about how they view what some are calling freedom day. this is bbc news. the headlines... after 16 months, most of england's coronavirus rules are eased. good afternoon and welcome to bbc news. 16 months after they were introduced, most legal restrictions i've had my vaccines, on social contact have been i want to have a good time, hun. lifted in england. so excited! there are now no limits on how many people can meet or go to events, so excited, can't wait for it! nightclubs can reopen, it'sjust, like, a relief, table service won't be needed in after such a long time | pubs and restaurants. just to have freedom. but the prime minister is urging people to be cautious, with cases of covid on the rise. but the prime minister borisjohnson is urging people to remain cautious. foreign travel rules change. he, the chancellor and the health secretary are all self—isolating, fully vaccinated people no longer and ministers warn that the number have to quarantine on return from amber list countries. of new infections will back in business. hard—hit firms hope the end of restrictions will lead continue to surge. to recovery, though now they face this report from luxmy gopal staff having to self—isolate. contains flashing images.

but not everyone is celebrating. all: six, five, four, three... the moment they've been waiting for for over a year. cheering. we speak to people who are immunosuppressed about how they view what some are calling freedom day. and, the uk and the eu have accused china of carrying out a major cyber attack earlier this year. the final stage of unlocking in england, with social—distancing rules dropped. 1,000 people packed into this club in central london. no testing, contact—tracing details orjabs required, with many more lining up outside. they've waited 16 months. what's a little longer? there's so many people there, and we're just so, good afternoon and welcome to bbc news. so pumped to get in there. it's been a year and a half, and now 16 months after they were introduced, most legal restrictions we're alljust ready to dance. on social contact have been i've had my vaccines. lifted in england. i want to have a good time, hun! there are now no limits on how many so excited. so excited! people can meet or go to events, i can't wait for it. nightclubs can reopen, table service won't be needed it'sjust, like, a relief after such in pubs and restaurants. a long time...just to have freedom. nightclubs are one of the few but the prime minister borisjohnson businesses that have had to stay is urging people to remain cautious. closed throughout the whole he, the chancellor and the health pandemic, among the last to reopen.

secretary are all self—isolating, and ministers warn that the number loud music plays. of new infections will and this is what many continue to surge. have waited so long for, and what the nightlife industry has so desperately needed. some feel the sector this report from luxmy gopal contains flashing images. has been sidelined. all: six, five, four, three... the moment they've been waiting the last year has for for over a year. been hell on earth. cheering. i mean, it's been very, very difficult. if you look at what happened last week with the football, compared with what's happening the final stage of tonight, and you think, unlocking in england, why were we treated differently? with social—distancing rules all we're doing is taking the screens out, putting them into storage. dropped. it's more sedate but no less celebratory at this pub in west london, where they're 1,000 people packed into this preparing for an end to table club in central london. service only and mandatory masks. no testing, contact—tracing details orjabs required, with many more lining up outside. i can't wait to enjoy doing ourjob, they've waited 16 months. what's a little longer? rather than sort of having to basically be a policeman there's so many people the whole time, and just lecturing there, and we're just so, people on what they can and can't so pumped to get in there. do, where they can and can't go, the masks they wear, what they touch, where they sanitise, it's been a year and a half, and now we're alljust ready to dance. where they track and trace. it's going to be strange i've had my vaccines. for us to adapt again, i want to have a good time, hun! and the notion of people coming so excited. into the pub, being able to go so excited! to the table themselves i can't wait for it.

it'sjust, like, a relief after such without being directed. as of midnight in england, nearly all legal restrictions a long time...just to have freedom. on social contact have been removed. face coverings are no longer required by law, nightclubs are one of the few but are still recommended businesses that have had to stay closed throughout the whole in crowded, enclosed spaces. pandemic, among the last to reopen. loud music plays. and this is what many meanwhile, scotland has moved to what's known as level zero. have waited so long for, limits on social gatherings remain, and what the nightlife industry has with face coverings still mandatory so desperately needed. in shops and on public transport. some feel the sector has been sidelined. the last year has been hell on earth. i mean, it's been very, very difficult. if you look at what happened last in northern ireland, the latest phase of unlocking week with the football, is expected next week, compared with what's happening while in wales, most covid tonight, and you think, rules are to be scrapped why were we treated differently? from the 7th of august, though face coverings will still be required in many all we're doing is taking indoor public places. the screens out, putting there is concern about restrictions them into storage. easing at a time when covid cases in the uk are rising. it's more sedate but no less celebratory at this we're at the point where 10% orjust over of intensive care beds pub in west london, where they're preparing for an end in england are occupied by people to table service only who have got covid. and mandatory masks. so there's been a significant i can't wait to enjoy doing ourjob, increase in pressure rather than sort of having on intensive care services over the last few weeks. to basically be a policeman the whole time, and just lecturing # cos you're free... people on what they can and can't do, where they can and can't go, # to do what you want to do!

the masks they wear, what they with experts warning that cases touch, where they sanitise, could surge further, where they track and trace. and with a third of adults not yet fully vaccinated, the worry is, it's going to be strange at what price this new freedom? for us to adapt again, and the notion of people coming luxmy gopal, bbc news. into the pub, being able to go to the table themselves without being directed. as of midnight in england, let's look at the daily nearly all legal restrictions on social contact have been removed. face coverings are no longer required by law, virus figures. but are still recommended in crowded, enclosed spaces. meanwhile, scotland has moved to what's known as level zero. limits on social gatherings remain, with face coverings still mandatory after a weekend, the figures tend to in shops and on public transport. be rather lower than usual. 39,950 people who've tested positive in the past 21i hours. in northern ireland, 19 deaths within 28 days the latest phase of unlocking is expected next week, while in wales, most covid of a positive test. rules are to be scrapped from the 7th of august, though face coverings will still be required in many total number of people who've indoor public places. there is concern about restrictions easing at a time when covid cases received a first dose, 46,314,039. in the uk are rising. we're at the point where 10% orjust over of intensive care beds

in england are occupied by people that's 87.9% of who have got covid. so there's been a significant increase in pressure the adult population. on intensive care services over the last few weeks. and 36,099,727 have # cos you're free... had their second jab, that's 68.5% of # to do what you want to do!... the adult population. with experts warning that cases could surge further, and with a third of adults today's opening up is being welcomed not yet fully vaccinated, by businesses who've struggled the worry is, at what price during the pandemic. this new freedom? luxmy gopal, bbc news. but while there's been relief for many, there's still confusion for some around whether to maintain some restrictions, as theo leggett today's opening up in england has been finding out. is being welcomed by businesses who've struggled during the pandemic. for some, it's a new dawn, but while there's been relief for many, there's still confusion for some around whether to maintain a lifting of the gloom. some restrictions, as theo leggett has been finding out. businesses across england have been struggling to cope with covid restrictions for more than a year. now, those restrictions are being removed. for the hospitality industry, it's a big moment. for some, it's a new dawn, no more compulsory table service a lifting of the gloom. businesses across england have been or social distancing struggling to cope with covid restrictions for more than a year. in pubs and restaurants. now, those restrictions are being removed. for the hospitality industry, wearing a face covering in supermarkets, shops or on public

it's a big moment. transport is no longer a legal no more compulsory table service or social distancing requirement as of today, in pubs and restaurants. but that doesn't mean you won't be asked to wear one. wearing a face covering in supermarkets, shops or on public many shops, including transport is no longer a legal the major supermarkets, requirement as of today, say they'd rather you did, just to be on the safe side. but that doesn't mean this coffee shop in birmingham city you won't be asked to wear one. centre also wants its customers to continue being careful. many shops, including in terms of observing the major supermarkets, say they'd rather you did, just to be on the safe side. the customers coming in, this coffee shop in birmingham city centre also wants its customers to continue being careful. we're not enforcing that they're wearing facemasks, which is one of the things that obviously in terms of observing they don't have to do from today, the customers coming in, in terms of a mandatory sense, but our observation is that nearly we're not enforcing that they're wearing facemasks, everyone has been wearing a facemask which is one of the things that when they've come in, which really pleases me. obviously they don't have to do meanwhile, weddings can now go from today, in terms ahead with no limits of a mandatory sense, on the number of guests. but our observation is that nearly that's good news for caterers everyone has been wearing a facemask and the beauty industry. when they've come in, midwife lynn parsons which really pleases me. is preparing for her big day. meanwhile, weddings can now go ahead with no limits on the number of guests. our guests will be able to mingle that's good news for caterers with drinks in hand, and the beauty industry. and chat to family that midwife lynn parsons they've not seen. i've got, you know, family that haven't seen is preparing for her big day. each other for years, you know, year and a half now, our guests will be able to mingle so it's going to be amazing,

with drinks in hand, all the family coming together. and chat to family that they've not seen. the lifting of legal restrictions i've got, you know, has been flagged up for months, but the unite trade union claims family that haven't seen the government has made it too each other for years, you know, difficult for businesses to prepare. year and a half now, so it's going to be amazing, all the family coming together. the lifting of legal restrictions the government's guidance has been flagged up for months, for employers about how to keep workplaces covid secure, they're supposed to be but the unite trade union claims preparing their risk assessments the government has made it too against today so that people can go difficult for businesses to prepare. into work knowing that their workplaces are as safe as possible, the government's guidance was published with only two working for employers about how to keep days' notice before today. two working days for employers workplaces covid secure, they're supposed to be and employees to sit down and make preparing their risk assessments sure that workplaces against today so that people can go into work knowing that their are covid secure. workplaces are as safe as possible, was published with only two working multiple phone alerts. days' notice before today. then there's the pinging problem. two working days for employers and employees to sit down and make sure that workplaces are covid secure. multiple phone alerts. more and more people are being then there's the pinging problem. pinged by the track and trace app, more and more people are being and told to isolate. that's left businesses struggling pinged by the track and trace app, with staff shortages. even large companies are affected. and told to isolate. that's left businesses struggling today, motor manufacturer vauxhall with staff shortages. admitted production at its luton even large companies are affected. van plant has suffered. and, as the number of covid infections continues to rise, there's increasing pressure for the track—and—trace rules to be relaxed.

theo leggett, bbc news. today, motor manufacturer vauxhall admitted production at its luton van plant has suffered. and, as the number of covid infections continues to rise, with cases on the rise, there's increasing pressure for the track—and—trace our medical editor fergus walsh says rules to be relaxed. there's still a huge amount theo leggett, bbc news. of uncertainty about how high this latest pandemic wave could reach. with cases on the rise, our medical editor fergus walsh says that there is still a huge amount of uncertainty about how high this a lot of possible scenarios where we would see hospital latest pandemic wave could reach. admissions, daily admissions, rising to maybe 2,000 a day. that would still be half the levels a lot of possible scenarios we saw in the winter peak. deaths should be much lower. where we would see hospital admissions, daily admissions, rising to maybe 2,000 a day. and they're being suppressed that would still be half the levels by about 90% by the vaccines. we saw in the winter peak. just a small amount of variation in the effectiveness of the vaccines deaths should be much lower. could make a big difference in terms of hospital admissions. we will also also get an announcement today from thejcvi, they're being suppressed by about 90%. the body that advises a small amount of variation in the effectiveness of the vaccines on vaccinations and they are likely could make a big difference in terms to say that vulnerable 12 of hospital admissions. we will also also get to 15—year—olds may well be in line an announcement from thejcvi, the body that advises for getting the jab.

on vaccinations and they are likely to say that vulnerable 12 at the moment, if you are 16 and 17 to 15—year—olds may well be in line and you have a medical condition, then you can already for getting the jab. have the vaccine, but no blanket immunisation offered to teenagers. at the moment, if you are 16 clubs in england were allowed and 17 and you have a to re—open their doors from just after midnight last night for the first time at the moment, if you are 16 and 17 since march last year. and you have a medical condition, then you can already have the vaccine, but no blanket immunisation let's go back to ben mundy in leeds. offered to teenagers. 0ur political correspondent iain watson is in westminster. about to do some djing for us? i billed by many as freedom day, freedom day the prime minister is think i may have been booked for an spending cooped up in self additional set later on tonight. i'm isolation?— spending cooped up in self in the dj booth and incidentally, isolation? . �* , , isolation? that's right, he is, after a little _ isolation? that's right, he is, after a little false _ isolation? that's right, he is, after a little false start - isolation? that's right, he is, after a little false start he - after a little false start he when this place opened at one minute decided he was going to self—isolate and will be there until next monday. past midnight last night, the dj seu picked free for their first song. and will be there until next monday. self isolating at chequers, his country retreat. the chancellor also hundreds of people inside. this in self isolation because of close nightclub, like many others across contacts of the health secretary england, deciding not to follow that sajid javid, isolating because he has covid. he tested positive and government advice and look at covid—19 vaccinations are indeed

told the prime minister is negative. look for a negative covid—19 test. all this described by a cabinet from the people we have spoken to minister as not a good look on the all day—to—day, the owner, the day when restrictions were being people working here, those that lifted and certainly labour are attended the event last night, huge trying to pile on the political pressure on borisjohnson, because ioy attended the event last night, huge joy at the facts they can return to in the past, of course, as some kind of normality. the owner restrictions eased, we saw case talking about the benefits this will numbers falling. they are rising sharply at the moment and have on the economy, his business, interestingly keir starmer has been criticised by some on his own side but also peoples mental health. it's a really key factor that keep coming for perhaps not being critical enough of the prime minister but up a really key factor that keep coming up in the conversations we are today he launched quite a personal having with people experiencing that attack, talked about borisjohnson�*s night last night. the benefits on their mental health though obviously leadership causing mayhem, suggested there are concerns too, given the it was notjust reckless and current context of the covid—19 incompetent but also his actions or situation. inactions had deadly consequences. current context of the covid-19 situation. :. .. current context of the covid-19 it's quite clear labour do not want situation. :. ~' , :, , current context of the covid-19 to give the government cover for situation. :, ~ , :, , : lifting these sections in england well, the prime minister is hosting and will blame any rise in a downing street press conference at 5pm. hospitalisation and subsequently any you'll be able to watch deaths very much lay that blame at coverage of that from 4.30pm on bbc one and the bbc the door of downing street. it’s news channel. the door of downing street. it's interesting _ the door of downing street. it's interesting looking at some of the opinion polls which suggest people

out there are in a sense more cautious perhaps than the government?— cautious perhaps than the government? cautious perhaps than the the headlines on bbc news... covernment? . �* , ., , government? that's right. people seem to be _ government? that's right. people seem to be quite _ government? that's right. people seem to be quite cautious, - after 16 months, most of england's government? that's right. people seem to be quite cautious, this i government? that's right. people seem to be quite cautious, this is| seem to be quite cautious, this is anecdotal, travelling round public coronavirus rules are eased. transport, a lot of people still nightclubs can reopen, wearing masks and keeping their and there are now no limits on how many people can distance as best they could. meet or go to events. certainly that polling suggests much but the prime minister is urging people to be cautious, the same. some people are a bit wary with cases of covid on the rise. about going to cinemas for example but lots of people very wary indeed, foreign travel rules change. fully vaccinated people no longer despite the reports, we have seen have to quarantine on return young people enjoying themselves for the first time perhaps in ages in from amber list countries. nightclubs, many were very weary, including regular partygoers, very wary about going back at this stage. the question is whether the the whole of scotland has government is quite capturing the moved to the lowest level public mood. the argument they would of coronavirus restrictions. the rules have been eased on social there is going to be a next wave gatherings and around weddings and funerals, whenever the restrictions get lifted but face coverings are still so if not now, then when? they don't compulsory in indoor public places. james shaw reports. want to keep this going for the sake of the economy and peoples mental health for months for months and months and they see that exit wave ferries, buses, trains and taxis. is less damaging in the summer when masks will remain mandatory there is less pressure on the nhs

