Warmest New Year's Eve recorded in Somerset ushers in 2022 - BBC News

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Britain has seen its hottest New Year's Eve ever with temperatures reaching 15.8C (60.4F) in the west of England, the Met Office has said.

The previous record of 14.8C (58.6F) in Colwyn Bay, Wales, in 2011 was toppled this afternoon in Somerset.

Temperatures will continue to rise across England before dropping at night as the UK rings in 2022.

Areas of southern and eastern England including the West Country and London will see the mildest weather.

The Met Office said the extremely mild spell was driven by a flow of warm, moist air from the Canary Islands.

Temperatures have continued to climb this #NewYearsEve afternoon with Merryfield in Somerset recording 15.8 °C so far pic.twitter.com/q2LehhF5me

— Met Office (@metoffice) December 31, 2021

The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites.View original tweet on Twitter

Met Office spokesperson Stephen Dixon said the first reading taken at Ryehill in East Yorkshire at 11:00 GMT had "provisionally broken the New Year's Eve record".

"Our station at Ryehill, a small village in East Yorkshire has recorded 14.9C (58.8F) today, which tops the previous record of 14.8C (58.6F)."

That figure has since risen to 15.8C (60.4F) and was last recorded at the Met Office's station in Merryfield in southwest Somerset.

The Met Office said the weather was forecast to get cooler from Tuesday, potentially bringing wintry showers and frosts.

Forget your fleece and coat - it's liberating to take a pleasant New Year's Eve stroll in just your T-shirt.

But it doesn't bode well for the future.

The Met Office say the UK's record temperatures have all been elevated by manmade climate change which has raised temperatures globally by 1.1C.

Cold records are still being broken, as in the Beast from the East storm in 2018.

But the Met Office say warm weather records are being broken nine times more frequently - a clear sign of an over-heating planet.

The winter wildfires in Colorado are even arguably more alarming than unseasonal warmth in the UK.

It's too soon to say what role human-driven climate change may have played in the disaster - but it's the latest episode of regular weather patterns being disrupted.

Meanwhile, different regions of Alaska are experiencing record high and low temperatures at the same time.

Climate scientists warn that we can expect many more extremes as the planet continues to heat. And attempts to reduce emissions have been undermined by several factors, including President Biden's struggle with climate policies in the USA.

The highest UK daytime temperature recorded on New Year's Day is 15.6C (60F) in Bude, Cornwall, in 1916.

Met Office chief forecaster Steve Ramsdale said: "The current weather pattern is bringing extremely mild conditions to the UK - perhaps reaching around 16.0C (60.8F) in some parts.

"We also expect some very mild overnight temperatures as well with minimum temperature records being broken in places."

The Met Office added the warm spell has the potential to challenge records for New Year's Day, creating the unusual situation of one weather system perhaps breaking weather records for two days in separate calendar years.

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2021-12-31 16:16:37Z
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Cross-border Covid restrictions 'killing pub profits' - BBC News

A pub landlady says strict coronavirus restrictions in Wales had "killed" profits, as customers are expected to head across the border to England to celebrate New Year's Eve.

Restrictions are in place in Welsh pubs and restaurants, while clubs are shut.

Chelly Jones, of the Stanton House Inn in Chirk, Wrexham, said the pub was struggling because of the different restrictions.

People wanting to party only have to walk a mile into Shropshire, she said.

Groups of no more than six people can meet in pubs, cinemas and restaurants in Wales and the two metre social distancing rule has returned to public places.

First Minister Mark Drakeford has asked those planning a trip to England to "think consciously and carefully," before travelling.

The Bridge Inn, a short distance from Chirk but over the border in Shropshire, England, where there are no restrictions, said it was hoping to prevent a rush of customers from Wales by selling tickets to its New Year's Eve celebrations.

Pub worker Sian Roberts said locals had told her they were "worried" about the expected influx of customers from Wales.

Back in Chirk, just half a mile from the border, Mrs Jones, who runs the pub with husband Mark, said business over Christmas had been a "disaster".

"It's most definitely because of the different restrictions in England than in Wales," she said.

"There's a pub just across from us who are able to do whatever they want on New Year's Eve.

"We're in the middle of where they can party and we can't."

• Q&A: Can I have a New Year's Eve party in Wales?
• 'It should be the same rules in every country'
• Welsh hospitality hit 'far worse' than in England

Zoe Ellis, co-owner of Palm Cocktail Bar, in Chester, also close to the Welsh border, said she had seen a surge in bookings for New Year's Eve.

