bbcuk--2020-09-21--Kevin Dundon 1980 ferry disappearance: Foul play feared

Suffolk Police said no evidence as to what happened to Kevin was ever found , and his status has remained as `` missing '' for four decades .
`` Over the last two years we have identified and taken statements from individuals who were not seen at the time , but were on board the Viking Viscount with Kevin , '' said Andy Guy , the Major Crime Review and Unsolved Case Manager for Norfolk and Suffolk Constabularies .
Mr Dundon 's brothers said in a statement they believed it was `` extremely unlikely Kevin could have gone overboard without @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our family being torn apart with grief was virtually unbearable '' .
Mr Dundon , from Clacton-on-Sea , was employed by shipping company Townsend Thoresen and had been working on to the Viking Viscount for just three days when he disappeared .
His duties included washing crockery in the galley .
Witness statements from colleagues said he was working in the plate room at about 18:00 BST that Sunday , and the last confirmed sighting of him was 30 minutes later when he is believed to have been seen exiting the galley through @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to either the toilets or the deck .
Mr Dundon did not respond to announcements made over the public address system and , when the ferry docked at Felixstowe at 20:45 , further searches were carried out on board .
Mr Guy said : `` Forty years have now passed since Kevin Dundon disappeared and his family have been devoid of any explanation as to what happened to him since .
`` The original investigation faced some considerable hurdles due to the fact Kevin was on a ferry 26 miles out at sea @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and which was carrying almost 700 souls . ''
Police said they believed it was `` highly unlikely that Kevin was still on the ship when it docked at Felixstowe '' , and a spokesman said that foul play could not be ruled out .
Appealing for further witnesses , Mr Guy said : `` I believe there are individuals who were on that ferry that know what happened to Kevin , but have not previously told us .
`` Kevin 's parents died without knowing what happened to their son , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be given some answers and closure about the fate of their sibling . ''

His duties included washing crockery in the galley. Witness statements from colleagues said he was working in the plate room at about 18:00 BST that Sunday, and the last confirmed sighting of him was 30 minutes later when he is believed to have been seen exiting the galley through a door which could have taken him to either the toilets or the deck.


bbcuk--2020-09-21--Covid in Scotland: Tighter restrictions expected 'within days'

Additional lockdown restrictions will `` almost certainly '' be put in place in Scotland in the next couple of days , Nicola Sturgeon has said .
Speaking at her daily briefing , the first minister said `` fast and urgent action '' was needed to tackle the growth of the virus .
Ms Sturgeon indicated that a package of new restrictions would be announced within the next 48 hours .
A total of 255 new cases were recorded in the past 24 hours .
That represented 6.3 % of those tested , the third day running the `` positivity rate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the World Health Organization has said is a key benchmark for a virus to be considered under control .
• Coronavirus in Scotland : Four numbers to watch • Covid curbs of six months 'more realistic position' While no new deaths were reported , the number of people treated in hospital rose to 73 , an increase of 10 .
Ms Sturgeon said : `` I need to be absolutely straight with people across Scotland , that additional restrictions will almost certainly be put in place in Scotland over the next couple of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with four-nations alignment , but if necessary it will have to happen without that . ''
She said a meeting of the UK government 's Cobra emergency committee would take place , and that she would be speaking to Prime Minister Boris Johnson directly after the briefing .
Ms Sturgeon added : `` In that call , I will impress upon the prime minister my view that we need decisive , urgent and , as far as possible given our individual responsibilities , co-ordinated action across the UK .
`` I will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a bit more time for four-nations discussions to take place before making final decisions for Scotland , but I will be equally clear that the urgency of this situation will mean that we can not , must not and will not wait too long . ''
Later on Monday the UK 's chief medical officers said the coronavirus alert level should move to Level 4 , meaning that transmission of the virus was `` high or rising exponentially '' .
Downing Street confirmed Boris Johnson had spoken on the phone to the first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ireland , and that they would be taking part in a Cobra meeting scheduled for Tuesday morning .
A spokesperson said : `` They all agreed to act with a united approach , as much as possible , in the days and weeks ahead . ''
Ms Sturgeon tweeted that she would make a statement to the Scottish Parliament on Tuesday afternoon .
It is indeed a critical time in the trajectory of this virus .
Cases are going up at a time when we are heading towards winter and the NHS will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The first minister says `` difficult decisions '' are to be made in this trade-off .
We are being told to prepare for further restrictions on daily life .
The government says keeping schools open and protecting the NHS are priorities , so what else will have to give ?
One of the government 's own advisers has said travel restrictions and pub curfews could feature .
We are in uncharted waters and no-one can predict what the winter will bring .
What is clear is that we are all going to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this virus for much longer than the next six months .
Ms Sturgeon gave no detail of what new restrictions would be introduced , but said the government was `` very close to a point of decision '' .
`` At the heart of this decision is a simple truth - the longer we wait to introduce new measures , the longer these measures are likely to be in place , '' she said .
`` If we move sharply now to get the virus back under control we can minimise the time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
Public health expert Prof Linda Bauld said the likely options could include travel restrictions and curfews or restrictions on hospitality .
Ms Sturgeon added that there would be financial support for people required to self-isolate , particularly those on low incomes .
While larger fines for non-compliance were under consideration , she said a better approach was to `` remove barriers '' to self-isolation .
She said : `` Nobody should be forced to choose between self-isolating for the collective good and paying their rent and feeding their families .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , then it should n't be a surprise to us that compliance levels will be lower than we need them to be . ''
The first minister added that the `` collective action '' of the summer months had not been in vain , and without it the number of deaths would have been `` significantly higher '' .
`` We are in a much stronger position now than we would have been without that - but none of it was a magic wand that made the virus go away , '' she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ winter , as we face an acceleration of cases again , we must act to keep that under control . ''
The UK government 's chief scientific adviser Sir Patrick Vallance earlier warned that without further restrictions there could be 50,000 new coronavirus a day by mid-October .
This could lead to about 200 deaths a day UK-wide by the middle of November .
Scotland 's interim chief medical officer , Gregor Smith , said cases in Scotland were roughly doubling every seven to nine days .
Asked about suggestions that new restrictions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sturgeon said this was `` the length of time we all likely to be living with some restrictions , but it is not necessarily going to be the same restrictions , of the same severity , for that period '' .
Scottish Conservative leader Douglas Ross said people needed to heed the `` stark warnings '' about the virus .
`` It is right that our governments work together to tackle this , because this is an issue that we need to get on top of , '' he said .
• IMPACT @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Scotland ?
• CASES : Where are the latest cases in Scotland ?
• QUIZ : How well do you know the Covid restrictions ?
• BACK TO SCHOOL : Can a school insist on a Covid test ?
• LOCKDOWN EASING : What changes next - and when ?

"I will be clear that I am willing to allow a bit more time for four-nations discussions to take place before making final decisions for Scotland, but I will be equally clear that the urgency of this situation will mean that we cannot, must not and will not wait too long."


bbcuk--2020-09-21--Coronavirus restrictions are extended across NI

Covid-19 restrictions are to be extended to all of Northern Ireland from 18:00 BST on Tuesday , the Stormont Executive has announced .
There will be no mixing of households indoors with some exceptions , and no more than six people from two households can meet in a garden .
The move followed an urgent meeting of the Executive on Monday afternoon .
In the last seven days , more than 1,000 people have tested positive for Covid-19 in Northern Ireland .
First Minister Arlene Foster said `` this is not a return to lockdown '' , but `` doing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ She added : `` The restrictions are limited and we are in a better place than at the height of the pandemic . ''
• Parts of NI to be placed under new restrictions • Local restrictions in BT60 set to come into force Mrs Foster told the briefing that Northern Ireland is now dealing with outbreaks in every county and without action there was a real risk of increasing spread .
She said it could lead to increasing hospitalisations and deaths .
Deputy First Minister Michelle O'Neill said the fact that over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Ireland at the weekend should act as a `` wake-up call to everyone '' .
`` We have between two to three weeks from now to suppress substantial transmission , otherwise we risk even more cases by mid-October , '' she said .
`` The data is showing very clearly that the number of areas of concern are multiplying very rapidly . ''
A further two coronavirus-related deaths were recorded by the Department of Health over the weekend .
According to the Department of Health dashboard , another 125 new positive cases @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people are currently in hospital , with five in intensive care .
In the Republic of Ireland 188 new cases of coronavirus were reported in the past 24 hours .
No deaths were recorded there .
The new restrictions mean there will be no mixing of two households indoors except for single-person household bubbles and certain other exemptions such as for caring responsibilities and visits for legal or medical purposes .
No more than six people from two households can meet in private gardens .
First Minister Arlene Foster said the executive is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ graduated way .
`` We will keep a very close eye on this virus and how it is continuing to spread , '' she said .
The Chief Scientific Adviser Professor Ian Young said there has been some evidence of a reduction of cases in Ballymena following local restrictions there .
`` So we do have some evidence that the measures may be effective and it will take a little longer to see their full effect in other areas , '' he said .
He also said Northern Ireland is now averaging well @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the percentage of positive tests is also increasing .
He told the briefing , the R rate , which is how quickly the virus spreads , is currently at 1.4 and in some places stands at 2.Prof Young said the level of cases in Northern Ireland is higher than the Republic of Ireland and the rest of the UK , .
But he added we are currently in a lag period between new cases , hospitalisations and deaths which gives the executive an opportunity to intervene .
'Everyone must play their part' In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Robin Swann said `` important decisions to be taken in the days and weeks ahead '' .
He added that `` everyone must play their part by following public health advice '' .
The minister 's comments comes as Health Secretary Matt Hancock warned the UK was facing a `` tipping point '' .
`` If everybody follows the rules then we can avoid further national lockdown , '' Mr Hancock added .
On Saturday , the highest number of people tested positive for the virus in Northern Ireland since the Department of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
There were 222 positive cases and then another 176 cases confirmed on Sunday .
On Monday , with a further 125 cases confirmed , 9,466 people have now tested positive for Covid-19 .
The death toll in Northern Ireland now stands at 577 .
Mrs Foster and Ms O'Neill spoke to Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Monday .
It is understood they asked for an extension to the furlough scheme and additional public finances to deal with challenges facing Northern Ireland during the coronavirus pandemic , but they received no commitment from @ @ @ @

