bbcuk--2020-09-08--British Airways passengers 'stunned' over cash refunds stand-off

British Airways passengers have told the BBC that they have been refused cash refunds for cancelled flights .
Gordon and Margaret Minto accepted vouchers instead after their flights to the United States were cancelled , the airline says .
`` We were stunned ... we looked at each other and said , 'we have n't asked for a voucher ' .
We have n't received one either '' , says Margaret .
BA said it will `` always provide a refund if a customer is eligible '' .
But the Mintos from South Shields are among many holidaymakers who have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ airline after their flights were cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic .
The airline maintains they accepted vouchers , while they all say they never wanted vouchers at all .
Under EU law , when a flight is cancelled passengers are entitled to their money back within seven days .
Airlines are still free to offer them the chance to rebook or to take vouchers , which can be used on different flights in future , if that is what a customer prefers .
The Mintos had spent £4,748 on five tickets for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Newcastle via London to Dallas and Las Vegas .
They say they always wanted a cash refund but communicating that wish to British Airways was difficult .
The airline used to offer an online facility where people could request money back for cancelled flights .
It called it `` the quickest way '' to get a refund .
But when Covid-19 struck and thousands of flights were being cancelled , that option was removed from the company 's website .
BA says it was because its system was not set up to deal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ passengers who wanted refunds were asked to ring the company instead .
The problem was many passengers then struggled to get through on the phone lines too .
The Mintos gave up and emailed BA asking for their money back .
They got a reply saying , as far as the airline was concerned , they had accepted vouchers already and could not exchange them for cash .
All the more puzzling , according to Margaret , was the response they got from a BA staff member when they did manage to get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said , ' I 'm sorry I can not find anything on the system which shows that you 've accepted a voucher and I am going to go to a superior and ring you back in three days ' .
That was the last we heard from them and that was two and a half weeks ago , '' she says .
When the BBC contacted British Airways , the airline insisted Mr and Mrs Minto had filled out a voucher request form as there is `` no way '' in which its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Yet other British Airways customers who were after cash refunds for cancelled flights are also claiming vouchers were automatically issued to them .
`` I did n't complete a form asking for a voucher and , to the best of my knowledge , I did n't click anything asking for a voucher , '' says Terry Lloyd from Barnet in North London .
`` In the end it seemed to me the only sensible option was to say to the customer services , 'well show me the form which you alleged I completed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will not send it to me .
I can only assume it 's because it does n't exist .
I 'm totally disenchanted with them .
It is a pathetic piece of obfuscation on their part . ''
Other customers say they filled out voucher application forms by mistake after logging into their accounts looking for ways to get their money back .
At one stage the BA website displayed two buttons , one labelled `` change booking '' and the other labelled `` cancel booking '' with a message underneath which said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for any changes and we offer a refund if you cancel your booking '' .
People who clicked `` cancel booking '' hoping for a refund were actually taken to an application form for vouchers .
It had `` Future Travel Voucher Application Form '' written in large letters at the top and a box to tick at the bottom acknowledging acceptance of vouchers , but several people seem to have missed that .
David Hunter from Sutton in Surrey says he got `` suckered in '' by the previous page which promised @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thinking that was what he was getting .
He only realised his error after pressing submit and , within the hour , managed to get through to British Airways on the telephone .
`` British Airways said 'no , that 's it , that is what you selected that 's what you 're getting , '' he says , meaning he 's stuck with a voucher for his £768 return flights to Seychelles .
David Travers , a barrister specialising in trading standards and consumer protection law , believes the fact that a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` rather suggest '' that the British Airways website was misleading .
`` There is something unattractive , people might think , about a large commercial concern playing 'gotcha ' with a customer - if you read that more carefully you would have realised what we were doing .
`` That is something the courts and the legislation have taken some trouble to treat with a degree of caution because of the inequality of the position between the consumer and the business , '' he says .
BA says the voucher process is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ why part of its website appeared to offer a refund but took people to a voucher application form instead .
The regulator , the Civil Aviation Authority , says if consumers feel misled then they should open a complaint about their experience , first with the airline and then , if they are not satisfied with the response , they can seek redress via the approved alternative dispute resolution service , which in the case of British Airways is the Centre for Effective Dispute Resolution ( CEDR ) .
`` We will always @ @ @ @ @ @ @ eligible and we 're offering flexibility if any of our customers need to change their flights , '' British Airways said in a statement .
`` Since March we have provided more than 1.67 million customers with cash refunds and more than 1.3 million with vouchers to fly with us that they can use right up until April 2022 '' .
You & Yours is on air every weekday from 12:18 on BBC Radio 4

"In the end it seemed to me the only sensible option was to say to the customer services, 'well show me the form which you alleged I completed'. Despite repeated requests, they will not send it to me. I can only assume it's because it doesn't exist. I'm totally disenchanted with them. It is a pathetic piece of obfuscation on their part."


bbcuk--2020-09-09--Coronavirus: Man with chronic asthma 'forced' to wear mask on plane

A man with serious breathing issues says he was `` ambushed '' into wearing a face covering on a plane .
EasyJet has apologised after one of its pilots was filmed threatening to remove the passenger from the flight .
The man was carrying an exemption card - but it was rejected by the crew on his journey from Jersey to Gatwick .
Face coverings on UK public transport are mandatory but some people are allowed not to wear them , due to age , health or disability reasons .
Wearing a face covering is `` strongly recommended '' on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ groups are allowed not to wear them , including those with breathing difficulties .
The BBC has also been told of cases where people with lung conditions have been turned away from shops and other types of public transport because they were unable to wear a mask .
Charities say exemptions must be respected by companies and understood by the public .
Nick says he ca n't wear anything around his face or neck because he has chronic asthma .
`` Whether it 's a polo neck or a scarf round your face @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just find it increasingly difficult to breathe , '' he says .
`` It 's like a steel belt round my chest . ''
Research suggests face coverings can help reduce the spread of coronavirus , particularly indoors where physical distancing is difficult .
The Department for Transport for England says those who are exempt can choose to carry a card , badge or a homemade sign .
However , providing documentation is a personal choice and not necessary in law .
Nick had printed off an official exemption card from the government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Jersey to see his family in August .
The card was accepted on the flight out , but on the return journey the crew said it was not valid and he would have to wear a mask .
Nick refused .
He says : `` The staff came to speak to me around six times .
The 30-minute delay was seen as my fault and each visit whipped up more hostility among the passengers .
`` I was insulted , shouted at , laughed at .
It felt like everybody was against @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so desperate he started filming on his phone .
Footage shows the pilot refusing to accept his exemption card and saying if Nick did n't put on a mask , he `` was off '' .
Nick eventually agreed , but says it caused him to hyperventilate during the hour-long flight .
`` I would do anything to avoid wearing anything that restricts my breathing .
That 's more terrifying than being insulted by 100 passengers , but eventually I felt like I had no choice . ''
Shaken by the `` storm @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from other passengers , Nick requested partial anonymity when speaking to the BBC .
EasyJet says all customers are required to wear a face covering but acknowledges some passengers may not be able to .
A statement from the airline said : `` We have recently updated our policies in line with recent UK government guidance so that as well as a medical certificate , customers can alternatively provide a relevant document from a government website or lanyard .
`` We are sorry that this new policy was not recognised by the crew @ @ @ @ @ @ @ described Nick 's behaviour `` disruptive '' , but a passenger , who did not want to be named , said he behaved `` calmly '' in a `` stressful situation '' .
`` No-one seemed to care about his condition .
The staff should have taken him away from the other passengers to have the conversation in private , '' he tells the BBC .
With masks now a part of daily life , the challenge for many is striking a balance between safety procedures and protecting vulnerable people .
Asthma UK @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's story a distressing case , but says there are others like him .
`` The government is really clear there are exemptions from wearing a mask , '' explains policy manager , Sarah MacFadyen .
`` The vast majority of people with lung conditions are fine wearing a mask , but for a small number it is impossible for them to breathe .
That 's why these exemptions are in place , so they can still go out and live their lives . ''
• THE R NUMBER : What it means @ @ @ @ @ @ @ What tests are available ?
• LOOK-UP TOOL : How many cases in your area ?
• LOCAL LOCKDOWNS : What happens if you have one ?
• SOCIAL LIFE : Is it safe to go to the pub ?

"The vast majority of people with lung conditions are fine wearing a mask, but for a small number it is impossible for them to breathe. That's why these exemptions are in place, so they can still go out and live their lives."


