bbcuk--2020-05-23--Women politicians face daily abuse on social media

Imagine picking up your phone and receiving abusive messages every day .
Women in politics have spoken of their experiences of dealing with sexism and hatred on social media while voicing their political opinions .
Gender equality charity Chwarae Teg said it feared a growing number of women were being put off standing for election due to online abuse .
Two young women in politics have spoken about their experiences facing online abuse to the BBC 's Politics Wales .
One member of the Labour Party , who wishes to remain anonymous , said she had to deal with sexist @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` I get called a whore , that I 'm a slut , that I should put my tits away , that I 'm unintelligent , that I 'm an idiot , that I should go away and bake a cake instead - which was my personal favourite , '' she said .
`` [ They claim ] I 'm uneducated , I have no place in politics , and you get this daily , it 's recurrent . ''
• Call to act on 'casual sexism ' in Welsh workplaces She said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ politicians , but had not reported any of the incidents `` because there 's no point '' .
`` I 've had experiences of councillors who 've kissed me , who take me aside , who say 'you know if you do n't sleep with me then you wo n't get anywhere in the Labour party ' , '' she said .
`` It makes me feel really angry .
It makes me feel scared as well , and for a long time I stayed off social media because of just how sort @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But I 'm very aware that personally I can sort of bat it off , but there are young girls who are coming up through politics , who maybe do n't have the same coping mechanisms that I do .
`` It makes me feel really angry for them , because with those things you 're scared away .
If you 're put down so much , you sort of listen to it , and it really is horrid . ''
Jas , a member of the Liberal Democrats , said people had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ media .
`` I 'll get messages like death threats , bullying , or just really unkind comments about what I look like or my personality , or political views I hold .
So it is quite bad , '' she said .
`` My sex life gets brought into it a lot as well .
So people will say I 'm a slut , I 'm a whore , things like that .
`` Even on the views I hold I 'll be called an idiot or even more severe than that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a retard .
`` It 's constant .
I must get three of these messages every week or two .
For a young person to deal with I think that 's a lot . ''
Jas has complained , but said that there was `` not much '' the party could do .
`` In our party , at the moment our complaints procedure is n't functioning very well .
It 's kind of backlogged , '' she said .
`` We have very severe complains that have n't been dealt with properly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In terms of parties and reporting , not many people do it , because there is n't much you can do . ''
Helen Antoniazzi , of Chwarae Teg , said there was a risk social media abuse could discourage women from engaging in politics .
`` I think that essentially what is at the bare bones of this is people trying to stop women from having a voice and from expressing their opinion , and this is a way they can see they can do that , '' she said .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more women will be put off standing for election and putting themselves forward for political positions , because of the fear of this abuse and because of the abuse in itself .
`` We 've got a role as a wider society to make sure that abuse is challenged and is not seen as acceptable so that women do feel able to put themselves forward and to participate in politics and express their opinions . ''
A Labour spokesman said the party took all complaints of abuse and harassment , online or in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are fully investigated , and any appropriate disciplinary action is taken , he added .
Meanwhile the Liberal Democrats said the party took issues seriously and investigated all complaints .
It added that there were also organisations within the party which support women and young people , including helping them to deal with social media abuse .
Politics Wales is on BBC One Wales on Sunday 24 May at 10:15 BST and then available on demand via the BBC iPlayer .

"I think that essentially what is at the bare bones of this is people trying to stop women from having a voice and from expressing their opinion, and this is a way they can see they can do that," she said.


bbcuk--2020-05-23--Coronavirus: Spending lockdown in Henry VIII's palace

The Spring Bank Holiday would usually see thousands of tourists descend upon the UK 's historic palaces , mansions and stately homes .
But these incredible buildings and gardens , which were once homes for royals and the super rich , are being occupied by just a few people who are maintaining them during the pandemic .
What is it like living and working in these now deserted houses and grounds ?
'The formal garden is my running track' Lucy Hutchings is spending lockdown in the grand confines of Hampton Court Palace - once a favourite residence of Henry VIII @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
There are definitely worse places to be locked down than a palace , '' she says .
The complex beside the River Thames in south-west London was for many years home to the Tudor king and is rumoured to be haunted by his third wife Jane Seymour .
It was later home to Oliver Cromwell and eventually opened to the public by Queen Victoria .
Some 21,000 visitors would normally pass through the doors during Spring Bank Holiday and various events like jousting contests had been planned for this weekend .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It 's really gruelling , particularly given the nice weather , '' says Lucy , who is head of the palace .
However , she and others on site are trying to make the most of situation .
`` Having the keys to wander around a palace is so special .
We 've got 1,300 rooms here so I 'm using the opportunity to explore rooms I 've never been to before .
`` I 've [ also ] taken up jogging - the formal garden has become my personal running track , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ living in a royal residence is not all fun and games .
With a building that is almost 500 years old and only a skeleton staff to keep it in order , there is plenty of work to do .
The royal ceremonial dress collection , including clothing that belonged to Queen Victoria and Princess Diana , has had to be moved into a freezer to stop pests attacking it .
The gardens need to be maintained and weeded .
The many rooms are being cleaned and dusted .
Lucy says `` it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' and in most cases , a lot of learning on the job .
When the chimes of Hampton Court 's 16th Century astronomical clock went wrong , specialists had to explain how to fix its Tudor workings by FaceTime .
The 37-year-old added : `` We initially had to figure out things like how the bins are collected - for the first few weeks we were living in our own filth but now we 're sorted . ''
While the downtime has given staff the opportunity to do jobs that would have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Lucy says they are all `` so looking forward '' to when the building can open again .
`` It 's so odd how quiet it is here and quite sad .
While it 's wonderful to have this space to myself , it 's meant to be bustling and busy .
`` Spaces like this are meant to be enjoyed . ''
'It feels like time 's stood still' When it was built in the early 17th Century , Audley End House , near Saffron Walden , Essex , was considered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Surrounded by 100 acres ( 40 hectares ) of park , sculpted by famous landscape architect Capability Brown , it attracts large crowds keen to look around the magnificent Jacobean building .
However , this year it is lacking the hustle and bustle its staff have come to expect .
`` It feels quite surreal ... We 'd usually be having events and activities but instead it feels like time 's stood still , '' says property supervisor Franchesca Derry .
You might also be interested in : What 's it like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lockdown with Tower of London 's Beefeaters Who holds the keys to our mansions ?
The 24-year-old , who has been working at the grand house for two years , is living with her partner in a building in the grounds .
A few other essential staff like gardeners and grooms who care for the site 's five horses are also dotted in other properties , but all are keeping socially distant from one another , adding to the eerie calm .
While she is missing the guests who would usually fill up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there have been benefits to the quiet .
`` We 've had the spring bloom and it 's so peaceful here which has led to an increase in wildlife .
We have seen an increase in Muntjac deer roaming the grounds freely , along with herons and egrets patiently waiting by the river for their next catch .
`` Ducks have also set up home within the service wing as it is much quieter and two Egyptian geese have made Audley their home over the last couple of months .
`` It 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do feel lucky to be isolated in such a beautiful place , '' she says .
'The peacocks have no-one to show off to' While the English wildlife seems to be enjoying the peace , there are some over the border in Wales that are less fond of the enforced quiet .
With no visitors to entertain , the peacocks at Powis Castle have been harassing the few staff and gardeners who are working at the site .
`` They 're creatures who like to show off , but they 've got no-one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ visitor experience manager , Sarah Johnson .
`` [ And ] they are not good when it comes to social distancing . ''
The site was built as a fortress in the 1200s and is now known for its unique , medieval gardens , orangery and original statues .
Sarah lives near the National Trust property and visits once a week to help with the numerous tasks involved in `` putting the house to bed '' , including cleaning and safely storing the 2,000 items in the castle 's collection .
`` I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ different side to the place , '' she says .
Like other historic properties , they would have expected a bumper bank holiday and Sarah says it is `` strange that no one is around '' .
`` It 's very different here .
We 're missing our colleagues and visitors .
We 're really looking forward to when it 's finally safe to reopen '' .
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• EXERCISE : What are the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ R NUMBER : What it means and why it matters • A SIMPLE GUIDE : What are the symptoms ?

