news--2020-05-20--Coronavirus: Tech companies go back to the Future Fund for £450m

The financial squeeze facing some of Britain 's fastest-growing start-ups was illustrated on Wednesday as the Treasury saw an instant deluge of demand for new money from the government 's latest coronavirus bailout vehicle .
Sky News has learnt that the Future Fund - to which the chancellor , Rishi Sunak , had committed an initial £250m of taxpayers ' money - received applications for more than £450m on its first day of operation .
One Whitehall official said that at the close of business on Wednesday , the figure had reached £453m - meaning a total of at least @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 24 hours to innovative British businesses .
The extraordinary level of demand from growth companies in technology and life sciences suggests that the Future Fund will ultimately dwarf original expectations .
Mr Sunak said this week that the original figure of £250m , which has been provided to match funding provided by private investors , would be expanded if necessary .
The terms of the scheme , which allows UK-based companies to seek convertible loans of between £125,000 and £5m , mean the government is likely to end up with equity stakes in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ investment in each company is being structured as a convertible loan , which will be converted into equity if the loan is not repaid .
Mr Sunak has said the Future Fund will be open until September , suggesting that if applications continue at a robust pace , it could ultimately provide several billion pounds to fast-growing companies .
`` Our start-ups and innovative firms are one of our great economic strengths , and they will help spur our recovery from the pandemic , '' the chancellor said as he launched the new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Future Fund will support firms across the UK to get through the pandemic by stimulating investment , so that they can continue to break new ground in technology and innovation . ''
The Treasury said that investors who were providing the private sector match-funding would be encouraged to sign its Investing in Women Code , which commits signatories to improving female entrepreneurs ' access to funding .
It added that the ministers would amend the rules of the Enterprise Investment Scheme ( EIS ) , which provides tax relief to investors in high @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Fund investors from losing relief on their previous investments made prior to any investment through the Future Fund '' .
The EIS issue had been cited as a major obstacle by prominent tech investors .
It was unclear whether officials were continuing to explore amending the Future Fund 's terms , which state that a successful applicant must have a UK-based parent company .
That rule has sparked complaints from dozens of start-ups which are backed by US-based 'accelerator ' programmes and which would , without changes , be deemed ineligible .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

The financial squeeze facing some of Britain's fastest-growing start-ups was illustrated on Wednesday as the Treasury saw an instant deluge of demand for new money from the government's latest coronavirus bailout vehicle.
Sky News has learnt that the Future Fund - to which the chancellor, Rishi Sunak, had committed an initial £250m of taxpayers' money - received applications for more than £450m on its first day of operation.
One Whitehall official said that at the close of business on Wednesday, the figure had reached £453m - meaning a total of at least £906m was being pledged in less than 24 hours to innovative British businesses.
The extraordinary level of demand from growth companies in technology and life sciences suggests that the Future Fund will ultimately dwarf original expectations.
Mr Sunak said this week that the original figure of £250m, which has been provided to match funding provided by private investors, would be expanded if necessary.
The terms of the scheme, which allows UK-based companies to seek convertible loans of between £125,000 and £5m, mean the government is likely to end up with equity stakes in scores of start-ups.
The Treasury's investment in each company is being structured as a convertible loan, which will be converted into equity if the loan is not repaid.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:32 Unemployment rockets due to coronavirus
Mr Sunak has said the Future Fund will be open until September, suggesting that if applications continue at a robust pace, it could ultimately provide several billion pounds to fast-growing companies.
"Our start-ups and innovative firms are one of our great economic strengths, and they will help spur our recovery from the pandemic," the chancellor said as he launched the new fund on Wednesday morning.
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"The Future Fund will support firms across the UK to get through the pandemic by stimulating investment, so that they can continue to break new ground in technology and innovation."
The Treasury said that investors who were providing the private sector match-funding would be encouraged to sign its Investing in Women Code, which commits signatories to improving female entrepreneurs' access to funding.
It added that the ministers would amend the rules of the Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS), which provides tax relief to investors in high growth firms, "to protect Future Fund investors from losing relief on their previous investments made prior to any investment through the Future Fund".
The EIS issue had been cited as a major obstacle by prominent tech investors.
It was unclear whether officials were continuing to explore amending the Future Fund's terms, which state that a successful applicant must have a UK-based parent company.
That rule has sparked complaints from dozens of start-ups which are backed by US-based 'accelerator' programmes and which would, without changes, be deemed ineligible.
The Treasury declined to comment on Wednesday evening.


news--2020-05-20--Coronavirus: 'Chaos' as huge queues seen outside McDonald's drive-throughs

Huge queues have been seen outside some of McDonald 's restaurants , after the fast food chain reopened a number of its drive-throughs .
Images showed cars forming snaking queues outside some of the chain 's outlets , as many customers arrived for their first taste since lockdown began .
Some living nearby reported `` chaos '' on the roads as the restaurants reopened their drive-throughs .
Service is resuming at 33 of the fast-food chain 's UK sites - and six in Ireland , which are all in Dublin - between 11am and 10pm .
Customers are limited to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and all will be asked to use contactless payment .
The locations join some sites that had already reopened for delivery only , with a limited menu .
McDonald 's previously said it planned to reopen all of its drive-through sites by early June , in line with government coronavirus guidelines .
As it gets back to some form of business , the company has introduced safety measures including contactless thermometers for staff , Perspex screens and protective equipment .
Smaller menus have been in place so that kitchen staff can more easily @ @ @ @ @ @ @ full list of McDonald 's reopening is :

Huge queues have been seen outside some of McDonald's restaurants, after the fast food chain reopened a number of its drive-throughs.
Images showed cars forming snaking queues outside some of the chain's outlets, as many customers arrived for their first taste since lockdown began.
Image: Theresa Hyland seems pleased with her takeaway meal
Some living nearby reported "chaos" on the roads as the restaurants reopened their drive-throughs.
Service is resuming at 33 of the fast-food chain's UK sites - and six in Ireland, which are all in Dublin - between 11am and 10pm.
Image: Ziggy the dog was among the first customers to try a cheese burger in Dublin
Customers are limited to a maximum spend of £25 per car and all will be asked to use contactless payment.
The locations join some sites that had already reopened for delivery only, with a limited menu.
McDonald's previously said it planned to reopen all of its drive-through sites by early June, in line with government coronavirus guidelines.
As it gets back to some form of business, the company has introduced safety measures including contactless thermometers for staff, Perspex screens and protective equipment.
Twitter Twitter , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Twitter cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Twitter cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Twitter cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
Smaller menus have been in place so that kitchen staff can more easily adhere to social distancing rules.
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The full list of McDonald's reopening is:
Drive-through only
Ipswich - Ranelagh Road
Ipswich - Ravenswood
Ipswich - Whitehouse
Chelmsford - Regiment Business Park
Hounslow - Travellers Friend
Sutton - Oldfields Road
North Cheam
Strood
Medway Valley Park
Bushey
Staines drive-through
Staines - Ashford
Bourges Boulevard
Peterborough - Boongate
Peterborough - Hampton
Peterborough - Morrisons
Peterborough - Eye Green
Peterborough - Glinton
Rochester - Medway City Estate
Bobbing - Sheppey Way
Dunstable - Luton Road
Luton Retail Park
Watford - Garston
Delivery and drive-through
Chelmsford - Riverside
Chelmsford - Westway
Ipswich - Cardinal Park
Boreham Interchange
Luton Leagrave
Luton - Chaul End Lane
Watford - Hertfordshire Arms
Beechings Way
Sittingbourne Retail Park
Gillingham - Bowaters
Delivery only
Tooting
Dalston
Welling
Harrow
Luton - George Street
Dublin drive-throughs
Nutgrove
Kylemore Road
East Wall
Artaine
Malahide Road
Tallaght


news--2020-05-19--Katherine Ryan on dream dinner guests, cancel culture, and not staying silent

