channel4uk--2020-10-01--FactCheck: very few people are fined for not wearing masks

Both Stanley Johnson and the former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn were caught out breaking Covid-19 rules this week .
Mr Johnson was photographed shopping in a newsagents without a face mask , and a picture emerged of Mr Corbyn having dinner with more than six guests .
Both men – who have issued apologies – could face fines of up to £200 under recent changes to the law .
Labour shadow health minister Rosena Allin-Khan said that she believed Mr Corbyn should be fined for his breach .
Confusingly , she also said in an interview with GMB this morning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
But we haven ’ t been able to clear this up with Labour .
Ms Allin-Khan said : “ Everybody should be fined that breaks the rules.
” But that isn ’ t how police forces in England and Wales are approaching Covid-19 restrictions .
Boris Johnson ’ s spokesman said today : “ The prime minister is clear that the rules apply to everyone and everyone should follow them.
” But there have been no reports of his father paying a fine for not wearing a mask , leading some commentators @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Prime Minister ’ s father getting off lightly , where most people would have to stump up £200 ?
In fact the latest figures suggest police are generally slow to issue fines to anyone for not wearing a face covering .
Stats published by the National Police Chiefs ’ Council ( NPCC ) show that just 89 fines were issued for breaches of the face coverings regulations across the whole of England and Wales from June 15 to 21 September .
Of these , 61 related to offences on public transport and only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like shops .
This isn ’ t entirely surprising , since most cases of people refusing or forgetting to wear masks won ’ t be dealt with by police , and officers only issue fines as a last resort .
The NPCC said police wouldn ’ t be called “ in the vast majority of cases ” , adding : “ Prior to police involvement , transport staff will use their discretion and may even prevent passengers in breach from travelling , with many individuals simply ending their journey or proceeding to wear @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ These are matters which will be resolved by staff in the first instance within retail settings , and businesses , local authorities and licensing authorities will have responsibility for ensuring premises are compliant and Covid-safe.
” What about Mr Corbyn ’ s breach of the rule that people should meet in groups of six or less when seeing friends or family they don ’ t live with .
Again , the total numbers of fines issued here is low – only 15 so far across England .
But that ’ s in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ effective from September 14 and we only have data up to September 21 .
So the figures are limited and could undercount the real number because of lags in data processing .
As with face masks , the police have said that they will only fine people for these kinds of breaches if all else fails .
The NPCC says : “ Fines are issued as a last resort after initial attempts to engage with the public to explain and encourage compliance with the new regulations have not been successful.
” It ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vast majority of fixed penalty notices were handed out to people who broke the rules on restricted movement in force during the emergency period of the pandemic in April and May .
As lockdown measures were eased later , the number of fines fell steeply : Of all fines issued between March 27 and August 17 , only around 1 per cent related to illegal gatherings and socialising .
Will police seek to prosecute people whenever evidence emerges of them breaking the rules , like the photographs of Stanley Johnson and Jeremy Corbyn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A spokesman told us : “ As a matter of course the MPS is not investigating Covid-related issues retrospectively .
“ Where we become aware of a breach occurring , officers will seek to engage , explain and encourage people to follow the rules , only enforcing as a last resort .
“ Where alleged breaches are brought to our attention after the event , officers will not have not had the opportunity to engage , explain or encourage , and those involved will not have not had the opportunity to respond positively @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do .
“ Therefore , it would not be appropriate or an effective use of resources in most circumstances to investigate or pursue enforcement .
We encourage everyone to make themselves aware of , and to follow , the rules.
” Both Jeremy Corbyn and Stanley Johnson have admitted they broke Covid-19 regulations and apologised .
Some have called for the police to take action against them .
While police do have powers to fine people who don ’ t wear masks in shops and who break the “ rule of six ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said they will only do so as a “ last resort ” and the numbers of people being issued with fixed penalties is very low .
And the Metropolitan Police has told FactCheck its officers will not generally pursue people retrospectively – famous or otherwise – if photographs emerge of them breaking the rules .

Both Stanley Johnson and the former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn were caught out breaking Covid-19 rules this week.
Mr Johnson was photographed shopping in a newsagents without a face mask, and a picture emerged of Mr Corbyn having dinner with more than six guests.
Both men – who have issued apologies – could face fines of up to £200 under recent changes to the law.
Labour shadow health minister Rosena Allin-Khan said that she believed Mr Corbyn should be fined for his breach. Confusingly, she also said in an interview with GMB this morning that he had “been fined”. But we haven’t been able to clear this up with Labour.
Ms Allin-Khan said: “Everybody should be fined that breaks the rules.” But that isn’t how police forces in England and Wales are approaching Covid-19 restrictions.
Face coverings
Boris Johnson’s spokesman said today: “The prime minister is clear that the rules apply to everyone and everyone should follow them.”
But there have been no reports of his father paying a fine for not wearing a mask, leading some commentators to complain of unfairness.
Is the Prime Minister’s father getting off lightly, where most people would have to stump up £200?
In fact the latest figures suggest police are generally slow to issue fines to anyone for not wearing a face covering.
Stats published by the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) show that just 89 fines were issued for breaches of the face coverings regulations across the whole of England and Wales from June 15 to 21 September.
Of these, 61 related to offences on public transport and only 28 breaches happened in other public settings like shops.
This isn’t entirely surprising, since most cases of people refusing or forgetting to wear masks won’t be dealt with by police, and officers only issue fines as a last resort.
The NPCC said police wouldn’t be called “in the vast majority of cases”, adding: “Prior to police involvement, transport staff will use their discretion and may even prevent passengers in breach from travelling, with many individuals simply ending their journey or proceeding to wear a face covering at that point.
“These are matters which will be resolved by staff in the first instance within retail settings, and businesses, local authorities and licensing authorities will have responsibility for ensuring premises are compliant and Covid-safe.”
Rule of Six
What about Mr Corbyn’s breach of the rule that people should meet in groups of six or less when seeing friends or family they don’t live with.
Again, the total numbers of fines issued here is low – only 15 so far across England. But that’s in one week: the rule only became effective from September 14 and we only have data up to September 21.
So the figures are limited and could undercount the real number because of lags in data processing.
As with face masks, the police have said that they will only fine people for these kinds of breaches if all else fails.
The NPCC says: “Fines are issued as a last resort after initial attempts to engage with the public to explain and encourage compliance with the new regulations have not been successful.”
It’s clear from the data that the vast majority of fixed penalty notices were handed out to people who broke the rules on restricted movement in force during the emergency period of the pandemic in April and May.
As lockdown measures were eased later, the number of fines fell steeply:
Of all fines issued between March 27 and August 17, only around 1 per cent related to illegal gatherings and socialising.
Retrospective prosecution
Will police seek to prosecute people whenever evidence emerges of them breaking the rules, like the photographs of Stanley Johnson and Jeremy Corbyn? The Met Police say not.
A spokesman told us: “As a matter of course the MPS is not investigating Covid-related issues retrospectively.
“Where we become aware of a breach occurring, officers will seek to engage, explain and encourage people to follow the rules, only enforcing as a last resort.
“Where alleged breaches are brought to our attention after the event, officers will not have not had the opportunity to engage, explain or encourage, and those involved will not have not had the opportunity to respond positively to that process – as most people do.
“Therefore, it would not be appropriate or an effective use of resources in most circumstances to investigate or pursue enforcement. We encourage everyone to make themselves aware of, and to follow, the rules.”
FactCheck verdict
Both Jeremy Corbyn and Stanley Johnson have admitted they broke Covid-19 regulations and apologised.
Some have called for the police to take action against them.
While police do have powers to fine people who don’t wear masks in shops and who break the “rule of six”, forces in England and Wales have said they will only do so as a “last resort” and the numbers of people being issued with fixed penalties is very low.
And the Metropolitan Police has told FactCheck its officers will not generally pursue people retrospectively – famous or otherwise – if photographs emerge of them breaking the rules.


channel4uk--2020-10-02--‘I am not going to get into an argument about what the President regrets or doesn’t regret’ – Dr Chr

‘I am not going to get into an argument about what the President regrets or doesn’t regret’ – Dr Christopher Metzler

President Trump and his wife are quarantining in the White House after testing positive for coronavirus .
We are joined @ @ @ @ @ Metzler , a republican who was active in Mr Trump ’ s campaign for the @ @ @ @ @

President Trump and his wife are quarantining in the White House after testing positive for coronavirus.
We are joined from Florida by Dr Christopher Metzler, a republican who was active in Mr Trump’s campaign for the White House in 2016.


channel4uk--2020-10-02--Environmentalists condemn moorland burning on grouse shooting estates

Landowners are still being allowed to burn moorland on grouse shooting estates in the UK , despite a Government pledge @ @ @ @ @ The practice is designed to encourage the growth of new heather shoots , creating more @ @ @ @ @ But environmentalists say it damages the peat underneath , risking the release of harmful greenhouse @ @ @ @ @ that the Government is delaying any action to ban it because of their support for @ @ @ @ @

Landowners are still being allowed to burn moorland on grouse shooting estates in the UK, despite a Government pledge to phase it out.
The practice is designed to encourage the growth of new heather shoots, creating more attractive habitat for grouse.
But environmentalists say it damages the peat underneath, risking the release of harmful greenhouse gases.
And they allege that the Government is delaying any action to ban it because of their support for the grouse shooting industry.


channel4uk--2020-10-02--US football team walks off pitch and forfeits match after alleged homophobic abuse

The entire US football team San Diego Loyal has walked off the pitch for the second time in a week @ @ @ @ @ aimed at one of their players .
Collin Martin , who ’ s openly gay @ @ @ @ @ s actions “ truly moving ” – and a statement that they would not stand @ @ @ @ @ .
Minnie Stephenson reports on one team ’ s determination to take a stand against @ @ @ @ @ means forfeiting vital matches .