"We've had the spring bloom and it's so peaceful here which has led to an increase in wildlife. We have seen an increase in Muntjac deer roaming the grounds freely, along with herons and egrets patiently waiting by the river for their next catch.


bbcuk--2020-05-24--Coronavirus: Tory MPs urge Dominic Cummings to resign

Several Conservative MPs have called for the PM 's chief adviser Dominic Cummings to quit , amid claims he broke coronavirus lockdown rules .
Mr Cummings is facing new allegations , with The Observer and Sunday Mirror reporting he made a second trip to the North East after returning to London .
No 10 says this is `` false '' and Grant Shapps says Mr Cummings - who has been seen going into No 10 - will not quit .
Steve Baker is among the backbench MPs to question his position .
Mr Cummings and the government had said he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ response to the original claims that he drove 260 miles from London to County Durham while his wife had coronavirus symptoms .
Labour has called for an urgent inquiry into the allegations , while government ministers rallied around Mr Cummings on Saturday and defended his conduct .
Matt Hancock and Michael Gove were among those to back Mr Cummings for self-isolating at a property adjacent to other family members in case he and his wife needed help with childcare .
• What do we know about Cummings ' lockdown trip ?
• Caring @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rules ?
Mr Cummings told reporters outside his home on Saturday that he would not be resigning and had done the `` right thing '' .
The two newspapers have now reported witnesses saw Mr Cummings in Barnard Castle , more than 25 miles from Durham , on 12 April .
On 14 April , he was seen in London .
According to a witness , he was spotted again near Durham in Houghall Woods on 19 April .
Mr Cummings is yet to publicly respond to the new claims , but the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he left Durham on 13 April , and that the claim he made a second trip from London was `` totally false '' .
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps told the BBC 's Andrew Marr that the claims of a second trip was `` untrue '' .
When asked if Mr Cummings was going to resign , Mr Shapps replied : `` No . ''
But there are growing calls from backbench Tory MPs for Mr Cummings to consider his position .
Ex-chairman of the European Research Group ( ERG ) Steve Baker told @ @ @ @ @ @ @ n't afford this nonsense , this pantomime , Dominic should go and we should move on and deal with things that matter in people 's lives . ''
Tory Sir Roger Gale said there `` can not be one law for the prime minister 's staff and another for everyone else '' .
Conservative MP Caroline Nokes tweeted : `` There can not be one rule for most of us and wriggle room for others . ''
Colleague Simon Hoare has called for Mr Cummings to `` consider his position '' , Tory @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` would be better without him '' and MP Craig Whittaker has said Mr Cummings ' position `` is untenable '' .
Labour 's shadow policing minister Sarah Jones told Sky 's Sophy Ridge on Sunday that people `` are feeling rightly angry '' .
`` I think people are rightly feeling is it one rule for us and one rule for people at the top , '' she said .
In response to the fresh claims , Downing Street said : `` Yesterday the Mirror and Guardian wrote inaccurate stories about Mr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more inaccurate stories including claims that Mr Cummings returned to Durham after returning to work in Downing Street on 14 April .
`` We will not waste our time answering a stream of false allegations about Mr Cummings from campaigning newspapers . ''
Downing Street has also denied that police spoke with family members of Mr Cummings `` about this matter '' .
In an updated statement , Durham Police said officers learned of his trip on 31 March and spoke to Mr Cummings ' father the following day .
After an apparently @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the most senior Conservatives yesterday , today the first cracks may be starting to show .
Steve Baker has become the first Tory MP to break ranks and call for Dominic Cummings to go .
As one of Parliament 's most prominent Brexiteers , his intervention is significant .
The tone of his criticism even more so - accusing Mr Cummings of regarding `` accountability with contempt '' .
His view is that Boris Johnson is expending too much political capital on trying to save his adviser .
The next few hours will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ If there 's enough backbench unrest , it will leave Boris Johnson with an unappealing choice to make : oust a highly-valued adviser or risk upsetting the party to keep him .
Other opposition parties have also renewed their calls for the prime minister 's adviser to go .
Mr Cummings masterminded the 2016 Vote Leave campaign before being made Boris Johnson 's chief political adviser .
The SNP 's Ian Blackford said Mr Cummings `` has to leave office '' , while acting Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey told BBC Radio @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has not been sacked by tomorrow , I think the prime minister 's judgement is in serious doubt . ''
Government advice had been for people to stay at home during the first weeks of lockdown .
Self-isolation at home continues to be advised for those with coronavirus symptoms .
England 's deputy chief medical officer Dr Jenny Harries said all health guidance should be applied with `` common sense '' .
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : What are the symptoms ?
• RISK AT WORK : How exposed is your job ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ take to get better ?
It comes as the government announced 282 more people had died with coronavirus since Friday , across all settings , bringing the total to 36,675 .
• Rising costs from the coronavirus pandemic could see care homes in England `` go to the wall '' , sector leaders have warned • People arriving in France from the UK from 8 June will have to quarantine for 14 days • The government has pledged to give £283m towards improving safety and restoring services on bus and light rail services @ @ @ @ @ @ @ THEROUX : What 's Lenny Henry doing in lockdown ?

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bbcuk--2020-05-24--Prince William: Parenthood brought Diana death emotions

Prince William has revealed that becoming a father brought back painful emotions he felt following his mother 's death when he was 15 years old .
The Duke of Cambridge , who has three children with his wife Catherine , said feelings from a `` traumatic '' event can resurface when becoming a parent .
He told a BBC documentary on mental health that he found things `` overwhelming '' at times .
His mother , Diana , Princess of Wales , died in a car crash in Paris in 1997 .
Prince William , father to Prince George , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that he and Catherine support one another during those difficult times .
He was speaking to former professional footballer Marvin Sordell for the programme focusing on men 's mental health and football .
Ex-Bolton Wanderers striker Sordell described becoming a father as `` the hardest time in my life '' , adding that he struggled with his emotions and found it challenging as he did not grow up with a father .
• How are William and Kate handling lockdown ?
• Coronavirus : How to protect your mental health The Duke of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the biggest life-changing moment , it really is .
`` And I agree with you , I think when you 've been through something traumatic in life - and that is like you say your dad not being around , my mother dying when I was younger - your emotions come back in leaps and bounds because it 's a very different phase of life .
`` And there 's no one there to , kind of , help you , and I definitely found it very , at times , overwhelming .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` come out of the blue '' which you do not expect or think you have already dealt with .
Speaking about parenthood , the royal added : `` It 's one of the most amazing moments of life but it 's also one of the scariest . ''
Prince William and his younger brother Prince Harry have , through their Heads Together mental health campaign , spoken increasingly about the impact their mother 's death had on them .
Football , Prince William And Our Mental Health will be broadcast on Thursday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ One .
• GROUNDED WITH LOUIS THEROUX : What 's Lenny Henry doing in lockdown ?

"And I agree with you, I think when you've been through something traumatic in life - and that is like you say your dad not being around, my mother dying when I was younger - your emotions come back in leaps and bounds because it's a very different phase of life.


bbcuk--2020-05-23--Death payment for families of Scottish care staff

The families of care staff who die in the pandemic will receive a £60,000 payment , say the Scottish government .
It comes after ministers announced a similar death in service payment for families of NHS workers last month .
The health secretary also said enhanced sick pay would be given to care staff testing positive for coronavirus .
On Thursday , Scotland 's biggest private care home provider said carers who were self-isolating would receive full pay if they tested positive for Covid-19 .
HC-One had come under pressure to change its policy after lobbying from unions and fears @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the virus for fear their income would drop to £95.85 a week - the current rate of statutory sick pay .
The company , which runs 56 care homes in Scotland including Home Farm in Skye where 10 residents have died in a coronavirus outbreak , said the extra money would also be paid retrospectively to those who were given statutory sick pay having tested positive , following a campaign by the GMB union .
In additional to its sick pay fund , the Scottish government said a one-off payment of £60,000 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of any social care worker who died without death in service cover in their contracted pension arrangements .
Health Secretary Jeane Freeman said : `` Social care staff provide a critical and valuable service , never more apparent than during this emergency period .
`` While some employers offer employment contracts closer to the Scottish government 's fair work principles , it is clear that others do not . ''
Ms Freeman said `` fair work issues '' and how they were realised in commissioning contracts would require to be addressed in future @ @ @ @ @ @ @ continue to work with local government , social care providers and trades unions on further details of the plans over the course of next week . ''
A survey carried out by the GMB union last week found 78 % of its 1,000 respondents were worried about taking a test in case they were found to be positive , and then had to lose money .
Its Scottish secretary , Gary Smith , told BBC Radio Scotland 's Drivetime programme he was pleased HC-One had listened to staff concerns , but he now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ suit .
Mike Kirby , Unison Scottish secretary welcomed the Scottish government 's announcement and said the current low level of statutory sick pay had left workers with an `` extremely difficult '' choice .
He added : `` The fact that social care workers often have their weekly income reduced to statutory sick pay is immoral and left care workers with exceptionally difficult choice between protecting they own health , protecting those they care for or putting them and their families in a very difficult financial situation . ''
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Doctors on the front line explain

He added: "The fact that social care workers often have their weekly income reduced to statutory sick pay is immoral and left care workers with exceptionally difficult choice between protecting they own health, protecting those they care for or putting them and their families in a very difficult financial situation."


