news--2020-06-06--George Floyd death: Protesters use curfew lifting to demonstrate against police brutality for 11th n

George Floyd death: Protesters use curfew lifting to demonstrate against police brutality for 11th night

Protesters across the United States used the lifting of curfews to demonstrate against police brutality towards black people for the 11th night .
Some cities , including New York and Buffalo , stuck to evening curfews , but thousands still marched in support of Black Lives Matter following the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis after a police officer knelt on his neck for nearly nine minutes on 25 May .
Officer Derek Chauvin , who can be seen in a video placing his knee on Mr Floyd 's neck , had his charge upgraded to second-degree murder , while @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Thursday charged with aiding and abetting murder and aiding and abetting manslaughter .
Most of Friday night 's protests were peaceful , with Minneapolis and St Paul no longer under curfew and the state of Minnesota planning to start sending state troopers and National Guard members back home on Saturday .
The two cities had seen violent protests and looting last week as anger over another black person being killed in police custody boiled over but protests have largely remained peaceful this week .
Minneapolis also agreed on Friday to ban police using @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other cities and states following suit , including California whose governor ordered the teaching of chokeholds to be halted .
Seattle 's mayor placed a ban on police using one type of tear gas , CS gas , for 30 days after concerns were raised that its use could help spread coronavirus .
In Washington DC , a street in front of the White House was renamed `` Black Lives Matter Plaza '' and the slogan painted in huge yellow letters on the road after the mayor approved the plan in an apparent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the protests .
In Salem , Oregon , the police chief apologised on Friday after video showed a police officer speaking to armed men about curfews that critics say showed authorities treating the men with weapons differently to other protesters .
The officer could be seen telling the armed group to get off the pavement before police started to enforce the curfew , saying they could be inside a business or their car so `` it does n't look like we are playing favourites '' .
Meanwhile , National Football League Commissioner @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mistakes in not listening to players .
In a videotaped message , he said : `` We , the National Football League , condemn racism and the systematic oppression of black people .
We , the National Football League admit we were wrong for not listening to NFL players earlier and encourage all to speak out and peacefully protest .
We , the National Football League , believe black lives matter .
`` I personally protest with you and want to be part of the much needed change in this country .
Without @ @ @ @ @ @ @ National Football League . ''
The NFL has been locked in a debate with players over kneeling protests during the national anthem before games , a practice made popular by quarterback Colin Kaepernick , who is black , in 2016 to protest against racial injustice and police brutality .
Mr Trump , who derided the kneeling players as `` sons of bitches '' in 2017 , criticised their actions again on Twitter earlier on Friday .
In Buffalo , New York , all 57 members of a police tactical unit resigned in protest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a 75-year-old protester to the ground .
They said the officers were `` simply following orders '' to clear the square .
The man hit his head and remains in a stable but serious condition in hospital .
And in Las Vegas a 20-year-old protester was accused of shooting and gravely injuring a police officer during a demonstration on the Strip .
A judge set bail on Friday at $ 1m ( £770,000 ) for Edgar Samaniego , saying police video shows the shooting and the officer , Shay Mikalonis remains in hospital @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a head wound .
Samaniego 's lawyer said he will plead not guilty to attempted murder and other charges when he appears in court again on 30 July .
As the protests continue , several celebrities and large organisations , including basketball legend Michael Jordan and the Jordan Brand , announced a $ 100m ( £77.3m ) donation to racial equality and social justice organisations .
The money will be paid over 10 years with the goal of `` ensuring racial equality , social justice and greater access to education '' , a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has removed nearly 200 accounts linked to white supremacy groups that were planning to encourage members to attend the protests - in some cases with weapons .
The Facebook and Instagram accounts were tied to the Proud Boys and the American Guard , two hate groups already banned on the platforms .
Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian resigned from the discussion website on Friday and said his spot should be filled by a black candidate .
Ohanian , who is married to tennis legend Serena Williams , said he wanted to be able to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to show support to the black community in the US .
: : Listen to the All Out Politics podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Around the world , from California to Indonesia , Australia and Senegal , black female surfers floated on surfboards to pay tribute to Mr Floyd .
The `` Solidarity in Surfing '' events in more than 100 locations were organised by Black Girls Surf , a group founded in 2014 to teach the sport to girls of colour .

Protesters across the United States used the lifting of curfews to demonstrate against police brutality towards black people for the 11th night.
Some cities, including New York and Buffalo, stuck to evening curfews, but thousands still marched in support of Black Lives Matter following the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis after a police officer knelt on his neck for nearly nine minutes on 25 May.
Officer Derek Chauvin, who can be seen in a video placing his knee on Mr Floyd's neck, had his charge upgraded to second-degree murder, while three other officers appeared in court on Thursday charged with aiding and abetting murder and aiding and abetting manslaughter.
Image: Protesters walked arm-in-arm with police in Detroit, Michigan
Most of Friday night's protests were peaceful, with Minneapolis and St Paul no longer under curfew and the state of Minnesota planning to start sending state troopers and National Guard members back home on Saturday.
The two cities had seen violent protests and looting last week as anger over another black person being killed in police custody boiled over but protests have largely remained peaceful this week.
Minneapolis also agreed on Friday to ban police using chokeholds and neck restraints, with several other cities and states following suit, including California whose governor ordered the teaching of chokeholds to be halted.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 4:00 Reflective mood after George Floyd memorial
Seattle's mayor placed a ban on police using one type of tear gas, CS gas, for 30 days after concerns were raised that its use could help spread coronavirus.
In Washington DC, a street in front of the White House was renamed "Black Lives Matter Plaza" and the slogan painted in huge yellow letters on the road after the mayor approved the plan in an apparent rebuke of Donald Trump's militaristic response to the protests.
In Salem, Oregon, the police chief apologised on Friday after video showed a police officer speaking to armed men about curfews that critics say showed authorities treating the men with weapons differently to other protesters.
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The officer could be seen telling the armed group to get off the pavement before police started to enforce the curfew, saying they could be inside a business or their car so "it doesn't look like we are playing favourites".
Image: Black lives matter painted across Washington D.C. street
Meanwhile, National Football League Commissioner Roger Goodell said the NFL had made mistakes in not listening to players.
In a videotaped message, he said: "We, the National Football League, condemn racism and the systematic oppression of black people. We, the National Football League admit we were wrong for not listening to NFL players earlier and encourage all to speak out and peacefully protest. We, the National Football League, believe black lives matter.
"I personally protest with you and want to be part of the much needed change in this country. Without black players, there would be no National Football League."
Image: Colin Kaepernick (front) with teammate Eric Reid kneeling in protest in September 2016
The NFL has been locked in a debate with players over kneeling protests during the national anthem before games, a practice made popular by quarterback Colin Kaepernick, who is black, in 2016 to protest against racial injustice and police brutality.
Mr Trump, who derided the kneeling players as "sons of bitches" in 2017, criticised their actions again on Twitter earlier on Friday.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:46 Police walk in solidarity with protesters
In Buffalo, New York, all 57 members of a police tactical unit resigned in protest after two colleagues were suspended for pushing a 75-year-old protester to the ground.
They said the officers were "simply following orders" to clear the square. The man hit his head and remains in a stable but serious condition in hospital.
And in Las Vegas a 20-year-old protester was accused of shooting and gravely injuring a police officer during a demonstration on the Strip.
A judge set bail on Friday at $1m (£770,000) for Edgar Samaniego, saying police video shows the shooting and the officer, Shay Mikalonis remains in hospital in a critical condition after surgery for a head wound.
Samaniego's lawyer said he will plead not guilty to attempted murder and other charges when he appears in court again on 30 July.
Image: Hundreds of medical professionals in St Louis, Missouri, protested
As the protests continue, several celebrities and large organisations, including basketball legend Michael Jordan and the Jordan Brand, announced a $100m (£77.3m) donation to racial equality and social justice organisations.
The money will be paid over 10 years with the goal of "ensuring racial equality, social justice and greater access to education", a joint statement said.
Facebook said it has removed nearly 200 accounts linked to white supremacy groups that were planning to encourage members to attend the protests - in some cases with weapons.
The Facebook and Instagram accounts were tied to the Proud Boys and the American Guard, two hate groups already banned on the platforms.
Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian resigned from the discussion website on Friday and said his spot should be filled by a black candidate.
Ohanian, who is married to tennis legend Serena Williams, said he wanted to be able to tell their two-year-old daughter what he did to show support to the black community in the US.
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Around the world, from California to Indonesia, Australia and Senegal, black female surfers floated on surfboards to pay tribute to Mr Floyd.
The "Solidarity in Surfing" events in more than 100 locations were organised by Black Girls Surf, a group founded in 2014 to teach the sport to girls of colour.


