bbcuk--2020-02-28--Coronavirus: First case in Wales confirmed

The first case of coronavirus in Wales has been confirmed .
Chief Medical Officer Dr Frank Atherton said the adult patient had returned from northern Italy , where the virus was contracted .
It is understood the patient is from the Swansea area .
Meanwhile , a man who was on the Diamond Princess cruise ship quarantined off Japan has become the first British person to die from the respiratory disease caused by the virus .
Nineteen people have tested positive in the UK since the virus outbreak began in China .
There was one case in Northern Ireland on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Friday .
Dr Atherton said the development was `` not unexpected '' and the patient was being treated at one of the four specialist units in England .
He said it was `` inevitable '' there would be more cases .
Dr Atherton said : `` Our job is to prepare for a significant number of cases , for an epidemic in the UK , or a pandemic if it becomes a global issue . ''
He said the Welsh patient had been tested on Thursday , adding : `` They developed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ assessed by colleagues from Public Health Wales . ''
He said : `` All appropriate measures to provide care for the individual and to reduce the risk of transmission to others are being taken .
`` I 'd like to take this opportunity to assure the public that Wales and the whole of the UK is well prepared for these types of incidents . ''
He said to protect the patient 's confidentiality no further details regarding the individual would be released .
• What is coronavirus and what are the symptoms ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ for asthmatics , and other questions • Coronavirus : How is the UK planning for an outbreak ?
Public Health Wales said it was is working hard to identify close contacts and taking all appropriate actions to reduce any risk to the public 's health .
Aneurin Bevan health board also tweeted to say the Royal Gwent Hospital in Newport was open , despite false reports over coronavirus .
Experts have warned of school closures and the cancellation of major sporting events , concerts and festivals in the UK in a bid to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ England 's chief medical officer , Prof Chris Whitty , said transmission of the virus between people in the UK was `` just a matter of time '' .
He said if the outbreak intensifies , it may be necessary to close schools and stop mass gatherings of people for `` quite a long period of time , probably more than two months '' .
The World Health Organization also warned that the outbreak had reached a `` decisive point '' and had `` pandemic potential '' .
How deadly is the coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with this coronavirus , the WHO says : The proportion dying from the disease , which has been named Covid-19 , appears low ( between 1 % and 2 % ) - but the figures are unreliable .
Thousands are still being treated but may go on to die - so the death rate could be higher .
But it is also unclear how many mild cases remain unreported - so the death rate could also be lower .
To put this into context , about one billion people catch influenza every year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The severity of flu changes every year .
The authorities here are stepping up a gear .
They are moving from just testing people who have been to the hotspots .
They are now beginning to test some patients , either in intensive care units or some GP surgeries , who have unexplained symptoms which might indicate coronavirus .
Things are shifting up a gear but the general message is that people should not panic .
Even though more cases are expected , officials insist the NHS is well prepared .
What @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spreading the virus ?
To protect against infection , the NHS has advised people to wash their hands frequently with soap and water or a sanitiser gel .
It is best to catch coughs and sneezes with tissues , which should be thrown away immediately afterwards .
Be sure to wash your hands after disposing of tissues .
Avoiding touching your eyes , nose and mouth with unwashed hands , and avoid close contact with people who are unwell .
The World Health Organization advises keeping at least a metre between you and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coughing , sneezing and have a fever .
What is the official advice ?
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office ( FCO ) is warning against all but essential travel to 11 quarantined towns in Italy , two cities in South Korea and mainland China .
The Department of Health says anyone who has returned from those specified parts of Italy and South Korea , as well as Iran , since 19 February should call the NHS 111 helpline , stay indoors and avoid contact with others .
Anyone who has returned in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ China - where the FCO has warned against all travel - should do the same .
• Coronavirus : Three more cases confirmed in UK People should also call the helpline and self-isolate if they are experiencing symptoms - however mild - after returning to the UK from the following places : • Vietnam , Cambodia , Laos , Myanmar and parts of northern Italy since 19 February • Mainland China , Thailand , Japan , South Korea , Hong Kong , Taiwan , Singapore , Malaysia or Macau , in the past @ @ @ @ @ @ @ advice is available from the Department of Health and Social Care and Public Health England ( PHE ) , the Foreign and Commonwealth Office ( FCO ) , the Welsh Government and Public Health Wales .
Have you been affected by the coronavirus ?
Or do you have any information to share ?
Get in touch by emailing haveyoursay @ bbc.co.uk .
Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a BBC journalist .
You can also contact us in the following ways : • Please read our terms @ @ @ @ @

Coronavirus: First case in Wales confirmed Published 28 February 2020
This video can not be played To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser. Media caption, More cases of coronavirus can be expected in Wales, says the country's chief medical officer
The first case of coronavirus in Wales has been confirmed.
Chief Medical Officer Dr Frank Atherton said the adult patient had returned from northern Italy, where the virus was contracted.
Swansea council leader Rob Stewart said the diagnosis had a link to the city's Bishop Gore School, but there are no cases within any schools.
On Friday, a man on the Diamond Princess cruise ship became the first Briton to die of coronavirus.
Nineteen people have tested positive in the UK since the virus outbreak began in China.
There was one case in Northern Ireland on Thursday and two new cases in England on Friday.
Dr Atherton said the development was "not unexpected" and the patient was being treated at one of the four specialist units in England.
He said it was "inevitable" there would be more cases.
Dr Atherton said: "Our job is to prepare for a significant number of cases, for an epidemic in the UK, or a pandemic if it becomes a global issue."
He said the Welsh patient had been tested on Thursday, adding: "They developed symptoms and contacted the NHS and were assessed by colleagues from Public Health Wales."
He said: "All appropriate measures to provide care for the individual and to reduce the risk of transmission to others are being taken.
"I'd like to take this opportunity to assure the public that Wales and the whole of the UK is well prepared for these types of incidents."
He said to protect the patient's confidentiality no further details regarding the individual would be released.
Public Health Wales said it was is working hard to identify close contacts and taking all appropriate actions to reduce any risk to the public's health.
Aneurin Bevan health board also tweeted to say the Royal Gwent Hospital in Newport was open, despite false reports over coronavirus.
This Twitter post cannot be displayed in your browser. Please enable Javascript or try a different browser. View original content on Twitter The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Skip twitter post by Aneurin Bevan University Health Board Allow Twitter content? This article contains content provided by Twitter. We ask for your permission before anything is loaded, as they may be using cookies and other technologies. You may want to read Twitter’s cookie policy, external and privacy policy, external before accepting. To view this content choose ‘accept and continue’. Accept and continue The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. End of twitter post by Aneurin Bevan University Health Board
Experts have warned of school closures and the cancellation of major sporting events, concerts and festivals in the UK in a bid to stop the spread of the virus.
England's chief medical officer, Prof Chris Whitty, said transmission of the virus between people in the UK was "just a matter of time".
He said if the outbreak intensifies, it may be necessary to close schools and stop mass gatherings of people for "quite a long period of time, probably more than two months".
The World Health Organization also warned that the outbreak had reached a "decisive point" and had "pandemic potential".
How deadly is the coronavirus?
Based on data from 44,000 patients with this coronavirus, the WHO says:
81% develop mild symptoms
14% develop severe symptoms
5% become critically ill
The proportion dying from the disease, which has been named Covid-19, appears low (between 1% and 2%) - but the figures are unreliable.
Thousands are still being treated but may go on to die - so the death rate could be higher. But it is also unclear how many mild cases remain unreported - so the death rate could also be lower.
To put this into context, about one billion people catch influenza every year, with between 290,000 and 650,000 deaths. The severity of flu changes every year.
The authorities here are stepping up a gear.
They are moving from just testing people who have been to the hotspots.
They are now beginning to test some patients, either in intensive care units or some GP surgeries, who have unexplained symptoms which might indicate coronavirus.
Things are shifting up a gear but the general message is that people should not panic.
Even though more cases are expected, officials insist the NHS is well prepared.
What should I do to prevent catching and spreading the virus?
To protect against infection, the NHS has advised people to wash their hands frequently with soap and water or a sanitiser gel.
It is best to catch coughs and sneezes with tissues, which should be thrown away immediately afterwards. Be sure to wash your hands after disposing of tissues.
Avoiding touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands, and avoid close contact with people who are unwell.
The World Health Organization advises keeping at least a metre between you and other people, particularly those who are coughing, sneezing and have a fever.
What is the official advice?
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) is warning against all but essential travel to 11 quarantined towns in Italy, two cities in South Korea and mainland China.
The Department of Health says anyone who has returned from those specified parts of Italy and South Korea, as well as Iran, since 19 February should call the NHS 111 helpline, stay indoors and avoid contact with others.
Anyone who has returned in the past 14 days from Hubei Province in China - where the FCO has warned against all travel - should do the same.
People should also call the helpline and self-isolate if they are experiencing symptoms - however mild - after returning to the UK from the following places:
Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and parts of northern Italy since 19 February
Mainland China, Thailand, Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia or Macau, in the past 14 days
Ask me
Have you been affected by the coronavirus? Or do you have any information to share? Get in touch by emailing haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk.


