The British government warned on Monday (13) it would not be lifting a nationwide lockdown anytime soon as the country remains in the grip of a coronavirus outbreak that has claimed more than 11,000 lives.
Foreign secretary Dominic Raab, who is deputising for prime minister Boris Johnson as he recovers from his own bout of COVID-19, said there were some "positive" signs of progress.
But he warned at a daily media briefing: "We're still not past the peak of this virus."
The government must decide by Thursday whether to maintain three-week-old rules to keep schools and shops shut and order people to stay in their homes to try to stop coronavirus spreading.
"We don't expect to make any changes to the measures currently in place at that point, and we won't until we're confident as we realistically can be that any such changes can be safely made," Raab said.
He said that "if we eased up too early, we'd risk a second wave" of infections.
New figures from the health ministry on Monday revealed that 11,329 people hospitalised with coronavirus have died in Britain, making it one of the worst-affected nations in the world.
This number is up 717 on the previous day, down from previous daily tolls. However, data on a Monday is often lower due to underreporting at weekends.
Johnson became the most high-profile world leader to contract the virus last month and spent a week in hospital -- including three days in intensive care -- before being discharged on Sunday.
The 55-year-old issued a video thanking the medics who cared for him, and admitting that at one point, he believed it "could have gone either way".
- Deaths expected to rise -
Johnson is recuperating at Chequers, a 16th-century mansion northwest of London used as a retreat by British premiers for the past century.
He has reportedly been reunited with his pregnant partner Carrie Symonds, who earlier this month reported suffering from coronavirus symptoms herself.
Johnson asked Raab to stand in for him when he was admitted to intensive care one week ago, and remains out of action.
"The prime minister is focusing on his recovery, and he's not currently carrying out government work," Johnson's spokesman said Monday.
Government data suggests the number of new cases is beginning to flatten, although testing is limited, as is the number of people in hospital beds.
But chief scientific Adviser Patrick Vallance warned deaths were expected to keep rising this week, before reaching a plateau, perhaps for two or three weeks, and then decreasing.
But the official toll only includes people in hospitals, and "there are of course unfortunately many deaths that also occur outside hospital", he said.
The government said that 92 care homes have reported an outbreak of coronavirus in the past 24 hours, and there are fears many fatalities in institutions are currently underreported.
- 'Saved my life' -
Johnson's government has faced questions about whether it was too slow to impose the lockdown, keeping pubs, shops and schools open even as they were shutting across Europe.
According to The Times newspaper, 10 cabinet ministers -- just under half -- are pressing for the measures to be eased next month over concern about the economic impact.
Raab insisted the government was "united" in its determination to tackle the virus.
The government remains under pressure as doctors and nurses complain of a lack of protective equipment and a shortage of coronavirus tests.
In his video message, Johnson paid tribute to staff at the state-run National Health Service hospital in London where he was treated.
"I hope they won't mind if I mention in particular two nurses who stood by my bedside for 48 hours when things could have gone either way," he said.
He named them as Jenny from New Zealand and Luis from Portugal, adding: "The NHS has saved my life, no question."
The parents of Jenny, identified in media as Jenny McGee, spoke of their "exceptional" pride at her role.
"She has told us these things over the years and it doesn't matter what patient she is looking after, this is what she does," her mother Caroline told Television New Zealand.
Kew Gardens will shut its iconic Palm House for up to four years
Grade I-listed building to undergo major restoration as part of net-zero strategy
Gas boilers to be replaced with modern heat pumps
Rare plant collection, including 45 endangered species, to be relocated during works
Palm House and Waterlily House will become the first net-zero glasshouses globally
Historic Palm House to undergo major upgrade
Kew Gardens will temporarily close one of its most recognisable landmarks, the Grade I-listed Palm House, for up to four years as part of an ambitious net-zero redevelopment plan. Opened in 1848, the glasshouse is home to a globally significant collection of tropical plants and houses the world’s oldest potted plant—an Encephalartos altensteinii dating back to 1775.
The Palm House, along with the neighbouring Waterlily House, will be transformed into the world’s first net-zero glasshouses through a large-scale renovation focused on improving energy efficiency and reducing carbon emissions.
Plans to modernise historic infrastructure
The project, submitted last week to Richmond-upon-Thames borough council, will replace ageing gas boilers—installed more than 100 years ago—with modern heat pumps. These upgrades are designed to help Kew Gardens meet its sustainability targets while preserving the conditions required to house rare tropical species.
Each pane of glass in the structure will be removed and recycled. New, more robust glazing will be fitted using advanced sealants designed to retain heat and humidity, crucial for plant survival.
