bbcuk--2020-08-07--Anger rises as British Airways cuts start to bite

It has been dubbed `` Black Friday '' by unions .
Thousands of long-serving cabin crew at British Airways are expected to find out on Friday whether or not they will be made redundant .
Many of those who remain will suffer steep pay cuts , and significant changes to their terms and conditions .
Other workers such as engineers , ground crew and office staff are also expected to hear whether they have a future at the airline over the coming days .
British Airways says more than 6,000 staff across the business have applied for voluntary redundancy .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ as part of a major cost-cutting drive , which it insists is vital to ensure its long-term survival .
But the way in which it has done so has provoked deep resentment among a large proportion of its workforce - and threats of industrial action .
`` I 'm looking at losing 50 % of my take-home pay '' , says Vicky - a cabin crew member who works in BA 's long-haul fleet .
`` I 'm a single mother .
I ca n't afford to have half of my pay taken @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not her real name - is in her mid-thirties .
She has been with the company for more than 15 years .
Although she lives in the north east , she was among hundreds of staff who travelled to BA 's headquarters near Heathrow earlier this week , to vent their anger at the company 's management .
`` It 's the most stressful time I 've ever been through '' , she says .
`` I feel absolutely gutted '' .
• BA cabin crew : I wo n't earn enough to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other airlines , has suffered deeply from the impact of the coronavirus pandemic .
In the three months to the end of June it lost more than £700m .
For weeks , at the height of the lockdown , the bulk of its fleet was grounded , and it was unable to operate more than a handful of planes each day .
The company does not expect the aviation industry to recover fully until at least 2023 .
• Please read our terms & conditions and privacy policy In April , its parent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ announced plans for a major restructuring of BA 's business , which it said could result in up to 12,000 redundancies .
BA then made it clear it needed to cut costs dramatically - and warned that concessions would be needed from remaining staff on pay , as well as on terms and conditions .
It said that if an agreement could not be reached with unions , it would force its plans through - by handing staff their notice , and offering them new contracts on different terms .
Some cabin crew @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are affected .
Unions have condemned this policy as `` fire and rehire '' .
It has also been heavily criticised by many MPs , with the chair of the transport select committee , Conservative Huw Merriman , describing it as `` the equivalent of putting a gun to someone 's head '' .
Despite significant tensions between the two sides , the pilots ' union Balpa has since managed to reach an agreement with BA , which reduced the number of possible redundancies in exchange for significant concessions on pay .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other staff - Unite and GMB - have been considerably more strained .
No deal has yet been done , and BA has pushed forward with its plans .
Those plans have major implications for BA 's cabin crew .
The company currently has different crew divisions , or 'fleets ' , which operate as separate units with their own terms and conditions .
It wants to create a single organisation , and put all crew on the same type of contract .
For lower paid staff , principally those who have joined @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mean a modest salary increase .
For longer serving crew , who are well-paid by industry standards , it would mean a cut in basic salary of 20 % .
But because they will also lose other allowances , many say they will see their overall take-home wages drop by 40 % to 50 % .
Executives insist such changes are necessary , in the face of what IAG 's chief executive Willie Walsh described last week as the biggest crisis the airline has ever faced .
Mr Walsh told the BBC : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just a temporary downturn and therefore can be fixed with temporary measures , I 'm afraid seriously misjudges what the industry is going through . ''
But many employees believe the company is deliberately exploiting the immediate crisis to justify pushing through far-reaching , irreversible changes .
`` I really love my job '' , says Vicky '' I 'm just really upset with how things have planned out .
I think it 's a permanent solution to a temporary problem .
Yet our managers are only taking temporary pay cuts . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ affected by the changes , with the threat of compulsory redundancy hanging over them and the prospect of steep pay cuts ahead .
John - again , not his real name - is an engineer who helps maintain BA 's long-haul aircraft at Heathrow .
He wants to stay in his job , because he is worried his qualifications would not be recognised in other industries and he would struggle to find an employer willing to take him on .
`` Let 's be realistic '' , he says , `` No-one is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and train them up when they can get a 20-something instead .
It 's not going to happen . ''
John says many of his colleagues are in a similar position - and the worry is proving an unwelcome distraction at work .
`` I 've been walking around checking an aircraft prior to departure , and I find I ca n't remember what I 've been looking at - so I have to do it again '' , he says .
`` I ca n't see how you can be expected to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is being driven by accountants , and they ca n't see further than their noses '' .
Like many other BA staff I have spoken to , John believes the company 's response to the crisis has proved catastrophic for morale - at a company once widely admired for the fierce loyalty and enthusiasm of its staff .
`` I think this will do the airline a lot of harm '' he says .
`` I ca n't see how they get out of it '' .
Although BA is still in talks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cordial .
Last week the general secretary of Unite , Len McCluskey described the company 's strategy as `` despicable '' , and said the union was working towards industrial action with immediate effect .
But the airline insists it has no option .
`` Our half year results clearly show the enormous financial impact of Covid-19 on our business , '' said a spokesperson .
`` We are having to make difficult decisions and take every possible action now to protect as many jobs as possible . ''
`` And , while @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a position of making redundancies , over 6,000 of our colleagues have now indicated that they wish to take voluntary redundancy from BA . ''
Are you a British Airways employee who is facing possible redundancy ?
Share your experiences by emailing haveyoursay @ bbc.co.uk .
Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a BBC journalist .
• Please read our terms & conditions and privacy policy

Carol - not her real name - said BA had told her if she did not accept the offer of voluntary redundancy she would have to apply for a job and if she did not get it she would only receive a statutory redundancy payout.


bbcuk--2020-08-07--New measures after rise in Leeds coronavirus cases

New testing units have been brought in after a rise in coronavirus cases in parts of Leeds .
The city recorded 129 positive tests in the week to 2 August compared with 41 the week before .
There has been a cluster of cases within Kirkstall , Harehills and surrounding areas , according to Leeds City Council .
The authority said it was taking `` a series of targeted preventative steps '' to control transmission .
Mobile testing units are operating at Kirkstall and Fearnville leisure centres and people with symptoms can also book tests at other locations in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` Our outbreak planning has meant we 've been able to identify these clusters early and intervene quickly , so it 's our hope that by working closely with people living in these areas , we can manage and contain these cases and prevent a wider outbreak .
`` But we ca n't do that alone and it 's absolutely imperative that residents play their part by following the latest advice , including avoiding gathering in large numbers , maintaining social distancing , wearing face masks when required , regularly washing their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if they have symptoms . ''
The council said it would be monitoring the number of cases over the next few days and `` further steps may need to be considered in light of new data and information '' .
Last week , new restrictions were introduced by the government in neighbouring Bradford , Calderdale and Kirklees banning separate households from meeting each other at home after a spike in Covid-19 cases .
The number of new cases in Leeds works out at an average of 18 per day but there were 30 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ means the rate per 100,000 population increased from just over five per 100,000 in the week to 26 July to more than 16 per 100,000 in the week to 2 August .
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"But we can't do that alone and it's absolutely imperative that residents play their part by following the latest advice, including avoiding gathering in large numbers, maintaining social distancing, wearing face masks when required, regularly washing their hands and by getting tested and isolating if they have symptoms."


bbcuk--2020-08-07--Foreign Office cat Palmerston retires to countryside

Palmerston , the Foreign Office 's resident cat , has retired from mousing duties to `` spend more time relaxing away from the limelight '' .
In a `` letter '' , he says he has moved away from Whitehall and is now climbing trees rather than `` overhearing all the foreign dignitaries ' conversations '' .
The black-and-white rescue cat , who has more than 105,000 Twitter followers , arrived from Battersea in 2016 .
He has been known to clash with Larry , Number 10 's main mouse-catcher .
Their decidedly undiplomatic disputes - which have included several @ @ @ @ @ @ @ view of the press in Downing Street - are not thought to have hastened his departure .
• The new PM 's first job : Impress the cat Named after the famously interventionist and amorous 19th-Century Foreign Secretary and Prime Minister Viscount Palmerston , Palmerston has often featured in photographs involving visiting officials .
In a distinctly anthropomorphic letter sent to Foreign Office permanent secretary Sir Simon McDonald , Palmerston `` writes '' that while there , he `` pawed numerous memorandums '' and set up his own `` parallel network '' for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ during the pandemic he , like so many other civil servants , has decided to `` work from home '' rather than in the office , while remaining `` as diligent as ever '' .
Palmerston , whose age in cat years is uncertain , making a pension doubtful , has moved to an undisclosed location `` in the countryside '' .
He promises to remain `` an ambassador for the UK '' and praises his fellow `` diplocats '' and `` diplodogs '' .
Palmerston , whose letter mercifully refrains from puns @ @ @ @ @ @ @ claw-ses '' , says he will enjoy more `` me time '' over the summer and beyond .
A replacement has yet to be appointed , to the probable delight of Foreign Office mice , who have yet to comment .
Possible names for Palmerston 's successor - assuming the link to former foreign secretaries is maintained - include Canning , Bathurst , Balfour , Eden , Rifkind and Miliband .

He adds that, during the pandemic he, like so many other civil servants, has decided to "work from home" rather than in the office, while remaining "as diligent as ever".


bbcuk--2020-08-07--Coronavirus: What am I allowed to do in the hot weather this weekend?

