Ed Thomas
@EdThomasNews
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UK Editor @BBCNews RTS News Coverage of the year 2017/2022 Orwell Prize for Exposing Britain’s Social Evils. ed.thomas @bbc .co.uk
Salford, England
Joined June 2009
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Pinned Tweet
NEW Britain’s “hero” Plumber James Anderson exposed.
- Our investigation finds his firm Depher faked stories that helped raise millions in donations
- finds misleading social media posts
- claims elderly people were exploited
Full story across
#BBCNews
online, radio, TV
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For months we’ve been investigating serious alleged failures in our
#FamilyCourt
A convicted child rapist was granted residency of a child.
5 mums died, 3 took their own lives.
75 children forced into contact with dads reported for abuse.
#bbcnews
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Tomorrow on
#BBCNews
we investigate serious alleged failures inside our Family Courts.
We report on mothers, victims of domestic abuse, who have died.
We reveal children being forced into contact with Dads reported for abuse.
And hear from Mums who have fled the UK.
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I’m incredibly grateful to be appointed the BBC’s new UK Editor in Salford.
Telling the stories that matter in Britain today is a dream job.
I can’t wait to get started.
Ed Thomas has been appointed our new UK Editor, based in Salford.
He’ll cover the most important UK stories including terrorism, crime and immigration, as well as revelatory 'on the ground' journalism from communities across the country.
@EdThomasNews
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“If you’re poor you’ve got no chance” the uncompromising view from the Covid frontline in Burnley, on
#BBCNewsTen
we hear from those falling through the cracks and the people providing hope. A special report with
@philleddo
and
@louisemartin25
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UPDATE Britain’s Hero plumber'
- James Anderson has had his
@CitizenAwards
rescinded
- The Charity Commission rejected Depher for not being “charitable”
-
@FundrRegulator
investigating
Full story with
@RebeccaWearn
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@OfficialUoM
@SheraFamily
“The push on parental alienation is dangerous and it’s harming children.”
We showed our investigation to
@jessphillips
Labour Shadow Minister on Domestic Violence and campaigner for Family Court reform. She says she’s heard from thousands of desperate mothers.
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"We are safe but in a type of prison.”
In part two of our Family Courts investigation we speak to mothers who have fled the UK abducting their children.
They say they’re victims of domestic abuse, some are accused of Parental alienation.
#bbcnews
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This is one example of a false post. A story by Depher of a suicidal woman with a noose. James Anderson saved her life. The image is of a woman who died years before the alleged incident.
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UPDATE James Anderson has resigned as Director of Depher CIC.
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“We come form normal backgrounds like the players do, they do more for our community than the government, they’ve fed the kids here.” The day after the night before in Oldham, a community that’s struggled during Covid, but still generous and proud of the England team
#bbcnews
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A year ago the BBC committed to tell the story of people suffering during lockdown and Covid in the most deprived parts of the UK. Tonight we won an
@RTS_media
award. Thank you.
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This is “Grace’s” story.
She was abused by her partner and later found out he was a child rapist.
He got residency of their child.
She felt disbelieved by the Family Court. Friends say they watched her “soul disappear.”
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A study by
@OfficialUoM
&
@SheraFamily
found that 45 mums were accused in the Family court of Parental Alienation by ex’s they’d reported for abuse.
75 of their children were forced into contact with the dads reported for abuse, some had child sex abuse convictions.
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NEW Our BBC special report on rising mental health referrals reveals
- Nearly 400 thousand referrals in June 21 - 25% more than June 2019
- in the most deprived areas Urgent/Emergency referrals are soaring, in East Lancs they’ve quadrupled
More on
#BBCNewsTen
with
@Philleddo
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The woman behind the Depher was called Joyce, she was adored by her family. Before she passed away she lived in Burnley, and we tracked down her daughter.
