bbcuk--2020-04-23--Lollipop man attacked with own stick during man's assault spree

A man has been jailed after a string of assaults in one day which , officers say , culminated in him smearing his own faeces across a police cell .
Among Daryl Jones 's victims was a lollipop man , who he assaulted with his own stick in Birmingham , police said .
The 33-year-old began his rampage by racially abusing a taxi driver when his charging cable did not fit his phone .
Jones , of Jervoise Road , Weoley Castle , was jailed for two years and 11 months at Birmingham Crown Court .
West Midlands Police said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after he was seen shouting racial insults at children outside a nursery in Kings Heath .
Earlier in the day , he racially abused a taxi driver who was hired to take him and and three friends to the Kings Norton area of the city , threatening to stab and kill him if he did not drink from his can of beer .
Jones had become incensed when the driver 's charging cable did not fit his phone and punched the driver before shouting at passers by , police said .
He then @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sign after exiting the cab and going off alone .
When Jones was apprehended , West Midlands Police said , he spat into officers ' faces and continued to shout racist abuse .
The force said he `` finished off a busy day by smearing his own faeces across the entire cell '' , which had to be `` professionally cleaned '' .
PC Amanda Winter described his behaviour as `` completely unacceptable and quite frankly , downright disgusting '' .
Jones pleaded guilty to assault causing actual bodily harm , assault , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ aggravated harassment and two counts of causing damage to property on Friday 17 April .
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Earlier in the day, he racially abused a taxi driver who was hired to take him and and three friends to the Kings Norton area of the city, threatening to stab and kill him if he did not drink from his can of beer.


bbcuk--2020-04-24--Coronavirus: Test website closes after 'significant demand'

The online website for key workers to book coronavirus tests has temporarily closed following `` significant demand '' , the Department of Health has said .
It said it was continuing to `` rapidly increase '' availability and more tests would be available on Saturday .
The website opened on Friday but appeared to close by mid-morning with some users met by an `` applications closed '' message .
Up to 10 million key workers and their households are eligible to book a test .
The move allows all essential workers in England to register for tests on the government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ family member have virus symptoms .
Health Secretary Matt Hancock said the expanded testing programme was `` part of getting Britain back on her feet '' .
The Department of Health apologised for `` any inconvenience '' caused by the temporary closure of applications .
The government remains some way short of its target of 100,000 tests a day in the UK by the end of this month .
Thursday 's figures showed 23,560 tests were carried out , though Mr Hancock said capacity had now increased to 51,000 per day .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ died with the virus in UK hospitals , bringing the total number of deaths to 18,738 .
• How close is the UK to 100,000 tests a day ?
The health secretary announced the new testing arrangements at Thursday 's Downing Street coronavirus briefing , along with a commitment to recruit 18,000 people to trace contacts of those infected .
Those who can now register for a test include NHS and social care workers , police officers , teachers , those in the justice system , supermarket and food production workers , journalists @ @ @ @ @ @ @ smaller group of key workers - those whose work is deemed critical to the Covid-19 response - were eligible for testing .
The aim is to allow essential staff to safely return to work .
John Apter , chair of the Police Federation of England and Wales , described the announcement as `` long overdue and very welcome '' .
He added that testing would enable self-isolating officers `` to get back onto the front line to assist their colleagues if the test comes back as negative '' .
Also among those to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , where absences due to coronavirus have been a big issue .
Tesco , for example , currently has more than 41,000 staff members off work .
The British Retail Consortium said the testing of such workers was `` crucial '' to `` maintain good supplies to stores '' .
Transport for London ( TfL ) - where a third of employees have been ill or have had to self-isolate since the start of the pandemic - said that while testing would not be mandatory , it was `` encouraging the take-up of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' .
Paddy Lillis , general secretary of the union USDAW , said it welcomed the news that its members - most of whom work in the food and pharmaceutical supply chains - were recognised as key workers and eligible for the expanding testing scheme .
Employers should ensure the testing and results process is `` fair and transparent '' for workers , and support those who are ill , self-isolating or shielding on full pay , he added .
Mr Hancock said once people enter their details online they will be sent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ either book an appointment at a drive-through centre or to request a home test kit , though the latter are currently in limited supply .
He told BBC Breakfast the home kits would be collected by courier and would initially start in `` small numbers '' before the service grows .
A help desk has been established to aid the process , while mobile units run by the Army are travelling around the country to where they are needed , such as care homes .
The test involves taking a swab of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Anyone classified as an `` essential worker '' who is showing symptoms can request a test in England and Scotland .
The list includes NHS and social care staff , teachers , police officers and transport workers .
They and their family can also request a test if someone in their household shows symptoms .
How will I be tested ?
The test involves taking a swab of the nose and the back of the throat .
There are two ways to get a test : at a testing site , or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ kits will initially be limited but are being sent to NHS staff .
Most people will get their test results by text within two days .
When can I go back to work ?
Provided you and/or those in your household have not tested positive , you can go back to work .
That is so long as you are well enough and have not had a high temperature for 48 hours .
Mr Hancock has said the `` majority '' of people will get their result in 24 hours , but for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The result will be added to a person 's medical record so their doctor is informed , he added .
Key workers who are unable to access the government 's website will still be able to apply for a test , as employers are able to book on behalf of their staff .
Until now , hospitals have been carrying out tests , along with a network of about 30 drive-through centres in car parks , airports and sports grounds .
Labour 's shadow health minister , Justin Madders , told the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ testing to key workers but questioned whether anything was being done to improve ease of access to the tests .
There is no doubting the scale and ambition of this project - up to 10 million essential workers and their families invited to go online if they have symptoms to book a virus test .
Ensuring the system can smoothly book people their tests at drive in centres and then get results back within 48 hours will be a major technological challenge .
Some may complain that the drive in centres are not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ home testing kits being sent to people to do their own swabs and send them back for laboratory testing .
The home testing kits are currently going out to NHS workers .
Then government says this will be extended very soon to the wider group .
Mobile pop up test facilities will go to workplaces .
In theory this will make a big difference to key workers self-isolating because a member of their household is unwell - if that individual tests negative then others in the home can get back to work quickly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their symptoms they can easily check whether they have coronavirus .
This is a significant move in the drive to boost testing .
The question now is whether the IT and the infrastructure can deliver .
The Welsh government has previously outlined plans to expand testing to key workers and Northern Ireland 's health minister has announced the nation 's testing programme is being expanded to include front-line workers in the private sector .
Scotland 's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has said England 's expanded testing system will apply to Scotland , adding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` very soon '' but there were still a couple of practical issues to be solved .
Mr Hancock also detailed plans for a network of contact tracers that will be used when the lockdown is eased , insisting a process of `` test , track and trace '' would be `` vital '' to stop a second peak of the virus .
The hope is that regional outbreaks of the virus can be kept under control by isolating people with the virus , and then tracing their contacts and isolating them .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ put in place so that contact tracing can be rolled out on a `` large scale '' .
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : How do I protect myself ?
• AVOIDING CONTACT : The rules on self-isolation and exercise • WHAT WE DO N'T KNOW How to understand the death toll • TESTING : Can I get tested for coronavirus ?
Prof John Newton , co-ordinator of the UK 's coronavirus testing programme , has said the government is `` on track '' to reach 100,000 tests a day by the end of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ test - including ones that do not rely on reagents which are in short supply - would help to reach the target .
Elsewhere , Mr Hancock said the plan for easing lockdown restrictions set out by Ms Sturgeon , was `` very similar '' to the UK government 's approach .
He said he would prefer if social distancing measures were lifted across the whole of the UK at the same time , rather than each nation changing them on their own timetable , but he also respected the `` responsibilities '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reiterated that the framework was published to spark a `` grown-up conversation '' with the public over the key factors in deciding when to lift restrictions .
She told BBC Breakfast it was `` important '' to be clear with the public about the thought process `` because it will effect all of our lives potentially for quite a long time to come , adding that the Scottish government will release a `` much more detailed plan '' in the future .
She said the devolved nations and UK government were `` working @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to align our decision-making '' , adding nations should have `` good reasons '' for taking their own separate decisions .
• About 7000 Transport for London ( TfL ) staff are to be furloughed amid `` massive financial challenges '' for the transport authority • Some lockdown rules in Wales are being made stricter to `` address challenges being faced in parts of the country '' , the first minister has said , including a clamp down on the use of second homes • Baroness Doreen Lawrence has been appointed as the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will lead a review into the impact of coronavirus on black , Asian and minority ethnic communities amid concerns the virus may be disproportionately impacting them • Gatwick Airport has said it expects it will take up to four years for passenger numbers to return to recent levels once the coronavirus pandemic recedes • US President Trump has said Prime Minister Boris Johnson sounded `` sharp and energetic '' in a phone call on Tuesday .
; meanwhile Mr Hancock said he is `` on the mend '' but his return date to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ • The first human trial in Europe of a coronavirus vaccine has begun in Oxford - with the first two volunteers being injected • Stars and royals raised more than £27m on BBC One charity special The Big Night In • Tobias Ellwood , Conservative chair of the defence select committee , said the government has been `` too slow in procuring the necessary '' personal protective equipment for frontline staff • A submarine crew were filmed having a party during the coronavirus lockdown , prompting a Royal Navy investigation Are you a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a coronavirus test on the UK government website ?
Share your experiences by emailing haveyoursay @ bbc.co.uk .
Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a BBC journalist .
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Transport for London (TfL) - where a third of employees have been ill or have had to self-isolate since the start of the pandemic - said that while testing would not be mandatory, it was "encouraging the take-up of testing by all eligible members of staff".


