bbcuk--2020-07-13--Labour sees draft conclusions of anti-Semitism report

Labour says it has received the draft findings of the equality watchdog 's report into anti-Semitism in the party .
It said Sir Keir Starmer would not be commenting until the final report was published later this year .
But it stressed it was committed to enacting all the Equality and Human Rights Commission 's recommendations .
The watchdog began the unprecedented inquiry in May 2019 following criticism of the party 's handling of allegations against members and activists .
The EHRC has been looking at the party 's much-criticised complaints procedures and the extent to which its internal culture @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to grow .
Labour and other organisations which may be facing criticism have 28 days in which to respond to the draft report 's conclusions as part of the process , meaning its publication is unlikely before September .
The party said Sir Keir and his deputy Angela Rayner would not be commenting before then but were clear that eradicating anti-Semitism and restoring trust with the Jewish community was a priority .
`` The draft report has been shared with the Labour Party as part of a process afforded to us prior to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ party said .
`` It is sent in confidence by the EHRC , so until that process is completed , it would be inappropriate to comment on any of the contents of the draft report .
`` We are committed to cooperating fully with the Commission 's investigation and implementing its recommendations when the final report is published . ''
The watchdog has been looking into whether Labour `` unlawfully discriminated against , harassed or victimised people because they are Jewish '' .
In particular , it said it would determine whether unlawful @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and its employees and whether the party responded to complaints of unlawful acts in a lawful , efficient and effective manner .
It was set up following a complaint by the Jewish Labour Movement , the only Jewish organisation formally affiliated to the Labour Party , that its members had been subject to anti-Jewish racism , bullying and harassment The organisation said this had to be the catalyst for the `` casual atmosphere of denial '' about the extent of anti-Semitism within the party to change .
`` As a third-party to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the final report , '' it said .
`` We hope that when it is published , it will provide the kind of impartial and independent scrutiny required to force the party to comply with its duties under the Equality Act and toward our members . ''

"The party must be forever changed after this episode so this can never happen again," it said. "Those responsible must be held to account if Sir Keir Starmer is to tear anti-Semitism 'out by its roots', as he has promised.


bbcuk--2020-07-13--Oxford United 1-2 Wycombe Wanderers: Chairboys promoted to Championship

Wycombe Wanderers will play in the second tier of English football for the first time next season after edging past Oxford United in the League One play-off final at Wembley .
A tense and tight contest was settled by a Joe Jacobson penalty with just over 10 minutes to play after Fred Onyedinma was fouled by Oxford goalkeeper Simon Eastwood .
Wycombe had taken an early lead when centre-back Anthony Stewart headed in a dangerous Jacobson corner via a deflection off Eastwood .
Oxford found a second-half equaliser when Mark Sykes lobbed Ryan Allsop with what appeared to be a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could not capitalise further during what was their best spell of the game .
• Relive how Wycombe won the League One play-off final Wycombe 's victory capped off an incredible season for the Buckinghamshire club , who almost dropped out of the English Football League in 2014 and arguably started this campaign as relegation candidates based on their bottom-six finish the previous season .
Added to that , when the regular season was suspended in March because of the coronavirus pandemic , the Chairboys were outside the play-off places in the third @ @ @ @ @ @ @ standings were determined on an unweighted points-per-game basis , Gareth Ainsworth 's side leapt up to third to book their shot at promotion .
After seeing off Fleetwood Town in their play-off semi-final , they got the better of their neighbours from just up the M40 in what was a pulsating affair .
Wycombe took the lead from their first corner of the game as left-back Jacobson caused panic in the Oxford defence , his left-footed inswinger catching out goalkeeper Eastwood who was unable to punch it clear .
Stewart was on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to head towards goal and the final touch into the net came off Eastwood 's leg .
Stewart found himself in the thick of Oxford 's best chance to equalise , making a brilliant interception to deny Matty Taylor a simple finish .
Moments earlier , Sam Long had fired a shot across goal inches wide after linking up well with Sykes down the right wing .
Oxford came out with the more attacking intent after the break and despite their continued pressure , their equaliser came relatively out of the blue .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ right wing and as he seemed set to send in a cross , he actually managed to find the far corner after lobbing the ball over an outstretched Allsop .
Whether or not it was an intentional finish seemed to matter little as Oxford continued to force the game .
Another timely last-ditch Stewart interception prevented Taylor from tapping into an empty net , while Rob Dickie had powerful headers from two successive set-pieces parried away by the Wycombe goalkeeper .
Ultimately , they would prove to be chances that Oxford spurned while @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rewarded when they forced the mistake that led to the match-winning penalty .
A long ball over the top caused confusion in Oxford 's back line as at first Eastwood stayed on his line , and then came out too late to get to the ball first .
Wycombe forward Onyedinma had got just enough of a touch on the ball before he was flattened in the area and referee Rob Jones had no hesitation awarding a spot-kick , which Jacobson fired home down the middle .
That would prove to be the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the other end to gather a couple more headers on goal from Taylor and Dickie , and that meant the Wycombe celebrations were loud and proud come full-time .
Promotion to Championship 'just surreal ' - reaction to Wycombe 's win Wycombe manager Gareth Ainsworth : `` It 's an amazing feeling .
To take this club into the Championship is just surreal , it 's beyond my wildest dreams .
`` Today is just the culmination of all the desire and heart of all those boys out there on the pitch @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` It was n't the greatest game we 've played in the world .
This was always going to be cagey .
My goalkeeper has made two world-class saves , they really came at us and are a good side .
`` But that was destined today .
There are 25 individual stories that have ended in the Championship and I 'm so proud of the boys .
They 've been amazing . ''
Oxford manager Karl Robinson : `` We 've been done early on by a goal that you 'd @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` The longer the game went on , I thought we played wonderfully well and we missed some key chances as important stages in the game .
`` All of the things that were out of our control did n't fall for us .
We 've probed and just not taken our chance .
The mistakes that we made were small errors and unfortunately it 's cost us . ''

Last updated on .From the section League One
Captain Matt Bloomfield and manager Gareth Ainsworth celebrate Wycombe's promotion to the Championship - six years after they escaped relegation from League Two with the Chairboys
Wycombe Wanderers will play in the second tier of English football for the first time next season after edging past Oxford United in the League One play-off final at Wembley.
A tense and tight contest was settled by a Joe Jacobson penalty with just over 10 minutes to play after Fred Onyedinma was fouled by Oxford goalkeeper Simon Eastwood.
Wycombe had taken an early lead when centre-back Anthony Stewart headed in a dangerous Jacobson corner via a deflection off Eastwood.
Oxford found a second-half equaliser when Mark Sykes lobbed Ryan Allsop with what appeared to be a mishit cross, but the U's could not capitalise further during what was their best spell of the game.
Wycombe's victory capped off an incredible season for the Buckinghamshire club, who almost dropped out of the English Football League in 2014 and arguably started this campaign as relegation candidates based on their bottom-six finish the previous season.
Added to that, when the regular season was suspended in March because of the coronavirus pandemic, the Chairboys were outside the play-off places in the third tier.
But when the final league standings were determined on an unweighted points-per-game basis, Gareth Ainsworth's side leapt up to third to book their shot at promotion.
After seeing off Fleetwood Town in their play-off semi-final, they got the better of their neighbours from just up the M40 in what was a pulsating affair.
Wycombe boss Gareth Ainsworth is the longest-serving manager in the top four divisions of English football
Chairboys make fast start
Wycombe took the lead from their first corner of the game as left-back Jacobson caused panic in the Oxford defence, his left-footed inswinger catching out goalkeeper Eastwood who was unable to punch it clear.
Stewart was on the end of it at the back post to head towards goal and the final touch into the net came off Eastwood's leg.
Stewart found himself in the thick of Oxford's best chance to equalise, making a brilliant interception to deny Matty Taylor a simple finish.
Moments earlier, Sam Long had fired a shot across goal inches wide after linking up well with Sykes down the right wing.
U's show fight with Sykes' surprise strike
Oxford came out with the more attacking intent after the break and despite their continued pressure, their equaliser came relatively out of the blue.
Sykes once more found space down the right wing and as he seemed set to send in a cross, he actually managed to find the far corner after lobbing the ball over an outstretched Allsop.
Whether or not it was an intentional finish seemed to matter little as Oxford continued to force the game.
Another timely last-ditch Stewart interception prevented Taylor from tapping into an empty net, while Rob Dickie had powerful headers from two successive set-pieces parried away by the Wycombe goalkeeper.
Jacobson the coolest customer on sticky Wembley stage
Wycombe left-back Joe Jacobson's 12th goal of the season secured victory in the League One play-off final
Ultimately, they would prove to be chances that Oxford spurned while on top as Wycombe's patience was rewarded when they forced the mistake that led to the match-winning penalty.
A long ball over the top caused confusion in Oxford's back line as at first Eastwood stayed on his line, and then came out too late to get to the ball first.
Wycombe forward Onyedinma had got just enough of a touch on the ball before he was flattened in the area and referee Rob Jones had no hesitation awarding a spot-kick, which Jacobson fired home down the middle.
That would prove to be the winning moment as Allsop kept his cool at the other end to gather a couple more headers on goal from Taylor and Dickie, and that meant the Wycombe celebrations were loud and proud come full-time.
Promotion to Championship 'just surreal' - reaction to Wycombe's win
Wycombe manager Gareth Ainsworth: "It's an amazing feeling. To take this club into the Championship is just surreal, it's beyond my wildest dreams.
"Today is just the culmination of all the desire and heart of all those boys out there on the pitch. They absolutely delivered and then some.
"It wasn't the greatest game we've played in the world. This was always going to be cagey. My goalkeeper has made two world-class saves, they really came at us and are a good side.
"But that was destined today. There are 25 individual stories that have ended in the Championship and I'm so proud of the boys. They've been amazing."
Oxford manager Karl Robinson: "We've been done early on by a goal that you'd expect to come from the opposition.
"The longer the game went on, I thought we played wonderfully well and we missed some key chances as important stages in the game.
"All of the things that were out of our control didn't fall for us. We've probed and just not taken our chance. The mistakes that we made were small errors and unfortunately it's cost us."


bbcuk--2020-07-13--Coronavirus: Can Scotland close the border with England?

