bbcuk--2020-12-20--Covid-19: Christmas rules tightened for England, Scotland and Wales

`` Boris said it would be inhuman to change Christmas plans so we were all set to go , '' @ @ @ @ @ 've run all of our food supplies down because we were going to be away @ @ @ @ @ 'll be lucky if we 're not eating pizza on Christmas Day . ''

If you are reading this page and can't see the form you will need to visit the mobile version of the BBC website to submit your question or comment or you can email us at HaveYourSay@bbc.co.uk. Please include your name, age and location with any submission.


bbcuk--2020-12-19--Covid: Wales locks down as Christmas plans cut

`` Nevertheless , invoking what is effectively a full lockdown at such a crucial time for many businesses - particularly @ @ @ @ @ , retail and tourism sectors - will come as a fresh blow after many months @ @ @ @ @ puts further jobs at risk . ''

"Faced with this news - and the prospect of losing £100m per week in sales for the third time this year - many businesses will be in serious difficulty and many thousands of jobs could be at risk."


bbcuk--2020-12-19--Covid: Lockdown looms as Scotland tightens Christmas rules

`` We do not yet know how widely this new strain of virus is circulating in Scotland , but I @ @ @ @ @ realistic that that is likely to be an understatement of its true prevalence right now @ @ @ @ @

"We do not yet know how widely this new strain of virus is circulating in Scotland, but I think we have to be realistic that that is likely to be an understatement of its true prevalence right now," she added.


bbcuk--2020-12-20--Covid-19: Vigilance urged but no change to Christmas rules in NI

`` Christmas bubbling arrangements are in place for those who feel they need to come together .
If you must @ @ @ @ @ please consider doing so for one day only , Christmas Day .

"Christmas bubbling arrangements are in place for those who feel they need to come together. If you must avail of them, then please consider doing so for one day only, Christmas Day.


bbcuk--2020-12-19--Brexit: No trade deal unless 'substantial shift' from EU, UK says

Senior MEPs in the European Parliament have said they will not be `` rushed '' into signing off a deal @ @ @ @ @ to see the text of any agreement by Sunday if they are to approve it @ @ @ @ @ year .

"We respect the sovereignty of the UK and we expect the same. Both the EU and Britain must have the right to set their own laws and control their own waters. And we should both be able to act when our interests are at stake."


bbcuk--2020-12-20--Grenfell Tower inquiry: 'Whistleblower' refusing to give evidence

The inquiry is now in its second phase and is examining the causes of the fire , including how the @ @ @ @ @ in a condition which allowed the blaze to spread in the way it did .

The inquiry is now in its second phase and is examining the causes of the fire, including how the Grenfell Tower came to be in a condition which allowed the blaze to spread in the way it did.


bbcuk--2020-12-19--Strictly Come Dancing: Bill Bailey crowned 2020 winner

`` I 'd like to , on the behalf of everybody who watches Strictly , to say an enormous thank @ @ @ @ @ she said .
`` Everybody who has been involved in this production , in this @ @ @ @ @ have given everybody so much pleasure and you 've uplifted the nation . ''

"I'd like to, on the behalf of everybody who watches Strictly, to say an enormous thank you to everybody," she said. "Everybody who has been involved in this production, in this particularity difficult year, you have given everybody so much pleasure and you've uplifted the nation."


bbcuk--2020-12-19--Watford sack head coach Ivic after four months

Last updated on .From the section Watford Watford have sacked head coach Vladimir Ivic after four months in the role .
The 43-year-old signed a one-year deal in August , succeeding Nigel Pearson who was sacked shortly before the club were relegated from the Premier League .
It means Watford are looking for a fifth manager in just over a year .
The Serb 's sacking came after his side were beaten 2-0 at mid-table Huddersfield Town on Saturday -just their second defeat in 11 games - a spell in which they have also had four draws .
Ivic rested @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , despite scoring in Watford 's last three games .
Deeney was on the bench but Ivic said that he did not use him as a substitute , even when his side were losing , because of a `` discipline issue '' .
Yet another managerial change at Vicarage Road Watford are now looking for their fifth main charge since the start of last season .
Javi Gracia was replaced in September 2019 by former boss Quique Sanchez Flores .
With the club still at the bottom of the Premier League , Flores @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wins in 12 games after which Nigel Pearson took over in December .
He turned Watford 's fortunes around and got them out of the relegation zone , as well as inflicting the first league defeat on eventual runaway champions Liverpool , 3-0 at Vicarage Road on 29 February , just before the Coronavirus lockdown .
But Pearson was sacked after losing 3-1 at West Ham with the club still three points above the drop with two games to go .
Under caretaker manager Hayden Mullins , the Hornets then lost their last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the Championship after five seasons in the top flight .
In a short statement the club confirmed Ivic 's departure and that of his coaching team .
`` The Hornets thank Ivic and his staff for their efforts this season , '' the statement added .
`` We wish them well for future success elsewhere . ''
Since Watford 's Italian owners the Pozzo family , who also own Udinese and Granada , took control of the club in June 2012 there have been 13 changes of manager .
Among the shortest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ September 2014 which lasted just 27 days after he stepped down due to ill health .
His replacement Billy McKinlay was in charge for just eight days and two games after a change of heart by the owners who installed Slavisa Jokanovic as his replacement .
Only two managers have lasted more than a year in the role under the Pozzo 's - Gianfranco Zola was in charge from July 2012 until December 2013 while Javi Gracia , who led the Hornets to the 2019 FA Cup final , was at the helm @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

Last updated on .From the section Watford
Vladimir Ivic had led Maccabi Tel Aviv to two successive Israeli league titles before moving to Watford
Watford have sacked head coach Vladimir Ivic after four months in the role.
The Hornets, who have won nine of their 20 Championship games this season under Ivic, are fifth in the table, four points off second-placed Bournemouth and nine off leaders Norwich.
The 43-year-old signed a one-year deal in August, succeeding Nigel Pearson who was sacked shortly before the club were relegated from the Premier League.
It means Watford are looking for a fifth manager in just over a year.
The Serb's sacking came after his side were beaten 2-0 at mid-table Huddersfield Town on Saturday -just their second defeat in 11 games - a spell in which they have also had four draws.
Ivic rested club captain Troy Deeney for the match, despite scoring in Watford's last three games.
Deeney was on the bench but Ivic said that he did not use him as a substitute, even when his side were losing, because of a "discipline issue".
Yet another managerial change at Vicarage Road
Watford are now looking for their fifth main charge since the start of last season.
Javi Gracia was replaced in September 2019 by former boss Quique Sanchez Flores.
With the club still at the bottom of the Premier League, Flores then lost his job after just two wins in 12 games after which Nigel Pearson took over in December.
He turned Watford's fortunes around and got them out of the relegation zone, as well as inflicting the first league defeat on eventual runaway champions Liverpool, 3-0 at Vicarage Road on 29 February, just before the Coronavirus lockdown.
Watford's many recent managers Manager P W Pts Win % Vladimir Ivic 20 9 39 45 Nigel Pearson (2019-20) 20 7 25 35 Quique Sanchez Flores (2019) 10 1 7 10 Javi Gracia (2018-19) 56 18 66 32 Marco Silva (2017-18) 24 7 26 29 Walter Mazzarri (2016-17) 38 11 40 29 Quique Sanchez Flores (2015-16) 38 12 45 32 League records only
But Pearson was sacked after losing 3-1 at West Ham with the club still three points above the drop with two games to go.
Under caretaker manager Hayden Mullins, the Hornets then lost their last two games, to be relegated back to the Championship after five seasons in the top flight.
In a short statement the club confirmed Ivic's departure and that of his coaching team.
"The Hornets thank Ivic and his staff for their efforts this season," the statement added. "We wish them well for future success elsewhere."
Since Watford's Italian owners the Pozzo family, who also own Udinese and Granada, took control of the club in June 2012 there have been 13 changes of manager.
Among the shortest tenures was Oscar Garcia's spell in September 2014 which lasted just 27 days after he stepped down due to ill health.
His replacement Billy McKinlay was in charge for just eight days and two games after a change of heart by the owners who installed Slavisa Jokanovic as his replacement.
Only two managers have lasted more than a year in the role under the Pozzo's - Gianfranco Zola was in charge from July 2012 until December 2013 while Javi Gracia, who led the Hornets to the 2019 FA Cup final, was at the helm from January 2018 to September last year.


bbcuk--2020-12-20--Boudicca revolt: Essex dig reveals 'evidence of Roman reprisals'

The enclosure was `` clearly an important place '' with an `` avenue-like entrance '' and continued to expand after @ @ @ @ @ , so archaeologists were surprised it was not resettled after its destruction .

The enclosure was "clearly an important place" with an "avenue-like entrance" and continued to expand after the Roman invasion in AD43, so archaeologists were surprised it was not resettled after its destruction.


bbcuk--2020-12-19--Landslip warning and flooding follow heavy rain in Wales

A Welsh Government spokesperson said it had `` already commissioned work to develop options '' for the Wattstown site and @ @ @ @ @ and the Coal Authority to provide `` necessary support '' .

