bbcuk--2020-08-14--My Money: 'My mum's advice saved me from lockdown anxiety'

My Money is a series looking at how people spend their money - and the sometimes tough decisions they have to make .
Here , Lexy Oliver from Cheshire takes us through a week in her life during the coronavirus pandemic .
Lexy is 27 and lives in Cuddington , Cheshire , with her husband Jonny , also 27 , and their cat Bobby .
She is the fifth generation to work in her family business , a delicatessen owned by her father .
Jonny works as a data scientist for a holiday lettings agency .
Lexy says there are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and holidays !
The Covid-19 situation has certainly had an impact on their finances over the last few months .
Lexy was furloughed for 10 weeks , and Jonny has just returned to work having been on furlough since April .
During lockdown , when neither of them were in work , they were down over £1,000 a month in take-home pay .
Lexy says from the age of 16 when she first started work , her mum always told her to put money away for a rainy day , and thankfully they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they have a six-month buffer is a rule they live by , and saved them a lot of anxiety during lockdown .
Lexy and Jonny are now both back at work .
Jonny is working from home , saving about £100 a month compared to when he was commuting to the office .
Lexy works very closely with her father who has asthma , and he lives with her mum who has a blood condition called ITP , so she is doing her best to avoid going anywhere with lots of people .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ as I have to be in work at the deli for 07:30 .
I eat breakfast and lunch at work - quality food is a perk of the job !
I start my day with a freshly ground coffee and some fruit before settling in to my usual Monday morning admin .
We 're on temporary hours at the moment due to the pandemic , closing at either 14:00 or 15:00 depending on the day , so the shifts really fly .
After work I pop to the local card shop and pick @ @ @ @ @ @ @ upcoming birthday , and one for a friend who just got married ( £2.09 ) .
Before I know it , I 'm home again , where Jonny and I have our afternoon tea break and a quick daily catch-up , which has become a lovely tradition for us since the lockdown .
Dinner is homemade fish and chips before the rain clouds disappear and the sun comes out .
We throw on our trainers and head off for a little wander round the village .
This turns into a one-hour explore down @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we had found them all during lockdown but we keep finding more !
More blogs from the BBC 's My Money Series : • UK : 'We are £200 to £300 a month worse off' We 're looking for more people to share what they spend their money on .
If you 're interested , please email my.money @ bbc.co.uk or get in touch via our My Money ( World ) Facebook group , or if you live in the UK , please join our My Money ( UK ) Facebook group and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It 's an early start again today with a similar routine to yesterday .
I eat some eggs and fruit washed down with a cappuccino when I get to work .
I 'm having a bit of a sort out this week and doing all the odd jobs I 've been putting off .
I also ring one of our main ambient food suppliers and place our Christmas order .
I know it seems early but in food retail the deadlines are early !
It makes me feel warm and fuzzy knowing that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ festive treats will be on their way to us in a few months .
After work Jonny and I catch up on our days again over a nice cuppa before heading out for a quick walk between the rain showers .
In the evening we head over to my parents ' house for dinner .
They only live a few miles down the road and it 's great to catch up with them , particularly my mum and younger sister who I do n't see every day like my dad .
I can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I have n't spent anything !
I pick up a few food bits in work today including some cheese for tonight 's fajitas , and some sausages and eggs , which comes to £6.95 with my discount .
After work I head to the supermarket round the corner and pick up the missing bits for dinner , some snacks for Jonny , and some strawberries and bananas for homemade smoothies ( £11.15 ) .
I normally do a big supermarket shop out of town every two weeks or so , and then top @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deli and local shops throughout the week .
In the evening we enjoy our homemade fajitas before playing online video games with our old housemates from university .
Similar to the rest of the week , I get up early for work and come home just after four .
After he 's finished work , Jonny and I have our cup of tea in the garden and do a bit of clearing up and weeding round our patio .
For dinner we have pasta bake , which is one of my favourite meals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of veg in the fridge before our next supermarket shop .
In the evening we head out for a two-hour walk in the countryside during sunset .
Today is also the big bills day !
I 'm constantly haggling and looking for better deals on all our bills so I 'm happy with how low we have got some of our monthly payments : • £556.36 for the mortgage on our three-bed semi • £33 for gas and electricity , although we 've just had a letter saying this will be going up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ solar panels which take care of the bulk of our electricity usage , but being in the house more has pushed our gas usage up slightly over the last few months .
• £29.70 for internet ( £20 ) , and both our phone bills ( £6.70 for mine and £3 for Jonny 's ) After all the essentials are paid , we have £500 automatically move into our investment account , which is effectively my pension , and I have a direct debit to move £100 a month into my premium bonds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ account for my next car .
Normally the payment for my audiobook subscription comes out today .
I enjoy listening to them on my commute to work but since I was off work and hence did n't drive for three months , I 've racked up a stash of credits .
Therefore I 've paused my subscription while I catch up , which saves me £7.99 a month .
Fridays are by far the busiest days of the week at work for me , and coupled with the warmer weather it 's as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ !
After work it 's time for the fortnightly supermarket trip .
I 'm big on meal planning so we always go with a list and I 've found it 's massively reduced our food waste and our food bill over the last year or so .
I stock up on everything we need , plus some other essentials like cat food for Bobby .
We also get a couple of luxuries including smoked salmon and bagels for a fancy Sunday brunch .
The total comes to £57.30 .
As all our main @ @ @ @ @ @ @ paid , we generally take some time around now to look at our spending over the last month and decide if we have any spare that we can put towards an overpayment on the mortgage .
We 've held off making overpayments while we were on furlough , but with us both back in work now we agree to make a £650 overpayment .
We are quite committed to making mortgage overpayments where we can as the interest rate on our mortgage is higher than any savings rate the banks are offering at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ see it as saving for the deposit on our next home .
This evening we have three of our friends round for some socially distanced beers in the garden .
Two of them live with their parents who have been shielding because of underlying health conditions .
Tonight is one of the first times they have been outside their own home since March , so it 's so great to catch up with them .
This weekend it 's my turn to work on Saturday .
Six-day working weeks are a bit gruelling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weekend plans have been disrupted by Covid-19 , so I 'm happy to make hay while the sun shines .
I spend £10.80 at work on some nice bits for tonight 's dinner , as well as some other food for the weekend .
After work , Jonny and I head to our local garden centre .
We did loads of work on the garden during lockdown - remodelling flower beds and borders , and planting new lawn .
The hard work is mostly done and now it 's time to do the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ colour .
We 're also looking for some nice pots for our patio .
I 'm extremely happy to find the pots I had seen on the internet are now half price !
We buy loads of lovely plants and flowers to fill our flower bed , as well as some other bits and bobs and the total comes to £186.91 .
However , we sign up for their membership club which saves us £5 , and we use £80 of vouchers we had been given as birthday presents earlier in the year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
To celebrate it finally being the weekend we treat ourselves to a deli cheese and nibbles board and a bottle of nice red wine for dinner , before snuggling on the sofa with Bobby and a film .
Sunday is spent almost entirely in the garden .
We definitely have our parents to thank for our green thumbs !
My mum is a florist , and both our sets of parents have immaculately kept , beautiful gardens .
We set to work filling the flower beds and new pots with yesterday 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seven hours gardening with a brief interlude for lunch .
I am completely shattered by the end of the day but the garden is finally done , and now we can sit back and enjoy it for the rest of summer !
Today is another day where we did n't spend a thing .
How does Lexy feel about her week ?
This week 's spending seems very high but it 's relatively normal for this week of the month as it 's when all our bills come out , plus we made @ @ @ @ @ @ @ moved to other accounts rather than `` spent '' .
Most of our non-bill spending was food and plant pots .
We 'll likely spend only a couple of hundred pounds over the rest of the month !

After work, Jonny and I head to our local garden centre. We did loads of work on the garden during lockdown - remodelling flower beds and borders, and planting new lawn. The hard work is mostly done and now it's time to do the "nice bit" and add the colour. We're also looking for some nice pots for our patio. I'm extremely happy to find the pots I had seen on the internet are now half price! We buy loads of lovely plants and flowers to fill our flower bed, as well as some other bits and bobs and the total comes to £186.91. However, we sign up for their membership club which saves us £5, and we use £80 of vouchers we had been given as birthday presents earlier in the year, so we only pay £101.96 cash.


bbcuk--2020-08-14--Results day: How do you celebrate one so strange?