news--2020-06-06--Coronavirus: Firms 'won’t repay £36bn debt' from taxpayer loan schemes

British companies could be saddled with unsustainable taxpayer-guaranteed loans of up to £36bn as they try to survive the coronavirus pandemic , a report from a panel of business leaders will warn next week .
Sky News has learnt that a group set up to work out how to recapitalise swathes of UK plc in the wake of the crisis will suggest that emergency schemes launched by the Treasury could result in the vast bad debt burden accruing in 2021 .
The report from TheCityUK 's Recapitalisation Group , which is chaired by the former Aviva chairman Sir Adrian Montague @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of between £97bn and £107bn of bad debt being on the balance sheets of British companies .
It will suggest that a range of options , including debt-for-equity swaps and a contingent tax liability model based on the Student Loans Company , will be required to alleviate the enormous debt mountain if the UK economy is to recover swiftly .
The report will reinforce the vast cost to the state of propping up the economy during the COVID-19 crisis .
One source said the group 's interim report , which will be published @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Non-Financial Corporations held between £83bn and £91bn of unsustainable borrowing going into the COVID-19 crisis .
Another £32bn-£36bn has been added to that total by government-guaranteed loans from the Coronavirus Business Loan Scheme , the Coronavirus Large Business Interruption Loan Scheme and the Bounce Back Loan Scheme ( BBLS ) , the report is expected to say .
The first two of those schemes have the first 80pc of their losses guaranteed by the government , with the remaining 20pc covered by private sector lenders .
Under the BBLS , the loans are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the loans are 100pc guaranteed by the state .
In addition to the government schemes , between £11bn and £13bn of debt which might not be able to be repaid has been taken on in the form of private lending .
The grandees ' panel also calculates that between £29bn and £33bn could be offset from the total through a range of measures , leaving an overall debt burden of between £97bn and £107bn that would not be repaid .
`` If left unresolved , these levels of unsustainable debt could inhibit employment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ultimately a smooth economic recovery back to growth , '' the Recapitalisation Group said in a letter to Andrew Bailey , the Bank of England governor , last month .
The report is expected to recommend a series of different models , with loans to the smallest companies likely to be targeted through a model that would see them repaid through the tax system .
Figures published by the Treasury this week showed that banks had approved £31.3bn of loans to 745,000 businesses since the three schemes were launched .
The grandees ' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the City of London Corporation ; James Palmer , chair and senior partner of the legal giant Herbert Smith Freehills ; Schroders ' chief executive Peter Harrison ; and Nikhil Rathi , chief executive of the London Stock Exchange .
Sir Adrian 's involvement is logical because of his former job as chairman of 3i Group , the listed private equity investor that was created after the Second World War - under a different name - to back small and medium-sized companies that could not access public equity markets .
Other measures @ @ @ @ @ @ @ include structures such as preferred equity or common equity and warrants to help alleviate companies ' debt burden .
`` The economic lockdown created by the pandemic has required unprecedented interventions , '' TheCityUK chief executive , Miles Celic , said last month .
`` Businesses have been put into suspended animation until they can safely reopen .
`` This was absolutely the right thing to do , but it means the job is not yet done .
`` The economy will need to be reawakened as part of its process of recovery @ @ @ @ @ @ @ report is expected to be published in the summer .

British companies could be saddled with unsustainable taxpayer-guaranteed loans of up to £36bn as they try to survive the coronavirus pandemic, a report from a panel of business leaders will warn next week.
Sky News has learnt that a group set up to work out how to recapitalise swathes of UK plc in the wake of the crisis will suggest that emergency schemes launched by the Treasury could result in the vast bad debt burden accruing in 2021.
The report from TheCityUK's Recapitalisation Group, which is chaired by the former Aviva chairman Sir Adrian Montague, will include a new overall estimate of between £97bn and £107bn of bad debt being on the balance sheets of British companies.
It will suggest that a range of options, including debt-for-equity swaps and a contingent tax liability model based on the Student Loans Company, will be required to alleviate the enormous debt mountain if the UK economy is to recover swiftly.
The report will reinforce the vast cost to the state of propping up the economy during the COVID-19 crisis.
One source said the group's interim report, which will be published on Monday, would show that Private Non-Financial Corporations held between £83bn and £91bn of unsustainable borrowing going into the COVID-19 crisis.
Another £32bn-£36bn has been added to that total by government-guaranteed loans from the Coronavirus Business Loan Scheme, the Coronavirus Large Business Interruption Loan Scheme and the Bounce Back Loan Scheme (BBLS), the report is expected to say.
The first two of those schemes have the first 80pc of their losses guaranteed by the government, with the remaining 20pc covered by private sector lenders.
Under the BBLS, the loans are made by private sector institutions, but the loans are 100pc guaranteed by the state.
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In addition to the government schemes, between £11bn and £13bn of debt which might not be able to be repaid has been taken on in the form of private lending.
The grandees' panel also calculates that between £29bn and £33bn could be offset from the total through a range of measures, leaving an overall debt burden of between £97bn and £107bn that would not be repaid.
"If left unresolved, these levels of unsustainable debt could inhibit employment, research and development, investment and ultimately a smooth economic recovery back to growth," the Recapitalisation Group said in a letter to Andrew Bailey, the Bank of England governor, last month.
The report is expected to recommend a series of different models, with loans to the smallest companies likely to be targeted through a model that would see them repaid through the tax system.
Figures published by the Treasury this week showed that banks had approved £31.3bn of loans to 745,000 businesses since the three schemes were launched.
The grandees' panel includes Catherine McGuinness, policy chair at the City of London Corporation; James Palmer, chair and senior partner of the legal giant Herbert Smith Freehills; Schroders' chief executive Peter Harrison; and Nikhil Rathi, chief executive of the London Stock Exchange.
Sir Adrian's involvement is logical because of his former job as chairman of 3i Group, the listed private equity investor that was created after the Second World War - under a different name - to back small and medium-sized companies that could not access public equity markets.
Other measures being considered by the panel of grandees include structures such as preferred equity or common equity and warrants to help alleviate companies' debt burden.
"The economic lockdown created by the pandemic has required unprecedented interventions," TheCityUK chief executive, Miles Celic, said last month.
"Businesses have been put into suspended animation until they can safely reopen.
"This was absolutely the right thing to do, but it means the job is not yet done.
"The economy will need to be reawakened as part of its process of recovery."
The Recapitalisation Group's final report is expected to be published in the summer.
TheCityUK declined to comment on Saturday.


news--2020-06-06--Coronavirus: Plan to lift Sunday trading rules to boost economy

Sunday trading restrictions could be suspended for a year under government plans to kick-start the UK 's coronavirus-ravaged economy .
Responding to the reports , Downing Street sources confirmed the laws are `` being looked at '' , but did not give further details .
Cafes and pubs , hard-hit by the COVID-19 lockdown , would also get fast-track approval to serve food and drink outside , according to The Times .
The moves are among a package of measures being drawn up by the government in a bid to offset the looming recession and threat of mass unemployment as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Under the legislation being drafted , larger supermarkets would be able to open for more than six hours on Sundays , the paper said .
However , there will be concerns that the plan could run into opposition from more traditionalist Conservative backbenchers as well as church leaders .
Former prime minister David Cameron was forced to drop plans to extend Sunday trading hours in 2016 after suffering a humiliating Commons defeat which saw 27 Tories joining forces with opposition parties .
: : Listen to the All Out Politics podcast on Apple @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Spreaker Licensing laws will also be streamlined , enabling cafes and pubs to serve food and drink outdoors without having to go through the current 28-day minimum statutory consultation period .
Ministers also want to make it easier for pubs to revamp their layout so they can serve customers outside .
In a further bid to revive the high street , planning restrictions will be simplified , making it easier to switch between shops , retail and residential uses .
It comes after Boris Johnson braced the nation for the economic damage caused @ @ @ @ @ @ @ warned that it was `` inevitable '' that there would be `` many , many job losses '' .
• The World Health Organisation has updated its advice and said governments should encourage the public to wear face coverings where social distancing is difficult , such as on public transport and shops • People are being urged not to take part in mass demonstrations this weekend following anti-racism protests in the wake of the death of George Floyd , because of COVID-19 fears • Labour has accused the government of covering up recommendations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ethnic ( BAME ) people • The R number - a key measure of how much coronavirus is spreading - is around the crucial figure of one in the North West and South West of England , according to new estimates • Age UK said care home residents are being asked to pay a `` coronavirus bill '' of more than £100 a week on top of existing fees to help social care providers stay afloat

