inews--2020-05-25--National Theatre Live streaming: how to watch A Streetcar Named Desire on YouTube, and full schedule

National Theatre Live streaming: how to watch A Streetcar Named Desire on YouTube, and full schedule of free NT plays

National Theatre Live streaming : how to watch A Streetcar Named Desire on YouTube , and full schedule of free NT plays A range of plays will be made available to stream via YouTube in April and May , continuing with Antony and Cleopatra Just like all entertainment outlets , theatres have had to close their doors per the Government 's guidelines amid the coronavirus pandemic .
However , the National Theatre is bringing the stage to the screen by streaming several iconic plays on YouTube every Thursday .
Explaining the reason for making the plays accessible to thousands free @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said : `` During this unprecedented time which has seen the closure of theatres , cinemas and schools , the National Theatre announces a new initiative National Theatre at Home providing access to content online to serve audiences in their homes .
Here 's all you need to know about the National Theatre shows that are streaming .
Theatres in London have been forced to close amid the Coronavirus pandemic ( Photo : Leon Neal/Getty Images ) How can I watch the National Theatre shows from home ?
During the lockdown , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ novel way for the public to still enjoy the best from the stage .
The best part of it all is that it 's free to watch .
Every Thursday at 7pm BST on the theatre 's official YouTube channel , fans will be able to stream a selection of performances for a week .
The National Theatre at Home initiative has won praise from fans for being given the chance to watch the plays for free .
But it 's all been made possible by the various cast and crews of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The executive director and joint chief executive of the National Theatre told the Guardian : `` Everyone has said yes .
Please .
Let ’ s get it out to people .
`` It has taken a bit of negotiation and management but the outpouring from the industry has been fantastic . ''
However , that 's not all the National Theatre has to offer as there will also be a selection of Q & As with the cast and creative teams of the plays .

Just like all entertainment outlets, theatres have had to close their doors per the Government’s guidelines amid the coronavirus pandemic.
However, the National Theatre is bringing the stage to the screen by streaming several iconic plays on YouTube every Thursday.
Explaining the reason for making the plays accessible to thousands free of charge, a National Theatre spokesperson said: “During this unprecedented time which has seen the closure of theatres, cinemas and schools, the National Theatre announces a new initiative National Theatre at Home providing access to content online to serve audiences in their homes.
“Audiences around the world can stream NT Live productions for free via YouTube, and students and teachers have access to the National Theatre Collection at home.”
Here’s all you need to know about the National Theatre shows that are streaming.
How can I watch the National Theatre shows from home?
During the lockdown, the National Theatre has come up with a novel way for the public to still enjoy the best from the stage. The best part of it all is that it’s free to watch.
Every Thursday at 7pm BST on the theatre’s official YouTube channel, fans will be able to stream a selection of performances for a week.
The first show, which kicked things off on Thursday 2 April, was One Man, Two Guvnors featuring James Corden.
From Thursday 9 April until 16 April theatre lovers could stream Sally Cookson’s bold reimagining of Charlotte Bronte’s classic Jane Eyre.
The stage version of Robert Louis Stevenson’s iconic adventure novel Treasure Island, adapted by Bryony Lavery, showed from 16 April.
After that it was time for some Shakespeare with a staging of Twelfth Night starring Tamsin Grieg.
This was followed by Danny Boyle’s Frankenstein – starring Benedict Cumberbatch and Jonny Lee Miller – which streamed until 8 May.
Next came Antony and Cleopatra, starring Ralph Fiennes as Antony and Sophie Okonedo as Cleopatra.
From Thursday 14 May – Thursday 21 May Inua Ellams’ Barber Shop Chronicles was available to stream.
Next came A Streetcar Named Desire, starring Gillian Anderson, and This House, from Quiz writer James Graham.
Shakespeare’s Coriolanus, starring Tom Hiddleston, The Madness of King George III and Small Island, an adaptation of Andrea Levy’s Orange Prize-winning novel, and A Midsummer Night’s Dream followed.
Les Blancs, starring Black Panther‘s Daniel Sapiani, came next and now The Deep Blue Sea, starring Helen McCrory, is streaming.
The National Theatre at Home initiative has won praise from fans for being given the chance to watch the plays for free. But it’s all been made possible by the various cast and crews of the plays who have waived their rights.
The executive director and joint chief executive of the National Theatre told the Guardian: “Everyone has said yes. Please. Let’s get it out to people.
“It has taken a bit of negotiation and management but the outpouring from the industry has been fantastic.”
National Theatre at Home schedule
Thursday 2 April: One Man Two Guvnors by Richard Bean
Thursday 9 April: Jane Eyre by Sally Cookson
Thursday 16 April: Treasure Island by Bryony Lavery
Thursday 23 April: Twelfth Night by William Shakespeare
Thursday 30 April: Frankenstein by Nick Dear
Thursday 7 May: Antony and Cleopatra by William Shakespeare
Thursday 14 May: Barber Shop Chronicles by Inua Ellams
Thursday 21 May: A Streetcar Named Desire by Tennessee Williams
Thursday 28 May: This House by James Graham
Thursday 4 June: Coriolanus by William Shakespeare
Thursday 11 June: The Madness of George III by Alan Bennett
Thursday 18 June: Small Island by Helen Edmundson
Thursday 25 June: A Midsummer Night’s Dream by William Shakespeare
Thursday 2 July: Les Blancs by Lorraine Hansberry
Thursday 9 July: The Deep Blue Sea by Terence Rattigan
However, that’s not all the National Theatre has to offer as there will also be a selection of Q&As with the cast and creative teams of the plays.
What else?
In a bid to help schools, colleges and universities, the National Theatre has also released a new National Theatre Collection which “makes the best of British Theatre available worldwide to libraries, schools, universities and the wider education sector.”
The collection features productions from a range of theatres including the National Theatre, the Young Vic, Donmar Warehouse and Bridge Theatre.


inews--2020-05-25--Contact tracing jobs: how to apply to be a tracer for the UK coronavirus app - and where roles are b

Contact tracing jobs: how to apply to be a tracer for the UK coronavirus app - and where roles are based

Contact tracing jobs : how to apply to be a tracer for the UK coronavirus app - and where roles are based Dozens of job adverts are being posted online , as the government approaches its deadline to recruit thousands of contact tracers The job requires you to work from home and to call people who are infected with Covid-19 .
( Credit : Shutterstock ) Several job listings have recently appeared for contract tracer roles , which are being recruited to warn people who have been exposed to Covid-19 .
On 23 April , health secretary , Matt Hancock @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tracers by the middle of May , explaining that the positions should be filled just before the NHS tracing app goes live later in the month .
Those figures changed this week ( 20 May ) , with Boris Johnson announcing in parliament that 25,000 contact tracers will be employed and ready to track 10,000 new cases of the virus a day by 1 June .
What are the job requirements ?
The job requires you to work from home and to call people who are infected with Covid-19 .
It also requires @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they have recently been in close contact with .
A job listing for a “ Contact Tracer Customer Service Advisor ” on CV Library , posted by Workforce Staffing Ltd , states the job will require you “ to update the in-house system and be able to record accurate data ” as well as “ show empathy and compassion at all times ” .
You will be required to answer calls as well as make them and the role suits those with a customer service , care or retail background .
The work @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , from Monday to Sunday , between 8am and 8pm .
How long are the roles required for ?
However the advert also states the job has the potential to become a permanent role as contact tracers are likely going to be a “ long-term requirement due to the current pandemic ” .
While the adverts state that you will begin the work from home , adhering to the government guidance , some adverts have suggested office working will be introduced after the initial 12 weeks .
This therefore restricts who can apply @ @ @ @ @ @ @ able to commute to the office when lockdown measures are lifted .
Where are the jobs located ?
The contract tracer jobs are currently being advertised for London , Liverpool , Hull , Birmingham , Manchester , Milton Keynes , Newcastle-under-Lyme and Redditch , to name a few .
Where can I apply for the jobs ?
Job sites such as Indeed , CV library , as well as LinkedIn began listing the advertisements from third party recruiters within the last few days .
The job postings are also being advertised by independent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ google search using the search term “ contact tracer jobs ” .
How much does it pay ?
The compensation for the job is £9.42 per hour , which is slightly higher than the national minimum wage .

Numerous job listings have appeared for contract tracer roles in recent weeks, which are being recruited to warn people who have been exposed to Covid-19.
On 23 April, health secretary, Matt Hancock, announced plans to hire 18,000 contact tracers, explaining that the positions should be filled just before the NHS tracing app launches.
But, Boris Johnson increased this announcing in parliament that 25,000 contact tracers will be employed and ready to track 10,000 new cases of the virus a day by 1 June.
A version of the app was launched on the Isle of Wight on May 5, but the UK’s Track and Trace chief Dido Harding has refused to put a timeline on when it will be shared with the rest of the country.
What are the job requirements?
The job requires you to work from home and to call people who are infected with Covid-19.
It also requires you to telephone all of the people they have recently been in close contact with.
A job listing for a “Contact Tracer Customer Service Advisor” on CV Library, posted by Workforce Staffing Ltd, states the job will require you “to update the in-house system and be able to record accurate data” as well as “show empathy and compassion at all times”.
You will be required to answer calls as well as make them and the role suits those with a customer service, care or retail background.
The work is expected to be completed in shifts, from Monday to Sunday, between 8am and 8pm.
How long are the roles required for?
The advert posted by Workforce Staffing Ltd states the role is initially a “12 week assignment”.
However the advert also states the job has the potential to become a permanent role as contact tracers are likely going to be a “long-term requirement due to the current pandemic”.
While the adverts state that you will begin the work from home, adhering to the government guidance, some adverts have suggested office working will be introduced after the initial 12 weeks.
This therefore restricts who can apply, as you will need to be able to commute to the office when lockdown measures are lifted.
Where are the jobs located?
The contract tracer jobs are currently being advertised for London, Liverpool, Hull, Birmingham, Manchester, Milton Keynes, Newcastle-under-Lyme and Redditch, to name a few.
Where can I apply for the jobs?
Job sites such as Indeed,Google jobs, CV library, as well as LinkedIn began listing the advertisements from third party recruiters.
The job postings are also being advertised by independent recruiters and can be found with a google search using the search term “contact tracer jobs”.
How much does it pay?
The compensation for the job is £9.42 per hour, which is slightly higher than the national minimum wage.
Read more: Coronavirus latest: More than four million workers fear they will lose their jobs in the next three months
‘Virtual front line’
Out of the soon-to-be-recruited contact tracers, 3,000 will be from a skilled background.
These people will work as advisers and will be responsible for the more complex cases as well as conducting public health risk assessments.
Such roles are also being advertised with the title of “Clinical Contact Caseworker”, asking skilled professionals to join the ‘virtual frontline’.
These roles have been advertised on sites such as Reed, since the start of May 2020 by NHS Professionals.
Clinical Contact Caseworker roles pay a salary of £16.97 to £27.15 per hour and requires applicants to be on a Clinician Band 6 level or above.