He told the briefing, the R rate, which is how quickly the virus spreads, is currently at 1.4 and in some places stands at 2.Prof Young said the level of cases in Northern Ireland is higher than the Republic of Ireland and the rest of the UK,.


bbcuk--2020-09-21--Covid in Wales: Thousands prepare for new local lockdowns

Hundreds of thousands of people will have new local lockdowns imposed later , prompting a council leader to say more can be avoided if rules are followed .
Bridgend joins Blaenau Gwent , Merthyr Tydfil and Newport as the latest areas to face new rules as cases rise .
Huw David , leader of Bridgend council , said more places could avoid similar lockdowns `` but it is down to the people of Wales following the guidance '' .
Caerphilly and Rhondda Cynon Taff were the first areas to go into lockdown .
First Minister Mark Drakeford will take part @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Minister Boris Johnson , on efforts to tackle the rise in coronavirus across the UK .
Scotland and Northern Ireland ministers are also due to attend the emergency Cobra meeting , along with senior government scientific advisers .
Wales ' Health Minister Vaughan Gething is due to hold a meeting with the local authorities affected by the tighter restrictions , as well as neighbouring councils , the NHS and police , for what he described as a `` joined-up regional conversation '' .
He told a media briefing on Monday that if data @ @ @ @ @ @ @ whole region `` then we can , of course , make that decision '' .
Bridgend council leader Mr David said : `` There is a chance that we can avoid local restrictions in other parts of Wales , but it is down to the people of Wales strictly following the law and following the guidance . ''
He said people should maintain social distancing , wash their hands frequently and `` if they 've got the symptoms , stay at home '' .
• What can I do during local lockdowns ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ are there in Wales ?
Merthyr has the highest Covid-19 case rate in Wales over the past week with 102.8 cases per 100,000 , with 83.3 in RCT , 60.1 in Blaenau Gwent , 53 in Caerphilly and Bridgend , and 45.3 in Newport .
Public Health Wales ' data , published on Monday , showed Wales ' average was 29.2 cases per 100,000 .
The new measures affect 431,000 people , meaning just over 850,000 will be under local lockdown from Tuesday evening - more than a quarter of the 3.1m people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rules , nobody is able to enter or leave the six counties without a `` reasonable excuse '' .
Friends and family can no longer meet indoors , while overnight stays are also banned .
All licensed premises will have to shut at 23:00 .
The annual Elvis music festival in Porthcawl , Bridgend county , which usually attracts about 35,000 fans and 100 impersonators has already been cancelled due to the coronavirus .
But anyone still planning to visit from outside the area after previously booking stays would be breaking the law @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Mr David .
`` There will be no Elvis here meeting them , they will be met by South Wales Police force and action will be taken against people who break the law , '' he told BBC Radio Wales .
Hundreds of fines have already been issued for breaking lockdown rules in Wales .
'It is something we were fighting to avoid' Newport council leader Jane Mudd said she was very supportive of the lockdown measures brought in by the Welsh Government .
`` Despite the warnings that we needed to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we have seen numbers of cases continue to rise significantly , '' she said .
Blaenau Gwent council leader Nigel Daniels said : `` Only by working together can we help break the cycle of infection , protect our loved ones , the wider Blaenau Gwent community and prevent further more widespread restrictions . ''
Merthyr Tydfil council deputy leader Lisa Mytton said she was `` deeply disappointed '' by the need for a local lockdown.
, adding : `` It is something we were fighting to avoid . ''

"I certainly hope that we don't get to that position but if case numbers continue to go up and we see more people going into hospital and needing intensive care and we see cases in our vulnerable groups... we might have to consider complete lockdowns."


bbcuk--2020-09-21--Westergate teacher 'snooped' on colleagues' emails, court hears

A teacher snooped on her colleagues ' emails to see if they were talking about her following a row about cancelled leave , a court has heard .
Donna-Maria Thomas , 45 , is accused of illegally accessing up to six accounts while working at Aldingbourne Primary School in Westergate , West Sussex .
Ms Thomas denied securing unauthorised access to the material and appeared at Portsmouth Crown Court earlier .
The prosecution said a `` feud '' had developed after a `` misunderstanding '' .
Prosecutor Paul Fairle told socially-distanced jurors that Ms Thomas , of Bosham in West @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
However , head teacher Liz Webster `` realised a mistake had been made '' and `` felt she could not authorise '' the leave .
After this point , he added , `` it appears the relationship very much soured '' .
Mr Fairley said `` hacking is probably a step too far '' to describe the accusations , which date between December 2018 and January 2019 .
He said Ms Thomas had also complained about Ms Webster on various occasions to the chair of the school governors .
`` There were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , in terms of possible inconsistencies of the ways that the Key Stage One testing process was being administered , '' he added .

"There were allegations made that might be termed whistleblowing, in terms of possible inconsistencies of the ways that the Key Stage One testing process was being administered," he added.


bbcuk--2020-09-22--Coronavirus: Work from home 'if you can', Michael Gove says

People in England should work from home `` if they can '' to reduce social mixing and slow the spread of the virus , Michael Gove has said .
And plans to have spectators at sports fixtures would `` pause '' , the Cabinet Office Minister told BBC Breakfast .
It comes as pubs , bars , restaurants and other hospitality venues in England are told they must have a 22:00 closing time from Thursday .
Full details will be set out by the prime minister in Parliament later .
Boris Johnson met the first ministers of Scotland , Wales @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nation in a live broadcast at 20:00 BST on Tuesday .
As well as the early closing time for hospitality venues , he is expected to announce they will be restricted by law to table service only .
In July , the prime minister said people should `` start to go back to work now if you can '' and last month the government launched a campaign to encourage workers back to offices .
Mr Gove told BBC Radio 4 's Today programme : `` We are stressing that if it is safe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you are in a Covid-secure workplace , then you should be there if your job requires it .
`` But , if you can work from home you should . ''
Asked if that was a change in advice , Mr Gove said : `` Yes . ''
The new message brings England into line with Scotland , Wales and Northern Ireland , which have all advised people to work from home wherever possible throughout the pandemic .
• How does the Covid-19 alert level system work ?
• How many cases are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it time we learned to live with the virus ?
But Mr Gove told BBC Breakfast the country was `` not going back to the sorts of measures that we had in the spring '' when strict measures were imposed .
Plans for sport with live audiences to return from 1 October in England were also being halted `` for the moment '' because of the risk of fans mixing on the way to the stadium or during half-time , Mr Gove added .
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said a second national @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government failure , not an act of God '' .
`` It would take an immense toll on people 's physical and mental health and on the economy .
We need a national effort to prevent a national lockdown , '' he told the Labour Party conference , which is taking place virtually .
'Government says the risk has changed' Remember all that stuff a few weeks back about going back to the office ?
Well , do n't .
Or at least do n't unless you need to .
The government says @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for England because the risk has changed - and that is why it wants pubs to shut early too .
There 's been passionate discussion among ministers about how far to go with these measures - some wanting the prime minister to go further , faster - others urging restraint .
It illustrates the central dilemma here : Calibrating a sufficient response to a still dangerous virus , while protecting liberties and minimising economic havoc .
On Monday , the UK 's Covid-19 alert level moved to 4 , meaning transmission is `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government 's chief scientific adviser , Sir Patrick Vallance , has warned there could be 50,000 new coronavirus cases a day by mid-October without further action - which , he said , could lead to more than 200 deaths per day by mid-November .
Deaths remain low at the moment , however , with the Office of National Statistics reporting that coronavirus accounted for only 1 % of deaths in England and Wales in the week to 11 September .
But this week also marks the first time deaths have increased rather than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and there are fears that rising numbers of patients in hospital will lead to more fatalities .
First it was the scientists , now it 's the turn of ministers .
On Monday the government 's two most senior coronavirus advisers - Prof Chris Whitty and Sir Patrick Vallance - set out the scale of the problem .
Today ministers are coming forward with the solution .
The scientists ' warning was dire - the UK could see 50,000 cases by mid October - up from under 4,000 a day on average currently @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what we 've heard on government policy for England is that pubs will have to close early and that you should work from home if you can ( although more restrictions may be announced later ) .
There seems to be a disconnect between the two groups .
Why ?
Some experts have described the 50,000 figures as implausible .
France and Spain - who are a few weeks ahead of us - are nowhere near that trajectory .
What is more , the rule-of-six brought in last week has not had a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ believe what we are seeing now is a natural drift upwards - society has re-opened and it is the time of year when respiratory viruses circulate more .
So why all the doom and gloom ?
There are three ways of looking at it .
Firstly , that we are truly on the brink of an explosion in cases ( they , after all , are the experts and have access to all the data ) .
Secondly , that they are worried ( some argue unnecessarily given hospital cases remain low ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more restrictions .
The other is that they are trying to influence behaviour so more draconian restrictions are not needed .
Just how far the prime minister goes this afternoon will be telling .
Prof Calum Semple , an expert in outbreak medicine at the University of Liverpool , told BBC Breakfast current data was `` tracking the worst-case scenario quite accurately '' .
He said there was now a rise in hospital admissions , including among women aged 20 to 40 , who were at risk of exposure to the virus because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ roles or because they were parents of schoolchildren .
The UK needed `` quite a lot more '' restrictions in place to prevent the spread , and the hospitality industry will probably have to take another `` hit '' , Prof Semple said .
But the industry has warned the new rules will be `` absolutely devastating '' for pubs and restaurants , leaving some businesses unable to cover their costs .
Andy Wood , chief executive of the Adnams brewery , told the Today programme that the pub industry had `` taken @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seemed `` incongruous '' that it was being singled out .
He said the industry was still `` on life support '' and about 900,000 jobs were at risk .
New measures against the spread of the virus are being implemented across the nations and regions of the UK : • Further restrictions will also be announced in Scotland on Tuesday • Restrictions on households mixing indoors will be extended to all of Northern Ireland from 18:00 • Also from 18:00 , four more counties in south Wales will face new measures , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bars • New measures will also come into force in Lancashire , Merseyside , parts of the Midlands and West Yorkshire • Other areas of England , Scotland and Wales are already under local lockdown , with restrictions including a ban on mixing with other households .
The cabinet met on Tuesday morning and Boris Johnson also chaired a Cobra emergency meeting - attended by the first ministers of Scotland , Wales and Northern Ireland .
Speaking about the new closing times , a No 10 spokesperson said : `` We know this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ must take further action to control the resurgence in cases of the virus and protect the NHS . ''
Tighter restrictions on pub and restaurant opening times are already in place in parts of north-east and north-west England , and Wales .
On Monday , a further 4,368 daily cases and 11 deaths were reported in the UK .
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So why all the doom and gloom? There are three ways of looking at it. Firstly, that we are truly on the brink of an explosion in cases (they, after all, are the experts and have access to all the data).


