bbcuk--2020-08-21--Brexit: Latest round of UK-EU talks come to an end

The UK and EU are to give updates on efforts to agree a post-Brexit deal following the latest round of talks .
While both sides have previously said a deal is possible , differences remain on issues including fishing rights and post-Brexit competition .
BBC Europe editor Katya Adler says a breakthrough is not expected this week .
The EU has said it would like to agree a deal by October so it can be approved by the European Parliament before the post-Brexit transition period expires .
The transition period ends on 31 December and , if a deal has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UK would have to trade with the EU on WTO ( World Trade Organization ) terms .
This means most UK goods would be subject to tariffs until a free trade deal was ready to be brought in .
The UK has said it will not extend talks if an agreement can not be reached by the December deadline .
• UK-EU trade deal some way off , both sides say • What are the sticking points in the trade talks ?
EU chief negotiator Michel Barnier met his UK counterpart David Frost @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the pair are expected to have breakfast on Friday morning .
The two sides discussed transport , police co-operation , fishing rights and rules on investment .
The Financial Times reported that Brussels had rejected UK demands to allow British truckers wide-ranging access to the EU .
During the last set of talks in July , Mr Barnier said a deal looked `` at this point unlikely '' because of the UK 's position on fishing rights and post-Brexit competition rules , known as `` level playing field '' provisions .
And Mr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in these areas , but added that the EU had shown a `` pragmatic approach '' over UK demands to limit the role of the European Court of Justice after the transition period ended .
He said he still believed a deal could still be reached in September , but the government must `` face the possibility '' one would not be struck .
Compromises on both sides are inevitable if a deal is to be struck , but do n't expect breakthroughs this week .
For now , much of Europe is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus crisis .
Boris Johnson is also busy dealing with the fallout from the exams U-turn .
The EU wants a deal , but the keenness for an agreement - even a thin one - does n't mean they will settle for a deal at any price .
France is jumpy that Michel Barnier may be so keen to be seen to get a deal done with UK this autumn that he `` could be tempted to give away too much '' .
Meanwhile , German Chancellor Angela Merkel repeats over and over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ anything it believes would damage its single market .
The EU believes Mr Johnson needs to show he can reach a deal , especially after controversy surrounding the government 's initial handling of Covid-19 .
But the politics of compromise should n't be underestimated .
Compromise can be found - but if it comes it is likely to be last-minute , around October time .
The EU thinks a deal is still more likely than no deal .
But only just .

In a statement released after the seventh round of talks, Mr Frost said the EU had made it "unnecessarily difficult" to make progress by insisting that differences over state aid and fisheries have to be resolved before "substantive work can be done in any other area of the negotiation, including on legal texts".


bbcuk--2020-08-20--Coronavirus antibodies tests 'put public at risk'

Poor regulation of antibodies tests - that could indicate if someone has had coronavirus - could be putting the public at risk , doctors have warned .
The Royal College of Pathologists has written to the health secretary , calling for rules to be tightened on kits sold direct to consumers .
The letter warns they can `` mislead the public and put individuals at risk '' .
No antibodies test has been officially approved for at-home use in the UK - but many different types are available .
It is still not known whether having antibodies will protect people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Immunity may be more widespread than tests suggest Coronavirus immunity : Can you catch it twice ?
The letter sent to Matt Hancock calls for urgent action .
The doctors say the tests should not be used without `` professional back-up '' , must `` give the right result '' and be `` properly readable '' .
A Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency official said it had `` worked collaboratively with cross-government agencies at pace to prevent non-compliant antibody test kits being placed into the UK market '' .
But Royal College @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` Currently , if you buy a test on the internet or you buy it in certain boutiques or shops , we ca n't guarantee that the quality of that is of an appropriate standard .
`` We ca n't guarantee that the result will be easy to interpret or that it will be not misleading . ''
An analysis of 41 antibodies tests sold to the public in the UK , seen by the BBC 's Newsnight programme before publication in the medical journal BMJ Open , found almost a third @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just 10 % had made documents available to support their claims , academics from the Universities of Birmingham and Warwick found .
What information has been released about how kits were assessed shows most were tested on small numbers of patients only - just a few dozen , all of whom had been admitted to hospital .
• TESTING : Who can get a test and how ?
• YOUR QUESTIONS : Our experts have answers • LOOK-UP TOOL : How many cases in your area ?
• THE R NUMBER : What @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the moment , antibodies tests are a class one medical device - meaning companies can self-certify their tests as effective and immediately start selling to consumers , without a rigorous independent testing process .
In contrast , HIV and pregnancy tests are listed on `` annex two '' of the European Director for Medical Devices - which means manufacturers have to provide information about the efficacy of their tests .
Lead researcher Jon Deeks , professor of biostatistics , at the University of Birmingham , said more studies were needed with much larger @ @ @ @ @ @ @ used by patients in practice .
`` These regulations are n't fit for purpose and do n't protect the public from bad tests , '' he said .
`` If you can get a CE mark [ indicating compliance with the relevant legislation ] for a bad test as there is no scrutiny on whether it works , it is just a marketing claim that is registered and we are left in a Wild West of antibody testing .
`` For drug licensing the onus is on the companies to go through clinical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ obligation to apply for testing devices like the Covid antibody tests as well .
`` In the long term , evaluations of tests should be added to the existing pre-registers for clinical trials .
`` This will stop manufacturers from cherry-picking only the most favourable results to report . ''
A Department of Health and Social Care official said : `` Antibody tests must meet the standards for clinical use .
`` And currently no antibody test has been approved for individuals for at-home use .
Across government , action is being taken @ @ @ @ @ @ @ There have been a number of arrests .
And over 47,000 tests have been seized . ''
You can see Newsnight 's report on this story on BBC iPlayer .
• SURVIVING THE VIRUS : 'Our medical science is struggling to catch-up '

But Royal College of Pathologists president Prof Jo Martin said: "Currently, if you buy a test on the internet or you buy it in certain boutiques or shops, we can't guarantee that the quality of that is of an appropriate standard.


bbcuk--2020-08-20--Lockerbie bombing: Megrahi family appeal bid back in court

An appeal against the Lockerbie bomber 's conviction will return to court later .
Abdelbaset al-Megrahi was found guilty in 2001 of the terrorist attack which killed 270 people - 11 of them in the ground in Lockerbie - in 1988 .
He is the only person ever convicted of the bombing .
His family have requested a posthumous appeal against the conviction .
Five judges will be asked to allow the appeal to be heard in his son 's name .
Friday 's proceedings will presided over by Scotland 's most senior judge , the Lord President - Lord @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Clerk - Lady Dorian - and Lord Menzies .
• The town scarred by Pan Am flight 103 They will begin another appeal process , after the Scottish Criminal Cases Review Commission said there may have been a miscarriage of justice .
The judges will be asked to order the release of prosecution documents which have been withheld because the UK government believes it would be against the public interest to publish them .
It will be many months before the full appeal begins .
How did we get here ?
US and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he was not handed over by the Libyans until April 1999 .
May 2000 - A special trial under Scots law starts on neutral ground at Camp Zeist in the Netherlands .
31 January 2001 - Former Libyan intelligence officer Megrahi is found guilty of mass murder and jailed for life with a minimum term of 27 years .
March 2002 - Megrahi loses an appeal against his conviction .
September 2003 - The Scottish Criminal Cases Review Commission ( SCCRC ) is asked to investigate Megrahi 's conviction .
June 2007 - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a second appeal against his conviction .
18 August 2009 - Megrahi 's move to drop his second appeal is accepted by judges at The High Court in Edinburgh .
20 August 2009 - Megrahi , who has terminal prostate cancer , is released from prison on compassionate grounds .
May 2012 - Megrahi dies at his home in Tripoli , aged 60 .
July 2015 - Scottish judges rule that relatives of the Lockerbie bombing victims should not be allowed to pursue an appeal on Megrahi 's behalf .
Courts had previously @ @ @ @ @ @ @ proceed with a posthumous application .
July 2017 - Megrahi 's family launched a new bid to appeal against his conviction .
March 2020 - The Scottish Criminal Case Review Commission said Megrahi 's conviction can be taken to a fresh appeal .
The appeal bid was lodged three years ago on behalf of his family and supported by relatives of some of those killed in the disaster .
The Scottish Criminal Case Review Commission ( SCCRC ) said it had considered six grounds of review and concluded that a miscarriage of justice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unreasonable verdict '' and `` non-disclosure '' .
It rejected the four other possible grounds of review .
It said that `` no reasonable trial court could have accepted that Megrahi was identified as the purchaser '' of items that were inside a bomb suitcase used in the attack .
It also found that the Crown should have disclosed to the defence a statement and a police report concerning possession of photographs of Megrahi by a Maltese shopkeeper whose evidence helped to convict the Libyan .
The commission has published further details of @ @ @ @ @ @

He added: "It was the dying wish of their father that justice would be done. What is disappointing is that the Libyan government had promised funding but we have worked unfunded for the last six and a half years."


bbcuk--2020-08-20--Coronavirus in Wales: Indoor care home visits allowed from 29 August

Indoor visits to care homes will be able to resume in Wales from 29 August , the first minister will announce later .
There will be `` strict '' rules for the visits which will be set out in guidance , Mark Drakeford will say .
The easing of the visiting restrictions is subject to coronavirus remaining under control .
Mr Drakeford will also confirm that up to four households will be able to join together in an `` exclusive extended arrangement '' from this weekend .
• No new coronavirus deaths for second day running • Portugal added to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Currently an extended household can only be made up of two households , but from Saturday that cap will double - a plan that was announced last week .
A meal following a wedding , civil partnership or funeral will also be allowed for up to 30 people indoors , if social distancing can be maintained , from 22 August .
At a lunchtime news conference the first minister will repeat his warning that , despite this latest easing of the coronavirus lockdown restrictions , now is not the time to move away @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` careful and cautious approach '' to the virus .
`` While coronavirus remains effectively suppressed in Wales and cases continue to fall , the situation in the rest of the UK and further afield is still problematic , '' he will say .
`` Coronavirus has not gone away and so , as we move out of lockdown and look to the future , it is important we do this in a careful and cautious way . ''
This will be a welcome and significant announcement for those desperate to meet up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
However , in comparison with previous lockdown reviews , this one is more limited .
That 's no surprise - the Welsh Government had warned us not to expect any big announcements today , beyond what it already said last week around changes to extended households and indoor wedding receptions .
That 's because it wants to use the bulk of the headroom it 's got this time to ensure children are able to go back to school as planned at the beginning of September .

