bbcuk--2020-07-28--ADHD assessment system 'broken' with five-year waiting times

The system for diagnosing adults with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder ( ADHD ) is `` broken '' with some people having to wait up to five years to be assessed , the BBC has found .
Freedom of Information requests to NHS trusts found at least 21,000 adults on waiting lists for ADHD services .
One patient who was told to wait two years for a diagnosis said : `` There are people out there absolutely desperate . ''
The NHS trust said waiting times were longer `` than we would like '' .
The data the BBC obtained was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ told the pandemic has caused further delays .
We spoke to four members of the same family who either had ADHD or were waiting for diagnosis .
Lisa Kirby , 41 , from Newcastle , said her daughter had been diagnosed with ADHD , while her son was in the process of being diagnosed .
Knowing the condition was genetic , Ms Kirby visited her GP in March and was referred for assessment .
She was told by her doctor she would have to wait at least 18 months to be assessed by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Northumberland , Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust .
The trust has an average waiting time of 140 days and its longest wait for assessment was more than 500 days .
Ms Kirby said : `` I 've got three children , and two clearly have ADHD .
One diagnosed and un-medicated , one not diagnosed but in the process and un-medicated .
`` Eighteen months , I think it 's scandalous .
I 've got a right to know [ if I have ADHD ] and I really do need to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ horrendous .
If you have a broken arm you get a cast , if your appendix goes you have surgery , so why should n't it be the same for something like this , especially when it 's your mind ? ''
Her fiancé Scott Latty was 33 when he was diagnosed .
He was not on a waiting list for very long but said : `` I 've always felt different , from the age of 14 I would say .
`` It 's a bit like having a washing machine in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ca n't decide what channel to be .
`` My head was so overwhelmed with everything and I fell into quite a bad depression .
I had suicidal thoughts .
If I had known I had ADHD before I think my life would have been happier . ''
How we found the story The BBC sent Freedom of Information requests to every NHS trust in England that provides mental health services and received responses from 33 trusts on their average waiting times , number of people on the waiting list , waiting time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Yorkshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust said one man had waited 1,842 days before assessment - more than five years - with two women waiting 1,788 and 1,455 days before their first assessment in 2019 .
The trust does not have a target time .
Its average wait was more than a year .
Cheshire & Wirral Partnership NHS Foundation Trust had the highest average waiting time , with patients waiting an average of 739 days before assessment , or more than two years .
It also does not have a target .
Eleven @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two years .
The 33 trusts that responded had a total of 20,859 people on their waiting lists .
Dani Costello , 30 , from South Shields , has been on a waiting list for a year .
He was diagnosed with ADHD as a child but `` fell out of the system '' .
He was referred to the ADHD service at Cumbria , Northumberland , Tyne and Wear NHS Trust in July 2019 for assessment but has not yet been seen .
Mr Costello said he had been told the trust @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be , because of delays caused by Covid-19 .
`` I have n't been able to even get a job , '' he said .
`` I mention it [ ADHD ] and they 're just like 'keep away ' .
It 's horrible .
`` I 've been on the waiting list for near enough a year and have been trying many anxiety tablets but they just set off the symptoms .
Physical ailments can be sorted there and then , things in your head take ages and it 's wrong .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ after going private aged 31 .
She said : `` I was referred to the NHS waiting list for an assessment in July 2019 .
When I called them , I was told it was now an 18-month wait and that I could therefore expect to be seen by the end of 2020 .
`` Having been so close to the diagnosis I became incredibly disheartened at the thought of having to wait a year and a half to even get the process started , after the carrot had been dangled .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get the £600 assessment privately with another specialist .
`` Since I was a private patient , every appointment was costing me over £200 , and I had to pay for the medication privately , which was costing well over £100 per month . ''
Kirsty Leach , from Whitley Bay , was 43 when she was diagnosed with ADHD .
She said : `` I was supposed to wait two years for my diagnosis but I rang up pretty desperate and pleaded and they did see me earlier .
`` The system @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
There are people out there absolutely desperate .
`` A lot of women are misdiagnosed , so they might be diagnosed with personality disorders , bipolar , depression or anxiety . ''
Michelle Beckett , from ADHD Action , was diagnosed at the age of 44 .
She had suicidal thoughts and was taken into crisis care after a breakdown .
She paid privately for her ADHD diagnosis after being refused an NHS referral .
She said : `` I would be dead by now if I had n't paid privately .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ on to my diagnosis .
`` That diagnosis and subsequent treatment saved my life , and I do n't think I would be here without it . ''
The BBC asked South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust why one man had to wait five years and what was being done to reduce waiting times .
Consultant psychiatrist Prof Marios Adamou said the trust had worked `` to find solutions to reduce waiting times and increase access to the adult ADHD service '' .
He said `` despite dealing with an unprecedented pandemic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ money to increase the capacity of the service and a `` new clinical pathway '' put in since April had `` the potential to reduce waiting lists further '' .
Karen Worton , group nurse director at Cumbria , Northumberland , Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust , said : `` Demand and referrals for adult ADHD services are increasing nationally and we recognise that our service has longer waiting times than we would like , which reflects the national picture .
`` We are doing all we can to reduce waiting times @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seen as quickly as possible .
She said money and `` additional resources '' had been used which had had a `` positive impact '' on waiting times .
NHS England has been approached for comment .
Follow BBC North East & Cumbria on Twitter , Facebook and Instagram .
Send your story ideas to northeastandcumbria @ bbc.co.uk .

"I think it's horrendous. If you have a broken arm you get a cast, if your appendix goes you have surgery, so why shouldn't it be the same for something like this, especially when it's your mind?"


bbcuk--2020-07-28--Coronavirus: Boris Johnson warns of Europe second wave amid Spain row

Boris Johnson has warned there are signs of a second wave of coronavirus in Europe , as he defended a 14-day quarantine on travellers from Spain .
The PM said the government had to be `` swift and decisive '' - and it was up to individuals whether to holiday abroad .
It comes after the Spanish prime minister called the UK 's decision to change the rules for Spain `` unjust '' .
Pedro Sánchez said tourists in most regions in Spain would be safer from coronavirus than in the UK .
The UK is advising against all non-essential @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Canary Islands .
It also removed Spain and its islands from the list of countries which are exempt from the 14-day quarantine rule .
Meanwhile , Germany has also advised against travel to three areas of Spain .
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Speaking during a visit to Nottinghamshire , Mr Johnson said : `` What we have to do is take swift and decisive action where we think that the risks are starting to bubble up again @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about what 's happening in Europe , amongst some of our European friends , I 'm afraid you are starting to see in some places the signs of a second wave of the pandemic . ''
Asked about reports that the 14-day period could be reduced - as reported by the Daily Telegraph - Mr Johnson said : `` We are always looking at ways in which we can mitigate the impact of the quarantine , try to help people , try to make sure that the science is working to help travellers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you have got to stick with the guidance that we are giving , we have given the guidance now about Spain and about some other places around the world .
`` I 'm afraid if we do see signs of a second wave in other countries it is really our job , our duty , to act swiftly and decisively to stop ... travellers coming back from those places seeding the disease here in the UK . ''
In an interview with the Telecinco TV network , Mr Sánchez said his government was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to get them to reconsider '' the decision .
He said the UK had made an `` error '' by considering the infection rate for the whole country .
He added that `` 64.5 % of the new cases registered are in two territories '' and in most of Spain the prevalence of Covid-19 was `` very much inferior to the numbers registered in the United Kingdom '' .
The rate of infection in Spain is 35.1 cases per 100,000 people , while the UK is at 14.7 , according to the latest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Prevention and Control .
While the outbreak remains under control in many parts of Spain , certain areas - in particular Catalonia in the north-east , which includes the city Barcelona , and the neighbouring region of Aragón - have seen a huge spike in infections .
Data up to 19 July suggested there were lower rates of infection in the Balearic and Canary Islands than in mainland Spain .
Speaking to BBC Breakfast , local government minister Simon Clarke said : `` We obviously continue to work closely with them [ Spain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in managing this outbreak , but we 've seen a very sharp increase in cases in Spain .
`` A 75 % increase in cases reported between the middle of last week and the end of last week .
That 's why we took the action that we have . ''
Mr Clarke was asked about the risk to holidays to other destinations , following a recent rise in cases in Germany and France .
Mr Clarke said the possibility of the rules changing `` has to be factored in '' .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ understand that there is a chance you may be asked to self-isolate upon your return , '' he said .
On Tuesday , the UK government added Estonia , Latvia , Slovakia , Slovenia and St Vincent and the Grenadines to the list of countries which are exempt from the quarantine rule .
Travellers returning to the UK from anywhere not on the list - including Spain - must now self-isolate for 14 days at a registered address .
People who do not self-isolate can be fined up to £1,000 in England , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Scotland could be fined £480 , with fines up to £5,000 for persistent offenders .
Government sources told the BBC that there are no plans to introduce testing at airports , and the priority is to get walk-in centres up and running .
Some travel agents say they are struggling to understand the logic of the UK government 's advice .
And MP Chris Bryant , who chairs the all-party parliamentary group for Spain , said : `` Why the Canaries - which are further away from Barcelona than Barcelona is the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ well as mainland Spain , I simply do n't understand .
`` And there are many , many regions of Spain which have much lower infection rates than many areas in the UK .
I think this has been terribly badly handled . ''
Labour said the government 's handling of the restrictions had been `` chaotic '' , and urged the government to step in to protect jobs in the travel industry .
`` The airline industry and passengers need clarity , '' said shadow transport secretary Jim McMahon .
• Sun @ @ @ @ @ @ @ holiday will be like Holiday companies Jet2 and Tui were among those to announce sweeping flight cancellations following the UK announcement .
EasyJet , British Airways and Ryanair said they would continue to operate full schedules of flights to Spain , though EasyJet said its holidays would be cancelled for the next few weeks .
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Among @ @ @ @ @ @ @ travel advice was Tom Clasby , who had checked into an airport hotel near Stansted with his fiancée , their two daughters , and other family members , ahead of a holiday to Majorca .
Mr Clasby , 26 , was due to depart at 06:55 BST on Tuesday but now faces having to return home to Bury St Edmunds .
`` We 're in a situation where we ca n't do anything yet and I do n't actually know what to do .
The poor little girls have been so excited for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ holiday this year we 've had cancelled , '' he told the BBC .
Also affected was Transport Secretary Grant Shapps , who flew to Spain on Saturday despite knowing a decision on the quarantine policy was due .
Mr Shapps said in a statement he would return to the UK on Wednesday in order to complete his quarantine and would return to work as soon as possible .
It comes as a further seven people with coronavirus were reported to have died across all settings in the UK , according to latest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ total number of deaths to 45,759 .
• Campaigners have written to the health secretary to say a lack of translated coronavirus guidance is jeopardising the safety of non-English speakers in the UK • A report from the Commons Home Affairs Committee says stronger action needs to be taken to protect people in asylum accommodation from the virus • Emirates becomes the first airline to offer free Covid-19 insurance as it tries to get people flying again • 'GUIDED BY SCIENCE ' : A dangerous gamble with people ’ s lives or a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ DESTROY YOU : The groundbreaking drama making headlines in lockdown Have your travel plans been affected due to the new government advice ?
Have you returned to the UK and are facing problems due to quarantine ?
Are you still stranded in Spain ?
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Have your travel plans been affected due to the new government advice? Have you returned to the UK and are facing problems due to quarantine? Are you still stranded in Spain? Share your experiences by emailing haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk.


