channel4uk--2020-06-04--FactCheck: has coronavirus destroyed more jobs than the Great Recession?

More Brits claimed unemployment benefits in April 2020 than did even in the worst months of the last financial crash .
We ’ re going to look at what we know so far about the effects of coronavirus and lockdown on joblessness .
How many people have been furloughed ?
Which parts of the country have been hardest hit ?
And is it possible that the economy could bounce back when restrictions are eased ?
How many people have been made unemployed since lockdown ?
The best estimate we have so far of how many people have lost their jobs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ claimant count ” .
The figure is published by the Office for National Statistics ( ONS ) every month and estimates the number of people on unemployment benefits like Jobseekers ’ Allowance or Universal Credit .
The latest stats show a dramatic leap in the number of people claiming unemployment benefits : from 1.2 million in March to 2.1 million in April .
That ’ s a rise of about 850,000 in a single month .
How does this compare to previous crises ?
Early indications suggest that the unemployment associated with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than the aftermath of the 2008 crash .
At its peak , that crisis saw 4.9 per cent of adults claiming unemployment benefits ( in October 2009 and January 2010 ) .
A decade later , the figure for April 2020 is 5.8 per cent , up from 3.5 per cent the previous month .
The graph is pretty striking : What about when we look further back ?
The claimant count reached a staggering 10.6 per cent in the spring of 1986 – which remains the highest level since records began in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ early 1990s saw 9.9 per cent of UK adults on unemployment benefits for a number of months .
How many workers have been furloughed ?
It ’ s worth bearing one very important fact in mind when comparing the coronavirus with other economic shocks : unlike in previous downturns , the UK government has taken the unprecedented step of paying the wages of private sector employees in a bid to preserve jobs .
Some 8.7 million British workers have been furloughed since the current crisis began – around a quarter of the workforce @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scheme , employees receive 80 per cent of their usual wages , up to £2,500 a month , from the government .
A further 2.5 million claims have been made under the “ Self-Employment Income Support Scheme ” .
Both schemes are set to continue until October , though employers will be asked to cover some of the costs from August .
We will never know for certain what would have happened if the government had not intervened – but it seems likely that the lockdown would have put many more in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Which regions of the UK have been hardest hit ?
Every region of the UK saw the number of people claiming unemployment benefits increase as a proportion of the population between March and April – with the North East , Wales and Northern Ireland particularly hard-hit .
So what effect have these changes had on the overall proportion of people claiming unemployment benefits ?
The North East , which already had the highest rate of claimants before lockdown began , remains at the top of this unhappy table .
Some nine per @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unemployment benefits in April 2020 , according to ONS experimental data – up from 5.9 per cent the previous month .
The graph below shows each region ’ s figures for March ( in purple ) and April ( in pink ) .
Proportionately , the South East ( excluding London ) has the lowest claimant count of any region as a proportion of its population : 4.5 per cent .
Though it too has seen a significant rise since March , when the figure was 2.4 per cent .
What can we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The independent Office for Budget Responsibility ( OBR ) has produced some initial estimates of what the rest of 2020 might hold for the UK economy .
The analysts are keen to stress that these are “ broad-brush ” predictions and should be treated with caution .
With these caveats in mind , the OBR estimates that UK GDP – the combined value of all the goods and services in the whole economy – will fall by 35 per cent in the second quarter of this year , before rising by 27 per @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It ’ s hard to convey in words how unusual both of these changes would be , so let ’ s put them in context with a graph that stretches back 50 years : The OBR estimates that the UK unemployment rate could rise to 10 per cent in the second quarter of this year , before declining slightly to 8.5 per cent in the following three months .
Here ’ s how that looks in historical context :

More Brits claimed unemployment benefits in April 2020 than did even in the worst months of the last financial crash.
We’re going to look at what we know so far about the effects of coronavirus and lockdown on joblessness.
How many people have been furloughed? Which parts of the country have been hardest hit? And is it possible that the economy could bounce back when restrictions are eased?
How many people have been made unemployed since lockdown?
The best estimate we have so far of how many people have lost their jobs since the lockdown started is the “claimant count”. The figure is published by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) every month and estimates the number of people on unemployment benefits like Jobseekers’ Allowance or Universal Credit.
The latest stats show a dramatic leap in the number of people claiming unemployment benefits: from 1.2 million in March to 2.1 million in April. That’s a rise of about 850,000 in a single month.
How does this compare to previous crises?
Early indications suggest that the unemployment associated with the coronavirus and lockdown is already more severe than the aftermath of the 2008 crash. At its peak, that crisis saw 4.9 per cent of adults claiming unemployment benefits (in October 2009 and January 2010).
A decade later, the figure for April 2020 is 5.8 per cent, up from 3.5 per cent the previous month. The graph is pretty striking:
What about when we look further back? The claimant count reached a staggering 10.6 per cent in the spring of 1986 – which remains the highest level since records began in 1971. And the recession of the early 1990s saw 9.9 per cent of UK adults on unemployment benefits for a number of months.
How many workers have been furloughed?
It’s worth bearing one very important fact in mind when comparing the coronavirus with other economic shocks: unlike in previous downturns, the UK government has taken the unprecedented step of paying the wages of private sector employees in a bid to preserve jobs.
Some 8.7 million British workers have been furloughed since the current crisis began – around a quarter of the workforce.
Under the terms of the furlough scheme, employees receive 80 per cent of their usual wages, up to £2,500 a month, from the government. A further 2.5 million claims have been made under the “Self-Employment Income Support Scheme”.
Both schemes are set to continue until October, though employers will be asked to cover some of the costs from August.
We will never know for certain what would have happened if the government had not intervened – but it seems likely that the lockdown would have put many more in the dole queue if they hadn’t.
Which regions of the UK have been hardest hit?
Every region of the UK saw the number of people claiming unemployment benefits increase as a proportion of the population between March and April – with the North East, Wales and Northern Ireland particularly hard-hit.
So what effect have these changes had on the overall proportion of people claiming unemployment benefits?
The North East, which already had the highest rate of claimants before lockdown began, remains at the top of this unhappy table. Some nine per cent of adults in the region claimed unemployment benefits in April 2020, according to ONS experimental data – up from 5.9 per cent the previous month.
The graph below shows each region’s figures for March (in purple) and April (in pink).
Proportionately, the South East (excluding London) has the lowest claimant count of any region as a proportion of its population: 4.5 per cent. Though it too has seen a significant rise since March, when the figure was 2.4 per cent.
What can we expect from the rest of 2020?
The independent Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) has produced some initial estimates of what the rest of 2020 might hold for the UK economy. The analysts are keen to stress that these are “broad-brush” predictions and should be treated with caution.
With these caveats in mind, the OBR estimates that UK GDP – the combined value of all the goods and services in the whole economy – will fall by 35 per cent in the second quarter of this year, before rising by 27 per cent in the three months after that.
It’s hard to convey in words how unusual both of these changes would be, so let’s put them in context with a graph that stretches back 50 years:
The OBR estimates that the UK unemployment rate could rise to 10 per cent in the second quarter of this year, before declining slightly to 8.5 per cent in the following three months.
Here’s how that looks in historical context:


channel4uk--2020-06-05--Migrants in UK fear charges for NHS virus treatment, say charities

Non-EU migrants living and working in the UK have to pay a surcharge to use the NHS , brought in @ @ @ @ @ ’ s so called “ hostile environment ” policy on immigration in 2015 .
Amid @ @ @ @ @ with suspected coronavirus from seeking vital help – access to any services linked to Covid @ @ @ @ @ charges .
But charities say many migrants are worried they will be landed with bills @ @ @ @ @ that they will be reported to the immigration authorities and possibly detained .
Fatima Manji @ @

Non-EU migrants living and working in the UK have to pay a surcharge to use the NHS, brought in as part of the Government’s so called “hostile environment” policy on immigration in 2015.
Amid fears it could stop people with suspected coronavirus from seeking vital help – access to any services linked to Covid was made exempt from any charges.
But charities say many migrants are worried they will be landed with bills they can not afford or that they will be reported to the immigration authorities and possibly detained. Fatima Manji reports.


channel4uk--2020-06-05--Only doctor left Peruvian village as Covid-19 outbreak took hold

The danger to indigenous people is not limited to Brazil .
Guillermo Galdos has travelled along the Amazon from the @ @ @ @ @ to the Shipibo village of Caimito .

The danger to indigenous people is not limited to Brazil. Guillermo Galdos has travelled along the Amazon from the Peruvian capital, Lima, to the Shipibo village of Caimito.


channel4uk--2020-06-05--The Brazilian city where Covid-19 poses major threat to indigenous communities

The new epicentre for coronavirus is Latin America where cases have been rising rapidly .
But it is the region @ @ @ @ @ appear to be suffering the effects most severely .
Communities have little barrier to disease @ @ @ @ @ into remote regions where there are fears some ethnic groups could be wiped out by @ @ @

The new epicentre for coronavirus is Latin America where cases have been rising rapidly. But it is the region’s indigenous people who appear to be suffering the effects most severely.
Communities have little barrier to disease and cases are spreading rapidly into remote regions where there are fears some ethnic groups could be wiped out by the disease.


channel4uk--2020-06-05--‘If talks continue way they are now, it doesn’t look like we will reach agreement’ – Dutch MEP Kati

If talks continue way they are now , it doesn ’ t look like we will reach agreement ’ – @ @ @ @ @ me now from The Hague is the Dutch MEP Kati Piri , who is a @ @ @ @ @ Group in the European Parliament .

