bbcuk--2020-08-27--Richard Osman: 'I wish I were cooler but I'm not'

We 've come to expect the unexpected from Richard Osman , the affable frontman on quiz shows Pointless and House of Games .
Both are arguably two of the most inventive in their genre of the last decade , throwing , as they do , convention forcefully to the wind .
Pointless ( and its celebrity version ) - which Osman co-hosts with Alexander Armstrong - turns questions on their heads by tasking contestants to hit on the most obscure correct answers - to score nul points .
Meanwhile House of Games pits four celebrities in a series of eclectic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - over five weeknights .
The two late afternoon shows have made a household name and face of Osman , who cut his teeth in TV as a behind-the-scenes producer .
And although he never expected it , Osman says he rather enjoys all the attention .
`` Being 6ft 7in , I 've never walked into a room , got on the tube or walked down the street and not been noticed , '' he says .
`` Now with fame I have the fortune that people smile and say hello rather @ @ @ @ @ @ @ say hello back and those who know I 'm a Fulham fan will come up to me and start talking about it .
I love it . ''
Osman may be the one who provides all the missing Pointless answers but he 's not involved in setting the questions and claims he 's not as brainy as people think .
`` I 'm good with words and at doing quizzes and I have a good memory but that 's not intelligence , '' he says .
`` I 'm visually impaired [ he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ badly .
But it 's meant I 've had to listen a lot and take in information really well . ''
Nonetheless , he is the man who had the original germs of the ideas that grew into what we now watch on screen .
So , although a self-professed champion of `` mainstream '' and `` rubbish '' TV , Osman clearly likes to think out of the box .
`` My heart , my soul are very mainstream .
I love shows like Homes Under the Hammer and Bargain Hunt .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ 'm not .
That 's my upbringing - very middle British and everything on TV then [ the 70s ] was a shared experience because there were so few channels .
`` But there 's no such thing as a totally new idea .
You just think , 'What if this was mixed up with this ? '
, and you come up with a combination that people have n't had before .
I love to do that better than expected so that millions of people will love it . ''
True to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ him remoulding again , but this time it 's himself - from TV personality to crime novelist .
Written in secret over 18 months , The Thursday Murder Club bears Osman 's offbeat hallmark in that it 's unusually set in a retirement village .
The idea caught even Osman off guard as it came to him on a what he thought would be a perfectly pleasant but uneventful lunch visit to his mother 's friend in one such community .
`` The setting felt familiar because you 're in beautiful countryside but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ busy with people everywhere .
`` Then , when you start talking to them , 70 and above , you think , 'My god , there 's some talent , wit , wisdom and sense of mischief in this generation , everything is there ' .
`` I thought this would be a great setting for a murder story .
Let 's throw the worst at them and see how they deal with it . ''
Osman 's protagonists are a wily gang of four whose past careers range from psychiatrist to secret @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to assume ) .
Operating as the club of the book 's title they meet to investigate unsolved murders from the case notes of a former member and one-time detective .
It 's fun and and keeps the brain well-oiled .
But their sleuthing gets serious with the here-and-now murder of a local property dealer .
One murder leads to another , not to mention an unidentified skeleton , a suspicious priest and multiple murky secrets , all of which demand unorthodox resourcefulness from our foursome to beat the police at solving the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ copious amounts of booze and cake .
But there 's also much pathos as Osman does n't shy from tackling the frailty of old age .
He says he 'd like his novel to foster greater respect for older people .
`` When you 're older , a number of things around you change .
There are physical difficulties .
There 's an awful lot of grief .
But you 've learned things other people have n't and have so much experience to share .
`` But , not only do we underestimate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ epidemic of loneliness .
The book says it does n't need to be that way .
When I was in that community , I thought everybody should have this option if they want it .
I 'm counting down the days ! ''
As a `` huge fan '' of crime fiction , Osman says he always knew it would be the kind of book he 'd eventually write .
Moreover , Osman 's literary venture has served as the next best option to the career he would have pursued had things turned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a police officer in Brighton for many years , and that 's the job I would have loved to do more than anything , '' he explains .
`` Even now , being a police officer , detective and investigator I would absolutely love because I love that thing of what 's going on right under our noses that we do n't know about .
Just ordinary looking people harbour secrets you would not believe .
It 's fascinating . ''
Still , the police force 's loss has been TV 's gain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ figure on our screens , he was a producer at Endemol [ with which he 's still involved ] on hit shows such as Deal Or No Deal and The Million Pound Drop .
The Pointless Osman/Armstrong partnership happened purely by accident .
Punting the show to the BBC , Osman 's role-playing of the question master went down so well , he was given the job ( despite that never being his intention ) .
He enlisted the then comedian Armstrong ( who Osman calls `` Xander '' ) who he 'd @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , thanks ' to an offer from Countdown .
The two had been only vaguely aware of each other when contemporaries at the University of Cambridge and later their paths sometimes crossed in TV .
Now , thanks to Pointless - which started quietly at 2.30pm on BBC Two in 2009 before being upgraded to BBC One teatime - Osman says he feels `` particularly fortunate that that friendship , which I hold very , dear , sort of developed on a television show '' .
And as beguiling as the quirky format @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's the warmth of this duo - towards each other and the contestants - that makes Pointless so accessible .
`` Neither of us is particularly slick - it 's just not what we have .
We 're a bit shy and embarrassed of things .
There 's never any script or rehearsal , nothing like that , '' says Osman .
`` But Xander , who is so charmingly enthusiastic about everything , and I have had the immense good fortune that as a partnership , there 's something people get from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like each other .
`` And people fascinate me .
It does n't matter what people do , I always want to hear about it and Xander is the same .
They come on the show and enjoy themselves - the world is not , as we 're told , this angry place where everyone is furious with each other all the time . ''
And so , would Osman make a good team-mate ?
`` You know what ?
I 'm really competitive , but I do n't mind losing .
All @ @ @ @ @ @ @ That 's what quizzes are .
You 're just playing . ''
The Thursday Murder Club is available from 3 September .

"But there's no such thing as a totally new idea. You just think, 'What if this was mixed up with this?', and you come up with a combination that people haven't had before. I love to do that better than expected so that millions of people will love it."


bbcuk--2020-08-27--Harry Dunn death: Mum vows to keep promise to get son justice

After her son Harry Dunn died in a crash , Charlotte Charles held him in her arms and promised she would get justice for the teenager .
Since then , the family 's campaign has seen them tackle the UK and US governments and taken them to the White House .
One year on , Ms Charles talks about her `` larger than life '' son and her determination to keep her word .
`` It 's still very painful every day '' , says Charlotte Charles .
Her son , 19-year-old Harry Dunn , died on 27 August 2019 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ car driving on the wrong side of the road outside RAF Croughton in Northamptonshire .
The suspect , US citizen Anne Sacoolas , left the UK , citing diplomatic immunity .
`` It seems only a few days ago that I heard his motorbike , did his washing , cooked for him , '' Ms Charles says .
`` It seems like only a few days since I held him and seems like only a few days ago that I was standing next to his lifeless body , promising him that I would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Charles .
`` And then you start thinking about the campaign and how much we 've been through and how many trips to London and the States , and the beginning of all of that seems like such a long time ago , sometimes feels like it was n't even us , like it 's a different life , a different world . ''
' I promised to get him justice' To those who knew him best , Harry Dunn was a funny and caring young man who was just starting to come @ @ @ @ @ @ @ passion for motorbikes , a sweet tooth and loved finding ways to make those around him smile .
Life without him still feels unreal , his mum says .
`` He was just a larger than life , a free-spirited soul , '' she says .
`` His sense of humour was great . ''
Ms Charles and Harry 's father , Tim Dunn , say they ask themselves `` What would Harry do ? ''
whenever they are struggling .
This gives them the inspiration to carry on , says Ms Charles @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Harry would have taken this lying down .
`` Heaven forbid this had happened to any of his siblings , a friend or a fellow biker .
`` He 'd have come out fighting tooth and nail to make sure justice was done . ''
• How the death of a teen became a transatlantic row 'What would Harry do ? '
Ms Charles says the family was `` not that political '' before Harry 's death , but the past year has been a steep learning curve .
`` I think everyone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' she says .
Aided by family spokesman Radd Seiger , the family has spearheaded a transatlantic campaign and started legal action against the Foreign and Commonwealth Office .
Mr Seiger , who has also helped the family with their legal challenge , said : `` I hope with Charlotte 's courage and determination , that she 'll inspire other people when they feel trodden on , to not take it lying down . ''
In the past 12 months the family have celebrated some successes in their campaign , including Mrs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ driving and the closure of the loophole that allowed her to leave the country .
`` That was monumental for us , '' Ms Charles says .
`` There 's no way we could ever have sat by and allowed this to happen to another family , we did not want to live with the fact it could happen to anyone else . ''
Mrs Sacoolas was formally charged with death by dangerous driving in December but an extradition request was rejected by US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo .
A spokesman for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ viewed by the UK government to be `` a denial of justice '' .
Ms Charles says the fight to bring Mrs Sacoolas back to the UK has resulted in the family feeling like they 've `` been to hell and back many times '' as they take on both the UK and US governments .
However , she says , due to the need to campaign they `` have not been afforded the luxury of grieving . ''
`` You can go through every emotion in the space of five minutes .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ many times a day ... it 's extremely hard to try to live with and we have n't started rebuilding our lives yet because we have n't got that closure or justice .
The family are adamant they will continue to fight for justice for Harry and will not stop until Mrs Sacoolas has gone through the UK justice system .
`` When we 've got justice then we 'll properly grieve and we 'll celebrate him too , the big life , the amount of life that boy had in him .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ legacy . ''
A two-day judicial review hearing at the High Court in November is scheduled , with Mr Dunn 's parents claiming the foreign secretary `` obstructed justice '' by allowing Mrs Sacoolas to leave the UK .
The Foreign Office maintains it acted lawfully at all times .
On Tuesday , it was announced that a trial held virtually or in absentia was being considered by Britain 's attorney general .
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After her son Harry Dunn died in a crash, Charlotte Charles held him in her arms and promised she would get justice for the teenager. Since then, the family's campaign has seen them tackle the UK and US governments and taken them to the White House. One year on, Ms Charles talks about her "larger than life" son and her determination to keep her word.


