bbcuk--2020-08-27--I thought I was being kidnapped during arrest - Maguire

Manchester United defender Harry Maguire said he feared for his life when Greek police arrested him last week as he thought he was being kidnapped .
The England international told BBC sports editor Dan Roan that plain-clothed police officers , who did not identify themselves , pulled over his group 's minibus in Mykonos , threw him off the bus , hit him on his legs and told him his career was over .
The 27-year-old said he tried to run away - with one handcuff on - because he had no idea who the men were .
On Tuesday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of 21 months and 10 days in prison after his trial on the Greek island of Syros .
He was found guilty of repeated bodily harm , attempted bribery , violence against public employees and insult after arrest on Mykonos .
On Wednesday , his legal team lodged an appeal against the verdict .
In accordance with Greek law , the appeal nullifies Maguire 's conviction and there will be a full retrial in a more senior court .
• Why Maguire 's trial went so fast An emotional Maguire , who broke @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the guilty verdict was `` horrible '' and that he `` could n't quite believe it '' .
The centre-back , who denies throwing any punches or trying to bribe the police , added : `` I do n't feel I owe an apology to anybody .
`` An apology is something when you have done something wrong . ''
He said : `` I do n't wish it on anybody .
Obviously the situation has made it difficult for one of the biggest clubs in the world , so I regret putting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but I did nothing wrong .
`` I found myself in a situation where it could have happened to anybody and anywhere . ''
Asked how badly he was hurt , Maguire said : `` They hit me a lot on the legs .
It was n't on my mind .
I was in that much of a panic .
Fear .
Scared for my life . ''
Maguire said his family are suffering more than him and that his `` conscience is clear '' .
`` I know what happened that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' he added .
`` When I speak about it I get worked up but that 's because it just makes me feel a bit angry inside .
I will move on .
I am mentally strong enough . ''
Maguire - an £80m signing from Leicester City in 2019 - was named United 's permanent captain in January after the departure of Ashley Young to Inter Milan , and he is likely to remain skipper this season .
`` It is such a huge honour to be captain of Manchester United - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' he said .
`` It is a massive privilege to play for the club , never mind captain .
`` It is not my decision to make but the one thing I will say is how supportive the club has been from top to bottom .
They have been great with me and I thank them for that . ''
On Tuesday , Maguire was withdrawn from the England squad for September 's Nations League matches against Iceland and Denmark .
He said : `` I love playing for my country .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ play .
I 'm disappointed but of course I understand . ''
How Maguire says the night unfolded • Maguire was on holiday with his fiancee Fern , his younger sister Daisy , his brother and his brother 's girlfriend , and two friends and their girlfriends .
• They were out for drinks in Mykonos and texted their minibus driver to pick them up to take them home .
• The driver was `` 20 minutes late '' and Maguire said the group were tired and planning to head back to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and asked her where she was from before Fern saw `` my little sister 's eyes rolling to the back of her head .
She ran over , she was fainting , in an out of consciousness . ''
• At this point Maguire said `` everyone was shouting and were screaming '' , when three Greek men dressed in plain clothes got involved .
• Maguire said they were not trying to `` cause an argument or a scuffle '' , but `` it was just a lot of shouting , a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as has been reported .
No punches thrown . ''
• Maguire said the Greek men were just trying to calm it down but they were `` a little bit aggressive '' .
• The minibus arrived .
Maguire said they got Daisy on the bus and `` literally that was it - it was n't what everyone 's made it out to be .
Do n't get me wrong - there was a lot of shouting , a big panic , but no fighting or anything . ''
• They told the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ villa and planned to go to the hospital , but Daisy recovered `` pretty quickly '' .
• The bus drove for `` 5-10 minutes '' and stopped and parked up alongside this road .
`` We looked outside and there were eight men surrounding the bus , all in plain clothes . ''
• The doors were opened and Maguire and a friend were `` thrown off the bus '' .
• Maguire said the men did not say anything to them .
It was at this point that Maguire thought they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his friend ran to the main road , from where he rang his agent to ask for help , leaving messages on a group WhatsApp .
• Maguire said when he turned to walk back to the bus , he and his friend had been circled by the men , who started walking towards them .
• Maguire said : `` We got down on our knees , put our hands in the air .
And they just started hitting us .
They got one of my hands in the handcuff .
They @ @ @ @ @ @ @ career 's over - 'no more football ; you wo n't play again ' .
`` At this point I thought there 's no chance these are police .
I 've no idea who they are .
So I tried to run away .
I had one hand in the handcuff - I was moving my hand .
This is where the charges have come from - this is what they are saying is resisting arrest and this is what the assault is - no punches have been thrown .
I did n't @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Greek police dispute this version of events and in court the prosecution said Maguire , his brother and friend then physically and verbally attacked police officers .
• Maguire said he was taken into the police station and was put in a cell .
`` That was the time I felt a little bit of relief , as crazy as that sounds .
There were other people in the cell telling me to calm down and it felt like relief because that was the first time I actually believed I was in prison @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with Dan Roan It was horrible .
It was such a quick turnaround it was incredible .
We got the pages for the transcript for the court on the evening before .
A big document , all in Greek .
I hardly had any chance to speak to my lawyer .
We were confident the case would be adjourned , to give us more time to prepare and get the witnesses and the evidence that we have .
For it to all happen so quickly ... we obviously did n't expect the trial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that you abused the police .
Is that true ?
From their statement I am pretty sure they said I hurt a policeman 's back and arm .
I had the hand in the air , handcuffed , when I tried running away , I did n't realise they were police at the time and thought I was getting kidnapped .
I do n't think I hurt him .
Put it this way : I did n't hurt him as much as they hurt me .
The court heard you tried to bribe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you know who I am ' .
Did you ?
No , for sure .
'Do you know who I am ? '
I knew they knew who I was .
Five minutes before they were beating me up saying my career is over , so I knew they knew who I was .
As soon as I saw that statement ... just ridiculous .
There was definitely no bribe involved .
At that moment we were sat in the entrance of the prison , we were so distraught , we were crying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we were .
What do you put it down to - their actions ?
A lot of things have gone through my mind but the answer is I do n't know .
I ca n't pinpoint what or why .
Whether , like you say , it was jealously , stitched up , misunderstanding , I really do n't know .
You have appealed .
How confident are you that you will eventually clear your name ?
I have great faith in the Greek law .
The retrial rule will give us more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , allow witnesses into the court , and I am really confident the truth will be told and come out .
You are a high-profile guy .
There are plenty of places you can go .
Do you accept you were in a way asking for trouble being in that place that night ?
No .
I think it could have happened anywhere .
I love Greece ; I love the people there .
I have been to six , seven , eight Greek islands .
I go most years on my time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Greece .
I do n't feel like I would have done anything different in terms of regret going to Mykonos .
I have been before and had a great time .
I think us footballers get a bit of stick for trying to stay away from everything and the public eye .
It 's not how I want to live my life .
I 've always been really open .
I was away with my family in couples .
If someone wanted a picture , they could have a picture or something signed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on that .
Were you worse for wear ?
Were you drunk ?
Was that a factor in all this ?
I 'm not going to sit here and say I did n't have a drink all day .
I had a few drinks .
Anyone who knows me who has been out with me knows how I am after I have a few drinks .
I am always aware ; I always stay in control .
I definitely was n't drunk .
I knew what was going off .
I just found @ @ @ @ @ @ @ much harm have you done to your reputation and do you regret that ?
It 's not nice seeing bad reports against yourself .
No-one knew what went off that night .
Either you believe it or you do n't .
Even after the court case still the stories coming out of the court case are so far away from the truth it is incredible .
So , no , my character and personality will stay the same .
I am strong mentally and I will get over this .
My conscience is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that night .

