bbcuk--2020-09-13--Hold Still: UK lockdown caught on camera

Annemarie Plas , Founder of Clap for our Carers , at the final clap - by Amanda Summons We always wear a smile - by Jill Bowler and Trevor Edwards '' We have had to learn new ways to communicate with our residents during the pandemic , as the mask is so restrictive and that comforting smile has been hidden .
We all still smile and want it to be as visible as possible . ''
`` After seven weeks of temporary separation , and after being furloughed from his job , Scott was reunited with Mila .
Looking back @ @ @ @ @ @ @ daughter and how far she has come - the level of resilience Mila has shown during this unprecedented time is truly remarkable . ''
Prayers for our community - by the Reverend Tim Hayward and Beth Hayward '' When it was announced church buildings were to be closed to the public to reduce the transmission of the virus , I wanted to assure our community that , although we could n't gather physically , their photos in church were a symbol that they , and their loved ones , were still very much @ @ @ @ @ @ @ At the end of a shift - by Neil Palmer '' I wanted to portray her caring side , as well as a look of concern and uncertainty that many of us have experienced during this pandemic .
It 's why I chose a lower than normal angle and asked her to look off-camera , placing her halfway down in the frame . ''
Stockport Spider-Men bringing smiles to children in lockdown - by Jason Baird '' The Stockport Spider-Men was started by two friends , Jason Baird and Andrew Baldock , who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the start of lockdown dressed as Spider-Man , and used their daily exercise time to keep the children smiling .
This turned into a national phenomenon , with more than 50 members of the public , dressed as various other characters , joining in .
`` During lockdown , my mum had to become a primary school teacher for my brother .
This moment captures one of the few times my brother was eager to do his homework .
Through this photograph , I wanted to convey a warm feeling of when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Normal - by Julie Aoulad-Ali and Kamal Riyani

Hold Still: UK lockdown caught on camera Published 14 September 2020
Image source, Sarah Lee Image caption, Joe and Duke Brooks, captured during lockdown, a few days before their 18th birthday - by Sarah Lee
Members of the public were invited to send pictures taken during the recent national lockdown for an online photography exhibition entitled Hold Still.
The images explore three themes: Helpers and Heroes, Your New Normal and Acts of Kindness.
The community project, led by the Duchess of Cambridge - patron of the National Portrait Gallery - received more than 31,000 entries.
The final 100 images were selected by a panel of judges, including the duchess, Nicholas Cullinan, director of the National Portrait Gallery, writer and poet Lemn Sissay, Ruth May, chief nursing officer for England, and photographer Maryam Wahid.
Here is a selection of those on show, alongside insights from the photographers:
Annemarie Plas, Founder of Clap for our Carers, at the final clap - by Amanda Summons
Image source, Amanda Summons
"Annemarie Plas is both the founder of Clap for our Carers and a Dutch yoga teacher living in south London. Inspired by a similar initiative in her homeland, she instigated the weekly clap on a Thursday night. It was to show appreciation for NHS workers and carers fighting the pandemic on the front line.
"She told me her favourite part about the initiative was personally getting to know her neighbours, like many of us across the country."
We always wear a smile - by Jill Bowler and Trevor Edwards
Image source, Jill Bowler and Trevor Edwards
"We always want our residents at our dementia nursing home to know we are smiling under our masks.
"We have had to learn new ways to communicate with our residents during the pandemic, as the mask is so restrictive and that comforting smile has been hidden. We all still smile and want it to be as visible as possible."
Shielding Mila - by Lynda Sneddon
Image source, Lynda Sneddon
"After trying to find an alternative solution, we took the difficult decision to isolate in different households to protect Mila, who, at this point, was only four months into her chemotherapy journey for acute lymphoblastic leukaemia.
"As Mila's dad, Scott, had to continue to work and her big sister, Jodi, had to attend school, we could not risk the possibility of infection being brought home - so they would visit every day at the window.
"After seven weeks of temporary separation, and after being furloughed from his job, Scott was reunited with Mila. Looking back, I'm so proud of my daughter and how far she has come - the level of resilience Mila has shown during this unprecedented time is truly remarkable."
Prayers for our community - by the Reverend Tim Hayward and Beth Hayward
Image source, The Reverend Tim Hayward and Beth Hayward
"When it was announced church buildings were to be closed to the public to reduce the transmission of the virus, I wanted to assure our community that, although we couldn't gather physically, their photos in church were a symbol that they, and their loved ones, were still very much in our thoughts and prayers."
At the end of a shift - by Neil Palmer
Image source, Neil Palmer
"This is a studio portrait of Tendai, a recovery and anaesthetics nurse, who was born in Zimbabwe, and now lives in my local town - Reading, Berkshire.
"I wanted to portray her caring side, as well as a look of concern and uncertainty that many of us have experienced during this pandemic. It's why I chose a lower than normal angle and asked her to look off-camera, placing her halfway down in the frame."
Stockport Spider-Men bringing smiles to children in lockdown - by Jason Baird
Image source, Jason Baird
"The Stockport Spider-Men was started by two friends, Jason Baird and Andrew Baldock, who took to the streets of Stockport right at the start of lockdown dressed as Spider-Man, and used their daily exercise time to keep the children smiling. This turned into a national phenomenon, with more than 50 members of the public, dressed as various other characters, joining in.
"Jason also set up a JustGiving fund for the NHS Charities Together; in the four months of lockdown, he raised over £60,000 for the real superheroes - our wonderful NHS."
Empty - by Julie Thiberg
Image source, Julie Thiberg
"This was just before lockdown happened, when I took my son shopping. I happily got a big trolley and was surprised at how easy it was to get a parking space, only to find the superstore completely empty - only a few oils, spices, clothes and toys were left.
"As a parent, I probably experienced silent panic, and a fear that this type of shopping would be the new normal. I decided to take the picture to remember a unique day that would be the start of a long and challenging time."
School - by Marcela
Image source, Marcela
"During lockdown, my mum had to become a primary school teacher for my brother. This moment captures one of the few times my brother was eager to do his homework. Through this photograph, I wanted to convey a warm feeling of when family is together."
Tony Hudgell's 10k walk for Evelina London - by David Tett
Image source, David Tett
"This is Tony Hudgell, a five-year-old patient at Evelina London Children's Hospital. He walked a total of 10km throughout June on his new prosthetic legs, to thank the hospital that saved his life.
"He had been learning to walk again. After seeing Captain Tom Moore on the news walking lengths of his garden, Tony said: 'I could do that', and he decided to set his own challenge. He set out to raise £500, but ultimately raised over £1.2 million for NHS charities."
Your New Normal - by Julie Aoulad-Ali and Kamal Riyani
Image source, Julie Aoulad-Ali and Kamal Riyani
"My daughter, Sarah, is showing her house-bound grandfather the 12-week scan photograph of her first baby. She had the scan a few days earlier and drove to her grandparents' house so she could stand outside and show it to them."
Lockdown Wedding - by Donna Duke Llande
Image source, Donna Duke Llande
"We had to cancel our wedding because it was obvious it would have been impossible for it to have gone ahead. It didn't feel right, though, to not enjoy the day when it came around. So we dressed up with our children and celebrated together. It was a fun and memorable day and it kept a positive spin on what could have been viewed as a depressing situation."
Glass Kisses - by Steph James
Image source, Steph James
"My one-year-old little boy and his 88-year-old great grandma, who miss each other so much at the moment. I captured this beautiful moment between them whilst dropping off groceries. Kisses through glass."


bbcuk--2020-09-13--Coronavirus: Who are the Covid marshals and what powers will they have?

Covid-secure marshals will be introduced in towns and city centres in England to help ensure social distancing rules are followed , Prime Minister Boris Johnson says .
However , there are questions over who will pay for them and those already working in some areas have no power to enforce rules .
In order to do this , he said marshals would be introduced and a register of environmental health officers - who councils could use for support - would be set up .
Conservative MP Steve Baker , for example , said it would `` turn every public space @ @ @ @ @ @ @ through airport security '' .
Who will the marshals be ?
The Local Government Association ( LGA ) said `` any new responsibilities for councils in this area will have to be fully funded '' , but there has been no funding announced by government .
The Ministry for Housing , Communities and Local Government told the BBC that some areas of the country had already introduced marshals - including Leeds and Cornwall - and it would see where else they were needed .
Leeds City Council told the BBC it had introduced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ place over four weeks and who did not have any enforcement powers '' .
It said these marshals `` were positively welcomed by our businesses as necessary and effective in supporting the evening and night-time economy to reopen safely '' .
The council said they would be present during the busiest times of the day to `` give friendly help and guidance to those visiting and working '' in the area .
What powers will they have ?
The government has still to set out details of what marshals will do , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for local authorities .
In areas where marshals have already been introduced , they have done things like giving out hand sanitiser and face coverings , answered questions and explained social distancing guidelines to members of the public .
Marshals do not have the power to enforce social distancing or to issue fines to anyone who breaks the rules .
Who will enforce the rules for hospitality venues ?
Regulation of these premises is a role for local authorities and the Health and Safety Executive ( HSE ) , but there have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @

Before the government funding announcement, the BBC contacted more than 120 councils to ask whether they were currently using marshals, had done so at some point during the pandemic, or planned to use them in the future.


bbcuk--2020-09-13--David Tennant says TV drama Des 'does not celebrate' killer Dennis Nilsen

