bbcuk--2020-10-01--Government's own figures at odds with PM's PPE claim

Despite Prime Minister Boris Johnson 's claim that 70 % of personal protective equipment ( PPE ) is to be made in the UK , his government 's own figures suggest the total is likely to be closer to a third .
More than 3.5 billion items , including aprons , goggles , facemasks and gloves , have been bought by the government this year to protect NHS and social care staff from the spread of coronavirus .
As the virus took hold in the spring , the battle to get hold of protective gear in the face of soaring @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was likened by experts to the Wild West .
In July , it was revealed that £15bn had been allocated by the Treasury to buy such kit - equivalent to about £200 per person .
With more than 80 % of PPE items initially produced in China , concerns were growing not just about cost but the ability of the UK to be self-sufficient in key equipment .
The prime minister sought to reassure over the UK 's preparedness for a second wave when he addressed the nation on Wednesday .
He said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ % of the demand for PPE to be met by UK manufacturers , compared to just 1 % before the pandemic '' .
But the government 's own PPE strategy , published just the day before , makes clear that this 70 % number excludes gloves - which , according to its figures , make up over half of all PPE being distributed .
The raw materials used in gloves means that no British supplier has been found .
Include gloves , and the total number of items that will be UK-sourced appears @ @ @ @ @ @ @ • Does the NHS have enough protective gear for winter ?
The government did not respond to a request for comment on the discrepancy .
Concerns have previously been raised over contracts that were awarded to some UK companies , particularly during the initial rush .
For example , 50 million masks supplied by Ayanda Capital as part of a £252m deal could not be used due to safety concerns .
But if the government 's strategy goes to plan , being able to source one in three pieces of equipment domestically by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the start of the year .
And with 32 billion items in total on order or delivered , the UK is not in danger of running out of vital bits of equipment soon .
However , the figures reveal that there may be more work to be done to improve the UK 's resilience in the face of the threat posed by the virus .

But if the government's strategy goes to plan, being able to source one in three pieces of equipment domestically by December would still mean marked progress compared to the start of the year. And with 32 billion items in total on order or delivered, the UK is not in danger of running out of vital bits of equipment soon.


bbcuk--2020-10-01--Covid-19: Turkey and Poland off safe travel list, and more local restrictions announced

Here are five things you need to know about the coronavirus pandemic this Thursday evening .
We 'll have another update for you on Friday morning .
1 .
Turkey and Poland off safe travel list , as quarantine fines increased Travellers arriving in the UK from Turkey , Poland and the Caribbean islands of Bonaire , St Eustatius and Saba will need to quarantine for 14 days from 04:00 BST on Saturday , the government has announced .
Ministers have also raised fines for travellers who fail to self-isolate .
The initial penalty remains £1,000 but the maximum fine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is rising from £3,200 to £10,000 .
You can find out which countries are on the UK quarantine list here .
2 .
More areas of the UK subject to stricter Covid rules Liverpool , Warrington , Middlesbrough and Hartlepool are the latest areas of England to be subject to tougher rules on how and where friends and family can meet .
Health Secretary Matt Hancock told the Commons that the government was banning different households from mixing because cases `` continue to rise fast '' .
While the mayor of Middlesbrough said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he later confirmed he would obey the law .
Pubs , cafes , restaurants and hotels in the Derry and Strabane council areas of Northern Ireland are also to be placed under new restrictions to try and curb the spread of Covid-19 .
You can also read more about which parts of the UK are now under some form of lockdown .
Latest figures from the Department of Health show there were 6,914 new Covid-19 cases in the last 24 hours , compared with 7,108 the day before .
Meanwhile , 59 deaths @ @ @ @ @ @ @ disease within the past 24 hours were reported on Thursday .
That compares with 71 deaths on Wednesday .
You can see the latest coronavirus statistics for the UK here , and see how many cases there are in your area .
4 .
Why having a vaccine may not see an immediate return to normality The development and distribution of an effective vaccine against coronavirus is seen as the silver bullet which will end the pandemic and return our lives to normal .
But a report published by the Royal Society suggests @ @ @ @ @ @ @ realistic '' about the time it will take to vaccinate the country .
According to researchers , restrictions on our daily lives may have to be relaxed gradually , as it could take up to a year to get everyone protected .
5 .
Can Luton show the way forward for the country ?
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has praised the way Luton responded to being declared an `` area of intervention '' after cases of Covid-19 began to rise in the town .
Back in July , as the rest of England @ @ @ @ @ @ @ remained subject to restrictions .
It subsequently emerged from a local lockdown - but on Thursday was declared by the government to be an `` area of concern '' .
We 've been speaking to local people about their efforts to suppress the virus .
Get a longer daily news briefing from the BBC in your inbox , each weekday morning , by signing up here .
Find more information , advice and guides on our coronavirus page .
If you want to know more about the rules on how we interact with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ What questions do you have about coronavirus ?
In some cases , your question will be published , displaying your name , age and location as you provide it , unless you state otherwise .
Your contact details will never be published .
Please ensure you have read our terms & conditions and privacy policy .
Use this form to ask your question :

Covid-19: Turkey and Poland off safe travel list, and more local restrictions announced Published 1 October 2020
Here are five things you need to know about the coronavirus pandemic this Thursday evening. We'll have another update for you on Friday morning.
1. Turkey and Poland off safe travel list, as quarantine fines increased
Travellers arriving in the UK from Turkey, Poland and the Caribbean islands of Bonaire, St Eustatius and Saba will need to quarantine for 14 days from 04:00 BST on Saturday, the government has announced. Ministers have also raised fines for travellers who fail to self-isolate. The initial penalty remains £1,000 but the maximum fine for someone who repeatedly flouts the rules is rising from £3,200 to £10,000. You can find out which countries are on the UK quarantine list here.
Image source, Reuters
2. More areas of the UK subject to stricter Covid rules
Image source, Press Eye
3. Slight fall in UK Covid-19 cases and deaths
Latest figures from the Department of Health show there were 6,914 new Covid-19 cases in the last 24 hours, compared with 7,108 the day before. Meanwhile, 59 deaths of people who tested positive for the disease within the past 24 hours were reported on Thursday. That compares with 71 deaths on Wednesday. You can see the latest coronavirus statistics for the UK here, and see how many cases there are in your area.
Image source, PA Media
4. Why having a vaccine may not see an immediate return to normality
The development and distribution of an effective vaccine against coronavirus is seen as the silver bullet which will end the pandemic and return our lives to normal. But a report published by the Royal Society suggests that we may need to be "realistic" about the time it will take to vaccinate the country. According to researchers, restrictions on our daily lives may have to be relaxed gradually, as it could take up to a year to get everyone protected.
Image source, Reuters
5. Can Luton show the way forward for the country?
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has praised the way Luton responded to being declared an "area of intervention" after cases of Covid-19 began to rise in the town. Back in July, as the rest of England saw lockdown rules being eased, it remained subject to restrictions. It subsequently emerged from a local lockdown - but on Thursday was declared by the government to be an "area of concern". We've been speaking to local people about their efforts to suppress the virus.
Image source, Reuters
And don't forget...
Find more information, advice and guides on our coronavirus page.
If you want to know more about the rules on how we interact with friends and family, click here.
Image source, BBC
What questions do you have about coronavirus?
In some cases, your question will be published, displaying your name, age and location as you provide it, unless you state otherwise. Your contact details will never be published. Please ensure you have read our terms & conditions and privacy policy.
Use this form to ask your question:


bbcuk--2020-10-01--Coronavirus: Restrictions for England to be standardised into three tiers

The government is to push ahead with a new `` three-tier '' approach to coronavirus restrictions in local areas of England , the BBC understands .
The Department of Health confirmed last month the system was being considered - but it has now been signed off by government officials and politicians .
An announcement is expected next week , with the roll-out of the new tiers expected in mid-October .
The Department of Health said there were `` no imminent changes '' expected .
A spokesman for No 10 added : `` We keep all of the measures which we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there is anything further to set out then we will do so to the House '' .
According to a memo seen by the BBC , public health officials will receive precise proposals later on Thursday .
The government 's aim is to replace the patchwork of existing Covid-19 restrictions across the country .
• Growth in Covid cases may be slowing • New rules at-a-glance : More face coverings and fines Areas that fall into tier one will have fewer than 100 cases per 100,000 of population and will need to adhere @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` rule of six '' and social distancing .
Tier two would kick in where cases are above 100 per 100,000 .
Restrictions for these areas would be similar to those currently in place in large parts of northern England , such as bans on household meetings .
And tier three areas would have significantly higher rates and would face full lockdowns - excluding schools and essential businesses , like supermarkets , as well as places of worship .
The memo seen by the BBC shows plans for additional money for local authorities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Local authorities would get £1 per head of population if placed into tier two and £2 per head for tier three .
When all areas are `` mapped '' onto the new system , it is not believed any areas will be moved to level three at this stage .
The BBC understands some within Public Health England are concerned at the speed of the transition .
But there is also an acknowledgement the new system could `` simplify and rationalise the current set up '' .

