bbcuk--2020-07-15--Tran Nguyen killing: Man jailed in Vietnam 14 years on

A man has been jailed in Vietnam 14 years after killing another man in Wales .
Tran Nguyen died at Newport 's Royal Gwent Hospital in 2006 after being brought in beaten and unconscious .
Tu Minh Le , 47 , who had fled to Vietnam , was sentenced to 12 years for unlawful killing at the People 's Court of Hung Yen Province on Tuesday .
Three men were sentenced for the 44-year-old 's manslaughter at Cardiff Crown Court in 2008 .
Gwent Police said following the 2008 convictions it continued working with the National Crime Agency ( NCA @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tu Minh Le .
Mr Nguyen was killed two months after arriving in the UK in the back of a lorry .
During the 2008 court case , the prosecution said Mr Nguyen had been at a cannabis plantation at a property in Newport when it was raided by rivals , who tied him up and stole the crop of drug .
The court heard his gangmaster suspected he may have had a role in the theft and was taken to a house in London where he was beaten up .
Mr Nguyen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ back to Newport where he was then dumped unresponsive and unconscious at the hospital .
Police did not discover Mr Nguyen 's identity until a month after his death when his brother-in-law went to the Royal Gwent Hospital looking for him .
Det Ch Insp Justin O'Keefe , who has worked on the case since the start , said it had been one of the most logistically challenging inquiries ever faced by the force .
`` This was the first time a trial was held in Vietnam for a foreign offence , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ years of work liaising with a range of authorities , but we never lost hope that we would see the outcome we now have . ''
NCA head of region for Asia Pacific , Mark Bishop , said : `` This was a truly landmark case which came about because of unprecedented co-operation between the NCA , Gwent Police and the Vietnamese ministry of public security ... '' Tran Nguyen 's family have been through a horrendous ordeal and have had to wait 14 years for this verdict .
I hope it brings @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them . ''

During the 2008 court case, the prosecution said Mr Nguyen had been at a cannabis plantation at a property in Newport when it was raided by rivals, who tied him up and stole the crop of drug.


bbcuk--2020-07-15--Levison Wood stalker left explorer 'looking over shoulder'

A stalker who left TV explorer Levison Wood `` constantly looking over his shoulder '' has admitted breaching a restraining order .
Fiza Jabeen , 36 , was ordered to stay away in June for `` obsessively '' contacting Mr Wood and his family .
The doctor , from Birmingham , later found his Surrey address and accosted him as he walked his dogs , asking to come over `` for a cup of tea '' .
Jabeen was remanded in custody at Westminster Magistrates ' Court .
The court heard on Tuesday how Mr Wood had reported Jabeen , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over concerns for his family 's safety .
• Latest news and updates from the West Midlands He complained after she threatened his parents and bombarded him with messages on social media .
By June , she was banned from contacting him by Birmingham and Solihull magistrates .
Within a month , she had breached the order when she turned up at his home in Surrey on 10 July .
`` Mr Wood was understandably shocked and concerned given that the defendant lives in Birmingham , and he contacted the police , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ team said she had significant mental health problems .
District Judge Nicholas Rimmer ordered a psychiatric report be prepared before she is sentenced .
Former paratrooper Mr Wood , originally from Forsbrook , Staffordshire , has made a number of TV documentaries following his epic hitchhiking journeys .
He most recently appeared in Channel 4 's Walking With Elephants .
Anyone who thinks they are being stalked is urged to contact the police or call the National Stalking Helpline on 0808 802 0300 .
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The doctor, from Birmingham, later found his Surrey address and accosted him as he walked his dogs, asking to come over "for a cup of tea".


bbcuk--2020-07-16--Leicester lockdown: Measures eased after coronavirus cases drop

A stricter lockdown in Leicester will be eased after a drop in coronavirus cases , Matt Hancock has said .
The health secretary told the House of Commons some restrictions would be lifted from 24 July `` but not all '' following a prolonged lockdown .
The city remained under strict measures from 29 June after a spike in cases .
Restrictions on schools and nurseries will be lifted but bars remain closed as virus rates `` still remain well above the national average '' , Mr Hancock said .
The secretary of state said the latest data showed the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 119 cases per 100,000 people - down from 135 when the prolonged lockdown was announced .
A new local power will be used to close shops selling non-essential items where necessary .
Bars and restaurants in the city will still not be allowed to open and the ban on non-essential travel and social gatherings of more six people will remain in force .
Despite announcing schools can reopen , those run by the city and county council have already closed for the summer .
Mr Hancock said : `` Some say that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wish this were true , but sadly it remains vital for the health of everyone in Leicester and the rest of the country that these restrictions stay in place .
`` We will review them again in a fortnight .
I hope that this careful easing of restrictions will provide some comfort to people in Leicester and Leicestershire . ''
A number of suburbs included in the original lockdown boundary will now be removed , following discussions between the government and the county council .
However , restrictions will remain in the borough @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are still above the national average .
County council leader Nick Rushton said the timing of the boundary change was yet to be decided .
Leicester mayor Sir Peter Soulsby , who earlier suggested restrictions `` should be lifted for 90 % of the city '' , expressed disappointment at the latest announcement .
He said he was `` extremely frustrated that a sledgehammer approach is being taken to deal with an issue in a very small part of the city '' .
Liz Kendall , Labour MP for Leicester West , tweeted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` very disappointed that whilst non-essential retail can now open our hospitality sector ca n't and travel restrictions still apply '' .
• SOCIAL DISTANCING : What are the rules now ?
• BUBBLES : How do they work and who can be in yours ?
• JOBS : Can my boss force me to go to work ?
• FACE MASKS : When should you wear one ?
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Send your story ideas to eastmidsnews @ bbc.co.uk .

"While this needs to be done and we want everyone to be safe, with another two weeks we need some financial support.


bbcuk--2020-07-16--Coronavirus: No reason to change working from home advice - Vallance

There is `` absolutely no reason '' to change the guidance on working from home , the UK 's chief scientific adviser Sir Patrick Vallance has said .
Since late March the government has advised people to work from home if possible to help curb coronavirus .
But last week Prime Minister Boris Johnson signalled a change , saying : `` I think we should now say , well , 'go back to work if you can ' . ''
Sir Patrick said home working was still a `` perfectly good option '' for many .
Speaking to the Commons @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it was his view - and one shared by the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies ( Sage ) - that distancing measures were still important for containing the virus .
`` Of the various distancing measures , working from home for many companies remains a perfectly good option because it 's easy to do , '' he said .
`` I think a number of companies think it 's actually not detrimental to productivity .
And in that situation , there 's absolutely no reason I can see to change it . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ try to balance the economic and health risks of the pandemic .
• What 's the future for the office ?
• How many confirmed cases are there in your area ?
Asked about Britain 's response to the virus , Sir Patrick said : `` It 's clear that the outcome has not been good in the UK , I think you can be absolutely clear about that .
`` There are many factors that are going to play in this as we look and say , 'what is it that makes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ? '
, and there will be decisions made that will turn out not to have been the right decisions at the time . ''
In mid-March , Sir Patrick said it would be a `` good outcome '' for the UK if the number of deaths from the virus could be kept below 20,000 .
The latest figures show 45,119 people have died after testing positive for coronavirus in the UK , up by 66 on the previous day .
Sir Patrick said it was `` quite probable '' that the virus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over a number of years '' , but stressed the UK was still going through the first wave .
`` When people talk about second wave now , actually , what I think they 're talking about really is a re-emergence of the first wave , '' he said .
`` All we have done is suppressed the first wave and when you take the brakes off you would expect it to come back . ''
It comes after a report , requested by the scientific adviser , suggested the UK could see @ @ @ @ @ @ @ winter .
This could be seen as `` the tail end of the first wave still '' , Sir Patrick said .