on all public transport in scotland. thanif there is less pressure on the nhs than if instructions were lifted in the autumn or winter. they have to and in many indoor public spaces. that will be the biggest difference between the ways that hope after what will be acting a scotland and england couple of rocky weeks that we begin to start finally seeing case numbers are managing the pandemic. falling again. at the moment, they the holiday season is in full swing are only going in one direction and here on the west coast. and small business owners are hoping that's the wrong direction.- that's the wrong direction. thank it will give them the boost they've been waiting for so long. ou. well, the prime minister is hosting a downing street press conference at 5pm. i think personal responsibility you'll be able to watch coverage is a good thing to have, you know. of that from a.30pm on bbc one you know, we would... and the bbc news channel. we would continue to do the best we can and we take some customer comfort and, you know, a sense of safety quite seriously. the restrictions will remain the prime minister will be at the in place in scotland at least for the next three weeks. podium at 5pm this afternoon. that's that means no more than 8 people from four households can meet in a private home. going to be a virtual briefing from no more than ten from four households can meet the prime minister, because he is of in pubs and restaurants. and a maximum of 15 people can course in self isolation at get together outdoors. chequers. the whole of scotland has nightclubs must remain closed. moved to the lowest level but 200 people will now be able

of coronavirus restrictions. to attend weddings and funerals. the rules have been eased on social gatherings and around and soft play centres can reopen. weddings and funerals, but face coverings are still compulsory in indoor public places. things are not so bad, james shaw reports. because it's the summer. but i can see us having to go back to lockdown before we know it. businesses need help- ferries, buses, trains and taxis. and people have got to trade. i suppose there's got to be i a balance, but from a personal masks will remain mandatory perspective, i'm keeping my mask on. on all public transport in scotland. and in many indoor public spaces. we're relying on a vaccine that, you know, we are thinking is a miracle cure. it doesn't because there's different variants coming that will be the biggest difference out all the time, so, between the ways that you know, they've got to bring scotland and england are managing the pandemic. another vaccine out to combat that! the holiday season is in full swing here on the west coast. and small business owners are hoping this is the moment when it will give them the boost they've the differences between england been waiting for so long. and scotland are perhaps as wide as they've ever been. i think personal responsibility is a good thing to have, you know. but nicola sturgeon has insisted you know, we would... that the scottish government's approach is the right one. we would continue to do the best we can and she tweeted that it wouldn't we take some customer comfort and, be sensible to think of today as freedom day. you know, a sense of safety quite seriously. it is too early to know which policy the restrictions will remain in place in scotland at least will turn out to be the right one. for the next three weeks. james shaw, bbc news,

that means no more than 8 people on the west coast of scotland. from four households can meet in a private home. although restrictions are being lifted or eased no more than ten from four in england and scotland, the position is different households can meet in pubs in the other parts of the uk. and restaurants. in a moment, we'll talk and a maximum of 15 people can get together outdoors. to chris page in belfast, nightclubs must remain closed. but 200 people will now be able but first let's hear to attend weddings and funerals. and soft play centres can reopen. from hywel griffith in cardiff. yeah, well, in contrast to england and scotland, things are not so bad, this isn't a big day in the welsh because it's the summer. calendar for easing restrictions. two days ago, the limits on meeting but i can see us having to go back outdoors were ended and that means people can meet up in gardens to lock down before we know it. or maybe even beer gardens and sit businesses need help- and sup together without social and people have got to trade. distancing for the first time i suppose there's got to be - a balance, but from a personal in a very long time. the one change today perspective, i'm keeping my mask on. we're relying on a vaccine that, you know, we are thinking is on international travel. is a miracle cure. it doesn't because there's different variants coming that means people who out all the time, so, are double—jabbed can return from other countries you know, they've got to bring without self isolation. everything else is still a way off another vaccine out to combat that! in wales, the earliest date this is the moment when the differences between england for getting rid of the limit indoors and scotland are perhaps as wide is august the 7th. for now, limits on meeting as they've ever been. people in private homes, who you sit with inside

but nicola sturgeon has insisted a cafe or a restaurant. that the scottish government's even that will depend on the data. approach is the right one. over the last 16 months, the welsh government has moved she tweeted that it wouldn't at a different pace, some would say slower, be sensible to think to the rest of the uk. of today as freedom day. but at the moment, the covid rates here are lower. it is too early to know which policy the vaccination rates are higher. will turn out to be the right one. james shaw, bbc news, at the moment, the welsh government sees no reason to move on the west coast of scotland. off its course and when it comes it after the relaxation of the rule, restrictions differ comes to use of facemasks, in other parts of the uk. they may remain in public places and on public transport in wales in a moment, we'll talk for many months to come. and chris page is in belfast to chris page in belfast, and explained the situation but first let's hear in northern ireland. from hywel griffith in cardiff. here in northern ireland, the picture as regards to the spread this isn't a big day in the welsh of the virus is similar to in england, but the story calendarfor this isn't a big day in the welsh calendar for easing restrictions. on restrictions is very two days ago, the limits for meeting different indeed. outdoors were ended so people can meet in gardens or even beer gardens the number of positive tests has been going up rapidly in recent and set together without weeks and the number social—distancing for the first time in a very long time. the one change of hospitalisations rising, too. todayis in a very long time. the one change today is international travel. that means people double jabbed can return from member countries without at a much slower rate and the number

self isolation. everything else is of deaths thankfully remains relatively low. still a way of in wheels. the the devolved government is taking a very cautious approach. earliest date for getting rid of the restrictions are continuing. if you are going shopping today limits endorses august to seventh. here, today, facemasks if you are going shopping limits on meeting people in private here, today, facemasks will still be legally required. homes, who use it with inside a cafe there are still limits on socialising. for example, only up to six people or restaurant and even that will from two households can get together depend on the data. 0ver and someone pulls my garden and social distancing or restaurant and even that will depend on the data. over the last 16 also remains in place. months, the government in wales has if you are enjoying nice weather moved at a different pace to the with a meal or a drink in a pub, rest of the uk but at the moment, for example. the covid rates here are lower, the ministers will be meeting on thursday to rubber—stamp the plans to ease some of those vaccination rates are higher, so the restrictions on socialising a little bit and also reopen theatres welsh government at the moment sees no reason to move off its course and and conference venues. beyond that, ministers are suggesting it will be well when it comes to the use of into next month before they can begin to properly consider facemasks, they may remain in public easing all restrictions, places and transport in wales, for lifting lockdown once and for all. and it may well be into the autumn many months to come. before they get to that point that england has arrived at today. and chris page is in belfast and told us the situation there. met office has issued an amber weather warning for extreme heat. in contrast to england and scotland, this isn't a big day in you can see there. i will read you the welsh calendar for

what it says. high temperatures by day and night will continue this easing restrictions. week, leading to public health impacts, adverse health effects, the number of deaths thankfully likely to be experienced by those remains relatively low. the devolved vulnerable to extreme heat. the government taking a cautious wider population are likely to approach, restrictions continuing, experience some adverse health going shopping here, facemasks will effects including sunburn, heat be legally required, there are still exhaustion, dehydration, nausea fatigue and other heat —related limits on socialising. for example, only up to six people from two illnesses. more people likely to councils can get together in gardens visit coastal areas leading to an and social—distancing also remain in increased risk of water safety incidents, some changes in working place. if you are enjoying the nice practices and daily routines are weather with a meal in a pub for likely to be required. that is an amber weather warning, extreme heat example. ministers will meet on thursday to rubber—stamp plans to ease some of those restrictions on socialising a little bit and also to warning for those parts of the country, mainly the south—west of reopen theatres and conference venues. beyond that, ministers england and parts of the midlands as suggest it will be well into next well. and parts of wales, included month before they can begin to in that latest met office warning. properly consider using all restrictions, lifting lockdown once new advice about travelling abroad and for all and it may well be into has come into effect. the government is no longer the autumn before they get to that warning against travel to amber list countries and people

point england has arrived at today. who've had both doses of a vaccine won't have to quarantine on their return from any country on the amber list, except france. nina warhurst reports. new advice about travelling abroad has come into effect. the government is no longer warning mid—july in one of the uk's against travel to amber—list biggest airports and look. countries and people who've had both capacity around 10%. doses of a vaccine won't have to quarantine on their return from any country on the amber list, the changing traffic light system, except france. multiple testing, leading many nina warhurst reports. to ask is it worth it? mid—july in one of the uk's how are you feeling biggest airports and look. about this holiday?! we're feeling super, really excited. capacity around 10%. great, yeah. be going away again after all this lockdown. what he said. laughter. the changing traffic light system, multiple testing, leading many to ask is it worth it? how are you feeling about this holiday?! we're feeling super, really excited. great, yeah. normally, going on holiday be going away again is something you look forward after all this lockdown. to and be excited about. what he said. i have to say, this has laughter. been a pretty stressful, anxious time for everybody. so, not sure i'd do it again, normally, going on holiday knowing what i know now is something you look forward from this experience. to and be excited about. i have to say, this has been a pretty stressful, from today, those returning anxious time for everybody. from amber—listed countries will not have to quarantine, if they're double jabbed or under so, not sure i'd do it again, 18, though they will still have to test before knowing what i know now and after coming home. from this experience. from today, those returning and those travelling to france will still have to quarantine,

from amber—listed countries will not despite it being on the amber list. have to quarantine, if they're and it's these inconsistencies double jabbed or under 18, though causing confusion, which are putting they will still have to test before many travellers off. and after coming home. and those travelling to france will still have to quarantine, despite it being on the amber list. and it's these inconsistencies what we need is we need the framework to be able to put causing confusion, which are putting many travellers off. in place exactly what was intended, you know, a framework that would enable confidence, that will enable people to travel, everyone understands the rules and it's simplified. what we need is we need now that we have so many the framework to be able to put of the population that in place exactly what was intended, are fully vaccinated, you know, a framework that we also need to enable those that would enable confidence, are fully vaccinated coming back from green countries to be able that will enable people to travel, everyone understands the rules to travel without and it's simplified. now that we have so many the need for testing. of the population that manchester airport group are fully vaccinated, has spent £1 billion we also need to enable those that on this brand—new terminal. are fully vaccinated coming back it's got everything you might need for a global travel hub from green countries to be able to travel without except the volume of passengers. they say they're confident that the need for testing. manchester airport group footfall will return, has spent £1 billion on this brand—new terminal. but it has to happen soon. i mean, last year, manchester airports group lost several hundred million pounds. it's got everything you might need and we really need for a global travel hub to have a good summer. except the volume of passengers. and then a consistent application they say they're confident that of the framework through the rest footfall will return,

but it has to happen soon. of the year to try and start that period of recovery. clearly, we're not going i mean, last year, to recover fully this year. manchester airports group lost several hundred million pounds. but we do need that framework in and we really need to have a good summer. and then a consistent application place that is consistently applied. of the framework through the rest of the year to try and start that some holiday—makers told us that period of recovery. absorbing the expense of testing, clearly, we're not going around £100 per person, to recover fully this year. still left a smaller dent in their savings but we do need that framework in than a holiday in the uk. but for others, the risk of catching covid before they fly or having place that is consistently applied. to isolate when they get back feels too great. another summer, another holiday postponed. nina warhurst, bbc news, manchester. some holiday—makers told us that absorbing the expense of testing, around £100 per person, still left a smaller dent in their savings than a holiday in the uk. but for others, the risk of catching covid before they fly or having to isolate when they get back feels too great. another summer, another holiday postponed. well, for some people, the lifting nina warhurst, bbc news, manchester. of most of england's restrictions is not a time to celebrate. many people in at—risk groups say there's been a joyful return to nightlcubs in england. they feel abandoned. our health correspondent katharine da costa has spoken to three people who are immunosuppressed about how they view what others call freedom day. well, for some people, the lifting of most of england's 28—year—old holly van geffen restrictions is not from leicester suffers

a time to celebrate. from cystic fibrosis. many people in at risk groups say they feel abandoned. six years ago, she had 0ur health correspondent a double lung transplant, katharine da costa has and takes immunosuppressants spoken to three people to stop her body rejecting them. who are immunosuppressed she's been shielding since the first about how they view what others call freedom day. 28—year—old holly van geffen from leicester suffers lockdown in march last year. from cystic fibrosis. it's had a huge impact six years ago, she had a double lung transplant, on my mental health. and takes immunosuppressants to stop her body rejecting them. i've had days where i'vejust cried. she's been shielding since the first it's been really tough, logging on to social media lockdown in march last year. and seeing my friends all go out to parties. do you think there's been enough it's had a huge impact on my mental health. guidance and support for people i've had days where i'vejust cried. with a weakened immune system? we've been told to try to avoid people who have not yet had both it's been really tough, doses of the vaccine, logging on to social media or any doses. and seeing my friends all go well, that's very difficult. out to parties. they've told us to go shopping, do you think there's been enough if we like, at quieter times. guidance and support for people it's now the summer holidays, with a weakened immune system? i don't know when those quieter we've been told to try to avoid times are going to be. people who have not yet had both so i am just going to have to stay doses of the vaccine, or any doses. at home, shielding, really, well, that's very difficult. but without the support. they've told us to go shopping, it's difficult, i feel very if we like, at quieter times. abandoned right now. it's now the summer holidays, i don't know when those quieter times are going to be. chris sandham's garden's so i am just going to have to stay become his sanctuary home, shielding, really, but without the support. for the last 16 months.

it's difficult, i feel very the 79—year—old from sheffield is abandoned right now. currently undergoing chemotherapy, after his prostate cancer returned. chris sandham's garden�*s become his sanctuary the treatment�*s knocked for the last 16 months. out his immune system, so he's the 79—year—old from sheffield is having to be extremely careful. currently undergoing chemotherapy, after his prostate cancer returned. we couldn't meet the grandchildren and give them a hug, you know, all this sort of thing. it impacts on your mental the treatment�*s knocked being and your health generally, out his immune system, so he's and you just get very, very down. having to be extremely careful. we couldn't meet the grandchildren chris and his wife should have been and give them a hug, you know, going off to the cotswolds today, but they cancelled their holiday, all this sort of thing. because of concerns not everyone it impacts on your mental would be wearing masks at the hotel. being and your health generally, i can't take the risks to go and mix and you just get very, very down. indoors in a crowded hotel chris and his wife should have been with other people who probably will not be wearing masks, going off to the cotswolds today, but they cancelled their holiday, and neither will the staff. because of concerns not everyone would be wearing masks at the hotel. yay! 39—year—old delyth parton from west bromwich had her third child in the first lockdown last march. i can't take the risks to go and mix delyth has lupus, and takes indoors in a crowded hotel immunosuppressants to stop her with other people who probably body attacking itself. will not be wearing masks, and neither will the staff. yay! 39—year—old delyth parton it's meant shielding away from west bromwich had her third child in the first lockdown last from friends and family. march. i've found it really delyth has lupus, and takes hard without my parents immunosuppressants to stop her and my support bubble.