bbcuk--2020-09-22--Early closing 'absolutely devastating' for some pubs and restaurants

New rules to curb the spread of coronavirus will be `` absolutely devastating '' for pubs and restaurants , leaving some businesses unable to cover their costs , the industry is warning .
A 10pm curfew will be `` disastrous '' for some venues , according to Martin Wolstencroft who manages bars across the north of England .
`` This is going to be the final nail in the coffin for many , '' he told the BBC .
The government is set to announce the new rules later on Tuesday .
Prime Minister Boris Johnson is expected to say @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and other hospitality venues in England must have a 22:00 closing time from Thursday .
The sector will also be restricted by law to table service only .
• Pubs in England to close at 10pm amid Covid spread • What are the rules when I go to the pub ?
`` It 's just so frustrating , so negative , '' Mr Wolstencroft told BBC Radio 4 's Today programme .
`` After 10 o'clock is really when we start making money because that 's when we start getting busier . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Inspirations , which runs 17 bars and restaurants across Leeds , Manchester , York and Newcastle .
On Monday , the government 's scientific and health advisers warned of a sharp rise in coronavirus cases in the coming weeks if no further measures were taken to limit its spread , in a worst case scenario , reaching 50,000 new daily cases from mid-October .
The night-time economy is considered a high-risk area for the spread of the virus , because people adhere to the rules less strictly after consuming alcohol and in venues @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
But the Night Time Industries Association said if pubs and bars had to close at 10pm there was likely to be `` a surge of unregulated events and house parties which are the real hot beds of infection '' .
Cabinet Office Minister Michael Gove told BBC Breakfast that there was evidence the 22:00 closing time has had a `` beneficial effect '' in the areas where the restriction has already been tried , such as Bolton .
A 10pm curfew was introduced last week in parts of north-east England .
Scotland @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is due to make an announcement on further restrictions in Scotland later , which could also include curfews for hospitality venues .
Pubs must close at 11pm already in the six counties that are under tighter lockdown measures in Wales .
`` People will think it 's not that significant but it will have a very big economic impact and a real impact on jobs , '' said Kate Nicholls chief executive of trade body UK Hospitality .
`` In effect , it reduces revenues by 50 % because you need to call @ @ @ @ @ @ @ order to get people out of the door , '' she said .
Oliver Vaulkhard , managing director of a hospitality group in north east England , said that had been the experience at the venues he runs .
The Vaulkhard Group only has six of its 15 venues open currently ; its music and night club settings remain closed and those that were opened were trading at around 60 % until last week .
But he said new tighter restrictions had reduced business dramatically again over the weekend .
`` 10 o'clock @ @ @ @ @ @ @ halve your revenue .
`` You can sit people between 7 and 7.30 and when they 're gone they 're gone .
You ca n't get that 9 o'clock sitting .
`` People have this vision , it 's just a few blokes standing at a bar at 10.30 .
What does it matter ?
`` But of course people having a meal may want a cocktail afterwards .
People may want to go to the cinema and may want a drink afterwards .
`` As these individual strands are taken away that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ further increases the challenges . ''

The new information for both customers and business owners is that the public faces six months of restrictions. This will act as its own form of gravity in those sectors already hardest hit by the shift to a more socially distant Britain. That's because, for large parts of the economy, the impact of the pandemic comes not just from government-mandated restrictions, but also from people choosing to behave differently.


bbcuk--2020-09-22--Coronavirus: Plans for fans to return to sport events in October called off

Last updated on .From the section Sport Plans for fans to return to watch live sport events in England from 1 October will not go ahead , says cabinet office minister Michael Gove .
The UK 's Covid-19 alert level has moved to 4 , meaning transmission is `` high or rising exponentially '' .
New measures will be set out by Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Tuesday .
Speaking to BBC Breakfast , Gove confirmed plans for a staged return of fans would be `` paused '' .
`` We were looking at a staged programme of more people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be the case that we were going to have stadiums thronged with fans , '' he said .
`` We 're looking at how we can , for the moment , pause that programme , but what we do want to do is to make sure that , as and when circumstances allow , get more people back .
`` The virus is less likely to spread outdoors than indoors but again it 's in the nature of major sporting events that there 's a lot of mingling . ''
The pilot programme @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of sports in England have been played behind closed doors since the coronavirus lockdown in March , including Premier League football , the FA Cup final , England 's Test cricket matches and two Formula 1 races at Silverstone .
Sport events that took place with full crowds in March shortly before all fixtures were postponed and the UK locked down have come under scrutiny .
The impact of Liverpool 's Champions League fixture with Atletico Madrid on the spread of coronavirus is being investigated by the city 's council , while there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into whether the Cheltenham Festival should have gone ahead .
The government defended its decision to allow such events to proceed before restrictions on mass gatherings were introduced .
`` People look back now at the beginning of the pandemic at some of the major sporting events then and ask the question why were they allowed to go ahead , '' added Gove .
`` What we must do is look at sporting events now with caution but we also recognise that sport is a vital part of this nation and we 're @ @ @ @ @ @ @ support our athletes , our great clubs , through what will be a challenging time . ''
Julian Knight , the chair of the Digital , Culture , Media and Sport ( DCMS ) select committee , said `` if we do n't find a route map with smart solutions to allow sports and live events to gradually reopen , we risk decimation of our sporting and cultural infrastructure '' .
The leaders of more than 100 sports bodies have written to the prime minister to ask for emergency funding , warning of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because of coronavirus .
Sport England has handed out £200m for emergency cases , but many in the sector believe more is needed .
Earlier this month , Premier League chief executive Richard Masters told BBC Sport it was `` absolutely critical '' fans were allowed back inside stadiums as soon as possible and failure to do so would cost clubs £700m during the 2020-21 season .
English Football League clubs lost £50m in gate receipts last season and estimate a £200m loss if there are no fans this season .
The Rugby @ @ @ @ @ @ @ loss in revenue , while the England men 's squad have accepted a 25 % pay cut for the next 12 months .
Rugby Football League chief executive Ralph Rimmer urged the government not to delay the return of crowds , with clubs facing a potential impact on revenues of `` up to £2m per week '' .
At the end of August , 2,500 people watched a friendly between Brighton and Chelsea at the Seagulls ' Amex Stadium - the first time fans had been allowed into a Premier League ground in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were allowed to watch last month 's World Snooker Championship final between Ronnie O'Sullivan and Kyren Wilson at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield , but original plans to admit fans for all days of the tournament were reversed .
Arsenal 's 9-1 victory over West Ham in the Women 's Super League on 12 September saw up to 1,000 fans attend .
More than 2,500 spectators bought tickets for the first day of the St Leger meeting at Doncaster on 9 September , the first crowd at a British horse racing fixture in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the meeting was then held behind closed doors .
This is grim news for British sport , which teeters on the brink of an unprecedented crisis .
On one hand it is no surprise given rising cases of Covid-19 , tighter restrictions and the criticism the government received for allowing events like the Cheltenham Festival to continue in March and not shutting down sooner .
The optics of allowing thousands of fans to travel to grounds while encouraging people to work from home was also seen as insurmountable .
But it will infuriate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ much safer for fans to be in highly regulated , socially-distanced often open-air venues and stadiums than watching on the TV in pubs for instance .
They are not aware of any data or research which proves the return of fans would increase transmission .
And they point to the fact that countries like Germany are allowing thousands of fans back inside grounds .
Sports are now being warned to brace themselves for several months without fans and report back to DCMS officials what impact this will have on their finances .
For @ @ @ @ @ @ @ where matchday revenue is crucial , the answer will be potentially devastating .
From non-league football and Olympic sports through to grassroots clubs and community leisure facilities , the sector fears an existential crisis which could cost thousands of jobs , and result in a slump in participation .
Pressure will now build on the government to come up with a similar emergency fund to the £1.57bn bail-out the arts sector was handed in the summer .
Calls for the Premier League to help prop up the football pyramid will also intensify .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ that wo n't break the bank