Having moved to the UK from Canada several years ago , she is very much settled and loves it here , she says .
But British people can be too polite .
`` I 'm very inquisitive , '' she says , her daughter Violet trying unsuccessfully to blend into the background during a morning Skype interview .
`` I do n't like small talk .
Moving to Britain - I mean , I love the people here , but some are a little too polite for me .
`` I want to go straight in .
I want to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in your life ?
What are you excited about ?
What 's going on with your brother-in-law cheating on his wife ?
I just want to know the deep issues .
And I think that 's what makes me a provocative dinner party guest .
`` I 'm ready to answer anything .
There 's no question , you know , that I 'm uncomfortable answering in front of a large group of people . ''
We are chatting about the banalities of small talk as Ryan gets ready to open up her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , of course - to share dinner online during the coronavirus lockdown .
The comedian is joining radio presenter Nick Grimshaw , the host for the evening , plus singer Paloma Faith and boxing star David Haye , for Table For 1 Million , which is free to attend and open to anyone who fancies good food and good company , as well as a nose inside some celebrity homes and the chance to ask questions in a live Q & A .
Launched by recipe box brand Gousto , it is described @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , raising money for The Trussell Trust foodbank charity .
Is Ryan a good host ?
`` I prefer the virtual dinner party , actually , because though I consider myself a good host , washing up is the least enjoyable part of a big evening .
`` So in this case , I get to have that connection with everyone and the fun , but I only have to wash my own dishes . ''
As anyone can get a seat at the table , who would her dream dinner party guests @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so many , '' says Ryan .
`` I 'm obsessed with Betty White from stage and screen , from decades of film and television , from the Golden Girls .
She is in her late 90s and I feel like I celebrate Betty White every single day that she is still in this realm .
I would love , love , love to have a dinner party with her .
She is my favourite .
She is my hero of comedy .
`` I love Cardi B , seeing Betty White in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ very exciting .
I love Christine from Christine And The Queens .
She 's an amazing French artist and I 've been brushing up on my French in lockdown .
`` My parents sent me to all-French school in Canada .
We 're a bilingual country but I 've lost a lot of it , so I 've been trying to get that back .
I know Paloma speaks French and I think if you do n't come out of this learning a new language , what have you really done ? ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ guests .
There 's room for a few more .
`` Dead or alive ?
I 'd like Marilyn Monroe to be there .
She 's fun .
I 'm choosing a lot of women , but , I mean , those are my heroes .
We could invite Beyonce , Michelle Obama .
Just so many ... How big is this dinner party ?
I ca n't name one million .
We 'll have a million on Friday night , but in my home I think I could stretch to six .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to talk to as many people as possible .
`` I always feel like comedy is a conversation and I 'm excited that people can just watch along at Table For 1 Million or they can really get involved .
`` I have found that through social media and through my podcast , the real-life people who are n't professional comedians - they have important jobs , they 're firefighters , they 're working for the NHS - those are some of the funniest people that I get to chat to . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ dinner party stories .
Her Your Face Or Mine co-host and fellow comedian Jimmy Carr hosts `` wonderful '' dinner parties , she says .
`` I 've had many dinner parties with him , I hope to have dinner parties with him again .
`` I had a dinner party with him that Stephen Hawking was invited to so I got to meet Professor Hawking .
Jimmy is just a great host .
So I 've been lucky enough that a lot of my dream dinner party guests I 've already met @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unsurprisingly , in demand , she says .
`` I mean , what a thrill to meet such a brilliant man .
He did n't have too much time for me , he was a very popular dinner guest .
I did try to to charm Stephen Hawking , but he kept it moving .
We had a short chat . ''
Ryan 's party trick is sideways tongue , she says , when I ask , presenting her sideways tongue between her teeth to the camera on Skype .
`` I mean @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trick ... My mother used to sing in the 'Ubba ' language . ''
I have no idea what this is .
`` She would add the syllable 'buh ' to everything .
So her dinner party trick ...
I do n't know if Take Me Out To The Ballgame is a copywritten song , but she 'd be like… '' It 's hard to explain in words , but Ryan demonstrates singing the 'Ubba ' language perfectly .
It 's impressive .
`` That was her party trick , that was pretty @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that 's about it .
Quite a few [ party tricks ] that no one wants to see . ''
Ryan launched her podcast , Telling Everybody Everything , in April .
Billed as `` candid chat , pettiness , phone calls , and some serious stuff too - straight from the nation 's sweetheart '' , she discusses openly everything from her feelings on Tiger King to the deeply personal experience of going through a miscarriage .
Earlier this month , she appeared on Love Island presenter Laura Whitmore 's podcast , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to talk about an issue that is n't often spoken about , with Whitmore herself having experienced pregnancy loss .
Ryan says sharing her story has made her feel `` vulnerable '' but she is happy to discuss it and hopes it might help others .
`` I think there is harm in silence , there can be danger in taking on too much and being silent , for some people , '' she says .
`` When it happened to me I felt so lonely , like I was experiencing that all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ know the figures , I know that it can happen , I am aware that it 's a reality .
`` Putting a face to that experience really helped me feel like it was n't my fault .
I think Laura 's a very aspirational , strong , very accomplished young woman .
And I thought , okay , well , if something like that can touch her family , then I can deal with it .
`` I did n't take any personal joy from sharing it .
I mean , now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ taken on , I think , a lot of collective grief as people reach out with their stories .
But I felt I do n't want an experience just to happen with no resolution .
I think we always have to move the conversation forward .
`` And I wanted to share that experience , because if I can be a Laura Whitmore , even for one person , because her experience helped me ... so I owe it to other women and other families to share that experience , if it 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ says lots of people have been in touch since .
`` My heart goes out to professional therapists because they must just take on so much emotional energy , '' she says .
`` Because hearing those stories , having empathy for those stories , can be quite heavy .
`` But I think that the more we can talk about it , the more we can come together , the more we can collectively heal as well .
`` I 'm not ashamed anymore .
I felt an initial reflex of shame @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prepared for some of the details of how it happened .
So I think that needs to be spoken about more because it can be silent .
So we should not stay silent about that . ''
In another episode of her podcast , Ryan addresses the NME Awards , when she was heckled by rapper Slowthai in an incident that quickly went viral earlier this year .
The 25-year-old was accused of making `` lewd comments '' to the comedian , who was hosting the ceremony , after he won the Hero @ @ @ @ @ @ @ quickly started trending on Twitter and he was heavily criticised ; Ryan was quick to respond to congratulate him on his win and make it clear she knew he was joking .
`` I admire the culture that is always moving forward and trying to be as socially conscious as it can be and trying to be progressive and do the right thing , '' she says .
`` I admire that , but I do think that sometimes , with the best intentions , we can see things on the internet as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's very dangerous , especially when there 's a pile-on .
`` I 'm learning all the time .
It 's all right to be critical or to have your say when a public situation arises , but when you can clearly see that it 's a cancel-culture situation , I think that 's really wrong .
`` Some live events are meant to stay in the room and it 's all right for them to be dealt with in that moment .
They do n't then need to be rehashed on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ context-free , nuance-free , dangerous place . ''
Ryan says she hopes discussing the issue will cause people to think more about trial by internet .
`` I hope that that 's one of the things that we 're learning , '' she says .
`` I think empathy and nuance are so important .
So , yeah , I did have people reach out [ after the episode ] and say , oh , I am going to consider next time how heavily I weigh into a situation with very few facts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Backstage podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker In her podcast , Ryan tells listeners she is no `` damsel in distress '' , and tells me that she and Slowthai now follow each other on social media and have `` a great relationship '' .
`` I 'm used to provocative comedy club situations all the time , '' she says .
`` I can handle myself .
I think that incident was handled on the night .
`` I think that if I were a male comedian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 're calling them - then fewer people would have leapt to my rescue .
I 'm a 36-year-old woman .
I 've been a professional comedian for over a decade , I can certainly handle myself .
`` I believe women when they say they 've got [ control of ] it .
Equally , I believe women when they say they need help .
I believe women . ''
Anyone who wants to have dinner with Katherine Ryan , or ask her question , can take part in the Gousto Table For @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at 8pm on Friday