body attacking itself. my husband's brilliant but, you know, new baby on your own, it's meant shielding away five of us stuck in a small house from friends and family. for the best part of i've found it really a year with no respite. it's been horrible, hard without my parents it's just been awful. and my support bubble. how do you feel about so—called freedom day? my husband's brilliant but, you can already see it, you know, new baby on your own, a lot less masks in shops now, five of us stuck in a small house people are sort of on top for the best part of of each other. a year with no respite. let's alljust keep a lid on it, it's been horrible, it's just for a little bit, just been awful. how do you feel about and let's alljust keep each other safe, because that's the kindest so—called freedom day? you can already see it, thing that we can do for each other, and then everybody a lot less masks in shops now, can enjoy freedoms. people are sort of on top katherine da costa, bbc news. of each other. let's alljust keep a lid on it, just for a little bit, and let's alljust keep each other german politicians have described safe, because that's the kindest thing that we can catastrophic failings do for each other, in a flood warning system that and then everybody can enjoy freedoms. failed to save the lives katherine da costa, bbc news. of about 160 people last week. officials insist the system worked properly, but politicians said there should have been more warnings. damian mcguinness reports. there's been a joyful return to nightlcu bs in england which were allowed the rains have stopped and the flood to re—open their doors from just waters are receding but that also after midnight last night, for the first time since means the true extent of the destruction march last year. is becoming clear.

countless numbers of people have lost everything. ben mundy is at the fibre and the region's infrastructure has been torn apart. nightclub in leeds. roads and bridges have been destroyed, and there are still areas good to see you. vip access for us, without basic amenities. translation: there's neither on the balcony _ electricity nor drinking water. l good to see you. vip access for us, on the balcony here _ good to see you. vip access for us, on the balcony here and _ good to see you. vip access for us, on the balcony here and the - good to see you. vip access for us, | on the balcony here and the glorious leeds sunshine. inside, they are i don't know what to say. preparing for round two. they opened i must stop to take a break now their doors at one minute past and then and talk to people, otherwise i'll go crazy. midnight last night. hundreds of people when we arrived this morning, confetti was across the pavement within the space of two days, two large states were hit by more outside, they had a really good rainfall than they usually get in two months, causing the region's night. the dj inside chose free is many rivers to burst their banks. the first track of the night. we saw in the village of schuld, a lot of people heading home first the flood waters destroyed, thing this morning with big smiles and in some cases, even on theirface, looking thing this morning with big smiles on their face, looking worse for wear but we let them off, it has washed away houses. been 500 days in the making. the and in one town near cologne, the water created landslides owner here and nightclubs across the which undermined a row of homes country see this as a really and a castle. significant moment in the pandemic, it had survived for centuries, real positives, they will point but wasn't able to withstand the onslaught of the floods. towards the positives on peoples often people had just mental health and the economy, while minutes to get to safety.

translation: i woke up about 11pm others exercise extreme caution. they are worried, given the current and stepped into the water— with a depth of about 20 centimetres context of this coronavirus with when i got off the bed. i couldn't have imagined how fast hospitalisations and cases increasing. despite government the water would rise if i hadn't advice, this nightclub and lots of experienced it on my own. others we have spoken to across england, have decided not to check translation: i don't know what to do. i i have four kids. covid vaccine nations or indeed this is really a disaster. covid vaccine nations or indeed covid negative tests upon entry. they say the infrastructure just no—one told me how long it didn't there and they haven't got would take to rebuild this place, which may take a year or two years. the time to process this at this we are out of work. stage. let's speak to someone who how to carry out the reconstruction had a great night last night. this is the biggest issue. the german chancellor angela merkel has visited the region is jackie, had a great night last night. this and expressed her shock isjackie, double had a great night last night. this is jackie, double celebration for you today, it's your birthday but you today, it's your birthday but you have also had your first night out in ages?— at the destruction. you have also had your first night out in ages? yes. it was fabulous. on wednesday her cabinet will agree at the viaduct _ out in ages? yes. it was fabulous. at the viaduct show _ out in ages? yes. it was fabulous. at the viaduct show bar. - a rescue package for these areas. out in ages? yes. it was fabulous. at the viaduct show bar. very - out in ages? yes. it was fabulous. | at the viaduct show bar. very well organised. — as the devastated areas are cleaned at the viaduct show bar. very well up and rebuilt, though, organised, felt safe, and welcome by pressure will grow on the german the wonderful people of leeds. i'm government to fulfil its promises. damien mcguinness, bbc news, going _ the wonderful people of leeds. i'm going back in there shortly, i was so impressed and very fortunate to neuburg, in rhineland—palatinate. be staying — so impressed and very fortunate to be staying at their boutique we have had that amber weather

accommodation next door as well. you warning for a very hot hot weather talk about it — accommodation next door as well. 7m, talk about it being safe, there's a lot of anxiety amongst people, even for parts of wales, the south—west of england and the midlands. let's who were out last night, celebrating and enjoying that moment, what were get a forecast for the whole the anxiety levels for you? i country. hello. and enjoying that moment, what were the anxiety levels for you?— the anxiety levels for you? i didn't have any whatsoever. _ lots of sunshine, lots of heat the anxiety levels for you? i didn't have any whatsoever. i _ the anxiety levels for you? i didn't have any whatsoever. i have - across the uk at the moment. the anxiety levels for you? i didn't i have any whatsoever. i have worked through _ have any whatsoever. i have worked more to come in the days ahead. through it. — have any whatsoever. i have worked through it. i— have any whatsoever. i have worked through it, i was in forensic nursing, _ if you're not a fan, through it, i was in forensic nursing, came across people that had the first signs of something cool it, unfortunately lost two close arriving from friday onwards. back to the here and now, though, people — it, unfortunately lost two close people to myself with it and i think and this area of high that if— people to myself with it and i think pressure is holding steady, that if people... are just extra trapping the heat across the uk, keeping it essentially fine. but the keen—eyed amongst vigilant. — that if people... are just extra vigilant. it— that if people... are just extra vigilant, it could be anything that you willjust notice some showers hits at— vigilant, it could be anything that hits at any— vigilant, it could be anything that hits at any time, and i felt that popping up to the south—east through the evening into the small hours of tuesday. everyone. _ hits at any time, and i felt that everyone, they dealt with it very could be heavy, could be thundery, but very isolated. well last — everyone, they dealt with it very warm and muggy overnight well last night. i think it was the across england and wales. best time — temperatures realistically well last night. i think it was the for the small hours probably best time i've ever had, better than closer to 20 degrees. any new_ best time i've ever had, better than any new year when they brought it in midnight _ any new year when they brought it in midnight. we any new year when they brought it in midniuht. ~ . , ,., ~ any new year when they brought it in midniuht. . ., , ., any new year when they brought it in midniht_ . . , ., , .,, midnight. we have spoken to people last niuht midnight. we have spoken to people last night who _ midnight. we have spoken to people last night who likened _ midnight. we have spoken to people last night who likened it _ midnight. we have spoken to people last night who likened it to _ midnight. we have spoken to people last night who likened it to new - last night who likened it to new year's eve celebrations. take us those are the figures inside the nightclub. what was the at the end of the night. tuesday again, a day with a lot experience like? you talk about the of fine weather, sunshine and heat. safety of it, what did you see? the the heat creeping further north minute we — into scotland and northern ireland. tuesday afternoon and into tuesday safety of it, what did you see? the minute we went there, customer evening, and the small hours of wednesday, however, service _ minute we went there, customer and thunderstorms could be more

service and — minute we went there, customer service and respect is very of an issue for parts important with me, and we willjust need _ important with me, and we willjust need to— important with me, and we willjust need to feel very special from the of eastern england. minute _ need to feel very special from the minute we — need to feel very special from the minute we turned up. everything was well organised with the drinks, all asked _ well organised with the drinks, all asked to _ well organised with the drinks, all asked to kindly be seated until after— asked to kindly be seated until after midnight, put on a fabulous show. _ after midnight, put on a fabulous show. the — after midnight, put on a fabulous show, the people around us, you just felt involved — show, the people around us, you just felt involved and part of that moment. being a mature person, we were the — moment. being a mature person, we were the eldest two in there, but all the _ were the eldest two in there, but all the younger and were coming and keeping _ all the younger and were coming and keeping their distance, adhering and it's an _ keeping their distance, adhering and it's an experience i will be passing on to— it's an experience i will be passing on to other— it's an experience i will be passing on to other people. you it's an experience i will be passing on to other people.— it's an experience i will be passing on to other people. you are clearly someone who _ on to other people. you are clearly someone who loves _ on to other people. you are clearly someone who loves the _ on to other people. you are clearly| someone who loves the night-time someone who loves the night—time industry and clubbing life. in that context, what has the last 16 months been like, not having that experience? it been like, not having that experience?— been like, not having that experience? been like, not having that exerience? ., , ., ., experience? it was more... i do like... experience? it was more... i do like- -- a — experience? it was more... i do like--- a party _

experience? it was more... i do like... a party atmosphere. - experience? it was more... i do like... a party atmosphere. it . experience? it was more... i do l like... a party atmosphere. it was 'ust like... a party atmosphere. it was just about — like... a party atmosphere. it was just about accepting that there is nothing — just about accepting that there is nothing can be done. i think most of all, nothing can be done. i think most of all. i_ nothing can be done. i think most of all, i thought about businesses. people — all, i thought about businesses. people losing theirjob. i had a totally— people losing theirjob. i had a totally different outlook and concept of it, we want to get it up and running — concept of it, we want to get it up and running again, it's a vibrant city and — and running again, it's a vibrant city and yes, i'm pleased for them. eploy— city and yes, i'm pleased for them. enjoy round — city and yes, i'm pleased for them. enjoy round two of the clubbing experience and happy birthday again. thank you very much.— thank you very much. thank you for 'oinin: us thank you very much. thank you for joining us here _ thank you very much. thank you for joining us here on _ thank you very much. thank you for joining us here on bbc— thank you very much. thank you for joining us here on bbc news. - thank you very much. thank you for joining us here on bbc news. that l joining us here on bbc news. that gives you a sense of the magnitude within this pandemic. many people have concerns about the opening up and timing of that, but people who are just so excited about the bonuses it can bring to their lives. thank you very much indeed. 12 former sub—postmaster have had their criminal convictions overturned at the court of appeal. their original cases were based on evidence linked to the horizon computer system,

which was installed in branches as a result, it looked as if money was going missing from individual post offices. afternoon. in april, 39 former sub—postmasters had their names cleared by the court of appeal, and today's ruling is part we have coverage of the live of a gradual process of overturning hundreds more potentially incorrect coronavirus press conference coming criminal convictions. up. restrictions have been eased in england. i up. restrictions have been eased in encland. :. up. restrictions have been eased in encland. :, :, :, :, activists, journalists england. i want to have a good time. so excited. — england. i want to have a good time. so excited, can't _ and politicians around the world may england. i want to have a good time. so excited, can't wait _ england. i want to have a good time. so excited, can't wait for _ england. i want to have a good time. have been spied on, using mobile so excited, can't wait for it. - england. i want to have a good time. so excited, can't wait for it. it - england. i want to have a good time. so excited, can't wait for it. it is i so excited, can't wait for it. it is phone malware that is such a relief— so excited, can't wait for it. it is such a relief after _ so excited, can't wait for it. it is such a relief after such - so excited, can't wait for it. it is such a relief after such a long time. — such a relief after such a long time. just— such a relief after such a long intended to be used time. just to _ such a relief after such a long time, just to have _ such a relief after such a long against criminals and terrorists, time, just to have freedom. i according to a massive data leak. such a relief after such a long i time, just to have freedom. but such a relief after such a long time, just to have freedom. but the prime minister _ time, just to have freedom. but the prime minister is _ time, just to have freedom. but the prime minister is urging _ time, just to have freedom. but the prime minister is urging people i time, just to have freedom. but the prime minister is urging people to i prime minister is urging people to reports suggest widespread be cautious with cases of covid on misuse of spyware, sold and developed by the rise. foreign travel rules change. fully an israeli surveillance company. vaccinated people no longer have to quarantine on return from and the the company in question have strongly denied list countries. back in business, hard—hit firms hope the allegations against them and say their technology is only sold to the law enforcement and intelligence agencies of vetted governments. well, joining me now is agnes callamard,

secretary general of amnesty international, which ran the original investigation into pegasus. thanks for being with us. tell us more about what has been going on? we have carried out an investigation with 17 other media outlets, ten different countries. so far, we have found and revealed that 80 journalists from two dozen countries have been targeted, their phones have been targeted, their phones have been targeted, their phones have been contaminated. in addition to those journalists, and have been contaminated. in addition to thosejournalists, and number of lawyers and politicians have also been targeted. through the next week, there will be new revelations coming demonstrating the very broad misuse of this spyware. it demonstrates that what nso misuse of this spyware. it demonstrates that what n50 is claiming which is that it's only used against criminals, is actually not true at all. what we are showing is that systemic misuse of the

spyware against journalists, defenders, lawyers, politicians. find defenders, lawyers, politicians. and who exactly — defenders, lawyers, politicians. and who exactly is doing this spying? spying is done by states, the clients are states, two dozen states including mexico, india, morocco, azerbaijan, hungary, to name a few. the tools they are using to do the spyware, to do the spying, is a tool provided by this private company nso which is an israeli private company. it is able to sell that spyware because it has received a license to do so from the israeli government. so the web of responsibility for this major global attack on human rights and press freedom is actually very broad. the rights and press freedom is actually ve broad. , ., , ., ., ,

very broad. the people who are being sied on, very broad. the people who are being spied on. is — very broad. the people who are being spied on, is there _ very broad. the people who are being spied on, is there anything _ very broad. the people who are being spied on, is there anything they - very broad. the people who are being spied on, is there anything they can l spied on, is there anything they can do to resist this, to stop this? well, you know, this is a very complex, very clever, how you say, spyware, it's very difficult to find unless you have the best technology at hand. so that's the first problem. many of them are completely unaware. there is nothing that can make you feel may be my phone has been contaminated. so there's very little they can do to protect themselves. this is why we need strong regulatory system because we need to protect them against the misuse of that spyware. we need to ensure those companies do not sell that spyware to ensure those companies do not sell that spywa re to states ensure those companies do not sell that spyware to states that are then going to targetjournalists and human rights defenders. the whole system, in fact, human rights defenders. the whole system, infact, is human rights defenders. the whole system, in fact, is dysfunctional at the moment. to system, in fact, is dysfunctional at the moment-— system, in fact, is dysfunctional at the moment. to talk to you, agnes callamard, — the moment. to talk to you, agnes callamard, secretary _ the moment. to talk to you, agnes callamard, secretary general- the moment. to talk to you, agnes callamard, secretary general of. callamard, secretary general of amnesty international. thank you.