Brighton hosted Chelsea in a friendly in August that saw 2,500 fans attend with social distancing in place
Fans may not to be able to return to watch live sporting events in England until the end of March at the earliest.
At a meeting on Tuesday, sports governing bodies - including those from football, rugby, cricket, Formula 1 and horse racing - were told to prepare for no spectators throughout the winter.
Officials from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) told the meeting, which was attended by Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden, that the ban on fans will be kept under review.
Premiership Rugby chief executive Darren Childs said: "The announcement that supporters will not be allowed into stadiums for up to six months cuts off crucial revenue for clubs who have already suffered significant financial losses from suspending the season and playing matches behind closed doors since March.
"We believe the lack of supporters in our grounds could cause irreparable damage to our clubs and the communities they serve, so we must find a way forward to avoid this."
Ralph Rimmer, the chief executive of the Rugby Football League (RFL), added: "Today's call specifically focused on the postponement of the pilot event programme and the plans for socially distanced crowds and the further serious impact this will now have on sports.
"The secretary of state indicated that the postponement may last throughout the winter. The impact on rugby league and other sports is profound."
Earlier on Tuesday, Prime Minister Boris Johnson outlined a range of new restrictions for the country, including confirmation that plans to allow fans to return to sport from 1 October would not go ahead.
The plans had been placed under review earlier this month after a rise in coronavirus cases.
The UK's Covid-19 alert level has moved to 4, meaning transmission is "high or rising exponentially".
The prime minister also said restrictions are likely to remain in place for the next six months.
"We have to acknowledge the spread of the virus is now affecting our ability to reopen large sporting events," said the prime minister.
In an address to the Commons on Tuesday, Johnson announced new restrictions for the country and those included the halting of the phased return of fans.
"We will not be able to do this from 1 October and I recognise the implications for our sports clubs, which are the life and soul of our communities," he added.
"The chancellor and the culture secretary are working urgently on what we can do now to support them."
The pilot programme, which was to trial events of up to 1,000 spectators, has also been paused.
Two Premiership rugby union matches - Bath v Gloucester on Tuesday and Bristol v Leicester next week - will now be played behind closed doors, as will a horse racing meeting at Newmarket later this week.
The majority of sports in England have been played behind closed doors since the coronavirus lockdown in March, including Premier League football fixtures and the FA Cup final, England's Test cricket matches and two Formula 1 races at Silverstone.
How long can football clubs survive without the return of fans in the stadium?
Sport events that took place with full crowds in March shortly before all fixtures were postponed and the UK locked down have come under scrutiny.
The impact of Liverpool's Champions League fixture against Atletico Madrid on the spread of coronavirus is being investigated by the city's council, while there have also been calls for an investigation into whether horse racing's Cheltenham Festival should have gone ahead.
The government defended its decision to allow such events to proceed before restrictions on mass gatherings were introduced.
"People look back now at the beginning of the pandemic at some of the major sporting events then and ask the question why were they allowed to go ahead," said Cabinet Secretary Michael Gove on BBC Breakfast earlier on Tuesday.
"What we must do is look at sporting events now with caution but we also recognise that sport is a vital part of this nation and we're looking at everything we can do to support our athletes, our great clubs, through what will be a challenging time."
Julian Knight, the chair of the DCMS select committee, said: "If we don't find a route map with smart solutions to allow sports and live events to gradually reopen, we risk decimation of our sporting and cultural infrastructure."
The leaders of more than 100 sports bodies have written to the prime minister to ask for emergency funding, warning of "a lost generation of activity" because of coronavirus.
Sport England has handed out £200m for emergency cases, but many in the sector believe more is needed.
Earlier this month, Premier League chief executive Richard Masters told BBC Sport it was "absolutely critical" fans were allowed back inside stadiums as soon as possible and failure to do so would cost clubs £700m during the 2020-21 season.
English Football League (EFL) clubs lost £50m in gate receipts last season and estimate a £200m loss if there are no fans this season.
The Rugby Football Union (RFU) said no spectators at the forthcoming Autumn Nations Cup or Six Nations will result in losses of £60m.
RFL chief executive Rimmer urged the government not to delay the return of crowds, with clubs facing a potential impact on revenues of "up to £2m per week".
At the end of August, 2,500 people watched a friendly between Brighton and Chelsea at the Seagulls' Amex Stadium - the first time fans had been allowed into a Premier League ground for almost six months.
About 300 spectators were allowed to watch last month's World Snooker Championship final between Ronnie O'Sullivan and Kyren Wilson at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield, but original plans to admit fans for all days of the tournament were reversed.
Arsenal's 9-1 victory over West Ham in the Women's Super League on 12 September saw up to 1,000 fans attend.
More than 2,500 spectators bought tickets for the first day of the St Leger meeting at Doncaster on 9 September, the first crowd at a British horse racing fixture in six months - but the rest of the meeting was then held behind closed doors.
Also on Tuesday, it was confirmed that indoor recreational team sports such as netball, basketball and five-a-side football will not be able to continue under the new restrictions, which limit numbers taking part to six.
Larger fitness classes will be permitted, as long as they are organised so those taking part do not mix in groups of more than six.
Elite indoor sports are exempt, as are indoor sports played by children.
Analysis
This is grim news for British sport, which teeters on the brink of an unprecedented crisis.
On one hand, it is no surprise, given rising cases of Covid-19, tighter restrictions and the criticism the government received for allowing events like the Cheltenham Festival to continue in March and not shutting down sooner.
The optics of allowing thousands of fans to travel to grounds while encouraging people to work from home was also seen as insurmountable.
But it will infuriate sports governing bodies that insist it is much safer for fans to be in highly regulated, socially distanced, often open-air venues and stadiums than watching on the TV in pubs, for instance.
They are not aware of any data or research which proves the return of fans would increase transmission. And they point to the fact that countries like Germany are allowing thousands of fans back inside grounds.
Sports are now being warned to brace themselves for several months without fans and report back to DCMS officials what impact this will have on their finances.
For the EFL and rugby clubs in particular, where matchday revenue is crucial, the answer will be potentially devastating. From non-league football and Olympic sports, through to grassroots clubs and community leisure facilities, the sector fears an existential crisis which could cost thousands of jobs and result in a slump in participation.
Pressure will now build on the government to come up with a similar emergency fund to the £1.57bn bailout the arts sector was handed in the summer. Calls for the Premier League to help prop up the football pyramid will also intensify.


bbcuk--2020-09-22--Whitbread to cut 6,000 jobs as hotel demand slumps

Whitbread , which owns Premier Inn and Beefeater , has warned that 6,000 staff could lose their jobs .
The company blamed the cuts on a slump in hotel guest numbers since lockdown .
It comes as the government 's furlough scheme , which still pays 27,000 Whitbread staff , ends next month .
Meanwhile , pub chain JD Wetherspoon has warned its 1,000 staff who work at airport venues that almost half of them could lose their jobs because of the dramatic fall in travel and tourism .
The company told staff that up to 450 people working at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Birmingham , Edinburgh and Glasgow airports could be made redundant .
`` The decision is mainly a result of a downturn in trade in these pubs , linked with the large reduction in passenger numbers using the airports , '' said Wetherspoon 's chief executive John Hutson , who added that `` no firm decisions have been made '' .
Eat Out to Help Out The reduction in travellers and those sharing a meal out has also hurt Whitbread .
It said hotel stays in August had halved and diner numbers fell @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said it had been helped by the Eat Out to Help Out scheme .
The company could also be affected by new rules forcing restaurants to shut at 22:00 .
From Thursday , hospitality venues will have to close earlier to help curb the spread of the coronavirus .
Added to this , Cabinet Office Minister Michael Gove has told people in England to now work from home `` if they can '' - a move that trade body UK Hospitality said was `` effectively a lockdown '' for city centre bars and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , huge blow to hospitality and it will be potentially fatal for many businesses , '' it said .
Whitbread said it expected demand to remain lower across the business well into 2021 and possibly even 2022 .
Whitbread boss Alison Brittain said the company was hoping to avoid compulsory redundancies .
She said : `` With demand for travel remaining subdued , we are now having to make some very difficult decisions , and it is with great regret that today we are announcing our intention to enter into a consultation process @ @ @ @ @ @ @ redundancies in the UK , of which it is hoped that a significant proportion can be achieved voluntarily . ''
Around three quarters of Whitbread 's 35,000 staff are still paid in part through the government 's furlough scheme .
That scheme , called officially the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme ( CJRS ) was introduced in March .
It paid 80 % of the wages of workers placed on leave , up to a maximum of £2,500 a month .
Since July , furloughed workers have been able to return to work part-time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hours not worked .
A further change was brought in at the beginning of this month when employers were asked to pay 10 % of the wages of those on furlough , plus their National Insurance and pension contributions .
In October , the government will pay 60 % of wages up to a cap of £1,875 .
The employers ' share of the bill will then go up to 20 % of wages .
And the scheme will cease altogether at the end of next month , shortly before the Whitbread 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ workers put on notice of redundancy .
The firm said it had taken the decision in the face of subdued demand , noting that it would stop receiving help with staff wages at the end of next month .
Whitbread said it had lost more than three quarters of its sales in the first half the year when hotels and restaurants were forced to close because of the virus .
Sales in hotels were 78 % lower in the first half of the year , compared to 2019 , while food and drink @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` The Premier Inn owner has had one of the toughest first halves out there , '' said Hargreaves Lansdown analyst Emilie Stevens .
She said the proposed job losses were a sign that coronavirus had `` changed Whitbread 's world for good '' .
`` Without full hotels the group is n't profitable , so a lower and more flexible cost base is essential , '' she said .
Since reopening , Whitbread said demand for hotel rooms had been `` strong '' in tourist hotspots but London and other metropolitan areas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Stevens said : `` Unfortunately this boost is likely to be short-lived and focus now turns to business travel . ''
`` We know city demand remains subdued and with more and more businesses announcing permanent work from home plans , we wonder if the return of business travellers is more 'if ' than 'when ' . ''
The expected job losses , which account for around a fifth of Whitbread 's workforce , follow cuts to the company 's head office staff , which affected around 150 people .
Whitbread is not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ forced to lay off staff because to the pandemic .
In June , The Restaurant Group - which owns Frankie and Benny 's - announced plans to cut up to 3,000 workers , while Upper Crust-owner SSP has said that up to 5,000 could be let go and Pizza Express warned 1,100 people could lose their jobs .
Last month , hotel group LGH - which manages 55 properties , including some Crowne Plaza , Holiday Inn and Hallmark hotels - said that around 1,500 staff were at risk of redundancy .
By @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had lost around 2 % of their value .
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She said: "With demand for travel remaining subdued, we are now having to make some very difficult decisions, and it is with great regret that today we are announcing our intention to enter into a consultation process that could result in up to 6,000 redundancies in the UK, of which it is hoped that a significant proportion can be achieved voluntarily."


