bbcuk--2020-09-23--NHS Covid-19 app: How England and Wales' contact-tracing service works

How can people access the app ?
How will it send contact-tracing alerts ?
What will this alert say ?
@ @ @ @ @ they ignore a self-isolate alert ?
How will the venue check-in process work ?
How @ @ @ @ @ ?
How will the app order a test ?
Will the app drain the battery @ @ @ @ @ if users travel to Scotland or Northern Ireland , which have their own apps ?
@ @ @ @ @ PPE or behind a perspex screen ?
How will the app tie into other efforts @ @ @ @ @ difference ?
Most people have yet to be convinced to install them too - about @ @ @ @ @ in Ireland , 22 % in Germany and only about 4 % in France have @ @ @

NHS Covid-19 app: How England and Wales' contact-tracing service works Published 24 September 2020
England and Wales' Covid-19 app has now launched, joining earlier efforts by Northern Ireland and Scotland.
Apple and Google's automated contact-tracing technology is being used to tell people to self-isolate if their phone detects they were near someone later determined to have the virus.
Other features are also included, and health chiefs say the primary goal is to change people's behaviour to make them less likely to catch or transmit the coronavirus.
How can people access the app?
The app is available for smartphones only - not tablets, smartwatches or other devices.
To get started, go to Android's Google Play or Apple's App Store and search for "NHS Covid-19".
This video can not be played To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser. Media caption, WATCH: How to install the NHS Covid-19 app
The handsets must have Android 6.0 (released in 2015) or iOS 13.5 (released in May 2020) and Bluetooth 4.0 or higher. That excludes the iPhone 6 and older versions of Apple's handsets.
To check what iOS system you have, go into Settings, then tap on General, and click on About. To upgrade click on Software Update.
On Android, open Settings, then select System, and click on Advanced. It will show what version you have. If you click System Update, it will check if there is an available upgrade.
Some of the latest Huawei handsets will not run the app.
And users must confirm they are 16 or older to get started.
There's a raft of features including:
Image source, Department of Health Image caption, The app keeps a record of venues the user has been to in order to warn them if one is later linked to an outbreak
a venue check-in barcode scanner
a postcode-based risk-level checker
a symptoms-reporter tool
the means to order a coronavirus test and receive its results
a countdown timer to keep track of how long to stay in self-isolation
a guide to the latest advice on local restrictions, financial support and other related information
When two devices running the app are close to each other, they exchange Bluetooth "handshakes" to determine the distance and duration, measured in sessions lasting five minutes.
The measurements are not always accurate - and work continues to improve them - but the logs are used to create a cumulative points score for the set of interactions between two people over the course of a day.
If the points threshold is met and one of the two owners later shares a positive coronavirus test via the app, then the other will receive an alert.
The formula above was used during the trial, but has since been tweaked to take account of when the person with Covid-19 was most infectious.
Further changes may be made over time.
What will this alert say?
The notification will tell the recipient to go into self-isolation for a fortnight - and trigger the start of the app's countdown clock.
But the recipient is not told who triggered the alert.
And the authorities cannot identify either party, although they can track how many people have been told to self-isolate.
Even if the recipient has no symptoms or a subsequent negative test result, they must stay at home for the duration.
Can users be fined if they ignore a self-isolate alert?
From 28 September, people in England can be fined £1,000 or more for breaching self-isolation rules.
However, the relevant legislation says that it does not apply to notifications served via the app.
In any case, because the app lets users remain anonymous there would be no way to enforce penalties for non-compliance.
Unlike when a human contact tracer orders someone to self-isolate, the app keeps the subject's identity a secret.
Only if they subsequently get in contact - for example to arrange a financial support payment - will their name be registered.
How will the venue check-in process work?
Restaurants, bars and other leisure facilities should display an authorised QR barcode on a poster or digital sign, which the app can scan.
Image caption, The app recognises only QR codes related to the check-in scheme, to which businesses must be registered
The venue will then be added to the app's "digital diary" of places the user has visited.
And in England - but not Wales - the user will not need to give their name and address to the venue.
If officials later judge the location to be the centre of an outbreak, they can trigger an alert to users who were there.
And this notification will tell them that if they are feeling unwell they should use the app's symptom checker.
How will the postcode facility work?
Image caption, The app first asks the user for permission to use Bluetooth and their postcode, before revealing its home screen
When a smartphone owner first uses the app, they are given the option of typing in the first part of their postcode - "M23", for example.
Typically, thousands of other households will have the same code, so although this causes information to be shared with the authorities, it should not identify individuals.
The user is then given a risk-level for their neighbourhood, at the top of the app's home screen, and can be sent an alert if it changes.
And in turn, the NHS and local government can collect data about the numbers of app downloads and coronavirus cases in their area, helping them manage the crisis.
Image caption, The app can trigger notification alerts to warn the user if their local risk level has changed or if they have been linked to someone who has the coronavirus
How will the app order a test?
Users can report symptoms - and when they started - at any time.
If they suggest infection, the user is told to book a test and that everyone in their household must self-isolate for eight days.
Booking a test involves using an external website, which asks for the user's name and address.
But these personal details are not shared back to the app.
And a unique code lets users receive their test result via the app as soon as it is ready.
Will the app drain the battery and data allowance?
The developers suggest the app should account for less than 5% of a device's battery use.
But if the phone is set to use a low-power mode, owners should go into their settings to exclude the app so it can continue contact tracing at all times.
And while the app is continually checking for updated data, the major networks have said they will not deduct usage from people's allowances.
What if users travel to Scotland or Northern Ireland, which have their own apps?
Apple and Google's framework will not allow two apps to contact trace simultaneously.
So when users cross the border, they need to open the local app and turn on contact tracing within it.
This will bring up a prompt asking: "Switch app for exposure notifications?"
Image caption, Google Play shows users which UK-related contact-tracing apps are available to them
Doing so, will turn off the one they were using beforehand.
What if users work with PPE or behind a perspex screen?
While users are normally encouraged to keep the app active and their phone to hand whenever out of the house, there are exceptions.
To avoid people being told to self-isolate when they were protected, or phones logging each other while in lockers, there is an option to temporarily turn off contact tracing, at the bottom of the home screen.
How will the app tie into other efforts?
While the human and automated contact-tracing systems are being deliberately kept separate, they should complement each other.
So, for example, if you were in a supermarket queue, human tracers might find it hard to identify the person next in line but the app would be able to.
Likewise, if you were at a pub where a contagious user was sitting but not using the app, you might still receive an alert via the check-in service.
Will it make any difference?
According to modelling done by the University of Oxford, the app can significantly reduce deaths and hospital admissions if at least 15% of the population use it.
But real-world data on how effective such apps have been in other countries using them is scant.
And so far, they have been offered when the levels of infection have been relatively low, meaning the chance of any user receiving an alert has been slim.
Most people have yet to be convinced to install them too - about a third of the population in Ireland, 22% in Germany and only about 4% in France have done so.
As Covid-19 resurges that may change.


bbcuk--2020-09-23--Covid: Scotland records highest number of new virus cases

Scotland recorded 486 new positive coronavirus tests which represented the biggest single day 's number since mass testing began .
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said the figures were concerning , and underlined why new restrictions had been imposed .
But she acknowledged many more people were being tested now than at the peak of the outbreak in mid-April .
Ms Sturgeon said 224 of the new cases were in Greater Glasgow and Clyde , with 107 in Lanarkshire and 57 in Lothian .
The number of positive tests was 103 higher than the figure recorded on Tuesday , bringing the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 25,495 .
• Ban on meeting in houses extended across Scotland Ms Sturgeon said the number in the Greater Glasgow and Clyde area included a `` significant '' outbreak at Glasgow University .
Testing strategy has changed radically in Scotland since the peak of the outbreak and there is now widespread community testing , including near to university campuses .
On 15 April , 1,209 people were tested , but six times that number were being tested by mid-September .
From Wednesday , people across Scotland were banned from visiting other people 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the virus risks `` spiralling out of control '' unless urgent action is taken .
The move , which had already been in force in Glasgow and other areas of the west of Scotland , means the country has tougher coronavirus restrictions than England , where people can can still meet in groups of up to six in a house .
Scotland , like England , will also impose a 10pm curfew on pubs and restaurants from Friday - which the trade has warned could cost jobs and force some premises to close @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about 10 times more tests every day than it was at the height of the outbreak in April .
Speaking at her daily briefing on Wednesday , the first minister said : `` The total number of positive cases reported yesterday was 486 - that is the highest number of positive cases we have ever recorded in a single day .
`` It must be remembered that many more people are being tested now than was the case in the spring .
`` Nevertheless , today 's number represents 7.8 % of people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ real cause for concern , but it also underlines why we took very decisive and very tough action yesterday . ''
Ms Sturgeon also hinted that she would have taken tougher action on pubs than a 10pm curfew if she had `` the ability to bring more financial firepower to mitigate the jobs and economic impact '' .
But Scottish Conservatives leader Douglas Ross accused her of `` making the usual , tired political points '' , adding : `` The middle of the pandemic is the wrong time to raise long-standing constitutional @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chancellor Rishi Sunak is looking at options to replace the furlough scheme when it expires at the end of October .
Ms Sturgeon had said at the end of June that she believed Scotland was `` not far away '' from eliminating the virus .
On Wednesday , she said she could understand why many people felt like the country was now `` back to square one '' after the new nationwide restriction on visiting other homes was imposed .
She said this was `` emphatically not the case '' , despite the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could be 'fatal blow ' to some pubs and bars The first minister said : `` For a start , the action we took to suppress the virus over the summer meant that we have faced this resurgence from a lower base .
`` That matters , and it is entirely thanks to the lockdown restrictions and all of the individual sacrifices that everyone has made . ''
She said the rise in the number of cases was accelerating , but was still `` not as rapid '' as earlier in the year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's test and protect contact tracing system was `` working well '' and was succeeding in breaking transmission chains .
However , Scottish Labour MSP Monica Lennon said the system had struggled to cope when schools returned in August , and said there was still not enough routine testing in hospitals , care homes and schools .
She also called for routine testing to be done in universities , adding : `` I think we have to be much more ambitious on testing in Scotland and right across the UK . ''
Ms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not testing enough .
What we need to see in the coming days and weeks is mass testing being rolled out .
`` We are in react mode and we did n't have the foresight to put measures in place '' .
Several universities across Scotland have been dealing with outbreaks of the virus in recent days - with 500 students at a hall of residence in Dundee being told to self-isolate after a positive case and several suspected cases emerged .
In a direct appeal to students , Ms Sturgeon said they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ told to do so .
And she said the government would not hesitate to toughen the rules for colleges and universities if necessary .
It later emerged that 124 students at the University of Glasgow had tested positive since the start of term , with social interaction in Freshers Week thought to be largely to blame .
• RULES : What are the restrictions in Scotland ?
• LOCKDOWN : Six months that changed our lives • CASES : Where are the latest cases in Scotland ?
• NUMBERS : Four key figures @ @ @ @