This was no ordinary results day .
But for a lot of students on Thursday , whether they were happy or unhappy with their grades , it was the end of an era and deserving of celebration .
So just how do you celebrate the weirdest exam results day of all time ?
Donating blood after finding out you 're going to university may not be the first choice for a lot of people , but it was for Lucy .
After her good deed for the day , Lucy met up with her friends for cocktails .
`` I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ given blood ! ''
she tells Newsbeat - whilst on the way to a well-deserved holiday .
There were `` mixed emotions and anxiety '' because not everyone was happy with the results they received .
But the mood relaxed , Lucy says , because people realised they were going to university .
`` It was so nice seeing people let go and realise next year is sorted and we can just enjoy tonight .
`` We 're finally free to do what we want . ''
• Got your results and wondering @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this You ca n't often go wrong with a bottomless brunch but after Jayan and his friends picked up their results he says the mood `` was n't fantastic '' .
`` I was the only one out of my friends who was moderately happy with what we 'd gotten for results .
So people were a bit upset and waiting to hear from unis , '' the 18-year-old says .
After brunch they headed into Leeds city centre and the mood eventually got better - but Jayan admits things were still a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to celebrate properly because you ca n't have a dance or anything - you have to be sat in your seats , people watching if you 're standing up or go and talk to someone else .
`` It 's still weird .
You forget what 's going on and how you need to be careful . ''
It was still a good night in town - but overall ?
The vibe was a bit strange `` because a lot of people did feel robbed of the grades they wanted '' .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so it was only fair she celebrate in style .
After the standard lunch with her parents it was time for Ellie and her friends to unwind .
`` We had a two-hour slot at each bar , '' Ellie tells Newsbeat , `` several hours '' after she 'd normally wake up .
The night did n't end there .
Four bars later there was time to squeeze in a trip to a friend 's garden for drinks around a fire .
Ellie says it was slightly odd because `` half were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' .
A common feeling among the group was they would have done better had they sat exams .
• What 's next in the arguments over exam results ?
But it was ultimately a celebration .
`` We 've finished college , it 's not just about results .
A lot of us will still be going to university and are excited . ''
Ellie and her friends are quite nervous thinking about university , `` because we 're not going to have the same experience that every year has had '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get advice from people on what do as it 's so different . ''
Sam feels `` very lucky '' to have received the perfect set of results to get into his first-choice university to study chemical engineering .
It was the more traditional path of celebration for Sam and his friends as they went for pizza .
`` We had a couple of drinks too and went shopping around . ''
After waking up at 3am on results day , Sam still had the energy to head on down to the pub @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It was a nice end to the day , a happy time to just relax , celebrate and reflect that we 've gotten into uni . ''
The biggest topic of conversation was university .
`` Trying to prepare how we 'll see each other as the accommodation have said no external guests . ''
Sam is also wondering what the new university experience will be like .
`` I 'm excited to meet new people but that will be so restricted .
Can I join clubs and societies and how will that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a tough few years of studying , it was `` nice to catch up and see how everyone had done '' .
She played host at first - and had friends around for drinks in her garden .
`` Then we went to a local bar and got some cocktails there . ''
`` Some had n't done as well as they wanted .
But it was great to see each other , congratulate each other or comfort each other . ''
The night featured a lot of talk about the appeals process @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her friends are hoping mock results could play a big part in appealing grades and getting `` a better outcome '' .
And hope was a common theme among everyone .
`` Even if they were sad , the possibility the results they have now wo n't be the results they end up with meant they were n't as negative as they could have been . ''
Listen to Newsbeat live at 12:45 and 17:45 weekdays - or listen back here .

"It's hard to celebrate properly because you can't have a dance or anything - you have to be sat in your seats, people watching if you're standing up or go and talk to someone else.


bbcuk--2020-08-14--'Blackmailers stole our Instagram account'

This week , after seven years of building up thousands of Instagram followers , a small company on the south coast of England found its account had been hacked .
The English Stamp Company tried to let Instagram know .
But in a response that evening , the social media giant said the account had been permanently deleted .
`` We 're sorry for any inconvenience this causes , '' Instagram , which is owned by Facebook , said in the automated message .
`` It 's gutting , the fact that it 's the last seven years of work @ @ @ @ @ @ @ appears unwilling to help , '' says Bella Dorey , 27 , one of three people in the firm who manage the account .
The company , which makes rubber stamps , was founded in 1992 by Bella 's father and mother , Jon and Sasha , and has seven employees .
It had built up nearly 29,000 followers on its Instagram account , and was hoping to get to 30,000 by Christmas .
It uses Instagram as its main marketing tool , and was relying on the social media platform to boost @ @ @ @ @ @ @ put a stop to the usual exhibitions the company uses to showcase its wares .
`` We are going to suffer a loss financially , '' says Bella .
`` How do you put a value on more than 28,000 followers ? ''
On Tuesday the company got a message from Instagram saying there had been an unusual login to its account from a computer in Huddersfield .
The BBC verified with a computer security expert that this message was genuine .
Bella and a colleague immediately tried to get in contact with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they got an email from the hackers , who called themselves `` Carlo Minhift '' .
`` Good Day !
We apologize for the inconvenience .
Your account has been temporarily blocked , '' the email said .
The hackers said they would wait two hours , then start `` clearing '' the account by deleting photos if Bella and her colleagues did not respond .
The next day , the hackers revealed their intention had been to extort money from the small firm .
But they were too late , Instagram had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ did n't want to ruin your account , but you do n't respond to us .
We realized that you will not pay us .
No , not really .
We apologize for not being convenient , but we unfortunately start clearing the account after 30 minutes and sell it .
See you later , '' the hackers said .
Attacks on Instagram users , while rarer than other forms of cyber attack , are becoming increasingly common as a growing number of influencers and companies market themselves on the platform , according @ @ @ @ @ @ @ security expert at the University of Surrey .
He said the decision of the English Stamp Company not to engage with the hackers was `` brave '' but he said it was the right one .
`` You should n't pay the ransom , '' he said .
`` There 's no guarantee you 'll get the account back , the money will be used to fund further crime , and you 'll just paint a big target on your back as a 'payer ' . ''
Quite a lot of attacks of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which try to trick users into revealing sensitive information , like usernames and passwords , by posing as a reputable website .
`` Credential stuffing '' is another ploy used by hackers who use personal data , harvested elsewhere , to gain unauthorised access to accounts The best way to deal with an Instagram attack is to try to pre-empt it by beefing up your security beforehand , Professor Woodward said .
Make sure passwords are strong , and do n't reuse them across sites , he added .
Instagram offers two-factor authentication @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
People can check whether their usernames or passwords have been breached through a website called haveibeenpwned.com , which is run by Troy Hunt , a Microsoft security expert .
Facebook says Instagram is working with The English Stamp Company to try to recover their account as soon as possible .
`` Businesses are an important part of our community and we take their safety and security seriously , '' the company said .
`` We notify people if we see any unauthorised changes to an account and in the few instances hacking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the app and website . ''
Has your business Instagram account been hacked ?
What was the impact on your firm ?
Email haveyoursay @ bbc.co.uk .
Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a BBC journalist .
You can also contact us in the following ways : • Please read our terms & conditions and privacy policy

"We didn't want to ruin your account, but you don't respond to us. We realized that you will not pay us. No, not really. We apologize for not being convenient, but we unfortunately start clearing the account after 30 minutes and sell it. See you later," the hackers said.


bbcuk--2020-08-14--Coronavirus: 'We're packing frantically' after France quarantine rule change

Thousands of holidaymakers have seen their plans thrown into chaos after UK quarantine measures were altered to include France and the Netherlands from Saturday morning .
Here are some of their tales .
Scott and Tracy Cuthbert , from the village of Bloxham in Oxfordshire , say cutting their holiday in the Loire Valley short by six days was an `` easy decision to make for us because we both need to work '' .
Scott , a sales manager for a glazing company , was furloughed for 10 weeks but business has been going well since he returned to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to miss out .
And Tracy wants to make sure she 's back for the start of term for the private school she works at .
The couple and their daughter Milly , 16 , should have been coming back next Thursday , but began `` frantically packing '' and searching for a ferry to bring them home in time after they heard news of the rule changes .
They had been on holiday with three other families who are also all coming home early .
`` It 's ruined everyone 's holiday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ says .
`` Why 14-day quarantine when parts of the UK are probably more badly affected ?
I am very frustrated . ''
The family booked themselves onto a ferry for Friday afternoon , only to realise they would n't make it to the port in time - so have now booked another ferry , due to leave Calais at 20:30 BST .
`` We 're driving up now and the sat nav says we 'll have about an hour 's leeway , '' Scott says from the car .
Milly is already @ @ @ @ @ @ @ news about people being downgraded for A-levels - and is now concerned she could miss the first day back at school if the family have to self-isolate , her father adds .
• What are the UK travel quarantine rules ?
Katie is a teacher in London on holiday in a remote part of France , in a private villa .
She says she and her children will miss the beginning of the school term because they are a 12-hour drive to the Channel crossing `` so we ca n't make it back @ @ @ @ @ @ @ checked the government website and signed up for any alerts to keep an eye on changes to the rules .
`` We knew there may be a risk but also we could n't get a refund on our holiday , '' she says .
`` Why did they not give this call at the beginning of the week so we could have travelled back ?
Why were they still advising it was OK to travel to France ? ''
`` We have done everything the government has asked of us for months but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ us all with a little respect and give us time to organize ourselves . ''
• I 'm in France right now - what do I do ?
• France to be added to UK quarantine countries 'We thought coming here was low risk' Laurence Dolman and his family , from Sheffield , have enjoyed a week of ice creams and sunshine at a Eurocamp in Wassenaar , in the Netherlands .
Their ferry home will arrive in Hull at 08:30 on Saturday - four hours after the rules come into effect .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ about a year and a half planning a big trip around Europe for this summer , and they 've lost a lot of money since it was cancelled .
So they decided to treat themselves to a smaller summer holiday , and carefully picked the Netherlands as what they thought was a `` low-risk '' place to visit compared with other European countries .
While Laurence , 41 , and his wife Michelle , 40 , have discussed `` crazy ideas '' about possibly being let off the self-isolation rules , due to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' by the cut-off time of 04:00 , they have `` no regrets '' about having to quarantine .
`` We deserved this holiday , '' Laurence says , citing how difficult it has been home-schooling his children during lockdown .
Asked if they considered trying to get home early , he adds : `` No , we 're just going to soak up our last bit of holiday . ''
`` My wife and I have another week 's leave before we are due to return to work .
I 'm fortunate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ home but as my wife is a social worker , it 's a bit more of a problem for her '' .
'Who will look after Mum ? '
Karl Simpson went to his second home in the French hamlet of Vion knowing `` full well '' he might have to quarantine on his return home to Southampton on 20 August .
But now that it 's been confirmed , he is worried about arranging care for his 90-year-old mother , who has dementia .
`` There is no time now to rearrange @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' he says .
`` Will the government help ?
Will I be breaking quarantine rules if I visit Mum , or do the [ previous lockdown exemptions for carers ] still apply ?
I 've arranged care for the time I 'm away but sustaining that care beyond the 20th will be difficult . ''
Karl , a 68-year-old scientist who has advised the government on vaccines and pandemic planning , is hoping the same exemptions for carers will be in place as when the UK was in full lockdown in March @ @ @ @ @ @ @ guidance on that yet '' .
He says he agrees with the principle of quarantining after a foreign holiday , `` but it should be applied intelligently '' .
• You finally got abroad , but was it worth it ?
• Sun , sea and sanitiser : What your holiday will be like 'Why could n't we have had 72 hours ' notice ?
Tom Duffell , who runs a small business , decided to cut short his family holiday to Nice by four days and booked a last minute flight home @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cocktail last night and suddenly a news flash pops in and a scramble to book flights , '' he told the BBC from the airport .
`` I think we 've managed to get my wife and one of my sons on one flight and myself and my other son on another flight .
`` We 've had to spend about £800 because we just ca n't afford to take two extra weeks off of work , '' added Tom , whose wife works as an NHS nurse and volunteered in an intensive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ should have given tourists already in France longer to prepare .
`` They could have said you know give tourists 72 hours to return to the UK , rather than just over 24 hours and there 's this mad scramble , '' he said .
`` Instead we 're all packed into the airport .
There 's huge queues , social distancing 's gone out of the window . ''
`` We 're all scrambling on to the same flight , the flights are all full .
Surely that 's not going to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ going to make things worse . ''
Will you be affected by the quarantine ?
Do you have a story to share ?
Email haveyoursay @ bbc.co.uk .
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The couple and their daughter Milly, 16, should have been coming back next Thursday, but began "frantically packing" and searching for a ferry to bring them home in time after they heard news of the rule changes. They had been on holiday with three other families who are also all coming home early.


