inews--2020-05-24--Dominic Cummings: full details of coronavirus lockdown allegations against Boris Johnson's adviser

New claims emerged on Sunday of lockdown travel by Boris Johnson 's chief advisor Dominic Cummings and his family were spotted out walking 30 miles away from Durham , according to claims by a retired chemistry teacher who said he made a note of their car registration .
In the latest allegations about Mr Cummings ’ s lockdown movements , Robin Lees , 70 , said he saw the Prime Minister ’ s chief aide walking by the River Tees in the town of Barnard Castle on Easter Sunday , 12 April .
Mr Lees told the Observer : “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if they ’ d been for a walk by the river .
It didn ’ t seem right because I assumed he would be in London .
I searched up the number plate later that day and my computer search history shows that.
” Mr Cummings was photographed in Downing Street for the first time since contracting Covid-19 on Tuesday 14 April , two days after Mr Lees said he saw him in Barnard Castle .
On Sunday 19 April , a walker told the Observer and the Sunday Mirror he had seen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is close to his parents ’ property in Durham , recognising his trademark beanie hat .
He said : “ We were shocked and surprised to see him because the last time we did was earlier in the week in Downing Street.
” On 23 April , Dominic Cummings ’ s wife , the journalist Mary Wakefield , wrote in the Spectator about the couple ’ s fight against Covid-19 and made no mention of visiting Durham .
“ My husband did rush home to look after me , ” she wrote .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ man , whatever people assume to the contrary .
But 24 hours later , he said ‘ I feel weird ’ and collapsed.
” She described how he “ couldn ’ t get out of bed ” and how “ day in , day out for 10 days he lay doggo with a high fever and spasms that made the muscles lump and twitch in his legs ” .
After Downing Street denied allegations that Mr Cummings ’ s family was spoken to by police , Durham Police confirmed that its officers spoke @ @ @ @ @ @ @ being made aware he had travelled to Durham from London and gave advice relating to security .
According to the Sunday Telegraph , Durham Police also spoke to Mr Cummings senior for a second time on or around 10 May after a journalist contacted the force alerting them to allegations circulating that his son was once again in the area .
A source told the newspaper : “ The officers were reassured the allegations were not true and did not take the matter any further.
” Asked on Sunday about Mr Cummings ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Shapps speculated on the Andrew Marr show that Mr Cummings may have travelled to Durham on 27 or 28 March .
Mr Shapps said : “ My understanding is that he stayed there in the house for 14 days until he would have been out of the sort of quarantine period.
” He added : “ Some of these stories are trying to suggest that he went up , he came back , he went up – three times I ’ ve seen suggested – and again my understanding is that ’ s @ @ @ @ @

Dominic Cummings and his family were spotted out walking 30 miles away from Durham, according to claims by a retired chemistry teacher who said he made a note of their car registration.
In the latest allegations about Mr Cummings’s lockdown movements, Robin Lees, 70, said he saw the Prime Minister’s chief aide walking by the River Tees in the town of Barnard Castle on Easter Sunday, 12 April.
Mr Lees told the Observer: “I was gobsmacked. They looked as if they’d been for a walk by the river. It didn’t seem right because I assumed he would be in London. I searched up the number plate later that day and my computer search history shows that.”
Mr Lees told Sky News the number plate was “distinctive” and should be checked for confirmation.
Allegations of travelling
Mr Cummings was photographed in Downing Street for the first time since contracting Covid-19 on Tuesday 14 April, two days after Mr Lees said he saw him in Barnard Castle.
On Sunday 19 April, a walker told the Observer and the Sunday Mirror he had seen Mr Cummings at Houghall Woods, which is close to his parents’ property in Durham, recognising his trademark beanie hat.
He said: “We were shocked and surprised to see him because the last time we did was earlier in the week in Downing Street.”
Mr Cummings was reportedly heard commenting on how “lovely” the bluebells were during the early morning stroll.
No mention in wife’s writing
On 23 April, Dominic Cummings’s wife, the journalist Mary Wakefield, wrote in the Spectator about the couple’s fight against Covid-19 and made no mention of visiting Durham.
“My husband did rush home to look after me,” she wrote. “He’s an extremely kind man, whatever people assume to the contrary. But 24 hours later, he said ‘I feel weird’ and collapsed.”
She described how he “couldn’t get out of bed” and how “day in, day out for 10 days he lay doggo with a high fever and spasms that made the muscles lump and twitch in his legs”.
“After the uncertainty of the bug itself,” she wrote, “we emerged from quarantine into the almost comical uncertainty of London lockdown.”
Police spoke to family
After Downing Street denied allegations that Mr Cummings’s family was spoken to by police, Durham Police confirmed that its officers spoke to his father on 31 March after being made aware he had travelled to Durham from London and gave advice relating to security.
According to the Sunday Telegraph, Durham Police also spoke to Mr Cummings senior for a second time on or around 10 May after a journalist contacted the force alerting them to allegations circulating that his son was once again in the area.
A source told the newspaper: “The officers were reassured the allegations were not true and did not take the matter any further.”
Cabinet defence
Asked on Sunday about Mr Cummings’s movements, the Transport Secretary Grant Shapps speculated on the Andrew Marr show that Mr Cummings may have travelled to Durham on 27 or 28 March.
Mr Shapps said: “My understanding is that he stayed there in the house for 14 days until he would have been out of the sort of quarantine period.”
He added: “Some of these stories are trying to suggest that he went up, he came back, he went up – three times I’ve seen suggested – and again my understanding is that’s not the case.”


inews--2020-05-24--Dominic Cummings: what is alleged to have happened and when?

Dominic Cummings : what is alleged to have happened and when ?
Boris Johnson 's chief aid , Dominic Cummings , has been embroiled in a row over breaking lockdown rules to visit Durham , with multiple allegations of breaches .
Here we break down the timeline of events , and the rules at those times .
23 March : Boris Johnson puts the UK into lockdown and imposes strict restrictions on travel .
The nation is told to stay at home .
27 March : The Prime Minister and the Health Secretary Matt Hancock test positive for Covid-19 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Street .
Boris Johnson 's Chief Advisor , Dominic Cummings and his wife Mary Wakefield leaving his home on Saturday .
( Photo by Hollie Adams/Getty Images ) 31 March : Durham police are “ made aware of reports that an individual had travelled from London to Durham and was present at an address in the city ” .
5 April : An unnamed neighbour tells the Mirror and the Guardian that Mr Cummings was seen in his parents ’ garden .
12 April : Mr Cummings and his family are reportedly spotted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Barnard Castle .
14 April : Mr Cummings returns to work for the first time since news he was suffering from Coronavirus emerged .
19 April : An unnamed witness claims to have seen Mr Cummings walking with his wife in Durham .
25 April : A Spectator article by Mr Cumming ’ s wife Mary Wakefield about their battle with Covid-19 makes no mention of the trip to Durham .
It says they emerged from quarantine into the “ almost comical uncertainty of London lockdown ” .
13 May : The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can drive to take exercise , but prohibits overnight stays at second homes .
23 May : Downing Street stands by Mr Cummings , saying it was “ essential ” for him to “ ensure his young child could be properly cared for.
” It denies his family had been spoken to by police officers .
Durham Police says it was made aware that Mr Cummings was at an address in Durham on 31 March and spoke to Mr Cummings ’ s father and he was given advice about security issues .
Dominic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Minister , leaves 10 Downing Street on Sunday .
( Photo by Chris J Ratcliffe/Getty Images ) 24 May : Asked by a journalist outside his home whether he had returned to Durham in April , Mr Cummings says : “ No , I did not.
” The Transport Secretary Grant Shapps speculates on the Andrew Marr show that Mr Cummings may have travelled to Durham on 27 or 28 March .
Boris Johnson tells the Downing Steet briefing : `` I think he followed the instincts of every father and every parent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ down for that . ''

Boris Johnson’s chief aid, Dominic Cummings, has been embroiled in a row over breaking lockdown rules to visit Durham, with multiple allegations of breaches.
Here we break down the timeline of events, and the rules at those times.
23 March: Boris Johnson puts the UK into lockdown and imposes strict restrictions on travel. The nation is told to stay at home.
27 March: The Prime Minister and the Health Secretary Matt Hancock test positive for Covid-19. Dominic Cummings is seen running from Downing Street.
30 March: Downing Street confirms Mr Cummings is suffering from coronavirus symptoms and is self-isolating.
31 March: Durham police are “made aware of reports that an individual had travelled from London to Durham and was present at an address in the city”.
5 April: An unnamed neighbour tells the Mirror and the Guardian that Mr Cummings was seen in his parents’ garden.
12 April: Mr Cummings and his family are reportedly spotted out walking 30 miles away from Durham in Barnard Castle.
14 April: Mr Cummings returns to work for the first time since news he was suffering from coronavirus emerged.
19 April: An unnamed witness claims to have seen Mr Cummings walking with his wife in Durham.
25 April: A Spectator article by Mr Cumming’s wife Mary Wakefield about their battle with Covid-19 makes no mention of the trip to Durham. It says they emerged from quarantine into the “almost comical uncertainty of London lockdown”.
13 May: The Government lifts restrictions on how far people can drive to take exercise, but prohibits overnight stays at second homes.
23 May: Downing Street stands by Mr Cummings, saying it was “essential” for him to “ensure his young child could be properly cared for.” It denies his family had been spoken to by police officers. Durham Police says it was made aware that Mr Cummings was at an address in Durham on 31 March and spoke to Mr Cummings’s father and he was given advice about security issues.
24 May: Asked by a journalist outside his home whether he had returned to Durham in April, Mr Cummings says: “No, I did not.” The Transport Secretary Grant Shapps speculates on the Andrew Marr show that Mr Cummings may have travelled to Durham on 27 or 28 March.
Boris Johnson tells the Downing Steet briefing: “I think he followed the instincts of every father and every parent. And I do not mark him down for that.”


