bbcuk--2020-10-03--Climate: The week Boris Johnson turned green, or did he?

You could be forgiven for thinking this was the week Boris Johnson really grasped the perilous state of the planet .
After a long silence on environmental issues , he made not one but three “ green ” speeches to the UN biodiversity summit in New York .
At first sight , his promises looked ambitious : take the headline on a Downing Street press release which read “ PM commits to protect 30 % of UK land in boost for biodiversity '' .
Nearly a third of UK land protected for nature… that ’ s impressive , right ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Environmentalists called the press release a masterpiece of spin : it gave the impression that 30 % of land would be protected for biological diversity .
But , as campaigners pointed out , the UK ’ s proposed protected area would mainly refer to land protected for beauty , not wildlife .
The “ 30 by 30 ” target was initially proposed by international green groups in 2018 , and clearly referred to nature protection , not landscape value .
But much of the area to be included in the UK 's proud @ @ @ @ @ @ @ walkers , tourists and sheep , not rare plants and insects .
In fact , some protected uplands are actually relatively poor in biodiversity , following decades of overgrazing .
This means the government ’ s only firm promise this week – after three prime ministerial speeches - is to safeguard just 4 % more of the UK ’ s land for nature .
That ’ s hardly an urgent response to what the PM calls a crisis .
So what was the PM ’ s contribution to the summit ?
Well , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : “ Consider the pangolin – that scaly mammalian miracle of evolution boasting a prehensile tongue that is somehow attached to its pelvis .
“ I don ’ t believe any of us would choose to bequeath a planet on which such a wonderfully bizarre little creature is as unfamiliar to future generations as dinosaurs and dodos are to us today.
” But his scaly tribute bore no further new policies .
The previous week , on the subject of climate change , the PM flamboyantly predicted that the UK could be the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He declared himself an “ evangelist ” for the extremely expensive technology of CCS – carbon capture and storage , which buries CO2 in underground rocks .
He heralded a revolution for hydrogen fuel and said the UK would get more nuclear power .
He also said Britain would phase out sales of new petrol cars earlier than planned .
But he didn ’ t say when , and didn ’ t give any details of other policies in his in-tray , or how they would be funded .
As the UK @ @ @ @ @ @ @ world climate summit , the PM ’ s critics say he must urgently underpin his words with cash and timetables for delivery .
Former Tory minister Sir Nicholas Soames wrote in the Times that , despite recent rhetoric , the UK is falling behind on carbon-cutting generally and on the high-level diplomacy needed to unite international partners .
He said : “ The government must wake up to the challenge in front of it and realise that the diplomatic landscape is the toughest it has been.
” So , what ’ s the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ To be fair , the government is making pioneering moves in some areas of green policy .
It 's committing to break the link between deforestation and UK supply chains .
And it 's helped lead the Global Ocean Alliance , which aims to protect at least 30 % of the world ’ s oceans by 2030 .
The UK ’ s Blue Belt programme is a little-publicised but major initiative on track to protect marine areas the size of India .
But real firm action is proving more elusive than words .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ called a lack of enforcement of marine zones that it dropped boulders in the North Sea to obstruct fishing .
On farming , the government also has - in theory - a good news story to tell .
It ’ s attracted admirers with its scheme to swap the widely-reviled EU farm policy for a grant system based on wildlife protection rather than farm size .
But now it seems the need to keep farmers in business may prompt ministers to raid the planned nature protection budget .
Meanwhile , the government 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in law if only it was n't stuck in the Commons for a want of Parliamentary time .
Does that mean the green promises are worthless ?
The Guardian columnist George Monbiot offered a bleak assessment on the week 's pronouncements .
“ It ’ s the hope I can ’ t stand , ” he said .
“ Every few years , governments gather to make solemn promises about the action they will take to defend the living world , then break them before the ink is dry .
“ Wherever Johnson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ promises litters his path like roadkill.
” Tony Juniper , head of Natural England , prefers to focus on potential .
He told me : “ If you look at it in the round , the government has an awful lot of good policies in the pipeline .
If they manage to deliver their programme it ’ ll be a huge achievement.
” He said work was already under way to improve biodiversity in areas protected mainly for landscape value .
If that succeeds , he said , it would make the 30 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Juniper ’ s guarded optimism was echoed by Julian Glover , who conducted last year ’ s government-funded review into National Parks .
He told me : “ This is a rare chance to get reform , funding and more for nature and people .
“ Environmentalists are right to point out today 's big problems but I hope they will use this chance to get change and not just complain that because things for nature are often dire now there 's no chance of a government helping make them better .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ talk about the issue - let 's encourage him to back action . ''
It ’ s rumoured that Mr Johnson was prompted to make the recent flurry of green announcements after being embarrassed by the reaction to his derogatory comments about rare newts in a speech on planning .
The big question now is what will nudge him to put finance and targets to the ideas in his green in tray ?

Climate: The week Boris Johnson turned green, or did he? Published 3 October 2020
Image source, UN Image caption, Mr Johnson said nearly a third of UK land would be protected for nature
You could be forgiven for thinking this was the week Boris Johnson really grasped the perilous state of the planet.
After a long silence on environmental issues, he made not one but three “green” speeches to the UN biodiversity summit in New York.
At first sight, his promises looked ambitious: take the headline on a Downing Street press release which read “PM commits to protect 30% of UK land in boost for biodiversity".
Nearly a third of UK land protected for nature… that’s impressive, right? Well, not according to some.
Environmentalists called the press release a masterpiece of spin: it gave the impression that 30% of land would be protected for biological diversity.
But, as campaigners pointed out, the UK’s proposed protected area would mainly refer to land protected for beauty, not wildlife.
The “30 by 30” target was initially proposed by international green groups in 2018, and clearly referred to nature protection, not landscape value.
But much of the area to be included in the UK's proud 30% target are principally managed for walkers, tourists and sheep, not rare plants and insects.
In fact, some protected uplands are actually relatively poor in biodiversity, following decades of overgrazing.
This means the government’s only firm promise this week – after three prime ministerial speeches - is to safeguard just 4% more of the UK’s land for nature.
That’s hardly an urgent response to what the PM calls a crisis.
So what was the PM’s contribution to the summit?
Well, it pulsed with colour. He warned: “Consider the pangolin – that scaly mammalian miracle of evolution boasting a prehensile tongue that is somehow attached to its pelvis.
“I don’t believe any of us would choose to bequeath a planet on which such a wonderfully bizarre little creature is as unfamiliar to future generations as dinosaurs and dodos are to us today.”
But his scaly tribute bore no further new policies.
What about climate pledges?
The previous week, on the subject of climate change, the PM flamboyantly predicted that the UK could be the "Saudi Arabia" of wind power.
He declared himself an “evangelist” for the extremely expensive technology of CCS – carbon capture and storage, which buries CO2 in underground rocks.
He heralded a revolution for hydrogen fuel and said the UK would get more nuclear power. He also said Britain would phase out sales of new petrol cars earlier than planned.
Image source, Reuters Image caption, Mr Johnson said the UK had "quite extraordinary potential" for wind power
But he didn’t say when, and didn’t give any details of other policies in his in-tray, or how they would be funded.
As the UK prepares to host next year’s world climate summit, the PM’s critics say he must urgently underpin his words with cash and timetables for delivery.
Former Tory minister Sir Nicholas Soames wrote in the Times that, despite recent rhetoric, the UK is falling behind on carbon-cutting generally and on the high-level diplomacy needed to unite international partners.
He said: “The government must wake up to the challenge in front of it and realise that the diplomatic landscape is the toughest it has been.”
So, what’s the PM doing right for the environment?
To be fair, the government is making pioneering moves in some areas of green policy.
It's committing to break the link between deforestation and UK supply chains. And it's helped lead the Global Ocean Alliance, which aims to protect at least 30% of the world’s oceans by 2030.
The UK’s Blue Belt programme is a little-publicised but major initiative on track to protect marine areas the size of India.
But real firm action is proving more elusive than words. Greenpeace was so incensed by what it called a lack of enforcement of marine zones that it dropped boulders in the North Sea to obstruct fishing.
On farming, the government also has - in theory - a good news story to tell.
It’s attracted admirers with its scheme to swap the widely-reviled EU farm policy for a grant system based on wildlife protection rather than farm size.
But now it seems the need to keep farmers in business may prompt ministers to raid the planned nature protection budget.
Meanwhile, the government's ambitious Environment Bill would enshrine biodiversity targets in law if only it wasn't stuck in the Commons for a want of Parliamentary time.
Does that mean the green promises are worthless?
The Guardian columnist George Monbiot offered a bleak assessment on the week's pronouncements.
“It’s the hope I can’t stand,” he said. “Every few years, governments gather to make solemn promises about the action they will take to defend the living world, then break them before the ink is dry.
“Wherever Johnson has been, a trail of broken promises litters his path like roadkill.”
Tony Juniper, head of Natural England, prefers to focus on potential. He told me: “If you look at it in the round, the government has an awful lot of good policies in the pipeline. If they manage to deliver their programme it’ll be a huge achievement.”
He said work was already under way to improve biodiversity in areas protected mainly for landscape value. If that succeeds, he said, it would make the 30% protection figure more impressive.
Mr Juniper’s guarded optimism was echoed by Julian Glover, who conducted last year’s government-funded review into National Parks.
He told me: “This is a rare chance to get reform, funding and more for nature and people.
“Environmentalists are right to point out today's big problems but I hope they will use this chance to get change and not just complain that because things for nature are often dire now there's no chance of a government helping make them better.
“It's good the PM wants to talk about the issue - let's encourage him to back action."
It’s rumoured that Mr Johnson was prompted to make the recent flurry of green announcements after being embarrassed by the reaction to his derogatory comments about rare newts in a speech on planning.
The big question now is what will nudge him to put finance and targets to the ideas in his green in tray?


bbcuk--2020-10-02--'Bittersweet' farewell for Scotland's oldest miniature railway

He said : `` We 're trying to take the positive out of it and make sure the railway has @ @ @ @ @