The Palm House’s iron ribs will also be stripped, repaired and repainted in the original colour used when the structure first opened.
Funding for the scheme will come from a combination of grants and private investment.
Protecting rare and endangered plant life
During the renovation, the entire plant collection—comprising towering palms, passion plants, and 45 species at risk of extinction—will be carefully relocated to temporary glasshouses to ensure their survival.
Tom Pickering, head of glasshouse collections at Kew, described the project as both a dream and a major responsibility. “The aim is to make the Palm House energy efficient while retaining all the magic of what it is today in terms of planting and horticulture,” he said.
Reviving a global icon with modern innovation
Richard Deverell, director of Kew Gardens, emphasised the urgency of the work, saying: “The Palm House and Waterlily House represented the latest in design and build at the time of their construction, but they are showing serious signs of deterioration and are not at all energy efficient.”
“Without urgent work, these iconic listed buildings and the vital tropical plants they protect are at risk of being lost forever,” he added.
Deverell called the project an “epic opportunity” to combine cutting-edge technology with heritage conservation. He said architects, engineers and Kew’s horticultural team have already spent years developing and testing the features that will help secure the buildings’ future.
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Singer Anne-Marie gave an open and emotional interview on BBC Radio 2
Anne-Marie discussed the challenges of motherhood and returning to work in music
Revealed struggles with postnatal anxiety and depression after birth of daughter Seven
Praised therapy as a crucial support tool and advised others to seek help
Shared insights into life with two young children and how routines have changed her
Confirmed she will perform at the Women’s Rugby World Cup opening ceremony on 22 August
Anne-Marie opens up about motherhood and mental health
Singer Anne-Marie gave an open and emotional interview on BBC Radio 2 this morning (16 July), speaking to Scott Mills about the mental and physical challenges she has faced after becoming a mother of two. The artist, known for hits including 2002 and Friends, reflected on the impact of motherhood on her mental health and creative life.
Returning to music while raising a family
Anne-Marie revealed that adjusting to life with two children while returning to the music industry has been “really difficult”. She is mother to daughter Seven, aged one, and a baby son who is just two months old.
“Getting back into music and being a mum has been really difficult,” she said during the interview. “Having a second one, it’s like the attention spread of the two is difficult.”
Despite the challenges, she described her children as “the most beautiful little things you’ve ever seen”, adding that moments of calm—such as looking at photos of them while they sleep—make the exhaustion feel worthwhile.
Anxiety and postnatal mental health
The singer spoke frankly about how she experienced intense anxiety after the birth of her first child. “I actually had anxiety so bad when I first had Seven and I didn’t want to be left alone,” she said.
Anne-Marie admitted that she had only been aware of postnatal depression, not postnatal anxiety, until experiencing it herself. She went on to say that her postnatal depression developed around six months after Seven’s birth.
The role of therapy and learning to ask for help
Anne-Marie highlighted the importance of therapy in her recovery. First starting sessions during lockdown, she said she had periods where she paused, particularly after making her third album, believing she no longer needed support. However, after becoming a mother, she returned to therapy and now attends weekly sessions.
“I’m sorry if you saw any of the interviews where I said I don’t need you anymore,” she joked, referring to her therapist. “Can I have you back?!”
She encouraged others to reach out, saying, “Therapy is my best friend. But also tell people, because I never asked for help, and that’s why I got so tired. People think that you’re sweet when you’re pretending to be okay.”
Speaking about the lifestyle shift, Anne-Marie described how routines have become a major part of her day-to-day life. “When I think about routines, it stresses me out. If I don’t do it right, it stresses me out,” she said. “And now I have to make three meals a day to make sure she’s good, you know? So it’s all just a massive change, and now I’m in a routine that’s my life.”
She also reflected on how her body and mind have changed since becoming a mother, saying, “I look different. I feel different. My brain is rewired. I swear everything has changed.”
Looking ahead: TV, sport and live appearances
Anne-Marie also spoke about her daughter recognising her on TV, recent performances at Glastonbury, and practising karate. She confirmed she will be performing at the Women’s Rugby World Cup opening ceremony, which takes place at the Stadium of Light in Sunderland on Friday 22 August.
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The Great British Sewing Bee is back for 2025, welcoming 12 new home sewers to the sewing room
Hosted by Sara Pascoe with judges Patrick Grant and Esme Young
12 contestants will compete across 10 themed sewing challenges
Each episode features a Pattern, Transformation, and Made to Measure challenge
Opening week focuses on shaping garments including pleats and circle skirts
Sewing Bee returns with a fresh cast of home sewing talent
The Great British Sewing Bee is back for 2025, welcoming 12 new home sewers to the sewing room. Host Sara Pascoe returns to guide the competition, alongside judges Patrick Grant and Esme Young, who will evaluate each contestant’s technical ability and creative flair.
