bbcuk--2020-03-09--Coronavirus: Southampton hospital worker tests positive

A hospital worker at University Hospital Southampton has tested positive for coronavirus .
The staff member worked a nightshift on @ @ @ @ @ on Friday and is now isolated at home .
Any patients and staff who `` @ @ @ @ @ with the person have also been isolated .
The unit has now been closed to @ @ @ @ @ hospital said patients should continue to attend appointments normally .
Staff have also been told @ @ @ @ @ unless advised not to .
• EASY STEPS : How to keep safe • A @ @ @ @ @ the symptoms ?
• GETTING READY : How prepared is the UK ?
• MAPS @ @ @ @ @ to the outbreak

The unit has now been closed to new admissions, but the hospital said patients should continue to attend appointments normally.


bbcuk--2020-03-09--Coronavirus: UK prepares to ask even mildly sick to stay home

People who show `` even minor '' signs of respiratory tract infections or a fever will soon be told to self-isolate in an effort to tackle the coronavirus outbreak .
The UK government 's chief medical adviser said the change in advice could happen within the next 10 to 14 days .
Five people have now died from coronavirus in the UK .
It comes as the Foreign Office warned British residents against all but essential travel to Italy .
Italian authorities are extending strict coronavirus quarantine measures - which include a ban on public gatherings - to the entire @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than 9,100 confirmed infections , and more than 460 people have died .
In the UK , there were 319 confirmed cases of coronavirus as of 09:00 GMT on Monday , a rise of 46 since the same time on Sunday .
People will be asked to self-isolate for seven days after showing mild symptoms under the new approach , the UK 's chief medical adviser Prof Chris Whitty said .
All intensive care patients will now be tested for the virus , he said - as well as anyone in hospital with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two more deaths in the UK were announced .
Both patients - who were in hospital in Wolverhampton and Carshalton , south London , respectively - were in their 70s and had underlying health conditions .
In a joint press conference with Prof Whitty in Downing Street , Prime Minister Boris Johnson also suggested the elderly and vulnerable could be asked to stay home in the near future , with further steps set out `` in the days and weeks ahead '' .
He said that the more the peak of the spread @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the better the NHS will be able to manage '' .
• EASY STEPS : How to keep safe • A SIMPLE GUIDE : What are the symptoms ?
• GETTING READY : How prepared is the UK ?
• MAPS AND CHARTS : Visual guide to the outbreak Meanwhile , global shares have suffered their worst day since the financial crisis .
Dramatic falls led to it being called Black Monday , with a nearly 8 % drop in London 's FTSE 100 wiping some £125bn off the value of major UK @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stock indexes fell so sharply as the market opened that trading was halted for 15 minutes to curb panicky selling .
• Coronavirus symptoms 'take five days to show' Labour 's shadow chancellor John McDonnell called on Chancellor Rishi Sunak to urgently `` reassure the public and markets '' .
Mr McDonnell said Mr Sunak must use Wednesday 's Budget to make clear the government would do `` everything necessary '' to support the economy as the virus spreads .
`` In these circumstances you need to be fast in demonstrating that there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
The government has announced it is to extend shop delivery hours to ensure that supermarkets have basic items , amid stockpiling concerns .
A European Union expert said the UK had only a `` few days '' to implement measures to prevent an outbreak like the one in Italy .
Mr Stewart , a former Conservative minister , said the UK should act `` much more aggressively '' , adding : `` The government has made a serious mistake today ... schools should be shut now . ''
But the prime @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the right decisions at the right time '' .
Meanwhile , universal credit claimants who have to self-isolate will not be sanctioned , a work and pensions minister has confirmed .
A number of public and sporting events have been cancelled or postponed due to fears large gatherings could further spread the virus .
• Dublin 's annual St Patrick 's Day parade , the largest on the island of Ireland , was cancelled on Monday , as the total number of positive cases in the Republic rose to 21 • The France @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which was set to be held in Paris on Saturday - has been postponed • England 's Six Nations games against Italy on 14 and 15 March have been postponed - affecting the men 's , women 's and under-20s contests .
It came after the Italian government ordered all sporting fixtures to be played behind closed doors until 3 April in a bid to contain the outbreak • Ireland 's Six Nations fixtures at home against Italy on 7 and 8 March were postponed last week • The Indian Wells tennis tournament @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the Grand Slams , has been cancelled , with some players having already arrived in California for the event • The London Book Fair , one of the UK 's largest book events , was called off after a number of publishers and agencies pulled out of the event The UK is currently in the first phase - `` containment '' - of the government 's four-part plan .
Mr Johnson said the government is preparing to move to the second phase - `` delay '' - which will seek to push @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the summer , when there will be less pressure on the NHS .
Prof Whitty said introducing measures `` too early '' could become problematic as `` anything we do , we have got to be able to sustain '' .
This is very much the first step in a gradual and phased approach to reducing the impact coronavirus will have in the UK .
A significant outbreak is on its way but the government and its advisers believe they can limit its impact by taking the right steps at the right time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to get people with even relatively moderate flu-like symptoms to self-isolate .
To date only those who have been to an affected country or who had had close contact with an infected person had been asked to do this .
This will be followed by further advice later this week that is likely to be focused on protecting the most vulnerable groups - the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions .
Reducing social contact will form part of that .
But drastic steps like closing schools and banning public gatherings are not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Prof Whitty said that the balance would tip so that more people would suffer from coronavirus rather than regular seasonal flu , or other respiratory infections .
`` We are expecting the numbers to increase initially quite slowly but really quite fast after a while and we have to catch it before the upswing begins , '' he said .
The government 's scientific advisory group for emergencies ( Sage ) is due to meet on Tuesday , followed by another meeting of the emergency committee , Cobra , on Wednesday .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Britons who were on board the virus-hit Grand Princess cruise ship on Tuesday , the Foreign Office said .
There were 142 British people on the ship , which spent five days stranded off the coast of California .
Passenger Linda Stennett , from Shrewsbury , told BBC Radio Shropshire the Foreign Office had confirmed in an email that they would be sending a plane to repatriate Britons .
`` We know when we dock , that the Americans will be getting off first and that is going to take , they reckon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I think we are after that , hopefully . ''
Another passenger , Margaret Bartlett , 77 , from Burnley , Lancashire , said she went `` stir crazy '' on board the ship , which has now docked in Oakland .
Are you affected by the coronavirus outbreak ?
Tell us about your concerns .
Email haveyoursay @ bbc.co.uk .
Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a BBC journalist .
You can also contact us in the following ways : • Please read our terms & @ @ @ @

We know the first step is to get people with even relatively moderate flu-like symptoms to self-isolate. To date only those who have been to an affected country or who had had close contact with an infected person had been asked to do this.


bbcuk--2020-03-09--Harry and Meghan bow out at final working royals engagement

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have made their last public appearance as working members of the Royal Family .
Prince Harry and Meghan joined the Queen and other senior royals at the Commonwealth Day service at Westminster Abbey on Monday afternoon .
The couple have been carrying out a series of public appearances in the UK before stepping back as working royals .
From 31 March , they will stop using their HRH titles and receiving public money .
The duke and duchess joined the Queen - who is head of the Commonwealth - the Prince of Wales , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Duchess of Cambridge in the central London church .
Last-minute changes meant the Cambridges and the Sussexes were led straight to their seats - rather than waiting for the Queen and taking part in the procession as they did in 2019 .
Kensington Palace and Buckingham Palace have not said why the late amendment was made .
It was the first time Sussexes have appeared with other members of the Royal Family since announcing their intention to `` step back '' as senior royals in January .
The service included Rwandan dancing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Craig David and Alexandra Burke , hymns , and a reading from Prime Minister Boris Johnson .
Prince Harry bumped forearms with singer Craig David when they met at the end of the service - while Meghan opted to hug him .
Members of the congregation had been advised not to shake hands in greeting , to help reduce the spread of the coronavirus , a spokeswoman for Westminster Abbey said .
Harry 's brother , the Duke of Cambridge , said that it felt `` very odd not shaking hands '' as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when Prince William chatted to heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua , who gave a reflection during the service , the royal avoided shaking his hand and said : `` I feel you 'd crush mine . ''
As the Sussexes left the abbey , the duchess crouched down to chat to children who were handing out flowers .
The duke waved to some of those gathered inside the abbey gates , and the couple held hands as they walked towards their car .
After the service , the Sussexes are expected to return @ @ @ @ @ @ @ where their son , Archie , has remained during the UK trip .
It is where the couple are to begin their new life of personal independence , pursuing private commercial deals and charity projects .
Prince Harry and Meghan will retain use of Frogmore Cottage , in Windsor , and aides have said they will be in the UK regularly .
They will still attend some royal events but these will not be classed as official duties .
The new arrangements will be reviewed next year .
The duke and duchess have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with several appearances including the Endeavour Fund Awards and a military musical festival at the Royal Albert Hall .
This was n't going to be a quiet goodbye or an easing out of the limelight .
The final days of public events for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have been picture perfect .
Their final engagement at Westminster Abbey showcased everything Harry and Meghan are now leaving behind - ceremony , pomp , formality and just a bit of royal hierarchy .
The Sussexes sat behind the Queen , Prince Charles and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Was there a tension or any sign of family frostiness ?
It was impossible to tell .
But this ca n't have been an easy afternoon for those involved .
The Queen has made it clear the departure of the Sussexes was not the outcome she wanted .
Prince Charles will now see far less of his son , his daughter-in-law and his newest grandchild .
Harry and Meghan , who many felt brought a new energy to the Royal Family , are now off .
Less than two years after she arrived @ @ @ @ @ @ @ life .
And the man she married , who was born into that life , is going with her .
Meghan made a surprise visit to a school in Dagenham , east London , to celebrate International Women 's Day .
Meanwhile , the duke joined Formula 1 driver Lewis Hamilton to visit a new motor racing museum at the Silverstone Circuit .
The couple have made supporting the Commonwealth a priority for their royal duties and overseas visits .
In stepping down as working royals , the duke will relinquish his role @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will remain president of the Queen 's Commonwealth Trust and Meghan will still be the Trust 's vice-president .
In her Commonwealth Day message , the Queen has praised the diversity of the family of nations whose blend of traditions `` serves to make us stronger '' .
Dr Linda Yueh , chair of the Royal Commonwealth Society , said `` contributing from far away '' was a key theme of the service .
`` That 's probably the hope , that even as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have stepped down @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contributing in a less formal capacity to the Commonwealth in the years to come , '' she added .
Heavyweight boxing champion and Olympic gold medallist Anthony Joshua delivered a reflection at the service , while singers Alexandra Burke and Craig David performed .
The Duke of York was absent from this year 's service , having resigned from royal duties following criticism of his BBC Newsnight interview over his friendship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein .
A special broadcast of the Commonwealth Day service will be available on iPlayer .