bbcuk--2020-07-28--'Fix your bike' vouchers launch, as doctors to prescribe bikes on NHS

A government scheme offering £50 bike repair vouchers will launch in England on Tuesday as part of plans to boost cycling and walking .
An initial 50,000 vouchers will be made available online later in the day on a first-come , first-served basis .
The prime minister also announced that bikes will be made available on the NHS as part of the strategy .
But Labour said many of the government 's proposals were taking too long to come into effect .
It comes after the government launched its obesity strategy on Monday .
GPs in areas of England with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cycling , with patients able to access bikes through their local surgery .
Recent Public Health England research found that being overweight or obese puts people at greater risk of serious illness or death from Covid-19 .
Government statistics showed nearly 8 % of critically ill patients in intensive care units with the virus have been morbidly obese , compared with 2.9 % of the general population .
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Here 's how • Have 20 years of obesity policies had any effect ?
Prime Minister Boris @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a huge role to play '' in tackling health and environmental challenges .
`` But to build a healthier , more active nation , we need the right infrastructure , training and support in place to give people the confidence to travel on two wheels , '' he said .
`` That 's why now is the time to shift gears and press ahead with our biggest and boldest plans yet to boost active travel - so that everyone can feel the transformative benefits of cycling . ''
Former Olympic gold medal cyclist @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to British Cycling , welcomed the plans .
`` There 's a quarter of households in Britain who do n't have access to a car at all and we 've got public transport operating at 30 % , so 70 % of people have got to find another way to travel or not go to work , '' he told BBC Breakfast .
`` This can be not only provision for people who do n't have a car now , it 's a consultation for the future . ''
The government 's `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ released in batches `` to help manage capacity '' and so that the scheme can be monitored before being rolled out more widely , the government said .
They will typically cover the bill for a standard service and the replacement of a basic component such as an inner tube or cable .
During a Downing Street briefing in May , Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said the initiative would be `` available from next month '' .
But the Department for Transport ( DfT ) said in July that it would only begin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spike in demand .
Halfords says it has thousands of slots available each day for customers to bring their bikes into stores to identify potential faults which could be rectified under the scheme .
`` We think the government 's 'Fix Your Bike ' voucher scheme will not only help individuals become more confident about keeping their bikes maintained , but will help speed up the cycling revolution , '' said chief executive Graham Stapleton .
The retailer previously reported that bike sales had risen by 57.1 % in the 13 weeks to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ avoid public transport during lockdown .
Thousands of miles of new protected cycle lanes , cycle training for children and adults , and the creation of the UK 's first zero-emission transport city are also part of the plans to promote cycling and walking .
The initiative has been welcomed by cycling groups and environmentalists .
They have long argued that Active Travel - the new phrase for walking and cycling - fulfils twin objectives of improving health and well-being , while also reducing emissions that harm people 's health and fuel climate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the investment is less than a 10th of the £27bn that the government previously announced would be spent on new roads .
There 's now increasing pressure for that road budget to be reduced .
AA head Edmund King told BBC News in April that some of the cash might be better spent on improving broadband .
And environmentalists have brought a legal challenge against the plans because the construction and use of the roads will increase carbon emissions when ministers are committed to reducing emissions .
A recent study suggested that big @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cycle lanes in suburbs , to be used by e-bikes .
Other measures to improve the well-being of pedestrians and cyclists include strengthening the Highway Code , improving legal protections , increasing lorry safety standards and working with the police and retailers to tackle bike thefts .
The plans will be funded by a £2bn investment announced in February .
Mr Shapps said it was a `` once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to create a shift in attitudes '' to make cycling or walking part of daily routines .
Matt Mallinder , director of the charity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ places cycling at the heart of our towns and cities '' , but he called for even more funding `` to truly shift gears '' .
Kerry McCarthy , Labour shadow cycling minister also said that the Conservative party had `` failed to seize the opportunity this crisis has posed '' .
`` Although funding is welcome , cyclists will be rightly concerned about how long it is going to take to actually put these plans into practice . ''
Did you take part in a previous scheme where doctors prescribed exercise , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or similar ?
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"There's a quarter of households in Britain who don't have access to a car at all and we've got public transport operating at 30%, so 70% of people have got to find another way to travel or not go to work," he told BBC Breakfast.


bbcuk--2020-07-28--Madeleine McCann investigators search German allotment

Police are searching an allotment in Hanover in connection with their investigation into a 43-year-old man suspected over the disappearance @ @ @ @ @ prosecutors have told the BBC .
Christian B was revealed last month as the main @ @ @ @ @ He is a sex offender currently in prison in Germany .
British girl Madeleine was @ @ @ @ @ went missing while on holiday in Portugal in 2007 .
• Who is the German @ @ @ @ @ an apartment in Praia da Luz on the evening of 3 May 2007 , while @ @ @ @ @ at a nearby tapas bar .
Her disappearance sparked a huge police hunt across much @ @ @ @ @ , the Metropolitan Police said the case remained a `` missing persons '' investigation .
@ @ @ @ @ said they are assuming Madeleine is dead .