bbcuk--2020-09-22--Covid: School bus drivers fearful of coronavirus infection risk

School bus drivers have raised concerns about a lack of social distancing on services travelling at full capacity , with many children not wearing masks .
The Unite union said it was `` extremely worried '' drivers were at risk of catching Covid-19 on `` packed '' buses .
Social distancing is not mandatory on dedicated school buses under government guidance across the UK , although it should happen where possible .
The government says it is providing £40m to help increase capacity .
Government guidance for England says that , where possible , social distancing should be `` maximised @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of children who stay together throughout the course of the day .
Other safety measures recommended include more frequent cleaning , maximising ventilation through opening windows and ceiling vents , and allocating seats to ensure children sit with their `` bubble '' if possible .
The guidance says the measures are an `` appropriate balance '' because the overall risk to children of serious illness from Covid-19 is very low , they do not mix with the general public on school buses , and services often carry the same children on a regular @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for Scotland , Wales and Northern Ireland .
• Classrooms may be safe , what about the bus ride to school ?
Sheamus Greene , who drives a school bus in Fermanagh , Northern Ireland , which holds 45 children and travels at full capacity , says there is no social distancing on the service .
He says the bus carries children from eight different schools , who are on board for between 20 and 35 minutes .
Pupils over the age of 12 are advised to wear face coverings but Mr Greene @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bus do .
Unlike on public transport , face coverings are not compulsory on dedicated school buses in Northern Ireland , Wales or England , although they are recommended .
However , they should be worn by children aged five and over on services in Scotland .
Mr Greene , who is also a Sinn Féin councillor , says a plastic screen was installed around his driver 's seat after he raised concerns with the education authority - but it is not airtight .
He says there is very little ventilation on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ able to be opened and this has to be closed if it rains , which he fears will allow the virus to spread more easily .
Children are at extremely low risk of becoming ill from Covid-19 but evidence on how likely they are to spread the virus is less certain .
Mr Greene , 55 , says he is worried about transmitting the virus to family members at home , who have underlying health conditions making them more vulnerable to Covid-19 .
`` There 's an awful lot of drivers in this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ late 60s , and I know some of them have underlying health problems as well , '' he adds .
`` I do n't know of any other job where people have been expected to do what school bus drivers have been expected to do - sit in a confined space with up to 50 people for six hours a day . ''
Mr Greene says he wants to see evidence that travelling without social distancing is safe - and , if it is n't , he says capacity should be reduced .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ it had put in place a range of safety measures , in line with government advice , including distributing more than 150,000 items of PPE to drivers , installing screens and hand sanitiser dispensers on vehicles , and enhanced cleaning .
`` Our drivers and escorts play a vital role in enabling children and young people to access education , and their health and wellbeing is important to us , so we are committed to keeping our guidance under review in line with government advice , '' the statement said .
Michael - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ minibus for a special needs school in Surrey .
With children travelling in the vehicle for up to an hour-and-a-half each morning , Michael , who is 61 and asthmatic , says he is `` very worried '' about catching the virus .
`` During the winter season colds are rife because they just go round and round the vehicle , '' he says .
`` If the common cold can whizz around a vehicle very easily , it does concern me enormously that coronavirus could also spread come cold season . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ but after Michael raised concerns with his employer the capacity was reduced to seven , allowing a one-seat gap between him and the next child .
While the children wear masks , Michael - who does not want to use his real name for fear of losing his job - says they are not worn properly , with the children 's noses often uncovered .
He wants capacity reduced to four passengers to enable social distancing and medical-grade masks for drivers .
A Surrey County Council spokesman said both the council and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ schools and bus operators on how to safely run school transport .
`` It 's important that we all work together to ensure that appropriate measures are in place and the risk to passengers , drivers and passenger assistants is minimised , therefore we 're always willing to discuss any concerns with transport operators , '' he said .
Unite 's national officer for passenger transport , Bobby Morton , says social distancing and face coverings should be mandatory on school buses .
He says a lack of consistency in guidance for public @ @ @ @ @ @ @ situation varies across the country , with some buses `` packed '' full of children .
`` I get call after call from drivers saying to me they 're very , very fearful , '' he says .
`` Not only could they be infected themselves but when they return home after their shift they could unwittingly be transmitting the virus to members of their family . ''

He says there is very little ventilation on the bus, with only one skylight window able to be opened and this has to be closed if it rains, which he fears will allow the virus to spread more easily.


bbcuk--2020-09-22--Keir Starmer: Labour must 'get serious about winning'

Sir Keir Starmer has told Labour to `` get serious about winning '' in his first conference speech as leader .
Sir Keir attacked Boris Johnson 's `` serial incompetence '' and said he was `` just not up to the job '' of being PM .
But he said Labour had work to do win back voters ' trust - and had deserved to lose the 2019 general election .
In an online broadcast , he set out his vision for the UK and urged voters to `` take another look at Labour '' , adding : `` We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he assured voters who deserted the party in droves in some of its traditional heartlands : `` We love this country as you do . ''
• Labour aims to build trust with new slogan The speech was delivered to a near-empty room , in Doncaster , South Yorkshire , because of social distancing restrictions , and was greeted with silence instead of the usual applause and ovations .
He criticised the government 's handling of the coronavirus pandemic and said the crisis had revealed Boris Johnson as being `` just not serious @ @ @ @ @ @ @ job '' .
`` It makes me angry that , just when the country needs leadership , we get serial incompetence , '' said the Labour leader .
But he said Labour had to be `` brutally honest '' with itself about why had it had lost four general elections in a row .
`` When you lose an election in a democracy you deserve to .
You do n't look at the electorate and ask them : 'what were you thinking ? '
, '' he told the party .
He said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ credible Opposition but that 's not enough '' .
And he vowed that `` never again will Labour go into an election not being trusted on national security , with your job , with your community and with your money .
That 's what being under new leadership means . ''
Brutal to his party , brutal about the PM Keir Starmer literally stood in front of a red wall in Doncaster , and his key message was to those who had abandoned Labour in 2019 - we hear you .
He has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Claire Ainsley - one who does n't believe in setting out detailed policies .
So he was blatant - clever policy offers are n't enough to win trust .
Far more important are values .
He emphasised the classic Labour values of `` compassion '' and `` opportunity '' , but also stressed the importance of family and security - seen as a weak spot for Labour under Jeremy Corbyn .
His message to his own party was more brutal than anticipated - suggesting that it would be a `` betrayal '' to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ power .
But he was also brutal towards the prime minister - Starmer was a serious lawyer when Boris Johnson was writing flippant columns .
So far , Starmer 's focus as Labour leader has been on competence .
Polling suggests this has been successful - but he has been accused of being managerial , even funereal , in his approach .
Today he succeeded in injecting passion into a speech in a near empty hall .
His `` new leadership '' is ambitious for change , but he was also `` angry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to achieve it .
Labour 's four-day online event replaced the party 's traditional party conference due to be held in Liverpool , which was cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic .
In his speech , Sir Keir said the policies on which Labour will fight the next election in 2024 `` wo n't sound like anything you 've heard before '' .
`` It will sound like the future arriving , '' he said of the party 's next manifesto .
On Brexit , Sir Keir , who campaigned for a second @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be a party `` that keeps banging on about Europe '' .
`` Let me absolutely clear , '' he said , `` the debate between Leave and Remain is over . ''
He called on the prime minister to secure a trade deal with the EU , and said he would be `` failing Britain '' if he failed to achieve one .
He also pledged to fight for the Union , saying : `` We must make the case much more persuasively that we achieve more together than we do alone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our country apart by design , and to stop the Tories dismantling it by neglect . ''
Sir Keir replaced Jeremy Corbyn as leader in the contest that followed the poll , where the party won fewer Commons seats than any election since 1935 .
On the economy , the Labour leader repeated calls for `` properly funded '' public services and `` huge investment '' in skills to create work opportunities .
He also called for action to tackle climate change , and for the government to develop a new strategy to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he pledged to work `` hand-in-hand '' with both the private sector and trade unions in a bid to create `` high quality jobs '' .
Momentum , the left wing campaign group originally set up to support Jeremy Corbyn 's leadership , said Sir Keir 's speech was a `` missed opportunity to show substance '' .
The group 's co-chair , and West Midlands regional secretary of the Fire Brigades Union , Andrew Scattergood , said : `` If Starmer wants to appeal to working class voters , his pitch should @ @ @ @ @ @ @ class and defending their interests , not just slogans and platitudes . ''
He accused the Labour leader of being silent on key issues , including Black Lives Matter and the end of the evictions ban in England - and suggested he was `` rowing back '' on promises made during his leadership campaign , such as taxing the `` super rich '' .
In a message to supporters after the Labour leader 's speech , the Conservative Party said : `` Sir Keir Starmer was a key member of Jeremy Corbyn 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he pretends to be showing 'new leadership ' he ca n't even name a single one of Corbyn 's polices he 'd drop . ''