A spokesman for No 10 added: "We keep all of the measures which we put in place under review - if there is anything further to set out then we will do so to the House".


bbcuk--2020-10-01--Covid: Vaccine will 'not return life to normal in spring'

Even an effective coronavirus vaccine will not return life to normal in spring , a group of leading scientists has warned .
A vaccine is often seen as the holy grail that will end the pandemic .
But a report , from researchers brought together by the Royal Society , said we needed to be `` realistic '' about what a vaccine could achieve and when .
They said restrictions may need to be `` gradually relaxed '' as it could take up to a year to roll the vaccine out .
More than 200 vaccines to protect against the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the world in a process that is taking place at unprecedented speed .
`` A vaccine offers great hope for potentially ending the pandemic , but we do know that the history of vaccine development is littered with lots of failures , '' said Dr Fiona Culley , from the National Heart and Lung Institute at Imperial College London .
There is optimism , including from the UK government 's scientific advisers , that some people may get a vaccine this year and mass vaccination may start early next year .
However , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be a long process .
`` Even when the vaccine is available it does n't mean within a month everybody is going to be vaccinated , we 're talking about six months , nine months ... a year , '' said Prof Nilay Shah , head of chemical engineering at Imperial College London .
`` There 's not a question of life suddenly returning to normal in March . ''
• VACCINE : When will we have one ?
• SYMPTOMS : 85 % of patients have one of these three symptoms • @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
• LOCAL LOCKDOWNS : What happens if you have one ?
• QUARANTINE : Who must self-isolate after arriving in the UK • LOOK-UP TOOL : How many cases in your area ?
The report said there were still `` enormous '' challenges ahead .
Some of the experimental approaches being taken - such as RNA vaccines - have never been mass produced before .
There are questions around raw materials - both for the vaccine and glass vials - and refrigerator capacity , with some vaccines needing storage at minus 80C @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have to take place at a pace , 10 times faster than the annual flu campaign and would be a full-time job for up to 30,000 trained staff .
`` I do worry , is enough thinking going into the whole system ? ''
he says .
Early trial data has suggested that vaccines are triggering an immune response , but studies have not yet shown if this is enough to either offer complete protection or lessen the symptoms of Covid .
Prof Charles Bangham , chair of immunology of Imperial College London @ @ @ @ @ @ @ n't know when an effective vaccine will be available , how effective it will be and of course , crucially , how quickly it can be distributed .
`` Even if it is effective , it is unlikely that we will be able to get back completely to normal , so there 's going to be a sliding scale , even after the introduction of a vaccine that we know to be effective .
`` We will have to gradually relax some of the other interventions . ''
And many questions that will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ such as : • will one shot be enough or will boosters be required ?
• will the vaccine work well enough in older people with aged immune systems ?
The researchers warn the issue of long-term immunity will still take some time to answer , and we still do not know if people need vaccinating every couple of years or if one shot will do .
Commenting on the study , Dr Andrew Preston from the University of Bath , said : `` Clearly the vaccine has been portrayed as a silver @ @ @ @ @ @ @ salvation , but it may not be an immediate process . ''
He said there would need to be discussion of whether `` vaccine passports '' are needed to ensure people coming into the country are immunised .
And Dr Preston warned that vaccine hesitancy seemed to be a growing problem that had become embroiled in anti-mask , anti-lockdown ideologies .
`` If cohorts of people refuse to have the vaccine , do we leave them to fend for themselves or have mandatory vaccination for children to go to schools , or for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lots of difficult questions . ''

"Even if it is effective, it is unlikely that we will be able to get back completely to normal, so there's going to be a sliding scale, even after the introduction of a vaccine that we know to be effective.


bbcuk--2020-10-01--Coronavirus: How does Covid-19 test-and-trace work?

How do I download the app ?
Your phone must have Android 6.0 ( released in 2015 ) or iOS @ @ @ @ @ 2020 ) and Bluetooth 4.0 or higher .
That excludes the iPhone 6 and older @ @ @ @ @ .
Some more recent Huawei phones will not load the app either .
What can @ @ @ @ @ they are close for a long enough time , and one of the two owners @ @ @ @ @ test via the app , then the other will receive an alert .
How has @ @ @ @ @ until now ?
What happens to people who are then contacted ?
If you are @ @ @ @ @ contacts has tested positive , you must stay at home for 14 days from your @ @ @ @ @ them .
How is the tracing scheme going ?

Instead, if they have no symptoms and at least two weeks have passed since the second dose, they can get a PCR test. If the result is negative, self-isolation can then be ended.


bbcuk--2020-10-01--Covid rules: How much of the UK is now under some sort of lockdown?

Tighter coronavirus restrictions are due to be introduced in the Liverpool City Region , Warrington , Hartlepool and Middlesbrough at midnight on Friday .
It comes after rises in cases in those areas , with the number of cases in Liverpool now up to 258 per 100,000 people in the latest week to 27 Sep .
The average area in England had 28 , while the UK has 63 .
The extension will will mean two-thirds of people in the north of England face extra restrictions .
People will not be allowed to mix outside their households unless they are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ should also not attend amateur sports events as spectators , only visit care homes in exceptional circumstances , and follow guidance against all but essential travel .
In parts of north-east England , households are banned from mixing with each other anywhere indoors ( although support bubbles are exempt ) .
This means you can not go for a drink or a meal with someone you do n't live with , in a pub or restaurant .
The BBC has been told mixing in pub gardens or outdoor restaurant spaces will not be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The measure already affects County Durham , Gateshead , Newcastle , North Tyneside , South Tyneside , Northumberland and Sunderland .
The new ban will be enforced with fines .
Anyone over 18 found breaking the rules can be dispersed by police , or face fines starting at £200 and going up to £6,400 .
The restrictions do n't apply to schools or workplaces .
The measures have been criticised for causing `` confusion '' because of a lack of detail .
Which other areas have restrictions ?
The nature and extent of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and they affect at least a quarter of the population .
Other than north-east England , the other places affected , with links to more details for each area , are : • People can not mix in homes or gardens with anyone outside their household in Leeds , Wigan , Stockport or Blackpool • People in Merseyside , Warrington , Halton and the parts of Lancashire not already under tightened restrictions must not mix with people outside their household in homes or gardens .
Pubs and restaurants must shut at 22:00 BST @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Calderdale , Wolverhampton , Oadby and Wigston are banned from socialising with other people outside of their own household or support bubble in private homes and gardens • Households in Birmingham , Solihull and Sandwell are not allowed to mix with anyone they do not live with in their home or garden , unless they ’ re in their support bubble • Those in parts of Greater Manchester - including Salford , Bury , the City of Manchester and Oldham , are advised not to mix with those from outside their household or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ previously only able to serve takeaways .
But these restrictions will be eased on Saturday , to bring the area in line with Greater Manchester .
• People in Blackburn with Darwen and Pendle should not meet anyone from outside their household or support bubble outdoors • In Leicester , people can not host anyone they do not live with in their home or garden , unless they ’ re in their support bubble • From 18:00 on Thursday , four council areas in north Wales - Conwy , Denbighshire , Flintshire , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ restrictions as those in place in most of south Wales • New restrictions are now in force in Neath Port Talbot , Torfaen and Vale of Glamorgan • Llanelli , Cardiff , Swansea , Merthyr Tydfil , Bridgend , Blaenau Gwent , Newport , Rhondda Cynon Taf and Caerphilly were already in local lockdowns • People should not enter or leave those areas without a reasonable excuse like going to work , unless you can do so from home , or school • Pubs and restaurants must close by 22:20 , but stop @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not meet other households indoors , including members of extended households • People living in Glasgow city , East Renfrewshire , Renfrewshire , East Dunbartonshire , West Dunbartonshire , North Lanarkshire and South Lanarkshire are subject to small additional restrictions relating to care home and hospital visits , as well as contact tracing • Currently all parts of Northern Ireland have the same rules Further details on the measures in place and specific areas affected have been published by the governments for England , Scotland , Wales and Northern Ireland .
How many @ @ @ @ @ @ @ total , at least 16.8 million people are in local lockdowns in the UK - about one in four people .
• 12.7m people in England , or 23 % of the population Currently , 66 % of northern England faces restrictions and 22 % of the Midlands .
When are new restrictions introduced in an area ?
There is no set level of infection that triggers this in a particular place , but if there are more than 40 coronavirus cases per 100,000 people , it is likely that extra restrictions will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is not the only factor considered .
For example , cases in Northampton jumped to 125 per 100,000 in August .
But because the rise was almost entirely down to workers at a local factory no wider restrictions were introduced .
What are 'areas of concern ' ?
Since June , Public Health England has been publishing a weekly Covid-19 surveillance list .
This lists those local authority areas where incidence of the disease is rising , sorting them into three categories : • Areas of intervention - where restrictions or lockdowns are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - where the local council is receiving help from the government ( eg extra testing ) • Areas of concern - where the situation is being monitored closely , but no restrictions have been put in place On 25 September , all 33 London boroughs were listed as areas of concern .
How are these rules enforced ?
Local authorities in England have powers to : • Close specific premises ( such as shops , cafes and gyms ) • Shut outdoor spaces ( such as parks , playgrounds and beaches ) • @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weddings and sporting events ) • Close sectors or types of premises in local areas • Restrict the use of transport • What happens if I 'm in an area on the watchlist ?
Police have powers to make sure people stick to the restrictions .
For example , if they believe that somebody is staying away overnight , they can tell them to return home .
They can also fine people for breaking the rules , and may issue a `` prohibition notice '' directing somebody not to do something .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wants to go to a bar in another part of the city , for example , there is nothing legally to stop them .
• SOCIAL DISTANCING : What are the rules now ?
• SUPPORT BUBBLES : What are they and who can be in yours ?
• SYMPTOMS : What are they and how to guard against them ?
• LOOK-UP TOOL : How many cases in your area ?

Find out how the pandemic has affected your area and how it compares with the national average by following this link to an in depth guide to the numbers involved.


bbcuk--2020-10-01--Covid-19: Is Luton the 'way forward' in the coronavirus battle?

