determined to get to the bottom of it , even promising Rhys ' parents that he will find their son 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ playing Andrew `` Combo '' Gascoigne in This is England , Baby Face Nelson in Public Enemies and Anthony `` Tony Pro '' Provenzano in Martin Scorsese 's 2019 hit The Irishman .
The Irish actress played Nina Pickering in Being Human , and has also appeared in Doctor Who , Taggart and Doctors .
O'Byrne plays Rhys ' father , who is more pragmatic in his approach despite being grief-stricken by his son 's death .
He was nominated for an Emmy for his role in Mildred Pierce and won a Tony @ @ @ @ @ @ @ production of Frozen .
This is Beyga 's first ever TV role .
He comes from Liverpool , and was born not long before Rhys was killed .
DCI Guinness works alongside DS Kelly in the murder hunt .
Walters is best known for Ragged and Buried .
He also played Mad Twatter in Skins and appeared in an episode of Band of Brothers .
Pat Gallan puts pressure on Kelly for a fast conviction , with the expectancy of Liverpool and the nation weighing on the police force .
Rowan plays Rhys @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to life in prison .
This is Rowan 's first major role , but he went on to appear in Playing Field and North Pier .

Little Boy Blue, ITV‘s retelling of the 2007 murder of 11-year-old Rhys Jones, is getting a second airing.
Rhys was shot and killed by 16-year-old gang member Sean Mercer while walking home from football practice in Liverpool.
To this day the motive behind the killing is unclear – was Rhys simply a random, tragic target, was it a case of mistaken identity or was he caught in the crossfire during a gang fight?
Little Boy Blue, written by Bafta-winner Jeff Pope, follows the story of how Rhys’ killer and his associates were brought to justice.
When is Little Boy Blue on ITV?
The first episode aired on Sunday 24 May at 9.15pm on ITV.
The series has four episodes in total, and the remaining three are airing over the next three nights at 9pm, finishing on Wednesday 27 May.
Who is in the cast?
Stephen Graham as Detective Superintendent Dave Kelly
Dave Kelly is the man in charge of the case and what turns out to be a difficult and complicated hunt for Rhys’ killer. He is determined to get to the bottom of it, even promising Rhys’ parents that he will find their son’s killer.
Graham is best known for playing Andrew “Combo” Gascoigne in This is England, Baby Face Nelson in Public Enemies and Anthony “Tony Pro” Provenzano in Martin Scorsese’s 2019 hit The Irishman.
Sinead Keenan as Melanie Jones
Keenan plays Rhys’ mother Melanie, who unsurprisingly finds it difficult to come to terms with her son’s death.
The Irish actress played Nina Pickering in Being Human, and has also appeared in Doctor Who, Taggart and Doctors.
Brían F O’Byrne as Steve Jones
O’Byrne plays Rhys’ father, who is more pragmatic in his approach despite being grief-stricken by his son’s death.
He was nominated for an Emmy for his role in Mildred Pierce and won a Tony Award for his performance in a 2004 production of Frozen.
Sonny Beyga as Rhys Jones
This is Beyga’s first ever TV role. He comes from Liverpool, and was born not long before Rhys was killed.
Matthew Roberts as Owen Jones
This is also Roberts’ first TV role – he plays Rhys’ older brother Owen.
Stephen Walters as Detective Chief Inspector Mark Guinness
DCI Guinness works alongside DS Kelly in the murder hunt. Walters is best known for Ragged and Buried. He also played Mad Twatter in Skins and appeared in an episode of Band of Brothers.
Sara Powell as Assistant Chief Constable Pat Gallan
Pat Gallan puts pressure on Kelly for a fast conviction, with the expectancy of Liverpool and the nation weighing on the police force.
Powell is best known for Last Christmas and Vanity Fair.
Paddy Rowan as Sean Mercer
Rowan plays Rhys’ killer Mercer, who is sentenced to life in prison. This is Rowan’s first major role, but he went on to appear in Playing Field and North Pier.
Michael Moran as Kevin Moody
Moody is associate of Mercer’s who is bullied into hiding the gun used to kill Rhys. This is Moran’s first TV role.
Nathan Clark Smith as Jordan Olssen
Olssen’s bedroom is used by Mercer and the gang to orchestrate the cover-up of Rhys’ murder. This is also Smith’s first TV role.
James Nelson-Joyce as James Yates
Yates is questioned by police but released without charge due to lack of evidence. Nelson-Joyce is also known for roles in Cilla, Mount Pleasant and Shameless.


inews--2020-05-22--Air pollution could heighten risk of developing multiple sclerosis