bbcuk--2020-08-27--Period poverty: Schools 'not aware' they can order free tampons

Charities say many schools and colleges are not aware they can order free period products through a government scheme , amid concerns Covid-19 has left more pupils struggling to access and afford tampons and pads .
Just under 40 % of state schools and colleges have placed orders since it was launched in England in January .
The government says the opt-in scheme has operated throughout the pandemic .
But campaigners say it should be promoted more as schools return .
Gemma Abbott , from the Free Periods group , said `` many schools and students [ are ] still @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which aims to help prevent children in colleges , primary and secondary schools missing lessons if they do n't have access to products at home .
`` The government also needs to take some responsibility for the fact that more than 60 % of eligible schools and colleges have yet to sign up to the scheme , '' she said - adding that Free Periods has `` hardly heard anything '' from the Department for Education ( DfE ) since the initiative 's launch .
• Does my child have to return to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have I leaked ? '
Periods , pills & sport '' If DfE really is committed to ensuring that 'no young person 's education is disrupted by their period ' , as they said back in January , then they need to make much more effort to ensure that schools and colleges know about the scheme , that they place orders for products and that they distribute those products efficiently and sensitively to students who need them . ''
She added that the government had suggested that the `` opt-in '' nature of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was insufficient uptake .
`` If these stats have not improved quite drastically by October half-term , this surely needs to be considered , '' she said .
Institutions that opt in can order from a range of items online , via email or over the phone using an allocated budget for 2020 .
The DfE said it expects uptake `` to return to pre-lockdown levels '' when children go back to lessons - and that some schools did continue to operate the scheme during lockdown .
Benfield School in Newcastle is one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ keyworker children , but staff delivered products to the homes of pupils who were eligible for free school meals .
However , assistant head teacher Sarah Wardle said with schools facing so much turmoil , tackling period poverty may not be a priority or a possibility for others .
She thinks making it mandatory for schools to use the scheme - and to educate about periods more broadly - would increase uptake .
`` It might be that it needs to come to that so that staff sit up and say 'we need @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' she said , adding she expects demand to rise in September .
`` Some of our students ' parents might have just been earning enough in terms of them not being able to access free school meals .
I think one of the issues when we come back is that those people who were just on the cusp might have lost their jobs , might not be working , and there will be a need . ''
The scheme is demand-led , so uptake is monitored and used to determine spending .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the government 's scheme and runs the online portal for orders , said it expects uptake to `` rise considerably '' in September .
Warren Edmondson , managing director of phs Direct , called the scheme is a `` major achievement '' in tackling period poverty , but added : `` The onus is now on schools and colleges to claim their free products and orders must be received by the end of the autumn term . ''
Amika George , who started the campaign to get free period products into schools @ @ @ @ @ @ @ needs to do more to promote it , particularly as the pandemic has been a `` disaster '' for those who were already struggling to afford products .
`` Household incomes have been squeezed and with so many jobs feeling fragile , children are not even asking their parents for money for pads , '' she said , adding that young people may have lost part-time jobs to buy their own .
She wants the government to contact schools and offer help if they are not ordering through the scheme .
According to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in 10 girls in the UK have experienced issues either affording or accessing period products during the pandemic , while one in five said their periods have been harder to manage due to the lack of available toilet roll .
The charity 's Katie Morrison said that while coronavirus is one factor affecting uptake , some schools may not see period poverty as a relevant issue or priority for their pupils .
`` Others may want to engage , but do n't know how to go about it , '' she said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ going back in September , which advises on how to deliver free product schemes and to facilitate discussions about what pupils need .
The England scheme mirrors one already rolled out in Scotland which launched last year , following a pilot scheme that gave free tampons and towels to low-income households in Aberdeen .
Wales introduced funding for free period products in schools from April 2019 and committed more than £3.3m in January this year to tackle period poverty and support period dignity in 2020/21 .
A spokeswoman for the Welsh government added @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in March , officials directed all local authorities and further education colleges to provide students with three months ' supply of products where needed .
One local authority in Northern Ireland offers free products in public places .
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• GROUNDED WITH LOUIS THEROUX : How did these high-profile people cope with lockdown ?

"Some of our students' parents might have just been earning enough in terms of them not being able to access free school meals. I think one of the issues when we come back is that those people who were just on the cusp might have lost their jobs, might not be working, and there will be a need."


bbcuk--2020-08-27--Coronavirus and schools: What are the risks with reopening?

Schools and colleges look very different this term to how many pupils will remember them .
Although the risks to @ @ @ @ @ , schools are taking extra steps to ensure they do everything they can to reduce @ @ @ @ @ Guidance has been given by individual governments , but it 's down to headteachers and @ @ @ @ @ best for their school , staff and pupils .
BBC Health Correspondent Laura Foster looks @ @ @ @ @ the school and some of the ideas being used to help stop Covid-19 .

Why are schools staying open during the second lockdown in England?
The UK government has issued new guidance which means pupils and teachers in England's secondary schools and colleges must wear face masks, and says it wants to continue prioritising the wellbeing and long-term future of young people.
But many local leaders say colleges, schools and universities should be shut to stop covid spreading.
While there's guidance from individual governments, it's down to head teachers and staff to decide what works best for their school, college or university.
BBC health correspondent Laura Foster looks at where the riskiest parts of the school and some of the ideas being used to help stop Covid-19 spreading.
Video by Megan Fisher, Terry Saunders and Laura Foster


bbcuk--2020-08-27--Sir Ed Davey wins Liberal Democrat leadership race

Sir Ed Davey has become the new leader of the Liberal Democrats after beating his fellow MP Layla Moran with @ @ @ @ @ votes from party members .
Sir Ed has been acting leader since Jo Swinson lost @ @ @ @ @ election in 2019 .
After the result was announced , he spoke of his plan @ @ @ @ @ fortunes following three bruising election campaigns .

Sir Ed Davey has become the new leader of the Liberal Democrats after beating his fellow MP Layla Moran with almost twice the number of votes from party members.
Sir Ed has been acting leader since Jo Swinson lost her seat in the general election in 2019.
After the result was announced, he spoke of his plan to restore the party's fortunes following three bruising election campaigns.
Leila Nathoo reports.


bbcuk--2020-08-27--Ian Wright hits back at 'racially driven' abuse

After Sky Sports ' decision to remove three football pundits from Soccer Saturday , racial abuse started to appear online @

After Sky Sports' decision to remove three football pundits from Soccer Saturday, racial abuse started to appear online.


bbcuk--2020-08-27--Quarantine: Do I have to self isolate?

Quarantine: Do I have to self isolate?

Coronavirus means you 're travelling between particular countries , you may have to observe a 14 day quarantine when you @ @ @ @ @ of quarantine restrictions for the UK is updated every week by the Joint Biosecurity Centre @ @ @ @ @ up by the government to monitor Covid-19 .
One in five eligible passengers will be @ @ @ @ @ they are following the rules .
People who do not self-isolate can be fined up @ @ @ @ @ Wales and Northern Ireland and £480 in Scotland .
There are fines up to £5,000 @ @ @ @ @ what do you have to do if you 're asked to quarantine ?
BBC Health @ @ @ @ @ you need to do .

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


bbcuk--2020-08-26--Over 75s licence fee: BBC boss Tony Hall said it was nuclear decision

Outgoing BBC director general Lord Tony Hall spoke about the negotiations with the government around removing free licences for over-75 @ @ @ @ @ interview with the BBC 's Amol Rajan , Lord Hall says the majority Conservative government @ @ @ @ @ charge on that age group of viewers .
The full interview with Tony Hall was @ @ @ @ @ and available on the BBC Sounds app .

Outgoing BBC director general Lord Tony Hall spoke about the negotiations with the government around removing free licences for over-75's.
In a wide-ranging interview with the BBC's Amol Rajan, Lord Hall says the majority Conservative government was responsible for imposing the charge on that age group of viewers.
The full interview with Tony Hall was broadcast on The Media Show and available on the BBC Sounds app.


bbcuk--2020-08-27--Swanage RNLI lifeboat rescue recreated by 11-year-old animator

An 11-year-old boy has created a Lego animation about a lifeboat rescue inspired by his RNLI volunteer cousin .
Becky @ @ @ @ @ the Swanage lifeboat crew and has to drop what she 's doing whenever there 's @ @ @ @ @ Christian was with Becky when she got a call and decided to recreate the scene @ @ @ @ @ extra drama .
The video was published online during Swanage Lifeboat Week and has been @ @ @ @ @ .