He said: "We're trying to take the positive out of it and make sure the railway has the send-off it deserves.


bbcuk--2020-10-02--Children's fiction: Cardiff writer's debut book nets him six-figure deal

A previously unpublished writer has described the `` extraordinary '' moment a publisher offered him a six-figure advance on a three-book deal .
Egmont Books snapped up Jack Meggitt-Phillips ' children 's novel The Beast and the Bethany before it could go to auction .
Film rights are being chased by a firm headed by a Harry Potter producer .
`` I did have to check a few times that it was n't spam , '' said Mr Meggitt-Phillips , originally from Cardiff .
`` I felt very sorry for the neighbours at the time because I jumped up and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
Liz Bankes , fiction editorial director of Egmont Books , said she could see the work becoming an `` iconic series '' and a `` modern classic '' in children 's literature .
`` The sign when something really special has come in was on our team WhatsApp group , we were already sharing favourite lines or moments from it , '' she said .
The novel , written for children aged eight-12 , is about a 511-year-old man called Ebenezer Tweezer who has a hungry creature in his attic .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ return the beast vomits out an ever-lasting youth potion , keeping him alive .
But things become complicated when the Beast announces that it wants to eat something new - a child .
He thinks he 's found a simple solution when he comes across the rebellious , naughty prankster , Bethany , but it is not as straightforward as he thought .
And the book has now attracted international attention , with publishing deals in 22 countries outside the UK .
`` It 's been really interesting seeing how the different countries @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' said Mr Meggitt-Phillips , a 27-year-old former PR worker .
`` In Iceland , the Beast is going to be changed into a woman because apparently the word sounds prettier if it 's given a female noun . ''
Meanwhile Heyday Films , headed by producer David Heyman who has worked on the Harry Potter series , the Fantastic Beasts trilogy and the Paddington films , has sought the film rights .
`` My agent got a call which I was absolutely convinced was a hoax even though she affirmed it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` I could n't think of a better partnership to help bring The Beast and Bethany to the screen . ''
However , the pandemic has meant the book release and publicity campaign has had to take a different turn this year .
• TV and film 'need government help ' to restart '' The sad thing for me is that it would have been great to do school visits and meet and talk with hopefully the readers of the book , '' said Mr Meggitt-Phillips .
`` It 's been such @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said he had wanted to become a writer since the age of 10 , despite an unsuccessful entry in a creative writing competition at school .
`` The judges disagreed and ever since then I 've been trying to disprove them and have kept writing , '' he said .
He continued to pursue writing throughout his A-levels at Llanishen High School , his English undergraduate degree at Warwick University and in his work at a PR agency in London .

"The sad thing for me is that it would have been great to do school visits and meet and talk with hopefully the readers of the book," said Mr Meggitt-Phillips.


bbcuk--2020-09-14--Coronavirus: How do monoclonal antibodies work?

A new treatment that uses laboratory-made antibodies is to be trialled on Covid-19 patients in UK hospitals .
These monoclonal @ @ @ @ @ about 2,000 people as part of the UK Recovery Trial , which previously found that @ @ @ @ @ could save lives .

A new treatment that uses laboratory-made antibodies is to be trialled on Covid-19 patients in UK hospitals.
These monoclonal antibodies will be given to about 2,000 people as part of the UK Recovery Trial, which previously found that a cheap steroid called dexamethasone could save lives.
Science Correspondent Rebecca Morelle explains how the antibodies work.


bbcuk--2020-10-03--Coronavirus: Flu vaccinations 'more important than ever'

The roll out of the annual flu vaccination gets under way across NI from Saturday , with the health minister describing it as more important than ever during the coronavirus pandemic .
Robin Swann said cutting the risk of flu will help the health system better manage the rise in Covid-19 cases .
He warned anyone who becomes co-infected with flu and coronavirus could end up with a `` severe illness '' .
Mr Swann said all measures needed to be taken to `` reduce the risk of flu '' .
Because flu and coronavirus share similar symptoms `` it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ work of the contact tracing and surveillance programme '' , he warned .
He added : `` Reducing the pressure caused by seasonal flu will help preserve the capacity of the health and social care system to manage any future waves of Covid-19 . ''
On Friday , 934 new cases of Covid-19 in Northern Ireland were confirmed , more than double the previous daily high .
The figures show 201 new cases in the Derry and Strabane council area , 191 in Belfast and 182 in Newry and Mourne .
Cases were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , when other viruses such as flu are also on the rise , but Mr Swann said that it looked like `` October is going to be our Covid winter '' .
The vaccine is available to people over 65 and at-risk groups , including pregnant women and young children .
Pre-school and primary school children are also eligible and , this year , pupils in Year 8 of secondary school will also be able to get the vaccine .
It is also available to people under 65 with an underlying health condition @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a coronavirus shielding letter from their doctor earlier this year .
The Public Health Agency ( PHA ) is urging everyone who is eligible for the free flu vaccination to get it .
`` For most people , flu is a very unpleasant illness , but in some cases and for those in 'at-risk ' groups it can be very dangerous and sometimes fatal , '' Dr David Irwin of the PHA said .
`` That is why we have a wide-ranging vaccination programme which helps protect groups at particular risk in our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Northern Ireland on Saturday , large-scale vaccination programmes are being rolled out by GPs .
In the north west , a number of GP practices will be holding vaccination clinics in three schools - Thornhill College , Foyle College ( both in Londonderry ) and Limavady High School .
Dr Simon O'Hagan , a Derry-based GP , said the pandemic means it is not possible to carry out vaccinations in surgeries as in other years .
Using the schools , he said , means `` we can invite people along on specific days @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Because the sites are so much larger with lots of parking , and also with large sports halls etc , we can deliver the vaccines in a safe and socially-distanced manner , '' he added .

Cases were expected to rise in the colder months, when other viruses such as flu are also on the rise, but Mr Swann said that it looked like "October is going to be our Covid winter".


bbcuk--2020-10-03--Weather in Wales: Warning of floods and travel problems

Homes and businesses are likely to face flooding and some communities could be `` cut off '' as heavy rain @ @ @ @ @ .
The Met Office issued an amber rain warning across most of Wales from midday @ @ @ @ @ on Sunday .
It said fast-flowing or deep flood-water could cause `` danger to life @ @ @ @ @ see 1-2in ( 25-50mm ) of rainfall , with totals of 2.5-3.5in ( 70-90mm ) @ @ @ @ @ More than 4.5in ( 120mm ) is expected in some of the most exposed high @ @ @ @ @ warning , which also covers large parts of south-west England , comes after a day @ @ @ @ @ as Storm Alex moved in from France .
The Met Office warned that delays and @ @ @ @ @ services were likely and conditions would make driving difficult .
`` The unusual wind direction @ @ @ @ @ mean that the peak rainfall totals are likely to occur in some areas that are @ @ @ @ @ during unsettled spells of weather , '' its forecast warned .

Allow Twitter content?
This article contains content provided by Twitter. We ask for your permission before anything is loaded, as they may be using cookies and other technologies. You may want to read Twitter’s cookie policy, external and privacy policy, external before accepting. To view this content choose ‘accept and continue’.


bbcuk--2020-10-03--BAME officers network 'makes us feel less alone'

The police force that dealt with the toppling of a statue of a slave trader during a Black Lives Matter protest in the summer has been encouraging its officers of colour to build networks to help them get into the senior ranks .
The bespoke leadership programme at Avon and Somerset is one of the ways the force has been aiming to be the `` most diverse '' in England .
As well as networking , the course sets out to remove `` psychological barriers '' and build participants ' confidence in applying for roles .
Insp Deepak Kenth said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mine who have always got this help throughout their careers .
`` They always have these networks , whereas we have n't .
Now there is something , we should n't be made to feel guilty about it .
`` We 're not getting any special assistance we are just getting something which should have been the case years and years ago . ''
The 38-year-old said the network had made him and others `` feel less alone '' and overcome `` self-doubt '' .
In 2005 , Insp Kenth became the first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ police force .
He is now working towards becoming the first Asian superintendent in Bristol , though the three-month course itself does not offer or guarantee a promotion on completion .
According to the latest Home Office statistics for police in England and Wales , only 4 % of those in inspector ranks or above came from BAME backgrounds , compared with 8 % of constables .
Over the past two years in Avon and Somerset , the rate of officers to come from a BAME background has increased from 2.4 % to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Steve Cullen said was `` still too low '' .
While there has been no specific target to be the `` most diverse '' force , this overall goal set by Chief Constable Andy Marsh has been attracting more BAME officers .
`` The environment breeds success and support and that push which I never got in Hampshire , '' added Insp Kenth .
Insp Ronnie Lungu , 46 , also transferred to Avon and Somerset upon promotion , in his case from Wiltshire .
`` Avon and Somerset has got the ambition @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the country and I want to be front and centre of that , because the ambition is real , '' said Insp Lungu .
The leadership programme took a year to set up and began in September after a summer that saw the death of George Floyd in the US sparking worldwide protests .
• BAME recruitment to 'change the face ' of police • 'Why join a force of people you mistrust ? '
• Top officer urges police to 'stand up to racists' As part of the Black Lives Matter protests @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prominent slave trader Edward Colston was toppled and pushed into the harbour in June .
Insp Kenth , who joined the police in 2002 , said he had `` felt the pressure '' of being an Asian man `` getting looks '' , especially after the 9/11 and 7/7 terror attacks .
`` With Black Lives Matter , I understand what people on the whole majority were protesting about because I 've lived that and I 've experienced that and I see it , '' he said .
`` But the same time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 18 years so you are divided and you know not everything is the police 's fault .
It 's a societal issue . ''
He said the statue was a `` divisive issue '' but that he had experienced policing for local derby football matches or moments of disorder where damage was caused , and police were so heavily outnumbered `` that the best we could do was record what was happening '' and `` it was no different to those events '' .
`` But it was made to look different because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he added .
`` Some people said the police have favoured the left or other people said they are coming down hard .
`` It was n't a race issue , it was criminal damage , and the police did what they had to - keep the peace . ''
• How many statues of black people does the UK have ?
Since then , police in the UK have also been criticised for how forces treated diverse communities but also their treatment of officers of colour .
While officers on the programme @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , being an officer of colour has been felt more keenly .
Insp Lungu said : `` You feel like you 're caught between two families - that 's been a challenge . ''
But he said he and other officers also knew `` that if things have to change they 've got to be part of that organisation '' .
Speaking of the George Floyd case and the widely-seen footage showing a white police officer kneeling on his neck , he said : `` It was challenging because , you know , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could be me , it could be my relative , it could be a member of my family .
`` It brought a lot of emotions , it brought anger and it brought shame because I 'm a police officer .
`` I remember my son asking me the question , 'why would you work for an organisation like that ? '
`` I had to explain to him that yes there are situations , they do happen , however the organisation I work for does n't reflect that .
`` Therefore I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we continue being as professional as we can be and make that change . ''
Acting Det Ch Insp Ayesha Giles , 38 , joined the force in 2004 after graduating with a criminology degree .
`` Being a police officer , it 's really hard to watch when you see George Floyd .
I personally ca n't watch that video .
`` When you get the sweeping statement that all police officers are the same , the already difficult job that we have to try and get local communities to trust us @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other people have done . ''
Although Acting Det Ch Insp Giles said she had never experienced any overt racism growing up in south Bristol , she has gained insight into other people 's experience of it .
`` When they 've encountered racism at such an early age , it 's really impacted their confidence and then they believe you ca n't do certain things because you 're not white . ''
She said she wanted to support other officers , especially in the `` current climate '' .
`` It 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ myself the skills and the tool kit so I can actually do something to make a difference to somebody else . ''
Her ambition , she said , was to secure her promotion and long-term the aim was to think `` two ranks ahead '' .
`` It 's about building your network of influential people who can make a difference and make a difference to the force , '' she said .