Katherine Ryan isn't up for small talk.
Having moved to the UK from Canada several years ago, she is very much settled and loves it here, she says. But British people can be too polite.
Image: Ryan is taking part in the Table For 1 Million virtual dinner party with David Haye, Paloma Faith and host Nick Grimshaw
"I'm very inquisitive," she says, her daughter Violet trying unsuccessfully to blend into the background during a morning Skype interview.
"I don't like small talk. Moving to Britain - I mean, I love the people here, but some are a little too polite for me.
"I want to go straight in. I want to know, what's the biggest trauma in your life? What are you excited about? What's going on with your brother-in-law cheating on his wife? I just want to know the deep issues. And I think that's what makes me a provocative dinner party guest.
"I'm ready to answer anything. There's no question, you know, that I'm uncomfortable answering in front of a large group of people."
We are chatting about the banalities of small talk as Ryan gets ready to open up her home to one million people - virtually, of course - to share dinner online during the coronavirus lockdown.
The comedian is joining radio presenter Nick Grimshaw, the host for the evening, plus singer Paloma Faith and boxing star David Haye, for Table For 1 Million, which is free to attend and open to anyone who fancies good food and good company, as well as a nose inside some celebrity homes and the chance to ask questions in a live Q&A.
Launched by recipe box brand Gousto, it is described as the largest ever virtual dinner table, raising money for The Trussell Trust foodbank charity.
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Image: The comedian says she wants to discuss the 'deep issues', not small talk, at the dinner table
Is Ryan a good host? "I prefer the virtual dinner party, actually, because though I consider myself a good host, washing up is the least enjoyable part of a big evening.
"So in this case, I get to have that connection with everyone and the fun, but I only have to wash my own dishes."
As anyone can get a seat at the table, who would her dream dinner party guests be?
"Oh, I have so many," says Ryan. "I'm obsessed with Betty White from stage and screen, from decades of film and television, from the Golden Girls. She is in her late 90s and I feel like I celebrate Betty White every single day that she is still in this realm. I would love, love, love to have a dinner party with her. She is my favourite. She is my hero of comedy.
"I love Cardi B, seeing Betty White in a room with Cardi B would be very exciting. I love Christine from Christine And The Queens. She's an amazing French artist and I've been brushing up on my French in lockdown.
Image: Ryan is a big fan of Betty White
"My parents sent me to all-French school in Canada. We're a bilingual country but I've lost a lot of it, so I've been trying to get that back. I know Paloma speaks French and I think if you don't come out of this learning a new language, what have you really done?"
So that's Ryan, plus three guests. There's room for a few more.
"Dead or alive? I'd like Marilyn Monroe to be there. She's fun. I'm choosing a lot of women, but, I mean, those are my heroes. We could invite Beyonce, Michelle Obama. Just so many... How big is this dinner party? I can't name one million. We'll have a million on Friday night, but in my home I think I could stretch to six."
Virtually, though, Ryan wants to talk to as many people as possible.
"I always feel like comedy is a conversation and I'm excited that people can just watch along at Table For 1 Million or they can really get involved.
"I have found that through social media and through my podcast, the real-life people who aren't professional comedians - they have important jobs, they're firefighters, they're working for the NHS - those are some of the funniest people that I get to chat to."
Image: Michelle Obama and Beyonce (below) would be on the comedian's dream dinner date line-up
I want to hear Ryan's best dinner party stories. Her Your Face Or Mine co-host and fellow comedian Jimmy Carr hosts "wonderful" dinner parties, she says.
"I've had many dinner parties with him, I hope to have dinner parties with him again.
"I had a dinner party with him that Stephen Hawking was invited to so I got to meet Professor Hawking. Jimmy is just a great host. So I've been lucky enough that a lot of my dream dinner party guests I've already met at his."
Hawking was, unsurprisingly, in demand, she says.
"I mean, what a thrill to meet such a brilliant man. He didn't have too much time for me, he was a very popular dinner guest. I did try to to charm Stephen Hawking, but he kept it moving. We had a short chat."
Image: Ryan says she once dinner-partied with Stephen Hawking
Ryan's party trick is sideways tongue, she says, when I ask, presenting her sideways tongue between her teeth to the camera on Skype.
"I mean, that's not a great party trick... My mother used to sing in the 'Ubba' language."
I have no idea what this is.
"She would add the syllable 'buh' to everything. So her dinner party trick... I don't know if Take Me Out To The Ballgame is a copywritten song, but she'd be like…"
It's hard to explain in words, but Ryan demonstrates singing the 'Ubba' language perfectly. It's impressive.
"That was her party trick, that was pretty cool. I can play piano, that's about it. Quite a few [party tricks] that no one wants to see."
Ryan launched her podcast, Telling Everybody Everything, in April. Billed as "candid chat, pettiness, phone calls, and some serious stuff too - straight from the nation's sweetheart", she discusses openly everything from her feelings on Tiger King to the deeply personal experience of going through a miscarriage.
Earlier this month, she appeared on Love Island presenter Laura Whitmore's podcast, Castaway, and told how she wanted to talk about an issue that isn't often spoken about, with Whitmore herself having experienced pregnancy loss.
Ryan says sharing her story has made her feel "vulnerable" but she is happy to discuss it and hopes it might help others.
Image: Ryan says she hopes speaking openly about miscarriage with Laura Whitmore (pictured) will help others
"I think there is harm in silence, there can be danger in taking on too much and being silent, for some people," she says. "When it happened to me I felt so lonely, like I was experiencing that all by myself [even though] I know the figures, I know that it can happen, I am aware that it's a reality.
"Putting a face to that experience really helped me feel like it wasn't my fault. I think Laura's a very aspirational, strong, very accomplished young woman. And I thought, okay, well, if something like that can touch her family, then I can deal with it.
"I didn't take any personal joy from sharing it. I mean, now I feel very vulnerable and I've taken on, I think, a lot of collective grief as people reach out with their stories. But I felt I don't want an experience just to happen with no resolution. I think we always have to move the conversation forward.
"And I wanted to share that experience, because if I can be a Laura Whitmore, even for one person, because her experience helped me... so I owe it to other women and other families to share that experience, if it's going to help them."
Ryan says lots of people have been in touch since.
"My heart goes out to professional therapists because they must just take on so much emotional energy," she says. "Because hearing those stories, having empathy for those stories, can be quite heavy.
"But I think that the more we can talk about it, the more we can come together, the more we can collectively heal as well.
"I'm not ashamed anymore. I felt an initial reflex of shame, but I also wasn't really prepared for some of the details of how it happened. So I think that needs to be spoken about more because it can be silent. So we should not stay silent about that."
In another episode of her podcast, Ryan addresses the NME Awards, when she was heckled by rapper Slowthai in an incident that quickly went viral earlier this year.
Image: Rapper Slowthai heckled Ryan at the NME Awards, which she hosted, earlier this year
The 25-year-old was accused of making "lewd comments" to the comedian, who was hosting the ceremony, after he won the Hero of the Year prize.
His name quickly started trending on Twitter and he was heavily criticised; Ryan was quick to respond to congratulate him on his win and make it clear she knew he was joking.
"I admire the culture that is always moving forward and trying to be as socially conscious as it can be and trying to be progressive and do the right thing," she says.
"I admire that, but I do think that sometimes, with the best intentions, we can see things on the internet as being black or white. And that's very dangerous, especially when there's a pile-on.
"I'm learning all the time. It's all right to be critical or to have your say when a public situation arises, but when you can clearly see that it's a cancel-culture situation, I think that's really wrong.
"Some live events are meant to stay in the room and it's all right for them to be dealt with in that moment. They don't then need to be rehashed on the internet because it can be a very context-free, nuance-free, dangerous place."
Ryan says she hopes discussing the issue will cause people to think more about trial by internet.
"I hope that that's one of the things that we're learning," she says. "I think empathy and nuance are so important. So, yeah, I did have people reach out [after the episode] and say, oh, I am going to consider next time how heavily I weigh into a situation with very few facts."
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:: Listen to the Backstage podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
In her podcast, Ryan tells listeners she is no "damsel in distress", and tells me that she and Slowthai now follow each other on social media and have "a great relationship".
"I'm used to provocative comedy club situations all the time," she says. "I can handle myself. I think that incident was handled on the night.
"I think that if I were a male comedian - a male comedienne, as we're calling them - then fewer people would have leapt to my rescue. I'm a 36-year-old woman. I've been a professional comedian for over a decade, I can certainly handle myself.
"I believe women when they say they've got [control of ] it. Equally, I believe women when they say they need help. I believe women."
Anyone who wants to have dinner with Katherine Ryan, or ask her question, can take part in the Gousto Table For 1 Million virtual dinner party, starting at 8pm on Friday


news--2020-05-20--Coronavirus: Glastonbury Fans urged to 'stay away from Worthy Farm' during lockdown

Glastonbury organisers are urging people to stay away from the site in Somerset during the coronavirus lockdown .
In a statement on its website , it says Worthy Farm and its surrounding farms are `` private property '' , and that `` given the current circumstances '' , the site is closed to the public during the COVID-19 pandemic .
It continued : `` Despite this , we have seen increasing numbers of visitors attempting to access the site used by the festival .
`` For the sake of those who continue to work and live on the site , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not consider visiting .
`` Those who do attempt to access the site will be asked to leave . ''
2020 had been set to mark the 50th anniversary of the event - which attracts crowds of around 200,000 - with headliners including Diana Ross , Taylor Swift and Sir Paul McCartney .
Organisers Michael and Emily Eavis have previously described the cancellation as a `` terrible blow '' , and an `` enforced fallow year '' due to the `` unprecedented uncertainty '' caused by COVID-19 .
: : Listen to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Ticket holders are able to roll-over entry to next year , or apply for a refund .