bbcuk--2020-05-23--Women in politics face 'daily' abuse on social media

Imagine picking up your phone and receiving abusive messages every day .
Women in politics have spoken of their experiences of dealing with sexism and hatred on social media while voicing their political opinions .
Gender equality charity Chwarae Teg said it feared a growing number of women were being put off standing for election due to online abuse .
Two young women in politics have spoken about their experiences facing online abuse to the BBC 's Politics Wales .
This article contains language that may offend some readers One member of the Labour Party , who wishes to remain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with sexist attacks on social media every day .
`` I get called a whore , that I 'm a slut , that I should put my tits away , that I 'm unintelligent , that I 'm an idiot , that I should go away and bake a cake instead - which was my personal favourite , '' she said .
`` [ They claim ] I 'm uneducated , I have no place in politics , and you get this daily , it 's recurrent . ''
• Call to act @ @ @ @ @ @ @ She said she had also experienced misogyny from male politicians , but had not reported any of the incidents `` because there 's no point '' .
`` I 've had experiences of councillors who 've kissed me , who take me aside , who say 'you know if you do n't sleep with me then you wo n't get anywhere in the Labour party ' , '' she said .
`` It makes me feel really angry .
It makes me feel scared as well , and for a long time I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ how sort of upset it made me .
`` But I 'm very aware that personally I can sort of bat it off , but there are young girls who are coming up through politics , who maybe do n't have the same coping mechanisms that I do .
`` It makes me feel really angry for them , because with those things you 're scared away .
If you 're put down so much , you sort of listen to it , and it really is horrid . ''
Jas , a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people had brought up her sex life on social media .
`` I 'll get messages like death threats , bullying , or just really unkind comments about what I look like or my personality , or political views I hold .
So it is quite bad , '' she said .
`` My sex life gets brought into it a lot as well .
So people will say I 'm a slut , I 'm a whore , things like that .
`` Even on the views I hold I 'll be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than that , like people will say I 'm a retard .
`` It 's constant .
I must get three of these messages every week or two .
For a young person to deal with I think that 's a lot . ''
Jas has complained , but said that there was `` not much '' the party could do .
`` In our party , at the moment our complaints procedure is n't functioning very well .
It 's kind of backlogged , '' she said .
`` We have very @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with properly , so never mind small complaints .
In terms of parties and reporting , not many people do it , because there is n't much you can do . ''
Helen Antoniazzi , of Chwarae Teg , said there was a risk social media abuse could discourage women from engaging in politics .
`` I think that essentially what is at the bare bones of this is people trying to stop women from having a voice and from expressing their opinion , and this is a way they can see they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` There 's a fear that more and more women will be put off standing for election and putting themselves forward for political positions , because of the fear of this abuse and because of the abuse in itself .
`` We 've got a role as a wider society to make sure that abuse is challenged and is not seen as acceptable so that women do feel able to put themselves forward and to participate in politics and express their opinions . ''
A Labour spokesman said the party took all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or in person , extremely seriously .
All complaints are fully investigated , and any appropriate disciplinary action is taken , he added .
Meanwhile the Liberal Democrats said the party took issues seriously and investigated all complaints .
It added that there were also organisations within the party which support women and young people , including helping them to deal with social media abuse .
Politics Wales is on BBC One Wales on Sunday 24 May at 10:15 BST and then available on demand via the BBC iPlayer .


bbcuk--2020-05-23--Coronavirus: Roadside wildflowers bloom under lockdown

After two months in lockdown , many people are in desperate need of a trim as their hair grows longer and longer .
But for the grass verges sprouting up on Wales ' roadsides , the problem faced is quite the opposite .
Campaigners are urging councils not to trim them but let them grow as wild as possible so they can become habitats for species of flowers and bees .
Some local authorities have said they are only cutting verges that affect footpaths or visibility of motorists .
With many council services on hold , has coronavirus given us @ @ @ @ @ @ @ orchids , buttercups , clover and cowslips bloom around us ?
Yes , according to Buglife Cymru 's Liam Olds , who said : `` Lockdown has demonstrated that , given the opportunity , many of our road verges are flower-rich and have the potential to help address the current 'pollinator crisis ' ( the lack of habitats for insects such as bees , hoverflies , butterflies and moths ) .
`` It can also bring potential savings ( for local authorities ) by reducing grass-cutting management of roadside verges , with that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ • Bees : It 's not all about honey Mr Olds said more awareness created during the pandemic will help bring nature `` into the heart of communities '' .
It is an issue some have been aware of for some time , with Peter Hatherley documenting the fate of wildflowers near the M4 in Bridgend .
He described bee orchids being `` amazingly '' spared when a verge was mown last year , while others by junctions 35 and 36 were `` not so lucky '' .
Plantlife Cymru has campaigned for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , pointing to a 20 % drop in the UK 's floral diversity since 1990 .
With 97 % of the country 's wildlife meadows also eradicated in the last century , it described grassland roadside verges as crucial habitats and a `` safe haven '' for 700 species of wildflowers , which make up 45 % of all that grow in the UK .
This includes 29 of 52 species of wild orchid , including rarities such as lizard orchid .
It published guidelines last year , intended to be a roadmap @ @ @ @ @ @ @ verges , recommending they should be cut twice a year not four times .
Botanical specialist Dr Trevor Dines said it was endorsed by the Welsh Government , which manages trunk roads , and it has received `` encouraging traction '' elsewhere .
`` We 're also seeing individual councils now taking up the reins too , '' he said .
`` As well as Conwy , both Flintshire and Denbighshire are making positive moves to improve verge maintenance . ''
Near his Conwy home , he has discovered verges unmown during lockdown @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' of early purple orchid and the `` very , very rare '' purple ramping-fumitory .
Thousands of people have taken to Twitter praising some councils for preserving those that have grown in the past couple of months , and blasting others for cutting them .
Taking aim at Bridgend council , Rose Revera posted : `` Believe it or not , we actually prefer flowers to a short green carpet , as do the bees and butterflies . ''
The local authority said it has its own highways and parks biodiversity enhancement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This means that while we still have to cut at specific locations in order to provide clear lines of sight for drivers or to ensure that footpaths remain accessible , we also maintain hectares of open space in support of wild flowers , and have greatly reduced our annual grass cutting activities , '' a spokesman said .
He highlighted parts of the A4061 which are not cut , while crews trim around cowslips at Danygraig Hill , and wildflowers have been planted on the cycle route between Brackla and Coity .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the start of the Covid-19 pandemic , but has now restarted in areas where it is needed for safety reasons .
Cabinet member for culture and leisure Councillor Peter Bradbury said it is focusing on places where it would get `` out of hand '' , such as sports playing surfaces .
He added that verges will only be cut when they affect visibility for motorists and pedestrians .
A spokeswoman for Ceredigion council , which received praise online , said its mowing is always undertaken with a view to `` ensuring @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also `` adopting a positive approach relating to local environmental stewardship '' .
Barnaby Smith , of the Bumblebee Conservation Trust , said the results in spaces previously managed as lawns have been `` spectacular '' , adding there have been anecdotal reports of people appreciating the diversity in communal green spaces more .
However , Mr Smith called for greater understanding among council staff , adding : `` Many of the pictures circling on social media are not of native British wildflowers .
But why does that matter ?
`` It can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ better than nothing , but it is important that we understand the difference between our natives and non-natives .
`` A lack of understanding can lead to a verge full of clover , buttercups , and bird's-foot trefoil , being branded 'untidy ' and cut down to make way for Californian poppies , clarkias , and cosmos . ''
He said native species have evolved over centuries with pollinators and are the `` ideal resource '' for them rather than those that have been newly-introduced .
His colleague Sinead Lynch also sounded a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would need to be managed carefully or they would grow into scrub and not be suitable habitats .
However , she believes they could become important sites and also `` wildlife corridors '' that allow species to roam around Wales , adding : `` For bumblebees , isolation of populations can result in inbreeding and eventually local extinctions , which becomes increasingly of concern when it impacts rare and scarce species . ''

However, she believes they could become important sites and also "wildlife corridors" that allow species to roam around Wales, adding: "For bumblebees, isolation of populations can result in inbreeding and eventually local extinctions, which becomes increasingly of concern when it impacts rare and scarce species."


bbcuk--2020-05-23--Kara Jane Spencer: More than 100 musicians offer help on album

A seriously ill singer `` who did not expect to live '' to see her album recorded , hopes to release a song after more than 100 people offered help .
Kara Jane Spencer , from Derbyshire , has a severe form of ME which now requires full time nursing care .
She was `` overwhelmed '' with the level of support offered after appealing for help from musicians and technicians .
The 29-year-old now hopes to release a song in August and donate any profits to research into ME .
Ms Spencer was diagnosed with ME - short for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ suddenly losing the ability to walk .
The condition is described by the NHS as a long-term illness with a wide range of symptoms .
Ms Spencer said her symptoms were so severe , doctors have warned it could shorten her life expectancy .
Ms Spencer said it has not stopped her chasing her dream and with the help of a family friend , she recorded the vocals one line at a time from her bed .
More than 100 people responded to an appeal for help with creating backing tracks as well @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` I feel like I 'm on cloud nine .
I keep having to pinch myself to remind me that it 's actually real , '' she said .
`` I did n't expect to live to see it - there 's a very good chance of me seeing it all through to the end .
`` It 's really quite amazing and astounding . ''
She has chosen to use the help of producers Ben Haynes and Liam Hicks in the hope that she wll get the album finished .
Mr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of singer-songwriters have come forward and they are beginning to build the music around Kara 's amazing vocals and meaningful lyrics .
`` Everyone involved has been touched by Kara 's story and is determined to help Kara achieve her dream . ''
Ms Spencer hopes to release her song - Remember Us - on 8 August to coincide with severe ME awareness day .

