bbcuk--2020-06-11--Coronavirus: World From My Window sheds light on global lockdown

We are used to hearing about how the coronavirus pandemic has affected countries like China , the USA and Italy .
But this is only part of the picture .
During the course of the spread of the virus , two childhood friends who recently connected by chance have been bringing together stories of people from across the world .
Dan Shipton and Dan Boyden 's project , called the World From My Window , aims to publish personal accounts from every country touched by the pandemic .
Mr Shipton , whose company worked on the opening ceremony of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ If you 're alone in your property , wherever you are in the world , you can look out of your window and connect with others , knowing you are seeing the same sky . ''
Hiba , a pharmacist from the occupied West Bank , says she has enjoyed being able to spend more time with her parents during the lockdown , but is terrified for them at the same time .
`` Before this crisis I could not spend enough time with them because I work in two jobs throughout the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time would pass quickly and one day I would not be able to hear their voices .
`` Now I get to see them more , this is one good side of the crisis . ''
But the 26-year-old says she experiences a daily terror that she might bring the virus into the family home , because the work she does .
`` It is terrifying .
I deal with patients and I come back every day to my parents .
`` I am young , I will survive if I catch the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` I am like a grenade , I would put everyone I meet in danger .
I am the one who sees the sick .
I am dangerous . ''
'We were desperate to see our mother' It was Easter Sunday evening when Carol 's mother was taken seriously ill - and that was a problem .
Travel of any kind after 7pm is forbidden under Uganda 's coronavirus lockdown rules , unless you can persuade a district commissioner to give you special permission .
Carol 's family could not wait , so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her mother 3km from their home in Jinja to hospital during the night .
Carol , 30 , said : `` My sister was so desperate to see our mother that she started walking the 250km from the capital Kampala to the hospital . ''
A sugarcane truck , which is not permitted to transport people , passed by and she asked for a lift .
The driver agreed to take her - for a price .
The trip by taxi would have cost 7,000 Ugandan shillings ( about £1.50 ) but she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` She had to sleep under the plants so that any highway traffic checks did not discover her , `` Carol added .
Carol 's sister managed to make it to the hospital to see their mother , and was able to update the rest of the family on WhatsApp .
'We are locked down yet again by force' In Sudan 's capital , lockdown has stirred painful memories for Heba of a massacre in June of last year .
Heba , who works for an international cultural relations organisation , lives with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reminds me very much of a month I 've been dying to forget , June 2019 , when we were in total lockdown by force after the Khartoum massacre , and how we did n't have the time , the energy or the mental capacity to deal with what we 'd witnessed , '' the 30-year-old says .
`` Less than a year later we are locked down yet again by force with one goal in mind : survive and start the rebuilding of our beloved Sudan , and a better world .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ shall prosper and the best is yet to come . ''
In the Muslim holy month of Ramadan , which ended on 23 May , in the evenings the streets would usually have been full of people enjoying communal meals as they broke their fast .
The absence of these happy , noisy occasions has made the situation harder , Heba says .
Dan Boyden and Dan Shipton , both 38 , created the website The World From My Window together , despite not having seen each other since leaving Backwell School near @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said : `` By understanding what other communities and countries are going through you can help make the world smaller again and connect with people .
We wanted to do that through storytelling . ''
Mr Boyden is director of The Change Collective , which uses the arts to promote social development around the world .
He said : `` We were looking at the situation where a third of the planet is in some sort of enforced isolation , and how we might capture that .
`` We 've been amazed at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ getting .
It 's a real privilege to wake up in the morning and see what has come in overnight .
`` It 's like a weird global bingo where we 'll get a story come in from somewhere like Azerbaijan and we can cross that country off . ''
' I ca n't see my children' There is no nationwide lockdown in Zambia , but in the capital Lusaka one area is closed off because of coronavirus .
Arthur is outside that zone , unable to see friends and family trapped within @ @ @ @ @ @ @ children .
`` My children are in another district because I fear to bring them to my city ; Lusaka is the epicentre of my country , '' he says .
`` The only thing that keeps me in touch with people I love is the phone .
What if I do n't have any more talk time tomorrow ? ''
And despite there being no mandatory lockdown , Arthur , 40 , a programme manager with local non-governmental organisations , says the police are still beating people found walking after dark or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cars .
He says that for a month he has stayed at home , watching the news report coronavirus cases increasing in his country .
`` I 'm filled with fear as most Zambians live hand to mouth .
The world has stopped moving and my country has stagnated . ''
'The isolation has drained me' Inside lockdown in Tank , Khyber Pakhtunkhwa , Pakistan , Atif , 24 , says being at home has drained him of all desire to meet other people or even hold normal conversations .
`` I have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ days , except for once , when I had to put my facial hair in tune and could n't find a single barber in the entire town .
`` From a fitness freak who walked over 10,000 steps a day to barely getting of bed , these few weeks could n't get any scarier . ''
Atif is the co-founder of a tourism app , TripMate , and is in his final year of studying computer systems engineering at the University of Engineering & Technology , Peshawar .
`` The isolation has drained @ @ @ @ @ @ @ digitally connected with my friends and colleagues .
`` I often find myself avoiding calls , ignoring messages and leaving no stone unturned to shun human interaction . ''
• SCHOOLS : When will children be returning ?
• EXERCISE : What are the guidelines on getting out ?
• THE R NUMBER : What it means and why it matters • LOOK-UP TOOL : How many cases in your area ?

Coronavirus: World From My Window sheds light on global lockdown Published 12 June 2020
Image source, Steve Mellen Image caption, The World From My Window project aims to bring together people from across the globe
We are used to hearing about how the coronavirus pandemic has affected countries like China, the USA and Italy. But this is only part of the picture.
During the course of the spread of the virus, two childhood friends who recently connected by chance have been bringing together stories of people from across the world.
Dan Shipton and Dan Boyden's project, called the World From My Window, aims to publish personal accounts from every country touched by the pandemic.
Mr Shipton, whose company worked on the opening ceremony of the London 2012 Olympics, said: "If you're alone in your property, wherever you are in the world, you can look out of your window and connect with others, knowing you are seeing the same sky."
'It is terrifying'
Image source, The World From my Window Image caption, Hiba has spoken of experiencing a daily terror
Hiba, a pharmacist from the occupied West Bank, says she has enjoyed being able to spend more time with her parents during the lockdown, but is terrified for them at the same time.
"Before this crisis I could not spend enough time with them because I work in two jobs throughout the week. I always felt afraid that time would pass quickly and one day I would not be able to hear their voices.
"Now I get to see them more, this is one good side of the crisis."
Image source, The World From my Window Image caption, Hiba's view from her window
But the 26-year-old says she experiences a daily terror that she might bring the virus into the family home, because the work she does.
"It is terrifying. I deal with patients and I come back every day to my parents.
"I am young, I will survive if I catch the virus, but what about them?
"I am like a grenade, I would put everyone I meet in danger. I am the one who sees the sick. I am dangerous."
'We were desperate to see our mother'
Image source, World From my Window Image caption, Carol's father carried her mother to hospital on his back
It was Easter Sunday evening when Carol's mother was taken seriously ill - and that was a problem.
Travel of any kind after 7pm is forbidden under Uganda's coronavirus lockdown rules, unless you can persuade a district commissioner to give you special permission.
Carol's family could not wait, so her father took the risk and carried her mother 3km from their home in Jinja to hospital during the night.
Carol, 30, said: "My sister was so desperate to see our mother that she started walking the 250km from the capital Kampala to the hospital."
A sugarcane truck, which is not permitted to transport people, passed by and she asked for a lift. The driver agreed to take her - for a price. The trip by taxi would have cost 7,000 Ugandan shillings (about £1.50) but she was charged 200,000 for the ride.
"She had to sleep under the plants so that any highway traffic checks did not discover her, " Carol added.
Carol's sister managed to make it to the hospital to see their mother, and was able to update the rest of the family on WhatsApp.
'We are locked down yet again by force'
Image source, The World From my Window Image caption, Heba lives with her parents in Khartoum
In Sudan's capital, lockdown has stirred painful memories for Heba of a massacre in June of last year.
Heba, who works for an international cultural relations organisation, lives with her parents in Khartoum.
"It reminds me very much of a month I've been dying to forget, June 2019, when we were in total lockdown by force after the Khartoum massacre, and how we didn't have the time, the energy or the mental capacity to deal with what we'd witnessed," the 30-year-old says.
"Less than a year later we are locked down yet again by force with one goal in mind: survive and start the rebuilding of our beloved Sudan, and a better world.
"Together we shall survive, we shall prosper and the best is yet to come."
In the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, which ended on 23 May, in the evenings the streets would usually have been full of people enjoying communal meals as they broke their fast. The absence of these happy, noisy occasions has made the situation harder, Heba says.
Image source, The World From my Window Image caption, A view from Heba's window
'It's like a weird global bingo'
Image source, The World From my Window Image caption, Dan Shipton has worked on stage shows for the likes of Kanye West and Dua Lipa
Dan Boyden and Dan Shipton, both 38, created the website The World From My Window together, despite not having seen each other since leaving Backwell School near Bristol 20 years ago.
Mr Shipton said: "By understanding what other communities and countries are going through you can help make the world smaller again and connect with people. We wanted to do that through storytelling."
Image source, The World From my Window Image caption, Dan Boyden last saw the other Dan when they were teenagers
Mr Boyden is director of The Change Collective, which uses the arts to promote social development around the world.
He said: "We were looking at the situation where a third of the planet is in some sort of enforced isolation, and how we might capture that.
"We've been amazed at the range of stories we've been getting. It's a real privilege to wake up in the morning and see what has come in overnight.
"It's like a weird global bingo where we'll get a story come in from somewhere like Azerbaijan and we can cross that country off."
'I can't see my children'
Image source, The World From my Window Image caption, Arthur says his country has "stagnated"
There is no nationwide lockdown in Zambia, but in the capital Lusaka one area is closed off because of coronavirus.
Arthur is outside that zone, unable to see friends and family trapped within. He is also separated from his children.
"My children are in another district because I fear to bring them to my city; Lusaka is the epicentre of my country," he says.
"The only thing that keeps me in touch with people I love is the phone. What if I don't have any more talk time tomorrow?"
Image source, The World From my Window Image caption, A view through Arthur's window in Zambia
And despite there being no mandatory lockdown, Arthur, 40, a programme manager with local non-governmental organisations, says the police are still beating people found walking after dark or having a drink alone in their parked cars.
He says that for a month he has stayed at home, watching the news report coronavirus cases increasing in his country.
"I'm filled with fear as most Zambians live hand to mouth. The world has stopped moving and my country has stagnated."
'The isolation has drained me'
Image source, The World From my Window Image caption, Atif says he has gone from walking 10,000 steps a day to barely getting out of bed
Inside lockdown in Tank, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, Atif, 24, says being at home has drained him of all desire to meet other people or even hold normal conversations.
"I haven't left my home in over 30 days, except for once, when I had to put my facial hair in tune and couldn't find a single barber in the entire town.
"From a fitness freak who walked over 10,000 steps a day to barely getting of bed, these few weeks couldn't get any scarier."
Atif is the co-founder of a tourism app, TripMate, and is in his final year of studying computer systems engineering at the University of Engineering & Technology, Peshawar.
"The isolation has drained me of the energy even to be digitally connected with my friends and colleagues.
"I often find myself avoiding calls, ignoring messages and leaving no stone unturned to shun human interaction."
Image source, The World From my Window


