Sir Richard Branson's rocket company Virgin Orbit has succeeded in putting its first satellites in space. Ten payloads in total were lofted on the same rocket, which was launched from under the wing of one of the entrepreneur's old 747 jumbos. Sir Richard is hoping to tap into what is a growing market for small, lower-cost satellites. By using a jet plane as the launch platform, he can theoretically send up spacecraft from anywhere in the world. In reality, of course, his Virgin Orbit system has to be licensed in the locality where it is used, which at the moment is solely California. But...…Sir Richard Branson's rocket company Virgin Orbit has succeeded in putting its first satellites in space. Ten payloads in total were lofted on the same rocket, which was launched from under the wing of one of the entrepreneur's old 747 jumbos. Sir Richard is hoping to tap into what is a growing market for small, lower-cost satellites. By using a jet plane as the launch platform, he can theoretically send up spacecraft from anywhere in the world. In reality, of course, his Virgin Orbit system has to be licensed in the locality where it is used, which at the moment is solely California. But...WW…

At least three people have died following an explosion that caused a building to partially collapse in centre of the Spanish capital, Madrid.A fourth person was missing and several others were hurt, officials said.City officials said the blast, which destroyed four floors of the building, had been caused by a gas leak.Mayor José Luis Martínez Almeida told reporters after the blast that a fire was raging inside the building, which belongs to the Catholic Church.The blast happened shortly before 15:00 local time (14:00 GMT) as gas workers were repairing a boiler at the back of the building in...…At least three people have died following an explosion that caused a building to partially collapse in centre of the Spanish capital, Madrid.A fourth person was missing and several others were hurt, officials said.City officials said the blast, which destroyed four floors of the building, had been caused by a gas leak.Mayor José Luis Martínez Almeida told reporters after the blast that a fire was raging inside the building, which belongs to the Catholic Church.The blast happened shortly before 15:00 local time (14:00 GMT) as gas workers were repairing a boiler at the back of the building in...WW…

Prices rose at a faster rate in the UK in December, despite Covid curbs that forced non-essential shops to shut.Consumer Prices Index inflation jumped to 0.6%, from 0.3% in November, pushed higher by rising transport and clothes prices, .Many people rushed to travel and beat Christmas restrictions, forcing up prices.The rise was slightly higher than many economists' forecasts of 0.5%.Inflation is the rate at which the prices for goods and services increase.It affects everything from mortgages to the cost of our shopping and the price of train tickets.It's one of the key measures of...…Prices rose at a faster rate in the UK in December, despite Covid curbs that forced non-essential shops to shut.Consumer Prices Index inflation jumped to 0.6%, from 0.3% in November, pushed higher by rising transport and clothes prices, .Many people rushed to travel and beat Christmas restrictions, forcing up prices.The rise was slightly higher than many economists' forecasts of 0.5%.Inflation is the rate at which the prices for goods and services increase.It affects everything from mortgages to the cost of our shopping and the price of train tickets.It's one of the key measures of...WW…

I was last here at University Hospital Monklands on 1 May when those dealing with the first wave of an unknown disease were already tired.At that time, the deaths of 29,059 people had been registered in the UK within 28 days of a positive test for Covid-19.I returned 259 days later with the number of deaths at 89,230 to find that the staff are exhausted."We're all physically, mentally and emotionally drained now," says Fiona Bauld, an intensive care unit (ICU) staff nurse.In the first wave, the Lanarkshire hospital was almost empty except for patients being treated for Covid or other...…I was last here at University Hospital Monklands on 1 May when those dealing with the first wave of an unknown disease were already tired.At that time, the deaths of 29,059 people had been registered in the UK within 28 days of a positive test for Covid-19.I returned 259 days later with the number of deaths at 89,230 to find that the staff are exhausted."We're all physically, mentally and emotionally drained now," says Fiona Bauld, an intensive care unit (ICU) staff nurse.In the first wave, the Lanarkshire hospital was almost empty except for patients being treated for Covid or other...WW…