"But the way we've tried to do things in Wales, step-by-step, trying not to do too many things at once, trying to make sure that you can have a sense of cause and effect in what you are doing, being willing to do it in a cautious, controlled way."


bbcuk--2020-08-20--Singing 'no riskier than talking' for virus spread

Singing does not produce substantially more respiratory particles than speaking at a similar volume , a study suggests .
But it all depends on how loud a person is , according to the initial findings which are yet to be peer reviewed .
The project , called Perform , looked at the amount of aerosols and droplets generated by performers .
The findings could have implications for live indoor performances , which resumed in England this week .
They are currently only allowed to take place under strict social distancing guidelines .
Aerosols are tiny particles which are exhaled from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
There is emerging evidence that coronavirus can be spread through these particles , as well in droplets which fall onto surfaces and are then touched .
Twenty-five professional performers of different genders , ethnicities , ages and backgrounds - musical theatre , opera , gospel , jazz and pop - took part in the study that was led by scientists at the University of Bristol .
Is it safe to sing yet ?
How a church sings when the choir ca n't meet The strange case of the choir that coughed in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ exercises , which included singing and speaking Happy Birthday at different pitches and volumes , in an operating theatre where there were no other aerosols present .
This allowed researchers to analyse the aerosols produced by specific sounds .
They found that the volume of the voice had the largest impact on the amount of aerosol produced .
For example , there was some difference - albeit not very substantial - between speaking and singing at a similar level .
Whereas singing or shouting at the loudest level could generate 30 times more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ effect on how aerosol builds up .
The larger the venue and the more ventilation there is could affect how concentrated the volumes are .
Jonathan Reid , professor of physical chemistry at the University of Bristol , is one of the authors of the paper , which was supported by Public Health England .
He said : `` Our research has provided a rigorous scientific basis for Covid-19 recommendations for arts venues to operate safely , for both the performers and audience , by ensuring that spaces are appropriately ventilated to reduce @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said : `` I know singing is an important passion and pastime for many people , who I 'm sure will join me in welcoming the findings of this important study .
`` We have worked closely with medical experts throughout this crisis to develop our understanding of Covid-19 , and we have now updated our guidance in light of these findings so people can get back to performing together safely . ''
Dr Rupert Beale of the Francis Crick Institute , said : `` This important research suggests @ @ @ @ @ @ @ transmission due to singing .
Loud speech and singing both carry excess risk however .
This research supports the possibility of safe performance as long as there 's appropriate social distancing and ventilation . ''
Dr Julian Tang , honorary associate professor in respiratory sciences at the University of Leicester , said : `` The risk is amplified when a group of singers are singing together , eg singing to an audience , whether in churches or concert halls or theatres .
It is a nice study but not exactly representative of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ needs further study to truly assess the risk of such large volume synchronised singing vocalisations/exhalations .
`` The risks should not be overly underestimated or played down because of this - we do n't want choir members getting infected and potentially dying from Covid-19 whilst doing what they love . ''
• SURVIVING THE VIRUS : 'Our medical science is struggling to catch-up '

Dr Julian Tang, honorary associate professor in respiratory sciences at the University of Leicester, said: "The risk is amplified when a group of singers are singing together, eg singing to an audience, whether in churches or concert halls or theatres. It is a nice study but not exactly representative of the real whole choir dynamic, which really needs further study to truly assess the risk of such large volume synchronised singing vocalisations/exhalations.


bbcuk--2020-08-20--Portmeirion: Cars crushed by trees at holiday resort

Several cars have been damaged by fallen trees at a holiday resort in north Wales .
Visitors to Portmeirion , in Gwynedd , said strong winds felled two trees overnight , which caused damage to at least eight cars on Wednesday night .
One man , whose car was not damaged , said the tree fell `` three or four feet '' from the roof of his accommodation and described the scene as `` chaos '' .
BBC Wales has approached the Portmeirion resort for comment .
Caroline Keenan , from Nantwich in Cheshire , who is on holiday in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ children , said her Audi was damaged by one of the trees .
She said : `` I heard the storm in the night .
They called me from reception to say that large trees had come down in the night and said there were eight cars damaged .
`` We 're due to go home tomorrow morning .
We 've been trying to sort something to get a hire car and sort the insurance .
`` I thought it was a thunderstorm because I heard a cracking and big rumbles .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was probably about 30m away . ''
Meanwhile , Rob Fennah , from the Wirral peninsula , said conditions had been `` calm and still '' in the village late on Wednesday evening , before the wind started to pick up in the night .
`` When we were settling down for the evening and we noticed the wind had picked up and , over the course of a couple of hours , we heard car alarms going off and occasionally we heard a few bumps and bangs and stuff .
I 'm @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a crash , '' he said .
`` This morning when we got up it was chaos really , this row of cars was completely and utterly taken out .
One of the cars was almost flattened .
`` It 's just amazing , if it had happened any other time of day , if it had happened during the day , God knows what could 've happened . ''
He said the tree had a near miss with his accommodation .
`` It was just quite scary .
The tree came down @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the roof of the building we were in .
It fell about three or four feet away from the roof of the building , '' he said .
`` It was a huge tree - would 've thought it would 've made the ground shake . ''
Meanwhile , the high winds have prompted a warning for people not take risks on or near the sea in Pembrokeshire .
Campsites in the county say many of those staying in tents have left early , cutting their holidays short .
Meanwhile lifeboat crews are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ waves offshore .
Sian Richardson from Pencarnan Farm Caravan Park said : `` We did lose a lot tents last night ... [ a lot of people ] looked at the forecast and they just left .
`` Those who survived the night have all got very interesting stories to tell but we 've had an awful lot of cancellations over the last couple of days - people not wanting to even risk being here . ''
RNLI crews have also warned people not to use inflatables on the sea and to go @ @ @ @ @ @ @ flood warnings have been issued across south west wales with winds of up to 70mph expected on Thursday night - as storm Ellen continues across Wales .

"It was just quite scary. The tree came down and some of the twigs were on the roof of the building we were in. It fell about three or four feet away from the roof of the building," he said.


bbcuk--2020-08-20--Coronavirus: PSNI to focus enforcement 'in hotspot areas'

The PSNI will focus enforcement action in so-called `` hotspot areas '' to curb the spread of coronavirus , Robin Swann has said .
Stormont 's health minister made the announcement as he outlined new restrictions in response to a rise in cases .
From next week , indoor gatherings will drop from 10 to six people and outdoor meetings from 30 to 15 .
Fifty-one new cases were reported on Thursday , with NI 's total now at 6,556 .
No further deaths have been recorded by the department , meaning its death toll remains at 559 .
Meanwhile @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Respiratory Emergency Department ( ED ) at Craigavon Area Hospital have tested positive for Covid-19 .
According to the Southern Health Trust , as a precaution , any other members of staff who have been in close contact with the confirmed cases are being tested and are currently at home isolating .
`` At this stage , it is understood that the infection may have transferred in a social setting not within the ED , '' a spokesperson said .
They added that the public is not thought to be at risk as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The ED remains open .
The executive met on Thursday to review the coronavirus regulations and Mr Swann had warned that in response to a ten-fold rise in cases since the beginning of July , restrictions would need to be re-imposed .
He announced that while the PSNI has been using enforcement as a last resort , certain council areas that have been experiencing a rise in cases need more attention .
`` I believe it is particularly important in those districts which have seen sharp spikes in Covid-19 prevalence , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He cited Mid and East Antrim , which has seen cases rise in part due to a cluster of at least 35 cases in a meat plant in Cullybackey .
PSNI Ass Ch Con Alan Todd said the approach of police to date during the pandemic was `` engage , explain , encourage and enforcement with any emphasises on enforcement being fully considered with all our partners '' .
He added : `` With the changing picture in relation to Covid-19 we will continue to work closely with the Department of Health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ most effective policing approach to keep people safe including enhanced resources in those areas identified as a priority . ''
Chief Medical Officer Dr Michael McBride said there needed to be `` right-touch , not light-touch '' enforcement .
`` People want to do the right thing but sometimes we all need to be reminded about that , '' he said .
Dr McBride also said the seven-day rolling average of Covid-19 cases in Northern Ireland is now at `` 40 per day '' , which is a ten-fold increase from the end @ @ @ @ @ @ @ briefing , Mr Swann also announced new restrictions on the numbers of people allowed to meet together in Northern Ireland .
Indoor gatherings in private houses will be reduced from 10 people from four different households to six people from two different households , and outdoor gatherings , including in a private garden , from 30 to 15 people .
The measure will come into force sometime next week .
The Executive Office said the limits on people meeting outdoors would not apply to certain events .
Weddings , church services - including @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can take place with more than 15 people present , where a risk assessment has been carried out and hygiene measures are in place .
Research by health officials suggested that the rise in community transmission was mainly from `` households and house parties '' , said the minister , which he said had also been replicated in parts of England and the Republic of Ireland .
Mr Swann also said the R-number in Northern Ireland is likely to be estimated at 1.3 at present .
This is slightly down from last week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be between 1.2 and 2.0 .
R represents the number of individuals who , on average , will be infected by a single person with coronavirus .
Dr McBride said the executive was also unable to make any more easements at this time , regarding the remaining coronavirus restrictions .
The health minister did not announce details of localised lockdowns in any part of Northern Ireland .
Earlier , the Public Health Agency ( PHA ) said local lockdowns were `` inevitable '' if efforts were not taken to halt the virus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had been spreading much quicker than the PHA expected after restrictions were eased earlier in the summer .
He said : `` If things continue as they are going , I think it 's [ local lockdown ] practically inevitable , but hopefully people will take heed of the issue . ''
• Q & A : What has and has not changed in NI lockdown ?
Northern Ireland 's rate currently shows 24 cases per 100,000 over the past 14 days , evidence that points to the virus spreading again , health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Ireland , lockdown measures which had previously been lifted have been reversed - with restrictions placed on the numbers allowed to gather in indoor and outdoor spaces .
Indoor gatherings - excluding shops , restaurants and other businesses - are to be restricted to six people .
Those aged over 70 are again being asked to stay at home as much as possible , and it is recommended that people work from home and avoid public transport .
On Thursday , the Republic of Ireland 's Department of Health recorded one additional @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 136 additional cases .
There have now been 1,776 Covid-19 related deaths in the country and 27,676 confirmed cases .
The R rate in the Republic of Ireland is believed to currently be at or above 1.2 .
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : How do I protect myself ?
• IMPACT : What the virus does to the body • ENDGAME : How do we get out of this mess ?
• WITHOUT SYMPTOMS : The mystery of 'silent spreaders '