Dennis Nilsen was one of Britain 's most notorious serial killers .
David Tennant explains why he played him in a new TV drama as `` boring '' .
The main mystery in any TV drama about a murder - or murders - is usually whodunit .
If not , it 's howdunit .
Those two questions are cleared up early in the first episode of ITV 's Des , which takes its title from the nickname for Dennis Nilsen , who killed at least 15 young men in the late 1970s and early '80s .
Nilsen , as portrayed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ co-operative when asked to help the police with their enquiries after human bones are found blocking his drains .
So the question that 's left is whydunit .
Nilsen was 37 when he was arrested at his north London home in 1983 .
At the time , he was working in a Job Centre , following stints in the police and the Army catering corps .
`` Of the few people I met who had personally known him , one of the most frequent descriptions seems to be that he was actually rather @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It certainly would seem that those who worked with him at the job office found him pleasant enough .
Sometimes he would drone on a little , but there was certainly nothing extraordinary , apparently , about this man .
`` So you 're trying to make sense of who that human being is to the outside world , and link it up to this extraordinary private life at home , which had bodies rotting under his floorboards , and which was about luring people back to his flat , where he seemed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ life of a young man who just came home for a bit of supper and a chat . ''
Many of Nilsen 's victims were homeless and vulnerable .
Nilsen himself tried to explain the roots of his `` destructive binges '' in letters to police that were read at his trial .
`` It would be better if my reason for killing could be clearly defined , ie robbery , jealousy , hate , revenge , sex , blood lust or sadism , '' he wrote .
`` But it is none @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , prosecutors described him as a cunning and resourceful murderer who had killed for pleasure .
Tennant gives a remarkable performance as an apparently unremarkable man who - superficially - does n't fit the `` evil monster '' tabloid mould .
As author Brian Masters , played by Jason Watkins , puts it at one point in the programme : `` That 's what makes the whole thing so intriguing - this dichotomy between this seemingly normal , unobtrusive civil servant and the nature of his crimes . ''
For research , Tennant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as speaking to people who knew the killer .
Luke Neal 's script `` presented this character who will remain forever unknowable , I suspect '' , the actor says .
`` Then you try and sort of join the dots as best you can and present something that will look like a truth .
Without pretending to understand everything about who Nilsen was and why he did what he did , you hopefully can assemble something that will illuminate the unilluminatable . ''
While that sounds like a tall order , Tennant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's proof , if it were needed , of the former Doctor Who star 's range .
He recently won lockdown with two comic appearances - in Staged , the brilliant long-distance double act with Michael Sheen , and a TikTok-inspired reunion with Catherine Tate for the BBC 's Big Night In .
Des also features superb performances from Watkins as Nilsen 's biographer , and Daniel Mays as dogged Detective Chief Inspector Peter Jay .
`` There 's always the added pressure when you 're playing a real person , particularly in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ says .
`` You want to do the story justice . ''
Watkins also knows about playing real-life characters , including Prime Minister Harold Macmillan in The Crown and the Bafta-winning title role in The Lost Honour of Christopher Jefferies .
Des , he says , is intended to be `` a huge acknowledgement of the victims and their families ' pain '' .
Although about 40 years have passed since the murders , the pain will be largely undimmed for the relatives .
The brother of one victim has complained that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ murderer '' .
Tennant says producers spoke to the families of Nilsen 's victims to make them aware of the programme and the intentions behind it .
`` It 's something that everyone was always very keenly aware of , '' he says .
`` This is recent history , this is all within our lifetimes that this happened , and therefore a lot of the legacy of pain that Nilsen caused is still pretty raw . ''
The programme has been made `` in no way to celebrate the macabre , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ anything '' , the actor insists .
`` That 's one of the reasons for telling this story .
Of course , when you do a story like this , everyone involved is very aware that you have to tread carefully and that you must be sensitive to the variety of reactions that it will provoke . ''
Nilsen died in jail in 2018 .
Tennant says they were `` quite keen to make sure we did n't buy into '' his own notion of notoriety .
That 's a fine line to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ him at its centre .
`` I think Dennis Nilsen himself became rather obsessed with his legacy after he was caught , '' the star says .
`` Anyone who had known him at all , it seemed , said he was at best unremarkable and at worst bloody boring to be around .
And yet , If you read his own writings about himself , the self-aggrandisement and the narcissism is breathtaking .
`` Clearly , one of the extraordinary things about this story is that he killed so many people without @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in his life raised an alarm , and it could go on for the number of years that it did .
`` That 's one of the things that I think a drama like this can help us all unpick .
How does a human being like this come to be , and how do they travel undetected for as long as he did ? ''
Des is on ITV in three parts from Monday 14 to Wednesday 16 September .

For research, Tennant studied footage and books, as well as speaking to people who knew the killer. Luke Neal's script "presented this character who will remain forever unknowable, I suspect", the actor says. "Then you try and sort of join the dots as best you can and present something that will look like a truth. Without pretending to understand everything about who Nilsen was and why he did what he did, you hopefully can assemble something that will illuminate the unilluminatable."


bbcuk--2020-09-13--Criminal Records: Singer creates label for jailhouse Scots

Johnny Cash , John Lee Hooker and BB King all recorded live albums in prison .
In those cases the inmates were the audience , but now a record label has been set up to give a voice to jailhouse Scots .
Its name ?
Criminal Records .
For the last decade Jill Brown has been conducting music workshops in HMP Barlinnie in Glasgow .
These experiences in Scotland 's biggest prison have inspired her to start a label aimed at those doing time .
`` My goal is to give people a voice and it 's simply that , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also records her own music .
`` It 's to give people a voice that feel they are denied that , and it 's to plant a seed of hope to let them see that their lives can be better and they can give back to society . ''
The plan is for the label to start working with ex-offenders once they are released from prison .
But the eventual goal is to record and release records with those who are still inside .
`` I think the reaction will be mixed , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ n't work with anyone who is still considered to be a danger to society .
And obviously we do have to be sensitive in terms of there being victims . ''
Brown believes music can be a real , positive force .
`` I do think that you ca n't lock people up and expect them to come out changed , if you have n't positively contributed to their lives while they are in there , '' she says .
`` Personally I think it is refreshing when someone is given another chance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ From conducting a songwriting workshop in Barlinnie just before lockdown , Brown discovered it is hip-hop to which the majority of prisoners are drawn .
On that occasion , four prisoners worked on raps and performed them in a recreation room to an audience of one - a prison guard .
Ryan , who is in his early 30s , delivered his rhymes with great confidence .
He rapped : '' It 's time to drop that gun / Time to drop that knife / Time to take a step back and start @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what role music has played during his incarceration , saying : `` It 's everything really .
It gives me something positive to do every day .
When I 'm in my cell it gives me something to look forward to - hopefully using it to keep me out of the jail when I 'm outside . ''
Fellow prisoner Danny concurs .
`` The workshop gets me out of my cell and helps me with my mental health .
Because being behind those doors for 23 hours a day is not good @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it ? ''
Brown has enlisted heavyweight help from the US to get things going .
Eric McLellan spent a decade at Sire Records , signing new acts for the label that was once the home of Talking Heads , The Ramones and Madonna .
Now he 'll be trying to spot Scottish prisoners with the potential to become pop stars .
`` There are 15 prisons in Scotland so I would imagine there 's going to be a wealth of talent , '' said McLellan , who worked on the recent Top @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Lottery Winners .
`` I think this could be a way to document what is happening today .
The younger prisoners are likely going to gravitate towards hip-hop and grime .
I 'm really just searching for different perspectives like self-reflection , remorse , guilt , sorrow .
All of that makes for interesting subject matter . ''
McLellan was also inspired by the example of the late US rapper Tupac Shakur .
`` I started thinking about some of the rap stuff in the US , '' he adds .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Death Row and Suge Knight , he was in jail .
They posted his bail and I think the next day , when he got out of prison , he recorded All Eyez on Me which is a diamond-selling record .
`` I would imagine he wrote a majority of those songs in prison .
So if there was a possibility a way to record artists in prison it could be really cool . ''
Criminal Records will act as a social enterprise , generating income through training .
Brown hopes to raise @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which is available on Bandcamp .
The priority is for her and McLellan is to make their first signing .
Despite Scotland not being famous for its hip-hop , Mercury Prize-winners Young Fathers excepted , McLellan believes the label 's first act will almost certainly be a rapper .
`` It 's about giving people a voice to spread positivity , '' he says .
`` That 's really the goal . ''
That was certainly the message of inmate Ryan 's rap lyrics , back in the Barlinnie ; '' Trying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ few home truths / Reaching out to the youth , when I step in the booth .
`` Hear the boy 's living proof , spitting facts on tracks / Bad boy gone good , putting Glasgow on the map . ''
Criminal Records hopes to do the same .
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If you have a story suggestion email entertainment.news @ bbc.co.uk .