Less than two years after she arrived, Meghan is walking away from royal life. And the man she married, who was born into that life, is going with her.


bbcuk--2020-03-09--Brexit: UK 'must consider deal trade-offs', says von der Leyen

The UK should consider the trade-offs it is willing to make in a post-Brexit deal , European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen says .
She said the closer the UK 's access to the single market - which it is leaving - the more it must adhere to EU rules .
But cabinet minister Michael Gove said the UK `` would regain its economic and political independence '' and any deal `` would need to reflect that reality '' .
Both sides agreed that differences remained after last week 's trade talks .
The UK wants a `` Canada-style @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has called for a closer relationship .
• Analysis : Differences clear after first week of Brexit talks • Trade talks : What do the UK and EU want ?
The second round of discussions is due to start on 18 March in London .
In a written ministerial statement , Mr Gove said the UK expected to table a number of legal texts , including a draft free trade agreement , ahead of the meeting .
But last month , he warned the government would walk away from trade talks in June @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' of a deal .
Boris Johnson has said if the UK does not get a deal similar to the EU-Canada trade agreement , then trade would have to be based on World Trade Organisation rules .
Speaking to reporters in Brussels , Ms von der Leyen acknowledged there were differences between the two sides following the first round of negotiations .
`` We are aware that there are differences in the approach towards what scope should the future agreement have and what are - if I may say so - the rules @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to , '' she said .
`` So it will be important that the UK makes up its mind - the closer they want to have access to the single market , the more they have to play by the rules that are the rules of the single market .
`` If this is not the UK 's choice then of course they will be more distant and it will be more difficult for the UK to access the single market . ''
She said it was `` up to the UK within @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they want to take into account '' .
Mr Gove later published a statement , saying there had been `` a degree of common understanding '' during the discussions in some areas , which would be returned to in future talks .
But , he added : `` In other areas , notably fisheries , governance and dispute settlement , and the so-called 'level playing field ' , there were , as expected , significant differences . ''
Following last week 's talks in Brussels , the prime minister 's Europe adviser David @ @ @ @ @ @ @ understand each other well '' .
EU chief negotiator Michel Barnier said the talks had been `` constructive '' but there were `` very serious divergences '' between the sides .
A UK government spokesman said its team had `` made clear '' the UK would `` regain our legal and economic independence - and that the future relationship must reflect that fact '' .

"We are aware that there are differences in the approach towards what scope should the future agreement have and what are - if I may say so - the rules of the game everybody has to abide to," she said.


bbcuk--2020-03-09--British Steel: Takeover by Chinese firm completed

A Chinese firm completed its takeover of British Steel on Monday .
Jingye Group said that the move would save more than 3,000 jobs in Scunthorpe and Teesside and it would modernise the towns ' steelworks .
The firm reportedly offered £50m to buy the company after it collapsed and was placed under the control of the UK Insolvency Service last year .
Unions have said that although the deal `` must be celebrated '' , about 450 workers still face losing their jobs .
British Steel employed about 5,000 people at the time of its collapse , and is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The sale includes the steelworks at Scunthorpe , mills in Teesside and Skinningrove , as well as the TSP Engineering business based in Cumbria .
Jingye Group , which also makes steel , has promised to invest about £1.2bn over the next 10 years on upgrading its plants and machinery .
Jingye 's chief executive , Li Hiuming , said : `` It has not been an easy journey since we first announced our intentions in November .
`` But the longer I have spent in Scunthorpe , the more I have come @ @ @ @ @ @ @ these steelworks and the employees that have made them famous throughout the world . ''
He added that the deal marks the `` beginning of a new illustrious chapter '' in the history of British steelmaking .
Charlotte Childs , an organiser for the GMB union , described the deal as `` a big win for the industry '' , but expressed disappointment at job cuts .
She said : `` It is heartbreaking that long-serving members of high-skilled staff , many of whom have given their entire career to British steel , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Tony Watson , a British Steel worker and GMB union convenor , is one of those who has been made redundant .
Mr Watson , who worked for British Steel on and off since the age of 16 , told the BBC he received an email from HR with the news .
`` The way the process has been done has been a bit brutal , '' he said .
But Mr Watson added that he was `` feeling optimistic '' about the prospect of hunting for a new job at age @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wanted `` to reassure British Steel employees who may be facing redundancy that we are mobilising all available resources to give immediate on the ground support and advice to those affected '' .
Confirmation of the takeover follows months of uncertainty for workers .
The government has kept British Steel running since last May , as it looked for a buyer for the business.Jingye signed an agreement to purchase British Steel in November after talks between the Official Receiver , which handled the insolvency process , and a Turkish bidder fell apart .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` grateful '' to British Steel employees for their professionalism during a difficult time .
In January , the French government said it might veto the deal because it considered British Steel 's plant in Hayange a strategic national asset .
Located in north-east France , the plant is seen as important because it supplies track for the country 's railways .
Jingye 's boss said earlier this year that he remained `` interested '' in purchasing the plant , but has pressed on with purchasing assets in the UK and the Netherlands @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after being sold by India 's Tata for £1 to the private equity firm Greybull Capital .
It entered insolvency less than three years later .
It had sought financial support from the government before it was placed in liquidation .
They 've been making iron and steel in Scunthorpe for more than 150 years .
This is very much a one-industry town and when the steelworks struggles the whole community feels it .
The plant directly employs almost 3,000 people but supports another 20,000 jobs in the wider supply chain .
From @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they 've noticed people reining in their spending amid the ongoing uncertainty .
The loss-making steel plant has had a string of owners over the decades from Corus to Tata Steel to Greybull Capital - all tried and failed to turn the business around .
A fourth-generation steelworker told me back in May that it felt as though they were `` staring over the edge of the abyss '' as the plant was on the brink of closure with mass redundancies ahead .
But - again - Scunthorpe steelworks has been rescued by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ promising huge investment .
There is some scepticism about how much influence China will soon have in the UK steel industry .
While steelworkers are deeply relieved that the takeover is going ahead , they are asking what Jingye can and will do differently amid tough global trading conditions where many before have struggled .

Confirmation of the takeover follows months of uncertainty for workers. The government has kept British Steel running since last May, as it looked for a buyer for the business.Jingye signed an agreement to purchase British Steel in November after talks between the Official Receiver, which handled the insolvency process, and a Turkish bidder fell apart.


bbcuk--2020-03-09--Brit Awards 2020: Ofcom rejects racism complaints over Dave performance

More than 300 complaints that rapper Dave 's performance at the Brit Awards was racist against white people have been rejected by the UK media watchdog .
Ofcom received 309 complaints about the song Black , which the London musician performed at last month 's ceremony .
But the watchdog said it was `` likely to be within most viewers ' expectations of this well-established awards ceremony '' .
The track 's lyrics include references to `` working twice as hard as the people you know you 're better than '' .
During his performance , Dave also attacked tabloid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sussex , criticised the government 's response to the Grenfell Tower fire , and referred to Prime Minister Boris Johnson as `` a real racist '' .
• Seven things to know about Brit Award winner Dave The regulator noted it was `` not uncommon for artists to express personal political views during their performances '' .
Home Secretary Priti Patel defended the prime minister following Dave 's performance , telling BBC Breakfast : `` I know Boris Johnson very well , no way is he a racist , so I think that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dave won the award for album of the year at the ceremony , which was shown live on ITV .
In its latest update , Ofcom also said it would not investigate 535 complaints about a task on the recent winter series of Love Island .
After the show 's traditional `` headline challenge '' , viewers complained that Paige Turley was led to believe that her boyfriend Finn Tapp had been unfaithful .
The Islanders were asked to read out newspaper headlines with words or names omitted and were tasked with guessing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Finn had had his `` head turned '' while staying in the show 's alternative villa , Casa Amor , with a new batch of female Islanders .
He had in fact remained faithful to Paige .
`` In our view , as a well-established part of this programme 's format to test the contestants ' relationships , it would have been within most viewers ' expectations , '' Ofcom said .
Paige and Finn ended up winning the series .
Elsewhere , the regulator also rejected 447 viewer complaints that said advice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` breastfeeding expert '' on Loose Women on 13 February was outdated .
`` In our view , it was made clear to viewers that her approach to breastfeeding was drawn from personal experience as a midwife and breastfeeding expert and did not represent official advice , '' Ofcom said .
`` The discussion around women who struggle with breastfeeding was handled with sensitivity . ''
However , the regulator confirmed it was investigating complaints that Sharon Osbourne was heard swearing during an edition of ITV 's Good Morning Britain .
Osbourne did @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the show returned from a pre-recorded segment during its Oscars special on 10 February .
Follow us on Facebook or on Twitter @ BBCNewsEnts .
If you have a story suggestion email entertainment.news @ bbc.co.uk .

