inews--2020-05-12--Who is Mwaka Mudenda? New Blue Peter presenter joins the CBBC show from home during coronavirus lock

Who is Mwaka Mudenda? New Blue Peter presenter joins the CBBC show from home during coronavirus lockdown

Who is Mwaka Mudenda ?
New Blue Peter presenter joins the CBBC show from home during coronavirus lockdown Mwaka Mudenda , 25 , will become the 39th presenter of the world 's oldest children 's TV show on Thursday Blue Peter will announce a brand new presenter on tomorrow 's show , but they wo n't get the usual big reveal in the famous studios .
Mwaka Mudenda , 25 , will become the 39th presenter of the world 's oldest children 's TV show on Thursday , but will be making a socially distanced entrance .
She joins Lindsey @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as Henry the dog - as the presenters continue to host the show from their own homes during the coronavirus lockdown .
Mudenda , who goes by Mwaksy , said : `` There is only one word to describe being the new Blue Peter presenter and that is mind-blowing !
`` Despite lockdown , I ’ ve felt so welcomed by the incredible behind-the-scenes team that help run and deliver such a wonderful show - and I already feel like a big part of the Blue Peter family .
`` I ’ m @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with all the fun challenges it has in store .
The chance to be a part of such a well-loved programme that has such an inspiring and creative young audience is a real blessing . ''
Mudenda already worked at the BBC before landing the Blue Peter gig - she worked as an assistant producer for BBC Sport from 2018 until earlier this year .
She is a keen netball player and often visits her family in Zambia , where she enjoys the food , people and culture .
Mudenda says she loved @ @ @ @ @ @ @ always wanted a badge , so is `` more than thrilled '' to be joining the team .
Every Blue Peter presenter faces a `` first challenge '' when she joins the show .
For many this involves something extreme like swimming with sharks or jumping out of a plane , but Mudenda 's will have to be done from the comfort of her own home .
Ellen Evans , editor of Blue Peter , said : `` It ’ s going to be an extraordinary launch for Mwaksy in extraordinary times , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ show - and her first Blue Peter presenter challenge from her home - but I have been blown away by her positivity , her warmth , her humour and her willingness to give things a go , so she ’ ll fit perfectly with the Blue Peter family . ''
Head of BBC children ’ s in-house productions , Helen Bullough , added : `` Blue Peter is all about having a ‘ can do ’ attitude and Mwaksy has already shown she ’ s brimming with the warmth , kindness and determination @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Everyone on Team BP is doing a brilliant job ensuring our trusted brand hasn ’ t faltered in its 60-plus-year mission during lockdown , continuing to delight and entertain Blue Peter fans by introducing them to a new friend and role mode . ''

Blue Peter will announce a brand new presenter on tomorrow’s show, but they won’t get the usual big reveal in the famous studios.
Mwaka Mudenda, 25, will become the 39th presenter of the world’s oldest children’s TV show on Thursday, but will be making a socially distanced entrance.
She joins Lindsey Russell and Richie Driss – as well as Henry the dog – as the presenters continue to host the show from their own homes during the coronavirus lockdown.
Meet Mwaka Mudenda
Mudenda, who goes by Mwaksy, said: “There is only one word to describe being the new Blue Peter presenter and that is mind-blowing!
“Despite lockdown, I’ve felt so welcomed by the incredible behind-the-scenes team that help run and deliver such a wonderful show – and I already feel like a big part of the Blue Peter family.
“I’m so excited to begin my adventure, with all the fun challenges it has in store. The chance to be a part of such a well-loved programme that has such an inspiring and creative young audience is a real blessing.”
Moving from BBC Sport
Mudenda already worked at the BBC before landing the Blue Peter gig – she worked as an assistant producer for BBC Sport from 2018 until earlier this year.
She is originally from London, but moved to Manchester to study anthropology before joining the BBC.
She is a keen netball player and often visits her family in Zambia, where she enjoys the food, people and culture.
Mudenda says she loved Blue Peter as a child and had always wanted a badge, so is “more than thrilled” to be joining the team.
Every Blue Peter presenter faces a “first challenge” when she joins the show. For many this involves something extreme like swimming with sharks or jumping out of a plane, but Mudenda’s will have to be done from the comfort of her own home.
She has been tasked with breaking a world record, which will be revealed on Thursday.
‘Extraordinary launch’
Ellen Evans, editor of Blue Peter, said: “It’s going to be an extraordinary launch for Mwaksy in extraordinary times, she has had to do her first show – and her first Blue Peter presenter challenge from her home – but I have been blown away by her positivity, her warmth, her humour and her willingness to give things a go, so she’ll fit perfectly with the Blue Peter family.”
Head of BBC children’s in-house productions, Helen Bullough, added: “Blue Peter is all about having a ‘can do’ attitude and Mwaksy has already shown she’s brimming with the warmth, kindness and determination that kids find so inspiring.
“Everyone on Team BP is doing a brilliant job ensuring our trusted brand hasn’t faltered in its 60-plus-year mission during lockdown, continuing to delight and entertain Blue Peter fans by introducing them to a new friend and role mode.”


inews--2020-05-12--Furloughed estate agent served eviction notice after requesting rent adjustment from landlord

Mr Donnelly said he is 'heading towards a cliff edge with no secure accommodation' Tom Donnelly , a 36-year-old estate agent in Leeds , says he has eight weeks to find another flat because his landlord did not want to change the way he paid his rent .
Mr Donnelly , who lives alone , asked his landlord Mohanad Al-Bazi for permission to change the way he paid his rent when he was furloughed by his employer in April .
The estate agent , who earns around 50 per cent of his salary on commission , has seen his earnings @ @ @ @ @ @ @ result .
Deprived parts of East London had a significantly higher mortality rate than in other parts of the country ( Photo : Getty Images ) In order to ensure his tenancy during the crisis , he asked Mr Al-Bazi if he could extend his contract by nine months , an agreement he alleges had been verbally agreed in March .
He told i : `` My landlord served me notice to leave mid-negotiation on the best route forward with my tenancy during this national crisis .
This is per the Government guidelines @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would encourage tenants and landlords to work together to put in place a rental payment scheme ' .
`` Notice was served well before I could possibly begin to have an idea of my cash flow , and I needed time to assess my situation .
I live alone and I have been furloughed , and I usually earn half of my salary through commission .
But my landlord would rather terminate my contract than help me out . ''
`` As a result of being potentially rendered homeless in the midst of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to make a contingency plan , '' he said .
`` My cash flow will be extremely restricted and my options limited .
I will incur significant costs having to move on approximately 50 per cent of my regular income , which will restrict my options and subsequent affordability , '' he added .
Seven per cent of landlords offering non-repayable rent reduction One in four landlords ( 25 per cent ) offered a deferral of rent , but in more than half of cases - 56 per cent - the respondent said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The remaining 12 per cent were waiting to hear back .
Seven per cent of landlords offered a non-repayable rent reduction ( Image : Pexels ) The campaigning group is calling for the removal of rent arrears built up during the pandemic as grounds for eviction , mortgage lenders to require buy-to-let customers with a mortgage holiday to pass it on to their tenants , as well as a freeze on rent increases for 12 months .
Dan Wilson Craw , Director of Generation Rent , said : “ Some landlords are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for tenants who have had their incomes slashed .
But most tenants who have approached their landlord for help are getting nothing - except more dread that they ’ ll be evicted .
Relying on landlords ' compassion is n't working .

A furloughed estate agent living on a reduced salary has been served an eviction notice after he asked his landlord for a rent adjustment during the coronavirus pandemic.
Tom Donnelly, a 36-year-old estate agent, says he has eight weeks to find another flat because his landlord did not want to change the way he paid his rent.
Mr Donnelly, who lives alone, asked his landlord Mohanad Al-Bazi for permission to change the way he paid his rent when he was furloughed by his employer in April. The estate agent, who earns around 50 per cent of his salary on commission, has seen his earnings halved since the pandemic began as a result.
Due to his change in circumstances, Mr Donnelly requested to pay 80 per cent of his rent whilst he remains furloughed, and proposed the remaining amount would be paid by two family members from two bank accounts.
‘Heading towards a cliff edge’
In order to ensure his tenancy during the crisis, he asked Mr Al-Bazi if he could extend his contract by nine months, an agreement he alleges had been verbally agreed in March.
Instead of receiving the paperwork to renew the contract, 10 days later Mr Donnelly alleges he was served a Section 21 notice, and is expected to leave the property by July.
Mr Donnelly said he is “heading towards a cliff edge with no secure accommodation”.
He told i: “My landlord served me notice to leave mid-negotiation on the best route forward with my tenancy during this national crisis. This is per the Government guidelines – ‘in this unique context we would encourage tenants and landlords to work together to put in place a rental payment scheme’.
“Notice was served well before I could possibly begin to have an idea of my cash flow, and I needed time to assess my situation. I live alone and I have been furloughed, and I usually earn half of my salary through commission. But my landlord would rather terminate my contract than help me out.”
Mr Donnelly is concerned he will be unable to find a new home in this time in light of his restricted wages.
“As a result of being potentially rendered homeless in the midst of a global pandemic, I now have to make a contingency plan,” he said. “My cash flow will be extremely restricted and my options limited. I will incur significant costs having to move on approximately 50 per cent of my regular income, which will restrict my options and subsequent affordability,” he added.
i has approached Mr Al-Bazi for comment.
Seven per cent of landlords offering non-repayable rent reduction
Mr Donnelly’s situation is said to be increasingly common amid the pandemic, according to new research by campaign group Generation Rent.
In a survey of 1,542 renters, in 7 per cent of cases landlords had offered a lower, non-repayable rent reduction upon request.
One in four landlords (25 per cent) offered a deferral of rent, but in more than half of cases – 56 per cent – the respondent said the landlord had demanded the full rent. The remaining 12 per cent were waiting to hear back.
The campaigning group is calling for the removal of rent arrears built up during the pandemic as grounds for eviction, mortgage lenders to require buy-to-let customers with a mortgage holiday to pass it on to their tenants, as well as a freeze on rent increases for 12 months.
Dan Wilson Craw, Director of Generation Rent, said: “Some landlords are doing the right thing by reducing rents for tenants who have had their incomes slashed. But most tenants who have approached their landlord for help are getting nothing – except more dread that they’ll be evicted. Relying on landlords’ compassion isn’t working.
“If the Government lifts restrictions without providing new protections, millions of renters will face losing their home and we will compound a public health crisis with a homelessness crisis. The Government and landlords must realise that renters on reduced incomes will have no hope of paying off arrears at current levels of rent.”
i has contacted the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government for comment.