Afterwards he explained what role music has played during his incarceration, saying: "It's everything really. It gives me something positive to do every day. When I'm in my cell it gives me something to look forward to - hopefully using it to keep me out of the jail when I'm outside."


bbcuk--2020-09-13--How her own illness led one woman to set up a global firm

The BBC 's weekly The Boss series profiles different business leaders from around the world .
This week we speak to Jules Miller , founder of dietary supplements firm The Nue Co. Jules Miller says she became so ill that she had internal bleeding .
`` I was exhausted , bloated , I was n't living a normal life anymore .
That 's when I started to think about food , wellness and supplements . ''
This was back in 2015 .
Living a stressful life in London , Jules , then aged 30 , had been diagnosed with irritable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ started taking supplements to try to alleviate the problem , but found that nothing worked .
She says that some even made her feel worse , and she was alarmed that most of the pills she tried were full of fillers and bulking agents .
At this stage many of us in her predicament may have got depressed , worried or angry , but Jules had a secret weapon - her grandfather was a chemist at the University of Cambridge .
So with her granddad - the late Prof George Miller - she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ingredients .
`` It was a great insight , '' says Jules , now 35 .
`` There were brands out there that were supposed to help you , but they contained ingredients that were clinically proven to bring on other symptoms . ''
Her work with her grandfather inspired Jules to start her own all-natural supplements business .
And in 2017 she launched Nue .
Today the business has reported global annual revenues of $ 7m ( £5.4m ) .
Jules says that so far this year sales have soared six-fold compared @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to more people being concerned about their underlying health in the face of the coronavirus pandemic .
• The foods we are all eating during lockdown Half-Colombian , Jules was born in the South American country , and Spanish is her first language .
She moved to London with her parents when she was seven .
After school she studied philosophy at Birmingham University , before working in advertising in London .
Prior to launching Nue she was head of business development for vegetarian food firm Detox Kitchen .
Looking back at when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was fearless .
`` I think if I launched another business now I would n't have the confidence I had then , '' she says .
`` I was so cocky .
I wrote down a list of things I did n't know , and individuals who might have the answer , and I emailed them .
Two people she contacted were Natalie Massenet , the founder of fashion retailer Net-a-Porter , and Harvey Spevak , the boss of US fitness firm Equinox .
Luckily for Jules both replied , and she had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ initial product was called Debloat , a supplement to alleviate IBS that Jules found worked for her .
Other items then followed , such as vitamins and , more recently , skin creams .
The company was based in Cambridge to begin with , but within its first year of trading it relocated to New York .
Jules says this was to allow it to better take advantage of the fact that the US is the largest market for dietary supplements .
`` Some 80 % of Americans are taking vitamins or another @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to it . ''
Globally the supplements sector is booming , with a report last year saying it was expected to see annual sales rise to $ 210bn ( £160bn ) by 2026 , up from $ 125bn ( £95bn ) in 2018 .
Nue started out in 2017 by selling via its website , but its products are now stocked by a number of retailers , and it has one shop of its own , in New York .
The business has now secured $ 11.5m in funding in total , including @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jules and her husband Charlie Gower remain the largest shareholders .
He also holds the chief operating officer job , while Jules is the chief executive .
Caroline Peyton , a British nutritional therapist , says it is good that the company talks about exactly what goes into its products .
`` Few people understand what goes into their supplements other than the nutritional ingredients they are looking for , '' she says .
`` Having great clarity about this is a good thing for the industry .
There will always be a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some people value paying a bit more for purity . ''
But how necessary are dietary supplements ?
In the UK the National Health Service advises taking vitamin D tablets if you are not getting exposed to enough sunlight .
This is because our bodies create vitamin D when our skin is exposed to sunshine .
Yet for most other vitamins and minerals , is n't it all about eating a good diet ?
• The women behind one of Gucci 's most-liked Insta posts • The search engine boss who wants to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two students who took on Coke and Pepsi A spokeswoman for the British Nutrition Foundation said : `` In general , eating a balanced and varied diet should provide sufficient amounts of the vitamins , minerals and other nutrients that we need , as well as important dietary components such as fibre , and natural bioactive compounds , such as polyphenols , without the need for supplements .
And supplements should not be used as a substitute for a healthy diet .
`` There are though , importantly , some cases where supplementation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ folic acid supplement during pre-conception and early pregnancy . ''
Jules says it is all about finding out what supplements work for you .
Nue also ran a campaign last year urging people to be mindful of their mental health .
Called `` How are you really ? ''
it talked about how the wider wellness sector was guilty of focusing solely on people 's physical wellbeing .
`` We want people to listen to their bodies , as everyone 's journey , like mine , is personal , '' says Jules .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ products are in development .
`` We want to continue with the conversations that matter , around beauty , wellness , and , of course , mental health . ''

Nue's initial product was called Debloat, a supplement to alleviate IBS that Jules found worked for her. Other items then followed, such as vitamins and, more recently, skin treatments. The company was based in Cambridge to begin with, but within its first year of trading it relocated to New York. Jules says this was to allow it to better take advantage of the fact that the US is the largest market for dietary supplements.


bbcuk--2020-09-13--‘I came from a mother and baby home’

‘I came from a mother and baby home’

Eunan Duffy was 47 years old when he found out he was adopted .
After months of extensive research he discovered that his birth mother had been a resident of Marianvale mother and baby home in Newry , County Down .
It was one of a network of institutions in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland which offered women the voluntary option , for those who were unmarried , to give birth in private and give their babies up for adoption .
Calls have grown in recent years for an inquiry to be held into the homes which operated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the institutions has not been published .
A spokesperson for the Department of Health said : `` Subject to the necessary approvals , it is intended to publish the report before the end of this calendar year . ''
Patrick Corrigan from Amnesty International has called for `` a human rights-compliant investigation capable of providing justice for victims '' .
Marianvale was run by Sisters of Our Lady of Charity of the Good Shepherd .
The religious order says it is working with the research team and awaits publication of the report .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ We utterly reject any suggestion of illegality in regard to any aspect of the much-needed service we provided ... All adoptions were conducted strictly in accordance with the legislation , which then applied . ''

Eunan Duffy was 47 years old when he found out he was adopted.
After months of extensive research he discovered that his birth mother had been a resident of Marianvale mother and baby home in Newry, County Down.
It was one of a network of institutions in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland which offered women the voluntary option, for those who were unmarried, to give birth in private and give their babies up for adoption.
Calls have grown in recent years for an inquiry to be held into the homes which operated in Northern Ireland.
Stormont-commissioned research into the institutions has not been published.
A spokesperson for the Department of Health said: "Subject to the necessary approvals, it is intended to publish the report before the end of this calendar year."
Patrick Corrigan from Amnesty International has called for "a human rights-compliant investigation capable of providing justice for victims".
Marianvale was run by Sisters of Our Lady of Charity of the Good Shepherd. The religious order says it is working with the research team and awaits publication of the report.
In a statement it said: "We utterly reject any suggestion of illegality in regard to any aspect of the much-needed service we provided... All adoptions were conducted strictly in accordance with the legislation, which then applied."
Video journalist: Niall McCracken


bbcuk--2020-09-13--The Papers: Tory 'rebellion' and lockdown 'blow' to health

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But the Guardian quotes the Howard League for Penal Reform as saying that the government is abandoning the principle of redemption for the sake of a few newspaper headlines and that there is no evidence that a single victim will be saved.


bbcuk--2020-09-13--Battle of Britain radar tower in Essex given protected status

A radar tower that helped win World War Two 's Battle of Britain by providing early warning of Luftwaffe attacks has been given protected status .
The Chain Home Tower at Great Baddow in Essex has been Grade II listed by the Department for Digital , Culture , Media and Sport ( DCMS ) .
It is the only complete tower of its kind surviving in the British Isles .
Tony Calladine from Historic England said it was `` a testament to the men and women who developed the technology '' .
It has been listed to mark the 80th @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which took place between July and October 1940 .
The tower , one of five Chain Home masts built , was originally erected at RAF Canewdon in south-east Essex in 1937 and relocated to Great Baddow in 1956 .
Chain Home was the first early warning radar network in the world and the first military radar system to be fully operational .
As well as detecting enemy planes , the technology was vital to the defence of London , through the tracking of destructive V1 flying bombs and V2 missiles later in World @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which is 109m ( 358ft ) high , was relocated in 1956 it was used in defence research and communications during the Cold War .
Daniel Black , who campaigned for the tower to be listed , said : `` This tower represents not only the innovation and brilliance of pre-war engineers and scientists but also the heritage of the local area . ''

Daniel Black, who campaigned for the tower to be listed, said: "This tower represents not only the innovation and brilliance of pre-war engineers and scientists but also the heritage of the local area."


bbcuk--2020-09-13--Coronavirus in Scotland: New rules limit gatherings to six people

A new law has come into force limiting social gatherings in Scotland to a maximum of six people from two households .
The changed rules apply both indoors and outdoors - including in homes , gardens , pubs and restaurants .
Until now up to eight people from three homes were allowed to meet indoors , and 15 from five households outdoors .
Children aged under 12 will not count towards the total in the `` rule of six '' in Scotland .
The move to cut the number of people who can meet follows a similar move announced for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of six mean for me ?
• What are the latest lockdown rules in Scotland ?
However more than 1.75m people in Scotland are subject to even stricter restrictions as a partial local lockdown is in force in the greater Glasgow area .
People in Glasgow city , Lanarkshire , East and West Dunbartonshire , Renfrewshire and East Renfrewshire can not meet other households at their own homes , following a spike in cases .
Police Scotland said it would enforce the law if required .
Deputy Chief Constable Malcolm Graham said : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ clear that we are asking people to take personal responsibility to do the right thing and remember the purpose of these measures is to aid the collective effort to stay safe , protect others and save lives by preventing the virus from spreading .
`` Our officers will continue to engage with the public , explain the legislation and guidance and encourage compliance .
`` We will use enforcement as a last resort where there is a clear breach of the legislation . ''
There will be `` limited exceptions '' to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ worship and wedding and funeral services - which will be capped at 20 guests .
It has also become mandatory for staff working in hospitality premises such as pubs and restaurants to wear face coverings , and for customers to wear them while moving around .
The changes follow an increase in the number of coronavirus cases across the country in recent weeks .
There were over 200 cases reported on both Saturday and Sunday - with the daily count reaching their highest level since early May .
However , there were far @ @ @ @ @ @ @ May meaning many people with the virus did not appear in the statistics .
• IMPACT : How is the pandemic affecting life in Scotland ?
• CASES : Where are the latest cases in Scotland ?
• QUIZ : How well do you know the Covid restrictions ?
• BACK TO SCHOOL : Can a school insist on a Covid test ?
• LOCKDOWN EASING : What changes next - and when ?