Speaking to BBC Radio Wales Breakfast, she said: "I think it's to be expected; of course people from Wales, Wrexham way are going to come over to Chester, they would do on a normal New Year's Eve, let alone how it is at the moment.

"I don't really think anyone's seeing it as a major issue. Everyone's still sticking to the guidelines where we are, so I think everyone's happy for people to come over - just try to be as sensible as possible, but really enjoy the new year."

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2021-12-31 11:44:26Z
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Milton Keynes NHS Covid test centre theft investigated - BBC News

Thames Valley Police

Police are trying to trace a woman in connection with a theft at an NHS test and trace centre during an anti-vaccination protest.

Dozens of protesters entered the site in Milton Keynes on Wednesday.

Thames Valley Police said during the incident "an individual was seen to take equipment".

A CCTV image has been issued of a woman officers believe may have information about what happened and who they would like to speak to.

Police are still investigating Wednesday's incident and no arrests have yet been made.

Ch Insp Graham Hadley said: "We are carrying out a thorough investigation into the protest.

"As part of our inquiries, we believe the woman pictured may have information that could help our investigation."

He also appealed for anyone who witnessed the protest or had footage of the incident to contact police.

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Videos of the anti-vaccination protest showed the marchers throwing traffic cones towards a marquee set up to administer tests at the NHS centre, and knocking down signs.

Abuse was also shouted at staff by some of the protesters.

On Thursday, Home Secretary Priti Patel said on Twitter: "It is completely unacceptable that conspiracy theorists are intimidating and harassing those administering tests or delivering the life-saving vaccine programme."

Health Secretary Sajid Javid also condemned the protest, saying: "This kind of vile behaviour is unacceptable."

The protests happened on the day Prime Minister Boris Johnson visited a vaccination centre in Milton Keynes, and encouraged people to get a booster jab.

Marchers also entered the lobby of Milton Keynes Theatre during a pantomime on Wednesday afternoon.

Writing on social media, a spokesman for the theatre said "a group of protestors forced their way into the venue's foyer before being escorted out of the building by the police".

"Although we respect the right to choose whether to have a vaccination, we rebuke the actions taken today that saw our staff and patrons frightened and assaulted," he said.

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2021-12-31 08:28:33Z
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Covid-19: Calls to give NHS staff priority access to lateral flow tests - BBC News

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NHS workers must be given priority for accessing lateral flow Covid-19 tests, professional health bodies say.

The British Medical Association and Royal College of Nursing said health staff should come first for the rapid tests to ease staffing issues.

Health Secretary Sajid Javid said ministers expect they will need to "constrain" supply for two weeks to manage surging demand.

It comes as UK daily Covid cases reached another record high of 189,213.

A further 332 deaths within 28 days of a positive test were also recorded - the highest figure since 2 March.

However, the number of deaths includes a backlog of hospital deaths reported overnight by NHS England covering the period from 24 to 29 December.

The number of daily cases also include figures from Wales for a two-day period.

Meanwhile, Wales has loaned four million lateral flow tests to England. And Mr Javid said the supply of lateral flow tests in the UK was being tripled early next year, to 300 million a month.

Labour is also calling for key workers to be prioritised for PCR and lateral flow tests, warning that the issue is adding to staff shortages.

• When should I take a Covid test?
• Warning over patchy lateral flow Covid test supply
• Scientists advised post-Christmas lockdown

Some NHS staff have told the BBC they cannot get hold of any, as they have to use the same system as everyone else.

One cancer care worker from London said she missed several days of work after being unable to order rapid tests online or collect them from a pharmacy - even after identifying as a key worker.

Speaking on condition of anonymity, she said: "This is one of the key reasons why there are absences on the front line.

"I used to pick up two boxes of 40 tests from work, but now I have to access tests in the same queue as the general public."

Another NHS worker, based in Cambridgeshire, also confirmed to the BBC they had been unable to get hold of rapid tests through their hospital ahead of the Christmas period.

And a junior doctor based in London said her hospital does on-site testing for staff - but when three of her housemates recently got Covid, she was unable to get lateral flow tests to use at home.

"On the government website you can say if you're an NHS staff member but it takes you to the same page everyone else gets," she said.

