bbcuk--2020-08-10--Dawn Butler: MP calls for 'system change' after police stop

An MP has called for a `` system change '' after she was stopped by police while travelling in a car in east London .
Former shadow equalities minister Dawn Butler accused the Met Police of racial profiling after the stop on Sunday .
Labour MP Ms Butler told BBC Breakfast she had agreed to meet local police commanders to discuss `` taking the bias out of the system '' .
The Met said the stop was a mistake caused by an officer incorrectly entering the car 's registration number .
Ms Butler said it had been 20 years since @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Stephen Lawrence , which described the Met Police as `` institutionally racist '' .
`` It 's about time we changed the system so it works for everyone and it 's effective , '' she said .
The MP said institutional racism was `` not about saying every single police officer is racist '' .
`` If you see black people in a car and you assume that they are criminals there is a problem there , '' she said .
`` That 's why you have to address the system that is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ • What is stop and search and what are my rights ?
Prime Minister Boris Johnson said the police should treat people with `` fairness and equality '' .
He said : `` The police have made a statement saying that they made a mistake .
`` They have spoken to the occupants of the car but it 's obviously very , very important that the Met continue to do everything that they can - as indeed they do - to show that they are serving every part of our country , every @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and equality . ''
Ms Butler said the BMW that was stopped on Sunday was being driven by a male friend , who is also black , and it was pulled over by two police cars .
She said officers said the car was registered in North Yorkshire and took the keys while checking the registration .
They then admitted there had been a mistake , that it was registered to the driver and apologised , she said .
Ms Butler told the BBC : `` I still do n't know why they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` I do n't know what raised their suspicion .
All I know is I 'm black , my friend was black and he has a fairly decent car . ''
In a statement the Met said `` one of the occupants '' had been contacted by a senior officer and they had discussed `` subsequent interaction as well as feedback regarding the stop '' .
It added : `` We would welcome the opportunity to discuss this matter further with the occupants if they wish to do so . ''
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the car registration was entered in the first place .
Susan Hall , Conservative leader on the London Assembly , has called for the Met Police Commissioner to release body worn camera footage from officers at the incident .
Ms Hall tweeted : `` If Dawn Butler wants to play politics with police officers doing their job , Londoners should have all the facts . ''
Ms Butler said she had already spoken to her local borough commander and further meetings were planned .
The MP also said stop and search needed to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ better outcomes '' , but `` it 's going to take an intense amount of work '' .
Ch Supt Roy Smith tweeted on Sunday to say he had spoken to Ms Butler and she had given `` a very balanced account of the incident '' .
The officer said the force `` are listening '' to concerns she had about the stop and the officers involved .
The Independent Office for Police Conduct is investigating whether officers in England and Wales racially discriminate against ethnic minority people .
The latest official statistics @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rate of 4.3 for all black , Asian and minority ethnic people and 9.7 for black people .
Police have the power to stop and search anyone , including stopping vehicles , if an officer has reasonable grounds to believe someone has been involved in a crime or is in possession of a prohibited item .
BBC analysis shows that from August 2019 to July 2020 there were 101 stop and searches for every 1,000 black people in London , compared to 23.2 for every 1,000 white people and 28.7 per 1,000 Asian @ @

"They have spoken to the occupants of the car but it's obviously very, very important that the Met continue to do everything that they can - as indeed they do - to show that they are serving every part of our country, every part of our community, with fairness and equality."


bbcuk--2020-08-10--Migrant crossings: Use of navy ships to stop boats 'dangerous'

Using Royal Navy ships to help stop migrants crossing the English Channel is `` dangerous '' and `` wo n't change anything '' , a Calais politician says .
On Saturday the Home Office asked defence chiefs for help to make crossings in small boats `` unviable '' .
About 20 Syrian migrants in a boat were picked up by Border Force on Monday morning , the BBC 's Simon Jones said .
More than 4,000 people have successfully crossed the Channel from France in small boats so far this year .
Pierre-Henri Dumont , the National Assembly member for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ What is the British navy going to do if it sees a small boat ?
Is it going to shoot the boat ?
Is it going to enter French waters ?
`` It 's a political measure to show some kind of muscle but technically speaking it wo n't change anything . ''
Mr Dumont said the French authorities needed to monitor about 300 miles of coastline if they were to stop migrants launching small boats from French shores .
`` We are already trying to whatever we can .
We ca n't @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 10 metres . ''
The Ministry of Defence says it has sent an RAF Atlas surveillance aircraft to help Border Force operations in the English Channel .
Home Secretary Priti Patel has been in Dover on Monday and was seen disembarking from a police boat that had been in the English Channel earlier in the morning .
A spokeswoman said it was a `` private visit '' and the Home Office would not be commenting on the reasons for her being there .
More than 700 people were intercepted crossing the English Channel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ record for a single day - on Thursday .
• Why are migrants crossing the English Channel ?
Immigration minister Chris Philp is due to go to Paris this week to demand stronger measures from French authorities .
He said he wanted to make the route `` completely unviable '' so migrants `` will have no incentive to come to northern France or attempt the crossing in the first place '' .
Mr Philp added he also wanted to `` return as many migrants who have arrived as possible '' , adding there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coming days '' .
Sir David Normington , former permanent secretary at the Home Office , told the BBC the `` only solution '' was to work with French officials to `` persuade them to intensify their efforts '' to stop the migrants leaving France .
`` If it takes money to help the French increase their resources and their manpower then that will have to be done , '' he said .
Sir David said he was `` sceptical '' about the deployment of the Royal Navy .
`` If the navy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it will have to go into French water to do that , and then you can only do that with the permission of the French government . ''
The prime minister said he wanted to work with the French to stop the activity of `` cruel '' criminal gangs taking migrants across the English Channel .
`` We need to look at the means by which they are coming here , we need to stop them , working with the French , we need to stop them from getting across the Channel , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ number two we need to look at the legal framework that we have , all the panoply of laws that an illegal immigrant has at his or her disposal that allow them to stay here and we need to look at what we can do to change that . ''
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bbcuk--2020-08-10--Body of 12-year-old girl found in river near Loch Lomond

A 12-year-old girl has died after getting into difficulty in a river near Loch Lomond .
Emergency services were called @ @ @ @ @ Bridge on the River Leven at 18.45 on Sunday following reports that the girl had @ @ @ @ @ A major search was carried out involving two rescue helicopters , a police underwater unit @ @ @ @ @ rescue boats .
The body was found three hours later .
A Police Scotland spokeswoman @ @ @ @ @ , the young girl was recovered from the water .
Sadly she was pronounced dead @ @ @ @ @ Inquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances of the incident , but the death @ @ @ @ @ suspicious . ''

Emergency services were called to the area around Balloch Bridge on the River Leven at 18.45 on Sunday following reports that the girl had fallen into the water.


bbcuk--2020-08-10--Simon Cowell thanks medics after breaking back in electric bike fall

Simon Cowell has thanked the medical staff who treated him in Los Angeles following a bike accident in which he broke part of his back .
The music mogul and talent show judge sent `` a massive thank you to all the nurses and doctors '' , calling them `` some of the nicest people I have ever met '' .
Cowell was taken to hospital after falling off his new electric bike in the courtyard of his Malibu home .
The 60-year-old said he should have `` read the manual '' before riding it .
`` Some good advice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bike , read the manual before you ride it for the first time , '' he tweeted .
He thanked fans and friends for their `` kind messages '' and exhorted them all to `` stay safe '' .
Cowell had an operation on Saturday night that involved a number of procedures , including having a metal rod put in his back .
His spokeswoman said he had `` broken his back in a number of places '' and was `` doing fine '' .
Cowell , who has a six-year-old son Eric @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said to be testing his new bike when the accident occurred .
He had a previous fall in 2017 , when he fell down the stairs at his London home .
Amanda Holden was among those to wish her `` dear friend '' well on social media .
The Britain 's Got Talent judge said he was `` doing really well '' after his operation and wished him `` a speedy recovery '' .
Piers Morgan also wished him well after what he described as `` a very nasty accident '' .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when the accident occurred .
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If you have a story suggestion email entertainment.news @ bbc.co.uk .


bbcuk--2020-08-10--Forest Gate fire: Blaze spreads through shops

About 100 firefighters have tackled a blaze which spread through a row of shops in east London .
The fire started in a mid-terrace shop in Green Street , in Forest Gate , Newham , and spread through four neighbouring premises and two flats .
London Fire Brigade ( LFB ) said it was called just before 22:30 BST on Sunday , and it had brought the blaze under control shortly after 03:00 .
One man has been treated by firefighters for smoke inhalation .
About 26 local residents left premises surrounding the blaze before fire crews arrived .
Images @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and plumes of smoke billowing from a row of shops .
Video shot from Green Street showed the extent of the blaze .
`` The fire spread through several old shop premises and was difficult to gain control of due to it spreading in different ways , '' an LFB spokesman said .
`` A range of equipment has been used to tackle the fire , our crews have used breathing apparatus to carry out searches of all of the premises and we used our aerial appliances to observe from above .
We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ better view of the fire . ''
The cause of the fire is being investigated by the LFB and police .


bbcuk--2020-08-10--I'm A Celebrity could swap Australian bush for haunted Gwrych Castle