Ms Spencer said it has not stopped her chasing her dream and with the help of a family friend, she recorded the vocals one line at a time from her bed.


bbcuk--2020-05-23--Norfolk discovery of 1,100-year-old brooch 'will remain a mystery'

The origins of a 1,100-year-old brooch found in a lorry-load of soil may be `` a mystery '' that is never solved , say archaeologists .
The late 9th Century silver disc was discovered in a field in Great Dunham , Norfolk , which had recently been landscaped .
It is not known where the soil came from , but experts say the find is similar to the nearby Pentney Hoard .
The British Museum said the discovery was of `` national importance '' .
An inquest - the process by which the find may be officially declared treasure - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ conclude on 9 June .
The brooch was found by an inexperienced detectorist on 9 May 2019 , on just his third day detecting .
He initially thought the piece was Victorian , but when archaeologists at Norfolk County Council were alerted they visited the scene to excavate further .
During the dig , the team found a 19th Century plough buried beneath the level of the Saxon brooch , suggesting the brooch had been deposited from elsewhere .
The landowner said he had dumped topsoil on the field to level it , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had come from .
`` He said he flagged down the occasional lorry , '' said Steven Ashley , the council 's senior finds archaeologist .
`` They would n't have moved the soil very far , so it 's likely to be from central or west Norfolk somewhere .
`` I think it would be very hard to trace the provenance of the brooch now .
I think it will remain a mystery . ''
The brooch , about three inches ( 7cm ) in diameter , features a cross with concave @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is decorated with animals in the Trewhiddle style , with a fastening pin on the back .
Mr Ashley said the `` remarkable '' piece had similarities to the Pentney Hoard , a find of six disc brooches in 1978 in West Norfolk .
`` It looks to me that they were made by the same craftsman or in the same workshop , '' he added .
Prof Michael Lewis of the British Museum said it was `` of national significance '' .
He said the brooch was likely to have belonged to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because of its high silver content .
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The landowner said he had dumped topsoil on the field to level it, but did not know where the delivery had come from.


bbcuk--2020-05-24--Coronavirus: Daily update as PM's aide faces new claims about lockdown trip

Here are five things you need to know about the coronavirus outbreak today .
We 'll have another update for you on Monday morning .
Boris Johnson 's chief aide Dominic Cummings is facing fresh allegations that he breached lockdown rules .
Ministers came to his defence on Saturday after Mr Cummings maintained he acted legally by travelling 260 miles from London to Durham while his wife had coronavirus symptoms in case the couple needed help with childcare .
Read about the rules on caring for children during lockdown .
People arriving in France from the UK will need to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the French government has announced , reciprocating rules introduced by Downing Street for UK visitors and residents .
Travellers arriving in France from Spain by plane will also be required to go into quarantine from Monday .
3 .
Care homes could 'go to the wall ' as costs rise The rising costs from the coronavirus pandemic could see care homes `` go to the wall '' , bosses in England have warned .
Of the 102 care providers contacted by the BBC , 30 said none of their staff had been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government announced the families of care staff who die in the pandemic will receive a £60,000 payment .
Buses and light rail services will be given £283m towards improving safety and restoring services during the pandemic , Transport Secretary Grant Shapps has said .
But announcing the funding , the minister stressed that it did not mean `` we can go back to using public transport whenever we like '' .
We consider the risks of using public transport here .
Many might dream of living like a king or queen , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this a reality .
The UK 's historic palaces , mansions and stately homes - once home for royals and the very wealthy - are being occupied by a few people who are maintaining them during the pandemic .
Lucy Hutchings reveals what it 's like spending lockdown in the confines of Henry VIII 's Hampton Court Palace .
Get a longer coronavirus briefing from the BBC in your inbox , each weekday morning , by signing up here .
You can find more information , advice and guides on our coronavirus page @ @ @ @ @ @ @ countries across the world , false and misleading health advice is still being widely shared online .
We look at some of the most recent examples .
Meanwhile , coronavirus has been described as an invisible killer , but how scared should we be ?
What questions do you have about coronavirus ?
In some cases , your question will be published , displaying your name , age and location as you provide it , unless you state otherwise .
Your contact details will never be published .
Please ensure you have read @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Use this form to ask your question : • GROUNDED WITH LOUIS THEROUX : What 's Lenny Henry doing in lockdown ?

Buses and light rail services will be given £283m towards improving safety and restoring services during the pandemic, Transport Secretary Grant Shapps has said. But announcing the funding, the minister stressed that it did not mean "we can go back to using public transport whenever we like". We consider the risks of using public transport here.


bbcuk--2020-05-24--'My mother died as she lived - not wanting to make a fuss'

The writer Howard Jacobson remembers his mother , who died this month , as if she chose to slip away while everyone focused on the pandemic .
My mother died on 4 May .
Not of Covid-19 .
Two days before , she complained to my sister of a severe pain in her head , slipped into unconsciousness , and never woke .
She was 97 .
She died in the chair she preferred to her bed .
And died pretty much as she had lived , unobtrusively , not wanting to make a fuss , not wanting to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ retiring by nature .
Exclamatory - she knew how to tell a good story and was never less than flabbergasted by insignificant event - but not demonstrative .
She hated show , never wanted to be seen making a fuss - in truth , never wanted to be seen at all - preferred reading to going out , and at any time in her life would n't have minded had she been told she 'd never go to another silver wedding , golden wedding or barmitzvah , another Market Traders ' Dance , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ball , another Lancashire and Cheshire Branch of the Magic Circle Annual Dinner , ever again .
In this she could n't have been more unlike my father - the market trader , taxi driver and magician to indulge whose gargantuan social appetite she zipped herself reluctantly into one of those cocktail dresses she hated having to retrieve from her wardrobe , for fear of finding it too tight , too loose , too low , or too high , though he , having worked as a tailor in the army , was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ long as he could get her to come out with him .
He too died as he lived , with razzamatazz .
He treated his death as his swan-song , his last ever variety performance , strictly for one night only .
In fact it went on for longer than that , partly on account of the rapport he enjoyed with the nurses in his hospital ward to whom he took pleasure in showing his tricks , even those that regularly misfired .
On what we thought would be his final day his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the trick with the glass , the playing card , and the engagement ring - on this occasion hers .
This was one of his regularly misfiring tricks , but today , miracle of miracles , he performed it with such adroitness and eclat that he could n't think of any reason not to go on living .
So what was meant to be a show in one act suddenly had an interval and a second half - the Resurrection - which he played at home for a further three weeks , to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but a beloved one .
For an encore , worn out by his own vitality , he closed his eyes .
I do n't think my parents grew into who they were in contradistinction to each other - she quiet because he noisy and vice versa .
It was my impression that they found and loved each other as they were and as they would go on being - as unlike as two mortal souls could be .
If I wanted to please my father I could do no better than make @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to see tears of amusement spring out from behind her glasses and roll in torrents down her cheeks .
It was as though they came from some secret place of feeling he could never hope to penetrate .
His own laughter was Falstaffian .
Which , for her , opened a door on an outlandish world of boisterousness .
His antecedents were Russian , my mother 's Lithuanian .
She 'd have studied music and philosophy had her grandparents stayed in Lithuania .
He 'd have wrestled bears .
Every talent has its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but had some of the selfishness of the performer .
His eyes would glaze over if you told him your troubles .
I recognise this in my myself and try to listen when people tell me theirs .
But I can see from the way their eyes glaze over that I have n't succeeded .
My mother listened hard and felt our tribulations as though they were her own , but mothers who worry overmuch for their children as often as not cause those children more worry than they spare them .
I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was small , convinced I would find her dead with worry in the morning .
Extraordinary that she lived to 97 , and in her final weeks accused me of being a worrier .
It was when I let slip how concerned I was about Coronavirus - making what I 'd intended to be a joke about my fear : that it was invincible , that even when you bolted the door on it , it would find a way in , come sliding through the letter box , or up through the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the power points - that she ticked me off for not having a more relaxed attitude .
`` Oh , Howard , '' she said , `` you 're not worrying about that . ''
`` That 's rich coming from you , Ma , '' I said , reminding her of all the precautions she 'd taught me to take over the years against finding myself in the Great Australian Desert without toilet paper , or up a five rung step-ladder without a harness .
• Listen to Howard Jacobson remembering his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A Point of View on BBC Radio 4 My brother once told her he had just moved into a small flat in Notting Hill , sharing with six girls who were nurses and art students .
That night she rang him and asked to speak to him where none of them could hear .
`` Listen carefully , '' she said , `` to what I 'm about to tell you . ''
The phone burned with embarrassment in his hand .
What was she going to warn him against ?
Falling in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she going to explain how babies were made ?
`` It 's really important , '' she went on , `` that you get to the bathroom first in the mornings .
Girls take a long time getting ready . ''
She warned me against girls too , though more subtly than this , in the form of poems that told of female derangement , such as the Lady of Shalott going round the bend in her tower , or the Forsaken Merman 's wife who just upped and left him when she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a woman who had left school early she had educated tastes .
Some of the happiest days of my childhood were spent sitting at her feet , listening to her read from Palgrave 's Golden Treasury and other anthologies .
Tennyson , Browning , Matthew Arnold - long before I went to school I was fortunate enough to have their voices in my head .
One poem my mother got me to read , and I do n't remember its author , told of a son seduced by a woman so cruel that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his love for her by cutting out his mother 's heart and bringing it to her in a casket .
This the son did - the way sons do - but in his haste to deliver it to his mistress he tripped and dropped the casket .
From within the casket came the mother 's cry : `` Are you hurt , my son ? ''
No pressure there , then , as people did n't say in those days .
Thereafter I had some bad nights , unable to sleep , afraid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , not just dead with worry , but with her heart cut out .
And I with a knife in my hand .
I have n't been able to explain to myself why , after warning me off she-devils , she should think me too afraid of Coronavirus .
She 'd been waiting for the catastrophe to end catastrophes all her life and now it was here she seemed not to give a fig about it .
Could it be that only small imaginary dangers - such as women spending too much time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Maybe her real life had always been in her head and she was too poetic to be interested in a literal cataclysm .
But latterly she changed her tune .
`` I think I 've worked this virus out , '' she told me on the phone .
`` It wo n't rest until it 's destroyed us all . ''
I suppose it should have dawned on me then that she was turning eschatological .
Three days later she was dead .
Social distancing meant there could be no family funeral .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Jewish ritual for mourning the dead .
Some people have been sitting shiva on Zoom , but none of us cared for that idea .
We would light our candles and say our prayers in private .
And meet to remember her when it 's safe .
My mother always said she did n't want any fuss when she went .
She got her wish .
It was as though she chose her moment , looked around , saw the coast was clear , and made a dash for it .
You @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a health emergency prompted Nathan Romburgh and his sisters to look into their family history , decades after the end of apartheid , they uncovered a closely guarded secret that made them question their own identity .
Separated at birth : Was my mother given away because she looked white ?