The doctor said it was the same situation with PCR tests, so she paid £80 for a private 'Fit to Fly' test just before Christmas - more usually carried out before travelling abroad - so she could return to work and know she was safe to see family.

Caroline, a GP nurse in Kent, said she had to return to work after Christmas without taking a test as she could not get hold of any lateral flow tests or book a PCR - but later developed symptoms and tested positive.

"I will have put my patients at risk, including a new born baby coming for their first immunisations, and my colleagues," she told the BBC.

• Are you an NHS worker affected by the unavailability of Covid tests? Email haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk

Meanwhile, Covid hospital admissions are also rising, with 2,082 admissions in England on 28 December - up 90% in a week and the highest daily figure since February.

The latest figures do not break down data into those who have been admitted because of symptoms directly linked to Covid and those admitted for other conditions who tested positive on arrival.

The number of Covid patients in England's hospitals - 11,452 - is still well below the peak of around 34,000 last January.

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Current government guidance for NHS workers in England states those who are a contact of a Covid-19 case must test negative via a PCR test and take lateral flow tests for 10 days after the contact - with tests taken before their shift on days they are due to work.

The Department for Health and Social Care said the NHS has additional stock of lateral flow tests and stressed people who "live or work in vulnerable settings have access to dedicated testing order routes".

A government spokesperson said: "Throughout the pandemic we have prioritised the most vulnerable when it comes to vaccines, boosters, testing and other infection control measures such as PPE."

Issues with accessing tests have been reported in recent weeks, with intermittent online availability of lateral flow and PCR test slots, as well as many pharmacies lacking supplies of the rapid tests.

Problems getting hold of them could lead to people mixing over the New Year without knowing if they are infectious, immunologist Prof Peter Openshaw has warned.

The UKHSA has said that eight million lateral flow tests would be made available to pharmacies by Friday - New Year's Eve.

Dr David Wrigley, the British Medical Association's deputy council chair, said staff absences in the NHS were having an effect on patient care, with cancelled appointments and longer waiting times, and that key workers should be prioritised.

General Secretary of the Royal College of Nursing, Pat Cullen, echoed this call, saying it was vital staff have access to tests to protect themselves and their patients.

Chris Hopson, the head of NHS Providers which represents trusts, said coronavirus absences were having a significant impact on the economy and parts of the health service.

Unison, one of the largest unions representing health workers, said NHS trusts need to "up the pressure" on the government to distribute the tests needed if stocks are low.

Latest data showed 18,829 staff at NHS acute trusts in England were off work due to Covid, either through sickness or self-isolation, on 19 December. Figures for more recent days are due to be released on Friday.

In other developments:

• From Friday, Wales and Northern Ireland are cutting the self-isolation period for people with Covid from 10 days to seven - as long as they have negative lateral flow results on days six and seven and have no symptoms
• Germany will lift its travel ban on UK tourists from 4 January, with those who are fully vaccinated or who have an important reason to travel allowed to enter the country
• Police are appealing for information after anti-vaccine protesters targeted an NHS testing centre in Milton Keynes on Wednesday

• LAURA MVULA'S MUSIC ROOM: The star on the music that has got her through 2021
• SIMPLE PLEASURES: Sandi Toksvig explores the Danish notion of hygge

Are you an NHS worker affected by the unavailability of Covid tests? Share your experiences haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk.

Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a BBC journalist. You can also get in touch in the following ways:

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If you are reading this page and can't see the form you will need to visit the mobile version of the BBC website to submit your question or comment or you can email us at HaveYourSay@bbc.co.uk. Please include your name, age and location with any submission.

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2021-12-30 19:45:14Z
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What Edinburgh's new average house price can get you in different parts of the city - Edinburgh Live

The average price for a new home in Edinburgh sits at £293,406 - up seven per cent from this time last year, according to new data.

The pandemic did not put off perspective house buyers, as the city is well above the Scottish average of £207,778 and remains the most expensive in the country.

READ MORE - Scottish M&S shopper criticised for her 'selfish' Boxing Day sale haul

Graham Blair, mortgages director at Bank of Scotland, who supplied the data said: “Scottish house prices have enjoyed another bumper year, with growth outperforming the UK average and properties in almost every town now worth more than 12 months ago.

“The feedback we’re getting from customers matches what we see in the data. Prolonged working from home has influenced where people want to live and the type of property they want to own.

“While our major cities continue to be attractive, with commuting now less of a priority, areas that offer more space and better affordability have experienced increasing demand from buyers.”

