Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

Matt Hancock warns of tougher social distancing measures

The British government on Sunday warned that outside exercise could be banned if people flout stringent guidelines to cut the spread of coronavirus infections.

The UK government on March 23 ordered a three-week shutdown of non-essential shops and services to cut close-contact transmission of the virus.


But warmer weekend weather has stoked fears that people could congregate in parks and open spaces, potentially threatening any gains made in cutting transmission rates.

A major south London park was closed on Sunday after concern about high numbers of sunbathers on Saturday.

Health secretary Matt Hancock, who himself tested positive for COVID-19, told Sky News television that sunbathing was "against the rules" and anyone doing so put lives at risk.

He told the BBC most people were following guidance only to leave their homes to shop for essential supplies and medicine, and to exercise once a day.

But he said it was "quite unbelievable" that a minority were not.

"The truth is the more people go out from home, the more the virus spreads," he added.

"I don't want to have to take away exercise as a reason to leave home because people are not following the rules...

"If the result of that is that too many people go out and flout the rules I'm afraid we'll have to take action."

Hancock later told a daily government briefing changes to social distancing rules were "not imminent".

- Medical officer rapped -

Meanwhile in Scotland, the country's chief medical officer apologised for ignoring her own advice about non-essential travel.

Police said they warned Catherine Calderwood for twice visiting her family's second home more than an hour from Edinburgh after photographs were published in a newspaper.

Chief constable Iain Livingstone of Police Scotland said officers "spoke to her about her action, reiterated crucial advice and issued a warning about her future conduct".

Calderwood, who fronts a public advertising campaign urging Scots to stay at home, told a news conference: "What I did was wrong. I'm very sorry. It will not happen again."

She added: "This was a mistake. Human error. And there's no excuses. I should not have done what I did."

Scotland's first minister Nicola Sturgeon said people's criticism and anger was justified, and she was right to apologise. But she backed her to remain rather than resign.

"She should not have got this wrong... But I need to have the best possible expertise... if we are to steer the best course through this," she added.

- Queen to speak -

The developments came as Britain reported 621 more deaths as of 1600 GMT on Saturday, taking the total toll to 4,934.

The toll -- down from a record day-on-day high of 708 as of Friday, after a week of steady increases -- includes a five-year-old child and seven healthcare workers.

There were 47,806 confirmed hospital cases as of 0800 GMT on Sunday, up 5,903 on the previous 24 hours.

Queen Elizabeth will make a rare special address at 1900 GMT on Sunday in which she is expected to praise people's response to the outbreak.

Her eldest son and heir, Prince Charles is recovering from mild symptoms of COVID-19.

Prime minister Boris Johnson remains in self-isolation with a high temperature after testing positive for the disease, which is expected to peak in Britain in the next week to 10 days.

His pregnant partner, Carrie Symonds, said she has also shown symptoms but not been tested.

More For You

Ozempic

A dramatic shift in the weight-loss market

iStock

WeightWatchers seeks debt relief through US bankruptcy as Ozempic reshapes industry

WW, formerly WeightWatchers, has filed for bankruptcy in the United States as it faces mounting debt and major shifts in the health and wellness sector, particularly due to the rising popularity of Ozempic.

The company has entered Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings, allowing it to restructure around $1.15 billion (£860 million) in debt while continuing day-to-day operations. WW stressed there would be no disruption to its services, with workshops, digital tools, and telehealth support remaining fully accessible to members.

Keep ReadingShow less
Best canal routes

Scenic summer experience

Getty

10 best canal holidays in Britain for summer 2025

With record numbers choosing narrowboats over airports, canal holidays are enjoying a resurgence in Britain. Whether it's a leisurely week along the Llangollen or a weekend loop through the Midlands, the UK’s canal network offers a peaceful, scenic alternative to crowded beaches or city breaks. Here are 10 of the best canal routes to explore this summer.

1. Llangollen Canal, Wales to Shropshire


This picturesque route winds from Llangollen in Wales to the English market town of Whitchurch. The highlight is the spectacular Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where boats cross a 38-metre-high cast-iron trough. Along the way, travellers pass through verdant countryside, charming villages, and the Horseshoe Falls. It’s one of the most photographed waterways in Britain.

Keep ReadingShow less
Diljit Dosanjh Revives Patiala Legacy with Met Gala Emerald

Diljit Dosanjh stuns Met Gala with 2,500-stone necklace inspired by lost Maharaja treasure

Getty Images

Diljit Dosanjh wears 130 carat emerald necklace at Met Gala inspired by the lost £20 million Patiala jewel

When Diljit Dosanjh stepped onto the Met Gala red carpet this year, he didn’t just show up in a designer outfit but walked in carrying history. Dressed in an all-white ensemble with a turban, a kirpan and a spectacular necklace layered with emeralds and diamonds, Dosanjh paid tribute to Maharaja Bhupinder Singh of Patiala, a name long associated with grandeur and timeless elegance.

The necklace was made in Jaipur by Golecha Jewels, who spent nearly four months crafting the piece. It wasn’t a copy of the original Patiala necklace, which vanished decades ago, but a fresh creation inspired by archival images and Dosanjh’s personality. It featured over 2,500 stones, with the emerald centrepiece weighing close to 130 carats, according to jeweller Manav Golecha.

Keep ReadingShow less
Celebrities support Lepra’s prize draw for Mental Health Awareness Week

Celebrities support Lepra’s prize draw for Mental Health Awareness Week

Leading celebrities from across the UK including Sir Stephen Fry, Dame Helen Mirren, Dame Judi Dench, Miranda Hart, Dame Joanna Lumley and Olivia Colman, have all contributed items for Lepra’s first-ever Mental Health Awareness Week Prize Draw!

One lucky winner will receive a personalised video message from Olivia Colman. Also available to win are signed film and stage memorabilia from Dame Helen Mirren.

Keep ReadingShow less
Ambani family's lavish lifestyle and multi-million monthly spend

The family is also known for hosting extravagant events

Getty

Ambanis ‘spend over £2 million a month’: A look inside India’s most extravagant household

Mukesh Ambani, chairperson of Reliance Industries and India’s richest man, is known for leading an extraordinarily lavish lifestyle alongside his family. Their residence, Antilia, situated in Mumbai, is widely regarded as one of the most expensive private homes in the world.

The 27-storey building features six floors dedicated solely to parking for the family’s extensive collection of luxury vehicles. It also includes multiple helipads, private cinemas, and expansive living areas — all customised to reflect the Ambani family’s penchant for exclusivity and grandeur.

Keep ReadingShow less