‘If talks continue way they are now, it doesn’t look like we will reach agreement’ – Dutch MEP Kati Piri
Matt Frei Europe Editor and Presenter
Joining me now from The Hague is the Dutch MEP Kati Piri, who is a member of the UK Coordination Group in the European Parliament.


channel4uk--2020-06-05--Barnier says little progress made in post-Brexit talks with UK

Time is running out and so too is patience – as the European Union ’ s chief negotiator declared there @ @ @ @ @ in the post-Brexit trade talks with the UK before a potentially make or break summit @ @ @ @ @ Barnier said the UK had shown no real desire to explore compromises and was constantly @ @ @ @ @ which Boris Johnson made last year .
The UK said today that progress was limited @ @ @ @ @ had actually been positive , adding that things would have to “ intensify and accelerate @ @ @ @ @ be any chance of agreement .

Time is running out and so too is patience – as the European Union’s chief negotiator declared there had been no real progress in the post-Brexit trade talks with the UK before a potentially make or break summit later this month.
Michel Barnier said the UK had shown no real desire to explore compromises and was constantly trying to backtrack on commitments which Boris Johnson made last year.
The UK said today that progress was limited but the tone of talks had actually been positive, adding that things would have to “intensify and accelerate” if there was to be any chance of agreement.


channel4uk--2020-06-05--‘Fingers crossed, tail wind behind us, we could have vaccine approved by mid-September’ – Prof Sir J

‘Fingers crossed, tail wind behind us, we could have vaccine approved by mid-September’ – Prof Sir John Bell

If talks continue way they are now , it doesn ’ t look like we will reach agreement ’ – @ @ @ @

4m
‘Tourists getting in the way of wildfire recovery on Maui,’ says former state representative


channel4uk--2020-06-05--UK virus deaths pass 40,000, as government says reproduction rate holding steady

The government ’ s scientific advisors believe the R number , or reproduction rate , has held steady – and @ @ @ @ @ ’ s the all important figure which shows whether the epidemic can be contained or @ @ @ @ @ but the government ’ s scientific advisors believe the R number , or reproduction rate @ @ @ @ @ and remains below one .
However figures from Public Health England suggest it could be @ @ @ @ @ areas , including the South West and North West of England .
Separate figures show @ @ @ @ @ positive for Covid-19 appears to be going down – to an estimated 5,600 cases a @ @

The government’s scientific advisors believe the R number, or reproduction rate, has held steady – and remains below one.
It’s the all important figure which shows whether the epidemic can be contained or could spread rapidly again, but the government’s scientific advisors believe the R number, or reproduction rate, has held steady – and remains below one.
However figures from Public Health England suggest it could be close to one in some areas, including the South West and North West of England. Separate figures show the number of people testing positive for Covid-19 appears to be going down – to an estimated 5,600 cases a day.


channel4uk--2020-06-05--‘This disease has shone light on deep-seated inequalities’ – Lord Simon Woolley


channel4uk--2020-06-05--Government accused of whitewash after inquiry into BAME virus toll

Not just marginalised – but left out all together .
Questions about structural racism and discrimination failed to appear in @ @ @ @ @ the coronavirus risks to people from black , asian and minority ethnic backgrounds in England @ @ @ @ @ from the black doctor who was supposed to be in charge of the whole report @ @ @ @ @ was not in the findings published last week .
The government insists Prof Fenton ’ @ @ @ @ @ the next phase of their inquiry .

Not just marginalised – but left out all together. Questions about structural racism and discrimination failed to appear in the government commissioned report on the coronavirus risks to people from black, asian and minority ethnic backgrounds in England.
And the entire section from the black doctor who was supposed to be in charge of the whole report – Prof Kevin Fenton – was not in the findings published last week. The government insists Prof Fenton’s valuable insight will inform the next phase of their inquiry.


channel4uk--2020-06-05--Trump provokes outrage after saying ‘great day’ for George Floyd as unemployment falls

In the United States , President Trump has caused outrage after suggesting that it was a “ great day ” @ @ @ @ @ black man whose death at the knee of a police officer sparked days of protests @ @ @ @ @ .
Mr Trump was hailing new figures showing a surprise drop in US unemployment – @ @ @ @ @ questions from reporters .
Campaigners described his remarks as “ despicable ” .
From Washington @ @ @ @ @ and be warned , there are some distressing images from the start of her report @

In the United States, President Trump has caused outrage after suggesting that it was a “great day” for George Floyd – the black man whose death at the knee of a police officer sparked days of protests and unrest across the country.
Mr Trump was hailing new figures showing a surprise drop in US unemployment – but refused to take any questions from reporters. Campaigners described his remarks as “despicable”.
From Washington, Kate Fisher reports – and be warned, there are some distressing images from the start of her report.


channel4uk--2020-06-05--FactCheck: are bald men at greater risk of severe coronavirus illness?

Dozens of media outlets have run stories today on a study that seems to show a link between baldness and the chance of severe coronavirus infection .
But on closer inspection , the relationship isn ’ t so clear .
Researchers in the US and Spain teamed up for this study of 175 coronavirus patients who were treated at three hospitals in Madrid during March and April .
The “ pre-print ” version of the paper , which is due to be published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology , is titled : “ Androgenetic Alopecia Present @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” .
The study does not adjust for age , which is known to be the biggest single risk factor when it comes to getting severe , or even fatal , coronavirus illness .
However , the paper does make some initial comparisons .
The researchers found 79 per cent of men in their sample who were hospitalised with coronavirus were bald , versus a 31-53 per cent baldness rate in an “ age-matched ” , “ similar Caucasian population ” .
Put side by side , that seems to show a very @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chances of severe covid-19 illness – and one that does not appear to be explained by age .
But there ’ s a catch .
The source for the claim that 31-53 per cent of people in a “ similar Caucasian population ” are bald is an Australian study from 2003 which looked at men aged between 40 and 69 .
That ’ s a problem when we consider that the age group most at risk from coronavirus complications is the over-70s .
As the authors of the Madrid study say : “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the type of baldness that most often affects men ] rate in age-matched , not admitted covid-19 population is still unknown to draw further conclusions.
” In other words , until we have more precise data on the rate of baldness in the general population broken down by age , we can not say with any certainty if there is a correlation between hair loss and severe coronavirus .
What do we know about baldness among older people ?
That said , there is other research that could shed some light on hair @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2005 study of 739 Danish twins found that just 28 per cent of men over 70 in their sample had “ almost all hair intact ” .
That means the remaining 72 per cent had some degree of baldness ( as measured on the same scale used by today ’ s Madrid researchers ) .
These findings are consistent with a 1975 study of baldness in Caucasian men , which found 70 per cent were bald by the age of 79 .
We ’ re not in a position to make “ age-matched @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Madrid study .
But if it is as common for men over 70 as this research suggests , it seems the rate of hair loss among severely ill coronavirus patients in the Madrid sample is about what we ’ d expect , given baldness in the wider population of those most likely to have severe covid-19 ( the elderly ) .
In any case , we should remember that today ’ s report is a study of relatively few patients ( 175 ) in a small geographic area ( one city ) , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : “ The patients were randomly examined by dermatologists that were assisting with the overwhelming amount of admitted patients ” .
All of these factors leave open the possibility that we are not seeing a truly representative snapshot of covid-19 patients from which to draw wider conclusions .
And of course , the comparisons with a Caucasian population are not very helpful when we don ’ t know the ethnic make-up of the patients in the Madrid sample .
A medium-sized study of patients in three Madrid hospitals has attracted attention today after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ between baldness and the chance of severe coronavirus illness .
The study does not adjust for age , which we know is the biggest single risk factor for serious covid-19 disease .
However , it does compare the rate of baldness among severely ill patients ( 79 per cent ) with the level of baldness in an “ age-matched ” , “ similar Caucasian population ” , which the researchers say is estimated at 31 to 53 per cent .
This suggests a much higher rate of baldness among severely ill coronavirus patients @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hair loss in the general population – and that the relationship can not be explained fully by age .
But there ’ s a catch : the “ 31-51 per cent ” baseline comes from a study of men aged 40 to 69 .
So it doesn ’ t tell us about men over 70 , the group at the highest risk of severe coronavirus illness .
Separate studies have estimated that around three quarters of Caucasian men aged over 70 had some degree of hair loss .
So it ’ s possible @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the Madrid sample is about in line with what we ’ d expect in men of that age .
Though , as the researchers concede , we can ’ t say for certain without more detailed data on hair loss in the wider population .