bbcuk--2020-08-14--Coronavirus: 'Mixed emotions' as soft play gets green light

Soft play operators have told of their relief at news they can reopen - but say they face a mammoth task to put in new safety measures .
The Government announced on Thursday that children 's play centres can open their doors from Saturday .
But stringent measures including pre-booking systems and new ventilation requirements mean it could be several weeks before most are compliant .
At least 35 soft play firms have closed permanently due to the lockdown .
`` There 's going to be very strict protocols in place - this is not just a straightforward opening , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of The British Association of Leisure Parks , Piers and Attractions ( BALPPA ) .
The rules state the main play frames will have to operate at 40 per cent capacity to allow for social distancing , with overall capacity inside centres dramatically reduced .
Families will also have to book their places with enhanced cleaning to take place between sessions .
`` A lot of this information was only discovered this morning .
I still think we 're on a knife edge , '' said Mr Kelly .
`` There will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ space is there - it 's the application of it that 's shared responsibility between the operator and parents . ''
Alastair Hick says it will be some weeks before he can reopen his branches of Hickory Dickorys Playhouse in Birmingham and Derby .
`` We 're very pleased it 's got the green light but I ca n't believe we only got 24 hours notice , '' he said .
`` We 've got to implement a pre-booking system with our limited IT experience , put in signage , ensure our capacity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ staff and sort PPE .
`` All we can do is operate responsibly .
But the biggest worry is that if the capacity is at a point where it 's simply not viable , then that 's going to be a problem .
So it 's mixed emotions , really . ''
• Why is the UK in recession ?
Kevin Grubb , who runs Imagination Street in Redditch , said he was `` flabbergasted '' when the news came through late on Thursday .
He said he had lost £400,000 by being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was so shocked when I had a flash on my phone at 22:45 last night to say that we can reopen , '' he said .
`` I 'm excited for the staff , and I 'm excited for the customers .
We 've been waiting so long for this .
We 've got a lot stuff in place already , but there 's more still to do . ''
Helen Whittington , of DJ Jungles in St Albans and Hemel Hempstead , said she hoped to reopen next week , with sanitiser @ @ @ @ @ @ @ routines .
She said there were `` huge restrictions that affect the business model , but we will implement them to get open '' .

"All we can do is operate responsibly. But the biggest worry is that if the capacity is at a point where it's simply not viable, then that's going to be a problem. So it's mixed emotions, really."


bbcuk--2020-08-14--VJ Day: Burma veteran recalls being left in jungle

John Hutchin , 95 , fought with a special operations force , the Chindits , during the Burma campaign .
@ @ @ @ @ moment when his force had to leave him behind .

John Hutchin, 95, fought with a special operations force, the Chindits, during the Burma campaign.
The veteran describes the harrowing moment when his force had to leave him behind.


bbcuk--2020-08-14--VJ Day: The forgotten African soldiers of the Burma Campaign

Ghanaian veteran Private Joseph Hammond , who is now 95 years old , reflects on the Burma Campaign of World @ @ @ @ @ one of 100,000 Africans who fought for the British Army against the Japanese .
The @ @ @ @ @ the forgotten army , as many feel their sacrifices and contributions received little recognition .
@ @ @ @ @ `` Ghanaian Captain Tom '' because of his fundraising efforts during the coronavirus pandemic .

Ghanaian veteran Private Joseph Hammond, who is now 95 years old, reflects on the Burma Campaign of World War Two.
He was one of 100,000 Africans who fought for the British Army against the Japanese. The multinational troops are known as the forgotten army, as many feel their sacrifices and contributions received little recognition.
Hammond has been called the "Ghanaian Captain Tom" because of his fundraising efforts during the coronavirus pandemic.
Video journalist: Alex Dackevych


bbcuk--2020-08-14--Coronavirus: BBC journalist's video diary as she races to UK

'No immediate plan ' for border quarantine Nicola Sturgeon says there are no plans for cross-border quarantine but she has @ @ @ @ @ .

Thousands of holidaymakers are racing to return to the UK, with new quarantine restrictions coming into force from Saturday.
The Netherlands is one of the countries to fall under the 14-day isolation requirement, which begins at 04:00 BST.
One BBC journalist made a video diary as her family had to cut short their holiday to return to the UK.


bbcuk--2020-08-14--World War Two code-breaking sisters on Official Secrets Act and wartime memories

Pat and Jean Owtram were both codebreakers during World War Two and signed the Official Secrets Act , agreeing not @ @ @ @ @ roles .
As a result they kept it from each other for 30 years .
@ @ @ @ @ BBC Breakfast .

Pat and Jean Owtram were both codebreakers during World War Two and signed the Official Secrets Act, agreeing not to talk about their crucial roles.
As a result they kept it from each other for 30 years.
They shared their story with BBC Breakfast.


bbcuk--2020-08-14--Coronavirus: How do I quarantine after returning from holiday abroad?

If you have to observe a 14-day isolation period after travelling from certain countries , here 's what you need @ @ @

Before you travel to the UK, you must have proof of a negative coronavirus test and then you must go into self-isolation for 10 days after you land.
Travel from certain 'red list' countries is banned completely unless you are a UK resident.
One in five eligible passengers will be called or texted to check they are following the rules.
There are fines of up to £1000 for breaking the rules, rising to £10,000 for persistent offenders.
The UK government says it plans to introduce mandatory hotel quarantine for some travellers - similar to schemes seen in Australia and New Zealand - but no start date has been announced.
BBC Health Correspondent Laura Foster explains how quarantine works and what you need to do.


bbcuk--2020-08-14--The Papers: Free school exam appeals, and France 'exodus'

Several papers report on holidaymakers ' scramble to return to the UK before the new quarantine measures come into effect @ @ @ @ @ Guardian calls it an `` exodus '' as thousands of travellers battle `` chaotic scenes @ @ @ @ @ home .
The paper says Downing Street had originally planned for the rules to come @ @ @ @ @ but brought it forward to 04:00 BST on Saturday following discussions with devolved administrations .
@ @ @ @ @ paper says , that Scotland , Wales and Northern Ireland pushed `` very firmly '' @ @ @ @ @

The paper's leader column worries that too few workers are back in the office, and accuses the civil service and big corporations of "institutional indolence" by not encouraging more staff to return. Workers of Britain, the Mail declares, your country needs you.


bbcuk--2020-08-14--Firms 'fall through cracks' of Covid support scheme

Frustrated small business owners say red tape is preventing them getting hold of government cash designed to keep them afloat during the pandemic .
More than £12bn was given to local authorities to pass on to eligible small businesses across England , but nearly £1.5bn remains unclaimed .
One entrepreneur said accessing the cash had been like `` banging your head against the wall '' .
Councils said they needed to act within the national guidance .
Gina Broadhurst , co-founder of Forgotten Ltd , a campaign group set up to help businesses , said many firms had `` fallen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 're at a critical point where for businesses to survive and to be able to continue to employ millions of people , cash support is needed .
`` I think we 've got a tsunami of insolvencies , closures and job losses on the cards imminently . ''
Support was announced in March in the form of the Small Business Grant Fund and the Retail , Hospitality and Leisure Grant Fund .
In May , a discretionary grant fund to be administered by local councils was also announced .
Claire Rose , who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Cambridge , said she desperately needed financial support when schools closed .
The 38-year old was eligible for the discretionary scheme , but the council restricted payouts to firms who paid at least £250 a month in rent .
`` It 's essentially a postcode lottery depending on the local area that you 're in , '' she said .
`` I just desperately need to keep my business going now .
If my company does n't make it , then there are ... [ sub contractors ] jobs at risk as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it had aimed to support firms `` with the greatest need '' .
'My business could be taken away' Colin Kent , a shop-owner in Birmingham said accessing the small business grant was `` like banging your head against a brick wall '' .
The 45-year old said the grant was not processed because an administrative error had left his business without a rateable value .
`` It 's very frustrating , this money was given to them by the government for small businesses like mine and they 're not giving it out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are sticking to the rules rigidly , and if the valuation office does n't come back to us by the end of August then we 've lost [ the grant ] . ''
`` I feel really down , I started the business in 2002 and something I struggled to build up could just be taken away from me . ''
A Birmingham City Council spokesman said it administered the grants within the guidelines , distributing more than £200m to 17,000 businesses .
Kawsar Zaman , a barrister at No5 Chambers in London @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , said some councils had applied the eligibility criteria in an `` overly prescriptive manner '' .
Mr Zaman said he had assisted some companies who were struggling to get the grant because of `` mere technicalities '' such as lease agreements not being in the firm 's name .
`` It is apparent that some local authority officers do not fully appreciate that where there is a policy or criteria in place , there must be scope for discretion , '' he said .
Concerns over fraud were valid , he said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mitigate the risks .
Calling for an independent appeals process , he said firms should not be expected to go through `` costly and time-consuming applications for judicial review '' .
A spokesman for the Local Government Association said authorities had given out almost £11bn in cash grants .
`` These schemes are governed by nationally-issued guidance and councils need to apply this to each individual application , '' the spokesman said .
A Valuation Office Agency spokesman said it had received `` a number of requests '' to look at the rateable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are progressing these cases as quickly as possible , '' he added .
While applications for grants close on the 28 August , the government has said councils have until 30 September to make final payments .

