bbcuk--2020-07-23--Coronavirus: 'We made a feature film in lockdown'

Like so many other industries , Covid-19 struck at the heart of the film industry shutting down production on big blockbusters , closing cinemas and even making the mighty James Bond franchise abandon its scheduled release of No Time To Die .
Hundreds of millions of dollars had been spent on a global marketing push for an April release , which had to be abandoned .
With Bond and and other blockbusters in retreat , some smaller independent film makers have taken lockdown and the pandemic as a creative point of departure .
`` We are not great at really @ @ @ @ @ @ @ film director Matthew Butler-Hart who , along with his producer and actress wife Tori Butler-Hart , not only made a feature film during the last few months , they also persuaded stars such as Sir Ian McKellen and Conleth Hill to be in it .
They had already been working on a large-scale idea for a science-fiction project , which imagined a universe where people were having an experiment performed on them without knowing it .
It began with a woman waking up in a van and not knowing who she was .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ as a TV series and a graphic novel , when lockdown came they thought they could make a side-story about the woman .
Matthew would be the director and using a smartphone would directly film the footage , Tori would produce and act and they would work with what they could for lighting .
One location immediately fell into their lap , or at least under their feet .
Their landlord let them use the apartment below theirs .
`` It has n't been updated since the 70s .
So it 's got @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to it .
No-one lives there .
So it 's kind of stuck in a time , '' says Tori .
The couple filmed what they could in that apartment and then a second location , a massive Jacobean mansion in Oxford where Tori 's mother worked as a lecturer , allowed them access to film .
`` We had to write down exactly where we were going and then they would deep clean everywhere that we 've gone , '' says Tori .
But an empty location for free is something that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lockdown eased , the couple got their long-time collaborators Sir Ian McKellen and Conleth Hill to film socially distanced inserts bringing a bit of star power to the production .
We speak just a few hours after their film editors sent them the very first assembly of the film - always a nervous time for a director and producer - and they seem genuinely happy with what has come together .
`` The film world one way or another will always survive and thrive because of technology , we know we 're able @ @ @ @ @ @ @ There 's always gon na be bumps and lumps in the way but you know , people always find a way , '' says Matthew .
It 's a sentiment echoed by another British film maker who has been busy in lockdown .
`` Film-making is a craft .
It 's an art form , but it 's also a military operation , '' says Ian Pons Jewell .
During lockdown the director , most used to making adverts with a crew of around 60 per shoot , has not only managed to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ streets of London but also continued to make adverts for some of the biggest brands in the world by a variety of methods .
`` What lockdown did was create a new worldwide event which was shared by every home .
Almost every human on the planet has now experienced this once-in-a-generation event , '' he says .
It inspired a short film idea .
The story is set in 2040 , Covid is still with us and lockdown has n't ended .
Pons Jewell roped in his regular director of photography who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ London black cab and made the driver one of the central characters of the film .
Days later Pons Jewell was on his way to Kyiv in Ukraine where he started to set up filming for adverts as the industry there restarted .
He has also been working around the clock remotely directing adverts that are being filmed in South Korea , while his crew monitor and direct from Kyiv and some of the clients watch from the United States .
People 's body clocks were all over the place but it 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than once .
He says the UK has lost out on some film opportunities to other countries where Covid has been dealt with .
`` I know about some jobs that have gone to Australia because the direction is there and they can fully shoot .
Sweden as well has done some shoots that you would n't normally shoot there for the American market . ''
But production in some of the big filming facilities is getting under way in the UK , and cinemas have now been allowed to reopen , though @ @ @ @ @ @ @ blockbusters come back .
`` The rest of the world will pretty much have to wait for big American markets like New York , like Los Angeles to get moving again , '' says Daily Telegraph film critic Robbie Collin .
While the likes of Bond wait to come back , Collin thinks this could favour smaller film makers .
`` What we will see in the wake of this is I hope one of these great realignments that Hollywood occasionally goes through .
`` There will be fewer enormously expensive blockbusters being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ' films .
I think a few of them probably will fail and as a result , people will pivot to these smaller , nimbler , more creative movies . ''
That 's something that will give some hope at least to smaller film makers , but little help to the vast majority of people who work in film , many of them self-employed and who wait for major productions to start again .

"The film world one way or another will always survive and thrive because of technology, we know we're able to adapt to whatever situation happens. There's always gonna be bumps and lumps in the way but you know, people always find a way," says Matthew.


bbcuk--2020-07-23--Coronavirus: Has Covid-19 exposed UK's underlying ill health?

Covid-19 has taken a disproportionate toll on those with underlying health conditions .
Some experts say the crisis has shone a light on the poor state of our health as a nation .
But in many communities it has also highlighted the link between ill health and poverty .
So what lessons has coronavirus taught us - and will ministers and health leaders act upon them ?
Those with type 2 diabetes , often associated with being overweight or obese , have been particularly vulnerable to falling seriously ill with Covid-19 .
About a fifth of all those who have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Roxana Falfara knows that she falls into that dangerous category .
Ever since she was a child , Roxana has had a difficult relationship with food .
She understands that her eating is tied up with her mental health , but says that does n't make it any easier to manage .
`` Every time you sit at a table you meet your demons .
So you meet the addiction every time you have to eat . ''
As an adult , Roxana became very overweight and developed type 2 diabetes .
Now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and lose weight ahead of a second bout of surgery .
But , with her heightened vulnerability to Covid-19 , the past few months have been tough for her .
`` I had this anxiety of going out , especially with knowing I have type 2 diabetes , '' she says .
`` I 'm at a high level of danger so I tried to avoid going out as much as I could . ''
In her home town of Sheffield , about 60 % of the adult population is overweight or obese @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was among those at greatest risk of falling seriously ill during the pandemic .
The coronavirus has exposed the deep inequalities in our health .
What happened in Sheffield at the height of the coronavirus pandemic reflects what happened in many towns and cities across the UK .
The more affluent areas of Sheffield escaped pretty much unscathed .
But in the poorer parts of the city , they saw some of the highest mortality rates in the entire country .
For the director of public health in Sheffield , Greg Fell , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the underlying state of our public health .
He describes it as a complex , multi-layered picture .
`` It 's the environments in which we live .
It 's the poverty , it 's the poor housing , it 's the lack of educational opportunities , it 's the job opportunities , '' he says .
`` Economic policy , housing policy , all of those things make a difference to health , far more so than the treatment the NHS can provide . ''
So what has this coronavirus pandemic told @ @ @ @ @ @ @ health - and more broadly , our society ?
Earlier this year an influential report warned that life expectancy - particularly among the poor - had stalled .
Now the author of that report , Sir Michael Marmot , says coronavirus has reinforced the connection between poverty and ill health .
`` Health and health equity , the fair distribution of health , tell us a great deal about how well society is doing , '' he says .
`` And the fact that health stopped improving , life expectancy has stalled , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - that told us that over the last decade , society had stopped improving and inequalities in society had been increasing .
`` So when the pandemic came , it just exaggerated , it exposed and amplified those inequalities . ''
For many public health experts , the coronavirus crisis is the inevitable consequence of decades-long failure to address our unhealthy habits .
• SOCIAL DISTANCING : What are the rules now ?
• YOUR QUESTIONS : Our experts have answers • LOOK-UP TOOL : How many cases in your area ?
• @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and why it matters Prof John Wass has spent much of his professional life studying a pandemic that has been growing steadily for decades - obesity .
`` The fact that we have one of the highest death rates in the world is something which really does need to be understood , '' he says .
`` We are not a healthy nation with regard to , for example , the statistics for obesity , the statistics for diabetes , and so on .
`` This is not a simple thing .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the high street .
`` We need a situation where health is linked to education , it 's linked to healthy eating and agriculture , it 's linked to business .
`` So we need a joined-up approach between all the government departments .
`` It 's complicated - but this is a complicated thing that needs a solution . ''
Governments set the direction of policy , but the job of creating real change on the ground falls to people like Sheffield 's director of public health .
And despite the challenges @ @ @ @ @ @ @ still optimistic that the situation we find ourselves in might present an opportunity .
`` We know that we have neglected the health of the public for many , many years , '' he says .
`` Now is a perfect time to start to put some of that right .
`` We know that health is unequally distributed .
We know that people who are from black and minority ethnic backgrounds live shorter lives and in poorer health than those of us who are white British .
`` We know that those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ poorer health .
We know those who live in the poorest parts of our towns have shorter lives and poorer health .
`` So now 's a perfect time to put that right , there 's never been a better time to put that right . ''
As communities across the UK reflect on their experience of coronavirus , the challenge for political leaders is how to apply the lessons of the pandemic .
It 's hard to draw any conclusion other than a real transformation of our nation 's health will need @ @ @ @ @ @ @ HEALTH : Why is there an elevated risk from Covid-19 for some groups in society ?
• DIET AND MENTAL WELLBEING : Does the food you eat help or hinder you emotionally ...

