George Floyd riots – Cop shot in head during Black Live Matter protests outside Las Vegas casino – The Sun

A POLICE officer has been shot in the head outside a Las Vegas casino as violent unrest continued to rage in the gambling mecca last night.

Another man, who was reportedly carrying a weapon, was shot by cops during the riots sparked by the death of African American George Floyd in Minneapolis last week.


The two shootings happened about two miles apart on the southern end of the city's famous boulevard.

According to CBS affiliate 8NewsNow, the officer was shot in the head and died outside the Circus Circus Casino – however police have not confirmed his condition yet.

Cops have blocked off the Vegas Strip from The Strat – a resort at the southern end of Las Vegas Boulevard — to the iconic Caesar's Palace.

Witnesses said the second shooting involved a male protester carrying a gun who opened fire on police, reports the Reno Gazette Journal.

According to a local report, the man was seen being treated at the scene by medics although his condition is unknown.

OFFICER DOWN

The ensuing riots has led President Donald Trump to threaten to deploy the military as he vows to restore "law and order" to the streets of the country.

In St Louis, Missouri last night, four cops were shot during clashes although none are believed to be in a critical condition, authorities said.

The city's metropolitan police department tweeted: "All have been transported to an area hospital. All are conscious and breathing.

"Their injuries are believed to be non-life threatening."



A police spokesman said that peaceful protests, which started around 3pm, were later interrupted by around 200 "crazy people" who began looting and throwing projectiles at cops.

Cops in the city clashed with rioters in the town of Ferguson – an area which saw similar unrest in 2014 following the fatal shooting of Michael Brown, an unarmed black man, by police.

On May 25, George Floyd was arrested by the Minneapolis Police Department for allegedly using a forged cheque in a store.

After Mr Floyd was located near his car by cops they said he "physically resisted officers" while possibly under the influence of either drugs or alcohol.

Footage of the incident shows Mr Floyd groaning and saying repeatedly "I can't breathe" to officer Derek Chauvin kneeling on his neck.

Chauvin was charged with third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter in the case, which sparked protests across the US.

The Hennepin County Medical Examiner released its toxicology report yesterday and revealed Floyd, 46, suffered a heart attack when he was being arrested last week.

Floyd had powerful opioid fentanyl in his system and medics also found signs of recent methamphetamine use, according to the report.

The toxicology findings were revealed hours after Floyd's family announced that a second, independent autopsy determined the black dad's death was a homicide.






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Real UK coronavirus death toll nears 50,000 – 10,000 more than the official figure – The Sun

THE true UK coronavirus death toll has today neared 50,000 – 10,000 higher than the official tally.

The Office for National Statistics figures revealed 44,401 died from the virus in England and Wales up to May 22.

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A further 819 hospital patients in England who had tested positive for Covid-19 died between May 23 and 31, according to figures published on Monday by NHS England.

Combined with the latest national figures from Scotland and Northern Ireland, it means a total of 49,700 have died across the UK.

The figure is 10,000 more than the official Department of Health stats – which yesterday saw fatalities hit 39,045.

And the number of excess deaths in the UK since the coronavirus outbreak began is now just under 62,000.

Excess deaths is a count of deaths from all causes compared to what would have been expected at the same point in the year.

Stephen Powis, National Medical Director of NHS England, has previously warned that these excess deaths will be the “key measure” in assessing the impact of the bug.

Key findings from the ONS

  • The number of coronavirus fatalities dropped to its lowest rate in seven weeks
  • One in five deaths involved coronavirus in the week ending May 22
  • 43,837 deaths involving coronavirus were registered in England and Wales between 28 December 2019 and 22 May 2020
  • 12,733 fatalities were recorded in care homes in both England and Wales

Stats also show that 147,863 deaths were registered in England and Wales between March 21 and May 22 2020. This was 56,308 more than the average deaths for this period in the previous five years.

Combining the latest figures for England and Wales with Scotland's 4,618 excess deaths and 869 excess deaths, the total UK number stands at 61,795.

But in a sign the tide is slowly turning against the virus, the percentage of deaths involving the deadly bug continued to decrease across all English regions.

There were 2,589 deaths involving coronavirus in England and Wales registered in the week ending May 22 – the lowest weekly number recorded in the last seven weeks, the Office for National Statistics said.

And for the same period in England and Wales, there were 12,288 deaths – a drop of 2,285 from the previous week but still 2,348 more than the five-year average.

There were 1,289 excess deaths in care homes during the seven days, compared with the five-year average, and 24 fewer deaths in hospitals.

More than a quarter of all coronavirus deaths were in care homes in the week ending on May 22.

A third of all deaths in care homes were down to corona.

According to the National Records of Scotland, a total of 3,779  deaths had occurred involving Covid-19 by May 24.

Meanwhile in Northern Ireland, the statistics agency recorded 716 deaths up to May 22.





It comes after it was yesterday revealed almost half of hospital trusts in England have reported no coronavirus-related deaths over the past 48 hours.

The figures released on Monday show 65 hospital trusts (49.6 per cent) did not record a Covid-19 death over a 48-hour period.

Despite the optimistic figures, researchers warned death figures from the weekend always tend to be lower than on weekdays due a lag in reporting.

Extra deaths were also slipped into the government figures yesterday.

And Brits have been warned that another lockdown could be put in place if there is a second spike in cases.

Yesterday marked a slight easing of lockdown restrictions, with gatherings of up to six people now permitted as long as social distancing guidelines are followed.

Speaking at yesterday's Downing Street press briefing, Health Secretary Matt Hancock said: "We are attempting to move the system from these national, blanket measures to a more targeted approach.

"This is why test and trace is such an important part of that.

"But we have always said that we are prepared to reintroduce measures – whether that is nationally or in response to a localised outbreak – if that is necessary."

The government has previously said that once systems to monitor new cases around the country are in place, regional lockdowns could be imposed to address localised outbreaks.