inews--2020-05-25--Blood and Water cast: who stars in the Netflix series from South Africa, and what you need to know a

Blood and Water cast: who stars in the Netflix series from South Africa, and what you need to know about the show

Blood and Water cast : who stars in the Netflix series from South Africa , and what you need to know about the show The teen drama follows Puleng Khumalo , a 16-year-old girl who is desperate to find her sister , who was kidnapped as a baby Netflix has found a lot of success with teen dramas - think Riverdale , 13 Reasons Why and most recently , Outer Banks .
The similarity between these three shows is that they are all set in America , which is why the streaming service 's latest offering , Blood and Water @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is a teen drama , but it is also just Netflix 's second African original series , following on from Queen Sono earlier this year .
It follows Puleng Khumalo , a 16-year-old girl from South Africa who is desperate to find her sister , who was kidnapped as a baby .
Here is everything you need to know ...
When is Blood and Water on Netflix ?
The series dropped on Wednesday 20 May , so is now available to stream in its entirety .
The first season is six episodes long @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 53 minutes .
Puleng 's sister was kidnapped as part of a human trafficking operation when she was a baby , and now the 16-year-old is on a desperate hunt to find her and bring her back .
She hears that a student at the prestigious Parkhurst College in South Africa may be her sister , and so wangles herself an admission to the school , where she befriends star pupil Fikile Bhele .
Puleng suspects Fikile to be her long-lost sister , but discovering the truth is n't as easy as she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of high school going on around her .
The majority of the cast is made up of relative unknowns , including Ama Qamata , who plays lead character Puleng - this is her first ever screen role .
As Puleng she is headstrong and sometimes impulsive , but kind , caring and has a good heart .
Fikile , Puleng 's potential sister , is played by another TV newcomer , Khosi Ngema .
Filike is smart , well-liked and in-line to become head girl at Parkhurst .
Puleng 's mother , Thandeka @ @ @ @ @ @ @ known face , at least to South African audiences .
Gail Mabalane appeared in the TV series The Wild and The Road .

Netflix has found a lot of success with teen dramas – think Riverdale, 13 Reasons Why and most recently, Outer Banks.
The similarity between these three shows is that they are all set in America, which is why the streaming service’s latest offering, Blood and Water, stands alone.
Yes, it is a teen drama, but it is also just Netflix’s second African original series, following on from Queen Sono earlier this year.
It follows Puleng Khumalo, a 16-year-old girl from South Africa who is desperate to find her sister, who was kidnapped as a baby.
Here is everything you need to know…
When is Blood and Water on Netflix?
The series dropped on Wednesday 20 May, so is now available to stream in its entirety.
The first season is six episodes long, with each lasting between 43 and 53 minutes.
What’s it about?
Puleng’s sister was kidnapped as part of a human trafficking operation when she was a baby, and now the 16-year-old is on a desperate hunt to find her and bring her back.
She hears that a student at the prestigious Parkhurst College in South Africa may be her sister, and so wangles herself an admission to the school, where she befriends star pupil Fikile Bhele.
Puleng suspects Fikile to be her long-lost sister, but discovering the truth isn’t as easy as she hoped, especially with all the drama of high school going on around her.
Who’s in the cast?
The majority of the cast is made up of relative unknowns, including Ama Qamata, who plays lead character Puleng – this is her first ever screen role.
As Puleng she is headstrong and sometimes impulsive, but kind, caring and has a good heart.
Fikile, Puleng’s potential sister, is played by another TV newcomer, Khosi Ngema. Filike is smart, well-liked and in-line to become head girl at Parkhurst.
Puleng’s mother, Thandeka Khumalo, is played by a better known face, at least to South African audiences. Gail Mabalane appeared in the TV series The Wild and The Road.
Thabang Molaba, another debutant, plays Karabo “KB” Molapo, the school’s heart throb, and an immediate interest for Puleng.
And Dillon Windvogel, also making his first major appearance, is Wade Daniels, the son of Parkhurst’s headmaster who quickly develops a crush on Puleng.


inews--2020-05-25--Blood and Water season 2: everything we know about possible second series of the Netflix original dr

Blood and Water season 2: everything we know about possible second series of the Netflix original drama

Blood and Water season 2 : everything we know about possible second series of the Netflix original drama The new series , which dropped on 20 May , follows 16-year-old South African girl Puleng Khumalo on her hunt to find her long-lost sister Blood and Water is the latest in a string of hit Netflix teen dramas that includes the likes of Riverdale , 13 Reasons Why and Outer Banks .
The new series , which dropped on 20 May and follows 16-year-old South African girl Puleng Khumalo ( Ama Qamata ) on her hunt to find her long-lost sister @ @ @ @ @ @ @ African series .
The initial six-episode run may have tied up many loose ends , but has still left some fans wanting more , and asking the question : will there be a season two ?
Will there be a Blood and Water season two ?
As yet there is no official word from Netflix on whether Blood and Water will be renewed for a second season .
Netflix tends to wait a few weeks , and sometimes as much as two months , to see all the viewing data for a new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ whether it is worth bringing back .
Puleng and Fikile in Netflix 's Blood and Water ( Photo : Netflix ) If you are looking for positive signs , the fact that this is only Netflix 's second African original works in Blood and Water 's favour - history shows the streaming service tends to renew its first few shows from new regions .
And its first show out of South Africa , Queen Sono , has already been renewed for season two .
What could happen in a second season ?
Season @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Parkhurst College after hearing her sister , who was kidnapped by human traffickers as a baby , might be a pupil there .
She befriends star pupil Fikile Bhele ( Khosi Ngema ) , the head girl in waiting whom she suspects to be her long-lost sister .
In the season one finale we discover that Puleng and Fikile are in fact siblings , tying up the series ' biggest loose end , but leaving plenty of room for new storylines - how will their relationship change now they have been reunited as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ questions that need answering .
What is going to happen with Fikile and Chad , and also with Puleng and KB ?

Blood and Water is the latest in a string of hit Netflix teen dramas that includes the likes of Riverdale, 13 Reasons Why and Outer Banks.
The new series, which dropped on 20 May and follows 16-year-old South African girl Puleng Khumalo (Ama Qamata) on her hunt to find her long-lost sister, is just Netflix’s second original African series.
The initial six-episode run may have tied up many loose ends, but has still left some fans wanting more, and asking the question: will there be a season two?
Here is everything we know so far…
Will there be a Blood and Water season two?
As yet there is no official word from Netflix on whether Blood and Water will be renewed for a second season.
Netflix tends to wait a few weeks, and sometimes as much as two months, to see all the viewing data for a new series, before making a decision on whether it is worth bringing back.
If you are looking for positive signs, the fact that this is only Netflix’s second African original works in Blood and Water‘s favour – history shows the streaming service tends to renew its first few shows from new regions.
And its first show out of South Africa, Queen Sono, has already been renewed for season two.
What could happen in a second season?
Spoilers ahead for season one…
Season one sees Puleng transfer to the prestigious Parkhurst College after hearing her sister, who was kidnapped by human traffickers as a baby, might be a pupil there.
She befriends star pupil Fikile Bhele (Khosi Ngema), the head girl in waiting whom she suspects to be her long-lost sister.
In the season one finale we discover that Puleng and Fikile are in fact siblings, tying up the series’ biggest loose end, but leaving plenty of room for new storylines – how will their relationship change now they have been reunited as sisters?
There are plenty of other questions that need answering. What is going to happen with Fikile and Chad, and also with Puleng and KB?
And will Mark and Zama agree to being in a throuple with Chris?


inews--2020-05-25--When will hotels open in the UK? Latest on domestic holidays, and current lockdown rules explained

When will hotels open in the UK ?
Latest on domestic holidays , and current lockdown rules explained Hospitality , entertainment and indoor leisure venues were instructed to close their doors at the end of March as part of lockdown procedures This is when hotels and similar businesses might be able to open their doors again ( Photo : Shutterstock ) Lockdown restrictions are beginning to ease across the UK , with some businesses beginning to reopen their doors to the public .
But when will hotels , B & Bs and other holiday accommodation be allowed to do the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ under new lockdown rules ?
In a 50-page dossier , outlining details of the plan , it listed the businesses and ventures which must remain closed for the time being .
There were some exceptions to the rule , however .
In some instances , the previously listed holiday accommodation could remain open , such as : When will hotels be allowed to reopen ?
Prime Minister Boris Johnson said that he hopes “ to reopen at least some of the hospitality industry and other public places provided they ’ re safe and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which would be 4 July at the very earliest .
The document states : “ Some venues which are , by design , crowded and where it may prove difficult to enact distancing may still not be able to re-open safely at this point , or may be able to open safely in part.
” Businesses such as hotels and the like will have to be able to meet “ Covid-19 secure guidelines ” and if they can not , may not be permitted to reopen .
Can I get a hotel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Many Brits have seen their travel plans disrupted by the spread of coronavirus - including staycations and holidays in the UK .
If you had reservations with a hotel in the UK that will no longer be open on your date of travel , you should be able to get a refund , or at the very least , be able to reschedule .
Holiday Inn have implemented a new policy in light of the coronavirus , which allows existing bookings made before 6 April 2020 at all their hotels to be changed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up to 30 June 2020 .
And if you had a booking with Premier Inn for a hotel stay before 4 July , you can cancel your booking on their website for free .
This doesn ’ t apply to key workers who are still being catered for .
Hilton Hotels have also made it possible for travellers who had booked with them for arrival on or before June 30 to change or cancel at no charge - even those trips described as “ non-cancellable ” .