bbcuk--2020-04-24--Shoppers swap clothes for alcohol amid record sales drop

UK retail sales fell a record 5.1 % in March as many stores shut up shop in the face of the coronavirus lockdown .
The figures from the Office for National Statistics ( ONS ) show the steepest sales fall since it started collecting the data in 1996 .
Food and online shopping rose , and alcohol sales also jumped .
But clothes sales tumbled by 34 % .
Online shopping as a proportion of all retail reached a record high of 22 % , the ONS said .
`` Retailers are in crisis mode as the impact of Covid-19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' said Richard Lim , chief executive of Retail Economics .
Off-licences , which were added to the government 's list of essential UK retailers last month , saw sales rise 31.4 % in volume terms , although with most drinkers buying from supermarkets , they only contribute less than 1 % of alcohol sales .
The data comes amid dire estimates for the performance of the UK economy amid the lockdown .
Yesterday , one of the Bank of England 's top policymakers warned that the UK faces its worst economic shock @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a member of the BoE 's interest-rate setting committee , said that `` early indicators '' suggest the UK was `` experiencing an economic contraction that is faster and deeper than anything we have seen in the past century , or possibly several centuries '' .
He did , though , say there was `` in principle '' a good chance that the UK would return to its `` pre-virus trajectory once the pandemic is over '' .
But for many shops , it is too late .
In the year to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Laura Ashley and Cath Kidston have collapsed , and while some shops will be salvaged , many will be gone for good .
Excluding fuel , sales dropped 3.7 % compared with February , a record for retail data collection going back to 1988 .
Food sales rose a record 11 % as households stocked up and restaurants closed .
For industries like retail , customer behaviour may never be the same .
`` We do n't expect the pattern of post-lockdown spending to be exactly the same as before , with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to reward more responsible retailers , '' said Lisa Hooker , consumer markets leader at accountants PwC .
`` Particularly those who looked after their staff , and shop more on their local high streets and with smaller or independent retailers , giving some more hope to many of the hardest-hit operators . ''

But for many shops, it is too late. In the year to date, Oasis, Warehouse, Debenhams, Laura Ashley and Cath Kidston have collapsed, and while some shops will be salvaged, many will be gone for good.


bbcuk--2020-04-24--Coronavirus: 'Traffic light' system to lift lockdown in Wales

Some restrictions in Wales could be eased at the end of the current three-week lockdown period .
First Minister Mark Drakeford said lockdown could be left in three phases `` like a traffic light in reverse '' .
The red phase would see only `` the most careful and controlled lifting of restrictions '' , he told BBC Radio Wales .
The amber zone would see more restrictions lifted and , if the virus is not re-emerging , Wales could then move to the green zone , he said .
• Lifting of Scottish lockdown 'likely to be phased' This @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the lives we had before the crisis hit , '' Mr Drakeford told Radio Wales Breakfast with Oliver Hides .
Asked when Wales might enter the red zone , the first minister said `` I hope we will be in a position to do that at the end of the current three-week lockdown period '' .
However he warned this would only happen if Wales had met the tests set out in the Welsh Government 's framework for exiting the lockdown , which will be published later on Friday .
`` We will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ consistently for 14 days .
`` They have been falling over the last week so it 's not impossible that we will get to that point and in that case we can move into the red zone . ''
It will include questions to consider before decisions are made around relaxing restrictions .
BBC Wales has been told these will be : • Would easing a restriction have a negative effect on containing the virus ?
• Does a particular measure pose a low risk of further infection ?
• How can it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it be reversed quickly if it creates unintended consequences ?
• Does it have a positive economic benefit ?
• Does it have a positive impact on people 's wellbeing ?
• Does it have a positive impact on equality ?
While the Welsh Government is broadly working together with the UK and other devolved governments on the lockdown measures , the rules are made on a per-country basis .
Mr Drakeford has already said he would be prepared to `` do things differently '' to the other nations if that was right @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Scottish government published its lockdown exit strategy warning that people would have to `` adapt to a new reality '' .
Mr Drakeford has also announced that some lockdown rules in Wales are being made stricter to `` address challenges being faced in parts of the country '' .
Updated regulations , announced by Mr Drakeford , make it clear people can not remain away from the place they live .
The changes are intended to clamp down on the use of second homes and discourage people from exercising outside their local area @ @ @ @ @ @ @ come into force on Saturday , also include extending social distancing rules to hospital , school and prison canteens .
However , businesses offering a `` click and collect '' service will be allowed to reopen as long as they observe social distancing rules .
Families with children who have certain learning difficulties , including autism , will be allowed to leave the house more than once a day .
The first minister said : `` The changes we are introducing supplement the rules already in force , but they respond to some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ country and by families throughout Wales .
`` Our message has not changed - anyone can get coronavirus , anyone can spread it .
So please , stay home , protect the NHS , and save lives . ''

"By sharing with one another our thinking, by being open with one another about the issues that we think will matter in different parts of the United Kingdom, I think that will help us to craft a way forward, in which we all understand what one another are doing and we come to a common set of ideas and a common timetable for going about them."


bbcuk--2020-04-24--Coronavirus: Doreen Lawrence to head Labour probe on minorities

Baroness Doreen Lawrence will lead a review into the impact of coronavirus on black , Asian and minority ethnic communities , the Labour Party says .
The campaigner and mother of murdered teenager Stephen Lawrence has been appointed as Labour 's race relations adviser by leader Sir Keir Starmer .
The review will examine why the virus appears to disproportionately impact those from ethnic minority backgrounds .
The government has also commissioned an investigation into the issue .
The Intensive Care National Audit and Research Centre found that 34 % of more than 4,800 critically-ill patients with Covid-19 identified as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This is despite only 14 % of people in England and Wales being from ethnic minority backgrounds , according to the 2011 census .
• Coronavirus cases to be tracked by ethnicity • Are minorities being hit hardest by coronavirus ?
The virtual launch of Labour 's review on Friday was attended by Baroness Lawrence , Sir Keir and Labour 's shadow secretary of state for women and equalities , Marsha de Cordova .
Other attendees include Muslim Council of Britain 's general secretary Harun Khan , Operation Black Vote 's director Lord @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deputy president Yvonne Coghill and the Sikh Network 's Jas Khatkar .
Sir Keir said it was `` extremely concerning '' to see the `` disproportionate toll '' coronavirus was having on black , Asian and minority ethnic communities .
`` We can not afford to treat this as an issue to investigate once the crisis is over .
We must address it now . ''
Baroness Lawrence , a Labour peer , said : `` The coronavirus pandemic has brought society together , but it has also exposed the gulf in living @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Black , Asian and minority ethnic communities have long been disadvantaged by the social and economic injustice which still exists in our country .
`` There is a clear and tragic pattern emerging of the pandemic 's impact on those communities which must be better understood . ''
This is a complex issue that can not be reduced to a single answer .
While it is too early to draw conclusions , researchers have said the pandemic is exposing existing health and social inequalities .
Underlying health conditions such as diabetes and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Asian communities , which are overrepresented in families living in poverty and overcrowded housing .
People from these backgrounds are also more likely to be in precarious jobs or employed on the frontline as key workers - putting them at greater risk of catching the virus .
Geography has been a key factor as the majority of coronavirus cases have been in diverse cities such as London , which has a higher proportion of ethnic minority communities relative to the rest of the UK .
Over the last few weeks some families @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ones were not seen as `` priorities '' by emergency services .
Speaking about the government 's review at a Downing Street press briefing , Professor Chris Whitty , the UK Chief Medical Adviser , said : `` It 's absolutely critical that we find out which groups are most at risk so that we can help to protect them . ''
But he said that there is currently no conclusive evidence to show that coronavirus poses a bigger risk to people from ethnic minority backgrounds .
`` This is not yet clear @ @ @ @ @ @ @ need to look at this more carefully , '' he said .

On why Labour has launched a rival review instead of supporting the government, Sir Keir said: "We are happy to work with the government but it seems we've approached this differently by going straight to the representative groups and we will feed this back to them".


bbcuk--2020-04-24--PPI deadline prompted millions of new cases, says regulator

Payment protection insurance ( PPI ) was mis-sold to nine out of 10 people who complained about their policy in final months before a compensation deadline .
PPI was designed to cover loan repayments when policyholders fell ill , had an accident , or lost their jobs .
Up to 64 million policies were sold , mostly between 1990 and 2010 , but it proved to be the UK 's biggest financial mis-selling scandal .
The City regulator said it had now been brought to an `` orderly conclusion '' .
However , some cases remain unresolved and campaigners have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ make PPI complaints came too early .
PPI policies were mis-sold to people who did not want or need them , or who would not be covered .
Banks , building societies and other credit providers have paid an astonishing £38bn in compensation to those who were mis-sold PPI and made a claim .
The typical payout was £2,000 .
Every time Michele Barker starts the engine of her car she knows that PPI fuelled her purchase .
The 59-year-old , from Gravesend , had a PPI policy on a credit card for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out .
After making a claim herself through the Resolver website , she was awarded compensation of £22,500 .
`` It was a jaw-dropping amount , '' she told the BBC last year , with the total bulked up by the interest that providers are duty-bound to add .
`` I put some of the money towards buying a boring , new Vauxhall Corsa , and it meant my husband could buy a new van as his had been stolen . ''
• Read more about how PPI affected our lives The City @ @ @ @ @ @ @ FCA ) , has published a report into its awareness campaign about the PPI claims deadline of 29 August last year .
Following a late rush , this deadline was effectively extended to November .
In its report , the FCA said that 6.7 million decisions about complaints were finalised between July 2018 and November 2019 .
About 1.7 million of them ( 26 % ) were cases when people had not had a PPI policy .
Of the remaining five million , 87 % were found to have been mis-sold their policy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than £5bn .
The report again revealed the extent to which claims management companies ( CMCs ) made huge batches of complaints on behalf of consumers .
They took a cut of any payout .
Critics argue that CMCs were never needed because people could make their own claims , but the companies say many of these people would never have claimed at all .
The FCA report revealed that 92 % of enquiries about whether somebody had a PPI policy were made by claims companies in the final months before the deadline @ @ @ @ @ @ @ half ( 45 % ) of cases that were full compensation claims were conducted through CMCs .
The banking industry lobbied the FCA hard to call a deadline to PPI claims , which the regulator eventually agreed to .
Some consumer groups said that people could lose out on money they were entitled to as a result .
In its report , the FCA claimed its decision to set a deadline was appropriate .
`` We consider that , overall , the PPI issue has been brought to an orderly conclusion in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ consumers and enhanced the integrity of the UK financial system , '' it said .
`` This will help to rebuild public trust in the retail financial sector . ''