bbcuk--2020-06-12--Coronavirus support bubble families prepare to reunite

Millions of people who have not been able to touch loved ones since lockdown began will be allowed to reunite with them from Saturday .
Further easing of coronavirus restrictions in England announced by the government mean single adults living alone - or single parents with children under 18 -can form a support bubble with one other household .
The idea is to help people who 've been cut off from friends and family , like Lucy Gibson , a make-up artist in Watford .
She is looking forward to creating a support bubble with her sister and her sister @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Manchester to see them on Saturday .
`` I live alone and I do n't have any friends living close by .
I 'm amazed at how I have coped . ''
she says .
`` I am so excited about going to see them this weekend .
`` Finally I will be able to hug them all .
`` My three-year-old niece has already told me I have to sleep in her bed during my stay . ''
Lucy has booked her train ticket to Manchester and is confident she will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there .
• Coronavirus bubbles : How do they work and who is in yours ?
`` I have a seat reservation and I understand the train companies will be making sure we maintain a distance so we are not sitting close together , and I 've got my gloves and my mask , '' she says .
Lucy will stay with her sister 's family for four days before returning to Watford .
`` I am looking forward to spending time with my niece and nephews , watching movies , eating fish @ @ @ @ @ @ @ together . ''
`` It has been difficult at times but thankfully my mental health is strong and I have been able to deal with lockdown quite easily .
I know that is n't the case for many people , '' she says .
`` I 'm looking forward to giving her a big hug '' But for Sarah Griffiths Hughes , 70 , lockdown has been challenging .
She has n't any physical contact with family members since lockdown began but , on Saturday , she will be able to hug her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time in months .
`` It 's been really hard and it 's horrible not being able to put your arms around your family .
`` We have all been quite miserable , '' she says .
Sarah 's daughter lives near her home in Dorset and has been doing her regular grocery shopping and leaving it at the bottom of the stairwell of the building where she lives .
`` I 'm looking forward to giving her a big hug .
I 've been messaging her a list of what I need @ @ @ @ @ @ @ getting the shopping for me . ''
Sarah says not being able to hold her grandchildren has been the hardest .
`` My children and grandkids phone me and we Facetime most Sundays .
`` Yesterday my daughter turned up at the front door .
`` It was the first time I 'd seen her and my granddaughter for months and we chatted at a social distance outside .
Sarah has also not been able to see her own elderly mother for months .
`` My mum is 92 and lives in Sussex @ @ @ @ @ @ @ see her family again .
That 's so sad to hear .
`` She 's terrified that her last few years she will be locked in her little bungalow .
`` It 's not nice to hear that and it 's hard to stay cheerful .
`` It 's the loneliness .
I do n't think people realise how lonely and frightened we all are , '' she says .
While the introduction of support bubbles is welcome news for Lucy and Sarah , others say the new rules are confusing and do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shared homes or with separated parents .
If you already share childcare with your ex during lockdown and are a single parent , you can still form a support bubble with another household .
But grandfather Chris Collyer in Leeds is confused by the rules .
`` My daughter and her husband are separated .
Our grandkids live with my daughter .
Their father also has a partner with children , therefore the children will divide their time between two households .
`` Now , bearing in mind multiple households are not allowed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wo n't be able to create a support bubble with my daughter and our grandchildren ?
According to the Department of Health , Chris will be able to see his grandchildren and create a support bubble with his daughter because she is a single parent - despite the fact her children spend time with their father 's household .
As the father is in a two-adult household with his own partner and children , he would not be eligible to make a separate bubble under the current guidelines .
What do I need @ @ @ @ @ @ @ IMPACT : What the virus does to the body • RECOVERY : How long does it take ?
• LOCKDOWN : How can we lift restrictions ?
• ENDGAME : How do we get out of this mess ?

"It has been difficult at times but thankfully my mental health is strong and I have been able to deal with lockdown quite easily. I know that isn't the case for many people," she says.


bbcuk--2020-06-12--Racism in the UK: 'I feel like an alien'

What do we do with the UK 's symbols of slavery ?
Protesters across the UK are asking for statues @ @ @ @ @ to be changed or removed .

Up Next. What do we do with the UK's symbols of slavery? Video, 00:03:57What do we do with the UK's symbols of slavery?


bbcuk--2020-06-12--Author Bernardine Evaristo: 'This is a history-making moment'

Booker Prize winning author Bernardine Evaristo has become the first black British woman to top the UK paperback fiction chart @ @ @ @ @ , Woman , Other ' .
Speaking to BBC Breakfast , she said the Black @ @ @ @ @ helped to propel the book up the charts - with other authors of colour also @ @ @ @ @ and beyond .

Booker Prize winning author Bernardine Evaristo has become the first black British woman to top the UK paperback fiction chart, with her novel 'Girl, Woman, Other'.
Speaking to BBC Breakfast, she said the Black Lives Matter movement had probably helped to propel the book up the charts - with other authors of colour also topping charts in the UK and beyond.


bbcuk--2020-06-12--George Floyd death: The mental health impact

UK kids on how George Floyd 's death has affected them UK kids talk about why George Floyd 's death @ @ @ @ @ so much to them .

The video of a white police officer kneeling on the neck of George Floyd sparked protests around the world.
Thousands have joined marches and supported the Black Lives Matter movement.
So, what impact has the death of George Floyd had on black Londoners?
Video by Tarah Welsh and David Faye


bbcuk--2020-06-12--Newspaper headlines: Race 'tensions rise' and Brexit border 'U-turn'

In Friday 's papers , the Times reports that Justice Secretary Robert Buckland has told magistrates courts to extend opening hours and fast track cases to ensure violent protestors can be jailed within 24 hours .
The paper says there are fears the UK could be facing a summer of discord , due to ongoing anger sparked by the death of George Floyd in the US .
The paper 's editorial calls for upcoming Black Lives Matters protests to be cancelled to avoid spreading coronavirus , claiming that allowing thousands of people to take to the streets could spark a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ country is starting to emerge from the lockdown .
Writing in the Daily Mirror , Paul Routledge calls the protests `` a useful safety valve for explosive social tension '' , but cautions those taking part not to expect any real change to come from their actions any time soon .
Many of the front pages feature photographs of the Robert Baden-Powell statue in Poole , after attempts to remove it over the founder of the Scouts ' views on race were resisted by local residents .
Writing in the Daily Mirror , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Museum and former Labour MP , Tristram Hunt , endorses the removal of the Edward Colston statue in Bristol but cautions against pulling down more , saying we risk becoming ignorant to what he calls our country 's `` brutal heritage '' if we remove `` every street name and monument which highlight our bloody past '' .
Comedian Mark Steel pokes fun at that view in the i , saying `` hopefully someone is already preparing a giant statue of a drop of spit full of coronavirus because , whatever you think @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a profound effect on the world and deserves to be remembered '' .
Meanwhile , several of the back pages feature reports that Premier League footballers ' names will be replaced with the Black Lives Matter slogan on their shirts when the season resumes .
The Guardian is among those to run the story , adding that they understand the league will not object if players decide to take a knee prior to matches - an action that sparked huge controversy when the American football quarterback Colin Kaepernick did it in 2016 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ only change made to kits , with heart-shaped badges paying tribute to NHS workers also set to feature .
There 's plenty of discussion about whether the 2m social distancing rule should be relaxed .
The Daily Mail 's front page claims that three quarters of UK hospitality and travel businesses are at risk of closure unless the restriction is eased , with the paper 's editorial saying its abolition is central to the country 's economic recovery .
And the Sun 's leader tells the government to be bold and change it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the World Health Organization .
Sign up for a morning briefing direct to your inbox The Sun 's front page features an admission from the former husband of JK Rowling , saying he is not sorry for slapping her during their relationship .
Jorge Arantes denies subjecting the author to sustained abuse , after she made allegations against him in an essay on transgender issues , explaining her opposition to efforts to make it easier for people to change their gender .
That issue prompts conflicting reactions from two Daily Telegraph columnists @ @ @ @ @ @ @ view that some people could subject themselves to gender reassignment just to attack women `` dangerous nonsense '' .
Suzanne Moore comes out in defence of the author , taking aim instead at the stars of the Harry Potter movie franchise who have criticised Ms Rowling .
She accuses Daniel Radcliffe and Eddie Redmayne of `` mansplaining '' the issue , and questions why she must have `` posh young actors police her womanhood '' .
And there 's been plenty of speculation about young people choosing to defer university places next year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pandemic , but a fellow at the University of Oxford has warned those seeking to get a place there to forget about `` finding themselves '' and ditch plans for a gap year .
The Times quotes Sos Eltis from Brasenose College , saying that students should only take a break for very good reasons and not to just spend time in the pub with mates .
The English lecturer told the paper `` some schools believe universities are looking for rounded people .
But I say 'no , you can be as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you are good at the subject '' .
• I MAY DESTROY YOU : The next must-see show in lockdown