Sunday trading restrictions could be suspended for a year under government plans to kick-start the UK's coronavirus-ravaged economy.
Responding to the reports, Downing Street sources confirmed the laws are "being looked at", but did not give further details.
Cafes and pubs, hard-hit by the COVID-19 lockdown, would also get fast-track approval to serve food and drink outside, according to The Times.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 7:16 After the Pandemic: Life and Society
The moves are among a package of measures being drawn up by the government in a bid to offset the looming recession and threat of mass unemployment as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
Under the legislation being drafted, larger supermarkets would be able to open for more than six hours on Sundays, the paper said.
However, there will be concerns that the plan could run into opposition from more traditionalist Conservative backbenchers as well as church leaders.
Former prime minister David Cameron was forced to drop plans to extend Sunday trading hours in 2016 after suffering a humiliating Commons defeat which saw 27 Tories joining forces with opposition parties.
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Licensing laws will also be streamlined, enabling cafes and pubs to serve food and drink outdoors without having to go through the current 28-day minimum statutory consultation period.
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Ministers also want to make it easier for pubs to revamp their layout so they can serve customers outside.
In a further bid to revive the high street, planning restrictions will be simplified, making it easier to switch between shops, retail and residential uses.
It comes after Boris Johnson braced the nation for the economic damage caused by the public health crisis as he warned that it was "inevitable" that there would be "many, many job losses".
In other developments:


news--2020-06-06--George Floyd death: Banksy sets fire to US flag in new artwork inspired by Black Lives Matter

Banksy has revealed new artwork inspired by the death of George Floyd , showing his support for the Black Lives Matter movement .
It features the scene of a vigil , in which a candle burns the American flag .
The street artist posted an image of it on his Instagram account , and wrote : `` At first I thought I should just shut up and listen to black people about this issue .
`` But why would I do that ?
It 's not their problem , it 's mine . ''
He continued : `` People of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The white system .
Like a broken pipe flooding the apartment of the people living downstairs .
The faulty system is making their life a misery , but it 's not their job to fix it .
They ca n't - no one will let them in the apartment upstairs .
`` This is a white problem .
And if white people do n't fix it , someone will have to come upstairs and kick the door in . ''
Mr Floyd , 46 , died in Minneapolis last week after a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ neck for at least eight minutes while arresting him for allegedly using a counterfeit $ 20 note in a shop .
He could be heard gasping while repeatedly saying : `` I ca n't breathe . ''
The arresting officer , Derek Chauvin , was charged with third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter four days later .
Those charges were later upgraded to second-degree murder .
Anti-racism protests have been taking place across the US and the rest of the world , including London .
More are planned this weekend in the UK , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ avoid mass gatherings in breach of the coronavirus restrictions and social distancing rules .
Around 4,000 people are expected to attend a demonstration in Bristol , Banksy 's hometown , which will include a march through the city to Castle Park on Sunday .
The identity of Banksy has long been a closely-guarded secret .
In April the famous anonymous artist gave fans a rare insight into his personal life by creating an artwork inside his own house during lockdown .
Last month , a piece depicting a nurse as a superhero toy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hospital , in tribute to NHS workers during the pandemic .

Banksy has revealed new artwork inspired by the death of George Floyd, showing his support for the Black Lives Matter movement.
It features the scene of a vigil, in which a candle burns the American flag.
The street artist posted an image of it on his Instagram account, and wrote: "At first I thought I should just shut up and listen to black people about this issue.
"But why would I do that? It's not their problem, it's mine."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:35 Police beat protesters after curfew
He continued: "People of colour are being failed by the system. The white system. Like a broken pipe flooding the apartment of the people living downstairs. The faulty system is making their life a misery, but it's not their job to fix it. They can't - no one will let them in the apartment upstairs.
"This is a white problem. And if white people don't fix it, someone will have to come upstairs and kick the door in."
Mr Floyd, 46, died in Minneapolis last week after a police officer was filmed kneeling on his neck for at least eight minutes while arresting him for allegedly using a counterfeit $20 note in a shop.
He could be heard gasping while repeatedly saying: "I can't breathe."
The arresting officer, Derek Chauvin, was charged with third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter four days later. Those charges were later upgraded to second-degree murder.
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Anti-racism protests have been taking place across the US and the rest of the world, including London.
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More are planned this weekend in the UK, although the government has urged people to avoid mass gatherings in breach of the coronavirus restrictions and social distancing rules.
Around 4,000 people are expected to attend a demonstration in Bristol, Banksy's hometown, which will include a march through the city to Castle Park on Sunday.
The identity of Banksy has long been a closely-guarded secret.
In April the famous anonymous artist gave fans a rare insight into his personal life by creating an artwork inside his own house during lockdown.
Last month, a piece depicting a nurse as a superhero toy appeared in a corridor at Southampton General Hospital, in tribute to NHS workers during the pandemic.


news--2020-06-06--Coronavirus: D-Day commemorations muted by COVID-19 restrictions

Coronavirus restrictions have meant the D-Day commemorations in Normandy have been the smallest ever , with veterans and their families unable to attend for the first time .
But despite events being muted this year by the COVID-19 pandemic , people have still found ways of marking the 76th anniversary of the allied invasion , which played a decisive role in the liberation of Europe in the Second World War .
In France , flags have been raised in solitary ceremonies and tributes left at the graves of the fallen on behalf of those unable to travel because of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ alongside low-key socially distanced services of remembrance , two D-Day veterans completed a 104-mile charity cycling challenge to mark the historic landings , which paved the way for the downfall of Nazi Germany .
Len Gibbon set out on his test of endurance using a static bike machine on VE Day and has been notching up the miles each day .
The 96-year-old crossed the `` finish line '' with fellow Normandy veteran Peter Hawkins , 95 , at 11.24pm on 6 June - the 76th anniversary of D-Day .
The 104 miles @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's historic journey from Portsmouth to Gold Beach , Normandy , in 1944 .
Mr Gibbon lives at Care for Veterans , a charity in Worthing , West Sussex , which provides care and rehabilitation to physically disabled ex-service personnel and their families .
He has so far raised more than £6,000 for the charity .
James Bacharew , head of fundraising and marketing at Care for Veterans , said Mr Gibbon and Mr Hawkins were both `` elated '' to have completed the challenge .
`` It has been inspirational to see @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get out and cycle every day to reach the distance , '' Mr Bacharew said .
Speaking ahead of completing the challenge , Mr Gibbon said : `` By cycling the same distance as the journey I took 76 years ago , it feels like a fitting tribute to those who were part of the Normandy landings . ''
Meanwhile , in France in sharp contrast to 2019 's extensive 75th anniversary commemorations , this year 's remembrance of the invasion have been far more subdued with many events cancelled .
Rules over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unable to make the annual pilgrimage to Normandy and had to honour the dead from afar .
They have been helped by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission ( CWGC ) , which has offered to place tributes at graves and memorials on their behalf .
Gardeners for the CWGC , which maintains thousands of sites commemorating the 1.7 million Commonwealth servicemen and women who died during the two World Wars , have been placing special markers at the resting places of the fallen .
Xavier Puppinck , CWGC 's France area director , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of veterans and visitors to Normandy for the 75th anniversary of D-Day , we could n't have imagined how different things would be just one year later .
`` While it is sad that we can not host any large gatherings this summer to pay respect in person , we can still pause and remember . ''
The CWGC has also run a digital `` Wall of Remembrance '' on its website , where people can upload photos , stories and memories of those who lived through the hardships of the war .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ France , Edward Llewellyn , alongside other British officials , attended a small , short ceremony at the Bayeux Cemetery in Normandy .
The allied forces ' combined naval , air and land assault on Nazi-occupied France on 6 June 1944 was codenamed Operation Overlord .
It was described by the then British prime minister Winston Churchill as `` undoubtedly the most complicated and difficult that has ever taken place '' .
It marked the beginning of an 80-day campaign to liberate Normandy , which involved three million troops and cost the lives @ @ @