bbcuk--2020-09-08--Brexit: Ministers to unveil law on policing UK trade

Details of the UK government 's plans for policing trade between different parts of the country from next year are set to be published on Wednesday .
The Internal Market Bill will set out how powers currently held by the EU will be shared out after the post-Brexit transition period ends .
But it has promoted a row over elements which could allow minsters to modify the UK 's exit agreement .
It comes as the talks over a trade deal with the EU continue in London .
The permanent secretary to the Government Legal Department , Sir Jonathan Jones @ @ @ @ @ @ @ light of the bill .
Sir Jonathan , the government 's most senior lawyer , is understood to believe it went too far in breaching the government 's obligations under international law .
And speaking in the Commons on Tuesday , Northern Ireland Secretary Brandon Lewis admitted the bill would break international law in a `` very specific and limited way '' .
The Scottish Government , meanwhile , has said it will not consent to the law , arguing it undermines devolution .
• What do I need to know about Brexit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Wales and Northern Ireland handed powers in areas such as air quality and building efficiency currently regulated at EU level .
It will also set up a new body - the Office for the Internal Market - to make sure standards adopted in different parts of the UK do not undermine cross-border trade .
The new body will be able to issue non-binding recommendations to the UK Parliament and devolved administrations when clashes emerge .
However , plans to hand UK ministers extra powers to ensure the application of customs and trade @ @ @ @ @ @ @ row over the UK 's legal obligations in its exit deal .
Under the UK 's withdrawal agreement , Northern Ireland is due to stay part of the EU 's single market for goods in a bid to avoid creating a hard border with the Irish Republic .
In parallel with talks over a post-Brexit trade deal , the UK and EU are negotiating the precise nature of new customs checks that will be required .
On Tuesday , Mr Lewis , the Northern Ireland secretary , told MPs it would allow ministers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ defined circumstances '' if border negotiations broke down .
He conceded this would break international law in a `` very specific and limited way '' - but insisted it was a `` safety net '' in case the talks to iron out arrangements fail .
The government says it remains fully committed to the withdrawal agreement , and the bill is a necessary step to avoid a legal void if these talks fail .
However Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer condemned the bill and accused Downing Street of `` reopening old arguments that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ PM Theresa May warned the legislation could damage `` trust '' in the UK over future trade deals with other states .
The bill has also prompted a fresh row with the Scottish Government , which has accused the UK government of a power grab .
Scottish Constitution Secretary Michael Russell said ministers would find it `` impossible '' to recommend the Scottish Parliament gives its consent to the bill .
He added the bill `` undermines devolution and the Scottish Parliament , and which , by the UK government 's own admission @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
He added the `` shabby blueprint '' for policing cross-border UK trade would `` open the door to a race to the bottom '' on food and environmental standards .
Scottish Secretary Alister Jack said the new legislation was about `` respecting and strengthening devolution '' by providing certainty to business .
`` Without this legislation there would be a serious risk to our jobs and businesses , '' he added .
The bill has also been attacked by the Welsh Brexit minister , Labour 's Jeremy Miles , who accused @ @ @ @ @ @ @ devolved administrations '' .
`` This bill is an attack on democracy and an affront to the people of Wales , Scotland and Northern Ireland , '' he added .

The former minister, who did not want to be named, told the BBC: "I cannot allow anyone to get away with saying the government is doing this to protect the peace process. This does the precise opposite.


bbcuk--2020-09-09--Child obesity action 'risks losing its way'

Government efforts to fight child obesity risk getting lost in reorganisations and delays , a report warns .
The National Audit office says 20 years of targets and policies have had limited success and new initiatives may fall short too .
It points to a lack of urgency and coordination , while the child obesity problem worsens in parts of the UK .
Britain has one of the highest child obesity rates in Western Europe .
A fifth of 10- to 11-year-olds are obese , according to latest figures for England .
Obese children are much more likely to become @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Children from deprived areas or ethnic minorities are far more likely to be obese - and the problem is escalating .
But few interventions in the child obesity programme specifically address this , the NAO report says .
Although the Department of Health and Social Care is responsible for setting and overseeing obesity policy in England , the cross-government nature of the child obesity programme means many projects are outside of its control .
• Child obesity : Will we see radical action ?
In 2016 , the government published the first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the child obesity rate over the next decade , through measures such as a sugar tax on fizzy drinks .
A second chapter was published in 2018 , promising to reduce the gap in obesity between children from the most and least deprived areas by 2030 .
In July 2020 - amid growing evidence of a link between obesity and an increased risk from coronavirus - the prime minister set out the next steps , which include : • a ban unhealthy `` buy one , get one free '' deals But a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mooted in 2018 , has not gone ahead .
And other policies , including the sugar tax on fizzy drinks , have not been fully evaluated to see what impact they have actually had , the NAO says .
Without assessing the success or failure of past strategies , the government will struggle to prioritise actions or apply lessons to its new approach with confidence of success , the report warns .
Although there has been some progress in reducing sugar levels in popular foods , government will not meet its ambition to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in certain products by 2020 , the report says .
There is also limited awareness and co-ordination across departments of wider factors and activities that may affect childhood obesity rates , such as sponsorship of sporting events by the food industry .
NAO head Gareth Davies said while the new strategy announced in July signalled `` a greater intention '' to tackle obesity , the government must now act with urgency .
A Department of Health and Social Care official said : `` We are determined to tackle obesity across all ages and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cutting sugar from half of drinks on sale , funding exercise programmes in schools and working with councils to tackle child obesity locally .
`` We are also taking bold action through our new and ambitious obesity strategy ... to help families make healthy choices . ''
But Dr Layla McCay , from the NHS Confederation , said it appeared the government had not learned from the failures of past efforts .
`` This is such an important moment for effective action but it risks becoming lost amidst reorganisation and delays , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when obesity is in the spotlight for putting people with Covid-19 at greater risk of needing hospital admission or intensive care , it has never been clearer that an effective approach is needed . ''
The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health said money must follow commitments .
`` As ever , the communities that need these services most are those that have faced the most severe funding cuts , '' it added .

A Department of Health and Social Care official said: "We are determined to tackle obesity across all ages and we have already taken significant action - cutting sugar from half of drinks on sale, funding exercise programmes in schools and working with councils to tackle child obesity locally.


bbcuk--2020-09-09--'Festival of Brexit' can play 'powerful role' in healing UK, organiser says

The organisers of a £120m national festival to be staged in 2022 have put out a call for creative minds to come up with `` daring , new and popular '' ideas to bring the UK together after Brexit .
The event , dubbed the Festival of Brexit when it was announced by then-prime minister Theresa May in 2018 , now has the working title Festival UK 2022 .
Chief creative officer Martin Green is looking for `` big ideas '' that can help heal the divisions surrounding the UK 's departure from the EU , and showcase British creativity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 10 - physical or virtual , happening anywhere and anyhow - to form the festival .
They could be staged by people in the worlds of science , technology , engineering , the arts , maths , or a combination .
`` This project was conceived to happen after our exit from the EU and acknowledges that we have been going through , and are going through , a divisive time , '' Mr Green tells BBC News .
`` Creativity has always proven itself brilliant at finding more of what we have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
So the idea that projects can bring people together is a really timely one . ''
Asked whether such an event can realistically heal divisions that have come to the fore in recent years as a result of political processes , Mr Green replies : `` I would say that I imagine it has a powerful role to play . ''
Mr Green was the head of ceremonies at the London 2012 Olympic Games and director of Hull 's year as UK City of Culture in 2017 .
Both went down as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , examples of the unifying power of creativity , be that for a country or a city .
He also cites the acclaimed World War One centenary events masterminded by artists like Jeremy Deller and Danny Boyle .
None of those projects were overtly political .
`` And neither is this , '' Mr Green says .
`` Creativity , creative acts and big projects can sit to the side , above and below 'Politics with a big P. ' '' He adds : `` Remember , coming together and bringing people together @ @ @ @ @ @ @ think and believe the same thing .
It 's about understanding each other and appreciating each other 's differences and commonalities . ''
When she announced the festival two years ago , Mrs May said she wanted it to `` celebrate our nation 's diversity and talent , and mark this moment of national renewal with a once-in-a-generation celebration '' .
Opponents questioned whether it was a moment that merited celebration .
Nevertheless , Mr Green believes creativity is `` the best asset we have in finding ways forward and understanding the world @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reluctant to narrow down what the Festival UK 2022 might look like .
Although it was inspired by the Great Exhibition at Crystal Palace in 1851 and the Festival of Britain on London 's South Bank in 1951 , it will not be a single event at a single venue .
`` A project might last a day or a year , '' Mr Green explains .
`` It may be one big act or 10 million tiny acts .
`` Obviously we 've got significant funding in place so we can be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ words are - we want the projects to be open , original and optimistic .
And they can be live , they can be digital , but we expect them probably to be both . ''
Beyond that , potential participants have a blank slate .
`` We 've said that we want the project to be a showcase of our creativity , we want projects to be big and popular , and engage millions of people , and work right across the UK . ''
The pitching process is deliberately not restricted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it as an open call , we make sure that it 's not just the usual suspects , '' Mr Green says .
`` We 're insisting that new talent is platformed , that there 's greater representation in the teams .
`` So while we fully expect to be working with some of our greatest institutions and creatives , we 're also making sure that it 's an opportunity to surface new talent . ''
They do n't have very long to come up with their big ideas , though .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weeks away , on 16 October .
After that , 30 teams will each be given £100,000 to develop their plans before the final 10 are chosen .
The call for submissions comes as the UK and EU enter the crunch period to agree a trade deal before the end of the Brexit transition period on 31 December .
In recent months , there have been calls for the festival 's £120m budget to be diverted to support arts organisations that are on their knees because of the coronavirus pandemic .
Mr Green @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pledged £1.57bn in emergency funding , and that the festival will help some such organisations .
`` While there is sustainability money needed , there is bailout money needed , there 's also a dignity of work issue here , '' he says .
`` All creatives want to do is make work .
That 's why we 've made sure we get going very quickly .
Within a suite of strategies to support creative industries , this is one part . ''
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"Obviously we've got significant funding in place so we can be big and bold. The three key words are - we want the projects to be open, original and optimistic. And they can be live, they can be digital, but we expect them probably to be both."