now it's time for a look at the weather with susan powell. it is baking hot out there. hello. lots of sunshine, lots of heat across the uk at the moment. more to come in the days ahead. if you're not a fan, the first signs of something cool arriving from friday onwards. back to the here and now, though, and this area of high pressure is holding steady, trapping the heat across the uk, keeping it essentially fine. but the keen eyed amongst you willjust notice some showers popping up to the south—east through the evening into the small hours of tuesday. could be heavy, could be thundery, but very isolated. warm and muggy overnight across england and wales. temperatures realistically for the small hours probably closer to 20 degrees. those are the figures at the end of the night. tuesday again, a day with a lot of fine weather, sunshine and heat. the heat creeping further north into scotland and northern ireland. tuesday afternoon and into tuesday evening, and the small hours of wednesday, however, and thunderstorms could be more

of an issue for parts of eastern england. hello, this is bbc news with me ben brown. the headlines. after 16 months, most of england's coronavirus rules are eased. nightclubs can reopen. and there are now no limits on how many people can meet or go to events. i've had my vaccines, i want to have a good time, hun. so excited! so excited, can't wait for it! it'sjust, like, a relief, after such a long time | just to have freedom. but the prime minister is urging people to be cautious, with cases of covid on the rise. foreign travel rules change — fully vaccinated people no longer have to quarantine on return from amber list countries. and, the uk and the eu have accused china of carrying out a major cyber attack

earlier this year. sport now and for a full round—up, from the bbc sports centre here's lizzie. lewis hamilton has been racially abused online. his team as well as the governing bodies have condemned this in the strongest terms. they said these people have no place in our sport and we urge that those responsible should be held accountable for their actions. the number of athletes testing positive for covid—19 at the island picks is creeping up. a female usa gymnast tested positive and another team member has been identified as a close contact. the gymnast is not displaying symptoms and is at the team's training camp in the city and both athletes have been transferred to a hotel to quarantine. meanwhile the six team gb 0lympic to a hotel to quarantine. meanwhile the six team gb olympic athletes who were required to self—isolate have returned to training after producing multiple negative pcr tests. earlier

i spoke to our tokyo correspondent rupert wingfield—hayes and started by asking him if the situation had caught the organisers out. i think the have caught the organisers out. i think they have been _ caught the organisers out. i think they have been taken _ caught the organisers out. i think they have been taken by - caught the organisers out. i think they have been taken by surprise | caught the organisers out. i think - they have been taken by surprise and almost at every stage in the run—up to the olympics over the last weeks and months. if you think back to march, we were talking about having the stadium is full of spectators. we were talking about no compulsory testing of people coming into the country, certainly no talk of athletes having to be vaccinated before they came into the country. and as time has gone on and the covid pandemic has continued and got worse injapan in the last couple of months, we have seen the olympic authorities responding by tightening further. . . , authorities responding by tightening further. , , , ., ., further. rupert, briefly, in a word, are these olympic— further. rupert, briefly, in a word, are these olympic games - further. rupert, briefly, in a word, are these olympic games in - further. rupert, briefly, in a word,| are these olympic games in danger further. rupert, briefly, in a word, . are these olympic games in danger of not happening? hat are these olympic games in danger of not happening?— not happening? not yet. these are individuals- — not happening? not yet. these are individuals. there _ not happening? not yet. these are individuals. there is _ not happening? not yet. these are individuals. there is no _ not happening? not yet. these are individuals. there is no evidence i not happening? not yet. these are j individuals. there is no evidence of spread within the bubble yet. but if that happens then i think that does represent a real threat. mark represent a realthreat. mark cavendish — represent a realthreat. mark cavendish says _ represent a realthreat. mark cavendish says it _ represent a realthreat. mark cavendish says it will - represent a realthreat. mark cavendish says it will take i represent a realthreat. mark cavendish says it will take a l represent a real threat. mark

cavendish says it will take a break before deciding his future after an unexpectedly successful tour de france. he won the top sprinter�*s greenjersey for the france. he won the top sprinter�*s green jersey for the first time in a decade and equalled the record for the most career stage wins with 3a, although he just missed the most career stage wins with 3a, although hejust missed out the most career stage wins with 3a, although he just missed out on going one better in the final stage on the champs—elysees yesterday. when we started in brittany three weeks ago i was just happy to be here, you know? it is the race i've dedicated my life too, it has given me the life that i have and i have so much respect for it and its history. just to be here one more time was big itself. and then to win a stage after everything that has happened in the last few years and everything i've been through, that was enough. that was more than enough. that was a bonus to win anything, then to win four and then win the green jersey. it has been a journey. it has not been an easy one but it has been a beautiful one. the british & irish lions captain alun wynjones is set to be part of the squad for saturday's first test

against south africa, only being back a few days after dislocating his shoulderjust over three weeks ago againstjapan but after making a remarkable recovery of the wales lock played nearly half an hour in the final warm up match on saturday. it will be his tenth lions cap. football and the draw for the third qualifying round for the new season's champions league is being made with rangers and celtic both being given tricky —looking fixtures. it's been ten years since rangers last made the group stages and they will face malmo or hj k helsinki. celtic have not reached the group stages since 2017—18 season and will play psv eindhoven, or galatasaray, but that is only if they beat denmark's fc midtjylland in the qualifying round. the fa is launching an independent investigation into the events surrounding the euro 2020 final at wembley. some fans fought with stewards and police while trying to break through security gates. uefa had already opened disciplinary proceedings and the fa say they aim to ensure lessons are learnt and that the disgraceful scenes are

never repeated. that's all the support for now. thank you, lizzie, see you later on. clubs in england were allowed to re—open their doors from just after midnight last night — for the first time since march last year. 0ur reporter hannah morrison visited fibre nightclub in leeds. it has been a very long 16—month wait but clubbing is finally back. this place, fibre, opened just after midnight. confetti cannons, a big countdown, and then everybody was let in and rushed onto the dance floor. just a little bit of sanitiser needed. no covid checks, no negative tests, and those who were first on the dance floor were... molly. leah. so how was tonight for you? amazing. — this is what life is about. like you said, we have waited 16 months. the people were dancing, they are drinking again, no social distancing. this is what life is about.

absolutely. it's been absolutely amazing. literally, life isjust back to normal all of a sudden and it's what we've been waiting for, 100%. and notjust people our age, people of all ages. there is people of all ages in there, everybody is dancing together, it's just amazing. absolutely amazing. for me this is what life is about. i think we sort of need to move forward now. it's been 16 months. i think we've got to learn to live with this. everybody says it's just like the flu. i sort of do agree. we've got to live with this, we've got to let businesses open, we've got to get the economy back running, we've got to get back with life and i think this tonight proves it. i think if the people were scared they'd be inside, they wouldn't be out here but we're all out here and we're all as happy as ever. i think we've waited 16 months and i think it really shows. yeah. well, the man who had to decide whether or not to do those covid checks on the door is terry george. you own this place here and the one over the road as well. that-s right. — how has tonight been for you? it's been amazing. i've had this place for 21 years, been in the entertainment- industry for over 30 years,

and i've done so many- new year's eves is and tonight - was better than a new year's eve. and i think it's- the making of history in actual fact because — it actually makes me emotional thinking about it — _ because it is beyond, isn't it, - it's something that was taken out of our control and being able - to open back up again and to be able to see girls like this enjoying themselves and the people i inside there enjoying themselves is what it's about. _ and for me it's been nearly 500 days of struggling with this. _ and i think that it's | the right thing to do, it's the right thing to get the economy back, it's. the right thing to give - people their freedom and to let people make their own choices. you know, they are over 18, these people are adults. - these girls you are speaking. to here have both had a covid vaccine, the first one, _ they intend to have the second one, i'm sure, and that'sl what people will do. you know, let us enjoy life, let us enjoy clubbing, - let the hospitality industry come back on its feet again _ because we really are struggling. and i think if we hadn't been having

tonight, another few months, - then these two places may not have existed any longer. _ thanks very much, terry. good luck with it. this place is open for a few hours yet. it closes down then for a few hours and then reopens again because they've got to make the most of clubs being open. so the clubs are open again. let's get a political perspective on all of this. i'm nowjoined by the conservative mp rehman chishti. freedom day some people have called it and others a reckless gamble. that's what some including keir starmer have said. i that's what some including keir starmer have said.— starmer have said. i would say cautious optimism. _ starmer have said. i would say cautious optimism. we - starmer have said. i would say cautious optimism. we have . starmer have said. i would say i cautious optimism. we have seen starmer have said. i would say - cautious optimism. we have seen so many people lose their lives over the past 18 months, and thanks to the past 18 months, and thanks to the government's vaccination roll—out programme, which is one of the best in europe and one of the best in the world receive one vaccination and the other two thirds of the adults have had two of their vaccinations, which has allowed us

to be in the position where we are because we cannot as a society continue to have restrictions indefinitely. time is reached when decisions had to be made, taking account of the tastic vaccination roll—out programme, taking into account that the transmission of this disease in the summer months is low, taking into account the hospitalisation rates, due to the fantastic work of the vaccination roll—out, is low, this was the right time for the government, in my view, to move to the next stage of the pandemic, post—pandemic recovery. everyone knows the vaccine roll—out has been successful but a lot of scientists completely disagree with you and say this is not the right time because cases are rocketing. we are looking at 100,000 a day, maybe 200,000 a day, hospitalisations are going up, deaths are going up, and

although the vaccine has had a big part to play in reducing hospitalisations, it has weakened the link, hasn't it, between cases and hospitalisations but it hasn't severed it. i and hospitalisations but it hasn't severed it. . .. and hospitalisations but it hasn't severed it. . ~ ., and hospitalisations but it hasn't severed it— and hospitalisations but it hasn't severed it. n ., , severed it. i take a different view on that, severed it. i take a different view on that. any _ severed it. i take a different view on that, any loss _ severed it. i take a different view on that, any loss of _ severed it. i take a different view on that, any loss of life _ severed it. i take a different view on that, any loss of life is - severed it. i take a different view on that, any loss of life is a - on that, any loss of life is a tragedy but we have to look at the wider context and the wider context is as a result of the vaccination roll—out we are seeing the figures coming in from scotland who have gone through the recent stage and there with regards to the vaccination roll—out and with regards to the hospitalisation rates we have seen the hospitalisation rates compared to what they were before were very low. taking into account that in the summer months the transmission of this disease is low, then the combination of the approach, the vaccination roll—out, hospitalisation rates at a low point, in the summer months and there is less transmission, for me it was the right thing to do. of course there will be some people who take a different approach to that

and i respect them. but when you are in government you have to make decisions and for me it is the right thing to do because our society cannot indefinitely have to put up with restrictions. with; cannot indefinitely have to put up with restrictions.— cannot indefinitely have to put up with restrictions. why not 'ust keep masks? why — with restrictions. why not 'ust keep masks? why not h with restrictions. why not 'ust keep masks? why not keep _ with restrictions. why notjust keep masks? why not keep masks - with restrictions. why notjust keep masks? why not keep masks as - with restrictions. why notjust keep masks? why not keep masks as a l masks? why not keep masks as a mandatory thing in this country? because we have ended up with this rather ridiculous kind of patchwork quilts, haven't we, where in some places it is compulsory and mandatory on the london underground, for example, on the trams in manchester and so on, and not in other places so it is a bit of a mess. ., ., , , , mess. the government has been very clear and the — mess. the government has been very clear and the prime _ mess. the government has been very clear and the prime minister- mess. the government has been very clear and the prime minister has - clear and the prime minister has been very clear. just because we are now opening up does not mean we should not be cautious, it does not mean we should not show common sense, doesn't mean we shouldn't have individual responsibility, but of course we should, and in answering your question, we have seen devolved regions take a different approach and that is a matter for devolution. different approach and that is a matterfor devolution. for different approach and that is a matter for devolution. for example, tfl have taken a different approach with regards to transport, but the

government has been very clear that with regards to the masks, once you take a common—sense approach, and therefore individual responsibility. if you are asking me, do i think if i'm ina if you are asking me, do i think if i'm in a confined space, would i continue to wear a mask, then for me, taking individual responsibility and consideration for others, i will continue in confined space to wear a mask. i do not think it is right for the government to legislate and tell people how to live their lives. coming out of these restrictions, putting forward each one of us have individual responsibility using our common sense to do the right thing and that's the right approach. ugh? and that's the right approach. why did the prime _ and that's the right approach. why did the prime minister tried to get out of self—isolation over the weekend by saying he was part of some downing street pilot scheme that meant he didn't have to self—isolate? that meant he didn't have to self-isolate?— self-isolate? looking at the situation right _ self-isolate? looking at the situation right now, - self-isolate? looking at the situation right now, the - self-isolate? looking at the l situation right now, the prime minister is self—isolating like everyone else. but

minister is self-isolating like everyone else.— minister is self-isolating like everyone else. but at first he didn't. everyone else. but at first he didn't- at _ everyone else. but at first he didn't. at first _ everyone else. but at first he didn't. at first he _ everyone else. but at first he didn't. at first he said - everyone else. but at first he didn't. at first he said he - everyone else. but at first he didn't. at first he said he was going to come and the chancellor, were going to be part of this sort of exemption scheme, pilot scheme, which nobody quite understood. the whole which nobody quite understood. tie: whole thing we which nobody quite understood. ti9: whole thing we have seen, which nobody quite understood. ti9 whole thing we have seen, the prime minister throughout this period has done everything he possibly can to ensure that our citizens are kept safe. with regards to the pilot scheme you have just mentioned, throughout this process different approaches and different stages have been looked at to see what is the best way to keep individuals safe stop the question now is, is the prime minister like everyone else self—isolating for ten days? the self-isolating for ten days? the oint as self-isolating for ten days? the point as he _ self-isolating for ten days? the point as he wasn't _ self—isolating for ten days? the point as he wasn't doing as everybody else, was he, at first? i know he changed his mind but at the beginning he wasn't doing as everybody else has been doing. the auestion everybody else has been doing. ti9 question asking me is, how do you deal with these challenges? do we know all the answers? the answer is no post about points do we have to look at different ways to help address the issue of self—isolation? and we are going to see the situation post—the 16th and we are going to see the situation post—the16th of august,

if you are double jab, then the issue of 16th of august the issue of measures doesn't come in. isn’t issue of 16th of august the issue of measures doesn't come in. isn't the oint measures doesn't come in. isn't the point about — measures doesn't come in. isn't the point about leadership _ measures doesn't come in. isn't the point about leadership and - measures doesn't come in. isn't the point about leadership and setting l point about leadership and setting an example for all the people who have to follow the rules? it is an example for all the people who have to follow the rules?- have to follow the rules? it is and that's why — have to follow the rules? it is and that's why he _ have to follow the rules? it is and that's why he is _ have to follow the rules? it is and that's why he is self-isolating - have to follow the rules? it is and that's why he is self-isolating at i that's why he is self—isolating at chequers like everybody else at the moment. it chequers like everybody else at the moment. �* :. chequers like everybody else at the moment. �* :, , chequers like everybody else at the moment-— the - moment. it didn't at first. the issue arose — moment. it didn't at first. the issue arose regarding - moment. it didn't at first. the issue arose regarding what. moment. it didn't at first. the issue arose regarding what is| moment. it didn't at first. the i issue arose regarding what is the best way to deal with the situation he was facing at the time the issue, like you, i don't know the background to this so i can only comment on the information i have seenin comment on the information i have seen in the media, the issue was looked at on the pilot programme, like all things, you look at what is the best way to continue to do your job, and on that basis running the country and making the tough calls to give us all safe, and he's done a fantasticjob to give us all safe, and he's done a fantastic job with the to give us all safe, and he's done a fantasticjob with the vaccine roll—out and in the most challenging and difficult circumstances our country has faced. at that point you have to look at what is the best way to do it and he, he's made it clear he will be self—isolating like everybody else at chequers. he

