bbcuk--2020-07-21--Lockdown Brits splurge on tea, biscuits and a good book

Brits working from home during lockdown have turned to the comforts of coffee , tea and biscuits , and a good book .
We 've splashed out an additional £24m on tea and coffee and an extra £19m on biscuits in the past three months , says market research firm Kantar .
The company also reported that grocery sales reached a record £31.6bn in the 12 weeks to 12 July .
We 've also been reading much more , according to publisher Bloomsbury , which has seen book sales jump .
`` The cost of working from home is starting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said Fraser McKevitt , head of retail and consumer insight at Kantar , talking about the extra cash we 've spent on hot drinks and biscuits .
The research firm said grocery sales during lockdown have climbed 16.9 % , the fastest growth rate since its records began in 1994 .
With more people turning to online supermarkets , the home delivery grocers now account for 13 % of the market , up from 7.4 % in March at the start of lockdown .
• The foods we are all eating during lockdown @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is permanent '' Although restrictions have eased , more than one in five households still made an online order during the latest four weeks , '' said Mr McKevitt .
He said that despite pubs , bars and restaurants re-opening recently , more than half of consumers say they are still uncomfortable with visiting a pub .
`` As a result , take-home alcohol sales were still up by 41 % this month as people were unable or avoided drinking out , '' said Mr McKevitt .
There 's been a surge in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bloomsbury .
Its sales have climbed almost a fifth compared to last year , with its consumer division reported a 28 % rise in revenue .
`` Our good May and June performance in particular were unexpected , '' the company said .
Its bestsellers have included the ever-popular Harry Potter series by JK Rowling , but also books related to the Black Lives Matter campaign .
'Why I 'm No Longer Talking to White People About Race ' by Reni Eddo-Lodge has led the bestseller lists in recent weeks , while the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Truth of Our Racial Divide ' by Carol Anderson , climbed to the New York Times to 10 bestseller list .
Print revenues were 9 % above the same period last year , while digital revenues grew by 63 % year-on-year , Bloomsbury said .
Kantar said that during the last four weeks shoppers were embracing the new freedoms and cautiously returning to their pre-lockdown behaviours .
It said there were signs that shoppers might be growing more confident and travelling further afield for their weekly shop .
`` Convenience stores were a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ days of the crisis , providing essential supplies close to home , '' said Mr McKevitt .
Corner shops attracted 2.6 million fewer shoppers through their doors than at the peak of lockdown in April as the average distanced travelled to a grocer has climbed to 4.9km , a 10 % increase from the April low .
`` As lockdown restrictions are gradually eased and non-essential retail outlets re-open , some consumers are slowly resuming their pre-Covid routines and shopping habits , '' said Mr McKevitt .
Year-on-year supermarket sales growth slowed to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 18.9 % in June .
`` However , we are clearly a long way off a complete return to normality , '' he said .
Footfall was still 15 % lower during the past four weeks and the average supermarket trip cost £25.05 , 35 % more than the same period last year , as most people continue to eat more meals and snacks at home .

'Why I'm No Longer Talking to White People About Race' by Reni Eddo-Lodge has led the bestseller lists in recent weeks, while the 2016 book 'White Rage: The Unspoken Truth of Our Racial Divide' by Carol Anderson, climbed to the New York Times to 10 bestseller list.


bbcuk--2020-07-21--Coronavirus: Another fall in deaths in Wales

The number of registered deaths involving coronavirus in Wales has dropped to 22 in the week ending 10 July .
This compares to 35 the previous week , according to latest figures from the Office for National Statistics ( ONS ) .
More than half of local council areas ( 12 ) saw no deaths from coronavirus .
The number of so-called `` excess deaths '' is also six below the five-year average .
This is seen as a key indicator as it compares death numbers with what we might expect to see at this time of year .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2020 up to 10 July was 20,865 , which is 2,050 ( 10.9 % ) more than the five-year average .
The total number of deaths involving coronavirus is now 2,484 deaths ( 11.9 % of all deaths ) .
These are for deaths registered by 10 July - and the total is 2,489 for those up to 10 July but registered by 18 July .
• Coronavirus : What do the stats tell us in Wales ?
• How many people have died ?
• Coronavirus could lead to thousands more cancer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ before going to A & E In total , Cardiff has the most deaths in Wales - 378 , followed by Rhondda Cynon Taff ( 296 ) .
RCT also has the highest death rate - 123.2 deaths per 100,000 , which is ranked 22nd across England and Wales for the size of its population .
The ONS includes all deaths when doctors suspect or confirm coronavirus is a factor - and unlike the daily Public Health Wales ( PHW ) figures they also include deaths in all places , including care homes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also six deaths with coronavirus mentioned in care homes in the latest week .
Separate figures from Care Inspectorate Wales out today confirm 736 care home resident deaths with suspected or confirmed cases of the virus up to 17 July - with deaths overall 71 % higher than the same period last year .
The ONS figures take longer to come out but are seen as giving a fuller picture - PHW 's own figures have been around 60 % of the eventual total , and there is a difference of 947 deaths @ @ @ @ @

The ONS figures take longer to come out but are seen as giving a fuller picture - PHW's own figures have been around 60% of the eventual total, and there is a difference of 947 deaths up to 10 July.


bbcuk--2020-07-21--Coronavirus: Virus misinformation, workers' pay rise and herd immunity

Here are five things you need to know about the coronavirus outbreak this Tuesday morning .
We 'll have another update for you at 18:00 BST .
Misleading and harmful online content about coronavirus has spread `` virulently '' because the UK still lacks a law to regulate social media .
That 's the verdict from an influential group of MPs .
They highlight rumours of fake cures and conspiracy theories about 5G technology and vaccines , and say government recommendations to reduce harm must be urgently implemented and enforced .
Google and Facebook insist they are taking action .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ virus misinformation .
Almost 900,000 public sector workers , including doctors , teachers and police officers , are to get an above-inflation pay rise .
The chancellor said the workers made a `` vital contribution '' , particularly during the pandemic , but Labour argues the rises will not make up for years of real-terms cuts .
BBC business correspondent Dharshini David says tough questions will be asked about affordability given the pressure on budgets caused by coronavirus .
Not all settlements will be UK-wide .
There could be more than 3,500 avoidable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ five years as a result of the pandemic , according to researchers .
Fewer people have sought advice for potential symptoms due to fears of catching the virus , and some cancer services , like routine screening , have been disrupted .
But study leader Prof Clare Turnbull said taking fast action now could still turn things around .
The BBC has spent months speaking to scientists advising the government to try to find out how important the concept of herd immunity was to the strategy adopted at the beginning of the outbreak @ @ @ @ @ @ @ large percentage of a population has become immune to an infection , either because they 've caught it or been vaccinated .
Find out more by watching Panorama - Britain 's Coronavirus Gamble on BBC iPlayer .
Ten-year-old Arlo Lipiatt , from Bristol , came up with a lockdown project to create a music fanzine and Pint-Sized Punk has become a surprise hit .
He 's secured interviews with the likes of Manic Street Preachers , and has orders coming from as far afield as Australia .
Not all start-up enterprises have it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has created extra challenges , as our technology of business reporter explains .
Get a longer coronavirus briefing from the BBC in your inbox , each weekday morning , by signing up here .
You can find more information , advice and guides on our coronavirus page and get all the latest in our live page .
Plus , with summer holidays abroad back on the cards , what might your trip be like ?
Here we tell you what to expect .
What questions do you have about coronavirus ?
In some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , displaying your name , age and location as you provide it , unless you state otherwise .
Your contact details will never be published .
Please ensure you have read our terms & conditions and privacy policy .
Use this form to ask your question : • HOSPITAL SPECIAL : The human stories behind the headlines • JESSE LINGARD 'S HOME WORKOUT : Can you keep up ?

The BBC has spent months speaking to scientists advising the government to try to find out how important the concept of herd immunity was to the strategy adopted at the beginning of the outbreak. Herd immunity is achieved when a large percentage of a population has become immune to an infection, either because they've caught it or been vaccinated. Find out more by watching Panorama - Britain's Coronavirus Gamble on BBC iPlayer.


bbcuk--2020-07-21--Coronavirus: Couple warn against Covid-19 complacency

A couple diagnosed with coronavirus despite being asymptomatic are urging others not to become complacent .
Ciaran Lynch and his pregnant wife Clionagh are now isolating at home after testing positive for the virus .
Ciaran had been contacted by the Public Health Agency and advised to take a test after playing golf with a friend who had been diagnosed with the virus .
`` I was a wee bit shocked , I actually did n't think I had it , '' he told BBC Radio Foyle .
The couple , from Feeney in County Londonderry , will isolate now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a baby on the way so that is the main worry at the minute , '' Mr Lynch said .
`` We 've just got to wait it out and isolate and hope we do n't develop symptoms '' .
He wants others `` to be careful '' if going out and coming into contact with others .
Mr Lynch , who plays in two sports team , said he contacted his club managers , who stopped all training and advised their players to get tested .
His wife Clionagh has closed her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have come into contact with .
He said he had thought living in a remote and rural area may have made contracting the virus less likely .
`` I never thought it ( coronavirus ) would come into a rural area , we are out in the country and never thought it would 've got this far '' .
Department of Health figures show a recent rise in the number of cases in Northern Ireland 's north west .
The biggest increase in cases over the last seven days occurred in the Causeway @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new cases , while in Derry and Strabane 14 new cases were recorded last week .
Dr Sarah Pitt , a virologist at the University of Brighton told BBC Radio Foyle said people should be `` even more careful as lockdown is easing '' .
`` As lockdown is easing people are thinking 'oh , the virus has gone away ' .
`` Nevertheless we are coming into more contact with other people , and potentially with the virus , than we were in April , '' she said .

