bbcuk--2020-05-15--Eurovision 2019 winner Duncan Laurence 'missing the bubble'

As the winner of the 2019 Eurovision Song Contest , Duncan Laurence should have been at the heart of this @ @ @ @ @ .
But with the competition being cancelled because of the coronavirus pandemic , he 's @ @ @ @ @ .
Laurence spoke to the BBC 's Sophie van Brugen about what it 's like @ @ @ @ @ and how the UK might improve its chances in future years .

As the winner of the 2019 Eurovision Song Contest, Duncan Laurence should have been at the heart of this year's show in Rotterdam in the Netherlands.
But with the competition being cancelled because of the coronavirus pandemic, he's facing a quiet(er) weekend instead.
The Dutch singer spoke to the BBC's Sophie van Brugen about what it's like to be missing out, and how the UK might improve its chances in future years.
Read more: Graham Norton to lead Eurovision replacement


bbcuk--2020-05-15--Coronavirus: Frock it, it's Friday group lifting spirits in lockdown

From ladies putting out their bins in a ball gown , to men doing the housework in a dress , @ @ @ @ @ Friday is lifting the spirits of people in South Tyneside .
Started as a `` @ @ @ @ @ friends Kate Rae , Carla Gray , Di Wilkinson and Victoria Beattie , their idea @ @ @ @ @ every Friday is providing some normality and fun on social media .
Women have been @ @ @ @ @ and `` glam up '' while in lockdown and share their videos and photos online @ @ @ @ @ of all ages now joining in .
Carla , who is shielding due to health @ @ @ @ @ People have lost their inhibitions and had a real good pick-me-up by joining in .
@ @ @ @ @ , but it makes a massive difference . ''

From ladies putting out their bins in a ball gown, to men doing the housework in a dress, Frock it, it's Friday is lifting the spirits of people in South Tyneside.
Started as a "bit of banter" between friends Kate Rae, Carla Gray, Di Wilkinson and Victoria Beattie, their idea to "glam up" every Friday is providing some normality and fun on social media.
Women have been encouraged to ditch their joggers and "glam up" while in lockdown and share their videos and photos online, with men and families of all ages now joining in.
Carla, who is shielding due to health reasons, said: "People have lost their inhibitions and had a real good pick-me-up by joining in. It's something so simple, but it makes a massive difference."


bbcuk--2020-05-15--Meet the people who could change the way we live

Involving more than 100 members of the public , representing all parts of the UK , the assembly members have @ @ @ @ @ how the UK can cut greenhouse gas emissions to virtually zero by 2050 .
The @ @ @ @ @ Birmingham - but were then moved online after the coronavirus lockdown .
Our science correspondent @ @ @ @ @ four of the assembly members throughout the process .

Involving more than 100 members of the public, representing all parts of the UK, the assembly members have been asked to look at how the UK can cut greenhouse gas emissions to virtually zero by 2050.
The first meetings took place in Birmingham - but were then moved online after the coronavirus lockdown.
Our science correspondent Rebecca Morelle has been following four of the assembly members throughout the process.


bbcuk--2020-05-15--The Papers: Back-to-school 'chaos' and 'Prem ace's Paris trip'

The government 's back-to-school plan - which would see primary schools in England reopen for some years no earlier than @ @ @ @ @ `` chaos '' , according to the Daily Mirror .
The paper says Mr Johnson @ @ @ @ @ against his tentative reopening plans - and that ministers have `` failed to reassure teachers @ @ @ @ @ do so .

For the Daily Mirror, the plans are "in chaos" and "on the verge of collapse". The paper says the Labour-run Liverpool City Council is leading a revolt against the government's proposed restart date of 1 June, after ministers and scientific advisers failed to convince unions it was safe to do so during a virtual meeting on Friday.


bbcuk--2020-05-15--Coronavirus: London congestion charge brought back with price rise

The congestion charge for people driving into central London will be reintroduced on Monday under the terms of a £1.6bn government bailout .
It follows a deal in which Transport for London ( TfL ) secured emergency funding to keep Tube and bus services going until September .
From 22 June , the congestion charge will also rise from £11.50 to £15 .
Downing Street defended the changes saying it `` only applied to a small area of central London '' .
The prime minister 's official spokesman said roads in these areas `` would come to a halt without @ @ @ @ @ @ @ important tool to ensure that emissions in London remain low and support better air quality '' .
TfL said the resumed congestion charge would be temporarily extended to between 07:00 and 22:00 , seven days a week , from 22 June and the price rise would be in place for a year .
Both measures will be reviewed later to see if they are made permanent .
A system of reimbursement for NHS workers in place before the charge was suspended on 23 March will also be extended to care home workers .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ measures were designed to avoid a build up of traffic after the government urged people returning to work to avoid public transport .
TfL said the plans would `` create more space for social distancing when walking and cycling , ensuring that the people who have no choice but to return to work in central London can do so as safely as possible '' .
Some streets will be converted to walking and cycling only , with others restricted to all traffic apart from buses , creating `` one of the world 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will transport need to change ?
Waterloo Bridge and London Bridge may be restricted to people walking , cycling and buses only , with pavements widened to enable people to safely travel between busy railway stations and their workplaces .
Mr Khan warned public transport must only be used `` as a last resort '' .
The low emission zone and ultra low emission zone - imposing levies on high-polluting vehicles - also comes back into operation on Monday .
Also under the conditions of the government deal , children will no longer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on travel passes for people with a disability or over the age of 60 will also be imposed during peak hours .
Fares on buses - scrapped to help protect drivers from Covid-19 - will also be reintroduced .
The Department for Transport ( DfT ) said these changes would be put in place `` as soon as practicable '' .
Black-cab driver and general secretary of the London Taxi Drivers ' Association ( LTDA ) Steve McNamara said it was `` an absolute disgrace '' no one had been consulted about plans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` Usually you have to consult with the public and businesses - they are using a health emergency to get around the laws to consult people before you do these things , '' he said .
`` It 's a land grab to exclude Londoners from their roads and to widen pavements for more cycling . ''
Mr Khan said the government deal was necessary because coronavirus had had a `` catastrophic impact on TfL 's finances '' .
`` I want to be completely honest and upfront with Londoners , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not the deal I wanted .
But it was the only deal the government put on the table and I had no choice but to accept it to keep the Tubes and buses running . ''
• ' I found out I had cancer on the day of lockdown' The DfT also announced TfL will introduce fare rises of 1 % above the rate of inflation from next year .
Mr Khan has frozen single fares since he became mayor in May 2016 .
Natalie Chapman , of the Freight Transport Association , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the needs of London businesses '' .
She added : `` How are shops to be supplied , restaurants and cafes to be stocked and the rest of the capital 's economy to obtain the products it needs when those charged with delivering these needs are to be punitively taxed at a time when their own industry is in recovery ? ''
The old adage in promoting cycling and walking or active travel is you have to make driving cars horrible - and that is certainly what 's happening here .
These are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ If you want to drive around central London be prepared not to be allowed in certain roads and to pay £15 a day .
Drivers fear gridlock .
But cycling and walking advocates will be rejoicing that parts of the city are being given over to them .
The other side story here is the political row between the government and the Mayor and the many strings attached to the bailout .
Future infrastructure is up in the air and fare rises will happen in January .
Sadiq Khan says he wo n't @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wants to be and Londoners are being punished .
Ultimately the powers and autonomy of a devolved region has just been weakened .
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : How do I protect myself ?
• MAPS AND CHARTS : Visual guide to the outbreak • STRESS : How to look after your mental health

She added: "How are shops to be supplied, restaurants and cafes to be stocked and the rest of the capital's economy to obtain the products it needs when those charged with delivering these needs are to be punitively taxed at a time when their own industry is in recovery?"


bbcuk--2020-05-16--Live-in landlord said 'don't be afraid' before assaulting me

Erika says she froze moments before her landlord sexually assaulted her .
The 37-year-old had entered a home-share agreement , having discovered the man 's extremely cheap offer through an accommodation search site .
The property was in an affluent area of a Scottish city and the owner had offered a room in exchange for four hours of cleaning and gardening per day .
But Erika says his motivations appeared to change after she moved in .
On one occasion she says he told her she looked `` tense '' and persistently offered her a massage , which she turned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was around 10pm , she was in a strange area , knew no one and had little money to her name .
She said she had nowhere else to go and did not know where the nearest police station was .
`` He told me he 's not a bad person , but [ I thought ] what if he goes crazy and kicks me out , '' she said .
Erika says she took up the home-share under difficult circumstances - she was unable to fly home to Germany because of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her head .
She told BBC Scotland 's Unlocked podcast she believed the landlord had `` counted '' on her lack of other options .
One night , she said the man - who was `` big '' in stature - repeatedly attempted to give her a massage before sexually assaulting her .
`` He said 'you do n't have to be afraid of anything ' , '' said Erika .
`` I was just shocked .
I was like 'what is going on , what can I do , where do I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ me fifteen times , fifteen times I said 'no ' .
`` He knew the situation that I was in and that I needed a place to stay .
And I knew that he was counting on my situation - it was like 'this person needs this so I can push ' .
`` I never ever want to sell myself .
I respect people that choose to do it but I 'd rather be on the street than have sex for food or for house or anything . ''
Erika says she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ accommodation elsewhere .
`` You can not be convinced to have sex - that is not consent , that is coercion , '' she added .
`` I do n't know how people can take advantage of someone who has nothing . ''
Days after the alleged incident , the advertisement was still live and an undercover reporter for the BBC made contact with the landlord to discuss terms .
He presented the same deal offered to Erika - a room in exchange for cleaning and gardening - and asked the reporter to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they could meet in person .
A BBC reporter called the man again to inquire further about Erika 's account , this time identifying themselves as a journalist .
The landlord said he would not comment on what Erika alleges happened at his property , but denied a sexual motive towards tenants and prospective tenants .
In a follow up email , he said : `` I am perfectly prepared to take an oath that I have never made any sexual advances to [ Erika ] . ''
Despite strict lockdown regulation , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who offer accommodation for little to no rent in exchange for so-called `` favours '' and `` arrangements '' - some explicitly state they will exchange accommodation for sex in their listings .
Some of these ads , posted by male advertisers , state that these deals are available to `` females only '' , even specifying age and ethnicity of their preferred tenant .
One advertisement asks for the female tenant to be Korean and between 21-30 years of age .
Another asks for `` open minded couples and singles '' .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ some of the men behind these classified ads .
When our undercover reporter called the men who offered their contact details , one landlord stated that she would need to have sex with him once or twice a week in exchange for a roof over her head .
For a property in Perth , the reporter was informed that the live-in landlord was `` willing to discuss payment in another way '' if she could n't afford to pay rent and that the `` arrangement '' he was looking for was `` basically @ @ @ @ @ @ @ place of paying any rent or bills '' .
In another email , for a property in Uddingston , our reporter was told that she could stay for `` free for [ a ] couple of favours '' .
The BBC has asked Craigslist about these ads but they never responded .
You can hear more about Erika 's story , classified rent agreements and staying safe during lockdown on new BBC Scotland podcast Unlocked .
If you have been affected by the issues raised in this article you can call Rape Crisis @ @ @ @ @ @ @