There 'll be no showering under a waterfall in a bikini for the stars of this year 's I 'm A Celebrity as they could be setting up camp in a haunted Welsh castle .
Producers are swapping the Australian bush for the UK - and Conwy 's Gwrych Castle is said to have topped the list .
The castle has more of a chequered history in its 200-year-old walls than any star to have graced the tabloids .
So what could be in store for the celebrities on their 250-acre camp ?
From King of the Jungle to Queen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ meaning `` Hedge Castle '' in Welsh , was built on the site of a late medieval fortress near Abergele between 1812 and 1822 by Lloyd Hesketh Bamford-Hesketh as a memorial to his mother 's ancestors , the Lloyds of Gwrych .
• Family legend has it that the first hedge was planted in Wales here - hence the name .
• The ghost of Countess of Dundonald , is said to prowl the castle ruins , after reported sightings of an angry woman in white .
• During World War Two , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to house 200 Jewish refugee children who had fled the Nazis .
In 1946 , it was sold by the Dundonald family , ending nearly 1,000 years of family ownership .
It was the backdrop for boxer Randolph Turpin in 1951 , as he set up his training camp before beating Sugar Ray Robinson to become world middleweight champion .
Turpin also met his wife - the daughter of a local farmer - while training for the fight .
The castle was opened to visitors and was known as `` the showpiece of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a private zoo , with a baboon and bear , with the castle also displaying classic cars and hosting bike rallies .
After being sold in 1989 , the Grade I-listed castle began to fall into decline .
Gwrych was saved by 12-year-old schoolboy Mark Baker , who launched a campaign in 1997 to save the derelict folly , writing to Tony Blair and Prince Charles .
He formed Gwrych Castle Preservation Trust to raise awareness of its history and the trust finally bought the castle in 2018 .
`` Every day I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and would marvel at this castle - it was just somewhere magical and seemed so impressive with its 18 towers , '' he has said .
Mr Baker would not be drawn on whether the hit ITV series is set to locate itself there but it 's already the talk of the area .
What 's on the menu for the Bushtucker trial ?
Richard Prideaux , a wilderness skills instructor from Ruthin , teaching survival , foraging and bushcraft , told BBC Wales the castle location could pose a very different set @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I 'm A Celebrity 's 20th series .
`` Temperature is probably going to be one of the biggest ones .
It 's the other side of the world , different hemisphere , it 's going to be heading into winter here , so north Wales coast - wet , windy , cold - it depends how much time they 're going to be standing around , '' he said .
`` Hanging around or showering in a waterfall in a bikini - I do n't know how much of that is going @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
And with kangaroos and scorpions in scant supply , what native wildlife could the celebrities be finding in their camp or on their dinner plate ?
`` In terms of native wildlife I do n't think there 's going to be much of a threat .
You might get an angry badger wandering through camp causing problems but in terms of insects and snakes and things like that there 's not really anything on the hills of Abergele that I think are going to cause them many problems . ''
Actress @ @ @ @ @ @ @ show in 2014 , suggested that producers may look to more medieval methods than jungle japes this year .
`` Stocks - you know , when people put them in stocks and throw things at them - and then put them on the rack , '' she told BBC Radio Wales .
`` And obviously they 'll have crypts and things , so you 'll get the coffin thing , which was horrendous . ''

I'm A Celebrity will swap Australian bush for haunted Gwrych Castle Published 27 August 2020
Image source, PA Image caption, Ant (left) and Dec will be hosting the 20th series from north Wales
There'll be no showering under a waterfall in a bikini for the stars of this year's I'm A Celebrity as they will be setting up camp in a haunted Welsh castle.
Producers are swapping the Australian bush for the UK - and Conwy's Gwrych Castle has topped the list.
The castle has more of a chequered history in its 200-year-old walls than any star to have graced the tabloids.
So what could be in store for the celebrities on their 250-acre camp?
From King of the Jungle to Queen of the Castle
Image source, Karen Kenworthy Image caption, The castle near Abergele was built in the early 19th Century
Gwrych Castle, meaning "Hedge Castle" in Welsh, was built on the site of a late medieval fortress near Abergele between 1812 and 1822 by Lloyd Hesketh Bamford-Hesketh as a memorial to his mother's ancestors, the Lloyds of Gwrych
Family legend has it that the first hedge was planted in Wales here - hence the name
The ghost of the Countess of Dundonald is said to prowl the castle ruins, after reported sightings of an angry woman in white
During World War Two, the castle was used by the government to house 200 Jewish refugee children who had fled the Nazis.
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, Boxer Randolph Turpin (left) trained at the castle for his world title fight with Sugar Ray Robinson in 1951
In 1946, it was sold by the Dundonald family, ending nearly 1,000 years of family ownership.
It was the backdrop for boxer Randolph Turpin in 1951, as he set up his training camp before beating Sugar Ray Robinson to become world middleweight champion. Turpin also met his wife - the daughter of a local farmer - while training for the fight.
The castle was opened to visitors and was known as "the showpiece of Wales". There was also once a private zoo, with a baboon and bear, with the castle also displaying classic cars and hosting bike rallies.
After being sold in 1989, the Grade I-listed castle began to fall into decline.
This video can not be played To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser. Media caption, Here's the castle that will host I'm a Celeb?
Saved by a schoolboy
Gwrych was saved by 12-year-old schoolboy Mark Baker, who launched a campaign in 1997 to save the derelict folly, writing to then-Prime Minister Tony Blair and Prince Charles.
He formed Gwrych Castle Preservation Trust to raise awareness of its history and the trust finally bought the castle in 2018.
"Every day I walked past on my way to school and would marvel at this castle - it was just somewhere magical and seemed so impressive with its 18 towers," he has said.
Image caption, Dr Mark Baker has been fighting for Gwrych Castle since he was a schoolboy
What's on the menu for the Bushtucker trial?
Richard Prideaux, a wilderness skills instructor from Ruthin, teaching survival, foraging and bushcraft, told BBC Wales the castle location would pose a very different set of challenges to the famous contestants of I'm A Celebrity's 20th series.
"Temperature is probably going to be one of the biggest ones. It's the other side of the world, different hemisphere, it's going to be heading into winter here, so north Wales coast - wet, windy, cold - it depends how much time they're going to be standing around," he said.
"Hanging around or showering in a waterfall in a bikini - I don't know how much of that is going to happen in November in north Wales."
This video can not be played To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser. Media caption, Former contestant Harry Redknapp gives his verdict
'Crypts and things'
And with kangaroos and scorpions in scant supply, what native wildlife could the celebrities be finding in their camp or on their dinner plate?
"In terms of native wildlife I don't think there's going to be much of a threat. You might get an angry badger wandering through camp causing problems but in terms of insects and snakes and things like that there's not really anything on the hills of Abergele that I think are going to cause them many problems."
Actress Vicki Michelle, who appeared on the show in 2014, suggested that producers may look to more medieval methods than jungle japes this year.
"Stocks - you know, when people put them in stocks and throw things at them - and then put them on the rack," she told BBC Radio Wales.
"And obviously they'll have crypts and things, so you'll get the coffin thing, which was horrendous."


bbcuk--2020-08-10--Puppies abandoned in cardboard box in Rochford layby die

Two puppies rescued from a cardboard box in a layby on one of the hottest days of the year have died .
The spaniels were found by a cyclist on Shopland Road in Rochford , Essex , on Saturday along with a third puppy that was already dead .
The RSPCA said the puppies could have been imported from abroad to sell and abandoned when they became unwell .
Samantha Garvey , the RSPCA 's chief inspector for Essex , said the animals died from suspected parvovirus .
The canine virus is highly contagious and causes severe vomiting , diarrhoea @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the puppies , thought to be about eight weeks old , said he spotted them when one `` peeked '' out of the box .
Ms Garvey called the case `` horrific '' , adding it was `` possible '' the animals were from a puppy farm .
`` We see it a lot .
Dogs are brought across because they are cheaper to source and import for sale from Europe than they are in the UK , '' she said .
`` It 's a problem of supply and demand .
A @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because of the coronavirus pandemic ] and think it 's the perfect time to get a puppy .
`` I would just ask that people really do their research and not agree to buy any animals who they have reason to believe are sick . ''
Anyone with information about how the spaniels came to be dumped by the side of the road is asked to contact the RSPCA .
Find BBC News : East of England on Facebook , Instagram and Twitter .
If you have a story suggestion email eastofenglandnews @ @

"We see it a lot. Dogs are brought across because they are cheaper to source and import for sale from Europe than they are in the UK," she said.