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said the way Luton reacted to coronavirus restrictions was the `` way forward for the entire country '' .
But what do people in the town think ?
During Prime Minster 's Questions , Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer asked : `` In recent months , 48 areas in England have gone into local restrictions but only one has ever come out - that 's Luton .
Why does the prime minster think that is ? ''
Mr Johnson replied : `` The reason I think for the success of Luton is that local people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to follow the guidance and that is the way forward for the entire country . ''
`` The situation does n't look any better than it was .
I do n't think we should be in line for praise .
We need to do more to curb the effect of Covid-19 . ''
In July , Luton 's gyms and leisure centres were stopped from opening along with the rest of England because its new coronavirus case rate at the time - just under 28 per 100,000 in a week - was higher @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Cases in Luton have increased recently , along with many other areas .
The town had the highest rate of new coronavirus cases in the East of England region - 57 per 100,000 population in the week to 27 September , but was far below parts of the North West , where rates in some areas were in excess of 200 or even 300 per 100,000 .
`` I only take it off when I go home - or to get fresh air when it steams up .
It 's best to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is to make everyone safe - no-one went out unless they had to , we used full protection and hand washing - we were extra cautious all the time .
We still are , '' she said .
`` I think the people of Luton just listened and followed the rules - they know how serious this is . ''

Cases in Luton have increased recently, along with many other areas. The town had the highest rate of new coronavirus cases in the East of England region - 57 per 100,000 population in the week to 27 September, but was far below parts of the North West, where rates in some areas were in excess of 200 or even 300 per 100,000.


bbcuk--2020-10-01--Coronavirus: New restrictions announced in Derry and Strabane

Pubs , cafes , restaurants and hotels in the Derry and Strabane council area are to be placed under new restrictions to try and curb the spread of Covid-19 .
They will only be able to open for takeaway , delivery and outdoor dining , First Minister Arlene Foster said .
It is part of a series of measures due to come into force next week , which will last for at least a fortnight .
But Deputy First Minister Michelle O'Neill urged residents to comply immediately with the new rules .
Meanwhile , Londonderry 's Altnagelvin Hospital has suspended @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Western Trust says elective orthopaedic inpatient services have been suspended and it has implemented its surge plan and re-designated the ward to cope with the expected surge .
The Trust says the decision will be kept under review .
It has also warned that it is facing increased staff pressures , as rising levels of Covid-19 in the community mean more and more staff are being asked to self-isolate .
In a statement , the trust 's Director of Acute Services , Geraldine McKay , said red flag cancer and emergency surgery @ @ @ @ @ @ @ virtual outpatient clinics .
On Thursday afternoon , the executive agreed to impose the measures on hospitality businesses in Derry and Strabane because it has one of the highest Covid-19 rates in the UK .
Other measures introduced in the area include : • Where residents can , work from home • Avoid unnecessary travel within the council area and to and from it • Where journeys are necessary , advice is to walk , cycle or use private transport • Hotels will only be allowed to provide service to overnight guests • @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the council area are to remain closed • Libraries can only operate a `` call and collect '' service • Indoor sports limited to individual training only , no exercise classes permitted Schools and other educational settings will stay open .
Church services will continue , and weddings and funerals will still be permitted , in line with current executive guidance .
Mrs Foster said it was `` by no means '' a return to lockdown for the area , but she told a Stormont press briefing she recognised the news would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ businesses .
She said ministers had commenced work on how financial support measures could be drawn up .
Ms O'Neill said she recognised many people would be `` sad and worried '' , but added that the executive would try to provide as much clarity as possible .
`` This is about everyone doing their bit to keep everybody safe - just because you do n't have symptoms does n't mean you 're not spreading the virus , '' she said .
Foyle MP and SDLP leader Colum Eastwood urged people to abide @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it was `` a two-way street '' .
`` Government can not restrict trading opportunities in the north west without additional support for businesses that will close and workers forced to be at home , '' he said .
He added that he would seek a support package for those affected .
On Thursday , the Department of Health announced a further 259 cases of Covid-19 , down from 424 on Wednesday .
Two further Covid-related deaths were confirmed , bringing the Department of Health 's total to 581 .
The Department of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ setting .
Northern Ireland is currently recording an average of 250 new cases a day and the number of Covid-19 patients in hospital is doubling every 13 days .
In the Republic of Ireland , 442 new cases of Covid-19 were confirmed on Thursday with four more deaths , bringing the overall death toll to 1,806 .
Circuit breaker 'not appropriate yet' A so-called two week `` circuit breaker '' lockdown is not being considered yet , but on Wednesday Health Minister Robin Swann said it could be brought in around the Halloween @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , if not earlier .
Asked why the executive did not opt to introduce the move across Northern Ireland now , Mrs Foster said they did not believe it was appropriate yet .
The Chief Medical Officer Dr Michael McBride said it was `` crucial we do n't introduce measures if they 're not necessary '' .
Mrs Foster also said returning to a wider lockdown would require significant financial support for businesses .
`` We are very much aware if you are asking people to stay at home , not go to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are huge financial burdens from that , '' she added .
While Ms O'Neill said there were `` natural breaks '' with the half-term holidays coming up , and it made sense to align that with potential NI-wide lockdowns .
`` If we were going to move forward with this concept it would be much better if it was done across the two islands together , '' she added .
`` We have n't discussed this at length in the executive yet ... but if we were to get to the point we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ need to give people advance notice and understanding so we get that buy-in . ''
The first and deputy first ministers also warned that tougher penalties were on the way for those who breach the Covid-19 regulations .
Mrs Foster said the Justice Minister Naomi Long was carrying out a `` rapid review '' of fines , and Ms O'Neill said the executive had `` concerns around compliance '' that it hopes to address in the coming days .
On Thursday , the Department of Health announced that travellers from Turkey and Poland @ @ @ @ @ @ @ days on arrival into Northern Ireland .
The measure will take effect from 04:00 BST on Saturday and also includes travellers arriving in NI from the regions of Bonaire , St Eustatius and Saba .
Meanwhile , from Thursday pubs and restaurants must close their doors at 23:00 BST under new rules designed to help stem the spread of the virus .
It means no food or alcohol can be served after 22:30 BST and all customers must be off the premises 30 minutes after that .
The rules also apply to hotel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , with no late licences permitted .
No more than six people from two households may sit at the same indoor or outdoor table at a pub or restaurant here , and live music and dancing are banned .
The only exception is a couple 's first dance at a wedding .

"We haven't discussed this at length in the executive yet... but if we were to get to the point we were moving in that direction, we need to give people advance notice and understanding so we get that buy-in."


bbcuk--2020-10-01--Covid-19: Growth in cases may be slowing in England

The growth in cases of coronavirus may be slowing down , the largest study of the infection in England suggests .
A team at Imperial College London analysed samples from 84,000 people chosen at random from across the country .
They said the R number , the virus 's reproduction number , appears to have fallen since measures including the `` rule of six '' were introduced .
However , they warn cases are high , with one in every 200 people infected .
They say this shows a rise from an estimated one in every 800 people infected with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and beginning of September , when they last reported their findings .
The React study is highly influential , both due to its size and because it gives an up-to-date picture of how the virus is spreading .
The last samples used in the analysis were collected as recently as Saturday .
It was the previous React report that found infections were doubling every seven to eight days in late August and early September .
• The second wave is here - but how bad will it be ?
This , in turn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be 50,000 cases a day by mid-October if that pattern continued .
Then the research group estimated the R number for their study - the average number of people each infected person is passing the virus on to - was 1.7 .
The latest analysis , of swab samples collected between 19 and 26 September , suggests the R number has fallen to about 1.1 - although the precise figure is uncertain .
However this is not the same as the official R number produced by Sage , the government 's scientific advisers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ together using estimates from a wide range of data sources and studies , including this one .
The researchers said it was the first hint that measures such as the `` rule of six '' , and heightened public concern about coronavirus , `` may be having an impact on transmission '' .
But many areas of the UK still have extra restrictions in place due to local spikes of the virus , including areas in the Midlands , the north west and the north east .
Stricter measures are also being introduced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Middlesbrough .
Extra restrictions have also been applied across the whole of Scotland , Northern Ireland and parts of Wales .
Prof Paul Elliott from Imperial College London said : `` This is a very critical period , we know in an exponential phase you very quickly get to a very large number of cases .
`` There does appear to be a downturn in the rate of increase , the R number appears to have come down .
`` Clearly nobody wants a full lockdown , but if we pay attention to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hand washing , face covering and testing and isolating , then I think we can turn the virus down . ''
However , Prof Oliver Johnson , from the University of Bristol , said the conclusion that cases were slowing down was `` wrong and dangerous '' .
And he doubts both the old and the new estimates of the R value .
He said : `` I suspect they were both wrong , and it was actually more like R=1.4 each time . ''
How can R number be falling and cases @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can make it difficult to see clearly what is going on .
One minute cases seem to be rising quickly - we saw that when the daily confirmed cases topped 7,000 on Tuesday and then again on Wednesday .
Now we are told the R number has fallen .
How can this be ?
The first thing to say is the R is still above 1 , so that means the number of cases will continue to go up , but the rise will be more gradual .
Secondly , the number of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bit .
It is more important to look at the seven-day average , which shows a more gradual rise .
Certainly more gradual than the doomsday scenario of a doubling every week that was going to lead to the 50,000 cases by mid-October that government advisers warned about last week .
The daily cases are also affected by the ability of the testing system to identify cases .
Monitoring suggests there may be two to three times as many infections than are being identified .
Once the new labs open this month we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that do not necessarily spell a worsening of infection levels .
The bottom line is cases are going up , but at a slower rate than feared a month ago - and certainly no where near the surge of the spring .
• LOCAL LOCKDOWNS : What happens if you have one ?
• QUARANTINE : Who must self-isolate after arriving in the UK ?
• LOOK-UP TOOL : How many cases in your area ?
• SUPPORT BUBBLES : What are they and who can be in yours ?
That period when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is now far more of the virus around .
`` What we found is the prevalence has gone up markedly , one in 200 people walking the streets on any one day has measurable virus , '' Prof Elliott added .
As the study tests people at random , not everyone who tests positive will go on to develop symptoms .
However , the increase was noted in all regions of the country and in all age groups .
Infection rates were highest among 18 to 24-year-olds , with one in every 100 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rates were much lower among the over-65s , but have increased seven-fold since the last report ( from 0.04 % to 0.29 % ) .
This is only one of many sources of information - alongside the Office for National Statistics , disease modelling groups , hospital data and NHS Test and Trace - that the government relies on to assess the situation .
• DO YOU HAVE 'LAPTOP SYNDROME ' ?
: Tips to avoid this condition if you 're working from home • THE ASK MARTIN LEWIS PODCAST : Is there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?