bbcuk--2020-02-29--Coronavirus: Latest patient was first to be infected in UK

The latest patient diagnosed with the coronavirus in England is the first to catch it in the UK .
It is unclear whether this was directly or indirectly from someone who recently returned from abroad , England 's chief medical officer said .
The man is a resident of Surrey who had not been abroad recently himself .
It takes the total number of UK cases to 20 and comes after a British man in his 70s became the first UK citizen to die from the virus .
That man , who lived abroad , had been taken to hospital @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Diamond Princess cruise ship , which was quarantined off the port of Yokohama earlier this month .
Confirming the latest UK case , England 's chief medical officer Prof Chris Whitty said the man had been transferred to a specialist NHS infection centre at Guy 's and St Thomas ' Hospital in central London .
He was a patient at Haslemere Health Centre in Surrey which has been closed for `` deep cleaning '' since Friday morning .
Prof Whitty said the case was being investigated and contact tracing has begun .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the virus was passed on in the UK but the original source was `` unclear '' and there was no `` immediately identifiable link '' to overseas travel .
• Can coronavirus harm breastfed babies , and other questions • How is the UK getting ready for coronavirus ?
Public Health England said it was working with Surrey County Council to contact people who had `` close contact '' with the latest coronavirus case .
According to BBC health editor Hugh Pym , Whitehall sources say emergency legislation could be introduced next week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the number of UK cases .
Health minister Helen Whately told BBC Newsnight the UK was `` well-prepared '' but it is `` likely we will see more cases '' .
She urged the public to practise `` good personal hygiene '' and said plans will be published next week setting out the government 's preparations .
Prof Jonathan Ball , from the University of Nottingham , said the Surrey case marks a `` new chapter for the UK '' and that it is `` crucial '' to understand the infection 's origin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - this is a virus that frequently causes symptoms very similar to mild flu or a common cold , and it 's easily transmitted from person to person .
This means it can easily go under the radar , '' the virology expert added .
Who did this man catch the virus from ?
This is the urgent question that needs answering about the 20th case in the UK .
So far , no connection with anyone who has travelled to an affected country has been discovered .
Until we know the answer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a development this is .
This could be an `` outbreak of two '' - with just one other , still to be identified , person that caught coronavirus abroad .
Or is this the first case to be detected from a much larger outbreak ?
We know this can happen , Italian scientists believe the virus was circulating there unnoticed for weeks .
For now , we simply do not know , but this is a scenario officials have been preparing for .
Prime Minister Boris Johnson , who is due to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Monday , said preparing for an outbreak in the UK was now the government 's `` top priority '' .
When asked if the government should have acted sooner for Britons on the cruise ship , he said it had been following the `` best medical advice '' about not repatriating people unless it was certain there would not be a spread to the UK .
Mr Johnson has also faced criticism from Labour for waiting until Monday to hold the government Cobra meeting .
What do I need to know about the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
A simple guide • WAYS TO PREVENT CATCHING IT : How to wash your hands • WHERE ARE WE WITH A VACCINE ?
Progress so far • A VISUAL GUIDE TO THE OUTBREAK : Virus maps and charts • WHAT DOES IT MEAN FOR MY HOLIDAY ?
Your rights as a traveller But he said he had been working behind the scenes , meeting with the health secretary and chief medical officers to discuss the NHS 's preparations .
Hundreds of guests have been confined to the H10 Costa Adeje Palace in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ diagnosed with coronavirus .
Six Britons were among those told by Spanish authorities that they could leave on Friday because they had arrived at the hotel on Monday - after those who tested positive had been taken to hospital .
Earlier three more cases of the virus were confirmed in the UK , including the first one in Wales .
Two new patients in England contracted the virus while in Iran , the Department of Health and Social Care said .
Public Health Wales said it was working to identify close contacts of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be from the Swansea area and was infected in northern Italy before returning to the UK .
Northern Ireland also confirmed its first case on Thursday .
Authorities said they had contacted passengers who sat near the woman on a flight from northern Italy to Dublin .
The World Health Organization has raised its global risk assessment of the virus to `` very high '' because of the continued emergence of cases and new countries being affected .
But Dr Michael Ryan , executive director of the World Health Organization Health Emergencies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not a pandemic .
He told a press conference : `` If we say there is a pandemic of coronavirus we are essentially accepting every human on the planet will be exposed to that virus and the data does not support that as yet . ''

When asked if the government should have acted sooner for Britons on the cruise ship, he said it had been following the "best medical advice" about not repatriating people unless it was certain there would not be a spread to the UK.


bbcuk--2020-02-28--Coronavirus fears wipe £200bn off UK firms' value

London 's FTSE 100 share index has seen one of its worst weeks since the depths of the financial crisis in 2008 as markets continue to reel from the impact of the coronavirus .
Shares have shed almost 13 % of their value , wiping £210bn from the value of companies on the index .
Investors are worried after a surge in the number of companies warning about the impact of the outbreak on firms .
US markets are also in the red , with markets around the globe in retreat .
`` The panic mode is full on , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at Swissquote Bank .
`` The coronavirus outbreak has certainly hit businesses , and it might have a longer-than-expected negative impact on company earnings and global growth , '' she added .
Globally , the dismal week on stock markets has so far wiped about $ 5 trillion from the value of listed companies around the world , according to Capital Economics ' chief economist Neil Shearing .
He said that affected the value of pension pots and could make it more difficult to borrow money if banks become more fearful of taking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ share prices fall ?
Big shifts in the stock market are often in the news , whether they are booms in the US or falls due to the coronavirus or the financial crisis .
As companies grow , they issue shares .
The largest companies in the UK have shares which are bought and sold on the London Stock Exchange .
There are good reasons why this performance affects your life and finances .
Millions have pensions - either private or through work - who will see their savings ( in what is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ invested by pension schemes .
The value of their savings pot is influenced by the performance of these investments .
Pension savers mostly let experts choose where to invest this money to help it grow .
Widespread falls in share prices are likely to be bad news for pension savers .
Investors are selling shares over fears that consumers will spend less if the virus continues to spread in the UK , Mr Shearing said .
Instead , he said , investors are putting their money into government bonds , which are considered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are essentially betting on the fact that growth is going to slow the central bank is going to cut interest rates , '' he said .
And it could be a safe bet .
In an interview with Sky News , Bank of England governor Mark Carney warned that the coronavirus outbreak could lead to a downgrade of the UK 's economic growth prospects .
One of the firms selling some shares to buy government bonds is Bowmore Asset Management .
`` We 've gone from risk assets into more safe-haven assets , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Charles Incledon said .
The company said that more than 130 listed firms in the UK had warned about the effects of the coronavirus on their business .
Those firms range from travel companies to drinks makers , with both British Airways owner , IAG , and Diageo , which makes Guinness , warning that the demand had been affected by the outbreak .
But Russ Mould , investment director at AJ Bell , said that the reaction of investors to the announcements by companies was becoming increasingly irrational .
`` Yes , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it 's unquantifiable .
But is it as bad as a traditional influenza season in the West ?
No . ''
He said it had killed fewer people in Europe than the French heatwave last year .
`` I do n't want to sound macabre or unconcerned about it , but it shows how stock market sentiment has shifted from being over-exuberant to having no fear at all to now having reassessed things in a more sober fashion . ''

Millions have pensions - either private or through work - who will see their savings (in what is known as a defined contribution pension) invested by pension schemes. The value of their savings pot is influenced by the performance of these investments.


bbcuk--2020-02-28--Cross-Channel roof box people smuggler jailed

A man who smuggled three Vietnamese people into the UK in a car roof box has been jailed for three years .
Robert Rooney , 34 , was stopped by Border Force after driving his Ford Fiesta into the UK control zone at Coquelle , France , on 5 October .
He told officials the roof box contained camping equipment but two men and a girl , 15 , were found inside , Maidstone Crown Court heard .
The roof box was locked and had no ventilation , Border Force said .
Judge Catherine Brown said had there been a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ accident on the road , it `` could very well have had tragic consequences '' .
Sentencing him , she added : `` It was a high-risk venture . ''
Dave Fairclough , Deputy Director of Immigration Enforcement Criminal and Financial Investigations , told the BBC : `` Robert Rooney went abroad on the pretence of going for a fishing trip and to meet his brother .
`` In fact his motive was much more sinister .
This was a determined effort to go and meet with people smugglers based in Calais .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ collect the three clandestine migrants . ''
He said the girl was not related to the two men which would suggest she was a victim of human trafficking .
Dan Scully , Border Force Regional Director , said : `` Smuggling people into the UK in this way is incredibly dangerous and puts the lives of the individuals at huge risk .
`` Crammed into a confined space inside the roof box must have been terrifying . ''
Rooney , of North Mall , in Edmonton , London , had pleaded guilty to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a breach of UK immigration law at a hearing on 8 January .
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"In fact his motive was much more sinister. This was a determined effort to go and meet with people smugglers based in Calais. He had an arrangement with them to collect the three clandestine migrants."


bbcuk--2020-02-28--Ironbridge flooding: Barriers repaired before Storm Jorge hits