A Welsh Government spokesperson said it had "already commissioned work to develop options" for the Wattstown site and it would work with council and the Coal Authority to provide "necessary support".


bbcuk--2020-12-19--Deta Hedman loses on debut at PDC Worlds

Last updated on .From the section Darts Deta Hedman 's PDC World Darts Championship debut ended in a 3-1 defeat @ @ @ @ @ first round .
Boulton then won the second set but a resurgent Hedman took the @ @ @ @ @ for a tense fourth set but Boulton was back to his ruthless best , as @ @ @ @ @ Hedman , who has won 215 titles , is the first black woman to compete @ @ @ @ @ at the expense of Fallon Sherrock .
World number one Michael van Gerwen of the @ @ @ @ @ Murray 3-1 in the last contest of the day , as Australia 's Damon Heta @ @ @ @ @ Baggish in the other late match .
In Saturday 's earlier ties , Ireland 's @ @ @ @ @ of Sweden 3-1 and England 's Scott Waites beat Canada 's Matthew Campbell 3-2 , @ @ @ @ @ for England 's Mervyn King and Belgium 's Kim Huybrechts .
• None Hedman 's @ @ @ @ @ childhood to becoming a British darts star

Last updated on .From the section Darts
Deta Hedman is the is the first black woman to compete at the tournament
Deta Hedman's PDC World Darts Championship debut ended in a 3-1 defeat by Andy Boulton in the first round.
Hedman, 61, started nervously and missed six darts to win the opening leg before Boulton, 47, took control of the first set.
Boulton then won the second set but a resurgent Hedman took the third.
It set up for a tense fourth set but Boulton was back to his ruthless best, as Hedman's challenge faded.
Hedman, who has won 215 titles, is the first black woman to compete at the tournament and qualified at the expense of Fallon Sherrock.
World number one Michael van Gerwen of the Netherlands beat Scotland's Ryan Murray 3-1 in the last contest of the day, as Australia's Damon Heta lost to 3-2 American Daniel Baggish in the other late match.
In Saturday's earlier ties, Ireland's Steve Lennon beat Daniel Larrson of Sweden 3-1 and England's Scott Waites beat Canada's Matthew Campbell 3-2, while there were also wins for England's Mervyn King and Belgium's Kim Huybrechts.
England's Andy Hamilton - runner-up in 2012 - lost 3-1 to Germany's Nico Kurz.


bbcuk--2020-12-19--'I won't have next summer let alone next Christmas'

`` I wish the announcement had been done earlier .
It 's going to affect a lot of people .
@ @ @ @ @ the lonely and the vulnerable - they are not going to see anyone this Christmas @ @ @ @ @ do for people 's mental health is another matter .

"I wish the announcement had been done earlier. It's going to affect a lot of people. It's going to affect the lonely and the vulnerable - they are not going to see anyone this Christmas. And what it will do for people's mental health is another matter.


bbcuk--2020-12-19--Christmas rules 2020: What are the new rules on mixing?

In Wales ( two households ) and Scotland ( three households up to a maximum of eight people ) Christmas @ @ @ @ @ allowed on 25 December .
In both countries , people are being advised not to @ @ @ @ @ even though they are permitted .


bbcuk--2020-12-19--Covid: What are the new tiers and lockdown rules in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland?

What are the new rules for Christmas ?
What are the Covid restrictions in England ?
Which parts of south-east @ @ @ @ @ four ?
What are the new restrictions in tier four ?
How were the tiers @ @ @ @ @ rules in Wales ?
What are the new restrictions in Scotland ?
`` If you @ @ @ @ @ and back in the same day , please do n't go , '' First Minister @ @ @ @ @ `` Our advice is to still not mix with other households on Christmas Day if @ @ @ @

If you test positive for Covid you are no longer legally required to self-isolate, but you are advised to stay at home and avoid contact with others for at least five full days.


bbcuk--2020-12-19--Covid: Christmas Tier-4 heartbreak for Londoners

Millions of people across England have been banned from meeting friends and family indoors over the festive season as they @ @ @ @ @ of Covid restrictions , while indoor mixing has been restricted to Christmas Day alone for @ @ @ @ @ .

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bbcuk--2020-12-19--Covid: Queues form ahead of last-minute lockdown

Sara Jones from the group said : `` Faced with this news - and the prospect of losing £100m per @ @ @ @ @ third time this year - many businesses will be in serious difficulty and many thousands @ @ @ @ @ risk .
`` The Welsh Government will need to offer additional and immediate financial support @ @ @ @ @ back on an even keel - an extension to business rates relief in 2021 is @ @ @ @ @ . ''

Sara Jones from the group said: "Faced with this news - and the prospect of losing £100m per week in sales for the third time this year - many businesses will be in serious difficulty and many thousands of jobs could be at risk. "The Welsh Government will need to offer additional and immediate financial support to help these businesses get back on an even keel - an extension to business rates relief in 2021 is the best place to start."


bbcuk--2020-12-19--Covid-19 in the UK: How many coronavirus cases are there in your area?

are where COVID-19 was mentioned on the death certificate .
Source : ONS , NRS and NISRA - data updated @ @ @ @ @ have tested positive for coronavirus .
The `` average area '' means the middle ranking @ @ @ @ @ when ranked by cases per 100,000 people .
Public health bodies may occasionally revise their @ @ @ @ @ by age only available for England .
Source : UK public health bodies - updated @ @

Based on the survey, the estimated peak of the pandemic, in cases if not in deaths, was in late March 2022, where at one point about 4.9 million people were thought to have the virus. However, the survey did not capture the first wave of the pandemic, with trials only beginning in England in April 2020.


bbcuk--2020-12-20--Brexit: How to prepare for changes in 2021

You 'll need to carry your V5C log book with you if you own the car .
If it is @ @ @ @ @ or leased , then you will need to get a VE103 form to show you @ @ @ @ @ out of the UK .

If you want your furry friend to come on holiday with you to the EU or Northern Ireland, then you will need to take a trip to the vet first. That's because the current EU pet passport issued in the UK will not be valid for travel from 1 January 2021.


bbcuk--2020-12-20--A Christmas Carol: How Scrooge is saving theatres this Christmas

`` I wo n't claim it exactly resembles Victorian London but using it for the story gives a historical feel @ @ @ @ @ And we still have a cast of 17 .
Actually we hope to use the @ @ @ @ @ whatever happens with the virus . ''

"I won't claim it exactly resembles Victorian London but using it for the story gives a historical feel which people just love. And we still have a cast of 17. Actually we hope to use the location again next year, whatever happens with the virus."


bbcuk--2020-12-20--'We're having a sustainable Christmas'

'We're having a sustainable Christmas'

Leaving Christmas present buying to the last minute means people rush out and may end up spending a lot of @ @ @ @ @ 's not well thought-out and may just get chucked away by the recipient , she @ @

Merje has a tree in a pot, but put it on the roof garden and "now it's so big we can't take it down any more," she says. "It's kind of stuck there. But it looks beautiful."


bbcuk--2020-12-20--The night-riding mum who cycles 10 hours a day

`` You also need to work out where to go , and what time of day or night in order @ @ @ @ @ .
You get points from takeovers and from holding on to the zones , until @ @ @ @ @ . ''

"What I've had to do is phenomenal. I have had to set up a diary for the children as a point of notice for them so they know where I am that day and what the plan is.


bbcuk--2020-12-20--Christmas murder in 1909 reunites long lost family

`` After Gwen 's murder , my aunt Gwladys , who was only 13 , was sent to a care @ @ @ @ @ Caernarfon ) , and then adopted by a family from Bolton who had been following @ @ @ @ @ , '' said the niece of Gwladys - Gladys Hughes , who is from the @ @ @ @ @ Valley .

"After Gwen's murder, my aunt Gwladys, who was only 13, was sent to a care home in Bontnewydd (near Caernarfon), and then adopted by a family from Bolton who had been following the case in the newspapers," said the niece of Gwladys - Gladys Hughes, who is from the Llanrwst area of the Conwy Valley.


bbcuk--2020-12-20--Furlough fraud: 'Impossible situation' of breaking the law or being sacked

The Government ’ s hotline for furlough fraud has received more than 20,000 tips since it was set up .
@ @ @ @ @ wages of more than 9m workers at a cost of £46 billion .
Now a @ @ @ @ @ for the names of all firms getting the money to be published as a way @ @ @ @ @ 'John ' ( not his real name ) was asked to work while on furlough @ @ @ @ @ sacked .

The Government’s hotline for furlough fraud has received more than 20,000 tips since it was set up.
The scheme has paid the wages of more than 9m workers at a cost of £46 billion.
Now a committee of MPs has called for the names of all firms getting the money to be published as a way of rooting out fraud.
'John' (not his real name) was asked to work while on furlough and refused, he was sacked.


bbcuk--2020-12-20--Coronavirus: The care home DJ spreading festive cheer

A DJ from Northern Ireland has been bringing festive cheer to care homes across the country .
Chris Morrow from @ @ @ @ @ has been parking outside care homes , setting up his speakers and playing requests from @ @ @ @ @ been able to visit regularly because of the coronavirus pandemic .
He has visited more @ @ @ @ @ five counties .

A DJ from Northern Ireland has been bringing festive cheer to care homes across the country.
Chris Morrow from Castlecaulfied, County Tyrone, has been parking outside care homes, setting up his speakers and playing requests from family members who have not been able to visit regularly because of the coronavirus pandemic.
He has visited more than 20 care homes across five counties.
Video journalist: Niall McCracken


bbcuk--2020-12-19--Strictly Come Dancing: Bill Bailey and Oti Mabuse crowned the winners

Comedian Bill Bailey and his dance partner Oti Mabuse have been crowned the winners of this year 's Strictly Come @ @ @ @ @ historic win for both contestants , with 55-year-old Bill Bailey becoming the oldest celebrity to @ @ @ @ @ while Oti Mabuse is the first Strictly dancer to win two years in a row @

Comedian Bill Bailey and his dance partner Oti Mabuse have been crowned the winners of this year's Strictly Come Dancing.
It's an historic win for both contestants, with 55-year-old Bill Bailey becoming the oldest celebrity to raise the Glitterball Trophy, while Oti Mabuse is the first Strictly dancer to win two years in a row.
Watch the final on the BBC iPlayer


bbcuk--2020-12-20--Budget smartphones: What do you get for £100?

The price of premium smartphones is ever-increasing with the latest folding Samsung device costing about £1,800 .
To find out @ @ @ @ @ lower end of the market , BBC Click 's Chris Fox went hands-on with eight @ @ @ @ @ £70 to £379 .
The performance , cameras and features were all put to the @ @ @ @ @ fared .
Chris tested the Nokia 1.3 , Alcatel 1S , Nokia 5.3 , Xiaomi @ @ @ @ @ 10L , Google Pixel 4a , Samsung Galaxy A42 5G and the OnePlus Nord .
@ @ @ @ @ website and @ BBCClick

The price of premium smartphones is ever-increasing with the latest folding Samsung device costing about £1,800.
To find out what was available at the lower end of the market, BBC Click's Chris Fox went hands-on with eight new smartphones priced from about £70 to £379.
The performance, cameras and features were all put to the test to see how they fared.
Chris tested the Nokia 1.3, Alcatel 1S, Nokia 5.3, Xiaomi Poco X3 NFC, TCL 10L, Google Pixel 4a, Samsung Galaxy A42 5G and the OnePlus Nord.
See more at Click's website and @BBCClick


bbcuk--2020-12-19--Covid-19: 'We cannot continue with Christmas as planned' says Boris Johnson

The prime minister has announced a planned relaxation of Covid rules for Christmas has been scrapped for large parts of @ @ @ @ @ to just Christmas Day for the rest of England .
A new tier four will @ @ @ @ @ as London , Kent , Essex and Bedfordshire from midnight .
A stay-at-home order will @ @ @ @ @ , and all non-essential shops must close .
For the rest of the country , @ @ @ @ @ has been cut from five days to just Christmas Day .