"It is apparent that some local authority officers do not fully appreciate that where there is a policy or criteria in place, there must be scope for discretion," he said.


bbcuk--2020-08-14--Scotland marks 75th anniversary of VJ Day

Commemorations are taking place across Scotland for the 75th anniversary of Victory over Japan Day .
VJ Day marked the end of the conflict in Asia and brought World War Two to a close in 1945 , four months after the fighting in Europe finished .
Millions of people from the allied countries took part in parades and street parties to celebrate .
But Saturday 's events will mean commemorating in a different way because of the ongoing pandemic .
VJ Day ended one of the worst episodes in British military history , during which tens of thousands of servicemen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prisoner-of-war camps , where disease was rife and there was a lack of food and water .
For thousands of British civilians captured when British and Dutch Far East colonial territories were overrun , VJ Day was the end of illness , starvation rations and an uncertain future in the Japanese camps .
It is estimated that there were 71,000 British and Commonwealth casualties of the war against Japan , including more than 12,000 prisoners of war who died in Japanese captivity .
More than 2.5 million Japanese military personnel and civilians are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the conflict .
'The war is over .
Japan has surrendered' Jenny Martin , 78 , was born in the Changi Prison Camp , in eastern Singapore , and spent the first three years of her life there with her mother , aunt and cousin .
She told BBC Scotland she could recall the moment she knew freedom would come and that she would never forget that day .
She was only three years old .
`` Unknown to us , a bomb fell on Hiroshima and then another on Nagasaki , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the guards all disappeared and then a plane flew overhead and dropped from its undercarriage thousands of leaflets , which fluttered to the ground like snow .
`` Around me everyone was saying : 'Thank god , thank god ! '
and the leaflet read : 'The War is over .
Japan has surrendered .
We are coming for you very soon . '
A few days later , British soldiers arrived in trucks and they were taken to be given medical attention .
Jenny said she remembered sitting in a garden @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the plants , flowers and grass .
Along with her mother , she was reunited with her father .
She was on the first ship to leave Singapore to return to the UK .
She later studied in Edinburgh .
How is the anniversary being commemorated this year ?
Due to the ongoing pandemic , the events taking place in Scotland are different from those in previous years .
The Red Arrows will perform a flypast of Edinburgh in one of the only physical events marking the day .
An online concert and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The Royal Scots will hold a wreath-laying ceremony at Laurieston Castle , Edinburgh to remember their 496 serviceman who died in prisoner of war camps .
In Dumfries , a virtual service will go online and a video will be promoted across the council 's social media channels to mark the day .
Councillor Archie Dryburgh said : `` It is , of course , disappointing that there ca n't be an actual gathering but the safety of veterans and the public is our paramount consideration during Covid-19 .
`` Our alternative @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Council 's continuing support for and appreciation of our Armed Forces . ''
Among the other events planned is a message from First Minster Nicola Sturgeon thanking the World War Two generation , and a two-minute silence .
Legion Scotland will issue medallions in honour of those who made a contribution to the war effort .
Veterans Minister Graeme Dey said the day would be a time for the nation to come together to remember the sacrifices `` which ensured the peace and freedoms we enjoy today '' .
He said : `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ex-service personnel an immense debt of gratitude for their service and sacrifice . ''
Claire Armstrong , chief executive of Legion Scotland , said : `` This campaign saw some of the fiercest fighting of the Second World War and in some of the harshest conditions .
`` Many thousands of British and Commonwealth forces and civilians being taken as prisoners of war , enduring terrible mental and physical trauma . ''
Dr Armstrong added that VJ Day would pay tribute , not only to the British forces , but the Allied and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ defeat of Japan would not have been possible '' .

"The fighting stopped for everyone," he said. "Not just the British and Americans, but it also stopped for the Japanese as well. All the killing stopped and it stated to get back to normal. It took a year for me to get home."


bbcuk--2020-08-14--Hugh McWilliams: Prominent NI businessman dies in road crash

A prominent Northern Ireland businessman has died in a road crash in County Londonderry .
Hugh McWilliams , who was in his 60s , was the driver of the car which crashed on the Five Mile Straight in Draperstown on Friday afternoon .
His company - H & A Mechanical Services - is the main sponsor for both the local GAA club , St Colm 's , Ballinascreen , and Derry 's county GAA teams .
Derry GAA described him as `` a giant of generosity '' .
In a Facebook tribute , the club said its members were `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in his support for county , club and community , '' the post read .
`` The GAA was a way of life for Hugh and his untimely death will be a shock across the county .
`` Our thoughts and prayers are with Anne , his family and everyone at the Ballinascreen club at this time . ''
As a mark of respect , all senior club championship fixtures due to take place in Derry this weekend have been postponed .
Ballinascreen GAC said it was suspending all club games and activities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are devastated to learn of the sudden death of our friend , Club Sponsor and esteemed member , Hugh McWilliams , '' it said in a Facebook post .
`` The club executive and all our members extend our deepest sympathy to Hugh 's wife Anne , daughter Maureen , son Carlus , son-in-law Brendan , daughter-in-law Maria , grandchildren Ollie , Leo , Lily and Fiadh and the extended family circle , '' the message said .
A number of other GAA organisations also took to social media to express their sympathies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said the incident happened at about 13:10 BST and no other vehicle was involved .

Hugh McWilliams, who was in his 60s, was the driver of the car which crashed on the Five Mile Straight in Draperstown on Friday afternoon.


bbcuk--2020-08-14--Cardiff hotel campaigners 'sceptical' over plans for site

An investment syndicate and a former councillor hope to reopen Cardiff 's historic Coal Exchange as a hotel after the company which owned it collapsed .
The stakeholders want to get the business up and running again after Signature Living Coal Exchange was put into liquidation , owing about £25m .
The Grade II*-listed building reopened as the Exchange Hotel in 2017 after a £40m renovation .
Heritage campaigners said they were `` sceptical '' about the plans .
Built in 1883 , the Coal Exchange was once where the world price of coal was set and where the first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ councillor Ashley Govier , who runs a hotel services company which supplied staff to the Exchange , has applied to renew its alcohol and live events licence .
The new application was submitted by Eden Grove Properties Limited , another of Mr Govier 's companies .
Mr Govier said he was paying salaries of 61 hotel staff and hoped to secure their jobs .
`` We stepped in to keep the staff pool on while we try to get the hotel open again .
Our intention is to save as many staff as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Govier is working with Coal Exchange Hotel LLP , a syndicate of about 30 investors who hold a 999-year ground lease on most of the communal areas of the Coal Exchange and about 60 bedrooms .
The remaining bedrooms at the hotel are leased by individual investors , who were promised quarterly dividends as a return on their investments .
Philip Ingman , who manages the syndicate , said it had invested more than £15m to fund the first phase of converting the building into a hotel .
`` Our investors ' aim @ @ @ @ @ @ @ finished and prepare the hotel to open again , '' he said .
Another stakeholder is businessman Derek Watts , whose company Albendan Ltd is one of the largest creditors of the collapsed company , with a debt of about £10m .
Cardiff Council said the consultation period for Eden Grove Properties Ltd 's application ends on 28 August .
Much of the building remains covered in scaffolding and it will cost an estimated £8m to complete the renovation .
Nerys Lloyd-Pierce of Cardiff Civic Society said : `` Our fear is that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of 'facadism ' , where the heart and soul of the building will be lost . ''
Nick Russell of Save the Coal Exchange said the attempts to reopen the hotel were `` encouraging '' , but that concerns remained for its longer-term future .
• Coal merchants , ship owners and their agents met daily on the trading floor • At one time the price of the world 's coal was determined there and in 1904 the world 's first recorded £1m deal was struck there • Closed in 1958 after the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ • Earmarked as a future home for the Welsh assembly , but that plan fell through after devolution was rejected in a 1979 referendum • In more recent years it has been used for concerts , dinners and other events • There were once plans for the exchange hall to be restored and a 1,300-seat banqueting hall , public square , office space and innovation centre to be developed

"We stepped in to keep the staff pool on while we try to get the hotel open again. Our intention is to save as many staff as possible," he said.


bbcuk--2020-08-14--London crane crash 'could take months to clear'