He said the statue was a "divisive issue" but that he had experienced policing for local derby football matches or moments of disorder where damage was caused, and police were so heavily outnumbered "that the best we could do was record what was happening" and "it was no different to those events".


bbcuk--2020-10-04--UK announces more than 10,000 daily cases for first time

The UK has announced more than 10,000 daily coronavirus cases for the first time since mass testing began .
There were 12,872 new cases , while a further 49 people have died within 28 days of testing positive for Covid-19 .
However , the government said a technical issue meant some cases this week were not recorded at the time so these were included in Saturday 's data .
It comes after data released this week suggested infections may be increasing more slowly than in previous weeks .
This data was based on weekly testing among a sample of people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of how many people in England have the virus at any time .
The government also closely watches the daily number of positive cases , as it provides the most up-to-date snapshot .
However , it published a cautionary message on its `` data dashboard '' , explaining that the totals reported over the coming days would include some cases from the previous week , `` increasing the number of cases reported '' .
A Department of Health spokesman said the issue did not affect people receiving test results , and all those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the normal way .
The announcement of the apparent glitch in the daily count comes `` at an awkward moment '' , according to BBC health editor Hugh Pym , `` when there is intense scrutiny of daily Covid-19 data as ministers and health chiefs try to assess the rate of spread of the virus '' .
He added : `` After criticism in recent months over the way total tests are counted , ministers and officials will now face more questions over the compilation of daily case data . ''
• How @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
• What are the Covid rules where you live ?
The daily total saw a significant rise from 4,044 on Monday to a then-high of 7,143 on Tuesday .
However , over the next four days the daily total remained stable - varying between 6,914 and 7,108 - at a time when continued increases might have been expected .
And then came the big leap in numbers announced on Saturday , a far bigger day-on-day increase than at any time in the entire pandemic , which were announced five hours later than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the government explanation .
The figures announced on Saturday would also have been partially inflated by the fact that 264,979 tests were processed the previous day , the third highest there has been so far in a single 24-hour period .
Saturday 's figure brings the total number of recorded cases in the UK to 480,017 .
The increase in the UK is largely reflected across Europe .
• On the same day , France recorded 16,972 new cases - a new daily high for the country • The Netherlands and Belgium respectively @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , also new highs in both countries • Meanwhile , Russia , which has the biggest population in Europe , recorded 9,859 cases - its highest level since May On Saturday tighter restrictions came into force in parts of northern England after a spike in coronavirus cases .
It is now illegal to meet people indoors from other households in the Liverpool City Region , Hartlepool , Middlesbrough and Warrington .
It means than a third of the UK is now under heightened restrictions .
They were also tightened up this week in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tyneside , South Tyneside , Sunderland and County Durham , as well as four areas of north Wales .
The new rules come as hundreds of Northumbria University students are self-isolating after testing positive for Covid .
Elsewhere , people arriving in the UK from Turkey and Poland now have to quarantine for two weeks .
The new rules - which also apply to the Caribbean islands of Bonaire , St Eustatius and Saba - came into force at 04:00 BST on Saturday .
• SOCIAL DISTANCING : How have rules on meeting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ What are they and who can be in yours ?
• FACE MASKS : When do I need to wear one ?
• TESTING : How do I get a virus test ?
• SYMPTOMS : What are they and how to guard against them ?
After a steady decline since the first peak in April , confirmed coronavirus daily cases in the UK have been rising again since July , with the rate of growth increasing sharply from the end of August .
Sage , the body which advises the UK government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ likely '' the epidemic is growing exponentially across the country .
Their latest R number estimate - indicating how fast the epidemic is growing or falling - rose to between 1.3 and 1.6 .
But an Office for National Statistics ( ONS ) survey estimates there were 8,400 new cases per day in England in the week to 24 September - slightly down on the previous week 's estimate of 9,600 daily cases .
The ONS 's estimates of how much of the population is currently infected are based on testing a representative @ @ @ @ @ @ @ without symptoms .
It is different to the number published daily by the Department of Health .
That records positive cases in people with potential Covid symptoms who request tests .

The announcement of the apparent glitch in the daily count comes "at an awkward moment", according to BBC health editor Hugh Pym, "when there is intense scrutiny of daily Covid-19 data as ministers and health chiefs try to assess the rate of spread of the virus".


bbcuk--2020-10-03--Brexit: PM and EU chief agree importance of finding trade deal

Prime Minister Boris Johnson and EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen have `` agreed the importance '' of finding a post-Brexit trade deal , Downing Street has said .
They agreed progress has been made in talks between the EU and UK but `` significant gaps '' remain , No 10 said .
Both have instructed their chief negotiators to `` work intensively '' in order to try to bridge those gaps .
Negotiations between the UK and EU broke up on Friday without agreement .
Both sides are calling on the other to compromise on key issues , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Johnson and Mrs von der Leyen spoke during a phone call on Saturday and agreed to speak on a regular basis .
A Downing Street spokesperson said the two had agreed on the importance of finding an agreement `` as a strong basis for a strategic EU-UK relationship in future . ''
The UK 's chief negotiator , Lord Frost , tweeted that work to resolve differences between the UK and EU `` begins as soon as we can next week '' .
• What are the sticking points in Brexit trade talks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , says business boss • Trade talks : What do the UK and EU want ?
Speaking earlier , while on a visit to Leeds , Mr Johnson said he wants a deal like one struck between the EU and Canada , but reiterated the UK was ready should it have to leave without a deal .
`` We 're resolved on either course , we 're prepared for either course and we 'll make it work but it 's very much up to our friends and partners , '' Mr Johnson said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Leyen called for talks to `` intensify '' , as both sides set an October deadline to settle their differences .
The significance of today 's call between Boris Johnson and the head of the EU commission is that both sides have agreed to keep talking .
Although formal negotiations ended yesterday without agreement , instead of throwing in the sponge - as Boris Johnson would put it - talks will now intensify .
But a Downing Street statement made clear that while there are notable ( and well-known ) differences over fishing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are n't the only issues that need to be solved .
There is the potential to compromise - for example , on phasing in new fishing arrangements and on having state aid provisions similar to other free trade agreements - but it 's not clear the political willingness is yet there on both sides .
The EU has to satisfy the demands of 27 different states .
And Boris Johnson has to convince Brexit-supporting backbenchers that he has n't sold out .
Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab aimed to reassure them by stating today @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over a barrel '' by Brussels are long gone .
Asked about potential compromises that could be made , Mr Johnson said : `` The balance of trade is overwhelmingly on the side of the EU in the sense that they export much more to us than we do to them , certainly in manufacturing goods , and so we think there is a big opportunity for both sides to do well . ''
He pointed out that Canada is `` some way away '' but had managed to strike a deal with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bloc 's biggest trading partner .
But he acknowledged a no-deal outcome where the UK would follow mainly World Trade Organization rules on trade with the EU was possible and would `` work very well '' - describing it as an Australia-style arrangement .
Speaking at the virtual Conservative Party conference , Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove said the talks with the EU had been `` a tough process '' but `` with goodwill we should be able to get a deal '' .
He added : `` Recognising that we share the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they do , but we want to do things in our own way , is a bit difficult for them and also there is the very vexed issue to do with fisheries . ''
However , Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab told the conference the `` days of being held over a barrel by Brussels are long gone '' , as he stressed any trade deal must be `` fair '' .
The EU wants access to UK fishing grounds for its boats and says reaching a `` fair deal '' is a pre-condition @ @ @ @ @ @ @ says they should be `` first and foremost for British boats '' .
The prime minister has set the deadline of the EU Council meeting on 15 October for securing a deal .
After six months of trade talks with the EU , Lord Frost has claimed the outlines of an agreement are visible , but he warned that , without further compromise from the EU , differences over the contentious topic of fishing may be impossible to bridge .
He described the final round of negotiations as `` constructive '' but `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the gap was `` unfortunately very large '' and he called for the EU to `` move further before an understanding can be reached '' on state aid .
His EU counterpart , Michel Barnier , agreed the negotiations had been conducted in a `` constructive and respectful atmosphere '' , with some `` positive new developments on some topics '' - such as aviation safety and police co-operation .
But he said there was `` a lack of progress on some important topics '' , such as climate change commitments , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on matters of major importance for the European Union '' , including state aid and fishing .
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 a trade deal .
Formal talks began in March and continued throughout the pandemic , but there have been concerns over whether a plan would be agreed before that period runs out on 31 December @ @ @ @ @ @ @ points between negotiators are state aid - where governments give financial support to businesses - and fishing rules .
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 deal is not done , the UK will go on to trade with the bloc on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ AND TRACE EXPOSED : Panorama hears from whistleblowers working on the coronavirus tracking system • LOVE LIFE : Fancy an escape ?
Watch the addictive new series starring Anna Kendrick