I haven't been able to explain to myself why, after warning me off she-devils, she should think me too afraid of Coronavirus. She'd been waiting for the catastrophe to end catastrophes all her life and now it was here she seemed not to give a fig about it. Could it be that only small imaginary dangers - such as women spending too much time in the bathroom - disturbed her. Maybe her real life had always been in her head and she was too poetic to be interested in a literal cataclysm.


bbcuk--2020-05-24--UK film and TV: 'Expect lots of dramas in space or under the sea'

Big changes to working practices in the UK film and TV industry will soon be reflected on our screens , say a leading producer , screenwriter , and union leader .
Emmerdale ; one of the popular shows which has been stalled since March due to the Covid-19 pandemic , started its `` phased return to filming '' this week , adhering to strict new social distancing guidelines on episodes showing characters dealing with lockdown .
The new era will pose great `` challenges '' , according to Pact union boss John McVay , but he 's backing his colleagues @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and continue to be `` ambitious '' and `` innovative '' in their approach .
`` We will have to creatively change what we 're doing , '' says McVay , whose organisation represents 550 independent TV , film and creative companies .
`` If you 've got a scene for EastEnders and everyone is in Albert Square celebrating someone 's birthday ... you could n't really do that [ now ] .
So these are physical production , business and creative challenges that we 're going to have to navigate .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ forward , on soaps you might have a lot more scenes where there is n't a huge party , but maybe a singular storyline about some single parent , '' he adds .
While soaps will have to adapt , and current affairs shows have had to muddle through using video conferencing software ; bigger-scale productions will be even harder to pull off in the brave new world .
Screenwriter and author Ewan Morrison , who has worked on scripts for recent dramas like Netflix 's The Outlaw King , as well as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thinks that smart filmmakers should now be thinking about making things that `` wo n't involve exterior locations and casts of hundreds '' .
And that TV producers would also be wise to favour shows filmed in `` locked-in and locked down studios '' , or in `` remote locations '' .
`` So , expect to see a lot of dramas in the next year that are shot in deep space , under the sea , or in surreal closed environments - like remote islands , '' the RTS Award-winner predicts .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ like The Platform , Cube , and Saw .
`` And , of course , animations can now be done from home , so expect to see a renaissance in big-budget animations '' .
Also being done from home right now is post-production on series four of The Crown , after filming was safely `` in the bag '' before the crisis , producer Andy Harries tells the BBC .
Harries says he 's `` not convinced '' though that it will be possible to properly film big television dramas in a socially @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to a military operation .
`` It 's very difficult to put a large film crew together with a large bunch of actors , moving it around locations , '' he says .
`` It 's like moving an army around and you ca n't move an army around two metres apart for every single person . ''
The film boss , who acknowledges that British crews are `` anxious to get back to work '' , admits he does n't think filming , as they know it , will be possible again @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vaccine is available '' .
His Left Bank Pictures team are currently working out exactly how to film the screen adaptation of the Robert Harris novel , The Fear Index , which they 've already decided will now have to move from Europe to London .
The story involves a married couple , which has begged the question , `` how do you get [ on-screen ] intimacy in the 'new normal ' that is plausible ?
`` , Harries adds .
`` You do n't want in a year 's time to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over and go , 'that 's a bit ridiculous , they 're not even kissing , they are miles apart ! '
- it 's tricky '' .
Then there 's the even trickier issue of coronavirus insurance , or the current lack there of , which Harries and McVay agree is a major obstacle to production , along with feeding and transporting crews to and from set .
A government DCMS spokeswoman told the BBC it was , `` working closely with the screen sector to understand the full extent of concerns @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be effectively addressed '' .
Most independent production companies , McVay notes , operate with enough savings to sustain themselves for three to six months without work and are therefore `` nervous '' that that money will `` burn out in the end '' , particularly in the event of a second spike/lockdown .
As a leading contributor to the UK economy , the film and TV industry should be given research and development tax credits , he claims , both for now , and to help them to have world class `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ back '' .
`` We have some of the best technical crew , the best actors , the best writers , the best directors , '' adds McVay .
`` All of that is a wonderful happy accident , which somehow has happened in the UK over the past 20-odd years and we do n't want to pull back from that as that 's been a hard fought-for position . ''
One such talent , Morrison , is fearful , however , that a move to `` increased statism '' in both politics @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the virus , will `` cull about half the small TV and film production companies '' , and lead to far less bold and original content being made .
Cinemas in Japan reopened last week showing classics like Ben-Hur , Wizard of Oz , and Blade Runner , after many filmmakers delayed their latest releases , in response to the crisis , or debuted them online .
`` Unfortunately , because everyone 's finances are now much more endangered and stretched , I can imagine we 'll see a lot of conservatism @ @ @ @ @ @ @ little risk-taking , '' says Morrison .
`` There 's just not any spare money around to take risks , so we 'll be seeing even more remakes and safe names . ''
`` We 're going to end up with the only two monetisable forms of culture , '' he goes on .
`` Corporate-funded Hollywood franchises , and state-funded culture , funded by printed money '' .
In other words : `` We 're going to have Marvel , and the BBC ... Super capitalism and super estate . ''
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , films about fictional viruses like Contagion and novels like Albert Camus ' The Plague have become more popular , as people try to get their heads around the current situation .
Morrison , whose work - including the recent Scottish fiction book of the year-winner , Nina X - touches on themes of control , freedom , utopia and globalisation ; finds it reminiscent of dystopias such as 1984 and Farenheit 451 , where `` over-powerful states control language and behaviour '' .
The much-talked about Chinese social credit score system , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be rolled out in the UK to help stop the spread , also remind him of the Black Mirror episode Nosedive ; set in a world where people rate each other for every interaction they have , which then has an impact on their socio-economic status .
On the plus side , he suggests , an extended period in quarantine will have have permitted `` people who are usually working for 'The Man ' to be creative for themselves '' , leading to potential new crop of British stars , as well as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' online .
But that phase will be short lived , he envisages , and they wo n't necessarily be stars of the screen .
`` Poetry , painting , music , these things will thrive , but art forms that require vast amounts of capital , like film and TV , wo n't be open to this abundance of new talent '' .
McVay describes the pandemic as the `` worst experience '' in his 40-odd years in the business , but he 's hopeful that new UK-made programmes and films will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Three 's recent drama Normal People , which was produced in Ireland by Element Pictures , as an example of `` great content '' that has mattered to people at this difficult time .
As well as continuing to bring us news and features about all things virus-related , he hopes the nation 's `` resourceful '' content makers will find ways around restrictions and come up with some `` great British comedy and things that are n't about Covid-19 '' .
`` Do n't write us off , '' he warns .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the ingenuity and creativity of the people in the UK .
`` We want to makes things and we 'll find ways to do it . ''

The much-talked about Chinese social credit score system, and the contact tracing app soon to be rolled out in the UK to help stop the spread, also remind him of the Black Mirror episode Nosedive; set in a world where people rate each other for every interaction they have, which then has an impact on their socio-economic status.


bbcuk--2020-05-23--Coronavirus: When can we hug our friends and family again?

What impact will the coronavirus crisis have on mental health ?
Will things ever go back to normal ?
Dr @ @ @ @ @ doctor and mental wellbeing expert answers questions sent in from children , on how we @ @ @ @ @ these difficult times .
For information and support on mental health , visit BBC Action @ @

What impact will the coronavirus crisis have on mental health? Will things ever go back to normal?
Dr Radha Modgil, a medical doctor and mental wellbeing expert answers questions sent in from children, on how we can try and cope during these difficult times.
Video journalist Alex Dackevych
For information and support on mental health, visit BBC Action line.


bbcuk--2020-05-24--Prince William on parenting and mental health

Ex-footballer , Marvin Sordell , talks to Prince William about parenting and mental health .
Football , Prince William And @ @ @ @ @ broadcast on Thursday 28 May at 20:05 BST on BBC One .

Ex-footballer, Marvin Sordell, talks to Prince William about parenting and mental health.
Football, Prince William And Our Mental Health will be broadcast on Thursday 28 May at 20:05 BST on BBC One.


bbcuk--2020-05-23--Coronavirus: The 3D artists helping fashion through Covid-19

How can you put on a fashion show without models ?
Or create a product line with no real materials @ @ @ @ @ facing fashion brands and design companies as the world adjusts to the realities brought about @ @ @ @ @ One group that might have the answer to those questions are Digi-Gxl .
They are @ @ @ @ @ , and trans , intersex and non-binary digital artists who create work in the world @ @ @ @ @ and animation .
British artist Harriet Davey is a member , and her model Whowle @ @ @ @ @ new virtual modelling agency .