Joe Biden is preparing to be sworn in as the 46th US president, ending one of the most dramatic political transitions in American history.He is due to take the oath of office at about 12:00 local time (17:00 GMT).Outgoing President Donald Trump, who has not formally conceded to Mr Biden, is snubbing the ceremony.The new president has announced a raft of executive orders aimed at dealing with the coronavirus crisis and reversing Mr Trump's key policies.Mr Trump left the White House for the last time as president shortly after 08:00 (13:00 GMT). He boarded a helicopter, flew to the nearby...…Joe Biden is preparing to be sworn in as the 46th US president, ending one of the most dramatic political transitions in American history.He is due to take the oath of office at about 12:00 local time (17:00 GMT).Outgoing President Donald Trump, who has not formally conceded to Mr Biden, is snubbing the ceremony.The new president has announced a raft of executive orders aimed at dealing with the coronavirus crisis and reversing Mr Trump's key policies.Mr Trump left the White House for the last time as president shortly after 08:00 (13:00 GMT). He boarded a helicopter, flew to the nearby...WW…

In the final hours of his presidency, Donald Trump has pardoned 73 people, including his former adviser Steve Bannon, who is facing fraud charges.Another 70 people had sentences commuted, ahead of Joe Biden's inauguration at noon (17:00 GMT).Rapper Lil Wayne received a pardon and there were commutations for rapper Kodak Black and former Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick.The president has not issued preemptive pardons for himself or family members.He can still issue more pardons on Wednesday morning, as he remains president until Mr Biden takes the oath of office outside the US Capitol.The...…In the final hours of his presidency, Donald Trump has pardoned 73 people, including his former adviser Steve Bannon, who is facing fraud charges.Another 70 people had sentences commuted, ahead of Joe Biden's inauguration at noon (17:00 GMT).Rapper Lil Wayne received a pardon and there were commutations for rapper Kodak Black and former Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick.The president has not issued preemptive pardons for himself or family members.He can still issue more pardons on Wednesday morning, as he remains president until Mr Biden takes the oath of office outside the US Capitol.The...WW…

Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte has won a crucial vote to stay in power - days after former PM Matteo Renzi pulled his party out of the coalition.The vote in the Senate - 156-140, with 16 abstentions - means, however, that Mr Conte does not have an absolute majority in the upper chamber. Opposition parties say they plan to ask President Sergio Mattarella to intervene to force him to resign.Mr Conte, a law professor, has led a centrist coalition since 2018. The main parties in his coalition are the anti-establishment Five Star (M5S) and the centre-left Democratic Party (PD). The prime...…Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte has won a crucial vote to stay in power - days after former PM Matteo Renzi pulled his party out of the coalition.The vote in the Senate - 156-140, with 16 abstentions - means, however, that Mr Conte does not have an absolute majority in the upper chamber. Opposition parties say they plan to ask President Sergio Mattarella to intervene to force him to resign.Mr Conte, a law professor, has led a centrist coalition since 2018. The main parties in his coalition are the anti-establishment Five Star (M5S) and the centre-left Democratic Party (PD). The prime...WW…

US President Donald Trump has made his farewell address before leaving office, saying: "We did what we came to do - and so much more.", he said he took on "the tough battles, the hardest fights... because that's what you elected me to do". Mr Trump has still not fully accepted the result of last November's election, which he lost to Democrat Joe Biden.Mr Biden will be sworn in as president on Wednesday. In his final hours in office, Mr Trump has issued for people On the eve of his inauguration, Mr Biden led a national tribute to the 400,000 Americans who have died of Covid-19. At sundown on...…US President Donald Trump has made his farewell address before leaving office, saying: "We did what we came to do - and so much more.", he said he took on "the tough battles, the hardest fights... because that's what you elected me to do". Mr Trump has still not fully accepted the result of last November's election, which he lost to Democrat Joe Biden.Mr Biden will be sworn in as president on Wednesday. In his final hours in office, Mr Trump has issued for people On the eve of his inauguration, Mr Biden led a national tribute to the 400,000 Americans who have died of Covid-19. At sundown on...WW…