Engineers have repaired damaged flood defences ahead of a new storm that threatens to bring more heavy rain .
Dave Throup , from the Environment Agency , praised the `` Herculean efforts '' to fix the barriers in Ironbridge , Shropshire before Storm Jorge .
A severe flood warning - meaning a danger to life - for the River Severn at Ironbridge was downgraded on Friday .
In parts of East Yorkshire , residents were evacuated from their homes as floodwater levels rose rapidly .
Barriers along the river in Ironbridge had been were pushed back 2m ( 6ft 6ins @ @ @ @ @ @ @ water per second flowed through the town .
Tim Norton , from the agency , said : `` We 're not out of the woods yet . ''
Earlier on Friday , he said engineers had carried out inspections `` right the way along the barrier '' and were `` replacing the parts that need to be replaced and getting it all ready '' .
Engineers had been `` really impressed with how the barriers have held up '' , Mr Norton added .
`` Even though they moved , even though there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their job .
`` The worst has n't happened ... and we 're confident they will offer really good protection in the coming days . ''
Residents were forced to evacuate their homes when water seeped under the defences on Wednesday .
Up to 80mm of rain is expected to fall in parts of Wales when the latest storm hits and the Met Office said the forecast was `` not good news '' for the already flood-hit communities .
• In Pictures : Flood-hit areas in the Midlands • Latest updates on flooding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ground being so sodden , there 's no capacity at all for that to be absorbed , '' Chris Bainger , from the Environment Agency ( EA ) said .
`` We 'll probably find all that water making its way into the head of the Severn and working its way through . ''
Dozens of flood warnings are in place along the length of the river , with Shrewsbury and Worcester still recovering from the aftermath of Storm Ciara and Storm Dennis earlier this month .
River levels in Ironbridge have so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a peak of about 6.8m on Wednesday to 5.2m .
Ch Supt Tom Harding , from West Mercia Police , said a fresh deluge was expected to hit the town from Sunday night .
Everyone seems to be very resilient and getting back to normal as much as they can .
The pub , the Hop & Friar , lost about £15,000 of stock , all that was in the cellar practically , but it is open for business and has been for a few days .
They just put their barrels behind @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The Darwin Townhouse B & B still has water in one of the downstairs rooms but the owners are resigned to the fact that is how it is going to be .
The owners had insurance for four years , tried to reinsure just before Storm Dennis struck but could not get any .
In the streets , where people were once canoeing , I can now see children on scooters and skateboards and people pushing pushchairs .
Most people are not even wearing their wellies , they are just going about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ open , children have been to school - it just seems a normal day in Shrewsbury .
The defence work follows a visit by Environment Secretary George Eustice who went to Ironbridge and Shrewsbury on Thursday , after Boris Johnson was criticised for not visiting the flooded areas .
Steven Clarke , who runs greengrocers The Allotment in Coleham , Shrewsbury , said the minister only listened to their woes when he was approached .
Mr Clarke fears it could have just been a `` PR exercise '' , adding : `` He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ back and there will be more information provided to us .
`` I will be looking for answers . ''
Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service said it had rescued 185 people from the floodwaters and helped to evacuate a further 204 since 15 February .
It has also rescued 19 dogs , 10 cats , 55 sheep , a pony , a parrot and a snake , the service added .
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bbcuk--2020-02-28--Post-Brexit talks: France warns UK against 'artificial deadlines'

The EU will not be pressurised by `` artificial deadlines '' in its post-Brexit trade talks with the UK , France 's Europe minister has warned .
Amelie de Montchalin said the EU would not sign just `` any '' deal by the end of the year , saying `` substance was much more important than deadlines '' .
The UK has said it could walk away from the talks in June unless there was the `` broad outline '' of an agreement .
The process , to be conducted in English , will begin on Monday .
Details of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been published , with topics to be covered in the first round of negotiations including trade in goods and services , transport , energy , fisheries and `` fair and open competition '' in future dealings .
Further rounds of negotiations will take place every two to three weeks , alternating between London and Brussels .
• We 'll find out about EU talks , TUC boss warns PM The session in June , in which both sides will `` take stock '' of progress made at that point , is likely to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out extending the process beyond the end of the year , when the post-Brexit transition period will end .
The UK and EU have agreed a schedule for negotiations based on 11 simultaneous streams , including one on the controversial subject of `` a level playing field for fair and open competition '' .
Eighteen days of talks have been scheduled until mid-May but the UK has not agreed to negotiations on defence or foreign policy , which the EU side wanted .
The document says the working groups do not necessarily reflect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the arrangements could change .
The two sides can also speak to each other outside the formal rounds .
The negotiations in Brussels will take place in a conference centre , not at the headquarters of the European Commission , although the `` plenary sessions '' and meetings between the chief negotiators will be held there .
Friday 's document , which sets out the terms of reference for the talks , says June 's `` high-level '' meeting between chief negotiators David Frost and Michel Barnier will aim to `` agree actions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ future relationship '' .
Speaking at the Chatham House think tank in London , Ms de Montchalin said the EU would `` not accept time pressure '' and was `` not ready to sign any kind of a deal on December 31 at 11pm '' .
`` We can not let our level of ambition be affected by what I would call artificial deadlines , '' she said .
`` If the UK decides to shorten the negotiating period , it will be the UK 's responsibility .
`` It will not be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and that choice will have consequences in terms of the breadth and depth of the relationship we can build ... for us substance is much , much more important than deadlines . ''
The UK officially left the EU at the end of January , but is continuing to abide by many EU rules while talks on a permanent trading relationship take place .
The UK and the EU have both set out their priorities for the talks , with flash points including the UK 's wish to diverge from EU employment and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out of any role for the European Court of Justice and the level of EU access to UK fishing waters .
The UK has insisted a `` comprehensive '' free trade agreement , modelled on existing EU agreements with the likes of Canada and Japan , is possible within 10 months and it will decide by this summer whether this is achievable .
If the UK decides such a deal is not in prospect , the government has said it will move to World Trade Organization rules from the start of 2021 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the EU has with Australia .
The EU 's 46-page negotiating document , published on Monday , said any trade agreement `` should uphold common high standards , and corresponding high standards over time with Union standards as a reference point '' .
Ms de Montchalin said trust between the two sides was vital to a successful outcome and the EU needed to know that the existing withdrawal agreement and its guarantees on citizens rights and the Northern Irish border would be stuck to .

The UK and the EU have both set out their priorities for the talks, with flash points including the UK's wish to diverge from EU employment and environmental standards in future, its ruling out of any role for the European Court of Justice and the level of EU access to UK fishing waters.


bbcuk--2020-02-28--Derry police help man witness birth of son after car breakdown

Two police officers in Londonderry have been praised for helping a man get to hospital to witness the birth of his son after his car had broken down .
Stephen Daly , whose wife Natasha was booked in for a Caesarean section , was driving to Altnagelvin Hospital in the city when his car battery died .
He was left stranded at the side of a road but help was soon on hand .
Two police officers saw Mr Daly looking `` unsurprisingly distraught '' and took him to hospital in their patrol car .
Mr Daly explained that he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ children Lucas , four , to school and Mason , two , with a childminder and he was travelling to join his wife .
Constables Merron and Young stopped with Mr Daly after his car had broken down on Thursday .
`` I told them my battery was totally dead and I mentioned that my wife was booked in for C-section and was going to theatre , '' said Mr Daly .
`` They just said straight away : 'Do you want to get into our car and we will get you up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Daly said it was a clear ride to the hospital in the police car , with its lights flashing and siren sounding .
`` They just went into the middle of the carriageway and everybody moved , '' he said .
Once he got to the hospital and got gowned up it was only 10 minutes before his baby was born .
But what did his wife think of all that ?
`` She was panicking , '' said Mr Daly .
`` I had texted her but she thought I was joking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ settle on a name for baby Daly .
Constable Merron said it was just `` part and parcel of our duties '' .
`` Thanks to our lights and siren - our blues and twos - we got through the traffic jam and got the man to hospital just in time for the birth of his baby boy , '' added the officer .
`` We 're all about keeping people safe - it 's what we do on a daily basis - but I have to say this was a new one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ myself . ''

"We're all about keeping people safe - it's what we do on a daily basis - but I have to say this was a new one, at least for my colleague and myself."


bbcuk--2020-02-28--Concrete barriers put on Suffolk road to enforce '28-mile detour'

Concrete bollards have been installed to enforce a 45-week road closure after motorists `` removed barriers '' to avoid detours of up to 28 miles ( 45km ) .
Farthing Drove , in Lakenheath , Suffolk , was closed due to a damaged culvert that was undermining the road .
Suffolk County Council put up plastic barriers as work began on Tuesday , but has had to add immovable ones .
Resident Laura Murfitt said `` When [ the council ] shut the road we then have to take a 28-mile detour . ''
The council said only the thickness @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the road but there was a three metre ( 10ft ) wide cavity under the surface .
A council spokeswoman said concrete bollards have been put on the road `` due to members of the public removing the barriers and continuing to drive along the damaged part of the road '' .
Ms Murfitt said Farthing Drove was `` the main road from Ely and Littleport [ in Cambridgeshire ] to Lakenheath village , Brandon and Thetford '' .
`` It has been shut for one reason or another more than once a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ never do it up properly , '' she said .
The local authority 's official diversion route is 27 miles ( 43 km ) from one end of the one-and-half mile ( 2.4 km ) stretch of road to the other .
`` We are working on designs for the reconstruction of the embankment and culvert and are liaising with specialist contractors to ensure the repairs are completed as quickly as possible , '' the spokeswoman added .
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"We are working on designs for the reconstruction of the embankment and culvert and are liaising with specialist contractors to ensure the repairs are completed as quickly as possible," she added.