Lockdown restrictions are beginning to ease across the UK, with some businesses beginning to reopen their doors to the public.
But when will hotels, B&Bs and other holiday accommodation be allowed to do the same?
This is everything you need to know.
Are hotels allowed to reopen under new lockdown rules?
On 10 May, the UK Government announced its phased plan for lifting lockdown.
In a 50-page dossier, outlining details of the plan, it listed the businesses and ventures which must remain closed for the time being.
These include holiday accommodation, specifically hotels, hostels, B&Bs, holiday rentals, campsites and boarding houses.
There were some exceptions to the rule, however. In some instances, the previously listed holiday accommodation could remain open, such as:
In the situation where people live in these places as interim residences whilst their primary home is unavailable, or they live in them permanently
Non-UK residents who are unable to travel to their country of residence can continue to stay in hotels or similar as required
Hotels and other accommodation listed can also be provided to any person unable to return to their main residence
They can also provide services to any critical workers in the effort to deal with coronavirus, if the stay is needed for their work
Hotels, hostels and B&Bs providing rooms to support the homeless and vulnerable (such as those who cannot stay safety in their home) can remain open
Hotels and other accommodation listed are allowed to host blood donation sessions
When will hotels be allowed to reopen?
Prime Minister Boris Johnson said that he hopes “to reopen at least some of the hospitality industry and other public places provided they’re safe and enforce social distancing” in phase three, which would be 4 July at the very earliest.
Johnson said that this would happen “if and only if the numbers support it”.
In the recovery strategy document, “hospitality” is defined by the government as food service providers, pubs and accommodation.
The document states: “Some venues which are, by design, crowded and where it may prove difficult to enact distancing may still not be able to re-open safely at this point, or may be able to open safely in part.”
Businesses such as hotels and the like will have to be able to meet “Covid-19 secure guidelines” and if they cannot, may not be permitted to reopen.
However hotels, bars and cafes could reopen on 3 July in Northern Ireland, weeks before the scheduled reopening on 20 July, if the Stormont executives agree on a plan.
Can I get a hotel refund if I had a reservation?
Many Brits have seen their travel plans disrupted by the spread of coronavirus – including staycations and holidays in the UK.
If you had reservations with a hotel in the UK that will no longer be open on your date of travel, you should be able to get a refund, or at the very least, be able to reschedule.
Holiday Inn have implemented a new policy in light of the coronavirus, which allows existing bookings made before 6 April 2020 at all their hotels to be changed or cancelled free of charge for stays up to 30 June 2020.
And if you had a booking with Premier Inn for a hotel stay before 4 July, you can cancel your booking on their website for free. This doesn’t apply to key workers who are still being catered for.
Hilton Hotels have also made it possible for travellers who had booked with them for arrival on or before June 30 to change or cancel at no charge – even those trips described as “non-cancellable”.
With easyHotel, those who had booked to stay before 30 June can rebook or get a refund for free.


inews--2020-05-25--Radio 1 Big Weekend 2020 line-up: Virtual BBC festival dates, full list of performers and how to wat

Radio 1 Big Weekend 2020 line-up: Virtual BBC festival dates, full list of performers and how to watch it online

Radio 1 Big Weekend 2020 line-up : Virtual BBC festival dates , full list of performers and how to watch it online The likes of Sam Smith , Biffy Clyro and the Jonas Brothers will be spending the weekend lightening the lockdown mood BBC Radio 1 's Big Weekend is just one of the many victims of the coronavirus pandemic , but the festival has n't been scrapped altogether .
Instead , it is being turned into a virtual festival , with artists performing from their own homes for special programmes across the BBC 's network .
The likes of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jonas Brothers will be spending the weekend lightening the lockdown mood with socially distances performances .
When is BBC Radio 1 's Big Weekend and how can I watch ?
The festival is going ahead at the same time it was originally planned , starting on Friday 22 May and finishing on Sunday 24 .
The Jonas Brothers are the second headlines ( Photo : Getty ) Performances take place across five virtual stages : The Radio 1 Stage , the Radio 1 Dance Stage , the 1Xtra Stage , the BBC Music @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which will feature legendary performances from previous Big Weekends , including Katy Perry 's set from Glasgow and Miley Cyrus ' from Middlesbrough .
The festival will air all weekend on BBC Radio 1 and BBC Sounds , and you can also watch on iPlayer .
`` We ’ re going to do our best to bring you a virtual festival , '' said Radio 1 DJ Greg James .
`` Whatever you ’ re doing that weekend , get the radio on and you can experience a load of stuff from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ brand new festival performances . ''
Who is in the line-up ?
Radio 1 ’ s own Annie Mac , Danny Howard and Pete Tong will be joined by Armand Van Helden , Disclosure , CamelPhat , Solardo , Bicep , High Contrast , Hannah Wants and The Black Madonna .
The other stages open up on Saturday and Sunday , with Sam Smith and the Jonas Brothers the pair of headliners .
What have the artists said ?
Niall Horan said : `` Some of my favourite memories have been at festivals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no crew and an amateur like me setting the sound up will be interesting but I ’ m going to give it a right go .
Also my toilets are super clean unlike some of the literal pits I ’ ve seen at previous things ! ''
Anne-Marie urged everyone to get into the festival spirit : `` I think everyone should pretend they ’ re at a festival and camp in their living room during Big Weekend .
I ’ m going to do it right here in my living room , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ''

BBC Radio 1‘s Big Weekend is just one of the many victims of the coronavirus pandemic, but the festival hasn’t been scrapped altogether.
Instead, it is being turned into a virtual festival, with artists performing from their own homes for special programmes across the BBC’s network.
The likes of Sam Smith, Biffy Clyro and the Jonas Brothers will be spending the weekend lightening the lockdown mood with socially distances performances.
Here is everything you need to know…
When is BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend and how can I watch?
The festival is going ahead at the same time it was originally planned, starting on Friday 22 May and finishing on Sunday 24.
Performances take place across five virtual stages: The Radio 1 Stage, the Radio 1 Dance Stage, the 1Xtra Stage, the BBC Music Introducing Stage, and the Headliner Stage, which will feature legendary performances from previous Big Weekends, including Katy Perry’s set from Glasgow and Miley Cyrus’ from Middlesbrough.
The festival will air all weekend on BBC Radio 1 and BBC Sounds, and you can also watch on iPlayer.
“We’re going to do our best to bring you a virtual festival,” said Radio 1 DJ Greg James. “Whatever you’re doing that weekend, get the radio on and you can experience a load of stuff from Big Weekends gone by, and some brand new festival performances.”
Who is in the line-up?
Things kick off on Friday with a strong list of DJ sets from the virtual Radio 1 Dance Stage.
Radio 1’s own Annie Mac, Danny Howard and Pete Tong will be joined by Armand Van Helden, Disclosure, CamelPhat, Solardo, Bicep, High Contrast, Hannah Wants and The Black Madonna.
There will also be a back-to-back set from Fatboy Slim and Eats Everything.
The other stages open up on Saturday and Sunday, with Sam Smith and the Jonas Brothers the pair of headliners.
Other highlights include Haim, Anne-Marie, Biffy Clyro, Aitch x AJ Tracey, Sean Paul, Niall Horan and Ellie Goulding.
Rita Ora, Mabel, Blossoms, Becky Hill, Declan McKenna, Demot Kennedy, Lauv, Rex Orange County, Young T & Bugsey and Yungblud complete the line-up.
What have the artists said?
Niall Horan said: “Some of my favourite memories have been at festivals. This time with no audience, no crew and an amateur like me setting the sound up will be interesting but I’m going to give it a right go. Also my toilets are super clean unlike some of the literal pits I’ve seen at previous things!”
Anne-Marie urged everyone to get into the festival spirit: “I think everyone should pretend they’re at a festival and camp in their living room during Big Weekend. I’m going to do it right here in my living room, and I can’t wait.”
Meanwhile Mabel has promised a “slick, smooth and stripped back” performance.


inews--2020-05-25--Pick For Britain jobs near me: how to apply for UK fruit picking jobs after Government appeal

Pick For Britain jobs near me : how to apply for UK fruit picking jobs after Government appeal A new farming campaign is here to offer work for those who have lost their jobs because of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic This is what you need to know about signing up to pick fruit and veg ( Photo : Shutterstock ) A new government website , Pick for Britain , aims to connect those who have found themselves without work due to coronavirus and farms who are facing labour shortages .
This is everything you need to know , from what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up .
What is the campaign ?
The Pick for Britain website states : “ Pick for Britain helps bring workers and employers together and ensures the UK can continue to deliver the best quality British fruit and veg for everyone to enjoy .
The website explains that “ some of the work will depend on the weather , so flexibility in terms of hours you work will be required ” and that “ a good level of fitness is usually required ” .
What work is available ?
There are four main @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , depending on the farm you apply to .
Picking will include working outside in the fields , in polytunnels or glasshouses , picking fruit and vegetables such as strawberries , apples , peppers and asparagus .
What are hours and pay like ?
This is what you need to know in regards to questions you might have about things like pay , hours and training : Those working on the farms will be classed as key workers by the government , which means that you will be able to travel to and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ still be able to attend their local school as a child of a key worker .
Furloughed workers can sign up for Pick for Britain as long as their contract with their current employer allows it , or their employer agrees .
How to sign up ?
To see what jobs are available , just head to the jobs section of the Pick for Britain website here .
You ’ ll then be able to see a list of available jobs - click on the job you ’ re interested in and you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for that specific employer .
If you own a farm or small business and need to advertise individual jobs , you can use the government ’ s free ‘ find a job ’ service to advertise your vacancies to those looking for work .