The entire US football team San Diego Loyal has walked off the pitch for the second time in a week after alleged homophobic abuse was aimed at one of their players.
Collin Martin, who’s openly gay, called his team’s actions “truly moving” – and a statement that they would not stand for hate in their game.
Minnie Stephenson reports on one team’s determination to take a stand against prejudice, even if it means forfeiting vital matches.


channel4uk--2020-10-02--Sturgeon calls on SNP MP to resign for flouting Covid rules

Despite a furious response from colleagues and a request from Scotland ’ s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon to resign , @ @ @ @ @ evening remains in her post .
She hasn ’ t made any further comment since @ @ @ @ @ to and from parliament while infected with coronavirus .
A police investigation into the incident @ @ @ @

Despite a furious response from colleagues and a request from Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon to resign, the MP Margaret Ferrier this evening remains in her post.
She hasn’t made any further comment since she apologised yesterday for travelling to and from parliament while infected with coronavirus. A police investigation into the incident is now underway.
Here’s our political correspondent Liz Bates.


channel4uk--2020-10-02--Rapid Coronavirus test being developed in South Wales

The R number , which shows the rate at which coronavirus is spreading in the UK , is continuing to @ @ @ @ @ s now between 1.3 and 1.6 – meaning the epidemic is still “ growing exponentially @ @ @ @ @ Some 770 students have tested positive at Northumbria University , while there ’ s also @ @ @ @ @ daily infections in Northern Ireland with a further 934 cases , more than twice the @ @ @ @ @ the last 24 hours – a further 6,968 people in the UK tested positive for @ @ @ @ @ on the day before .
Sixty-six more coronavirus deaths were reported , taking the total @ @ @ @ @ glimmer of positive news , in Wales a new rapid Covid test has moved into @ @ @ @ @ , raising hopes that it could be in use by January .

The R number, which shows the rate at which coronavirus is spreading in the UK, is continuing to creep up. It’s now between 1.3 and 1.6 – meaning the epidemic is still “growing exponentially” across the country.
Some 770 students have tested positive at Northumbria University, while there’s also been a steep rise in daily infections in Northern Ireland with a further 934 cases, more than twice the previous daily high.
In the last 24 hours – a further 6,968 people in the UK tested positive for coronavirus, a slight increase on the day before.
Sixty-six more coronavirus deaths were reported, taking the total to 42,268. In a glimmer of positive news, in Wales a new rapid Covid test has moved into the final stages of evaluation, raising hopes that it could be in use by January.
Our home affairs correspondent Andy Davies reports.


channel4uk--2020-10-02--What life is like for asylum seekers in the UK

While the Government has been considering much tougher action against people trying to reach the UK in small boats – @ @ @ @ @ trying to settle here – what about those who ’ ve already made the journey @ @ @ @ @ reporter Jamal Osman has been to hear what life is like for some of the @ @ @ @ @ make a new start in the UK .

While the Government has been considering much tougher action against people trying to reach the UK in small boats – after promising to stop them trying to settle here – what about those who’ve already made the journey to British shores?
Our reporter Jamal Osman has been to hear what life is like for some of the people who are hoping to make a new start in the UK.


channel4uk--2020-10-02--Deportation flight that carried one man ‘wasn’t’ good use of public money – former civil servant Dav

Deportation flight that carried one man ‘wasn’t’ good use of public money – former civil servant David Wood

Earlier we spoke to David Wood , who was Director General of Immigration Enforcement at the Home Office under Theresa @ @ @ @ @ he thought this was a good use of public money .

Earlier we spoke to David Wood, who was Director General of Immigration Enforcement at the Home Office under Theresa May, and asked whether he thought this was a good use of public money.


channel4uk--2020-10-02--UK government charters private jet that deports one person

A jumbo jet , a fleet of buses and dozens of staff – all to deport one person , with @ @ @ @ @ the UK , back to France .
This programme has discovered that a deportation flight @ @ @ @ @ yesterday was carrying just one Sudanese man , who was taken to France under an @ @ @ @ @ are sent back to the first safe European country they registered in .
The Home @ @ @ @ @ due to be deported , but were allowed to stay after last minute legal challenges @ @ @ @ @ has more .

A jumbo jet, a fleet of buses and dozens of staff – all to deport one person, with no right to remain in the UK, back to France.
This programme has discovered that a deportation flight chartered by the Home Office yesterday was carrying just one Sudanese man, who was taken to France under an international agreement which means migrants are sent back to the first safe European country they registered in.
The Home Office says more people were due to be deported, but were allowed to stay after last minute legal challenges. Paraic O’Brien has more.


channel4uk--2020-10-02--‘The President has fallen victim to his own behaviour’ – Tara Setmayer

We spoke to the political strategist Tara Setmayer , a former republican communications advisor who now works with the Lincoln @ @ @ @ @ which is backing Joe Biden ’ s presidential bid .

We spoke to the political strategist Tara Setmayer, a former republican communications advisor who now works with the Lincoln Project – a conservative organisation which is backing Joe Biden’s presidential bid.


channel4uk--2020-10-02--How Trump’s Covid diagnosis is going down in his political heartlands

How is this all going down in President Trump ’ s political heartlands – tonight he was supposed to be @ @ @ @ @ Florida – our international editor Lindsey Hilsum is at The Villages .

How is this all going down in President Trump’s political heartlands – tonight he was supposed to be at a campaign rally in Florida – our international editor Lindsey Hilsum is at The Villages.


channel4uk--2020-10-02--What Trump’s Covid symptoms could mean for the US election

The White House has said President Trump is experiencing “ mild symptoms ” of coronavirus after he and the First @ @ @ @ @ disease .
A month before the Presidential election they ’ ve both gone into quarantine @ @ @ @ @ leading political figures who were in contact with Mr Trump have rushed to get tested @ @ @ @ @ Joe Biden – who debated with him on stage this week – who said he @ @ @ @ @ , spoke live to our Washington Correspondent Siobhan Kennedy and to our International Editor Lindsey @ @ @ @ @ Trump supporters in Florida .

The White House has said President Trump is experiencing “mild symptoms” of coronavirus after he and the First Lady tested positive for the disease.
A month before the Presidential election they’ve both gone into quarantine – while a flurry of leading political figures who were in contact with Mr Trump have rushed to get tested – including his Democratic rival Joe Biden – who debated with him on stage this week – who said he had tested negative.
Tonight, spoke live to our Washington Correspondent Siobhan Kennedy and to our International Editor Lindsey Hilsum who’s with Trump supporters in Florida.


channel4uk--2020-10-02--FactCheck: has government shifted goalposts on UK PPE production?

Matt Hancock made an almost identical comment in the Commons on Monday , with the caveat that the figure refers to all but one PPE lines ( it excludes gloves from the calculation ) .
It ’ s an astonishing turnaround .
In early September , the government said British firms would only meet 20 per cent of our PPE needs in December .
So what ’ s changed since then ?
Do UK manufacturers really expect to produce more than three times the amount of PPE they anticipated a few weeks ago ?
Or has the government shifted the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ how much PPE the country will need in the depths of the winter flu season ?
The government ’ s latest PPE strategy document , ( which repeats the 70 per cent claim ) says the demand model has been “ adapted ” to , among other things , “ improve assumptions on the social care sector ’ s use of PPE ” and “ improve the balance of PPE items used by GP practices ” .
FactCheck understands that since the 20 per cent target was set in June , the government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ much PPE will be needed in December .
But there ’ s little transparency about the numbers .
We asked the Department of Health and Social Care whether their estimate of how much PPE will be needed in December has been substantially revised down .
They say they can ’ t provide the figures .
Unless and until they do , we don ’ t know what ’ s behind the new claims .
The Department declined to comment on the record .

Boris Johnson said this week:
“By December… we expect UK manufacturers will meet 70 per cent of the demand for PPE compared with just one per cent before the pandemic.”
Matt Hancock made an almost identical comment in the Commons on Monday, with the caveat that the figure refers to all but one PPE lines (it excludes gloves from the calculation).
It’s an astonishing turnaround. In early September, the government said British firms would only meet 20 per cent of our PPE needs in December.
So what’s changed since then? Do UK manufacturers really expect to produce more than three times the amount of PPE they anticipated a few weeks ago?
Or has the government shifted the goalposts – revising down its estimates of how much PPE the country will need in the depths of the winter flu season?
The government’s latest PPE strategy document, (which repeats the 70 per cent claim) says the demand model has been “adapted” to, among other things, “improve assumptions on the social care sector’s use of PPE” and “improve the balance of PPE items used by GP practices”.
FactCheck understands that since the 20 per cent target was set in June, the government has changed the way it calculates how much PPE will be needed in December. But there’s little transparency about the numbers.
We asked the Department of Health and Social Care whether their estimate of how much PPE will be needed in December has been substantially revised down. They say they can’t provide the figures. Unless and until they do, we don’t know what’s behind the new claims.
The Department declined to comment on the record.


channel4uk--2020-10-02--Series 6, Episode 6: Claudia Rankine

Series 6, Episode 6: Claudia Rankine

Claudia Rankine is an acclaimed American writer and poet .
Her most recent book , ‘ Just Us ’ explores @ @ @ @ @ by recounting a series of radicalised real encounters with friends and strangers .
She talks @ @ @ @ @ on the future of democracy in America , her reaction to the death of US @ @ @ @ @ Ginsburg and exploring complex topics through poetry .
This podcast was recorded on Tuesday 22nd @ @ @ @ @ listen to and subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts here .
Or on Spotify @ @ @ @ @ other good podcast apps .
So join us as we explore the big ideas changing @ @ @ @ @ act and live – and how much impact we can really have as individuals .
@ @ @ @ @ interview is available on our Channel 4 News YouTube channel – hit subscribe to keep @ @ @ @ @ episode is published .

Claudia Rankine is an acclaimed American writer and poet.
Her most recent book, ‘Just Us’ explores race and white supremacy through by recounting a series of radicalised real encounters with friends and strangers.
She talks to Krishnan about her thoughts on the future of democracy in America, her reaction to the death of US Supreme Court Judge Ruth Bader Ginsburg and exploring complex topics through poetry.
This podcast was recorded on Tuesday 22nd September 2020.
Listen and subscribe
You can listen to and subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts here.
Or on Spotify, Acast, CastBox and other good podcast apps.
So join us as we explore the big ideas changing the way we think, act and live – and how much impact we can really have as individuals.
A filmed version of each interview is available on our Channel 4 News YouTube channel – hit subscribe to keep updated on when a new episode is published.


channel4uk--2020-10-03--Local lockdowns come into force in Liverpool, Warrington, Hartlepool and Middlesbrough

Liverpool , Warrington , Hartlepool and Middlesbrough are the latest areas to enter local lockdowns today , with it now @ @ @ @ @ indoors in those areas .
It means more than a third of the United Kingdom @ @ @ @ @ heightened restrictions .