Glastonbury organisers are urging people to stay away from the site in Somerset during the coronavirus lockdown.
In a statement on its website, it says Worthy Farm and its surrounding farms are "private property", and that "given the current circumstances", the site is closed to the public during the COVID-19 pandemic.
It continued: "Despite this, we have seen increasing numbers of visitors attempting to access the site used by the festival.
Image: The world famous event attracts crowds of around 200,000. File pic
"For the sake of those who continue to work and live on the site, we would ask that you please do not consider visiting.
"Those who do attempt to access the site will be asked to leave."
2020 had been set to mark the 50th anniversary of the event - which attracts crowds of around 200,000 - with headliners including Diana Ross, Taylor Swift and Sir Paul McCartney.
Organisers Michael and Emily Eavis have previously described the cancellation as a "terrible blow", and an "enforced fallow year" due to the "unprecedented uncertainty" caused by COVID-19.
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Ticket holders are able to roll-over entry to next year, or apply for a refund.


news--2020-05-20--Britain's borrowing costs turn negative - with huge implications for government policy

The Treasury is facing a major expansion of borrowing this year It has been commonplace for a while now , in countries like Germany and Switzerland , but today the UK was able to join the enviable ranks of those countries which are effectively able to charge investors for the right to lend to them .
An auction of UK government IOUs - gilts - saw the Debt Management Office , the Treasury agency that handles the government 's cash and debt management , sell £3.8bn worth of three-year bonds with a yield of -0.003 % .
That means anyone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them until maturity will lose money .
It also means that anyone buying these gilts is effectively paying the UK government for the right to lend to it .
Demand was strong for the issue with investors applying to buy more than twice as much debt as was being auctioned .
The DMO has previously sold very short-dated paper - such as one or three month bills - with a negative yield but this is the first time that a longer-dated gilt has been sold with a negative yield .
The development has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be conducted in coming years .
The government is facing a major expansion of borrowing this year due to the extraordinary measures put in place to protect jobs and businesses following the COVID-19 lockdown .
A Treasury document leaked to the Daily Telegraph two weeks ago suggested the government might seek to fund this borrowing through a combination of tax increases and a squeeze on public spending .
The government was quick to downplay the report , stressing Treasury officials had merely been setting out options for ministers , while indicating that borrowing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ slack .
And that argument will have been given greater weight by today 's events .
After a decade of disciplined government spending , there is little public or political appetite for more austerity , something the chancellor had indicated even before the COVID-19 pandemic .
Tax increases are also seen as a non-starter since they are regarded as stifling growth .
Indeed , rather than raise taxes , many Conservative MPs would prefer to see tax cuts as a way of stimulating growth as the UK emerges from lockdown .
So the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a negative yield raises the enticing prospect for ministers of being able to borrow vast sums at relatively little cost .
It is an option that was not available to the coalition government , after the financial crisis , which was forced to push through both tax increases and spending cuts in the face of threatened downgrades to the UK 's creditworthiness from the ratings agencies .
There will also be implications for the Bank of England .
It has cut Bank Rate , its main policy rate , to a record low @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crisis but has until now resisted negative interest rates in the way that some of the Bank 's peers - such as the European Central Bank , the Bank of Japan and the Swiss National Bank - have .
However , Bank governor Andrew Bailey today indicated that it would be `` foolish '' to rule out such a move .
That comes after Andy Haldane , the BoE 's chief economist , suggested recently that taking interest rates below zero remained a possibility .
Accordingly , the fact that at a three-year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a negative yield seems certain to reignite speculation that negative interest rates are on their way , particularly as two-year gilts tend to move closely with market expectations for Bank Rate .
As Richard Carter , head of fixed interest research at the wealth manager Quilter Cheviot put it : `` Today 's sale of a three-year government bond at negative interest rates was an historic moment and demonstrated the ongoing demand for UK gilts despite increased issuance .
`` It will also fuel the debate over the Bank of England 's interest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the ECB 's lead by taking official rates negative .
`` Recent comments by MPC members suggest they are keeping their options open and could 'go negative ' if the economy flat lines during the second half of 2020 . ''
Aaron Rock , investment director at the fund manager Aberdeen Standard Investments , added : `` The decline into negative gilt yields has been aided by the current Bank of England Quantitative Easing buyback programme , and the ongoing debate within the Monetary Policy Committee over the potential for negative policy rates @ @ @ @ @ @ @ MPC choose to adopt negative policy rates or not , due to low inflation , there will be continued demand for gilts at low and negative yields .
`` The MPC will likely increase the size of their QE program in June , and reserve managers and other investors continue to view the UK as retaining institutional credibility and low credit risk . ''
Meanwhile , although the sale of a gilt with a negative yield will undoubtedly capture headlines , two other gilt auctions during the last couple of weeks will have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Treasury .
The vast amount of government borrowing in response to the COVID-19 crisis means that vast gilt issuance is also on the cards .
Some £180bn of debt is expected to be sold between May and July this year .
So the DMO will have taken comfort from the fact that demand was exceptionally strong for a new 10-year gilt auctioned on Tuesday last week .
The DMO sold £12bn worth of the debt but received orders for £82.6bn worth - a record for a gilt of that maturity .
This was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ auction of a new 40-year gilt .
The DMO raised £7bn from the sale but attracted orders worth £53.1bn .
The two sales show there is no shortage of investors willing to lend to the UK government for long periods of time at relatively negligible rates of interest .
It speaks volumes for how investors regard the creditworthiness of the UK but will come as a relief to ministers , too , as they contemplate the vast amounts of government borrowing to come .
Others will take a different view .
Gilt yields @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deficits are calculated - the lower the gilt yield , the higher the deficit .
According to the Pension Protection Fund , the pensions lifeboat , every 0.1 percentage point fall in long-dated gilt yields pushes up pension fund liabilities in the UK to the tune of around £34bn .
So negative gilt yields will have the impact of widening pension deficits - a prospect to guarantee sleepless nights for finance directors of British companies with sizeable retirement schemes .

The UK has sold three-year government bonds with a negative yield - meaning investors are paying for the right to lend to it.
The Treasury is facing a major expansion of borrowing this year
It has been commonplace for a while now, in countries like Germany and Switzerland, but today the UK was able to join the enviable ranks of those countries which are effectively able to charge investors for the right to lend to them.
An auction of UK government IOUs - gilts - saw the Debt Management Office, the Treasury agency that handles the government's cash and debt management, sell £3.8bn worth of three-year bonds with a yield of -0.003%.
That means anyone buying the bonds at issue and holding them until maturity will lose money.
It also means that anyone buying these gilts is effectively paying the UK government for the right to lend to it.
Demand was strong for the issue with investors applying to buy more than twice as much debt as was being auctioned.
The DMO has previously sold very short-dated paper - such as one or three month bills - with a negative yield but this is the first time that a longer-dated gilt has been sold with a negative yield.
The development has huge implications for how government policy could be conducted in coming years.
Image: The auction raises the enticing prospect for ministers of being able to borrow vast sums at relatively little cost.
The government is facing a major expansion of borrowing this year due to the extraordinary measures put in place to protect jobs and businesses following the COVID-19 lockdown.
A Treasury document leaked to the Daily Telegraph two weeks ago suggested the government might seek to fund this borrowing through a combination of tax increases and a squeeze on public spending.
Advertisement
The government was quick to downplay the report, stressing Treasury officials had merely been setting out options for ministers, while indicating that borrowing was more likely to pick up the slack.
And that argument will have been given greater weight by today's events.
After a decade of disciplined government spending, there is little public or political appetite for more austerity, something the chancellor had indicated even before the COVID-19 pandemic.
Tax increases are also seen as a non-starter since they are regarded as stifling growth.
Indeed, rather than raise taxes, many Conservative MPs would prefer to see tax cuts as a way of stimulating growth as the UK emerges from lockdown.
So the first ever auction of a gilt with a negative yield raises the enticing prospect for ministers of being able to borrow vast sums at relatively little cost.
It is an option that was not available to the coalition government, after the financial crisis, which was forced to push through both tax increases and spending cuts in the face of threatened downgrades to the UK's creditworthiness from the ratings agencies.
There will also be implications for the Bank of England.
It has cut Bank Rate, its main policy rate, to a record low of 0.1% in response to the crisis but has until now resisted negative interest rates in the way that some of the Bank's peers - such as the European Central Bank, the Bank of Japan and the Swiss National Bank - have.
However, Bank governor Andrew Bailey today indicated that it would be "foolish" to rule out such a move.
That comes after Andy Haldane, the BoE's chief economist, suggested recently that taking interest rates below zero remained a possibility.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:50 BoE governor issues recession warning
Accordingly, the fact that at a three-year gilt has been sold to investors with a negative yield seems certain to reignite speculation that negative interest rates are on their way, particularly as two-year gilts tend to move closely with market expectations for Bank Rate.
As Richard Carter, head of fixed interest research at the wealth manager Quilter Cheviot put it: "Today's sale of a three-year government bond at negative interest rates was an historic moment and demonstrated the ongoing demand for UK gilts despite increased issuance.
"It will also fuel the debate over the Bank of England's interest rate policy and whether they will follow the ECB's lead by taking official rates negative.
"Recent comments by MPC members suggest they are keeping their options open and could 'go negative' if the economy flat lines during the second half of 2020."
Aaron Rock, investment director at the fund manager Aberdeen Standard Investments, added: "The decline into negative gilt yields has been aided by the current Bank of England Quantitative Easing buyback programme, and the ongoing debate within the Monetary Policy Committee over the potential for negative policy rates in the UK.
"Whether the MPC choose to adopt negative policy rates or not, due to low inflation, there will be continued demand for gilts at low and negative yields.
"The MPC will likely increase the size of their QE program in June, and reserve managers and other investors continue to view the UK as retaining institutional credibility and low credit risk."
Meanwhile, although the sale of a gilt with a negative yield will undoubtedly capture headlines, two other gilt auctions during the last couple of weeks will have prompted most sighs of relief in the Treasury.
The vast amount of government borrowing in response to the COVID-19 crisis means that vast gilt issuance is also on the cards.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:32 Unemployment rockets due to coronavirus
Some £180bn of debt is expected to be sold between May and July this year.
So the DMO will have taken comfort from the fact that demand was exceptionally strong for a new 10-year gilt auctioned on Tuesday last week.
The DMO sold £12bn worth of the debt but received orders for £82.6bn worth - a record for a gilt of that maturity.
This was followed on Tuesday this week with an auction of a new 40-year gilt.
The DMO raised £7bn from the sale but attracted orders worth £53.1bn.
The two sales show there is no shortage of investors willing to lend to the UK government for long periods of time at relatively negligible rates of interest.
It speaks volumes for how investors regard the creditworthiness of the UK but will come as a relief to ministers, too, as they contemplate the vast amounts of government borrowing to come.
Others will take a different view.
Gilt yields are the basis on which pension fund deficits are calculated - the lower the gilt yield, the higher the deficit.
According to the Pension Protection Fund, the pensions lifeboat, every 0.1 percentage point fall in long-dated gilt yields pushes up pension fund liabilities in the UK to the tune of around £34bn.
So negative gilt yields will have the impact of widening pension deficits - a prospect to guarantee sleepless nights for finance directors of British companies with sizeable retirement schemes.