Can I go to the park or the beach with friends ?
For example , in England the guidelines say @ @ @ @ @ people from multiple households outdoors , or up to 30 people from two households .
@ @ @ @ @ is 15 people from up to five households .
Although people will be meeting up @ @ @ @ @ think about how far apart you keep .
How do I safely host guests at @ @ @ @ @ out for a pint or a meal ?
What about going away for the weekend @

Coronavirus: What am I allowed to do in the hot weather this weekend? Published 7 August 2020
Image source, Getty Images
Much of the UK is set to enjoy hot weather over the weekend.
But what are you allowed to do while following the latest coronavirus guidelines?
Can I go to the park or the beach with friends?
Yes, people are now allowed to meet up outdoors across the UK. However, social distancing guidelines are still in place.
These include limits on the number of people in a group - the details of which vary.
For example, in England the guidelines say you can can meet six people from multiple households outdoors, or up to 30 people from two households. In Scotland, the limit is 15 people from up to five households.
Although people will be meeting up outdoors, you should still think about how far apart you keep.
That means one metre plus where 2m (6ft) is not possible in England, 2m in Scotland and Wales, 1m with restrictions in Northern Ireland.
So, with that in mind, you can get together for a chat, a picnic, or to play sport.
However, if a particular place becomes too crowded, it is possible visitors could be turned away.
In England, Health Secretary Matt Hancock has an exceptional new power to completely close a specific public place. And he has also given local councils a suite of new powers to close down premises, stop events and shut down places like parks.
This could be used to close beaches or beauty spots if there are concerns about crowds potentially spreading the virus.
Dr Julian Tang, an expert in respiratory sciences from the University of Leicester, said that while the risk is lower when meeting people outside, there are things to bear in mind.
He said: "If you are within 50 to 70cm you are at what I call garlic breath distance - if you can smell what they've been eating then you're almost certainly breathing their air.
"If you're on a really crowded beach where people are less than 1m apart, then the sun and wind may not have time to kill or blow away the virus before it is inhaled by the other person."
He also suggests if you're talking to a friend on the beach, it's better to both be looking out to sea rather than facing each other.
What else can I now do outside?
You can now take part in plenty of other activities outdoors, including:
Using outdoor gyms and swimming pools in England
Playing sports such as tennis, golf and cricket
Visiting theme parks and funfairs in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Funfairs in Scotland will be closed until at least 24 August
Go to an outdoor theatre
How do I safely host guests at home?
Unless you are affected by a local lockdown, you can entertain guests at home this weekend.
If you are serving food, or having a barbecue, experts recommend precautions such as:
Put food straight on plates and don't use large serving bowls
Avoid serving cold food which needs "handling", like cold meats or salads
Use detergent or soapy water to regularly wipe down places people touch regularly
Wash hands frequently
Eating outdoors is recommended, but if you eat indoors try to keep windows and doors open for ventilation.
Numbers of people allowed in houses and private gardens in England, Scotland and Northern Ireland differ, while indoor meetings are not allowed in Wales.
Can we go out for a pint or a meal?
Image source, Getty Images
If you want to go and sit in a beer garden, or on a restaurant terrace, you can, as pubs, restaurants and cafes across the UK are now open again.
Guidance has been issued in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland on measures they need to take to keep customers and staff safe.
You should expect to:
Book ahead
Give contact details
Follow a one-way system
Be offered table service
Businesses have been asked to try to:
Monitor crowd density, and cut the number of people in enclosed spaces
Improve ventilation
Changing shift patterns so staff work in set teams
What about going away for the weekend?
Going away this weekend with members of your own household, on your own, or with friends, is possible.
Again, social distancing guidelines should be followed and the number of people who can make the trip differs across the UK.
For example, in England, two households of any size can meet up indoors - and this can be in shared accommodation away from home. In Wales, overnight stays are only permitted where two households have formed an "extended household".
Holidaymakers are advised to "take particular care to maintain excellent hygiene - washing hands and surfaces - and avoid using shared facilities like bathrooms wherever possible".


bbcuk--2020-08-07--Coronavirus: What are the UK travel quarantine rules?

Travellers entering the UK from Belgium , the Bahamas and Andorra now face a 14-day quarantine when they arrive .
Which other countries are affected and how could that change ?
The countries no longer exempt from quarantine The quarantine requirement for Belgium , the Bahamas and Andorra came in to immediate effect in Wales on Thursday night .
It will apply to those entering England , Scotland and Northern Ireland from 04:00 BST on Saturday .
People arriving in the UK from Spain and Luxembourg were recently told they also have to self-isolate .
After France recorded a two-month @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , questions were raised about whether it could also lose its exemption .
Asked what the thousands of holidaymakers in France and those preparing to visit should do , Chancellor Rishi Sunak said it is a `` tricky situation '' .
`` We 're in the midst of a global pandemic and that means there is always the risk of disruption to travel plans and people need to bear that in mind , '' he told Sky News @ Breakfast .
What are the quarantine rules ?
From early June , most people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for 14 days to help contain any coronavirus cases from overseas .
A month later , the government published a list of `` lower risk '' countries that could be visited without the need to self-isolate on return to England .
Scotland , Wales and Northern Ireland can make their own quarantine rules , but they have tended to be similar .
Travellers from affected countries - including UK nationals - are asked to provide an address where they will self-isolate for 14 days .
They can be fined £100 for failing to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
One in five eligible passengers will be called or texted to check they are following the rules .
People who do not self-isolate can be fined up to £1,000 in England , Wales and Northern Ireland and £480 in Scotland .
There are fines up to £5,000 for persistent offenders .
Passengers should drive their own car to their destination if possible .
If they do n't provide an address , the government will arrange accommodation at the traveller 's expense .
Once at their destination , they must not use public @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
They must also not go to work , school , or public areas , or have visitors except for essential support .
Nor are they allowed to go out to buy food , or other essentials , if they can rely on others .
Which countries do n't have to quarantine ?
Anyone arriving from the Common Travel Area ( CTA ) - the Republic of Ireland , the Channel Islands , or the Isle of Man - does not have to enter quarantine , if they have been in the CTA @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from than than 50 countries deemed `` low risk '' do not have to quarantine , with a further five countries - Estonia , Latvia , Slovakia , Slovenia and St Vincent and the Grenadines added to the list on 28 July .
These are known as `` travel corridors '' although some of these countries will impose restrictions on travellers entering from the UK .
Brunei and Malaysia will see the requirement to self-isolate for arrivals into England and Wales removed from 04:00 BST on 11 August .
Which workers are exempt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ quarantine rules ?

What Covid tests do I still need to travel abroad? Published 11 February 2022
Image source, Getty Images
Fully vaccinated people travelling to the UK no longer have to take any Covid tests - either before departure or on arrival.
The prime minister has announced that he intends to remove England's remaining Covid restrictions at the end of the month.
What changes have come into force for vaccinated travellers?
Fully vaccinated travellers (two doses) and under-18s no longer need to take a test either before or after they arrive in England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland.
To qualify as vaccinated, non-UK travellers must have received their jabs in a country or territory with "approved proof of vaccination". This now covers most countries in the world, with more - including China - due to join on 11 February.
What if I'm unvaccinated?
Unvaccinated travellers still have to show proof of a negative Covid test taken two days before departure.
They must also take a post-arrival PCR test two days after arrival. This must be booked before travelling to the UK and bought privately from a government-approved list of providers.
If this is positive, they need to self-isolate.
However, unvaccinated travellers no longer have to self-isolate on arrival, or take a test on day eight.
What other rules are still in force?
All unvaccinated travellers to the UK must complete a passenger locator form before departure.
How do I prove vaccinations and test results at the UK border?
Digital Covid passes showing your vaccination status can be downloaded to your phone, whether you're in England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland.
Test results can be in the form of a printed document, or an email or text on your phone. They must be in English, French or Spanish.
European Union residents can use the EU Digital Covid Certificate to show their vaccination status or test results.
Since 3 February, 12 to 15-year-olds in England have also been able to prove their vaccination status via the digital NHS pass.
What about other countries' rules?
You are responsible for checking the entry requirements for any other countries you wish to visit, as well as the local Covid restrictions which are in force. These can change quickly.
Many UK families have cancelled half-term trips to mainland Spain and the Canary Islands because children over 12 must be double vaccinated to enter.
Very few countries allow unrestricted access to those who have not been vaccinated.
It is thought more than 80 holiday destinations around the world still require all UK travellers to take a pre-departure PCR test before arrival.
UK-issued Covid passes can be used throughout the EU to show proof of vaccination - either digitally, or as a printed download (as long as it is dated after than 1 November 2021).


bbcuk--2020-08-07--Coronavirus: How to stay cool in a face mask as hot UK weather forecast