"There are many factors that are going to play in this as we look and say, 'what is it that makes some countries having done worse than others?', and there will be decisions made that will turn out not to have been the right decisions at the time."


bbcuk--2020-07-16--Shamima Begum can return to UK to fight for citizenship, Court of Appeal rules

Shamima Begum should be allowed to return to the UK to fight the decision to remove her British citizenship , the Court of Appeal has ruled .
Ms Begum , now 20 , was one of three schoolgirls who left London to join the Islamic State group in Syria in 2015 .
Her citizenship was revoked by the Home Office on security grounds after she was found in a refugee camp in 2019 .
The Court of Appeal said she had been denied a fair hearing because she could not make her case from the Syrian camp .
The Home @ @ @ @ @ @ @ disappointing '' and it would `` apply for permission to appeal '' .
• Who is Shamima Begum and how do you lose citizenship ?
• The women and children no-one wants The ruling means the government must now find a way to allow the 20-year-old , who is currently in Camp Roj in northern Syria , to appear in court in London despite repeatedly saying it would not assist removing her from Syria .
Lord Justice Flaux - sitting with Lady Justice King and Lord Justice Singh - said : `` Fairness @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of this case , outweigh the national security concerns , so that the leave to enter appeals should be allowed . ''
The judge also said that the national security concerns about her `` could be addressed and managed if she returns to the United Kingdom '' .
Former Home Secretary Sajid Javid , who made the decision to strip Ms Begum of her citizenship in February 2019 , tweeted a statement saying he was `` deeply concerned about the judgement '' .
He said that regardless of the outcome of her case @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UK `` it will prove impossible to subsequently remove her '' .
Daniel Furner , Ms Begum 's solicitor , said : `` Ms Begum has never had a fair opportunity to give her side of the story .
`` She is not afraid of facing British justice , she welcomes it .
But the stripping of her citizenship without a chance to clear her name is not justice , it is the opposite . ''
Her father Ahmed Ali told the BBC he was `` delighted '' by the ruling , adding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` justice '' .
The prime minister 's official spokesman said that while the government `` does n't routinely comment on individual cases '' , the decisions it made about Ms Begum had not been `` taken lightly '' .
He said the government would `` always ensure the safety and security of the UK and will not allow anything to jeopardise this '' .
Shamima Begum is not yet packing her bags to return to the UK - there 's no government plane warming up the engines at a military airfield to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Court of Appeal could not have been clearer in its wording - she needs to be allowed back to make her case in the interests of justice .
This is an unprecedented ruling - and the government has a matter of weeks to convince the Supreme Court to look at it again .
If it stands , it could have major implications for the UK 's policy of excluding some British-born IS supporters by depriving them of nationality once they 're out of the UK .
Scores of these people - all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could seek to return to the UK as they fight their case to get back their British citizenship .
Other governments have voluntarily repatriated these fighters and sought to contain their threat through prosecutions , monitoring and intensive deradicalisation .
The UK has so far refused to do the same .
Ms Begum 's legal team challenged the move on three grounds - that it was unlawful because it left her stateless ; it exposed her to a real risk of death or inhuman and degrading treatment ; and she could not effectively @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from returning to the UK .
Under international law , it is only legal to revoke someone 's citizenship if an individual is entitled to citizenship of another country .
In February , a specialist tribunal - the Special Immigration Appeals Commission ( SIAC ) - ruled that the decision to remove Ms Begum 's citizenship was lawful because she was `` a citizen of Bangladesh by descent '' .
She is understood to have a claim to Bangladeshi nationality through her mother .
SIAC , a semi-secret court which hears national security @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were concerns about how Ms Begum could take part in the proceedings in London , those difficulties did not mean the home secretary 's decision should be overturned .
In his ruling on Thursday , Lord Justice Flaux said : `` It is difficult to conceive of any case where a court or tribunal has said we can not hold a fair trial , but we are going to go on anyway . ''
Human rights organisation Liberty , which intervened in Ms Begum 's appeal , welcomed the ruling , saying the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a fundamental part of our justice system and equal access to justice must apply to everyone '' .
Liberty lawyer Katie Lines added : `` Banishing someone is the act of a government shirking its responsibilities and it is critical that cruel and irresponsible government decisions can be properly challenged and overturned . ''
Ms Begum left Bethnal Green , in east London , aged 15 for Syria in February 2015 , with two school friends .
Within days she had crossed the Turkish border and eventually reached the IS headquarters at Raqqa @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recruit .
They had three children - all of whom have since died .

Ms Begum's legal team challenged the move on three grounds - that it was unlawful because it left her stateless; it exposed her to a real risk of death or inhuman and degrading treatment; and she could not effectively challenge the decision while she was barred from returning to the UK.


bbcuk--2020-07-16--'Almost certain' Russians sought to interfere in 2019 UK election - Raab

Russians almost certainly sought to interfere in the 2019 UK general election through illicitly acquired documents , the government has said .
Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said any attempt to meddle in UK democracy was `` completely unacceptable '' .
The documents - on UK-US trade discussions - emerged online and were used by Labour in the 2019 campaign .
A much-delayed report into allegations of wider Russian interference into UK democracy is due next week .
Labour said it condemned `` any attempt by Russia , or any foreign power , to interfere in our country 's democratic processes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the nation 's security .
This is the first time the government has acknowledged with such certainty that Russians interfered in the UK 's democratic processes .
A Downing Street spokesman dismissed as `` nonsense '' suggestions that the timing of Mr Raab 's statement was aimed at pre-empting the publication of the Russia report by Parliament 's Intelligence and Security Committee .
• Can UK election meddling be linked to the Kremlin ?
• Five things we learned from leaked trade papers At the 2019 election , then-Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to include the NHS in a future trade agreement with the US - something denied by the government .
Writing on his Facebook page , Mr Corbyn accused the Conservatives of wanting `` to distract from the damage a Trump trade deal would do to our NHS by continuing to push the bogus claim Labour received Russian support '' .
He added that the government 's claim `` is an attempt to divert attention from the threat to the NHS and the Tory party links to Russian oligarchs expected to be revealed in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The government launched an inquiry into how the papers got into the public domain , with help from the National Cyber Security Centre .
The announcement comes as a group of national security services warn that Russian hackers are targeting organisations trying to develop a coronavirus vaccine .
Despite many suspicions of Russian attempts at meddling in the referendum and other campaigns , significant concrete evidence is in short supply .
So , it matters that this is the first time a UK minister has made an explicit link to Russia , in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ meddle in elections in the UK .
But the timing of that statement creates its own intrigue too .
Next week , at long last , the powerful group of MPs who monitor UK intelligence will publish a report on the Russian threat to the UK - a report that has been anticipated for a very long time and may perhaps set the record straight on all of this .
Is it politically convenient for ministers to acknowledge the threat themselves just before others may make embarrassing claims about it ?
Labour politicians @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Russian interference because of their relationship with Tory Party donors .
Did it suit the government to publicise the claims that material used by Labour was also manipulated by Russia ?
It seems , as one former UK ambassador to Moscow said , a `` remarkable coincidence '' that the government decided at this moment to admit explicitly , for the first time , that Russia has tried to stick its nose into our politics - especially when there is a running criminal investigation into who obtained the documents to start with .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ any link in the timing at all .
Read more from Laura here .
In a written ministerial statement , Mr Raab said `` the government has concluded that it is almost certain that Russian actors sought to interfere in the 2019 general election through the online amplification of illicitly acquired and leaked government documents .
He said the documents were disseminated online via the social media platform Reddit .
`` When these gained no traction , further attempts were made to promote the illicitly acquired material online in the run up to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The foreign secretary goes on to say that there is `` no evidence of a broad spectrum Russian campaign against the general election '' but that `` any attempt to interfere in our democratic processes is completely unacceptable '' .
The forum website Reddit said the unredacted papers had been uploaded as `` part of a campaign that has been reported as originating from Russia '' .
It suspended 61 accounts that showed a `` pattern of coordination '' .
Mr Raab 's statement is not connected to the Intelligence and Security @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which is due to be published next week .
The committee launched its inquiry in November 2017 following concern Russia sought to influence the US 2016 election and the 2016 Brexit vote .
After the poisoning of ex-Russian spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia in March 2018 the investigation became the `` primary focus '' of the committee .
The committee heard evidence from independent experts as well as the secret intelligence agencies , MI5 , MI6 and GCHQ .
BBC security correspondent Gordon Corera said the committee 's report has looked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ subversion - with a particular focus on possible interference in the 2016 EU referendum and 2017 general election .
In addition to cyber-espionage and social media campaigns , the report also examines Russian influence through money .
The delay in publication has led to speculation the report contains details embarrassing for the Conservatives - specifically in relation to the party 's Russian donors .
However , Commons leader Jacob Rees-Mogg insisted the hold-up was due to a number of committee members leaving Parliament and the need `` to make sure that the right @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and responsibility could be appointed '' .
Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said Mr Raab 's statement was `` ambiguous '' and `` confusing '' .
She said Mr Raab had said there was `` no evidence of full-scale interference '' by Russia in his statement but had also claimed `` any attempts of such interference are unacceptable '' .

It seems, as one former UK ambassador to Moscow said, a "remarkable coincidence" that the government decided at this moment to admit explicitly, for the first time, that Russia has tried to stick its nose into our politics - especially when there is a running criminal investigation into who obtained the documents to start with.


bbcuk--2020-07-16--Grenfell Tower inquiry: Main firm 'overlooked safety document'

The main contractor on the Grenfell Tower refurbishment overlooked a key fire safety document , the inquiry into the blaze has heard .
It included requirements regarding the fire hazards of certain cladding materials and had to be kept on-site .
But Simon Lawrence , contracts manager at building firm Rydon , said the `` sheer amount of information '' involved in the project led to it being missed .
The inquiry 's first phase found that cladding fuelled the June 2017 fire .
Hearings in the second phase of the inquiry returned last week after a four-month break due @ @ @ @ @ @ @ examining the refurbishment of the 24-storey residential block in North Kensington , west London , in which 72 people died .
• Grenfell Tower fire : Who were the victims ?
The inquiry heard on Thursday that a copy of the Standard for Systemised Building Envelopes , compiled by the Centre for Window and Cladding Technology , had to be kept on-site under National Building Specifications .
The document states that `` the building envelope shall not be composed of materials which readily support combustion , add significantly to the fire load , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Asked about the guidance by inquiry lawyer Richard Millett QC , Mr Lawrence said : `` We would n't have had a copy on site .
`` It obviously was n't picked up in all the documents we had to go through ... it obviously was n't noticed . ''
Mr Lawrence said the `` sheer amount of information '' led to it being missed , but said he was familiar with the `` principle '' of the guidance but not the `` technical part '' .
Asked about what steps Rydon took @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the works were being completed with safe materials , he said : `` I think it would be using a competent design team , competent specialist contractors , backed up by building control and all the layers within . ''
He said it was up to Rydon 's sub-contracted design team including architects Studio E and external wall firm Harley Facades to check that any materials being used on the tower block refurbishment were safe and complied with the regulations .
Mr Lawrence , who was involved in the project between June 2014 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ boiled down to Rydon being `` reliant on others '' .
He said in his witness statement that `` at no point '' did he `` have any reason to believe '' materials were to be used which did not meet legal requirements .
Thursday 's appearance before the inquiry was the first time that Rydon , the company at the centre of the refurbishment , had given evidence .