Dozens of media outlets have run stories today on a study that seems to show a link between baldness and the chance of severe coronavirus infection.
But on closer inspection, the relationship isn’t so clear.
The study
Researchers in the US and Spain teamed up for this study of 175 coronavirus patients who were treated at three hospitals in Madrid during March and April.
The “pre-print” version of the paper, which is due to be published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, is titled: “Androgenetic Alopecia Present in the Majority of Hospitalized Covid-19 Patients”.
The study does not adjust for age, which is known to be the biggest single risk factor when it comes to getting severe, or even fatal, coronavirus illness.
However, the paper does make some initial comparisons. The researchers found 79 per cent of men in their sample who were hospitalised with coronavirus were bald, versus a 31-53 per cent baldness rate in an “age-matched”, “similar Caucasian population”.
Put side by side, that seems to show a very striking relationship between hair loss and the chances of severe covid-19 illness – and one that does not appear to be explained by age.
The limits
But there’s a catch. The source for the claim that 31-53 per cent of people in a “similar Caucasian population” are bald is an Australian study from 2003 which looked at men aged between 40 and 69.
That’s a problem when we consider that the age group most at risk from coronavirus complications is the over-70s.
As the authors of the Madrid study say: “The precise AGA [androgenic alopecia, the type of baldness that most often affects men] rate in age-matched, not admitted covid-19 population is still unknown to draw further conclusions.”
In other words, until we have more precise data on the rate of baldness in the general population broken down by age, we cannot say with any certainty if there is a correlation between hair loss and severe coronavirus.
What do we know about baldness among older people?
That said, there is other research that could shed some light on hair loss rates among the elderly.
A 2005 study of 739 Danish twins found that just 28 per cent of men over 70 in their sample had “almost all hair intact”.
That means the remaining 72 per cent had some degree of baldness (as measured on the same scale used by today’s Madrid researchers).
These findings are consistent with a 1975 study of baldness in Caucasian men, which found 70 per cent were bald by the age of 79.
We’re not in a position to make “age-matched” comparisons with the patients in the Madrid study.
But if it is as common for men over 70 as this research suggests, it seems the rate of hair loss among severely ill coronavirus patients in the Madrid sample is about what we’d expect, given baldness in the wider population of those most likely to have severe covid-19 (the elderly).
Further caveats
In any case, we should remember that today’s report is a study of relatively few patients (175) in a small geographic area (one city), and that, as the researchers describe: “The patients were randomly examined by dermatologists that were assisting with the overwhelming amount of admitted patients”.
All of these factors leave open the possibility that we are not seeing a truly representative snapshot of covid-19 patients from which to draw wider conclusions.
And of course, the comparisons with a Caucasian population are not very helpful when we don’t know the ethnic make-up of the patients in the Madrid sample.
FactCheck verdict
A medium-sized study of patients in three Madrid hospitals has attracted attention today after it appeared to show a strong correlation between baldness and the chance of severe coronavirus illness.
The study does not adjust for age, which we know is the biggest single risk factor for serious covid-19 disease. However, it does compare the rate of baldness among severely ill patients (79 per cent) with the level of baldness in an “age-matched”, “similar Caucasian population”, which the researchers say is estimated at 31 to 53 per cent.
This suggests a much higher rate of baldness among severely ill coronavirus patients than would be expected given levels of hair loss in the general population – and that the relationship cannot be explained fully by age.
But there’s a catch: the “31-51 per cent” baseline comes from a study of men aged 40 to 69. So it doesn’t tell us about men over 70, the group at the highest risk of severe coronavirus illness.
Separate studies have estimated that around three quarters of Caucasian men aged over 70 had some degree of hair loss. So it’s possible that the rate of baldness among patients in the Madrid sample is about in line with what we’d expect in men of that age. Though, as the researchers concede, we can’t say for certain without more detailed data on hair loss in the wider population.


channel4uk--2020-06-05--Series 5, Episode 3: Adam Goodes

Series 5, Episode 3: Adam Goodes

Adam Goodes is a former Australian Football League player of Aboriginal descent .
He became a controversial figure in Australia @ @ @ @ @ him during a AFL game .
After that , he faced taunts and boos from @ @ @ @ @ a race row across Australia .
He ’ s now left the sport and is @ @ @ @ @ his anti-racism advocacy .
His story is now being told in a new documentary called @ @ @ @ @ , which explores what Adam ’ s experience shows about modern day Australia .
The @ @ @ @ @ digitally on 12th June .
www.theaustraliandream.co.uk You can listen to and subscribe to the podcast @ @ @ @ @ Or on Spotify , Acast , CastBox and other good podcast apps .
So join @ @ @ @ @ big ideas changing the way we think , act and live – and how much @ @ @ @ @ as individuals .
A filmed version of each interview is available on our Channel 4 @ @ @ @ @ subscribe to keep updated on when a new episode is published .

Adam Goodes is a former Australian Football League player of Aboriginal descent. He became a controversial figure in Australia following a racist incident against him during a AFL game.
After that, he faced taunts and boos from AFL crowds, which ignited a race row across Australia.
He’s now left the sport and is a private businessman but continues his anti-racism advocacy.
His story is now being told in a new documentary called ‘The Australian Dream’, which explores what Adam’s experience shows about modern day Australia.
The Australian Dream will be released digitally on 12th June. www.theaustraliandream.co.uk
Warning: Strong and racially sensitive language.
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--2020-06-06--Love in the time of Corona: Couple wed in lockdown as family and friends watch via video call

For some , not even a global pandemic will get in the way of love .
Family and friends cheering @ @ @ @ @ down the aisle .
The air full of confetti .
The first dance .
Wedding @ @ @ @ @ swing by now .
But in these special times , couples are struggling to organise @ @ @ @ @ have simply abandoned their wedding plans .
But for some , not even a global @ @ @ @ @ way of love .

For some, not even a global pandemic will get in the way of love.
Family and friends cheering as the happy couple walks down the aisle.
The air full of confetti. The first dance. Wedding season should be in full swing by now.
But in these special times, couples are struggling to organise their special day.
Many have simply abandoned their wedding plans.
But for some, not even a global pandemic will get in the way of love.


channel4uk--2020-06-06--Concerns raised over £600 million government pledge to care homes

Concerns have been raised as to whether the government ’ s announcement of £600 million for care homes to help @ @ @ @ @ can actually be used .
A charity representing adult social care providers has written to @ @ @ @ @ the system is “ confused and overly bureaucratic ” and there ’ s a risk @ @ @ @ @ large amounts of the money going unspent ” .
The government says it has been @ @ @ @ @ be used .

Concerns have been raised as to whether the government’s announcement of £600 million for care homes to help prevent the spread of Covid-19 can actually be used.
A charity representing adult social care providers has written to the government to say that the system is “confused and overly bureaucratic” and there’s a risk it’ll leave “large amounts of the money going unspent”.
The government says it has been clear how the money can be used.


channel4uk--2020-06-06--“When this news cycle moves on, the lived reality of racism will persist in the black community as i

“When this news cycle moves on, the lived reality of racism will persist in the black community as it has done since records began ” – George the Poet

Earlier , Krishnan Guru-Murthy took a camera down to meet the spoken word artist and rapper George the Poet Earlier @ @ @ @ @ camera down to meet the spoken word artist and rapper George the Poet – outside @ @ @ @ @ How did he feel about demonstrations during the coronavirus restrictions ?

Earlier, Krishnan Guru-Murthy took a camera down to meet the spoken word artist and rapper George the Poet
Earlier, Krishnan Guru-Murthy took a camera down to meet the spoken word artist and rapper George the Poet – outside, at social distance.
How did he feel about demonstrations during the coronavirus restrictions?


channel4uk--2020-06-06--Thousands across the UK attend anti-racism demonstrations – despite the government advising against

Thousands across the UK attend anti-racism demonstrations – despite the government advising against mass gatherings

In the UK , the message from ministers to those planning to protest was clear – mass gatherings are banned @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus .
Demonstrations in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement have taken place in @ @ @ @ @ in Paris and Berlin .
In the UK , the message from ministers to those @ @ @ @ @ – mass gatherings are banned to prevent the spread of coronavirus .
But tens of @ @ @ @ @ warnings in many of Britain ’ s biggest cities .
There were plenty of faces @ @ @ @ @ Tull reports , for many , social distancing was simply not possible .

In the UK, the message from ministers to those planning to protest was clear – mass gatherings are banned to prevent the spread of coronavirus.
Demonstrations in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement have taken place in South Korea and Sydney, in Paris and Berlin.
In the UK, the message from ministers to those planning to protest was clear – mass gatherings are banned to prevent the spread of coronavirus.
But tens of thousands of people defied those warnings in many of Britain’s biggest cities.
There were plenty of faces covered, but as Ayshah Tull reports, for many, social distancing was simply not possible.


channel4uk--2020-06-06--Mourners in North Carolina queue to pay their respects to George Floyd

Black Lives Matter protesters have started gathering in Washington DC for what organisers hope will be the largest demonstration to @ @ @ @ @ murder by a Minneapolis police officer of George Floyd on May the 25th .
And @ @ @ @ @ George Floyd was born , mourners have been queuing up to pay tribute at a @ @ @

Black Lives Matter protesters have started gathering in Washington DC for what organisers hope will be the largest demonstration to take place since the alleged murder by a Minneapolis police officer of George Floyd on May the 25th.
And in North Carolina, where George Floyd was born, mourners have been queuing up to pay tribute at a public memorial.


channel4uk--2020-06-07--“We have a statue of someone who made their money by throwing our people into water…and now he’s on

“ We have a statue of someone who made their money by throwing our people into water…and now he ’ @ @ @ @ @ the water.
” – Marvin Rees , elected Mayor of Bristol One man who knows @ @ @ @ @ the statue of Edward Colston is the directly elected mayor of Bristol , Labour ’ @ @ @ @

“We have a statue of someone who made their money by throwing our people into water…and now he’s on the bottom of the water.” – Marvin Rees, elected Mayor of Bristol
One man who knows all about the controversy surrounding the statue of Edward Colston is the directly elected mayor of Bristol, Labour’s Marvin Rees.


channel4uk--2020-06-07--Statue of Bristol slaver Edward Colston torn down by Black Lives Matter demonstrators

Protesters have once again taken to Britain ’ s streets .
The biggest crowds were in London where anti-racism demonstrators @ @ @ @ @ before returning to the scene of last night ’ s sporadic violence in Whitehall .
@ @ @ @ @ of the day were created by activists in Bristol , where police say they are @ @ @ @ @ “ clearly committed an act of criminal damage ” .