"In Spain there is interesting data - which is sobering - about it taking four, five, six weeks for the virus to go into the older age groups and we have got to avoid that at all costs."


bbcuk--2020-09-13--Coronavirus: School cases to be expected - education minister

Groups of children being told to self-isolate due to school Covid cases is to be expected , according to the education minister .
Since term began , dozens of schools have reported cases and entire year groups have self-isolated .
Pupils are being grouped together in `` bubbles '' in an attempt to limit the spread of the virus in the case of an outbreak .
Kirsty Williams thanked affected schools for their `` immediate action '' .
After a staggered start to the term , all year groups are due back full time from Monday .
Government guidance to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and avoid contact between groups as much as possible , but how this is done will depend on each individual school .
Public Health Wales data released at the end of last week indicated that there had been 36 cases in 31 schools .
All Year 7 children at two Newport secondary schools were told to self-isolate after pupils tested positive for coronavirus and a Bridgend school told more than 200 pupils to stay at home .
But the number of schools has risen over the weekend and it is believed it could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , eight pupils and three members of staff from Llanishen Fach Primary School have been asked to self-isolate .
Another 57 pupils and two staff members from Whitchurch High School are also self isolating .
A Welsh Government spokesperson said the operational guidance for schools made it clear that `` small , consistent groups help reduce the risk of transmission by limiting the number of learners and staff in contact with each other '' .
How do 'bubbles ' work at school ?
At Olchfa Comprehensive School in Swansea , head teacher Hugh @ @ @ @ @ @ @ school 's 1,800 pupils are being organised in separate groups in six learning zones .
`` Essentially what we 're doing here is making sure that children of different age groups are kept separate - this is the idea that you might have heard of as the bubble , '' he said .
`` So in our school 's case we have six learning zones ... and the idea is that those pupils come in separately at the start of the day , they take their breaks separately , they eat separately , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and tracing can work more effectively if , God forbid , we had an outbreak .
`` I think the name of the game at this point has to be to stay as calm as you can , to respond to events as they occur and just deal with them in a calm way . ''
So what do pupils think ?
Gagany , 14 , said : `` At first I was quite anxious to go back because I thought there was no security measures put into place for school , because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ students and it 's quite impossible to social distance everyone .
`` But I think they found a method to find a good way to socially distancing everyone and we have our own bubble , so we stick to our bubble and we have a learning zone .
`` By following these measures it keeps everyone safe and secure from the virus . ''
Max , 14 , said : `` I think it 's definitely taken a lot of getting used to , especially coming to school - there 's certain gates @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you have to go through , rules you have to abide by .
`` But I think anyone who 's been alive in the last six months would understand how Covid works and the reasons we 're taking the safety measures and I think that as long as everything 's in place it 's the best for everyone . ''
Danny , 14 , said : `` They are very straightforward rules .
`` Moving classroom to classroom you do notice it if you are paying attention to everything around , but the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gone really smoothly . ''
Thomas , 14 , said : `` I was initially quite worried ... through lockdown up until we came back .
But since we came back I 've got more confident and it 's a new normal , so we have obviously been in our bubbles and we 've adapted to that very easily . ''

"So in our school's case we have six learning zones...and the idea is that those pupils come in separately at the start of the day, they take their breaks separately, they eat separately, they go home separately and therefore tracking and tracing can work more effectively if, God forbid, we had an outbreak.


bbcuk--2020-09-14--Coronavirus: Report 'rule of six' breaches, minister urges

People should report their neighbours for any suspected breaches of new `` rule of six '' limits on social gatherings , the crime minister has said .
Kit Malthouse urged residents to pass on details of suspected law-breaking through non-emergency numbers .
From today , new rules restrict indoor and outdoor gatherings in England and Scotland , and indoor groups in Wales .
They come after the UK 's reproduction , or R , number escalated to between one and 1.2 for the first time since March .
A further 3,330 positive cases were recorded in the UK on Sunday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than 3,000 - with five more deaths reported .
According to the UK government 's coronavirus dashboard , the total number of reported coronavirus deaths across the UK is 41,628 .
• What are the new rules ?
• Why is the R number so important ?
• 'We 've got four kids so ca n't see anyone else' Asked on BBC Radio 4 's Today programme whether a person should report a gathering of seven or more in a neighbour 's garden , Mr Malthouse said : `` It is open to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ non-emergency number .
`` And if they are concerned and they do see that kind of thing , then absolutely they should think about it . ''
The crime and policing minister added there were `` discussions about what reporting mechanisms there might be , but there is obviously the non-emergency number ( 101 ) that people can ring and report issues they wish to '' .
National Police Chiefs ' Council ( NPCC ) chairman Martin Hewitt denied that enforcement of the rule of six relies on people `` grassing up '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all of us being responsible , '' he told BBC Breakfast .
At-a-glance : What are the new rules ?
• Social gatherings of more than six people in England , Scotland and Wales will not be allowed in law from Monday 14 September with some exceptions • The new rule applies to people in private homes , indoors and outdoors , and places such as pubs , restaurants , cafes and public outdoor spaces • In Scotland , the rule applies to a maximum of two households and in Wales it applies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ applies to all ages in England , but not to those aged 12 and under in Scotland , and those under 11 in Wales in those households • The rule does not apply to schools and workplaces , or weddings , funerals and organised team sports • A full list of exemptions has been published in England • People who ignore police could be fined £100 - doubling with each offence to a maximum of £3,200 '' We will carry on enforcing these in the same way we have been doing this for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' he added .
`` We 're part of the group that are trying to explain to members of the public what the rules are and encouraging people to comply with them . ''
Home Secretary Priti Patel earlier urged the public not to break the rules , saying the recent rise in cases made it clear more needed to be done to stop the spread .
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer told LBC he backed the government 's new rules , adding : `` You can make the argument of why not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - you have to go with a number backed by the science and they say six and I think we should abide by that rule . ''
Later , it was announced Sir Keir would self-isolate , after a family member showed possible coronavirus symptoms .
Under the new rules , larger gatherings are still allowed at gyms , schools , places of worship , weddings and funerals .
Education and work settings are not affected .
The `` rule of six '' in England replaces the existing ban on gatherings of more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on allowing two households to meet indoors .
England , Scotland and Wales each have new restrictions , with several key similarities and differences .
The new `` rule of six '' is a reminder coronavirus - and the restrictions placed on our lives - are far from over .
Scientists say a rise in cases is not just confined to hotspots like Bolton , but is being witnessed up and down the country .
That can not be tackled with just `` local lockdowns '' hence national rules for all of us @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the UK 's devolved nations .
And there may be more to come .
It is anticipated coronavirus will get harder to contain through winter .
A multitude of bugs - from flu to the common cold - find it easier to spread when it is cooler and we spend more time indoors .
But coronavirus cases are increasing now , in summer - which technically ends next week .
Levels are still far lower than when they peaked in March , the virus is spreading far more slowly than pre-lockdown and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ preventing another lockdown .
But the road to normality remains a long one .
Groups larger than six can be broken up by police , with members of the group facing fines of £100 for a first offence , doubling on each further offence up to £3,200 .
Northern Ireland announced a six person , two household limit on indoor gatherings on 24 August , a reduction on a previous restriction of 10 people from four households .
The devolved nations have powers to set their own coronavirus restrictions , and while the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ same direction , they have done so at their own pace during the pandemic .
• TESTING : What tests are available ?
• SYMPTOMS : What are they and how to guard against them ?
• LOOK-UP TOOL : How many cases in your area ?
• TEST AND TRACE : How does it work ?
The Metropolitan Police said it will deploy resources across the capital to enforce the tighter restrictions on social gatherings .
But the West Yorkshire Police Federation , which represents rank-and-file officers , warned that staff are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the police to enforce the new law is unrealistic .
Some Tory MPs have urged No 10 to exempt young children in England and called for a debate over the rules .
• a new antibody treatment is to be trialled on Covid-19 patients in UK hospitals • a British Medical Association survey of 8,000 doctors and medical students suggested a second peak of Covid-19 is their number one concern • pub chain JD Wetherspoon insisted its venues were safe after it confirmed 66 of its workers had tested positive for coronavirus • @ @ @ @ @ @ @ News they were struggling to access coronavirus tests , with dozens unable to book a swab • THE RULE OF SIX : What 's in the small print ?
• UNWIND WITH THE MINDFUL MIX : Switch off and escape How will the new rules affect you ?
Do you have a question about them ?
If you have had a coronavirus test what was the process like ?
Tell us by emailing haveyoursay @ bbc.co.uk .
Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a BBC journalist .
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Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer told LBC he backed the rules, adding: "You can make the argument of why not five or why not six or seven - you have to go with a number backed by the science and they say six, and I think we should abide by that rule."