The NHS's child gender-identity service has been rated "inadequate" after inspectors identified "significant concerns". The Care Quality Commission inspected the Gender Identity Development Service (Gids) at the Tavistock and Portman NHS Trust in October. More than 4,600 young people were on the waiting list and some had waited over two years for a first appointment. The trust said it took the CQC report "very seriously".England and Wales' only children's gender-identity service was inspected after healthcare professionals and the children's commissioner for England raised concerns around...…The NHS's child gender-identity service has been rated "inadequate" after inspectors identified "significant concerns". The Care Quality Commission inspected the Gender Identity Development Service (Gids) at the Tavistock and Portman NHS Trust in October. More than 4,600 young people were on the waiting list and some had waited over two years for a first appointment. The trust said it took the CQC report "very seriously".England and Wales' only children's gender-identity service was inspected after healthcare professionals and the children's commissioner for England raised concerns around...WW…

China has committed genocide in its repression of the Uighurs and other mainly Muslim peoples, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Tuesday. President-elect Joe Biden's choice for secretary of state, Antony Blinken, has said he agrees with the finding.Rights groups believe that China has detained up to a million Uighurs over the past few years in what the state defines as "re-education camps". BBC investigations suggest that Uighurs are being used as forced labour.Tensions with China have been a defining feature of Mr Trump's term, from trade policies to the coronavirus pandemic. ",...…China has committed genocide in its repression of the Uighurs and other mainly Muslim peoples, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Tuesday. President-elect Joe Biden's choice for secretary of state, Antony Blinken, has said he agrees with the finding.Rights groups believe that China has detained up to a million Uighurs over the past few years in what the state defines as "re-education camps". BBC investigations suggest that Uighurs are being used as forced labour.Tensions with China have been a defining feature of Mr Trump's term, from trade policies to the coronavirus pandemic. ",...WW…

Military personnel are being drafted in to help support hospitals in Shropshire due to staff shortages connected with Covid-19.The military medical teams are due to start this week at the Royal Shrewsbury and Telford's Princess Royal hospitals.They will be filling in for healthcare assistants.A spokesperson for The Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust (SaTH) said sickness levels had risen, with many staff also shielding or self-isolating."Rates of positive Covid patients continue to rise in the community and this clearly has an impact on our staff," they said."We are working with...…Military personnel are being drafted in to help support hospitals in Shropshire due to staff shortages connected with Covid-19.The military medical teams are due to start this week at the Royal Shrewsbury and Telford's Princess Royal hospitals.They will be filling in for healthcare assistants.A spokesperson for The Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust (SaTH) said sickness levels had risen, with many staff also shielding or self-isolating."Rates of positive Covid patients continue to rise in the community and this clearly has an impact on our staff," they said."We are working with...WW…

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The world faces a "catastrophic moral failure" because of unequal Covid vaccine policies, the head of the World Health Organization (WHO) has warned.Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said it was not fair for younger, healthy people in richer nations to get injections before vulnerable people in poorer states.He said over 39 million vaccine doses had been given in 49 richer states - but one poor nation had only 25 doses. Meanwhile, both the WHO and China were criticised for their Covid response.An independent panel commissioned by the WHO said the UN public health body should have declared an...…The world faces a "catastrophic moral failure" because of unequal Covid vaccine policies, the head of the World Health Organization (WHO) has warned.Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said it was not fair for younger, healthy people in richer nations to get injections before vulnerable people in poorer states.He said over 39 million vaccine doses had been given in 49 richer states - but one poor nation had only 25 doses. Meanwhile, both the WHO and China were criticised for their Covid response.An independent panel commissioned by the WHO said the UN public health body should have declared an...WW…