'My conscience is clear' - Maguire tells BBC sports editor Dan Roan
Manchester United defender Harry Maguire said he feared for his life when Greek police arrested him last week as he thought he was being kidnapped.
The England international told BBC sports editor Dan Roan that plain-clothed police officers, who did not identify themselves, pulled over his group's minibus in Mykonos, threw him off the bus, hit him on his legs and told him his career was over.
The 27-year-old said he tried to run away - with one handcuff on - because he had no idea who the men were.
On Tuesday, Maguire was given a suspended sentence of 21 months and 10 days in prison after his trial on the Greek island of Syros.
He was found guilty of repeated bodily harm, attempted bribery, violence against public employees and insult after arrest on Mykonos.
On Wednesday, his legal team lodged an appeal against the verdict. In accordance with Greek law, the appeal nullifies Maguire's conviction and there will be a full retrial in a more senior court.
An emotional Maguire, who broke down during the interview, said hearing the guilty verdict was "horrible" and that he "couldn't quite believe it".
The centre-back, who denies throwing any punches or trying to bribe the police, added: "I don't feel I owe an apology to anybody.
"An apology is something when you have done something wrong."
He said: "I don't wish it on anybody. Obviously the situation has made it difficult for one of the biggest clubs in the world, so I regret putting the fans and the club through this, but I did nothing wrong.
"I found myself in a situation where it could have happened to anybody and anywhere."
Asked how badly he was hurt, Maguire said: "They hit me a lot on the legs. It wasn't on my mind. I was in that much of a panic. Fear. Scared for my life."
Maguire said his family are suffering more than him and that his "conscience is clear".
"I know what happened that night. I know the truth," he added.
"When I speak about it I get worked up but that's because it just makes me feel a bit angry inside. I will move on. I am mentally strong enough."
Maguire - an £80m signing from Leicester City in 2019 - was named United's permanent captain in January after the departure of Ashley Young to Inter Milan, and he is likely to remain skipper this season.
"It is such a huge honour to be captain of Manchester United - something I am really proud of," he said. "It is a massive privilege to play for the club, never mind captain.
"It is not my decision to make but the one thing I will say is how supportive the club has been from top to bottom. They have been great with me and I thank them for that."
On Tuesday, Maguire was withdrawn from the England squad for September's Nations League matches against Iceland and Denmark.
He said: "I love playing for my country. Physically and mentally I am ready to play. I'm disappointed but of course I understand."
How Maguire says the night unfolded
Maguire was on holiday with his fiancee Fern, his younger sister Daisy, his brother and his brother's girlfriend, and two friends and their girlfriends.
They were out for drinks in Mykonos and texted their minibus driver to pick them up to take them home.
The driver was "20 minutes late" and Maguire said the group were tired and planning to head back to the villa.
Two men approached Daisy and asked her where she was from before Fern saw "my little sister's eyes rolling to the back of her head. She ran over, she was fainting, in an out of consciousness."
At this point Maguire said "everyone was shouting and were screaming", when three Greek men dressed in plain clothes got involved.
Maguire said they were not trying to "cause an argument or a scuffle", but "it was just a lot of shouting, a lot of commotion. No fighting, as has been reported. No punches thrown."
Maguire said the Greek men were just trying to calm it down but they were "a little bit aggressive".
The minibus arrived. Maguire said they got Daisy on the bus and "literally that was it - it wasn't what everyone's made it out to be. Don't get me wrong - there was a lot of shouting, a big panic, but no fighting or anything."
They told the driver to take them back to the villa and planned to go to the hospital, but Daisy recovered "pretty quickly".
The bus drove for "5-10 minutes" and stopped and parked up alongside this road. "We looked outside and there were eight men surrounding the bus, all in plain clothes."
The doors were opened and Maguire and a friend were "thrown off the bus".
Maguire said the men did not say anything to them. It was at this point that Maguire thought they were being kidnapped.
Maguire and his friend ran to the main road, from where he rang his agent to ask for help, leaving messages on a group WhatsApp.
Maguire said when he turned to walk back to the bus, he and his friend had been circled by the men, who started walking towards them.
Maguire said: "We got down on our knees, put our hands in the air. And they just started hitting us. They got one of my hands in the handcuff. They were hitting my legs, saying my career's over - 'no more football; you won't play again'. "At this point I thought there's no chance these are police. I've no idea who they are. So I tried to run away. I had one hand in the handcuff - I was moving my hand. This is where the charges have come from - this is what they are saying is resisting arrest and this is what the assault is - no punches have been thrown. I didn't believe they were the police."
Greek police dispute this version of events and in court the prosecution said Maguire, his brother and friend then physically and verbally attacked police officers.
Maguire said he was taken into the police station and was put in a cell. "That was the time I felt a little bit of relief, as crazy as that sounds. There were other people in the cell telling me to calm down and it felt like relief because that was the first time I actually believed I was in prison."
Maguire, whose move from Leicester City to Manchester United made him the most expensive defender in the world, has won 26 caps for England
More from Maguire's interview with Dan Roan
The trial
It was horrible. It was such a quick turnaround it was incredible. We got the pages for the transcript for the court on the evening before. A big document, all in Greek. I hardly had any chance to speak to my lawyer. We were confident the case would be adjourned, to give us more time to prepare and get the witnesses and the evidence that we have.
For it to all happen so quickly... we obviously didn't expect the trial to go ahead.
The court heard that you abused the police. Is that true?
From their statement I am pretty sure they said I hurt a policeman's back and arm. I had the hand in the air, handcuffed, when I tried running away, I didn't realise they were police at the time and thought I was getting kidnapped. I don't think I hurt him. Put it this way: I didn't hurt him as much as they hurt me.
The court heard you tried to bribe the police, that you said 'do you know who I am'. Did you?
No, for sure. 'Do you know who I am?' I knew they knew who I was. Five minutes before they were beating me up saying my career is over, so I knew they knew who I was. As soon as I saw that statement... just ridiculous.
There was definitely no bribe involved. At that moment we were sat in the entrance of the prison, we were so distraught, we were crying. We still didn't believe where we were.
What do you put it down to - their actions?
A lot of things have gone through my mind but the answer is I don't know. I can't pinpoint what or why. Whether, like you say, it was jealously, stitched up, misunderstanding, I really don't know.
You have appealed. How confident are you that you will eventually clear your name?
I have great faith in the Greek law. The retrial rule will give us more time to prepare, gather the evidence, allow witnesses into the court, and I am really confident the truth will be told and come out.
You are a high-profile guy. There are plenty of places you can go. Do you accept you were in a way asking for trouble being in that place that night?
No. I think it could have happened anywhere. I love Greece; I love the people there. I have been to six, seven, eight Greek islands. I go most years on my time off. Me and my family love Greece. I don't feel like I would have done anything different in terms of regret going to Mykonos. I have been before and had a great time.
I think us footballers get a bit of stick for trying to stay away from everything and the public eye. It's not how I want to live my life. I've always been really open. I was away with my family in couples. If someone wanted a picture, they could have a picture or something signed. It's probably changed my mind on that.
Were you worse for wear? Were you drunk? Was that a factor in all this?
I'm not going to sit here and say I didn't have a drink all day. I had a few drinks. Anyone who knows me who has been out with me knows how I am after I have a few drinks. I am always aware; I always stay in control. I definitely wasn't drunk. I knew what was going off. I just found myself in a bad situation.
How much harm have you done to your reputation and do you regret that?
It's not nice seeing bad reports against yourself. No-one knew what went off that night. Either you believe it or you don't. Even after the court case still the stories coming out of the court case are so far away from the truth it is incredible. So, no, my character and personality will stay the same. I am strong mentally and I will get over this.
My conscience is clear. I know exactly what happened that night.