bbcuk--2020-02-28--Huntington's disease: Woman with gene fails in bid to sue NHS

A woman who claimed she would have had an abortion if she had known her father had a fatal , inherited brain condition has failed in her bid to sue the NHS .
She claimed three NHS Trusts owed her a duty of care to tell her about her father 's Huntington 's disease .
Any child of someone with the condition has a 50 % chance of inheriting it .
But the High Court ruled that the decision not to tell her about her father 's diagnosis was supported by a `` responsible body of medical opinion '' .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ London , Mrs Justice Yip found that , on the balance of probabilities , the claimant would not have gone ahead with a termination of her pregnancy if she had been made aware of the risk .
She added that while she had `` the greatest of sympathy for the tragic circumstances in which the claimant finds herself , this claim must be dismissed '' .
The woman , who is known as ABC in order to protect the identity of her own daughter , only found out that her father had Huntington @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Her father had told doctors he did not want his daughter told about his diagnosis , fearing she might kill herself or have an abortion if she found out .
Huntington 's disease is caused by a faulty gene and leads to the progressive loss of brain cells , affecting movement , mood and thinking skills .
It can also cause aggressive behaviour .
ABC 's father tested positive for the condition in 2007 after he killed her mother and was detained under the Mental Health Act .
Medical staff sought the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to his daughter , who was pregnant at the time , but he refused .
Symptoms of the disease usually appear between the ages of 30 and 50 .
ABC , who is now in her 40s , told the High Court - which first heard the case in 2015 - she had found out about her father 's condition by accident and was diagnosed with the disease in 2013 .
Her daughter , who has not been tested , has a 50 % chance of inheriting it from her .
Tests for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people reach 18 .
She was suing St George 's Healthcare NHS Trust in south-west London and St George 's Mental Health NHS Trust and Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust for £345,000 in damages .
• About 8,500 people in the UK have Huntington 's disease and a further 25,000 will develop it when they are older • It is a rare inherited disorder that damages certain nerve cells in the brain • Huntington 's generally affects people in their prime - in their 30s and 40s - and patients die about 10 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Some patients describe it as having Parkinson 's , Alzheimer 's and motor neurone disease rolled into one

In her judgement at the court in London, Mrs Justice Yip found that, on the balance of probabilities, the claimant would not have gone ahead with a termination of her pregnancy if she had been made aware of the risk.


bbcuk--2020-02-28--Greta Thunberg Bristol climate strike: 'The world is on fire'

Greta Thunberg has warned `` those in power '' she will `` not be silenced when the world is on fire '' .
The teenager was welcomed by chants of `` Greta , Greta '' as she addressed some 15,000 people at the Bristol Youth Strike 4 Climate ( BYS4C ) event .
She accused politicians and the media of ignoring the climate emergency and `` sweeping their mess under the rug '' .
`` We are the change , and change is coming whether you like it or not , '' the Swedish environmentalist said .
Greta was speaking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Green , before leading a march through the city .
`` Activism works so I 'm telling you to act , '' she said .
`` We are being betrayed by those in power . ''
Wet weather failed to deter thousands of people turning out for the 17-year-old , who appeared on stage at about 11:45 GMT .
`` Our leaders behave like children so it falls to us to be the adults in the room .
They are failing us but we will not back down , '' Greta told the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this way but we have to tell the uncomfortable truth .
They sweep their mess under the rug and ask children to clean up for them .
`` This emergency is being completely ignored by the politicians , the media and those in power .
`` Basically , nothing is being done to halt this crisis despite all the beautiful words and promises from our elected officials .
`` So what did you do during this crucial time ?
I will not be silenced when the world is on fire . ''
Greta @ @ @ @ @ @ @ behind a green banner reading Skolstrejk for Klimatet , which translates from Swedish as School Strike for Climate .
Protesters of all ages , including youngsters dressed as the activist , waved flags , placards and banners throughout the march .
• As it happened : Greta Thunberg in Bristol for climate strike • What does Greta Thunberg want ?
Annie , a 21-year-old Bristol University student , was of the many people who turned out to hear the headline speaker and took a day off from her studies to participate .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ important things that we should be focussing on right now .
Showing support and that you want change will make people higher up realise that as well .
`` One day off school is a good enough sacrifice for what this is standing for .
It 's just one day , it 's not going to do any harm . ''
Jerry and her baby , Leon , were also among those who joined the throng of people .
`` What an absolutely wonderful experience .
Everyone was really respectful and there were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
Sisters Alannah and Lottie Hoey , 10 and eight , travelled from Henleaze with family to be part of the day .
`` I wanted to go and see Greta because she 's very inspirational and does so much good for the planet , '' said Lana .
Lottie added : `` We want a nice planet when we grow up so it 's important to do things like Greta . ''
Greta had originally intended to visit London , but the area planned for the protest in the capital was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ instead .
Police said 15,000 are in attendance , although organisers believe the figure is closer to 30,000 .
BYS4C said it had drafted in more than 80 stewards and has a sectioned-off a `` safe zone '' for young children as well as an accessibility area .
• Pressure on big investors to act on climate change Mya-Rose Craig , the youngest person to be awarded an honorary doctorate from the University of Bristol , spoke to the crowd before Greta 's arrival on stage .
She said : `` Greta , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you for being with us today .
We have to engage with all of our communities in order to properly fight climate change .
`` An unequal world can never be a sustainable one . ''
Two years ago , Ms Thunberg started missing lessons on Fridays to protest outside the Swedish parliament building , in what turned out to be the beginning of a huge environmental movement .
She has since become a leading voice for action on climate change , inspiring millions of students to join protests around the world .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ and by the time Greta walked onstage , it was hard to see the floor of College Green .
People were clinging to any vantage point they could find ; the balcony at the front of the Marriott Royal and on tiptoes in front of the cathedral .
The roar when Greta stepped in front of the microphone echoed across the green and her speech was regularly punctuated with roars of approval , especially when she mentioned the decision not to grant Bristol Airport planning permission to expand .
There were plenty of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hear Greta speak but the vast majority of the crowd were young and not at school- a reflection , perhaps , of the teenager 's own decision to stop attending school to continue her campaign .
Clutching homemade signs and chanting , the crowd then took over the heart of the shopping quarter .
More than 20 road closures were in operation across the city while the march took place but all routes were reopened at 15:30 GMT .
Meanwhile , Jon Usher from the charity Sustrans has set up a crowdfunding campaign @ @ @ @ @ @ @ College Green , which was left a muddy quagmire after the rally .
Avon and Somerset Police said Greta left Bristol at about 15:00 .

There were plenty of parents and adults who had come to hear Greta speak but the vast majority of the crowd were young and not at school- a reflection, perhaps, of the teenager's own decision to stop attending school to continue her campaign.


bbcuk--2020-02-28--Midrar Ali: Funeral held for baby at centre of legal fight

A funeral has been held for a baby boy who was at the centre of a legal fight .
Midrar Ali suffered complications at birth and doctors at St Mary 's Hospital in Manchester said he was brain dead .
But Karwan Ali and Shokhan Namiq had urged medics to continue their son 's treatment , saying he was showing `` signs of life '' .
A High Court judge ruled doctors could withdraw treatment - a decision backed by the Court of Appeal - and Midrar 's ventilator was disconnected this week .
Midrar was starved of oxygen when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his birth on 18 September .
Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust , which runs St Mary 's hospital , has previously said Midrar had always been on a ventilator and never breathed independently .
Lawyers representing the hospital 's trust said three tests had confirmed brain stem death .
The trust believed continuing to treat Midrar was `` undignified '' .
The child 's parents , who live in Manchester , took the case to the High Court and then the Court of Appeal .
But a High Court judge and three appeal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had died in October , when he would have been 14 days old .
Earlier this week , Mr Ali said he was `` not happy about what happened '' and called for `` a coroner to have an inquest and investigate '' .

But a High Court judge and three appeal judges ruled against them after concluding Midrar had died in October, when he would have been 14 days old.


bbcuk--2020-02-29--The decade that shattered trust in politics

Who do you trust ?
That 's no small question .
But it 's a fundamental one when it comes to politics .
For democracy to work well , voters have to have at least a modicum of faith that when politicians are taking decisions they are doing it in our best interests , or at least they are doing what they perceive to be the right thing even if you believe they are wildly wrong .
There 's little doubt that the agonies of the Brexit process saw trust being stretched to breaking point .
While in such an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ huge concern , thousands of column inches and hours of discussion on the airwaves about the damage that 's been done , the British public did n't just wake up one morning and decide that their politicians were a bunch of charlatans .
And there were plenty of reasons why voters had concerns about whether they could trust them long before a certain campaign group put a certain number on the side of a red bus .
It seems a different age , but there were dramatic events in the previous decade that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and those in power .
And in a new documentary , The Decade of Distrust , to be aired on BBC Radio 4 on Saturday evening , we delve into the archive of 2000 to 2010 .
We revisit the political controversies of the Iraq war , the jaw-dropping revelations of the MPs ' expenses scandal , the estimate-busting increase in immigration , the horror of Harold Shipman 's murders and , more than anything else , the financial crash , the moment when the foundations of the economy and the basis of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The programme takes us from Gordon Brown 's living room in Fife and George Osborne 's editor 's office at the Evening Standard in London back in time .
It was almost eerie to talk to those two about how the crash unfolded and the impact it had on our faith in the political system .
The former prime minister now believes the people lost trust not because his government made mistakes in handling the crisis , but because they did n't explain to the public what was happening .
He told me @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and trust was lost because of that .
`` I look back to Roosevelt who did Saturday night radio broadcasts , I kept thinking what is the medium to get our message across ?
`` People wanted gameshows .
Social media was becoming big but we did n't really realise the power of it .
`` So we did n't get our message across properly , we did n't explain it 's a banking crisis , it was worldwide , we had an answer . ''
George Osborne reflects that the combination of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rabbit punches of the expenses scandal , and of the bailing out of the banks '' created a climate where people found it harder to trust the government , with consequences we are still living with today , although he jokes that the cartoons he publishes in the paper he edits now are far less rude than those in previous centuries .
British voters have always been a healthily sceptical bunch .
Politicians have never exactly been held up as paragons of virtue .
But it is hard for any political generation to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ once it has gone , and the first 10 years of this century set the scene for the turmoil in the UK we have just all lived through .
You can listen to our documentary tonight on BBC Radio 4 at 2000 GMT and on BBC Sounds afterwards .

George Osborne reflects that the combination of events in those years, the "rabbit punches of the expenses scandal, and of the bailing out of the banks" created a climate where people found it harder to trust the government, with consequences we are still living with today, although he jokes that the cartoons he publishes in the paper he edits now are far less rude than those in previous centuries.


bbcuk--2020-02-28--Why should I care if share prices fall?