The React study is highly influential, both due to its size and because it gives an up-to-date picture of how the virus is spreading. The last samples used in the analysis were collected as recently as Saturday.


bbcuk--2020-10-01--PM's father Stanley Johnson pictured in shop without face covering

The prime minister 's father , Stanley Johnson , has been pictured shopping without a face covering , breaking current Covid-19 restrictions .
Mr Johnson - a former Tory MEP - has apologised , claiming he may not be `` 100 % up to speed '' with current rules after returning from abroad .
Fines for not wearing a covering in a shop were raised by the government last week to £200 for first time offenders .
Former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn has also apologised for breaking the rules .
He was pictured at a dinner party which appeared to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government 's `` rule of six '' .
Asked about the pictures , Boris Johnson 's official spokesman said it was now for the police to `` determine what action to take '' , adding : `` What the prime minister is clear on is that the rules apply for everyone and everyone should follow them '' .
• New rules at-a-glance : More face coverings and fines • The struggle of being a mother during the pandemic • Quarantine breakers : 'It was selfish but I 've no regrets' The PM 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ West London without a mask on Tuesday , with the picture first appearing in the Daily Mirror .
It came a day before his son , Boris Johnson , held a press conference , appealing to the public to `` follow the rules '' and warning fines would be imposed on those who do n't .
Speaking to the Mirror , Stanley Johnson said : `` I 'm extremely sorry for the slip up and I would urge absolutely everybody to do everything they can to make sure they do follow the rules @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The fact this was my first day back in the UK after three weeks abroad is , I am sure , no excuse for not knowing the rules . ''
A Downing Street spokesman said the PM 's father `` fully understands that it is vital for everyone to abide by the rules '' .
Mr Johnson was criticised back in July for travelling to Greece during the coronavirus lockdown .
The guidance on air travel from the UK Foreign Office advised against `` all but essential international travel '' at the time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ return .
But he told the Daily Mail he was in the country `` on essential business '' to ensure a property he rents out was `` Covid-proof '' before holidays restart .
The picture of Mr Corbyn appeared in the Sun , with the newspaper saying the gathering had taken place on Saturday .
Across England , people face fines starting at £200 for meeting inside or outside in groups of more than six - although the rules are stricter in some parts of the country .
The North London MP told @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dinner at a friend 's house where the number of guests eventually exceeded five .
`` I understand that remaining at the dinner was a breach of the rule of six .
I apologise for my mistake . ''
Responding to the picture , Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said : `` All of us should obey the rules , Jeremy knows that , I know that , all of us have to comply with the rules .
`` I have said throughout that whatever the Government rules are , we should all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ duty to so . ''
Asked whether Mr Corbyn should be fined , Sir Keir told reporters : `` It 's not for me to decide who should be fined , but it is for me to say that everybody should follow the rules . ''
It is not known if either Mr Johnson or Mr Corbyn have received fines .

Asked about the pictures, Boris Johnson's official spokesman said it was now for the police to "determine what action to take", adding: "What the prime minister is clear on is that the rules apply for everyone and everyone should follow them".


bbcuk--2020-10-01--Denise Johnson: Posthumous solo album finally puts singer centre stage

After lending her stunning voice to bands like Primal Scream , A Certain Ratio and New Order for 30 years , this summer Denise Johnson was almost ready to release her debut solo album .
`` It was her pet project for quite a few years , '' says best friend Sue Langford .
`` She was so excited .
`` She was self-releasing it , so she did everything .
She organised the production and she chose the artwork .
She was really thrilled , proud , excited . ''
Then , at the end of July , Johnson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tributes flowed from stars like Primal Scream , Ian Brown , Johnny Marr , Bernard Butler , Peter Hook and 808 State .
If their fans did n't know Johnson 's name , they probably knew her voice from her guest and backing spots .
Now , Johnson 's solo album is coming out posthumously on Friday .
It is both a reminder of the depth and force of her soulful voice , and a fitting way to ensure her name is front and centre at last .
`` It does feel a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's gone , '' says Langford .
Johnson was best known for her vocals on tracks like Do n't Fight It , Feel It and Free from Primal Scream 's acclaimed albums Screamadelica and Give Out But Do n't Give Up .
`` Her voice elevated those two albums beyond what they otherwise might have been , '' Langford says .
Johnson also appeared with A Certain Ratio over 30 years , and provided backing vocals on hits including Electronic 's Get The Message and Bernard Butler 's Stay .
Such was her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ died , former Suede guitarist Butler wrote on social media that he had heard her voice in his head while writing his first solo album .
`` I did n't ask for a backing singer ; I asked for Denise Johnson , '' he said .
Johnson 's original idea for her own solo album , titled Where Does It Go , was to cover songs by female acts from her beloved native Manchester .
That was until she realised there were none .
`` In the end we went with songs that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' says guitarist Thomas `` Twem '' Twemlow , who plays on the album .
`` She loved her city . ''
The track list includes New Order 's True Faith and 10CC 's I 'm Not In Love .
There are also two of Johnson 's own compositions .
In contrast to the indie and dance tunes she guested on , the album was recorded in one or two takes with just Twemlow 's acoustic guitar as an accompaniment .
`` We just wanted to capture it like a live performance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was really proud of the record , and I am now .
Now she 's not here , the way that we did it and the way that we kept it real has way more weight . ''
In life , as well as in music , Johnson kept things real .
Twemlow remembers her as a `` very energetic , bubbly person with a very infectious smile '' .
`` She always treated me really well as a friend and as a work colleague , '' he recalls .
`` She always @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and onion pie or a steak pie .
I 'd turn up to practices and there would always be a pie for us !
She was just a really nice person . ''
And her voice had a tone that can not be taught , he says .
`` The frequencies that came out were just magical .
Even if we were practising in the front room , she would light up the room .
It was quite an experience . ''
Johnson had launched a solo career before , with the single @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Smiths legend Marr on guitar ) becoming a club hit but failing to crack the top 40 in 1994 .
She went back to appearing on other peoples ' records , including by Michael Hutchence , Ian Brown and the Pet Shop Boys .
`` Even when she was a backing singer , she was n't really a backing singer , '' Twemlow adds .
`` When she was in Primal Scream , she was right up front .
I think she just wanted to do something for her own name to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and this [ album ] does that . ''
Twemlow and Langford have spent the past two months making the final arrangements for the album 's release .
Langford , who used to run Manchester 's Boardwalk venue , has n't been able to play it since her death , however .
`` I 'm not ready for that .
It 's been quite cathartic actually feeling like I 'm doing something positive for her , to give her album the final nudge over the finishing line .
But I have n't listened @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to get everything done , and then I 'll be ready . ''
She says she agreed with Johnson 's family that they would n't make the cause of death public .
`` I can tell you it was natural causes , '' Langford says .
`` I can tell you it was n't Covid , and I can tell you thankfully she would n't have been in any discomfort for any amount of time . ''
Her friend was `` great to be around '' and had `` a genuine fascination and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recalls .
`` She did n't suffer fools , but she was just so warm and a lot of love came out of her , so a lot of love came back to her . ''
As for her career , she `` totally identified with everything that was said '' in the Oscar-winning 2013 film 20 Feet From Stardom , which put the spotlight on backing singers - mostly black women - and the raw deal they often get .
`` She was n't just a backing singer , '' Langford says @ @ @ @ @ @ @ collaboration with bands like ShadowParty or A Certain Ratio - she co-wrote quite a few bits and pieces , or she 'd have an input into the vocal melody .
She was n't just sitting in a studio and somebody said , 'Sing this . '
She was very much involved . ''
The album , then , is the fulfilment of her musical vision and her talent .
`` It 's her , and it 's what she wanted to present to us , '' Langford adds .
`` It 's how @ @ @ @ @ @ @ us , and it did n't hang on some producer or some band or anything else .
It was just her . ''
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If you have a story suggestion email entertainment.news @ bbc.co.uk .

"We just wanted to capture it like a live performance," he says. "She was really proud of the record, and I am now. Now she's not here, the way that we did it and the way that we kept it real has way more weight."


bbcuk--2020-09-30--'I worked a five-hour shift and got paid nothing'

A 19-year-old woman has begun a campaign to ban all unpaid work trials after she worked a five-hour shift in a restaurant and did n't get paid .
Ellen Reynolds , from Glasgow , had to buy a shirt and trousers for a uniform as well so ended up £20 out of pocket .
`` In Britain it 's expected that companies pay for goods and services .
A trial shift is no different , '' she said .
`` For whoever is doing the trial shift they are working for the company , they are making them money .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ she 's only relying on part-time work to support her while she studies .
`` I 've got the luxury that if I need to my parents can help me out .
`` Other people do n't have that luxury and ca n't afford to work for free .
But at the same time they ca n't turn down a potential job because they need the money .
`` So many people have lost their jobs but that does n't mean that businesses should take advantage of that . ''
There is no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the restaurant did was n't illegal .
Instead the area is covered by legislation around the National Minimum Wage Act 1998 .
`` The thrust of the legislation is that any person who performs work for a business or organisation is entitled to the National Minimum Wage , '' says John Skelly , employment partner at law firm Baker Skelly .
`` However , there are exceptions for individuals involved in a scheme for the 'seeking of or obtaining of work ' or that is 'designed to provide training , work experience or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , it 's a grey area under the law as it exists at the moment and it is open to abuse , especially in the hospitality industry where it does seem to be a feature of recruitment . ''
Ellen told Money Box she worked from 4-9pm and did everything a waitress would be expected to do .
`` I ran food and drinks to customers .
If they needed anything like another drink , napkins , cutlery , parmesan , I got them that .
`` I cleaned the tables , set @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , took people to their seats , pretty much everything you 'd expect of a waitress , took a few payments on the card machine . ''
Even if the trial was unsuccessful and the restaurant did n't want to give Ellen any more shifts she argues they should have at least paid her for the work she did do .
`` They did n't ask me anything new , it really was just the trial that they wanted me there for .
`` It 's unfair that just because you do n't @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 're not going to pay them for the services they provided you . ''
Ellen 's now started a petition calling on MPs to have a debate in Parliament about banning unpaid work trials .
It 's something SNP MP for Glasgow South , Stewart McDonald , tried to make happen in 2018 with a private members ' bill .
`` Ever since the government talked out [ did not support ] my bill to ban unpaid trial shifts , I 've been trying to get them to see the error of their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ says .
`` More than two years campaigning against exploitative , unfair , unpaid trial shifts , I still hear horror stories from people who are being asked to work hours unpaid , without knowing if they will get the job or if there even is one available .
`` The current law is not working , and the UK government must now commit to a ban on unpaid work trials - a fair day 's work deserves a fair day 's pay . ''
In response the government said : `` It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unpaid work trial periods for an excessive period of time , or where the trial is not part of a genuine recruitment process .
`` If you are a worker you should be paid at least the minimum wage .
Businesses that are found to be breaking the rules can face unlimited fines , disqualification of directors or being named and shamed . ''
You can hear more on BBC Radio 4 's Money Box programme by listening again here .