A new government website, Pick for Britain, aims to connect those who have found themselves without work due to coronavirus and farms who are facing labour shortages.
This is everything you need to know, from what work is available to how to sign up.
What is the campaign?
The Pick for Britain website states: “Pick for Britain helps bring workers and employers together and ensures the UK can continue to deliver the best quality British fruit and veg for everyone to enjoy.
“Here, you will find growers, recruiters, and agencies that have job opportunities across the country.”
There is a wide range of roles available to choose from, varying from business to business.
The website explains that “some of the work will depend on the weather, so flexibility in terms of hours you work will be required” and that “a good level of fitness is usually required”.
The campaign is in partnership with:
Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board
Association of Labour Providers
British Growers
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
National Farmers Union
What work is available?
There are four main types of work you could be undertaking, depending on the farm you apply to.
Picking will include working outside in the fields, in polytunnels or glasshouses, picking fruit and vegetables such as strawberries, apples, peppers and asparagus.
Packing will involve working in a packhouse to sort the fruit or vegetables and pack into units, ready for distribution.
Plant husbandry is all about keeping plants and farms healthy, and will require tasks such as planting, weeding, plant management and maintenance.
Farms may also have vacancies for workers to operate forklifts, tractors and vans.
What are hours and pay like?
This is what you need to know in regards to questions you might have about things like pay, hours and training:
Pay: your pay will be dependent on your employer and the time of work you do – however, you will always be paid at leads the national minimum/living wage
Hours: farms tend to work from first thing in the morning under mid-late afternoon, with packing done in shifts that can carry on until later in the day. Your hours will, again, be dependent on the employer and the type of work, so you’ll need to discuss this with the farm you apply to
Training: where necessary, full training will be given to individuals
Age: you’ll need to be at least 18 years old to work on the farms, but depending on the farm there may be some roles available for those as young as 16
Those working on the farms will be classed as key workers by the government, which means that you will be able to travel to and from work, and your children may still be able to attend their local school as a child of a key worker.
Furloughed workers can sign up for Pick for Britain as long as their contract with their current employer allows it, or their employer agrees.
Individual farms may also offer volunteer positions.
How to sign up?
To see what jobs are available, just head to the jobs section of the Pick for Britain website here.
You can narrow your search to England, Scotland or Wales, or alternatively do a national search instead.
You’ll then be able to see a list of available jobs – click on the job you’re interested in and you’ll be taken to the website for that specific employer.
From there, you’ll see the details of how to apply for that role on the individual websites.
Information for employers
If you own a farm or small business and need to advertise individual jobs, you can use the government’s free ‘find a job’ service to advertise your vacancies to those looking for work.
If you are a GLAA licensed recruitment company, or a grower, that has their own employment website, then Pick for Britain can add a link to your website on the jobs page.
You can submit your request for this on the Pick for Britain website by filling out the short online form.
The form requires the following information:


inews--2020-05-25--Friends reunion 2020: Lisa Kudrow says 'non-scripted' reunion postponed again due to coronavirus

Friends reunion 2020 : Lisa Kudrow says 'non-scripted ' reunion postponed again due to coronavirus Kudrow said : 'It was going to be fun for us to reconnect and reminisce .
We ’ ll see' According to one of the show ’ s stars , Lisa Kudrow , the cast was scheduled to gather to look back on the show but then lockdown was announced .
“ It was never going to be an episode , ” she told the Radio Times .
“ A lot of people misunderstood .
It ’ s a non-scripted reunion .
It was us @ @ @ @ @ @ @ haven ’ t been in the same room in years.
” Ms Kudrow played Phoebe Buffay in the show which ran from 1994-2004 and followed the exploits of six friends living in Manhattan .
Friends was 'progressive ' for its time , according to Kudrow ( Photo : Warner Bros. Television ) It also starred Jennifer Aniston , Courteney Cox , Matt LeBlanc , David Schwimmer and Matthew Perry and followed their exploits as they navigated their way through life .
The show was a huge success and won a clutch of awards @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Phoebe , a masseuse and musician , was notable for her offbeat and ditzy behaviour .
Ms Kudrow won many awards for the role including two Emmys and two Screen Actors Guild ( SAG ) awards .
Whether a reunion , which was scheduled to coincide with the launch of HBO Max in the US , will still take place seems to hang in the balance .
Ms Kudrow , 56 , who will soon be seen in Space Force , a Netflix comedy about a new branch of the US military @ @ @ @ @ @ @ forward to the `` reunion '' .
“ It was going to be fun for us to reconnect and reminisce – and hopefully for whoever ’ s watching , too , '' she said .
`` But we can ’ t go ahead because you can ’ t get people together , and it takes so many people to do this .
We ’ ll see .
”

The much-anticipated Friends reunion, postponed because of coronavirus, will not be a new episode of the show but a programme of the stars reminiscing on the hit series.
According to one of the show’s stars, Lisa Kudrow, the cast was scheduled to gather to look back on the show but then lockdown was announced.
“It was never going to be an episode,” she told the Radio Times. “A lot of people misunderstood. It’s a non-scripted reunion. It was us reminiscing about some behind-the-scenes stuff. We haven’t been in the same room in years.”
Ms Kudrow played Phoebe Buffay in the show which ran from 1994-2004 and followed the exploits of six friends living in Manhattan.
Awards
It also starred Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Matt LeBlanc, David Schwimmer and Matthew Perry and followed their exploits as they navigated their way through life.
The show was a huge success and won a clutch of awards including an Emmy for Outstanding Comedy Series.
Phoebe, a masseuse and musician, was notable for her offbeat and ditzy behaviour. Ms Kudrow won many awards for the role including two Emmys and two Screen Actors Guild (SAG) awards.
Whether a reunion, which was scheduled to coincide with the launch of HBO Max in the US, will still take place seems to hang in the balance.
‘Reminisce’
Ms Kudrow, 56, who will soon be seen in Space Force, a Netflix comedy about a new branch of the US military, said that she had been looking forward to the “reunion”.
“It was going to be fun for us to reconnect and reminisce – and hopefully for whoever’s watching, too,” she said. “But we can’t go ahead because you can’t get people together, and it takes so many people to do this. We’ll see.”


inews--2020-05-25--Coronavirus survivors wanted: Men over 35 identified as best plasma donors

Coronavirus survivors wanted : Men over 35 identified as best plasma donors NHS Blood and Transplant is collecting convalescent plasma for a major coronavirus treatment trial for potential widespread hospital use Recovered coronavirus patients who are male , over 35 , or who were ill enough to have needed hospital treatment , are being called to donate blood after studies show they have the most life-saving plasma .
Initial tests on convalescent plasma donations from recovered Covid-19 patients has indicated these as the three key groups of people who have the plasma most likely to potentially save lives .
NHS @ @ @ @ @ @ @ collecting convalescent plasma for a major coronavirus treatment trial , and if the trial is successful , widespread use in hospitals .
The antibody rich plasma of people who have recovered can be transfused into people are struggling to develop their own immune response .
Officials are now urging people recovered from Covid-19 and who fall into one or more of these three groups , and who live near one of NHSBT ’ s 23 donor centres , to offer to donate .
Donors whose plasma contains higher antibody levels are more likely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more likely to be able to keep donating for several months to come .
Matt Hancock gives plasma to new UK clinical trial for Covid-19 treatment ( Photo : Matt Hancock/Twitter ) Alessandro Giardini , 46 , of Camden in London , had plasma with the highest antibody level of the more than 400 convalescent plasma donations made to date .
He falls into all three of the categories of donors identified as associated with higher antibody levels .
His antibody level was 1 in 2560 , which means his antibodies can still @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1 part plasma and 2559 parts diluent .
His antibody level is around 40 times that of the typical convalescent plasma donation to NHSBT so far .
He said : `` I ended up on a ventilator in the Intensive Care Unit for seven days , I was in the hospital for 15 days in total .
I was in the Royal Free and the care was exceptional .
It was a very hard experience , not knowing if you will see your family again - I have two young children .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ donation programme so I was expecting the call to come in and donate .
I felt I had to give back .
Even though it was scary to go back into a medical environment and have a needle again , I really felt that if there was any chance I could help someone else who was still ill with COVID-19 , that I needed to do it .
`` I felt great after donating plasma .
It feels like we are in one interconnected community , helping each other .
I was very @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Professor David Roberts , NHSBT ’ s associate medical director for blood donation , said : “ These testing results mean we want hear from those who want to give convalescent plasma and especially want to hear people from men , the over 35s , and all people who needed hospital treatment .
“ If you have recovered from a coronavirus infection , fall into any one of the these groups , and live near or could travel to one of our 23 donor centres , please contact us on 0300 123 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ initial results are in line with past findings .
People who are more seriously ill produce more antibodies , which can be transfused to potentially help others .
The evidence so far is that men and older people are more seriously affected by coronavirus .

Recovered coronavirus patients who are male, over 35, or who were ill enough to have needed hospital treatment, are being called to donate blood after studies show they have the most life-saving plasma.
Initial tests on convalescent plasma donations from recovered Covid-19 patients has indicated these as the three key groups of people who have the plasma most likely to potentially save lives.
NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) is collecting convalescent plasma for a major coronavirus treatment trial, and if the trial is successful, widespread use in hospitals. The antibody rich plasma of people who have recovered can be transfused into people are struggling to develop their own immune response.
Officials are now urging people recovered from Covid-19 and who fall into one or more of these three groups, and who live near one of NHSBT’s 23 donor centres, to offer to donate. Donors whose plasma contains higher antibody levels are more likely to be able to benefit patients and more likely to be able to keep donating for several months to come.
Highest level in the country
Alessandro Giardini, 46, of Camden in London, had plasma with the highest antibody level of the more than 400 convalescent plasma donations made to date. He falls into all three of the categories of donors identified as associated with higher antibody levels.
His antibody level was 1 in 2560, which means his antibodies can still be detected in a sample that is 1 part plasma and 2559 parts diluent. His antibody level is around 40 times that of the typical convalescent plasma donation to NHSBT so far.
Mr Giardini, who is a Consultant at Great Ormond Street Hospital, spent seven days on a ventilator in intensive care after falling ill with Covid-19.
He said: “I ended up on a ventilator in the Intensive Care Unit for seven days, I was in the hospital for 15 days in total. I was in the Royal Free and the care was exceptional. It was a very hard experience, not knowing if you will see your family again – I have two young children.
“I was aware of the convalescent plasma donation programme so I was expecting the call to come in and donate. I felt I had to give back. Even though it was scary to go back into a medical environment and have a needle again, I really felt that if there was any chance I could help someone else who was still ill with COVID-19, that I needed to do it.
“I felt great after donating plasma. It feels like we are in one interconnected community, helping each other. I was very much pleased and proud to have donated.”
Professor David Roberts, NHSBT’s associate medical director for blood donation, said: “These testing results mean we want hear from those who want to give convalescent plasma and especially want to hear people from men, the over 35s, and all people who needed hospital treatment.
“If you have recovered from a coronavirus infection, fall into any one of the these groups, and live near or could travel to one of our 23 donor centres, please contact us on 0300 123 23 23 or www.nhsbt.nhs.uk.
“These initial results are in line with past findings. People who are more seriously ill produce more antibodies, which can be transfused to potentially help others. The evidence so far is that men and older people are more seriously affected by coronavirus.
“Please help your NHS fight Covid-19. Convalescent plasma donation is safe and easy and you could save lives. If you get the call, please donate.”