He added: "With the changing picture in relation to Covid-19 we will continue to work closely with the Department of Health and other partner agencies to inform the most effective policing approach to keep people safe including enhanced resources in those areas identified as a priority."


bbcuk--2020-08-20--Coronavirus in Scotland: New police powers to break up house parties

Police in Scotland will be given powers to break up and disperse house parties , First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has announced .
The move comes amid concerns about links between large indoor gatherings and the spread of Covid-19 cases .
Ms Sturgeon said large house parties posed `` a real and significant risk of causing clusters and outbreaks '' .
She said the new powers would be used as a `` last resort '' where there was a `` flagrant '' breach of the rules .
The new regulations are expected come into force on Friday 28 August .
Councils @ @ @ @ @ @ @ close down pubs and cafes that do not comply with Covid-19 regulations .
`` We believe that both of these new powers are necessary to continue to suppress the virus , '' said Ms Sturgeon .
• Gyms and pools to reopen on 31 August • Which rules will change next - and when ?
In recent days clusters of cases in Glasgow and Lanarkshire , involving a number of school pupils , have been linked to house parties .
The first minister told the Scottish Parliament that these gatherings posed a `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ If the virus is present at an event like that there is very high likelihood that people at the event get the virus , '' she said .
`` That is why we advise strict limits on indoor gatherings . ''
No more than eight people from a maximum of three different households should be meeting together indoors - either in homes , or in pubs and restaurants .
Ms Sturgeon said the government had considered carefully which further steps could be taken to minimise the risk of transmission at indoor gatherings .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ reintroduction of lockdown rules in Aberdeen two weeks ago was linked to bars and nightlife in the city .
Ms Sturgeon said not all hospitality businesses had implemented the guidance effectively .
`` We intend to give local authorities the power to act in respect of individual , specific premises that are breaching guidelines and risking transmission of the virus , '' she said .
`` This power would enable local authorities either to close such premises - or to impose conditions on their opening - where they deem that is necessary for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , or controlling the spread of infection . ''
Ms Sturgeon also announced on Thursday that gyms , swimming pools and indoor sports courts will be able to reopen from 31 August - two weeks earlier than previously indicated .
• SYMPTOMS : What are they and how to guard against them ?
• 40,000 DEATHS : Could they have been prevented ?
• FACE MASKS : When should you wear one ?
• TESTING : Who can get a test and how ?

"This power would enable local authorities either to close such premises - or to impose conditions on their opening - where they deem that is necessary for the purpose of preventing, protecting against, or controlling the spread of infection."


bbcuk--2020-08-20--GCSE results: 'A weight has been lifted'

It has been a GCSE results day like no other for pupils this year .
Grades have risen dramatically in England after exams were cancelled and a government U-turn meant results could be based on teachers ' estimates rather than an algorithm .
Following the uncertainty of recent weeks , many students were relieved upon receiving their results .
`` I was so nervous this morning , but I just feel like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders , '' says Tanisha Sethi , 16 , from west London .
With mostly 7s and 8s - equivalent to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ system in England - she has the results she needs to go to sixth form , and hopes to go to university in the future .
But she thinks she could have performed better in some subjects if she had sat exams , and was disappointed when they were cancelled .
• Pupils get GCSEs as BTec results are pulled • What 's different with this year 's GCSEs • U-turn on A-levels and GCSEs as teacher grades used '' I really wanted to prove myself and I was gutted that I did @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the effort I had put in '' she says .
`` I 'm not going to have the practice and the knowledge and the exam technique that I would have gained from sitting GCSEs , and it will be a lot harder to make a start on A-levels . ''
Jack Connor , 16 , from Kent , was also feeling apprehensive after the confusion over A-level results last week .
`` There was a lot of uncertainty and people were very stressed out because we had not control over it , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ U-turn the government made I did n't know what to expect . ''
But after receiving a mixture of 7s , 6s , and 5s - equivalent to As and Bs under the old system - he says he is `` really pleased '' .
Results day was a very different experience this year .
Jack received his results online rather than going into school .
`` I wanted the experience of waiting outside school and getting my grades with my teachers around me , '' he says .
`` Obviously we missed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on lots of things - exams , prom . ''
For Lucia Davis , it was also a day of mixed emotions .
She is from Dinas Powys in Wales , which kept its letter-based grading structure .
She says the last few months have been difficult as pupils were `` in the dark for a long time '' about what would happen with their grades .
`` With exams being cancelled it put all of us in a really bad mindset because our results were out of our hands , '' she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her GCSE results , receiving mostly A*s and As .
But she is still waiting for her BTec result .
BTec grades were pulled on the eve of results day , after exam board Pearson said they needed to be reviewed to ensure fairness following the U-turn on A-levels and GCSEs .
`` It 's a bit nerve-wracking , '' says Lucia .
`` It added extra stress to everything that 's already gone on . ''

With mostly 7s and 8s - equivalent to As to A*s under the old grading system in England - she has the results she needs to go to sixth form, and hopes to go to university in the future.


bbcuk--2020-08-20--GCSE results day: Students react to grades

GCSE passes for England 's pupils , in the most disrupted academic year in UK history , have risen dramatically @ @ @ @ @ in Bexleyheath gave us their reaction to their results .
Read more : GCSE results @ @ @ @ @ '

GCSE passes for England's pupils, in the most disrupted academic year in UK history, have risen dramatically.
Students at a school in Bexleyheath gave us their reaction to their results.
Read more: GCSE results spike for 'class of Covid'


bbcuk--2020-08-20--BTec results U-turn: Students feeling 'nervous' and 'anxious'

Students at a school in Bexleyheath , London , have been describing how they feel about the delay in getting @ @ @ @ @ are being re-graded .
Pupils in England , Wales and Northern Ireland will get GCSE @ @ @ @ @ , after a flawed algorithm was scrapped in a series of U-turns .

Students at a school in Bexleyheath, London, have been describing how they feel about the delay in getting their BTec results because they are being re-graded.
Pupils in England, Wales and Northern Ireland will get GCSE grades given by their schools, after a flawed algorithm was scrapped in a series of U-turns.
Read more: Fresh exam results chaos as BTec grades pulled


bbcuk--2020-08-20--Manchester Arena attack: Victim's family welcomes Hashem Abedi sentence

The brother of the Manchester Arena bomber has been jailed for at least 55 years for the murders of 22 @ @ @ @ @ his brother Salman to plan the atrocity that killed 22 men , women and children @ @ @ @ @ 22 May 2017 .
Figen and Stuart Murray , the mother and stepfather of Martyn @ @ @ @ @ who died in the attack , welcomed the sentence .

The brother of the Manchester Arena bomber has been jailed for at least 55 years for the murders of 22 people.
Hashem Abedi helped his brother Salman to plan the atrocity that killed 22 men, women and children and injured hundreds more on 22 May 2017.
Figen and Stuart Murray, the mother and stepfather of Martyn Hett, one of those who died in the attack, welcomed the sentence.
Read more: Manchester bomber's brother jailed for 55 years


bbcuk--2020-08-20--Coronavirus: The back garden beauty salon built during lockdown

Amy Harris feared coronavirus would have an impact on her budding career as a beautician when she qualified this summer @ @ @ @ @ and salons tentatively reopening with strict Covid-19 guidelines , Amy 's dad Andy decided to @ @ @ @ @ .
The 18-year-old 's new beauty salon has been created in the family 's back @ @ @ @ @ .