The prime minister has announced a planned relaxation of Covid rules for Christmas has been scrapped for large parts of south-east England, and cut to just Christmas Day for the rest of England.
A new tier four will be introduced in areas such as London, Kent, Essex and Bedfordshire from midnight.
A stay-at-home order will be issued to residents there, and all non-essential shops must close.
For the rest of the country, the three household mixing limit has been cut from five days to just Christmas Day.


bbcuk--2020-12-19--Starmer: PM said 'have a 'merry little Christmas' 3 days ago

Labour leader Keir Starmer says `` millions of families will be heartbroken by having Christmas plans ripped up '' .
@ @ @ @ @ days ago , Prime Minister Boris Johnson told people to have a `` merry little @ @ @ @ @ government is `` ripping up their plans '' .

Labour leader Keir Starmer says "millions of families will be heartbroken by having Christmas plans ripped up".
Sir Keir says only three days ago, Prime Minister Boris Johnson told people to have a "merry little Christmas" but now the government is "ripping up their plans".
Read more:Christmas rules tightened for millions


bbcuk--2020-12-19--The Papers: 'Christmas cancelled', and 'surging mutant virus'

© 2020 BBC .
The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites .
Read about our approach @ @ @ @

It says "millions of Brits will be rightly furious" that their plans have been "crushed" - and warns that the prime minister will never be forgiven if the science used to support the move turns out to be "dodgy".


bbcuk--2020-12-20--Fire-hit Royston church marks Christmas in 'innovative' way

Mr Burchell said : `` There is still a long way to go before we will be able to once @ @ @ @ @ in our beautiful house of prayer and where we will be able celebrate Christmas .

Mr Burchell said: "There is still a long way to go before we will be able to once again meet as a congregation in our beautiful house of prayer and where we will be able celebrate Christmas.


bbcuk--2020-12-19--Coronavirus: What are Scotland's level 4 restrictions?

From Boxing Day the whole of mainland Scotland will be in the country 's toughest tier of restrictions for at @ @ @ @ @ what can you - and not - do in level four ?

From Boxing Day the whole of mainland Scotland will be in the country's toughest tier of restrictions for at least three weeks. So what can you do - and not do - in level four?


bbcuk--2020-12-19--Coronavirus: Peter Weir defends decision to reopen schools

`` It is imperative the education minister makes a statement to the assembly on the scientific and medical advice he @ @ @ @ @ safety of school restart , transfers tests and other examinations scheduled during the lockdown in @ @ @ @ @ the contingency plans he has in place to mitigate any Covid-related disruption of these arrangements @ @ @ @ @ .

"It is imperative the education minister makes a statement to the assembly on the scientific and medical advice he has received relating to the safety of school restart, transfers tests and other examinations scheduled during the lockdown in January, and sets out the contingency plans he has in place to mitigate any Covid-related disruption of these arrangements," said Mr Lyttle.


bbcuk--2020-12-19--Body found in suitcase treated as 'unexplained death'

No arrests have been made .
A Met Police spokesman said : `` Officers are not discussing the circumstances of @ @ @ @ @ this stage . ''

No arrests have been made. A Met Police spokesman said: "Officers are not discussing the circumstances of the discovery any further at this stage."


bbcuk--2020-12-20--Covid-19: 'Our duty' to act over Christmas plans, says Matt Hancock

If you are reading this page and ca n't see the form you will need to visit the mobile version @ @ @ @ @ submit your question or comment or you can email us at HaveYourSay @ bbc.co.uk .
@ @ @ @ @ age and location with any submission .

Sir Keir told an online press conference that it was "blatantly obvious last week" that Mr Johnson's plans to relax the rules over Christmas was "a risk too far", adding that his claim that "this is all down to a new form of the virus that has just emerged does not stand up to scrutiny".


bbcuk--2020-12-20--Covid: New coronavirus variant 'in every part of Wales'

Plaid Cymru leader Mr Price told the Dewi Llwyd programme on BBC Radio Cymru he had urged the first minister @ @ @ @ @ `` stricter restrictions in those areas with high infection rates before Christmas anyway , even @ @ @ @ @ the new variant of the virus '' .

"If we could have been told the day before, or earlier that afternoon, we could have planned more. It was such short notice, so we were thrown in the deep end. It could have been done in a better way."


bbcuk--2020-12-20--UK's Smith loses super-middleweight title to Alvarez

Last updated on .From the section Boxing Saul 'Canelo ' Alvarez produced a near-flawless display to unpick Callum Smith and take the British fighter 's WBA world super-middleweight title .
Smith , 30 , struggled to land anything heavy and was told by his corner he had `` one more round '' after a torrid ninth .
He admirably fought on but lost 119-109 119-109 117-111 on the judges ' cards .
Alvarez - who has only one defeat on his record from 57 fights - also picked up the vacant WBC world super-middleweight title , meaning he holds two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` I 'm devastated .
I came here to win , '' Smith told DAZN at the Alamodome in San Antonio .
`` No excuses , he was very good .
`` It could have been a better version of me .
He is smart and he is clever .
He closes ground , sets traps and before you know it he 's closed the ground up .
I maybe let him close the ground up too easily . ''
Smith 's seven-inch height advantage had formed much of the foundation for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ status .
But Alvarez refused to take a step back at any point .
He shut down space patiently , remained compact , showed head movement and ultimately made himself difficult to hit .
When he was close enough , he jabbed smartly and loaded up with his trademark shots to the body .
At the end of the fifth , Smith 's three older fighting brothers shouted `` better '' from ringside as he began to throw more but in the seventh , Alvarez - the youngest of seven fighting brothers - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and a fine uppercut .
A hard right hand sent Smith slumping into the ropes in the ninth and , with his nose bloodied , he replied to trainer Joe Gallagher that he was `` fine '' after it was made clear he would only get one more round .
Ominously , four-weight world champion Alvarez explained he knew he could take Smith 's power `` from the first round '' and it was later revealed the Liverpool fighter may have torn a bicep early in the contest .
Alvarez simply presented a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
By the 10th round , US broadcasters were calling the fight `` a bad beating '' .
`` This is one of the best nights I have had , '' said Alvarez , who added he would consider a third fight with Gennady Golovkin , who beat Kamil Szeremeta 24 hours earlier .
`` One of the greatest nights .
I will go for more .
I want all the belts , it does n't matter who has them .
I do n't run from anybody .
I have fought against the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I fight the best . ''
Alvarez has now reeled off five wins since his six-month ban for failing drugs tests in 2018 .
His sole loss in 15 years was against Floyd Mayweather in 2013 but his current momentum and this well-rounded display underline why he is the sport 's best-paid star .
A restricted crowd of about 12,000 may have impacted on his overall earnings in his first bout in 13 months but his quality is undeniable , his rivals look a class below , and crucially his hunger appears undiminished @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said : `` It 's tough to get out of bed to do roadwork at 5am when you 've been sleeping in silk pyjamas . ''
The sight of Alvarez walking round the fight hotel 's bubble in designer pyjamas this week prompted questions as to how much more he could give .
His status , earning power and lifestyle are far removed from the life he knew on his family 's farm as a child but there can be no doubt his grit and desire remain , and future rivals will need @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Smith can be proud of his own journey to face a man he once dreamed of fighting .
Alvarez , though , was simply too good .
Class , tears and call-outs - what they said ...
Cutting a dejected figure in his corner , Smith said he would take time out and consider a move up to the 175lbs light-heavyweight division .
His sentiment led BBC 5 Live commentator Mike Costello to wonder if he was considering calling time on his career at the age of 30 .
Britain 's Billy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ belt at super-middleweight - quickly tweeted to call on Alvarez to `` get it on '' in 2021 but for the most part , the boxing world was simply left praising the sport 's biggest star .
Promoter Eddie Hearn confirmed Smith damaged his arm early on in his San Antonio defeat and revealed the fighter was `` in tears '' in the changing room .
`` It was a masterclass from Canelo , '' Hearn told 5 Live .
`` I just left Callum 's changing room and everyone is talking about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Callum never stopped throwing but he came up against the best fighter on the planet . ''
Former world champion George Groves told BBC Radio 5 Live : `` Canelo bullied Smith , marched him down and used his punch power to control the entire fight . ''
And BBC Radio 5 Live boxing analyst Steve Bunce added : `` That 's what happens when you fight Canelo .
You discover things about yourself you did n't know and things about him you did n't recognise before you got in the ring @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Canelo took away his height , reach and confidence .
That is class . ''
• None Stream all the goals and highlights from Saturday 's Premier League action now