Liverpool, Warrington, Hartlepool and Middlesbrough are the latest areas to enter local lockdowns today, with it now illegal for households to mix indoors in those areas.
It means more than a third of the United Kingdom population is now living under heightened restrictions.


channel4uk--2020-10-03--‘As a society we should appreciate the value of what the arts can offer’ amid coronavirus, says musi

‘As a society we should appreciate the value of what the arts can offer’ amid coronavirus, says musician Jess Gillam

Jess Gillam is a successful young musician with a number one album and awards stacking up on the shelf at @ @ @ @ @ to meet her to talk about how she thinks her industry must evolve to meet @ @ @ @ @ the joy she gets from playing the saxophone .

Jess Gillam is a successful young musician with a number one album and awards stacking up on the shelf at home.
Fatima Manji went to meet her to talk about how she thinks her industry must evolve to meet the challenges of Covid and the joy she gets from playing the saxophone.


channel4uk--2020-10-03--‘Significant gaps’ remain over Brexit trade deal

There are reportedly still “ significant gaps ” between the UK and the European Union as both sides rush to @ @ @ @ @ trade deal to come into effect at the end of this year .
Today , @ @ @ @ @ in a video call with the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen @ @ @ @ @ a key issue that needs to be settled .

There are reportedly still “significant gaps” between the UK and the European Union as both sides rush to try and negotiate a free trade deal to come into effect at the end of this year.
Today, the Prime Minister took part in a video call with the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, with fishing rights remaining a key issue that needs to be settled.


channel4uk--2020-10-03--‘Zero chance’ of US election being delayed, says University of Virginia’s Dr Larry Sabato

We ’ re joined by Dr Larry Sabato who is Director of the University of Virginia ’ s Centre for @ @

We’re joined by Dr Larry Sabato who is Director of the University of Virginia’s Centre for Politics.


channel4uk--2020-10-03--Questions raised over Trump virus diagnosis timeline after doctors say President doing ‘very well’

Doctors treating American President Donald Trump for Covid have delivered an upbeat assessment this afternoon .
They say he ’ @ @ @ @ @ doing well and they are extremely happy with his progress .
But the latest information @ @ @ @ @ has raised questions about the exact timeline of diagnosis and treatment .
And all the @ @ @ @ @ only a month until the Presidential Election .
Our Washington Correspondent Siobhan Kennedy joins us @ @ @ @ @ in Maryland where Donald Trump is being treated .

Doctors treating American President Donald Trump for Covid have delivered an upbeat assessment this afternoon. They say he’s in good spirits, doing well and they are extremely happy with his progress.
But the latest information coming from the White House has raised questions about the exact timeline of diagnosis and treatment.
And all the while, it’s only a month until the Presidential Election.
Our Washington Correspondent Siobhan Kennedy joins us from Walter Reed Medical Center in Maryland where Donald Trump is being treated.


channel4uk--2020-10-04--‘I think I’ll be back soon’: President Trump gives first filmed address from hospital

President Donald Trump gives his first filmed address from Walter Reed Medical Center after being taken to the hospital on @ @ @ @ @ .

President Donald Trump gives his first filmed address from Walter Reed Medical Center after being taken to the hospital on Friday evening for coronavirus treatment.


channel4uk--2020-10-04--Boris Johnson defends local lockdowns

Boris Johnson defends local lockdowns

The Prime Minister has defended the government ’ s decision to put some areas in local lockdowns while other areas @ @ @ @ @ infection rates retain minimum restrictions .
He was speaking after yesterday ’ s UK figures @ @ @ @ @ .

The Prime Minister has defended the government’s decision to put some areas in local lockdowns while other areas with similar or worse Covid infection rates retain minimum restrictions.
He was speaking after yesterday’s UK figures showed nearly 13,000 new cases.


channel4uk--2020-10-04--Storm Alex: Floods sweep through southern France and Italy

Military helicopters and soldiers are now deployed to search for people missing after a powerful storm caused the worst floods @ @ @ @ @ France and northwestern Italy .
Storm Alex brought almost a year ’ s average rainfall @ @ @ @ @ to the mountains just north of the French city of Nice .

Military helicopters and soldiers are now deployed to search for people missing after a powerful storm caused the worst floods in generations to hit southeastern France and northwestern Italy.
Storm Alex brought almost a year’s average rainfall in less than 12 hours to the mountains just north of the French city of Nice.


channel4uk--2020-10-04--Priti Patel vows to fix ‘fundamentally broken’ asylum system

The UK ’ s asylum system is “ fundamentally broken ” , the Home Secretary said today , and Priti @ @ @ @ @ overhaul ” of that system in decades .
She said the new system would welcome @ @ @ @ @ routes – while speeding up the removal of those who had their claim for protection @ @ @ @ @ groups warned the changes could make the current system worse .

The UK’s asylum system is “fundamentally broken”, the Home Secretary said today, and Priti Patel promised “the biggest overhaul” of that system in decades.
She said the new system would welcome people making claims through legal routes – while speeding up the removal of those who had their claim for protection rejected.
But human rights groups warned the changes could make the current system worse.
Paraic O’Brien reports.


channel4uk--2020-10-04--‘Lack of honesty, truthfulness, transparency’ over Trump’s condition, says Georgetown University’s L

‘Lack of honesty, truthfulness, transparency’ over Trump’s condition, says Georgetown University’s Lawrence Gostin

We ’ re joined by Lawrence Gostin , Director of the World Health Organization on Global Health Law , and @ @ @ @ @ at Georgetown University .

We’re joined by Lawrence Gostin, Director of the World Health Organization on Global Health Law, and professor of global health law at Georgetown University.


channel4uk--2020-10-04--Trump’s oxygen levels dipped twice but condition ‘improving’ say doctors

The President was well enough to record a four-minute video where he said that the next few days will be @ @ @ @ @ after spending a second night in hospital being treated for coronavirus .
Donald Trump ’ @ @ @ @ @ conference a short while ago where they said he could be released as soon as @ @ @ @ @ he ’ d been given oxygen .
Our Washington correspondent Siobhan Kennedy is outside the @ @ @ @

The President was well enough to record a four-minute video where he said that the next few days will be the “real test” after spending a second night in hospital being treated for coronavirus.
Donald Trump’s doctors held a press conference a short while ago where they said he could be released as soon as tomorrow but they admitted that he’d been given oxygen.
Our Washington correspondent Siobhan Kennedy is outside the hospital in Maryland.


channel4uk--2020-10-05--On the frontline of Armenia’s conflict with Azerbaijan

Armenia and Azerbaijan are blaming each other for the surge in fighting across the disputed enclave of Nagorno-Karabakh – which @ @ @ @ @ people dead .
Most of the territory is ethnically Armenian .
Their forces have controlled @ @ @ @ @ the separatist war in 1994 – even though it ’ s located inside Azerbaijan .
@ @ @ @ @ over the last 8 days , with reports of heavy artillery fire on it ’ @ @ @ @ @ since Friday .
Baku claims that Armenian forces have shelled civilian areas in several towns @ @ @ @ @ Ganja – which lies outside the territory .
This programme has been able to film @ @ @ @ @ what ’ s happening on the frontline of the conflict .

Armenia and Azerbaijan are blaming each other for the surge in fighting across the disputed enclave of Nagorno-Karabakh – which has already left over 200 people dead.
Most of the territory is ethnically Armenian. Their forces have controlled it since the end of the separatist war in 1994 – even though it’s located inside Azerbaijan.
Fighting over Nagorno-Karabakh has intensified over the last 8 days, with reports of heavy artillery fire on it’s capital, Stepanakert, since Friday.
Baku claims that Armenian forces have shelled civilian areas in several towns, including the city of Ganja – which lies outside the territory.
This programme has been able to film inside the enclave – revealing what’s happening on the frontline of the conflict.


channel4uk--2020-10-05--UK government’s care homes policy ‘put people’s lives at risks’ –  Amnesty’s Donatella Rovera

We spoke to Donatella Rovera , the author of an Amnesty International report into the UK government ’ s decision @ @ @ @ @ patients back into care homes across England at the start of lockdown .

We spoke to Donatella Rovera, the author of an Amnesty International report into the UK government’s decision to send thousands of untested patients back into care homes across England at the start of lockdown.


channel4uk--2020-10-05--Rev Al Sharpton says Trump’s 2016 campaign followed a ‘race-based strategy’

Last week we brought you our special investigation revealing how the Trump campaign had been targeting black voters back in @ @ @ @ @ of deterring them from exercising their right to vote in the elections .
In that @ @ @ @ @ the tactics might have swung some states in favour of Mr Trump .
Four years @ @ @ @ @ the Black Lives Matter movement and the often violent protests over racial injustice and police @ @ @ @ @ waves through America .
The Reverend Al Sharpton , who ’ s long been an @ @ @ @ @ civil rights , has now been leading the call to action for millions of Americans @ @ @ @ @ moving eulogy at the memorial service for George Floyd .
The Reverend Sharpton has now @ @ @ @ @ Rise Up , reflecting on this pivotal moment for the United States .