And he vowed that "never again will Labour go into an election not being trusted on national security, with your job, with your community and with your money. That's what being under new leadership means."


bbcuk--2020-09-22--FinCEN Files: UK bank may have moved money 'linked to terror activity'

What was Arab Bank accused of doing ?
The previous year , a US civil jury found that Arab Bank had knowingly provided banking services to leaders of the Palestinian militant group Hamas and charities it controlled .
This verdict was later overturned as the judge had incorrectly instructed the jury .
Gary Osen , a US lawyer who represented the victims in the US lawsuit , told the BBC : `` A terrorist organisation… ca n't move the kind of money that an organisation like Hamas needs to operate .
You need banking services , and Arab Bank was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
Hamas is regarded as a terrorist group by the US , Israel , the EU and several other nations due to its long record of attacks and its refusal to renounce violence .
In 2005 , after an investigation by US regulators , Arab Bank was no longer authorised to process US dollar payments .
It was also fined $ 24m for failing to adequately guard against money laundering and terrorist financing , and properly report suspicious activities .
What do the documents show ?
The payments were labelled as `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` support '' or `` gifts '' , but `` a large majority '' of them were made `` by individuals who could not be verified in the public domain '' , according to Standard Chartered 's review .
What do the banks say ?
Arab Bank said : `` In every country where it operates , Arab Bank is in good standing with government regulators and complies with anti-terrorism and money laundering laws .
No government or regulator has ever found that accounts or transactions processed by Arab Bank violated anti-terrorism laws @ @ @ @ @ @ @ allegations `` date back nearly 20 years '' , and that the vast majority of the accounts involved had no known terrorist links at the time .
Arab Bank added that it had never been notified by Standard Chartered that it had any concerns over transactions it processed for Arab Bank customers .
Although Standard Chartered stopped processing US dollar payments for Arab Bank , it continued to maintain a very good business relationship with Standard Chartered , it said .
The FinCen Files is a leak of secret documents which reveal how @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be moved around the world .
They also show how the UK is often the weak link in the financial system and how London is awash with Russian cash .
The files were obtained by BuzzFeed News which shared them with the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists ( ICIJ ) and 400 journalists around the world .
Panorama has led research for the BBC .

Gary Osen, a US lawyer who represented the victims in the US lawsuit against Arab Bank, told the BBC: "A terrorist organisation… can't move the kind of money that an organisation like Hamas needs to operate. You need banking services, and Arab Bank was simply the largest and most convenient route."


bbcuk--2020-09-22--Leighton Buzzard hit by third earthquake in two weeks

An earthquake has been felt in Leighton Buzzard for the third time in two weeks .
People wrote on social media they had felt their houses `` jolting and shaking '' at about 09:30 BST .
Matt Stewart , who lives in Eggington , about 1.5 miles ( 2.4km ) from Leighton Buzzard said the tremors `` almost shook me out of bed '' .
`` It was as big as the first one , I think , '' he said .
`` My wife ran downstairs and said , 'oh no , not another one ' .
`` It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ boom coming up through the earth , then it shook the house and a couple of pictures fell off the wall upstairs , like the last time . ''
`` You 're just not in control and I 'd like to know what 's going on , as this is the third one - it 's very strange . ''
The BGS said its provisional data suggested the earthquake originated at a depth of about 6.2 miles ( 10km ) .
Glenn Ford , a seismologist with the organisation , said the latest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ aftershock of the earthquake two weeks ago '' , however , he said it was `` an earthquake in its own right '' .
`` It 's not an unusual thing to be seen in the UK ... this relieves the built-up stress in the rocks . ''
The quake was `` nothing to do with fracking or anything like that , '' he said .
`` It 's typical British tectonic activity that 's been going on for hundreds of years . ''
Mr Ford said the UK experiences about 200 to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ % are `` so minor that people ca n't perceive them '' .
While the UK has a few quakes of the same magnitude as Leighton Buzzard each year , it was `` absolutely tiny on the scale of worldwide earthquakes '' and `` more than a billion times smaller that the one that hit Japan in 2011 `` .

While the UK has a few quakes of the same magnitude as Leighton Buzzard each year, it was "absolutely tiny on the scale of worldwide earthquakes" and "more than a billion times smaller than the one that hit Japan in 2011".


bbcuk--2020-09-22--Internet: Old TV caused village broadband outages for 18 months

The mystery of why an entire village lost its broadband every morning at 7am was solved when engineers discovered an old television was to blame .
An unnamed householder in Aberhosan , Powys , was unaware the old set would emit a signal which would interfere with the entire village 's broadband .
After 18 months engineers began an investigation after a cable replacement programme failed to fix the issue .
The embarrassed householder promised not to use the television again .
The village now has a stable broadband signal .
Openreach engineers were baffled by the continuous problem and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ monitoring device that they found the fault .
The householder would switch their TV set on at 7am every morning - and electrical interference emitted by their second-hand television was affecting the broadband signal .
The owner , who does not want to be identified , was `` mortified '' to find out their old TV was causing the problem , according to Openreach .
`` They immediately agreed to switch it off and not use it again , '' said engineer Michael Jones .
Engineers walked around the village with a monitor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ find any `` electrical noise '' to help pinpoint the problem .
`` At 7am , like clockwork , it happened , '' said Mr Jones .
`` Our device picked up a large burst of electrical interference in the village .
`` It turned out that at 7am every morning the occupant would switch on their old TV which would , in turn , knock out broadband for the entire village . ''
The TV was found to be emitting a single high-level impulse noise ( SHINE ) , which causes electrical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said the problem has not returned since the fault was identified .
What else can cause broadband problems ?
Suzanne Rutherford , Openreach chief engineer 's lead for Wales , said anything with electric components - from outdoor lights to microwaves - can potentially have an impact on broadband connections .
`` We 'd just advise the public to make sure that their electric appliances are properly certified and meet current British standards , '' she said .
`` And if you have a fault , report it to your service provider in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ investigate . ''

The owner, who does not want to be identified, was "mortified" to find out their old TV was causing the problem, according to Openreach.


bbcuk--2020-09-22--Covid in Scotland: Nicola Sturgeon prepares to announce new restrictions

Nicola Sturgeon is preparing to outline new restrictions designed to limit the spread of coronavirus in Scotland .
They could include curfews at pubs and restaurants , rules on households meeting and limits on travel .
The first minister will address Holyrood on Tuesday afternoon following a Cobra meeting with Boris Johnson .
Her counterparts in Wales and Northern Ireland will also take part in the discussion in a bid to find a common UK-wide approach .
It comes as the UK 's Covid-19 alert level moved to 4 , meaning the virus is `` high or rising exponentially '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that Mr Johnson had spoken on the phone to the first ministers of Scotland , Wales and Northern Ireland .
They had all agreed to act `` with a united approach , as much as possible , in the days and weeks ahead . ''
In England , restrictions will include a 22:00 closing time for pubs , bars and restaurants from Thursday .
And in an extension of Covid curbs in Northern Ireland , households will not be able to meet indoors from 18:00 on Tuesday .
Ms Sturgeon will set out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from 14:20 , before making a televised statement at 20:05 on BBC One Scotland .
It will follow a live broadcast by Boris Johnson scheduled for 20:00 .
In a post on Twitter , Nicola Sturgeon said she would agree any new restrictions with her cabinet before making a statement to the Scottish Parliament .
At her daily briefing on Monday , she said additional lockdown restrictions would `` almost certainly '' be put in place in Scotland in the next 48 hours .
She said coronavirus was spreading in the country again @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was needed to stop the increase warning that , if left unchecked , it would lead to more cases , people in hospital and deaths .
She said the Scottish government was prepared to introduce `` a package of additional measures '' but would aim to avoid a full-scale lockdown such as the one imposed in March .
On Monday , the number of cases in Scotland rose by 255 , representing 6.3 % of those newly tested , up from 5.4 % on Sunday .
Ms Sturgeon said the Scottish government endorsed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sir Patrick Vallance that new cases could rise daily by 50,000 by October .
`` In my view , further and urgent action will now be needed to stop the increase in the number of cases , '' she said .
She added : `` At the heart of this decision is a simple truth , the longer we wait to introduce new measures , the longer these measures are likely to be in place .
`` If we move sharply now to get the virus back under control , we can minimise @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new restrictions .
`` If we wait it will take longer , potentially a lot longer , to come out of the other side . ''
What is happening and when ?
• Boris Johnson chairs his Cabinet meeting , from about 8.30am • A special Cobra meeting , which will include Nicola Sturgeon , takes place at about 10.30am • At about 12.30 Mr Johnson will tell the House of Commons about new Covid-19 restrictions for England • At about 2.20pm , Ms Sturgeon will make a statement to MSPs about new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is to deliver a public address which will be broadcast on the BBC at about 8pm • Scotland 's First Minister will deliver a TV address at 8.05pm on BBC One Scotland • IMPACT : How is the pandemic affecting life in Scotland ?
• CASES : Where are the latest cases in Scotland ?
• QUIZ : How well do you know the Covid restrictions ?
• BACK TO SCHOOL : Can a school insist on a Covid test ?
• LOCKDOWN EASING : What changes next - and when ?