"More than two years campaigning against exploitative, unfair, unpaid trial shifts, I still hear horror stories from people who are being asked to work hours unpaid, without knowing if they will get the job or if there even is one available.


bbcuk--2020-10-01--Covid-19: Funding crisis threatens zoo conservation

At Whipsnade Zoo in Bedfordshire , Sizzle the male rhino has been introduced to his new `` girlfriends '' in @ @ @ @ @ .
But while they 're getting to know each other , 300 zoos in England @ @ @ @ @ the government as the coronavirus pandemic threatens their conservation work , and potentially their future @

At Whipsnade Zoo in Bedfordshire, Sizzle the male rhino has been introduced to his new "girlfriends" in the hope they will breed.
But while they're getting to know each other, 300 zoos in England have requested funding help from the government as the coronavirus pandemic threatens their conservation work, and potentially their future.


bbcuk--2020-10-01--Seal of approval: Gavin the seal makes a splash

Paddleboarders on the River Arun in West Sussex are becoming used to Gavin the seal hitching a ride with them @ @ @ @ @ grey seal hopping on passing boards has won him fans , and locals have even @ @ @ @ @ dedicated to him .
The latest paddleboarder to meet Gavin was John Mitchell , who @ @ @ @ @ mobile phone .

Paddleboarders on the River Arun in West Sussex are becoming used to Gavin the seal hitching a ride with them.
Footage of the young grey seal hopping on passing boards has won him fans, and locals have even set up a Facebook page dedicated to him.
The latest paddleboarder to meet Gavin was John Mitchell, who captured the moment on his mobile phone.


bbcuk--2020-10-01--Northamptonshire poet creates ode to 'heart of mainland Britain'

A poet and MC has penned a love poem to his county as its local BBC radio station marks a @ @ @ @ @ The poem by Quinton Green , called An Ode to the North Hamm Tune , @ @ @ @ @ Poetry Day and praises `` the heart of mainland Britain 's '' many beauty spots @ @ @ @ @ was commissioned by BBC Radio Northampton for its Northamptonshire Week , which celebrates the people @ @ @ @ @ culture , food and businesses that the county has to offer .
The station usually @ @ @ @ @ year , but due to coronavirus it chose to hold it virtually over the course @ @ @ @ @ and on social media .

A poet and MC has penned a love poem to his county as its local BBC radio station marks a special week of celebrations.
The poem by Quinton Green, called An Ode to the North Hamm Tune, has been released on National Poetry Day and praises "the heart of mainland Britain's" many beauty spots and history.
The work was commissioned by BBC Radio Northampton for its Northamptonshire Week, which celebrates the people, places, leisure, culture, food and businesses that the county has to offer.
The station usually hosts a Northamptonshire Day every year, but due to coronavirus it chose to hold it virtually over the course of a week on air and on social media.


bbcuk--2020-10-01--Covid-19: Hancock on new regional virus restrictions

Areas around Merseyside and the Tees Valley face extra social distancing and travel restrictions in the fight against coronavirus , @ @ @ @ @ It will be illegal to meet in settings , such as pubs and restaurants , @ @ @ @ @ , Warrington , Hartlepool and Middlesbrough .
The health secretary says there are “ early @ @ @ @ @ are “ having an impact ” and that this is cause for some “ small @ @ @ @ @ says cases are still rising , but the second peak is “ highly localised ” @ @ @ @ @ areas .

Areas around Merseyside and the Tees Valley face extra social distancing and travel restrictions in the fight against coronavirus, Matt Hancock has announced.
It will be illegal to meet in settings, such as pubs and restaurants, in the Liverpool City Region, Warrington, Hartlepool and Middlesbrough.
The health secretary says there are “early signs” that previous actions are “having an impact” and that this is cause for some “small hope”.
Mr Hancock says cases are still rising, but the second peak is “highly localised” and rising fast in some areas.
Read more: Stricter Covid rules across northern England


bbcuk--2020-10-01--EU sends UK 'formal notice' over government bill

The EU has launched the first step towards legal proceedings against the UK over the Internal Market Bill .
The @ @ @ @ @ UK government “ formal notice ” – the first step in an infringement procedure .
@ @ @ @ @ der Leyen said the bill is a breach of the good faith agreement in the @ @ @ @ @ has given the UK a month to respond to concerns before it takes further action @

The EU has launched the first step towards legal proceedings against the UK over the Internal Market Bill.
The European Commission has sent the UK government “formal notice” – the first step in an infringement procedure.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the bill is a breach of the good faith agreement in the withdrawal agreement.
The EU has given the UK a month to respond to concerns before it takes further action.
Read more: EU sends UK 'formal notice' over government bill


bbcuk--2020-10-02--Newspaper headlines: MP 'took Covid to Commons' and lockdown 'rebellion'

© 2020 BBC .
The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites .
Read about our approach @ @ @ @

"Don't let my brother die in vain" is the Daily Mirror's headline. The paper has secured what it says is the first interview with LaTonya Floyd, the sister of George Floyd, the African American man who died in May while in police custody in Minnesota. She accuses US President Donald Trump of fuelling racial divisions. telling the paper: "In the four years of his presidency, he has taken America back over forty years." Ms Floyd calls on voters to back his Democratic opponent, Joe Biden, in next month's presidential election.


bbcuk--2020-10-01--Telford: The town needing a Brexit deal more than most

From meringue makers to manufacturing businesses , firms in Telford export a higher proportion of their wares to the EU than their counterparts in any other town or city in the UK .
How do bosses feel as Britain heads towards a decision on a deal - or no deal ?
`` We have seen export business fall by 85 % , so I think a lot of it is to do with Covid , but also everyone is now just sitting tight .
Some customers have been brave enough to order but the orders have been smaller than we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` It is really tricky to plan .
We do n't have the time , in the amount of time that is left , to be organised enough to deal with a no deal .
As usual , we just have to get on with it . ''
`` There will be no winners from a failure to secure a trade deal with the EU as it is the most important customer for every city and large town in Britain , '' Centre for Cities ' Director of Policy and Research Paul Swinney @ @ @ @ @ @ @ why Telford is such an important town and why companies need to be aware of Brexit for when they are looking to supply goods into Europe or really bring services back into the UK , '' he said .
It is owned by Dr Nicky Evans , whose father Chris set up the business in 1985 .
She said an ethos of `` prioritising steady long-term growth '' meant her company had so far survived 2020 while some others could not .
`` In so far as Brexit goes , the primary concern @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but we have done some due diligence there and are relatively confident we should be able to continue in the event of a no-deal Brexit , '' she said .
The company has seen a `` push '' by companies based in the UK that have previously sourced parts from Europe but were now looking for ways to purchase what they needed domestically , to avoid any supply chain problems once Brexit has taken place , Dr Evans added .
`` I think we 're firmly in wait and see mode , we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , we will be able to absorb it and we 'll have a look , sort-of , middle of next year and see where we are , '' she said .
`` My understanding of things as they are is that the bigger businesses , the ones with more economic clout , the ones that have already got international bases , are going to be better prepared than the small to medium businesses , '' he said .
`` Businesses have just been focusing on surviving during the pandemic and are only just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ able to turn their attention to issue of Brexit . ''
That has been the case for Derek Tallent , director of sound and lighting company Press Red Rentals , who said business had been `` pretty tough '' because of the shutting of the exhibition industry this year .
He said he was not sure what the future would hold .
`` Having gone through the 'we hate Brexit , we do n't want it to happen ' to 'actually it 's happened and we 're coming towards the end of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to bite the bullet and get on with it , '' he said .
`` I would like us to stay in the single market and the customs union but that 's obviously not going to happen - but it would be nice for them to get a good trade deal . ''
`` We have to dig our heels in and get on with it , what else can we do ?
We ca n't lie down . ''

"We have seen export business fall by 85%, so I think a lot of it is to do with Covid, but also everyone is now just sitting tight. Some customers have been brave enough to order but the orders have been smaller than we expect," said Mrs Crowther.


bbcuk--2020-10-01--Covid: Sheriff trials with remote juries to begin in December

Remote jury centres are to be extended across Scotland so sheriff court jury trials delayed by the Covid-19 pandemic can restart in December .
The new centres will have enough capacity for 18 jury trial courts to operate , the Scottish Courts and Tribunal Service said .
The Scottish government has provided £6.5m for the centres .
Justice Secretary Humza Yousaf said tackling the backlog would be a `` significant challenge '' .
Trials have not been running since the start of the outbreak in Scotland in March , with about 1,800 cases now built up .
By March 2021 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than 2,000 sheriff court jury trials will be outstanding .
The jury centres will be set up in all six sheriffdoms across Scotland , with facilities in Lothian and Borders and Glasgow and Strathkelvin expected to be in place by December .
Other sheriffdoms will follow in the early part of 2021 .
Plans to use remote jury centres , including cinemas , for socially-distanced jurors to watch High Court trials have already been announced .
Mr Yousaf said the sheriff court trials would follow a similar model .
`` The trials will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but the jurors themselves will be socially distanced in external jury centres , '' he told BBC Scotland .
`` If they 're in cinemas , they will not look like cinemas .
They will look like court rooms .
`` They will preserve the solemnity of a trial which is really important and of course , very importantly , they will follow public health guidance for the jurors .
They will be able to stay physically distanced while watching the trial in the court room . ''
The remote jury centres have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Solemn Trials Working Group .
Lady Dorrian said : `` The innovative approach to remote jury centres in the High Court is now up and running and the next stage is to plan the roll-out of this approach to sheriff court jury trials .
`` This is an excellent collaborative effort across the justice sector which will increase court capacity in an environment that is safe for all participants . ''
High Court trials in Edinburgh resumed this week using a remote jury centre .
Eric McQueen , chief executive of the Scottish @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was an `` important step '' towards restarting sheriff court jury trials .
`` The restarting of trials will be welcome news for accused , victims and witnesses whose lives have been put on hold as a result of the pandemic , '' he said .
`` This mirrors the approach we have taken in the High Court and we are sourcing venues to support each Sheriffdom .
`` The extension of the remote jury centres across Scotland will also provide the capacity for High Court sittings to take place in Aberdeen and @ @ @