While a wall is usually designed to keep people apart, this see-saw installation managed to bring people on both sides of the Mexico-US border together. And now the Teeter Totter Wall has won the 2020 Beazley Design of the Year award, which is run by London's Design Museum. The seesaws were placed through sections of the wall and allowed people in both countries to play together. They were installed by Ronald Rael and Virginia San Fratello at the Anapra zone in Ciudad Juarez in Mexico. Even though they were only in place for 20 minutes, video footage of people using them went viral. The...…While a wall is usually designed to keep people apart, this see-saw installation managed to bring people on both sides of the Mexico-US border together. And now the Teeter Totter Wall has won the 2020 Beazley Design of the Year award, which is run by London's Design Museum. The seesaws were placed through sections of the wall and allowed people in both countries to play together. They were installed by Ronald Rael and Virginia San Fratello at the Anapra zone in Ciudad Juarez in Mexico. Even though they were only in place for 20 minutes, video footage of people using them went viral. The...WW…

We use cookies to give you the best online experience. Please let us know if you agree to all of these cookies.AcceptRejectBy Katherine Sellgren Family & Education reporterLevels of stress, depression and anxiety among parents and carers have increased with the pressures of the lockdowns, suggests research from the University of Oxford.Issues include difficulty relaxing, feeling hopeless and being irritable.Many parents, especially those of secondary-age pupils, say they are worried about their children's futures.The government has said it is aware how challenging it is for parents to...…We use cookies to give you the best online experience. Please let us know if you agree to all of these cookies.AcceptRejectBy Katherine Sellgren Family & Education reporterLevels of stress, depression and anxiety among parents and carers have increased with the pressures of the lockdowns, suggests research from the University of Oxford.Issues include difficulty relaxing, feeling hopeless and being irritable.Many parents, especially those of secondary-age pupils, say they are worried about their children's futures.The government has said it is aware how challenging it is for parents to...WW…

A further 1,610 people have died in the UK within 28 days of a positive Covid test - the biggest figure reported in a single day since the pandemic began.It means the total number of deaths by that measure is now above 90,000.A total of 4,266,577 people have now received the first dose of a vaccine, Another 33,355 positive Covid cases have been recorded - less than half the peak figure of 68,053 on 8 January.It is the lowest number of daily cases seen since 27 December - before the start of England's third nationwide lockdown.Dr Yvonne Doyle, medical director at Public Health England, said:...…A further 1,610 people have died in the UK within 28 days of a positive Covid test - the biggest figure reported in a single day since the pandemic began.It means the total number of deaths by that measure is now above 90,000.A total of 4,266,577 people have now received the first dose of a vaccine, Another 33,355 positive Covid cases have been recorded - less than half the peak figure of 68,053 on 8 January.It is the lowest number of daily cases seen since 27 December - before the start of England's third nationwide lockdown.Dr Yvonne Doyle, medical director at Public Health England, said:...WW…

Health Secretary Matt Hancock has said he is self-isolating after being alerted by the UK's NHS Covid-19 app.The West Suffolk MP said self-isolation was "perhaps the most important part of all the social distancing" and urged others to do the same if contacted.In a tweet, Mr Hancock said he would be working from home until Sunday, adding "we all have a part to play in getting this virus under control".He contracted coronavirus in March 2020 and .Mr Hancock said he learned from the app he had been "in close contact with somebody who's tested positive" and so self-isolating was "how we break...…Health Secretary Matt Hancock has said he is self-isolating after being alerted by the UK's NHS Covid-19 app.The West Suffolk MP said self-isolation was "perhaps the most important part of all the social distancing" and urged others to do the same if contacted.In a tweet, Mr Hancock said he would be working from home until Sunday, adding "we all have a part to play in getting this virus under control".He contracted coronavirus in March 2020 and .Mr Hancock said he learned from the app he had been "in close contact with somebody who's tested positive" and so self-isolating was "how we break...WW…