Why should I care if share prices fall?

Big shifts in the stock market are often in the news , whether they are booms in the US or falls due to the coronavirus or the financial crisis .
As companies grow , they issue shares .
The largest companies in the UK have shares which are bought and sold on the London Stock Exchange .
Their collective performance is often quoted amid a blizzard of numbers that may feel confusing and irrelevant .
Rarely does anyone mention during a coffee with friends that the FTSE 100 has dropped well below 7,000 points .
But there are good reasons @ @ @ @ @ @ @ finances . '
I do n't invest ' - actually , you probably do Many people 's initial reaction to `` the markets '' is that they are not directly affected , because they do not invest money .
Yet there are millions of people with a pension - either private or through work - who will see their savings ( in what is known as a defined contribution pension ) invested by pension schemes .
The value of their savings pot is influenced by the performance of these investments .
Pension savers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this money to help it grow .
Widespread falls in share prices are likely to be bad news for pension savers .
As much as £600bn is held in defined contribution pensions at the moment .
This is what has happened in the last year to the FTSE 100 - pronounced `` Footsie '' - which monitors the performance of the top 100 companies listed on the London Stock Exchange .
So big rises or falls can affect your pension , but the advice is to remember that pension savings , like any @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` There 's a huge difference between knowing you 're connected to the stock market and panicking about it , '' says Sarah Coles , from investment platform Hargreaves Lansdown .
`` Stock markets always go up and down over the short term , and while we 're seeing particularly large movements right now , it 's important to bear in mind that investors have lived through major ups and downs in the past and come out the other side . ''
Does everyone have a pension like this ?
No , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a specific value , depending on their salary .
Others have no pension at all .
About 10 million people have been automatically enrolled into a pension and may have not really noticed .
This scheme sees employers divert wages into a pension and contribute some money themselves .
The government adds a little in tax relief .
In every case , the value of these pension savings is affected by investment performance .
So `` the markets '' matter - maybe not as much as everyday wages , but for future pensions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
Timing is more critical for those at retirement age , as this may be when a retiree uses their pension pot to buy a retirement income , or annuity .
The bigger the pot , the more income they will get in retirement .
Anyone who has a pension pot invested and is taking an income from it will again see their investment go up and down with the stock markets .
That could mean getting less than you expected if you cash in too much after stock markets have fallen , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ make up any of this shortfall , experts say .
If I 'm still in work , can my job be affected ?
Dozens of big companies have warned , for example , that the coronavirus will hit their share price .
Trouble over an extended period could have an effect on the amount of work available , says Moira O'Neill from Interactive Investor .
`` Stock market falls also affect business confidence and the ability of companies to raise money , '' she says .
`` So if this short-term blip becomes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an impact for the wider economy and maybe your job . ''
Do changes affect my mortgage ?
There is no direct link between the stock market and your mortgage or rent .
However , if panic on the stock market spreads to the wider economy , one reaction might be to cut interest rates .
This is the decision of a committee in the Bank of England and of other central banks around the world .
Interest rates in the UK have been low for some time .
A further cut could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , mortgages cheaper ( either yours or your landlord 's ) , but also means cash savers will probably get less return on cash savings .
Conversely , if the economy - and the cost of living - are considered to be growing too fast , the Bank would think about raising interest rates , so people do not borrow too much .
It can be hard to find positives when people 's jobs are affected , or - as in the case of the coronavirus - stock market performance has been affected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , in purely investment terms , lower share prices can offer an opportunity to buy , in the hope that over the long term , they recover and rise .
Many people will do this initially through a stocks and shares Individual Savings Account ( Isa ) .
Ms O'Neill points out that anyone tempted to do so must consider how prepared they are for their investment to keep falling and make sure they do not put all their money in one type of investment .
Some people invest money in what are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up and down in line with the performance of a certain index , such as the FTSE 100 .
So if the index falls , so does the value of their investments and vice versa .
One advantage of these funds is that they often cost relatively little to sign up to .
What about my holiday money ?
Among the markets that hit the news reports are the currency markets .
In other words , the value of various currencies compared to each other .
That affects the exchange rates you get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can be affected by a range of factors , some of which are different to the issues affecting companies ' share prices .

Why should I care if share prices fall? Published 21 September 2020
Image source, Reuters Image caption, Traders are affected by stock market falls, but so are you
Big shifts in the stock market are often in the news, whether they are booms or falls owing to coronavirus or the financial crisis.
As companies grow, they issue shares. The largest companies in the UK have shares which are bought and sold on the London Stock Exchange.
Their collective performance is often quoted amid a blizzard of numbers that may feel confusing and irrelevant. Rarely does anyone mention during a coffee with friends that the FTSE 100 has dropped well below 7,000 points.
But there are good reasons why this performance affects your life and finances.
'I don't invest' - actually, you probably do
Many people's initial reaction to "the markets" is that they are not directly affected, because they do not invest money.
Yet there are millions of people with a pension - either private or through work - who will see their savings (in what is known as a defined contribution pension) invested by pension schemes. The value of their savings pot is influenced by the performance of these investments.
Pension savers mostly let experts choose where to invest this money to help it grow. Widespread falls in share prices are likely to be bad news for pension savers.
As much as £600bn is held in defined contribution pensions at the moment.
So big rises or falls can affect your pension, but the advice is to remember that pension savings, like any investments, are usually a long-term bet.
"There's a huge difference between knowing you're connected to the stock market and panicking about it," says Sarah Coles, from investment platform Hargreaves Lansdown.
"Stock markets always go up and down over the short term... it's important to bear in mind that investors have lived through major ups and downs in the past and come out the other side."
Does everyone have a pension like this?
No, some people have a pension which promises a specific value, depending on their salary. Others have no pension at all.
About 10 million people have been automatically enrolled into a pension and may have not really noticed.
This scheme sees employers divert wages into a pension and contribute some money themselves. The government adds a little in tax relief.
In every case, the value of these pension savings is affected by investment performance. So "the markets" matter - maybe not as much as everyday wages, but for future pensions.
What about people retiring or retired?
Timing is more critical for those at retirement age, as this may be when a retiree uses their pension pot to buy a retirement income, or annuity. The bigger the pot, the more income they will get in retirement.
As you approach retirement age, pension pots are moved to less risky investments, such as government bonds. When stock markets fall, these bonds can do better.
Image source, Getty Images
Anyone who has a pension pot invested and is taking an income from it will again see their investment go up and down with the stock markets.
That could mean getting less than you expected if you cash in too much after stock markets have fallen, making it important to plan how to make up any of this shortfall, experts say.
If I'm still in work, can my job be affected?
Dozens of big companies have warned, for example, that the coronavirus will hit their share price.
Trouble over an extended period could have an effect on the amount of work available, says Moira O'Neill from Interactive Investor.
"Stock market falls also affect business confidence and the ability of companies to raise money," she says.
"There could be an impact for the wider economy and maybe your job."
Do changes affect my mortgage?
There is no direct link between the stock market and your mortgage or rent.
In normal times, if panic on the stock market spreads to the wider economy, one reaction might be for the Bank of England to cut interest rates, which could make some kinds of mortgages cheaper, although cash savers would probably get less return on cash savings.
Conversely, if the economy - and the cost of living - are considered to be growing too fast, the Bank would think about raising interest rates, so people do not borrow too much.
However, rates are currently at a historic low of 0.1% and are not expected to rise any time soon.
Are stock market falls always bad?
It can be hard to find positives when people's jobs are affected, or - as in the case of the coronavirus - stock market performance has been affected because lives are being lost.
Yet, in purely investment terms, lower share prices can offer an opportunity to buy, in the hope that over the long term, they recover and rise. Many people will do this initially through a stocks and shares Individual Savings Account (Isa).
Ms O'Neill points out that anyone tempted to do so must consider how prepared they are for their investment to keep falling and make sure they do not put all their money in one type of investment.
Some people invest money in what are known as tracker funds. These go up and down in line with the performance of a certain index, such as the FTSE 100.
So if the index falls, so does the value of their investments and vice versa. One advantage of these funds is that they often cost relatively little to sign up to.
What about my holiday money?
Among the markets that hit the news reports are the currency markets.
In other words, the value of various currencies compared to each other. That affects the exchange rates you get when you change holiday money.


bbcuk--2020-02-29--Leap Year: What it's like being born on 29 February?

Imagine only having a birthday every four years .
On 29 February , about 5 million people around the world @ @ @ @ @ birthday .
For some of the so-called 'leaplings , ' being born on 29 February @ @ @ @ @ over two days when it 's not a leap year - but for others , @ @ @ @ @ when the bouncers think their security is fake .
The BBC spoke to leaplings all @ @ @ @ @ by Tiffany Wertheimer , voiced by Mattea Bubalo , edited by Susie Smith and Lorna @

Imagine only having a birthday every four years.
On 29 February, about 5 million people around the world celebrate their once-every-four-years 'real' birthday.
For some of the so-called 'leaplings,' being born on 29 February is an excuse to celebrate over two days when it's not a leap year - but for others, getting into nightclubs is tricky when the bouncers think their security is fake.
The BBC spoke to leaplings all around the world.
Produced by Tiffany Wertheimer, voiced by Mattea Bubalo, edited by Susie Smith and Lorna Acquah


bbcuk--2020-02-29--How calisthenics helped a former raver kickstart a new lifestyle

A former raver says discovering calisthenics helped her to kick the party lifestyle that was taking a toll on her @ @ @ @ @ Natty Beatts , from Norwich , discovered the strength sport while in Los Angeles and @ @ @ @ @ see a way out '' of a difficult period .
`` It 's literally like @ @ @ @ @ you and the bars , '' said Ms Beatts .
`` My whole philosophy now @ @ @ @ @ out of life and I 'm not taking no for an answer . ''
Find @ @ @ @ @ England on Facebook , Instagram and Twitter .
If you have a story suggestion email @ @ @

A former raver says discovering calisthenics helped her to kick the party lifestyle that was taking a toll on her physical and mental health.
Natty Beatts, from Norwich, discovered the strength sport while in Los Angeles and said it helped her "see a way out" of a difficult period.
"It's literally like meditation... It's just you and the bars," said Ms Beatts.
"My whole philosophy now is that I want more out of life and I'm not taking no for an answer."
Find BBC News: East of England on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. If you have a story suggestion email eastofenglandnews@bbc.co.uk


bbcuk--2020-02-28--Greta Thunberg in Bristol: 'The world is on fire'

What impact do trainers have on the environment ?
Many of us love a good sneaker .
They 're good @ @ @ @ @ what impact do our favourite kicks have on the environment ?
We spoke to climate @ @ @ @ @ find out more .