Risk of developing MS is 29 per cent higher for those living in urban areas with poor air quality Air pollution has emerged as a potential risk factor for developing multiple sclerosis ( MS ) , an autoimmune condition which affects the brain and spinal cord .
A team of Italian researchers studied the incidence of MS in urban and rural populations in Pavia , Northern Italy , mapping the results against average air pollution levels for different parts of the region .
Even after adjusting for age , deprivation and urbanisation , MS rates were 29 per cent higher @ @ @ @ @ @ @ where air quality breached European limits , the team found .
“ We believe that air pollution interacts through several mechanisms in the development of MS and the results of this study strengthen that hypothesis , ” said lead researcher Professor Roberto Bergamaschi , from the Casimiro Mondino National Neurological Institute Foundation in Italy .
One of many factors MS is a condition that can affect the brain and spinal cord , causing a wide range of potential symptoms , including problems with vision , arm or leg movement , sensation or balance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can cause serious disability and reduced life expectancy .
Environmental factors such as smoking and Vitamin D levels have already been linked to higher rates of MS , but the new research is one of only a handful of studies to consider the impact of air pollution .
The team acknowledged that some of these other risk factors could also be contributing to the higher incidence of MS among urban residents , including smoking , sun exposure , indoor pollution levels , diet and genetics .
But they said the results nevertheless suggest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ developing MS .
In particular , the tiny grains of particulate matter known as PM2.5 seem to be most harmful .
PM2.5 is emitted by vehicle exhausts , heavy industry and fires , and is already a known risk factor for other diseases , including heart and lung disease .
The Italian scientists are now carrying out further research in the regions where air pollution is highest , to shed more light on the link between poor air quality and MS .

Air pollution has emerged as a potential risk factor for developing multiple sclerosis (MS), an autoimmune condition which affects the brain and spinal cord.
A team of Italian researchers studied the incidence of MS in urban and rural populations in Pavia, Northern Italy, mapping the results against average air pollution levels for different parts of the region.
Even after adjusting for age, deprivation and urbanisation, MS rates were 29 per cent higher among those living in towns and cities where air quality breached European limits, the team found.
“We believe that air pollution interacts through several mechanisms in the development of MS and the results of this study strengthen that hypothesis,” said lead researcher Professor Roberto Bergamaschi, from the Casimiro Mondino National Neurological Institute Foundation in Italy.
One of many factors
MS is a condition that can affect the brain and spinal cord, causing a wide range of potential symptoms, including problems with vision, arm or leg movement, sensation or balance. It’s a lifelong condition that can cause serious disability and reduced life expectancy.
Environmental factors such as smoking and Vitamin D levels have already been linked to higher rates of MS, but the new research is one of only a handful of studies to consider the impact of air pollution.
The team acknowledged that some of these other risk factors could also be contributing to the higher incidence of MS among urban residents, including smoking, sun exposure, indoor pollution levels, diet and genetics.
But they said the results nevertheless suggest air pollution could be a trigger for developing MS. In particular, the tiny grains of particulate matter known as PM2.5 seem to be most harmful.
PM2.5 is emitted by vehicle exhausts, heavy industry and fires, and is already a known risk factor for other diseases, including heart and lung disease. The Italian scientists are now carrying out further research in the regions where air pollution is highest, to shed more light on the link between poor air quality and MS.
The research will be presented at the European Academy of Neurology (EAN) Virtual Congress.


inews--2020-05-22--State pension: Tens of thousands of married women are being 'short-changed' to the tune of £100m, fo

State pension: Tens of thousands of married women are being 'short-changed' to the tune of £100m, former pensions minister warns

State pension : Tens of thousands of married women are being 'short-changed ' to the tune of £100m , former pensions minister warns 'It is time for the DWP to take this issue seriously and launch a full investigation' Tens of thousands of older married women are being `` short-changed '' on their state pension every week and could be missing out on up to £100m , a former pensions minister has warned .
Married women , who reached retirement age before April 2016 and receive a low state pension , or nothing at all , may be entitled to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ £80.45 when their husband or civil partner reaches state pension age .
But Sir Steve Webb , who was pensions minister during the coalition government , said his research suggests between 50,000 and 60,000 married women could be missing out on the enhanced rate , and are living on far less each week .
It was `` truly shocking '' that women were being `` short-changed '' on their pension , said Sir Steve , who is now a partner at pension consultants Lane Clark & Peacock .
He called on the Department @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to urgently investigate the `` systematic '' issue and pay the affected women their full pension entitlement .
Based on previous payouts that individuals have received after raising the issue with the DWP , he has estimated that the affected women could be owed in the region of £100m .
The issue affects women who qualify for the basic state pension - the old state pension - which means they were born before 6 April 1953 .
An old-fashioned scheme , based on the assumption that wives were financially dependent on their husbands @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rate of NI contributions .
The so-called `` married women 's stamp '' meant they generated little or no state pension in their own right .
They will be receiving less than £80.45 a week today .
Women whose husbands reached this age before 17 March 2008 had to actively claim the higher rate .
According to Sir Steve , the DWP said it wrote letters to inform women but some claim to have never received any correspondence .
For women whose husbands reached 65 after 17 March 2008 , the DWP 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pension .
Some women have said this is not the case , though , and have had to individually approach the Government for backdated payments all the way to when their husband reached 65 .
`` The system is highly complex and few will be aware of the special rules for married women , widows , divorced women and the over 80s .
Yet each of these groups seems to be losing out in different ways , '' he said .
`` Whilst the DWP is willing to put things right on a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , there is clearly a systematic problem here .
It is time for the DWP to take this issue seriously and launch a full investigation into how so many women have been missing out for so long . ''
Baroness Altmann said : `` Relying on married women to realise they need to claim on their husband ’ s state pension and assuming that writing a letter to them will be sufficient to ensure they do so , is not the best way to provide state support .
`` Of course I recognise @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its resources on the current coronavirus crisis and ensuring people receive the benefits they are entitled to straight away , but once this is behind us I do hope the department will consider launching a proper review of this situation , to identify others who have been underpaid .