After the latest police appeal, Madeleine's parents, Kate and Gerry McCann, said: "We will never give up hope of finding Madeleine alive, but whatever the outcome may be, we need to know as we need to find peace."


bbcuk--2020-07-28--Johnny Depp case: Lawyer says the Sun's story was 'not researched at all'

An article in the Sun describing Johnny Depp as a `` wife-beater '' was `` one-sided '' and `` not researched at all '' , the actor 's lawyer told the High Court .
In closing submissions for Mr Depp , David Sherborne said the paper acted as `` both judge and jury '' .
Mr Depp is suing the newspaper 's publisher and editor for libel , saying the allegation is `` completely untrue '' .
The Sun 's lawyers said on Monday there was `` no doubt '' he had `` systematically abused '' his former wife Amber @ @ @ @ @ @ @ how does it work ?
• Heard : I loved Depp , but he could be a monster Around 30 fans of the actor were gathered in the main hall of the Royal Courts of Justice and screamed as the 57-year-old Hollywood star entered the building on the final day of the most high-profile British libel trial so far in the 21st Century .
Mr Depp is suing News Group Newspapers ( NGN ) - publisher of the Sun - and executive editor Dan Wootton over an article published on the Sun 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ headline : `` Gone Potty : How can JK Rowling be 'genuinely happy ' casting wife beater Johnny Depp in the new Fantastic Beasts film ? ''
Mr Sherborne told the court the article meant Mr Depp was `` guilty , on overwhelming evidence , of serious domestic violence '' against Ms Heard , an actress and model , during their marriage .
He said it meant that the actor was unfit to work in the film industry and had paid £5m to compensate Ms Heard for causing significant injuries and making her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ suggests Mr Depp had been `` tried , convicted and sentenced '' , his barrister said .
Mr Sherborne referred sarcastically to the `` journalistic excellence '' the Sun was seeking to defend and said `` this court has not heard from a single journalist '' about the article .
It was presented in a `` deliberately and wholly one-sided manner '' , although Mr Depp had never faced any criminal charge of violence against Ms Heard , the lawyer said .
He said Mr Depp knows the allegations are `` completely untrue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other witnesses who testified during the three-week trial .
`` Why else would Mr Depp , this private man as he explained , expose all the most intimate details of his personal life ? ''
Mr Sherborne said .
The lawyer said that most of the witnesses who gave evidence supporting him in the trial do not work for him and are not financially dependent on him .
Mr Sherborne said the publisher relied on evidence from Ms Heard , `` a complex individual with a complex history '' .
He said `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the new allegations about domestic violence that have `` tumbled out over the years '' from Ms Heard .
One alleged incident was witnessed by her younger sister Whitney Henriquez , but she was a witness whom the court `` simply can not trust '' , the lawyer said .
On Monday , the legal team for NGN made its closing submissions , defending the Sun 's article as true .
Sasha Wass , representing the publisher , said : `` Having heard all the evidence in this case and all the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , we suggest that there is no doubt that Mr Depp regularly and systematically abused his wife .
`` The characterisation that he is a wife-beater is entirely truthful . ''
She said Mr Depp 's lifestyle , `` surrounded by a clique of ageing , male rabble-rousers with alcohol and drugs shared together '' , was `` destroying his life , his career and his health '' .
Ms Wass said the actor had sought stability with Ms Heard , but `` he grew to hate her for her protectiveness '' and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ end his addiction .
`` Mr Depp has spent his entire adult life doing exactly what he wanted , and he was not about to answer to a woman at this stage in his life , '' she said .
The lawyer for NGN presented the relationship as a generational clash between a `` modern and ambitious woman '' and a `` self-scripted Southern gentleman '' who `` required a supplicant wife '' .
She said Mr Depp did not expect his wife to continue working with `` young and attractive actors '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was subject to `` irrational mood swings and abnormal behavioural patterns '' because of his substance abuse .
She told the court he gave these changes in behaviour a nickname - `` The Monster '' .
She also said Mr Depp 's memory of his `` disgraceful conduct '' was `` so severely impaired by drug misuse that he may not even have been aware of the extent of his violence and terrifying behaviour '' .
In more than one incident , Ms Heard was put in fear of her life , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said that his judgement will be reserved for a later date .

In a statement outside court as the hearing ended, Ms Heard said that despite the "significance" of the case she would have preferred not to have had to be involved in it, adding that, after obtaining a restraining order against Mr Depp in 2016, she had "just wanted to move on with my life".


bbcuk--2020-07-28--Greggs on a roll as customers rush back

Greggs on a roll as customers rush back

Bakery chain Greggs has said its sales have recovered to `` encouraging '' levels since it reopened shops in the wake of the coronavirus lockdown .
It said sales were running at 72 % of 2019 's level , with all but a handful of its 2,025 outlets now trading again .
Although many people are still away from their workplaces , chief executive Roger Whiteside said Greggs was not that dependent on office workers .
The vast majority of its customers `` simply ca n't work from home '' , he said .
Greggs said it would be breaking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ last year 's level .
Mr Whiteside was speaking as Greggs unveiled a £65.2m loss for the first half of 2020 .
In the same period a year earlier , it made a profit of £36.7m .
The firm said it had limited its range to best-selling items for the time being , `` in anticipation of lower-than-normal sales levels under social distancing '' .
It added : `` It is clear that sales will be constrained whilst these conditions prevail , with an observed impact on both our capacity to serve and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ told the BBC that sausage rolls , sandwiches and other favourites were now available at all Greggs ' shops , except for seven in the Leicester area , which remained closed as part of a local lockdown .
He said sales at town and city centre outlets were down 45 % , while those near public transport hubs were 65 % lower .
However , Greggs had proved `` resilient '' , with most of its shops `` nowhere near offices '' .
`` Office workers form a portion of our customer base @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 80 % , simply ca n't work from home or are n't working at all , they 're students or retired or whatever , '' Mr Whiteside said .
`` So yes , there 's some exposure to office working , but it 's not as complete as some people might think . ''
Mr Whiteside said that about three-quarters of Greggs ' staff had now returned from furlough .
He added that Greggs would keep the remaining 25 % on the furlough scheme , which runs until the end of October .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ he said : `` I am positive that the economy will continue to get back to normal , whatever that is . ''

Mr Whiteside told the BBC that sausage rolls, sandwiches and other favourites were now available at all Greggs' shops, except for seven in the Leicester area, which remained closed as part of a local lockdown.


bbcuk--2020-07-28--Government 'failing to prioritise tackling racism', says watchdog boss

The government is `` dragging its feet '' over racism and is failing to make it a priority , the chairman of the Equality and Human Rights Commission has said .
David Isaac , who is due to leave his role next week , has told the BBC that ministers should come up with a `` coherent strategy '' to combat racism .
He has also urged businesses to set targets to recruit more people from ethnic minorities into senior roles .
Mr Isaac 's comments come after the death of George Floyd - a black man who was detained @ @ @ @ @ @ @ across the world .
It triggered large anti-racism protests in the UK and the US .
In response , the government announced it would form a new commission on Race and Ethnic Disparities to see what more could be done to eradicate racial and social inequality .
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In an exclusive interview with the BBC , Mr Isaac said : `` There are lots of people of colour who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coherent race strategy is a top priority and I call upon the government to act urgently .
`` I do believe the government is dragging its feet .
`` They seek to understand it ( racism ) but are they taking action and is this a top priority ?
I do n't believe so . ''
Last month , the Prime Minister Boris Johnson said the UK had made `` huge strides '' in tackling racism but more had to be done .
Mr Isaac believes another review is not the answer .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ more recommendations in my view is over .
`` We know what needs to be done .
Let 's get on with it .
`` There are lots of quick wins such as implementing the ethnicity pay gap for example , so reporting on that I believe would shine a light on some of the disparities we see in relation to income . ''
Since 2017 there have been several reviews into racial inequality , including the Lammy review and the McGregor-Smith review .
All have been published with a series of recommendations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been implemented .
Mr Isaac also endorsed Lloyds Banks ' recent announcement that it would increase the number of black staff in senior roles as part of a `` race action plan '' .
`` In too many companies around the country , there are not enough senior people of colour , '' he said .
`` So setting targets and actually putting in place programme to support black and minority ethnic staff to ensure that they flourish in the same way that other people flourish is something the commission has been calling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a moment when businesses must play their part too . ''
He also said he understood why people were `` rightly outraged '' there were no black commissioners in the EHRC , and said he hoped when the new commissioners were appointed in the autumn `` they would be truly representative and that would include people of colour and black people '' .
In a statement , the government said it was `` committed to tackling racism as part of our mission to unite and level-up the country '' .
`` This new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in comparison to previous reviews , and builds on the work of the Race Disparity Audit , '' it said .
`` We continue to take action on recommendations from previous reviews that we have agreed to take forward .
This new commission will improve our evidence base to change lives for the better .
`` We ask that those with strong views engage with the commission . ''
Mr Isaac will step down from the equality watchdog on 8 August after completing a four-year term .
Ms Badenoch said Mr Isaac had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her and insisted that tackling racism was a `` top priority '' .
`` It is simply not true to say the government is dragging its heels on this , '' she told the BBC 's Today programme .
She said the government had carried out 16 of the Lammy Review 's recommendations .
`` And yet people act as if none of this work is happening , '' she added .