Environmental campaigner Greta Thunberg has spoken to protesters in Bristol ahead of a march through the city, warning "those in power" she will "not be silenced when the world is on fire".
The teenager was welcomed by chants of "Greta, Greta" as she addressed some 15,000 people at the Bristol Youth Strike 4 Climate (BYS4C) event.
She accused politicians and the media of ignoring the climate emergency and "sweeping their mess under the rug".


bbcuk--2020-02-28--Boris Johnson advises people to wash hands to avoid coronavirus

Prime Minister Boris Johnson offers his condolences to the family of the British national who has died from Covid-19 , @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus .
He says the NHS is making `` every possible preparation '' to deal @ @ @ @ @ `` best single piece of advice we can give '' is to `` wash your @ @ @ @ @ more '' .

Prime Minister Boris Johnson offers his condolences to the family of the British national who has died from Covid-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus.
He says the NHS is making "every possible preparation" to deal with the virus but the "best single piece of advice we can give" is to "wash your hands for 20 seconds or more".


bbcuk--2020-02-28--UK coronavirus: 'Boris Johnson is becoming a part-time PM'

Labour 's shadow health secretary Jonathan Ashworth has called on Boris Johnson to `` get a grip '' of the @ @ @ @ @ impact on the NHS .
He also called on the government to bring forward an @ @ @ @ @ , scheduled for Monday , following the death of a British man who was infected @ @ @ @ @ cruise ship .

Labour's shadow health secretary Jonathan Ashworth has called on Boris Johnson to "get a grip" of the coronavirus situation and its likely impact on the NHS.
He also called on the government to bring forward an emergency Cobra meeting on coronavirus, scheduled for Monday, following the death of a British man who was infected on board the Diamond Princess cruise ship.


bbcuk--2020-02-28--Newspaper headlines: 'War on virus' with emergency laws and 'battle' plan

The Daily Star focuses on a statement from officials in Hong Kong that weak traces of the virus have been @ @ @ @ @ mouth and nasal passage .
The incident marks a `` twist '' in the crisis @ @ @ @ @ although experts say there is no evidence the disease can be transmitted to pets .
@ @ @ @ @ front page shows a dog wearing a mask and being carried by a woman , @ @ @ @ @

The paper says pre-sales of the much-anticipated novel have been eclipsed by The Little Book of Lists, a book by the social media influencer, Sophie Hinchliffe - who has in the past written about household cleaning tips.


bbcuk--2020-02-28--Royal Mint hopes to sell £100,000 piggy bank

An 18-carat gold hand-crafted piggy bank costing £100,000 is being offered made-to-order by the Royal Mint .
Described as the `` world 's most expensive '' porcine pocket money holder , it was designed by Bristol silversmiths Phillip Kydd and son James .
The government-owned mint said it had had `` expressions of interest '' but no confirmed orders yet .
It is the first time the 1,100-year-old company , which produces coins for circulation , has made a piggy bank .
Helen Cooper , from the company , said it was `` expecting to sell some '' of oink-stravagant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who plumps for the six-figure porker could expect the `` most luxurious piggy bank in existence '' once it is produced , she said .
The range , released on Friday , also includes a sterling silver version priced at £6,000 .
An £85 ceramic model sold out within hours , according to the mint .
Phillip and James Kydd spent 40 hours making the sterling silver piggy banks , using traditional tools and skills .
Mr Kydd , who has been a silversmith for almost 40 years , said he and his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we faced to produce the end product '' .
The Royal Mint , based in Llantrisant , South Wales , is a company owned by the Treasury .
It produces coins for circulation in the UK and overseas countries , as well as commemorative editions and investment products .

Mr Kydd, who has been a silversmith for almost 40 years, said he and his son had "thoroughly enjoyed the challenges we faced to produce the end product".


bbcuk--2020-02-28--Coronavirus: Drive through testing begins at Edinburgh hospital

A `` drive through '' testing centre for Coronavirus has opened in Edinburgh amid warnings a positive case in Scotland is `` inevitable '' .
Patients with appointments are being tested for the virus in their cars at the Western General Hospital in the city .
Scotland remains the only part of the UK without a positive Covid-19 case .
But chief medical officer Dr Catherine Calderwood has warned it is `` just a matter of time '' until this changes .
A patient diagnosed with coronavirus in England has become the first person to catch it in the UK @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The news comes after a British man became the first UK citizen to die from the virus after catching it on the Diamond Princess cruise ship in Japan .
Latest figures show a total of 500 tests for coronavirus have now been carried out in Scotland but there are still no confirmed cases .
However , Dr Calderwood told BBC Scotland it is very likely this will change .
She said : `` We have been saying for some time now that a positive case is inevitable in Scotland so it is just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a case here .
`` The labs in Glasgow and Edinburgh have good capacity for testing at the moment but we have also expanded our different methods for community testing in all of our health boards . ''
Dr Calderwood said the NHS was looking at `` innovative ways '' of testing people , such as the drive through centre , which will reduce the chances of the virus spreading .
The chief medical officer also revealed that health protection officials have been in touch with counterparts in Spain after a group of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a Tenerife hotel because of coronavirus .
She said officials will be `` giving advice '' to individuals returning from Tenerife .
What do I need to know about coronavirus ?
The main signs of infection are fever ( high temperature ) and a cough as well as shortness of breath and breathing difficulties .
Frequent handwashing with soap or gel , avoiding close contact with people who are ill and not touching your eyes , nose and mouth with unwashed hands can help cut the risk of infection .
Catching coughs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it and washing your hands can minimise the risk of spreading disease .
The `` drive-through '' testing centre for Covid-19 was introduced in Edinburgh as NHS Lothian steps up preparations for a possible spread of the virus .
The move follows the introduction of a similar testing service provided by Central London Community Healthcare NHS Trust in Parsons Green , as part of efforts to help residents test `` safely and quickly '' and close to their home .
Patients who are given an appointment with NHS Lothian will be asked to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ without speaking to anyone else on the route .
They will be met by specially trained healthcare professionals in protective clothing , who will ask them to wind down the window of their car .
A throat swab will be taken and the patient will be given information on self-isolation and asked to return and remain at home .
Results will usually be returned within 24 hours .
NHS Lothian medical director Dr Tracey Gillies said : `` This service is for patients who have been assessed by the specialist team so it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is not a drop-in clinic and it is important to stress that patients can not be seen without an appointment .
`` The drive-through facility and the community testing teams allow us to test patients without them coming into healthcare facilities . ''

She said: "We have been saying for some time now that a positive case is inevitable in Scotland so it is just a matter of time until we confirm a case here.


bbcuk--2020-02-28--Coronavirus: All closest passengers contacted after first NI case