Protesters have once again taken to Britain’s streets. The biggest crowds were in London where anti-racism demonstrators marched on the US embassy before returning to the scene of last night’s sporadic violence in Whitehall.
But the most striking images of the day were created by activists in Bristol, where police say they are working to identify those who “clearly committed an act of criminal damage”.


channel4uk--2020-06-07--Brazil medics fear Covid-19 peak is yet to come – as deaths toll nears 36,000

In Brazil , the right-wing populist government led by President Jair Bolsonaro has stopped publishing cumulative figures for coronavirus infections @ @ @ @ @ the second most confirmed cases in the world after the US , and as the @ @ @ @ @ nears 36,000 , medics fear the peak is yet to come .

In Brazil, the right-wing populist government led by President Jair Bolsonaro has stopped publishing cumulative figures for coronavirus infections and deaths.
Brazil has the second most confirmed cases in the world after the US, and as the country’s death toll nears 36,000, medics fear the peak is yet to come.


channel4uk--2020-06-07--Senior Syrian military official on trial in Germany charged with human rights abuses

A historic trial is taking place in Germany where , for the first time , charges have been brought against @ @ @ @ @ who is accused of human rights abuses and the torture of detainees during the Syrian @ @ @ @ @ followed one Syrian woman to the trial whose father disappeared seven years ago after taking @ @ @ @

A historic trial is taking place in Germany where, for the first time, charges have been brought against a senior Syrian military official who is accused of human rights abuses and the torture of detainees during the Syrian conflict.
We’ve followed one Syrian woman to the trial whose father disappeared seven years ago after taking part anti-government protests.
Waad Al-Kateab reports.
Filmed by Waad Al-Kateab and Milad Amin.


channel4uk--2020-06-07--Health Secretary denies UK virus lockdown was brought in too late

The Health Secretary has denied suggestions from one of his government ’ s own scientific advisors that the lockdown was @ @ @ @ @ causing unnecessary deaths .
Matt Hancock also said that it is safe to partially lift @ @ @ @ @ came as the latest daily figure for Covid-19 deaths was the lowest since late March @

The Health Secretary has denied suggestions from one of his government’s own scientific advisors that the lockdown was brought in too late, causing unnecessary deaths.
Matt Hancock also said that it is safe to partially lift lockdown restrictions.
His comments came as the latest daily figure for Covid-19 deaths was the lowest since late March.


channel4uk--2020-06-07--“We need to be in positions of power.” – Booker Prize winner Bernardine Evaristo.

She ’ s the author who won last year ’ s Booker Prize for her best selling novel , Girl @ @ @ @ @ which also made Barack Obama ’ s favourite 19 books of 2019 .
Bernardine Evaristo @ @ @ @ @ 12 very different types of black women and how they navigate living in Britain over @ @ @ @ @ injustices very much on the news agenda , Jordan Jarrett-Bryan went to meet her and @ @ @ @ @ how she feels about recent events .

She’s the author who won last year’s Booker Prize for her best selling novel, Girl, Woman, Other – which also made Barack Obama’s favourite 19 books of 2019.
Bernardine Evaristo’s novel is about 12 very different types of black women and how they navigate living in Britain over several decades.
With racial injustices very much on the news agenda, Jordan Jarrett-Bryan went to meet her and he began by asking her how she feels about recent events.


channel4uk--2020-06-08--How an Amazon rainforest village survived Covid-19 with modern and traditional medicine

Brazil has fast become the world ’ s new epicentre of the coronavirus pandemic .
While cities across Latin America @ @ @ @ @ already been hit hard , there are growing fears that the disease could spread even @ @ @ @ @ , especially those in the Brazilian rainforest .
Our international editor Lindsey Hilsum has been @ @ @ @ @ Kambeba tribe to find out how they have been coping .

Brazil has fast become the world’s new epicentre of the coronavirus pandemic.
While cities across Latin America’s biggest country have already been hit hard, there are growing fears that the disease could spread even deeper into its rural communities, especially those in the Brazilian rainforest.
Our international editor Lindsey Hilsum has been to meet members of the Kambeba tribe to find out how they have been coping.


channel4uk--2020-06-08--Woolley raises concerns with No 10 about BAME virus risks report

Lord Woolley , the chair of the Government ’ s advisory board for the Race Disparity Unit , has held @ @ @ @ @ officials today to raise his concerns about the report into the disproportionate coronavirus risk faced @ @ @ @ @ .

Lord Woolley, the chair of the Government’s advisory board for the Race Disparity Unit, has held a meeting with Downing Street officials today to raise his concerns about the report into the disproportionate coronavirus risk faced by people from BAME backgrounds.


channel4uk--2020-06-08--New UK quarantine rules come into force for those arriving from overseas

Passengers are confused .
Airlines are furious .
Border officials say they are unprepared .
But from today almost everyone @ @ @ @ @ have to self-isolate for 14 days .
In England there will be random checks and @ @ @ @ @ a £1,000 fine .
The Government says the measures are essential to avoid a second @ @ @ @ @ airlines are already calling for a judicial review .

Passengers are confused. Airlines are furious. Border officials say they are unprepared.
But from today almost everyone arriving in the UK will have to self-isolate for 14 days.
In England there will be random checks and breaching the rules could mean a £1,000 fine.
The Government says the measures are essential to avoid a second wave of coronavirus – but airlines are already calling for a judicial review.


channel4uk--2020-06-08--UK sees smallest rise in virus deaths since lockdown began

Deaths from coronavirus in the UK are continuing to fall with the daily number of deaths rising by 55 today @ @ @ @ @ Organization has warned that infections are on the rise in many parts of the world @ @ @ @ @ impact of lockdown is being weighed up , two new studies have found that the @ @ @ @ @ millions of lives.Our health and social care editor Victoria Macdonald is in the newsroom with @ @

Deaths from coronavirus in the UK are continuing to fall with the daily number of deaths rising by 55 today – but the World Health Organization has warned that infections are on the rise in many parts of the world.
And as the economic impact of lockdown is being weighed up, two new studies have found that the stringent measures imposed have saved millions of lives.Our health and social care editor Victoria Macdonald is in the newsroom with more.


channel4uk--2020-06-08--‘Churchill took stand against fascism but was also great proponent of colonialism’ – film-maker and

‘Churchill took stand against fascism but was also great proponent of colonialism’ – film-maker and activist Bree Newsome Bass

I spoke to the filmmaker , artist and activist Bree Newsome Bass .
I spoke to the filmmaker , artist @ @ @ @ @ .
She made headlines five years ago when she scaled the flagpole of the South @ @ @ @ @ the confederate flag in protest against the Charleston Church shooting – when a white gunman @ @ @ @ @ the church .
Bree Newsome Bass was arrested at the time , but eventually the @ @ @ @ @ I asked her if she believed if it would have been better to try to @ @ @ @ @ resorting to civil disobedience ?

I spoke to the filmmaker, artist and activist Bree Newsome Bass.
I spoke to the filmmaker, artist and activist Bree Newsome Bass.
She made headlines five years ago when she scaled the flagpole of the South Carolina state house to remove the confederate flag in protest against the Charleston Church shooting – when a white gunman killed nine black Americans inside the church.
Bree Newsome Bass was arrested at the time, but eventually the flag was permanently removed.
I asked her if she believed if it would have been better to try to settle these issues legally without resorting to civil disobedience?


channel4uk--2020-06-08--Memorial service held for George Floyd

Memorial service held for George Floyd

In the United States , the public memorial service is underway for George Floyd in Houston , the city where @ @ @ @ @ thousands of mourners expected there to view his body before a private funeral service tomorrow @ @ @ @ @ of murdering Mr Floyd appeared virtually in court for the first time in Minnesota – @ @ @ @ @ United States for police forces to be defunded and the money re-invested in vital public @ @

In the United States, the public memorial service is underway for George Floyd in Houston, the city where he grew up – with thousands of mourners expected there to view his body before a private funeral service tomorrow.
The ex-police officer accused of murdering Mr Floyd appeared virtually in court for the first time in Minnesota – amid growing calls across the United States for police forces to be defunded and the money re-invested in vital public services.


channel4uk--2020-06-08--‘Personally, I wouldn’t be taking the statue down – I would be putting up a plaque’ – Bishop of Dove

Personally , I wouldn ’ t be taking the statue down – I would be putting up a plaque ’ @ @ @ @ @ are joined now by the professor of public history and broadcaster David Olushoga who ’ @ @ @ @ @ the Bishop of Dover , Rose Hudson-Wilkin – the first black woman to become a @ @ @ @ @ joins us from Canterbury in Kent .

‘Personally, I wouldn’t be taking the statue down – I would be putting up a plaque’ – Bishop of Dover
We are joined now by the professor of public history and broadcaster David Olushoga who’s in Bristol, and the Bishop of Dover, Rose Hudson-Wilkin – the first black woman to become a Church of England bishop – joins us from Canterbury in Kent.


channel4uk--2020-06-08--‘Some people decided to use this as opportunity to behave like thugs’ – Tory MP Bim Afolami on prote

‘Some people decided to use this as opportunity to behave like thugs’ – Tory MP Bim Afolami on protests

We spoke to the Conservative MP for Hitchen and Harpenden Bim Afolami .
We asked to speak to someone from @ @ @ @ @ available to appear on the programme tonight .
But a short time ago I spoke @ @ @ @ @ Hitchen and Harpenden Bim Afolami .
I began by asking him whether he agreed with @ @ @ @ @ had been ‘ subverted by thuggery ’ ?