The biggest increase in cases over the last seven days occurred in the Causeway Coast and Glens council area with 25 new cases, while in Derry and Strabane 14 new cases were recorded last week.


bbcuk--2020-07-21--Afrobeats: New chart names genre's top artists in the UK

J Hus has been named the top Afrobeats artist in the UK over the past 12 months , as the genre finally gets its own chart .
Based on streaming data and sales , he 's followed by Nigeria 's Burna Boy and Hackney collective NSG .
The Official UK Afrobeats Top 20 will be announced on BBC Radio 1Xtra on Sunday .
Mark Strippel ,  1Xtra 's head of programmes said the chart was `` much-needed and long overdue '' .
Afrobeats has quickly grown to dominate playlists and radio , with UK artists developing their own style @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its origins in west Africa .
Young T & Bugsey 's Do n't Rush has been named the top Afrobeats track of the past year .
The 's ' in Afrobeats is crucial .
Do n't confuse it with Afrobeat - which was pioneered in the late 1960s by Nigerian artist and activist Fela Kuti .
Fela and his drummer Tony Allen formed a movement when they fused funk and jazz with Ghanaian highlife , traditional Yoruba music and conscious lyrics .
The 2010s saw the rise of another musical movement out of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dubbed Afrobeats .
D'Banj 's 2012 hit Oliver Twist , which reached number nine in the UK charts , was probably the first time the sound really took hold in the UK .
Big tracks from Fuse ODG like Antenna and Azonto followed , but more recently in the UK , the lines have been blurred between sounds from the West Indies , London and West Africa .
Brixton rapper Sneakbo 's music hinted at the genesis to come at the start of the decade , and by the end of it artists @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the forefront of what was being dubbed Afro bashment , or Afroswing .
Along with the likes of NSG , Juls , Naira Marley and Afro B , they 've helped popularise the sound in the UK - while J Hus and his producer JAE5 have arguably had the most success combining dancehall with West African sonics and black British genres and flows .
Afrobeats reached new levels internationally when Drake featured Wizkid on 2016 's One Dance .
It 's arguably not got too much of an Afrobeats sound - borrowing more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but it put a spotlight on Wizkid and the genre he flies the flag for .
Fuse ODG 's spoken of wanting to create a new image of Africa through Afrobeats music too .
His Tina movement - which stands for This Is New Africa - `` urges Africans in the Motherland and the diaspora to use their skills to rebuild their community and show the world the more beautiful side of Africa '' .
The UK 's Official Top 10 Afrobeats artists of the past 12 months are : In 2019 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Official Chart Top 40 , up from 24 weeks in 2017 .
The number of tracks featuring a lead or featured Afrobeats act has also doubled in the same period , led predominantly by British artists .
`` London is the home of Afrobeats outside of Africa , '' says Folabi Ogonkoya , who runs CocoCure - a venue dedicated to the genre .
Born in Lagos , Folabi 's been putting on Afrobeats nights in the UK for 13 years to reflect the music he enjoyed when he was growing up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ before it even had a name , '' he says .
`` The parties started off a bit slow but they picked up as the genre got more popular and so I decided to stay in the UK.
`` He says lots of British artists have `` hijacked '' Afrobeats in a good way , moving the music forward and increasing its popularity .
`` The fans are huge now .
At first it was Africans in the diaspora but now everyone 's embraced it .
Things have worked out for the best @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lagos Male artists dominate the Afrobeats scene but Manchester-born Ezi Emela is one of several female singers making their mark .
`` I can see Afrobeats becoming the world 's biggest musical genre soon , '' she says .
Until January 2019 , she was living in London but decided she wanted a change .
During a holiday to Nigeria , she phoned her mum to tell her she was sticking around .
`` My sounds has grown so much since I 've been here , '' she tells Radio 1 Newsbeat , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is her parents ' birth country and Ezi says `` being in the actual continent where my genre stems from '' has given her `` a new juj '' .
`` In the UK , I do n't think I was connected to the music and I felt I was faking it a little bit .
She thinks every artist `` getting into the African swing of things '' should try to get to Africa at some point ( travel restrictions permitting obviously ) .
`` It 's changed me a lot .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ has given me a lot of inspiration and it 's all made a big difference to my music . ''
Listen to Newsbeat live at 12:45 and 17:45 weekdays - or listen back here .

Brixton rapper Sneakbo's music hinted at the genesis to come at the start of the decade, and by the end of it artists like Yxng Bane and Not3s were at the forefront of what was being dubbed Afro bashment, or Afroswing.


bbcuk--2020-07-21--'Fighting to prove we're British'

'Fighting to prove we're British'

Remi , Sharon and Leonardo are all struggling to secure their lives in the UK after learning they 're not @ @ @ @ @ UK law over the past 40 years have meant the legal status of thousands of @ @ @ @ @ that some British-born people can be threatened with deportation and left unable to work .
@ @ @ @ @ has been speaking to people who say they are British but are fighting for proof @

Remi, Sharon and Leonardo are all struggling to secure their lives in the UK after learning they're not legally British.
Changes to UK law over the past 40 years have meant the legal status of thousands of people is unknown, and that some British-born people can be threatened with deportation and left unable to work.
The BBC's Fahima Abdulrahman has been speaking to people who say they are British but are fighting for proof.
Filming by Alex Dackevych


bbcuk--2020-07-20--Churchill's legacy leaves Indians questioning his hero status

I first learnt about Winston Churchill as a child .
A character in an Enid Blyton book I was reading kept a picture of him on the mantelpiece in her home because she 'had a terrific admiration for this great statesman ' .
As I grew older , and had more conversations about India 's colonial past , I found most people in my country held a starkly different view of the wartime British prime minister .
There were conflicting opinions about colonial rule too .
Some argued the British had done great things for India - built railways , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ They did those things to serve their own purpose , and left India a poor , plundered country '' would be the inevitable response to this claim .
My grandmother always talked passionately about how they 'd participated in protests against `` those cruel Britishers '' .
But despite this anger , anything western , anything done or said by people who were white-skinned , was seen as superior in the India I grew up in .
The self-confidence of people had been eroded by decades of colonial rule .
Seventy-three years since @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A new generation of Indians , more self-assured about our place in the world , are questioning why there is n't more widespread knowledge and condemnation of the many dark chapters of our colonial history , like the Bengal famine of 1943 .
At least three million people died of hunger .
That 's more than six times the British Empire 's casualties in World War Two .
But even as the war 's victories and losses are commemorated each year , the disaster that unfolded in British-ruled Bengal during the same time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recounted how dead bodies lay in fields and near rivers , being eaten by dogs and vultures because no-one had the strength to perform last rites for so many people .
Those who did n't die in villages journeyed to towns and cities in search of food .
`` Everyone was looking like a skeleton with just skin over their frames , '' says veteran Bengali actor Soumitra Chatterjee who was eight when the famine struck .
`` People would cry pitifully , asking for the liquid that came out of cooking rice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rice to give them .
And anyone who has heard that cry will never forget it in their life .
There are tears in my eyes now when I 'm speaking about it .
I ca n't check my emotions , '' he told me .
A cyclone and flooding in Bengal in 1942 triggered the famine .
But the policies of Sir Winston Churchill and his cabinet are blamed for making the situation worse .
Yasmin Khan , a historian at Oxford University , describes the 'denial policy ' that was implemented @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` The idea was that things would be razed to the ground , including crops , but also boats that could be used for transportation of crops .
And so that when the Japanese came , they would n't have the resources to be able to expand their invasion .
The impact of the denial policy on the famine is well evidenced , '' she says .
Churchill statue 'may have to be put in museum' Diaries written by British officers responsible for India 's administration show that for months Churchill 's government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of food to India , fearing it would reduce stockpiles in the UK and take ships away from the war effort .
Churchill felt local politicians could do more to help the starving .
The notes also reveal the British prime minister 's attitude towards India .
During one government discussion about famine relief , Secretary of State for India Leopold Amery recorded that Churchill suggested any aid sent would be insufficient because of `` Indians breeding like rabbits '' .
`` We ca n't blame him for creating the famine in any @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` What we can say is that he did n't alleviate it when he had the ability to do so , and we can blame him for prioritising white lives and European lives over South Asian lives which was really kind of unpleasant given the millions of Indian soldiers at the same time also serving in the Second World War . ''
Some in the UK claim that while Churchill might have made unsavoury comments about India , he did try to help and delays were a result of conditions during the war @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , for the lack of the most basic of all necessities - food .
Archibald Wavell , Viceroy to India at the time , has described the Bengal famine as one of the greatest disasters to have befallen people under British rule .
He said the damage it caused to the empire 's reputation was incalculable .
Survivors say they feel angry .
`` There is an undercurrent of expectation that it 's time the British government comes out and says sorry for what was done to India in those days , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UK too are questioning the legacy of colonial rule , and its leaders .
Last month , during a protest that was part of the Black Lives Matter movement , Churchill 's statue in central London was defaced .
`` I am not in favour of pulling down or defacing statues , '' says Indian historian Rudrangshu Mukherjee .
`` But I think in the plaque below the statues , the full history should be recorded , that Churchill was a hero in the Second World War , but that he was also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people in Bengal in 1943 .
I think Britain owes that to Indians and to itself . ''
Judging the past through the lens of the present might leave the world with no heroes at all .
India 's most loved independence leader Mohandas Gandhi has also been accused of having anti-black views .
But it 's hard to make progress without the acceptance of the full truth of their lives .
The works of my childhood icon Enid Blyton have faced a big backlash for being racist and sexist .
As an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dog-eared stash my sister and I left at our parents ' home , and I can see evidence of the allegations .
Would I throw them all out ?
No .
The happy memories they evoke are not tainted by what I now know .
But I wo n't pass them on to the children in my family .
They deserve to read stories set in a more equal world .
Read more stories about the legacies of British colonial rule and how it is still affecting people today : • How the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UK • My people fought the British Empire and they defended it • 'Australia 's colonial legacy not the past for us '