According to her account it was around 10pm, she was in a strange area, knew no one and had little money to her name. She said she had nowhere else to go and did not know where the nearest police station was.


bbcuk--2020-05-15--Coronavirus: NI being eased 'back to normality step by step'

The executive is working to ease Northern Ireland `` back to normality step by step '' , Diane Dodds has said .
From Monday , garden centres and recycling centres can reopen as part of NI 's recovery plan from lockdown .
Mrs Dodds , the Economy Minister , said the first and deputy first ministers will make more announcements about lifting other measures on Monday .
`` We 're in a good place , we 're reacting to the science , '' she said .
Speaking at the executive 's daily press conference on Friday , Mrs Dodds said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and that her focus was now on trying to return the Northern Ireland economy to a strong position .
She has been working on an additional paper with additional proposals for businesses that will be brought to the executive next week .
Her statement came after the latest figures from the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency ( Nisra ) revealed there had been 599 coronavirus-related deaths in the week up to 8 May - almost half of those were in care homes .
Mrs Dodds also gave more details about a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not , so far , qualified for coronavirus grant support , first announced on 5 May .
It is being targeted at micro businesses , which are usually firms with fewer than 10 employees .
The minister said Invest NI would publish eligibility criteria on Friday night and the scheme will open to applications within the next seven days .
Many small businesses have qualified for £10,000 grants , while larger businesses in some sectors will get £25,000 .
The £25,000 grant will be expanded to allow businesses that occupy rented properties to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ small businesses have accessed support through various schemes so far , totalling almost a quarter of a billion pounds .
On the issue of workplace safety during the pandemic , Mrs Dodds said employers had a `` non-negotiable '' duty to meet their responsibilities .
`` They must provide a safe and proper environment for people to work in , '' she added .
Earlier this week , it emerged that the Health and Safety Executive has fielded complaints about approximately 480 firms during the Covid-19 lockdown .
The body , which was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to social-distancing concerns in the workplace , said such visits are now under way .
The figures are a measure of the challenge faced by employers and employees as society contemplates a widespread return to work .
Why does the R-rate matter for lifting lockdown ?
The R-value - or reproduction number - is at the heart of the executive 's decision to keep the lockdown in place , until at least the end of May , only lifting a small number of measures that bring the least risk .
R refers to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with Covid-19 is expected to infect after contracting the virus .
The goal is to keep R under one .
Last week , Mrs Foster said the R-rate in NI was sitting at `` below 0.7 '' , falling from between 0.8 and 0.9 in the previous two weeks .
The Department of Health said the R-rate is calculated mostly on intensive care occupancy and hospital admissions , but that care home cases have essentially `` no impact '' on it .
The executive 's Chief Scientific Adviser , Prof Ian Young , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ across Northern Ireland is `` significantly above 1.0 at the moment '' .
• EASY STEPS : How to keep safe • A SIMPLE GUIDE : What are the symptoms ?
• CONTAINMENT : What it means to self-isolate • HEALTH MYTHS : The fake advice you should ignore • MAPS AND CHARTS : Visual guide to the outbreak

The R-value - or reproduction number - is at the heart of the executive's decision to keep the lockdown in place, until at least the end of May, only lifting a small number of measures that bring the least risk.


bbcuk--2020-05-15--Coronavirus: Wales lockdown could be relaxed in two weeks

There could be `` more things we are able to do '' in two weeks ' time as Wales moves slowly out of lockdown , the first minister said .
`` We are already in the red zone , '' Mark Drakeford said , as he unveiled a plan for returning to some form of normality .
While no dates were given , he said his `` traffic lights '' route out of lockdown also included amber and green stages .
There have been restrictions on daily life for seven weeks .
`` We 've already begun to leave lockdown @ @ @ @ @ @ @ am hopeful that , provided coronavirus remains at or below the levels we currently see , there will be more things we will be able to do in the red zone at the end of the current three weeks , '' he said .
A further three weeks of lockdown were announced last Friday , and Mr Drakeford added : `` We 've got to be confident that the initial moves that we make do n't inadvertently result in coronavirus being on the rise again . ''
The cautious route out of lockdown @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' , he said .
`` All our decisions will be based on the latest scientific advice .
`` We will act carefully and cautiously , in partnership with people , in a way that is right for Wales .
And we will put people 's health first . ''
What has been the immediate political reaction ?
Welsh Secretary Simon Hart said : `` Throughout the coronavirus crisis , the UK and Welsh governments have worked closely together every step of the way .
`` I am glad that this announcement brings @ @ @ @ @ @ @ certainty for jobs and businesses across Wales . ''
Welsh Conservatives leader Paul Davies described it as `` a roadmap to a cul-de-sac , not a roadmap to recovery '' , and a `` hopeless plan '' .
`` We need to begin to unlock society but Mark Drakeford seems to have lost his keys , '' he said .
• Who am I allowed to meet now ?
Plaid Cymru leader Adam Price said the strategy was `` thin on detail '' and how it will end community transmission .
He added @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the R number to reduce avoidable deaths and `` eradicate '' new cases should be mirrored in Wales , and local lockdowns for clusters should eventually be considered .
`` The onus will fall on the Welsh Government to urgently change gear on testing and tracing to allow us to move safely on to the next phase on the path to recovery , '' he said .
The Brexit Party tweeted : `` Welsh Labour are playing politics during a pandemic .
It 's time to end the confusion and work on a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' There has been pressure from some quarters for a faster easing of the lockdown in a bid to restart the economy .
In Wales , the government is using a traffic-light system for phased reductions in the lockdown .
What have business leaders said ?
`` While the traffic light approach is useful , employers are still waiting for clear guidance about how they will be able to re-open premises and resume work safely in accordance with Welsh legislation , '' said Ian Price , director of industry body CBI Wales .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ workplaces can come back online are also needed , so businesses of all shapes and sizes can quickly ramp-up essential restart planning and decision-making . ''
Coronavirus 'with us for a long time to come' Mr Drakeford stressed the country was only now moving `` carefully and cautiously '' into the first red zone , what he called the `` first steps on our recovering journey '' .
Providing the virus remained under control , Wales would move to the amber zone which would see more signs of returning to normal .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the country was `` still on top of the virus '' .
There life would begin to look more like it was before coronavirus began `` but not identical to it , '' warned Mr Drakeford .
He said until a vaccine or effective treatment was found , coronavirus would be `` with us for a long time to come '' .
Mr Drakeford said it would be `` self-policing '' rather than police officers enforcing rules which gets Wales through the crisis as officers ' jobs will become harder if different sectors @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The people of Wales `` need hope '' in terms of how restrictions are lifted , he said , and that his plan provided `` more detail than we 've ever had before '' .
When are schools going to reopen ?
Mr Drakeford said the `` ambition '' was to get some children `` back into school before the summer break '' .
Education Minister Kirsty Williams published a document she said would be a `` stimulus for wider discussion and feedback '' on how social distancing and other measures will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ closed since the start of the pandemic , with some open for the children of critical workers and those deemed as vulnerable .
`` Nothing would make me happier than seeing our classrooms full again , '' Ms Williams said .
`` But I want to be clear that this framework does not - and I will not - set an arbitrary date for when more pupils will return to school .
`` Setting a date before we have more evidence , more confidence and more control over the virus would be the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said it will not be one decision but `` a series of decisions over time '' .
Ms Williams said when Wales was ready to move into the next phase , she would make sure there is enough time for preparation and for staff to carry out necessary training .
Five key principles for schools returning - set out in April - focus on safety and mental , emotional and physical wellbeing of students and staff .
The UK government intends schools in England to re-open to more pupils before the holiday , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Welsh Government 's roadmap .
The theme throughout this Welsh Government document is caution - a slow and careful unfolding of the lockdown which will require difficult choices about priorities .
It says an effective system of track and trace is essential as is the continued compliance of the general public .
The document warns the capacity of the Welsh Government to put robust systems in place will dictate the timetable .
A traffic lights system of red , amber and green gives lists of likely easements at different stages - but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the R rate , indicating the disease 's ability to spread , which will remain the focus .
While easements are complicated and interlinked , it will be necessary to choose between them and those which offer the greatest relief for general quality of life will be prioritised .
But the message is clear that `` normal life '' could be years away .
The general public are invited to share their views on the way forward .
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : How do I protect myself ?
• AVOIDING CONTACT : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ STRESS : How to look after your mental health