Coronavirus restrictions have meant the D-Day commemorations in Normandy have been the smallest ever, with veterans and their families unable to attend for the first time.
But despite events being muted this year by the COVID-19 pandemic, people have still found ways of marking the 76th anniversary of the allied invasion, which played a decisive role in the liberation of Europe in the Second World War.
Image: Veterans Peter Hawkins (left) and Len Gibbon completed their 104-mile cycling challenge to mark the anniversary
In France, flags have been raised in solitary ceremonies and tributes left at the graves of the fallen on behalf of those unable to travel because of the coronavirus.
Back in the UK, alongside low-key socially distanced services of remembrance, two D-Day veterans completed a 104-mile charity cycling challenge to mark the historic landings, which paved the way for the downfall of Nazi Germany.
Len Gibbon set out on his test of endurance using a static bike machine on VE Day and has been notching up the miles each day.
The 96-year-old crossed the "finish line" with fellow Normandy veteran Peter Hawkins, 95, at 11.24pm on 6 June - the 76th anniversary of D-Day.
Image: Flags were raised on behalf of veterans prevented from travelling to Normandy
The 104 miles is the same distance as Mr Gibbon's historic journey from Portsmouth to Gold Beach, Normandy, in 1944.
Mr Gibbon lives at Care for Veterans, a charity in Worthing, West Sussex, which provides care and rehabilitation to physically disabled ex-service personnel and their families.
He has so far raised more than £6,000 for the charity.
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James Bacharew, head of fundraising and marketing at Care for Veterans, said Mr Gibbon and Mr Hawkins were both "elated" to have completed the challenge.
Image: The Commonwealth War Graves Commission placed tributes at graves for those unable to make the pilgrimage
"It has been inspirational to see them at their age get up and get out and cycle every day to reach the distance," Mr Bacharew said.
Speaking ahead of completing the challenge, Mr Gibbon said: "By cycling the same distance as the journey I took 76 years ago, it feels like a fitting tribute to those who were part of the Normandy landings."
Meanwhile, in France in sharp contrast to 2019's extensive 75th anniversary commemorations, this year's remembrance of the invasion have been far more subdued with many events cancelled.
Rules over the COVID-19 crisis mean people have been unable to make the annual pilgrimage to Normandy and had to honour the dead from afar.
Image: This year's commemoration was in sharp contrast to 2019's extensive 75th anniversary events
They have been helped by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC), which has offered to place tributes at graves and memorials on their behalf.
Gardeners for the CWGC, which maintains thousands of sites commemorating the 1.7 million Commonwealth servicemen and women who died during the two World Wars, have been placing special markers at the resting places of the fallen.
Xavier Puppinck, CWGC's France area director, said: "When we welcomed thousands of veterans and visitors to Normandy for the 75th anniversary of D-Day, we couldn't have imagined how different things would be just one year later.
"While it is sad that we cannot host any large gatherings this summer to pay respect in person, we can still pause and remember."
The CWGC has also run a digital "Wall of Remembrance" on its website, where people can upload photos, stories and memories of those who lived through the hardships of the war.
On Saturday, the British ambassador to France, Edward Llewellyn, alongside other British officials, attended a small, short ceremony at the Bayeux Cemetery in Normandy.
The allied forces' combined naval, air and land assault on Nazi-occupied France on 6 June 1944 was codenamed Operation Overlord.
It was described by the then British prime minister Winston Churchill as "undoubtedly the most complicated and difficult that has ever taken place".
It marked the beginning of an 80-day campaign to liberate Normandy, which involved three million troops and cost the lives of 250,000.


news--2020-06-06--George Floyd death: Concern for London's Black Lives Matter protests after violence breaks out

More than 1,000 people gathered for the mainly peaceful protests in central London For organisers of Saturday 's central London rally , it had been a very promising start to the day .
I have rarely seen Parliament Square and the surrounding streets as packed as they were for this event .
The protest was a defiant rejection of the government 's appeal to stay away .
Home Secretary Priti Patel had just hours earlier warned of the potential risk to the lives of protesters and to the wider community because of the ongoing coronavirus health emergency .
The protesters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than aware of the potential risks of crowding into the streets around Westminster , but it was a risk they were prepared to take .
The message , they said , was just too important to stay at home .
Around Parliament Square , there was absolutely no chance anyone could effectively socially distance themselves from one and another .
Protesters were shoulder to shoulder , but most did at least have masks on .
By mid-afternoon , a large crowd of more than 1,000 gathered on Whitehall , just outside Downing Street @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the most part .
The mood though began to change around about 5pm .
The chants towards the police were more hostile and abusive .
Throughout these demonstrations , Scotland Yard commanders had been keen to adopt a low-profile policing strategy .
They knew the sensitivities of many in the crowd meant too many police on the streets would have been counter-productive , and risk inflaming already heightened tensions .
And so pockets of police guarded some sensitive buildings and police liaison officers mixed with the crowds .
But most officers were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
An hour later , flares were thrown at Downing Street and bottles and other objects lobbed at those officers in front of the Downing Street gates .
Less than a minute later , dozens of fully equipped public protection officers , with helmets and shields filed out the gates to take over from their less well protected colleagues .
Over the next few minutes the situation deteriorated to the point police commanders called in mounted officers .
As they pushed protesters far back down Whitehall , away from Downing Street , an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they collided with a traffic light .
There was a sickening thud as she was tossed violently to the ground , her horse bolting past protesters and police back up Whitehall .
Scotland Yard told me the officer is still in hospital but thankfully did not suffer life-threatening injuries .
For a while our camera team was caught between police and protesters , trying to report live and avoid the odd bottle tossed in our direction .
For around an hour there were sporadic clashes .
The stand-off between protesters and police ran @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Listen to the All Out Politics podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker While it is clear there were elements within that crowd spoiling for a fight , others I spoke to said they were deeply upset about what had happened , pointing the finger of blame at some of the demonstrators .
One man , very emotional at what he was witnessing , accused those clashing with police of damaging the aims of this protest - a message he said would be lost as the media concentrated on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not what organisers and police had wanted and there is now real concern about Sunday 's planned march to the US embassy in central London .

Another protest is scheduled for Sunday, but after pockets of violence broke out some are concerned their message will be harmed.
George Floyd death: Concern for London's Black Lives Matter protests after violence breaks out
More than 1,000 people gathered for the mainly peaceful protests in central London
For organisers of Saturday's central London rally, it had been a very promising start to the day.
I have rarely seen Parliament Square and the surrounding streets as packed as they were for this event.
The protest was a defiant rejection of the government's appeal to stay away.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:29 Moment police officer rides into traffic light
Home Secretary Priti Patel had just hours earlier warned of the potential risk to the lives of protesters and to the wider community because of the ongoing coronavirus health emergency.
The protesters I spoke to said they were more than aware of the potential risks of crowding into the streets around Westminster, but it was a risk they were prepared to take.
The message, they said, was just too important to stay at home.
Around Parliament Square, there was absolutely no chance anyone could effectively socially distance themselves from one and another.
Protesters were shoulder to shoulder, but most did at least have masks on.
By mid-afternoon, a large crowd of more than 1,000 gathered on Whitehall, just outside Downing Street.
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Image: Protesters were generally peaceful until violence broke out in the evening
Image: The police officer fell off her horse and was taken to hospital
They were noisy, but peaceful for the most part.
The mood though began to change around about 5pm. The chants towards the police were more hostile and abusive.
Throughout these demonstrations, Scotland Yard commanders had been keen to adopt a low-profile policing strategy.
They knew the sensitivities of many in the crowd meant too many police on the streets would have been counter-productive, and risk inflaming already heightened tensions.
Image: The police were aware they had to keep their presence to a minimum, until bottles started to get thrown
And so pockets of police guarded some sensitive buildings and police liaison officers mixed with the crowds. But most officers were kept out of sight in nearby streets.
An hour later, flares were thrown at Downing Street and bottles and other objects lobbed at those officers in front of the Downing Street gates.
Less than a minute later, dozens of fully equipped public protection officers, with helmets and shields filed out the gates to take over from their less well protected colleagues.
Over the next few minutes the situation deteriorated to the point police commanders called in mounted officers.
As they pushed protesters far back down Whitehall, away from Downing Street, an officer was thrown from her horse as they collided with a traffic light.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:28 Police and protesters clash in London
There was a sickening thud as she was tossed violently to the ground, her horse bolting past protesters and police back up Whitehall.
Scotland Yard told me the officer is still in hospital but thankfully did not suffer life-threatening injuries.
For a while our camera team was caught between police and protesters, trying to report live and avoid the odd bottle tossed in our direction.
For around an hour there were sporadic clashes. The stand-off between protesters and police ran well into the night.
:: Listen to the All Out Politics podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
While it is clear there were elements within that crowd spoiling for a fight, others I spoke to said they were deeply upset about what had happened, pointing the finger of blame at some of the demonstrators.
One man, very emotional at what he was witnessing, accused those clashing with police of damaging the aims of this protest - a message he said would be lost as the media concentrated on the scenes of violence.
This was not what organisers and police had wanted and there is now real concern about Sunday's planned march to the US embassy in central London.


news--2020-06-06--George Floyd death: NFL admits they were wrong to ban player protests

American football bosses have admitted they got it wrong for failing to listen to players protesting against racial injustice .
The climbdown comes after NFL stars released a video demanding the league condemn racism following the death of George Floyd in the US , which has sparked protests across the country and around the world .
The NFL had previously banned players from taking a knee , a peaceful protest gesture started by San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick , during the playing of the national anthem ahead of a game in 2016 .
The kneeling pose has been widely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the wake of Mr Floyd 's death .
The unarmed , handcuffed black man , died in Minneapolis last week after a white police officer pressed his knee against his neck , ignoring his `` I ca n't breathe '' cries .
The US is bracing itself for further anti-racism protests , while in the UK , people have been urged not to take part in mass demonstrations this weekend because of the continuing coronavirus health crisis .
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said in a video on the NFL twitter page : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for our country .
In particular , black people in our country .
`` First , my condolences to the families of George Floyd , Breonna Taylor , Ahmaud Arbery , and all the families who have endured police brutality .
`` We , the NFL , condemn racism and the systematic oppression of black people .
`` We , the NFL , admit we were wrong for not listening to NFL players earlier and encourage all to speak out and peacefully protest .
We , the NFL , believe black lives matter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and want to be part of the much needed change in this country .
`` Without black players there would be no National Football League and the protests around the country are emblematic of centuries of silence , inequality and oppression of black players , coaches , fans and staff . ''
He added : `` We are listening , I am listening and I will be reaching out to players who have raised their voices and others on how we can improve and go forward for a better and more united family @ @ @ @ @ @ @ States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker The statement comes after Donald Trump again criticised protesters who kneel during the national anthem .
The US president also said NFL quarterback Drew Brees - who had said he `` will never agree with anybody disrespecting the flag of the United States '' - should not be sorry for calling it `` disrespectful '' .
Brees has since apologised for his comment .