"We can't blame him for creating the famine in any way," says Ms. Khan. "What we can say is that he didn't alleviate it when he had the ability to do so, and we can blame him for prioritising white lives and European lives over South Asian lives which was really kind of unpleasant given the millions of Indian soldiers at the same time also serving in the Second World War."


bbcuk--2020-07-21--M&S: Five reasons the retailer is struggling

Marks & Spencer announced on Monday that it was bringing forward a plan to cut jobs due to the pandemic , with 950 roles set to go .
It is just the latest sign of trouble facing the iconic British retailer , whose sales and popularity have fallen sharply in recent years .
The firm says it was starting to get its house in order before the pandemic and was hit like any other retailer by the recent downturn .
But retail experts say its problems date back much further , and that the following criticisms still weigh heavily on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ & S 's food sales have recently picked up , its fashion sales have remained in the doldrums .
The retailer has long been accused of selling clothes that are boring or conservative , and of not knowing who its key demographic is .
`` In trying to be everything to everyone , they 've ended up being nothing to no one , '' says Natalie Berg , retail analyst at NBK Retail .
Retail expert Kate Hardcastle agrees : `` Generally they have got a 25-year-old model wearing garments targeted at a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
However , the firm says it is changing .
It recently strengthened its leadership team - bringing in Richard Price as managing director of clothing from Tesco clothing and Stephen Langford from Asda as director of M & S.com .
Since lockdown it says it has seen more than 700,000 new downloads of the M & S.com app - something it says proves it is on track to becoming a `` digital first '' business that reaches a wider demographic .
Another point experts agree on is that it is often @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the business decisions M & S has made over the years .
One example is the Sparks Card customer loyalty scheme , launched in 2015 , which was unsuccessful and has just been re-launched this month .
• Retail sales jump in June - 'but crisis not over' '' Because they were so late to market with the rewards scheme , they had a significant amount of time to watch what best practice was and even improve on it , but they did it the M & S way , '' says @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has doubts about M & S ' decision to purchase a 50 % stake in online supermarket Ocado , following claims it overpaid for the business .
`` The money they spent on Ocado , that must have hurt , and there 's no proof there will be a return , '' he says .
But M & S says the pundits are wrong .
It points out it re-launched the Sparks scheme after consulting more than 250,000 of its customers .
And it says that Ocado - whose own sales jumped 40 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ boost the M & S food business .
`` When we did the Ocado acquisition ...
I think it 's fair to say that shareholders were pretty divided ... We 're not hearing any scepticism now , '' said chairman Archie Norman at the firm 's annual general meeting earlier in July .
Some retail experts say M & S ' central problem is that it does n't listen to its customers , and is n't really engaging with any demographic .
`` They do n't connect with customers enough , so they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' says Ms Hardcastle .
In particular , she thinks M & S ' traditional base of over-45s feels neglected .
When M & S made the decision to remove the free biscuits it provided with teas and coffees in its cafes , it triggered accusations of `` stinginess '' from upset consumers .
The firm says it was merely trying to reduce food waste and that biscuits are still available free to those who ask .
But the move made headlines and Ms Hardcastle suggests it was handled poorly , given that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out of consumers '' .
4 .
'It needs to invest more in its stores' '' If you were launching a retail business today , you would n't dream of recreating the M & S model , '' says Ms Berg .
`` We do n't go into department stores anymore . ''
Mr Fields meanwhile says going to M & S is no longer an enjoyable experience : `` Old mens clothes , next to mens suits , next to pants , next to childrenswear makes no sense anymore . ''
This @ @ @ @ @ @ @ retail climate , he says .
However , M & S says `` creating a store estate for the new world '' is a key part of its transformation plan .
Many expect it will become more of a food than clothing business in the future .
And certainly the retailer has shown willingness to embrace change .
In May , in response to the pandemic , it launched its `` Never the same again '' programme which aims to use the lessons of the crisis to `` radically accelerate the pace and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` While some consumer habits will return to normal , other have been changed forever , '' it said .
Despite their collective frustration and confusion with the retailer , none of the retail experts the BBC spoke to deny that M & S is still a powerful brand .
`` In all of my years commentating on retail , I 've never seen such an outpouring of emotion in a brand , '' says Ms Hardcastle .
`` People loved them and what they stood for .
They traded on that emotion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the brand for so long , and that 's why people get mad and sad about it . ''
The retailer is still trusted - on KPMG 's recent Customer Experience Excellence List , M & S came in ninth .
M & S is also credited as being the British firm that `` invented '' the concept of corporate and social responsibility , which has earned it much goodwill from consumers .
`` They have trust , and they need to use all that good will to sharpen the offer , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but says M & S must learn some hard lessons if it is to survive .
`` They 're an iconic brand but they 're not immune to the problems the sector is facing - the future for M & S is far fewer stores , but better stores . ''

"Because they were so late to market with the rewards scheme, they had a significant amount of time to watch what best practice was and even improve on it, but they did it the M&S way," says Ms Hardcastle.


bbcuk--2020-07-21--Report finds UK government 'actively avoided' looking into Russia Brexit vote claims

A report by the UK Parliament Intelligence and Security Committee has suggested the government `` actively avoided '' investigating possible @ @ @ @ @ 2016 EU referendum .
Speaking at a press conference , the SNP 's Stewart Hosie @ @ @ @ @ committee , said that it was impossible to say whether Russian interference had affected the @ @

A report by the UK Parliament Intelligence and Security Committee says the government was "slow to recognise the threat" posed by Russian, so did not take action to protect the UK from possible interference in the 2016 EU referendum.
Speaking at a press conference, the SNP's Stewart Hosie, a member of the committee, called for there to be an assessment of what role, if any, Russia played.


bbcuk--2020-07-21--Newspaper headlines: 'Vaccine for Christmas' and Russian 'meddling'

Promising results from early trials of a coronavirus vaccine developed by the University of Oxford make the front page headlines for most of Tuesday 's papers .
`` Vaccine for Christmas , '' the Daily Mail declares .
The Metro describes the vaccine as `` the Covid Buster '' .
The Daily Mirror says the news will be a boost to a nation worn down by the pandemic .
For the Spectator website , it is now full steam ahead for the larger study of the Oxford vaccine .
Make no mistake , it adds , a vaccine is `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ For its main story , the Daily Telegraph says the report on alleged Russian interference in British politics will disclose that Moscow tried to `` influence '' the result of the Scottish independence referendum in 2014 , but not the 2016 Brexit vote .
According to the paper , Parliament 's Intelligence and Security Committee will describe the Kremlin 's attempt to divide the United Kingdom as `` the first post-Soviet interference in a Western democratic election '' .
The Express leads on the above-inflation pay rises for 900,000 public sector workers .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ heroes '' , is the headline .
Inside , commentator Leo McKinstrey says the announcement of significant pay rises for public employees is a tangible expression of gratitude for all they have done during the coronavirus crisis .
Without their selfless commitment , he writes , our civic infrastructure could have broken down and the disease spread like wildfire .
A picture of more than 400 dinghies piled high in rows at a government warehouse in Dover features in a number of papers .
The Mail says many are believed to have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Channel .
Fibre-glass bottomed fishing boats , high-specification rigid inflatable boats and a kayak are among the abandoned fleet .
The vessels give some insight into the true scale of the migrant crisis on the English Channel , the paper says .
Sign up for a morning briefing direct to your inbox The Telegraph reports that Facebook is coming under pressure from police to remove pages publicising illegal raves .
It says police are concerned that Britain is facing a summer of illegal parties as young people fed up with lockdown and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attend underground events .
Ken Marsh , chairman of the Metropolitan Police Federation , tells the paper social media companies are allowing by proxy the law to be broken .
The paper quotes Facebook as saying it 's investigating the groups that are reported to the company .
Elsewhere , the Mail remarks that the pandemic may have changed the world , but some truths remain intact .
Yesterday , yet again , it says , England were grateful for a rather different force of nature : Ben Stokes .
The all-rounder who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ against the West Indies is feted all over the back pages , with only one headline possible for many - `` Mr Incredible '' - as he was described by the England captain , Joe Root .
The sound of the summer is back , the Express declares , bringing solace to sports fans across the land .
Finally , how has the pandemic changed our dress codes as millions of us work from home ?
It is a question considered by the Guardian , which reports research suggesting only 10 % of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the start of the day - changing into comfortable clothes later .
But one item of clothing that has become essential is the so-called `` Zoom shirt '' .
According to the paper - quoting the Urban Dictionary - this is the shirt or blouse that 's kept on the back of your chair to `` quickly be presentable for video conferences '' .
It says a recent poll found that 42 % of camera-ready home workers owned one .