"I had this anxiety of going out, especially with knowing I have type 2 diabetes," she says. "I'm at a high level of danger so I tried to avoid going out as much as I could."


bbcuk--2020-07-23--'They said I'd be cleaning toilets so I quit'

When Sandra Gilbert returned to work at a safari park after weeks of furlough , it did n't turn out as she had expected .
`` On my return I was told that I would n't be in the gift shop any more , '' she says .
Instead she would be wiping tables in the restaurant and cleaning toilets .
Before the pandemic she 'd worked for 13 years first as a manager , then as a retail supervisor , talking to customers , tidying displays , ordering stock .
`` I am 60 years old and felt this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` To be pushing a big trolley round , cleaning toilets , it 's a bit of a come-down .
I do n't want to sound snobbish , but I felt I was treated badly . ''
The next morning she got up and emailed to say she would n't be returning to work .
With the end of lockdown , retail outlets have promised customers more frequent and more thorough cleaning regimes .
While some businesses are using more contract cleaning services , others including staff at Tesco 's smaller stores @ @ @ @ @ @ @ duties .
Tesco suggests that by asking staff to clean shelves , floors , windows and shared toilet facilities , stores will be kept cleaner .
But many people , including some Tesco workers are sceptical , concerned that staff will end up pushed for time or switching between cleaning and serving customers in a way that might not be hygienic .
And it is a debate that applies not only to Tesco but to dozens of other workplaces according BBC readers who shared their views over who should be keeping these spaces @ @ @ @ @ @ @ everyone objects to the new arrangements , however .
`` I think you 'll find that most community pharmacy staff , including the pharmacist , are required to clean the whole of the pharmacy , kitchen , toilet facilities , etc , several times a day .
There is no-one else to do it , '' writes a pharmacy worker who contacted the BBC .
`` We just get on with it .
Every time I see a patient privately in the consultation room it 's up to me to clean it down @ @ @ @ @ @ @ patient at the counter , we clean it down .
Yes , it 's a waste of my professional time , but that 's just the way it is .
No one else is going to do it . ''
Staff in hospitals and other medical facilities say they have also pitched in during these unprecedented times , as have primary school teachers who are wiping down desks , door handles , books and toys every day .
Now it seems that we will have to adjust to this being the new normal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Acas , employers can ask staff to take on additional duties , such as cleaning , and refusing to do so could provoke disciplinary action .
And while trades unions will often support staff who object to such changes , for the most part workers are likely to be obliged to accept the new duties .
`` Our store has no specially paid cleaner , '' says a worker at a large clothing chain in a retail park , who does n't want to be named .
`` We have to clean every @ @ @ @ @ @ @ store closing .
We are supposed to mop the whole store and back of house , clean toilets , common areas as well as the store , '' she says .
She says from the first day back she was expected to clean but was given no practical training , only a ten minute online training module .
Managers would simply point and say `` clean that '' , she says .
`` Cleaning is a skilled job and it will not be done properly by people with no training for example how @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there 's no washing machine . ''
Given that we clean at home , some do n't believe training is necessary .
However large scale , public areas can pose different challenges to a domestic bathroom or kitchen .
Staff may be expected to use potentially hazardous chemicals , as well as facing the risk of infection with coronavirus if they are n't given protective clothing .
Nevertheless Alison Tipper , who works at a 24-hour Budgens grocery store at a Shell petrol station in Somerset , thinks shifting cleaning out of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a smart move .
`` Contract cleaners are poorly paid and work extremely anti-social hours , therefore have little interest in doing a good job .
If the task is completed by supermarket employees themselves , in my opinion it is much better . ''
Alison works nights , and while footfall is low in the early hours , she is busy replenishing stock , mopping the floor , cleaning coffee machines , making sure the forecourt is litter free and bins emptied and cleaning the toilets .
`` I take a lot @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' she says .
It 's a small team and she likes to leave the place spotless for when the morning crew arrive .
She says when she used to work for a big supermarket she thought the contract cleaners were `` slapdash '' because they did n't have a reason to a really good job .
Whereas , in a small place , it 's in everyone 's interests to keep the environment clean .
`` If you 've never been asked to clean the loo or the floor you should n't @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` No one , not even a manager , should consider any cleaning job 'beneath ' them .
Everyone should pull together to do a great job . ''

"We just get on with it. Every time I see a patient privately in the consultation room it's up to me to clean it down. Every time we speak to a patient at the counter, we clean it down. Yes, it's a waste of my professional time, but that's just the way it is. No one else is going to do it."


bbcuk--2020-07-23--Coronavirus: Walk-in centres 'to help cope with winter'

A network of coronavirus-testing walk-in centres is to be set up across England in an attempt to persuade more people to come forward for testing .
Several hundred walk-in units will be up and running by the end of October , in time for winter , when there is concern cases could start to rise .
They will complement the existing drive-through centres , mobile testing units and home-ordering service .
It comes amid concern people are still not coming forward for testing .
• How does contact tracing work in England ?
• Whatever happened to the NHS contact-tracing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ test of 30,000 people , run by the Office for National Statistics , suggests there are about 1,700 new infections a day .
But the testing service is picking up only about a third of those .
Some of that will be because people are not showing symptoms when they are infected , but bosses at the NHS Test and Trace service said they wanted to see more people come forward for testing .
Meanwhile , Public Health England has released its weekly report into local infection rates .
It shows Blackburn has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people over the past week at nearly 80 - as the BBC reported earlier this week .
Leicester , which was placed into local lockdown earlier in the month , has seen cases fall .
Extra measures have been introduced in Blackburn , including tougher guidance on household mixing .
But a full local lockdown is not on the cards yet .
Luton has also been designated an area for intervention alongside Leicester and Blackburn .
It means some of the restrictions being eased nationally from this weekend , including the re-opening of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Other areas among the top 10 are Kirklees , Sandwell , Rotherham and Bradford .
These are all being closely watched , with local public health teams encouraging those who have been in close contact with confirmed cases to self-isolate .
Overall , there are signs the contact tracing service - NHS Test and Trace - is beginning to improve on some measures .
Some 80 % of people who tested positive over the past week provided details of close contact .
Of those close contacts provided 78 % were reached and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ % last week .
NHS Test and Trace head Baroness Harding said she was pleased with the performance .
But she said the `` most important lever '' in keeping the virus at bay was to get more people to come forward for testing , which was why a network of walk-in centres was being created .
`` NHS Test and Trace relies on everyone playing their part , '' she said .
`` We all need to get a test if we have symptoms , share details of our contacts if we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do so . ''
• SYMPTOMS : What are they and how to guard against them ?
• TESTING : Who can get a test and how ?
• YOUR QUESTIONS : Our experts have answers • LOOK-UP TOOL : How many cases in your area ?
• THE R NUMBER : What it means and why it matters Baroness Harding said by the end of October no-one in urban areas should be further than a 30-minute walk away from one of the new walk-in centres , which have been piloted in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ And the capacity to process tests is also being increased , with a new mega-lab opening in Newport , Gwent .
The ambition is that by the end of October 500,000 tests a day will be able to be processed .
Currently , the figure stands at just over 300,000 .
• INSIDE HEALTH : Why is there an elevated risk from Covid-19 for some groups in society ?
• DIET AND MENTAL WELLBEING : Does the food you eat help or hinder you emotionally ...

Some of that will be because people are not showing symptoms when they are infected, but bosses at the NHS Test and Trace service said they wanted to see more people come forward for testing.