Asked about potential compromises that could be made, Mr Johnson said: "The balance of trade is overwhelmingly on the side of the EU in the sense that they export much more to us than we do to them, certainly in manufacturing goods, and so we think there is a big opportunity for both sides to do well."


bbcuk--2020-10-03--Mother found after Reedley house fire died from 'pressure to neck'

`` This is a truly harrowing set of circumstances and my thoughts are very much with the loved ones of @ @ @ @ @ . ''

"This is a truly harrowing set of circumstances and my thoughts are very much with the loved ones of Dr Sacharvi and Miss Mangrio."


bbcuk--2020-10-03--Coronavirus: 'I really worried we might lose PM', Dominic Raab says

Dominic Raab has said he was `` really worried '' the PM could have died from Covid-19 after he was admitted to intensive care in the spring .
The foreign secretary stood in for Boris Johnson during his time in intensive care and while he recovered .
Speaking to the Conservative Party conference , Mr Raab said the virus `` nearly took the life '' of the PM .
Mr Raab also said he worried for the PM 's fiancee Carrie Symonds but `` always had faith '' he would `` pull through '' .
• Worried Tories pining for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nights in intensive care at London 's St Thomas ' Hospital in April after contracting coronavirus .
Speaking about his experience after leaving hospital , the PM said it `` could have gone either way '' and thanked healthcare workers for saving his life .
Mr Raab told the virtual conference that coronavirus had `` hit us hard , taking lives on a tragic scale '' .
`` It nearly took the life of our prime minister , our friend as well as our leader .
`` I get asked a lot how @ @ @ @ @ @ @ him .
`` Well , I really worried we might lose him , and I was worried for Carrie ( Symonds ) , pregnant with baby Wilf .
`` But I always had faith that with the outstanding NHS care he received and his fighting spirit , he 'd pull through . ''
Admitting there would be `` lessons to be learnt '' following the government 's handling of the crisis , the foreign secretary added : `` I have to say , for every hurdle we faced , with every heart-rending loss @ @ @ @ @ @ @ courage , a moment of inspiration . ''
Mr Raab also spoke about the prospect of a post-Brexit trade deal between the UK and the EU .
The UK and the EU have pledged to `` work intensively '' in order to resolve their differences and reach a deal .
But Mr Raab said that although the government wanted a free trade deal with the EU , `` any deal must be fair '' .
`` The days of being held over a barrel by Brussels… are long gone , '' the foreign @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` no question the government will control our fisheries '' .
Both sides have been calling on the other to compromise on key issues , which include fishing and government subsidies .
Also speaking at the conference , Michael Gove outlined the government 's plans to move more Civil Service jobs outside of London - part of its `` levelling up '' agenda to spread investment and opportunity beyond London and south-east England .
The Cabinet Office minister said `` far too many government jobs '' were based in Westminster and Whitehall .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ an amazing Civil Service and it has drawn its resources and people from lots of different communities - I think we now need to give back to those communities as well . ''
Plans to open a second headquarters in Leeds were also announced .
The new headquarters will provide the party with `` a base at the heart of the blue wall '' , party co-chairman Amanda Milling said , referring to the northern constituencies who voted for the party for the first time at the general election in December .

Admitting there would be "lessons to be learnt" following the government's handling of the crisis, the foreign secretary added: "I have to say, for every hurdle we faced, with every heart-rending loss, there was also a tale of courage, a moment of inspiration."


bbcuk--2020-10-03--Heavy rain across UK brings flood risk warning

Heavy rain is continuing to fall , amid warnings that parts of the UK face the risk of flooding .
The Met Office has issued amber warnings for parts of eastern Scotland , the West Midlands , south-west England and most of Wales .
Police warned motorists to take care , while in Essex , firefighters rescued a family of four when their car became trapped in floodwater .
Yellow , less severe , warnings for rain affect much of the rest of the country .
Rain is forecast to continue overnight , with warnings in force until 06:00 BST @ @ @ @ @ @ @ warnings for rain were issued was in March , the Met Office said .
The places worst hit so far on Saturday include parts of Exmoor , with 84mm of rain recorded in 36 hours in Liscombe and 74.4mm recorded in Brendon Hill .
ScotRail tweeted there would be reduced train services in amber warning areas , with `` a controlled shut down of the network '' around 19:00 BST .
It comes after Storm Alex , which has caused chaos in France and Italy on Saturday , brought gale-force winds and rain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gust of 71mph ( 114km/h ) was recorded at Berry Head on the Devon coast during the day .
• Warning of floods and travel problems in Wales The wind direction associated with the weekend 's rainfall is `` unusual '' and rainfall was likely to occur in some areas that are normally well sheltered and drier , the Met Office said .
Drains could also become blocked with debris as trees are now in full leaf .
In areas covered by amber weather warnings , the Met Office warned deep and fast-flowing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ life '' in some areas and there was a `` good chance '' communities could be cut off .

The wind direction associated with the weekend's rainfall is "unusual" and rainfall was likely to occur in some areas that are normally well sheltered and drier, the Met Office said.


bbcuk--2020-10-03--PGL: School travel company cuts jobs across UK

A specialist school travel company has announced 670 job losses , cutting the workforce by a quarter .
PGL hosts children at residential activity centres across the UK , but has had to cancel visits during the coronavirus crisis .
The jobs are set to be shed from several of its sites including at offices in Blackpool and Hertfordshire .
Jobs are also set to go at its headquarters in Ross-on-Wye .
The company , named after the firm 's founder Peter Gordon Lawrence , said the Covid-19 pandemic had adversely affected its business .
In a statement , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has had a significant impact on our business and has resulted in 34 colleagues at our Ross-on-Wye head office being made redundant , representing 16 % of our Ross-based workforce .
`` As we conclude a further consultation process , a further 636 colleagues have been made redundant across the PGL Group , representing a 25 % reduction in our total workforce ; this includes colleagues based in our Blackpool and Hertfordshire offices and in our centre operations across the UK . ''
Earlier this year , as the firm cancelled its activities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was criticised by parents who were upset at being offered credit notes instead of refund .
A spokesman for the firm at the time , told the BBC it was offering either flexible rebooking arrangements or a refund credit note `` in line with ABTA guidance '' .
Follow BBC West Midlands on Facebook , Twitter and Instagram .
Send your story ideas to : newsonline.westmidlands @ bbc.co.uk

"As we conclude a further consultation process, a further 636 colleagues have been made redundant across the PGL Group, representing a 25% reduction in our total workforce; this includes colleagues based in our Blackpool and Hertfordshire offices and in our centre operations across the UK."


bbcuk--2020-10-03--Prince Louis joins George and Charlotte to quiz Sir David Attenborough

Naturalist Sir David Attenborough has revealed his favourite animal is the monkey , when quizzed by the children of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge .
Prince George , Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis were given the chance to ask the 94-year-old broadcaster one question about the natural world .
It is the first time Prince Louis , two , has been heard speaking in public .
The young prince asked : `` What animal do you like ? ''
`` I like monkeys best because they are such fun , '' Sir David replied .
`` Mind you , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the home because that 's not where they live , '' he cautioned , mindful perhaps of the duke and duchess 's domestic life at Kensington Palace .
`` So what can you have at home that you like ?
Well , which would you choose - a puppy or a kitten ? ''
said Sir David , before continuing : `` It 's a very difficult question .
I think I 'd go for a puppy . ''
Prince George , the eldest son of Prince William and Catherine , wanted to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ think will become extinct next ? ''
`` Well , let 's hope there wo n't be any , '' said Sir David .
`` There are lots of things we can do when animals are in danger of extinction .
We can protect them . ''
He related how the population of mountain gorillas in central Africa , which were `` very , very rare '' 40 years ago , had grown from 250 animals to more than 1,000 , thanks to public awareness and global fund-raising .
`` So you can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and you put your mind to it , '' the famous naturalist told the seven-year-old prince .
`` People around the world are doing that because animals are so precious , `` he added .
`` So let 's hope there wo n't be any more that go extinct .
Like her brother , Princess Charlotte , five , began her question with a confident : `` Hello David Attenborough ! ''
`` I like spiders , do you like spiders too ? ''
she asked '' I love spiders .
I am @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said Sir David .
`` I think they 're wonderful things . ''
`` Why is it that people are so frightened of them ?
I think it 's because they have actually got eight legs , which are much more than us .
And if you 've got eight legs you can move in any direction - so you can never be quite sure which way that spider is going to go !
`` But spiders are so clever .
Have you ever watched one try to build its web ?
That @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this circular web like that ... how do they do it ?
Try and watch and see how they do it - it 's marvellous . ''

"Why is it that people are so frightened of them? I think it's because they have actually got eight legs, which are much more than us. And if you've got eight legs you can move in any direction - so you can never be quite sure which way that spider is going to go!


bbcuk--2020-10-03--Wheelchair user pulls himself up steps to sit DVSA test

A man who uses a wheelchair said he pulled himself up three flights of stairs to take his driving theory test as the centre had no disabled access .
Sam Law , 21 , from Cardigan , Ceredigion , said the experience left him feeling angry and `` completely left out '' .
His mother took photos of what happened at the centre in Haverfordwest , Pembrokeshire on Thursday .
The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency ( DVSA ) said it was `` extremely sorry for the unacceptable distress '' .
A spokesman said it was investigating as a matter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ want everyone who is able , to take any driving test and will always make reasonable adjustments for people who are disabled and want to pass their theory or practical exam . ''
• ' I feel less human ' due to lack of lift • How disabled people are problem-solving in the pandemic Service providers have to make reasonable adjustments for people who have a disability so they are not put at a substantial disadvantage compared to those who are not disabled when accessing services .
Mr Law said he specified he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ test online and requested to have it in Aberystwyth as he knew the centre there had wheelchair access .
He said he tried calling the Haverfordwest centre on the morning of the test to check access but no-one picked up .
`` I was very disappointed and angry , '' he said .
He said staff at the centre advised he return home and book another test , but he did not want to delay the test so decided to climb the steps with his brother 's assistance .
`` It was very @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Because I sit down all the time , I break bones easily , '' he said .
Mr Law , who has used a wheelchair since having a spinal stroke when he was 16 , said he was shocked a building used by a government department did not have disabled access .
`` It should n't be a case of 'you need to go to another centre ' , '' he said .