Alvarez applied pressure and regularly backed Smith to the ropes
Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez produced a near-flawless display to unpick Callum Smith and take the British fighter's WBA world super-middleweight title.
The Mexican, 30, shone in Texas as he all but froze Smith out over 12 rounds with calculated pressure, spiteful punching and evasive defensive work.
Smith, 30, struggled to land anything heavy and was told by his corner he had "one more round" after a torrid ninth.
He admirably fought on but lost 119-109 119-109 117-111 on the judges' cards.
Alvarez - who has only one defeat on his record from 57 fights - also picked up the vacant WBC world super-middleweight title, meaning he holds two of the four significant belts at 168lbs.
"I'm devastated. I came here to win," Smith told DAZN at the Alamodome in San Antonio. "No excuses, he was very good.
"It could have been a better version of me. He is smart and he is clever. He closes ground, sets traps and before you know it he's closed the ground up. I maybe let him close the ground up too easily."
'A bad beating'
Around 12,000 fans were allowed into the Alamodome and Alvarez used a Mexican Mariachi band during his ring walk
Smith's seven-inch height advantage had formed much of the foundation for those suggesting he could defy his underdog status.
But Alvarez refused to take a step back at any point. He shut down space patiently, remained compact, showed head movement and ultimately made himself difficult to hit.
When he was close enough, he jabbed smartly and loaded up with his trademark shots to the body.
At the end of the fifth, Smith's three older fighting brothers shouted "better" from ringside as he began to throw more but in the seventh, Alvarez - the youngest of seven fighting brothers - landed hard body shots on the counter and a fine uppercut.
A hard right hand sent Smith slumping into the ropes in the ninth and, with his nose bloodied, he replied to trainer Joe Gallagher that he was "fine" after it was made clear he would only get one more round.
Ominously, four-weight world champion Alvarez explained he knew he could take Smith's power "from the first round" and it was later revealed the Liverpool fighter may have torn a bicep early in the contest.
Alvarez simply presented a puzzle his opponent never looked like solving. By the 10th round, US broadcasters were calling the fight "a bad beating".
"This is one of the best nights I have had," said Alvarez, who added he would consider a third fight with Gennady Golovkin, who beat Kamil Szeremeta 24 hours earlier.
"One of the greatest nights. I will go for more. I want all the belts, it doesn't matter who has them. I don't run from anybody. I have fought against the best. I have shown the world I fight the best."
A hunger clearly remains
Alvarez now has two of the four world super-middleweight titles
Alvarez has now reeled off five wins since his six-month ban for failing drugs tests in 2018. His sole loss in 15 years was against Floyd Mayweather in 2013 but his current momentum and this well-rounded display underline why he is the sport's best-paid star.
A restricted crowd of about 12,000 may have impacted on his overall earnings in his first bout in 13 months but his quality is undeniable, his rivals look a class below, and crucially his hunger appears undiminished.
The iconic middleweight Marvin Hagler once said: "It's tough to get out of bed to do roadwork at 5am when you've been sleeping in silk pyjamas."
The sight of Alvarez walking round the fight hotel's bubble in designer pyjamas this week prompted questions as to how much more he could give.
His status, earning power and lifestyle are far removed from the life he knew on his family's farm as a child but there can be no doubt his grit and desire remain, and future rivals will need to find something special to stop him.
Smith can be proud of his own journey to face a man he once dreamed of fighting. Alvarez, though, was simply too good.
Class, tears and call-outs - what they said...
Alvarez now has a record of 54 wins, two draws and one defeat
Cutting a dejected figure in his corner, Smith said he would take time out and consider a move up to the 175lbs light-heavyweight division.
His sentiment led BBC 5 Live commentator Mike Costello to wonder if he was considering calling time on his career at the age of 30.
Britain's Billy Joe Saunders - who holds the WBO belt at super-middleweight - quickly tweeted to call on Alvarez to "get it on" in 2021 but for the most part, the boxing world was simply left praising the sport's biggest star.
Promoter Eddie Hearn confirmed Smith damaged his arm early on in his San Antonio defeat and revealed the fighter was "in tears" in the changing room.
"It was a masterclass from Canelo," Hearn told 5 Live.
"I just left Callum's changing room and everyone is talking about Alvarez. He's just so good. Callum never stopped throwing but he came up against the best fighter on the planet."
Former world champion George Groves told BBC Radio 5 Live: "Canelo bullied Smith, marched him down and used his punch power to control the entire fight."
And BBC Radio 5 Live boxing analyst Steve Bunce added: "That's what happens when you fight Canelo. You discover things about yourself you didn't know and things about him you didn't recognise before you got in the ring.
"Smith has been broken. Canelo took away his height, reach and confidence. That is class."


bbcuk--2020-12-20--Covid: Furlough companies list should be published, MPs urge

`` HM Treasury and HMRC should investigate whether more data within and outside of the tax system could be used @ @ @ @ @ excluded groups and write to the committee within six weeks to explain their findings , @ @ @ @ @

"HM Treasury and HMRC should investigate whether more data within and outside of the tax system could be used to determine eligibility for currently excluded groups and write to the committee within six weeks to explain their findings," the committee said.


bbcuk--2020-12-19--'I won't have next summer, let alone next Christmas'

`` I wish the announcement had been done earlier .
It 's going to affect a lot of people .
@ @ @ @ @ the lonely and the vulnerable - they are not going to see anyone this Christmas @ @ @ @ @ do for people 's mental health is another matter .

"I wish the announcement had been done earlier. It's going to affect a lot of people. It's going to affect the lonely and the vulnerable - they are not going to see anyone this Christmas. And what it will do for people's mental health is another matter.


bbcuk--2020-12-20--Covid-19: What do new tier four restrictions mean for elite and grassroots sport in England?

Last updated on .From the section Sport Prime Minister Boris Johnson has announced a new , tougher fourth tier of coronavirus restrictions for London and much of south-east England .
No - as was the case during the second national lockdown between 5 November and 2 December , exemptions have been made for elite athletes to continue to train and compete .
And professional sports will be allowed to continue behind closed doors .
Under the existing rules : in tier one , a maximum of 4,000 fans are allowed at outdoor events and up to 2,000 supporters will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tier three and four .
• None Which tier is your football club in ?
• None What is tier four and who is in it ?
What about non-elite and grassroots football ?
The Football Association says `` non-elite football '' is not permitted in tier four areas .
That includes : • None Steps three to six of the National League System ( all leagues in the system below the National League North and South ) • None Tiers three to seven of the women 's football pyramid ( all leagues @ @ @ @ @ @ @ • None Women 's FA Cup - classified as 'non-elite ' up to and including the third round What about other grassroots sport ?
Outdoor sports courts , outdoor gyms , golf courses , outdoor swimming pools , archery , driving and shooting ranges and riding centres will remain open for use individually , or with others from your household or support bubble , or with one person from another household .
Organised outdoor sport for disabled people will be allowed .
What about gyms and leisure centres ?
Leisure centres and indoor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tennis and basketball courts , indoor fitness and dance studios and indoor climbing walls must close .
Huw Edwards , chief executive of non-profit organisation UK Active , has said the new restrictions will cause `` further uncertainty '' for the future of gyms , pools and leisure centres and it is `` essential '' that restrictions are lifted when they are reviewed on 30 December because of the importance of the start of each year to the industry .
`` Failure to be open during this period , given the long periods @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bespoke sectoral support , would be devastating , '' he added .
• None Stream all the goals and highlights from Saturday 's Premier League action now

Last updated on .From the section Sport
'Tier 4 residents must stay at home' as PM announces tighter restrictions
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has announced a new, tougher fourth tier of coronavirus restrictions external-link for London and much of south-east England.
They started at 00:01 GMT on Sunday. This is what they mean for elite and grassroots sport.
Is elite sport affected?
No - as was the case during the second national lockdown between 5 November and 2 December, exemptions have been made for elite athletes to continue to train and compete.
And professional sports will be allowed to continue behind closed doors.
Under the existing rules: in tier one, a maximum of 4,000 fans are allowed at outdoor events and up to 2,000 supporters will be allowed in tier-two areas but none in tier three and four.
What about non-elite and grassroots football?
The Football Association says external-link "non-elite football" is not permitted in tier four areas. That includes:
Steps three to six of the National League System (all leagues in the system below the National League North and South)
Tiers three to seven of the women's football pyramid (all leagues in the pyramid below the Championship)
Regional National League System feeder leagues
Barclays FA WSL Academy League (unless under elite guidance)
Women's FA Cup - classified as 'non-elite' up to and including the third round
Indoor and outdoor adult grassroots football
What about other grassroots sport?
Outdoor sports courts, outdoor gyms, golf courses, outdoor swimming pools, archery, driving and shooting ranges and riding centres will remain open for use individually, or with others from your household or support bubble, or with one person from another household.
How about youth sport?
Organised outdoor sport for under-18s can continue.
And disability sport?
Organised outdoor sport for disabled people will be allowed.
What about gyms and leisure centres?
Leisure centres and indoor gyms, indoor swimming pools, indoor tennis and basketball courts, indoor fitness and dance studios and indoor climbing walls must close.
Huw Edwards, chief executive of non-profit organisation UK Active, has said the new restrictions will cause "further uncertainty" for the future of gyms, pools and leisure centres and it is "essential" that restrictions are lifted when they are reviewed on 30 December because of the importance of the start of each year to the industry.
"Failure to be open during this period, given the long periods of closure in 2020 and lack of bespoke sectoral support, would be devastating," he added.


bbcuk--2020-12-20--Covid-19: Hancock urges public to 'act like you have the virus'

Health Secretary Matt Hancock has urged people to `` act like you have the virus '' to lower coronavirus rates @ @ @ @ @ 's Andrew Marr Show , Mr Hancock urged the public to go further than the @ @ @ @ @ temptation '' .
He also described a `` very difficult '' few months ahead , @ @ @ @ @

Health Secretary Matt Hancock has urged people to "act like you have the virus" to lower coronavirus rates.
Speaking on the BBC's Andrew Marr Show, Mr Hancock urged the public to go further than the rules and to "resist temptation".
He also described a "very difficult" few months ahead, despite recent vaccination developments.


bbcuk--2020-12-20--Coronavirus at Christmas: Sadiq Khan says news a 'bitter blow' to families and business

London 's mayor has said the new coronavirus Christmas rules are a `` bitter blow '' for families and businesses @ @ @ @ @ `` 11th hour '' change .
Sadiq Khan told BBC Breakfast the `` chop change @ @ @ @ @ anguish and despair for Londoners .
However , he urged the public to follow the @ @ @ @ @ his criticism lies with the prime minister 's comments a few days ago that Christmas @ @ @

London's mayor has said the new coronavirus Christmas rules are a "bitter blow" for families and businesses - describing them as an "11th hour" change.
Sadiq Khan told BBC Breakfast the "chop change, stop-start" had caused anguish and despair for Londoners.
However, he urged the public to follow the government's rules, saying his criticism lies with the prime minister's comments a few days ago that Christmas could continue.


bbcuk--2020-12-20--The Papers: 'Christmas cancelled', and 'surging mutant virus'

It says `` millions of Brits will be rightly furious '' that their plans have been `` crushed '' - @ @ @ @ @ minister will never be forgiven if the science used to support the move turns out @ @ @ @ @ .


bbcuk--2020-12-20--Coronavirus: What are Scotland's level 4 restrictions?