In some cases your question will be published, displaying your name, age and location as you provide it, unless you state otherwise. Your contact details will never be published. Please ensure you have read the terms and conditions.


bbcuk--2020-09-22--Referee shocked as attacker gets police caution

Last updated on .From the section Football A referee who was punched in the face during an amateur match says he is shocked and disappointed after his attacker was given a police caution .
But the player received just a warning from police after being given a 10-year ban by the local football association .
Toki says it sends out the wrong message about protecting officials .
Police say they issued the caution after careful consideration , but Toki believes there is an element of racial discrimination to the decision as attacks on white officials have led to assault charges @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an unprovoked attack and I do n't really know why the police have come to this decision .
I was injured above my eye and my kit was covered in blood , '' he told BBC Sport .
`` I believe they have n't done their job properly .
There have been incidents in the past where they have taken individuals to court .
`` I did n't want to mention it but it feels like discrimination against me .
If something had happened against a white official , would it have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ player aimed three blows at Toki and had to be restrained by others as the match was suspended .
Police and ambulance workers attended .
A Metropolitan Police statement said : `` Following initial enquiries , no allegations were substantiated .
`` The victim subsequently contacted police on Friday , 21 August and confirmed he wished police to pursue the matter .
`` An investigation was launched and officers spoke with the victim .
A man has since attended a west London police station by appointment for a formal interview ; he was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of all the factors he has been offered a police caution .
The victim has been kept informed throughout the process . ''
It is understood the player , who admitted the attack , has no previous convictions .
A police caution , also known as a simple caution , is not a criminal conviction , but could be used as evidence of bad character if the person goes to court for another crime .
The burden of proof in a criminal case is greater than in a Football Association case .
• @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seriously' • None Amateur referees : your stories of threats and attacks , but a love of the game Toki , a train conductor from west London , said he contacted the Met Police on 11 August after initially being asked not to press charges as the player who punched him might lose his job .
The charity Ref Support UK has been liaising with Toki , and its chief executive Martin Cassidy said the case will not help referees who are wary of reporting assaults .
`` We believe the decision by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is an irresponsible response to the very serious subject of referee abuse and assaults , '' said Cassidy .
`` The simple caution sends the message that it is acceptable to punch a match official three times .
`` The decision by London FA to proceed with the discipline process when they did not have to , allowed the Met Police to mitigate the 10-year ban the player received to justify their decision to caution . ''
Cassidy said he asked FA referees ' chief David Elleray three years ago to push for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vulnerable role , which would offer extra legal protection and make this case a chargeable offence irrespective of any mitigation .
`` We believe nothing will change until a match official is murdered and if that does happen , like it has in other countries , we will remind the FA of the opportunities they had to protect referees more and failed to do so .
This is one of the opportunities , '' he added .
A London FA statement said it takes any assault on a referee extremely seriously and a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was `` worthy of a high-rated sanction '' .
It added : `` This incident was investigated , charged and heard within the regulatory time frames set out by the FA and the player was under an interim suspension order until the case was heard .
`` Given the serious nature of this incident , London FA and the FA arranged for this case to be heard by an independent national serious cases panel . ''
The footballer who threw the punch has been `` completely removed '' from his team Sporting Club @ @ @

Last updated on .From the section Football
A referee was punched in the face by a player he had sent off in a friendly match
A referee who was punched in the face during an amateur match says he is shocked and disappointed after his attacker was given a police caution.
Satyam Toki, 28, was left bleeding after being hit by a footballer he had sent off for foul language at a game in Acton, Ealing, on 9 August.
But the player received just a warning from police after being given a 10-year ban by the local football association.
Toki says it sends out the wrong message about protecting officials.
Police say they issued the caution after careful consideration, but Toki believes there is an element of racial discrimination to the decision as attacks on white officials have led to assault charges and court proceedings.
"This was an unprovoked attack and I don't really know why the police have come to this decision. I was injured above my eye and my kit was covered in blood," he told BBC Sport.
"I believe they haven't done their job properly. There have been incidents in the past where they have taken individuals to court.
"I didn't want to mention it but it feels like discrimination against me. If something had happened against a white official, would it have been taken more seriously?"
Satyam Toki said referees often did not report assaults for fear of reprisals
The dismissed player aimed three blows at Toki and had to be restrained by others as the match was suspended. Police and ambulance workers attended.
A Metropolitan Police statement said: "Following initial enquiries, no allegations were substantiated.
"The victim subsequently contacted police on Friday, 21 August and confirmed he wished police to pursue the matter.
"An investigation was launched and officers spoke with the victim. A man has since attended a west London police station by appointment for a formal interview; he was not arrested.
"After careful consideration of all the factors he has been offered a police caution. The victim has been kept informed throughout the process."
It is understood the player, who admitted the attack, has no previous convictions.
A police caution, also known as a simple caution, is not a criminal conviction, external-link but could be used as evidence of bad character if the person goes to court for another crime.
The burden of proof in a criminal case is greater than in a Football Association case.
Toki, a train conductor from west London, said he contacted the Met Police on 11 August after initially being asked not to press charges as the player who punched him might lose his job.
The charity Ref Support UK has been liaising with Toki, and its chief executive Martin Cassidy said the case will not help referees who are wary of reporting assaults.
"We believe the decision by the Met Police to caution this player is an irresponsible response to the very serious subject of referee abuse and assaults," said Cassidy.
"The simple caution sends the message that it is acceptable to punch a match official three times.
"The decision by London FA to proceed with the discipline process when they did not have to, allowed the Met Police to mitigate the 10-year ban the player received to justify their decision to caution."
Cassidy said he asked FA referees' chief David Elleray three years ago to push for match officials to be designated as a vulnerable role, which would offer extra legal protection and make this case a chargeable offence irrespective of any mitigation.
"We believe nothing will change until a match official is murdered and if that does happen, like it has in other countries, we will remind the FA of the opportunities they had to protect referees more and failed to do so. This is one of the opportunities," he added.
A London FA statement said it takes any assault on a referee extremely seriously and a 10-year ban was given as the offence was "worthy of a high-rated sanction".
It added: "This incident was investigated, charged and heard within the regulatory time frames set out by the FA and the player was under an interim suspension order until the case was heard.
"Given the serious nature of this incident, London FA and the FA arranged for this case to be heard by an independent national serious cases panel."
The footballer who threw the punch has been "completely removed" from his team Sporting Club de Mundial.


bbcuk--2020-09-22--Covid: Deaths near lowest level since March

Coronavirus contributed to 1 % of all deaths in England and Wales in the second week of this month .
That 's among the lowest figures published by the Office for National Statistics ( ONS ) since March when the pandemic took hold .
It 's feared this will rise following recent increases in cases and hospitalisations .
Deaths from all causes in England and Wales were higher than average in the week to 11 September .
This is likely to be because the August Bank Holiday delayed reporting , however .
The north west of England had the most @ @ @ @ @ @ @ registrations where `` novel coronavirus '' was mentioned on the death certificate .
Although coronavirus deaths remain relatively low , this week also marks the first time they have increased rather than decreased since the beginning of April .
The government is poised to introduce new restrictions on gatherings and hospitality , as cases of infection have begun to rise again .
Deaths hit their lowest point since mid-March in the week to 4 September , with 78 deaths certificates mentioning coronavirus as a factor .
But analysis from Oxford University suggests that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ even lower .
The ONS count includes any death certificate that mentions Covid-19 .
The Oxford analysis suggests that an increasing proportion of these death registrations mention Covid-19 without saying that the disease was a direct or underlying cause of the death .
In total , there were 51,818 deaths in England and Wales where coronavirus was mentioned on the death certificate - making up 12 % of all deaths this year .
The ONS also looked at deaths among the working-age population between March and June , before many lockdown restrictions were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 5,000 deaths - 72 % - were likely to be the result of an infection acquired before lockdown came into force .
People working in factories , and in the care and leisure sectors , had a significantly higher risk of dying than the average population .

The Oxford analysis suggests that an increasing proportion of these death registrations mention Covid-19 without saying that the disease was a direct or underlying cause of the death.


bbcuk--2020-09-22--Coronavirus: How are pubs keeping customers safe?