An 11-year-old boy has created a Lego animation about a lifeboat rescue inspired by his RNLI volunteer cousin.
Becky Mack is a member of the Swanage lifeboat crew and has to drop what she's doing whenever there's an emergency at sea.
Christian was with Becky when she got a call and decided to recreate the scene - adding a shark for extra drama.
The video was published online during Swanage Lifeboat Week and has been viewed more than 100,000 times.
A film by Simon Marks


bbcuk--2020-08-27--The Papers: 'Secret' care deaths and UK ushered back to office

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

On the opinion pages of the Financial Times, Dan Senor, who was an adviser to Mitt Romey during the 2012 US election campaign, has his own take on Mr Trump. He suggests his chances of re-election have been boosted by the unrest in Wisconsin this week which was sparked by the shooting of a black man, 29-year-old Jacob Blake, by police. He says the "mayhem amplifies Mr Trump's law and order message", which may be enough to win over "suburban swing voters" who are concerned about the violence.


bbcuk--2020-08-27--Man jailed for attempted murder of cousin in Hertfordshire field

A man who stabbed his cousin 27 times before he fled when she played dead has been jailed for attempted murder .
Joel Gregory told Bethanie MacSweeney she was his `` favourite cousin '' just before the attack in a field .
Miss MacSweeney , 18 , was knifed in the face , neck and back on 25 February , near Hemel Hempstead , Hertfordshire .
At Luton Crown Court Gregory , 20 and of no fixed address , was jailed for 14 years .
The court heard he had been drinking and taking cocaine on the day .
Miss @ @ @ @ @ @ @ being convinced she was going to die , the court was told in a victim impact statement .
But after regaining consciousness , she managed to raise the alarm at a nearby house , before being taken to Watford General Hospital .
Following the attack , Gregory went to his mother 's home in Hemel Hempstead and set fire to his clothes , telling her : `` I have slit her throat .
I have killed her . ''
Sentencing the defendant , Judge Andrew Bright QC said : `` It was clear @ @ @ @ @ @ @ murderous attack upon Miss MacSweeney , who you have always described as your favourite cousin , was wholly unprovoked , apparently motiveless and to some extent pre-planned rather than spontaneous . ''
In her victim impact statement , Miss MacSweeney read to the court : `` The main thing that I remember is the fear and the feeling that I was going to die .
`` At some point I remember trying to pretend I was dead in the hope that he would stop , but he did n't .
I became unconscious @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dead in a cold , dark field . ''
`` Imagine waking up screaming in fear and then looking in the mirror and being reminded every day for the rest of your life about what happened .
That is what I now have to live with , `` she said .
Gregory , who had denied attempted murder , was sentenced to 18 years , with a minimum term of 14 years in prison and four on licence .

"Imagine waking up screaming in fear and then looking in the mirror and being reminded every day for the rest of your life about what happened. That is what I now have to live with, "she said.


bbcuk--2020-08-27--Coronavirus: Quarantine check-ups problematic, says police chief

Scotland 's top police officer has described checks on travellers in quarantine as `` problematic '' .
About 16,000 people have been quarantining in Scotland over the last two weeks in the wake of tighter restrictions on overseas travel .
But Chief Constable Iain Livingstone told MSPs there had been a delay in the force being passed details of cases to follow up .
This was because of Public Health Scotland privacy concerns , he said .
The system of spot checks on people requiring to quarantine got under way in Scotland on 7 July .
Where health officials are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be quarantining by either the second or third phone call the details are passed to Police Scotland .
But this process did not begin until 31 July amid Public Health Scotland ( PHS ) concerns about the privacy of the individuals , according to the chief constable .
PHS said it had to complete data protection impact assessments before handing over follow-ups to Police Scotland .
Speaking at Holyrood 's justice sub-committee on policing , Mr Livingstone said : `` The quarantine arrangements have been problematic .
`` It took Public Health Scotland @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an appropriate process with Border Force .
`` In the early weeks of that , we were not passed any information , it was felt that this was personal health information I suppose and for reasons of confidentiality that information was not passed to us . ''
Latest figures show 183,695 people arrived in Scotland from outside the UK between 22 June and 23 August , of which 49,789 were required to quarantine and 3,303 were contacted by the PHS for spot checks .
A total of 764 people were unable to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to 5 August , Police Scotland said it had received 19 referrals about uncontactable travellers from PHS .
Lib Dem MSP Liam McArthur , who sits on the justice sub-committee , said : `` It 's now clear that there has been a succession of communication failures around the quarantine regulations .
`` These supposedly strict rules seem to have gone effectively unenforced . ''
To date , Celtic footballer Boli Bolingoli has been the only person served with a fixed penalty notice for breaching the quarantine restrictions .
On Tuesday , Justice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not yet hitting the 20 % target of spot checks on travellers but that was , in part , because of higher than expected overall numbers quarantining .
A spokeswoman for PHS said : `` Once sampling was under way with those requiring to quarantine it became apparent that there were passengers who could not be contacted .
`` Prior to passing any information to Police Scotland , data sharing agreements and data protection impact assessments had to be completed .
`` Once completed , data could be passed to Police Scotland and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ • DEATHS : Who is dying and where ?
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"In the early weeks of that, we were not passed any information, it was felt that this was personal health information I suppose and for reasons of confidentiality that information was not passed to us."


bbcuk--2020-08-27--Coronavirus: Firms breaking rules to 'face consequences'

Northern Ireland 's health minister has hit out at licensed premises that have been breaking Covid-19 guidelines .
There has been a `` blatant disregard '' for Covid-19 regulations by some in the hospitality sector , said Robin Swann .
`` If you flout the rules you must face the consequences , '' he told a news conference at Stormont .
He said he will propose to executive ministers that legislation should be strengthened to punish those premises .
Some pubs , hotels , restaurants and cafes were allowed to open in July but had to follow guidance published from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ operating .
Mr Swann said he had heard `` worrying reports '' from some members of the public and staff in certain companies about guidance being breached .
He said he would ask the executive to `` prioritise '' legislation to deal with the issue .
`` The regulations and recommendations we worked with Hospitality Ulster on ... was very clear as to how it should all take place , '' he said .
`` We worked with those sectors about how they could regulate themselves ; this was n't about coming down @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seeing is the blatant disregard for the guidance issued by their own industry . ''
The minister said the executive would consider recommendations from Hospitality Ulster about licensing laws .
The minister made his comments as the latest Covid-19 reproduction number ( R ) in Northern Ireland was revealed to be estimated at between 1.0 and 1.6 .
The Department of Health said the average number of new tests a day over the past seven days was 56.3 .
This shows a further increase in transmission in the last week , according to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the increase was `` likely to be strongly influenced by a meat factory outbreak in Mid and East Antrim '' .
In the Republic of Ireland , there were 93 new cases of Covid-19 reported on Thursday , but no further Covid-related deaths .
It brings the total number of confirmed cases since the outbreak began to 28,453 , while there have been 1,777 deaths associated with the virus .
Of the new cases reported , 70 % involve people under the age of 45 .
Mr Swann told the briefing that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` are inevitable '' , warning that there could be a difficult winter ahead .
`` We must stick together as a society , '' he said .
Northern Ireland 's Chief Scientific Adviser Prof Ian Young warned that an increase in testing was only a `` partial explanation '' for the rise in the number of positive cases .
`` The virus is spreading and is everywhere in Northern Ireland , '' he told the press conference .
The Chief Medical Officer , Dr Michael McBride , said more people in Northern @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Covid-19 and ultimately die unless the spread of the virus is curbed .
Given that many of the new confirmed cases of the virus are in young people , he made an appeal to that generation : `` Please do not put your parents and your grandparents at risk . ''
Meanwhile , it emerged that from this Saturday , those arriving in Northern Ireland from Cuba will not need to self-isolate .
Following a review of the scientific and medical evidence , Cuba will be added to the Travel Corridors exemption list @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Switzerland , Jamaica and Czech Republic will be removed from the list , so anyone arriving from these countries after 04:00 BST will be required to self-isolate for 14 days .
Mr Swann said his department `` will continue to monitor the situation in all countries and will move swiftly to make changes to the regulations when necessary '' .
Earlier on Thursday , an official survey suggested that levels of concern about Covid-19 appear to be decreasing in Northern Ireland .
The survey by statistics agency Nisra is based on 1,785 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 23 July 2020 .
Overall , just over seven out of 10 people ( 72 % ) said they were `` very '' or `` somewhat worried '' about the effect of the virus on their lives .
The figure is higher from April to May , than it was in the later part of the survey .
The survey of members of the public found that 77 % were worried from 20 April to 31 May .
That dropped to 67 % between 1 June and 23 July .
There were higher @ @ @ @ @ @ @ long-standing illness , with more than three-quarters saying they were worried .
In the Nisra survey , almost two-thirds of those who home-schooled their children said they were confident in their ability to do so , but just over a quarter said they were n't .
And most believe their children were continuing to learn ( 79 % ) , while just over one in ten ( 12 % ) disagreed .
Around a third of people ( 32 % ) expect their financial position to get worse in the next 12 months @ @ @ @ @ @ @ improve .
Just over half ( 55 % ) believe it will stay the same .
Those perceptions change by age group , with almost 40 % of those in the 45-64 group expecting their financial position to get a little or a lot worse in the next year .
The majority of people aged 65 and over ( 71 % ) expect their financial position to remain the same in the next twelve months .
People rated their life satisfaction as statistically significantly lower ( 7.54 ) compared to Nisra 's figures @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of life satisfaction ' , what you do in life is `` worthwhile '' and `` happiness '' were significantly higher for people aged 65 and over when compared to other age group .
But there were no significant differences observed between people aged 16-44 and 45-64 for these measures .
Similarly , feelings of anxiety for people aged 65 and over were significantly lower than for those aged 45-64 .
The vast majority of people ( 80 % ) said they had avoided contact with older people or other vulnerable people in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the Coronavirus ( COVID-19 ) outbreak .
That figure dropped over time - around nine out of 10 people interviewed between 20 April to 17 May 2020 said that they had avoided contact with older or vulnerable people in the seven days prior to interview because of the COVID-19 outbreak .
That decreased to 72 % in the two-week period after 15 June 2020 .