inews--2020-05-25--Coronavirus lockdown: Wedding venues 'breaking the law' by refusing to refund couples

Coronavirus lockdown : Wedding venues 'breaking the law ' by refusing to refund couples Consumer group Which ?
believes there could be an 'industry-wide issue with wedding venues ducking their legal responsibilities' Wedding venues are potentially breaking the law by refusing to refund couples thousands of pounds for cancellations due to the Covid-19 outbreak , a consumer rights group has claimed .
Twenty couples have complained to the consumer organisation Which ?
that their wedding venue refused to offer a refund or made the process for obtaining a refund difficult after they were forced to cancel or postpone their ceremony @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ban on all social events and large gatherings .
Overall , 17 couples reported that their venue charged a fee to rebook or cancel their wedding , and 15 said the venue introduced new terms and conditions .
Which ?
is reporting 12 wedding venues and organisers that it believes might be breaching consumer law to the Competition and Markets Authority ( CMA ) .
The CMA is already investigating the wedding sector and has stated that businesses should , in most cases , refund customers if they cancel or can not receive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ measures , including any non-refundable deposits or advance payments .
The new government guidelines could mean some guests could attend weddings and civil partnerships in person from June ( Photo : Getty ) The company Which ?
received the most complaints about is Bijou Weddings , a family-run wedding venue chain .
Some of the couples who booked with Bijou claimed that their venue informed them just before the Government announced a ban on weddings that not only had their ceremonies been cancelled , but that they were liable to pay a cancellation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ total cost of the event .
“ We believe there may be a serious , industry-wide issue with wedding venues ducking their legal responsibilities on refunds and cancellations by using potentially unfair terms and conditions , ” said Adam French of Which ?
.
“ While many wedding venues may have been financially impacted by the coronavirus crisis , couples who are likely to be devastated at having to cancel their big day should not be forced to bear the cost.
” Bijou Weddings said : “ Without cancellation charges like these , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ offer to consumers what it does at the prices that it does .
The cancellation charges protect the venues , and there is wedding insurance to protect the couple ” .
It added : “ We did not cancel any weddings voluntarily - [ this ] was imposed on us - and this is exactly the situation for which wedding insurance exists .
”

Wedding venues are potentially breaking the law by refusing to refund couples thousands of pounds for cancellations due to the Covid-19 outbreak, a consumer rights group has claimed.
Twenty couples have complained to the consumer organisation Which? that their wedding venue refused to offer a refund or made the process for obtaining a refund difficult after they were forced to cancel or postpone their ceremony to comply with the 23 March Government ban on all social events and large gatherings.
Refunds due
Overall, 17 couples reported that their venue charged a fee to rebook or cancel their wedding, and 15 said the venue introduced new terms and conditions.
Which? is reporting 12 wedding venues and organisers that it believes might be breaching consumer law to the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA).
The CMA is already investigating the wedding sector and has stated that businesses should, in most cases, refund customers if they cancel or cannot receive a service due to Government public health measures, including any non-refundable deposits or advance payments.
Wedding venues ‘ducking legal responsibilities’
The company Which? received the most complaints about is Bijou Weddings, a family-run wedding venue chain. Some of the couples who booked with Bijou claimed that their venue informed them just before the Government announced a ban on weddings that not only had their ceremonies been cancelled, but that they were liable to pay a cancellation fee of 80 per cent of the total cost of the event.
“We believe there may be a serious, industry-wide issue with wedding venues ducking their legal responsibilities on refunds and cancellations by using potentially unfair terms and conditions,” said Adam French of Which?.
“While many wedding venues may have been financially impacted by the coronavirus crisis, couples who are likely to be devastated at having to cancel their big day should not be forced to bear the cost.”
Bijou Weddings said: “Without cancellation charges like these, the industry would not be able to offer to consumers what it does at the prices that it does. The cancellation charges protect the venues, and there is wedding insurance to protect the couple”.
It added: “We did not cancel any weddings voluntarily – [this] was imposed on us – and this is exactly the situation for which wedding insurance exists.”


inews--2020-05-25--Gene therapy could help millions of ash trees fight deadly beetle Emerald Ash Borer

Gene therapy could help millions of ash trees fight deadly beetle Emerald Ash Borer Researchers at Queen Mary University of London and the Royal Botanic Gardens , Kew , discovered genes that create chemicals harmful to insects A set of genes has been identified that could protect ash trees from a deadly beetle ( Photo : LINDSEY PARNABY/AFP/Getty ) A set of genes has been identified that could protect ash trees from a deadly beetle , which attacks by burrowing into their stems .
Named the Emerald Ash Borer ( EAB ) , the killer pest is expected to destroy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the years to come without any intervention .
Researchers at Queen Mary University of London and the Royal Botanic Gardens , Kew , discovered genes that create chemicals likely to be harmful to the insects .
They sequenced the genomes of 22 types of ash tree and used this information to analyse how the different species are related to each other .
Named the Emerald Ash Borer ( EAB ) , the killer pest is expected to destroy hundreds of millions of trees worldwide .
Picture shows a blue medallion pinned to a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Photo : NOVA SAFO/AFP/Getty ) Meanwhile , the US Department of Agriculture Forest Service , in Ohio , tested the resistance of more than 20 ash species to EAB by hatching eggs on the bark of trees , and following the fate of the beetle larvae .
Resistant ash trees killed the larvae when they burrowed into their stems , but susceptible ones did not .
The scientists discovered 53 candidate resistance genes , several of which are involved in making chemicals that are likely to be harmful to insects .
The findings @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be used to place these resistance genes into ash species currently affected by EAB .
Dr Laura Kelly , an academic visitor at Queen Mary and lead author of the study , published in the journal Nature Ecology & Evolution , said : “ Knowledge of genes involved in resistance will ... help efforts to identify trees that are able to survive the ongoing threat from EAB , and in turn , could facilitate restoration of ash woodlands in areas which have already been invaded . ''

A set of genes has been identified that could protect ash trees from a deadly beetle, which attacks by burrowing into their stems.
Named the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB), the killer pest is expected to destroy hundreds of millions of trees worldwide in the years to come without any intervention.
Researchers at Queen Mary University of London and the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, discovered genes that create chemicals likely to be harmful to the insects.
They sequenced the genomes of 22 types of ash tree and used this information to analyse how the different species are related to each other.
Help trees fight deadly beetles
Meanwhile, the US Department of Agriculture Forest Service, in Ohio, tested the resistance of more than 20 ash species to EAB by hatching eggs on the bark of trees, and following the fate of the beetle larvae.
Resistant ash trees killed the larvae when they burrowed into their stems, but susceptible ones did not.
The scientists discovered 53 candidate resistance genes, several of which are involved in making chemicals that are likely to be harmful to insects.
Read More: Volunteers in Scottish Highlands isolate in the woods to save the trees
The findings suggest that breeding or gene editing could be used to place these resistance genes into ash species currently affected by EAB.
Dr Laura Kelly, an academic visitor at Queen Mary and lead author of the study, published in the journal Nature Ecology & Evolution, said: “Knowledge of genes involved in resistance will…help efforts to identify trees that are able to survive the ongoing threat from EAB, and in turn, could facilitate restoration of ash woodlands in areas which have already been invaded.”


inews--2020-05-25--Romesh Ranganathan: 'Mentally tough' lockdown experience is helping men to open up

Romesh Ranganathan : 'Mentally tough ' lockdown experience is helping men to open up An unexpected consequence of the Covid-19 crisis could be that men become more comfortable discussing personal difficulties with each other Comedian Romesh Ranganathan has suggested the “ mentally tough ” circumstances the nation is experiencing during lockdown act as a catalyst for men who have previously shied away from talking about their feelings to open up more .
The comic , who has appeared on panel shows including Mock the Week and QI , said that during lockdown he has observed a shift in the way @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and that an unexpected consequence of the Covid-19 crisis could be that men become more comfortable discussing personal difficulties with each other .
Speaking on The Mind Shed , a new chat show broadcast on YouTube , the entertainer discussed the ups and downs of lockdown life , explaining how one day he can feel “ on top ” of the situation , yet the next day things could “ nosedive ” .
The programme , which invites guests to discuss issues that men might find particularly tough to speak openly about , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to social distancing rules .
Comedian Romesh Ranganathan has suggested the 'mentally tough ' circumstances the nation is experiencing during lockdown act as a catalyst for men to open up Commenting on the effect lockdown has had on his friendship circle , Ranganathan said : “ The nature of conversation with my friends has slightly changed because I think everybody ’ s become aware of the fact that mentally this is actually quite tough.
” He continued : “ I think that there has increasingly been a readiness to talk about if you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t quite think was there in the same way before this happened .
“ Increasingly I ’ ve seen my friends go ‘ How are you getting on ?
’ but not in a perfunctory ‘ That ’ s what you say at the beginning of a conversation ’ way - [ but ] in terms of an actual ‘ I do really want to know how you ’ re getting on ’ kind of way.
” The comedian , who is an ambassador for mental health charity Campaign Against Living Miserably ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like to see a culture in Britain where there are more opportunities for men to talk openly about any issues they are experiencing that do not fall into the existing categories that many groups centre around , such as drug dependency or gambling .