Tens of thousands of older married women are being “short-changed” on their state pension every week and could be missing out on up to £100m, a former pensions minister has warned.
Married women, who reached retirement age before April 2016 and receive a low state pension, or nothing at all, may be entitled to have their weekly payment topped up to £80.45 when their husband or civil partner reaches state pension age.
This is equivalent to 60 per cent of their spouse’s state pension if they receive the full rate of £134.25.
But Sir Steve Webb, who was pensions minister during the coalition government, said his research suggests between 50,000 and 60,000 married women could be missing out on the enhanced rate, and are living on far less each week.
‘Truly shocking’
It was “truly shocking” that women were being “short-changed” on their pension, said Sir Steve, who is now a partner at pension consultants Lane Clark & Peacock. He called on the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to urgently investigate the “systematic” issue and pay the affected women their full pension entitlement.
Based on previous payouts that individuals have received after raising the issue with the DWP, he has estimated that the affected women could be owed in the region of £100m.
Widows and divorced women may also be unaware they are eligible for a higher state pension – based on their late or former spouse’s pension – than they are currently receiving.
Conservative peer and pensions campaigner Baroness Ros Altmann backed a review of the issue, telling i that “women’s pensions are already lower than men’s, so every additional pound is important”.
The “complexity” of the state pension system had led to this “worrying situation”, she added.
Old state pension
The issue affects women who qualify for the basic state pension – the old state pension – which means they were born before 6 April 1953. An old-fashioned scheme, based on the assumption that wives were financially dependent on their husbands, allowed women to pay a reduced rate of NI contributions. The so-called “married women’s stamp” meant they generated little or no state pension in their own right. They will be receiving less than £80.45 a week today.
Others might be on a low pension because of taking time out of paid work to raise a family.
A rule was put in place to allow women to claim the 60 per cent rate and top up their pension when their husband reached 65 – the state pension age.
Women whose husbands reached this age before 17 March 2008 had to actively claim the higher rate. According to Sir Steve, the DWP said it wrote letters to inform women but some claim to have never received any correspondence.
If they make a claim for the enhanced rate years later, they are only entitled to backdated payments for 12 months, meaning they have still lost out financially.
For women whose husbands reached 65 after 17 March 2008, the DWP’s computer system should have automatically uprated their pension. Some women have said this is not the case, though, and have had to individually approach the Government for backdated payments all the way to when their husband reached 65.
Sir Steve has found cases where women have been paid an £8,800 lumpsum following years of underpayments.
He also warned that women aged 80 may not know they can claim a pension of £80.45 a week by just passing a simple residency test.
‘Government should investigate’
Sir Steve is calling on the Government to investigate this issue and to automatically uplift the pensions of all women who are entitled to the 60 per cent rate.
“The system is highly complex and few will be aware of the special rules for married women, widows, divorced women and the over 80s. Yet each of these groups seems to be losing out in different ways,” he said.
“Whilst the DWP is willing to put things right on a case-by-case basis when individuals get in touch, there is clearly a systematic problem here. It is time for the DWP to take this issue seriously and launch a full investigation into how so many women have been missing out for so long.”
Baroness Altmann said: “Relying on married women to realise they need to claim on their husband’s state pension and assuming that writing a letter to them will be sufficient to ensure they do so, is not the best way to provide state support.
“Of course I recognise that right now the DWP must focus its resources on the current coronavirus crisis and ensuring people receive the benefits they are entitled to straight away, but once this is behind us I do hope the department will consider launching a proper review of this situation, to identify others who have been underpaid.
“Women’s state pensions are vital to help them enjoy their retirement and those who are underpaid need to be recompensed,” she added.
Responding to Sir Steve’s research, the DWP said: “We are aware of a number of cases where individuals have been underpaid state pension. We corrected our records and reimbursed those affected as soon as errors were identified.
“We are checking for further cases, and if any are found awards will also be reviewed and any arrears paid.”
Women who think they might be affected can use Lane Clark & Peacock’s webpage calculator.
If you think you have been affected by this issue and would like to share your story, please contact serina.sandhu@inews.co.uk


inews--2020-05-22--Thousands of married women are being underpaid on their state pension - the DWP must act