Last week we brought you our special investigation revealing how the Trump campaign had been targeting black voters back in 2016 – with the aim of deterring them from exercising their right to vote in the elections. In that investigation we pointed at how the tactics might have swung some states in favour of Mr Trump.
Four years later, the rise of the Black Lives Matter movement and the often violent protests over racial injustice and police brutality have sent political shock waves through America.
The Reverend Al Sharpton, who’s long been an icon in the campaign for civil rights, has now been leading the call to action for millions of Americans, summed up by his moving eulogy at the memorial service for George Floyd.
The Reverend Sharpton has now written a new book, Rise Up, reflecting on this pivotal moment for the United States.


channel4uk--2020-10-05--Sending elderly people to care homes without Covid tests breached human rights, says Amnesty

The decision to send thousands of untested patients back into care homes across England at the start of lockdown was @ @ @ @ @ , according to Amnesty International .
Its report describes decisions made by the government as @ @ @ @ @ disastrous ” – and calls for urgent action to make sure the same mistakes are @ @ @ @ @ More than 18,000 residents of care homes have died with Covid 19 since the pandemic @ @

The decision to send thousands of untested patients back into care homes across England at the start of lockdown was a violation of human rights, according to Amnesty International.
Its report describes decisions made by the government as “inexplicable” and “disastrous” – and calls for urgent action to make sure the same mistakes are not repeated in future.
More than 18,000 residents of care homes have died with Covid 19 since the pandemic began.


channel4uk--2020-10-05--Club owner launches legal challenge against government over 10pm curfew

More than 5,000 jobs here are being hit by Cineworld ’ s decision to temporarily close its cinemas in the @ @ @ @ @ affecting up to 45,000 employees worldwide .
The firm said it had been left with @ @ @ @ @ movie releases were delayed .
It ’ s a dilemma reflected across the country ’ @ @ @ @ @ venues like theatres and nightclubs unable to re-open in any sustainable way .
One London @ @ @ @ @ a legal challenge against the Government ’ s 10pm curfew – saying it made “ @ @ @ @ @

More than 5,000 jobs here are being hit by Cineworld’s decision to temporarily close its cinemas in the UK and the US – affecting up to 45,000 employees worldwide.
The firm said it had been left with no choice after many blockbuster movie releases were delayed. It’s a dilemma reflected across the country’s night time economy with venues like theatres and nightclubs unable to re-open in any sustainable way.
One London club owner has now mounted a legal challenge against the Government’s 10pm curfew – saying it made “absolutely no sense”.


channel4uk--2020-10-05--Why Florida could decide the next US president

One of the states which Mr Trump needs to win if he ’ s to hold on to the White @ @ @ @ @ his rival Joe Biden is holding campaign events today .
Four years ago , Mr @ @ @ @ @ but now he ’ s had to cancel a series of rallies he was planning @ @ @ @ @ that affect his support ?

One of the states which Mr Trump needs to win if he’s to hold on to the White House is Florida – where his rival Joe Biden is holding campaign events today.
Four years ago, Mr Trump won the state narrowly but now he’s had to cancel a series of rallies he was planning to hold. So could that affect his support?


channel4uk--2020-10-05--President Trump’s medical team to decide whether to discharge him from hospital

Reckless insanity – that ’ s the reaction from some doctors to President Trump ’ s surprise visit to greet @ @ @ @ @ by car , putting staff in the vehicle at considerable risk .
The White House @ @ @ @ @ , has become the latest member of Mr Trump ’ s team to test positive @ @ @ @ @ 210,000 people have now died with coronavirus in the United States , making it the @ @ @ @ @ .

Reckless insanity – that’s the reaction from some doctors to President Trump’s surprise visit to greet well wishers outside his hospital by car, putting staff in the vehicle at considerable risk.
The White House press secretary, Kayleigh McEnany, has become the latest member of Mr Trump’s team to test positive for the virus.
Almost 210,000 people have now died with coronavirus in the United States, making it the worst-hit country in the world.


channel4uk--2020-10-05--10% of world population may have had Covid

A WHO official has warned that the vast majority of the world ’ s population is still at risk from @ @

A WHO official has warned that the vast majority of the world’s population is still at risk from coronavirus.


channel4uk--2020-10-05--Wales considering quarantine for people from UK Covid hotspots

The Welsh government says it may impose quarantine rules on people travelling to Wales from Covid hotspots elsewhere in the @ @ @ @ @ minister said this lunchtime that the approach was under active consideration .
But the Welsh @ @ @ @ @ ‘ dangerous slope ’ to go down .

The Welsh government says it may impose quarantine rules on people travelling to Wales from Covid hotspots elsewhere in the UK.
Wales’ health minister said this lunchtime that the approach was under active consideration. But the Welsh Conservatives described it as a ‘dangerous slope’ to go down.


channel4uk--2020-10-05--Manchester enduring highest Covid rate in UK despite local lockdown

Despite being under strict local lockdown measures for weeks , Manchester now has a higher infection rat than any other @ @ @ @ @ new revised figures show that one in 200 people are getting infected every week – @ @ @ @ @ ever recorded during the pandemic .
Local mayors are urgently demanding more control over test @ @ @

Despite being under strict local lockdown measures for weeks, Manchester now has a higher infection rat than any other authority in England.
The new revised figures show that one in 200 people are getting infected every week – that’s the highest ever recorded during the pandemic.
Local mayors are urgently demanding more control over test and trace.


channel4uk--2020-10-05--Missing UK Covid cases blunder ‘should never have happened’, says Hancock

England ’ s missing coronavirus cases should never have happened , the health secretary has admitted .
He was forced @ @ @ @ @ Parliament again , amid the scramble to find close contacts of those who tested positive @ @ @ @ @ as such .
As of this morning , just over half of them have been @ @ @ @ @ worse than a shambles , saying lives had been put at risk – while one @ @ @ @ @ soaring branded it a “ catastrophic failure ” .
Across the UK , 12,594 new @ @ @ @ @ in the last 24 hours .
And 19 further deaths were recorded – taking the @ @ @ @

England’s missing coronavirus cases should never have happened, the health secretary has admitted.
He was forced to appear in front of Parliament again, amid the scramble to find close contacts of those who tested positive – but were never registered as such.
As of this morning, just over half of them have been reached.
Labour called it worse than a shambles, saying lives had been put at risk – while one council leader where cases are soaring branded it a “catastrophic failure”.
Across the UK, 12,594 new coronavirus cases have been confirmed in the last 24 hours. And 19 further deaths were recorded – taking the total to 42,369.


channel4uk--2020-10-06--FactCheck Q&A: Boris Johnson’s offshore wind plans

Boris Johnson used his keynote speech at the ( virtual ) Conservative Party conference today to announce that offshore wind will power “ every home in the country ” by 2030 .
It ’ s part of a “ green industrial revolution ” that will apparently create “ hundreds of thousands , if not millions of jobs ” while helping the UK hit its target of net zero carbon emissions by 2050 .
Not entirely .
Some targets announced today are new , like the plan to generate 1GW of energy from floating wind farms ( turbines mounted on floating @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) .
The pledge to increase the UK ’ s total offshore wind capacity from 30 to 40GW was included in the 2019 Conservative Party manifesto and later confirmed in the Queen ’ s Speech .
So today ’ s speech confirms a pledge already made , but it comes at a time when the coronavirus pandemic has put other long-term spending projects in doubt .
Analysts say reaching that kind of capacity in ten years will require tens of billions of investment , and the government has only announced £160m of extra @ @ @ @ @ @ @ small , certainly compared to state-funded infrastructure projects like roads , in which the government says it plans to plough £27bn .
But the government has made it clear it expects most offshore wind investment to come from the private sector , backed by a risk-sharing scheme called Contracts for Difference .
The Global Wind Energy Council says the UK target of 40GW is “ ambitious ” but confirms that this country is still the world market leader for offshore wind , calling it a “ monumental success story for the UK ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like Poland are copying the UK ’ s Contracts for Difference funding model .
So how much is the government really spending ?
Contracts for Difference is the main way the UK supports low carbon electricity industry .
The government agrees to pay electricity generators a fixed price over 15 years , instead of the wholesale electricity prices set by the open market .
It ’ s a way of ensuring companies with high upfront costs can invest in new technology with a guaranteed future income .
It should also mean consumers won @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rise if market prices rise higher than the price agreed with the government .
But of course , if the market price for electricity turns out to be lower than the price fixed in advance by the government , the government tops up the companies ’ revenue .
The government said today that the UK will double its capacity for state-backed Contracts for Difference .
This obviously means it ’ s possible that the government could be on the hook for more than the £160m of spending announced today , depending on what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have predicted that market prices could go so low that electricity suppliers end up paying the government via this scheme – a potential situation dubbed “ negative subsidy ” .
A spokesman for the Department for Business , Energy and Industrial Strategy ( BEIS ) told FactCheck that prices agreed between government and suppliers have fallen by around two-thirds since 2015 .
He added : “ The cost of deploying 40GW of offshore wind by 2030 will of course depend on the extent of further price reductions in the offshore wind sector .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ wind could increase the costs of the CfD scheme , but because offshore wind projects can also sell electricity to the market at lower prices reducing overall electricity prices , any net impact on consumer bills will be significantly smaller.
” How many jobs will be created ?
The Prime Minister referred to the potential for “ millions ” of jobs to be created in Britain as part of a broader push for more green energy , but it ’ s not yet clear how big a role offshore wind will play in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s announcement will create 2,000 construction jobs and “ enable the sector to support up to 60,000 jobs directly and indirectly by 2030 in ports , factories and the supply chains ” .
Historically , renewable energy has failed to boost jobs in British manufacturing because firms tend to use cheaper overseas companies to make the equipment .
The Mail quotes an unnamed source as saying that the government will impose rules on UK manufacturers so that 60 per cent of offshore wind equipment is made in Britain , but we haven ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ record about this .
A BEIS spokesman told us : “ Many offshore wind components are large , and need to be made relatively close to their deployment locations .
“ The UK has a strong manufacturing heritage , and by creating new large scale portside manufacturing hubs , the new funding will make the UK sector ever more competitive – helping it play a full role in the delivery of 40GW by 2030 , and creating and retaining high quality jobs here in the UK .
”