"In our view, it was made clear to viewers that her approach to breastfeeding was drawn from personal experience as a midwife and breastfeeding expert and did not represent official advice," Ofcom said. "The discussion around women who struggle with breastfeeding was handled with sensitivity."


bbcuk--2020-03-09--Woman tells court Alex Salmond 'pounced' on her

A former Scottish government official has accused Alex Salmond of `` pouncing '' on her and taking her clothes off in his official residence while he was the country 's first minister .
The woman told a court that the former SNP leader ignored her pleas to stop and pushed her onto a bed before lying naked on top of her .
Mr Salmond denies carrying out a total of 14 sexual assaults on 10 women .
He has lodged special defences of consent to four of the allegations .
Mr Salmond has also lodged a special defence of alibi @ @ @ @ @ @ @ alleged that the offences were committed at various locations across Scotland , including the first minister 's official Bute House residence in Edinburgh .
The woman , known as Woman H , was the first witness to give evidence when the trial started before judge Lady Dorrian and a jury of 15 members of the public at the High Court in Edinburgh .
The witness described herself as a `` soft supporter '' of independence and said that the period leading up to the referendum in September 2014 had been `` extremely stressful @ @ @ @ @ @ @ working at Bute House one night in June of that year when Mr Salmond had been hosting a celebrity to see how he could `` facilitate other people in his peer group '' to also support independence .
She said she was later left alone with Mr Salmond and wanted to speak to him about an incident the previous month when she alleges that he `` groped '' her .
She said she was wearing a skirt and Mr Salmond sat next to her on a sofa before pulling her legs over his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and touch her upper body .
The witness said she tried to get up and make for the door , but Mr Salmond put his arm out and leaned over her , effectively pinning her against a wall , while touching her breast and continuing to attempt to kiss her while she was trying to `` wrestle '' out of it .
The woman said she managed to get away and went upstairs to get her belongings so she could leave , but Mr Salmond followed her and again blocked her against a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she had `` screamed or kicked him in the nuts '' , but had been `` frozen '' with fear and humiliation .
• What to expect during the Alex Salmond trial She claimed he then `` pounced '' on her and started removing both his clothes and hers , before pushing her `` not violently but assertively '' onto a bed and getting on top of her while he was naked .
She told the court : `` I felt like I was being hunted .
I remember feeling him on top @ @ @ @ @ @ @ top of mine , and I was thinking holy Christ .
I made one final push to get him away and I managed to get him away over to the other side of the bed .
`` I kept saying no , no , I 've got a boyfriend , stop , you 're drunk and all that . ''
Woman H said she had felt `` humiliated and embarrassed '' and did not want anyone to think she had stayed over with Mr Salmond because it would have been the `` ultimate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I did n't want anyone 's to know this guy had touched me in that way .
He had other women and I did n't want to be considered as that .
I was scared of that . ''
The same woman had earlier told the court about a previous alleged incident at Bute House in May 2014 , when she claimed Mr Salmond had been `` half cut '' after a dinner .
She said he asked her to stay and help him drink a bottle of `` very good wine '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chinese ambassador .
She added : `` I remember he said it was good luck to link arms when you drink it .
It was uncomfortable .
I was never comfortable in his private personal space so that felt awkward . ''
The woman went on to say that Mr Salmond was sitting on the floor with his legs stretched out after having two or three shots of the drink , and invited her to sit next to him .
She told the court that Mr Salmond said he wanted to show her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` inappropriately '' .
She said : `` I was sat next to him on the floor and he was putting his hand down my top and kissing my face and neck and touching my legs .
`` He was just groping me , basically , there is n't another word for it .
He was touching my legs and working his left hand up and touching my chest and kissing my face and my neck .
He went in between my bra and touched my boobs . ''
Woman H was then @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and she replied : `` I did n't ask for any of it to happen .
I was n't asked . ''
The witness said she `` froze inside '' before telling Mr Salmond that she was not happy , adding : `` I said what are you doing , you 're my boss , you should n't be doing it , and he found it funny and thought it was a challenge . ''
She said she `` wanted to get out of there as fast as possible '' , and had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said she did not tell anyone about the incident at the time because : `` I felt like I had somehow done something wrong almost , and I did n't want people to know .
I did n't want to be another one of his women . ''
Mr Salmond , 65 , was first minister of Scotland from May 2007 until November 2014 , when he stood down in the wake of the country 's independence referendum .
The jury was earlier told by Lady Dorrian that the accused is a `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they must reach a verdict based on `` the evidence and nothing else '' and that politics is `` irrelevant '' .
The trial , which is expected to last about four weeks , continues .
Mr Salmond has pled not guilty to all of the charges , and has vowed to defend himself vigorously during the trial .
What is Mr Salmond accused of ?
The charges , which Mr Salmond denies , are set out in an indictment which includes the specific details of the allegations against the former SNP leader @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Scotland , the media is not allowed to publish the names of the 10 alleged victims or any other information that could identify them , unless they give permission .
• Indecently assaulted Woman A on a number of occasions in Glasgow in June and July 2008 by kissing her on the mouth and touching her buttocks and breasts with his hands over her clothing • Sexually assaulted Woman A in December 2010 or December 2011 in the Ego nightclub in Edinburgh by touching her arms and hips with his hands over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in October or November 2010 at Bute House by repeatedly seizing her by the wrists and repeatedly pulling her towards him and attempting to kiss her • Sexually assaulted Woman C in a car in Edinburgh in February 2011 by touching her leg with his hand over her clothing • Sexually assaulted Woman D on various occasions between 2011 and 2013 at Bute House , the Scottish Parliament and other locations by touching her buttocks with his hands over her clothing , stroking her arms , and touching and stroking her hair • @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in October 2013 by removing her foot from her shoe , stroking her foot , lifting her foot towards his mouth and attempting to kiss her foot • Sexually assaulted Woman F at Bute House in November or December 2013 by kissing her on the mouth • Intended to rape Woman F in December 2013 at Bute House by causing her to sit on a bed , lying on top of her , making sexual remarks to her , touching her buttocks , thighs and breasts over her clothing with his hands , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her and pulling up her dress • Sexually assaulted Woman G in 2012 at the Ubiquitous Chip restaurant in Glasgow by touching her buttocks with his hand over her clothing • Sexually assaulted Woman G at Bute House in April 2014 by placing his arm around her , making sexual remarks to her and attempting to kiss her • Sexually assaulted Woman H at Bute House in May 2014 by placing his arm around her body , placing his hand under her clothing and underwear and touching her breast , repeatedly kissing her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her leg with his hand • Attempted to rape Woman H at Bute House in June 2014 by pinning her against a wall , removing her clothes and his own , before pushing her onto a bed and lying naked on top of her • Sexually assaulted Woman J at Bute House in September 2014 by seizing her by the shoulders , repeatedly kissing her on the face , attempting to kiss her on the lips and touching her leg and face with his hand • Sexually assaulted Woman K at Stirling Castle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with his hand over her clothing Mr Salmond says he is innocent of all the allegations against him , and has entered not guilty pleas to all 14 of the charges .

The witness said she tried to get up and make for the door, but Mr Salmond put his arm out and leaned over her, effectively pinning her against a wall, while touching her breast and continuing to attempt to kiss her while she was trying to "wrestle" out of it.


bbcuk--2020-03-09--Met Commissioner Cressida Dick cleared over paedophile ring inquiry

The chief of London 's police has been cleared over her handling of an investigation into false claims of a VIP paedophile ring .
The police watchdog said Met Police Commissioner Dame Cressida Dick did not have a case to answer to over claims she misled the public .
Criminal or disciplinary hearings were not justified , the Independent Office for Police Conduct ( IOPC ) said .
The police probe was looking into claims made by fantasist Carl Beech .
Launched in 2014 , Operation Midland saw dawn raids on the homes of D-Day veteran Lord Bramall , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ former MP Harvey Proctor , following a series of allegations made by Beech that turned out to be lies .
He claimed that he and other boys were raped and tortured in the 1970s and 1980s and that one young boy was even murdered by members of a VIP paedophile ring .
Beech is now serving an 18-year prison sentence for 12 counts of perverting the course of justice and one count of fraud .
The Metropolitan Police was heavily criticised in an independent review of the case by former High Court judge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said it had found no evidence of misconduct or criminality by the officers , including Dame Cressida , during the operation .
`` We do not consider the allegation that the Commissioner deliberately misled the public regarding her role in Operation Midland requires investigation , '' it said .
Mr Proctor , who is to receive £500,000 in compensation from the force , hit out at the IOPC 's decision , saying this `` provides even more substantial evidence that the IOPC is not fit for purpose '' and the `` currently flawed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` truly independent '' .
Scotland Yard has since referred itself again to the IOPC over complaints officers had failed to fully investigate two other men for lying about being abused as children .
The watchdog added the Met had made `` significant changes '' since the Henriques ' review .