changed his mind after there was a political outcry. there was a really embarrassing u—turn about two and a half hours after downing street says that he was part of this pilot scheme, suddenly it changed its mind. :, :, mind. you have asked me the same auestion mind. you have asked me the same question for — mind. you have asked me the same question for micro _ mind. you have asked me the same question for micro times _ mind. you have asked me the same question for micro times and - mind. you have asked me the same question for micro times and i i mind. you have asked me the same question for micro times and i will l question for micro times and i will give you the same answer. ittiui’ith give you the same answer. with resect, give you the same answer. with respect. you — give you the same answer. with respect, you haven't _ give you the same answer. with respect, you haven't really answered them. i respect, you haven't really answered them. :. :. . respect, you haven't really answered them. :, :, , ,~. respect, you haven't really answered them. :, :, , , :, them. i have answered your question, with regards — them. i have answered your question, with regards to _ them. i have answered your question, with regards to covid-19, _ them. i have answered your question, with regards to covid-19, a _ with regards to covid—19, a different stages you have to look at different stages you have to look at different ways to deal with covid—19. is there one way of dealing with it? the answer is no. the issue for the prime minister was, what is the best way to deal with him running the country, taking decisions that he needs to take will stop he felt that the best way was for self—isolation for ten days. before that, just in the media, like you have asked me, i read the consideration was is there a way to take part in a pilot programme? is there a way? that matter was looked at and dismissed and the prime minister is now self—isolating like everyone else who is having the

pinks. my question to everybody, if you get the ping, self—isolate in line with the guidance and the prime minister is doing that at chequers in line with the guidance.- in line with the guidance. remain ches , in line with the guidance. remain chesty. member _ in line with the guidance. remain chesty, member of _ in line with the guidance. remain chesty, member of parliament, l in line with the guidance. remain i chesty, member of parliament, thank you very much for your time. our business presenter ben thompson has been spending the day in birmingham talking to members of the hospitality industry about the ending of restrictions there. —— rehman chishti thanks very much, you may be able to hear some of the building work going on behind us, that's some of the £600 million birmingham city council is spending to improve this part of town, this is the central business district, home normally to 35,000 workers. and while there is a steady stream of people passing through here, trade is still significantly down on what it was before the pandemic. the coffee shops, the bars and the restaurants along this part of the

street still suffering because people are working from home and they are not returning. and while today some of those restrictions have been eased, there is no immediate sign that people are rushing to get back to the office. that has huge implications for all sorts of businesses. i want to introduce you to phil who runs a number of bars and wine shops in birmingham and beyond. nice to see you. today is quite a significant day for all businesses to get back to some sort of normality. but i wonder what today means for you. today there is no real change for us but at least there is that really lovely starting point to hopefully coming back to some kind of normality. coming back to some kind of normality-— coming back to some kind of normali . :, :, :, , :, ~' normality. how long do you think it will take to — normality. how long do you think it will take to get _ normality. how long do you think it will take to get back— normality. how long do you think it will take to get back to _ normality. how long do you think it will take to get back to normality, l will take to get back to normality, if indeed you do? 35,000 staff normally in this business district. do you expect there will be 35,000 come the end of the year? i do you expect there will be 35,000 come the end of the year?— come the end of the year? i don't think it seems _ come the end of the year? i don't think it seems like _ come the end of the year? i don't think it seems like that _ come the end of the year? i don't think it seems like that will- come the end of the year? i don't think it seems like that will be i come the end of the year? i don't| think it seems like that will be the case. coming hopefully soon we will

start getting people coming back to the office. but i think at the moment the office attendance is pretty low and people going back to flexible working on stuff like that. but on the positive note we have seen a really lovely uptick in people starting to drift back to the offices. :. .. people starting to drift back to the offices. :, ~ :, :, ,:, , :, offices. talk to me about your business because _ offices. talk to me about your business because it's - offices. talk to me about your business because it's an i offices. talk to me about your i business because it's an interesting one. you cover various different elements, don't you? you have the bar so you would rely on people coming in may be in their lunch hour, orafterwork, coming in may be in their lunch hour, or after work, and then you have to takeaway, the wineshop. talk to me about the experience of that in lockdown. which bits did well and which bits struggled?— which bits struggled? obviously the drinkin: in which bits struggled? obviously the drinking in was _ which bits struggled? obviously the drinking in was the _ which bits struggled? obviously the drinking in was the bit _ which bits struggled? obviously the drinking in was the bit that - drinking in was the bit that struggled. but there are some positives to come out of it. we didn't really have an e—commerce site business at all. that now when we are coming out of it is almost contributing another store to the portfolio. retail did suffer a lot

because there weren't people in the business district and we are still trading on the retail side about 20% down now. but then that has been backed up by the online aspect, which has really helped us. you backed up by the online aspect, which has really helped us. you do a lot of things — which has really helped us. you do a lot of things that _ which has really helped us. you do a lot of things that you _ which has really helped us. you do a lot of things that you would - which has really helped us. you do a lot of things that you would hope i lot of things that you would hope you can return to doing in person, things like wine tastings. i know you did a lot of those online, video calls and zooms, great because you can get lots more people in those classes but you still want to be able to do that face—to—face. classes but you still want to be able to do that face-to-face. there is no substitution _ able to do that face-to-face. there is no substitution to _ able to do that face-to-face. there is no substitution to face-to-face l is no substitution to face—to—face wine tasting when you are in a room with people and you are interacting with people and you are interacting with them. you get to answer the questions properly and help them. at the end of the day wine is a subject a lot of people don't know about and you can really engage with people in a room. i can't wait to get people fully into that. we do a lot of corporate events and corporate events contributed about 25% of our

turnover pre—covid. that is pretty much zero. we have had a few enquiries from people wanting to do these but they are just kind of tentative enquiries at the moment because not many people want to do a corporate event where you have potentially got 30 people in a room from 30 different companies. i don't think that's going to come back this year. think that's going to come back this ear. , :, , :,, :, think that's going to come back this ear. ,:, , :, year. loads of people i have spoken to today say — year. loads of people i have spoken to today say they — year. loads of people i have spoken to today say they are _ year. loads of people i have spoken to today say they are just _ year. loads of people i have spoken to today say they are just quite i to today say they are just quite nervous overall that whilst they want to resume normal life they are still cautious and that for you translates to fewer people through your doors, doesn't it? iside translates to fewer people through your doors, doesn't it?— translates to fewer people through your doors, doesn't it? we have made a decision anyway _ your doors, doesn't it? we have made a decision anyway with _ your doors, doesn't it? we have made a decision anyway with our _ your doors, doesn't it? we have made a decision anyway with our business, i a decision anyway with our business, we are running at about 50% capacity at the moment and we haven't changed that. we are going to carry on doing that. we are going to carry on doing that certainly through august, and then we may, depending on case rates and stuff like that, we may decide to release more going forward. but i think at the moment we won't change anything. there is no point. weill.

anything. there is no point. well, aood anything. there is no point. well, good luck- _ anything. there is no point. well, good luck- as _ anything. there is no point. well, good luck. as you _ anything. there is no point. well, good luck. as you say, _ anything. there is no point. well, good luck. as you say, today i anything. there is no point. well, good luck. as you say, today marks the start of something. good to see you. just another story from here in birmingham. we have been meeting all sorts of businesses today and we will continue to do so this afternoon about their experience of getting people back into places like this, into city centres, into the bars, coffee shops and restaurants that really rely on the passing trade. lots of them are saying that today marks the start of a long journey back to normality but it is still far from journey back to normality but it is still farfrom business journey back to normality but it is still far from business as usual. studio: it's not the best place to have an alfresco coffee when you have an alfresco coffee when you have all that drilling going on! never mind. go and tell them to stop. it has only just stop. it has onlyjust started! studio: you have a whole afternoon of that then! thank you very much, ben thompson, in birmingham. the tokyo olympics get under way this week — but there's already a growing number of athletes and officials testing covid—positive, or being forced to self—isolate. eight members of team gb athletics

team are in isolation after being in close contact with positive cases. rupert wingfield—hayes has the latest from tokyo. this is not the news that the international olympic committee or the japanese olympic organisers wanted. i think there is a certain inevitability to it, though, with 60,000 people coming into japan. there were bound to be some cases of covid amongst those athletes and journalists in teams and officials and so it is. we understand, in all, 58 people have actually tested positive inside the olympic bubble. most of those are not athletes but a small number of athletes also testing positive now. and this really is making life for some teams very difficult particularly the south african team and we know now that team gb has also been affected, though no positive cases. it is just a close contact on the flight over. eight members of team gb are also self isolating and that is disrupting their ability to

prepare for the games. the official say, look, this shows the system is working. we are testing everybody. when we are finding them positive we are isolating them. this is actually effective, what we're doing, and there is nothing to worry about. and a lot of other people are looking upon us and saying, hey, the games have not even begun yet and we have got an outbreak inside the olympic village. what is going to happen when are far more people here at the end of the week? rupert wingfield—hayes with the latest from tokyo. now it's time for a look at the weather with susan. hello. plenty of sunshine, plenty of heat across the uk at the moment. and more of that to come through the next few days. first signs of anything fresher at the end of the week and on into the weekend. this big area of high pressure is to thank for the fine weather. also the heat being locked across the uk. but you will notice a little dot of blue showing up across eastern england. that is indicating the chance

of some showers through parts of the east midlands into the south—east of england into the small hours of tuesday. heavy, thundery, slow—moving if they break out. very warm and muggy night across england and wales. these are the temperatures at the end of the night. realistically they are going to stick closer to 20 degrees through the small hours. on tuesday, high pressure dominating the weather story. still a fine story for the majority, sunshine of course and heat. a bit of patchy cloud for northern scotland. however, come the afternoon, as the heat reaches a certain level we will start to see some of those thunderheads again across parts of the east midlands, may be lincolnshire, east anglia and the south—east. heat pushing into scotland and northern ireland again through the middle of the week. temperatures high 20s or low 30s. as these showers potentially develop through tuesday evening we could see some issues. a lot of rain in a short space of time. some large hail and strong and gusty winds.

they will rumble on into the early hours of wednesday. wednesday morning, i think we will have a fine start. things will have quietened down again but a bit more cloud working its way into the north—east of england tending to stick along the north sea coast through the day. it will be cooler here. continued risk of showers, as the heat of the day builds breaking out across eastern england. we could potentially again see temperatures in parts of northern ireland close to 30 in the middle of the week in one or two spots. another fine hot story for thursday. friday still fine, but notice it is a little cooler. here comes some relief for those of you who dread the heat in the from of this area of low pressure approaching from the south—west. the exact timing of it spreading across the uk is subject to some question but it definitely looks like things will become cooler and more unsettled through the weekend.

this is bbc news, i'm ben brown. the headlines... after 16 months, most of england's coronavirus rules are eased. i've had my vaccines, i want to have a good time, hun. so excited! so excited, can't wait for it! it'sjust, like, a relief, after such a long time | just to have freedom. i'm here in leeds as the drinks flow and the night club shapes are thrown. djs pushing play on a 16 month pause. but the prime minister is urging people to be cautious, with cases of covid on the rise. foreign travel rules change.

fully vaccinated people no longer have to quarantine on return from amber list countries. back in business. hard—hit firms hope the end of restrictions will lead to recovery, though now they face staff having to self—isolate. but not everyone is celebrating. we speak to people who are immunosuppressed about how they view what some are still calling freedom day. and the uk and the eu have accused china of carrying out a major cyber attack earlier this year. good afternoon and welcome to bbc news. 16 months after they were introduced, most legal restrictions on social contact have been lifted in england. there are now no limits on how many

people can meet or go to events, nightclubs can reopen, table service won't be needed in pubs and restaurants. but the prime minister borisjohnson is urging people to remain cautious. he, the chancellor and the health secretary are all self—isolating, and ministers warn that the number of new infections will continue to surge. this report from luxmy gopal contains flashing images. all: six, five, four, three... the moment they've been waiting for for over a year. cheering. the final stage of unlocking in england, with social—distancing rules dropped. 1,000 people packed into this club in central london. no testing, contact—tracing details orjabs required, with many more lining up outside. they've waited 16 months. what's a little longer? there's so many people there, and we're just so,

so pumped to get in there. it's been a year and a half, and now we're alljust ready to dance. i've had my vaccines. i want to have a good time, hun! so excited. so excited! i can't wait for it. it'sjust, like, a relief after such a long time...just to have freedom. nightclubs are one of the few businesses that have had to stay closed throughout the whole pandemic, among the last to reopen. loud music plays. and this is what many have waited so long for, and what the nightlife industry has so desperately needed. some feel the sector has been sidelined. the last year has been hell on earth. i mean, it's been very, very difficult. if you look at what happened last week with the football, compared with what's happening tonight, and you think, why were we treated differently? all we're doing is taking the screens out, putting them into storage. it's more sedate but no less celebratory at this pub

in west london, where they're preparing for an end to table service only and mandatory masks. i can't wait to enjoy doing ourjob, rather than sort of having to basically be a policeman the whole time, and just lecturing people on what they can and can't do, where they can and can't go, the masks they wear, what they touch, where they sanitise, where they track and trace. it's going to be strange for us to adapt again, and the notion of people coming into the pub, being able to go to the table themselves without being directed. as of midnight in england, nearly all legal restrictions on social contact have been removed. face coverings are no longer required by law, but are still recommended in crowded, enclosed spaces. meanwhile, scotland has moved to what's known as level zero. limits on social gatherings remain, with face coverings still mandatory in shops and on public transport. in northern ireland, the latest phase of unlocking is expected next week, while in wales, most covid rules are to be scrapped from the 7th of august, though face coverings will still be required in many indoor public places.

there is concern about restrictions easing at a time when covid cases in the uk are rising. we're at the point where 10% orjust over of intensive care beds in england are occupied by people who have got covid. so there's been a significant increase in pressure on intensive care services over the last few weeks. # cos you're free... # to do what you want to do!... with experts warning that cases could surge further, and with a third of adults not yet fully vaccinated, the worry is, at what price this new freedom? luxmy gopal, bbc news. today's opening up is being welcomed by businesses who've struggled during the pandemic. but while there's been relief for many, there's still confusion for some around whether to maintain some restrictions, as theo leggett has been finding out.

for some, it's a new dawn, a lifting of the gloom. businesses across england have been struggling to cope with covid restrictions for more than a year. now, those restrictions are being removed. for the hospitality industry, it's a big moment. no more compulsory table service or social distancing in pubs and restaurants. wearing a face covering in supermarkets, shops or on public transport is no longer a legal requirement as of today, but that doesn't mean you won't be asked to wear one. many shops, including the major supermarkets, say they'd rather you did, just to be on the safe side. this coffee shop in birmingham city centre also wants its customers to continue being careful. in terms of observing the customers coming in, we're not enforcing that they're wearing facemasks, which is one of the things that obviously they don't have to do from today, in terms of a mandatory sense, but our observation is that nearly everyone has been wearing a facemask when they've come in, which really pleases me.

meanwhile, weddings can now go ahead with no limits on the number of guests. that's good news for caterers and the beauty industry. midwife lynn parsons is preparing for her big day. our guests will be able to mingle with drinks in hand, and chat to family that they've not seen. i've got, you know, family that haven't seen each other for years, you know, year and a half now, so it's going to be amazing, all the family coming together. the lifting of legal restrictions has been flagged up for months, but the unite trade union claims the government has made it too difficult for businesses to prepare. the government's guidance for employers about how to keep workplaces covid secure, they're supposed to be preparing their risk assessments against today so that people can go into work knowing that their workplaces are as safe as possible, was published with only two working days' notice before today. two working days for employers and employees to sit down and make sure that workplaces are covid secure. multiple phone alerts. then there's the pinging problem.