A construction crane which killed a woman when it toppled onto her east London home could take up to six months to be removed , a council has warned .
June Harvey , 84 , was found on the first floor of her home after the 20m ( 65ft ) crane crashed down in Bow , on 8 July .
One month on , her family still feel they have been `` left in limbo '' .
Removing the crane is said to be one of the `` most complex operations of its kind to be undertaken in London for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ being used by Swan Housing Association and NU Living to build flats on the site of a former electrical sub-station when it crashed onto Compton Close .
A construction worker , who was critically injured , was taken to hospital and is now in a stable condition , the Met Police said .
An investigation into the crash , involving the Met , the Health and Safety Executive and the London Fire Brigade , is still ongoing .
No arrests have been made and Tower Hamlets Council said initial estimates predicted it would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the crane safely .
However , due to the coronavirus pandemic and the onset of winter it could take even longer , the council warned .
In a statement it pledged monthly updates for residents .
`` We are not in a position at this stage to guarantee a specific timescale and we do not want to tell you [ residents ] one thing now , only to disappoint you later , '' a Tower Hamlets Council spokeswoman said .
`` We would therefore encourage you to plan for a range of between @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Harvey 's niece Jacqui and her 28-year-old son Sam Atkinson , who lived in the same house , were just metres away from Ms Harvey when the crane hit and have spent that last month in a hotel .
`` After such a trauma we 'd love a home to go to , because ours has been destroyed , '' Mr Atkinson said .
`` It 's been extremely tough for everybody , and for me it 's the only home I 've ever known .
I get really tearful a lot of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ going back to that site at all , I just get really emotional and I can barely sleep at night . ''
Mr Atkinson , who works as a chef , is still on furlough and feels as though their lives have been `` left in limbo '' .
He added : `` Each day that goes by it just gets more complicated , dealing with law and lawyers - it 's something that is n't ' clear to us and we never thought we 'd have to go through .
`` It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It seems like it might be next year until they move the crane and the investigation is pretty much at a standstill . ''

He added: "Each day that goes by it just gets more complicated, dealing with law and lawyers - it's something that isn't' clear to us and we never thought we'd have to go through.


bbcuk--2020-08-15--VJ Day: UK commemorates 75th anniversary as royals lead tributes

The Royal Family is leading the UK 's commemorations on the 75th anniversary of VJ Day - the day World War Two ended with Japan 's surrender .
The Prince of Wales led a two-minute silence at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire , as part of a service of remembrance .
The Duke of Edinburgh is also featuring in commemorations , appearing in a photo montage with other veterans .
And a message from the Queen thanked those `` who fought so valiantly '' .
She said : `` Those of us who remember the conclusion of the Far @ @ @ @ @ @ @ overseas , or waiting for news at home , will never forget the jubilant scenes and overwhelming sense of relief . ''
The Prince of Wales laid a wreath at the Kwai Railway Memorial at the arboretum , as a small number of veterans and their relatives sat on benches dotted around the garden , to maintain social distancing .
The prime minister , who is also attending the remembrance event , has thanked those who fought for restoring `` peace and prosperity '' .
Earlier , Defence Secretary Ben Wallace was joined @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wreath at the Cenotaph in London .
VJ Day - or Victory over Japan Day - on 15 August 1945 ended one of the worst episodes in British military history , during which tens of thousands of servicemen were forced to endure the brutalities of prisoner of war camps .
It is estimated that there were 71,000 British and Commonwealth casualties of the war against Japan , including more than 12,000 prisoners of war who died in Japanese captivity .
More than 2.5 million Japanese military personnel and civilians are believed to have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The fighting in Europe had ended in May 1945 , but many Allied servicemen were still fighting against Japan in east Asia .
Japan rejected an ultimatum for peace , and the US believed that dropping a nuclear bomb would force them to surrender .
The US dropped two atomic bombs on Japan , killing an estimated 214,000 people , and two weeks later Japan surrendered .
To mark the 75th anniversary , Japan 's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe sent an offering to a controversial war shrine in Tokyo , but did @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two of his ministers did visit the Yasukuni Shrine - in which 14 leaders who were later convicted by the Allies as war criminals are commemorated .
The National Memorial Arboretum seems to lend itself perfectly to the concept of a socially distanced commemorative service .
Veterans of the Burma campaign , their families , and other guests sat on chairs spaced out on the grass between the trees .
The proceedings focussed on the multinational and multicultural make up of the Allied forces that fought the Japanese .
Gurkhas , alongside Sikhs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Scottish regiments , representing the 40 nations involved in the Far East .
After sitar music , readings from British Asian actors , and speeches from descendants of those who fought , the roar of aircraft engines could be heard overhead .
A Lancaster , Hurricane and three Spitfires from the Battle of Britain Memorial flew over in formation and in tribute .
Then those who could stand , were invited to do so for a two minute silence .
The Prince of Wales then laid a wreath at the Burma Railway @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the sleepers and track that make up the memorial .
Known as the `` Death Railway '' , 16,000 prisoners of war died during its construction .
It makes an incongruous yet incredibly poignant sight among the granite and brass of the other memorials .
Boris Johnson has joined other world leaders including US President Donald Trump in recording a video message to thank veterans .
In the video , each leader says in turn : `` To all who served , we thank you . ''
Mr Johnson added : `` On @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Second World War , we pay tribute to the heroes deployed thousands of miles away in the mountains , islands and rainforests of Asia .
`` Unable to celebrate the victory in Europe , and among the last to return home , today we recognise the bravery and ingenuity of those who , in the face of adversity , restored peace and prosperity to the world .
`` Their immeasurable sacrifice changed the course of history and , at today 's commemorations , we take the opportunity to say what should be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' • How a Belfast doctor used Irish to keep WW2 secrets • Daughter of WW2 prisoner of war shares last letter In a letter specifically addressed to Far East veterans , Mr Johnson said : `` You were the last to come home but your achievements are written in the lights of the glittering capitals of the dynamic region we see today . ''
`` All of us who were born after you have benefited from your courage in adversity .
On this anniversary , and every day hereafter , you will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer also recorded a message , paying tribute `` to the wartime generation , who through the horrors of conflict showed us the spirit and determination that we need to always remember and always be grateful for '' .
`` It 's important that as we face the challenges of today , we take inspiration from that generation , '' he said .
Prince Philip , 99 , was a young Royal Navy officer aboard a warship in Tokyo Bay when Japan surrendered .
The photo montage is a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has only been seen a handful of times in public since retiring in 2017 - most recently for a military event at Windsor Castle .
Meanwhile Capt Sir Tom Moore , who served in the Burma campaign has encouraged the public to join in the commemorations , describing VJ Day as `` the most special day '' .
`` It was VJ Day when the pain of war could finally start to fall away as peace was declared on all fronts , '' said Sir Tom - who raised millions of pounds for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ garden during lockdown .
`` I respectfully ask Britain to stop whatever it is doing and take some time to remember .
`` We must all take the time to stop , think and be thankful that were it not for the ultimate sacrifices made all those years ago by such a brave band of men and women , we would not be enjoying the freedoms we have today , even in these current difficult times . ''
The commemorations began at sunrise , with a piper playing Battle 's Over at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ London .
Military pipers also played at dawn in India , Australia , New Zealand and Nepal .
In Japan , national memorial services have been held in Tokyo .
Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall attended a national service of remembrance and led a two-minute silence from the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire .
Mr Johnson read the Exhortation - the part of the war poem beginning `` they shall grow not old '' .
A Battle of Britain Memorial Flight flypast also commemorates those who fought .
The Red Arrows @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Edinburgh ( 11:30 ) , Belfast ( 14:00 ) , Cardiff ( 14:45 ) and London ( 17:30 ) - the first time such a flypast will take place since the London Olympics .
A photo montage featuring Prince Philip and other veterans is being shown on a number of large screens across the UK .
On Saturday evening , the BBC will air a pre-recorded programme from 20:30 called VJ Day 75 : The Nation 's Tribute , which will tell the story of those who served in the Far East @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
BBC One is broadcasting live from the National Memorial Arboretum between 09:30 and 11:30 BST .
VJ Day 75 : The Nation 's Tribute will be aired from 20:30 BST .
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"We must all take the time to stop, think and be thankful that were it not for the ultimate sacrifices made all those years ago by such a brave band of men and women, we would not be enjoying the freedoms we have today, even in these current difficult times."


bbcuk--2020-08-15--A-levels and GCSEs: Student tells minister 'you've ruined my life'