Mr Proctor, who is to receive £500,000 in compensation from the force, hit out at the IOPC's decision, saying this "provides even more substantial evidence that the IOPC is not fit for purpose" and the "currently flawed system" should be replaced to be "truly independent".


bbcuk--2020-03-09--Trevor Phillips suspended from Labour over Islamophobia allegations

The former UK equality watchdog chief , Trevor Phillips , has been suspended from the Labour Party over allegations of Islamophobia .
The Times newspaper reported the anti-racism campaigner is being investigated over past comments dating back years .
Mr Phillips , ex-chairman of the Equality and Human Rights Commission , said Labour was in danger of collapsing into a `` brutish , authoritarian cult '' .
Labour said it takes complaints about Islamophobia `` extremely seriously '' .
A spokeswoman added : `` [ The complaints ] are fully investigated in line with our rules and procedures , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Mr Phillips was among 24 public figures who wrote to the Guardian last year declaring their refusal to vote for Labour because of its association with anti-Semitism .
He could be expelled from the party for alleged prejudice against Muslims .
Mr Phillips has been suspended pending investigation over remarks , including expressing concerns about Pakistani Muslim men sexually abusing children in northern British towns , according to the Times .
It says the complaint also covers his comments about the failure of some Muslims to wear poppies for Remembrance Sunday and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ opinion poll towards the `` motives '' of the Charlie Hebdo attackers .
The paper said many of his statements are years-old but that Labour 's general secretary Jennie Formby suspended him as a matter of urgency to `` protect the party 's reputation '' .
Speaking to BBC Radio 4 's Today programme , Mr Phillips stood by his previous assertions that Muslims were `` different '' , adding : `` Well , actually , that 's true .
The point is Muslims are different and in many ways I think that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the party for taking offence , saying : `` I am kind of surprised that what is and always has been an open and democratic party decides that its members can not have healthy debate about how we address differences of values and outlooks . ''
Mr Phillips went on to describe the decision by Labour to adopt the definition of Islamophobia agreed by an all-party parliamentary group on British Muslims as `` nonsense '' , as Muslims were `` not a race '' .
He added : `` My objection is very @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Islamophobia is rooted in a kind of racism - expressions of hostility towards Muslimness .
`` First of all , Muslims are not a race .
My personal hero was Muhammad Ali , before that Malcolm X .
`` They became Muslims largely because it is a pan-racial faith .
This is not a racial grouping , so describing hostility to them as racial is nonsense . ''
The Muslim Council of Britain accused Mr Phillips of making `` incendiary statements about Muslims that would be unacceptable for any other minority '' .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` The impact of Mr Phillips ' claims from a privileged vantage point is dangerous , providing licence to far-right ideologues such as Tommy Robinson who have seized upon these remarks .
`` Mr Phillips would have us believe that he is a martyr for free speech and tolerance .
But the fact remains that the deployment of these sweeping generalisations and tropes would not be acceptable for any other community . ''
Mr Phillips was the founding chair of the EHRC , which is currently investigating anti-Semitism in the Labour Party , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has previously made documentaries about race and multiculturalism , and now chairs Index on Censorship - a group that campaigns for freedom of expression .
Asked if he would change his language as a result of the suspension , Mr Phillips pointed to this new role , adding : `` Frankly , it would be a bit odd if I suddenly decided because I had been kicked out of the club , I could n't express my beliefs . ''

But he criticised the party for taking offence, saying: "I am kind of surprised that what is and always has been an open and democratic party decides that its members cannot have healthy debate about how we address differences of values and outlooks."


bbcuk--2020-03-09--Eloise Parry: Man convicted over diet pill death

An online dealer has been convicted of killing a woman who took toxic tablets sold to her as slimming pills .
Eloise Parry , 21 , from Shrewsbury , Shropshire died in 2015 after taking eight dinitrophenol ( DNP ) capsules .
Bernard Rebelo , of Gosport , Hampshire , was found guilty of gross negligence manslaughter by an Old Bailey jury .
It is the second time he has been convicted of the charge , but his initial conviction was sent for a retrial by the Court of Appeal .
Jurors heard Rebelo bought the powder for the capsules @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 32-year-old was remanded in custody to be sentenced by Mrs Justice Whipple on Tuesday .
During his retrial , the court heard how the substance Ms Parry consumed was often advertised as a slimming product , but the known side effects included multiple organ failure , coma , and cardiac arrest .
During World War One , it was used as a base material for munitions products .
Prosecutor Richard Barraclough QC told the jury that online forums compared taking it to `` Russian roulette '' , adding : `` If you take @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you might die . ''
Ms Parry , a Wrexham Glyndwr University student , had been diagnosed with bulimia and became `` psychologically addicted '' to the chemical after she started taking it in February 2015 , jurors heard .
The court was told DNP was particularly dangerous to those who suffer from eating disorders as the toxicity level is relative to a person 's weight .
Ms Parry was admitted to Wrexham hospital in March 2015 after collapsing , and later sent a text to a friend saying she felt `` stupid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ knew I could not control my eating disorder well enough to take them safely , I knew it .
`` It 's not going to matter how skinny I am if I 'm dead . ''
Three days later , she messaged : `` I do n't want to die , I never meant to hurt myself , I just felt so desperate . ''
She died in hospital a month later .
Rebelo , who ran his business from a flat in Harrow , west London , had sold DNP on two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ down .
The prosecution said he sold the drug knowing of its dangers .
He was jailed for seven years after being found guilty at Inner London Crown Court in June 2018 but the conviction was overturned by the Court of Appeal , and judges ruled he would face a retrial .
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He was jailed for seven years after being found guilty at Inner London Crown Court in June 2018 but the conviction was overturned by the Court of Appeal, and judges ruled he would face a retrial.


bbcuk--2020-03-09--Tulisa reveals Bell's palsy diagnosis

Tulisa reveals Bell's palsy diagnosis

Tulisa has revealed she has Bell 's palsy , a type of paralysis that temporarily affects the ability to control the facial muscles .
Speaking to ITV 's Loose Women , the singer and former X Factor judge said she sustained nerve damage after a horse riding accident .
`` I do suffer from Bell 's palsy ... it can cause facial paralysis , it can cause swelling , '' she explained .
`` I think the first attack I had was after a serious horse-riding accident .
`` I fractured my skull and it caused a lot of nerve @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : 'The night that stole my smile' • How Tulisa shaped one of the decade 's biggest hits It is the first time the N-Dubz star , whose full name is Tulisa Contostavlos , has revealed the diagnosis .
`` At any time , I have emergency steroids on me , and now luckily I know how to manage it , so the attacks do n't last as long , '' she explained .
`` There have actually been times when people have criticised me for the way I look and my face @ @ @ @ @ @ @ through a Bell 's palsy attack . ''
She added : `` If you have steroids within a 72 hour period , it can last days instead of seven months , which happened to me the first time .
I was hiding in the house . ''
The most common facial palsy , it causes temporary weakness or paralysis of the muscles on one side of the face , with the symptoms varying from person to person .
The weakness on one side of the face can be described as either a partial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or a complete palsy , which is no movement at all .
Bell 's palsy can also affect the eyelid and mouth , making them difficult to close and open .
It is not known exactly what causes Bell 's palsy but links have been made to viruses .
Symptoms can include a facial droop , pain in the inner ear , chronic pain , difficulty with eating and speaking , and the inability to close one eye .
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If you have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

She added: "If you have steroids within a 72 hour period, it can last days instead of seven months, which happened to me the first time. I was hiding in the house."


bbcuk--2020-03-09--Ava-May Littleboy: Worker 'tried to catch girl when inflatable burst'

A funfair worker tried to catch a three-year-old girl who was thrown in the air when an inflatable exploded , her inquest has heard .
Ava-May Littleboy was playing on the inflatable trampoline on the beach at Gorleston-on-Sea in Norfolk on 1 July 2018 .
A friend of Ava-May 's aunt said the toddler `` went up so high , it was higher than my house , about 20ft ( 6m ) '' .
The inquest heard Ava-May suffered a head injury and died in hospital .
Ava-May , from Lower Somersham in Suffolk , was at the beach with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Ms Littleboy 's best friend Beth Jones took her to the inflatables .
Ms Jones told the inquest she heard a loud bang then saw Ava-May flipping through the air .
`` There was a massive thud and Ava came down on her face and tummy , '' she said .
She said she remembered `` screaming 'catch her ' '' and a funfair worker `` had her arms fully out to try to catch her , but she could n't as it was so quick '' .
Ms Littleboy said the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' , but added : `` I did n't take much notice of it - I thought it needed to be like it and that it needed more pressure . ''
Ava-May 's mother , Chloe Littleboy , said in a statement read before the court : `` Although I was screaming I could n't actually cry .
I just stood there shaking and screaming . ''
Norfolk 's senior coroner Jacqueline Lake said that during the course of the nine-day inquest , evidence would be heard about the `` acquisition of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , working practices at Johnson Funfairs Limited and the responsibilities and roles within that business '' .
`` The evidence will not include the reason why the inflatable trampoline exploded , '' she added .

Norfolk's senior coroner Jacqueline Lake said that during the course of the nine-day inquest, evidence would be heard about the "acquisition of the inflatable trampoline, risk assessments carried out, working practices at Johnsons Funfair Limited and the responsibilities and roles within that business".