The move, which had already been in force in Glasgow and other areas of the west of Scotland, means the country has tougher coronavirus restrictions than England, where people can can still meet in groups of up to six in a house.


bbcuk--2020-09-23--Coronavirus: What do the latest restrictions mean for grassroots sport in England?

Last updated on .From the section Sport New restrictions to try to stop the spread of coronavirus in England will have a significant impact on sport at grassroots level .
Below is a guide to how different sports are affected .
You can find the full guidance for these and other sports here and be aware of the local restrictions also in place .
Indoor five-a-side is now prohibited as the new regulations only allow indoor activity in groups of no more than six , or where groups of six will not mix .
Adults can continue to play outdoors @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sessions are formally organised , for instance by a governing body , club , business or qualified coach .
So that means you can continue to play for your Sunday league 11-a-side team or in organised leagues at pitch operators .
Whoever is organising formal matches must conduct a risk assessment and ensure compliance with Covid-19 secure guidelines , which includes players arriving changed and ready to play , social distancing during warm-ups and avoiding equipment sharing .
Informal games of any sport - such as a kickabout with your mates at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the `` rule of six '' - or the localised lockdown rules in your local area - otherwise you could be fined .
Children 's football , both indoor and outdoor , is exempt from the new regulations and able to continue as before .
• None Read the latest from the Football Association Adult matches and outdoor training can continue as before , provided they are organised officially and in compliance with Covid-19 secure guidelines - so no informal matches on your local pitch or a knockabout in the nets ( in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Indoor training in groups of more than six is now prohibited .
The England and Wales Cricket Board ( ECB ) says it will continue to work with the government in the next few days to produce further guidance .
Children 's matches and training , both indoor and outdoor , are exempt from the new rules and can continue as before .
• None Read the latest from the ECB Adult outdoor training and non-contact matches can continue as before , provided they are organised officially and in compliance with Covid-19 secure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no more than `` limited and restricted contact '' as per the guidelines from the Rugby Football Union ( RFU ) .
Indoor training in groups of more than six is now prohibited .
Children 's matches and training , both indoor and outdoor , are exempt from the new rules and can continue as before .
• None Read the latest from the RFU Netball is subject to the `` rule of six '' regulations , meaning it can not take place indoors unless it involves a group of no more than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not mix .
The new rules permit netball to take place outdoors , provided it is organised officially and in compliance with Covid-19 secure guidelines .
Children 's netball , both indoors and outdoors , can continue as before .
Netball England says it is continuing to follow government announcements and will provide a further update on what it means for the sport at grassroots level soon .
Indoor basketball involving groups of more than six will be prohibited under the new regulations .
Outdoor basketball can continue in larger groups , providing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with Covid-19 secure guidelines .
Children 's basketball , both indoors and outdoors , is exempt from the new regulations and able to continue as before .
Basketball England says it is seeking further clarification from the government in relation to how the announcements affect its return-to-play plans .
Organised disability sports , both indoor and outdoor , are exempt from the new regulations so can continue as before .
Organised outdoor exercise classes for adults can still take place in groups of more than than six , but participants must not mingle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and after the activity , and must maintain social distancing from people they do not live with or who are not in their support bubble .
Indoor exercise classes for adults continue to be permitted , as long as they are organised so those taking part do not mix in groups of more than six .
Exercise classes for children , both indoor and outdoor , can continue as before .
Adult water polo and artistic swimming team events are prohibited under the new guidelines .
Individual training can continue in these sports @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and artistic swimming teams of no more than six participants .
Recreational swimming , swimming clubs and swimming lessons can continue provided they are in groups of no more than six .
All swimming activities for children are able to continue as before .
The new rules do not apply to gyms so they can remain open as normal , provided Covid-19 secure guidelines and social distancing are adhered too .
People are not allowed to attend gyms in groups of more than six .
More than six people are allowed in gyms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up to six are permitted , provided they do not mix .
Fines for individuals who breach the new regulations start at £200 , doubling for further breaches up to a maximum of £6,400 .
Organisations , such as sports clubs , that fail to carry out a risk assessment and make their event Covid-19 secure can be fined up £10,000 .

Last updated on .From the section Sport
Amateur football can continue outdoors provided it is formally organised and complies with Covid-19 secure guidelines
New restrictions to try to stop the spread of coronavirus in England will have a significant impact on sport at grassroots level.
Though gyms, swimming pools and playing fields remain open, there will be tighter restrictions on what can and cannot take place.
Below is a guide to how different sports are affected.
You can find the full guidance for these and other sports here external-link and be aware of the local restrictions also in place. external-link
Football
Indoor five-a-side is now prohibited as the new regulations only allow indoor activity in groups of no more than six, or where groups of six will not mix.
Adults can continue to play outdoors in groups of more than six provided sessions are formally organised, for instance by a governing body, club, business or qualified coach. So that means you can continue to play for your Sunday league 11-a-side team or in organised leagues at pitch operators.
Whoever is organising formal matches must conduct a risk assessment and ensure compliance with Covid-19 secure guidelines, which includes players arriving changed and ready to play, social distancing during warm-ups and avoiding equipment sharing.
Informal games of any sport - such as a kickabout with your mates at the park - will have to stick to the "rule of six" - or the localised lockdown rules in your local area - otherwise you could be fined.
Children's football, both indoor and outdoor, is exempt from the new regulations and able to continue as before.
Cricket
Adult matches and outdoor training can continue as before, provided they are organised officially and in compliance with Covid-19 secure guidelines - so no informal matches on your local pitch or a knockabout in the nets (in groups of more than six).
Indoor training in groups of more than six is now prohibited. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) says it will continue to work with the government in the next few days to produce further guidance.
Children's matches and training, both indoor and outdoor, are exempt from the new rules and can continue as before.
Rugby union
Adult outdoor training and non-contact matches can continue as before, provided they are organised officially and in compliance with Covid-19 secure guidelines.
Any training sessions should involve no more than "limited and restricted contact" as per the guidelines from the Rugby Football Union (RFU). external-link
Indoor training in groups of more than six is now prohibited.
Children's matches and training, both indoor and outdoor, are exempt from the new rules and can continue as before.
Netball
Netball is subject to the "rule of six" regulations, meaning it cannot take place indoors unless it involves a group of no more than six or where groups of six will not mix.
The new rules permit netball to take place outdoors, provided it is organised officially and in compliance with Covid-19 secure guidelines.
Children's netball, both indoors and outdoors, can continue as before.
Netball England says it is continuing to follow government announcements and will provide a further update on what it means for the sport at grassroots level soon.
Basketball
Indoor basketball involving groups of more than six will be prohibited under the new regulations. Outdoor basketball can continue in larger groups, providing it is organised officially and in compliance with Covid-19 secure guidelines.
Children's basketball, both indoors and outdoors, is exempt from the new regulations and able to continue as before.
Basketball England says it is seeking further clarification from the government in relation to how the announcements affect its return-to-play plans.
Disability sport
Organised disability sports, both indoor and outdoor, are exempt from the new regulations so can continue as before.
Exercise classes
Organised outdoor exercise classes for adults can still take place in groups of more than than six, but participants must not mingle in groups of more than six before and after the activity, and must maintain social distancing from people they do not live with or who are not in their support bubble.
Indoor exercise classes for adults continue to be permitted, as long as they are organised so those taking part do not mix in groups of more than six.
Exercise classes for children, both indoor and outdoor, can continue as before.
Swimming
Adult water polo and artistic swimming team events are prohibited under the new guidelines. Individual training can continue in these sports, with water polo restricted to three-versus-three and artistic swimming teams of no more than six participants.
Recreational swimming, swimming clubs and swimming lessons can continue provided they are in groups of no more than six.
All swimming activities for children are able to continue as before.
Tennis
Organised indoor group tennis activity for adults (including coached sessions and club nights held indoors) can take place in larger numbers in Covid-19 secure venues, provided it is organised into sub-groups of no more than six people (excluding coaches) and these sub-groups should not mix.
Organised group indoor tennis for children can continue as before in line with the limits for outdoors.
Gyms
The new rules do not apply to gyms so they can remain open as normal, provided Covid-19 secure guidelines and social distancing are adhered too.
People are not allowed to attend gyms in groups of more than six. More than six people are allowed in gyms at any one time and groups of up to six are permitted, provided they do not mix.
Fines for breaching regulations
Fines for individuals who breach the new regulations start at £200, doubling for further breaches up to a maximum of £6,400.
Organisations, such as sports clubs, that fail to carry out a risk assessment and make their event Covid-19 secure can be fined up £10,000.


bbcuk--2020-09-23--Sex and coronavirus: What are the rules?