inews--2020-05-24--Couple celebrates love of Cornwall in spite of wedding cancellation

Couple celebrates love of Cornwall in spite of wedding cancellation Gaynor Pinnell and Andy Rice had their wedding postponed because of the pandemic but still made the most of the day from their home in Wales A couple who were forced to postpone their dream wedding in Cornwall due to the pandemic , still found a way of enjoying their original big day by holding a Cornish-themed celebration at their home in Wales .
Gaynor Pinnell and Andy Rice enjoyed Cornish pasties and cream teas before exchanging rings in front of a giant Cornish flag to mark the day .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ their vows in front of 80 guests in Newquay on Thursday last week , but were thanked by a local town councillor for staying away .
Ms Pinnell , who lives in Newport , south Wales , said to the BBC that `` Cornwall is our special place .
We love the views , the people , the food , so it was a natural choice to get married there .
`` We wanted to make the day special for us in my household .
I thought a Cornish day would be amazing.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ celebration ( Photo : Gaynor Pinnell ) '' We were gutted because everything was going so smoothly , '' said Ms Pinnell , but she added that the couple thought they had “ made a good day out of a bad situation . ''
Ms Pinnell ’ s 1950s-style wedding dress was not finished due to the lockdown so she wore a bright floral dress instead .
The family support worker and Mr Rice , a docks engineer , watched video messages from relatives and a specially recorded song from their booked entertainer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wedding day for 2021 .
`` We are a bit worried about next year , will we still be able to have 80 guests ?
Will we all have to wear masks ?
I hope not , '' said Ms Pinnell .

A couple who were forced to postpone their dream wedding in Cornwall due to the pandemic, still found a way of enjoying their original big day by holding a Cornish-themed celebration at their home in Wales.
Gaynor Pinnell and Andy Rice enjoyed Cornish pasties and cream teas before exchanging rings in front of a giant Cornish flag to mark the day.
The couple were supposed to have said their vows in front of 80 guests in Newquay on Thursday last week, but were thanked by a local town councillor for staying away.
Cornwall ‘special place’
Ms Pinnell, who lives in Newport, south Wales, said to the BBC that “Cornwall is our special place. We love the views, the people, the food, so it was a natural choice to get married there.
“We wanted to make the day special for us in my household. I thought a Cornish day would be amazing.”
“We were gutted because everything was going so smoothly,” said Ms Pinnell, but she added that the couple thought they had “made a good day out of a bad situation.”
Cancelled wedding
Ms Pinnell’s 1950s-style wedding dress was not finished due to the lockdown so she wore a bright floral dress instead.
The family support worker and Mr Rice, a docks engineer, watched video messages from relatives and a specially recorded song from their booked entertainer.
The couple have rescheduled their official wedding day for 2021. “We are a bit worried about next year, will we still be able to have 80 guests? Will we all have to wear masks? I hope not,” said Ms Pinnell.


inews--2020-05-24--Coronavirus: Face masks should be worn in all public spaces, says member of Sage

Coronavirus : Face masks should be worn in all public spaces , says member of Sage Wearing a face mask can help reduce the risk of asymptomatic transmission Anyone in public spaces “ should wear a mask ” according to the president of the Royal Society .
Dr Venki Ramakrishnan , who also sits on the government ’ s Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies ( Sage ) to discuss coronavirus , told Andrew Marr on BBC One that face coverings help to reduce transmission .
He said : “ I think anyone in public spaces should wear a mask because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reduce the possibility of infections .
“ I don ’ t think masks are the be all and end all , you have to think of it as one leg in a multi-legged stool that holds up prevention of transmission.
” Asked if teachers should wear masks , Dr Ramakrishnan said : “ If they are socially distanced and there are all these other measures in place , where their use is not necessary , that is a policy decision , that ’ s not for a scientist like me to say .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ distancing is not possible , we must regularly wash our hands and I think it would be a good idea to wear masks.
” The government has already recommended that masks be worn on public transport ( Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images ) Wearing a face mask can help reduce the risk of asymptomatic transmission of coronavirus by people who are contagious but have no symptoms .
However , guidance issued by the World Health Organization states that “ the use of a mask alone is insufficient to provide an adequate level of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be adopted.
” “ Whether or not masks are used , maximum compliance with hand hygiene and other measures is critical to prevent human-to-human transmission of COVID-19.
” The government first recommended that people in England should aim to wear face coverings “ on public transport and in some shops ” on 11 May .

Anyone in public spaces “should wear a mask” according to the president of the Royal Society.
Dr Venki Ramakrishnan, who also sits on the government’s Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (Sage) to discuss coronavirus, told Andrew Marr on BBC One that face coverings help to reduce transmission.
He said: “I think anyone in public spaces should wear a mask because it’s simply another tool to reduce the possibility of infections.
“I don’t think masks are the be all and end all, you have to think of it as one leg in a multi-legged stool that holds up prevention of transmission.”
Policy decision
Asked if teachers should wear masks, Dr Ramakrishnan said: “If they are socially distanced and there are all these other measures in place, where their use is not necessary, that is a policy decision, that’s not for a scientist like me to say.
“My view is that wherever social distancing is not possible, we must regularly wash our hands and I think it would be a good idea to wear masks.”
Wearing a face mask can help reduce the risk of asymptomatic transmission of coronavirus by people who are contagious but have no symptoms.
Hygiene protection
However, guidance issued by the World Health Organization states that “the use of a mask alone is insufficient to provide an adequate level of protection, and other measures should also be adopted.”
“Whether or not masks are used, maximum compliance with hand hygiene and other measures is critical to prevent human-to-human transmission of COVID-19.”
The government first recommended that people in England should aim to wear face coverings “on public transport and in some shops” on 11 May.


inews--2020-05-24--Dominic Cummings: Red Wall Tories demand inquiry into lockdown breach

MPs across the North furious at PM 's support for senior aide Boris Johnson is facing a furious mutiny from newly elected Tory MPs representing constituencies across the North following his decision to launch a full-blooded defence of his most senior adviser .
Members who secured seats in former Labour heartlands across the North East are demanding an inquiry into Dominic Cummings who stands accused of breaking lockdown restrictions on three separate occasions .
One MP who helped the Prime Minister breach the so-called “ red wall ” , told i : “ Those of us across the north are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said there are fears among his colleagues that the decision by Mr Johnson to absolve his right hand man of any wrongdoing risks undermining the trust of their constituents .
“ Collectively we believe the decision to stand by [ Mr ] Cummings like this goes against everything we ’ ve been saying to our constituents over the last few months , ” the MP said .
Mr Johnson secured his 80-seat majority in the Commons largely thanks to MPs stealing scores of seats in the Midlands and North from Labour .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ full inquiry from those members , to ascertain “ all the facts as soon as possible as to what Dom did and when ” .
“ We ’ ve made our feelings very clear , ” the MP added .
Blackpool North and Clevelys MP Paul Maynard attacked the PM ’ s decision , branding it a “ classic case of 'do as I say , not as I do ' .
“ It seems to me to be utterly indefensible and his position wholly untenable , ” he said , adding he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mr Johnson was already facing mounting pressure from at least 10 backbenchers baying for him to sack Mr Cummings after it was revealed over the weekend he had travelled 250 miles from London to Durham despite being infected with Covid-19 .
Further reports in the Observer and Sunday Mirror suggested Mr Cummings took a second trip to the North East in April , having already returned to London .
These were denied and Mr Johnson announced he would be standing by his most senior aide .
Boris Johnson 's Chief Advisor , Dominic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his home on Saturday .
( Photo by Hollie Adams/Getty Images ) Leading the Government press conference for the third time since being discharged from hospital on 12 April , Mr Johnson said he could “ not mark down ” Mr Cummings for the way he acted .
Tory MP David Wharburton said he was “ unconvinced ” by the PM ’ s defence of his aide .
“ We 've all been tasked with tempering our parental , and other , instincts by strictly adhering to Govt guidance , ” he tweeted @ @ @ @

Boris Johnson is facing a furious mutiny from newly elected Tory MPs representing constituencies across the North following his decision to launch a full-blooded defence of his most senior adviser.
Members who secured seats in former Labour heartlands across the North East are demanding an inquiry into Dominic Cummings who stands accused of breaking lockdown restrictions on three separate occasions.
One MP who helped the Prime Minister breach the so-called “red wall”, told i: “Those of us across the north are absolutely livid about this.”
Cummings inquiry
The member said there are fears among his colleagues that the decision by Mr Johnson to absolve his right hand man of any wrongdoing risks undermining the trust of their constituents.
“Collectively we believe the decision to stand by [Mr] Cummings like this goes against everything we’ve been saying to our constituents over the last few months,” the MP said.
Mr Johnson secured his 80-seat majority in the Commons largely thanks to MPs stealing scores of seats in the Midlands and North from Labour.
He is now facing demands to launch a full inquiry from those members, to ascertain “all the facts as soon as possible as to what Dom did and when”. “We’ve made our feelings very clear,” the MP added.
Blackpool North and Clevelys MP Paul Maynard attacked the PM’s decision, branding it a “classic case of ‘do as I say, not as I do’.
I can only share the collective dismay and I understand the widespread anger. So many people in this constituency have gone out of their way to stick to both the letter and the spirit of the guidelines and laws, despite it coming at great personal emotional cost. 1/2 — Paul Maynard MP (@PaulMaynardUK) May 24, 2020
“It seems to me to be utterly indefensible and his position wholly untenable,” he said, adding he understood the “widespread anger”.
Calls to sack Cummings
Mr Johnson was already facing mounting pressure from at least 10 backbenchers baying for him to sack Mr Cummings after it was revealed over the weekend he had travelled 250 miles from London to Durham despite being infected with Covid-19.
But Mr Johnson told the daily press conference that his de facto chief of staff had “acted responsibly, legally and with integrity”.
Further reports in the Observer and Sunday Mirror suggested Mr Cummings took a second trip to the North East in April, having already returned to London.
These were denied and Mr Johnson announced he would be standing by his most senior aide.
Leading the Government press conference for the third time since being discharged from hospital on 12 April, Mr Johnson said he could “not mark down” Mr Cummings for the way he acted.
Tory MP David Wharburton said he was “unconvinced” by the PM’s defence of his aide. “We’ve all been tasked with tempering our parental, and other, instincts by strictly adhering to Govt guidance,” he tweeted.
He must go
Veteran Tory MP Sir Roger Gale said he was “very disappointed” with the Prime Minister’s decision to defend Dominic Cummings.
It followed a coordinated attempt by Tory MPs to oust Mr Cummings earlier in the day. Senior Tory Steve Baker demanded Mr Cummings “must go”.
“If he doesn’t resign, we’ll just keep burning through Boris’s political capital at a rate we can ill afford in the midst of this crisis,” he told Sky News.
“It is very clear that Dominic travelled when everybody else understood Dominic’s slogans to mean ‘stay at home, protect the NHS and save lives’.”