We spoke to the Conservative MP for Hitchen and Harpenden Bim Afolami.
We asked to speak to someone from the Government – no-one was available to appear on the programme tonight.
But a short time ago I spoke to the Conservative MP for Hitchen and Harpenden Bim Afolami.
I began by asking him whether he agreed with the Prime Minister the protests had been ‘subverted by thuggery’?


channel4uk--2020-06-08--Bristol confronts darker aspects of its past after slave trader statue torn down

After protesters in Bristol tore down the statue of slave trader Edward Colston , there ’ s now a debate @ @ @ @ @ .
After protesters in Bristol tore down the statue of slave trader Edward Colston , @ @ @ @ @ – there ’ s now a debate over what should replace it – and how @ @ @ @ @ to terms with the darker aspects of its past .
Our home affairs correspondent Andy @ @ @ @ @ in Bristol .

After protesters in Bristol tore down the statue of slave trader Edward Colston, there’s now a debate over what should replace it.
After protesters in Bristol tore down the statue of slave trader Edward Colston, hurling it into the harbour – there’s now a debate over what should replace it – and how the city should best come to terms with the darker aspects of its past.
Our home affairs correspondent Andy Davies has been getting reaction in Bristol.


channel4uk--2020-06-08--Patel brands minority of protesters ‘thugs and criminals’

The Home Secretary has denounced those she called thugs and criminals – over the few clashes that broke out at @ @ @ @ @ protests – declaring they would be brought to justice .
Thousands of people attended the @ @ @ @ @ country – and opposition MPs said now was not the time for divisive rhetoric .
@ @ @ @ @ police had her full support , while flatly denying claims that she didn ’ t @ @ @ @

The Home Secretary has denounced those she called thugs and criminals – over the few clashes that broke out at the weekend’s anti-racism protests – declaring they would be brought to justice.
Thousands of people attended the largely peaceful demonstrations across the country – and opposition MPs said now was not the time for divisive rhetoric.
But Priti Patel insisted the police had her full support, while flatly denying claims that she didn’t understand racial inequality.


channel4uk--2020-06-09--Rare butterfly species reintroduced to wild at peat bog near Manchester

Along a stretch of peat bog just outside Manchester – a sight not seen for a century and a half @ @ @ @ @ local conservationists , threatened peatlands are being restored .
That ’ s allowed a whole @ @ @ @ @ , and so too , a rare species of butterfly which has been extinct in @ @ @ @ @ .
It ’ s been a painstaking process to reintroduce them to the wild .

Along a stretch of peat bog just outside Manchester – a sight not seen for a century and a half.
Thanks to work by local conservationists, threatened peatlands are being restored.
That’s allowed a whole variety of plants to flourish, and so too, a rare species of butterfly which has been extinct in the area for 150 years.
It’s been a painstaking process to reintroduce them to the wild.


channel4uk--2020-06-09--Professor Fenton speaks for the first time since government report into BAME Covid risk factors

It ’ s the first time we ’ ve heard Professor Fenton speak since he handed his review in to the government over a week ago – and since the government decided not to publish his section of the report .
He had engaged with over 4,000 groups from BAME communities when researching his review and the decision not to publish what he learnt has caused anger , with many asking why .
Professor Fenton was speaking at public meeting on Health in Hackney and have an insight into his findings .
He said four things struck him from those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ risk that social economic deprivation plays on the role of vulnerabilities of BAME communities .
Secondly , Occupational risk , with BAME communities facing a higher risk from Covid by virtue of the frontline jobs they do .
Thirdly , comorbidaties such as diabetes , which are more prevalent in these communities .
And then finally , and most interestingly in light of the row about his report not being published – structural issues including racism , discrimination , stigma and distrust .
Reflecting on his recommendations , he said that we need @ @ @ @ @ @ @ going to improve these social and structural issues .
It ’ s these structural issues that many in the BAME community wanted the government to address .
Many have told Channel 4 News that by omitting these issues , the report that was published was a whitewash .
The government told us they are building on Professor Fenton ’ s valuable work and they have appointed the junior equalities minister Kemi Badenoch to take it forward .

It’s the first time we’ve heard Professor Fenton speak since he handed his review in to the government over a week ago – and since the government decided not to publish his section of the report.
He had engaged with over 4,000 groups from BAME communities when researching his review and the decision not to publish what he learnt has caused anger, with many asking why.
Professor Fenton was speaking at public meeting on Health in Hackney and have an insight into his findings. He said four things struck him from those community engagement sessions.
Firstly, the risk that social economic deprivation plays on the role of vulnerabilities of BAME communities.
Secondly, Occupational risk, with BAME communities facing a higher risk from Covid by virtue of the frontline jobs they do.
Thirdly, comorbidaties such as diabetes, which are more prevalent in these communities.
And then finally, and most interestingly in light of the row about his report not being published – structural issues including racism, discrimination, stigma and distrust.
Reflecting on his recommendations, he said that we need to think about think what are we going to improve these social and structural issues.
It’s these structural issues that many in the BAME community wanted the government to address. Many have told Channel 4 News that by omitting these issues, the report that was published was a whitewash.
The government told us they are building on Professor Fenton’s valuable work and they have appointed the junior equalities minister Kemi Badenoch to take it forward.


channel4uk--2020-06-09--‘This moment holds possibilities for change we have never before experienced in this country’ – acti

‘This moment holds possibilities for change we have never before experienced in this country’ – activist and writer Angela Davis

One woman intimately involved in the struggle for civil rights in the United States is the activist and academic Angela @ @ @ @ @ growing up in segregated Alabama – she was with the Black Panthers and the Communist @ @ @ @ @ career in education .
Her involvement with a politically distorted murder trial sent her into @ @ @ @ @ the FBI ’ s most wanted – she spent 18 months in jail before she @ @ @ @ @ .
She returned to teaching – writing a series of seminal books on social justice @ @ @ @ @ joined us from Oakland , California .

One woman intimately involved in the struggle for civil rights in the United States is the activist and academic Angela Davis.
From a childhood growing up in segregated Alabama – she was with the Black Panthers and the Communist Party – while beginning her career in education.
Her involvement with a politically distorted murder trial sent her into hiding, becoming one of the FBI’s most wanted – she spent 18 months in jail before she was acquitted of all charges.
She returned to teaching – writing a series of seminal books on social justice and equality. Earlier she joined us from Oakland, California.


channel4uk--2020-06-09--Long-time US campaigner hopes wave of protests will finally bring lasting change

The protests which erupted after the killing of George Floyd have been unprecedented in their scale across America .
The @ @ @ @ @ have seen many of these demonstrations before , yet still things stay the same .
@ @ @ @ @ time following Jedidiah Brown , a long-standing campaigner and advocate from Chicago ’ s South @ @ @ @ @ an activist group spanning several cities .

The protests which erupted after the killing of George Floyd have been unprecedented in their scale across America.
The nation’s largest cities have seen many of these demonstrations before, yet still things stay the same.
Filmmaker Jon Lowenstein has spent time following Jedidiah Brown, a long-standing campaigner and advocate from Chicago’s South Side, who now runs an activist group spanning several cities.
He’s hoping – finally – for change.
Credit: @jonlowenstein / NOOR FILMS


channel4uk--2020-06-09--‘This is one of those moments where we’re stepping across it together, all people, in saying this is

‘This is one of those moments where we’re stepping across it together, all people, in saying this is enough’ – Sonita Alleyne, Cambridge University

Earlier Krishnan Guru-Murthy spoke to the Master of Jesus College , Cambridge , Sunita Alleyne .
Earlier Krishnan Guru-Murthy spoke @ @ @ @ @ College , Cambridge , Sunita Alleyne .
She ’ s written to students and staff @ @ @ @ @ over the killing of George Floyd .
He began by asking her about statues , @ @ @ @ @ in Bristol , being taken down .

Earlier Krishnan Guru-Murthy spoke to the Master of Jesus College, Cambridge, Sonita Alleyne.
Earlier Krishnan Guru-Murthy spoke to the Master of Jesus College, Cambridge, Sonita Alleyne.
She’s written to students and staff there addressing the outrage shown over the killing of George Floyd.
He began by asking her about statues, like that of Edward Colston in Bristol, being taken down.


channel4uk--2020-06-09--Henry Dundas statue in Edinburgh targeted over slavery

As the urgency of the anti-racism movement forces cities up and down the country to expose the darker sides of @ @ @ @ @ Edinburgh have focused on the statue of Henry Dundas As the urgency of the anti-racism @ @ @ @ @ down the country to expose the darker sides of their past , protests in Edinburgh @ @ @ @ @ of Henry Dundas – an 18th century politician who obstructed the abolition of the slave @ @ @ @ @ of the Empire .
The city council leader said there would be ‘ no sense @ @ @ @ @ 150-foot monument was removed – and moves to install a new plaque on the statue @ @ @ @ @ slave trade had stalled , until a breakthrough today .