bbcuk--2020-08-27--Coronavirus: Switzerland latest to join UK's quarantine list

Travellers in Switzerland , Jamaica and Czech Republic who return to the UK from 04:00 BST on Saturday will have to self-isolate for two weeks .
The UK government said the move was needed to keep UK infection rates down .
People arriving in Scotland from Switzerland are already required to self-isolate .
Cuba , where there has been a drop in cases , will be added to the list of destinations people can return from without entering quarantine .
The UK considers imposing quarantine conditions when a country 's rate of infection exceeds 20 cases per 100,000 people over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has been a `` consistent increase '' in the weekly case rate in Switzerland over the past four weeks , with cases per 100,000 rising from 18.5 to 22 over the past week .
In Jamaica , the seven-day rate rose from 4.3 on August 20 to 20.8 on Thursday - a 382 % increase , while the Czech Republic has seen weekly cases per 100,000 rise from 16.2 on 20 August to 20.2 on Thursday .
More than 1.6 million Britons travelled to Switzerland last year , the Swiss Tourism Federation said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mountain air .
The Czech Republic sees more than 300,000 British tourists every year , according to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office .
The capital Prague is a popular destination for city breaks and stag dos .
Katarina Hobbs , director of CzechTourism UK and Ireland , insists the country `` remains a safe country to travel to '' , adding she hoped the British government would reconsider its decision `` very soon '' .
The Foreign Office is now advising against all but essential travel to the Czech Republic , Jamaica and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are being told to follow local rules and check the FCO travel advice .
In a tweet , Transport Secretary Grant Shapps warned British holidaymakers to `` only travel if you are content to unexpectedly 14-day quarantine on return '' .
People wishing to avoid the need to self-isolate now face a race to get back to the UK before the quarantine deadline .
Simon Calder , travel editor of the Independent , told the BBC fares `` went through the roof '' within minutes of No 10 's announcement , with airlines @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Heathrow from Prague , Geneva and Zurich priced at about `` £300 one way '' .
He also wrote in the Independent , that a `` significant number '' of UK tourists with family connections to Jamaica are understood to be on the Caribbean island but warned it might be too late for them to return by Saturday 's deadline if they missed Thursday 's overnight flights - which go through America .
He advised travellers leaving Switzerland to avoid flying via Basel airport as its terminal and runway sit inside French territory @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , would trigger the need to quarantine .
Liechtenstein is now also off-limits , he added , because it is only accessible through Switzerland and Austria - which is also on the government 's quarantine list .
In July , thousands of guests sat at a 500 metre-long ( 1,640ft ) table on the Charles Bridge in Prague at a party held to give the coronavirus a `` symbolic farewell '' .
The event 's organiser said the celebration in the Czech capital was possible due to a lack of tourists in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of emergency was declared in March , with the government ordering the closure of schools , restaurants , bars and all the ski slopes .
But by June , as cases of Covid-19 started to fall across Europe and more travel was permitted , it reopened its mountain railways and cable cars .
• Where are the world 's coronavirus hotspots ?
• France to be added to UK quarantine countries • You finally got abroad , but was it worth it ?
Tom Brodie , who lives in the Rhone Valley in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ travel business in January before coronavirus restrictions `` decimated '' his summer season and he had to refund his bookings .
Mr Brodie , originally from Birkenhead , Wirral , recently re-launched Alps Adventures - which gets most of its business from the UK - but now fears people will cancel their winter bookings if Switzerland remains on the quarantine list .
He says he is trying to see the `` silver linings '' , including flights being cheaper in the winter , but admits it will be `` very tough '' as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Quarantine rules are set by each UK nation separately , but the DfT said equivalent measures are being put in place in Northern Ireland , Scotland and Wales .
Wales has made one further change - adding Singapore to its list of exemptions .
Gibraltar remains on the UK 's quarantine exemption list despite concern about a rising number of Covid cases .
Last week restrictions were lifted on those returning from Portugal , but added for travellers coming back from Croatia , Austria and Trinidad and Tobago .
In July , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were caught out by the government 's decision to advise against all but non-essential travel to the mainland and islands after a spike in cases in the country .
And two weeks ago , visitors to France were given a few days ' notice that they would face a quarantine on their return home to the UK .
On their own , the three latest countries to join the UK 's quarantine list wo n't affect a huge number of people .
But over the past month , the government has scrapped so-called @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have to self-isolate - with at least 18 countries and territories , including key tourist destinations like France and Spain .
Ministers say this cautious approach will prevent cases of the virus being imported .
However , travel companies are frustrated that the UK has n't yet followed countries like France and Germany and set-up a testing regime for passengers arriving from `` at risk '' countries , so that people who test negative can leave quarantine early .
The UK government is said to be considering a two-test regime whereby passengers would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ quarantine for eight days until a second test .
Two negative results would mean they would avoid the remaining six days of quarantine .
Figures within the aviation sector say that approach is too cautious and would do little to kick-start foreign travel .
There has been widespread criticism of the government 's weekly reviews of travel restrictions .
The editor of Which ?
Travel , Rory Boland , said many holidaymakers found themselves `` held to ransom '' by airlines when trying to purchase new flights to beat the quarantine deadlines .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ government so people had the necessary information in advance to decide whether it is safe to travel .
`` Struggling tour operators can offer them trips to alternative destinations , rather than facing the financial hit of yet more cancellations and refund pay-outs , '' he added .
Meanwhile , airport operator the Manchester Airport Group has called for an end to the UK 's `` sluggish , illogical and chaotic '' approach to quarantine .
Its chief strategy officer , Tim Hawkins , said : `` These decisions are n't being made @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Association of Travel Agents and Tour Operators ( Abta ) warned the travel sector would `` continue to suffer '' for as long as quarantine remains the government 's `` principal strategy '' in containing the virus .
A spokesperson said it was `` vital '' for the government to `` assess risk on a regionalised '' basis - allowing travel to areas in a country unaffected by a spike in cases - rather than a blanket one , in order to minimise the impact on the sector and consumer confidence .
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bbcuk--2020-08-27--Coronavirus: Daily cases highest since mid-June

The number of daily UK cases of coronavirus has risen to 1,522 in 24 hours - up from 1,048 on Wednesday - the highest tally since mid-June .
This is still much lower than the 5,000 new cases a day in April , at the peak of the epidemic .
Cases have been rising across Europe and began edging up again in the UK in July , after falling in June .
A number of areas have seen a spike in infections , with Birmingham and Northampton the latest places affected .
• How many confirmed cases are there in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ world 's coronavirus hotspots ?
And experts suspect a relatively small number of areas in the UK are responsible for an increase in new cases .
Testing has also increased over recent weeks and this means more people with the virus are being detected .
Health Secretary Matt Hancock told BBC Breakfast that NHS Test and Trace was now reaching `` almost 80 % '' of contacts and the extra support will help `` get the last few percentages '' .
However , NHS England 's Test and Trace scheme is still failing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , with weekly figures showing the time taken to turn around results is getting longer .
The last weekly testing of people in thousands of private households , by the Office for National Statistics ( ONS ) , seen as the most accurate picture of new infections , suggested cases were levelling off .
New weekly ONS figures will be released on Friday .
• SYMPTOMS : What are they and how to guard against them ?
• 40,000 DEATHS : Could they have been prevented ?
• TESTING : Who can get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ TOOL : How many cases in your area ?
• THE R NUMBER : What it means and why it matters Meanwhile , the numbers of people admitted to hospital and dying from Covid-19 are on a downward trend .
As of Thursday , the government reported 41,477 people had died in the UK within 28 days of testing positive for coronavirus - a rise of 12 on the previous day .
Separate figures published by the ONS show there have now been 57,200 deaths registered in the UK where Covid-19 was mentioned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ should we be ?
This rise needs to be seen in context .
While any increase in cases is worrying , we are now testing more then we did two months ago .
The more you look for the virus , the more you will find .
The increase we have seen since early July - when the average rate was half what it is now - can not be all accounted for by more testing , but it is certainly a key factor .
The other thing to remember is where we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the pandemic we could not do mass testing so we do not know exactly how many cases there were .
But the best estimates are there were around 100,000 new infections a day at the end of March .
It is unrealistic to expect cases to get down to zero .
What is important now is that we keep beating down on the virus - and limit any increases .
That requires identifying hotspots and keeping a lid on them .
All the indications are that the areas that have had extra @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are seeing a declining number of cases .
The national rise - certainly at this point - is not as alarming as it seems .
But there can be no room for complacency .
• Police in England and Wales have seen a 31 % rise in assaults on emergency services workers in the four weeks to 2 August , compared to the same period last year .
Martin Hewitt chairman of the National Police Chiefs ' Council said he was `` disgusted '' by the increase at a time when emergency services @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus pandemic • From Tuesday , workers on low incomes in parts of England where there are high rates of coronavirus will be able to claim up to £182 ( equal to £13 a day ) if they have to self-isolate .
The benefit will be trialled in parts of north-west England first • No new coronavirus-related deaths were recorded in Scotland in the past 24 hours , First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said .
It comes after the first deaths following a positive test in the nation for six weeks were announced on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ flu jab among people in vulnerable groups has declined , according to BBC analysis , despite plans to double the number of people who receive it .
Experts have warned that if fewer people are inoculated the NHS could be overwhelmed in the winter

At the peak of the pandemic we could not do mass testing so we do not know exactly how many cases there were. But the best estimates are there were around 100,000 new infections a day at the end of March.


bbcuk--2020-08-27--EastEnders recruits real-life partners for 'intimate' scenes

The real-life partners of some of the EastEnders cast have been drafted in , to allow `` moments of intimacy to be cheated '' when the soap resumes .
The new recruits will act as body-doubles so that `` crucial moments where two characters are kissing '' can be filmed following government guidelines .
The BBC said the move was just one of several measures being taken to keep the cast and crew safe on set .
New episodes will resume on 7 September , after a three-month break .
The hiatus was made necessary when the Covid-19 lockdown brought @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fans have been taken on a trip down memory lane , with re-screenings of classic episodes from the soap 's 35-year history .
Filming resumed at the end of June and the show 's executive producer Jon Sen said the production team `` had to choose our moments carefully '' when it came to filming intimate scenes `` because it takes much more time to film like this '' .
• TV shows to resume filming under new guidelines • Coronavirus pandemic to come to Coronation Street The cast 's families wo n't @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bedroom , he added .
`` We hit on the idea of [ using ] supporting artists from the same household to reflect the world outside ... .
or a husband and wife who would be walking down Bridge Street and of course they can get closer together than the two metres , '' said Sen. '' It really adds to the sense of life . ''
In order to follow social distancing guidelines on interior sets like the Queen Victoria pub , producers had to think laterally .
Clear Perspex screens - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are being placed between actors who share a scene ; and computer-generated composite shots are also being used .
The perspex screens allow the producers to `` bring people really close together and that 's really good because it gives an intimacy to performance that would n't be possible otherwise '' , said Sen. Other measures have included creating one-way systems around the studios , and temperature-checking the cast and behind-the-scenes staff .
Seating in the Queen Vic has also been adjusted to allow for a 2m distance between actors .
`` Our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ family units , that 's the nature of EastEnders and soap , '' said Sen. '' Families who would be in the same household , so not at 2m distances , but obviously they are played by actors who are obeying social distancing , so there 's a huge challenge at the heart of it . ''
The computer-generated shots create the illusion of actors being close to each other when in fact `` they have been filmed in complete isolation from one another '' .
`` So , when you are filming @ @ @ @ @ @ @ space , essentially , and that will happen with the other actor , and then you 'll put them together and it will look like they are at the same table , so we 're doing that a lot , '' said Sen. New episodes will be 20 minutes or slightly longer , rather than 30 , when EastEnders returns for four nights a week .
Kate Oates , BBC Studios head of continuing drama , said : `` We wanted the ambition of the storytelling and the quality of the storytelling to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to achieve that and to achieve everything Jon has talked about and to make it look brilliant it takes longer so we really did have a judgment call to make . ''
Other popular soaps have faced the same challenges of filming in the Covid-19 era .
Coronation Street resumed filming on 9 June with strict social distancing and other safety measures in place .
No actors with underlying health conditions or who are aged over 70 were allowed back on set , ruling out the likes of William Roache and Maureen Lipman @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by recording new episodes showing characters dealing with lockdown .
The restrictions followed the publication in May of guidelines for the TV industry to get back to work .
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Kate Oates, BBC Studios head of continuing drama, said: "We wanted the ambition of the storytelling and the quality of the storytelling to be as high as possible, so to achieve that and to achieve everything Jon has talked about and to make it look brilliant it takes longer so we really did have a judgment call to make."