Pubs , bars , cafes and restaurants in England are to shut no later than 22:00 each evening as part of measures to try to halt the spread of Covid-19 .
What are the new rules in England ?
From Thursday 24 September all pubs , bars , restaurants and other hospitality venues in England must close by 22:00 .
The sector will be restricted by law to table service only .
Currently , people in England can meet in groups of no more than six and they should n't mingle with other groups in pubs or restaurants .
Table @ @ @ @ @ @ @ allowed .
Hospitality businesses are legally required to take customers ' contact details so they can be traced if a potential outbreak is linked to the venue .
Previously , they were advised to do so , but did n't have to officially .
Businesses can be fined if they take reservations of more than six , do not enforce social distancing or do not take customers ' contact details .
Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove told BBC Breakfast there was evidence the 22:00 closing time had a `` beneficial effect '' on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are the pub rules around the UK ?
In Scotland , a maximum of six people from two households can meet together - either indoors or outdoors .
If children aged under 12 are part of the two households , they will not count towards the limit of six people .
Face coverings must be worn if you are not seated at a table - for example , if you go to the toilet .
In Wales , up to six people aged 12 or over from an `` extended household '' can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gatherings indoors or outdoors ( not in a private dwelling ) of up to 15 people are permitted - but only if the venue has carried out a Covid risk assessment .
Social distancing across the UK is officially 2m - but in England people can be `` 1m plus '' if they , for instance , wear a face covering or do n't sit face-to-face .
Pubs , restaurants and cafes can keep individual groups closer than 2m if they take certain steps to keep customers safe .
Areas under `` local @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have different rules .
What contact details do I have to provide ?
UK pub and hospitality trade bodies have published guidance for bars and restaurants on how to operate contact tracing .
• Contact details only need to be taken from one person in a group • The details must be kept for 21 days • Customers only need to give their name and phone number .
Owners should also note their arrival time , and how long they stay • Data can be taken in any way - on paper , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a customer tests positive , will the pub or restaurant have to close ?
Official government advice says an NHS Test and Trace call does not always mean a pub or restaurant must close .
It depends on the circumstances and when the infected person visited .
NHS Test and Trace could ask staff to : Local health protection officials have the power to close establishments .
Several pubs have temporarily closed after customers or staff tested positive for coronavirus .
If you are contacted personally by NHS Test and Trace , you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to self-isolate for a fortnight .
Is it safe to go to the pub ?
Guidance has been issued in England , Scotland , Wales and Northern Ireland on measures that pubs and restaurants must take to keep customers and staff safe .
• The option of ordering food on apps • Staff should wash their hands before handling plates and cutlery • Music should be kept at a low volume to avoid people needing to shout , which increases the risk of transmission • Pub-goers will be encouraged to book tables in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but should be outside where possible How did the hospitality sector cope during lockdown ?
The hospitality sector was the third-largest employer in the country in 2018 , according to UK Hospitality .
But many restaurants and cafes were already struggling even before the Covid-19 outbreak , in the face of rising rents and falling consumer spending .
Adnams brewery chief executive Andy Wood told the Today programme that the pub industry had taken health messages seriously and it seemed `` incongruous '' to be singled out .
He said the industry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with about 900,000 jobs at risk .
Pub chain JD Wetherspoon has written to 1,000 people employed at six airports to say up to 450 jobs are at risk of redundancy .
Staff at Birmingham , Edinburgh , Gatwick , Glasgow , Heathrow , and Stansted have been told the decision is `` mainly a result of a downturn in trade in these pubs , linked with the large reduction in passenger numbers using the airports '' .
Since the pandemic hit , job cuts and closures have also been announced by several @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Express .
Thousands of workers in the industry have been furloughed under the government 's job retention scheme , which allows them to receive 80 % of their monthly salary up to £2,500 .
That scheme is now winding down , and is due to end on 31 October .

From 7 August, if conditions allow, there will be no legal limits on the number of people who can meet others in places like pubs and restaurants. Masks will also no longer be required in hospitality settings. All businesses currently closed - such as nightclubs - will be allowed to reopen subject to ongoing risk assessments.


bbcuk--2020-09-22--Covid: How the coronavirus pandemic is redefining Scottish politics

The pandemic has probably done more than anything to define Scottish devolution in 21 years of Holyrood decision making .
Before coronavirus , the Scottish Parliament 's policy choices - from free personal care for the elderly to minimum pricing of alcohol - made it distinctive .
Now , Scottish ministers are making life and death decisions affecting everybody almost every day .
The exercise of emergency powers to combat Covid-19 commands public attention like nothing before .
We 've had six months of lockdown restrictions and after a recent period of relaxation , they are tightening again as coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to knowing whether or not you can go to work , visit your granny or have friends round for dinner .
• First minister to announce new virus restrictions It is First Minister Nicola Sturgeon rather than the prime minister , Boris Johnson , who is deciding for Scotland because public health is devolved .
Many of her decisions so far have matched those by the UK government for England and the devolved administrations for Wales and Northern Ireland .
That was especially true in the early stages of the crisis when there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ approach - but differences have emerged over time .
The Scottish government has generally been more cautious about lifting restrictions than the UK government .
Bars and restaurants stayed closed in Scotland for longer and it was slower to lift quarantine for people arriving from Spain , before this was reimposed across the UK .
By contrast , the Scottish government was the first in the UK to restore full-time classroom education in schools after the summer .
Scottish ministers did coordinate with the other administrations to introduce the `` rule of six @ @ @ @ @ @ @ However , on closer inspection , the Scottish rule differs from that for England in two key respects .
It is more restrictive in limiting the six people to two different households and more flexible in exempting children under the age of 12 .
This is devolved decision making in action as never before .
Some argue divergence across the UK is confusing and undesirable , but opinion polls consistently suggest the Scottish public trust Holyrood to set the pace .
After a period in which Conservatives argued that Scotland should leave lockdown @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UK , a multi-speed approach became accepted .
The pandemic , however unwanted , has given Ms Sturgeon an opportunity to demonstrate leadership and the public seems to appreciate that too .
An Ipsos Mori survey for BBC Scotland in May suggested 82 % of people thought Ms Sturgeon was handling the pandemic either very or fairly well .
By contrast , only 30 % from the same sample of around 1,000 Scottish adults gave Boris Johnson similar credit .
More recent polling has produced similar indications even although coronavirus outcomes are not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Office for National Statistics reported that England had the highest increase in excess deaths in Europe to the end of May .
At that point , Scotland had the third highest behind Spain .
While politicians of all stripes have been working to suppress coronavirus , coronavirus has suppressed much of our everyday politics .
Previous Holyrood priorities like completing an expansion of free childcare , introducing new devolved benefits and reviewing the school curriculum have been deferred .
Major controversies such as the Scottish government 's mishandling of complaints about the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Alex Salmond , seem less potent .
The Scottish government parked preparations for an independence referendum in 2020 to prioritise its response to the pandemic .
That has not meant opinion on the major constitutional question in Scottish politics has remained static .
As coronavirus has swept the country , a trend has emerged in opinion polls suggesting there is now majority support in Scotland for independence .
Some analysts suggest this could be directly linked to the focus on devolved leadership in the crisis .
The trend has worried Conservatives enough to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Scottish Labour have unsuccessfully tried to change theirs .
Those who favour the union point out that Scotland has been supported by what they call the `` broad shoulders '' of the UK economy throughout the pandemic .
Lockdown is largely underwritten by the Treasury with huge funding for furlough and other schemes to support business .
Nationalists say this help would be replicated by Holyrood if it had the economic powers of independence .
Unionists question the scope for doing so in a country which , as a devolved part of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of £15bn before the pandemic took full effect .
Economics will always be important in the debate over independence as will the public 's sense of identity .
In the 2014 referendum , Scotland voted 55 % -45 % for continued union .
If indyref2 was held tomorrow , the polls suggest the result would go the other way .
There is much that could sway opinion further - both for and against independence - in the coming months .
The economic crisis the pandemic brings , the impact of Brexit and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ health emergency could all have a bearing .
The public could weary of politicians telling them what they can and ca n't do especially if their livelihoods are on the line .
Arguments over all this and more will find expression in the campaign for next May 's Holyrood elections .
Together with elections to the Welsh Assembly and local government in England , these will be the first major votes of the pandemic .
A pandemic that has already given new definition to devolved power and could be playing a role in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Union

Boris Johnson has been more inclined to delegate to other ministers and was forced to do so for an extended period when he became seriously ill with the virus.


bbcuk--2020-09-22--NI health minister rebukes Van Morrison over Covid

The Northern Ireland Health Minister Robin Swann has written a scathing opinion piece for Rolling Stone magazine about Sir Van Morrison .
Last week the singer announced three new songs that protest against the coronavirus lockdown .
In the lyrics , he claims scientists are `` making up crooked facts '' to justify measures that `` enslave '' the population .
Mr Swann said the songs were `` dangerous '' , challenging Sir Van to present his own scientific facts .
The minister has echoed those thoughts and expanded upon them in a highly critical 'op-ed ' piece for Rolling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ focuses on popular culture , including music , entertainment and politics .
Describing the piece , Rolling Stone 's editors said : `` Swann vacillates between disappointment , bemusement and anger at the new cause of one of Northern Ireland 's most celebrated singers . ''
In the article Mr Swann criticised Sir Van and the potential damage he could do to public health messaging around Covid-19 in Northern Ireland .
He wrote : `` We in Northern Ireland are very proud of the fact that one of the greatest music legends of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ part of the world .
`` So there 's a real feeling of disappointment - we expected better from him .
`` If you see it all as a big conspiracy , then you are less likely to follow the vital public health advice that keeps you and others safe . ''
He added that governments across the world are `` struggling '' to find their way through the pandemic and its `` right and proper '' to debate and question policies .
`` But Van Morrison is going way beyond raising questions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is singing about 'fascist bullies ' and claiming governments are deceiving people and wanting to 'enslave ' . ''
Mr Swann said the songs are a `` smear '' on those involved in the public health response to the virus .
`` His words will give great comfort to the conspiracy theorists - the tin foil hat brigade who crusade against masks and vaccines and think this is all a huge global plot to remove freedoms . ''
He added : `` It 's all bizarre and irresponsible .
`` I only hope @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's no guru , no teacher . ''

He wrote: "We in Northern Ireland are very proud of the fact that one of the greatest music legends of the past 50 years comes from our part of the world.