Writing in the Daily Mirror, the director of the V&A Museum and former Labour MP, Tristram Hunt, endorses the removal of the Edward Colston statue in Bristol but cautions against pulling down more, saying we risk becoming ignorant to what he calls our country's "brutal heritage" if we remove "every street name and monument which highlight our bloody past".


bbcuk--2020-06-12--London monuments boarded up ahead of protests

A statue of Winston Churchill and the Cenotaph in central London have been boarded up ahead of planned protests .
Monuments were targeted during last week 's anti-racism protests sparked by the death of George Floyd in the USA .
A Black Lives Matter protest planned for Saturday in Hyde Park has been brought forward to Friday , over fears of clashes with far-right groups .
The Mayor of London has called on protesters to `` stay at home '' to avoid further disorder .
`` Key statues '' , including one of Nelson Mandela , will be covered for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protests last weekend a statue of Winston Churchill in Parliament Square was defaced , while in Bristol an effigy of slave trader Edward Colston was pulled down .
Video shared online also appeared to show a protester climb the Cenotaph , the memorial to Britain 's war dead on Whitehall , and attempt to set a union jack flag alight .
More protests are taking place over the weekend .
A Black Lives Matter protest planned for Saturday in Hyde Park has been brought forward to Friday , over fears it would be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ called on supporters to travel to London to protect monuments from being damaged .
Mr Khan said : `` I 'm extremely concerned that further protests in central London not only risk spreading Covid-19 , but could lead to disorder , vandalism and violence .
`` Extreme far-right groups who advocate hatred and division are planning counter-protests , which means that the risk of disorder is high .
`` Staying home and ignoring them is the best response this weekend . ''
Violent protesters could be jailed within 24 hours under plans to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ BBC understands that opening hours at magistrates courts are to be extended to process anybody caught vandalising , causing criminal damage or assaulting police officers .
Churchill is lauded for leading Britain to victory in World War Two .
He is described on the UK government website as `` an inspirational statesman , writer , orator and leader '' , and was voted the greatest ever Briton in a 2002 BBC poll .
But for some he remains a controversial figure , in part because of his views on race .
Following last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ monuments to controversial historical figures taken down have gained pace .
On Tuesday , a statue of slave owner Robert Milligan was removed from outside the Museum of London Docklands .
Guy 's and St Thomas ' hospitals in London have said they will remove two statues linked to slavery in response to anti-racism protests .
The NHS foundation trust which runs the hospitals said monuments of Thomas Guy and Sir Robert Clayton will be moved out of public view .

He is described on the UK government website as "an inspirational statesman, writer, orator and leader", and was voted the greatest ever Briton in a 2002 BBC poll.


bbcuk--2020-06-12--Coronavirus: Shops in NI reopen their doors on Friday

Non-essential retailers in Northern Ireland have now reopened after being forced to shut at the start of the Covid-19 pandemic in March .
It is part of a number of lockdown measures lifted by the executive .
Large retailers have already opened , but , on Thursday , the executive confirmed that shopping centres and small shops could reopen for business .
From today , groups of up to 10 people in NI who do not live together can also meet outdoors .
However , they must adhere to social distancing advice requiring people to stay 2m ( 6ft ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
• What will shopping in NI look like ?
• In full : The five stages of NI 's plan to ease lockdown • Q & A : What has and has not changed in NI lockdown ?
The executive met on Thursday and agreed to lift a number of lockdown restrictions , because the R-number - which measures the rate of infection - is currently estimated as being between 0.5 and 0.9 .
Michelle Greeves , manager of Victoria Square shopping centre in Belfast , said stores had been planning how @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We all live for retail and we 've missed it so much , we 've missed being able to do what we know we do well , '' she said .
The manager of Londonderry 's biggest shopping centre , Foyleside , told BBC Radio Foyle that a number of public health measures were in place , including sneeze guards .
Fergal Rafferty added that while it is not mandatory , shoppers are encouraged to wear face masks .
The owner of a Belfast jewellers told BBC 's Good Morning Ulster programme that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' to get everything ready to reopen .
Peter Lunn said he expects his stores will only be able to handle half the volume they did before , due to safety measures .
Stormont ministers had been coming under pressure to allow more shops to open , after all high street shops in the Republic of Ireland resumed business on Monday .
Retailers had voiced concerns that they could be placed at a disadvantage against competitors across the border .
Non-essential retailers in England will open next week .
Retail is the single @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , accounting for more than 15 % of all employee jobs .
So the reopening of the sector is a significant step in the easing of lockdown .
But there are major questions about how it will be handled .
Childcare reopening has not synchronised with retail reopening , so some parents expected back at work could face a very difficult situation .
And what of the customers - will they be content to get back into the shops ?
Lockdown has probably accelerated the move towards more online shopping .
But when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's reopening , it suggests there is still a demand for the experience of physical retail .
From Friday , places of worship and community centres can also open to provide childcare for parents who are required to return to work .
But it is still not clear when all day care centres can resume business , and there remain restrictions on group size .
At present , only vulnerable children and children of key workers can avail of childcare , but last week the definition of a key worker was expanded , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to reopen .
According to the Nevin Economic Research Institute ( NERI ) , about 350,000 workers in Northern Ireland have dependent children .
Its research suggests 70 % of them are likely to have `` intensive childcare requirements '' .
The first and deputy first ministers are due to hold meetings on Friday , with the health and education ministers , with a view to providing more information for the childcare sector .
It was not mentioned in the executive 's five-step Pathway to Recovery blueprint .
What other lockdown measures have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ adults can stay at one other household in a `` support bubble '' , but it will not apply to those who are shielding .
From Monday , people in Northern Ireland will be allowed to move house , after the property market was paused following the imposition of lockdown in March .
Elite athletes will also be allowed to begin using outdoor sports facilities to train from Monday .
Speaking on Good Morning Britain , First Minister Arlene Foster said that the executive would be discussing indicative dates next week for reopening @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to bring some joy '' to people .
But ministers have not yet decided whether to bring forward the date hotels , other tourist accommodation and the hospitality industry can reopen .
Economy Minister Diane Dodds told BBC One NI 's The View programme on Thursday night that she hopes to get the executive to agree on a date next week , when ministers meet again .
Speaking on the BBC 's Good Morning Ulster on Friday , Mrs Dodds said she had `` a date in mind '' for an early reopening @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be drawn on when it was .
`` I would like to see it as soon as is practically possible but those are decisions that have to be taken collectively , '' she said .
The minister added that she wants the executive to reduce social distancing advice from 2m to 1m , in order to give the hospitality industry a `` fighting chance to be viable '' .
The World Health Organization ( WHO ) has said 1m is safe , but it will be up to the Stormont Executive to take @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Northern Ireland .
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : How do I protect myself ?
• IMPACT : What the virus does to the body • RECOVERY : How long does it take ?
• R NUMBER : Why does it matter ?
• ENDGAME : How do we get out of this mess ?