inews--2020-05-24--Premier League Productions votes to use artificial crowd noise for overseas broadcasts

Premier League Productions votes to use artificial crowd noise for overseas broadcasts The company responsible for the league 's foreign broadcasts polled staff about enhancing the viewing experience Staff at Premier League Productions , the company responsible for broadcasting all 380 Premier League games overseas , has voted unanimously in favour of using artificial crowd noise in upcoming Premier League matches , i understands .
A source within the company has revealed that staff from producers to directors and broadcast service co-ordinators were asked , after watching last weekend ’ s Bundesliga matches in the silence of a behind-closed-doors environment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ noise to be used to enhance their TV match-watching experience .
Just 10 per cent of the staff questioned said no to any form of crowd noise being used when Premier League games do return in empty stadiums , thus remaining as it is .
However , 55 per cent were in favour of artificial crowd noise as a “ secondary option , or behind the red button ” , with 35 per cent preferring it in their main feed .
Premier League games will be played without spectators as and when the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) The vote was only for internal staff , and the company works separately to the Premier League itself , so the League is under no obligation to take the figures on board .
PLP produces and distributes all of the Premier League 's international programming , including the broadcasting of all 380 Premier League matches .
They also put together seven magazine shows each week , as well as the Premier League Content Service , which is run by some of the League ’ s broadcast partners as a full 24/7 channel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , revealed to i last week that they have been in talks with the Premier League and its broadcasters to offer their services to “ augment ” the broadcasting of matches , giving them the option to simulate full stadiums using CGI – computer generated imagery .
Also , as well as noise being created by Oz Sports ’ creative team , fans would be able chant into a mobile app , before having hit beamed into the stadium and back out of their TV .
No deal has been agreed as yet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reportedly sceptical as to the quality of the artificial crowd noise .
BT Sport have not explored such options for their Bundesliga coverage since its return last weekend .
“ It is not compulsory , ” OZ Sports founder and CEO Gudjon Mar Gudjonsson tells i .
“ In the Sky example , we would deliver to them a landing page – Arena.Sky.com – and then you can pick the match you would want to join from there .
The normal broadcast , without noise , would still be an option.
” And @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as opposed to a behind-closed-doors silence , seems to be the option most appealing to those who specialise in broadcasting the Premier League around the world .

Staff at Premier League Productions, the company responsible for broadcasting all 380 Premier League games overseas, has voted unanimously in favour of using artificial crowd noise in upcoming Premier League matches, i understands.
A source within the company has revealed that staff from producers to directors and broadcast service co-ordinators were asked, after watching last weekend’s Bundesliga matches in the silence of a behind-closed-doors environment, whether they would prefer artificial crowd noise to be used to enhance their TV match-watching experience.
Just 10 per cent of the staff questioned said no to any form of crowd noise being used when Premier League games do return in empty stadiums, thus remaining as it is.
However, 55 per cent were in favour of artificial crowd noise as a “secondary option, or behind the red button”, with 35 per cent preferring it in their main feed.
The vote was only for internal staff, and the company works separately to the Premier League itself, so the League is under no obligation to take the figures on board.
PLP produces and distributes all of the Premier League’s international programming, including the broadcasting of all 380 Premier League matches. They also put together seven magazine shows each week, as well as the Premier League Content Service, which is run by some of the League’s broadcast partners as a full 24/7 channel.
One tech company, Oz Sports, revealed to i last week that they have been in talks with the Premier League and its broadcasters to offer their services to “augment” the broadcasting of matches, giving them the option to simulate full stadiums using CGI – computer generated imagery. Also, as well as noise being created by Oz Sports’ creative team, fans would be able chant into a mobile app, before having hit beamed into the stadium and back out of their TV.
No deal has been agreed as yet, with Sky Sports and BT Sports reportedly sceptical as to the quality of the artificial crowd noise. BT Sport have not explored such options for their Bundesliga coverage since its return last weekend.
“It is not compulsory,” OZ Sports founder and CEO Gudjon Mar Gudjonsson tells i. “In the Sky example, we would deliver to them a landing page – Arena.Sky.com – and then you can pick the match you would want to join from there. The normal broadcast, without noise, would still be an option.”
And access to some form of noise, as opposed to a behind-closed-doors silence, seems to be the option most appealing to those who specialise in broadcasting the Premier League around the world.


inews--2020-05-24--Boris Johnson defends Dominic Cummings who acted 'responsibly and with integrity'

Boris Johnson defends Dominic Cummings who acted 'responsibly and with integrity' The Prime Minister defended his most senior adviser over the allegations The Prime Minister remained tight-lipped about whether he knew about Dominic Cummings ’ decision to travel to Durham with his family while infected with Covid-19 .
Boris Johnson repeatedly refused to engage with questions as to what he knew about his chief adviser ’ s apparent breach of the strict lockdown rules imposed by the Government .
All day Downing Street refused to be drawn on the issue of Mr Cummings and the scandal that has taken hold @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s administration .
Mr Cummings himself entered Number 10 at around 11am and remained there throughout the day holding talks with the Prime Minister .
It had been expected that Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick would take the daily Downing Street press conference , but mid-way through the day the plans were changed with Mr Johnson taking the helm .
The Prime Minister said it was because he took the allegations surrounding his de facto chief of staff “ so seriously ” that he wanted to ensure his aide acted “ responsibly and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ posed more questions than answers .
Mr Johnson said fresh allegations that emerged yesterday claiming Mr Cummings had been spotted twice more in Durham were “ palpably false ” .
He told the viewing public that he had had “ extensive face to face conversations ” with his adviser , and concluded that Mr Cummings knew he was about to become “ incapacitated by coronavirus ” and therefore sought childcare from his family in Durham .
“ When he had no alternative , I think he followed the instincts of every father and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Asked whether other people should follow their own instincts instead of the lockdown rules , he replied : “ I think what they did was totally understandable .
I think any father , any parent would understand what he did.
” Number 10 Downing Street special advisor Dominic Cummings drives away from his home in London ( Photo by DANIEL LEAL-OLIVAS/AFP via Getty Images ) When asked whether his senior adviser took a trip 30 miles to Barnard Castle in County Durham , he declined to answer it , and when quizzed on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the North East , he replied : “ What I can tell you is , when you look at the guidance and the childcare needs , it was reasonable to self-isolate for 14 days or more where he did , ” he said .
He added that he had looked at the allegations carefully and was content that “ on both sides ” of that period he behaved “ responsibly and correctly ” .

The Prime Minister remained tight-lipped about whether he knew about Dominic Cummings’ decision to travel to Durham with his family while infected with Covid-19.
Boris Johnson repeatedly refused to engage with questions as to what he knew about his chief adviser’s apparent breach of the strict lockdown rules imposed by the Government.
All day Downing Street refused to be drawn on the issue of Mr Cummings and the scandal that has taken hold at the very heart of Mr Johnson’s administration.
Mr Cummings himself entered Number 10 at around 11am and remained there throughout the day holding talks with the Prime Minister.
It had been expected that Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick would take the daily Downing Street press conference, but mid-way through the day the plans were changed with Mr Johnson taking the helm.
Many unanswered questions
The Prime Minister said it was because he took the allegations surrounding his de facto chief of staff “so seriously” that he wanted to ensure his aide acted “responsibly and with integrity”.
But his performance posed more questions than answers. Mr Johnson said fresh allegations that emerged claiming Mr Cummings had been spotted twice more in Durham were “ palpably false”.
He told the viewing public that he had had “extensive face to face conversations” with his adviser, and concluded that Mr Cummings knew he was about to become “incapacitated by coronavirus” and therefore sought childcare from his family in Durham.
“When he had no alternative, I think he followed the instincts of every father and every parent,” he added.
Following instincts
Asked whether other people should follow their own instincts instead of the lockdown rules, he replied: “I think what they did was totally understandable. I think any father, any parent would understand what he did.”
When asked whether his senior adviser took a trip 30 miles to Barnard Castle in County Durham, he declined to answer it, and when quizzed on whether he knew he was driving to the North East, he replied: “What I can tell you is, when you look at the guidance and the childcare needs, it was reasonable to self-isolate for 14 days or more where he did,” he said.
He added that he had looked at the allegations carefully and was content that “on both sides” of that period he behaved “responsibly and correctly”.


inews--2020-05-24--Australia's tour of England in September could be ditched due to UK quarantine rules