What’s the story?
Boris Johnson used his keynote speech at the (virtual) Conservative Party conference today to announce that offshore wind will power “every home in the country” by 2030.
It’s part of a “green industrial revolution” that will apparently create “hundreds of thousands, if not millions of jobs” while helping the UK hit its target of net zero carbon emissions by 2050.
Is this news?
Not entirely. Some targets announced today are new, like the plan to generate 1GW of energy from floating wind farms (turbines mounted on floating platforms can be used in deeper water).
The pledge to increase the UK’s total offshore wind capacity from 30 to 40GW was included in the 2019 Conservative Party manifesto and later confirmed in the Queen’s Speech.
So today’s speech confirms a pledge already made, but it comes at a time when the coronavirus pandemic has put other long-term spending projects in doubt.
Is the 40GW target feasible?
Analysts say reaching that kind of capacity in ten years will require tens of billions of investment, and the government has only announced £160m of extra spending today.
That sum is relatively small, certainly compared to state-funded infrastructure projects like roads, in which the government says it plans to plough £27bn.
But the government has made it clear it expects most offshore wind investment to come from the private sector, backed by a risk-sharing scheme called Contracts for Difference.
The Global Wind Energy Council says the UK target of 40GW is “ambitious” but confirms that this country is still the world market leader for offshore wind, calling it a “monumental success story for the UK”. The trade association says other countries like Poland are copying the UK’s Contracts for Difference funding model.
So how much is the government really spending?
Contracts for Difference is the main way the UK supports low carbon electricity industry. The government agrees to pay electricity generators a fixed price over 15 years, instead of the wholesale electricity prices set by the open market.
It’s a way of ensuring companies with high upfront costs can invest in new technology with a guaranteed future income. It should also mean consumers won’t suddenly see their fuel bills rise if market prices rise higher than the price agreed with the government.
But of course, if the market price for electricity turns out to be lower than the price fixed in advance by the government, the government tops up the companies’ revenue.
The government said today that the UK will double its capacity for state-backed Contracts for Difference.
This obviously means it’s possible that the government could be on the hook for more than the £160m of spending announced today, depending on what happens to electricity prices.
Other experts have predicted that market prices could go so low that electricity suppliers end up paying the government via this scheme – a potential situation dubbed “negative subsidy”.
A spokesman for the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) told FactCheck that prices agreed between government and suppliers have fallen by around two-thirds since 2015.
He added: “The cost of deploying 40GW of offshore wind by 2030 will of course depend on the extent of further price reductions in the offshore wind sector.
“A more ambitious deployment of offshore wind could increase the costs of the CfD scheme, but because offshore wind projects can also sell electricity to the market at lower prices reducing overall electricity prices, any net impact on consumer bills will be significantly smaller.”
How many jobs will be created?
The Prime Minister referred to the potential for “millions” of jobs to be created in Britain as part of a broader push for more green energy, but it’s not yet clear how big a role offshore wind will play in this.
The government says today’s announcement will create 2,000 construction jobs and “enable the sector to support up to 60,000 jobs directly and indirectly by 2030 in ports, factories and the supply chains”.
Historically, renewable energy has failed to boost jobs in British manufacturing because firms tend to use cheaper overseas companies to make the equipment.
The Mail quotes an unnamed source as saying that the government will impose rules on UK manufacturers so that 60 per cent of offshore wind equipment is made in Britain, but we haven’t seen any assurances given on the record about this.
A BEIS spokesman told us: “Many offshore wind components are large, and need to be made relatively close to their deployment locations.
“The UK has a strong manufacturing heritage, and by creating new large scale portside manufacturing hubs, the new funding will make the UK sector ever more competitive – helping it play a full role in the delivery of 40GW by 2030, and creating and retaining high quality jobs here in the UK.”
Patrick Worrall and Simon Roach


channel4uk--2020-10-06--Bradford Novavax vaccine trial seeks more volunteers from BAME backgrounds

There is hope that an effective coronavirus vaccine will be ready by the end of this year , according to @ @ @ @ @ Health Organisation – as over 180 different potential vaccines across the world are rushed through @ @ @ @ @ , large-scale human trials of the Novavax vaccine have begun their phase 3 trials , @ @ @ @ @ to reach this stage with this particular vaccine .
But the team say they need @ @ @ @ @ communities to volunteer to take part .

There is hope that an effective coronavirus vaccine will be ready by the end of this year, according to the head of the World Health Organisation – as over 180 different potential vaccines across the world are rushed through clinical trials.
In Bradford, large-scale human trials of the Novavax vaccine have begun their phase 3 trials, the first in the world to reach this stage with this particular vaccine.
But the team say they need many more people from BAME communities to volunteer to take part.


channel4uk--2020-10-06--Trump downplays Covid as he returns to White House after hospital stay

President Trump is back in the White House , declaring he intends to return to the campaign trail – even @ @ @ @ @ He ’ s told his doctors today he hasn ’ t experienced any symptoms of @ @ @ @ @ Trump appeared without a mask and again compared the coronavirus pandemic to flu in social @ @ @ @ @ and Twitter have now removed – or flagged as misleading .
All this , at @ @ @ @ @ on the rise in 34 states and territories across America .

President Trump is back in the White House, declaring he intends to return to the campaign trail – even though he remains contagious. He’s told his doctors today he hasn’t experienced any symptoms of Covid 19.
Earlier Mr Trump appeared without a mask and again compared the coronavirus pandemic to flu in social media messages, which Facebook and Twitter have now removed – or flagged as misleading.
All this, at a time when infections are on the rise in 34 states and territories across America.


channel4uk--2020-10-06--Trump making lives of doctors ‘so much more difficult’ – US emergency doctor Rob Davidson

President Trump is back in the White House after leaving hospital , where he was receiving treatment for coronavirus .
@ @ @ @ @ Dr Rob Davidson , who is an emergency doctor .
He ’ s also executive @ @ @ @ @ protect medicare , which lobbies elected officials to support a universal health care system

President Trump is back in the White House after leaving hospital, where he was receiving treatment for coronavirus.
Joining us from Michigan is Dr Rob Davidson, who is an emergency doctor. He’s also executive director of the committee to protect medicare, which lobbies elected officials to support a universal health care system


channel4uk--2020-10-06--Concerns raised over support for domestic abuse victims

It ’ s been hailed as a landmark piece of legislation for England and Wales , welcomed by politicians on @ @ @ @ @ years after it was promised , the Domestic Abuse Act has still not been made @ @ @ @ @ the soon-to-be Domestic Abuse Commissioner has told this programme there are still questions about where @ @ @ @ @ to support it will come from .
And she warns that without that funding , @ @ @ @ @ people – in particular children – may not get the protection they need .

It’s been hailed as a landmark piece of legislation for England and Wales, welcomed by politicians on all sides. But three years after it was promised, the Domestic Abuse Act has still not been made into law.
Tonight, the soon-to-be Domestic Abuse Commissioner has told this programme there are still questions about where the millions of pounds needed to support it will come from.
And she warns that without that funding, some of the most vulnerable people – in particular children – may not get the protection they need.


channel4uk--2020-10-06--More than 100,000 people call for deportation of autistic man to be halted

More than 100,000 people have signed a petition protesting over the planned deportation of Osime Brown , a 21-year-old severely @ @ @ @ @ for a series of offences he committed as a teenager – including the theft of @ @ @ @ @ controversial joint enterprise law .
He ’ s now facing removal to Jamaica where he @ @ @ @ @ since he was four and has no family there .
His supporters argue that he @ @ @ @ @ the system and would be put at risk if he ’ s deported .

More than 100,000 people have signed a petition protesting over the planned deportation of Osime Brown, a 21-year-old autistic man who was jailed for a series of offences he committed as a teenager – including the theft of a mobile phone.
He’s now facing removal to Jamaica where he hasn’t set foot since he was four and has no family there. His supporters argue that he’s been failed by the system and would be put at risk if he’s deported.


channel4uk--2020-10-06--Bishop accepts massive institutional failures following Church of England sex abuse inquiry

We spoke to the Bishop of Manchester , Dr David Walker , who ’ s on the Church of England @ @ @ @ @ Group .
We put it to him that today ’ s report sets out institutional @ @ @ @ @ .

We spoke to the Bishop of Manchester, Dr David Walker, who’s on the Church of England’s National Safeguarding Steering Group.
We put it to him that today’s report sets out institutional failure on a colossal scale.


channel4uk--2020-10-06--Church of England failed to protect children from sexual abuse, says report

Instead of providing care and love for the innocent and vulnerable , it put its own reputation first .
A @ @ @ @ @ Anglican Church of neglecting children by failing to take abuse allegations seriously .
The latest @ @ @ @ @ into Child Sexual Abuse finds that 390 convicted offenders were associated with the Church of @ @ @ @ @ 2018 – but concludes that it ’ s “ not possible to accurately identify the @ @ @ @ @ the Church ” .

Instead of providing care and love for the innocent and vulnerable, it put its own reputation first.
A damning report has accused the Anglican Church of neglecting children by failing to take abuse allegations seriously.
The latest report from the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse finds that 390 convicted offenders were associated with the Church of England between the 1940s and 2018 – but concludes that it’s “not possible to accurately identify the scale of sexual offending within the Church”.


channel4uk--2020-10-06--Boris Johnson ‘has managed to alienate both wings of Tory party’ – Rachel Sylvester, The Times

We asked again for a Conservative minister to appear on the programme , but none were made available .
Earlier @ @ @ @ @ political columnist for The Times , and Geraldine Scott who is Westminster correspondent at The @ @ @ @ @ by asking Geraldine how she thought Boris Johnson ’ s speech had been viewed by @ @ @ @ @ ” voters , who backed Tory MPs in former Labour heartlands at the last election @

We asked again for a Conservative minister to appear on the programme, but none were made available.
Earlier we spoke Rachel Sylvester, political columnist for The Times, and Geraldine Scott who is Westminster correspondent at The Yorkshire Post.
We began by asking Geraldine how she thought Boris Johnson’s speech had been viewed by so called “Red Wall” voters, who backed Tory MPs in former Labour heartlands at the last election.


channel4uk--2020-10-06--Boris Johnson sets out his ‘new Jerusalem’ vision for post-Covid UK

There was no audience and no applause – but Boris Johnson ’ s keynote speech to the Tory conference was @ @ @ @ @ He set out his vision of a post-Covid Britain , declaring he wanted to build @ @ @ @ @ for all .
And despite warning that the country could not simply return to normal @ @ @ @ @ as a catalyst for change .

There was no audience and no applause – but Boris Johnson’s keynote speech to the Tory conference was in typical swashbuckling style.
He set out his vision of a post-Covid Britain, declaring he wanted to build a new Jerusalem with opportunities for all. And despite warning that the country could not simply return to normal, he pitched the pandemic as a catalyst for change.


channel4uk--2020-10-06--Residents die in Covid outbreaks at two Scottish care homes

Investigations are underway in two care homes in Scotland after major coronavirus outbreaks .
At least 82 people have been @ @ @ @ @ a number have died in Edinburgh and West Lothian .

Investigations are underway in two care homes in Scotland after major coronavirus outbreaks.
At least 82 people have been infected in the homes and a number have died in Edinburgh and West Lothian.


channel4uk--2020-10-06--Former UK Ambassador to the US, Lord Kim Darroch says UK’s relationship with US will remain strong w

Former UK Ambassador to the US, Lord Kim Darroch says UK’s relationship with US will remain strong whoever wins election

We ’ re joined by the former British ambassador to the United States , and author of ‘ Collateral Damage @ @ @ @ @ .

We’re joined by the former British ambassador to the United States, and author of ‘Collateral Damage’, Lord Kim Darroch.


channel4uk--2020-10-07--Son who grew up not knowing his father was an undercover police officer receives compensation

A man who grew up not knowing that his father was actually an undercover policeman , spying on his mother @ @ @ @ @ for the emotional trauma it ’ s caused .
Bob Lambert fathered the child during @ @ @ @ @ rights activist .
But Mr Lambert wasn ’ t an activist as he claimed , @ @ @ @ @ Officer on a covert operation .