bbcuk--2020-08-10--Coronavirus: Face coverings now compulsory for NI shoppers

It is now compulsory to wear a mask in shops and other enclosed public spaces in Northern Ireland .
The decision was taken by ministers last week as part of efforts to suppress coronavirus .
Infections in NI have risen three-fold since early July .
Stormont said it wanted enforcement to be light-touch but warned fines of up to £60 were possible .
There are exemptions including for staff in shops , children under 13 and those with an illness or impairment .
The Department of Health said it would be an offence to breach the law without having a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attract a fixed penalty notice of £60 ( reduced to £30 if paid within 14 days ) , it added .
The amount increases if there are further offences .
First Minister Arlene Foster said the executive would have `` failed '' in explaining the importance of people wearing face coverings , if the situation arises where fixed penalty tickets are being issued .
Face coverings also became mandatory in shops and other indoor settings in the Republic of Ireland from Monday .
Those who do not comply face fines of up to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in jail , although the government has said police intervention would be a last resort .
Questions remain about how Northern Ireland 's new legislation will be enforced .
The PSNI has said the primary responsibility for enforcing the wearing of face coverings will lie with shop owners .
The force said it would `` only use enforcement as a last resort , when all other approaches have been unsuccessful '' .
The chair of the Police Federation for Northern Ireland said it was `` not practical whatsoever '' to expect police to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` They 'd be running from pillar to post trying to do this , '' added Mark Lindsay .
`` Unless you have a police officer standing at the door into every retail premises , you 're not going to be able to enforce it so there has to be an element of common sense . ''
Retail NI said it would be the `` individual responsibility of shoppers to comply '' with the new law .
`` We hope that shoppers will show understanding and respect to each other and remind them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a medical condition are exempt from wearing face covers , '' said its chief executive Glyn Roberts .
• Who will enforce face coverings in shops ?
• Face coverings to be mandatory at Queen 's campus '' From the start of this crisis we have always said that our main ask of shoppers has been to think of others and be kind , '' said Aodhán Connolly , director of the Northern Ireland Retail Consortium .
`` That has never been more important than it is now .
`` We have seen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we would ask for the public to remember that our front-line colleagues are doing a great job in tough circumstances . ''
Roger Pollen , from the Federation of Small Businesses , said enforcement would not involve a `` big stick and being heavy handed '' .
`` It is about quickly encouraging people to adopt this as the new norm , '' he said .
`` Our members are behind this , supporting it and working with it . ''
The executive has launched a public information campaign - Wear one for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over the coming weeks to raise awareness of the benefits of face coverings .
DUP MP Sammy Wilson has criticised the move , and said it would `` create more obstacles for hard-pressed retailers and sap confidence from many who do not feel comfortable in a mask '' .
The executive said face coverings were a `` vital defence in our battle against Covid-19 '' .
`` Now that the lockdown has been eased , we must keep following public health advice , whether that be wearing face coverings , maintaining social distancing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
`` We need to maintain the collective spirit that got us through the first surge of the virus . ''
The statement added that face coverings should increasingly `` become the norm '' but added that some people can not wear them and there should be `` no stigma attached to anyone in these circumstances '' .
The executive said businesses would be expected to encourage and promote compliance .
It has been compulsory to wear a face covering on public transport in Northern Ireland since 10 July .
The first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ due to return to school next week - but it is not clear whether they will have to wear face coverings .
Last week , Education Minister Peter Weir said the executive was not recommending face coverings for pupils - but NI 's Chief Scientific Adviser Prof Ian Young later said he believed it would be of benefit for older children .
In the Republic of Ireland , ministers have recommended that secondary school students and teachers should wear face coverings when a distance of two metres can not be maintained .
World @ @ @ @ @ @ @ non-medical face coverings should be worn in public where social distancing is not possible .
Coronavirus is spread when droplets are sprayed into the air when infected people talk , cough or sneeze .
Those droplets can then fall on surfaces .
The WHO says there is also emerging evidence of airborne transmission of the virus , with tiny particles hanging in aerosol form in the air .
Homemade cloth face-coverings can help reduce the spread from people who are contagious but have no symptoms or are yet to develop symptoms .
Taking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also risk contamination , the WHO says .

"From the start of this crisis we have always said that our main ask of shoppers has been to think of others and be kind," said Aodhán Connolly, director of the Northern Ireland Retail Consortium.


bbcuk--2020-08-10--Northfield crash: Van smashes into house, injuring child

A van has crashed into a house in Birmingham injuring a child .
The child , who was inside the @ @ @ @ @ Northfield , was treated for minor injuries at the scene .
The driver was also @ @ @ @ @ taken to hospital following the crash at about 07:15 BST .
West Midlands Fire Service @ @ @ @ @ need isolating and a structural engineer had been called to assess the damage to the @ @ @ @ @ Midlands on Facebook , Twitter and Instagram .
Send your story ideas to : newsonline.westmidlands @ @

"We'll make sure that they've obviously got their meals included with where they're staying and over the next few days work with them to make sure they've got somewhere to be while we obviously assess the damage and make any repairs needed."


bbcuk--2020-08-10--How will I get my A-level, GCSE or BTec exam results this year?

Hundreds of thousands of 18-year-olds in England , Wales and Northern Ireland will receive their A-level and vocational qualification results on Thursday .
This year 's results are very different , because coronavirus meant that students did not sit exams , and it 's all about predictions .
When will I get my results ?
Results come out at different times throughout the summer .
• 13 August ( 08:00 BST ) England , Wales and Northern Ireland 's A-level and AS-level results and A-level equivalent technical qualifications like BTecs and Cambridge Nationals • 20 August - GCSE results in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and GCSE equivalent technical qualifications How do I get my results ?
Schools have been agonising for weeks over the best way to give students their results .
All pupils have been told what to do on Thursday , but you should check if you are unsure .
You will either go into school from 08:00 BST , receive an email or log into an online portal .
How have the results been decided ?
The methods of deciding the results are broadly similar across all four nations and for qualifications including A-levels @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Highers .
Schools and colleges were asked to predict the grades pupils would have achieved in each subject if they had sat the exams .
These predictions were sent to the exam boards along with the order of who they think will do best .
The exam boards put together the information , taking into account data for previous years , to make adjustments to the predictions .
The aim was to make sure the results were fair and consistent and in line with results from previous years .
England 's regulator Ofqual @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the results , to give them the same value as grades from any other year .
Vocational and technical qualifications come in many shapes and sizes and some of the awarding bodies lack the wealth of data available to major exam boards .
However , the majority of vocational and technical students will receive grades calculated in a similar way to A-levels , with awarding bodies carrying out quality assurance in line with national regulations .
Students are not allowed to know the grade their school or college predicted for them until @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have their final results , students can ask for this information .
• A-level and GCSE results to be higher this summer Usually , if your results are not what you expected , there are clearly set out appeal systems .
This year , it 's different .
In England , a school can appeal if it can show that this year 's results do not reflect recent improvements it has made .
But your right to challenge your own grades will be limited to the grounds of bias or technical error .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ left disappointed and angry after their grades failed to meet expectations , particularly among disadvantaged students who appear to have had their teachers ' estimates downgraded .
Students who are unhappy with their grades are advised to speak first to their school or college .
Can I sit the exams if I do n't like my results ?
The rules in England mean you can not appeal against your grade if you think you could have done better by sitting your exams .
However , actually sitting them is an option this autumn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to sit your exams , you must ask to your school or college to enter you .
You will need to take all the exam papers in your chosen subjects .
If you achieve a different grade in the exams , you will be able to use whichever is higher when applying for university or jobs .
These results will be based on exam performance alone - there will be no non-exam assessment , and results from previous non-exam assessments will not count .
In subjects like art and design , grades will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ set and marked by the exam board , under the normal supervised conditions .
Only students whose summer 2020 A-level exams were cancelled can sit exams this autumn .
But for many technical and vocational exams there are several assessment dates throughout the year , so resits are likely to be less of a problem .
How will Ucas schemes work this year ?
The good news for this year 's university applicants is that there fewer 18-year-olds than in some years .
This means it could be easier to secure a university @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 70,000 students got places through the university admission service Ucas 's clearing system .
The advice is not to rush into anything .
Discuss what you 're being offered with your school or college and do n't be afraid to question university admissions teams .
If you have better grades than you expected , look at Ucas 's adjustment scheme to see if you can trade up to courses or universities that suit your career plans best .

GCSE results 2023, BTec Level 2 and National 5s – the full guide Published 1 day ago
Image source, PA Media
Students in England, Northern Ireland and Wales are waiting to find out what grades they will get in their GCSEs and other Level 2 qualifications, as results' day approaches.
It is the second year of formal exams since the hiatus during the pandemic, and some changes to how things worked continued to be implemented, depending on where pupils were based.
When is GCSE results day 2023? When are other exam results published?
In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, GCSE results will come out on 24 August.
Vocational technical qualification (VTQ) students, which includes Level 2 BTec and Cambridge Technicals, will receive results on, or before, 24 August.
In Scotland, SQA results (based on National 5s and National 4s) were published on 8 August, with pass rates down from last year but higher than they were before Covid.
How can I appeal against GCSE results? How about other exam results?
If you are unhappy with your grade, you should first talk to your school or college.
In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, your school will contact the exam board on your behalf and ask for your marks to be reviewed.
If you still think you have been unfairly graded after a review, you can ask your school or college to appeal.
If you are still not satisfied, you can request a review from Ofqual.
In Scotland, the process is slightly different.
If you have concerns about your final grade, you can appeal directly to the SQA for free. Speak to your school or college first.
If your appeal is accepted, the exam board will look at the marks you received.
The charity YoungMinds points out results are not the only measure of success - and if things do not turn out how you had hoped, there are lots of other ways to help you achieve your goals.
Can I resit an exam?
Yes, you can resit any GCSE or National 5 exam the following year. GCSE maths and English exams take place in November.
If you want to explore this option, you should speak to your school about the best course of action.
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, Students received less additional help this year compared with other years immediately after the pandemic
Will GCSE grade boundaries be lower than usual?
England
As usual, senior examiners will decide the minimum marks needed for each grade.
However, because of the disruption caused by Covid, exam boards in England will be "slightly" more lenient than before the pandemic when deciding grade boundaries.
This will protect students who performed slightly less well than expected in these exams.
Results are predicted to fall back in line with pre-pandemic levels this year, after three years of higher grades.
Ofqual, England's exam regulator, said the following support was available for GCSE exams this year:
Students in maths, physics, and combined-science exams were allowed to use formulae and equation sheets
Exams in the same subject were more spaced out than usual, to give students more time to revise between papers
Modern-foreign-language papers were no longer testing students on unfamiliar vocabulary
Wales
In Wales, grades will continue to be awarded more generously than before the pandemic, midway between the 2019 and 2022 results.
The Welsh Joint Education Committee (WJEC) exam board provided advance information for its papers across a range of subjects, revealing the focus of some of the questions, to help pupils revise.
There was no advance information for any other papers taken in Wales.
And unlike last year, Qualification Wales, which oversees Welsh exams, said there had been no changes to the content of courses.
Northern Ireland
The Council for the Curriculum, Examinations & Assessment (CCEA) exam board, which covers most pupils in Northern Ireland, provided advance information for most subjects and says examiners will take Covid disruption into account.
Scotland
The Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) said its grading would be "sensitive" because of the continuing impact of the pandemic.
It took similar steps to last year to help students, such as removing or reducing exams or elements of coursework, but plans for exams to go fully back to normal next year.
What happens next?
Many pupils go on to study A-levels in England, Wales and Northern Ireland or Advanced Highers in Scotland.
International Baccalaureate (IB) is also an option, as are vocational courses such as National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs), BTec Level 3s, TechBacs, Cambridge Technicals and (in England only) T-levels.
You could also consider an apprenticeship. Apprentices get paid a salary as they spend 80% of their time in the workplace, while being trained.
Other options include going straight into full-time work or an internship.
The National Careers Service has more information.
What questions do you have about results day? Whether you have queries about A-levels, GCSEs, Highers or vocational courses, you can get in touch by emailing haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk.
Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a BBC journalist. You can also get in touch in the following ways:


bbcuk--2020-08-09--Keith Mason and fiancée go viral after inspirational posts

Riona Kelly was paralysed in 2015 after suffering a rare spinal stroke .
Her partner , and ex-rugby league star @ @ @ @ @ posting about her recovery on social media from their home in West Yorkshire and they @ @ @ @ @ .

Riona Kelly was paralysed in 2015 after suffering a rare spinal stroke.
Her partner, and ex-rugby league star, Keith Mason has been posting about her recovery on social media from their home in West Yorkshire and they've become a lockdown hit.
Produced by Bella McShane


bbcuk--2020-08-10--Newspaper headlines: 'Testing time for schools' and uni places in peril

The issue of the re-opening of schools in England makes the lead for a number of papers .
The Daily Telegraph highlights the suggestion by the head of the Association of School and College Leaders that pupils should be taught on a `` week on , week off '' basis to limit numbers if there 's a resurgence of coronavirus .
Geoff Barton tells the paper that schools are `` losing patience '' with the government 's demands to have all children back , but with no official backup plan if this is not possible .
The Times reports that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ set herself at odds with the government by calling for pupils and teachers - especially in secondary schools - to be routinely tested for coronavirus .
The paper says Anne Longfield 's remarks are in sharp contrast to those of schools minister Nick Gibb , who believes the present precautions are sufficient .
According to the Daily Mail , A-Level pupils whose marks are downgraded by the exams regulator for England when the results are published this week face missing out on their first choice university places - even if they appeal .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ awarded a higher grade by 7 September to get their first choice .
But the paper has learned that exam boards have refused to commit to this timeframe , instead giving themselves 42 days to resolve complaints , by which time the university term will have started .
For its main story , the Guardian says it 's learned that Downing Street is planning a controversial intervention to reverse the record decline in rape prosecutions .
According to the paper , the prime minister 's crime and justice taskforce is planning to set @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cases to the Crown Prosecution Service and for prosecutors to bring more cases to trial .
The paper says the CPS is likely to oppose the change for impinging on its independence .
The service has in the past set its own targets for different crimes , it adds .
The i highlights what it calls a breakthrough in the treatment of type-1 diabetes - the less common form of the condition .
It says scientists have discovered that an existing treatment for rheumatoid arthritis can delay progression of the disease by years @ @ @ @ @ @ @ College London , tells the paper : `` We 've found something new and if it holds up with further tests it 's a new paradigm that could potentially be really important . ''
Sign up for a morning briefing direct to your inbox Finally , the results of a poll to find out who was the best James Bond raises a few eyebrows .
A total of 14,000 fans took part in the survey , organised as a knockout tournament for RadioTimes.com There 's no surprise who came top .
As the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a thrilling head-to-head shoot-out .
But the Daily Express says that in a twist that will leave many fans shaken , neither Roger Moore nor Daniel Craig made it into the top three .
Instead , Timothy Dalton was voted second and Pierce Brosnan third .
`` We were n't expecting that , Mr Bond '' , the Mail 's headline declares .
• ALHAN 'S WORLD : Health tips to keep you in good shape in these socially distanced times

According to the Daily Mail, A-Level pupils whose marks are downgraded by the exams regulator for England when the results are published this week face missing out on their first choice university places - even if they appeal.


bbcuk--2020-08-10--Doom Bar: Hydrochloric acid spilt at brewery in Cornwall

Up to 1,000 litres of hydrochloric acid has been spilt at a brewery in Cornwall .
Emergency services attended the spill at Sharp 's Brewery in Rock near Wadebridge at about 07:30 BST .
The hazardous material had leaked from a container into a contained drainage system , Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service said .
No-one was injured .
The brewery , which makes Doom Bar , said there was no risk to the wider community or environment .
Sharp 's Brewery said it had deployed `` all the well-rehearsed , necessary measures for an incident of this type and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' .
The spill is being cleaned up by a specialist contractor , the fire service added .
Hydrochloric acid is used to acidify beer as part of the brewing process , but can cause chemical burns on the skin and severe injury if ingested .
The brewery said more than a million pints of beer were brewed on the site each week .
Teams from Devon and Cornwall Police , South Western Ambulance Service , Cornwall Council , the Environment Agency , South West Water and Public Health England were all alerted @ @ @ @ @ @

Hydrochloric acid is used by the brewery to control the acidity of its waste effluent before it enters a treatment plant, but can cause chemical burns on the skin and severe injury if ingested.


bbcuk--2020-08-10--Nicola Sturgeon 'sorry' over Scottish exam results

Nicola Sturgeon has apologised after accepting her government `` did not get it right '' over Scottish exam results .
With no exams sat this year due to the coronavirus pandemic , the Scottish Qualifications Authority ( SQA ) ran a system based on teacher assessments .
However , officials then applied a moderation technique which led to about 125,000 estimates being downgraded .
The first minister said this approach was too focused on the `` overall system '' and not enough on individual pupils .
Education Secretary John Swinney will set out the government 's plan to fix the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ saying the onus would not be on students to submit appeals .
Opposition parties are pushing for a vote of no confidence in the education secretary , but Ms Sturgeon said she had faith in Mr Swinney and that the row was `` not party political '' .
• What are the options to fix the system ?
• What will results day look like in the rest of the UK ?
A-level results in England , Wales and Northern Ireland are due out on Thursday .
Prime Minister Boris Johnson said he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and that `` we will do our best to ensure that the hard work of pupils is properly reflected '' .
Exams across the UK were cancelled this year due to the pandemic , leading to the use of systems based on teacher assessments .
In Scotland this was moderated at a national level by the SQA , a process which led to thousands of pupils complaining that they had received lower grades than originally estimated .
There was particular criticism after Higher pass rates for pupils in the most deprived data @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in comparison with 6.9 % for pupils from the most affluent backgrounds .
The Scottish children 's commissioner 's office said pupils from more deprived areas had been downgraded based on the historic performance of their school rather than their performance .
Ms Sturgeon said young people in more deprived areas might be concluding that `` the system is stacked against them '' , and that she was `` not prepared to have that outcome '' .
Mr Swinney had signalled a u-turn on Sunday , saying he had `` heard the anger @ @ @ @ @ @ @ At her daily coronavirus briefing , Ms Sturgeon said steps would be taken to `` address concerns '' and `` ensure that every young person gets a grade that recognises the work they have done '' .
She said ministers had taken `` decisions we thought were the right ones '' in unprecedented circumstances , but after `` a lot of soul searching '' had now accepted they were not right .
She said : `` Our concern , which was to make sure the grades young people got were as valid as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ us to think too much about the overall system and not enough about the individual pupil .
`` That has meant too many students feel they have lost out on grades they should have had , and that that has happened not as a result of anything they have done but a statistical model or algorithm .
`` Despite our best intentions I do acknowledge that we did not get this right and I am sorry for that . ''
Ms Sturgeon said her government would not `` dig our heels in and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we know we did n't get right '' .
Mr Swinney will set out plans for how to address the issue at Holyrood on Tuesday , but the first minister said `` we will not expect every student who has been downgraded to appeal '' .
She added : `` This is not the fault of students , and it should not be on students to fix it - that 's on us , and we will set out tomorrow how we intend to do that . ''
The education secretary could also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the Scottish Parliament when it returns from recess this week .
The Conservatives say they will support the motion and the Scottish Greens have indicated they would consider backing it if no changes are made .
Scottish Labour 's education spokesman Iain Gray told BBC Radio 's Good Morning Scotland programme that the `` simplest and fairest '' way would be to return grades to what teachers originally projected , saying that `` anything else would fall short '' .
The Tories , meanwhile , have called for pupils to either be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ score or to be allowed to sit an exam in the autumn .
Ms Sturgeon said she had confidence in Mr Swinney , noting that governments in other parts of the UK were taking `` broadly the same approach '' to exam results `` in difficult circumstances '' .