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@OfficialUoM
@SheraFamily
@jessphillips
@CommissionerDA
The BBC has learned the government’s investigating whether further action is needed on “alienation” & since we made the Ministry of Justice aware of our investigation - the judiciary’s issued new draft guidelines for consultation on handling parental alienation claims in court.
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@OfficialUoM
@SheraFamily
@jessphillips
@CommissionerDA
FULL STORY on
@BBCiPlayer
Mums on the Run : Failed by the Family Court - with
@adamwalkertv
@RebeccaWearn
and editors
@edcampbell71
@BBCBuckley
&
@paulkerley
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LATEST - It appears James Anderson has been appointed as Director of Depher and person with significant control.
The “termination” only last for a few hours.
UPDATE James Anderson has resigned as Director of Depher CIC.
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@OfficialUoM
@SheraFamily
@jessphillips
The Domestic abuse
@CommissionerDA
said the cases uncovered by the BBC were “harrowing” and there was a need for “urgent and wide-reaching reform” of the family courts.
Nicole Jacobs said abusers were using “parental alienation” to “deflect from their own abusive behaviour”
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This is the wealth/class divide in Britain right here 👉🏻 IGCSE exams taken in private schools still going ahead
#BBCNews
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The inspirational story of
@MalikAndTheOGs
searching for his slave roots, discovering uncomfortable truths and his call for reparations
#bbcnews
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The reaction to our
#familycourts
reporting has been overwhelming.
Hundreds of parents have reached out, mostly Mums but many Dads too.
I hope to get back to everyone over the next few days. This matters so much to so many.
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Tomorrow millions of people “in north” will be told how their lives will soon change...if they buy and read The Times. This is not normal.
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The BBC’s Depher expose has been picked up by most national media. From newspapers to TV.
"The British public are very generous when they see a cause they can get behind."
@Bobby_Seagull
and
@BelindadeLucy
discuss the downfall of Britain's "kindest plumber" and his company Depher following a BBC investigation into fake stories.
@theJeremyVine
|
#JeremyVine
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@OfficialUoM
@SheraFamily
@jessphillips
@CommissionerDA
The judiciary in England & Wales has commissioned a report to examine the “potentially heightened risk of suicide” in family court proceedings.
In a statement, the Ministry of Justice said it had improved family courts to better protect domestic abuse victims.
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Britains Hero Plumber Exposed.
This is about truth, integrity and the most vulnerable in Britain today.
Our investigation uncovers false posts, safeguarding failures and claims of exploitation.
Story on
@BBCiPlayer
with
@RebeccaWearn
&
@Brijeshp
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Laura Corkill's son Leiland-James was put in care at birth - then murdered.
A tragic series of events that she blames on extreme domestic abuse she suffered years ago.
This is her story told for the first time.
#bbcnews
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The kids who are cold and hungry, as child poverty rises across the UK to 4.1 million. This is the story of children like Amelia, and Tyler, both are in working families
#BBCNewsTen
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BREAKING The BBC understands that the chief Constable of South Yorkshire police David Crompton has been suspended.
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Child poverty is rising across the UK. 4.1 million kids are now in relative poverty,
#bbcnews
met Tyler, he's 5 and live with his Mum, a single parents working part time.
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Crime - election special report.
On the ground in Middlesbrough we found drugs, knives and forgotten victims.
Our full report is stark with lives ruined by antisocial behaviour and drug dealing.
Story with
@RebeccaWearn
&
@stefildes
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Staggered, overwhelmed and incredibly grateful for this.
I’m thinking of Burnley’s fearless
@PastorFleming
&
@alexdjfrost
AND my irrepressible BBC colleagues
@Philleddo
and
@louisemartin25
thank you.
The Orwell Prize for Exposing Britain’s Social Evils 2022 winner is
@EdThomasNews
for his
@bbcnews
series ‘The Cost of Covid: Burnley Crisis'. Congratulations! Thank you to our partners
@jrf_uk
for their ongoing support of the Prize.