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bbcuk--2020-06-12--Coronavirus: Wales Millennium Centre says 250 jobs at risk

The Wales Millennium Centre could remain closed until April next year due to the coronavirus pandemic , putting 250 jobs at risk .
All shows have been cancelled until the end of the year following the outbreak .
On Friday , staff were told the centre would remain closed until January `` at least '' , putting 85 permanent roles at risk of redundancy .
Casual staff will also no longer be employed .
The Welsh Government said it was doing everything it could to help .
The centre blamed the `` devastating impact '' of coronavirus on the industry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , has been closed since coronavirus restrictions came into effect in March and faces losing about £20m in income .
Managing director Mathew Milsom said performances could not go ahead while social distancing measures - requiring people to remain 2m apart - were in place .
He said the centre would remain closed until January 2021 , but managers would review the situation in September and may extend the closure until April .
`` The coronavirus pandemic has had a devastating effect on theatres across the UK and , like many others , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be able to put performances on our stages again while social distancing measures are in place .
`` Under these circumstances we ca n't open the theatre in a way that provides a good audience experience and that is economically viable for the centre and the producers who present their work here . ''
The centre , which puts on its own productions and hosts visiting West End musicals , closed its doors on 17 March when people were told to avoid gatherings and crowded places .
Productions were cancelled until the end @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the Lion King , due to start next month , and its Christmas performances of Phantom of the Opera , called off .
• What 's off and what 's still on in Wales ?
The centre 's main auditorium was also due to host Welsh National Opera 's autumn season , while its annual Festival of Voice has also been scrapped .
The centre employs 140 permanent staff , with just over half are now at risk of redundancy .
Casual staff will also no longer be employed , meaning a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The closure will also affect the 300 volunteers and freelancers who work at events and productions at the centre , which has about 1.6 million visitors every year .
While many staff have been furloughed , the WMC said it could not continue to pay them after the government scheme ends .
It has lost 85 % of its income and the lack of ticket sales and commercial revenue means it can only continue with a reduced team of staff , it said .
It will rely on its annual grant from the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fund its work while the doors are closed .
Mr Milson said the safety of audience members , staff and performers was of `` paramount importance '' .
`` Therefore , we may have to consider extending the period of closure as government advice on mass gatherings becomes clearer over the coming weeks and months , '' he added .
`` We are also expecting significant disruption to the availability of touring shows for years to come , as productions are being cancelled and no new shows are being created .
`` Whilst @ @ @ @ @ @ @ everything we can to keep our artistic and charitable work going , and to ensure that we are ready to reopen as soon as is practically possible . ''
As well as its 1,850-seat Donal Gordon Theatre , the centre also has a 300-seat studio space , a cabaret bar , and hosts Radio Platfform , a youth-led radio station and training programme .
The wider complex is also home to the BBC National Orchestra of Wales , Welsh National Opera and National Dance Company Wales , which are unaffected by the announcement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` acutely aware '' of the challenges facing the arts and understands the `` incredibly difficult decisions '' some organisations now had to contemplate .
`` We are doing everything we can to help and are continuing to call on the UK government to extend the Job Retention Scheme and to provide enhanced financial support , '' a spokesman said .


bbcuk--2020-06-12--Black Lives Matter: Police impose conditions ahead of anti-racism protests

Restrictions have been placed by police on several groups ahead of planned protests in London this weekend .
The Metropolitan Police said several protests are scheduled in the capital on Saturday , including a Black Lives Matter demonstration .
Measures including requiring the events to end at 17:00 BST are in place following violent scenes last weekend .
But the police force warned protesters to reconsider attending at all due to the coronavirus pandemic .
`` We are asking you not to come to London , and let your voices be heard in other ways , '' Met Commander Bas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the wake of violence and serious disorder in Westminster at the end of protests last weekend .
While police said those demonstrations were on the whole peaceful , there were dozens of arrests and 27 police officers were injured .
The new conditions , set out on the Met 's website , apply to Black Lives Matter , and to left and right-wing groups that have notified the force of their intention to demonstrate on Saturday .
Restrictions include a specific route for Black Lives Matter demonstrators between Hyde Park and Trafalgar Square @ @ @ @ @ @ @ assemble until 17:00 .
Similar regulations applied to right-wing groups require them to assemble in Parliament Square and some parts of Whitehall , again until 17:00 .
The Met said police officers routinely talk to organisers before and during an event to minimise disruption and disorder .
`` Policing demonstrations is complex and challenging , not least during a global health crisis , '' Commander Javid added .
`` We will continue to police any protests with the aim of keeping people safe and preventing crime and disorder . ''
A Black Lives @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Friday evening with leaders of the march urging those in attendance to keep the demonstration `` peaceful '' and not to join any anti-racism rallies planned for the weekend .
Hundreds of campaigners surrounded Nelson 's Column in Trafalgar Square after walking from Hyde Park , as around two dozen police officers watched on .
Earlier , a statue of war-time leader Winston Churchill in Parliament Square was boarded up to protect it from potential damage .
The move was branded `` absurd and shameful '' by Prime Minister Boris Johnson .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ had expressed opinions which were `` unacceptable to us today '' but remained a hero for saving the country from `` fascist and racist tyranny '' .
Protesters daubed `` was a racist '' on Churchill 's statue last weekend .
• The stories behind the statues targeted in protests In a series of tweets , Mr Johnson urged people to `` stay away '' from demonstrations amid the coronavirus pandemic .
`` We can not try to edit or censor our past , '' he wrote of moves to remove tributes to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pretend to have a different history . ''
Other monuments have been removed ahead of separate protests planned over the weekend , while the Cenotaph war memorial , in Whitehall , has also been covered .
In Poole , Dorset , a statue of Scouts movement founder Robert Baden-Powell is to be cladded instead of removed .
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said other `` key statues '' , including one of Nelson Mandela , would be protected .
It comes after the statue of slave trader Edward Colston was thrown into the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Matter protest on Sunday .
Demonstrations have been taking place across the world following the death in police custody of George Floyd in Minneapolis last month .
Mr Johnson said that , while he understood `` legitimate feelings of outrage '' at Mr Floyd 's death , the `` only responsible course of action '' was to `` stay away from these protests '' .
The prime minister said the demonstrations had been `` hijacked by extremists intent on violence '' .
He added that whatever people 's feelings about the cause they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in all probability '' would `` end in deliberate and calculated violence '' .

Speaking before the clashes in the capital, the leader of the far-right group Britain First, Paul Golding - convicted last month of an offence under the Terrorism Act - said they had turned out to "guard our monuments".


bbcuk--2020-06-13--Coronavirus: Queen's official birthday to be marked with new ceremony

The Queen 's official birthday will be marked later with a new ceremony instead of the annual Trooping the Colour parade , as the coronavirus lockdown continues .
It is only the second time in her 68-year reign that the parade in London has not gone ahead .
Instead , Windsor Castle will host a ceremony with a small number of Welsh Guardsmen and military musicians .
Social distancing rules will be in place for those who are marching .
The Queen celebrated her 94th birthday in April , but it is officially celebrated on the second Saturday of June @ @ @ @ @ @ @ parade in Whitehall is usually watched by thousands of spectators and senior members of the Royal Family .
The last time the event was cancelled was in 1955 , three years after the Queen 's coronation , due to a national rail strike .
An event for a sovereign 's birthday has not been staged at Windsor since 1895 , during the reign of Queen Victoria .
The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh have spent the lockdown at Windsor Castle , and were photographed there earlier this month to mark Prince Philip @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ghika , who commands the Household Division , said the circumstances surrounding the decision to host the tribute in Windsor were `` clouded in tragedy '' .
`` The effects of Covid-19 have been devastating in terms of loss of life and the threatening of livelihoods of so many across the country , '' he said .
`` People have had to endure separation from loved ones , great uncertainty and the suspension of so much of what is special about our national life . ''
There 'll be no massed ranks of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Mall escorted by the Household Cavalry and no appearance on the balcony of Buckingham Palace to watch a flypast by the RAF .
This year 's Trooping the Colour has been cancelled - but there will be a military celebration of sorts for the Queen , on a limited scale inside Windsor Castle .
A detachment of Welsh Guards will form up in carefully socially-distanced ranks - 2.2 metres apart - on the castle quadrangle and there , accompanied by a rather less than Massed Band of the Household Division , they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of drill .
The Queen will be there to watch : a birthday parade with a difference but a sign that , very carefully , familiar events can be staged , albeit in very modified form .
The ceremony - which will be broadcast by the BBC - will see personnel take part in a display in the castle 's quadrangle .
The Queen will receive a royal salute followed by a set of military drills .
With fewer people on parade because of social distancing rules , `` there is no hiding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Officer Class 1 Andrew Stokes , who created the display .
`` But more spacing between individuals means that there is also no room for errors and so the soldier has to really concentrate on their own personal drill , reaction to orders , dressing and social distancing , '' he said .
Normally , Guardsmen stand shoulder-to-shoulder during their drills or when formed up on the parade ground , but they will have to stand 2.2m apart to follow the guidelines .
Gen Ghika added : `` The Welsh Guards and many @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deployed within the United Kingdom as part of the nation 's response to the virus and so the context of the ceremony is particularly poignant . ''
The Welsh Guards , along with the rest of the Household Division , have been among the soldiers helping with the coronavirus response , for example at test centres .
The event will be broadcast on BBC One with a special programme beginning at 10.15 BST .