bbcuk--2020-09-14--Fifth ex-PM speaks out against post-Brexit bill

David Cameron has become the fifth former prime minister to criticise a new bill attempting to override the Brexit withdrawal agreement .
The Internal Market Bill will come before MPs later , with the government calling it an `` insurance policy '' .
Mr Cameron said he had `` misgivings '' over it and breaking an international treaty should be the `` final resort '' .
Former Tory PMs Theresa May and Sir John Major , and Labour 's Tony Blair and Gordon Brown have condemned the plan .
He echoed comments made by Justice Secretary Robert Buckland on Sunday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just in case the UK and EU do not agree a post-Brexit trade deal .
Boris Johnson was expected to speak to reporters at an event later , but No 10 confirmed it had been cancelled due to urgent parliamentary business .
The government is expected to win a vote in the Commons later on the next stage of the bill - which should take place around 22:00 BST ( 21:00 GMT ) - but it is also expected to face more difficulties in later stages , especially when the legislation heads for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ General Geoffrey Cox has said he will vote against it , accusing Mr Johnson of doing `` unconscionable '' damage to Britain 's international reputation .
A senior government source told the BBC `` all options are on the table '' in terms of possible action against Tory MPs who do not support the bill .
The PM 's special envoy for Freedom of Religion or Belief , Tory MP Rehman Chishti , has resigned over the proposed law , saying : `` I have always acted in a manner which respects the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ voting for this bill as it currently stands would be contrary to the values I hold dearest . ''
The UK left the EU on 31 January , having negotiated and signed the withdrawal agreement with the bloc .
The two sides are now in the closing weeks of negotiations for a post-Brexit trade deal before the transition period ends on 31 December - with informal talks taking place in Brussels this week .
A key part of the withdrawal agreement - which is now an international treaty - was the Northern Ireland @ @ @ @ @ @ @ border returning to the island of Ireland .
The Internal Market Bill proposed by the government would override that part of that agreement when it came to goods and would allow the UK to modify or re-interpret `` state aid '' rules on subsidies for firms in Northern Ireland , in the event of the two sides not agreeing a future trade deal .
Last week , Northern Ireland Secretary Brandon Lewis said the bill would `` break international law '' in a `` specific and limited way '' , leading to swathes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ political spectrum .
Here we go again ... a Brexit deadline looms , there 's a whole lot of noise about it in Westminster , and the UK and the EU ca n't agree .
And yes , yet again , there is a swirling soup of jargon every other sentence .
Take a few steps back though , and here is what this all amounts to - how the UK will trade with its nearest neighbours from January next year onwards and how the different parts of the UK will trade with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and matters politically too .
The Brexit process has long exposed the tensions between the UK and Brussels , but do n't underestimate the tensions it places on the UK as well .
Those in Scotland , Northern Ireland and Wales who have long argued to be unshackled from London , as they see it , argue Brexit is the ultimate case study to illustrate their argument .
And so the government at Westminster 's delicate task is to extricate the UK from one union , the EU , while holding together another @ @ @ @ @ @ @ these rows have that central aim at their core .
Mr Cameron - who called the EU referendum when he was PM - said he had `` misgivings about what is being proposed '' .
Speaking to reporters , he said : `` Passing an act of Parliament and then going on to break an international treaty obligation is the very , very last thing you should contemplate .
It should be the absolute final resort . ''
Mr Cameron said the `` bigger picture '' was about trying to get a trade @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government to `` keep that context [ and ] that big prize in mind . ''
The comments follow stronger criticism by the four other surviving former prime ministers of the UK .
Mrs May , who still sits as an MP in the Commons , said breaking international law would damage `` trust '' in the UK , while Mr Brown said it would be akin to `` self-harm '' for the country .
Sir John and Mr Blair - who were both in office during key periods of the Northern Ireland @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the Sunday Times accusing Mr Johnson of `` embarrassing '' the UK and urging MPs to reject the `` shameful '' attempt to override parts of the withdrawal agreement .
Mr Malthouse defended the bill , saying it `` solves the problem that we 're faced with '' over the future of trade with the EU .
He told BBC Breakfast : `` What we 've done is to say transparently that this is a situation which we think may occur - certainly that 's what 's being intimated from the EU @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to solve so here 's a bill that solves it .
`` In the end those people that oppose this bill have to tell us what the resolution is . ''
On Sunday , Justice Secretary Mr Buckland told the BBC he hoped powers being sought by ministers would never be needed , and that he would resign if the UK ended up breaking international law `` in a way I find unacceptable '' .
But Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer accused government ministers of handing out `` misinformation '' over the weekend @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were pursuing the new bill .
He told LBC : `` [ Mr Johnson ] is making a mistake reneging on a treaty - that will have reputational damage for the UK .
`` I would say to the prime minister , look go away , go back to the drawing board , drop these problems , do n't act in this reckless and wrong way and we 'll look again at the legislation . ''
The bill has split opinion on the Tory backbenches .
MP Sir Desmond Swayne said he would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government for preparing in case no trade deal is agreed by the end of the year .
He told BBC News : `` If the government did n't take precautions against that possibility , it would be utterly negligent .
It is right it arm itself with the powers just in case . ''
But his colleague , and chair of the Justice Select Committee , Sir Bob Neill , said the government and its supporters needed to `` calm the language '' .
He said there was already a mechanism for addressing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was willing to `` meet them half-way '' with an amendment to the bill - only allowing the elements that would break international law to be used if Parliament signs it off .
• THE RULE OF SIX : What 's in the small print ?
• UNWIND WITH THE MINDFUL MIX : Switch off and escape

Take a few steps back though, and here is what this all amounts to - how the UK will trade with its nearest neighbours from January next year onwards and how the different parts of the UK will trade with each other.


bbcuk--2020-09-14--ARM: UK-based chip designer sold to US firm Nvidia

`` But with the expiry about to happen and obviously the Brexit negotiations under way it will be very interesting to see how this develops in the future . ''
Moreover , the two co-founders also claimed that once ARM was owned by an American firm , Washington could try to block Chinese companies from using its knowhow as part of a wider trade clash between the countries .
`` [ That ] means that if hundreds of UK companies that incorporate ARM 's [ technology ] in their products , want to sell it , and export it to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which is a major market - the decision on whether they will be allowed to export it will be made in the White House and not in Downing Street . ''
`` The majority of our products are designed in the UK or outside the US , and the majority of our products do n't fall under much of the US export control set of rules . ''
Mr Huang added that ARM had `` some of the finest computer scientists in the world '' in Cambridge and he intended to both retain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ become Nvidia 's largest site in Europe .
Under the terms of the deal , Nvidia will pay Softbank $ 21.5bn in its own stock and $ 12bn in cash .
It will follow with up to a further $ 5bn in cash or stock if certain targets are met .
But experts say one risk Nvidia faces is that the takeover could encourage ARM 's wider client list to shift focus to a rival type of chip technology , which lags behind in terms of adoption but has the benefit of not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a takeover by Nvidia , one of the many firms that licences ARM 's designs , appears to pose a threat to its business model - why will its hundreds of other customers now have faith that they will have equal access to its technology ?
In recent days leading figures in the Cambridge technology sector have lobbied Downing Street , calling for ministers to intervene to bring ARM back under UK ownership .
There have been signs that the government is considering a more active industrial policy .
Now , with Hermann @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will make Britain a US vassal state , the government is under pressure to step in and ensure that control over vital home-grown technology is not lost to a foreign power .

"[That] means that if hundreds of UK companies that incorporate ARM's [technology] in their products, want to sell it, and export it to anywhere in the world including China - which is a major market - the decision on whether they will be allowed to export it will be made in the White House and not in Downing Street."


bbcuk--2020-09-14--Coronavirus: Monoclonal antibodies to begin UK trial

A new antibody treatment is to be trialled on Covid-19 patients in UK hospitals .
Monoclonal antibodies , which are potent , laboratory-made antibodies , will be given to about 2,000 people to see if they are effective against coronavirus .
It forms part of the UK Recovery Trial , which found that a cheap steroid called dexamethasone could save lives .
The first patients will be given the new drugs in the coming weeks .
Prof Martin Landray from the University of Oxford , who is co-leading the Recovery Trial , said : “ This is the first type @ @ @ @ @ @ @ specific virus .
“ There are lots of good reasons for thinking it might well be effective - stopping the virus from reproducing , stopping the virus from causing damage , improving survival for patients .
“ We need to know , and the way to know is to do the trials that will tell us whether that hope turns into reality.
” Antibodies could be described as the `` warriors '' of the immune system .
When coronavirus infects your body , antibodies attach to the spikes of the virus , blocking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we produce many different types of antibodies - the most potent are called neutralising antibodies .
So scientists `` sieve '' through them to find the one that ’ s best at sticking to the spike .
The chosen antibody is multiplied in the lab , and produced in huge quantities .
This is then given to patients , immediately boosting their immune response .
Which monoclonal antibodies are being used in the trial ?
The trial will test a mixture of two monoclonal antibodies made by the US biotech company Regeneron .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ virus at slightly different places .
So if the virus mutates , and the structure changes , at least one should still work .
Regeneron has already produced monoclonal antibodies that can treat Ebola .
Leah Lipsich , vice president of the company , said : `` We 're hoping that we can springboard from that very effective result against Ebola to something that 's just as effective with Covid-19 . ''
How will the trial work ?
The UK Recovery Trial was set up at the start of the pandemic to identify @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hospital with Covid-19 .
It has already showed the steroid dexamethasone cuts the risk of death by a third for patients on ventilators , and by a fifth for those on oxygen .
Patients will start being given monoclonal antibodies in the next few weeks , and the results will be compared with other patients who have not been given the antibodies .
Prof Landray expects that about 2,000 people in each group will be needed to answer key questions .
He said : “ We need to understand not only if these @ @ @ @ @ @ @ understand in whom do they work , and in whom do they work best .
“ Do they work in people who are older or younger ?
Do they work in people with more severe or milder disease ?
Do they work in people only when they 're on ventilators or , possibly more likely , before they ever need ventilators ?
” The results will also be compared with people receiving convalescent plasma , another treatment currently undergoing trials by the Recovery team .
This is where plasma , the yellowish , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from people who ’ ve recovered from coronavirus and given to patients .
The Recovery Trial is also looking at azithromycin , a commonly used antibiotic , and tocilizumab , an anti-inflammatory treatment .
Which other diseases are monoclonal antibodies used for ?
Monoclonal antibodies have been used clinically since the 1980s , and are used to treat many diseases including some forms of cancer .
But because they are a relatively new technology , they can be expensive .
The price for the Covid treatment has not yet been set .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fair access to all patients , internationally , is an issue that needs to be considered .
Do we still need treatments if we have a vaccine ?
Some vaccines are entering the final phase of trials , but none are near being ready to roll out .
And with Covid cases rising , people are still being hospitalised and some are dying .
Apart from dexamethasone and another cheap steroid , hydrocortisone , there are no other clinically proven treatments for Covid-19 , so finding new ways to help patients is vital @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a vaccine , treatments will continue to play a role .
Leah Lipsich , from Regeneron , said : “ There will be populations - the immunocompromised , the elderly - who may not mount a sufficient immune response to a vaccine and will require treatment .
“ And we feel very strongly that these highly potent neutralising antibodies really will help boost the immune response , and will always be needed even even when a vaccine is available .
”