A spokesman said it was investigating as a matter of urgency, adding: "We want everyone who is able, to take any driving test and will always make reasonable adjustments for people who are disabled and want to pass their theory or practical exam."


bbcuk--2020-10-03--Brierley Hill shootings: Man charged with murders

William Henry , 31 , and Brian McIntosh , 29 , both from Bartley Green , were found in a @ @ @ @ @ in Brierley Hill , Dudley , just before 15:30 BST on Wednesday .

William Henry, 31, and Brian McIntosh, 29, both from Bartley Green, were found in a car park off Moor Street in Brierley Hill, Dudley, just before 15:30 BST on Wednesday.


bbcuk--2020-10-03--Drugs worth approximately £1m fall from lorry on M1

Drugs worth an estimated £1m have been recovered following an incident on the M1 in which a lorry shed its load .
It happened at around 06:50 BST on Saturday morning near Blacks Road junction in south Belfast .
Suspected cannabis had been strapped to the roof of the vehicle , before coming loose .
The PSNI said it was `` a significant amount of drugs , which have been taken out of circulation '' and it would have a `` huge impact '' on organised crime .
The vehicle which the cannabis fell from has not yet been located @ @ @ @ @ @ @ detectives from the PSNI 's Organised Crime Unit .
`` We are continuing with our enquiries , and I want to make a number of appeals about the vehicle involved , its movements and its whereabouts .
At this time , the lorry has not been located , '' said Det Insp Aubrey Shaw .
He asked anyone who was on the M1 westbound near to the area between 6:30 BST and 7:00 to contact police on the non-emergency line , and appealed for any footage of the incident .
Det Insp Shaw @ @ @ @ @ @ @ manufacture , sale , or supply of illegal drugs to get in touch .

He asked anyone who was on the M1 westbound near the area between 06:30 and 07:00 to contact police on the non-emergency line, and appealed for any footage of the incident.


bbcuk--2020-10-03--Darley Abbey: 'Devastating' fire rips through St Mary's School

Road closures were put in place around the school and residents were urged to keep their windows closed because of @ @ @ @ @ of the blaze .

Road closures were put in place around the school and residents were urged to keep their windows closed because of the smoke at the height of the blaze.


bbcuk--2020-10-03--Coronavirus: Liverpool bar fine for 'too many' customers

`` We will not allow a minority to undermine those efforts , and I want to take this opportunity to @ @ @ @ @ responsibly to protect our loved ones and ourselves , '' he added .

"We will not allow a minority to undermine those efforts, and I want to take this opportunity to call upon everyone to act responsibly to protect our loved ones and ourselves," he added.


bbcuk--2020-10-03--Staffordshire nurse learns sign language to help deaf patients

A nurse from Staffordshire is learning British Sign Language ( BSL ) to improve the service she provides for deaf @ @ @ @ @ new skill is being put to good use at County Hospital in Stafford .
She @ @ @ @ @ after she treated a deaf patient during a shift on the chemotherapy ward last year @ @ @ @ @ 1 of the course and is still learning while putting it to use on the @ @ @ @ @ `` If I can hep them feel better and more comfortable then I 'm happy @ @ @ @ @ happy as well . ''

A nurse from Staffordshire is learning British Sign Language (BSL) to improve the service she provides for deaf patients.
Dawn Bebbington's new skill is being put to good use at County Hospital in Stafford.
She took up learning sign language after she treated a deaf patient during a shift on the chemotherapy ward last year.
Dawn has completed Level 1 of the course and is still learning while putting it to use on the wards.
She said: "If I can hep them feel better and more comfortable then I'm happy and hope my patients are happy as well."


bbcuk--2020-10-03--'Do you like spiders?' - Royal children quiz Sir David Attenborough

Naturalist Sir David Attenborough has revealed his favourite animal to the children of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge .
@ @ @ @ @ and Prince Louis were given the chance to ask the 94-year-old broadcaster questions about the @ @ @

Naturalist Sir David Attenborough has revealed his favourite animal to the children of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.
Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis were given the chance to ask the 94-year-old broadcaster questions about the natural world.


bbcuk--2020-10-02--Coronavirus: What is the R number and why does it matter?

Governments around the world keep talking about R0 , also known as the `` Reproduction-number '' or `` R-number '' @ @ @ @ @ that lots of countries are using when it comes to making decisions about lifting and @ @ @ @ @ restrictions should be kept in place and which ones should be lifted .
But what @ @ @ @ @ and why does it matter ?
BBC health correspondent Laura Foster explains what governments are @ @ @ @ @

Governments around the world keep talking about R0, also known as the "reproduction number" or "R number".
It's a measurement that lots of countries are using when it comes to making decisions about lifting and bringing in lockdowns, what restrictions should be kept in place, and which ones should be lifted.
There's an R number for the UK and individual nations, but also for particular areas.
But what exactly is the R number and why does it matter?
BBC health correspondent Laura Foster explains what governments are aiming for and why.
Video by Terry Saunders, Laura Foster and Tobias Chapple


bbcuk--2020-10-03--The Papers: Trump 'given oxygen' and 'radical new drugs'

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

It reports that farmers and butchers expect less appetite for bigger birds this year. But an executive of one butchers' chain tells the paper she hopes festive customers will be "understanding" about the glut of big birds, and try to get some extra meals out of them.


bbcuk--2020-10-03--'Nobody thinks black people can be barristers'

Black barrister Alexandra Wilson - who was mistaken for a defendant three times in one day - has been praised and vilified on social media for speaking out about racism in English courts .
The BBC has spoken to other legal professionals about their experiences of prejudice - and what needs to change .
Natasha Shotunde , from London , was called to the bar in 2013 .
Last year , she helped establish the Black Barristers Network to offer professional and personal support to professionals .
It will soon publish a report based on a survey of the working @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I started I felt I had imposter syndrome , '' she said .
`` I could n't really see any black barristers day to day .
Black barristers make up just 1.1 % of QCs [ Queen 's Counsel ] at the bar .
`` I used to practise in crime , and as a pupil and a junior I would be mistaken for a defendant .
`` Nobody thinks that black people or ethnic minorities can be barristers .
`` I react by channelling my 'white male barrister ' .
Before anyone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to say something like 'By the way , I 'm a barrister ' or ' I am looking for my client ' or ' I 've got a case today ' .
`` I do n't give them the opportunity to question my status .
`` People 's perceptions - that a barrister is a white middle-class man - need to change .
We are a diverse profession but we need to become more diverse , and the perception of what a black person is , the stereotyping , needs to change .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ terms of the work we receive .
You need to be working on good cases to progress towards becoming QC , and it may be that there is bias there from the chambers , or from the client .
`` This can be a very difficult profession to work in .
We work crazy hours , it 's very isolating , but having a layer of racism there means it 's crippling .
`` I commend Alexandra Wilson for saying what she said , she was brave .
When you hear a story @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pain in all of us .
`` You bury it deep , but those feelings never go away . ''
'Bias is implicit and often unconscious' Prof Leslie Thomas QC , of London-based Garden Court Chambers , was recently appointed the first black Professor of Law at Gresham 's College .
He said experiences like those reported by Ms Wilson were nothing new .
`` You turn up at court , and you 're seen as the defendant , the clerk , the solicitor ... everything apart from the barrister .
This has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` On one occasion , I turned up to a case in my wig and suit and I was given such a hard time by the court 's security guards .
`` I do n't mind security giving anyone a hard time , if everyone gets a hard time .
But that 's not the case . ''
He said he was pleased by Ms Wilson 's stand against the issue , but said the reaction to her story `` made me laugh '' .
Prof Thomas said : `` People need to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Being a white kid gives you privilege .
`` The perceptions of black people are so deep rooted [ in society ] , it 's not just the bar .
`` However , there are few workplaces that lack diversity more than the courts .
There is unconscious bias .
`` One time , a judicial figure in this country said he was impressed by 'how articulate ' I had been in court .
I 'm supposed to be articulate , I 'm a barrister ! ''
Prof Thomas said the death of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ movement had given him hope that racial bias was at a `` turning point '' , but the question of `` whether society can keep it up '' remained to be seen .
In an article for Counsel Magazine earlier this year , Prof Thomas wrote that `` there are still no black male High Court judges '' .
`` Bias is implicit and often unconscious , '' he said .
`` It takes great courage to change the system . ''
`` Steve '' ( not his real name ) has been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 18 years .
He said , unlike white magistrates , he was regularly searched by court security .
`` In any restricted areas , which are only for staff and judges , I am questioned about what I 'm doing there and how I got in .
`` A magistrate placed his hand on my shoulder and repeatedly told me I could n't go into a restricted area .
I told him to take his hands off me .
`` Later , in the retirement room at lunch , the same magistrate proffered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ actions were racist , he raised his voice and said he was not .
The experience in court that day was cold and painful .
`` I wear my ID all the time now , just to avoid being questioned .
`` Some of the magistrates are condescending and rude to black barristers .
I have to remind them : 'This is counsel you are talking to ' .
`` Last year , I heard a case of a defendant who had used racist language to a Sikh police officer .
`` The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deliberations , the chairman of the bench and the other magistrate said he was not guilty .
`` Even the legal clerk asked if we had considered the facts - and they said yes .
`` The chairman said there was an elephant in the room - I said I had no idea what he meant .
'You are black ' , they said - and that was why I had voted guilty .
`` In all my time in court , I have never been made to feel so humiliated .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ defendant had racially abused black police officers on many occasions and his account was inconsistent .
The chairman changed his mind .
`` I left the court feeling devalued .
Many times I want to give up , but I want to serve my community .
I took an oath of allegiance . ''
A spokesman for the Judicial Office said it had an appropriate grievance procedure for complaints for magistrates , judges , colleagues and staff and there were also mentors , HR advisers , helplines and other support groups .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all judges and magistrates to treat everyone equally and with respect , '' he said .
`` The judiciary is committed to ensuring that the environment in which judicial office-holders work is free from racism , harassment , victimisation and bullying of any kind . ''
HM Courts & Tribunals Service , which is responsible for court staff , said : `` There is no place for discrimination anywhere in society , and we are committed to playing our part in tackling it across the justice system .
`` Unconscious bias training is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new starters undergo diversity and inclusion training and we are constantly looking at how we can further ensure all users are treated equally and fairly . ''
Find BBC News : East of England on Facebook , Instagram and Twitter .
If you have a story suggestion email eastofenglandnews @ bbc.co.uk