Thousands of married women are being underpaid on their state pension - the DWP must act One of the most basic tasks of the DWP should be to pay the nation ’ s pensioners the correct amount of state pension One of the most basic tasks of the Department for Work and Pensions should be to pay the nation ’ s pensioners the correct amount of state pension .
Yet my new research has found that tens of thousands of older married women are being short-changed each week .
In some cases , this is because DWP computer systems have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and in others , it is because the women concerned did not know that they needed to make a claim for a higher rate of pension .
The amounts underpaid could be approaching a shocking £100 million .
I first became aware of this issue when I was contacted by readers of This is Money who were receiving very low rates of state pension .
The more I looked into the issue , the more it became clear that these were not just a handful of isolated examples of women being underpaid but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The background to this problem is a rather old-fashioned feature of the state pension system as it operated up to 6 April 2016 .
For women who reached pension age before that date ( which includes the vast majority of today ’ s pensioners ) , there was a recognition that many would reach retirement with a rather poor state pension in their own right .
This could be because of time spent out of paid work bringing up children or because they paid the special reduced rate of National Insurance known @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stamp ’ .
To help married women who reached pension age with a very low pension , a special rule was put in place that allowed them to claim 60 per cent of their husband ’ s basic state pension when their husband reached 65 .
Although this system has worked reasonably well for most people , it now seems that there are two groups of married women who may be missing out .
The first are those whose husband reached 65 since March 2008 .
From that point onwards , the DWP @ @ @ @ @ @ @ uprated the wife ’ s pension to the 60 per cent rate .
In today ’ s money that is a basic pension of £80.45 per week , assuming the husband gets a full basic state pension .
But growing numbers of women have come forward to report that this never happened and they are still living on a much lower pension .
When these individuals have approached the DWP they have often been able to get back-payment for underpaid pension , plus interest , running into thousands of pounds .
A second @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is those whose husbands reached 65 before March 2008 .
These are women whose husband is now in his late 70s or older .
Under the rules that applied at the time , married women could get a 60 per cent pension but only by actively applying for it .
The DWP claim that it wrote to women to alert them to this option , but many say that they never received such a letter .
As a result , they have continued to receive whatever pension they have built up on their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be £10 , £20 or £30 a week lower .
Where this latter group hear about the issue and contact the DWP , this is treated as if it was a new claim for pension and it is backdated for just 12 months .
More than a decade of underpaid pension is therefore lost for good under current rules .
I have produced a paper for pension consultants LCP which seeks to estimate how many women in total are potentially affected , and the numbers run into tens of thousands .
In my @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its own records to find these women and not waiting for them to get in touch , one-by-one .
It is the very least that they can do in the circumstances .
The DWP said : `` We are aware of a number of cases where individuals have been underpaid state pension .
We corrected our records and reimbursed those affected as soon as errors were identified .

One of the most basic tasks of the Department for Work and Pensions should be to pay the nation’s pensioners the correct amount of state pension. Yet my new research has found that tens of thousands of older married women are being short-changed each week. In some cases, this is because DWP computer systems have failed to calculate the correct pension, and in others, it is because the women concerned did not know that they needed to make a claim for a higher rate of pension. The amounts underpaid could be approaching a shocking £100 million.
I first became aware of this issue when I was contacted by readers of This is Money who were receiving very low rates of state pension. The more I looked into the issue, the more it became clear that these were not just a handful of isolated examples of women being underpaid but a symptom of a much bigger problem.
The background to this problem is a rather old-fashioned feature of the state pension system as it operated up to 6 April 2016. For women who reached pension age before that date (which includes the vast majority of today’s pensioners), there was a recognition that many would reach retirement with a rather poor state pension in their own right. This could be because of time spent out of paid work bringing up children or because they paid the special reduced rate of National Insurance known as the ‘married woman’s stamp’.
To help married women who reached pension age with a very low pension, a special rule was put in place that allowed them to claim 60 per cent of their husband’s basic state pension when their husband reached 65. Although this system has worked reasonably well for most people, it now seems that there are two groups of married women who may be missing out.
The first are those whose husband reached 65 since March 2008. From that point onwards, the DWP’s computer systems should automatically have uprated the wife’s pension to the 60 per cent rate. In today’s money that is a basic pension of £80.45 per week, assuming the husband gets a full basic state pension. But growing numbers of women have come forward to report that this never happened and they are still living on a much lower pension. When these individuals have approached the DWP they have often been able to get back-payment for underpaid pension, plus interest, running into thousands of pounds.
A second, and probably larger, group, is those whose husbands reached 65 before March 2008. These are women whose husband is now in his late 70s or older. Under the rules that applied at the time, married women could get a 60 per cent pension but only by actively applying for it. The DWP claim that it wrote to women to alert them to this option, but many say that they never received such a letter. As a result, they have continued to receive whatever pension they have built up on their own record of NI Contributions which could be £10, £20 or £30 a week lower.
Where this latter group hear about the issue and contact the DWP, this is treated as if it was a new claim for pension and it is backdated for just 12 months. More than a decade of underpaid pension is therefore lost for good under current rules.
I have produced a paper for pension consultants LCP which seeks to estimate how many women in total are potentially affected, and the numbers run into tens of thousands. In my view, DWP should be proactively checking its own records to find these women and not waiting for them to get in touch, one-by-one. It is the very least that they can do in the circumstances.
The DWP said: “We are aware of a number of cases where individuals have been underpaid state pension. We corrected our records and reimbursed those affected as soon as errors were identified.
“We are checking for further cases, and if any are found awards will also be reviewed and any arrears paid.”
Women who want to check if this issue could apply to them can check here.
Steve Webb is a partner at pension consultants Lane Clark & Peacock and a former pensions minister


inews--2020-05-22--Tony Hadley: Spandau Ballet star rescues Singapore radio quiz winner, who finally lands prize