From Boxing Day the whole of mainland Scotland will be in the country 's toughest tier of restrictions for at @ @ @ @ @ what can you do - and not do - in level four ?


bbcuk--2020-12-20--Christmas rules tightened for millions in GB

`` Boris said it would be inhuman to change Christmas plans so we were all set to go , '' @ @ @ @ @ 've run all of our food supplies down because we were going to be away @ @ @ @ @ 'll be lucky if we 're not eating pizza on Christmas Day . ''

If you are reading this page and can't see the form you will need to visit the mobile version of the BBC website to submit your question or comment or you can email us at HaveYourSay@bbc.co.uk. Please include your name, age and location with any submission.


bbcuk--2020-12-20--Covid in Wales: How many deaths have there been?

Those ONS figures - which are higher - also count both confirmed and suspected cases of Covid , as well @ @ @ @ @ , including care homes , hospices and people 's own homes .
The most recent @ @ @ @ @ since May .

If you would like to pay tribute to someone you have lost, please fill in the form below. We would like to respond to everyone individually and include all of your tributes in our coverage, but unfortunately that may not always be possible. Please be assured your message will be read and treated with the utmost respect, and your words and tributes will be used with your name and location where possible.


bbcuk--2020-12-21--Covid-19: Dover port halts traffic to France for 48 hours

It is thought to have mutated in a way to increase the ability of the virus to infect cells , @ @ @ @ @ to more deadly than other variants .

"The retailers will absolutely be assessing their inbound flows this morning and understanding whether or not those flows are on their way into the retail distribution centres around the country and I'm sure there will be further reassurance given today that those things are in control."


bbcuk--2020-12-20--Covid: Cases rise as Christmas rules come into force


bbcuk--2020-12-20--New coronavirus variant: What do we know?

The rapid spread of a new variant of coronavirus has been blamed for the introduction of strict tier four mixing rules for millions of people , harsher restrictions on mixing at Christmas in England , Scotland and Wales , and other countries placing the UK on a travel ban .
So how has it gone from being non-existent to the most common form of the virus in parts of England in a matter of months ?
The government 's advisers on new infections have `` moderate '' confidence that it is more able to transmit than other variants .
As @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all the time and it 's vital to keep a laser focus on whether the virus ' behaviour is changing .
Why is this variant causing concern ?
However , we do not have absolute certainty .
New strains can become more common simply by being in the right place at the right time - such as London , which had only tier two restrictions until recently .
`` Laboratory experiments are required , but do you want to wait weeks or months [ to see the results and take action to limit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ these circumstances , '' Prof Nick Loman , from the Covid-19 Genomics UK Consortium , told me .
How much faster is it spreading ?
It was first detected in September .
In November around a quarter of cases in London were the new variant .
This reached nearly two-thirds of cases in mid-December .
You can see how the variant has come to dominate the results of testing in some centres such as the Milton Keynes Lighthouse Laboratory .
Mathematicians have been running the numbers on the spread of different variants in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an edge this one might have .
The figure mentioned by Prime Minister Boris Johnson was that the variant may be up to 70 % more transmissible .
He said this may be increasing the R number - which indicates if an epidemic is growing or shrinking - by 0.4 .
During the talk he said : `` It is really too early to tell… but from what we see so far it is growing very quickly , it is growing faster than [ a previous variant ] ever grew , but it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this . ''
There is no `` nailed on '' figure for how much more infectious the variant may be .
Scientists , whose work is not yet public , have told me figures both much higher and much lower than 70 % .
`` The amount of evidence in the public domain is woefully inadequate to draw strong or firm opinions on whether the virus has truly increased transmission , '' said Prof Jonathan Ball , a virologist at the University of Nottingham .
How far has it spread ?
It is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ patient in the UK or has been imported from a country with a lower ability to monitor coronavirus mutations .
The variant can be found across the UK , except Northern Ireland , but it is heavily concentrated in London , the South East and eastern England .
Cases elsewhere in the country do not seem to have taken off .
Data from Nextstrain , which has been monitoring the genetic codes of the viral samples around the world , suggest cases in Denmark and Australia have come from the UK .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ similar variant that has emerged in South Africa shares some of the same mutations , but appears to be unrelated to this one .
Has this happened before ?
The virus that was first detected in Wuhan , China , is not the same one you will find in most corners of the world .
What do we know about the new mutations ?
There have been changes to the spike protein - this is the key the virus uses to unlock the doorway to our body 's cells .
This is where @ @ @ @ @ @ @ surface of our body 's cells .
Any changes that make it easier for the virus to get inside are likely to give it an edge .
Where has it come from ?
The most likely explanation is the variant has emerged in a patient with a weakened immune system that was unable to beat the virus .
Does it make the infection more deadly ?
There is no evidence to suggest that it does , although this will need to be monitored .
Will the vaccines work against the new variant ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ several different parts of the virus , so even though part of the spike has mutated , the vaccines should still work .
`` But if we let it add more mutations , then you start worrying , '' said Prof Gupta .
`` This virus is potentially on a pathway for vaccine escape , it has taken the first couple of steps towards that . ''
Vaccine escape happens when the virus changes so it dodges the full effect of the vaccine and continues to infect people .
This may be the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the virus .
This variant is just the latest to show the virus is continuing to adapt as it infects more and more of us .
A presentation by Prof David Robertson , from the University of Glasgow on Friday , concluded : `` The virus will probably be able to generate vaccine escape mutants . ''
That would put us in a position similar to flu , where the vaccines need to be regularly updated .
Fortunately the vaccines we have are very easy to tweak .

New coronavirus variant: What do we know? Published 20 December 2020
Image source, Getty Images
The rapid spread of a new variant of coronavirus has been blamed for the introduction of strict tier four mixing rules for millions of people, harsher restrictions on mixing at Christmas in England, Scotland and Wales, and other countries placing the UK on a travel ban.
So how has it gone from being non-existent to the most common form of the virus in parts of England in a matter of months?
The government's advisers on new infections now say they have "high" confidence that it is more able to transmit than other variants.
All the work is at an early stage, contains huge uncertainties and a long list of unanswered questions.
As I've written before, viruses mutate all the time and it's vital to keep a laser focus on whether the virus' behaviour is changing.
Why is this variant causing concern?
Three things are coming together that mean it is attracting attention:
It is rapidly replacing other versions of the virus
It has mutations that affect part of the virus likely to be important
Some of those mutations have already been shown in the lab to increase the ability of the virus to infect cells
All of these come together to build a case for a virus that can spread more easily.
However, we do not have absolute certainty. New strains can become more common simply by being in the right place at the right time - such as London, which had only tier two restrictions until recently.
But already the justification for tier four restrictions is in part to reduce the spread of the variant.
"Laboratory experiments are required, but do you want to wait weeks or months [to see the results and take action to limit the spread]? Probably not in these circumstances," Prof Nick Loman, from the Covid-19 Genomics UK Consortium, told me.
How much faster is it spreading?
It was first detected in September. In November around a quarter of cases in London were the new variant. This reached nearly two-thirds of cases in mid-December.
You can see how the variant has come to dominate the results of testing in some centres such as the Milton Keynes Lighthouse Laboratory.
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 Tony Cox 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 Tony Cox
Mathematicians have been running the numbers on the spread of different variants in an attempt to calculate how much of an edge this one might have.
But teasing apart what is due to people's behaviour and what is due to the virus is hard.
The figure mentioned by Prime Minister Boris Johnson was that the variant may be up to 70% more transmissible. He said this may be increasing the R number - which indicates if an epidemic is growing or shrinking - by 0.4.
That 70% number appeared in a presentation by Dr Erik Volz, from Imperial College London, on Friday.
During the talk he said: "It is really too early to tell… but from what we see so far it is growing very quickly, it is growing faster than [a previous variant] ever grew, but it is important to keep an eye on this."
There is no "nailed on" figure for how much more infectious the variant may be. Scientists, whose work is not yet public, have told me figures both much higher and much lower than 70%.
But there remain questions about whether it is any more infectious at all.
"The amount of evidence in the public domain is woefully inadequate to draw strong or firm opinions on whether the virus has truly increased transmission," said Prof Jonathan Ball, a virologist at the University of Nottingham.
How far has it spread?
It is thought the variant either emerged in a patient in the UK or has been imported from a country with a lower ability to monitor coronavirus mutations.
The variant can be found across the UK, except Northern Ireland, but it is heavily concentrated in London, the South East and eastern England. Cases elsewhere in the country do not seem to have taken off.
Data from Nextstrain, which has been monitoring the genetic codes of the viral samples around the world, suggest cases in Denmark and Australia have come from the UK. The Netherlands has also reported cases.
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A similar variant that has emerged in South Africa shares some of the same mutations, but appears to be unrelated to this one.
Has this happened before?
Yes.
The virus that was first detected in Wuhan, China, is not the same one you will find in most corners of the world.
The D614G mutation emerged in Europe in February and became the globally dominant form of the virus.
Another, called A222V, spread across Europe and was linked to people's summer holidays in Spain.
What do we know about the new mutations?
An initial analysis of the new variant has been published and identifies 17 potentially important alterations.
There have been changes to the spike protein - this is the key the virus uses to unlock the doorway to our body's cells.
One mutation called N501Y alters the most important part of the spike, known as the "receptor-binding domain".
This is where the spike makes first contact with the surface of our body's cells. Any changes that make it easier for the virus to get inside are likely to give it an edge.
"It looks and smells like an important adaptation," said Prof Loman.
The other mutation - a H69/V70 deletion, in which a small part of the spike is removed - has emerged several times before, including famously in infected mink.
Work by Prof Ravi Gupta at the University of Cambridge has suggested this mutation increases infectivity two-fold in lab experiments.
Studies by the same group suggest the deletion makes antibodies from the blood of survivors less effective at attacking the virus.
Prof Gupta told me: "It is rapidly increasing, that's what's worried government, we are worried, most scientists are worried."
Where has it come from?
The variant is unusually highly mutated.
The most likely explanation is the variant has emerged in a patient with a weakened immune system that was unable to beat the virus.
Instead their body became a breeding ground for the virus to mutate.
Does it make the infection more deadly?
There is no evidence to suggest that it does, although this will need to be monitored.
However, just increasing transmission would be enough to cause problems for hospitals.
If the new variant means more people are infected more quickly, that would in turn lead to more people needing hospital treatment.
Will the vaccines work against the new variant?
Almost certainly yes, or at least for now.
All three leading vaccines develop an immune response against the existing spike, which is why the question comes up.
Vaccines train the immune system to attack several different parts of the virus, so even though part of the spike has mutated, the vaccines should still work.
"But if we let it add more mutations, then you start worrying," said Prof Gupta.
"This virus is potentially on a pathway for vaccine escape, it has taken the first couple of steps towards that."
Vaccine escape happens when the virus changes so it dodges the full effect of the vaccine and continues to infect people.
This may be the most concerning element of what is happening with the virus.
This variant is just the latest to show the virus is continuing to adapt as it infects more and more of us.
A presentation by Prof David Robertson, from the University of Glasgow on Friday, concluded: "The virus will probably be able to generate vaccine escape mutants."
That would put us in a position similar to flu, where the vaccines need to be regularly updated. Fortunately the vaccines we have are very easy to tweak.


bbcuk--2020-12-21--Covid-19: Stormont Executive limits NI Christmas bubbles to one day

After restrictions were tightened in the rest of the UK , a statement from the first , deputy first and @ @ @ @ @ `` think seriously about their plans for Christmas , and to now consider limiting their @ @ @ @ @ only '' .