"They will preserve the solemnity of a trial which is really important and of course, very importantly, they will follow public health guidance for the jurors. They will be able to stay physically distanced while watching the trial in the court room."


bbcuk--2020-10-01--Coronavirus: 'Concern' for hospitality businesses in north west

An evidence-based approach is needed for introducing restrictions in the north west , according to hospitality industry figures .
Pubs , restaurants and hotels in the Derry and Strabane council area face new restrictions after a spike in cases there .
However , hospitality businesses are calling for evidence on what has caused the rise in cases .
From next week , for at least a fortnight , pubs , cafes , restaurants and hotels will only be able to open for takeaway , delivery and outdoor dining Redmond McFadden said the measures would place `` greater pressure on our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is a bitterly disappointing step that the executive has been forced to take to curb the virus spread across the north west , '' he said .
`` The dramatic spike in cases over recent weeks has been deeply concerning for everyone in our region and we support the executive in taking steps necessary to save lives , protect the public and support our health service .
`` However we have to acknowledge that the consequences of these measures will mean greater pressures on our already struggling businesses and may sadly lead to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the hospitality sector . ''
Johnny Kelly from the Fir Trees Hotel in Strabane , County Tyrone , said the area was considered `` one of the safest places on this island to do business in and to live in '' a few weeks ago .
`` I 'm not so sure that this is really being driven totally or uniquely by the hospitality industry , '' he said .
`` We have been open for three months , we have had 40,000-plus visits to the hotel over that period of three @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no incidents of Covid-19 amongst the very loyal customer base that we have and absolutely none amongst our staff .
`` If we impose these restrictions now and then go back to the way we were in two weeks ' time , three or four weeks ' time without anything else changing , by implication we will be here again and again and again . ''
Colin Neill from Hospitality Ulster said many businesses would not be able to continue trading under the new rules .
`` They wo n't be able to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ space and with the weather getting colder , this will no longer be viable , '' he said .
`` Donegal placed at level three status means that this entire north west area will effectively limp along . ''
Jim Roddy , a city centre initiative manager in Londonderry , said there had been no indication that hospitality was to blame for the rise in cases .
`` It 's worrying if it 's just stopping people going out to hospitality when earlier on in the week , we were talking about household @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' he said .
`` We had a fantastic month in August with the eat out to help out scheme , the restaurants were packed and we did n't see a spike .
`` We 've seen a spike in the last number of weeks in the city and we really need to find what the cause of that spike is and deal with the cause . ''
SDLP leader and Foyle MP Colum Eastwood urged people in the north west to follow the new regulations , but said backing was needed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not restrict trading opportunities in the north west without additional support for businesses that will close and workers forced to be at home , '' he said .
`` I will be pressing very strongly for a support package to meet the needs of people in Derry and Strabane who are being asked to make more sacrifices . ''

"If we impose these restrictions now and then go back to the way we were in two weeks' time, three or four weeks' time without anything else changing, by implication we will be here again and again and again."


bbcuk--2020-10-01--Covid: Support promised for people living alone in lockdown in Wales

Local lockdown restrictions will be changed to support people living alone , the Welsh Government has said .
People living in areas with tighter restrictions are currently banned from meeting other households indoors .
That has led to concerns for the welfare of people living alone .
First Minister Mark Drakeford has been considering whether to allow single people to form a social bubble .
He will give further details at a press conference later on Friday .
No other major changes are expected in the latest review of Wales ' coronavirus rules .
Local lockdown areas now cover 2.3 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in north and south Wales - a majority of the country 's population .
In those areas rules allowing people to form extended households of four different homes are suspended .
Last weekend Mr Drakeford told Wales on Sunday he had asked officials `` to look at the Scottish household model '' .
In Scotland a single person living alone , or with just children aged 18 or under , can meet indoors with people from one other household .
Mr Drakeford said he was concerned about elderly people living alone who `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mix with anybody else indoors '' .
`` Part of this three-week review will be to see whether we can move to the Scottish model , '' he said .
`` If these lockdowns are only going to last a matter of weeks maybe it is n't quite as bad , but if it 's going to go on week after week we need to think about those single-person households . ''
In a local lockdown area people can not travel in or out without a `` reasonable excuse '' .
Those include @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can not work from home • to meet a legal obligation , and to access or receive public services • to avoid injury or illness or escape a risk of harm You can travel through the areas , so roads such as the A55 and M4 can continue to be used .
• More on the rules in local lockdown areas Individuals can only meet outside their own household outside .
The rules apply in every Welsh county , except for Monmouthshire , Pembrokeshire , Ceredigion , Gwynedd , Isle of Anglesey and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Carmarthenshire affected by the rules .
Lockdown restrictions were introduced to deal with a rise in coronavirus cases , with Caerphilly the first area to see their introduction in early September .

"From the impact on our youngest children - including the effects of a disrupted education - right through to the impact on our elderly and most vulnerable who we know are more likely to suffer the effects of loneliness and isolation, we need a strategy that encompasses all of the Welsh population at this most challenging of times."


bbcuk--2020-10-01--CoastSnap to track coastal erosion in south-west England

Hundreds of beachgoers ' smartphone photos are being gathered to track the impact of rising sea levels and climate change .
About 10 mobile phone mounts are being installed at key points across south-west England , for people to take pictures then upload them to a website .
The data , gathered by Plymouth Coastal Observatory ( PCO ) , will be used to help authorities shape beach management .
Dawlish Warren in Devon , Porthmeor in St Ives , Cornwall , and West Bay in Dorset are among those to have the mounts .
The Environment Agency has secured @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Coastal Committee for the CoastSnap project , which was inspired by a successful scheme in New South Wales , Australia , PCO said .
It aims to collect photos taken across varying tidal stages , linking beach erosion to weather conditions , the seasons and storms .
He said seven phone stations had been put in place in 2020 after a pilot in 2019 and two to three more should be installed before the winter .
`` It just exploded this summer after lockdown .
Lots of people were out and about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to 40 photos submitted a day .
A couple of weeks ago we passed the 1,000 mark , '' he said .
An Environment Agency spokesman said : `` We hope the data gained through CoastSnap will help us see how sea level rise and climate change are starting to impact our coast , and that they will enable us to make appropriate decisions about how to respond to these pressures in the future . ''

An Environment Agency spokesman said: "We hope the data gained through CoastSnap will help us see how sea level rise and climate change are starting to impact our coast, and that they will enable us to make appropriate decisions about how to respond to these pressures in the future."


bbcuk--2020-10-01--Brierley Hill shooting: Murder arrest after two men shot dead in car

A man has been arrested on suspicion of murder after two men were found shot in a car at an @ @ @ @ @ after they were found injured inside the vehicle near units off Moor Street in Brierley @ @ @ @ @ before 15:30 BST on Wednesday .
Police believe then men , in their late 20s @ @ @ @ @ shot shortly after 13:00 .
Post-mortem examination are due to take place on Friday .
@ @ @ @ @ 30s was arrested in Carnforth , Lancashire , earlier .

They died after they were found injured inside the vehicle near units off Moor Street in Brierley Hill, Dudley, just before 15:30 BST on Wednesday.


bbcuk--2020-10-02--Margaret Ferrier: Nicola Sturgeon urges Covid trip MP to 'do the right thing'