Inside, commentator Leo McKinstrey says the announcement of significant pay rises for public employees is a tangible expression of gratitude for all they have done during the coronavirus crisis. Without their selfless commitment, he writes, our civic infrastructure could have broken down and the disease spread like wildfire.


bbcuk--2020-07-21--Delyn MP Rob Roberts invited intern to 'fool around' with him

Delyn MP Rob Roberts is facing allegations of inappropriate behaviour towards two junior members of parliamentary staff .
Messages seen by BBC Wales show the MP inviting a 21-year-old female intern to `` fool around '' with him .
He has also admitted asking out another House of Commons employee , which led them to move position .
Mr Roberts said he recognised the request to the staff member `` was inappropriate '' .
But he did not provide a comment about the messages sent to the female intern , when asked for a response .
Labour and Lib Dem @ @ @ @ @ @ @ investigated and for the Conservative Party to remove his whip .
A Conservative Party spokesperson said : `` Our party takes all allegations extremely seriously and has safeguarding and complaints processes in place to investigate complaints made to it under the party 's code of conduct . ''
Mr Roberts was elected as the Conservative MP for Delyn in north Wales in December 2019 .
His seat was a gain from Labour in the so-called Red Wall and had been previously held by Labour MP David Hanson since 1992 .
Mr Roberts propositioned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ working in Parliament at the time , in a series of messages in April this year .
In the messages , Mr Roberts referred to the intern 's `` picture on Twitter earlier .
Lovely legs '' .
`` Do n't ignore me when I 'm making you feel better , '' he told her .
The MP then went on to say that in future she might want to `` fool around with no strings , you might come and visit me in London '' .
Later in the exchange the MP @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wife and come out as gay , told the female intern that he `` might be gay but I enjoy… fun times '' .
The woman , who did not respond to the request , explained to the MP that she was in an `` awful state '' and was struggling with her mental health , to which Mr Roberts responded : `` I was just thinking about fun times… Maybe if you thought of them too it might help you . ''
Speaking to BBC Wales , the former intern said the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' .
`` I had had one of the worst days ever , and then I messaged him saying I 'm crying , I 'm not okay - and his solution to that was to proposition me , '' she said .
`` I felt really vulnerable and I felt like I was being used to make him feel better about everything . ''
`` I kind of felt backed into a corner about everything , '' the intern said .
`` I was worried about my job first of all , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ politics and I felt like I had to respond , but I was n't really comfortable responding . ''
She said she `` did n't really feel comfortable '' returning to Parliament after the messages .
`` I did n't feel comfortable telling anyone I was friends with in politics about it because I thought it would affect my career in the future or if I wanted to be more politically involved that I 'd be branded by all of this , '' she said .
`` I could n't speak up about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or I was blamed for everything . ''
She said the experience made her `` mental health worse '' .
`` The culture of politics can be quite toxic when it comes to these things especially when you 're a girl dealing with an MP , '' she said .
`` It was just horrific . ''
In a separate series of messages also seen by BBC Wales , Mr Roberts admitted asking another member of staff in Parliament out , resulting in them moving positions .
He said he told a male @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and asked him to dinner '' .
`` Really poor judgement on my part , hands up .
He did n't react very well because it created a problem for him that I felt that way , '' he said .
In a further message , Mr Roberts added : `` The chief whip was involved , lots of drama . ''
What has the MP said ?
In response , Rob Roberts told BBC Wales that earlier this year he invited a parliamentary staff member to dinner .
He said : `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ staff member did not feel comfortable about it .
`` I do now recognise that it was inappropriate to have extended the invitation to a member of staff in the first place .
`` However , I have found the last few months and the 'coming out ' process to have been particularly challenging and the cause of a great deal of mental stress to me .
`` Creating a story from this interaction which has been dealt with amicably seems calculated to add to that stress , which is distressing . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Labour Gower MP Tonia Antoniazzi tweeted : `` The allegations about Tory MP Rob Roberts are very concerning and should be fully investigated . ''
She said it was `` unclear why he still holds the Tory whip '' .
Jess Phillips , Yardley Labour MP , called for the party to deal with it as `` swiftly as they dealt with Julian Lewis '' - the Tory backbencher whose whip was removed after beating Chris Grayling to chair of the Intelligence and Security Committee .
Acting Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey tweeted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
We must make sure women are safe at work '' .
`` The Conservative Party must immediately remove the whip while they investigate , or they risk sending the message that this is acceptable conduct for a sitting MP . ''

"I know it's something that MPs have been trying to raise awareness of for a little while," she said. "Complaints that have been made to the Conservative Party, complaints that have been made through the parliamentary complaints procedure, and it doesn't seem really like any action has been taken against him yet, which unfortunately to a lot of people who are outside observers looks like a kind of tacit support of his actions."


bbcuk--2020-07-21--Coronavirus: Stranded cruise ship worker home after being stuck in the Philippines

A British cruise ship worker who was stuck in lockdown on a vessel in the Philippines for four months has finally come home .
Eddy O'Brien , 25 , of Accrington , Lancashire , was stranded on one of 18 cruise ships moored off Manila .
He said spending 130 days in lockdown with some of it quarantined in a cabin for 24 hours a day had been `` tough '' .
When he arrived at Manchester Airport he said he planned to `` put my feet up '' and have his `` mum 's shepherd 's pie '' .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ leaving the ship on 18 March but crew members had to quarantine on board and then travel restrictions delayed their return .
`` We had confirmed [ Covid-19 ] cases on board the ship .
The ship went into full quarantine ... and we were stuck in cabins 24 hours a day for 14 days , '' sound engineer Mr O'Brien said .
He said it was `` tough on mental heath '' .
His mother gave him big hug when he arrived at the airport .
`` It 's great to see @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
[ It ] needs a bit of attention I think , '' Jo-Ann O'Brien said .
He said now he is home his priorities were `` shoes off , feet up , maybe have a bath and just relax '' as well as enjoy the `` northern weather '' .
However , his mother had other ideas .
`` I 've not had anyone make me a cup of tea for 10 months , '' she said .
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He said now he is home his priorities were "shoes off, feet up, maybe have a bath and just relax" as well as enjoy the "northern weather".


bbcuk--2020-07-21--Russia report: UK 'badly underestimated' threat, says committee

UK government `` badly underestimated '' the Russian threat and the response it required , according to an inquiry .
The Intelligence and Security Committee 's long-awaited report into Russian activity in the UK said the government was `` playing catch-up '' and needed to take `` immediate action '' .
The report also claimed the government made no effort to investigate Russian interference in the EU referendum .
No 10 said the government was `` fully aware of the significant and enduring threat '' Russia posed .
The ISC 's inquiry covers a number of topics , including disinformation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the UK .
Much of the `` highly sensitive '' detail was not published due to fears Russia could use the evidence to threaten the UK .
• The mystery of the Russia report The committee said Russian influence in the UK was now `` the new normal '' , and the UK was a `` top Western intelligence target '' for the state , only behind Nato and US .
ISC member , Stewart Hosie , told reporters the government `` took its eye off the ball , because of its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` The government had badly underestimated the response required to the Russian threat , and is still playing catch up . ''
In its report , the group said UK was `` clearly a target '' for disinformation campaigns around its elections , but that the issue was described as a `` hot potato '' , with no one organisation taking a lead to tackle it .
The report criticised intelligence agencies for not taking action during the EU referendum , despite there being `` credible open source commentary '' suggesting `` influence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Scottish independence referendum in 2014 .
And it said the government only `` belatedly realised the level of threat which Russia could pose '' after the so-called `` hack and leak '' operation against the Democrats in the 2016 US election , calling it a `` game changer '' .
The committee said : `` Had the relevant parts of the intelligence community conducted a similar threat assessment prior to the [ EU ] referendum , it is inconceivable that they would not have reached the same conclusion as to Russian intent , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ take action to protect the process . ''
The report also said that social media companies `` hold the key and yet are failing to play their part '' , adding that the government should `` name and shame those which fail to act . ''
Mr Hosie also said no-one in Government wanted to touch the issue of Russian interference when it came to elections with a `` 10-foot pole '' .
He told reporters : `` The report reveals that no one in government knew if Russia interfered in or sought @ @ @ @ @ @ @ did not want to know .
`` The UK government have actively avoided looking for evidence that Russia interfere . ''
Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab later told a press conference the government 'categorically rejected ' the claim , saying it was `` the comment of one MP '' on the committee .
The government also rejected the committee 's call for a full assessment by intelligence agencies of potential Russian meddling in the 2016 referendum , saying it had `` seen no evidence of successful interference '' .
This report may not be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ still damning .
Many expected the committee to have answered the question of whether there was interference in political events like Brexit .
Instead , it says the problem was the government and the spy agencies failed to even look at this question .
British intelligence has , at least in recent years , been reluctant to get involved in anything that looks `` political '' and treated the issue of trying to protect democracy like a `` hot potato '' .
But ultimately it 's the government that the committee blames .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ about the failure of the UK to confront the spread of Russian money and influence over a long period .
And there is an urgent call for new legislation to deal with an ongoing challenge .
The report also accused successive governments of welcoming Russian oligarchs `` with open arms '' due to the investments they brought with them .
The committee said `` few questions if any were asked about the provenance of this considerable wealth '' , with particular issues around the UK 's investment visa scheme , the housing market @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
They said : `` A lot of Russians with very close links to Putin who are well integrated into the UK business and social scene , are accepted because of their wealth . ''
The report said it had concerns about links between these wealthy Russians and the House of Lords .
`` It is notable that a number of members of the House of Lords have business interests linked to Russia , or work directly for major Russian companies linked to the Russian state , '' it read .
`` These @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the potential for the Russian state to exploit them . ''
The reaction to the ISC 's report from Russia has been a big collective shrug .
The Russian foreign minister dismissed it out of hand and called it `` Russophobia '' .
And a Kremlin spokesman said Russia does n't meddle in other countries elections .
What this report has done is to present a broad picture of Russia as a powerful foe .
And I do n't think in the Kremlin they will be too unhappy at that .
Committee members @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the report 's publication - seven months after it was submitted to No 10 to sign off .
Downing Street was accused of holding back the report ahead of December 's UK election and for delaying its nominations to set up the new committee - both claims it has denied .
But speaking at a press conference to launch the report , one of the ISC 's committee members , Kevan Jones , criticised Boris Johnson for not signing it off sooner , saying there was `` no reason for delay '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` We 've been clear that Russia must desist from its attacks on the UK and our allies .
`` We will be resolute in defending our country , our democracy and our values from such Hostile State . ''
The ISC 's former chair , Dominic Grieve - who pushed for the report to be published before the election - told BBC News his pleasure at seeing it come to light was `` mitigated by a sense of frustration and bluntly anger at the way the government behaved '' .
Labour 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ PM of taking a `` political decision '' to block the report .
She added : `` The government has underestimated the response required to Russia and it is imperative we learn the lessons from the mistakes that have been made . ''