Irish Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan said the ban on travel from Britain to the Republic of Ireland was initially for 48 hours, but added he did not want to give anyone "false hope that there is likely to be any major change".


bbcuk--2020-12-20--Covid: Nations impose UK travel bans over new variant

In Ireland, which has significant passenger traffic with the UK at this time of year, the government announced that flights arriving from England, Wales and Scotland would be banned for 48 hours at least from midnight, and "in the interests of public health, people in Britain, regardless of nationality, should not travel to Ireland, by air or sea".


bbcuk--2020-12-20--Sir Keir Starmer promises to shift power from Westminster

`` It 's clear that only with the full powers of independence will we be able to properly protect our @ @ @ @ @ in Europe - and that decision lies solely with the people of Scotland , not @ @ @ @ @ '' she said .

He said the pandemic had put "rocket boosters" under the case for decentralisation of power, saying his party must "grasp the nettle and offer real devolution of power and resources" if it is to have any hope of preserving the future of the union.


bbcuk--2020-12-21--Covid-19: Lido 'astonished' by demand for cold water swimming

`` All my friends think I am crazy , but it was good , refreshing and awakening .
I will @ @ @ @ @ I slept really well and I do n't normally sleep well . ''

"All my friends think I am crazy, but it was good, refreshing and awakening. I will continue to go, as I slept really well and I don't normally sleep well."


bbcuk--2020-12-20--Rosalind Knight: Friday Night Dinner and Carry On actress dies aged 87

Knight 's family said in their statement : `` She was known to so many generations , for so many @ @ @ @ @ be missed as much by the kids today who howl at Horrible Grandma in Friday @ @ @ @ @ of us who are old enough to remember her in the very first Carry On @ @ @

Knight's family said in their statement: "She was known to so many generations, for so many different roles, and will be missed as much by the kids today who howl at Horrible Grandma in Friday Night Dinner as by those of us who are old enough to remember her in the very first Carry On films."


bbcuk--2020-12-20--Covid: Tui cancels flights out of Luton Airport

Virgin Atlantic , which operates out of London Heathrow , said : `` Where a customer is unable to travel @ @ @ @ @ offer as much choice and flexibility as possible to help them change or amend their @ @ @ @ @ change and two date change fees waived for a new travel date up until 31 @ @ @


bbcuk--2020-12-20--Covid: WHO in 'close contact' with UK over new virus variant

The World Health Organization ( WHO ) has said it is in `` close contact '' with UK officials over the emergence of a new variant of coronavirus .
The new variant is spreading more rapidly than the original version , but it is not believed to be more deadly .
Along with the UK , the same mutation of the Covid-19 virus has also been detected in the Netherlands , Denmark and Australia , the WHO told the BBC .
The Dutch move came after tests carried out on samples taken in the Netherlands earlier this month revealed the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reported in the UK .
Pending `` greater clarity '' on the situation in the UK , the Dutch government said that further `` risk of the new virus strain being introduced to the Netherlands should be minimised as much as possible '' .
The Dutch government also said it would work with other European Union member states in the coming days to `` explore the scope for further limiting the risk of the new strain of the virus being brought over from the UK '' .
Speaking to the BBC 's Andrew @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kerkhove said that specialists had been `` following mutations across the world since the beginning of the pandemic '' .
What do we know about the new variant ?
It said the UK was sharing information from ongoing studies into the mutation , and that the WHO would update member states and the public `` as we learn more about the characteristics of this virus variant [ and ] any implications '' .
Although there is `` considerable uncertainty '' , UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson said the new variant may be up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ old one .
He said , however , that there were `` really optimistic things if you look , once we get the vaccine out , assuming the vaccine works against this - which at the moment is the working assumption . ''
Officials say there is no current evidence to suggest the new variant causes a higher mortality rate or that it is affected any differently by vaccines and treatments .
The WHO 's senior emergency officer for Europe , Catherine Smallwood , said nine instances of the same variant as seen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Denmark , with one case in Australia and one in the Netherlands .
Mutations of the virus are frequently identified , the WHO 's Dr Van Kerkhove told the BBC , adding that it was important to understand `` what these variants do and how they behave '' .
What is happening around the world ?
In the UK , the planned relaxation of Covid rules to allow households to mix over the Christmas period has been scrapped for large parts of south-east England - affecting nearly 18 million people - and cut @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of England , Scotland and Wales .
Italy has ordered a nationwide lockdown over much of the Christmas and New Year period .
The country will be under `` red-zone '' restrictions over the public holidays , with non-essential shops , restaurants and bars closed , and Italians only allowed to travel for limited reasons .
The Netherlands and Germany have imposed lockdowns until January .
In Germany , Christmas will see a slight easing , with one household allowed to host up to four close family members .
France 's President Emmanuel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ condition after testing positive for coronavirus , his office said on Saturday .
He is still experiencing symptoms , such as coughing and fatigue , but they are not preventing him from working , it said .
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Covid: WHO in 'close contact' with UK over new virus variant Published 20 December 2020
Image source, Reuters Image caption, There is no current evidence to suggest that the new variant is affected any differently by vaccines
The World Health Organization (WHO) has said it is in "close contact" with UK officials over the emergence of a new variant of coronavirus.
The new variant is spreading more rapidly than the original version, but it is not believed to be more deadly.
Along with the UK, the same mutation of the Covid-19 virus has also been detected in the Netherlands, Denmark and Australia, the WHO told the BBC.
There is no evidence to suggest the new variant reacts differently to vaccines.
In the UK, large parts of south-east England, including London, are now under a new, stricter level of restrictions in a bid to curb the rapidly spreading virus.
On Sunday, European nations including Ireland, Germany, France, Italy, the Netherlands and Belgium all announced a halt to flights and travel from the UK. The measures vary and are initially generally short-term.
An EU meeting will be held on Monday morning to discuss a more co-ordinated response.
The Dutch move came after tests carried out on samples taken in the Netherlands earlier this month revealed the same new variant of coronavirus as that reported in the UK.
Pending "greater clarity" on the situation in the UK, the Dutch government said that further "risk of the new virus strain being introduced to the Netherlands should be minimised as much as possible".
The Dutch government also said it would work with other European Union member states in the coming days to "explore the scope for further limiting the risk of the new strain of the virus being brought over from the UK".
Speaking to the BBC's Andrew Marr programme, WHO epidemiologist Maria van Kerkhove said that specialists had been "following mutations across the world since the beginning of the pandemic".
What do we know about the new variant?
The WHO said that it was in contact with UK officials over the new variant.
It said the UK was sharing information from ongoing studies into the mutation, and that the WHO would update member states and the public "as we learn more about the characteristics of this virus variant [and] any implications".
Although there is "considerable uncertainty", UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson said the new variant may be up to 70% more transmissible than the old one.
England's chief medical officer, Prof Chris Whitty, said the development was "going to make things a lot worse".
He said, however, that there were "really optimistic things if you look, once we get the vaccine out, assuming the vaccine works against this - which at the moment is the working assumption."
Officials say there is no current evidence to suggest the new variant causes a higher mortality rate or that it is affected any differently by vaccines and treatments.
The WHO's senior emergency officer for Europe, Catherine Smallwood, said nine instances of the same variant as seen in the UK had been reported in Denmark, with one case in Australia and one in the Netherlands.
Several other countries had confirmed variants that "carry some of the genetic changes seen in the UK", Dr Smallwood added.
Mutations of the virus are frequently identified, the WHO's Dr Van Kerkhove told the BBC, adding that it was important to understand "what these variants do and how they behave".
What is happening around the world?
In the UK, the planned relaxation of Covid rules to allow households to mix over the Christmas period has been scrapped for large parts of south-east England - affecting nearly 18 million people - and cut to just Christmas Day for the rest of England, Scotland and Wales.
This video can not be played To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser. Media caption, "Tier 4 residents must stay at home" as PM announces tighter restrictions
Italy has ordered a nationwide lockdown over much of the Christmas and New Year period. The country will be under "red-zone" restrictions over the public holidays, with non-essential shops, restaurants and bars closed, and Italians only allowed to travel for limited reasons.
The Netherlands and Germany have imposed lockdowns until January. In Germany, Christmas will see a slight easing, with one household allowed to host up to four close family members.
Austria is set to enter its third lockdown after Christmas. From 26 December, non-essential shops will be shut and movement outside homes restricted.
Sweden has recommended wearing face masks on public transport during the rush hour, reversing its earlier guidance.
France's President Emmanuel Macron is in a "stable" condition after testing positive for coronavirus, his office said on Saturday. He is still experiencing symptoms, such as coughing and fatigue, but they are not preventing him from working, it said.
Image source, Reuters Image caption, Slovakia's Igor Matovic with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen earlier this month
Slovakia's Prime Minister Igor Matovic, who attended an EU summit with Mr Macron last week, said he had tested positive for coronavirus on Friday.
Several other European leaders who were also at the summit said they would self-isolate.
Australia's most populous state, New South Wales, has announced new restrictions on household gatherings and hospitality venues for the Greater Sydney area in an attempt to contain a growing outbreak there. Residents had already been told to stay at home.
In the US, the army general in charge of distributing Covid vaccines, Gen Gustave Perna, has admitted he failed over the initial number of Pfizer/BioNTech doses promised to states. More than a dozen states have expressed alarm at a cut in the expected number.
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bbcuk--2020-12-20--Leicester Cathedral carol concerts go ahead after Covid tests donated

Speaking after the first concert , she said it was `` very surreal and different ... but it felt completely @ @ @ @ @ as we started singing '' .