bbcuk--2020-08-27--Manhunt for Imran Safi after 'three sons abducted'

An urgent manhunt is under way for a father who abducted his three sons from their foster home , police have said .
Imran Safi , 26 , is said to have threatened a foster carer with a knife in Coulsdon , south London , last Thursday .
He is accused of taking Bilal , Mohammed Ebrar and Mohammed Yaseen - aged six , five and three .
An image of Mr Safi has been circulated to all ports and borders amid concerns he may attempt to take the boys abroad .
All three brothers were playing in the garden @ @ @ @ @ @ @ house on Coulsdon Road when they were taken , detectives said .
The foster carer , who told officers that Safi threatened her with a knife , did not suffer any serious physical injuries but was `` understandably distressed '' .
It is understood that the boys were due to be formally adopted , a fact detectives believe could have been a motivation for the abduction .
Mr Safi was not thought to have access to the boys ' passports .
Metropolitan Police Commander Jon Savell said the boys had `` been in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and their natural family had become aware they were going to be adopted .
He added that Mr Safi was not allowed to go to the foster carer 's address and had `` taken the law into his own hands '' by doing so .
Mr Savell said it was `` an absolute priority '' to find the three children and more than 100 officers were working to locate them .
`` They have been taken from a place of safety and we are growing increasingly concerned about their wellbeing , particularly as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ global health crisis , '' he said .
`` While we do not believe at this time there is any immediate risk to their physical safety , their location , access to accommodation , healthcare , and other provisions is entirely unknown . ''
`` We are concerned about the longer-term impact of this on all three children .
`` An intense investigation into how this abduction was planned and carried out is being led by detectives in south London , alongside a manhunt being led by specialist detectives within the Met .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ 37 have been arrested in connection with the abduction .
They were all arrested in Croydon and have been bailed to a later date , the Met said .
A red Nissan Qashqai , with the registration PK13 WFO , is thought to have been involved in the abduction .
Police are struggling with this case .
The usual tactics of CCTV , automatic number plate cameras , and tracking mobile phone usage have not worked .
The getaway car was found in the area .
It is possible the father may have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ did was to inform airports and sea ports .
Now they are worried an attempt will be made to smuggle the children abroad - a traumatic experience for such young boys .
It may already have happened .
Mr Safi is an Afghan national and has links to Pakistan but police do not yet know if he has travelled overseas .
Detectives are working closely with national and international agencies to ensure any movement into foreign countries is identified .
Ch Supt Dave Stringer said that the incident would `` understandably send a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` We know there are people with detailed knowledge of the whereabouts of these children , and we fully appreciate there may be very good reasons for those individuals not wanting to come forward , '' he said .
`` But right now I would strongly urge them to do the right thing and assist us in locating them . ''
Croydon Council declined to comment due to the `` active police investigation '' .
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"We know there are people with detailed knowledge of the whereabouts of these children, and we fully appreciate there may be very good reasons for those individuals not wanting to come forward," he said.


bbcuk--2020-08-27--Coronavirus: Pair escorted from flight after positive test text

A man and his companion were escorted off a flight when he received a text saying he had tested positive for coronavirus .
The passengers had just boarded the Ryanair service to Pisa , Italy , from Stansted Airport when the message came through .
After alerting cabin crew , the man and his travel partner were taken to an isolation area at the terminal .
Ryanair said both passengers were seated for only 10 minutes .
The flight on Wednesday was delayed by one hour and 20 minutes while seats and overhead cabins were disinfected .
A video of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protective suits has been posted on social media .
Ryanair said the pair had complied fully with the airline 's health regulations and had both worn masks at all times at Stansted Airport .
The company said there `` was little if any risk of Covid-19 transmission to other passengers or crew members '' .
A Stansted Airport spokesman said members of its fire service attended the aircraft and escorted the passenger and travel partner to an isolation area .
Once there , they were put in contact with Public Health England `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ journey '' , he said .
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : How do I protect myself ?
• AVOIDING CONTACT : The rules on self-isolation and exercise • WHAT WE DO N'T KNOW How to understand the death toll • TESTING : Can I get tested for coronavirus ?
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Ryanair said the pair had complied fully with the airline's health regulations and had both worn masks at all times at Stansted Airport.


bbcuk--2020-08-27--Royal Shakespeare Company: Job cuts as programme cancelled

The Royal Shakespeare Company ( RSC ) has cancelled its theatre productions until 2021 due to coronavirus .
The production company in Stratford-upon-Avon said social distancing measures meant it would not be able to stage indoor performances .
It also announced redundancies for staff and a consultation period with employees .
Outdoor events will continue , the RSC said , adding it will develop its online offering for autumn and winter months .
`` We had hoped that things would have become more positive by now , '' artistic director Gregory Doran and executive director Catherine Mallyon said in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hope that the government review of social distancing measures in November will bring positive news for the industry and provide a timeline for when we can welcome our audiences back into our theatres again . ''
• Latest news and updates from the West Midlands Stratford-upon-Avon , the birthplace of William Shakespeare , attracts up to six million visitors annually and the town 's tourism industry has been hit hard during lockdown .
In April , the Centre for Progressive Policy think tank said it expected Stratford-upon-Avon to take one of the biggest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lockdown started , the district council has handed out more than £32m in grants to small and medium sized businesses .
The RSC , which has 750 employees , closed its theatres on 17 March and has not been able to reopen since .
It said it was having to consider redundancies `` to safeguard the long-term future of the company '' .
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"We very much hope that the government review of social distancing measures in November will bring positive news for the industry and provide a timeline for when we can welcome our audiences back into our theatres again."


bbcuk--2020-08-27--Home Office scraps 'activist migrant lawyers' clip

The Home Office is to stop using a video it put on social media accusing migrants ' lawyers of being `` activists '' .
The animated clip on its Twitter feed said the current asylum system was `` open to abuse '' , allowing lawyers to `` delay and disrupt returns '' of people .
The Bar Council said the language was `` irresponsible '' and `` misleading '' .
Home Office permanent secretary Matthew Rycroft said the video `` should not have been used on an official government channel '' and would not be posted again .
Initially , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would not be removing the original post - viewed more than 1.6 million times - but several hours later it had been taken down .
The Home Office did not specify who created the video or approved it for publication .
The video was published by the Home Office on Wednesday evening , referencing small boat crossings of the English Channel of asylum seekers .
It showed a graphic of planes leaving the UK , with the caption : `` We are working to remove migrants with no right to remain in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are rigid and open to abuse ... allowing activist lawyers to delay and disrupt returns . ''
The Bar Council , which represents all barristers in England and Wales , condemned the video , saying lawyers were `` merely doing their jobs '' and were not `` activists '' .
Chair of the council , Amanda Pinto QC , said : `` The justice system provides a vital check and balance and should not be attacked for the sake of political point-scoring by the government .
`` We strongly condemn the use of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rule of law and those working to uphold it . ''
• What happens to migrants found in the Channel ?
A professor lodged a formal complaint with the Home Office and received a response from the department 's head civil servant , Mr Rycroft .
He said : `` I agree the phrase you quote should not have been used on an official government channel .
`` I have made clear to the team this post should not be used again from Home Office accounts or anywhere else by civil servants .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which was also shared on Twitter , was accurate and they would not be sharing the video elsewhere .

"We should be proud that we live in a country where legal rights cannot be overridden without due process, and we should be proud that we have legal professionals who serve the rule of law.


bbcuk--2020-08-27--Stuart Outten: Met PC injured in machete attack returns to work

A Metropolitan Police officer who was injured in a machete attack in east London last year has returned to work .
PC Stuart Outten was repeatedly slashed by Muhammad Rodwan after the van driver was pulled over in Leyton .
The officer sustained wounds to his head , arm and hand from a 2ft-long blade , several broken fingers and three severed tendons in one hand .
PC Outten was awarded a high commendation for his `` extraordinary bravery '' at a ceremony on Wednesday .
Despite receiving life-changing injuries in the attack , he has returned to work and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the force said .
`` I have had a huge amount of support both internally and from members of the public , '' PC Outten said .
`` I am honoured to have now received this commendation - it means a huge amount . ''
Rodwan was found guilty of causing grievous bodily harm with intent following a trial at the Old Bailey .
He was jailed for 16 years and a further three years on extended licence .
PC Outten was one of three serving officers recognised for their efforts by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at New Scotland Yard .
She said : `` I am extremely proud to commend these officers and members of the public who acted without a thought for their own safety in order to protect others .
`` Their quick thinking , bravery and professionalism is outstanding and I thank them for their selfless actions . ''

She said: "I am extremely proud to commend these officers and members of the public who acted without a thought for their own safety in order to protect others.