She said: "Our concern, which was to make sure the grades young people got were as valid as in any other year, perhaps led us to think too much about the overall system and not enough about the individual pupil.


bbcuk--2020-08-10--Eat out to help out: More than 10.5 million meals claimed in first week

Diners used the `` eat out to help out '' scheme more than 10.5 million times in its first week , the Treasury has said .
Under the scheme , which is intended to boost the struggling hospitality sector , the government pays for 50 % of a meal eaten at a cafe , restaurant or pub on a Monday , Tuesday or Wednesday .
The discount , which is due to run through August , is capped at £10 .
Treasury estimates put the average claim at close to £5 , making the cost of the policy around £50m @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as of 9 August , it had received 10,540,394 claims under the scheme .
Chancellor Rishi Sunak described the figures as `` amazing '' , adding those using the scheme were helping support the hospitality sector .
• How can I use the 'eat out to help out ' scheme ?
• 'We 've had 15,000 bookings for eat out to help out' The government has set aside £500m to fund the policy .
And it has already led to an increase in the number of people visiting High Streets across the country @ @ @ @ @ @ @ footfall figures .
It said the number of people in retail destinations after 18:00 BST last Monday , the first day of the scheme , was 19 % higher than the week before .
Meanwhile lunchtime visits were up 10 % .
However , visits to High Streets are still down significantly compared to the same time last year .
The Treasury said that 83,068 restaurants had signed up to the scheme .
They include fast-fast food chains like McDonald 's and KFC as well as lots of local , independent pubs , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that 80 % of hospitality firms stopped trading in April and that 1.4 million workers were furloughed - the highest proportions of any sector .
`` Britons are eating out to help out in big numbers , '' said Mr Sunak .
`` And they are n't just getting a great deal - they 're supporting the almost 2 million people employed in this sector , '' he said .
The discount is only on food and soft drinks eaten on the premises , so it does not apply to takeaways .
There @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the discount can be used in August , or for how many people , including children .

It said the number of people in retail destinations after 18:00 BST last Monday, the first day of the scheme, was 19% higher than the week before. Meanwhile lunchtime visits were up 10%.


bbcuk--2020-08-10--Coronavirus: Contact tracers to be reduced by 6,000 in England

The NHS test and trace system in England is cutting 6,000 staff by the end of August , the government has announced .
The remaining contact tracers will work alongside local public health teams to reach more infected people and their contacts in communities .
It comes after criticism that the national system was not tapping into local knowledge .
The approach has been used in virus hotspots like Blackburn and Luton .
And it 's now being offered to all councils that are responsible for public health in their area .
Test and trace is staffed by NHS clinicians @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contact tracers during the pandemic .
NHS staff who offer advice to people who have tested positive for coronavirus will not be laid off .
But the national service will shrink from 18,000 contact tracers to 12,000 with the remaining non-NHS call handlers redeployed as part of dedicated local test and trace teams , the Department of Health says .
This means local areas will have `` ring-fenced teams '' from the national test and trace service .
Another 200 walk-in testing centres will also open by October .
As part of NHS @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dealing with outbreaks in factories or care homes have consistently reached more than 90 % of the contacts on their lists .
Outside of those very localised outbreaks , it is call centres who trace contacts .
But they do n't reach as many contacts - their success rate for reaching contacts who do n't live together peaked at just over 70 % in the middle of July , but has fallen since then .
In May , the Health Secretary , Matt Hancock , announced that an `` army '' of contact @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Test and Trace service .
Early on , there were reports that new recruits were sitting idle - with one telling the BBC that she spent her time watching Netflix .
Thousands are now being stood down in England with more of their work conducted by local staff with knowledge of their area .
The Department of Health has said that this is to provide a `` more tailored approach '' .
But critics will see it as the latest example of the government departing from its centralised approach to tackling the outbreak @ @ @ @ @ @ @ postpone its idea of using a national app to identify potentially infected people - because it did n't work .
Now , the top-down , high-tech strategy for contact tracing is making way for what seasoned local public health officials describe as old-fashioned `` shoe leather epidemiology '' .
This relies on people with local knowledge collecting information by going door-to-door on foot .
Dido Harding , the head of NHS Test and Trace , said : `` We have always been clear that NHS Test and Trace must be local by default @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - we work with and through partners across the country .
`` As we learn more about the spread of the disease , we are able to move to our planned next step and become even more effective in tackling the virus .
`` After successful trials in a small number of local areas , I am very pleased to announce that we are now offering this integrated localised approach to all local authorities to ensure we can reach more people in their communities and stop the spread of Covid-19 , '' she @ @

Dido Harding, the head of NHS Test and Trace, said: "We have always been clear that NHS Test and Trace must be local by default and that we do not operate alone - we work with and through partners across the country.


bbcuk--2020-08-10--Met Police: 'Knee-on-neck' PC subject of assault investigation

A police officer has been told he is the subject of a criminal investigation over an arrest in which a black man appeared to have his neck knelt on .
The Independent Office for Police Conduct ( IOPC ) is investigating the actions of two Met Police officers who detained Marcus Coutain on 16 July .
It is looking at whether the use of force in the arrest was `` appropriate '' .
Mr Coutain was filmed telling officers to `` get off my neck '' as he was arrested in Finsbury Park , north London .
Police said officers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Isledon Road and footage posted on social media that evening showed two officers holding a handcuffed black man on the pavement .
In a new statement the IOPC said it had launched an independent investigation into the conduct of two Met Police officers .
The IOPC said : `` One officer has been advised that they are subject to a criminal investigation for common assault and investigation for gross misconduct on use of force ; authority , respect and courtesy ; discreditable conduct and honesty and integrity .
`` A second officer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a misconduct investigation on challenging and reporting improper conduct ; authority , respect and courtesy and honesty and integrity . ''
Since the arrest , one Met officer has been suspended and another has been placed on restricted duties , the force said .
Mr Coutain pleaded not guilty at Highbury Corner Magistrates ' Court to possessing a knife in public .
The 48-year-old will next appear at Snaresbrook Crown Court on 17 August .
His lawyer Tim Rustem said the events `` mirrored almost identically what happened to George Floyd '' , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ US .
The IOPC 's Sal Naseem said : `` We are independently examining whether the use of force and the stop and search on this occasion were appropriate and proportionate in line with approved police policies .
`` We will also investigate whether the officers treated the man differently because of his race . ''

The IOPC said: "One officer has been advised that they are subject to a criminal investigation for common assault and investigation for gross misconduct on use of force; authority, respect and courtesy; discreditable conduct and honesty and integrity.


bbcuk--2020-08-10--Nile Wilson: British gymnasts are treated like 'pieces of meat'

