News

German Covid vaccine officials play name game to comply with data privacy laws

German toddlers called Fritz or Adele could be invited for a Covid-19 vaccination while octogenarian Peters and Brigittes won’t, as an overzealous interpretation of data privacy laws in one state has forced officials to guess people’s ages from their first names. Authorities in the northern German state of Lower Saxony claim legal hurdles blocked them from accessing official records when trying to send a written invitation for a vaccination...

2021-01-15T14:16:00Z

Grime artist has sentence increased to 30 years for rape and imprisonment

A grime artist who was serving 24 years in jail for imprisoning and repeatedly raping four women has had his sentence increased by six years.

2021-01-15T14:15:50Z

Lawyers demand courts shutdown after 600 coronavirus cases in seven weeks

Nearly 600 court staff, judges, lawyers and jurors tested positive for Covid-19 in the last seven weeks, new figures have revealed as lawyers demand a temporary shutdown of the criminal justice system. The Law Society is calling for a two-week pause on jury trials and magistrates hearings which cannot be conducted virtually, while safety fears in the courts are investigated. New figures from the Ministry of Justice show 434 staff members tested...

2021-01-15T13:30:43Z

Coronavirus vaccine centre opens in historic cathedral

Lichfield Cathedral welcomed its first vaccine patients on Friday.

2021-01-15T14:19:17Z

Appeal against Lockerbie bomber’s conviction fails

The son of Lockerbie bomber Abdelbaset al-Megrahi has lost an appeal against his late father’s conviction. The bombing of Pan Am flight 103, travelling from London to New York on December 21 1988, killed 270 people in Britain’s largest terrorist atrocity. Former Libyan intelligence officer Megrahi was found guilty in 2001 of mass murder and jailed for life with a minimum term of 27 years – the only person convicted of the attack. A third appeal against his conviction was heard in November at the High Court in Edinburgh, before a panel of five judges sitting as the Court of Appeal.

2021-01-15T13:46:36Z

Casino mogul and 'Jewish patriot' Adelson buried in Jerusalem

U.S. casino magnate Sheldon Adelson was buried on the Mount of Olives in Jerusalem, a city that he fought for years to have recognized as Israel's capital.

2021-01-15T14:19:28Z

Argentine major winner Cabrera arrested in Rio

Argentine major winner Cabrera arrested in Rio

2021-01-15T13:38:14Z

Germany is going through 'the hardest phases of the pandemic'

Germany Health Minister Jens Spanh said in Parliament the country was living through one of the hardest phases of the coronavirus pandemic, as their number of infections and deaths are still too high. More than 750,000 people have been vaccinated.

2021-01-15T13:19:28Z

Andy Murray "highly unlikely" to make Australian Open following positive Covid test

The two-time Wimbledon champion had looked set for a return to Melbourne Park but this is now in huge doubt

2021-01-15T11:14:35Z

UK estimated range for R number narrows, still above one

UK estimated range for R number narrows, still above one

2021-01-15T14:03:06Z

Pfizer to temporarily reduce vaccine deliveries to UK and EU

Pfizer will temporarily reduce deliveries of its Covid vaccine to the UK and across Europe from next week, according to The post Pfizer to temporarily reduce vaccine deliveries to UK and EU appeared first on CityAM.

2021-01-15T13:45:57Z

Boris Johnson to hold Downing Street press conference at 5pm as vaccine roll-out gathers pace

Prime Minister Boris Johnson will hold a Downing Street briefing later this afternoon as the UK continues its battle with the Covid-19 pandemic. Number 10 said the PM will appear alongside England's chief medical officer Professor Chris Whitty and chief scientific officer Sir Patrick Vallance at 5pm. Mr Johnson this week refused to rule out even tougher lockdown restrictions as hospitals come under growing strain from rising Covid-19 cases....

2021-01-15T13:45:43Z

Call to review Parliament health and safety risks after security worker’s death

MPs said Godfrey Cameron showed ‘selfless care for others’ and was a ‘hard-working’ member of parliamentary security staff.

2021-01-15T14:19:04Z

James Naismith: Google Doodle honours gym teacher who created basketball

Google is celebrating the anniversary of the day professor, doctor, and coach Dr James Naismith published the rules to the game he had invented, basketball. Born on 6 November 1861 in Ontario, Canada, Naismith showed an interest in sports and physical education early on. The interest would carry him to college at McGill University, where he received a bachelor’s degree in physical education in 1888, and where he would also begin his career as a...