Amy Harris feared coronavirus would have an impact on her budding career as a beautician when she qualified this summer.
With fewer jobs, and salons tentatively reopening with strict Covid-19 guidelines, Amy's dad Andy decided to literally build her a business.
The 18-year-old's new beauty salon has been created in the family's back garden in Caerwent, Monmouthshire.


bbcuk--2020-08-20--Newspaper headlines: Record GCSE results and 55 years for Manchester bomb plotter

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The Daily Telegraph reports that an investigation for the government's Sage committee has found that hospital admissions for coronavirus were "over-reported" at the peak of the pandemic. It says patients were counted as Covid-19 admissions if they had ever had the disease - even if they went to hospital for other reasons.


bbcuk--2020-08-20--Anmol Chana murdered mother and stepfather in Oldbury

A knife-obsessed man who went to the pub after `` ferociously '' stabbing his mum and stepfather to death has been found guilty of murder .
Anmol Chana , 26 , killed Jasbir Kaur , 52 , and husband Rupinder Bassan , 51 , in the `` horrendous attack '' at their home in Oldbury , West Midlands , in February .
Jurors at Birmingham Crown Court heard both victims suffered more than 20 injuries .
Chana , of Hamilton Road , Smethwick , is due to be sentenced on Friday .
During his trial , the court heard how @ @ @ @ @ @ @ car from the couple after he murdered them , before contacting an escort and calmly playing pool in a pub .
Det Insp Hannah Whitehouse , from West Midlands Police , said it was a `` horrendous attack '' .
`` I think it is quite chilling that having murdered these two people in cold blood he then stole money from them , took their car and stole that as well and then used that money to try to buy a plane ticket and leave the country , '' she said .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ drink in a pub and made phone calls to escorts as well , and that just really compounds the violence of the crime by virtue of its lack of remorse . ''
• Latest news and updates from the West Midlands The court heard Chana had previously made threats against his mother and sister and had a `` fascination with knives '' dating back to when he was 16 .
`` The violence that has been used in committing these murders was really , really horrific , the scene was horrific , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pieced together his actions ... just reinforces the cold-blooded nature of what he did . ''
Mrs Kaur was described as the `` toughest ... most loving '' person , by the couple 's daughter who said they were `` a perfect match '' .
`` I am sad that their lives were ended so quickly without a second thought by a person whom they both loved dearly , '' she said .
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"I think it is quite chilling that having murdered these two people in cold blood he then stole money from them, took their car and stole that as well and then used that money to try to buy a plane ticket and leave the country," she said.


bbcuk--2020-08-20--Douglas Ross: Scottish Conservative leader vows to 'stand up' to PM

The new Scottish Conservative leader has insisted he will not be afraid to criticise Boris Johnson if he believes the prime minister is not acting in Scotland 's best interests .
Douglas Ross quit as a Scotland Office minister in May over Dominic Cummings ' trip to County Durham during lockdown .
Mr Ross said he did not believe his resignation would damage his relationship with Downing Street .
But he said the Scottish Tories were `` distinct '' from the UK party .
And he added : `` If the prime minister has got it wrong , I will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ speaking to BBC Scotland in the second of a series of wide-ranging interviews with Scottish party leaders .
The SNP have accused the Moray MP of being `` Boris Johnson 's man in Scotland '' since he was appointed party leader earlier this month following the sudden resignation of Jackson Carlaw .
Mr Ross said the prime minister had phoned to congratulate him on winning the leadership `` within minutes '' .
But he said that his position as Scottish Conservative leader did not mean he had a duty to defend the UK @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who backed Boris Johnson 's campaign to succeed Theresa May as prime minister , said : `` I will back the prime minister where I think it is right for Scotland .
`` But if I think he has got something wrong , or where I think the government has got something wrong , I 'll stand up and say that .
`` I 've shown people across Scotland that if I think the prime minister has got it wrong , I 'll tell him '' .
Mr Ross would not be drawn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a help or a hindrance to his party in Scotland , because `` Mr Johnson is not standing for election to the Scottish Parliament next year '' .
He added : `` The Scottish Conservatives are a distinct party from the UK party .
`` We have different policies , we had different policies at the last election and we will have a range of policies going forward .
`` But I am the leader of the Scottish Conservatives and I 'm the one that 's taking the fight to the SNP day @ @ @ @ @ @ @ continue to do that for the next nine months until the election in May next year . ''
Mr Ross said he believed there had been `` presentational issues '' over the UK government 's response to the coronavirus pandemic .
He added : `` No one can deny that Nicola Sturgeon presents her case very well .
`` But actually people who think Scotland has had a totally different approach to dealing with this pandemic - that is not the case .
`` It has been very similar across the four nations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ together in the four nations , the medical advisors and the advice to all governments has been the same and the decisions taken have been very similar '' .
Mr Ross said his aspiration is to `` take our party forward with a positive vision for the country and to lead Scotland as first minister '' .
He said would be launching a listening exercise to ensure that the party 's manifesto for next May 's Scottish Parliament election would be `` reflective of Scotland as a whole '' .
This process would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ naturally associate themselves with having conversations with the Scottish Conservatives '' .
He added : `` Far too often , the SNP speaks to Scotland and tells people in Scotland what they should think , rather than listening to what people do think . ''
His predecessor , Jackson Carlaw , had already commissioned a full review of the party 's policies - but Mr Ross said he currently had an `` open book '' when it came to policy .
Mr Ross said he was not surprised at Nicola Sturgeon 's confirmation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the SNP 's election manifesto as the party 's raison d'etre is to `` separate Scotland from the rest of the UK '' .
He said : `` Putting that front and foremost on her manifesto again shows her priorities are for the separatists rather than securing a positive future for Scotland '' .
Mr Ross said the election campaign should instead be about how best to improve education , health and the economy rather than on `` opening up the division of the past '' .
He agreed that opinion polls @ @ @ @ @ @ @ independence , but said the SNP had still not answered any of the big economic questions that caused it to lose the referendum in 2014 .
And he claimed that it suited the SNP on focus on constitutional arguments because it focused attention away from the party 's `` failures '' in government .
He also said he would not speculate on the hypothetical question of what would happen if there was another pro-independence majority in the Scottish Parliament after the election .
There has been speculation that Mr Carlaw was effectively forced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mr Ross - with former party leader Ruth Davidson being spotted visiting Mr Ross 's home days before Mr Carlaw quit .
But Mr Ross again insisted that he had not known in advance that Mr Carlaw was going to step down , and that Ms Davidson had visited him in a `` personal capacity '' rather than to discuss the leadership .
He added : `` It would have been very easy for Jackson just to keep on going , but he thought the party needed a change .
`` When that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had to act quickly because we were nine months out from an important election here in Scotland and the main opposition party suddenly did n't have a leader '' .
Mr Ross apologised at the weekend for missing a VJ Day event in his constituency to officiate at a Scottish Premiership football match .
He said he had been `` totally wrong '' to do so and had `` beaten myself up for days '' afterwards , adding that he would `` potentially have to give up refereeing '' after the Scottish Parliament @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It is something I 've done for 20 years , I 'm one of only ten international assistant referees in Scotland and I 've put in a lot of work to get to that level .
`` But I understand the criticisms people have of me for doing it . ''

"It has been very similar across the four nations. The chief scientific officers have worked together in the four nations, the medical advisors and the advice to all governments has been the same and the decisions taken have been very similar".


bbcuk--2020-08-20--Coronavirus: Leisure centres 'could close' without funding

Some public pools and sports centres could be at risk of closing without more government money , according to a group representing leisure trusts .
Community Leisure UK said 15 cultural and leisure facilities were at risk .
Leisure trusts - usually not-for-profit bodies - run services in 11 out of Wales ' 22 council areas .
The Welsh Government said it had given extra money but the Welsh Local Government Association said long-term funding was needed .
Not-for-profit Better Cardiff has recently reopened six of its eight leisure centres .
Head of service Rhys Jones , said he hoped @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but there were no guarantees after the trust lost a quarter of its members during lockdown .
`` When the government instructed us to close on 20 March we lost all our income overnight , so more than £2.5m of income , '' he said .
He urged the Welsh Government to provide financial support for the sector , adding any inaction was `` threatening people 's health and physical and mental well-being '' .
`` We are part of the answer to this virus , this is a public health crisis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your immune system and is a good defence against the virus , '' he said .
Mr Jones added he recognised the need to be safe but the policy of only allowing 30 people in one room regardless of its size was `` holding things back a little bit '' .
Community Leisure UK said its latest research showed 44 % of trusts in Wales would be `` non-viable or insecure '' by the end of this financial year with `` 15 facilities across leisure and culture are at risk of permanent closure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a `` critical need for ring-fenced government financial support '' and it had been difficult for trusts to access other UK government help such as loan schemes or grant funding .
'We ca n't all afford expensive gyms' Alyson Smith , from Cardiff , described her local leisure centre as `` her rock '' in the last two years after her partner died suddenly .
The fitness enthusiast said she was worried about funding and wants to see investment in a healthy population .
She helped to create a `` Stay Strong '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Llanrumney .
The course offers fitness classes and workshops or relaxation techniques to help people deal with issues like anxiety .
With the programme paused under lockdown , she said the last few months had been `` awful '' .
`` I became quite depressed towards the end of lockdown because at one point I had not seen another human being for three months '' .
`` We ca n't all afford to go to expensive gyms or spend thousands of pounds on home exercise equipment .
`` This offers something at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ priced and it 's a fantastic resource , '' she added .
Huw Thomas , Welsh Local Government Association spokesman for tourism and leisure , said long-term funding was needed .
Leisure centres , whether run by councils or trusts , had taken a financial hit during the pandemic , and `` as they start to reopen you know they 're not going to be able to reopen to the same level of numbers as existed previously '' , he said .
A Welsh Government spokesman said it provided support to the sector @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sport Wales .
He said it had recently announced a further £260m for councils , `` bringing the total amount of support to half a billion pounds '' , to help with additional pandemic costs , which could be used to support leisure facilities .