Asked about what steps Rydon took to supervise the overall project and ensure the works were being completed with safe materials, he said: "I think it would be using a competent design team, competent specialist contractors, backed up by building control and all the layers within."


bbcuk--2020-07-16--Coronavirus: Encouraging results in vaccine trials

Encouraging early results from clinical trials have raised hopes for an effective coronavirus vaccine .
Studies in the US and UK suggest several experimental vaccines produce a good immune response in volunteers without serious side-effects .
Nearly two dozen coronavirus vaccines are in clinical trials while another 140 are in early development .
But some scientists are calling for volunteers to be exposed to the virus to accelerate research .
Nobel laureates are among those who say it would make it easier to see if those who had received a vaccine were protected .
They signed an open letter to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Health , saying these `` challenge trials '' could accelerate vaccine development .
The race to create a coronavirus vaccine is certainly accelerating .
Early results from two trials in the US , run by the pharmaceutical giant Pfizer and biotech company Moderna , suggest both their vaccines both produce a good immune response in volunteers .
The same is expected when data is released next week from Oxford University .
Its vaccine is designed to stimulate two parts of the immune system - producing neutralising antibodies and T-cells - both of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ viral infection .
It would be surprising and hugely disappointing if these leading vaccine candidates did not produce a good immune system response , given early lab and animal data .
But it does n't tell us whether any of them works in the real world .
And do they prevent infection completely , or simply stop people from falling ill but allow them to pass the virus on ?
It is impossible to say when we will get these answers - some indication may come in the autumn but it could be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are known .
There are now 23 coronavirus vaccines in clinical trials around the world .
The only way we will know if any of them works is if enough volunteers are subsequently exposed to coronavirus in their daily life and do not get infected .
That could take well into next year , given that many studies are being conducted in countries where infection rates are falling .
• Coronavirus vaccine : When will we have one ?
• Human trial of new coronavirus vaccine begins in the UK The organisation 1 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ left to chance .
It is made up of more than 30,000 would-be volunteers in 140 countries who say they are prepared to take part in challenge studies .
The campaign now has the support of more than 100 prominent figures , including 15 Nobel laureates , who have signed an open letter advocating this approach .
They say it would involve healthy , young volunteers being deliberately given coronavirus after receiving the vaccine .
They argue that the risks to their health would be low , but the potential benefits to society @ @ @ @ @ @ @ If challenge trials can safely and effectively speed the vaccine development process , then there is a formidable presumption in favour of their use , which would require a very compelling ethical justification to overcome . ''
The letter supporting challenge trials has been signed by Professor Adrian Hill , the director of the Jenner Institute at Oxford University , which has one of the leading prototype coronavirus vaccines .
He said human challenge studies could happen `` in the coming months '' .
Dr Francis Collins , director of the NIH , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the table for discussion - not on the table to start designing a plan '' .
This can be argued two ways .
You could say it would be wrong to deliberately expose a trial volunteer to the risk of coronavirus , when we do n't yet have a failsafe treatment which could guarantee their safety .
Put simply , some volunteers could get seriously ill or die .
But those in favour of going down this route argue the dangers are low .
Nine in 10 people admitted to hospital with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the vast majority who die are elderly .
If you restrict challenge studies to young , fit people in their 20s , this would minimise the risks .
1 Day Sooner says the chance of volunteers dying would be lower than for a live kidney donation or during childbirth .
The campaign group argues it is unethical not to do challenge studies because they could accelerate research to find an effective coronavirus vaccine and potentially save hundreds of thousands of lives .
Has this been done before ?
Yes .
Challenge studies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ late 18th century , Edward Jenner noticed that dairymaids were protected from smallpox after having been exposed to cowpox , which gave only a mild illness .
He inoculated an eight-year-old boy with cowpox and then later deliberately exposed the child with smallpox .
He did not get infected .
Challenge studies have been used to test vaccines against cholera , malaria , typhoid and dengue fever .
In each case there has been an effective treatment on hand to treat volunteers who might fall ill. • BRITAIN 'S CANCER CRISIS : How @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
• DIET AND THE IMMUNE SYSTEM How important is a healthy diet ?

This can be argued two ways. You could say it would be wrong to deliberately expose a trial volunteer to the risk of coronavirus, when we don't yet have a failsafe treatment which could guarantee their safety. Put simply, some volunteers could get seriously ill or die.


bbcuk--2020-07-16--Charity boss Tony Sewell to head government race commission

The government has named Tony Sewell as chair of its new commission looking into race disparity in the UK .
The formation of the body was announced in June by Boris Johnson in the wake of anti-racism protests following the death of George Floyd .
Mr Sewell said the commission would `` seek to inform a national conversation about race , led by the evidence '' .
But the Muslim Council of Britain said he was the wrong choice as he was `` keen on downplaying race disparities '' .
The prime minister said Mr Sewell shared his `` commitment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The commission is tasked with looking at all aspects of inequality , including criminal justice , education , employment and health .
It will report back directly to Mr Johnson with its findings by the end of the year .
But Labour 's shadow women and equalities secretary , Marsha de Cordova , said most of the evidence the commission would examine had already come to light in previous reviews on race , calling for `` action on the structural racism that we already know exists '' as a priority .
The Liberal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , also called for the PM to ensure any recommendations from the commission `` do n't just sit and gather dust '' .
• UK must do 'much more ' to tackle racism , says PM Now the boss of education charity Generating Genius , Mr Sewell worked with the PM in 2013 when he was Mayor of London , leading his education inquiry into the capital 's schools , and sat on the Windrush working group .
He is a longstanding commentator on racial issues and education , attracting criticism from some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ claiming boys were being failed by schools because lessons had become too `` feminised '' .
He also said an anti-intellectual Afro-Caribbean youth culture was one of the reasons girls performed better than boys in school .
And , writing in Prospect magazine in 2010 , he said `` much of the supposed evidence of institutional racism is flimsy '' .
The BBC 's community affairs correspondent , Rianna Croxford , reported that he was understood to be in line for the role earlier on Thursday .
After the appointment was confirmed , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spent my entire career in education striving to help all students achieve their full potential .
`` I know however that inequality exists , and I am committed to working with my fellow commissioners to understand why . ''
This commission had its sceptics from the moment it was announced .
Some opposition MPs and organisations working on race equality were uneasy about Boris Johnson 's comments that he wanted to `` change the narrative '' on race and `` stop a sense of victimisation and discrimination '' .
There was also concern @ @ @ @ @ @ @ aides , Munira Mirza , who 's been overseeing the setting up of the commission , had previously questioned whether structural racism existed .
Tony Sewell , who 's now been chosen as chair , has written in support of both of these views .
As Downing Street was working to recruit the commission 's members , I understand that a number of prominent figures in the black community - who did not want to be identified publicly - sought to distance themselves from the process .
Sources said some who 'd been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ regarded the commission as `` toxic '' and a way for ministers to `` play for time '' or `` pay lip service '' to the idea of race equality .
A government spokesperson said : `` It is untrue to suggest that a number of prominent Black individuals have rejected the opportunity to be a part of the commission . ''
The choice is sure to be a controversial one but it 's clear the government wants to make a break from what has come before .
The Equalities Minister , Kemi @ @ @ @ @ @ @ inform and improve '' the conversation about race - but the question will be , how much it can achieve if it does n't have the full support of the communities its working to help ?
The commission will face high levels of scrutiny after accusations another government review into race is a distraction from the issue .
The other members confirmed for the commission are : • Dr Maggie Aderin-Pocock - scientist and co-presenter of BBC 's The Sky at Night • Keith Fraser - chair of the Youth Justice Board for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - CEO of Juniper TV , former BBC journalist and former chair of The Runnymede Trust • Aftab Chughtai - co-founder of the campaign group Muslims for Britain , member of the Grenfell Tower Taskforce and chair of West Midlands Police Independent Advisory Group A spokesman for the Muslim Council of Britain condemned the appointments , saying : `` The composition of the government 's commission on race disparities sends a strong signal about its intentions .
Many are partisans of a culture war keen on downplaying race disparities .
`` Tony Sewell @ @ @ @ @ @ @ composition of this commission tells us that the government intends to row back on previous work to tackle racial disparities . ''
Speaking to BBC News , Mr Sewell said he did believe `` racism exists in structures '' , but added : `` I do think some of the disparities there may not have origins in race .
They could be rooted in class , different geographies , or different powers .
`` We need to examine that ... and take an intellectually wider view of this , rather than a narrow @ @ @