"So setting targets and actually putting in place programme to support black and minority ethnic staff to ensure that they flourish in the same way that other people flourish is something the commission has been calling for for some time and now is a moment when businesses must play their part too."


bbcuk--2020-07-28--Poplar flat block fall Toddler critically injured

A toddler is in a critical condition in hospital after falling from a block of flats in east London .
The Met Police were called to East India Dock Road in Poplar shortly after 18:50 BST on Monday to reports that a child had `` fallen from a height '' .
The boy was taken to a specialist hospital for treatment .
No arrests have been made in the inquiry .
A security guard at the tower said the family involved were `` very nice people '' and boy 's fall was `` just horrible '' .
The child was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ being taken to a major trauma centre .
A resident at the block , who did not want to be named , said she saw people outside with the child before emergency services arrived .
`` They were trying to help but they did not know what to do , '' she said .
Other residents living in the tower have spoken of their concerns about the building 's windows , which can be opened wide on some settings .
Lydia Best , 50 , said she was `` very scared about the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them `` a little bit , even when it is hot '' .
Ranjit Naik said the `` quite large '' windows were also `` something I worry about '' .
The 43-year-old father of two said he keeps the keys in the locks so his own children are not able to get to them .
A road closure was put in place at East India Dock Road 's junction with Chrisp Street and Newby Place but the route has since been re-opened .
People who witnessed what happened or have footage have @ @ @ @ @ @

The 43-year-old father of two said he keeps the keys in the locks so his own children are not able to get to them.


bbcuk--2020-07-28--Kylie Moore-Gilbert: Lecturer jailed in Iran moved to remote prison

A British-Australian woman serving a 10-year sentence in Iran for espionage has been transferred to a notorious prison in the desert , officials say .
Kylie Moore-Gilbert , a lecturer at Melbourne University , has been in jail since September 2018 .
She was tried in secret and strongly denies all the charges against her .
The Australian government has said it holds Iran responsible for Ms Moore-Gilbert 's `` safety and well-being '' and is `` urgently seeking access '' to her .
`` Dr Moore-Gilbert 's case is one of the Australian government 's highest priorities , including @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Australia 's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said in a statement on Tuesday .
The statement added that Iran had confirmed earlier reports from human rights activists that she had been moved to the notorious Qarchak prison .
The jail is sometimes used as punishment for Iranian political prisoners and conditions have been described by former inmates as abysmal .
Before being moved to Qarchak prison , Ms Moore-Gilbert , a lecturer in Middle East politics , had spent almost two years sleeping on the floor of a cell at Evin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ according to a friend .
She has been in solitary confinement and on several hunger strikes , and she is said to have been beaten for trying to comfort new prisoners by passing notes and writing to them on prison walls .
On Tuesday , the husband of British-Iranian charity worker Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe - who was jailed in Iran in 2016 on spying charges that she has always denied - said that Qarchak was a place where `` [ Iranian ] authorities sent women political prisoners when they wanted to break them '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the desert with no clean running water , very poor food with the bread and rice drugged , and gang-ridden , so you can wait months to get a bed , '' Richard Ratcliffe said .
Mrs Zaghari-Ratcliffe has been on hunger strike in solidarity with Ms Moore-Gilbert .
`` Qarchak jail is where common prisoners are held .
It 's overcrowded and some of them are dangerous , '' said Hadi Ghaemi , director of the Center for Human Rights in Iran .
Referring to an earlier statement from Ms Moore-Gilbert @ @ @ @ @ @ @ freedom in return for becoming a spy for Iran , he added : `` They 're not happy with her resilience and her refusal to co-operate . ''
A friend of the family told BBC World Affairs correspondent Caroline Hawley that Ms Moore-Gilbert `` feels abandoned '' .
`` The Australian government does n't seem to have been very proactive - she 's been short on money that she needs to buy basic provisions for herself in jail , '' they said .
According to the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Evin prison recently and had been in telephone contact with her over the past few months .
What has she said about her confinement ?
Ms Moore-Gilbert told an Iranian human rights activist in a phone call earlier this week that she had not spoken to her family for about a month .
Reza Khandan , the husband of imprisoned human rights lawyer Nasrin Sotoudeh , said in a Facebook post that Ms Moore-Gilbert was in `` a very bad condition '' .
He wrote that she had told him : `` I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ n't know , I 'm so disappointed .
I 'm so very depressed . ''
In letters smuggled out of Tehran 's Evin prison in January , the lecturer said she had `` never been a spy '' and feared for her mental health .
She said she had rejected an offer from Iran to become a spy .
`` I am not a spy .
I have never been a spy , and I have no interest to work for a spying organisation in any country . ''
She also said she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' .
`` I think I am in the midst of a serious psychological problem , '' she wrote , worsened by `` the ban on having any phone calls with my family '' .
Ms Moore-Gilbert remains adamant that she is `` an innocent woman ... imprisoned for a crime I have not committed '' .
The Cambridge-educated academic was travelling on an Australian passport and was detained at Tehran airport in 2018 as she tried to leave following a conference .
Last year , British-Australian woman Jolie King and her Australian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ jailed in Tehran for reportedly flying a drone without a permit .

She has been in solitary confinement and on several hunger strikes, and she is said to have been beaten for trying to comfort new prisoners by passing notes and writing to them on prison walls.


bbcuk--2020-07-28--Coronavirus: Spanish PM's anger and translation efforts criticised

Here are five things you need to know about the coronavirus outbreak this Tuesday morning .
We 'll have another update for you at 18:00 BST .
Spain 's prime minister says the UK 's decision to impose a two-week quarantine on everyone arriving from his country is `` unjust '' .
Pedro Sánchez said Britons would be safer from coronavirus in most regions of Spain than in the UK .
Talks are taking place , he added .
While the virus remains under control in many parts of Spain , certain areas have seen a huge spike .
Labour @ @ @ @ @ @ @ restrictions `` chaotic '' .
Read the rules in detail and your rights if you had a trip booked .
The health secretary has been told a lack of translated coronavirus guidance is jeopardising the safety of non-English speakers in the UK .
The government said it has translated public health information into 25 languages , but Doctors of the World , which co-ordinated a letter to Matt Hancock from local authorities , public health leaders and charities , said that 's not enough and leaves many people unable to properly protect themselves @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UK speak little or no English , according to official figures .
More criticism for the government this morning comes from a group of MPs , who believe the Foreign Office operation to bring home more than a million Britons at the start of the pandemic was too slow .
The advice given to those stranded was also misleading or confusing , the Foreign Affairs Committee says , while `` little was done '' to provide financial support for those facing hardship while stuck abroad .
For days now we 've been learning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in order to strengthen resilience to coronavirus .
Today the focus is on how it intends to spend £2bn to promote cycling and walking in England , including thousands of miles of new cycle lanes and cycle training for anyone who wants it .
A scheme offering £50 bike repair vouchers is also being launched today .
This certainly is n't the first attempt by a government to tackle the problem of obesity - BBC Reality Check looks at the success of its predecessors .
Hunting for a magazine to read during lockdown @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Serlina , were disappointed by the lack of diversity .
So they took action and launched the UK 's first magazine for young black girls .
It 's already sold more than 11,000 copies .
Earlier this month , we also told you about 10-year-old Arlo Lippiatt , whose lockdown project was creating a music fanzine .
Get a longer news briefing from the BBC in your inbox , each weekday morning , by signing up here .
You can find more information , advice and guides on our coronavirus page and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ latest from around the world .
Plus , watch the very powerful story of Monica Munoz , from Texas , whose own devastating loss at the hands of Covid-19 says much about how badly the Hispanic community is being hit .
What questions do you have about coronavirus ?
In some cases , your question will be published , displaying your name , age and location as you provide it , unless you state otherwise .
Your contact details will never be published .
Please ensure you have read our terms & conditions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to ask your question :

For days now we've been learning about government plans to improve public health in order to strengthen resilience to coronavirus. Today the focus is on how it intends to spend £2bn to promote cycling and walking in England, including thousands of miles of new cycle lanes and cycle training for anyone who wants it. A scheme offering £50 bike repair vouchers is also being launched today. This certainly isn't the first attempt by a government to tackle the problem of obesity - BBC Reality Check looks at the success of its predecessors.


bbcuk--2020-07-28--Coronavirus: What are the UK's travel rules and which countries can you visit?