inews--2020-05-12--Nocturnal moths could play a key role in pollinating crops

Study finds that in some cases they pollinate crops that other pollinators don't Nocturnal moths could play a key role in pollinating crops , according to researchers who have discovered that they transport vast quantities of pollen across the country ’ s farmland by night .
The researchers found that moths not only transport pollen from plants that are also visited by bees , butterflies and hoverflies , but they interacted with plants not commonly visited by these insects as well .
This pollen transport occurs most frequently on the moth 's ventral thorax , or chest , rather than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it to be easily transferred to other plants , making them effective pollinators .
`` Nocturnal moths have an important but overlooked ecological role .
They complement the work of daytime pollinators , helping to keep plant populations diverse and abundant , ” said Richard Walton , of University College London .
“ They also provide natural biodiversity back-up , and without them many more plant species and animals , such as birds and bats that rely on them for food , would be at risk , ” he said .
The study @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as moth populations are experiencing steep declines across the world , with worrying implications that we may be losing critical pollination services at a time when we are barely beginning to understand them , the researchers said .
Jan Axmacher , also of UCL , said : '' There has been a lot of focus on solitary and social bees driven by concerns about their dramatic decline and the strong negative effect this has had on insect-pollinated crop yields.
” '' In contrast , nocturnal settling moths - which have many more species @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pollination research .
Our study highlights an urgent need for them to be included in future agricultural management and conservation strategies to help stem declines , and for more research to understand their unique and vital role as pollinators , including their currently unknown role in crop pollination , ” he said .
Dr Walton added : `` While bumblebees and honeybees are known to be super pollinators they also preferentially target the most prolific nectar and pollen sources .
`` Moths may appear to be less effective pollinators by comparison , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them critical to pollination in ways that we still need to understand , '' he said .

Nocturnal moths could play a key role in pollinating crops, according to researchers who have discovered that they transport vast quantities of pollen across the country’s farmland by night.
The researchers found that moths not only transport pollen from plants that are also visited by bees, butterflies and hoverflies, but they interacted with plants not commonly visited by these insects as well.
This pollen transport occurs most frequently on the moth’s ventral thorax, or chest, rather than on the proboscis – tongue – allowing it to be easily transferred to other plants, making them effective pollinators.
The nocturnal pollinating moths do not include the Tineola bisselliella, or common clothes moth.
‘Important ecological role’
“Nocturnal moths have an important but overlooked ecological role. They complement the work of daytime pollinators, helping to keep plant populations diverse and abundant,” said Richard Walton, of University College London.
“They also provide natural biodiversity back-up, and without them many more plant species and animals, such as birds and bats that rely on them for food, would be at risk,” he said.
The study, published in Biology Letters, comes as moth populations are experiencing steep declines across the world, with worrying implications that we may be losing critical pollination services at a time when we are barely beginning to understand them, the researchers said.
Jan Axmacher, also of UCL, said:”There has been a lot of focus on solitary and social bees driven by concerns about their dramatic decline and the strong negative effect this has had on insect-pollinated crop yields.”
Neglected in research
“In contrast, nocturnal settling moths – which have many more species than bees – have been neglected by pollination research. Our study highlights an urgent need for them to be included in future agricultural management and conservation strategies to help stem declines, and for more research to understand their unique and vital role as pollinators, including their currently unknown role in crop pollination,” he said.
Dr Walton added: “While bumblebees and honeybees are known to be super pollinators they also preferentially target the most prolific nectar and pollen sources.
“Moths may appear to be less effective pollinators by comparison, but their high diversity and abundance may make them critical to pollination in ways that we still need to understand,” he said.


inews--2020-05-12--Coronavirus lockdown: Anglers returning to favourite spots must be on alert for fish distress

Coronavirus lockdown : Anglers returning to favourite spots must be on alert for fish distress Canal & Rivers Trust reports 300 per cent rise in fish distress callouts during lockdown Anglers in England are allowed back to lakes and rivers , but must remain socially distanced from other visitors ( Photo : BEN STANSALL/AFP/Getty ) Anglers returning to their favourite fishing spots are being urged to watch out for fish in distress , following a spike in callouts .
Anglers in England are able to resume their hobby in lakes , reservoirs and rivers , one of the first sectors @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lockdown restrictions .
Those returning to the waterside should be on high alert for fish in distress , according to the Canals and Rivers Trust , which has reported a 300 per cent increase in callouts for fish distress during the lockdown .
The charity , which manages 2,000 miles of waterways in England and Wales , said April ’ s sunny weather had prompted early algal blooms , reducing oxygen levels in waters .
A rise in pollution , from accidental or deliberate spillage into rivers and streams , was also to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ levels cause fish to gulp for air at the surface , and they will not scatter if approached .
Eventually , low oxygen levels will prove fatal to fish .
Blooms of duckweed appeared on England 's canals during the sunny weather in April , depressing the oxygen levels in the water ( Photo : Leon Neal/Getty ) John Ellis , national fisheries and angling manager at the Canal and Rivers Trust , said his team has managed to prevent two mass fish fatalities in recent weeks thanks to alerts by the public @ @ @ @ @ @ @ water on the Leeds & Liverpool Canal and the Lancaster Canal close to zero before we intervened , around 50,000 fish were estimated to be at risk of dying on each waterway , '' he said .
`` Thankfully we lost only 200 fish in total because we were able to intervene in time and increase oxygen levels in the water with aerators and pumps . ''
But staff shortages due to Covid-19 means the Trust is reliant on help from anglers and the public .
“ With reduced staffing on the canals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ operational teams are helping to monitor oxygen levels in some locations as a precaution , but we need the public and the angling community to help , ” Mr Ellis said .

Anglers returning to their favourite fishing spots are being urged to watch out for fish in distress, following a spike in callouts.
Anglers in England are able to resume their hobby in lakes, reservoirs and rivers, one of the first sectors to benefit from the gradual easing of lockdown restrictions.
Those returning to the waterside should be on high alert for fish in distress, according to the Canals and Rivers Trust, which has reported a 300 per cent increase in callouts for fish distress during the lockdown.
Fish in distress
The charity, which manages 2,000 miles of waterways in England and Wales, said April’s sunny weather had prompted early algal blooms, reducing oxygen levels in waters. A rise in pollution, from accidental or deliberate spillage into rivers and streams, was also to blame, it said.
Reduced oxygen levels cause fish to gulp for air at the surface, and they will not scatter if approached. Eventually, low oxygen levels will prove fatal to fish.
Taking action
John Ellis, national fisheries and angling manager at the Canal and Rivers Trust, said his team has managed to prevent two mass fish fatalities in recent weeks thanks to alerts by the public. “With oxygen levels in the water on the Leeds & Liverpool Canal and the Lancaster Canal close to zero before we intervened, around 50,000 fish were estimated to be at risk of dying on each waterway,” he said. “Thankfully we lost only 200 fish in total because we were able to intervene in time and increase oxygen levels in the water with aerators and pumps.”
But staff shortages due to Covid-19 means the Trust is reliant on help from anglers and the public. “With reduced staffing on the canals at present, the Trust’s operational teams are helping to monitor oxygen levels in some locations as a precaution, but we need the public and the angling community to help,” Mr Ellis said.


inews--2020-05-12--People with physically demanding jobs like construction and factory work have shorter working lives,

People with physically demanding jobs like construction and factory work have shorter working lives, study finds

People with physically demanding jobs like construction and factory work have shorter working lives , study finds Study finds that people with physically demanding jobs also need more sick leave Workers most at risk include those in construction ; manual labour , such as carpentry , masonry , painting and plumbing ; cleaning ; and manufacturing industries ( Photo : CHRISTOPHE PETIT TESSON/POOL/AFP/Getty ) People with physically demanding jobs , such as construction and factory workers , are more likely to have shorter working lives with more sick leave than office staff , a study finds .
The findings have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Europe to increase the statutory retirement age , according to the study , published in the journal Occupational & Environmental Medicine .
As people live longer and birth rates fall in much of Europe , the expectation is that people will have to work longer before they can retire .
The statutory retirement age in the UK is gradually increasing for men and women , depending on when they are born .
By October of this year it is set to be 66 for men and women and will gradually increase to 67 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rises expected beyond that .
But while people are living longer , their healthy life expectancy is n't necessarily increasing at the same rate , particularly among the more disadvantaged in society , researchers say .
Furthermore , moves to push back the pensionable age do note take account of the impact of ageing on muscle strength , meaning it will be increasingly difficult and dangerous for people doing physically demanding jobs for longer .
Workers most at risk include those in construction ; manual labour , such as carpentry , masonry , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ manufacturing industries , the study finds .
People with physically demanding jobs , such as construction and factory workers , are more likely to have shorter working lives ( Photo : Carl Court/Getty ) '' This study showed that high physical work demands are a marked risk factor for a shortened expected working life and increased years of sickness absence and unemployment , '' said Professor Lars Andersen , National Research Centre for the Working Environment , Copenhagen , Denmark .
At the age of 30 , working life would be expected to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ physically demanding jobs and nearly 34 years for men with physically undemanding jobs .
Among women , the equivalent figures were just over 29.5 years and nearly 33 years , respectively .
`` The findings highlight the urgency of addressing problems related to physical work demands with regard to , for example , an increasing statutory retirement age , '' Prof Andersen added .
To try and gauge the toll a physically demanding job might take on the ability to work , the researchers looked at the working life expectancy of 1.6 million @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 65 who had a job as of November 2013 .
Working life expectancy captures the number of years a person at a given age is expected to work until retirement from the labour market .