Comedian Romesh Ranganathan has suggested the “mentally tough” circumstances the nation is experiencing during lockdown act as a catalyst for men who have previously shied away from talking about their feelings to open up more.
The comic, who has appeared on panel shows including Mock the Week and QI, said that during lockdown he has observed a shift in the way he and his male friends communicate, and that an unexpected consequence of the Covid-19 crisis could be that men become more comfortable discussing personal difficulties with each other.
Men’s issues
Speaking on The Mind Shed, a new chat show broadcast on YouTube, the entertainer discussed the ups and downs of lockdown life, explaining how one day he can feel “on top” of the situation, yet the next day things could “nosedive”.
The programme, which invites guests to discuss issues that men might find particularly tough to speak openly about, was filmed in a video conference-style due to social distancing rules.
Ranganathan was joined by Tom Chapman, founder of the charity The Lions Barbers, TV presenter Anthony Crank and psychiatrist Dr Peter Aitken.
‘Readiness to talk’
Commenting on the effect lockdown has had on his friendship circle, Ranganathan said: “The nature of conversation with my friends has slightly changed because I think everybody’s become aware of the fact that mentally this is actually quite tough.”
He continued: “I think that there has increasingly been a readiness to talk about if you’re struggling that I don’t quite think was there in the same way before this happened.
“Increasingly I’ve seen my friends go ‘How are you getting on?’ but not in a perfunctory ‘That’s what you say at the beginning of a conversation’ way – [but] in terms of an actual ‘I do really want to know how you’re getting on’ kind of way.”
Spaces to speak
The comedian, who is an ambassador for mental health charity Campaign Against Living Miserably (Calm), also said he would like to see a culture in Britain where there are more opportunities for men to talk openly about any issues they are experiencing that do not fall into the existing categories that many groups centre around, such as drug dependency or gambling.
He added: “I do think men are moving in the right direction.”


inews--2020-05-25--Dominic Cummings' admission he drove 30 miles to Barnard Castle to test his eyesight provokes critic

Dominic Cummings' admission he drove 30 miles to Barnard Castle to test his eyesight provokes criticism

Dominic Cummings ' admission he drove 30 miles to Barnard Castle to test his eyesight provokes criticism He made the admission in a press conference at Downing Street 's Rose Garden Dominic Cummings made the admission about his drive to test his eyesight during his statement in Downing Street 's Rose Garden ( Photo : Getty ) Dominic Cummings ’ s statement that he drove 30 miles from Durham to Barnard Castle with his wife and child to test his eyesight has caused incredulity among many and led others to issue their own advice on driving safety .
The chairman @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , felt the need to tweet advice following Mr Cummings 's admission warning that it was `` not a wise move '' to drive if you had impaired eyesight and felt unwell .
During a press conference at Downing Street , Mr Cummings said that he had decided to return to work on 12 April which was 15 days after he developed coronavirus symptoms .
He added that his eyesight had been affected by the illness so he decided to go on on the 30-minute test drive before making the 264-mile journey back @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said : `` My wife was worried particularly as my eyesight seemed to be affected ... we agreed we should go for a short drive to see if I could drive safely .
We drove for roughly half an hour and ended up on the outskirts of Barnard Castle . ''
However , Mr Apter wrote on Twitter : `` Folks , I say this in all sincerity and as an important road safety issue .
`` If you ’ re feeling unwell and your eyesight may be impaired do not drive your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It ’ s not a wise move .
`` As a former road death investigator with Hampshire police I have investigated many serious collisions , including fatalities .
Some of these were caused by drivers with impaired vision , this is a serious issue .
Do not drive if your eyesight is impaired or you feel unwell . ''
However , Surrey Police road policing unit tweeted : `` A driver 's vision is very important .
If you have any concerns about your eyesight do n't drive , until you 've @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
A driver must be able to read a standard number plate from 20 metres . ''
Dr David Wrigley an NHS GP and vice chair of the British Medical Association tweeted : “ As a doctor I would like to advise those reading this tweet that if you have problems with your eyesight my professional advice is NOT to drive your car for half an hour to see if you can manage a longer journey… ”

Dominic Cummings’s statement that he drove 30 miles from Durham to Barnard Castle with his wife and child to test his eyesight has caused incredulity among many and led others to issue their own advice on driving safety.
The chairman of the police federation, John Apter, felt the need to tweet advice following Mr Cummings’s admission warning that it was “not a wise move” to drive if you had impaired eyesight and felt unwell.
During a press conference at Downing Street, Mr Cummings said that he had decided to return to work on 12 April which was 15 days after he developed coronavirus symptoms.
He added that his eyesight had been affected by the illness so he decided to go on on the 30-minute test drive before making the 264-mile journey back to London.
Eyesight
Folks, I say this in all sincerity and as an important road safety issue. If you’re feeling unwell and your eyesight may be impaired do not drive your vehicle to test your ability to drive. It’s not a wise move. — John Apter (@john_apter) May 25, 2020
As a former road death investigator with Hampshire police I have investigated many serious collisions, including fatalities. Some of these were caused by drivers with impaired vision, this is a serious issue. Do not drive if your eyesight is impaired or you feel unwell. — John Apter (@john_apter) May 25, 2020
In his statement he said: “My wife was worried particularly as my eyesight seemed to be affected…we agreed we should go for a short drive to see if I could drive safely. We drove for roughly half an hour and ended up on the outskirts of Barnard Castle.”
However, Mr Apter wrote on Twitter: “Folks, I say this in all sincerity and as an important road safety issue.
“If you’re feeling unwell and your eyesight may be impaired do not drive your vehicle to test your ability to drive. It’s not a wise move.
“As a former road death investigator with Hampshire police I have investigated many serious collisions, including fatalities. Some of these were caused by drivers with impaired vision, this is a serious issue. Do not drive if your eyesight is impaired or you feel unwell.”
Important
However, Surrey Police road policing unit tweeted: “A driver’s vision is very important. If you have any concerns about your eyesight don’t drive, until you’ve sought the advice of a qualified optician. A driver must be able to read a standard number plate from 20 metres.”
Dr David Wrigley an NHS GP and vice chair of the British Medical Association tweeted: “As a doctor I would like to advise those reading this tweet that if you have problems with your eyesight my professional advice is NOT to drive your car for half an hour to see if you can manage a longer journey…”


inews--2020-05-25--Dominic Cummings: Ed Davey says 'refusal to have the decency to apologise is an insult to us all'

Dominic Cummings : Ed Davey says 'refusal to have the decency to apologise is an insult to us all' Opposition parties pour scorn on statement given by the PM 's adviser 'Dominic Cummings has shown that these sacrifices by millions of people don ’ t matter to him ' , says Ed Davey ( Photo : Leon Neal/Getty ) Dominic Cummings ’ s explanation for bending lockdown rules by driving his family to Durham has been met with derision by opposition parties .
A spokesman for the Labour Party said : “ The British people were looking for at least @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the lockdown .
They got none .
“ Millions of people have made extraordinary sacrifices during the lockdown .
Families have been forced apart , sometimes in the most tragic of circumstances .
They stayed at home to protect the NHS and save lives .
“ And yet , the message from this Government is clear : it ’ s one rule for Boris Johnson ’ s closest adviser , another for everybody else.
” Boris Johnson ’ s controversial chief adviser Dominic Cummings was unrepentant about appearing to breach lockdown rules ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Leader of the Liberal Democrats Ed Davey said : “ Countless people have lost loved ones and made enormous , heartbreaking sacrifices every single day since lockdown began .
“ Dominic Cummings has shown that these sacrifices by millions of people don ’ t matter to him .
His refusal to have the decency to apologise is an insult to us all .
It reveals the worst of his elitist arrogance .
“ The bond of trust between the Government and the people has well and truly been broken .
The buck stops @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to act , he risks his Government ’ s ability to tackle this awful pandemic and keep people safe .
“ The Prime Minister must come clean about what he knows and terminate Dominic Cummings ’ contract .
It is now clearer than ever that , once we are through this crisis , there must also be an independent inquiry to review the Government ’ s actions.
” The Scottish National Party ’ s Westminster leader Ian Blackford tweeted : “ After that car-crash press conference BorisJohnson has no option but to sack @ @ @ @ @ @ @ beyond doubt that Dominic Cummings broke multiple lockdown rules , possibly on multiple occasions.
” But Health Secretary Matt Hancock tweeted : “ Dom Cummings was right today to set out in full detail how he made his decisions in very difficult circumstances .
Now we must move on , fight this dreadful disease and get our country back on her feet .
”

Dominic Cummings’s explanation for bending lockdown rules by driving his family to Durham has been met with derision by opposition parties.
A spokesman for the Labour Party said: “The British people were looking for at least an apology from Dominic Cummings for breaking the lockdown. They got none.
“Millions of people have made extraordinary sacrifices during the lockdown. Families have been forced apart, sometimes in the most tragic of circumstances. They stayed at home to protect the NHS and save lives.
“And yet, the message from this Government is clear: it’s one rule for Boris Johnson’s closest adviser, another for everybody else.”
‘Heartbreaking sacrifices’
Acting Leader of the Liberal Democrats Ed Davey said: “Countless people have lost loved ones and made enormous, heartbreaking sacrifices every single day since lockdown began.
“Dominic Cummings has shown that these sacrifices by millions of people don’t matter to him. His refusal to have the decency to apologise is an insult to us all. It reveals the worst of his elitist arrogance.
“The bond of trust between the Government and the people has well and truly been broken. The buck stops with the Prime Minister. By failing to act, he risks his Government’s ability to tackle this awful pandemic and keep people safe.
“The Prime Minister must come clean about what he knows and terminate Dominic Cummings’ contract. It is now clearer than ever that, once we are through this crisis, there must also be an independent inquiry to review the Government’s actions.”
After that car-crash press conference @BorisJohnson has no option but to sack his chief adviser. It is now beyond doubt that Dominic Cummings broke multiple lockdown rules, possibly on multiple occasions. — Ian Blackford 🇺🇦🏴 (@Ianblackford_MP) May 25, 2020
The Scottish National Party’s Westminster leader Ian Blackford tweeted: “After that car-crash press conference BorisJohnson has no option but to sack his chief adviser. It is now beyond doubt that Dominic Cummings broke multiple lockdown rules, possibly on multiple occasions.”
But Health Secretary Matt Hancock tweeted: “Dom Cummings was right today to set out in full detail how he made his decisions in very difficult circumstances. Now we must move on, fight this dreadful disease and get our country back on her feet.”