A man who grew up not knowing that his father was actually an undercover policeman, spying on his mother, has received substantial damages for the emotional trauma it’s caused.
Bob Lambert fathered the child during a relationship with an animal rights activist.
But Mr Lambert wasn’t an activist as he claimed, he was a Metropolitan Police Officer on a covert operation.
The Met Police have apologised unreservedly.


channel4uk--2020-10-07--Mental health reforms promised by government two years ago still unpublished

A white paper on reforms to the Mental Health Act promised nearly two years ago still hasn ’ t been @ @ @ @ @ for reforms to help address racial bias .
The need for reform was underlined today @ @ @ @ @ Psychiatrists , who have released a survey showing that during the pandemic nearly 40 per @ @ @ @ @ diagnosed condition were seeking help from emergency services or a crisis line while waiting for @ @ @ @ @ been speaking to one young woman about her treatment while being detained for eight days @

A white paper on reforms to the Mental Health Act promised nearly two years ago still hasn’t been published, despite repeated calls for reforms to help address racial bias.
The need for reform was underlined today by the Royal College of Psychiatrists, who have released a survey showing that during the pandemic nearly 40 per cent of people with a diagnosed condition were seeking help from emergency services or a crisis line while waiting for follow-up treatment.
We have been speaking to one young woman about her treatment while being detained for eight days.


channel4uk--2020-10-07--Facebook QAnon pledge is ‘public relations manoeuvre’ – Imran Ahmed, Center for Countering Digital H

Facebook QAnon pledge is ‘public relations manoeuvre’ – Imran Ahmed, Center for Countering Digital Hate

One of the big technology companies has taken down content posted by the conspiracy theorists QAnon .
But for years @ @ @ @ @ accused of turning a blind eye to the group that was born in a US @ @ @ @ @ Trump was battling an elite of Satan-worshipping paedophiles .
It ’ s far-fetched , but @ @ @ @ @ hundreds of thousands of followers , and was last year identified by the FBI as @ @ @ @ @ .
Today , Facebook has pledged to remove all QAnon-themed groups , pages and accounts @ @ @ @ @ Ahmed , from the Center for Countering Digital Hate .

One of the big technology companies has taken down content posted by the conspiracy theorists QAnon.
But for years, big tech has been accused of turning a blind eye to the group that was born in a US chatroom.
QAnon claimed President Trump was battling an elite of Satan-worshipping paedophiles.
It’s far-fetched, but the QAnon movement has amassed hundreds of thousands of followers, and was last year identified by the FBI as a potential domestic terror threat.
Today, Facebook has pledged to remove all QAnon-themed groups, pages and accounts.
We spoke to Imran Ahmed, from the Center for Countering Digital Hate.


channel4uk--2020-10-07--US lawmakers threaten to break up Big Tech firms

Modern-day oil barons with a stranglehold on online commerce ; Google , Apple , Amazon and Facebook have all been @ @ @ @ @ congressional committee .
A report from the House of Representatives Antitrust Subcommittee said the tech @ @ @ @ @ dominance and recommended forcing them to restructure to allow more competition .

Modern-day oil barons with a stranglehold on online commerce; Google, Apple, Amazon and Facebook have all been heavily criticised by a US congressional committee.
A report from the House of Representatives Antitrust Subcommittee said the tech giants had abused their market dominance and recommended forcing them to restructure to allow more competition.


channel4uk--2020-10-07--Pence and Harris to face one another in VP debate

Tonight in Salt Lake City it is time for Mike Pence and Kamala Harris to take the stage .
Normally @ @ @ @ @ vice presidential debate has become more significant because of the health and age of Biden @ @ @ @ @ are known as formidable debaters , so there is an expectation of a more robust @ @ @ @ @ at the presidential debate .

Tonight in Salt Lake City it is time for Mike Pence and Kamala Harris to take the stage.
Normally a political afterthought, the vice presidential debate has become more significant because of the health and age of Biden and Trump.
Both VPs are known as formidable debaters, so there is an expectation of a more robust debate than the mud throwing at the presidential debate.


channel4uk--2020-10-07--Trump stays out of sight while venting on Twitter

He regards himself as the world ’ s greatest showman , but President Donald Trump hasn ’ t been seen @ @ @ @ @ from the White House balcony on Monday after leaving hospital .
But he has been @ @ @ @ @ on Twitter .
Tonight , there are questions about whether the president has been in @ @ @ @ @ .
It had been reported that he visited the office , despite testing positive for @ @ @ @ @ came the denial , with the chief of staff saying he would come back sometime @ @

He regards himself as the world’s greatest showman, but President Donald Trump hasn’t been seen in public since his address from the White House balcony on Monday after leaving hospital.
But he has been firing off dozens of messages on Twitter.
Tonight, there are questions about whether the president has been in the Oval Office at all.
It had been reported that he visited the office, despite testing positive for Covid 19.
But then came the denial, with the chief of staff saying he would come back sometime today.


channel4uk--2020-10-07--Vietnamese migrants died in ‘unbearable’ conditions in airtight container, trial told

They took “ enormous ” risks in exchange for the “ chance of a brighter future ” .
But the @ @ @ @ @ Vietnamese migrants died in “ unbearable ” conditions , having spent at least 11 hours @ @ @ @ @ .
Their bodies were found in the back of a lorry trailer in Essex last @ @ @ @ @ went on trial accused of their manslaughter .
Eamonn Harrison and George Nica are also @ @ @ @ @ a people-smuggling conspiracy with two other defendants .

They took “enormous” risks in exchange for the “chance of a brighter future”.
But the Old Bailey heard that 39 Vietnamese migrants died in “unbearable” conditions, having spent at least 11 hours sealed inside an airtight container.
Their bodies were found in the back of a lorry trailer in Essex last year.
Today two men went on trial accused of their manslaughter.
Eamonn Harrison and George Nica are also charged with being part of a people-smuggling conspiracy with two other defendants.


channel4uk--2020-10-07--‘No way out’ of lockdown, says UEA’s Prof David Livermore

We were joined by one of the academics who signed the ‘ Great Barrington Declaration ’ , Professor David Livermore @ @ @ @ @ microbiologist from the University of East Anglia .

We were joined by one of the academics who signed the ‘Great Barrington Declaration’, Professor David Livermore, who is a medical microbiologist from the University of East Anglia.


channel4uk--2020-10-07--Great Barrington Declaration is not ‘scientific’ or ‘accurate’, says Prof Devi Sridhar

Thousands of scientists from across the world have written an open letter calling for an end to blanket lockdown restrictions @ @ @ @ @ targeted to protect vulnerable people .
But what ’ s been called the ‘ Great @ @ @ @ @ of the place it was signed – may have revealed the great scientific divide , @ @ @ @ @ letter is wrong .
Devi Sridhar is Professor of Global Public Health at Edinburgh University @ @ @ @ @ Scottish government .
We talked to her earlier and began by asking whether sobriety is @ @ @ @ @ the coronavirus .

Thousands of scientists from across the world have written an open letter calling for an end to blanket lockdown restrictions, saying restrictions should be targeted to protect vulnerable people.
But what’s been called the ‘Great Barrington Declaration’ – because of the place it was signed – may have revealed the great scientific divide, with many experts arguing the letter is wrong.
Devi Sridhar is Professor of Global Public Health at Edinburgh University and an adviser to the Scottish government.
We talked to her earlier and began by asking whether sobriety is really the answer to defeating the coronavirus.


channel4uk--2020-10-07--Is Covid creating tension between towns and gowns?

Students have flooded back to start their courses in Nottingham in recent weeks .
The city isn ’ t under @ @ @ @ @ restrictions could be coming soon because coronavirus infection rates have risen sharply there .
Has @ @ @ @ @ tension between the permanent residents and the student population ?

Students have flooded back to start their courses in Nottingham in recent weeks.
The city isn’t under local lockdown, but tighter restrictions could be coming soon because coronavirus infection rates have risen sharply there.
Has that worsening health situation created tension between the permanent residents and the student population?


channel4uk--2020-10-07--Pubs and restaurants in Scotland’s central belt forced to close

“ Short , sharp action ” is how the First Minister , Nicola Sturgeon , described the decision to impose @ @ @ @ @ and socialising in the central belt of Scotland .
From Friday evening all pubs and @ @ @ @ @ area will be forced to shut for two weeks , because of a spike in @ @ @ @ @ .
Pubs and restaurants elsewhere will have to close indoors at 6pm , and serve @ @ @ @ @ until 10pm .

“Short, sharp action” is how the First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, described the decision to impose tough new restrictions on hospitality and socialising in the central belt of Scotland.
From Friday evening all pubs and restaurants in the most populous area will be forced to shut for two weeks, because of a spike in the number of Covid cases.
Pubs and restaurants elsewhere will have to close indoors at 6pm, and serve food and drink outdoors only until 10pm.


channel4uk--2020-10-08--Jamie Oliver says UK food standards must be protected after Brexit

We spoke to the chef Jamie Oliver and asked him about a petition , backed by him and more than @ @ @ @ @ asks the government to maintain current food standards .

We spoke to the chef Jamie Oliver and asked him about a petition, backed by him and more than a million people, which asks the government to maintain current food standards.


channel4uk--2020-10-08--Calls to uphold UK food standards after Brexit

The government insists it will not sign any trade deal that would compromise UK food standards – imports of chlorinated @ @ @ @ @ remain so .
But ministers are resisting demands from campaigners to write this commitment into @ @ @ @ @ going through parliament now .
Our Chief Correspondent Alex Thomson reports from a farm in @ @ @

The government insists it will not sign any trade deal that would compromise UK food standards – imports of chlorinated chicken are illegal and will remain so.
But ministers are resisting demands from campaigners to write this commitment into the Agriculture Bill that is going through parliament now.
Our Chief Correspondent Alex Thomson reports from a farm in North Cambridgeshire.


channel4uk--2020-10-08--Russia, US and France step up efforts to halt Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict

International monitors from Russia , France and the US were expected to meet Azerbaijan ’ s foreign minister behind closed @ @ @ @ @ to stop the war with Armenian separatists over Nagorno-Karabakh .
Both Armenia and Azerbaijan accuse @ @ @ @ @ cluster munitions in the conflict , which is raging in and around the breakaway territory @ @ @ @ @ since clashes began at the end of last month .