Imposing travel restrictions on people entering Scotland from the rest of the UK has not been ruled out by Nicola Sturgeon .
But what do calls to `` close the border '' actually mean in practice , and what could the Scottish government do ?
Is there a border between Scotland and England ?
This might seem like a fairly obvious point to start on , but it has actually been a subject of some debate thanks to Boris Johnson 's assertion that there is in fact no border .
Mr Johnson was presumably speaking in a constitutional sense , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Union ( a role he created himself and which according to his government 's own website involves no responsibilities ) .
A Conservative prime minister will inevitably take any opportunity to issue a reminder that people in Scotland voted to remain part of the UK in 2014 .
However , there is clearly a line where Scotland ends and England begins , and vice versa .
It winds from the river Tweed in the east to the Solway Firth in the west , and was established in close to its current form in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ actually means `` border '' in an ancient Celtic language .
More to the point , there is clearly a line where the Scottish government 's authority and responsibilities begin - and thus where Nicola Sturgeon 's control over responses to the coronavirus pandemic begins .
What does 'close the border ' mean ?
One issue with this debate is that there is n't actually a firm policy on the table to examine .
The Scottish government has not put this forward as a proposal , as such - rather it is frequently @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and she refuses to rule it out on the basis she wants `` all options on the table '' .
It is unlikely that the proposal in any scenario - even the chiefly imaginary ones we are working with here - would be to physically close the border , given it is 96 miles long .
There are dozens of roads which cross the border , and nobody is proposing erecting checkpoints on the A1 - or indeed the A74 , A68 , A7 , A697 or even the B6318 .
There @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crossing back and forth where the closest thing to border infrastructure is a cattle grid .
A more realistic prospect would be asking people either not to travel from English virus hotspots into Scotland at all , or to ask them to quarantine on arrival .
What could the Scottish government do ?
While borders and the constitution may be reserved to Westminster , public health and the wider response to the coronavirus crisis is very much devolved to Holyrood .
It is entirely within the gift of the Scottish government to have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - they already do , in requiring travellers arriving from Spain to isolate for two weeks .
So the approach outlined above , of having people from other parts of the UK quarantine on arrival , would effectively put the likes of Leicester in the same basket as Spain .
Actually enforcing such measures might be more difficult , given that it 's easier to drive unobtrusively into Scotland from Carlisle than it is from Catalonia .
But a good many of the coronavirus restrictions imposed so far rely chiefly on trust , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The current quarantine system involves one traveller in five getting a follow-up phone call to make sure they have n't been out and about too much - hardly a dawn raid by Border Force .
Breaches can theoretically be punished by a fine of up to £1,000 , but it appears none has actually been issued .
So this would be more about asking people to comply than making them .
In that sense , the border was effectively closed for a while earlier in the pandemic , when the five-mile travel limit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ travellers were urged to abide by local restrictions .
Equally when parts of Dumfries and Galloway were briefly subject to stricter rules than the rest of the country due to a local outbreak , residents were told not to cross over into England to go to beer gardens .
Perhaps the biggest hurdle to setting up a divide between Scotland and England is n't a practical or public health one , but a political one .
Nicola Sturgeon has always insisted that she is 100 % focused on the health question , that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a potentially deadly virus and not constitutional squabbling .
The problem she has politically is that she is the leader of the SNP , so much of what she does can be viewed by her opponents through the lens of that party 's guiding purpose , Scottish independence .
The irony is that a Labour or Conservative first minister would probably have a much easier job imposing cross-border restrictions , because there would n't be the same hint of suspicion - however unfair it may be - about their motives .
All decisions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - public health and the economy , levels of risk and of public compliance .
Ms Sturgeon has developed a reputation for weighing these factors up very carefully indeed so far in the pandemic .
She will hope that infection rates ultimately will not diverge sharply enough on either side of the Tweed to force her into a choice about quarantine measures - but if they do , this inescapable political element will make it a particularly a difficult one .

One issue with this debate is that there isn't actually a firm policy on the table to examine. The Scottish government has not put this forward as a proposal, as such - rather it is frequently put to Ms Sturgeon as a question, and she refuses to rule it out on the basis she wants "all options on the table".


bbcuk--2020-07-13--Rouaa’s story: From Syrian refugee to UK schoolgirl

Rouaa is nine years old , the same age as the devastating war that has ravaged her country , Syria @ @ @ @ @ of people and creating the world ’ s largest refugee crisis .
Her family fled @ @ @ @ @ home town and for the past few years BBC World Affairs Correspondent Caroline Hawley has @ @ @ @ @ Lebanese refugee camp .
More than 13 million Syrians have had to flee their homes @ @ @ @ @ million of them now living in neighbouring countries .
The UN says only a tiny @ @ @ @ @ new homes will ever get the chance to be resettled .
But Rouaa and her @ @ @ @ @ and are coming to make a new life in the United Kingdom .
Caroline accompanied @ @ @ @ @ the UK .

Rouaa is nine years old, the same age as the devastating war that has ravaged her country, Syria, killing hundreds of thousands of people and creating the world’s largest refugee crisis.
Her family fled a chemical attack near their home town and for the past few years BBC World Affairs Correspondent Caroline Hawley has been visiting her in a Lebanese refugee camp.
More than 13 million Syrians have had to flee their homes, with more than five million of them now living in neighbouring countries.
The UN says only a tiny fraction of those who need new homes will ever get the chance to be resettled. But Rouaa and her family have defied the odds and are coming to make a new life in the United Kingdom.
Caroline accompanied her on the journey to the UK.
Filmed and edited by David McIlveen
Produced by David McIlveen and Cara Swift
Executive producer Greg Brosnan


bbcuk--2020-07-13--Coronavirus: Thieves break into pregnant NHS worker’s car

A pregnant NHS worker whose maternity clothes were stolen from her car has recorded a tearful message after the theft @ @ @ @ @ , a clinical biochemist for Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust , left her shopping bags @ @ @ @ @ went for a meal in Nottingham with her boyfriend on Saturday .
When she returned @ @ @ @ @ was smashed and her shopping was gone .
Miss Jones , who is 22 weeks @ @ @ @ @ video next to her car , where she called the thieves `` the pride of @ @ @

A pregnant NHS worker whose maternity clothes were stolen from her car has recorded a tearful message after the theft.
Becky Jones, 30, a clinical biochemist for Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, left her shopping bags in her car while she went for a meal in Nottingham with her boyfriend on Saturday.
When she returned, the passenger side window was smashed and her shopping was gone.
Miss Jones, who is 22 weeks pregnant, recorded a video next to her car, where she called the thieves "the pride of Britain".
Nottinghamshire Police confirmed it is investigating.


bbcuk--2020-07-13--Former armed robber now works with police

Kevin is a former armed robber and heroin addict .
He now works for the Violent Offender Watch ( VOW @ @ @ @ @ which aims to cut re-offending rates .
Through mentoring , Kevin wants to deter young @ @ @ @ @ he once had .

Kevin is a former armed robber and heroin addict.
He now works for the Violent Offender Watch (VOW) team in Edinburgh, which aims to cut re-offending rates.
Through mentoring, Kevin wants to deter young offenders from following the life he once had.


bbcuk--2020-07-13--The Papers: 'About bleedin' time' welcome for masks in shops

To really get the message across to readers , the Daily Express underlines the word `` will '' in its @ @ @ @ @ to wear masks in shops '' .
The paper also carries a story about a @ @ @ @ @ botanicals taken from the Queen 's garden at Buckingham Palace .

The Times claims to have learned that plans have been drawn up for one of Britain's two new aircraft carriers to be sent to the Far East - as part of efforts to counter what the paper calls "an increasingly assertive China." It says HMS Queen Elizabeth is expected to conduct military exercises with allies including the US and Japan after setting sail on its maiden grand voyage early next year. The fleet commander, Vice-Admiral Jerry Kyd, is reported to have told an online seminar that Britain's F-35 stealth fighter jets could be based in the region - with the carrier being used to take them out and bring them home again.


bbcuk--2020-07-13--Birmingham Town Hall and Symphony Hall consults over job cuts

Bosses at two concert halls have said half of its staff are at risk of redundancy as it attempts to survive the coronavirus pandemic .
Birmingham 's Town Hall and Symphony Hall ( THSH ) have entered a period of redundancy consultation following an extended closure due to Covid-19 .
The company said it must take the `` painful decision '' to reduce staff due to the continuing uncertainty ahead .
Chief executive Nick Reed said the news was `` heartbreaking '' .
The consultation comes despite emergency relief funding by Arts Council England and THSH said in order to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it needs `` a time-based reopening strategy from the government and the funding to reach that point '' .
The organisation said the future of the two concert halls , and the music charity responsible for them , `` looks very different from the plans we began the year with '' .
Birmingham Town Hall , which opened in 1834 and is renowned for its 70ft organ , is located in Victoria Square and has hosted the likes of David Bowie and Led Zeppelin .
Symphony Hall , inside the ICC on Broad @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is considered one of the country 's finest concert halls .
• Up to 60 jobs could go at theatre Last week , the nearby Birmingham Repertory Theatre announced 47 jobs could go and warned its survival was at risk , while the Hippodrome is also consulting over redundancies .
Mr Reed said : `` Our thoughts are very much with the employees and their families that will be affected by this decision , as well as the numerous freelance musicians and artists who have been impacted by this global pandemic . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ and no final decision on redundancies will be made until the consultation process has been completed .
Follow BBC West Midlands on Facebook , Twitter and Instagram .
Send your story ideas to : newsonline.westmidlands @ bbc.co.uk