Australia 's tour of England in September could be ditched due to UK quarantine rules The government announced last week that all arrivals in the UK from 8 June must undergo a 14-day quarantine period Despite positive noises from Cricket Australia chief executive Kevin Roberts last week about fulfilling the three T20s and ODIs that were originally scheduled for July , nothing will be agreed until England have successfully staged behind-closed-doors matches in ‘ bio-secure ’ conditions against the West Indies , Ireland and Pakistan later this summer .
Roberts alluded to that last week , saying : “ I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could send a team over .
Obviously , we won ’ t jeopardise the safety of the players , but the best test of that is the West Indian and Pakistan tours of England before we ’ re due to tour .
We hope they go off without a hitch.
” Australian cricket chief Kevin Roberts is still hopeful the tour in September will go ahead ( Photo : Getty Images ) The England & Wales Cricket Board are hopeful they will get the go-ahead from the government for three Tests against the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pakistan are also scheduled to play three Tests and three T20 internationals after that , with discussions between the ECB and both boards positive .
Three ODIs against Ireland in late July and early August have also been included in a draft schedule , with all international matches this season expected to take place at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton and Old Trafford Yet there are still reservations from the Australians , especially over the possibility of spending a fortnight in quarantine on arrival in the UK and then again on their return @ @ @ @ @ @ @ most players are keen to travel to England if medics deem the trip safe , it is the issue of quarantine that will prove key to getting the tour signed off .
Australia enjoyed a successful start to the Ashes tour in 2019 , but it could be a while before they are back in England ( Photo : Getty Images ) The Australian government last week requested an exemption from the 14-day self-isolation period that will be introduced for all overseas arrivals into the UK from 8 June .
It was rejected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ exemption .
There are hopes that ‘ air bridges ’ from countries who have effectively reduced the spread of Covid-19 such as Australia and New Zealand will be introduced in the coming months allowing arrivals from low-risk nations to be excluded from quarantine .
The issue has also been a discussion point between the ECB and their counterparts from the Caribbean and Pakistan but it is thought it will not be a barrier to the tours going ahead as long as both squads are allowed to self-isolate at venues where they can also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the tour to England being “ highly unlikely ” .
Aaron Finch , Australia ’ s limited-overs captain , sounded far more positive over the weekend when he said : “ I ’ d be super excited to get any cricket back – if it ’ s international cricket all the better .
If it ’ s done really well with the quarantine bubble and regular testing I don ’ t see it being an issue .
I ’ d be keen to get back playing as soon as possible .
”

Australia’s proposed tour of England in September is unlikely to go ahead unless their players are exempted from the 14-day quarantine period set to be introduced by the UK government next month.
Despite positive noises from Cricket Australia chief executive Kevin Roberts last week about fulfilling the three T20s and ODIs that were originally scheduled for July, nothing will be agreed until England have successfully staged behind-closed-doors matches in ‘bio-secure’ conditions against the West Indies, Ireland and Pakistan later this summer.
Roberts alluded to that last week, saying: “I think there’s some chance we could send a team over. Obviously, we won’t jeopardise the safety of the players, but the best test of that is the West Indian and Pakistan tours of England before we’re due to tour. We hope they go off without a hitch.”
The England & Wales Cricket Board are hopeful they will get the go-ahead from the government for three Tests against the West Indies starting on 8 July. Pakistan are also scheduled to play three Tests and three T20 internationals after that, with discussions between the ECB and both boards positive. Three ODIs against Ireland in late July and early August have also been included in a draft schedule, with all international matches this season expected to take place at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton and Old Trafford
If Australia tour, it could see the entire men’s international summer fulfilled despite the Covid-19 pandemic and, crucially, help the ECB avoid around £280million in lost broadcast revenue.
Yet there are still reservations from the Australians, especially over the possibility of spending a fortnight in quarantine on arrival in the UK and then again on their return home.
The i understands that while most players are keen to travel to England if medics deem the trip safe, it is the issue of quarantine that will prove key to getting the tour signed off.
The Australian government last week requested an exemption from the 14-day self-isolation period that will be introduced for all overseas arrivals into the UK from 8 June. It was rejected, with only Ireland gaining an immediate exemption.
There are hopes that ‘air bridges’ from countries who have effectively reduced the spread of Covid-19 such as Australia and New Zealand will be introduced in the coming months allowing arrivals from low-risk nations to be excluded from quarantine.
The issue has also been a discussion point between the ECB and their counterparts from the Caribbean and Pakistan but it is thought it will not be a barrier to the tours going ahead as long as both squads are allowed to self-isolate at venues where they can also train.
Australia’s trip, though, would be far shorter and a 14-day quarantine either side of the tour would be far more keenly felt.
David Warner last month spoke of the tour to England being “highly unlikely”. Aaron Finch, Australia’s limited-overs captain, sounded far more positive over the weekend when he said: “I’d be super excited to get any cricket back – if it’s international cricket all the better. If it’s done really well with the quarantine bubble and regular testing I don’t see it being an issue. I’d be keen to get back playing as soon as possible.”
Yet the i understands that is a far from universal sentiment among Australia’s players, chiefly because of issues over quarantine.
The International Cricket Council, meanwhile, are expected to officially postpone this year’s T20 World Cup in Australia when they hold a board meeting on Thursday.
Originally scheduled for October and November, the tournament is likely to be put back a year to the autumn of 2021.


inews--2020-05-24--Boris Johnson's defence of Dominic Cummings shows he is not fit to be Prime Minister

Boris Johnson 's defence of Dominic Cummings shows he is not fit to be Prime Minister Downing Street ’ s response has been a deliberate stoking of confusion over lockdown strategy to defend one of its own David Cameron ’ s image was wrecked when a paper discovered that behind all the pictures of the shiny new Tory leader cycling to work was a car driving his shoes to the office .
This single item showed the cosmetic nature of his party ’ s modernisation , fuelling suspicions that Cameron was just a smooth public relations operator – suspicions he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ However much Downing Street spins , however much they squirm on pinheads , however many sub-clauses they find in official statements , the Prime Minister ’ s most senior adviser – a member of the Sage advisory committee – should not have gone from London to Durham with his family displaying symptoms of coronavirus .
His actions cut across the Government ’ s strategy to defeat this deadly virus .
Slippery denials by first Grant Shapps , the unfortunate minister sent out to bat for the government on the dodgiest possible wicket , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ insulting to fellow citizens who have endured tough times with amazing stoicism .
Many people have struggled with children while sick with this virus .
Millions more have stopped visiting elderly parents , even if living around the corner rather than at the other end of the country .
My own father ’ s funeral came a few days before lockdown , so I sympathise with the fury of all those who have sacrificed such events only to learn about this self-serving behaviour by Cummings .
No doubt Cummings ’ s Sage colleagues @ @ @ @ @ @ @ debate intensifies over their actions after seeing how a scientist breaching lockdown was seen as expendable yet a ring of protection was thrown swiftly around a political aide .
Ultimately , however , the job of one adviser – however influential – is of secondary importance to more important issues exposed by this sorry saga .
Note first the hubristic elitism of a Downing Street team who rode a populist revolt into power .
They preach about representing ordinary people yet are so out of touch they had to be forced last week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
First they tried to exclude cleaners and care workers from a bereavement scheme offering indefinite leave to remain to foreign health staff .
Then Johnson tried to hit them with a £625 surcharge to use services some are risking their lives to serve .
Now these political leaders show they think they can behave differently to us lesser folk over lockdown , something seen already with less egregious examples by both the Prime Minister and his housing minister .
True to form , Cummings even had the cheek to berate photographers over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
This arrogance is seen also with the vindictiveness shown towards those that dare disagree with his cabal , a sign of both immaturity and insecurity .
Witness Downing Street ’ s efforts to bully the media , which has led to placing false stories purely so they can knock them down to wound journalistic foes .
More damagingly , it was seen also with the sacking of talented Tories who took a different path on Brexit or did not back Boris Johnson for leader , which has led to this third-rate Cabinet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ any wonder Britain has suffered badly in this crisis when the Prime Minister is so cavalier , his key strategist so selfish and his ministers so subservient ?
Yet such is the bunker mentality , something that so corrodes Westminster , that their reaction to an adviser ’ s misbehaviour was to close ranks instantly .
This exemplifies much that has gone astray with politics .
In the midst of pandemic , with thousands of deaths and the economy devastated , Downing Street ’ s response to a political squall was a deliberate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ defend one of its own .
The health secretary undermined public health , the attorney general brushed aside respect for the law and police .
All to protect one powerful aide , his interests placed above those of sixty-six million other citizens .
Could there be a more brazen display of arrogant elitism by these people posing as populists ?
Yet the underlying question is what this says about the Prime Minister , who acted to protect his aide at the expense of protecting public health in a pandemic .
Already there are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in this crisis , along with whispers in Westminster over the extent of his recovery from coronavirus .
This affair raises questions over his culpability , since it is hard to believe he and other senior ministers had no knowledge of Cummings ’ s whereabouts .
Such desperate clinging to a disreputable aide , however brilliant his intellect and campaigning abilities , inflames nagging doubts over competence and ethics .
We are still only in the foothills of this epic crisis , even if it feels like lockdown has dragged so long .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ protecting the public , opening up society , saving jobs and rebuilding shattered economies .
As the death toll mounts , it is clear Britain has been hit harder than most rival nations .