Spanning 10 weeks, the series will feature themed challenges ranging from artistic and historical references to cultural inspirations like the 1920s and Korean fashion. Contestants will face the usual trio of tasks each week: a Pattern Challenge, a creative Transformation Challenge, and a Made to Measure Challenge where garments are tailored to real models.
This week’s theme centres on “creating shape”. Contestants must sew a tie-front blouse, transform a circle skirt into a new outfit, and design a pleated dress that fits perfectly. One sewer will be awarded Garment of the Week, while another will be eliminated.
The 2025 Sewing Bee line-up
Caz Age 59 | Staffordshire | Retired After retiring from the family printing business, Caz has devoted more time to sewing, which she began at age 11. She enjoys technical sewing, including French seams and topstitching.
Kit Age 24 | Manchester | Digital marketer Kit taught themselves to sew at school and returned to the hobby at university. They create one garment per week and are drawn to turning unusual fabrics into stylish pieces.
Gaynor Age 72 | Port Talbot, Wales | Retired office manager Gaynor has sewn since the 1950s and now teaches her granddaughter. Her style is described as smart and traditional.
Jess Age 33 | London | Head of communications Jess began sewing as a child to connect with her mother and grandmother. She resumed the hobby during lockdown and continues to create her own clothing.
Órla Age 19 | Inverness | Café worker and student The youngest contestant, Órla started sewing four years ago and enjoys experimenting with both androgynous and feminine looks. She dreams of building a self-made wardrobe.
Peter Age 45 | Devon | Senior pre-construction manager Peter took up sewing after watching the show with his daughters. He focuses on practical garments and enjoys upcycling, such as turning old jackets into bags.
Glendora Age 59 | Luton | Bus driver Glendora began sewing at eight and has since made over 30 quilts. She values durability and quality in her creations.
Yasmin Age 30 | Gateshead | Research and development scientist Yasmin learned to sew from her father, who inspired her to apply to the show. She honours his memory through her sewing, including a pink zebra dress they made together.
Novello Age 66 | London | Business owner and magistrate Inspired by Blue Peter, Novello began sewing at five and received her first machine at age seven. She enjoys creating unique and personalised garments.
Dan Age 37 | Durham | Performer Dan started hand-stitching garments at 10 and now uses his sewing skills to make costumes for stage performances.
Saffie Age 32 | London | Lecturer in Product and Industrial Design Taught to knit by her great-aunt at age eight, Saffie now creates a functional and stylish wardrobe using patterns from independent designers.
Stuart Age 53 | Herefordshire | Premises manager Stuart began sewing in 2020 intending to make hats but quickly expanded his repertoire. He combines practicality with creativity in his work.
How to watch
The Great British Sewing Bee 2025 airs weekly on BBC One, beginning Tuesday 15 July at 9pm.
Tune in to see which of these talented sewers will impress the judges and make it to the final.
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The event follows recent data from the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA)
Event part of South Asian Heritage Month, taking place in London
Focus on fertility challenges faced by the South Asian community in the UK
Speakers include individuals with lived experience and reproductive health experts
HFEA data reveals ethnic disparities in IVF outcomes and patient satisfaction
Aims to break taboos, encourage open dialogue, and advocate for tailored care
Fertility event aims to spotlight inequalities and cultural stigma
A landmark event during South Asian Heritage Month will explore the unique fertility challenges faced by South Asian communities in the UK. Titled Breaking the Silence – Fertility Journeys in the South Asian Community, the event will take place in London on Tuesday 5 August from 5:30pm to 8:15pm.
The panel gathering will feature individuals with lived experience of infertility, baby loss and involuntary childlessness, alongside clinicians and mental health professionals specialising in reproductive care. The goal is to open up often-silenced conversations and address disparities in access to fertility treatment and patient outcomes among South Asian groups.
Ethnic disparities in fertility treatment outcomes
The event follows recent data from the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA), which highlights troubling disparities in fertility treatment success. While overall IVF birth rates continue to improve, success rates for Asian patients remain lower. For those aged 18–37, the birth rate per embryo transferred is 27% for Asian patients and 25% for Black patients, compared with 33% for White patients.
The figures reflect long-standing concerns that ethnic minority patients do not receive the same quality of care or outcomes as others. Beyond clinical results, the HFEA’s National Patient Survey found that Black and Asian patients are less likely to report satisfaction with their fertility treatment.