Under the new laws, police in England can now order Brits to leave friends' gardens – but they won't be allowed to remove people by force.

Critics say the rules could create confusion – for example, visitors can eat a barbecue cooked by someone from another household. But they're advised to bring their own chair to sit in.

It was previously revealed that sex in your own home with a person from another household is now illegal as a result of the new coronavirus regulations.

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Pink brands President Donald Trump 'a coward and a racist'

Pink has labelled President Donald Trump a ‘coward and a racist’, following his reaction to the Black Lives Matter protests across the country.

It emerged that Trump was taken to an underground bunker in the White House as protesters gathered in Washington, while he tweeted that he would deploy the US military if violent protests aren’t stopped. 

Protests have sparked across the United States following the death of George Floyd, after a white police officer knelt on the 46-year-old black man’s neck during an arrest. 

After Trump tweeted: ‘LAW AND ORDER!’, Pink saw red, with the 40-year-old tweeting: ‘You’re a coward and a racist and just like everything else you’ve ever attempted in your life, A COMPLETE AND UTTER FAILURE. 

‘I can’t wait to vote you out in November. Maybe you’ll see the results from your baby bunker.’

It appears that this comment lost Pink some followers, as the star later tweeted: ‘It’s insane to me how many people think I will be upset about racists unfollowing me. You don’t really even need to announce your exit. You have my blessing. Go. Go now. One quick push of a button and you don’t have to look in the mirror or confront who you really are.’

And over on Instagram, the singer dismissed those using the #AllLivesMatter hashtag, as she shared Billie Eilish’s post on the controversy.

One person commented on her repost: ‘Totally get where you’re coming from. HOWEVER, as a person with a lawyer brain, I have to say… when you single out one race and say ‘that’ race matters. You ARE implicitly saying other races don’t matter as much. It is automatically inferred. I believe it does this situation a disjustice [sic] by putting it in the #blacklivesmatter category. This could happen to ANY ONE OF US! THAT is the atrocity! THAT is the REAL issue. It is not about race.’

Pink fired back: ‘You are the epitome of white privilege and the saddest part is that you don’t even hear yourself and probably never will.’

The Get This Party Started singer is among the many celebrities who have been speaking out and donating to memorial and protest funds over the past week.

Today, many have joined a social media blackout to raise awareness and solidarity for the movement, with stars including Rihanna and Drake leading the poignant trend.

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Dennis Rodman begs for end to looting in George Floyd protests: ‘We’re not f*****g animals’

Chicago Bulls and Detroit Pistons legend Dennis Rodman has weighed in on the protests around America sparked by the death of George Floyd, saying: “Please, please understand, we have to live together – we’re human beings, we’re not f*****g animals.”

Many athletes have spoken out since Floyd, a black American, died last Monday in Minneapolis after a police officer knelt on his neck for more than eight minutes. Among those to voice their support of Floyd were Rodman’s former Bulls team-mate Michael Jordan, professional golfer Tiger Woods, and former boxing world champion Floyd Mayweather, who offered to cover Floyd’s funeral costs.

On Monday, former NBA star Rodman uploaded a video to Instagram, calling on people involved in protests in American cities such as Minneapolis, Albuquerque and Washington to avoid rioting, looting, and vandalising.

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“It’s a bad situation and I think that we should all understand there’s a new generation,” Rodman said. “People my age knew about the Rodney King thing and things started to happen. People looting, setting fires, damaging people’s homes, businesses, stuff like that.

“And now we have this incident. I think someone needs to come out and say: ‘Hey guys, why are we looting? Why are we stealing? Why are we creating more issues, more problems, stuff like that. Let’s get to the head of what’s really going on.

“You’ve got to protest in the right way. You don’t have to go and burn down things, steal things, burn things, stuff like that. We have to keep things together. We’ve got enough issues with the Covid virus right now. We have enough issues. But for this to happen right now, we just add to it.

“You got people, big corporations closing stores, because people are looting. Why? Why are we doing this? Why are we hurting each other again? Why not just help each other, hold each other’s hands, and try to solve the problem? We didn’t create this problem, but guess what, we can help.

“Especially the new generation today. The 21st-century generation. Help us as older individuals who understand this. Don’t add to it.

“Please, please understand. We have to live together. We’re human beings. We’re not f*****g animals. We’re human beings.”

Rodman was one of the key figures to feature in Jason Hehir’s Netflix and ESPN documentary series The Last Dance, which began airing in April. The series centres on the Chicago Bulls’ 1997/98 season, as the franchise pursued a historic second championship treble of the decade.

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Millie Mackintosh steps out with newborn daughter for sunny stroll after teasing baby name

Millie Mackintosh looked simply stunning as she enjoyed a stroll in London with her baby daughter earlier this week.

The new mum has been settling into motherhood after welcoming her daughter into the world in early May with husband Hugo Taylor.

Making the most of the sunny weather in the capital, Millie, 30, took a stroll with her daughter in the pram.

  • Millie Mackintosh returns to social media to share first snap of baby daughter four weeks after birth

  • Millie Mackintosh stuns as she walks newborn daughter in pram while sporting 'S' necklace in possible nod to her name

Sporting a gorgeous green floral dress, the former Made In Chelsea star looked simply stunning as she accessorised with a trendy straw hat and circular sunglasses during the day out.

It comes after Millie, who is yet to reveal the name of her daughter, teased her moniker by sporting a golden pendant during a day out last week.

The former reality star was seen wearing gold hoop earrings and a golden necklace pendant with the letter S on it in a possible nod to her daughter’s name.


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Millie recently returned to social media to share the first photo of her newborn daughter in a stunning family photo alongside Hugo.

The new parents could be seen with smiles planted across their faces as they looked down at their little one, who Millie cradled in her arms.