bbcuk--2020-07-23--Boris Johnson: The prime minister's year in No 10

It is one year since Boris Johnson became the prime minister of the UK .
And it was n't 12 months he - or any of us - could easily forget .
On the anniversary of his premiership , we take a look at some of the most defining and controversial moments so far .
• In pictures : Johnson replaces May as PM The country was following every twist and turn , watching Brexit votes and key decisions unfold in Parliament .
But when Mr Johnson came to power on 24 July 2019 , his first task was getting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ through with his plan , to ditch his predecessor Theresa May 's deal and renegotiate with Brussels .
When he took the reins , the deadline for leaving the EU was 31 October , and he condemned the `` the doubters , the doomsters , the gloomsters '' who did n't think an agreement was possible by then .
But protesters for both Leave and Remain swarmed around the House of Commons , he barely had a majority in Parliament and there were more rebels on his benches than John Bercow 's daily @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Johnson managed to secure a new deal with the bloc - minus the Irish backstop .
But it took withdrawing the whip from 21 of his own MPs , multiple failed votes in the Commons , an unsuccessful Saturday sitting , having to request an extension he 'd rather `` die in a ditch '' than ask for , and , eventually , an election to get it passed .
The UK left the EU on 31 January and in March , the trade negotiations between the two sides began , with another @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to contend with .
As if there was n't enough argument amongst MPs , the PM set off more fireworks early on in his tenure .
While Westminster was on its summer break in August , Mr Johnson announced he planned to prorogue Parliament within days of its return in September until 14 October .
He said it would allow him to come back with a Queen 's Speech and outline his `` very exciting agenda '' as the new man at No 10 .
But MPs criticised the lengthy closure , accusing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would only give them two weeks to pass proposed legislation preventing a no-deal Brexit .
Rows broke out , the Speaker got involved , and eventually the whole decision ended up in the Supreme Court , leading to Lady Hale ruling Mr Johnson 's action as `` unlawful '' .
MPs came back to the Commons and got their no-deal blocking law , but Mr Johnson also got his Queen 's Speech , with his plans laid for his time in Downing Street .
Who would have thought another Queen 's Speech was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which cropped up throughout the first few months of Mr Johnson 's leadership was when he would call an election .
The Tory majority was slim , and in order to achieve his plans , he would need the backing of the Commons .
But with prominent rebels scattered over his benches and a failing partnership with the DUP , it seemed impossible to garner support .
Within days of getting the keys to No 10 , Mr Johnson ruled out a pre-Brexit election , saying voters wanted him to `` deliver on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , not head back to the polls .
But failing to get his newly-negotiated deal through led to a change in approach from the PM .
He took to the dispatch box three times to call for an election .
But under the Fixed Term Parliament Act , he needed two thirds of the Commons to agree .
On the fourth attempt , having written to the EU to ask for an extension to the Brexit deadline , he got what he wanted and an election date was set for 12 December - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Five weeks of campaigning began and the parties ' policies were announced : the Tory 's mantra of `` Get Brexit Done '' vied with Jeremy Corbyn 's Labour calling to renegotiate the deal under their leadership - before putting it to a confirmatory referendum - and the Liberal Democrats promising to revoke the decision to leave the bloc altogether .
Cue head-to-head debates , cheering ( and booing ) crowds , and at one point , even a JCB digger being driven through a wall .
But on the night , Mr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by recent standards - 80-strong majority , securing his spot as prime minister , heralding the end of Jeremy Corbyn 's leadership of the Labour party , and the end of the UK 's membership of the EU .
While much of the prime minister 's first six months were dominated - as expected - by Brexit , he , the country , and the world , were in for a shock .
A few cases of Covid-19 had made their way into the UK in early 2020 , but by March , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ telling them to stay at home , protect the NHS and save lives .
He came in for some criticism for not locking down the country earlier - and for some poorly chosen words on shaking people 's hands - but everything changed when , within days of the announcement , the PM himself tested positive for the virus .
Soon Mr Johnson was in hospital , and subsequently was moved into intensive care .
He began to recover and was moved out of the ICU .
And after a few weeks recuperating @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the hot seat in Downing Street , relieving his stand-in , Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab .
Back in charge , Mr Johnson faced questions over his decisions in tackling the outbreak .
There may have been praise for the establishment of the Nightingale hospitals , the sourcing of ventilators and the introduction of a furlough scheme for workers .
But there was criticism too - over failed testing targets , strategies for care homes and missing supplies of PPE .
Criticism too , for Mr Johnson 's decision to stand by his top @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was widely criticised for travelling to County Durham from London at the height of the pandemic while he and his wife had the virus .
Lockdown measures may be easing , but coronavirus will dominate politics for the foreseeable future .
While coronavirus has , understandably , been the leading issue in Westminster and beyond in recent months , it has not been the only problem on Mr Johnson 's desk .
Back in February , the prime minister was accused of `` hiding '' when severe flooding hit several parts of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ taken to help struggling communities .
HS2 also became another hot potato for the PM , as he decided to back the project despite dismay from some in his own party .
And the issue of Chinese telecoms firm Huawei heated up debate within Conservative circles again .
Mr Johnson gave the green light to using the company 's equipment in the UK 's future 5G network back in January , albeit with limited market share .
But this was not enough for some vocal backbenchers , and eventually there was a change @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UK has now ruled out buying any of the firm 's equipment for the network after the end of this year and is forcing mobile providers to remove all of its 5G kit from their networks by 2027 .
There have also been rumblings about Mr Cummings and his plans to shake up Whitehall , after a number of senior civil servants announced they would step down from their roles this year .
Four figures have announced their exit in six months , and the most senior , Cabinet Secretary Sir Mark Sedwill @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he was replaced as national security advisor by a political appointee , chief Brexit negotiator David Frost .
The most recent controversy , of course , is the release of the Intelligence and Security Committee 's report into Russian influence in the UK .
The report claimed the UK was `` playing catch-up '' in face of the threat and had not investigated alleged interference in the 2016 EU referendum .
Mr Johnson was accused of sitting on the report for months and preventing its release ahead of the general election - as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the committee 's new chair out of the parliamentary Tory party after he won the position ahead of No 10 's alleged preferred candidate , Chris Grayling .
But the PM has dismissed the accusations , promising to update security laws and tackle the Russia threat head on .
It was n't just political storylines that dominated the last year for Boris Johnson .
When he moved into No 10 last July , he was accompanied by his girlfriend Carrie Symonds , making them the first unmarried couple to ever live at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ second wife , Marina Wheeler , had announced their split in September 2018 and were in the process of getting a divorce when he became leader .
The pair got their first pet together , a dog called Dilyn .
But come February , the couple announced they were engaged and Ms Symonds was expecting their first child .
At the start of May , Wilfred Lawrie Nicholas was born , named after their grandfathers and two doctors who treated Mr Johnson while he was in hospital with coronavirus .
Soon after the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's divorce was finalised .
The PM also faced questions about his relationship with another woman , US businesswoman Jennifer Arcuri .
There were accusations she had received special treatment from him while he was Mayor of London and that the pair 's relationship went beyond that of friends .
However , Mr Johnson denied the claims and said everything was done `` entirely in the proper way '' .
More to come Remember , under the Fixed Term Parliament Act , Mr Johnson has five years in charge of No 10 - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for an election .
As he has said , `` we are not out of the woods yet '' , when it comes to coronavirus , and he has confirmed there will be an inquiry .
The economy has taken a massive hit , and questions keep on coming about how all the extra borrowing his government has undertaken will be paid back .
And , on top of this , post-Brexit trade talks with the EU are ongoing .
So , watch this space for more drama in Boris Johnson 's tenure @

As he has said, "we are not out of the woods yet", when it comes to coronavirus, and he has confirmed there will be an inquiry.


bbcuk--2020-07-23--Boris Johnson: After one year in power, how is the PM doing?

Boris Johnson has been in power for a year .
Standing outside 10 Downing Street on 24 July 2019 he said : `` The time has come to act , to take decisions , to give strong leadership and to change this country for the better . ''
With the coronavirus pandemic , tens of thousands have died in the UK and many have lost jobs or businesses in the economic downturn .
Since the first case was confirmed in the UK at the end of January , the government has been dealing with an unprecedented crisis that has consumed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ looking back to that first speech , which contained both short-term and long-term goals , how much progress has been made ?
`` We are going to fulfil the repeated promises of parliament to the people and come out of the EU on 31 October .
No ifs or buts and we will do a new deal , a better deal . ''
The UK did not leave the European Union on 31 October as the prime minister failed to get his renegotiated version of the Brexit withdrawal agreement through the House of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ win a large majority in December 's general election and the UK left the EU at 23:00 on 31 January .
The UK is now in a transition period during which it continues to follow EU rules and regulations .
It will leave the economic structures of the EU - the single market and the customs union - at the end of this year .
Negotiations on a future trade agreement with the EU continue , but have yet to make significant progress .
`` My job is to make your streets safer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with another 20,000 police on the streets '' The government aims to reach its 20,000 target by March 2023 .
And police forces in England and Wales have recruited 3,005 additional officers in the year to March 2020 , according to the Home Office .
There will be new figures out on Monday .
In the same period , increases in police recorded crime have slowed down , but knife crime has hit a record high .
The number of crimes being solved has hit a record low , with just 7 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ court summons .
`` We start work this week with 20 new hospital upgrades '' The government announced £1.8bn for NHS hospitals in England , with £1bn immediately made available for new equipment and the 20 upgrades .
At the time , health think tank the Nuffield Trust said that the funding , would `` only be a fraction of what it would cost to really upgrade 20 hospitals '' .
One year on from Mr Johnson 's speech , the Department of Health and Social Care says work is due to begin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ upgrades .
The coronavirus outbreak has seen large sums of money poured into the NHS to deal with the crisis , and a rapid , temporary expansion of capacity .
A number of temporary Nightingale hospitals were to be used in the event of admissions with coronavirus increasing dramatically .
`` I am announcing now - on the steps of Downing Street - that we will fix the crisis in social care once and for all with a clear plan we have prepared '' This plan has not been revealed yet .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we will be bringing forward a plan this year but we 'll get it done in this parliament [ by 2024 ] '' .
On 8 March , Health Secretary Matt Hancock sent a letter to all MPs about their `` proposed solutions '' and `` concerns about reforming the way that people pay for their care as part of the cross-party talks '' .
The coronavirus crisis spiked in the weeks after the offer of cross-party talks , highlighting the vulnerability of the care sector .
The talks are yet to begin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up per pupil funding in primary and secondary schools '' For 2020-21 , the government increased the minimum per pupil spend in England to : • £5,000 for secondary pupils , up £200 from the previous year The government has also introduced rules meaning local authorities have to ensure each pupil receives this funding .
Previously , it was up to local authorities to allocate the money to schools in their area .
Roughly 21 % of primary schools and 37 % of secondary schools have benefited from the increase because their per @ @ @ @ @ @ @ according to the House of Commons Library .
This is described as `` levelling up '' because these schools ' budgets will have been pushed closer to those with more funding .
Many schools will have well above the minimum per pupil funding , for reasons such as being in a deprived area .
By 2022-23 , schools in England will be receiving an extra £7.1bn a year .
This will reverse spending cuts since 2010 , according to the Institute for Fiscal Studies .
Mr Johnson also pledged to unite the country @ @ @ @ @ @ @ transport links , and this has been a big focus during his first year in charge .
He has given the go-ahead for the controversial high-speed rail project HS2 , which will run between London and the Midlands , and then on to Manchester and Leeds in a second phase .
Supporters say it will create jobs and rebalance the UK economy as well as creating jobs .
The Spring Budget in March allocated £640bn for infrastructure investment , £100m of which was recently allocated to 29 road network projects to `` get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a £1.7bn Infrastructure Investment Fund was launched to `` make sure Britain is ready to bounce back from coronavirus '' .
This included money to upgrade the UK 's roads and railways , but corresponded to sums announced in the Budget and other existing funding pots .
Boris Johnson promised full-fibre broadband - that means having a fibre-optic cable running into every home and business .
By the party conference in September that had become `` full-fibre , 5G and other gigabit-capable networks '' by 2025 , with a £5bn investment for reaching @ @ @ @ @ @ @ review reckoned the whole country could get full-fibre by 2033 with government funding of £3bn to £5bn , so £5bn to do it eight years sooner had been deemed optimistic by some commentators .
The latest update from the regulator Ofcom in May found that full-fibre `` continues to improve at a rapid pace '' and that 3.5 million homes in the UK , which is 12 % , have it available to them .
But there is still a long way to go for everyone to be connected in 2025 .
Also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 5G to provide gigabit-capable networks in remote areas , its decision to remove Huawei equipment from the 5G infrastructure will delay its rollout .
`` We level up across Britain with higher wages , and a higher living wage , and higher productivity '' In his spring statement , Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced a rise in the National Living Wage from £8.21 to £8.72 an hour .
This week , the government also announced that almost 900,000 public sector workers , including doctors and teachers , would receive an above-inflation pay rise of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ productivity have both been falling in recent months , although that is partly connected with the coronavirus outbreak .
Under the furlough scheme , the government pays 80 % of the employment costs of employees who are not working .
Coronavirus is also likely to be a problem for attempts to level up regional inequality .
The Social Market Foundation warned that the economies of London and the South East were likely to bounce back more quickly than other regions .
The Conservative manifesto promised to address the country 's poor productivity by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ & D .
Since then the government has pledged £120m for eight Institutes of Technology and £7m for 11 maths schools and promised that R & D spending would rise by £22bn by 2025 .
`` We close the opportunity gap giving millions of young people the chance to own their own homes '' This year , the government has committed itself to adding £9.5bn to a scheme to build affordable housing , which was introduced by Theresa May in 2018 .
As part of a recent speech on infrastructure , the prime @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stop developers converting commercial properties into housing .
However , some have argued that the current planning regulations do not have a significant impact on the number of homes being built .
There has also been a temporary cut in stamp duty , which will not be payable on homes up to £500,000 , although that will have less impact on first-time buyers , who already did not have to pay stamp duty on the first £300,000 .
10 .
No checks at the Irish border '' I am convinced that we can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Irish border , because we refuse under any circumstances to have such checks '' Mr Johnson delivered on his promise to get rid of the backstop plan for the Irish border , while ensuring the land border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland remained as open as it was while both countries were in the EU .
But the prime minister 's new plan means there will be checks and controls within the UK instead , on goods crossing from Great Britain to Northern Ireland .
That lost him the support @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the Democratic Unionist Party .
Mr Johnson has repeatedly denied that there will be any kind of border down the Irish Sea , but his government has submitted applications to the EU to create border control posts at ports in Northern Ireland to check animals and food arriving in the EU single market .
Northern Ireland will stay in the single market for goods when the Brexit transition period ends .
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The latest update from the regulator Ofcom in May found that full-fibre "continues to improve at a rapid pace" and that 3.5 million homes in the UK, which is 12%, have it available to them. But there is still a long way to go for everyone to be connected in 2025.