Scotland 's first minister has urged Margaret Ferrier to resign as an MP after she travelled from Glasgow to London with Covid-19 symptoms , then returned home after testing positive .
Nicola Sturgeon , who is also the SNP leader , said she had `` made clear her view '' to Ms Ferrier that she should `` do the right thing '' and step down .
Ms Ferrier has been suspended by the SNP , but can not be sacked as an MP .
She has apologised and said she `` deeply regretted '' her actions .
In a tweet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said Ms Ferrier was a `` friend and colleague '' and she had asked her to step down `` with a heavy heart '' .
She added : `` Her actions were dangerous and indefensible .
I have no power to force an MP to resign but I hope she will do the right thing . ''
• What is self-isolation and who has to do it ?
The MP for Rutherglen and Hamilton West said she had experienced `` mild symptoms '' on Saturday and was tested for coronavirus .
However , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Westminster on Monday before getting her result because she was `` feeling much better '' .
She spoke for four minutes in the Commons chamber during a coronavirus debate - tweeting a video of her speech - but was told later that evening that she had tested positive for the virus .
Despite this , Ms Ferrier took a train back to Scotland on Tuesday , with SNP whips in the Commons being told about her positive test on Wednesday .
It is understood she had initially told the party she was going @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
A spokesman for the party said : `` The SNP 's chief whip immediately informed parliament authorities .
`` The SNP only became aware on Thursday that Ms Ferrier had been tested prior to travelling to London and had travelled back to Glasgow , knowing that she had a positive result . ''
SNP sources have been reported as saying that party leader Nicola Sturgeon was only told on Thursday afternoon - after she faced opposition leaders at first minister 's questions in the Scottish Parliament .
Ms Ferrier 's actions became @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about 18:00 on Thursday .
SNP sources initially said they would await the result of a police investigation into her actions before deciding whether or not she would be suspended .
But the party announced her suspension about an hour later , with Ms Sturgeon subsequently tweeting that the MP 's actions had been `` indefensible '' .
One person has been identified as a close contact of Ms Ferrier 's and is now self-isolating , parliamentary authorities said .
Police Scotland confirmed they had been contacted by Ms Ferrier , saying officers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and liaising with the Metropolitan Police Service .
Ms Ferrier could face a £4,000 fine for a first-time offence of coming into contact with others when she should have been self-isolating under a law that came into force on the day of her positive test .
Ian Blackford , the SNP leader at Westminster , told BBC Breakfast that Ms Ferrier had broken the law and should therefore `` reflect very carefully on whether she can continue as a Member of Parliament for her constituents '' .
He said : `` Nobody is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the regulations '' and added : `` I am calling on Margaret to do the right thing . ''
Glasgow East MP David Linden , one of Ms Ferrier 's former SNP colleagues , earlier told BBC Question Time that she `` should resign '' as an MP .
SNP MPs Kirsty Blackman and Stephen Flynn have also called for her to step down .
BBC Scotland 's chief political correspondent , Glenn Campbell , said there may be a way for Ms Ferrier 's constituents to force her out if she refuses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to first be suspended from the Commons for a fortnight or ten sitting days by the standards committee .
If 10 % of registered voters in her constituency then signed a recall petition within the next six weeks , her seat would become vacant and a by-election would be called .
Five days a week , every week , Nicola Sturgeon appears on TV , taking questions about her coronavirus policies and urging every one of us to abide by the rules .
So for the MP who has committed the most egregious @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the law - to be one of her own is acutely embarrassing .
The SNP leader who has been quick to condemn others for breaking the rules has made no attempt to defend or excuse Margaret Ferrier .
This is the first minister who fired her chief medical advisor for breaking lockdown rules back in April and who demanded the sacking of the PM 's chief advisor Dominic Cummings after he admitted to breaches of the regulations .
SNP MPs called publicly Ms Ferrier to resign and Ms Sturgeon has spoken to her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ should step down as an MP .
But the problem for the SNP is that they can not force the MP for Rutherglen and Hamilton West to leave her job .
They have already removed the party whip and suspended her from the SNP .
But that is all they can do .
Ms Ferrier was one of the MPs who called on the prime minister 's adviser Dominic Cummings to resign in the wake of the controversy over his visit to the North East of England during lockdown .
At the time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ undermined the sacrifices that we have all been making in lockdown to protect each other from coronavirus '' and described his position as `` untenable '' .
Scottish Conservative leader Douglas Ross said Ms Ferrier 's `` reckless '' actions had put the lives of other people at risk , and has questioned the SNP 's timeline of events .
Mr Ross said : `` The SNP say they only found out about any wrongdoing on Thursday .
That means we 're supposed to accept that the SNP found out Margaret Ferrier tested @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` The public is expected to believe SNP bosses did n't think to ask a single question , not one , about when she tested positive , where she had been or who she had been around , despite her appearance in the Commons earlier that week .
`` The SNP 's timeline is full of holes and any reasonable person can see that . ''
Shadow Scottish secretary Ian Murray also demanded answers from the SNP to the `` very serious questions '' surrounding the behaviour of Ms Ferrier .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Scottish Labour MP wrote : `` We are faced with catastrophic , negligent actions by an MP which have put lives at risk .
`` You and your party 's slow response leaves much to be desired , and the party must come forward with a full and clear explanation .
Commons staff and the wider public deserve nothing less . ''
Ms Ferrier was first elected as an SNP MP in 2015 but lost her seat to Labour in 2017 before winning it back in last year 's general election with a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ What are the restrictions in Scotland ?
• LOCKDOWN : Six months that changed our lives • CASES : Where are the latest cases in Scotland ?
• NUMBERS : Four key figures to watch out for

But the problem for the SNP is that they cannot force the MP for Rutherglen and Hamilton West to leave her job. They have already removed the party whip and suspended her from the SNP. But that is all they can do.


bbcuk--2020-10-02--Covid: Growth in Covid cases 'may be levelling off'

There is more evidence suggesting the growth in cases of Covid could be levelling off in England and Wales .
@ @ @ @ @ show new infections may be rising more slowly than in previous weeks - but it @ @ @ @ @ confirm .
It comes after a large , up-to-date study found growth in cases could @ @ @ @ @ .
More restrictions have come into effect in parts of England where cases are particularly @ @ @ @ @ When will we have one ?
• SYMPTOMS : 85 % of patients have one @ @ @ @ @ IMMUNITY : Can you catch it twice ?
• LOCAL LOCKDOWNS : What happens if @ @ @ @ @ QUARANTINE : Who must self-isolate after arriving in the UK

The R or reproduction number is a measure of how many other people each person with the virus is infecting, so an R between 1.3 and 1.6 means that on average every 10 people infected will infect between 13 and 16 other people.


bbcuk--2020-10-02--Land speed record bid: Maximuscle founder Zef Eisenberg killed

Zef Eisenberg , who launched Maximuscle , died at Elvington Airfield , near York , where in 2006 ex-Top Gear presenter Richard Hammond crashed .
Emergency crews were called after reports of a `` serious collision '' at about 16:30 BST on Thursday .
Guernsey-based Mr Eisenberg , 47 , was involved in a `` near-death '' 230mph crash at the same airfield in 2016 .
His family confirmed his death to the BBC .
North Yorkshire Police said an investigation into the crash was ongoing .
Mr Eisenberg ran the Madmax Race Team , which attempts speed records with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crash , in which he suffered 11 broken bones including his pelvis , he had set other speed records at the airfield .
He returned to racing in 2017 , despite concerns he would never walk again .
In 2019 , Mr Eisenberg set the record for the `` flying mile '' at Pendine Sands in Wales , stealing the crown from actor Idris Elba , who himself had broken the record in 2015 , after it had stood since 1927 , when Sir Malcolm Campbell set the pace .
He also holds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( 363kmh ) in a turbine-powered motorbike in 2015 , as well three FIA records for speeds achieved on an electric motorbike .
The businessman , who left school after his GCSEs , founded sports nutrition company Maximuscle in 1995 .
It was sold to pharmaceutical giant GlaxoSmithKline in 2011 for £162m .
Elvington was an RAF station until 1992 , and has become a popular motorsports venue since entering private ownership .
It has hosted dozens of world record attempts , and is also used as a filming location .

In 2019, Mr Eisenberg set the record for the "flying mile" at Pendine Sands in Wales, stealing the crown from actor Idris Elba, who himself had broken the record in 2015, after it had stood since 1927, when Sir Malcolm Campbell set the pace.


bbcuk--2020-10-02--Asda bought by billionaire Issa brothers in £6.8bn deal

Two billionaire brothers from Blackburn have won the battle to buy Asda from Walmart of the US , in a deal valuing the supermarket chain at £6.8bn .
A consortium of Zuber and Mohsin Issa and private equity firm TDR Capital will take a majority stake in Asda .
It means the grocer will return to majority UK ownership for the first time in two decades .
The Issa brothers own EG Group , which has more than 5,200 petrol stations across the UK and Europe .
A spokesperson for the Issa brothers and TDR Capital declined to comment on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The auction process for Asda has lasted for several months .
Walmart decided to sell a controlling stake in Asda after shelving plans to float the business following a failed £7.3bn merger with Sainsbury 's , which was blocked on competition grounds .
Walmart bought Asda in 1999 for £6.7bn and it will retain a minority stake in the supermarket chain .
Announcing the deal , Walmart said Asda would keep its headquarters in Leeds and its chief executive , Roger Burnley , would remain in place .
Asda already has a relationship @ @ @ @ @ @ @ forecourt business .
The supermarket recently announced its expansion into convenience stores and will initially trial `` Asda On the Move '' at three of EG Group 's fuel station forecourts in the Midlands .
Mohsin and Zuber Issa said they wanted to support Asda 's management to achieve long-term growth .
`` We believe that our experience with EG Group , including our expertise around convenience and brand partnerships and our successful partnership with TDR Capital , can help to accelerate and execute that growth strategy , '' they said .
Initially @ @ @ @ @ @ @ founded EG in 2001 , expanding it from a single site in Bury , Greater Manchester .
TDR Capital now owns half of the group , with Zuber Issa controlling 25 % and Mohsin Issa the remaining 25 % .
Walmart said it expected to report a $ 2.5bn ( £1.9bn ) loss for its next financial year `` reflecting the absence of net income associated with the Asda business '' .
It added that the `` use of cash proceeds '' from the sale `` will be determined at a later date @ @

A spokesperson for the Issa brothers and TDR Capital declined to comment on how they are funding the deal. Walmart said that, under the new owners, Asda will invest £1bn in the supermarket over the next three years.


bbcuk--2020-10-02--Post Office scandal: Postmasters celebrate huge victory against convictions