bbcuk--2020-03-09--Coronavirus: UK spread in maps and charts

More than 300 cases of the coronavirus have been confirmed in the UK , with Prime Minister Boris Johnson saying the outbreak will present `` significant challenges '' to the country .
Almost 25,000 people in the UK have been tested for the virus so far , with 319 found to be positive for the respiratory infection .
Three people who tested positive have died .
Here are five maps , charts and graphics that will help you understand the situation in the UK and how the authorities are dealing with it .
1 .
The number of UK cases @ @ @ @ @ @ @ causes the respiratory disease known as Covid-19 , was first confirmed in the UK at the end of January .
Since then , cases have been reported across the UK , with the highest number so far seen in London .
But numbers are much lower than other European countries , such as Italy , for example , where there have been more than 9,000 cases and 463 deaths .
The number of cases in Germany and France is also rising .
While there were a number of people testing positive throughout February @ @ @ @ @ @ @ increase significantly at the beginning of March .
Prof Chris Whitty , the country 's chief medical adviser , said he was expecting the numbers to `` increase initially slowly , but really quite fast after a while , and we have to catch it before the upswing begins '' .
• EASY STEPS : What can I do ?
• PROTECTION : Where are we with a vaccine ?
• GETTING READY : How prepared is the UK ?
The UK 's first fatality linked to the virus , announced on 5 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 70s with underlying health conditions .
The second person to die in the UK after contracting the virus was an 83-year-old man - also with underlying health problems .
A third person - a man in his 60s - has also died from Covid-19 , the illness caused by the virus .
Globally , authorities have confirmed more than 109,000 cases of the coronavirus and more than 3,800 deaths .
The vast majority of cases - more than 80,900 - are in China , where the virus originated in December .
2 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the government 's response The government has published its action plan for dealing with the virus , which involves three phases - contain ; delay ; mitigate - alongside ongoing research .
The emphasis is currently on the contain and research phases , but Mr Johnson says extensive preparations are being made to move to the `` delay '' stage to stop the wider spread of the virus .
While the containment phase involves catching cases early and tracing all close contacts to halt the spread of the disease for as long as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the introduction of `` social distancing '' measures , such as urging people to work from home - if possible - and cutting back on socialising .
Closing schools and banning big events is less likely to happen .
However , Professor Whitty said that within the next few weeks we could reach a stage when people with `` even minor respiratory tract infections or a fever should be self-isolating for seven days afterwards '' .
If the virus becomes widespread , the government may decide to enter the mitigation phase , when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ critical care and retired NHS staff could be asked to return to work .
Mr Johnson said the government would announce further steps in the days and weeks ahead to help people `` protect themselves , their family and in particularly the elderly and vulnerable '' .
3 .
People who think they have coronavirus should contact NHS 111 If there 's a chance you could have coronavirus , you are advised not to go to a GP surgery , pharmacy or hospital .
Instead , the NHS says you should contact its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are in England .
In Scotland , you should call your GP or NHS 24 on 111 out of hours .
In Wales call 111 ( if available in your area ) or 0845 46 47 .
In Northern Ireland call 111 .
As a result , you may be asked to stay away from other people ( self-isolate ) .
You may also be passed on to your local health protection team for testing .
Advice for people who have travelled back to the UK from the main affected areas and some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the government .
4 .
Some of the UK 's cases can be traced to Europe Numbers across Europe have been increasing over the past week , as well as in the UK .
Most of the UK 's cases so far have been people who recently travelled from affected countries - including Italy and France as well as China and Iran .
Italy has been particularly badly affected and the UK government has advised all those who have developed symptoms after returning from anywhere in Italy - not just the north of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Those returning from quarantined regions in Italy , including Lombardy and Veneto , are being told to self-isolate even if they do not show symptoms .

Based on the survey, the estimated peak of the pandemic, in cases if not in deaths, was in late March 2022, where at one point about 4.9 million people were thought to have the virus. However, the survey did not capture the first wave of the pandemic, with trials only beginning in England in April 2020.


bbcuk--2020-03-09--What are the symptoms?

What are the symptoms?

Coronavirus has spread to more than 80 countries , including the UK .
So , what is the disease and how does it spread ?
How do I protect myself ?
The best thing is regular and thorough hand washing , preferably with soap and water .
Coronavirus spreads when an infected person coughs small droplets - packed with the virus - into the air .
These can be breathed in , or cause an infection if you touch a surface they have landed on then your eyes , nose or mouth .
So , coughing and sneezing into tissues @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hands , and avoiding close contact with infected people are important for limiting the spread .
Face masks do not provide effective protection , according to medical experts .
What are the coronavirus symptoms ?
Coronavirus infects the lungs .
The symptoms start with a fever followed by a dry cough .
After a week , it can lead to shortness of breath and some people need hospital treatment .
The early symptoms can easily be confused with other winter bugs including colds and flu .
The incubation period - between infection and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ days , the World Health Organization ( WHO ) says .
Some researchers say it may be up to 24 days .
People will be most infectious when they have symptoms , but there have been suggestions some can spread the virus even before they are sick .
The proportion dying from the disease appears low ( between 1 % and 2 % ) - but the figures are unreliable .
Thousands being treated but may go on to die - so the death rate could be higher .
But it may also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are unreported .
• 6 % become critically ill - lung failure , septic shock , organ failure and risk of death • 80 % develop mild symptoms - fever and cough and some may have pneumonia Older people , and those with pre-existing medical conditions ( such as asthma , diabetes , heart disease ) , are more likely to become severely ill .
Treatment relies on keeping the patient 's body going , including breathing support , until their immune system can fight off the virus .
Work to develop a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ close are we to a coronavirus vaccine ?
• Coronavirus : Can it harm breastfed babies , and other questions What should I do if I think I have coronavirus ?
The NHS says an epidemic in the UK is `` likely '' .
People who think they may be affected by coronavirus need to call the NHS 111 phone service for further advice .
They should not go to their GP , or A & E .
In Scotland , check NHS inform , then ring your GP in office hours , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wales where 111 is not available , call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47 .
In Northern Ireland , call your GP .
If you have come into contact with somebody who may be infected , you may be told to self-isolate .
People needing to do so should take `` common-sense '' steps to avoid close contact with other people , says Public Health England .
Advice for people who have travelled back to the UK from affected areas and who may need to self-isolate , has been issued .
Other countries @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the US Centre for Disease Control and Prevention advises people showing symptoms to call their healthcare provider , and those who are mildly ill to self-isolate .
The World Health Organization has also issued advice for the public .
What do I need to know about the coronavirus ?
• EASY STEPS : What can I do ?
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : What are the symptoms ?
• GETTING READY : How prepared is the UK ?
• MAPS AND CHARTS : Visual guide to the outbreak Will I be tested @ @ @ @ @ @ @ testing in the UK , you may have to give samples of mucus , blood or faeces .
These will be tested and results may be available on the same day .
While you await your test results , you may be asked to stay at home and self-isolate .
How fast is it spreading ?
Hundreds of new cases are being reported worldwide each day .
However , it is thought health agencies may be unaware of many cases .
After starting in China , coronavirus is now spreading fast in countries @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
This explainer will be regularly updated to reflect the audience 's questions about coronavirus .
Details of how to get in touch are below .
What questions do you have about the coronavirus ?
In some cases your question will be published , displaying your name , age and location as you provide it , unless you state otherwise .
Your contact details will never be published .
Please ensure you have read our terms & conditions and privacy policy .
Use this form to ask your question :

Older people, and those with pre-existing medical conditions (such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure), are more likely to become severely ill. Men are at slightly higher risk of dying from the virus than women.


bbcuk--2020-03-09--Coronavirus: How is the UK planning for an outbreak?

Measures to delay the spread of coronavirus in the UK are being considered by health officials .
The government decided after an emergency Cobra meeting on Monday not to introduce `` social distancing '' measures at the moment .
So what could happen and is the NHS well prepared ?
Could schools close and public gatherings be banned ?
The government has powers it can use to protect people from infection .
What measures will be used , and when , are still to be decided , but they could include : • School closures .
Laws to allow bigger @ @ @ @ @ @ @ may also be introduced • Restrictions on the use of public transport • Police focusing on the most serious crimes and maintaining public order • New legal powers to make people stay in quarantine A public information campaign has been launched to help people protect themselves .
The main focus has been on regular and thorough hand washing .
• EASY STEPS : What can I do ?
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : What are the symptoms ?
• MAPS AND CHARTS : Visual guide to the outbreak When could these powers be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will depend upon the severity of the outbreak .
The spread of coronavirus is being monitored by health officials .
And the government 's emergency Cobra committee - made up of ministers , civil servants and officials - is co-ordinating the response .
It says the UK is still in the `` containment '' stage of its response .
Drastic steps such as closing schools would have major social and economic consequences .
Because of this , ministers have stressed the need not to over-react .
It is also virtually impossible to stop @ @ @ @ @ @ @ measures designed to stop people mixing may be most likely when there are local outbreaks .
This could be in an attempt to slow the spread of the virus and limit the number of cases ahead of an expected peak .
Instead , the government is likely to go for a phased , gradual approach .
Asking people to think about the steps they can take themselves , from working at home , staggering their commute in and cutting back on unnecessary socialising , is likely to be suggested soon .
Is the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a fifth of the UK workforce could be off sick during the peak weeks of a major outbreak , the government says .
It believes there could be an increase in deaths , especially among elderly people and those with pre-existing conditions such as heart or lung problems and diabetes .
The NHS has detailed plans to cope with outbreaks of disease and surges in demand .
There are 30 hospitals on stand-by to take patients - although most of the UK cases so far have been taken to one of five specialist @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the NHS has been put on an emergency footing .
Hospitals have been asked to draw up plans to segregate coronavirus patients from others and supply staff with protective masks and suits .
Every hospital has been told to set up isolation pods in case patients arrive with the virus .
These are not to treat patients , but to ensure they do not mix with other patients and staff when they arrive .
Patients are being advised to contact NHS 111 in England and self-isolate - the rest of the UK @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are worried they may have coronavirus should not go to A & E , or their GP .
How will the NHS treat seriously ill patients ?
Currently there is no treatment or cure , so hospitals are trying to relieve the symptoms .
Specialist equipment called ECMO - which helps with breathing - is available at a small number of units for the most severely ill patients if their lungs fail .
In the worst-case scenario of widespread transmission in the UK - an epidemic - the 30 hospitals could start cancelling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Assessments are being made about which patients can be advised to stay at home and isolate themselves to allow hospitals to focus on the most severely ill .
The illness caused by the virus for many seems to be mild and passes .
But an estimated one in 20 may become critically ill .
It means during the peak the NHS could be overwhelmed .
There are just over 4,000 intensive care beds .
This can be increased , but only by a few thousand .
Doctors warn some difficult decisions may need @ @ @ @ @ @ @ treatment .
Public Health England officials have said widespread transmission of coronavirus in the UK is `` highly likely '' .
They believe some people infected have no link to overseas cases .
Efforts are now on delaying the spread of the disease , the aims of which include : • Pushing cases further away from winter pressures on the NHS , so there is more capacity • Allowing time for the UK to improve its response , or develop measures such as drugs and vaccines .
The government has pledged £46m for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ develop a rapid test • Push cases towards summer , when the rate of transmission could be lower Work to contain the disease is also continuing .
That involves tracing people who have had close contact with infected people and getting them to self-isolate .
What questions do you have about the UK 's coronavirus plans ?
In some cases your question will be published , displaying your name , age and location as you provide it , unless you state otherwise .
Your contact details will never be published .
Please ensure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and privacy policy .
Use this form to ask your question :