"I have been singing in the choir for eight years so I have not enjoyed not being able to sing for nine or 10 months," she added.


bbcuk--2020-12-20--Covid: 'We organised our wedding in two hours to beat tier 4'

`` It was a miracle that it just kind of came together .
It felt like a dream .
Some @ @ @ @ @ a wedding , but we did it in two hours . ''

"It was a miracle that it just kind of came together. It felt like a dream. Some people take years to plan a wedding, but we did it in two hours."


bbcuk--2020-12-20--Covid: What are the new tiers and lockdown rules in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland?

What are the new rules for Christmas ?
What are the Covid restrictions in England ?
Which parts of south-east @ @ @ @ @ four ?
What are the new restrictions in tier four ?
What are you allowed @ @ @ @ @ ?
How were the tiers decided ?
What are the rules in Wales ?
What @ @ @ @ @ Scotland ?

If you test positive for Covid you are no longer legally required to self-isolate, but you are advised to stay at home and avoid contact with others for at least five full days.


bbcuk--2020-12-21--Manchester shooting: 'Please help catch my husband's killer'

`` They 're so resilient but I know they miss him , '' Lola says .
`` He played a @ @ @ @ @ .
My youngest she just says , ' I want Daddy ' .
She says @ @ @ @ @ in the day .
My son has had a few panic attacks and he 's @ @ @ @ @ way . ''

"We were on our way to the hospital and then I got a call to say he had passed away," she says. "I think I passed out in the car because I could hear my mum saying, 'Are you OK?' and the phone had dropped on the chair.


bbcuk--2020-12-21--The Belgian 'hero' who invaded UK fishing waters

The British government had no desire to test in public the validity of the Bruges Charter and the legal power @ @ @ @ @ Kings and Queens in open court .
To Victor and to the fishing crews of @ @ @ @ @ admission that the fishing privileges granted by a grateful Crown around the time that Sir @ @ @ @ @ Paul 's Cathedral remained valid around the time the Beatles were beginning to top the @ @ @ @ @ the UK , it seems , cared to contradict him .

The British government had no desire to test in public the validity of the Bruges Charter and the legal power of personal decrees made by Kings and Queens in open court. To Victor and to the fishing crews of Bruges that was a tacit admission that the fishing privileges granted by a grateful Crown around the time that Sir Christopher Wren was designing St Paul's Cathedral remained valid around the time the Beatles were beginning to top the charts. And no-one in the UK, it seems, cared to contradict him.


bbcuk--2020-12-20--Sports Personality winners: Who won the awards in 2020?

Who were the winners at this year 's Sports Personality of the Year awards ?
Key achievement : Equalled Michael Schumacher 's record of seven world titles with his fourth consecutive championship in 2020 .
En route , Hamilton - who holds the record for most pole positions - surpassed the German 's total of 91 grand prix victories .
Key achievement : Won the 2019-20 Premier League title - their first in the top flight in 30 years .
Key achievement : Led Liverpool to the Premier League title - their first in the top flight for 30 years @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lightweight champion extended his perfect professional record to 29 wins with victory over Justin Gaethje in October - just months after the death of his father , coach and mentor Abdulmanap .
Considered by some to be the greatest MMA fighter of all time , he announced his retirement straight after victory .
Key achievement : The veteran raised more than £32m for the NHS by walking 100 laps of his garden before his 100th birthday .
Sgt Matt Ratana was posthumously named the Unsung Hero award winner .
The Met Police officer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He was nominated by East Grinstead Rugby Club , where he was head coach at the time of his death and where he was credited with leading a renaissance at the club .
Key achievement : Tobias , who has cerebral palsy and autism , raised more than £150,000 for charity by walking the equivalent of two marathons on his street despite being unable to stand or walk unaided .
Key achievement : Won a first senior British title in the women 's 10m platform at the British National Diving Championships , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ medal in the same event at the Fina Diving Grand Prix in Rostock , Germany in February .
Key achievement : Raised awareness of child food poverty in the UK with a campaign that resulted in about 1.3 million children in England being able to claim free school meal vouchers in the summer holidays .
Further campaigning saw a policy change in November with the government announcing more than £400m to support poor children and their families in England .

Who were the winners at this year's Sports Personality of the Year awards?
Sports Personality of the Year
Name: Lewis Hamilton
Age: 35
Sport: Formula 1
Key achievement: Equalled Michael Schumacher's record of seven world titles with his fourth consecutive championship in 2020. En route, Hamilton - who holds the record for most pole positions - surpassed the German's total of 91 grand prix victories.
Read more here
Team of the Year
Name: Liverpool FC
Key achievement: Won the 2019-20 Premier League title - their first in the top flight in 30 years.
Read more here
Coach of the Year
Name: Jurgen Klopp
Sport: Football
Key achievement: Led Liverpool to the Premier League title - their first in the top flight for 30 years.
Read more here
World Sport Star of the Year
Name: Khabib Nurmagomedov
Age: 32
Sport: MMA
Key achievement: The Russian UFC lightweight champion extended his perfect professional record to 29 wins with victory over Justin Gaethje in October - just months after the death of his father, coach and mentor Abdulmanap. Considered by some to be the greatest MMA fighter of all time, he announced his retirement straight after victory.
Read more here
Helen Rollason Award
Name: Captain Sir Tom Moore
Age: 100
Key achievement: The veteran raised more than £32m for the NHS by walking 100 laps of his garden before his 100th birthday.
Read more here
Unsung Hero
Name: Sgt Matt Ratana
Sgt Matt Ratana was posthumously named the Unsung Hero award winner. The Met Police officer was killed while on duty in September. He was nominated by East Grinstead Rugby Club, where he was head coach at the time of his death and where he was credited with leading a renaissance at the club.
Read more here
Young Unsung Hero
Name: Tobias Weller
Age: 9
Key achievement: Tobias, who has cerebral palsy and autism, raised more than £150,000 for charity by walking the equivalent of two marathons on his street despite being unable to stand or walk unaided.
Read more here
Young Sports Personality of the Year
Name: Andrea Spendolini-Sirieix
Age: 16
Sport: Diving
Key achievement: Won a first senior British title in the women's 10m platform at the British National Diving Championships, before winning her first solo international gold medal in the same event at the Fina Diving Grand Prix in Rostock, Germany in February.
Read more here
Expert Panel Special Award
Name: Marcus Rashford
Age: 23
Sport: Football
Key achievement: Raised awareness of child food poverty in the UK with a campaign that resulted in about 1.3 million children in England being able to claim free school meal vouchers in the summer holidays. Further campaigning saw a policy change in November with the government announcing more than £400m to support poor children and their families in England.
Read more here


bbcuk--2020-12-21--Covid: The black cab tour of London’s Christmas lights

When London went into lockdown , black taxi driver Dale Forwood , 54 , did n't have many customers .
@ @ @ @ @ she has been concerned about her livelihood , but managed to keep working with her @ @ @ @ @ driver .
This December she has started doing Christmas light tours of the capital .

When London went into lockdown, black taxi driver Dale Forwood, 54, didn't have many customers.
Like many cab drivers, she has been concerned about her livelihood, but managed to keep working with her vehicle as a supermarket delivery driver.
This December she has started doing Christmas light tours of the capital.
Video by Jamie Moreland


bbcuk--2020-12-21--Covid: Horrible Histories drive-in Christmas panto 'weird but wonderful'

Thousands of families who thought they would have to miss out on a traditional festival pantomime due to coronavirus restrictions @ @ @ @ @ , they can '' watch one after all .
The Horrible Histories drive-in Christmas production @ @ @ @ @ with the performance beamed from a huge screen to an audience of about 300 cars @ @ @ @ @ are encouraged to participate in the onstage antics by honking their horns , flashing their @ @ @ @ @ wipers .
Actor Neal Foster said that when he walked on to the stage at @ @ @ @ @ it felt `` weird but wonderful '' to be performing to an audience of vehicles @ @ @ @ @ executive of Coalition Agency which put on the tour , said Christmas pantomimes were `` @ @ @ @ @ '' .
`` It 's so great to be able to keep that tradition going @ @ @ @ @ in a slightly different format , '' he said .
Follow BBC East Midlands on @ @ @ @ @ Instagram .
Send your story ideas to eastmidsnews @ bbc.co.uk .

Thousands of families who thought they would have to miss out on a traditional festive pantomime due to coronavirus restrictions have discovered "oh yes, they can" watch one after all.
The Horrible Histories drive-in Christmas production is touring the country, with the performance beamed from a huge screen to an audience of about 300 cars at each show.
Families are encouraged to participate in the onstage antics by honking their horns, flashing their lights and turning on their wipers.
Actor Neal Foster said that when he walked on to the stage at Newark Showground in Nottinghamshire, it felt "weird but wonderful" to be performing to an audience of vehicles.
Guy Robinson, chief executive of Coalition Agency which put on the tour, said Christmas pantomimes were "such a massive English tradition".
"It's so great to be able to keep that tradition going, even if it's in a slightly different format," he said.
Video journalist: Alex Thorp
Follow BBC East Midlands on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. Send your story ideas to eastmidsnews@bbc.co.uk.


bbcuk--2020-12-21--The surprising science behind guide dog puppies

Caitlin was partnered with her guide dog Honey last year .
She says the retriever-black labrador cross has given her @ @ @ @ @ allowed her to socialise more often .
But where do guide dog puppies in the @ @ @ @ @ BBC followed Caitlin as she went to the Guide Dog National Breeding Centre , thought @ @ @ @ @ dog breeding programme in the world , to find out more .
This film was @ @ @ @ @ Figures relating to guide dog numbers in the breeding programme relate to pre-coronavirus pandemic levels @

Caitlin was partnered with her guide dog Honey last year. She says the retriever-black labrador cross has given her more confidence, independence and allowed her to socialise more often.
But where do guide dog puppies in the UK come from?
The BBC followed Caitlin as she went to the Guide Dog National Breeding Centre, thought to be the largest assistance dog breeding programme in the world, to find out more.
This film was recorded in February 2020.
Figures relating to guide dog numbers in the breeding programme relate to pre-coronavirus pandemic levels.
Filmed by: Ammar Ebrahim
Filmed, directed and edited by: James Wooldridge
Graphics by: Gerard Groves
Executive Producer: Beth Rose
Commissioning Editor: Damon Rose


bbcuk--2020-12-20--Coronavirus tier 4 restrictions: Aerial footage shows queues and empty streets

Aerial footage filmed on the first day of new restrictions in England shows queues , full car parks and quiet @ @ @ @ @ had their Christmas plans disrupted after tier four was announced for London and parts of @ @ @ @ @ Saturday .
The government changed the plans in an effort to stop the spread of @ @ @ @ @

Aerial footage filmed on the first day of new restrictions in England shows queues, full car parks and quiet streets.
Millions of people had their Christmas plans disrupted after tier four was announced for London and parts of east and south-east England on Saturday.
The government changed the plans in an effort to stop the spread of a new coronavirus variant.


bbcuk--2020-12-20--The Papers: Europe bans UK travel, and 'out of control' virus

© 2020 BBC .
The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites .
Read about our approach @ @ @ @

A government source is quoted in the Mail as saying another nationwide lockdown is not out of the question because of people leaving London and the South East and spreading the mutation to other parts of the country.


bbcuk--2020-12-20--Covid-19: St Pancras crowds 'totally irresponsible'

However one passenger , who did not wish to be named , said she and her partner had made the @ @ @ @ @ take their young son to her parents ' home on the coast .