news--2020-05-20--Coronavirus: Focus was on NHS over care homes early in outbreak, says minister

The government prioritised the NHS over social care early on in the coronavirus outbreak , a minister has told Sky News .
Justice Secretary Robert Buckland said : `` We needed to make a choice about testing , we did decide to focus upon the NHS . ''
Pressed further on whether it was government policy to focus on the health service first and foremost , he told Sky News ' Kay Burley @ Breakfast : `` That 's right .
I think that was absolutely essential .
`` Now is not the time to blame people .
I think @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We have got to work together , not just with the care home sector but with our scientists , all the people who advise government , and together come to sensible solutions . ''
Mr Buckland said there have been `` huge issues '' in adult social care , adding : `` We 've seen a huge tragedy in our care homes which is a great regret . ''
Admitting there was `` more to do '' , he added : `` There have been lots of examples of care homes that have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ [ there have been ] far too many cases of infection and then death .
`` I think every country in the world will look back and say there are things we could have done differently . ''
Analysis - Time for honesty about early coronavirus response may well have come by Kate McCann , political correspondent After thousands of deaths across the country and many of those in care homes , ministers are facing growing calls to admit where things went wrong .
While very few are calling for an inquiry right @ @ @ @ @ @ @ know why testing was restricted to hospitals only and why patients were transferred back into care homes without being checked for coronavirus first .
Judging by Robert Buckland 's tone this morning in an interview with Kay Burley , the time for honesty about those decisions may well have come .
The public wants the government to succeed and they are , at least for the most part , willing to accept that mistakes have been made in coping with a disease very few understood .
But they want to see humility and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Mr Buckland , they got a taste of that .
Labour 's shadow social care minister Liz Kendall said : `` This is the clearest admission yet that ministers did not give care homes the protection they needed at the start of this pandemic .
`` Social care and the NHS are both equally important in the fight against this virus and are inextricably linked .
One can not be prioritised above the other .
`` Ministers must give social care the resources , support and attention it needs to stop the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sky News analysis of Office for National Statistics figures shows that 39,404 people died in care homes in England and Wales between 13 March and 8 May .
This means there have been more than 20,000 excess deaths in care homes compared with the five-year average .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Another minister said on Tuesday that some hospital patients with COVID-19 may have been transferred into care homes , seeding it into communities .
Environment Secretary George Eustice said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' where those without symptoms were moved untested into care homes .
Addressing a committee of MPs that same day , care home bosses accused the government of prioritising the NHS and not care homes and failing to make good on promises of support .
Professor Martin Green , chief executive of Care England , which represents care homes , said that from the start of the pandemic care homes were a second thought despite housing the `` most vulnerable people '' .
Speaking in the Commons on Tuesday , Health Secretary Matt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hospital back to care homes at a time when community transmission of the virus was low .
He said the care homes guidance that was in place until 13 March `` was in place whilst community transmission was low and said it would be updated as soon as transmission went broader and that 's exactly what we did '' .

The government prioritised the NHS over social care early on in the coronavirus outbreak, a minister has told Sky News.
Justice Secretary Robert Buckland said: "We needed to make a choice about testing, we did decide to focus upon the NHS."
Pressed further on whether it was government policy to focus on the health service first and foremost, he told Sky News' Kay Burley@Breakfast: "That's right. I think that was absolutely essential.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:45 Who is to blame for the deaths in care homes?
"Now is not the time to blame people. I think that would be wholly counterproductive.
"We have got to work together, not just with the care home sector but with our scientists, all the people who advise government, and together come to sensible solutions."
Mr Buckland said there have been "huge issues" in adult social care, adding: "We've seen a huge tragedy in our care homes which is a great regret."
Admitting there was "more to do", he added: "There have been lots of examples of care homes that have mercifully stayed infection free, but sadly [there have been] far too many cases of infection and then death.
"I think every country in the world will look back and say there are things we could have done differently."
Analysis - Time for honesty about early coronavirus response may well have come
by Kate McCann, political correspondent
Advertisement
After thousands of deaths across the country and many of those in care homes, ministers are facing growing calls to admit where things went wrong.
While very few are calling for an inquiry right now, lots of people want to know why testing was restricted to hospitals only and why patients were transferred back into care homes without being checked for coronavirus first.
Judging by Robert Buckland's tone this morning in an interview with Kay Burley, the time for honesty about those decisions may well have come.
The public wants the government to succeed and they are, at least for the most part, willing to accept that mistakes have been made in coping with a disease very few understood.
But they want to see humility and honesty from ministers too. Today, in Mr Buckland, they got a taste of that.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:54 Hancock on care homes: 'We will not rest'
Labour's shadow social care minister Liz Kendall said: "This is the clearest admission yet that ministers did not give care homes the protection they needed at the start of this pandemic.
"Social care and the NHS are both equally important in the fight against this virus and are inextricably linked. One cannot be prioritised above the other.
"Ministers must give social care the resources, support and attention it needs to stop the spread of this awful virus."
Sky News analysis of Office for National Statistics figures shows that 39,404 people died in care homes in England and Wales between 13 March and 8 May.
This means there have been more than 20,000 excess deaths in care homes compared with the five-year average.
Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Another minister said on Tuesday that some hospital patients with COVID-19 may have been transferred into care homes, seeding it into communities.
Environment Secretary George Eustice said there could have been "some instances" where those without symptoms were moved untested into care homes.
Addressing a committee of MPs that same day, care home bosses accused the government of prioritising the NHS and not care homes and failing to make good on promises of support.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 6:20 Hunt: Social care should be an equal to NHS
Professor Martin Green, chief executive of Care England, which represents care homes, said that from the start of the pandemic care homes were a second thought despite housing the "most vulnerable people".
Speaking in the Commons on Tuesday, Health Secretary Matt Hancock again insisted patients were discharged from hospital back to care homes at a time when community transmission of the virus was low.
He said the care homes guidance that was in place until 13 March "was in place whilst community transmission was low and said it would be updated as soon as transmission went broader and that's exactly what we did".


news--2020-05-20--Coronavirus: £150m to be released from dormant accounts for charities and social enterprises

The government is to release £150m from dormant bank accounts to help charities , social enterprises and vulnerable people during the coronavirus lockdown .
The money will come from a scheme launched in 2011 in which 30 firms , including all major high street banks , voluntarily transferred funds from accounts that have been inactive for 15 years into a government pot to be used for good causes .
Speaking at Wednesday 's coronavirus briefing , Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said : `` We 're releasing £150m from dormant accounts to help social enterprises get affordable credit to people who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tackling youth unemployment .
`` Charities both large and small have been at the forefront of this national effort to defeat the coronavirus .
`` All of this amounts to a multi-billion pound boost for Britain 's charities . ''
A total of £79m has already been unlocked from dormant accounts , while the government said another release of £71m is being accelerated .
The money comes on top of £750m in direct cash grants already announced by the government for charities inundated with requests due to people being directly affected by coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Mr Dowden revealed the public has raised £800m for charities helping with the crisis , including nearly £33m by Captain Tom Moore who it was announced on Wednesday will receive a knighthood .
During the Downing Street briefing , Mr Dowden said the number of people with COVID-19 in UK hospitals has fallen below 10,000 for the first time since March .
He added : `` This is not the time to be complacent , we must remain vigilant . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ culture secretary also announced 177,216 COVID-19 tests were carried out in the 24 hours to 9am on Wednesday - the largest number ever , bringing the government closer to Boris Johnson 's promised 200,000 daily tests by the end of May .
He said out of the overall 2,962,227 tests carried out , 248,293 people have been confirmed as having the virus .
Mr Dowden also said there had been a further 363 coronavirus-related deaths in hospitals , care homes and the community , taking the UK total to 35,704 .
As the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it is extending its bereavement scheme to the families and dependants of NHS support staff and social care workers who die as a result of contracting COVID-19 .
Relatives will be offered an indefinite leave to remain , free of charge - just as families of NHS and independent health workers were offered in April .
`` This will be effective immediately and retrospectively , '' Home Secretary Priti Patel said .
The move comes after criticism that care workers , cleaners and porters had been left out of the scheme .
As @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lockdown , Mr Dowden announced he will be chairing a cultural renewal taskforce which will include former footballer Alex Scott , former BBC and ITV chairman Lord Grade , English National Ballet artistic director Tamara Rojo and tech entrepreneur Baroness Lane-Fox .
They will meet weekly to discuss how to get sports and the arts up and running again , albeit in a different format initially .