"It can hold us back in terms of the work we receive. You need to be working on good cases to progress towards becoming QC or a judge, and it may be that there is bias in work allocation from the chambers, or from the solicitor or the client.


bbcuk--2020-10-03--Covid in Scotland: Four more deaths confirmed in last 24 hours

Four more people have died from Covid-19 in the last 24 hours , according to Scottish government data .
A total of 764 new infections were registered in Scotland - 12.1 % of newly tested individuals .
The latest statistics also show an increase in the number of patients being treated in hospital .
And Scotland 's national clinical director said the recent rise in intensive care figures is cause for concern .
Prof Jason Leitch told BBC Scotland : `` In the last week 17 people have gone to intensive care so that is a very , very loud @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
He said although `` very severe '' restrictions were already in place a `` circuit breaker '' lockdown `` remains a possibility . ''
Prof Leitch added : `` We do n't want to do more but , if the numbers keep moving and we do n't turn a corner , then we will have to do more because we can not let these numbers continue to rise . ''
He is also worried about the rising numbers in Lanarkshire , where there have been several outbreaks .
In Scotland , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ confirmed as having the virus , an increase of 16 .
Of those patients , 23 are in intensive care , four more than on Friday .
A total of 299 cases were detected in NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde , 152 in NHS Lanarkshire and 143 in NHS Lothian .
Positive tests were recorded in 12 of Scotland 's 14 health board areas , with the exceptions of NHS Shetland and NHS Orkney .
The total number of people to have died in Scotland within 28 days of testing positive now stands @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Scotland says the virus has been mentioned as a contributing factor or suspected cause of death on 4,257 death certificates .
The total number of positive tests recorded since March is now 31,451 .
Meanwhile , Germany has issued a warning against travel to Scotland and northern England .
• RULES : 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

Prof Leitch added: "We don't want to do more but, if the numbers keep moving and we don't turn a corner, then we will have to do more because we cannot let these numbers continue to rise."


bbcuk--2020-10-03--Turkey: North Belfast MP says death of man 'tragic'

The death of a North Belfast man in Turkey has been called `` tragic '' by MP John Finucane .
@ @ @ @ @ were involved in a `` tragic incident '' in the country .
One of those @ @ @ @ @ died on Saturday , while the other two are in hospital .
The Sinn Féin @ @ @ @ @ need to 'rally round ' the families of those affected and provide support for them @ @ @ @ @ man who died was in his 30s .
Mr Finucane said he would be making @ @ @ @ @ Department of Foreign Affairs `` to request all the necessary support be urgently put in @ @ @ @ @ '' .

Allow Twitter content?
This article contains content provided by Twitter. We ask for your permission before anything is loaded, as they may be using cookies and other technologies. You may want to read Twitter’s cookie policy, external and privacy policy, external before accepting. To view this content choose ‘accept and continue’.


bbcuk--2020-10-03--Covid: Undetected breast cancer warning for thousands of women

About 3,000 women in Wales have `` undetected breast cancer '' because screening services were suspended during lockdown , it has been warned .
Tenovus Cancer Care estimates 30,000 people missed out on mammograms between March and July , and fear a repeat as coronavirus cases rise again .
Claire Williams , 39 , was told she might not have survived breast cancer if she had not been treated when she was .
The Welsh Government said it had worked hard to ensure screening can continue .
Breast cancer screening was suspended by NHS Wales in March as the health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ • One million women in UK may have missed scans • 'More than two million ' waiting for cancer care in UK The service resumed in August , but Judi Rhys , chief executive of Tenovus Cancer Care , said 30,000 people missed out on a screening appointment during this time .
`` About 3,000 women would have been picked up and referred onwards for further checks during that period , '' she said .
`` That actually means there are 3,000 women in Wales walking around with undetected breast cancer at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was a `` potentially very serious '' situation for those women .
`` We do know that if breast cancer is diagnosed at a very early stage then the prognosis is far , far better and the outcomes are far , far better than if it is picked up at a later stage , '' she added .
`` If people notice anything at all we are urging them to make an appointment with their GP . ''
Things could have been very different for Claire Williams , from Swansea , who went @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a lump on her breast last year .
She was told she would have to wait nine weeks for further tests on the NHS , but was able to access private healthcare through her employer .
`` Within two hours '' of her consultation she was told she had breast cancer and would need chemotherapy , a mastectomy and radiotherapy .
`` Looking back on the last 18 months and the experience I have had , I am grateful that I am here , '' Ms Williams said .
`` And I am @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with me in their lives . ''
Ms Williams said the number of people who had missed out on screening during lockdown was `` astounding '' .
`` It 's scary for the women who might have missed them , '' she added .
She called on people to `` be familiar with your bodies '' and get checked if they were concerned about anything .
Ms Rhys said the health service was in the process of clearing a `` backlog '' of 30,000 screening appointments .
But she said it was vital @ @ @ @ @ @ @ even in the event of another lockdown .
`` We are worried that with Covid on the rise again that people are either too scared to come forward or that some services may need to be paused again , '' she added .
A spokeswoman for the Welsh Government said it had taken action to ensure staff and patients were safe from coronavirus , and encouraged women to attend their screening appointments .
`` The NHS has undertaken extensive work to ensure as much cancer care as possible can continue during the pandemic @ @ @ @ @

"We do know that if breast cancer is diagnosed at a very early stage then the prognosis is far, far better and the outcomes are far, far better than if it is picked up at a later stage," she added.


bbcuk--2020-10-03--Covid: Six months' shielding 'enough to drive you insane'

Ms Gale , who was told two years ago she `` would be lucky to live into her early 30s @ @ @ @ @ affected every aspect of her life , including her physical and mental health and relationships @

One of the few social interactions she has had this year was a recent small family garden barbecue for her birthday - which she described as her "best ever birthday".


bbcuk--2020-10-04--Covid: Things 'bumpy through to Christmas' - Johnson

Boris Johnson has warned it may be `` bumpy through to Christmas '' and beyond as the UK deals with coronavirus .
Speaking to the BBC 's Andrew Marr , the PM said there was `` hope '' in beating Covid , but called on the public to `` act fearlessly but with common sense '' .
He said the government was taking a `` balanced '' approach between saving lives and protecting the economy .
Mr Johnson 's comments come as the UK has hit 10,000 new cases for the first time since mass testing began .
The prime @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we can do now for all those who have suffered in the course of this pandemic is bring it to an end in the speediest possible way . ''
Labour 's shadow health minister , Alex Norris , criticised the interview as a `` wasted opportunity '' to set out a `` serious strategy to improve public confidence in the government 's handling of this crisis '' .
He said : `` Instead [ the PM ] waffled and ducked every question .
His serial incompetence is holding Britain back . ''
• @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mr Johnson said he believed over the `` next few weeks and months '' the `` scientific equation will change whether that is vaccines or testing '' and there will be `` progress '' in beating the virus .
As a result , he said there was `` hope '' and `` things can be significantly different by Christmas '' , as well as being `` radically different '' by spring .
But , the prime minister warned there could be `` a very tough winter for all of us '' , adding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ candour , it will continue to be bumpy through to Christmas and may even be bumpy beyond . ''
Labour has been a long-standing critic of the performance of the Test and Trace system , with its leader , Sir Keir Starmer , accusing the government of having `` lost control '' of the virus .
Mr Johnson said the system was `` not perfect '' and that he was `` frustrated with it '' .
But he defended its `` massive increase in capacity '' , saying it had `` made a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mr Johnson also stood by the Eat Out to Help Out restaurant discount introduced in August , which some critics have said added to the rise in coronavirus cases in September .
`` In so far as that scheme may have helped to spread the virus then obviously we need to counteract that and we need to counteract that with the discipline and the measures that we 're proposing , '' he said .
But he insisted it was `` right to reopen the economy '' as the government tries to `` strike @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said he took `` full responsibility for everything that has happened since the pandemic began '' .
• SOCIAL DISTANCING : How have rules on meeting friends changed ?
• FACE MASKS : When do I need to wear one ?
• TESTING : How do I get a virus test ?
• SYMPTOMS : What are they and how to guard against them ?
• LOOK-UP TOOL : How many cases in your area ?
Asked about how effective the latest local lockdowns were in tackling the growing number of cases , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ too early to say '' .
Mr Johnson said he understood the `` frustrations '' of people living in the affected areas - as well as a number of his own backbench MPs - but defended the action , saying : `` I 'm a freedom-loving Tory .
I do n't want to have to impose measures like this , are you crazy ?
`` This is the last thing we want to do .
But I also have to save life .
And that 's our priority . ''
`` And I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that 's the priority of the British people and I think they will want to see their government continue to work , continuing to fight the virus and that 's what we 're doing . ''
Labour 's shadow health secretary Jon Ashworth earlier called for the government to publish guidelines on what criteria they used to impose local lockdowns , and to involve local council leaders and health officials .
He said there were questions as to why current areas have extra restrictions , while the constituencies of cabinet ministers with higher @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there are no clear guidelines as to why an area goes into restrictions , and how an area comes out of restrictions , then there is a suspicion that there is political interference , '' he told Andrew Marr .
`` I hope there is n't .
But until the government publish clear guidelines , that suspicion will always linger . ''
Mr Johnson was also asked about his health following his own experience of fighting coronavirus in March and April - and in light of US President Donald Trump testing positive .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the virus he was `` too fat '' and it was a `` teachable moment for our great country '' to get on top of the issue of obesity .
But he claimed it was `` balderdash '' that he was still suffering from the effects of coronavirus , known as `` long Covid '' .
He said the claim was `` drivel '' , adding : `` It is balderdash and nonsense .
I can tell you I 'm fitter than several butchers ' dogs . ''
The Conservatives are currently holding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus restrictions on mass gatherings .