"We've already begun to leave lockdown as it was originally imposed and I am hopeful that, provided coronavirus remains at or below the levels we currently see, there will be more things we will be able to do in the red zone at the end of the current three weeks," he said.


bbcuk--2020-05-15--Coronavirus: Hartlepool burglar smeared blood on police officer

A burglar who smeared blood on a police officer while claiming to have Covid-19 has been jailed for two years .
John Gray , 26 , also threatened to spit in the officer 's face .
Gray , of Tower Street , Hartlepool , had been detained in the back yard of The Royal pub by the landlord 's wife after a break-in , Teesside Crown Court heard .
He continued what the judge called his `` disgraceful '' behaviour at James Cook University Hospital , where police took him for treatment for a broken jaw .
Gray was sentenced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ burglary plus another eight months for assault , both of which he admitted .
Judge Stephen Ashurst said `` most right-thinking members of the public will be alarmed by the suggestion that anyone - even in jest - should suggest that they were carrying a potentially lethal virus '' .
`` And , when they are bleeding and threatening to spread the blood on to others and to potentially create innocent victims , it is a matter the court does take seriously , '' he said .
Peter Sabiston , prosecuting , said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hospital and told police : `` I 'll spit in your face and see how you like it when you have Covid . ''
When the officer tried to detain him , Gray wiped his bloodied hands on the officer 's arms several times `` saying he hoped the officer would catch the virus '' .
Mr Sabiston said the defendant was put in a police van where he spat blood and saliva before saying the vehicle was `` contaminated '' .
He said when Gray was back at the police station , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ only messing about '' .
The court heard Gray had a criminal history including commercial burglaries and five assaults and that he did not have coronavirus .

"And, when they are bleeding and threatening to spread the blood on to others and to potentially create innocent victims, it is a matter the court does take seriously," he said.


bbcuk--2020-05-16--Coronavirus: 'Stop squabbling' demand over opening schools

The government and unions should `` stop squabbling and agree a plan '' to reopen schools safely , the children 's commissioner for England has said .
Anne Longfield said many disadvantaged children were losing out because of schools being closed for so long .
Teachers ' leaders met the government 's scientific advisers on Friday , but did not agree how to return to the classroom safely .
Some local authorities have said they will not reopen schools from 1 June .
The government has set out plans to begin a phased reopening of primary schools in England from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been challenged by teachers ' unions , who have disagreed with the Department for Education over whether it is safe to return to school .
• How England is following Denmark 's school safety model • Do I have to send my children back to school ?
• Coronavirus : How much do children spread it ?
What does the children 's commissioner say ?
Schools need to open `` as quickly as possible '' , Ms Longfield has said , as she called for stronger safety measures to be introduced , such @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , managed interaction between adults and deep cleaning of facilities .
She said that , without a vaccine , schools will never be 100 % safe , as she urged the government and unions to work together `` in the interests of children '' .
Schools have been closed by the coronavirus for most pupils since 20 March , staying open only for the children of key workers and vulnerable children .
Ms Longfield said that deprived and vulnerable children would suffer most from missing school and there was a growing `` disadvantage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bring back children in Reception , Year 1 and Year 6 .
What do teaching unions say ?
Kevin Courtney , co-leader of the UK 's biggest teaching union , the National Education Union ( NEU ) , told BBC Breakfast the meeting with scientific advisers on Friday was a `` step forward '' but that more cooperation was needed between the government and unions to `` find a safe way back '' .
The NEU has drawn up five tests which , it says , the government should meet before schools reopen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for vulnerable staff and a national plan for social distancing .
Mr Courtney called on the government to set up a task force with unions to plan a safe way of getting children back to school .
Liverpool 's schools will not reopen until mid-June `` at the very least '' , the city 's council said .
Hartlepool Borough Council has also challenged the government 's timetable , saying schools will not reopen at the start of next month `` given that coronavirus cases locally continue to rise '' .
However , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ BBC Breakfast that , although children and teachers have to be kept safe , `` no-one can ever be given a 100 % guarantee '' , stressing the impact that school closures were having on deprived children .
How do teachers and school leaders feel about returning ?
Teachers have said they are worried about the emotional distress returning to the classroom could have on staff and pupils .
Becky , who has asked her surname not be used , teaches Reception and Year 1 at a primary school in Birmingham .
Speaking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on children , she said : `` They wo n't be able to play with toys , play with their friends .
When they 're distressed and upset , how can we comfort them from a distance ?
It will cause them damage . ''
Oliver Jarman , a secondary school teacher in Yorkshire and a father of four , said : `` We need more clarity about the science behind the decisions the government is making .
I 'm saying that as a teacher and a parent . ''
While many primary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ control , others are run by academy trusts .
Steve Chalke , founder of the Oasis Trust , which has 35 primary schools across the country , said opposition to reopening fails to recognise the harm to disadvantaged children from missing school .
England is the only UK nation to set a date for schools to start to return .
Why is the R-number important ?
The British Medical Association has backed teachers ' unions by saying Covid-19 infection rates are too high for England 's schools to reopen .
The infection rate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ R-number '' - has crept up from between 0.5 and 0.9 to between 0.7 and 1.0 .
The number needs to be kept below one in order to stay in control and any increase in the number limits the ability of politicians to lift lockdown measures .
Prof Sir Mark Walport , the government 's former government chief scientific adviser , said the rise in the R-number - albeit `` relatively small '' - is concerning and illustrates how carefully social distancing measures need to be relaxed .
`` There 's no question @ @ @ @ @ @ @ still exists , '' he told BBC Radio 4 's Today programme .
Speaking about schools reopening , Prof Walport said schools have returned `` in a very cautious fashion '' in Denmark for the past month and the country 's R-number has reduced .
What does the government say ?
A Department for Education spokeswoman said : `` Getting children back to school and nurseries is in their best interests and all those working in education have a duty to work together to do so .
`` We welcome the children commissioner @ @ @ @ @ @ @ children to primary school with many of the measures she raises , like staggering drop-off and pick-up times , keeping children in smaller groups and regular hand washing , already in train . ''
Schools in Wales will not be going back on 1 June and it is not expected that schools in Scotland or Northern Ireland will go back before the summer break .
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : How do I protect myself ?
• AVOIDING CONTACT : The rules on self-isolation and exercise • TESTING : Can I get tested @ @ @ @ @ @ @ being urged to `` think twice '' before heading to England 's beaches and country parks this weekend , despite the easing of lockdown rules • The government 's scientific advisers warned that the coronavirus infection rate - known as `` R '' - is close to returning to the level where the virus starts spreading rapidly • US President Donald Trump has promised the country will reopen `` vaccine or no vaccine '' , as he announced an objective to deliver a coronavirus jab by year end • All residents and members @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be tested for coronavirus by early June , Health Secretary Matt Hancock pledged • A lawnmower company closed its factory in County Durham for a 10-day deep clean after 18 employees contracted Covid-19 • Special `` Covid dogs '' that may be able to detect symptoms of coronavirus before they begin will start trials in the UK • The Royal College of GPs has warned that the Government needs to move away from an `` arbitrary focus on numbers '' to a clear testing strategy to prevent a second wave of infections @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people have had coronavirus ?
• LOCKDOWN WORKOUT ANTHEMS : Motivational tunes to get you moving A further 384 coronavirus deaths were recorded in the UK on Friday , as it was revealed there were 8,312 deaths linked to coronavirus in care homes in England and Wales up to 1 May , according to the Office for National Statistics .
Some 133,784 coronavirus tests were recorded , with 69,590 people tested up to 09:00 on 15 May - 3,560 of whom tested positive .
Are you a parent or teacher in England ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ on 1 June ?
Email : haveyoursay @ bbc.co.uk .
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Speaking about the effect new rules will have on children, she said: "They won't be able to play with toys, play with their friends. When they're distressed and upset, how can we comfort them from a distance? It will cause them damage."


bbcuk--2020-05-16--Coronavirus: Saturday update as teachers and ministers told to 'stop squabbling'

Here are five things you need to know about the coronavirus outbreak this Saturday morning .
We 'll have another update on Sunday .
The Children 's Commissioner for England , Anne Longfield , says the government and teachers ' unions should `` stop squabbling and agree a plan '' to reopen schools safely .
Ms Longfield 's intervention comes amid criticism of the government 's plan to begin opening primary schools in England for some pupils from 1 June .
2 .
'Think twice ' before heading to beauty spots Councils in England fear a surge in visitors to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ result in a rise in infections .
It 's the first weekend where people in England have been able to travel for outdoor exercise since lockdown restrictions began .
Businesses are still struggling to access government-backed coronavirus loans from their banks .
One entrepreneur tells us : `` I ca n't pay anything .
I 'm living on cards . ''
4 .
Trial to see if dogs can 'sniff out ' virus Could specialist medical sniffer dogs detect coronavirus symptoms in humans before they begin ?
A UK trial is trying to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trained to detect odours of cancers , malaria and Parkinson 's disease - and the study is backed by £500,000 of government funding .
A family who lost their grandma , Sheila , has come up with a new and poignant way of remembering those who ’ ve died with Covid-19 - and it ’ s being replicated across the UK .
Get a longer coronavirus briefing from the BBC in your inbox , each weekday morning , by signing up here .
You can find more information , advice and guides on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ advice on the rules concerning self-isolation and exercise during the pandemic .
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bbcuk--2020-05-16--Coronavirus: Mourners honour nurse and parents

Mourners lined the streets for the funeral of a nurse and his parents who died within weeks of each other @ @ @ @ @ Dunnington , 54 , a nurse for more than 30 years , died at his @ @ @ @ @ Shields on 19 April .
His mother Lillian , 81 , died on 1 May @ @ @ @ @ 85 , died days later in hospital .
NHS staff , well-wishers and fire crews @ @ @ @ @ outside South Tyneside District Hospital .
Keith 's cousin Debbie Harvey said her family was @ @ @ @ @ absolutely amazing '' NHS staff who `` could not do enough '' for the family @ @ @ @ @ pushed Mr and Mrs Dunnington 's beds together so they could hold hands .
Dad-of-two @ @ @ @ @ Elizabeth Hospital in Gateshead .
Follow BBC North East & Cumbria on Twitter , Facebook @ @ @ @ @ story ideas to northeastandcumbria @ bbc.co.uk .