In the Republic of Ireland, there were 93 new cases of Covid-19 reported on Thursday, but no further Covid-related deaths. It brings the total number of confirmed cases since the outbreak began to 28,453, while there have been 1,777 deaths associated with the virus.


bbcuk--2020-08-27--Bank holiday 'fly-camping' and illegal rave warning

Every day in August has been like a bank holiday , according to some business owners .
But with the actual holiday weekend approaching , people have been told not to overwhelm hotspots around Wales .
Tourists who can not find a space at sites that are full have been warned against `` fly-camping '' - pitching a tent on land without permission .
There is also concern about illegal raves taking place and emergency services being overwhelmed by calls .
`` Over the past few weeks , we 've noticed that people have been pitching tents and parking vans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' said the charity 's director in Wales , Katie-Jo Luxton .
`` This unfortunately often leads to problems such as littering , blocking of access to roads and paths , damaging habitats and , at times , other antisocial behaviour . ''
• Minority of young people 'ruining it for majority' Such is the concern , RSPB Cymru wrote an open letter along with bosses at Natural Resources Wales ( NRW ) , Brecon Beacons National Park Authority , Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority , Snowdonia National Park Authority and National @ @ @ @ @ @ @ environmental damage , littering and wildfires that could arise from pitching a tent or parking a camper van on land without permission .
`` We know lockdown has been hard on everyone and , while we 're all eager to get back to enjoying the outdoors , we and our partners are asking that this enjoyment is n't done at the expense of nature and others , '' said Clare Pillman of NRW .
Cars have been towed away during the summer after being parked illegally at some of Wales ' beauty spots @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , urged people to consider visiting `` quieter locations '' and not the `` usual hotspots '' , adding : `` It 's been a very busy month .
`` Some businesses have said it 's been like a bank holiday every day . ''
North Wales Police has launched Operation Blue Forest after officers became aware of unlicensed music events being planned for the bank holiday weekend .
Supt Jason Devonport said : `` Preventing these events from taking place is incredibly important to ensure the safety of everyone across north Wales @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and we are committed to working with our local authority partners and key stakeholders to prevent further unlicensed events from taking place . ''
He said patrols would aim to disrupt any events .
Gatherings of more than 30 people are currently not allowed because of coronavirus , while new rules come into force in Wales on Friday .
They will see anyone found to have organised an illegal rave facing a conviction with an unlimited fine or a fixed penalty of £10,000 .
A dispersal order and measures to tackle anti-social @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bay because hundreds of people have been gathering there since the ending of lockdown .
Meanwhile , accident and emergency workers at Ysbyty Gwynedd , in Bangor , said they were expecting a rise in incidents with nobody going abroad and more tourists than usual visiting the area .
`` When Covid first hit , patients only came when they needed to , and it gave us the time to put things in place , the changes to look after the patients and not overload the system , '' said consultant Richard Griffiths @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we 've noticed it getting busier and busier and busier and , being in a tourist location , we 've noticed those number go up . ''
The Welsh Ambulance Service appealed to the public to only dial 999 if absolutely necessary .
`` More people are out and about socialising with family and friends on the bank holiday weekends , and this can lead to more people becoming ill or suffering injuries and requiring medical attention , '' said director of operations Lee Brooks .
`` While there are plans in place @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , we only have a limited number of crews and vehicles available which means that we need to prioritise those sickest patients first . ''
August has already been exceptionally busy , with 12 August - the hottest day of the year - being the second busiest after New Year 's Day for the ambulance service .

"We know lockdown has been hard on everyone and, while we're all eager to get back to enjoying the outdoors, we and our partners are asking that this enjoyment isn't done at the expense of nature and others," said Clare Pillman of NRW.


bbcuk--2020-08-27--Nóra Quoirin: Window in Malaysian resort was broken, inquest hears

The room a teenage girl was staying in when she disappeared from a Malaysian jungle resort had a broken window handle , an inquest heard .
The body of 15-year-old Nóra Quoirin , from London , was found after a huge search of dense rainforest last August .
A police officer told the inquest Nóra 's family reported the fault before she went missing .
The family has always insisted the window was shut before they went to sleep on the night she disappeared .
BBC News Philippines Correspondent Howard Johnson , who covered the story from Malaysia last year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ police believe Nóra left through the window .
The family were staying in Sora House in Dusun eco-resort near Seremban , about 40 miles ( 65 km ) south of Kuala Lumpur , when Nóra was first reported missing a day after they arrived on 3 August 2019 .
Her body was found on 13 August by a group of civilian volunteers in a palm-oil plantation about 1.5 miles from the holiday home .
Negri Sembilan criminal investigations officer Ass Supt Chong Mee Chyi , said when the family checked in they contacted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could not be closed securely .
Ms Chong said the family told her the resort took no action to fix the window and that the owner told them the accommodation `` is very hot , so the window can be opened to allow for wind to enter '' .
The officer earlier told the inquest that when she first met the family the day after Nóra was reported missing , her mother , Meabh Quoirin , kept repeating `` I believe that my daughter is abducted '' .
She told the inquest she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she had a history of wandering off and Ms Quoirin said never before .
`` The mother said it 's not likely that her child would go out on her own .
Her child would not go anywhere far without being accompanied by her family , '' she said .
The family has always insisted it was highly unlikely Nóra - who was born with holoprosencephaly , a disorder which affects brain development - would have gone off alone .
Coroner Maimoonah Aid then asked Ms Chong about what other activities the family @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they went to sleep .
`` They said they were in the living room , happy and chatting , before going to sleep… I asked them , after checking in , did you go out of Sora House to go anywhere within or outside the Dusun area ?
They said no , '' she said .
The inquest will continue on 1 September .

"They said they were in the living room, happy and chatting, before going to sleep… I asked them, after checking in, did you go out of Sora House to go anywhere within or outside the Dusun area? They said no," she said.


bbcuk--2020-08-28--Coronavirus: Campaign to encourage workers back to offices

People will again be encouraged to go back to their workplaces as part of a government campaign starting next week .
Employers will be asked to reassure staff it is safe to return by highlighting measures taken to prevent the spread of Covid-19 .
Business leaders have warned of damage being done to city centres as people stay away from offices .
And Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said some things were `` impossible '' to do remotely .
But Health Secretary Matt Hancock said he cared more about how employees performed than where they were working .
And Dave Penman @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which represents civil servants , said ministers needed to accept the `` world of work has changed '' and millions of employees were working from home successfully .
The campaign , which will launch as most schools in England and Wales reopen , will predominantly be promoted through regional media , BBC political correspondent Iain Watson said .
• ' I 'm very anxious about getting back to work' • No plan for a return to the office for millions Whitehall sources insist the campaign will not suggest those who continue to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ risk of losing their jobs .
Labour 's shadow business minister , Lucy Powell , said no one should be forced `` to choose between their health and their job '' and the government should `` categorically rule out '' any campaign suggesting people could lose their employment if they refused to return to the office .
Frances O'Grady , general secretary of the Trades Union Congress , said : `` The prime minister needs a credible plan to help more people travel and work safely , not a scare campaign . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ test-and-trace system , better enforcement of transport and workplace safety and more childcare support .
The messaging comes as head teachers say they are ready to welcome young people back to school in England and Wales full-time next week .
That should make a return to the workplace more feasible for many parents .
The employers ' organisation the CBI has warned city centres could become `` ghost towns '' if the prime minister does not do more to encourage staff back , with businesses relying on passing trade from office workers .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ and have urged ministers to deliver a clear and consistent message that it is safe to return .
But Mr Hancock said getting staff back to work was a `` matter for employers '' and , when asked about the Department for Health and Social Care , that his main concern was how employees performed .
`` Some of them have been working from home , some come in sometimes , some are in full-time - and what matters to me is that they deliver and , frankly , they 've been delivering @ @ @ @ @ @ @ health secretary told Times Radio .
• JOBS : Can my boss force me to go to work ?
• FACE MASKS : When should you wear one ?
• SCHOOLS : Which are re-opening , when ?
• LOOK-UP TOOL : How many cases in your area ?
Mr Shapps told BBC Breakfast his own department was encouraging people to return to the office but it was `` a gradual process '' .
Where it is safe to do so , the transport secretary said people should go back to their workplaces @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which were `` impossible '' to do remotely .
`` But I suspect we 'll see more flexible working than we 've seen in the past and it will be for employers and employees to work out the right balance in their particular cases , '' he said .
Mr Shapps said employees with `` legitimate concern '' over whether their workplace was `` Covid-secure '' could raise this with the Health and Safety Executive but most employers had worked hard to make them safe .
He acknowledged the return of pupils to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` create pressures '' on the public transport system .
`` We 'll be watching those very carefully and looking to , for example , in some cases run additional services where we see those problems bubble up , '' he said .
Can employers force staff back to the office ?
In the overwhelming majority of cases the return to office work - or the continuation of home-working - will be a matter of discussion between employers and employees .
Businesses will heed public health and government employment guidance , carry out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and make any reasonable adjustments to facilitate a return to a safe office .
Much will depend on the nature of the business and the specific employee role , but there are two principal grounds on which employees can challenge an employer 's demand that they return to the office .
Firstly , if the employee is disabled or has a condition which puts them at a higher risk of contracting Covid-19 , or suffering more severely if they do contract it , they could challenge the demand as discriminatory under the Equality @ @ @ @ @ @ @ part here as older workers could argue they are more vulnerable to the virus .
Those , predominantly female , workers caring for others who are more vulnerable to the virus could bring indirect sex discrimination claims if compelled to return .
Secondly , the Employment Rights Act protects employees who reasonably believe there is a `` serious and imminent '' risk of danger in returning to work .
This could include risks in getting to and from the workplace .
If meaningful work has been carried out at home during lockdown , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ resist requests for flexible working .
However , employees must be mindful of their duty to carry out any demands from their employer which are legal and reasonable .
Between 27 July and 9 August , 39 % of the workforce of businesses still trading was working remotely , according to the Office for National Statistics .
The industries with the largest proportion of employees working remotely were education and information and communication , where the figure was more than 70 % .
Figures from investment banking company Morgan Stanley suggest the proportion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ normal workplace is less than half that of other major European countries .
A BBC study found 50 major UK employers had no plans to return all staff to the office full-time in the near future .
One of the main reasons given was that firms could not see a way of accommodating large numbers of staff while social distancing regulations were still in place .
The prime minister first instructed people to work from home in March .
The restrictions began to ease slightly in England in May , when Boris Johnson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ home - such as those in construction and manufacturing - should return to the workplace .
In July , Mr Johnson told people to `` start to go back to work now if you can '' and has repeated the plea since then .
On Thursday , the UK recorded its highest number of new daily Covid-19 infections since mid-June - but there was also a new low in the number of people being treated in hospital .
• WILL COVID-19 CHANGE THE WORLD OF WORK FOR GOOD ?
: Is working from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ WITH LOUIS THEROUX : How did these high-profile people cope with lockdown ?