bbcuk--2020-09-08--Coronavirus: Government apologises over tests shortage

A director of the government 's test and trace programme in England has issued a `` heartfelt '' apology for problems with the coronavirus testing system .
In a tweet , Sarah-Jane Marsh explained it was the laboratories , not the testing sites themselves , that were the `` critical pinch-point '' .
This comes as scientists have sounded the alarm about rising coronavirus cases .
A new Lighthouse lab is due to open in Loughborough in about a fortnight .
Health Secretary Matt Hancock said there had been a `` a problem with a couple of contracts '' which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be `` sorted in the short term '' .
But he said he had `` already put in certain solutions '' to make sure people did n't have to travel more than 75 miles for a test .
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said the testing programme was `` on the verge of collapse '' .
• How do I get a coronavirus test ?
Ms Marsh works as a deputy to Dido Harding , heading up the `` test '' element of the test and trace scheme .
The programme aims to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ once confirmed , track down their contacts and tell them to isolate , in order to contain the virus .
Some people with symptoms have struggled to access testing in recent days , raising concerns these efforts will be hampered .
`` All of our testing sites have capacity , which is why they do n't look overcrowded , '' Ms Marsh explained .
Instead , appointments were restricted because of a blockage in processing capacity in the labs .
Carly in Manchester was left `` angry and disappointed '' after she tried @ @ @ @ @ @ @ son , who had a fever and a cough .
`` I tried 30 or 40 times before I was able to get through and then I was told there were no appointments .
`` At every point I was told everywhere 's rammed to capacity . ''
But when she did manage to get a space at a testing centre at Manchester airport , she says there was `` absolutely no-one there '' .
Some found the option of applying for a home kit was unavailable , only to be offered a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from their home .
Rachel from Cardiff was directed to Dundee , more than 300 miles away , when she tried to apply for a test for her two sons , who had developed bad colds including symptoms she feared could be coronavirus .
She was n't given the option of a home test .
Gavin on the Isle of Lewis in Scotland was directed more than 450 miles away to Portadown in Northern Ireland .
Speaking to the BBC , Sir Keir described `` heart-breaking stories '' from people who have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the website `` crashing '' or have been `` told to go miles and miles to get a test '' .
`` Nobody could argue that that 's good governance , '' he said .
He also said the prime minister had to `` take responsibility '' for problems with the system and encouraged him to `` get on '' with holding a press conference on coronavirus .
But the Department of Health and Social Care insisted that NHS Test and Trace was `` working '' - with capacity the `` highest it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more than a million tests a week .
A spokeswoman said there was `` significant demand '' for tests but new slots and home testing kits were `` made available daily '' .
`` We are targeting testing capacity at the areas that need it most , including those where there is an outbreak , as well as prioritising at-risk groups - and we recently announced new laboratory facilities and new technology to process results even faster , '' she said .
Last week , the BBC revealed the government was reducing the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the country in order to make enough available where there were outbreaks .
Following this , Mr Hancock pledged that no-one would have to drive more than 75 miles for a test from Friday 4 September .
He told the BBC there had been `` operational challenges '' .
In Parliament on Tuesday , he said : `` I appreciate that 75 miles is far longer than you 'd want to go and the vast majority of tests are much closer than that . ''
There have been suggestions some of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Scotland reopening , causing additional demand for tests .
This could worsen as term has started for children across the UK .
Ms Marsh went on to tweet that additional labs were to due to open `` imminently '' , alongside an expansion of non-laboratory based tests such as the two rapid test kits that were rolled out in hospitals from the beginning of August .
In a 28 August letter to Mr Hancock seen by the BBC , chairs of the South East 's strategic co-ordinating groups , responsible for responding to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as `` short sighted and flawed '' .
The group of chairs representing the South East , the most populous region in the UK , said they understood that testing sites were facing `` increasing demand and that laboratory capability has been matched to the areas of current high levels of prevalence '' .
The South East is currently an area of relatively low prevalence .
But they said this would `` impede '' their view of infection rates in their communities and result in a `` lack of forewarning when infections rise @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for `` clear , honest , ongoing communication '' on the current state and prioritisation of testing capability .

"We are targeting testing capacity at the areas that need it most, including those where there is an outbreak, as well as prioritising at-risk groups - and we recently announced new laboratory facilities and new technology to process results even faster," she said.


bbcuk--2020-09-08--Manchester Arena Inquiry: One paramedic at scene for 40 minutes after blast

Only one paramedic was at the scene of the Manchester Arena bombing for the first 40 minutes after the explosion , an inquiry into the attack was told .
The inquiry also heard how John Atkinson , who was killed in the bombing , was only evacuated from the scene 46 minutes after the blast on a makeshift stretcher to a triage area nearby .
He remained there for another 24 minutes but chest compressions were only started on him one hour and 15 minutes after he was first injured in the blast .
He said BTP had `` primacy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ proximity of Victoria Station and the inquiry must consider whether that affected preparedness for any terror attack .
`` There is a legitimate question about whether it was appropriate that BTP , who specialise in the railways , should take the lead , '' he added .
Following the blast , BTP declared a major incident at 22:39 but they did not communicate this to GMP and there was no attempt to integrate communications at the arena .
He took a taxi to Manchester but `` by the time he arrived the need @ @ @ @ @ @ @ passed '' .
The second day of the hearing was told there had been multi-agency exercises rehearsing for a terror attack , including one in 2016 for an incident at the Trafford Centre .
`` An important issue for the inquiry to investigate will be how that came to pass and whether it made any difference , '' Mr Greaney added .
`` The inquiry process must not be used to vilify those who did their best on the night but made mistakes and could have done better , '' he added .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Saunders will make a report and recommendations once all the evidence has been heard , which is expected to take up to six months .

"The inquiry process must not be used to vilify those who did their best on the night but made mistakes and could have done better," he added.


bbcuk--2020-09-08--Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe 'to face new charge and trial in Iran'

Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe , the British-Iranian woman jailed in Iran , has been told she has to face another trial .
The charity worker is nearing the end of her five-year sentence for spying charges , which she has always denied .
Iranian state media said she was brought before a revolutionary court in the country 's capital Tehran on Tuesday morning .
The Foreign Office said the new charge , which has not been made public , was `` indefensible and unacceptable '' .
Mrs Zaghari-Ratcliffe was arrested in April 2016 while travelling to visit her parents with her young @ @ @ @ @ @ @ national was sentenced to five years in prison over allegations of plotting to overthrow the Iranian government , which she denies .
• What is the Zaghari-Ratcliffe case about ?
Earlier this year , she was given temporary leave from prison because of the coronavirus outbreak and has been living at her parents ' house with an ankle tag .
Before her arrest , Mrs Zaghari-Ratcliffe lived in London with her husband Richard .
Her MP , Tulip Siddiq , said she had spoken to Mrs Zaghari-Ratcliffe .
`` I 've been in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that she was taken to court this morning and told she will face another trial on Sunday , '' she said .
`` I know many people are concerned about her welfare and I 'll keep everyone updated when we have more information .
`` This is an extremely worrying development , and I know many people are concerned about Nazanin 's welfare . ''
The MP added : `` The last four years have been excruciating for her husband Richard and her daughter Gabriella , who is growing up without a mother @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Nazanin 's imprisonment as arbitrary and unlawful , and any further court case is clearly unacceptable . ''
Mr Ratcliffe has previously expressed fears that she could face a second court case when her sentence ends .
He said she and other dual nationals are being held hostage because Iran wants the UK to pay a decades-old debt over an arms deal that was never fulfilled .
The human rights group , Amnesty International , said it appeared Iranian authorities were `` playing cruel political games with Nazanin '' .
`` Nazanin has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unfair trial , and there should be no question of her being put through that ordeal again , '' the charity 's UK director Kate Allen said .
`` As a matter of absolute urgency the UK government should make fresh representations on Nazanin 's behalf , seeking to have any suggestion of a second trial removed . ''
The Foreign Office said in a statement : `` Iran bringing new charges against Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe is indefensible and unacceptable .
We have been consistently clear that she must not be returned to prison @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tweeted : `` Nazanin has already served most of her sentence for a crime she did n't commit .
`` This is hostage diplomacy and Iran needs to know that Britain will not stand for it . ''
Mrs Zaghari-Ratcliffe 's family and the UK government have always maintained her innocence and she has been given diplomatic protection by the Foreign Office - meaning the case is treated as a formal , legal dispute between Britain and Iran .

Her MP, Tulip Siddiq, said she had spoken to Mrs Zaghari-Ratcliffe. "I've been in touch with Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe and can confirm that she was taken to court this morning and told she will face another trial on Sunday," she said.


bbcuk--2020-09-09--Coronavirus: Five reasons why rise in cases is not all it seems

Officials are clearly alarmed by the latest rise in coronavirus cases .
Newly diagnosed cases have topped 2,000 for the past three days .
The average rate of new infections is now four times higher than it was in mid-July .
But is the rise in cases quite as sharp as it looks ?
Here are five things to consider before hitting the panic button .
The confirmed cases chart is one we have all got used to .
It shows the number of positive Covid-19 tests a day .
In April , there were days when 6,000 new cases @ @ @ @ @ @ @ level of infections in the past few days appears to be almost halfway towards that peak .
But at the start of the pandemic , the UK was only largely able to test hospital patients .
There was limited testing capacity .
This targeted testing meant infections in the community were completely missed , whereas now we have mass testing in the community .
It means if we compare numbers now to numbers during the peak , we are essentially comparing apples with pears .
Estimates from the London School of Hygiene and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as many as 100,000 cases a day at the end of March .
Mass testing in the community only started in the second half of May .
Clearly not all cases are now being picked up , although the surveillance programme run by the Office for National Statistics suggests a large proportion are , whereas earlier in the pandemic maybe only 5 % of cases were being detected .
So while cases may be rising , the level of infection being seen is still very low compared with the peak .
Even after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of tests carried out on a daily and weekly basis has still been increasing .
This is because more testing centres have opened and lab capacity to process the tests has increased .
It means we are able to look more closely for virus circulating in the community than we were when mass testing first started .
If you look at the trend solely in terms of positive cases , the pattern looks like this : So cases are spiking , right ?
But we have to factor in that big increase in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ % rise since mid-June .
When you adjust for the numbers of tests carried out and calculate the percentage of positive tests , the trend looks more like this : The rise seems to be smaller , slower and to have happened more recently .
• How do I get a coronavirus test ?
• Cases are rising , what should I do ?
• What is the R number and how is it calculated ?
The increase in testing capacity means the government now has a flexible army of testing facilities .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ units can be dispatched around the country .
And despite the current problems with lab capacity , which have meant some people in some places have struggled to get a test , resources are still being focused on areas with the highest rates .
Random testing in neighbourhoods has also started in hotspot areas , with people offered tests even if they do n't have symptoms .
By looking in areas with highest rates of infection , you are more likely to get positive tests .
It is telling that over the past @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new cases were in the 20 local authority areas with the highest rates .
They represent just 5 % of total local authorities .
As cases have risen in recent weeks , there has n't been a corresponding rise in hospital admissions .
One theory is that more testing is uncovering a larger number of mild cases which do n't need treatment .
Another is that more of the cases are among younger people , who are less likely to become very ill. Public Health England data shows people in the 20-39 age @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than any other age group , and at higher rates than they were earlier in the pandemic .
What 's harder to say is why that is .
It could be behavioural or demographic - that younger people are more likely to have to go out to work , have public facing jobs , live in shared housing and go out to socialise .
But it could also be a function of how eligibility for testing has expanded .
Younger age groups are much less likely to get seriously sick with coronavirus , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have found themselves in hospital where they would have been tested .