The singer backed Muhammad Shalehan 's pronounciation of his name A quiz contestant who lost out on a large cash prize when he was judged to have mispronounced “ Tony Hadley ” will receive the money after the radio station bowed to an intervention by the singer himself .
Singaporean Muhammad Shalehan thought the $ 10,000 ( £5,760 ) prize money had eluded him but approached the Spandau Ballet singer for help .
To his surprise , Mr Hadly sent a video of support .
On Friday , Singapore station Gold 905 said it was `` deeply sorry '' and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ three , who is expecting another child in August .
`` Since Tony Hadley has said that Mr Shalehan said his name correctly , who are we to disagree ? ''
the station said on Facebook .
Spandau Ballet frontman Tony Hadley came to the rescue of a 32-year-old radio quiz contestant from Singapore ( Photo : Suhaimi Abdullah/Getty ) On 21 April Mr Shalehan called the show and thought he had cracked it but was told he had only correctly named 13 voices .
To his dismay , on 6 May another @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was awarded the $ 10,000 .
When Mr Shalehan questioned the decision , the station said he had mispronounced “ Tony Hadley ” on 21 April .
As a last resort he decided to contact Mr Hadley , through his manager , to get his verdict .
Mr Hadley duly responded and sent a video back .
`` You might have had a slight accent , but as far as I 'm concerned , you said my name correctly , '' Mr Hadley said in the film .
Initially the station offered a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( £4107 ) to Mr Shalehan .
But when the story went global the station finally buckled and made the dramatic U-turn .
Mr Shalehan told the BBC he was “ so shocked ” but “ so happy ” and thanked the pop star for coming to his aid .
`` I could n't have done it without the help of Mr Tony Hadley , '' he said .

A quiz contestant who lost out on a large cash prize when he was judged to have mispronounced “Tony Hadley” will receive the money after the radio station bowed to an intervention by the singer himself.
Singaporean Muhammad Shalehan thought the $10,000 (£5,760) prize money had eluded him but approached the Spandau Ballet singer for help. To his surprise, Mr Hadly sent a video of support.
On Friday, Singapore station Gold 905 said it was “deeply sorry” and awarded the money to the father of three, who is expecting another child in August.
“Since Tony Hadley has said that Mr Shalehan said his name correctly, who are we to disagree?” the station said on Facebook.
Celebrity voices
The saga began when Mr Shalehan took part in the station’s “Celebrity Name Drop” quiz.
Players have to identify all 14 different celebrity voices that are played.
On 21 April Mr Shalehan called the show and thought he had cracked it but was told he had only correctly named 13 voices.
To his dismay, on 6 May another caller said the exact same answers and was awarded the $10,000.
When Mr Shalehan questioned the decision, the station said he had mispronounced “Tony Hadley” on 21 April.
Video message
As a last resort he decided to contact Mr Hadley, through his manager, to get his verdict. Mr Hadley duly responded and sent a video back.
“You might have had a slight accent, but as far as I’m concerned, you said my name correctly,” Mr Hadley said in the film.
Initially the station offered a “goodwill gesture” of $5000 (£4107) to Mr Shalehan. But when the story went global the station finally buckled and made the dramatic U-turn.
Mr Shalehan told the BBC he was “so shocked” but “so happy” and thanked the pop star for coming to his aid.
“I couldn’t have done it without the help of Mr Tony Hadley,” he said.
“My message to Mr Tony Hadley is a big, big, big thank you. His video was a great, great game-changer.”


inews--2020-05-22--Coronavirus and travel advice: Guidelines set out for airlines as EU countries impose barriers for s

Coronavirus and travel advice: Guidelines set out for airlines as EU countries impose barriers for some tourists