2021-01-15T14:20:21Z

Trump saw the economy was his ticket to a second term – then Covid struck

No time to waste. That was the message from Joe Biden as he announced plans for a $1.9 trillion (£1.4tn) stimulus package only days before his inauguration as US president next week. Combatting the health and economic crises he will inherit from Donald Trump will be top of the agenda for his administration. The latest jobs figures highlight the problem. In the latest week, the number of new unemployment claims rose by 181,000 to 965,000, the...

2021-01-15T14:21:21Z

This week’s good news, from England’s only fan in Sri Lanka to the world record for under-ice swimming

And a national ballet company calling for people with dementia, multiple sclerosis or Parkinson’s to submit videos for the chance to feature in new dance productions.

2021-01-15T14:08:30Z

Greatest religious gathering on Earth goes ahead in India with 700,000 Hindus attending despite raging pandemic

Up to 700,000 Hindu devotees have gathered along the banks of the River Ganges at Haridwar in India, marking the beginning of world’s largest religious congregation – the Kumbh Mela – amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Unlike in a normal year, the state government of Uttarkhand has yet to make formal plans, infrastructure for devotees or announcements of the beginning of the festival – but nor has it tried to deter the faithful from...

2021-01-15T13:49:48Z

Now we have the coronavirus vaccine, how soon can we get back to normal life?

When will the Covid-19 vaccine begin to have an effect on the nation? The government has pledged to offer vaccines to 15 million people – the over-70s, healthcare workers and those required to shield by mid-February, and millions more by spring. This should slowly bring the virus under control although it will take many weeks before we can be sure the vaccine is having an effect. Numbers of daily cases of Covid-19 may drop but that decline could...

2021-01-15T14:02:32Z

Trump plans to fly away from White House to Mar-a-Lago on morning of Biden inauguration

Donald Trump reportedly plans to move to his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida on the morning of Joe Biden’s inauguration, where he is expected to employ a few of his loyal White House aides who would either work for him or his son-in-law, Jared Kushner. A report published by Bloomberg, quoting sources close to the president, says that Mr Trump intends to live in his Florida resort after his presidency where Mr Kushner will spend a considerable part...

2021-01-15T14:07:46Z

What does incitement of insurrection mean? The meaning of Donald Trump’s impeachment charges

The article of impeachment accuses President Trump of inciting the violence that erupted at the US Capitol last week

2021-01-12T12:05:32Z

Top Indian news anchor says she’s victim of Harvard University phishing scam

The leading Indian television news journalist Nidhi Razdan said on Friday that she has been the victim of an elaborate phishing scam, after she was led to believe she had received a job offer to teach at Harvard University. The award-winning journalist had already quit after 21 years working as a news anchor at NDTV, one of the country’s top news channels, in June last year, announcing in a Twitter post that she was taking up a job at Harvard as...

2021-01-15T14:04:36Z

Katie Price reveals she’s putting son Harvey into full-time care

Katie Price has said that she is putting her son, Harvey, 18, into full-time care. Harvey, who was born on 27 May 2002, has partial blindness, autism and Prader-Willi syndrome, a rare genetic condition that can cause physical issues and behavioural difficulties. Now, speaking to The Sun, Price has explained that she believes giving him full-time care will be the best thing for him. “It's so upsetting to think I won't see him every day but this...

2021-01-15T08:31:46Z

Regina King: "I wanted to present the Black experience with honesty”

The actress discusses inclusive storytelling in her feature directorial debut One Night in Miami and beyond

2021-01-15T09:04:54Z

Virologist says Brazilian COVID variant detected in UK is not the one 'of concern'

Ban on travellers entering UK from across South America, Central American state of Panama and Portugal came into force at 4am today.

2021-01-15T11:15:10Z

Boris Johnson plots workers' rights 'wrecking ball' - all the times he said they were safe

Fury is mounting at the PM after it emerged the 48-hour working week, rules on breaks and factoring overtime into holiday pay could all be up for grabs - despite his promises

2021-01-15T14:22:11Z

Police hunt after man tries to snatch five-year-old boy from park

A man picked up the boy in Northolt, west London, on Thursday January 7.

2021-01-15T14:19:03Z

London has lowest R rate in the UK

London’s R rate has dropped to the lowest in the UK, according to the latest official figures. The rate of The post London has lowest R rate in the UK appeared first on CityAM.

2021-01-15T14:00:58Z

Ex lover of former King Juan Carlos tells court her life was threatened by Spanish spy

The ex-mistress of the former Spanish king Juan Carlos told a court on Friday her life had been threatened by a spymaster in a trial which lifted the lid on the antics of a police officer who acted as secret fixer for the establishment. Corinna zu Sayn Wittgenstein said General Félix Sanz Roldán travelled to London and told her he “could not guarantee her safety, nor that of her children” unless she obeyed his orders. The 56-year-old...