The confirmed cases chart is one we have all got used to. It shows the number of positive Covid-19 tests a day. In April, there were days when 6,000 new cases a day were recorded, so the level of infections in the past few days appears to be some way towards that peak.


bbcuk--2020-09-08--Coronavirus: Bolton restrictions tightened and apology over testing issues

Here are five things you need to know about the coronavirus outbreak this Tuesday evening .
We 'll have another update for you tomorrow morning .
Tighter coronavirus restrictions have been introduced in Bolton , in Greater Manchester , including only allowing takeaways and curtailing nightlife , after a rise in cases .
The new rules will require all hospitality venues to close between 22:00 BST and 05:00 each day .
Health Secretary Matt Hancock said the town - which had already been under tighter rules - had `` the highest case rate in the country '' .
A director @ @ @ @ @ @ @ programme in England has apologised after some people with coronavirus symptoms said they could n't access the testing system .
Sarah-Jane Marsh , who leads the `` test '' part of the scheme , said it was the laboratories , not the testing sites themselves , that were the `` critical pinch-point '' .
It comes as scientists voiced concern over the UK 's rising number of cases .
3 .
Arts at 'point of no return' Composer and theatre impresario Andrew Lloyd Webber has said the arts are at the `` point @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the coronavirus pandemic .
Most theatres , including those in London 's West End , are yet to reopen .
Speaking to MPs , Lord Lloyd Webber said the sector needed to get going again , warning that it would be economically `` impossible '' to run theatres with social distancing .
4 .
New cases in all Scottish mainland areas New coronavirus cases have been reported in every mainland health board area in Scotland in the past 24 hours .
There have been 176 positive tests across the country since Monday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Clyde - where visiting restrictions are in force .
The latest figures include the deaths of three more people who tested positive for the virus - the highest number since 30 June .
A four-year-old boy who spent seven weeks in hospital with his father while undergoing cancer treatment during lockdown has now started school .
Oliver Stephenson could not see his mum or brother during chemotherapy at Leeds General Infirmary , but has since started in the reception class at a school in West Yorkshire .
His mum Laura said he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to school .
Get a longer coronavirus briefing from the BBC in your inbox , each weekday morning , by signing up here .
Find more information , advice and guides on our coronavirus page .
Plus , anxiety is one of the most common mental health problems and dramatic changes in all our lives during the past six months have increased struggles for many .
Our health reporter explains the symptoms and the steps you can take to tackle it .
What questions do you have about coronavirus ?
In some cases @ @ @ @ @ @ @ displaying your name , age and location as you provide it , unless you state otherwise .
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Use this form to ask your question : • THE NAKED SCIENTISTS : Where did COVID-19 come from ?
• THE SECRET LIFE OF TEACHERS : What 's it like returning to classrooms amid a global pandemic ?

A director of No 10's test and trace programme in England has apologised after some people with coronavirus symptoms said they couldn't access the testing system. Sarah-Jane Marsh, who leads the "test" part of the scheme, said it was the laboratories, not the testing sites themselves, that were the "critical pinch-point". It comes as scientists voiced concern over the UK's rising number of cases.


bbcuk--2020-09-08--Coronavirus: 'Rush' for tests amid Caerphilly lockdown

There are fears of a shortage of coronavirus tests as people rush to get symptoms checked in Caerphilly county , GPs have said .
The county is being placed in lockdown from 18:00 BST on Tuesday , following a spike in cases .
The British Medical Association ( BMA ) said the queues at the pop-up test centre in the town were `` horrific '' .
Health Minister Vaughan Gething said testing had picked up the levels of community transmission .
But he acknowledged a UK-wide testing programme was facing challenges in coping with demand .
Chief executive of Caerphilly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to only get tested if they were showing symptoms .
• What does the lockdown mean for Caerphilly ?
Dr David Bailey , chairman of the British Medical Association ( BMA ) in Wales and a GP in Caerphilly , said : `` The queues at the pop-up centre in Caerphilly yesterday were horrific , although we understand people were all getting tested .
`` The capacity seems to be struggling across the UK , and people being sent across the country is hardly helpful with keeping people local and staying socially distanced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new cases in the past week - 98 - than anywhere else in Wales and more than the area has seen since the end of April .
Community testing started in the county at the weekend , a total of 450 people were tested and 19 were positive for Covid-19 .
In Bridgend county , people spoke of trying to book a test at a drive-through centre or a mobile unit via a UK online system , but being told their nearest available slot was at Bristol Airport , more than 60 miles @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , said he was unable to get a test for his two sons after they developed a cough .
`` My partner took them down to the testing site at the leisure centre , but there was a three-hour queue .
That was at 8am .
`` She was told to go up to the new centre up in Penallta .
She made her way up there , and there were already hundreds of cars .
`` She was waiting in the queue and she was told at that point that if she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they could n't be tested - how are you going to have ID for children with you ? ''
Shehzad Malik , from Cardiff , also had problems while trying to get a test for his parents .
He said his mother was advised to get a test by her GP after developing a chest infection , but after hours of struggling with the system , was offered a test more than an hour 's drive west of Cardiff .
He said : `` Yesterday I tried several times to book a drive-through @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to no avail .
`` Once I had found the correct link I filled in the relevant information and each time I tried submitting the information online the page would not load to offer me a test .
`` I kept trying online to get an appointment , almost every half hour from 2pm to 10pm , and the site kept crashing .
`` Eventually , at about 22:15 , I was able to upload all the information and was offered a Covid test in Carmarthen , 55 miles from my home in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spoke of patients being sent miles to get tested after being concerned about symptoms , including shortness of breath , persistent coughs , and high temperatures .
Dr Huw Gwilym , who was on call at the Waunfawr surgery , said : `` There are examples of patients in Waunfawr being offered tests in Telford [ 125 miles ] , Oswestry [ 67 miles ] and Aberystwyth [ 70 miles ] , '' he said .
`` We are very concerned about the situation because it is unfair to ask people with Covid-19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ self-isolate , to travel for hours by car to get a test .
We did n't expect such problems months into the pandemic . ''
Dr Eilir Hughes , a GP in Nefyn , Gwynedd , said he was concerned people were being `` put off '' going to get tested due to being asked to travel miles from their homes .
`` There are several reports that people are being offered a test in Manchester [ 125 miles ] or Aberystwyth [ 75 miles ] whilst they live here on the Llŷn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The truth is the nearest TTP testing centre is Llandudno [ 55 miles ] which in itself is too far .
People then request home tests and they are told they 've ran out of stock .
Mr Gething said there were `` challenges '' about the way the UK-wide Lighthouse testing labs were running `` and its ability to cope with demand '' .
In the most recent week for which figures are available 9,904 tests were processed in NHS Wales labs , while 26,067 were sent to Lighthouse labs .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ my team have been raising through official levels .
And I 'm hoping to speak to other health ministers across the UK within the next day or two if possible - we sought a meeting today with colleagues in Northern Ireland as well - to be able to run through what is actually happening .
`` None of us want to see people being asked to travel large distances which for some people wo n't be possible . ''
Mr Gething said mobile testing in Caerphilly had seen a large number of people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` to pick up the levels of community transmission from people outside the clusters we 've already been able to identify '' , he said .
A spokesman added : `` We have raised this issue with the UK government , which runs the Lighthouse Lab testing system and we expect these issues to be resolved quickly to ensure people in Wales who have suspected coronavirus symptoms can receive a test as close to home as possible .
`` We have recently announced £32m to increase capacity to process tests at laboratories in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ labs to 24-hour operation and six new 'hot labs ' at hospitals across Wales .
This investment will increase our testing resilience ahead of the winter . ''

He said: "These are issues that my team have been raising through official levels. And I'm hoping to speak to other health ministers across the UK within the next day or two if possible - we sought a meeting today with colleagues in Northern Ireland as well - to be able to run through what is actually happening.


bbcuk--2020-09-08--UK travel restrictions: Are Greece or Portugal on the quarantine list?

It marks the introduction of `` regional travel corridors '' - where different quarantine rules may apply to the mainland and islands of the same country , if their coronavirus rates are very different .
It comes after the UK nations were split over their travel quarantine policies , with Wales and Scotland imposing restrictions on Greece and Portugal last week .
Which countries are now on the quarantine list ?
How is the quarantine list decided ?
The decision is usually made when 20 or more people out of every 100,000 in a country , or island , are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ factors are also considered .
These include : Distinctions will only be made between islands and the mainland , as it is too difficult to distinguish between inland regions , and people could travel too easily between them .
To this effect , seven Greek islands where coronavirus rates pose `` a significant risk to UK public health '' will go on England 's quarantine list from the early hours of 9 September .
But travellers entering from the rest of Greece will not face restrictions .
Why were there different decisions on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Scotland and Wales decided to apply quarantine measures to all or parts of Greece after a number of cases of the virus were traced back to travellers from there .
But England and Northern Ireland did not apply quarantine restrictions to travellers from Greece and Portugal , although England is now bringing in restrictions for some Greek islands .
Although Portugal has breached the cases threshold , the transport minister said the country been doing more testing , and the percentage of those testing positive had fallen from 1.8 % to 1.6 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ exclude countries for doing the right thing and carrying out a lot of tests , '' he told the BBC .
Where can I go without quarantining when I get back ?
What about restrictions at my destination ?