Coronavirus and travel advice : Guidelines set out for airlines as EU countries impose barriers for some tourists Italian government has announced a €500 ( £447 ) ‘ holiday bonus ’ for families to vacation in the country After weeks cooped up at home , many Britons are dreaming of holidays by the Mediterranean .
However , sunseekers hoping to escape lockdowns in Europe ’ s tourist hotspots will have to contend with both bureaucratic hurdles and political resistance as regulators set conditions for travel and key countries impose barriers on visitors from certain countries .
The European Centre for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Union Aviation Safety Agency have jointly issued final safety guidelines designed to minimise the risk of spreading the coronavirus while flying .
The recommendations state that “ aeroplane operators , airport operators and service providers should ensure that physical distancing of 1.5m is maintained wherever this is operationally feasible ” .
It says that on a plane “ this may be achieved by leaving at least one seat empty between passengers , increasing the distance between the seats or leaving every other row empty ” .
The guidelines also suggest that passengers should @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to line up in cabins to use toilets .
The EU agencies decided against mandatory temperature checks at airports .
Although the action was proposed by airlines , the regulators said they were a “ high-cost , low-efficiency measure ” that would do little to identify Covid-19 cases .
The advice is non-binding , leaving the aviation industry leeway in deciding how to implement the protocols .
The guidance has already met defiance from airlines such as Ryanair , who say it would make flying economically non-viable without price increases or government subsidies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seats on planes empty .
The Austrian Chancellor , Sebastian Kurz , has said that he will 'under no circumstances… open our borders to countries that have not yet got the situation under control ' ( Photo : HELMUT FOHRINGER/APA/AFP/Getty ) But there are other obstacles to holiday travel .
While countries such as Greece , Spain , Italy and Croatia are all promising to open up for summer visitors next month as they battle to save their hospitality industries , others like Austria say they will block anyone visiting from regions hard @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chancellor , Sebastian Kurz , has said that he will “ under no circumstances… open our borders to countries that have not yet got the situation under control ” , adding that he would “ be able to offer Austrian guests , but also guests from other safe countries such as Germany , a maximum of safety and at the same time a maximum of pleasure ” .
Italian officials claimed that the comments unfairly stigmatising them while aiming to boost internal Austrian tourism .
Italy ’ s European affairs minister , Enzo @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the European Commission to ensure a co-ordinated reopening of borders , “ based on epidemiological data , without unilateral decisions ” .
Austria is not the only country seeking to keep people at home .
Norway ’ s Prime Minister , Erna Solberg , urged its citizens this week to plan for staycations , saying : “ We don ’ t need to import contagion.
” And the Italian government has announced a €500 ( £447 ) “ holiday bonus ” for Italian families to holiday in the country , while the administration @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the island .

After weeks cooped up at home, many Britons are dreaming of holidays by the Mediterranean. However, sunseekers hoping to escape lockdowns in Europe’s tourist hotspots will have to contend with both bureaucratic hurdles and political resistance as regulators set conditions for travel and key countries impose barriers on visitors from certain countries.
The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency have jointly issued final safety guidelines designed to minimise the risk of spreading the coronavirus while flying. The recommendations state that “aeroplane operators, airport operators and service providers should ensure that physical distancing of 1.5m is maintained wherever this is operationally feasible”.
It says that on a plane “this may be achieved by leaving at least one seat empty between passengers, increasing the distance between the seats or leaving every other row empty”.
The guidelines also suggest that passengers should wear masks and should not be permitted to line up in cabins to use toilets. The EU agencies decided against mandatory temperature checks at airports. Although the action was proposed by airlines, the regulators said they were a “high-cost, low-efficiency measure” that would do little to identify Covid-19 cases.
Bureaucrats lay down their towels
The advice is non-binding, leaving the aviation industry leeway in deciding how to implement the protocols. The guidance has already met defiance from airlines such as Ryanair, who say it would make flying economically non-viable without price increases or government subsidies if carriers are forced to keep middle seats on planes empty.
Others airlines such as Lufthansa and TAP Air Portugal have instituted empty-row policies as a temporary measure because flights remain largely empty anyway.
But there are other obstacles to holiday travel. While countries such as Greece, Spain, Italy and Croatia are all promising to open up for summer visitors next month as they battle to save their hospitality industries, others like Austria say they will block anyone visiting from regions hard hit by the coronavirus.
The Austrian Chancellor, Sebastian Kurz, has said that he will “under no circumstances… open our borders to countries that have not yet got the situation under control”, adding that he would “be able to offer Austrian guests, but also guests from other safe countries such as Germany, a maximum of safety and at the same time a maximum of pleasure”.
Italian officials claimed that the comments unfairly stigmatising them while aiming to boost internal Austrian tourism. Italy’s European affairs minister, Enzo Amendola, said Rome was working with the European Commission to ensure a co-ordinated reopening of borders, “based on epidemiological data, without unilateral decisions”.
Austria is not the only country seeking to keep people at home. Norway’s Prime Minister, Erna Solberg, urged its citizens this week to plan for staycations, saying: “We don’t need to import contagion.”
And the Italian government has announced a €500 (£447) “holiday bonus” for Italian families to holiday in the country, while the administration in Sicily is planning to subsidise trips to the island.


inews--2020-05-22--GCSEs and A-levels 2020: Students unhappy with grades may have to wait until October or November to

GCSEs and A-levels 2020: Students unhappy with grades may have to wait until October or November to sit exams