"We consider that, overall, the PPI issue has been brought to an orderly conclusion in a way that has secured appropriate protection for consumers and enhanced the integrity of the UK financial system," it said. "This will help to rebuild public trust in the retail financial sector."


bbcuk--2020-04-24--Phil Neville: England women's boss confirms he will leave role in July 2021

Phil Neville says there is `` plenty to work on '' as it was confirmed he will leave his role as England women 's manager in July 2021 .
Neville was set to lead Team GB into this summer 's Olympic Games , before taking control of the Lionesses at the Women 's Euros on home soil in 2021 .
But both events have been delayed by a year because of the coronavirus crisis .
The Football Association said it wanted the same coach to lead the Lionesses at the Euros and the 2023 World Cup .
`` I am @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the team as soon as possible , '' said former England international Neville .
`` We have a fantastic squad of players and there is plenty to work on as we look to progress as a team going into 2021 . ''
• Who could replace Neville for England ?
The 43-year-old former Manchester United and Everton defender was appointed in January 2018 on a contract until the summer of 2021 .
He led the Lionesses to a first SheBelieves Cup success and a fourth-place finish at the World Cup in 2019 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over Norway , they have lost seven of 11 games and failed to retain their SheBelieves Cup title in March .
The FA says the decision about his future has come about because of the coronavirus pandemic and its impact on the women 's football calendar .
Its director of women 's football , Sue Campbell , said that `` in the best interests '' of the team both the FA and Neville agreed the Lionesses needed to have `` continuity of coaching '' going into the Euros , which will now take @ @ @ @ @ @ @ World Cup .
`` Once football returns after this difficult period , Phil will continue his work with the Lionesses on the further development of his squad , '' added Campbell .
`` I will support him fully with that important task whilst moving forward with the crucial succession planning process .
`` We will now discuss next steps with the British Olympic Association and the home nations with regard to Team GB football and we are not in a position to make any further comment at this time . ''
It might @ @ @ @ @ @ @ terms , Neville 's reign feels like a failed experiment .
He was largely untested as a manager when he was appointed in 2018 , but the FA spoke of how his `` winning mentality '' would take England to the next level , having reached semi-finals in their past two major tournaments .
Instead , it could be argued England have gone backwards .
The SheBelieves Cup win in 2019 was a high point , and the Lionesses came close to making the World Cup final later that summer , but things @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the backing of the FA , but there is a feeling of unfulfilled promise as he leaves - and that will surely hurt a dedicated and meticulous professional who never quite brought the best out of his team .

England finished fourth under Phil Neville at the 2019 World Cup
Phil Neville says there is "plenty to work on" as it was confirmed he will leave his role as England women's manager in July 2021.
Neville was set to lead Team GB into this summer's Olympic Games, before taking control of the Lionesses at the Women's Euros on home soil in 2021.
But both events have been delayed by a year because of the coronavirus crisis.
The Football Association said it wanted the same coach to lead the Lionesses at the Euros and the 2023 World Cup.
"I am looking forward to getting back to work with the team as soon as possible," said former England international Neville.
"We have a fantastic squad of players and there is plenty to work on as we look to progress as a team going into 2021."
The 43-year-old former Manchester United and Everton defender was appointed in January 2018 on a contract until the summer of 2021.
He led the Lionesses to a first SheBelieves Cup success and a fourth-place finish at the World Cup in 2019 but since last year's quarter-final win over Norway, they have lost seven of 11 games and failed to retain their SheBelieves Cup title in March.
The FA says the decision about his future has come about because of the coronavirus pandemic and its impact on the women's football calendar.
Its director of women's football, Sue Campbell, said that "in the best interests" of the team both the FA and Neville agreed the Lionesses needed to have "continuity of coaching" going into the Euros, which will now take place in July 2022, and next World Cup.
"Once football returns after this difficult period, Phil will continue his work with the Lionesses on the further development of his squad," added Campbell.
"I will support him fully with that important task whilst moving forward with the crucial succession planning process.
"We will now discuss next steps with the British Olympic Association and the home nations with regard to Team GB football and we are not in a position to make any further comment at this time."
How successful was Neville?
How Neville compares to former England manager Mark Sampson Manager P W L Win % Phil Neville 35 19 11 54% Mark Sampson 59 38 13 64%
'In footballing terms, a failed experiment'
Alistair Magowan, BBC Sport
It might sound harsh, but in purely footballing terms, Neville's reign feels like a failed experiment.
He was largely untested as a manager when he was appointed in 2018, but the FA spoke of how his "winning mentality" would take England to the next level, having reached semi-finals in their past two major tournaments.
Instead, it could be argued England have gone backwards. The SheBelieves Cup win in 2019 was a high point, and the Lionesses came close to making the World Cup final later that summer, but things have unravelled since.
He still had the backing of the FA, but there is a feeling of unfulfilled promise as he leaves - and that will surely hurt a dedicated and meticulous professional who never quite brought the best out of his team.


bbcuk--2020-04-24--Women giving birth in lockdown face extra stress

Women say the uncertainty surrounding maternity services during the coronavirus outbreak is `` making a stressful situation harder '' .
Some NHS trusts are not allowing home births or partners on a ward following a birth , while others are .
One trust only provides face-to-face postnatal support when it is `` absolutely essential '' .
The Royal College of Midwives says services may need to be reduced due to Covid-19 .
Like many areas in the health sector , staff shortages caused by sickness and workers self-isolating are impacting resources , the college adds .
Nadia Hussein from Leeds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her second child .
Due to coronavirus measures , the 33-year-old 's birthing plan is no longer possible and she is anxious her husband can only stay with her for two hours following the birth .
`` It 's going to be difficult because it 's going to be different , '' Nadia explains .
`` What a lot of pregnant women are experiencing is a loss of control .
`` I understand any decisions that trusts have made are for the benefit of my health and the midwives , but it 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your mind of what you would like , and it 's not working out . ''
Jacqui Budden gave birth to her first child Evie on Good Friday , more than two weeks after the UK 's lockdown was announced .
Husband Tom was allowed to be present for the birth , but was soon asked to leave the ward .
`` It was hard to say 'bye ' to Tom so soon after Evie arrived , '' says the 31-year-old .
`` The nurses and midwives were amazing , but it 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there to give you the emotional and physical support that you need . ''
The BBC asked a group of NHS trusts and boards across the UK about the services they are able to provide during the coronavirus pandemic .
Nine trusts in England , five boards in Scotland and one trust in both Wales and Northern Ireland responded .
All 16 bodies said one birth partner could be present during labour , but just over a quarter of those asked are allowing partners on the postnatal ward following the birth .
Around @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spoke to the BBC are now allowing home births .
In the weeks after a birth , midwives and health visitors are now heavily relying on virtual communication to provide families with postnatal support .
Home visits are mostly still happening , but one trust in London said it only allows face-to-face contact when it is `` absolutely essential '' .
NHS Providers - which represents hospital trusts - say maternity services are constantly under review .
Kim Moralee from Alnwick in Northumberland was deemed a high-risk pregnancy , but despite some last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` positive birth '' at the end of March .
However , the 27-year-old 's family have not been able to meet baby William because of social distancing measures .
Without the support of relatives , Kim wishes she and her husband could have more face-to-face contact with health professionals .
`` We have had three health visits in two weeks , '' she explains .
`` The midwives always say they 're at the end of the phone , but in normal times I would have been able to go to our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now it 's closed .
`` As a first time mum , I just want to be able to regularly check that everything is ok. '' The health community have acknowledged that the coronavirus outbreak is a particularly `` distressing '' and `` uncertain '' time for pregnant women and new mothers .
`` Our advice to women is to regularly contact your local service and your midwife because services are changing by the day , '' explains Gill Walton , from the Royal College of Midwives .
`` Careful thought is going @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so we can reduce anxiety .
`` Women can have their partners with them at at the birth of the baby as long as that partner does not have Covid-19 symptoms .
We suggest women have a back-up plan in case their partner does have symptoms .
`` Not having your partner with you once you have given birth must be extremely unsettling , but we are encouraging women to use their phones to stay in touch and take videos and pictures .
`` We 're seeing lots of stories of happy births @ @ @ @ @

"It was hard to say 'bye' to Tom so soon after Evie arrived," says the 31-year-old. "The nurses and midwives were amazing, but it's not the same as having your partner there to give you the emotional and physical support that you need."