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UPDATE - After we showed the impact of the Pandemic in Burnley on
#BBCnews
more than a quarter of a million pounds has been donated to Fr.Alex and Pastor Mick
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Why Burnley? Like many northern towns all cause mortality rates at the pandemic peak are double that of the least deprived areas and the local authority’s spending power has been disproportionately hit post austerity. Many in crisis now turn to
@PastorFleming
and
@alexdjfrost
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A real honour to be nominated for an Orwell Prize for our work on the growing inequality crisis exposed by Covid and lockdowns.
Vital recognition too for the never ending kindness of
@PastorFleming
and
@alexdjfrost
and the help they offer for the most deprived in Burnley
In its eighth year,
#TheOrwellPrize
for Exposing Britain’s Social Evils, sponsored by
@jrf_uk
, remains committed to enhancing the public understanding of social problems and public policy in the UK. Each finalist on the shortlist embodies this commitment.
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The moped gang, the knives and the victims. This is our special
@BBCNews
at Ten knife crime report.
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NEW A watchdog is investigating videos of Iranian commanders urging students to join an "apocalyptic war" that will end the lives of Jews.
Separate videos of "death to Israel" chants are also being investigated by the Charity Commission.
#BBCnews
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James Anderson promised to investigate how the posts got onto DEPHER’s twitter account. He denied posting some of the images. But admitted the noose story was untrue, and apologised. He answered many of our questions.
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When Burnley’s Pastor Mick met the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. Royal recognition in Burnley for the vital work Church on the Street has done in the most deprived areas during the pandemic. Our report from
#BBCNewsSix
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These stories are not meant to shock but inform and highlight the challenges of post Covid UK reconstruction/levelling up. The fear I heard repeatedly in Burnley was that the town’s struggles will prevail and grow bigger, lasting long after the pandemic is over
#bbcnews
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Absolutely delighted to have been shortlisted for the
@RTS_media
Home News Coverage of the Year award for our work covering the pandemic in Burnley for the
#BBCNewsTen
- it’s also a real honour to be recognised and listed alongside such inspirational fellow journalists
NEW The Cost of Covid: A year on the frontline. This is Burnley’s story, a town full of amazing people pulling each other through a crisis - led by the inspirational
@PastorFleming
and
@alexdjfrost
what they’re doing is saving lives
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Really proud of the impact our investigation into the Melilla border deaths. 24 young African migrants were crushed and beaten to death on Europe’s border. It’s been covered across Spain, now the government’s relented and will show CCTV to a delegation visiting tomorrow
#bbcnews
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The phenomenal
@louisetickle
a fair, impartial journalist, pursuing truth. Anyone interested in transparency and journalism should have a read of this thread.
So... I WON my appeal against an order made unlawfully by HHJ Haigh in Manchester family court on 22 August, restricting reporting of purely process matters that I had applied to be able to write about. Judgment here
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My 14 day isolation ends at midnight tonight. Perfect timing.
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The family of Olivia Pratt-Korbel have released photographs of the 9-year-old and have asked the media to use them.
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NEW The Cost of Covid: A year on the frontline. This is Burnley’s story, a town full of amazing people pulling each other through a crisis - led by the inspirational
@PastorFleming
and
@alexdjfrost
what they’re doing is saving lives
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“If the police won’t do their job, we’ll do it for them” a close up look at mums in Chorley on patrol in parks and protesting at police stations after their children were assaulted in the town.
Read it here and watch
#BBCNewsTen
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Here’s our documentary inside Wandsworth prison from 7 years ago.
It was understaffed then, today it’s been described as “chronically” understaffed.
Terror suspect Daniel Abed Khalife escaped this morning.
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Crucial context for where we are right now.
To add some empirical context to these experiences consider a few things 1) NHS had been increasingly struggling in winter before 2) A&E wait times have been getting worse for yrs 3) staff shortages were a problem per-pandemic- eg we went into this with 40,000 nursing vacancies.
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James Anderson has given an interview to
@GBNEWS
in response to our investigation he was asked directly about the “noose” and “suicide” story.