The Equalities Minister, Kemi Badenoch, said the commission will "inform and improve" the conversation about race - but the question will be, how much it can achieve if it doesn't have the full support of the communities its working to help?


bbcuk--2020-07-16--British Gas workers told to agree new contracts or risk jobs

British Gas-owner Centrica will tell thousands of staff to accept new working conditions , including no extra overtime pay , or risk their jobs .
The firm said if employees do n't sign the contract , there will be a fresh wave of redundancies , although it insists that is a `` last resort '' .
Centrica has already outlined 5,000 job cuts as customer numbers tumble .
The firm said it had `` been open about the changes '' needed to win back customers .
The proposals are all subject to a consultation period with unions , the company @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pay and pensions will be protected , but simplifying and modernising their terms is essential if we 're to become more flexible and price competitive , '' said Centrica .
`` We have over 80 different employee contracts with 7,000 variations of terms , many of which are outdated and stop us delivering for customers . ''
Unions and workers said they were concerned about the move and criticised the timing amid lockdown .
`` They are using this as an excuse because they know we ca n't even have discussions and meetings @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , who has worked for the firm for more than 15 years and spoke to the BBC on condition of anonymity .
`` This really is a divide-and-conquer moment . ''
The company says it must become more competitive to protect jobs in the long term .
Centrica proposes to fix overtime pay at the same rate as regular hours , according to a presentation seen by the BBC .
Previously , overtime could attract double the hourly rate , depending on a worker 's contract .
Engineers who might previously have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 20:00 in the busier winter period could be allocated hours any time between 06:00 and 23:00 .
Centrica follows British Airways in combining proposed layoffs with new contracts which unions describe as unfavourable .
Both companies insist the deal offered is fair .
`` What is really painful is that when this coronavirus kicked off , we all rose to the challenge , '' said the engineer .
He and other British Gas workers volunteered to deliver meals for vulnerable people for the Trussell Trust .
This gave him and his colleagues a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ together with continuing to repair broken heating systems during lockdown .
`` We were going into houses .
We were feeling proud , as we were key workers , '' he said .
`` It 's a huge slap in the face . ''
Centrica said a so-called Section 188 notice , which employers are obliged to give to workers ' representatives if they are considering large-scale redundancies , was a last resort if workers did not agree the new terms .
`` We 've been open about the changes we need to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our company and protect jobs in the long run , '' the company said in a statement .
The GMB union said it had started talks with the company on planned changes , as Centrica has set a deadline of agreeing a deal with employees before winter .
Assistant general secretary Christina McAnea of the Unison union branded the move `` disgraceful behaviour '' .
`` Employees have worked hard throughout the past few months to ensure customers are well-served , despite the pandemic , '' she said .
`` This is no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
The company is scrambling to stem the flow of customers from its energy supply business .
Last month , it began trialling a cheaper , digital-only brand under the name British Gas X .
It also already plans job cuts at its head office .
New boss Chris O'Shea said most of the cuts would fall in the UK as the energy giant seeks to slim down its business .
About half of the jobs to go will be among the company 's leadership , management and corporate staff .
This @ @ @ @ @ @ @ team of 40 , who will leave by the end of August .
Centrica has about 27,000 employees , with 20,000 of these based in the UK .

"They are using this as an excuse because they know we can't even have discussions and meetings," said one British Gas engineer, who has worked for the firm for more than 15 years and spoke to the BBC on condition of anonymity.


bbcuk--2020-07-16--Bus lane warning in Newcastle's John Dobson Street 'misleading'

A report has found that a bus lane , once home to the most lucrative enforcement camera in England , had `` misleading and wrong '' road signs .
Nearly £6,000 a day was generated from penalty charges for the council in 2016 on Newcastle 's John Dobson Street .
The Traffic Penalty Tribunal upheld a previous ruling that drivers were not given enough warning and accused the council of `` fundamental negligence '' .
The Labour-led local authority has not yet decided whether to appeal and insisted measures were compliant with government guidelines , something the adjudicator agreed with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) said local authorities were responsible for placing traffic signs and it was for them to ensure any sign they placed was lawful .
The figures were revealed after an investigation by BBC England found almost 4,000 motorists a day were being fined for driving in bus lanes across the country , raising an estimated £31m between 2015-16 .
In Newcastle , almost 92,000 drivers were caught on the northbound side of the city centre road between the camera being installed in February 2016 and shut off in June 2017 .
Fines totalled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In a 15-page ruling , which took three years to publish , chief adjudicator Caroline Sheppard found that a sign on the approach to the roundabout should have been replaced as it misdirected drivers to the bus lane .
She added that the `` misleading and wrong '' warning sign on John Dobson Street itself could be easily obscured by buses and incorrectly implied there were through roads , the Local Democracy Reporting Service said .
Ms Sheppard also said warning letters could have been issued at first , rather than an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ using the bus lane , initially charged at £60 , have been suspended ever since .
It is not known if refunds will be issued .
Campaigner David Crawford-Emery took his case to the tribunal in 2017 and had his fine overturned .
He said : `` I think that this opens up the possibility now , that the council will have to refund thousands of fines that have been unfairly paid out . ''
Councillor Arlene Ainsley , cabinet member for transport , said : `` We would absolutely refute any suggestion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has misled drivers in any way , particularly as the measures we put in place were compliant with the government guidelines .
`` It is precisely these inconsistencies , both with different adjudications and the DfT guidance we have to follow , which prompted us to request this review all those years ago , and it is disappointing that these issues have still not been adequately addressed in the chief adjudicator 's decision . ''
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"It is precisely these inconsistencies, both with different adjudications and the DfT guidance we have to follow, which prompted us to request this review all those years ago, and it is disappointing that these issues have still not been adequately addressed in the chief adjudicator's decision."


bbcuk--2020-07-16--Charlie Elphicke trial: Ex-MP 'paid £5,000 compensation' to 'groped' woman

A former MP agreed to pay a woman £5,000 after allegedly sexually assaulting her to prevent his wife from finding out , a court heard .
Charlie Elphicke said it was the complainant 's demand to be paid `` compensation '' after the alleged incident at his home in London in 2007 .
Mr Elphicke , 49 , said he believed the woman `` wanted to take matters further '' after they shared a bottle of wine .
At Southwark Crown Court he denies three counts of sexual assault .
Mr Elphicke and the woman , who can not be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ while Mrs Elphicke was away on business .
He said he had been `` under a misapprehension '' in making advances towards her .
The woman , in her early-30s at the time , alleged Mr Elphicke tried to kiss her , groped her breast , then chased her around his home while trying to grab her buttocks .
Excerpts from Mr Elphicke 's interview with police in March 2018 were played in front of a jury .
In them he said the woman asked him not to tell his wife about the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He said : `` I got it [ the £5,000 ] in smaller amounts - £500 , £1,000 - because she was insistent Natalie should n't know . ''
Asked if he had ever told his wife about the payments , Mr Elphicke told police : `` No . ''
He also described how the first alleged incident happened and said that he stopped immediately when the woman told him to .
He said : `` The atmosphere was very warm and convivial and I believed she wanted to take matters further @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her .
`` At first she responded positively , then it became clear it was not what she wanted . ''
He said : `` I was incredibly apologetic .
I believed this was what she wanted .
`` She said she accepted my explanation , my apology , and that I had been under a misapprehension . ''

The woman, in her early-30s at the time, alleged Mr Elphicke tried to kiss her, groped her breast, then chased her around his home while trying to grab her buttocks.


bbcuk--2020-07-16--Johnny Depp was never violent to me, says ex-partner Winona Ryder