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


bbcuk--2020-09-08--Student finance: 'It's tough to find money for the bills'

Student Ellen Walsh had two part-time jobs before lockdown and was bringing in £1,200 a month to help pay for her living costs at university .
Then , suddenly , that income dropped to nothing when the coronavirus outbreak struck .
`` It has been very tough trying to find money for the bills I had to pay , as well as the equipment I needed to buy to try to finish my degree work at home , '' said Ellen , who is studying popular music performance .
`` I could get payment holidays but needed some kind of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what I lost . ''
She has since managed to get her weekend work back at a skate park , but not her supervisor role at a collection of rehearsal rooms .
Going into her third year at Solent University in Southampton , she will be travelling home to Bournemouth every weekend for the job , which she admitted was not ideal for her studies .
She said that many of her student friends were also `` looking for part-time work wherever you can get it '' .
Their financial concerns , amplified @ @ @ @ @ @ @ laid bare in a survey of more than 3,000 people studying and usually living away from home .
The National Student Money Survey , by website Save the Student , found that part-time work was a vital source of income for 74 % of those students asked , which as the same proportion as maintenance loans and slightly higher than those asking for contributions from parents .
Jake Butler , Save the Student 's money expert , said : `` Students are heavily reliant on the income from part-time jobs and parental support @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of income are at risk , as I fear they could be for many due to the pandemic , more students may feel like they have no choice but to look at last resorts to make money .
`` We could be heading towards a rocky end to the first semester and I would encourage students to prepare . ''
That could include investigating the option of scholarships , grants and bursaries , although the survey suggested only 39 % of those asked were aware of the range of student funding options .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ a student at St Andrews studying international relations , is paying £525 a month for a room in a shared house .
`` Our house has been empty since March .
I would have stayed at home , and cancelled my rental contract .
I actually tried to negotiate with my landlord in June because of the uncertainty and the landlord was completely inflexible , '' she said .
Students have become slightly better at managing their money in comparison with previous years , according to the survey .
However , parents still @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cash , it suggested .
Others , unable to ask parents to contribute more , eventually decided they had no other option but to drop out .
Some 18 % of those who dropped out did so as a result of money worries , although this was dwarfed by the 55 % who did so owing to mental health concerns .

Jake Butler, Save the Student's money expert, said: "Students are heavily reliant on the income from part-time jobs and parental support to get by. If these sources of income are at risk, as I fear they could be for many due to the pandemic, more students may feel like they have no choice but to look at last resorts to make money.


bbcuk--2020-09-08--Traveller families: 'We just want to live on the land we legally own'

`` If there was a certain part of the town where you had Asian people and I was Asian and @ @ @ @ @ want to live this side of the town ' and they said , 'No you @ @ @ @ @ that side of town because that 's where all the ones that are your colour @ @ @ @ @ not fair is it ? ''
Gemma says .
`` It 's racism at the @ @ @ @ @ '' She studied journalism in Sheffield and was the first in her family to go @ @ @ @ @ is telling the stories of the people and communities behind the headlines , exploring issues @ @ @ @ @ She has a great love for cups of tea , jerk chicken , chips and @ @ @ @ @

"If there was a certain part of the town where you had Asian people and I was Asian and I said, 'Well I want to live this side of the town' and they said, 'No you've got to go on that side of town because that's where all the ones that are your colour are' - that's not fair is it?" Gemma says. "It's racism at the end of the day."


bbcuk--2020-09-08--Brexit: What is the Northern Ireland protocol and why is it needed?

Under an arrangement known as the Northern Ireland protocol , goods will not need to be checked along the Irish @ @ @ @ @ relationship begins , on 1 January .
So how does it work ?
Why is @ @ @ @ @ ?
What about goods coming from the rest of the UK ?
What about goods @ @ @ @ @ ?
Will the Northern Ireland protocol still be needed if there 's a UK-EU trade @ @ @ @ @ the Northern Ireland protocol is n't ready by 1 January ?
`` If it looks @ @ @ @ @ applying EU law to the EU 's satisfaction , it could impose a fine on @ @ @ @ @ to the European Court of Justice '' , she says .
How is the Northern @ @ @ @ @ backstop plan ?

The process would not be overseen by the European Court of Justice (ECJ), but it would still have a final say on whether Northern Ireland is following certain EU rules (known as single market rules).


bbcuk--2020-09-08--When banks step in to save fraud victims

Victims , including some aged over 100 , have been targeted by fraudsters before banks stepped in to prevent big losses .
Workers are trained to spot cases , quiz customers and contact police during requests in branches for withdrawals that raise suspicions of a scam .
Banking trade body UK Finance said £19m was saved in the first half of the year and 100 arrests were made .
Coronavirus lockdown has raised fears that some people new to internet banking have become hidden victims .
• Romance scams , the Yahoo boys and my friend Beth Known officially as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prevented victims from losing £116m of fraud and led to 744 arrests since it was introduced three years ago by the industry , trading standards and police forces .
Those targeted by fraudsters are typically aged over 65 .
Some have been persuaded that they should take out a large sum of cash and hand it over to fraudsters posing as couriers .
In one case , Maureen , from Southampton , received two calls in June from criminals claiming to be from the `` fraud squad '' .
The 74-year-old was told @ @ @ @ @ @ @ allow them to trace her stolen money .
The transaction was stopped by counter staff .
In a more recent case in August , a potential victim wanted to send money to `` a friend '' on an oil rig who did not have access to the internet , and then would pay the money back later .
She was initially unconvinced that the story was a lie but police officers were called and the transaction was stopped .
Romance frauds - a particular concern during the loneliness of lockdown - have also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dating profiles to trick victims into transferring money .
Katy Worobec , managing director of economic crime at UK Finance , said : `` It is sickening that criminals are preying on elderly and vulnerable victims during this difficult time .
`` Bank branch staff on the front line are doing a heroic job in stopping these cruel scams and helping bring those responsible to justice . ''
Cases have dropped slightly compared with the first half of 2019 , owing to many branches being closed during lockdown .
This raised fears that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first time may be left vulnerable to scams .
The banking industry is now working with police in a bid to expand the scheme to telephone and online banking .
Officers could visit the homes of vulnerable victims who attempted to make a payment via online or telephone banking that has been highlighted as potentially part of a scam .

Those targeted by fraudsters are typically aged over 65. Some have been persuaded that they should take out a large sum of cash and hand it over to fraudsters posing as couriers.


bbcuk--2020-09-08--Bedfordshire The Pool Guy videos a TikTok splash hit

The mesmerising process of watching outdoor pools being vacuumed and cleaned has become a TikTok hit .
Miles , 30 @ @ @ @ @ Guy , has racked up millions of views on the mobile video social media app @ @ @ @ @ The Bedfordshire-based pool and hot tub engineer feels his videos , which are no longer @ @ @ @ @ `` quite unique '' to the platform with the most satisfying watch `` the hoovering @ @ @ @ @ said .

The mesmerising process of watching outdoor pools being vacuumed and cleaned has become a TikTok hit.
Miles, 30, known as The Pool Guy, has racked up millions of views on the mobile video social media app for his cleaning videos.
The Bedfordshire-based pool and hot tub engineer feels his videos, which are no longer that 60 seconds, are "quite unique" to the platform with the most satisfying watch "the hoovering of pools," he said.
"It's pretty crazy."


bbcuk--2020-09-08--Brexit: Lewis on breaking laws over Northern Ireland plans

Government legislation on customs rules for Northern Ireland do “ break international law in a very specific and limited way @ @ @ @ @ the House of Commons .
He was asked by Conservative Sir Bob Neill if the @ @ @ @ @ might breach international obligations ” .
The Northern Ireland secretary said there was a “ @ @ @ @ @ to “ consider their obligations if circumstances change ” .
He said the clauses would @ @ @ @ @ delivering on our commitments ” for Northern Ireland residents .

Government legislation on customs rules for Northern Ireland do “break international law in a very specific and limited way”, Brandon Lewis tells the House of Commons.
He was asked by Conservative Sir Bob Neill if the proposals did or “potentially might breach international obligations”.
The Northern Ireland secretary said there was a “clear precedents” for countries to “consider their obligations if circumstances change”.
He said the clauses would mean the government was “delivering on our commitments” for Northern Ireland residents.


bbcuk--2020-09-08--Sir Kim Darroch on President Trump row: 'We're paid to tell it like it is'

The former UK ambassador to the US has said that Donald Trump responds `` pretty sharply '' when it comes @ @ @ @ @ different when with his supporters .
Sir Kim Darroch resigned from his role in 2019 @ @ @ @ @ which he called the Trump administration `` clumsy and inept '' .
Speaking to BBC @ @ @ @ @ operated on the basis that they could trust their colleagues with their communications and so @ @ @ @ @ direct terms .
President Trump responded at the time by calling Darroch a `` very @ @ @ @ @ row ended Sir Kim 's 40-year diplomatic career .