Leisure centres, whether run by councils or trusts, had taken a financial hit during the pandemic, and "as they start to reopen you know they're not going to be able to reopen to the same level of numbers as existed previously", he said.


bbcuk--2020-08-20--Netherton United footballer turns sleuth to track wallet thief

A footballer turned sleuth midway through a haircut to hunt down the thief that stole his wallet .
Kenny Wheatland used notifications on his phone to track where his card was being used after his car was broken into in Peterborough on 12 August .
The Netherton United centre-back eventually found the thief and chased him while in flip-flops , pinning him down until police arrived .
The 26-year-old said his team-mates `` want to see Crimewatch re-enactments '' .
As first reported in the Peterborough Telegraph , Mr Wheatland said when the notification about card usage arrived , `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can catch him because I know exactly where he is and what he 's spending ' . ''
He said he went to a shop and asked for a description of the offender who was `` wearing a chequered shirt '' .
Mr Wheatland soon received further notifications about his card being used in Lincoln Road .
He said as he walked out of one shop `` the guy in the chequered shirt came walking towards me '' with another person and `` they had a ton of bags '' .
`` I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had my wallet .
The looks on their faces they were like deer in a headlights , they did not have a clue how I found them at all , '' he said .
The non-league footballer said he initially ran after the friend who `` acted as a distraction '' while the other man ran away .
He gave chase and eventually caught up with him , `` knocked him over , and all my cards just fell out of his pockets '' .
He added : `` I pinned him down @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He was a bit angry he got caught so he started threatening me and then , as I held him longer , he realised he was n't getting away so he got more apologetic . ''
Mr Wheatland said that once police arrived one officer said `` that I should go and get my hair finished '' .
Cambridgeshire Police later charged a man with theft from a motor vehicle and fraud by false representation .
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He added: "I pinned him down and waited for the police to come. He was a bit angry he got caught so he started threatening me and then, as I held him longer, he realised he wasn't getting away so he got more apologetic."


bbcuk--2020-08-21--Coronavirus: UK tourists face new quarantine deadline race

British holidaymakers who wish to avoid 14 days ' quarantine face a race to get back to the UK before new coronavirus travel rules kick in .
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said on Thursday that those arriving in the UK from Croatia , Austria and Trinidad and Tobago will need to self-isolate .
There are currently 17,000 British tourists in Croatia , according to the country 's national tourist board .
The changes apply to anyone arriving after 04:00 BST on Saturday .
But UK tourists returning from Portugal will no longer need to self-isolate after the country was added @ @ @ @ @ @ @ corridors .
The Portuguese government welcomed the changes and said the move `` allowed for an understanding that the situation in the country has always been under control '' .
Meanwhile , the Scottish government has added Switzerland to its list of countries requiring quarantine .
• What are the UK 's travel rules ?
• Where can I go on holiday without having to quarantine ?
• Who decides which countries I can safely visit ?
Speaking about the latest additions to the quarantine list , Mr Shapps said : `` I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of this , but it is just a fact of this summer . ''
Mr Shapps said testing for coronavirus at airports to help reduce quarantine time was `` something we 're really interested in '' and was `` under active review '' .
But he told Radio 4 's Today programme : `` I do n't want to offer false hope by saying 'it 's just as simple as a test at the airport ' ... because it wo n't tell you what you need to know . ''
Airport tests on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ very small proportion '' of people who had the virus without symptoms , he said , and a follow-up test would be needed around a week later .
In the meantime , people would still have to quarantine .
There were also issues around ensuring the second test was actually taken by the quarantining person , Mr Shapps said .
The latest updates to the quarantine list come after thousands of British holidaymakers made a last-minute dash to get home from France last weekend , before the measures came into force .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rise in the number of new virus cases , with more than 4,700 reported on Thursday - the highest level in three months .
Over a two-week period , the UK recorded 20.9 coronavirus cases per 100,000 people , according to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control .
In comparison , Croatia had 41.7 cases per 100,000 , Austria had 30.8 and Portugal 27.8 .
BBC News Europe correspondent Gavin Lee said British tourists are mainly staying in the coastal regions in the south of Croatia near Split and Dubrovnik , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ around Istria .
Igor Pokaz , the Croatian ambassador to the UK , told the Today programme he has urged the UK government to take a `` more nuanced approach '' to travel quarantines .
He said the virus spikes in Croatia were concentrated in certain regions such as the capital Zagreb , but there were `` very , very few cases '' in other destinations popular with holidaying Britons , such as Dubrovnik and its nearby islands .
Mr Shapps said `` there is a case for regionalisation '' and the government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ effectively , including by having different rules for a country 's islands .
But the transport secretary said there were concerns about how detailed the regional data was on other countries ' individual islands .
He also said a regional approach would be harder to implement on the mainland where people could potentially travel between areas with differing quarantine rules .
The consumer group Which ?
said the change in rules for Portugal was `` likely to come too late to help many struggling holiday companies '' and called for support for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rory Boland said the changes to the travel corridor list made it `` too risky '' for those who are unable to quarantine to travel .
He added that holidaymakers who want to follow government advice and avoid non-essential travel to specified countries are finding it `` increasingly difficult to claim a refund '' .
`` Many airlines continue to operate flights and refuse customers the option of a refund , then charge eye-watering fees to those who try to rebook , '' he said .
• Will I get my money back @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
The Tucker family , from Cambridge , were at a waterfront café on the Croatian island of Solta , off the coast of Split , when they heard they would have to quarantine on their return to the UK .
`` We already cancelled a holiday in Barcelona because of quarantine rules , '' said mum Luzita , 50 , a childminder .
`` We 've always wanted to come to Croatia so we looked at the infection rates and they seemed very low . ''
She said it was good the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there were other options .
`` Why not [ carry out ] virus testing at the airport when we arrive back in the UK ?
And surely using public transport to get home could be a risk . ''
Diane Barwick was in the Croatian town of Zadar visiting her daughter - having cancelled a planned trip to France when that country was removed from the exemption list .
She told BBC News : `` My daughter should have been married here in May .
I 've not seen her for nearly a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this year . ''
Unlike many other British visitors to Croatia , she had responded to rumours that the country was set to be removed from the exemption list by booking an alternative early flight home .
That means she should be able to get home before the deadline and back to her job in retail .
The Department of Transport has advised people in Croatia , Trinidad and Tobago and Austria to follow local rules and check the Foreign Office website for further information .
In a statement , it urged employers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from these destinations who now will need to self-isolate '' .
But children currently on holiday in those three countries will now miss the start of the new school term in England , Wales and Northern Ireland - unless their parents can get them home before 04:00 BST on Saturday .
People who do not self-isolate when required can be fined up to £1,000 in England , Wales , and Northern Ireland .
In Scotland the fine is £480 , and up to £5,000 for persistent offenders .
BBC Balkans correspondent Guy De @ @ @ @ @ @ @ direct flights from Croatia were due to reach the UK before the deadline of 04:00 BST on Saturday .
The UK introduced the compulsory 14-day quarantine for arrivals from overseas in early June .
But the following month , the four UK nations unveiled lists of `` travel corridors '' , detailing countries that were exempt from the rule .
Since then it has periodically updated that list , adding and removing countries based on their coronavirus infection rates and how they compare with the UK 's .
The UK provides the largest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with more than two million tourists visiting every year .
Travel expert Simon Calder tweeted that the cost of flights from Manchester to Faro on Saturday morning had risen from £50 to £98 in 30 minutes .
According to the Department for Transport , weekly coronavirus cases are on the rise in Croatia , Austria , Trinidad and Tobago as follows : Have you been affected by the new quarantine measures ?
Share your experiences by emailing haveyoursay @ bbc.co.uk .
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bbcuk--2020-08-21--PC Andrew Harper: Killers' sentences to be reviewed

The killers of PC Andrew Harper have had their sentences referred to the Court of Appeal after the Attorney General considered them to be `` unduly lenient '' .
Suella Braverman QC said attacks against emergency workers should be `` punished with the greatest severity '' .
PC Harper , 28 , suffered catastrophic injuries when he was dragged behind a getaway car in Berkshire last August .
Henry Long , Albert Bowers and Jessie Cole were convicted of manslaughter .
The driver , Long , 19 , was jailed for 16 years while his passengers Bowers and Cole , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ years each .
The three teenagers were all cleared of murder charges following a trial at the Old Bailey in London .
The referral by the Attorney General comes after PC Harper 's widow Lissie and his mother Deborah Adlam launched campaigns calling for tougher sentences for killers of emergency service workers .
Reacting to the decision , Mrs Adlam said : `` My family and I know that the whole nation stands with us in outrage at the sentences handed down to my son 's killers .
`` We can only hope @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Court of Appeal to deliver the justice that Andrew deserves . ''
Ms Braverman said PC Harper 's killing was a `` horrific crime which resulted in the death of a much-respected police officer while he was on-duty , protecting his community '' .
She said she referred the sentences after `` having personally considered the details of this shocking case '' .
`` Offenders should be punished with the greatest severity for such heinous crimes , '' she said .
A date for the hearing at the Court of Appeal has @ @ @ @ @

The unduly lenient sentence (ULS) scheme allows people to ask law officers to review sentences for certain crimes that they believe are too low. It only requires one complaint for the attorney general's office to consider whether to refer the matter to the Court of Appeal.


bbcuk--2020-08-21--Crossrail needs extra £450m and delayed until 2022

London 's Crossrail project has been hit with fresh delays and might need an extra £450m , its board has said .
The route - known as the Elizabeth Line - was initially due to open in December 2018 but has faced numerous delays .
Crossrail has now said the line 's central section , from Paddington to Abbey Wood , would be ready to open `` in the first half of 2022 '' .
The Mayor of London is said to be `` deeply disappointed '' with the latest delay .
Transport for London 's new commissioner , Andy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hall to review Crossrail 's latest update including any extra money the project may need .
Mr Byford also said the delay was `` disappointing '' and said the Department for Transport ( DfT ) would also look at Crossrail 's plans .
The government has also launched a new `` acceleration unit '' designed to speed up road and rail infrastructure upgrades .
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps revealed that a team of specialists will join the DfT to tackle delays to infrastructure projects caused by the pandemic .
Crossrail 's new date @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said last month that the route would not meet its then-summer 2021 target opening .
Currently the trains run between Liverpool Street and Shenfield , Essex as well as between Paddington and Reading , Berkshire .
There is also a line from Paddington to Heathrow operating .
But the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic is one of the reasons behind the new delay to completing the central section of the line , which will run mostly through tunnels .
The team said social distancing meant that a maximum of 2,000 people were now allowed on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the staffing levels before the pandemic .
The project 's boss said their `` focus remains on opening the Elizabeth Line as soon as possible '' and that they have a `` comprehensive plan '' .
Crossrail 's CEO Mark Wild said the project is in its `` complex final stages '' .
`` It is being completed at a time of great uncertainty due to the risks and potential impacts of further Covid outbreaks , '' he added .
`` We are working tirelessly to complete the remaining infrastructure works so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and successfully transition the project as an operational railway to Transport for London . ''
The crucial point to remember with these `` opening dates '' is no one actually knows when Crossrail will start operating .
These dates are now an educated estimate but so many dates have come and gone that no one will trust the latest one .
Crossrail already had problems and due to Covid-19 , inevitably construction slowed down and the complex testing of the hi-tech signalling systems will now only start in October .
Train testing then @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up .
There could also be more delays due to more Covid outbreaks .
Do n't forget this further delay has a big knock-on on TfL 's finances which are already in a dire state .
It will also affect all those businesses and tenants up and down the line who have been paying increased rent on the promise of Crossrail .
Until it opens - Crossrail is shut .
For more London news follow on Facebook , on Twitter , on Instagram and subscribe to our YouTube channel .