Everyone who had been in close contact with a woman diagnosed with Northern Ireland 's first case of coronavirus has been notified , officials have said .
The woman was in Italy this week and flew to Dublin Airport before travelling to Northern Ireland .
Health officials on both sides of the Irish border have traced and advised the passengers who were close to her .
The Public Health Agency ( PHA ) said 93 coronavirus tests have been done in Northern Ireland and 92 were negative .
On Friday night , Health Minister Robin Swann said the NHS 111 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus helpline in Northern Ireland .
That meant people in Northern Ireland had access to the `` same level of advice as citizens in England '' , he added .
In the UK as a whole , the total number of confirmed cases of coronavirus , also known as Covid-19 , now stands at 20 .
Very few details about the single confirmed case in Northern Ireland have been released by the health authorities .
However , Aer Lingus confirmed to Irish national broadcaster RTÉ that the woman travelled to Dublin on one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be concerned' It is understood she then travelled to Dublin 's Connolly Street station by bus before travelling to Northern Ireland by train .
The BBC understands the woman travelled with a child .
The child is not believed to be in hospital but is awaiting test results .
• Can coronavirus harm breastfed babies , and other questions '' All stages of the individual 's journey were identified and those who came into closest contact have been traced and contacted with public health advice , '' said Dr Jillian Johnston from Northern @ @ @ @ @ @ @ consultant added : `` Members of the public who have travelled between Dublin and Belfast using public transport need not be concerned . ''
Earlier , the Irish Department of Health confirmed that passengers on the plane the woman travelled in from Italy had also been traced .
Aer Lingus said it would continue to assess the situation based on guidance it received .
Northern Ireland 's public transport provider Translink said it would `` take all necessary steps to prevent the spread of this virus '' .
It added that it had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cross-Irish border train carriages .
The PHA confirmed the first case of the virus on the island of Ireland on Thursday .
Officials worked overnight to identify those who were potentially exposed to the illness in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland .
The BBC understands that the woman is at her home .
Dr Sarah Doyle , of the Irish Health Service Executive , said people who had close or casual contact with the patient had been given appropriate advice on what action to take .
She added that included people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the passenger on her journey from Dublin to Belfast .
`` The people ... within two rows are the people we identify as close contacts , '' Dr Doyle told RTÉ .
`` They have been contacted by phone and given appropriate advice about self-isolation at home and what to do if they develop symptoms . ''
Northern Ireland 's chief medical officer Dr Michael McBride said the patient diagnosed with the illness had contacted a GP and had taken steps to self-isolate .
On Thursday evening , Dr McBride said the patient @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Covid-19 , the respiratory disease caused by the virus , and the test outcome was being verified by laboratories in England .
`` Our health service is well used to dealing with such infections and I want to reassure the public that we are prepared , '' said Dr McBride .
`` The risk to the population of Northern Ireland has not changed . ''
For advice and the latest updates on the coronavirus outbreak , the Public Health Agency has set up a dedicated website .
Dr McBride said the case was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He said those with casual passing contact should not be concerned .
Italy has become a major centre of infection and now has more than 500 cases of coronavirus .
• How would the UK tackle a coronavirus outbreak ?
• Coronavirus : How worried should we be ?
• Where are we with a coronavirus vaccine ?
What you need to know about coronavirus What are the symptoms ?
The main signs of infection are fever ( high temperature ) and a cough as well as shortness of breath and breathing difficulties @ @ @ @ @ @ @ handwashing with soap or gel , avoiding close contact with people who are ill and not touching your eyes , nose and mouth with unwashed hands can help cut the risk of infection .
Catching coughs and sneezes in a tissue , binning it and washing your hands can minimise the risk of spreading disease .
Anyone experiencing symptoms , even if mild , after travelling from mainland China , Thailand , Japan , Republic of Korea , Hong Kong , Taiwan , Singapore , Malaysia or Macau , is advised to stay @ @ @ @ @ @ @ service .
What is the government doing ?
The main focus is on rapidly identifying people with the disease and taking them to specialist hospitals for treatment in isolation .
They are then tracing anybody who has come into close contact with the patient to make sure they know the signs of the disease and what to do .
Have you been affected by the coronavirus ?
Or do you have any information to share ?
Get in touch by emailing haveyoursay @ bbc.co.uk .
Please include a contact number if you are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
You can also contact us in the following ways : • Please read our terms & conditions and privacy policy

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bbcuk--2020-02-28--Flooding: Rail flooding causes transport disruption

Travellers have faced disruption in and out of Cardiff on Friday evening after flooding on railway lines .
Train services to and from Swansea , Bridgend , Merthyr Tydfil , Pontypridd , Manchester , Rhymney , Ebbw Vale and the Midlands have been hit .
Storm Jorge has battered Wales with 13 flood warnings on ground already soaked by Storm Dennis .
Treherbert in Rhondda Cynon Taff was the wettest place in the UK on Friday with 55.6mm ( 2.2in ) of rain .
The measurement is almost half the average February rainfall in just 13 hours , the Met @ @ @ @ @ @ @ done to combat flooding ?
• Why Wales is prone to landslides Lines from between Cardiff and Swansea , Carmarthen and Aberdare were blocked because of flooding .
Valley Lines services between Cardiff and Pontypridd , Merthyr and Rhymney were suspended earlier due to flooded track at Trefforest .
Lines between south Wales and Manchester and south Wales and the Midlands were also blocked - both have re-opened with delays .
Travellers were warned by rail operators that poor road conditions mean road transport may not be arranged .
Several schools were also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weather .
The A48 between Newport and Chepstow is shut because of flooding near Penhow castle .
New Adventure Travel Buses was unable to serve Nantgarw , Pontyclun , Brynsadler and Llanharry in Rhondda Cynon Taff and Drope , Peterson-super-Ely and Pendoylan , Vale of Glamorgan .
Wales is already suffering its third wettest February on record - not including Friday 's rainfall - with 246.7mm , more than twice its February average of 110mm .
As well as the 13 flood warnings on rivers - mostly around the Vale of Glamorgan and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ flood alerts across Wales , including along the River Taff which flooded during Storm Dennis .
A yellow `` be aware '' rain warning remains in place across Wales until 06:00 BST on Saturday .
The Met Office said fast-flowing or deep flood water could endanger life and the yellow warning indicates flooding is expected and action is required .
South Wales Fire and Rescue Service said it had attended flooding incidents in Tonyrefail and Llantrisant in Rhondda Cynon Taff , Bridgend and Maesteg , Abertillery in Blaenau Gwent , St Nicholas in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ warning for wind comes into force for 24 hours from Saturday at 12:00 and covers the whole of Wales .


bbcuk--2020-03-01--Coronavirus: Twelve more cases confirmed in England

Twelve more patients in England have tested positive for coronavirus , taking the total number of UK cases to 35 .
Three patients were close contacts of a known case which was transmitted in the UK , chief medical officer Prof Chris Whitty said .
One person from Essex had `` no relevant travel '' and it was unclear how they had contracted the virus .
Out of the remaining eight cases , six had recently returned from Italy and two had been to Iran .
Those eight patients were from London , West Yorkshire , Greater Manchester , Hertfordshire @ @ @ @ @ @ @ person from Bury , who had become infected in Italy .
• Two Leeds residents , who had both been in Iran • One person from Bradford , who had travelled to Italy On Friday , a man from Surrey became the first person to be infected within the UK .
The patient , who is being treated at Guy 's and St Thomas ' Hospital in central London , had not been abroad recently - unlike the other cases in the country .
As of 09:00 GMT on Sunday , the Department @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people had been tested in the UK .
• How is the UK getting ready for coronavirus ?
• How deadly is the coronavirus ?
• ' I 've been waiting four days for NHS 111 to call' The latest positive tests come after three more cases were confirmed in England on Saturday .
One of those was a member of staff at St Mary 's School in Tetbury , Gloucestershire , the primary school said on Sunday .
That follows another school - Willow Bank Infant School in Woodley , Berkshire - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been infected .
The government has said no tactics will be `` off the table '' as part of its plan to contain the virus in the UK .
Health Secretary Matt Hancock told the BBC 's Andrew Marr Show an emergency `` battle plan '' , drawn up for the `` worst case scenario '' , includes banning big events , closing schools and dissuading people from using public transport .
Mr Hancock said there were four phases to the plan : • Containment - caring for any infected people and identifying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what actions to take to slow down the spread • Research - constant and ongoing work to inform the three other phases Currently , the UK is in the `` containment '' phase - which health leaders say may still be sufficient .
But the next phase could see broader `` social distancing '' measures .
Mr Hancock did not rule out following China 's lead in shutting down cities if the outbreak escalates , but said there was `` clearly a huge economic and social downside to that '' .
Labour shadow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ must give more detail of any emergency powers he wants to bring in so that MPs `` can properly scrutinise '' the plans .
Meanwhile , Lib Dem MP Layla Moran has written to the health secretary to urge him to make sure people are paid if they have to self-isolate , otherwise there could be `` devastating '' effects .
More than 200 British holidaymakers locked down at a quarantined hotel in Tenerife have been told they will be allowed to fly home , if they test negative for the virus .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ H10 Costa Adeje Palace hotel since Tuesday after four Italians contracted the virus .
Some have already been allowed to leave but others are awaiting test results .
The Foreign Office is in contact with operators and travel agents about their plans to return Britons to the UK .
What do I need to know about the coronavirus ?
• WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS ?
A simple guide • WAYS TO PREVENT CATCHING IT : How to wash your hands • WHERE ARE WE WITH A VACCINE ?
Progress so far • A @ @ @ @ @ @ @ maps and charts • WHAT DOES IT MEAN FOR MY HOLIDAY ?
Your rights as a traveller Globally , around 86,000 people have been infected , with cases in more than 50 countries .
About 3,000 people have died - the vast majority in China 's Hubei province , where the outbreak originated in December .
• Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab has tested negative for the virus .
The Foreign Office said he self-isolated after feeling unwell this week - and has returned to work since the test result • In Paris , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sunday .
The museum said on Twitter a meeting was being held on the public health situation and `` the museum can not open at the moment '' .
• Australia and Thailand recorded their first fatalities from the virus on Sunday .
A 78-year-old Australian man died after being infected on the quarantined Diamond Princess cruise ship in Japan .
Thailand said the 35-year-old man who died of the virus had also been suffering from dengue fever • The leader of a religious sect in South Korea - which is facing the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a homicide investigation over some of the country 's deaths .
Lee Man-hee is accused of hiding the names of some members as officials tried to track patients before the virus spread Have you been affected by the coronavirus ?
Or do you have any information to share ?
Get in touch by emailing haveyoursay @ bbc.co.uk .
Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a BBC journalist .
You can also contact us in the following ways : • Please read our terms & conditions and privacy @

A few hours later the biggest increase in a single day was announced, with 12 more people testing positive for the coronavirus. That's why he went further than before in setting out possible government plans to tackle an accelerated spread of the virus around the UK if that happens.