So what can Edinburgh's average house price get you in different parts of the city?

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2021-12-30 08:09:22Z
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Lateral flow tests Northern Ireland: No shortage in supply as DoH details how to get them - Belfast Live

The Department of Health has issued a statement as coronavirus testing throughout the UK reaches an "exceptionally high demand."

In Northern Ireland, changes to who should get a PCR test were announced on December 29.

The Public Health Agency made the announcement on Wednesday after record numbers of people were tested this week with over 21,000 tests done on Monday, December 27.

Under the new testing rules, fully-vaccinated close contacts are no longer required to take a PCR test, but are instead advised to take a lateral flow test as soon as possible.

The close contact should then take daily lateral flow tests until the tenth day after the last date of contact with the positive case.

If an LFD turns positive at any time during the 10 days, they should arrange a PCR test. Unvaccinated people will have to continue to self-isolate for 10 days as before.

As a result, Gerard Greene, Chief Executive of Community Pharmacy NI, said that "demand is outstripping supply" for lateral flow testing kits in Northern Ireland.

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In a statement issued to Belfast Live, the Department of Health said the last month has seen an "unprecedented increase" in the demand for lateral flow tests.

Despite this, however, they make it clear Northern Ireland has "sufficient stock" of the kits and there is "no shortage of tests."

They added that community pharmacies are currently receiving 750,000 tests per week, and there are more than 580 test collection sites across NI.

A spokesperson for the Department of Health said: "This is a period of exceptionally high demand for testing across the UK. PCR tests are managed on a 4 country basis as part of the National Testing Programme and more tests are released each day.

"If you are unable to secure a test, people are encouraged to please be patient and to try back later.

"Please only book a PCR test when necessary. This is key to help protect the testing system in Northern Ireland and ensure availability of testing for those who need it.

"The last month has also seen an unprecedented increase in demand for lateral flow tests. Despite this Northern Ireland continues to have sufficient stock and there is no shortage of tests. The Department continues to work extremely hard with all logistics partners to ensure delivery of stock to pharmacies and other collect sites across Northern Ireland.

"Stocks of LFDs held locally in Northern Ireland have also been increased to provide additional resilience against increased demand.

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"Community Pharmacies are currently receiving 750k tests per week. Individual collection sites may at times run low on stock between deliveries; however there are a range of options that people can use to access tests.

"This includes the Home Channel which has seen its’ capacity significantly increase, making it easier for people to order tests online for home delivery.

"There are more than 580 collection sites across Northern Ireland, including more than 500 community pharmacies.

"To find a collection location close to you, go to the site finder online at https://maps.test-and-trace.nhs.uk/."

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2021-12-30 11:41:44Z
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Party on for New Year's Eve despite Covid test shortage, says Boris Johnson - The Times

Boris Johnson said people should go out and celebrate New Year’s Eve despite a nationwide shortage of Covid tests and a record number of cases.

The prime minister, senior cabinet members and government advisers have all urged people to do lateral flow tests before meeting up to help limit the spread of the Omicron variant.

However, no tests were available for delivery on the government website for most of yesterday, while pharmacies said there was a “huge” supply problem. The government will attempt to deliver millions more tests to pharmacies over the next 48 hours.

Last night a No 10 source clarified that people could still go out if they failed to secure a test but should exercise caution.

Sajid Javid, the health secretary, told

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2021-12-29 22:00:00Z
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Nearly 100 terrorists being considered for release by parole board after law change in wake of attacks - Sky News

Almost 100 convicted terrorists are being assessed for release from prison by the parole board, with several cases being decided in the next few months..

Emergency laws passed in the wake of the 2019's London Bridge attacks in February 2020, that blocked the automatic early release of jailed terrorists, mean that 92 active and ongoing terror cases could come before the parole board in the near future, depending on how long it takes to gather evidence.

Due to the "critical public protection nature" of the cases, the parole board is increasing the number of specialists who can handle them.

Image: Usman Khan killed two people in a terror attack at Fishmongers' Hall near London Bridge in 2019 - he had previously been a convicted terrorist

Terror cases often take longer to be considered for parole, due to being more complex, and the need to "go through painstaking and thorough processes" to ensure the all the information is available, the parole board said.

Offenders will no longer be automatically freed after serving half their time and must now serve at least two-thirds of their sentence before being eligible for release. Cases must also be reviewed by the Parole Board before a decision is made over release.