Couples who do n't live together can now meet up for sex after changes to the coronavirus restrictions in England - but casual sex is still banned .
The guidance applies to `` established '' relationships , though it 's not clear what counts as established .
And the rules differ depending on where you are .
In local lockdown areas like Birmingham or much of Greater Manchester , social visits from people outside your household or support bubble are banned .
Household visits are not allowed in Scotland , but couples not living together are exempt .
In Wales @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which means you 're allowed to meet indoors and have physical contact .
The Terrence Higgins Trust published advice in August suggesting people avoid kissing , wear a face covering and choose positions that are n't face-to-face during sex .
They say their advice has n't changed much since then .
`` Your best sexual partner during the COVID-19 pandemic is yourself or someone within your household and you should follow the Government guidelines about social distancing , hand washing and face coverings .
`` However , it 's unrealistic to ask @ @ @ @ @ @ @ whether in 'established ' relationships or not , '' the trust says .
Masturbation , sex toys or having phone or online sex are recommended as the safest options .
If you are having sex with people outside of your household , it 's important to limit the number of partners , it says .
Like with everything at the moment , be aware of any Covid-19 symptoms you or your partner might have - and isolate if you have them .
If you are meeting someone new , the charity says to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ household have had symptoms or tested positive .
Does the virus spread through sex ?
The virus can spread through saliva , mucus or the breath of those who have it , along with contact with hard surfaces .
`` If you are going to touch each other 's genitals it 's likely that you will potentially be kissing at the same time - and we know the virus is passed through saliva , '' Dr Alex George told Radio 1 Newsbeat in March .
Dr Alex is an A & E doctor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` any possibility of transfer of coronavirus - from your mouth to your hands , to genitals , to someone else 's nose or mouth '' increases the risk of passing on coronavirus .
That 's why the Trust recommends not kissing , wearing a face mask during sex and favouring positions where you 're not face-to-face .
It adds the virus has been found in semen and poo , which is why you should use condoms and dams for oral sex to minimise risk .
And given we 're supposed to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your hands for more than 20 seconds or using hand sanitiser before and after sex is recommended .
You might also like : • Coronavirus and sex : What you need to know All of this is not to say you should forget about your sexual health in general .
The charity says it 's important to get tested for sexually transmitted infections before starting to have sex again .
`` Lockdown has meant that most people have had fewer sexual partners , if any at all , and now is the perfect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have an STI and to know what your HIV status is , '' it says .
Listen to Newsbeat live at 12:45 and 17:45 weekdays - or listen back here .

"Lockdown has meant that most people have had fewer sexual partners, if any at all, and now is the perfect time to be sure you don't have an STI and to know what your HIV status is," it says.


bbcuk--2020-09-23--Islamic State: Relatives of British hostage braced for coming trial

On 22 November this year it will be exactly eight years since the British photojournalist John Cantlie was kidnapped by the Islamic State group ( IS ) in Syria , along with the American journalist James Foley .
Mr Foley was murdered by his captors .
So too were the British and American aid workers and journalists David Haines , Steven Sotloff , Kayla Mueller , Peter Abdurrahman Kassig and Alan Henning .
Mr Cantlie 's fate is still unknown .
IS forced him to appear in its propaganda videos , criticising the West in what appeared to be scripted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has not been seen since 2016 .
Two of the alleged members of the gang dubbed `` The Beatles '' , Alexanda Kotey and El Shafee Elsheikh , were captured in 2018 .
Since then , they have been in a legal limbo but recent developments in the US mean the way is now clear , in theory , for their trial to go ahead in the US .
• UK sends US evidence on IS 'Beatles' • What is behind Britain 's IS duo decision ?
• Who were the Islamic State @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first time , Mr Cantlie 's sister Jessica Pocock has spoken publicly of her eight-year ordeal , telling the BBC of the enormous relief she and the other hostage families feel at finally getting their day in court .
`` This '' she tells me , `` is the first really good thing to have come out of this whole situation '' .
`` It 's the best thing that could have happened for us , '' she says .
`` We 've only ever wanted these two ( Kotey and Elsheikh ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on to describe the frustration the families felt as the legal wrangles stretched on for months .
`` It became more and more complicated and difficult and we felt , I think , at times , absolutely desperate as to whether the legal system was ever going to be able to bring these two to justice , wherever that might be . ''
Is she confidant that the men will get a fair trial in the US ?
`` I have every confidence they will , yes .
All the families of all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ taken ( hostage ) all need nothing less than a fair trial . ''
For Jessica , the long wait for justice has been every bit as hard as it has for those whose loved ones were murdered by IS .
Mr Cantlie was kidnapped twice , escaping the first time from Syria and returning briefly to Britain .
While he was back home the two siblings had a long conversation .
`` He felt absolutely that he had to go back to Aleppo to tell the story , '' she says .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ it when he was first kidnapped and he felt that it was his duty to go back . ''
Mr Cantlie 's last known appearance was in an IS propaganda video from Mosul , where the group was using him in an attempt to convey the impression it was still in control , despite its mounting military setbacks .
For Jessica , it was particularly tough to see her brother in such circumstances .
`` It was surreal , '' she says .
`` It gave us a proof of life at that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was no longer really valid .
`` It felt unbelievably difficult to see somebody that you love so much on a screen and not be able to talk to them or engage with them , and not to know if you 're ever going to see them for real again . ''
Mr Cantlie has not been seen since that video .
Many of the other hostages were killed by their captors in 2014 when IS was at its most powerful .
Others were released in exchange for ransoms and they have spoken @ @ @ @ @ @ @ jihadists who guarded them .
They nicknamed them `` The Beatles '' because of their British accents .
Their infamous ringleader was the former west Londoner Mohammed Emwazi , the black-masked man who appeared in IS beheading videos and known in the media as `` Jihadi John '' .
He was killed in 2015 in Raqqa in a precision-guided US drone strike .
Another gang member Aine Davis was arrested and imprisoned in Turkey .
The other two alleged members of the gang , Kotay and ElSheikh , remained at large until they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fighting IS .
The two former Londoners have admitted belonging to IS but have denied the UK and US governments ' allegations of torture and murder .
America had wanted to put them on trial but was lacking crucial evidence gathered by British intelligence .
Earlier , the mother of one of the two suspects won her English court battle to prevent this evidence being transferred to the US on grounds of data protection .
The men have been in a legal limbo , held by the US military in Iraq where the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over to the courts , renowned for their summary justice and executions .
Then came a breakthrough : America undertook not to carry out the death penalty if the men were convicted in a US court .
And finally , on Tuesday , England 's High Court lifted the ban on evidence being passed to the US .
Counter-terrorism officers from the Metropolitan Police duly delivered that evidence in person to the US Embassy in London .

She goes on to describe the frustration the families felt as the legal wrangles stretched on for months. "It became more and more complicated and difficult and we felt, I think, at times, absolutely desperate as to whether the legal system was ever going to be able to bring these two to justice, wherever that might be."


bbcuk--2020-09-23--Manchester Arena Inquiry: Jane Tweddle was 'shoulder to cry on'

The daughters of a Manchester Arena blast victim have paid tribute to their `` warrior mum '' who treated `` everyone with kindness decency and respect '' .
A series of hearings have been taking place where relatives of the 22 people killed in the 2017 bombing have provided personal insights into the lives of their loved ones and how their lives were changed forever by the attack .
Ms Tweddle 's mother Margaret told the inquiry that `` what happened in Manchester that night was evil and we wo n't let evil win '' .
She added : `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by when I do n't miss her smile , her laughter and her love of life . ''
A statement from Jane 's daughters Harriet , Isabelle and Lily described her as `` our warrior mum teaching us to be kind and to always stick together '' .
They added : `` Our house was always full of love and laughter .
You 'd pull the oldest tricks in the book to get us laughing…you never failed to make us smile .
`` You always knew how to brighten someone 's day and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ everyone with kindness , decency and respect .
`` You rarely got mad and when you did you probably had a damn good reason , especially having to deal with three teenage girls . ''
One daughter recalled her mum 's `` random spontaneous ideas '' such as `` a rollerblade race down the street in the middle of summer , wearing maxi dresses - not sure who won but we were in stitches '' .
Ms Tweddle , who was originally from Hartlepool , loved going back to her parents ' home @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in your PJs all day , shouting 'mum ' '' .
She was a `` loyal sister '' and a `` loving auntie '' who provided a second home for nieces and nephews , her family said .
Ms Tweddle 's daughters said she was a secondary school receptionist who was `` made for the job - friendly and full of life '' and was `` cherished and trusted by the young lives you touched '' .
Her daughters added : `` Children from all backgrounds would open up to you about their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ perfect listener .
`` You were a shoulder to cry on and a source of support for so many . ''
They added : `` There is nothing in this world we would n't give to hear your voice , see your smile or hold your hand for just one more minute .
`` You were taken so fast and you were so loved but now you rest high , peacefully we love you endlessly now we all have an angel to call by name . ''

"You were taken so fast and you were so loved but now you rest high, peacefully we love you endlessly now we all have an angel to call by name."


bbcuk--2020-09-23--Julian Assange: Mother of Wikileaks founder's children dreaded making relationship public

Julian Assange ’ s fiancée has told the BBC she dreaded going public with their relationship .
Lawyer Stella Moris @ @ @ @ @ ’ s two young sons while the Wikileaks founder was living in the Ecuadorean embassy @ @ @ @ @ is now appearing at the Old Bailey fighting extradition to the United States for obtaining @ @ @ @ @ a decade ago .
The BBC 's Victoria Derbyshire has been speaking to Stella Moris @ @ @ @ @ British TV interview since their relationship was revealed in court documents .