Cultural barriers and need for tailored support
The panel event will tackle the cultural taboos and stigma often surrounding fertility within South Asian communities. Organisers hope the conversation will not only validate the emotional and social challenges many individuals face but also lead to meaningful action around culturally competent care.
Attendees will hear from those who have navigated complex fertility journeys, as well as professionals who are working to improve reproductive healthcare for ethnic minority communities. By fostering open dialogue, the event aims to break down barriers, increase awareness, and help bridge the gap in patient experience and outcomes.
Anita GuruInstagram/ _themindcoach_
More information
To attend or for further details, please get in touch with Anita Guru 📧 anita@fertilitynetworkuk.org 📞 07854 769761
For a detailed overview of the event, visit our website
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She revealed that she decided to post the BBC cancellation news on social media herself
Nadiya Hussain confirms her BBC cookery show will not be returning
The Bake Off winner said she was told the BBC no longer wanted to commission the series
On a podcast, she described feeling ‘muzzled’ and like a ‘tick box’ for diversity
Hussain is now managing her own career independently and vows to speak her truth
Nadiya confirms BBC show cancellation
Nadiya Hussain, who rose to fame after winning The Great British Bake Off in 2015, has revealed that her cookery show has been cancelled by the BBC. In a post shared on Instagram last month, the television presenter confirmed that there would be “no more cookery show” after the broadcaster “decided that they didn't want to commission the show”.
The 40-year-old previously fronted several successful BBC series, including Nadiya’s Asian Odyssey, Nadiya’s Time to Eat, and Nadiya’s Cook Once Eat Twice.
A BBC spokesperson responded at the time, stating: “We made the difficult decision not to commission another cookery show with Nadiya Hussain at the moment.”
Speaking out on the ‘We Need to Talk’ podcast
Appearing on Paul C Brunson’s We Need To Talk podcast, Hussain gave further insight into her experience working in television and how the cancellation affected her. She spoke candidly about the pressures of representation, identity, and the struggle to remain authentic in the media industry.
“I was always made to feel like my trophy was just going to get taken away from me,” she said. “I had to be consistently grateful for the opportunity I was given — a Muslim that was relatable, the people's person of colour, the digestible version of myself.”
She said this expectation of constant gratitude became a form of silencing: “Gratitude should not sit on your face like a muzzle. That’s what it felt like — because I felt muzzled.”
‘Complaining makes you a nuisance’
Hussain spoke of a wider issue in the industry, claiming that complaints from women were often dismissed:
“When you complain, you’re considered a nuisance... The industry protects the men and makes excuses for them.”
She added that in her experience, complaints made by women were often brushed aside with the phrase: “That’s just the way that person is.”
Rejected ideas and a sense of exclusion
Hussain also shared that she was discouraged from writing a book about parenthood from the perspective of an ethnic minority. She said a publisher rejected the idea outright, telling her that “books like this won’t sell”. Months later, the same publisher released a parenting book by a social media influencer — a decision that she found disheartening.
“I realised they just needed to look diverse. They needed to look like they had the Muslim tick,” she said. “It was a lie. I didn’t want to look at my career like that.”
She added: “It felt like it was all a tick box exercise — until they just didn’t need me anymore.”
‘I don’t fit the box anymore — and that’s fine’
Hussain reflected on being told by other broadcasters that she was “too BBC”, which she said left her feeling boxed in. “They had me where they wanted me — neutral. And I am not neutral. I have opinions.”
Although she received general explanations from the BBC about why her show was not renewed, Hussain said she was never given a definitive reason. “Considering my show got great ratings, I can’t see why it wasn’t recommissioned,” she added.
Her husband, she said, had long warned that the moment she no longer fit their mould, she would be excluded:
“They have a neat little box, and when you don’t fit that box anymore, there’ll be no space for you.”
Taking back control
Hussain revealed that she decided to post the BBC cancellation news on social media herself, after rejecting a proposed statement which falsely claimed she was stepping away to focus on other projects. “That’s not the truth,” she said. “And I’m not putting that out.”
She has since cut ties with her agent and representation, choosing to manage her own career. “It’s been the most freeing thing,” she said, explaining that she now operates with the same independence she had after winning Bake Off a decade ago.
Looking ahead on her own terms
Hussain said she is no longer waiting for acceptance from the industry and is determined to continue being her authentic self:
“I’m not holding out for the industry to accept me. That’s what I’ve done my whole life.”
She added: “I will figure it out and I will find a space where I’m welcome. And that might not be in this industry — and I’m alright with that.”