In a statement last month, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said the delay "will allow us to ensure that the list, agreed before this public health emergency developed, reflects the Covid-19 effort, and comes at a time when we can properly celebrate the achievements of all those included".


bbcuk--2020-06-12--British Airways' treatment of staff 'a disgrace', say MPs

British Airways ' treatment of staff during the coronavirus crisis `` is a national disgrace '' , MPs have claimed .
A Transport Select Committee report accuses the airline of a `` calculated attempt to take advantage '' of the pandemic by cutting thousands of jobs and downgrading terms and conditions .
BA said it was doing all it could to keep `` the maximum number of jobs '' .
But the MPs said the airline 's actions fell `` well below the standards we would expect from any employer '' .
The aviation industry has been one of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Airlines including EasyJet , Ryanair , and Virgin Atlantic , and suppliers Rolls-Royce and Airbus , have announced thousands of job cuts .
BA plans a major restructuring , which could mean up to 12,000 redundancies and changes to the terms and conditions of remaining staff .
The airline warned unions that if it could not reach an agreement over the proposals it would push through the issue by giving staff notice and offering them new contracts .
Unite and the GMB are not engaging in talks with BA .
Pilots ' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ airline over the possibility of voluntary redundancies but said consultations were `` hanging by a thread '' .
The MPs acknowledged that job losses in the sector `` may sadly be inevitable '' due to the collapse in air travel .
But it urged UK-based employers not to `` proceed hastily '' by making large numbers of people redundant while the government 's furlough scheme was in place .
Unions told the committee that BA was operating a `` fire and rehire '' approach by giving redundancy notices to most of its 42,000 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to a proportion of them under diminished terms and conditions .
The Transport Committee found that BA had received nearly £35m from the government as of 14 May by furloughing 22,000 staff .
The MPs also noted that at the end of 2019 , the airline recorded profits after tax of £1.1bn and had cash reserves of £2.6bn .
The committee 's report said : `` The behaviour of British Airways and its parent company towards its employees is a national disgrace .
It falls well below the standards we would expect from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ] light of the scale of taxpayer subsidy , at this time of national crisis . ''
There have been calls from MPs and unions for BA to be stripped of some of its lucrative take-off and landing slots at Heathrow Airport as punishment for the treatment of its staff .
Tory MP Huw Merriman , who chairs the committee , said : `` We will continue to bring pressure where we can , including the airport slot allocation process .
This wanton destruction of a loyal workforce can not appear to go @ @ @ @ @ @ @ paying passengers , who may choose differently in future .
We view it as a national disgrace . ''
Balpa said the committee was `` absolutely right '' about BA .
Brian Strutton , the union 's general secretary , said : `` Any company using the cover of Covid to slash jobs and terms and conditions like they have needs to be called out .
`` I have described consultation talks between Balpa and BA as hanging by a thread due to BA 's decision to issue a 'fire and rehire ' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' • BA warns of job cuts in 'survival ' letter to staff The airline said in a statement : `` We find ourselves in the deepest crisis ever faced by the airline industry - a crisis not of our making but one which we must address .
`` We will do everything in our power to ensure that British Airways can survive and sustain the maximum number of jobs consistent with the new reality of a changed airline industry in a severely weakened global economy . ''
BA is already embroiled in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a row with the government .
Now MPs have weighed in against the company as well .
Its a remarkable situation for BA .
It was once seen as a flag carrier for British values , a national champion , with the closest of links to the government - and a place where staff were delighted to work .
So what 's gone wrong ?
The Covid-19 crisis has scythed through the airline industry , leaving previously strong companies teetering .
Carriers around the world are shedding jobs , as they prepare for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ far from unique in wanting to make deep cuts .
But there 's more too it than that .
BA has spent the past decade trying to streamline its business , in order to compete with low-cast upstarts like Ryanair and EasyJet .
That has sometimes caused conflict with its employees - and seemingly created a legacy of mistrust and resentment , in particular among cabin crew .
Now , during a crisis , those feelings are bubbling up .
At times , the company looks as though it is under siege .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ government to abandon its 14-day quarantine rule at the end of June .
It called for a `` more targeted and nuanced border control policy '' , allowing people travelling from countries where the infection rate of Covid-19 is relatively low to enter the UK on a less restrictive basis .
On Friday , BA , EasyJet and Ryanair launched legal action against the `` flawed '' quarantine policy .
The airlines are asking for a judicial review to be heard `` as soon as possible '' , claiming the measures introduced this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on British tourism and the wider economy '' .
They said they have seen no evidence of when proposed `` air bridges '' between the UK and other countries will be implemented .
Instead , they want the government to re-adopt the policy it introduced on 10 March , which required passengers from countries deemed at high risk of coronavirus infection to self-isolate on arrival in the UK .
But Home Secretary Priti Patel has insisted that the policy can `` help stop a devastating second wave '' of the disease .

They said they have seen no evidence of when proposed "air bridges" between the UK and other countries will be implemented. Instead, they want the government to re-adopt the policy it introduced on 10 March, which required passengers from countries deemed at high risk of coronavirus infection to self-isolate on arrival in the UK.


bbcuk--2020-06-12--Coronavirus social-contact curbs 'put adolescents at risk'

Reduced face-to-face contact among teenagers and their friends during the pandemic could have damaging long-term consequences , neuroscientists say .
At a sensitive time in life , their brain development , behaviour and mental health could suffer .
Using social media might make up for some negative effects of social distancing , they write in The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health .
But they call for schools to reopen for young people as a priority when safe .
Adolescence - defined by the scientists as between 10 and 24 - is a vulnerable stage , when young people want to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their family , as they prepare for adult life .
Combined with major hormonal and biological changes , it 's a key time for the development of the brain .
It 's also the period in life when mental-health problems are mostly likely to develop .
But the arrival of coronavirus has disrupted all that , says Prof Sarah-Jayne Blakemore , from the department of psychology at the University of Cambridge and lead author of the opinion piece .
`` Owing to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic , many young people around @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to interact face-to-face with peers in their social network at a time in their lives when this is crucial for their development , '' she says .
`` Even if physical distancing measures are temporary , several months represents a large proportion of a young person 's life .
`` We would urge policymakers to give urgent consideration to the well-being of young people at this time . ''
The Viewpoint article , written with Amy Orben , research fellow at Cambridge , and Livia Tomova , from Massachusetts Institute of Technology , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out to understand the effects of `` social deprivation '' on adolescents .
At present , research on animals is all they have to go on - and it suggests that non-human primates and rodents experience a rise in anxious behaviour and a decrease in brain functions related to learning and memory when social contact is taken away .
This is likely to be due to the lack of experiences for social learning , they say .
But with 69 % of younger adolescents in the UK , aged 12-15 , having a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ possible - via anything from Instagram to online gaming .
The question is how much and what kinds of digital communication help to lessen the effects of physical distancing , says Dr Orben .
`` Some studies have shown that active social-media use , such as messaging or posting directly on another person 's profile , increases well-being and helps maintain personal relationships .
`` However , it has been suggested that passive uses of social media , such as scrolling through newsfeeds , negatively influence wellbeing . ''
Lockdown rules brought in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have meant schools in the UK have been closed to most children since 20 March .
A small number of primary school children have returned in England , but only in small groups .

"Owing to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, many young people around the world currently have substantially fewer opportunities to interact face-to-face with peers in their social network at a time in their lives when this is crucial for their development," she says.


bbcuk--2020-06-13--Coronavirus: Donations left outside shops 'costing charities'

Donations left outside Welsh shops by people having clear-outs in lockdown are costing money , a charity has said .
Charity shops are currently shut due to the coronavirus pandemic , meaning they are not able to process and sell bags of items left outside .
They are instead having to use waste disposal services or organise volunteers to redistribute them .
Barnardo 's and Oxfam have both asked people to call ahead before donating .
Barnardo 's Cymru said they did not have details of how much clearing donations has cost them so far , but they have worked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Some local authorities have also helped with clearing when the items have been classed as fly-tipping .
It said the issue had improved as lockdown had gone on , but it can not predict what may happen as shops begin to reopen in England this month , and potentially Wales in the coming weeks .
The charity said it was opening 70 stores in England from next week , but could be a few weeks off reopening in Wales and that is likely to be done in a staggered way .
Retail @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are requesting that our customers contact their local shop before attempting to donate .
`` We can not predict if the problem will increase in Wales when our English shops start to re-open , but as part of our reopening plans we are requesting that our customers contact their local shop before attempting to donate . ''
• Hospices and charities 'need financial help' • 'Charities have never been more at risk' Ceredig Davies , a councillor in Aberystwyth , said : `` I can appreciate people want to unload items because they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a bit of spring cleaning and want to do the right thing , but charities are n't in the position to accept these items and it 's a burden for them .
`` Leaving items outside of charity shops at present , when they are not taking donations , is actually costing the charities time and money .
`` Most get picked up and put into landfill , and if they use the local authority collection they have to pay for it , or a private contractor would cost too . ''
Mr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with people fly-tipping next to Salvation Army donation bins .
`` They have got their drop bins in a couple of areas in Aberystwyth but they 're not being emptied , people are dumping stuff there and , because others are seeing the bags , it is being seen as a de-facto fly-tipping spot . ''
But there are some community efforts to help charities to deal with the issue .
Darron Stephen Smith has been volunteering to help redistribute the donations , and was given access to a dry storage facility to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ help on Facebook after realising his one washing machine was not going to go very far in dealing with the clothes , and 18 more people have signed up to take bags home to wash and dry them .
Mr Smith has been providing them with PPE and hand sanitiser , and collections and deliveries are contactless .
`` When I saw this I thought something needed to be done to stop these clothes going into landfill or just rotting of the streets , '' he said .