American football bosses have admitted they got it wrong for failing to listen to players protesting against racial injustice.
The climbdown comes after NFL stars released a video demanding the league condemn racism following the death of George Floyd in the US, which has sparked protests across the country and around the world.
Image: Colin Kaepernick (centre) started the peaceful protest gesture back in 2016
The NFL had previously banned players from taking a knee, a peaceful protest gesture started by San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick, during the playing of the national anthem ahead of a game in 2016.
The kneeling pose has been widely adopted by those demonstrating against police brutality in the wake of Mr Floyd's death.
The unarmed, handcuffed black man, died in Minneapolis last week after a white police officer pressed his knee against his neck, ignoring his "I can't breathe" cries.
The US is bracing itself for further anti-racism protests, while in the UK, people have been urged not to take part in mass demonstrations this weekend because of the continuing coronavirus health crisis.
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NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said in a video on the NFL twitter page: "It has been a difficult time for our country. In particular, black people in our country.
"First, my condolences to the families of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and all the families who have endured police brutality.
"We, the NFL, condemn racism and the systematic oppression of black people.
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Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:02 Demos can't contain 'more than six people'
"We, the NFL, admit we were wrong for not listening to NFL players earlier and encourage all to speak out and peacefully protest. We, the NFL, believe black lives matter.
"I personally protest with you and want to be part of the much needed change in this country.
"Without black players there would be no National Football League and the protests around the country are emblematic of centuries of silence, inequality and oppression of black players, coaches, fans and staff."
He added: "We are listening, I am listening and I will be reaching out to players who have raised their voices and others on how we can improve and go forward for a better and more united family."
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:: Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker
The statement comes after Donald Trump again criticised protesters who kneel during the national anthem.
The US president also said NFL quarterback Drew Brees - who had said he "will never agree with anybody disrespecting the flag of the United States" - should not be sorry for calling it "disrespectful".
Brees has since apologised for his comment.


news--2020-06-06--'You are the vaccine to virus of racism': Joshua gives speech to George Floyd protesters in Watford

World heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua has told Black Lives Matter protesters that they are the `` vaccine '' to the `` virus '' of racism .
Wearing a knee brace and on crutches , Joshua told the crowd in Watford to `` stand united against the virus that has been instrumental in taking lives '' .
`` The virus I am referring to is called racism , '' he said , comparing its damage to that of COVID-19 , and asking `` how long are we going to allow racism to spread through our communities ? ''
`` You @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vaccine , '' Joshua said , as he joined thousands of people attending demonstrations across the country after the killing of George Floyd in the US .
`` But stripping them of their human rights , oppressing them , mocking them , insulting them , placing glass ceilings above them ... is just a slower way of killing them and taking the life out of their soul . ''
Joshua , the IBF , WBA and WBO champion , was said to be on crutches as a precaution after experiencing a `` twinge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ saw thousands take to the streets of cities including London , Manchester , Cardiff , Luton , Leicester and Bath .
The Conservative Party candidate for London mayor , Shaun Bailey , warned the government against breaking up the protests to maintain social distancing .
He told Sky News : `` If we do not allow this tension to be answered , if it is bottled up , then it will just spill out into the summer and be very tough for the police . ''
In the US , Washington is expecting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and a memorial service is also taking place in North Carolina , where George Floyd was born .
The 46-year-old died on 25 May after a police officer knelt on his neck for eight minutes despite him repeatedly pleading that he could n't breathe .
Derek Chauvin has had his charge upgraded to second-degree murder , while three other officers appeared in court on Thursday charged with aiding and abetting murder and aiding and abetting manslaughter .

World heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua has told Black Lives Matter protesters that they are the "vaccine" to the "virus" of racism.
Wearing a knee brace and on crutches, Joshua told the crowd in Watford to "stand united against the virus that has been instrumental in taking lives".
"The virus I am referring to is called racism," he said, comparing its damage to that of COVID-19, and asking "how long are we going to allow racism to spread through our communities?"
Image: The boxing champion said racism is a 'slower way' of killing someone
"You are the vaccine, I am the vaccine," Joshua said, as he joined thousands of people attending demonstrations across the country after the killing of George Floyd in the US.
"Killing a person outright is unforgivable," Joshua told the crowd.
"But stripping them of their human rights, oppressing them, mocking them, insulting them, placing glass ceilings above them... is just a slower way of killing them and taking the life out of their soul."
Joshua, the IBF, WBA and WBO champion, was said to be on crutches as a precaution after experiencing a "twinge" in training.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:04 Thousands protest in London despite govt pleas
Saturday's demonstrations saw thousands take to the streets of cities including London, Manchester, Cardiff, Luton, Leicester and Bath.
The Conservative Party candidate for London mayor, Shaun Bailey, warned the government against breaking up the protests to maintain social distancing.
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He told Sky News: "If we do not allow this tension to be answered, if it is bottled up, then it will just spill out into the summer and be very tough for the police."
In the US, Washington is expecting its biggest protest so far on Saturday, and a memorial service is also taking place in North Carolina, where George Floyd was born.
The 46-year-old died on 25 May after a police officer knelt on his neck for eight minutes despite him repeatedly pleading that he couldn't breathe.
Derek Chauvin has had his charge upgraded to second-degree murder, while three other officers appeared in court on Thursday charged with aiding and abetting murder and aiding and abetting manslaughter.