inews--2020-05-25--Dominic Cummings' continued presence in government undermines UK’s coronavirus strategy

The eyesight stuff was so ludicrous that the controversy is guaranteed to continue Politicians are human , flawed and worry about things like work pressure , home security and their family ’ s health .
The video of Boris Johnson ’ s chief adviser being harangued by neighbours was grim .
The angst about who might look after his son sounded genuine .
Not many people would want to swap places with him .
Yet this is still not the Salem witch trials , nor is any of it the fault of the media , or of people angered by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to sympathise with Mr Cummings ’ s circumstances and the difficult decisions he faced while also acknowledging that during a pandemic they are unexceptional .
In fact , many people have faced much worse situations than he has .
In lockdown , the public was definitely not told to exercise personal “ judgement ” on which rules they should abide by , but to “ stay home , protect the NHS , save lives ” .
Dominic Cummings gives his press conference at Downing Street ( Photo : Sky News ) You are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Covid-19 around the country .
You are not allowed to go straight back to work if someone else in your household has suspected Covid-19 – you are supposed to self-isolate .
Early in the lockdown , you were not allowed to drive 40 minutes to a beauty spot with your family to check that your eyes were working .
He did not look for childcare arrangements in London before making the four-hour drive to Durham .
He did not check with the PM or seek medical advice before making the journey .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Little wonder that Cabinet ministers are so concerned .
Perhaps the most extraordinary aspect of the press conference was that Mr Cummings and the PM believed it might lay the matter to rest .
One aim will have been to bore us into indifference : some people will certainly feel it is time to move on and focus on tackling the pandemic .
The announced reopening of shops in June is certainly consequential .
The eyesight stuff was so ludicrous , however , that the controversy is guaranteed to continue .
Mr Cummings @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the expense of damaging trust in government health advice during a pandemic , prolonging distraction for ministers and public officials whose attention needs to be elsewhere – on preventing a second wave of infections , on readying the NHS and care homes , on reigniting the economy .
In the UK , at least 55,000 people have already lost their lives in “ excess deaths ” .
Political advisers are human shields for their masters : you are expected to sacrifice yourself to protect them if necessary .
With Mr Johnson and Mr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the PM gambling government credibility to save his aide .
When an adviser feels compelled to host their own press conference , they have already lost control of the situation .
Because of the damage Mr Cummings has done to public health messaging , his continued presence in government undermines the UK ’ s strategy for fighting Covid-19 .
For this reason if no other he is expendable and should have had the grace and self-awareness to apologise and step aside .

Driving to Barnard Castle to test your eyesight is the Woking Pizza Express of alibis.
During the extraordinary press conference, the only apology from Dominic Cummings was for starting late.
Politicians are human, flawed and worry about things like work pressure, home security and their family’s health. The video of Boris Johnson’s chief adviser being harangued by neighbours was grim. The angst about who might look after his son sounded genuine. Not many people would want to swap places with him. Yet this is still not the Salem witch trials, nor is any of it the fault of the media, or of people angered by double standards.
So it is possible to sympathise with Mr Cummings’s circumstances and the difficult decisions he faced while also acknowledging that during a pandemic they are unexceptional. In fact, many people have faced much worse situations than he has. In lockdown, the public was definitely not told to exercise personal “judgement” on which rules they should abide by, but to “stay home, protect the NHS, save lives”.
Mr Cummings’s story has holes big enough to drive his Land Rover Discovery through, assuming your eyesight is OK.
You are not allowed to drive someone with suspected Covid-19 around the country. You are not allowed to go straight back to work if someone else in your household has suspected Covid-19 – you are supposed to self-isolate. Early in the lockdown, you were not allowed to drive 40 minutes to a beauty spot with your family to check that your eyes were working. He did not look for childcare arrangements in London before making the four-hour drive to Durham. He did not check with the PM or seek medical advice before making the journey. The dismay and anger transcends political tribes. Little wonder that Cabinet ministers are so concerned.
Perhaps the most extraordinary aspect of the press conference was that Mr Cummings and the PM believed it might lay the matter to rest. One aim will have been to bore us into indifference: some people will certainly feel it is time to move on and focus on tackling the pandemic. The announced reopening of shops in June is certainly consequential.
The eyesight stuff was so ludicrous, however, that the controversy is guaranteed to continue. Mr Cummings has bought himself more time but at the expense of damaging trust in government health advice during a pandemic, prolonging distraction for ministers and public officials whose attention needs to be elsewhere – on preventing a second wave of infections, on readying the NHS and care homes, on reigniting the economy. In the UK, at least 55,000 people have already lost their lives in “excess deaths”.
Political advisers are human shields for their masters: you are expected to sacrifice yourself to protect them if necessary. With Mr Johnson and Mr Cummings, the role is reversed – the PM gambling government credibility to save his aide. When an adviser feels compelled to host their own press conference, they have already lost control of the situation.
Because of the damage Mr Cummings has done to public health messaging, his continued presence in government undermines the UK’s strategy for fighting Covid-19. For this reason if no other he is expendable and should have had the grace and self-awareness to apologise and step aside.
Twitter: @olyduff


inews--2020-05-25--Boris Johnson regrets public’s ‘anger, confusion and pain’ over Dominic Cummings lockdown row

The Prime Minister said he had been satisfied by his chief adviser ’ s explanation Boris Johnson said he had spoken to Mr Cummings at great length about the controversy and concluded he acted reasonably ( Photo : TOLGA AKMEN/AFP/Getty ) But he said he had spoken to Mr Cummings at great length about the controversy and concluded he acted reasonably , legally and motivated by care for his family .
In the daily Downing Street press conference , Mr Johnson told journalists : “ Do I regret what has happened ?
Yes , of course I do regret the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that people feel.
” He added : “ This is a country that has been going through the most tremendous difficulties and suffering in the course of the last 10 weeks and that ’ s why I really did want people to understand exactly what had happened.
” 'The best for his family' Mr Johnson said people would 'make up their own minds ' about the actions of Mr Cummings ( Photo : ANDREW PARSONS/10 Downing Street/AFP/Getty ) The Prime Minister said he had been satisfied by his chief adviser ’ s explanation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ across as somebody who cared very much about his family and who is doing the best for his family ” .
Mr Johnson said : “ As he said himself , reasonable people may disagree about some of the decisions he took .
“ But I don ’ t think reasonable people can disagree about what was going through his head and the motivations for those decisions .
“ My conclusion is that I think he acted reasonably , legally , and – as I said yesterday – with integrity and care for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Prime Minister said he could not give “ unconditional ” support to anyone in his team , he said : “ I don ’ t believe anybody in No 10 has done anything to undermine our messaging.
” Although he gave his adviser strong support , Mr Johnson said people would `` make up their own minds '' about the actions of Mr Cummings .

Boris Johnson said he regretted the “confusion, anger and pain” felt by the public following the disclosures about the behaviour of Dominic Cummings during the coronavirus lockdown.
But he said he had spoken to Mr Cummings at great length about the controversy and concluded he acted reasonably, legally and motivated by care for his family.
In the daily Downing Street press conference, Mr Johnson told journalists: “Do I regret what has happened? Yes, of course I do regret the confusion and the anger and the pain that people feel.”
He added: “This is a country that has been going through the most tremendous difficulties and suffering in the course of the last 10 weeks and that’s why I really did want people to understand exactly what had happened.”
‘The best for his family’
The Prime Minister said he had been satisfied by his chief adviser’s explanation, adding that Mr Cummings “came across as somebody who cared very much about his family and who is doing the best for his family”.
Mr Johnson said: “As he said himself, reasonable people may disagree about some of the decisions he took.
“But I don’t think reasonable people can disagree about what was going through his head and the motivations for those decisions.
“My conclusion is that I think he acted reasonably, legally, and – as I said yesterday – with integrity and care for his family and for others.”
Although the Prime Minister said he could not give “unconditional” support to anyone in his team, he said: “I don’t believe anybody in No 10 has done anything to undermine our messaging.”
Although he gave his adviser strong support, Mr Johnson said people would “make up their own minds” about the actions of Mr Cummings.


inews--2020-05-25--Grow Your Own at Home with Alan Titchmarsh, ITV, review: I might actually try my hand at gardening

Grow Your Own at Home with Alan Titchmarsh , ITV , review : I might actually try my hand at gardening Unlike most lockdown programming , this was comforting rather than crisis-centric Grow Your Own at Home with Alan Titchmarsh , 8:30pm , ITV ★★★★ Most factual TV rushed out during lockdown has had an unshakeable air of crisis about it : NHS documentaries ; dispatches from Wuhan ; even Gregg Wallace ’ s latest series of Inside the Factory , where this week he heard from those trying to keep up with our toilet roll demand .
But this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new ITV series Grow Your Own at Home had a calm , comforting feel to it , despite that its presenters were all stuck in their houses , chatting to each other via video call and asking long-suffering partners to film their respective segments .
Titchmarsh and guest presenters David Domoney , Katie Rushworth and Frances Tophill , the team from Love Your Garden , are giving tips every night this week on gardening during lockdown .
Avid gardeners will know that while gardening centres are now reopening , they were shut during @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so advice includes what best to plant now to make the most of the year , and where to source materials if shops are running low .
The team build planters and window boxes themselves from stray bits of wood , and offer advice for big gardens , tiny ones , and herbs you can grow indoors if you don ’ t have either .
Titchmarsh has always had a calming on-screen presence , but there was something particularly enjoyable about seeing him standing in his garden , filmed by his wife , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ audience : “ Mrs T is about to sneeze.
” There ’ s a sense that all the presenters have mucked in , keen to give audiences something practical and positive to do during these long months .
I ’ m no gardener , but I found myself considering trying my hand for the first time – after all , it looks a lot easier than sourdough .

