Skip to content 
Search

Latest Stories

UK to maintain 'maximum caution' in easing lockdown as 'it is a very delicate moment'

BORIS JOHNSON told senior ministers on Thursday (7) the government would adopt "maximum caution" as he prepared to outline how lockdown measures imposed to combat the coronavirus outbreak could be eased.

The prime minister will address the nation on Sunday evening to set out a "roadmap" for relaxing social distancing rules announced in late March, but is not expected to make any major changes to the measures.


Although officials say the spread of Covid-19 in Britain has fallen markedly, the country has the world's second highest official death toll, with another 539 fatalities announced on Thursday taking its total to 30,615.

However, broader official data released this week put the total number of deaths by late April above 32,000 -- including 107 health care workers and 29 care staff.

"We have come through the peak but it is a very delicate and... very dangerous moment, so we do need to proceed with caution," Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said at the daily Downing Street news conference.

"The virus is not beaten yet. It remains deadly and infectious," he added.

Raab said Johnson would detail a "roadmap for the next phase" on Sunday, that would include "appropriate measures to be taken at appropriate milestones" and "strict conditions with strict monitoring".

The British premier's spokesman had earlier said that he used the phrase "maximum caution" when talking to colleagues at a cabinet meeting.

Media reports on Thursday said unlimited exercise and picnics will be allowed as part of the early easing of restrictions.

The announcement comes as the Bank of England warned on Thursday the British economy could slump by 14 percent because of the outbreak, although it would rebound by 15 percent next year.

Johnson's spokesman said the "worst thing we could do" is relax restrictions and allow a second spike in virus rates which would require fresh measures, hitting the economy further.

Four nation approach? 

London has indicated it wants a united "four-nation approach" to lifting lockdown measures across all the countries of the United Kingdom.

But Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said she would not be pressured into ending the measures too soon and risk a resurgence of the virus.

She told reporters there were suggestions infection rates in Scotland were higher than elsewhere, and extended the restrictions for another three weeks until May 28.

"We can make changes to the regulations before then if the evidence suggests it is safe to do so," she added.

Sturgeon, who leads the devolved  government in Edinburgh which has powers over health policy in Scotland, has clashed with Johnson during the crisis.

Johnson spoke to Sturgeon, and the first ministers of Wales and Northern Ireland by phone on Thursday afternoon, his office said.

"He reiterated his commitment to continuing our UK-wide approach to tackling coronavirus, even if different parts of the UK begin to move at slightly different speeds," a statement said.

"Those decisions will be made based on the science for each nation."

Proposals 

Possible changes to social distancing measures could see pubs and cafes with gardens allowed to open but people would be required to remain two metres (six feet) apart.

The government and its scientific advisers have warned not to expect a return to normality for months.

"The messaging will evolve from 'stay at home' to 'be careful when you're out'," an unnamed minister told the Daily Telegraph.

Offices will have to stagger arrivals and separate staff with screens, while meetings will continue to take place remotely when possible, according to the paper.

Meanwhile, two separate studies indicated that black and minority ethnic groups were more at risk from the virus than the white population.

The Office for National Statistics said black men and women were more than four times more likely to die with coronavirus than white people in England and Wales.

Geographic and socio-economic factors, such as deprivation, as well as health and disability, could explain the differences, the ONS said.

More For You

Kew Gardens begins ambitious revamp of Palm House

The Palm House, along with the neighbouring Waterlily House, will be transformed

Getty Images

Kew Gardens begins ambitious revamp of Palm House to cut carbon emissions

Highlights

  • 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.

Keep ReadingShow less
Anne-Marie motherhood

Singer Anne-Marie gave an open and emotional interview on BBC Radio 2

Getty Images

‘Everything has changed’: Anne-Marie on motherhood, anxiety and returning to music

Highlights

  • 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.

Keep ReadingShow less
Great British Sewing Bee

The Great British Sewing Bee is back for 2025, welcoming 12 new home sewers to the sewing room

BBC

The Great British Sewing Bee 2025 begins with 12 new contestants and fresh challenges

Highlights

  • The Great British Sewing Bee returns for a new series on BBC One
  • 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.

Keep ReadingShow less
South Asian fertility

The event follows recent data from the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA)

iStock

South Asian Heritage Month 2025: Breaking silence on fertility in the community

Highlights:

  • 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.

Keep ReadingShow less
Nadiya Hussain

She revealed that she decided to post the BBC cancellation news on social media herself

Getty Images

Nadiya Hussain says she no longer fits the BBC’s ‘neat little box’ after show dropped

Highlights:

  • 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.

Keep ReadingShow less