2021-01-15T13:49:36Z

Revealed: Universal Credit Glitches Left People ‘Destitute’ At Christmas

The glitch-ridden Universal Credit benefit system left claimants destitute over Christmas, with one ending up with just 9p in the bank and living off food parcels. Caroline Rae was made redundant from food supplier Compass Group in September. She received a redundancy payment of around £2,000, which she had been relying on, but says half of that amount was deducted straight out of her Universal Credit payments in an apparent error by the...

2021-01-15T14:15:40Z

Trump impeachment news - live: President ‘furious’ over Nixon comparison amid report Bannon is back as adviser

President Trump is said to be “furious” at comparisons to Richard Nixon amid reports he has phoned former adviser Steve Bannon seeking help in overturning the 2020 election results. Rioters whipped up by Donald Trump’s rhetoric over a period of months sought to “capture or assassinate elected officials in the United States government” in their attack on the US Capitol, prosecutors believe. In a memo asking a judge to detain Jacob Chansley, the...

2021-01-15T08:07:40Z

Brexit news – live: Government denies plan to scrap 48-hour week and DUP in ‘buffoon’ jibe at Johnson

Boris Johnson’s government has denied claims ministers are planning to “lower” workers’ rights after Brexit, amid reports they are preparing to tear up key protections enshrined in EU law. The 48-hour working week could be scrapped under government plans for a post-Brexit overhaul of employment laws, the FT reports. Labour described the reported plan as a “disgrace” and warned it would fight any such moves “tooth and nail”. Meanwhile, a DUP MP...

2021-01-15T08:29:51Z

Joint stay-at-home plea over ‘unsustainably high level’ of Covid

Dr Michael McBride and Dr Tony Holohan have expressed ‘grave concern’ about the ‘unsustainably high level of Covid-19 infection’ across the island.

2021-01-15T14:04:06Z

Jayne Torvill says Dancing On Ice's Yebin's injury was one of the worst she's ever seen

Dancing On Ice judge Jayne Torvill said Yebin Mok's leg injury was "a real shocker" that left the tendons visible, and she may not be able to return for the series

2021-01-15T13:30:03Z

Will construction close in lockdown? Why there are fears of tougher Covid rules for building sites

Scientific advisers have warned Boris Johnson that the current rules do not go far enough, and more needs to be done to stem the rapid spread of Covid-19

2021-01-13T15:37:20Z

Covid crisis prompts financial fears for those organising funerals

A third of people organising a funeral in the UK because of Covid-19 found meeting the costs caused them financial worries, according to the insurer SunLife. The pandemic also contributed to a fivefold surge in no-frills direct cremations, where there is no funeral service and no family or friends present, the annual report on the cost of dying found. This type of simple, low-cost funeral is typically cheaper than ever, the report says, costing...

2021-01-15T13:32:24Z

Can I go for a walk with a friend in lockdown? Rules on meeting outside under England’s Covid restrictions

People should limit outdoors exercise to once a day under the new rules

2021-01-05T11:21:13Z

Shetland pony spotted pulling passengers in bin enjoying life in new home

The small piebald pony was seen by police pulling two men in a makeshift trap in Middlewich, Cheshire.

2021-01-15T13:34:03Z

What's to mock? Mills & Boon sells a romance every 10 seconds in UK

It is easy to mock a fantasy world of personal assistants taming playboy princes, nurses unlocking the passions of surly surgeons, or chambermaids bedding brooding billionaires. Less easy to mock is the wild and continuing popularity of Mills & Boon when one of its romances is sold every 10 seconds in the UK. Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York , was this week revealed as the latest recruit to the publishers’ roster of authors, with a novel...

2021-01-15T14:06:53Z

Joe Biden should pardon Donald Trump, it would help heal the nation

Surely, the inauguration of the new president isn’t the moment for gloating and revenge? In 1974, President Gerald Ford pardoned his predecessor Richard Nixon, a move much derided at the time but in hindsight an action of wisdom and courage, which spared America the consequences of a lengthy impeachment and trial. If Joe Biden did the same it would be a quantum leap in the healing of the nation. One cannot pardon the innocent, so Trump’s guilt...

2021-01-15T13:54:34Z

Suspending kidney transplants will see organs wasted, says man on waiting list

Ian Matthews has been waiting for a kidney for 18 months.