International monitors from Russia, France and the US were expected to meet Azerbaijan’s foreign minister behind closed doors today in an attempt to stop the war with Armenian separatists over Nagorno-Karabakh.
Both Armenia and Azerbaijan accuse each other of using banned cluster munitions in the conflict, which is raging in and around the breakaway territory.
Hundreds have been killed since clashes began at the end of last month.


channel4uk--2020-10-08--Has VP debate changed anything?

Has VP debate changed anything?

Our Washington Correspondent Siobhan Kennedy explained whether the vice-presidential debate could make a difference to the US election .

Our Washington Correspondent Siobhan Kennedy explained whether the vice-presidential debate could make a difference to the US election.


channel4uk--2020-10-08--Harris and Pence battle over coronavirus pandemic in VP debate

The coronavirus took centre stage at last night ’ s vice-presidential debate .
Mike Pence and Kamala Harris faced off @ @ @ @ @ what was largely a civil affair with substantive debate on policy – a rare thing @ @ @ @ @

The coronavirus took centre stage at last night’s vice-presidential debate.
Mike Pence and Kamala Harris faced off in Salt Lake City in what was largely a civil affair with substantive debate on policy – a rare thing amidst this raucous campaign.


channel4uk--2020-10-08--Trump promises more Covid drugs for senior citizens

Donald Trump has released a video appealing to older voters , who he calls his “ favourite people ” , @ @ @ @ @ treat coronavirus .
Recent polling data has shown that he is not doing well amongst @ @ @ @ @ that was instrumental in getting him elected in 2016 .
It is one of a @ @ @ @ @ appeared on his Twitter feed since last night .

Donald Trump has released a video appealing to older voters, who he calls his “favourite people”, promising them more drugs to treat coronavirus.
Recent polling data has shown that he is not doing well amongst elderly Americans, a group that was instrumental in getting him elected in 2016. It is one of a series of videos that have appeared on his Twitter feed since last night.


channel4uk--2020-10-08--Theresa May’s former chief of staff says No 10 not working with northern mayors

Earlier we spoke to Lord Gavin Barwell , who was Theresa May ’ s chief of staff .
He has @ @ @ @ @ that no one in Number 10 seems to have taken charge of working with the @ @ @ @ @ He said it ’ s important that the central government take local government along with @ @

Earlier we spoke to Lord Gavin Barwell, who was Theresa May’s chief of staff.
He has criticised the current government saying that no one in Number 10 seems to have taken charge of working with the North of England Mayors.
He said it’s important that the central government take local government along with them.


channel4uk--2020-10-08--Fears of more restrictions as virus spreads in North of England

It has been a day of wrangling between Westminster , local leaders and MPs from the North of England about @ @ @ @ @ spread of the virus there .
In the safe Conservative stronghold of Altrincham , which @ @ @ @ @ restrictions for weeks , residents now fear that even greater constraints on their lives are @ @ @ @ @ a matter of days .

It has been a day of wrangling between Westminster, local leaders and MPs from the North of England about how to control the rapid spread of the virus there.
In the safe Conservative stronghold of Altrincham, which has already been under extra restrictions for weeks, residents now fear that even greater constraints on their lives are likely to be imposed in a matter of days.


channel4uk--2020-10-08--‘Very little spare room’ in NHS system, says chair of the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges

Prof Helen Stokes-Lampard is the chair of the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges , which is the body that represents @ @ @ @ @ s 24 medical royal colleges .

Prof Helen Stokes-Lampard is the chair of the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges, which is the body that represents the UK and Ireland’s 24 medical royal colleges.


channel4uk--2020-10-08--Senior doctors fear rise in Covid cases as hospital beds fill across UK

As the number of coronavirus infections continues to rise , senior doctors are warning that NHS beds are filling up @ @ @ @ @ , 96 per cent of hospital beds in England were occupied .
There are currently @ @ @ @ @ hospitals , an increase of 1,995 from a week ago .
In Scotland , the @ @ @ @ @ hospital yesterday was 317 , more than double the week before .
In Wales , @ @ @ @ @ , up 66 from a week before .
While in Northern Ireland on Tuesday , @ @ @ @ @ in hospital , up from 89 a week before .
At the same time , @ @ @ @ @ contacted by track and trace is going down , not up .

As the number of coronavirus infections continues to rise, senior doctors are warning that NHS beds are filling up fast.
On 1 October, 96 per cent of hospital beds in England were occupied.
There are currently 3,044 Covid patients in English hospitals, an increase of 1,995 from a week ago.
In Scotland, the number of Covid patients in hospital yesterday was 317, more than double the week before. In Wales, there were 277 patients yesterday, up 66 from a week before. While in Northern Ireland on Tuesday, there were 106 Covid patients in hospital, up from 89 a week before.
At the same time, the proportion of people being contacted by track and trace is going down, not up.


channel4uk--2020-10-08--FactCheck: we shouldn’t rely on official cases per capita to compare local outbreaks

With dozens of council areas now in some form of lockdown , we all want to know how well the authorities are managing local outbreaks – and which parts of the country might be next to face restrictions .
Just yesterday , the Labour leader Keir Starmer cited figures in the Commons that appeared to show infection rates had actually got worse since tighter rules were introduced in three Lancashire towns .
And the party ’ s own analysis finds the same pattern in 19 out of 20 areas of England that have been locked down for over two months @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this demonstrates that local lockdowns “ aren ’ t working ” .
Meanwhile , a report in the Sunday Times last weekend went so far as to suggest that ministers were sparing some constituencies from stronger measures simply because they were held by Conservative MPs .
The evidence behind it , provided by a local health official in Blackburn , was that places with a similar rate of confirmed cases were being treated differently .
But the metric that both sets of claims rely on – official Covid cases per 100,000 population – @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as we might think .
The government “ targets ” testing at different parts of the country when they become areas of concern .
And the more tests you conduct , the more cases you ’ re likely to find .
So it ’ s hardly surprising that locked-down areas are seeing their official tallies increase over time .
Indeed , when it announced new measures for Oldham , Pendle and Blackburn in August , the Department of Health pointed out that “ the sharp rise in cases [ in those areas ] @ @ @ @ @ @ @ increase in testing led by local councils ” .
Public Health England ( PHE ) issues a similar caveat on its figures in its weekly Covid surveillance reports : “ Case detections are limited by testing capacity ” .
The limits of these figures don ’ t mean that the actual number of infections isn ’ t also rising .
It ’ s just that the official caseloads are unhelpfully confounded by the uneven spread of tests around the country .
So is there a way to find out if infections have gone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ positivity rates provide a better indication of change in activity in some areas ” .
The Department of Health also alluded to this measure as revealing the true extent of the change back in August .
The “ positivity rate ” simply means the proportion of people tested who were told they had the virus ( rather than the proportion of people living in the area ) .
The figure indicates whether your official case numbers are catching pretty much everyone in the community who has Covid ( in which case , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or whether your official stats are just the tip of the iceberg ( which would show up as a high positivity rate ) .
We can get some insight from individual parts of the country .
For example , Manchester City Council says 22.9 per cent of tests conducted there resulted in a positive diagnosis in the week ending 3 October – up from 14.2 per cent in the previous seven days .
And areas on the government ’ s “ Contain Framework ” watchlist also have their positivity rates reported in PHE @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has confirmed to FactCheck that it does not publish positivity rates broken down by every local authority .
So we can ’ t make a full national comparison .
Professor Sheila Bird , who was formerly Programme Leader at the University of Cambridge ’ s MRC Biostatistics Unit , agreed that confirmed cases per 100,000 aren ’ t especially helpful when it comes to local comparisons .
She told FactCheck that we need to know several more pieces of information : the proportion of the population that are tested in Pillar 1 ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ publicly available community tests ) , the positivity rates for each pillar , and the actual number of positive tests per 100,000 population .
And she says , when it comes to those Pillar 2 tests , we want even more detail about whether people getting tested had symptoms , whether they were in quarantine and whether they ’ d already been contacted by Test and Trace .
Why do some areas go into lockdown ?
There was speculation at the weekend that some places were spared tougher restrictions because they were represented @ @ @ @ @ @ @ local health officials complained that the government had changed the rules for some parts of the country without explaining why .
Of course , we can ’ t say for certain what ’ s going on behind closed doors .
But the Department of Health did shed some light on the factors that they use when deciding which areas go into lockdown .
They told FactCheck that , among other things , they consider “ the number of patients in hospital with coronavirus , seroprevalence , modelling data , ONS and React surveillance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ such as GP attendance , calls to the NHS 111 service and hospital admissions.
” ( “ Seroprevalence ” is when the government analyses blood samples from donors to calculate how many people might have had coronavirus without any symptoms .
“ React surveillance data ” comes from a major study by Imperial ) .
But there ’ s a catch : as we understand it , the government only publishes one of these datasets ( calls to NHS 111 ) broken down by local authority .
Hospital admissions stats are available by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ these don ’ t match up with councils .
So while it might be true that the government uses a range of measures to decide which areas go into lockdown , there is still a lack of transparency about what the figures actually show at a local level .
A spokesperson for the Department of Health told FactCheck : “ The incidence rate is only one of a set of considerations regarding when it is appropriate to impose and release restrictions , and decisions are made in close consultation with local leaders and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ latest evidence from the JBC and NHS Test and Trace , PHE and the Chief Medical Officer for England .
“ While we recognise how much of an imposition these measures are , they are based on the latest scientific evidence in order to suppress the virus , and protect us all while doing everything possible to support the economy ” It ’ s tempting to use the number of recorded cases per 100,000 as a way to work out if local restrictions in England are working , and even to decide whether @ @ @ @ @ @ @ begin with .
But this metric doesn ’ t actually tell us very much because it ’ s heavily affected by the amount of testing available in a particular place .
It ’ s possible that the apparent rise in infections in locked-down areas is a result of the authorities detecting more cases .
There might be a better way to work out whether outbreaks are really on the rise – the proportion of people tested who get a positive result .
But there ’ s a catch : the government doesn ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ authority in England .
There ’ s been some anger from local health officials and MPs about how and why lockdown decisions in England are taken .
The Department of Health has shown FactCheck eight measures that form part of its calculation – but frustratingly , it seems only one of these is publicly available broken down by local authorities .
So it ’ s very hard to make a proper comparison .
In short : we shouldn ’ t use official cases per 100,000 to make sweeping statements about local lockdowns , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ around exactly how decisions are taken .