A student , rejected by her chosen university after her A-level results were downgraded , has told schools minister Nick Gibb he `` ruined my life '' .
Speaking on BBC 's Any Questions , Nina , from Peterborough , said her marks were three grades lower than predicted .
She told Mr Gibb she was distraught after failing to meet her offer from the Royal Veterinary College .
The government has said it will cover the cost of appealing after 280,000 students had their marks downgraded .
Ministers are also expected to set up a taskforce , led by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ process .
After this summer 's exams were cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic , grades were awarded using a controversial modelling system , with the key factors being the ranking order of pupils and the previous exam results of schools and colleges .
In England , 36 % of entries had grades lower than their teachers predicted and 3 % were down two grades , prompting anger among schools , colleges and students .
Confronted by Nina on Friday 's Any Questions , he promised the process would be `` robust '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ achieve ABB and scored As and Bs in her mock exams but was handed three D grades .
`` You have ruined my life , '' she told him .
`` It wo n't ruin your life , it will be sorted , I can assure you , '' Mr Gibb responded .
He added : `` There will be these mistakes… we do know there are imperfections somewhere in the system as a result of this model .
There are no models that can improve on that , this is the problem @ @ @ @ @ @ @ school student from Telford , told BBC Radio 4 's Today programme that her results had been downgraded from As and A* grades to a B , E and U .
`` I know I did n't sit the exam but I did n't think I 'd be treated as if I did n't turn up for the exam , '' she said .
`` I 've now got no university places , because of the algorithm and the system of being treated as if your postcode matters more than your potential .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ say no ?
While many students discovered they had lost their university places , Oxford 's Worcester College said it would honour all offers it made to UK students , irrespective of their A-level results .
Admissions tutor Prof Laura Ashe said it was `` the morally right thing to do '' .
Because students had not taken any exams , `` we took the view there was n't going to be any new information that could justify rejecting someone to whom we 'd made an offer '' , she said .
She @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` literally copied the inequalities that are currently existing in our education system '' , with a quarter of the college 's state school applicants being downgraded , but only 10 % of private school candidates .
Ofqual adjusted the results to make the spread of grades look right at a national level , she said , but `` they ca n't possibly tell us that they 've given the right grades to the right people '' .
Meanwhile , Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham said he was investigating legal grounds to challenge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` straightforwardly discriminatory '' against working class and ethnic minority students who are more likely to attend large , urban sixth form colleges .
`` I can not stand by and see thousands of lives ruined across Greater Manchester , '' he told BBC Breakfast .
Earlier , Labour called on ministers to act immediately to sort out an `` exams fiasco '' in England and stop thousands of A-level students being `` betrayed '' .
The Liberal Democrats welcomed the announcement over appeals costs , but called on Mr Williamson to resign @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Layla Moran , said : `` For the young people who have worked so hard to not get the results they deserve , through no fault of their own , this announcement alone will be cold comfort . ''
She added : `` Ultimately , after Gavin Williamson 's botched handling of the process thus far , pupils will have no confidence in him to fix the broken glass .
Before he causes any more hurt , he must go . ''
Since the results came out on Thursday , there have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ system and to use teachers ' predictions , in the way that the government U-turned in Scotland .
Labour said the government was squarely to blame for sticking with a `` fatally flawed results system '' .
But England 's exam watchdog Ofqual has warned that using teachers ' predictions would have artificially inflated results - and would have seen about 38 % of entries getting A*s and As .
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has previously defended what he said were a `` robust set '' of grades and said that pupils who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ able to appeal or , if they wanted , sit exams in the autumn .
Schools can appeal for an upgrade if their pupils ' mock grades were higher than their estimated results .
Education Secretary Gavin Williamson told The Times the government would cover the fees in a bid to ensure that head teachers were not deterred from making appeals .
There had been fears that appeal costs - which can reach £150 - could stop schools from taking on harder to prove cases .
But the exam regulator Ofqual has still @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can be validated - and head teachers have warned that mocks are not standardised or taken by all pupils , and could not be used as a fair way of deciding final exam results .
Ofqual has promised more details next week .

"They [the government] need to believe in the teachers," she said. "The teachers are professionals. They see students every day, they talk to them, they know them personally... They are the best people to predict the grades."


bbcuk--2020-08-15--Coronavirus: Thousands return to UK to beat France quarantine

Thousands of British holidaymakers have made a last-minute dash to get home before a 14-day quarantine requirement came into force for people arriving from France .
The isolation measure also applies to the Netherlands , Monaco , Malta , Turks and Caicos , and Aruba , amid concerns about a rising numbers of Covid cases .
Eurotunnel trains sold out and air fares were up to six times more than normal , but ferries increased capacity .
The Netherlands advised against all but essential travel to the UK once the restrictions came into force on Saturday , but it said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The countries were targeted for quarantine restrictions because their infections rates exceeded 20 cases per 100,000 people over seven days , Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said .
• I 'm in France right now - what do I do ?
• Lockdown to ease further in England from Saturday There were reported to be about 160,000 British holidaymakers in France and the deadline left many travellers in a frantic rush for plane , train or ferry tickets costing hundreds of pounds .
Kim Wells and his family were on one of the last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the quarantine measures began - getting in to Newhaven from Dieppe in northern France with just eight minutes to spare .
He told BBC Radio 4 's Today programme he had a `` pretty fraught 40 minutes '' online after hearing of the restrictions through a BBC News alert .
`` I ended up booking a ferry on a pretty unfashionable route ... it was impossible to get back on Eurotunnel , which was the way we went to France originally , '' he said .
Mr Wells is a teacher and his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ felt they should cut their holiday short to avoid having to quarantine as they are key workers .
Mr Wells said he was frustrated by the short notice the government gave of the rule change , adding : `` I completely understand the decision , but I think 30 hours ' notice and announcing it at 11 o'clock in the evening French time ... was pretty unrealistic .
`` I do n't really understand why they ca n't be a little bit more clear with the public about what the tipping point is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the need to quarantine ... Why not 48 or even 72 [ hours ] just to allow those who need to or want to get home , get home without rushing dangerously . ''
Kate Mooney and her family arrived back at their home in Cornwall at about 01:00 BST after ending their holiday to France a week early .
`` Our immediate response was 'let 's just stay and finish our holiday ' , and then we started to really consider what quarantine meant , '' she told BBC Breakfast .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leave the house ... that 's when we decided we would come back . ''
Tom Duffell , who runs a small business and ended his family holiday in Nice four days early , told the BBC social distancing had `` gone out of the window '' in the scramble for transport , with `` huge queues '' at the airport .
Eurotunnel , which increased its capacity , said 12,000 people tried to book tickets for its Channel Tunnel trains in the hour after the new rules were announced at about 22:00 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hundreds normally .
P & O Ferries and DFDS Ferries also added extra four departures .
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Gloria Guevara , president of the World Travel and Tourism Council , said the UK was lagging behind other countries that had `` shunned quarantines '' in favour of `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and arriving back into their respective countries .
Shadow home secretary Nick Thomas-Symonds said while Labour supports `` evidence based measures '' at the border , it was `` vital '' that No 10 had a `` joined-up strategy '' and `` urgently '' puts in place a specific deal to support the heavily impacted travel sector .
He added : `` That the government has still not put in place an effective track , trace and isolate system has made matters far worse and made it more likely that we are reliant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
The Foreign Office is now warning against all but essential travel to France .
According to data company Statista , Britons paid 10.35 million visits to France last year , putting it second behind Spain - with 18.12 million - in terms of popularity .
• What are the rules in France and other parts of Europe ?
• How will the world vaccinate seven billion people ?
• You finally got abroad , but was it worth it ?
A list of more than 50 so-called travel corridors - allowing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ without the need to self-isolate on return - was published at the start of last month and later expanded .
But quarantine measure were later re-imposed on several countries , including Spain on 25 July .
On Friday , France reported 2,846 new coronavirus cases in 24 hours - the highest number since lockdown restrictions were eased .
The seven-day average increased to 2,041 , marking the first time it has surpassed 2,000 since 20 April , a 66 % week-on-week rise .
For the Netherlands , it was up 52 % .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ % , while it was 273 % for Turks and Caicos and 1,106 % for Aruba .
• A LEVEL RESULTS : I did n't get the results I wanted ... What happens next ?
• 'MY MENTAL HEALTH CRASHED ' : The impact of being turned away from therapy in lockdown Have you been affected by the recent quarantine changes ?
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"I don't really understand why they can't be a little bit more clear with the public about what the tipping point is, when we might perhaps be approaching the need to quarantine. Why not 48 or even 72 [hours] just to allow those who need to or want to get home, get home without rushing dangerously."


bbcuk--2020-08-15--Thai king commutes death sentence of UK pair’s killers

Two men given the death penalty for killing two British backpackers in Thailand have had their sentences commuted to life imprisonment .
The bodies of David Miller , 24 , from Jersey , and Hannah Witheridge , 23 , from Norfolk , were found on a beach on the Thai island of Koh Tao in 2014 .
Burmese nationals Zaw Lin and Wai Phyo were convicted in a Thai court and sentenced to death in December 2015 .
Lin and Phyo will serve life sentences instead following a royal decree .
Ms Witheridge , a University of Essex student from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a civil and structural engineering graduate , from Jersey , were bludgeoned to death .
Lin and Phyo ( also known as Win Zaw Htun ) were sentenced to death for the murder of Mr Miller and the murder and rape of Ms Witheridge .
The two men were convicted and sentenced in 2015 and the verdict was upheld by an appeals court in 2017 and the Supreme Court in August 2019 .
The convictions were mired in controversy , with supporters of the two men arguing they had been framed because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
A royal decree said the sentences had been reviewed to commemorate King Vajiralongkorn 's birthday on 28 July and to `` illustrate the king 's clemency '' .
It is unclear how many prisoners were eligible for any pardons or reduction of sentences under the different criteria listed in the decree .

Correction: An earlier headline on this story referred to the killers being "pardoned". This was later changed to clarify that their death sentences had been commuted to life imprisonment.


bbcuk--2020-08-15--Coronavirus: Businesses reopen as England lockdown eases further