People with physically demanding jobs, such as construction and factory workers, are more likely to have shorter working lives with more sick leave than office staff, a study finds.
The findings have implications for plans across the UK and Europe to increase the statutory retirement age, according to the study, published in the journal Occupational & Environmental Medicine.
As people live longer and birth rates fall in much of Europe, the expectation is that people will have to work longer before they can retire.
The statutory retirement age in the UK is gradually increasing for men and women, depending on when they are born. By October of this year it is set to be 66 for men and women and will gradually increase to 67 for both by 2028, with further rises expected beyond that.
Health life expectancy lagging
But while people are living longer, their healthy life expectancy isn’t necessarily increasing at the same rate, particularly among the more disadvantaged in society, researchers say.
Furthermore, moves to push back the pensionable age do note take account of the impact of ageing on muscle strength, meaning it will be increasingly difficult and dangerous for people doing physically demanding jobs for longer.
Workers most at risk include those in construction; manual labour, such as carpentry, masonry, painting and plumbing; cleaning; and manufacturing industries, the study finds.
Increased risk factor
“This study showed that high physical work demands are a marked risk factor for a shortened expected working life and increased years of sickness absence and unemployment,” said Professor Lars Andersen, National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Copenhagen, Denmark.
At the age of 30, working life would be expected to last almost 32 years for men with physically demanding jobs and nearly 34 years for men with physically undemanding jobs.
Among women, the equivalent figures were just over 29.5 years and nearly 33 years, respectively.
“The findings highlight the urgency of addressing problems related to physical work demands with regard to, for example, an increasing statutory retirement age,” Prof Andersen added.
The research
To try and gauge the toll a physically demanding job might take on the ability to work, the researchers looked at the working life expectancy of 1.6 million Danes between the ages of 18 and 65 who had a job as of November 2013.
Working life expectancy captures the number of years a person at a given age is expected to work until retirement from the labour market.
For both sexes, a physically demanding job was strongly associated with shorter working life expectancy, and more sick leave and unemployment compared with a physically undemanding job.


inews--2020-05-12--Coronavirus lockdown: People should tread carefully to protect nests and avoid hurting nature, RSPB

Coronavirus lockdown: People should tread carefully to protect nests and avoid hurting nature, RSPB warns

Coronavirus lockdown : People should tread carefully to protect nests and avoid hurting nature , RSPB warns Plants and animals have been spreading their wings under lockdown Now , with restrictions on people ’ s movements starting to ease and country walks encouraged , the public needs to be extra careful not to upset plants and animals , the RSPB says .
For most UK species , breeding season is now in full swing and wildlife is at its most vulnerable point of the year , making it even more important to tread with care , it says .
Under @ @ @ @ @ @ @ countryside birds , mammals and reptiles would avoid busier areas of human activity to ensure their nests and young are safe from accidental harm , steering clear of popular beaches , busy footpaths or dog walking hot spots , according to RSPB director Emma Marsh .
“ This year , nature hasn ’ t needed to adapt to human behaviour , as we stayed home , and some of our wildlife has reclaimed the places we ’ ve temporarily given up , ” she said .
“ So as we head back out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ avoid disturbing nature as it gets on with producing the next generation , ” she said .
Songbirds and flowers are particularly noticeable at this time of year - with Chiffchaffs , wheatears , sand martins and blackbirds providing a beautiful soundtrack to the poppies , buttercups , daisies , cowslips and dandelions springing up in all sorts of places .
Being alert is particularly important for threatened species such as little terns and ringed plover which nest on beaches and could abandon nests or chicks if we don ’ t stay alert @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Meanwhile , heathlands are home to ground nesting rare nightjar and woodlark , which can be easily disturbed by dogs off leads .
Following five simple steps could make all the difference in helping our wildlife as we ease out of lockdown and get back into the countryside .
The first of these is to stay alert - as any habitat can be a home for wildlife , including grass verges next to paths , which may be hiding skylark or meadow pipit chicks .
Other ways to help The public can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bridleways , keeping dogs on leads in open countryside and back away if you disturb breeding species - short , sharp alarm calls , birds with full beaks or coming unusually near to you usually mean you are too close to young , which can often be very well hidden even if they are almost underfoot .
Finally , if you notice anything suspicious going on in your local countryside , such as evidence of wildlife crime , fly-tipping or uncontrolled fires , then please do report this to your local wildlife crime @ @ @ @ @ @ @

People should tread carefully after lockdown to avoid hurting nature, the RSPB urges.
In the absence of humans, plants and animals have been spreading their wings in recent weeks.
Now, with restrictions on people’s movements starting to ease and country walks encouraged, the public needs to be extra careful not to upset plants and animals, the RSPB says.
For most UK species, breeding season is now in full swing and wildlife is at its most vulnerable point of the year, making it even more important to tread with care, it says.
Situation not normal
Under normal circumstances, the UK’s countryside birds, mammals and reptiles would avoid busier areas of human activity to ensure their nests and young are safe from accidental harm, steering clear of popular beaches, busy footpaths or dog walking hot spots, according to RSPB director Emma Marsh.
“This year, nature hasn’t needed to adapt to human behaviour, as we stayed home, and some of our wildlife has reclaimed the places we’ve temporarily given up,” she said.
“So as we head back out, we need to be alert and avoid disturbing nature as it gets on with producing the next generation,” she said.
Songbirds and flowers are particularly noticeable at this time of year – with Chiffchaffs, wheatears, sand martins and blackbirds providing a beautiful soundtrack to the poppies, buttercups, daisies, cowslips and dandelions springing up in all sorts of places.
Vulnerable creature
Being alert is particularly important for threatened species such as little terns and ringed plover which nest on beaches and could abandon nests or chicks if we don’t stay alert at the seaside, Ms Marsh said.
Meanwhile, heathlands are home to ground nesting rare nightjar and woodlark, which can be easily disturbed by dogs off leads.
Following five simple steps could make all the difference in helping our wildlife as we ease out of lockdown and get back into the countryside.
The first of these is to stay alert – as any habitat can be a home for wildlife, including grass verges next to paths, which may be hiding skylark or meadow pipit chicks.
Other ways to help
The public can also help by sticking to paths and bridleways, keeping dogs on leads in open countryside and back away if you disturb breeding species – short, sharp alarm calls, birds with full beaks or coming unusually near to you usually mean you are too close to young, which can often be very well hidden even if they are almost underfoot.
Finally, if you notice anything suspicious going on in your local countryside, such as evidence of wildlife crime, fly-tipping or uncontrolled fires, then please do report this to your local wildlife crime officer using the police 101 number.


inews--2020-05-12--Coronavirus latest: Tributes paid to ambulance driver and nurse who died after contracting Covid-19

Coronavirus latest : Tributes paid to ambulance driver and nurse who died after contracting Covid-19 More than 160 frontline NHS and care workers have died after contracting Covid-19 since 11 March Tributes have been paid to a dedicated patient transport driver and care assistant who is among the latest NHS and social care staff to die after contracting Covid-19 .
North West Ambulance Service ’ s chief executive Daren Mochrie said the 60-year-old was a “ dear friend and colleague ” who had “ touched many people ’ s lives ” in his career .
She had been a nurse @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at Wellington Hospital , a private centre in St John ’ s Wood .
Her daughter Oyinkansola Honey Iloba described her mother , who died on 16 April , as “ selfless ” and an “ exceptional woman ” .
Many NHS staff have ben left without vital pieces of PPE ( Photo : Getty ) Amid continued concerns about NHS care staff getting enough personal protective equipment , a Cambridge University study has suggested that three per cent of staff at an NHS hospital reporting as fit for duty in April were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s authors Dr Weekes and Professor Stephen Baker from the Cambridge Institute of Therapeutic Immunology and Infectious Disease said that hospitals need to introduce screening programmes across their workforces .
Labour MP Dan Carden said it was “ shameful that our national stockpile of PPE dwindled during years of austerity ” .
He told the Commons the Government ’ s response to PPE shortages has been one of “ confusion and panic ” .
'Make PPE from an old T-shirt' The Business Secretary Alok Sharma told the Downing Street press briefing the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deliveries of PPE .
He said : “ We are also making sure that we are able to provide testing – through mobile testing – to support staff and also those who are in care homes.
” Grant Shapps , the Transport Secretary , told the Commons people having to travel to work on public transport can “ make PPE either from an old T-shirt or sewing one ” .
He said : “ The reason for that is that it is absolutely critical from a medical point of view that we don @ @ @ @ @ @ @ applications for PPE , so people should make their own PPE which is a face covering rather than a mask in this case .
”