It is going to be sweltering .
You do n't really need the TV weather maps turning red to realise that much of the UK is going to be roasting in temperatures above 30C .
But as you slip on your favourite summer top and shorts , you may break out in a hot sweat ... as you realise you are also likely to be enduring part of your day in a face mask .
Keeping cool while wearing a facial covering might be more difficult , but we 've gathered some tips .
`` We have all got to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a few things you can do , '' says consultant dermatologist Dr Adil Sheraz , who works at a London NHS hospital .
The top tip for him is to choose a mask made from a breathable material , such as cotton or even bamboo .
He says although surgical masks - the thin , blue masks that many people are seen wearing - provide protection from spreading the virus , they are n't that breathable and `` they are not the best to use for keeping cool '' .
But he adds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that they absorb more fluid and can get damp - so he suggests taking a spare out on hot days .
The colour of the mask might also help .
`` Consider having a mask that 's a lighter colour , rather than a darker one , '' says Dr Sheraz .
Dark colours absorb more light , converting it into heat .
What about putting your mask in the freezer before you head out in the heat ?
Dr Sheraz is unconvinced .
`` It 's not a bad idea .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you do n't want people get cold burns on their faces .
So I do n't think I 'd advise that . ''
Dr Anil Budh-Raja , a GP who also offers skin and cosmetic treatments at clinics in Birmingham and Chiswick , suggested a towel which has been put in the freezer could be used as a mask .
The government says a face covering can be anything which safely the covers the nose and mouth - but of course you must be able to tie it in place .
Remember that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the summer heat .
• How to look after yourself in hot weather Change what you put on your skin '' The other thing you want to do is try and avoid make-up , '' says Dr Sheraz , as it can mix with sweat and clog pores .
`` Use sun block and a water based moisturiser . ''
Dr Budh-Raja also echoes the need to apply sun cream , as the Met Office forecasts high UV levels in some areas .
`` You can still get UVA and UVB rays through @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Put [ sun cream ] on and wear a mask on top , '' he said .
`` It wo n't clog up if you use the right one . ''
Dr Budh-Raja suggested putting some hyaluronic acid serum on the face `` which helps keep moisture in the skin '' .
`` Refrigerate it and you can put in on , that will keep you cool for a while , '' he said .
Of course many people have invested in a full facial shield , instead of or as well as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 've joined the agents of shield , remember that they are generally held in place by a headband worn bang against your forehead , which is just about the slippiest and sweatiest part of your face on a hot day .
So remove the whole contraption and mop your brow occasionally .
It 's all well and good having the handy bottle of water to hand but if you 're steadfastly not taking any liquid on board because you are keeping your mouth covered , you may end up in danger from dehydration @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mask to have a refreshing glug of cool water - just remember to gel your hands before touching your mask and aim to remove it when you are at a safe distance from others .
Other small changes can also keep you cooler overall , Dr Sheraz suggests .
He says people should plan activities for the times of the day when it is cooler , as well as wearing a hat .
He adds that masks are already more common in some Asian countries that experience hot weather , so maybe we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the people who live there and carry a battery-powered fan .
Johns Hopkins University also advises anyone who feels lightheaded , dizzy or is finding it harder to breathe to get out of the heat .
And it warns : `` How someone will respond to heat stress while wearing a mask depends on a combination of the intensity of the heat , duration of exposure and any underlying medical condition .
`` Regardless of the type of mask , do n't try to make your face feel cooler by dousing the mask @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can compromise their filtration capabilities . ''

You don't really need the TV weather maps turning red to realise that much of the UK is going to be roasting in temperatures above 30C. But as you slip on your favourite summer top and shorts, you may break out in a hot sweat... as you realise you are also likely to be enduring part of your day in a face mask.


bbcuk--2020-08-07--Wales: Swimming pools and gyms to reopen on Monday

The planned reopening of swimming pools , fitness studios , gyms and leisure centres will go ahead on Monday , it has been confirmed .
Children 's play centres can also reopen but areas which are not easy to clean , such as ball pits , must remain shut .
The Welsh Government said the businesses are legally required `` to minimise the risk of exposure to coronavirus '' on their premises .
Councils will be given extra powers to enforce the requirements .
They include ensuring people maintain a two-metre distance where possible and measures to avoid close interaction @ @ @ @ @ @ @ installing screens , using face coverings and improving hygiene .
First Minister Mark Drakeford said : `` For the small minority of individuals and businesses who are not complying with the law , I want to make it clear that we will take action and we wo n't hesitate to close individual premises if that is necessary .
`` Local authorities are being given enhanced powers to intervene , and to respond more effectively to complaints including those reported to the Wales TUC and its affiliated unions . ''
While gyms and leisure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Monday , they will look very different to before the start of the pandemic .
Saunas and steam rooms will remain closed , equipment will be more spread out due to social-distancing measures , while swimmers are being asked to arrive at the pool side `` swim ready '' .
'Some will be there first thing' At the start of lockdown , people were limited to exercising outside once a day , not allowed to travel except for essential reasons , and were unable to exercise in groups .
`` I went from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said personal trainer Francesca Ray , who would normally train clients at Simply Gym , in Llansamlet .
The Swansea-based trainer signed up for a 100-mile running challenge and tried to keep clients motivated , and once restrictions were eased started training people outside .
Ms Ray said while she had organised boot camps and helped people with one-on-one training during lockdown , many people could not wait to get back into the habit of going to the gym .
`` I do n't think a lot of people realised how much of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ daily lives until the luxury of a gym was taken away from us , '' she said .
But she said despite social-distancing measures and hygiene measures in place , some were worried about going back .
`` I have some clients who will be there 05:30 on Monday morning desperate to use the equipment and others who are slightly apprehensive about returning , '' she said .
In Rhondda Cynon Taff the council is preparing to reopen its gyms , with fitness classes resuming on 17 August and swimming pools from 24 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Leisure for Life gyms will have to book personal training sessions and classes in advance , with fewer people in classes and social distancing measures in place .
Ann Crimmings , cabinet member for leisure , said while outdoor classes `` had been a hit '' , the weather had not always been `` on their side '' .
`` Staff have worked hard over recent weeks to ensure staff and customers can return to a safe , but very different , environment , '' she said .
`` The phased approach to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the buildings can safely cope with customers wishing to exercise . ''
Conservative Senedd member Darren Millar , who speaks on Covid-19 recovery matters , welcomed the latest easing of the lockdown but said he wanted it to happen on Saturday , two days earlier .
`` Weekends provide many working people with important opportunities to take advantage of leisure facilities , '' he said .
`` It 's a great shame that the Welsh Government has chosen to implement these changes from Monday , rather than tomorrow , as it will result @ @ @ @ @ @ @ involved . ''
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : How do I protect myself ?
• AVOIDING CONTACT : The rules on self-isolation and exercise • STRESS : How to look after your mental health

First Minister Mark Drakeford said: "For the small minority of individuals and businesses who are not complying with the law, I want to make it clear that we will take action and we won't hesitate to close individual premises if that is necessary.


bbcuk--2020-08-06--The woman pushing GB snowsport towards new heights

Vicky Gosling has faced a number of challenges in her professional life , from serving in the Gulf War in 2003 , to running the first overseas edition of Prince Harry 's Invictus Games for disabled military veterans .
But her new task - to increase Great Britain 's haul of snowsport medals at the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics , and make it a top five snowsport nation by 2030 - arguably surpasses those earlier demands .
The effervescent Merseysider is the chief executive of GB Snowsport , the national governing body for ski and snowboard disciplines .
`` We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ snowsport in the UK , '' says the 49-year-old .
`` I always say anything is possible if you approach it in the right spirit . ''
And Gosling , who rose to the role of Group Captain during 22 years ' service in the RAF , has been handed a major boost in her task by UK Sport , the national funding body for Olympic and Paralympic sport .
GB Snowsport has seen an increase in its Olympic funding from £5.2m in the Pyeongchang 2018 Winter Olympics funding cycle , to £11m @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
For Paralympic funding , there has been a corresponding increase from £2.7m to up to £4.4m .
`` This was way beyond our expectations , '' says Gosling .
`` It 's been an amazing journey these past two years , it is a time of real excitement and expectation .
`` Our primary objective is to win Olympic and Paralympic medals , and this investment gives us additional momentum and impetus . ''
The mother-of-three took over her role in the spring of 2018 , and one of her first tasks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ organisation from its former name of British Ski & Snowboard .
`` It felt a bit stagnant , so we rebranded it , '' she says .
`` Coming from the Invictus Games I felt it was really important that we shook things up , and made it a brand that was recognisable .
`` Two years in , we are in a good place .
We have finished the season on a high , despite the impact of coronavirus . ''
She says UK winter sport athletes have come back into training @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the moguls squad training in Tignes , France , and some of the other Olympic and Paralympic disciplines conducting training camps in Saas Fee , Switzerland .
Meanwhile , Park & Pipe discipline team members are based in the UK , training in snow centres .
GB Snowsport , under performance director Dan Hunt , operates an `` Athletes First '' approach - utilising everything from high-class coaching , to marginal gains through things such as aerodynamics , to athletes ' mental health .
Medal prospects for Beijing in 2022 include snowboarders Katie @ @ @ @ @ @ @ James Woods , emerging ski jumper Mani Cooper , Pyeongchang 2018 slopestyle bronze medallist Izzy Atkin , and freestyle skier Kirsty Muir .
`` We have got such great talent coming through .
In Beijing we are capable of having more athletes on more podiums than ever before , '' says Gosling .
`` Between now and then there will be World Cups and European Championships for the squads to hone their skills . ''
The current Beijing medal targets are three to six medals in the Olympics and seven to 11 medals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Games , Team GB snowboarders and skiers won two bronze medals .
However , in the current climate , where there is a drive to include more minorities , as well as the less financially advantaged , in all aspects of life , snowsport may appear to outsiders to be a white , middle-class pastime .
But Gosling says : `` When you look at the majority of our people they do n't come from an elite background .
`` We have one athlete Madi Rowlands , who came from Royal Mail night @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to take second jobs to get by .
In terms of how we attract people we look from as wide a background as possible .
`` We attract kids who like to take risks , who like the adrenalin . ''
One project to help those with humble economic backgrounds is Project Balance , which gives individuals the opportunity to get into snowsport through skateboarding .
GB Snowsport is also working closely with the England , Scotland and Wales snowsport federations to drive up participation levels .
As well as these initiatives Gosling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ squads from five to 12 .
For a while the organisation was struggling with funding , and had to turn to benefactors to bridge the gap between what it wanted to do , and what it could financially achieve .
`` It was n't a brand attractive to sponsors , but now is the right time to get new commercial partners on board , and we are engaging with exciting brands , '' she says .
Gosling is experienced in attracting big names , having brought Jaguar Land Rover on board for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Florida , which she headed up .
`` Becoming CEO of the Invictus Games in 2016 was a huge challenge .
It took me to a different level , having that level of responsibility was huge , but it was exciting .
`` Prince Harry was great to work with .
If it was n't for him , the Games would n't have got to the level they have .
He is passionate about everything he does , passionate about causes .
He is also very humble . ''
It is easy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two decades of service with the RAF .
`` I joined after the first Gulf conflict and I was deployed for the second Gulf as a Squadron Leader and my remit was deputy chief of staff looking after personnel and logistics .
I have fond memories of my years in the military . ''
She adds : `` Everything I have done has been a learning experience .
The Invictus Games showed me anything is possible .
`` But you also have to find the right work-life balance .
I have got three @ @ @ @ @ @ @ find that balance , particularly at the weekends . ''