Businesses such as bowling alleys , soft play centres and casinos can now reopen in England as lockdown rules ease .
More beauty treatments , small wedding receptions and live indoor performances can also resume .
The further lifting of restrictions comes as the government introduces bigger fines for failing to wear a mask in places where it is compulsory .
Meanwhile , thousands of holidaymakers have rushed to get back to the UK to beat French quarantine rules .
Stephen Burns , chief executive of Hollywood Bowl , told BBC Radio 4 's Today programme his venues were reopening @ @ @ @ @ @ @ customers no longer sharing the ball return between bowling lanes .
Hand sanitiser and disposable gloves are provided , staff wear masks and are protected by screens , while customers are required to wear masks when they are not eating or drinking .
Mr Burns said he did not know how customers would react to the changes .
`` I suppose all you can go on is what you 've seen elsewhere - I do n't think it 's putting people off shopping particularly , '' he said .
`` We 're all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is now the new normal . ''
The easing of lockdown rules was postponed from 1 August due to concerns about a slight increase in the number of people testing positive for coronavirus in England .
Last week , figures from the Office for National Statistics showed this may be levelling off .
However , the latest government figures released on Friday showed the number of daily positive tests in the UK was the highest it has been since 14 June .
In the 24-hour period up to 09:00 BST on Friday , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , taking the total number to 316,367 .
Under the latest changes : • Indoor theatre , music and performance venues will be able to reopen with socially distanced audiences • Wedding receptions in the form of a sit-down meal for up to 30 guests will be permitted • The piloting of a small number of sporting events to test the safe return of spectators will resume , commencing with the final of the World Snooker Championship at Sheffield 's Crucible Theatre over the weekend • Casinos , bowling alleys , skating rinks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to reopen • `` Close contact '' beauty services such as facials , eyebrow threading , eyelash treatments , make up application and microblading will resume • Pilots will take place at conference venues ahead of the expected resumption of business events from 1 October at the earliest The prime minister said that plans to open up more of the economy this weekend `` will allow more people to return to work and the public to get back to more of the things they have missed '' .
But Boris Johnson reiterated a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hesitate to put on the brakes if required , or to continue to implement local measures to help to control the spread of the virus '' .
• SOCIAL DISTANCING : What are the rules now ?
• JOBS : Can my boss force me to go to work ?
• SYMPTOMS : What are they and how to guard against them ?
• TESTING : Who can get a test and how ?
In England , face coverings are mandatory in many indoor settings , including public transport , shops and museums @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on medical grounds .
Under current guidance , people who refuse to wear a face covering where it is required face a £100 fine , which can be reduced to £50 if paid within 14 days .
The new enforcement measures will see that penalty repeatedly doubled for subsequent offences , up to a maximum of £3,200 .
The latest easing of restrictions will not apply in areas where local lockdown measures are in place , the government said .
Local lockdown rules vary from place to place , but since July measures @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , East Lancashire , parts of West Yorkshire , Greater Manchester and Aberdeen .
• What are the rules for face masks or face coverings ?
• How to stay cool in a face mask • What ca n't I do in the local lockdowns ?
The Department of Health said restrictions on household gatherings in parts of north west England , West Yorkshire , East Lancashire and Leicester will continue .
Devolved administrations in Scotland , Wales and Northern Ireland have the power to set their own timings for the easing of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I did n't get the results I wanted ... What happens next ?
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Mr Burns said he did not know how customers would react to the changes. "I suppose all you can go on is what you've seen elsewhere - I don't think it's putting people off shopping particularly," he said.


bbcuk--2020-08-15--VJ Day: Wales marks 75 years since end of World War Two

`` He was made to stand outside naked all night in winter and they were amazed he survived that . ''
Nigel Gabriel 's father Reg was among the prisoners of war captured and forced to carry out labour under horrific conditions .
Victory over Japan Day - the date when Japan surrendered in 1945 , marking the end of World War Two - will be marked with services across Wales later .
Mr Gabriel , of Cardiff , said : `` We owe them a debt of honour and gratitude . ''
Reg Gabriel , from Ynysybwl , Rhondda @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the 77th Regiment of the Royal Artillery - an anti-aircraft regiment .
In 1942 , initially due to be deployed to Basra in Iraq , he was diverted to Singapore but it had fallen into enemy hands by the time he arrived .
• Where are the world 's nuclear weapons ?
• Wales ' role in the birth of the atomic bomb Following a battle in the Java Sea , he and his fellow soldiers were captured and sent to a labour camp for a year before being moved to Japan on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' due to the conditions prisoners suffered .
There , they worked in mines and in factories and it was at one of these factories in Wakayama where he was forced to spend a winter 's night outside naked for what his son called `` a minor infringement '' .
When the atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima - about 250 miles ( 400km ) away - the Japanese vacated the camp where he was being held , enabling him to begin his journey home .
His son said : `` He was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be 92 - but it was nuanced .
There were Japanese people who were kind , there were Japanese people who were very unkind . ''
Mr Gabriel said his father `` never took any interest whatsoever '' in VJ Day having felt soldiers in the Far East `` had , to some extent , been neglected '' .
But , he added : `` He cherished the memory of his comrades .
Those people exhibited bravery and courage and they gave everything they had and we owe them a huge debt of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the anniversary ?
To mark the anniversary of the end of the war , the Red Arrows will also fly over Cardiff at 14:45 BST , part of the first UK-wide flypast since the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic games in London .
At a pre-recorded national service of thanksgiving at Llandaff Cathedral - carried out without a congregation due to coronavirus - the Archbishop of Wales John Davies said he hoped people continued `` to work for and call for a world where brutality and ignorance lie in the dust , defeated by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and for freedom from tyranny in any shape or form '' .
There will also be services and commemorations across Wales , including in Pontypool Park , Torfaen , the raising of a flag at County Hall in Ruthin , Denbighshire , and a display of thousands of poppies made by parishioners will be on show at St Giles Church , Wrexham .
First Minister Mark Drakeford , who laid a wreath at a ceremony in Cardiff on Saturday , earlier spoke to veterans Walford Hughes , now aged 100 , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their stories would stay with him forever .
Mr Drakeford said for all those who survived - military and civilians - `` the wounds of war were etched firmly in their psyche for good '' .
`` After the elation of VE day , some Welsh troops who survived the Far East felt like the 'Forgotten Army ' , '' said Mr Drakeford .
`` They had served so far away , cut off from their loved ones and any contact with the world they had known .
`` The focus at home @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could be forgiven for thinking their efforts had been forgotten . ''
Stephen John from Newport , who has spent more than eight years researching the battalion Bombardier Gabriel belonged to , said there was `` a bit of a furore '' surrounding the return of serviceman from Asia .
As Germany had surrendered three months earlier , and with Britain 's cities still recovering from German bombing raids , Mr John said there was a feeling the public `` did not need reminding '' of the horrors of war .
`` When @ @ @ @ @ @ @ given a formal letter which basically was : 'Do n't talk about your experiences ' .
`` Many servicemen - not even to their family members - talked about what happened to them , so that was bottled up .
`` When you talk to families or children of prisoners of war , they understand the rage and the nightmares and the beatings that happened because their father could n't cope with coming back to civvy life . ''
Germany surrendered to Allied forces in May 1945 , but World War Two continued @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Japan .
The United States believed that dropping a nuclear bomb - after Tokyo rejected an earlier ultimatum for peace - would force a quick surrender without risking US casualties on the ground .
On 6 August , the US dropped the first bomb - codenamed Little Boy - on Hiroshima .
The attack was the first time a nuclear weapon was used during a war .
At least 70,000 people are believed to have been killed immediately in the massive blast which flattened the city .
Tens of thousands more died of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ following days , weeks and months .
When no immediate surrender came from the Japanese , another bomb , dubbed `` Fat Man '' , was dropped three days later about 261 miles ( 420km ) to the south over Nagasaki .
The recorded death tolls are estimates , but it is thought that about 140,000 of Hiroshima 's 350,000 population were killed , and that at least 74,000 people died in Nagasaki .
They are the only two nuclear bombs ever to have been deployed outside testing .
The dual bombings brought @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Asia , with Japan surrendering to the Allies on 14 August 1945 .

At a pre-recorded national service of thanksgiving at Llandaff Cathedral - carried out without a congregation due to coronavirus - the Archbishop of Wales John Davies said he hoped people continued "to work for and call for a world where brutality and ignorance lie in the dust, defeated by the noble quest for justice and truth, and for freedom from tyranny in any shape or form".


bbcuk--2020-08-15--Coronavirus: Free appeals for schools, and businesses reopen

Here are five things you need to know about the coronavirus outbreak today .
We 'll have another update for you on Sunday .
The government will cover the cost of schools in England appealing against exam grades after 280,000 A-level students had their marks downgraded .
Ministers are also expected to set up a taskforce to oversee the appeals process .
It comes after Labour called on the government to scrap the process used to award A-Level grades , with Sir Keir Starmer saying young people had been `` betrayed '' by the system .
Accusations of unfairness plagued @ @ @ @ @ @ @ England .
Here 's why the algorithm said `` no '' .
2 .
Final rush to get back to UK to beat quarantine A two-week quarantine has come into force for travellers arriving into the UK from France , the Netherlands , Monaco , Malta , Turks and Caicos , and Aruba .
Thousands of British nationals made last-ditch efforts to arrive on UK soil before the deadline and avoid the need to self-isolate .
Many were forced to find hundreds of pounds for air fares and Eurostar tickets , while others @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sold out quickly .
Find out more about the UK travel quarantine rules .
Businesses such as bowling alleys , soft play centres and casinos can now reopen in England as lockdown rules ease .
More beauty treatments , small wedding receptions and live indoor performances can also resume .
The easing of many lockdown rules had been postponed on 1 August due to concerns about a slight increase in the number of people testing positive for coronavirus .
How many confirmed cases are there in your area ?
4 .
'Care home @ @ @ @ @ @ @ decline' When lockdown began , my grandad , who had dementia , had no understanding of the virus and the changes or restrictions it brought .
Three days after my grandparents quietly celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary in late June , he moved into a care home .
The pandemic meant limited visiting and by the time loved ones were able to see him , he was barely recognisable as the man who had left home just six weeks before .
When the UK entered lockdown in March , councils in England were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rough sleepers .
One of those helped by the scheme was 49-year-old George Murray , who had spent 15 years sleeping rough .
He has now moved into his own flat - and has become a Star Trek fan .
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... lockdown rules are regularly changing , here 's all you need to know about the latest measures around the UK .
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Use this form to ask your question :

When lockdown began, my grandad, who had dementia, had no understanding of the virus and the changes or restrictions it brought. Three days after my grandparents quietly celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary in late June, he moved into a care home. The pandemic meant limited visiting and by the time loved ones were able to see him, he was barely recognisable as the man who had left home just six weeks before.


bbcuk--2020-08-15--Coronavirus: I'm in France right now - what do I do?