GCSEs and A-levels 2020 : Students unhappy with grades may have to wait until October or November to sit exams The timetable could mean school leavers unhappy with A-level grades predicted by their teachers may have to defer going to uni for a year Students unhappy with A-levels or GCSEs awarded by their teachers may have to wait until October or November to have a shot at getting better results by taking exams ( Photo : Dan Kitwood/Getty ) Students unhappy with A-levels and GCSEs awarded by their teachers this summer may have to wait until as late as October @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a different grade .
The timetable could mean that school leavers who miss out on university offers because of predicted grades they think are unfair may have to defer going into higher education for a year .
With the summer exam season cancelled due to the coronavirus , this year teachers will predict GCSE and A-level grades for their students which will be externally monitored by the exam boards .
If students are unhappy with the grades , they will have a right of appeal as well as the option of sitting exams @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unhappy with the grades , they will have a right of appeal ( Photo : Chris J Ratcliffe/Getty ) “ Because of the current uncertainty about when schools and colleges will reopen fully and the public health restrictions that may be in place , we are not consulting on the exact dates when the exams should take place , ” it said .
“ If possible , we envisage that AS and A-level exams should take place in October and GCSE exams in November , with the exact timing to be confirmed by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the exam boards and groups representing schools , colleges , teachers and students.
” If students have can only take their A-levels in October , it is likely this will limit their ability to go to university in the 2020-21 academic year .
Teachers have been asked to put their students into rank orders for how well they think they would have done in each subject .
If some schools look like they have been too generous or too harsh , the grades of some or all of the students could be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ boards .
Ofqual told schools to expect changes to their grades this summer .
“ Because these arrangements have had to be put in place very quickly due to the coronavirus pandemic , it would have been impossible to provide school and college staff with national training to support them in making standardised judgements , ” it said .
“ As such , it is highly likely that all centres will see some adjustment , in at least one subject , to their centre assessment grades , however carefully they have made their @ @ @

Students unhappy with A-levels and GCSEs awarded by their teachers this summer may have to wait until as late as October or November to take exams to get a different grade.
The timetable could mean that school leavers who miss out on university offers because of predicted grades they think are unfair may have to defer going into higher education for a year.
With the summer exam season cancelled due to the coronavirus, this year teachers will predict GCSE and A-level grades for their students which will be externally monitored by the exam boards.
If students are unhappy with the grades, they will have a right of appeal as well as the option of sitting exams in the autumn.
Autumn exams
On Friday the exam watchdog Ofqual gave an indication of when these exams might take place.
“Because of the current uncertainty about when schools and colleges will reopen fully and the public health restrictions that may be in place, we are not consulting on the exact dates when the exams should take place,” it said.
“If possible, we envisage that AS and A-level exams should take place in October and GCSE exams in November, with the exact timing to be confirmed by us, having taken advice from government, the exam boards and groups representing schools, colleges, teachers and students.”
If students have can only take their A-levels in October, it is likely this will limit their ability to go to university in the 2020-21 academic year.
Many universities have said they plan to start the term in September as normal.
Grade adjustments
Teachers have been asked to put their students into rank orders for how well they think they would have done in each subject. If some schools look like they have been too generous or too harsh, the grades of some or all of the students could be adjusted up or down by the exam boards.
Ofqual told schools to expect changes to their grades this summer. “Because these arrangements have had to be put in place very quickly due to the coronavirus pandemic, it would have been impossible to provide school and college staff with national training to support them in making standardised judgements,” it said.
“As such, it is highly likely that all centres will see some adjustment, in at least one subject, to their centre assessment grades, however carefully they have made their judgments.”
Unconditional offers
University applicants face extra uncertainty this summer amid reports that thousands of students could lose “unconditional offers”.
The Guardian reported that the universities minister, Michelle Donelan, was determined to crack down on universities who had converted offers dependent on A level grades to unconditional ones after Covid-19 struck.
With fears that students could be pressured into making bad decisions by getting unconditional offers, the Office for Students is seeking temporary powers to control admissions, including the ability to make institutions retract offers.


inews--2020-05-22--Coronavirus: Cycling revolutions have to come quickly in our cities before old habits return