bbcuk--2020-03-01--Matt Hancock defends Priti Patel over bullying claim

Health Secretary Matt Hancock has defended Priti Patel as `` courteous '' following bullying claims made by the ex-top civil servant in her department .
Sir Philip Rutnam , the Home Office 's most senior official , resigned on Saturday citing a `` vicious and orchestrated '' campaign against him .
The BBC has also learnt that a formal complaint about Ms Patel 's conduct was made when she was employment minister .
The home secretary has previously denied she mistreated staff .
Responding to Sir Philip 's departure , shadow chancellor John McDonnell told Sky News the situation was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Patel was `` on the way out '' .
In his statement , Sir Philip said he received allegations that Ms Patel 's conduct towards employees included `` swearing , belittling people , making unreasonable and repeated demands '' .
He said he now intended to take legal action against the Home Office on the basis of constructive dismissal .
The BBC 's home affairs correspondent Danny Shaw has also learnt that a formal complaint about Ms Patel 's conduct was made when she was employment minister at the Department for Work and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not known , nor whether it was substantiated or followed up .
The complaint is believed to have been made by a member of her private office - a team of six to eight civil servants which works closely with an individual minister .
A spokesman for Ms Patel said she was `` not aware '' of the complaint and the government , while it did not deny the claim , said it would not comment on personnel issues .
One Whitehall insider said Ms Patel had created a `` hostile and unhappy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ questioning their capability and undermining their performance .
`` I felt very sorry for people in her private office - they felt bullied , '' they said .
David Penman - head of the FDA union which represents senior civil servants - said no formal complaints had been made about Ms Patel in her time at the Home Office but added `` that needs to taken in the context that there is no formal policy for making complaints against ministers : no code , no procedure , no transparency . ''
`` Staff @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which is basically 'trust the Cabinet office behind closed doors to deal with it ' . ''
Speaking to the BBC 's Andrew Marr Show , Mr Hancock described Ms Patel as `` very determined '' but also `` extremely courteous '' .
He added that she was `` probably closer to where the public are on the issues of law and order than any home secretary in recent history '' .
Labour leadership contenders have also commented on Sir Philip 's departure , with Rebecca Long-Bailey calling it `` an example of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lisa Nandy saying the Home Office was `` in chaos '' .
Labour 's Sir Keir Starmer called for an immediate investigation and said Ms Patel should come to Parliament to `` explain the allegations '' .
And the former head of the civil service , Lord Kerslake , argued that the home secretary might have to resign if Sir Philip wins his legal action .
Lord Kerslake , who has previously advised the Labour Party , said the resignation - and the way in which Sir Philip left - was `` extraordinary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` shockwaves '' through most of the civil service .
Speaking to BBC Breakfast on Sunday he said : `` Every institution can do better and that 's true for the civil service as well , but what you do n't do is go to war with the civil service . ''
According to BBC correspondent Iain Watson , allies of Ms Patel are privately suggesting that Sir Philip was not up to the demands of the job .
The Home Office has to deliver on two key election pledges - recruiting more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , post-Brexit immigration system .
It will also have to respond to a soon-to-be published independent report on the Windrush scandal - which saw many of those who had arrived in Caribbean countries between 1958 and 1971 detained or deported despite having the right to live in the UK .
Asked if the prime minister had full confidence in Ms Patel , a Downing Street source said Mr Johnson had full confidence in his cabinet .
Head of the civil service Sir Mark Sedwill thanked Sir Philip for his `` long and dedicated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he received the resignation `` with great regret '' .
He said Shona Dunn , who had been Sir Philip 's deputy , will become acting permanent secretary .
Sir Philip 's departure , and the manner of it , goes way beyond any normal policy problems or clashes .
He took aim not just at Priti Patel , but alluded to what he said was a `` wider pattern '' in government .
Add this to the resignation of Sajid Javid , the former chancellor who expressed concerns about how the government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of unhappiness with how Prime Minister Boris Johnson and his team are running things .
Certainly it is a government in a hurry , willing to rattle cages in order to get things done .
But governments who want to get things done need an effective civil service to make things happen .
A very public breakdown in trust like this does not help that cause .
Indications at this early stage are that Ms Patel 's position is secure .
But with an employment tribunal in the offing , pressure may well @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sir Philip pursues his case as he says he will , exactly what happened behind closed doors may soon be out there for all to see .
Read more from Laura here .

The BBC's home affairs correspondent Danny Shaw has also learnt that a formal complaint about Ms Patel's conduct was made when she was employment minister at the Department for Work and Pensions. The substance of it is not known, nor whether it was substantiated or followed up.


bbcuk--2020-03-01--NHS gender clinic 'should have challenged me more' over transition

A 23-year-old woman who is taking legal action against an NHS gender clinic says she should have been challenged more by medical staff over her decision to transition to a male as a teenager .
A judge gave the go-ahead this week for a full hearing of the case against the Tavistock and Portman NHS Trust .
Lawyers will argue children can not give informed consent to treatment delaying puberty or helping them to transition .
The Tavistock said it always took a cautious approach to treatment .
Gender identity charity Mermaids said that people face a long wait for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can save lives and that very few people regret their decision .
The clinic based in Hampstead , north-west London , which runs the UK 's only gender-identity development service ( GIDS ) , added that it welcomed an examination of the evidence in this contentious area .
Keira Bell is one of the claimants and will give evidence in the judicial review , which is likely to be heard in early summer .
The second claimant , known only as Mum A , is the mother of a 15-year-old girl with autism @ @ @ @ @ @ @ clinic .
Keira describes being a tomboy as a child .
When asked how strongly she felt the need to change her gender identity , she replied that it gradually built up as she found out more about transitioning online .
Then as she went down the medical route , she said `` one step led to another '' .
She was referred to the Tavistock GIDS clinic at the age of age 16 .
She said after three one-hour-long appointments she was prescribed puberty blockers , which delay the development of signs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hair .
She felt there was n't enough investigation or therapy before she reached that stage .
`` I should have been challenged on the proposals or the claims that I was making for myself , '' she said .
`` And I think that would have made a big difference as well .
If I was just challenged on the things I was saying . ''
They are drugs which can pause the development of things like breasts , periods , facial hair and voice breaking They can be prescribed to children @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at birth does n't match up with their gender .
This is meant to give them more time to weigh up their options before they go through the physical changes of puberty .
Although puberty blockers are described by the NHS as reversible , GIDS acknowledges that their impact on brain development and psychological health is not fully known .
A year after starting the puberty-blockers she said she was prescribed the male hormone testosterone , which developed male characteristics like facial hair and a deep voice .
Three years ago , she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` Initially I felt very relieved and happy about things , but I think as the years go on you start to feel less and less enthusiastic or even happy about things .
`` You can continue and dig yourself deeper into this hole or you can choose to come out of it and have the weight lifted off your shoulders . ''
She decided to stop taking cross-sex hormones last year and said she was now accepting of her sex as a female .
But she was also angry about what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ decade .
`` I was allowed to run with this idea that I had , almost like a fantasy , as a teenager ... .
and it has affected me in the long run as an adult .
`` I 'm very young .
I 've only just stepped into adulthood and I have to deal with this kind of burden or radical difference - in comparison to others at least . ''
Keira 's lawyers will argue that children can not weigh up the impact such a treatment might have on their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on their fertility .
Former staff at the clinic have raised concerns that teenagers who want to transition to a different gender are being given puberty blockers without adequate assessment or psychological work .
It has been claimed that children as young as 12 have received the drugs , which block the hormones that lead to puberty-related changes like periods or facial hair .
But she also understands why teenagers arrive at the clinic deeply distressed and desperate to change their gender .
`` I did say the same thing years ago when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would say it was saving me from suicidal ideation and depression in general and at the time I felt it relieved all those mental health issues I was feeling , alongside gender dysphoria . ''
She described her family life as difficult .
She also believes if she had felt more accepted by society as she was then , she might not have wanted to changer her gender .
She added that she would n't have wanted to listen to voices of caution when she was younger .
`` I feel I could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I might not necessarily listen at that time .
And that 's the point of this case , when you are that young you do n't really want to listen .
`` So I think it 's up to these institutions , like the Tavistock , to step in and make children reconsider what they are saying , because it is a life-altering path . ''
Dr Polly Carmichael is the consultant clinical psychologist who runs the Gender Identity Development Service .
She praised Keira for speaking out , but insisted the clinic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ She described their approach as cautious and said they work closely with children and their families to reach the right decisions for them , with fewer than half of those seen going onto take puberty blockers or cross-sex hormones .
`` This is a really complex area with strong feelings on all sides .
And at its centre , the young people we work with - they come to us in often really great distress around their sense of themselves .
`` We 're talking about identity here , their identity , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not match that body . ''
She believes the judicial review , when it happens , will be an important opportunity to ensure the evidence around treatment and a child 's ability to consent is thoroughly examined .
`` This is a heated debate at the moment .
And I think taking a step back - and having an external considered review of the evidence and people 's feelings about the most appropriate way to support young people - can be nothing but beneficial at this point . ''
Gender identity charity Mermaids @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people and their families .
Its chief executive , Susie Green , has defended the current process , which she said was based on years of research , and said she hoped the judicial review would `` shine a light '' on young people 's experiences .
She told BBC News that many people who approached the charity were `` very distressed '' and that research had suggested puberty blockers could help reduce rates of self-harm and suicide .
And she said it was `` not proportionate '' to take away services because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of people who regretted undergoing medical intervention .
`` In the first instance the waiting time is well over two years and when young people get into the service there is then a process which takes well into a year before medical intervention is considered , '' she told BBC News .
`` The process is very detailed they get a lot of information about the benefits , the pitfalls and the projected outcomes of what comes of any kind of medication .
So they make informed consent and that underpins the NHS @ @ @ @ @ @ @ party in the legal case .
It has already announced an independent review of its policies on the use of puberty blockers and cross-sex hormones .
It describes this as part of a planned examination , which will be undertaken by a panel of independent experts .

She described her family life as difficult. She also believes if she had felt more accepted by society as she was then, she might not have wanted to change her gender. She added that she wouldn't have wanted to listen to voices of caution when she was younger.