Tributes have been paid to a dedicated patient transport driver and care assistant who is among the latest NHS and social care staff to die after contracting Covid-19.
Phil Rennie died at Fairfield Hospital in Bury, Greater Manchester, on Sunday.
North West Ambulance Service’s chief executive Daren Mochrie said the 60-year-old was a “dear friend and colleague” who had “touched many people’s lives” in his career.
More than 160 frontline NHS and care workers have died after contracting Covid-19 since 11 March.
‘Selfless’ heroes
They include mother-of-four Eyitolami Olaolorun, who devoted her life to caring for terminally-ill children.
She had been a nurse for 40 years, most recently working at Wellington Hospital, a private centre in St John’s Wood.
Her daughter Oyinkansola Honey Iloba described her mother, who died on 16 April, as “selfless” and an “exceptional woman”.
Amid continued concerns about NHS care staff getting enough personal protective equipment, a Cambridge University study has suggested that three per cent of staff at an NHS hospital reporting as fit for duty in April were unknowingly infected with coronavirus.
The report’s authors Dr Weekes and Professor Stephen Baker from the Cambridge Institute of Therapeutic Immunology and Infectious Disease said that hospitals need to introduce screening programmes across their workforces.
Labour MP Dan Carden said it was “shameful that our national stockpile of PPE dwindled during years of austerity”. He told the Commons the Government’s response to PPE shortages has been one of “confusion and panic”.
‘Make PPE from an old T-shirt’
The Business Secretary Alok Sharma told the Downing Street press briefing the Government was ensuring that care homes get deliveries of PPE.
He said: “We are also making sure that we are able to provide testing – through mobile testing – to support staff and also those who are in care homes.”
Grant Shapps, the Transport Secretary, told the Commons people having to travel to work on public transport can “make PPE either from an old T-shirt or sewing one”.
He said: “The reason for that is that it is absolutely critical from a medical point of view that we don’t withdraw and compete with medical applications for PPE, so people should make their own PPE which is a face covering rather than a mask in this case.”


inews--2020-05-12--Coronavirus lockdown: England's tourism hotspots urge daytrippers to stay away as rules change

Coronavirus lockdown : England 's tourism hotspots urge daytrippers to stay away as rules change People will be able to travel for exercise from Wednesday under Boris Johnson 's new lockdown rules A growing number of tourism bosses have urged people to stay away from areas including the Cotswolds , Cornwall and the Lake District after the Prime Minister said people could now travel for exercise .
Their fears come despite the Health Secretary Matt Hancock rejecting claims that the new rules will see hordes of day-trippers descending on beauty spots and beaches , leading to social distancing rules being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would lead to a rise of Covid-19 infections in rural areas , Mr Hancock told Radio 4 ’ s Today programme on Tuesday : “ Not if people socially distance when they get there , and hence we ’ ve kept the socially distancing rules very clearly in place.
” Asked if there was a limit on how far people can drive , he added : “ No , there isn ’ t .
But this isn ’ t for people to move house or to go on holiday to be able to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UK is now a world leader in testing ( Photo : PA ) The new rules mean people in England can drive anywhere in the country as long as they keep 2m apart from people not in their household and do not cross the border into Scotland or Wales .
They can not stay overnight .
But Whitby Town Council , part of the borough of Scarborough which is the second most visited area of England outside London , had told people that “ stay alert means stay away for now ” .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ residents remains Whitby Town Council ’ s priority .
For now , tourism businesses in Whitby remain closed and we urge everyone to continue to stay at home and not compromise the safety of others.
” Cotswolds Tourism said it was hard to see how anyone could or should travel far from home with shops and many car parks and public toilets still closed . '
I would ask that you do not travel by car to the coast' The Conservative MP said in a Facebook post : “ As residents will know @ @ @ @ @ @ @ here – myself included – and many of those older residents live in our care homes .
So be in no doubt , we continue to face the threat of someone thoughtlessly bringing this potentially devastating infection into our area .
“ So , to those who live outside the Clacton constituency , I would ask that you do not travel by car to the coast or to visit open spaces , and this includes travel for exercise.
” There are fears in Wales and Scotland that English day-trippers will cross the borders @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Furlong/Getty ) Officials in Wales and Scotland are warning people not to travel across the border , while , in the Hebrides , islanders have started a petition calling on Scottish authorities to increase controls on ferries and to give ferry firm CalMac more powers to refuse travel .
The petition says passengers should be asked to prove they are making a necessary journey : “ Now , more than ever , we need to batten down the hatches and keep our islands safe .
The risks of this horrible virus entering our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to ignore .
”

England’s beauty spots were waiting to see if they would be hit by an influx of unwanted tourists on Wednesday as people in England woke up to the start of Boris Johnson’s revised “stay alert” coronavirus regime.
A growing number of tourism bosses have urged people to stay away from areas including the Cotswolds, Cornwall and the Lake District after the Prime Minister said people could now travel for exercise.
Their fears come despite the Health Secretary Matt Hancock rejecting claims that the new rules will see hordes of day-trippers descending on beauty spots and beaches, leading to social distancing rules being flouted.
Asked whether the rule change would lead to a rise of Covid-19 infections in rural areas, Mr Hancock told Radio 4’s Today programme on Tuesday: “Not if people socially distance when they get there, and hence we’ve kept the socially distancing rules very clearly in place.”
Asked if there was a limit on how far people can drive, he added: “No, there isn’t. But this isn’t for people to move house or to go on holiday to be able to stay.”
Social distancing rules eased
The new rules mean people in England can drive anywhere in the country as long as they keep 2m apart from people not in their household and do not cross the border into Scotland or Wales. They cannot stay overnight.
But Whitby Town Council, part of the borough of Scarborough which is the second most visited area of England outside London, had told people that “stay alert means stay away for now”.
It said: “The safety of residents remains Whitby Town Council’s priority. For now, tourism businesses in Whitby remain closed and we urge everyone to continue to stay at home and not compromise the safety of others.”
Cotswolds Tourism said it was hard to see how anyone could or should travel far from home with shops and many car parks and public toilets still closed.
“We certainly won’t be encouraging anyone to visit the Cotswolds before hospitality businesses are open to welcome them,” the body told Sky News.
‘I would ask that you do not travel by car to the coast’
Clackton MP Giles Watling has urged people to stay away from the Essex resort, which has a large elderly population.
The Conservative MP said in a Facebook post: “As residents will know, we have a large elderly population here – myself included – and many of those older residents live in our care homes. So be in no doubt, we continue to face the threat of someone thoughtlessly bringing this potentially devastating infection into our area.
“So, to those who live outside the Clacton constituency, I would ask that you do not travel by car to the coast or to visit open spaces, and this includes travel for exercise.”
Officials in Wales and Scotland are warning people not to travel across the border, while, in the Hebrides, islanders have started a petition calling on Scottish authorities to increase controls on ferries and to give ferry firm CalMac more powers to refuse travel.
The petition says passengers should be asked to prove they are making a necessary journey: “Now, more than ever, we need to batten down the hatches and keep our islands safe. The risks of this horrible virus entering our Covid-free communities is just far too huge to ignore.”


inews--2020-05-12--I'll Get This, BBC Two, review: problems with the concept and no chemistry between the 'celebrities'

I 'll Get This , BBC Two , review : problems with the concept and no chemistry between the 'celebrities' This creaky celebrity game show seemed to come from the 'notes to self ' folder on Alan Partridge 's dictaphone The celebrities tuck in on episode six of I 'll Get This ( Photo : BBC ) I 'll Get This , BBC Two ★ Creaky game show I ’ ll Get This sounds as if it came from the “ notes to self ” on Alan Partridge ’ s dictaphone , along with pitches for “ Dogs on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
A group of sort-of celebrities go to a restaurant for dinner and to play games , after which the loser pays entire bill .
It all depends on whether you like the contestants and how much collective chemistry they generate .
In this season two finale they failed to move the needle , despite Fleur East ’ s sensational hair .
Johnny Vegas barely managed a joke all evening , especially when he had to stump up £760 at the end .
Sue Perkins was chilly and earnest , while Mike Tindall @ @ @ @ @ @ @ least John Barnes pretended to lose his temper to try to up the tempo a bit .
To no avail .
There are several problems with the concept .
In order to cram in all the games , there ’ s no time to pay any attention to the food , so you have no idea whether the dinner is worth battling over .
In addition , each game has a new set of rules ( word games , games of bluff and impersonation etc . )
, so you ’ re still @ @ @ @ @ @ @ while the players are already firing questions at each other .
It ’ s not the finest hour for the BBC ’ s “ Make Work for Needy Celebs ” department .

I’ll Get This, BBC Two ★
Creaky game show I’ll Get This sounds as if it came from the “notes to self” on Alan Partridge’s dictaphone, along with pitches for “Dogs on the Dole” or “Monkey Tennis”. A group of sort-of celebrities go to a restaurant for dinner and to play games, after which the loser pays entire bill.
It all depends on whether you like the contestants and how much collective chemistry they generate. In this season two finale they failed to move the needle, despite Fleur East’s sensational hair. Johnny Vegas barely managed a joke all evening, especially when he had to stump up £760 at the end. Sue Perkins was chilly and earnest, while Mike Tindall was really bad at charades. At least John Barnes pretended to lose his temper to try to up the tempo a bit. To no avail.
There are several problems with the concept. In order to cram in all the games, there’s no time to pay any attention to the food, so you have no idea whether the dinner is worth battling over.
In addition, each game has a new set of rules (word games, games of bluff and impersonation etc.), so you’re still trying to work out what they mean while the players are already firing questions at each other. It’s not the finest hour for the BBC’s “Make Work for Needy Celebs” department.
THEARTSDESK.COM


inews--2020-05-12--Coronavirus and furloughed workers: How business reacted to Rishi Sunak's plans, from travel industr

Coronavirus and furloughed workers: How business reacted to Rishi Sunak's plans, from travel industry to retail