Coronavirus: Monoclonal antibodies to begin UK trial Published 14 September 2020
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Image source, Science Photo Library Image caption, Illustration of antibodies attacking the coronavirus
A new antibody treatment is to be trialled on Covid-19 patients in UK hospitals.
Monoclonal antibodies, which are potent, laboratory-made antibodies, will be given to about 2,000 people to see if they are effective against coronavirus.
It forms part of the UK Recovery Trial, which found that a cheap steroid called dexamethasone could save lives.
The first patients will be given the new drugs in the coming weeks.
Prof Martin Landray from the University of Oxford, who is co-leading the Recovery Trial, said: “This is the first type of treatment that's targeted for this specific virus.
“There are lots of good reasons for thinking it might well be effective - stopping the virus from reproducing, stopping the virus from causing damage, improving survival for patients.
“We need to know, and the way to know is to do the trials that will tell us whether that hope turns into reality.”
What are monoclonal antibodies?
Antibodies could be described as the "warriors" of the immune system.
When coronavirus infects your body, antibodies attach to the spikes of the virus, blocking it from entering your cells.
But we produce many different types of antibodies - the most potent are called neutralising antibodies.
So scientists "sieve" through them to find the one that’s best at sticking to the spike.
The chosen antibody is multiplied in the lab, and produced in huge quantities.
This is then given to patients, immediately boosting their immune response.
This video can not be played To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser. Media caption, The BBC's Rebecca Morelle explains how the monoclonal antibodies work
Which monoclonal antibodies are being used in the trial?
The trial will test a mixture of two monoclonal antibodies made by the US biotech company Regeneron.
Both attach to the spike of the virus at slightly different places. So if the virus mutates, and the structure changes, at least one should still work.
Regeneron has already produced monoclonal antibodies that can treat Ebola.
Leah Lipsich, vice president of the company, said: "We're hoping that we can springboard from that very effective result against Ebola to something that's just as effective with Covid-19."
How will the trial work?
The UK Recovery Trial was set up at the start of the pandemic to identify treatments that could help people admitted to hospital with Covid-19.
It has already showed the steroid dexamethasone cuts the risk of death by a third for patients on ventilators, and by a fifth for those on oxygen.
Patients will start being given monoclonal antibodies in the next few weeks, and the results will be compared with other patients who have not been given the antibodies.
Prof Landray expects that about 2,000 people in each group will be needed to answer key questions.
He said: “We need to understand not only if these treatments work. We also need to understand in whom do they work, and in whom do they work best.
“Do they work in people who are older or younger? Do they work in people with more severe or milder disease? Do they work in people only when they're on ventilators or, possibly more likely, before they ever need ventilators?”
The results will also be compared with people receiving convalescent plasma, another treatment currently undergoing trials by the Recovery team. This is where plasma, the yellowish, liquid part of blood, is taken from people who’ve recovered from coronavirus and given to patients.
The Recovery Trial is also looking at azithromycin, a commonly used antibiotic, and tocilizumab, an anti-inflammatory treatment.
Which other diseases are monoclonal antibodies used for?
Monoclonal antibodies have been used clinically since the 1980s, and are used to treat many diseases including some forms of cancer.
But because they are a relatively new technology, they can be expensive.
The price for the Covid treatment has not yet been set.
But Prof Landray says if it works, fair access to all patients, internationally, is an issue that needs to be considered.
Do we still need treatments if we have a vaccine?
Some vaccines are entering the final phase of trials, but none are near being ready to roll out.
And with Covid cases rising, people are still being hospitalised and some are dying.
Apart from dexamethasone and another cheap steroid, hydrocortisone, there are no other clinically proven treatments for Covid-19, so finding new ways to help patients is vital.
But even once we do have a vaccine, treatments will continue to play a role.
Leah Lipsich, from Regeneron, said: “There will be populations - the immunocompromised, the elderly - who may not mount a sufficient immune response to a vaccine and will require treatment.
“And we feel very strongly that these highly potent neutralising antibodies really will help boost the immune response, and will always be needed even even when a vaccine is available.”


bbcuk--2020-09-14--Wetherspoon: 66 staff test positive across 50 pubs

JD Wetherspoon has said that 66 of its workers have tested positive for the coronavirus but maintains that visiting pubs is safe .
The company , which employs more than 41,000 people , said the vast majority of its pubs had recorded no positive tests for the virus .
There had been one or more cases among staff at 50 of its pubs .
Wetherspoon 's boss Tim Martin dismissed claims by disease expert Professor Hugh Pennington that pubs are `` dangerous '' .
He said : `` The situation with regard to pubs has been widely misunderstood . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ month that pubs are `` far , far more dangerous places to be '' when discussing sending children back to school during the pandemic .
Since reopening on 4 July , the company said some 32 million people have visited its 861 open pubs .
• What are the rules when I go to the pub ?
Forty of its pubs have reported one worker testing positive for the coronavirus and six have disclosed two .
In addition , two pubs reported three staff testing positive and another two said four workers had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ employees had returned to work .
A spokesman for the company said the workers , as well as those who worked in close proximity to them , self-isolated for 14 days and were paid in full .
The chain said signing up to the NHS track-and-trace system was mandatory in its premises .
Mr Martin said there was no list of the pubs that had been affected .
`` Whenever there has been a situation we have dealt with the local press , public health and the council , '' he said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ in hygiene and social distancing measures at its premises .
Mr Martin argued that pubs and shops were safer than homes .
`` It is much easier to inadvertently pass on the virus in someone 's house , where people are more relaxed and less vigilant , '' he said .
From Monday , social gatherings of more than six people have been banned both indoors and outdoors in England and Scotland and indoors only in Wales .
It follows a rise in new coronavirus cases , with a further 3,330 positive cases @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mr Martin said there had not been a rush of people coming to its pubs before the so-called `` rule of six '' was introduced and trade was 22.5 % below the equivalent Saturday last year .
He added : `` If pubs are closed , or restricted so much that they become unprofitable , a great deal of the strenuous effort of the hospitality industry 's 3.2 million employees , currently engaged on upholding hygiene and social distancing standards , will be lost . ''

The spokesman said: "The advice Wetherspoon has received from the public health authorities is that employees should self-isolate if they come into close contact with someone who has tested positive. Close contact means within 2 metres for 15 minutes or more or 1 metre for 1 minute or more.


bbcuk--2020-09-14--Second walker in three days dies on Snowdon

A second walker has died on Snowdon in the space of three days .
Police received a report a hiker @ @ @ @ @ to the Bwlch Main peak on Friday .
Llanberis mountain rescue team was airlifted close @ @ @ @ @ the walker had already stopped breathing and died at the scene `` despite the efforts @ @ @ @ @ A walker died after falling a `` significant distance '' at the Pyg Track on @ @ @ @ @ said they `` would like to pass on their sincere condolences to the family of @ @ @ @ @ .

Llanberis mountain rescue team was airlifted close to the site but said the walker had already stopped breathing and died at the scene "despite the efforts" of his friends.


bbcuk--2020-09-14--Leighton Buzzard gets second earthquake in a week

Leighton Buzzard residents have felt a second earthquake within a week .
The British Geological Survey ( BGS ) said @ @ @ @ @ in the Bedfordshire town at 00:20 BST on Monday .
It comes after a 3.5-magnitude @ @ @ @ @ Tuesday .
The BGS tweeted there had been `` a small number of reports '' @ @ @ @ @ saying this earthquake `` felt slower and less intense '' .
One Twitter user said @ @ @ @ @ on ?
?
?
Just woken by another earthquake in Leighton Buzzard ! ''
The @ @ @ @ @ of Leighton Buzzard .
It was felt in Leighton Buzzard and Dunstable , Bedfordshire , @ @ @ @ @ in Buckinghamshire .