Made in Chelsea stars: Past and Present

  • Ollie Locke reveals which Made In Ch…
  • Hugo Taylor breaks silence after he …
  • Miles Nazaire and Jack Maynard 'flou…
  • Millie Mackintosh and Hugo Taylor do…

The couple dressed up for the occasion as while 33 year old Hugo wore a black shirt with white shorts, his other half donned a stunning floral dress.

Their daughter, who was taken home just three days after her birth, could be seen wearing a white babygrow with a gorgeous patterned sunhat.

  • Millie Mackintosh and Hugo Taylor dote on newborn baby girl as they take her home from the hospital

  • Millie Mackintosh shares first and last month baby bump comparison pictures as she signs off Instagram before due date

Gushing over her little bundle of joy, Millie captioned it: "The first four weeks of your life have been the best four weeks of mine.

"Thank you for making me a Mummy darling girl," alongside a pink heart emoji. Hugo immediately replied with a blue heart emoji, expressing his love for the two loves of his life.

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The Number One Thing You Can Do For Your Sex Life While Social Distancing

The public conversation about sex during the COVID-19 pandemic has been… kind of awesome. People are talking openly about solo sex. Everyone is “horny on main.” City governments are discouraging rimming, but only because the virus has been found in feces, not because they’re anti-rimming. They’re also encouraging people to masturbate. But one thing we do not hear a lot about? Getting tested for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) while social distancing.

“In theory, if everyone were to practice social distancing, get tested and treated, then you could make a huge dent in the number of STIs, perhaps even come close to eliminating them,” Dr. Ina Park, MD, associate professor at the UCSF School of Medicine, and the co-author of the forthcoming 2020 CDC STI Treatment Guidelines, tells Bustle.

Eliminating STIs — can you imagine? It’s a future that every sex educator dreams of — and that any sexually active person can work toward. Taking some of the physical “danger” out of sex would be an amazing step toward widespread sex-positivity. (And a better sex life for everyone, all around.)

Getting tested is an excellent self-care step for any individual, but especially for people with vulvas, vaginas, and uteruses. That’s because while many STIs don’t show symptoms, they can still cause serious long-term health problems, including infertility in people with uteruses if they’re left untreated. (STIs don’t lead to infertility in people with penises, however.)

“Getting tested and treated for STIs benefits people on an individual level, because it eradicates infections before they can cause complications such as pelvic inflammatory disease and infertility,” Dr. Park says. “Even if someone isn’t planning on having sex in the near future, getting tested and knowing your status means that you are ready to get out there when the time is right.”

But how do you get tested when you’re not really supposed to go to the doctor’s office unless it’s an emergency? Or maybe your doctor’s office or local sexual health clinic isn’t even offering STI testing right now? As with so many other aspects of this pandemic, the internet is here to help.

While getting tested used to require a trip to the gynecologist and a visit with the friendly duck (my favorite term for the speculum), you can now do it yourself in the comfort of your own home. One company that offers at-home STI testing is Nurx. Their system is simple, comprehensive, and likely covered, at least in part by your insurance. Their practitioners walk you through everything you need to do and also let you text with their health care providers for up to a full year after you get tested.

For people who decide to take their health into their own hands while they’re social distancing, Dr. Park recommends getting treatment — even if you’re not showing symptoms.

“Even asymptomatic infections can lead to complications,” Dr. Park says. “Many STI clinics and family planning clinics such as Planned Parenthood are offering some limited services, including treatment of people who have positive test results.”

Dr. Park also says that urgent care and the emergency room are both options, but should be used “as a last resort,” so as to preserve those resources for people with coronavirus or other emergencies. And if you do an online test, the company you choose to go with will guide you through your next steps for treatment.

So, why not add STI testing to your social distancing activity checklist? It’s easy, affordable, and it will ensure you are ready when the time comes to get back out there again.

Experts:

Dr. Ina Park, MD, UCSF School of Medicine, co-author of the forthcoming 2020 CDC STI Treatment Guidelines

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Trump slammed for using tear gas to clear St. John's church for photos

Priests reveal they were teargassed by cops clearing a path to St. John’s Church for Donald Trump to have his photo taken as cops who fired the gas are pulled out for being misused and Bishop slams the president

  • On Monday President Donald Trump cleared out the area in front of the historic St. John’s Episcopal Church near the White House so he could visit
  • National Guardsmen and police used tear gas, pepper spray and rubber bullets to disperse peaceful protesters in front of the White House 
  • Following the use of force, Arlington County Police said they would remove their officers in the area who aided in the clash with protesters 
  • The Episcopal Bishop of Washington DC, Bishop Mariann Budde, slammed the president for using force ‘to use the church as a prop’   
  • Politicians Joe Biden, Gov. Andrew Cuomo and Rep. Val Demings have slammed the president for using military force against protesters 
  • Rector Gini Gerbasi and priest Glenna Huber say they were a part of the crowd that was attacked by police to make room for Trump

Priests have revealed they were part of a peaceful crowd teargassed by cops who were clearing a path for President Donald Trump so he could take photos in front of St. John’s Church in Washington DC. 

On Monday Trump left the White House and walked across the street to the historic church, which was partially burned in protests the night prior, to pose for photos with a Bible in hand. 

Trump was allegedly angry about news coverage that he fled into a White House bunker on Friday during George Floyd protests, and told his aides he wanted to be seen outside the White House gates, prompting his walk to St. Johns, according to CNN White House Correspondent Kaitlin Collins. 

But his photo shoot triggered outrage from church leaders and rival politicians, and led Arlington County police to pull their officers out of the capital after they were used to charge at protesters. 

Gini Gerbasi, a rector at St. John’s Church, revealed in a shaken Facebook post that she and other Black Lives Matter organizers were passing out water and help to protesters alongside fellow clergy and laypeople, when police flooded the area, pushing protesters, deploying tear gas, and unleashing rubber bullets. 

‘That man turned it into a BATTLE GROUND first, and a cheap political stunt second,’ Gerbasi said.