bbcuk--2020-04-24--Coronavirus: PM 'clearly on the mend,' says Hancock

Boris Johnson is `` on the mend '' after contracting coronavirus but his return to work is a matter for his doctors , Health Secretary Matt Hancock has said .
This week Mr Johnson has spoken to the Queen and US President Donald Trump from Chequers , the PM 's country house .
President Trump described the prime minister as sounding `` ready to go '' .
However , he is said not to be undertaking official work and No 10 played down reports that he could return to work on Monday .
Mr Johnson tested positive for the virus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to hospital , spending three nights in intensive care .
Speaking after he had been discharged , he said `` it could have gone either way '' and thanked the NHS staff who had cared for him .
Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab has been deputising for the prime minister while he recuperates .
• Who ’ s in charge if the PM is ill ?
• Boris Johnson was 'just another patient ' - nurse Speaking to Radio 4 's Today programme , Mr Hancock said Mr Johnson was `` cheerful and ebullient @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be better '' before returning to work .
And a No 10 source , responding to press reports he will be back at work next week , said : `` The PM will follow his doctor 's advice and it is unhelpful to speculate at this stage . ''
Asked about the PM 's health at a White House briefing on Thursday , Mr Trump said he was `` actually surprised '' at how `` incredible '' the PM sounded during their phone call .
`` He was ready to go .
I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He 's like the old Boris - tremendous energy , tremendous drive , '' the president said .
The prime minister 's chief adviser Dominic Cummings has returned to work in Downing Street , after recovering from the disease .
Mr Cummings ' wife , journalist Mary Wakefield , has described how he collapsed and then could n't get out of bed for ten days .
Ms Wakefield said Mr Cummings had rushed home to look after her when she began showing signs of the virus .
`` He 's an extremely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the contrary , '' she wrote in the The Spectator .
`` But 24 hours later , he said ' I feel weird ' and collapsed . ''
She said he was more badly affected by the disease than her , adding : `` He lay doggo with a high fever and spasms that made the muscles lump and twitch in his legs .
`` He could breathe , but only in a limited , shallow way . ''
She also described how their four-year-old son Cedd `` administered Ribena with the grim @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his father .
Mr Cummings was photographed walking along Downing Street on Friday morning , alongside his assistant Cleo Watson .
Asked why Mr Cummings was not observing the two metre social distancing rule , the prime minister 's official spokesman said Downing Street staff endeavoured to follow the guidance wherever possible .
`` He is back in Number 10 and working today , '' the spokesman said .
`` Everybody in Number 10 continues to practise social distancing , which means staying two metres apart wherever possible '' .

Speaking after he had been discharged, he said "it could have gone either way" and thanked the NHS staff who had cared for him.


bbcuk--2020-04-23--Coronavirus: State surveillance 'a price worth paying'

A major increase in state surveillance is a `` price worth paying '' to beat Covid-19 , a UK think tank says .
The Tony Blair Institute for Global Change ( TBI ) , founded by the former prime minister , says it could offer an `` escape route '' from the crisis .
In a report , the Institute argues the public must accept a level of intrusion that would normally `` be out of the question in liberal democracies '' .
The rollout of contact-tracing apps has provoked a global debate .
The paper argues all governments must @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an overwhelmed health system , economic shutdown , or increased surveillance .
`` Compared to the alternatives , leaning in to the aggressive use of the technology to help stop the spread of Covid-19 ... is a reasonable proposition , '' it says .
However , digital rights activists have warned that an overly-intrusive approach could backfire .
`` There are many roads for the UK government to choose in lifting the lockdown and determining technology 's role within that , '' said the Open Rights Group earlier this month .
`` A @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for preserving the trust and confidence of the British public . ''
Contact-tracing applications work by logging every person that a smartphone comes in close contact with who also has the app .
If one person is diagnosed with Covid-19 , all those at risk can be notified automatically .
But experts in the field can not agree which solution is the most effective while simultaneously protecting privacy rights to the greatest extent possible .
• Apple and Google team up for coronavirus tracking The TBI paper recommends that official contact-tracing apps should @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but should be opt-in rather than compulsory , in order to boost trust .
It also says there should be a `` digital credential '' to help lift lockdown restrictions .
It would be a type of digital certificate that would identify those who have immunity to the virus and are fit to return to work , though it notes an alternative would be necessary for those without a smartphone .
TBI argues that policymakers must adopt privacy-focused options when all other things are equal , and recommends open and transparent operation .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ possibilities explored in the report are `` cross-referencing '' data from healthcare systems and private companies in `` real time '' and sharing anonymised patient data in the search for a vaccine .
`` The price of this escape route is an unprecedented increase in digital surveillance , '' the report says .
`` In normal times , the degree of monitoring and state intervention we are talking about here would be out of the question in liberal democracies .
But these are not normal times , and the alternatives are even more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ combat the pandemic , countries around the world are rushing to develop apps and other technology to monitor their citizens ' behaviour - often in ways that would have seemed unacceptable just a few months ago .
Faced with interrogation from privacy and data rights campaigners , governments have taken contrasting approaches : Israel collecting masses of data from its mobile networks until protests forced a change of tack , France looking to have some centralised control of data from its contact tracing app , Switzerland going down a much more decentralised privacy-focused @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , still pretty opaque about just how its app will work .
Campaigners are warning that the public will not trust and therefore use apps that do n't respect their privacy .
But the public may also look to some Asian countries ' success in fighting the virus with some fairly intrusive technology and wonder whether that is a price worth paying to regain another freedom - the right to return to normality .
The UK is already testing its version of the app at a Royal Air Force Base in England , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Apple over the level of privacy it intends to build into its contact-tracing app .
Germany has now also put itself at odds with Apple , after announcing that its contact-tracing solution would store all the relevant data on a central server , joining France and others in that approach .
Essentially , Bluetooth `` handshakes '' between nearby devices are seen as more private than tracking the GPS location of individuals .
But Apple does not allow third-party apps to carry out the process in the background , meaning users would have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ repeatedly re-activate it after engaging with other apps for it to prove effective .
The only way to access that functionality is by using the system Apple and Google have decided to co-develop .
But that would involve doing the contact-matching on a person 's smartphone , rather than in a central location , which is what several countries want .
The German option is backed by the Pan-European Privacy-Preserving Proximity Tracing ( PEPP-PT ) group - which aims to create a platform that would work across borders .
But it is facing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ figures objecting to its plans and splitting off to campaign for the use of a protocol called Decentralised Privacy-Preserving Proximity Tracing ( DP-3T ) .
DP-3T is being used by Switzerland and Austria , and is also reportedly set to be adopted by Estonia , leading to a divided approach cross Europe .

It also says there should be a "digital credential" to help lift lockdown restrictions. It would be a type of digital certificate that would identify those who have immunity to the virus and are fit to return to work, though it notes an alternative would be necessary for those without a smartphone.


bbcuk--2020-04-24--Coronavirus: Frozen airline food mountain to feed those in need

More than a million airline meals are to be given away to disadvantaged people across Greater Manchester .
A frozen food mountain had been growing at a storage site near Manchester Airport because of the collapse in air travel during the coronavirus outbreak .
But 1.1m meals have now been saved by not-for-profit group Open Kitchen MCR .
“ It ’ s essential we find safe ways to get not just enough food , but good food to people who need it , ” said the social enterprise 's founder Corin Bell .
Open Kitchen MCR , which normally intercepts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ food for events , is now cooking and delivering up to 10,000 meals a week .
“ Before the coronavirus hit , there were 400,000 people that were estimated to be in food poverty in Manchester alone , ” said Mr Bell .
“ A lot of the usual routes to access food for people in poverty are not available now that Covid-19 has hit . ''
Those benefiting from Open Kitchen ’ s efforts include the street homeless , people temporarily housed in hotel accommodation , those in self-isolation with underlying health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ poverty line .
The meals will be transported to Lineage Logistics in Heywood , where they will be stored before being distributed to those most in need .
Open Kitchen MCR is working with Manchester City Council to co-ordinate food provision for those in need across the city .
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : How do I protect myself ?
• AVOIDING CONTACT : The rules on self-isolation and exercise • WHAT WE DO N'T KNOW How to understand the death toll • TESTING : Can I get tested for coronavirus ?

The meals will be transported to Lineage Logistics in Heywood, where they will be stored before being distributed to those most in need.