Firstly, if the employee is disabled or has a condition which puts them at a higher risk of contracting Covid-19, or suffering more severely if they do contract it, they could challenge the demand as discriminatory under the Equality Act. Age could also play a part here as older workers could argue they are more vulnerable to the virus.


bbcuk--2020-08-28--Coronavirus: Health workers' army to be trained to deliver Covid vaccine

The government plans to train up an army of health professionals to be ready to give the coronavirus vaccine , if and when one is shown to work .
This could include pharmacists , who already deliver flu vaccines , midwives and physiotherapists .
The proposals come amid fears that , if a safe and effective vaccine became available now , there would n't be enough people to administer it .
But a vaccine is not expected to be ready before Christmas .
Although the chances of having a vaccine this year are considered to be small , preparations are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ready , it can be given to a large number of people very quickly .
Proposals , which are being considered in a three-week consultation , are designed to cut red tape and prevent any delays between a vaccine being found and then given to the UK population .
The Department of Health and Social Care ( DHSC ) said this could include training a wider range of existing NHS staff , as well as student doctors and nurses .
It might also involve training other professionals , including dentists and vets .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ supervision .
There are also plans to strengthen the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency ( MHRA ) 's powers to roll out an unlicensed vaccine rapidly if one becomes available before the new year .
The UK remains under the jurisdiction of the European Medicines Agency and its licensing scheme until the end of the Brexit transition period on 31 December 2020 .
Prof Jonathan Van-Tam , deputy chief medical officer , said : `` If we develop effective vaccines , it 's important we make them available to patients as quickly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ standards have been met .
`` The proposals consulted on today suggest ways to improve access and ensure as many people are protected from Covid-19 and flu as possible without sacrificing the absolute need to ensure that any vaccine used is both safe and effective , '' he said .
In addition , the consultation - which seeks to amend the Human Medicine Regulations 2012 - will look into ways to protect companies that manufacture and distribute the vaccine , should it cause any harm .
This is to prevent them from bearing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government to roll out unlicensed vaccines , in order to protect the health of the public .

"The proposals consulted on today suggest ways to improve access and ensure as many people are protected from Covid-19 and flu as possible without sacrificing the absolute need to ensure that any vaccine used is both safe and effective," he said.


bbcuk--2020-08-28--Princess Diana statue to be installed to mark her 60th birthday

A statue of Diana , Princess of Wales , commissioned by the Duke of Cambridge and the Duke of Sussex @ @ @ @ @ what would have been her 60th birthday , Kensington Palace says .
It will be @ @ @ @ @ the London palace on 1 July 2021 .
The statue was commissioned by the princes @ @ @ @ @ 20th anniversary of their mother 's death and to `` recognise her positive impact '' @ @ @ @ @ since she was killed in a car crash in Paris .
Prince William and Prince @ @ @ @ @ and 12 at the time .
When they announced the commission , the princes said @ @ @ @ @ would help all those who visited Kensington Palace to `` reflect on her life and @ @ @ @ @ Our mother touched so many lives , '' they said .
The statue will be @ @ @ @ @ Memorial Fountain , which is in Hyde Park .

A statue of Diana, Princess of Wales, commissioned by the Duke of Cambridge and the Duke of Sussex, will be installed on what would have been her 60th birthday, Kensington Palace says.


bbcuk--2020-08-28--Broxburn flooding: People rescued as homes in West Lothian flooded

A clean up operation has begun after homes were flooded in the West Lothian area .
Emergency crews were called out to rescue residents in Broxburn who were stranded following Thursday 's heavy rain .
Firefighters used boats to remove residents from their flooded homes .
Many cars in the area were also up to their roofs in water .
More than 20 homes in the area are believed to have been flooded .
This is thought to include 17 social housing properties on Pyothall Court , and six private homes on Nicol Road .
Emergency services said residents concerned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Ratho and Linlithgow on Thursday evening .
It said the evacuations were a `` precautionary measure '' , and that no one had been injured .
West Lothian Council said it had assisted emergency services after a number of properties and roads , particularly in Broxburn , were affected .
A council spokesman added : `` The community centre at Strathbrock Partnership Centre was opened as an emergency respite for centre for those impacted by the flood waters however no one in the end required accommodation through the night .
`` A @ @ @ @ @ @ @ officers continuing to work with the emergency services this morning . ''
Broxburn resident Aimee Miller said that about 19:00 on Thursday she looked out her window to see her garden completely under water .
By the time her family was rescued by firefighters , she said the water was waist deep .
She told Good Morning Scotland that water got into her house and was quarter of the way up the wall .
Ms Miller and her partner are going to return to their home on Friday morning to assess the damage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the street would be written off as they had been submerged in water .
Jean Hendrie , 70 , had to leave her home in Pyothall Court after water came over a flood wall and poured into the property .
She has gone to stay with her daughter .
She said : `` Everything in the living room is ruined , the water was up to our knees .
The carpets are ruined , the floors are ruined .
`` The rain came on really heavy at about 17:00 and there is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the water came right over the wall .
`` One of my neighbours was flooded and the water came right up to her kitchen worktops , and there are cars that are written off .
`` We will not be able to stay here as the electricity is off , the carpet is soaked , there is silt everywhere . ''
She said nothing like this had happened in the 21 years she had lived there .
Elsewhere in the central belt , trains were cancelled and roads closed .
ScotRail warned that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or cancelled due to `` extremely heavy rain flooding '' .
On Friday , the rail company tweeted that all lines affected by Thursday 's heavy rain have now reopened , and services are able to run again .
Floodwater also closed some roads in the east end of Glasgow .
Traffic Scotland said the A77 near the A751 , Cairnryan , Dumfries and Galloway , were restricted in both directions due to surface water affecting the carriageway .

He said: "After carrying out inspections of the Union Canal we are confident that the flooding which took place in Broxburn last night was the result of heavy rainfall and surface water runoff that overloaded local water courses and was not caused by water leaking from, or overtopping, the canal."


bbcuk--2020-08-28--PC Harper widow 'horrified' at killers' reported £465K legal aid costs

The widow of PC Andrew Harper has criticised the reported £465,000 in legal aid received by his killers .
Lissie Harper , 29 , said she was `` horrified '' at the amount spent on `` defending the indefensible '' , after the figure was reported by the Daily Mail .
PC Harper suffered fatal injuries when his ankles became caught in a strap trailing behind a getaway car in August 2019 and was dragged to his death .
Three men were acquitted of his murder and sentenced for manslaughter .
Mrs Harper , who had been married to her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he was killed , said in a statement : `` This just does n't seem right or fair .
`` Not only did we not get justice for Andrew , we now know the cost of that injustice .
`` I am sure the public - whose support for me has been unstinting - will be as horrified as I am to know how much money is going towards paying this trio 's escalating legal costs . ''
Mrs Harper is campaigning for Harper 's Law to ensure those who kill emergency workers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the news of the legal aid costs had made her `` more determined than ever to keep on fighting for Harper 's Law , which would mean these despicable criminals are jailed for life '' .
Two of his killers - 18-year-old Albert Bowers and Jessie Cole - last week lodged applications with the Court of Appeal seeking permission to challenge their convictions and their 13-year prison sentences .
Getaway driver Henry Long , 19 , who was jailed for 16 years lodged an application on Friday to appeal against his sentence .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ and for the family and friends of PC Harper following the dreadful circumstances of his killing .
However , it is a foundation of our fair trial system that everyone charged with a criminal offence by the state - with the considerable resources at its disposal - is entitled to legal representation .
The state can , and does , sometimes get it wrong .
To guard against that , those who meet the criteria are entitled to have their representation paid for by the state through legal aid .
That includes people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sympathy , and those who do n't .
Juries decide on the evidence presented in court whether defendants accused of serious crimes are guilty or not .
Lawyers simply provide advice and representation to those accused .
The judge is there to ensure that defence lawyers conduct their cases in a proper manner .
There were two lengthy trials in this case involving complex evidence which had to be analysed by the defence legal teams .
The first trial had to be abandoned because of the lockdown .
All three defendants were acquitted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that defence lawyers successfully challenged the state 's charge of murder .
Parts of the press will inevitably focus on legal aid fees following the acquittal of unpopular defendants by juries , with the implication that such people are somehow not entitled , or less entitled to legal aid .
That flies in the face of what parliament has determined to be the way our fair trial system is funded .