Coronavirus and furloughed workers : How business reacted to Rishi Sunak 's plans , from travel industry to retail The Chancellor told MPs the furlough initiative would be extended beyond June for an additional four months , but employers would be expected to start sharing the payment of salaries from August in a bid to reduce the cost to the taxpayer .
Here 's how different sectors of the economy responded to the Chancellor ’ s announcement to extend the furlough scheme .
Larger corporations warmly welcomed the move , saying it offered “ much needed breathing space ” .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ CBI , added : “ The Government must continue to keep a watchful eye on those industries and employees that remain at risk.
” The Institute of Directors said it was “ delighted ” by the decision , which would “ bring significant relief ” to employees , but added : “ We now need further clarity around employers ’ contributions .
Many firms that would normally be on a strong footing are still in dire straits.
” The hospitality sector has been among the hardest hit .
Industry leaders have suggested the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ continued for parts of the sector to allow them to stay afloat .
UK Hospitality chief executive Kate Nicholls warned : “ The full 80 per cent may need to be extended past July for some businesses in sectors , like hospitality , that will still operate at much reduced levels of trade , or not yet be able to open.
” The travel industry welcomed the extension , as many operators are having to make “ incredibly difficult decisions about people ’ s jobs during this crisis ” .
But Mark Tanzer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , said “ urgent intervention ” was needed to support the travel industry to “ cover refunds and potential travel restrictions ” .
As many stores have been forced to remain closed , there are concerns over the salary share element .
Tamara Hill , employment and skills policy adviser at the British Retail Consortium , said the sector would need to see “ details in the coming days to clarify the expectation on employers ” , in order to “ ensure this is sustainable for business ” .
The main trade unions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scheme beyond June .
TUC General Secretary Frances O ’ Grady said it was a “ big relief for millions ” .
“ Changing the rules to allow part-time working is key to enabling a safe return to work .
And maintaining the rate at 80 per cent is a win for the pay packets of working families.
” Unite general secretary Len McCluskey said the announcement was “ a message again to employers that the Government will stand behind them if they stand behind their workers .
There should be no rush @ @ @ @

Rishi Sunak announced the Government will continue to pay the wages of millions of workers until the end of October as the economy recovers from the Covid-19 outbreak.
The Chancellor told MPs the furlough initiative would be extended beyond June for an additional four months, but employers would be expected to start sharing the payment of salaries from August in a bid to reduce the cost to the taxpayer.
Here’s how different sectors of the economy responded to the Chancellor’s announcement to extend the furlough scheme.
Big business
Larger corporations warmly welcomed the move, saying it offered “much needed breathing space”. Dame Carolyn Fairbairn, director-general of the CBI, added: “The Government must continue to keep a watchful eye on those industries and employees that remain at risk.”
The Institute of Directors said it was “delighted” by the decision, which would “bring significant relief” to employees, but added: “We now need further clarity around employers’ contributions. Many firms that would normally be on a strong footing are still in dire straits.”
Hospitality
The hospitality sector has been among the hardest hit. Industry leaders have suggested the full furlough scheme may need to be continued for parts of the sector to allow them to stay afloat.
UK Hospitality chief executive Kate Nicholls warned: “The full 80 per cent may need to be extended past July for some businesses in sectors, like hospitality, that will still operate at much reduced levels of trade, or not yet be able to open.”
Travel
The travel industry welcomed the extension, as many operators are having to make “incredibly difficult decisions about people’s jobs during this crisis”. But Mark Tanzer, chief executive of travel association ABTA, said “urgent intervention” was needed to support the travel industry to “cover refunds and potential travel restrictions”.
Retail
As many stores have been forced to remain closed, there are concerns over the salary share element. Tamara Hill, employment and skills policy adviser at the British Retail Consortium, said the sector would need to see “details in the coming days to clarify the expectation on employers”, in order to “ensure this is sustainable for business”.
Unions
The main trade unions strongly supported the decision to extend the scheme beyond June. TUC General Secretary Frances O’Grady said it was a “big relief for millions”.
“Changing the rules to allow part-time working is key to enabling a safe return to work. And maintaining the rate at 80 per cent is a win for the pay packets of working families.”
Unite general secretary Len McCluskey said the announcement was “a message again to employers that the Government will stand behind them if they stand behind their workers. There should be no rush to redundancies”.


inews--2020-05-12--Coronavirus latest: Millions of lettuces left to rot because of a shortage of pickers, farmers say

Coronavirus latest : Millions of lettuces left to rot because of a shortage of pickers , farmers say Farmers are heavily reliant on workers from abroad to come and pick fruit and vegetables in Britain Millions of lettuces could be left to rot in fields because of a shortage of pickers , with the waste potentially serving as a glimpse of things to come post-Brexit , farmers say .
Travel restrictions introduced to slow the spread of Covid-19 in the UK are preventing seasonal pickers from around Europe entering the country to pick crops just as the harvest season for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the current situation could be a “ taste ” of what might come after the Brexit transition period ends on 31 December , and freedom of movement for EU citizens to come to Britain ceases .
The UK is heavily reliant on seasonal farm workers from abroad , with an estimated 70,000 to 90,000 people needed between April and October each year to plant , pick and pack the produce .
The overwhelming majority of workers come from Eastern Europe , most just for the season before returning home , while Britons make @ @ @ @ @ @ @ number .
There is a shortage of workers to pick fruit in the UK ( Photo : Matt Cardy/Getty ) However , with most flights grounded , only about a third of the migrant workers who would normally be in Britain are here , having arrived before lockdown began , the Environment Secretary said last month .
At the time , George Eustice suggested that furloughed British workers could be encouraged to take second jobs as fruit and vegetable pickers to help farmers during harvest .
`` We are working with industry to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ millions of furloughed workers in some cases to consider taking a second job , helping get the harvest in in June , '' Mr Eustice said .
`` Normally we would have 12 to 16 Polish workers here in the spring .
Only four of our team made it , and they arrived before lockdown , '' said Ali Capper , who grows apples and hops - a key ingredient for beer - with her husband at their family farm in Worcestershire , in the West Midlands .
`` For the harvest in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
I do n't know where they 're going to come from at the moment , ” she added .
Next month , one million heads of lettuce will need to be picked in Britain every day , then trimmed and transported to supermarkets .
Without the necessary workforce , crops could be left to rot and growers may eventually decide to move some of their operations overseas , farmers have warned .
`` It may be a foretaste of what next year will look like , '' said Jack Ward , chief @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Except that if the economy picks up again , we 'll get to the situation where there is n't even the unemployment to make good the shortfall of people coming from Eastern Europe .
We 'll have to move production to where the workers are . ''
The company that operated that flight said it has fielded many similar calls from other British farms desperate for labour .
Since mid-April , Air Charter Service has flown in 1,200 passengers from Romania to meet the needs of farms , said Matt Purton , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Mr Eustice has said he is “ acutely aware ” of the issue .
says it is acutely aware of the problem , and was working with industry to find a way to recruit the necessary amount of people .

Millions of lettuces could be left to rot in fields because of a shortage of pickers, with the waste potentially serving as a glimpse of things to come post-Brexit, farmers say.
Travel restrictions introduced to slow the spread of Covid-19 in the UK are preventing seasonal pickers from around Europe entering the country to pick crops just as the harvest season for lettuces and berries begins.
Dependent on EU pickers
Farmers believe the current situation could be a “taste” of what might come after the Brexit transition period ends on 31 December, and freedom of movement for EU citizens to come to Britain ceases.
The UK is heavily reliant on seasonal farm workers from abroad, with an estimated 70,000 to 90,000 people needed between April and October each year to plant, pick and pack the produce. The overwhelming majority of workers come from Eastern Europe, most just for the season before returning home, while Britons make up just one per cent of that number.
Furloughed workers stepping in?
However, with most flights grounded, only about a third of the migrant workers who would normally be in Britain are here, having arrived before lockdown began, the Environment Secretary said last month.
At the time, George Eustice suggested that furloughed British workers could be encouraged to take second jobs as fruit and vegetable pickers to help farmers during harvest.
“We are working with industry to identify an approach that will encourage those millions of furloughed workers in some cases to consider taking a second job, helping get the harvest in in June,” Mr Eustice said.
Farmers in limbo
“Normally we would have 12 to 16 Polish workers here in the spring. Only four of our team made it, and they arrived before lockdown,” said Ali Capper, who grows apples and hops – a key ingredient for beer – with her husband at their family farm in Worcestershire, in the West Midlands.
“For the harvest in September we will need about 70 people. I don’t know where they’re going to come from at the moment,” she added.
Post-Brexit state of affairs
Next month, one million heads of lettuce will need to be picked in Britain every day, then trimmed and transported to supermarkets. Without the necessary workforce, crops could be left to rot and growers may eventually decide to move some of their operations overseas, farmers have warned.
“It may be a foretaste of what next year will look like,” said Jack Ward, chief executive of the British Growers Association.
“Except that if the economy picks up again, we’ll get to the situation where there isn’t even the unemployment to make good the shortfall of people coming from Eastern Europe. We’ll have to move production to where the workers are.”
Chartered flights
One large salad producer, G’s Growers, resorted to booking a £40,000 charter flight to fly in 150 Romanian workers in April to pick the vegetables and help train less experienced recruits.
The company that operated that flight said it has fielded many similar calls from other British farms desperate for labour. Since mid-April, Air Charter Service has flown in 1,200 passengers from Romania to meet the needs of farms, said Matt Purton, director of commercial jets for the company.
Mr Eustice has said he is “acutely aware” of the issue. says it is acutely aware of the problem, and was working with industry to find a way to recruit the necessary amount of people.
In February Mr Eustice announced the expansion of the Government’s seasonal workers programme, allowing farmers to hire up to 10,000 non-EU temporary workers in 2020, up from 2,500 last year.
Additional reporting by AP


inews--2020-05-12--Andrew Townsley: The Who Wants To Be A Millionaire contestant who missed the million pound question

Andrew Townsley : The Who Wants To Be A Millionaire contestant who missed the million pound question Millions tuned in to watch him tackle the most valuable question on TV Andrew Townsley and Jeremy Clarkson at the final question on Who Wants To Be A Millionaire ?
( Photo : ITV/Stellify Media ) A Who Wants To Be A Millionaire ?
contestant has made it to the £1 million question for only the second time since Jeremy Clarkson took over the show .
Andrew Townsley , 53 , a retired GP from Glasgow , made it to the ITV quiz @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a gripping episode aired on Tuesday night .
The Scot pulled off a calm and confident performance - leaving him with one lifeline on the top prize question .
But the biggest prize in TV quiz shows proved too difficult in the end and he opted to not risk it .
Andrew Townsley made it to the million pound question ( Photo : ITV/Shelify media ) Millions tuned in to watch him tackle the most valuable question : `` In the history of motor sports , which of these iconic races was held @ @ @ @ @ @ @ performance to that point with supreme confidence , Mr Townsley still had a lifeline intact and was able to phone a friend .
The rather expensive responsibility shouldered by his pal turned out to be too much , however , as they also did n't know .
If you 're a racing fan then you 'll know the correct answer is Isle of Man TT .
`` It 's easy if you know the answers , '' as original host Chris Tarrant would say .
To the former doctor 's frustration he had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Mr Townsley , who has progressive multiple sclerosis , a lifelong condition that affects the brain and nerves , appeared on the show in his wheelchair .
The father of two said : 'When you apply to be on Who Wants To Be A Millionaire ?
, you always dream that you 'd have the opportunity to answer that million pound question ... ' Had he won , the cash would have gone on a trip to see Niagara Falls in Canada with his wife Paddy , also a retired doctor .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ should cover a very good holiday , just as soon as we can enjoy them again .

A Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? contestant has made it to the £1 million question for only the second time since Jeremy Clarkson took over the show.
Andrew Townsley, 53, a retired GP from Glasgow, made it to the ITV quiz show’s 15th and final question in a gripping episode aired on Tuesday night.
The Scot pulled off a calm and confident performance – leaving him with one lifeline on the top prize question.
But the biggest prize in TV quiz shows proved too difficult in the end and he opted to not risk it.
Tough question
Millions tuned in to watch him tackle the most valuable question: “In the history of motor sports, which of these iconic races was held first?”
The choice of answers were: Le Mans 24 Hours, Monaco Grand Prix, Indy 500 or Isle of Man TT.
Having pulled off his performance to that point with supreme confidence, Mr Townsley still had a lifeline intact and was able to phone a friend.
The rather expensive responsibility shouldered by his pal turned out to be too much, however, as they also didn’t know.
If you’re a racing fan then you’ll know the correct answer is Isle of Man TT. “It’s easy if you know the answers,” as original host Chris Tarrant would say.
To the former doctor’s frustration he had, in fact, known the answer.
Holiday in Canada
Mr Townsley, who has progressive multiple sclerosis, a lifelong condition that affects the brain and nerves, appeared on the show in his wheelchair.
The father of two said: ‘When you apply to be on Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?, you always dream that you’d have the opportunity to answer that million pound question…’
Had he won, the cash would have gone on a trip to see Niagara Falls in Canada with his wife Paddy, also a retired doctor.
Fortunately he still bagged £500,000, which should cover a very good holiday, just as soon as we can enjoy them again.
The top prize was last won 14 years ago, when civil servant and quiz enthusiast Ingram Wilcox became the show’s fifth victor.
The ITV quiz continues all this week at 9pm.


inews--2020-05-12--Coronavirus: Facebook put warning labels on more than 50m posts in April

Coronavirus : Facebook put warning labels on more than 50m posts in April Instagram also increased the amount of suicide and self-harm posts it 'took action on ' by 40 per cent Facebook branded more than 50m pieces of content with warning labels for being misleading in relation to the coronavirus outbreak in April , the company has announced .
Around 7,500 articles were checked by independent fact-checkers , with warning labels preventing users from clicking through to view the articles in 95 per cent of cases .
It also took down more than 2.5m posts related to the sale @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wipes and testing kits , it confirmed in its latest Community Standards Enforcement Report .
Social media firms including Facebook , Twitter and YouTube have been roundly criticised for their role in hosting fake news linked to the pandemic , promoting misleading adverts and for circulating conspiracy theories .
However , posts containing false claims are often allowed to remain on the platforms , provided they do not violate their platforms , leading both Facebook and Twitter to increasingly label content with warnings .
Facebook also removed more than 4m pieces of content @ @ @ @ @ @ @ encouraging co-ordinated violence , during the first three months of the year .
The social network took down around 4.7m pieces of content linked to organised hate between January and March , an increase of more than 3m compared to 1.6m taken down during the previous three months .
Facebook used the systems it originally developed for detecting and removing terrorist content to filter out the organised hate posts , which it said were more likely to involve memes compared to terror propaganda , which tend to be `` dispersed from a central @ @ @ @ @ @ @ formalised branding '' .
Facebook and Instagram detailed the content they 've been removing in the first three months of the year ( Photo : Getty ) Instagram , which is owned by Facebook , addressed more than 1m posts related to suicide and self-harm in the first three months of the year , as the platform sought to clamp down on content that could affect vulnerable users .
The photo-sharing app said it had `` taken action against '' 1.3m pieces of content during the period , a 40 per cent increase @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The increase was largely down to improvements in Facebook 's text and image-matching technology to detect posts related to suicide and self-injury , the company said .
`` Views of violating content that contains suicide and self-injury are very infrequent , and we remove much of this content before people see it , '' the report 's authors wrote .
The death of 14 year-old Molly Russell , who killed herself in 2017 after viewing self-harm and suicide content on Instagram , has caused the company to overhaul its policies for potentially harmful @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It announced plans to ban graphic self-harming content in February last year , alongside adding ‘ sensitivity screens ’ to blur images until the user indicates they want to view it .
Images , drawings and cartoons depicting methods of self-harm and suicide would also be removed , it confirmed in October .
Instagram said it had doubled the amount of material removed related to self-harm and suicide since the first three months of 2019 , and removed 834,000 pieces of content , 77 per cent of which had not been reported by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ year .
The company also announced new features designed to prevent bullying on its platform , including the ability for users to choose who can tag and mention them and to 'pin ' positive comments to the top of posts to `` set the tone for your account '' .
The methodology to calculate the prevalence of bullying and harassment would need to take account of the ways in which people use language and the context of their conversations , it acknowledged , adding that communication on Instagram `` often reflects the nature @ @ @ @ @

Facebook branded more than 50m pieces of content with warning labels for being misleading in relation to the coronavirus outbreak in April, the company has announced.
Around 7,500 articles were checked by independent fact-checkers, with warning labels preventing users from clicking through to view the articles in 95 per cent of cases.
It also took down more than 2.5m posts related to the sale of masks, hand sanitiser, disinfectant wipes and testing kits, it confirmed in its latest Community Standards Enforcement Report.
Social media firms including Facebook, Twitter and YouTube have been roundly criticised for their role in hosting fake news linked to the pandemic, promoting misleading adverts and for circulating conspiracy theories.
However, posts containing false claims are often allowed to remain on the platforms, provided they do not violate their platforms, leading both Facebook and Twitter to increasingly label content with warnings.
Read More Coronavirus: Twitter will add warnings to misleading tweets, including Donald Trump’s
Action from Facebook
Facebook also removed more than 4m pieces of content connected to organised hate, including memes encouraging co-ordinated violence, during the first three months of the year.
The social network took down around 4.7m pieces of content linked to organised hate between January and March, an increase of more than 3m compared to 1.6m taken down during the previous three months.
Facebook used the systems it originally developed for detecting and removing terrorist content to filter out the organised hate posts, which it said were more likely to involve memes compared to terror propaganda, which tend to be “dispersed from a central media arm of the organisation and include formalised branding”.
Instagram, which is owned by Facebook, addressed more than 1m posts related to suicide and self-harm in the first three months of the year, as the platform sought to clamp down on content that could affect vulnerable users.
The photo-sharing app said it had “taken action against” 1.3m pieces of content during the period, a 40 per cent increase compared to the previous three months.
The increase was largely down to improvements in Facebook’s text and image-matching technology to detect posts related to suicide and self-injury, the company said.
“Views of violating content that contains suicide and self-injury are very infrequent, and we remove much of this content before people see it,” the report’s authors wrote.
Overhauling policies
The death of 14 year-old Molly Russell, who killed herself in 2017 after viewing self-harm and suicide content on Instagram, has caused the company to overhaul its policies for potentially harmful content over the past 18 months.
It announced plans to ban graphic self-harming content in February last year, alongside adding ‘sensitivity screens’ to blur images until the user indicates they want to view it. Images, drawings and cartoons depicting methods of self-harm and suicide would also be removed, it confirmed in October.
Instagram said it had doubled the amount of material removed related to self-harm and suicide since the first three months of 2019, and removed 834,000 pieces of content, 77 per cent of which had not been reported by users, between April and June last year. The company also announced new features designed to prevent bullying on its platform, including the ability for users to choose who can tag and mention them and to ‘pin’ positive comments to the top of posts to “set the tone for your account”.
The methodology to calculate the prevalence of bullying and harassment would need to take account of the ways in which people use language and the context of their conversations, it acknowledged, adding that communication on Instagram “often reflects the nature of personal relationships”.
“In many instances, we need a person to report this behaviour to us before we can identify it as bullying or harassment.”


inews--2020-05-12--Coronavirus lockdown exit strategy: Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales reject England's timetable