Coronavirus : Cycling revolutions have to come quickly in our cities before old habits return You can change a city following a crisis , but you have to move quickly After London was destroyed by fire in 1666 , several worthies drew up bold plans for a new city .
The philosopher Robert Hooke , who lived and worked at Gresham College near Bishopsgate , envisaged a gridded city with small parks , rather like Barcelona .
Others , including Sir Christopher Wren , an architect , and John Evelyn , a diarist , devised plans to improve the city @ @ @ @ @ @ @ moved too slowly , and London was rebuilt along its old medieval roads .
But the streets around Hooke ’ s former home may be about to change .
The Corporation of London , which runs the financial district , proposes to make the roads that once led to Gresham College one-way , and give space now occupied by cars to pedestrians and cyclists .
Cars and buses will be barred altogether from other nearby streets between 7am and 7pm .
Transport for London plans to sweep cars off London Bridge and Waterloo @ @ @ @ @ @ @ affecting major roads that had been considered untouchable , says Giulio Ferrini of Sustrans , a cycling and walking charity .
And central London is not the only place with plans .
Cycling journeys have jumped dramatically during the lockdown ( Photo : TOLGA AKMEN/AFP/Getty ) Camden High Street in north London is a mess of barriers and traffic cones , which take road space away from parked cars and give it to pedestrians .
Bike lanes have popped up on thoroughfares like Park Lane and Euston Road .
Birmingham ’ s city @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is considering carving bike lanes out of dual carriageway roads .
Bristol , Edinburgh , Liverpool and Manchester have similar plans .
JSP , a company that makes barriers and traffic cones ( including one called “ dominator ” ) says that demand for its products has jumped .
Will Norman , London ’ s walking and cycling commissioner , argues that the city has no choice but to repurpose roads for walking and cycling .
In normal times Londoners rely on trains , buses and the Tube for more than two-fifths of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fearful of doing so : on the morning of May 18th London Underground carried 8 per cent of the passengers that it did a year earlier .
If lots of people transfer from public transport to cars , the streets will gum up and pollution will rise .
The city must be quickly reconfigured to make that option seem less attractive , and cycling and walking more so .
Yet the danger of gummed-up streets seems a long way off .
London and other British cities are still deathly quiet .
And if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which , if social distancing is a long-term reality , they may not—taking lanes away from cars might exacerbate congestion .
Steve McNamara of the Licensed Taxi Drivers ’ Association reckons that Covid-19 is merely an excuse to force through an anti-car strategy .
“ This is a land grab , ” he says .
It might be a worthy one nonetheless , if urbanites can be jolted out of their cars and onto pedals or pavements .
The construction of a network of more-or-less safe bike routes is one reason that cycling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
But it is still a minority activity , accounting for less than 3 per cent of journeys .
For all the cost and unpleasantness of driving in London , one in three trips is by car .
Outside the capital , two-thirds are - a proportion that has barely changed in 15 years , according to the National Travel Survey .
The cycling and driving lobbies agree on one thing : although they are sometimes described as temporary , many of the changes to roads will be permanent .
People get used @ @ @ @ @ @ @ benefit do not want to give them up .
“ We ’ re not going to go back to the same situation , ” says Mr Norman .

After London was destroyed by fire in 1666, several worthies drew up bold plans for a new city. The philosopher Robert Hooke, who lived and worked at Gresham College near Bishopsgate, envisaged a gridded city with small parks, rather like Barcelona. Others, including Sir Christopher Wren, an architect, and John Evelyn, a diarist, devised plans to improve the city.
All were disappointed – the authorities moved too slowly, and London was rebuilt along its old medieval roads. But the streets around Hooke’s former home may be about to change.
The Corporation of London, which runs the financial district, proposes to make the roads that once led to Gresham College one-way, and give space now occupied by cars to pedestrians and cyclists. Cars and buses will be barred altogether from other nearby streets between 7am and 7pm. Transport for London plans to sweep cars off London Bridge and Waterloo Bridge.
These are bold schemes, affecting major roads that had been considered untouchable, says Giulio Ferrini of Sustrans, a cycling and walking charity. And central London is not the only place with plans.
Reforms around the country
Camden High Street in north London is a mess of barriers and traffic cones, which take road space away from parked cars and give it to pedestrians. Bike lanes have popped up on thoroughfares like Park Lane and Euston Road.
Birmingham’s city council plans to cut street parking and is considering carving bike lanes out of dual carriageway roads. Bristol, Edinburgh, Liverpool and Manchester have similar plans. JSP, a company that makes barriers and traffic cones (including one called “dominator”) says that demand for its products has jumped.
Will Norman, London’s walking and cycling commissioner, argues that the city has no choice but to repurpose roads for walking and cycling. In normal times Londoners rely on trains, buses and the Tube for more than two-fifths of their travel. Covid-19 has made them fearful of doing so: on the morning of May 18th London
Underground carried 8 per cent of the passengers that it did a year earlier. If lots of people transfer from public transport to cars, the streets will gum up and pollution will rise. The city must be quickly reconfigured to make that option seem less attractive, and cycling and walking more so.
Yet the danger of gummed-up streets seems a long way off. London and other British cities are still deathly quiet. And if they do bounce back to life – which, if social distancing is a long-term reality, they may not—taking lanes away from cars might exacerbate congestion.
Big changes are needed
Steve McNamara of the Licensed Taxi Drivers’ Association reckons that Covid-19 is merely an excuse to force through an anti-car strategy. “This is a land grab,” he says.
It might be a worthy one nonetheless, if urbanites can be jolted out of their cars and onto pedals or pavements. The construction of a network of more-or-less safe bike routes is one reason that cycling has roughly doubled in London since 2000.
But it is still a minority activity, accounting for less than 3 per cent of journeys. For all the cost and unpleasantness of driving in London, one in three trips is by car. Outside the capital, two-thirds are – a proportion that has barely changed in 15 years, according to the National Travel Survey.
The cycling and driving lobbies agree on one thing: although they are sometimes described as temporary, many of the changes to roads will be permanent. People get used to new arrangements, and those who benefit do not want to give them up. “We’re not going to go back to the same situation,” says Mr Norman.
Cities have learned the lesson of London in the 17th century. You can change a city following a crisis, but you have to move quickly, before things go back to normal.
© THE ECONOMIST 2020