bbcuk--2020-08-27--Third Lockerbie appeal given permission to proceed

A third posthumous appeal on behalf of the Libyan convicted of the Lockerbie bombing has been given permission to proceed .
Abdelbasset Al Megrahi 's family are asking the High Court to rule that he was the victim of a miscarriage of justice .
A full hearing is scheduled for later this year .
Megrahi was convicted of playing a key role in the bombing of Pan Am 103 on 21 December 1988 .
All 259 passengers and crew on board the flight were killed , along with 11 people in Lockerbie who died when the wreckage fell onto their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pan Am flight 103 Authorising the appeal to move forward , three judges also ruled that an independent lawyer would be appointed to view classified documents on the family 's behalf .
Megrahi was found guilty in 2001 after standing trial at a specially-convened Scottish court in the Netherlands .
He lost his first appeal and abandoned a second shortly before the Scottish government released him on compassionate grounds in 2009 .
Terminally ill with cancer , he returned to Libya and died there three years later .
The Scottish Criminal Cases Review @ @ @ @ @ @ @ courts in March this year .
The commission said it believed that no reasonable court , relying on the evidence led at the trial , could have decided that the case had been proved beyond reasonable doubt .
They also said prosecutors at the Crown Office had failed to disclose information to the defence , denying Megrahi a fair trial .
Three judges led by Scotland 's most senior judge , the Lord Justice General Lord Carloway , have given the case the authority to proceed on the points raised by the commission @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of additional grounds of appeal submitted by lawyers acting for Megrahi 's family .
They refused to give them permission to argue that he was unfairly convicted because of `` a systematic failure of disclosure '' by the Crown Office .
The court will hold a hearing behind closed doors to consider two protectively-marked documents which are the subject of a long-standing public interest immunity certificate recently renewed by Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab .
The family 's legal team believe they contain information which could help their case .
A `` special counsel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ documents will be appointed to represent them at the hearing .
The family 's solicitor Aamer Anwar said : `` If the UK government has nothing to hide , then it has nothing to fear from disclosing this material .
`` Today was an important milestone for the Megrahi family on the road to try to establish that the verdict against their father was a miscarriage of justice .
There can never be a time limit on justice . ''
At a hearing last week , lawyers representing the UK government said it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reasons for imposing the certificate were `` well founded . ''
How did we get here ?
US and British investigators indicted Megrahi in 1991 but he was not handed over by the Libyans until April 1999 .
May 2000 - A special trial under Scots law starts on neutral ground at Camp Zeist in the Netherlands .
31 January 2001 - Former Libyan intelligence officer Megrahi is found guilty of mass murder and jailed for life with a minimum term of 27 years .
March 2002 - Megrahi loses an appeal against @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Scottish Criminal Cases Review Commission ( SCCRC ) is asked to investigate Megrahi 's conviction .
June 2007 - The SCCRC recommends that Megrahi is granted a second appeal against his conviction .
18 August 2009 - Megrahi 's move to drop his second appeal is accepted by judges at The High Court in Edinburgh .
20 August 2009 - Megrahi , who has terminal prostate cancer , is released from prison on compassionate grounds .
May 2012 - Megrahi dies at his home in Tripoli , aged 60 .
July 2015 - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lockerbie bombing victims should not be allowed to pursue an appeal on Megrahi 's behalf .
Courts had previously ruled that only next of kin could proceed with a posthumous application .
July 2017 - Megrahi 's family launched a new bid to appeal against his conviction .
March 2020 - The Scottish Criminal Case Review Commission said Megrahi 's conviction can be taken to a fresh appeal .

"Today was an important milestone for the Megrahi family on the road to try to establish that the verdict against their father was a miscarriage of justice. There can never be a time limit on justice."


bbcuk--2020-08-27--Pret A Manger to cut 3,000 jobs in the UK

Sandwich chain Pret A Manger is to cut 3,000 jobs , or more than a third of its workforce , as part of a plan to save the business .
The jobs will mainly go at its shops , but 90 roles will also be lost at its support centre .
The chain has been hit as demand from commuters and office workers - a key market - has plunged in the pandemic .
It had already said it would permanently close 30 of its stores earlier this summer .
Boss Pano Christou said he was `` gutted '' to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we 're now starting to see a steady but slow recovery , the pandemic has taken away almost a decade of growth at Pret .
`` We 've managed to protect many jobs by making changes to the way we run our shops and the hours we ask team members to work .
`` I 'm hopeful we 'll be able to review all these changes now that trade is improving again . ''
• Upper Crust owner to cut up to 5,000 jobs Like other retailers , Pret was forced to close @ @ @ @ @ @ @ while restrictions have eased , its trading has remained subdued .
It 367 UK stores are now open for significantly fewer hours than they were before the pandemic , and the firm has asked staff to reduce their hours .
The chain said its weekly sales were around £5.2m in August - about the level they were in August 2010 , when the business was considerably smaller .
However , it said a recovery was `` clearly under way '' , with sales having grown by 7 % each week since July .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1,000 jobs back in June , but that number has risen after it finalised a restructuring deal this week .
It is the latest hospitality company to announce cuts due to the impact of the pandemic .
Upper Crust-owner SSP Group has said it will cut up to 5,000 jobs , as it struggles with the reduction in passenger travel at railway stations and airports .
Pizza Express , Byron Burger and Frankie & Benny 's owner , the Restaurant Group , have also announced large-scale store closures and job cuts .
About @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in April and 1.4 million workers were furloughed - the highest proportions of any sector - according to government data .
Industry body UK Hospitality says around a third of restaurants and bars have still not reopened despite the easing of lockdown , as people remain nervous about the spread of the virus .

Industry body UK Hospitality says around a third of restaurants and bars have still not reopened despite the easing of lockdown, as people remain nervous about the spread of the virus.


bbcuk--2020-08-27--New Scottish law to break up 'super spreader' house parties

Police will have the power to break up house parties with more than 15 people from Friday in a bid to reduce transmission of Covid-19 .
Health officials have warned such gatherings could present `` high-risk super-spreader environments '' .
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said the move was necessary in anticipation of a rise in indoor gatherings as winter approached .
And she said taking action now could prevent stricter lockdown measures .
The measures were first announced last week and the new limit was confirmed on Thursday .
Under current guidance , no more than eight people from a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ meeting indoors .
The new law takes account of the varying size and composition of families and sets the limit for an indoor party at 15 people if more than one household is present .
During her daily media briefing , Ms Sturgeon said : `` We know from the reports of our test and protect teams - and also from evidence around the world - that these kinds of gatherings pose a significant transmission risk . ''
She acknowledged the colder weather would increase the likelihood of larger indoor social gatherings but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a green light '' to ignoring the existing guidance .
Ms Sturgeon added : `` In recognition that we intend these new legal powers to be a last resort only and for use in the most blatant breaches of the guidance , we have decided to set a higher threshold for their use .
`` Ensuing that police have the powers to disperse large house parties , where that is necessary , is another important tool in trying to keep this virus suppressed . ''
She added that it would help to reduce @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and prevent greater lockdown restrictions .
Addressing young people , Ms Sturgeon stressed that the move was `` not about trying to stop people having fun '' and added : `` We 're not trying to police your social lives . ''
But the first minister said the move was necessary for the `` overall health and wellbeing of the country '' .
Chief Constable Iain Livingstone told the justice sub-committee on policing that he understood the need for a limit to be put into regulation .
Mr Livingstone added : `` Where @ @ @ @ @ @ @ know the police service is at the door and they 're refusing to let people in and turning the music up and continuing to act in that manner , we do need to go in .
`` My position was that given the threat and the gravity of the public health threat that was a proportionate and legitimate power .
`` That power has been granted but it is one we will use very lightly , enforcement will be the last resort , but it is there because it is clear from what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the continuation of house parties remains a real threat . ''
• DEATHS : Who is dying and where ?
• RULES : What 's still closed in Scotland and why ?
• QUIZ : Test your knowledge of the coronavirus restrictions • FACE MASKS : When should you wear one ?

"That power has been granted but it is one we will use very lightly, enforcement will be the last resort, but it is there because it is clear from what the FM and others have said is the continuation of house parties remains a real threat."


bbcuk--2020-08-27--UK travel restrictions: Are Greece and Turkey on the quarantine list?