Last updated on .From the section Gymnastics Olympic medallist Nile Wilson has criticised a `` culture of abuse '' in British gymnastics , saying athletes are `` treated like pieces of meat '' .
Wilson told BBC Sport he was `` scared '' that publicly voicing concerns could cost him selection for the Tokyo Games .
He said he had been left `` heartbroken '' by the outcome of a complaint he lodged with his home base of Leeds Gymnastics Club earlier this year that he felt was `` brushed under the carpet '' .
The complaint did not relate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ instead centring on an altercation with a senior member of staff at a club social event .
Following an internal club investigation , Wilson 's grievance was dismissed , a decision then upheld after a review by British Gymnastics .
`` I just felt like I was n't being heard .
And I was wronged , '' said Wilson , who called the process `` unprofessional '' .
At times struggling to contain his emotions , Wilson said : `` I believe there 's a massive element of control .
`` We 're @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of speaking out , voicing our concerns , because they have us , our livelihoods , in their hands .
`` If I voice my concern , I may affect my selection for Olympic Games .
`` So , we stay quiet , we do what we 're told .
`` And in wrapping that up , I feel like that 's the culture , that 's how I 've experienced it the last two decades . ''
In a statement Leeds Gymnastics Club said it disputed Wilson 's version of events and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and robustly investigated in line with the club 's policy and advice '' .
The club added : `` At the time all parties placed on record their confidence in the meticulous investigation and evidence gathering process , the outcomes of which were independently verified . ''
British Gymnastics said the club had dealt with the matter appropriately and that it stood by the review of the complaint .
Wilson is one of British gymnastics ' biggest stars .
Four years ago he made history , becoming the first Briton to win an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rio .
In 2018 he claimed three golds at the Commonwealth Games , and despite recovering from neck surgery , is one of Team GB 's brightest medal hopefuls for Tokyo 2020 .
But Wilson says he now wants to speak out about his experiences in the sport .
This summer 's release of the 'Athlete A ' documentary detailing the cover-up of sexual abuse within the USA Gymnastics team has been a catalyst for allegations of mistreatment across the sport , including in the UK .
Wilson says it has made a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he believes is a culture in which gymnasts are `` pushed through physical pain '' in the pursuit of medals .
`` It 's been an incredibly emotional couple of weeks for myself , '' he says , speaking at his gym in Rotherham .
`` Watching that film really hit home , and I 've spoken to a lot of athletes , my friends , my team-mates , and there were lots of tears shed .
`` I absolutely do n't want to put myself in the box of a [ jailed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ case - it 's just absolutely disgusting .
`` But we wanted to win medals .
The governing body , the coaches , wanted to win Olympic medals .
`` This culture of 'win at all costs'… I feel for many years emotional manipulation and being pushed through physical pain was certainly something I experienced .
`` I think it was coaching methodology where we felt what it feels like to live in fear - you perform or there 's a consequence .
`` And I think that affects you emotionally more than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ being able to speak about something that hurts , or voice your concerns . ''
Wilson - who maintains excellent relations with his long-term coach Dave Murray - added : `` I have empathy for the system , because you 're a coach wanting success and an athlete wanting success - the culture was already there , that 's how it worked .
`` And the parents and everyone , we were just like , 'this is gymnastics , this is normal ' .
`` And looking back , it made us into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` I 've been blessed to have had some incredible coaches .
`` But it was certainly apparent that culture existed and still exists today , which I definitely want to change .
`` I would certainly say that I was abused .
Without a doubt .
`` I would absolutely describe it as a culture of abuse .
`` And I 've lived and breathed it for 20 years . ''
In a statement , British Gymnastics said : `` Any mistreatment of gymnasts is inexcusable at any level .
It is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ through the media or our processes .
`` To date , we have not had any complaint from Nile in regard to his gymnastics career and would encourage him , and any gymnast who feels they have been mistreated , to report it either to our Integrity Unit , or by calling the BAC/NSPCC Helpline on 0800 056 0566 . ''
Last month British Gymnastics announced an independent review would be launched to look into allegations of widespread mistreatment in the sport .
But concerns have been raised about the time taken to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The governing body defended its processes after Olympic medallist Amy Tinkler criticised it for a lack of urgency with an investigation into her claims of bullying and abuse .
And Wilson has revealed his unhappiness about the way the complaint he made earlier this year was handled .
The incident - an altercation at a social event , he says - `` involved someone in authority '' at Leeds Gymnastics Club .
It did not relate to his training or coaching staff .
`` But it was strong enough , and affected me @ @ @ @ @ @ @ concern , '' he said .
`` When we start the process , that 's where I felt something is n't right .
`` I felt I was n't being heard - like I was the problem . ''
Wilson 's case was rejected following an internal club hearing , a decision then upheld by a British Gymnastics review .
Wilson says the governing body warned him to keep the case confidential .
`` I felt I was then threatened about voicing my concerns publicly , '' he said .
`` So I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for 20 years - and I do n't feel like I can go back until this is once again looked at .
`` The governing body and the club - they did n't care .
`` The amount of pressure and stress it caused ... it was just a really tough time .
I just felt absolutely heartbroken . ''
Wilson - who is now training at his own gym in Rotherham , and who has spoken previously about his struggles with mental health - said the episode had left him feeling `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ public with the way he feels `` has been one of the hardest decisions I 've made '' .
He added : `` My incident highlights that there 's still a challenge in the culture of gymnastics .
`` And it starts at the top of the governing body .
Hopefully my words and my story can help continue to drive the change . ''
In a statement Leeds Gymnastics club said they were `` very disappointed and extremely concerned that Nile now feels this way '' .
The club added : `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ robustly investigated in line with the club 's policy and advice .
`` At the time all parties placed on record their confidence in the meticulous investigation and evidence gathering process , the outcomes of which were independently verified .
`` We would be pleased to co-operate with Sport England to arrange a further review of the papers pertaining to this very serious allegation . ''
In a statement British Gymnastics said : `` We do not accept this at all .
`` We advised that this was a club grievance matter and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , including viewing CCTV footage of the incident .
`` We concluded the club had dealt with the matter appropriately .
We are confident that we reviewed this matter fully and professionally and would be happy to provide all correspondence , witness statements and CCTV footage of the incident in question to the Independent Review . ''
Wilson said he feared that speaking publicly for the first time about the way he felt could jeopardise his selection for the Tokyo Olympics .
`` The medals provide the funding [ for ] the sport @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' he said .
`` So we stay quiet , we do what we 're told .
We 're the ones that win those medals - and yet the gymnasts are still treated like pieces of meat and paid the least .
`` I 'm scared talking to you may affect [ selection ] .
`` That 's one big change I want to see , [ so ] we feel like we can voice our opinions and not bottle them in and do what we 're told , because we fear that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We 're human beings .
We are not pieces of meat and I want to continue to drive the change in the culture .
`` It 's about fun , having a smile on your face , wanting to work hard , being excited to achieve , not scared that there 's going to be a consequence if you do n't . ''

Last updated on .From the section Gymnastics
British gymnasts are treated like 'pieces of meat' - Nile Wilson
Olympic medallist Nile Wilson has criticised a "culture of abuse" in British gymnastics, saying athletes are "treated like pieces of meat".
The 24 year-old, who won bronze at Rio 2016, is the highest-profile male gymnast to speak out after the sport was hit by allegations of mistreatment.
Wilson told BBC Sport he was "scared" that publicly voicing concerns could cost him selection for the Tokyo Games.
He said he had been left "heartbroken" by the outcome of a complaint he lodged with his home base of Leeds Gymnastics Club earlier this year that he felt was "brushed under the carpet".
The complaint did not relate to his training or coaching staff, instead centring on an altercation with a senior member of staff at a club social event.
Following an internal club investigation, Wilson's grievance was dismissed, a decision then upheld after a review by British Gymnastics.
"I just felt like I wasn't being heard. And I was wronged," said Wilson, who called the process "unprofessional".
At times struggling to contain his emotions, Wilson said: "I believe there's a massive element of control.
"We're made to feel fear, or scared of speaking out, voicing our concerns, because they have us, our livelihoods, in their hands.
"If I voice my concern, I may affect my selection for Olympic Games.
"So, we stay quiet, we do what we're told.
"And in wrapping that up, I feel like that's the culture, that's how I've experienced it the last two decades."
In a statement Leeds Gymnastics Club said it disputed Wilson's version of events and the allegations referred to were "professionally and robustly investigated in line with the club's policy and advice".
The club added: "At the time all parties placed on record their confidence in the meticulous investigation and evidence gathering process, the outcomes of which were independently verified."
British Gymnastics said the club had dealt with the matter appropriately and that it stood by the review of the complaint.
Wilson won three gold medals at the 2018 Commonwealth Games
'A culture of abuse'
Wilson is one of British gymnastics' biggest stars.
Four years ago he made history, becoming the first Briton to win an Olympic medal on the horizontal bar in Rio. In 2018 he claimed three golds at the Commonwealth Games, and despite recovering from neck surgery, is one of Team GB's brightest medal hopefuls for Tokyo 2020.
But Wilson says he now wants to speak out about his experiences in the sport.
This summer's release of the 'Athlete A' documentary detailing the cover-up of sexual abuse within the USA Gymnastics team has been a catalyst for allegations of mistreatment across the sport, including in the UK.
Wilson says it has made a deep impression on him, highlighting what he believes is a culture in which gymnasts are "pushed through physical pain" in the pursuit of medals.
"It's been an incredibly emotional couple of weeks for myself," he says, speaking at his gym in Rotherham.
"Watching that film really hit home, and I've spoken to a lot of athletes, my friends, my team-mates, and there were lots of tears shed.
"I absolutely don't want to put myself in the box of a [jailed former US team doctor] Larry Nasser case - it's just absolutely disgusting.
"But we wanted to win medals. The governing body, the coaches, wanted to win Olympic medals.
"This culture of 'win at all costs'… I feel for many years emotional manipulation and being pushed through physical pain was certainly something I experienced.
"I think it was coaching methodology where we felt what it feels like to live in fear - you perform or there's a consequence.
"And I think that affects you emotionally more than anything.
"In fear of even being able to speak about something that hurts, or voice your concerns."
Wilson - who maintains excellent relations with his long-term coach Dave Murray - added: "I have empathy for the system, because you're a coach wanting success and an athlete wanting success - the culture was already there, that's how it worked.
"And the parents and everyone, we were just like, 'this is gymnastics, this is normal'.
"And looking back, it made us into the athletes that we are today.
"I've been blessed to have had some incredible coaches.
"But it was certainly apparent that culture existed and still exists today, which I definitely want to change.
"I would certainly say that I was abused. Without a doubt.
"I would absolutely describe it as a culture of abuse.
"And I've lived and breathed it for 20 years."
In a statement, British Gymnastics said: "Any mistreatment of gymnasts is inexcusable at any level. It is vital that concerns are made public whether through the media or our processes.
"To date, we have not had any complaint from Nile in regard to his gymnastics career and would encourage him, and any gymnast who feels they have been mistreated, to report it either to our Integrity Unit, or by calling the BAC/NSPCC Helpline on 0800 056 0566."
'Brushed under the carpet'
Last month British Gymnastics announced an independent review would be launched to look into allegations of widespread mistreatment in the sport. But concerns have been raised about the time taken to look into complaints in the past.
The governing body defended its processes after Olympic medallist Amy Tinkler criticised it for a lack of urgency with an investigation into her claims of bullying and abuse.
And Wilson has revealed his unhappiness about the way the complaint he made earlier this year was handled.
The incident - an altercation at a social event, he says - "involved someone in authority" at Leeds Gymnastics Club. It did not relate to his training or coaching staff.
"But it was strong enough, and affected me emotionally [enough] to voice a concern," he said.
"When we start the process, that's where I felt something isn't right.
"I felt I wasn't being heard - like I was the problem."
Wilson's case was rejected following an internal club hearing, a decision then upheld by a British Gymnastics review. Wilson says the governing body warned him to keep the case confidential.
"I felt I was then threatened about voicing my concerns publicly," he said.
"So I left the club I've been at for 20 years - and I don't feel like I can go back until this is once again looked at.
"The governing body and the club - they didn't care.
"The amount of pressure and stress it caused... it was just a really tough time. I just felt absolutely heartbroken."
Wilson - who is now training at his own gym in Rotherham, and who has spoken previously about his struggles with mental health - said the episode had left him feeling "completely worthless".
He said going public with the way he feels "has been one of the hardest decisions I've made".
He added: "My incident highlights that there's still a challenge in the culture of gymnastics.
"And it starts at the top of the governing body. Hopefully my words and my story can help continue to drive the change."
In a statement Leeds Gymnastics club said they were "very disappointed and extremely concerned that Nile now feels this way".
The club added: "The allegations referred to were professionally and robustly investigated in line with the club's policy and advice.
"At the time all parties placed on record their confidence in the meticulous investigation and evidence gathering process, the outcomes of which were independently verified.
"We would be pleased to co-operate with Sport England to arrange a further review of the papers pertaining to this very serious allegation."
In a statement British Gymnastics said: "We do not accept this at all.
"We advised that this was a club grievance matter and we also voluntarily reviewed the complaint ourselves, including viewing CCTV footage of the incident.
"We concluded the club had dealt with the matter appropriately. We are confident that we reviewed this matter fully and professionally and would be happy to provide all correspondence, witness statements and CCTV footage of the incident in question to the Independent Review."
'I'm scared'
Wilson said he feared that speaking publicly for the first time about the way he felt could jeopardise his selection for the Tokyo Olympics.
"The medals provide the funding [for] the sport to be where it is today," he said.
"So we stay quiet, we do what we're told. We're the ones that win those medals - and yet the gymnasts are still treated like pieces of meat and paid the least.
"I'm scared talking to you may affect [selection].
"That's one big change I want to see, [so] we feel like we can voice our opinions and not bottle them in and do what we're told, because we fear that we may not be selected.
"We're human beings. We are not pieces of meat and I want to continue to drive the change in the culture.
"It's about fun, having a smile on your face, wanting to work hard, being excited to achieve, not scared that there's going to be a consequence if you don't."