Ms Sturgeon has urged employers not to rush their workers back to the office , despite Mr Johnson telling people to return to work this week A day after Boris Johnson unveiled a three-stage plan for getting people back to work , school and social contact , with staging posts of 13 May , 1 June and 4 July , Northern Ireland ’ s First Minister Arlene Foster set out a “ flexible ” exit strategy which is not tied to specific dates .
Welsh First Minister Mark Drakeford is expected to follow suit later this week with a new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ determined by whether certain tests have been met , rather than a set timetable .
Nicola Sturgeon stressed that the coronavirus lockdown in Scotland had barely changed ( Photo : Scottish Government ) There are concerns in the devolved administrations that the R transmission value in each nation is too close to the key threshold of 1 to implement a timescale .
In Wales , R is estimated to be between 0.7 and 0.9 , while in Scotland it is thought to be between 0.7 and 0.8 .
In Northern Ireland it is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over 1 then Covid-19 infections will start increasing exponentially again .
In England , R is estimated at between 0.5 and 0.9 , with the lower figure likely in London , where the coronavirus outbreak peaked earlier than the rest of the UK .
Last week Ms Sturgeon said she could start to relax some more restrictions before the next lockdown review on 28 May , but that will all depend on the figures and R number .
Ms Sturgeon has urged employers not to rush their workers back to the office , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to work this week if they can not work from home .
While the Prime Minister unveiled the 50-page Recovery Strategy document for the whole of the UK , officials accept that it is only applicable in practice to England because the devolved nations are going their own way .
A Welsh government source said they would “ like to continue as far as possible ” with a “ four nations approach ” but added : “ We are particularly nervous that there isn ’ t a lot of headroom in the R @ @ @ @ @ @ @ concern in both Scotland and Wales about the Westminster government ’ s measure to allow people to travel anywhere in England to get fresh air and exercise , prompting requests for day-trippers not to cross either border .
Irish police stop traffic at the border with Northern Ireland to check for non-essential journeys ( Photo : Getty ) The new Northern Ireland exit strategy is in five phases , with each stage not fixed to a timetable .
Instead , the executive will review regulations every three weeks , with the next due @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not mean any restrictions will be lifted on that date .
An assessment of the R value , as well as the ongoing impact on the nation ’ s health and economy , will be taken into account before any further relaxation of measures .
In Northern Ireland , groups of four to six people who do not share a household will be allowed to meet outdoors while maintaining a distance of 2m , in a variation of the one on one measure in England .

Divisions within the UK over the coronavirus lockdown exit strategy deepened as the devolved governments refused to follow England on a detailed timetable for lifting of restrictions.
A day after Boris Johnson unveiled a three-stage plan for getting people back to work, school and social contact, with staging posts of 13 May, 1 June and 4 July, Northern Ireland’s First Minister Arlene Foster set out a “flexible” exit strategy which is not tied to specific dates.
Welsh First Minister Mark Drakeford is expected to follow suit later this week with a new plan for easing of restrictions in Wales determined by whether certain tests have been met, rather than a set timetable.
In Scotland, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has also refused to set dates for the next phases.
Concerns over R value
There are concerns in the devolved administrations that the R transmission value in each nation is too close to the key threshold of 1 to implement a timescale.
In Wales, R is estimated to be between 0.7 and 0.9, while in Scotland it is thought to be between 0.7 and 0.8. In Northern Ireland it is around 0.8. If the value tips over 1 then Covid-19 infections will start increasing exponentially again.
In England, R is estimated at between 0.5 and 0.9, with the lower figure likely in London, where the coronavirus outbreak peaked earlier than the rest of the UK.
All three devolved administrations have urged people to continue to follow the message of “stay at home” after Downing Street switched its slogan to “stay alert”.
Last week Ms Sturgeon said she could start to relax some more restrictions before the next lockdown review on 28 May, but that will all depend on the figures and R number.
Ms Sturgeon has urged employers not to rush their workers back to the office, despite Mr Johnson telling people to return to work this week if they cannot work from home.
Medical evidence
While the Prime Minister unveiled the 50-page Recovery Strategy document for the whole of the UK, officials accept that it is only applicable in practice to England because the devolved nations are going their own way.
A Welsh government source said they would “like to continue as far as possible” with a “four nations approach” but added: “We are particularly nervous that there isn’t a lot of headroom in the R rate in Wales.”
There is particular concern in both Scotland and Wales about the Westminster government’s measure to allow people to travel anywhere in England to get fresh air and exercise, prompting requests for day-trippers not to cross either border.
The Welsh police said it planned to turn away English day-trippers if they tried to cross into Wales.
The new Northern Ireland exit strategy is in five phases, with each stage not fixed to a timetable. Instead, the executive will review regulations every three weeks, with the next due by 28 May, but this does not mean any restrictions will be lifted on that date.
An assessment of the R value, as well as the ongoing impact on the nation’s health and economy, will be taken into account before any further relaxation of measures.
In Northern Ireland, groups of four to six people who do not share a household will be allowed to meet outdoors while maintaining a distance of 2m, in a variation of the one on one measure in England.
The first phase also allows for drive through church services and the opening up of outdoor spaces, with social distancing in operation.
Reopening of schools in Northern Ireland is not planned until step three, and this will be guided by medical and scientific evidence rather than calendar dates.
Ms Foster told the Northern Ireland Assembly: “Our road map won’t answer every query – it provides an indication, which people can use in looking ahead and anticipating how the next weeks and months might evolve.”


inews--2020-05-12--Coronavirus and travel restrictions: No foreign holidays this summer, ministers warn

Coronavirus and travel restrictions : No foreign holidays this summer , ministers warn Matt Hancock suggested that Britons were unlikely to be able to travel on holiday to other countries Foreign holidays are likely to be off the table this summer , ministers have warned despite plans by airlines to resume services in the coming months .
The Health Secretary said that people were `` unlikely '' to be able to go abroad while the Transport Secretary said the public should `` wait and see '' before making any holiday plans .
Asked if `` summer was cancelled '' , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` I think that 's likely to be the case ...
It is unlikely that big , lavish international holidays are going to be possible for this summer .
I just think that 's a reality of life . ''
In the House of Commons , Labour MP Lucy Powell asked Grant Shapps : `` Is the Government , like European governments , working towards European summer holidays happening this summer , or do we all need to cancel them ? ''
The Transport Secretary replied : `` We know that we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ things stand , to go ahead and do these things because most countries are n't allowing people in , and in any case the Foreign Office advice is not to travel - it 's hugely sad and regrettable , but it is the fact .
`` As we progress , and as we get through phase two and phase three , we hope in June and July the situation may change .
But it is not possible to give people a sense of false hope , we need to be realistic about this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ use very precise language in order to provide every possible direction at the public .
But it will be a wait-and-see game , I 'm afraid . ''
Airlines are trying to restart operations ( Photo : Chris J Ratcliffe/Getty ) Ryanair announced on Tuesday that 90 per cent of its network will have flights from 1 July but with strict hygiene measures .
It is currently operating a skeleton schedule with just 30 flights a day across Europe .
Passengers and crew will have to wear face masks and have their temperature @ @ @ @ @ @ @ need to seek permission to use the toilet , to avoid the risk of queues , while a limited range of food and drink will be sold on the plane .
Customers will need to fill out a form at check-in to detail where they are planning to stay , so the airline can pass the information on to governments which are expected to impose rules on quarantine for new arrivals in their country .
Virgin Atlantic announced its plan to `` steadily increase '' the number of flights over the second half @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , gradual recovery '' next year .
Flights will depart from Heathrow , Manchester , Glasgow and Belfast but the airline is no longer operating out of Gatwick .
European Union leaders are currently debating whether they should allow holidaymakers to travel across the continent this summer , with tourism-dependent countries such as Greece pushing for the earliest possible reopening .

Foreign holidays are likely to be off the table this summer, ministers have warned despite plans by airlines to resume services in the coming months.
The Health Secretary said that people were “unlikely” to be able to go abroad while the Transport Secretary said the public should “wait and see” before making any holiday plans.
Asked if “summer was cancelled”, Matt Hancock told ITV’s This Morning: “I think that’s likely to be the case… It is unlikely that big, lavish international holidays are going to be possible for this summer. I just think that’s a reality of life.”
In the House of Commons, Labour MP Lucy Powell asked Grant Shapps: “Is the Government, like European governments, working towards European summer holidays happening this summer, or do we all need to cancel them?”
‘Wait and see’
The Transport Secretary replied: “We know that we are unable at the moment, as things stand, to go ahead and do these things because most countries aren’t allowing people in, and in any case the Foreign Office advice is not to travel – it’s hugely sad and regrettable, but it is the fact.
“As we progress, and as we get through phase two and phase three, we hope in June and July the situation may change. But it is not possible to give people a sense of false hope, we need to be realistic about this, and I am certainly keen to use very precise language in order to provide every possible direction at the public. But it will be a wait-and-see game, I’m afraid.”
Ryanair announced on Tuesday that 90 per cent of its network will have flights from 1 July but with strict hygiene measures. It is currently operating a skeleton schedule with just 30 flights a day across Europe.
Passengers and crew will have to wear face masks and have their temperature checked when they board. Passengers will need to seek permission to use the toilet, to avoid the risk of queues, while a limited range of food and drink will be sold on the plane.
Customers will need to fill out a form at check-in to detail where they are planning to stay, so the airline can pass the information on to governments which are expected to impose rules on quarantine for new arrivals in their country.
Virgin Atlantic announced its plan to “steadily increase” the number of flights over the second half of 2020, before a “further, gradual recovery” next year. Flights will depart from Heathrow, Manchester, Glasgow and Belfast but the airline is no longer operating out of Gatwick.
European Union leaders are currently debating whether they should allow holidaymakers to travel across the continent this summer, with tourism-dependent countries such as Greece pushing for the earliest possible reopening.


inews--2020-05-12--Hollywood celebrities' law firm used by Madonna and Robert De Niro hit by hackers