Julian Assange’s fiancée has told the BBC she dreaded going public with their relationship.
Lawyer Stella Moris gave birth to the couple’s two young sons while the Wikileaks founder was living in the Ecuadorean embassy in London.
Mr Assange is now appearing at the Old Bailey fighting extradition to the United States for obtaining and publishing secret military documents a decade ago.
The BBC's Victoria Derbyshire has been speaking to Stella Moris in her first in depth British TV interview since their relationship was revealed in court documents.


bbcuk--2020-09-23--Mental Health: 'Kindness can help save lives'

When BBC producer Kamilah McInnis was at a really low point , she never expected to find a bunch of @ @ @ @ @ from a stranger .
She ’ s gone on a journey to find out who @ @ @ @ @ other groups whose small acts make a big difference .
Help and sources of support @ @ @ @ @ in this video can be found at the BBC Action Line .

When BBC producer Kamilah McInnis was at a really low point, she never expected to find a bunch of flowers left as a gift from a stranger.
She’s gone on a journey to find out who left them and about the other groups whose small acts make a big difference.
Help and sources of support for anyone affected by issues in this video can be found at the BBC Action Line.
Producer and reporter: Kamilah McInnis
Senior Producer: Tammi Walker
Video Journalist: Tobias Chapple


bbcuk--2020-09-23--PMQs: Starmer and Johnson on furlough and help for workers

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer cited the CBI , TUC , and the Bank of England governor when he asked @ @ @ @ @ furlough scheme .
Boris Johnson said these were “ tough times '' for businesses , @ @ @ @ @ doing its `` level best to protect them throughout this period '' .
And he @ @ @ @ @ Green about not letting a `` good crisis go to waste ” , saying her @ @ @ @ @ , the cat 's out of the bag ” .

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer cited the CBI, TUC, and the Bank of England governor when he asked for an extension to the furlough scheme.
Boris Johnson said these were “tough times" for businesses, and that the government was doing its "level best to protect them throughout this period".
And he quoted shadow education secretary Kate Green about not letting a "good crisis go to waste”, saying her party had been “exposed, the cat's out of the bag”.
BBC coverage of PMQs


bbcuk--2020-09-23--Coronavirus: Suffolk virtual art classes 'inspired me to follow my dreams'

A man has described how taking part in virtual art classes has helped him during the coronavirus pandemic .
Andreas @ @ @ @ @ Stowmarket , Suffolk , said the Brave Art project `` inspired me to follow my @ @ @ @ @ organises professional artists to teach activities such as animation , poetry and sketching to people @ @ @ @ @ moved its classes online so that they could continue during lockdown .
His mother Jane @ @ @ @ @ actual using of different mediums including drama as well , has totally excited Andreas .
@ @ @ @ @ East of England on Facebook , Instagram and Twitter .
If you have a story @ @ @ @ @ us about news video you 've filmed email eastofenglandnews @ bbc.co.uk

A man has described how taking part in virtual art classes has helped him during the coronavirus pandemic.
Andreas Johnson, 30, from Stowmarket, Suffolk, said the Brave Art project "inspired me to follow my dreams".
The charity organises professional artists to teach activities such as animation, poetry and sketching to people with learning disabilities.
It moved its classes online so that they could continue during lockdown.
His mother Jane Chave said: "The actual using of different mediums including drama as well, has totally excited Andreas."
Find BBC News: East of England on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. If you have a story idea or want to contact us about news video you've filmed email eastofenglandnews@bbc.co.uk


bbcuk--2020-09-23--Newspaper headlines: Chancellor's 'jobs lifeline to save economy'

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The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites .
Read about our approach @ @ @ @

The i adds there is resentment from Tories in the south-west of England where infection rates remain low. Many are said to want an exemption from any national lockdown, with the MP for West Dorset concerned his constituents are being "punished" for breaches in large towns and cities.


bbcuk--2020-09-23--Male domestic abuse victims 'sleeping in cars and tents'

Charities dealing with men who suffer domestic abuse have seen pleas for help jump by up to 60 % during the lockdown .
The Respect Men 's Advice Line said some victims had told them they had sought refuge by sleeping in cars or in tents in the gardens of friends or relatives .
The charity said it had received 13,812 calls and emails between April and July in lockdown compared to 8,648 in the same period in 2019 .
Respect 's Ippo Panteloudakis said the pandemic had made the problem worse .
He said : `` It was absolutely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ domestic abuse experiences .
`` They were talking about increases in violence , increases in psychological abuse and becoming homeless as a result of the domestic abuse and not having anywhere to go .
`` We had reports from men sleeping in their cars overnight or sleeping in their friends ' or parents ' gardens in tents . ''
The advice line said the biggest increase in contact with abuse victims came through emails and the service saw the volume increase by 96 % from 372 emails in June 2019 to 728 in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 22 emails a day and 92 phone calls as the lockdown took hold from April to June .
Bradford-based charity Men Standing Up takes male domestic abuse referrals from across the country .
It started up six years ago and has dealt with more than 4,000 cases .
Men Standing Up has so-called crash pads and emergency accommodation for men for up to 14 days .
Before the coronavirus lockdown it ran a support group and helped victims attend court for hearings over restraining orders or to go to GP appointments .
Service @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's gone from them being able to pick up the phone and say ' I 'm feeling really down , could we go out for a coffee ? '
.
`` That 's had to stop unfortunately because of the restrictions so we 've been trying to provide as much telephone support as possible and give them that emotional support that they need but they have been struggling with that . ''
One man in West Yorkshire who was directed to Men Standing Up by the advice line said he asked for help @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after suffering years of psychological abuse including gaslighting , controlling behaviour and financial abuse .
The man , who did not want to reveal his identity , said : `` I needed help , I needed to get out of this place because I was watched everywhere I was going - every single step .
`` It was killing me from inside and I needed to get out to see the world .
`` I used to cry all the time , I just used to isolate myself in my room and I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` If it was n't for Men Standing Up I would n't have known what to do - I could 've been dead .
`` With men they just keep it inside them , just keep quiet and pass the time and just for the sake of the kids they do it , but it does n't get any easier , it just gets worse . ''
Ean Monk from the charity said : `` The service was set up as a response to the growing number of men who were accessing our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reason for homelessness was domestic abuse . ''
More than 40,000 calls and contacts were made to the National Domestic Abuse Helpline during the first three months of lockdown , most by women seeking help , figures showed .
In June , calls and contacts were nearly 80 % higher than usual , said the charity Refuge , which runs the helpline .
And as restrictions initially eased , there was a surge in women seeking refuge places to escape their abusers , the charity said .
If you 've been affected by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ find support via the BBC Action Line here .
Follow BBC Yorkshire on Facebook , Twitter and Instagram .
Send your story ideas to yorkslincs.news @ bbc.co.uk or send video here .

"That's had to stop unfortunately because of the restrictions so we've been trying to provide as much telephone support as possible and give them that emotional support that they need but they have been struggling with that."


bbcuk--2020-09-23--Covid in Scotland: 124 test positive in Glasgow University outbreak

A major outbreak of Covid-19 at Glasgow University has led to 124 students testing positive .
The university said the actual number of infected students was `` likely to be higher '' , and added that 600 people were self-isolating .
Details of the outbreak emerged after Scotland 's national clinical director , Prof Jason Leitch , urged students to stick to the rules .
The clusters are centred on two halls of residence in the city .
The university said they involved the Murano Street and Cairncross residences , and were largely due to social activity at the start @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In a statement it said : `` We are working closely with NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde 's public health team to manage these .
`` The total number of reported cases since the start of term is 124 but the actual number is likely to be higher .
`` Over 600 students are isolating across all residences .
We are not aware of any students who have had to receive hospital treatment .
`` The student households affected are self-isolating and have access to food and other supplies .
Advice on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is being made available .
We have also increased the number of support staff liaising with our residences . ''
The Murano Street Student Village is the largest residence at University of Glasgow , with more than 1,100 student bedrooms .
The university said environmental health teams had inspected the residences on Wednesday and reported that robust procedures were in place .
Any students found to be breaking the rules faced disciplinary action including termination of their accommodation contracts and suspension from the university , it added .
The Glasgow outbreak is one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ across Scotland .
All 500 residents at Parker House in Dundee have been asked to self-isolate until contact tracing is complete after three confirmed coronavirus cases .
In Aberdeen 72 residents at Hillhead student village are self isolating after students tested positive .
Aberdeen University has urged anyone who attended parties or other gatherings since Friday to come forward to aid contact tracing efforts , and promised that if they do so they will not be punished for breaching guidance .
Earlier Prof Leitch had described the Glasgow University outbreak as `` significant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about following guidelines .
During the daily briefing , he said : `` We need you not to have house parties , I could not be any clearer . ''
He outlined four ways in which student could help curb the spread of the virus .
• If you have any symptoms of Covid-19 , self-isolate and book a test immediately • Download the Protect Scotland app to your mobile phone • Follow the Test and Protect advice and the advice from your institution .
If you are asked to self-isolate you must @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reminded students that new restrictions on mixing with other households in private homes applied to students as well as the rest of the population .
What went wrong during Freshers Week ?
One student at Cairncross House told BBC Scotland she was asked to quarantine on Sunday - a week after arriving in the city .
Under Scottish government guidelines , students in residences are assigned to `` households '' based on shared facilities such as kitchens .
She said two people in her household of eight had tested positive for coronavirus .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ taste or smell , and a slight fever , she said .
It appears to have spread through the residence in Freshers ' Week , when students mixed with people outside their households .
`` I do n't think people were being too wildly unsensible , '' the student said .
`` People were mixing outside of their households because I mean it was Freshers Week , people were n't going to stay in their own kitchens and not do anything .
`` But I do n't think people were being too crazy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ n't the craziest .
There have n't been massive parties . ''
She said they have been advised to wear masks when they leave their rooms to use shared kitchens , and to order supermarket deliveries .
But she was able to continue her studies as all her classes are online .
`` It 's a bit strange , '' she said .
`` It does get a bit hard to concentrate when you 're sitting in your room from 9-5 and you ca n't go out for a walk to clear your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , it 's nice to have the work to occupy my time .
But it 's only day three , so it might get harder . ''
Nicola Sturgeon said the Glasgow University outbreak had affected the daily Covid-19 infection figure for the NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde area .
A total of 224 cases were recorded across the health board area in the past day , she said .
She said the outbreaks were in `` no way shape or form '' the fault of students and she made a direct appeal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vast majority of you will already be doing the right things , '' she said .
`` I want to recognise how tough that is and I want to thank you for it .
But it 's also important to underline a key point for students living in halls or shared accommodation who might be watching .
`` If you are asked to self-isolate and I know many of you right now are already in that position , it is really , really important that you follow that advice . ''
She urged @ @ @ @ @ @ @ abide by the new restrictions on household gatherings .
The president of the National Union of Students in Scotland , Matt Crilly , said many students were concerned by the rising number of cases linked to universities and colleges .
`` It 's a really difficult time , '' he said .
`` Obviously , they 've been asked by their university or college to return to campus and they 're now living in halls and they 're really worried .
`` We 're all really worried about this spate of outbreaks of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ RULES : What are the restrictions in Scotland ?
• LOCKDOWN : Six months that changed our lives • CASES : Where are the latest cases in Scotland ?
• NUMBERS : Four key figures to watch out for • ANSWERS TO YOUR QUESTIONS : Who can I meet , and where ?