Johnny Depp 's ex-partner Winona Ryder has said it is `` impossible to believe '' allegations from his former wife Amber Heard that he was violent .
`` I truly and honestly only know him as a really good man , '' said Ms Ryder .
Mr Depp , 57 , is suing the publisher of the Sun over an article that referred to him as a `` wife beater '' - but the newspaper maintains it was accurate .
He denies 14 domestic violence allegations which News Group Newspapers is relying on for its defence .
Ms Ryder and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Mr Depp , had been due to give evidence at London 's High Court via video link .
But on Thursday the actor 's barrister David Sherborne told the court Mr Depp 's legal team had decided there was no need to hear from them .
Their witness statements were released to the media , following a successful application by the PA news agency .
Ms Ryder , who was in a relationship with Mr Depp for four years , said : `` I understand that it is very important that I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I obviously was not there during his marriage to Amber , but , from my experience , which was so wildly different , I was absolutely shocked , confused and upset when I heard the accusations against him .
`` The idea that he is an incredibly violent person is the farthest thing from the Johnny I knew and loved .
`` I can not wrap my head around these accusations .
He was never , never violent towards me .
He was never , never abusive at all towards me .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ anybody I have seen .
`` I truly and honestly only know him as a really good man - an incredibly loving , extremely caring guy who was so very protective of me and the people that he loves , and I felt so very , very safe with him .
`` I do not want to call anyone a liar but from my experience of Johnny , it is impossible to believe that such horrific allegations are true .
I find it extremely upsetting , knowing him as I do . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ actress and model Ms Paradis said she had known Mr Depp for more than 25 years - including 14 years when they were partners and raised their two children together .
`` Through all these years I 've known Johnny to be a kind , attentive , generous and non-violent person and father , '' she said .
`` On movie sets the actors , directors and entire crews adore him because he is humble and respectful to everyone , as well as being one of the best actors we 've seen .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ allegations from Ms Heard were `` nothing like the true Johnny I have known , and from my personal experience of many years , I can say he was never violent or abusive to me '' .
`` I have seen that these outrageous statements have been really distressing , and also caused damage to his career because unfortunately people have gone on believing these false facts , '' she added .
Earlier , Mr Depp 's bodyguard claimed it was a `` very common occurrence '' for the actor to call his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from Ms Heard , due to her behaviour '' and `` he would then stay somewhere else '' .
Sean Bett , who is Mr Depp 's head of security , has worked for the Hollywood star for nine years .
In a written statement , Mr Bett said he saw the couple `` very regularly '' during their relationship , and `` never saw any cuts , bruises or other injuries on Ms Heard '' .
`` On the contrary , throughout the course of Mr Depp and Ms Heard 's relationship @ @ @ @ @ @ @ abusive towards Mr Depp , '' he claimed .
He added : `` I would describe it as a recurring cycle that Ms Heard would abuse Mr Depp , who would then remove himself from the situation . ''
The case centres on an article published on the Sun 's website in April 2018 .
It was headlined : `` Gone Potty : How can JK Rowling be 'genuinely happy ' casting wife beater Johnny Depp in the new Fantastic Beasts film ? ''
.
The article related to allegations made by Ms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ film star from 2015 to 2017 .
The hearing is expected to last for three weeks .

Ms Ryder, who was in a relationship with Mr Depp for four years, said: "I understand that it is very important that I speak from my own experience, as I obviously was not there during his marriage to Amber, but, from my experience, which was so wildly different, I was absolutely shocked, confused and upset when I heard the accusations against him.


bbcuk--2020-07-16--Beloved gig venues in Manchester and Hull succumb to Covid closure

Two much-loved music venues in Manchester and two in Hull have been shut down , after four months of enforced closure .
The operator of Manchester 's Deaf Institute and Gorilla said it would not be able to reopen those venues .
And the companies behind the Welly and the Polar Bear in Hull have gone into administration .
The announcements came as the Southbank Centre in London said up to 400 roles have been put at risk of redundancy .
The live entertainment industry is feeling the effects of being closed to the public since coronavirus restrictions were imposed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Gorilla have been popular with fans and artists over the past decade .
The Deaf Institute has hosted the likes of Florence & the Machine , Haim and Tame Impala , while Gorilla has witnessed shows by Blossoms , Foals and Sam Fender .
`` This difficult decision has been made against the backdrop of Covid 19 and the enforced closure of all of our sites and with continued restrictions upon opening of live music venues , '' said Roy Ellis , chief executive of venue operator Mission Mars .
`` We appreciate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and have provided an early stage for many acts in the North West and are therefore well known in the world of music . ''
They encouraged any `` industry and music entrepreneurs who might be interested in this as an opportunity '' to get in touch .
Ellis confirmed the news to BBC Radio Manchester .
In Hull , The Welly has played host to the likes of U2 , Pulp and The Housemartins over its long history .
The Welly and the Polar Bear were closed after two companies under the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Responding to the news , The Music Venues Trust said : `` We have been warning for months that the situation faced by grassroots music venues was unsustainable and would result in the closure of spaces people love and artists need unless there was concerted , strategic action .
`` That action now needs to be accelerated to prevent hundreds of other venues from being lost right across the country . ''
Meanwhile , a spokesperson for The Southbank Centre told The Guardian that two-thirds of its staff could be made redundant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with great sadness that the Southbank Centre announced that up to 400 roles have been put at risk of redundancy as part of a comprehensive management action plan designed to stem the financial losses being incurred as a result of Covid-19 , and to help safeguard the future of the UK 's largest arts centre . ''
And a major drive-in tour featuring the hit musical Six and acts like Kaiser Chiefs , Dizzee Rascal and The Streets has been cancelled due to uncertainties over local lockdowns .
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A statement said: "It is with great sadness that the Southbank Centre announced that up to 400 roles have been put at risk of redundancy as part of a comprehensive management action plan designed to stem the financial losses being incurred as a result of Covid-19, and to help safeguard the future of the UK's largest arts centre."


bbcuk--2020-07-16--Coronavirus: 'My once-in-lifetime holiday hasn't been refunded'

Lynn and Martin Fox had remortgaged their home to pay for a holiday of a lifetime with their two children in Florida , only for coronavirus and bad luck to ruin their plans .
The couple finished paying for the holiday in January , but Mrs Fox , 42 , then lost her cabin crew job at Flybe when the airline collapsed in March .
Weeks later , as the virus lockdown took hold , work dried up for her husband , a pipe-fitter .
Then the holiday , planned for late April , was cancelled .
`` We thought @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bank , but then panic started to set in , '' said Mrs Fox .
• Can I get travel insurance and what are my travel rights ?
• Coronavirus : Package holiday firms told to sharpen up on refunds • Coronavirus : 'First Ryanair agreed to a refund , then it didn't' Their refund of £6,700 from Virgin Holidays did not arrive .
They had little in income , waited weeks for benefits after making a universal credit application , as well as another wait for a government self-employment support grant to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ [ Virgin Holidays ] would have been honest with us and communicated with us , we would have been happy .
If they put a date on the refund , we could have planned , '' she said .
`` But the phone cut off calls and emails were ignored . ''
Consumer association Which ?
says this is far from a unique case .
It has built up a dossier of 14,000 complaints from people struggling to obtain refunds for cancelled flights or holidays .
The consumer group said this was just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which it claimed was putting people under `` serious financial and emotional distress '' .
Virgin Holidays said that Mr and Mrs Fox 's refund was in a queue .
A company spokeswoman said that it continued to be `` inundated with an unprecedented volume of refund requests '' and had increased capacity to deal with these cases .
She said refund payments were being taken in date order and would be processed within `` an absolute maximum of 120 days '' , from the date the refund was requested .
However @ @ @ @ @ @ @ refund far exceeded the legal deadline of 14 days for package holidays .
Refunds for cancelled flights are supposed to come within seven days .
When the Virgin Atlantic airline , part of the same stable , finalised a rescue deal in recent days , its chief executive Shai Weiss said : `` Despite the incredible efforts of our teams , through cancelled flights and delayed refunds we have not lived up to the high standards we set ourselves , but we will do everything in our power to earn back their trust @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , involving a range of companies and analysed by Which ?
, have collectively spent nearly six years trying to chase their refunds .
The consumer group said these complainants were £5.6m out of pocket , at an average of £446 each .
What are my rights ?
• If you have a package holiday cancelled by the provider , then a refund should be provided for the whole holiday within 14 days • If your flight is cancelled , you are entitled to a full refund to the original form of payment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are struggling to meet that deadline .
You can accept , or refuse , vouchers or a rebooking but a voucher will probably be invalid if the airline later goes bust • If you decide against going on a future flight , which is not yet cancelled , then there is no right to a refund .
Different airlines have different rules over what you can do , but many are waiving any charges for changing to a later flight or having a voucher instead .
Your travel insurance is unlikely to cover @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in refunding customers due to the volume of applications , but insisted they were issuing pay-outs .
Which ?
has passed the complaints to the Civil Aviation Authority ( CAA ) , which it urged to take `` urgent enforcement action '' .
Rory Boland , of Which ?
Travel , said : `` These latest figures are a damning indictment of the behaviour of many airlines and holiday companies in recent weeks .
`` With customers being told to either wait months for their money back or accept a voucher that may @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it should come as a surprise to no one that trust has plummeted so drastically .
`` Any further delay risks permanent damage to trust in the travel industry . ''
The CAA told the BBC that it is now reviewing the refund policies and performance of airlines .
`` We value the input we have received directly from consumers , as well as those that were sent to us via consumer organisations , '' said CAA spokesman Andrew McConnell .
`` We acknowledge the importance of this and will publish the findings @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Last week , the UK 's competition authority wrote a letter to more than 100 holiday companies , telling them to speed up their coronavirus refunds process .
The Competition and Markets Authority ( CMA ) said that some firms had misled customers about their refund rights .
A spokeswoman for Abta , which represents the package holiday sector , said companies were themselves facing delays from airlines in refunding them the flight element of any holiday .
They had also mutually agreed with many customers to postpone , rather than cancel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ getting a refund for a cancelled holiday ?
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When the Virgin Atlantic airline, part of the same stable, finalised a rescue deal in recent days, its chief executive Shai Weiss said: "Despite the incredible efforts of our teams, through cancelled flights and delayed refunds we have not lived up to the high standards we set ourselves, but we will do everything in our power to earn back their trust."