The former UK ambassador to the US has said that Donald Trump responds "pretty sharply" when it comes to criticism but is very different when with his supporters.
Sir Kim Darroch resigned from his role in 2019 after emails were leaked in which he called the Trump administration "clumsy and inept".
Speaking to BBC Newsnight he said that diplomats operated on the basis that they could trust their colleagues with their communications and so could report in clear and direct terms.
President Trump responded at the time by calling Darroch a "very stupid guy" and the row ended Sir Kim's 40-year diplomatic career.


bbcuk--2020-09-08--Police officer with PTSD teaches therapy dog to surf

Kirsty Coy-Martin has recently been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder ( PTSD ) after 23 years serving as a police @ @ @ @ @ on a child abuse investigation team .
She says teaching her therapy dog , Scooter @ @ @ @ @ changed her life .
She now hopes to bring surf therapy to the emergency services @ @ @ @ @ about any of the issues in this video , information and support is available at @ @ @ @

Kirsty Coy-Martin has recently been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after 23 years serving as a police officer, including many years on a child abuse investigation team.
She says teaching her therapy dog, Scooter, how to surf has changed her life.
She now hopes to bring surf therapy to the emergency services.
If you are concerned about any of the issues in this video, information and support is available at BBC Action Line.


bbcuk--2020-09-08--Hancock: Bolton hospitality restricted to 'takeaway only'

Tighter restrictions have been introduced in Bolton , including only allowing takeaways from hospitality venues , after a rise in @ @ @ @ @ Secretary Matt Hancock said the increase was `` partly due to socialising by people in @ @ @ @ @ .

Tighter restrictions have been introduced in Bolton, including only allowing takeaways from hospitality venues, after a rise in Covid-19 cases.
The Health Secretary Matt Hancock said the increase was "partly due to socialising by people in their 20s and 30s".


bbcuk--2020-09-08--Coronavirus: Hancock warns that young people can face severe symptoms

Health Secretary Matt Hancock has warned that a sharp rise in coronavirus cases in recent days in the UK could @ @ @ @ @ .
The government 's scientific advisers have given stark warnings , after 2,948 new UK @ @ @ @ @ .

Health Secretary Matt Hancock has warned that a sharp rise in coronavirus cases in recent days in the UK could cause a rise in deaths.
The government's scientific advisers have given stark warnings, after 2,948 new UK cases were recorded on Monday.


bbcuk--2020-09-08--Newspaper headlines: 'Safe six' and 'Britannia waives the rules'

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

The Daily Telegraph reports that ministers are considering imposing a "national curfew". The government is seeking to emulate the approach of Belgium, according to the Times, which says the country bucked the trend of rising cases in Europe by banning people from going out overnight. Bradford is said to be in line for the first full local curfew.


bbcuk--2020-09-08--Katrina Makunova: PCs deny gross incompetence over death of teen

A police officer accused of failing to act on the claims of a domestic abuse victim has said there was `` no way to see what was coming down the line '' .
The allegations are over their handling of Katrina Makunova who claimed she had been harassed by her former partner , Oluwaseyi Dada .
She was killed after falling on to a knife she was carrying in her handbag when she met him at a property in Camberwell , south-east London .
The officers said they had viewed it as `` non criminal '' and that no allegation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ms Makunova .
PC Dennis admitted failing to fill out two mandatory risk assessments following the incident , but said she could not recall the reason why she had not .
`` I know it sounds silly but I do n't have an answer , '' she told the disciplinary panel .
`` I ca n't recall why I did n't fill out [ the risk assessments ] , but looking back in hindsight I can say it was a mistake . ''
The panel heard Ms Makunova had provided the officers with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she was 18 .
Those under the age of 18 are considered children and a separate safeguarding report is required , which PC Dennis also did not fill out .
PC Lynham said she had had no cause to believe Ms Makunova was not an adult and that both officers had assessed the level of risk at the time as `` standard '' .
She said Ms Makunova had told them she had already contacted Dada and they were engaging in conversation prior to his arrival at the house .
`` I felt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ assessment based on the questions I had asked , '' PC Lynham said .
`` I had no way of knowing what was coming down the line . ''
PC Dennis is also accused of providing false and misleading information on a crime report .
She has admitted failing to complete the appropriate risk assessments and providing false and misleading information , but denies failing to acknowledge a report of harassment or taking positive action .

PC Lynham said she had had no cause to believe Ms Makunova was not an adult and that both officers had assessed the level of risk at the time as "standard".


bbcuk--2020-09-09--MSPs to vote on bid to scrap hate crime bill

The Scottish Conservatives are to table a vote at Holyrood in a bid to bring down the government 's controversial hate crime legislation .
Ministers put forward the Hate Crime bill to tidy up the law and introduce new protections for vulnerable groups .
However , a range of organisations have voiced fears that the current plans could stifle freedom of speech .
MSPs will vote on a Tory motion on Wednesday which urges the government to tear up the bill and begin again .
This is , however , unlikely to pass , with the Greens already denouncing the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cheap political points '' .
The Scottish government has said it will `` very carefully '' consider concerns , but stands behind the `` main purpose of the bill - to make clear that crimes motivated by hatred and prejudice will not be tolerated in modern Scotland '' .
• Why is the Hate Crime Bill so controversial ?
The legislation aims to simplify the law by bringing together multiple existing hate crime provisions into a single bill .
It would also create a new crime of `` stirring up hatred '' , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it is a likely consequence '' of an action .
This has drawn criticism that the law could be too vague and open to interpretation , and could threaten the rights of people from campaigners and comedians .
More than 2,000 responses were submitted to a public consultation , with groups including the Faculty of Advocates , the Scottish Police Federation and a collective of leading authors saying it could threaten freedom of speech .
The legislation has not yet got as far as its first formal debate at Holyrood , and opposition @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for amendments when it does .
The Scottish Conservatives have put forward a motion stressing that `` hate crimes are a blight on society in Scotland '' , but adding that `` the right to freedom of expression is the cornerstone of democracy and must never be compromised '' .
It concludes that ministers should `` accept criticisms , remove its proposed bill and immediately begin work to draft the legislation that is needed to tackle hate crime , while not threatening to make free speech a crime '' .
Justice spokesman Liam @ @ @ @ @ @ @ agrees that there is a clear need for hate crime laws .
However , our support for freedom of speech must also be absolute .
`` The Scottish Parliament must take a clear stand that the proposed threat to freedom of speech is unacceptable . ''
The motion would not be binding on the government and would need the backing of all opposition parties to pass .
It is all but certain to fall , having already been rejected by the Greens .
MSP John Finnie said it was `` very disappointing that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cheap political points with an attempt to kill the bill stone dead before it has even had a chance to be scrutinised '' .
The Scottish Lib Dems meanwhile have hit out against `` significant flaws '' in the legislation , but say they `` remain committed to working with ministers and others to help deliver legislation that is effective '' .
In her annual Programme for Government speech , First Minister Nicola Sturgeon indicated that ministers would be pressing ahead with the bill .
However , she said : `` I know @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to give an assurance that we will listen carefully - freedom of speech and expression is fundamental in any democracy . ''
Justice Secretary Humza Yousaf has said the bill `` does not seek to stifle criticism or rigorous debate '' .
He has pledged to find a way of making the proposed legislation effective while still preserving freedom of speech .
He told BBC Scotland 's The Nine : `` We have a number of groups of society who are the targets of hatred ... We have a problem ; the solution @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the problem but to actually figure out how we get an effective piece of legislation that can command public confidence and at the same time preserve the freedom of speech that people rightly hold so dear .
`` I do n't believe the two are necessarily mutually exclusive . ''
Other groups such as the Equality Network and the Scottish Council for Jewish Communities have backed the bill .
And Police Scotland has said that `` the simplification of hate crime legislation would assist the understanding of victims , society as a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

Justice Secretary Humza Yousaf told the BBC Radio's Good Morning Scotland programme: "You can be as controversial or offensive as you want. What you can't do is be threatening or abusive with the intention or likelihood of stirring up hatred."


bbcuk--2020-09-08--Muckamore Abbey Hospital: Public inquiry to be held into alleged abuse

A public inquiry will be held into alleged abuse of patients by staff at Muckamore Abbey Hospital , Northern Ireland 's health minister has said .
Allegations of physical and mental abuse of patients began to emerge in 2017 .
Last month , Health Minister Robin Swann said there had been a `` sustained failure of care '' at the hospital .
So far eight arrests have been made by police investigating ill-treatment of patients at the facility in Antrim .
The most recent arrest was on Monday but the 57-year-old woman was released a day later , pending a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The first arrest was made in October 2019 and there have been 62 precautionary suspensions of staff .
No-one has been charged .
Police have reviewed thousands of hours of CCTV footage as part of their ongoing investigation .
The hospital provides facilities for adults with severe learning disabilities and mental health needs and is run by the Belfast Trust .
• Swann apologises for 'failure of care ' at Muckamore Speaking in Stormont on Tuesday , Mr Swann said there had been a `` shocking failure which has affected some of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` Families and patients want and deserve more than apologies , '' he said .
`` They want and need answers as to why this happened and how it was allowed to happen and I hope the public inquiry I have announced will give them those answers '' .
The inquiry follows two reports into the alleged abuse at Muckamore - the second of which was published by the Department of Health in August .
Mr Swann said his officials have a programme of work to get the inquiry `` up and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ likely to take time '' .
He said current and former families would be involved in influencing the terms of reference for the inquiry .
`` This is a sad chapter in the history of the health and social care services in Northern Ireland , '' he added .
Speaking to BBC 's Evening Extra programme , Glynn Brown , whose son Aaron had been a patient at Muckamore , welcomed the decision .
Mr Brown , who is credited with challenging the health trust for access to the CCTV footage , has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` exposing the truth '' .
He said the announcement was an important step forward and the families were pleased to have achieved that in such a short time .
Mr Brown said it would be important to see the terms of reference for the inquiry , as well as who would be put in charge of it .
Anne Blake , whose son Jonathan was also a resident , is the head of the Action for Muckamore group .
`` I just ca n't tell you how happy I am that we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she said .
`` It is the people at the top who have to be accountable .
All of us , all parents , were continuously knocking on doors , going to our public representatives .
`` Everybody was fighting to get the people at the top to give answers - and they would n't do it .
`` A public inquiry is the only way to make these people accountable . ''
Claire McKeegan , who represents the Action for Muckamore group , said it was a `` significant and monumental day @ @ @ @ @ @ @ public inquiry is what we were seeking , it is what they wanted , and while we are cautious moving forward as the devil is in the detail , '' she said .
`` When you look at the vulnerable adults who have been in this ward and who have been harmed , many of them are non-verbal .
`` They ca n't speak , they ca n't articulate , they ca n't understand in some cases why they are being harmed .
`` That is why it is so important . ''