How can you put on a fashion show without models? Or create a product line with no real materials? Those are the questions facing fashion brands and design companies as the world adjusts to the realities brought about by the coronavirus pandemic.
One group that might have the answer to those questions are Digi-Gxl. They are a collective of international women, and trans, intersex and non-binary digital artists who create work in the world of 3-D art, design and animation.
British artist Harriet Davey is a member, and her model Whowle has been signed by a new virtual modelling agency.
Producer: Sophia Smith Galer
Photo: A graphic from a 3D printing program Courtesy of Harriet Davey


bbcuk--2020-05-24--Coronavirus in NI care homes a 'critical battle' for executive

Tackling Covid-19 in care homes is still a `` critical battle '' , the first and deputy first ministers have said .
On Friday it emerged some residents were being moved from a north Belfast care home due to concerns about its handling of an outbreak .
Almost half of the 664 Covid-linked deaths recorded by NI 's statistics agency , Nisra , occurred in care homes .
Speaking in a joint interview on Sky News , Arlene Foster said care homes had always been a focus for the executive .
The first minister said the Department of Health had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deal with care home outbreaks , alongside hospital transmissions of the virus .
`` We have made many interventions in our private care home sector as well , '' she said .
`` The whole executive acknowledges care homes are a critical battle for us now and we want to deal with it in a very proactive way . ''
Last week , the Department of Health said testing on all care home residents will be completed by the end of June .
Deputy First Minister Michelle O'Neill said she believed tackling the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ together .
`` In so far as we 're having to work around the clock to take this on , '' said Ms O'Neill .
`` There 's been differences in emphasis but not differences in approach .
We were thrust into this but executive colleagues have worked closely together to save lives '' .
• No more changes to NI lockdown restrictions yet Both ministers said they had also felt the strain of the pandemic affecting their normal lives .
Ms O'Neill said as political leaders , they had given up much @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 're no different to anybody else , we find it as hard as everybody else , '' said the deputy first minister .
`` Our reality is the same as everybody else 's . ''
Mrs Foster said she missed the `` ordinary things we take for granted '' , like going to church and getting her hair cut .
`` I hope after this that people do value their freedom and all these things they have n't been able to do over the past eight weeks , '' she added .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ireland took effect last week .
The executive is next due to review the lockdown regulations by 28 May , but it has not put a timetable into its five-step pathway to recovery for Northern Ireland .
• EASY STEPS : How to keep safe • A SIMPLE GUIDE : What are the symptoms ?
• CONTAINMENT : What it means to self-isolate • HEALTH MYTHS : The fake advice you should ignore • MAPS AND CHARTS : Visual guide to the outbreak

"I hope after this that people do value their freedom and all these things they haven't been able to do over the past eight weeks," she added.


bbcuk--2020-05-24--Coronavirus: Tourism in Wales 'could struggle until 2021'

Wales ' tourism sector could `` struggle to generate any significant revenue '' before next Easter at the earliest , according to the economy minister .
Ken Skates said it could be longer , depending on `` how soon we can get the virus under control '' .
Tourism is estimated to be worth £3bn to the Welsh economy and bosses have also expressed fears for its future .
`` We have to protect the 2021 season by making sure we get rid of the virus as soon as possible , '' said Mr Skates .
`` The tourism sector @ @ @ @ @ @ @ any significant revenue before certainly Easter of next year , possibly the summer of next year , '' he told BBC Radio Wales ' Sunday Supplement .
• Tourism businesses in Wales fear for the future Mr Skates said an `` incredibly generous '' package of support had been put in place for businesses but it was `` vitally important '' that people continued to follow the lockdown restrictions to `` kill off the virus '' as soon as possible .
He went on to say that some sections of the tourism industry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ see some return of business activity , but only if it was safe , and as part of an easing of lockdown measures .
Restrictions currently ban all but essential travel in Wales and visitors are not allowed to come from over the English border despite more relaxed rules there .
The minister also warned that unemployment could increase , depending on how the economy recovers .
Latest figures showed the number of people claiming unemployment-related benefits leapt in April , the first full month of the coronavirus lockdown .
• THE R @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it matters • LOOK-UP TOOL : How many cases in your area ?
• EXERCISE : What are the guidelines on getting out ?
• RECOVERY : How long does it take to get better ?
• SCHOOLS : When will children be returning ?
`` Unemployment could rise to 10 % , possibly more - it depends on the recovery though , '' said Mr Skates .
`` If it is a V-shaped recovery then we 'd expect to be able to get people back into work much sooner , '' he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ MP for Clwyd West , told Sunday Supplement that reopening zoos and other attractions with `` wide open spaces '' should be a `` priority '' when it was `` safe to do so '' .
He pointed out they were facing crippling costs and unable to furlough staff as they had to continue to look after the animals .
Mr Jones said it was costing about £30,000 each week to maintain the Welsh Mountain Zoo in Colwyn Bay which has been closed since March .

He went on to say that some sections of the tourism industry, such as caravan parks, could see some return of business activity, but only if it was safe, and as part of an easing of lockdown measures.


bbcuk--2020-05-24--Blackburn shooting: Aya Hachem funeral held in Lebanon

The funeral of a law student killed in a drive-by shooting in Blackburn has taken place in her hometown in Lebanon .
Aya Hachem , 19 , died when shots were fired from a passing car on 17 May .
Five people have appeared in court charged with her murder while officers have been granted more time to question another murder suspect .
Police have also appealed for dash-cam footage from anyone traveling along the A666 between Bolton and Blackburn between 14:00 and 16:00 BST .
`` I appreciate this is quite a long period of time but knowing who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ times is key to us , '' said Det Supt Andy Cribbin , from Lancashire Police .
Ms Hachem was walking along King Street to the supermarket when she was hit by one of two bullets fired from a car .
Ms Hachem 's parents paid tribute to her as the `` most loyal devoted daughter '' who `` dreamed of becoming a solicitor '' .
The Lebanese-born teenager , who was a second-year student at the University of Salford , was buried in the town of Koleileh on Saturday .
Her mother @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lebanon for the funeral , recalled the moment she was informed of her daughter 's death .
`` I started to shout , maybe to scream , I thought maybe an accident , maybe a car or something like that , '' she said .
`` I asked , what 's happened to her ?
Is she still in hospital ?
`` And he told me , she 's dead . ''
Feroz Suleman , of Shear Brow in Blackburn , and Abubakir Satia , of Oxford Close in Blackburn , were the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with her death on Friday .
They appeared at Preston Magistrates ' Court along with Uthman Satia , of Oxford Close in Blackburn , Judy Chapman , of St Hubert 's Road in Great Harwood , and Kashif Manzoor , of Shakeshaft Street in Blackburn , who were charged later .
They have also been charged with the attempted murder of their intended target Pashar Khan , the court heard .
They were remanded in custody to appear at Preston Crown Court on Wednesday .
A closure order was issued for Mr Suleman @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up to three months following an application by Lancashire Police .

"I appreciate this is quite a long period of time but knowing who was moving along that road at those times is key to us," said Det Supt Andy Cribbin, from Lancashire Police.


bbcuk--2020-05-24--Boris Johnson backs key aide Dominic Cummings in lockdown row

Boris Johnson has backed his key adviser Dominic Cummings , amid a row over the aide ’ s travel during lockdown .
The PM said he believed Mr Cummings had `` no alternative '' but to travel from London to the North East for childcare `` when both he and his wife were about to be incapacitated by coronavirus '' .
`` In every respect , he has acted responsibly , legally and with integrity , '' Mr Johnson said .
It follows calls from several Tory MPs for Mr Cummings ' resignation .
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ action against Mr Cummings was `` an insult to sacrifices made by the British people '' .
Leaving Downing Street after about six hours in Number 10 on Sunday , Mr Cummings refused to answer questions .
Meanwhile , Mr Johnson said parents and teachers should prepare for the phased reopening of schools in England to start on 1 June as planned .
He also announced that a further 118 people had died with coronavirus in the UK , across all settings , bringing the total to 36,793 .
• What do we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ • Caring for children - what are the lockdown rules ?
On Saturday , Mr Cummings and the government had said he acted `` reasonably and legally '' in response to the original claims that he drove 260 miles from London to County Durham with his wife , who had coronavirus symptoms .
The aide then faced further allegations on Sunday of a second trip to the North East , reported by The Observer and Sunday Mirror .
But , speaking at Downing Street 's daily coronavirus briefing , Mr Johnson called `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ false '' .
Mr Johnson said he held `` extensive '' discussions on Sunday with Mr Cummings , who he said `` followed the instincts of every father and every parent - and I do not mark him down for that '' .
`` Looking at the very severe childcare difficulties that presented themselves to Dominic Cummings and his family , I think that what they did was totally understandable - there 's actually guidance ... about what you need to do about the pressures that families face when they have childcare needs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they could best be served , best be delivered and yes , that did involve travel . ''
When asked whether Mr Cummings made a trip to Barnard Castle - 30 miles from Durham - during his isolation in April , Mr Johnson said his aide isolated for 14 days and he was `` content that in all periods and in both sides ( of isolation ) he behaved responsibly and correctly '' .
It strikes me Boris Johnson is taking a political gamble here ; that the public will understand his decision @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Westminster row '' .
Indeed , Mr Johnson and Mr Cummings are seen as political operators who can judge the public mood well .
But many - including several Tory MPs - think they 've got this wrong .
They believe the public does care and see it as one rule for us , one rule for them .
There are a lot of unanswered questions too ; when did the PM know his adviser had travelled to Durham ?
Did Mr Cummings visit an area 30 miles from where he was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ urgent inquiry into the allegations , while several Conservative backbench MPs publicly questioned Mr Cummings ' position , including Sir Roger Gale .
Reacting to the prime minister 's comments , Sir Roger said it was an `` extraordinary position '' for Mr Johnson to take .
`` It 's up to the prime minister to exercise judgement about who he has around him , '' he told BBC Radio 5 Live .
`` In this case , I do think that that judgement is flawed .
I do n't think many people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after the event it 's OK to reinterpret the rules '' .
Speaking to the BBC , Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said : `` This was a huge test of the prime minister and he has just failed that test .
`` Millions of people across the country have made the most agonising choices - not visiting relatives , not going to funerals - they deserve better answers than they got from the prime minister today . ''
He also said he would 've sacked Mr Cummings if he were prime minister @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are the symptoms ?
• RISK AT WORK : How exposed is your job ?
• RECOVERY : How long does it take to get better ?
Acting Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey said he was `` astonished '' with Mr Johnson 's decision as the PM had told the public to stay at home .
In a statement posted on Twitter , Amanda Hopgood , leader of the Liberal Democrats on Durham County Council , said `` a number of local residents have reported seeing Dominic Cummings on several occasions in April @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` given the clear public interest '' she has referred the matter to Durham Constabulary to see if there had been a breach of the coronavirus regulations .
And the SNP 's Westminster leader Ian Blackford said : `` The prime minister 's refusal to act demeans his office and will cause lasting damage to public confidence in the Tory government and its response to Covid-19 . ''
Scientists also raised concerns .
Stephen Reicher , a professor of social psychology who has advised the government on behavioural science during the pandemic , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ him feel `` dismay '' .
He said trust was vital to maintaining public health measures .
`` You ca n't have trust if people have a sense of them and us , that there 's one rule for them and another rule for us , '' he told the BBC .
And two Church of England bishops strongly criticised the defence of Mr Cummings .
The Bishop of Leeds , the Right Reverend Nick Baines , said the public were being `` lied to , patronised and treated by a PM as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the Right Reverend Vivienne Faull , accused the prime minister of having `` no respect for people '' .
16 March - Government tells the UK public they have to isolate for 14 days if someone in their household has symptoms 23 March - Boris Johnson tells the UK public they `` must stay at home '' 30 March - Downing Street says Mr Cummings is self-isolating with coronavirus symptoms 31 March - Officers from Durham Constabulary `` were made aware of reports that an individual had travelled from London to Durham @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the city '' , the force adds that officers `` made contact with the owners of that address '' 12 April - According to the Observer and Sunday Mirror , Mr Cummings was seen visiting Barnard Castle , 30 miles from his parents ' residence .
14 April - Mr Cummings is photographed at Downing Street for the first time since 27 March 19 April - This is the date an unnamed witness tells the Observer and Sunday Mirror they saw Mr Cummings in Durham Earlier , Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon tweeted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ health advice `` must come first '' as she urged Mr Cummings to resign .
She added that it was `` tough to lose a trusted adviser at the height of crisis '' , referring to Scotland 's chief medical officer who resigned in April after twice breaking lockdown restrictions to drive to her second home .
Some government ministers had rallied around Mr Cummings on Saturday and defended his conduct .
Matt Hancock and Michael Gove were among those to come out in support of Mr Cummings on social media .
• @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lenny Henry doing in lockdown ?