The government is to release £150m from dormant bank accounts to help charities, social enterprises and vulnerable people during the coronavirus lockdown.
The money will come from a scheme launched in 2011 in which 30 firms, including all major high street banks, voluntarily transferred funds from accounts that have been inactive for 15 years into a government pot to be used for good causes.
Speaking at Wednesday's coronavirus briefing, Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said: "We're releasing £150m from dormant accounts to help social enterprises get affordable credit to people who are financially vulnerable and to support charities tackling youth unemployment.
"Charities both large and small have been at the forefront of this national effort to defeat the coronavirus.
"All of this amounts to a multi-billion pound boost for Britain's charities."
A total of £79m has already been unlocked from dormant accounts, while the government said another release of £71m is being accelerated.
The money comes on top of £750m in direct cash grants already announced by the government for charities inundated with requests due to people being directly affected by coronavirus, including hospices and domestic abuse charities.
Mr Dowden revealed the public has raised £800m for charities helping with the crisis, including nearly £33m by Captain Tom Moore who it was announced on Wednesday will receive a knighthood.
During the Downing Street briefing, Mr Dowden said the number of people with COVID-19 in UK hospitals has fallen below 10,000 for the first time since March.
Advertisement
He added: "This is not the time to be complacent, we must remain vigilant."
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
The culture secretary also announced 177,216 COVID-19 tests were carried out in the 24 hours to 9am on Wednesday - the largest number ever, bringing the government closer to Boris Johnson's promised 200,000 daily tests by the end of May.
He said out of the overall 2,962,227 tests carried out, 248,293 people have been confirmed as having the virus.
Mr Dowden also said there had been a further 363 coronavirus-related deaths in hospitals, care homes and the community, taking the UK total to 35,704.
As the briefing ended, the Home Office announced it is extending its bereavement scheme to the families and dependants of NHS support staff and social care workers who die as a result of contracting COVID-19.
Relatives will be offered an indefinite leave to remain, free of charge - just as families of NHS and independent health workers were offered in April.
"This will be effective immediately and retrospectively," Home Secretary Priti Patel said.
The move comes after criticism that care workers, cleaners and porters had been left out of the scheme.
As part of the path to ease the lockdown, Mr Dowden announced he will be chairing a cultural renewal taskforce which will include former footballer Alex Scott, former BBC and ITV chairman Lord Grade, English National Ballet artistic director Tamara Rojo and tech entrepreneur Baroness Lane-Fox.
They will meet weekly to discuss how to get sports and the arts up and running again, albeit in a different format initially.


news--2020-05-20--Coronavirus: Coast roads 'gridlocked' by cars 'from all over country' as thousands enjoy hottest day

Coronavirus: Coast roads 'gridlocked' by cars 'from all over country' as thousands enjoy hottest day of year

Britain 's hottest day of the year so far has led to many people flouting social distancing rules to hit the beach - with some coastal roads left `` gridlocked '' .
The mercury climbed to 27.8C ( 82F ) near Heathrow Airport , as sunbathers across England enjoyed new found-freedom following the easing of COVID-19 lockdown restrictions .
London 's St James 's Park had recorded a high of 26.2C ( 79F ) on Tuesday - beating 2020 's previous top of 26C ( 78.8F ) set last month .
Balmy conditions have tested the nation 's resolve in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spaces .
On the north Devon coast , police said roads to the area 's beaches were `` gridlocked '' despite pleas to the public from councils who advise against travelling to the south west of England .
Officers in Ilfracombe and Braunton said they had identified vehicles from `` all over the country '' in the local area , where toilets and other amenities remain closed .
`` Roads towards the north Devon coast are now gridlocked , '' officers tweeted .
`` We have vehicles from all over the country identified @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` We will still be here when this is over so come back when it 's safe to do so . ''
One officer said `` valuable resources '' were being used to police traffic , adding that elderly people in the area would be `` very anxious over the selfish actions of these individuals '' .
Police in Barnstaple said they were `` running out of tickets '' as they urged members of the public not to abandon their cars , while a road policing unit said that double yellow lines from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cars and vans '' .
`` Cars mounting pavements to get by whilst pedestrians try to cross the road , '' police tweeted .
`` All the offences have been recorded and will be processed in due course . ''
Other coastal areas that saw an increase in visitors included Sussex and Dorset .
A slight easing of restrictions in England means people can drive to beaches and countryside beauty spots , where they are allowed to picnic , sunbathe and relax .
Weather conditions are expected to become more unsettled on Thursday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the east and south-east of England as a band of rain pushes eastwards .

Britain's hottest day of the year so far has led to many people flouting social distancing rules to hit the beach - with some coastal roads left "gridlocked".
The mercury climbed to 27.8C (82F) near Heathrow Airport, as sunbathers across England enjoyed new found-freedom following the easing of COVID-19 lockdown restrictions.
London's St James's Park had recorded a high of 26.2C (79F) on Tuesday - beating 2020's previous top of 26C (78.8F) set last month.
Balmy conditions have tested the nation's resolve in maintaining social distancing in parks and open spaces.
Image: Social media users have criticised the large groups of people in Bournemouth
On the north Devon coast, police said roads to the area's beaches were "gridlocked" despite pleas to the public from councils who advise against travelling to the south west of England.
Officers in Ilfracombe and Braunton said they had identified vehicles from "all over the country" in the local area, where toilets and other amenities remain closed.
"Roads towards the north Devon coast are now gridlocked," officers tweeted.
Image: Sunbathers in Weston-super-Mare queue up for ice creams on the hottest day of the year
"We have vehicles from all over the country identified, please do not travel here.
"We will still be here when this is over so come back when it's safe to do so."
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One officer said "valuable resources" were being used to police traffic, adding that elderly people in the area would be "very anxious over the selfish actions of these individuals".
Twitter Twitter , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Twitter cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Twitter cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Twitter cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
Police in Barnstaple said they were "running out of tickets" as they urged members of the public not to abandon their cars, while a road policing unit said that double yellow lines from Woolacombe to Morthoe were "covered with cars and vans".
"Cars mounting pavements to get by whilst pedestrians try to cross the road," police tweeted.
"All the offences have been recorded and will be processed in due course."
Other coastal areas that saw an increase in visitors included Sussex and Dorset.
Image: Other areas in the UK were seen to be much quieter
A slight easing of restrictions in England means people can drive to beaches and countryside beauty spots, where they are allowed to picnic, sunbathe and relax.
Weather conditions are expected to become more unsettled on Thursday, with the risk of thunderstorms in the east and south-east of England as a band of rain pushes eastwards.


news--2020-05-03--Human rights groups want investigation after 46 die in Venezuelan prison riot

Human rights groups want an investigation after 46 people died in a riot at a Venezuelan prison .
The country 's prisons minister , Iris Varela , said the riot followed a failed escape attempt by inmates and that the prison 's director was among 75 people injured .
But opposition politician Maria Beatriz Martinez blamed a new ban on inmates receiving food from their relatives .
This had been customary in Venezuelan prisons but was stopped as part of Venezuela 's effort to prevent the spread of COVID-19 .
The UN 's Office of the High Commissioner for Human @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` gravely concerned '' about the riot .
It added : `` We urge the authorities to conduct a thorough investigation , tackle overcrowding , and guarantee basic rights . ''
Venezuela is among a number of South American countries where prisons are well-known for poor conditions and violence .
Los Llanos penitentiary in Portuguesa state , where the latest riot was , was built for around 750 inmates but currently has at least 2,500 , according to the Venezuelan Observatory of Prisons .
The group 's president , Beatriz Giron , said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's explanation - that a group of armed prisoners had tried to break out of the jail 's main entrance .
`` It is difficult to believe that at 1pm , in the light of day , prisoners are going to escape through the front door , '' she added .
Venezuela 's information ministry and chief prosecutor 's office both failed to respond to requests for comment .