Mr Reed said: "Our thoughts are very much with the employees and their families that will be affected by this decision, as well as the numerous freelance musicians and artists who have been impacted by this global pandemic."


bbcuk--2020-07-13--Coronavirus in Scotland: Fine-free weekend for new face covering rules

Police did not have to issue a single fine across Scotland over the weekend to people for breaking rules on wearing face coverings in public .
Since Friday they have been mandatory in shops , almost three weeks after they became compulsory on public transport .
The first minister said there was evidence of `` extremely high '' compliance with the new regulations .
Police have said they would only enforce the law with a fixed penalty notice as a last resort .
• Coronavirus : What do shoppers think about wearing face coverings ?
People with certain medical conditions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , will be exempt from covering their nose and mouth .
The Scottish government has said it hopes using face coverings will provide an additional layer of protection to lower the risk of coronavirus being transmitted .
On Monday night it emerged wearing a face covering in shops and supermarkets in England is to become mandatory from 24 July .
Those who fail to comply with the new rules will face a fine of up to £100 .
The move follows confusion about the UK government 's intentions in recent days , with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people should use their `` common sense '' rather than being compelled to cover up .
Ahead of the measures coming into force in Scotland police urged people to `` take personal responsibility to do the right thing '' .
The first minister said she hoped wearing face coverings to combat the spread of the virus would become as automatic as wearing a seatbelt .
Speaking during her media briefing on Monday , Ms Sturgeon said the early signs were encouraging .
She added : `` Everything I have seen and heard through @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to a couple of shops yesterday suggests compliance with the new law has been extremely high indeed and I want to thank everybody for that .
`` It is what I would have expected but it is , of course , welcome . ''

She added: "Everything I have seen and heard through reports and through my own brief visits to a couple of shops yesterday suggests compliance with the new law has been extremely high indeed and I want to thank everybody for that.


bbcuk--2020-07-13--Twelfth: Bands march in local Twelfth parades across NI

Bands have been marching in their own Twelfth of July parades across Northern Ireland .
The Orange Order called off large demonstrations because of Covid-19 and asked people to celebrate the event in their own homes and gardens .
But the Parades Commission was notified of 248 parades from individual bands .
The Order said it did not want people to follow the bands or congregate in groups of more than 30 people due to coronavirus regulations .
Its advice was followed in some areas but social distancing was ignored in some areas of Belfast .
A crowd of more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Road , where people thronged the footpaths and stood outside bars to watch one of the bands which had been playing .
In the south of the city people lined Egmont Gardens , off the Donegall Road , to watch a parade .
However , in many other areas in Belfast , people stayed in their homes and watched bands as they passed .
After viewing pictures of the Shankill Road , the Order 's grand secretary , the Rev Mervyn Gibson , said what happened must be `` put into perspective '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Normally we have up to half a million people on the streets of Northern Ireland on the Twelfth day .
`` If you are talking about one or two pubs with more than 30 gathered outside them , it 's no different to what happened in Ballyholme ( beach ) etc .
`` It does n't make it right but I hope the police will encourage those people to go home . ''
He added : `` The vast majority of people on the Shankill obeyed the regulations and stayed at home and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
However , Sinn Féin 's Gerry Kelly said social distancing rules were broken at a number of parades .
`` Clearly that was a nonsense to say that [ social distancing ] was going to happen , '' he said .
Assistant Chief Constable Alan Todd of the Police Service of Northern Ireland ( PSNI ) said he was pleased that the day passed off without major incident .
He said : `` I would like to thank and acknowledge the hard work of the organisers of many of today 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contributed to this largely successful day .
`` I would also like to thank my officers and staff who have worked tirelessly and will continue to do so throughout the night to keep our communities safe . ''
ACC Todd urged everyone to work with the PSNI to ensure that the rest of the holiday period remained peaceful .
Each year , the Orange Order marks the anniversary of the victory of Protestant William of Orange over Catholic King James II at the Battle of the Boyne in July 1690 .
Commemorations are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the Twelfth falling on a Sunday this year , it is being marked on Monday , 13 July .
On Monday morning , the Orange Order held a religious service and wreath-laying ceremony at the cenotaph in the grounds of Belfast City Hall .
In Armagh , a short wreath-laying ceremony was held on the Mall , in memory of lodge members killed during the Troubles .
It 's been an evolving situation on the Shankill Road today - I first drove up it at 10 o'clock this morning , not a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ streets , you could hear a few bands in local housing estates .
I went back at three o'clock and you could see that social distancing was starting to crumble on parts of the road , mainly outside bars .
By four o'clock a very loud , noisy crowd had developed , you could n't get down the road , people either had to turn around and go elsewhere or wait .
A crowd - and this is a conservative estimate - of 100 people , if not more , gathered on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Any other year it would n't be all that remarkable , but there was virtually no social distancing .
But I 've been all round Belfast today and this is very much the exception to the rule .
In Londonderry , Victor Wray of City of Londonderry Grand Orange Lodge laid a wreath with fellow members in the Fountain estate .
`` It 's a different type of Twelfth , but one in which we must follow government guidelines and save lives , '' he said .
Elsewhere in the county , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of local residents in the village of Newbuildings .
The Pride of Orange and Blue flute band played a number of hymns before parading around the area .
In County Fermanagh , the Enniskillen Fusiliers Flute Band paraded through the town with small groups of people lining part of the route , while other parts of the town were deserted .
Outside the Old Gate Orange Hall in Florencecourt , County Fermanagh , a new arch had been put up this year .
Although unable to march , lodge members gathered outside to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the 1930s .
In the Clogher Valley , Orange Order members took to their tractors to parade around local halls .
Around 60 tractors took part and many were decorated with union flags , balloons and orange banners , while others paid tribute to the NHS .
`` We did n't want the occasion to pass unmarked so being a rural and agricultural community , what better way to mark it than with a tractor run ? ''
said Ian McClung , district secretary of Fivemiletown District .
`` Rather than people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Twelfth , we brought the Twelfth to the people .
`` We asked people to decorate their tractors appropriately .
We have the normal decorations that you see around the Twelfth , but also a number of flags and banners in support of the NHS .
`` We are very conscious of the role the NHS and health workers have played in the current crisis and we have many members associated with that ourselves , so we want to just say thank you to them . ''
Health minister Robin Swann , who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ballymena district lodge on Sunday , had urged people to follow the regulations set by the Northern Ireland Executive .
The latest Covid-19 guidance from the Northern Ireland Executive allows for up to 30 people to meet outdoors while social distancing , so many smaller parades were given the go-ahead .
The Parades Commission said it considered it necessary to impose restrictions on three parades based upon `` pre-existing parading tensions in those specific locations '' .
It added there had been a `` high level of positive engagement with the vast majority @ @ @ @

"We are very conscious of the role the NHS and health workers have played in the current crisis and we have many members associated with that ourselves, so we want to just say thank you to them."


bbcuk--2020-07-13--Coronavirus: People told to phone ahead before going to A&E

People with non-life threatening illnesses will be told to call before going to Wales ' biggest A & E department .
Patients will be assessed remotely and given a time slot for the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff if needed .
Hospital bosses feel returning to over-crowded waiting rooms would provide an `` unacceptable '' risk to patients due to coronavirus .
The system is set to start at the end of July , but will not apply to people with serious illnesses or injuries .
There will be no change to how 999 calls are dealt with .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ E down 60 % When cases of Covid-19 began to emerge in Wales , the A & E department had to expand into adjoining departments , mainly because it had to be split into two parts .
One was for the care of patients with suspected Covid-19 - with staff working in full personal protective equipment - the other was for patients judged to be at low risk of having the virus .
While the number of those turning up at the department with non-urgent needs dropped at the height of the crisis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has prompted concerns waiting rooms in the non-coronavirus areas are becoming too full , with patients unable to social distance .
Before the pandemic , as many as 120 people could be in A & E at peak times , with standing room only in waiting rooms .
`` A year ago , pre-covid , on a Saturday night , our emergency unit would be crowded with patients with lots of different problems , '' said the department 's lead-doctor Dr Katja Empson .
`` We recognise that 's not a good model @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the best of times .
`` But specifically now - with covid endemic in our population and the risk that one of those people in the waiting area has indeed got covid and is n't aware of it - the risk of transmitting that infection , potentially to other vulnerable patients within that , is unacceptable . ''
Despite Covid-19 parts of the A & E being quieter now , the department still needs to be divided because the virus is still circulating and in case there is a second wave .
Non @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the hospital , said : `` We have to maintain them both at the same time - maintain the same standards of safety for patients . ''
How would the system work ?
Details are still being discussed by Cardiff and Vale health board , but patients with less serious illnesses or injuries will be told to phone ahead , most likely on the 24-hour number used to contact the local GP out-of-hours service .
They will be assessed by a doctor or a nurse and , depending on the severity of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a time window to go to A & E or be directed to other services .
People who just turn up at the department will also be told they need to use the phone service .
This system was introduced in Denmark several years ago .
`` We 're looking to have a number of appointments available throughout a 24-hour period , where people can come at a time when they 'd expect to be seen , '' said Dr Empson .
`` In that way , they can safely isolate at home @ @ @ @ @ @ @ own home and access the emergency unit when we know that there 's capacity for us to receive them . ''
Work is taking place to reduce the risks to people who are homeless , have drug or alcohol problems or who can not speak English and might struggle with the new system .
`` We 're aware that the emergency unit has always been a place for certain vulnerable groups to access healthcare , '' Dr Empson said .
`` This is all about being safe and ensuring that emergency medicine and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ putting barriers in place to those more vulnerable people .
`` What we really think is that by using this system , we 'll be able to focus our attention on those vulnerable groups when they do present . ''
If successful , the system could become a long-term answer to reducing pressures on emergency medicine , she added .
As an example , the health board analysed data from people who went to A & E on 18 November 2019 .
It said 311 of the 515 patients seen could have rung @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to 202 people , meaning 109 patients could have avoided going to A & E by being given advice on how to treat themselves or being seen elsewhere .
The Royal College of Emergency Medicine has been urging the NHS to redesign A & E departments in the wake of the Covid-19 crisis .
Last week , the chief executive of the NHS in Wales said health boards across the country were considering new approaches .