bbcuk--2020-07-23--Coronavirus: Will lockdown easing see more of us using rivers?

Figures suggest that more people than ever are heading to Britain 's rivers with the easing of lockdown - renewing calls for better public rights of access .
It comes as MPs are to consider proposals aimed at opening up the waterways to all .
But after recent incidences of littering and overcrowding , there are fears more people on rivers could `` cause chaos '' .
Caroline Radford , who began wild swimming in lockdown , says it has helped her mental health .
• Can nature help improve our mood during lockdown ?
• How can you swim @ @ @ @ @ @ @ used as 'open sewers ' , says charity Caroline , who is 52 and a nurse in the West Country , began taking anti-depressants two years ago after struggling with anxiety and panic attacks .
When the country went into lockdown in March , it was the nudge she needed to give wild swimming a go .
`` I was a bit worried about how cold it was , and whether there was going to be any wildlife in the water , but when I got in , it was like swimming through @ @ @ @ @ @ @ real feeling of peace and calm and tranquillity .
I found a head space there that I have n't found anywhere else . ''
Caroline now swims twice or three times a week in `` skins '' , which means without a wetsuit .
She says she feels like she does n't need her anti-depressants any more and has `` nearly come off them completely '' .
Wild swimming has also helped with the hot flushes she has been experiencing with the menopause .
It seems she is not alone in her love @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recent government figures from May , almost half of adults said `` nature and wildlife are more important than ever to my wellbeing . ''
More than three quarters of adults agreed that `` being in nature makes me very happy '' , with 74 % saying they were taking more time to notice and engage with everyday nature .
This has led to many starting to explore Britain 's `` blue space '' for the first time .
The Canal & Rivers Trust , British Canoeing , the Outdoor Swimming Society and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in interest during lockdown and after the easing of restrictions began .
Unlike in Scotland , there is currently no `` right to roam '' equivalent on waterways in England and Wales .
The vast majority of rivers in England and Wales - around 95 % - are in private hands and access is limited .
If you swim , fish or paddle without the right permission , you are breaking the law .
Johnny Palmer owns Warleigh Weir , a stretch of river near Bath , in Somerset .
He can have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on to his land to get in the water and has had to deal with tons of waste left behind - including human excrement .
He has the power to ban people from most of his land but believes that the way to encourage people to treasure beautiful places is to let them experience it .
He says : `` People protect what they love .
It 's been difficult , but we have changed the culture here .
There is a lot less littering .
People respect the place more . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Palmer has started a campaign group called `` Sewage Free Swimmers . ''
The aim is to pressure water companies across the country to clean up the waterways , so people can bathe safely .
Meanwhile , a long-running campaign to open up rivers to everyone - through amendments to the Agriculture Bill - is now being considered in parliament .
Proposed by Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson , the Paralympian athlete , along with Liberal Democrat peer , Lord Addington , the amendments to the bill seek to encourage farmers and landowners to allow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rivers .
It could see those who allow that access qualifying for government funding .
Baroness Grey Thompson said : `` We need to be looking at places to launch and land and access around dangerous obstacles , such as weirs . ''
Lord Addington said : `` There is a huge amount of activity on waterways which hits all those targets we are talking about : public health , access , enjoyment - it is all connected with the waterways . ''
It would be a dramatic shift .
According to Nick @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trespass , `` you are 97 % likely to be trespassing if you are on , near , or by a river . ''
`` The Crown owns the water you swim in , while the person who owns the property up to the bank is also said to own the bed of the river up to the middle .
`` Therefore , if you are paddling - or swimming - over their land , not even touching it - you can still be said to be trespassing , because the law of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the land owned . ''
`` The law in Scotland , from the Land Reform Act ( 2003 ) , allows a right to roam over the land and water - with sensible exceptions .
`` The property rules still apply , but landowners no longer have the right to exclude .
The public 's right to nature supersedes the landowners ' right to exclude them . ''
However , some groups are worried about what this so-called `` right to nature '' may lead to .
Since the easing of lockdown there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dumping rubbish and damaging the natural environment .
The Outdoor Swimming Society recently took offline its map of the best spots `` in support of local communities being overwhelmed . ''
Stuart Singleton-White , head of campaigns with the Angling Trust , says a change in the law would risk imposing a `` one size fits all solution '' that `` would not work and cause chaos '' .
There are concerns , he says , about the `` environmental impacts and damage '' a new law could usher in , as rivers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are already `` struggling '' .
However , Guy Shrubsole , author of Who Owns England ?
believes lack of education is a key part of the problem .
He said if people can be `` reconnected '' to nature , the more they will start to care for it .
Mr Hayes echoes this view , saying the `` majority '' of people that use the countryside `` love it '' and that litter `` offends them like everyone else '' .
Stressing that education is a crucial part of protecting the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can children learn how to care for nature unless they are given access ? ''

It seems she is not alone in her love of nature. According to the most recent government figures from May, almost half of adults said "nature and wildlife are more important than ever to my wellbeing."


bbcuk--2020-07-23--Caitlin Moran adapts her book How To Build A Girl for big screen

Actress Beanie Feldstein is full of admiration for author Caitlin Moran .
She stars in the film version of Caitlin @ @ @ @ @ A Girl , which is now available on Prime Video .
The BBC 's Alex @ @ @ @ @ about building a movie version of a much-loved book .

Actress Beanie Feldstein is full of admiration for author Caitlin Moran.
She stars in the film version of Caitlin's novel How To Build A Girl, which is now available on Prime Video.
The BBC's Alex Stanger spoke to them both about building a movie version of a much-loved book.


bbcuk--2020-07-23--Prime Minister Boris Johnson defends UK union on a visit to Scotland

Boris Johnson has defended the UK during a visit to Orkney in Scotland .
The prime minister said the Union @ @ @ @ @ get through “ thick and thin ” , adding it had enabled support to people @ @ @ @ @ country .
The SNP said the visit showed Mr Johnson was `` in a panic @ @ @ @ @ Scottish independence .

Boris Johnson has defended the UK during a visit to Orkney in Scotland.
The prime minister said the Union has helped the United Kingdom get through “thick and thin”, adding it had enabled support to people in all parts of the country.
The SNP said the visit showed Mr Johnson was "in a panic" about rising support for Scottish independence.


bbcuk--2020-07-23--Domestic abuse helpline sees lockdown surge

More than 40,000 calls and contacts were made to the National Domestic Abuse Helpline during the first three months of @ @ @ @ @ seeking help , new figures show .
And as restrictions ease , there is a @ @ @ @ @ accommodation to escape their abusers , according to the charity Refuge , which runs the @ @

More than 40,000 calls and contacts were made to the National Domestic Abuse Helpline during the first three months of lockdown, most by women seeking help, new figures show.
And as restrictions ease, there is a surge in women seeking emergency accommodation to escape their abusers, according to the charity Refuge, which runs the helpline.
Read more: Domestic abuse helpline sees lockdown surge


bbcuk--2020-07-23--Newspaper headlines: 'Mask-up Friday' and 'flu jabs for 30 million'

Reaction to new rules on wearing face coverings in England dominates many of Friday 's papers , as they become @ @ @ @ @ .
Those who break the rules could face a fine of up to £100 .
@ @ @ @ @ chains , including retail giants Sainsbury 's and Asda , have said they will not @ @ @ @ @ according to the Daily Telegraph .