'That wasn't true! I'm asking you what the picture is!'
Michelle Dewberry and James Anderson clash over the use of misleading and false images to persuade people to donate to Depher.
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Exploited, abused and neglected. The stories of our most vulnerable Care children living in the least scrutinised homes. A national scandal and it’s getting worse.
#BBCNews
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Led by a Scottish piper on a beach, Eilidh MacLeod's body returns home. She was 14.
#OneLoveManchester
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The BBC has covered this from the start, the impact of Covid in our most deprived areas. Today, recognition of our reporting from the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, and for the vital work of
@PastorFleming
#bbcnews
Located in one of the most deprived areas of Lancashire, this small charity called Church on the Street is creating vital support for those struggling with:
⚫️ Homelessness
⚫️ Addiction
⚫️ Mental health issues
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Meet Tyler, Amelia, Alfie, Sophie. Rocky, Liam. All in families struggling month after month as child poverty rises across the UK.
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@OfficialUoM
@SheraFamily
@jessphillips
@CommissionerDA
@BBCiPlayer
@adamwalkertv
@RebeccaWearn
@edcampbell71
@BBCBuckley
@paulkerley
Part two here 👇🏻
"We are safe but in a type of prison.”
In part two of our Family Courts investigation we speak to mothers who have fled the UK abducting their children.
They say they’re victims of domestic abuse, some are accused of Parental alienation.
#bbcnews
69
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Port Pozzallo,Sicily. Nearly 700 men women and children are about to start a new life in Europe
#bbcnews
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Sir Richard Leese on Hospital capacity 🚨 “The figures we were given as of this afternoon is that in the intensive care beds across Gtr manchester we have an occupation level of 78 percent, slightly less than what we would normally expect this time of year. “
This is an excellent interview with
@ManCityCouncil
leader on the Tier 3 Covid money they’re asking for and crucially the hospital bed capacity now and over the next few weeks.
@RogerJ_01
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James Anderson promised to investigate how the posts got into DEPHER’s twitter account. He denied posting the images. But admitted the noose story was untrue, and apologised. He answered many of our questions.
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“Too poor to die” Covid has ripped through Burnley this year with death rates double the English average. It’s left families in the most deprived areas struggling to grieve and bury their dead. This is a look at the peak of the pandemic in January
#bbcnews
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“If you don’t stab them, they will stab you.”
Face to face with Britain’s crime problem, we find crack cocaine, knives, teenage drug dealers and lives ruined on the streets of Middlesbrough.
Our full general election big issue report here
#bbcnews
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There is no formal extradition from northern Cyprus to the UK, if they return the mothers risk being prosecuted for child abduction.
Some have had bank accounts frozen, and been placed on Interpol no fly lists.
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Alan Henning, father, aid worker, Salford taxi driver...a man who made a difference.
http://t.co/ocHGTZjWIM
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This message and pictures are from the family of Georgina Callender.
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Incredibly proud, we’ve been nominated for a British Journalism Award for “investigation of the year” after
@noeltitheradge
and I uncovered “organised abuse” and exploitation facing care children inside unregulated homes
#bbcnews
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“I held his hand, told him he was safe and that his family loved him.” A tribute to the patients, their families and inspirational nurses and doctors who allowed their stories to be heard. Our
#BBCNewsTen
special report from
@ECHospice
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NEW
@DawnButlerBrent
raised our story in Parliament of former MP Antoinette Sandbach asking to be removed from slavery research
#bbcnews
It should not be made easy to erase the brutality of the transatlantic slave trade, family links and wealth amassed as a result.
These are difficult but necessary conversations.
@MalikAndTheOGs
@Catz_Cambridge
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Flowers for Jo Cox, overriding feeling tonight is one of a remarkable woman. A genuine Mp who wanted to help.