The committee said: "Had the relevant parts of the intelligence community conducted a similar threat assessment prior to the [EU] referendum, it is inconceivable that they would not have reached the same conclusion as to Russian intent, which might then have led them to take action to protect the process."


bbcuk--2020-07-21--Coronavirus: 'Infection here for many years to come'

The UK will be living with coronavirus for many years to come and even a vaccine is unlikely to eliminate it for good , experts are warning .
Wellcome Trust director Prof Sir Jeremy Farrar told the House of Commons ' Health Committee `` things will not be done by Christmas '' .
He went on to say humanity would be living with the virus for `` decades '' .
It comes after the prime minister said last week he hoped for a return to normality by Christmas .
Boris Johnson made the comments as he set out plans to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of leisure centres and indoor swimming pools later this month and the prospect of mass gatherings being allowed from the autumn .
But experts giving evidence to the cross-party group of MPs said it was important to be realistic that the virus would still be here .
Sir Jeremy , a member of Sage , the government advisory body , said the world would be living with Covid-19 for `` very many , many years to come '' .
`` Things will not be done by Christmas .
This infection is not going @ @ @ @ @ @ @ endemic infection .
`` Even , actually , if we have a vaccine or very good treatments , humanity will still be living with this virus for very many , many years ... .
decades to come . ''
• SOCIAL DISTANCING : What are the rules now ?
• YOUR QUESTIONS : Our experts have answers • LOOK-UP TOOL : How many cases in your area ?
• THE R NUMBER : What it means and why it matters He urged against complacency during the summer , saying the period was a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ second wave .
`` If we have any sense of complacency of 'this is behind us ' , then we will undoubtedly have a second wave , and we could easily be in the same situation again . ''
He said it was important to further build up testing capacity as well as investing in treatments and vaccines .
Vaccine 'unlikely to have durable effect' Prof Sir John Bell , of the University of Oxford , said he thought it was unlikely that Covid-19 would ever be eliminated despite the positive news announced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had triggered an immune response - an important step in developing a vaccine .
`` The reality is that this pathogen is here forever , it is n't going anywhere , '' he told MPs .
`` Look at how much trouble they 've had in eliminating , for example , polio , that eradication programme has been going on for 15 years and they 're still not there .
`` So this is going to come and go , and we 're going to get winters where we get a lot of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The vaccine is unlikely to have a durable effect that 'll last for a very long time , so we 're going to have to have a continual cycle of vaccinations , and then more disease , and more vaccinations and more disease .
`` So I think the idea that we 're going to eliminate it across the population , that 's just not realistic . ''
The government 's chief medical adviser was also quizzed by MPs .
Prof Chris Whitty was asked at length about the UK 's record so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ moves to end attempts at trying to contain the virus in March , while defending the actions of ministers accused of announcing lockdown too late .
Crucial evidence about the scale of the outbreak and modelling about how quickly it could spread was presented to ministers on 16 March .
But it was a full week later that a total lockdown was announced .
Prof Whitty said it was not a `` huge delay '' given the `` enormity '' of the decision .
He also pointed out that others steps were taken @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of schools .
Meanwhile , Health Secretary Matt Hancock has defended the government 's record on testing - and his decision to set the target of providing 100,000 tests a day by the end of April .
The move has been criticised with some describing it as arbitrary .
But Mr Hancock told the Science and Technology Committee , which was sitting after the Health Committee , that it was important because of the need to `` scale up '' at an unprecedented speed .
`` The point of the big , hairy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the whole system , 'this is where we 're going , you do your bit , let 's get there ' . ''
• 45,422 people had died in hospitals , care homes and the wider community after testing positive for coronavirus in the UK as of 5pm on Monday , up by 110 from the day before • Separate figures published by the UK 's statistics agencies show there have now been 56,100 deaths registered in the UK where Covid-19 was mentioned on the death certificate • In the 24-hour period up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been a further 445 lab-confirmed cases .
Overall , a total of 295,817 cases have been confirmed since the outbreak began • INSIDE HEALTH : Why is there an elevated risk from Covid-19 for some groups in society ?
• DIET AND MENTAL WELLBEING : Does the food you eat help or hinder you emotionally ...

"If we have any sense of complacency of 'this is behind us', then we will undoubtedly have a second wave, and we could easily be in the same situation again."


bbcuk--2020-07-21--Coronavirus: UK passport application backlog reaches 400,000

A backlog of more than 400,000 passport applications has mounted due to disruption caused by the coronavirus pandemic , figures show .
Home Office minister Baroness Williams said reduced staffing to allow social distancing meant forms were taking longer to process .
She said steps were being taken to increase capacity after travel restrictions were eased .
But those applying may have to wait longer than the usual three weeks .
In a written Parliamentary answer about the backlog , Baroness Williams said HM Passport Office `` continues to operate at reduced staffing levels so its people can continue to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` It is therefore taking longer than usual to process passport applications .
`` As part of its contingency arrangements , HM Passport Office is rapidly increasing its capacity for processing passport applications , in line with public health guidance , which will help to ensure it continues to meet the travel needs of its customers . ''
As of 7 July , she said , work was under way on about 126,000 passport applications - 31 % higher than at the same period last year .
The minister pointed out a further @ @ @ @ @ @ @ worked through in the coming weeks once initial documentation has been received and allocated '' .
This represented an increase of 172 % from last year , she said .
Baroness Williams disclosed the scale of the passport backlog in a response to a question by Labour over the delays .
The relaxation of Foreign Office guidance on non-essential overseas travel and quarantine rules earlier this month has paved the way for foreign holidays to destinations including Spain , Germany , France and Italy .
Those applying for new passports will be among @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , introduced from April after 30 years , following the UK 's departure from the European Union .

Coronavirus: UK passport application backlog reaches 400,000 Published 22 July 2020
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Image source, Getty Images
A backlog of more than 400,000 passport applications has mounted due to disruption caused by the coronavirus pandemic, figures show.
Home Office minister Baroness Williams said reduced staffing to allow social distancing meant forms were taking longer to process.
She said steps were being taken to increase capacity after travel restrictions were eased.
But those applying may have to wait longer than the usual three weeks.
Asked how long it would take to clear the backlog, Transport Secretary Grant Shapps told BBC Breakfast he did not know - "it's not quite my area", adding that the Home Office was working hard to clear it.
The Passport Office is advising only people going away before September or those travelling on compassionate grounds should apply now for a passport.
In a written Parliamentary answer about the backlog, Baroness Williams said the Passport Office "continues to operate at reduced staffing levels so its people can continue to socially distance".
She added: "It is therefore taking longer than usual to process passport applications.
"As part of its contingency arrangements, HM Passport Office is rapidly increasing its capacity for processing passport applications, in line with public health guidance, which will help to ensure it continues to meet the travel needs of its customers."
As of 7 July, she said, work was under way on about 126,000 passport applications - 31% higher than at the same period last year.
'All I want to do is get my son to his mum's funeral'
Image source, Adrian Haines
"It's desperate," says Adrian Haines, from Crawley, who is fast running out of time to renew his son's passport.
On Saturday, 16-year-old Jonathan's mum, Madalen, 49, died of a heart attack in France as she was preparing a holiday home for guests.
Now Adrian, who is separated from Madalen, is doing everything he can to get his son to his mother's funeral on Friday.
"I sent the passport people an email on Sunday night, I phoned them Monday morning, I eventually got a call back midday, the guy took all my details for processing an emergency passport - I don't think he realised the urgency.
"I had a gut feeling this was going nowhere, so I put a plea on my Facebook and contacted my MP, Henry Smith.
"He assured me he'd do absolutely everything he could."
Still waiting for promising news, Adrian has rebooked the Eurotunnel twice and is considering travelling tonight, with only the out-of-date passport, to try to give Jonathan the chance to see his mother's body.
"Thursday is the last time that my son can see his mum," he says, choking up.
The minister pointed out a further 284,000 applications would "need to be worked through in the coming weeks once initial documentation has been received and allocated".
This represented an increase of 172% from last year, she said.
Baroness Williams disclosed the scale of the passport backlog in a response to a question by Labour over the delays.
The relaxation of Foreign Office guidance on non-essential overseas travel and quarantine rules earlier this month has paved the way for foreign holidays to destinations including Spain, Germany, France and Italy.
Those applying for new passports will be among the first to receive a blue version, introduced from April after 30 years, following the UK's departure from the European Union.
Still no passport? What you can do
Image source, PA, BBC Image caption, Newly-issued British passports carry a dark blue design after the UK's departure from the EU
If your passport does not arrive within three weeks of applying, you can track its progress and receive an email with its status.
Urgent passports are currently only being issued on compassionate grounds or for work travel, for example those travelling on government business.
There are no face-to-face appointments due to the pandemic but people can call the passport advice line on 0300 222 0000 to get guidance.
Most travel insurance policies only cover lost passports so it is unlikely you can claim back holiday costs on your travel insurance.
MoneySavingExpert.com advises asking your holiday provider if they will move your holiday to show "forbearance" though they are not obliged to.