Mourners lined the streets for the funeral of a nurse and his parents who died within weeks of each other after contracting coronavirus.


bbcuk--2020-05-16--Coronavirus: Public urged to avoid England's beauty spots

The public is being urged to `` think twice '' before heading to England 's beaches and country parks this weekend , despite the easing of lockdown rules .
Councils in beauty spots fear a surge in visitors could result in a rise in coronavirus infections .
In London , police have warned against taking part in `` spontaneous or planned mass gatherings '' .
There is no longer a limit on the amount of exercise allowed - or how far people can travel for it - in England .
This weekend will be the first since the rules changed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ outdoors `` for leisure purposes '' , including sunbathing .
But people in England should not travel to Wales , Scotland or Northern Ireland , where the public is still being told to avoid any travel which is not essential .
An estimated 15 million leisure trips will be made by car in the UK this weekend , an RAC survey suggests .
However , almost half of the journeys will be no more than 10 miles long , according to the motoring organisation 's poll of 1,317 drivers .
• What can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t on Tuesday ?
With sunny weather forecast in parts of the country this weekend , the County Councils Network is urging people to stay local .
The network , which represents 36 county authorities , warns that `` day-trippers '' who travel from towns and cities to exercise are likely to face long queues of traffic and difficulties parking .
And it cautions that country parks that reopened after lockdown rules were eased on Wednesday may be forced to close again if social distancing becomes impossible .
Julian German , the network @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Council , said England 's coastal and rural areas `` will be there when this is over '' .
`` We are asking households to bear with us and please do their bit over the coming weeks by exercising locally , '' he said .
`` While councils will be allowing cars access to country parks , it does not change the unique situation of the need to maintain social distancing . ''
He added that the councils wanted to prevent a repeat of the `` unprecedented numbers of visitors '' to parks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lockdown was introduced in March .
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : How do I protect myself ?
• IMPACT : What the virus does to the body • RECOVERY : How long does it take ?
• LOCKDOWN : How can we lift restrictions ?
• ENDGAME : How do we get out of this mess ?
Peter Williamson , chair of Norfolk and Suffolk Tourist Attractions Association , urged people not to visit the area , stressing that attractions , car parks and other facilities would be closed .
`` What we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we 're not open , please do n't come because there is nothing for you here at this moment in time , '' he told BBC Radio 5 Live .
The chief executive of the Lake District National Park has also asked people not to travel `` because of the impact you will have on the local communities '' .
Meanwhile , the Metropolitan Police Service stressed that `` games of football ... outdoor concerts or parties , protest , marches or assemblies are still not permitted '' .
Officers `` will engage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ public health regulations , the force added .
• Scotland : How lockdown rules now differ from England • Northern Ireland : First moves to ease lockdown can start next week The Chief Constable of North Wales Police , Carl Foulkes , stressed the rules were different in Wales - where people should only be exercising from their home address - to those in England .
He told BBC Breakfast officers would be carrying out high visibility controls in key hotspots such as national parks and beaches , as well as road checks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ regulations .
Mr Foulkes said vehicles breaking the rules would be told to turn around , with officers using enforcement if necessary .
The warnings come as government scientific advisers say the infection rate in the UK has gone up - and is close to the point where the virus starts spreading rapidly .
The R-number - which represents the average number of people each infected person passes the virus on to - had been sitting between 0.5 and 0.9 , but is now between 0.7 and 1.0 .
It needs to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in control .
Meanwhile , modelling published by the University of Cambridge and backed by Public Health England , suggests that while London has made the most progress with suppressing the virus , it is proving more stubborn in other parts of England .
The figures do not perfectly match those from the Sage group of government scientific advisers because it assesses multiple models to reach its conclusions .

"What we're trying to say to people is we're not open, please don't come because there is nothing for you here at this moment in time," he told BBC Radio 5 Live.


bbcuk--2020-05-16--Woman in court over Forest of Dean suitcase remains

A woman has appeared in court charged with murder following the discovery of human remains in two suitcases .
Gareeca @ @ @ @ @ appeared at Cheltenham Magistrates ' Court by videolink , accused of killing a woman between @ @ @ @ @ at her home in Birmingham .
Police are awaiting DNA test results to establish the @ @ @ @ @ Ms Gordon , of Birchfield , Birmingham , was remanded in custody to appear at @ @ @ @ @ .
Mahesh Sorathiya , 38 , of Denmore Gardens , Wolverhampton , also appeared before @ @ @ @ @ offender - namely Gordon - on a date between 25 April and 12 May .
@ @ @ @ @ to appear at Gloucester Crown Court on Tuesday .
The remains were found close to @ @ @ @ @ the Forest of Dean on Tuesday night .
Gloucestershire Police said a post-mortem examination was @ @ @ @ @ further examinations were under way .

Mahesh Sorathiya, 38, of Denmore Gardens, Wolverhampton, also appeared before magistrates charged with assisting an offender - namely Gordon - on a date between 25 April and 12 May.


bbcuk--2020-05-16--Psychiatrists fear 'tsunami' of mental illness after lockdown

Psychiatrists are warning of a `` tsunami '' of mental illness from problems stored up during lockdown .
They are particularly concerned that children and older adults are not getting the support they need because of school closures , self-isolation and fear of hospitals .
In a survey , psychiatrists reported rises in emergency cases and a drop in routine appointments .
They emphasised that mental-health services were still open for business .
`` We are already seeing the devastating impact of Covid-19 on mental health , with more people in crisis , '' said Prof Wendy Burn , president @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` But we are just as worried about the people who need help now but are n't getting it .
Our fear is that the lockdown is storing up problems which could then lead to a tsunami of referrals . ''
A survey of 1,300 mental-health doctors from across the UK found that 43 % had seen a rise in urgent cases while 45 % reported a reduction in routine appointments .
One psychiatrist said : `` In old-age psychiatry our patients appear to have evaporated , I think people are too fearful @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` Many of our patients have developed mental disorders as a direct result of the coronavirus disruption - eg social isolation , increased stress , running out of meds . ''
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : How do I protect myself ?
• IMPACT : What the virus does to the body • RECOVERY : How long does it take ?
• LOCKDOWN : How can we lift restrictions ?
• ENDGAME : How do we get out of this mess ?
Dr Bernadka Dubicka , who chairs the faculty of child @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said : `` We are worried that children and young people with mental illness who may be struggling are not getting the support that they need .
`` We need to get the message out that services are still open for business . ''
Dr Amanda Thompsell , an expert in old-age psychiatry , said using technology to call a doctor during lockdown was difficult for some older people .
They were often `` reluctant '' to seek help , and their need for mental-health support was likely to be greater than ever @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mental Illness said the concerns raised were supported by evidence from people living with mental illness .
In a survey of 1,000 people , many said their mental health had got worse since the pandemic had started , due to the disruption to routines that keep them safe and well .
`` The NHS is doing an incredible job in the most difficult of circumstances , but mental health must be a clear priority , with investment to ensure services can cope with this anticipated surge in demand , '' said the charity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could take years for some people to recover from the setbacks .

"But we are just as worried about the people who need help now but aren't getting it. Our fear is that the lockdown is storing up problems which could then lead to a tsunami of referrals."


bbcuk--2020-05-16--Coronavirus: A third of hospital patients develop dangerous blood clots

Up to 30 % of patients who are seriously ill with coronavirus are developing dangerous blood clots , according to medical experts .
They say the clots , also known as thrombosis , could be contributing to the number of people dying .
Severe inflammation in the lungs - a natural response of the body to the virus - is behind their formation .
Patients worldwide are being affected by many medical complications of the virus , some of which can be fatal .
Back in March , as coronavirus was spreading across the globe , doctors started seeing far @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to hospital than they would normally expect .
And there have been other surprises , including the discovery of hundreds of micro-clots in the lungs of some patients .
The virus has also increased cases of deep vein thrombosis - blood clots usually found in the leg - which can be life-threatening when fragments break off and move up the body into the lungs , blocking blood vessels .
Artist Brian McClure was rushed to hospital last month suffering from the pneumonia brought on by coronavirus .
But soon after he arrived , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a bigger fight for his life .
`` I went for a lung screening and that showed blood clots in the lungs .
I was told that was very dangerous , '' he said .
`` That was when I really started to get worried .
I got the picture that if I did n't improve then I would be in serious trouble . ''
He is now continuing his recovery at home .
`` With a huge outpouring of data over the past few weeks I think it has become apparent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' says Roopen Arya , professor of thrombosis and haemostasis at King 's College Hospital , London .
`` Particularly in severely affected Covid patients in critical care , where some of the more recent studies show that nearly half the patients have pulmonary embolism or blood clot on the lungs . ''
He believes the number of critically ill coronavirus patients developing blood clots could be significantly higher than the published data in Europe of up to 30 % .
The professor 's blood sciences team in the hospital has been analysing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ changing their blood making it much more sticky .
And sticky blood can lead to blood clots .
This change in the blood is the result of severe inflammation in the lungs , a natural response of the body to the virus .
`` In severely affected patients we are seeing an outpouring of chemicals in the blood and this has a knock-on effect of activating the blood clotting , '' says Prof Arya .
And all this ultimately causes a patient 's condition to deteriorate .
According to thrombosis expert Prof Beverley @ @ @ @ @ @ @ repercussions than just blood clots - it 's also leading to higher rates of strokes and heart attacks .
`` And yes sticky blood is contributing to high mortality rates , '' she says .
To add to all these medical challenges , there are studies showing that the blood thinners currently being used to treat the blood clots are not always working .
And ramping up doses to much higher levels risks patients suffering major bleeding which can be fatal .
The balance between treating the thrombosis and causing bleeds is `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Prof Arya .
But there is now a big push to get medical teams from around the world to co-operate in finding the safest and most effective way of tackling the blood clot problem thrown up by the virus .
Trials are under way to find a standard dosage of blood thinners to be used in all countries .
However , some experts believe there could be another solution : finding a way to reduce the acute inflammation in the lungs which leads to the creation of sticky blood , the source of @ @ @