Ceredig Davies, a councillor in Aberystwyth, said: "I can appreciate people want to unload items because they've had plenty of time to do a bit of spring cleaning and want to do the right thing, but charities aren't in the position to accept these items and it's a burden for them.


bbcuk--2020-06-12--Prince of Wales and Emmanuel Macron to meet on quarantine exempt visit

The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall will be the first Royal Family members to hold a major event during the coronavirus lockdown when they welcome the French president to the UK .
Charles and Camilla will meet Emmanuel Macron at their London home on 18 June .
They will mark the 80th anniversary of a famous speech by Charles de Gaulle .
Mr Macron will be exempt from a 14-day quarantine imposed on most people who travel to the UK , as a `` representative of a foreign country on business '' .
A Clarence House spokeswoman said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ followed .
The royal couple will travel from Birkhall in Aberdeenshire , where they have been staying for almost three months , to Clarence House in London to attend the meeting .
Both had to self-isolate in March after Charles , 71 , contracted coronavirus .
They have been carrying out royal engagements remotely - via video calls or recorded messages - and are said to be `` pleased '' to be welcoming Mr Macron to the country .
• Charles : I got away lightly with coronavirus • How lockdown is being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lockdown , to curb the spread of coronavirus in France , residents there had to to provide a travel permit to justify any outdoor trips .
Restrictions began to ease on 11 May , and phase two of the easing began on 2 June .
Nearly all of France is now in a so-called `` green zone '' where , for example , bars and restaurants can reopen .
Asked if the French president would be subject to quarantine rules for UK arrivals , a spokesman for Prime Minister Boris Johnson said : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' `` As we set out in the guidelines when they were published , the French delegation will fall within the exempted category of representatives of a foreign country or territory travelling to undertake business in the UK . ''
France 's coronavirus death toll rose to 29,374 on Friday , while the UK 's rose to 41,481 .
Clarence House said the royal couple would formally receive Mr Macron , with a guard of honour , to celebrate the 80th anniversary of World War Two resistance leader General Charles de Gaulle 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
On 18 June 1940 , de Gaulle used a BBC broadcast to urge people to resist the German occupation of France during the Second World War .
`` I call upon all Frenchmen who want to remain free to listen to my voice and follow me , '' he said .

Restrictions began to ease on 11 May, and phase two of the easing began on 2 June. Nearly all of France is now in a so-called "green zone" where, for example, bars and restaurants can reopen.


bbcuk--2020-06-12--Bank of England 'ready to act' as economy shrinks record 20%

Bank of England governor Andrew Bailey has said he will be `` ready to take action '' to help the UK economy weather the coronavirus crisis .
He was speaking after figures showed that the country 's economy shrank by 20.4 % in April - the largest monthly contraction on record - as the country spent its first full month in lockdown .
`` We are still very much in the midst of this , '' Mr Bailey said .
But he said the figure was `` pretty much in line '' with what the bank expected .
`` Obviously @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but actually it 's not a surprising number , '' he said .
The Office for National Statistics ( ONS ) said April 's `` historic '' fall affected virtually all areas of activity , as large parts of the economy remained shut to battle the pandemic .
The contraction is three times greater than the decline seen during the whole of the 2008 to 2009 economic downturn .
But analysts said April was likely to be the worst month , as the government began easing the lockdown in May .
What @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bailey said there were `` signs of the economy now beginning to come back into life '' , but the big question was how much long-term damage the pandemic would cause .
`` That 's the thing we 've got to be very focused on , because that 's where jobs get lost , '' he said .
`` Now we hope that will be as small as possible , but we have to be ready and ready to take action , not just the Bank of England , but more broadly on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ longer-term and damaging effects . ''
• What a shrinking economy means in one town The ONS also published figures for the three months from February to April , which showed a decline of 10.4 % compared with the previous three-month period .
News of the slump comes as almost nine million UK workers are having their wages paid by the government , while the number of people claiming unemployment benefit rocketed by 856,500 to 2.1 million in April .
What was the political reaction ?
Prime Minister Boris Johnson warned of a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but added : `` We will get through it . ''
`` We 've always been in no doubt this was going to be a very serious public health crisis but also have big , big economic knock-on effects .
`` The UK is heavily dependent on services , we 're a dynamic creative economy , we depend so much on human contact .
We have been very badly hit by this . ''
Chancellor Rishi Sunak said life would get `` a little bit more back to normal '' once High Street @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to happen on Monday in England , while shops in Northern Ireland have already been allowed to resume trading .
Scotland and Wales have their own timetables for easing restrictions .
In response , shadow chancellor Anneliese Dodds warned that the UK 's economy was shrinking faster than those of other countries .
She said the UK would need `` strong action to help us climb out of this as quickly as possible '' .
What has happened to the economy ?
In normal times , a country 's Gross Domestic Product ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ goods and services it produces - increases , making its citizens on average slightly richer .
However , the ONS said April 's fall in GDP was the biggest the UK had ever seen .
`` [ The fall was ] more than three times larger than last month and almost 10 times larger than the steepest pre-Covid-19 fall , '' said Jonathan Athow , the agency 's deputy national statistician for economic statistics .
`` In April , the economy was around 25 % smaller than in February . ''
• What @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
He said virtually all areas of the economy had been hit , with pubs , education , health and car sales all seeing marked falls in activity .
Carmakers and housebuilders were also badly affected , although Mr Athow told the BBC 's Today programme : `` It 's highly likely April will be the low point .
`` Our own surveys and wider indicators have suggested a pick-up in economy activity , but I think it 's really too early to know how quickly economic activity will recover in the coming @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shrunk 20 % .
How come the other 80 % is still standing ?
In large part , thanks to the extraordinary levels of state intervention propping it up .
More than one in four UK workers - some 8.9 million - are now on the government 's furlough scheme that allows them to receive 80 % of their monthly salary up to £2,500 .
The scheme has cost £19.6bn so far , while a similar programme for self-employed workers has seen 2.6 million claims made worth £7.5bn .
Without these schemes , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two-thirds of the UK 's GDP , would have fallen even further .
Sophie Lawler 's 17 health clubs remain closed to their 100,000 members in the north of England and Wales .
And like the rest of the fitness sector , she has no idea when she might get the green light to reopen .
`` The whole sector has struggled financially , and may do so for years to come , '' she said .
`` The industry is shouldering quite some rental burden , costs we still incur even while @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been vital , she says , but she 'd like the government to do more - perhaps in the form of VAT exemptions or more support for leaseholders .
Despite the uncertainties , however , she thinks the sector will weather the storm .
`` In terms of demand , we will do pretty well when we get through to the other side of this . ''
• Three firms still positive despite the crisis The ONS numbers add to the pressure to ease the lockdown more quickly , but fears around the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a step-by-step cautious approach .
There is some pressure on the Treasury to consider similar economic rescue packages to those made across Europe .
Germany , for example , has cut VAT and offered billions in a package to help families with children and purchasers of green cars .
France is offering huge rescue funds to the car and aerospace industry .
The unprecedented jobs schemes here will help to protect livelihoods .
But with this scale of hit , it will not be enough .
How does this slump compare historically ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the peak in February 2008 to the lowest point of March 2009 , a total of 13 months , GDP shrank by 6.9 % .
April 's unprecedented contraction is three times that - and it happened in one month .
The UK 's economy was already shrinking even before April .
It contracted by 2 % in the first three months of 2020 , as just a few days of impact from the virus pushed it into decline .
Economists expect an even bigger slump in the April-to-June period , plunging the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ where do we go from here ?
`` Given the lockdown started to be eased in May , April will mark the trough in GDP .
So we are past the worst , '' said Andrew Wishart , UK economist at Capital Economics .
`` But the recovery will be a drawn-out affair , as restrictions are only lifted gradually and businesses and consumers continue to exercise caution . ''
Tej Parikh , chief economist at the Institute of Directors , said coronavirus had caused `` unparalleled '' economic turmoil which was `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some time yet '' .
`` Having provided businesses life support , the government must now figure out how to stimulate activity , '' he added .
`` Waiting until later in the year to act will risk more businesses and jobs will be lost . ''
How does the UK economy compare with other countries ?
We do n't really know yet .
The UK is one of the few countries to publish monthly economic data - most others just produce quarterly and annual figures .
We do know , however , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ economies into recession : • Japan saw a 3.4 % fall in GDP for the first three months of 2020 • Germany 's economy shrank by 2.2 % in the first three months of this year • And France saw a 5.8 % contraction in the first quarter of 2020 .
On Wednesday , the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development warned that the UK could be the hardest hit by Covid-19 among major economies .
The British economy is likely to shrink by 11.5 % in 2020 , slightly outstripping falls in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Spain and Italy , it said .
A recession is usually defined as two three-month periods - or quarters - of economic contraction in a row .
Technically , we are not at that point yet .
But the UK , along with much of the rest of the world , is thought to be heading into the worst recession for decades .
• SCHOOLS : When will children be returning ?
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• THE R NUMBER : What it means and why @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new quarantine rulesUK economy shrinks record 20.4 % in April lockdown • LOOK-UP TOOL : How many cases in your area ?