bbcuk--2020-07-21--Coronavirus in Scotland: Beauticians, nail salons and tattoo parlours reopen

Scotland continues with Phase 3 of its route map out of lockdown as more restrictions are lifted .
Beauty salons , tattoo parlours and tailors can now reopen with enhanced hygiene measures in place .
Universities and colleges will be able to introduce a phased return to on-campus learning , as part of a blended model with remote teaching .
Motorcyclist instruction can begin , as can driving lessons - but only for tractors .
These latest measures follow what First Minister Nicola Sturgeon called the `` biggest step yet in exiting lockdown '' as the country began Phase 3 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who works at Zen Lifestyle beauty salon in Edinburgh , said manicures and treatments would be `` very different '' to how clients remember them .
Clients will be spaced out , partition screens will be put in place for their hands to go under , masks will be worn at all times and there will be a reduced number of manicures on offer .
`` I have no doubt that ourselves and our clients will get used to it very quickly , '' Ms Nicol said .
`` I 'm very much @ @ @ @ @ @ @ n't wait , let 's get the doors open . ''
What has already changed under Phase 3 ?
Indoor pubs , cafes and restaurants reopened for the first time in almost four months on 15 July , as did hairdressers , barber shops , holiday accommodation and places of worship for communal prayer .
Museums , libraries , cinemas and visitor attractions could reopen but many venues chose not to .
Since 10 July , up to eight people from a maximum of three different households have been allowed to meet indoors @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as there is physical distancing .
People should stay two metres away from people in other households , clean surfaces after touching them , and wash their hands regularly .
• Coronavirus in Scotland : What can I now do - and what are the rules ?
Up to 15 people from five different households can meet outdoors , while also following the 2m distancing rules .
Adults are being advised not to meet people from any more than four different households in one day .
People who are part of a non-cohabiting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ distant from each other , indoors or outdoors .
In addition , people who are shielding do not have to distance themselves from others living in the same house .
Children aged under 12 no longer have to physically distance from other people indoors or outdoors .
Young people aged 12 to 17 still need to obey distancing rules , but there is no longer a limit on the number of different groups they can meet during a day .
Which restrictions are still to be lifted in Phase 3 ?
A number @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are unlikely to resume before 31 July .
These include indoor entertainment such as nightclubs , bingo , theatres , and music venues ; the return of live outdoor events ; indoor gyms ; and the reopening of non-essential offices and call centres .
Ms Sturgeon said it was expected that Phase 3 might last longer than three weeks .
The outcome of the next formal review is due to be announced on 30 July .
• SYMPTOMS : What are they and how to guard against them ?
• 40,000 DEATHS : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ FACE MASKS : When should you wear one ?
• RULES : What can I now do - and what are the rules ?

"It is not clear in the facial area exactly what we are able to do at the moment. We've taken a 'better safe than sorry' attitude and restricted a lot of what we do until there is definite go-ahead."


bbcuk--2020-07-21--Prince George photos mark seventh birthday

Two photographs of Prince George have been released to mark his seventh birthday on Wednesday .
In both the photos , taken by his mother the Duchess of Cambridge , the future king flashes a gap-toothed smile at the camera .
She photographed her son earlier this month and the pictures are likely to have been taken at their Norfolk home .
Kensington Palace said Prince William and Catherine were `` delighted '' to share the photos .
In one of the pictures , George is dressed in a dark green polo shirt and in the other he stands side-on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with a camouflage design .
The prince is the great-grandchild of the Queen .
He will be the 43rd monarch since William the Conqueror obtained the crown of England in 1066 if , as is expected , he follows on as king from his grandfather , the Prince of Wales , and then his father , the Duke of Cambridge .
Prince George was pictured several times during the coronavirus lockdown with his younger siblings , five-year-old Princess Charlotte and two-year-old Prince Louis , as they applauded heath and care workers during the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Alexander Louis - known as His Royal Highness Prince George of Cambridge - was born on 22 July 2013 .
He was born in the private Lindo Wing of St Mary 's Hospital in central London and appeared in front of the world 's media one day later , when Prince William and Catherine stood cradling him on the hospital steps .
Earlier this year , the duke and duchess spoke about home-schooling George and his brother and sister while schools closed to most pupils during lockdown .
`` The children have got @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' Catherine told the BBC .
`` You pitch a tent , take the tent down again , cook , bake .
You get to the end of the day and they have had a lovely time - but it is amazing how much you can cram into one day , that 's for sure . ''

The prince is the great-grandchild of the Queen. He will be the 43rd monarch since William the Conqueror obtained the crown of England in 1066 if, as is expected, he follows on as king from his grandfather, the Prince of Wales, and then his father, the Duke of Cambridge.


bbcuk--2020-07-21--Coronavirus: Universities and colleges in Wales to get £50m help

Universities and colleges in Wales are to receive a £50m support package to soften the impact of coronavirus .
The Welsh Government fund aims to safeguard teaching and research as well as helping students .
Education Minister Kirsty Williams said the institutions would play an `` important role '' in Wales ' recovery from the pandemic .
However the National Union of Students ( NUS ) said it `` falls short '' of helping students facing financial hardship .
Of the money , £27m will be provided to higher education institutions with £23m to support students in further education colleges @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the full impact of the pandemic on universities would not be known until the new term in September .
`` This funding will provide a vital support to our institutions in their preparations for the autumn , '' she added .
`` Each one will be important in our recovery as they work with schools , business , international partners and public services .
`` So we are supporting these major institutions in Welsh life , so they can support students of all ages , and keep playing their part in our recovery @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
The latest UCAS figures showed an increase in applications to Welsh universities from 18-year-olds , the Welsh Government said .
However there are concerns many students may defer to the following year while international students may also be put off studying abroad due to coronavirus .
Some UK universities have even warned they may `` go bust '' without government help , with a potential fall in research investment from private and charitable sources .
So the Higher Education Investment and Recovery Fund for Wales aims to help maintain jobs in teaching @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in economic recovery and support students suffering financial hardship .
More than £15m will be provided for learners beginning their A-level or vocational course at an FE college or sixth form , to increase support following the closure of schools and help with their transition to post-16 learning .
The funding will be provided for all full-time learners between 16 and 19 years of age and represents a 5 % increase to funding-per-student , the Welsh Government said .
Up to £5m will be provided to support vocational learners to return to college @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to re-sit the full year .
An extra £3.2m will be used to provide digital equipment such as laptops for FE students .
An additional £466,000 will be provided to support students undertaking Independent Living Skills programmes , to enable them to complete their transition from college into employment and independence .
• Students with no relatives 'may have to drop out' Regional mental health and wellbeing projects and professional development will also receive £100,000 .
`` Our support for 16 to 19 age students aims to ensure students beginning courses in September @ @ @ @ @ @ @ faced earlier this year , '' said Ms Williams .
`` It is [ also ] part of our wider measures to ensure we have a skilled workforce that will drive forward the economic recovery from the coronavirus . ''
Reaction to the announcement has been mixed .
Universities Wales said the support was `` vital '' and comes at a `` crucial moment '' for universities and colleges .
`` This [ will ] provide stability for our universities and will be reassuring for students who have consistently rated the student experience @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chairman Prof Julie Lydon .
However NUS Wales said while the announcement gave institutions `` much-needed certainty '' it had failed to help students directly .
An NUS survey found 78 % of students in Wales were worried about their finances because of Covid-19 with almost half who work part-time having lost their income , while many were forced to continue paying rent since March despite returning home .
`` It 's disappointing that this package does not include ring-fenced funding for student hardship , demand for which has increased during the pandemic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ months , '' said NUS Wales President Becky Ricketts .
However she added : `` The funding for FE colleges goes a long way to alleviating our concerns about the disproportionate impact of the virus on vulnerable and digitally excluded students . ''

More than £15m will be provided for learners beginning their A-level or vocational course at an FE college or sixth form, to increase support following the closure of schools and help with their transition to post-16 learning.


bbcuk--2020-07-22--Coronavirus: Garden attractions frustrated by 'no-shows'

Outdoor garden attractions have expressed their frustration over `` no-shows '' .
National Trust , Kew Gardens and the Royal Horticultural Society ( RHS ) said their members were booking slots to visit and then cancelling or not turning up .
The attractions are free for members but people have to book in advance in order to maintain social distancing .
Kew Gardens said as many as 40 % of those booking were not turning up .
`` It 's really difficult for us because so much of our income relies on visitors coming to the gardens , paying to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and drinking on the site , or buying something in the shops and that all has an impact , '' said Paul Guthrie , from the botanical gardens in west London .
`` We 're sympathetic to why it happens , plans change , weather changes , but in these times we 're particularly asking people to cancel their bookings wherever possible . ''
Members ' tickets can not be reallocated when they fail to turn up .
`` It 's a real shame because that could be space for someone else to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Currently Kew Gardens can safely accommodate 8,000 people each day .
Before social distancing , a busy summer 's day would have seen between 10,000 to 12,000 people pass through its doors .
The gardens are facing a £15m shortfall compared to last year .
Sally Charleton , director of gardens at RHS , said on days when the weather was poor , the no-show rate could be as high as 20 % across all of its gardens .
`` Those who do n't take up their booked time slots are RHS @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their membership fee and are able to visit our gardens for free as a member benefit , '' she said .
`` However , in order to ensure that we can also welcome as many non-members as possible , we have increased our daily cap on visitor numbers to account for no-shows , whilst still keeping within safe limits . ''
The gardening group said limiting visitor numbers had seen it cut the number of people that could attend drastically .
On a peak summer 's weekend , 8,000 visitors would have attended @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it is capped at 4,500 .
The National Trust said it could not provide exact figures but it was `` unfortunate '' when members did not turn up as it meant others could not visit .
It encouraged people to cancel bookings with at least 24-hours ' notice .
Other industries , in particular the restaurant industry , have also said they have been affected by no-shows .