As the urgency of the anti-racism movement forces cities up and down the country to expose the darker sides of their past, protests in Edinburgh have focused on the statue of Henry Dundas
As the urgency of the anti-racism movement forces cities up and down the country to expose the darker sides of their past, protests in Edinburgh have focused on the statue of Henry Dundas – an 18th century politician who obstructed the abolition of the slave trade and advanced the exploitation of the Empire.
The city council leader said there would be ‘no sense of loss’ if the 150-foot monument was removed – and moves to install a new plaque on the statue explaining its links to the slave trade had stalled, until a breakthrough today.


channel4uk--2020-06-09--Protesters call for Cecil Rhodes statue in Oxford to be removed

Hundreds of protestors have rallied in front of Oxford ’ s Oriel college this evening – demanding the removal of @ @ @ @ @ Rhodes .
Hundreds of protestors have rallied in front of Oxford ’ s Oriel college @ @ @ @ @ removal of the statue of imperialist Cecil Rhodes .
A campaign to get rid of @ @ @ @ @ years ago as part of the Rhodes Must Fall movement – but at the time @ @ @ @ @ to pull it down .
Today that campaign has a powerful new momentum .

Hundreds of protestors have rallied in front of Oxford’s Oriel college this evening – demanding the removal of the statue of imperialist Cecil Rhodes.
Hundreds of protestors have rallied in front of Oxford’s Oriel college this evening – demanding the removal of the statue of imperialist Cecil Rhodes.
A campaign to get rid of the statue was started five years ago as part of the Rhodes Must Fall movement – but at the time, the college authorities refused to pull it down.
Today that campaign has a powerful new momentum.


channel4uk--2020-06-09--Excess deaths in UK during coronavirus pandemic rise to more than 63,000

The Government is pressing ahead with some of its plans to ease lockdown , confirming that non-essential shops will be @ @ @ @ @ Monday .
But with every Tuesday come the grim figures from the Office for National @ @ @ @ @ of the grief this virus has caused – today telling us that excess deaths , @ @ @ @ @ , are more than 63,000 across the country up to the end of May .

The Government is pressing ahead with some of its plans to ease lockdown, confirming that non-essential shops will be allowed to open from next Monday.
But with every Tuesday come the grim figures from the Office for National Statistics revealing the full extent of the grief this virus has caused – today telling us that excess deaths, those above the normal average, are more than 63,000 across the country up to the end of May.


channel4uk--2020-06-09--‘We need to worry about risk of endemic educational poverty’ – Tory MP Robert Halfon on pupils not r

This is one of those moments where we ’ re stepping across it together , all people , in saying @ @ @ @ @ Sonita Alleyne , Cambridge University

‘We need to worry about risk of endemic educational poverty’ – Tory MP Robert Halfon on pupils not returning to school
Cathy Newman Presenter
Earlier we were joined by the Conservative MP, Robert Halfon, who chairs the Commons Education Committee – and the General Secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, Geoff Barton.


channel4uk--2020-06-09--Government drops plans for all primary school children in England to return before end of term

The Government has abandoned plans for all English primary school children to return to class by the end of the @ @ @ @ @ plans for all English primary school children to return to class by the end of @ @ @ @ @ revealed that only half of primary schools in England actually opened last week .
The @ @ @ @ @ a long term plan would be needed to help pupils get over damage done to @ @ @ @ @ – insisting the aim was to bring all children back to school by September .

The Government has abandoned plans for all English primary school children to return to class by the end of the summer
The Government has abandoned plans for all English primary school children to return to class by the end of the summer – as officials revealed that only half of primary schools in England actually opened last week.
The Education Secretary Gavin Williamson said a long term plan would be needed to help pupils get over damage done to their education by the lockdown – insisting the aim was to bring all children back to school by September.


channel4uk--2020-06-09--George Floyd laid to rest as protests for justice continue

The man whose death has sparked two weeks of mass protests across America and throughout the world – the man @ @ @ @ @ I can ’ t breathe ’ , became a rallying cry for fundamental change .
@ @ @ @ @ to rest today in Houston , the city where he grew up – in a @ @ @ @ @ a celebration of his life .
Outside people have been gathering to pay their respects @

The man whose death has sparked two weeks of mass protests across America and throughout the world – the man whose last words, ‘I can’t breathe’, became a rallying cry for fundamental change.
George Floyd is being laid to rest today in Houston, the city where he grew up – in a private family service described as a celebration of his life.
Outside people have been gathering to pay their respects.


channel4uk--2020-06-09--FactCheck: why is Covid-19 hitting ethnic minorities harder?

The question of why more people from black , Asian and minority ethnic ( BAME ) backgrounds appear to be at greater risk of dying of Covid-19 is one of the most urgent of the epidemic .
There is little doubt about the raw numbers : major studies by the Office for National Statistics , the Institute for Fiscal Studies and Public Health England have found significantly higher mortality rates among ethnic minority populations .
Another troubling study , published today , shows that pregnant women from ethnic minorities are much more likely to have been treated for coronavirus in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Covid-19 deaths finds that BAME people are over-represented compared to what we would expect if the illness affected all Britons in the same way .
For example , initial figures published by the Office for National Statistics ( ONS ) last month found that black people were more than four times as likely to die as white people of the same age .
Scientists then have to decide whether it is really the ethnicity of patients that is driving increased mortality , or whether other factors are confusing the issue .
For example @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more likely suffer from an underlying health condition that we know makes Covid-19 more dangerous , this could be the real cause of the raised risk , rather than their ethnicity .
Or if Covid-19 was more prevalent in major cities with large BAME populations , we might expect to see more risk of infection among those groups .
Several major studies have tried to adjust for as many of these “ confounding variables ” as possible – and have still found that there is increased risk for BAME groups , although it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ figures suggest .
The ONS adjusted its figures to filter out the effect of the region where people lived , deprivation , household composition , socioeconomic status , education , and health and disability .
Once these factors were adjusted for , there were still disproportionate deaths among black and Asian people .
Black people were about twice as likely to die from Covid-19 than white people .
For some ethnic classifications – “ mixed ” and “ Chinese ” – the risks were about the same as for the white ethnic group @ @ @ @ @ @ @ using a different methodology , Public Health England came to this conclusion : “ After accounting for the effect of sex , age , deprivation and region , people of Bangladeshi ethnicity had around twice the risk of death than people of White British ethnicity .
People of Chinese , Indian , Pakistani , Other Asian , Caribbean and Other Black ethnicity had between 10 and 50 % higher risk of death when compared to White British.
” It ’ s immediately obvious that there is no simple answer to the question of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ BAME people .
It depends on which ethnic group you belong to , and it depends on how scientists allow for confounding factors .
Equally obviously , structural inequality could ultimately be to blame .
If an ethnic group is at higher risk because of overcrowded housing , deprivation or poorer general health rather than strictly race , that is still a finding that many people will find troubling .
There is no way of filtering out confounding variables that everyone agrees on – and no method will ever be perfect .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ data from the 2011 census – now nearly a decade out of date – to analyse the characteristics of local populations .
The PHE analysis did not allow for the effects of occupation , existing health conditions or rates of obesity .
People often talk about BAME people being “ more likely to die ” from the coronavirus , but there are really two questions we need to answer .
Are people from ethnic minority backgrounds more likely to catch Covid-19 than white people in the first place ?
And once they have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ likely to die from it ?
There is evidence that people from some ethnic minorities may be getting infected at higher rates than the white population : several studies show BAME patients are more likely to test positive for Covid-19 , though this could reflect where testing has taken place .
And today , a study in the British Medical Journal , found that more than half of 427 pregnant women hospitalised with Covid-19 across the UK between 1 March and 14 April were from black or minority ethnic backgrounds .
When the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ West Midlands and the North West , 46 per cent were still from BAME groups .
That ’ s considerably more than we ’ d expect given the ethnic make-up of these less urban parts of the UK .
The researchers suggest black women could be at particular risk – they estimate these women are 8.1 times more likely to be hospitalised with covid-19 than white women during pregnancy .
Is there a difference in outcomes for patients of different races once they are in hospital ?
Several studies have found no strong @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are more likely to die , once you allow for confounding factors .
This analysis carried out for the government ’ s SAGE advisory group in late April found that BAME people were disproportionately likely to be admitted to hospital with Covid-19 , but were no more likely to die , after adjusting for their existing health conditions .
“ No difference was seen in risk of death from COVID-19 between ethnic groups , ” the study concluded .
A study by Imperial College on one London NHS trust did find slightly higher @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to whites , but the finding was of “ borderline statistical significance ” .
So why are BAME people at more risk ?
No one knows the answer for sure , but there are a number of plausible theories .
If the real risk factor is exposure to infection in the first place , it may be that we need to look at the differences in occupations between different ethnic groups .
The ONS says that “ some ethnic groups may be over-represented in public-facing occupations and may therefore be more likely to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ example , individuals in the Bangladeshi and Pakistani ethnic group are more likely to work as transport operatives than those in any other ethnic group.
” The IFS paper points out that some ethnic groups may be over-represented in health and social care , which may carry greater risk of exposure to the virus .
It also notes that the demographic profile of coronavirus victims was likely to change as deaths in hospitals dropped but remained high in residential care homes , where the population is overwhelmingly white .
Public Health England says @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be infected because they are more likely to have higher-risk jobs and to live in deprived areas and overcrowded households .
In line with other studies , the PHE report says increased risk of dying could be driven by higher rates of underlying illnesses like cardiovascular disease and diabetes .
Some critics said the report should have gone further in investigating the possible role of structural inequality in increased mortality among ethnic minorities .

