Japan tunnel of lights

Veteran environmental activist Swampy has left an anti-HS2 demonstration in a network of tunnels beneath central London, leaving just one protester left. Swampy, whose real name is Dan Hooper, was arrested after leaving the site in Euston Square Gardens on Thursday morning. With him was 18-year-old Blue Sandford, the daughter of Scottish landowner Roc Sandford, and an unnamed 22-year-old woman - both of whom were also arrested. The network of tunnels near Euston station was discovered on 26 January, having been created in secret by protesters who oppose the redevelopment of the area for the HS2 railway line. Eight campaigners have so far left the tunnels; however, HS2 Rebellion, the group behind the demonstration, says one person still remains underground. Advertisement On Thursday, the group said the latest three campaigners to leave were "well" and in "high spirits" after their arrest on suspicion of aggravated trespass. "They were taken … [Read more...] about HS2: One protester left in Euston underground tunnels after Swampy leaves

While there's light at the end of the tunnel for many British businesses after months of lockdown, there's some familiar favourites that will never return to the High Street. Many businesses have been told they could reopen on April 12 if the government reaches its Covid vaccination target, as part of Boris Johnson's plan to get the country out of restrictions. Hairdressers, salons, clothing outlets and many small, local businesses such as florists will be able to trade again after more than three months of closures. But for many towns and communities, the high street will never be the same again as one by one big chains that have been part of Britain's culture have fallen under the pressure of the pandemic. Some struggling brands will return to the high street but others will now operate online-only. Paperchase is closing 27 stores while Jaeger, John Lewis, Edinburgh Woollen Mill, Bonmarché, Hays Travel and Prezzo will reduce their store counts. Sir Philip Green's … [Read more...] about High street favourites that won’t re-open in April as Covid closes iconic chains forever

SCHOOLS won't have to enforce face masks or carry out regular testing on pupils, it was revealed today. Speaking to Good Morning Britain this morning, education minister Nick Gibb said twice-weekly testing will not be compulsory for pupils to go to school in England but remains “highly recommended”. With pupils returning to schools in March 8, Gibb confirmed a "no test, no school" policy is not in place but said he hopes the majority of students will volunteer to test themselves at home twice a week before coming in to school. "No, they’re not compulsory but we highly recommend it, it’s everybody doing everything we can to identify asymptomatic cases of Covid , helping to reduce the transmission," he said. "The first three tests will be taken in the school that will show the students how to do it most effectively and it’s the students themselves that will do it at home with supervision by their parents," he added. Meanwhile, normal summer exams have been ditched and … [Read more...] about Coronavirus news UK update – A Levels and GCSEs SCRAPPED for 2021 as schools told testing & masks won’t be compulsory

The UK's COVID-19 alert level has been downgraded, with the threat of the NHS being overwhelmed receding. The UK's chief medical officers say the alert level should move from 5 to 4 as the numbers of patients in hospital are "consistently declining and the threat of the NHS and other health services being overwhelmed within 21 days has receded". Level 4 means transmission of COVID-19 is now "high or rising exponentially" compared with level 5 where there was "a risk of healthcare services being overwhelmed". What is the UK's 'COVID alert level' and what does it mean? The UK has been on level 5 since the beginning of January when it was moved from level 4 as it went back into lockdown after Christmas. In a joint statement, the four UK chief medical officers and NHS England's national medical director said they agreed the level should be downgraded following advice from the Joint Biosecurity Centre "and in light of the most recent data". … [Read more...] about COVID-19: UK alert level downgraded as threat of NHS being overwhelmed recedes

MRS Hinch may be known for her stylish grey home, but her garden is sure to give you some serious envy this sunny lockdown weekend. Sophie Hinchliffe , who has 3.5 million followers on her popular home account, has been lovingly transforming the Essex pad she owns with husband Jamie - and the outdoor space is no exception. The 30-year-old cleanfluencer posts regular updates on Instagram about her garden - which she's kitted out with a teepee for son Ronnie, nearly one, and B&M's popular egg chair. Sophie bought the chair for £150 last summer - raving that she was "so chuffed" - and accessorised it with B&M fairy lights and fake ivy from The Range. The groomed garden features rattan furniture, potted plants, a walled flower patch, a stylish patio area and a spacious grassy area for dog Henry to enjoy. The greenfingered gal, who has a mixture of fake and real plants, previously admitted she had "no clue what I'm doing" when it came to gardening - but has since … [Read more...] about Inside Mrs Hinch’s enviable garden with B&M’s hanging egg chair, stylish BBQ area and a teepee for Ronnie