Cases of coronavirus have fallen by almost a quarter across the UK in the last week, showing that the current lockdown is having an effect. But hospital admissions are still rising. Ten hospital trusts across England have reported having no spare critical care beds - despite extra capacity being added. The BBC's Clive Myrie has been to the Royal London Hospital and spent time with staff struggling to cope, as well as one family experiencing the grief this pandemic is causing.Camera: David McIlveen, Producer: Sam PirantyWatch Clive Myrie's Royal London Hospital reports from May...…Cases of coronavirus have fallen by almost a quarter across the UK in the last week, showing that the current lockdown is having an effect. But hospital admissions are still rising. Ten hospital trusts across England have reported having no spare critical care beds - despite extra capacity being added. The BBC's Clive Myrie has been to the Royal London Hospital and spent time with staff struggling to cope, as well as one family experiencing the grief this pandemic is causing.Camera: David McIlveen, Producer: Sam PirantyWatch Clive Myrie's Royal London Hospital reports from May...WW…

A two-year-old cat that was missing from its home turned up 24 miles (38km) away in the village where it was born.Ginger tom, Cupid, was found in Odstock, near Salisbury, Wiltshire, after vanishing from Bournemouth just after Christmas.Amy Osborne, who found the puss, said: "He lived two doors up from me, two years ago - I had no idea this was the same kitten."Owner, India Redman, said she was "speechless"."He must be smarter than he looks - it's nuts how he found his way back," Ms Redman added."It's great to have him back home."Ms Osborne was able to reunite Cupid with its family after...…A two-year-old cat that was missing from its home turned up 24 miles (38km) away in the village where it was born.Ginger tom, Cupid, was found in Odstock, near Salisbury, Wiltshire, after vanishing from Bournemouth just after Christmas.Amy Osborne, who found the puss, said: "He lived two doors up from me, two years ago - I had no idea this was the same kitten."Owner, India Redman, said she was "speechless"."He must be smarter than he looks - it's nuts how he found his way back," Ms Redman added."It's great to have him back home."Ms Osborne was able to reunite Cupid with its family after...WW…

Scientists are a step closer to being able to reverse the damage caused by motor neurone disease (MND). University of Edinburgh experts have found a problem with MND patients' nerve cells which could be repaired by repurposing drugs approved for other diseases. has been welcomed by charities including the foundation set up by Scots rugby legend Doddie Weir. My Name'5 Doddie foundation described it as "a very exciting breakthrough". More than 1,500 people are diagnosed with the degenerative condition in the UK every year. There is no known cure and more than half die within two years of...…Scientists are a step closer to being able to reverse the damage caused by motor neurone disease (MND). University of Edinburgh experts have found a problem with MND patients' nerve cells which could be repaired by repurposing drugs approved for other diseases. has been welcomed by charities including the foundation set up by Scots rugby legend Doddie Weir. My Name'5 Doddie foundation described it as "a very exciting breakthrough". More than 1,500 people are diagnosed with the degenerative condition in the UK every year. There is no known cure and more than half die within two years of...WW…

The former chief executive of the London 2012 Olympics says it is "unlikely" that the Tokyo Games will take place this summer due to the Covid-19 pandemic.Entrepreneur Sir Keith Mills told the BBC that organisers should now be "making plans for a cancellation".Tokyo is currently in a state of emergency after a surge of coronavirus cases in the Japanese capital.It is due to host world sport's biggest event in just six months time.The showpiece has already been subject to an unprecedented year-long postponement as a result of the crisis. The official cost has increased by 22% to £11.5bn, with...…The former chief executive of the London 2012 Olympics says it is "unlikely" that the Tokyo Games will take place this summer due to the Covid-19 pandemic.Entrepreneur Sir Keith Mills told the BBC that organisers should now be "making plans for a cancellation".Tokyo is currently in a state of emergency after a surge of coronavirus cases in the Japanese capital.It is due to host world sport's biggest event in just six months time.The showpiece has already been subject to an unprecedented year-long postponement as a result of the crisis. The official cost has increased by 22% to £11.5bn, with...WW…