To add to all these medical challenges, there are studies showing that the blood thinners currently being used to treat the blood clots are not always working. And ramping up doses to much higher levels risks patients suffering major bleeding which can be fatal.


bbcuk--2020-05-16--'I'm living on cards': The firms waiting for emergency loans

Businesses are still struggling to access government-backed loans from their banks .
Hina Solanki says she has had a nightmare trying to get support from her bank for her tattoo business to get through the lockdown .
`` I ca n't pay anything .
I 'm living on cards .
It 's extremely stressful '' , she says .
For the last fortnight she has been trying to apply for a £50,000 Bounce Back Loan from her bank .
`` But I just get error messages , '' she says .
`` They seem to have a technical fault .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ though it is nearly two weeks since the launch of the Bounce Back Loan Scheme ( BBLS ) to prop up stricken small businesses .
Hundreds of thousands of applications have been approved , but BBC News has seen a string of complaints about leading banks , including Santander , HSBC and Barclays , from customers who have been unable to get any money .
Ms Solanki has built a reputation providing cosmetic tattooing , for people whose appearance is affected by surgery or conditions such as alopecia .
But in March she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in North London , furloughing her four staff .
She used the government grant for 80 % of their wages but topped them up to 100 % , which has added to the cost of keeping the business alive .
So she applied for the loan through Barclays .
`` Barclays seem overloaded , '' she says , `` They have just not been able to deliver . ''
Ms Solanki tried to have her overdraft expanded , but that failed .
She tried to get a Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan from the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ through .
Now Bounce Back Loans - interest free for a year - seem to be out of her reach as well , even though they are fully backed by the government , so the bank can not lose .
Barclays customers have told BBC News that they have had to wait hours on the phone to the bank trying to get applications started .
Some have been told , incorrectly , that their personal details were wrongly entered .
Others that having two signatories on their business account is a problem .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of customers who have applied have received their funds and that it was working hard to help customers who have fallen through the cracks .
Maria Ogden , who runs a vehicle hire company in Oswestry , in Shropshire , has also been waiting for one of the emergency loans , in her case from Santander .
`` I 've got vehicles on finance , insurance , rent - and people knocking on the door for payments , '' she says , `` but we ca n't earn any money . ''
Ms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ open during the pandemic but she has hardly any customers and has furloughed her staff .
She wants the maximum £50,000 Bounce Back Loan as well .
But after she applied on 5th May , the day after the launch , she is still waiting to hear back .
`` I 've banked with them for years .
What 's the delay ? ''
she asks .
Like Ms Solanki , Ms Ogden says she tried to get the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan , then switched to the Bounce Back option because it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` All my time this last week has been spent on the phone , on emails , trying to find out about this loan , instead of spending it working out how to help the business , '' Ms Ogden says .
`` Without it , I 'm finished . ''
Santander told BBC News , `` While most applications have been processed quickly and smoothly , some are more complicated and we are working through these as quickly as we can . ''
Many have been getting the loans , including @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Beauty in Shrewsbury .
`` I 'm elated .
I can stop stressing about my rent , '' he says .
But he has had an anxious wait .
The £4,000 he wanted from Barclays has only just gone into his account .
He applied 11 days ago and expected the money the next day from what was billed as fast-track lending .
`` I think it has only come because I have been constantly at them , going on and on , '' he says .
`` It should n't be like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Government figures earlier in the week showed the huge scale of the scheme .
Nearly 270,000 Bounce Back Loans had already been approved for more than £8bn .
However , a significant minority of applicants are finding that the funds are hard to get hold of .
A Treasury spokesman said : `` Millions has already landed in people 's accounts and lenders are working hard to process and approve all applications as quickly as possible .
`` All lenders are welcome to apply to the scheme , and we are working closely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the finance they need . ''
At Barclays , it is clear that there are some applications which simply can not get through the bank 's online process , so a human has to step in to deal with discrepancies , or verify conflicting information .
A Barclays spokesperson said : `` In the first week alone of this scheme being live , we approved almost 70,000 Bounce Back Loans worth more than £2.1bn , and 95 % of customers who have applied since the launch of the BBLS have received their funds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hard to get these loans into the hands of customers as quickly as possible , with the number of loans approved in the first week of the scheme equivalent to the amount that we would normally approve over a three year period . ''
Santander said it had approved more than 70,000 online applications and paid out almost £1.3bn to business customers .
`` We 've seen unprecedented demand for Bounce Back Loans and have been working hard to get these much-needed loans to our customers as quickly as possible and we apologise @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a statement .

"All my time this last week has been spent on the phone, on emails, trying to find out about this loan, instead of spending it working out how to help the business," Ms Ogden says. "Without it, I'm finished."


bbcuk--2020-05-16--Eurovision Song Contest: Graham Norton to host BBC replacement

The BBC will broadcast a series of programmes celebrating Eurovision on Saturday - the night this year 's song contest was due to take place .
The 2020 contest was cancelled in March amid the coronavirus pandemic .
Graham Norton and Rylan Clark-Neal will instead host programmes which celebrate Eurovision 's 64-year history .
The BBC will also join other European broadcasters to honour all the 41 songs which would have competed this year .
Some of this year 's songs would have been eliminated at the semi-finals , where the entrants are normally whittled down to 26 .
None @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over to next year .
Instead , countries will select new entrants for the 2021 contest .
Several countries - including Greece , Spain and Bulgaria - have confirmed they will send the same acts next year to give the artists a second chance , but they will have to perform different songs .
Currently , there 's no word on whether the UK 's 2020 entrant James Newman will be chosen for the 2021 contest , although he has said he `` absolutely '' wants to represent his country again .
• @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Norton host a 90-minute programme which looks back at some classic Eurovision performances and encourages viewers to vote for their favourite .
Norton will also speak to James Newman , who would have represented the UK at this year 's contest .
It is broadcast at 18:30 BST on BBC One .
• Eurovision : Europe Shine A Light will honour all the 41 songs which would have made up this year 's contest , in a non-competitive format .
The live show will be broadcast across Europe and hosted from the Netherlands @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to front this year 's contest , but Graham Norton will provide commentary for UK viewers .
It 's being screened at 20:00 BST on BBC One .
• The A-Z of Eurovision will see Rylan Clark-Neal go into the archives to relive `` the disasters , the costume changes and memorable musical moments '' from Eurovision 's 64-year history .
It airs at 22:00 BST on BBC Two .
• TOTP2 Goes Eurovision is a repeat of a programme first shown in 2007 .
Hosted by Steve Wright , the Eurovision-themed edition @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will feature archive performances by Cliff Richard , Lulu , Bucks Fizz and Abba .
It goes out at 23:00 BST on BBC Two .
On Friday , the BBC announced the shortlist for the Come Together programme would include Eurovision classics from Verka Serduchka , Loreen , Alexander Rybak , Netta , Abba , Bucks Fizz , Conchita and Gina G. This year 's Eurovision Song Contest was originally due to take place on Saturday at Rotterdam 's 16,000 capacity Ahoy Arena .
In March , the organisers said in a statement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of you around the world , are extremely saddened that it can not take place in May .
`` The health of artists , staff , fans and visitors , as well as the situation in the Netherlands , Europe and the world , is at the heart of this decision . ''
Follow us on Facebook , or on Twitter @ BBCNewsEnts .
If you have a story suggestion email entertainment.news @ bbc.co.uk .

After recounting a sweet tale about the time his grandson Albert first realised his grandad was a Eurovision pop star, he described the contest as one of the most "genuinely joyous events of the TV year" which "allows you to escape and be happy and even forget about the coronavirus for a little while".


bbcuk--2020-05-16--Coronavirus: What should the opposition do in a crisis?