"But specifically now - with covid endemic in our population and the risk that one of those people in the waiting area has indeed got covid and isn't aware of it - the risk of transmitting that infection, potentially to other vulnerable patients within that, is unacceptable."


bbcuk--2020-07-13--Fiona Hill: North East 'grit' helps ex-Trump advisor handle death threats

A Durham miner 's daughter has told how her North East `` backbone and grit '' helped her deal with death threats after testifying at US President Donald Trump 's impeachment inquiry .
Fiona Hill , from Bishop Auckland , County Durham , is a Russian expert and has advised three US presidents .
The 54-year-old , who moved to the US in 1989 , said she received threats after testifying in November 2019 .
But she said she was `` determined to speak out '' .
The 54-year-old , a US citizen since 2002 , is now a senior @ @ @ @ @ @ @ States and Europe Foreign Policy Program at the Brookings Institution in Washington DC .
In a career spanning nearly three decades , she has established herself as a top expert on the former Soviet Union and has worked closely with the three most recent presidents - George W Bush , Barack Obama and Donald Trump .
It was her role on Mr Trump 's National Security Council ( NSC ) in 2017 , which she subsequently stepped down from , that led to her testifying as part of the impeachment hearing in November @ @ @ @ @ @ @ death threats and aggressive messages , she said .
Speaking via Skype from her home in Maryland , she said ; `` People take offence at something you 've said or done and the next thing you know you 'll get these hostile attacks and it 's particularly difficult for women , people think you are fair game , '' This is when my North East sensibilities come in , because I do n't stand for that kind of thing , attacks and aggression .
`` We in the North East are used @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a backbone and spine .
`` It made me more determined to speak out rather than less . ''
Ms Hill lived in the North East until she was in her 20s , but said she had lots of opportunities to travel because in the late 1970s and 1980s , Durham County Council would fund student trips .
During an academic exchange in the then Soviet Union , she met an American professor who told her about graduate scholarships to the US .
In 1989 , she got a place at Harvard University @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , then worked in America .
On certain occasions she has been ill-treated because of her Durham accent , she said .
`` Growing up in the North East you do n't think about it because everybody talks like that .
`` But when I came into contact with kids in other parts of the country they really did poke fun at me . ''
During her interview for Oxford University she was told people could not `` understand a word '' she said .
`` One girl offered to interpret for me @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
However , Ms Hill said in the US she had never felt discriminated against because of her working class roots and had worked with people of every kind of background .
During briefings with President Bush , he would make references to her accent in a `` very positive '' way , she said .
`` As soon as he heard me speak , he said 'that voice , where 's it from ? '
and when I said the North East of England he said ' I 've been there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ came out to visit Tony Blair in Sedgefield .
`` I said I was from the next constituency to Tony Blair 's one and next time he saw me he called me 'Blair 's girl ' . ''
Follow BBC North East & Cumbria on Twitter , Facebook and Instagram .
Send your story ideas to northeastandcumbria @ bbc.co.uk .

"As soon as he heard me speak, he said 'that voice, where's it from?' and when I said the North East of England he said 'I've been there' - you may recall that he came out to visit Tony Blair in Sedgefield.


bbcuk--2020-07-14--Coronavirus: Face masks and coverings to be compulsory in England's shops

Wearing a face covering in shops and supermarkets in England is to become mandatory from 24 July .
Those who fail to comply with the new rules will face a fine of up to £100 , the government is to announce .
The move will bring England into line with Scotland and other major European nations like Spain , Italy and Germany .
Since mid-May , the public have been advised to wear coverings in enclosed public spaces , where they may encounter people they would not usually meet .
It has been compulsory on public transport in England since @ @ @ @ @ @ @ those with certain disabilities will be exempt .
Environment Secretary George Eustice told BBC Breakfast the new mandatory rule for face coverings in shops does not apply to retail staff .
`` It is about managing the overall risk , '' he added .
`` Any type of covering will be sufficient for this purpose . ''
It follows a reported increase in the use of face coverings by people in England , Scotland and Wales .
More than half of adults surveyed by the Office for National Statistics in the first week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ while outside their home .
Meanwhile , a report requested by the government 's chief scientific adviser suggests the UK could see around 120,000 new coronavirus deaths in hospitals during a `` reasonable '' worst-case scenario this winter .
• Why have attitudes to face masks changed ?
• How to make your own face mask Labour said ministers ' had been `` slow and muddled '' on face coverings and questioned why the new rules would not come into force for 11 days .
But Mr Eustice said research on the use @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the World Health Organization , had been `` evolving '' .
• The delay between the announcement and the rule coming into force on 24 July `` gives people time to prepare '' but people will start wearing coverings from today • People are `` intelligent and responsible enough '' to wear face coverings and the mandatory rule sends `` a much stronger signal that people will follow in greater numbers '' • Wearing face coverings in shops is an `` appropriate mitigation '' against the `` overall risk '' of the coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pubs , cafes or restaurants Mr Eustice told BBC Radio 4 's Today programme : `` With all of our laws there is an element of policing by consent and so we need the public to play their part and abide by the restrictions . ''
The latest rules for shops will be enforced by the police , with anyone disregarding them at risk of a fine of up to £100 .
This will be reduced to £50 if people pay within 14 days .
While shop workers will be encouraged to prompt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be expected to enforce the rules , allaying unions ' concerns about their involvement .
But Ken Marsh of the Metropolitan Police Federation suggested enforcing the new rule could strain the relationship between police officers and the general public .
And John Apter of the Police Federation said it should be down to shops to make wearing a face covering a `` condition of entry '' .
In Scotland , the use of coverings in shops has been mandatory since 10 July .
Shoppers in Wales and Northern Ireland are not currently required @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have said this will be kept under review .
Police did not issue a single fine across Scotland over the first weekend of compulsory face coverings .
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan told Today that , on public transport in London , some 18,500 people have been stopped from travelling for not wearing a face covering since 15 June with 59 fines issued .
Face coverings steam up your glasses , they 're uncomfortable , they infringe on personal freedom , say BBC Radio 5 Live Breakfast listeners - and that 's before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Manchester , says the discomfort means he 's less likely to go to the shops and now worries shopping must carry a higher risk than he thought .
He doubts the increase in footfall that shops need will follow .
Another listener with a long list of questions pleads for more guidance .
Can we keep them in our pocket ?
How often should we replace them ?
Are disposable ones better ?
But there 's reassurance from Scotland , where face coverings have been mandatory in shops since Friday .
Pamela @ @ @ @ @ @ @ East Kilbride , says most of her customers have been happy to wear one - only one refused because they did n't like it .
She says it 's a habit you need to get into and will be giving uncovered customers gentle reminders .
Roz , a nurse in nearby Glasgow , says if she can wear a mask for her 13-hour shifts , it 's not a big issue to wear one for half an hour around the shops - `` you have to think of the greater good . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
How are you preparing for the new rules ?
Email : .
Boris Johnson signalled a shift in the government 's position on Friday when he spoke of the need for a stricter approach in confined setting .
But Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove downplayed the suggestion of any immediate legal change on Sunday .
Labour said the mixed messages demonstrated the government 's indecision during the pandemic , and ministers had to explain the `` further delay '' .
`` The government has been slow and muddled again , '' shadow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ added that `` many will ask why yet again have ministers been slow in making a decision in this pandemic '' .
A No 10 spokesman said : `` There is growing evidence that wearing a face covering in an enclosed space helps protect individuals and those around them from coronavirus .
`` The prime minister has been clear that people should be wearing face coverings in shops and we will make this mandatory from 24 July . ''
Unions and businesses have said the new guidance must be `` clear and detailed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ While welcoming clarity over the issue , shop workers union Usdaw said coverings could not be a substitute for strict hygiene controls and social distancing measures , such as limiting the number of people allowed in a store at any one time .
The British Retail Consortium said it hoped the announcement `` will make shoppers feel even more confident about returning to the High Street '' .
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : How do I protect myself ?
• AVOIDING CONTACT : The rules on self-isolation and exercise Scarves or other textile @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cover the nose and mouth without having to be held in place by hand are considered adequate in non-medical settings .
Downing Street said it would keep the guidance on face coverings in other settings , such as offices , under review .
• YOU , ME AND THE BIG C : Cancer treatment during the pandemic • GROUNDED WITH LOUIS THEROUX : The ten most surprising moments from the lockdown podcast

The list of exemptions has not yet been published, but the rules for face masks on public transport exempt anyone who cannot wear one "because of any physical or mental illness or impairment, or disability", who would experience "severe distress" from doing so, or relies on lip reading, among other reasons.