bbcuk--2020-04-24--Treasury considers 100% guarantee on 'micro-firm' loans

The Treasury is considering offering 100 % guarantees on loans up to £25,000 for the UK 's tiniest firms .
Chancellor Rishi Sunak said in March that UK-based small and medium-sized business could apply for interest-free loans to help them with Covid-19 related difficulties .
However , companies say they are still finding it difficult to get credit .
Bank of England governor Andrew Bailey has questioned whether the system is `` too complicated '' .
News of the Treasury 's possible change of heart was first reported by the Financial Times .
According to BBC business editor Simon Jack @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been decided - namely , how small does a business have to be to qualify for a loan for which the lender gets a 100 % guarantee .
Our business editor says an announcement is expected next week , if not earlier .
As many as one million of the UK 's smallest businesses , employing no more than 10 workers , could benefit from the new rules , analysts say .
These include shops and pubs , which have been forced to close under coronavirus lockdown measures .
Loans to larger businesses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( CBILS ) will continue to get 80 % backing .
The CBILS provide loans of up to £5m for companies with a turnover of less than £45m .
However , many firms have complained that loans are coming through too slowly and that some banks have imposed tough criteria on granting credit .
Alison Rose , chief executive of Natwest Group ( formerly known as RBS ) , said it had so far processed 7,000 loans and that `` help was getting through '' .
She said the stumbling block for many @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when the future is very uncertain '' .
`` Some businesses ca n't take on additional debt .
It 's important not to load debt on to a firm which is n't able to pay that back , '' she told the BBC 's Today programme .
However , Anne Boden , chief executive of digital challenger Starling Bank , told the programme that the scheme 's underlying technology was delaying approval of loans .
`` It 's based on a very old-fashioned scheme that requires lots of admin and lots of process @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it 's not working very well in all cases , '' she said .
Laura Hurlocker , who runs a power generation company with her husband , has been turned down for a bank loan to keep the business going amid the virus .
Ms Hurlocker 's Luton-based firm , Fourth Generation , supplies power generation equipment to live events , powering concerts hosted by Coldplay , Beyonce and Robbie Williams .
She applied for a CBIL loan from her bank Barclays , with whom she has been a customer for 16 years @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , partly because the business had other loans .
The business has some debts because she and her husband have invested £350,000 in equipment for the firm in the last three years .
`` We feel we are being penalised , '' she told the BBC .
`` To be told because you have an existing loan , you are deemed by us to be unaffordable .
It was a kick in the teeth . ''
• Coronavirus : If we can not get a loan we will go under • Recovery expert @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's chief executive says that extending the guarantee to 100 % on loans of up to £25,000 `` would not make much difference '' to the number of loans the UK 's biggest lender to business would advance .
She said the main challenge facing firms of all sizes was whether they wanted to take on additional debt at a time of great uncertainty .
While it is true that the guarantee is to the lender , not the borrower , many businesses have complained that banks have put them through an onerous @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ways to say no , given they could still lose 20 % of sums advanced .
However , privately , banks have told the BBC that a 100 % guarantee would speed up the lending process .
It 's not yet clear how the Treasury will define what it calls `` micro-businesses '' - whether it 's judged on turnover or number of employees - but an announcement on that is expected early next week .
So far , the government 's loan guarantee scheme has seen a total of £2.8bn approved - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ available .
Although the pace of approval is picking up , business groups including the CBI have expressed frustration at the amount of financial help getting through and have called on the government to extend the 100 % guarantee to businesses with a turnover of up to £45m .
The Treasury insists that the whole package of support should be seen in the round - including direct grants , a £30bn three-month VAT deferral , a business rates postponement and a furlough scheme that will see the government pay 80 % of employees @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of £2,500 .

While it is true that the guarantee is to the lender, not the borrower, many businesses have complained that banks have put them through an onerous loan approval process and have looked for ways to say no, given they could still lose 20% of sums advanced. However, privately, banks have told the BBC that a 100% guarantee would speed up the lending process.


bbcuk--2020-04-24--Coronavirus: Wacky and wonderful scrubs for NHS workers

A fashion designer 's quest to help the NHS fight coronavirus has led to more than 400 volunteers making scrubs in wacky and wonderful colours and designs .
Lynda Yong , a seamstress in Berkshire , started the `` Scrubs , Glorious Scrubs '' campaign to make non-surgical uniforms for doctors and nurses .
So far more than 1,000 of the eye-catching garments have been made .
Ms Yong said the response from the volunteers had been `` unbelievable '' .
She has teamed up with events organiser Sunita Shroff to cope with the increasing amount of orders and material @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scrubs after she contacted staff at Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust , with one senior staff member saying they needed 2,000 sets .
Increasing demand soon meant Ms Yong and her volunteers needed more fabric to make the uniforms , which led to the mayor of the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead , Sayonara Luxton , starting a fundraising effort to purchase materials .
Being unable to stick to traditional colours led to the volunteers becoming creative with their designs .
Now , after almost a month in operation , a site @ @ @ @ @ @ @ send or drop off their colourful uniforms which would then be passed on to the hospitals .
`` It 's cheered everybody up , '' said Ms Yong , from Ascot .
`` Our army of volunteers have produced more than 1,300 .
It 's just phenomenal .
`` This is a serious time , but it 's [ the scrubs ] made people smile .
`` For me it 's really important that the staff feel comfortable , feel supported , and want to go to work . ''
Callum Clark , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hospital , said the need for scrubs arose from concerns over doctors , who do not wear a standard uniform , `` bringing the virus home to their loved ones '' .
He said anxiety among staff had led to supplies of surgical scrubs in operating theatres being depleted because more staff wanted to wear them .
Dr Clark said the campaign by Ms Yong to produce non-surgical scrubs provided a solution that had `` snowballed '' and seen the issues over a lack of supplies subside , as well as being `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The hero or heroine is Lynda here , without question , '' he said .
`` She has managed an impeccable team of 400 volunteers .
I 'm wearing a very colourful skull and cross bones one . ''
Dr Clark said while boosting morale among staff , the bright colours also lightened the mood of patients who were coming into hospital for issues not related to coronavirus , but concerned about contracting the virus .
• EASY STEPS : How to keep safe • A SIMPLE GUIDE : What are the symptoms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to self-isolate • HEALTH MYTHS : The fake advice you should ignore • MAPS AND CHARTS : Visual guide to the outbreak

Now, after almost a month in operation, a site has been set up for volunteers to send or drop off their colourful uniforms which would then be passed on to the hospitals.


bbcuk--2020-04-23--Coronavirus: 'Profound loss' of 15 Newport nursing home residents

A nursing home has seen the `` catastrophic '' death of 15 residents in a month , its manager has said .
Fourteen of the elderly residents at Tregwilym Lodge in Rogerstone , Newport , had symptoms of Covid-19 , but none of them were tested .
General manager Karen Healey said one or two residents would be expected to die in a normal month .
The Welsh Government said its policy was now to test all care home residents with coronavirus symptoms .
At the start of the outbreak the home had 73 residents with end-stage dementia .
• @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of coronavirus Mrs Healey , who has been a nurse for 40 years , said Covid-19 was cited as a cause of death on two residents ' death certificates , but 14 had coughs and high temperatures .
`` From a staffing and care point of view it 's been catastrophic , '' she said .
`` But more importantly the profound loss and the numbers we 've been dealing with - and the families - has been absolutely unbelievable .
`` We 've never seen anything like it where we 've lost @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said she asked for tests to be carried by Public Health Wales in line with Welsh Government policy in late March .
But it took until 7 April for three residents to be tested .
Two were positive and there was no result for the third , with all of these residents still alive .
She said it was distressing for families - who have not been able to visit relatives in care homes - to lose someone without knowing whether they had coronavirus .
`` So I 've had to have very @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I believe your loved one died of Covid , but I ca n't confirm it ' , '' she said .
The home is in the Aneurin Bevan health board area , which emerged early on as a coronavirus hot spot .
Mrs Healey said 23 staff members at Tregwilym have had symptoms of the disease , and five have tested positive .
Tests for key workers can be booked in advance at Cardiff City Stadium or at Rodney Parade in Newport .
Mrs Healey said that was `` fine if they have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ care staff are on minimum wage and ca n't afford cars '' .
She praised her staff and said the local health board had been `` hugely supportive '' , but she felt that nursing homes had been `` abandoned '' .
`` It feels like we 've reached the peak , but I 'm apprehensive to say that because we do n't know how this virus behaves , '' she said .
• TRANSLATOR : What do all the terms mean ?
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : How do I protect myself @ @ @ @ @ @ @ guide to the outbreak • STRESS : How to look after your mental health Local health boards were told by the chief medical officer on 23 April that all care home residents with symptoms should be tested .
A Welsh Government spokesman said : `` All symptomatic care home workers ( and symptomatic members of their household ) should be referred for testing by their employer .
`` All care home residents returning from hospital are now routinely tested too .
`` Together with other measures and precautions , current evidence shows this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spread of the virus and keep residents and staff safe . ''
Anyone who tests positive for Covid-19 before being discharged from hospital and who is due to go into a care home will instead be looked after by the NHS in `` a step-down facility '' , he said .
They will not go back to their care home until they test negative .

Anyone who tests positive for Covid-19 before being discharged from hospital and who is due to go into a care home will instead be looked after by the NHS in "a step-down facility", he said.


bbcuk--2020-04-23--Coronavirus: 'Our wedding is cancelled but we still have to pay'