"Looking at the very severe childcare difficulties that presented themselves to Dominic Cummings and his family, I think that what they did was totally understandable - there's actually guidance... about what you need to do about the pressures that families face when they have childcare needs.


bbcuk--2020-05-25--Coronavirus: UK government draws up plan to rescue key firms

The UK government has indicated it is prepared to rescue large British companies severely impacted by the coronavirus crisis .
The bailout plan , named `` Project Birch '' , was mentioned by Transport Secretary Grant Shapps in Parliament last week when discussing the future of the aviation industry .
The state could also take stakes in companies , reports the Financial Times .
HM Treasury said bailouts would only be considered as a `` last resort '' .
In a statement , a Treasury spokeswoman said : `` We have put in place unprecedented levels of support to help @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that many firms are getting support from established market mechanisms , such as existing shareholders , bank lending and commercial finance .
`` In exceptional circumstances , where a viable company has exhausted all options and its failure would disproportionately harm the economy , we may consider support on a 'last resort ' basis .
`` As the British public would expect , we are putting in place sensible contingency planning and any such support would be on terms that protect the taxpayer . ''
• Coronavirus : How will airlines get flying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would have to notify Parliament of any spend incurred , and that although companies might seek financial assistance , this does not mean such support will be given .
On Saturday , Sky News reported that Tata Steel , Britain 's biggest steel producer , had approached both the Welsh and UK governments for financial aid that could run into hundreds of millions .
Earlier this week , Welsh MP Stephen Kinnock told parliament that Tata Steel , which owns the steelworks in Port Talbot , needs around £500m in order to survive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Financial Times , aviation industry bosses have been asking the government for a `` long-term investment facility '' that would help to support supply chains .
Jim O'Neill , former Treasury minister and ex-chief economist at Goldman Sachs , told the newspaper he has been in discussion with government officials about creating a public sector-owned funding body to take stakes in firms that would be `` inherently stable '' in times of normal economic activity .
So far , to mitigate the financial impacts of the coronavirus lockdown , the government has announced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ payments such as VAT and business rates , and paying over eight million workers ' wages through the furlough scheme , which has been extended until 31 July .
It has also paid out £22bn in government-loans , as well as £20.4bn in corporate financing through the Bank of England .

According to latest figures, eight million workers are covered by the furlough scheme which has been extended until the end of October. But from August, businesses will be expected to meet part of the cost of the scheme.


bbcuk--2020-05-24--Fresh UK review into Huawei role in 5G networks

The UK government is conducting a new review into the impact of allowing Huawei telecoms equipment to be used in British 5G networks .
The National Cyber Security Centre involvement comes after the US brought in fresh sanctions on the Chinese company , citing security fears .
In January , the UK resisted US pressure to ban Huawei from contributing to 5G .
A UK government spokesman said : `` The security and resilience of our networks is of paramount importance . ''
`` Following the US announcement of additional sanctions against Huawei , the NCSC is looking carefully at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UK 's networks . ''
The sanctions restrict Huawei from using US technology and software to design its semiconductors .
The US Department of Commerce is concerned Huawei has flouted regulations implemented last year that require the firm to obtain a licence in order to export US items .
It says Huawei got around this rule by using US semiconductor manufacturing equipment at factories in other countries .
The UK government had previously approved a limited role for Huawei in building the country 's new mobile networks .
The tech giant was banned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' of the network , known as the core .
In addition , it is only allowed to account for 35 % of the kit in a network 's periphery , which includes radio masts .
UK mobile operators were told by the NCSC - part of the intelligence agency GCHQ - that they would have three years to comply with caps on the use of Huawei equipment in their networks .
Responding to the review , Victor Zhang , vice-president at Huawei , said : `` Our priority remains to continue the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ networks across Britain . ''
He added : `` We are happy to discuss with NCSC any concerns they may have and hope to continue the close working relationship we have enjoyed for the last 10 years . ''
• Coronavirus : Huawei urges UK not to make 5G U-turn after pandemic Critics argue it is a security risk to allow the Chinese company to play any role at all in the UK 's 5G network , due to of fears it could be used by Beijing to spy on or even sabotage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rebellion within the Conservative party signalled efforts to overturn the move .
And on 4 April , a group of 15 Conservative MPs called for a rethink on relations with China in their own letter to the Prime Minister , written a day before he was admitted to hospital .
In response , Huawei wrote an open letter to the UK government , urging it not to `` disrupt '' Huawei 's involvement in the rollout of 5G .
In January , after a prolonged and difficult debate , the government decided to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 5G but to limit its market share to 35 % of the network and keep it out of the most sensitive parts .
But there was a significant backbench rebellion over the issue in March and pressure has grown domestically since the Coronavirus crisis began to take a tougher line on China .
At the same time the Trump administration has not let up in its campaign for the UK and other allies to exclude Huawei entirely .
Even though this review is based on the technical considerations about the impact of US @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government a route to move away from its earlier decision and exclude the company or impose further limits - although that may involve economic costs at home and increased tension with Beijing .
Huawei stressed that the coronavirus pandemic had placed `` significant pressure '' on British telecoms systems and highlighted how many people in the country - particularly those living in rural communities - do not have good access to the internet .
5G , which promises faster mobile internet data speeds , a stable network that can handle more connections , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ different technological applications , has been touted as being a way to bridge the digital divide in areas where broadband internet rollouts have been inconsistent .
According to latest data released by Huawei , the firm has so far won 91 5G contracts across the world .
Huawei has always denied that it would help the Chinese government attack one of its clients .
The firm 's founder has said he would `` shut the company down '' rather than aid `` any spying activities '' .
Three out of four of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to use and deploy Huawei 's 5G products outside the core in the `` periphery '' , namely Vodafone , EE and Three .
Two of them - Vodafone and EE - now face having to reduce their reliance on the supplier , as more than 35 % of their existing radio access network equipment was made by it .

Even though this review is based on the technical considerations about the impact of US sanctions, it could potentially offer the government a route to move away from its earlier decision and exclude the company or impose further limits - although that may involve economic costs at home and increased tension with Beijing.


bbcuk--2020-05-24--Coronavirus: Jaguar Land Rover in talks over government loan

Jaguar Land Rover ( JLR ) is in talks with the government to secure a loan of more than £1bn , following a drop in sales during the coronavirus pandemic .
According to reports , the carmaker has been in discussions for weeks about a support package .
JLR , which is owned by India 's Tata Motors , has seen sales plunge by more than 30 % in its most recent quarter .
A spokeswoman said JLR is in `` regular discussion with government on a whole range of matters '' .
She added : `` The content of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ • How can the car industry hope to recover ?
While the exact size of the loan is not yet clear , JLR said suggestions that the carmaker is seeking as much as £2bn is `` inaccurate and speculative '' .
A spokesman for the Department for Business , Energy and Industrial Strategy said : `` The government is in regular contact with the car manufacturing sector to assist them through this crisis .
`` We recognise the challenges facing the industry as a result of coronavirus and firms can draw upon the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to raise capital , flexibilities with tax bills and financial support for employees . ''
JLR has taken advantage of the government 's Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme and around 18,000 of its UK workers remain furloughed .
The Coventry-based company employs 38,000 people in the UK .
However , the company does not qualify for the joint Treasury-Bank of England Covid Corporate Financing Facility aimed at large businesses , which requires that firms must be `` investment grade rated '' .
This shows a company 's credit worthiness and whether it is at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on its debts .
In its most recent results for the period to 31 March , JLR said it had £3.6bn in cash and investments as well as an undrawn credit facility of £1.9bn .
It is not known how much that position has changed in the intervening seven weeks .
JLR 's facilities have been shut since the end of March , although last week it restarted some production at its Solihull plant and at its engine-making site in Wolverhampton .
Credit rating agency Standard & Poor 's recently estimated that JLR @ @ @ @ @ @ @ month following the shutdown of its facilities and if `` severely reduced production '' continues over the next financial year .
JLR said sales of its vehicles fell by 30.9 % in the three months to the end of March compared to the same period last year .
It said the coronavirus pandemic had `` significantly '' impacted sales .
JLR 's request for a taxpayer-backed loan was first reported by Sky News .