The strange thing about politics is how stories about one person’s behaviour can detonate like a lethal missile as they expose wider truths and inflame fears lurking in minds of voters.
David Cameron’s image was wrecked when a paper discovered that behind all the pictures of the shiny new Tory leader cycling to work was a car driving his shoes to the office. This single item showed the cosmetic nature of his party’s modernisation, fuelling suspicions that Cameron was just a smooth public relations operator – suspicions he never quite managed to shake off.
Now comes a far more serious matter. Dominic Cummings, the driving force behind Brexit and Boris Johnson’s subsequent rise to power, has breached lockdown rules.
However much Downing Street spins, however much they squirm on pinheads, however many sub-clauses they find in official statements, the Prime Minister’s most senior adviser – a member of the Sage advisory committee – should not have gone from London to Durham with his family displaying symptoms of coronavirus. His actions cut across the Government’s strategy to defeat this deadly virus.
Slippery denials by first Grant Shapps, the unfortunate minister sent out to bat for the government on the dodgiest possible wicket, and then his duplicitous boss were simply insulting to fellow citizens who have endured tough times with amazing stoicism. Many people have struggled with children while sick with this virus.
Millions more have stopped visiting elderly parents, even if living around the corner rather than at the other end of the country. My own father’s funeral came a few days before lockdown, so I sympathise with the fury of all those who have sacrificed such events only to learn about this self-serving behaviour by Cummings.
The Government’s response was to try to hide behind his four-year-old child. Yet it is contemptuous of the public to claim this as a safeguarding issue, then to dismiss valid concerns raised by journalists.
No doubt Cummings’s Sage colleagues will be even more nervous now as debate intensifies over their actions after seeing how a scientist breaching lockdown was seen as expendable yet a ring of protection was thrown swiftly around a political aide. Ultimately, however, the job of one adviser – however influential – is of secondary importance to more important issues exposed by this sorry saga.
Note first the hubristic elitism of a Downing Street team who rode a populist revolt into power. They preach about representing ordinary people yet are so out of touch they had to be forced last week into making two U-turns amid public outrage. First they tried to exclude cleaners and care workers from a bereavement scheme offering indefinite leave to remain to foreign health staff.
Then Johnson tried to hit them with a £625 surcharge to use services some are risking their lives to serve. Now these political leaders show they think they can behave differently to us lesser folk over lockdown, something seen already with less egregious examples by both the Prime Minister and his housing minister.
True to form, Cummings even had the cheek to berate photographers over social distancing when challenged over his actions. This arrogance is seen also with the vindictiveness shown towards those that dare disagree with his cabal, a sign of both immaturity and insecurity. Witness Downing Street’s efforts to bully the media, which has led to placing false stories purely so they can knock them down to wound journalistic foes.
More damagingly, it was seen also with the sacking of talented Tories who took a different path on Brexit or did not back Boris Johnson for leader, which has led to this third-rate Cabinet filled with pliable ministers.
Is it any wonder Britain has suffered badly in this crisis when the Prime Minister is so cavalier, his key strategist so selfish and his ministers so subservient? Yet such is the bunker mentality, something that so corrodes Westminster, that their reaction to an adviser’s misbehaviour was to close ranks instantly.
They offered disingenuous excuses, tweeted risible defence lines and sought to spin their way out of trouble instead of simply trying to offer the betrayed public an apology for human failure.
This exemplifies much that has gone astray with politics. In the midst of pandemic, with thousands of deaths and the economy devastated, Downing Street’s response to a political squall was a deliberate stoking of confusion over lockdown strategy to defend one of its own.
The health secretary undermined public health, the attorney general brushed aside respect for the law and police. All to protect one powerful aide, his interests placed above those of sixty-six million other citizens. Could there be a more brazen display of arrogant elitism by these people posing as populists?
Yet the underlying question is what this says about the Prime Minister, who acted to protect his aide at the expense of protecting public health in a pandemic. Already there are serious questions over Johnson’s leadership in this crisis, along with whispers in Westminster over the extent of his recovery from coronavirus.
This affair raises questions over his culpability, since it is hard to believe he and other senior ministers had no knowledge of Cummings’s whereabouts. Such desperate clinging to a disreputable aide, however brilliant his intellect and campaigning abilities, inflames nagging doubts over competence and ethics.
We are still only in the foothills of this epic crisis, even if it feels like lockdown has dragged so long. Our leaders must confront massive dilemmas over protecting the public, opening up society, saving jobs and rebuilding shattered economies. As the death toll mounts, it is clear Britain has been hit harder than most rival nations.
Now this fuss over a Downing Street aide’s trip to his parents’ home provokes a profound question: is Boris Johnson really a fit and proper person who can be trusted to lead our nation out of the pandemic darkness?


inews--2020-05-24--The Archers returns with Ambridge under coronavirus lockdown in new 'soliloquy' episodes

The Archers returns with Ambridge under coronavirus lockdown in new 'soliloquy ' episodes Monologues and private thoughts replace conversations in first episodes recorded under lockdown with reduced cast Coronavirus finally hits Ambridge on Monday with the first new episode of The Archers since the Radio 4 soap went into lockdown .
However the difficulties of recording the show under social distancing restrictions means that listeners will hear a limited cast of characters , who are now forced to talk to themselves .
Monologues and private thoughts replace conversations , with the actors recording lines from their homes in the first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ longest-running drama went on hiatus in March .
Susie Riddell , who plays Tracy Horrobin in the BBC Radio 4 soap , has been recording her lines from a makeshift studio in her children ’ s bedroom .
David and Josh Archer and Harrison Burns are the only other cast members appearing in the first week of the new format .
Jeremy Howe , the programme ’ s editor , said the old scripts were thrown out and storylines rewritten to give The Archers audience of six million listeners , a picture of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ events out loud , speaking to themselves .
One half of phone calls will be relayed instead of full conversations .
'It will be different' Charlotte Martin , who will return as busybody Susan Carter , said long-term fans could take a “ few episodes ” to get used to the “ new style ” Archers .
“ It will be the reflections of individuals rather than interactions with one another .
It will be different .
I think it will be enjoyable , ” said Martin , who hopes all the characters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as I know we have no casualties .
Fingers crossed.
” The Archers aired archived content during lockdown because it took longer than anticipated to make the new episodes .

Coronavirus finally hits Ambridge on Monday with the first new episode of The Archers since the Radio 4 soap went into lockdown.
However the difficulties of recording the show under social distancing restrictions means that listeners will hear a limited cast of characters, who are now forced to talk to themselves.
It's great fun, and an enormous amount of ground-breaking work has gone into it, from every member of the production team.
It's #thearchers, but as you've never heard it before. We so hope you'll enjoy it.
Dum-di-dum-di… What???!! pic.twitter.com/5YKzrKaXIh — Tim Bentinck (@timbentinck) May 23, 2020
Monologues and private thoughts replace conversations, with the actors recording lines from their homes in the first new episodes since the world’s longest-running drama went on hiatus in March.
Home studios
Susie Riddell, who plays Tracy Horrobin in the BBC Radio 4 soap, has been recording her lines from a makeshift studio in her children’s bedroom.
David and Josh Archer and Harrison Burns are the only other cast members appearing in the first week of the new format.
The team behind #TheArchers explain how they've been working to keep the programme going during the #coronavirus outbreakhttps://t.co/BtXKT58Yie pic.twitter.com/L2RK6iHq7n — The Archers (@BBCTheArchers) May 24, 2020
Jeremy Howe, the programme’s editor, said the old scripts were thrown out and storylines rewritten to give The Archers audience of six million listeners, a picture of life in lockdown.
Characters will recount events out loud, speaking to themselves. One half of phone calls will be relayed instead of full conversations.
‘It will be different’
Charlotte Martin, who will return as busybody Susan Carter, said long-term fans could take a “few episodes” to get used to the “new style” Archers.
“It will be the reflections of individuals rather than interactions with one another. It will be different. I think it will be enjoyable,” said Martin, who hopes all the characters survive the pandemic.
Hope everyone is looking forward to hearing the new episodes of #thearchers #ambridge launched tomorrow. Its been a challenge and a steep learning curve for all, but we think listeners will be delighted with our #talkingheads #gladtobeback https://t.co/lNIjj8hu5n — Dr Charlotte Martin (@ambridgeview) May 24, 2020
“As far as I know we have no casualties. Fingers crossed.”
The Archers aired archived content during lockdown because it took longer than anticipated to make the new episodes.
Coronavirus is weaved into the new episodes but there’s still room for agricultural concerns – one storyline this week features a forag harvester emergency.


inews--2020-05-24--We will only be able to socialise in small bubbles after lockdown, let's hope friendships survive th

We will only be able to socialise in small bubbles after lockdown, let's hope friendships survive the pressure

We will only be able to socialise in small bubbles after lockdown , let 's hope friendships survive the pressure Anyone who is sending their child back to school knows that the return plan is very bubble-centric and could lead to rivalry and pain We ’ ve all used “ you ’ re living in a bubble ” as a dismissive , even insulting , term , most often to denigrate members of the so-called metropolitan elite such as journalists , or those who spend too much time on Twitter exposed only to echo chambers .
The accused bristle : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s heard of the ERG , knows what # FBPE means or how a Spad came to be running the country… ” Well , I ’ ve got news for you : get used to it .
We will all be living in a “ bubble ” soon .
Anyone who has “ the return plan ” from their child ’ s school will know just how bubble-centric it is .
Essentially , your year-six child will be part-time schooled in a manner unimaginable a dozen weeks ago , sticking with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pupils in one modified classroom .
Your child can not choose their bubble , the school will .
It will inevitably lead to a whole world of friendship pain as each bubble is kept apart ; at arrival and departure times , or in the playground .
That pain is heading our way too , and not just as parents dealing with children ’ s unhappiness .
Dominic Cummings aside , this week the Government ’ s focus will be just how to get us out of lockdown via a series of ever-expanding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of a Germany or New Zealand , there will be limits on the family and friends we can metaphorically zorb with : perhaps 10 until we get a vaccine .
Until now , unless you are a government adviser , you ’ ve been stuck with the people you live with .
Soon , it will be time to make hard choices : with whom do you really want to share your new circle of trust ?
All our lives we ’ ve been forced into ( much larger ) bubbles not of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ work , our partner ’ s extended family – few of us have had much control over who ’ s in our bubble , save for choice of partner and friends .
For some of us now , that situation will be reversed .
Although many will return to work , albeit further apart from colleagues , many others will work from home for many months and will therefore be choosing their bubble .
What if you make a mistake or fall out ?
Can you promote or relegate anyone ?
Have bubble @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be found in a serious subject , were it not for the stark truth that unless Cummings goes , the Government has not a snowball ’ s chance in hell of enforcing any bubble strategy at all .