There is a warning to the Conservatives in the Times about dealing with wealthy Russian donors. It reports on growing calls to name the Russian tycoon behind a power firm that wants to put a £1bn electric link under the Channel.


bbcuk--2020-07-23--Coronavirus: Reopening shops during Leicester lockdown 'pointless'

Reopening non-essential stores in Leicester 's lockdown zone is `` pointless '' and `` confusing '' , some shop owners have said .
From 24 July such businesses can open their doors again after more than three weeks of local lockdown .
However , the government has said all but essential travel in to , out of and within the city is still not allowed .
It has confirmed this means people should not leave their homes just to visit the reopened stores .
The local lockdown remains in place in Leicester until 1 August .
`` It 's so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who runs a bridal shop on the Golden Mile .
`` Are we in lockdown , or are we not ? ''
She said she had decided to open tomorrow for the first time since March , as she wanted to take the opportunity to keep the business going .
However , she said she worries it may be `` pointless '' as many of her customers are from outside the city and would not be allowed to enter except for essential travel .
`` I 'm a little apprehensive , we do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' she said .
`` We 're going to give it a couple of days and see how it goes .
`` We need solid information from the government .
People do not know where they stand . ''
Across the city Drew Harriman , owner of furniture and homeware store Harriman and Co , has decided to stay shut .
He said the situation was `` absolutely ridiculous '' , and reminded him of when the government told people to stay away from pubs but did not tell them to close @ @ @ @ @ @ @ opening a store that is not essential in the middle of a lockdown ? ''
he asked .
`` This will confuse people .
The government are playing games with businesses and livelihoods . ''
According to the Federation of Small Businesses in the East Midlands , which represents about 500 shops in the city , the reaction of its members has been `` mixed '' .
Jennifer Thomas from the organisation , said : `` Some ca n't wait to get get going .
But some are asking if it 's worth @ @ @ @ @ @ @ actually allowed out ?
It 's a very tough decision , there 's an expense to reopening . ''
Leicester City Council has said it will be `` monitoring the situation very carefully '' to make sure staff and customers are safe .
Leicestershire Police reminded residents about the restrictions on travel and appealed for them to use `` common sense '' .
A spokesman for the Department of Health and Social Care said non-essential shops were being allowed to reopen because the infection rate in the city was going down .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ home as far as possible '' .
He added : `` People should not travel solely for non-essential shopping . ''
• 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 .

Jennifer Thomas, from the organisation, said: "Some can't wait to get going. But some are asking if it's worth it. Why reopen if no-one is actually allowed out? It's a very tough decision, there's an expense to reopening."


bbcuk--2020-07-23--Coronavirus: St Mirren on lockdown amid positive tests

Seven coaches and backroom staff at St Mirren have tested positive for Covid-19 , prompting the Scottish Premiership to return @ @ @ @ @ no player has tested positive , the Paisley side 's planned Saturday friendly at home @ @ @ @ @ been cancelled .
The Scottish Professional Football League club is now on lockdown until more @ @ @ @ @ Premiership clubs reverted to one test per week on 8 July .
But , following @ @ @ @ @ Park , Scottish football 's joint response group ( JRG ) said : `` We @ @ @ @ @ and the office of the clinical director for Scotland to relay this information .
`` @ @ @ @ @ other recent events , the JRG hereby notifies Scottish Premiership clubs that with immediate effect @ @ @ @ @ testing protocols until further notice . ''
St Mirren , who start their competitive campaign @ @ @ @ @ 1 August , last played Hamilton Academical in a friendly on Saturday .

Last updated on .From the section St Mirren
None of the players have failed their regular tests
Only one of the seven St Mirren staff members who tested positive for Covid-19 actually has the illness.
The Paisley side said on Thursday that the individuals - none of whom are players - had been identified after tests analysed by a private lab.
However, after further NHS screening, it has emerged that six staff members returned 'false positives'.
The other is in "strict isolation" and has not been in contact with any player or other staff member since Saturday.
"The club will continue to support and look after this staff member to ensure a full recovery," added chief executive Tony Fitzpatrick, who confirmed Saturday's friendly with St Johnstone remains cancelled.
Fitzpatrick said St Mirren had "complied robustly" with testing protocols "to the letter" and are "undertaking an urgent review of the private testing arrangement".
As a consequence of the results, Scottish Premiership clubs have had to reintroduce twice-weekly testing for the first time since 8 July.
The news comes after the Scottish FA wrote to Rangers, Motherwell and Hibernian to ask them to explain delays in receiving test results.
The Ibrox side have also been asked whether they breached protocols by fielding players who had not received up-to-date results against Dundee United on Wednesday.
The rules state players cannot take part in matches unless a negative test has been returned, with another Rangers friendly later that day against Motherwell delayed for two hours while both sides waited for results.
Hibs' friendly with Ross County was cancelled at short notice on Saturday for the same reason.
The governing body had already reminded clubs of the importance of adhering to the protocol, with the Premiership season scheduled to start on 1 August.
At this stage, there remains no suggestion that is in any doubt.
St Mirren, who are due to begin their competitive campaign at home to Livingston in little over a week, last played Hamilton Academical in a friendly on Saturday.
All Hamilton players and staff were tested two days after that, with no positive tests returned.
The club also confirmed that the area of FOYS Stadium used by St Mirren was segregated, then cleaned and disinfected afterwards.
Scottish football's coronavirus joint response group (JRG) informed the Scottish government of the tests before demanding clubs "revert to twice-weekly testing protocols until further notice".
However, SPFL chief executive Neil Doncaster said: "There can be no complacency, but we are heartened by the rigorous way that clubs, players and officials have responded to Covid-19 since March.
"With such regular testing being carried out by SPFL clubs, it is inevitable that several players or coaching staff will have tested positive. This has happened, as it has also happened in leagues around the world.
"What is vital is that clubs manage those very few confirmed positive tests such that the virus does not spread. So far, the rigorous work that our clubs have carried out has ensured that this is the case."


bbcuk--2020-07-23--Coronavirus: Face coverings could be mandatory in NI shops by 20 August

Face coverings in Northern Ireland shops could become mandatory from 20 August if most people do not use them voluntarily .
The NI Executive announced that it will be legislating to have the power to make masks mandatory .
However , first it will launch a public information campaign to encourage the use of coverings The executive said it will consider the impact of the campaign by 20 August and then potentially enforce the measure .
Deputy First Minister Michelle O'Neill said face coverings `` are effective if everybody uses them '' .
The announcement was part of a raft @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Thursday .
In addition to the decision on face coverings , Stormont ministers agreed that swimming pools , spas ; community centres ; bowling alleys and funfairs can reopen from Friday 24 July .
The Stormont Executive also agreed to request urgent talks with the UK and Irish governments to discuss Covid-19 travel issues .
It follows controversy earlier this week after Sinn Féin called for a 14-day quarantine for travellers arriving into Northern Ireland from Great Britain , while the DUP said people travelling from the Republic of Ireland posed an infection @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to write to both governments calling for an urgent summit of the British-Irish Council to discuss the Common Travel Area arrangements in relation to the pandemic .
They also agreed that updated travel advice will be published on the NI Direct website .
First Minister Arlene Foster tweeted that the guidance will be updated `` to remove reference to travel overseas having to be essential travel '' .
Mrs Foster `` What we 're essentially saying now , because we do accept there was confusion around this , is that you should if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ home .
`` But if you do decide to go away to the continent for your holidays , make sure that you consider carefully all of the advice in relation to that country , make sure that you do n't have to quarantine when you come back from that country . ''
• What is yet to open in NI under Covid regulations ?
Health Minister Robin Swann said he was pleased that the executive had supported his recommendation around face coverings , which was `` in line with the expert advice provided @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and chief scientific adviser '' .
`` We need to promote every available measure to stop the spread of Covid-19 in our community .
`` The evidence in support of face coverings in shops and other enclosed spaces has become increasingly compelling . ''
In a statement , the Department of Health said the lead-in period before 20 August will allow time for `` public education and engagement to promote the benefits of face coverings '' .
Employees , children under 13 and those who can not wear coverings on health grounds will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coverings are already mandatory in shops in Scotland and will become compulsory in England from Friday 24 July .
Other decisions taken by the executive on Thursday include the easing of restrictions on outdoor sporting events and on social gatherings in private homes .
From Friday 24 July the following changes will take effect : • Spectators will be allowed to attend outdoor sporting venues `` where the operator can control access and ensure adherence to social distancing '' • The number of people from different households permitted to gather in a private @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of people from up to four different households • The restriction on people staying overnight in a home other than their own will end • Swimming pools in leisure centres , hotels and private facilities can reopen • Saunas , steam rooms , hydro-therapy pools , cold and ice rooms , monsoon showers and sanariums are among spa facilities permitted to reopen • Funfairs can also resume operating from Friday , whether they are indoors or outdoors Changing room and shower facilities in pools , leisure centres and gyms , which the executive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ using , will be able to open again from Friday .
The executive has also agreed an indicative date of 10 August for the reopening of indoor pubs and bars that only sell alcohol .
This move will be confirmed at a later date , depending on the prevalence of Covid-19 in the community .
Pubs that only sell alcohol in the Republic of Ireland are also due to reopen on 10 August - a later date that expected after the new Irish government paused its Covid-19 roadmap to recovery .
Following Stormont @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sporting events , the Irish Football Association confirmed it plans on having a limited number of fans at next week 's Irish Cup Final at Windsor Park .
Earlier on Thursday , the Department of Health revealed a coronavirus contact tracing app for Northern Ireland will be launched next week