"We have one athlete Madi Rowlands, who came from Royal Mail night shifts, and many others have had to take second jobs to get by. In terms of how we attract people we look from as wide a background as possible.


bbcuk--2020-08-07--Why Nadia Rose put her 'finger up' to music bosses

When Nadia Rose and her `` Skwod '' of dancers descended on the streets of London in her Mobo Award-winning 2016 music video , it looked for all the world like one of the UK 's hottest new hip-hop/grime acts had arrived .
The south London rapper , who drew easy comparisons to her heroes Missy Elliot and Eminem , finished fifth on the BBC Sound of 2017 list ; before her debut EP , Highly Flammable , introduced listeners to more of her wickedly funny wordplay .
But as the grime scene caught fire , hitting the mainstream , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cooled .
Now , several years on , as she returns with her `` outlandish '' follow-up EP , First Class - via her own new label , Qwerky Entertainment - the 27-year-old tells the BBC about the `` incredibly frustrating '' machinations of the music industry that interrupted her flow ; taking back control ; and being on texting terms with her songwriting buddy Rihanna .
`` With my old label it felt like there was a lot of knockings of heads , I guess .
Too many cooks spoil the broth @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was creating music that then was n't seeing the light of day , so in order to actually have music out I had to leave that situation . ''
`` Then it was just about getting my own thing set up as a bit of a middle finger up to them , as well as knowing that I wanted to be in full control of my destiny , '' she continues .
`` And having had that experience , just wanting to do things the complete opposite way .
Not just for myself @ @ @ @ @ @ @ signing some other artists , producers , photographers , actors - it 's going to be a whole movement , it 's not just music . ''
Rose believes that the delay has inadvertently helped her to develop her brand and sound - a mix of more `` commercial '' hip-hop and `` gritty '' grime and drill .
Her latest batch of lyrics , while still playful , are as uncompromising as her recent business dealings .
Perhaps even strengthened by them .
Inspired by the likes of Lil Kim , tongue-twisting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Too Bad , find her confidently boasting about her money-making abilities , `` real G '' status , and sexual prowess .
Topics that have been more dominantly-discussed by male rappers .
`` Everything that is either not expected from a woman or frowned upon - you better believe I 'm going to do it , '' says Rose .
`` There 's some outlandish moments and [ I 'm ] saying some things that maybe people would be like , 'Oh my goodness , I ca n't believe she said that !
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ it ... and I 'm gon na continue to say it . ''
Another highlight , Sugar Zaddy , began life as an impromptu freestyle , uploaded to social media when she was on tour in France .
It soon attracted attention online , not least from another star ( and recent London resident ) who has kept her own fans waiting for years for new music .
`` I was going through security at the Eurostar , and I was actually texting Rihanna , '' Rose explains .
`` We were talking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it took me to get through , she 'd already boarded her jet in Paris and got back to London .
`` So I thought , 'My life needs to change ! '
'' `` Then there was this pretty handsome silver fox chap opposite me while I was waiting , and I guess just a mixture of seeing how Rihanna was living and then seeing this silver fox created this sugar daddy moment , '' she recalls .
`` I did a little freestyle , I dropped it on my Instagram and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , 'Are you gon na make this a full song ? '
`` Then literally about 10/11 months later , there it was . ''
The Londoner was selected by the Bajan pop megastar to join the writing team for her highly-anticipated ninth album , which is due to arrive soon .
Rose 's own music contains Afro-Caribbean flavours - bass-heavy dancehall sounds and her use of patois words and phrases - thanks in part to the influence of her Jamaican MC dad and Ghanaian mum ( in fact , her new EP @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) .
She was also handpicked by another music idol , Spice Girl Mel C , to appear on her forthcoming album .
• Mel C : 'People think I 'm mouthy , but I 'm really gentle' So despite being out of sight for a while - bar a handful of singles and features - the Brit School graduate and former betting shop employee has been very much in the minds of the hit-makers .
Her own mind is set on releasing a debut album in the not-too-distant-future , as well as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ project .
`` Acting has been something that has definitely been a massive part of me , even before music , '' she says , `` My whole family thought it would be acting that I went into first , but life happens and music was what I gravitated towards first , but acting is definitely something that I 'm gon na hone in on more as time goes on . ''
Speaking of family , one of the first signings to her new label is set to be her sister and fellow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on her new boss 's debut EP ; and with whom Rose took to the streets of the capital once again a few months back to join thousands of others at a Black Lives Matter anti-racism protest .
Like her cousin Stormzy , the performer has shown an interest in politics and also previously opined that the UK is a `` racist '' country .
Now , she says she 's noticed an increased interest in black artists of late , which `` is n't seemingly very genuine '' always .
She 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which she also points out `` is n't new '' ) go from `` strength to strength '' .
Stormzy made cultural history last summer by becoming the first black British rapper to headline Glastonbury Festival .
Towards the end of is genre-defining set , he name-checked Rose , along with J Hus , Little Simz , Loyle Carner and many more ; while reeling off a list of the cream of the next crop set to rise to the top , in their own good time and way .
`` I 've @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` I plan to own those stages on my own at some point . ''
`` It was definitely great to see , like , 'That 's my little cousin , absolutely smashing Glastonbury main stage .
It was incredible to see and inspiring , '' she adds .
`` Him just being on there was a moment for hip-hop , for grime , for rap , for the UK ; and so name-called-out or not , you should take something from that and carry on . ''
Nadia Rose 's second @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now .
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If you have a story suggestion email entertainment.news @ bbc.co.uk .

"Acting has been something that has definitely been a massive part of me, even before music," she says, "My whole family thought it would be acting that I went into first, but life happens and music was what I gravitated towards first, but acting is definitely something that I'm gonna hone in on more as time goes on."


bbcuk--2020-08-07--The Papers: France 'quarantine risk' and Flack mother's 'fury'

`` Britons on way to France risk quarantine '' is the front page headline in the Times , as it reports that Whitehall officials have placed the country on a list of destinations to be closely monitored .
A senior aviation source is quoted saying France is `` bubbling '' with cases and that travellers should only book trips which can be re-arranged at 24 hours ' notice .
The Daily Telegraph also reports the close monitoring of France as cases there overtake the numbers for Portugal , which has reduced its infection rate .
The paper says about 450,000 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a scale which would make any new restrictions a logistical nightmare .
The Guardian leads with an exclusive warning from doctors ' leaders that shutting down non-Covid NHS services to deal with any second wave will leave thousands of patients unacceptably `` stranded '' , risking more deaths .
The President of the Royal College of Surgeons in England , Professor Neil Mortensen , tells the paper : `` The NHS must never again be a Covid-only service .
There 's a duty to the thousands of patients waiting in need and pain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
His words are echoed by BMA Council chairman Dr Chaand Nagpaul , who says patients must be able to access diagnostic tests and care when they need it .
The paper says 30,000 to 40,000 patients could not start cancer treatment from April to June as hospitals suspended services .
One patient it provides as a case study had to fight to rebook a scan on a brain tumour which was cancelled when lockdown began in March and had been flagged as urgent .
`` Exam U-turn as pupils win reprieve @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the Daily Telegraph .
It reports on the regulator 's rethink of its appeals policy after the paper published warnings from head teachers yesterday that allowing appeals only on narrow technical issues in this exceptional year might permanently ruin the life chances of some students .
The change makes the front page for the Times as well , under the headline : `` Watchdog allows thousands more appeals against A-level grades '' .
Several papers carry extensive reaction to the government 's planning reform proposals .
`` Demolition of planning rules hands @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the headline in the i newspaper .
The Daily Mail 's coverage homes in on a drive to digitise the planning process : `` Now planning permission will be approved by robots '' .
It suggests there is widespread alarm over the radical reforms , which it claims place the building burden on affluent , desirable areas , such as well-to-do market towns .
That theme is picked up in the Times under the heading : `` Homes target places Johnson on collision course with the shires '' .
Matt 's cartoon in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a plot as a couple watch from their property .
The caption : `` As responsible builders we respect social distancing , the new houses will be two metres from your home . ''
`` Watchdog is called on to probe Cummings ' 2nd lockdown trip '' is the Daily Mirror 's front page .
The paper reports that a couple who insist they saw Dominic Cummings at a beauty spot in County Durham on the 19 April - after his first trip to the north-east and return to London - have made @ @ @ @ @ @ @ properly .
There is coverage , too , of research published in The Lancet on how the controversy impacted on public confidence in the government .
`` Dom 's dash to Durham did lead to more rule flouting '' is the the Daily Mail 's take .
The Daily Mail splashes what it describes as a `` dramatic intervention '' from the Home Secretary to stop migrants crossing the English Channel .
The paper says a `` furious '' Priti Patel has backed sending Royal Navy patrols into the waters after a record @ @ @ @ @ @ @ yesterday .
According to the Mail , officials have been ordered to draw up plans for the Navy to turn boats back for the first time .
A Home Office source is quoted saying the record attempts at crossings had been the `` final straw '' , but that the real solution must come from France .
A picture of Boris Johnson in shirt and tie , but wielding dumbbells in a gym , makes many of the front pages .
`` Economy showing signs of strength '' is the take of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the more optimistic economic forecasts given about the impact of the pandemic by the Bank of England .
The paper says the update brings fresh hope that there is a brighter outlook on the horizon for millions of struggling firms and workers - if they can weather the current storm .
For the Spectator , economics correspondent Kate Andrews considers whether the Bank 's forecasts are too optimistic .
She points out that they rely on two major assumptions : that there is n't a second wave of the virus and that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ points out that neither are `` remotely guaranteed '' .
`` Call to scrap jail discounts for 'guilty ' pleas '' is the headline in the Daily Telegraph .
The paper says it understands that Justice Secretary Robert Buckland is studying proposals to end the practice of granting a third off sentences automatically if an offender pleads guilty on their first court appearance .
The article points out the practice was used in the sentencing of one of the killers of PC Andrew Harper .
A source said the move was being considered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gaming '' the system , but that the change would only apply initially to murder and manslaughter cases .
Sign up for a morning briefing direct to your inbox And there is more than the usual polite passing interest in weather across many of the papers as temperatures are set to soar .
`` Saharan air may make today the hottest ever , '' proclaims the Times .
It says parts of the country , especially East Anglia and the south of England , could be hotter than the Caribbean .
Craig Snell @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there 's a 10 % chance of the mercury going above 38.7C , breaking the British record set last July .
The Sun says Brits are bracing themselves for a `` blowtorch '' that will scorch previous records and see temperatures reach 39C .