Brides and grooms say they are being charged thousands of pounds in cancellation and postponement fees for weddings that ca n't go ahead because of the coronavirus lockdown .
While the majority of wedding companies across the UK have been flexible , a growing number of couples across the UK are locked in a battle with venues to get their money back .
Adam Gibbs , 36 , and Sarah Summerskill , 33 , from Woking , were told their dream day in May was off because of social distancing restrictions , but they would still have to pay the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ They had been planning their wedding for the last 18 months and were supposed to get married at Cain Manor in Surrey on 9 May - one of five venues part of the Bijou Weddings group .
Their wedding package costs total £17,000 , and the couple has so far paid £13,000 .
However , the venue has now cancelled the event and told them to pay a cancellation fee amounting to 80 % of the total cost of the wedding , as listed in their wedding contract .
They were advised to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ then re-book the wedding .
But the couple has had their insurance claim declined on the basis that cancellation of the wedding and closure of the venue arose from a government order , and they feel `` lost and hopeless '' .
`` The venue has still got £13,000 of our money and are still demanding additional payments [ to fulfil the cancellation charge ] in the next week .
It 's not the kind of money you find down the back of the sofa , '' Mr Gibbs told the BBC .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ that a venue can cancel on us and then charge us 80 % [ of the cost ] without delivering a service . ''
Initially , Bijou Weddings told the couple that they needed to pay the full cancellation charge for the wedding package , which amounts to £13,600 .
Since the couple had paid £13,000 , this would mean they still owed the wedding company another £600 .
But Bijou Weddings then said it would be willing to rebook their wedding date on another date in 2020 free of charge .
Bijou @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to make insurance claims and get the cancellation fees refunded , then it will offer alternative dates later on this year or in 2021 or 2022 for rebooked weddings , and the new wedding would be charged at 2019 package prices .
The company said it would also throw in a free bar float of £1,000 .
And for customers who do not have insurance or could not claim on insurance , Bijou Weddings said it will rebook weddings free of charge and on available dates left in 2020 , or a Sunday-to-Thursday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as their original booking .
Some couples are still unhappy with the options given to them by Bijou Weddings though .
Jack Trowsdale , 27 , and Claudia Dickens , 25 , from West Sussex had already paid £21,000 for their wedding on 12 June at Botleys Mansion - another Bijou venue - when it was cancelled .
`` We 'd saved for so long and hard for it and then not only to find the wedding is cancelled , but to be told they think you owe them money for a wedding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's beyond belief almost , '' said Mr Trowsdale .
The couple have both had their wages and hours reduced at work because of the virus .
They told the BBC the excitement of planning their big day has been replaced by the stress of a full legal dispute .
They have since been offered an alternative wedding date on a weekday at no extra cost , but are seeking a full refund as `` the ordeal has shattered '' their hopes of a special day .
• Coronavirus : 'We 're struggling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chalet' • Coronavirus : 'First Ryanair agreed to a refund , then it didn't' Sam Cutmore-Scott , managing director of Bijou Weddings said : `` In our 25 years delivering weddings , this is the first time our venues have been forced to close .
I should point out that Bijou has not voluntarily or arbitrarily cancelled any weddings - it has been forced to close its venues and halt weddings caught in the government 's social distancing restrictions .
`` We have thus tried to accommodate the needs of couples who are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ commitments to clients who have weddings booked in 2021 and beyond . ''
He added that a majority of couples had successfully re-booked for a later date .
But Bijou Weddings defended its decision to keep the cancellation charges : `` Cancellation charges protect us from cancellations in an industry where the average engagement and advance booking period is around 23 months .
`` Couples protect themselves from unforeseen circumstances by taking out wedding insurance which , in the normal course of events , covers cancellations that are caused by circumstances beyond the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cancellation charge information to all our impacted couples so that any with insurance could make a claim and make themselves whole again .
`` We have not followed up or chased cancellation charges during this crisis period and , for those couples who do not have insurance or whose insurance is shirking their responsibilities , we have offered a broad variety of postponement options with no charge or rearrangement fee . ''
Due to existing bookings for next year , other wedding venues are finding it increasingly difficult to reschedule cancelled weddings for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , 39 , and Michael Bromwich , 36 , both from the Midlands , had their wedding moved from a Sunday in May , to a Wednesday in September .
Only 12 of the 75 guests could make the new date in September , so Jenny decided to ask the hotel for a refund of £5,355 .
The venue , Abel 's Harp in Shropshire , told the couple no weekends were available , but has refused to compensate them for the difference in price , or for a reduction in the number @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not have insurance for their wedding .
`` They 've backed us into a corner and taken it out of our control .
We feel angry and heartbroken , '' said Ms Maybury .
Another couple , Debra Bingham and her fiancé Jamie , who had booked the same venue , told the BBC they were told they 'd have to pay £1,500 to move the date they had chosen this year to 2021 , on top of what they had already paid .
Abel 's Harp did not respond when approached by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has been in the wedding industry for over 30 years and is currently advising 250 brides and grooms who are in dispute with 15 different venues across the UK .
She accuses a small minority of venues acting `` appallingly '' , trying to profit through the coronavirus disruption and `` making rules and fees up as they go along '' .
`` Clients are being treated disgraceful by venues and insurers are finding ways of avoiding paying out .
Couples face losing thousands of pounds , '' she said .
The Competition @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wedding sector that excessive cancellation charges , even when contracts had been signed , are not legally binding .
In 2016 , the authority , which ensures businesses treat customers fairly , wrote to more than 100 wedding and event venues reminding them of consumer protection laws .
The CMA says it is prepared to `` use the tools at its disposal to intervene '' .
Consumer rights group Which ?
says it has received complaints from other couples about wedding venue cancellations .
`` It is unacceptable that some venues are refusing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ significant upfront deposits or charging customers extortionate fees , particularly when it is not the couples ' decision to cancel , '' said Adam French , Consumer Rights Editor at Which ?
.
`` While many businesses will be struggling during this difficult time , it does not seem fair for customers to be charged fees or left thousands of pounds out of pocket for a service the venue ca n't deliver . ''
He added that businesses should take a `` compassionate and flexible approach '' .

Bijou Weddings says that if customers are able to make insurance claims and get the cancellation fees refunded, then it will offer alternative dates later on this year or in 2021 or 2022 for rebooked weddings, and the new wedding would be charged at 2019 package prices. The company said it would also throw in a free bar float of £1,000.


bbcuk--2020-04-23--Coronavirus: 'I never thought I'd be so proud to sell bread and butter'

Laura McLellan says she has never felt so humbled as when she and her team of checkout operators were told they were key workers .
The Tesco supermarket worker felt so proud that she wanted to go back in time to tell her school headmaster about the important job she was now doing during the coronavirus pandemic .
`` I do n't fear coming to work , '' she said .
`` I do n't feel more at risk , because we are doing everything we possibly can in this unprecedented situation . ''
As a checkout manager , Laura @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 200 staff at a Tesco superstore in Leith .
She said she was conscious not to show fear in case it would `` ripple down '' to her colleagues .
`` I did have colleagues at the beginning who were concerned , and one young chap was so upset we offered him a lifestyle break .
`` There are concerns but everyone has been pulling together , which has been really positive .
`` I 've never been more humbled to be a front-line worker , its a beautiful title . ''
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ before the safety measures were put in place , some staff had asked to stack shelves rather than work on the checkouts .
She said : `` When the screens went up on the checkouts that did a lot for their peace of mind , although it was really mind-boggling at first .
`` The screen makes you feel like you 're in a goldfish bowl because they warp the sound .
Also , you feel like you 're shouting . ''
However , she said it was better than the `` bizarre @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` We have a lot of regular older customers who have been coming here for 20 years and speaking to them through a mask was hard for them , '' she added .
Laura said it had also taken `` a lot of guts '' to enforce the rules with some customers .
She said : `` We have 50,000 customers a week and with that volume of people it 's been tricky marshalling them .
`` A few weeks ago when we had restricted items people were sneaking back into the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ asked to stay back from the checkouts .
`` It takes a lot of guts when you get push back from the customers .
`` I have also had to pick staff to man the door who are strong enough to be assertive . ''
Laura said her sister was also on the front line as a nurse .
She said : `` I never thought my mum would have two front-line workers to worry about , especially me working in a supermarket .
`` My husband , Mark , is in isolation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to strip off my uniform and go straight to the shower when I get home before I can say hello . ''
And she added : `` I never thought that selling bread and butter I would be this proud , but I am . ''

"My husband, Mark, is in isolation because he has asthma so I have to strip off my uniform and go straight to the shower when I get home before I can say hello."


bbcuk--2020-04-23--Coronavirus: Middlesbrough inhabitants most 'at risk' of dying

The Mayor of Middlesbrough recently ordered all of the town 's parks stay closed , in defiance of the government which wants to keep them open .
Andy Preston said people in the town were the most at risk in the country of dying from Covid-19 .
But why is this ?
Dr Paul Williams lost his seat as a Labour MP in last year 's general election and returned to work for the NHS on Teesside .
He believes Middlesbrough 's poverty - it is the poorest council borough in England - is one of the main factors making @ @ @ @ @ @ @ There is a clear link between poverty and Covid-19 , '' he said .
`` First off it 's harder for the poor to social distance because they live in more crowded houses , and many are surviving hand to mouth .
`` Covid-19 is following a very familiar pattern of health inequality .
`` In Middlesbrough and similar areas we have low life expectancies , a lot of young people who have cancer , or who have breathing or heart problems and those people are most likely to be affected by coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an NHS response , but a political and economic response as well . ''
In most of England people can expect to live healthily well into their 70s but in parts of Middlesbrough a person 's health can begin to fail at the age of 47 , according to the Office for National Statistics .
The town has yet to recover from the the loss of heavy industry in the 1980s which led to high unemployment and poverty .
It is estimated 40 % of children in Middlesbrough live below the poverty line @ @ @ @ @ @ @ five GCSEs , and at £24,000 a year before tax , annual incomes in the town are a quarter lower than the national average .
Many of Middlesbrough 's 140,000 residents still live in back-to-back terrace housing , meaning outdoor spaces like the town 's three parks are important to some people .
With 290 confirmed cases of Covid-19 per 100,000 people , Middlesbrough has one of the highest rates of infection in the country .
In total as of 21 April , there had been 407 confirmed cases of coronavirus in Middlesbrough @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recorded 141 deaths .
As these are only confirmed cases through testing the true figure is expected to be significantly higher , and the number of deaths does not include people who have died in care homes or elsewhere in the community .
A report published by the Centre For Progressive Policy ( CPP ) on 14 April claims people living in the poorest towns in the North of England and the Midlands are the most at risk of dying from coronavirus .
The CPP has created a `` risk index '' which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chance of dying from the disease .
`` London has seen the highest number of cases of Covid-19 but what our work shows is that people living in some of the poorest parts of the country could potentially face the biggest risks , '' said Ben Franklin , lead researcher for the CPP .
The think tank , which is funded by Lord David Sainsbury , has analysed data for the number of coronavirus cases and deaths in each upper tier local authority in England .
These figures have been combined with data @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the Care Quality Commission for local social care providers .
`` The number of Covid-19 cases makes up only 25 % of the risk score that we 've given each area , '' said Mr Franklin .
`` The other 75 % looks at the local public health resilience , how long someone could expect to live healthily in normal times , and the quality of care they are going to receive .
`` Everyone has been following the number of coronavirus cases in each area but that is only part of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ report that Mr Preston , the town 's mayor , cites behind his reason to keep the parks closed .
Last weekend the government told councils that all parks must remain open in order to `` protect the health of the nation '' .
But Mr Preston remains defiant .
`` When it comes to Middlesbrough I know better than the government , '' he said .
`` When the parks were open we saw people wrestling and messing about in them .
`` Middlesbrough has a fragile economy , and we are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ comes to Covid-19 . ''
Mr Preston has also raised concerns about not having enough money to protect the most vulnerable people in the town .
From a town centre , restaurant food boxes are being packed seven days a week and sent to people who can not afford to buy food or are having to self-isolate .
`` Every day we 're sending out over 100 emergency food parcels to some of the most vulnerable people in the country , but I want to protect more people and we need to do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` We 've received £5m in emergency funding and we 've been promised more money which I 'm pleased about , but I 've made it clear to the government we need a lot more . ''
Councils across England have received in total £3.2bn in emergency coronavirus funding from central government in recent weeks .
Local government minister Simon Clarke and MP for Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland said the government would be channelling extra money towards those areas most in need during the public health crisis .
`` The government recognises @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at a time when it 's on the frontline of leading the response to the coronavirus , '' he said .
• ENDGAME : When will life get back to normal ?
• EASY STEPS : What can I do ?
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : What are the symptoms ?
• MAPS AND CHARTS : Visual guide to the outbreak Do you live in Middlesbrough ?
What do you think about the risks residents face from Covid-19 ?
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The Mayor of Middlesbrough recently ordered all of the town's parks stay closed, in defiance of the government which wants to keep them open. Andy Preston said people in the town were the most at risk in the country of dying from Covid-19. But why is this?