Human rights groups want an investigation after 46 people died in a riot at a Venezuelan prison.
The country's prisons minister, Iris Varela, said the riot followed a failed escape attempt by inmates and that the prison's director was among 75 people injured.
But opposition politician Maria Beatriz Martinez blamed a new ban on inmates receiving food from their relatives.
This had been customary in Venezuelan prisons but was stopped as part of Venezuela's effort to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
The UN's Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights said on Twitter that it was "gravely concerned" about the riot.
It added: "We urge the authorities to conduct a thorough investigation, tackle overcrowding, and guarantee basic rights."
Venezuela is among a number of South American countries where prisons are well-known for poor conditions and violence.
Image: Relatives of inmates seen praying outside the jail after the riot
Los Llanos penitentiary in Portuguesa state, where the latest riot was, was built for around 750 inmates but currently has at least 2,500, according to the Venezuelan Observatory of Prisons.
The group's president, Beatriz Giron, said she did not believe the National Guard's explanation - that a group of armed prisoners had tried to break out of the jail's main entrance.
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"It is difficult to believe that at 1pm, in the light of day, prisoners are going to escape through the front door," she added.
Venezuela's information ministry and chief prosecutor's office both failed to respond to requests for comment.


news--2020-05-03--Two teenagers charged with murder of NHS worker David Gomoh, 24

Two teenagers have been charged with the murder of a 24-year-old NHS worker .
Muhammad Jalloh , 18 , from @ @ @ @ @ and a 16-year-old boy from Telford , Shropshire , who can not be named for @ @ @ @ @ with the murder of David Gomoh .
Mr Gomoh , a graduate from Southbank University @ @ @ @ @ injuries in Freemasons Road , Newham , on 26 April .
He was taken to @ @ @ @ @ his injuries .
At the time of his death , he worked for the NHS @ @ @ @ @ His mother , Miran , is a nurse who also works for the NHS .
@ @ @ @ @ he was due to attend his father 's funeral on 29 April .
: : @ @ @ @ @ on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The teenagers were also charged @ @ @ @ @ in connection with an alleged incident against a different person on 26 April .
They @ @ @ @ @ Thames Magistrates ' Court on Monday .

Two teenagers have been charged with the murder of a 24-year-old NHS worker.
Muhammad Jalloh, 18, from Stratford, east London, and a 16-year-old boy from Telford, Shropshire, who cannot be named for legal reasons, were charged with the murder of David Gomoh.
Mr Gomoh, a graduate from Southbank University, was found with stab injuries in Freemasons Road, Newham, on 26 April. He was taken to hospital but later died from his injuries.
At the time of his death, he worked for the NHS supplying staff with equipment. His mother, Miran, is a nurse who also works for the NHS.
Mr Gomoh died days before he was due to attend his father's funeral on 29 April.
Ken Gomoh died after contracting coronavirus last month.
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The teenagers were also charged with conspiracy to cause GBH in connection with an alleged incident against a different person on 26 April.
They are due to appear at Thames Magistrates' Court on Monday.


news--2020-05-03--Coronavirus: Under-fire insurers hold secret talks over £100m fund for stricken charities

Some of Britain 's biggest insurers are holding secret talks about creating a new fund to help charities which have been left unable to conduct fundraising activities during the coronavirus pandemic .
Sky News has learnt that the chairs of major insurance companies including Aviva , Hiscox and RSA have floated the idea during discussions in recent weeks .
The Association of British Insurers , the industry body , is also involved in the talks .
If it goes ahead , the objective of the new fund would be to donate sums to smaller charities which have been brought to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crisis , according to a person close to the situation .
The Treasury has separately pledged £750m for frontline charities affected by the pandemic , but officials in the sector have warned that this will not be nearly sufficient to prevent many from going to the wall .
Sources cautioned on Sunday evening that the talks about a new insurance industry-backed charitable fund were still at a tentative stage and may not go ahead .
: : Listen to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on Apple podcasts , Google podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mooted during the talks but that it could yet differ materially from that amount .
The fact that such a vehicle is being considered , however , reflects the pressure that top insurance executives believe the industry is under amid suggestions it is failing to honour valid claims for business interruption cover .
On Friday , the City watchdog said it was planning to take the industry to court to determine the legitimacy of some claims from small businesses .
Action groups from disgruntled business owners have been formed against insurers including Hiscox @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is giving extra help and support to customers and the wider society during this worrying time .
Individually and collectively the industry continues to look at how it can play its part in supporting society in this unprecedented situation , '' an ABI spokesman said .

Some of Britain's biggest insurers are holding secret talks about creating a new fund to help charities which have been left unable to conduct fundraising activities during the coronavirus pandemic.
Sky News has learnt that the chairs of major insurance companies including Aviva, Hiscox and RSA have floated the idea during discussions in recent weeks.
The Association of British Insurers, the industry body, is also involved in the talks.
If it goes ahead, the objective of the new fund would be to donate sums to smaller charities which have been brought to the brink of collapse by the COVID-19 crisis, according to a person close to the situation.
The Treasury has separately pledged £750m for frontline charities affected by the pandemic, but officials in the sector have warned that this will not be nearly sufficient to prevent many from going to the wall.
Sources cautioned on Sunday evening that the talks about a new insurance industry-backed charitable fund were still at a tentative stage and may not go ahead.
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One said the £100m figure had been mooted during the talks but that it could yet differ materially from that amount.
The fact that such a vehicle is being considered, however, reflects the pressure that top insurance executives believe the industry is under amid suggestions it is failing to honour valid claims for business interruption cover.
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On Friday, the City watchdog said it was planning to take the industry to court to determine the legitimacy of some claims from small businesses.
Action groups from disgruntled business owners have been formed against insurers including Hiscox and RSA.
"The insurance industry is giving extra help and support to customers and the wider society during this worrying time. Individually and collectively the industry continues to look at how it can play its part in supporting society in this unprecedented situation," an ABI spokesman said.


news--2020-05-03--More than 100 people dead after flooding and landslides in Kenya

More than 1,800 families have been made homeless in western Kenya after severe flooding .
Kenya 's Devolution Cabinet Secretary , Eugene Wamalwa , said 116 people had died due to the flooding across 29 counties .
There have also been landslides and the River Nzoia burst its banks , leaving many homes submerged in the Buyuku village of Budalangi , the Kenya Red Cross said .
One resident , Vincent Ochieng , said : `` It has been flooding for three days now , I think the government is not even aware but now we are telling them .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ any plans to assist us , only two boats are here for evacuating people . ''
Another , Maureen Atieno , added : `` Our things have been spoilt in here , for example the fridge , deep freezer and the cookers .
Cooking pots have been swept away by the water and we are doomed . ''
The Kenya Red Cross has appealed to the Kisumu County government to free-up rescue centres , due to concerns that COVID-19 could spread due to overcrowding .
In comments reported by Kenya 's Daily Nation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Asha Mohammed , said much more needed to be done for the people affected .
`` We will be doing mobile outreaches with the county department of health to provide medicines and treat minor illnesses , '' she said .

More than 1,800 families have been made homeless in western Kenya after severe flooding.
Kenya's Devolution Cabinet Secretary, Eugene Wamalwa, said 116 people had died due to the flooding across 29 counties.
There have also been landslides and the River Nzoia burst its banks, leaving many homes submerged in the Buyuku village of Budalangi, the Kenya Red Cross said.
One resident, Vincent Ochieng, said: "It has been flooding for three days now, I think the government is not even aware but now we are telling them.
"We are asking if there are any plans to assist us, only two boats are here for evacuating people."
Image: Twenty nine counties have been adversely affected by the flooding
Another, Maureen Atieno, added: "Our things have been spoilt in here, for example the fridge, deep freezer and the cookers. Cooking pots have been swept away by the water and we are doomed."
The Kenya Red Cross has appealed to the Kisumu County government to free-up rescue centres, due to concerns that COVID-19 could spread due to overcrowding.
In comments reported by Kenya's Daily Nation, the relief agency's secretary-general, Asha Mohammed, said much more needed to be done for the people affected.
"We will be doing mobile outreaches with the county department of health to provide medicines and treat minor illnesses," she said.


news--2020-05-03--Coronavirus: Mike Pompeo says 'significant evidence' COVID-19 came from Wuhan lab