"But if you do decide to go away to the continent for your holidays, make sure that you consider carefully all of the advice in relation to that country, make sure that you don't have to quarantine when you come back from that country."


bbcuk--2020-07-24--Coronavirus: Almost 40% did not attend reopened schools

Almost 40 % of pupils invited to attend reopened schools in Wales did not go , Welsh Government figures show .
From 29 June , pupils returned in phases for `` check in , catch up and prepare '' sessions ahead of a full reopening in September .
Numbers attending at any given time have been limited because of social distancing measures and parents have not been fined for non-attendance .
The Welsh Government said it understood families ' concerns .
Most schools in Wales closed ahead of lockdown on 20 March but some remained open as `` hubs '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ key workers .
Out of the estimated 24,112 vulnerable children in Wales , weekly attendance at school hubs between 24 March and 26 June ranged from between 0.9 % and 6.3 % , official figures show .
• Fewer than 10 % of at-risk pupils 'at hub schools' Vulnerable children are classed as children with a social worker or special educational needs .
When it was announced that schools would reopen from 29 June , Education Minister Kirsty Williams said it was important to ensure `` equity '' by giving all children the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prepare with their teachers ahead of the summer holidays .
At least three-quarters of Wales ' schools only returned for three weeks from 29 June but the summer term was extended by a week for pupils in Conwy , Pembrokeshire and Powys .
In the three weeks between 29 June and 17 July , Welsh Government figures show that 61 % of pupils that were invited to attend at least one weekly session did go to school .
But , in the first week , 37.1 % of pupils invited to attend did @ @ @ @ @ @ @ % in the second week and again to 41.5 % in the third .
Flintshire and Swansea councils have not provided any data , and schools on Anglesey did not reopen until the last week of the summer term because of a number of positive coronavirus tests linked to the 2 Sisters poultry factory in Llangefni .
All state schools in Wales will reopen to all pupils in September with limited social distancing within `` contact groups '' of about 30 pupils .
But parents will not be fined if they do not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said the figures were `` not surprising '' , suggesting it was because parents and pupils `` questioned the value '' of returning for just a few days and were `` fearful '' of the virus .
Meanwhile the Welsh Conservatives suggested low attendance could be down to confusion over which councils would keep schools open for a fourth week before the end of term .
An education expert said the figures meant a `` very large number of pupils will be starting school in September having had no face-to-face teaching for six @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lost time wo n't be straightforward , and our teachers will need time to rebuild relationships , establish new routines and identify bespoke learning support for pupils , '' said Gareth Evans , director of education policy at University of Wales Trinity Saint David .
A Welsh Government spokesman said : `` Wales was the only UK nation where all pupils were given the opportunity to return during the summer term , to catch up with their teachers and classmates and prepare for September .
`` However , we understand families ' concerns @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` We have provided guidance for schools so all pupils can return safely in September . ''

When it was announced that schools would reopen from 29 June, Education Minister Kirsty Williams said it was important to ensure "equity" by giving all children the chance to "catch up" and prepare with their teachers ahead of the summer holidays.


bbcuk--2020-07-23--Gambling help paused while NHS battled coronavirus

Treatments for dozens of people with gambling addictions across Great Britain were paused due to NHS staff being redeployed during the pandemic .
Eight of 30 staff were moved without backfill from the Central & North West London NHS Foundation Trust ( CNWL ) and Leeds & York Partnership ( LYP ) Trust .
In London , 33 people 's treatments were paused , as were 29 awaiting assessment .
Remote contacts continued for 78 .
Only `` stable ... well-supported '' people had treatments paused , CNWL said .
LYP said it had redeployed staff towards where `` the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It comes after the BBC Shared Data Unit reported in May search interest in online casinos had hit an all-time high in the UK since lockdown began .
Search interest has since risen again .
Bray Ash developed an online gambling addiction while studying for a university degree .
Most of his gambling was on sport .
The 27-year-old once gambled away his student loan within 24 hours of receiving it .
In 2018 , he received treatment at the Gordon Moody Association in Dudley , West Midlands , when he had anxiety @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I think it [ the return of professional sports ] could have triggered a lot of anxiety , '' he said .
`` We went from having football on all over the world to none at all [ during lockdown ] .
`` And I 've never heard of anyone going to horseracing because they want to admire the horses .
`` People might have a massive gambling binge because they could n't for a while .
These people could be high risk going forward .
`` Once your brain has become flooded @ @ @ @ @ @ @ escape when you do n't know how to deal with your feelings , that 's what you will do in the situation now . ''
Gambling charities had aired concerns social isolation , boredom , personal conflict and financial insecurity during lockdown may drive more people to consider gambling , and prompt recovering addicts to relapse .
Despite an overall drop in gambling while sports events were cancelled or postponed , there was an increase in some customers playing online slots , poker , casino gaming and virtual sports , watchdog the Gambling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a gambling charity , said it received more calls than ever before during lockdown including with ex-residents and some people with suicidal thoughts .
Tens of thousands more women , who were drawn to online games such as bingo , also requested support .
What do the trusts say ?
At Leeds and York Partnership Foundation Trust , 25 out of 125 referrals had not yet progressed to assessments by June , responses under the Freedom of Information Act showed .
Initial contact to assessment usually takes up to 14 days , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` up to a month '' for some , while four of its 18 staff were redeployed .
Many other NHS mental health trusts also redeployed staff in `` these unprecedented times '' , the trust said .
Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust ( CNWL ) , where NHS England 's national mental health director Claire Murdoch is chief executive , said its gambling addiction treatment was `` not a Cinderella service '' .
At one stage , some 1,200 of its 7,200 staff were shielding or isolating and `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ front-line addictions services '' .
Patients waiting for treatment were offered information about Gamcare , which operates the national gambling helpline , and other support services , it said .
CNWL , where four of its 12 staff were redeployed to work in substance misuse services , said it `` risk-assessed everyone in treatment and on the waiting list and only put on hold those cases that were deemed low risk , erring on the side of caution . ''
The trust `` kept very clear track '' of all those whose treatment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ series of pre-therapy groups ... while waiting for full treatment to resume '' .
Matt Gaskell , clinical lead and consultant psychologist at the NHS Northern Gambling Service at LYPFT , said only one member of staff remained redeployed and normal services would resume soon .
`` Our staff have worked incredibly hard during the pandemic .
We 've continued to provide individual and group therapy via video and we 've been closely monitoring all our service users with regular telephone calls and wellbeing checks .
`` The NHS in England has limited @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The handful of clinics we do have currently provide a lifeline for a significant number of people struggling with serious problem gambling . ''
Since lockdown has begun to be eased , GamCare has launched a # readytotalk campaign with Samaritans , Refuge and Cruse Bereavement Care .
If you or someone you know has been affected by addiction , help and support is available at bbc.co.uk/actionline .
More about this story The Shared Data Unit makes data journalism available to news organisations across the media industry , as part of a partnership @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Association .
Read more about the Local News Partnerships here .

"Once your brain has become flooded with gambling, and that's your escape when you don't know how to deal with your feelings, that's what you will do in the situation now.


bbcuk--2020-07-24--Teenagers guilty of killing PC Andrew Harper

Three teenagers have been found guilty of the manslaughter of PC Andrew Harper , who died after being dragged along a road by a car .
PC Harper died from catastrophic injuries after his ankles got caught in a strap trailing behind a vehicle driven by Henry Long , in August 2019 .
Long , 19 , had earlier admitted manslaughter but was cleared of murder .
Albert Bowers and Jessie Cole , both 18 , were cleared of murder but found guilty at the Old Bailey of manslaughter .
Following their convictions , it can now be revealed jurors @ @ @ @ @ @ @ special protection after police received intelligence associates of the killers had planned to intimidate them .
• The PC 's killing that sparked an outpouring of love PC Harper was dragged for more than a mile along country lanes in Berkshire after he and a colleague responded to reports of a quad bike theft , jurors heard .
The 28-year-old newlywed became `` lassoed '' to the back of a Seat Toledo after he `` unwittingly '' stepped with both feet into the loop of a tow rope as he tried to apprehend @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Abingdon-based roads policing officer was `` swung from side to side like a pendulum '' after Long sped off to escape the scene .
The court heard the Seat travelled for more than a mile towards the A4 before PC Harper became detached and died in the road .
Jonathan Laidlaw QC previously told jurors the defendants were prepared to use force `` if met with resistance '' .
The trio had a large axe , three crowbars and a hammer and were `` plainly determined to steal the quad bike '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mr Laidlaw said .
It was clear they were `` intending , if met with resistance , that serious harm would be caused to commit the offence of theft or to secure their escape '' , the court heard .
The defendants are due to be sentenced next Friday .
The officer , from Wallingford , Oxfordshire , had been married for just four weeks to his childhood sweetheart Lissie , before his death .
Within weeks , he and his wife had been due to honeymoon in the Maldives .
Long , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , pleaded guilty to manslaughter but denied murder along with Bowers and Cole .
Cole , of Paices Hill near Reading , Bowers , of Moat Close , Bramley , and Long all admitted conspiracy to steal a quad bike .