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

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


bbcuk--2020-08-27--Warnings of 'ghost towns' if staff do not return to the office

City centres could become `` ghost towns '' if the prime minister does not do more to encourage workers to go back to the office , the head of the CBI says .
Dame Carolyn Fairbairn said allowing staff to work from home had helped keep firms afloat during the pandemic .
But as offices stood empty , thousands of local businesses that relied on the passing trade were suffering , she said .
It comes as a BBC study found 50 major UK employers had no plans to return all staff to the office full time .
Writing in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the UK 's offices were `` vital drivers '' of the economy , supporting thousands of local firms , from dry cleaners to sandwich bars .
`` The costs of office closure are becoming clearer by the day .
Some of our busiest city centres resemble ghost towns , missing the usual bustle of passing trade .
`` This comes at a high price for local businesses , jobs and communities , '' she said .
• No plan for a return to the office for millions She said getting people back into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ important '' as the return to school , and directly appealed to Boris Johnson to `` do more to build confidence '' .
This could include using `` effective test and trace '' systems or a campaign to encourage commuters back on to public transport .
In July , the government dropped its formal advice that people should work from home if possible .
At the time , Boris Johnson told people to `` start to go back to work now if you can '' .
However , a increasing number of employers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ initially brought in as a temporary measure in lockdown - could become a more permanent state of affairs .
The law firm Linklaters said this week that all of its 5,300 staff could spend up to 50 % of their time working remotely from now on .
Lloyds Banking Group is reviewing its office space needs and working practices after concluding that most of its 65,000 staff have worked effectively from home during the crisis .
Others including NatWest , Fujitsu , Facebook , Twitter and HSBC have also said they plan to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Experts say it could allow firms to cut their rent and utilities costs , while offering employees a better work-life balance .
Dame Carolyn acknowledged home working had worked well for many and was likely to remain `` an option '' .
But she warned of `` serious downsides '' including a lack of opportunities to train young people and foster better work and productivity in certain types of business .
The impact on local businesses has also been stark .
Sandwich chain Pret a Manger - which relies on a lunchtime @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was shutting 30 outlets and cutting 1,000 jobs amid a slump in demand .
It has also cut its staff 's hours .
`` It 's time for the UK to bring its workplaces back to life or we will look back with regret at the jobs lost , training missed and communities harmed , '' Dame Carolyn said .
Some businesses catering to office workers have stayed afloat by adapting the way they operate .
Rich Bool , who works for the mobile coffee franchise Cafe2U in Chippenham told the BBC 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ closed he had to find new ways of approaching his customers .
`` Some of that has been actually going to residential streets , where our normal clients ... are at home , working , and asked me to call and deliver to them '' .
According to Mr Bool , this attracted curious neighbours , who were also working at home and needed a break from the laptop .
`` We almost created the new water cooler moment on the pavement , '' he said .
Sam Barber , a partner at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the centre of Winchester , says she has seen a significant increase in enquiries from people who no longer want to commute to London .
She told Wake Up to Money she sees a role for her company in bringing people back into the city centre .
`` If we know that we can get people out of their offices , their bedrooms , wherever it is they 're working , and into a flexible working space a couple of days a week ... then they 're going to be shopping in local @ @ @ @ @ @ @ going to the local coffee shops . ''

"If we know that we can get people out of their offices, their bedrooms, wherever it is they're working, and into a flexible working space a couple of days a week ...then they're going to be shopping in local shops, they're going to be going to the local coffee shops."


bbcuk--2020-08-27--Coronavirus in Scotland: Almost 17,500 children tested last week

Nearly 17,500 children were tested for coronavirus across Scotland over the past week - but only 49 were positive , Nicola Sturgeon has said .
Demand for testing has increased `` significantly '' since pupils returned to schools earlier this month But the first minister said the 49 children aged between two and 17 who tested positive last week was only two more than the previous week .
This was despite a 300 % increase in the number of children who were tested .
Ms Sturgeon said this underlined that parents and teachers should not be `` unduly concerned '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ total number of people who have tested positive for coronavirus in Scotland has now passed 20,000 , with a further 68 positive results over the past 24 hours .
A huge rise in demand for coronavirus tests has seen some people in Scotland told they must travel hundreds of miles - including to England and Northern Ireland - to attend a testing centre .
Ms Sturgeon said the number of children and young people being brought forward for tests had `` increased significantly '' in the two weeks since schools reopened .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 17,500 young people between two and 17 were tested , '' she said .
`` That is a very significant number , but the key point I want to make from that is that of those , only 49 tested positive .
That is a positivity rate of 0.3 % . ''
The first minister said she could `` well understand why many parents and teachers have a concern about the return to school '' .
But she said the figures revealed `` the bigger picture '' , adding : `` Despite an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ testing of young people from one week to the next , the number of positive cases recorded increased by just two .
`` That is encouraging , and I hope it 's reassuring to parents and teachers across the country .
I hope it will encourage people to absolutely continue to be vigilant , but not to be unduly concerned about young people in schools . ''
Ms Sturgeon urged parents to `` remember the symptoms that trigger the need for a test '' , saying that a runny nose alone was not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ testing system has been hit by `` exceptional demand '' in recent days , with people in Glasgow and the central belt being directed to test centres in Inverness and Cumbria .
Ms Sturgeon said there `` may have been some technical issues '' which led to people being `` directed erroneously to testing centres in England '' , and that work was ongoing to resolve the problem .
There have been concerns about clusters of the virus linked to schools , such as Kingspark School in Dundee which has had to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have now been linked to the school , including 21 staff and three pupils , but Ms Sturgeon said there was `` no evidence of wider community transmission '' of the virus .
The Scottish government has changed its guidance to recommend that pupils in secondary schools wear face coverings in corridors and communal areas from Monday of next week .
However ministers believe the spread of the virus is a bigger issue outside of schools , with the police to be given new powers from Friday to break up house parties .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ gatherings pose a significant transmission risk '' .
'My son 's cough led to tests for all the family' Just as things were heading towards some kind of `` new normal '' , we 've found ourselves stuck in lockdown again .
My two boys have n't looked back since returning to the routine of uniform , drop-off , classes , after school , homework - not home schooling - and so on .
But they 've also returned to the routine of new term sickness and bugs .
First my youngest had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which I picked up , and this then spread to my oldest .
But my oldest 's symptoms lingered to become a mild fever and a new , continuous cough .
On that the advice is clear - new , continuous cough equals self-isolate and test .
Figures today confirm that this has been another part of the new normal for parents across Scotland , with more than 17,000 children tested in the past week .
We , too , experienced the way this is squeezing the system , going through an hour @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as our closest available test - a two-hour trip with a ferry crossing .
Persistence got us to Prestwick Airport drive-through testing , so yesterday we headed down , went through the rigmarole of self-testing each other in the car and we are back at home , isolating , waiting for results .
These should come on Friday and hopefully confirm nothing more than the familiar cycle of school age coughs and colds .
In the meantime we 're back under each other 's feet and making the most of this new , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people in Scotland have now tested positive for Covid-19 , with 257 currently being treated in hospital .
But there have been no further deaths linked to confirmed cases of the virus since Ms Sturgeon announced that two people had died on Wednesday .
Ms Sturgeon warned that the virus `` is still out there and is not going away '' , adding : `` People are still dying of this virus , so we must continue to treat the threat of Covid seriously . ''
The first minister also said the Scottish @ @ @ @ @ @ @ England that will pay people on low incomes £13 a day if they have to self-isolate and can not work from home .
The payment , announced by UK Health Secretary Matt Hancock on Thursday , applies to benefit claimants who live in areas where there are high numbers of coronavirus cases .
The England-wide scheme will begin with a trial in areas of north west England where there have been tighter lockdown measures after a rise in cases .
Ms Sturgeon said : `` We have been encouraging the UK government to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are ascertaining the details .
`` It seems to me to make sense for that to be administered through existing welfare or benefits systems , and obviously we are seeking to understand what the financial consequential position is for the Scottish government . ''
She said the Scottish government would then take a decision of its own once it had the information it needed .
• DEATHS : Who is dying and where ?
• RULES : What 's still closed in Scotland and why ?
• QUIZ : Test your knowledge of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ When should you wear one ?

Figures today confirm that this has been another part of the new normal for parents across Scotland, with more than 17,000 children tested in the past week. We, too, experienced the way this is squeezing the system, going through an hour of being offered the Isle of Bute as our closest available test - a two-hour trip with a ferry crossing.


bbcuk--2020-08-26--Coronavirus: Pent-up demand 'leading to quicker home sales'

Pent-up demand has led to properties taking less time to sell since the height of lockdown , according to research .
In the 90 days to mid-August , a three-bedroom home has typically sold in 24 days , property portal Zoopla said .
This is 12 days quicker than the same period a year ago .
All types of property have been selling faster , its research suggested .
People have been reconsidering what they want from a home .
One-bedroom flats are now taking the longest to sell at 34 days , although they are also selling much faster @ @ @ @ @ @ @ property sales in the UK remains low this year owing to the halt put on the housing market at the heart of the coronavirus outbreak .
However , there has been a mini-boom since the market reopened in different parts of the UK .
Sales agreed on the portal were 76 % higher than the five-year average , Zoopla said .
`` Buyer appetite has been widely attributed to pent-up demand resulting from lockdown , but it also reflects the impact on the nation as it collectively reassesses what it wants and needs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
`` Quarantine has galvanised many homeowners and renters into reconsidering their housing requirements , resulting in demand for more space and changing work and commuting patterns . ''
That has led to greater demand for larger homes when buyers - often those without the need for a mortgage - can afford it .
• Eviction ban to be extended by four weeks Demand had also been given `` extra impetus '' in London and the south-east England as a result of the temporary stamp duty holiday , according to Richard Donnell @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Rival property portal Rightmove recently said that landlords and owners should show off gardens in marketing photos as house-hunters who have been forced to spend so much more time at home this year increasingly put a value on space .
Pictures of the kitchen had previously been considered key to attracting the attention of browsers .
Have you bought a house in the last three months ?
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bbcuk--2020-08-27--Covid-19: Five ways to avoid catching the virus indoors

But scientists and engineers say we also need to think about the air we breathe , as children go back to school and more people return to offices .
1 : If it 's stuffy , walk away 2 : Look up at the air conditioning Scientists reckon he released the virus as he breathed and talked , and it was pushed around the room by swirling air currents from the units on the wall .
3 : Ask about the 'fresh air ratio' There , fresh air can be pulled in from outside and mixed with the old inside @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the building .
`` Having 100 % outside air or close to 100 % is a good thing , '' says Prof Cath Noakes of the University of Leeds and chair of the environmental panel of the government 's SAGE advisers , speaking in a personal capacity .
4 : Check if there 's virus in the filters '' More fresh air in general is better but if it 's flowing horizontally and full of virus it could have unintended consequences . ''
An open window might lead to more people receiving the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ amounts , in her view .
It 's no surprise there are disagreements - there 's a lot we still do n't know about the virus .