bbcuk--2020-08-10--Gay conversion therapy: ‘It made me feel broken’

Boris Johnson has pledged to ban so-called ‘ Gay Conversion Therapy ’ .
But organisations promoting the idea that sexuality @ @ @ @ @ practices are ethical .
While at university , Gareth underwent therapy from a variety of @ @ @ @ @ Among those was Core Issues Trust , which says it helps people who have unwanted @ @ @

Boris Johnson has pledged to ban so-called ‘Gay Conversion Therapy’. But organisations promoting the idea that sexuality can be changed argue their practices are ethical.
While at university, Gareth underwent therapy from a variety of groups over four years. Among those was Core Issues Trust, which says it helps people who have unwanted same-sex attractions.
Emma Vardy reports.


bbcuk--2020-08-10--Giant machines for HS2's Chilterns tunnels unveiled

Two tunnelling machines bought to help build HS2 have been unveiled by the firm behind the high-speed rail line .
The excavators will bore a 10 mile ( 16km ) tunnel through part of the Chilterns , from a site near the M25 to near South Heath in Buckinghamshire , HS2 Ltd chief executive Mark Thurston said the machines would `` be a defining moment in the history of HS2 '' .
But campaigners said HS2 was `` decimating countryside and creating a huge financial burden '' .
The two 2,000-tonne machines , built at a factory in Germany , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 262ft ) below ground .
They have been named Cecilia and Florence , after Buckinghamshire-born astronomer Cecilia Payne-Gaposchkin and Florence Nightingale , following a public vote from a shortlist of suggestions made by local schoolchildren .
The plans for HS2 were first outlined more than a decade ago .
The initial stage , due to be completed between 2028-31 , will connect London and the West Midlands , while the second section will extend into the East Midlands and north of England .
HS2 minister Andrew Stephenson said : `` HS2 will provide @ @ @ @ @ @ @ level up our country , boosting economic growth and sharing opportunities . ''
Florence will be launched in early 2021 , with Cecilia beginning the other half of the tunnel about a month later .
Both machines are 170m ( 558ft ) long and have been designed for the chalk and flint under the Chilterns .
They will run almost non-stop and are expected to take about three years to excavate the tunnel , which will be lined with concrete .
• When will HS2 open and how much will it cost ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ expensive In May , a report by MPs found the project was `` badly off course '' and accused HS2 Ltd and the Department for Transport of lacking transparency and undermining public confidence .
Campaigners against HS2 staged a week-long protest along the line 's route in June , saying funds for the project should be used for the country 's economic recovery following the coronavirus lockdown instead .
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The plans for HS2 were first outlined more than a decade ago. The initial stage, due to be completed between 2028-31, will connect London and the West Midlands, while the second section will extend into the East Midlands and north of England.


bbcuk--2020-08-10--Retail sales rise despite fewer High Street visits

Retail sales rose again in July , but shops are still trying to make up lost ground , industry body figures suggest .
They show the number of visits to High Streets is still down significantly as people shop online instead .
The British Retail Consortium ( BRC ) said some retailers continue to struggle due to the coronavirus crisis , and it made a fresh call for government help with rents .
The housing ministry said landlords and tenants should `` find solutions that work for both parties '' .
• May 'another month of struggle for retailers' • @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crisis not over' Retail sales rose for the second consecutive month in July , the BRC said , up 3.2 % compared with the same month last year .
But the picture for retailers was mixed .
Food sales continued to be strong , while furniture and homeware sales also did well as people `` increasingly invest in their time at home '' , the BRC-KPMG retail sales report found .
Online shopping remained `` prominent '' in July , accounting for 40 % of sales , said Paul Martin , UK head @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also continued to soar as people who could worked from home , he said .
Food and alcohol sales slowed but drink sales still made a significant contribution to supermarket growth , Susan Barratt , the chief executive of grocery research organisation IGD said .
And while local coronavirus lockdowns in the north of England had taken a toll on consumer confidence in the region , morale was higher in Scotland , she said .
But many British shops , particularly in fashion , jewellery and beauty , are `` still struggling to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dickinson said .
`` While the rise in retail sales is a step in the right direction , the industry is still trying to catch up lost ground , with most shops having suffered months of closures .
`` The fragile economic situation continues to bear down on consumer confidence , with some retailers hanging by only a thread in the face of rising costs and lower sales , '' she added .
KPMG 's Mr Martin said that while the return to school in September traditionally drove higher sales volumes , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could make consumers less willing to spend .
And new data from credit card company Visa suggests that consumer confidence has been further knocked by difficulties getting a refund .
It shows that more than one in 10 people who have requested a return for items and services bought during the coronavirus lockdown are yet to get their money back .
Meanwhile , more than a third say they are avoiding making a big purchase over fears their money would not be returned if they needed a refund .
One major concern for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ down , `` with many people still reluctant to go out , and fewer impulse purchases '' , Ms Dickinson said .
Separate figures from market intelligence firm Springboard suggested a 40 % drop in footfall in the month , which was still an improvement from June , and the best month since February .
Online spending is unlikely to decline , while a lack of tourism , more people working from home , and rising unemployment were all factors keeping people away from shops , it said .
But there was one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ figures for the beginning of August suggest footfall rising during the government 's Eat Out to Help Out scheme , which lets restaurant diners get up to 50 % off their food and soft drink bills Monday to Wednesday .
However , according to the Centre for Retail Research , more than 22,000 UK restaurant jobs have been cut so far in 2020 and nearly 1,500 restaurants and outlets closed .
On Tuesday the BRC repeated a call for a government grant to help pay rents , saying retailers were `` struggling '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ see many otherwise viable businesses fall into insolvency , costing stores , jobs and economic growth , '' Ms Dickinson said .
On Monday the BRC and a number of industry bodies , including UKHospitality , which represents restaurants and pubs , called for a so-called `` Property Bounceback Grant '' .
The groups , including landlords , called for the government to pay 50 % of retail , hospitality and leisure rents for six months , at a cost of £1.75bn to the Exchequer .
The industry bodies claimed that this would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ almost £7bn , and save 375,000 jobs .
In a joint statement , they said landlords have been `` walking a tightrope to support their customers and protect the pensions and savings of millions of people invested in commercial property across the country '' .
The Ministry of Housing , Communities & Local Government said that government support was already available for landlords , and that there was a moratorium on landlords being able to evict commercial tenants for non-payment of rent until 30 September .
There were also temporary measures to protect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , it added .
`` We recognise the huge challenges being faced by commercial tenants and landlords during this period , which is why we 're working closely with them to ensure they are supported and would urge both landlords and tenants to follow the example of others and find solutions that work for both parties , '' the housing ministry said .
`` The government has taken unprecedented action to protect jobs and livelihoods , with a package of around £160bn of support , including loans , rates relief and grants for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''

"We recognise the huge challenges being faced by commercial tenants and landlords during this period, which is why we're working closely with them to ensure they are supported and would urge both landlords and tenants to follow the example of others and find solutions that work for both parties," the housing ministry said.


bbcuk--2020-08-10--Queen guitarist Brian May thanks fire crews for saving home from wildfire