But the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic is one of the reasons behind the new delay to completing the central section of the line, which will run mostly through tunnels.


bbcuk--2020-08-21--UK government debt hits £2tn for first time

UK government debt has risen above £2 trillion for the first time amid heavy spending to support the economy amid the coronavirus pandemic .
Spending on measures such as the furlough scheme means the debt figure now equals the value of everything the UK produces in a year .
Total debt hit £2.004tn in July , £227.6bn more than last year , said the Office for National Statistics ( ONS ) .
Economists warned the situation would worsen before improving .
It is the first time debt has been above 100 % of gross domestic product ( GDP ) since @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
The July borrowing figure - the difference between spending and tax income - was £26.7bn , down from a revised £29.5bn in June .
It was the fourth highest borrowing in any month since records began in 1993 .
The three higher figures were the previous three months .
Those are big figures .
What do they mean ?
Ruth Gregory , senior UK economist at Capital Economics , said July 's borrowing figure was `` another huge sum and pushes borrowing in the year to date to £150.5bn '' .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the whole of 2009-10 of £158.3bn , which was previously the largest cash deficit in history , reflecting the extraordinary fiscal support the government has put in place to see the economy through the crisis . ''
Chancellor Rishi Sunak said : `` This crisis has put the public finances under significant strain as we have seen a hit to our economy and taken action to support millions of jobs , businesses and livelihoods .
`` Without that support , things would have been far worse .
`` Today 's figures are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our public finances to a sustainable footing over time , which will require taking difficult decisions . ''
How did it get to this ?
£2 trillion is , obviously , a large amount of money .
But in the circumstances , it was inevitable that government debt would cross that threshold .
Tax revenue has been hit hard by the pandemic as people and businesses earn and spend less .
Government spending on programmes such as the furlough scheme has headed upwards .
So the total amount owed has also increased , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ costs - the interest rates it has to pay - are low .
And some of the extra borrowing in effect ends up with the Bank of England , which has been buying government debt ( known as gilts ) in the financial markets under its quantitative easing ( QE ) programme .
QE is not specifically intended to ease the government 's financial strains - it 's meant to stimulate the economy - but it does have that effect .
In relation to annual national income , debt has crossed the 100 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the government would rather that had not happened .
But by that measure , government debt is still far short of the highs it reached in the aftermath of wars - the two world wars and the Napoleonic wars more than 200 years ago .
Carl Emmerson , deputy director of the Institute for Fiscal Studies , told the BBC 's Today programme it was `` not really a surprise '' that the government was borrowing a lot of money , given the size of its efforts to support people hit by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ interest rates were so low that the government was actually spending less on servicing its debts than had been forecast before the coronavirus crisis .
The ONS cautioned that borrowing estimates were subject to `` greater than usual uncertainty '' .
It said the June figure had been revised down by £6bn , largely because of stronger than previously estimated tax receipts and National Insurance contributions .
Should we be worried ?
Analysts reckon there is worse to come , but that things will get better after that .
However , the sheer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Treasury will be wary of doing anything that might make it any worse - and that means there may be less economic support for ordinary people in future .
Samuel Tombs , chief UK economist at Pantheon Macroeconomics , noted that borrowing remained on course this year to hit its highest share of GDP since World War Two .
`` Looking ahead , borrowing looks set to jump temporarily in August , as the government makes the second and last Self-Employment Income Support Scheme payment and funds the Eat Out to Help Out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Thereafter , it will decline , as the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme , which cost £6.9bn to operate in July , is wound down ahead of its closure at the end of October , and firms make a huge VAT payment in March , for sales generated in Q2 , as well as in that month . ''
However , he added that with borrowing for this financial year expected to be about 17 % of GDP , the chancellor was likely to be `` relatively cautious '' in his autumn Budget .

UK government spending on virus measures pushes debt to £2 trillion Published 21 August 2020
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Image source, Getty Images
UK government debt has risen above £2 trillion for the first time amid heavy spending to support the economy amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Spending on measures such as the furlough scheme means the debt figure now equals the value of everything the UK produces in a year.
Total debt hit £2.004tn in July, £227.6bn more than last year, said the Office for National Statistics (ONS).
Economists warned the situation would worsen before improving.
It is the first time debt has been above 100% of gross domestic product (GDP) since the 1960-61 financial year, the ONS said.
The July borrowing figure - the difference between spending and tax income - was £26.7bn, down from a revised £29.5bn in June.
It was the fourth highest borrowing in any month since records began in 1993. The three higher figures were the previous three months.
Those are big figures. What do they mean?
Ruth Gregory, senior UK economist at Capital Economics, said July's borrowing figure was "another huge sum and pushes borrowing in the year to date to £150.5bn".
"That is close to the deficit for the whole of 2009-10 of £158.3bn, which was previously the largest cash deficit in history, reflecting the extraordinary fiscal support the government has put in place to see the economy through the crisis."
Chancellor Rishi Sunak said: "This crisis has put the public finances under significant strain as we have seen a hit to our economy and taken action to support millions of jobs, businesses and livelihoods.
"Without that support, things would have been far worse.
"Today's figures are a stark reminder that we must return our public finances to a sustainable footing over time, which will require taking difficult decisions."
How did it get to this?
£2 trillion is, obviously, a large amount of money. But in the circumstances, it was inevitable that government debt would cross that threshold.
Tax revenue has been hit hard by the pandemic as people and businesses earn and spend less. Government spending on programmes such as the furlough scheme has headed upwards. So the total amount owed has also increased, rapidly.
But the government's borrowing costs - the interest rates it has to pay - are low. And some of the extra borrowing in effect ends up with the Bank of England, which has been buying government debt (known as gilts) in the financial markets under its quantitative easing (QE) programme.
QE is not specifically intended to ease the government's financial strains - it's meant to stimulate the economy - but it does have that effect.
In relation to annual national income, debt has crossed the 100% level. There's no doubt the government would rather that had not happened.
But by that measure, government debt is still far short of the highs it reached in the aftermath of wars - the two world wars and the Napoleonic wars more than 200 years ago.
Is it surprising?
Carl Emmerson, deputy director of the Institute for Fiscal Studies, told the BBC's Today programme it was "not really a surprise" that the government was borrowing a lot of money, given the size of its efforts to support people hit by the pandemic.
However, he added that interest rates were so low that the government was actually spending less on servicing its debts than had been forecast before the coronavirus crisis.
The ONS cautioned that borrowing estimates were subject to "greater than usual uncertainty".
It said the June figure had been revised down by £6bn, largely because of stronger than previously estimated tax receipts and National Insurance contributions.
Should we be worried?
Analysts reckon there is worse to come, but that things will get better after that.
However, the sheer size of the debt means that the Treasury will be wary of doing anything that might make it any worse - and that means there may be less economic support for ordinary people in future.
Samuel Tombs, chief UK economist at Pantheon Macroeconomics, noted that borrowing remained on course this year to hit its highest share of GDP since World War Two.
"Looking ahead, borrowing looks set to jump temporarily in August, as the government makes the second and last Self-Employment Income Support Scheme payment and funds the Eat Out to Help Out scheme," he said.
"Thereafter, it will decline, as the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, which cost £6.9bn to operate in July, is wound down ahead of its closure at the end of October, and firms make a huge VAT payment in March, for sales generated in Q2, as well as in that month."


bbcuk--2020-08-21--Student Vitoria Mario 'over the moon' at Taylor Swift's donation

A student who received a £23,000 gift from pop superstar Taylor Swift said she was `` over the moon '' about the donation .
Vitoria Mario , 18 , set up an online fundraiser after finding she could not afford to take up a maths course at the University of Warwick .
Ms Mario moved to the UK from Portugal four years ago , so is not eligible for maintenance loans or grants .
She promised to graduate with top grades `` to make Taylor proud '' .
Speaking to BBC Radio London 's Vanessa Feltz , Ms Mario said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to do .
Even the message was really nice .
`` I do n't know how [ Ms Swift ] saw it .
If it was someone from the UK I would be less surprised . ''
The American singer , whose 16 top 10 British chart hits include the aptly titled Wildest Dreams , wrote a message on Ms Mario 's fundraising page as she confirmed her donation .
At that stage , Ms Mario had reached nearly half her £40,000 target .
Swift wrote : `` Vitoria , I came across @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by your drive and dedication to turning your dreams into reality .
`` I want to gift you the rest of your goal amount .
Good luck with everything you do !
Love , Taylor . ''
Ms Mario said : `` I want to thank her with all my heart . ''
When coming to the UK , the teenager had to make the difficult decision to leave Portugal , where her mother still lives .
She said her family could not afford to support her and she needed the funds to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , textbooks and general living costs .
She said that despite being unable to speak English when she moved to the UK in 2016 , she left school with two A*s and an A in her A-levels .
Swift has previously made several impromptu donations to fans whose stories she has read about online , including a New York photographer who asked for financial support via Tumblr .
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She said that despite being unable to speak English when she moved to the UK in 2016, she left school with two A*s in maths and an A in physics in her A-levels.