The UK government has warned people planning a foreign holiday that `` no travel is risk-free '' at the moment , and says they should factor in the risk of having to self-isolate for 14 days upon their return .
It follows a decision at the weekend - which caught many holidaymakers by surprise - to reintroduce quarantine for people entering the UK from Spain .
How does the government decide which countries are on the quarantine list ?
The Joint Biosecurity Centre ( JBS ) - the body set up by the government to monitor coronavirus - advises which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and which should be exempt .
The JBS looks at range of factors , including : • an estimate of the proportion of the population that is currently infectious Why were the rules changed for Spain ?
Spain was removed from the list of exempt countries following `` a significant change over the last week in both the level and pace '' of coronavirus cases , the UK government said .
The Covid-19 infection rate in the country is currently 39.4 cases per 100,000 , according to the European Centre for Disease @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the UK 's rate of 14.6 .
People already in Spain can stay for the remainder of their holiday , but must self-isolate for two weeks after returning .
The rules apply to travellers arriving in the UK from anywhere in Spain .
For those with holidays coming up , the Foreign and Commonwealth Office ( FCO ) is advising against all but essential travel to any part of Spain , despite calls for the Canary and Balearic Islands to be exempt from quarantine rules .
Where can I go without quarantining when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from quarantine if they arrive in England , Wales and Northern Ireland from countries which - according to the government - pose a `` reduced risk '' from coronavirus .
These include : Andorra , Antigua and Barbuda , Aruba , Australia , Austria , Bahamas , Barbados , Belgium , BES Islands , Croatia , Curaçao , Cyprus , Czech Republic , Denmark , Dominica , Estonia , Faroe Islands , Fiji , Finland , France , French Polynesia , Germany , Greece , Greenland , Grenada , Guadeloupe , Hong Kong @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jamaica , Japan , Latvia , Liechtenstein , Lithuania , Luxembourg , Macau , Malta , Mauritius , Monaco , Netherlands , New Caledonia , New Zealand , Norway , Poland , Réunion , San Marino , Seychelles , South Korea , St Barthélemy , St Kitts and Nevis , St Lucia , St Pierre and Miquelon , Slovakia , Slovenia , St Vincent and the Grenadine , Switzerland , Taiwan , Trinidad and Tobago , Turkey , Vatican City , Vietnam Those entering the UK from the common travel area - the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , or the Isle of Man - have always been exempt from the quarantine rules .
The 14 British Overseas Territories are also exempt .
Health measures like quarantine are set by each UK nation separately .
Wales and Northern Ireland have introduced quarantine exemptions for the same countries as England .
Scotland is also allowing exemptions , and has updated its own list of countries with which it is now allowing travel without quarantine .
Which other countries are not on the list ?
You will still have to isolate for 14 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UK from Canada , the US , much of Central or South America , and some countries in Africa , the Middle East and Asia .
Travellers from Sweden , Portugal , Russia and anywhere else not on the list also have to quarantine .
The list will be kept under review , and the government says it `` will not hesitate '' to remove a country if conditions worsen there , as it has done with Spain .
Equally , further restrictions may be placed on UK travellers if its infection rate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ destination ?
Travellers leaving the UK could still face restrictions - including quarantine - when they arrive in one of the exempted countries .
About half the countries and territories on the list have restrictions for arriving UK visitors .
These include : • Antigua and Barbuda requires Britons arriving by air to submit a negative coronavirus test from the past 7 days • New Zealand has barred almost all foreign travellers from visiting , while Australia requires an exemption visa if you are not a resident or a citizen • Visitors to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a test or go into quarantine • You are not allowed to enter Cyprus if you have been in the UK in the last 14 days .
This may change on 1 August , the Cypriot government has indicated .
But these restrictions may change .
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : How do I protect myself ?
• AVOIDING CONTACT : The rules on self-isolation and exercise • STRESS : How to look after your mental health

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--2020-07-28--Johnny Depp case: What are the libel laws and how do they work?

After weeks of revelations and accusations in court about his personal relationships , actor Johnny Depp 's mammoth legal action against The Sun for libel is coming to an end - with a judgement expected at the end of the summer .
But what are the libel laws and how do they work ?
Libel is part of the law of defamation .
It 's a way of asking the courts to protect our reputation if we feel we have been wronged by something that has been published in permanent form .
If the defamatory words have merely been said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ slander .
Mr Depp says that The Sun libelled him because it published an article that was defamatory .
The article said he was a `` wife beater '' amid allegations about his relationship with his former wife , Amber Heard .
He says that has caused enormous damage to his reputation - which ultimately will cause him losses in his career and life .
Is this a law to protect celebrities ?
Defamation court battles can be very expensive - but anyone who thinks they have been defamed can sue .
Companies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ defend - so they too can go to court .
How can Johnny Depp sue when he lives in Los Angeles ?
It does n't matter that he lives in the US .
The key fact in the case is that the alleged defamation was published in the UK , where he has a reputation too that he says has been seriously harmed .
• Depp legal case against The Sun gets go-ahead from judge Does the law of defamation apply to what I say online ?
Absolutely .
Anything that you publish @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wrong and harmful to another person or company could end up being very expensive .
One well-known current example of an online defamation case is the so-called `` Wagatha Christie '' row between two wives of top footballers .
Rebekah Vardy ( married to Leicester 's Jamie Vardy ) has recently commenced a libel action claiming Colleen Rooney ( married to former England captain , Wayne Rooney ) falsely accused her on Instagram of giving journalists stories about her private life .
What 's The Sun 's defence in the Johnny Depp case @ @ @ @ @ @ @ England and Scotland but , in general terms , the onus is on the party who is accused of damaging someone 's reputation to defend the words they used .
In England , there are five ways that someone can see off the claim in court : • Truth : The meaning of the words are factually accurate and can not be disproved .
This is The Sun 's defence against Mr Depp - the newspaper has sought to prove that the allegation that Mr Depp is a `` wife beater '' is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ called `` veritas '' .
• Honest opinion : That the words are an honestly-held opinion , based on an analysis of facts , that anyone else could also hold .
This defence is very important to people like professional film or theatre reviewers , who can be accused of unfairly criticising productions .
In Scotland this defence is called `` fair comment '' .
• Privilege : This protects the accurate and fair reporting of what is said in the courts and Parliament , among other official bodies , without fear of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dissemination : This protects TV channels and radio stations from being sued when a contributor , such as a phone-in guest , unexpectedly shouts out something highly defamatory .
• Responsible publication : This allows journalists to argue that even if the facts that they published were n't entirely correct , they were reporting something that was clearly in the public interest .
This is a significant difference to the position in Scotland , where the legal test means it is harder for a journalist to prove that the story was in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at any time ?
If someone believes they have been defamed in England , they have to begin their case within a year of the publication .
In Scotland it 's three years - but with a twist .
If the article or comment was published online , the three-year clock starts ticking from the last download .
Critics say this means there 's no deadline at all , and therefore the law is unfair to journalists .
So how do libel cases end ?
• The person who says they have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , long before the matter ends up in front of a judge .
• The legal action begins - but when it becomes clear that the case is going against the publisher , they offer to settle with a statement in court acknowledging they were wrong .
There is often a compensation payment .
• The case goes to full trial .
There will be enormous legal costs for both sides and , if the publisher loses , a potentially huge compensation pay-out .
• The person who says they 've been wronged @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of losing - so they give up .

Johnny Depp case: What are the libel laws and how do they work? Published 28 July 2020
Image source, EPA/Getty Images Image caption, Amber Heard and Johnny Depp were married in February 2015
After weeks of revelations and accusations in court about his personal relationships, actor Johnny Depp's mammoth legal action against The Sun for libel is coming to an end - with a judgement expected at the end of the summer.
But what are the libel laws and how do they work?
What is libel?
Libel is part of the law of defamation. It's a way of asking the courts to protect our reputation if we feel we have been wronged by something that has been published in permanent form. If the defamatory words have merely been said in public, that's known as slander.
Mr Depp says that The Sun libelled him because it published an article that was defamatory. The article said he was a "wife beater" amid allegations about his relationship with his former wife, Amber Heard.
He says that has caused enormous damage to his reputation - which ultimately will cause him losses in his career and life.
Is this a law to protect celebrities?
Defamation court battles can be very expensive - but anyone who thinks they have been defamed can sue.
Companies, like individuals, have reputations to defend - so they too can go to court.
How can Johnny Depp sue when he lives in Los Angeles?
It doesn't matter that he lives in the US.
The key fact in the case is that the alleged defamation was published in the UK, where he has a reputation too that he says has been seriously harmed.
Does the law of defamation apply to what I say online?
Absolutely. Anything that you publish openly on social media that is allegedly wrong and harmful to another person or company could end up being very expensive.
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, Coleen Rooney (L) and Rebekah Vardy are involved in a legal dispute
One well-known current example of an online defamation case is the so-called "Wagatha Christie" row between two wives of top footballers.
Rebekah Vardy (married to Leicester's Jamie Vardy) has recently commenced a libel action claiming Colleen Rooney (married to former England captain, Wayne Rooney) falsely accused her on Instagram of giving journalists stories about her private life.
What's The Sun's defence in the Johnny Depp case?
Defamation law is slightly different between England and Scotland but, in general terms, the onus is on the party who is accused of damaging someone's reputation to defend the words they used.
In England, there are five ways that someone can see off the claim in court:
Truth: The meaning of the words are factually accurate and cannot be disproved. This is The Sun's defence against Mr Depp - the newspaper has sought to prove that the allegation that Mr Depp is a "wife beater" is justified. In Scotland this defence is called "veritas".
The meaning of the words are factually accurate and cannot be disproved. This is The Sun's defence against Mr Depp - the newspaper has sought to prove that the allegation that Mr Depp is a "wife beater" is justified. In Scotland this defence is called "veritas". Honest opinion: That the words are an honestly-held opinion, based on an analysis of facts, that anyone else could also hold. This defence is very important to people like professional film or theatre reviewers, who can be accused of unfairly criticising productions. In Scotland this defence is called "fair comment".
That the words are an honestly-held opinion, based on an analysis of facts, that anyone else could also hold. This defence is very important to people like professional film or theatre reviewers, who can be accused of unfairly criticising productions. In Scotland this defence is called "fair comment". Privilege: This protects the accurate and fair reporting of what is said in the courts and Parliament, among other official bodies, without fear of being taken to court.
This protects the accurate and fair reporting of what is said in the courts and Parliament, among other official bodies, without fear of being taken to court. Innocent dissemination: This protects TV channels and radio stations from being sued when a contributor, such as a phone-in guest, unexpectedly shouts out something highly defamatory.
This protects TV channels and radio stations from being sued when a contributor, such as a phone-in guest, unexpectedly shouts out something highly defamatory. Responsible publication: This allows journalists to argue that even if the facts that they published weren't entirely correct, they were reporting something that was clearly in the public interest. This is a significant difference to the position in Scotland, where the legal test means it is harder for a journalist to prove that the story was in the public interest.
Can anyone sue, at any time?
If someone believes they have been defamed in England, they have to begin their case within a year of the publication.
In Scotland it's three years - but with a twist. If the article or comment was published online, the three-year clock starts ticking from the last download. Critics say this means there's no deadline at all, and therefore the law is unfair to journalists.
So how do libel cases end?
In four ways:


bbcuk--2020-07-27--AJ Tracey: 'There's no massive machine pushing me'

There are two framed football shirts proudly displayed side by side on the wall of AJ Tracey 's home .
The first is a signed Tottenham shirt from the final of the 2019 Champions League .
The club means everything to him .
The other is a Paris Saint-Germain shirt , signed by the man whose name reflects a pivotal moment in AJ 's career - Thiago Silva .
Since his breakthrough 2016 duet with Dave , the 26-year-old has never looked back .
He 's one of the most successful rappers in the UK , and has two singles @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( with Mabel ) and Dinner Guest ( with Mostack ) .
AJ says he 's done his career his way and remained an independent artist .
To reflect that , he 'll receive the Innovator award at next month 's AIM Independent Music Awards in London .
He spoke to Radio 1 Newsbeat about a `` crazy and historical '' 2020 , his career , football , Black Lives Matter and being `` a nerd '' .
I can only speak for myself , but being independent is the only way you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in has been yours and yours alone .
There are some artists that have success being on a record label , and some have success being independent , and I 'm happy for everyone .
You really understand how much effort you 've put in and you really get the fruits of your labour by being independent .
Contrary to popular belief , it 's just me and my small team .
There 's no massive machine behind me pushing anything .
If I take a loss it 's my loss to bear @ @ @ @ @ @ @ my call and we won .
Remaining independent means things have got easier for me because when I first started making music , my main goal was to help my family .
Obviously I wanted to enjoy the music and achieve artistic success , but I wanted to give my family an opportunity to live a better life .
I 've done that now by buying my mum a house .
Whatever I do now is a bonus .
Signing a record deal would have given me financial comfort but now I 've @ @ @ @ @ @ @ n't really matter .
We 've made our voices heard and they need to continue to be heard .
I 'm an avid supporter of the Grenfell cause too and I feel all these different injustices that happen to us as a people means something needs to change .
If it takes us going outside during a global pandemic to make people realise , then I do n't mind putting myself at risk to show you that we need to be treated equally .
However much success I have , I 'm a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ comes down to and until I 'm treated like all my other counterparts , something needs to change .
I knew I would miss live shows but I did n't know to what extent and it 's been genuinely hard because I feel it 's my life .
It gives me energy and I love interacting with fans .
I wish I could explain the buzz I get off doing a show .
It 's like going on a rollercoaster for the first time .
Not the second or third time you ride @ @ @ @ @ @ @ very first time you experience it .
Going on stage is like an excitable anxiety .
You 've got to remember there 's a crowd of 40,000 people waiting to see you .
That 's intense if you say the wrong ting or trip up or forget your lyrics .
When I pull it off and I hit every lyric perfectly and get the crowd 's reaction - there 's nothing like it .
I 've been trying to improve my craft as a musician and a producer .
I ca n't play @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the different between all the keys and the octaves .
I wish I 'd taken music more seriously at school because the technicals are so good to know .
If I could play keyboard then I 'd be a whole other level of artist .
So I 'm trying to learn it .
A lot of the lads are genuinely my mates so it 's a bit of a tightrope to talk about but if I put out a song that everyone does n't like , you 've got to remember I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it was good .
In that case , I had the best intentions and I 've never tried to let anyone down - so I bear that in mind for the footballers .
Most of them are humans and if they have a bad run , they have a bad run .
This year we just need to chalk it up as an all right season .
We did n't do our best but we gave our all and we finished above Arsenal so that 's all good .
One thing I did @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as it would was not going to the football .
Me and my little brother do n't live in the same household so I do n't see him that much .
The only time we get to link up is at the football and we go and see Tottenham every other weekend .
And I 've genuinely missed it .
I have been a genuine fan of Zelda my entire life .
My core fans will know that I love games .
I 'm obsessed with Mario , Zelda , Kirby , Pokemon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ funny when I link up with certain artists and they look at me and my mates and we 're chatting about Zelda .
They must think 'what 's going on ? '
Listen to Newsbeat live at 12:45 and 17:45 weekdays - or listen back here .

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bbcuk--2020-07-26--Coronavirus: Scots journalist on holiday reflects on Spanish quarantine

A Scottish journalist on holiday in Tenerife with her family has been reflecting on the news that she will have @ @ @ @ @ when she returns to the UK .
Arran Hannah , who is freelance journalist who @ @ @ @ @ , spoke from the Spanish holiday island at the start of her family summer break @ @ @ @ @ rule last week , but brought it back on Saturday along with the rest of @ @ @ @ @ rise in coronavirus cases in Spain .

A Scottish journalist on holiday in Tenerife with her family has been reflecting on the news that she will have to quarantine for 14 days when she returns to the UK.
Arran Hannah, who is freelance journalist who has worked for the BBC, spoke from the Spanish holiday island at the start of her family summer break.
Scotland lifted the 14-day rule last week, but brought it back on Saturday along with the rest of the UK due to a rise in coronavirus cases in Spain.
Read more.


bbcuk--2020-07-28--Newspaper headlines: 'Holiday chaos' and 'plan to cut quarantine'

As the papers digest the UK decision to extend the UK quarantine rules to Spain 's islands , the Daily Telegraph reports that the government is finalising plans to test arrivals from high-risk countries , and to allow those who return a negative result to leave self-isolation after 10 days .
Germany , says the Guardian , is already introducing mandatory testing for travellers returning from coronavirus hotspots , following a spike in new cases there .
The Daily Star describes the new travel restrictions for Spain 's islands as a `` hot mess '' , saying that people who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' risk losing money and their livelihoods due to a ministerial U-turn .
The i argues that the government made the correct decision , and `` were right not to delay '' .
It reveals the policy change `` sparked an internal row '' between No 10 and the Department for Transport , with Health Secretary Matt Hancock stepping in to make the final call .
For the Sun , it 's a `` disastrous '' overreaction , which has left holidaymakers caught in the middle of the `` pandemonium '' that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ newspaper says hotels in Spain have offered to pay for tests for foreign tourists `` in a bid to lure back visitors '' .
Meanwhile , the union representing immigration staff tells the Metro there 's `` virtually no enforcement '' of the quarantine rules - with only four people in England and Wales having been fined by the police or Border Force .
The Daily Mirror casts a positive light on the situation , predicting the measure could boost the UK economy by £3.7bn , as people choose to holiday closer to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ campsites and caravan parks have doubled , year-on-year .
The Daily Express says the news `` should be celebrated '' - and says what 's needed now is `` a British heatwave to recoup our flagging morale - and some of the joys of a summer holiday '' .
A report in the Guardian suggests responsibility for social care could be taken away from councils in England and handed to the NHS .
The paper says Downing Street is considering the proposal to `` honour Boris Johnson 's pledge to fix the crisis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , it adds , would boost the health service budget to £150bn .
The Department of Health and Social Care denies it has plans to merge the two public services .
Sign up for a morning briefing direct to your inbox The Daily Mail leads a clarion call for Britain to `` get back to work '' , revealing that dozens of the country 's largest employers intend to keep their staff working remotely until next year .
The paper names some of the firms - among them RBS , BP and Microsoft @ @ @ @ @ @ @ keep UK plc locked down '' .
Conservative MPs , small businesses and city centre pubs urge the government to send a strong message that it 's safe to return to the office .
And the origin of body odour has been sniffed out by scientists in York , who have uncovered the enzyme responsible for producing our natural aroma .
The Times says they hope to find a molecule that will disable the enzyme , while leaving other , friendly bacteria intact - leading to a new form of deodorant `` that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The paper says that would be `` a momentous discovery '' for boys hitting puberty .
• 'GUIDED BY SCIENCE ' : A dangerous gamble with people ’ s lives or a sound scientific approach ?
• I MAY DESTROY YOU : The groundbreaking drama making headlines in lockdown