There were two lengthy trials in this case involving complex evidence which had to be analysed by the defence legal teams. The first trial had to be abandoned because of the lockdown. All three defendants were acquitted of murder by the jury, meaning that defence lawyers successfully challenged the state's charge of murder.


bbcuk--2020-08-28--JK Rowling returns award after Kerry Kennedy criticism

JK Rowling has said she is giving back an award associated with the US Kennedy family , after being criticised for her views on gender and trans issues .
The author was given the Ripple of Hope honour by the Robert F Kennedy Human Rights organisation last year .
But earlier this month , its president Kerry Kennedy said views expressed by Rowling recently `` diminished the identity '' of trans people .
Rowling says Kennedy 's implication that she is transphobic is `` incorrect '' .
What is the row all about ?
The Harry Potter writer was criticised @ @ @ @ @ @ @ issue with the phrase `` people who menstruate '' .
Rowling objected to the avoidance of the use of the word `` women '' .
In a lengthy blog post , Rowling said her interest in trans issues stemmed from being a survivor of abuse and having concerns around single-sex spaces .
`` I respect every trans person 's right to live any way that feels authentic and comfortable to them , '' she wrote .
`` At the same time , my life has been shaped by being female .
I do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so . ''
Several film stars from the Harry Potter universe distanced themselves from her comments , including Eddie Redmayne , Daniel Radcliffe and Emma Watson .
What did Kerry Kennedy say ?
Earlier this month , Kennedy posted a statement online , which read : `` I have spoken with JK Rowling to express my profound disappointment that she has chosen to use her remarkable gifts to create a narrative that diminishes the identity of trans and non-binary people , undermining the validity and integrity of the entire transgender community .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ discrimination , harassment , and exclusion and , as a result , experiences high rates of suicide , suicide attempts , homelessness , and mental and bodily harm .
`` Black trans women and trans youth in particular are targeted . ''
She went on to say the organisation categorically rejected Rowling 's view that a person 's sex is the one they were assigned at birth .
`` The science is clear and conclusive : Sex is not binary , '' she wrote .
In a new statement published on her website @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there is no conflict between the current radical trans rights movement and the rights of women '' .
She noted that `` thousands of women '' had got in touch with her to show their support and called for a more nuanced debate .
`` Clinicians , academics , therapists , teachers , social workers , and staff at prisons and women 's refuges have also contacted me , '' she continued .
`` These professionals , some at the very top of their organisations , have expressed serious concerns about the impact @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and on women 's rights , and of the dismantling of safeguarding norms which protect the most vulnerable women .
`` None of them hate trans people . ''
Rowling has since received support online , and the hashtag # IStandWithJKRowling began trending on social media on Friday morning .
`` There absolutely are conflicts between extreme transgender lobby demands and the rights of women and children , '' wrote journalist Sonia Poulton .
Previous recipients of the award she has now decided to give back have included Barack Obama and Archbishop Desmond @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or on Twitter @ BBCNewsEnts .
If you have a story suggestion email entertainment.news @ bbc.co.uk .

Explaining why she was returning the award, she added: "I am deeply saddened that RFKHR [Robert F Kennedy Human Rights] has felt compelled to adopt this stance, but no award or honour, no matter my admiration for the person for whom it was named, means so much to me that I would forfeit the right to follow the dictates of my own conscience."


bbcuk--2020-08-28--Coronavirus: Campaigners call for emergency cash for renters

The government is being urged to provide emergency financial help to tenants in England who have fallen into arrears due to coronavirus .
Housing charities and groups representing landlords and letting agents are calling for loans and grants for those struggling to pay rent .
New research on behalf of Shelter suggests 322,000 people have fallen behind since the outbreak in March .
The government said it had taken `` unprecedented action '' to help renters .
• What are the rules around evictions ?
• Renters struggle most with pandemic costs , says report Six organisations - including Shelter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ joined forces to call for short-term financial aid for renters .
The groups say £270m is needed to help tenants keep their homes and assist landlords who rely on rental income for their livelihoods .
They are proposing grants for renters already claiming government benefits , which would be distributed by local authorities .
And they say interest free loans should be made available for tenants who can afford to pay them back over time .
The survey carried out for Shelter by YouGov showed 4 % of private renters in England have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ And the charity 's chief executive , Polly Neate , said the organisation had been `` deluged '' with calls from worried families `` plunged unexpectedly into debt '' .
She added : `` We simply can not afford to lurch into another devastating homelessness crisis now that will ruin countless lives and undermine the country 's economic recovery . ''
Her call is echoed by others , including the National Residential Landlords Association , ARLA Propertymark - which represents letting agents - and the campaign group Generation Rent .
Chris Norris , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Association , said : `` The vast majority of landlords and tenants have been able to reach agreements [ on arrears ] . ''
But , he added , it had `` proved difficult '' in some cases .
`` A financial package , such as that we propose today , would greatly assist tenants and landlords to achieve what we all want , namely to sustain tenancies , '' he said .
The government has extended a ban on evictions in England and Wales until 20 September after calls from charities and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ requirement for landlords to give six months ' notice to tenants they wish to evict .
A spokesman for the government said it had taken `` unprecedented action to support renters during the pandemic by banning evictions , preventing people getting into financial hardship and helping businesses to pay salaries '' .
He also said the changes made to evictions would help with `` supporting renters over winter '' , along with additional funding to the welfare system and local authorities .
But housing charities and opposition parties at Westminster have said further @ @ @ @ @ @ @ homelessness crisis '' .
The Welsh government has already launched a loan programme for tenants with rent arrears due to coronavirus .
The £8m Tenant Saver Loan Scheme is for private sector tenants who are not on benefits .

"A financial package, such as that we propose today, would greatly assist tenants and landlords to achieve what we all want, namely to sustain tenancies," he said.


bbcuk--2020-08-28--Ant and Dec 'wanted to quit' Britain's Got Talent

Ant and Dec say they almost quit Britain 's Got Talent in 2012 , partly because they were unhappy with the way the show was being edited .
The presenting duo felt they were being `` sidelined '' , as segments they filmed for the audition shows kept `` ending up on the cutting room floor '' .
`` It felt like it may as well have been anyone hosting the show , '' wrote Dec in the pair 's upcoming autobiography .
The situation was only resolved after a tense meeting with Simon Cowell .
`` We let him @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said Ant in the book , titled Once Upon A Tyne , which has been previewed in The Sun .
`` We told him everything - that we were n't being used , that we could be doing other stuff , that maybe someone else should take over . ''
The duo also told Cowell they had grown frustrated with his timekeeping , adding that his habit of turning up late to auditions `` drives us nuts '' .
`` To be fair to Simon , he sat there , took it all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ five cigarettes , '' Ant recalled .
Dec added : `` He made a promise to us : That things would change and that we 'd never feel like that again .
`` He desperately wanted us to stay and we told him we 'd do the next series and see how it went - and , to be fair to him , he was as good as his word , things did change . ''
Ant and Dec have continued to host Britain 's Got Talent ever since , and the TV @ @ @ @ @ @ @ series .
It is due to return to ITV on 5 September , after this year 's live finals were postponed due to the Covid-19 pandemic .
• Ant and Dec sorry for acting as 'people of colour' The broadcaster had initially hoped to film the finals in front of a full audience , but social distancing requirements mean that will no longer be possible , even with the delay .
`` Obviously you prefer a big audience but it 's a very familiar show and there are ways of making it feel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up the applause track , '' said ITV boss Kevin Lygo at the virtual Edinburgh TV festival on Thursday .
`` It puts more pressure on the judges to make sure it 's obvious we are all having fun . ''
Follow us on Facebook , or on Twitter @ BBCNewsEnts .
If you have a story suggestion email entertainment.news @ bbc.co.uk .

"He desperately wanted us to stay and we told him we'd do the next series and see how it went - and, to be fair to him, he was as good as his word, things did change."


bbcuk--2020-08-28--Nicola Williams: Teenager 'swept away' by Rhymney River current

A 15-year old girl who died in a river was swept away by a strong current , an inquest opening @ @ @ @ @ died in the Rhymney River , in Llanrumney , Cardiff , on Friday , 21 @ @ @ @ @ search and rescue effort .
The hearing at Pontypridd was opened by assistant coroner Thomas @ @ @ @ @ September 2021 .
The inquest heard fire crews recovered Nicola 's body and a doctor @ @ @ @ @ water .
Nicola , from the Trowbridge area of the city , went to St @ @ @ @ @ .
She was described as `` polite , respectful and hardworking '' by the headteacher @ @ @ @ @ dozens of floral tributes were left for her near the spot where she died .
@ @ @ @ @ not treating her death as suspicious .