Political conflict is hardwired into the British system of government , but what happens when there is a national emergency that needs a unified response ?
The gap between the front benches in the House of Commons is 3.96m - more than enough to comply with social distancing regulations .
But infection control was the last thing on the mind of the architects who laid out the chamber .
The gap is traditionally said to be two swords ' length , to prevent MPs duelling with each other .
There were few signs of armed conflict breaking out at Prime @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an eerily quiet and sparsely populated chamber .
But it was a return to something like business-as-usual , with Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer putting the prime minister on the spot over the coronavirus crisis in care homes .
They got into a spat afterwards , which culminated in the prime minister reminding the leader of the opposition , in a letter , that the `` the public expect us to work together '' in the face of `` this unprecedented pandemic '' .
Is he right ?
Should the opposition parties swallow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
Or do they need to keep up the pressure and the criticism more than ever ?
On being elected Labour leader , Sir Keir Starmer declared : `` In the national interest , we will engage constructively with the government . ''
He said he would not indulge in `` opposition for opposition 's sake '' .
Initially , some grassroots members and some of his own MPs felt that he had n't created enough dividing lines with the government - especially over social care .
But his first priority was n't @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Johnson as from the previous Labour leader .
Starmer was well aware of Jeremy Corbyn 's unpopularity with some traditional Labour voters who - for the first time - defected to the Conservatives at the last election .
So as a step on the long journey to rebuilding trust , he made a point of saying things that you would n't expect to hear from his predecessor .
It was only when Boris Johnson returned to front-line politics that Starmer 's `` constructive criticism '' emphasised the latter part of that phrase .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ but the format of Prime Minister 's Questions played to his strengths as a lawyer .
He concentrated on his opponent 's apparent weakness - a lack of attention to detail .
He asked what would sound like reasonable questions to the wider electorate - but which , he assumed , his opponent would find difficult to answer .
Some Conservative MPs are now criticising him for `` gotcha '' politics - especially after challenging the prime minister over now-withdrawn care home guidance .
But looking beyond the immediate crisis , he sees @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trust in his own party , but eroding it in the prime minister .
So far -on limited evidence - his approach does n't appear to be harming him .
One poll suggested he was marginally more trusted than Boris Johnson .
He has found it easy to ask searching questions of the government - but he has yet to set out extensively what Labour would do were the party in office .
He is in no rush to do so .
As his predecessor might have discovered , `` winning the argument @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into winning an election .
While Sir Keir 's personal ratings have gone up , Labour is still languishing some way behind in the polls .
If he is to get to Number 10 , he knows his will be a long-haul political journey .
Are the parties working together ?
Boris Johnson has made an effort to keep opposition parties in the loop on key pandemic decisions , with regular briefings .
There is also some cross-party working on the government 's Cobra emergency committee , with Labour 's London Mayor Sadiq @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Scottish , Welsh and Northern Irish administrations .
And government ministers have welcomed opposition input on measures to help people through the lockdown , such as extending statutory sick pay and more support for private renters .
Some cynics have suggested that one reason for cross-party working is that it will enable the PM to share the blame when things go wrong .
Others have criticised the opposition parties for being too negative and not coming up with solutions .
It is a dilemma for the Labour leader in particular , who is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Why do we have an official opposition ?
It 's not written down anywhere that the second largest party in the Commons has to systematically oppose everything the government does .
The convention emerged in the 19th Century , with the growth of two-party politics .
The idea was to have an alternative government ready to step in when the governing party of the day was voted out .
In previous centuries , opposition to HM government , on anything other than private or local matters , was regarded as treason .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weakened , and Britain 's democracy matured , it was seen as good practice to hold the government to account for its decisions .
And with the governing party 's MPs expected to be loyal , the job fell to what became known as the opposition , the party that had lost the most recent election .
Nevertheless , the leader of the opposition did not become a salaried position until 1937 and the idea of a formal shadow cabinet , a ready-made team of alternative minsters that meets regularly , did not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ countries have leaders of the opposition but surprisingly few have a shadow cabinet on the lines of the Westminster model , which is most closely followed in Australia , New Zealand and Canada .
There is no official opposition leader or shadow cabinet in America , although there have been informal efforts to set one up .
In the UK , smaller parties like the Liberal Democrats and the SNP , who also appoint shadow ministers , have often proved to be more effective than the official opposition , which has only ever @ @ @ @ @ @ @ early years of the 20th Century .
But the official opposition has a special status at Westminster , and is given more time , and public money , to hold the government to account - and to take centre stage every week at Prime Minister 's Questions .
Some , such as Tory former minister George Freeman , have called for a cross-party `` national government '' to steer the country through the coronavirus emergency .
The wartime coalition government , formed in 1940 , at a time when the UK was facing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is often held up as an example of how to set aside political differences for the greater good .
Conservative Prime Minister Sir Winston Churchill drafted Labour leader Clement Attlee in as his deputy prime minister , and appointed other Labour , and Liberal , figures to cabinet positions , for the duration of the war .
There appears to be little appetite for something similar now , from either side .
Although Labour might take heart from the fact that Sir Winston 's solid , uncharismatic deputy went on to defeat the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the 1945 election .

In the UK, smaller parties like the Liberal Democrats and the SNP, who also appoint shadow ministers, have often proved to be more effective than the official opposition, which has only ever been Conservative or Labour, since the early years of the 20th Century.


bbcuk--2020-05-16--RAF Benson's running stormtrooper aims for 1,000 miles

Squadron leader Jez Allinson has set himself the task of running 1,000 miles in a film-accurate replica Star Wars stormtrooper @ @ @ @ @ can usually be seen clocking up the miles at RAF Benson , but his training @ @ @ @ @ a celebrity in the nearby town of Wallingford .
The suit is so uncomfortable and @ @ @ @ @ to take the whole year , but will raise more than £50,000 for charity .
@ @ @ @ @ with his squadron in Afghanistan where the altitude makes the challenge even harder .
The @ @ @ @ @ was filmed on 11 March before social distancing measures were introduced .

Squadron leader Jez Allinson has set himself the task of running 1,000 miles in a film-accurate replica Star Wars stormtrooper outfit.
The helicopter navigator can usually be seen clocking up the miles at RAF Benson, but his training runs have also made him a celebrity in the nearby town of Wallingford.
The suit is so uncomfortable and stiff the challenge is expected to take the whole year, but will raise more than £50,000 for charity.
Jez is currently on deployment with his squadron in Afghanistan where the altitude makes the challenge even harder.
A film by Ben Moore and Katharine Da Costa
The UK footage in this report was filmed on 11 March before social distancing measures were introduced.


bbcuk--2020-05-16--The Papers: Back-to-school 'chaos' and 'Prem ace's Paris trip'

Most of Saturday 's papers speculate on the likelihood of schools reopening to more pupils next month .
For the Daily Mirror , the plans are `` in chaos '' and `` on the verge of collapse '' .
The paper says the Labour-run Liverpool City Council is leading a revolt against the government 's proposed restart date of 1 June , after ministers and scientific advisers failed to convince unions it was safe to do so during a virtual meeting on Friday .
The Guardian says union leaders were left with `` more questions than answers '' after the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ confusing and chaotic '' - around 50 people and organisations took part .
The Daily Telegraph says ministers are `` incensed '' that the biggest teaching union - the National Education Union - is opposed to the school reopening plan .
One government source suggests to the paper the union is putting `` ideology '' ahead of the interests of children .
In its editorial , the Telegraph urges Labour Leader Sir Keir Starmer to use his influence to change the position of unions and what it describes as the `` militants in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ poorest will be hit hardest if their children are denied proper schooling for months and calls for a `` concerted cross-party effort '' to end the lockdown and get them back in the classroom .
`` A glimmer of good news '' is offered by the Daily Mail courtesy of Sir Simon Stevens , the head of NHS England .
Writing in the paper , he says hospital admissions for coronavirus have halved since the peak of the pandemic - with just over 9,000 patients being treated each day .
He makes clear @ @ @ @ @ @ @ woods yet '' but says the NHS will be moving `` heaven and earth '' to restart services for non-coronavirus patients who need support .
Sir Simon also urges people not to return to the heavy drinking and disorderly behaviour which all too often crippled accident and emergency departments before the crisis .
The Times reports that more women than ever have joined the exclusive ranks of the Sunday Times Rich List .
The paper says the list has always been predominantly a `` boy 's club '' , but that 150 women @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their mark this year .
The Tetra-pak heiress Kirsten Rausing is named as the richest woman - with an estimated fortune of more than £12bn .
But the `` high fives '' should be put on hold , the Times says , as it points out the gender pay gap is even more acute among the `` mind bogglingly wealthy '' than the wider population .
Sign up for a morning briefing direct to your phone The Sun offers a glimpse of what a visit to your local could look like in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been to a pub in Buckinghamshire , which claims to have found a safe way of reopening during the pandemic .
The paper explains that a trial scheme at the Betsey Wynne has seen a one-way system introduced for anyone entering and leaving the pub .
Boozers sit at tables two metres apart , separated by perspex screens , and order their food and drink via their mobile phones - having browsed disposable menus .
The pub 's owners are to present the ideas to the Cabinet Office - and say they could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weeks .

For the Daily Mirror, the plans are "in chaos" and "on the verge of collapse". The paper says the Labour-run Liverpool City Council is leading a revolt against the government's proposed restart date of 1 June, after ministers and scientific advisers failed to convince unions it was safe to do so during a virtual meeting on Friday.


bbcuk--2020-05-16--Transfer test: Principals treated 'disrespectfully' over delay plans

Some primary school principals are being treated with `` a lack of respect '' over plans to delay transfer tests for at least two weeks .
That is according to a letter from the Lisburn Association of Primary Principals .
It said they were being left `` open to blame for the pitfalls of this system that are vastly beyond our control '' .
The Department of Education said it would be providing a written response to the letter in due course .
The tests are usually taken by pupils on five consecutive Saturdays beginning in early November , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be held until 21 November .
That has been criticised by some MLAs .
In the joint letter to the test providers and the Department of Education ( DE ) , which has been seen by BBC News NI , the teachers said that they were not properly consulted about the decision to delay the tests .
The association represents the heads of about 40 schools in the area .
`` We feel we were not given the dignity of proper consultation or even prior information , '' they said .
`` This @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but particularly because this process could not run without the diligence of the primary school sector . ''
They also highlighted that the transfer tests were not part of the statutory curriculum , but said that primary schools prepared children for them due to demand .
`` Primary school teachers and principals engage with this system out of concern for the children involved in the process , and because selection , albeit through private systems , is part of this process , '' they wrote .
`` These two systems do not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ around two very different viewpoints on the nature of effective learning and teaching . ''
They added that some parents had a `` lack of respect '' for primary school principals and staff preparing children for transfer .
This , they said , `` has left the floodgates open for parents to demand more and to place the burden back at the doorstep of primary schools '' .
The letter pointed out that Primary Six pupils and their parents are `` naturally , and understandably , more anxious at this time '' .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ high degree of professional commitment to facilitating this process , despite the inherent flaws of the current system . ''
The principals said that it was not the time for a wider debate about academic selection , but `` even in the more normal pattern of events , this process is already destructive and fraught with difficulty '' .
The principals stressed that they `` care deeply about the children in our care '' , and are `` most particularly concerned for our Primary Six pupils , who are now potentially more burdened @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' .
`` Open support , respect , inclusion , consideration and appreciation of the role of primary schools at this time , will go a long way towards easing anxieties of parents and their children , rather than leaving us open to blame for the pitfalls of this system that are vastly beyond our control .
`` This would at least go some way to lessening the challenges we can face unfairly from some parents , and , it would appear , some MLAs and other officials , who do not have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it sits within our current education system . ''
In response , the joint CEO of AQE , Darrin Barr , said that he understood that there was a lot of uncertainty around planning for next term .
`` I , along with AQE Limited , recognise the magnificent job that primary schools do in preparing children for post-primary schools and beyond , and this includes the preparation for the transfer tests , '' he said .
`` This work of primary principals and staff , which also includes helping parents with special @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the pupils , parents and AQE Limited . ''
A Department of Education spokesperson said : `` The department acknowledges the concerns raised by the principals and will be providing a written response to their letter in due course . ''
The chair of Stormont 's education committee , Aliiance MLA Chris Lyttle , said that the tests could not proceed without the good will of primary schools .
He said the transfer test process `` places primary schools in the unacceptable position of managing the delivery of the statutory curriculum and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of tests .
`` The education minister , AQE , PPTC ( Post Primary Transfer Consortium ) and selective schools must take action to ease the anxiety caused by a system and situation that is beyond their control . ''