President Donald Trump is being slammed by church leaders and politicians for using tear gas and pepper spray to clear out protesters near St. John’s Church so he could visit the chapel for a photo opportunity on Monday evening where he carried a Bible in hand


Rector Gini Gerbasi (left)  and priest Glenna Huber  (right) say they were apart of the crowd of peaceful George Floyd protesters that were teargassed and hit with rubber bullets by police clearing a path for President Donald Trump to take photos in front of St. John’s Church

Priest Glenna Hubber shared this post showing how volunteers were passing out water bottles when the police came

Glenna Huber, a priest and rector with The Church of the Epiphany said she was out helping volunteers when the police violently pushed them out for Trump’s photo opportunity

The Episcopal Bishop of Washington DC, Bishop Mariann Budde, slammed the president for using force ‘to use the church as a prop’

‘Friends, I am ok, but I am, frankly shaken…Around 6:15 or 6:30, the police started really pushing protesters off of H Street…They started using tear gas and folks were running at us for eyewashes or water or wet paper towels,’ she said. 

She said she was appalled when she learned the clash with protesters was to clear the area for Trump.

Gerbasi shared this shaken post on Facebook describing how the police violently pushed peaceful protesters out of St. John’s Church

‘I literally COULD NOT believe it. We were driven off the patio at St. John’s – a place of peace and respite and medical care throughout the day – so that man could have a photo opportunity in front of the church. People were hurt so he could pose in front of the church with a Bible,’ she said.  

Glenna Huber, a priest and rector with The Church of the Epiphany was also at the church aiding protesters when the police came and forced the crowd out.

‘I’m horrified. Just moments before we were handing out snacks and water. There was some men singing on the steps. People were chanting and peacefully assembling. I left as the National Guard arrived. They sprayed tear gas. I was gone before the rubber bullets. And then the President spoke,’ Hubber posted on Facebook.

Following the incident, Arlington County officials called their police out of Washington DC after their officers, armed in ACPD helmets and riot gear, assisted US Park officials in dispersing protesters near the church. 

Arlington officials said they sent officers on Sunday following a mutual aid request from Park Police, but they did not know officers would be used to clash with protesters and have ordered their police back home.  

‘Appalled mutual aid agreement abused to endanger their and others safety for a photo op. We ordered @ArlingtonVaPD to immediately leave DC,’ County Board Chair Libby Garvey tweeted Monday night, about two hours after Trump’s photo session. 

‘At the direction of the County Board, County Manager and Police Chief, ACPD officers have left the District. We are evaluating the agreements that allowed our officers to be put in a compromising position, which devalued the purpose of these mutual aid obligations,’ County Board member Katie Cristol said.

Arlington County police are now being called out of Washington D.C. after officers assisted US Park officials in dispersing George Floyd protesters using tear gas and rubber bullets for Trump’s photo op. Officers with ACPD helmets pictured clashing with protesters above

Officers with the Arlington County Police Department pictured pushing back demonstrators outside of the White House above 

‘Appalled mutual aid agreement abused to endanger their and others safety for a photo op. We ordered @ArlingtonVaPD to immediately leave DC,’ Arlington County Board Chair Libby Garvey tweeted Monday night, about two hours after Trump’s photo session

The president spoke in a televised speech from the Rose Garden on Monday evening and tear gas canisters could be heard exploding in the background before he walked over to the church and posed holding a Bible. 

Trump claimed he’s an ally of peaceful demonstrators but warned, ‘I am your president of law and order.’ 

After his speech he walked to the church for his photo shoot.      

The protesters in the area Monday evening appeared to be acting peacefully before they were forced out through the aggressive measures including rubber bullets, pepper spray, and tear gas. 

The Episcopal Bishop of Washington DC, Mariann Budde, slammed Trump for using force to push out George Floyd protesters and for posing in front of the embattled church. 

Bishop Budde said: ‘I am outraged. I am the bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Washington and was not given even a courtesy call that they would be clearing with tear gas so they could use one of our churches as a prop, holding a Bible, one that declares that God is love and when everything he has said and done is to enflame violence.’ 

Budde said neither she nor the rector were told that authorities would be clearing protesters with tear gas, she said to the Washington Post.    

She added: ‘We so disassociate ourselves from the messages of this president. We hold the teachings of our sacred texts to be so so grounding to our lives and everything we do and it is about love of neighbor and sacrificial love and justice’.  

She appeared on CNN Monday evening bashing Trump’s photo op as an ‘abuse of a sacred symbol to justify an approach to this crisis that is antithetical to everything that we stand for.’ 

The president posed for photographers, holding a Bible as he stood in front of the boarded-up 200-year-old church, that has been visited by every president since James Madison. 

‘We have a great country. It won’t take long. It’s not going to take long to see what is going on. It’s coming back, and it’s coming back strong. It will be greater than ever before,’ Trump said as the clamor of protesters, helicopters and explosions are heard in the background. 

Budde blasted Trump on MSNBC after it was revealed that protesters near the church were hit with tear gas and rubber bullets before the president arrived

Budde said the church would disassociate from the Trump administration 

The historic church caught on fire Sunday evening amid police clashes with protesters. The cause of the fire is not known

Orange flames pictured erupting from a part of the church Sunday night

Presidential candidate Joe Biden also condemned Trump’s use of military action against protesters. 

‘He’s using the American military against the American people. He tear-gassed peaceful protesters and fired rubber bullets. For a photo. For our children, for the very soul of our country, we must defeat him. But I mean it when I say this: we can only do it together,’ Biden tweeted Monday evening. 

Florida Rep. Val Demings tweeted: ‘When we impeached this president, we warned that he was a dictator in waiting. I believe now what I believed then: this president is a threat to our democracy, our families, and to us.’ 

New York Andrew Cuomo slammed the president as ‘shameful’ for dispersing peaceful protesters for his own agenda

CNN White House Correspondent Kaitlin Collins tweeted Trump was angry about news coverage that he fled into a White House bunker on Friday during George Floyd protests and told his aides he wanted to be seen outside the White House gates, prompting his walk to St. Johns.