bbcuk--2020-07-14--UK economy rebounds more slowly than expected

The UK 's economy rebounded more slowly than expected in May , growing just 1.8 % from the previous month , as the gradual easing of lockdown had a modest impact .
Manufacturing and house building showed signs of recovery in May as some firms saw staff return to work .
But the Office for National Statistics said the economy was `` in the doldrums '' .
As a result of big contractions in previous months , the UK economy is now 24.5 % smaller than it was in February , the ONS added .
What do the experts make @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to economic growth in May was described as `` disappointing '' by economists , who had expected an expansion of 5 % or more .
The increase came after a fall of 6.9 % in March and a record 20.4 % decline in April .
In the three months to May , the economy shrank by 19.1 % compared with the previous three-month period , the ONS said .
`` The economy was still a quarter smaller in May than in February , before the full effects of the pandemic struck , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for economic statistics at the ONS .
`` In the important services sector , we saw some pick-up in retail , which saw record online sales .
However , with lockdown restrictions remaining in place , many other services remained in the doldrums , with a number of areas seeing further declines . ''
Are things going to get better now ?
Mr Athow told the BBC 's Today programme that there could be signs of improvement in next month 's release of figures .
`` Some of the survey data we 're @ @ @ @ @ @ @ economy reopened and as some of the restrictions were eased , we did see stronger performance in June , but it 's really early , '' he said .
`` You 've got one month of firm data and some indicators suggesting June might be stronger , but there 's a long road to go here and we 're still trying to figure out what the best data is to understand the overall picture . ''
Which parts of the economy returned to growth ?
May 's modest month-on-month expansion came as sectors @ @ @ @ @ @ @ retailers and garden centres were allowed to reopen .
Manufacturing grew by more than 8 % during the month , as did construction .
Gross domestic product ( GDP ) is the sum ( measured in pounds ) of the value of goods and services produced in the economy .
But the measurement most people focus on is the percentage change - the growth of the country 's economy over a period of time , typically a quarter ( three months ) or a year .
It 's been used since the 1940s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ determining the health of the UK economy .
• What is GDP and why does it matter ?
`` Today 's figures underline the scale of the challenge we face , '' said Chancellor Rishi Sunak .
• The 'whatever it takes ' chancellor '' I know people are worried about the security of their jobs and incomes .
That 's why I set out our Plan for Jobs last week , following the PM 's new deal for Britain , to protect , support and create jobs as we safely reopen our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up to £30bn in significant and targeted support to put people 's livelihoods at the centre of our national renewal as we emerge through the other side of this crisis . ''
Can the economy get back on track ?
A quarter of the economy 's output was lost under lockdown in March and April , and May 's figures show even firms who are back in business may be struggling to get on track .
It 's one thing being allowed to open the doors again ( and some firms remain mothballed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can do so safely .
And then there 's the biggest hurdle of all , ensuring customers are willing and able to spend again .
As job losses mount , it clear that even some firms who qualify for government help are faltering .
Some wo n't have made it as far .
The Bank of England 's own chief economist is among those who 've voiced hopes for a `` V-shaped '' recovery - a swift and full bounce back in activity .
But history tells us that economies can take years @ @ @ @ @ @ @ slump .
The blow from this crisis was felt within days , convalescence may be tougher .
And in the meantime , the livelihoods of many may feel the strain .
What are the chances of a speedy recovery ?
The British Chambers of Commerce said May 's `` modest rally '' in economic growth did little to alter `` the UK 's historically downbeat growth trajectory '' .
`` The pick-up in output in May is more likely to reflect the partial release of pent-up demand as restrictions began to loosen rather @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' said the BCC 's head of economics , Suren Thiru .
`` While UK economic output may grow further in the short term as restrictions ease , this may dissipate as the economic scarring caused by the pandemic starts to bite , particularly as government support winds down . ''
Thomas Pugh , UK economist at Capital Economics , said the data showed the recovery was `` maybe not so V-shaped after all '' - a reference to remarks last month by Bank of England economist Andy Haldane , who said the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recovery .
He said May 's figure was `` a disappointing first step on the road to recovery '' and suggested that `` hopes of a rapid rebound from the lockdown are wide of the mark '' .
`` Indeed , the path to full economic recovery will probably be much longer than most people anticipate , '' he added .
Has your business or job been affected by the economic downturn ?
Share your experiences by emailing haveyoursay @ bbc.co.uk .
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UK economy rebounds more slowly than expected Published 14 July 2020
Image source, Getty Images
The UK's economy rebounded more slowly than expected in May, growing just 1.8% from the previous month, as the gradual easing of lockdown had a modest impact.
Manufacturing and house building showed signs of recovery in May as some firms saw staff return to work.
But the Office for National Statistics said the economy was "in the doldrums".
As a result of big contractions in previous months, the UK economy is now 24.5% smaller than it was in February, the ONS added.
What do the experts make of the latest figures?
The return to economic growth in May was described as "disappointing" by economists, who had expected an expansion of 5% or more.
The increase came after a fall of 6.9% in March and a record 20.4% decline in April.
In the three months to May, the economy shrank by 19.1% compared with the previous three-month period, the ONS said.
"The economy was still a quarter smaller in May than in February, before the full effects of the pandemic struck," said Jonathan Athow, deputy national statistician for economic statistics at the ONS.
"In the important services sector, we saw some pick-up in retail, which saw record online sales. However, with lockdown restrictions remaining in place, many other services remained in the doldrums, with a number of areas seeing further declines."
Are things going to get better now?
Mr Athow told the BBC's Today programme that there could be signs of improvement in next month's release of figures.
"Some of the survey data we're seeing suggests that as more of the economy reopened and as some of the restrictions were eased, we did see stronger performance in June, but it's really early," he said.
"You've got one month of firm data and some indicators suggesting June might be stronger, but there's a long road to go here and we're still trying to figure out what the best data is to understand the overall picture."
This video can not be played To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser. Media caption, 'We need a date to restart so we can save our staff'
Which parts of the economy returned to growth?
May's modest month-on-month expansion came as sectors such as manufacturing, construction, DIY retailers and garden centres were allowed to reopen.
Manufacturing grew by more than 8% during the month, as did construction.
What is GDP?
Gross domestic product (GDP) is the sum (measured in pounds) of the value of goods and services produced in the economy.
But the measurement most people focus on is the percentage change - the growth of the country's economy over a period of time, typically a quarter (three months) or a year. It's been used since the 1940s.
It's the main way of determining the health of the UK economy.
What's the political reaction?
"Today's figures underline the scale of the challenge we face," said Chancellor Rishi Sunak.
"I know people are worried about the security of their jobs and incomes. That's why I set out our Plan for Jobs last week, following the PM's new deal for Britain, to protect, support and create jobs as we safely reopen our economy.
"Our clear plan invests up to £30bn in significant and targeted support to put people's livelihoods at the centre of our national renewal as we emerge through the other side of this crisis."
Can the economy get back on track?
A quarter of the economy's output was lost under lockdown in March and April, and May's figures show even firms who are back in business may be struggling to get on track.
It's one thing being allowed to open the doors again (and some firms remain mothballed); another to be confident you can do so safely. And then there's the biggest hurdle of all, ensuring customers are willing and able to spend again.
As job losses mount, it clear that even some firms who qualify for government help are faltering. Some won't have made it as far.
The Bank of England's own chief economist is among those who've voiced hopes for a "V-shaped" recovery - a swift and full bounce back in activity.
But history tells us that economies can take years to make up lost ground after a slump. The blow from this crisis was felt within days, convalescence may be tougher. And in the meantime, the livelihoods of many may feel the strain.
What are the chances of a speedy recovery?
The British Chambers of Commerce said May's "modest rally" in economic growth did little to alter "the UK's historically downbeat growth trajectory".
"The pick-up in output in May is more likely to reflect the partial release of pent-up demand as restrictions began to loosen rather than evidence of a genuine recovery," said the BCC's head of economics, Suren Thiru.
"While UK economic output may grow further in the short term as restrictions ease, this may dissipate as the economic scarring caused by the pandemic starts to bite, particularly as government support winds down."
Thomas Pugh, UK economist at Capital Economics, said the data showed the recovery was "maybe not so V-shaped after all" - a reference to remarks last month by Bank of England economist Andy Haldane, who said the UK was on track for a quick recovery.
He said May's figure was "a disappointing first step on the road to recovery" and suggested that "hopes of a rapid rebound from the lockdown are wide of the mark".
"Indeed, the path to full economic recovery will probably be much longer than most people anticipate," he added.
Has your business or job been affected by the economic downturn? Share your experiences by emailing haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk.


bbcuk--2020-07-14--Winter wave of coronavirus 'could be worse than first'