"This would at least go some way to lessening the challenges we can face unfairly from some parents, and, it would appear, some MLAs and other officials, who do not have full understanding of the process and how it sits within our current education system."


bbcuk--2020-05-16--Coronavirus: Warning over weekend travel from England to Wales

People have been warned not to breach coronavirus lockdown restrictions in Wales this weekend , including those thinking of travelling from England .
Rules have been relaxed in England so people can now `` drive to other destinations '' and meet one person outside their households outdoors .
But in Wales they can not travel `` a significant distance '' .
First Minister Mark Drakeford told those mulling a weekend trip to Wales `` do n't do it '' .
Rules in Wales mean travelling long distances are not allowed , with the rules in England also specifying that overnight @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
• What do the new lockdown rules say ?
Speaking at Friday 's Welsh Government news conference , Mr Drakeford said : `` I know many people in Wales are concerned about people travelling long distances from England , particularly in the light of the UK government 's announcement last weekend .
`` I understand their concern .
Our rules here in Wales are clear , travel should only be local , and it should only be essential .
`` Travelling a long way to visit beauty spots or second homes in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so do n't do it . ''
• What Covid-19 decisions are made in Wales ?
• 'Going to buy drugs ' among lockdown breach excuses • Coronavirus cases in Wales : How many people have died ?
Police forces in Wales have the power to fine people for making non-essential journeys , including those from England into Wales , with a £60 penalty for lockdown breaches .
And Welsh police forces have expressed concerns over whether traffic into Wales could continue to increase as a result of Prime Minister , Boris Johnson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Police reminded people inside and outside Wales the regulations remain in place and they would be enforced .
Assistant Chief Constable Andy Valentine said : `` Travelling into Wales for exercise or without a reasonable excuse is not permitted , and I appeal for the support of people living in England . ''
Gwent Police Deputy Chief Constable Amanda Blakeman warned anyone thinking of flouting the rules to they could face action .
`` If you 're travelling - either cycling , in the car or on a motorbike - then we 've @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , we will be stopping you , we will be explaining to you what the situation is , we will be asking you to return home . ''
Dyfed-Powys Police said there would be no `` specific targeting '' of people travelling from across the border , although its patrols would continue .
On Friday , a letter by the All Wales Policing Group of chief constables and police and crime commissioners to the first minister said `` there is growing evidence that adherence to the regulations is weakening in some areas '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that we want to be balanced and proportionate in the use of fines , taking our local communities with us in the way that we enforce the rules , with the difference of messaging in England being a challenge which can be helped by a similarity of maximum fine levels '' .
On Thursday , the Welsh Government said it was not planning to change the fine system to increase penalties above £60 but it was keeping the matter `` under consideration '' .
At the start of the pandemic , some Welsh @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crowds , prompting criticism from authorities .
Ahead of this weekend , Wales ' three national park authorities issued a joint call for `` all UK residents to respect the rules and measures in place in Wales '' .
`` These measures in Wales mean that people can not drive to exercise in Wales - no matter where they live , '' said Emyr Williams , chief executive of Snowdonia National Park .
`` There will continue to be no parking or access to the most popular sites in the Welsh National Parks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chief executive Tegryn Jones said the `` message was clear '' for people who did not live within walking distance of beauty spots .
`` Do not visit Wales ' national parks until the Welsh Government 's guidelines to avoid unnecessary travel in Wales have been lifted , '' he added .
• THE R NUMBER : What it means and why it matters • LOOK-UP TOOL : How many cases in your area ?
• EXERCISE : What are the guidelines on getting out ?
• RECOVERY : How long does it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : When will children be returning ?
And the coastguard told people coronavirus `` has n't gone away '' and told them to `` respect the coastline '' .
`` Do n't forget though , in Northern Ireland , Scotland and Wales , nothing has changed .
Give the coast a miss and stay home to save lives , '' they said in a statement .

"We should make it clear that we want to be balanced and proportionate in the use of fines, taking our local communities with us in the way that we enforce the rules, with the difference of messaging in England being a challenge which can be helped by a similarity of maximum fine levels".


bbcuk--2020-05-16--Coronavirus: Woman chalks plant names on paths on lockdown walks

A woman who chalks plant names on pavements said she hoped it would make more people `` open their eyes '' to the natural world .
Jane Perrone , 46 , from Bedford , studies `` every crack in the pavement '' to `` liven up '' her daily lockdown walks .
She posted some of her descriptions on a Bedford residents ' Facebook page and was `` overwhelmed '' at the response .
`` It 's just a way of putting a big arrow towards things people have n't noticed , '' she said .
Ms Perrone , a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ On The Ledge podcast , goes on daily walks with her nine-year-old son Fred , and dog Wolfie .
`` When I 'm walking down the street , I have my plant glasses on - I 'm looking in every crack of the pavement , '' she said .
`` If you start having that curiosity , it 's amazing how much you 'll see . ''
Her descriptions on the pavement include the name in Latin and English , while her online posts tell people what other uses they have .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ' possibilities , it opens up finding that plant elsewhere or sowing the seeds of it in your garden , '' she said .
Peter Element , who lives close to Ms Perrone , said : `` I 'm really enjoying these posts , it 's making our area come alive for me . ''
Bedford Green Party councillor Lucy Bywater , who also lives nearby , said : `` It 's making people start to think differently about their connection with nature and to appreciate things they did n't notice before .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ local shops , but looking down and seeing things springing up between the paving slabs , it can surprise people and give them pleasure . ''
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If you have a story suggestion email eastofenglandnews @ bbc.co.uk

"Once you know and understand the plants' possibilities, it opens up finding that plant elsewhere or sowing the seeds of it in your garden," she said.


bbcuk--2020-05-16--Coronavirus: Gavin Williamson seeks to reassure parents over school plan

Education Secretary Gavin Williamson has said `` we owe it to the children '' to get pupils back in school , as he reassured parents it would be safe .
Mr Williamson said he knew some parents were `` very anxious '' about reopening schools , but said it would be a `` cautious , phased return '' .
It follows a row over the government 's plan to begin a phased reopening of schools in England from 1 June .
Teachers ' unions have said the date is too soon to be safe .
Speaking at the government 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mr Williamson said : `` There are some who would like to delay the wider opening of schools but there is a consequence to this .
`` The longer that schools are closed the more children miss out .
Teachers know this .
Teachers know that there are children out there that have not spoken or played with another child of their own age for two months .
`` They know there are children from difficult or very unhappy homes for whom school is the happiest moment in their week and it 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be . ''
England is the only UK nation to set a date for schools to start to reopen .
Schools in Wales will not reopen on 1 June , while those in Scotland and Northern Ireland may not restart before the summer holidays .
Meanwhile , the number of people who have died with coronavirus in the UK has increased by 468 , the government said on Saturday .
It takes the total number of UK deaths , in all settings following a positive coronavirus test , to 34,466 .
• Do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to school ?
• How England is following Denmark 's school safety model • How much do children spread it ?
Schools in England closed for most pupils on 20 March , staying open only for the children of key workers and vulnerable children .
The phased reopening will begin with children in nursery and pre-school , Reception and Years 1 and 6 returning to primary school first on 1 June .
At secondary school and college , Years 10 and 12 would return first .
But teaching unions have said plans to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ safety measures and need to be halted .
Some councils have said their schools will not open .
Mr Williamson said the government 's approach was based on the `` best scientific advice with children at the very heart of everything we do '' - and the impact of it would be carefully monitored .
`` We have been quite clear all along that we 'd only start inviting more children when our five key tests have been met , '' he said .
`` That position has not changed nor will it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ students in Years 10 and 12 who were studying for their GCSEs and A-levels `` stand to lose more by staying away from school '' .
But there were no plans to bring forward the start of the next school year to August , he said - although he was looking at `` different initiatives '' which could be rolled out during the summer .
Reassuring people what safety measures were being taken , Mr Williamson said school staff could already be tested for the virus and , from 1 June , children @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to get tests if they developed symptoms .
Pupils will also be kept in groups of no more than 15 and there will be regular cleaning , Mr Williamson added .
`` Together these measures will create an inherently safer system where the risk of transmission is substantially reduced for children , their teachers and also their families , '' he said .
There were 136,486 tests in the UK on Friday - the highest daily figure so far in the UK .
Boris Johnson has set a target of 200,000 tests a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dr Jenny Harries , England 's deputy chief medical officer , told the briefing that evidence suggests children `` probably have [ the ] same level of infections '' but do not get as ill with the virus .
Parents and teachers `` should not be thinking that every school is swarming with cases , '' she said .
Will some children in England returning to school lead to an increase in infections ?
This is being debated by politicians , teachers and unions .
Dr Jenny Harries said that seven different `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ modelled by the government 's Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies ( Sage ) .
She said the government had adopted one scientists estimate will give the smallest increase in the R number - the measure of how fast the disease the is spreading .
In England , Reception , Year 1 and Year 6 children will return to school from 1 June .
Some of the reasons given for picking these age groups were to do with preventing spread of disease , for example because older children are more likely to have higher @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a greater transmission risk .
Some were about balancing up children 's needs , including the fact that younger age groups may find self-directed learning more challenging .
Some councils - such as Liverpool and Hartlepool - have said their schools will not reopen at the start of next month .
Asked what school governors should do if the council 's stance differs from the government 's , Mr Williamson said : `` What we would ask them to do is look at the guidance very , very carefully .
`` The best @ @ @ @ @ @ @ way of giving them the best opportunities in life is actually to have them coming back into school - and this is a very small , tentative step in what I believe is the right direction if we pass those five tests . ''
The government 's guidance says schools should : • Reduce class sizes and keep children in small groups of 15 and under without mixing with others • Stagger break and lunch times , and school arrival and departure times • Clean more frequently , and reduce the use of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said he was `` always keen to listen and talk to '' union leaders - who met the government 's scientific advisers on Friday - saying : `` My door is always open . ''
Patrick Roach , the head the NASUWT teachers ' union , welcomed Mr Williamson 's promise to talk , adding that schools wanted `` clear and unequivocal guidance on the health and safety measures they will need to have in place prior to reopening '' .
`` The bottom line is that no teacher or child should be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can be demonstrated that it is safe for them to do so , '' Mr Roach added .
• RISK AT WORK : How exposed is your job ?
• SCHOOLS : When will children be returning ?
• EXERCISE : What are the guidelines on getting out ?
• THE R NUMBER : What it means and why it matters • LOOK-UP TOOL : How many cases in your area ?
On Saturday , the children 's commissioner for England , Anne Longfield , said the government and unions should `` stop @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reopen schools safely `` as quickly as possible '' .
She said many disadvantaged children were losing out because of schools being closed for so long .
Some parents and teachers have said they are worried about the emotional distress returning to the classroom could have on staff and pupils - and questioned how they will follow social distancing rules .
• Hundreds of people gathered at Hyde Park in London to protest against the lockdown • Councils and park bosses have urged people to `` think twice '' before heading to beauty @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lockdown rules being eased • Medical experts say up to 30 % of people who are seriously ill with coronavirus are developing dangerous blood clots • The head of the British Transport Police in Scotland has been criticised for travelling to his family home in Yorkshire during the lockdown • The Welsh government has said testing will be extended to all care home residents and staff in Wales .