Covid-19: Five ways to avoid catching the virus indoors Published 14 July 2021
Image source, Getty Images
With social distancing restrictions ending in England and easing further in Scotland on 19 July, good ventilation will remain very important in avoiding Covid.
For months we've been told to wash our hands and maintain social distancing to beat the virus.
But scientists and engineers say we also need to think about the air we breathe inside buildings.
Good ventilation matters in five ways.
1: If it's stuffy, walk away
When you walk into a room and the air feels stale, something is wrong with the ventilation.
Not enough fresh air is being introduced, which increases your chances of getting infected by coronavirus.
Recent research shows that in confined spaces there can be "airborne transmission" of the virus - with tiny virus particles lingering in the air.
According to workplace regulations set up before the pandemic, everyone should get 10 litres of fresh air every second, and that matters more than ever now.
So if a place seems stuffy, just turn around and leave, says Dr Hywel Davies, technical director of the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers.
He says that it's vital to have a flow of clean air:
"If you've got someone who's infected in a building, and you're bringing in plenty of outside air, you're diluting whatever infectious material they're giving off. You're reducing the risk of other people becoming infected."
2: Look up at the air conditioning
From offices to shops, air conditioning is welcome on hot days - but check the type of unit.
The simplest is a slender white box mounted on walls or ceilings, known as a split air conditioner.
This draws in air from a room, chills it and then blows it back out again.
Image source, Alamy Image caption, A split air conditioner
In other words, it's recirculating the air.
This is no problem for a quick visit but may be a risk over a period of hours.
A study of a restaurant in China blamed this type of air conditioner for spreading the virus.
One customer was "pre-symptomatic" - in other words, he was infected but did not realise because he had yet to develop symptoms.
Scientists reckon he released the virus as he breathed and talked, and it was pushed around the room by swirling air currents from the units on the wall.
The result was that nine other people became infected.
Dr Davies points again to the importance of fresh air:
"If there had been a good supply of outside air, very likely fewer people would have become infected - if any."
3: Ask about the 'fresh air ratio'
In a modern building where the windows are sealed, how can you get enough fresh air?
You're relying on a ventilation system in which stale air is extracted from the rooms and piped to an air handling unit, often on the roof.
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, A rooftop air conditioning unit
There, fresh air can be pulled in from outside and mixed with the old inside air, before being sent back into the building.
Given the risk of coronavirus infection, the professional advice is to maximise the fresh supply.
"Having 100% outside air or close to 100% is a good thing," says Prof Cath Noakes of the University of Leeds and chair of the environmental panel of the government's SAGE advisers, speaking in a personal capacity.
"The more fresh air, the less you're running the risk of recirculating the virus through the building."
The precise mix is decided by the building's managers, who may be working for the owners or the tenants. .
The drawback to running 100% fresh air is the cost - the incoming air has to be heated in winter and cooled in summer, all of which requires energy.
4: Get the office management to check if there's virus in the filters
A modern ventilation system will have filters but these are not fool-proof.
In the US, researchers investigating the Oregon Health & Science University Hospital found that traces of coronavirus were trapped by the filters but some had somehow slipped through.
Prof Kevin van den Wymelenberg, who led the project, believes that swabbing the filters could reveal if there's someone infected working in a building.
In South Korea, a call centre on the 11th floor of an office building saw one person infect more than 90 others.
If the filters had been checked more frequently, the presence of the virus might have been spotted sooner.
Prof van den Wymelenberg says data from filters can "show us where to punch and when to punch" in tackling infections.
5: Watch out for draughts
Talk to any expert in the field and they will say that fresh air is the key.
But one specialist in modelling the movement of air says it's not that simple.
Nick Wirth used to design Formula 1 racing cars, and now advises supermarkets and food-processing companies on how to manage air flow to keep people safe.
Image source, Getty Images
He worries that if someone sitting beside an open window turns out to be infectious, they could shed virus to others downwind.
"If you open a window, where is the air going to go?" he asks. "We don't want people in a direct line of that airflow.
"More fresh air in general is better but if it's flowing horizontally and full of virus it could have unintended consequences."
I put this scenario to Prof Cath Noakes.
She says the benefits of plentiful fresh air diluting the virus will outweigh any risks.
An open window might lead to more people receiving the virus but in smaller, less risky amounts, in her view.
It's no surprise there are disagreements - there's a lot we still don't know about the virus.
But the air we breathe is bound to be part of any effort to make buildings safer.


bbcuk--2020-08-27--Liberal Democrats: Who is new leader Ed Davey?

Sir Ed Davey has been elected leader of the Liberal Democrats , beating fellow MP Layla Moran to the top job .
He has served as energy and climate change secretary , received an award for a life-saving act of heroism , almost became a spy - and Ed Balls used to copy his homework .
But how did the economist rise to be head of the Liberal Democrats and can he turn round the fortunes of his ailing party ?
• Can 'yellow halo ' lead Lib Dems out of wilderness ?
Born in Nottinghamshire , to solicitor John @ @ @ @ @ @ @ described his childhood as happy and stable .
However , he was only four when his father died and still in his teens when his mother was diagnosed with a terminal illness .
The task of caring for their sick mother largely fell to the young Ed and his elder brother .
She died when he was 15 .
Speaking to the Nick Robinson Political Thinking podcast , he said that losing both parents at a young age made him `` quite independent '' .
`` I remember after my mum died that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ myself and thinking about studying - previously I had studied to make my mum happy , now I had to make that decision for myself , '' he said .
The young Ed attended Nottingham High School , which he described as a `` public school with a lot of Tory bias but also a lot of free thinking and people reading the Guardian '' .
The Lib Dem leader is not the first politician among the school 's alumni .
Conservative minister Ken Clarke also attended the school as well as Labour @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` I lent him my O-level history notes , '' said Sir Ed of the Strictly Come Dancing star , adding : `` He never gave them back . ''
Although interested in ideas as a teenager , he did n't commit to a political party .
His elder brother Charles took him to his first political event - a Young Conservatives disco - which he says `` put me off for life '' .
Having been heavily influenced by Johnathon Porritt 's book on the ecology of politics Seeing Green , Sir @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but concluded they were `` too authoritarian and left wing '' .
Six months after graduating from Oxford University with a first class degree in Politics , Philosophy and Economics , he went to work as economics researcher to the Liberal Democrats , led at the time by Paddy Ashdown .
However his career could have taken a very different path .
At around the same time MI6 tried to recruit him .
Asked by the BBC 's Victoria Derbyshire why he turned it down , he replied that `` working for Paddy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what you he was going to do next '' .
Despite rejecting the chance to be the next James Bond , he was still capable of heroic acts .
In 1994 he received awards from the Royal Humane Society and the British Transport Police after rescuing a woman from the path of an oncoming train at Clapham Junction .
Acting as an economic adviser , he continued working for the Liberal Democrats until 1993 , when he left to join consultancy firm Omega Partners .
However he soon returned to Parliament after winning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Surbiton in the 1997 election .
As a Liberal Democrat he may not have imagined he would one day end up in a position of power , but when Nick Clegg took his party into coalition with David Cameron 's Conservatives he became a junior minister in the business department .
And in 2012 he replaced Chris Huhne as energy and environment secretary .
Mr Huhne had resigned after being charged with perverting the course of justice over a speeding case .
Recalling his time in government , Sir Ed said there was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you had dreamed of , you could actually implement ... it was so exciting '' .
He also admitted to feeling frustration and said he learnt to develop `` sharp elbows '' .
In a list of his `` proudest '' achievements at the energy department , Sir Ed includes increasing the UK 's use of renewable electricity , securing EU-wide climate change targets and making switching suppliers easier .
His time in government did n't last and in the 2015 election he , along with 48 other Liberal Democrat MPs , lost @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a pummelling .
But two years later he returned to Parliament , retaking his Kingston and Surbiton seat .
Following that election , Lib Dem leader Tim Farron resigned and Sir Ed considered running to replace him .
However he chose not to , citing his family as the reason .
He had married fellow Lib Dem Emily Gasson in 2005 and the pair had two young children , a daughter Ellie and a son John who could neither walk nor talk due to an undiagnosed neurological condition .
The Lib Dem leader @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and `` great fun '' but acknowledges that caring for him is `` extraordinarily challenging '' .
`` It certainly shaped my views and helped me understand disability a lot more , '' he has said .
Two years on , he felt able to enter the leadership contest - this time to replace outgoing leader Sir Vince Cable .
He lost that race to Jo Swinson , but six months later she was out and he took the reins as acting co-leader of the party .
During his leadership campaign Sir Ed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ away from campaigning on Brexit , telling the Guardian : `` People need to understand what a party is about .
And you ca n't define a party by an issue which will go , which is transitional . ''
Seeking to replace Brexit as the party 's key theme , he has sought to focus on support for carers and investment in the green economy .
But with low poll ratings , and few MPs , the new leader faces an uphill struggle in his bid to get the public to care @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In his acceptance speech , he said he would rebuild the party , adding : `` We have to wake up and smell the coffee . ''
He said the party had lost touch at a national level and must `` face the facts '' of poor results at three successive general elections .
`` It is time for us to start listening , '' he said .