We’ve all used “you’re living in a bubble” as a dismissive, even insulting, term, most often to denigrate members of the so-called metropolitan elite such as journalists, or those who spend too much time on Twitter exposed only to echo chambers.
The accused bristle: The accused bristle: “Surely everyone’s heard of the ERG, knows what #FBPE means or how a Spad came to be running the country…”
Well, I’ve got news for you: get used to it. We will all be living in a “bubble” soon.
Anyone who has “the return plan” from their child’s school will know just how bubble-centric it is.
Essentially, your year-six child will be part-time schooled in a manner unimaginable a dozen weeks ago, sticking with the same teacher and small group of eight pupils in one modified classroom. Your child cannot choose their bubble, the school will.
It will inevitably lead to a whole world of friendship pain as each bubble is kept apart; at arrival and departure times, or in the playground. That pain is heading our way too, and not just as parents dealing with children’s unhappiness.
Dominic Cummings aside, this week the Government’s focus will be just how to get us out of lockdown via a series of ever-expanding bubbles.
If we follow the example of a Germany or New Zealand, there will be limits on the family and friends we can metaphorically zorb with: perhaps 10 until we get a vaccine.
Until now, unless you are a government adviser, you’ve been stuck with the people you live with. Soon, it will be time to make hard choices: with whom do you really want to share your new circle of trust?
All our lives we’ve been forced into (much larger) bubbles not of our choosing. School, university, work, our partner’s extended family – few of us have had much control over who’s in our bubble, save for choice of partner and friends.
For some of us now, that situation will be reversed. Although many will return to work, albeit further apart from colleagues, many others will work from home for many months and will therefore be choosing their bubble. What if you make a mistake or fall out? Can you promote or relegate anyone? Have bubble play-offs?
There would be some humour to be found in a serious subject, were it not for the stark truth that unless Cummings goes, the Government has not a snowball’s chance in hell of enforcing any bubble strategy at all.


inews--2020-05-24--Police probe three deaths at care home where nearly every resident got coronavirus

Police probe three deaths at care home where nearly every resident got coronavirus The investigation coincides with the Care Inspectorate raising serious concerns about care offered at the home The deaths of three women at a care home on Skye at the centre of a coronavirus outbreak are under police investigation .
Ten residents at Home Farm care home in Portree died during the pandemic , but Police Scotland are specifically examining the circumstances surrounding the deaths of three women - aged 84 , 86 and 88 - at the home .
The investigation coincides with the Care Inspectorate raising @ @ @ @ @ @ @ home .
The action was taken after an unannounced inspection of the facility “ identified serious and significant concerns about the quality of care experienced by residents ” .
The Care Inspectorate have raised serious concerns about the quality of care offered at Home Farm care home in Portree ( Photo : PA ) A decision on the care home 's future has been postponed until next month ; NHS Highland has stepped in to provide care to residents , with local MSP Kate Forbes saying the health board was now “ essentially @ @ @ @ @ @ @ NHS Highland chief executive Paul Hawkins said the board has “ responded to the request from the Care Inspectorate and from HC-One to provide support in improving and sustaining the appropriate quality of care for residents and the necessary assistance in this difficult situation ” .
Since the end of April , 30 of the home 's 34 residents have tested positive for Covid-19 , as well as 29 staff .
In a statement , Police Scotland said : `` We can confirm we are investigating the circumstances of the deaths of three @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 88 , at Home Farm Care Home on Skye .
Inquires are continuing . ''
The investigation , reported in the Scottish Mail on Sunday , comes as Police Scotland also said it was investigating complaints at a home in East Dunbartonshire , which borders the north-west of Glasgow .
There are complaints in relation to Springvale home in Lennoxtown , but police said the investigation was unrelated to any deaths at the home , and was not connected to coronavirus .

The deaths of three women at a care home on Skye at the centre of a coronavirus outbreak are under police investigation.
Ten residents at Home Farm care home in Portree died during the pandemic, but Police Scotland are specifically examining the circumstances surrounding the deaths of three women – aged 84, 86 and 88 – at the home.
The investigation coincides with the Care Inspectorate raising serious concerns about care offered at the home.
Earlier this month, the body began legal action to remove owners HC-One as care providers.
The action was taken after an unannounced inspection of the facility “identified serious and significant concerns about the quality of care experienced by residents”.
‘Continuing Inquiries’
A decision on the care home’s future has been postponed until next month; NHS Highland has stepped in to provide care to residents, with local MSP Kate Forbes saying the health board was now “essentially running” the facility.
Previously, NHS Highland chief executive Paul Hawkins said the board has “responded to the request from the Care Inspectorate and from HC-One to provide support in improving and sustaining the appropriate quality of care for residents and the necessary assistance in this difficult situation”.
Since the end of April, 30 of the home’s 34 residents have tested positive for Covid-19, as well as 29 staff.
In a statement, Police Scotland said: “We can confirm we are investigating the circumstances of the deaths of three women, aged 84, 86 and 88, at Home Farm Care Home on Skye. Inquires are continuing.”
The investigation, reported in the Scottish Mail on Sunday, comes as Police Scotland also said it was investigating complaints at a home in East Dunbartonshire, which borders the north-west of Glasgow.
There are complaints in relation to Springvale home in Lennoxtown, but police said the investigation was unrelated to any deaths at the home, and was not connected to coronavirus.


inews--2020-05-24--Is butter really better for baking with? How to use the right fat in your lockdown recipe

Is butter really better for baking with ?
How to use the right fat in your lockdown recipe Oil , margarine and coconut oil are all great alternatives - and each offers different benefits Have you rubbed butter into flour recently , or beaten eggs into soft margarine ?
Even if you ’ re not a baker yourself , you ’ ve probably seen , heard or tasted some evidence of our rush to sweet and savoury baked treats over the past eight weeks .
Social media channels are alive with professionals hosting bake-a-longs and the proud parents of debut @ @ @ @ @ @ @ longingly of a DIY Victoria sponge ?
Even now , in some locations across the UK , there are still shortages of flour and yeast .
Baking ingredients began to fly off the shelves in that other universe we inhabited in early March .
At the same time , the baking spread Stork was publishing a cookbook to celebrate its 100th anniversary , The Art of Home Baking : 100 Years of Memories ( Ebury , £20 ) .
The book , useful as it is , can ’ t take credit for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ released from market research agencies Kantar and Nielsen both show how big the brand ’ s sales hikes were this spring , evidence of how keenly we ’ re baking the pain away .
Nielsen has recorded a 26 per cent increase year-on-year and Kantar 16 per cent , in the four weeks to the weekend of 21/22 March .
“ With recent surges in home-baking during these unprecedented and uncertain times , the Stork family is honoured to be there for our country ’ s home bakers today , just as we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ years , ” says its UK marketing director , Catherine Lloyd .
If you ’ re not familiar with Stork , it ’ s a vegetable oil-based margarine .
The baking block is vegan , though there is milk in the baking spread .
Margarines are often favoured for bringing a light and fluffy quality to cakes , and are usually around half the price of butter .
War-time celebrity chef Marguerite Patten was a fan of Stork .
As , apparently , is the Queen ( according to Stork , that is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a number of professional bakers who have never been snobbish about only using butter in bakes .
This latest Stork book is introduced by a younger baker , Ruby Bhogal , who was a finalist in the 2018 series of The Great British Bake Off .
She points out that baking has changed her life dramatically .
We might not all be destined for a Bake Off final , but it is possible that gifting ourselves a few moments of reflection as we sift flour , and some much-needed indulgence by way of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can help us adapt to the present time , and the months ahead .
“ Ask anyone about baking and I guarantee you it stems back to happiness , ” writes Ruby .
“ Happiness for you , your soul , those around you and , of course , everyone ’ s tummy.
” Pastry chef Rav Gill , who recently published The Pastry Chef ’ s Guide ( Pavilion , £12.99 ) has been hosting baking videos on her Instagram account .
She grew up using Stork and thinks it ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also confides that spread is a secret weapon in many professional kitchens .
She trained at Le Cordon Bleu and has worked in many upmarket restaurants , including Fergus Henderson ’ s St John ( she ’ s not suggesting any Stork was used here ) .
“ It ’ s so pliable and easy to work with , ” she says , “ and the final product is a super moist cake .
I know a lot of people who make wedding cakes and big cake orders who use Stork over butter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s any shade in that as the mark-ups in cake are so tight.
” Julie Jones , author of The Pastry School ( Kyle Books , £25 ) , is known for her intricate decorative pies , loved by her 145,000 Instagram followers .
She ’ s also a butter purist .
“ I ’ ve always loved butter .
It ’ s definitely the best and it ’ s so comforting , ” she muses .
She ’ s lucky enough to have a lockdown stash as a café owner near @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she was closing up and the precious fat wasn ’ t wasted .
Rav uses unsalted 82 per cent fat French butter , and says it ’ s easy to taste the difference between a good and a bad quality butter , especially in something like puff pastry .
When it comes to cakes , she points out , choosing a fat should determine the method .
If your main fat is butter , you probably want to cream the butter with the sugar first , and make sure you bring it up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Oil could be your perfect isolation bake if you ’ re alone and don ’ t want to eat a whole cake each day , because it prevents the sponge drying out .
If you ’ re using oil as your baking fat , Rav says , it ’ s usually better to whip the eggs and sugar together and then add the oil .
Butter , oil , margarine and coconut oil are all options for cake making ( Photo : Getty Images ) At her recent pop-up , Puff the Bakery @ @ @ @ @ @ @ baking course , a blood orange loaf cake made with olive oil was the most popular bake .
She used a very good quality Spanish oil from Brindisa and found it lasted for five days .
Cheaper oils bring benefits , too .
Last week , I couldn ’ t bring myself to spare precious butter for a kids ’ sponge that was all about the icing and sprinkles , and vegetable oil was a worthy stand in .
“ A lot of kitchens have standard large cake recipes with oil because it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ I worked in a massive kitchen which didn ’ t use any butter even in choux pastry , as butter has become so expensive .
“ I was sceptical about it , but oil in a choux makes it come out really crispy.
” Coconut oil is popular in vegan bakes but remember it will bring a strong flavour with it .
Rav favours it for bringing a sheen to chocolate , so she can avoid tempering , and in a vegan ice-cream base .
Rav often used lard and suet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mutton , when she worked at St John .
The suet went in spotted dick and bread puddings , giving a really fatty and luxurious flavour , though the restaurant and bakery switched from lard to butter in its famous Eccles cakes to make them vegetarian .