Trump pictured walking past a building defaced with graffiti by protesters in Lafayette Park on Monday after his photo opportunity at St. John’s Church

The president pictured pumping his first as he walks through a line of riot police in Lafayette Park across from the White House as he waked to St. John’s church on Monday

New York Andrew Cuomo slammed the president as ‘shameful’ for using military force to disperse peaceful protesters for his own agenda. 

‘The president is calling out the American military against American citizens. He used the military to push out a peaceful protest so he could have a photo op at a church. It’s all just a reality TV show for this president. Shameful,’ Cuomo tweeted Monday evening. 

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Piers Morgan in furious row with MP Tobias Ellwood on GMB over Government sex ban amid new lockdown rules – The Sun

PIERS Morgan engaged in a furious row with Tory MP Tobias Ellwood over the Government's new lockdown sex ban on today's Good Morning Britain.

The outspoken journalist and his co-star Susanna Reid called the move "a massive state intrusion into people’s private lives."

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It comes a day after the Government rolled out lockdown guidelines that include the clause that completely bans two people from separate households gathering in a private place.

Piers kicked off the clash by asking Mr Ellwood via videolink: "why are you banning sex?"

The politician initially refused to comment, telling Piers he was not aware of the story and urged him to move on.

Refusing to take no for an answer, Piers snapped: "I've just read it to you."

Growing increasingly frustrated, Mr Ellwood sniped it was another example of why his party was boycotting the show.

After being pressed further by the Daily Mail's Andrew Pierce, Mr Ellwood finally admitted that it sounded "ridiculous".

He said: "On the face of it, it does sound ridiculous, but you don't respect the fact that if I've not read into the story…"

Piers shouted: "You've just answered the question that I asked you 10 minutes ago. The reason you didn't want to answer is because you hadn't read the story, which I read to you four times.

"I don't know what more I can do to help you."

The frustrated MP replied: "Piers you want your wow moment."

To which Piers countered: "I would like the programme to be as news-breaking as it can possibly be."

Later in the chat, the pair went toe to toe again after Mr Ellwood quipped it was good to finally speak about something he was meant to when asked about Chinese phone company Huawei.

It irritated Piers, who fumed: "One of the reasons I got so angry with your cabinet ministers was for a lack of preparation. Your fury was another failure of you to prepare."

Mr Ellwood sniped: "You do what you do so well, talk a lot and not allow your guests to reply."

The ill-tempered exchange followed a mini Twitter spat between the pair.

Yesterday Piers tweeted accusing Conservative MPs of avoiding the show.

He wrote: "We can’t get a single Tory MP to come on @GMB tomorrow to defend their Government."

However, Mr Ellwood responded: "Slightly unfair – I agreed to come on @GMB tomorrow and you denied me! Piers – let’s keep it real."

And they began their chat today by bickering about the Bournemouth East MPs booking.

As of yesterday sex in your own home with a person from another household became illegal, but the police aren't able to barge in.

The Government has rolled out new lockdown guidelines which include the clause that completely bans two people from separate households gathering in a private place.

New lockdown rules introduced in the latest amendment to The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) Regulations 2020 bill were presented to parliament yesterday.

It detailed the measures which have eased, such as being able to meet up in groups of six for a BBQ and conditions for elite athletes to return to sport.

Buried in the document is a new regulation which explicitly bans meeting up with anyone from outside your household in your own home.

It reads: "No person may participate in a gathering which takes place in a public or private place indoors, and consists of two or more persons.

"There is a gathering when two or more people are present together in the same place in order to engage in any form of social interaction with each other, or to undertake any other activity with each other."

Brought in to help support the new rules about friends and family having to meet up outside, the clause puts a categorical legal end to lockdown sex with others from outside your home.

Previous regulations did not include the wording about private places as travel restrictions categorically urged people to stay in their homes except for food shopping and exercise.

People caught travelling without a reasonable excuse could be prosecuted, but the wording did not include what happened when you were in another home.

Now both people will technically be able to be prosecuted under the coronavirus regulations as both have committed an offence by having a two person gathering from separate households – in a private place.

Public sex is already illegal for any couples hopeful of a workaround to see their lover.

Bemused Brits have been flooding social media with memes as lockdown changes became law.

Only people with a "reasonable excuse" are allowed to gather in a private place.

People looking for a romp are not included in the guidelines, which covers elite athletes, people attending funerals, vulnerable people and workers.

It also allows people to gather in a private place for childcare, for separated parents to see their children, to provide emergency assistance and to allow someone to avoid harm.

The regulations define a gathering as when "two or more people are present together in the same place in order to engage in any form of social interaction with each other, or to undertake any other activity with each other".

So sadly, sex in your home with a lover you don't live with will for now be illegal in Britain.

However, this afternoon No10 said it was unlikely that Brits will be targeted for their crimes.

Downing Street confirmed that the police do not have the powers to storm into anyone's home – unless they suspect "serious criminal activity" is taking place.

A spokesperson said this lunchtime: "The police will do as they have done since the beginning of the health regulations being in place. They will be exercising their common sense and engaging with the public and only issuing fixed penalty notices when they believe it’s a last resort."

Police forces will be able to use their discretion.

But they won't be able to barge into peoples homes.

"You’re wrong there in the sense that police don’t have powers to enter people’s homes under the regulations," they spokesperson said.

"What they can do is enter homes where they suspect serious criminal activity is taking place under separate and existing laws."

It comes as the country is beginning to ease out of the lockdown which has dominated daily life since March.

Baby steps are being taken as some schools return today after Britain hit its lowest daily death toll since the start of lockdown.

Foreign secretary Dominic Raab has however warned that the lockdown will be tightened again if coronavirus looks set to return.