But NHS officials said they can effectively increase that to between 11,000 and 12,000 by using ventilators reserved for planned surgery and those available in the private sector, Ministry of Defence, new ones being made and old stocks that are no longer used.


bbcuk--2020-03-09--Copdock roundabout crash: Driver banned from driving

Dashcam has captured the moment a lorry overturned `` at speed '' and was left dangling above a dual carriageway @ @ @ @ @ the Copdock roundabout in Suffolk which links the A12 and the A14 , causing part @ @ @ @ @ on to a vehicle below .
Petru-ionut Lungu , 33 , of Trimley St Martin @ @ @ @ @ driving over the crash on 7 June at Ipswich Magistrates ' Court .
He was @ @ @ @ @ with the six already on his licence , meant he was disqualified from driving for @ @ @

Dashcam has captured the moment a lorry overturned "at speed" and was left dangling above a dual carriageway.
The crash happened on the Copdock roundabout in Suffolk which links the A12 and the A14, causing part of the railing to drop on to a vehicle below.
Petru-ionut Lungu, 33, of Trimley St Martin, Suffolk, admitted careless driving over the crash on 7 June at Ipswich Magistrates' Court.
He was given nine points, which with the six already on his licence, meant he was disqualified from driving for six months.


bbcuk--2020-03-09--Duke and Duchess of Sussex make last appearance as working royals

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have made their last public appearance as working members of the Royal Family .
@ @ @ @ @ the Queen and other senior royals at a service at Westminster Abbey celebrating the 54 @ @ @ @ @ Harry and Meghan are expected to return to their current base in Canada and , @ @ @ @ @ stop using their HRH titles and receiving public money .

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have made their last public appearance as working members of the Royal Family.
Prince Harry and Meghan joined the Queen and other senior royals at a service at Westminster Abbey celebrating the 54 countries in the Commonwealth.
Harry and Meghan are expected to return to their current base in Canada and, from 31 March, will stop using their HRH titles and receiving public money.


bbcuk--2020-03-09--Bristol explosion: Man 'blew up flats while making cannabis oil'

A man who was using butane to make cannabis oil caused an explosion that destroyed two flats , a court has heard .
James Toogood , 36 , was seen fleeing the burning building on Whitchurch Road in Bristol with his clothes on fire , a jury at Bristol Crown Court was told .
One woman escaped from the fire caused by the blast by jumping from an upper-floor flat on to a trampoline .
Mr Toogood denies damaging property being reckless as to whether life was endangered .
Prosecuting , David Maunder said the explosion , just after 20:00 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ £260,000 of damage .
Witnesses saw Mr Toogood rolling on the grass outside the flats to put out his burning T-shirt , Mr Maunder told the court .
The defendant admits one charge of producing a Class B drug - cannabis oil - but has said he was not doing so when the explosion happened .
But Mr Maunder said the blast was caused by Mr Toogood accidentally igniting the butane he was using to extract the oil .
Fourteen butane canisters were found in the flat , Mr Maunder said .
Neighbour @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and felt the explosion .
`` There were shards and shards of glass .
I was wondering what on earth had happened , '' she said .
Fellow defendant Laura Hawkins , 39 , of Currells Lane in Felton , Bristol , denies allowing her flat to be used for the production of a Class B drug .
Mr Toogood , of the same address , also denies a charge of destroying property .
The trial is expected to last two weeks .

The defendant admits one charge of producing a Class B drug - cannabis oil - but has said he was not doing so when the explosion happened.


bbcuk--2020-03-09--Coronavirus: mild symptoms could lead to self-isolation

People with mild symptoms of coronavirus could be asked to stay at home , Nicola Sturgeon has warned .
The UK government 's chief medical adviser , Prof Chris Whitty has said people who show `` even minor '' signs of respiratory tract infections or a fever will soon be told to self-isolate .
Ms Sturgeon has echoed the warning , adding that there is an `` increasing inevitability '' of a major outbreak .
There have now been 23 confirmed coronavirus cases in Scotland .
Scotland and the UK remains in the `` containment phase '' but both governments @ @ @ @ @ @ @ delay '' stage is `` highly likely '' .
This could involve the closure of schools and the cancellation of large public events .
People would also be encouraged to work from home and discouraged from using public transport .
Moving to the delay phase would seek to push back the peak of the epidemic to the summer .
Currently , only people with serious symptoms of a possible coronavirus infection are being asked to self-isolate but this could be changed to those showing mild symptoms within the next 10 to 14 days @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Edinburgh , Ms Sturgeon said : `` At some stage advising people with milder symptoms to stay at home is one of the things that people should perhaps expect .
`` To do that now , which we are not advising , would not be appropriate because right now the vast majority of people with mild symptoms wo n't have coronavirus but over the next couple of weeks that may change and therefore mild symptoms may become more indicative of coronavirus . ''
• Coronavirus symptoms 'take five days to show' Ms Sturgeon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the public would be driven by `` good quality scientific advice '' .
The first minister also said was currently `` not appropriate '' to cancel large-scale events and that schools in Scotland would remain open for now , but that policy would be kept `` under review '' .
The University of the West of Scotland has confirmed that one person from its Lanarkshire campus in Hamilton has tested positive .
The Stewart and Stewart dental practice in Cumbernauld later said it had temporarily closed as a precaution after as positive case @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also been two new positive tests in Lothian , and two in Shetland .
• EASY STEPS : How to keep safe • A SIMPLE GUIDE : What are the symptoms ?
• GETTING READY : How prepared is the UK ?
• MAPS AND CHARTS : Visual guide to the outbreak Ireland 's Six Nations rugby match in France on Saturday was postponed , following an earlier decision to postpone England 's match in Italy .
The Wales game against Scotland in Cardiff is to go ahead as scheduled .
The 2020 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to go ahead at the SEC in Glasgow from 18 March has been cancelled .
Diabetes UK said it `` did not believe it would be right or responsible to proceed with holding the conference when the NHS is in such need of its expert workforce '' .
Scotland 's chief medical officer , Catherine Calderwood said the the public should not be reassured by the small numbers of cases in Scotland so far .
She said : `` This is what happened in England , there were even some days at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no new cases in England , we may have that as well .
`` But the way this virus is transmitting and spreading I do n't think we can take reassurance that the slowness is going to be anything other than building up . ''
Earlier , the Scottish government issued new guidance for workplaces aimed at slowing the spread of coronavirus , It urges routine cleaning of phones and keypads and warns against sharing food .
As the number of cases of Coronavirus in Scotland continues to rise , the incidence of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ according to analysis by Health Protection Scotland .
Dr Jim McMenamin , from the health body , said : `` The flu season this year occurred earlier in the winter than in many previous seasons .
`` Numbers of cases had already tailed off significantly before the international reporting of COVID-19 . ''
But he added that it was difficult to infer any relationship between low current flu figures and the increased hand washing and awareness about sneezing and coughing publicised by the coronavirus outbreak .

"To do that now, which we are not advising, would not be appropriate because right now the vast majority of people with mild symptoms won't have coronavirus but over the next couple of weeks that may change and therefore mild symptoms may become more indicative of coronavirus."