bbcuk--2020-07-16--Coronavirus: Shielding in Wales to end on 16 August

Those most at risk from coronavirus can stop shielding after 16 August , Wales ' chief medical officer has said .
Around 130,000 people in Wales with underlying health conditions have been advised to stay indoors since the start of the pandemic to protect themselves .
At the coronavirus briefing on Thursday , Dr Frank Atherton said such people in at-risk groups would be able to go to work , school or the shops .
He said they `` can gradually resume day-to-day life '' .
Dr Atherton added the measures would be kept under review in case of a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : Who should be shielding ?
• The billions being spent on coronavirus in Wales • People shielding in Wales to be allowed outdoors He said it was still very important that people in the shielding group continued to pay strict attention to physical distancing and good hand hygiene .
Some of the support which has been made available for those shielding will end , such as the weekly food box scheme - a direct food delivery service which is currently provided for people shielding .
But supermarkets will continue to offer priority @ @ @ @ @ @ @ particularly vulnerable to coronavirus .
A prescription delivery service will remain in place until 30 September , said Dr Atherton , who added he will be writing to everyone in the shielding group .
Dr Atherton said the NHS in Wales will keep an up to date list of those who have been shielding , because `` we just do n't know what 's round the corner '' .
He added the Welsh Government may have to reinstate `` some form '' of shielding in the future , if the virus increases in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we hope not - but it may be we may have to reinstitute some form of shielding in the future , '' he said .
`` If we do that , it may not be exactly the same group , there 's a piece of work going on at a UK level to do a better risk assessment so that we have a clearer idea of who really will benefit . ''
Shadow health minister Angela Burns MS said it was `` welcome news '' for the thousands of people who have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , work , school and any sense of a normal life . ''
But she added lifting restrictions on a Sunday seemed strange .
`` For those who have been effectively isolated for months , were the pause from the Friday , or even the Saturday , that extra day could mean so much to people , '' she said .
Are people ready to go out again ?
One woman who has been shielding since March said she feels it is still too soon .
Lee Dirkzwager , 72 , from Cardiff @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease .
She said she briefly went out to go to the bank , but `` did n't enjoy it '' .
`` I 'm trying to stay away from people and people are walking past you with no masks - it 's not nice , '' she said .
`` I think it 's going to be a lot longer before I want to go out . ''
Who has been shielding ?
Those most at risk of coronavirus , including : • Some people with cancer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and radiotherapy • Women who are pregnant and have heart disease • Some people with rare diseases such as severe combined immunodeficiency 'Confidence to go out' As those shielding prepare to slowly return to normal life , a trainee anaesthetist has designed a pin badge encouraging others to keep their distance .
Helen Iliff , who works at Prince Charles Hospital , Merthyr Tydfil , created the badge while she herself was shielding .
`` It 's been very exciting and I like to think I 've made the most of the time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It 's not just about giving people the confidence to go out ; it 's also about our wider understanding of personal responsibility and respect for others .
`` It 's not that people are n't willing to engage with social distancing , but we are tiring after so long in lockdown and people forget . ''
The symbol of a shield has been printed on 130,000 badges to be distributed at health boards across Wales .
Lanyards , stickers and other merchandise has also been produced .
What about shielding in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2.2m people who have been self-isolating in England during the pandemic will no longer need to shield from 1 August .
They are already able to meet outdoors in a group with up to five others and form `` support bubbles '' with other households .
Scotland - The 180,000 people currently shielding in Scotland are to be allowed to stay in holiday accommodation and visit outdoor markets and gardens from Friday , in a change to advice announced on Thursday .
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said it was hoped the need for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ end of July .
Northern Ireland - The 80,000 people deemed to be at most risk from coronavirus will be able to go outside again when the shielding period ends on 31 July .

"If we do that, it may not be exactly the same group, there's a piece of work going on at a UK level to do a better risk assessment so that we have a clearer idea of who really will benefit."


bbcuk--2020-07-15--Coronavirus: A user's guide to wearing a face mask to the shops

Soon there will be almost no excuse for not wearing a face mask while out shopping in England - covering your face will be as essential as remembering your cash or bank card .
The rules differ a little around the UK .
But wherever you live , it 's going to be hard to avoid covering up your mouth and nose .
And that raises a host of dilemmas .
How do I put it on correctly ?
This is important to get right .
The key things are to clean your hands before you put it on and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sure it fits snugly so there are n't any gaps between the material and your face .
Of course if your mask does n't fit properly you can always adjust it , or tie it in a slightly more convenient way .
But it needs to cover both your mouth and nose and also go up to the top of your nose , hooking behind your ears or the back of your head .
And remember , the idea is no gaps .
Got it ?
You 're good to go .
Deciding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mask the first thing you need to decide is what sort you want .
The government says surgical masks and respirators should be reserved for those who need them to protect against risks in their workplace , such as NHS staff and care workers .
But you can still buy non-medical disposable face coverings , reusable cloth coverings , or even items like scarves and bandanas .
If single-use coverings are what you 're after , you could head to a pharmacy - high street chains like Boots , Superdrug and Lloyds all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on online sites like Amazon .
But more and more clothes retailers are also joining the marketplace with reusable fabric masks .
In fact , it seems everywhere now sells reusable masks - from your local corner shop , to your favourite football club , to independent retailers on Etsy .
From ditsy designs to animal prints , there are a range of `` fashion masks '' on sites like Asos or Boohoo , or in shops like Oliver Bonas .
Can I take it off to talk ?
No , sorry , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spread when droplets are sprayed into the air when infected people cough or sneeze - but also when they talk .
Those droplets can then fall on surfaces .
So it would defeat the point if you take it off to have a natter , really .
How to stop it fogging up my glasses It 's a worry that has been burdening many spectacle-wearers .
It 's a legitimate one , too - lenses can steam up when you wear a mask because your warm breath comes out of the top of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and clouding them up .
The extra moisture can also mean that nose pads become slippery and your frames glasses slide down your face .
The key is to try , if possible , to make sure there are n't any gaps for the air to escape around your nose and cheeks .
You could try tucking the mask behind your glasses , or tucking some tissue inside the top of the covering .
The opticians Specsavers recommends resting your glasses on top of your mask to help seal any gap , or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ secure the mask to the bridge of your nose .
Failing that you could try washing your glasses in soapy water to stop them misting up .
What about my medical conditions ?
A face covering should cover your mouth and nose while allowing you to breathe comfortably .
But if you have a medical issue and suffer from breathing difficulties , it might not be quite that simple .
You may well already be among those exempt from wearing face coverings on public transport in England .
The government has n't given @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shops yet , so you 'll need to check those once they 're out .
But one tip from Asthma UK is to try a few different types to see if there is one that suits you .
It suggests trying one out at home , or on a short walk around the block before heading off to do your weekly shop .
So how about recycling them ?
No , sorry ( again ) .
If your mask is n't washable , or if it 's disposable , the government says it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' or general waste bin ( or a litter bin if you 're outside ) once you 've worn it .
Disposable face coverings should be thrown away after each use , or as soon as they are damp , according to the World Health Organization .
This includes the lighter , pleated ones as well as the sturdier , particle-filtering masks .
The added waste has caused concern for environmentalists who say they 're ending up in the sea .
The government says if you 're worried about this you can `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , or make your own .
Whether you 're handy with a sewing machine , you like cutting up old t-shirts , or just want a quick fix , the principles are the same : the more layers of material the better , and the mask needs to fit snugly around the face , and allow you to breathe comfortably .
One study suggests the best materials to use are tightly-woven cottons or twill , natural silk or quilted cotton material .
But you can also make do with what you have around @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a guide to different types and step-by-step instructions on how to make them .
Making sure you wash it You should wash your fabric coverings after every use .
That might sound like a lot , but the good news is you can put them in the washing machine with the rest of your clothes .
Bandanas , face scarves and coverings made of fabric , like cotton , can be washed in your regular laundry using hot water , says US-based Johns Hopkins Medicine .
You should wash it on the warmest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the type of material it 's made from .
Or you can hand wash them in hot , soapy water - scrubbing them for at least 20 seconds .
After washing , tumble dry them on a high setting and store in a clean place .
If you are air drying , keep them flat and try to dry them in direct sunlight .
Johns Hopkins Medicine also suggests using a non-scented detergent if you are sensitive to perfumes .
Finding the right size for my child Some big high street names @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to name just three ) sell masks for children , alongside smaller manufacturers that have shifted their focus - including Thumbsie , which usually makes fabric gloves to help children stop sucking their thumbs .
Vistaprint offers a range of face coverings with adjustable straps in kid-friendly fabrics , while luxury brand Rachel Riley makes them with a cotton satin lining for children as young as three .
In England , only children aged 11 and over will have to wear one in shops .
In Scotland , all children aged five and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Treating my mask like my socks Some people have said you should think of your masks like your socks - having a new one every day .
That does n't mean you need to rush out and buy dozens of them , but it 's a good idea to perhaps have more than one .
That way you can wear a clean one while the other is in the wash. And as for the disposable ones , they are usually sold in large numbers - Boots , for example , has a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more than enough to do the weekly supermarket shop for a few weeks .
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : How do I protect myself ?