He said the government will “target [measures] very carefully” to stop an increase in cases as Downing Street bids to get the UK moving again.

His warning came as Brits planned BBQs and garden parties to celebrate the new easing of measures.

Meanwhile, crowds flocked to beaches over the weekend amid concerns that the lockdown is beginning to totally unravel despite the threat from Covid-19.

Under plans to  loosen the draconian measures enforced during the lockdown,  non-essential shops wil  reopen from June 15 as well as restaurants and pubs set to open next month.

Government scientists stand divided over how quickly to lift lockdown restrictions.

Professor Devid Sridhar said that a spike in cases was “inevitable” because restrictions were being lifted too fast.

Mr Raab defended the Government’s decision to ease restrictions, insisting “we can’t stay in lockdown forever”.

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7am Arsenal news LIVE: Coutinho transfer LATEST, Fraser switch ‘one step closer’, Partey update, David Luiz contract – The Sun

ARSENAL fans are eager to see their team in action once again as Project Restart draws nearer.

It's just over a fortnight until the Gunners are set to face Man City on June 17, while we've also the very latest on their approach for Ryan Fraser.

Follow all the latest updates from North London below…

  • LUIZ DEAL

    Arsenal are reportedly set to offer David Luiz a new contract – but on reduced terms.

    Luiz's agent Kia Joobrachian has revealed the Brazilian wants to stay at the Emirates for another season.

    The 33-year-old's current £133,000-a-week deal expires on June 30 but Arsenal have a 12-month extension option.

    And the Mirror claim the Gunners could offer Luiz a deal based more on appearances and incentives as there has been a huge hit to finances because of the coronavirus pandemic.

  • MORNING, ARSENAL FANS

    Arsenal have reportedly tried to convince Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to stay by offering him a new contract.

    According to L'Equipe, the Gunners have put an offer on the table for Aubameyang to extend his deal in North London.

    In other news, the North Londoners have been boosted in their bid to keep David Luiz after the Brazilian's agent Kia Joorabchian revealed his client is happy at the club.

    He said: “He’s very happy at Arsenal. He has an extremely good relationship with both the coach and the sporting director.”

    Before adding: “David will sit down with Arsenal before the season begins, have his conversations and they will both decide if he will stay or not. That will come before the season starts.

    “The chances are very high [of Luiz being at Arsenal next season]. There is no desire to leave.”

    However in a blow to the club, Joorabchia claimed that Bayern Munich are still in pole position to sign Philippe Coutinho from Barcelona.

    Meanwhile, Arsenal are in the hunt for Lille defender Gabriel Magalhaes – but face plenty of competition in completing a £27million deal.

    According to Le10Sport, the Gunners have been in contact with Gabriel's entourage for some time and could launch an official bid in the coming weeks.

    And finally, La Repubblica claim that Arsenal are frontrunners to complete the signing of Napoli marksman Arkadiusz Milik.

    With the 26-year-old appearing unlikely to extend his contract beyond its current 2021 expiry date, Napoli have become resigned to having to sell him.

  • TOP TARGETS

  • RUN FOR THE MILLS

    Arkadiusz Milik is set to leave Napoli this summer putting a number of Premier League clubs on alert, according to reports.

    With the 26-year-old appearing unlikely to extend his contract beyond its current 2021 expiry date, Napoli have become resigned to having to sell him.

    Juventus are believed to be interested in acquiring his services.

    But according to La Repubblica, club chairman Aurelio De Laurentiis is unwilling to sell to a Serie A rival.

    Such is his reluctance to strengthen Juve, that he would be willing to lower his £45million valuation for a suitor from overseas.

    And the Italian publication state that Arsenal are frontrunners to secure his signature – despite interest from a number of Premier League clubs.

    Manchester United are also thought to be long-term admirers of his.

  • NO TRAIN, NO GAIN

  • ON TO VICTOR-Y

    Lille say they want a fee close to the £72million Arsenal spent on Nicolas Pepe for Gunners and Chelsea target Victor Osimhen.

    Owner Gerard Lopez told the Mail: “There are multiple offers. We turned down one English and one Spanish offer this January transfer window.

    “There is a wide array [this summer] and I wouldn’t want to give the names of the clubs who are bidding. But what I can tell you is there are multiple [offers].

    “There are three championships that have clubs that have bid for him.

    “I am not being a sales guy because last year people didn’t believe that we had the offers we had with Pepe, and it turns out we had multiple of them.

    “Let me tell you with Osimhen, it is the same thing, whatever number you heard. The high number I have read is very much on the money of the offers that we have received. That’s where we are.”

  • BENCH BLUES

    Chelsea have formally asked to have the maximum number of substitutes on the bench increased from seven to nine for the rest of this season.

    The proposal, submitted to the Premier League, will be on the agenda for clubs due to attend a shareholders' meeting on Thursday.

    The Daily Mail claim Chelsea are concerned about a higher chance of player injuries following the long break.

    A vote on the plans suggested by the Blues is expected to take place next week on June 11.

    If it’s agreed by the League’s other clubs, the concept might not necessarily result in an increase in the number of subs who can play in a game.

    However, it’s believed this is being mulled over after international body IFAB changed the game's laws to temporarily allow five changes.

  • TON OF BOTHER

    Charlton boss Lee Bowyer has confirmed THREE of his players are refusing to return to action ahead of the Championship season's resumption.

    Top scorer Lyle Taylor, Chris Solly, and Birmingham loanee David Davis have all informed the club of their intention to sit out the remainder of the campaign.

    According to Bowyer, 43, the trio fear a significant injury amid concerns over footballers being rushed back into match action.

    The former midfielder told talkSPORT: “It’s a difficult one for us. We have 15 players out of contract, six loans and nine of our own contracted players out [on loan].

    “Unfortunately for us three of those players have said they’re not going to play, and Lyle is one of them.

    “That’s tough for us, that’s tough for me as the manager. Lyle’s a big player for us, a bit like [Troy] Deeney at Watford – when he plays we can win games – and Lyle has said he’s not going to play because of risk of injury.