"It's really difficult for us because so much of our income relies on visitors coming to the gardens, paying to get in, their memberships, eating and drinking on the site, or buying something in the shops and that all has an impact," said Paul Guthrie, from the botanical gardens in west London.


bbcuk--2020-07-21--A-level and GCSE results to be higher this summer

GCSE and A-level results in England will be higher this summer , with exam boards set to be more lenient .
Written exams were cancelled because of the pandemic - with pupils ' results to be based on predicted outcomes .
The watchdog Ofqual says the numbers getting good grades will be 2 % higher at A-level and 1 % at GCSE .
But they will be much lower than the `` optimistic '' predictions from teachers , which at A-level would have pushed up results 12 % higher than last year .
The exam regulator says it is also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there has been no `` unconscious bias '' in predicted grades that would have disadvantaged ethnic minorities or poorer students .
A report from the education select committee this month warned of the risk that some pupils could be discriminated against .
But Ofqual says there is no evidence of any widening gaps in this summer 's results , in terms of ethnicity , gender or deprivation , compared with years when pupils have taken exams .
• Exam results could be affected by bias , warn MPs • Back-up exams will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ individual pupils will not find out their GCSEs and A-levels until next month , the process of standardising these predicted grades means that the overall national picture is already emerging .
The exam regulator says this will be a more generous year , with candidates more likely to be given the benefit of the doubt .
So for instance , last summer 25.5 % of candidates achieved an A grade or above at A-level - and this year it will be more like 27.5 % .
Ofqual says to expect variations in terms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ results will be `` slightly better '' than the previous year .
But teachers , who had to submit predicted grades , would have been much more generous and the exam boards have had to bump down the grades much closer to last year 's .
At A-level , the predictions for A grades would have pushed up results by 12.3 percentage points - if they had not been knocked back down by the exam boards .
For GCSE , results would have jumped upwards by 9 percentage points , based on teachers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ given to pupils will be based on a range of evidence - including their previous exam results , the distribution of grades in the school in recent years , how schools ranked their pupils in expected outcomes , as well as their teachers ' predictions .
But because grades will be linked to schools ' performance in previous years , schools that have been rapidly improving will not necessarily see that in this year 's results .
If pupils are not happy with their results based on predictions , they will be able @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Nansi Ellis of the National Education Union welcomed the `` commitment to equalities '' in the results so far , in terms of the risk of bias - and that `` there appear to be no obvious differences between the grades of different groups of students '' .
Paul Whiteman of the National Association of Head Teachers backed the replacement grades , saying `` while not a perfect solution , this is the fairest and most pragmatic alternative to sitting exams '' .

Nansi Ellis of the National Education Union welcomed the "commitment to equalities" in the results so far, in terms of the risk of bias - and that "there appear to be no obvious differences between the grades of different groups of students".


bbcuk--2020-07-21--Johnny Depp and Amber Heard: Elon Musk offered actress '24/7' security

Elon Musk offered Amber Heard `` 24/7 security '' after she told him she wanted a restraining order against Johnny Depp , the High Court has heard .
She denied Mr Musk visited her while her then-husband Mr Depp was away .
Mr Depp , 57 , is suing the publisher of the Sun over an article that labelled him a `` wife beater '' - but the newspaper insists it was accurate .
The US actress , 34 , was giving evidence in London for a second day on the 11th day of her ex-husband 's libel action .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to kill me , says Heard • Depp 'never , never violent to me ' - Winona Ryder She dismissed suggestions Mr Musk visited her in 2015 while Mr Depp was away , saying she was not in touch with the Tesla founder until the following year .
On Tuesday , Mr Depp 's lawyer , Eleanor Laws QC , questioned Ms Heard on her statement , in which the lawyer said the actress had indicated that Mr Depp was `` illogically jealous '' and that she was n't having any `` illicit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mr Justice Nicol , intervened to say the word `` illicit ... carries a connotation '' .
The lawyer read out text messages between Ms Heard and Mr Musk from 22 May 2016 , in which Ms Heard told him that she was going to get a restraining order against Mr Depp .
The messages came a day after an alleged incident at the Eastern Columbia Building in Los Angeles , where Mr Depp and Ms Heard lived , in which the actress claims Mr Depp threw her mobile phone at her , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the actor denies .
Questioning Ms Heard , Ms Laws said Mr Musk offered to `` arrange 24/7 security for you '' , adding that he said : `` The offer would stand , even if you never wanted to see me again ... anyway , sorry for being an idiot .
The radio silence hurts a lot .
It only matters because I really like you . ''
The barrister cited evidence from Alejandro Romero , a concierge at the Eastern Columbia Building , who said he saw Mr Musk visiting Ms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Australia '' .
Ms Heard said Mr Romero was `` wrong '' , insisting that she was n't in communication with Mr Musk until 2016 .
In his written witness statement , Mr Romero said : `` From March 2015 onwards , Ms Heard was visited regularly late at night , at around 11pm to midnight , by Mr Elon Musk . ''
The concierge claimed Ms Heard gave Mr Musk his own fob to access the building .
Ms Laws later put it to the actress that in March 2015 , she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Mr Musk , which Ms Heard denied .
Ms Heard has said that Mr Depp accused her of having affairs with fellow actors , including James Franco - with whom she starred in the film The Adderall Diaries .
Mr Depp 's lawyer asked Ms Heard about Mr Franco and her comment in her statement that he was `` someone that Mr Depp was accusing you of having an affair with and he was quite wrong about it '' .
Ms Heard said : `` That 's right . ''
The lawyer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ actress travelling downstairs in the lift at the Eastern Columbia Building on 22 May 2016 at around 23:00 local time ( 06:00 BST ) , before travelling back upstairs shortly after with Mr Franco .
After Ms Heard confirmed that the man in the footage was Mr Franco , Ms Laws asked her if she was trying to `` avoid '' being seen by the camera .
Ms Heard replied that the pair were `` talking '' and Mr Franco was saying to her `` 'oh my god , what happened to you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Ms Heard said she collected Mr Franco from downstairs after 23:00 local time , before adding that `` in those days , I did n't sleep much at night '' .
Ms Laws turned to an alleged incident in which Mr Depp 's cleaner was said to have found faeces in his bed the morning after Ms Heard 's 30th birthday party at the Eastern Columbia Building .
Mr Depp has previously said it was `` a mystery '' who defecated in the bed `` and it was not left by a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reference to the couple 's dogs .
He said he was `` convinced '' that Ms Heard or `` one of her cohort '' had defecated on the bed .
Ms Heard denied that she or any of her friends had left `` human excrement '' on the bed when challenged by Ms Laws , calling such an act `` absolutely disgusting '' .
Asked about the couple 's dog and its problem with toilet training , Ms Heard said it had become a `` common occurrence '' after one of the dogs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as a puppy .
She said Mr Depp 's housekeeper Hilda Vargas would clean up after the dogs `` occasionally '' but that when her ex-husband 's dog had accidents in the bed she herself would clean it up .
Ms Laws said Ms Vargas `` knew the difference '' between the mess the couples ' dogs made and human faeces , and asked Ms Heard if Ms Vargas was wrong .
Ms Heard said : `` I ca n't imagine what kind of human being would have a sense of humour like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I do n't think that 's funny , I think it 's horrific . ''
' I hit him to protect my sister' Ms Heard was asked about the alleged `` stairs incident '' in LA in March 2015 , when the actress has said she thought Mr Depp was going to push her sister , Whitney Henriquez , down the stairs .
Mr Depp 's barrister put it to Ms Heard that she `` was the violent one '' in the `` very nasty row '' between the actress and her now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Depp had hit her and her sister , and denied Ms Law 's suggestions that she threw a can of Red Bull and spat at him .
She admitted striking Mr Depp `` in defence '' of her sister , as she thought he was `` about to push her down the stairs '' .
Ms Heard said this belief was based on a `` rumour '' she had heard from `` two people '' that Mr Depp had `` pushed a former girlfriend '' , which she thought was Kate Moss , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she would `` never forget '' the incident in LA , as it was the `` first time '' she had hit him back in all the `` years '' she claimed Mr Depp had hit her .
Ms Laws challenged Ms Heard that she had never mentioned the claim about Ms Moss before , suggesting the actress was `` making this up as you go along '' .
Ms Heard said that she did n't have `` the opportunity ( to list ) every instance of every moment of every memory that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The libel case centres on an article published on the Sun 's website in April 2018 headlined : `` Gone Potty : How can JK Rowling be 'genuinely happy ' casting wife beater Johnny Depp in the new Fantastic Beasts film ? ''
.
The article related to allegations made by Ms Heard , which Mr Depp denies .
Her evidence was initially due to conclude on Wednesday but will now continue until Thursday morning , with her friends Melanie Inglessis and Joshua Drew expected to appear by videolink on Wednesday afternoon .