US secretary of state Mike Pompeo says there is a `` significant amount of evidence '' that COVID-19 came from a laboratory in the Chinese city of Wuhan .
His comments come after US , UK and other intelligence agencies said they were investigating the possibility the virus had originated from a lab , among other theories .
During an interview with ABC 's This Week , Mr Pompeo said : `` There is a significant amount of evidence that this came from that laboratory in Wuhan .
`` The best experts so far seem to think it was man-made @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that at this point . ''
When the interviewer pointed out that this was not the conclusion of US intelligence agencies , Pompeo quickly backtracked : `` I 've seen what the intelligence community has said .
I have no reason to believe that they 've got it wrong . ''
Last week the Office of the Director of National Intelligence in the US said : `` The Intelligence Community ... concurs with the wide scientific consensus that the COVID-19 virus was not man-made or genetically modified . ''
It comes after President @ @ @ @ @ @ @ virus originated in a Wuhan laboratory , but refused to give more detail .
The theory that the virus has been man-made has been promoted by anti-China activists and some supporters of President Trump , who have claimed it was developed in a Chinese government biological weapons laboratory .
The Wuhan Institute of Virology has dismissed the allegations .
On Thursday , the Office of the Director of National Intelligence , the clearing house for the web of US spy agencies , said it had ruled out the virus being man-made , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the global pandemic .
: : Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker US officials familiar with intelligence reporting and analysis have said for weeks that they do not believe Chinese scientists developed the virus in a government biological weapons lab .
They believe it was either introduced through human contact with animals at a meat market in the central city of Wuhan , or could have escaped from one of two Wuhan government laboratories believed to be conducting civilian research into possible biological hazards @

US secretary of state Mike Pompeo says there is a "significant amount of evidence" that COVID-19 came from a laboratory in the Chinese city of Wuhan.
His comments come after US, UK and other intelligence agencies said they were investigating the possibility the virus had originated from a lab, among other theories.
During an interview with ABC's This Week, Mr Pompeo said: "There is a significant amount of evidence that this came from that laboratory in Wuhan.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:27 Trump confident COVID-19 came from China lab
"The best experts so far seem to think it was man-made. I have no reason to disbelieve that at this point."
When the interviewer pointed out that this was not the conclusion of US intelligence agencies, Pompeo quickly backtracked: "I've seen what the intelligence community has said. I have no reason to believe that they've got it wrong."
Last week the Office of the Director of National Intelligence in the US said: "The Intelligence Community... concurs with the wide scientific consensus that the COVID-19 virus was not man-made or genetically modified."
It comes after President Trump said he had seen evidence the virus originated in a Wuhan laboratory, but refused to give more detail.
The theory that the virus has been man-made has been promoted by anti-China activists and some supporters of President Trump, who have claimed it was developed in a Chinese government biological weapons laboratory.
The Wuhan Institute of Virology has dismissed the allegations.
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On Thursday, the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, the clearing house for the web of US spy agencies, said it had ruled out the virus being man-made, but was still investigating the precise source of the global pandemic.
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US officials familiar with intelligence reporting and analysis have said for weeks that they do not believe Chinese scientists developed the virus in a government biological weapons lab.
They believe it was either introduced through human contact with animals at a meat market in the central city of Wuhan, or could have escaped from one of two Wuhan government laboratories believed to be conducting civilian research into possible biological hazards.


news--2020-05-02--Coronavirus: Germany is reopening its schools and the world is watching

When is the right time to open up schools , to welcome back pupils and allow student life to feel the same again ?
It is a question that is challenging governments across the world , particularly in Europe .
But after weeks of plaudits about how it has handled the pandemic , Germany is about to take a small but significant step towards a sort of normality .
In the coming days , children from two school years will be going back to the classroom .
Well , at least some of them will , in some regions , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ toe in the water , but an important one .
A decision about the wider return to school is also due in the coming days , but for two year groups the doors will be open .
Pupils who are either about to make the move from primary school to secondary school or those about to take exams will be welcomed back .
But they will have to abide by strict hygiene and social distancing rules .
Easy to say but perhaps not so easy to maintain when your subjects are young children @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Education is a devolved responsibility in Germany , which is why Chancellor Angela Merkel 's decision to reopen schools in the coming days came only after a conference call with leaders of the 16 states .
Some are keen to bring children back into the classroom .
Others , such as Bavaria , which has been badly hit by the virus , are more wary .
Bavaria has delayed the opening of any schools until 11 May .
There are lively arguments about whether it is more decisive to push through the return @ @ @ @ @ @ @ impression is important .
Prominent figures within the ruling CDU party are dealing with the virus while keeping half an eye on the impending leadership contest .
Politics , as ever , does not exist in a vacuum , although the identity of the new leader may not be decided until later in the year .
Few , after all , doubt that Angela Merkel has handled this crisis with the confidence of a trained scientist who also happens to be the German chancellor .
There is little appetite for a leadership contest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are keen to emerge from the pandemic with credit .
Certainly Germany feels different .
In Dusseldorf , as across the country , small shops have been allowed to open as long as they follow guidelines on social distancing .
There is a queue of a dozen people outside one clothes shop .
A mobile phone shop is doing a roaring trade .
It feels like a culture shock to be in a city where you can simply wander in and out of non-essential stores .
At the city 's international school , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the classroom , and they are making preparations for the return of two year groups .
Eileen Lyons , the school 's director , says it will be difficult , but insists the school will cope .
She told Sky News : `` We have set up the classrooms to have the social distancing of two metres - not just one and a half - and we 've put in place all the signs and the equipment .
We wo n't insist on masks , but we will encourage them .
`` We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ through .
The pandemic has been hugely disruptive and returning will be hugely challenging but I 'm confident we will manage it . ''
Germany has received many plaudits for its performance during this epidemic .
The country has recorded a high number of cases , but far fewer deaths than Spain , France , Italy or the UK .
Many have looked at its record of investment in health facilities , in testing and tracing .
Now , they look at something else - how Germany will manage this gradual return to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ moment there are no dates for the sporting events to restart , no consensus on when normal travel can resume .
The return of other pupils awaits a decision , along with big shops .
But there is a kind of impetus here , as there is in some other European nations .
The question they all ask , though , is profound : How to balance the need to reopen life with the fear of a resurgence of the virus ?
That is why , as it prepares to welcome back some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the world will once again be watching Germany , and waiting to see what happens next .

When is the right time to open up schools, to welcome back pupils and allow student life to feel the same again?
It is a question that is challenging governments across the world, particularly in Europe. But after weeks of plaudits about how it has handled the pandemic, Germany is about to take a small but significant step towards a sort of normality.
In the coming days, children from two school years will be going back to the classroom.
Well, at least some of them will, in some regions, on some days. It is a toe in the water, but an important one.
A decision about the wider return to school is also due in the coming days, but for two year groups the doors will be open.
Pupils who are either about to make the move from primary school to secondary school or those about to take exams will be welcomed back.
But they will have to abide by strict hygiene and social distancing rules. Easy to say but perhaps not so easy to maintain when your subjects are young children excited to see their friends again.
Education is a devolved responsibility in Germany, which is why Chancellor Angela Merkel's decision to reopen schools in the coming days came only after a conference call with leaders of the 16 states.
Some are keen to bring children back into the classroom. Others, such as Bavaria, which has been badly hit by the virus, are more wary.
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Bavaria has delayed the opening of any schools until 11 May. There are lively arguments about whether it is more decisive to push through the return - or to wait.
And that impression is important. Prominent figures within the ruling CDU party are dealing with the virus while keeping half an eye on the impending leadership contest.
Politics, as ever, does not exist in a vacuum, although the identity of the new leader may not be decided until later in the year.
Few, after all, doubt that Angela Merkel has handled this crisis with the confidence of a trained scientist who also happens to be the German chancellor.
There is little appetite for a leadership contest at the moment, but the candidates are keen to emerge from the pandemic with credit.
Image: Children at Schloss-Schule school in Heppenheim will be reminded not to get too close to each other
Certainly Germany feels different. In Dusseldorf, as across the country, small shops have been allowed to open as long as they follow guidelines on social distancing.
There is a queue of a dozen people outside one clothes shop. A mobile phone shop is doing a roaring trade. It feels like a culture shock to be in a city where you can simply wander in and out of non-essential stores.
At the city's international school, a few pupils have already returned to the classroom, and they are making preparations for the return of two year groups.
Eileen Lyons, the school's director, says it will be difficult, but insists the school will cope.
She told Sky News: "We have set up the classrooms to have the social distancing of two metres - not just one and a half - and we've put in place all the signs and the equipment. We won't insist on masks, but we will encourage them.
"We've been kept informed all the way through. The pandemic has been hugely disruptive and returning will be hugely challenging but I'm confident we will manage it."
Germany has received many plaudits for its performance during this epidemic. The country has recorded a high number of cases, but far fewer deaths than Spain, France, Italy or the UK.
Many have looked at its record of investment in health facilities, in testing and tracing.
Image: One school has told Sky News it will encourage children to wear face masks but will not insist on it
Now, they look at something else - how Germany will manage this gradual return to something like normal life.
At the moment there are no dates for the sporting events to restart, no consensus on when normal travel can resume. The return of other pupils awaits a decision, along with big shops.
But there is a kind of impetus here, as there is in some other European nations.
The question they all ask, though, is profound: How to balance the need to reopen life with the fear of a resurgence of the virus?
That is why, as it prepares to welcome back some of its millions of schoolchildren, much of the world will once again be watching Germany, and waiting to see what happens next.