    “Chris Solly has said the same and Davis is on loan from Birmingham and he’d said he doesn’t want to come back and play games. So we’re three players down.”

  • LUC-ING GOOD

  • HE WAS FAB

    Cesc Fabregas says Jose Mourinho is the best manager for top players even though the Special One would sometimes call him “rubbish”.

    In an online Q&A with Manchester United icon Rio Ferdinand, the 33-year-old Monaco midfielder said: “Arsene Wenger is the best coach for young players.Pep is the most tactical out of the three.

    “He trusts the way he plays and the way he teaches you to play will find the right spaces. Jose is probably the coach that played with my mind better.”

    Before adding: “He is probably the coach that played with my mind better. He is a great coach for great players because he plays with the mind. He stimulates you.

    “For example when we were playing well and doing well in the league he would text you and say how good you were, 'Ah you played so well' but then say 'today you were rubbish'.

    “You know, after the game he would play with you. Jose works with the mind of the players like nobody.

    “He can tell you you are the worst and then the next day if you prove him wrong, he will say you are the best in front of the team.

    “Or sometimes you played well but the team lost he would come and hug you alone because you were the warrior for him today. People have different states of mind but for me it was good.”

  • REMEMBERING REYES

    It's been a year to the day that Arsenal legend Jose Antonio Reyes tragically passed away.

    His impact at Arsenal will not be forgotten.

  • PLEA-ERRE

    Arsenal have reportedly tried to convince Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to stay by offering him a new contract.

    The striker only has one year left on his current deal amid interest from Paris Saint-Germain, Real Madrid and Barcelona.

    According to L'Equipe, the Gunners have put an offer on the table for Aubameyang to extend his deal in North London.

    Mikel Arteta's side are desperate to put an end to any speculation surrounding the striker's future at the Emirates.

    If a new deal is not agreed, the Gunners could lose their star man on a free transfer when his contract expires.

    The 30-year-old has scored 61 goals in just 97 games for the Premier League club.

  • MORE ON LUIZ

    Joorabchian added: “We are all very aware of that situation and we are all trying, very slowly, to get back to this ‘new normal’.

    “These contract situations, these renewals, if he stays or if he goes… will all sort themselves out when we get back to some kind of ‘new normal’.

    “David will sit down with Arsenal before the season begins, have his conversations and they will both decide if he will stay or not. That will come before the season starts.

    “The chances are very high [of Luiz being at Arsenal next season]. There is no desire to leave.”

  • RENEWAL UP IN AIR

    Kia Joorabchian has cast doubt over David Luiz’s future at Arsenal, but says his client is happy at the club.

    The agent, who also represents Philippe Coutinho, said: “He’s very happy at Arsenal.

    “He has an extremely good relationship with both the coach and the sporting director.

    “He has good relationships all throughout the club, right up to the owner. He respects everybody.

    “Arsenal had an option, which expired. We also had a pandemic [coronavirus].

    “So the option expired in the middle of the pandemic.”

  • THROUGH THE MILL

    Arsenal will have to shell out £9million to loan Philippe Coutinho and £71m if they want him permanently, according to reports.

    The Barcelona playmaker has been on loan at Bayern Munich this season but after failing to impress, his Nou Camp career seems over and the Catalans have named their price.

    The 27-year-old has been continually linked with a return to England after it emerged Bayern would not be triggering their option to buy.

    Manchester United and Chelsea – along with the Gunners – have been linked after Liverpool rejected the chance to re-sign their former star.

    But with all three hesitant to pay Barca's £71m asking price, the Nou Camp giants will sanction a second loan spell and seek a £9m fee instead, according to Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo.

  • IT'S IN THE GAME

    Empty Premier League football grounds could use noise from Fifa 20 to replicate the atmosphere generated by fans.

    With 92 games still remaining in the English top-flight season, the sounds from EA Sports’ top-selling game is due to be discussed by clubs.

    German clubs have placed cutouts of fans in the stands and some broadcasts have had fan noise clips placed in for effect.

    Fifa 20 has over 10 million players and remains the world’s most popular soccer game, ahead of Pro Evolution Soccer.

    And 450million matches of the game have been played worldwide.

    So fans might be forgiven for chucking their controller around if their team concedes!

  • BAYER'S MARKET

    Kia Joorabchian has revealed that Bayern Munich are STILL in pole position to keep Philippe Coutinho.

    The Barcelona-owned attacker is on the radar of Chelsea and Arsenal, as well as other leading clubs.

    The agent said: “It’s up to Bayern Munich whether or not they want to extend the loan.

    “It’s purely Bayern’s decision, we have a will to stay, and we will see about next season when we get back to this ‘new’ normal.

    “We’ve had some conversations with Bayern about next season [already].”

  • ATTACKED KENNY SPEAKING

    Ex-England and Arsenal star Kenny Sansom has talked for the first time since the attack that left him fighting for life, The Sun can report.

    He told family holding a six-week hospital vigil: “I’m in a bad way.”

    A friend said: “Kenny is sitting up and has said a few words.

    “It’s a massive relief. But he is still really ill and badly hurt.”

    Another added: “If Kenny is going to recover he is going to need a lot of support and a lot of care.”

  • WENG'S MARTIAL BID

    Arsenal initially wanted Manchester United's Anthony Martial in return for Alexis Sanchez but had to settle for Henrik Mkhitaryan instead, it has been revealed.

    The last major Premier League swap deal occurred in January 2018 when Sanchez moved from the Emirates to Old Trafford with Mkhitaryan going the other way.

    According to ESPN, then Gunners boss Arsene Wenger had initially identified Frenchman Martial as the ideal replacement for the outgoing Sanchez.

    But the Red Devils immediately blocked his attempts to snare Martial and instead Mkhitaryan was put forward.