She was described as "polite, respectful and hardworking" by the headteacher of her school, and dozens of floral tributes were left for her near the spot where she died.


bbcuk--2020-08-28--Festival staff 'devastated' by summer of cancellations

Many of us would normally be spending the August Bank Holiday raving in a field , sheltering in a soggy tent or dancing on the streets of Notting Hill .
This year we 'll probably be watching repeats of last year 's headliners from our sofas , with festivals cancelled by the coronavirus pandemic .
It 's left hundreds of people who work at them without a job - and in some cases with no income at all .
BBC Radio 1 Newsbeat has been speaking to some of them .
Luke Hopkins works as a rigger , building and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ year he helped build the `` colossal '' Lion 's Den at Boomtown Festival .
`` It 's enormous , incredibly tall - about four or five storeys high , '' he says .
He also helped build Block 9 at Glastonbury .
But when all festivals were cancelled this year , the 21-year-old found himself out of a job .
`` I was about to book trips to America , because I was thinking I would be sorted out for money over this whole summer , as I had loads of work @ @ @ @ @ @ @ theatre production , but there was no work there either .
`` It just all went to pot .
Jobs in production are just non-existent . ''
Luke was able to get a grant from the government 's self-employment scheme as he had no other way of getting an income .
`` It 's definitely been tough , knowing I was supposed to do months and months of works and earn loads of money , but it 's just fallen out the sky . ''
For Luke though , there have been some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ him space to think about what he wants to do and he 's planned to go on a climbing course , which he hopes will further his career .
Mary Shelley Smith 's been serving up food to bands and punters at festivals , including BBC Radio 1 's Big Weekend , Reading , Glastonbury and the Isle of Wight , for about 30 years .
This year , she says the company she works for , Eat to the Beat , has been left completely devastated .
`` We were at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dropped off and off .
`` It 's quite frightening - it 's knocked all of our income off . ''
The company 's had to make redundancies and put staff on furlough to survive .
They managed to get some work catering for the NHS and in particular for those working at the Nightingale Hospital in Cardiff .
'It 's been really , really hard' Artists have n't be able to perform over the summer , and playing at festivals is something that generates a lot of their income .
James from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ while it 's been difficult , the band has had some things to keep them busy .
He acknowledges that those working behind the scenes that will struggle the most .
`` It 's more the people you do n't think about - the people that keep the venues clean , sort out the lights , supply the PAs , that restock bars - I think those people are finding it most difficult to be honest .
`` My heart really goes out to them . ''
Listen to Newsbeat live at 12:45 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ here .

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bbcuk--2020-08-28--Mother and boy, 7, found dead at Isle of Dogs home

A mother and her seven-year-old son have been found dead at their home in east London .
The Met Police @ @ @ @ @ identified as Yulia Gokcedag , 35 and her son Timur .
Post-mortem tests have been @ @ @ @ @ not looking for anyone else in connection with the deaths .
Their bodies were found @ @ @ @ @ way into a property in Lockesfield Place , Isle of Dogs , on 13 August @ @ @ @ @ had been reported as missing to police the day before .
The Gokcedags were unresponsive @ @ @ @ @ the scene , police said .
Inquests into the deaths are set to be held @ @ @ @ @ on 16 December .
The Metropolitan Police said that its directorate of professional standards ( @ @ @ @ @ informed .
A referral was made to the Independent Office for Police Conduct ( IOPC @ @ @ @ @ to the local professional standards unit which is now investigating .

Post-mortem tests have been carried out and police are not looking for anyone else in connection with the deaths.


bbcuk--2020-08-28--Coronavirus: 'Reassuring' study of children's 'tiny' risk

Parents should be `` reassured '' Covid-19 has not caused the deaths of any otherwise healthy schoolchildren in the UK , researchers say .
Children 's risk of needing hospital treatment for coronavirus is `` tiny '' and critical care `` even tinier '' , they say .
However , black children , those who are obese and very young babies have a slightly higher risk .
The BMJ study looked at 651 children with coronavirus in hospitals in England , Wales and Scotland .
• Does my child have to go back to school ?
• Missing school is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 'half as likely to catch coronavirus' It covers two-thirds of all children 's admissions in the UK due to Covid-19 between January and July and confirms what is already known about the minimal effects of the virus on children .
A `` strikingly low '' 1 % of these 651 children and young people - six in total - had died in hospital with Covid-19 compared with 27 % across all other age groups , the study found .
Eighteen per cent of the children needed intensive care .
And the six who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ underlying health conditions that had often been complex and themselves life-limiting .
Children with such conditions remained vulnerable to the virus and must take precautions , the researchers said .
But for others , the risk was extremely low .
• SOCIAL DISTANCING : What are the rules now ?
• BUBBLES : How do they work and who can be in yours ?
• SYMPTOMS : What are they and how to guard against them ?
• FACE MASKS : When should you wear one ?
• YOUR QUESTIONS : Our experts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ re-opening , when ?
`` There have been no deaths in otherwise healthy school-age children , '' said study author Prof Calum Semple , from the University of Liverpool .
`` There is no direct harm from children going back to school , '' he added .
Co-author Dr Olivia Swann , from the Royal Hospital for Sick Children , in Edinburgh , said she hoped the findings would be `` extremely reassuring for parents across the UK '' .
The most common symptoms in children admitted to hospital were a fever , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of breath .
Older children were more likely to have stomach pain , headache and a sore throat .
Of the 651 children in the study , 42 % had an underlying health condition - the most common ones being illnesses affecting the brain and nervous system ( 11 % ) , cancer ( 8 % ) and asthma ( 7 % ) .
But having asthma - unlike being obese - had not made the children more likely to need intensive care .
Of the children studied , 52 were also diagnosed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus , with the first case seen by doctors in mid-March .
These children - none of whom died - were more likely than the others to be older , about 10 , and from ethnic minorities .
And they were five times more likely to be admitted to intensive care , where they responded well to treatment .
Based on their study , the definition of this syndrome could now be broadened to include symptoms such as fatigue , headache , sore throat and muscle pain , the researchers said , on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the World Health Organization .
Dr Liz Whittaker , of Imperial College London , said the findings echoed other studies of Covid-19 in children .
`` Very low numbers of children have been admitted to critical care and the researchers reported a very low death rate - particularly in comparison to adults but also in comparison to the death rate due to other infections , influenza , chicken pox , meningitis , group-A-strep [ tococcus ] sepsis etc , and other causes of childhood death - for example , road traffic accidents , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ children were more commonly affected by the very rare inflammatory syndrome `` reflects the higher incidence of coronavirus infection in these communities '' , Dr Whittaker added .

"Very low numbers of children have been admitted to critical care and the researchers reported a very low death rate - particularly in comparison to adults but also in comparison to the death rate due to other infections, influenza, chicken pox, meningitis, group-A-strep[tococcus] sepsis etc, and other causes of childhood death - for example, road traffic accidents," she said.


bbcuk--2020-08-28--Coronavirus: What powers do the police have?

What is the guidance for parties or other gatherings ?
So what does the law say ?
Are there any @ @ @ @ @ me cover my face in a shop ?
Can I be stopped from going to @ @ @ @ @ if pubs and cafes break the rules ?
However , many of the laws ( @ @ @ @ @ fines ) have now been removed .
At the peak of the lockdown it was @ @ @ @ @ without good reason or - when rules were being relaxed - gathering outside in groups @ @ @ @ @