Image caption,
The Daily Mirror's front page follows up its investigation earlier this year into the lockdown travels of Dominic Cummings, the prime minister's chief adviser. The paper says that two witnesses who say they saw him make a second trip to Durham - which he denies - have complained to the police watchdog, because they do not believe their report was properly investigated.


bbcuk--2020-08-07--Channel migrants: 235 people in 17 vessels stopped in one day

A total of 235 migrants were intercepted crossing the English Channel on Thursday , the Home Office confirmed - a record for a single day .
Among them was a group of 15 , including children and a heavily pregnant woman , that landed on a Kent beach .
In total , 17 vessels were apprehended by The Maritime and Coastguard Agency and Border Force units .
On Friday , a boat with about 17 people on board , including a pregnant woman and children , was spotted by the BBC .
BBC reporter Simon Jones said a kayak and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ heading towards the Kent coast .
Including Thursday 's total , 3,948 people have crossed the Channel in more than 300 boats so far this year .
The Home Office has not been able to supply a breakdown of genders or nationalities of those who were intercepted on Thursday .
Minister for Immigration Compliance and the Courts Chris Philp said he shared `` the anger and frustration of the public at the appalling number of crossings '' on Thursday .
We took to the sea at 04:00 BST - and shortly after sunrise @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fishing boat spotted something on the horizon .
Motoring toward us is a boat carrying 17 people .
They told us they were from Iraq , and there was a pregnant woman on board , along with several children .
They were trying to reach Kent .
The Coastguard asked us to shadow them as the Border Force was busy dealing with other boats and kayaks in the Channel .
But after an hour , with the White Cliffs in sight , there was a problem - their engine broke down .
Another @ @ @ @ @ @ @ route to pick them up and take them to Dover .
As they stepped foot on British soil , they had achieved their goal .
One of the vessels was carrying 26 people .
In one incident , Border Force officers apprehended 15 migrants who had landed at Dungeness beach on Thursday .
Eyewitness Susan Pilcher told the BBC she had seen three family groups - including a woman who appeared to be heavily pregnant - as well as two single men .
The French authorities said they had also rescued migrants from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they headed for the UK .
A helicopter was used in the response that saw at least 23 people intercepted and brought back to France .
Thursday 's figure breaks a record set only a week ago , when 202 people crossed in 24 hours .
Mr Philp said : `` The crossings are totally unacceptable and unnecessary as France is a safe country .
`` We work closely with France and I will be in Paris early next week to seek to agree stronger measures with them , including interceptions and returns @ @ @ @ @ @ @ go on . ''
He said the only option was to make the route `` completely unviable '' to deter people from attempting it .
Regarding reports the Navy could be used to patrol the Channel , Chancellor Rishi Sunak told Sky News : `` I would n't want to speculate on exactly what measures will be put in place .
`` It 's important that we work closely with our French allies on this situation .
`` Obviously France is a safe country for migrants to be , we all want to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the outcomes of those conversations [ in France ] we can decide on the best next steps to take . ''
An inquiry has been launched into the reasons behind the huge increase in Channel crossings by migrants .
Among the areas the home affairs committee will examine are : • The role of criminal gangs in the crossings • The responses of UK and French authorities to combat illegal migration and support legal routes to asylum • The conditions experienced by people gathered in northern France seeking to enter the UK and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ treatment by UK authorities on their arrival , particularly that of unaccompanied children Follow BBC South East on Facebook , on Twitter , and on Instagram .
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"Obviously France is a safe country for migrants to be, we all want to see these crossings reduced and, pending the outcomes of those conversations [in France] we can decide on the best next steps to take."


bbcuk--2020-08-07--Coronavirus: Minister advised of 'benefit' of face coverings on older children

Face coverings for older school children would be `` of some benefit '' , Northern Ireland 's chief scientific advisor has said .
Professor Ian Young said they could be worn in some settings in schools .
On Thursday , the education minister announced a move to bring children back five days a week from September .
Peter Weir said social distancing measures between pupils will be `` relaxed '' , but whole class `` bubbles '' will limit mixing .
Speaking on BBC Radio Ulster 's Nolan Show , Prof Young said the Department of Education ( DE ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some benefit to the use of face coverings by older pupils where social distancing can not be maintained , but that needs to be considered in the context of the activity that the children are doing '' .
Prof Young said that some exceptions would be laboratory work or PE .
However , speaking earlier Mr Weir told the BBC 's Good Morning Ulster programme that the wearing of face coverings in schools was `` not implementable '' .
On Thursday when asked about face coverings by the BBC , he said : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are used we do n't believe that 's appropriate for children .
`` If you look at what has happened in other parts of the UK and the Republic of Ireland nobody is suggesting face masks within schools .
`` We will however always be guided by the science and medicine so any issue will be under a level of review , but there will be a wide range of measures which have already been intimated to schools which will provide that level of protection from enhanced cleaning and hygiene to ensure that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a minimum .
`` School will be a very safe place to be - there is nowhere that is risk-free but we will do everything we can to mitigate that risk . ''
Prof Young said his team had been looking at the experiences of other countries in terms of the impact of reopening schools on the rate of transmission .
`` I think it is inevitable there will be some cases and outbreaks associated with schools , '' Prof Young said .
He added that the test , track and trace program @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Ulster Teachers Union ( UTU ) said there were 'big concerns ' over how quickly schools could react to new guidance on a full-time return .
UTU General Secretary Jacquie White told the BBC 's Good Morning Ulster programme schools had already started to plan for a mixture of pupils splitting their time between the classroom and studying at home .
Updated guidance on reopening is due be issued to schools next week by the DE .
Ms White said new guidance means many schools will now have to do `` a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for a greater number of pupils .
`` This announcement yesterday is promising further guidance which is n't going to come out until potentially the end of next week and teachers are back in school on 17 August .
`` It 's a very quick turnaround in trying to take plans that have already been put in place and adapt them for large numbers , '' Ms White said .
`` There will be children in the school when we try and make these adjustments , '' she added .
• All NI @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a week • Pupils to be taught in protective 'bubbles' Ms White questioned the logic behind Mr Weir 's announcement , pointing out that it came on the same day the executive announced face coverings would become mandatory shops following a rise in the rate of transmission .
But Mr Weir said it was `` the right approach '' to prioritise education .
He said a wide range of protections would be put in place and that schools would still be required to keep most pupils in whole-class `` bubbles '' to limit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ taken within Covid , any inaction , carries some level of risk , '' he said .
`` We are not saying social distancing is abandoned .
`` There would be whole class bubbles from years 1-10 and we will minimise movements of other classes from years 11-14 . ''
The executive passed a proposal from the minister at its meeting on Thursday .
It includes a return to school for those who attend special schools .
Pupils going into years seven , 12 and 14 are to return to school on 24 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 31 August .

"We will, however, always be guided by the science and medicine so any issue will be under a level of review, but there will be a wide range of measures which have already been intimated to schools which will provide that level of protection from enhanced cleaning and hygiene to ensure that the level of mixing is kept to a minimum.


bbcuk--2020-08-07--Coronavirus: 'Re-think face masks in shops' says scientist

The Welsh Government should `` think again '' about making face masks compulsory in shops , a member of the Independent Sage group has said .
Dr Gabriel Scally , a visiting professor of public health , said wearing a face mask `` acts as a reminder that these are n't normal times '' .
`` Each individual action adds together , '' he told BBC Wales .
The Welsh Government has advised the use of face masks where social distancing is difficult .
On Thursday , Labour leader Keir Starmer failed to back the Welsh Government 's stance on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with BBC Wales , saying it was `` for each government to decide '' .
The Independent Sage group was established by the UK government 's former chief scientific adviser Sir David King as an alternative to Sage , the government 's scientific advisory group .
• Face masks : How does advice differ in Wales ?
Dr Scally , who is currently working from his home in St David 's in Pembrokeshire , said : `` I personally think the Welsh Government should think again about making face coverings compulsory in shops @ @ @ @ @ @ @ good .
`` But it 's not just the evidence , it also acts as a reminder that these are n't normal times and that we 've all got to change our behaviour . ''
He added that although face coverings may not make a big difference alone , when combined with social distancing , better ventilation and recognition of symptoms , `` it all adds up to trying to keep us safe '' .