news--2020-06-05--Coronavirus: Qatar promises 2022 World Cup will go ahead

The 2022 World Cup will take place on time despite the knock on from the coronavirus pandemic , the host state Qatar has pledged .
Qatar 's foreign minister said the designs of the stadiums , which are nearly 90 % complete , will comply with any changes to health and safety guidance as a result of COVID-19 and that consultations with the organising committee are ongoing .
Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani told Sky News : `` We believe that Qatar is working very closely and strongly with different healthcare organisations to make sure to deliver a healthy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this is part of the cure for the world to be back together in a happy manner .
`` There is an ongoing exercise with the organising committee , with different stakeholders , to make sure that all the health and safety standards are applied in all our stadiums , so it 's still something ongoing .
`` Once it 's clear for all of us , I 'm sure that we are going to put it out to the public . ''
Qatar has suffered an unusually high number of coronavirus infections @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to keep the death rate low .
The Gulf nation , with a population of 2.8 million , has recorded 65,000 cases to date but has suffered only 49 deaths .
It has put in place a rigorous test and trace system , criticised by some as being too intrusive .
The Emir of Qatar took part in Thursday 's vaccine conference hosted by Boris Johnson , where the Gulf nation pledged $ 20m ( £15.5m ) to Gavi , the Vaccine Alliance , Sheikh Mohammed revealed .
Asked if the absence of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ represented a global failure , the foreign minister said better collaboration was key .
`` Without collaboration and exchange of experience and dialogue we believe we can not adopt and learn from each other , '' he said .
`` So we believe that despite the discussion we are seeing about a nationalist approach , it should represent for us a stimulation to enhance and improve our international cooperation and to work together . ''
The United States recently chose to cut funding for the World Health Organisation citing perceived failings by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Sheikh Mohammed said : `` We believe that [ Thursday 's ] conference is also a representation of different countries commitment for multilateralism and we believe it 's important to look at the reform of these organisations .
`` But it 's more important to preserve them and to make sure that they are working effectively respond to the challenges that our countries are facing . ''
Away from COVID-19 , this week marks the third anniversary of the Saudi-led blockade of Qatar .
In June 2017 , Saudi Arabia , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ led a regional blockade by severing diplomatic relations with Qatar .
The blockading nations cut trade , travel and diplomacy with the Gulf state , accusing Qatar of being too close to Iran and of supporting terrorism because of its ideological ties to the Islamist organisation , the Muslim Brotherhood .
The anti-Qatar quartet , as they are known , also called for the Qatari news channel Al Jazeera to be closed down .
`` This crisis has been manufactured from the beginning and we still did n't see any acknowledgement by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' the minister said .
`` We hope that one day that everyone realises that there are more regional and global challenges facing together that makes us in need to talk to each other and to support each other and to stand with each other .
`` COVID-19 represented one of the recent changes that not only our country is facing but also the entire world is facing , '' he said .
Focusing on security in a region with numerous tensions , the foreign minister also revealed that : • Efforts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Saudi-led blockade of Qatar were `` helpful '' but a resolution is yet to be found • Iran is a `` friend '' of Qatar and that his government could be in a position to broker a deal between Tehran and Washington if there is willingness by both sides • Iran had been told by Qatar to end any support for President Assad in Syria .
His words come as regional powers have claimed that Iranian influence in Syria is waning • Israel 's plan to annex parts of the West Bank @ @ @ @ @ @ @ July would be the `` final bullet '' in the Israeli-Palestinian peace process .
In a number of areas , Qatar has positioned itself as a potential regional broker .
It hosts the largest regional US airbase at Al Udeid and yet maintains close ties with Iran .
The Qatari capital Doha was also chosen as the location for an office for Taliban officials in an effort to broker peace between the Taliban , the Afghan government and the United States .
And despite providing support ideologically , politically and financially for Palestinians @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Qatar maintains trade ties with Israel .
With a direct warning to Israel over its West Bank annexation plans , Sheikh Mohammed said : `` We hope that these threats of taking the decision of annexation are not real because we believe it 's going to represent as the last bullet in the peace process between the Israelis and the Palestinians and we want them to come back to the table and directly engage face to face .
`` Unfortunately , the Israeli behaviour showed us year after year they were not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trying to make relationship with Arab countries , neglecting the rights of the Palestinian people . ''
On regional tensions with Iran , Qatar 's foreign minister said the situation remains `` very dangerous '' following the assassination , in January , of Iranian General Qassim Soleimani by an American drone .
`` It was a bottleneck period and we went through it safely but we are still in a very dangerous situation and we want to see a final resolution between Iran and United States and Iran and the other [ Gulf @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` If we are asked and accepted by both parties we will be willing to help but we are prepared to work together with other countries and helping them in order to deescalate the situation and calm down the situation . ''
On the relationship between Qatar and Iran , he said : `` In a time of need , you need your friends to stand with you and Iran proved that they stood with us and with the Qatari people [ during the Saudi-led blockade ] .
`` And this , despite @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with Iran and we have disagreements for a long time : in Syria , in Iraq , in Yemen .
`` If you look at the policies of Iran and Qatar it 's been totally different . ''
Last month , sources in Israel claimed Iran is now reducing its forces in Syria and clearing out bases , reducing its influence in the country and support for Syrian President Bashar al Assad .
Pressed on that claim , Sheikh Mohammed hinted of changes on the ground : `` We have been talking to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ make sure that they are not supporting him [ Syrian President Assad ] and we hope that this progress , these steps on the ground , will help in bringing justice to the Syrian people and prosecute the real criminal behind it which is the current president of Syria . ''

The 2022 World Cup will take place on time despite the knock on from the coronavirus pandemic, the host state Qatar has pledged.
Qatar's foreign minister said the designs of the stadiums, which are nearly 90% complete, will comply with any changes to health and safety guidance as a result of COVID-19 and that consultations with the organising committee are ongoing.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani told Sky News: "We believe that Qatar is working very closely and strongly with different healthcare organisations to make sure to deliver a healthy and safe World Cup and believe that this is part of the cure for the world to be back together in a happy manner.
"There is an ongoing exercise with the organising committee, with different stakeholders, to make sure that all the health and safety standards are applied in all our stadiums, so it's still something ongoing.
"Once it's clear for all of us, I'm sure that we are going to put it out to the public."
Qatar has suffered an unusually high number of coronavirus infections given its small population but has managed to keep the death rate low.
The Gulf nation, with a population of 2.8 million, has recorded 65,000 cases to date but has suffered only 49 deaths.
It has put in place a rigorous test and trace system, criticised by some as being too intrusive.
The Emir of Qatar took part in Thursday's vaccine conference hosted by Boris Johnson, where the Gulf nation pledged $20m (£15.5m) to Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, Sheikh Mohammed revealed.
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Image: Sheikh Mohammed said the stadiums will comply with any COVID-19 health and safety measures
Asked if the absence of a global strategy to counter the coronavirus represented a global failure, the foreign minister said better collaboration was key.
"Without collaboration and exchange of experience and dialogue we believe we cannot adopt and learn from each other," he said.
"So we believe that despite the discussion we are seeing about a nationalist approach, it should represent for us a stimulation to enhance and improve our international cooperation and to work together."
The United States recently chose to cut funding for the World Health Organisation citing perceived failings by the body to adequately deal with the virus.
Image: Mark Stone spoke to Sheikh Mohammed
Sheikh Mohammed said: "We believe that [Thursday's] conference is also a representation of different countries commitment for multilateralism and we believe it's important to look at the reform of these organisations.
"But it's more important to preserve them and to make sure that they are working effectively respond to the challenges that our countries are facing."
Away from COVID-19, this week marks the third anniversary of the Saudi-led blockade of Qatar.
In June 2017, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Egypt led a regional blockade by severing diplomatic relations with Qatar.
The blockading nations cut trade, travel and diplomacy with the Gulf state, accusing Qatar of being too close to Iran and of supporting terrorism because of its ideological ties to the Islamist organisation, the Muslim Brotherhood.
Image: The Al Bayt Stadium is being built for the World Cup in Doha
The anti-Qatar quartet, as they are known, also called for the Qatari news channel Al Jazeera to be closed down.
"This crisis has been manufactured from the beginning and we still didn't see any acknowledgement by the blockading states that this crisis is manufactured," the minister said.
"We hope that one day that everyone realises that there are more regional and global challenges facing together that makes us in need to talk to each other and to support each other and to stand with each other.
"COVID-19 represented one of the recent changes that not only our country is facing but also the entire world is facing," he said.
Focusing on security in a region with numerous tensions, the foreign minister also revealed that:
Efforts by US president Donald Trump to end the Saudi-led blockade of Qatar were "helpful" but a resolution is yet to be found
Iran is a "friend" of Qatar and that his government could be in a position to broker a deal between Tehran and Washington if there is willingness by both sides
Iran had been told by Qatar to end any support for President Assad in Syria. His words come as regional powers have claimed that Iranian influence in Syria is waning
Israel's plan to annex parts of the West Bank by applying Israeli sovereignty as soon as July would be the "final bullet" in the Israeli-Palestinian peace process.
In a number of areas, Qatar has positioned itself as a potential regional broker.
It hosts the largest regional US airbase at Al Udeid and yet maintains close ties with Iran.
Image: Thousands of Iranian mourned the death of Qassem Soleimani in January after he was killed by a US drone strike
The Qatari capital Doha was also chosen as the location for an office for Taliban officials in an effort to broker peace between the Taliban, the Afghan government and the United States.
And despite providing support ideologically, politically and financially for Palestinians in both Gaza and the West Bank, Qatar maintains trade ties with Israel.
With a direct warning to Israel over its West Bank annexation plans, Sheikh Mohammed said: "We hope that these threats of taking the decision of annexation are not real because we believe it's going to represent as the last bullet in the peace process between the Israelis and the Palestinians and we want them to come back to the table and directly engage face to face.
"Unfortunately, the Israeli behaviour showed us year after year they were not serious about peace but they are just trying to make relationship with Arab countries, neglecting the rights of the Palestinian people."
On regional tensions with Iran, Qatar's foreign minister said the situation remains "very dangerous" following the assassination, in January, of Iranian General Qassim Soleimani by an American drone.
"It was a bottleneck period and we went through it safely but we are still in a very dangerous situation and we want to see a final resolution between Iran and United States and Iran and the other [Gulf] countries," he said.
"If we are asked and accepted by both parties we will be willing to help but we are prepared to work together with other countries and helping them in order to deescalate the situation and calm down the situation."
On the relationship between Qatar and Iran, he said: "In a time of need, you need your friends to stand with you and Iran proved that they stood with us and with the Qatari people [during the Saudi-led blockade].
"And this, despite the disagreements in policies that we have with Iran and we have disagreements for a long time: in Syria, in Iraq, in Yemen.
"If you look at the policies of Iran and Qatar it's been totally different."
Last month, sources in Israel claimed Iran is now reducing its forces in Syria and clearing out bases, reducing its influence in the country and support for Syrian President Bashar al Assad.
Pressed on that claim, Sheikh Mohammed hinted of changes on the ground: "We have been talking to them [Iran] in order to make sure that they are not supporting him [Syrian President Assad] and we hope that this progress, these steps on the ground, will help in bringing justice to the Syrian people and prosecute the real criminal behind it which is the current president of Syria."