Grow Your Own at Home with Alan Titchmarsh, 8:30pm, ITV ★★★★
Most factual TV rushed out during lockdown has had an unshakeable air of crisis about it: NHS documentaries; dispatches from Wuhan; even Gregg Wallace’s latest series of Inside the Factory, where this week he heard from those trying to keep up with our toilet roll demand.
But this first episode of Alan Titchmarsh’s new ITV series Grow Your Own at Home had a calm, comforting feel to it, despite that its presenters were all stuck in their houses, chatting to each other via video call and asking long-suffering partners to film their respective segments.
Titchmarsh and guest presenters David Domoney, Katie Rushworth and Frances Tophill, the team from Love Your Garden, are giving tips every night this week on gardening during lockdown. Avid gardeners will know that while gardening centres are now reopening, they were shut during part of the key planting season, so advice includes what best to plant now to make the most of the year, and where to source materials if shops are running low. The team build planters and window boxes themselves from stray bits of wood, and offer advice for big gardens, tiny ones, and herbs you can grow indoors if you don’t have either.
Titchmarsh has always had a calming on-screen presence, but there was something particularly enjoyable about seeing him standing in his garden, filmed by his wife, shouting instructions and pausing, telling the audience: “Mrs T is about to sneeze.” There’s a sense that all the presenters have mucked in, keen to give audiences something practical and positive to do during these long months. I’m no gardener, but I found myself considering trying my hand for the first time – after all, it looks a lot easier than sourdough.
Twitter: @bspeed8


inews--2020-05-25--New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern stands firm while earthquake hits during live interview

New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern stands firm while earthquake hits during live interview The 39-year-old leader interrupted the live interview to explain why some objects in the room might be moving behind her at the parliament complex in the capital , Wellington .
`` We 're just having a bit of an earthquake here Ryan , quite a decent shake here , '' she said , looking up and around the room , '' she told Newshub host Ryan Bridge .
`` But , um , if you see things moving behind me . ''
Her stoic response to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ around the world , with Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison sending his best wishes after the shake .
New Zealand sits on the Pacific Ring of Fire and is sometimes called the Shaky Isles for its frequent quakes .
Monday 's magnitude 5.6 quake struck in the ocean about 62 miles northeast of Wellington , according to the US Geological Survey .
The quake hit just before 8am and was felt by thousands of New Zealanders who were getting ready to start their work weeks .
It was strong enough to rattle food @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but there were no reports of major damage or injuries .
Ms Ardern continued on with her interview , telling the host the shaking had stopped after a short period .
`` We 're fine Ryan , '' she said .
`` I 'm not under any hanging lights , I look like I 'm in a structurally sound place . ''
Ms Ardern is currently experiencing the highest approval ratings of any New Zealand leader after her handling of the coronavirus pandemic .
The country managed to largely eliminate the virus and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rushing to attend hairdressers and socially distances restaurants in the past week .

New Zealand’s Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern barely skipped a beat when an earthquake struck midway through a live television interview on Monday morning.
The 39-year-old leader interrupted the live interview to explain why some objects in the room might be moving behind her at the parliament complex in the capital, Wellington.
“We’re just having a bit of an earthquake here Ryan, quite a decent shake here,” she said, looking up and around the room,” she told Newshub host Ryan Bridge. “But, um, if you see things moving behind me.”
Her stoic response to the Earth moving has won praise from many around the world, with Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison sending his best wishes after the shake.
High risk of earthquakes
New Zealand sits on the Pacific Ring of Fire and is sometimes called the Shaky Isles for its frequent quakes.
Monday’s magnitude 5.6 quake struck in the ocean about 62 miles northeast of Wellington, according to the US Geological Survey.
The quake hit just before 8am and was felt by thousands of New Zealanders who were getting ready to start their work weeks.
It was strong enough to rattle food from shelves and stop train services, but there were no reports of major damage or injuries.
Everything is ‘fine’
Ms Ardern continued on with her interview, telling the host the shaking had stopped after a short period.
“We’re fine Ryan,” she said. “I’m not under any hanging lights, I look like I’m in a structurally sound place.”
Ms Ardern is currently experiencing the highest approval ratings of any New Zealand leader after her handling of the coronavirus pandemic.
The country managed to largely eliminate the virus and has reopened most businesses, with Kiwis rushing to attend hairdressers and socially distances restaurants in the past week.


inews--2020-05-25--Dominic Cummings: Boris Johnson's adviser said he has 'no regrets' and will not resign over lockdown

Dominic Cummings: Boris Johnson's adviser said he has 'no regrets' and will not resign over lockdown breaches

Dominic Cummings : Boris Johnson 's adviser said he has 'no regrets ' and will not resign over lockdown breaches PM 's chief adviser says they drove 40 minutes to Barnard Castle beauty spot on Easter Sunday to check his eyesight was working again In an extraordinary and at times erratic performance at a press conference in the Downing Street Rose Garden , Mr Cummings admitted driving his wife and four-year-old son more than 260 miles to be near his extended family in County Durham at the end of March out of fear of both succumbing to Covid-19 and being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Prime Minister , forced to answer questions about Mr Cummings ’ conduct at the daily Downing Street press conference afterwards , said he regretted the “ confusion , and the pain and the anger ” that the public would feel and that he could not give his “ unconditional backing to anybody ” - but he still insisted his aide had acted “ legally and reasonably ” .
At his own press conference , Mr Johnson said he did not believe anyone in No 10 had done anything to undermine the key @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first phase of the lockdown was “ stay at home , protect the NHS , save lives ” .
Dominic Cummings drove the family for 'roughly half an hour ' and ended up on the outskirts of Barnard Castle town ( Photo : OLI SCARFF/AFP/Getty ) The adviser insisted that this trip , 15 days after he had developed symptoms of coronavirus , was because he had wanted to return to London to get back to work and needed to test his eyesight which had suffered when he had been ill .
Yet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to leave London to stay at a home on his parents ’ farm in case his teenage nieces could care for his young son , both are in breach of the lockdown guidelines imposed by the government on 23 March .
Mr Cummings insisted his decision to leave London on Friday 27 March with his wife , Mary Wakefield and their four-year-old was because she had developed symptoms and they were concerned that they could not look after the child .
He was also concerned about “ threats of violence ” around his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Dominic Cummings and his wife Mary Wakefield leaving his home on Saturday ( Photo : Hollie Adams/Getty ) Mr Cummings said that he had interpreted the government guidelines that in extreme circumstances parents with young children could seek help from extended family .
The guidance says : “ If you have children , keep following this advice to the best of your ability , however , we are aware that not all these measures will be possible.
” There is nothing that explicitly states parents can leave home and travel long distances @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a paragraph states that people with Covid-19 must not travel in order to self-isolate .
Mr Cummings was forced to make a statement after the Prime Minister faced a growing revolt from 20 Conservative MPs calling on the adviser to resign , members of the government ’ s scientific advisory group warning it undermined core public health messaging and a string of bishops who accused the aide of practising one rule for himself while overseeing stricter rules for the rest of the country .

Boris Johnson’s controversial chief adviser Dominic Cummings was unrepentant about appearing to breach lockdown rules, insisting he had “no regrets” about his actions, had not considered resigning and would not apologise.
In an extraordinary and at times erratic performance at a press conference in the Downing Street Rose Garden, Mr Cummings admitted driving his wife and four-year-old son more than 260 miles to be near his extended family in County Durham at the end of March out of fear of both succumbing to Covid-19 and being unable to care for the child.
The Prime Minister, forced to answer questions about Mr Cummings’ conduct at the daily Downing Street press conference afterwards, said he regretted the “confusion, and the pain and the anger” that the public would feel and that he could not give his “unconditional backing to anybody” – but he still insisted his aide had acted “legally and reasonably”.
At his own press conference, Mr Johnson said he did not believe anyone in No 10 had done anything to undermine the key public health message, which for the first phase of the lockdown was “stay at home, protect the NHS, save lives”.
Barnard Castle trip
Mr Cummings confirmed for the first time that the family of three had visited Barnard Castle, 30 miles from his parents’ home, on Easter Sunday, 12 April, in apparent breach of lockdown rules.
The adviser insisted that this trip, 15 days after he had developed symptoms of coronavirus, was because he had wanted to return to London to get back to work and needed to test his eyesight which had suffered when he had been ill.
He said the family had taken a short walk between 10 and 15 metres from their parked car and spent a short time sitting on a riverbank before returning to the car before returning to London.
Yet this trip, along with his decision to leave London to stay at a home on his parents’ farm in case his teenage nieces could care for his young son, both are in breach of the lockdown guidelines imposed by the government on 23 March.
Mr Cummings insisted his decision to leave London on Friday 27 March with his wife, Mary Wakefield and their four-year-old was because she had developed symptoms and they were concerned that they could not look after the child. He was also concerned about “threats of violence” around his home.
Apparent breach of the rules
But before they left London, Mr Cummings admitted he had briefly returned to Downing Street after his wife had been vomiting and feeling unwell – in another apparent breach of the rules.
Mr Cummings said that he had interpreted the government guidelines that in extreme circumstances parents with young children could seek help from extended family. The guidance says: “If you have children, keep following this advice to the best of your ability, however, we are aware that not all these measures will be possible.” There is nothing that explicitly states parents can leave home and travel long distances to seek childcare – in fact, a paragraph states that people with Covid-19 must not travel in order to self-isolate.
Mr Cummings was forced to make a statement after the Prime Minister faced a growing revolt from 20 Conservative MPs calling on the adviser to resign, members of the government’s scientific advisory group warning it undermined core public health messaging and a string of bishops who accused the aide of practising one rule for himself while overseeing stricter rules for the rest of the country.
Mr Cummings said: “I don’t regret what I did. I think what I did was actually reasonable in these circumstances. The rules made clear that if you are dealing with small children that can be exceptional circumstances.”
The breaches
During his press conference Mr Cummings made a number of claims which led to speculation he had breached a number of lockdown rules, writes Paul Gallagher.