"We need to be very, very careful. Even though most of those cases will not get serious illness, some of them will and some of them will potentially spread it to the community."


bbcuk--2020-09-23--Coronavirus: 10 NI ambulance workers test positive

Ten members of ambulance staff have tested positive for Covid-19 , the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service has confirmed .
The @ @ @ @ @ in its southern division and had `` attended a social event outside of work '' @ @ @ @ @ have also been advised to self-isolate .
It was initially reported in the Belfast Telegraph @ @ @ @ @ was believed to have been a golf trip in the Republic of Ireland .

"As always we put our efforts into making sure that we respond to the most serious emergencies first and foremost, we aim always to get to the sickest patients the quickest," he said.


bbcuk--2020-09-24--Climate change and Covid economy 'must be tackled together'

Offering young people work on nature projects and converting empty offices into eco-homes are among the ideas being considered by a `` green recovery '' Welsh Government taskforce .
Its boss Sir David Henshaw said it was `` absolutely critical '' climate change was tackled alongside coronavirus .
This also means investing `` heavily '' to enable long-term homeworking , he said .
His team has received more than 180 ideas for policies and projects and are deciding which to take forward .
`` Some of the ideas are challenging but I think we 're going to have to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` The danger is that we reach back and use the old levers , if you like , as we try to restart [ after Covid-19 ] and miss what 's actually facing us in terms of the [ climate ] crisis .
`` It 's an existential threat and we ca n't just leave it , put it to one side of the desk and wait to catch up with it .
We have to take the two together . ''
Sir David - chairman of environment watchdog Natural Resources Wales and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - was asked by the Welsh Government to lead its green recovery taskforce .
As well as working out how to help cash-strapped environmental charities and voluntary groups continue their work , they were told to come up with ideas to fight climate change and nature loss while creating jobs and strengthening the economy .
They are set to report to Environment Minister Lesley Griffiths later this autumn .
Ideas being considered range from `` small local projects to very big ones across the whole of Wales , '' Sir David said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ so fruit and vegetables can be sourced more locally .
They are also looking at volunteering , work experience and apprenticeship opportunities , for example in nature conservation , energy efficiency , woodland planting , or peatland restoration .
Sir David said improving infrastructure that allows people to work from home - which he described as `` not good enough '' - was a key priority .
The hope for a greener future is driving the team behind a new college in Talgarth , Powys .
`` Black Mountains College came about as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ climate and nature emergencies in order to produce new kinds of graduates , '' said director Ben Rawlence .
With a focus on teaching sustainability , ecology , heritage skills and implementing Wales ' Wellbeing of Future Generations Act , they hope the courses will prepare students for `` a very different net zero future '' .
While vocational courses on topics such as regenerative horticulture - which helps keep soil healthy - will start next year , the college hopes to offer a programme for undergraduate students from 2022 , working towards @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` We hope we can be a catalyst for regeneration for mid Wales as a whole - helping stem the brain drain of young people over the border to England to study further and higher education , '' Mr Rawlence added .
He said society needed to think differently about how the economy works .
`` The economy is about the relationship between people and the environment , and if there 's no environment there 's no relationship . ''
Ffion Storer Jones , of the Rural Youth Project , echoed this sentiment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ highlighted how quickly changes can be achieved .
`` Young people have been on the streets for years now asking for change and the pandemic has shown us that a different way of life is possible - where we work within the boundaries of the planet to create a world that 's better both for the environment and people . ''

"Young people have been on the streets for years now asking for change and the pandemic has shown us that a different way of life is possible - where we work within the boundaries of the planet to create a world that's better both for the environment and people."


bbcuk--2020-09-23--Controversy as Tyneside patients offered GP calls by private firm

A Tyneside clinical commissioning group ( CCG ) struck the deal with Livi , which said it was the first of its kind .
The CCG said it would mean more choice and 21,000 extra appointments a year among its more than 220,000 patients .
A councillor said he had concerns about how the contract was awarded and critics have also said the scheme could undermine the current GP system .
Although Livi has had contracts with individual GP practices in England , it said the partnership with North Tyneside CCG was the first of its kind with the NHS @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the calls could be based anywhere in the UK and would have access to the patient 's records .
Dr Richard Scott from North Tyneside CCG said : `` Our patients told us they wanted more access , they wanted more choice .
This service gives additional options to their normal GP service . ''
`` This is that extra bit of face-to-face with a qualified GP or advanced nurse practitioner that can ensure that the patient does n't need to visit their own GP .
`` They can have an appointment from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at a time of their choosing . ''
Livi said its service currently reached more than three million people in the UK and it had ambitious growth plans to work as a partner with the NHS to ensure digital healthcare was accessible to as many people as possible .
Councillor Joe Kirwin , the deputy chairman of the health scrutiny committee at North Tyneside Council , has called for a full investigation into the circumstances of the awarding of the contract , saying the committee had not been consulted .
`` I 've @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the CCG and from Livi , and all the residents I speak to are also surprised , '' said Mr Kirwin , from the council 's ruling Labour group .
`` This seems to have come totally out of the blue .
I want the CCG to come to the Health Scrutiny Committee , present their report , present their findings , tell us about the process and the contract , and I want to get down to the bottom of how much money this is taking out of the NHS for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dave Tomson said : `` We all agreed to it , because we are under a great deal of pressure , but I think there are concerns about the number of ways in which patients can access services , that that actually makes for inefficiency . ''

"This seems to have come totally out of the blue. I want the CCG to come to the Health Scrutiny Committee, present their report, present their findings, tell us about the process and the contract, and I want to get down to the bottom of how much money this is taking out of the NHS for private profit."


bbcuk--2020-09-24--Rishi Sunak unveils emergency jobs scheme

The government and firms will top up workers ' wages covering up to two-thirds of their hours for the next six months , the chancellor has said .
Rishi Sunak said the Jobs Support Scheme will replace the furlough scheme when it ends on 31 October .
He set out his `` winter economy plan '' after the government introduced new measures to stop the spread of the coronavirus .
There are fears firms will make mass job cuts when the furlough scheme ends .
Nearly 3 million workers - or 12 % of the UK 's workforce - are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ according to the Office for National Statistics .
The chancellor said that employees will have to work for at least a third of their normal hours to quality for the new scheme , which begins on 1 November .
Businesses that have borrowed money through the government 's loan scheme will also be given more time to repay the money .
And a VAT cut for hospitality and tourism companies will also be extended until March .
The cut from 20 % to 5 % VAT - which came into force on 15 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on 12 January next year .

"It is not for me to sit here and make pronouncements on every individual job," he said. "What I want to be able to do is to provide as much support as possible given the constraints we operate in. We obviously can't sustain the same level of things that we were doing at the beginning of this crisis."


bbcuk--2020-09-24--NHS Covid-19 app: England and Wales get smartphone contact tracing for over-16s

`` Everybody who downloads the app will be helping to protect themselves , helping to protect their loved ones , helping to protect their community because the more people who download it , the more effective it will be , '' he told BBC Radio 4 's Today programme .
But the Department of Health had earlier said that users must obey the command and would in theory be liable for fines of £1,000 or more if they did not , while acknowledging it had no way to check .
How can people access the app ?
What will contact-tracing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ received such an alert , but fill in the app 's symptoms checker and meet the criteria , will be directed to self-isolate for eight days .
They will also be directed to an external website to book a test .
But smartphones were not designed for this purpose and the readings involved are not always accurate .
This has led to fears of `` false positives '' - people being instructed to self-isolate who were never at risk .
And it now allows users to delete individual venue visits from the app @ @ @ @ @ @ @ followed feedback from victims of domestic abuse , whose partners often check their phones .