more and more people are being pinged by the track and trace app, and told to isolate. that's left businesses struggling with staff shortages. even large companies are affected. today, motor manufacturer vauxhall admitted production at its luton van plant has suffered. and, as the number of covid infections continues to rise, there's increasing pressure for the track—and—trace rules to be relaxed. theo leggett, bbc news. with cases on the rise, our medical editor fergus walsh says that there is still a huge amount of uncertainty about how high this latest pandemic wave could reach. a lot of possible scenarios where we would see hospital admissions, daily admissions, rising to maybe 2,000 a day. that would still be half the levels we saw in the winter peak. deaths should be much lower. they're being suppressed by about 90%. a small amount of variation

in the effectiveness of the vaccines could make a big difference in terms of hospital admissions. we will also also get an announcement from thejcvi, the body that advises on vaccinations and they are likely to say that vulnerable 12 to 15—year—olds may well be in line for getting the jab. at the moment, if you are 16 and 17 and you have a at the moment, at the moment, if you are 16 and 17 and you have a medical condition, then you can already have the vaccine, but no blanket immunisation offered to teenagers. our political correspondent, iain watson, says one cabinet minister said it wasn't a "good look" that borisjohnson was spending so—called freedom day in self—isolation. he decided he was going

to self—isolate and will be there until next monday. self isolating at chequers, his country retreat. the chancellor also in self isolation because of close contacts of the health secretary sajid javid, who is self—isolating because he has covid. he tested positive, i'm told the prime minister is negative. all this described by a cabinet minister as not a good look on the day when restrictions were being lifted and certainly labour are trying to pile on the political pressure on borisjohnson, because in the past, of course, as restrictions eased, you saw case numbers falling. they are rising sharply at the moment and interestingly keir starmer has been criticised by some on his own side for perhaps not being critical enough of the prime minister but today he launched quite a personal attack, talked about borisjohnson's leadership causing mayhem, suggested it was notjust reckless and incompetent but also his actions or inactions had deadly consequences.

it's quite clear labour do not want to give the government cover for lifting these sections in england and will blame any rise in hospitalisation and subsequently any deaths very much lay that blame at the door of downing street. it's interesting looking at some of the opinion polls which suggest people out there are in a sense more cautious perhaps than the government? that's right. people seem do be quite cautious, this is anecdotal, travelling round public transport, a lot of people still wearing masks and keeping their distance as best they could. certainly that polling suggests much the same. some people are a bit wary about going to cinemas for example, but lots of people very wary indeed, despite the reports, we have seen young people enjoying themselves for the first time perhaps in ages in nightclubs, many were very wary, including regular partygoers, very wary about going back at this stage. the question is whether the government is quite capturing the public mood.

the argument they would there is going to be a next wave whenever the restrictions get lifted so if not now, then when? they don't want to keep this going for the sake of the economy and peoples mental health for months for months and months and they see that exit wave is less damaging in the summer when there is less pressure on the nhs than if instructions were lifted in the autumn or winter. they have to hope after what will be a couple of rocky weeks that we begin to start finally seeing case numbers falling again. at the moment, they are only going in one direction and that's the wrong direction. mask—wearing has dropped by an estimated 20 percentage points in a week inside england's largest rail stations, according to network rail. it says the numbers of passengers with face coverings has fallen from around 95% to 75%. let's get more on this from our transport correspondent, caroline davies. what's the evidence generally on mask wearing in the transport

system? mask wearing in the transport s stem? ~ ~' :, mask wearing in the transport s stem? . ~ :, :, , :, , mask wearing in the transport s stem? ~ :, :, , :, , :, system? we know from the stats from network rail — system? we know from the stats from network rail it — system? we know from the stats from network rail it seems _ system? we know from the stats from network rail it seems to _ system? we know from the stats from network rail it seems to have - network rail it seems to have dropped but bear in mind this is inside their larger stations, not on board mask wearing at the moment, this is inside big stations and network rail has said they have seen anecdotally the number of people waiting dropped from around 95% to 75% in the course of a week, in english stations. england now no longer requires masks to be won on public transport by law but they are keptin public transport by law but they are kept in scotland and wales. this seems relatively significant but whether or not we will see the same numbers on board some of these trains, we do not know. we know from transport for london at mask wearing on there is about 85% on their services. they have also said as of this week it's a condition of cabbage that you wear a mask if you are going to travel on their services. condition of carriage. they will remove you or not allow you on the service in the first

place if you are not wearing a mask. the unions have reacted to these figures. just hearing from the rmt union saying the government need to get a grip on this and bring back mandatory enforcement of mask wearing. we do now have a bit of a patchwork quilt of restrictions, in terms of transport, don't we? with authorities like tfl in london saying it's a condition of carriage you have to wear a mask, but elsewhere it's not?— you have to wear a mask, but elsewhere it's not? they took that ste - , the elsewhere it's not? they took that step. they were — elsewhere it's not? they took that step, they were the _ elsewhere it's not? they took that step, they were the first _ elsewhere it's not? they took that step, they were the first major i step, they were the first major operator to take that step and are able to do that but other mayors around the rest of england did complain last week because they said they wanted to take similar steps but didn't have the same power over transporters london's mayor does, so all they could do was take it in steps where they could. manchester's mayor andy burnham requires masks to be worn on the tram system there and other mayors recommended heavily

masks continue to be worn on board but a lot of them did not have the ability to be able to see this is a condition of carriage and if you don't wear one we will take you. all they can say is we really strongly recommend that you wear one. there is a real patchwork system around the country of when you have to wear a mask and when you don't, the government have always said that it's up to individual operators whether they take those measures and mandate as well as part of the condition of carriage. they strongly recommend that if you are in a crowd setting, that you do we the mask if you are inside. setting, that you do we the mask if you are inside-— setting, that you do we the mask if you are inside. thank you very much indeed for that _ you are inside. thank you very much indeed for that update. _ well, the prime minister is hosting a downing street press conference at 5pm. you'll be able to watch coverage of that from li.30pm on bbc one and the bbc news channel. he is self isolating at chequers, so he will be on a video link and we have got coverage of that from

li:30pm. stay tuned for that. the headlines on bbc news... after 16 months, most of england's coronavirus rules are eased. nightclubs can reopen. and there are now no limits on how many people can meet or go to events. but the prime minister is urging people to be cautious, with cases of covid on the rise. foreign travel rules change — fully vaccinated people no longer have to quarantine on return from amber list countries. the whole of scotland has moved to the lowest level of coronavirus restrictions. the rules have been eased on social gatherings and around weddings and funerals, but face coverings are still compulsory in indoor public places. james shaw reports.

ferries, buses, trains and taxis. masks will remain mandatory on all public transport in scotland. and in many indoor public spaces. that will be the biggest difference between the ways that scotland and england are managing the pandemic. the holiday season is in full swing here on the west coast. and small business owners are hoping it will give them the boost they've been waiting for so long. i think personal responsibility is a good thing to have, you know. you know, we would... we would continue to do the best we can and we take some customer comfort and, you know, a sense of safety quite seriously. the restrictions will remain in place in scotland at least for the next three weeks. that means no more than 8 people from four households can meet in a private home. no more than ten from four households can meet in pubs and restaurants. and a maximum of 15 people can get together outdoors. nightclubs must remain closed. but 200 people will now be able to attend weddings and funerals. and soft play centres can reopen.

things are not so bad, because it's the summer. but i can see us having to go back to lock down before we know it. businesses need help- and people have got to trade. i suppose there's got to be i a balance, but from a personal perspective, i'm keeping my mask on. we're relying on a vaccine that, you know, we are thinking is a miracle cure. it doesn't because there's different variants coming out all the time, so, you know, they've got to bring another vaccine out to combat that! this is the moment when the differences between england and scotland are perhaps as wide as they've ever been. but nicola sturgeon has insisted that the scottish government's approach is the right one. she tweeted that it wouldn't be sensible to think of today as freedom day. it is too early to know which policy will turn out to be the right one. james shaw, bbc news, on the west coast of scotland.

after the relaxation of the rule, restrictions differ in other parts of the uk. in a moment, we'll talk to chris page in belfast but first let's hear from hywel griffith in cardiff. in contrast to england and scotland, this isn't a big day in the welsh calendar for easing restrictions. two days ago, the limits on meeting outdoors were ended and that means people can meet up in gardens or maybe even beer gardens and sit and sup together without social distancing for the first time in a very long time. the one change today is on international travel. that means people who are double—jabbed can return from other countries without self isolation. everything else is still a way off in wales, the earliest date for getting rid of the limit indoors

is august the 7th. for now, limits on meeting people in private homes, who use it with inside a cafe or a restaurant. even that will depend on the data. over the last 16 months, the welsh government has moved at a different pace, some would say slower, to the rest of the uk. but at the moment, the covid rates here are lower. the vaccination rates are higher. at the moment, the welsh government sees no reason to move off its course and when it comes it comes to use of facemasks, they may remain in public places and on public transport in wales for many months to come. and chris page is in belfast and explained the situation in northern ireland. here in northern ireland, the picture as regards to the spread of the virus is similar to in england, but the story on restrictions is very different indeed. the number of positive tests has been going up rapidly in recent weeks and the number of hospitalisations rising, too. a much slower rate and the number of deaths remains relatively low. the devolved government is taking

a very cautious approach. restrictions are continuing. if you are going shopping today here, today, facemasks will still be legally required. there are still limits on socialising. for example, only up to six people from two households can get together and someone pulls my garden and social distancing also remains in place. if you are enjoying a nice weather with a meal or a drink in a pub —— with a meal or a drink in a pub, ministers will be meeting on thursday to rubber—stamp the plans to ease some of those restrictions on socialising a little bit and also reopen theatres and conference venues. beyond that, ministers are suggesting it will be well into next month before they can begin to properly consider easing all restrictions, lifting lockdown once and for all. and it may well be into the autumn before they get to that point that england has arrived at today. big celebrations for those people who love nightclubs. they must be so

happy? iside who love nightclubs. they must be so ha . ? : ., ., who love nightclubs. they must be so ha . . ? : ., ., ., who love nightclubs. they must be so ha-- 7. :, :, ., who love nightclubs. they must be so ha“ 7: ., ., .,, ., :, happy? we have had a stream of --eole happy? we have had a stream of people visiting — happy? we have had a stream of people visiting us _ happy? we have had a stream of people visiting us here _ happy? we have had a stream of people visiting us here at - happy? we have had a stream of people visiting us here at fibre, | happy? we have had a stream of. people visiting us here at fibre, in the courtyard outside. they are just opening up for round two. they opened their door at one minute past midnight last night. hundreds of people inside. arriving this morning we saw people making their way home looking worse for wear, big smiles on theirface, this night has been a long time coming, nearly 500 days but nightclubs are back open and for the owner here and many others we have spoken to, they point towards the huge benefits that will have on the huge benefits that will have on the economy. their business and the mental health of people who visit nightclubs. on the flip side, the extreme caution we have already been hearing about with those increases and hospitalisations and covid—19 cases. despite the government advice, this nightclub and many others across england have decided

not to check covid vaccine is or whether someone has a negative cobra test upon entry. it's notjust a big day for nightclubs, it's a biggie for events and festivals and i'm joined by darren. explain what you do and your business. iside joined by darren. explain what you do and your business.— joined by darren. explain what you do and your business. we are based in york and — do and your business. we are based in york and it's _ do and your business. we are based in york and it's our _ in york and it's our bread—and—butter, managing large gatherings. we help work with their new owners and promoters. for you, the last 16 months _ new owners and promoters. for you, the last 16 months must _ new owners and promoters. for you, the last 16 months must have - new owners and promoters. for you, the last 16 months must have been l the last 16 months must have been extremely difficult. explain to us the significance of today. it extremely difficult. explain to us the significance of today.- the significance of today. it was very difficult. _ the significance of today. it was very difficult. the _ the significance of today. it was very difficult. the stop - the significance of today. it was very difficult. the stop start i the significance of today. it was| very difficult. the stop start was hard _ very difficult. the stop start was hard to — very difficult. the stop start was hard to manage. we are a new business _ hard to manage. we are a new business. coming in before the pandemic— business. coming in before the pandemic we launched the event world and as— pandemic we launched the event world and as a _ pandemic we launched the event world and as a new business we struggle to -et and as a new business we struggle to

get any— and as a new business we struggle to get any support from the government financially _ get any support from the government financially. it was really difficult. we survived and adapted. from _ difficult. we survived and adapted. from that — difficult. we survived and adapted. from that we created new concepts. the rooftop — from that we created new concepts. the rooftop of car parks and other places _ the rooftop of car parks and other places across the country to allow people _ places across the country to allow people to — places across the country to allow people to be as normal as possible. the biggest thing for us was that we could _ the biggest thing for us was that we could help _ the biggest thing for us was that we could help other people in the industry— could help other people in the industry and work with others in the industry— industry and work with others in the industry to— industry and work with others in the industry to continue as much as possible — industry to continue as much as ossible. :, :, :, :, possible. you mentioned the owner of this nightclub — possible. you mentioned the owner of this nightclub and _ possible. you mentioned the owner of this nightclub and others _ possible. you mentioned the owner of this nightclub and others not - this nightclub and others not checking for negative tests. what is your stance? what will you do with your stance? what will you do with your events? for your stance? what will you do with your events?— your events? for us personally, i have a festival _ your events? for us personally, i have a festival in _ your events? for us personally, i have a festival in a _ your events? for us personally, i have a festival in a few— your events? for us personally, i have a festival in a few weeks i your events? for us personally, i l have a festival in a few weeks and many— have a festival in a few weeks and many other— have a festival in a few weeks and many other through the summer. we will work— many other through the summer. we will work with the guidance from local— will work with the guidance from local councils and promoters and i understand the nervousness from some people _ understand the nervousness from some people but— understand the nervousness from some people but from my point of view, we are the _ people but from my point of view, we are the guys— people but from my point of view, we are the guys behind—the—scenes that are the guys behind—the—scenes that are there _ are the guys behind—the—scenes that are there to— are the guys behind—the—scenes that are there to help make it safe and fun and _ are there to help make it safe and fun and we — are there to help make it safe and fun and we will continue to do that and i_ fun and we will continue to do that and i want — fun and we will continue to do that and i want to encourage people that

the guys _ and i want to encourage people that the guys that own these venues and run the _ the guys that own these venues and run the festivals are very good. they— run the festivals are very good. they are — run the festivals are very good. they are used to managing crowds, are very— they are used to managing crowds, are very experienced at working together~ — are very experienced at working together. i think it will be good. you mentioned the safety aspect. what is your take and feeling about maybe re—entering some form of restriction further down the line without those in place? that restriction further down the line without those in place?- restriction further down the line without those in place? that is the nervousness- _ without those in place? that is the nervousness. it _ without those in place? that is the nervousness. it is _ without those in place? that is the nervousness. it is great _ without those in place? that is the nervousness. it is great for - without those in place? that is the nervousness. it is great for now i nervousness. it is great for now that— nervousness. it is great for now that we — nervousness. it is great for now that we can _ nervousness. it is great for now that we can reopen and the scenes last night— that we can reopen and the scenes last night was great to see but in the back— last night was great to see but in the back cover remains it's always what _ the back cover remains it's always what is _ the back cover remains it's always what is coming next? for now, we plod on. _ what is coming next? for now, we plod on, continue and try to grow again— plod on, continue and try to grow again and — plod on, continue and try to grow again and it's nice to see people enjoying — again and it's nice to see people enjoying themselves but we do need to be mindful of about what is to come _ to be mindful of about what is to come at — to be mindful of about what is to come at the end of the summer. thank ou for come at the end of the summer. thank you forjoining — come at the end of the summer. thank you forjoining us- _ come at the end of the summer. thank you forjoining us. a _ come at the end of the summer. thank you forjoining us. a significant - you forjoining us. a significant crossroads in this covid—19 pandemic. a split in opinion, some happy. pandemic. a split in opinion, some happy, some not, some very cautious about what lies ahead but what we

know as those clubs and events are on. , :. know as those clubs and events are on. , :, :, ~ , :, know as those clubs and events are on. , :, :, ~ on. they are indeed. thank you so much. new advice about travelling abroad has come into effect. the government is no longer warning against travel to amber list countries and people who've had both doses of a vaccine won't have to quarantine on their return from any country on the amber list, except france. nina warhurst reports. mid—july in one of the uk's biggest airports and look. capacity around 10%. the changing traffic light system, multiple testing, leading many to ask is it worth it? how are you feeling about this holiday?! we're feeling super, really excited. great, yeah. be going away again after all this lockdown. what he said. laughter. l normally, going on holiday is something you look forward to and be excited about. i have to say, this has been a pretty stressful, anxious time for everybody. so, not sure i'd do it again, knowing what i know now from this experience.