Dr Scally, who is currently working from his home in St David's in Pembrokeshire, said: "I personally think the Welsh Government should think again about making face coverings compulsory in shops because the evidence for it is fairly good.


bbcuk--2020-08-07--Coronavirus: Stricter measures introduced in Preston

Lockdown measures are being reintroduced in Preston from midnight after a rise in Covid-19 cases .
Residents in the Lancashire city are facing stricter restrictions , which include banning separate households from meeting each other at home .
The council had already asked residents to follow extra precautions in a bid to halt the spread of the virus .
The move brings Preston in line with measures in east Lancashire , Greater Manchester and parts of west Yorkshire .
Health Secretary Matt Hancock confirmed the restrictions in these areas would remain in place `` as the data does not yet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this terrible virus '' .
Any changes to the measures will be announced by 14 August following a review next week , he added .
He said the decision to extend the restrictions to Preston was `` at the request of the local area '' .
Almost half of the cases reported in Preston were among people aged 30 and younger , Lancashire 's director of public health , Dr Sakthi Karunanithi , said .
As Preston has been designated an `` area of intervention '' by the government , the city will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tackle the spread of coronavirus .
Preston 's new restrictions mean that from midnight , people from different households will not be allowed to meet in homes or private gardens .
It also bans members of two different households from mixing in pubs and restaurants , although individual households will still be able to visit hospitality venues .
Social bubbles are exempt from the restrictions , and residents can meet in groups of up to six - or more than six if exclusively from two households - in outdoor areas such as parks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ measures only applies to those living within the boundary of Preston City Council .
Café owner Julie Faussat , who moved into new premises before the March lockdown , said : `` I am concerned because obviously we 've all invested a lot of money into our businesses and what I do n't want to see is another total lockdown again , especially for small independent businesses , it would be a real struggle . ''
Aidan Monks , a baker who delivers bread across north-west England , said : `` All you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what was going to happen ' .
`` There needs to clear guidance .
I think people are more than willing to support it but they just need that clarity and support . ''
New cases of Covid-19 in Preston increased substantially with 47 ( 33 per 100,000 population ) in the week to Monday , compared with 29 ( 20 per 100,000 ) the week before .
A further 17 cases were recorded on Tuesday .
Blackburn with Darwen , Pendle and Burnley recorded higher rates in the same week - all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tightened lockdown in east Lancashire .
The measures for Preston will be kept under review with potential for even stronger localised restrictions from the local authority if the new rules on gatherings are not followed .
`` If we ca n't reduce the infections we could end up having to have further restrictions on people 's lives , which is not to anyone 's benefit , '' he said .
Dr Karunanithi said it was `` extremely important that we act now '' following a significant increase in positive cases .
`` I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is affecting people from both south Asian and white ethnic backgrounds , particularly those living in poor socio-economic conditions in our city , '' he said .
`` I want to pay extra attention to indoor spaces , particularly pubs , where high numbers of people are mixing between households .
`` That 's a worrying pattern that we really must avoid . ''
• What happens in a coronavirus hotspot ?
Lancashire Police Deputy Chief Constable Terry Woods said the force would take action against those who flouted the rules , adding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ following the introduction of new restrictions .
Pools , indoor gyms and other leisure facilities will continue to remain closed in Leicester , Bradford and Blackburn .
Shielding will also continue for individuals in Blackburn with Darwen , and Leicester city .
Under Public Health England 's weekly surveillance report , Bedford and Swindon were also added to the list as `` areas of concern '' while Rotherham is being removed following a drop in cases .
Oadby and Wigston have been moved down from `` enhanced support '' to `` area of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Can we lift lockdown any further ?
• SCHOOLS : When will children be returning ?
• EXERCISE : What are the guidelines on getting out ?
• THE R NUMBER : What it means and why it matters • LOOK-UP TOOL : How many cases in your area ?
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You can also send story ideas to northwest.newsonline @ bbc.co.uk

Café owner Julie Faussat, who moved into new premises before the March lockdown, said: "I am concerned because obviously we've all invested a lot of money into our businesses and what I don't want to see is another total lockdown again, especially for small independent businesses, it would be a real struggle."


bbcuk--2020-08-07--Coronavirus: Millions for small business 'sitting in council accounts'

Emergency coronavirus funding for firms will go back to the Treasury at the end of the month if it is not claimed , business leaders have said .
Four months after £12bn was released to help them through the coronavirus pandemic , £1.5bn is unclaimed .
The Federation of Small Businesses ( FSB ) warned the money was sitting in councils ' bank accounts .
The government said it was working with councils to reach eligible businesses .
Emergency grants for businesses in England were announced on 17 March .
Lump sums of £10,000 , through the Small Business Grant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Hospitality and Leisure Grant Fund , were intended to help businesses ' cash flows during the coronavirus pandemic .
As of 3 August , £10.8bn had been paid out to nearly 900,000 businesses , leaving £1.5bn yet to reach nearly 80,000 eligible firms by late August , according to official data .
The figures suggest more than one in five businesses in areas such as Wealden , South Lakeland and South Somerset have not claimed grants .
Of the 314 English councils distributing the money , 291 have at least one business @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it .
The figures also suggest there are 24 authorities that paid out more than they were allocated .
Westminster City Council paid £17m more than it was allocated .
Mike Cherry , chairman of the Federation of Small Businesses , urged firms to apply for the grant funding , but added it should not be returned to the government if it was not claimed by the deadline .
`` There are many small businesses who are n't eligible , so the government should widen the criteria to those on the periphery , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ money would be a `` Godsend '' for businesses left out by the `` restrictive criteria '' for the grant , such as firms in supply chains to other small ventures .
Wirral Council held £14.7m of unspent funding as of the end of July .
Councillor Ian Lewis said : `` From my discussions with business owners and shopkeepers in Wallasey , some do not realise that this is a grant , not a loan , so it does n't have to be repaid .
Even businesses that were able to stay @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be tragic if businesses close or jobs are lost because they do not apply for this money - it 's literally sitting in the council 's bank waiting to be claimed . ''
Businesses can apply for one of the following funds : • For the small businesses grant they must be based in England , occupy property for business use and have been eligible for relief on various rates by 11 March 2020 .
• To access the retail , hospitality and leisure grant the business must be mainly used as a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Some charities can also apply .
Brent Council in London said it was telling businesses in `` any way we can '' about the grants , as the borough did not want to hand back any of its £4.5m remaining funds to the government .
Councillor Shama Tatler said it was `` a surprise '' the government was looking to `` end the schemes and demand the money back '' , before all eligible businesses had been contacted .
`` We now even have a team of officers physically knocking on people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ before the deadline , '' she said .
A spokesman for the Department for Business , Energy and Industrial Strategy said : `` We are working with local councils to ensure funds get to as many eligible small business owners as possible .
`` Businesses that are eligible but have not yet received grant funding should speak to their local council as soon as possible . ''
Additional reporting by : Anna Khoo and the Local Democracy Reporting Service

Councillor Ian Lewis said: "From my discussions with business owners and shopkeepers in Wallasey, some do not realise that this is a grant, not a loan, so it doesn't have to be repaid. Even businesses that were able to stay open are eligible.


bbcuk--2020-08-07--Government 'won't hesitate' to add to quarantine list

The UK `` will not hesitate '' to add more countries to its travel quarantine list in order to protect public health , the chancellor has said .
Rishi Sunak told Sky News `` there is always the risk of disruption '' to holidays during the coronavirus pandemic .
Arrivals to the UK from Belgium , the Bahamas and Andorra have been told they will need to self-isolate for 14 days .
It comes amid a surge in cases in France .
The Foreign Office is also warning against `` all but essential travel '' to Belgium , Andorra and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the highest coronavirus case rates in Europe at 49.2 per 100,000 people , compared with 14.3 per 100,000 in the UK .
For comparison , Spain 's rate was 27.4 per 100,000 around the time it was removed from the UK 's travel corridor list of countries exempt from quarantine restrictions .
According to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control , France recorded 23.4 cases per 100,000 people in the last two weeks .
Meanwhile , new infections in France rose by more than 40 % on Friday , with 2,288 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Some 1,604 new cases were reported on Thursday .
On Friday , the UK reported a further 98 people had died with the virus , taking the total to 46,511 , with a further 871 people testing positive for Covid-19 .
The total includes all deaths in people who have ever tested positive and the actual cause of death may not be Covid-19 in all cases .
• Where can I go on holiday without having to quarantine ?
Asked whether tourist destinations such as France could be next to be added @ @ @ @ @ @ @ told the BBC the government was keeping the situation `` under constant review '' and that people should `` be mindful '' of the risk of disruption to travel given the global pandemic .
He told holidaymakers they should constantly look at government guidance and `` make the best decisions they can , knowing we live in uncertain times '' .
He told Sky News No 10 was doing `` the right thing '' , keeping the situation `` under review on a constant basis '' and consulting with scientists and medical advisers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government would `` not hesitate to do that '' , he said , in order `` to protect people 's health '' .
The new rules for Belgium , the Bahamas and Andorra have already come into force in Wales and will take effect in the rest of the UK from 04:00 BST on Saturday .
Continental rail service Eurostar said there was an increase in passengers travelling on its trains from Brussels to London on Friday , beating the deadline .
• Will I get my money back if I ca n't @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been re-imposed for travellers from Spain and Luxembourg .
But people arriving in England and Wales from Brunei and Malaysia will no longer need to self-isolate , after a decrease in confirmed new coronavirus cases there .
People who do not self-isolate when required to after being abroad can be fined up to £1,000 in England , Wales , and Northern Ireland .
Those returning to Scotland could be fined £480 , with fines up to £5,000 for persistent offenders .
Joshua Holloway , who works at the University of Ghent , in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' quarantine news means he will have to abandon plans to visit his family in Shropshire next week .
He says they can not visit him , because they ca n't afford to miss two weeks of work when they return to the UK , adding : `` I also can not go to the UK for an additional period of two weeks prior to when I had planned to travel in order to be able to enjoy a long weekend there . ''
Mr Holloway called on No 10 to provide `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cases a country would need to hit to trigger its removal from the quarantine exemptions list .
`` With the current system , there is no indication at all as to when Belgium will reappear on the quarantine-free list , '' he said .
The Department of Transport has confirmed people travelling through Belgium by car from Germany or the Netherlands to the UK do not need to isolate on arrival so long as all the travellers remained in the car throughout their time in Belgium - including not getting out at service @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to drop a passenger off in Belgium without the need to isolate , so long as they do n't get back in the car .
How have you been affected by the changes to the UK 's travel quarantine list ?
Tell us about your experience by emailing haveyoursay @ bbc.co.uk .
• Or upload your pictures/video here • Please read our terms & conditions and privacy policy It 's a relief for Lisa Dalton and her family who want to take their car via the Eurotunnel and then drive non-stop through Belgium @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is Dutch and he was going to go with my son to The Netherlands to see family .
They had n't seen them since before lockdown .
Ms Dalton said they would have cancelled their trip had they needed to self-isolate , due to her husband 's work commitments and not wanting her son to be stuck indoors .
Meanwhile , the Department for Transport has said that rail travellers arriving in the UK on journeys which include a stop in Belgium will need to quarantine unless no new passengers boarded the train @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on .
This means Eurostar passengers travelling from Amsterdam to London will need to self-isolate , as the journey involves a change of trains in Brussels .
Eurotunnel have drafted in extra staff to help with customer queries , as people call to rearrange their travel plans between the UK and Belgium .