news--2020-06-06--Coronavirus: Universal Studios Orlando reopens as Florida's theme parks begin their comeback

Spider-Man and Captain America were not the only ones wearing masks when Universal theme parks reopened in Florida for the first time since being shut down due to the coronavirus pandemic .
Locals with a pent-up desire for high-speed thrills descended on the Orlando resort on Friday , more than two months since they were last allowed entry due to COVID-19 .
Major theme parks in the US are beginning to follow in the footsteps of Shanghai Disneyland by getting back up and running with new safety measures in place , including hand sanitiser stations and temperature checks .
Even @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two metres apart to adhere to social distancing rules .
Guests and staff in all three of the resort 's parks - Universal Studios , Islands Of Adventure and Volcano Bay - have to stick to the new requirements , which extend to the attractions and queues .
People had to scream through their face coverings on the Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit , which was among the rides to leave spaces between rows to keep different groups away from each other .
Water rides like Jurassic Park River Adventure were the only ones @ @ @ @ @ @ @ off .
Despite the restrictions , one benefit for those in attendance was that the limited capacity being enforced made for quicker queues and less crowded walkways .
There are also said to be increased cleaning and disinfection procedures , and guests are encouraged to use their smartphones to order food and reserve times on rides .
Universal 's local rivals will soon reopen with similar rules , as Florida seeks to reboot its vital tourism industry despite hundreds of coronavirus cases still being recorded each day .
The state 's health department @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 53 deaths on Friday morning , taking those respective totals up to 61,488 and 2,660 .
SeaWorld and Busch Gardens are due to reopen on 11 June , but Walt Disney World wo n't be back until next month despite the closure inflicting an enormous hit on the company 's profits .
Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom will reopen on 11 July , followed by Hollywood Studios and Epcot four days later , with Disney also needing to consider its nearby hotels , golf courses and shopping venues .
Neither Universal or Disney @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reopen their locations in California , but both are preparing to reopen their Japanese parks in the next few weeks .
Theme park fans in the UK will have to wait until 4 July at the earliest to get their fix , as they fall into parts of the hospitality sector that the government hopes to begin reopening next month .

Spider-Man and Captain America were not the only ones wearing masks when Universal theme parks reopened in Florida for the first time since being shut down due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Locals with a pent-up desire for high-speed thrills descended on the Orlando resort on Friday, more than two months since they were last allowed entry due to COVID-19.
Major theme parks in the US are beginning to follow in the footsteps of Shanghai Disneyland by getting back up and running with new safety measures in place, including hand sanitiser stations and temperature checks.
Even Shrek and Princess Fiona had to keep two metres apart to adhere to social distancing rules.
Image: Shrek and his true love were kept apart by social distancing
Guests and staff in all three of the resort's parks - Universal Studios, Islands Of Adventure and Volcano Bay - have to stick to the new requirements, which extend to the attractions and queues.
People had to scream through their face coverings on the Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit, which was among the rides to leave spaces between rows to keep different groups away from each other.
Water rides like Jurassic Park River Adventure were the only ones that allowed guests to take their masks off.
Image: Spare seats on the Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit to keep different groups apart
Image: People in masks board Transformers: The Ride
Despite the restrictions, one benefit for those in attendance was that the limited capacity being enforced made for quicker queues and less crowded walkways.
There are also said to be increased cleaning and disinfection procedures, and guests are encouraged to use their smartphones to order food and reserve times on rides.
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Image: The parks are operating at a reduced capacity
Image: Guests have to get their temperature checked before entry
Universal's local rivals will soon reopen with similar rules, as Florida seeks to reboot its vital tourism industry despite hundreds of coronavirus cases still being recorded each day.
The state's health department announced a further 1,305 confirmed cases and 53 deaths on Friday morning, taking those respective totals up to 61,488 and 2,660.
SeaWorld and Busch Gardens are due to reopen on 11 June, but Walt Disney World won't be back until next month despite the closure inflicting an enormous hit on the company's profits.
Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom will reopen on 11 July, followed by Hollywood Studios and Epcot four days later, with Disney also needing to consider its nearby hotels, golf courses and shopping venues.
Image: Trolls are already well protected from coronavirus
Neither Universal or Disney have yet been given the all-clear to reopen their locations in California, but both are preparing to reopen their Japanese parks in the next few weeks.
Theme park fans in the UK will have to wait until 4 July at the earliest to get their fix, as they fall into parts of the hospitality sector that the government hopes to begin reopening next month.


news--2020-06-06--Coronavirus: WHO changes tack and recommends face masks where social distancing not possible

The World Health Organisation ( WHO ) is now recommending the use of face masks where social distancing is not possible .
WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus announced the change in recommendation on Friday , saying the organisation is now recommending people wear masks in areas where there is widespread COVID-19 transmission .
He said people should wear them in places such as public transport or shops , where social distancing is not possible .
People over the age of 60 or those with underlying medical conditions should specifically wear a medical mask where social distancing can not be maintained @ @ @ @ @ @ @ world have adopted the use of face masks , despite WHO previously saying they were not effective .
Britons using public transport must wear face coverings from 15 June after Boris Johnson changed his mind about their effectiveness .
Previously , the WHO only recommended healthcare workers , those with COVID-19 and their care givers wear masks .
Mr Tedros said the widespread use of face masks is still not yet supported by high quality or direct scientific evidence .
However , he said a growing amount of observational evidence from several countries @ @ @ @ @ @ @ masks , plus the difficulty of social distancing in many settings , is enough for WHO to change its advice .
He emphasised that masks on their own will not protect people from getting COVID-19 and hand washing , social distancing and other measures are still important .
The director-general added that health workers in areas with widespread transmission should now wear medical masks in all areas of health facilities , not just where confirmed COVID-19 patients are .
Doctors working in cardiology or others wards , for example , should continue to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are no known coronavirus patients , he said .
: : Listen to the All Out Politics podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker The UK government has also said all staff in hospitals in England will be expected to wear surgical masks from 15 June , and all visitors and outpatients will have to wear face coverings at all times in hospital .
Evidence from the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies ( SAGE ) previously confirmed face coverings can help reduce the risk of transmission if you are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ symptoms .
NHS staff already wear face masks in clinical areas within two metres of a patient , but this new guidance applies to everyone working in all areas of a hospital .

The World Health Organisation (WHO) is now recommending the use of face masks where social distancing is not possible.
WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus announced the change in recommendation on Friday, saying the organisation is now recommending people wear masks in areas where there is widespread COVID-19 transmission.
He said people should wear them in places such as public transport or shops, where social distancing is not possible.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:12 Study into effectiveness of face masks
People over the age of 60 or those with underlying medical conditions should specifically wear a medical mask where social distancing cannot be maintained, he added.
Countries around the world have adopted the use of face masks, despite WHO previously saying they were not effective.
Britons using public transport must wear face coverings from 15 June after Boris Johnson changed his mind about their effectiveness.
Previously, the WHO only recommended healthcare workers, those with COVID-19 and their care givers wear masks.
Mr Tedros said the widespread use of face masks is still not yet supported by high quality or direct scientific evidence.
However, he said a growing amount of observational evidence from several countries who are recommending the use of face masks, plus the difficulty of social distancing in many settings, is enough for WHO to change its advice.
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Image: Medical staff must now wear masks everywhere in hospitals
He emphasised that masks on their own will not protect people from getting COVID-19 and hand washing, social distancing and other measures are still important.
The director-general added that health workers in areas with widespread transmission should now wear medical masks in all areas of health facilities, not just where confirmed COVID-19 patients are.
Doctors working in cardiology or others wards, for example, should continue to wear a medical mask even if there are no known coronavirus patients, he said.
:: Listen to the All Out Politics podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
The UK government has also said all staff in hospitals in England will be expected to wear surgical masks from 15 June, and all visitors and outpatients will have to wear face coverings at all times in hospital.
Evidence from the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE) previously confirmed face coverings can help reduce the risk of transmission if you are suffering from coronavirus, but not showing symptoms.
NHS staff already wear face masks in clinical areas within two metres of a patient, but this new guidance applies to everyone working in all areas of a hospital.


news--2020-06-06--Joe Biden beating Trump in the polls - but will America stick with 'the devil it knows'?