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bbcuk--2020-12-20--Covid in Scotland: Businesses warn they need 'extraordinary' support

`` So imagine you have an R number right now of 0.9 - you think you are doing well , @ @ @ @ @ is transmitting to fewer than one other person , you are on the right path @ @ @ @ @ dominant strain and your R number overnight goes to 1.3 and you get exponential growth @ @ @ @ @ trouble . ''

"So imagine you have an R number right now of 0.9 - you think you are doing well, numbers are falling, everybody is transmitting to fewer than one other person, you are on the right path, then you get this dominant strain and your R number overnight goes to 1.3 and you get exponential growth and you are in big trouble."


bbcuk--2020-12-20--Covid-19: Stormont Executive meeting over new coronavirus variant

The DUP 's position is that anyone living in the most affected areas have been placed under Tier 4 restrictions @ @ @ @ @ to travel anyway under those rules .

Dr Waldron said: "I think the important thing to remember about new strains of the virus is that all viruses will produce new strains from time to time, it's part of the evolutionary process of the virus.


bbcuk--2020-12-21--Covid: Policing Christmas rule-breakers in Wales 'difficult'

`` Suddenly it 's a police officer who will have no choice but to deal with those people in the @ @ @ @ @ that will inevitably involve them putting themselves at risk of being assaulted or being attacked @ @

"Suddenly it's a police officer who will have no choice but to deal with those people in the most appropriate way, and that will inevitably involve them putting themselves at risk of being assaulted or being attacked."


bbcuk--2020-12-20--Armed police respond to Swindon town centre gun alert

`` As this took place in the middle of the day , in a busy part of Swindon , I @ @ @ @ @ anyone who may have seen or heard anything suspicious to contact us . ''

"As this took place in the middle of the day, in a busy part of Swindon, I would like to appeal to anyone who may have seen or heard anything suspicious to contact us."


bbcuk--2020-12-21--Covid-19: UK isolation grows as more countries ban travel

If you are reading this page and ca n't see the form you will need to visit the mobile version @ @ @ @ @ submit your question or comment or you can email us at HaveYourSay @ bbc.co.uk .
@ @ @ @ @ age and location with any submission .

On Monday morning, Mr Shapps said the situation in Kent was "not too disrupted" saying "it's mostly European and French hauliers getting caught up in this" and that about 20% of the overall 32,000 units of freight shipped today were affected by the restrictions.


bbcuk--2020-12-21--Covid: Flights shut down as EU discusses UK virus threat

All of these come together to build a case for a virus that can spread more easily .
However , @ @ @ @ @ certainty .
New strains can become more common simply by being in the right place @ @ @ @ @ such as London .

Covid: Flights shut down as EU discusses UK virus threat Published 21 December 2020
Image source, PA Media Image caption, Numerous countries have introduced travel bans amid concerns over the new coronavirus variant
EU officials are discussing a joint response to a new, more infectious Covid-19 variant in the UK, which has sparked travel bans by many countries.
Canada and India joined European states in blocking flights from the UK while Europe-bound train services via the Channel Tunnel have been halted.
The new variant is said to be up to 70% more transmissible, but there is no evidence that it is more deadly.
There is also no proof to suggest that it reacts differently to vaccines.
Two meetings are taking place in Brussels on Monday - one involving health ministers and another with the EU's crisis response team. But no decision is expected until Tuesday, when EU ambassadors meet.
A French official told the BBC's Gavin Lee that they were desperate to reopen the borders "as soon as safely possible", with one option discussed being the requirement that UK travellers - including lorry drivers - prove they have had a recent negative Covid-19 test.
This video can not be played To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser. Media caption, Boris Johnson: "British supermarkets say supply chain is strong and robust".
UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson said he had an "excellent" conversation with French President Emmanuel Macron and was keen to find a solution "in a few hours".
"I want to stress we in the UK fully understand our friends' anxieties about the new variant. But it's also true that the risks of transmission sitting alone in the cab is very low. So we hope to make progress," he said.
UK Health Secretary Matt Hancock earlier said the new variant was "out of control", while Denmark, Italy and the Netherlands announced they had already detected it.
Following the discovery of case in Denmark, neighbouring Sweden banned all foreign travellers from there.
Also on Monday, the EU's medicines regulator approved the Pfizer-BioNTech coronavirus vaccine for use in all 27 member states.
The vaccine is already being administered in the UK and in the US, and some European countries plan to begin administering doses from 27 December.
Which countries have acted and how?
France suspended all travel links, including freight lorries, with the UK for 48 hours from midnight (23:00 GMT) on Sunday. Thousands of lorries move between the countries every day.
Eurotunnel said it would suspend access to its Folkestone terminal for traffic heading to Calais. People booked to travel on Monday can get a refund. Trains will still run from Calais to Folkestone.
The ferry terminal at Dover is now closed for all accompanied traffic leaving the UK until further notice because of the French restrictions. UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson chaired a meeting of the emergency committee Cobra to discuss the issue on Monday.
Other countries took different action in response to the new virus variant:
Germany, Poland, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Austria, Bulgaria, Romania , Malta, Croatia, Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia all suspended flights from the UK
, and all suspended flights from the UK One of the most popular holiday destinations for UK citizens, Spain , also suspended flights
, also suspended flights Italy blocked all flights from the UK until 6 January, while the Netherlands banned all passenger flights from the UK until 1 January "at the latest". Ferry passengers are also barred from arriving in the Netherlands from the UK, although freight can continue
blocked all flights from the UK until 6 January, while the banned all passenger flights from the UK until 1 January "at the latest". Ferry passengers are also barred from arriving in the Netherlands from the UK, although freight can continue Belgium halted flights and trains from the UK until the end of Tuesday
halted flights and trains from the UK until the end of Tuesday Greece extended its quarantine period for travellers from the UK from three days to seven
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, Outbound train services through the Channel Tunnel - including the Eurostar - have been halted
In the Republic of Ireland, flights arriving from Britain are banned for 48 hours at least from midnight on Sunday and people have been asked not to "travel to Ireland, by air or sea". Ferry crossings for freight will continue
This video can not be played To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser. Media caption, Can you become immune to coronavirus?
Turkey has temporarily banned all flights from the UK, as have Norway and Switzerland
has temporarily banned all flights from the UK, as have and Canada has suspended entry of all passenger flights from the UK for 72 hours, effective from midnight (05:00 GMT). Passengers who arrived in Canada from the UK on Sunday would be "subject to secondary screening and enhanced measures, including increased scrutiny of quarantine plans", it said.
has suspended entry of all passenger flights from the UK for 72 hours, effective from midnight (05:00 GMT). Passengers who arrived in Canada from the UK on Sunday would be "subject to secondary screening and enhanced measures, including increased scrutiny of quarantine plans", it said. Russia is suspending flights from the UK for one week
is suspending flights from the UK for one week India is suspending flights from the UK from 23:59 (18:29 GMT) on Tuesday until 31 December
is suspending flights from the UK from 23:59 (18:29 GMT) on Tuesday until 31 December Hong Kong, Israel , Iran, Croatia, Morocco and Kuwait brought in restrictions on UK travel
, and brought in restrictions on UK travel In Latin America, Argentina , Chile , Colombia , Ecuador , El Salvador and Peru all banned flights from the UK
, , , , and all banned flights from the UK Saudi Arabia, Oman and Kuwait went even further, closing their borders completely for a week
What do we know about the new variant?
The new variant was first detected in September. In November it made up around a quarter of cases in London. This reached nearly two-thirds of cases in mid-December.
Three things are coming together that mean it is attracting attention:
It is rapidly replacing other versions of the virus
It has mutations that affect part of the virus likely to be important
Some of those mutations have already been shown in the lab to increase the ability of the virus to infect cells
All of these come together to build a case for a virus that can spread more easily. However, we do not have absolute certainty. New strains can become more common simply by being in the right place at the right time - such as London.
This variant is unusually highly mutated. The most likely explanation is it emerged in a patient with a weakened immune system that was unable to beat the virus.
There is no evidence yet to suggest the variant makes the infection more deadly, and at least for now the developed vaccines will almost certainly work against it.
However, if the virus changes so it dodges the full effect of the vaccine, then "vaccine escape" happens, and this may be the most concerning element.
You may also find interesting
This video can not be played To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser. Media caption, BBC Middle East correspondent Yolande Knell joins rehearsals for the festive processions that are still going ahead in Bethlehem
How are the new restrictions affecting you? Share your experiences by emailing haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk.
Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a BBC journalist. You can also get in touch in the following ways:


bbcuk--2020-12-21--Supermarkets try to calm food shortage fears amid border chaos

`` The retailers will absolutely be assessing their inbound flows this morning and understanding whether or not those flows are @ @ @ @ @ retail distribution centres around the country and I 'm sure there will be further reassurance @ @ @ @ @ are in control . ''

"Guess what? If they want to go to the toilet, they've got to dig a hole at the side of the road. It's 2020, that's so undignified. If it wasn't for the fact they have self-sufficient cabs - microwaves, coffee machines - they'd have nothing."