bbcuk--2020-04-24--Big Night In: 11 highlights from BBC's £27m fundraiser

The stars of Doctor Who , The Vicar of Dibley and Miranda sent messages of hope and support on BBC One charity special The Big Night In , which has raised nearly £27.4m .
The three-hour show saw Children in Need and Comic Relief join forces for the first time , with the government promising to double the total raised .
Peter Kay , Catherine Tate and the Little Britain duo also took part along with the EastEnders cast , while the Duke of Cambridge did a surprise sketch with Stephen Fry .
The money will go to causes that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lives have been affected by the coronavirus pandemic .
Simon Antrobus , the chief executive of BBC Children in Need , thanked the public for their donations , and said people across the UK had `` come together in a beautiful way '' .
Ruth Davison , Comic Relief 's chief executive , echoed his thanks and said the funding would `` help projects around the country that are doing vital work to support vulnerable , isolated people throughout the pandemic '' .
11 highlights from The Big Night In : 1 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ and David Walliams brought their iconic show back to screens for the first time in a decade , taking a whistle-stop trip to visit their classic characters in lockdown .
First up were Lou and Andy , who had his mind set on eating bat for his tea .
Lucas and Walliams had to improvise with home-made costumes and wigs - using the cardboard from toilet rolls for Emily and Florence 's curly hair and a brush to give Dafydd a Mohican .
Ten stars who have played the lead role in Doctor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a message of thanks for real doctors and health workers .
`` Tonight , we have all come together for one important reason , '' said the actors , who ranged from Tom Baker to Jodie Whittaker .
`` To praise , salute and give heartfelt thanks to real-life , special doctors , nurses and everyone working on the front lines in our NHS and care homes and hospices . ''
The Duke of Cambridge took part in a spoof Zoom call with Stephen Fry , who was playing Lord Melchett - a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The prince complained that royal home schooling was `` a bit of a nightmare '' , and asked : `` Have you seen anything good on TV ?
It 's hell without EastEnders . ''
Dawn French revived The Vicar of Dibley to deliver a message to viewers .
`` Life goes on , and this will pass , '' she said .
`` It 's right , really , that we should n't dwell too much on the sadness , but try and think about all the happiness . ''
She @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Be kind .
Eat chocolate .
Praise the Lord .
And praise the NHS . ''
Miranda Hart performed a virtual sketch with her sitcom co-stars before reflecting on the current `` strange time '' .
Wearing a T-shirt bearing the words `` Love wins '' , she said : `` Much like your nan 's Christmas cake , there are going to be tough moments and parts that are hard to swallow .
But we 'll get through it .
`` Remember , it 's OK if you 're struggling .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It 's OK if you 're OK .
It 's OK if you 're not OK. Be kind to yourself , be kind to others , and , remember love wins . ''
Tate brought back surly schoolgirl Lauren for a virtual home learning session with her teacher , played by David Tennant .
After running rings around him in an argument about coronavirus - with lines like `` Are you Chris Whitty though ? ''
( referring to the UK chief medical officer ) and `` Is my face mask bovvered ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ part in a Tik Tok duet of I Knew You Were Waiting ( For Me ) .
Fifteen years after getting to number one with ( Is This The Way To ) Amarillo for Comic Relief , Kay made a rare TV appearance to unveil a new version of the video , now featuring key workers and members of the public doing the famous march .
He was also praised on social media for telling viewers there was no pressure to donate .
`` Listen , if you can help tonight , there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he said .
`` If you ca n't , then do n't worry about it .
You 've got enough going on . ''
The YouTuber attempted to give his girlfriend and former Strictly Come Dancing partner Dianne Buswell a live lockdown haircut .
When it was revealed , host Davina McCall cried : `` Oh no !
It 's completely lopsided ! ''
Sir Lenny Henry consoled her with the words : `` It 's bad ... You look like Billie Eilish 's gran . ''
The show included the premiere of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - a cover of Foo Fighters ' track Times Like These , recorded by stars like Dua Lipa , Chris Martin , Ellie Goulding , Jess Glynne , Paloma Faith , Mabel and Rag ' N ' Bone Man .
The musicians recorded their parts in quarantine - and the video gives an insight into their lockdown lives , with Brit Award winner Mabel appearing with her dog and Paloma Faith singing next to her ironing board .
They were joined on the track by Foos frontman Dave Grohl , who told the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ minute after they were almost all finished , and it is amazing . ''
They may not be filming regular episodes at the moment , but the cast of EastEnders got together for a comedy Zoom quiz , hosted by Ian Beale .
But it was Zoom-bombed by Liz McDonald from rival soap Coronation Street , leading the Queen Vic 's landlady Linda Carter to utter the words : `` Get out of my virtual pub , you 're barred ! ''
The comedian did n't have the obligatory backdrop for his video @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` bookshelves '' behind him on his wall .
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bbcuk--2020-04-24--Owen Harding: The teen who disappeared during lockdown