"The public inquiry is what we were seeking, it is what they wanted, and while we are cautious moving forward as the devil is in the detail," she said.


bbcuk--2020-09-08--Coronavirus: Wales' first local lockdown starts in Caerphilly

Caerphilly has gone into lockdown , becoming the first county in Wales to face tougher restrictions following a spike in Covid-19 cases .
No-one is allowed to leave the county without good reason , with stricter measures brought in from 18:00 BST .
Family and friends living apart are no longer able to meet indoors , stay overnight , or form extended households .
A senior police officer said Gwent Police was not planning to introduce roadblocks or cordons during lockdown .
Ch Supt Mark Hobrough said neighbourhood officers would talk to motorists and visit shops and businesses to ensure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , with enforcement the `` last objective '' .
`` We really do want the community to work with us in relation to this to be able to combat this infection and fight it off as soon as possible , '' he said .
The health minister said the restrictions would last until at least October , with a review in a fortnight .
Vaughan Gething said the case rate had risen to 72.9 coronavirus cases per 100,000 people - the highest rate in Wales and one of the highest in the UK @ @ @ @ @ @ @ population of 181,000 , has had 132 people test positive in the last week .
Meanwhile , he said a UK-wide testing programme being used in Wales was facing `` challenges '' in meeting demand .
• What does the lockdown mean for Caerphilly ?
• What do the stats tell us in Wales ?
• 'Horrific ' queues in Caerphilly as people 'rush ' for Covid tests Mr Gething said he had been forced to act due to the increase in cases , after `` social distancing had broken down in large @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 4 's Today programme that testing in Caerphilly found 4 % of people were positive for coronavirus : `` If we had testing positivity rates of 4 % [ across Wales ] , I think we would be into national lockdown . ''
Ahead of the latest figures , analysis by the BBC suggested Caerphilly had moved into the top 10 of hardest-hit local areas in the UK over the past week .
It was ranked at about the same level as Birmingham , Burnley , Rochdale and Salford .
Bolton was top @ @ @ @ @ @ @ followed by Bradford , Blackburn and Oldham .
Caerphilly has also seen one of the largest jumps in its case rate , compared to the previous week .
It has had more new cases in the past week - 132 - than anywhere else in Wales and more than the area has seen since the end of April .
Mr Gething said : `` If we do n't address the issue in Caerphilly , we 'll see wider community transmission within the Caerphilly area but that will spread to other areas as well @ @ @ @ @ @ @ largely because social distancing has broken down and in particular people are socialising in each other 's households in larger numbers . ''
He said not addressing the problem now could have `` national consequences '' and appealed for people to follow the rules : `` It 's for you , your family and the whole community . ''
Mr Gething said significant transmission `` is n't taking place in pubs '' but an element of it was people coming back from European travel , along with mixing with others in their homes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 30 people .
People with reasonable causes , like needing to move house , could still leave the borough , he said , `` but going from Caerphilly to Cardiff for a night out or to go to the gym is n't covered '' .
`` If things deteriorate faster we may have to take more measures , '' he added , saying he `` wo n't hesitate '' to make it mandatory to wear face-coverings across Wales if necessary .
`` We 're in it for several weeks at least in Caerphilly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the next few days because community transmission has already taken place . ''
The lockdown would be reviewed in two weeks , the Welsh Government said .
Addressing the weekly coronavirus briefing at lunchtime , Mr Gething expressed fears coronavirus in younger people could `` leap into '' more vulnerable and older groups of people .
`` Over the summer , we 've seen an increase in the number of cases in people under 40 in Wales . ''
`` At the moment it appears coronavirus is likely to be a milder @ @ @ @ @ @ @ group , '' he added , saying there is usually a lag of a couple of weeks before people are admitted to hospital .
Targeted testing had been carried out in Caerphilly and would be starting in the lower Rhondda valley where there was also a rise in cases , he said .
How has coronavirus been spreading ?
Mr Gething outlined how 13 cases of the virus were connected to a single trip to Ibiza taken by a group of friends last month : `` Three of them came home with coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the group passed the virus on to their partner and his father .
`` Another person in the group had a party the day after coming home and four people caught coronavirus .
`` One of these then passed the virus on to their brother who then passed it to a friend by sharing a car .
Another party guest passed it on to their sister , who in turn infected a friend on a night out '' .
What does the local lockdown mean ?
The local lockdown was announced on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hours to prepare for the changes .
Under the new restrictions , listed at the Welsh Government website : • People can not enter or leave Caerphilly county borough - which includes Caerphilly town , Ystrad Mynach , Blackwood , Newbridge and Risca - without a `` reasonable excuse '' • Everyone over the age of 11 will need to wear a face covering in shops • Friends and family are not allowed to meet indoors or stay overnight • Extended households will not be able to meet up A reasonable excuse for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are not able to work from home , to go to school , or to give care .
People attend marriages and funeral services outside the county if they are invited , but are not allowed to go to receptions or wakes .
Residents can move house , and continue childcare arrangements where parents are not living together .
Schools , pubs , bars and restaurants will remain open .
The rules will be kept under review , the first on 10 September and then again in the following 21 days .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for enforcement , with fixed penalty notices of £60 for a first offence , doubling on each subsequent offence .
Gwent Police chief constable Pam Kelly said officers would be out in the community encouraging people to follow social distancing and the new regulations coming into force .
`` Today we will be working to understand the new guidance and regulations and what enforcement action we can take for the few who do not comply with the new restrictions , '' she added .
While they may be just hours away from a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not hesitated to get out and stock up ahead of tonight 's deadline .
The high street is busy , shops are open and town centre car parks are full as people continue to go about their business .
There is a visible rise in the wearing of masks .
Many shoppers are choosing to wear face coverings ahead of them being implemented in certain situations .
The shift has not been lost on local residents like , Roger Williams made a last-minute trip to the bank ahead the rule changes .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than there has been in a long , long time '' he says .
`` I can see the difference here , '' he said .
For shopkeepers like Joe Thomas the prospect of another downturn in business is a real threat to the town .
`` I think the town will probably collapse unless the government give businesses more help again she says '' .
What do people in Caerphilly say ?
Sarah Bruton , manager of Captiva Spa , said the spike showed Covid-19 was going to be `` part of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' .
`` It 's going to be really tough for a lot of people .
We 've started to make plans to see family , to book holidays , in my case to rebuild our business and that 's going to be taken away again , '' she added .
Michael Roberts , who runs Urban Bar BQ in Caerphilly town centre , closed his restaurant for indoor service on Thursday and is just offering takeaway .
`` We 're feeling that hopefully this is a step which will take us in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' he said .
Caerphilly Labour Member of the Senedd Hefin David said more than 600 people messaged him on Monday asking for clarity on what the lockdown meant for things like gyms , leisure centres and hairdressers and moving to halls of residence .
`` I am just trying to answer as many people 's questions as I can , '' he told BBC Wales , adding that students would be fine to go off to university as it was classed as moving out of the borough .
`` The biggest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ added .
Community testing started in the county borough at the weekend .
A total of 450 people were tested and 19 were found positive .
One class of 21 pupils at St Gwladys Primary School in Bargoed must stay at home after a member of staff tested positive for the virus , although the school remains open .
Caerphilly RFC has closed for two days for deep cleaning after a member who was at the club on Saturday tested positive .
Elsewhere , the Eden Centre said it was closing its soft @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the rise in cases .
Meanwhile , Great Western Railway has confirmed a member of staff in south Wales has tested positive for Covid-19 , but has not specified where .
Close contacts of the person are self-isolating , the company said .
No train services have been affected as a result of the diagnosis .
Giri Shankar , of Public Health Wales , appealed to everyone in the Caerphilly area to use a local testing unit at the town 's leisure centre if they were experiencing `` even the mildest '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with no explanation '' .
Are you preparing for lockdown ?
Tell us how it will affect you by emailing haveyoursay @ bbc.co.uk .
Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a BBC journalist .
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Mr Gething outlined how 13 cases of the virus were connected to a single trip to Ibiza taken by a group of friends last month: "Three of them came home with coronavirus. When they came home, one of the group passed the virus on to their partner and his father.


bbcuk--2020-09-08--Druridge Bay coal mine plans rejected for second time

Controversial plans for an opencast coal mine near the Northumberland coast have been rejected by the government for the second time .
Friends of the Earth said it was the right decision `` with the world staring at catastrophic climate change '' .
Banks said it meant the region would lose the jobs and investment that the scheme would have provided .
Executive director Gavin Styles said : `` We are extremely disappointed that , more than four years after an independent planning inspector recommended that the Highthorn scheme should go ahead , the secretary of state has once again @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
Following a public inquiry , a government planning inspector also recommended consent but the scheme was thrown out by the then communities secretary Sajid Javid in March 2018 .
Banks successfully challenged this decision in the High Court and the plans were returned to Mr Javid 's successor , James Brokenshire , to reconsider .
He said the `` substantial extent of the landscape harm means that the proposal is still not environmentally acceptable , nor can it be made so by planning conditions or obligations '' .
However , Mr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ challenged in the High Court .
`` Druridge Bay and the surrounding area will remain as it is , beautiful and tranquil , '' she said .
Friends of the Earth campaigner Tony Bosworth said the rejection was `` fantastic news for our environment , and a tremendous victory for local campaigners '' .
`` Coal mines must be consigned to the history books if we are going to avoid climate breakdown , '' he said .