The UK could see about 120,000 new coronavirus deaths in a second wave of infections this winter , scientists say .
Asked to model a `` reasonable '' worst-case scenario , they suggest a range between 24,500 and 251,000 of virus-related deaths in hospitals alone , peaking in January and February .
To date , there have been 44,830 official deaths in the UK , but this has slowed with 1,100 in July .
The estimate does not take into account any lockdowns , treatments or vaccines .
And the scientists say : `` The risk ... could be reduced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The report , requested by the UK 's chief scientific adviser , Sir Patrick Vallance , stresses there is still a high degree of uncertainty over how the coronavirus pandemic will play out this winter .
But research suggests the virus can survive longer in colder conditions and is more likely to spread when people spend more time indoors .
And experts are concerned the NHS will be under extreme pressure , not just from a resurgence of coronavirus but also from seasonal flu and a backlog of regular , non-coronavirus workload .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ vaccine ?
• What progress are we making on treatments ?
• Can you catch coronavirus twice ?
The health service is already severely disrupted in the aftermath of the first pandemic wave , with a waiting list that could stand at 10 million by the end of this year , the report says .
Prof Stephen Holgate , a respiratory specialist from University Hospital Southampton NHS Trust , who chaired the report , said : `` This is not a prediction - but it is a possibility .
`` The modelling suggests @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new wave of Covid-19 this winter .
`` But the risk of this happening could be reduced if we take action immediately . ''
With relatively low numbers of coronavirus cases at the moment , `` this is a critical window of opportunity to help us prepare for the worst that winter can throw at us '' , he added .
Less pessimistic winter scenarios are also possible , with coronavirus deaths in the thousands .
The report makes it clear there is a high degree of uncertainty in the projected death figures @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what will happen , rather what might .
Researchers can model likely scenarios .
But simulations rest on assumptions that do not always play out in real life .
Change any of the parameters slightly , and you get very different projections .
The overall message , however , is clear - prepare for the worst and hope for the best .
Currently , coronavirus deaths and cases in the UK are down , which gives the nation a chance to reflect and plan for a second wave .
Keeping infection rates low @ @ @ @ @ @ @ critical in controlling the disease .
The virus has not gone away .
And we do not have a vaccine for it yet .
But there are things we can all do , including isolating and getting tested if we develop symptoms .
Co-author Prof Dame Anne Johnson , from the Academy of Medical Sciences , said : `` Faced with these potential challenges , and after an already tough year , it would be easy to feel hopeless and powerless .
`` But this report shows that we can act now to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ • increasing capacity of the test-and-trace programme , to cope with the overlapping symptoms of coronavirus , flu and other winter infections • getting more people vaccinated against flu • ensuring hospitals and care homes have enough personal protective equipment ( PPE ) • creating coronavirus-free zones in hospitals and care homes , to halt infections Health Secretary Matt Hancock said planning was already under way for dealing with the expected surge in demand on the NHS this winter .
The government had procured enough flu vaccine to roll out the `` biggest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was working on setting up a coronavirus vaccination programme should a successful vaccine be found , he added .
A government statement said : `` We remain vigilant and the government will ensure the necessary resources are in place to avoid a second peak that would overwhelm our NHS . ''
• BRITAIN 'S CANCER CRISIS : How has cancer care been impacted by Covid-19 ?
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The health service is already severely disrupted in the aftermath of the first pandemic wave, with a waiting list that could stand at 10 million by the end of this year, the report says.


bbcuk--2020-07-14--Huawei decision: UK 'right to stand up to China'

The government would be right to `` stand up '' to China by denying Huawei access to the UK 's 5G network , the chairman of the Commons defence committee has said .
Six months after agreeing the Chinese telecoms company could set up some of the network , ministers are expected to ban it from installing equipment .
Conservative MP Tobias Ellwood told the BBC it was important to prevent `` control of data '' by Beijing .
But Huawei says it would not cause harm to any country .
• UK prepares to change course on 5G kit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Huawei in under 10 years • Could Huawei be out of the UK by 2024 ?
In January , the government announced the company would be kept out of the sensitive core of the 5G network - including national intelligence - but be allowed involvement in up to 35 % of other parts .
This prompted criticism from backbench Conservative MPs , who called Huawei an arm of the Chinese Communist Party and a risk to the UK .
The US , with which the UK shares much of its intelligence , also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Under its revised plans , the government is expected to say Huawei will not be allowed to install any equipment for the 5G network from next year .
Mr Ellwood told the BBC News Channel he was `` pleased '' , adding : `` This is a first opportunity for the government to stand up and say , 'No more . '
It 's the first indication that we are going to stand up . ''
He said China was `` taking advantage of our rickety world order to pursue its agenda '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a clash of ideology '' .
The government thought it had made its decision on Huawei earlier this year .
It wanted to get on with delivering faster internet and thought Huawei was best placed to ensure speedy upgrades .
But since then the US has continued to apply pressure - with its decision to impose new sanctions on China a crucial factor .
Meanwhile , dozens of Tory backbenchers continued their opposition - and refused to fall in line .
They will be scrutinising the detail of today 's announcement .
As @ @ @ @ @ @ @ future involvement , many want current infrastructure run by the company removed .
However , ministers have to balance this with their commitments on faster broadband speeds .
Telecoms chiefs have warned if things happen too fast without proper alternatives , we could see a reduction in some services and even blackouts .
Mr Ellwood also said global power struggles would become more `` about control of data '' , adding : `` If you control data , you control the way we live ...
It 's right that we now stand up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
Writing in the Daily Telegraph , former Conservative leader Lord Hague says that opinion in Parliament `` has moved so significantly against Chinese technology that the government '' realised it `` could no longer win a Commons vote on this issue without a major concession '' .
The US has claimed China could use Huawei to `` spy , steal or attack '' the UK - but the company denies this and its founder has said he would rather shut the company down than do anything to damage its clients .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ limited China 's access to US chip technology , which prompted the UK 's National Cyber Security Centre to launch a review of the use of Huawei .
Mr Ellwood said : `` People are revisiting their views on China , not least because of the Covid-19 scandal . ''
He also cited military aggression in the South China Sea , warning of a `` bipolar world '' in which China would `` slowly overtake '' the US .
Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden is expected to set out the government 's change of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tuesday .

Meanwhile, dozens of Tory backbenchers continued their opposition - and refused to fall in line. They have cautiously welcomed the announcement that the UK is moving away from Huawei - but they want things to move faster. Some are also uneasy that the company's technology will stay in the 3G and 4G network.


bbcuk--2020-07-14--Ocado says switch to online shopping is permanent

Online grocer Ocado says the switch to internet shopping amid the coronavirus lockdown has led to a `` permanent redrawing '' of the retail landscape .
Its comments came as it said sales during the first half of 2020 jumped 27 % to more than £1bn .
`` The world as we know it has changed , '' said chief executive Tim Steiner .
`` As a result of Covid-19 , we have seen years of growth in the online grocery market condensed into a matter of months ; and we wo n't be going back . ''
`` We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ online channel will continue , leading to a permanent redrawing of the landscape of the grocery industry worldwide . ''
He said Ocado was now the fastest growing grocer in the UK , thanks to a 50/50 partnership with Marks and Spencer announced last year .
As part of the deal , which saw M & S take a half-share in Ocado 's retail business , Ocado will start delivering M & S grocery products from September , when its current deal with Waitrose expires .
The group reported a loss before tax @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the end of May , blaming an increase in investment to handle the higher demand generated as a result of the coronavirus pandemic .
During the period the company opened its first two customer fulfilment centres abroad , for Casino in France and Sobeys in Canada , while increasing capacity in the UK .
The loss was smaller than the £147.4m posted in the same period last year , although that figure included £99m of costs incurred as a result of a major fire at its warehouse in Andover .
But after raising @ @ @ @ @ @ @ last month , Ocado said it had £2.3bn in cash on its balance sheet .
`` There is evidence to suggest many shoppers will likely continue buying their groceries online once lockdown measures have been lifted completely , but it will be difficult for Ocado to maintain the sales registered at the peak of the crisis , '' said John Moore , senior investment manager at Brewin Dolphin .
`` Nevertheless , Ocado has a strong balance sheet and the Covid-19 pandemic has super-accelerated many of the trends that have led to its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ few years , placing the company in a good position for the future . ''
Separately , discount grocer Lidl has revealed plans to open a shop a week until Christmas , creating 1,000 jobs .
The 25 new stores will be opened across England , Scotland and Wales with sites in Selhurst , Harrow Weald , Coleford and Llandudno Junction opening in the coming weeks .
By the end of 2023 it plans another 100 stores across Britain , creating 4,000 more jobs , and bringing its total number of shops to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the continued hard work of our colleagues that we are able to continue forging ahead with our expansion plans , despite the challenging circumstances that have been faced over the past months , '' said Lidl GB boss Christian Härtnagel .
Lidl - which opened its first shops in the UK in 1994 - has opened new stores throughout the pandemic in locations such as Birmingham , Torquay and across London .

"There is evidence to suggest many shoppers will likely continue buying their groceries online once lockdown measures have been lifted completely, but it will be difficult for Ocado to maintain the sales registered at the peak of the crisis," said John Moore, senior investment manager at Brewin Dolphin.


bbcuk--2020-07-14--Major museums announce reopening plans, and expect 80% drop in visitors

Some of London 's biggest museums have announced their plans to reopen next month , but are expecting visitor numbers to drop by 80 % when they do .
The Natural History Museum , V & A and Science Museum will all open their doors again during August .
Visitors will be `` strongly '' recommended to wear face masks , but it will not be compulsory , as it will in shops .
Free tickets must be booked in advance .
The venues ruled out charging , despite their `` very precarious '' finances .
The museums all have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will reopen before the end of the school summer holidays : • Natural History Museum - 5 August , seven days a week , with the `` vast majority '' of galleries open .
The branch in Tring , Hertfordshire , will reopen on the same day .
• V & A - ground and lower ground floors from 6 August , open Thursday-Sunday ; then first and second floors , and the V & A Dundee , from 27 August .
• Science Museum - 19 August , seven days a week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Reopening dates vary for the four other attractions in the Science Museum Group .
Natural History Museum director Sir Michael Dixon said its visitor numbers would initially be capped at 2,800 per day .
`` But that 's about a fifth of our normal average attendance , '' he said .
`` We 're expecting something like an 80 % reduction until social distancing rules change , and the public attitudes to visiting change .
`` We think that demand will outstrip supply , but that 's a guess because we 're in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ moment . ''
The V & A is expecting a reduction `` in the same ballpark '' , director Tristram Hunt said , explaining that it would open for fewer days than normal at first .
`` Our finances have been bolstered by the government but are still very precarious , so there 's little point having very extended opening hours if no-one 's coming through the door , '' he said .
The museum bosses praised the government for its £1.5bn emergency funding package , but said they would need more money @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people buying from their cafes and shops .
Hunt said there would need to be `` a new partnership with government which recognises this new reality , which understands that in the absence of the commercial income that comes from those visitors we will need more government support going into the future '' .
The funding announced by the government earlier this month was `` resoundingly good '' , according to Sir Ian Blatchford , director of the Science Museum Group and chair of the National Museum Directors ' Council .
`` It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ expect the German or the French government to spend , '' he said .
`` The big issue for us is next year - the [ next ] full financial year - there 'll be a discussion with the government this autumn . ''
But he said charging for entry to make up the financial shortfall was `` definitely not on the agenda '' , beyond special exhibitions .
`` It seems to me absolutely the worst possible policy .
There 's no support for entrance fees from any major political party .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , that debate is dead , buried and covered in concrete because at a time when we 're trying to increase the diversity of our audiences , I think charging people to go to museums would be a retrograde step of absolutely the worst sort .
`` If the government introduced it , I would resign . ''
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Hunt said there would need to be "a new partnership with government which recognises this new reality, which understands that in the absence of the commercial income that comes from those visitors we will need more government support going into the future".