    Wenger's affinity for Martial, now 24, stemmed from his decision to send Arsenal scouts to monitor the player as a teenager in France.

    But Jose Mourinho, United boss at the time, was much more willing to let Armenian international Mkhitaryan leave.

  • GLOSSY MAG

    Arsenal are in the hunt for Lille defender Gabriel Magalhaes – but face plenty of competition in completing a £27million deal.

    The centre-back is set to be one of the summer market's biggest players with Lille preparing to cash-in on their stars.

    According to Le10Sport, the Gunners have been in contact with Gabriel's entourage for some time and could launch an official bid in the coming weeks.

    Mikel Arteta could enter the market to replace David Luiz, who Arsenal are reportedly ready to wave goodbye to when his contract expires at the end of the month.

    Certain to arrive is French youngster William Saliba but a big-name bid has been speculated, potentially involving Dayot Upamecano or Samuel Umtiti.

  • TALKS 'NOT HAPPENED'

    Willian’s agent has NOT spoken to either Arsenal or Spurs.

    The Brazilian’s contract runs out at the end of the season with the club unwilling to give players over 30 more than one-year deals.

    Kia Joorabchian told Sky Sports: “Willian wanted to sign a three-year contract to achieve things he wanted to achieve over the next three years, and see where his career take him from there.

    “Chelsea's policy [for players over 30] only allows two [years], so that's where the stumbling block was.

    “At the moment he is a Chelsea player and has a contract with Chelsea until the season is over, so it is disrespectful to talk about him moving to other clubs.

    “We have not spoken to Tottenham or any other club.”

  • MORNING ARSENAL FANS

    Ryan Fraser’s move to the Emirates has moved a step closer after he signed up with Mikel Arteta’s agent, according to the Mirror.

    The Bournemouth winger has left long-term representative Jon McLeish and will become a free agent on July 1.

    Arsenal are confident of landing the left winger, who had 15 assists and eight goals last season, on a Bosman.

    Meanwhile, Hector Bellerin is unlikely to leave the club this summer but reports suggest the club must improve to guarantee his long-term commitment.

    Serie A sides Inter Milan and Juventus are said to be interested in the right-back amid the Gunners' financial uncertainty.

    In other news, Arteta is reportedly hoping to raise funds by flogging striker Alexandre Lacazette, who isn't in his long term plans.

    But according to L'Equipe, the Frenchman has no desire to move to Inter Milan, who are interested in his signature as they look set to lose Lautaro Martinez.

    And finally, Arsenal are “locked in talks” with Mousa Dembele’s representatives, according to L’Equipe.

    The Gunners have been watching the Lyon striker for a number of months after a dip in form from Lacazette.

  • LET'S PLAY BALL

    The Sky Bet Championship is set for a June 20 resumption after the English Football League agreed on a provisional return date.

    The Premier League announced on Thursday that play is due to return on June 17 following the coronavirus suspension that began in mid-March.

    The EFL followed suit on Sunday evening, announcing that the Championship is set to restart around the same time.

    In a statement, the EFL said: “Following Saturday's announcement by the Government to allow elite sporting events to return behind closed doors, the EFL has this weekend agreed to a provisional restart date of the weekend of 20 June 2020 for matches in the Sky Bet Championship.

    “The date is subject to the strict proviso that all safety requirements and Government guidance is met; and that clubs receive clearance from their local authorities in order to stage matches at their home grounds.

    “After discussing various approaches, and, the importance of completing the season in a similar timeline to that of the Premier League to avoid any potential issues with promoted and relegated clubs, the Sky Bet Championship season is set to conclude with the Championship play-off final on or around 30 July 2020.

    “Final details are still to be confirmed following further discussions with the League's Broadcast partner, Sky Sports.”

  • JU KNOW WHO

    Hector Bellerin is unlikely to leave Arsenal this summer but reports suggest the club must improve to guarantee his long-term commitment.

    Serie A sides Inter Milan and Juventus are said to be interested in the right-back amid the Gunners' financial uncertainty.

    After three straight seasons in the Europa League, Arsenal may not even qualify for Europe this season as Mikel Arteta wrestles with the club's slide.

    And ESPN eport that Bellerin believes in his compatriot's ability to turn things around.

    However it is added that rumblings of a move away will grow serious if the Gunners remain in the doldrums.

  • CRY NO MOUR

    Jose Mourinho has told players worried about the season restarting to stop being selfish and get on with it.

    The Tottenham boss admitted last week he was worried about players getting injured by the rush to resume the campaign.

    But after the Government gave the green light for the Premier League to return on June 17, the Special One seems to have changed his mind.

    He said: “We shouldn’t be selfish, we shouldn’t demand too much. It’s our time to give.

    “Everyone has pre-season injuries in normal seasons so we cannot expect now not to have an injury here and there.

    “We cannot ask for more than the authorities are giving us, which is maximum security.

    “I think now it’s time just to play and to give people what they want.”

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Mortgage holidays and home repossessions ban extended until end of October

HOMEOWNERS now have until the end of October to apply for a mortgage holiday if they're struggling due to the coronavirus crisis.

The Financial Conduct Authority has also extended a ban on home repossessions for another four months, so owners can self-isolate according to Government policy if they're ill without fear of losing their property.

Households whose finances have been hit hard by the COVID-19 lockdown can apply for a payment break on their mortgage of up to three months.

Some 1.7million payment freezes have been granted so far, according to banking trade body UK Finance – accounting for around one in seven UK mortgages.

Applications for the payment freezes were due to come to an end in June but now they have until October 31 to ask for the help.

The missed cash will need to be repaid by either adding it onto your remaining payments or the end of your mortgage term – but homeowners have been warned that it could end up costing them £2,769 in higher repayments.

The watchdog is urging borrowers to continue making the payments if they're able to do so.

The FCA also says that banks must offer borrowers further support if they are still in financial difficulty after the payment break, including a further three month freeze on repayments.

More to follow…

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