The i argues that the government made the correct decision, and "were right not to delay". It reveals the policy change "sparked an internal row" between No 10 and the Department for Transport, with Health Secretary Matt Hancock stepping in to make the final call.


bbcuk--2020-07-28--Coronavirus: Robin Swann reveals plan to rebuild hospital services

Lagan Valley Hospital in Lisburn is to become Northern Ireland 's first day procedure centre .
It is part of the rebuilding of hospital services while dealing with the ongoing impact of Covid-19 on patients and staff .
The announcement was made by the Health Minister Robin Swann on Tuesday .
He also told the Assembly that Musgrave Park Hospital and Altnagelvin Area Hospital will be designated as hubs for orthopaedic procedures .
The aim is to ensure services can be protected from Covid-19 and maintained in the event of an expected second wave .
This is designed as an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and reform , and the two hubs and day procedure centre are expected to be open in the autumn .
While there will be some public consultation , these changes will be introduced as short-term services , with the final configuration decided with input from the consultation .
The department of health said there is a clear public health imperative to implement changes quickly .
Elective surgery was halted as the health service reconfigured to cope with the pandemic .
All elective cases will be now referred to Lagan Valley , with clinically @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seen first .
The centre will deal with general surgery , ear/nose/throat , gynaecology , urology and some endoscopy day procedures .
It is estimated around 136,000 procedures will be transferred to the centre annually .
The emergency department will remain open at Lagan Valley , as it has a separate entrance and can be maintained separately from the new Day Procedure Centre .
But there will be some `` displacement '' of services in the South Eastern Trust , which will require full public consultation .
Staff will also be consulted at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to support services .
Orthopaedic patients will be seen at either Musgrave Park Hospital or Altnagelvin Area Hospital , creating two specialist hubs for the whole region .
At Musgrave Park Hospital , the Duke of Connaught building will be reopened to become the orthopaedic hub .
It too will have a separate entrance , facilitating infection control .
An assessment will be carried out for the orthopaedic unit at Altnagelvin , to ensure infection control there .
The immediate priority is addressing the backlog .
Before the pandemic , Northern Ireland already @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the UK , with some patients waiting as long as five years for procedures such as hip replacements .
Waiting lists are kept on a Trust level .
This move will create regional lists .
For the past year , prototype clinics have been running at five dedicated centres across Northern Ireland for cataract surgery and varicose vein treatment .
The department said these have shown increased productivity .
This is the first stage of the rebuilding of services .
Trusts have produced three month plans to September , with another plan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ year .
The Department of Health is preparing papers on rebuilding cancer services , and urgent and emergency care , as well as a surge plan for the second wave of the virus .
They are all expected to be announced next month .

She said: "It is very disappointing that yet again we find out at the last minute about things that will have a significant impact on our members and how they work.


bbcuk--2020-07-28--Carson Price: Teen admits supplying drugs to boy who later died

A 15-year-old boy has pleaded guilty to the supply of a class A drug following the death of 13-year-old Carson Price .
Carson , from Hengoed , died after being found unconscious in a park in Ystrad Mynach , near Caerphilly , in April 2019 having taken an ecstasy tablet .
The boy , who can not be named , appeared at Cwmbran Youth Court on Tuesday .
He will be sentenced on 18 August .
An inquest last April heard Carson died from a `` violent reaction '' to the drugs .
The youth court heard that a friend @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had contacted a male via Snapchat and had made arrangements to buy some pills .
He went to meet the person at a local garage and returned 10 minutes later .
Margaret Cunnigham , for the Crown Prosecution Service , told the court that Carson took one and a half tablets before later taking another one and a half before he `` started acting strangely '' .
The court heard the defendant , who was aged 14 at the time of the incident , was interviewed by police and admitted he sold the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dealing on behalf of an adult male who he was scared of .
`` But at the conclusion of interview , he changed his story again , '' Ms Cunnigham told the court `` and said that male was n't involved and then gave the name of another male who had sold him the pills '' .
The court heard there was also evidence from text messages that the defendant continued to try and get hold of drugs to sell in the days after Carson 's death .
District Judge Martin Brown ordered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up before sentencing .
He said it was `` a shocking situation '' for a 14-year-old to be selling class A drugs .
`` It will not be something that the family of the deceased will recover from easily , if at all , '' he said .
`` I want to know more about you .
I want to know more about your reaction to this .
`` What I want to know is if you have learned from this experience .
It is troubling .
`` Even after this situation had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ still attempting to source tablets for sale . ''
A 22-year-old man , from Caerphilly , who was arrested on suspicion of the supply of class A drugs , has been released under police investigation .

The court heard the defendant, who was aged 14 at the time of the incident, was interviewed by police and admitted he sold the drugs to Carson and said he was dealing on behalf of a man who he was scared of.


bbcuk--2020-07-28--Coachella asks MS Trust charity to change festival name

Lawyers for giant US arts and music festival Coachella have asked a UK charity to change the name of its online fundraising event `` Couch-ella '' .
MS Trust said lawyers for the US festival , held annually in the Californian desert , told it the `` chella '' suffix was trademarked .
The Hertfordshire charity said its festival would go ahead with a different name .
Coachella has been contacted for comment .
Coachella is one of the world 's biggest music festivals , last year attracting 250,000 people over two weekends , but will not take place this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , based in Letchworth Garden City , supports anyone affected by multiple sclerosis , an incurable lifelong condition that affects the brain and spinal cord Its online festival , which takes place on 22 August , will feature comedy , music , yoga , dance and arts for people to view from home .
Comedy character John Shuttleworth will perform and TV fitness star Mr Motivator will teach an exercise class .
MS Trust 's chief executive David Martin said lawyers warned of `` possible confusion '' between the charity 's event and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ us to reconsider our name and see if there was something else we could use to avoid confusion , '' Mr Martin said .
`` Half of me thought 'Shall we take them head-on ? '
but in reality when lawyers get involved it costs a lot and we did n't want to waste any of the charity 's money . ''
He said the charity now had `` something in common with P Diddy '' , as the rapper - real name Sean Combs - had to change the name of an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2018 .
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He said the charity now had "something in common with P Diddy", as the rapper - real name Sean Combs - had to change the name of an event he dubbed "Combschella" in 2018.


bbcuk--2020-07-29--More free school meals 'would stop diet disaster'

Free school meals should be extended to another 1.5 million children in England , says a government-commissioned review into food and healthy eating .
The National Food Strategy warns that the country 's eating habits are a `` slow-motion disaster '' .
The review warns of the toxic connection between poor diet and child poverty .
Report author Henry Dimbleby said a nutritious diet was the `` foundation of equality of opportunity '' .
`` Unless action is taken to improve our food system , many thousands will continue to suffer , '' said Mr Dimbleby , co-founder of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of growing up hungry are long-lasting and corrosive , says the review , which is claimed as the most significant for decades .
• Marcus Rashford gets result in U-turn over free school meals • Can the government get people to eat less ?
`` One of the miserable legacies of Covid-19 is likely to be a dramatic increase in unemployment and poverty and therefore hunger , '' says the food strategy report .
As an immediate intervention , the review calls for many more children to be eligible for a free meal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ % of packed lunches meet the nutritional standards of a school meal '' .
The review says they should be available to a further 1.5 million children , in addition to the 1.3 million already eligible - so almost one in three children would get free meals .
The extension of free school meals , at a cost of £670m per year , would bring them in reach of all children in families claiming universal credit .
Such a move would aim to stop pupils being hungry at school and prevent the negative @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Marcus Rashford recently raised the profile of the importance of school meals during the summer holidays for families who are struggling financially , forcing a U-turn which will see vouchers continuing over the summer break .
The food strategy proposes making a long-term commitment to feeding more families over the summer holidays , by making another 1.1 million children in England eligible for the `` holiday activity and food programme '' , at a cost of £200m per year .
Paul Whiteman , leader of the Nation Association of Head Teachers , said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` arrive at school hungry and unable to learn '' .
`` Free school meals at least guarantee that children going hungry at home get one nutritious meal a day , '' he said .
There are warnings about `` misleading packaging '' of unhealthy products and the report challenges the `` false virtue '' of how the food industry presents itself .
Behind the ethical ambitions , the report suggests there is still a culture of `` unhealthy multi-buy offers '' .
Mr Dimbleby spoke of some apparently healthy fruit snacks that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ goodness and might not be better for you than a Mars bar '' .
There are serious consequences , says the review , with one in seven deaths in the UK attributable to poor diets .
`` A nutritionally poor-quality diet is the leading risk factor for ill-health in the UK , yet we do not treat it with the same seriousness afforded to other risk factors .
`` That has to change , '' said Susan Jebb , Oxford University professor of diet and population health , who worked on the report @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the review , with the second part next year expected to focus on environmental issues , such as climate change , pollution , sustainable farming and the spread of diseases .
Environment Secretary George Eustice said the food industry had `` worked round the clock '' to keep supplies going through the Covid-19 lockdown .
`` But we know there is more to do and we will carefully consider this independent report and its recommendations as we emerge from the pandemic and build a stronger food system for the future , '' said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : How to start thinking about the future