bbcuk--2020-08-21--Harry Maguire: Manchester United captain 'fully co-operating with Greek authorities'

Manchester United say captain Harry Maguire is `` fully co-operating with the Greek authorities '' following an `` alleged incident @ @ @ @ @ Mykonos on Thursday night .
Local reports have named Maguire as being involved in an @ @ @ @ @ have yet been confirmed .
The England defender , 27 , is on holiday in @ @ @ @ @ from Leicester for £80m - a world record fee for a defender - in August @ @ @ @ @ is aware of an alleged incident involving Harry Maguire in Mykonos last night , '' @ @ @ @ @ on Friday .
`` Contact has been made with Harry , and he is fully @ @ @ @ @ .
At this time we will be making no further comment . ''

Last updated on .From the section Man Utd
Harry Maguire played in United's Europa League semi-final defeat by Sevilla
Manchester United captain Harry Maguire appeared in court on Saturday after being arrested following an incident on the island of Mykonos.
The England defender, 27, is on holiday in Greece.
The Syros prosecutor's office said on Friday that "three foreigners" had been arrested after an alleged altercation with police officers on Thursday.
Maguire's lawyer Konstantinos Darivas said he denies the allegations and the defender left court without comment.
Darivas added that he was "fully convinced he will be released without any charges" on Saturday.
Maguire joined United from Leicester for £80m - a world record fee for a defender - in August 2019.
"The club is aware of an alleged incident involving Harry Maguire in Mykonos last night," United said in a statement on Friday.
"Contact has been made with Harry, and he is fully co-operating with the Greek authorities. At this time we will be making no further comment."
Greek police said in a statement officers had tried to break up an altercation between two groups outside a bar and that the three foreigners had then verbally abused and assaulted one of the officers.
The statement claimed that after arriving at Mykonos police station, the three arrested individuals then "strongly resisted, pushing and hitting three police officers" and that "one of the detainees tried to offer money so that the trial against them would not be completed".
The police say a file has been opened which includes accusations of "violence against officials, disobedience, bodily harm, insult and attempted bribery of an official".
It is not known specifically what Maguire has been accused of.
United's season finished with a 2-1 defeat by Sevilla in the Europa League semi-finals on 16 August.


bbcuk--2020-08-21--Brexit: UK-EU trade deal 'seems unlikely' says Michel Barnier

A post-Brexit trade deal between the UK and the EU `` seems unlikely '' at this stage , the bloc 's negotiator has said .
Speaking after the latest round of talks , Michel Barnier said he was `` disappointed '' and `` concerned '' .
His UK counterpart David Frost spoke of `` little progress '' , amid differences on fisheries policy and state aid rules .
The EU has said it would like to agree a deal by October so it can be approved by the European Parliament before the post-Brexit transition period expires .
The transition period @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a deal has not been secured by then , the UK would have to trade with the EU on WTO ( World Trade Organization ) terms .
This means most UK goods would be subject to tariffs until a free trade deal was ready to be brought in .
The UK has said it will not extend talks if an agreement can not be reached by the December deadline .
• UK-EU trade deal some way off , both sides say • What are the sticking points in the trade talks ?
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of talks , Mr Frost said the EU had made it `` unnecessarily difficult '' to make progress by insisting that differences over state aid and fisheries have to be resolved before `` substantive work can be done in any other area of the negotiation , including on legal texts '' .
In a bid to break the deadlock , the UK has presented the EU with a draft legal text for a free-trade agreement .
Mr Frost , who reports directly to Prime Minister Boris Johnson , said the UK was seeking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sovereign control of our own laws , borders , and waters '' .
`` When the EU accepts this reality in all areas of the negotiation , it will be much easier to make progress , '' he said .
A senior UK negotiating official added that a deal was `` still possible but not that easy to get there '' .
They also said it was `` frustrating '' that the EU `` says Brexit means Brexit ... yet they want us to continue with arrangements as though we were still [ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Frustrating that they want us to move towards their position on fishing and state aid before doing anything else . ''
Speaking at a press briefing in Brussels , Mr Barnier accused the UK side of `` wasting valuable time '' , suggesting the draft text was `` useful '' but downplaying its significance in reaching any agreement .
`` Too often this week it felt as if we were going backwards more than forwards , '' he said .
`` Given the short time left , what I said in London in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stage , an agreement between the UK and EU seems unlikely . ''
While there had been progress on energy co-operation , participation in union programmes and anti-money laundering , on the subject of access to UK and EU fishing waters , there had been `` no progress whatsoever '' .
He also said the EU 's demand for a level-playing field - one of the other sticking points in negotiations - was `` a non-negotiable pre-condition to grant access to our market of 450 million citizens '' .
A level-playing field is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of common rules and standards that prevent businesses in one country undercutting their rivals and gaining a competitive advantage over those operating in other countries .
The EU has been insistent there should be level-playing field for workers ' rights , environmental protection , taxation and state aid .
The next round of talks is due to begin on 7 September in London .

In a statement released after the seventh round of talks, Mr Frost said the EU had made it "unnecessarily difficult" to make progress by insisting that differences over state aid and fisheries have to be resolved before "substantive work can be done in any other area of the negotiation, including on legal texts".


bbcuk--2020-08-21--Mother went to pub while daughter lay dying on sofa

A mother who left her dying daughter at home while she went to a pub has pleaded guilty to neglect .
Sharon Goldie , 45 , claimed her child , Robyn , was `` attention seeking '' despite the 13-year-old begging for help .
When she returned home in Wishaw , North Lanarkshire , Robyn was slumped on the sofa , having died from the effects of a perforated stomach ulcer .
The court heard the child had endured a year of neglect , including having to ask someone for £1 to buy food .
The High Court in Glasgow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ until she was four before moving in with her grandmother where she enjoyed a `` stable life '' .
But she had returned to live with her mother in 2017 , a year before her death .
Social workers , who were monitoring the pair , said there was often friction between them , and Robyn was unhappy with her mother 's drinking .
Prosecutor Ashley Edwards QC said Goldie appeared to be a regular at the Melody Bar in Wishaw .
Miss Edwards : `` Robyn was often seen attending there looking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ buy food .
`` She also often approached a neighbour asking for £1 to get food . ''
Robyn once said she had only had a yoghurt that day .
The child was described as `` thin , dirty and unkempt '' .
The child told friends how when drunk , Goldie would offer her cannabis and alcohol while `` constantly '' insisting she did not want her in the house .
On one occasion Robyn called a gas company , complaining she was cold at the house , which smelled badly of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A few months before her death Robyn was found to have a rash caused by fleas .
The week before she died Robyn had complained of a sore stomach and legs , and was given painkillers .
On 21 July , Goldie told staff at the Melody Bar she had `` locked '' her daughter in the house `` so she could not get out '' .
The next day , Robyn complained to a friend she had been ill and not eaten for days .
On 24 July , Robyn texted her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ better '' but a friend of Goldie saw the `` drained '' child that day and told her : `` She 's just not well '' .
That night , Robyn told Goldie to get help as she had `` pain all over '' but the mother refused to contact the ambulance service .
A friend of Goldie offered to take the girl to hospital in a taxi , but she stopped him , claiming the girl was `` attention seeking '' .
The next day , Robyn begged a neighbour to get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ breathe , but the mother yelled at her to `` get in '' .
On 26 July - the day Robyn died - a social worker turned up in the morning to take Robyn to a catering class .
Ms Edwards explained : `` Goldie spoke ... through the letterbox explaining that Robyn was not well and had been unwell since the previous Thursday . ''
Despite her daughter being ill , Goldie then went to the pub , returning home later with a friend to find Robyn slumped on the sofa and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Goldie and the man got another drink from the fridge and went outside 'because the weather was nice ' . ''
The friend later checked on Robyn again and discovered she was dead .
When an ambulance was called , Goldie told paramedics : `` She 's at it . ''
On being told the child had died , she wailed and said : `` No , she can not be . ''
Goldie later told police she thought Robyn had a bug , but was getting better and she thought her daughter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' .
Miss Edwards : `` She said she had told Robyn that ambulances are for people with heart attacks . ''
Robyn was found to have died from peritonitis as a result of a perforated ulcer .
A senior medic concluded that had the teenager been treated during her illness , she would have been `` expected to survive '' .
Goldie pled guilty to a charge under the Children and Young Persons Act of wilfully ill-treating and neglecting Robyn .
Prosecutors accepted her not guilty plea to the charge of culpable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ suffered a brain injury following a car accident when she was a child .
In 2003 , she was an in-patient for mental health issues , but stopped taking her medication .
The judge Lord Beckett said it was a serious case , but asked for more information before passing sentence .