"In so far as that scheme may have helped to spread the virus then obviously we need to counteract that and we need to counteract that with the discipline and the measures that we're proposing," he said.


bbcuk--2020-10-04--Covid: UK announces more than 10,000 new cases for first time

The UK has announced more than 10,000 new coronavirus cases for the first time since mass testing began .
There were 12,872 new cases , while a further 49 people have died within 28 days of testing positive for Covid-19 .
However , the government said a technical issue meant some cases this week were not recorded at the time so these were included in Saturday 's data .
It comes after data earlier this week had suggested infections may be rising more slowly than in previous weeks .
That data was based on weekly testing among a sample of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ idea of how many people in England have the virus at any time .
The government also closely watches the daily number of positive cases , as it provides the most up-to-date snapshot .
However , it published a cautionary message on its `` data dashboard '' , explaining that the totals reported over the coming days would include some cases from the previous week , `` increasing the number of cases reported '' .
A Department of Health spokesman said the issue did not affect people receiving test results , and all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the normal way .
The announcement of the apparent glitch in the daily count comes `` at an awkward moment '' , according to BBC health editor Hugh Pym , `` when there is intense scrutiny of daily Covid-19 data as ministers and health chiefs try to assess the rate of spread of the virus '' .
He added : `` After criticism in recent months over the way total tests are counted , ministers and officials will now face more questions over the compilation of daily case data . ''
• @ @ @ @ @ @ @ area ?
• What are the Covid rules where you live ?
The daily total saw a significant rise from 4,044 on Monday to a then-high of 7,143 on Tuesday .
However , over the next four days the daily total remained stable - varying between 6,914 and 7,108 - at a time when continued increases might have been expected .
And then came the big leap in numbers announced on Saturday , a far bigger day-on-day increase than at any time in the entire pandemic , which were announced five hours later @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the government explanation .
The figures announced on Saturday would also have been partially inflated by the fact that 264,979 tests were processed the previous day , the third highest there has been so far in a single 24-hour period .
Saturday 's figure brings the total number of recorded cases in the UK to 480,017 .
The increase in the UK is largely reflected across Europe .
• On the same day , France recorded 16,972 new cases - a new daily high for the country • The Netherlands and Belgium @ @ @ @ @ @ @ results , also new highs in both countries • Meanwhile , Russia , which has the biggest population in Europe , recorded 9,859 cases - its highest level since May On Saturday tighter restrictions came into force in parts of northern England after a spike in coronavirus cases .
It is now illegal to meet people indoors from other households in the Liverpool City Region , Hartlepool , Middlesbrough and Warrington .
It means than a third of the UK is now under heightened restrictions .
They were also tightened this week in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tyneside , South Tyneside , Sunderland and County Durham , as well as four areas of north Wales .
The new rules come as hundreds of Northumbria University students are self-isolating after testing positive for Covid .
The Mayor of Greater Manchester , Labour 's Andy Burnham , called for `` local control '' on measures to tackle the virus , telling Sky News ' Sophy Ridge : `` At least our own destiny would be in our hands .
It feels we are a little powerless . ''
Elsewhere , people arriving @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now have to quarantine for two weeks .
The new rules - which also apply to the Caribbean islands of Bonaire , St Eustatius and Saba - came into force at 04:00 BST on Saturday .
• SOCIAL DISTANCING : How have rules on meeting friends changed ?
• SUPPORT BUBBLES : What are they and who can be in yours ?
• FACE MASKS : When do I need to wear one ?
• TESTING : How do I get a virus test ?
• SYMPTOMS : What are they and how @ @ @ @ @ @ @ steady decline since the first peak in April , confirmed coronavirus daily cases in the UK have been rising again since July , with the rate of growth increasing sharply from the end of August .
Sage , the body which advises the UK government , say it is still `` highly likely '' the epidemic is growing exponentially across the country .
Their latest R number estimate - indicating how fast the epidemic is growing or falling - rose to between 1.3 and 1.6 .
But an Office for National Statistics ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new cases per day in England in the week to 24 September - slightly down on the previous week 's estimate of 9,600 daily cases .
The ONS 's estimates of how much of the population is currently infected are based on testing a representative sample of people in households with or without symptoms .
It is different to the number published daily by the Department of Health .
That records positive cases in people with potential Covid symptoms who request tests .

The announcement of the apparent glitch in the daily count comes "at an awkward moment", according to BBC health editor Hugh Pym, "when there is intense scrutiny of daily Covid-19 data as ministers and health chiefs try to assess the rate of spread of the virus".


bbcuk--2020-10-04--Cineworld to shut down UK screens after Bond film delay

Global cinema giant Cineworld is set to temporarily close its UK sites in the coming weeks , it has been reported .
The Sunday Times says the firm is writing to Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden to say the industry is now `` unviable '' .
The firm says it has been hit by delays in the release of big-budget films , putting 5,500 jobs at risk .
The premiere of the 007 film No Time To Die has been postponed twice and is now due for release in April 2021 .
It is hoped that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reopen next year , with staff being asked to accept redundancy in the hope of rejoining the company when theatres open again .
The head of the UK Cinema Association said he feared the Cineworld closure was `` indicative of challenges faced by the entire UK cinema industry at the moment '' .
He said : `` Although cinemas opened in July and have been able to deliver a safe and enjoyable experience , without major new titles then we understand we are n't able to get as many people out of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He said no-one would be `` untouched by the current challenges '' .
When approached by the BBC , the Vue cinema chain refused to comment on how many cinemas it would be keeping open , and the Odeon chain has yet to respond .
The BBC understands Cineworld 's sites in the US , where it operates 546 theatres , could also be forced to close .
In September the firm reported a $ 1.6bn ( £1.3bn ) loss for the six months to June as its cinemas had to close because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the time that it might need to raise more money in the event of further restrictions - or film delays - due to Covid-19 .
• Tenet gives shot in arm to UK and Ireland cinemas • What are the new coronavirus restrictions ?
Cineworld is the world 's second largest cinema operator , and the largest in the UK with 120 sites .
It also owns the Picturehouse chain of smaller venues .
Its other theatres globally include the Regal , Cinema City , and Yes Planet brands .
The film @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Time To Die would spark a movie-going revival in the UK , with so many cinemas having been mothballed for months following the Covid-19 outbreak in March .
But on Friday the movie 's release was further delayed until 2 April 2021 `` in order to be seen by a worldwide theatrical audience '' .
Rob Arthur , an industry analyst at cinema strategists The Big Picture , said `` the current market is broken '' .
`` It has been a very challenging year both for Cineworld , and the world 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ added .
`` Film release schedules are being changed on a daily , never mind weekly , basis .
It has been a catastrophic , devastating , year for operators . ''
He said the decision by Cineworld to put their UK operation `` into hibernation '' until next year made sense .
`` You ca n't keep meeting the fixed operating costs of electricity , gas , air conditioning , staff , social distancing measures , and so forth when audience numbers are only a small percentage of what they were before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , customer confidence in visiting cinemas has to be restored and I do n't see that at the moment , '' Mr Arthur added .
`` The crowds you used to see in London for example going from work directly to the cinema are not there . ''
He also said Cineworld 's cash reserves were running low and that both they and AMC had a high percentage of financial liabilities compared with their assets .
He added : `` Landlords to date have acted reasonably and the deferral of rent has helped @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to an end as does furlough payments so the operators will have to seek remedies to restructure their businesses . ''
As lockdown restrictions around the world were gradually lifted in mid-to-late summer Cineworld had been able to reopen 561 out of 778 sites worldwide .
But lockdown closures meant its group revenues sank to $ 712.4m in the first six months of the year , compared with $ 2.15bn a year earlier .
The group loss this year also marked a huge fall from the pre-tax profits of $ 139.7m seen in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ However , when it released those financial figures , Cineworld said recent trading had been `` encouraging considering the circumstances '' , with solid demand for Christopher Nolan 's spy film Tenet which was released in September .
In June , Cineworld pulled out of a $ 2.1bn deal to buy the Canadian cinema chain Cineplex , a move which could lead to a legal battle .
It is not just Cineworld which has struggled this year .
Independent London cinema Peckhamplex closed its doors on 25 September due to falling visitor numbers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to reopen in November , around the time the next James Bond film was due to be released .