During his leadership campaign Sir Ed has said the party needs to move away from campaigning on Brexit, telling the Guardian: "People need to understand what a party is about. And you can't define a party by an issue which will go, which is transitional."


bbcuk--2020-08-27--Flu: Why we still need to worry about it this winter

Health officials are ramping up efforts to ensure everyone who needs a flu vaccine has one .
The UK 's largest flu-immunisation programme so far will see 30 million people offered the vaccine .
The idea is to prepare for a winter that could see the annual flu season coincide with a surge in coronavirus .
But how will it work ?
And will things be worse this year ?
The flu - or influenza - is a very common , highly infectious disease , caused by a virus .
It can be dangerous - particularly for older adults , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ underlying health conditions .
The average number of estimated deaths in England for the past five annual flu seasons is more than 11,000 .
This ranges from almost 4,000 deaths in the season spanning 2018-19 to more than 22,000 in 2017-18 .
The problem is certain groups of people , such as older people , pregnant women and people with long-term conditions are at high risk of becoming seriously ill from both coronavirus and flu .
And while many healthy people can fight off the flu , sometimes things are more complicated .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ chest infection , which can develop into pneumonia .
How bad are flu and coronavirus together ?
There is some evidence a double infection with coronavirus and flu is more deadly than either alone .
But others believe being infected with one virus could potentially help prevent another virus from making someone ill at the same time .
This has n't been proven in this case .
What is clear is a big flu season combined with coronavirus could overwhelm hospitals .
For example , if lots of NHS or care-home staff are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be possible to respond to Covid-19 in the same way as during the peak in spring .
But social distancing , masks and other hygiene measures in place to stop coronavirus should , in theory , also have an impact on the amount of flu going around .
Experts say these measures may have helped in countries like Australia where the flu season has been milder than expected this year .
Could things actually be better this year ?
Other countries in the southern hemisphere , including South Africa , have also reported @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this time of year .
Scientists say this could be partly because lockdown measures and extra hand-washing all work to reduce the spread of flu too .
While this is encouraging , the World Health Organization points out there needs to be a degree of caution when interpreting the trends .
In some countries reduced staffing levels during the pandemic could mean cases of flu are not recorded in the same way as before , for example .
We do n't know yet how the flu season will pan out in the UK @ @ @ @ @ @ @ full-force and primary school aged children can be super-spreaders of flu .
And national lockdown measures have eased since the height of the pandemic .
That is why officials will be urging people to get their flu vaccines if they can .
How do you know if you have flu or coronavirus ?
Both flu and coronavirus can cause a fever , cough , tiredness , muscle aches and headaches .
Some people - mostly children - have other symptoms such as diarrhoea and vomiting .
Some of these symptoms are also seen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ winter viruses .
And both flu and coronavirus can be spread before people have any symptoms or by people who do not get symptoms at all .
This could make things difficult this winter .
And that is why the flu vaccine is being offered more widely and testing and tracing facilities for coronavirus are increasing .
Who will be offered the flu vaccine ?
In England , it will be offered free to : • people who were required to shield from coronavirus - and anyone they live with • people with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ heart failure and asthma • pre-school children over the age of two • all primary school children , as last year , and , for the first time , Year 7 pupils • initially , all people over 65 , before the programme is extended to the over-50s Health officials in Scotland , Northern Ireland and Wales are planning to expand their vaccination programmes to cover similar groups .
The NHS wants to ensure the highest-risk patients are at the front of the queue when the immunisation programme starts , in September .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be offered the jab later , in November or December , if there are enough supplies .
Officials also say it is essential to increase vaccination levels among people in the most deprived areas and for people belonging to ethnic minorities at high risk of both Covid-19 and flu .
The vaccine will also be available privately in pharmacies and some supermarkets to adults ineligible for an NHS jab .
It usually costs about £20 .
Will it be harder to get the vaccine this year ?
Doctors and nurses are being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to allow the vaccine to be given safely during the pandemic .
This will include careful appointment times to minimise waiting .
Extra staff may be brought in to help .
Some GP surgeries may ask people to use their cars as waiting rooms .
Others will consider drive-through clinics .
For the most vulnerable , there are suggestions nurses could visit them at home .
And some pregnant women may be offered jabs during antenatal appointments .
Meanwhile , people isolating because they or someone they have been in contact with have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vaccinations until they are better .
Are there enough supplies ?
The Department of Health and Social Care says it has additional national supply of the adult vaccine to ensure demand does not outstrip supply .
Is it the right vaccine ?
Every year , the World Health Organization studies circulating flu strains to make recommendations for the next season 's vaccines .
This can only ever be a prediction , as vaccines have to be made in advance - often six months before the virus starts circulating in a country .
While @ @ @ @ @ @ @ % accurate , they say it is better to be vaccinated against some strains of flu than none at all - particularly during a pandemic .
What do I need to know about the coronavirus ?
• EASY STEPS : What can I do ?
• CONTAINMENT : What it means to self-isolate • UK LATEST : What 's the UK 's plan and what could happen next ?
• MAPS AND CHARTS : Visual guide to the outbreak

Who can get a free flu jab this winter? Published 2 November 2022
Image source, Getty Images
Health officials are urging people to get a flu vaccination this autumn, as flu starts to spread at a higher level than in a normal year.
Many southern hemisphere nations had their worst flu season for years, after the ending of Covid restrictions meant people mixed much more, and experts predict the same is likely to happen in the UK.
Having a vaccine will stop many people from becoming seriously ill, including children, and ease pressure on the health service.
Who will get a free flu jab?
In England, the flu vaccine is free for frontline health or social care workers, and those who:
are 50 and over
have certain health conditions
are pregnant
are in long-stay residential care
are the main carer for an older or disabled person
Adults aged 65 and over should be offered a vaccine with an extra ingredient that triggers a stronger response from the immune system.
A nasal spray form of the vaccine, which is more suitable for children, is being offered to:
2- and 3-year-olds
all primary school children
secondary school children in years 7, 8 and 9
children aged six months to 17 years with long-term health conditions
The oldest, youngest and the most vulnerable are being offered a jab first before other groups because they are at higher risk of complications.
If there's enough supply, pupils in years 10 and 11 will also be offered a dose.
For most people, the flu vaccine can be accessed via GPs, midwives and schools. Eligible patients can also book an appointment at a pharmacy.
About 26 million people in the UK are also being offered a booster jab against Covid. They may be offered flu and Covid jabs at the same time.
What about free flu jabs in the rest of the UK?
Health officials in Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales are offering jabs to broadly similar groups of people - with some variations.
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, Children are given the flu vaccine as a nasal spray
Can I pay for a flu jab?
Anyone can pay to have a private flu vaccine at pharmacies or some supermarkets, at a cost of about £15.
However, officials say vaccine supplies will be prioritised for those at greatest risk who are entitled to a free jab via the NHS.
The best time to get vaccinated is between late September and end of November because the flu season peaks in January or February, but it's still worth having it later.
How bad is flu and how long does it last?
For many, flu typically lasts about two weeks, and clears up on its own.
However, it can be very serious - particularly for older adults, very young children and people with underlying health conditions.
Pregnant women are advised to have the flu vaccine as soon as it becomes available, regardless of their stage of pregnancy.
Annual flu deaths vary each year, depending on the strain and other factors.
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, More than 24,000 people died in England from flu and pneumonia in 2019
Symptoms - is it flu or Covid?
It can be hard to tell if you have flu or Covid as the symptoms can be similar, including:
fever
cough
tiredness
Some people also experience muscle-aches, a headache, sore throat or diarrhoea and vomiting with flu.
But these symptoms can be caused by other common winter viruses too.
Both flu and Covid can be spread before people have symptoms.
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, Social distancing reduced the spread of the flu last winter which has weakened people's immunity
Can I get Covid and flu at the same time?
Yes, in which case you are more likely to be seriously ill.
Research shows those infected with both viruses are more than twice as likely to die as someone with Covid alone.
What are the side-effects of the flu jab?
Most are mild and only last a day or two. They can include a slightly raised temperature, muscle-ache and a sore arm.
Allergic reactions are rare, but you should avoid the vaccine if you have previously had a bad response to a flu vaccine.
Those with egg allergies should ask their pharmacist or GP for a low-egg or egg-free vaccine.
It is best to avoid the vaccine if you are ill with a high temperature, and re-book for when you are fully recovered.