Executive director Gavin Styles said: "We are extremely disappointed that, more than four years after an independent planning inspector recommended that the Highthorn scheme should go ahead, the secretary of state has once again chosen to go against this expert advice."


bbcuk--2020-09-09--Coronavirus: Social gatherings above six banned in England from 14 September

Social gatherings of more than six people will be illegal in England from Monday - with some exemptions - amid a steep rise in coronavirus cases .
The law change will ban larger groups meeting anywhere socially indoors or outdoors , the government said .
But it will not apply to schools , workplaces or Covid-secure weddings , funerals and organised team sports .
It will be enforced through a £100 fine if people fail to comply , doubling on each offence up to a maximum of £3,200 .
The new rules - which come into force on 14 September @ @ @ @ @ @ @ current guidance .
At present , the guidance says two households of any size are allowed to meet indoors or outdoors , or up to six people from different households outdoors .
Until now the police have had no powers to stop gatherings unless they exceeded 30 .
Prime Minister Boris Johnson will give further details of the changes at a Downing Street news conference at 16:00 BST on Wednesday , alongside senior advisers Prof Chris Whitty and Sir Patrick Vallance .
• What are the new rules for meeting my friends ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ is not all it seems '' One of the pieces of feedback we had including from the police was that we needed the rules to be super simple so that everybody knows what they are , '' said Health Secretary Matt Hancock .
`` And now this will now be rigorously enforced by the police . ''
Mr Hancock told BBC Breakfast : `` This is really simple .
Gatherings are ok , they should be socially distanced of course , but groups only of up to six . ''
He said it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ able to see both grandparents at the same time .
`` You know , I have three children , '' he said .
`` We have a family of five .
And so we 'll be able to see one other person at a time , as a whole family . ''
Challenged on whether the new rules could stop grandparents helping out with childcare , Mr Hancock said : `` I 'm not actively trying to do that '' .
But he said the government is `` quite worried about '' the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ potentially passing on the virus to older grandparents .
'Hope to turn it around by Christmas' Matt Hancock said the rules would be in place for the `` foreseeable future '' .
`` I really hope we can turn this round before Christmas .
I think that , in a pandemic , Christmas is a long way off , '' he told BBC Radio 4 .
`` Three months is a long time in a pandemic and I very much hope this strong rule , together with the local action we 've taken @ @ @ @ @ @ @ much hope therefore this can work to do that by Christmas . ''
• THE NAKED SCIENTISTS : Where did COVID-19 come from ?
• THE SECRET LIFE OF TEACHERS : What 's it like returning to classrooms amid a global pandemic ?
Mr Hancock was also asked about testing , after people with symptoms struggled to access testing in recent days .
`` Unfortunately we have seen this quite sharp rise in the last couple of weeks of people without symptoms who do n't have a good reason coming forward and getting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ saying 25 % of people who were getting a coronavirus test were not eligible .
`` I 've even heard stories of people saying ' I 'm going on holiday next week therefore I 'm going to go get a test ' .
No .
That 's not what the testing system is there for . ''
At-a-glance : What are the new rules ?
• Social gatherings of more than six people in England will not be allowed in law from Monday 14 September • The new rule applies to people in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and places such as pubs , restaurants , cafes and public outdoor spaces • It applies to all ages • The rule does not apply to schools and workplaces , or weddings , funerals and organised team sports • A full list of exemptions is due to be published before the law changes • People who ignore police could be fined £100 - doubling with each offence to a maximum of £3,200 Professor Sir Jeremy Farrar , who sits on the government 's scientific advisory committee , said the next four to six @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the sort of autumn and winter we have '' .
`` So I am very supportive of the restrictions coming in and sincerely hope they are going to be enough . ''
• UK coronavirus cases up by 2,460 - check the numbers in your area There are some exceptions to the new rules .
Households and support bubbles bigger than six can socialise together - but not with anyone else at the same time - and gatherings can be more than six if it is for work or education purposes .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said the new rules did not affect places of worship as that is `` not a social gathering '' .
And Parkrun - which earlier this week announced it was to resume in England - is `` unaffected '' as it is an organised sport , its organisers said .
No 10 said any group of seven or more people gathering anywhere `` risks being dispersed by police or fined for non-compliance '' .
BBC political correspondent Nick Eardley pointed out that pubs and restaurants would be allowed to have more than six @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of six would have to be socially distant from each other .
The rationale behind allowing this , but not allowing larger groups of people inside other people 's homes , is that businesses can only be open if they follow safety and hygiene measures set out by the government , he added .
Downing Street said Mr Johnson held a virtual roundtable with police forces last week , and heard officers wanted clearer rules and enforcement on social contact .
The devolved administrations in Scotland , Wales and Northern Ireland are able @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , while largely implementing similar rules , have moved at their own pace during the pandemic .
The number of people allowed to meet inside or outside varies in the UK 's four nations .
If you are meeting indoors : up to eight people from three different households can meet in Scotland ; up to six people from two households in Northern Ireland ; up to four households can form an `` extended household '' in Wales .
Ministers and government advisers earlier expressed concern over a `` sharp rise '' in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was issued following shortages in England 's testing system .
Overall , there have been 8,396 new cases reported since Sunday - with 2,460 reported on Tuesday alone .
There were also 32 deaths reported , but these will not have been related to the most recent rise in cases .
The rise in cases seen in recent days has caused alarm among ministers and their health advisers .
They believe the UK is at a critical point ahead of the onset of autumn and winter , when respiratory viruses tend to thrive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ most common risk of transmission identified by contact tracers .
Clearly people living with an infected person are most at risk .
But , after that , the most common contact infected individuals have is with visitors to their household , according to data gathered by England 's NHS Test and Trace service .
It is ahead of leisure venues , shops , workplaces and health and care settings .
Clearly large gatherings in homes - especially indoors , which is more likely to happen when the weather turns - present the greatest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ clear further restrictions will follow if the rise in infections is not curbed .
The UK government 's chief medical adviser , Prof Chris Whitty , who No 10 said backed urgent action in England , has said Covid-19 rates are now rising , especially among people between the ages of 17 and 29 .
He warned that if people stopped social distancing then `` Covid comes back '' .
England 's deputy chief medical officer Prof Jonathan Van Tam has also voiced concern saying : `` People have relaxed too much .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ re-engage , and to realise that this is a continuing threat to us . ''
• A new public information campaign will be launched across the UK reminding people of the `` basics '' - washing their hands , covering their face and giving others space • More than 2,500 spectators are expected at Doncaster later on Wednesday at a race meeting • The quarantine rule on travellers coming into England from seven Greek islands came into force at 04:00 on Wednesday • Lockdown measures are being reintroduced in Bolton , Greater Manchester @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It includes a ban on people socialising with people outside their own household in any setting , even outdoors • The first clinical trials for a coronavirus vaccine at Oxford University have been put on hold after a participant had an adverse reaction .
How will you be affected by the new restrictions ?
Do you have questions relating to the changes ?
Get in touch by emailing haveyoursay @ bbc.co.uk .
Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a BBC journalist .
You can also get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ • Please read our terms & conditions and privacy policy

He said it means that some families will not be able to see both grandparents at the same time. "You know, I have three children," he said. "We have a family of five. And so we'll be able to see one other person at a time, as a whole family."


bbcuk--2020-09-09--Coronavirus: People without symptoms 'misusing testing'

Health Secretary Matt Hancock said increasing numbers of people in England were seeking tests when they did n't have any Covid-19 symptoms .
He said this `` inappropriate '' use of the system was making it harder for people who needed tests to get one .
It comes after the boss of England 's testing system apologised to people who were struggling to get tests .
UK labs have reached capacity , meaning some people are struggling to book tests .
Mr Hancock gave the example of one school who sent a whole year group for tests , which is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Mr Hancock also described how some people who were going on holiday had sought to get tests .
• How do I get a coronavirus test ?
The free tests are available to people with symptoms of coronavirus - a fever , new and continuous cough or a loss or change in sense of taste or smell .
Mr Hancock denied the testing system was failing , pointing out the UK had the biggest testing system per head of population of all major European countries .
`` Right now , we have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 've ever had - increased compared to last week .
`` And that testing means that we can find these cases , and therefore help keep the virus under control with the contact tracing system as well .
`` However , in the last couple of weeks we have seen an increase in demand , including an increase in demand for people who are not eligible for tests , and people who do n't have symptoms , '' Mr Hancock said .
`` We have seen an increase of about 25 % of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ n't have symptoms and are n't eligible .
They do n't have a reason for it .
`` I 've even heard stories of people saying , ' I 'm going on holiday next week , therefore I 'm going to get a test ' .
No - that is not what the testing system is there for .
`` We 've got to be firmer , I 'm afraid , with the rules around eligibility for testing . ''
The BBC has asked the Department of Health and Social Care how the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but is still waiting for a response .
Labour 's shadow health secretary Jonathan Ashworth said : `` It beggars belief that after weeks of encouraging people to have a test if feeling unwell , ministers are seeking to blame people for simply doing what they were advised .
`` With children returning to school and thousands returning to the office , it 's obvious extra testing capacity would be needed .
`` The fact ministers failed to plan is yet more staggering incompetence . ''
On Tuesday , the director of testing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ offered her `` heartfelt '' apologies to people who could not get a test .
A new lab is due to open in Loughborough in about a fortnight , which will increase testing capacity by about a fifth .

In the Commons, Boris Johnson responded saying "we are working flat out to address all the issues confronting us today", adding that demand was "acute" and there were too many people requesting tests who did not have symptoms.