The 11 remaining jurors, who were not present when the actions of their fellow juror were discussed, were told they would continue to try the defendants and the juror's removal had nothing to do with the facts of the case.


bbcuk--2020-07-24--Coronavirus: New face covering rules come into force in England

Face coverings are now compulsory for customers in shops in England , after new coronavirus rules came into force within 12 hours of the government issuing guidance on the change .
Coverings are mandatory in enclosed public spaces such as supermarkets , indoor shopping centres , transport hubs , banks and takeaways .
Police can hand out fines of up to £100 to those who do not comply .
But some retailers have insisted they will not enforce the rule .
Sainsbury 's and Costa Coffee said their staff would not challenge customers who entered their stores without masks , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ responsibility of the relevant authorities '' .
But Waitrose will have staff at the entrance reminding customers of the rule , and Tesco will be selling face coverings at shop entrances .
Greggs and McDonalds said takeaway customers needed to wear masks .
• Shops or trains - where do I need to cover my face ?
• How to make your own face mask Guidance issued by the government on Thursday for England states that staff in premises where face coverings are required are encouraged to take steps `` to promote compliance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ entry to people who do not have a valid exemption under the rules .
However , the government said it was the responsibility of individuals to wear a covering , and Health Secretary Matt Hancock urged the public to `` play their part '' by following the new guidance .
`` As we move into the next stage of easing restrictions for the public , it is vital we continue to shop safely so that we can make the most of our fantastic retail industry this summer , '' he said .
Prime @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ability to ease social distancing measures and the use of face masks depended on driving down the levels of the virus .
`` The message is - we have done very well , the virus is under control to a very large extent but it is still there , '' he said during a visit to a GP surgery .
Police will be able to `` use force '' to remove customers from shops if they do not wear face coverings , as well as prevent them from entering , according to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said they will only be enforcing the rules , including issuing £100 fines , as a last resort - and officers will not be patrolling premises .
Health Minister Helen Whately said the government was confident `` the vast majority of people '' would comply with the regulations .
• Can police make me wear a face mask or covering ?
There are exemptions to the new rules for children under 11 , those with disabilities or certain health conditions , such as respiratory or cognitive impairments that make it difficult for them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Whately said people could print out a card from the government 's website to show they were exempt if they wished , but stressed people would not be expected to carry proof of an exemption .
Public Health England has warned parents not to buy coverings for babies and young children because of the risk of choking or suffocation .
Masks will not be mandatory in indoor venues that have other safety measures in place , including : For some people with certain health conditions or disabilities , wearing a mask can be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has autism , had a particularly bad experience when she tried wearing one to visit the doctor last week .
`` I literally had it on for two minutes and had a panic attack and threw up in public - it was quite embarrassing , '' she told BBC Radio 4 's Today programme .
Kerise said she had spoken to her social worker about going shopping for her when she had bad days .
`` I do n't like being confronted because I have to explain myself , '' she said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ lot of people do n't even realise that I 'm on the spectrum so they just look at me and think , 'oh she is just a normal person , why is she not wearing a mask ? '
'' Retail and trade organisations have criticised the government over the length of time it has taken for guidance to be published - after the changes were announced more than a week ago .
Meanwhile , union leaders voiced fears the rules could put workers ' safety at risk if people refused to wear @ @ @ @ @ @ @ British Retail Consortium called on customers to be `` respectful '' of the new rules , while UK Hospitality chief executive Kate Nicholls said takeaway outlets had been left with `` a very short time to properly brief staff , prepare signage and take steps to encourage compliance '' .
• SOCIAL DISTANCING : What are the rules now ?
• PUBLIC TRANSPORT : Is it safe to travel ?
• TWO METRES : Could less than 2m work ?
According to the government , face coverings should cover the mouth and nose @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scarf or bandana that securely fits around the side of the face without having to be held in place .
The requirement to wear face coverings at transport hubs - railway and bus stations , airports and maritime ports - only applies for those areas which are fully indoors and enclosed .
You are allowed to remove a face covering in certain situations , for example to prove identification in banks or when buying age restricted products .
Face coverings have been compulsory in shops in Scotland since 10 July .
Shoppers are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wales or Northern Ireland , although NI will wait until 20 August before deciding whether to make them compulsory .
Coverings are already compulsory on public transport in England and Scotland , as well as most buses , trains and ferries in Northern Ireland .
They will be mandatory on public transport in Wales from 27 July .
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bbcuk--2020-07-24--Coronavirus prompts PM into obesity crackdown

The prime minister is set to announce new measures to curb obesity next week , and they are expected to include a ban on TV junk food adverts before 21:00 .
It comes amid growing evidence people who are overweight or obese are at greater risk from coronavirus .
The measures are yet to be finalised but are also likely to include a ban on online ads for unhealthy foods , and limits on in-store promotions .
But one food industry leader said the move was a `` slap in the face '' .
The move marks a change in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who has previously criticised levies on foods high in salt , fat and sugar - and described his views on tackling obesity as `` libertarian '' .
Mr Johnson 's experience in intensive care during his treatment for Covid-19 is thought to have contributed to his changing position .
Speaking during a visit to a GP surgery in east London , he said that while he was not normally one for `` nannying or bossying '' , the country did need to lose weight to protect from a second spike .
He said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ real co-morbidity factors .
Losing weight , frankly , is one of the ways you can reduce your own risk from coronavirus . ''
• Does being overweight or obese affect how ill people get with coronavirus ?
David Cameron , backed by NHS leaders , was all set to unveil wide-ranging curbs on food marketing and advertising in England in the summer of 2016 .
Then he abruptly left office and his successor Theresa May watered down or ditched most of the ideas .
Two years later she had changed her view @ @ @ @ @ @ @ announced plans to ban fast food advertising before the 21:00 TV watershed and prevent supermarkets from promoting unhealthy food products in stores .
These plans were put out to consultation but were left in limbo when Boris Johnson arrived in Downing Street a year ago .
His comments about the `` continuing creep of the nanny state '' and the need for a review of `` sin taxes '' were taken to mean he was against further intervention on people 's diet choices .
But he has shifted , and most of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ implemented .
It could have been enacted by now but , whatever the timing , the measures - including sweeping changes to the way food is advertised , are a significant move to tackle one of the biggest health challenges of our times .
Ministers are still finalising the detail of some anti-obesity measures , such as whether to require more prominent labelling of food and drinks with high levels of sugar or salt .
Some restaurants could be required to put calorie labels on menus .
Proposals put forward , but not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mrs May are likely to be revived .
She consulted on whether to ban TV adverts for foods that are high in fat , salt or sugar during family viewing hours - and whether to restrict online advertising .
The proposals were widely resisted by advertisers and commercial broadcasters .
But it is thought Mr Johnson is likely to push ahead with advertising restrictions , and is considering banning in-store promotions of unhealthy foods .
Tim Rycroft , chief operating officer of the Food and Drink Federation , said the rumoured move was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the food industry , which he said had worked `` heroically '' to keep the nation fed during the pandemic .
`` It is going to ban promotions of food 10 days before the chancellor launches the biggest food promotion the country has ever seen , '' he told Today .
`` It is going to put enormous costs on the advertising industry and on broadcasters at a time when the economy is in quite a tenuous situation . ''
A letter from the Institute of Practitioners in Advertising sent to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ last year showed a 21:00 watershed on high fat , sugar and salt food and drinks would only remove around 1.7 calories per day from a child 's diet - the equivalent of half a Smartie .
In the letter , director general Paul Bainsfair wrote : `` The introduction of such a draconian measure at this time could have deep repercussions for agencies and the advertising sector , generally , in terms of jobs and creative output , for very little end result . ''
Health and Social Care Minister Helen Whately @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` imminently '' .
She said she recognised obesity was `` possibly the greatest health challenge '' the country faced - `` particularly with Covid '' .
Tam Fry , chairman of the National Obesity Forum , told BBC Radio 4 's Today programme he believed the prime minister 's experience in St Thomas 's hospital had been a `` game changer '' and that it was understood the aim was to get people to lose weight `` prior to the next spike '' .
He said : `` There has n't been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ got to be given a try - and if after a period of time it is shown not to be so effective , then maybe it will stop .
`` It is indeed a risk but the problem is that the consequence of obesity is so great that risks and daring measures have to be put in place . ''
He called for the sugar tax on soft drinks to be extended to other products .
The NHS says most adults with a body mass index ( BMI ) of 25 to 29.9 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ BMI of 30 to 39.9 are classed as obese .
Another measure of excess fat is waist size - men with a waist of 94cm or more and women with a waist of 80cm or more are more likely to develop obesity-related problems .
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He said: "There hasn't been a ban like this but it has got to be given a try - and if after a period of time it is shown not to be so effective, then maybe it will stop.


bbcuk--2020-07-24--Harry and Meghan sue over 'drone photos' of son Archie

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have launched legal action in the US after drones were allegedly used to take pictures of their infant son Archie .
A complaint filed in Los Angeles , California , on Thursday claims an unnamed individual photographed 14-month-old Archie at the Sussexes ' home during the coronavirus lockdown .
The royal couple have claimed the pictures were an invasion of privacy .
Prince Harry and Meghan are now based in Los Angeles , having stepped back as senior royals at the end of March .
• Harry and Meghan plan to freeze out tabloids @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , said : `` Every individual and family member in California is guaranteed by law the right to privacy in their home .
No drones , helicopters or telephoto lenses can take away that right .
`` The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are filing this lawsuit to protect their young son 's right to privacy in their home without intrusion by photographers , and to uncover and stop those who seek to profit from these illegal actions . ''
According to the lawsuit , the duke and duchess are constantly followed by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to their home in Los Angeles , flying helicopters overhead and cutting holes in their security fences .
It marks the latest example of the Sussexes actions against what they have previously described as `` invasive '' tabloid media .
In a separate legal action , against the publisher of the Mail on Sunday and Mail Online , Meghan is suing for breach of privacy and copyright infringement .
Earlier this month , court documents claimed the duchess felt `` unprotected by the Institution '' of the monarchy and was `` prohibited from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pregnant .