JLR said sales of its vehicles fell by 30.9% in the three months to the end of March compared to the same period last year. It said the coronavirus pandemic had "significantly" impacted sales.


bbcuk--2020-05-24--Man, 42, dies after shooting in Ardrossan

A man has died after a shooting at a house in North Ayrshire .
Police said a gunman entered the @ @ @ @ @ Ardrossan , at about 16:50 on Sunday and fired a shot before fleeing the scene @ @ @ @ @ shortly afterwards from his injuries .
A 46-year-old woman was also in the house , @ @ @ @ @ the incident .
A Police Scotland spokeswoman said inquiries were continuing into the incident .
@ @ @ @ @ the surrounding area for the suspect and viewing CCTV in the area , '' she @ @

"Inquiries into the circumstances surrounding this death are ongoing and we are keen to talk to anyone who may have information that would help our investigation or who may have seen anything before or after the incident."


bbcuk--2020-05-24--Coronavirus: Schools in England reopening on 1 June confirmed, PM says

Parents and teachers should prepare for the phased reopening of schools in England to start on 1 June as planned , the prime minister has confirmed .
Boris Johnson said the government intended to reopen then for early years pupils , Reception , Year 1 and Year 6 .
On June 15 , up to a quarter of Year 10 and Year 12 will be allowed `` some contact '' to help prepare for exams .
Schools closed on 20 March , except for key workers ' children and vulnerable children , as Covid-19 spread in the UK .
Speaking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mr Johnson said he was setting out the government 's intention so teachers and parents could `` plan in earnest '' for school to resume in just over a week .
He said the formal decision would be taken as part of the three-week review into the lockdown measures , which the government is legally required to carry out by Thursday .
With many teachers expressing concerns about wider reopening , Mr Johnson said he acknowledged that it `` may not be possible '' for all schools , adding that the government will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reopen as soon as possible .
• More councils warn over opening schools on 1 June Mr Johnson said reopening schools was a crucial part of the next phase of the government 's response to the pandemic because `` the education of our children is crucial for their welfare , their health , their long-term future and for social justice '' .
`` So in line with the decisions taken in many other countries , we want to start getting our children back into the classroom in a way that is as manageable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he said .
The proposal had prompted concerns from teaching unions , head teachers and many local authorities .
Speaking after the prime minister 's announcement , Kevin Courtney , joint general secretary of the National Education Union , said the union did not agree that it would be right to reopen more widely .
He called on the government to `` engage meaningfully '' with unions to address concerns over issues such such as protective equipment for staff and procedures for dealing with an outbreak .
A BBC Breakfast survey with responses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were advising schools to open more widely on 1 June .
Another 15 said they would not be advising schools to reopen to more pupils and 68 said they could not guarantee reopening for Reception , Year 1 and Year 6 as the government intended .
• A SIMPLE GUIDE : What are the symptoms ?
• RISK AT WORK : How exposed is your job ?
• RECOVERY : How long does it take to get better ?
The timetable also sets England apart from other parts of the UK , where @ @ @ @ @ @ @ later .
Scotland 's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon tweeted after the prime minister 's briefing `` to avoid a resurgence we must move carefully '' .
Schools in Scotland are scheduled to begin to reopen on 11 August , the beginning of the autumn term .
In Northern Ireland , they are not expected to reopen before September .
And Wales has ruled out a return to school on 1 June , with the education minister saying only that they will reopen `` when it is safe to do so '' .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ job in building confidence '' , said head teachers ' leaders .
This tough report card was n't about political events - but the way that reopening schools in England is being handled .
Boris Johnson repeated the aim for opening primary schools on 1 June - although at the same time acknowledging the reality that many will not really open , with teachers ' unions and some local authorities and parents not convinced of its safety .
There are some adjustments .
Secondary school pupils in Years 10 and 12 will now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first few primary year groups are still set to return on 1 June .
But heads still have no explanation for how for the last month of term they are meant to fit all their primary years into school full-time , while at the same time only allowing 15 children per classroom .
A lack of trust still seems to be confusing plans for a return to school - only a week before children should be getting ready for their first day back since March .
Mr Johnson said teaching unions , head @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be able to `` ask questions and probe the evidence '' further over the coming days and said that `` detailed guidance '' had been published setting out how to ensure safety .
That included smaller classes , staggered times for breaks , drop-offs and pick-ups , and reducing the use of shared items , the prime minister said .
Staff and students would have access to coronavirus testing , he said , and `` if they test positive we will take the appropriate reactive measures '' .
• GROUNDED WITH LOUIS THEROUX @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lockdown ?

The first few primary year groups are still set to return on 1 June. But heads still have no explanation for how for the last month of term they are meant to fit all their primary years into school full-time, while at the same time only allowing 15 children per classroom.


bbcuk--2020-05-24--Bombardier: Firefighters tackle 'significant' blaze at Belfast docks

Fifty firefighters have been tackling a `` significant fire '' at the Bombardier factory in the docks area of Belfast .
The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service ( NIFRS ) received a call at about 20:45 BST to attend the blaze on Airport Road in the east of the city .
The extent of the damage to the factory unit is not yet known , but there are no injuries .
Members of the public are being asked to avoid the area to allow operations to continue unhindered .
The aerospace company , Bombardier , is one of Northern @ @ @ @ @ @ @ statement , it said there were no employees working in the factory at the time , adding that it would take time to assess any damage .
The fire service said six pumping appliances , one aerial appliance , and a high-volume pump were being used to contain the fire .
Fire Service Area Commander Dermott Rooney said it was a `` very significant '' blaze and he and his colleagues would be at the scene for some time .
`` Obviously , we are trying to get the fire under control .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ would ask members of the public to stay away from the area so they do n't hamper our efforts , '' he said .
`` We 've no indication of any particular risk to the local people , but they would be well advised to keep their windows and doors closed , '' he added .
It is not yet known how the fire started .
The road has been closed to traffic .
DUP MP for East Belfast Gavin Robinson said it was `` worrying news of a large scale fire in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ East Belfast Chris Lyttle said Victoria Park was also closed and that he was `` grateful for the prompt response '' of the fire service .

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bbcuk--2020-05-24--Athletes given post-lockdown training guidance

The government has published new guidelines for elite athletes returning to contact training - when individual sports deem it safe to do so .
The government advises beginning with clusters of two or three athletes , then progressing to larger groups of four to 12 and ultimately full team training .
It is up to individual sports to assess the risk and consult athletes , coaches and support staff .
The Premier League will discuss the guidance at a meeting on Wednesday .
Clubs in England 's top flight returned to 'phase one ' non-contact training on 19 May .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ three-stage plan , with the final phase - the resumption of sport behind closed doors - expected to begin in June .
Sports minister Nigel Huddleston said : `` This new guidance marks the latest phase of a carefully phased return to training process for elite athletes , designed to limit the risk of injury and protect the health and safety of all involved .
`` We are absolutely clear that individual sports must review whether they have the appropriate carefully controlled medical conditions in place before they can proceed , and secure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ support staff . ''
Current social-distancing rules will apply at all times other than during technical training , and equipment-sharing will be avoided where possible .
Football is the only major team sport to recommence training so far , with the English Football League joining the Premier League in returning on Monday .
It was announced on Thursday that rugby union 's Premiership clubs would not begin training for at least two weeks , while cricket in England and Wales will remain shut down until at least 1 July .

Last updated on .From the section Sport
Premier League clubs returned to non-contact training on 19 May
The government has given the go-ahead for elite athletes to return to contact training - when individual sports deem it safe to do so.
The government advises beginning with clusters of two or three athletes, then progressing to groups of four to 12 and ultimately full team training.
It is up to individual sports to assess the risk and consult athletes, coaches and support staff.
The Premier League will discuss the guidance at a meeting on Wednesday.
Clubs in England's top flight returned to 'phase one' non-contact training on 19 May.
Contact training is phase two in a three-stage plan, with the final phase - the resumption of sport behind closed doors - expected to begin in June.
Sports minister Nigel Huddleston said: "This new guidance marks the latest phase of a carefully phased return to training process for elite athletes, designed to limit the risk of injury and protect the health and safety of all involved.
"We are absolutely clear that individual sports must review whether they have the appropriate carefully controlled medical conditions in place before they can proceed, and secure the confidence of athletes, coaches and support staff."
Current social-distancing rules will apply at all times other than during technical training, and equipment-sharing will be avoided where possible.
Football is the only major team sport to recommence training so far, with the English Football League joining the Premier League in returning on Monday.
It was announced on Thursday that rugby union's Premiership clubs would not begin training for at least two weeks, while England's men have begun a phased return to cricket training ahead of a proposed restart of action in England and Wales on 1 July.