People coming to the UK from France and several other countries are now being forced to quarantine for 14 days .
France , the Netherlands , Monaco , Malta , Turks and Caicos , and Aruba have been removed from the UK government 's list of countries exempt from quarantine rules .
When did the new restrictions kick in ?
The rules for the new additions to the list , including France , came into effect at 04:00 BST on Saturday 15 August .
Will I be covered by travel insurance ?
If you arranged your own earlier flight or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ effect , it is extremely unlikely you will be able to claim the cost back from an insurer or anyone else , our personal finance reporter Kevin Peachey says .
In the unlikely event that your flight back was cancelled and the airline placed you on an earlier flight , then you should not be out of pocket , he adds .
• Where can I go on holiday without having to quarantine ?
• You finally got abroad , but was it worth it ?
What do I have to do when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the UK has to complete a passenger locator form giving their passport information and details about where and when they have travelled .
All travellers - including UK nationals - coming from countries that are not exempt from quarantine must provide the address where they will be staying .
What does quarantine mean , and what if I break the rules ?
When you arrive in the UK you will need to self-isolate for 14 days .
Self-isolating means remaining at home or the place you are staying - and not leaving it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or meet friends , and any exercise you do must be in your home or private garden , if you have one .
• What are the UK quarantine rules ?
People can be fined £100 for failing to fill in a form with these details .
One in five eligible passengers will be called or texted to check they are following the rules .
People who do not self-isolate can be fined up to £1,000 in England , Wales and Northern Ireland and £480 in Scotland .
There are fines up to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ still go on my holiday ?
If the new rules will affect your ability to work when you return to the UK , it could mean having to cancel your trip .
In cases where only quarantine rules are changed , you are unlikely to be able to get your money back from tour operators , airlines or hotels .
However , if the Foreign Office also advises against travel to a country - as is now the case for France - then a refund for the whole holiday or the opportunity to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Can I get travel insurance and what are my travel rights ?
Some people are exempt from the quarantine rules , including Eurotunnel train drivers , road haulage workers and military personnel .

Coronavirus: I'm in France right now - what do I do? Published 15 August 2020
Image source, Getty Images
People coming to the UK from France and several other countries are now being forced to quarantine for 14 days.
What's changed?
France, the Netherlands, Monaco, Malta, Turks and Caicos, and Aruba have been removed from the UK government's list of countries exempt from quarantine rules.
When did the new restrictions kick in?
The rules for the new additions to the list, including France, came into effect at 04:00 BST on Saturday 15 August.
Will I be covered by travel insurance?
If you arranged your own earlier flight or ferry ticket home before the measures took effect, it is extremely unlikely you will be able to claim the cost back from an insurer or anyone else, our personal finance reporter Kevin Peachey says.
In the unlikely event that your flight back was cancelled and the airline placed you on an earlier flight, then you should not be out of pocket, he adds.
What do I have to do when I get back?
Anyone arriving to the UK has to complete a passenger locator form giving their passport information and details about where and when they have travelled.
All travellers - including UK nationals - coming from countries that are not exempt from quarantine must provide the address where they will be staying.
What does quarantine mean, and what if I break the rules?
When you arrive in the UK you will need to self-isolate for 14 days.
Self-isolating means remaining at home or the place you are staying - and not leaving it. So you cannot go shopping or meet friends, and any exercise you do must be in your home or private garden, if you have one.
People can be fined £100 for failing to fill in a form with these details.
One in five eligible passengers will be called or texted to check they are following the rules.
People who do not self-isolate can be fined up to £1,000 in England, Wales and Northern Ireland and £480 in Scotland. There are fines up to £5,000 for persistent offenders.
Can I still go on my holiday?
If the new rules will affect your ability to work when you return to the UK, it could mean having to cancel your trip.
In cases where only quarantine rules are changed, you are unlikely to be able to get your money back from tour operators, airlines or hotels.
However, if the Foreign Office also advises against travel to a country - as is now the case for France - then a refund for the whole holiday or the opportunity to rearrange it should be granted.


bbcuk--2020-08-14--Coronavirus: Northampton rough sleeper moves into flat after 15 years on streets

A man who spent 15 years sleeping rough has moved into his own flat after the coronavirus pandemic persuaded him to leave the streets .
George Murray initially took advantage of a council scheme to get homeless people into hotels .
The 49-year-old , from Northampton , now spends evenings watching TV in his own `` brilliant '' flat .
He said : `` I love it .
Just to have the creature comforts .
I 've become a bit of a Star Trek fan . ''
When the country entered lockdown , councils in England were given £3.2m to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ part of the Everyone In project .
In Northampton , more than 140 people spent at least one night in one of two hotels with almost 80 - including Mr Murray - helped into settled housing .
Mr Murray , who said he showed promise as a youth footballer and `` travelled around the country with Manchester United '' , said he knew he had to get off the streets because of the `` very difficult time '' created by Covid-19 .
It was still a surprise to some when he turned up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Social-distanced shows not viable , says Royal and Derngate • Northampton 'odds-on for new lockdown ' says police chief • The 'diverse ' city trying to stave off lockdown Northampton Borough Council street service co-ordinator Amanda Wilson said Mr Murray , who stayed on the streets during the 'Beast from the East ' cold snap in 2018 , `` would never go into the town shelter or night shelter '' .
`` When he walked in to the hotel , everyone went 'no way ' .
It was brilliant , '' she said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ access to a shower and three meals a day .
Outreach workers got him a bank account , benefits and a prescription to combat his drug addiction .
`` Life was fantastic in the hotel , '' Mr Murray said .
`` People were very supportive . ''
Stan Robertson , who has known Mr Murray for three years as his charity Project 16:15 delivers breakfast to rough sleepers , said : `` George was typical of what we see on the streets of people who accept all they have is all they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ able to take on a sense of ' I 'm worth more , I 'm worth that room , that offer to get off the streets ' .
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Stan Robertson, who has known Mr Murray for three years as his charity Project 16:15 delivers breakfast to rough sleepers, said: "George was typical of what we see on the streets of people who accept all they have is all they are worth.


bbcuk--2020-08-15--VJ Day: How a Belfast doctor used Irish to keep WW2 secrets

It was the long-distance love affair carried out across the background of World War Two - and in Irish .
@ @ @ @ @ as the Belfast medic who helped protect the lives of hundreds of Allied prisoners of @ @ @ @ @ .
He was raised a Catholic and born in a nationalist area of north Belfast @ @ @ @ @ , went on to serve as a major in the British Army .
However , @ @ @ @ @ the Irish language that allowed him to keep information secret during his time as a @ @ @ @ @ .
After being captured , Dr Murray continued to write to Eileen in the form @ @ @ @ @ wrote in Irish so that his captors would not be able to translate his words @ @ @ @ @ here .

It was the long-distance love affair carried out across the background of World War Two - and in Irish.
Dr Frank Murray became known as the Belfast medic who helped protect the lives of hundreds of Allied prisoners of war in Japanese prison camps.
He was raised a Catholic and born in a nationalist area of north Belfast but, despite his background, went on to serve as a major in the British Army.
However, it was his knowledge of the Irish language that allowed him to keep information secret during his time as a prisoner of war in Singapore.
After being captured, Dr Murray continued to write to Eileen in the form of a diary, but wrote in Irish so that his captors would not be able to translate his words.
More on this story here.


bbcuk--2020-08-15--The Papers: Free school exam appeals, and France 'exodus'

Many of the papers describe a `` scramble '' among British holidaymakers in France to get back to the UK before Saturday 's 04:00 BST quarantine deadline .
The Guardian says ministers `` rushed forward '' the cut-off point by 24 hours , following pressure from Holyrood and the other devolved administrations .
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps is said to have offered `` no resistance '' when Scotland , Wales and Northern Ireland pushed `` very firmly '' for an earlier deadline .
`` Get out of France now ... or you 'll miss school '' is the Daily Mail @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fail to make it back to the UK before Tuesday night will still be in self-isolation when the majority of schools in England go back on 2 September .
But the paper says many families will have no choice but to stay in France because of high prices and limited capacity on ferries , flights and Eurotunnel .
The Sun reports that the education secretary is fighting to hang onto his job .
No 10 is said to be `` livid '' with Gavin Williamson after he presided over what the paper describes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ disasters '' .
The Sun foresees the end of his cabinet career if next week 's GCSE results end up in an `` A-levels-style disaster '' .
The Guardian predicts exactly that - reporting that two million GCSE grades recommended by teachers are set to be downgraded .
Education researchers tell the paper they expect between 35 % and 40 % of predicted grades to be forced down by the exam regulator .
The Guardian says pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds are set to be hit harder than their A-level counterparts because the proportion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Daily Mail , the Bank of England 's Chief Economist Andy Haldane argues for `` cautious optimism '' as the country recovers from the effects of the coronavirus pandemic .
He says economic activity has been rising more quickly than anyone expected - at around 1 % of GDP per week for the past three months .
The Mail welcomes his assessment - but says a giant obstacle remains : fear .
The paper 's leader column worries that too few workers are back in the office , and accuses the civil service @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' by not encouraging more staff to return .
Workers of Britain , the Mail declares , your country needs you .
Graduates from the Sandhurst Royal Military Academy have been told to be `` more unconventional '' as they adapt to new domains of warfare , according to the Daily Telegraph .
Defence Secretary Ben Wallace is said to have told new Army officers that under the Integrated Defence and Security review - being led by the prime minister 's adviser Dominic Cummings - they would be expected to engage and compete @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The butter-fingered fielders of village cricket can look forward to their dropped catches being beamed over the internet , reports the Times , under new plans to revive the amateur game .
The England and Wales Cricket Board ( ECB ) is apparently subsidising equipment that will allow clubs to produce television-style broadcasts complete with graphics showing statistics and scores .
It may not be pretty , says the Times ' editorial , but it 's only fair the ECB stumps up cash to broadcast cricket at its rawest , to a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ morning briefing direct to your inbox