Queen guitarist Brian May has thanked firefighters for saving his home and music studio from `` going up in flames '' during a wildfire .
Crews have battled the blaze on the national nature reserve at Chobham Common in Surrey since Friday .
May posted on Instagram to say the land was `` still smouldering less than a mile from my own house and studio , and the fond relics of my entire life '' .
Surrey County Council said the situation has been stabilised .
On Friday a huge plume of smoke was seen rising from the common and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were sent out to tackle the blaze , which is estimated to have burned around 85 hectares .
In an Instagram post , May said : `` I never imagined it could happen here in leafy , and normally damp , Surrey , England .
`` We supported the fight against the immense fires in Australia , and watched sadly as fires ravaged California , but to see this happen in my own home county has been shocking and traumatic . ''
`` Today we were able to begin to thank the amazing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this huge and treacherous wild furnace on the heath land of Sunningdale Golf Course - which actually adjoins my property .
`` Yesterday , I was rescuing as many precious things from my house as was practicable , under threat of the whole thing going up in flames , but praying that the horror would not happen .
Today my prayers were answered . ''
Surrey Wildlife Trust said the fire began on Sunningdale golf course and spread to the common due to strong winds .
It said the heathland , home to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and thousands of species of insects , was `` rarer than tropical rainforest '' .
James Adler , director of biodiversity at the trust , said : `` All Surrey heathland sites are highly vulnerable to heath fires at present .
`` We are concerned that climate change is leading to an increase in frequency ...
When these habitats are destroyed by wildfire , it may take many years before the area becomes suitable for them again . ''
Thomas Smith , Assistant Professor of Geography at the London School of Economics , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 85 hectares according to satellite imagery collected on Sunday .
The cause of the fire is not yet known , but Surrey County Council has urged people not to light bonfires or use disposable BBQs in the countryside .
People have been asked to continue avoiding the area .
The council said that while it was still a `` significant '' incident , the situation had been stabilised and resources reduced .
The fire service will remain at the scene for the rest of the week in case the fire develops again .
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bbcuk--2020-08-10--Aberdaron paddleboard rescue: Boy thanks RNLI

A boy has thanked a lifeboat crew who rescued him after he was swept out to sea on a paddleboard .
The RNLI said the teenager was rescued off Aberdaron , Gwynedd , on Saturday afternoon and flown to Ysbyty Gwynedd in Bangor by coastguard helicopter .
It said he had been in serious condition after swallowing water and was showing signs of hypothermia .
The next day he was discharged from hospital and was able to visit the crew with his father to say thank you .
The RNLI said it took about 20 minutes to find the boy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attempt to swim ashore .
It said he had been carrying his mobile phone in a waterproof pouch and was able to talk to police in an attempt to describe his exact location .
`` The rescue could have been very different were it not for the boy 's preparation in wearing a lifejacket and having a means to call for help , '' the charity said .
It said the rescue had been hampered by a significant swell , an outgoing tide , offshore wind and poor visibility .
RNLI helm Fritz @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just how crucial a lifejacket is and having a means of calling for help .
`` A lifejacket can buy you valuable time in a time-critical situation whilst you wait for help to arrive .
`` Staying with your vessel/flotation device can help you to keep warm out of the water and also make you easier to find . ''

"The rescue could have been very different were it not for the boy's preparation in wearing a lifejacket and having a means to call for help," the charity said.


bbcuk--2020-08-10--McDonald's sues ex-boss Easterbrook over alleged sexual relationships

McDonald 's has taken new legal action against former chief executive Steve Easterbook , accusing him of lying about sexual relationships with staff .
The company fired Mr Easterbrook last year after finding he had a consensual relationship with an employee .
But the firm says further investigation found the British executive had three additional relationships with staff , about which he lied to the board .
McDonald 's is suing to recover his pay-off , reportedly worth $ 40m ( £35m ) .
The fast food giant prohibits `` any kind of intimate relationship between employees in a direct @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the time of Mr Easterbrook 's removal in November , McDonald 's said it had evidence of only of a non-physical , consensual relationship , consisting of intimate text messages and video calls .
It agreed to terminate Mr Easterbrook 's contact `` without cause '' , fearing a protracted legal battle , according to the firm 's legal filing .
But after receiving a tip from an employee in July , the fast food giant started a second investigation , which uncovered `` undisputable evidence '' of three other sexual relationships .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ from Mr Easterbrook 's company email account as well as messages showing that he approved a grant of company shares worth hundreds of thousands of dollars to one of the employees `` shortly after their first sexual encounter '' .
McDonald 's said that had it been aware of this information , it would not have approved his multi-million dollar pay-off .
McDonald 's said it did not initially find the photos and messages because Mr Easterbrook had deleted them from his phone .
The second investigation also searched company servers .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the company by lying when asked about his behaviour in an effort to secure a bigger severance package , committing fraud .
Mr Easterbrook , who is divorced , could not immediately be reached for comment .
At the time of his dismissal , he acknowledged a relationship in an email to staff , calling it a `` mistake '' .
`` Given the values of the company , I agree with the board that it is time for me to move on , '' he wrote .
Mr Easterbrook , a UK @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hertfordshire , led McDonald 's from March 2015 to November 2019 , after previously leading its UK operations .
He was widely credited with revitalising the firm 's menus , remodelling stores and using better ingredients .
The value of its shares more than doubled during his tenure in the US .
Last year , he received more than $ 17m in total compensation .
The size of Mr Easterbrook 's severance package had drawn earlier pushback , including from a shareholder advisory group .
The firm has also faced accusations that it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In April , US workers filed a class-action lawsuit against McDonald 's , accusing the fast food giant of fostering `` systemic sexual harassment '' .
A global coalition of labour unions filed a similar complaint with the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development in May .
At the time , one of the organisers , Sue Longley , general secretary of the International Union of Foodworkers , said the firm had a `` culture rotten from the top '' .

It says investigators found nude photographs sent from Mr Easterbrook's company email account as well as messages showing that he approved a grant of company shares worth hundreds of thousands of dollars to one of the employees "shortly after their first sexual encounter".


bbcuk--2020-08-10--Boy guilty over Oxford Street 'coronavirus attack'

A 15-year-old boy has admitted attacking a student from Singapore who was told `` we do n't want your coronavirus in our country '' .
Jonathan Mok , 23 , was beaten up on Oxford Street near Tottenham Court Road Tube station on 24 February .
The boy , who can not be named for legal reasons , pleaded guilty at Highbury Corner Magistrates ' Court to wounding or grievous bodily harm without intent .
He will be sentenced at the same court next month .
'Do n't you look at me' Prosecutor Beata Murphy said the teenager had been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ saw UCL student Mr Mok walking along Oxford Street just after 21:00 GMT .
She added : `` He [ the victim ] heard someone say something about coronavirus and he turned around and was told 'do n't you look at me ' .
`` He was then punched in the face ... until a passerby said to stop assaulting Mr Mok .
`` He believes he was targeted because of ethnicity . ''
Images of Mr Mok 's bruised and swollen eye posted on Facebook were shared thousands of times following the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a complicated fracture to his nose and also to his cheekbone .
Mrs Murphy said during his police interviews the boy was `` silent '' until CCTV images were shown to him when he said `` you ca n't even see me hit him '' .
Defence barrister Gerard Pitt said the boy was not charged with racially aggravated assault .
District Judge Nicholas Rimmer adjourned sentencing until 7 September for a report to be prepared .
Afterwards the Crown Prosecution Service 's Daniel Kavanagh said the attack was `` vicious and completely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ targeted in this hate crime because of his ethnic appearance .
`` Hate crime has a corrosive effect on our society and nobody should be subjected to such vile behaviour . ''

Mrs Murphy said during his police interviews the boy was "silent" until CCTV images were shown to him when he said "you can't even see me hit him".


bbcuk--2020-08-10--Coronavirus: Thousands of contact tracers let go and exam result apology

Here are five things you need to know about the coronavirus outbreak this Monday evening .
We 'll have another update for you tomorrow morning .
1 .
Contact tracers to be reduced by 6,000 in England The NHS test and trace system in England is letting 6,000 staff go by the end of August , the government has announced .
The 12,000 remaining contact tracers will work more closely with local public health teams in communities .
It 's hoped the change will help make the system better at tackling the virus , its boss said .
The approach @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Blackburn with Darwen , Luton and Leicester .
Scotland 's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has apologised after accepting her government `` did not get it right '' over its exam results .
With no exams sat this year due to the coronavirus pandemic , the Scottish Qualifications Authority ran a system based on teacher assessments .
However , officials then applied a moderation technique which led to about 125,000 estimates being downgraded - disproportionately affecting lower-income areas .
Amid concern over impending A-level results in England , Wales and Northern Ireland , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and parents - saying he understands `` anxiety '' over estimated grades for exams cancelled due to the pandemic .
Visiting a school in London , the PM said he was also `` very keen that exams should go ahead as normal '' in the new academic year .
He reiterated a pledge to bring all pupils back in September despite safety fears .
4 .
What NI shoppers make of mandatory face coverings as they are introduced While shoppers in England and Scotland have grown used to wearing face coverings , people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the requirement from today .
So what did they make of it ?
`` Difficult '' but the `` right thing to do , '' shoppers in east Belfast said .
For business owners , though , enforcing the rules is awkward .
Forgotten where coverings are needed ?
Read our quick catch-up .
5 .
'Fake office noise helps me to focus working from home' Being forced to work from home during lockdown has been isolating for many - so some , like statistician Paul Hewson , have turned to websites @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them through the day .
The sound of staples like printers and coffee machines , as well as people chatting , have attracted millions of hits during the crisis .
Get a longer daily news briefing from the BBC in your inbox , each weekday morning , by signing up here .
You can find more information , advice and guides on our coronavirus page .
Postcode search : See case numbers in your area .
What questions do you have about coronavirus ?
In some cases , your question will be published @ @ @ @ @ @ @ location as you provide it , unless you state otherwise .
Your contact details will never be published .
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Use this form to ask your question : If you are reading this page and ca n't see the form you will need to visit the mobile version of the BBC website to submit your question or send them via email to YourQuestions @ bbc.co.uk .
Please include your name , age and location with any question you send in .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to keep you in good shape in these socially distanced times

The NHS test and trace system in England is letting 6,000 staff go by the end of August, the government has announced. The 12,000 remaining contact tracers will work more closely with local public health teams in communities. It's hoped the change will help make the system better at tackling the virus, its boss said. The approach has already been used in coronavirus hotspots in Blackburn with Darwen, Luton and Leicester.