He said it "could have occurred because all the stress in the rocks was not relieved" or because the first earthquake "caused a slight change to the stress regime in that location".


bbcuk--2020-09-14--Druridge bay WW2 pillbox disguised as cottage listed

A World War Two pillbox disguised as a derelict cottage has been given Grade II listed status .
The outpost was built on Hemscott Hill in Northumberland between 1940 and 1941 to defend Druridge Bay from invasion .
Historic England said it was unusual because , unlike the other bunkers found around the country , this one was disguised as a roofless cottage .
It has been listed as part of plans to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Britain .
`` This unusual pillbox in Druridge Bay was built in a conspicuous place and has walls of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a ruined civilian building , '' the spokesman said .
He added : `` While the more standard forms of pillbox are relatively common , individual camouflage designs or those adapted to local circumstances are less so .
`` In this exposed location , a traditional pillbox would not have been successful .
It was paramount that the building was convincing so the enemy would not realise it was a defensive feature . ''
The pillbox is `` virtually unaltered '' and includes original features such as a protective blast wall and shelves @ @ @ @ @ @

"In this exposed location, a traditional pillbox would not have been successful. It was paramount that the building was convincing so the enemy would not realise it was a defensive feature."


bbcuk--2020-09-14--West End musicals: Socially-distanced shows reveal reopening plans

Everybody 's Talking About Jamie and Six will become the first musicals back in the West End in mid-November , eight months after the curtain came down .
They will hit the stage three weeks after a string of non-musical shows reopen London 's theatre district .
The Play That Goes Wrong , Agatha Christie 's The Mousetrap and Adam Kay 's This Is Going To Hurt will all admit socially distant audiences in October .
Venue bosses said `` robust risk mitigation '' would be in place .
They include reduced capacities , contactless tickets , temperature tests and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sanitation , face coverings and track and trace .
The producers of Six , the hit show about Henry VIII 's wives , will take a separate cast to The Lowry in Salford from late November .
The musical had been due to be staged in the Greater Manchester venue 's 450-capacity Quays theatre over Christmas , but will move into the complex 's 1,700-seater Lyric in order to accommodate all ticket holders while ensuring social distancing .
• Lloyd Webber says arts are at 'point of no return' • What is it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ • The socially distanced show must go on - is it fun ?
★★★☆☆ The queens will hit Salford two weeks after they return to the West End at another Lyric Theatre - on Shaftesbury Avenue - on 14 November .
`` We are reconfiguring the entire stalls to absolutely comply with social distancing , '' Nimax Theatres boss Nica Burns told BBC Breakfast .
Promising more legroom as one positive consequence of the new set-up , she added : `` We 're taking out some of the rows .
We feel very @ @ @ @ @ @ @ keep this venue safe for our audiences . ''
Most of the shows that have announced their reopening plans so far will be staged at Nimax venues .
Everybody 's Talking About Jamie will resume at the Apollo on 12 November , but the group 's biggest production - Harry Potter and the Cursed Child at the Palace - will not return until at least February .
`` It 's impossible to open a large show with social distancing , '' Burns said .
`` These shows are very , very expensive and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ costs .
So we have to do smaller shows . ''
The company said it would be operating at a loss after the furlough scheme ends at the end of October .
`` We looked at the financial and human cost of large-scale redundancies , '' a statement said .
`` We preferred to put the potential redundancy monies towards employment rather than unemployment . ''
The Nimax plans will save 355 jobs .
Separately , Six 's producers said the two productions in London and Salford would account for 100 jobs .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , called for news from the government about insurance and a date to welcome audiences without social distancing .
`` We 're desperate for some news on a government-backed insurance scheme , which would enable the bigger shows to open , '' he told BBC Breakfast .
`` That 's one of the answers , and the second is the crucial thing , which is stage five of [ Culture Secretary ] Oliver Dowden 's five-point plan , which is no social distancing .
Those two things are the things that are going @ @ @ @ @ @ @ back open , which of course drives tourism and the economy . ''
A smattering of theatres have already reopened , including the Troubadour in Wembley , north London , where a musical based on the film Sleepless In Seattle had its world premiere in August .
But Andrew Lloyd Webber recently told MPs it was economically `` impossible '' to run theatres with social distancing , while fellow theatre impresario , Sir Cameron Mackintosh , said in June that shows including Hamilton , Les Miserables , Mary Poppins and The Phantom of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ West End until 2021 .
Follow us on Facebook , or on Twitter @ BBCNewsEnts .
If you have a story suggestion email entertainment.news @ bbc.co.uk .

"That's one of the answers, and the second is the crucial thing, which is stage five of [Culture Secretary] Oliver Dowden's five-point plan, which is no social distancing. Those two things are the things that are going to get all of the West End back open, which of course drives tourism and the economy."


bbcuk--2020-09-14--Manchester Arena Inquiry: Relatives present 'pen portraits'

Relatives will present `` pen portraits '' of the 22 victims who died in the Manchester Arena bombing as the public inquiry heads into its second week .
Twenty-two people were killed when Salman Abedi detonated a bomb as 14,000 fans left the arena in May 2017 .
The portraits will give each family the chance to provide a personal insight into the lives of those who died in the explosion .
The inquiry comes more than three years after the fatal bombing at an Ariana Grande concert in Manchester city centre , which left hundreds more injured .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but was delayed by the trial of Abedi 's brother Hashem , who was jailed for at least 55 years for 22 murders on 20 August The inquiry is being held at Manchester Magistrates ' Court , less than a mile away from where the bombing happened .
The `` pen portraits '' will be provided by family members , or others on their behalf , reading out witness statements and playing music and videos to remember those who died , with about four given each day .
Paul Greaney QC , counsel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` ensure the deceased and their families are at the centre of this process '' .
`` Each `` pen portrait '' is deeply affecting .
The experience will be moving and distressing ... and exceptionally difficult for the families , '' he added .
The loved ones of Martyn Hett , Eilidh MacLeod , John Atkinson and Sorrell Leczkowski are expected to be the first heard .
The inquiry was set up to examine the background to the attack and the response of the emergency services .
Its chairman , Sir John @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recommendations once all the evidence has been heard , which is expected to take up to six months .

It was due to start in June, but was delayed by the trial of Abedi's brother Hashem, who was jailed for at least 55 years for 22 murders on 20 August.


bbcuk--2020-09-14--M5 crash: Lorry driver dies crashing into HGV protecting car

A lorry driver died when he crashed into another HGV that had stopped to protect a stationary car on the M5 .
The 37-year-old from Bristol died at the scene of the crash , near Tewkesbury , Gloucestershire , on Sunday morning .
The car driver , a 21-year-old man , was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and driving under the influence of drink and/or drugs .
He has since been released while inquiries continue .
Police were called to reports a car had lost control on the northbound carriageway between junctions 9 and 11 near @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stopped to protect the vehicle from passing traffic and to check on the driver when another lorry crashed into it , police said .
The noise of the impact was heard several miles away by people in areas including Gotherington , Fiddington and Bishops Cleeve .
Farmer Ray Knight , who lives near the M5 , said he heard `` a great big bang '' at about 05:40 BST when he was feeding his cattle .
`` I looked outside , did n't know what it was so carried on as normal and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was a second one .
`` Ten minutes later we heard a third one [ bang ] and by that point you could see the black smoke and there was a glow in the sky , which I presume was a fire , '' Mr Knight said .
The motorway was closed in both directions following the crash .
The southbound carriageway reopened later on Sunday , with the northbound lanes fully reopening at about 02:52 BST on Monday .

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bbcuk--2020-09-14--Coronavirus: Seven Covid cases linked to police training college

Seven people with links to the driving school at the Police Scotland training college in Tulliallan have tested positive for coronavirus .
NHS Fife said the seven people included household contacts and all were experiencing mild symptoms .
The health board said there was no evidence of transmission within the wider facility .
Contact-tracing is being carried out and contacts are being asked to self-isolate pending further tests .
Dr Lorna Watson , a public health consultant at NHS Fife , said : `` We appreciate that students and staff attending the Police Scotland college at Tulliallan may be concerned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of further transmission of Covid-19 at the facility and we believe the risk of contracting coronavirus remains low .
`` As part of the Test and Protect programme , we have systems in place to identify close contacts of positive cases quickly to reduce the opportunity for the virus to spread further .
`` This is a tried and tested method of breaking the chains of transmission for communicable viruses such as Covid-19 . ''
The Scottish Police Federation , which represents rank and file officers , said the news was concerning but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said : `` We have been warning of the dangers of complacency within Police Scotland for a number of weeks now- particularly in relation to basic protective measures such as mask wearing .
Assistant Chief Constable Alan Speirs said the force was following Scottish government and NHS guidance .
`` We have robust measures in place to help stop the spread of coronavirus , '' he said .
`` The cases relate to our driving training facility and there is no evidence of transmission within the wider college . ''

Dr Lorna Watson, a public health consultant at NHS Fife, said: "We appreciate that students and staff attending the Police Scotland college at Tulliallan may be concerned, however, there is no indication of further transmission of Covid-19 at the facility and we believe the risk of contracting coronavirus remains low.


bbcuk--2020-09-13--Coronavirus: Seven ways scammers will exploit consumers

Criminals are evolving their behaviour to rip off consumers as the coronavirus crisis develops , trading standards officers have warned .
Fake protective equipment is among the products touted by con-artists and National Trading Standards warned further exploitation was on the way .
It has listed seven likely scams to watch out for in the coming weeks .
One government minister described the scammers as `` master opportunists '' , and urged people to report cases .
• Price gouging - when traders over-inflate products that are likely to be in high demand , such as Cover-19 testing kits • @ @ @ @ @ @ @ apps and social media are used to sell counterfeit products as many shoppers buy online rather than in the shops • Copycat websites - on which criminals pose as people delivering legitimate government initiatives , such as energy saving schemes for the home • Misrepresented home viewings - as online property viewings are now more common , there are risks of buyers or renters not getting the true picture of a home • Fake refund websites - offering `` assistance '' in claiming refunds which , at the least , is advice that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vulnerable - as coronavirus restrictions lead to more isolation and loneliness , criminals are targeting those already vulnerable through schemes such as romance scams One of the biggest risks is the danger to people 's health when buying unauthorised coronavirus treatments .
`` It is important to bear in mind that no medicine is licensed specifically for the treatment or prevention of Covid-19 , '' said Lynda Scammell , senior enforcement officer at the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency .
`` Our advice is to not buy by any products claiming to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Scully , Minister for Small Business , said it was shocking how opportunists were exploiting people .
`` Scams and profiteering schemes are despicable at any time , but particularly so if they seek to exploit the Covid-19 pandemic , '' he said .
Anyone who thinks they may have seen or been tricked by a scam should contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Service .