"The best way of protecting children, the best way of giving them the best opportunities in life is actually to have them coming back into school - and this is a very small, tentative step in what I believe is the right direction if we pass those five tests."


bbcuk--2020-05-16--Coronavirus: Labour's Sir Keir Starmer calls for 'four-nation' approach

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has said different approaches across the four UK nations to tackling coronavirus are not going to `` help us out of this crisis '' .
He blamed Prime Minister Boris Johnson for the way Wales and England had diverged in the easing of the lockdown .
Sir Keir said it reinforced his call for `` radical federalism '' across the UK .
But Welsh Secretary Simon Hart has said there were `` far more similarities than differences in the approaches of the nations of the UK '' .
• What do the new lockdown rules @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be relaxed in two weeks • Keir Starmer will stand up for Wales , says FM Talking to the BBC 's Politics Wales programme , Sir Keir said there had been an `` incredible sense of solidarity '' across the United Kingdom , but the relationship between Wales , England , Scotland and Northern Ireland `` could '' but put under strain if there was an increasing divergence in approaches from the respective governments to coronavirus .
`` The sooner , frankly , we get back to operating as four nations together the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I do think responsibility for that lies very largely with the prime minister , who I would have hoped could have got all the ducks in a row before he actually made his speech last Sunday , '' Sir Keir added .
In his televised address that day , Boris Johnson announced guidance that said people - in England - could `` drive to other destinations '' for exercise and leisure .
In Wales , the Welsh Government restated people can not travel `` a significant distance '' from home for exercise .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ told the BBC 's Political Thinking with Nick Robinson podcast he was not consulted before the UK government altered the lockdown slogan from `` Stay at home '' to `` Stay alert '' , adding that there was no change to the message in Wales .
Welsh Secretary Simon Hart has said : `` No one part of the UK could face this pandemic alone and the UK Government has provided unprecedented support to every part of the UK .
`` We entered this fight as a United Kingdom and we will come @ @ @ @ @ @ @ • 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 In the BBC Wales interview , Sir Keir was asked whether it was politically difficult for him to criticise the UK Government 's coronavirus response on issues which had also troubled the Welsh Labour government .
He said : `` I 'm constantly asked to compare and contrast ... and I 've refused to get into that because I do n't think @ @ @ @ @ @ @ What I 've said is that the Labour party , certainly in the UK Government , will be a constructive opposition and what I meant by that is having the courage to say we 'll support the government when that 's the right thing to do . ''
On Thursday , Sir Keir held online question-and-answer sessions with groups of Welsh voters in an attempt to understand the reason why Labour suffered its worst general election result in Wales since 1983 .
He said Brexit and Jeremy Corbyn 's leadership had been issues @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they were talking about something much deeper , about trust and engagement from the Labour Party '' .
Sir Keir added that the `` perception that the leader of the Labour party and Welsh Labour are in two different places , is not right , and that 's my job to make sure people realise we 're all on the same page , all working together '' .
During the Labour leadership contest , Sir Keir said devolving more powers to the Welsh Parliament so that `` more powers are closer to people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Politics Wales is on BBC One Wales at 10:15 GMT on Sunday 17 May and available on BBC iPlayer after broadcast .

"What I've said is that the Labour party, certainly in the UK Government, will be a constructive opposition and what I meant by that is having the courage to say we'll support the government when that's the right thing to do."


bbcuk--2020-05-16--Coronavirus: Imaging equipment ‘woefully underfunded’

Radiologists say they are `` very concerned '' patients may not be cured of serious illnesses when demand for services increases , due to a lack of imaging equipment in the UK .
The president of the Royal College of Radiologists has warned the service had been `` woefully underfunded '' .
She said cleaning requirements because of coronavirus would reduce capacity .
The Department of Health and Social Care in England said it was investing £200m on imaging equipment .
`` Radiology is one of those services that people use all the time , but do n't really often @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like surgery '' , said Dr Jeanette Dickson , president of the Royal College of Radiologists .
`` Imaging touches on virtually every patient who comes into a hospital .
`` If you look at us on a European-wide average , we are certainly one of the countries that have the fewest number of scanners a head of the population . ''
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : How do I protect myself ?
• IMPACT : What the virus does to the body • RECOVERY : How long does it take ?
• @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
• ENDGAME : How do we get out of this mess ?
A comparison by the OECD , the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development , in 2014 - the last set of comparable figures - showed there were just 9.5 scanners per million head of the population , far below figures for Spain , Germany , France and Italy .
The BBC has been told some trusts just had a single CT scanner in operation in the UK .
Dr Dickson said normal service before the outbreak was `` woefully underfunded @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` coping but barely '' .
She said the whole of imaging was very much understaffed prior to the Covid-19 crisis .
The latest figures form the Royal College of Radiologists show 11 % of funded posts for radiologists across the UK were vacant .
In April , Cancer Research said a drop-off in screening and referrals meant roughly 2,700 fewer people were being diagnosed every week .
Sara Hiom , Cancer Research UK 's director of early diagnosis said CT scanners for diagnosing cancer `` were already at breaking point before the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more than 30 CT scanners have been obtained from the independent sector during the coronavirus crisis , with at least 35 more ordered .
`` Capacity will be much , much less than demand '' even with the equipment that has been ordered , Dr Dickson said .
She warned even when all imaging resumes , and the NHS gets back to operating fully , it would take `` at least 30-45 minutes '' to deep clean scanners after Covid-19 patients and `` more attention '' was being paid to cleaning equipment between @ @ @ @ @ @ @ distance in the waiting room .
`` I am very concerned that we may find that patients are suffering unnecessary treatments or unnecessarily damaging treatments and losing the opportunity for a cure of cancer or another serious illness , because of the lack of imaging , '' Dr Dickson said .
Sara Hiom added : `` The government needs to invest in the necessary equipment , employing and training more staff to enable the NHS to cope with the backlog of patients waiting for cancer care .
`` Prompt diagnosis and treatment remain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of survival . ''
The Department of Health and Social Care in England said in a statement it is `` committed to increasing our capacity for earlier cancer diagnosis and have provided £200m for new state of the art diagnostic machines to improve the quality and speed of diagnosis and replace any outdated machines '' .
It added that cancer services would be `` among the first of many NHS services to be returning to normal '' during the coronavirus outbreak .
A spokesperson for NHS England said : `` Increased cleaning of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are in place throughout the pandemic to protect staff and patients .
`` The NHS is making full use of the additional scanning capacity in the independent sector as well as buying additional scanners so that tests can go ahead as normal . ''
The Welsh government said it was `` increasing diagnostic capacity in radiology , including a new National Imaging Academy , and doubling the radiology training programme '' .
Meanwhile , the Scottish government said it expected all health boards to `` continue to prioritise radiology capacity for those patients @ @ @ @ @ @ @ throughout and beyond the Covid-19 outbreak '' .
`` The majority of cancer radiology diagnostics and treatments have continued , however some patient 's treatment plans will change to minimise their individual risk , '' it added .

She warned even when all imaging resumes, and the NHS gets back to operating fully, it would take "at least 30-45 minutes" to deep clean scanners after Covid-19 patients and "more attention" was being paid to cleaning equipment between all patients. Patients have to socially distance in the waiting room.