Bank of England 'ready to act' as economy shrinks record 20% Published 12 June 2020
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Bank of England governor Andrew Bailey has said he will be "ready to take action" to help the UK economy weather the coronavirus crisis.
He was speaking after figures showed that the country's economy shrank by 20.4% in April - the largest monthly contraction on record - as the country spent its first full month in lockdown.
"We are still very much in the midst of this," Mr Bailey said.
But he said the figure was "pretty much in line" with what the bank expected.
"Obviously it's a dramatic and big number, but actually it's not a surprising number," he said.
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) said April's "historic" fall affected virtually all areas of activity, as large parts of the economy remained shut to battle the pandemic.
The contraction is three times greater than the decline seen during the whole of the 2008 to 2009 economic downturn.
But analysts said April was likely to be the worst month, as the government began easing the lockdown in May.
What else did the governor say?
Mr Bailey said there were "signs of the economy now beginning to come back into life", but the big question was how much long-term damage the pandemic would cause.
"That's the thing we've got to be very focused on, because that's where jobs get lost," he said.
"Now we hope that will be as small as possible, but we have to be ready and ready to take action, not just the Bank of England, but more broadly on what we can do to offset those longer-term and damaging effects."
The ONS also published figures for the three months from February to April, which showed a decline of 10.4% compared with the previous three-month period.
News of the slump comes as almost nine million UK workers are having their wages paid by the government, while the number of people claiming unemployment benefit rocketed by 856,500 to 2.1 million in April.
What was the political reaction?
Prime Minister Boris Johnson warned of a "tough" few months ahead, but added: "We will get through it."
"We've always been in no doubt this was going to be a very serious public health crisis but also have big, big economic knock-on effects.
"The UK is heavily dependent on services, we're a dynamic creative economy, we depend so much on human contact. We have been very badly hit by this."
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, Chancellor Rishi Sunak expects life to get "a little bit more back to normal" when shops reopen
Chancellor Rishi Sunak said life would get "a little bit more back to normal" once High Street shops could reopen.
That is set to happen on Monday in England, while shops in Northern Ireland have already been allowed to resume trading. Scotland and Wales have their own timetables for easing restrictions.
In response, shadow chancellor Anneliese Dodds warned that the UK's economy was shrinking faster than those of other countries.
She said the UK would need "strong action to help us climb out of this as quickly as possible".
What has happened to the economy?
In normal times, a country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) - the value of the goods and services it produces - increases, making its citizens on average slightly richer. However, the ONS said April's fall in GDP was the biggest the UK had ever seen.
"[The fall was] more than three times larger than last month and almost 10 times larger than the steepest pre-Covid-19 fall," said Jonathan Athow, the agency's deputy national statistician for economic statistics.
"In April, the economy was around 25% smaller than in February."
He said virtually all areas of the economy had been hit, with pubs, education, health and car sales all seeing marked falls in activity.
Carmakers and housebuilders were also badly affected, although Mr Athow told the BBC's Today programme: "It's highly likely April will be the low point.
"Our own surveys and wider indicators have suggested a pick-up in economy activity, but I think it's really too early to know how quickly economic activity will recover in the coming months."
So the economy has shrunk 20%. How come the other 80% is still standing?
In large part, thanks to the extraordinary levels of state intervention propping it up.
More than one in four UK workers - some 8.9 million - are now on the government's furlough scheme that allows them to receive 80% of their monthly salary up to £2,500.
The scheme has cost £19.6bn so far, while a similar programme for self-employed workers has seen 2.6 million claims made worth £7.5bn.
Without these schemes, household consumption, which makes up nearly two-thirds of the UK's GDP, would have fallen even further.
Staying positive
Sophie Lawler's 17 health clubs remain closed to their 100,000 members in the north of England and Wales. And like the rest of the fitness sector, she has no idea when she might get the green light to reopen.
"The whole sector has struggled financially, and may do so for years to come," she said. "The industry is shouldering quite some rental burden, costs we still incur even while we're closed."
Furloughing has been vital, she says, but she'd like the government to do more - perhaps in the form of VAT exemptions or more support for leaseholders.
Despite the uncertainties, however, she thinks the sector will weather the storm. "In terms of demand, we will do pretty well when we get through to the other side of this."
The ONS numbers add to the pressure to ease the lockdown more quickly, but fears around the control of the disease have led to a step-by-step cautious approach.
There is some pressure on the Treasury to consider similar economic rescue packages to those made across Europe.
Germany, for example, has cut VAT and offered billions in a package to help families with children and purchasers of green cars. France is offering huge rescue funds to the car and aerospace industry.
The unprecedented jobs schemes here will help to protect livelihoods. But with this scale of hit, it will not be enough.
How does this slump compare historically?
During the global financial crisis, from the peak in February 2008 to the lowest point of March 2009, a total of 13 months, GDP shrank by 6.9%.
April's unprecedented contraction is three times that - and it happened in one month.
The UK's economy was already shrinking even before April.
It contracted by 2% in the first three months of 2020, as just a few days of impact from the virus pushed it into decline.
Economists expect an even bigger slump in the April-to-June period, plunging the country into a deep recession.
So where do we go from here?
"Given the lockdown started to be eased in May, April will mark the trough in GDP. So we are past the worst," said Andrew Wishart, UK economist at Capital Economics.
"But the recovery will be a drawn-out affair, as restrictions are only lifted gradually and businesses and consumers continue to exercise caution."
Tej Parikh, chief economist at the Institute of Directors, said coronavirus had caused "unparalleled" economic turmoil which was "likely to scar the UK economy for some time yet".
"Having provided businesses life support, the government must now figure out how to stimulate activity," he added.
"Waiting until later in the year to act will risk more businesses and jobs will be lost."
How does the UK economy compare with other countries?
We don't really know yet. The UK is one of the few countries to publish monthly economic data - most others just produce quarterly and annual figures.
We do know, however, that coronavirus has already pushed several major economies into recession:
Japan saw a 3.4% fall in GDP for the first three months of 2020
Germany's economy shrank by 2.2% in the first three months of this year
And France saw a 5.8% contraction in the first quarter of 2020.
On Wednesday, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development warned that the UK could be the hardest hit by Covid-19 among major economies.
The British economy is likely to shrink by 11.5% in 2020, slightly outstripping falls in countries such as Germany, France, Spain and Italy, it said.
What is a recession?
A recession is usually defined as two three-month periods - or quarters - of economic contraction in a row.


bbcuk--2020-06-12--Ricky Valance: First Welshman to have solo UK Number One dies

Welsh singer Ricky Valance has died at the age of 84 , his agent has confirmed .
Valance , who was born David Spencer , became the first Welshman to have a solo UK Number One hit with the song Tell Laura I Love Her in 1960 .
The singer was born in Ynysddu , now in Caerphilly county , and joined the RAF aged 17 before going into the music business .
His agent said he had been diagnosed with dementia and had been in hospital since before the start of lockdown .
• Final song for first Welsh @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his local church choir as a child , before joining the air force , where he saw active service in north Africa before returning three years later .
It was then he started performing in clubs in the north of England , before being signed and recording Tell Laura I Love Her .
The song tells the tragic story of a boy called Tommy and his love for a girl called Laura .
It was controversial at the time and reportedly banned from airplay by the BBC , but went on to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than a million copies .
It spent 16 weeks in the chart , three of those at number one , but was to prove his only big hit in the UK .
Nevertheless , fans have taken to social media to express their sadness at his death .
Hyder Ali Pirwany tweeted : `` Ricky Valance , RIP .
Great singer from Wales .
His `` Tell Laura I love her '' song was tear jerking . ''
While another fan wrote : `` Another one gone .
RIP .
Hope Laura is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Valance was given an award at a St David 's Day concert at the Wales Millennium Centre for being the first Welshman to have a UK Number One hit .
In 2017 , he released a final single , called Welcome Home , to raise money for the Royal Air Force Museum and RAF Association .
Valance and his wife Evelyn were living in Skegness , Lincolnshire , at the time of his death .


bbcuk--2020-06-12--Coronavirus: Government sued over care home deaths 'disgrace'

A woman who said goodbye to her dying father through a care home window is suing the government over his death .
Dr Cathy Gardner 's father , Michael Gibson , 88 , died of probable Covid-19 related causes on 3 April .
Her case , which accuses the government of unlawfully exposing thousands of care home residents to serious harm , will be filed at the High Court today .
The Department for Health and Social Care said it could not comment on ongoing legal proceedings .
Dr Gardner , from Sidmouth , Devon , said her father 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ disgrace '' .
She added her case was about everybody , including care home residents , staff and the family members of those who had been put at risk or died .
More than 14,000 people have died from coronavirus in England and Wales care homes since the start of the pandemic .
The government has faced criticism for policies allowing patients to be discharged from hospitals into care homes without being tested for Covid-19 .
Lawyers representing Dr Gardner sent a pre-action letter to Health Secretary Matt Hancock , NHS England and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ demanding they admit those policies were unlawful .
The government has until Tuesday to respond but lawyer Paul Conrathe , representing Dr Gardner , said the case needed to be lodged on Friday before receiving a reply due to time limits .
`` Legally the state is required to protect its citizens , protect their right to life , '' he said .
`` Our view is not only did they not protect them but they actively exposed them to harm . ''
Mr Gibson , who had Alzheimer 's , was a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , near Bicester , Oxfordshire .
• On 19 March , NHS guidance said `` unless required to be in hospital , patients must not remain in an NHS bed '' • On 2 April , the rules on discharging to care homes were clarified , saying `` negative [ coronavirus ] tests are not required prior to transfers/admissions into the care home '' • From 15 April , the government said all patients discharged from hospitals would be tested for coronavirus Dr Gardner , who praised the care he was given there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a window the night before he died .
She said : `` This was heart-breaking , it 's not how I imagined his last days would be . ''
His cause of death was recorded as probable Covid-19-related but he had not been tested .
Dr Gardner 's lawyers claim that prior to his death the care home had been pressured into taking a hospital patient who had tested positive for Covid-19 but `` had not had a temperature for about 72 hours '' .
Dr Gardner , a microbiologist with a PhD @ @ @ @ @ @ @ needed to take the lead and I thought ...
I can so I should .
`` It is a national disgrace and it needs to be held up as such and not just brushed under the carpet . ''
Dr Gardner , who is also chair of East Devon District Council , is crowdfunding to help cover legal fees and has so far raised £10,000 .
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Dr Gardner's lawyers claim that prior to his death the care home had been pressured into taking a hospital patient who had tested positive for Covid-19 but "had not had a temperature for about 72 hours".


bbcuk--2020-06-12--JK Rowling: Sun newspaper criticised by abuse charities for article on ex-husband