He says they cannot visit him, because they can't afford to miss two weeks of work when they return to the UK, adding: "I also cannot go to the UK for an additional period of two weeks prior to when I had planned to travel in order to be able to enjoy a long weekend there."


bbcuk--2020-08-07--Nicola Sturgeon: Internal disputes 'risk to SNP success'

Nicola Sturgeon has said the SNP needs to `` focus on what matters to people '' ahead of next year 's election and put aside internal disputes .
The first minister was speaking after a number of public rows about her party 's policies and strategies .
The SNP leader said internal fighting would be a turn off for voters .
There has been controversy over how the SNP selects candidates as well as the prospect of a rival pro-independence party in recent weeks .
Ms Sturgeon claimed the SNP was in a `` position of strength '' going into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the first of a series of interviews BBC Scotland is conducting with Scottish party leaders , Ms Sturgeon said any trust from voters could be easily lost .
She said : `` The SNP is in a position of strength and we 've got as a party to recognise that we do n't exist in some kind of bubble .
`` Right now the majority of the people in the country we serve are worried about their health and they 're worried about their ability to pay their bills .
`` Opinion polls @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to lead them through that crisis .
If they ever thought the SNP was turning away from that priority and focusing on its own agendas and engaging in infighting I 'm sure they would pass a verdict on that . ''
In July some SNP and pro-independence campaigners suggested setting up a new party ahead of the Holyrood elections in 2021 to target the regional list seats to `` maximise the pro-Yes vote '' .
More recently Joanna Cherry reluctantly ruled out standing for Ruth Davidson 's Holyrood seat in next year 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ change .
The Edinburgh South West MP said the change approved by the SNP 's governing body meant she would have to resign as an MP first if she wanted to stand in Edinburgh Central .
Ms Sturgeon insisted the party needed to `` focus on what matters to people out there '' and move away from `` internal disputes , feuds or personality clashes '' .
The first minister said the new programme for government , set to be unveiled at Holyrood in September , would be `` heavily influenced by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that a shake-up of how social care is delivered `` will be uppermost in our minds as we come out of the immediate crisis '' .
Ms Sturgeon said she would serve the full term if elected first minister and said it was `` bonkers '' to suggest she did not want to see an independent Scotland .
Ms Sturgeon was asked about a number of other issues in a wide-ranging interview .
These included : The four nations approach to battling Covid-19 The UK and devolved governments are attempting to agree a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the lowest possible levels and keeping it there .
Cabinet Office Minister Michael Gove said a joint statement would be released pledging to work together to defeat the virus .
Ms Sturgeon revealed talks have not reached a conclusion yet but she hoped a `` substantive agreement '' could be reached .
She said : `` For reasons I do n't fully understand there seems to be , on the part of the UK government , an unwillingness to use the word elimination and I do n't really know why that is the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ exam grades are decided The first minister has faced criticism over the way high school grades have been decided in the wake of all exams being cancelled because of coronavirus .
Teachers were asked to estimate grades - but a quarter of these have been adjusted downwards during the SQA 's moderation process .
The pass rate of pupils in the most deprived data zones was reduced by 15.2 % from teacher estimates while for students in more affluent areas it was reduced by 6.9 % , leading to claims that schools ' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ adjust the results .
Ms Sturgeon said she understood the anger from pupils but said , `` if we had gone for purely teacher assessment without any moderation we would have run the risk of undermining the integrity of the whole system . ''
She added : `` When we could n't do exams a system had to be put in place but we now have another stage in the process which is allowing young people to say this is not fair for me . ''
The Holyrood inquiry into the Alex Salmond @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a Holyrood committee investigating the handling of harassment complaints against her predecessor Alex Salmond .
It will be the first time Ms Sturgeon is quizzed by MSPs since the Scottish government conceded that an internal investigation of the complaints had been unlawful .
The SNP leader said : `` There will be an element of relief for me in that because lots of things have been said about me that I 've not been able to address because of other proceedings going on .
`` I will set out my side of things @ @ @ @ @ @ @ minds , I have nothing to fear from that . ''
Did Scotland 's lockdown come too late ?
The timing of the decision to go into lockdown has been the subject of much discussion since March .
One study suggested more than 2,000 coronavirus deaths could have been prevented if Scotland had locked down two weeks earlier .
And Ms Sturgeon said the data at the time suggested Scotland was a couple of weeks behind England on the infection curve .
She added : `` So in reality we probably went into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that early enough ?
`` Until my dying day I will probably agonise over these judgements but we took the best decisions we could at the time . ''

The SNP leader said: "There will be an element of relief for me in that because lots of things have been said about me that I've not been able to address because of other proceedings going on.


bbcuk--2020-08-07--Tombstoning: Boy in hospital after 20m Sgwd Gwladys waterfall jump

A 13-year-old boy was airlifted to hospital after jumping 20m from a waterfall and hitting the river bed .
Western @ @ @ @ @ it was called to the `` tombstoning '' incident at Sgwd Gwladys waterfall , near @ @ @ @ @ after 15:30 BST on Friday .
The teenager suffered suspected spinal and pelvic injuries , @ @ @ @ @ was placed in a vacuum mattress to immobilise his spine and winched from the area @ @ @ @ @ team said it sent four vehicles and 15 team members after receiving a call from @ @ @ @ @ Neil Butcher said the winch out had been difficult due to the location , low @ @ @ @ @ trees causing a hazard to rescuers on the ground .
Tombstoning is the act of @ @ @ @ @ high platform , such as a cliff , bridge or harbour edge in a straight @ @ @ @ @ resembling a tombstone .

Team leader Neil Butcher said the winch out had been difficult due to the location, low wind condition and several dead trees causing a hazard to rescuers on the ground.


bbcuk--2020-08-07--Gigabit broadband: Rural households urged to claim upgrade cash

The government is urging struggling rural broadband customers to apply for cash it has set aside to pay for ultra high-speed connections .
Digital Minister Matt Warman said £70m is `` still there for the taking '' .
The gigabit voucher scheme is part of the government 's election pledge to bring broadband speeds of up to 1,000Mbps to the whole country by 2025 .
It says nearly half a million homes have been connected with the help of government subsidies .
The average UK broadband speed is around 64Mbps ( megabits per second ) , according to the latest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2025 target was ambitious and he could commit only to `` getting as close as we can '' .
`` We 're talking about a target that 's five years away .
We are absolutely confident that we are doing all the right things , '' he said .
The total number of `` gigabit capable '' premises in the UK is now 7.5 million - roughly a quarter of the country , the government says .
Commercial firms are responsible for the vast majority , '' That 's huge progress - we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the same kind of progress up to 2025 and beyond , '' Mr Warman said .
'As remote as you could possibly be' Belinda Huckle lives and works in the same building in the Yorkshire Dales , and says the gigabit voucher scheme has been `` transformative '' .
`` There 's a lot of sheep , a lot of hills and it 's about an hour round-trip just to get milk .
So we 're pretty much about as remote as you could possibly be , '' she says .
`` More @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up really early and the internet would be down .
`` And to mitigate that we would have to drive a few miles to a lay-by and sit in a lay-by in the dark with our laptops , hot-spotting into our phones in order to basically conduct business pretty much in the middle of the field . ''
After applying for the gigabit voucher scheme , she now has a reliable service - and speeds that went from below 20Mbps ( when it worked ) to 850Mbps .
Ms Huckle said the scheme @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's messages needed to be clearer .
`` The Facebook advertising is very misleading , and it 's confusing because people think that they 're suddenly going to get 15 hundred quid in their pockets… It does n't work like that . ''
After applying , however , she says the whole process is `` really frictionless '' .
The scheme exists because it 's not always commercially viable to dig up roads and fields to supply good broadband to some remote places .
If you live in a rural area and have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scheme allows you to apply for up to £1,500 for personal homes , and £3,500 for businesses , to install a new connection .
But the cash is not handed over to individuals - instead , you will have to contact a broadband supplier in your area to handle the subsidy .
The Department for Digital , Culture , Media and Sport says it has already handed out 45,000 vouchers , worth more than £90m - although only 29,000 of those connections have so far gone live .
The larger part of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a £5bn fund promised for the nationwide rollout - but suppliers do not know how it will be allocated .
The head of BT 's Openreach infrastructure division recently warned that suppliers `` need that plan now '' if the government is to hit its 2025 target .
Industry body the Internet Service Providers ' Association ( Ispa ) , meanwhile , warns that the sheer scale of the rollout remains a major obstacle .
Ispa said that the government needed to take `` urgent action '' to break down barriers to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ caused problems .
Its members `` have had very different experiences , depending on where they are ... across the country , '' it said .
Local authorities have taken different attitudes to allowing work to proceed and issuing permits .
Mr Warman also said that while the focus was on rural connections , some areas that `` have not kept up '' in the largest cities were also being looked at .
`` We completely get that there are urban and suburban areas that are commercially viable , but there are parts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be - and it has to be a focus , '' he said .