bbcuk--2020-07-14--Ghislaine Maxwell due to appear at bail hearing

Ghislaine Maxwell , the British socialite and ex-girlfriend of the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein , is due to appear at a bail hearing via video link later on Tuesday .
It will determine whether she stays in prison while awaiting trial on charges of trafficking minors for Epstein .
Her lawyers have asked for her release on bail of $ 5m ( £4m ) because of the risk of getting coronavirus in jail .
She was arrested on 2 July and denies the charges against her .
She faces up to 35 years if convicted .
Prosecutors allege @ @ @ @ @ @ @ helped Epstein groom girls as young as 14 .
Epstein died in prison on 10 August as he awaited his trial on sex trafficking charges .
His death was determined to be suicide .
Last week , her lawyers said her detention at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn , New York , put her at `` serious risk '' of contracting coronavirus .
They said she was not a flight risk and asked the judge to release her from custody on bail signed by six of her associates and secured by a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Under the proposed bail conditions , Ms Maxwell , 58 , would surrender her passports from the US , UK and France and would confine herself to a property in New York with electronic GPS monitoring .
Her lawyers are arguing Ms Maxwell is not Jeffrey Epstein and that she was not in contact with him for more than a decade before his death .
US federal prosecutors have said she is an `` extreme risk of flight '' and should remain in custody because her wealth , multiple passports and and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's a risk she may abscond .
Four of the charges Ms Maxwell faces relate to the years 1994-97 when she was , according to the indictment , among Epstein 's closest associates and also in an `` intimate relationship '' with him .
The other two charges are allegations of perjury in 2016 .
The indictment says Ms Maxwell `` assisted , facilitated , and contributed to Jeffrey Epstein 's abuse of minor girls by , among other things , helping Epstein to recruit , groom and ultimately abuse victims known to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ age of 18 '' .
Ms Maxwell is the daughter of late British media mogul Robert Maxwell .
A well-connected socialite , she is said to have introduced Epstein to many of her wealthy and powerful friends , including Bill Clinton and the Duke of York ( who was accused in the 2015 court papers of touching a woman at Jeffrey Epstein 's US home , although the court subsequently struck out allegations against the duke ) .
Buckingham Palace has said that `` any suggestion of impropriety with underage minors '' by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Ms Maxwell has mostly been out of public view since 2016 and was arrested at her remote estate in Bradford , New Hampshire , on 2 July .

A well-connected figure, she is said to have introduced Epstein to many of her wealthy and powerful friends, including Bill Clinton and the Duke of York (who was accused in the 2015 court papers of touching a woman at Jeffrey Epstein's US home, although the court subsequently struck out allegations against the duke).


bbcuk--2020-07-14--Coronavirus: 'Too many women left in the dark' over IVF in NI

A woman who gave up waiting for her fertility treatment to resume in Northern Ireland has said too many like her have been `` left in the dark '' .
Natalie Graham decided to go private for IVF treatment in the Republic of Ireland after the closure of NI 's Regional Fertility Centre due to Covid-19 .
`` As the weeks go on and you hear nothing , you just feel like you 've been forgotten about , '' she said .
The Belfast Trust said that resuming fertility treatment following Covid-19 was a priority .
It said services at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ resume in the coming weeks , but at a reduced level .
There will be extended opening hours so that as many patients as possible can be seen safely .
Fertility clinics in the rest of the UK were given the go ahead to open again from 11 May .
Mrs Graham , who is from Belfast , told BBC News NI 's Good Morning Ulster on Tuesday that coronavirus had compounded what was an `` emotional rollercoaster '' for her and many other women in her situation .
• Fertility treatments to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ five months for her first appointment at the Regional Fertility Centre .
That happened in December and she had been due to return in March .
After that , she was told that she would be put on a waiting list which , at that stage , was about a year .
However , the centre closed following the coronavirus outbreak .
`` I 've had absolutely no contact , '' she said .
`` I am also part of a fertility support group and I know a lot of woman who have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a similar position to me and we have just been left in the dark . ''
Mrs Graham said the trust should have sent out letters so that women like her did not feel abandoned at what is a very difficult time .
`` We have had no contact .
Yes , they 've updated their web page , but we 've had very minimal and unclear information .
`` I do n't think people understand the emotional impact of it .
Especially for those women who have had treatment cancelled .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ emotional rollercoaster ... you are waiting and waiting for this .
You already have it in your head that it could be up to a year and , as the weeks go on and you hear nothing , you just feel like you 've been forgotten about . ''
She said the waiting caused anxiety .
'Took matters into my own hands' '' They needed to have given us some sort of guidance , even a letter to say : 'Do n't worry we have n't forgotten about you .
We are closed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be in contact . '
`` The simple fact of being ignored has made me lose any faith in ever getting treatment from them . ''
As time ticked on , Ms Graham decided to go for private fertility treatment in the Republic of Ireland .
`` It was super quick .
I took matters into my own hands and was able to get a consultation within one week .
`` I was able , two weeks later , to get tests done and they have told me that they would be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ end of August .
It is just fantastic . ''
But she is aware that others are not in a position to take that path .
`` These people are going to give me a chance in the next couple of months whereas up here there is no sign of anything happening .
`` I do n't have time ...
I do need to be moving quickly . ''
Ms Graham said women who were getting older could fail to meet the criteria set for NHS fertility treatment because of their age and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leeway , given the exceptional circumstances of Covid-19 .
`` It 's so emotionally draining .
People need to know .
There needs to be more done for people going through this , '' she said .
When services were suspended in March , 33 women were told by phone that their treatment was postponed .
Patients arriving at the clinic were told to discontinue their injections .
In a statement , the Belfast Trust said : `` Resuming fertility services has been identified as a priority and as such services are expected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` We would like to thank the public for their patience , particularly if they have had a treatment or appointments cancelled during the time that the RFC ( Regional Fertility Centre ) has been closed due to the Covid-19 pandemic .
`` When services resume they will be at a reduced capacity , however there will be extended opening hours to help us provide appointments to as many patients as safely possible . ''

"For me, it is an emotional rollercoaster... you are waiting and waiting for this. You already have it in your head that it could be up to a year and, as the weeks go on and you hear nothing, you just feel like you've been forgotten about."


bbcuk--2020-07-14--Gough Whitlam: Letters show Queen not told in advance of Australia PM's sacking

The Queen was not informed in advance about the 1975 dismissal of Australian Prime Minister Gough Whitlam , newly released letters show .
Whitlam 's government was removed by the Queen 's representative at the time , Governor-General Sir John Kerr , and replaced with an opposition party .
It is considered the most controversial event in Australian political history .
The letters , released after a court battle , show Sir John wrote it was `` better for Her Majesty not to know '' .
However , they also reveal Sir John - an Australian who was a judge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Buckingham Palace whether he had the constitutional authority to dismiss Whitlam .
Australia is a constitutional monarchy with the Queen as head of state .
Before the dismissal , many Australians had little idea her representative had such power .
Historians have since questioned what the Palace knew about the removal of Mr Whitlam - a progressive whose reforms divided Australia after two decades of conservative rule .
• The historian who took on the Palace and won More than 200 letters kept sealed in the National Archives were released on Tuesday for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the High Court of Australia ruled they could be accessed in the national interest following a challenge by historian Prof Jenny Hocking .
Whitlam and his Labor Party came to power in 1972 , implementing policies which many celebrated , but he grew less popular amid a troubled economy .
On 11 November 1975 , he was sacked on the justification that he had failed to get parliament to approve spending , and then subsequently declined to call an election .
The governor-general argued he had the authority to do this under implied @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` reserve power '' to remove an elected prime minister has been debated ever since by legal experts .
The roles of the Queen and governor-general are largely symbolic in Australia .
The dismissal was an unprecedented action that shocked Australia - and prompted questions about its political independence from the UK .
Some viewed it as a `` constitutional coup '' and an overreach of the `` royal prerogative '' , sparking demonstrations and calls to become a republic .
But others celebrated Whitlam 's departure .
In an election held soon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government of Malcolm Fraser 's centre-right Liberal Party .
They were written between Sir John and Buckingham Palace between 1974 and 1977 , and include press clippings of Australian events .
Though the Queen was not warned of the dismissal itself , about a week beforehand , her private secretary , Martin Charteris , discussed the prospect of dissolving parliament .
In a letter dated 4 November , he told Sir John that such powers were a `` last resort and then only for Constitutional - and not for political - reasons '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of documents include : • Sir John asserting that he wanted to prevent a possible `` race to the Palace '' that could see Whitlam call for the governor-general 's dismissal - something he said would put the Queen in an `` impossible position '' • Lord Charteris telling Sir John that he had acted `` not only with constitutional propriety , but also with admirable consideration for Her Majesty 's position '' • Sir John writing in 1976 that there would `` inevitably be discussion about constitutional amendment '' in Australia - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the left wing '' and that most `` want it to remain as it is '' .
As sensitive communications the letters would have been sent through diplomatic channels , most probably carried by hand by trusted officials on flights between Canberra and London .
Why is releasing them important ?
Historians say they finally fill in the gaps about one of Australia 's most crucial events .
`` They go to the very heart of Australia 's constitutional independence , '' said Prof Mark McKenna from the University of Sydney .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ was the victim of a conspiracy between Sir John and Fraser to remove him from office .
However , there were no formal accusations of interference directed at Buckingham Palace .
The public was denied access to the letters because they were deemed `` personal '' correspondence and subject to a royal embargo .
Prof Hocking launched a court case in 2016 to overturn that status , arguing the letters were critical historical records .
She said their access should not be restricted by the rules of a foreign power .
The release @ @ @ @ @ @ @ outcome for transparency and history '' , she told the BBC .
In a statement , Buckingham Palace said the Queen had consistently demonstrated `` support for Australia '' throughout her reign .
`` While the Royal Household believes in the longstanding convention that all conversations between prime ministers , governor-generals and the Queen are private , the release of the letters ... confirms that neither Her Majesty nor the Royal Household had any part to play in Kerr 's decision to dismiss Whitlam . ''
There are many intriguing aspects about the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
One historian 's quest for the letters to be made public .
The fact that it took a High Court decision for them to be released , after a Federal Court had refused the request .
All of this added to suspicion around what the Palace knew .
The letters answer the most pressing question about the monarch 's involvement - we now know that her representative made the decision .
While there is no bombshell revelation , it 's a remarkable insight into an almost daily and detailed correspondence between Sir @ @ @ @ @ @ @ during a time of high tension in Australian politics .
This was not just between Whitlam and Fraser , but also between the prime minister and the governor-general himself .
It 's also a glimpse into almost a tug of war of power .
The letters remind us that as the Queen 's representative was considering his position and powers to dissolve parliament and dismiss Whitlam , the prime minister was considering going to the Queen to call for the governor-general 's removal .
When Gough Whitlam was sacked there was a great @ @ @ @ @ @ @ saw as the Palace representative flexing his powers over Australia 's politics .
There were calls for the country to be a republic at the time .
It 's unclear whether the newly released documents will revive those sentiments .