As Britain scrambled to adjust to the first week of a life of lockdown in late March , Owen Harding and his mum Stella were arguing .
The 16-year-old was frustrated that his girlfriend Meg Wells Rhodes was 280 miles away in York , where she lives .
It had been an emotional few days .
Meg had only just left after a short visit to Owen 's home in Saltdean , East Sussex .
Restrictions on travel had been imposed and it was unlikely the couple would be able to get together again in the near future .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because of the distance , but Owen found the new uncertainty unsettling .
`` I know that I myself was very anxious , '' says his mum Stella .
`` And I know that a lot of my friends were very anxious as well , and feeling a lot of grief about not being able to spend time with each other . ''
Owen lives with his mum and five-year-old sister in the art deco-era village of Saltdean set on top of the cliffs on the eastern edge of Brighton .
Stella describes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a swimming and diving teacher who travelled the world with a backpack and met Owen 's father on an Indian beach .
He died at home in Geneva two years ago after a sudden illness .
On a video call from the teenager 's bedroom , Stella describes her son as `` an articulate and wise and mature , emotionally intelligent young man '' .
Going missing was out of character .
Owen 's GCSE artwork lines the bedroom walls , along with photos of friends .
There are football trophies from his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Meg 's families became friends through Britain 's burgeoning community of parents who choose to home school their children .
Meg is taught at home , and Owen had previously attended Brighton Waldorf School , one of the Steiner School network of providers of alternative education , before beginning art and film studies A-levels at a sixth form college .
The pair had known each other since they were 11 but had only become a couple two years ago .
Owen wanted to spend the lockdown with Meg , and had joked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ might make the journey north .
But his mum was adamant that this was not going to happen .
`` It was like this ongoing discussion all week .
That was really , really tricky between us , '' she says .
On Thursday 26 March , the argument flared again , and as the evening sun illuminated the South Downs , Owen left the house without saying a word to his mother .
CCTV pictures show the teenager walking south , down Bannings Vale in Saltdean , towards the cliff top at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is less than half a mile .
The eastern edge of Saltdean sits next to Telscombe Tye , a scrubby expanse of grass popular with walkers that marks the meeting of Brighton 's eastern suburbs and the South Downs .
There are only a few hundred yards of grass beyond the coast road before the Tye stops at the Sussex chalk .
He made a phone call to Meg after he left the house .
`` He said that he 'd just had a big argument with his mum , '' she says @ @ @ @ @ @ @ well because I had just had an argument with my mum about the same thing .
And then we just sort of cheered up and and he said he was just going to watch the sunset . ''
It was the last time anyone has reported having spoken to Owen .
Cell site records show that Owen 's phone was connected to the mast at the top of Longridge Avenue , which runs from the downland behind Saltdean to the coast road and the cliff top .
At 18:23 it was disconnected .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ boyfriend at 18:32 , but it went straight to voicemail .
Unaware of this , Stella was not concerned .
`` We live by the sea , we live next to the Downs .
We go walking a lot .
He just went out , off he went and I just thought : 'Well , good , go and get your allocated daily exercise .
`` 'Go and stomp it off , go and get it off your chest and then you 'll come back . '
'' But by late evening she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Saltdean and Meg 's family in York .
Around 23:00 she contacted the police .
Meg and her parents rushed back to the south coast the following day and the families began searching on the Downs behind Saltdean , and along the coast as far as Newhaven .
They called in at abandoned farmhouses , shouting Owen 's name .
A huge police operation was quickly organised .
About 80 officers visited homes and businesses near the Hardings ' bungalow .
But the lockdown made the operation more difficult .
Police were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and shops that might have been able to provide CCTV pictures had closed because of the lockdown .
But police did give residents who owned security cameras police memory sticks .
They were left in packages outside houses and later collected by officers .
Before long , a huge support campaign had sprung up - one that continued to honour social distancing rules .
`` Saltdean is an amazing community , '' says Stella .
`` We do n't all know each other , of course , but it 's an amazing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the people in Saltdean heard that there was a teenager missing , everybody was talking about it .
People started putting up posters on [ the ] Friday .
And everybody was on board . ''
A social media operation found volunteers to create a website and Facebook pages .
Celebrities including BBC Radio 2 breakfast presenter Zoe Ball and YouTuber PewDiePie , who both live in Brighton and Hove , posted appeals online .
Simon Watson , a retired Metropolitan police sergeant trained in search techniques , who lives on the Hardings @ @ @ @ @ @ @ methodical search .
Teams of between 10 and 20 people , working in household groups where possible , combed the grassy cliff-top area at Telscombe Tye , and the scrubby countryside behind the houses in Saltdean .
Watson had drawn up full risk assessments and briefed the volunteers before each search - with a strict reminder to maintain a social distance .
Acknowledging the difficulties of the case because of the current situation , he said the community had remained resolute .
`` I know from experience you can have hunches .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , because of the real lack of information . ''
Stella set up a small camp in the front garden of her 1930s bungalow , including a small statue of Buddha .
She says this is a space for her to rest and reflect .
Neighbours talk to her from the path , offering words of comfort and support .
And friends gave her a wood-burning oven so she could keep warm on the nights she spent sleeping outside waiting for her son .
`` Fire and sleeping on the ground , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ being outside .
They are all things that sort of nourish me and comfort me , so that 's why I 'm doing that .
`` And I also had this thing in my head , 'If I light a fire and I just keep it going , it 's like a kind of beacon and Owen will come home . '
'' But she misses human contact .
`` Everybody just wants to hug me .
That 's what they want to do .
And I want that .
So that that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
Det Insp Mark Rosser of Sussex police has conceded that the searches have found no evidence of Owen alive .
`` Pretty much all that we can do has been done , '' he says .
His last hope is that combing through CCTV from buses travelling on the coast road might show the teenager at the time he disappeared .
When Owen was last seen , the tide below the cliffs at Saltdean was low at sunset , and the wind a strong north-easterly .
Police enlisted an oceanographer , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Southampton , who concluded that the conditions at the time would have carried a body out to sea rather than carrying it east or west along the seafront .
DI Rosser 's officers have been searching the coast as far east as Dungeness in Kent , and have alerted colleagues in mainland Europe .
Stella says she does n't know whether her son is alive or dead , but she and Owen 's girlfriend Meg were prepared for the possibility there had been a tragedy on the cliffs .
`` I think that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ since the moment he went missing , '' she says .
`` He has a five-year-old sister who adores him , and is aware of his absence .
She keeps asking when is Owen coming back , and my heart is aching at the possible thought of having to tell her that he is not ever coming back .
`` What it feels like is that I 'm kind of teetering on the edge of the precipice above a massive bottomless canyon of grief .
`` And I do n't know if I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it , you know , like , I want to . ''
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : How do I protect myself ?
• AVOIDING CONTACT : The rules on self-isolation and exercise • WHAT WE DO N'T KNOW How to understand the death toll • TESTING : Can I get tested for coronavirus ?

He made a phone call to Meg after he left the house. "He said that he'd just had a big argument with his mum," she says. "And I was upset as well because I had just had an argument with my mum about the same thing. And then we just sort of cheered up and and he said he was just going to watch the sunset."


bbcuk--2020-04-24--Coronavirus: How artists are depicting the lockdown

A solitary figure resting its head between tightly wound arms , clasping bent knees and shoulders .
Toes curled inwards .
As lockdown continues in the UK , British sculptor Sir Antony Gormley , like many artists , is documenting life during the coronavirus pandemic .
`` I wanted to make this self-contained body , looking at itself , at the resource that one has within oneself , '' Gormley , whose work often explores the human body 's relationship to space , told BBC News .
`` A whole body a bit like a clenched fist , internal and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - Hold - is a small folded figure in dark clay , made during lockdown and shared online via London 's White Cube gallery .
`` I suppose that , for me , was trying to make an objective equivalent for the state that we 're all in , '' the artist , best known for creating large-scale sculptures such as the Angel of the North , in Tyne and Wear , said .
`` Most of us live our lives in ridiculous obligation to a machine that… is always telling us to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to more places , make more money .
`` This is a wonderful time in which those imperatives are loosened .
`` And we have to ask ourselves : What do we care about ?
What do we value ?
What do we love ? ''
The Covid-19 outbreak has seen sweeping changes across the art world , as galleries have been forced to close their doors to visitors and the cultural calendar of exhibitions and talks has dissipated .
But artists have been swift to adapt to the situation , finding new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ online .
Last week , street artist Banksy posted images of his latest work on Instagram - a series of his signature stencilled rats causing mayhem in his bathroom during the lockdown .
And David Hockney opted to share 10 of his most recent works on iPad , from isolation in Normandy .
Damien Hirst , meanwhile , created rainbow art featuring coloured butterfly wings , one his best-known motifs , that can be downloaded and put in windows in tribute to NHS workers .
Earlier this month , Gormley joined other artists @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sarah Morris , in contributing to a new series of online artist diaries , hosted on White Cube 's Instagram account .
`` Artists are used to great stretches of time spent working alone , and I think to allow the wider audience to glimpse into their world can be quite uplifting , '' said the gallery 's artistic director Susan May .
Gormley - who usually works in two busy studios in London and Northumberland - felt it was important to represent the `` quieter , smaller '' aspects of life in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the fore during the crisis .
`` The shelling of peas , the darning of socks , the sort of thing my mum used to do sitting and watching the television ... knitting , '' he explained .
Speaking from his home and workspace in rural Norfolk , the artist noted how he was surrounded by his wife , artist Vicken Parsons , making a hat for their son , Ivo , and daughter , Paloma , seated at the table making a dress for her niece .
The sculptor 's seven daily @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plates , a progression from the bowls he has been producing since taking an evening pottery course four years ago , alongside the process of making glazes and mending some of his older works .
He has also been experimenting with clay , saying it was an ideal time to play with the material `` at a scale more or less on the kitchen table '' .
`` This is a wonderful time because it means that everybody is living the life of an artist , which is essentially making up your day @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` And doing things for yourself or things that seem the right thing to do for you . ''
There has been a surge of new schemes launched by artists urging people to make art at home and share their lockdown creations online .
Comedian and artist Noel Fielding has started a virtual online art club , with recent themes including `` Things we love about Italy '' , and is sharing his own drawings for inspiration .
Isolation Art School on Instagram has amassed more than 28,000 followers since it was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ adults alike enjoying projects , lessons and tips for best using time in isolation by a fleet of artists .
Among its tutors is Henry Ward , who told how to create `` kitchen table '' sculptures , inspired by his own works made from found objects .
`` In many ways I was ready for the lockdown , '' the artist , from Peckham , in south London , explained , outlining that much of his practice centres around domestic spaces .
Ward maintains a studio for larger works , but has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ work on a series of paintings made in his garden shed - with `` fruitful '' results .
`` I think things [ in the paintings ] are becoming looser and more open , perhaps in odd contrast to our reality of being enclosed and isolated , '' he said .
Meanwhile , artists from all sectors of the industry are continuing to make and sell work despite the ongoing crisis .
Tens of thousands of artists have backed East Sussex-based painter Matthew Burrow 's Artist Support Pledge - where contributors are selling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the same on another 's work once they make £1,000 .
Scrolling through contributions on Instagram reveals some selling daily drawings made during lockdown .
And charitable initiatives are benefitting from the vision of artists during the pandemic , such as a British Red Cross campaign which involved 11 artists creating posters to help spread the message that `` kindness will keep us together '' .
Nina Cosford , an illustrator from Hastings , produced a piece for the campaign that celebrates `` simple '' tokens of kindness during the lockdown , such @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` We all have ways in which we can help and show kindness , '' she said .
Cosford , alongside many other illustrators , has been sharing her representations of lockdown to her 264,000 Instagram followers , aiming to reflect collective concerns and spread positivity during the crisis .
Her style typically light-hearted and whimsical , Cosford said she was initially hesitant about the tone of her posts , until she realised it was `` important to maintain the status quo '' .
`` It 's a dreadful time , I think @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that is through humour , '' she said .
Sharing content on social media , specifically , also offers an important outlet for creatives to lift people 's spirits , said fellow illustrator Octavia Bromell , known as @ tinkoutsidethebox on Instagram , from Dorset .
She began creating work as a way of helping her severe anxiety and depression , with her vibrant illustrations aiming to find the joy in everyday life .
Now with 14,000 followers , she said she has gained a vital connection with people across the world .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ a form of distress that feels very familiar to me , '' she said .
`` My work has become an outlet that means I can express some positivity and , hopefully , I can share it with [ other ] people as well . ''
Indeed , Cosford concluded that the role of artists `` to comfort people , unite people and inspire people '' was needed now more than ever from the industry .
`` I think that 's really being acknowledged , '' she said .
`` And I hope @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this passes - how vital the arts are in this and how they are day to day , not just in a time of crisis . ''

"I think that's really being acknowledged," she said. "And I hope it will continue to be appreciated after this passes - how vital the arts are in this and how they are day to day, not just in a time of crisis."