With dozens of council areas now in some form of lockdown, we all want to know how well the authorities are managing local outbreaks – and which parts of the country might be next to face restrictions.
Just yesterday, the Labour leader Keir Starmer cited figures in the Commons that appeared to show infection rates had actually got worse since tighter rules were introduced in three Lancashire towns.
And the party’s own analysis finds the same pattern in 19 out of 20 areas of England that have been locked down for over two months. Today’s Daily Mirror says this demonstrates that local lockdowns “aren’t working”.
Meanwhile, a report in the Sunday Times last weekend went so far as to suggest that ministers were sparing some constituencies from stronger measures simply because they were held by Conservative MPs. The evidence behind it, provided by a local health official in Blackburn, was that places with a similar rate of confirmed cases were being treated differently.
But the metric that both sets of claims rely on – official Covid cases per 100,000 population – doesn’t tell us as much as we might think.
Here’s why.
Testing, testing
The government “targets” testing at different parts of the country when they become areas of concern. And the more tests you conduct, the more cases you’re likely to find. So it’s hardly surprising that locked-down areas are seeing their official tallies increase over time.
Indeed, when it announced new measures for Oldham, Pendle and Blackburn in August, the Department of Health pointed out that “the sharp rise in cases [in those areas] is in part due to a major increase in testing led by local councils”.
Public Health England (PHE) issues a similar caveat on its figures in its weekly Covid surveillance reports: “Case detections are limited by testing capacity”.
Any alternatives?
The limits of these figures don’t mean that the actual number of infections isn’t also rising. It’s just that the official caseloads are unhelpfully confounded by the uneven spread of tests around the country.
So is there a way to find out if infections have gone up for real?
PHE suggests “positivity rates provide a better indication of change in activity in some areas”. The Department of Health also alluded to this measure as revealing the true extent of the change back in August.
The “positivity rate” simply means the proportion of people tested who were told they had the virus (rather than the proportion of people living in the area).
The figure indicates whether your official case numbers are catching pretty much everyone in the community who has Covid (in which case, the positivity rate would be low), or whether your official stats are just the tip of the iceberg (which would show up as a high positivity rate).
We can get some insight from individual parts of the country. For example, Manchester City Council says 22.9 per cent of tests conducted there resulted in a positive diagnosis in the week ending 3 October – up from 14.2 per cent in the previous seven days.
And areas on the government’s “Contain Framework” watchlist also have their positivity rates reported in PHE’s weekly roundup.
But PHE has confirmed to FactCheck that it does not publish positivity rates broken down by every local authority. So we can’t make a full national comparison.
Professor Sheila Bird, who was formerly Programme Leader at the University of Cambridge’s MRC Biostatistics Unit, agreed that confirmed cases per 100,000 aren’t especially helpful when it comes to local comparisons.
She told FactCheck that we need to know several more pieces of information: the proportion of the population that are tested in Pillar 1 (hospital settings) and Pillar 2 (publicly available community tests), the positivity rates for each pillar, and the actual number of positive tests per 100,000 population.
And she says, when it comes to those Pillar 2 tests, we want even more detail about whether people getting tested had symptoms, whether they were in quarantine and whether they’d already been contacted by Test and Trace.
Why do some areas go into lockdown?
There was speculation at the weekend that some places were spared tougher restrictions because they were represented by Conservative MPs. Last month, local health officials complained that the government had changed the rules for some parts of the country without explaining why.
Of course, we can’t say for certain what’s going on behind closed doors.
But the Department of Health did shed some light on the factors that they use when deciding which areas go into lockdown.
They told FactCheck that, among other things, they consider “the number of patients in hospital with coronavirus, seroprevalence, modelling data, ONS and React surveillance data, positivity rates and NHS indicators such as GP attendance, calls to the NHS 111 service and hospital admissions.”
(“Seroprevalence” is when the government analyses blood samples from donors to calculate how many people might have had coronavirus without any symptoms. “React surveillance data” comes from a major study by Imperial).
But there’s a catch: as we understand it, the government only publishes one of these datasets (calls to NHS 111) broken down by local authority. Hospital admissions stats are available by NHS Trust, but the boundaries of these don’t match up with councils.
So while it might be true that the government uses a range of measures to decide which areas go into lockdown, there is still a lack of transparency about what the figures actually show at a local level.
A spokesperson for the Department of Health told FactCheck: “The incidence rate is only one of a set of considerations regarding when it is appropriate to impose and release restrictions, and decisions are made in close consultation with local leaders and public health experts, informed by the latest evidence from the JBC and NHS Test and Trace, PHE and the Chief Medical Officer for England.
“While we recognise how much of an imposition these measures are, they are based on the latest scientific evidence in order to suppress the virus, and protect us all while doing everything possible to support the economy”
FactCheck verdict
It’s tempting to use the number of recorded cases per 100,000 as a way to work out if local restrictions in England are working, and even to decide whether places have been unfairly locked down to begin with.
But this metric doesn’t actually tell us very much because it’s heavily affected by the amount of testing available in a particular place. It’s possible that the apparent rise in infections in locked-down areas is a result of the authorities detecting more cases.
There might be a better way to work out whether outbreaks are really on the rise – the proportion of people tested who get a positive result. But there’s a catch: the government doesn’t publish this data for every local authority in England.
There’s been some anger from local health officials and MPs about how and why lockdown decisions in England are taken. The Department of Health has shown FactCheck eight measures that form part of its calculation – but frustratingly, it seems only one of these is publicly available broken down by local authorities. So it’s very hard to make a proper comparison.
In short: we shouldn’t use official cases per 100,000 to make sweeping statements about local lockdowns, but there remains a lack of transparency around exactly how decisions are taken.


channel4uk--2020-10-09--Homeless busker spotted by hip hop legend and hired for new record

How about this for a chance encounter ?
Joe Fox was a homeless busker when a hip-hop legend bumped into @ @ @ @ @ and offered him the chance to record on his new album that very night .
@ @ @ @ @ is about to perform at a socially distanced gig .

How about this for a chance encounter?
Joe Fox was a homeless busker when a hip-hop legend bumped into him on a London street and offered him the chance to record on his new album that very night.
Now, the talented singer-songwriter is about to perform at a socially distanced gig.


channel4uk--2020-10-09--Covid took the lives of many frontline workers and their families are still questioning why more was

Covid took the lives of many frontline workers and their families are still questioning why more was not done to protect them

As many of us prepare for increasing restrictions on our daily lives , thousands are also still grieving .
Covid @ @ @ @ @ many frontline workers , with their families still questioning why more was not done to @ @ @ @ @ .
So how will we remember the key workers who died and ensure that more @ @ @ @ @ of systemic failures ?
East London had the highest death rate in the whole country @ @ @ @ @ more Londoners lost their lives than during the Blitz .

As many of us prepare for increasing restrictions on our daily lives, thousands are also still grieving.
Covid has taken the lives of many frontline workers, with their families still questioning why more was not done to protect them at the time.
So how will we remember the key workers who died and ensure that more lives are not lost because of systemic failures?
East London had the highest death rate in the whole country this April, in fact more Londoners lost their lives than during the Blitz.


channel4uk--2020-10-09--Met police restraints ‘probably contributed’ to mentally ill man’s death, inquest jury finds

An inquest has found that there were failings by all parties involved in the death of a 35-year-old black man @ @ @ @ @ Kevin Clarke died after being restrained by police officers during a relapse in his schizophrenia @ @ @ @ @ “ I can ’ t breathe ” , there are calls from the charity Inquest @ @ @ @ @ seen in the context of other restraint cases that have raised concerns about multi-agency failings @ @ @ @ @ person in mental health crisis .

This report contains distressing images.
An inquest has found that there were failings by all parties involved in the death of a 35-year-old black man.
In March 2018, Kevin Clarke died after being restrained by police officers during a relapse in his schizophrenia.
Heard saying the words “I can’t breathe”, there are calls from the charity Inquest for his case to be seen in the context of other restraint cases that have raised concerns about multi-agency failings and police restraint on a person in mental health crisis.


channel4uk--2020-10-09--‘There needs to be more evaluation of President Trump’s mental health’ – former presidential candida

‘There needs to be more evaluation of President Trump’s mental health’ – former presidential candidate Evan McMullin

We spoke to Evan McMullin , a former CIA operations officer who ran as an independent for president in 2016 @ @ @ @ @ Up Republic , an anti-Trump conservative campaign group focused on defending democracy .
We asked @ @ @ @ @ thinks President Trump is acting in a responsible way at the moment .

We spoke to Evan McMullin, a former CIA operations officer who ran as an independent for president in 2016.
He now runs Stand Up Republic, an anti-Trump conservative campaign group focused on defending democracy.
We asked him whether or not he thinks President Trump is acting in a responsible way at the moment.


channel4uk--2020-10-09--Trump promises to hit campaign trail again after Covid hospital stay

With only three and a half weeks before the election it has been another extraordinary day in Washington where the @ @ @ @ @ was going to hit the campaign again .
It has only been eight days since @ @ @ @ @ Covid and four days since he left hospital .
This as Michigan ’ s governor @ @ @ @ @ accusing him of legitimising white Supremacists after the FBI foiled an attack against her planned @ @ @ @ @ .

With only three and a half weeks before the election it has been another extraordinary day in Washington where the recently infected president declared he was going to hit the campaign again.
It has only been eight days since he was tested positive for Covid and four days since he left hospital.
This as Michigan’s governor lashed out at Donald Trump accusing him of legitimising white Supremacists after the FBI foiled an attack against her planned by a right-wing militia group.


channel4uk--2020-10-09--Pubs and restaurants shut in Scotland’s central belt

In the central belt of Scotland , pubs and restaurants closed their doors for the next two weeks at least @ @ @ @ @ government ’ s plan to tighten covid restrictions .
Nicola Sturgeon has defended the plan @ @ @ @ @ Covid were recorded in Scotland and more than 1,200 cases diagnosed .

In the central belt of Scotland, pubs and restaurants closed their doors for the next two weeks at least as part of the Scottish government’s plan to tighten covid restrictions.
Nicola Sturgeon has defended the plan as another six deaths from Covid were recorded in Scotland and more than 1,200 cases diagnosed.