The question of why more people from black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) backgrounds appear to be at greater risk of dying of Covid-19 is one of the most urgent of the epidemic.
There is little doubt about the raw numbers: major studies by the Office for National Statistics, the Institute for Fiscal Studies and Public Health England have found significantly higher mortality rates among ethnic minority populations.
Another troubling study, published today, shows that pregnant women from ethnic minorities are much more likely to have been treated for coronavirus in hospital.
Is race the deciding factor?
Almost every serious analysis of Covid-19 deaths finds that BAME people are over-represented compared to what we would expect if the illness affected all Britons in the same way.
For example, initial figures published by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) last month found that black people were more than four times as likely to die as white people of the same age.
Scientists then have to decide whether it is really the ethnicity of patients that is driving increased mortality, or whether other factors are confusing the issue.
Adjusting for other factors
For example, if a particular ethnic group is more likely suffer from an underlying health condition that we know makes Covid-19 more dangerous, this could be the real cause of the raised risk, rather than their ethnicity.
Or if Covid-19 was more prevalent in major cities with large BAME populations, we might expect to see more risk of infection among those groups.
Several major studies have tried to adjust for as many of these “confounding variables” as possible – and have still found that there is increased risk for BAME groups, although it is often less dramatic than the raw figures suggest.
The ONS adjusted its figures to filter out the effect of the region where people lived, deprivation, household composition, socioeconomic status, education, and health and disability.
Once these factors were adjusted for, there were still disproportionate deaths among black and Asian people. Black people were about twice as likely to die from Covid-19 than white people. For some ethnic classifications – “mixed” and “Chinese” – the risks were about the same as for the white ethnic group.
Following a similar process, but using a different methodology, Public Health England came to this conclusion:
“After accounting for the effect of sex, age, deprivation and region, people of Bangladeshi ethnicity had around twice the risk of death than people of White British ethnicity. People of Chinese, Indian, Pakistani, Other Asian, Caribbean and Other Black ethnicity had between 10 and 50% higher risk of death when compared to White British.”
It’s immediately obvious that there is no simple answer to the question of how more risky the pandemic is for BAME people. It depends on which ethnic group you belong to, and it depends on how scientists allow for confounding factors.
Equally obviously, structural inequality could ultimately be to blame. If an ethnic group is at higher risk because of overcrowded housing, deprivation or poorer general health rather than strictly race, that is still a finding that many people will find troubling.
There is no way of filtering out confounding variables that everyone agrees on – and no method will ever be perfect.
The ONS, for example, is using data from the 2011 census – now nearly a decade out of date – to analyse the characteristics of local populations. The PHE analysis did not allow for the effects of occupation, existing health conditions or rates of obesity.
Higher risk of infection or death?
People often talk about BAME people being “more likely to die” from the coronavirus, but there are really two questions we need to answer.
Are people from ethnic minority backgrounds more likely to catch Covid-19 than white people in the first place? And once they have caught it, are they then more likely to die from it?
There is evidence that people from some ethnic minorities may be getting infected at higher rates than the white population: several studies show BAME patients are more likely to test positive for Covid-19, though this could reflect where testing has taken place.
And today, a study in the British Medical Journal, found that more than half of 427 pregnant women hospitalised with Covid-19 across the UK between 1 March and 14 April were from black or minority ethnic backgrounds.
When the scientists excluded patients from London, the West Midlands and the North West, 46 per cent were still from BAME groups. That’s considerably more than we’d expect given the ethnic make-up of these less urban parts of the UK.
The researchers suggest black women could be at particular risk – they estimate these women are 8.1 times more likely to be hospitalised with covid-19 than white women during pregnancy.
Is there a difference in outcomes for patients of different races once they are in hospital?
Several studies have found no strong evidence that infected people from BAME backgrounds are more likely to die, once you allow for confounding factors.
This analysis carried out for the government’s SAGE advisory group in late April found that BAME people were disproportionately likely to be admitted to hospital with Covid-19, but were no more likely to die, after adjusting for their existing health conditions.
“No difference was seen in risk of death from COVID-19 between ethnic groups,” the study concluded.
A study by Imperial College on one London NHS trust did find slightly higher odds of death among black patients compared to whites, but the finding was of “borderline statistical significance”.
So why are BAME people at more risk?
No one knows the answer for sure, but there are a number of plausible theories.
If the real risk factor is exposure to infection in the first place, it may be that we need to look at the differences in occupations between different ethnic groups.
The ONS says that “some ethnic groups may be over-represented in public-facing occupations and may therefore be more likely to be infected by Covid-19.
“For example, individuals in the Bangladeshi and Pakistani ethnic group are more likely to work as transport operatives than those in any other ethnic group.”
The IFS paper points out that some ethnic groups may be over-represented in health and social care, which may carry greater risk of exposure to the virus.
It also notes that the demographic profile of coronavirus victims was likely to change as deaths in hospitals dropped but remained high in residential care homes, where the population is overwhelmingly white.
Public Health England says BAME people may be more likely to be infected because they are more likely to have higher-risk jobs and to live in deprived areas and overcrowded households.
In line with other studies, the PHE report says increased risk of dying could be driven by higher rates of underlying illnesses like cardiovascular disease and diabetes.
Some critics said the report should have gone further in investigating the possible role of structural inequality in increased mortality among ethnic minorities.


channel4uk--2020-06-10--Met Police Assistant Commissioner would have ‘probably’ joined BLM protesters if he was not an offic

Met Police Assistant Commissioner would have ‘probably’ joined BLM protesters if he was not an officer

When Neil Basu joined the Metropolitan Police in 1992 , he admits that his friends and family thought he was @ @ @ @ @ joined the Metropolitan Police in 1992 , he admits that his friends and family thought @ @ @ @ @ , Assistant Commissioner Basu has risen to be the UK ’ s highest-ranking officer from @ @ @ @ @ went to meet him and began by asking if he defends the decision of police @ @ @ @ @ hang back , when public monuments were defaced ?

When Neil Basu joined the Metropolitan Police in 1992, he admits that his friends and family thought he was insane.
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When Neil Basu joined the Metropolitan Police in 1992, he admits that his friends and family thought he was insane.
Today, Assistant Commissioner Basu has risen to be the UK’s highest-ranking officer from an ethnic minority.
We went to meet him and began by asking if he defends the decision of police in Bristol and London to hang back, when public monuments were defaced?


channel4uk--2020-06-10--US authorities begin to remove monuments amid Black Lives Matter protests

It is not just in the UK that debate is raging about statues and monuments .
In the United States @ @ @ @ @ by anti-racist groups for the removal of monuments which they say glorify Confederate leaders and @ @ @ @ @ the slave trade .
Amidst the recent Black Lives Matters protests , authorities there have @ @ @ @ @ them , and there are lessons to be learnt in the UK .

It is not just in the UK that debate is raging about statues and monuments.
In the United States there have long been demands by anti-racist groups for the removal of monuments which they say glorify Confederate leaders and gloss over the brutality of the slave trade.
Amidst the recent Black Lives Matters protests, authorities there have finally begun removing some of them, and there are lessons to be learnt in the UK.


channel4uk--2020-06-10--Lockdown life even harder for those barred from benefits

The last few months of lockdown have taken their toll on many , but for those who are barred from @ @ @ @ @ has been even more difficult .
Asylum seekers and people on student visas or spousal @ @ @ @ @ public funds , which is a condition of their residency .
It ’ s estimated @ @ @ @ @ in poverty as a result .

The last few months of lockdown have taken their toll on many, but for those who are barred from accessing benefits, the struggle has been even more difficult.
Asylum seekers and people on student visas or spousal visas have no access to public funds, which is a condition of their residency.
It’s estimated over 100,000 children are living in poverty as a result.


channel4uk--2020-06-10--Family’s heartache after nurse daughter’s death from Covid-19

Her dream was always to be a nurse .
But only a year after graduating , Areema Nasreen died from @ @ @ @ @ of the first nurses to have lost her life in the pandemic .
In their @ @ @ @ @ family have spoken of their heartache .
Also , earlier today Boris Johnson was questioned @ @ @ @ @ report into ethnic minority deaths from the disease wasn ’ t fully published .

Her dream was always to be a nurse. But only a year after graduating, Areema Nasreen died from Covid-19.
She was one of the first nurses to have lost her life in the pandemic. In their first television interview, her family have spoken of their heartache.
Also, earlier today Boris Johnson was questioned in Parliament about why a report into ethnic minority deaths from the disease wasn’t fully published.


channel4uk--2020-06-10--British police’s long history of racism allegations

There have long been accusations that the police in the UK have treated the black community unfairly .
The recent @ @ @ @ @ by the death of a black man under a policeman ’ s knee in the @ @ @ @ @ long been accusations that the police in the UK have treated the black community unfairly @ @ @ @ @ many instances where the police have been accused of racist violence and sometimes with fatal @ @ @ @ @ at race and policing in Britain .

There have long been accusations that the police in the UK have treated the black community unfairly.
The recent wave of protests were sparked by the death of a black man under a policeman’s knee in the United States.
There have long been accusations that the police in the UK have treated the black community unfairly.
And there have been many instances where the police have been accused of racist violence and sometimes with fatal consequences.
We look back at race and policing in Britain.


channel4uk--2020-06-10--Experiencing racism is ‘part of the fabric of my life’ says actor David Harewood

We speak to the actor David Harewood .
In 1997 , he was the first black actor to play Othello @ @ @ @ @ Theatre and works in Hollywood as well over here .
His documentary about his mental @ @ @ @ @ for a BAFTA .