"It is important to bear in mind that no medicine is licensed specifically for the treatment or prevention of Covid-19," said Lynda Scammell, senior enforcement officer at the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency.


bbcuk--2020-09-13--Coronavirus: Students return to socially-distanced university campuses

For many students , their years at university are as much about lectures and libraries as house parties , sports teams and the student union bar .
But for the thousands returning to colleges and universities over the next few weeks , their educational and social experience is likely to be very different .
Measures to minimise the spread of coronavirus mean many will be be swapping lecture theatres for online classes and virtual events on socially-distanced campuses .
BBC Scotland has spoken to students and university leaders preparing for the new term .
Gordon Edwards is volunteering with a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Caledonian University .
Freshers week will be online and when terms starts properly there will be few face-to-face classes .
`` There are a few people thinking : 'This is n't what I expected when I went to university ' , '' said the 21-year-old who is starting a degree in social work this term .
• ' I paid for my student house , now lectures are online' Originally from the north of England , Gordon will be moving into student accommodation next week .
Government guidance for accommodation and campus makes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not feel like a normal start to a student 's university or college life . ''
`` We 're not even allowed to have anyone to help move stuff in , '' said Gordon .
`` Our families ca n't go into our rooms . ''
He added : `` I think people are very disappointed with how the halls experience is going to be this year - we can go out to pubs but there wo n't be any house parties . ''
And they are worried that online lessons will affect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new friends , he said .
In many institutions , face-to-face teaching will be prioritised for subjects that need it most , like medicine and veterinary science .
Students who live together can form households but it is likely that most interactions with classmates will be by video call .
`` As it stands , there 's a very limited student experience , '' said Jordan Hunter , a politics and central eastern studies student at Glasgow University .
As editor of the student-run Glasgow Guardian newspaper , he has heard how anxious @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The student nightclub Hive is shut .
Societies ca n't meet up in person , '' he said .
`` So what really is the student experience other than going to a restaurant or bar or staying in flats ? ''
The opportunity to meet colleagues and socialise is likely to be most difficult for students who live at home with their families .
President of the National Union of Students in Scotland , Matt Crilly , said some students were `` at risk of experiencing increased isolation . ''
He added : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it is critical that students staying at home have digital access to support , along with the financial and emotional support which reflects the unique challenges that lie ahead this year . ''
Some international students will also find they have to quarantine for two weeks when they arrive in Scotland .
Among them is Sanjana Ramaswamy , a third year student at St Andrews , who is isolating after returning to Scotland from New York for the first time since March .
`` At first it was a bit daunting , having @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not being able to leave , '' she said .
`` I do think it 's going to be a slightly odd year but I 'm very excited . ''
However some students have decided not to travel to their universities as they know they will not be in classes .
It means there will be fewer people spending money in campus cafés or in the local community .
Senior vice-principal of St Andrews University , Brad McKay , explained : `` We have had quite a number of students , about 1,000 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also returning students , who have opted for a period of time - some for a whole semester , some just for a period of weeks - to begin their studies remotely . ''
Classrooms , cafés and student accommodation have also had to be changed to allow social distancing and other measures to limit the spread of coronavirus .
Dan Marshal , president of St Andrews University Student Association , said : `` The building is n't going to be as teeming with life as it usually is . ''
`` A @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with society events but most of those will be happening online this year . ''
Andy McGoff , director of finance and operations at Edinburgh Napier University , said they were trying to give students the best possible experience in the safest way .
`` Our campus capacity has been reduced considerably - we 're down to 30 % of normal capacity .
It has been an expensive exercise , '' he said .
• IMPACT : How is the pandemic affecting life in Scotland ?
• CASES : Where are the latest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ How well do you know the Covid restrictions ?
• BACK TO SCHOOL : Can a school insist on a Covid test ?
• LOCKDOWN EASING : What changes next - and when ?

Senior vice-principal of St Andrews University, Brad McKay, explained: "We have had quite a number of students, about 1,000 if you include both new entrants and also returning students, who have opted for a period of time - some for a whole semester, some just for a period of weeks - to begin their studies remotely."


bbcuk--2020-09-14--Coronavirus: What are social distancing and self-isolation rules?

England and Scotland are reducing the number of people allowed to meet socially to six , amid a rise in coronavirus cases .
Wales is also cutting the numbers who can meet to six - but only indoors .
What are the new rules on socialising ?
In England , the limit of up to six people from multiple households meeting up has now come into force .
It applies both indoors and outdoors , and to all ages .
So , gatherings in private homes , venues like pubs and restaurants , and in outdoor spaces like parks will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a maximum of six people from two households can meet from Monday .
Unlike England , children under 12 - from those two households - will not be included in the total .
In Wales , from Monday it will be illegal for more than six people from an extended household to meet indoors .
The rule will not apply to children aged 11 and under .
Up to 30 people from different homes can still meet outside .
Northern Ireland has not announced any changes .
Will any social events of more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of more than six people will be allowed in England , for example : • If your household or support bubble is larger than six • Protests and political events , if compliant with safety guidelines • Support groups , such as for addiction or abuse • Playing sport - either professionally or for fun Weddings , funerals and very special religious occasions , can go ahead with up to 30 people attending , in groups of six or less .
However , celebrations after the religious ceremony are limited only to weddings @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to a protest , political event or other permitted outdoor event , the new rules also say you should attend in a group no larger than six .
Although there might be others you know at the event , it is against the law to `` mingle '' with anyone outside your designated group .
• Is it safe to go to the pub ?
• Remember the R number ?
Why is it so important ?
• What are the rules on weddings ?
Can I still go to the pub or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Pubs , restaurants , shops and other venues will remain open , and there is no limit on how many can enter them , as long as they comply with safety rules and allow for social distancing .
However , each individual group inside the pub can have no more than six people in it .
Venues should also allow for social distancing between groups .
Similarly , places of worship can have as many people in them as is safe to do so .
However , people can only attend in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are the rules for sports ?
You can play organised indoor and outdoor sports in groups of more than six , as long as the sport 's governing body has published guidance on how to do so safely .
But if you are playing sports informally with people you do n't live with , you must not play with more than six people .
So , for example , a Sunday League football match can still go ahead , but you can only have a kickabout in the park if six or less @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are also exempt from the rule of six , where they are being organised under Covid-secure guidelines .
Can I be fined for breaking the rules ?
The new measures will mean groups larger than six can be broken up by police .
Members of the group can be fined if they fail to follow the rules .
This will be £100 for a first offence , doubling on each further offence up to £3,200 .
The government says : `` Putting the new , lower limit in law will make it easier @ @ @ @ @ @ @ illegal gatherings .
What is the guidance on social distancing ?
Each UK nation is advising people to stay 2m ( 6ft ) away from anyone they do n't live with .
However , there are some differences : • In England , if it 's not possible to be 2m away , you can stay `` 1m plus '' apart .
The `` plus '' means doing something else to limit your possible exposure - like wearing a face covering • In Scotland , there are exemptions to the 2m rule in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ restaurants .
Children aged 11 or under do not need to social distance • In Wales , the 2m guidance reflects the fact it 's not realistic to stay that far apart somewhere like a hairdresser 's .
Primary age children in Wales are also exempt • Northern Ireland 's guidance was 1m ( 3ft ) for a time , but is now back at 2m What about shopping or public transport ?
Face coverings are compulsory if you are using public transport across the UK .
Some people are exempt , such @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Coverings must be worn in shops in England , Scotland and Northern Ireland - and will be compulsory from Monday in Wales .
What if I get symptoms and have to self-isolate ?
You should self-isolate by staying at home for 10 days and arrange to get tested .
• loss of , or change in , your normal sense of taste or smell If your test is positive , you must complete the remainder of your 10-day self-isolation .
Anyone you live with should self isolate for 14 days ( from the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Contact tracers will also get in touch with people with positive results .
Do I have to social distance myself from everyone ?
The only people you do not have to distance yourself from are those you live with or , if you are in England , Scotland or Northern Ireland , people in your support bubble .
Single adults living alone or single parents with children under 18 can `` bubble '' with one other household of any size with no social distancing .
In Wales , you do not have to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` extended household '' .
• THE R NUMBER : What it means and why it matters • SUPPORT BUBBLES : What are they and who can be in yours ?
• TEST AND TRACE : How does it work ?
• SCHOOLS : What will happen if children catch coronavirus ?
• TESTING : What tests are available ?

The current restrictions in England don't include any limits on socialising - so friends and family are legally allowed to see each other in private houses, or to meet in public places like pubs and nightclubs.