Phrases such as "low fat" might mean "high starch" and labels such as "'free from' and 'less' are sprinkled around without context," says the report, which "if not quite lies, are at least wilfully misleading".


bbcuk--2020-07-28--Covid studies aim to save BAME lives 'within months'

UK scientists are to receive millions of pounds of government funding for a raft of studies to learn why ethnic minorities are at greater risk from Covid-19 .
Six projects will analyse data on social circumstances , health and day-to-day activities , as well as investigating genetic risk factors .
One will follow 30,000 health and social-care staff for a year .
Researchers say there will be rapid action based on the findings .
Prof Kamlesh Khunti , director of the Centre for BME Health at Leicester University , who is involved in three of the studies , told BBC @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into guidance that would help save black , Asian and minority ethnic ( BAME ) lives within months .
`` We will definitely get answers to the things that are putting people at much higher risk , '' he said .
`` As soon as we get results that might make a difference , it is important that we get them out straight away . ''
The results will also be shared with the leaders of black and South Asian communities , professional bodies and health regulators who will take rapid action , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ find that living in crowded , multi-generational housing , not getting enough physical activity , are high on the list of factors associated with certain communities dying from Covid , we can look at the evidence and transform them into the most culturally appropriate messages . ''
Emerging evidence shows people from ethnic minorities are significantly more likely to die from Covid-19 than the white population .
But no-one knows exactly why ethnic groups are more vulnerable , though there are a number of ideas about why people from BAME backgrounds have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with greater levels of contact with people in frontline health and social care • a greater proportion having underlying health conditions , such as diabetes and hypertension , which increase the risk of serious illness '' With evidence showing that people from BAME backgrounds are more severely affected by Covid-19 , it is critical that we understand what factors are driving this risk to address them effectively , '' he said .
`` The diverse range of projects funded will help examine this association in detail so that new treatments and approaches to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ groups . ''
• a study looking at age , gender and deprivation data on more than two million health and social-care workers .
The study will also follow 30,000 doctors , nurses , porters and cleaners of all ethnic backgrounds over the course of a year and look at workplace routines , such as redeployments and the provision of protective equipment • Oxford and Southampton University teams will look at the health conditions of BAME patients who were treated in hospital and died from Covid-19 , using a database of 40 million @ @ @ @ @ @ @ analysing information gathered by the UK Biobank project , which has been monitoring the genetics , mental wellbeing and physical activity of 500,000 people since 2006 and collects blood , urine and saliva samples .
Dr Manish Pareek , an associate clinical professor at the University of Leicester , is leading the study of health and social-care workers .
He says the aim is to quantify the risk for different groups .
`` What is the risk of a doctor from an Asian group compared with that of a nurse of black ethnicity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ signal we are seeing that a particular group is at high risk we will put these forward and recommend action be taken .
This may include enhanced health assessments or that those at really high risk should not be working in Covid wards . ''
He added : `` Even taking into account factors such as deprivation , household structure , age and gender , ethnicity is still is an important predictor of getting infected and having adverse outcomes . ''
Prof Dame Ottoline Leyser , chief executive of the UK Research and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ research , along with the National Institute of Health Research , said the studies would lead to lives being saved .
`` Urgent action must be taken to determine and address the factors underlying this disparity , '' she said .
`` There is unlikely to be a simple answer and we must consider all possibilities , including the role of racial and social inequalities , so that we can save as many lives as possible during this pandemic and any future outbreaks . ''

"We will definitely get answers to the things that are putting people at much higher risk," he said. "As soon as we get results that might make a difference, it is important that we get them out straight away."


bbcuk--2020-07-28--Coronavirus: Sending untested patients to care homes 'reckless' - MPs

The decision to allow hospital patients in England to be discharged to care homes without Covid-19 tests at the start of the pandemic has been described as `` reckless '' by MPs .
The Public Accounts Committee said there had clearly been an `` emerging problem '' with official advice before it was `` belatedly '' changed in April .
It accused ministers of being slow to support social care during the crisis .
The government said it had been `` working closely '' with the sector .
The committee said around 25,000 patients were discharged into care homes in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up hospital beds .
After initially saying a negative result was not required before discharging patients , the government later said on 15 April all patients would be tested .
In a highly critical report , the cross-party committee said the initial decision to allow untested patients into care homes was an `` appalling error '' .
• What guidance did care homes get ?
The committee says that , by September , the government should review which care homes took discharged patients , and how many went on to have outbreaks .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Public Health England said nationwide testing capacity was limited to 3,500 tests per day at the start of the crisis .
The agency added that it had agreed with the NHS and chief medical officer to prioritise testing for those in intensive care and those with respiratory illnesses , along with limited testing in care homes to detect outbreaks .
However the committee said the policy of discharging untested patients continued `` even once it was clear there was an emerging problem '' .
Regular testing for staff and residents in care homes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ month .
Elsewhere , the committee expressed concern about NHS use of public money when securing private hospital treatment for patients at the start of the pandemic .
It said NHS England had failed so far to provide `` even a rough estimate '' of costs , criticising an `` apparent lack of transparency '' .
The MPs also said the costs of building England 's Nightingale hospitals lacked transparency and `` are also not yet known '' .
Under a funding package to help the NHS prepare for the winter , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ until the end of March 2021 .
Shadow social care minister Liz Kendall said the report confirmed the government `` was too slow to act to protect older and disabled people '' .
`` A series of mistakes were made despite clear warnings from what was happening in other countries , '' the Labour MP added .
A spokesman for the Department of Health and Social Care said it has been `` working closely with the sector and public health experts '' to develop guidance throughout the `` unprecedented global pandemic '' .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ been given to the NHS to speed up hospital discharges , while testing had been introduced for all care home residents and staff .
This includes `` repeat testing for staff and residents in care homes for over-65 or those with dementia '' , they added .
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"The fact that there are people on low pay not taking sick leave, moving from home to home were things that were risk elements - if you had better understanding of any impact of any disease on a care home you would have understood the implications," she said.


bbcuk--2020-07-29--'Once-in-a-lifetime' opportunity for more sustainable food

An independent review of UK food policy is calling for `` a gold standard level of scrutiny '' to ensure new trade deals do not undermine the environment .
Verification schemes should address concerns such as imports of beef reared on land recently cleared of rainforest .
And the government should press on with plans to pay English farmers to improve the countryside .
The report aims to ensure a food system that is healthy , affordable , sustainable , resilient , and productive .
It was commissioned by the government in 2019 .
Author of the first report of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Henry Dimbleby , said the UK had a `` once-in-a-lifetime opportunity '' to decide what kind of trading nation it wanted to be when the transition period ends .
`` We should use that freedom to decide that we want to uphold standards , '' he said .
`` And the government should be confident of scrutiny on the trade deals that it is doing . ''
Trade deals should not only increase wealth but restore the environment and protect animal welfare , he added .
The 110-page report calls for the adoption @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Parliament the opportunity to properly scrutinise any new trade deals .
And it urges the government to press on with its Environmental Land Management Scheme , which would pay English farmers £2.4bn a year to improve the countryside , such as by capturing carbon or increasing biodiversity .
`` Be bolder .
Go faster , '' the report said .
The second part of the National Food Strategy , due to be published in 2021 , will examine issues such as climate change , biodiversity , pollution and zoonotic disease .
Commenting , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , said that now the UK can pursue its own path through trade , it must ensure `` our environmental , animal welfare and safety standards are not undermined so that our farmers can continue producing high quality , sustainable food '' .
The report 's main remit is for England , with health and food governed separately under devolution .

Commenting, Minette Batters, president of the NFU, said that now the UK can pursue its own path through trade, it must ensure "our environmental, animal welfare and safety standards are not undermined so that our farmers can continue producing high quality, sustainable food".