If the polls are right , Joe Biden will be the next US president .
The 77-year-old officially secured the Democrat nomination on Saturday , although he has been the effective candidate ever since Bernie Sanders pulled out of the race back in April .
Biden comfortably leads Donald Trump in the national polls .
A CNN poll of polls has Biden on 51 % and Trump on 41 % amongst registered voters .
Even data collected in recent days for the Trump-supporting Fox News has his rival ahead in key swing states .
Barack Obama , for what it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ahead of his rivals at this point in his two election victories .
Biden is in a good place , if anything more a result of Trump 's actions than his own , but with five and a bit months until November 's election , all is still to play for .
Both candidates will remember that Hillary Clinton led Trump all the way up to polling day itself , and even won the popular vote by three million on the night , but by quirk of the US electoral system , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ House .
If there is opportunity in crisis , then this period will define what happens later in the year , as this campaign takes place during a health pandemic , at a time of record unemployment , a coming recession and now civil unrest .
America will vote for the man they believe will bring calm to the chaos .
Trump , as the sitting president , has had the better platform of the two .
He has been able to steer the response to coronavirus and address the nation on television @ @ @ @ @ @ @ confined to his house in Delaware , self-isolating because of his age , and limited to recorded statements on his phone from his porch or basement .
Not ideal .
Trump 's key message of a strong economy and record employment , was totally blown out of the water in March .
Unemployment rocketed to 14.5 % and was , indeed still is , particularly high amongst the young , Hispanic and black workers .
Friday 's job figures showed two and a half million new jobs were created in May , defying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ White House leapt on them with glee .
: : Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker But economists remain unconvinced - unemployment remains high and the true economic impact of the pandemic is yet to be realised .
Trump could yet pay the price for that .
The president 's handling of the current Black Lives Matter protests has divided not just America , but his own administration .
His attempt to seize back control and appear strong by deploying the army on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said that should only happen `` as a last resort '' .
An internal memo from General Mark Milley , the chairman of the Joint Chiefs , reminded senior officers they swore an oath to uphold the constitution , not the president .
And the NFL , the spine of American sporting culture , reversed its position on black players kneeling in silent protest during the national anthem - players are now encouraged to speak out and peacefully protest .
That alone speaks much to a societal shift .
Although Biden is the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he 'll need to ensure they come out and vote in large numbers come November , especially in the critical swing states .
The former VP has reached out to the left flank of his party to build his appeal amongst Sanders supporters , something Hillary Clinton failed to do in 2016 .
He is yet to announce his pick for vice president , but has guaranteed it will be a woman .
Biden 's challenge will be convincing America he offers change - not just something different to Trump but something altogether @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the Obama years .
At 77 , Biden would also become the oldest president to take office should he win .
In the end , amid all these crises , America might decide to stick with the devil it knows .

If the polls are right, Joe Biden will be the next US president.
The 77-year-old officially secured the Democrat nomination on Saturday, although he has been the effective candidate ever since Bernie Sanders pulled out of the race back in April.
Biden comfortably leads Donald Trump in the national polls. A CNN poll of polls has Biden on 51% and Trump on 41% amongst registered voters.
Even data collected in recent days for the Trump-supporting Fox News has his rival ahead in key swing states.
Barack Obama, for what it is worth, was around two points ahead of his rivals at this point in his two election victories.
Biden is in a good place, if anything more a result of Trump's actions than his own, but with five and a bit months until November's election, all is still to play for.
Both candidates will remember that Hillary Clinton led Trump all the way up to polling day itself, and even won the popular vote by three million on the night, but by quirk of the US electoral system, the reality-TV billionaire ended up in The White House.
If there is opportunity in crisis, then this period will define what happens later in the year, as this campaign takes place during a health pandemic, at a time of record unemployment, a coming recession and now civil unrest.
Image: Joe Biden officially secured the Democrat nomination on Saturday
America will vote for the man they believe will bring calm to the chaos.
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Trump, as the sitting president, has had the better platform of the two. He has been able to steer the response to coronavirus and address the nation on television daily.
Instead, Biden has been confined to his house in Delaware, self-isolating because of his age, and limited to recorded statements on his phone from his porch or basement. Not ideal.
Trump's key message of a strong economy and record employment, was totally blown out of the water in March.
Unemployment rocketed to 14.5% and was, indeed still is, particularly high amongst the young, Hispanic and black workers.
Friday's job figures showed two and a half million new jobs were created in May, defying expectations. It's no wonder the White House leapt on them with glee.
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 Divided States on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker
But economists remain unconvinced - unemployment remains high and the true economic impact of the pandemic is yet to be realised. Trump could yet pay the price for that.
The president's handling of the current Black Lives Matter protests has divided not just America, but his own administration. His attempt to seize back control and appear strong by deploying the army on the streets, backfired when his defence secretary said that should only happen "as a last resort".
An internal memo from General Mark Milley, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs, reminded senior officers they swore an oath to uphold the constitution, not the president.
And the NFL, the spine of American sporting culture, reversed its position on black players kneeling in silent protest during the national anthem - players are now encouraged to speak out and peacefully protest. That alone speaks much to a societal shift.
Image: Mr Biden is hoping to succeed where Mrs Clinton ultimately failed
Although Biden is the natural candidate for most black voters, he'll need to ensure they come out and vote in large numbers come November, especially in the critical swing states.
The former VP has reached out to the left flank of his party to build his appeal amongst Sanders supporters, something Hillary Clinton failed to do in 2016. He is yet to announce his pick for vice president, but has guaranteed it will be a woman.
Biden's challenge will be convincing America he offers change - not just something different to Trump but something altogether different - many will associate him unfavourably with the Obama years.
At 77, Biden would also become the oldest president to take office should he win. In the end, amid all these crises, America might decide to stick with the devil it knows.


news--2020-06-06--Coronavirus: Test and trace 'could cut Blackpool's rising transmission rate'

Blackpool 's top public health official believes the area 's apparently rising coronavirus transmission rate could be reduced with a working test and trace system .
Dr Arif Rajpura , director of public health at the Blackpool Clinical Commissioning Group , was responding to research suggesting that COVID-19 could be spreading exponentially .
He said : `` What we 're likely to see now is localised hotspots , and spread in certain places .
`` The whole purpose of the test , track and trace programme , is that when we see those hospital outbreaks or those care home outbreaks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' His comments come after a report from Public Health England and Cambridge University said the current R number , which shows how many people are infected by a single carrier , is 1.01 in the northwest region .
On 24 May , Boris Johnson told the nation `` we must keep that R below one '' .
Blackpool suffers from some of the worst disadvantage in Britain .
With the deprivation comes higher than average levels of serious illness , including respiratory disease and cancer , increasing both the risk the coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ local NHS services .
In Blackpool town centre there was a noticeable disregard by some people for the social distancing rules .
Even cash machines in the pedestrian precinct provide opportunities for customers to stand too close to other people .
The government has warned that localised lockdowns might be introduced to deal with hotspots of infection .
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Jon Parks , joint owner of the Hive cafe , a few hundred yards from the Promenade , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of business .
`` It would be devastating , to be honest , '' he said , in between serving a slow trickle of customers buying takeaway coffees .
`` I ca n't see how we could move forward from beyond that point , no business I do n't think could actually cope with that . ''

Blackpool's top public health official believes the area's apparently rising coronavirus transmission rate could be reduced with a working test and trace system.
Dr Arif Rajpura, director of public health at the Blackpool Clinical Commissioning Group, was responding to research suggesting that COVID-19 could be spreading exponentially.
He said: "What we're likely to see now is localised hotspots, and spread in certain places.
Image: Blackpool suffers from some of the worst disadvantage in Britain
"The whole purpose of the test, track and trace programme, is that when we see those hospital outbreaks or those care home outbreaks that we curb the spread immediately."
His comments come after a report from Public Health England and Cambridge University said the current R number, which shows how many people are infected by a single carrier, is 1.01 in the northwest region.
On 24 May, Boris Johnson told the nation "we must keep that R below one".
Blackpool suffers from some of the worst disadvantage in Britain.
Image: Some people in Blackpool town centre were seen disregarding social distancing rules
With the deprivation comes higher than average levels of serious illness, including respiratory disease and cancer, increasing both the risk the coronavirus poses to residents and its impact on local NHS services.
In Blackpool town centre there was a noticeable disregard by some people for the social distancing rules.
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Even cash machines in the pedestrian precinct provide opportunities for customers to stand too close to other people.
The government has warned that localised lockdowns might be introduced to deal with hotspots of infection.
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
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Jon Parks, joint owner of the Hive cafe, a few hundred yards from the Promenade, fears another lockdown would put him out of business.
"It would be devastating, to be honest," he said, in between serving a slow trickle of customers buying takeaway coffees.
"I can't see how we could move forward from beyond that point, no business I don't think could actually cope with that."