Dozens of former sub-postmasters and postmistresses should get a clear path in quashing their convictions for fraud , theft and false accounting .
They were convicted of stealing money after the Post Office installed a new computer system , with some imprisoned .
Many have now been told the Post Office will not contest their appeals against conviction .
For years , their criminal record put some of those affected in dire financial circumstances .
Some struggled to secure work , lost their homes , and even failed to get insurance owing to their convictions , but they always said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The Post Office said it would not oppose 44 out of 47 appeals .
The decision makes it almost certain that convictions will be quashed , although Court of Appeal judges must decide and the Post Office can seek a retrial .
More cases remain under scrutiny .
Jo Hamilton is one of the people who has been told that the appeal against her conviction will not be contested .
`` Twelve years I 've been battling and it 's just drained us .
We 've been fighting to prove we were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and white .
I 'm not a criminal , '' she said .
`` It 's just gone on for so long .
It 's been a massive part of my life . ''
Mrs Hamilton was accused by the Post Office of taking £36,000 from the village shop she ran in Hampshire .
She said issues in the Horizon computer system led to big discrepancies in her accounts , which she reported to her Post Office area manager .
But that manager could find nothing wrong with the system , and she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you had to prove your innocence '' .
After a distressing two-year process , she eventually pleaded guilty to false accounting at Winchester Crown Court in order to escape a more serious charge of theft .
She had to give up her shop and found it difficult to get a new job due to her criminal record .
Declaring the criminal record also affected everyday life , such as failing to get car insurance .
She made ends meet by doing cleaning jobs for people in her village who did not believe she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ including the local vicar , came to support her at her sentencing hearing .
Another former sub-postmistress , Seema Misra , was pregnant with her second child when she was convicted of theft and sent to jail in 2010 .
She was in tears after being told her appeal would not be contested , saying that she had been `` suffering '' for 15 years as a result of the case .
`` Prison was my worst nightmare .
I never thought of giving up , '' she said .
`` I 'm @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been done .
I can now proudly say my name . ''
The Post Office agreed in December to pay almost £58m to settle the long-running dispute with more than 500 sub-postmasters and postmistresses affected by the scandal , many of whom had been fired or made bankrupt as a result .
The settlement brought an end to a mammoth series of court cases over the Horizon IT system used to manage local post office finances since 1999 .
Earlier this week , the government announced that retired judge Sir Wyn Williams would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's failings after repeated calls for a judge-led , full public inquiry .
What is the Horizon computer scandal ?
The Horizon system , developed by the Japanese company Fujitsu , was first rolled out in 1999 to some post offices to be used for a variety of tasks including accounting and stocktaking .
But from an early stage it appeared to have significant bugs which could cause the system to misreport , sometimes involving substantial sums of money .
It was difficult for sub-postmasters to challenge errors because they were unable to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so .
After more than 900 prosecutions , 550 sub-postmasters raised civil actions against the Post Office which agreed to pay £58m damages .
The English Criminal Cases Review Commission ( CCRC ) has referred 47 convictions brought under Horizon evidence to the Appeal Court .
The Director of Public Prosecutions is also considering whether there should be charges of perjury against officials who claimed in court there were no problems with Horizon , even though emails and other documents now suggest they knew there were .
• Listen to the background of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trial on BBC Sounds Solicitor Neil Hudgell , who represented 33 of the sub-postmasters , said the Post Office 's decision not to contest appeals would have wider implications .
`` [ This ] is a landmark moment , not only for these individuals , but in time , potentially hundreds of others .
The door to justice has been opened , '' he said .
`` We are today obviously delighted for the people we represent .
Clearing their names has been their driving goal from day one , as their reputations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Six other cases which were only heard by magistrates do go to the Court of Appeal but instead to another hearing at the Crown Court , but the Post Office will not offer any evidence , which will mean they will be cleared .
Tim Parker , chairman of the Post Office , said : `` I am sincerely sorry on behalf of the Post Office for historical failings which seriously affected some postmasters .
`` Post Office is resetting its relationship with postmasters with reforms that prevent such past events ever @ @ @ @

She said issues in the Horizon computer system led to big discrepancies in her accounts, which she reported to her Post Office area manager. But that manager could find nothing wrong with the system, and she was put in a situation where "you had to prove your innocence".


bbcuk--2020-10-02--Storm Alex brings heavy rain and high winds to parts of UK

Parts of the UK are facing heavy rain and high winds , as Storm Alex brings in a stretch of bad weather .
Widespread power cuts have hit areas west of London and along the south coast , where gale-force winds reached 61mph ( 98km/h ) on Friday morning .
Rain warnings are in place across much of Wales and England and parts of Scotland for this weekend .
The Met Office 's chief meteorologist said the forecast was a `` miserable end to the working week '' .
Storm Alex , which has been affecting France , has pushed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ England , causing disruption to power lines in the South West and on the Isle of Wight .
Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks recorded power cuts in more than 20 areas , including Portsmouth , Southampton and towns east of Reading .
Western Power Distribution has also recorded incidents in the South West , affecting Devon , Cornwall , Dorset and Somerset .
Forecasters have warned that southern coastal areas of England could see gusts of up to 65mph , while other parts of the UK could be at risk of flooding before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weather warning for wind and rain is in place on Friday across much of southern England - stretching from Cornwall to the Kent coast - and parts of Wales .
Chief meteorologist at the Met Office Steve Ramsdale said : `` As the strong winds and rain associated with Storm Alex clear away from Britain later on Friday , another low-pressure system moves towards the UK from the east bringing further very heavy rain and strong winds to many over the weekend . ''
There is also the possibility of flooding this weekend @ @ @ @ @ @ @ amber weather warning for rain covers much of Wales and south-west England from 12:00 BST on Saturday to 06:00 on Sunday .
Yellow weather warnings are in place for most of central and southern England , and eastern coasts into Scotland from Saturday into Sunday .
A yellow weather warning means heavy rain is expected and could lead to disruption from flooding , while an amber warning means heavy rain is expected to bring some flooding and transport disruption .
Over the weekend , parts of Wales , south-west England and eastern Scotland @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
This could lead to the risk of flooding and landslides as well as very difficult driving conditions , the Met Office said - concerns that were echoed by the Environment Agency .
The Environment Agency said : `` We urge people to stay away from swollen rivers and not to drive though flood water - it is often deeper than it looks and just 30cm of flowing water is enough to float your car . ''

"We urge people to stay away from swollen rivers and not to drive though flood water - it is often deeper than it looks and just 30cm of flowing water is enough to float your car," the Environment Agency said.


bbcuk--2020-10-02--Brexit: PM and EU president to 'take stock' of trade talks

Boris Johnson will speak to the president of the EU Commission Ursula von der Leyen on Saturday to `` take stock '' of post-Brexit trade negotiations and `` discuss next steps '' .
The UK and the EU have been holding their final formal rounds of trade talks in Brussels this week .
Both sides have said a deal needs to be agreed this month to take over from the transition period at the start of 2021 .
Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick called on the EU to `` show flexibility '' .
The meeting between Mr Johnson and Ms von @ @ @ @ @ @ @ EU launched legal proceedings against the UK over its plans to override sections of its Brexit divorce deal .
• What are the sticking points in Brexit trade talks ?
• Brexit deal must be made , says business boss • Trade talks : What do the UK and EU want ?
The UK formally left the EU in January , but entered a transition period - where the UK has kept to EU trading rules and remained inside its customs union and single market - to allow the two sides to negotiate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in March and continued through the pandemic , but there has been concerns over whether a plan would be agreed before that period runs out on 31 December .
Issues that have become particular sticking points between negotiators are state aid - when governments give financial support to businesses - and fishing rules .
The BBC 's Europe editor Katya Adler said there had been `` rumours of progress '' in the talks from UK officials , but they have not been confirmed by EU teams .
She added : `` The only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sides say they want a deal , but both say not at any price .
`` If a deal does eventually emerge , compromises will have to have been made by both sides . ''
The EU has said a deal must be reached before the end of October to allow it to be signed off by the member states before the end of the year , while Mr Johnson has said both sides should `` move on '' if agreement was not reached by the middle of the month .
If a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will go on to trade with the bloc on World Trade Organisation rules .
Mr Jenrick told BBC Radio 4 's Today programme the government was `` perfectly content to see the transition period end and us to continue to trade on the same sort of arrangements as Australia '' if agreement is not reached .

The EU has said a deal must be reached before the end of October to allow it to be signed off by the member states before the end of the year, while Mr Johnson has said both sides should "move on" if agreement was not reached by the middle of the month.


bbcuk--2020-10-02--Archie Lyndhurst: Jack Whitehall pays tribute to 'utter joy to work with'

Comedian Jack Whitehall has posted a glowing tribute to late actor Archie Lyndhurst , who has died at the age of 19 , calling him as an `` utter joy '' .
Lyndhurst played a younger version of Whitehall on TV , film and stage , and appeared in his series Bad Education .
He was `` passionate , generous and pitch perfect '' and `` loved by everyone on set '' , the comic wrote .
He would `` never be forgotten '' , he added .
Archie was the son of Only Fools and Horses star Nicholas Lyndhurst @ @ @ @ @ @ @ my life nearly 10 years ago , playing the young me in a short film I 'd written , '' Whitehall wrote with `` a heavy heart '' .
`` He was brilliant , so talented and funny .
An utter joy to work with . ''
Responding to his tribute online , Archie 's mum Lucy thanked Whitehall for `` all the amazing opportunities '' he put their son 's way , and for the `` lifelong friendship '' that had ensued .
`` He loved every moment of every job and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' she said .
`` We shall love him forever and a day and are the luckiest parents to have had the most wonderful unique son who has bought us nothing but joy in our lives . ''
Lyndhurst , who was best known for playing Ollie Coulton in the CBBC comedy So Awkward , died after a short illness , it was confirmed on Thursday .
In a statement , Nicholas said he and Lucy were `` utterly grief stricken and respectfully request privacy '' .
Whitehall recalled how his `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to them doing a skit at the London Palladium and joining forces again in a sketch for his arena tour and TV special .
`` When we needed to find an actor to play the young Alfie Wickers in Bad Education it was the easiest piece of casting we ever had to do , '' he continued .
`` Every time I worked with Archie he was the same - passionate , generous and pitch perfect , he was loved by everyone on set .
I have no doubt he would have had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have continued lighting up the lives of all those who encountered him . ''
Whitehall went on to explain that during lockdown , Archie had been taking shopping and groceries to his parents Michael and Hilary when they could n't leave the house .
`` The enthusiastic and talented boy I met all those years ago had grown into an equally charming young man , '' he wrote of the kind gesture .
`` It 's testament to what a wonderful and kind person he was . ''
He concluded : `` The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ special soul .
He will never be forgotten , I feel utterly devastated that he is gone but I also feel so blessed to have met him . ''
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"Every time I worked with Archie he was the same - passionate, generous and pitch perfect, he was loved by everyone on set. I have no doubt he would have had a long and illustrious career and would have continued lighting up the lives of all those who encountered him."