We speak to the actor David Harewood.
In 1997, he was the first black actor to play Othello at London’s National Theatre and works in Hollywood as well over here.
His documentary about his mental health has just been nominated for a BAFTA.


channel4uk--2020-06-10--People living alone allowed to form ‘bubble’ with another household in England

Boris Johnson has announced that people who live alone , and single parents with children , will be able to @ @ @ @ @ bubble ” with one other family .
From this weekend the lockdown in England will @ @ @ @ @ .
Boris Johnson has announced that people who live alone , and single parents with @ @ @ @ @ to team up in a “ bubble ” with one other family .
They will @ @ @ @ @ their homes without social distancing .
He said it was a targeted measure to help @ @ @ @ @ in the lockdown .

Boris Johnson has announced that people who live alone, and single parents with children, will be able to team up in a “bubble” with one other family.
From this weekend the lockdown in England will loosen by one more step.
Boris Johnson has announced that people who live alone, and single parents with children, will be able to team up in a “bubble” with one other family.
They will be allowed to meet inside their homes without social distancing.
He said it was a targeted measure to help people who are particularly lonely in the lockdown.


channel4uk--2020-06-10--Questions raised about UK landmarks after Bristol statue torn down

Since the fall of Edward Colston ’ s statue on Sunday , questions have been asked about other landmarks .
@ @ @ @ @ had long been controversial in Bristol – his links to the slave trade were clear @ @ @ @ @ Sunday , questions have been asked about other landmarks .
Some of them depict figures @ @ @ @ @ the slave trade , but have a questionable legacy .
The hit comedy Little Britain @ @ @ @ @ of viewers just a few years ago , is among TV shows pulled from streaming @ @ @ @ @ recognise the offence they ’ ve caused with black face characters .
So how does @ @ @ @ @ not so high – help tackle the racism in Britain ?

Since the fall of Edward Colston’s statue on Sunday, questions have been asked about other landmarks.
The statue of Edward Colston had long been controversial in Bristol – his links to the slave trade were clear.
Since its fall on Sunday, questions have been asked about other landmarks. Some of them depict figures who had no links to the slave trade, but have a questionable legacy.
The hit comedy Little Britain, which pulled in millions of viewers just a few years ago, is among TV shows pulled from streaming services because even their creators recognise the offence they’ve caused with black face characters.
So how does changing culture – high and not so high – help tackle the racism in Britain?


channel4uk--2020-06-10--‘People still do not understand their history… they see me still representing the slave’ – scientist

‘People still do not understand their history… they see me still representing the slave’ – scientist Sir Geoff Palmer

We speak to scientist and human rights activist , Professor Sir Geoff Palmer .
We speak to scientist and human @ @ @ @ @ Geoff Palmer .
He is Professor Emeritus at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh .
We began @ @ @ @ @ efforts to get a plaque put on the statue of slave owner and one-time Home @ @ @ @ @ which stands in the centre of Edinburgh .

We speak to scientist and human rights activist, Professor Sir Geoff Palmer.
We speak to scientist and human rights activist, Professor Sir Geoff Palmer.
He is Professor Emeritus at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh.
We began by asking him about his efforts to get a plaque put on the statue of slave owner and one-time Home Secretary, Henry Dundas, which stands in the centre of Edinburgh.


channel4uk--2020-06-10--‘It is muddled thinking – I’m not sure what the government is trying to do with this virus’ – Prof D

‘It is muddled thinking – I’m not sure what the government is trying to do with this virus’ – Prof Devi Sridhar

Met Police Assistant Commissioner would have ‘ probably ’ joined BLM protesters if he was not an officer

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‘Tourists getting in the way of wildfire recovery on Maui,’ says former state representative


channel4uk--2020-06-10--Exclusive: UK government was advised to have lockdown two weeks earlier

Channel 4 News has seen a report , prepared for one of the scientific committees , which advised the government in the starkest possible way to implement a lockdown – a full two weeks before the official announcement was made .
The leaked paper , dated 9 March , appears to be written for the modelling group which feeds into the government ’ s scientific advisers , SPI-M .
It warns that the UK government should abandon its mitigation approach for intense control measures – such as lockdown – in response to the Covid-19 epidemic .
The paper , by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ London , finds that mitigation – the strategy the government was following at the time – would lead to 1.7 million deaths .
Professor Riley advocated a change of strategy to that seen in Hong Kong , Japan , Italy and elsewhere of “ successful ongoing control ” , i.e .
lockdown .
The document states that it was intended for the Scientific Pandemic Influenza Group of Modelling ( SPI-M ) two weeks before the prime minister announced the lockdown .
In the paper the professor wrote : “ The UK is currently @ @ @ @ @ @ @ epidemic rather than ongoing containment .
This strategy is informed by prior modelling studies and analysis of the severe 1918 influenza pandemic .
The primary benefit of mitigation is that the epidemic will be over more quickly than might otherwise be the case , with the population having acquired herd immunity and also having experienced a relatively low peak .
“ Here , we use simple compartmental models and recent infection fatality rate estimates for the UK to explicitly examine the implications of the UK population responding to a severe pathogen more strongly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ show that critical care facilities in the UK would be saturated quickly .
“ If populations spontaneously reduce transmission close to threshold values when this occurs , any possible benefits of attempting mitigation are lost .
The country would then have to either struggle on to the availability of a vaccine without a functioning health system or attempt the most stringent possible interventions to lower incidence back to containment levels .
“ Over the same period of time , either of these scenarios would likely have far greater economic costs than would result @ @ @ @ @ @ @ containment .
These results directly support current advice from the World Health Organisation and are consistent with policy decisions made by China , Hong Kong , Singapore , Japan , South Korea and most recently Italy .
Even if ongoing containment were to fail , we would have gained time and knowledge with which to decide our next strategy.
” Professor Riley concludes : “ Essentially , our choice is whether to live with relatively high levels of infections and to let the virus decide our social structure for the next 18 months @ @ @ @ @ @ @ way to live such that we keep levels of infection low and our social structures as close to normal as possible .
“ These results could be disheartening to those planning a response to COVID-19 epidemics .
However , we suggest that they may also be a powerful positive motivation for action .
The model results here do no more than reinforce the findings of the WHO China Mission and validate the strategy adopted by Chinese health authorities in or around the 23rd of January 2020 ; and then subsequently by Hong Kong @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Korea .
“ We suggest that they are strong evidence with which to abandon mitigation strategies , justified in any way by the possibility of a short epidemic .
Governments need to devote the entirety of their attention and resources to creating viable ongoing solutions to the presence of this virus .
We suggest that the first step is to adopt stringent fixed-term social distancing so as to give time for detailed planning the rapid development of any accompanying technology.
” Channel 4 News asked Downing Street for a comment , but they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Science – and we have not yet heard back from them .

Channel 4 News has seen a report, prepared for one of the scientific committees, which advised the government in the starkest possible way to implement a lockdown – a full two weeks before the official announcement was made.
The leaked paper, dated 9 March, appears to be written for the modelling group which feeds into the government’s scientific advisers, SPI-M. It warns that the UK government should abandon its mitigation approach for intense control measures – such as lockdown – in response to the Covid-19 epidemic.
The paper, by Steven Riley, professor at Imperial College London, finds that mitigation – the strategy the government was following at the time – would lead to 1.7 million deaths.
Professor Riley advocated a change of strategy to that seen in Hong Kong, Japan, Italy and elsewhere of “successful ongoing control”, i.e. lockdown.
The document states that it was intended for the Scientific Pandemic Influenza Group of Modelling (SPI-M) two weeks before the prime minister announced the lockdown.
In the paper the professor wrote: “The UK is currently planning a mitigation response to the COVID-19 epidemic rather than ongoing containment. This strategy is informed by prior modelling studies and analysis of the severe 1918 influenza pandemic. The primary benefit of mitigation is that the epidemic will be over more quickly than might otherwise be the case, with the population having acquired herd immunity and also having experienced a relatively low peak.
“Here, we use simple compartmental models and recent infection fatality rate estimates for the UK to explicitly examine the implications of the UK population responding to a severe pathogen more strongly than did populations in 1918. We show that critical care facilities in the UK would be saturated quickly.
“If populations spontaneously reduce transmission close to threshold values when this occurs, any possible benefits of attempting mitigation are lost. The country would then have to either struggle on to the availability of a vaccine without a functioning health system or attempt the most stringent possible interventions to lower incidence back to containment levels.
“Over the same period of time, either of these scenarios would likely have far greater economic costs than would result from an immediate switch now to ongoing containment. These results directly support current advice from the World Health Organisation and are consistent with policy decisions made by China, Hong Kong, Singapore, Japan, South Korea and most recently Italy. Even if ongoing containment were to fail, we would have gained time and knowledge with which to decide our next strategy.”
Professor Riley concludes: “Essentially, our choice is whether to live with relatively high levels of infections and to let the virus decide our social structure for the next 18 months, or for us to find a way to live such that we keep levels of infection low and our social structures as close to normal as possible.
“These results could be disheartening to those planning a response to COVID-19 epidemics. However, we suggest that they may also be a powerful positive motivation for action. The model results here do no more than reinforce the findings of the WHO China Mission and validate the strategy adopted by Chinese health authorities in or around the 23rd of January 2020; and then subsequently by Hong Kong, Singapore, Japan, and South Korea.
“We suggest that they are strong evidence with which to abandon mitigation strategies, justified in any way by the possibility of a short epidemic. Governments need to devote the entirety of their attention and resources to creating viable ongoing solutions to the presence of this virus. We suggest that the first step is to adopt stringent fixed-term social distancing so as to give time for detailed planning the rapid development of any accompanying technology.”
Channel 4 News asked Downing Street for a comment, but they passed us to the Government Office for Science – and we have not yet heard back from them.