2021-01-15T13:49:08Z

Vaccination centre near me: Where the Covid vaccine mass hubs are, and how to use NHS booking service

The Government has laid out its targets for at least two million people to receive the Covid vaccine each week, with tens of millions set to be immunised by spring

2021-01-11T17:02:59Z

Coronavirus news - R rate ‘drops to 0.6’ in parts of England and travel ban takes hold to halt Brazil variant

France is banning the use of rapid Covid-19 tests for non-EU travellers, prompting fears there will be a return to the chaos seen at the borders before Christmas. Travellers will require a negative PCR test less than 72 hours old to enter France, the same system the UK is introducing from Monday. Transport secretary Grant Shapps said he believed there would be an exemption for lorry drivers to continue receiving the 30-minute tests - which are...

2021-01-15T08:29:48Z

Man who ‘binned hard drive storing £200m in Bitcoin’ offers local council 25 per cent to search landfill site

A man who claims he accidentally threw away a hard drive containing hundreds of millions of pounds in cryptocurrency has said he will give his local council one-quarter of the fortune if they let him dig it out of landfill. James Howells, 35, said his old laptop’s hard drive contained 7,500 bitcoin – currently worth about £200m – but that it has been buried in a rubbish tip in Newport, south Wales, since 2013 after he confused it for an obsolete...

2021-01-15T13:59:54Z

Snow set to fall on London on Saturday amid weather warnings across much of UK

London is set to be blanketed with snow on Saturday amid weather warnings affecting many parts of the UK. The snowfall will begin in the capital "around three or four in the morning" and will continue into the afternoon, the Met Office said. Met Office meteorologist Simon Partridge projected that between three to five centimetres of snow would fall in London on Saturday. Mr Patridge added that the snow would be followed by rain in the afternoon....

2021-01-15T14:01:07Z

'How many more lockdowns can we go through?' Bosses on Covid double-dip recession

The UK economy shrank by 2.6% in November, as a second national lockdown in England and tough restrictions across the rest of the UK hit growth. The Guardian has spoken to three company bosses about the pressure they and their employees are facing as the second wave of the pandemic threatens to tip the British economy into a double-dip recession. Urban Village Pubs, London Business planning has become almost impossible for Ian Grundy, the...

2021-01-15T13:51:15Z

GOP Leaders Support Second Impeachment

Reports claim Senate minority leader Mitch McConnell had suggested to colleagues that he supported impeachment of Donald Trump. Senior Republican Liz Cheney, alongside other Republican representatives, said they would support an impeachment vote. The calls for impeachment come after a pro-Trump mob stormed the Capitol. If removed from office, Trump would lose his post-presidential benefits including pension, secret service protection and funding for staff. He would also not be eligible to run in 2024.

2021-01-11T12:24:52Z

Drivers face £5.50 daily charge to enter London and Canary Wharf could move into zone one under TfL plans

Drivers could be charged up to £5.50 a day to enter Greater London and Canary Wharf could be moved into zone one in a redrawn Tube map under radical plans to restore the finances of Transport for London. TfL’s detailed proposals of how it could break even in two years include the “assumptions” that the £3.50-a-day “boundary charge”, first proposed last month by Mayor Sadiq Khan, would include an additional £2 surcharge for more polluting...

2021-01-15T11:00:44Z

Graphic Goya, perverse Lucas and the man who christened pop art – the week in art

Exhibition of the week This Is Where We Meet Discover some talented young painters including Michael Chance, Joana Galego, Melissa Kime and more in this virtual pop-up show in a West End shop. . Carousel Next Door, London, until 31 January. Also showing Sarah Lucas: Hurricane Doris See Lucas’s latest perverse and powerful sculptures in a video tour with artist Angela Bulloch as your guide. . CFA, Berlin, until 27 February. Richard Hamilton:...

2021-01-15T13:47:59Z

Tributes as New York Dolls' Sylvain Sylvain dies at 69

New York Dolls guitarist Sylvain Sylvain has died at the age of 69. The Cairo-born star had been battling cancer, said a statement on his Facebook page. “As most of you know, Sylvain battled cancer for the past two and 1/2 years,” said the message. Read more: Britain's Got Talent most complained about television show of 2020 “Though he fought it valiantly, yesterday he passed away from this disease. “While we grieve his loss, we know that he is...

2021-01-15T13:52:23Z

Police seek woman who comforted victim of Barking crash before her death

Police have launched a search for a woman who comforted an injured pedestrian after she was hit by a car in east London. The victim, 60, was rushed to hospital following the incident which took place outside a Lidl supermarket in Barking last month. She died almost a week later, on December 21. The Metropolitan Police are now trying to trace a woman who was present at the scene who was seen holding the victim’s hand. Detective Sergeant Eddie...

2021-01-15T14:00:46Z