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‘I’d be dead without them’ the hidden costs of Covid 19 and the people saving lives in Burnley. The unfairness and inequality exposed during this pandemic
#bbcnews
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EXCLUSIVE - Two Islamic scholars have told the BBC a sermon delivered at a Mosque where Salman Abedi worshipped called for “Armed Jihad.”
#BBCNews
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We are honoured and incredibly grateful to be recognised. All the thanks to
@PastorFleming
and
@alexdjfrost
your work inspires us.
The award for News Coverage – Home goes to The Cost of Covid,
@BBCNews
, which judges praised the “emotional impact” of the report which for threw a “spotlight on those who have been left behind in modern Britain”
#RTSAwards
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A moment of reflection as the truck leaves Grays with all 39 people on board. Note the police officers with heads bowed. All 39 deserve that respect, the dignity they were denied in life.
#bbcnews
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'I don’t know where my mum would be without me'
@BBCNews
study reveals up to 800,000 Young carers in England. Exclusive report
#BBCNewsTen
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We are incredibly proud that our reports covering the phenomenal efforts of
@PastorFleming
and
@alexdjfrost
have been recognised and shortlisted for a BBC News Award. Throughout the pandemic they’ve helped thousands suffering in poverty.
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EXCLUSIVE - we’ve been leaked research commissioned by the government showing children as young as 11 have been placed in unregulated care homes by councils. It’s illegal to place a child under 16 in a home like this
#BBCNewsTen
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Redemption in the time of COVID-19, this is the inspirational story of
@PastorFleming
#BBCNews
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Tonight on
#BBCNewsTen
our special extended report inside an Alternative Provison school in one of the most deprived parts of the UK
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“I don’t really want to live” we spent two weeks with
@PastorFleming
in Burnley as more and more seek him out looking for urgent care. This is John’s story.
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NEW Iranian TV journalist
@pouriazeraati
says he’ll be back on air soon after being stabbed.
Speaking to close friend
@KasraAarabi
he’s shared new details of the attack with
#BBCnews
Counter terror police are investigating the stabbing.
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All were rescued from a boat off the coast of Libya. 10,000 have been pulled from the sea in just 3 days.
#bbcnews
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“Brexit?... I don’t get it...I don’t know if we’ll be better off in or out...the situation I’m in, I can’t get any worse.”
These are the 2019 election low income voters using foodbanks, facing homelessness and fuel poverty
#bbcnews
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SCHOOL ISOLATION - A BBC News investigation has found that over 200 schoolchildren spent at least five consecutive days in isolation booths in England last year. 5,000 children who had special educational needs were also placed in isolation
#bbcnewsTen
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How lucky we are to have met these two! Tonight our
#BBCNews
reports with
@PastorFleming
&
@alexdjfrost
were recognised with a
@sandfordawards
Trustees Award. Thank you to everyone who helped tell the story of those suffering unequally during the pandemic.
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Britains Hero Plumber Exposed.
This is about truth, integrity and the most vulnerable in Britain today.
Our investigation uncovers false posts, safeguarding failures and claims of exploitation.
Story on
@BBCiPlayer
with
@RebeccaWearn
&
@Brijeshp
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This is encouraging for NW England is 0.8-1.0 - the PM has consistently said if the R number goes below 1 then that is the route out of restrictions.
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On average, 39% of patients admitted to critical care died between the start of the pandemic and the end of August and this appears to have fallen to just under 12%.
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Wow, this is great, London under a blanket of fog...can you see the spike?...on the left...bbcnews
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“If I close this door, he dies.”
We spent weeks inside a closed down gym, now reborn as a church, providing essential mental health care and refuge to those in crisis during Covid - on the frontline with
@PastorFleming
and
@alexdjfrost
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This begs the question if the science ‘actually’ said gyms needed to close, what’s changed a week on?
Last week Government imposed Tier 3 restrictions on our region – forcing our gyms to close.
Since then we've been in constant dialogue to make them provide evidence for that decision - or reverse it.
They have now agreed to reverse their original decision and let gyms open.
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