The next day, Robyn begged a neighbour to get her an ambulance as she could not breathe, but the mother yelled at her to "get in".


bbcuk--2020-08-21--Catalytic converter thefts in England and Wales rise sixfold

Thefts of catalytic converters from cars in England and Wales rose sixfold in 2019 .
Last year , there were almost 13,000 recorded thefts of the devices , with Londoners particularly badly hit .
In 2018 , there were just over 2,000 thefts .
Assistant Chief Constable Jenny Sims , car crime lead for the National Police Chiefs ' Council , said police were committed to tackling the thefts and the organised gangs behind them .
`` Police forces across the country are involved in planning and undertaking intelligence-led operations , at both the regional and national level , to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we recognise the devastating impact these crimes can have upon the lives of victims , '' she said .
The figures were released to 5 Live Investigations by police forces in England and Wales .
Police Scotland and PSNI were unable to provide the relevant data .
While offences tailed off at the start of lockdown , anecdotal evidence suggests they are on the rise again - with a recent spate of thefts from hospital car parks targeting NHS staff .
The reason for the thieves ' interest in catalytic converters - known @ @ @ @ @ @ @ understand .
There is a legitimate market for second-hand catalytic converters , which turn the noxious gases in a car 's exhaust system into less harmful substances .
But the thieves want them for the scrap value of the three precious metals found inside .
Prices have rocketed for rhodium , platinum and palladium , with palladium selling more per gram than gold last year .
Tracy Howl , a photographer from south-east London , had her `` cat '' stolen at a retail park in broad daylight earlier this month .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ car park , I was only in for an hour , '' she said .
`` Then I switched on my engine and the noise coming from the car was like a motorbike - I thought the engine had blown up .
`` Then I spotted there had been a clean split through the exhaust and I knew right away - it dawned on me - I 'd been done . ''
As in most `` cat '' thefts , Tracy 's car was simply jacked up and a power tool used to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cat '' from the exhaust pipe under her car .
The damage almost left Tracy 's car a write-off .
She now faces a repair bill running into hundreds of pounds .
`` Something is not being done if they have free rein like this .
What can change to stop them being sold on ? ''
she said .
Senior figures in the scrap industry believe the stolen `` cats '' are being passed from unlicensed scrap collectors to some unscrupulous licensed companies , from where the precious metals become untraceable .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , is the enforcement of a law which was passed in 2013 as a response to the copper thefts which were blighting the rail and power networks .
The Scrap Metal Dealers Act was supposed to deprive metal thieves of an easy market by banning cash sales and insisting on much better identity checks on sellers .
Councils were empowered to do inspections of licensed dealers and to close down the unlicensed operators .
But 5 Live Investigations has discovered this is n't happening .
In October 2018 , 243 English licensing councils @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on their books had been visited to ensure the new rules were being followed .
The figures revealed only a fraction had been inspected and even fewer dealers - licensed and unlicensed - had been closed down .
5 Live Investigations asked the same councils the same questions in February this year and found little improvement .
Almost 120 councils had not visited any scrap dealers in the previous 28 months and many of the others had only inspected once or twice .
A small number of councils , however , had inspected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dealers , often in joint operations with the police .
Part of the problem is that thousands of scrap dealers simply chose to drop out of the licensing scheme when the Scrap Metal Dealers Act came into force .
Many of those , says the industry , are now those dealers that advertise on the internet and buy catalytic converters with no questions asked .
Nesil Caliskan , of the Local Government Association , said the Scrap Metal Dealers Act had contributed to a drop in metal thefts , but said they were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of rising metal prices .
`` Councils are targeting their limited resources as efficiently as possible and can take enforcement action where issues are identified , '' she said .
`` Councils have limited powers to tackle unlicensed operators and the LGA has called on government to introduce greater enforcement powers to help local authorities tackle rogue operators . ''
The Home Office said the act was still a powerful tool for the police and local authorities , but said it would continue to work with the police and industry to see what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thefts .
Nottinghamshire Police say drivers can do some things to protect their cars : •If you can , park your vehicle in a locked garage when it is unattended .
•If that is not possible , park your vehicle in a busy , well-lit area as close to your property as possible .
•Consider installing a Thatcham-approved alarm to your vehicle .
Ones that activate if your vehicle is lifted or tilted are particularly effective .

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bbcuk--2020-08-21--Brighton University students' belongings binned by halls

A student who returned to her halls of residence five months after being made to leave because of coronavirus restrictions found all her belongings had been thrown away .
Hannah Mullins and two other students at the University of Brighton made appointments to collect their items and arrived to find them all gone .
She said thousands of pounds of goods and sentimental items had been lost .
Kaplan Student Living Scheme said the rooms had been cleared `` in error '' .
Ms Mullins was forced to leave the accommodation at the start of the coronavirus pandemic , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ overnight bag .
When Ms Mullins , her twin sister Holly and their mother Alexandra arrived at the privately-run halls on Thursday and saw the empty room they assumed the items were in storage .
Holly Mullins said : `` We went to reception to ask where it all was , they did n't know .
`` They told us to check the bins because rooms started being cleared on Monday . ''
The women found piles of items , including other students ' passports and private documents , but nothing of Hannah @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It was distressing , I felt violated .
A lot of stuff can be replaced but they ca n't compensate for the emotional distress they 've put me through .
`` It 's horrible to think somebody has gone through your stuff without permission .
Hannah said as there were daily bin collections her possessions - including her professional camera and art supplies for her graphic design degree , clothes and make-up - would be `` long gone '' .
She said bank statements , medication , photographs and sentimental items from holidays @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` It 's worrying that somebody could have all her information .
We saw other people 's documents in that rubbish pile , nothing had been shredded . ''
A spokesperson from Kaplan Living Brighton said : `` [ We ] have been working closely with students who returned home before the end of term due to the Covid-19 pandemic in order to arrange for them to collect their belongings .
`` We became aware today that two rooms had been cleared in error and we are currently investigating how that could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have occurred and we offer our sincere apologies to the two students affected .
We have reached out to the two students affected and will of course compensate them for the loss of any items that have been cleared . ''
However , Mrs Mullins said nobody from Kaplan had yet contacted her daughter , and added she believed the clearance had affected many more than two students .
`` There were three students there that day who had all lost their stuff , and none of it was in that huge pile @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' she said .
`` More students are booked in to collect their possessions next week .
It looks like a lot has already been thrown . ''
The halls are independent from the University of Brighton , but a university spokesman said it would `` be offering its full support to all affected students as they seek appropriate redress '' .

"This should not have occurred and we offer our sincere apologies to the two students affected. We have reached out to the two students affected and will of course compensate them for the loss of any items that have been cleared."


bbcuk--2020-08-21--Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? gets first UK jackpot winner for 14 years

The next series of Who Wants To Be A Millionaire ?
will see a UK contestant win the jackpot for the first time in 14 years .
The currently unnamed contestant answered all 15 questions correctly to become the show 's sixth champion .
Host Jeremy Clarkson said he was `` in awe '' and believed them to be the best entrant in the programme 's history .
This series was filmed without a studio audience , meaning the Ask The Audience lifeline has disappeared .
Instead , contestants have been able to use the Phone A Friend option twice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ To Be A Millionaire will begin on ITV next month .
'The best ever' Clarkson said : `` Well , I 'm absolutely thrilled and delighted that we 've found someone who seems to know just about everything .
`` I ca n't wait for the viewers to see it and I want to watch it back too . ''
He continued : `` I was just in awe of this contestant and think they are probably the best the show has ever had in its 22-year history .
`` It was a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
Clarkson , who also hosts The Grand Tour , said the contestant `` whizzed through the 15 questions and all of a sudden confetti was falling from the ceiling and I was saying , 'You 've just won £1m ' .
`` I was n't sure I 'd ever get to utter those immortal six words and I 'm not embarrassed to say , it was a little emotional but boy did it feel good . ''
But some were puzzled by the decision to announce the winner in advance of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in advance was a spoiler .
`` I do n't understand why ITV have told everyone that this has happened ? ''
said TV critic Scott Bryan .
One fan replied : `` Speaking as a regular viewer , this kind of ruins it for me .
Part of the fun is the anticipation , and when you know it 's going to happen , it 's ruined . ''
But the Daily Mirror 's showbiz editor Mark Jeffries tweeted : `` My guess is 1 ) I think they thought it might @ @ @ @ @ @ @ boosts ratings and people tune in every night for the whole run to make sure they see the winner . ''
In May , retired doctor Andrew Townsley , from Glasgow , came close to the jackpot but walked away with £500,000 .
Ingram Wilcox was the most recent winner of the top prize , taking home £1m in 2006 .
In all , five contestants have previously won the £1m prize on the UK version of Who Wants To Be A Millionaire ?
That does not include Major Charles Ingram , who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ later accused of cheating in the infamous coughing scandal .
His story was recently depicted in the ITV drama Quiz .
The show 's first millionaire was Judith Keppel in November 2000 .
The other champions were David Edwards ( 2001 ) , Robert Brydges ( 2001 ) , Pat Gibson ( 2004 ) and Wilcox ( 2006 ) .
Follow us on Facebook or on Twitter @ BBCNewsEnts .
If you have a story suggestion email entertainment.news @ bbc.co.uk .

But the Daily Mirror's showbiz editor Mark Jeffries tweeted: "My guess is 1) I think they thought it might leak 2) They are hoping it boosts ratings and people tune in every night for the whole run to make sure they see the winner."


bbcuk--2020-08-21--Human chain formed in Durdle Door beach rescue

Beachgoers formed a human chain to help rescue a stricken swimmer off the Dorset coast .
Lulworth coastguard said the individual got into trouble in choppy seas off Durdle Door beach on Thursday afternoon .
More than 20 people linked arms to enter the sea and successfully bring them back to shore .
The coastguard said the swimmer was unhurt but warned against going in the sea in windy conditions .
Witness Jennie Bell said the surf had been `` really huge '' when it became clear someone was in difficulty some way out in the water .
`` There @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the sea as much as they dared , '' she said .
`` Eventually the person managed to surf a wave and somebody managed to grab him '' I was certain it would end differently .
It was unbelievable - what selfless , selfless people . ''
A statement by Lulworth Coastguard Rescue team said : `` With the large waves and spring tides of late , we strongly discourage sea swimming and playing around in the surf , especially on exposed beaches such as Durdle Door .
`` The undertow is very @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you off your feet . ''
The Jurassic Coast beach has been popular since lockdown restrictions eased .
A man from London in his 20s drowned in June while swimming off the beach , while three people suffered serious injuries after leaping from the landmark limestone arch the previous month .

Witness Jennie Bell said the surf had been "really huge" when it became clear someone was in difficulty some way out in the water.