Of course if your mask doesn't fit properly you can always adjust it, or tie it in a slightly more convenient way. But it needs to cover both your mouth and nose and also go up to the top of your nose, hooking behind your ears or the back of your head.


bbcuk--2020-07-15--Coronavirus: Restaurant no-shows 'putting jobs at risk'

Restaurant owners say no-shows are putting jobs at risk in an industry `` on the verge of collapse '' because of coronavirus .
TV chef Paul Ainsworth said he had 27 `` shocking '' no-shows in Rock , Cornwall , on Tuesday , the same number reported by Tom Kerridge in London on Saturday .
Some restaurants are now considering asking for non-refundable deposits .
In Cornwall , a group set up to raise awareness of the issue has `` gone bonkers '' within 24 hours .
Natalie Moore said about 40 restaurants and pubs had been in touch since @ @ @ @ @ @ @ group .
`` Restaurants have a limited capacity because of social distancing , meaning every seat is even more valuable at the moment , '' said Ms Moore , from the Pickwick Inn near Padstow .
`` Everyone is on their knees . ''
Michelin-starred chef Mr Kerridge also posted about the issue on the weekend and said no-shows put jobs at risk in an industry that was already `` on the verge of collapse '' .
One possible deterrent would be to ask for a non-refundable deposit , but restaurants said this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time it takes to accept payments over the phone .
Some take credit card details , although Mr Ainsworth said some customers cancel their card before the charge can be taken .
Ryan Tomkins owns the Stepping Stone in Wadebridge , where eight people no-showed on Wednesday in a restaurant with a current capacity of 24 due to social distancing .
He said they had 60 people who wanted to dine with them but the no-shows were too late to replace , `` making it a bitter pill to swallow as we try @ @ @ @ @ @ @ being closed for three months '' .
`` It seems people might be booking more than one place and then choosing which one to go to at the last minute , '' he said .
`` It is devastating when people do n't show .
It is really getting to everyone at the moment . ''

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bbcuk--2020-07-16--Coronavirus: What are the UK's travel rules and which countries can you visit?

Passengers can now take direct flights from the UK to Greece .
So which other countries can you now visit and what do you need to do when you return ?
Where can I go without quarantining when I get back ?
Passengers entering the UK from dozens of countries no longer have to quarantine .
More than 50 countries - including many popular holiday spots - now pose `` a reduced risk '' from coronavirus , the government says .
The list focuses on countries in Europe , island nations around the world including the Caribbean , and countries @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , South Korea , Hong Kong , Australia and New Zealand .
Arrivals are exempt from quarantine if they arrive in England , Wales and Northern Ireland from : Andorra , Antigua and Barbuda , Aruba , Australia , Austria , Bahamas , Barbados , Belgium , Bonaire , Sint Eustatius and Saba , Croatia , Curaçao , Cyprus , Czech Republic , Denmark , Dominica , Faroe Islands , Fiji , Finland , France , French Polynesia , Germany , Greece , Greenland , Grenada , Guadeloupe , Hong Kong , Hungary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Japan , Liechtenstein , Lithuania , Luxembourg , Macau , Malta , Mauritius , Monaco , Netherlands , New Caledonia , New Zealand , Norway , Poland , Réunion , San Marino , Seychelles , South Korea , Spain , St Barthélemy , St Kitts and Nevis , St Lucia , St Pierre and Miquelon , Switzerland , Taiwan , Trinidad and Tobago , Turkey , Vatican City , Vietnam .
The 14 British Overseas Territories are also exempt .
The government has been advising against all but essential travel since March , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ destinations that `` no longer pose an unacceptably high risk '' for British travellers .
Health measures like quarantine are set by each UK nation separately .
Wales and Northern Ireland have introduced quarantine exemptions for the same countries as England .
Scotland is also allowing exemptions , although unlike the other nations does not exempt travellers from Spain , because of concerns about their rate of coronavirus .
Read more : What are your potential holiday destinations ?
Which countries are not on the list ?
You will still have to isolate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the UK from Canada , the US and much of Central or South America .
Countries in Africa , the Middle East and most of Asia are also excluded .
Travellers from Sweden , Portugal , Russia and anywhere else not on the list will also have to quarantine .
The list will be kept under review , and if conditions worsen in an exempted country , the government says it `` will not hesitate '' to reintroduce quarantine for those travellers .
Serbia , which has seen a dramatic rise in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ travel corridors list on 11 July .
Equally , further restrictions may be placed on UK travellers if its infection rate rises .
What about restrictions at my destination ?
Travellers leaving the UK could still face restrictions - including quarantine - when they arrive in one of the exempted countries .
About half the countries and territories on the list have restrictions for arriving UK visitors .
These include : • Austria requires Britons to self-isolate unless they have a recent medical certificate or test negative for coronavirus on arrival • New @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from visiting , while Australia requires an exemption visa if you are not a resident or a citizen • Visitors to Iceland can either choose to pay for a test or go into quarantine • You are not allowed to enter Cyprus if you have been in the UK in the last 14 days .
This may change on 1 August , the Cypriot government has indicated .
But these restrictions may change .
What happened to air bridges and the traffic light system ?
Ministers had indicated the government was considering a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for quarantine-free travel between the UK and low-risk countries .
These were also referred to as `` travel corridors '' when including international journeys made via land and sea .
However , the government appears to have moved away from these partnerships .
A mooted `` traffic light '' system , to grade countries as green , amber and red depending on their level of risk , has also not materialised .
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : How do I protect myself ?
• AVOIDING CONTACT : The rules on self-isolation and exercise @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your mental health

On 24 December, the UK banned travel from South Africa amid concerns over another new strain of the virus linked to that country. People who have transited through South Africa in the past 10 days will also be banned. However, UK and Irish nationals as well as the UK visa holders and permanent residents are exempt, but they will have to self-isolate for 10 days on arrival.


bbcuk--2020-07-14--OnlyFans: 'I started selling sexy photos online after losing my job'

`` It was through necessity , I needed an income .
It was n't because I wanted to just get naked or post pictures of myself , '' says Mark .
He lost his job because of coronavirus in March and began posting semi-nude images on a subscriber-based social network .
The 32-year-old had been working for a five-star resort company , performing in shows .
But when lockdown hit , his contract was cancelled .
`` I applied for every single job I could find - all of the supermarkets , anything that was on the JobCentre website - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He later set up an OnlyFans account on his friend 's recommendation .
On the platform , followers pay a monthly subscription fee to access creators ' photos , videos or live streams , with the firm taking 20 % commission .
It is n't just aimed at people who sell nude images , but many users do .
Despite the `` no full-frontal nudity '' disclaimer in his bio , it started to pick up .
Mark estimates that he 's made about £1,500 over the last four months , posting similar @ @ @ @ @ @ @ OnlyFans paid my rent .
It 's paid for food .
It 's paid for my car to keep running .
It has literally paid for the necessities of living , '' says Mark .
`` On the flip side of that , there is also the negativity , '' he adds .
He says he received `` abusive '' messages from friends online when he first set up his page .
`` They told me that I was selling my soul , '' he says .
`` They had assumed that I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ everyone and posting videos of it .
My page is n't that at all . ''
And while Mark refuses requests to post explicit photos or videos of sexual acts , he worries that other new users might feel forced to if they 're short on cash .
`` Younger people these days post everything on social media .
It 's just one step further and it means you 're making money , '' he says .
`` I think that 's appealing to a lot of people when it 's so difficult @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
• 'Coronavirus has robbed me of my dream job' '' I 'm not the only one among my friends who have lost their jobs and turned to this , '' says Rebecca ( not her real name ) .
The 22-year-old from Scotland lost her job as a craftworker apprentice and moved back in with her parents in April .
Having experimented with selling nudes online in the past , `` it became apparent that I would need to take it more seriously on losing my job , '' she says @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and now schedules photo shoots of `` soft-core '' nudes for when her mum and dad are out of the house .
She 's made hundreds of pounds selling these to her subscribers , who pay £5.55 per month .
'It can be dangerous' Rebecca enjoys that she has control over her hours and who she speaks to online .
`` It is a good source of income , '' she says , before adding , `` but it does come with risks . ''
`` It 's a lot of emotional labour @ @ @ @ @ @ @ really have to open yourself up and be vulnerable and it can be dangerous . ''
Lexi ( again , not her real name ) , from Greater Manchester , says that the amount of unpaid labour involved is also underestimated : taking photos , getting ready , social media promotion , responding to client requests .
The 36-year-old pole dance instructor and stripper set up her OnlyFans page after her places of work were shut during lockdown .
She made about £1,000 in the first month , which she used to pay @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 're basically working as a commission-only salesperson .
If you do n't do the work , you do n't get paid . ''
She describes the emergence of these platforms into the mainstream as a `` double-edged sword '' .
`` It 's good that it 's removing the stigma by bringing it more into the public eye , '' but customers are looking for cheaper content as more sellers sign up , she says .
The market is oversaturated .
`` If you 're going to set up a subscription site for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ n't .
There are people who are using it to try and survive at the moment , '' she says .
She urges people to think about starting out in the industry carefully : `` Set your boundaries before you make your content .
Remember that it is out there forever . ''
As well as the possibility of being harassed by customers , privacy is a concern for Mark , Rebecca and Lexi .
It can be difficult to hide your identity online and content can be stolen .
Photos or videos @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shared elsewhere , taking away sellers ' incomes , or `` outing '' them to friends , family or employers .
Earlier this year , London-based OnlyFans saw a reported `` leak '' of users ' content from the site .
It breached the platform 's policy that creators ' content on the site is n't allowed to be shared .
A BBC Three investigation also found evidence of the firm 's age verification process being circumvented , meaning under-18s were able to illegally sell explicit content of themselves on the site .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ if it is alerted to any underage individual who has gained `` illegitimate access '' to the platform , it always takes immediate steps to investigate and suspend the account .
Yet more and more people are signing up to sites like OnlyFans .
OnlyFans told the BBC that between March and July , the number of UK creators increased by 42 % to about 95,000 .
Another UK platform , AdmireMe , saw an increase of about one-third on its usual number of sign-ups after lockdown started .
Teela Sanders , a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , says that platforms need to go further in signposting risks to new users and helping them if they receive unwanted messages or want to delete their profile entirely .
`` There certainly is a lot more that needs to be done , especially as we see new platforms popping up all of the time , which do n't necessarily have the awareness that they need to be responsible platforms , '' she says .
She expects the industry will only continue to grow as the UK heads into the worst recession seen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was already becoming much more visible , more socially acceptable . ''
An OnlyFans spokesperson said : `` With a duty to help battle against illegal piracy , OnlyFans is firmly in the fight to protect user content . ''
The firm said it has a dedicated team that issues formal `` takedown '' notices against reported leaks and copyright violations .
More than 75 % of content reported as stolen has been taken down from offending websites successfully this year , the spokesperson added .
`` The safety of our content creators @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
OnlyFans said it also had a strict `` on-boarding '' process and offered guidance to new users on how best to use the 18+ platform on its blog .
But it said ultimately , `` every creator needs to consider the pros and cons '' .
A Home Office spokesperson said that there were plans to `` put a legal duty of care on online platforms , backed up by an independent regulator , to hold them to account '' , as outlined in the Online Harms White paper .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ harmful content online and make the UK the safest place in the world to be online . ''
The chair of the Lords Democracy and Digital Committee recently warned , however , that the government 's online protection bill might not come into effect until 2023 or 2024 .