But the Department of Health had earlier said that users must obey the command and would in theory be liable for fines of £1,000 or more if they did not, while acknowledging it had no way to check.


bbcuk--2020-09-24--Hancock refuses to rule out Christmas student lockdown

Matt Hancock has refused to rule out banning students from returning home at Christmas , to limit the spread of coronavirus outbreaks .
The health secretary was responding to a question about concerns that students could be spreading Covid-19 , amid numerous university-based outbreaks .
At Glasgow University 120 students have tested positive for Covid-19 and are among 600 self-isolating there .
Academics had warned against the mass movement of the UK 's million students .
The University and College Union had called for students to be taught wholly online , from home until Christmas , ahead of the start @ @ @ @ @ @ @ face-to-face learning was key to students ' mental health .
This has meant up to a million students have returned to their university premises or are commuting there regularly .
• Universities : No parties and more online learning In a response to a question on BBC Radio 4 's Today Programme about whether students would be asked to stay in their university towns at Christmas , Mr Hancock said he had `` learned not to rule things out '' .
`` I do n't want to have a situation like that and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it .
`` We have said throughout that our goal is to suppress the virus , whilst protecting the economy and protecting education .
`` And protecting people in education whether it 's school or university is obviously critical as is protecting the economy . ''
He added : `` In terms of universities , we are working very closely with them to try to make sure the students are safe , but that they can also get their education . ''
`` I 've learned not to rule things out and one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ how to make sure people are as safe as possible . ''
But he added : `` This is not our goal , I do n't want to leave you with the expectation - but we have to work on all contingencies at the moment . ''
It comes after a growing number of outbreaks on university campuses , with students isolating in their residential groups at Glasgow , Dundee and Liverpool .
Boris Johnson has said universities have been given a `` clear request not to send students home in the event @ @ @ @ @ @ @ avoid spreading the virus across the country '' .
University students are being urged not to hold parties in their halls of residence under the rule of six , and to avoid socialising in places that do not have Covid-19 protections in place .
Many universities are warning students they face fines or even having their courses terminated if they do not follow the regulations .
Universities have taken extensive measures in their buildings to minimise risks on campuses and many lectures are already being taught online , but there is less control @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
But minutes of a recent meeting of the government 's scientific advisory group on emergencies , suggest ministers were aware of the risks of bringing students back to university and sending them home at the end of term .
The minutes of the 1 September meeting said : `` Sage noted that risks of larger outbreaks spilling over from HE institutions are more likely to occur towards the end of the academic term , coinciding with Christmas and New Year period when students return home .
`` This could pose risk to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will require national oversight , monitoring and decision-making . ''
UCU general secretary Jo Grady has said the evidence was clear that online learning should be the default position and that government should be working to prevent outbreaks not creating conditions for them .
She said : '' students and their parents will be rightly worried about being locked down in an unfamiliar area over Christmas .
`` Locking students down at Christmas is based on a flawed boarding school vision of university that ignores the fact thousands of students and staff commute @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from university .
`` Threatening to lock students up over the festive period is not the solution . ''
She also urged the government to act now , before thousands more students move onto campuses this weekend .
It was completely irresponsible to let students go back to university when outbreaks have already started , she added .
University leaders say they have working hard for months to ensure students can return to their campuses safely .
`` Ensuring the health , safety and wellbeing of students , staff and local communities in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one priority for universities , '' said a Universities UK spokeswoman .
UUK said institutions were taking action to encourage responsible student behaviour , would continue to follow the latest government and public health advice , and were working in partnership with local authorities and public health bodies `` to ensure that effective and rapid outbreak response plans are in place and clearly understood '' .
• TEACHERS : Are they are at risk with schools reopening ?
• SOCIAL DISTANCING : What are the rules now ?
• SUPPORT BUBBLES : What @ @ @ @ @ @ @ yours ?
• FACE MASKS : When do I need to wear one ?
• LOOK-UP TOOL : How many cases in your area ?

And Larissa Kennedy, president of the National Union of Students said it was "completely ridiculous that we could see a situation where students are being told to stay in university accommodation which is often quite small, quite cramped - and they might have to stay there over Christmas".


bbcuk--2020-09-24--Coronavirus: Test turnaround times getting longer in England

People are waiting longer for coronavirus test results from England 's community testing centres , figures show .
Only 28 % of tests carried out in these venues came back in 24 hours in the week up to 16 September .
That is down from one in three last week , and two in three the week before , NHS Test and Trace said .
It comes as the government is struggling to increase lab capacity to process tests .
Access to community testing has had to be rationed because labs are struggling to keep up with demand .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' lab in Newport has been delayed .
• How do I get a coronavirus test ?
• Covid symptoms : Is it a cold , flu or coronavirus ?
There are three types of community testing centres - drive-thrus , walk-in centres and mobile units that are deployed to hotspot areas .
• Average turnaround times for regional drive-thru centres rose from 27 hours the week before to 30 • Mobile units saw average times of 31 hours up from 26 • Performance for local walk-in centres improved slightly from 35 to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out to care homes and people 's private homes improved a little .
Testing carried out in hospitals is processed by their own labs , and nine in 10 test results are provided in 24 hours .
• SOCIAL DISTANCING : What are the rules now ?
• SUPPORT BUBBLES : What are they and who can be in yours ?
• FACE MASKS : When do I need to wear one ?
• SCHOOLS : What will happen if children catch coronavirus ?
• TESTING : What tests are available ?

The data shows over the past two weeks more than 200,000 children under nine have been tested - nearly three times more than were tested the two weeks before that, suggesting the return to school did lead to an increase in this age group seeking tests. Less than 1% tested positive.


bbcuk--2020-09-24--Two people killed in M4 motorway crashes

Two people have died in separate crashes on the M4 overnight .
The first happened at about 01:35 BST when a car overturned between Bath and Chippenham , killing one man and leaving another with life-threatening injuries .
Two lorries , a car and a van then crashed in the same area between junctions 17 and 18 .
One man died and two others were injured .
Leaking propane gas canisters on one of the vehicles involved had to be made safe and the motorway remains closed .
Wiltshire Police said the eastbound carriageway might open around midday , while @ @ @ @ @ @ @ closed for the rest of the day .
Supt Phil Staynings said : `` This is a complex incident that put huge pressure on all of the emergency services this morning and will continue to take a considerable amount of time to investigate thoroughly .
`` We appreciate the public 's patience on this regarding the closure of the M4 and we are working closely with Highways England to ensure we can have the road back open when it is appropriate to do so . ''
People are being asked to avoid the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of traffic on surrounding roads .

"We appreciate the public's patience on this regarding the closure of the M4 and we are working closely with Highways England to ensure we can have the road back open when it is appropriate to do so."


bbcuk--2020-09-24--Covid: Pub-goers in Wales 'likely to get 20 minutes to drink up'

Pub-goers are likely to be given 20 minutes to drink up after last orders at 22:00 , Wales ' Health Minister Vaughan Gething has said .
On Tuesday , First Minister Mark Drakeford said pubs and restaurants would close at 22:00 from Thursday .
But on Wednesday it was confirmed pubs in Wales will not have to close at 22:00 but will have to stop serving alcohol at this time .
The regulations will say people need to drink up and move on , Mr Gething said .
He told BBC Radio Wales Breakfast with Claire Summers : `` I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of 20 minutes ... That 's what I think , but I need to check it with the lawyers . ''
The move means rules are now different to England , where pubs and restaurants must close at 22:00 .
Mr Gething said : `` We do recognise that if you simply had businesses open as long as they wish to be then you could have people ordering lots of alcohol and carrying on drinking .
`` And equally from a business point of view they 'll want some certainty about when it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have to manage that sort of behaviour themselves . ''
But he said the main cause of the virus spreading was people visiting other people 's homes : '' This is still really about how we understand the way coronavirus is spreading , '' he said .
`` It is still largely in people 's homes , having more contact than we should do with more people .
`` And then pubs , restaurants and licensed facilities can be an additional source of where it can go . ''
Dan Warder , who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Pembrokeshire and is part of the Welsh Independent Restaurant Collective , told BBC Radio Wales it was `` a little bit of a relief '' to have clarity that 22:00 was for last orders rather than closing .
He said getting clarity on rules for the industry had been an `` ongoing saga '' , adding : `` It is an ever-changing landscape , there 's lots of things we have to deal with at the moment and this is just another . ''

He said getting clarity on rules for the industry had been an "ongoing saga", adding: "It is an ever-changing landscape, there's lots of things we have to deal with at the moment and this is just another."


bbcuk--2020-09-24--Sir Harold Evans: Crusading editor who exposed Thalidomide impact dies aged 92