Phil Clapp said: "Although cinemas opened in July and have been able to deliver a safe and enjoyable experience, without major new titles then we understand we aren't able to get as many people out of the home as we'd like."


bbcuk--2020-10-04--Patel to promise 'overhaul' of broken' UK asylum system

Home Secretary Priti Patel is to commit to delivering the `` biggest overhaul '' of the UK 's asylum system in `` decades '' .
Ms Patel will tell the Conservative Party conference the system is `` fundamentally broken '' and is expected to promise one that is `` firm and fair '' .
That includes expediting the removal of those `` who have no claim for protection '' , she will say .
It comes after it emerged this week the UK has considered sending asylum seekers to an island in the Atlantic .
Labour 's shadow home secretary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were `` more evidence of how lacking in compassion and competence the Tories are '' .
Ahead of her speech at the conference , he said : `` The British people will see through the home secretary 's shameless comments about a 'broken system ' , when the system has been overseen by the Tories for a decade . ''
• What happens to migrants who reach the UK ?
• More migrants arrive in September than all of 2019 Ms Patel will pledge to introduce a new asylum system that welcomes people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and stops those arriving illegally , `` making endless legal claims to remain '' .
`` After decades of inaction by successive governments , we will address the moral , legal , practical problems with this broken system .
Because what exists now is neither firm nor fair . ''
The home secretary said she would bring forward legislation to deliver on her commitment , in what she said would amount to `` the biggest overhaul of our asylum system in decades '' .
The promise to overhaul the asylum system follows record @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the English Channel to the UK in September which Ms Patel has vowed to stop .
At the same time , delays in processing UK asylum applications have increased significantly .
Four out of five applicants in the last three months of 2019 waited six months or more for their cases to be processed .
Ms Patel said the UK would make more `` immediate returns '' of people who arrive illegally `` and break our rules , every single week '' .
`` And we will explore all practical measures and options @ @ @ @ @ @ @ comes after it emerged this week the government has considered building an asylum processing centre on a remote UK territory in the Atlantic Ocean .
Ms Patel asked officials to look at asylum policies which had been successful in other countries , the BBC was told .
Labour said the `` ludicrous idea '' was `` inhumane , completely impractical and wildly expensive '' .
Meanwhile , Commons Leader Jacob Rees-Mogg has written to his cabinet colleagues calling for `` bold and ambitious '' bills for the next Queen 's Speech , Downing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it wanted to look `` beyond '' the Covid-19 pandemic and said the prime minister would `` not be blown off course '' from delivering his manifesto commitments .
In his letter , Mr Rees-Mogg said it would be `` important to be ready to make the most of the opportunities '' after the transition period with the European Union ends on 31 December .
Priorities for Prime Minister Boris Johnson include tackling crime , controlling the UK 's borders , investing in infrastructure and strengthening public services , Mr Rees-Mogg said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ The prime minister has been clear that we will not be blown off course in our plans to build back better and that 's just what our next Queen 's Speech will do . ''

But he said it was wrong to say it was illegal for people to arrive in the UK via small boats for the purpose of seeking asylum - which is covered in the UN Refugee Convention - although they would like to see fewer people attempting the dangerous journey.


bbcuk--2020-10-04--Covid: PM has 'lost control of virus', says Labour leader

Boris Johnson 's government has `` lost control '' of coronavirus , Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has said .
Speaking to the Observer , Sir Keir accused the prime minister of `` serial incompetence '' over the virus .
He has called for ministers to set out a new `` road map '' for dealing with Covid-19 until a vaccine is rolled out .
A Downing Street spokesman said the prime minister had already set out `` a package of measures '' that could be in place for the next six months .
The package `` balances the need @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the NHS , keeping children in schools and keeping the economy moving over what is going to be a challenging winter '' , the spokesman added .
• How many cases are there in your area ?
• What are the Covid rules where you live ?
• How have the rules on meeting friends changed ?
In a wide-ranging interview , the Labour leader laid out a five-point plan to fight rising infection rates .
The proposals urge the government to : • follow Germany by publishing the criteria the government uses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and when they can be lifted • improve public health messaging by expanding the NHS Covid-19 app so people can type in their postcode and get a rundown of the restrictions that apply to them in their area • invest in NHS labs and university labs to expand testing and put local public health teams in charge of contact tracing in their areas • ensure routine regular testing for all high-risk workplaces and high transmission areas with a guarantee of results within 24 hours to improve infection control , including for NHS staff @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ensure the manufacture and distribution of any resulting vaccine Sir Keir said the prime minister was guilty of `` governing in hindsight '' , as he ramped up his attack on the government 's handling of the pandemic .
The choice of words echoes Mr Johnson 's own frequent criticism of Sir Keir during Prime Minister Questions , having labelled him `` Captain Hindsight '' for criticising the government 's actions .
The Labour leader , who was elected in April , added : `` I think they 've lost control of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ want to see death rates go up .
Nobody does .
`` But this is serial incompetence . ''
• Get serious about winning , Starmer tells Labour • Labour aims to build trust with new slogan Sir Keir blames divisions in the top of government and says that local health officials should have been more involved in tackling outbreaks , according to the paper .
Speaking about his plans for returning Labour to power after four election defeats , Sir Keir said : `` We have a mountain to climb . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ leadership into `` phases '' , with the next six months involving answering the question : `` What 's our positive vision for the country ? ''
He added : `` This is going to take four years .
And we 're going to have to be at this every day , every week , every month for the whole of the four years . ''
• SOCIAL DISTANCING : How have rules on meeting friends changed ?
• SUPPORT BUBBLES : What are they and who can be in yours ?
• @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to wear one ?
• TESTING : How do I get a virus test ?
• SYMPTOMS : What are they and how to guard against them ?
The Labour leader 's comments come as one in three people in the UK are now living under tougher social restrictions .
Merseyside became the latest area to enter into a local lockdown on Saturday .
Similar restrictions were also applied in Warrington , Hartlepool and Middlesbrough to tackle the spread of the illness .
Shadow health secretary Jonathan Ashworth said there were `` no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ goes into restrictions '' and local authorities in England needed to be `` properly involved '' before new measures started .
He told BBC One 's Andrew Marr Show it was `` not clear why '' some areas with high case rates escaped tighter restrictions .
He said these include locations with Tory ministers as their MPs , adding : `` There is a suspicion that there is political interference - I hope there is n't .
But until the government publish clear guidelines , that suspicion will always linger . ''
On @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new cases of coronavirus , and reported a further 49 people have died within 28 days of testing positive for Covid-19 .
Meanwhile , the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies ( Sage ) , which advises the UK government , say it is still `` highly likely '' the epidemic is growing exponentially across the country .
Its latest R number estimate - indicating how fast the epidemic is growing or falling - rose to between 1.3 and 1.6 .

He added: "This is going to take four years. And we're going to have to be at this every day, every week, every month for the whole of the four years."


bbcuk--2020-10-04--Flood warnings as heavy rain continues in UK

Heavy rain is continuing to fall in the UK amid warnings that some areas could face flooding and travel disruption .
There are more than 40 flood warnings in Scotland and England .
Some areas of Somerset and Hampshire have seen a month 's worth of rainfall in 42 hours .
A Met Office amber warning for parts of the West Midlands , west and south-west England and most of Wales has been extended until midday .
Yellow , less severe , warnings for rain affect much of the rest of the country .
The Met Office said there had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Somerset , and 101mm at Princes Marsh in Hampshire by 18:00 BST on Saturday .
Met Office meteorologist Greg Dewhurst said there was `` still a fair bit of rain to come '' .
The yellow warning affecting eastern Scotland , northern , central , southern and western England is in place until midday , while for Northern Ireland it lasts until 18:00 BST .
The Met Office said the rain will become slow moving and heavy on Sunday , with areas within the amber and yellow warnings seeing 25-50mm ( 1-2 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 70-90mm over higher ground .
Forecasters say delays or cancellations to train and bus services are possible , while spray and flooding could lead to difficult driving conditions and some road closures .
ScotRail shut several lines following rain on Saturday evening and says the affected routes will need to be checked before they are safe for services to run .
BBC weather forecaster Chris Fawkes said the number of flood warnings have risen as the rain works its way into already high river levels .
There are 11 flood warnings in England @ @ @ @ @ @ @ North Yorkshire , the River Stour in Warwickshire and the River Aller in Somerset .
The Scottish Environmental Protection Agency has 31 flood warnings and 12 flood alerts covering areas across the whole of the country .
In Wales there are no warnings , but 20 alerts .
The London Marathon got under way on Sunday morning in heavy rain at St James ' Park - although around 45,000 runners are taking part in a virtual London Marathon around the world .
The rainy weather affecting the UK comes after Storm Alex struck @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Italy .
At least three people have died and dozens more are missing .

If you are reading this page and can't see the form you will need to visit the mobile version of the BBC website to submit your question or comment or you can email us at HaveYourSay@bbc.co.uk. Please include your name, age and location with any submission.


bbcuk--2020-10-03--Brazilian takes Welsh test to become British citizen

A Brazilian man who wants to become a UK citizen has become the first person to pass a citizenship test using Welsh .
Dr Rodolfo Piskorski said Wales was the only place he had lived in the UK - so he wanted to take the exam in his adopted country 's language .
His passion for Wales also paid off when he asked for help to crowdfund the £1,500 needed to pay citizenship fees .
Most of the cash was raised within a week - and he now hoped to finish the process before Brexit is completed .
`` It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pub quiz , and it does n't integrate you so I thought 'how can I make the process more Welsh and give myself the challenge to do it in Welsh ? '
'' the Cardiff University lecturer said .
`` I 've heard people talk about Welsh as something quaint , but for me it 's exciting , cool and young - that 's been my experience in Cardiff . ''
• Could you draw the Union Jack ?
• How hard is it to become British ?
The 34-year-old moved to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his PhD , and began learning Welsh two years later .
Even though he has EU settled status through his Italian partner , he wanted to become a citizen because of uncertainty over the UK 's exit from the European Union .
`` The right is there and it 's important to use language rights , '' said Dr Piskorski , who is originally from Florianόpolis in south Brazil .
`` I wanted to make a stand and show that there are different ways of being British .
`` I wanted to show @ @ @ @ @ @ @ make those in power acknowledge that fact and acknowledge the right . ''
He took the £50 multiple choice test in January , and learned he was the first to pass the Welsh language version when he was given the results .
Then he faced his second challenge , raising the rest of the money he needs to pay for the full citizenship application .
Following a friend 's advice , he set up an internet funding appeal - and within a week had already hit £1,400 .
`` The response has been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` It 's one thing to be accepted as a citizen but it ' a special feeling to be supported by the people of your country . ''

"It's a silly test, like a pub quiz, and it doesn't integrate you so I thought 'how can I make the process more Welsh and give myself the challenge to do it in Welsh?'" the Cardiff University lecturer said.