Have you rubbed butter into flour recently, or beaten eggs into soft margarine? Even if you’re not a baker yourself, you’ve probably seen, heard or tasted some evidence of our rush to sweet and savoury baked treats over the past eight weeks. Social media channels are alive with professionals hosting bake-a-longs and the proud parents of debut sourdough loaves. Or are you thinking longingly of a DIY Victoria sponge? Even now, in some locations across the UK, there are still shortages of flour and yeast.
Baking ingredients began to fly off the shelves in that other universe we inhabited in early March. At the same time, the baking spread Stork was publishing a cookbook to celebrate its 100th anniversary, The Art of Home Baking: 100 Years of Memories (Ebury, £20). The book, useful as it is, can’t take credit for the empty shelves.
But figures just released from market research agencies Kantar and Nielsen both show how big the brand’s sales hikes were this spring, evidence of how keenly we’re baking the pain away. Nielsen has recorded a 26 per cent increase year-on-year and Kantar 16 per cent, in the four weeks to the weekend of 21/22 March.
“With recent surges in home-baking during these unprecedented and uncertain times, the Stork family is honoured to be there for our country’s home bakers today, just as we have always been for the last 100 years,” says its UK marketing director, Catherine Lloyd.
Making with margarine
If you’re not familiar with Stork, it’s a vegetable oil-based margarine. The baking block is vegan, though there is milk in the baking spread. Margarines are often favoured for bringing a light and fluffy quality to cakes, and are usually around half the price of butter.
War-time celebrity chef Marguerite Patten was a fan of Stork. As, apparently, is the Queen (according to Stork, that is). Mary Berry is one of a number of professional bakers who have never been snobbish about only using butter in bakes. This latest Stork book is introduced by a younger baker, Ruby Bhogal, who was a finalist in the 2018 series of The Great British Bake Off.
She points out that baking has changed her life dramatically. We might not all be destined for a Bake Off final, but it is possible that gifting ourselves a few moments of reflection as we sift flour, and some much-needed indulgence by way of a second slice of lemon drizzle, can help us adapt to the present time, and the months ahead. “Ask anyone about baking and I guarantee you it stems back to happiness,” writes Ruby. “Happiness for you, your soul, those around you and, of course, everyone’s tummy.”
Pastry chef Rav Gill, who recently published The Pastry Chef’s Guide (Pavilion, £12.99) has been hosting baking videos on her Instagram account. She grew up using Stork and thinks it’s a great alternative to butter. She also confides that spread is a secret weapon in many professional kitchens. She trained at Le Cordon Bleu and has worked in many upmarket restaurants, including Fergus Henderson’s St John (she’s not suggesting any Stork was used here).
“It’s so pliable and easy to work with,” she says, “and the final product is a super moist cake. I know a lot of people who make wedding cakes and big cake orders who use Stork over butter. I don’t think there’s any shade in that as the mark-ups in cake are so tight.”
Baking with butter
Julie Jones, author of The Pastry School (Kyle Books, £25), is known for her intricate decorative pies, loved by her 145,000 Instagram followers. She’s also a butter purist. “I’ve always loved butter. It’s definitely the best and it’s so comforting,” she muses. She’s lucky enough to have a lockdown stash as a café owner near her Carlisle home thought of her when she was closing up and the precious fat wasn’t wasted.
“Everything tastes better with butter,” she says. “You don’t get the same rich flavour with anything else. Pastry can be a great pastime for people and there’s nothing more comforting than a pie.”
Rav uses unsalted 82 per cent fat French butter, and says it’s easy to taste the difference between a good and a bad quality butter, especially in something like puff pastry. When it comes to cakes, she points out, choosing a fat should determine the method. If your main fat is butter, you probably want to cream the butter with the sugar first, and make sure you bring it up to room temperature and soften first.
Use oil for a moist cake
Oil could be your perfect isolation bake if you’re alone and don’t want to eat a whole cake each day, because it prevents the sponge drying out. If you’re using oil as your baking fat, Rav says, it’s usually better to whip the eggs and sugar together and then add the oil.
At her recent pop-up, Puff the Bakery, which is currently doing an online baking course, a blood orange loaf cake made with olive oil was the most popular bake. She used a very good quality Spanish oil from Brindisa and found it lasted for five days.
Cheaper oils bring benefits, too. Last week, I couldn’t bring myself to spare precious butter for a kids’ sponge that was all about the icing and sprinkles, and vegetable oil was a worthy stand in. “A lot of kitchens have standard large cake recipes with oil because it’s cheaper,” admits Rav. “I worked in a massive kitchen which didn’t use any butter even in choux pastry, as butter has become so expensive.
“I was sceptical about it, but oil in a choux makes it come out really crispy.” Coconut oil is popular in vegan bakes but remember it will bring a strong flavour with it. Rav favours it for bringing a sheen to chocolate, so she can avoid tempering, and in a vegan ice-cream base.
What’s the alternative?
Julie uses lard in her hot water pastry, the type of pastry typically used in cold meat pies. She laments the loss of butter flavour but the pig fat makes the pastry much crispier.
Rav often used lard and suet, which is fat from beef or mutton, when she worked at St John. The suet went in spotted dick and bread puddings, giving a really fatty and luxurious flavour, though the restaurant and bakery switched from lard to butter in its famous Eccles cakes to make them vegetarian.
The best thing about lockdown baking? Many of us have more time, and we’re being forced to experiment. We’re told baking is all about science, but it’s also about mood, courage and innovation.
And acceptance: if it comes down to using oil instead of butter, or losing an egg, to get your home-baked goods on the table, I suspect you’re ready for the sacrifice.


inews--2020-05-24--Workington pin survival hopes on YouTube recreation of the biggest match in a small club’s history -

Workington pin survival hopes on YouTube recreation of the biggest match in a small club’s history - against the Busby Babes of 1958

Workington pin survival hopes on YouTube recreation of the biggest match in a small club ’ s history - against the Busby Babes of 1958 Manchester United came to Workington in one of their final matches before the 1958 Munich tragedy United fielded the same XI that a month later would line up for the last time in Belgrade to contest the second leg of the European Cup quarter-final against Red Star .
The Busby Babes were on the point of redrawing the football map of Europe , challenging the early hegemony of Real Madrid , and here they were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a parade of football exotica from a world far beyond the reality known to Workington .
The Busby Babes were on the point of redrawing the football map of Europe in 1958 , challenging the early hegemony of Real Madrid Thus whenever mention is made of Munich , a communal sigh echoes about the Cumbrian coast .
Workington ’ s BBC Radio Cumbria broadcaster John Walsh ( right ) recalls playing rugby as an 11-year-old schoolboy in black armbands as a mark of respect .
“ We were devastated .
We made the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ day going on the bus to school from Maryport .
Where it was usually heaving and noisy , it was quiet and respectful .
It was so shocking because we had only just seen them a few weeks before.
” Like many a club dependent on matchday revenues to survive , Workington face extinction in the wake of Covid-19 .
By deploying old stills from the match , reports culled from newspaper cuttings , the testimony of the players , reflections of those still with us who were there , a glorious piece @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to draw to YouTube a crowd to at least equal the club record .
The initiative is the creation of Workington chairman Les Byers .
“ Small clubs like ourselves , playing in the lower leagues , do not benefit from generous TV payouts , ” says Byers .
“ Virtually all our revenue comes through our turnstiles and cash spent on food and drink .
Now , with all games on hold , our share of any money raised from this online match is absolutely essential to our survival .
Only three @ @ @ @ @ @ @ match survive – Sir Bobby Charlton and Workington ’ s Jackie Bertollini and Keith Burkinshaw .
“ It ’ s difficult to compare to today .
We were playing with different balls on different pitches .
After two months of the season it was better to keep the ball in the air .
It bobbled all over the place on the deck .
And the boots had nails in them .
You had to make sure they didn ’ t go through the leather and into your feet.
” And what of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at half-time because the field was really icy .
It helped us to an extent .
I thought we had a chance .
But then Dennis Viollet got a hat-trick - what a player he was , by the way .
I think they had had a talking-to at half-time .
We couldn ’ t get near them second half.
” Workington are recreating their famous meeting with Man United