bbcuk--2020-03-09--Coronavirus: Two NI schools and sports clubs close

Two County Armagh schools have been closed for a deep clean after a student tested positive for coronavirus .
Newtownhamilton High School and primary school are both located on the same site in the town .
Three sports clubs - two amateur football teams and a west Belfast GAA club - have also closed their clubhouses over positive cases .
St Gall 's Gaelic Athletic Club in west Belfast has confirmed that one of its members - an adult - has coronavirus .
Tandragee Rovers , a football club in the Mid-Ulster Football League , has also confirmed that a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ virus .
Both clubs have said their clubhouses have been closed for deep cleaning while training and match participation have been halted .
Moneyslane , a County Down club who hosted Tandragee in a fixture last Saturday , have also closed their Jubilee Park ground and suspended training and matches .
The manufacturing firm Sensata has also carried out a precautionary deep clean , related to Covid-19 , at one of its Northern Ireland sites .
The BBC understands a family member of an employee had recently been on holiday in a high-risk @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people in Carrickfergus and Antrim .
Staff in the affected area were sent home while the cleaning took place .
The firm said the clean was conducted out of an `` abundance of caution '' and staff were expected back at work on Tuesday .
The principal of Newtownhamilton High School , Neil Megaw , said the schools had closed for the rest of the week as a precautionary measure .
`` The PHA has advised us that the risk to pupils and staff of the school is very low , '' he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to re-open on Monday , 16 March and the primary will re-open on Wednesday , 18 March .
Health Minister Robin Swann announced the closure of two schools without naming them in a statement to the Northern Ireland Assembly on Monday .
He said that of the five most recent positive cases of coronavirus , one was a young person at a post-primary school .
He said the school is `` co-located '' with a primary school and that , while the Public Health Agency is content there is `` no public health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , both schools were closed on Monday for an `` enhanced clean '' .
Mr Swann also said 222 tests had been carried out so far in Northern Ireland with 12 positive cases confirmed .
Speaking afterwards , the health minister said the chancellor had made it clear that additional funding would be made available to tackle coronavirus .
`` We will get our part of that either through Barnett [ Formula ] or through need , '' he said .
Asked about how many people in Northern Ireland could contract coronavirus , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is generally available in the public is that , moving from what could be worst case scenario to very worst case scenario , we are looking at between 50 % to 80 % level of infection across the general population . ''
Meanwhile , the club secretary for St Gall 's GAA club said the club member who tested positive was last at the club on Sunday 1 March .
`` He was in the bar at the club house but did not attend any matches , '' said Sinead Mullan .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a deep clean and cancelled all training as a precautionary measure .
`` We have a duty of care to those who attend Naomh Gall and the Public Health Agency are aware and are liaising with him . ''
In a statement on social media , Tandragee Rovers said a senior player had tested positive for Covid-19 .
`` We commend the actions of our player for self-isolating and getting tested as soon as he became aware that he had been in contact with a person who ahd also tested positive over the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would remain closed until it underwent its deep clean , while the Mid-Ulster Football League has been informed .
The club has also cancelled all training until Monday , 23 March and suspended its participation in matches for the next two weeks .
Moneyslane , who played Tandragee in a match last Saturday , said its Jubilee Park ground was closed and training had been suspended until further notice .
In a statement on social media , the club asked that anyone who attended the game follow public health guidelines .
However it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ event at the Belmont Hotel on Saturday did not come into direct contact with the confirmed case .
A number of amateur football teams in Northern Ireland have postponed matches and cancelled training after a player was among those to test positive for coronavirus .
The player represents Portadown-based team Hanover FC , and the other clubs affected are Coagh United in County Tyrone and Glenavy-based Crewe United in County Antrim .
The news comes after Northern Ireland First Minister Arlene Foster said the UK should maintain a `` common sense approach '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in London after an emergency Cobra meeting .
The UK is remaining in the `` containment '' stage of its response to the coronavirus .
`` The advice remains the same , if you have flu-like symptoms - stay at home and away from others , '' she said .
The Cobra meeting was called to decide whether to bring in measures to delay the spread of coronavirus in the UK .
Banning big events and closing schools were said to have been considered , but Downing Street said the prime minister `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ advice '' but there was no need to cancel sporting events at this stage .
Three new cases were confirmed in Northern Ireland on Saturday .
They were adults who had recently travelled from Italy , which is at the centre of the European outbreak , and were linked to a previous case .
There were 319 confirmed cases in the UK as of 09:00 GMT on Monday , a rise of 46 since the same time on Sunday .
In the Republic of Ireland , the number of confirmed cases stands at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Patrick 's Day parades across the Republic of Ireland have been cancelled and Saturday 's match between France and Ireland is the latest Six Nations has been postponed .
Asked about whether such parades would be cancelled in Northern Ireland , the health minister said he would be `` led by the science '' .
Robin Swann said that the specialist advisory group on emergencies , which is a UK-wide group of experts , had said that `` cancelling any large events or sporting activities would not have a serious impact on either @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in time '' .
For advice and the latest updates on the coronavirus outbreak , the Public Health Agency has a dedicated website .
• EASY STEPS : How to keep safe • A SIMPLE GUIDE : What are the symptoms ?
• CONTAINMENT : What it means to self-isolate • HEALTH MYTHS : The fake advice you should ignore • MAPS AND CHARTS : Visual guide to the outbreak

Asked about how many people in Northern Ireland could contract coronavirus, he said: "A figure that is generally available in the public is that, moving from what could be worst case scenario to very worst case scenario, we are looking at between 50% to 80% level of infection across the general population."


bbcuk--2020-03-09--Blind man with guide dog punched by van driver

A blind man walking with his guide dog was punched repeatedly when he asked a van driver to move off the pavement to enable him to pass .
Tony Webb , 73 , was attacked in Bishop 's Stortford in Hertfordshire at about 09:00 GMT on Sunday .
His daughter posted a photograph of his black eye which has been shared by more than 15,000 people on social media .
She said he was recovering at home but was very shaken and was `` petrified '' of going outside .
Tracy Hassell , who said her father can see some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` My blind dad was attacked in Bishop 's Stortford town centre this morning at 9am by a man ... who was parked on the pavement in a white van . ''
'Did n't believe he was blind' She told the BBC : `` Dad asked the driver if he would move so he and Sammy , his guide dog , could get past , but the man said 'no ' .
`` Dad asked him again and said it was out of order to park on the pavement , and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up against the van - he thinks he was punched three times in his eye .
`` The man even told my father he did n't believe he was blind . ''
Mr Webb was taken to hospital and later discharged .
Mrs Hassell said her father had tried to take Sammy for a walk early on Monday , `` but he did n't get far - he said he was absolutely petrified there might be someone behind him '' .
A spokesman from the charity Guide Dogs said the organisation was `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Webb .
`` We have been in touch with him to ensure that he and his guide dog are both OK and will continue to support them in any way we can.
, '' he said .
Police confirmed they were investigating `` a physical altercation following a dispute about parking '' .
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"Dad asked him again and said it was out of order to park on the pavement, and the next thing he knew he was pushed up against the van - he thinks he was punched three times in his eye.


bbcuk--2020-03-10--Coronavirus: UK tactics defended as cases expected to rise

The decision to delay closing schools and introduce other strict measures to combat coronavirus has been defended by England 's deputy chief medical officer .
Dr Jenny Harries said experts are assessing new cases on an hourly basis to achieve a `` balanced response '' .
She told BBC Breakfast new measures could follow as UK cases begin to rise rapidly over the next two weeks .
In the UK , five people with the virus have died .
There were 319 confirmed cases as of 09:00 GMT on Monday .
Dr Harries said the vast majority of those diagnosed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ well '' but that they may `` feel a bit rough for a few days '' .
She added that people with flu-like symptoms will be advised to self-isolate within 10 to 14 days and , at the same time , significant increases in the number of cases are likely to begin .
Dr Harries said cancelling big outdoor events like football matches would not necessarily be a decision supported by science .
`` The virus will not survive very long outside , '' she said .
`` Many outdoor events , particularly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Harries ' comments come as the UK Foreign Office warned British residents against all but essential travel to Italy and airlines cancelled flights .
British Airways has cancelled all of its flights to and from Italy on Tuesday , while Easyjet cancelled the majority of its flights to and from Milan , Venice and Verona .
BA said customers due to fly to or from Italy before 4 April can rebook to a later date until the end of May , move their destination to Geneva or Zurich , or receive a full @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` The advice is that anyone who arrives from Italy subsequent to the Italian government decision should now self-isolate for 14 days . ''
On Monday the Italian authorities extended strict quarantine measures to the entire country from Tuesday .
Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte ordered the country 's entire population to stay home , seek permission for essential travel and justify leaving the country .
• EASY STEPS : How to keep safe • A SIMPLE GUIDE : What are the symptoms ?
• GETTING READY : How prepared is the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Visual guide to the outbreak • TRAVEL PLANS : What are your rights ?
The NHS has unveiled a range of measures as part of its response to try to stop fake news being spread about coronavirus on the internet .
Searches for `` coronavirus '' on Google , Facebook and YouTube will now promote information from the National Health Service or the World Health Organization .
The NHS said it had worked with Twitter to take down an account claiming to be a hospital and spreading false information , while it is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ treatments online .
Health Secretary Matt Hancock said the actions meant the public could access accurate health information `` which is more crucial than ever as we continue our response to coronavirus '' .
• All of Italy placed under coronavirus lockdown The UK is currently in the first phase - `` containment '' - of the government 's four-part plan .
On Monday , health officials said people who showed `` even minor '' signs of respiratory tract infections or a fever would soon be told to self-isolate for seven days in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The change in advice could happen within the next 10 to 14 days , the UK 's chief medical adviser Prof Chris Whitty said .
It came after researchers in the US found it took five days for most people with coronavirus to show symptoms .
Prime Minister Boris Johnson also suggested the elderly and vulnerable could be asked to stay home in the near future .
• Coronavirus symptoms 'take five days to show' The UK government has also announced it is to extend shop delivery hours to ensure that supermarkets have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The environment department , Defra , said by allowing night-time deliveries - currently restricted to avoid disturbing locals - stock would be able to move more quickly from warehouses to shelves .
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps tweeted that he stood `` ready to allow drivers ' hours to be safely and temporarily extended , if needed '' .
He has also written to the European Commission , asking for rules on take-off and landing slot allocations at major airports to be relaxed during the outbreak .
Under European law , if flights are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ forfeited .
Virgin Atlantic has confirmed it has been forced to operate some near-empty flights after bookings were dented by the coronavirus outbreak .
Meanwhile , US authorities are expected to fly home Britons who were on board the virus-hit Grand Princess cruise ship later , according to the Foreign Office .
There were 142 British people on the ship , which spent five days stranded off the coast of California .
However , one of the Britons on board , Jackie Bissell , told BBC Radio 4 's Today programme she had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ captain about her departure .
`` They have n't said anything about when we can go , '' she said .
`` It 's very unnerving to be left out here when we do n't know what 's going to happen . ''
Elsewhere , crowds exceeding 60,000 are expected on all four days of horse racing 's Cheltenham Festival , which starts on Tuesday afternoon .
It comes after Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said there was no reason to cancel such events due to coronavirus , although many other sporting fixtures , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , have been affected .
What are your experiences relating to the coronavirus outbreak ?
Share your experiences by emailing haveyoursay @ bbc.co.uk .
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"Since we cannot go outside we regularly called the ward where he was ill," the man's son told BBC Bengali. "And on a daily basis and we asked them how he was. They did not allow me to speak to him directly.