"The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are filing this lawsuit to protect their young son's right to privacy in their home without intrusion by photographers, and to uncover and stop those who seek to profit from these illegal actions."


bbcuk--2020-07-24--Retail sales near pre-lockdown levels in June

UK retail sales were near pre-lockdown levels in June , as the reopening of shops released pent-up demand .
The amount of goods sold last month increased by 13.9 % compared to May , according to the Office for National Statistics ( ONS ) .
Separately , a closely watched survey showed that activity in the UK 's services and manufacturing sectors returned to growth last month .
However , economists warned that the country 's recovery would take time .
June 's rise in retail sales followed record falls in April and a partial recovery in May as the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
But it masked `` big changes '' in retail , with food and online sales up , while clothing was still `` struggling '' , the ONS said .
Online sales continued to go `` from strength to strength '' , the ONS added , accounting for £3 out of every £10 spent by consumers .
Demand at food stores remained strong , hitting new highs for the lockdown period .
Compared with February , the volume of food sales was 5.3 % higher while non-store retailing grew by 53.6 % .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ overall retail sales back to a similar level to where they were pre-lockdown , but there was a `` mixed picture '' in different store types .
In June , non-food stores , including department stores and clothes shops , partially recovered from strong falls during the lockdown but were still 15 % lower than in February .
Non-essential shops in England were not allowed to reopen until 15 June , so they were only trading for half the month .
• New face covering rules come into force in England • 'They @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I quit' Jonathan Athow , ONS deputy national statistician , told the BBC that there had been `` some really big changes under the surface '' of the retail landscape since lockdown began .
`` Food shops continue to do quite well , as we 're eating at home more , '' he said .
`` But the real growth has been in online sales .
Online sales continue to go from strength to strength . ''
Britain 's nation of shoppers has come to the fore .
The amount of what we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - but that does n't signal a wider full bounce-back in our economic fortunes .
This is for a couple of reasons .
Firstly , what we buy has changed : more online , more staples , fewer impulse forays onto the High Street .
While there was an initial flurry in sales of clothing and household goods immediately after non-essential shops opened in June , more timely data on payments suggested that tailed off in July .
The fallout can be seen in the mounting job losses announced by stalwarts , from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Secondly , retail sales are only part of the recovery jigsaw , totalling about a fifth of the economy .
Factories and building sites are coming back to life .
But the big unknown is spending on services such as restaurants , bars and hotels - so-called `` social spending '' .
Even with eating out vouchers and VAT cuts , a full and rapid recovery there seems unlikely .
And it is these sectors that have suffered most and have furloughed the vast majority of their staff .
Their future will hinge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Athow said some sectors were `` struggling '' .
`` Some of that is due to the restrictions , which were only relaxed part-way through June in England .
Clothing is down by about a third .
`` And if you look at the High Street more generally , sales in the High Street , or physical shops , are also down by about a third . ''
Clothing sales did rise 70 % month-on-month in June , but from a very low base , meaning that they are still well below pre-lockdown @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fallen so far that `` virtually any pick-up will look like a big number '' .
The proportion of online spending reduced to 31.8 % in June from the record 33.3 % reported in May , but was well up on the 20 % reported in February , said the ONS .
Meanwhile , a survey measuring new orders , employment and business sentiment in the services and manufacturing sectors indicated a return to growth during June .
The `` flash '' - or preliminary - Purchasing Managers ' Index ( PMI ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , rose to 57.1 in July , up sharply from 47.7 last month .
It was the first time since February that it was above 50 , indicating expansion .
However , Markit 's chief business economist , Chris Williamson , cautioned : `` While the recession looks to have been brief , the scars are likely to be deep . ''
'Online is how I have been able to survive' One businesswoman who has taken advantage of the move to online shopping is Hellen Stirling-Baker of Small Stuff , a Sheffield-based independent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , gifts and homewares for young children .
`` Driving my store online is how I have been able to survive , '' she said .
`` Offering face-to-face video calling for customers to recreate the in-store experience has been crucial and sales are picking up .
`` I 've also added new services such as local delivery by hand , which really boost engagement . ''
Jeremy Thomson-Cook , chief economist at Equals Money , said the retail sector had seen a `` V-shaped recovery '' , echoing remarks by the Bank @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Haldane .
`` The motto of the British consumer has long been 'When the going gets tough , the tough go shopping ' and it seems like June encapsulated that well , '' he added .
Silvia Rindone , retail partner at EY , said the latest figures showed there was `` some hope on the horizon '' , with consumers beginning to show `` a cautious optimism '' .
But she added : `` We 're still not past the pandemic and getting back to 'normal ' will still take time .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ England 's shops , physical retailers need to continue to focus on reassuring customers . ''

And it is these sectors that have suffered most and have furloughed the vast majority of their staff. Their future will hinge on how spending convalesces there.


bbcuk--2020-07-24--Tony Blair: We will need to learn to live with coronavirus

The coronavirus will not be eliminated and people will have to learn to live with it , Tony Blair has warned .
The former Labour PM said the UK required more `` containment infrastructure '' in case the virus resurges in the autumn .
His think-tank has recommended widespread mask-wearing to prevent a spike in cases as lockdown is eased .
PM Boris Johnson has said the UK is taking `` every reasonable step '' to prepare for an autumn spike in cases .
He recently said a second nationwide lockdown could be avoided because of swifter action to contain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UK must prepare for second wave - health leaders • PM 'does not want second national lockdown' Speaking to the Press Association , Mr Blair - prime minister from 1997 to 2007 - said it was `` absolutely essential '' to prepare for a `` 50/50 chance '' the disease would resurge in the autumn .
He said that action needed to be taken now to make sure the virus could be contained in the long-term , with a return to nationwide lockdown not possible .
`` The reality is that we 're @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we 're not really going to be able to eliminate it , '' he said .
`` My anxiety about the government at the moment is that it has still not really put in place that infrastructure of containment that is going to see us through a resurgence of the disease if unfortunately that happens . ''
In a report , the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change argued scoring people A-D on their vulnerability would allow them to `` take ownership of their own risk '' .
It recommended people should be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all public environments '' .
Key workers such as teachers , healthcare workers , and those who work on public transport should be supplied with plastic face shields , it argued .
And it said those most risk from the virus should be offered government-issued N95 medical masks in a special colour , as a `` visual sign '' they are shielding .
Face coverings are now compulsory for customers in shops in England , and have been in Scotland since 10 July .
Shoppers are not currently required to wear them in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ already compulsory on public transport in England and Scotland , as well as most buses , trains and ferries in Northern Ireland .
They will be mandatory on public transport in Wales from 27 July .
Health leaders have called for a cross-party review of preparations for a possible resurgence of the virus later this year .
Questioned about the recommendation earlier this month , Boris Johnson vowed to do `` absolutely everything in our power to prevent a second spike '' .
The government has set a target of being able to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ end of October through an expanded network of walk-in centres .
Increased winter funding for the NHS in England has also been pledged , along with expanded eligibly for free flu vaccination ahead of the winter .

"My anxiety about the government at the moment is that it has still not really put in place that infrastructure of containment that is going to see us through a resurgence of the disease if unfortunately that happens."


bbcuk--2020-07-24--Manchester Arena attack: Families oppose screen for MI5 witness

The families of 22 people killed in the Manchester Arena bombing have opposed moves to allow a senior MI5 officer to give evidence behind a screen at the public inquiry into the terror attack .
Government lawyers want the security service member to only be seen by the inquiry 's chairman and lawyers .
The detailed reasons for needing the screen were also secret , lawyers said .
But the legal team representing the families argued the screen would not deliver an `` open and fair inquiry '' .
Twenty-two people were killed and hundreds injured when Salman Abedi , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fans left the arena following an Ariana Grande concert on 22 May 2017 .
Cathy McGahey QC , on behalf of the Secretary of State for the Home Office , asked for a restriction order to screen the MI5 officer , known as Witness J .
But Duncan Atkinson QC , on behalf of the families , asked for the proposal to be rejected , saying families would not be able to see the witness `` face to face '' and instead only listen to a `` disembodied voice '' .
`` What @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Secretary of State would not deliver that open and fair inquiry to which you , sir , have always committed yourself , '' Mr Atkinson said .
He added there is `` a very clear public interest '' that `` things are not being hidden from them '' .
`` The families have been the victims of terrorism , the very last thing they would want to do is assist an act of terrorism in the future , '' he added .
`` But they do seek answers as to how they came @ @ @ @ @ @ @ whether things could have been done to stop them being victims of terrorism . ''
The chairman is also being asked by government lawyers to ban all electronic devices while Witness J is giving evidence , so there is no `` inadvertent disclosure '' of information that could lead to his identification .
Only handwritten notes would be allowed to be taken during Witness J 's evidence and if sensitive evidence is released by accident then such notes must be destroyed .
Abedi 's younger brother , Hashem Abedi , was convicted of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Old Bailey and is expected to be sentenced in August .
The public inquiry is scheduled to begin on 7 September .
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"But they do seek answers as to how they came to be the victims of terrorism and whether things could have been done to stop them being victims of terrorism."