Hollywood celebrities ' law firm used by Madonna and Robert De Niro hit by hackers Email addresses , private correspondence and phone numbers said to be among the data stolen Madonna reported to be among the clients of the law firm at the centre of cyber attack ( Photo : Getty ) A law firm used by some of the biggest names in the entertainment industry including Madonna , Robert De Niro and Bruce Springsteen has been targeted by hackers .
The website of Grubman Shire Meiselas & Sacks is currently down and it is alleged up to 756 gigabytes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ files has been stolen .
News of the attack first emerged last week when a group called “ REvil ” , also known as Sodinokibi , claimed it had stolen the firm ’ s documents .
“ We have hired the world 's experts who specialise in this area , and we are working around the clock to address these matters . ''
Actor Robert De Niro also reported to be among stars who have used Grubman Shire Meiselas & Sacks ( Photo : Getty ) And the hackers may be asking for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ further leaks of this confidential information .
The firm is said to have been associated with more then 200 high profile clients over the years including music stars : Sir Elton John , Lady Gaga , Barbra Streisand , Sir Rod Stewart , Lil Nas X , U2 , Drake and Mariah Carey .
Boxer Mike Tyson , actors Tom Cruise and Dwayne Johnson and reality stars the Kardashian family are also understood to have used the lawyers ’ services with some of their files said to be doing the rounds on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ names such as Sony , HBO , IMAX and Facebook are reported to have used the law firm .
The hackers linked to this latest cyber theft are also thought to be behind an attack on the UK foreign exchange firm Travelex in January this year .
Brett Callow , threat analyst at Emsisoft , told the BBC : `` Non-payment of the demand will result in the information being published ; payment will simply get them a pinky promise from criminals that the stolen data will be deleted.
” He said these @ @ @ @ @ @ @ increasingly concerning , adding : “ Incidents involving law firms are even more concerning due to the sensitivity of the data they hold . ''

A law firm used by some of the biggest names in the entertainment industry including Madonna, Robert De Niro and Bruce Springsteen has been targeted by hackers.
The website of Grubman Shire Meiselas & Sacks is currently down and it is alleged up to 756 gigabytes of data from the firm’s files has been stolen.
News of the attack first emerged last week when a group called “REvil”, also known as Sodinokibi, claimed it had stolen the firm’s documents.
It reportedly released a screenshot of an excerpt from a contract of Madonna’s 2019-20 “Madame X” tour with Live Nation.
Stolen documents
The New York-based legal firm told entertainment industry magazine Variety: “We can confirm that we’ve been victimised by a cyber-attack.
“We have notified our clients and our staff.
“We have hired the world’s experts who specialise in this area, and we are working around the clock to address these matters.”
It is believed the stolen data includes clients’ contracts, non-disclosure agreements, private correspondence, email addresses and phone numbers, according to cyber security company Emsisoft.
‘Working round the clock’
And the hackers may be asking for a ransom to be paid to avoid further leaks of this confidential information.
The firm is said to have been associated with more then 200 high profile clients over the years including music stars: Sir Elton John, Lady Gaga, Barbra Streisand, Sir Rod Stewart, Lil Nas X, U2, Drake and Mariah Carey.
Boxer Mike Tyson, actors Tom Cruise and Dwayne Johnson and reality stars the Kardashian family are also understood to have used the lawyers’ services with some of their files said to be doing the rounds on the dark web.
And even big corporate names such as Sony, HBO, IMAX and Facebook are reported to have used the law firm.
Big names
The hackers linked to this latest cyber theft are also thought to be behind an attack on the UK foreign exchange firm Travelex in January this year.
It is reported to have paid £1.87 million for its files.
Brett Callow, threat analyst at Emsisoft, told the BBC: “Non-payment of the demand will result in the information being published; payment will simply get them a pinky promise from criminals that the stolen data will be deleted.”
He said these incidents were becoming more “commonplace and increasingly concerning, adding: “Incidents involving law firms are even more concerning due to the sensitivity of the data they hold.”


inews--2020-05-12--Richard Morris: Hunt continues for British diplomat who disappeared after going for a run

Richard Morris : Hunt continues for British diplomat who disappeared after going for a run Local residents in Hampshire asked to search their gardens and sheds The 52-year-old was last seen by his family at around 10.30am on that Wednesday morning , dressed in a blue long-sleeved top with a half-zip , black shorts and blue trainers .
Hampshire Police have now asked people in the vicinity if they could check their gardens and sheds for signs someone might have been sheltering there or for discarded items .
British diplomat Richard Morris , who has gone missing after going for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Photo : Hampshire Police/PA ) “ We are now asking residents in the surrounding areas if they could assist by checking sheds , outbuildings and gardens ” , said a police spokesperson , “ We would also love to hear from any residents or businesses with CCTV that could help our enquiries.
” The police thanked the public for their response to the appeal so far but asked them not to carry out their own searches .
“ We would like to reassure people that we have professional search teams conducting a thorough @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ask members of the public not to attempt to look for Richard , outside of your own property , themselves ” , the police spokesperson said , “ This is so teams can accurately monitor all areas that have been police searched to a professional standard and so potential tracking can be conducted by search dogs.
” Hampshire Police ask local residents to search gardens , sheds and outbuildings in hunt for missing diplomat ( Photo : Getty ) Mr Morris had been the UK Ambassador to Nepal for four years up until @ @ @ @ @ @ @ become the UK ’ s High Commissioner to Fiji in July .

The search for a British diplomat who went missing while out for a run has entered its sixth day.
Former ambassador Richard Morris has not been sighted since 6 May when he left home to exercise in the Bentley area in Hampshire.
The 52-year-old was last seen by his family at around 10.30am on that Wednesday morning, dressed in a blue long-sleeved top with a half-zip, black shorts and blue trainers.
Hampshire Police have now asked people in the vicinity if they could check their gardens and sheds for signs someone might have been sheltering there or for discarded items.
Sheds and gardens
“We are now asking residents in the surrounding areas if they could assist by checking sheds, outbuildings and gardens”, said a police spokesperson, “We would also love to hear from any residents or businesses with CCTV that could help our enquiries.”
The police thanked the public for their response to the appeal so far but asked them not to carry out their own searches.
“We would like to reassure people that we have professional search teams conducting a thorough search of local areas and would respectfully ask members of the public not to attempt to look for Richard, outside of your own property, themselves”, the police spokesperson said, “This is so teams can accurately monitor all areas that have been police searched to a professional standard and so potential tracking can be conducted by search dogs.”
A search was being carried out by officers of nearby Alice Holt Forest using dogs and drones.
Professional search teams
Mr Morris had been the UK Ambassador to Nepal for four years up until November 2019. He is due to become the UK’s High Commissioner to Fiji in July.
A Foreign and Commonwealth Office spokesperson told i: “Richard is a much valued and well-liked colleague.
“We are extremely worried that he is missing and we all hope he will be found safe and well soon.”
A keen distance runner, Mr Morris is described as white, about 6ft tall, with greying hair, a beard and a distinctive birth mark on his face.
Originally from Worcestershire, the father-of-three joined the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in 1990 and has previously worked at the United Nations in New York and at the British High Commission in Ottawa.


inews--2020-05-12--Coronavirus lockdown: Restrictions on visiting dying relatives to be eased

Coronavirus lockdown : Restrictions on visiting dying relatives to be eased Many coronavirus sufferers have died alone because of closed wards policy Tough restrictions on families having the chance to say goodbye to dying relatives are to be eased as the coronavirus epidemic abates .
Stephen Powis , the medical director of NHS England , signalled that hospitals would relax the social distancing rules which have led to Covid-19 sufferers dying alone .
National Medical Director at NHS England , Stephen Powis , during a media briefing in Downing Street , London , on coronavirus ( Photo : Pippa Fowles/10 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the closed wards policy was essential at the time to protect the vulnerable people in hospital from infection .
But he added : “ I ’ m sure that guidance will evolve over time as we come out from the peak and we get into lower rates of infection within hospitals .
“ But what I can say is for all our NHS staff they will find this hard too , they will absolutely want relatives as much as possible to be with loved ones “ And I 'm sure that going forwards @ @ @ @ @ @ @ within the guidance they can do as much as possible for relatives.
” He was speaking after the Department of Health reported an increase of 627 deaths from coronavirus in UK hospitals , care homes and the wider community to bring the toll to 32,692 .
However , figures from the Office for National Statistics indicated that there have been more than 40,000 coronavirus-related deaths in the UK .
Around 40 per cent of deaths are currently taking place in care homes .
Matt Hancock , the Health Secretary , said last month @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the end of their life is one of the deepest human instincts .
“ It 's a moment that will be with you forever .
Done right it can help those left behind cope and it brings comfort to those who are dying .
”

Tough restrictions on families having the chance to say goodbye to dying relatives are to be eased as the coronavirus epidemic abates.
Stephen Powis, the medical director of NHS England, signalled that hospitals would relax the social distancing rules which have led to Covid-19 sufferers dying alone.
Government guidelines last month urged NHS trusts to allow end-of-life visits, but decisions were left to individual hospitals.
Prof Powis told i at the daily Downing Street briefing that he expected restrictions to be eased shortly.
Protection for vulnerable
He said the closed wards policy was essential at the time to protect the vulnerable people in hospital from infection.
But he added: “I’m sure that guidance will evolve over time as we come out from the peak and we get into lower rates of infection within hospitals.
“But what I can say is for all our NHS staff they will find this hard too, they will absolutely want relatives as much as possible to be with loved ones
“And I’m sure that going forwards local organisations will be thinking about how within the guidance they can do as much as possible for relatives.”
Care home deaths
He was speaking after the Department of Health reported an increase of 627 deaths from coronavirus in UK hospitals, care homes and the wider community to bring the toll to 32,692.
However, figures from the Office for National Statistics indicated that there have been more than 40,000 coronavirus-related deaths in the UK. Around 40 per cent of deaths are currently taking place in care homes.
Matt Hancock, the Health Secretary, said last month: “Wanting to be with someone at the end of their life is one of the deepest human instincts.
“It’s a moment that will be with you forever. Done right it can help those left behind cope and it brings comfort to those who are dying.”