About one in 10 people across the UK tested positive for Covid-19 antibodies in December, roughly double the October figure, data has shown.Estimates from the Office for National Statistics suggest between 8% of people in Northern Ireland and 12% of people in England showed signs of past Covid infection. In October, antibody positivity ranged from 2% to 7% around the UK.And 6,586 Covid deaths were .That brings the total registered so far close to 96,000.Nearly a quarter of deaths were people living in care homes - a disproportionate impact on a group of people which accounts for less than...…About one in 10 people across the UK tested positive for Covid-19 antibodies in December, roughly double the October figure, data has shown.Estimates from the Office for National Statistics suggest between 8% of people in Northern Ireland and 12% of people in England showed signs of past Covid infection. In October, antibody positivity ranged from 2% to 7% around the UK.And 6,586 Covid deaths were .That brings the total registered so far close to 96,000.Nearly a quarter of deaths were people living in care homes - a disproportionate impact on a group of people which accounts for less than...WW…

A huge snowstorm has struck a highway in north Japan, causing a 130-car pile-up, killing one person and injuring 10. The storm blanketed a stretch of the Tohoku Expressway in Miyagi prefecture at around noon (03:00 GMT) on Tuesday. Some 200 people have been caught up in the pile-up and rescuers are currently at the scene, officials said. Japan has been hit by severe snow storms in recent weeks with some parts of the country seeing double the average expected snowfall. Images from the expressway show the sheer scale of the pile-up. Authorities had already enforced a 50km (31mile) speed limit...…A huge snowstorm has struck a highway in north Japan, causing a 130-car pile-up, killing one person and injuring 10. The storm blanketed a stretch of the Tohoku Expressway in Miyagi prefecture at around noon (03:00 GMT) on Tuesday. Some 200 people have been caught up in the pile-up and rescuers are currently at the scene, officials said. Japan has been hit by severe snow storms in recent weeks with some parts of the country seeing double the average expected snowfall. Images from the expressway show the sheer scale of the pile-up. Authorities had already enforced a 50km (31mile) speed limit...WW…

The UK will introduce a new visa at the end of January that will give 5.4 million Hong Kong residents - a staggering 70% of the territory's population - the right to come and live in the UK, and eventually become citizens.It is making this "generous" offer to residents of its former colony because it believes China is undermining Hong Kong's rights and freedoms.Not everyone will come. Some of those eligible to leave have expressed their determination to stay and continue the fight for democracy.In the end, Britain estimates that about 300,000 will take up the visa offer over the next five...…The UK will introduce a new visa at the end of January that will give 5.4 million Hong Kong residents - a staggering 70% of the territory's population - the right to come and live in the UK, and eventually become citizens.It is making this "generous" offer to residents of its former colony because it believes China is undermining Hong Kong's rights and freedoms.Not everyone will come. Some of those eligible to leave have expressed their determination to stay and continue the fight for democracy.In the end, Britain estimates that about 300,000 will take up the visa offer over the next five...WW…

Oxford University is opening a new research institute dedicated to tackling resistance to antibiotics.The university says this is one of the the biggest rising threats to global health, already causing 1.5 million deaths per year worldwide.The institute will be funded by £100m donated by the Ineos chemical company.Vice chancellor Louise Richardson said the Covid pandemic had shown the "high cost of ignoring something that is likely to head our way".There will be 50 researchers working in the new Ineos Oxford Institute for Antimicrobial Resistance, addressing the "over-use and mis-use" of...…Oxford University is opening a new research institute dedicated to tackling resistance to antibiotics.The university says this is one of the the biggest rising threats to global health, already causing 1.5 million deaths per year worldwide.The institute will be funded by £100m donated by the Ineos chemical company.Vice chancellor Louise Richardson said the Covid pandemic had shown the "high cost of ignoring something that is likely to head our way".There will be 50 researchers working in the new Ineos Oxford Institute for Antimicrobial Resistance, addressing the "over-use and mis-use" of...WW…