from today, those returning from amber—listed countries will not have to quarantine, if they're double jabbed or under 18, though they will still have to test before and after coming home. and those travelling to france will still have to quarantine, despite it being on the amber list. and it's these inconsistencies causing confusion, which are putting many travellers off. what we need is we need the framework to be able to put in place exactly what was intended, you know, a framework that would enable confidence, that will enable people to travel, everyone understands the rules and it's simplified. now that we have so many of the population that are fully vaccinated, we also need to enable those that are fully vaccinated coming back from green countries to be able to travel without the need for testing. manchester airport group has spent £1 billion on this brand—new terminal. it's got everything you might need for a global travel hub except the volume of passengers.

they say they're confident that footfall will return, but it has to happen soon. i mean, last year, manchester airports group lost several hundred million pounds. and we really need to have a good summer. and then a consistent application of the framework through the rest of the year to try and start that period of recovery. clearly, we're not going to recover fully this year. but we do need that framework in place that is consistently applied. some holiday—makers told us that absorbing the expense of testing, around £100 per person, still left a smaller dent in their savings than a holiday in the uk. but for others, the risk of catching covid before they fly or having to isolate when they get back feels too great. another summer, another holiday postponed. nina warhurst, bbc news, manchester. now it's time for a look at the weather with susan powell.

hello. lots of sunshine, lots of heat across the uk at the moment. more to come in the days ahead. if you're not a fan, the first signs of something cool arriving from friday onwards. back to the here and now, though, and this area of high pressure is holding steady, trapping the heat across the uk, keeping it essentially fine. but the keen—eyed amongst you willjust notice some showers popping up to the south—east through the evening into the small hours of tuesday. could be heavy, could be thundery, but very isolated. warm and muggy overnight across england and wales. temperatures realistically for the small hours probably closer to 20 degrees. those are the figures at the end of the night. tuesday again, a day with a lot of fine weather, sunshine and heat. the heat creeping further north into scotland and northern ireland. tuesday afternoon and into tuesday evening, and the small hours of wednesday, however, and thunderstorms could be more

of an issue for parts of eastern england.

hello, this is bbc news with me ben brown. thank you for being with us. the headlines: after 16 months, most of england's coronavirus rules are eased. nightclubs can reopen. and there are now no limits on how many people can meet or go to events. i've had my vaccines, i want to have a good time, hun. so excited! so excited, can't wait for it! it'sjust, like, a relief, after such a long time | just to have freedom. but the prime minister is urging people to be cautious, with cases of covid on the rise. foreign travel rules also change — fully vaccinated people no longer have to quarantine on return from amber list countries.

sport and for a full round—up, from the bbc sport centre, it is lazy once again. —— lizzie. good afternoon. lewis hamilton has been racially abused online following his victory in the british grand prix. his team — mercedes, as well as formula one's governing bodies have condemned the abuse, "in the strongest possible terms". they said in a statement, "these people have no place in our sport. we urge that those responsible should be held accountable for their actions." the number of athletes testing positive for covid—19 at the olympics is creeping up. a female usa gymnast tested positive and another team member has been identified as a close contact. the gymnast isn't displaying any symptoms and is at the team's training camp in the city of inzai. both athletes have now been transferred to a hotel to quarantine. meanwhile, the six team gb olympic athletes who were required to self—isolate have returned to training after producing multiple negative pcr tests. well, earlier i spoke to our tokyo correspondent rupert wingfield—hayes and started by asking him if the situation had

caught the organisers out. i think they have been taken by surprise and almost at every by surprise almost at every stage in the run—up to the olympics over the last weeks and months. if you think back to march, we were talking about having stadiums full of spectators. we were talking about no compulsory testing of people coming into the country, certainly no talk of athletes having to be vaccinated before they came into the country. and as time has gone on and the covid pandemic has continued and got worse injapan in the last couple of months, we have seen the olympic authorities responding by tightening further. rupert, briefly, in a word, are these olympic games in danger of not happening? not yet. these are individuals. there is no evidence of spread within the bubble yet. but if that happens then i think that does represent a real threat. britain's mark cavendish says he'll take a break before deciding his future,

after an un—expectedly successful tour de france. he won the top sprinter�*s green jersey for the first time in a decade and equalled the record for most career stage wins, with 31i, although hejust missed out on going one better in the final stage on the champs—elysees yesterday. when we started in brittany three weeks ago i was just happy to be here, you know? it is the race i've dedicated my life too, it has given me the life that i have and i have so much respect for it and its history. just to be here one more time was big itself. and then to win a stage after everything that has happened in the last few years and everything i've been through, that was enough. that was more than enough. that was a bonus to win anything, then to win four and then win the green jersey. it has been a journey. it has not been an easy one but it has been a beautiful one. british and irish lions captain

alun wynjones is set to be part of the squad for saturday's first test against south africa. he's only been back a few days since dislocating his shoulderjust over three weeks ago againstjapan. but after making a remarkable recovery, the wales lock played nearly half an hour in the final warm—up match on saturday. it will be his tenth lions cap. the draw for the third qualifying round for the new season's champions league has been made, with rangers and celtic both given tricky looking fixtures. it's been more than ten years since rangers last made the group stages — and they'll face malmo or hjk helsinki. celtic, who haven't reached the group stages since the 2017/18 season will play psv eindhoven or galatasaray if they beat denmark's fc midtjylland in the second qualifying round. the football association is launching an independent investigation into the events surrounding the euro 2020 final at wembley. some fans fought with stewards and police whilst trying to break through security gates. uefa had already opened disciplinary proceedings and the fa say they aim to ensure lessons are learned and that the "disgraceful scenes are never repeated".

that's all the sport for now. we'll have more for you in the next hour. thank you in the next hour. you, lizzie, see you later. well, for some people, the lifting of most of england's restrictions is not a time to celebrate. many people in at risk groups say they feel abandoned. our health correspondent katharine da costa has spoken to three people who are immuno—suppressed — about how they view what others call freedom day. 28—year—old holly van geffen from leicester suffers from cystic fibrosis. six years ago, she had a double lung transplant, and takes immunosuppressants to stop her body rejecting them. she's been shielding since the first lockdown in march last year. it's had a huge impact on my mental health. i've had days where i'vejust cried. it's been really tough, logging on to social media and seeing my friends all go out to parties. do you think there's been enough guidance and support for people with a weakened immune system?

we've been told to try to avoid people who have not yet had both doses of the vaccine, or any doses. well, that's very difficult. they've told us to go shopping, if we like, at quieter times. it's now the summer holidays, i don't know when those quieter times are going to be. so i am just going to have to stay at home, shielding, really, but without the support. it's difficult, i feel very abandoned right now. chris sandham's garden's become his sanctuary for the last 16 months. the 79—year—old from sheffield is currently undergoing chemotherapy, after his prostate cancer returned. the treatment�*s knocked out his immune system, so he's having to be extremely careful. we couldn't meet the grandchildren and give them a hug, you know, all this sort of thing. it impacts on your mental being and your health generally, and you just get very, very down. chris and his wife should have been going off to the cotswolds today, but they cancelled their holiday, because of concerns not everyone would be wearing masks at the hotel. i can't take the risks to go and mix

indoors in a crowded hotel with other people who probably will not be wearing masks, and neither will the staff. yay! 39—year—old delyth parton from west bromwich had her third child in the first lockdown last march. delyth has lupus, and takes immunosuppressants to stop her body attacking itself. it's meant shielding away from friends and family. i've found it really hard without my parents and my support bubble. my husband's brilliant but, you know, new baby on your own, five of us stuck in a small house for the best part of a year with no respite. it's been horrible, it's just been awful. how do you feel about so—called freedom day? you can already see it, a lot less masks in shops now, people are sort of on top of each other. let's alljust keep a lid on it, just for a little bit, and let's alljust keep each other safe, because that's the kindest thing that we can do for each other, and then everybody

can enjoy freedoms. katherine da costa, bbc news. german politicians have described catastrophic failings in a flood warning system that failed to save the lives of about 160 people last week. officials insist the system worked properly, but politicians said there should have been more warnings. damian mcguinness reports. the rains have stopped and the flood waters are receding but that also means the true extent of the destruction is becoming clear. countless numbers of people have lost everything. and the region's infrastructure has been torn apart. roads and bridges have been destroyed, and there are still areas without basic amenities. translation: there's neither electricity nor drinking water. l i don't know what to say. i must stop to take a break now and then and talk to people, otherwise i'll go crazy.

within the space of two days, two large states were hit by more rainfall than they usually get in two months, causing the region's many rivers to burst their banks. in the village of schuld, the flood waters destroyed, and in some cases, even washed away houses. and in one town near cologne the water created landslides which undermined a row of homes and a castle. it had survived for centuries but wasn't able to withstand the onslaught of the floods. often people had just minutes to get to safety. translation: iwoke up about 11pm and stepped l into the water with a depth of about 20 centimetres when i got off the bed. i couldn't have imagined how fast the water would rise if i hadn't experienced it on my own. translation: i don't know what to do. i i have four kids. this is really a disaster. no—one told me how long it would take to rebuild this place, which may take a year or two years. we are out of work.

how to carry out the reconstruction is the biggest issue. the german chancellor angela merkel has visited the region and expressed her shock at the destruction. on wednesday her cabinet will agree a rescue package for these areas. as the devastated areas are cleaned up and rebuilt, though, pressure will grow on the german government to fulfil its promises. damien mcguinness, bbc news, neuburg, in rhineland—palatinate. here — 12 former sub—postmasters have had their criminal convictions overturned at the court of appeal. their original cases were based on evidence linked to the horizon computer system, which was installed in branches and has now been shown to have had serious faults. as a result it looked as if money was going missing from individual post offices. in april, 39 former sub—postmasters had their names cleared by the court of appeal, and today s ruling is part

and today's ruling is part of a gradual process of overturning hundreds more potentially incorrect criminal convictions. at least 4,000 racehorses, the vast majority of them trained in ireland and some once owned and trained by some of the biggest names in racing, have been put down in abattoirs since 2019 according to figures obtained by bbc panorama. the investigation also reveals how regulations which are meant to protect horses from a cruel death appear to be regularly ignored at one of britain's biggest abattoirs. darragh macintyre reports. last february a picture of grand national winning trainer gordon elliott sitting on a dead horse sent shock waves through the world of racing and beyond. campaign group animal aid which wants an end to horse racing said the picture raised big questions about the whole industry.

what concerned me was not particularly gordon elliott being an idiot, but the fact that there is a dead young horse below him. what were the reasons for that horse dying in training? animal aid already had cameras in one of britain's biggest abattoirs. over four days of filming the footage captured dozens of racehorses being slaughtered. when we looked at the footage we were absolutely astounded at the sheer volume of young thoroughbreds. many of them had been sent from ireland and three had been recently trained by gordon elliott. mr elliott told panorama none of those animals were sent by him to the abattoir. he said the horses had retired from racing due to injury and were not under his care or ownership when they were euthanised in england. he said the first time he learned of their fate was when panorama contacted them. equine expert professor daniel mills found what appeared to be routine breaches of regulations including a practice

of shooting horses from a distance. to me that is completely out of order. if you're going to euthanise a horse you've got to get the bullet in the right place. if that is representative of how they are being killed and we have got a really serious problem. other apparent breaches of the rules included horses being shot together. drury and sons told panorama they took great care to maintain high welfare conditions and do not accept any form of animal abuse. they said all horses are humanely destroyed and that on occasions where issues do occur they take swift action to review and rectify. the bottom line is these horses, if they are to be euthanised, i could and should bei euthanised at home. this is unnecessary suffering. horse racing ireland said it places great importance on the welfare of horses. the british horseracing authority told panorama it is committed to high standards of care for racehorses before, during and after racing,

and that it would carefully consider any issues raised by the programme. darragh macintyre, bbc news. you can see panorama: the dark side of horse racing on bbc 1 tonight at 8.30pm. the headlines on bbc news: after 16 months, most of england's coronavirus rules are eased. nightclubs can reopen. and there are now no limits on how many people can meet or go to events. but the prime minister is urging people to be cautious, with cases of covid on the rise. foreign travel rules change — fully vaccinated people no longer have to quarantine on return from amber list countries. let's get more now on the ending of most restrictions in england. our business presenter ben thompson has been spending the day in birmingham, talking to members of

the hospitality industry about the ending of restrictions there. that is a funky fire you are sitting next to. ~ :. that is a funky fire you are sitting next to. . :, ::, , :, next to. we have come inside to avoid not _ next to. we have come inside to avoid not only — next to. we have come inside to avoid not only that _ next to. we have come inside to avoid not only that a _ next to. we have come inside to avoid not only that a pneumaticl avoid not only that a pneumatic drill that was plaguing those in the last hour but also to escape some of the heat so we have come to sit by the heat so we have come to sit by the fire. but look, we are inside one of the coffee shops here that would normally be full of people that work in the offices around here, the 35,000 people who work in birmingham's central business district. while there has been a steady stream of customers through here, trade is still down by about 50% of what it would normally be on a monday afternoon and therefore lots of businesses hope the easing of restrictions mean all of those workers come back and the bars and restaurants and coffee shops start to see a return to something a bit more normal. but whilst the restrictions are eased today there seems to be no rush back to the office and that could take a while. therefore, having lots of