The Last Dance it isn’t, but for lovers of epochal teams the imminent YouTube evocation of the day in 1958 that Manchester United came to Workington in one of their final matches before the Munich tragedy is worth our time and money if it keeps a venerable community club from falling into the Covid-19 abyss.
On a midwinter pitch made even more inhospitable by overnight frost the champions of England faced what appeared to be the whole of Cumbria at a Borough Park sardined to its 21,500 capacity.
United fielded the same XI that a month later would line up for the last time in Belgrade to contest the second leg of the European Cup quarter-final against Red Star. The Busby Babes were on the point of redrawing the football map of Europe, challenging the early hegemony of Real Madrid, and here they were on the banks of the Derwent, a parade of football exotica from a world far beyond the reality known to Workington.
Five of those who drew gasps at Borough Park were among the dead in Munich, where United stopped to refuel on the return from Belgrade: Herculean Duncan Edwards, England’s centre-forward Tommy Taylor, mesmeric half-back Eddie Colman, Roger Byrne, the finest left-back in England, and Barnsley oak Mark Jones. The tragedy was felt keenly by the people of Workington, their own brush with this fabulous ensemble affording by association a degree of connectivity.
Thus whenever mention is made of Munich, a communal sigh echoes about the Cumbrian coast. Workington’s BBC Radio Cumbria broadcaster John Walsh (right) recalls playing rugby as an 11-year-old schoolboy in black armbands as a mark of respect. “We were devastated. We made the armbands ourselves. I remember the next day going on the bus to school from Maryport. Where it was usually heaving and noisy, it was quiet and respectful. It was so shocking because we had only just seen them a few weeks before.”
The match remains the most treasured in the history of the Reds, then members of the Third Division North, now in the fourth tier of the National League, and it is to be revisited on Saturday in a fund-raising reimagining of that January afternoon, delivered as live via YouTube.
Like many a club dependent on matchday revenues to survive, Workington face extinction in the wake of Covid-19. By deploying old stills from the match, reports culled from newspaper cuttings, the testimony of the players, reflections of those still with us who were there, a glorious piece of newsreel reportage narrated by Walsh hopes to draw to YouTube a crowd to at least equal the club record.
A minimum donation of £2 per head would thus yield a fighting fund of £40k, of which £30k would go to the club, permitting the team to at least fulfil fixtures when the season restarts, and £10k to the NHS, to which 25 per cent of profits are pledged.
The initiative is the creation of Workington chairman Les Byers. “Small clubs like ourselves, playing in the lower leagues, do not benefit from generous TV payouts,” says Byers. “Virtually all our revenue comes through our turnstiles and cash spent on food and drink. Now, with all games on hold, our share of any money raised from this online match is absolutely essential to our survival.
“This is a bold undertaking for us, when you consider our average crowd is now little more than 500 fans. As well as the Workington supporters, we hope football fans everywhere, particularly from Manchester United, will help break our ground record, enjoy the game, save our club and help the NHS.”
Only three of the 22 players from that 1958 match survive – Sir Bobby Charlton and Workington’s Jackie Bertollini and Keith Burkinshaw, who had recently arrived from Liverpool and would later become one of the most successful coaches in the history of Tottenham Hotspur. Speaking from his home, 85-year-old Burkinshaw’s recollections are framed in a series of grainy impressions.
“I was a newcomer to the side, really. Of course it was the match they will remember forever at Workington. You can imagine what it was like in a small town.”
For Burkinshaw, playing at wing-half, the mighty Edwards stood out. “He was in the army at the same time as me. We played in the same Western Command side. He was a great lad, he could play anywhere, a wonderful player.
“It’s difficult to compare to today. We were playing with different balls on different pitches. After two months of the season it was better to keep the ball in the air. It bobbled all over the place on the deck. And the boots had nails in them. You had to make sure they didn’t go through the leather and into your feet.”
And what of the match? “We were winning 1-0 at half-time because the field was really icy. It helped us to an extent. I thought we had a chance. But then Dennis Viollet got a hat-trick – what a player he was, by the way. I think they had had a talking-to at half-time. We couldn’t get near them second half.”
After the match Burkinshaw travelled to Manchester on the train with Sir Matt Busby and his assistant Jimmy Murphy. “I can’t remember much about the conversation, just that they were terrific with me, really nice people.”
The recollections of Walsh, in the crowd that day, are a tad sharper. “It was the plumb draw. For us to pull Man United was the talking point of the region, not just Workington. It was all everybody talked about – and I went to a rugby school.
“I remember the goal, Workington going in front. Man United were slipping all over the place. Second half they were a different side. Usually after a defeat you are down for a couple days. On that occasion I wasn’t because we had played so well against the champions of England and were the better side for a half.”
Thus far not a hint of support for Saturday’s event from United. Workington won’t admit it, but the reticence at Old Trafford disappoints. A word or two of recommendation across United’s myriad PR platforms would make all the difference.
It goes without saying, Sir Matt and Co would not need to be asked. You can buy your ticket here.


inews--2020-05-24--Dominic Cummings: Tory rebels demand Boris Johnson sack chief advisor for allegedly breaking lockdow

Dominic Cummings: Tory rebels demand Boris Johnson sack chief advisor for allegedly breaking lockdown rules

Up to 10 MPs have called on the PM 's adviser to go Boris Johnson is under mounting pressure from his own MPs to sack his chief adviser Dominic Cummings amid claims he broke the lockdown rules by driving 260 miles to Durham from London .
The Prime Minister was facing severe unrest from within his own party , while opposition MPs were demanding a full inquiry be launched into his de facto chief of staff ’ s actions .
Around 10 senior Tory backbenchers , led by former European Research Group chair Steve Baker , publicly called for Mr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ following allegations he flouted the restrictions twice by travelling to Durham .
The MPs were making a coordinated attempt to put pressure on the PM , sharing messages on Whatsapp on wehether to publicly call for Mr Cummings to resign or to privately vent their frustration .
In comments briefed to the Sunday papers , the Prime Minister insisted he would not throw his right hand man “ to the dogs ” for driving his wife and child to the North East to stay at his parents ’ farm while infected with Covid-19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mr Cummings had broken the rules a second time by driving back up to County Durham .
According to the Observer and Sunday Mirror , the former Vote Leave campaign co-ordinator made a second trip to Durham and was seen there on April 19 – five days after being photographed on his return to Westminster .
A second witness told the papers they saw him a week earlier in Barnard Castle on Easter Sunday , a popular tourist location 30 miles from Durham , during the period he was believed to be self-isolating @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dominic Cummings drives away from his home surrounded by media in London on 24 May ( Photo by Isabel Infantes / AFP ) “ If he doesn ’ t resign , we ’ ll just keep burning through Boris ’ s political capital at a rate we can ill afford in the midst of this crisis , ” he told Sky News .
“ It is very clear that Dominic travelled when everybody else understood Dominic ’ s slogans to mean ‘ stay at home , protect the NHS and save lives ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he did not know about the Barnard Castle trip , but told Sky : “ It is not the case that he has travelled backwards and forwards , which seemed to be a major part of the stories I saw in the paper today.
” Questioned by the BBC ’ s Andrew Marr as to whether it was necessary for Mr Cummings to make the trip to Durham , Mr Shapps said the decision was made to ensure their four year old son could be looked after .

Boris Johnson is under mounting pressure from his own MPs to sack his chief adviser Dominic Cummings amid claims he broke the lockdown rules by driving 260 miles to Durham from London.
The Prime Minister was facing severe unrest from within his own party, while opposition MPs were demanding a full inquiry be launched into his de facto chief of staff’s actions.
Around 10 senior Tory backbenchers, led by former European Research Group chair Steve Baker, publicly called for Mr Johnson to sack his most senior aide following allegations he flouted the restrictions twice by travelling to Durham.
MP anger
The MPs were making a coordinated attempt to put pressure on the PM, sharing messages on Whatsapp on wehether to publicly call for Mr Cummings to resign or to privately vent their frustration.
In comments briefed to the Sunday papers, the Prime Minister insisted he would not throw his right hand man “to the dogs” for driving his wife and child to the North East to stay at his parents’ farm while infected with Covid-19.
But reports emerged on Sunday that Mr Cummings had broken the rules a second time by driving back up to County Durham.
According to the Observer and Sunday Mirror, the former Vote Leave campaign co-ordinator made a second trip to Durham and was seen there on April 19 – five days after being photographed on his return to Westminster.
A second witness told the papers they saw him a week earlier in Barnard Castle on Easter Sunday, a popular tourist location 30 miles from Durham, during the period he was believed to be self-isolating.
The fresh allegations have been denied by Downing Street.
The news prompted an angry backlash from several Tory MPs, with Mr Baker demanding Mr Cummings “must go”.
“If he doesn’t resign, we’ll just keep burning through Boris’s political capital at a rate we can ill afford in the midst of this crisis,” he told Sky News.
“It is very clear that Dominic travelled when everybody else understood Dominic’s slogans to mean ‘stay at home, protect the NHS and save lives’.”
Craig Whittaker, Conservative MP for Calder Valley in West Yorkshire, said Mr Cummings’ position was “untenable”.
He tweeted: “You cannot advise the nation one thing then do the opposite.”
Not true
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said he did not know about the Barnard Castle trip, but told Sky: “It is not the case that he has travelled backwards and forwards, which seemed to be a major part of the stories I saw in the paper today.”
Questioned by the BBC’s Andrew Marr as to whether it was necessary for Mr Cummings to make the trip to Durham, Mr Shapps said the decision was made to ensure their four year old son could be looked after.
“A four-year-old can’t feed themselves, a four-year-old can’t bathe themselves and change their clothes, so it is clear they wanted to put some measures in place” he said.