The Sun newspaper has faced a backlash from domestic abuse charities for an article in which JK Rowling 's ex said `` I 'm not sorry '' for slapping her .
As part of a blog addressing criticism of her comments on transgender people , the Harry Potter author said her first marriage had been `` violent '' .
Jorge Arantes told the Sun he slapped Rowling when she left him - but added `` there was not sustained abuse '' .
The newspaper said it had not intended to `` enable or glorify '' domestic abuse .
Critics have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her response to an article about `` people who menstruate '' .
Rowling said her personal experience of domestic abuse and sexual assault , and her concerns about protecting safe spaces for women , were some reasons why she spoke out about transgender issues .
The Sun 's front page headline on Friday was : `` I slapped JK and I 'm not sorry '' .
Mr Arantes , who shares a daughter with Rowling from their marriage , told the paper : `` Yes .
It is true I slapped her .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' When asked about his response to her claims - which included that the relationship was violent - he said : `` If she says that , that 's up to her .
It 's not true I hit her . ''
Nicole Jacobs , England 's domestic abuse commissioner , wrote to the newspaper to say she was `` deeply concerned '' about the story .
`` It is unacceptable that the Sun has chosen to repeat and magnify the voice of someone who openly admits to violence against a partner , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's Aid said the newspaper 's front page had a `` negative impact '' , and added it was in conversation with the Sun about reflecting the voices of survivors of domestic abuse .
Some 20 anti-domestic abuse campaigners - including the chief executive of Women 's Aid - wrote an open letter calling on the paper to apologise .
`` Responding to a woman disclosing her experiences of domestic abuse and sexual assault by giving a platform to her perpetrator to trivialise the abuse he subjected her to is irresponsible and dangerous @ @ @ @ @ @ @ regulator Ipso said it had received more than 500 complaints about the Sun article .
A spokeswoman for the Sun said : `` It was certainly not our intention to 'enable ' or 'glorify ' domestic abuse , our intention was to expose a perpetrator 's total lack of remorse .
Our sympathies are always with the victims . ''
The spokeswoman added that the tabloid had a `` long history of standing up for abused women '' , and `` over the we have empowered countless victims to come forward and seek @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Sun 's coverage .
The Liberal Democrats called on the Sun to donate the revenue made from Friday 's newspaper to Refuge - while Labour 's shadow minister for domestic abuse and safeguarding , Jess Phillips , said `` doubt and disbelief '' benefited perpetrators of abuse .
The row about Rowling 's comments on transgender issues began last weekend , after she responded to a headline on an online article discussing `` people who menstruate '' by writing in a tweet : `` I 'm sure there used to be a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ me out .
Wumben ?
Wimpund ?
Woomud ? ''
Harry Potter actor Rupert Grint is the latest star to voice his support for the trans community , following Rowling 's comments .
His co-stars , Daniel Radcliffe and Emma Watson , are among others who have already spoken out .
In her blog defending her comments , Rowling said : `` I 've been in the public eye now for over 20 years and have never talked publicly about being a domestic abuse and sexual assault survivor . ''
She added : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not in an attempt to garner sympathy , but out of solidarity with the huge numbers of women who have histories like mine , who 've been slurred as bigots for having concerns around single-sex spaces . ''
If you , or someone you know , have been affected by domestic abuse or violence , the following organisations may be able to help .
If you have been affected by gender identity issues , a list of organisations offering support and information can be found here .

Mr Arantes, who shares a daughter with Rowling from their marriage, told the paper: "Yes. It is true I slapped her. But I didn't abuse her." When asked about his response to her claims - which included that the relationship was violent - he said: "If she says that, that's up to her. It's not true I hit her."


bbcuk--2020-06-12--Fawlty Towers: John Cleese attacks 'cowardly' BBC over episode's removal

John Cleese has laid into the `` cowardly and gutless '' BBC after an episode of Fawlty Towers was temporarily removed from a BBC-owned streaming platform .
A 1975 episode titled The Germans was taken off UKTV 's streaming service because it contains `` racial slurs '' .
In it , the Major uses highly offensive language , and Cleese 's Basil Fawlty declares `` do n't mention the war '' .
Cleese wrote on Twitter : `` The BBC is now run by a mixture of marketing people and petty bureaucrats . ''
He added : `` I would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would understand that there are two ways of making fun of human behaviour .
`` One is to attack it directly .
The other is to have someone who is patently a figure of fun , speak up on behalf of that behaviour . ''
He went on to compare the situation with that of Alf Garnett , the racist character in sitcoms Till Death Us Do Part and In Sickness and in Health .
`` We laughed at Alf 's reactionary views .
Thus we discredited them , by laughing at him @ @ @ @ @ @ @ course , there were people - very stupid people - who said 'Thank God someone is saying these things at last ' .
We laughed at these people too .
Now they 're taking decisions about BBC comedy . ''
He continued : `` But it 's not just stupidity .
The BBC is now run by a mixture of marketing people and petty bureaucrats .
It used to have a large sprinkling of people who 'd actually made programmes .
Not any more .
`` So BBC decisions are made by persons @ @ @ @ @ @ @ jobs ... That 's why they 're so cowardly and gutless and contemptible .
I rest my case . ''
UKTV also operates channels including Gold , and many of its channels and its digital player were taken over by the BBC 's commercial arm BBC Studios last year .
A BBC spokesman declined to comment .
A UKTV statement said it would update the episode with guidance and contextual information in line with similar warnings on other classic comedy titles .
`` We will reinstate Fawlty Towers once that extra guidance has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be in the coming days , '' it added .
`` We will continue to look at what content is on offer as we always have done . ''
• Netflix and iPlayer at odds over BBC comedies • Ant and Dec sorry for acting as people of colour • Little Britain pulled from iPlayer and Netflix The Germans is still available to view on Britbox , which is part-owned by the BBC , with a message saying it `` contains some offensive racial language of the time and upsetting scenes '' .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ a warning about `` language , [ and ] discrimination '' .
Journalist and broadcaster Carl Anka described the removal as `` a waste of time '' , noting many people would prefer it if UKTV and other companies simply `` committed to hiring black creatives '' instead .
In 2013 , it was reported that Cleese agreed for the offending lines to be edited out when it was repeated on TV .
`` We are very proud of Fawlty Towers and its contribution to British television comedy , '' a BBC spokesman @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` But public attitudes have changed significantly since it was made and it was decided to make some minor changes , with the consent of John Cleese 's management , to allow the episode to transmit to a family audience at 7.30pm on BBC Two . ''
This week , many channels and comedy figures have been making moves to reassess what is acceptable in today 's society , following mass Black Lives Matter protests after the death of George Floyd .
HBO Max temporarily removed Gone With The Wind because of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Little Britain was removed from the BBC iPlayer and Britbox because `` times have changed '' .
Netflix has also removed Little Britain plus David Walliams and Matt Lucas 's Come Fly With Me , and The League of Gentlemen and The Mighty Boosh .
Meanwhile , Ant and Dec apologised for impersonating `` people of colour '' on Saturday Night Takeaway , and requested ITV remove the 2003 and 2004 sketches from its catch-up service .
• Gone with the Wind removed from HBO Max Last week , comedian Leigh Francis issued @ @ @ @ @ @ @ black celebrities in the noughties impression show Bo ' Selecta .
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If you have a story suggestion email entertainment.news @ bbc.co.uk .


bbcuk--2020-06-12--George Osborne to step down as Evening Standard editor

Former chancellor of the exchequer George Osborne is to stand down from his role as editor of London 's Evening Standard newspaper .
Osborne took on the job in March 2017 , after having held the nation 's purse-strings from 2010-2016 .
His replacement is Emily Sheffield , a columnist on the newspaper , BBC Media Editor Amol Rajan confirmed .
Osborne is moving to the more managerial role of the newspaper 's editor-in-chief .
Rajan said the print title will continue for now but is in `` desperate financial trouble '' .
In response , the incoming editor tweeted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ element to this outstanding legacy news organisation .
`` It has survived this crisis and it will survive many more , '' added Sheffield .
• Amol Rajan : Why saving the ( print ) Standard will be tough The newspaper 's owner , Evgeny Lebedev , said he was `` delighted '' Sheffield was taking the helm at the newspaper and was `` very pleased '' Osborne would be editor-in-chief .
Osborne thanked his colleagues at the newspaper and said of his replacement : `` She will bring creativity , commitment and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Standard , online and in print , through the next exciting chapter in its long history . ''
Osborne is also chair of the Northern Powerhouse Partnership and holds a £650,000-a-year post advising the investment fund BlackRock .
Last year he was made chairman of a panel of advisers to Exor , which owns the Italian football club Juventus and has major stakes in Ferrari and Fiat Chrysler cars .
Osborne left government in 2016 after the Brexit referendum and he stood down as MP for Tatton in Cheshire in 2017 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Covid-19 lockdown , the Evening Standard 's circulation was about 800,000 daily copies in the capital , but it was struggling due to an industry-wide decline in advertising revenues .
Due to its reliance on readers using public transport , the Evening Standard was reported to have distributed just over 423,000 copies a day in April , after the nation went into lockdown .
Osborne 's replacement , Sheffield , will remain director of a female news brand she launched called This Much I Know , and will be `` tasked with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ added Rajan .
`` That 's a extremely difficult challenge for a title so heavily dependent on print for its income , '' he tweeted .
`` As an ad-funded title reliant on footfall , the Standard has been devastated by the pandemic . ''
• Newspapers no longer have to publish sales figures Last month the industry 's auditor said newspapers will no longer have their sales figures automatically published .
The Audit Bureau of Circulations ( ABC ) , which records and audits sales , usually publishes figures every month .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ about a `` negative narrative of decline '' in newspaper sales .
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If you have a story suggestion email entertainment.news @ bbc.co.uk