implications for all of those smaller businesses. let me introduce you to sue who is with me this afternoon. you run one of the shops just around the corner from here, normally you would have a lot of businessmen and business women in their propping up your trade, but that disappeared overnight and you have been in a pretty unique position that you are open all the way through the pandemic seven days a week. give me a sense of the last 18 months for you. it a week. give me a sense of the last 18 months for you.— 18 months for you. it has been a roller-coaster _ 18 months for you. it has been a roller-coaster ride, _ 18 months for you. it has been a roller-coaster ride, to _ 18 months for you. it has been a roller-coaster ride, to be - 18 months for you. it has been a. roller-coaster ride, to be honest. roller—coaster ride, to be honest. certainly— roller—coaster ride, to be honest. certainly from mid march last year when _ certainly from mid march last year when covid hit and the restrictions hit, when covid hit and the restrictions hit. our— when covid hit and the restrictions hit, our business fell off a cliff. we were — hit, our business fell off a cliff. we were 95% down because we were almost _ we were 95% down because we were almost entirely dependent on the business — almost entirely dependent on the business district. that was mostly monday— business district. that was mostly monday to — business district. that was mostly monday to friday, 12—2 for the most part _ monday to friday, 12—2 for the most part the _ monday to friday, 12—2 for the most part. the only people we were serving — part. the only people we were serving for the three months after that work— serving for the three months after that work people that work at the local hospital. there was very little — local hospital. there was very little traffic on the road. some days _ little traffic on the road. some days we — little traffic on the road. some days we would open up and only served _ days we would open up and only served five people. this presented a tremendous challenge for us because

we had _ tremendous challenge for us because we had to— tremendous challenge for us because we had to pivot the business. if we were _ we had to pivot the business. if we were relying on the business sector coming _ were relying on the business sector coming back i don't think we would be in _ coming back i don't think we would be in business any more. so we looked — be in business any more. so we looked at — be in business any more. so we looked at developing new areas, new markets. _ looked at developing new areas, new markets, and for us that was through delivery— markets, and for us that was through delivery partners and we found that certainly _ delivery partners and we found that certainly last summer we had the eat 0ut certainly last summer we had the eat out to— certainly last summer we had the eat out to help 0ut that gave us a little _ out to help 0ut that gave us a little burst and then things went steady _ little burst and then things went steady again. there has been a slow increase _ steady again. there has been a slow increase since january this year, a guickening — increase since january this year, a quickening certainly of business since _ quickening certainly of business since june, quickening certainly of business sincejune, but quickening certainly of business since june, but we are still not back— since june, but we are still not back any— since june, but we are still not back any where near where we were. we are _ back any where near where we were. we are still— back any where near where we were. we are still 60% down in terms of our business sector and we have actually — our business sector and we have actually managed to survive by moving — actually managed to survive by moving into new markets. you are tellin: moving into new markets. you are telling me. _ moving into new markets. you are telling me. by _ moving into new markets. you are telling me, by moving _ moving into new markets. you are telling me, by moving into - moving into new markets. you are telling me, by moving into new. telling me, by moving into new markets and working pretty hard to develop new streams of business, you are actually coming out of this pandemic in a pretty strong position. that's quite unique, isn't it? , . position. that's quite unique, isn't it? , : :, , position. that's quite unique, isn't it? ,: :, , it? yes. we are very lucky really that we have _ it? yes. we are very lucky really that we have worked _ it? yes. we are very lucky really that we have worked 40-50 i it? yes. we are very lucky really i that we have worked 40-50 hours, 60 that we have worked 40—50 hours, 60 hours _ that we have worked 40—50 hours, 60 hours some _ that we have worked 40—50 hours, 60 hours some weeks, day in and day out

throughout— hours some weeks, day in and day out throughout the pandemic and we have reached _ throughout the pandemic and we have reached a _ throughout the pandemic and we have reached a whole new audience. we sell hawaiian food and when we opened — sell hawaiian food and when we opened up two years ago not many people — opened up two years ago not many people in_ opened up two years ago not many people in birmingham knew what poke was, people in birmingham knew what poke was. so _ people in birmingham knew what poke was, so through our delivery partners _ was, so through our delivery partners we have reached a whole new audience _ partners we have reached a whole new audience of _ partners we have reached a whole new audience of people who have tried us on takeaway delivery and are now coming _ on takeaway delivery and are now coming to— on takeaway delivery and are now coming to the restaurant to try us out. : ,:, coming to the restaurant to try us out. : , :, :, :, coming to the restaurant to try us out. : :, .: :, out. and so to a certain extent, whether or _ out. and so to a certain extent, whether or not _ out. and so to a certain extent, whether or not all _ out. and so to a certain extent, whether or not all of _ out. and so to a certain extent, whether or not all of those i out. and so to a certain extent, l whether or not all of those office workers come back is irrelevant. you would love to have them as walk in customers but you have managed to go away and find a whole new different business, and so as you emerge from this pandemic you have sort of got two micro businesses and you are not as dependent on the office workers as dependent on the office workers as you once were?— as dependent on the office workers as you once were? that's correct. we are in at least — as you once were? that's correct. we are in at least three _ as you once were? that's correct. we are in at least three market _ as you once were? that's correct. we are in at least three market sectors i are in at least three market sectors and we _ are in at least three market sectors and we think there are two more that we can— and we think there are two more that we can attack simply from where we are at— we can attack simply from where we are at the _ we can attack simply from where we are at the present moment in time. but our— are at the present moment in time. but our business at the moment, and i'm but our business at the moment, and i'm looking _ but our business at the moment, and i'm looking back over the last three or four— i'm looking back over the last three or four weeks, i'm looking back over the last three orfourweeks, is i'm looking back over the last three or four weeks, is actually stronger

than it— or four weeks, is actually stronger than it was— or four weeks, is actually stronger than it was pre—covid. or four weeks, is actually stronger than it was pre-covid._ or four weeks, is actually stronger than it was pre-covid. there are not many businesses _ than it was pre-covid. there are not many businesses right _ than it was pre-covid. there are not many businesses right now - than it was pre-covid. there are not many businesses right now that i i than it was pre-covid. there are not| many businesses right now that i can say that, are there? today the easing of restrictions, what will it mean for you and what will you change in the business, if anything? we will not change anything in terms of what _ we will not change anything in terms of what we _ we will not change anything in terms of what we do behind the counter. we have a _ of what we do behind the counter. we have a large _ of what we do behind the counter. we have a large robust screens up that will stay _ have a large robust screens up that will stay in — have a large robust screens up that will stay in place between us and our customer base to keep them safe, we do _ our customer base to keep them safe, we do regular testing, we have all of our— we do regular testing, we have all of our sanitising policies and procedures that we will carry on doing — procedures that we will carry on doing in— procedures that we will carry on doing. in terms of our customers, we will not _ doing. in terms of our customers, we will not be _ doing. in terms of our customers, we will not be enforcing mask wearing and social— will not be enforcing mask wearing and social distancing will be up to them _ and social distancing will be up to them now — and social distancing will be up to them now. having said that, quite a few of— them now. having said that, quite a few of our— them now. having said that, quite a few of our customers do come from the hospitals and they will continue, i'm sure, to wear masks and be _ continue, i'm sure, to wear masks and be cautious and socially distance _ and be cautious and socially distance stop there is a lot of concern. _ distance stop there is a lot of concern, with the government easing restrictions. — concern, with the government easing restrictions, it puts the onus on you to — restrictions, it puts the onus on you to have _ restrictions, it puts the onus on you to have to police some of the rules. _ you to have to police some of the rules. to — you to have to police some of the rules. to try— you to have to police some of the rules, to try and request people change — rules, to try and request people change some of their behaviours. giving _ change some of their behaviours. giving the — change some of their behaviours. giving the easing of restrictions now is the right time? and as a business owner, do you feel there is

too much responsibility on you to encourage customers to behave in a certain way? i encourage customers to behave in a certain way?— certain way? i don't really want to comment on _ certain way? i don't really want to comment on what _ certain way? i don't really want to comment on what the _ certain way? i don't really want to | comment on what the government certain way? i don't really want to i comment on what the government is doing _ comment on what the government is doing is— comment on what the government is doing is right or not at the moment. if it doing is right or not at the moment. if it wasn't _ doing is right or not at the moment. if it wasn't for the vaccination programme we would be seeing far higher— programme we would be seeing far higher death rates, and it's possible _ higher death rates, and it's possible the daily infection rate could _ possible the daily infection rate could rise considerably more than it currently— could rise considerably more than it currently is — could rise considerably more than it currently is. and after this variant i'm currently is. and after this variant i'm sure _ currently is. and after this variant i'm sure there will be another one in october. — i'm sure there will be another one in october, november and another one after that— in october, november and another one after that so _ in october, november and another one after that so i don't want to commit too much _ after that so i don't want to commit too much on — after that so i don't want to commit too much on whether i think the government is doing it right. the public— government is doing it right. the public has — government is doing it right. the public has patients in terms of how much _ public has patients in terms of how much it— public has patients in terms of how much it is— public has patients in terms of how much it is prepared to put up with and people — much it is prepared to put up with and people are getting quite near the end _ and people are getting quite near the end of their tether. sue, and people are getting quite near the end of their tether.— the end of their tether. sue, so nice to chat _ the end of their tether. sue, so nice to chat to _ the end of their tether. sue, so nice to chat to you _ the end of their tether. sue, so nice to chat to you and - the end of their tether. sue, so nice to chat to you and so i the end of their tether. sue, so nice to chat to you and so nice l the end of their tether. sue, so. nice to chat to you and so nice to hear stories of businesses that are coming out the other side thriving. thank you and really good to see you. so as you have been hearing, although we have been speaking to all sorts of different businesses contending with the pandemic, how they have survived over the last 18 months, but crucially now today a significant day in easing restrictions to get something done that back to something that

resembles normal. su's business have gone out and found different markets and to move away from they be what they were dealing with before. business certainly are changing and whether it is back to normal, of course, a big question, how long it will take for anything to return to normal but i think it's fair to say that business is not business as usualjust that business is not business as usual just yet. that business is not business as usualjust yet. hot that business is not business as usualjust yet-— usual 'ust yet. not 'ust yet. 0k, usualjust yet. not 'ust yet. on, sen * usualjust yet. not just yet. ok, ben thompson, - usualjust yet. not just yet. ok, ben thompson, thankl usualjust yet. not just yet. i ok, ben thompson, thank you usualjust yet. not just yet. - ok, ben thompson, thank you very 0k, ben thompson, thank you very much indeed. ben thompson in birmingham and we also had ben mundy in leeds so we have all of the bens out around the country and i'm just here in london! the australian government is to deport the controversial commentator, katie hopkins, after she boasted about flouting hotel quarantine rules. the former apprentice contestant had been due to appear in the new series of big brother vip. our correspondent in sydney — shaimaa khalil — gave us more details. katie hopkins entered australia initially to take part in the celebrity edition of big brother on friday

in an instagram video she said she was given instructions by hotel quarantine officers that when someone knocks on her door, essentially to deliver food, that she should wait 30 seconds and then she should open the door and get her food but should wear a facemask. she was laughing through the whole video and then she said what she hoped she would do was wait until someone knocked on the door, open the door naked with no facemask to scare them and essentially, of course, put their lives at risk. she also described lockdowns as the biggest hoax in human history. mind you, she is saying that while in sydney we are in our fourth week of lockdown and melbourne is in lockdown at the moment so the two biggest cities in australia are in lockdown because of the spread of the delta variant. when this video came out, of course, it sparked all sorts of anger, not just at these disrespectful comments but also at the fact she was able to enter australia and take part in big brother, given how controversial a character she is. this morning we heard from the home

affairs minister karen andrews who described her behaviour as appalling and a slap in the face to all of those australians in lockdown and did confirm that her visa was cancelled and that she will be deported as soon as possible. seven network and the production company behind the show also said that she was sacked. what neither the government nor seven network addressed fully why seven network addressed fully is why she was hired in the first place. this is the commentator who described refugees as cockroaches, who said islam was repugnant, who is known for her controversial comments. she was allowed to come into australia. the home affairs minister said that the new south wales government here where i am made that request on economic benefits basis but she was glad that katie hopkins was leaving. again, this really touches a very sore spot with australians.

the restrictions have meant that thousands and thousands of australians are still stranded overseas, unable to come home at a time, like i said, when australia's two biggest cities are still in lockdown. shaimaa khalil reporting. a two—year—old boy who was found apparently being smuggled in a migrant lorry to the united states — has been reunited with his family in honduras. willder garcia was discovered along with more than a hundred migrants in suffocating conditions. tim allman reports. back in his mother's arms after a harrowing adventure. willder garcia looked happy enough, despite spending more than two weeks in the care of the mexican authorities. after a cuddle with mum it was a drive across country and a reunion with most of the rest of his family. translation: yesterday was a day when my life i came back to me. isaw him. he recognised me

and ran towards me. i felt happy. this was willder when he was found abandoned on a highway in southern mexico — half naked and screaming for his parents with bags of rubbish surrounding him. he set out with his father to travel to the us, but somewhere along the way they got separated. it was only when his story made international headlines that his mother recognised him on television. she has got her son back, but will she try to reach america again? translation: no, not any more. it risks the lives of children. i it's been sad what we went through. it's better to be poor and to keep living. willder�*s father is believed to be in an immigration centre in mexico and will soon be sent back to honduras. no happy ending in america, but a family reunited safe and sound. now it's time for a look

at the weather with susan powell. hello. plenty of sunshine, plenty of heat across the uk at the moment. and more of that to come through the next few days. first signs of anything fresher at the end of the week and on into the weekend. this big area of high pressure is to thank for the fine weather. also the heat being locked across the uk. but you will notice a little dot of blue showing up across eastern england. that is indicating the chance of some showers through parts of the east midlands into the south—east of england into the small hours of tuesday. heavy, thundery, slow—moving if they break out. very warm and muggy night across england and wales. these are the temperatures at the end of the night. realistically they are going to stick closer to 20 degrees through the small hours. tuesday, still high pressure dominating the weather story. still a fine story for the majority, sunshine of course and heat. a bit of patchy cloud for northern scotland. however, come the afternoon,

as the heat reaches a certain level we will start to see some of those thunderheads again across parts of the east midlands, may be lincolnshire, east anglia and the south—east. heat pushing into scotland and northern ireland again through the middle of the week. widely, temperatures high 20s or low 30s. as these showers potentially develop through tuesday evening we could see some issues. a lot of rain in a short space of time. some large hail and strong and gusty winds. they will rumble on into the early hours of wednesday. wednesday morning, i think we will have a fine start. things will have quietened down again but a bit more cloud working its way into the north—east of england tending to stick along the north sea coast through the day. it will be cooler here. continued risk of showers, as the heat of the day builds breaking out across eastern england. we could potentially again see temperatures in parts

of northern ireland and southern scotland close to 30 in the middle of the week in one or two spots. another fine hot story for thursday. friday still fine, but notice it is a little cooler. here comes some relief for those of you who dread the heat in the from of this area of low pressure approaching from the south—west. the exact timing of it spreading across the uk is subject to some question but it definitely looks like things will become cooler and more unsettled through the weekend.

this is bbc news, i'm ben brown. the headlines... after 16 months, most of england's coronavirus rules are eased. i've had my vaccines, i want to have a good time, hun. so excited! so excited, can't wait for it! it'sjust, like, a relief, after such a long time | just to have freedom. but the prime minister is urging people to be cautious, with cases of covid on the rise. back in business. hard—hit firms hope the end of restrictions will lead to recovery, though now they face staff having to self—isolate. i'm here in leeds as the drinks flow and the dance floor shapes are thrown. nightclubs are back open

with djs across england pushing play on a 16 month pause. foreign travel rules change.fully vaccinated people no longer have to quarantine on return from amber list countries. but not everyone is celebrating. 02:01:11,009 --> 2147483052:37:20,218 we speak to people who 2147483052:37:20,218 --> 4294966103:13:29,429 are immunosuppressed,