"While the Royal Household believes in the longstanding convention that all conversations between prime ministers, governor-generals and the Queen are private, the release of the letters... confirms that neither Her Majesty nor the Royal Household had any part to play in Kerr's decision to dismiss Whitlam."


bbcuk--2020-07-13--Bailiff fears as councils chase unpaid tax debts

Penelope Dudley is behind on her council tax payments .
Already stressed about losing her job after being furloughed , she 's worried things may soon get a whole lot worse .
Bailiffs employed to chase late payers will soon have the right to resume visits to homes following an enforced break during the coronavirus lockdown .
`` The thought of bailiff charges , the thought of prison , has of course been a source of stress , '' said Penelope .
`` But I have to trust that wo n't happen .
Things are slightly getting better , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and it could easily go downhill again if I was unlucky . ''
Some 800,000 UK households are behind on council tax , and from 23 August debt collectors can re-start work chasing payment .
According to the Local Government Association , £700m is owed in council tax since the start of lockdown - a figure that 's expected to grow .
Emergency legislation was introduced in April banning bailiffs from visiting homes to enforce debts during the Covid-19 restrictions .
But next month , Penelope fears debt enforcement agents may come knocking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had some help from charities and my local church , but I 'm not sure how it will all be in a few months ' time .
The thought of bailiffs is stressful .
I had a dark moment on the phone when I was speaking to an advisor who said it [ a bailiff visit ] could be a prospect . ''
Penelope is on furlough from her job as an usherette at a London theatre .
But when the scheme comes to an end , she wo n't be returning to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ afford to keep her .
She is hoping to pick up acting work on the side to help pay off some debt .
The UK 's largest debt charity StepChange has told the BBC it wants the government to reconsider lifting the ban .
`` Enforcement action like bailiffs can very quickly compound the financial problems of particularly vulnerable households '' , said Richard Lane , the organisation 's director of external affairs .
`` We 're worried that in the middle of a global pandemic when households are financially struggling , that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' The charity wants to see councils assess personal finances before sending in debt collectors .
`` If they 're financially vulnerable , sending in bailiffs is probably not going to be the right thing to do to the get back on their feet .
We also want the government to give councils more flexibility about how they enforce council tax arrears collections .
There are more compassionate approaches that can work . ''
Paul , who asked that his surname was n't used , was a bartender in a Manchester nightclub until @ @ @ @ @ @ @ being able to pay for living expenses , he applied for universal credit .
But because he had to wait six weeks for the first payment to come through , he 's behind on his regular household bills .
`` I 'm behind on my council tax and rent .
It 's been helpful that bailiff charges have not been added on and that I do n't have to worry about them knocking on my door .
But I know it 's only temporary , '' he said .
`` The wait for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
If those payments had come sooner , I would n't be in the situation I 'm in now .
It would be great if the government could pay some of the relief directly to the landlords and councils , so that I can have more money to pay off this debt I 've accumulated .
`` I start teacher training later this year and that will involve moving home .
At the moment I do n't have the cash for a deposit , let alone rent .
I do n't know what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The government has said it expects councils to be sympathetic to those in genuine hardship and this should be taken into consideration before enforcement action is put in place .
A spokesperson for the Ministry of Housing , Communities and Local Government , said : `` Many councils have put in place alternative payment arrangements to help people who are struggling to pay , for example by deferring payments to later in the year .
Our £500m hardship fund builds on local support schemes by further reducing the council tax bills of some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to £150 . ''
For the likes of Penelope and Paul , however , this does not ease the stress .
All they can do is hope they do n't receive a knock on the door and they are able to repay what they owe .
`` I have relied on prayer a lot , '' says Penelope .
`` I just have to trust that I 'm going to be okay . ''

"The wait for furlough and universal credit was too long. If those payments had come sooner, I wouldn't be in the situation I'm in now. It would be great if the government could pay some of the relief directly to the landlords and councils, so that I can have more money to pay off this debt I've accumulated.


bbcuk--2020-07-13--'You can't close the Scottish border - we live on both sides'

People who live and work across the Scottish border say they are worried about talk of closing it to limit the spread of Covid-19 .
Many residents of Dumfries and Galloway and Cumbria live their lives on both sides of the border .
They shop over the border , see family on the other side and go to work in the opposite UK country .
The issue has emerged since Scotland 's infection and death rate began falling at a faster rate than in England .
• Can Scotland close the border with England ?
On Sunday , Nicola Sturgeon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that quarantine for visitors from elsewhere in the UK could not be ruled out .
She said the Scottish government had to make sure it was not seeing the virus come in from other parts of the UK .
But for Vicky Muirhead , nipping into England and back is a way of life .
Ms Muirhead from Gretna owns two branches of a children 's swimming franchise , Turtle Tots Dumfriesshire and Turtle Tots Cumbria .
At the moment she is preparing to reopen the same business but in two different locations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ She told the BBC : `` We closed on the second week of March and we are still no further forward on the Scottish side .
On the English side it is slightly more positive because there is a date on when pools and gyms can reopen .
So we are working towards that now .
`` The only difference normally is we run different term dates because of school holidays .
But with this there are just two completely separate guidelines .
You can do one thing one side of the border @ @ @ @ @ @ @ children do n't have to social distance , in England they still do but we have a date to reopen . ''
'You spend as much time either side of it' Ms Muirhead says it is something people living close to the border are concerned about .
She said : `` Even if you do n't own a business the chances are you work across the border or you cross the border to socialise , or do your shopping .
When you are rural and this close to the border you spend as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' She does not not think there is a practical way to stop people moving from England to Scotland and vice versa .
She said : `` How would that look ?
How do you police it ?
If it comes to a strict border control it brings up issues in everything we do .
The majority of people will cross the border to go shopping .
To do anything leisurely , you cross the border and go to the next town , the next city and that is Carlisle .
That 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I look at my social group of friends - of nine of us , seven work across the border , two are nurses , one is an NHS administrator , another is a social worker - what are the practicalities of frontline staff getting back and forward , the time and the money it would cost to police that ? ''
At Prime Minister 's Questions , Boris Johnson described the idea as `` astonishing and shameful '' .
However , Nicola Sturgeon insists it is not a political issue and believes the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ outbreak management in a way that `` mitigates against having to put any border restrictions in place '' .
She said : `` That 's not political .
It 's not constitutional .
It 's just taking a similar view to countries across the world in terms of protecting the population from the risk of the virus . ''
Mark Hodgson is a local community councillor in Langholm , which has many residents who work over the border .
He says the community is split .
`` Carlisle is only 20 miles away @ @ @ @ @ @ @ That 's where the economy is , '' he said .
`` But all our deliveries come in from England and there have been issues in local shops when delivery drivers refuse to wear masks .
It is split between those who have to move across the border economically and those worried about the virus coming in . ''
Mr Hodgson believes the idea of closing the border will disappear as long as there are no big outbreaks .
He said : `` I ca n't see a practical way to close the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and I ca n't see that happening unless there is a really big outbreak in which case we would go along with any necessary measures . ''
Graham Main is the festival director for The Big Burns Supper in Dumfries .
He is from the Scottish town , his family is there , but he lives in Carlisle with his husband .
He believes the first minister is trusted by both people in the south of Scotland and the north of England .
He describes the area as a `` delicate little ecosystem @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He ca n't see how a hard border could be implemented .
`` There is a suggestion Carlisle may be one of the places that requires a local lockdown but it ca n't be a national division .
Maybe the two regions just disconnect for a while and we use a different route , '' he said .
`` Dumfries and Galloway has done the local lockdown and I think we are more prepared for something like that . ''

She said: "How would that look? How do you police it? If it comes to a strict border control it brings up issues in everything we do. The majority of people will cross the border to go shopping. To do anything leisurely, you cross the border and go to the next town, the next city and that is Carlisle. That's where our amenities are.