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Among the cases up for review is that of Nazam Hussain, who plotted attacks alongside the London Bridge attacker Usman Khan, and Jack Coulson, who produced a pipe bomb in his bedroom which was filled with Nazi memorabilia - both could face the board in March.

Rangzieb Ahmed, a terror boss who became the first person in the UK convicted of directing terrorism after he led a three-man cell that was planning mass murder, could also have his case heard in March.

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The same month could also see Jawad Akbar, who was part of a group plotting to bomb the Bluewater shopping centre in Kent and the Ministry Of Sound in London in 2004, hear if he will be released.

Abdalraouf Abdallah's case may also be heard soon - he was visited in prison by Manchester Arena bomber Salman Abedi but has denied involvement in the attack. He was recalled to prison earlier this year for breaching his bail conditions.

Since the law came into force, 117 cases have been referred to the parole board. Eleven have so far been freed while 14 have been kept behind bars.

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A key part of reviews comes from intelligence supplied by the security services, and the panels, which are made up of people such as former judges, chief constables and psychologists, require "top-level security clearance" in order for them to hear sensitive evidence.

But, because of the "critical public protection nature" of the cases, the Board is increasing the number of specialists who can handle them and hopes to have around 70 panel members by early next year.

A parole board spokesman said: "Public protection is always our top priority. Any terrorist convicted offender released into the community will be subject to some of the strictest licence conditions available, including restrictions of where they can go, who they can associate with, restrictions on internet use, electronic devices, travel and work.

"They will also be subject to further close monitoring as part of Multi Agency Public Protection Arrangements (Mappa)."

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2021-12-30 04:19:38Z
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COVID-19: New Nightingale 'surge hubs' to be set up amid growing Omicron wave - Sky News

A number of new Nightingale "surge hubs" are to be set up around England as the NHS goes on a "war footing" in preparation for a wave of Omicron hospital admissions.

Eight locations with capacity for 100 patients will be set up, with work beginning this week, NHS England has said.

More sites have also been identified that could add another 4,000 "super surge" beds, which include premises such as gyms and education centres.

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ICU patients 'overwhelmingly' not boosted

It comes as hospitals use hotels and care homes to safely discharge as many patients as possible in an effort to free up space for people with COVID.

NHS national medical director Professor Stephen Powis said: "Given the high level of COVID-19 infections and increasing hospital admissions, the NHS is now on a war footing.

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"We do not yet know exactly how many of those who catch the virus will need hospital treatment, but given the number of infections we cannot wait to find out before we act and so work is beginning from today to ensure these facilities are in place.

"We hoped never to have to use the original Nightingales and I hope we never to have to use these new hubs."

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The new hubs, named after Florence Nightingale, will be staffed by nurses and consultants, as well as clinical and non-clinical workers and look after those who are not well enough to go home but need minimal supervision during their COVID-19 recovery.

NHS England Nightingale hub locations

Royal Preston hospital

St James' University Hospital in Leeds

Lister Hospital in Stevenage

St George's Hospital in London

The William Harvey Hospital in Ashford, Kent

North Bristol Hospital

Solihull Hospital

University Hospitals Leicester

Health Secretary Sajid Javid said: "We hope the Nightingale surge hubs at hospitals will not have to be used but it is absolutely right that we prepare for all scenarios and increase capacity."

As part of a deal with Hospice UK, up to 4,800 people a day who may need monitoring but do not need to be in hospital, could be given support from a hospice bed or by home visitors.

The NHS is also making use of virtual wards, where patients get monitoring technology and regular check-ins with medical staff.

GPs also have access to nearly 250,000 devices that can read blood-oxygen levels by scanning finger tips, so that COVID patients can monitor their own levels at home rather than use up a hospital bed.

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Chris Hopson, chief executive of NHS Providers - the membership organisation for NHS trusts in England, said: "Building on lessons learnt from earlier in the pandemic, trusts are identifying extra capacity on existing hospital sites that could be turned into super surge capacity should it be required.

"Trust leaders hope this back up insurance policy will never be needed, as with the original Nightingales. But it must be the right 'no regrets later' move to make these preparations now.

"Given the other pressures on the NHS and the current level of staff absences, staffing this capacity would be a major challenge. But co-location on existing hospital sites maximises the NHS's ability to meet that challenge.

"We also need to recognise that this will add further stretch to an already hard pressed NHS."

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2021-12-30 01:58:45Z
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