Former Sunday Times editor Sir Harold Evans has died at the age of 92 .
The British-American journalist , who led an investigation into the drug Thalidomide , died of heart failure in New York , his wife Tina Brown said .
His 70-year career also saw him work as a magazine founder , book publisher , author and - at the time of his death - Reuters ' editor-at-large .
Sir Harold was editor of the Sunday Times for 14 years and oversaw many campaigns in that time .
He then went on to become the founding editor of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the publishing giant , Random House .
One of Britain and America 's best-known journalists , Sir Harold also wrote several books about the press and in 2003 was given a knighthood for his services to journalism .
A year earlier , a poll by the Press Gazette and the British Journalism Review named him the greatest newspaper editor of all time .
Sir Harold forged his reputation as editor of the Northern Echo in the 1960s , where his campaigns resulted in a national screening programme for cervical cancer and a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hanged for murder in 1950 .
During his tenure as editor of the Sunday Times , his notable campaigns included fighting the Distillers Company for greater compensation for the victims of Thalidomide .
But he said campaigns should be selective , and he deplored what he saw as the invasion of privacy by the British tabloid press .
Thalidomide , which first appeared in the UK in 1958 , was prescribed to expectant mothers to control the symptoms of morning sickness .
However , hundreds of these mothers in Britain , and many @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to children with missing limbs , deformed hearts , blindness and other problems .
• Ageing in the wake of thalidomide Sir Harold 's campaign , launched in 1972 , eventually forced the UK manufacturer , Distillers Company - at the time the Sunday Times 's biggest advertiser - to increase the compensation received by victims .
He also fought a legal injunction to stop the paper revealing the drug 's developers had not gone through the proper testing procedures .
Speaking about his campaigning in a 2010 interview with the Independent , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to do - all I hoped to do - was to shed a little light .
And if that light grew weeds , we 'd have to try and pull them up . ''
• It was launched on 1 October 1957 • First marketed as a sedative , it was then given to pregnant women to combat morning sickness • As many as 10,000 babies of these women were born worldwide with deformities Sir Harold later edited the Times but left in 1981 following a public falling-out with the paper 's owner @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Writing about his relationship with Murdoch , he described his decision not to `` campaign against '' Murdoch 's takeover of the papers as `` the worst in my professional career '' .
He added : `` My principal difficulty with Murdoch was my refusal to turn the paper into an organ of Thatcherism .
That is what the Times became . ''
Harry Evans personified not only the noblest possibilities of journalism , but of social mobility in the 20th Century too .
Born into what he called `` the respectable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and international acclaim via the streets of Manchester and Darlington - the latter as editor of The Northern Echo - is sadly a route few take today .
He embodied the most romantic ideal of an editor : a humble hack taking on mighty forces through the dogged pursuit of truth .
Though he later fell out with Rupert Murdoch , and never forgave him , in his 14 years at the helm of the Sunday Times he redefined journalism itself .
He was a master craftsman , in a trade where practical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he combined a flair for layout , projection and design with a remarkable nose for a story , particularly those with human suffering at their heart .
But above all he was brave .
During his reign , it seemed no super-rich bully or powerful government could intimidate him .
In our era of information overload , diminished trust in journalism , and fewer people willing to pay for news , the nostalgia for what he represented is impossible to resist .
As he put it himself in the title of his wonderful @ @ @ @ @ @ @ top in Vanished Times .
He had the resources , and the time , to hold power to account - and he did uniquely well .
Mixed with his charm and sheer decency , this put journalism itself in a debt to him that will never be fully serviced .
Journalists have paid tribute to his campaigning work on the Thalidomide scandal and other injustices .
Alan Rusbridger , former editor of the Guardian , said he was a `` master craftsman of journalism '' who `` was the editor we all wanted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ told BBC Radio 4 's Today programme that Sir Harold was an outsider coming in to the Sunday Times , the `` son of a railway man who wanted to take on the establishment '' .
`` He believed in ordinary people and that newspapers could stand up for them .
He saw newspapers as instruments of social justice on their behalf , '' Mr Harris said .
`` He really was the great British post-war journalist , no question . ''
The BBC 's John Simpson called Sir Harold a `` magnificent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ good and inspiring friend '' .
Former Financial Times editor Lionel Barber described him as `` a brilliant , generous newspaperman and mentor , the finest editor of his generation '' .
Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said : `` He was a giant of investigative journalism - uncovering great injustices and informing the public without fear or favour . ''
After leaving the Times , Sir Harold and his second wife , Tina Brown , moved to New York .
There she edited Vanity Fair and the New Yorker , while he became @ @ @ @ @ @ @ later president of Random House .
In 2011 , at the age of 82 , Sir Harold was appointed editor-at-large at Reuters , the organisation 's editor-in-chief describing him as `` one of the greatest minds in journalism '' .
Sir Harold was born on 28 June 1928 in Eccles , Lancashire , now in Greater Manchester , the son of Welsh parents .

Speaking about his campaigning in a 2010 interview with the Independent, Sir Harold said: "I tried to do - all I hoped to do - was to shed a little light. And if that light grew weeds, we'd have to try and pull them up."


bbcuk--2020-09-24--Covid in Scotland: 124 test positive in Glasgow University outbreak

A major outbreak of Covid-19 at Glasgow University has led to 124 students testing positive .
The university said the actual number of infected students was `` likely to be higher '' , and added that 600 people were self-isolating .
Details emerged as Scotland 's national clinical director , Prof Jason Leitch , said he was `` very concerned '' about outbreaks at several universities .
They include Abertay in Dundee and the University of Aberdeen .
The clusters in Glasgow are centred on two halls of residence in the city .
The university said they involved the Murano @ @ @ @ @ @ @ largely due to social activity at the start of Freshers Week , from 12-14 September .
In a statement it said : `` The total number of reported cases since the start of term is 124 but the actual number is likely to be higher .
`` Over 600 students are isolating across all residences .
We are not aware of any students who have had to receive hospital treatment . ''
The statement added that those students affected had access to food and other supplies .
Advice on medical issues including mental @ @ @ @ @ @ @ available .
The Murano Street Student Village is the largest residence at University of Glasgow , with more than 1,100 student bedrooms .
In total , about 2,500 spaces are available in seven residences for students at the city 's universities .
The university said any students found to be breaking the rules faced disciplinary action including termination of their accommodation contracts and suspension from the university .
A mobile testing centre will be set up at Murano and student unions will be closed this weekend .
The Glasgow outbreak is one of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Scotland .
All 500 residents at Parker House in Dundee have been asked to self-isolate until contact tracing is complete after three confirmed coronavirus cases at Abertay University .
In Aberdeen , 72 residents at Hillhead student village are self-isolating after students tested positive .
Aberdeen University has urged anyone who attended parties or other gatherings since Friday to come forward to aid contact tracing efforts , and promised that if they do so they will not be punished for breaching guidance .
Prof Leitch described the Glasgow University outbreak as `` significant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about attending house parties during Wednesday 's daily coronavirus briefing .
Speaking on BBC Breakfast on Thursday , he said : `` I am concerned , very concerned , about higher and further education , I always have been .
`` Predictably , we have cases .
Every country in the world that has brought universities back has got cases .
`` We need to be very , very careful .
Even though most of those cases will not get serious illness , some of them will and some of them will potentially @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Prof Leitch has said students will be allowed to return to their family homes `` but they should think hard about that '' .
`` If you are not self-isolating and have no symptoms , you can go home for the holidays etc , '' he said .
`` But we would ask you to think carefully about that .
We do n't want too much spread - particularly from high areas to low areas .
`` So maybe not as often as you normally would , but it 's not illegal .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ refused to rule out banning students from returning home at Christmas .
What went wrong during Freshers Week ?
One student at Cairncross House told BBC Scotland she was asked to quarantine on Sunday - a week after arriving in the city .
Under Scottish government guidelines , students in residences are assigned to `` households '' based on shared facilities such as kitchens .
She said two people in her household of eight had tested positive for coronavirus .
They are mainly reporting a loss of taste or smell , and a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ appears to have spread through the residence in Freshers ' Week , when students mixed with people outside their households .
`` I do n't think people were being too wildly unsensible , '' the student said .
`` People were mixing outside of their households because I mean it was Freshers Week , people were n't going to stay in their own kitchens and not do anything .
`` But I do n't think people were being too crazy .
There have n't been massive parties . ''
She said they have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leave their rooms to use shared kitchens , and to order supermarket deliveries .
But she was able to continue her studies as all her classes are online .
`` It 's a bit strange , '' she said .
`` It does get a bit hard to concentrate when you 're sitting in your room from 9-5 and you ca n't go out for a walk to clear your head .
`` At the same time , it 's nice to have the work to occupy my time .
But it 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get harder . ''
Nicola Sturgeon said the Glasgow University outbreak had affected the daily Covid-19 infection figure for the NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde area .
A total of 224 cases were recorded across the health board area in the past day , she said .
She said the outbreaks were in `` no way shape or form '' the fault of students , but she urged them to follow the FACTS advice and abide by the new restrictions on household gatherings .
The president of the National Union of Students in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ students were concerned by the rising number of cases linked to universities and colleges .
`` It 's a really difficult time , '' he said .
`` Obviously , they 've been asked by their university or college to return to campus and they 're now living in halls and they 're really worried .
`` We 're all really worried about this spate of outbreaks of Covid cases around us . ''
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bbcuk--2020-09-23--Many firms 'have not considered Brexit effect'