Questioning Ms Heard, Ms Laws said Mr Musk offered to "arrange 24/7 security for you", adding that he said: "The offer would stand, even if you never wanted to see me again... anyway, sorry for being an idiot. The radio silence hurts a lot. It only matters because I really like you."


bbcuk--2020-07-21--Grenfell Tower inquiry: Main firm 'ignored' an email raising cladding fears

A manager at the main contractor for Grenfell Tower 's refurbishment ignored email concerns that the cladding could be combustible , the inquiry has heard .
Rydon 's Simon Lawrence received an email from the Tenant Management Organisation ( TMO ) which ran the tower seeking clarity on whether the new cladding would resist a fire .
There is no evidence that he or anyone from Rydon replied to that email .
The inquiry 's first phase found that cladding fuelled the June 2017 fire .
Hearings in the second phase of the inquiry returned last week after a four-month @ @ @ @ @ @ @ phase is examining the refurbishment of the 24-storey residential block in North Kensington , west London , in which 72 people died .
• Grenfell fire 'was linked with race ' , lawyer says The inquiry heard on Tuesday that Mr Lawrence , a contracts manager at Rydon , received an email from Claire Williams from the Kensington and Chelsea Tenant Management Organisation ( KCTMO ) responsible for the running of the tower , on 12 November 2014 , seeking clarification on whether the new cladding would resist a fire .
She told @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the project between June 2014 and October 2015 , that she was having a 'Lakanal moment ' - referring to the 2009 fire in a high-rise residential block in London with cladding , which killed six people .
There is no evidence that Mr Lawrence or anyone else from Rydon responded to the email .
Inquiry lawyer Richard Millett QC asked him what he thought Ms Williams meant by a 'Lakanal moment ' .
Mr Lawrence said he knew there had been a fire at Lakanal some years ago , but did not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that it was relating to fire in the context of the fire retardance of the new cladding .
He added that he believed Ms Williams ' concerns related `` specifically '' to the fire retardance of the cladding on the lower floors of the residential block , `` but not cladding overall '' .
David Gibson , another member of the TMO , said in a witness statement that he asked Mr Lawrence if there would be a 'Lakanal type problem ' , due to the danger of flames getting trapped in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cladding on the outside of the building .
Mr Lawrence said he did not recall Mr Gibson raising this matter with him in a meeting , when asked by Mr Millett .
Mr Gibson said Mr Lawrence assured him that the materials being used were 'inert ' and would not burn - which Mr Lawrence denies saying .
Asked again by Mr Millet if ever he assured Mr Gibson that the materials being used were `` inert '' , Mr Lawrence said he would `` not give technical assurances '' unless he had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' .

David Gibson, another member of the TMO, said in a witness statement that he asked Mr Lawrence if there would be a 'Lakanal type problem', due to the danger of flames getting trapped in the gap between the external insulation and rainscreen cladding on the outside of the building.


bbcuk--2020-07-21--Farmers' well-being helpline to be expanded across Wales

Farmers suffering from loneliness and anxiety are to be offered more free support from the Church in Wales .
The Tir Dewi helpline has helped 200 farmers and their families since it was launched in west Wales five years ago .
Now it has expanded its service to Powys with plans to launch in Gwynedd , Conwy and Anglesey later this year .
`` There was always a dream it might live up to its name and serve the whole of Wales one day , '' said founder and farmer Eileen Davies , Archdeacon of Cardigan .
Speaking ahead of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Welsh Show , project leader Elen Skyrme said a survey revealed that worries over rural crime , bovine TB , poor internet and mobile signal , financial worries and mental health were the most common .
`` We did n't anticipate the sheer scale of the need , '' she said .
• Coronavirus : How to protect your mental health '' There were lots of problems but those five were listed as issues by over half of all farmers who responded to the survey .
`` However , these do n't come @ @ @ @ @ @ @ taught us that if a farmer is struggling with one or two of these , then there is a very high chance that they are struggling with a few of them - if not all . ''
The scheme will appoint `` rural-life advisors '' in every diocese to help those struggling with countryside life .
As well as concerns over Brexit and the impact of storms Ciara and Denis in February , coronavirus has also affected the industry .
Dairy farmers have even been forced to throw away thousands of litres of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hospitality `` fell of a cliff '' because of the pandemic .
However , the helpline scheme faces the double challenge of raising awareness of the service as well as convincing farmers in need of help to use it .
`` Since our launch we have made a very real difference to so many lives and businesses but because our service is entirely confidential , few people ever hear of what we do , '' said Tir Dewi chief executive Gareth Davies .
`` Worryingly , 67 % of the farmers surveyed [ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ask for help due to fears over confidentiality , embarrassment or shame .
This is very disturbing .
`` We have a lot of work to do to build trust and confidence that our support is entirely confidential , free , and that we never judge .
`` However , we can use our experience in west Wales where we spent a lot of time travelling around the local farming community and using volunteers known in the area . ''
For details of organisations which offer advice and support , go to BBC @ @ @

"However, these don't come one at a time. Experience has taught us that if a farmer is struggling with one or two of these, then there is a very high chance that they are struggling with a few of them - if not all."


bbcuk--2020-07-21--Nitrous oxide: MP wants to see tightening of laughing gas laws

A Labour MP has called for ministers to tighten the regulations on the sale of nitrous oxide .
Rosie Duffield also suggested better education about the risks of the substance , also known as laughing gas .
And she told MPs that recreational use has become `` much more prevalent '' during the coronavirus outbreak .
Home Office Minister Kevin Foster said the government was conscious of the concerns about nitrous oxide misuse and said some sellers had been shut down .
In a debate in the Commons , Ms Duffield said : `` Teenagers tell me that boxes sell @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I could just walk into one of the 25 % of corner shops estimated to sell these chargers .
`` If I purchased some canisters for the purpose of indulging a quick lockdown high , I would n't have broken the law .
`` It is far too easy to be able to purchase nitrous oxide for use as a recreational drug and everyday , up and down the country , thousands of young people are doing just that .
`` It is clear to me , and many of the experts that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recreational use has become much more prevalent during lockdown . ''
Sold legally , nitrous oxide is used for medical and commercial uses , such as making whipped cream - but is illegal when sold as a psychoactive drug .
When inhaled , the gas can cause elation and hallucinations .
In some cases , it can lead to a lack of oxygen , causing unconsciousness or suffocation .
The discarded silver canisters that the gas comes in have become a familiar sight underfoot in many parks and streets .
Ms Duffield said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ start a national conversation '' about the harms associated with nitrous oxide , including toddlers finding the canisters , dangerous driving , and health problems such as numbness and psychosis .
Responding to Ms Duffield in the debate , Home Office Minister Kevin Foster said the sale of nitrous oxide for its psychoactive effects is already illegal and sellers have been shut down .
He encouraged online retails to be careful about who they are selling to , and said the upcoming white paper on online harms will address this issue specifically .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ being made available , Mr Foster said , and these officers will be able to help combat drug use .
Anyone caught littering can be charged or fined by councils , he said .
Mr Foster acknowledged that combating drug use can not just be a question of law enforcement and must involve education .
It is unlikely that Ms Duffield 's debate will lead to a change in the law .
As an adjournment debate , it simply allows backbench MPs to raise a matter in parliament but without a vote .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , from drug charity Release , says it has not seen an increase in reported use , either from official or self-reporting surveys , and that political concern about the drug is driven by media coverage .
Ms Eastwood says any move to tighten the law would be counter-productive .
Due to the demographics of those who use nitrous oxide , such a move would `` end up criminalising children and young people '' .
Official Home Office survey data from 2019 found that `` levels of use of nitrous oxide have not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' and nitrous oxide remains the second most commonly used drug among 16 to 24-year-olds , after cannabis .
Ms Eastwood argues that , although there are risks associated with heavy use , laughing gas is one of the safest psychoactive substances , and worried that if its use is criminalised `` we could see young people move onto much more harmful substances . ''
She says it would be more helpful to run a campaign on how to use the gas safely .
And if the issue is litter , she says @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an anti-litter campaign . ''
'Max ' - who did not want to use his real name - is 25 and from Cambridgeshire , and says he does not think laughing gas is becoming more popular .
Instead , he says , lockdown has made its use more visible because young people have been meeting in parks rather than homes or clubs .
He says he has used nitrous oxide for a few years .
It is `` definitely a social thing '' he says , something he uses at the weekends when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and feel good '' .
Max believes the drug is safe , and says it is not addictive .
He thinks it is a `` good thing '' that nitrous oxide use is not illegal , because criminalising it would just force users out of sight .
He believes that the current legal status of the substance allows young people to talk about how to use the drug safely .
But Max is wrong to think the drug is safe , according to Prof Gino Martini , chief scientific officer at the Royal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's Victoria Derbyshire , Prof Martini warns that heavy use of nitrous oxide can lead to an erosion of the spinal cord , resulting in numbness or paralysis .
The very short nature of the `` high '' people feel is part of the problem , he explains , because it `` encourages '' repeated use of the drug .
`` The issue is that people do n't think it 's harmful , '' he says .
Figures released by the Office for National Statistics show that 25 people died from nitrous oxide-related @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and 2016 .

Ms Eastwood argues that, although there are risks associated with heavy use, laughing gas is one of the safest psychoactive substances, and worried that if its use is criminalised "we could see young people move onto much more harmful substances."