Coronavirus: What powers do police have if people break Covid rules? Published 12 January 2021
Image source, Getty Images
The police's role in the coronavirus pandemic is simple: to ensure we follow national lockdown restrictions.
But in practice, that is a huge challenge for officers who are being asked to monitor behaviour that, until March last year, was perfectly legal.
How do police enforce Covid rules?
Police chiefs have followed a system called "The Four Es". Before fines are issued to rule-breakers, police will first:
Engage with people, to ask why they appear to be breaking the rules
Explain the law, stressing the risks to public health and the NHS
Encourage them to change their behaviour
The fourth "E" is "Enforce" by issuing penalty notices, as a last resort.
Covid rule-breakers are now "increasingly likely" to be fined by officers, the Metropolitan Police commissioner Dame Cressida Dick has said.
What are the fines for breaking Covid rules?
The police have a legal duty to make sure the rules are enforced, alongside council, environmental health and trading standards officers.
If you break coronavirus regulations, you could get a fixed penalty notice , the Covid equivalent of a traffic offence like speeding.
Since March, 32,000 have been issued in England and Wales. Penalties rose sharply during England's November lockdown. Almost 6,500 penalty tickets were handed out as police moved more quickly to enforcement.
In England and Northern Ireland fines start at £200. Fines start at £60 in Wales, and in Scotland, although this is reduced to £30 if paid within 28 days.
Large parties can also be shut down by the police - with fines of up to £10,000.
In extreme circumstances, you could be prosecuted and face an even greater fine imposed by a court.
Image source, West Midlands Police Image caption, Hundreds of people were caught on a drone camera at an illegal party by West Midlands Police
Can police fine me for being in the street?
Yes. All of England is now in a "tier four" national lockdown, with similar measures in place across the rest of the UK.
Under the new lockdown law, you must stay at home unless you have a "reasonable excuse" to be outside. Your home includes property such as a garden, shed or garage - and also access to it.
The government's lockdown guidance sets out examples of reasonable excuses. Police won't fine you for leaving home to go shopping for essential goods, or to use a business that can remain open, or for going to work or education, training or childcare.
There are other reasonable excuses - such as helping other people in their moment of need. Police chiefs are telling frontline officers to use their judgement if they come across a situation not defined in the regulations.
If you want to take part in a protest, the law does not define that as a reasonable excuse to leave home. There is, however, an exception for joining a picket as part of lawful industrial action.
Will police arrest me for exercising?
Exercise is one of the reasonable excuses for being outside in a public space. You cannot be fined for exercising.
But there has been enormous confusion since last March over how long people could exercise for. Cabinet Minister Michael Gove pronounced that spring that he thought half an hour was enough.
There are also questions over how far you can go to exercise. Boris Johnson has been criticised for travelling seven miles from Downing Street to go cycling during lockdown.
There are no restrictions in law in England on how you exercise and for how long. You cannot exercise in groups, but you can run or go on a wander with someone else from your household, support bubble or one person you don't live with.
The government's Covid guidance for exercise explains that law - and mixes it with a non-legal recommendation to only go out once a day - and to stay local.
It says local "means stay in the village, town, or part of the city where you live", but that has no legal force.
Image source, Getty Images
Derbyshire Police have been taking the "stay local" principle seriously. Officers have issued tickets to people who drive five miles to their local beauty spot - including two women accused of an illegal picnic because they were carrying takeaway cups of tea.
Will the police fine me for mingling?
They might. This refers to the ban on "gatherings".
The last-but-one version of the restrictions made it a potential crime to "mingle". That language has now gone from the law - but the rules are far stricter.
While the law in England doesn't criminalise bumping into someone in the street, you can no longer meet anyone socially - other than those in your household, support bubble or people you care for.
How likely am I to be fined?
The Home Office has given the police an extra £30m to pay for Covid patrols in England and Wales.
Over Christmas there were more than 800 fines for what Home Secretary Priti Patel says were "egregious" breaches of the rules.
The National Police Chiefs' Council hasn't abandoned the Four Es - but expect more fines and more officers asking people what they are doing.
Image source, PA Media Image caption, Police patrols were stepped up around the Scotland-England border around Christmas
For instance, the Metropolitan Police has told officers to issue fines "more quickly" to anyone committing obvious, wilful and serious breaches.
Derbyshire Police, who famously put a drone up over hikers in the first lockdown, has issued a similar warning.
Can police make me cover my face?
Yes - while in shops and on public transport. You could face a fixed penalty notice if you don't.
Image source, Reuters
Can police check whether I'm isolating?
If you have returned from an overseas Covid hotspot, or have been told by the NHS Test and Trace system to stay at home, you must quarantine for 10 days.


bbcuk--2020-08-28--UK travel restrictions: Are Greece and Turkey on the quarantine list?

Which countries are now on the quarantine list ?
In recent weeks , the government in England has announced changes @ @ @ @ @ Thursdays .
These have come into force the following Saturday at 0400 .
How does @ @ @ @ @ go on the quarantine list ?
The decision is generally triggered when 20 or more @ @ @ @ @ in a country are infected over seven days .
Other factors are also considered .
@ @ @ @ @ holiday to Greece or Turkey ?
Where can I go without quarantining when I get @ @ @ @ @ UK from the common travel area - the Republic of Ireland , the Channel Islands @ @ @ @ @ Man - are exempt , as are the 14 British Overseas Territories .
Which other @ @ @ @ @ list ?
You must isolate for 14 days if you arrive in the UK from @ @ @ @ @ much of Central and South America , and some countries in Africa , the Middle @ @ @ @ @ about restrictions at my destination ?

On 24 December, the UK banned travel from South Africa amid concerns over another new strain of the virus linked to that country. People who have transited through South Africa in the past 10 days will also be banned. However, UK and Irish nationals as well as the UK visa holders and permanent residents are exempt, but they will have to self-isolate for 10 days on arrival.


bbcuk--2020-08-28--Coronavirus loss of smell: 'Meat tastes like petrol'

Losing the ability to smell or taste are two of the symptoms associated with Covid-19 .
But while many have regained their senses , for others it has turned into a phenomenon called parosmia , leaving them trapped in a world of distorted scents .
For Kate McHenry , simple tap water triggers an awful stench .
That , along with the horrible smell she experiences from body wash , means taking a shower is something to be endured .
`` My Aussie shampoo used to be my favourite , but now it 's the most disgusting smell in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ falling mildly ill in March with suspected coronavirus , the 37-year-old , from Widnes in Cheshire , was unable to smell anything at all for four weeks before the sense slowly returned .
But by mid-June things `` started to taste really weird '' with odours being replaced by a `` horrible , chemical '' stench .
It has had a life-changing effect on Kate - she has lost weight , struggles with anxiety and is starved of the pleasures of eating , drinking and socialising .
The problem is so bad that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cooked , she is overwhelmed by the apparent stench .
She is scared she will be left without her sense of smell forever .
`` I love nice meals , going out to restaurants , having a drink with friends but now all that has gone .
Meat tastes like petrol and prosecco tastes like rotting apples .
If my partner , Craig , has a curry the smell is awful .
It even comes out of his pores so I struggle to go anywhere near him .
`` I get upset in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will say 'what do you fancy to eat ? '
and I feel really bad because there 's nothing I want - I know everything is going to taste horrendous .
The implications it 's had on my life are huge and I am so scared I 'll be stuck like this forever . ''
People with Covid-19 lose their sense of smell - known as anosmia - because the virus damages the tissue and nerve endings in their nose .
It is when those nerves are regrowing that parosmia can happen and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an odour 's real smell .
The condition is normally linked to common colds , sinus problems and head injuries .
Sufferers describe being able to smell burning , cigarette smoke or rotting meat .
In severe cases , the smell is vomit-inducing .
Although professionals are hopeful parosmia is a sign of recovery to restored smell , for some people it can take years to pass .
For Pasquale Hester , from Leeds , toothpaste is one of the worst culprits .
The chemical taste makes her retch so much so she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ salt , which tastes normal to her .
Like many affected by Covid-19 , it was weeks before she had an improved sense of smell after being ill with the suspected virus .
But then when she ate a curry for her birthday in June , she realised her scent was distorted .
`` I had a poppadum but spat it out straightaway because it tasted like paint .
Some things are more bearable than others , '' said Pasquale , 34 .
`` Coffee , onion and garlic are the absolute worst @ @ @ @ @ @ @ down me some days are sugar snap peas and cheese .
`` Losing my smell was mentally a struggle , but this has completely blown me away .
I would n't wish it on my worst enemy . ''
Law student Brooke Jones began getting symptoms in April and tested positive for Covid-19 a week later .
She describes almost everything she smells as like `` rotting meat mixed with something off a farm '' .
The 20-year-old , from Bradford , has a list of `` safe foods '' that she can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cucumber and tomatoes .
Anything else and she just puts up with the unpleasantness .
`` I think now I can imagine what things taste like .
So when I 'm eating a Chinese [ takeaway ] , even though it 's not particularly nice , I can convince myself that it is n't too bad . ''
You might also be interested in : 'They have n't found anyone else like me' 'We can enjoy life without sound' 'How I hid my autism to fit in' While the numbers of Covid patients @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is estimated hundreds of thousands have suffered anosmia .
Prof Claire Hopkins , president of the British Rhinological Society ( BRS ) , said there is `` widely-held incorrect belief '' that smell blindness from the virus is short-lived .
`` Yes , there is a good chance of recovery but there are huge amounts of people who will lose their smell for a long period of time and the impact of that has been completely overlooked . ''
Smell plays an important role in memory , mood and emotion and those suffering @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hopkins .
While anosmia is bewildering , parosmia can be unbearable and only in very extreme circumstances can medicine , in the form of an antiepileptic drug , be prescribed .
Prof Hopkins said patients were finding it difficult to access help for smell problems and she is working with the NHS to change that .
`` GPs are playing catch-up and probably most doctors have not come across a patient with anosmia before .
There are n't many silver linings from the pandemic but if we can use it to educate health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ understand the mental and physical impact , then that is a huge step forward . ''
In the absence of a cure , sufferers are getting help and support from smell loss charity AbScent , which has set up a Facebook group for those affected through the pandemic .
With input from the BRS , the charity has produced an information guide for people experiencing Covid-related smell loss , including details of which foods to eat and how to go about smell training .
Its founder , Chrissi Kelly , said : `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to see that others are in the same boat and to be able to share openly and have this big conversation . ''
The Facebook group also serves as platform for anosmia and parosmia sufferers who are fighting to get their condition understood .
Brooke added : `` When I try and explain it , some people think it 's funny and make a joke - that at least I ca n't smell bad stuff .
I know the effects of Covid could have been much worse , but it does get to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seems to be able to tell you when or if it will ever get any better . ''

Brooke added: "When I try and explain it, some people think it's funny and make a joke - that at least I can't smell bad stuff. I know the effects of Covid could have been much worse, but it does get to me and it's scary that no-one seems to be able to tell you when or if it will ever get any better."