Only half of UK firms that trade internationally have considered the impact of Brexit on their business , says the British Chambers of Commerce .
It said only 52 % of them had carried out a risk assessment ahead of the end of the Brexit transition period on 1 January 2021 .
The BCC said firms needed more clarity .
It added that it had written to Cabinet Office Minister Michael Gove seeking action for businesses and urgent discussions to help firms prepare .
Exporters to the EU face 7,000-truck-long queues in Kent and two-day delays to trade after the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a letter sent to the freight industry by Mr Gove .
On Wednesday , Mr Gove told Parliament that it was up to firms to get ready for the end of the transition period .
`` The consequences of a lack of business preparedness will be not just economic opportunities missed for those companies who do n't prepare , but potentially much wider disruption , '' he said .
• What is the Brexit transition period ?
The BCC 's director general , Adam Marshall , said businesses still had `` significant unanswered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to `` ramp up engagement with business urgently '' .
The BCC also complained of a lack of information with which to plan , while companies were suffering from `` deadline fatigue '' .
'There will be a few sleepless nights' As Andrew Lawless sees the end of the Brexit transition period approaching , he has found himself having second thoughts about his vote in the 2016 referendum .
The sales director of Clitheroe-based packaging firm Phoenix Handling Solutions and member of the East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce , voted in favour of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be good for his business .
His fellow directors did the same .
`` But when we realised that the trade agreements were a bit of a sticking point , we did actually wonder if we 'd made the right decision , '' he told the BBC .
`` We 're only a small SME and we import virtually all our equipment .
We do n't want to let our blue-chip customers down because of delays at the ports . ''
It now sees itself having to take on paperwork that was previously @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Netherlands and France .
`` To be honest , we 're a bit apprehensive , because we 're not 100 % certain we 're doing the right things , '' he says .
`` I 'm sure there will be a few sleepless nights . ''
`` With just 98 days to go , business communities face the triple threat of a resurgent coronavirus , receding government support schemes and a disorderly end to the transition period , '' said Mr Marshall .
`` Despite recent public information campaigns , base levels @ @ @ @ @ @ @ say they 've heard talk of deadlines and cliff-edges before , and others are still grappling with fundamental challenges as a result of the pandemic . ''
The BCC said companies were still in the dark on a number of issues , including : • Firms do not know what rules of origin will apply after the transition period , preventing them and their customers from planning and potentially creating unprecedented new administration and costs • There is no clarity on how food and drink due to be sold in the EU and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ There is very limited guidance on the movement of goods from Britain to Northern Ireland .
The BCC 's data came from a survey conducted between 17 and 21 August and is based on responses from 527 firms .

The sales director of Clitheroe-based packaging firm Phoenix Handling Solutions and member of the East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce, voted in favour of Brexit, because he thought it would be good for his business. His fellow directors did the same.


bbcuk--2020-09-24--Britain's Got Talent: Alesha Dixon BLM necklace prompts 1,900 complaints

Ofcom has received more than 1,900 complaints over an episode of Britain 's Got Talent in which Alesha Dixon wore a Black Lives Matter necklace .
Saturday 's episode saw Dixon , who is a judge on the show , wear a necklace which featured the letters BLM in gold .
The broadcasting regulator said the vast majority of the complaints it had received about the episode related to her choice of jewellery .
The number of complaints has risen from 1,675 on Monday to a total of 1,901 .
An Ofcom spokesman said : `` We are assessing these @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are yet to decide whether or not to investigate . ''
Dixon wore the necklace after a performance by dance group Diversity earlier in the series , which sparked more than 24,500 complaints to Ofcom .
Their performance , which was inspired by the Black Lives Matter movement , included a section where a white police officer ( played by a dancer ) stepped on Ashley Banjo 's neck .
It was a reference to the death of George Floyd in police custody in Minneapolis , Minnesota earlier this year .
Other dancers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ capture the incident on camera , while others performed with police riot shields .
ITV defended the performance , adding that it was `` authentic '' and `` heartfelt '' .
Critics complained that ITV 's prime-time Saturday night entertainment show was an inappropriate platform for a political statement .
But Ofcom highlighted the importance of freedom of expression in artistic routines , adding that it would not investigate the complaints as it did not consider the performance to be racist .
Dixon 's choice of jewellery on Saturday 's episode was widely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the dance group following the controversy .
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If you have a story suggestion email entertainment.news @ bbc.co.uk .

But Ofcom highlighted the importance of freedom of expression in artistic routines, adding that it would not investigate the complaints as it did not consider the performance to be racist.


bbcuk--2020-09-24--Coronavirus: 10 NI ambulance workers test positive

Ten members of ambulance staff in Craigavon have tested positive for Covid-19 , the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service has confirmed .
Initially reported in the Belfast Telegraph , the ten staff members were on a golf trip in the Republic of Ireland .
A further six workers have also been advised to self-isolate .
The Chief Executive of the NI Ambulance Service Michael Bloomfield said none of them was seriously ill .
He told BBC Radio Ulster 's Good Morning Ulster programme that Craigavon station had 60 staff overall .
Fifteen of them were on the trip , 12 of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ those had tested positive .
Mr Bloomfield said it was believed the the initial case , which was discovered on 13 September , was contracted through community transmission from a family member .
`` As a result of the staff being away together that 's how it happened and it highlights how contagious the virus is , '' he said .
He said he was confident that none of the affected staff had had patient contact .
`` The fact that there are a higher number of people currently unable to work in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ grateful that we can bring in staff from other areas . ''
He said there was `` no reduced response time '' in that area as a result .
He highlighted how `` challenging a time '' the last six months had been and that his staff had `` worked exceptionally hard and needed down time '' .
He said the staff involved were getting occupational health support .
He said assuming that they had no more symptoms , the staff will all be back at work in the next few days .


bbcuk--2020-09-24--Covid-19: UK volunteers could be given virus to test vaccine

The UK could be the first country in the world to carry out Covid `` challenge trials '' - where healthy volunteers are deliberately infected with coronavirus to test possible vaccines .
It is understood the studies - first reported by the Financial Times - would be conducted in London .
The UK government said it was holding discussions about developing a vaccine through such `` human challenge studies '' .
No contracts have yet been signed , the BBC understands .
• How close are we to a coronavirus vaccine ?
'Out of the pandemic' Alastair Fraser-Urquhart , an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on volunteering for the trial if it is given the green light to go ahead .
He helps run the advocacy group , 1Day Sooner .
He told the BBC Radio 4 Today programme : `` I think the challenge trial has the potential to save thousands of lives and really bring the world out of the pandemic sooner .
It is just something that made instant sense to me . ''
Speaking on the same programme , Prof Peter Horby of Oxford University , said he thought the trial was a good @ @ @ @ @ @ @ advance science and get a better understanding of the disease .
He said : `` We now know the risk in a healthy young adult with no underlying conditions is extremely low .
`` We suspected this before , but we really did not have the strength of evidence to go forward with challenging people with the virus - but now I think there is clear data .
`` The second thing that has changed is there are now some treatments that have been shown to have a benefit , so in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ does becomes unwell , there are drugs that can be given very early to help control the disease . ''
Prof Horby said it is likely volunteers would be observed very closely and their immune systems would be monitored to see how they respond to the virus . '
A risk volunteers are willing to take' There are - perhaps surprisingly - lots of young , healthy people ready to volunteer for coronavirus challenge trials .
It would be a way of finding out , almost immediately , whether a vaccine works .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the promising coronavirus vaccines .
The health of the volunteers would be monitored round the clock at a clinical research facility in London .
I understand that no contracts for the study , which would be government funded , have yet been signed , but the hope is they could begin in January .
What 's been holding things up are ethical considerations - challenge studies have been used to test vaccines for flu , cholera and typhoid , but in each case there was an effective treatment to prevent volunteers from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be an added level of risk - but it 's one that volunteers say they are willing to take .
A government spokesman said discussions around challenge trials were ongoing as part of the overall consideration of potential avenues for coronavirus research .
Work to find a coronavirus vaccine is under way at breakneck speed around the globe .
There are currently 36 vaccines in clinical trials , including one being developed by the University of Oxford that is already in an advanced stage of testing .
A successful vaccine would provide some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's immune systems to fight it so they should not become sick .
This would allow lockdowns to be lifted more safely , and social distancing to be relaxed .
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News of the potential trials comes as the number of daily reported cases rose by a quarter on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ figures showed , up 1,252 since Tuesday .
Some 37 deaths were also announced .
Tighter restrictions were announced across the UK on Tuesday , including a 22:00 closing time for pubs in England starting on Thursday .
Scotland is introducing similar measures , with pubs and restaurants having to close at 22:00 BST from Friday , while in Wales restrictions are limited to stopping alcohol sales at 22:00 from Thursday .
Other measures in England include people being told to work from home if they can , rules on face coverings being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at weddings being halved .
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"The second thing that has changed is there are now some treatments that have been shown to have a benefit, so in the likely event that a a challenged person does becomes unwell, there are drugs that can be given very early to help control the disease."


bbcuk--2020-09-23--Covid-19: Row after Birmingham football team player tests positive

A non-league football team said they were angry at facing a £400 fine for not playing their next match despite a player testing positive for Covid-19 .
The Birmingham-based club alerted officials but were told FA guidelines stated football was not a close contact sport so only the player must isolate .
Seven of his team mates have since been tested and await their results .
Martin Asante , manager of the team , which plays in the league 's division four/reserve , is awaiting his own test result .
He told BBC News he was shocked at being told @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Saturday 's match or face the fine .
`` Why ca n't we do the best we can to protect others and their families ? ''
Mr Asante , who also has a heart condition , asked .
`` What is two weeks [ to spend isolating ] really in the scope of things ?
The club uses facilities at Tally Ho in Pershore Road , Birmingham , a West Midlands Police site , and some team members , including the player who tested positive , had a drink in the social club @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The police are front-line workers so if they would have visited the bar at any point , we had to inform them as well .
`` We want to do the right thing but we do n't understand the logic behind the league threatening us with a fine . ''
Nigel Wood , Midland Football League Secretary , confirmed he had been informed by the club about the positive case and that members had been told to play .
`` We are following FA guidelines and they state that football is not classed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the player has to self-isolate if they test positive , '' he said .
`` That 's at all levels of football and as a far as we are concerned , at the moment , the player who tests positive must do that and all others do n't have to unless they were in close contact with them .
`` All clubs have been told what they must do before during and after and we take it as read from what they tell us , that they are following the rules . ''

"That's at all levels of football and as a far as we are concerned, at the moment, the player who tests positive must do that and all others don't have to unless they were in close contact with them.