bbcuk--2020-03-10--Calm returns to markets after share turmoil

Stock markets in Europe have opened higher following Monday 's plunge , when shares saw the biggest falls since the 2008 financial crisis .
London 's FTSE 100 share index rose more than 3 % after having sunk 7.7 % in the previous session .
Markets were battered on Monday in reaction to the threat of an oil price war between Russia and Saudi Arabia .
But after falling as much as 30 % on Monday , oil prices also saw some recovery , with Brent crude rising 8 % .
The main share indexes in France and Germany were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Tuesday morning .
The response has been a fairly standard one when it comes to stock market behaviour , said Kathleen Brooks , director at Minerva Analysis .
`` Markets are so emotional , it 's unbelievable , '' she said .
`` Act first , think later .
This was the same in 2008 , you have these massive declines and then the market is on pause . ''
She said she thought markets would recover eventually , as `` if you look at long-term charts they always recover '' .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` we could see another decline if we do n't see the stimulus that 's required .
We need to hear more positive things because that 's when stock markets go up . ''
On Monday , US President Donald Trump said he would be taking `` major '' steps to strengthen the US economy against the impact of the coronavirus outbreak , and analysts said this had helped to lift markets .
The rebound has also been helped by a slowdown in reported cases of coronavirus in China , according to Michael @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Markets UK .
`` This optimism , along with expectations around further central bank actions is , for now , offsetting the news that the whole of Italy has gone into lockdown and the Spanish government has taken the decision to close all schools and universities in Madrid , '' he said .
Some investors will think that yesterday 's panic was an over-reaction , and that some shares now look cheap .
That would explain the rise this morning of Tui , the holiday company , and the small gains shown by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seesaw pattern of trading is nothing new .
One of the curious features of bear markets , where prices fall more than 20 % from their peak , is that they normally contain several one-day rallies within the overall fall .
That has been a feature of US and UK bear markets since the crash of 1929 , and has already been part of the pattern of trading since the coronavirus struck .
Today 's rally could easily be followed by another fall .
In Asia , shares in Japan rose after Prime @ @ @ @ @ @ @ work closely with the central bank to boost the economy .
Japan 's benchmark index , the Nikkei 225 , had started Tuesday more than 3 % down but bounced back following Mr Abe 's comments to stand 1 % higher .
In Hong Kong , the main Hang Seng market rose 1.4 % buoyed by Japan 's moves to calm investors .
The index had fallen more than 4 % on Monday .
Why should I care if stock markets fall ?
Many people 's initial reaction to `` the markets '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , because they do not invest money .
Yet there are millions of people with a pension - either private or through work - who will see their savings ( in what is known as a defined contribution pension ) invested by pension schemes .
The value of their savings pot is influenced by the performance of these investments .
So big rises or falls can affect your pension , but the advice is to remember that pension savings , like any investments , are usually a long-term bet .
Monday 's market @ @ @ @ @ @ @ major oil exporters Russia and Saudi Arabia over output levels .
On Friday , Russia had rejected a proposal by oil exporting group Opec to cut supply to cope with lower demand due to the coronavirus outbreak .
In response , Saudi Arabia said it would slash prices and pump more oil , sparking fears of a price war .
As a result , the price of international oil benchmark Brent fell by as much as a third on Monday in its biggest drop since the Gulf War in 1991. taking the price @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The sharp drop in oil prices unsettled investors already reeling from a global economic slowdown caused by quarantine measures to fight the spread of the coronavirus .
On Tuesday , the price of Brent crude regained some ground , rising about 8 % to around $ 37 a barrel .
Major central banks have pledged to pump cash into the financial system while governments are mulling stimulus measures to tackle the economic hit .
These include cuts to interest rates to encourage companies to borrow money and expand .
However , former Bank @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 5 live 's Wake Up to Money : `` I do n't think that a cut in interest rates now is actually going to do a great deal to help the situation , it maybe a sign of reassurance but it is not more than that .
`` What is needed now are targeted measures to help business deal with a short-term crisis and collapse of their cash flow , and I think the Bank of England understands that very well . ''
Reflecting jittery markets , gold prices crossed $ 1,700 per @ @ @ @ @ @ @ December 2012 .
Gold is often seen as a safer asset in times of economic and political uncertainty , along with government bonds .

"This optimism, along with expectations around further central bank actions is, for now, offsetting the news that the whole of Italy has gone into lockdown and the Spanish government has taken the decision to close all schools and universities in Madrid," he said.


bbcuk--2020-03-10--Huawei: PM faces Commons rebellion by Tory MPs over 5G contract

Boris Johnson is facing his first Commons rebellion since his general election victory over Huawei 's role in the UK 's 5G mobile internet network .
A number of senior Conservatives are set to back an amendment which would end the Chinese firm 's participation in the project by the start of 2023 .
Ministers approved Huawei 's involvement in January but capped its share at 35 % .
Tory critics say Huawei is an arm of the Chinese state and a risk to UK security - claims the firm rejects .
The government say the Chinese firm will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the 5G network and that its overall market share will decline over time as new players emerge .
But the US , which has banned Huawei from its own telecoms networks , has been highly critical of the UK 's decision , urging it to rethink its plans .
And a group of Conservative MPs led by the party 's former leader Iain Duncan Smith are pushing for firms classified as `` high-risk vendors '' by the National Cyber Security Centre to be banned entirely from the project by 31 December 2022 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ rebel on Tuesday by backing an amendment to the Telecommunications Infrastructure Bill .
With a majority of 80 , the government is unlikely to suffer a defeat .
• What is Huawei and how could it be a security threat ?
• Huawei 5G verdict is decision 'with few good options' But in an attempt to limit the size of the revolt , No 10 is reported to have arranged a series of meetings on Monday between MPs - including former cabinet ministers David Davis and Damian Green - and security officials from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's vote , Tory MP Bob Seely said it was the `` start of a process '' about Parliament talking about Huawei 's role in the UK 's mobile telecoms infrastructure .
`` The important thing is that , with the vibe that we 're getting from colleagues , many many more are very concerned about it , '' he said .
Downing Street has said it will continue to keep the 35 % market cap under review and that it hoped to get to a stage as quickly as possible where high-risk @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a briefing on Monday No 10 insisted that the government 's leading cyber security advisers were satisfied with the approach and that it would not impact on the UK 's ability to share intelligence with the US and its other leading allies .

And this matters because the rebellion could pave the way for an even bigger one in the summer that could yet overturn the Huawei decision, with several Tory MPs making clear they are ready to join the rebels once the key 5G legislation comes back to the Commons.


bbcuk--2020-03-10--MPs oppose 'bedroom tax' being applied to domestic abuse survivors

The government must stop applying the so-called `` bedroom tax '' to domestic abuse survivors fleeing their partners , 44 MPs have written in a letter seen by the BBC 's Victoria Derbyshire show .
One rape survivor , living in a home adapted for her safety , had her housing benefits cut because of her spare room .
The European Court of Human Rights said her case was discriminatory .
A government bid to appeal was refused .
The government said it was `` carefully considering '' the court 's decision .
The MPs - from all the major @ @ @ @ @ @ @ women `` must not be forced out '' of the safe houses , provided by the UK 's Sanctuary Scheme , by the policy .
The letter said 281 households in the scheme were currently subject to such `` penalties '' .
The woman - who is preserving her right to anonymity - is a victim of rape , assault , harassment and stalking at the hands of an ex-partner , her lawyers said .
She was given specially-adapted social housing designed to enable women and children at serious risk of domestic violence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a panic space and extra security measures , her lawyers added .
But because the house - occupied by the woman and her young son - was three-bedroomed , it led to a 14 % cut in housing benefits - as she was only entitled to receive housing benefit for a two-bedroom property .
After a six-year legal battle , the UK government was ordered by the European Court of Human Rights ( ECHR ) to pay the woman 10,000 euros ( £8,600 ) in compensation .
The court found the policy had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ told the Victoria Derbyshire programme : `` The constant worry about whether we would be made to leave our home ... has been truly awful .
`` It 's made me anxious not only about money , but also has reminded me of the terrible violence I experienced and had thought I was safe from .
`` I am so relieved to know that hopefully my battle is nearly over . ''
The Department for Work and Pensions sought to appeal against the decision , but had its application rejected .
Now 44 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Secretary Therese Coffey urging her `` to take immediate action on this life and death matter '' .
`` The government has committed to improving protection and support for survivors through the new domestic abuse bill , '' the open letter - coordinated by Labour MP Stella Creasy and supported by charity Women 's Aid - said .
`` The application of the 'bedroom tax ' to Sanctuary Schemes clearly undermines this aim .
`` So too , seeking to encourage people to leave their homes for smaller ones as this policy does @ @ @ @ @ @ @ aim of Sanctuary Schemes - which are designed to enable those at risk of domestic violence to remain in their homes safely .
`` We call on the government to act now and create an exemption for this very vulnerable group . ''
It added that exemptions were already in place for other groups , including disabled siblings who need their own bedrooms , foster carers and households with overnight carers for disabled people .
The government said there were no plans to abolish its policy on the removal of the spare room @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contain `` growing housing benefit expenditure '' , strengthens work incentives and makes better use of available social housing .
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"So too, seeking to encourage people to leave their homes for smaller ones as this policy does, is also in conflict with the aim of Sanctuary Schemes - which are designed to enable those at risk of domestic violence to remain in their homes safely.


bbcuk--2020-03-10--PC Harper murder trial: Officer 'dragged behind car for more than a mile'

A police officer died when he was dragged for more than a mile behind a car along a country lane , a court has heard .
Brian Altman QC , prosecuting at the Old Bailey , said PC Andrew Harper , 28 , got caught in a strap trailing behind a car in Berkshire on 15 August last year .
His uniform was `` literally ripped and stripped from his body '' , he said .
Henry Long , 18 , of Mortimer , Reading , and two 17-year-old boys are accused of murdering PC Harper , which they deny @ @ @ @ @ @ @ driving , and the two youths , who can not be named because of legal reasons , were passengers .
The jury was told PC Harper and a colleague were responding to a report of a quad bike theft near Sulhamstead .
Mr Altman said after the police officer became disentangled from the strap he was `` left with the most awful injuries '' .
He added : `` His injuries were simply not survivable , and he could not be saved .
`` He died totally naked apart from his socks and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trousers he was wearing . ''
Mr Long has previously admitted manslaughter and conspiracy to steal a quad bike .
On Monday , the two 17-year-olds pleaded guilty to conspiracy to steal a quad bike .
The pair also deny manslaughter .
The case before Mr Justice Edis is expected to continue for up to six weeks .

Mr Altman said: "It is the prosecution case that Long drove that car knowing full well that PC Harper was entangled in the strap, and he drove it in a manner calculated to dislodge him, and make good their escape, as had been their plan all along."