"There certainly is a lot more that needs to be done, especially as we see new platforms popping up all of the time, which don't necessarily have the awareness that they need to be responsible platforms," she says.


bbcuk--2020-07-16--Wicksteed Park: Will theme park see its 100th birthday?

The operator of Wicksteed Park , one of the UK 's oldest theme parks , went into administration last month , citing difficulties caused by the coronavirus pandemic .
The attraction has been much-loved by families for generations , but can it be saved ?
In 1921 , the inventor and playground manufacturer Charles Wicksteed decided to put into practice his belief that all children , no matter how rich or poor , should have somewhere safe and fun to play outdoors .
Set in acres of parkland near Kettering , Northamptonshire , which he had purchased eight years previously @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a new and exciting element to public open spaces .
He designed and installed some of his playground inventions , such as the Witch 's Hat , and modern slides and swings .
Almost a century later , the park is still a place for all to play , relax and enjoy the thrill of a ride , just as he had hoped .
But it is facing a fight for survival .
The financial burden of maintaining it , to a tune of £110,000 a month , has proven difficult to sustain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a charitable trust , the trading company went into administration last month , resulting in the loss of 48 permanent staff and 67 part-time and other jobs .
Yet , a month on , its future is already looking brighter .
Members of the public have helped raise £140,000 and it has received £247,000 from the National Lottery Heritage Fund ( NLHF ) .
After Wicksteed Park Limited went into administration , a new company , Wicksteed Trading Limited , was set up .
It has been able to buy most of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ securing the rest .
The charitable trust said it aimed to keep funding the park and , when lockdown rules allow , reopen the pavilion for events .
So far , the park has been able to reopen its cafe , playground and ice cream parlour .
Rides and attractions are yet to reopen , due to the need for scheduled maintenance and inspection , along with social distancing measures .
Three workers made redundant have also been able to return .
Lee Scragg , managing director of Wicksteed Trading Limited , says @ @ @ @ @ @ @ special place Wicksteed Park is and how important it is to many people '' .
Unlike most other theme parks , Wicksteed Park 's visitors have free access to the 147-acre ( 59-hectare ) site , but can buy wristbands for the rides and attractions .
These include the classic carousel and a water chute , installed in 1926 and thought to be among the oldest in the world .
Away from the cacophony of the fairground rides , families can take a rowing boat across the lake , see meerkats pop up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a picnic in the grounds .
Last year , its Edwardian pavilion , central piazza and original cottages were renovated .
`` It 's beautiful and so well-maintained , with an old-worldly feel to it - it 's our gem , '' said Lucy Elliott , 36 , who has lived nearby all her life .
Mrs Elliott 's memories of family and school visits were so happy she decided to have her wedding reception there .
She now has children of her own who she frequently takes there and is keen to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as she heard it had gone into administration , she set up a fundraising page and raised £4,800 .
`` I felt like I just had to spread the word , '' she said .
`` I felt like I needed to do something .
`` It 's made a lot of people go 'oh , we 've got this special thing on our doorstep and we 've taken it for granted ' . ''
She now spends most weekends there with daughters Annabelle , 10 , and Amelia , eight , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , they pay for an annual parking pass to support the park .
While fundraising was `` going in the right direction '' she said `` it 's going to be a bit of long haul to get the park back open in the way we know it '' .
Cafe worker Holly Simms is pleased to be back .
`` It was really heartbreaking that I lost my job , I love it here so much , '' she said .
`` Once I applied for this job and got accepted , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could n't wait to get back . ''
Mr Scragg said he hoped to bring back more staff as attractions - such as the train and carousel - and the campsite reopened .
A new streamline company , Wicksteed Trading , has been set up and Mr Scragg said the funds raised and the NLHF grant `` surpassed all of our expectations '' .
The park aims to reopen fully in Easter 2021 and host a programme of centenary events .
`` Next year is a massive year for the park and we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we can really celebrate not only the park but also Charles Wicksteed , '' said Mr Scragg .
`` We are in a better place than we were a month ago and I 'm confident we will be able to keep the park open .
`` We are looking at all different types of business modelling to make sure we have a sustainable future and a park that can survive the next 100 years . ''
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While fundraising was "going in the right direction" she said "it's going to be a bit of long haul to get the park back open in the way we know it".


bbcuk--2020-07-16--Partying Brits force Magaluf's famous strip to close

This time of year Magaluf is usually packed with tourists .
Punta Ballena also known as the `` strip '' is where you might head out for a drink , bite to eat and then onto a nightclub .
But the authorities have decided to close it because people are n't following social distancing rules .
The Mayor of Calvià , Alfonso Rodríguez said : `` We understand the concern , even the anger , of the affected business owners . ''
The move comes after videos showing German and British tourists partying in packed bars without face masks .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ man jumping up and down on a parked car .
The Mayor says he supports the decision to close , made by the Balearic Islands Regional Government .
`` Public health is really important , '' he said while reassuring people that it 's a `` safe destination '' .
Three areas are closing altogether until September , including in the Palma Beach area , two streets known as Calle de la Cerveza and Calle del Jamon .
Laura works in Sinky 's Scottish pub in Magaluf .
She 's told Radio 1 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ doing something wrong .
`` We 're on the same street as BCM - one of the big nightclubs but they 're not allowed to open . ''
The bar she works in is still open .
`` We 've been open since 11 May but the people who are n't allowed on the strip , they 'll be coming into us and you struggle and I feel like I 'm on edge all the time . ''
Since European borders reopened in July , the local government has wanted to market the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Last week it became the second Spanish region to make face masks compulsory even when social distance can be guaranteed .
Laura says some people are n't taking the rules seriously enough .
`` I feel the bars are finding it really hard to control the people and this is why they 've closed down the main strip . ''
She says it 's `` sad for people who have just started working again , '' but understands why it 's happened .
'Businesses on the party strip are now going to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ owners of Feel Summer - a company that sells tickets to festivals - pool parties and clubs on the Island , says they 've had to cancel all their events .
`` Due to the actions of a few tourists , businesses on the party strip are now going to suffer , '' Mark said .
`` We do feel this is a little extreme as it 's unfair to tarnish every single company with the same brush .
`` However , it is apparent that tourists also have a part to play @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the resort and locals that live here in Magaluf . ''
People who had been planning to go on holiday to Magaluf have been posting on Facebook that they may have to change their plans .
At the moment it 's only the strip that has closed and the square in Magaluf is still open where there are lots of bars .
The local council says , as it stands the strip will be closed for two months but it it could be lifted if the circumstances change for the better .
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The local council says, as it stands the strip will be closed for two months but it it could be lifted if the circumstances change for the better.