"And to mitigate that we would have to drive a few miles to a lay-by and sit in a lay-by in the dark with our laptops, hot-spotting into our phones in order to basically conduct business pretty much in the middle of the field."


bbcuk--2020-08-07--Coronavirus severely restricts Antarctic science

The British Antarctic Survey is scaling back its research in the polar south because of coronavirus .
Only essential teams will head back to the continent as it emerges from winter and virtually all science in the deep field has been postponed for a year .
This includes all work on the huge , and rapidly melting , Thwaites Glacier , which has been the focus of a major joint study with the Americans .
BAS says it does n't have the capacity to treat people if they get sick .
And in consultation with international partners this past week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ put in place to keep the virus out of Antarctica .
`` No nation has the medical facilities to deal with people who are seriously ill , '' explained BAS director Prof Dame Jane Francis .
`` Everybody is taking very strong precautionary measures to make sure that any activity in Antarctica this year is as safe as possible , '' she told BBC News .
• NZ cuts Antarctic research to keep it virus free The key logistical challenge is the uncertainty surrounding air routes .
Many of those who go to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by travelling on a plane to one of the main gateways - in South Africa , Australia/New Zealand and Chile - where they then make the hop across the Southern Ocean , either on a connecting flight or on a ship .
But with air corridors so severely disrupted at the moment , the gateways are n't functioning as they should .
UK scientists and technicians , and their supplies , will therefore travel direct from Britain to Antarctica on the Royal Research Ship James Clark Ross .
It 's possible some sort @ @ @ @ @ @ @ via the Falklands with a refuelling stop on Ascension Island - but this is not Plan A .
With the limitations these arrangements impose , BAS has no alternative but to suspend the vast majority of its deep-field projects which send researchers into the interior of the continent to conduct their studies .
The emphasis will instead be on maintaining important climate observations made at the main stations of Rothera and Halley .
In recent years , the latter has been closed for the winter , with all its science instruments run automatically @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will remain in shutdown through the summer as well - although efforts will be made to visit the base to make sure the power generation system that supports the automated set-up can continue to operate all the way through to the summer of 2021/2022 .
`` We have enough fuel at Halley to get us through the next winter .
The problem is that fuel is not in the tanks that feed the automation system ; it 's in the bigger station tanks and we have to transfer it , '' said Prof @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
This will only happen if BAS can get its fleet of Twin Otter aircraft from Canada , where they 've just been serviced , down to Antarctica .
But , again , flying these planes leg-by-leg through the Americas may prove impossible given the infection rates now being reported in some countries .
And if the Twin Otters do n't turn up , no-one will be able to get across to Halley from Rothera to fix the fuel issue .
The coronavirus crisis gripped the world in the middle of the 2019/2020 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ personnel off the continent , and bringing them home , also proved to be a logistical headache , with some scientists and technicians enduring long waits and quarantine at Rothera , and on the Falklands , before getting a flight or ship berth home .
Even those who 'd spent weeks gathering measurements in what are some of the remotest locations on Earth had to take their place in line .
This included the expedition teams returning from far-away Thwaites Glacier .
The colossal ice stream is the subject of a five-year , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is melting so fast and the impact this will have on global sea levels .
It 's the single biggest science investigation on the continent right now , but the studies are going to have to take a gap year .
Prof Vaughan told BBC News : `` We 've agreed with the National Science Foundation , our US partner , that Thwaites is postponed by one year .
We 'll do everything we can to get back in and hit the ground running in the subsequent season of 21/22 .
So , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ activities are being cancelled .
It 's all just being postponed . ''
Jonathan.Amos-INTERNET @ bbc.co.uk and follow me on Twitter : @ BBCAmos

Prof Vaughan told BBC News: "We've agreed with the National Science Foundation, our US partner, that Thwaites is postponed by one year. We'll do everything we can to get back in and hit the ground running in the subsequent season of 21/22. So, no project is being cancelled; no activities are being cancelled. It's all just being postponed."


bbcuk--2020-08-07--Met Police arrest of boy sparks protest at Colindale station

Protesters have gathered outside a police station in north-west London following the arrest of teenage boy .
About 40 people assembled outside of Colindale Police Station in Barnet .
It comes after a 14-year-old was arrested on suspicion of possession of cannabis earlier .
Police said they had been obstructed from making the arrest .
A dispersal order was issued and a cordon was placed around the station .
The boy has since been released under investigation with his mother present .
A 19-year-old was also arrested for allegedly assaulting an officer .
A number of officers suffered minor injuries @ @ @ @ @ @ @ officers arrived to support the dispersal of the group , the Met Police said .
In a statement Scotland Yard said : `` We have not received any reports that members of the public or those under arrest sustained any injuries . ''
Officers arrested the 14-year-old near Grahame Park at about 14:40 BST .
As they were doing so , a group began to gather around officers and `` obstructed the police vehicle from leaving the scene '' , the Met said .
Two men , aged 23 and 25 , were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ police constable .
The police vehicle left the scene and a group of 30 to 40 followed on foot to the police station , the Met added .
MPS Barnet tweeted at 21:03 that the teenager `` has now been released under investigation from police custody with his mother present '' .
The other people arrested remain in police custody .

It comes after a 14-year-old was arrested on suspicion of possession of cannabis earlier. Police said they had been obstructed from making the arrest.


bbcuk--2020-08-07--Coronavirus: London's commuter towns see sharp rise in benefit claims

London 's commuter towns have seen the highest rate of people moving onto Universal Credit since the coronavirus lockdown began , BBC research has found .
Guildford , Stevenage and Hemel Hempstead have had disproportionate rises in people claiming the benefit .
Nearly 5.5 million people are now claiming benefits across Britain - an 81 % increase since March .
Experts said the drop in office-based working in the capital has impacted employment in commuter towns .
Some of those who have applied for Universal Credit were forced to do so because they did not qualify for other government support @ @ @ @ @ @ @ help for the self-employed .
BBC analysis of official postcode data from the Department for Work and Pensions shows that Guildford in Surrey had the sharpest increase in the proportion of people moving onto the working-age benefit .
In June , there were almost 37,000 people in the town on Universal Credit - a rise of 148 % since March , according to the latest figures .
Two of London 's outer boroughs , Harrow and Kingston-upon-Thames , have also seen increases far in excess of the national average .
Laura Gardiner , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tank , which researches living standards of those on low-to-middle incomes , said the large numbers of workers in London who have still not returned to their offices are contributing to the demand for Universal Credit .
`` Those workers may be able to continue working from home , but lots of the industries around them - the cafes , restaurants , the retail sectors - people who travel into the city to provide services to those office workers , therefore have nothing to do , '' she said .
`` Those people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cities , and this is especially acute in London . ''
Places with the highest rate of people moving onto Universal Credit since March Source : BBC analysis of Department for Work and Pensions data between March and June Linford 's story : 'Every job I had was cancelled' Linford Miles , 31 , is a self-employed photographer and filmmaker from Farnham , Surrey .
`` I had about 20 jobs lined up , a lot of bookings in April and May , '' he says .
`` As we saw Covid sweeping @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more and more calls from clients saying , we do n't feel it 's a safe idea going ahead with these projects .
`` Every single job I had was cancelled .
`` I looked at the self-employment scheme , but I did n't qualify as I had only just started up within the past 12 months , so the only option was Universal Credit .
`` I 've always seen myself as being self-sufficient , I 've always tried to keep a job .
So it was pretty disheartening when I had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It definitely affected my mental health - I did n't really want to leave the house , I did n't feel much pride or self-respect .
It caused a great deal of stress .
`` The money from Universal Credit was nowhere near enough to cover my personal expenses - never mind my business expenses .
`` I was being hounded as well by messages on the Universal Credit system to apply for work , to look for employment , to attend job fairs .
Every single email that came in , every @ @ @ @ @ @ @ my mind , it just added more stress . ''
The volunteers of Stoke Community Support , a church-led initiative in Guildford , started cooking meals to help local families in need in April .
They initially provided frozen dishes twice a week to 45 families .
They 're now helping 140 households .
The increase has been driven in large part by people losing their jobs or seeing their hours cut .
`` A lot of retail jobs have gone , '' said Peter Curran , who leads the project .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , in coffee shops - that 's where a lot of the job losses are . ''
The Guildford area has a large number of consultancy businesses and self-employed traders , dozens of which have become insolvent in recent weeks .
Allen Ruddock , a financier turned property developer , is struggling to keep his businesses afloat .
He was advised to apply for Universal Credit but he says his pride has so far stopped him from doing so .
`` Guildford is a very entrepreneurial environment , and a lot of small @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` But when something like Covid hits , if you 're not an established business , then you are going to have to seek support elsewhere .
`` I 've gone from a five-figure salary to scraping to get by on a few thousand and that 's why Universal Credit might end up being my sole option in the end . ''

"Those workers may be able to continue working from home, but lots of the industries around them - the cafes, restaurants, the retail sectors - people who travel into the city to provide services to those office workers, therefore have nothing to do," she said.